Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-12-2021

FRIDAY 10th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106571

Health Minister: Mixing vaccines increases effectiveness against COVID-19

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NRF amendments, Local Content Legislation for Parliament next week SEE PAGE

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-Vice-President Jagdeo says

Guyana on course to becoming major hub for tourism SEE PAGE

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Guyana among eight nations to benefit from US$13.6M FAO projects

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UWI confers Emeritus title on Guyana-born professor SEE PAGE

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Elegance and exuberance characterised the Guyana Tourism Awards Gala hosted at Parc Rayne, on Wednesday evening. The evening, decorated with captivating cultural performances, saw a number of persons and agencies being recognised for their efforts to promote and protect Guyana’s image (Office of the President photo)

Another 10 billion barrels of oil could be found in Guyana

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Aviation sector rebounds after major hit by COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Another 10 billion barrels of oil could be found in Guyana

- ExxonMobil’s VP tells world congress

ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President of Exploration and New Ventures, Mike Cousins (Houston Chronicle photo) AS the 23rd World Petro- lined that Guyana’s oil releum Congress wrapped serves could easily double, up on Thursday, the topic as ExxonMobil Guyana of Guyana’s potential as and its partners look to a global powerhouse was significantly expand its examined, and it was out- exploration efforts.

OilNow Guyana has quoted Mike Cousins, ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President of Exploration and New Ventures, as telling participants of the conference that the company has “discovered over 10 billion oil equivalent barrels in six short years.

“This kind of result has been unprecedented for some time,” Cousins told the international forum, adding: “In the whole Guyana basin, which goes down to Suriname, we would suggest that the industry will easily see double that amount.”

According to OilNow, ExxonMobil, while at the congress, attributed its success in Guyana to strong

partnerships that were forged with the Government and people of Guyana.”

During a ‘spotlight’ series at the congress, the oil giant’s President of Upstream and Gas company, Liam Mallon, said that the foundation of a solid partnership is “aligned around a common goal.”

“Invariably, when you see that, and that goal is clear and all the partners are aligned on that goal, then it sets the relationship up for success,” Mallon added.

Similar sentiments were shared by Greg Hill, President and Chief Operating Officer at Hess Corporation, who said that, along with strong partnerships and objectives, sharing the same values has been integral to the company’s success in Guyana.

“The single most important thing to me that I have found after 38 years in this business, is that if you find partners that share the same values as you, you can get through most anything. The biggest disconnect is when you don’t have the same sense of values,” Hill said.

He reaffirmed that the company’s commitment to the people of Guyana is a significant component of the massive operations being executed in the country.

Although Guyana’s oil and gas sector seems to be evolving rapidly in recent times, the country’s discoveries of the “black gold” date back to the 1750s.

It is believed that the first indications of oil in Guyana were recorded by Dutch explorers. However, drilling for Guyana’s first exploration wells did not begin until the 1900s.

Decades had passed with many failed attempts, at least until around 2008 when American oil giant, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (ExxonMobil) lead its US$460 million world-class

Earnings from Guyana’s oil and gas sector could reach US$31 billion (roughly G$6.7 trillion) by 2035, according to a report prepared by the Inter-American Development Bank Liza discovery in 2015.

ExxonMobil has since made more than 20 lucrative discoveries, totalling more than 10 billion oilequivalent barrels. “The numbers are incredible,” Cousins emphasised.

He was further quoted

by S&P Global Platts as saying: “The new discoveries have come so quickly that it is a running joke within ExxonMobil.”

He said candidly that he and his colleagues actually joke that they’ve found the next Guyana, and it’s in Guyana.

MAJOR BENEFITS The discoveries over the past years have earned Guyana hundreds of millions of dollars, with the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) estimated to close off the year with in excess of $US600 million.

Even as these earnings remain untouched, a report compiled by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) early this year show that earnings from Guyana’s oil and gas sector could reach US$31 billion (roughly G$6.7 trillion) by 2035.

The IDB report, titled ‘Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean,’ outlined that Guyana’s population of approximately 780,000 suggests that the level of reserves equates to 10,250 barrels per person.

“Although this measure is lower than that of Kuwait

with 24,000 barrels per person), it is higher than that of the United Arab Emirates with 10,100 barrels per person, Venezuela with 9,500 barrels per person, and Saudi Arabia with 8,100 barrels per person, making Guyana one of the richest countries in petroleum reserves in the world,” the IDB report said.

It also highlighted that similarly, ExxonMobil has announced plans to reach a production rate of at least 750,000 barrels per day, which would make Guyana the largest oil producer on a per capita basis in the world.

For October 2021 alone, Guyana earned in excess of US$20.4 million in oil profits; that, coupled with royalties and interest, brings the balance of the NRF to US$534 million.

The fund, lodged in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, has not benefited from any withdrawals, owing to loopholes in the NRF legislation which was passed in January 2019 by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

When the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government assumed office in August 2021, efforts commenced to amend the act to ensure that withdrawals from the fund are transparent and in keeping with international fiscal regulations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Guyana on course to becoming major hub for tourism --President Ali says, announces massive development plans for specific areas in Georgetown

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, addressing the gathering at Parc Rayne, Houston

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, has said that it is his government’s vision to turn Guyana into “the number one eco-destination in this part of the region.”

To ensure that the country has a competitive edge, he said there will be massive development in the tourism sector in the near future.

During his feature address at the Guyana Tourism Awards Gala at Parc Rayne, on Wednesday evening, the President said that this vision for Guyana is very clear to the government and will be complemented by the level of visibility that the oil and gas sector has brought to the country.

“Oil and gas and the resources from oil and gas will be used to make every single sector competitive,” Dr. Ali

said.

The President said that Guyana has a quality tourism product, which is sustainable, long-lasting, and impactful on people and communities.

He underscored the strategies, the vision and the need to promote Guyana, not just as a place, but a “total experience.”

To this end, he said that his government would ensure that official Christmas gifts are locally produced.

“We want to prove to you that these products are worthy of the highest offices; gifts to diplomats and every other person who gets those gifts. So, we have to lead by example,” President Ali said.

MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN To augment the government’s current plans and en-

hance local products to create a broader destination, the Head of State announced that a massive seawall re-development plan will be launched early next year.

He said that this would be done by using best practices that are aimed at getting the greatest economic value out of the seawall for the sector.

Additionally, a number of other projects are planned for the city.

“We are going to rehabilitate the old train wagons and that entire old shed, an entire station, and we want to create, from Main Street to Vlissingen Road, a Guyana Walk,” Dr. Ali said.

The President related that the train station and the entire stretch of area will be converted into a local art gallery and feature areas for local craft and food courts for local restaurants.

“And then, right through, it will be paved, and you will have the pavement blocks.

We will have trees planted.

We will have sitting arrangements so that families can go there. And this will be done before the first half of next year, creating a new image,” Dr. Ali related.

Marketing Guyana as a tourism destination, according to President Ali, is not just the responsibility of the government, as it should unearth a sense of pride and patriotism from all Guyanese.

The President said that he is not asking persons to like the government or any political parties, but to love their country and help promote

and evolve its tourism sector.

He complimented the private sector for their efforts to decorate Main Street with Christmas lights and noted that the amount of marketing from persons posting photos of the lights on social media cannot be paid for.

NEW TOURISM PRODUCTS Guyana’s tourism potential will also be on display next year when an oil and gas conference is hosted.

Plans are also in place to host the FAO World Agriculture Conference within a few years.

“We are working on more international conferences to come our way because conferencing is an important part of the market here,” Dr. Ali said.

The President also related that his government has started negotiations to

maintenance of solid waste management, and enhancing the aesthetics of several communities within the city.

“The issue of garbage has been one of the problems affecting the City Council, and I think that it is within the resources of this city to get the place cleaned up. However, I do not think that (Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine) is serious about wanting to clean Georgetown, and I believe that it is still a deliberate attempt by the city council to leave the city in disarray,” he said.

The minister added: “I can assure the citizens of Georgetown that the government will play an instrumental role in making the

city in prime condition for Christmas.”

Citizens, especially those operating within the commercial district, have been advised against dumping their refuse. And the minister said persons caught will be charged and prosecuted.

Minister Dharamlall said he had requested City Hall’s constabulary to visit the vending areas to ensure waste is being disposed of properly.

“I believe that the constabulary is working against the interests of the public and I hope that some action will be taken against those officers who continue to see the city degrade and do nothing about it, despite that it is part of their re-

have the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket final hosted in Guyana.

He said that this will be supplemented by the development of a two-week all-encompassing tourism product that features the rejuvenation of the Guyana Festival and a regional night that will feature a CARICOM food festival.

Additionally, the Head of State pointed out that there would also be a regional carnival that will feature the best bands from a number of Caribbean islands.

“We have to do this; we have to think big—we have to think ahead of the game,” President Ali said.

REVIVING CULTURE The President also noted that in next year’s budget, specific funds will be

set aside for local artists, arts and crafts, and cultural events, among other things.

“Culture is the heart of our product. We have to revive culture; we have to bring culture to the fore.

We have to get the culture back in the school. We have to put our energy, time, and resources behind the revival of culture and let it be, and that will demonstrate the potential and push the tourism we’re talking about. So, the strategy is very clear, the concept is very clear, the vision is very clear,” Dr. Ali said.

He highlighted the need for increased product differentiation. He said too that the government will formulate ways to make Guyanese products more viable so they can become more competitive on the international market.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, shares a light moment with a local musician

Major community enhancement works in store for Georgetown

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will undertake more community enhancement works in Georgetown, in time for the holidays.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, said the initiative will focus on the

sponsibility to help in the management,” he added.

The Local Government Minister related that while the constabulary has over 100 staff members, it is not performing its duties to its full capacity.

“They have a massive staff that is supposed to be involved in clean-up as well as overall solid waste management, and yet we have not seen anyone being charged for improperly disposing of solid waste.

“There is always a cry that there is not enough resources and equipment, but the city spends billions of dollars every year on this, while they spend tens of millions of dollars on some very insignificant activities which can do them

more harm than good,” he related.

Aside from the ministry’s assistance, the City Council will be expending over $8 million to clean up several wards for about 12 weeks.

Of this amount, $5 million will go towards clearing the parapet waste in main areas in the city, while $3.8 million will be used for the double pickup of commercial waste.

Last year, the Local Government Ministry had partnered with the Ministry of Public Works to clear drains and alleyways in the South Georgetown ward. The clean-up exercise saw the employment of over 100 persons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

New Zealand to ban cigarette sales for future generations (Reuters) – NEW ZEALAND plans to ban young people from ever buying cigarettes in their lifetime in one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on the tobacco industry, arguing that other efforts to extinguish smoking were taking too long.

People aged 14 and under in 2027 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes in the Pacific country of five million,

part of proposals unveiled, on Thursday, that will also curb the number of retailers authorised to sell tobacco and cut nicotine levels in all products.

“We want to make sure young people never start smoking so we will make it an offence to sell or supply smoked tobacco products to new cohorts of youth,” New Zealand Associate Minister of Health, Ayesha Verrall, said in a state-

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“If nothing changes, it would be decades till M?ori smoking rates fall below 5%, and this government is not prepared to leave people behind,” Verrall said.

Currently, 11.6 per cent of all New Zealanders aged over 15 smoke, a proportion that rises to 29 per cent among indigenous Maori adults, according to government figures.

The government will consult with a Maori health task force in the coming months before introducing legislation into parliament in June next year, with the aim of making it law by the end of 2022.

The restrictions would then

be rolled out in stages from 2024, beginning with a sharp reduction in the number of authorised sellers, followed by reduced nicotine requirements in 2025 and the creation of the “smoke-free” generation from 2027.

The package of measures will make New Zealand’s retail tobacco industry one of the most restricted in the world, just behind Bhutan where cigarette sales are banned outright.

New Zealand’s neighbor, Australia, was the first country in the world to mandate plain packaging of cigarettes in 2012.

The New Zealand government said while existing

A woman lights a cigarette in this illustration picture (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) measures like plain packaging and levies on sales had slowed tobacco consumption, the tougher steps were necessary to achieve its goal of fewer than five per cent of the population smoking daily by 2025.

The new rules would halve the country’s smoking rates in as few as 10 years from when they take effect, the government said.

Smoking kills about 5,000 people a year in New Zealand, making it one of the country’s top causes of preventable death. Four in five smokers started before age 18, the country’s government said.

Vaping, often seen as a safer alternative to smoking and a useful aid to quitting, is also tightly regulated with sales only allowed to over 18s.

“CRIME WAVE” Health authorities welcomed the crackdown, while retailers and tobacco companies expressed concern about the impact on their businesses and warned of the emergence of a black market.

“We welcome the New Zealand government’s recognition that excessive excise increases disproportionately impact smokers on lower incomes,” tobacco group Imperial Brands (IMB.L) said, adding it was concerned about proposals to reduce nicotine levels and eventually prohibit sales.

“Prohibitions of any kind tend to play into the hands of criminal traders who peddle unregulated illicit products,” it also said.

Dunhill maker Briti s h A m e r i c a n To b a c c o

(BAT) (BATS.L) and Marlboro maker Philip Morris (PM.N), which has previously said it would stop sales in the country if required by law, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to brokerage Citi, BAT is the market leader in New Zealand, with a 67% share by volume, while Imperial Brands, which sells JPS, Riverstone and Horizon cigarettes, accounts for 21 per cent, generating about 1-2 per cent of its group earnings before taxes.

The government did not detail how the new rules would be policed or whether they would apply to visitors to the country.

“Cigarette smoking kills 14 New Zealanders every day and two out of three smokers will die as a result of smoking,” said New Zealand Medical Association chair Alistair Humphrey in a statement.

“This action plan offers some hope of realising our 2025 Smokefree Aotearoa goal, and keeping our tamariki (Maori children) smokefree.”

However, the Dairy and Business Owners Group, a lobby group for local convenience stores, said while it supported a smoke-free country, the government’s plan would destroy many businesses.

“This is all 100 per cent theory and zero per cent substance,” the group’s chairman, Sunny Kaushal, told Stuff.co.nz. “There’s going to be a crime wave. Gangs and criminals will fill the gap with ciggie houses alongside tinnie houses.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

President Ali slated to address US democracy summit today

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali is scheduled to address a two-day virtual US State Department Summit for Democracy today.

The Head of State and a high-level team of government officials participated in the launch of this summit on Thursday.

President Ali was joined

by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper.

The summit is being hosted by President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden, who delivered remarks at the opening of the event.

President Biden said that, over the next two days, leaders from more than 100 governments, activists, trade unionists and other members of civil society, leading experts, researchers and representatives from the business community will be brought together to contribute to preserving democracy.

The American President said that he wanted to host the summit because: “Here in the United States we know, as well as anyone, that renewing our democracy and strengthening our democratic institutions require constant effort.”

The summit will focus on combatting corruption, defending against authoritarianism and promoting human rights.

Just September, President Ali, in a message to commemorate International Day of Democracy, recognised all persons who raised their voices and stood on the side of democracy during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“That experience has strengthened our resolve to ensure that our democracy is never again imperilled,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State also reaffirmed his government’s and the country’s steadfast commitment to democracy.

“We pledge on this International Day of Democracy 2021 to strengthen the ramparts which protect our fragile democracy: The Rule of Law, the independence of

President Dr. Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and other high-level government officials partaking in the US State Department’s virtual summit for democracy (Office of the President photo) the right to elect a government of their choice. And, one year ago, there was an attempt to subvert the will of the electorate,” President Ali noted.

He added: “That plot was repelled, because of the heroism of our people, who stood defiant against the plot to rig our elections. Democracy prevailed, and our nation was rescued from the tentacles of dictatorship.”

To this end, the President

US President, Joseph Biden, addresses participants during the US State Department’s virtual summit for democracy (Office of the President photo) the judiciary, freedom of expression and constitutional rule,” President Ali said.

He related that democracy is predicated on respect for freedom and human rights, and respect for the will of the people through free and fair elections held at periodic intervals.

“As the Caribbean Court of Justice has observed, elections that are free, fair, transparent and accountable are the lifeblood of a true democracy,” he added.

The President also related that the people of Guyana had once experienced the agonies and anguish of rigged elections and its consequential effects in relation to authoritarian rule, the abuse of human rights, and the upending of economic

development.

“Many were forced to scamper from our beloved Motherland in order to escape persecution,” Dr. Ali reminded his audience.

He said, pointedly, that a threat to free and fair elec-

tions represents an assault on democracy, and that Guyanese have a duty to zealously guard the country’s democracy.

“For almost two-anda-half decades in the past, our people were deprived of

recommitted his intention to ensure that the democratic will of Guyanese is never again threatened. In doing so, Dr. Ali said that efforts to fortify the country’s democracy requires the input of all. “…religious leaders, civil society and every citizen who value, highly, freedom and the ability to choose.

All of us must ensure that democracy is safeguarded every day of our lives,” the President said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Rooting Out A Cancer

DECEMBER 9 has been designated by the United Nations as Anti-Corruption Day. It is intended to raise awareness on the harmful effects of corruption on society. The theme of this year’s Anti-Corruption Day is, “Your right, your role: Say no to corruption.”

This theme is most apt and draws attention to the fact that when it comes to corruption, every individual has a role to play in exposing corruption and bringing such practices to the attention of the relevant authorities.

International Anti-Corruption Day highlights the fact that corruption is one of the biggest obstacles in achieving sustainable goals.

The day seeks to highlight the role of every part of society -- individuals, non-governmental organisations, law enforcement agencies, gov-

ernments and the media in tackling the cancer of corruption.

Corruption has become a global phenomenon, and according to the United Nations, no country is immune from corruption. The global cost of corruption is roughly five per cent of the World’s Gross Domestic Product or some US$2.6 trillion.

Preventing corruption will allow for more resources to be put on better access to education, health care and other essential services while at the same time promoting stable and democratic institutions.

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all areas of society. It makes us poorer as a country and as a society. It attacks the very foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting

the rule of law and creates all manner of bureaucratic bottlenecks with the sole objective of soliciting bribes.

Economic development is stunted as investors are less likely to invest their money in an environment of corruption and where there is a breakdown of the rule of law.

This is why the PPP/C administration has consistently embraced a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and corrupt practices, especially as they relate to public officials. It was under the PPP/C administration that several anti-corruption institutions were established to hold public officials accountable for the management of public funds.

The Integrity Commission was established on the 24th September 1997 with the overall objective of ensuring enhanced public confidence

in the integrity of holders of public office. It was under the PPP/C administration that the Office of the Auditor General was strengthened and the Auditor General’s Report was submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly on a regular basis.

This report informed the deliberations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where all accounting officers from government agencies are required to answer for any apparent breaches of the Financial Management and Accountability Act (FMAA).

As observed by President Ali, despite the best efforts to curb corruption, there are some people who would be tempted, as it were, to beat the system, but the important thing is that we must never reach a situation where our institutions fail us. The need for strong institutions is all

the more necessary as the country benefits from an increasing flow of petro-dollars. This reality has not been lost on the President who assured all Guyanese that there will be an arm’s-length relationship between the government and the Petroleum Commission. According to President Ali, ‘you can be assured that the institutions will be strengthened. Those institutions will be operating within the constitution, within their different laws and rules that govern them and there will be no political manoeuvring or involvement in destroying that.’

These are most reassuring words coming from our Head of State and speaks to a leader who is serious about addressing the issue of corruption in our society. Indeed, it is a clear and unequivocal message to all

Guyanese that corruption will not be tolerated and anyone found guilty of converting public funds to their own use will be dealt with condignly and with the full force of the law.

Corruption, it must be said, goes beyond financial aberrations and bribe-taking, despicable as these are. It is also about subverting the will of the people through fraudulent elections. When the will of the people is subverted, all other institutions of the state become compromised, including the Judiciary and the Executive. Indeed, the entire social and moral fabric of the society are undermined. We have, thankfully, gone past that sordid period, but we have as a society to continue to be vigilant. Regardless of in what shape or form corruption manifests itself, it must be nipped in the bud.

All eyes on PNC/R internal elections – will the democratic way prevail?

By Dr. Vishnu Bisram THE PNCR internal election this Saturday takes centre stage in the country’s political landscape. As I gather from my interactions with Guyanese in the diaspora and in Guyana, they are very interested the upcoming PNC internal elections to choose a leader, chair, and other executive positions.

The most common questions the public ask: “Will it be free and fair? Will it be it be based on issues? Will issues determine who is chosen as leader? Who is more likely to prevail for leader? Which slate of candidates will win?”

Many in the public feel that the election results have already been determined. Some PNC supporters say they have no confidence in the election machinery to be free, fair, and transparent. They say that the election will be a replay of previous PNC internal elections.

On transparency, everyone with whom I interacted with in Guyana and in the diaspora has agreed that previous general and regional elections have been rigged by the PNC and is wondering if this history of rigging will cloud their internal election.

Still fresh in people’s minds, was the unsuccessful attempt to stage an electoral heist of the 2020 regional and general elections. Already, there have been allegations that past internal PNR elections were not free and fair. The party base lacks confidence in their won leaders and elections process; that message is not a good one.

And the view of almost everyone is that the winner may not necessarily be chosen transparently but through “creative” means as happened in the past. Yet many remain hopeful for a democratic outcome. The hope is that the party will come out of the election unscathed.

Everyone says this PNC internal election provides a great historic opportunity for the PNC to come clean in supporting transparent and credible elections. Will the PNC cleanse its image to win the confidence of the public?

It has been pointed out that unlike in general elections when elements in PNC were accused of invoking or injecting race in the campaign, their (PNC) internal elections seem more focused on ‘issues’. None of the candidates for top executive office has appealed to ‘race’ although they insist that they are ‘non-racial’ and also have Indian supporters in addition to working with Indians in the past.

Almost every Guyanese say that race must never be a factor in our elections, politics, and governance. Instead, they feel that issues and proposed policies must drive future campaigns and policymaking, and that race should

be relegated to the periphery of the political radar. A command of the issues together with a coherent vision should be the determining factor in choosing leadership in any party’s internal election as well as at national elections to choose a President and a governing party.

Which one of the four candidates for leader has a better understanding and command of national issues confronting the nation, should theoretically prevail. One caveat: this is likely to happen only if party delegates also grasp the bigger picture of diversity and national and regional issues.

One candidate claims that he is not racist, saying he previously served as campaign manager of an Indian candidate, Winston Murray, for PNC party leader over a decade ago. That in itself is not a convincing claim that one is not race-biased. Even a fellow PNC member suggested that

this candidate might not be able to attract non-African voters and support. Another candidate claims he has a working relationship with Indian businesses, but he never condemned the violence against Indians at Cotton Tree, West Berbice in October 2020.

The general feeling among those interviewed is that Joe Harmon is favoured by the PNC established figures. It is felt that that former President, David Granger, is supporting Harmon. Current Chair Volda Lawrence, it is felt by everyone I conversed with, is supporting Aubrey Norton. The other candidates don’t attract much support for leadership.

Those I conversed with generally believe that in the past whoever was anointed by the outgoing party leader that person will prevail as the new leader. Will it be any different this time around?

In the past, the person over-

seeing the internal election played a very important role in choosing the winner. Mr. Vincent Alexander is only this week appointed chair of the election committee. He was a PNC-appointed Commissioner of GECOM in the March 2020 elections when an effort was made to rig the outcome.

People are asking whether Alexander at this late hour can deliver free and fair elections.

The general feeling among people I conversed with is whoever is chosen as leader on Saturday must be equipped with an acceptable vision for the party, be able to unite the party, lead an effective parliamentary opposition, reject racism as a political tool, dissociate and condemn violence and threats against political opponents, give pre-eminence to issues, insist on the application of transparency and accountability, and serve as a credible opposition, as well as the government in waiting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

NRF amendments, Local Content Legislation for Parliament next week

WHEN the National Assembly reconvenes next week, the government will be moving to table two critical pieces of legislation: the Local Content legislation and amendments to the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act. This confirmation was given on Thursday night by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who highlighted that, as part of the proposed amendments to the NRF, a Finance Minister could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment for failing to disclose and officially Gazette receipt of oil revenues within a threemonth period.

Jagdeo told attendees of the 132nd Awards Ceremony hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), that the government will not touch a dime of the $US534 million contained in the fund, unless the existing legislation is amended to ensure greater transparency with regards to use of the monies.

He went further to reference previous transgressions committed by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), particularly as it related to a signing bonus it received from oil giant, ExxonMobil in 2016.

“The former finance minister said we never received nor did we request a signing bonus…a year after they [the

previous government] had received the $18 million U.S. dollars and placed it in an account that is not reflected in the consolidated fund nor was part of the balance sheet of the central bank,” Jagdeo recalled.

He reminded too that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic was forced to go as far as the courts to ensure that the monies were paid into the Consolidated Fund, in accordance with the constitution.

A l t o g e t h e r, J a g d e o said that four major sets of amendments were being proposed for the legislation which governs the NRF. The first order of business, the Vice-President related, has to do with rectifying the fund’s oversight committee which comprises of 22 persons representing 22 organisations. “…It is almost impossible to get anything done with 22 different organisations having oversight responsibility; that has to change,” Jagdeo posited.

He said, too, that the amendments propose that a Board of Directors be strategically inserted to function between the Finance Minister and the management of the fund.

“While in opposition, we said that the Minister of Finance was too directly involved and had too much of an influence in the legis-

lation,” the Vice-President noted.

He went further to highlight the complexity of the existing legislation, and need for transparency going forward.

He said that as it is now, a macroeconomic committee which reports to the minister is responsible for calculating an economically sustainable sum of money that could be withdrawn from the NRF. “[However] there is no transparency on how this sum would be calculated, but the Minister appoints the macroeconomic committee, so he controls the macroeconomic committee and the minister, on his own, determines the fiscally sustainable amount he could withdraw,” Jagdeo highlighted.

He said that with the amendments, all matters pertaining to the NRF, including deposits and withdrawals, would be clearly publicised and could be easily understood by members of the public.

“We are replacing all of that with a clear formula…it is not going to be complex.

It will say that below this sum on an annual basis, the money comes directly to the treasury, and beyond this sum, larger shares of it will be saved,” the Vice-President told the private sector members.

He lamented the fact that the NRF legislation in its

-Vice-President Jagdeo says

current form is cumbersome, and written in a manner that is “like an academic paper and almost impossible to operationalise.”

HEAVILY CRITICISED Apart from members of the PPP/C government, the formulation of the NRF legislation was heavily criticised by reputable international agencies, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which highlighted that the objectives and design of Guyana’s NRF raise several issues.

“The fund on its own cannot achieve the objectives that have been set for it. The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving but may entail fiscal costs,” the IDB said in a report titled “Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean.”

It also outlined that the formula for the maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world.

“Its design departs from good practices,” the IDB argued.

The publication noted too: “The state-of-the-art advice based on international experience and good fiscal management principles emphasises simplicity, flexibility, transparency, and

close integration with the budget and public assetliability management, and that the rule’s complexity may also conspire against fiscal transparency and public understanding.”

The Finance Ministry, headed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had also issued a strongly-worded statement which outlined the fact that the NRF legislation was rushed through the National Assembly “even after the then government lost a No-Confidence Motion (NCM) in December 2018, thereby losing its mandate to govern.”

“In total disregard for the clear consequences that are constitutionally due to flow from a NCM, Jordan’s government rushed, in January 2019, to sneak the NRF Bill through Parliament with no Opposition participation and no Opposition input. Here again, his letter is replete with brazen misrepresentations,” the ministry posited.

The Finance Ministry was also adamant that the “irrefutable fact of the matter is that the NRF Act in its current form was a piece of legislation which was very poorly conceived, and was “rammed down the throats”

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo of the nation.

Nonetheless, Jagdeo said that with the amendments, the government’s aim is to ensure that every Guyanese is able to easily calculate deposits and spending relating to the fund.

Once the amendments are passed, Jagdeo said that government will begin to utilise the oil revenues to bolster critical non-oil sectors including agriculture, education and a myriad of social services.

The former Head of State also emphasised the need for investments in the area of climate change, particularly as it relates to implementing and maintaining a comprehensive energy mix, using hydro, solar and gas as renewable forms of energy.

The Political Economy, and Economic & Finance Issues A Contextual Analysis of the Public Sector Wage Increase

The Oil Revenues THERE is another view by some proponents that the government should tap into the Natural Resource Fund which has just over US$500 million to pay a better increase to the public servants. While this may sound like a good idea, it is not prudent to do so for several reasons.

1) The Natural Resource Fund’s legislation in its current state was enacted during a period in which the legitimacy of the government was questionable to do so–that is, the period under which the government was in a caretaker mode hav-

ing lost the no-confidence motion brought against it in 2018.

2) The current government has committed to revising the legislation of the fund to ensure greater transparency and accountability, and, overall, allow for prudent management of the fund. Until this is done, it is not prudent to spend, withdraw or invest any monies from the fund.

3) The revenues earned from the oil resources ought not to be treated as the traditional, organic revenue of the State. Oil as a commodity is volatile, the global industry is declining and

therefore, the larger part of the fund needs to be utilised to accelerate Guyana’s development in physical infrastructure, social infrastructure, national security, improved competitiveness etc., all of which will ultimately result in long-term sustainable income being generated for years and generations to come well after oil no longer a lucrative commodity. This reality is quite inevitable premised on the global agenda of energy transition to cleaner and renewable sources of energy.

4) In other words, it must be understood that

with the oil wealth, policymakers have a responsibility to utilise and manage the resource wisely and prudently to fast track Guyana’s development, wherein what Guyana could potentially achieve in 50 years without oil, we should be able to achieve in half the time, 25 years. This is essentially what the oil resource means and how it should be treated. So, for example, if it would have taken Guyana 50 years to achieve per capita income from US$5k to US$60k, we should be able to achieve this in 25 years.

Conclusion Having conducted a fair-

ly comprehensive contextual analysis herein on the public sector wage increase, the incremental increase of seven per cent which is above inflation at mid-year of 5.6 per cent is decent.

The total employment cost for public servants is within the highest range that can be fiscally permitted relative to the State’s current revenue.

It should be appreciated that the reality is such that to pay better wages to public servants and to increase the overall wealth of the country, it is critical to focus on private sector development, continue to incentivize the private sector and to attract

new investments both locally and from FDIs. In so doing, the organic revenue of the government will grow in a more broad-based and sustainable manner (horizontal growth).

Any other approach to growth (vertical growth) other than that which is the current philosophy, will be a recipe for bankruptcy and economic devastation in the long-term, not only for public servants, but for every household and private enterprise. The analyses presented herein provide sufficient empirical evidence to corroborate this view.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Region Two top CSEC, NGSA -urged to keep climbing performers honoured the ‘ladder of success’

THE Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in collaboration with the Department of Education, on Thursday, recognised those who excelled at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

For CSEC, the region’s top performers who were honoured are Anuradha Basdeo and Devanjali Ramkellwan of Abram Zuil Secondary, and Anna Regina Secondary students, Kelly Sankar, Thyecia Moore, Parmesh Ramgobin,

Yovendra Singh, Angelita Chattergoon, Alliyah Doodnauth, Vishnu Surendra, Yogendra Rampersaud and Ambika Singh.

Basdeo secured 17 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Sankar, 16 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos; Moore and Ramgobin, 15 Grade Ones and five Grade Twos each; Yovendra, 15 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Chattergoon, 15 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos; Doodnauth, 14 Grade Ones and five Grade Twos; Surendra, 14 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos; Ramkelle-

wan, 13 Grade Ones; Rampersaud, 13 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos and Ambika, 12 Grade Ones.

Meanwhile, the top NGSA performers who were honoured are Shreya Ramnarine, Karisham Dhanoopdharie, Bavanie Gangoo and Esara Persaud of CV Nunes Primary; Bhavin Griffith and Nishana Dial of Huist Diren Primary; Aaisha Mohamed of Al Madinah Islamic; Jessica Innis of Fisher Primary; Luckesh Deonarine and Kaysheena Singh of Taymonth Manor Primary, and Jada Welcome of Aurora Primary. They were awarded

places at Queen’s College, the Bishops’ High school and St. Stanislaus College.

During a simple award ceremony held in the auditorium of the Anna Regina Secondary School, trophies were presented to the top performers and several present and retired teachers.

Regional Education Officer, Nichols Matthew, noted that despite the pandemic, there were outstanding performances in both exams. She said that the award ceremony was done to honour those who performed exceptionally well at the NGSA and CSEC

CSEC top performer, Yogendra Rampersaud, moments after collecting his trophy examinations, and also retired examinations, 40 per cent of headteachers for their years of the students secured Grades dedicated service to the noble One to three in five or more subjects, including Mathematprofession.

“The Ministry of Educa- ics and English.

Matthews called on the tion, truly believes that a good education plays a vital role in awardees to “keep on climbing the ladder of success and

Kelsea Peters, the region’s best CPCE 2020 graduate collects a trophy from Region Two Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit building a bright future for our children. Therefore, we are committed to providing the most comfortable atmosphere and working towards achieving our Strategic Development Goal - Goal Four, which speaks to education,” Matthews added.

Matthews told the gathering that the percentage pass for NGSA Mathematics was 37.4 per cent, a six per cent decline when compared with last year’s figure. For English, the region achieved a 58.95 per cent pass rate, which represents a 4.2 per cent improvement over last year’s performance.

This year, three pupils from the riverine and lake schools were able to secure places at national top schools.

Regarding the 2021 CSEC

represent Region Two.” Also making remarks was Region Two Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, who said that the learners performed exceedingly well this year despite the challenges posed by pandemic.

He said that the region will continue to make the necessary investments in the education sector so that children in the region can continue to excel. He also advised the awardees to aim for higher education.

Basdeo extended gratitude to the regional administration and the Department of Education for organising the ceremony. She also thanked her teachers and parents for their support throughout her academic life.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

UWI confers Emeritus title on Guyana-born professor

Professor Stafford Griffith THE University of the West Indies (UWI) has conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on Guyana-born retired academic, Stafford Griffith.

According to a release, the UWI announced on December 7, 2021, its conferral of the title of Professor Emeritus on seven of its retired professors from three of its five campuses. Among them is Guyana-born Professor Stafford Griffith who currently serves as a professor in the Faculty of Education and Humanities at the University of Guyana.

In announcing the conferral of the title on this distinguished Guyanese, UWI noted that Professor Stafford Griffith’s sterling contributions in teaching, senior administration, research, publication, outreach and public service, have significantly enhanced the regional and international profile of the UWI and the capacity and competencies of

teachers across the Caribbean Region and the diaspora.

Professor Griffith retired in 2020 after serving The UWI for 15 years.

Professor Griffith’s tenure includes Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Five Island Campus (20192020); Regional Director of the Office for Online Learning (2017-2019); Director of the School of Education and Deputy Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Education (2012-2017).

He developed the Master of Education in Educational Measurement programme for face-to-face and online delivery, which has produced measurement specialists who currently serve education institutions across the Region, including the tertiary level and the Caribbean Examinations Council.

The release noted that Professor Griffith also developed several specialised courses in Quantitative Research; Educational and Psychological Measurement; Advanced Educational and Psychological Measurement and Internal School-based Assessment.

Additionally, he developed a comprehensive Study Guide and Resource Manual to support online teaching of these courses.

Professor Griffith’s record in research, scholarly work and public service has been transformative. His impressive publications include over 20 referred journal articles, many scientific/scholarly papers and

technical reports, one book and two book chapters, and three monographs in areas related to various aspects of education.

The UWI noted that he received the Principal’s Award for Best Research Publication in 2016 for his book School Based Assessment in a Caribbean Public Examination. As a Specialist in Curriculum Development, Teacher Training, Measurement and Evaluation,

he has advised many national and regional institutions and served as a consultant to national, regional and international organisations. He was awarded the Legacy Builder Award in 2018 for services to the Overseas Examination Council in Jamaica.

Professor Griffith’s career before The UWI includes Director of the USAID-funded Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Teacher Training

(CCETT) and Pro-Registrar of the Caribbean Examination Council. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Registrar and Head of the Project Unit.

He was also Consultant/ National Coordinator of a World Bank and Jamaica Ministry of Education Reform of Secondary Education (ROSE) Project; Director of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and The

University of the West Indies Institutional Strengthening Project and Senior Education Project Manager at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Office/ Caribbean. He has also held senior level positions on many national and regional commissions, committees and boards related to education, the release noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Guyana among eight nations to benefit from US$13.6M FAO projects

- initiatives to address land degradation, biodiversity and sustainability of marine resources (FAO) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), on Thursday, welcomed approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for four FAO-led projects in eight countries, totalling more than US$13.6 million in funding.

The decision was made during the 61st Meeting of the GEF Council, its main governing body, held virtually.

The latest projects will address urgent environmental challenges - such as land degradation and soil erosion, biodiversity loss, unsustainable fishing, and food production - that affect the food security and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

“Preventing and reversing

degradation is particularly important for transformation of global agri-food systems,” FAO’s Director-General, QU Dongyu, said, adding: “These projects are an important new effort to protecting and enhancing our resources to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.”

The latest projects to be approved by the GEF will assist countries and communities to restore degraded land and seascapes, to adopt more sustainable and climate-resilient practices and foster greater regional co-operation.

To be implemented in partnership with, and co-financed by, the governments of Barbados, Cabo Verde, Guyana, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Suriname, Thailand,

Trinidad and Tobago, the projects will directly benefit more than 135,000 people and restore over 4,150 hectares of degraded landscapes.

Overall management of more than five million hectares of land and marine habitats will be improved and 37,000 tonnes of over-exploit-

ed fish stocks will be moved to more sustainable levels, in a key initiative that coincides with the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022.

Among the four projects are a regional project in the Golok/Kolok River Basin on the border of Thailand and Malaysia which aims to ensure water management, flood mitigation and erosion control. The project aims at a source-to-sea approach to better manage the impact of upstream activities on coastal and marine resources.

Initiatives in the Caribbean and Cabo Verde will focus on supporting countries

to enhance the food security, environment, and livelihoods of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face unique environmental challenges and have also been hard hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Cabo Verde, efforts will focus on landscape restoration and nature-based solutions for improved food security and nutrition, livelihoods and resilience, in support of Cabo Verde’s Land Degradation Neutrality commitments (LDN), particularly addressing needs on the islands of Santiago and Santo Antão, where vulnerable farmers and their families have been severely

affected by the pandemic.

Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago will work together on a project aimed at reducing overfishing and to promote more responsible fisheries and marine conservation, while a project in the Marshall Islands aims to restore degraded forests and improve marine management in an effort to transform agrifood systems.

FAO is a partner agency of the GEF- a partnership of 18 agencies and 183 countries - which addresses the world’s most challenging environmental issues related to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, chemicals, and international waters.

The GEF provides grants to countries to meet these challenges whilst contributing to key development goals, such as food security.

Since December 2018, FAO has mobilized more than US$580 million in GEF grant funding for member countries, including the latest projects, benefitting over 4.6 million people and making FAO one of the top four GEF agencies globally.

PNC/R postpones biennial Congress to Dec 18 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Former PNC/R General Secretary, Aubrey Norton

IN a terse statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) said it will postpone the party’s highly anticipated 21st Biennial Congress and internal elections to December 18, following recommendations from the party’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vincent Alexander.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, party executive Aubrey Norton, who is currently in the running for the party leadership, confirmed the move of the Congress, noting that it was a unanimous decision by the CEC. “It is confirmed, it was agreed unanimously by all of us. I would say it is in the interest of the party and that is what informed the decision,” Norton commented.

Norton said he would not comment on the factors that necessitated the extension of the hosting of the Congress. He noted, however, that he would take the remaining time to strengthen his campaign.

“I wouldn’t get involved in that,” he said cautiously, adding: “I consider that to be the party’s private business. I intend to intensify my political work to get more support

as my campaign has been going good and I am confident that I will win.”

The PNC/R Congress was initially slated for Saturday, December 11; however, over the past weeks, several members of the party have raised concerns about the internal process surrounding the elections.

With these concerns made public, the party’s CEC last Friday tasked Alexander, who is also a Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with assessing the internal elections process and pronouncing on the way forward.

The CEC’s agreement to have Alexander vet the elections process came following the resignation of three members from the party’s Elections Accreditation Committee. The three members, Ganesh Mahipaul, Carol Joseph, and Annette Ferguson, were accused of being biased, a statement from the party’s Congress Place, Sophia headquarters hinted.

The placement of Mahipaul, Ferguson and Joseph on the Accreditation Committee was said to have been called into question given that they were all nominated for positions and were actively campaigning.

With only four members on the Accreditation

Committee initially, Mortimer Mingo is now the last remaining member.

All three members have thrown their support behind Joseph Harmon for the leadership. Harmon, who is currently the parliamentary Opposition Leader, is Norton’s main

rival in the battle for the leadership.

Also nominated for the position of party Leader are former PNC/R Chairman, Basil Williams and Dr Richard Van-West Charles, who have both openly confirmed acceptance of their nominations.

Current party Chairman, Volda Lawrence, and party executive, Carl Greenidge, have also received nominations but have been mum about their acceptance.

Former Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon, was also nominated for the position of party leader but has since said he has declined the nomination.

Solomon has chosen, instead, to focus on his candidacy for party Chairman while giving his support to Dr VanWest Charles for the position of party leader.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Health Minister: Mixing vaccines increases effectiveness against COVID-19 Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony (DPI photo)

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that mixing vaccines increases the effectiveness to better

protect persons against COVID-19.

Speaking during Thursday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, Dr.

Anthony said there are over 20 studies that have verified that a mixture of COVID-19 vaccines increases protection against the virus.

Using the Russianmade Sputnik V vaccine as an example, he explained that the first and second doses of the vaccines have different components. This in itself is a mixture of vaccines and has resulted in the efficacy being more than 90 per cent.

“Scientifically, however, it has been shown that if you mix and match the vaccine, that you can get better efficacy. And that’s really the driving reason for people to mix and match…it is a good strategy and now most of the countries are now suggesting that they can mix and match and they have been doing so, and when you mix and match that is also acceptable as a primary course,” Dr. Anthony said.

At a recent meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), the mixing of vaccines was the point of discussion.

“In that meeting, they had a detailed presentation on mixing and match-

ing. They have reviewed several studies pertaining to mixing and matching and they are going to revise the WHO’s guidance pertaining to mixing and matching,” Dr. Anthony said.

Guyana began mixing vaccines when it rolled out its booster dose campaign a few weeks ago. The vaccines being administered are the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson.

For persons who took the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a booster shot of the Sinopharm vaccine is recommended 52 days after the dose.

Further, those persons who took the Sinopharm vaccine, could take the same vaccine as their booster shot three to six months after the second jab.

It is advised that persons who have been immunised using the AstraZeneca vaccine, take an MRNA vaccine, which should be taken six months after the second dose. A shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine could be used as a booster shot for the Sputnik V vaccine. To date, some 4,448 persons have received their booster shots. (DPI)

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

GTT, energy chamber partner for $24M O&G training programme --over 1,000 persons set to benefit

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, at the launch of the GTT/GOGEC “Youth in Oil and Gas Training Programme”

By Tamica Garnett TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), together with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), on Wednesday, launched the “Youth in Oil and Gas Training Programme,” which is geared at educating and preparing young learners for Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

GTT has contributed $24 million to the 14-month initiative, which is expected benefit over 1,000 Grades 11 and 12 students and first year university learners from across 50 different educational institutions.

This initiative is considered a major step in Guyana’s push towards developing the necessary human resources to create local content benchmarks.

As it is now, Guyana is challenged to demand local content from oil and gas companies in several areas, given that the country does not have the necessary skillset in many

areas.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Damian Blackburn, said that, given what this initiative would mean for Guyana, GTT was elated to get on board with the project.

“As soon as I heard of this initiative, I thought this is the right thing to do. I was so pleased and privileged that the GOGEC board allowed us to participate in this. To me it is everything that GTT is about. We want to participate in the latest and beautiful opportunity that this country has,” Blackburn commented.

The initiative, which will take on the form of weekend seminars, is scheduled to commence from the first Saturday in January, and is expected to be held successive Saturdays throughout 2022, with approximately 30 students expected to attend each seminar.

“The story of oil needs to flow everywhere in the country. GOGEC recognises that it is not enough to just think it’s

GOGEC’s President, Manniram Prashad

going to happen, you have to go out and talk to the students about the opportunities that are in their grasp. If we don’t go and engage they won’t know,” Blackburn reasoned.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, further highlighted the importance of education, and commended the entities for creating the initiative.

“When it comes to talking about something like education and training, I am always up for supporting it.

We need all the help we can to help bring that level of insight to educate people in the country and show them the opportunities. The future of the country, of sustainable development in Guyana are the people,” Routledge said.

The inaugural seminar for the project was held in November, and was attended by students from the Annandale Secondary School and Apex Education. During this session, students were able to acquire basic knowledge of the economy, how the oil and gas value chain operates, and the various opportunities that exist for them.

At the inaugural session, presenters included Financial Analyst, Joel Bhagwandin; Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Bobby Gossai; Partner of Atlantic Oilfield Services, Sherif Alghali; Chairman of the International Energy Conference and Expo, Tony Whyte and Consultant, Roubinder Rambarran.

UNINFORMED GOGEC President, Manniram Prashad, during his remarks at the official launch of the training programme, said that coming out of that inaugural session, through comments from the students,

organisers realised just how much many Guyanese students remain uninformed about what the oil and gas sector in Guyana truly entails, and are only aware of broad aspects.

“All we are talking about is 120,000 barrels per day, environment, 10 billion reserves etcetera, nobody is explaining to these youthful minds the concept and what is in it for Guyana. That is why we are happy that GTT is doing this wonderful corporate social responsibility. The students will have to be developed and trained to take over the oil and gas sector. At the same time we have to be realistic about what we can do and what we can’t do,” Maniram said.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat was a speaker at the event, which was attended by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and several members of the private sector.

During his remarks, he spoke of the important role this initiative will play in building Guyana’s local content capacity.

Minister Bharrat said that while the government would be happy to demand maximum local content from companies involved in the oil and gas sector, Guyana has to be realistic and acknowledge limitations

in the availability of the necessary resources to fill the sector.

“It is initiatives like these that will build our oil and gas sector and realise true local content for Guyanese. I particularly like the approach of starting with students. There is this common thought among school children that science and technology are difficult.

That is detrimental for Guyana as we seek to grow our natural resources sector,” Minister Bharrat said.

He added: “We can only change that by going into the schools and showing them the advantages and the benefits of being in the natural resources sector. That is why I like this approach where we start the training at a very young age to achieve true local content.”

The government will table Guyana’s draft Local Content Legislation in Parliament after the conclusion of critical consultations.

GTT’s CEO, Damian Blackburn

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Massy Motors anticipates $680M annually from sales

MASSY Motors (Guyana) Ltd. (MMGL), is expected to boost its yearly turnover to an estimated $680 million from the sale of lubricants and agro-chemicals.

The anticipated increase

in annual turnover comes following the company’s recent receipt of approval for the storage of lubricants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the com-

GUYANA and the Republic of South Korea are working to strengthen bilateral ties through technical cooperation.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Ambassador Sangdo Kim, Representative of Republic of Korea to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Mission, held discussions on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the ongoing ICAO ICAN 2021 event being held in Colombia.

The two delegations discussed mutual areas of

support, particularly in civil aviation. Among the areas discussed were technical training in aviation; upgrading of hinterland aerodromes and ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) Management and Implementation Systems (SMIS) and Safety Oversight Management System (SOMS).

The SMIS/SOMS is a software programme that was developed by the Republic of Korea to assist states with their ICAO compliance programme.

pany’s project summary, an average of 500,000 liters of lubricants are distributed annually in sealed plastic pails and plastic bottles.

These are stored in a separate bond with concrete flooring and are stacked on shelves.

The Massy Motors facility which will provide employment to 16 persons, is located at Lot 3 Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice. It occupies approximately 2.04 acres of land, bounded to the east by the Strand Main Road, to the west by the Berbice River, north by Kissoon’s Furniture and south by a commercial building. Berbice River is approximately 460 meters to the west.

MMGL, as part of its operations, imports and distributes automotive lubricants

and agro-chemicals. The importation and distribution of agro-chemicals is regulated and licensed by the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Board (PTCCB).

The company is in possession of a licence from the PTCCB for these purposes and it is valid until December 31, 2021.

According to the company’s project summary, an environmental management plan (EMP) has been designed to manage and, to every extent possible, prevent or mitigate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.

Over the years, the company underwent major expansion, and, to date MMGL is one of the leading companies in Guyana, representing major

brands from across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Central America and other countries. The company has a presence in Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, and is divided into two major divisions: Distribution and Dealership.

With a wide range of products including SUVs, pickups, sedans, batteries, tyres, lubricants, chemicals, tractors, generators etc., Massy Motors has representation for major brands such as Nissan, Moura, Good Year, Massey Ferguson, Bayer Crop Care Science, F.G Wilson, etc. and offers the full after-sales support for all lines represented.

MMGL, formerly known as Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) and subsequently Massy Industries (Guyana) Ltd, was estab-

lished in September 1968. At that time, the company was a spare parts dealership.

As of June 6, 2019, the company embarked on an initiative to strategically align its operations with the Automotive and Industrial Equipment Business Unit by changing its name from Massy Industries (Guyana) Ltd to Massy Motors (Guyana) Ltd. As part of this strategic initiative, the company will be focusing mainly on the dealership business, adding new lines and strengthening support. MMGL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Massy Guyana Ltd. The Massy Group of Companies has grown into one of the Caribbean basin’s largest conglomerates.

Guyana, South Korea discuss potential for training in aviation --commit to strengthening bilateral ties It was reported, on Thursday, that Guyana signed an “open skies” air services agreement with the Republic of Colombia, to promote and facilitate airlines operating between the two countries and beyond.

According to a statement issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the agreement was signed in Bogota, Colombia by Jair Orlando Fajardo, the Director of Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority, and Minister Edghill.

“In this Agreement, we

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (second left), and DirectorGeneral of the GCAA, Lt. Col (ret’d) Egbert Field (first left), with Korean Ambassador, Sangdo Kim, and his delegation, in Colombia have agreed to remove all restrictions on market access, capacity, frequencies, and pricing to create for a more open market and to give route rights to our respective airlines,” Minister Edghill related.

The agreement also encompasses standard articles of grant of rights; designation and revocation; user charges; recognition of certificates and licences; tariffs; commercial opportunities; fair competition, inter alia.

“Consistent with government’s model of open skies agreements, the agreement facilitates acceptance of the principal place of business

as a means of designating an airline in contrast to the traditional restrictive requirement of substantial ownership and effective control by nationals of either country,” the statement outlined.

This means that airlines could benefit from foreign share capital and investment, once they establish their main economic and operating base in either Colombia or Guyana.

Meanwhile, representatives of Guyana and Nigeria have also agreed to expedite their internal procedures to facilitate the signing of an air services agreement which was negotiated since 2014.

According to the GCAA,

there were discussions between Minister Edghill and the Minister of Aviation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Sirika Hadi.

It was explained that once signed, the agreement will promote and facilitate airlines of both countries to operate and connect the two continents, thereby leading to greater socio-economic benefits to the peoples and economies of Guyana and Nigeria.

The two officials also discussed several other matters of joint interest including tourism, infrastructural development and strengthening bilateral relations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Agriculture Ministry to centralise extension department to improve services

IN its effort to improve services offered to farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture will soon move to have a central extension department established at the ministry’s head office.

This was according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, following several outreaches in Regions Five and Six. While in Region Five, Minister Mustapha met with members of the Three-Door Fishermen Co-op Society.

During the meeting, Minister Mustapha told fishermen that during a recent meeting with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the issue of low catches was raised and that the government has committed to ensuring an analysis is conducted to determine the cause of the low catches.

Minister Mustapha also told the fishermen that the ministry will work to ensure they benefit from better infrastructure and utilities at the Co-op’s facility, located at D’Edward

Village, Mahaica-Berbice.

After meeting with the fishermen, Minister Mustapha continued to Region Six where he met with farmers and residents from several parts of the region.

During the meetings, which were held at the community center grounds in Canje and Albion, farmers from several villages raised concerns about not receiving regular visits from extension officers attached to the various agencies that fall under the ministry.

One farmer, who cultivates along the Corentyne River, told the minister that, prior to Wednesday’s meeting, extension officers were instructed to visit several farmers in the area but, to date, those visits have not been conducted.

After receiving several similar reports at both meetings, Minister Mustapha announced that very soon all extension officers from the various agencies will be placed under a central

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, handing over a hamper to one of the members of the Three-Door Fishermen Co-op Society, in the presence of other ministry and regional officials

extension department.

The minister related further that extension managers will be tasked with overseeing the operations of the department.

“I’ve been saying this over and over. Extension officers have to ensure they work and are more responsive to farmers’ needs. This is why we’ve decided to bring all of our extension officers under the

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, greets a farmer during his meeting in Canje, Region Six

Ministry of Agriculture; centrally.

“We’ll have extension managers to manage them and they will have to submit weekly reports to the ministry. This is one of the steps that we are taking to revamp the ministry’s extension department. This will also ensure our extension officers are more accountable and responsive,” Minister Mustapha said.

While highlighting other interventions scheduled to be put in place, Minister Mustapha also assured the farmers planting along the Corentyne River that a team comprising officers from the various

agencies will visit them in the coming week to assist with their farming needs.

“I want to assure the Corentyne River farmers that you will receive the help that you are asking for so that your farms can be restored. The fishermen who are at the wharf at Albion, I made a commitment when I was here that we will build the road to help you to transport your catches from Albion to the Fyrish area.

“That road is now in the tendering stage and a contract will be awarded shortly. We are also working to restore the pump that GuySuCo

has in the area. We’ve already awarded a contract to fix that it. We also have additional pumps that were brought to the Corentyne during the flood and we also did a lot of emergency works to dams and other structures to minimise the intrusion of floodwaters during that period. Those pumps are still here,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also told residents that with the establishment of the gas-to-shore project, the region will also benefit from a lot of economic activities resulting in a significant boost to the village economy.

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Aviation sector rebounds after major hit by COVID-19 - CJIA records 100 per cent increase in air travel

PASSENGERS passing through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have doubled in 2021 when compared to 2020, the airport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir, has said.

The airport saw increases despite the constraints created by COVID-19 pandemic, which almost crippled the travel industry last year.

“Based on the numbers we have had so far, we have had an increase in travel. This year we have done 326,000 passengers, which is 100 per cent increase over last year. I know last year we were closed, but we are at about 60 per cent of the traffic we did in 2019,” Ghir related during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Wednesday.

He said that, as the festive season rolls in, that number is expected to increase as more passengers will be passing through the airport.

“We have also had additional airlift with 93 per cent increase in aircraft movement, which is about 4,100 aircraft movement.

Looking forward to the season, American Airlines, they have two daily flights, one to JFK, one to Miami. COPA has four flights weekly; JetBlue goes to New York and they have a daily flight.

“On December 17, we are going to have InterCaribbean Airways and they are bringing an additional 12 flights per week from Georgetown to Barbados, so that will help to bring capacity and Suriname Airways, they carry two flights per week,” the CEO said.

Even as arrivals increase, Ghir affirmed that the safety of passengers and employees remains a high priority. He said CJIA was accredited with a certificate of high standards in safety measures.

The certificate, he said, was presented to the airport over a year ago.

“We have applied for

the renewal because you have to show evidence that you are sustaining and you are meeting the new requirements. We expect within the next few days to receive our renewed certification,” Ghir related.

He added: “So, from the airport’s perspective, in terms of our responsibility to the employees, the airport users, as well as the travelling public, we are maintaining and keeping those standards, which were outlined by the ICAO and IATA.” Some of the requirements for travelling to Guyana includes the submission of a negative molecular biological polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result recorded within 24-72 hours prior to arrival. Antibody tests, rapid test or antigen test will not be accepted.

Travellers are also required to wear a mask at all times during the arrival process up to and including departure from the airport.

It was reported in March, this year, that CJIA raked in over $491 million after it reopened in October 2020.

International travel had taken a hit, especially in the early stages of the pandemic, since other countries closed their borders to protect citizens and reduce the risk of having imported cases.

In Guyana, the two international airports, CJIA and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, were closed to incoming commercial flights on March 18, 2020, after Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11, 2020.

The airports were initially scheduled to close for a two-week period, but as cases in the country significantly increased, the closure was extended.

After an analysis of the situation, the government thought it best to reopen the airports on October 5, 2020, under strict conditions aimed at reducing the possibility of Guyana

recording imported cases of COVID-19.

Studies show that the most direct activities associated with aviation create G$20.7 billion in annual economic activity. This represents 3.2 per cent of Guyana’s total gross domestic product (GDP).

Additionally, nearly 12,000 Guyanese

jobs are supported by the aviation industry, the majority in either transportation or tourism. This accounts for nearly one in 20 jobs in Guyana. Air passengers also generate roughly G$1.7 billion in travel tax revenue for the government.

CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Guyana Rum Fest, Ansa McAL team-up for Secret Garden Brunch 2022

L-R: Nikosi Bruce, Co-Founder, and Managing Director; Yonnick David, the co-founder and creative director of the Guyana Rum Festival; Atina Samad, Hennessy, Moet and Wines Manager; Errol Nelson, International Beverage Brands, Business Unit Head; Kwesi Richmond - Brand Manager Spirits; Jason DaSilva Financial Manager; Shamer Hescott, Rumfest graphic artist – (Delano Williams photo)

By Jared Liddell THE already-spectacular line-up of products at Guyana Rum Festival, one of the fastest growing events on the entertainment scene, will expand even further as the Rum Fest Guyana team just signed a partnership agreement with Ansa McAL. The long-term contract, signed on Wednesday between the two organisations, solidifies the participation of Hennessey Moët in the highly-anticipated Secret Garden Brunch 2022.

Rum, as a by-product of the sugar industry, has cultural and economic significance for Guyana, even landing

the country a coveted spot among the who’s who among rum connoisseurs internationally.

The event is carded as a major tourist attraction contributing to the much-needed revialisation of Guyana’s tourism economy, but also educates patrons on the rich history of the drink.

Yonnick David, co-founder and creative director of the Guyana Rum Festival, praised Ansa McAL for its pivotal role in the Guyana Rum Festival. He said this new partnership further lifts the event to international acclaim.

“Ansa McAL played an integral

role in the Guyana Rum Festival ‘Secret Garden Brunch 2021’, and their company has seen the potential of the event so they decided to do a longterm agreement with the Hennessey Moët line of products for the secret garden brunch going forward,” David explained at the ceremonial signing.

The second annual Guyana Rum Festival 2021, a four-day event, culminated in the ‘the Secret Garden’ — an all-white event opened only to those vaccinated for COVID-19.

The event was described as the ‘ultimate brunch experience’ set in the greens of the Scout Association, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

David disclosed that one new addition to the 2022 is a secret sporting event which will be the first such event hosted at the festival. He expects the event’s support will double in 2022 compared to 2021.

Responding to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rum Fest Co-Founder said the pandemic forced organisers to host the event under certain constraints.

The venue, he continued, had to be retrofitted to ensure full compliance with COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. Despite these limitations, David said patrons were still able to socialise in a safe way.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

‘We need rights for our music’ - Young artiste urges

in class, and do clashes and so on singing Vybz Kartel songs.”

The cultural clash between the two reigning Dancehall artistes in the late 2000s – Kartel and Movado – thrusted Brian into his love for the music world.

“What made me have a passion for Dancehall music was listening to Kartel and Movado songs. That little feud between the two of them gave me the excitement and passion for music,” he continued.

By age 11, one year after coming to Guyana, Griffith recorded his first song, ‘Party Vybz’ at ‘Ruff Cut’.

He also recorded with Vizion Sounds, and is now permanently with AJ (Adrian Johnson) Records.

Now permanently attached to AJ Records since five years ago, Griffith is confident of his growth as an artiste over the years. “AJ and his teammate, Jonathan Taylor, are both doing a very good job with Guyanese music and pushing it,” Griffith said in praise of the duo.

“He’s a guy that works hard with his artistes and helps to push them. For the five years I’ve known him, I can say he’s a very good guy to work with in all areas of this music industry when it comes to quality and professionalism,” the young artiste explained.

Griffith’s new single on the ‘Frozen Riddim’ will be out later this month Griffith was born to a GuyaBRIAN Leo Griffith, a nese father and Vincentian young artiste ready to mother in St Vincent and launch his new music the Grenadines. He moved soon, is already making to Guyana when he was waves in the local enter10-years-old. tainment industry with his Recalling how he besights also set on a much came interested in music, bigger picture.

Griffith reminisced: “Since Griffith is adamant he in Grade Five when I was will not ask for favours. going to school, me and That’s certainly not the my friends always would route he will take, instead always make riddims on holding on to the mantra: the desk during free time “Hard work brings success.”

The young artiste is, instead, calling for intellectual property laws on music to become a reality in Guyana to protect the work of artistes and allow them to earn a fair income.

“Many foreign artistes and most locals are stealing our stuff and we cannot do anything about it. We need rights for our music. There are talented people that [are] doing their craft and at the end of the day, getting nothing from it,” Griffith said in an interview with The Buzz this week.

Eighteen-year-old Griffith goes by the stage name ‘Acidic’. Now based on the The cover for Griffith’s new album, West Bank of Demerara, ‘Pharoah’s Kingdom’

Giffith is working on an album expected to release in June 2022. Dubbed ‘Pharoah’s Kingdom’, the album will also feature collaborations with artiste\s such as AJ, Taylor, ADDL, Stiffy Stiff, Azariel, RGK , Dondriek, Shortboss, and Naiomi.

A fresh single is also expected from Griffith in through the ‘Frozen Riddim’ project with Delon Entertainment which is expected to drop this month.

That aside, there are a few music videos in the pipeline for release soon from the artiste.

Griffith lamented there is little co-operation in the music industry. “If the radio stations play the artistes’ music and help out each other, we all will get somewhere but that hold down and fight down thing will never work,” he bemoaned.

“As for me, I’m not depending on no DJ or

Young musician, Brian Leo Griffith radio station to give me a forward. If you don’t wanna play my music, I’m not gonna beg for that or reach out to you. You gotta know if you wanna play my music or reach out to

me. It’s your choice; you have to know quality from non-quality music,” Griffith said, making no bones. Brian Griffith’s work is available on all of his social media platforms.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Astroworld: Travis Scott says he was unaware fans were hurt

(BBC) - US rapper, Travis Scott, has said he did not realise that concert-goers were in trouble during a deadly crowd surge as he performed in Texas last month.

“I stopped a couple of times... at the end of the day you just hear music,” he told the Breakfast Club radio show in his first interview since the incident.

Ten concert-goers were killed after panic broke out at the Astroworld music festival in Houston, Texas on November 5.

Multiple lawsuits have since been filed over the tragedy.

Among those killed as a result of the crowd surge during Scott’s headline set was nine-year-old Ezra Blount.

The 30-year-old musi-

cian, one of the biggest names in rap music, has been criticised for not ending his show more abruptly.

In a YouTube interview published on Thursday, Scott told Breakfast Club presenter, Charlamagne Tha God, that he did not hear details about what had happened that night until a press conference after the show.

“At that moment you’re like: ‘Wait, what?’

People pass out, things happen at concerts, but something like that,” he said.

He described how he had paused his show “to make sure everyone was OK”, but that he did not notice any fans pleading for help or any apparent danger.

Asked how he felt

Scott says he now wants to be “the voice” of the victims of last month’s Astroworld tragedy. Taken from BBC, Credited to GETTY Images

about what had happened and how he was coping, Scott said he was still trying to come to terms with it all.

“Nothing like this has ever happened... at the end of the day these fans are your family, so you feel like you’ve lost something,” he said, adding that he now wanted to be “the voice” of the victims.

Scott launched Astroworld with concert promoters Live Nation in 2018. At the time of the incident, there were about 50,000 people attending the festival at Houston’s NRG Park complex.

The ages of the victims range between 10 and 27.

Scott has offered to pay all funeral costs, but this has been rejected by half of the bereaved families, including the family of Blount.

Blount, who lived in Dallas, Texas, died nine days after the concert.

He had previously been placed in a medically induced coma due to the severity of his injuries.

In a statement, Scott asked victims to reach out to him, saying he “desperately wishes to share his condolences and provide aid.”

He has also previously stated in an Instagram video that he was not aware how bad the situation had

become during his set.

“Any time I could make out anything that’s going on, I just stopped the show and helped them get the help they need,” he said. “I could just never imagine the severity of the situation.” But some Texas officials say the rapper should have stopped the show much earlier.

In an interview with NBC’s Today show last month, Houston fire chief, Samuel Peña said: “At one point there was an ambulance that was trying to make its way through the crowd. The artist has command of that crowd.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 10, 2021

Robbie Shakespeare, influential Sly and Robbie bassist, dies at 68

(BBC) - INFLUENTIAL Jamaican reggae artist, Robbie Shakespeare - one half of the duo ‘Sly and Robbie’ - has died aged 68.

He died in Florida where he had recently been in hospital for kidney surgery, the Jamaica Gleaner reported.

The prolific bassist and music producer is credited with revolutionising the sound of reggae and dancehall music.

J a m a i c a ’s C u l ture Minister, Olivia Grange, announced his death and said Shakespeare was one of the country’s great musicians. “[Sly and Robbie] took bass playing and drumming to the highest level as they made music for themselves as a group, and for many other artistes locally and internation-

Robbie Shakespeare collaborated with many artists including the Rolling Stones, Grace Jones and Bob Dylan. Photo taken from BBC, Credited to GETTY Images

ally,” she said in a statement.

BBC Radio 1Xtra reggae music presenter, David Rodigan, said Shakespeare “played his bass guitar like nobody else”.

Throughout a ca -

reer spanning almost 50 years, Shakespeare collaborated with artists as varied as Madonna, Bob Dylan, No Doubt, Peter Tosh, the Rolling Stones, and Grace Jones.

Born in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston in

1953, he learnt how to play bass under the guidance of Aston Barrett of The Wailers, after they met in Shakespeare’s backyard.

Having already established himself as a talented musician, he

teamed up with drummer Sly Dunbar in the mid-1970s. They had various band names, but settled on Sly and Robbie, and became one of the most influential rhythm and production duos in the history of reggae.

Shakespeare helped create the unique sounds heard in ‘Murder She Wrote’ and ‘Bam Bam’ - two songs considered some of the most legendary and important in reggae and dancehall.

They also produced music for movie soundtracks, including ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Poetic Justice’.

Shakespeare was nominated for 13 Grammy awards and won two - in 1984 for best reggae recording for ‘Anthem’, and then in 1998 for best reggae album for ‘Friends’.

Last year, Rolling

Stone magazine placed him at number 17 on its list of the 50 greatest bassists of all time, saying: “No other musical entity in the post-Marley era has been so omnipresent in shaping the sound of Jamaica and bringing it to the world.”

J a m a i c a ’s P r i m e Minister, Andrew Holness, said on Twitter: “When it comes to Reggae bass playing, no one comes close to having the influence of Robbie Shakespeare.”

Speaking to the BBC in 2005, Shakespeare explained how he came up with the duo’s distinctive bass rhythms.

“Sly might start with a drum tone, and I say: ‘Boy, where the tempo at?’ He said, ‘Ay, nice one, got you, just do your thing,’” he recalled. “And I might fall in doing my thing - and everything just falls in place.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

Skerritt hails visionary...

Jonel Powell, St Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, endorsed the move by government to support the tournament.

“The investments in our facilities (and) in our people … ensure we maximise on the opportunities for our young developing cricketers, the opportunities for all the service providers that are required to host these events, and for us to be able to showcase St Kitts as a true sport-tourism destination,” he pointed out.

Chairman of T&T’s Local Organising Committee, Douglas Camacho, said the returns for the country far outweighed the investment made by Trinidad’s government.

“Many of our industries will benefit from this opportunity from hotel arrangements,

FROM BACK PAGE

transportation, the exchange of goods and services that will help build our economy,” he said, speaking on behalf of T&T’s Minister of Sport, Shamfa Cudjoe.

“While we would have invested an estimated US$1.8 million, the return is much greater as we anticipate that this will bring an estimated US$10 million injected back into our economy.”

The tournament, featuring 48 matches, is being staged in the Caribbean for the first time in its history, and follows on from the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup which was hosted in the region three years ago.

West Indies, the 2016 champions, open their campaign on January 14 against Australia at the Guyana National Stadium.

Sarwan hunting balanced, winning formula for Jaguars A NEW era beckons for Guyana Amazon Jaguars under the chairmanship of Lead Selector, Ramanresh Sarwan, who is seeking to find the necessary resources to produce a balanced and winning unit.

His test will be selecting a squad for next year’s Regional Four-Day tournament which returns in February after two-year hiatus.

Given the prevailing weather in Guyana and the forecast for more rain until February, Sarwan’s quest to select a squad becomes more difficult.

Weather permitting, there are practice matches scheduled, and, should players put in standout performances, Sarwan is willing to give them the nod.

“In terms of the practice matches and adding persons to the core we are actually looking at (that), they might be somebody who we may not be looking at performing outstandingly and we are open to people who are performing,” he explained at a recent press briefing.

In the selection of the squad for that tournament, which is understood to be just five rounds instead of the usual 10, Sarwan said

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he is looking for the right balance.

“This is much bigger than the individual performances; this is about us having to find the right balance to ensure that we can win the tournament. I don’t want us to sacrifice a transition where we lose games because I don’t think we are in a bad position, but it is just a matter of trying to find the right balance.”

Furthermore, the Chairman said transition will not come at a cost of losing the tournament.

“The goal is to win the tournament, but most importantly will be to hit the ground running, so preparation will be key. If it is we are going to transition to some of the younger guys and give them an opportunity, it is not sacrificing winning; whoever we are going to bring in they will be more than good enough to perform at a high level.”

Jaguars are being managed by head coach Esaun Crandon and assistant Ryan Hercules who are both currently conducting fitness assessments with the next move being indoor sessions at the La Bonne Intention facility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

Archer 'almost at the Port Mourant, RHT Farfan end of the road' with and Mendes advance to recovery from injury quarter-finals BCB/Tenelec 2022 U15 Tournament …

PORT Mourant, along with Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Tenelec Under-15 tournament which continued this past week.

BCB took the gamble and started preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) 2022 season by hosting the 16-team youth competition.

Several matches, especially in the Lower and Upper Corentyne areas, were played while those in the West Berbice and New Amsterdam areas were affected by the weather.

The Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes boys joined Port Mourant in advancing to the quarters after defeating arch-rival Albion in a mustwin match for both teams.

Port Mourant had earlier defeated both of them.

There were several promising contributions with Yoganand Mohan and Ravin Boodwah of Port Mourant, Roshawn Crandon of RHTYSC and Farham Ballie of Albion performing well with the ball.

The promising Razam Koobeer of RHTYSC scored a half-century while Devin Lalbeharry, Vishal Williams, Navin Boodwah impressed with the bat.

Results from the matches played were: Port Mourant defeated Albion by 2 wickets at Albion.

Scores: Albion 74 all out, 48 overs. Farhan Ballee 12, Devin Lalbeharry 20.

Bowling for Port Mourant: Shamul Daniels 2 for 15, Navin Boodwah 2 for 17, Yoganand Mohan 2 for 15 and Vishal Williams 2 for 15. Port Mourant in reply 75 for 8 from 48.1 overs with Shamul Daniels 20.

Bowling for Albion, Farhan Ballee 3 for 9, Devin Lalbeharry 2 for 12 and T. Omnauth 2 for 7.

Port Mourant crushed Upper Corentyne by 10 wickets at No.72 Cut and Load Ground.

Scores - UCCA 51 all out, 22 overs. P. Karam-

ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Archer has revealed he is "almost at the end of the road" with his recovery from an elbow injury.

Archer has not played since July and was ruled out of the Ashes series in Australia.

The paceman was a frustrated spectator as Joe Root's side were skittled out for only 147 on day one of the series at the Gabba.

But Archer was able to offer some positive news for England fans on a painful day for the tourists.

"It was a tough one to take seeing the ball bouncing and seaming a little bit (when Australia were ripping through the England batting line-up)," he told Channel 7.

"This is one tour as a fast bowler that you really don't want to miss.

"The (scan) results came back yesterday and it was quite promising, actually – everything is moving forward nicely.

"It is just a matter of waiting a little

Razam Koobeer holding his bat after a good outing.

chand 11, M. Balchand 13.

Bowling for Port Mourant, Yoganand Mohan picked up 5 for 3, Ravin Boodwah 3 for 0 and Navin Boodwah 2 for 1.

In reply, PMCC 52 without loss from 11 overs with Vishal Williams and Navin Boodwah scoring 23 and 14 respectively.

Port Mourant defeated RHT Farfan and Mendes by 34 runs at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Scores- Port Mourant 108 all out, 25 overs with Navin Boodwah 23 and Vishal Williams 18.

Bowling for RHTFM, Dave Prettipaul 2 for 16, Sohil Mohammed 1 for 25, Akash Sukhlall 1 for 19.

RHTYSC, in reply, 79 all out from 28 overs with Matthew Pereira alone reaching double figures with 13.

Bowling for PMCC, Navin Boodwah 3 for 13, Ravin Boodwah 3 for 16 and Shamul Daniels 2 for 10.

RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd defeated Albion by 9 wickets at the Area ‘H’

Ground.

Scores: Albion `84 all out, 28.3 overs with Devin Lalbeharry scoring 36.

Bowling for RHTFM, Roshawn Crandon picked up 3 for 12 and Rondy James 2 for 15.

In reply, RHTFM raced to 85 for 1 from 16.1 with Razam Koobeer superb knock of 52 which included six boundaries and one maximum.

Bowling for Albion, Farhan Balle picked up the lone wicket.

RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd defeated Upper Corentyne by 9 wickets at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Scores: UCCA 31 all out 13 overs with M. Baichan 7.

Bowling for RHTFM, Akash Sukhlall picked up 4 for 4, Dave Prettipaul 3 for 14, Alvin James 2 for 3.

RHTFM, in reply, cruised to 36 for 1 from 5.2 overs with the promising Razam Koobeer scoring 17 not out. Bowling for UCCA, M. Baichan picked up the lone wicket.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer

bit more, being a little bit more patient. I am almost at the end of the road." (Sportsmax)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

Travis Head hits rapid century as Aussies take control of first Test

TRAVIS Head hit the third fastest century in Ashes history as Australia built a commanding first-innings lead over England on day two of the first Test in Brisbane.

The left-hander came in in the midst of an England fightback that saw the tourists take four quick wickets either side of tea which reduced the hosts to 195-5, and counter-attacked brilliantly to bring up his third Test ton from 85 balls and reaffirm his side's position of strength.

David Warner (94) had earlier fallen just short of a hundred after a second-wicket stand of 156 with Marnus Labuschagne (74) having made the most of some good fortune that saw him bowled off a no-ball by Ben Stokes on 17 and dropped in the slips on 48 off Ollie Robinson (3-48).

After the expensive Jack Leach got Labuschagne, Mark Wood removed Steve Smith (12) cheaply and two wickets in two balls from Robinson gave England hope of limiting the deficit before Head's intervention.

Australia closed on 3437, a lead of 196, with Head 112 n.o..from 95 balls, while England's gloom was added to with Stokes and Robinson

appearing to sustain knocks, and the latter unable to take the second new ball.

After the disappointment of being rolled for 147 on day one, England made a strong start to the second morning

with Robinson quickly making his mark in his maiden Ashes Test as he removed Marcus Harris (3) in the sixth over, a fraction of seam movement enough to take the edge and Dawid Malan held

on at third slip.

The England seamers continued to push throughout the morning and thought they had Warner when Stokes got one past his defences to hit middle stump, only for the

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings Rory Burns b Mitchell Starc

0 Haseeb Hameed c Steven Smith b Pat Cummins 25 Dawid Malan c Alex Carey b Josh Hazlewood 6 Joe Root c David Warner b Josh Hazlewood

0 Ben Stokes c Marnus Labuschagne b Pat Cummins 5 Ollie Pope c Josh Hazlewood b Cameron Green 35 Jos Buttler c Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc

39 Chris Woakes c Josh Hazlewood b Pat Cummins 21 Ollie Robinson c Alex Carey b Pat Cummins 0 Mark Wood c Marcus Harris b Pat Cummins 8 Jack Leach not out

2 Extras: (lb-5, w-1)

6

Total: (all out, 50.1 overs)

38-5 (w-1), Nathan Lyon 9-2-21-0, Cameron Green 3-1-6-1.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings David Warner c Ben Stokes b Ollie Robinson 94 Marcus Harris c Dawid Malan b Ollie Robinson 3 Marnus Labuschagne c Mark Wood b Jack Leach 74 Steven Smith c Jos Buttler b Mark Wood

12 Travis Head not out

112 Cameron Green b Ollie Robinson 0 Alex Carey c Ollie Pope b Chris Woakes

12 Pat Cummins c Haseeb Hameed b Joe Root

12 Mitchell Starc not out

10 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-4, w-2)

Total; (seven wkts, 84.0 overs) 147

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-11, 3-11, 4-29 s, 5-60, 6-112, 7-118, 8-122, 9-144.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 12-2–35-2, Josh Hazlewood 13-4-42-2, Pat Cummins 13.1-3-

343

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-166, 3-189, 4-195, 5-195, 6-236, 7-306.

Bowling: Chris Woakes 20-7-56-1, Ollie Robinson 18-8-48-3, Mark Wood 20-4-57-1 (w-1, nb)-2), Ben Stokes 9-0-50-0 (w-1, nb-3), Jack Leach 11-0-95-1, Joe Root 6-0-29-1.

Times when David Warner was dismissed off no-balls in Tests

BOWLING a no-ball is indeed a crime as this error of a bowler can cause a team big time. How often we have seen batters getting out on no-balls and getting a lifeline after third umpire checks the bowler’s front foot?

Australian opener David Warner has indeed been lucky many times in this regard.

The ongoing opening Ashes Test saw the southpaw getting out on no-ball for the fifth time in his Test career.

While the dasher went on to score a hundred on the four previous occasions, he got out on 94 in the Brisbane Test.

It was England all-rounder Ben Stokes who committed the massive mistake at the Gabba. He cleaned up Warner’s stumps when the veteran was batting at 17.

While the 34-year-old was heading towards the dug-out, the umpires called him back with the big screen showing Stokes crossing the line.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time when luck rode on Warner’s favour. As mentioned above, he got as many as four

14

reprieves on previous occasions in Test matches. As the dasher played another and gets the lifeline once again, let’s look at the previous occasions.

Previous four times when David Warner was dismissed off a no-ball in Tests: 1. Versus India in 2014 It was the first Test of India’s 2014 tour of Australia and the venue was Brisbane. Warner was on a roll as he slammed centuries in both innings.

However, his second ton would have been avoided if Varun Aaron hadn’t crossed the line. The pacer cleaned Warner’s stumps when the latter was batting at 66. However, the dasher got a lifeline and went on to slam a match-winning 102.

2. Versus Pakistan in 2016 India’s arch-rivals Pakistan have also regretted after giving David Warner a reprieve in the 2016 Boxing Day Test.

Left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz cleaned Warner’s stumps with a 150 kmph thunderbolt. The southpaw’s stay would have ended at 81 but the on-field umpire immediately signalled a no-ball and

Australia Test opener David Warner

Warner went onto score 144.

3. Versus England in 2017 Stokes is not the first England bowler to gift Warner a lifeline. Tom Curran committed the same mistake in the 2017 Ashes Test in Melbourne. Standing in his debut game, Curran had dismissed Warner for 99 and the southpaw seemed devastated. However, the southpaw was revived after the third umpire was referred to check the no-ball. Warner went onto score 103.

4. Versus Pakistan in 2019 Another Pakistani and another debutant on this no-elite-list is Pakistan’s pace-sensation Naseem Shah. Standing in his maiden Test match in Brisbane in 2019, the speedster dismissed Warner when he was batting, at 56.

However, it was a no-ball and Warner went on to slam a match-winning 154 at the Gabba. (CricTracker)

Travis Head thumped his century in a session and from only 85 balls, the third-fastest in Ashes history (Photo: Getty Images)

third umpire to call him for a front-foot no-ball.

Stokes' first four balls should have been called for no-balls but with the no-ball technology not working, the all-rounder was unaware and unable to adjust until after it had cost him the wicket of Warner.

Warner also survived a run-out chance as Haseeb Hameed missed the stumps from close range at short leg and Australia were into the lead by the time Leach, having been thumped for six the ball before, had Labuschagne caught at backward point.

Smith came out at No. 4 and, after a frenetic start, just appeared to be settling in when Wood found his outside edge in the penultimate over of the session to claim a well-deserved first wicket of the innings.

Two overs after tea, England were right back in the contest. Robinson ousted Warner with a ball that held in the surface a touch and was chipped to Stokes in the covers, and then produced a beautiful nip-backer next ball to peg back Cameron Green's off stump as the all-rounder shouldered arms.

Chris Woakes had Carey (12) caught at mid-wicket on the pull but Head was going strong, bringing up his half-century from 51 balls and dishing out more punishment to Leach.

Head seemed determined to reach three figures before the second new ball and, while he missed out on that target, it took him just two balls of the new cherry to get there with a fine on-drive for four off Woakes. (Sky Sports)

Trophy Stall Christmas Badminton tourney set for next week

Mr Victor Sunich, brother of Ramesh Sunich (left), makes a presentation to National and International Badminton champion Narayan Ramdhani

THE Trophy Stall Christmas Badminton tournament, which serves off on December 13 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, recently received the winners’ trophies, compliment of the sponsors.

Last Saturday, a representative of Trophy Stall handed over the trophies to National and International Badminton Champion Narayan Ramdhani. They will be presented to the winning players next Friday.

The business has been a long-standing supporter of the sport over the years. This year’s tournament will see players face off in open doubles and mixed doubles games from 17:00hrs to 21:00hrs. on December 13 and 15 with the finals set for December 17, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

No-ball technology not Hamilton hungry functional at Gabba Test for record eighth title

IN the 13th over of Day 2 of the opening Test between Australia and England at the Gabba, Ben Stokes lost out on picking up a wicket when he castled David Warner with a no-ball. In this case, the on-field umpire asked for the third umpire's help and the TV umpire adjudicated that he had overstepped.

Host broadcaster Channel Seven later observed that in Stokes's first five overs he had bowled as many as 14 no-balls with only two of them being called by the on-field umpire.

However, it was later confirmed that the technology supposed to monitor a bowler's front foot landing for every single delivery had gone down before the commencement of the game.

In such a scenario, the Gabba Test was being played as per the old playing conditions - only the delivery where the bowler picks up a wicket is checked for no-ball.

In December 2019, the ICC had trialled the technology

to monitor every single delivery in order to check for front foot no-balls. And it was used for the first time in the longest format when England took on Pakistan last year.

The ICC playing conditions for the World Test Championship says: "The third umpire shall review television replays of the bowler's front foot landing and, if he/she is satisfied that any of these three conditions have not been met, he/she shall immediately advise the bowler's end umpire who shall in turn immediately call and signal no-ball."

Over a period of time, on-field umpires missing out on balls has been an issue. When England toured Sri Lanka in 2018, enough no-ball calls were missed, evidenced by the 12 no-balls that weren't called during one particular spell.

In 2019-20 when Australia played Pakistan at home, Channel Seven had noted 21 no-ball calls were missed over two sessions on Day 2 in Brisbane. (Cricbuzz)

Overseas support for project ‘Cricket Gear’ to benefit young, promising cricketers’

FORMER Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) opening batsman and captain Rajendra Daniel Sadeo is the latest addition to the list of contributors involved in the, ‘Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana’.

The current West Indies Over-50 player who also represented Berbice at the Senior Level and Guyana at the Under-19 level, donated one cricket bat, a pad and arm guard.

The Florida-based Sadeo is a former classmate of Anil Beharry at Lower Corentyne Secondary School, a class that also produced National players David Fingal and Nyeem Baksh.

The gear will be used for distribution towards this initiative, which is a joint effort by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.

The organisers thank Sadeo for his assistance. He responded by saying that he is happy to be part of this project and give back to the youths in the county of his birth.

Their aim is to provide cricket gear free of cost for young and talented cricketers in Guyana. The project is seeking new and used cricket gear which will then be distributed across the length and breadth of Guyana.

The project has so far attracted some $40 000 cash, 12 pairs of boots, 12 pairs of batting pads, 15 bats, 9 pairs of batting gloves, 1 thigh pad, 1 arm guard and 4 cricket bags, as part of the donations.

Nineteen young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and the East Canje area and Lower East Coast, Berbice have already benefitted from a junior gear bag, 8 bats, 6 pairs of batting pads and 6 pairs of batting gloves.

Meanwhile, two clubs in Pomeroon also benefitted from 2 used bats. Rose Hall Estate CC were recipients of a set

Raj Sadeo is the latest to donate cricket gear to the project

of stumps and bails.

Talent-spotting is being done across Guyana with guidance from club leaders to identify players. Players must be in school and must be disciplined.

Players above school age will also be considered.

Das and Beharry would like to thank Imran and Javed Khan of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group, Bish Panday of P & P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Travis Simon, Hil-

bert Foster of RHTY&SC, Ariel Tilku, Aaron Beharry, Devon Ramnauth, Sherman Austin, Teddy Singh, Leana Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir and Huburn Evans.

Also, persons interested in contributing can contact Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive, Anil Beharry, on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

By Abhishek Takle

(REUTERS) - Lewis Hamilton will be in a league of his own if he can secure a record eighth Formula One world championship in Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 36-year-old Mercedes racer is already the most successful driver in the sport's history having equalled Michael Schumacher's seven titles and overtaken the German on wins, pole positions and podium But if he beats 24-yearold Red Bull rival Max Verstappen at Yas Marina, Hamilton will break the last of the Ferrari great's major records.

"It wasn't unimaginable but I think it was seen as impossible," Hamilton, level on points with Verstappen after winning the last three races, told F1TV when he clinched his seventh title in 2020.

"However, I still dreamt of it, I dream of going to space ... I believe in things and I think when you dream we all come up with these crazy ideas."

Those dreams have driven the sport's only Black driver as he emerged from an underprivileged background far from racing to become one of the world's wealthiest and most prominent sportsmen.

The grandson of immigrants from the Caribbean island of Grenada, Hamilton - now a winner of 103 races - has stayed close to his roots and family.

His parents separated when he was two and father Anthony held down multiple jobs to fund his son's early karting activities until McLaren and Mercedes stepped in.

Hamilton's success and varied interests, ranging from making music to promoting young Black fashion designers and embracing veganism, have earned him a global crossover appeal unlike any other champion of the past.

Subjected to racism from his karting days, when he was the only Black kid on the grid, he has used his profile to campaign for racial equality, environmental issues and

LGBTQ+ rights and against cruelty to animals.

"It’s obviously no secret that I’ve really walked this sport alone: the only Black person here, or the only person of colour here," Hamilton, who has set up a commission to boost participation by Black people in motorsport, said last year.

"When I was younger, I didn’t have anybody in the sport that looked like me."

UNCOMPROMISING ADVERSARY Hamilton, who has worn a rainbow-themed helmet in the final three races in the Middle East in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, said in October that his campaigning had given him fresh energy.

"This year I've not been drawing on past experiences, I've been drawing on feeding off this energy of doing this positive work," he said.

"Is it helping me race? I think so, yeah. It's like my new drive and I feel like it's giving me more longevity because it's a lot of work we have to do. I feel like it also gives my life real purpose."

In Verstappen, another natural talent who has set records of his own as youngest F1 driver and race winner, he faces his toughest fight in years.

The Dutchman is unafraid to push the limit and occasionally crosses it.

The pair have collided three times already, including in the last race in Jeddah, and Hamilton has had to bail out in wheel-to-wheel combat to avoid an accident.

If the pair crash out on Sunday, Verstappen, who leads the Briton 9-8 on wins, will win the title but Hamilton thrives under pressure.

"It’s definitely an incredibly intense year and time," said Hamilton, who made his debut with McLaren alongside double champion Fernando Alonso and beat the Spaniard to second in the standings.

"I’ve raced for 28 years, I’ve had so many intense battles through karting, through single-seaters, and this is one of them."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

‘Excited’ Drakes hoping to seize the moment in Pakistan as Windies arrive

KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC )– A new-look West Indies arrived here Thursday morning with high hopes of toppling the home team in the upcoming six-match white-ball series, following the disappointment of the Twenty20 World Cup. The Caribbean side will face the hosts in three Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals from December 13-22, and are set to debut a number of fresh faces in what is expected to face a tough assignment without their talismanic captain Kieron Pollard, who was ruled out last weekend through injury.

Left-arm fast bowling all-rounder, Dominic Drakes, is one of the players poised for his international debut after being named in the T20 squad, and said his elevation to the West Indies ranks seemed almost “fictional”.

“I’m extremely excited to be able to represent the region against one of the best T20 teams,” Drakes said.

“It will be a great test to see where I’m at if I get a chance.

It’s everyone’s dream to reach the international level, that’s why we play, and to be selected at age 23 is great.

“I would like to grab this opportunity and hold it.”

The son of former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder Vasbert Drakes, the 23-year-old suffered a setback earlier this year when he was sidelined by injury during the Super50 tournament in Antigua.

He bounced back incredibly, however, when he starred in the Caribbean Premier League final last September, displaying nerves of steel in an unbeaten 48 off 24 deliveries to seal St Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ first title in a nervy run chase of 160.

Drakes was then called up as a net bowler to the Indian Premier League in United Arab Emirates, drafted into the Chennai Super Kings who eventually won the tournament before being kept as a net bowler for West Indies at the Twenty20 World Cup, also played in the UAE. “Looking back at the year I’ve had so far it almost seems fictional,

Dominic Drakes celebrates after leading St Kitts and Nevis to victory in the CPL final.

like a motivational speech,” the well-spoken Drakes said.

“In my first match for Barbados, I got through seven overs and

finished the game injured. Then to hear that there was a very high possibility that I would need to get surgery and that I would be out the game for nine to 12 months.

“Then to hear the doctor say I would not need the surgery, that I could have therapy but I still needed time off …”

He added: “Then five to six months after that, to be able to play in a competition like CPL. Even if I stopped the year at CPL, that would be a great comeback – to be able to perform so well when no one really had their eyes on me. I just ‘jumped’ and had a good season. “… to move on in the T10 tournament in Abu Dhabi and being named ‘Bowler of the Tournament’ and also being named in the ‘Team of the Tournament’ … it was a bit unreal.”

West Indies start their campaign with the first T20 International on Monday at the Karachi National Stadium.

In Pollard’s absence, Shai Hope will take charge of the ODI squad while Nicholas Pooran will lead the T20 unit.

Windies heading home Georgetown Office Assistants tape-ball action after ‘mentally taxing’ saga billed for Sunday at NCC tarmac GEORGETOWN Office Assistants promotion committee would be staging its end-of-the-year Inter-Ministry/Government Agencies, 8-a-side, 6-over knockout bat your own tape-ball cricket competi-

tion this Sunday on the National Cultural Centre (NCC) tarmac from 09.00hrs.

Teams have until 08:30hrs on competition day to register, but no late entry would be accepted after that period. The event is being coordinated by James ‘Uprisiing’ Lewis CRICKET QUIZ CORNER All players must be fully (Friday December 10, 2021) vaccinated and have official proof of such. Sanitising staCOMPLIMENTS OF tions would be at the venue CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD throughout the competition 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown .Meanwhile, the schoolboys (Tel: 225-6158) cricket final will also be Answers to yesterday’s quiz: played during the day’s programme.

(1) Kraigg Braithwaite-72 Sponsors on board are Office of the President, Ministry (2) Dhananjaya De Silva-155* of Culture, Youth and Sport, Star Party Rentals, The TroToday’s Quiz: phy Stall of Bourda Market, GTT. with special thanks (1) What were the best innings bowling figures by a WI player in the recent WI/SL Test series? to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Task Force..

(2) What were the best innings bowling figures by a For more information SL player in the recent WI/SL Test series? about Sunday’s event teams can call James Lewis on Answers in tomorrow’s issue 625-9007.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Women will leave Oman for the Caribbean on Friday, after nearly two weeks of “mentally taxing” quarantine in the Gulf state.

The Caribbean side travelled to Oman via Namibia, following the cancellation of the International Cricket Council 50-overs World Cup Qualifiers, due to the emergence of a new strain of COVID-19 late last month.

Zimbabwe, along with Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, were hastily blacklisted by the United States, United Kingdom and several European Union nations, and slapped with travel restrictions, after the discovery of the Omicron variant in southern Africa.

“We are pleased to confirm that the West Indies Women’s squad will soon be making their way back home,” said Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave.

“We want to thank them for their patience and understanding as we worked with our counterparts at the ICC and Oman Cricket to facilitate their return at the earliest opportunity.

“We want to express our appreciation to the ICC, Oman Cricket and our operations team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was comfortable, and remained safe.”

CWI announced via Twitter on November 29 that the squad had arrived in Oman but there had been no further word on the

length of stay in Oman or travel plans to the Caribbean.

Head coach Courtney Walsh said the disruption of the last two weeks had been “mentally taxing” but said management had ensured players remained upbeat.

“The team is relieved by the good news that we will be home with our families before Christmas,” the fast bowling legend said.

“The sudden cancellation of the qualifiers and transition period in Oman has been mentally taxing on the entire team, both for the players and management staff.

“As a management group, we tried to ensure that the players remained in a positive frame of mind.

“Our Strength and Conditioning Coach created a fitness challenge for all of us to participate in for the duration of the quarantine period, as it was something to take our minds off what was happening.

“I must say thanks to our team manager, the ICC and Oman Cricket, for all their logistical work, in ensuring we’re on our way home as quickly as possible.”

West Indies Women managed to complete only one game in the World Cup qualifiers, beating Ireland Women by six wickets.

Their second game against Sri Lanka was abandoned after a member of the Asian side’s support staff tested positive for COVID-19.

West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan will advance to next year’s World Cup in New Zealand as the highes.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021

Travis Head posts third-fastest century in Ashes history TRAVIS Head has posted the third-fastest century in men's Ashes history with a remarkable counter-attacking effort late on day two of the first Vodafone Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Playing his first Test in almost a year after being axed against India last summer, Head prodded and poked early on in his innings, enduring a testing spell from Ollie Robinson as England captain Joe Root fielded five slips.

But the edges and the caution soon made way for flat-out aggression, as the left-hander took Ben Stokes, bowling under an injury cloud, for three boundaries from a single over.

From that point on, there was no looking back. Head appeared intent on playing his natural game and motored to his half-century at a run a ball, and then only

Hall appointed interim Reggae Boyz head coach following 'Tappa' Whitmore sacking

Travis Head celebrates his breathtaking century with partner Mitchell Starc

accelerated from there, lofting spinners Jack Leach and Root for sixes and slashing and pulling the quicks with apparent ease.

On 96, he looked to sweep and the ball lobbed up off the forearm, falling safely not far from wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, and an over later he

drove Chris Woakes beautifully down the ground to reach his hundred from just 85 balls.

Given England had taken two quick wickets to leave Australia wobbling a little at 5-195, it was as important an innings as it was spectacular, as the 27-year-old took the

hosts' score past 300 and the lead beyond 180.

Only Adam Gilchrist (57 balls at the WACA in 2006) and Gilbert Jessop (74 balls at The Oval in 1902) have hit faster hundreds in Tests between Australia and England.

(Cricket.com.au)

Barcelona out of Champions League first time in 17 years

Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller in action with FC Barcelona's Clement Lenglet (REUTERS/Andreas Gebert)

FIVE-time European champions Barcelona lost to Bayern Munich to miss out on the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in 17 years.

Barca have not been absent from the last 16 since 2003-04, when they did not qualify for the competition at all.

This exit continues a miserable campaign for the Spanish giants after financial issues forced them to let club legend Lionel Messi leave on a free transfer and then join Paris St-Germain in the summer.

Barca needed to match Benfica's result to advance, but the Portuguese side won 2-0 at home to Dynamo

Kyiv, leaving Xavi's men third and facing a Europa League knockout round play-off.

The game, played in snowy conditions and without fans because of a rise in COVID-19 cases in Germany, had got away from the visitors by half-time.

Bayern scored their first when Robert Lewandowski's

cross found Thomas Muller and his header just crossed the line, before they doubled their lead, thanks to a superb 30-yard strike from former Manchester City forward Leroy Sane.

Jamal Musiala added a third goal in the second half with a routine finish after a pull-back from Alphonso Davies.

Barcelona had chances to take the lead when it was goalless but Jordi Alba, who later went off with a hamstring injury, had a shot saved by Manuel Neuer and Ousmane Dembele also wasted a chance by firing over.

Bayern advance as group winners with a 100% record.

Benfica finished on eight points, with Barcelona, who only scored twice in the entire group stage, on seven points.

The draw for the Europa League takes place on Monday at 12:00 GMT in Nyon, Switzerland and Barca will play one of the Europa League group runners-up, with Rangers one of their potential opponents. (BBC Sport)

New Reggae Boyz head coach Paul Hall

PAUL Hall has been appointed head coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz following the sacking of Theodore Whitmore earlier today, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has confirmed. Hall will be in charge for the remainder of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers that resume early next year.

“Bearing in mind that the World Cup campaign is still ongoing, the JFF has decided to appoint former assistant Paul Hall to lead until the World Cup cycle ends,” a statement from the JFF read.

“The JFF wishes to thank Mr Whitmore for the work that he has put in with the team over the years."

JFF president Michael Ricketts confirmed Hall’s appointment earlier today saying, “Paul is the new head coach. We have had discussions with Paul and he is willing and ready. Everything is in place for him to take over.”

Hall is no stranger to

the Reggae Boyz. He was a member of the team that historically qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup along with other English-based players Fitzroy Simpson, Deon Burton and Robbie Earle.

Hall joined the coaching staff in June on a part-time basis while still being employed by the English club Queens Park Rangers.

The decision to fire Whitmore stems from a recommendation from the JFF’s Technical Committee, who voted almost unanimously to fire him after what has been a disappointing final round campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After eight games, Jamaica has seven points and lies sixth in the eight-team table. Jamaica has only one win so far after wasting glorious opportunities to defeat the United States at the National Stadium in Kingston in November and Costa Rica a few weeks earlier. (Sportmax)

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 10, 2021 CWI president Ricky Skerritt

ICC Under-19 World Cup

Skerritt hails visionary move by regional governments BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt, has praised the investment by regional governments in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup, in the face of challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Four Caribbean nations – Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago – will host the tournament which will run from January 14 to February 5, 2022, and will involve 16 countries.

Speaking at the host venue announcement here recently, Skerritt said the investment in the global showpiece would trigger returns in several sectors for the host nations.

“I understand how hard it has been … and I want to say thank you for pushing

because it’s not always easy, in the midst of so many other priorities, for governments to understand why you would invest thousands of dollars into cricket,” Skerritt said.

“You are doing it because it’s good investment. It’s been proved, over and over again, that the return on investment is excellent. It’s good for tourism. It’s good for youth development and it’s good for the economy.”

The pandemic, which brought a worldwide halt to sport last year also resulted in a global economic downturn, the impact of which has also been felt across the region.

Protracted government-enforced lockdowns have meant a decline in government revenues, forcing authorities to redirect spending.

TURN TO PAGE 30

GFF/K&S year-end football kicks off today at Providence

Football will be back today at Providence

THE wait for a full-fledged year-end football tournament is over, as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, will commence matches today at the GFF’s National Track and Field Facility at Providence.

Starting what is anticipated to be a thrilling 10-day tournament will be the West Demerara Football against Georgetown Football Association matchup from 15:00hrs.

The official opening ceremony will take place on Sunday when Western Tigers face Rupununi All-Stars at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) from 20:30hrs.

Co-Director of the K&S Organisation, Kashif Shanghai, had stated that while there has been a long lay-off from football locally,

Sarwan hunting balanced, winning formula for Jaguars 30

he still expects great rivalry among the teams and players as they put their best foot forward, given the Golden Jaguars will return to action in 2022.

The event is a vaccinated event for all participants and fans.

The first prize is set at $2M, while second placers will settle for $1M. The third--and fourth-place finishers will grab $500 000 and $250 000 respectively, while each team will receive a $200 000 participation fee.

Among the tournament’s sponsors are BACIF, NAMILCO, MVP Sports, Fitness Express, Grand Coastal Hotel, Pegasus Hotel, Secure Innovations and Concepts, Jai Signs and Mohammed’s Enterprise.

‘Excited’ Drakes hoping to seize the moment in 34 Pakistan as Windies arrive PAGE

PAGE

Chairman of GCB selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021