Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_10_15_2020

THURSDAY 15th October, 2020

' No.106153

Omai back in Guyana

–– returns to old worksite, investing US$12M in initial phase

SEE PAGE 03

Lawrence on bail for more fraud charges PAGE

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Suriname Delegation arrives: Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, chats with Suriname Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Albert Ramdin, on his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday.

The arrival of a ministerial delegation from Suriname in Guyana reinforces an agreement by the two countries’ Heads of State to advance discussions on shared development (DPI Photo) (See story on page 7)

‘Syndicato’ protecting illegal miners in Cuyuni

$60M Brickdam lock-ups commissioned PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

‘Syndicato’ protecting illegal miners in Cuyuni ― Minister Bharrat says gov’t working to ‘clamp down’ on illegal operations

By Navendra Seoraj

THE cost of gold has climbed to over US$1,900 per ounce and while this presents great opportunities for local miners, it also breeds ‘desperation’ in the form of illegal mining operations, which in some cases are being protected by the notorious Venezuelan gang, ‘Synidcato’.

There have been multiple reports in recent times that the gang has been operating within the border regions and have been terrorising Guyanese citizens.

These actions have not only been driving fear in local hinterland communi-

ties, but Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said it is also a means of protecting illegal mining operations, particularly in the Cuyuni area.

Late September, a Joint Service patrol from Guyana came under fire from the Venezuelan shore, reportedly from Syndicato gang members.

Guyana’s border with Venezuela is more than 1,000 kilometers long and patrols are conducted on a routine basis, by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force.

But, even before the attack on the officers, employees of the Guyana Geolo-

gy and Mines Commission (GGMC), who were travelling from Eteringbang to conduct mining inspections

in the Cuyuni River, came under fire from persons it believes to be part of the gang. On Friday, September

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

4, while those same workers were en route to their base, they were once again targeted.

A similar incident occurred in May 2016 when officers of the GGMC narrowly escaped injury after they came under attack, in the vicinity of Eteringbang, in the Cuyuni River.

Based on information gathered by authorities, most of those attacks were no coincidence, as they were done to protect Venezuelans who are mining illegally in Guyana.

“We understand the lucrativeness of gold because of the price, but it also reveals how desperate people can get because you have seen gun play in Cuyuni area with ‘Syndicato’ protecting illegal mining operations,” said Minister Bharrat during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

Bharrat said his ministry received information that Venezuelans are mining illegally and are being protected by the Syndicatos.

The minister said there are also Brazilians, who are mining illegally in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“There are miners from Brazil and Venezuela who are mining legally because they are permitted to do so, but there are some who are doing it illegally.”

“We are working towards dealing with illegal mining because not only is it raping our country of resources

and robbing people of benefits, it is also destroying the environment because they do not mine in a sustainable way, which is regulated in GGMC,” said Minister Bharrat.

As part of a renewed strategic vision for the extractive sector, particularly mining, Minister, Bharrat, has mandated the GGMC to intensify monitoring and compliance in keeping with the Mining Act and Regulations.

According to a recent report, this follows the relatively high price for gold and the much-anticipated gold rush which leads to illegal mining and raiding of legitimate mining properties.

It is for this reason that GGMC’s Mines Services Division has resuscitated its Prosecutorial Unit to combat the emerging trend of illegal mining.

Minister Bharrat pointed out that the dormancy of this unit resulted in a cavalier approach towards compliance by miners. The success of this unit has rapidly gained attention across the various mining districts, as the commission intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining and preservation of safe working environment.

According to the natural resources minister, the unit is well supported by the field staff of the division whose compliance checks were essential for filing the requisite charges in instances where offences were committed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Omai back in Guyana ― returns to old worksite, investing US$12M in initial phase

By Navendra Seoraj

AFTER ceasing operations here years ago, Omai Gold Mines Limited (OGML) has made a return to Guyana, specifically to its worksite in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, where it intends to make an initial investment of US$12 million.

It was reported that the company had wrapped up operations in 2015 after 24 years of service in Guyana.

Omai, during its “glory days,” was listed as one of the largest gold mines in Guyana and the world, with estimated reserves of 3.7 million ounces of gold.

“Omai is actually back in Guyana… they are conducting a number of geological surveys, testing and drilling to ensure that they identify mineral-rich areas,” said Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, on Wednesday.

Returning at a time when the price for gold is over US$1,900 per ounce (the highest prices since 2011) is seen as strategic, but Minister Bharrat told the Guyana

Chronicle that it could take at least two years for production to commence because of the magnitude of work expected in the initial phase.

company) are willing to go back into it, at the same location, and they are actually giving a facelift to the facility by doing maintenance and

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

In the initial phase, which is ongoing right now, the company will be drilling and testing to ascertain the viability of mining in the area, but Minister Bharrat said there is sufficient data to prove that there are a lot of minerals at the Omai gold mine.

“Even though Guyanese might think all the gold went away with Omai, they (the

repairs and so on,” said the minister.

Even though there is known potential at the site, the company will have to “dig deeper” because the “top layer” of land is already mined out.

In outlining what is expected to take place, Minister Bharrat said: “They have to go deeper… even though they

are going deeper, it is not as deep as how they are mining in Suriname… but it is not a case of minerals not being there (in Guyana), it is there.”

The company’s prospecting will even expand because they are trying to acquire more land through small miners.

“They are working out their own arrangements…we do not have a problem with that, once both parties are satisfied,” said Minister Bharrat.

HUNDREDS TO BE EMPLOYED Not only will the company be engaging and potentially supporting small miners, it is expected to hire hundreds of people, as over 1,000 persons were employed during the company’s early days of operations in Guyana.

While there is much promise from the return of this company, it was reported that in 1995, waste from the mine overflowed the retention dam, and, over five days, released four million cubic meters of cyanide-bearing tailings into the river that eventually ended up in the Essequibo River.

During this crisis, then

MoE receives tablets for students in need THE Ministry of Education (MoE) recently received 35 electronic Tablets from Demerara Bank Limited and Amazon Supply, which will be given to students in need.

Branch Coordinator and Marketing Officer of Demerara Bank Limited, Christina Correia said “the donation follows an engagement with the Ministry of Education regarding

the provision of Tablets to support students’ learning during this time”.

She added that the Bank recognizes that now is a tough time for all Guyanese especially students since they are unable to attend physical classes and don’t have devices to engage in virtual learning.

Correia said Demerara Bank Limited is happy to partner with the Ministry to supply 15 electronic

Tablets to aid in the initiative. She said the Bank has always supported such initiatives as it believes in heavy investment in education to mold the nation’s children.

Representatives from Amazon Supply handed over an additional 20 electronic Tablets to the Ministry, and they too expressed their gratitude in being given the opportunity to contribute in

such a major way.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, thanked both entities for coming on board particularly during this time. She committed to continued collaboration for future initiatives so that the education sector can be further improved and its services made more accessible to all Guyanese.

President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan declared a stretch of 50 contaminated miles of the Essequibo River as an environmental disaster zone. While concentrations of cyanide of two ppm (parts per million) are fatal, the slag along the Omai River values reached 28 ppm during that disaster.

Considering the environmental impact and the “mishap” in the past, Minister Bharrat assured that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is examining the operations and the company’s plans to ensure that mining is done in a sustainable manner.

“They are going through that process, so taking all of that into account, production can start after two years… they have to go through all the regulations,” said the minister.

The company on its website said Guyana has a long history of resource investment, but recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the country from large international firms.

Currently, there are over 25 mining companies active in Guyana as well as large-scale oil producers like ExxonMobil, which are in-

vesting heavily in Guyana’s infrastructure and workforce.

This “economic renaissance,” as described by Omai, has led the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rate Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world, and determine that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.5 billion is expected to triple within the next five years.

The country’s potential is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the company’s return, and just October 1, 2020, Omai announced that it has completed its previously announced reverse takeover transaction in which Omai acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Avalon Investment Holdings Inc. (“AIHL”), a private Barbados corporation.

AIHL is the parent company of Avalon Gold Exploration Inc, a Guyanese company which is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and potential development of precious metal mineral properties in Guyana, including the former Omai Gold Mines located in the Omai/Potaro Mining District No.2.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

2,000 benefit from Essequibo housing outreach RESIDENTS of villages along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, have lauded the efforts of the Housing and Water Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority as it commenced works to revamp the operating systems in the region.

On Monday, a team led

by Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves, initiated a plan of action with three massive public meetings at central points along the Essequibo Coast.

The meetings were held at the Charity Secondary School, State House at Anna Regina, and at Suddie Primary School, where scores of persons turned out to benefit from all services offered by the housing authority.

Regional Officials also aided the work of the ministry as they too have been bombarded with housing-related matters over the past few months.

According to Greaves, going into these engagements, certain decisions were taken to find solutions for issues that have had persons in a state of uncertainty for years.

It was found that gross mismanagement in the region had left hundreds of persons questioning their next step in moving forward for land allocation and other basic services.

According to Greaves, in most instances, data collection was almost non-existent, hence hampering the smooth flow of operation from the main office. The filtering of critical information to the main office was not forthcoming resulting in persons waiting for years for ownership documents.

Residents expressed their frustration of being told to apply on numerous occasions only to be informed that their information wasn’t entered into the company’s database.

In response, Greave informed the residents that moving forward these occurrences will cease, as the agency has begun a data collection and cleansing exercise which will continue in the region until every person with an Acknowledgment Letter is added to the database.

The CEO reiterated that

Essequibo residents during one of the many outreaches on Monday

the event will not be a oneoff event as that is not sufficient to address the concerns of residents along the coast.

HERE TO SERVE “What we realised, was that persons in the region have been getting little to no service and this was as a result of a number of contributing factors, which we have been addressing as we are here to serve citizens, so we simply have to put in the work to ensure that all citizens get the best service from us as a government agency,”.

Moving forward, the

CEO committed to the residents that a team from the ministry’s head office will be frequenting the coast to continue its data collection drive and provide updates on decisions made to have their issues resolved.

“Data collection is a very important part of our allocation process at the Ministry.

If we don’t have a person’s relevant information in the system, which includes the date the application was made, what income bracket they fall under, we won’t be guided on what allocation best suits that person,”

Greaves explained.

Meanwhile, residents expressed their appreciation for the team’s visit, saying they are now somewhat reassured that their issues will finally be put to rest.

Tiffany Williams, a resident of Onderneeming said she was happy that some clarity had been given on her matter which has had her in limbo for a number of years.

Another resident, Deoshankar Mohan, said he was satisfied that he can now move a step closer to providing a home for his family.

Monday’s event was as

a result of an outreach held recently by the subject Minister, Collin Croal. During that outreach, the minster was met with a string of complaints about the system that existed at the Ministry’s Region Two office.

In a move to take better service to that region, the minister had announced plans to have the regional housing system completely revamped in the best interest of persons. This exercise will see a full-fledged office with adequate and competent staff to cater to the needs of that region.

New REO appointed for Region 10 MINISTER of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall, has appointed Dwight John

Thursday, October 15, 2020 -- 03:30 & 14:30HRS

as the new Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region 10.

John’s appointment took effect on Wednesday.

According to a release, the new REO has given many years of service in the area of Local Governance and Regional Development.

At a simple ceremony on Monday, Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall, stated that he is confident that John will serve the people of region with distinction.

He charged that John executes his function with

fairness and transparency.

Additionally, Minister Dharamlall noted that he is looking forward to the new REO, furthering the agenda of the government.

“I have no doubt Mr. John will serve well in this capacity and I remain committed to working with the Regional Administration to realise the full potential of that region,” Minister Dharamlall posited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

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Trawler association says O&G exploration affecting species ― studies soon to be carried out to assess effects

REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners (GATO) met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, to discuss a number of issues, including the oil and gas industry’s effect on the fishing sector.

During the virtual engagement, President of the GATO, Reuben Charles, commended the Government for the progress made thus far in terms of the ongoing ban on export of catfish to the US. “I’m happy to hear that you are aggressively dealing with the catfish issue. It doesn’t directly affect the trawler association but we are concerned because we are all involved in fisheries and we would like the entire industry to be on a levelled footing,” Charles said.

The association, formed in 1999, has a mandate to advocate for the seabob trawlers in Guyana.

Representative of Noble House Seafood, Leslie Romalo, indicated that his company, like others, was experiencing issues with processing, due to high production costs.

“My big concern is that it is still very hard to compete with other nations when we are processing. For instance, if you look at the electricity cost, because Noble House has a sister company in Suriname, the electricity rate in Suriname is about US 7cents per kw/h whilst in Guyana it is still US 27cents per kw/h, so you can see that big disparity immediately. It is actually more economical to process in a place like Suriname rather than in a place like Guyana and we are competing on the same market with the same

product. We are hoping that these issues can be addressed to try and make the industry in Guyana a little more viable,” Romalo said.

ISSUES ADDRESSED Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that many of the issues raised have already been addressed in the emergency budget.

“I’ll be writing to the Association, outlining some of the measures we have put in place. Immediately after the budget was passed, Government presented a number of bills to the National Assembly to reverse some of the harsh measures put in place when we left office in 2015. Some of the measures like Value Added Tax (VAT) on exports, increases in licencing fees, duty free concessions and zero-rated items - we were able to restore them to the 2014, early 2015 rates. The same benefits that the trawlers association enjoyed prior to our departure from Government will be restored,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha further stated that it was the aim of the Government to reduce the cost of power. He added that Government was also looking to invest in hydro-power once again.

Romalo also touched on the issue of discharge water as a result of the current oil exploration activities offshore.

ALMOST DIMINISHED “I’ve always felt, from what I read that the wells where we were drilling were too far away to disturb the seabob ground. Of recent, while reading the articles, I’ve been seeing that there

is a lot of discharge water coming out of this operation.

I’m beginning to feel, somewhere along the line, that this discharge water might be affecting the larva because the catches in Suriname continue to remain relatively stable, whilst Guyana’s is almost diminished,” Romalo said.

Responding to those concerns, Minister Mustapha said that his Ministry is willing to work with the association to have studies done to address the issues.

Agriculture will continue to support this crucial industry.

We have to look at it from a scientific perspective. Let us work together; conduct a study to look at other areas around the world to see the outcome in those sectors after they started oil production,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister further stated that Government was able to negotiate a lot of internal changes relating to the Payara contract in terms of local content. One such change was

to ensure that the company treats the water that will be released back into the ocean.

DIVERSIFICATION Geer Megan, Chief Executive Officer for GM Enterprise Inc., said that it was in the best interest of the players in the seabob industry to explore diversification.

“I always believe in research and following trends, and based on those trends I make business decisions. I am not in the seabob indus-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, discusses a number of issues faced in the sector during the virtual engagement

“We have to get specialists to carry out studies on these issues. I will be working with the Ministry of Natural Resources so that we can flag these concerns and further engage your association to definitively say how these oil and gas operations are affecting the population of this particular species. I will be putting measures in place to immediately address that and rest assured the Ministry of

try alone. Based on what my other colleagues would have mentioned, I probably would’ve seen what’s coming. Bit by bit my company would’ve been doing a bit of diversification. Exploring diversification; it’s something that most of us in the industry might have to do. Many business decisions need to be made by all the players in the industry. Over the years we have not been seeing any increase, but rather a decrease and it’s something my colleagues might have to look into in the future,” Megan said.

The subject minister also took the opportunity to advise the association to have discussions in order to have a common position on certain issues.

“For example, issues like the issuing of licences to foreign vessels in Guyana.

There are some persons saying that they are willing to have foreign vessels operating in Guyana. While the Government is putting a restriction on the numbers, the Association should advise us based on a common position, what the restrictions should entail as they pertain to the numbers,” Minister said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Human development and economic growth IN a recent editorial, it was highlighted that the recently approved emergency budget for 2020 contained fiscal measures to put the productive sectors of the economy back to work, which in turn will create employment and help to reduce the level of unemployment in the economy, and, in turn, set the stage for a sea of transformational development projects over the next five years.

With the potentially huge growth in GDP in the first decade of oil production, thus transforming the economy into a trillion-dollar or potentially a two-trillion dollars economy, on account of large sums of oil revenues – does not necessarily mean that the quality of life on a broader spectrum – will be improved and/or experienced by a wide-cross section of the Guyanese people. This does not guarantee real economic growth against the background of the human development paradigm, with respect to poverty reduction in particular.

Case in point, with the largest retrenchment under the previous regime of some 10,000 sugar workers – having the far-reaching implication of further adversely affecting about 40,000 dependants – could be devastating. This outcome has in effect taken away approximately $10 billion in income distribution to these workers and the broader economy annually.

This means that the economic and social

well-being of these people are going to decline rather rapidly and oil revenue would not necessarily create direct employment for them. There were a number of government programmes nonetheless, aimed at re-engaging these people in productive income-generating activities such as training with new skills, namely carpentry and plumbing, etc. But these measures, though designed with good intent, will not compensate for the economic loss incurred, neither would it give rise to stability and progressive growth in the income distribution of these thousands of retrenched people.

Fortunately, the current regime is so far demonstrating its strong commitment to fulfil its manifesto promises, where the government has indeed embarked on a programme to resuscitate some of the closed sugar estates.

There may be various reasons for “economic growth lopsided” nations, that is, those which have high rates of GDP growth relative to improvement in human development indicators, including low social expenditure, government corruption, or inequitable distribution of incomes. The resultant effect of such cases suggests that good economic growth not accompanied by increases and/or improvements in human development may prove to be ultimately unstable.

Economic growth is the most powerful

instrument for reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries. Both cross-country research and country case studies provide overwhelming evidence that rapid and sustained growth is critical to making faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals – and not just the first goal of halving the global proportion of people living on less than $1 a day. Growth can generate virtuous circles of prosperity and opportunity. Strong growth and employment opportunities improve incentives for parents to invest in their children’s education by sending them to school.

This may lead to the emergence of a strong and growing group of entrepreneurs, which should generate pressure for improved governance. Strong economic growth therefore advances human development, which, in turn, promotes economic growth.

But under different conditions, similar rates of growth can have very different effects on poverty, the employment prospects of the poor and broader indicators of human development. The extent to which growth reduces poverty depends on the degree to which the poor participate in the growth process and share in its proceeds. Thus, both the pace and pattern of growth matter for reducing poverty.

A successful strategy of poverty reduction must have at its core, measures to promote rapid and sustained economic growth.

The challenge for policy is to combine growth-promoting policies with policies that allow the poor to participate fully in the opportunities unleashed and so contribute to that growth. This includes policies to make labour markets work better, remove gender inequalities and increase financial inclusion.

Asian countries are increasingly tackling this agenda of ‘inclusive growth.’ India’s most recent development plan has two main objectives: raising economic growth and making growth more inclusive, policy mirrored elsewhere in South Asia and Africa. Future growth will need to be based on an increasingly globalised world that offers new opportunities, but also new challenges.

New technologies offer not only ‘catch-up’ potential, but also ‘leapfrogging’ possibilities. New science offers better prospects across both productive and service sectors.

Future growth will also need to be environmentally sustainable. Improved management of water and other natural resources is required, together with movement towards low-carbon technologies by both developed and developing countries.

With the proper institutions, growth and environmental sustainability may be seen as complements, not substitutes.

Guyanese were fooled with the illusion of living ‘the good life’

Dear editor,

THERE is a popular saying, “To each his own” or, “You’re on your own.” Guyanese would say, “You try de” or “Yuh de pon yuh own.”

Perhaps this paradigm replicates Karl Marx’s economic slogan, “From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.” It’s good to remember, “He who robs Peter to pay Paul, can count on the support of Paul.” The phrase “according to his folly,” in short, in negligible issues we should just ignore some people, but in issues that matter, they must be dealt with so that credence will not be given to what they say. Another popular gossip goes, “The more people hear about something, the more corrosive it becomes.” This and many more of the rum shop

gaffs and controversies continue to build up a crescendo until tempers flare and the friendship breaks, all because of words being a bad “chaser” for drinks. Picking sense out of nonsense is senseless, so don’t worry to sensitise anything sensible from suppositions and prepositions.

Guyana is already contaminated with enough sick, slick and sticky issues that toil their way from land to the sea, from ground to the sky and eventually end up from above to below! Oil is a messy business.

The table has turned and it’s amazing to see how America is quickly adapting to Guyana’s craziness. The tirades of politicians created havoc and mayhem in societies in both parts of the world. From Guyana’s legitimate cause for the passing of a no-confidence motion that created chaos and confusion,

this led to APNU+AFC’s scrambling for consoling their foundation.

We can reflect on the Republican President Trump and the House impeachment by the Democrats. The absurd refusal by the APNU+AFC to accept CARICOM’s initial recount result of the elections, showed how biased the party was. Again, aspersions can be cast upon Trump when he openly declared uncertainty of accepting the result if defeated in the upcoming election. Trump’s controversies accounted for many protesters taking to the streets. Misguided by his tongue-twisters, his protagonists have also demonstrated their support in dangerous forms.

Granger’s lies and deceits rallied many marchers taking to the streets also. Trump’s racial innuendoes proved damaging and destructive.

Granger and Harmon’s fabrications

and racial aspersions created ethnic upheavals that proved deadly.

Granger’s illegitimate appointment of James Patterson as GECOM’s chairman was another abuse of power and protocol. Trump is currently engaged in the imbroglio of the appointment of a replacement in the Supreme Court. Granger encouraged the spreading of COVID-19 from the inception and failed to acknowledge its presence.

He did not recognise the urgency and importance of COVID-19 and its implications, therefore, the application of remedial solutions went into abeyance, much to the detriment of the nation. Trump was in “La La Land,” downplaying the deadliness of the pandemic and America paid the penalty with some 210,000 lives and still counting.

Guyana continues to lose the battle

daily. The hapless man in the street tries to go about his business if there is some business and minds his own business. But Guyana’s business is every man’s business. What does the ordinary man know about what goes on behind closed doors? Guyanese were once promised a dream where “the small man will become a real man.” That dream was shattered! Then, Guyanese were fooled with the illusion of living “the good life.” That was a mirage, short- lived and left flabbergasted! Guyanese again are pinning their hopes on promises. It is not 100 days as yet, but, there is a dim light that reflects prosperity for posterity. Let’s hope that the light does not diminish with austerity.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

SOCU searches home of alleged Ponzi schemers DAYS after Accelerated Capital Firm Incorporated (ACFI) began repaying its investors, the home of its principals was, on Wednesday, reportedly searched by members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and several items, including computers and other electronic equipment were seized.

Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, who represents Ateeka Ishameal and her Cuban born husband, Yuri Garcia Dominguez, made these disclosures last evening.

Todd informed that the search began at approximately 13:00hrs at the couple’s Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and lasted until approximately 18:00hrs. The couple was not arrested, he said.

“They walked with sniffer dogs and everything. It was a full operation. They came with a search warrant to seize all the money on the premises so they took all his computers, all the phones, all the records, everything that was put together for

the repayment of the investors. So they [ACFI] have no way of paying back these people,” Todd explained.

Dominguez, his wife and their company, ACFI, have been in the limelight since early August, when the company was accused of running a Ponzi scheme.

It is alleged that over ACFI Financial Adviser, Yuri Garcia Dominguez and his wife, ACFI 17,000 persons have Director, Ateeka Ishmael invested over US$20 Efforts made to contact million in the comthe Head of SOCU, Senior pany.

The couple was arrested Superintendent Fazil Karimin August and released on baksh for a comment on the bail totaling $30 million after situation proved futile.

SOCU was established in appearing in various courts 2013 as a law enforcement on dozens of charges.

They had publically com- agency to support the Finanmitted to begin repayment of cial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the investigation of money customers by Monday.

According to Todd, the laundering, other financial couple honoured their com- crimes, and terrorism.

Todd said that the SOCU mitment and have started to search comes after Dominrepay investors.

However, according to guez indicated last week that sources, the police are now he was being investigated questioning where that mon- by SOCU and had visited the agency. The attorney, on ey is coming from.

Wednesday, claimed that the couple has already shown the police where the money is coming from.

Throughout the accusations the company has been maintaining that the inveslow-income earners where tors’ money was being stored they can have the same acin a “Bitcoin” wallet. cess to a community life“There is no questioning style like a high-income where the money is coming owner. from. At the end of the day She added that the bigwhat is the objective is that gest mandate of the ministry the investors get back their is to ensure that persons bemoney. You can’t tell them come home owners, but she also stressed the need for the necessary infrastructure to be in place for those looking THE arrival of a ministerial to build on their lands. delegation from Suriname “We have asked the in Guyana on Wednesday Guyana Water Incorporated reinforces an agreement by (GWI) to be here; we want the two countries’ Heads of a comprehensive approach State to advance discussions to housing and the Cenon shared development. tral Housing and Planning That agreement is to be at Authority will not be alloboth the policy and technical cating house lots in areas levels. without infrastructure and The delegation includes then we have to catch up on Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivering electricity and International Business and water,” she said. Minister International Co-operation, Rodrigues said once an apAlbert Ramdin; Suriname’s plication is made and people Minister of Public Works, receive their allocations, Dr. Riad Nurmohamed; and GWI will be up to speed Minister of Public Health, with its water distribution Ama Ramadhin, along with network, so they could start technical officers and other construction. government officials.

The Ministry of Health The team arrived at the and the Guyana Police Force Eugene F. Correia Internawill be at the event to ensure tional Airport just before persons follow COVID-19 08:00hrs Wednesday for a safety guidelines and adhere three-day visit. Following the to social distancing. arrival, Minister Ramdin held The event will run discussions with Minister of from 9:00 hours – 15:00 Foreign Affairs and Interhours on Friday and Satnational Cooperation, Hugh urday.

Todd, on various areas of

300 applicants in Regions Three, Four to receive land titles THE Minister of Housing and Water in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be delivering some 300 land titles to residents of Regions Three and Four at a two-day event set for the National Stadium this weekend.

The event, dubbed, “the Dream Realised Project”, is a push for persons to own their own homes.

“We will be aiming to deliver approximately 300 titles targeting Regions Three and Four this weekend. These titles would have been completed by CH&PA and paid off by the applicants,” Minister, Collin Croal explained.

He added that several service providers will be present at the event. “There will be banks at the activity, insurance companies, and a number of Internet providers showcasing to members of the public, the services they provide. Various departments within CH&PA will be at the event to assist persons with inquiries and are seeking further information on their application,” Minister Croal said.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said it will provide an experience for

-electronic equipment, records seized -Attorney anticipates disruption in repayments to investors everyone must get back their money, but when he is doing that you storm in on him to seize the money. They have the records as to where the monies have been invested,” Todd related.

HELPLESS Todd said the company will now have to halt repayments to the clients as the SOCU search team seized all records that were being used to refund the investors their money.

“Now he [Dominguez] has no record, nothing, the PIN number and codes to get the Bitcoin are gone.

The man is totally helpless now. He can’t settle with the people, he can’t do anything now,” Todd said.

Todd had told the Guyana Chronicle that, as of Tuesday, over 100 investors have already received their monies.

Todd had shared that the company was trying to place emphasis on refunding those clients who would have begun investing this year.

“Every day we’re getting names and every day we are updating a spread sheet. When they are paid they sign a cancellation of their agreement,” Todd explained during the interview on Tuesday.

Further explaining he said: “We will take them in groups, and a time is be giv-

en to them to come because we don’t want a situation with people lining up. If they fall within the months of May, June, July, we are going to clear them off in the shortest of time and then go back to those persons who would have invested prior to May.” The investors had the option of being paid by cash or by bank transfer. Some of the investors would have reached out to the company, while others who have not are being contacted by the company, according to Todd.

“The investor can either call the company or call my office and they can give their names and the amount that they invested, and we would then forward that info to the company that has made a spread sheet. The company is reaching out to the persons and they’re saying where investors can go to uplift the money. The location is not a location we would publish for security reasons of course,” Todd explained.

The Ponzi scheme accusations against the company had developed after several investors became worried and agitated after they were not receiving any word from the company on what was going on with their money.

The company later said that they were unable to pay out money to clients after their bank accounts were closed by a number of local com-

mercial banks. The police later facilitated the reopening of a bank account for the company, so that customers could be repaid.

The Guyana Chronicle was unable to make contact with any of the investors repaid by the company so far.

However, the news has been a welcoming development for others who are awaiting their money back.

“I have to wait on the call from the company,” shared one investor who confirmed that he had last spoken to a representative from the company on Monday.

Though asking to remain anonymous, the investor shared that he had begun investing with the company in March, handing over $100,000 to the company, with a contract that promised him 40 percent per month in returns.

Since then he had received a total of $40,000 in returns before the company stopped paying customers.

Nonetheless he shared that he is not worried about waiting to receive the rest of his money.

“It’s a process so everyone just have to wait. They said they will be calling each investor to tell them when to visit the company and take along their contract with them so they can receive their refund and have the contract terminated.

Suriname delegation arrives

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Co-operation, Albert Ramdin speaks to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd on arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Wednesday (DPI photo)

co-operation agreed upon by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, President of Suriname, in August.

The two leaders had met and discussed a plan for a Strategic Dialogue and Co-operation Platform (SDCP), which is expected to be launched during this visit.

During the Suriname President’s August visit, President Ali had said they

discussed co-operation on the management of the natural resources sector, local content policy in the oil and gas sector, the sharing of information on issues of security, use of technology, and joint radar surveillance of the border shared by the two countries and other matters.

President Ali had also said that both leaders committed to having their working committee meet again

in October. That committee would be joined by ministers of the various sectors depending on the issue on the agenda to be discussed.

Wednesday’s visit followed a visit on October 10

by Dr. Nurmohamed, who toured the proposed site of the Corentyne River Bridge with a Guyana team led by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

The ministers visited the landing areas in Guyana and Suriname and at Long Island.

The flags of both countries were planted at those locations. Plans for erecting a high-span bridge linking the two countries also include the building of a flat bridge leading from Guyana to Long Island where a road will be built to connect to the Surinamese side.

Guyana and Suriname formally established diplomatic relations on November 25, 1975.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Chinese supermarket owner shot, robbed A CHINESE supermarket owner was shot Tuesday night after four masked men, three of whom were armed with handguns, invaded his supermarket on the Melanie Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on and carted of $1.4M and other items.

The bandits had relieved the security guard on duty of his handgun before the 48-year-old Chinese man, Zhi Shan Lim, was shot.

The robbers also carted off the DVR with CCTV footage of the robbery, one Samsung S8 cellphone and a quantity

of Digicel phone cards.

Reports indicate that the supermarket is located on the lower flat of a two-flat wooden and concrete structure and on the aforementioned day along with the proprietor, there were five other staff members, all Chinese.

The police said one of the suspects entered the supermarket and purchased two beers; he then returned outside and called the three other suspects to enter.

While in the supermarket one of the men accosted the security guard, a 21-year-old male of Bachelors Adventure,

ECD, who was armed with a 12-gauge, single-barrel shotgun and five live rounds; the man relieved the guard of the shotgun.

The other suspects simultaneously held the victim and the other staff at gun- point.

One of the suspects then dealt Zhi Lu Lin a lash to the left side of his head,thereby causing injuries, while another suspect shot him in the lower left leg.

The robbers then removed the “booty” and escaped with the DVR. The building was checked and the area searched, but none of the suspects was

found.

Several persons in the area were questioned and a driver reported that he saw the four masked men, one of whom was armed with a shotgun.

He added that as he looked in their direction, one of the men fired a shot at him, but he took evasive action and there was no injury or damage to his vehicle.

He then drove to the Vigilance Police Station and reported what had occurred.

The security guard was arrested and placed in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Taxi driver, woman arrested over cannabis in car

A 39-year-old taxi driver of Durban Street and a 20-year-old woman of ‘A’ Field Sophia were arrested on Tuesday after police seized 33.9 pounds of cannabis in a vehicle intercepted at a Mahaicony Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadblock.

Reports indicate that police stopped the car and searched the two persons about 03:30hours but found nothing on the suspects; however, a further search revealed two large bags containing seven compressed parcels of cannabis.

Police said the latter confessed to owning the illegal items. They were both arrested and escorted to the

The seized cannabis

Mahaicony Police Station.

The parcels were

weighed in the presence of the duo and it amounted

to 15, 412 grams. investigations are continuing.

Cyclist robbed, ex-cop among three arrested POLICE recently arrested an ex-policeman and two others after they allegedly robbed a 19-yearold cyclist along the De Kinderen Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

In custody are a 25-year-old ex-cop of Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD); a 23-year-old AC technician of Kaneville, EBD; and a 25-year-old construction worker of Providence New Housing Scheme, EBD. Police said the victim, Darmendra Yussuff of De Willem, WCD had left his work place at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo with his bicycle and he was proceeding east along the De Kinderen Public Road when he was approached by the three suspects who were in a motorcar.

The car, a white Toyota Premio, drove alongside him and one of the suspects, who was clad in police uniform, ordered him to stop his bicycle.

Thinking that the man was indeed an officer, the cyclist stopped his bicycle.

He was then asked several questions by the suspect, including why he was not wearing a face mask.

The suspects then asked the teenager what he had in his pocket, to which he replied money.

The perpetrators then asked him to put the money on his bicycle seat and believing that the man was indeed a law enforcement officer, the cyclist complied.

Realising something was amiss when one of the robbers decided to collect the money and another relieved him of his cellphone, the young man fled the scene.

At this point, the suspects drove away in the car. The victim, who managed to record the vehicle registration number, contacted the police, who responded quickly, located the suspects’ motorcar and subsequently gave chase.

The suspects drove the car into the Uitvlugt Estate Road in a bid to escape.

The driver then abandoned the vehicle, leaving his other colleagues to be apprehended by the police.

A continued search effort by the officers resulted in the arrest of the driver. The car was then searched and a cutlass and an improvised icepick were recovered and lodged.

The car and suspects were escorted to the Leonora Police Station where they were positively identified by the victim.

Investigations are ongoing.

Guyana travel website launched THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on Wednesday, launched a one-of-its-kind website to assist travelers during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

This website was created to provide a platform for visitors and travelers alike with valuable information that will guarantee a hassle-free and safe-travel experience when coming to Guyana.

According to Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, before the website and in the early stages of the pandemic, especially in Guyana, persons were flustered as to where to get travel information.

“With this platform, per-

sons can get all the information they need. This is the first of its kind and Guyana is definitely setting an example for the world to take note of,” said the minister. Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan A. Edghill, commended the team at GCAA on a job well.

He further stated that knowledge is power, information gives people peace of mind and the website is a small step that satisfies a big need in Guyana and in the diaspora.

“The People’s Progress Party Administration, while we are governing, we are cognisant of the fact that we are serving, and in doing so, we will meet the needs of the people,” Minister

Edghill said.

He also noted that the world at large had to change or adapt due to COVID-19; the aviation industry had to stand and face the challenges and new methods of operation had to be developed in order to deal with the changing dynamics of the world.

The website is filled with valuable information for persons desirous of travelling to Guyana in a pandemic environment.

Persons are asked to visit the website on guyanatravel.gy for all of their information and guidance on what is required to travel to Guyana in this period.

The travel website that was launched on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

$60M Brickdam lock-ups commissioned –– inspector-general being sought for police force

By Rabindra Rooplall HOME Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, is seeking to appoint an inspector-general within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure prisoner’s cells and police stations countrywide are properly maintained.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday at the commissioning of a $60M lockups in the compound of the GPF ‘A’ Division headquarters, Brickdam, Georgetown.

The new facility is expected to comfortably house 52 prisoners.

“This is somebody who goes around and inspects and ensures that everything is of a proper and professional standard and I would like to be able to appoint somebody in that role, whether it’s an old policeman or a serving policeman, somebody that goes around and at all levels in respect of the accommodations and to remind our policemen of the training which they have received,” Minister Benn said.

The public pays the taxes and they should feel proud of the GPF, he said. In Trinidad and Tobago, their police force is taking steps to garner feedback on public perception of them.

“With the level of standards, the question of a satisfaction survey of the policemen and women themselves

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, and Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie inspect one of the new cells at the Brickdam lock-ups (Adrian Narine photo)

of that service is done, I have already asked to see what we have along those lines in the past and I also hope to interface with the Trinidadians as to the type of questionnaire and the experience they want to derive out of that effort,” Minister Benn said.

Further, he explained that when someone enters a police station, there should be a video camera recording the engagement for reference to the higher command.

“This is so that we are always constantly aware of what we ought to do and that we have opportunities

and police websites and other places to complain. We don’t want to go to the Police Complaints Authority or be running to the Office of Professional Responsibility.

A lot of the issues seem to be one in which we could gradually work out by engaging with each other and having an understanding of the environment, the challenges and the pitfalls that may be out there in respect of policing,” Benn said.

He demands a high standard of policing and said acting Police Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, and Depu-

ty Commissioner, Clifton Hicken, are on the same page with him.

“At the end of the day we want to hand over a better situation that which we would have experience when we came here and so whatever the difficulties are it isn’t too late to change and it isn’t too late to have an introspection with respect to our own professional and personal development,” he explained.

MUST SERVE AND PROTECT The force, he also said, must not engage in brutalisa-

$125,000 gifted to elders by President Ali FIVE elders, between the ages of 75 to 90, in Region Two, have each received $25,000 as part of an initiative of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, to help the elderly live a more comfortable life.

The five beneficiaries are Mavis Blucher, Ursella Henry, Chinta Persaud, Azeeman Ramnarine, and

Albert Cabral. The cash was presented to community leaders who will make the presentations on behalf of President Ali. Speaking at the first Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting, Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt, said the persons who received the monetary do-

nations are all senior citizens throughout the region.

They were selected by members of the Regional Democratic Council. The persons who received the money live across Region Two and as far as Wakapoa.

According to Ramdatt, the Government has put many relief mea-

sures in place to assist pensioners to live a more comfortable life. He said while only five persons benefitted from the initiative, recommendations will be made for others.

The envelopes containing the cash were given to RDC councillors and community leaders who will give it to the elders.

The leaders who received the cash vouchers on behalf of the elders. In picture are Regional Chairwoman, Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt; and Regional Vice- Chairman, Humace Odit

tion of prisoners, since the GPF is an organisation that must serve and protect.

Benn emphasised that the quality of service of the GPF and all other disciplined services is not defined by how well ranks are dressed, but by their engagements with the public and the level of respect that is offered even in the times of trouble.

“A high level of professional service and respect must be offered and so we have to recommit ourselves always to the issue of service and protection to the public and our country particularly in the difficult role of policing,” he said.

The lock-up was first constructed under the tenure of former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, and Minister Benn said it appeared as though the former administration did nothing to make the cells operable over the past five years.

“We have now fixed them to a standard with proper ventilation so that they can be occupied and that the persons we have to take charge of, in a situation where they have to be constrained and confined, that they will be better housed and in a more respectful manner,” Minister Benn said.

The minister is expecting that on random visits to police stations, he does not see dirty mattresses on the floor in cells, dirty lock-ups, or to find the accommodations not properly kept.

These facilities, he said,

must be in satisfactory condition and the language and demeanour of policemen and women must be civil when interacting with the public.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, said in a world where human rights are given top priority; the GPF has been constantly reviewing its operation to ensure compliance.

“The force serves as a mere custodian of offenders while investigations are ongoing or they are awaiting appearance at court where the innocent or guilty will be determined by the presiding magistrate or judge. It has an implicit responsibility to treat every suspect as innocent until proven guilty,” Hoppie explained.

This mean that the procedures employed and the holding facility used must be in compliance with the required standards, he said.

“In consideration of these factors as others, the GPF has, over the last decade, and before have been constantly reviewing and reviving its strategies and operations so as to deliver its mandate,” the acting top cop said.

With the newly-constructed lock-ups, he said the force will be planting its feet in the right direction as ranks seek to make the country safer and discharge duties with the level of responsibility expected of any law enforcement agency in the 21st century.

Chinese woman dies from COVID-19

GUYANA has lost yet another life to the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the death toll to 107.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the victim was a 46-year-old female of Chinese descent.

The woman was said to be a patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC’s) Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she died while receiving treatment on Wednesday.

Health authorities have so far tested 16,308 persons, with 12,719 being negative, and 3,589 positive. Some 24 of those cases were recorded within the past 24 hours.

Of the total positive cases, 2,487 persons have recovered, and 107 have lost their lives.

The remaining cases include 80 persons in institutional isolation, 900 in home isolation, and 16 in the COVID-19 ICU. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus. Most people

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

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

But the COVID-19 disease has proven to be “a real killer,” especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension among other ailments.

Persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease.

Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Anyone who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Emergency numbers: 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately, or visit the ministry’s website at www.health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Xi reaffirms poverty relief commitment to seminar (China Daily) -- PRESIDENT Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment on Monday to eradicating absolute poverty throughout the country by the end of this year and called for international cooperation in stepping up the global poverty reduction process.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remark in a congratulatory message delivered to the International Seminar on Poverty Eradication and the Responsibility of Political Parties, which was held in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province.

“We have the confidence and ability to secure full victory in the critical battle against poverty, and realize the poverty eradication goal of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule,” Xi said.

Noting that eradicating poverty, improving people’s livelihoods and allowing people to realize common prosperity are essential requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said they

are also important missions of the Party.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, China has made poverty reduc-

Party celebrates its centenary in 2021, and it has taken a series of major steps to declare war on poverty, Xi said.

“The problem of absolute

significant to human society”.

Despite progress made in global poverty eradication, grave difficulties and challenges remain, Xi said.

tion a key task to fulfil in order to realize the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the time the

poverty that has beset the Chinese nation for centuries will be settled,” he said, describing the achievement as “greatly

“It is urgent for the international community to build consensus and work together to uphold multilateralism,

maintain peace and stability and accelerate the process of global poverty alleviation,” he said.

Around 400 participants, including experts, representatives of political parties from over 100 countries and those of international organisations, attended the event organised by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee.

In the keynote speech at the seminar, Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said eradicating poverty is a prominent aspect of the Party’s governance of the country.

Party leadership is the most important experience for China to make historic achievements in poverty relief and the fundamental support for winning the battle against poverty, Song said.

Addressing the seminar in a video speech, Bounnhang Vorachith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos,

commended China’s achievements in poverty reduction and said China has used its experiences to tell the world that eradicating poverty is something possible.

Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union?Patriotic Front, congratulated China on becoming the first country to meet the poverty eradication goal of the 2030 Agenda by the end of this year, and said China’s poverty alleviation strategy has set an example for pushing for the development and progress of humanity.

Leaders of Namibia, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Argentina and Suriname also praised China’s achievements in poverty eradication in their messages to the seminar, highlighting the CPC’s people-centred philosophy and expressing their willingness to share experiences with China in poverty reduction and to develop mutually beneficial co-operation.

China’s robust post-COVID economic growth contributes to global recovery (Xinhua) -- As the Golden Week holiday further perked up China’s economy, observers expect China to make greater contributions to global economic recovery and development.

POSITIVE GROWTH The World Bank projected in a report published on its website in June that China’s economy is expected to grow 1.6 percent in 2020 -- the only major economy projected to achieve positive growth -- while the global economy as a whole will contract 5.2 percent.

The Golden Week holiday has given the country’s economic recovery a leg up. Tourist attractions across China received a total of 637 million visits during the holiday. The figure is equal to 79 percent of visits during the holiday last year, according to the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Meanwhile, tourism rev-

enue nationwide hit 466.56 billion yuan (69.7 billion U.S. dollars), 69.9 percent of that in the same period in 2019, according to the ministry.

“Half a billion trips show China’s economy moving past COVID,” Bloomberg reported Friday.

Oxford Economics, a British research and advisory group, indicated that China’s share of global GDP will increase by about a percentage point this year, and China’s economy has benefited from its vital role in global supply chains.

Even in the face of tense U.S.-China relations, “many U.S. multinationals remain keen to engage with China,” said Louis Kuijs, chief Asia economist at Oxford Economics.

He added that China’s moves to facilitate foreign investment in its financial sector is also likely to encourage U.S. companies.

U.S. financial services

firms BlackRock, Vanguard and JPMorgan have all increased their presence in China recently. A recent survey of U.S. companies with major operations in China found that just 4 percent were relocating their production back to the United States.

FACILITATING GLOBAL RECOVERY From morning tai-chi at various gardens to lunch crush in central business districts, with high-speed rails carrying masses throughout the country, China has returned to a postCOVID new normal.

Talking about China’s steady recovery from the pandemic, Yousef Al-Benyan, chairman of the Business 20 Saudi Arabia, told Xinhua in a recent interview that, “I have expressed many times how inspired I am by the extraordinary efforts made by the Chi-

nese people during this crisis at every level. It is only because of these efforts and sacrifices that we are now witnessing a significant recovery in China.”

Farid Murad, vice president of the Sao Paulo state Federation of Trade Associations, told Xinhua in a recent interview that “China’s control of the pandemic created a very favorable environment for the bilateral relationship, and mainly paved the way for our trade ties to strengthen and created an environment of great harmony for them to flow positively.”

In September, Brazil registered the highest trade surplus for the month on record, amounting to 6.164 billion dollars, with Brazilian exports to China up by 13.7 percent year-on-year, according to data from the Economy Ministry.

Al-Benyan said, “it is our hope that we will continue to see a rebound of the Chinese economy, which will serve as a major contributor to global economic recovery.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Resources available for every household

–– Local Gov’t Minister LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, has assured Berbicians that every household will benefit from the $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant initiative which is being rolled out throughout Guyana.

The grants were delivered to residents in the Crabwood Creek and Bush Lot/ Adventure catchment areas on the Upper Corentyne on Wednesday.

Over 52,000 households are to benefit from the $1.3B grant to cushion the effect of the COVID -19 pandemic.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to the regional administration complex in New Amsterdam on Wednesday, Dharamlall said 20 distribution teams, which consist of three members each, inclusive of a specially trained police rank, commenced work last Monday at the Corriverton municipality before fanning out to the

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils at Molson Creek, Number 52- 74, Number 51Good Hope, Maida/Tarlogie and Massadona/Joppa.

The distribution went smoothly with no major hiccups.

"Every household will get the COVID cash grant... the household which cannot be verified, there is a pink

form. A verification will be done and if they deserve the cash, they will get it,” she said.

Further, in an instance where a building consists of two apartments or where it is easily distinguishable, then the primary householder gets the grant.

The secondary householder will have to fill out a

pink form and a verification will be done prior to the issuance of the grant.

"Resources has been set aside for everyone; billions of dollars are being expended. We just want to ensure that the system is foolproof and is beyond queries… it may take a few days extra but everyone will get,” he assured.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Scores of Success squatters leave, few left behind

–– as GuySuCo intensifies preparation of land

By Vishani Ragobeer SCORES of persons who were squatting on the GuySuCo land at Success have left, while few, with nowhere else to go, have stayed behind on the lands being flooded by the corporation, as part of its field preparation for sugar cane cultivation.

Over the past few months, squatters have been occupying lands at Vryheid’s Lust, Success and Chateau Margot on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). The largest group of squatters has been squatting at Success, on lands belonging to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), where sugar cane cultivation is expected to resume, after years of dormancy.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), on the campaign trail, promised that it would revitalise sugar production once in office. In keeping with this promise, President Irfaan Ali, during a recent press conference, related that a sum of money

One squatter moving with her belongings, as the GuySuCo lands have been flooded, as part of the preparation for planting of cane

would be used to start preparation for the reopening of the Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates. For the Enmore estate, in particular, to be re-operationalised, Head of the Agriculture Research Centre at GuySuCo, Gavin Ramnarain, explained that massive amounts of the cane crop will be required. That amount of cane crop is expected to be garnered from lands across the ECD, includ-

ing at Success.

But, the land must first be prepared before cane seedlings can be planted there. As such, GuySuCo has begun flooding the land to clear it of any pests and unwanted vegetation. Gavin explained that this is a cheap and eco-friendly option of clearing the land.

For the squatters, however, this means that the humble homes they have built on the land are now flooded. When

the Guyana Chronicle visited Success on Tuesday, some persons were seen moving off of the land, as the flood waters had begun encroaching into their homes. On Wednesday; however, as far up as the first field was entirely flooded as three excavators were observed digging up the land.

“I ain’t got nowhere else to go. I poor and I lose me job since this COVID thing and I really ain’t got nowhere else

to go,” a mother of four said.

Previously, she worked as a salesgirl and lived in a rented home. Since losing her job, she said she was forced to come to Success and squat.

She stood on the high dam, with an infant child in hand, as the water flooded her makeshift home. She explained that while many of the squatters there at Success had somewhere else to go, she has nowhere else to go.

The few squatters who stayed amidst the flooding related that they were the ones in dire need of the assistance; they complained that many others who left were not in such dire need and had somewhere else to go.

Daveka, a pregnant mother, was one such person. Her home consists of a tarpaulin wrapped around pieces of wood wedged into the ground; she has a small kerosene stove and a mattress on top of a few wooden crates.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that she was a receptionist at the Tourist Villa, but lost her job due to the pandemic. She occupied the land a few months ago and made there her home.

Currently, she is on a slightly higher dam towards the western end of the Success lands and not much water has encroached into her space. However, it won’t be long before the water will flood her humble abode.

Recently, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) began streamlining the land applications of squatters occupying those lands unlawfully, in an attempt to provide some redress. The CEO of the CH&PA, Sherywn Greaves, reaffirmed, on Monday, that the authority was doing all that it could to assist those persons, but the authority is still distributing lands in a structured manner -- giving lands to persons with the oldest applications first.

Though cognisant of the plight of these squatters, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, previously told the Guyana Chronicle that the affected individuals have to follow the established process of applying for house lots, that is, through an application to the CH&PA.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Sophia murder accused freed

Lawrence on bail for more fraud charges

–– gets $100,000 bail

AFTER spending the last five years on remand, Odel Roberts, called “Gully Side” was, on Wednesday, freed of a murder charge which alleged that he murdered a Sophia shopkeeper in 2015.

Roberts, 25, called Delon Williams, formerly of ‘C’ Field Sophia, was on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a

Odel Roberts

Shawn Anys

12-member mixed jury at the Demerara High Court.

Roberts had denied that on May 1, 2015, he murdered shopkeeper, Shawn Anys, during a robbery at `D’ Field, Sophia.

The state was represented by prosecutors, Tiffani Lyken and Nafeeza Baig, while attorney-at-law, Damien DaSilva, represented Roberts.

The jury, after deliberations, returned a unanimous not guilty verdict in favour of Roberts.

Though acquitted, he will remain in jail as he is currently serving a three-year sentence for a narcotics charge. He was busted with cannabis last year while incarcerated at the Camp Street Prison.

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

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

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

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

Former Government Minister and Chairperson of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence

CHAIRPERSON of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence, on Wednesday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on two counts of conspiracy to defraud.

Lawrence, a former Health Minister, was released on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charges alleged that Lawrence, on March 5, 2020, at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, conspired with GECOM’s Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent account of votes for District Four in the March 2 elections.

Lawrence was represented by attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes while the state was represented by prosecutor, Teriq Mohammed from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers.

The Chief Magistrate released Lawrence on $50,000 bail on each count and adjourned the case to December 9.

On Tuesday, Lawrence was released on $100,000 bail after being questioned

by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) ranks.

This is her second appearance before the court to answer elections fraud charges.

On August 24, 2020, she was placed on $100,000 bail

by Magistrate McLennan in relation to a private criminal charge filed against her for the alleged fraudulent elections declaration of March 5, 2020. She was jointly charged with Mingo, who is currently on self-bail for the indictment.

That charge was filed given that their signatures were on said declaration, and a national vote recount subsequently found that the

numbers were inflated in favour of the APNU+AFC. Mingo is also before the court on several fraud charges, including uttering a forged document with intent to defraud the public, contrary to Section 278 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. He was granted $600,000 bail and the case adjourned to November 16, to allow the prosecution time to complete the filing of statements.

Lawrence and Mingo are among several who are before the court charged with various offences pertaining to the March 2 elections.

On Friday last, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers was released on $300,000 bail, after pleading not guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office, when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate.

Hughes and Ronald Daniels are her attorneys.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is before the court on three private criminal fraud charges and is expected to go on trial next month.

Magistrate Faith McGusty, who is presiding at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, is hearing those matters which were filed by People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member, Desmond Morian, and General Secretary of The New Movement (TNM), Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

Lowenfield has been accused of presenting elections results with the exact inflated figures in favour of the APNU+AFC. Those same figures were declared by Mingo.

He was not required to plead and was released on $450,000 bail.

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World Cup qualifiers.

Neymar becomes second highest scorer in Brazil’s history with hat-trick against Peru NEYMAR scored a hattrick to become the second highest scorer in Brazil's history as the Copa America champions won 4-2 away to 10-man Peru in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The goals took Neymar to 64 international strikes, two more than Ronaldo but still well behind Pele's record of 77.

Elsewhere, Joaquin Correa scored the winner 11 minutes from time as Argentina laboured to a 2-1 victory over Bolivia to maintain their 100% record after two matches.

Peru twice took the lead through Andre Carrillo and a heavily deflected strike from Renato Tapia, but two controversial Ney-

mar penalties, an injury time third and a closerange strike from Richarlison maintained the Selecao's winning start to qualifying for Qatar 2022.

Carrillo opened the scoring on six minutes with a dipping volley from 20 yards after latching onto Marquinhos's weak clearance.

Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese then denied Firmino from point-blank range after he seemed certain to tap home from Richarlison's cushioned header.

Brazil dominated the ball but Peru's pacey forwards looked dangerous on the counter-attack and visiting goalkeeper Weverton had to be alert to keep out a shot from Christofer Gonzales.

But Neymar sent Gallese the wrong way from the spot after Yoshimar Yotun was penalised for tugging his shirt in the box.

Out of nowhere, Tapia's speculative long-range strike took a wicked deflection off Rodrigo Caio and wrong-footed Weverton on 59 minutes.

The lead lasted only a few minutes before Richarlison touched a Firmino header from a corner over the line to restore parity.

The winner came seven minutes from time as Carlos Zambrano was harshly adjudged to have fouled Neymar.

Worse was still to come for Zambrano as he was sent off minutes later for a stray elbow that caught Richar-

Argentina's equaliser came in comical fashion as Jose Carrasco tried to clear the ball out of his six yard box after cutting out Martinez's cross, but he shanked the ball off the forward's shin and past goalkeeper Carlos Lampe.

Lionel Messi, who had an otherwise quiet game, and Martinez then combined to tee up Correa to thrash home the winner.

ECUADOR WORK OF ART -

Brazil's Neymar celebrates scoring his third goal against Peru during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the National Stadium, in Lima, Peru, Tuesday.

lison and Neymar drilled home the final nail in Peru's coffin after Gallese spilled a shot from Everton Ribeiro.

FARCICAL EQUALISER Lionel Scaloni's Argentina earned a second narrow victory in a row following Thursday's 1-0 win over Ecuador.

Marcelo Moreno Martins had given hosts Bolivia a deserved lead but Argentina scored a fortuitous equaliser through Lautaro

Martinez.

Bolivia should have been ahead on six minutes when Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani was caught off his line but Moreno Martins sent his header from an angle onto the roof of the net.

Moreno Martins made amends on 24 minutes as he rose between Argentina's center-backs to power home a header from eight yards after Alejandro Chumacero was allowed to run from halfway into the visitors' box before crossing from the left.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 15, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Sachin Tendulkar-618 runs (MI) (2) Pragyan Ojha-21 wickets (Deccan Chargers) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2010?

(2) Who had the best bowling figures in a single IPL game in 2010?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Ecuador totally dominated Uruguay in a 4-2 victory in Quito.

They took the lead on 15 minutes as Moises Caicedo flicked home a header from an Angel Mena cross.

Both sides had a goal ruled out following a VAR review before Michael Estrada doubled the advantage on the stroke of halftime, rifling home from inside the box after a mistake by veteran Uruguay centre-back Diego Godin.

Uruguay were denied again by VAR before Ecuador went straight up the other end where Estrada cracked home Valencia's back-heel from 20 yards.

Ecuador's final goal was a work of art as Alan Franco's reverse pass bemused Uruguay's defence and Gonzalo Plata rolled his foot over the ball to commit both sliding defender Ronald Araujo and goalkeeper Martin Campana before stroking the ball into the far corner.

Luis Suarez scored his record-extending 61st and 62nd goals for Uruguay with a pair of late penalties that were no more than a consolation.

Radamel Falcao scored an injury time equaliser as Colombia salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw in Chile.

Jefferson Lerma gave Colombia an early lead but Chile turned the match in Quito around by half-time with strikes from Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez.

Gaston Gimenez scored a late winner before goalkeeper Anthony Silva saved a penalty from Yangel Herrera as Paraguay won 1-0 in Venezuela.

(AFP)

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, October 15, 2020

Former New Zealand all-rounder GFF boss hoping ...

John Reid dies aged 92 (REUTERS) - New Zealand’s oldest surviving Test player John Reid passed away at the age of 92 in Auckland, the country’s cricket board (NZC) said yesterday.

Former skipper Reid played 58 Test matches for the Kiwis, scoring 3 428 runs including six centuries and bagged 85 wickets between 1949 and 1965.

A hard-hitting batsman and fast bowler, Reid captained New Zealand to their first three Test victories.

The first came against West Indies at Auckland in 1956, which ended a winless streak of 26 years for the New Zealand team. The second and third both came during New Zealand’s drawn series in South Africa in

John Reid (left) who became a match referee for the ICC in later life, is here officiating in a West Indies-England series in 1994.

1961-62.

"He (Reid) was, and will remain, a household name in this country, having helped pave the way for everything that has come in his wake," said NZC chief executive David White in a

statement here.

“NZC will acknowledge and mark John’s wonderful life and career at an appropriate time.”

After retiring from Test cricket, Reid took up the role of a national selector and

team manager before working as a match referee for the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 1993 to 2002.

“This is a sad day for cricket. John was not only a top all-rounder of his time but a fine captain as well,” ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said in a statement.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose career as a player, captain and match official will be long remembered.”

NZC said a private family service will be held for Reid, while a memorial service at the Basin Reserve in Wellington is being planned.

Rapid Nortje inspires Capitals to win over Royals DELHI Capitals went The pitches of Dubai top of the Indian Preare rarely thought of as mier League (IPL) the ideal stage for the with a gripping 13world's premier fast run win over Rajasbowlers but Archer and than Royals (RR).

Nortje put on a thrilling Half-centuries from exhibition of their art.

Shikhar Dhawan Of the five runs Archer and skipper Shreyas conceded in his opening Iyer accounted for spell, only two came off the bulk of Capitals' the bat.

161-7.

If none of Delhi CapBen Stokes (41) itals line-up could get the and Jos Buttler (22) measure of Archer, the impressed at the top of same could not be said the Rajasthan reply but about the Royals' batsneither man could kick men's ability to deal with on and when Anrich Delhi Capitals beat Rajasthan Royals by 13 runs and registered their Nortje initially, as Buttler Nortje (2-33) crowned threatened to dispatch sixth win of the IPL 202o. a blistering fast-bowlhim to all parts. ing display by bowling The solution? Bowl ball in his hand and a foot start went further off the Robin Uthappa for 32, the grounded behind the rope rails when Smith contin- faster. And faster still. The task was beyond a Royals when attempting to take a ued poor recent form by delivery that bowled Butside, who have now lost five catch off Jaydev Unadkat. chipping a return catch tler and the one he ramped of their eight games in the Capitals captain holed to Ravichandran Ashwin preceding it both touched competition.

156 km/h. It was a gripping out for 53 off Tyagi next for one.

Jofra Archer gave Ra- over and the end of their Stokes looked in immac- battle. jasthan the perfect start with innings brought a clatter of ulate touch and hit six fours a beautiful delivery that wickets, with Archer (3-19) in his 41 before misjudging SMITH GETS IT nipped back off the seam to and Unadkat (2-32) the ben- Tushar Deshpande's slower WRONG bowl Prithvi Shaw from the eficiaries.

Normally so reliable with ball to be caught in the deep first ball of the match. the bat, Smith has fallen Stokes clipped the open- by substitute Lalit Yadav.

That launched a stunning ing ball of Royals' reply for Sanju Samson hit Axar away dramatically in form. opening burst of 2-5 from four and he and England Patel over midwicket for a This was his fifth single-figthe England paceman, who team-mate Jos Buttler en- monstrous six that resulted ure score in six innings and Ajinkya Rahane pulled tame- sured an explosive initial in the retrieved ball being the Australia star also fell ly to mid-on. changed but the left-arm short with his captaincy. response.

Dhawan played with The decision to remove South Africa paceman spinner had his revenge, typical authority until his Nortje elected to meet fire bowling the big-hitter for 25. a rampant Archer from 33-ball stay ended in inaus- with fire and, having been Patel then accounted for the attack after two overs picious fashion on 57 when thumped over wide long-on Riyan Parag via a run-out - a looked questionable at the he scooped Shreyas Gopal for six and scooped for a pair debacle for which Uthappa time and it felt like Delhi to Kartik Tyagi at third man. of fours, he bowled Buttler was unable to atone as his had been decisively let off Iyer passed fifty when to end an undulating nine- team-mates limped to148-8. the hook as Dhawan and a third umpire review ball stay.

Iyer compiled their crucial showed Stokes had the 85-run stand.

PACE LIKE FIRE Rajasthan's promising

From backpage in time for the federation to host its end-of-the-year tournament.

Though falling 3-0 in their first meeting with Guatemala in 2010, and then 2-0 two years later at the Guyana National Stadium, Golden Jaguars will be hoping to come away with a win and move on to face either The Bahamas or Guadeloupe in the second round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers.

Should Márcio Máximo and his troops come out successful, they will be drawn in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside Jamaica, Suriname and Costa Rica.

The 2021 Gold Cup will begin on July 2, 2021, with a Preliminary Round which will include 12 CONCACAF member associations competing for the final three spots in the 16-team Group Stage. The Group Stage of

the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup will kick off on July 10, 2021. The 12 CONCACAF national teams, which qualified directly through their performances in the CONCACAF Nations League group stage, the guest participant, AFC Asian Cup Champions Qatar, and the three Prelims winners have been divided into four groups.

The Knockout Stage, to be played among the top two finishers in each group, will for the first time in Gold Cup history see teams on opposite sides of the bracket meet from the quarterfinals onwards.

In previous editions, teams have only competed against opponents on the same side of the bracket until the Final. This change will add further unpredictability and excitement to the competition, which was expanded from 12 to 16 teams for a hugely successful 2019 edition.

Minister Ramson to ...

From backpage looking at the Amelia’s Ward basketball court.

Rose Hall Jammers have a plot of land that they own in Berbice, so we’re looking to work with them to have those facilities developed,” Singh said.

At present, there’s no proper basketball court in Linden, with the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) facility in a deplorable state and unwelcoming to the sport and the Amelia’s Ward hard court lacking basic infrastructure to host games.

Singh said the fact that Linden, a place known for providing Guyana with some of its best basketball players, is lacking in the area of facilities, tells how much the sport is in dire need for some input from the ministry.

Developing Saints’ Indoor Facility At present, only Cliff Anderson Sports Hall can accommodate basketball at an International standard with Guyana’s only other indoor facility, the National Gymnasium, used only for other sports.

As such, Singh revealed that GABF has since handed over a plan to Minister Ramson, to develop an indoor facility at the St Stanislaus College. Singh ex-

plained to Chronicle Sport that the GABF will be banking on the fact that the country’s Head of State, Dr Ali is a former student of the institution and with that in mind, they hope it finds favour with the Government of Guyana.

“We had the plan. We handed it to Minister Ramson and it’s an idea that he welcomes and supports fully.

Right now we’re in talks with the St Stanislaus College and the patrons of the school, the Fernandes, to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), so we can proceed,” the former Colts player said.

According to Singh, GABF is highly optimistic of a fruitful outcome to its plans for the ‘Saints’ facility.

“That’s just one facility and we’re hoping to see more developed, especially in Linden. We at GABF think that it will raise the game in a significant way and truly help the development of Guyana basketball,” Singh highlighted.

Meanwhile, when asked about the return of competition, Singh noted, “We’re ready right now to have tournaments. In fact, we have a mandate now to run off several 3-on-3 tournaments, which we’re hoping to have by the end of the year. However, right now, like everyone else, we have to wait on the Government to give us the green light.”

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Sports minister issues ultimatum to Cricket South Africa CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) he intends to intervene in the running of crisis-ridden Cricket South Africa (CSA) unless the latter commit to governance reforms by October 27.

CSA has been mired in controversy and claims of mismanagement since the suspension of former chief executive Thabang Moroe last December, with a damning internal report providing a long list of concerns around the actions of various staff members in the organisation.

“Efforts have been made over several months to try and assist CSA to stabilise its governance

South African Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa

matters. This, after a huge outcry regarding the failure of its leadership to effectively manage its affairs,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

“Minister Mthethwa strongly believes that there

is great merit in creating an environment where sports problems are handled within the sports movement and accordingly wishes to offer them every possible opportunity to demonstrate their stated commitment to cooperate on a way forward for cricket.

“The minister has given a notice of Government intervention to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the affairs of CSA. “In the interest of fairness, Minister Mthethwa has given CSA until 17:00hrs on October 27, 2020 to make written representations, should they wish to, on why he should not exercise his decision to intervene as enjoined by the laws of the country.”

CSA has faced heavy criticism from sponsors and

South Africa team huddle before the start of playv England - Fourth Test - Imperial Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - January 24, 2020. (REUTERS/ Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo)

national team players, the latter accusing the board of “self-interest” in failing to deal adequately with

Minister Vickram Bharrat is new BCB Patron … Natural Resources Minister to set up Patron’s Fund to assist Berbice Clubs MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday agreed to become the Honorary Patron of the Berbice Cricket Board, the Hilbert Forster-led entity announced.

Foster, along with other executives and members Albert Smith, Robby Saywack, Angela Haniff, Dr Cecil Beharry and Simon Naidu had met with Minister Bharrat when the agreement was brokered.

According to BCB, Minister Bharrat will also set up a ‘Patron Fund’ which he said will be used to assist the less fortunate clubs and cricketers in Berbice.

The minister, BCB noted, would also assist BCB in bringing its proposed 2021 semi-professional cricket league to fruition.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, (second from right) along with executives of the BCB, after agreeing to be the Patron of the Ancient County’s cricket board (Photo compliments: BCB)

Reggae Boyz set for mid-November friendlies against Saudi Arabia JAMAICA’S preparation for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar will get underway when the Reggae Boyz play The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in two international friendlies next month.

Both games will be played at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh on November 14 and 17,

respectively. The JFF said an added benefit of playing these matches is that the squad will get a chance to play in conditions identical to those under which the World Cup will be played in 2022.

The matches will also prove to be a timely replacement for two international friendlies against

the United States and a "top Central American team" set for this month but which were cancelled because of the spike in the number of COVID-19 infections in the United States.

The JFF had said then that it would continue to seek opportunities to play games in preparation for the

World Cup qualifiers which start in June next year.

Jamaica last played Saudi Arabia on October 17, 2017 when the hosts ran out 5-2 victors over Reggae Boyz. As such, the JFF said it will be looking to assemble its best squad in the hope of reversing that result. (Sportsmax)

the contents of the internal report, and the postponement of an Annual General Meeting scheduled for

September 5 which was to elect a new president after Chris Nenzani resigned in August.

Misbah to quit Pakistan's chief selector role (REUTERS) - Misbah-ul-Haq has decided to step down from his role as chief selector of Pakistan but will continue to serve in the capacity of head coach, the country’s cricket board (PCB) said yesterday.

Former captain Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah took over the took over the dual selector-coach dual selector-coach role in September 2019. role in September 2019. He was aping from conflict of interpointed coach on a three- est. year contract after Pakistan, Pakistan have had mixed under Mickey Arthur, failed results under Misbah, winto qualify for the World Cup ning seven and losing nine semi-finals. in 19 matches played across Misbah, 46, said he has all formats. felt “tremendous pressure” in PCB said Misbah will conducting both roles. pick squads for the upcoming “I have thoroughly en- home series against Zimbajoyed the dual roles but bwe and away series against after reviewing the past 12 New Zealand before handing months and looking ahead over the reins to a new chief at the workload in the next selector, who takes over from 24 months of my tenure, it December 1. is appropriate that I invest “Pakistan has three globand dedicate all my time, al events - two Asia Cups and energy and attention to one ICC T20 World Cup 2021 role from now on,” Misbah - as well as 10 Future Tour said.

Programme commitments “I am grateful to the Pa- over the next 24 months,” kistan Cricket Board (PCB) PCB chief executive Wasim for their understanding and Khan said. for supporting my thought “He (Misbah) has reprocess.” assessed his priorities and Misbah’s decision may believes he has a better have also been influenced chance of producing the

by PCB’s new code of eth- desired results by focusics ratified in July, which sing solely on the coaching aims to remove issues aris- side.”

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Pride collect winning trophy from legend Sir Garry BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados Pride have finally gotten their hands on the Headley/ Weekes Trophy for capturing this year’s Cricket West Indies (CWI) first class tournament.

Legendary all-rounder Sir Garry Sobers, Barbados’ only living National hero, presented the trophy to Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite during a luncheon event hosted last weekend by Barbados Cricket Association.

The tournament was halted after eight rounds following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and Pride were subsequently declared winners after topping the standings with 134.8 points.

Despite not holding an unassailable lead, CWI directors unanimously agreed to award the title to Pride.

“Sir Everton was one of

our biggest supporters and it was always great to see him at the matches when we played here at Kensington Oval,” Brathwaite said in reference to West Indies batting icon Sir Everton Weekes who passed away last July.

“He would always have a kind word of encouragement and as a team we want to dedicate this victory to him.

It is also really good that Sir Garry is here to join us as we remember Sir Everton.

“The senior guys really led from the front, even if it was not by performance, there were all in and I really appreciated that as the leader of the team.”

The title capture was the 23rd for Barbados in the modern era of the championship – dating back to 1966 – and came after they won six of their eight matches in the recent campaign.

Significantly, the cham-

pionship win broke Guyana Jaguars’ stranglehold of five titles on the trot since the start of the professional structure.

BCA president, Conde Riley, said there had been a marked development of Barbados’ cricket over the last eight years.

“This title follows on from winning in 2013, when we were captained by Kirk Edwards, and coming second for five consecutive years to the Guyana Jaguars,” said Riley, also a CWI director.

“We have so many players in the West Indies team that we are never at full strength, but what has happened is that it has given a number of young players an opportunity and we have a strong, strong bench of young players.

“The character that his side have shown to come second on five occasions and now to win this trophy has

Sir Garry Sobers presents the Headley/Weekes Trophy to Barbados Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

been fantastic. The character this group of players has shown over the last eight years has impressed me.”

Pride’s successful campaign was underpinned by left-hander Kyle Mayers who gathered 654 runs at

an average of 50 and fast bowler Chemar Holder who picked up 36 wickets at nearly 19 runs apiece.

Judge Gobin rules in United TTFA favour vs FIFA EMBATTLED T&T Football Association (TTFA) president William Wallace and his United TTFA executive team have won their controversial lawsuit against FIFA. Delivering her judgement in the case, late Monday night, High Court Judge Carol Gobin ruled that FIFA’s move to appoint a Normalisation Committee led by businessman Robert Hadad to replace Wallace and his team was illegal, null and void and of no effect.

Gobin said: “The Court declares that the decision of the Defendant dated 17/3/20 to appoint a normalisation committee was made in bad faith and for an improper and illegal motive.”

She also ruled that FIFA’s Statutes which speak to the appointment of such committees did not conform with the local legislation which incorporated the TTFA and prescribe how it is governed.

Monday’s legal victory for Wallace and his team is only the first leg in their battle against FIFA. Next Monday, the Court of Appeal is expected to hear an appeal from FIFA over Gobin’s jurisdiction to hear

T&T Football Association president William Wallace, second from right, vicepresidents Clynt Taylor, left, Susan Joseph-Warrick and Joseph ‘Sam’ Phillip outside the Home of Football in Couva following their election as TTFA Executive officers at the annual general meeting on November 24, 2019. Joseph-Warrick resigned her post on September 25. (Extracted from Trinidad Guardian)

the case.

In the event, FIFA is successful in its appeal and Wallace and his team do not successfully challenge that decision in the Privy Council, Gobin’s decision would be rendered academic.

If Wallace and his team eventually emerge victorious, it would mean that FIFA’s indefinite suspension of the association, due to its pursuit

of the case, would remain in place.

In her judgement, Gobin considered FIFA’s Statutes on the committee which state that it is to be appointed to member federations in “extraordinary circumstances”.

“The rule essentially gives FIFA a free hand. The absence of a definition does not, however, limit my ability

to consider the circumstances of it and to determine the lawfulness of FIFA’s actions,” she said.

“I have considered the evidence and have come to the conclusion that the decision to invoke the normalisation was unwarranted and indefensible,” she added.

She said that FIFA attempted to usurp the power of the local legislation by

directing the committee to arrange fresh elections.

In terms of FIFA’s insistence that all legal disputes between it and federations should be dealt with by the Court for Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Gobin noted that she already ruled that while courts usually defer to such arbitration clauses, they can make exceptions.

She also took the opportunity to criticise FIFA for its apparent disdain for the local courts through its actions in repeatedly refusing to recognise their jurisdiction for cases within the country.

“The defendant’s conduct regrettably calls into question the sincerity of its vaulted commitment to achieving its objectives to promote integrity, fair play, and friendly relations in society for humanitarian objectives as well as its commitment to respecting internationally recognised human rights and striving to protect them. Disregard for the rule of law is inconsistent with these objectives,” she said.

While Gobin said she recognised the effect of the case on the sport in this country, she suggested that it could be considered warranted in the circumstances.

“The TTFA’s actions in seeking redress before the Court was perhaps the only appropriate response which avoided capitulating to the demands of FIFA and thereby elevating the status of FIFA Statues above the laws passed by our Parliament,” Gobin said.

Gobin also considered the roles of TTFA members, Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and Hadad in setting up a meeting of the TTFA to discuss the case.

While she ruled that Cudjoe and the stakeholders had good intentions, she said that Hadad did not and was seeking to further FIFA’s action.

She also noted that FIFA demand for local laws to be changed to conform with its laws in order to lift the suspension was unreasonable as only Parliament could do so.

FIFA was ordered to pay the executive’s legal costs for bringing the lawsuit.

Wallace and his colleagues were represented

by Dr Emir Crowne, Matthew Gayle, Crystal Paul, and Jason Jones, while Christopher Hamel-Smith, Jonathan Walker and Cherie Gopie appeared for FIFA, which did not participate in the trial.

GFF boss hoping for three friendlies before Gold Cup Qualifier campaign …negotiations on-going with Government for football’s return locally

W

By Rawle Toney

ITH a busy 2021 year ahead on the International stage for Golden Jaguars, Wayne Forde, president of Guyana Football Federation (GFF), is hoping that the game can return to the field locally, to help with preparation of the country’s beloved National team.

Guyana will play Guatemala on July 2, 2021 in their bid to feature at the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the second time, after qualifying for the tournament last year.

The country’s national team have not seen any action since their 1–1 draw with Jamaica in Kingston on November 18, 2019 and with the advent of COVID-19 months later, football globally had to shut down as governments the world-over put system in place to curb the spread of the virus.

But while the sport has seen a return to the field in most

countries, in Guyana, according to Forde, GFF is still locked in negotiations with the Government of Guyana’s National Task Force.

Since football has returned, Guyana’s opposition Guatemala played Mexico on September 30 where they lost to El Tri 3-0. Guatemala then played to a scoreless draw on October 6.

“We are committed to playing at least three friendlies before the Gold Cup qualifiers, but right now, we’re locked in negotiations with the Government and everything depends on how that goes,” Forde told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

Forde added that the qualifiers are deemed as important to GFF, and as such, GFF is committed to ensuring that the Golden Jaguars are properly prepared and the best team given every opportunity to succeed.

The GFF president had hoped that local football can return by the end of the year See Page 21

DC pacer Anrich Nortje bowls fastest-ever ball in IPL at 156.22 kmph DELHI Capitals (DC) pace bowler Anrich Nortje yesterday bowled the fastest-ever delivery in the history of Indian Premier League (IPL) when he sent one at Rajasthan Royals (RR) batsman Jos Buttler at 156.22 kmph at the Dubai International Stadium.

What was even more exciting was to watch Buttler scoop the delivery away over the wicketkeeper for a boundary. However, with the following delivery which was clocked at 155.1 kmph, Buttler was cleaned up by the bowler.

Nortje bowled quite a few deliveries at over 150 kmph in his first two overs against Rajasthan Royals yesterday. He later bowled another delivery at 154.74, clocking the top three fastest deliveries in IPL history on the day. The previous record was held by another South African Dale Steyn, who clocked the speed of 154.40.

Nortje, who was roped in by the DC franchsie as a replacement for England all-rounder Chris Woakes ahead of the start of the season, has proved to be a brilliant signing for the Delhi Capitals.

The South African pacer has cemented his spot in the playing XI and has formed a lethal partnership with Kagiso Rabada in DC’s pace attack. Nortje eventually ended the day with 2-33 in his 4 overs as DC went on to win by 14 runs to go atop the points table.

Nortje has so far played all eight games for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020 and has been one of the leading wicket-takers for the side along with Kagiso Rabada, who is at the top spot in the race for Purple Cap this season.

FLASHBACK! Golden Jaguars’ Keanu Marsh-Brown being closely marked by Aubrey David of Trinidad and Tobago during their 1 – 1 draw at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Samuel Maughn photo)

GABF president Michael Singh (first from left) interacts with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, during their meeting at the National Racquet Centre on October 13. (Photo compliments: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport)

Minister Ramson to assist upgrading basketball courts in Linden, Berbice

... GABF proposes indoor facility at St Stanislaus College

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By Rawle Toney

N an effort to help decentralise the game of basketball and offer equal opportunities to players in Berbice and Linden, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, will be working with the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) to develop courts in the respective communities.

Michael Singh, president of the GABF, told Chronicle

Sport that the discussions of facilities and elite athletes funding took the lion’s share of their meeting at the National Racquet Centre on Tuesday.

It was the second meeting between GABF and Minister Ramson, with the first taking place at the same location on August 12.

After being sworn in on August 5 by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Ramson had vowed to transform sports in a way where everyone can benefit,

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especially athletes from outside of Georgetown.

According to Singh, Minister Ramson has promised to assist basketball - a sport he’s most fond of and is known among players - having dabbled in the sport over the years.

“We discussed decentralising the game and having proper facilities around, especially in Linden and Berbice. We’re See Page 21 See Story on Page 23 Thursday, oCTOBER 15, 2020