Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_15_2020

15th November, 2020

, No.106184

Guyana’s

image on the world stage rebuilt –– Foreign Secretary says country’s Chairmanship of G77& China lifted country’s profile SEE STORY ON PAGE 3 ►

Mother of three stabbed to death by husband 15 PAGE

Honey’s got money –– cures maladies

SEE STORY ON PAGE 16 ►

President Irfaan Ali, at State House, lights a diya, as part of his celebrations of Diwali, with his wife, First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali and son, Zayd Ali (Delano Williams photo)

‘Jinga Harry’ surrenders after shooting at Police, GRA officers during raid

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Guyana’s image on the world stage rebuilt

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–– Foreign Secretary says country’s Chairmanship of G77& China lifted country’s profile

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S image on the world stage had been ‘damaged’ because of the turbulent five-month elections impasse, which followed polling day on March 2, 2020, but the new government is confident that enough has been done, within the past 100 days, to regain some level of respect from the international community.

It was predicted that it would take at least a generation to repair the damage, since there were many cases where the integrity of the elections was questioned or the process was stretched by a slew of legal challenges.

Head of the Electoral Observer Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Bruce Golding, was among persons who were reported as saying: “Even if this debacle (elections) is soon and satisfactorily resolved, it will perhaps take a generation and significant institutional reform for that

damage to be fully repaired.

The people of Guyana did not deserve this.”

While the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has already committed to constitutional reform and a review of Guyana’s elections machinery - the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) - Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, has said that diplomatic discussions have also set the foundation for Guyana to regain respect.

He believes that the country’s Chairmanship of the Group 77 and China has already lifted the profile of the nation. Guyana recently hosted a virtual climate forum in its capacity as Chair of the G77, and has led the group in several discussions at the level of the United Nations (UN).

“The minister (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd) has been doing an excellent job in terms of execut-

Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud

ing that aspect and ensuring that Guyana is respected…a lot is also being done to ensure that whatever damage was done to the country’s image is repaired.

“We have been successful in repairing the image over the past 100 days, and, going forward, there will be heightened and renewed efforts in

that regard,” said Persaud during a recent interview at his office.

Foreign policy, he said, is about building relationships, something which the Foreign Minister has been doing actively. According to Persaud, the Minister has been engaging and re-engaging international bilateral and

multilateral partners.

“The ministry, prior to August 2, 2020, was at a standstill, but there has been activism on the part of the minister in terms of restarting, re-engaging and looking at new initiatives to deepen the country’s relationship with other countries,” said the Foreign Secretary.

The new government, since August 2, 2020, has met with several top officials, including U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, among others, who have visited Guyana.

The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry has also been working to portray Guyana as an open and law-abiding country which respects its diplomatic partners. The focus has been on positioning the country to become a model nation, not just in the Caribbean and Latin America, but on the world stage.

With the restoration of democracy, Minister Todd

was reported as saying that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved for the future generations.

He said that, under the former Granger-led administration, many things were done for photo opportunities and lacked the capacity to negotiate, win, maintain friendships and partnerships in the region and further afield.

“Their public diplomacy was lacking; all they did was trips around the world for fun, coming back with nothing to say but attendance,” he said, noting that Guyana’s bilateral, regional and hemispheric international engagements must now be enhanced.

“Most of our foreign partners and friends would have removed themselves from association with the previous government because of the political crisis.

Many felt they were illegitimate and as such most of the diplomatic engagements and international cooperation would have been put on hold,” said Minister Todd.

Pandemic didn’t dim Diwali celebrations

By Vishani Ragobeer THERE was no grand motorcade starting in Campbellville and making its way up the East Coast of Demerara (ECD); there even weren’t any of the usual shows which spruce up the holiday; unless of course you count the virtual attempts. But for sure, the Guyanese celebrations of Diwali found a way to endure the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Irfaan Ali and his family set the tone over at their official residence-State House. Some 1,200 diyas were ubiquitous; they lined the pathways and illuminated the intricate rangoli designs.

The First Family was joined by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge

Walrond; and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

Other than State House, Campbellville, Georgetown was ‘lit’. Ann Diaz was joined by her family and friends in Delph Street, where they were spinning steel wool, lighting diyas and just enjoying the time together.

“This year is extra special for me because I found out in March that I have cancer and it’s a special time for me with my family and my friends,” Diaz told the Sunday Chronicle.

Diwali is actually one of Diaz’s favourite holidays, and she highlighted how happy she was to be surrounded by her friends and family, making memories.

Her bubbly personality was effusive and though they were making fun of each other at various times, you could tell everyone was having a grand time.

The Success Mandir, on the East Coast of Demerara, well decorated for Diwali (Bhumika Ragobeer photo)

“Even though we’re social distancing and I know it’s a pandemic and we have to be extra careful with everything, I’m just very grateful for everything,” Diaz emphasised.

Further along in Delph Street was Omawattie and her family. Every year, the Diwali motorcade would begin a stone’s throw away from her front gate, literally.

Though she missed the motorcade this year, she joked that she still stayed up all

night looking at the virtual display put on by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS). And, pandemic or not, she had to make sure her home was bright enough for the rest of the street.

Cambellville’s main attraction though was the setup at D Singh’s Trading, and the other houses in the vicinity.

Shivnarine Singh, fondly called ‘the Appleman’ of D Singh’s Trading, told this publication that each year he has to ensure that he has

a grand Diwali celebration.

“The pandemic affected the celebrations generally but not with me because I does try to make the best of everything and this is my holiday you know,” Singh said.

The extravagant setup was not just for him, though.

Instead, he posited that seeing people pass by his home to marvel at his decorations gives him a feeling of “inner joy”.

And, he wants everyone to indulge in his family’s celebrations too. It is for this

reason they brought our basins filled with sweet treats to give to any passerby, who drives by slowly to get a look at the display.

“Everybody says Diwali is about good over evil, but it is also about peace and prosperity, and that means that you can pray for everyone in the world to have prosperity and especially with this pandemic you want everybody to have the courage to keep pushing through,” the ‘Appleman’ said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

As U.S. pandemic intensifies, North Dakota becomes 35th state to require masks (Reuters) - North Dakota has become the 35th U.S. state to require face coverings be worn in public, as governors across the country grapple with a surge in coronavirus infections that threatens to swamp their healthcare systems.

North Dakota joined 38 other states this month in reporting record daily jumps in new cases, 17 others with record deaths and 25 others

with a record number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, according to a Reuters tally.

“Our situation has changed, and we must change with it,” North Dakota’s Republican Governor Doug Burgum said in a statement late on Friday.

The mask order, similar to other state mandates, requires face coverings to be worn in most indoor public places and “in outdoor business and public settings when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.”

Burgum also ordered restaurants and bars to limit

Sunday November 15, 2020 –– 3:00 & 13:30

diners to 50% of capacity and to close by 10 p.m., a move several other governors have made, citing data that links late-night gatherings to increased spread of the virus.

New cases nationwide rose on Friday to a daily record of over 177,000, the fourth straight day an all-time high was set, according to a Reuters tally of figures from U.S. public health agencies.

The surge is straining many state health care systems as the number of COVID-19 patients in U.S. hospitals rose to an all-time high 68,141 on Friday.

Some governors, including Iowa Republican Kim Reynolds, warned this week that their hospitals were nearing capacity.

Iowa is among 15 states without a mask mandate, but Reynolds tiptoed in that direction on Tuesday by requiring they be worn at large social gatherings and at personal service businesses, such as barbershops and salons.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended mask wearing, and one widely cited model has estimated

that a nationwide mandate could save 68,000 lives by next spring. Still, the issue has become politicized with several Republican governors refusing to require them, saying it is a matter of personal responsibility, not government mandate.

Republican President Donald Trump has rarely been seen wearing a mask, except when he was stricken with the virus last month.

His Democratic successor, President-elect Joe Biden has sported one at nearly every public appearance.

But the country’s patchwork of state responses to the pandemic will likely remain intact after Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20, according to Dr. Vivek Murthy, the head of Biden’s coronavirus advisory board.

In a television interview on Friday, Murthy, a former U.S. surgeon general, also denied Trump’s campaign accusation that the incoming administration was planning a nationwide lockdown, like the one that froze much of the economy this spring.

Several governors, while stopping short of taking such a politically unpopular step, urged residents to stay home as much as possible, including Nevada Democrat Steve Sisolak, who said late on Friday that he became the fourth governor to become infected with the virus.

“This weekend, please stay home,” Sisolak posted on Twitter on Saturday. “If you have to leave, wear a mask and try to limit your duration. This is serious, Nevada.”

With Thanksgiving and other holidays on the hori-

zon, several governors, including those in California, Oregon and Washington, urged residents to avoid venturing out of state.

Gathering with family and friends, some governors warned, can transmit the virus through what New York Democrat Andrew Cuomo called “living room spread.”

The governors of six states in the Northeast, the region hit hardest in the early months of the pandemic, were set to hold an emergency meeting this weekend to coordinate responses, Cuomo said.

On Friday, Detroit public schools suspended in-person learning, while New York City, with the country’s largest schools system, neared a trigger-point measure that would shut down its 1,800 school buildings.

Since the pandemic began, the virus has infected 10,759,565 people in the United States, killing 244,324 of them, according to a Reuters tally.

The widely cited model of the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects almost 195,000 more fatalities by March 1. The biggest monthly spike of the pandemic will come in January, when more than 65,000 people are projected to die, the institute said.

A universal mask mandate in the country would save more than 68,000 lives

by March 1, it said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Bureaucracy, bottlenecks to doing business will be reduced - Dr. Singh –– International best practices, compliances creating disadvantage for locals in accessing contracts

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S new status as an oil producer and oil exporter has generated unprecedented interest by companies across the world, but turning that interest into tangible investments hinges on the reduction in, or simplification of, laborious processes and ‘red tape’ which, in most cases, would discourage investors.

The World Bank’s Ease of Doing-Business 2020 report showed that Guyana slipped two spaces in its rankings for 2019, relative to 2014.

Among the problems identified in the report were the processing of construction permits, registration of property and the payment of taxes.

With renewed and increased interest in the local economy, Guyana has an opportunity to assess its systems and create processes which are business-friendly and encouraging for not just international investors, but locals as well.

The new government has already committed to building a ‘modern’ Guyana with world-class infrastructure that improves connectivity and unlocks the vast potential of the economy.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has said that the current hurdle to Guyana’s economic boom is the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has presented

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

President of American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, Zulfikar Ally

direct and indirect challenges to economies around the world.

“Government has since taken rapid steps to protect the people and deliver much-needed assistance, while ensuring that the economy neither grinds to a halt nor suffers irreversible damages,” said Dr. Singh, in his address, during the American Chamber of Commerce’s (AMCHAM’s) virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Friday.

Looking beyond the immediate challenges, created by the pandemic, the Finance Minister said the prospects remain “historically bright” and the long-awaited transformation is on the verge of unfolding.

“Becoming an oil producer presents us with an opportunity and the means to improve the well-being of the Guyanese people and

realise the long-standing aspirations of the country,” said Dr. Singh.

The new government has already committed to creating an enabling environment for business development through a seven-point plan which includes preserving the rule of law and democracy; improving the ease of doing business; enhancing national competitiveness; facilitating trade and investment; and supporting small businesses.

Dr. Singh reiterated this plan, noting that, in addition to creating the required infrastructure for business development, the government is working to ensure that there is a highly skilled workforce and state institutions which encourage and facilitate, rather than hinder and frustrate the operations or potential operations of investors.

“Reducing bureaucracy and removing bottlenecks

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

to doing business is an important pillar of institutional development,” said the Senior Minister.

According to a study done by the Government of Germany and other stakeholders, a perfectly sensible bureaucratic procedure can become clumsy through poor interfaces between people, or through poor communication on how the process works.

The study found that streamlining procedures and increasing the service orientation of administrative personnel can, therefore, play an important role in reducing inefficiency and thus reducing costs.

Red tape shows up in and between all kinds of organisations, such as the different spheres of the government, in the private sector and in civil society.

An example of this, in Guyana’s perspective, is the

difficulty faced by local businesses when trying to access contracts, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

President of AMCHAM Guyana, Zulfikar Ally, has said that the need for international best practices, compliances and certification cannot be overstated, but they provide a disadvantage to businesses participating in contracts, especially in the oil and gas sectors.

And, it also creates a great deal of frustration for investors who are bound by policies and international best practices to ensure that they only hire firms that are in compliance with those requirements.

It is for this reason that AMCHAM Guyana has started to put plans in place to work with partners to bridge the gap between its American members and those that are Guyanese-owned. The organisation has 92 members.

“AMCHAM [and other stakeholders] have been leading in training, facilitating and encouraging companies to get relevant certification,” said Ally.

The organisation has recently re-launched its website to provide real-time updates and information for members and non-members.

The advancement of local businesses is especially important at this time because Guyana and the U.S. will soon commence the first working group to implement the initiatives outlined in a Mem-

orandum of Understanding (MoU), signed recently by President Irfaan Ali and the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

The MoU aims to provide a platform for U.S. private sector investment to build Guyana’s physical infrastructure, energy sector, and digital economy transparently. Guyana is the second Caribbean country to sign the MoU, joining Jamaica.

The framework agreement to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the Growth in the Americas Initiative is expected to help them to identify specific ways to advance their joint interest.

This agreement, President Ali had said, will boost the business environment for U.S. private sector investment in Guyana, particularly in the fields of energy, both non-renewables and renewables, along with infrastructure.

Further, he said the agreement will also pave the way for the U.S. private sector to expand its investment portfolio and partner with Guyana’s private sector.

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, during her remarks at AMCHAM’s AGM, said the commercial interest in Guyana is increasing exponentially.

Investors, she said, are interested in investing in oil and gas; environmental resilience; housing and a few other sectors.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Building trust; uniting the nation GUYANESE communities had become sharply divided because of loyalty to their political party of choice. However, the newly installed Irfaan Ali-led government, within the short period of approximately three months, has systematically and increasingly gained the tentative trust of supporters of political opponents as poverty-alleviation programmes are being rolled out and essential social-support systems, such as healthcare, are being improved day by day; especially during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,.

Communal efforts build strong communities and countries, and the government has task forces on the ground, bolstered by ministerial participation in every community to assess and prioritise needs at both individual and community levels.

The goodwill extended to the newly elected government is apparent in the plaudits from private-sector organisations and the general public extolling the amazing achievements in their first 100 days in government, as well as the charitable donations to families -- all compliments of collaborative efforts by government and volunteers from across every divide in the nation and the Guyanese diaspora.

This voluntary-distribution network emerged from dire needs arising from job losses nationwide, due to the protracted declaration of elections results and aggressive protestors, coupled with the raging, deadly pandemic that forced businesses to shut down. Then President-elect Irfaan Ali organised teams nationwide to make and distribute masks and donate foodstuff to families, some of which were literally facing starvation.

This precipitated a movement that gave birth to NGOs that continue to support government’s poverty-alleviation programmes.

The Guyanese people are a strong, resilient people – a nation that has emerged triumphantly from a very troubled past.

And as long as this nation as a collective stands firmly in unity to continue on the path our forebears trod, then eventual prosperity, in progressive stages, would be realised sooner rather than later.

Thus, Guyanese should never let the inconsequential synergies of negativity derail the impetus of development initiatives and goals that the country is currently pursuing. The struggles and accomplishments of the nation’s freedom fighters are well chronicled and as Guyanese partici-

pate each year in the celebrations of this nation’s state of freedom, they do so with the knowledge that theirs is a sovereign nation, born out of the bowels of adversity and struggle to carve a niche in the landscape of the world as a free people.

However, it is incumbent on every citizen of the land to embark on a dynamic thrust to re-affirm their commitment to solidifying the gains carved out of adversity by our foreparents -- the grassroots people, because that is where our national strength resides. The grassroots working-class is the foundation and the backbone of any nation and the ministerial outreaches are ensuring that no one falls through the cracks of social service networks.

The education/information quotient in outreach programmes should not be minimised, because knowledge provides armour against misinformation and provides requisite information of the dynamics and the implications involved in developmental and nation-building exercises.

Our country first began its development through cooperative efforts to build communities, so the need is imperative to follow the examples our foreparents set and work with persons across every divide in the nation, so that these efforts sustain

the primary goals always sought after by the Jagan-created political party; that is, to unite the nation through trust-building developmental initiatives within Guyanese communities, so as to enhance and enrich the social capital of Guyana.

Human rights bodies should take cognisance of the fact that human rights violations were factored into every aspect of the daily existence of every immigrant or emancipated slave, even after slavery was abolished, until the emergence of the People’s Progressive Party, led by the visionary and peace-loving Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

The policies and programmes being formulated and implemented by the new government is generating the unity in the land that once existed, that would heal wounds and build trust, to the extent that no destabilising, disruptive, corrupt force could ever again convince Guyanese communities to engage in violent and destructive behaviour that would be counter-productive to their own well-being and jeopardise the future of their offspring.

The SBB can be overhauled structurally and be repositioned

THE Small Business Bureau (SBB), having been established by the previous PPP/C administration, has an important role to play in Guyana’s long-term economic development. The growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are of paramount importance in developing economies such as Guyana, to not only contribute to growth in GDP, but also the creation of employment and improved livelihoods for our people through the creation of wealth and prosperity, inter alia, sustainable development.

Access to financing is typical-

ly difficult for SMEs, owing to a series of limitations with respect to the businesses themselves and by extension the management and owners of the said enterprises. With respect to the technical limitations of businesses – most SMEs lack crucial expertise in the industry within which they operate such as sound financial management practices and particularly cash-flow management. These, therefore, inevitably disqualify such entities from accessing financing through the commercial banks. Moreover, this is even compounded in light of the underdeveloped nature of Guyana’s financial market as well.

The very nature of microfinancing and that of venture capital firms, which are the ideal institutions that are structurally designed to propel the growth, emergence and development of SMEs are largely non-existent in Guyana, except for the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). It is this kind of institutional framework, therefore, that I envisage the Small Business Bureau can bridge in the form of a hybrid of these two types of institutional frameworks in order to achieve its mandate with a very high level of success – that is, to function both as a microfinance institution and a venture capital firm.

It is against this background that I am of the strong view that the SBB can be overhauled structurally and be repositioned. As it is currently, the SBB administers a revolving fund of US$5 million through a local commercial bank, where that fund is used as partial security to incentivise the commercial bank (s) to lower the interest rates on loans extended to SMEs. Notwithstanding, this is not sufficient given the limitations and lack of incentive by commercial banks to invest more technical resources to ensure the success of SMEs or more particularly new ventures.

It is this gap that the SBB needs

to bridge and hereunder mentioned are some of my thoughts to strategically achieve these goals: (i) The SBB needs to do more in terms of extending technical support to SMEs and applicants seeking to establish new business ventures in close, working collaboration with the banks. In so doing, it needs to develop its training and development capacity to entrepreneurs in the area of business strategy and decision-making, financial management and other key areas in management training.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Evolution of Diwali and Eid celebrations in Guyanese diaspora Dear Editor, THE celebrations of Diwali, Eid, and Holi evolved slowly from indoor rooms and apartments to halls and mandirs and masjids to outdoors from the 1960s to 1990s, when they became institutionalized, especially as part of New York and Toronto’s calendar of events and public festivities.

My conversations with early Guyanese and ‘Trini’ immigrant pioneers in America, UK, and Canada reveal early Diwali was very small – indoors of hotel rooms and apartments in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s.

Although celebrated in secluded communities during their early presence, Diwali, Holi, and Eid became a kind of a national festival in the US and UK only in the 1990s and in Canada in the 2000s – given recognition by politicians who themselves began hosting celebrations for their Hindu constituents.

Outdoor cultural (Diwali, Holi, and Islamic) celebrations in New York were not possible until the 1980s when Americans slowly became familiar with Indian Guyanese culture and many Guyanese had become home owners and began lighting deyas in front of their homes. The first outdoor Indian cultural programme was organised by myself, Bhanu Dwarika of Trinidad, Isherdat Ramdehal, Ramesh Kalicharran, and Gora Singh of Guyana, and others at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, Queens, in 1985 on the occasion of Indian Arrival; prior to that Indian Arrival, Diwali, Holi and Eid celebrations were indoors.

The first major Diwali concert celebration with a Diwali Queen was held at Washington Irving High School on 16th Street Manhattan in 1984 and was organised by myself, Nohar Singh, Baytoram Ramharack, Vassan Ramracha, and others – sponsored by BWIA and a few other companies. I served as emcee of that programme.

Bhanu Dwarika, Clyfee Madhu and Vision of Asia host Anita Sharma, among others from India were judges. Electronic lights during Diwali and Eid were not introduced until the 1990s when Indians began to assert their cultural in the and political place in society as equals to others.

Outdoor Muharram celebrations were held in the early 1980s and were organised by Imam Safarally of Trinidad and held in mid-Manhattan on the West side. Outdoor Eid celebrations did not begin until the 1990s by Haji Zakir and his Islamic Guyanese group; prior to that, Eid prayers and festivities were held at rented halls or ballrooms of hotels; I attended several in my capacity as a community news reporter.

Safarally and Zakir used to also attend Hindu functions.

The growing presence of South Asians (Indians from India in particular) helped to popularise Indian (and by extension Indo-Guyanese) culture and non-Indians learn of the significance of Diwali. (Indians began settling in America after 1965, when a law was passed allowing non-Whites to acquire residency and citizenship.

Indians were not allowed to become U.S. citizens; and they were only allowed into the country because of a shortage of skilled labour to service industries. And as such, much was

not known about Indian culture and religious practices until the 1990s).

During the 1960s, no Guyanese owned homes in the U.S. and Canada and only a few became homeowners during the 1970s to facilitate outdoor Diwali or Holi or Eid celebrations.

(A few Guyanese purchased properties in England in the late 1960s and more did so during the 1970s and thereafter).

Even those who owned homes were fearful or embarrassed to light deyas outside of their homes for fear of being reported to the Fire Department or laughed at by neighbours for

1980s at a high cost).

And Diwali or Phagwah dinner was late because it took a lot of time to prepare those various dishes. Neighbours would prepare items and shared in order to lessen the workload. If Diwali fell on a weekend, the celebration were a little more elaborate with other items. Every ingredient was prepared from scratch.

The stores had no ground dhal and there was no chowmein or mangoes (for chutney) in the stores. West Indian stores did not open up until the late 1980s when Little Guyana began in Richmond Hill. Prior to that, cultural items

practising “something strange or weird.” In Manhattan, there used to be bhajan-singing and Hindu prayers at 14th Street and First Avenue and at Clark’s and other hotels in mid town.

It was not until the 1960s that Indo-Guyanese came to NY. They lived in block clusters allowing for informal formation of Hindu and Islamic organisations. They hosted religious ceremonies in the apartments or hotel rooms.

In one instance, a hotel room was jointly rented

by Hindus and Muslims, and they took turn hosting religious services.

They collaborated in organising programmes for their festivals and preparing parsad, sirni, and meals. Halal food was not possible in the early years, except when imams would go to a farm and purchasea animals that were slaughtered in his presence. Live meat markets in NY and halaal meat became more available in the late 1980s and were popularised from the 1990s.

When I came to the U.S. as a 16-year-old to study medicine in 1977, there were block clusters of Guyanese in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Diwali and Eid or Holi celebrations occurred indoors in the apartments and Guyanese shared eating goodies among friends and neighbours. If Diwali fell on a weekday, not many snack items were prepared as it was a working day.

There were the basic dhal puri, bara, phulourie, alou, channa, pumpkin and sweet rice.

(Baigan was not always available and bora was not present in the vegetable markets until the

were obtained from Little India in Manhattan.

Diwali and Holi celebrations at mandirs did not begin until the mid-1980s and Eid in Masjid in the 1990s.

At City College, I joined others in organising Diwali celebrations in 1977 with a prayer and sharing of some sweets purchased from Indian shops. The club got $100 from student fees based on its membership size. The celebration was hosted by the India Club that was formed by earlier students around 1969. The Caribbean Students Association would have nothing to do with Indian celebrations. So naturally, Indo-Caribbeans gravitated towards India Club.

But we could not relate to Indian nationals in the India Club and their paucity of cultural activities and their way of celebrating festivals.

So Indo-Caribbeans formed their own Indo Club in 1978 and began hosting celebrations.

The India Club soon became dysfunctional and was dissolved.

As the Indo-Caribbean student population increased, Diwali celebrations on campus also grew. I was put in charge of organising Diwali and Holi celebrations. These were massive as I used to rent a hall (for free – Lewison Lounge) on south campus of CCNY that was fully equipped with a kitchen and cooking as well as eating utensils.

Every year, I cooked up a storm (dhal puri, phulourie, making parsad, etc and the like) for Holi, Diwali, and Christmas and other special events. In 1980 when Vassan Ramracha

(Treasurer) and myself (Science Senator) were members of the student government, we successfully piloted a motion for the government to sponsor a cultural concert of a Guyanese band – Popos’s of the Bronx that attracted a packed ballroom of over 500 and that also provided catered snacks and drinks that I had organised.

The club’s varied programmes and festivities and Indian monthly Bollywood films attracted non-Indians from Guyana, other parts of the Caribbean and Africa. The Black students from Africa knew of Diwali and Holi as it was celebrated in their communities by Indians who had settled in Africa during the 1800s. Indians from India and other countries also patronised our programmes.

The few Muslims in the club took no interest in organising Eid or Muharram celebrations, although I volunteered to assist. I used to make Vamazally on campus for festivals. Muharram and Eid were initiated on the West side of Manhattan by Indo-Trini Muslims and later in Queens by the Haji Zakir Islamic group.

As Indo-Caribbeans acquired homes in growing numbers and established their own communities in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn, the Diwali, Holi and Eid celebrations have taken on a life of their own. They have become institutionalised. The invitation of neighbours for Diwali dinner and for puja or Jhandi or Koran Sharief or Christian service helped with the understanding and acceptance of Indian culture.

As the meaning of Diwali celebration was explained and how and why it is celebrated, it was widely accepted by non-Indians. They loved the spectacle of it and the delicious foods. By the 1990s, Diwali became very popular. Outdoor celebrations spread throughout the city and other parts of the country. It was popularised by coverage in the mainstream American media and by public celebrations in Manhattan and various parts of New York and New Jersey. Even politicians began hosting celebrations.

Indian celebrations are accepted as normal in these communities; streets and buildings are decorated. Politicians and businesses accept them as part of the city’s calendar of events.

Programmes are held all over the city. People accept them as part of the city’s culture and look forward to them.

It has become the tradition of U.S. Presidents from Bill Clinton onwards to issue Diwali or Holi or Eid greetings. It is the same in Canada and the UK, where prime ministers send out Diwali greetings.

The Diwali, Holi, and Eid celebrations and recognition by governments and politicians in America or other parts of the Guyanese diaspora would not have been possible without the pioneering spirit of the early migrants of the 1960s and 1970s like Pandits Oumadat and Walter Misir, as well as by Imam Safarally of Trinidad and Haji Zakir, media personality Clyfee Madhu and several others, including student activists Vassan Ramracha, Baytoram Ramharack, and myself from CCNY. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

On-line education system up and running in Leopold Street

By Vishani Ragobeer SCHOOL-AGED children living on Leopold Street, Georgetown, are benefitting from an on-line education system which was set up to provide them with internet access and electronic devices, to assist them with attending their on-line classes.

This system is part of the efforts of the Trinity Methodist Church geared at providing opportunities for learners to access school, despite the shift to the virtual setting. Bishop of the church, Kofi Nials told the Sunday Chronicle that the church realised that many of the learners were not able to attend on-line classes because they did not have internet access, nor electronic devices to access those classes, or both.

“They were just running in [the] streets, playing games and playing cards in the corner and when we did a walk-through of the community, it was like we had to do something to help these children,” Nials said.

He explained that within the community there is a general sense of importance given to education, since it is seen as a vehicle for social mobility. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, these learners who may have already been struggling with insufficient resources for school, were further challenged.

In response to the evident need, the church de-

Computers for Guyana member, Aggrey Marsh

veloped the “Methodist Education Trust” with the aim of providing internet access and devices to as many learners as possible.

So far, 15 tablets have been distributed to students. Two of the students are in Form Five, preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations next year.

To provide internet access, the church has been working along with the group “Computers of Guyana” to set up what is called a “Community Student Network” which utilises a Wireless Access Point (WAP).

This WAP basically projects a Wi-Fi signal to a wider range.

Member of the project,

The Wireless Access Point (WAP) set up to help provide internet access

Aggrey Marsh, explained that the WAP allows students to garner internet access needed to attend classes, but blocks out sites that would distract them from school, such as Facebook and Youtube. For a learner to access the internet through this, they are given a “token” which has a unique password on it and is valid for one month, on one

device.

The Bishop explained that there is a teacher who has made herself available to monitor the system, and provide any guidance the learners might need with completing their school work and assessments.

While the infrastructure for the WAP is in place, the Bishop emphasised that not all of the children in need

have been able to benefit, particularly those still without electronic devices to access the internet. As such, he is pleading with members of the public to make donations to the church.

Additionally, Marsh said he is working on setting up this WAP in two other communities: one on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and the other in Region 10

The SBB can be overhauled structurally ...

This should be in the form of a mandatory sixweek course and / or ongoing training and support; (ii) The SBB needs to work with all the chambers and business-support organisations across the length and breadth of the country to provide support, build capacity and offer its products and services to entrepreneurs throughout the country.

Memoranda of understanding can be established with these organisations in this regard; (iii) The SBB needs to obtain additional funding

apart from the US$5 million revolving fund from the GRIFF funding mechanism to about US$20 million.

Additional funding can be accessed through MSMEs funding programmes through the Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank; (iv) A larger percentage of the funding can then be allocated towards grants, so that more potential entrepreneurs can benefit from grants after having undergone the requisite mandatory training

in business, financial management and entrepreneurship by the SBB; (v) The SBB also needs to function as a venture-capital firm wherein for new ventures where grants and/or loans are being extended, to have a strong technical team to manage these portfolios in conjunction with the banks and to provide ongoing technical managerial oversight to ensure a higher success rate of new ventures benefitting from the SBB’s pool of funding, for at least one year. After this period, all

SMEs can continue to benefit from other technical support as they pursue successful growth strategies; and (vi) Finally, for now, more financial institutions need to come on board to administer the SBB funding programme for SMEs to achieve greater access and expediency.

Editor, I am particularly elated to publish this piece because admittedly, I had the distinct privilege to have met with the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce and our discus-

(Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

“We are prepared to share how we configured the network with anyone, including the design plan for the network and everything,” Marsh said, emphasising that the group’s aim is to ensure that as many children as possible can access on-line classes.

FROM PAGE

sion largely surrounded the SBB. Moreover, I have read recently with great interest, that the SBB is now working to widen its service across the regions by way of working with regional chambers.

I am extremely happy with the implementation of such an initiative, especially against the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and financial impact on small businesses; and, given the importance of an institution such as the SBB. Further, I am of the strong view that the time

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has come when the SBB as an institution needs to evolve to play a larger development-financing role in order to successfully achieve its mandate and contribute to achieving equitable economic development within the framework of a wider spectrum.

Yours faithfully, JC. Bhagwandin Principal Consultant JB Consultancy & Associates

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Over 130 small businesses CANU gets benefit from COVID-19 grants new logo THE Small Business Bureau (SBB) has provided grants of up to $200,000 to those of its registered clients who have proven that they were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bureau has been engaging clients and prospective clients throughout the lockdown, and created the COVID-19 relief programme to support struggling businesses.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lowell Porter said the grant, which is different from the Government’s $25,000 per household cash relief, is for clients who meet the requirements.

“Our clients have been very negatively impacted, and some of them have had to shut their doors, while there are some others who have been steadfastly trying to survive,” he said.

Added to this, he said, “In Guyana’s economy, small businesses are very, very small, so any kind of negative impact to any degree, affects them terribly. Their lives are

SBB Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Lowell Porter

involved; their livelihoods are involved. These people depend on that for their very existence.”

Following a survey, the SBB decided to create the grant, which offered small businesses who met the requirements, grants of between $75,000 and $200,000.

More than 130 small businesses have since benefitted from that programme.

Businesses which were not SBB clients, but expressed an interest in the grant, were encouraged to register with the Bureau.

“Imagine you have somebody who never knew about us, now they heard, in times of need, and we were able to help them,” Dr. Porter said.

Considering the longterm implications of the pandemic, the Bureau aims to help businesses emerge more resilient and more successful.

The programme is ongoing, and small businesses are encouraged to contact the SBB for guidance and support.

“There are lots of businesses out there that could not get help from us, because they are not formalised. They

are not regularized; they are not even registered. And some of the owners do not pay taxes; they don’t contribute to the NIS, and it’s all because most times they do not understand how that works,” Dr. Porter explained.

In light of the foregoing concerns, the Bureau will be working with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of having businesses regularised.

Meanwhile, Dr. Porter hopes that the Bureau can help more tourism businesses, as there will be a “new push” to help the sector bounce back. The Emergency 2020 Budget provided $100 million for the Small Business Development Fund, which Dr. Porter said would continue to be used to support small businesses through the grant scheme. (DPI)

––to launch confidential info portal

The new CANU logo

THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) now has a new logo and will soon be setting up a web page for the public to share confidential information.

This was confirmed by Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh. The new logo has the Jaguar and Harpy Eagle which are national animals, while the brown water on the logo represents maritime operations.

According to Singh, the

Jaguar represents land operations and the Harpy Eagle represents airplanes and airstrips.

Singh was appointed to head the agency in 2008 but was dismissed from his duties in June 2017 by the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

He was rehired when the new People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government took office in August 2020.

Rotary Club of Garden City, Georgetown, launched

THE Rotary Club of Garden City, Georgetown, Guyana, was stylishly launched with great fanfare, via Zoom, at a Charter celebration on Monday.

It was a milestone event for Rotary in Guyana, this being the seventh club Chartered in Guyana after more than a decade, a release said.

Over 130 Rotarians, family and friends from around the world witnessed District Governor Lisle Chase virtually hand over the Charter to Charter President, Arron Fraser, Charter members officially announced and the Board of Directors Installed.

The members of the board are Arron Fraser (President); Pearson Burch-Smith (Vice-President); Natasha Backer (President-Elect/ Membership Director); Lisa Foster (Secretary); Nafeeza Gaffoor (Treasurer); Elizabeth Cox (Director--Service Projects/Club Trainer); Ronald Burch-Smith (Director--Foundation/Club Administration); Amanda Alli (Director-- Public Relations); Mischka White (Director – Youth Development) and Roger Harper (Sergeant- at – Arms).

District Governor Lisle Chase charged the members to uphold the ideals of Rotary and be guided by the principle motto of Rotary International, “Service Above Self”.

Rotary International Director, Stephanie Urchick, in her brief remarks, expressed her excitement with the for-

mation of the Rotary Club of Garden City and congratulated the members on forming a cause-based club.

On September 17, 2020, the club received its Charter from Rotary International with a register of 33 Charter members. The chartering of a Rotary Club is the official

permission from Rotary International for a new club to be formed in a country.

Rotary International is a worldwide service organisation whose sole purpose is bringing business and other professionals together to lend their skills to community development and humanitarian

service. This is represented in its Motto: ‘Service Above Self’!

It is the first cause-based club to be chartered in Guyana whose major focus will be on supporting the environment, the release said while pointing out that the club will be family-oriented, undertake

fulfilling service projects in a fun environment but yet professional that will lend to a Rotary experience with a difference.

The club has already embarked on plans for several service projects that will encourage communities and individuals to adapt eco-friendly life style changes. A few projects are already in the pipeline.

These include the sale of branded reusable multi-purpose canvas bags, to reduce the use of plastics and the distribution of garbage bins to create a clean and healthy environment. The club also plans to distribute mini reusable water bottles to school children as part of the District’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Campaign in order to encourage children to drink more water.

The Rotary Club of Garden City is excited to return Georgetown and Guyana to its glory days, through service and collaboration, one community at a time, the club said in a release.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Essequibo celebrates Diwali

HINDUS in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday night celebrated the religious event of Diwali by lighting countless earthen lamps, commonly known as diyas, in their homes.

The lighting of rows of diyas commenced as early as 18:00hrs; a drive through several communities

revealed that many persons celebrated the festival despite the prevalence of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

During the morning hours, temples along the coast hosted their prayer service; at the Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir mandir, a service was held at 08:00hrs, where Pandit Chandrashekar Sharma officiated.

According to Pandit Sharma, Lakshmi Puja is important during the festival since the Goddess bestows her followers with prosperity, good luck, good health, and wealth.

Meanwhile, at various houses, colourful Rangoli designs were made by families and placed in the doorways. Diyas were placed in

Two children on the Essequibo Coast celebrate the holy event

Andy Jaglall, a resident of the Essequibo Coast, with one of his diyas

lines as a way of welcoming those who visit.

This year, mandirs did not get to participate in the annual motorcade due to the pandemic; however, many temples had depictions of their floats that were used previous years on display.

The festival has undoubtedly

Diyas at a house in Golden Fleece Estate

Diya lit at a house in Zorg

fostered a sense of togetherness in the quiet county of Essequibo.

Before the observances, many housewives were busy cleaning their homes and preparing for the festival. It is believed that the Goddess visits homes and as such, they should be cleaned and cleansed.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

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Scenes from Diwali

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 15, 2020

The grand display at D Singh’s in Campbellville, Georgetown

Ann Diaz celebrating Diwali at her Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown house

Shivnarine “Appleman” Singh and family in Campbellville, Georgetown

Ann Diaz’s family spinning steelwool as part of the celebrations (Delano Williams photos)

Part of the ‘light up’ at Delph Street, Campbellville

Emma Wordworth lighting her diyas at her Middleton Street, Georgetown home with her mom and dad

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, lights a diya with President Irfaan Ali and his family.

The first family was also joined by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

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70 new COVID-19 cases recorded THE Ministry of Health, on Saturday, said it had recorded 70 new positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total number of cases since March 11 to 4,794.

According to the Ministry, the cases were recorded in Region One (seven cases), Region Two (two cases), Region Three (one case), Region Four (48 cases), Region Six (one case), Region Seven (five cases), Region Eight (three cases) and Region 10 (three cases).

No new deaths were recorded during the 24-hour period but nine persons remain in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, 48 persons are in institutional isolation, 36 in institutional quarantine and 874 in home isolation.

Thus far, there have been a total of 24,411 persons tested for COVID-19, and out of the 4,794 positive cases, 3,725 persons have recovered.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Eight) will expire on November 30, 2020, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per these measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The curfew is now 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call

the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231-1166, 226-7480 or 180/181 for assistance.

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.

There are, however, vulnerable groups such as persons with underlying conditions and elderly patients, who may develop the severe forms of the disease.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Belgium cocaine 'bust': GRA unable to retrieve deleted images from scanner –– all suspects released

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has hit a dead end in its investigations into how 23,000 pounds of cocaine managed to leave the ports of Guyana undetected and made it all the way to Belgium.

During its investigations, detectives discovered that the scanner images of the shipping containers, which was conducted by customs officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), were deleted from the system.

And so, three GRA officers, including the one whose signature appeared on the documents related to the containers, were taken into custody and questioned extensively. But after experts were unsuccessful in recovering the deleted scanned images, CANU had to release all the suspects, including a broker.

This was confirmed

by Head of CANU, James Singh. Singh told the Sunday Chronicle that CANU, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Belgian police are working closely as the search continues for the shipper of the containers, Marlon Primo.

The cocaine was disguised as scrap metal and placed inside a steel container (Belgian media photos)

The four containers reportedly left Guyana on September 25 and were shipped

by Primo’s MA Trading of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, to the consignee, Lotraco Recycling BV, in the Netherlands.

Primo is suspected to have fled to neighbouring Suriname. The CANU will be offering Primo protection and security, since he has expressed fear for his safety.

It was also discovered that the ship carrying the container had stopped in Guadeloupe for a few days,

before making the onward journey to Belgium, and so CANU is also trying to ascertain whether the seals on the container are the same ones it left Guyana with.

The 11.5 tonnes of cocaine were neatly packed into a safe inside the container, which was then covered with scrap metal.

Counter-narcotics prosecutors in Belgium say they had tracked the trans-Atlantic journey of the cocaine from Guyana and seized it upon its arrival at the Belgian port of entry in An-

Mother of three stabbed to death by husband

THE police have arrested Taijram Rahim, a 32-yearold cane harvester, who reportedly stabbed his 28-year-old wife to death on Friday night at their Marcy Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice house.

Dead is Amrita Rahim, known as “Sally”, a mother of three. Police Headquarters has noted in a statement that the couple and their children had earlier attended a relative’s birthday party, and subsequently returned home when an argument erupted at around 23:45h.

The argument reportedly stemmed from allegations of infidelity, and as such Amrita threatened to leave the house, when Rahim left the bedroom, went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife.

It is alleged that he returned to the room and stabbed his wife in the region of her left chest while she was lying on the bed. The couple’s

DEAD: Amrita Rahim

eldest child, an 11-year-old, ran to relatives for help.

Amrita was picked up in an unconscious condition, and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the brother of the suspect, Vicky Rahim, told this publication that he was asleep when he was

awakened by his wife who told him that his brother and sister-in-law were “fighting”.

“I run down and rush over, and he was already gone. So I tried to help her (Amrita) up, but she was barely breathing.

So we got in a taxi and rushed her to the hospital,” Vicky said.

He said that he when he returned home, he found his brother, Taijram, there, and he asked him to contact the police, so that he can surrender.

“When I go out, he said that he went to the Police Station, but the front gate was locked; if I could call the Police for him,” Vicky said.

According to Vicky, his brother told him he committed the gruesome act because Amrita threatened to end their relationship.

The woman leaves to mourn her three children, aged 11, 10 and eight.

twerp.

The catch is “the largest overseas drug bust ever, worldwide,” federal prosecutors were quoted as telling the Belgian media, and that the estimated street value of the drug load was €900 million.

Three police officers, a port manager, and a lawyer were among some 20 persons to have been arrested as part of the operation targeting the “well-structured” criminal organisation suspected of orchestrating large and “regular” drug ship-

Wanted: Marlon Primo

ments from South America to Belgium.

SEIZURE OF COCAINE IN GERMANY Meanwhile, the CANU Head confirmed that he has reopened the investigation into the cocaine stashed in a shipment of rice found in Germany that originated from Guyana in August last.

Singh is of the opinion that the cocaine originated from Guyana. Some 1.5 tonnes of suspected cocaine, found in a container with rice, were intercepted at Hamburg Port by German police on August 10, 2020.

It has a street value of €300 million. The suspected narcotics were found in one 20-foot container containing several bags of white rice shipped from Guyana. The said container was one out of a shipment of a total of twelve 20-foot containers. That entire shipment of the 12 containers comprised 6,000 bags of white rice intended for export to a company in Poland.

The CANU, under its previous leadership, stated that after extensive investigation, it found no conclusive evidence which suggested that the cocaine was loaded onto the container in Guyana.

Detectives, however, unearthed loopholes and irregularities regarding the local handling of the shipment.

The shipment left Guyana between May 25-26 and arrived in Caucedo, Dominican Republic on June 7, when the 12 containers were reportedly offloaded and remained in-transit for a total of six days.

However, the new CANU Head made it clear that all aspects of the investigation are being explored.

TIP unit, police arrest 49 Venezuelans in Parika raid AN inter-agency collaboration on Friday night led to the arrest of 49 Venezuelan nationals, including children, at two separate guest houses in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The raid was conducted under the leadership of the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, along with Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, with the support of 40 other police ranks.

The first exercise was at Mottie Guest House, where the police encountered a total of nine women from Venezuela. They were all arrested.

The team then conducted searches at Razon Hotel, where several rooms were searched, and 14 males and 26 women, including two

children, all from Venezuela, were arrested.

The men were placed into custody at the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), and the females were placed in custody at the Cove and John Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

For the fourth consecutive year, Guyana has maintained its Tier One ranking for efforts to combat human trafficking, although the government has been called upon to implement and train law enforcement officials and front-line responders in written trauma-informed victim identification and referral procedures.

While Tier One is the highest ranking level there is, it does not mean that a country has no human trafficking problems, or that it

is doing enough to address them.

Rather, the ranking, as explained by the United States State Department 2020 Report on TIP, means that a government has made efforts to address the problems that meet the US’ Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s minimum standards.

And to maintain the Tier One ranking, governments need to demonstrate appreciable progress each year in combatting trafficking.

Guyana and the Bahamas are the only two Caribbean countries to attain the Tier One ranking, as most of the other Caribbean countries are on Tier Two, except for Barbados, which is on the Tier Two watch list.

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Honey’s got money

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

BEEKEEPER Devin Gillard, simply referred to as “Bee Man,” has claimed that his swarm of stingless bees has produced honey which can reverse cataract and glaucoma conditions in the eyes of its users.

Cataract and glaucoma are eye conditions that impair sight.

This writer can testify to regaining her sight after experiencing blurred vision and night blindness for days, after being misdiagnosed with conjunctivitis and receiving an overdose treatment of an eyedrop.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of then eyeball.

As a result of my dilemma, my seamstress, who had been battling with glaucoma and had recovered, recommended that I use several drops of the clear, sweetened liquid. The rest is history.

Gillard, a self-taught beekeeper, stumbled upon the swarm of stingless bees while he was in a forested area in Region 10 a few years ago.

Prior to then, he dealt primarily with Africanised bees, which produce various colours of honey, depending on the fruit they pollinate.

His love for bees started in the early 2000s, when a bee exterminator named, “Joby,” would take him along to hold the house ladder at nights as he smoked out and thereafter killed the bees.

“I would ask myself if he

continued killing the bees, sooner or later, there will be no honey. I asked him to teach me to keep the bees, Bbt he responded: ‘Are you mad’? My uncle-in-law had a bee-keeping book, which I read. So after several failed attempts, and a ‘vision’ of what strategy to use, the bees started to stay. But after one year the bees were not yet producing honey, and I became discouraged and was contemplating destroying the hives with gasoline; but on opening the bee hive for the final time, I was left amazed. I saw the hive filled with honey…. And from that moment my love affair with bees had begun.”

Stingless-bee honey, which is claimed to be a traditional treatment for eye diseases

MANY CHALLENGES Gillard recalled too, many other challenges, including floods and thieves

Devin and his wife Allison with some of the by-products of honey they have made such as soap and lip balm

which destroyed the bee hives, and at another instance the sinking of a wooden vessel he was using to relocate 40 hives across the Berbice River from Islington Village, Greater New Amsterdam to

West Bank Berbice.

The incident was a result of the weight and the turbulent waves. He averaged his losses as a result of the unfortunate incident at $4M. Nevertheless, he said his

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

– cures maladies experience with honey over the years has indeed proven that it is one of the most effective natural products used for medicinal purposes, inclusive of wound and burns healing and coughs, among other ailments.

Further, the bee pollen can be used as a multi-vitamin while the bee propolis (bee glue) can be used to shrink colon cancer cells.

If a tooth is lost during an accident, it can be repaired if it is placed in propolis before being pushed into the gum.

DON’T GET TRICKED He was quick to warn that consumers need not be tricked into using a mixture of corn syrup, but instead, pure honey must be used in order to experience healing.

“As we are well aware, honey is a natural sweetener that is widely available across the world, and its composition varies, depending on the types of plants from which the bee consumes nectar.

“The taste and colours of honey varies….[sic] There is sweet and sour honey, pink, lime green, black, purple, transparent or clear like water... the colouring depends on the flower it pollinates.

When the neem flower is pollinated, the honey is brown and bitter, while when it pollinates the mangrove plant the honey has a golden transparent colour.... Our bees are at the mangrove forest,” he told this publication.

With respect to the sting-

less-bee honey, it is higher in demand and more expensive to maintain due to a lower production level. The honey it produces is also different from that produced by the Africanised bees, with respect to its colour, taste and its viscosity.

Honey from these bees has traditionally been consumed directly and used in numerous medical practices, including traditional methods.

Gillard noted too that stingless bees, that has no stinger, but instead a clipper, can be found primarily in forested areas or farmlands with passion fruit, cherries or soursop, which are acidic fruits.

“The stingerless bees is [sic] all over the place, but, persons don’t know much about it [sic], as it requires specialised care. If they are not comfortable they go away. But those I have had been with me since I lived at another location. I guess they like me,” he chuckled.

While Gillard focuses primarily on honey, his wife, Allison, focuses on the many by-products which are used in her brand “Allison Hair and Skin”, namely lip balm, body butter, body scrubs, hair foods, candles and soaps.

Together, the couple of Glasgow New Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, have plans to develop new products and expand their client base in the new year.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

A ‘stressful’ online learning environment?

–– Psychologist says focus must be placed on how students are coping

By Vishani Ragobeer THE seemingly unavoidable challenges of online learning, coupled with the pervasive emphasis for good test performance can be stressful for learners contending with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to local psychologist, Wil Campbell.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the psychologist related that there are a number of inherent challenges in the virtual teaching and learning environment which may be stressful for both learners and teachers.

Many of these challenges disproportionately affect learners, in particular.

The first fear, which can lead to stress, is the fear of disconnection. This may be caused either by limited, unstable or even no internet

entire mood just changes and internet school is already somebody that I really need to motivate myself to do.”

A study entitled, “Challenges of Online Education during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal” done by psychology lecturers, Kavita Khati and Khem Raj Bhatta, also raised this concern of learners’ motivation. One student interviewed for the study stated virtual learning feels as though there is more of teacher talking and less of interaction.

Since March, schools have been closed to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus in Guyana. Learning shifted to the online setting, which was seen as one of the few options that could facilitate engagement at the time.

The Ministry of Education, however, made the decision

Psychologist Wil Campbell

for hours to get to a hotspot or something of that nature,” he said, adding, “I feel like it is unfair to those persons to require them to meet the same expectations as those persons who have lightning fast internet.”

In Aishalton, Region Nine, one teacher, Mary

A young pupil attending class via a cellphone with a data plan

connectivity; it may also be caused by power outages (commonly called blackouts).

Campbell contended that a blackout is “more stressful” because there is generally an uncertainty about when the power will return, and beyond disrupting virtual learning, it can cause discomfort.

“Our society focuses heavily on test performance and the threat of missing out on content, or on a class weighs heavily on students in general. The idea is that you miss this and that you could not have what you need to perform well on the next test,” Campbell said.

Beyond resulting in stress, these disturbances may also hamper learners’ motivation for school. Missing out on school work, the psychologist explained, could have adverse effects on the learners’ drive for school.

One pharmacy student of the University of Guyana (UG), who prefers to remain anonymous, told the Guyana Chronicle that she feels less motivated to attend a class if she experiences a power outage, even if power was lost for just a few minutes.

“When there is a blackout, I don’t feel like going back to class. It’s like my

to conduct a phased reopening of schools, starting with Grades 10, 11 and 12 and the Technical Vocational Institutions, from November 9.

“We can’t allow our children to drop out because of the absence of engagement from March to now,” said Minister of Education Priya Manickchand emphasised, while visiting reopened schools recently.

Subsequently, she explained that the ministry, and by extension the government, is tasked with ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic does not augur long term implications for learners. Of grave concern is whether students have “dropped out” to support their families or because of the protracted period away from school.

According to Campbell, learners who already do not possess all the resources they need in order to adequately benefit from online learning, such as a fast internet connection or a steady supply of electricity, if any at all, are further disadvantaged.

“In the hinterland in particular, there are certain parts where they may not be much connectivity and there are other parts where students may have to travel for miles and

Thomas, told the Guyana Chronicle previously that all of her students do not hail from the same community, but rather a collection of surrounding yet distant communities. Internet connectivity and even having smart devices have been a challenge.

Earlier in the year, she attempted to distribute booklets, with practice questions, ahead of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Since she did not have enough booklets for her 25 students, she allowed them to use the booklets, and when they were done, she loan them to another group of students.

She also created a WhatsApp group with those students who have cellphones to work on questions and conduct revision. It is not unbelievable that the students did not respond with much alacrity, as related by Thomas.

Recognising some of these inherent disparities, the Education Minister explained that, since taking office, a few months ago, her Ministry began distributing worksheets and tapped into broadcast media in order to facilitate the learners.

Even so, Campbell stressed that the prevailing

circumstances require almost a herculean effort from learners.

“I think it will require a

mindset that says ‘If I don’t make it this time, I will be able to make it sometime down the road’ or something of that nature,” he said. But, he also lamented that Guyana’s educational system and culture do not necessarily provide “options” for learners, given the great emphasis placed on garnering good test scores.

The modified approach of engaging in only multiple choice testing taken by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) this year, illustrated that the education system can adapt, Campbell said. Though that approach has been criticised by some persons, the psychologist was

of the opinion that the modification could augur for re-examining the education system, to reduce the “pressures” students are placed under.

“I feel like this is a good opportunity going forward, even beyond the pandemic and when we go back to our face-to-face settings, I think that we need to take another look at the quantity of content we do and look more at teaching for mastery and helping students to understand concepts,” he related.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

The Science of COVID-19

COVID-19 and Surgery The Caribbean picture has shown a mixed pattern, with many smaller territories such as Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, being able to contain the disease relatively early in the pandemic, while others, with larger populations, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Jamaica, have experienced rising infection rates over several months.

By Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, SEVERE acute respiratory syndrome Corona virus-type 2 (SARS Co-V-2), which causes the COVID-19 infection, was first documented in Wuhan Hubei Province, China, after a number of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin occurred in late 2019.

A pandemic was subsequently declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. The virus continued to spread rapidly throughout the world and, to date (November 12, at the time of writing), has infected 49.7 million and resulted in 1.2 million deaths globally.

No region or country has been spared, though infection and mortality rates vary among countries. Some countries, including New Zealand and Australia, have been successful in keeping rates of infection down, while America and parts of Europe, including Britain, have experienced significantly higher rates of infection and mortality.

SURGICAL SERVICES The pandemic has impacted surgical services in several profound ways.

Importantly, it has resulted in significant deployment of surgical resources to treat COVID-19 patients and has increased the demand for other critical resources, including ventilators and blood components.

Together, with the increased risk of transmission to both patients and surgical staff within surgical institutions, the pandemic has resulted in: * Reduced surgical staff to care for patients with surgical issues * Reduced surgical bed space * Shortage of blood components * Increased surgical operative complications among COVID-19 patients * Transmission of the disease to surgical staff * A suspension of non-urgent surgeries CLASSIFICATION OF PATIENTS Patients who need surgical services can be broadly categorised into two areas. First, there are electives, that is, those whose conditions require surgery for improved functioning and quality of life but, which are non life-threatening.

This category includes appearance augmentation surgeries. Thus, there is no danger when such surgeries are done on a schedule of over weeks to

several months.

On the other hand, the second category, which is the emergent type of surgical conditions, does require urgent surgical intervention to prevent deterioration of health, and, in many cases, to prevent death (reduce mortality).

This category includes patients with cancers, life-threatening infections and injuries.

RISKS AND NON-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT Evidence has emerged which shows patients who undergo surgery and contract COVID-19, in some cases from -7 to +30 days of surgery, have increased respiratory complications and worse surgical outcomes than those who are uninfected.

Due to this risk, many surgeons have opted to operate on COVID-19 infected patients only if safe non-surgical options are unavailable.

During this period, surgeons carefully select patients for non-surgical management, including those with uncomplicated appendicitis, chole-

cystitis and diverticulitis. Of course, failure of conservative management would result in the surgical operation being conducted.

Suffice it to say that many COVID-19 patients, who required emergency life-saving operations during the pandemic, have been successfully operated on, while guarding against the potential for bad outcomes.

RISKS TO SURGICAL STAFF Due to the potential for increased aerosolisation of viral particles during operative procedures, there is a significantly higher risk of transmission to surgical staff when performing surgery on patients with COVID-19.

These risks can however be mitigated by improved safety protocols that have evolved during the pandemic.

These include the use of special personal protective equipment (PPEs) by surgical staff, such as, impervious surgical suits and goggles and the refitting of operating rooms with air filters and new dynamic airflow systems.

OUTPATIENT SURGICAL SERVICES New strategies have been

utilised in the organization of surgical outpatient services to reduce the need for patients to visit surgical clinics, thereby decreasing the risk

of COVID-19 transmission among patients and staff.

These new strategies to treat and follow up patients include: * Telemedicine * Virtual Clinics * Telephone follow ups * Call-in inquiry services for patients A smaller number of patients with special needs or with deterioration of their surgical conditions are still required to visit the clinics in person.

BACKLOG OF SURGERIES The cancellation of routine/ elective surgeries for the reasons already cited has resulted in an increased backlog of cases.

Since there is the risk of deterioration of surgical conditions, as the wait time for surgery increases, patients need to be re-assessed and other solutions sought, even as the pandemic persists.

One solution being looked at is the phased restart of certain types of non-urgent surgeries over the next several weeks and months. This process will prioritise patients based on the seriousness of their condition and also prioritise those surgeries that can be done in an ambulatory fashion, that is, surgeries which can be done as same-day admission and discharge.

This approach to restarting routine surgery keeps in mind the possibility of a resurgence in COVID-19 infection rates during the roll out, hence making any necessary scaling back less complicated.

NEED FOR INCREASED RESOURCES Surgical facilities must now adopt new recommendations and emerging benchmark safety measures when conducting surgeries in the future.

These changes will likely result in an overall increase in the cost for surgical services that must be met by institutions, government and patients alike.

These changes include: * New and more efficient surgical pathways for scheduling and conducting surgeries (same-day surgery being one key example) * Perioperative screening and COVID-19 testing * Purchase of special PPEs for surgical staff * Redesign of surgical facilities and operating rooms MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERIES Before COVID-19, minimally-invasive procedures were on the increase and in most modern surgical institutions were the standard for many types of surgeries.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy and colectomy are some examples of such surgeries. These surgeries were temporarily on hold in many institutions due to the perceived risk of increased aerosolisation of the virus during these procedures.

However, evidence-based reports which have now emerged suggest that surgical facilities can safely restart laparoscopic, endoscopic and other minimally invasive procedures by making simple adjustments to reduce the aerosolisation risks.

SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19 From a surgical perspective, a return to full surgical operational capabilities is desired. While this author looks forward to a roll out of routine surgeries in the near future, the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 infection must be kept in mind and guarded against by all stakeholders.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and, in this critical phase, as we fight to further lower infection rates, surgical facilities through staff will continue to do life-saving surgeries and offer other important surgical services, while at the same time planning for the next phase of routine surgical operations.

Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, FCCS DMT, MBBS, PGDip. Surgery (UG) Trauma Surgery (u Ottawa) Head Dept. General Surgery, GPHC Associate Professor in Surgery Chairman of the Medical Council of Guyana This article is part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Over 90 ranks transferred as Berbice Commander tailors policing plans

Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan (center), flanked by senior police ranks and CPG members, following a recent meeting.

OVER 90 members of the Guyana Police Force have been transferred to various stations in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) after divisional commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, met with stakeholders to formulate policing and security plans within his jurisdiction.

Since taking up the post on October, 16, 2020, the commander has met with three Mayors and town councillors; the Regional

Chairman; the Regional Executive Officer; business owners; residents and other stakeholders.

In strategising his operations and systems to be synchronised, the commander formed five team policing groups in New Amsterdam, Albion, Rose Hall Town, Whim and Spinglands.

He also established eight Station Management Committees, visited all police stations and created new traffic management systems

while enhancing intelligence gathering.

Training was also done with station sergeants, criminal investigators, traffic ranks, court prosecutors and orderlies, IT departments, immigration and other police ranks.

Meanwhile, during a recent meeting with senior and subordinate officers in the East Berbice-Corentyne district, Commander Ramlakhan underscored the essential role and support

$220M in ‘ganja’ destroyed in Berbice River

One of the tents filled with ration and other supplies that was destroyed during the raid on the marijuana farm

RANKS of the Guyana Police Force, on Friday, destroyed 12 acres of marijuana cultivation at Haraculli Creek in the Berbice River.

The illegal drugs have an estimated street value of $220M. The eradication

exercise, which lasted for 13 hours, was headed by two senior officers and included 16 other ranks.

Reports indicated that an additional plot of land - about six acres - was prepared for cultivation and had 60 kilograms of harvested cannabis;

three camps were found.

The fields, camps and dried cannabis were all destroyed by fire. No arrests were made and efforts are currently being made to trace the owners of the land with a view to instituting charges.

the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) play within the region.

The main purpose of the meeting, he said, was to discuss issues relating to crime and security strategy

in the region. Several concerns were highlighted by the members and they were addressed by the Commander and team.

At the end of the meeting, members of the com-

munity policing groups thanked the officers for the engagement and promised to work diligently to enhance the work of the CPGs in the region.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

‘Jinga Harry’ surrenders after shooting at Police, GRA officers during raid

By Rabindra Rooplall CONTROVERSIAL and notorious businessman, Harrielall Motilall, known as “Jinga Harry” surrendered at the Mahaica Police Station, on Saturday, after opening fire on law enforcement officers Friday evening.

The businessman reportedly forced law enforcement officers to seek cover, after they came under fire from AK-47 and M-70 rifles, when they attempted to respond to

illicit activities at his bond at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

A number of vehicles and other items, suspected to have been smuggled into Guyana, have been seized by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers.

According to a source close to the investigation, several enforcement officers from the GRA were responding to information of illicit activities at the bond when they came under heavy gunfire.

The GRA officers then requested police backup but the onslaught continued when the police arrived and so the ranks retreated after they were ill-equipped to respond.

However, a suspect was later apprehended and GRA seized a number of items but the main suspect, Motilall, managed to escape until he decided to surrender. The Police also found 7.62 spent shells which are used in AK47 and M70 rifles at the scene.

The 60-year-old businessman was ‘hauled’ before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court in September last, for a firearm-related charge.

Motilall of lot 11-12 Helena#1, Mahaica, ECD, was charged by the police for possession of components of a firearm without being the holder of an appropriate licence, contrary to Section 16(2) (a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05.

In 2016, Motilall was sentenced, in absentia, to

Harrielall Motilall called “Jinga Harry” in handcuffs, after he surrendered

four years imprisonment for discharging a loaded firearm at GRA officers.

On July 16, 2014, Motilall, while in the company of others at Airy Hall, Mahaicony, discharged a loaded

firearm at Fabian Stuart, Jason Moore, Khemraj Murli and Garfield Scott, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

New PAHO/WHO rep. presents credentials to Foreign Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd (right), and resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. Luis Felipe Codina

GUYANA has welcomed the newly appointed resident Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) representative, Dr. Luis Felipe Codina.

Dr. Cordina presented his credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, on Friday. The new representative succeeds Dr. William Adu-Krow, who was stationed in Guyana from 2014 to this year.

Dr. Cordina has arrived in Guyana at a time when the world is faced with the dreaded effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. His organisation has so far provided both technical training and physical support in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing kits, to Guyana.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a press release on Friday, did not specify what will be the specific areas of focus, but it said that areas of mutual interest, such as enhanced collaboration between Guyana and the organization, are high on the agenda.

The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the international public health agency for the collaborative efforts and technical support provided to Guyana’s COVID-19 Response Plan.

PAHO’s technical cooperation in Guyana was formalised in October 1967, with the establishment of a country office. Responsible for providing technical cooperation, the country office facilitates activities aimed at improving health conditions in Guyana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

Understanding Energy

Cost audits a common industry practice

NEWS reports that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has completed its audit of ExxonMobil’s US$460 million pre-contract costs naturally has many Guyanese wanting to know more about this auditing process, and the process that allows companies to recover their costs in the first place.

According to the media, the audit report has been handed to the Department of Energy to be forwarded to the company for its response.

While much has been said about the practice of cost recovery, the process is actually fairly standard in contracts across the energy industry, and applies from initial development all the way through production, and eventually decommissioning.

Since the companies exploring for oil in the Stabroek Block took the risk to invest significant amounts of money in Guyana well before it was certain commercial quantities of oil would be found, it is not unusual for those companies to be able to recover their costs, via crude oil production, if oil is found.

In fact, all of Guyana’s offshore block contracts are structured this way.

This cost recovery takes place over time, and the companies are only allowed to use a set percentage of oil production to cover costs in any given year. This recovery can only be through production. Despite claims to the contrary, this is not money owed by Guyana, and the government is not writing a cheque. These costs represent money invested up front by companies, without any guarantee on return.

When a company decides to recover costs, those funds are directly recovered from oil production revenues if, and only if, oil or gas is found.

This type of arrangement allows Guyana to reap the benefits of expensive exploration and discovery investment, without taking on any risk. The Production Sharing Contract (PSC) signed with the Stabroek Consortium was designed so that the investing companies took on one hundred per cent of the financial risk, if oil was not found.

But since at least 18 discoveries have been made, it’s a normal industry practice to

allow companies to recover some of what they spent to make those discoveries happen. The same process will play out if finds are made on other blocks offshore.

Under the terms of the current contract, Guyana will also receive a royalty from production before any costs are deducted. But the main revenues will come through splitting the profits equally with the companies, after costs are accounted for. That also bodes well for Guyana’s revenues later in the decade. Oil development has high upfront costs, but costs decline once production is established. Most of the initial development costs should be recovered within the first few years, leading to much higher revenues for the government later in the decade.

Since determining which costs are recoverable and which aren’t is a complex process, it’s normal for a government to hire a third party to audit those costs, at regular intervals, to see if there are any discrepancies between what costs the companies believe they’re legally entitled to recover through production, and what the government believes.

Audits help governments and companies maintain a transparent working arrangement, and ensure costs are tightly controlled. As is normal with audits, the GRA report will now go to the companies operating in the Stabroek for their response, so that they can explain the reasoning behind costs.

As the audit takes place, small disputes over what costs are recoverable are commonplace, due to the complexity and size of oil production projects and expenditures. These are generally worked out with continued friendly back-and-forth between company and government.

It’s also helpful to understand what exactly these exploration costs are in Guyana. The top-line numbers have long been publicly available, and help illustrate just how technologically challenging and expensive exploration can be in a frontier area new to oil-and-gas development. For instance, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek Block spent $460 million prior to 2015

on initial exploration and development, including $140 million for seismic surveys on 20,000 km of ocean floor, $65 million for geology and engineering work to identify promising oil formations, and $230 million to drill the first exploratory well at

the Liza site. Meanwhile, a single Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) can represent more than US$1 billion in investment costs to build and deploy.

And the Liza well represents only the tip of the

iceberg, in terms of investments. Exxon CEO, Darren Woods recently vowed to invest more than US$9 billion in the Payara development; the largest single foreign investment in Guyana’s history. Each new investment like that rep-

resents enormous upfront costs borne by companies, and a huge payoff down the line for Guyanese. Cost recovery is one key element in making sure that balance continues to be profitable for all sides.

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My Sunday Submission

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 15, 2020

We have now broken new ground and overturned past stagnations THE news that there will be the Ameena Gafoor Institute for the study of indentureship at the University of Warwick, under the leadership of Dr. David Dabydeen et al, should

comfort those who have been trying to bring the study up to standard with other Caribbean Studies Programmes and further afield. Indeed, one premise for the institution is that

western-oriented universities “pay little or no little attention to the history, lives, and efforts of indentured labourers and their descendants” according to the institute’s dispatch. We

endorse this declaration.

Furthermore, the Gafoor Institute intends to hold an annual International Conference, publish a journal of indentureship, create institutional links with other sister universities and educational organisations, invite scholars, and support a scholarship fund for students, among other initiatives. This is no silly talk. I cannot vouch for the veracity of the institution and comment on how the institution will turn out.

I am convinced, however, that we are witnessing passionate and ambitious goals that would require the support of those who may or not come under the institution’s sway.

Likewise, it would be remiss of me not to mention other concomitant initiatives to promote the study of indenture across the globe.

Banaras Hindu University, Dr. Vishnu Bisram asserts, has launched the International Journal of Studies of Indian Diaspora with a focus on the older Indian diaspora.

The editors of the journal have sent out a call for papers to commemorate 100 years of indentured servitude. We support this endeavor. Dr. Farzana Gounder and this writer have proposed a journal named Bonded Labor and the objective is to facilitate discourse on all aspects of the bonded labour trade with a specific focus on the creation of contemporary societies

in countries caused by these trades. This trans-disciplinary journal aims to create a dialogue among scholars from different disciplines, on various aspects of post-slavery bonded labour, to explore the historical connections between the displacement of people, to provide a forum for suggestions and solutions to the humanitarian crisis caused by bonded labour migration, and to collaborate as well as strengthen global efforts to challenge and abolish bonded labour migration.

We hope that the University of Guyana will latch on to this opportunity.

We here in the Caribbean and other former indentured communities and institutions may do very well if we grab one page from the aforesaid chapter of initiatives and put it to use. Considering the muck and mire we find ourselves in, we can at least use the templates as a springboard to chime into the unfolding Indian academic ecumene. It is not about talent and determination. We have an abundance of that. Rather, it is a lack of resources to further illuminate the field’s significance. Sadly, the field has been buried in the lower depths of importance lacking the spatial framework for understanding where we came from, what we have experienced and where we are going. We are yet, albeit exceptions, to put the sums of parts together to understand the whole humancentric dy-

namics of the study of Indian indentureship and beyond.

Seems, however, like we have reached a juncture in 2020 where we might soar rather than slide in addressing the lacuna and parochial position of indenture and related fields. We have, 100 years later, broken new ground and overturned past stagnations, but we must be cautious of being powerless in producing new ideas of integration so much so that as the field grows the human relationships of it should not be narrower. We do not expect the study of indenture to be hale and hearty. There will be challenges, such as uniting the neglected and unconnected aspects, but the possibility of moving the field forward is more realistic than ever.

Journals of indenture studies, for example, will serve as a platform for rigorous debates, international engagement, openness, the introduction of new modes and models of thoughts and ideas.

I personally believe that, whatever perspectives emerge from the new initiatives, they will deepen our understanding, cast old problems in a new light, and bring to the surface information hitherto obscured. We wish the Gafoor Institute and other initiatives on the study of the indenture, 100 years later, the best of luck (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Young pedalcyclist dies in accident

AN accident on the Number 8 public road on the West Coast of Berbice, Friday night, resulted in the death of pedal cyclist, 21-year-old Shemar Nathaniel Nurse.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that a hire car, driven by a 48-year-old male of Liverpool, Corentyne, Berbice, collided with Nurse about 19:30hrs; enquiries disclosed that the car was proceeding east along the northern side of the road, while Nurse was proceeding west along the southern side.

The driver of the car claimed that Nurse, who was riding behind a motor lorry, made a sudden right

Dead: Shemar Nathaniel Nurse

turn from the northern to the southern side of the road.

“The driver on seeing this, pulled further north to

avoid a collision but, despite his effort, the right side front portion of the car collided with the pedal cyclist,” the police report noted.

Police said Nurse landed on the bonnet of the car, then onto the front windscreen and subsequently fell on the roadway. He was picked up in an unconscious condition by public spirited persons and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver, who tested negative for alcohol, is in police custody as the investigation continues.

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G lf champs Persaud, Deo new Nexgen Academy coaches

By Clifton Ross

REIGNING Guyana Open Golf champ Avinash Persaud and former Women’s champion Dr Joaan Deo, recently signed coaching deals with the Nexgen Golf Academy as part of the Guyana Golf Association’s (GGA) continued growth.

Dr Deo, ex-multiple-time Women’s Open cup winner and current Suriname Ladies champion, along with 10-time champ Persaud, arguably the best golfer in Guyana and the Caribbean, will now lend their expertise to the members of the club.

“The stars are at the Academy, every day and not just at night,” said GGA president Aleem Hussain as he announced that the stars are committing to the expansion of the academy as well as the fraternity, holistically.

“With the sport gaining momentum daily and national attention growing, the demand for the best training has caused us to seek the top coaches to join our team. We are pleased to announce that effective immediately, the coaching services of two of the top players in Guyana are now available at the Academy to ensure that new players are able to learn from the best players in the country.”

Avinash has represented Guyana in Trinidad, Suriname and Jamaica and has successfully defended the Guyana Open title an astonishing 10 times, beating off top competitors from all over the world.

He is undoubtedly the best player Guyana has ever seen in recent years, considering that he backs up his ability with a record that rivals top performance globally.

Persaud has the talent to hit shots that most players can only imagine and plans to teach all those who want to enjoy the game exactly how it’s done.

“Once you see how effortlessly and smoothly the ball can be hit and maximum distance generated, you will realise that any and everyone has the ability to enjoy this wonderful game,” said the champ.

Dr Deo, despite being in pursuit of her Master’s degree said that she has always been there with Hussain to promote the game and sees this as an obligation to the sport.

“Aleem and I represented Guyana in Barbados and Suriname and together went from school to school, University of Guyana and even Giftland Mall to teach the game and this is just another step towards making sure that golf climbs to become one of the most played and recognised sports in Guyana.”

Joaan has won top honours in Guyana and Suriname along with several major sponsored events locally and brings a fluid swing taught her by her father Chen Deo, former captain of the LGC. He had stated, “I am impressed with the efforts of the Golf Academy to attract so many women and children who are now playing golf for the first time, and it is important that they are given the best instruction at the very beginning.” said Chen.

“This move (to bring on coaches) shows that we are moving in the right direction.”

With more than 400 new players joining the sport in the past few months, the need for coaches has exceeded the current efforts being made by Mr Hussain and Colin Ming, who donated over 25 sets of junior golf clubs and assisted with a kids’ camp, to provide individual training to so many new players.

Additionally, the donations to create programmes for underprivileged children by Christopher Ram and Ramesh Dookhoo has set the stage for the game to continue its expansion as more individuals and corporations join to support such efforts.

The fully lighted Golf Academy and Driving Range is open daily from 06:00hrs to 20:00hrs under strict COVID-19 guidelines and is always in superb condition despite the rainy weather.

All equipment and balls are included in the low fee since the focus is on providing the best experience possible at the lowest cost.

AAG starts season with two cross-country meets in Linden & Berbice today THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will stage its 2020-21 calendar of events today with two cross-country races, one in Linden and the other in New Amsterdam.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, AAG president Aubrey Hutson said that “these events will start simultaneously at 14:30hrs and athletes from Georgetown, East Bank of Demerara, West Demerara and Georgetown will head to the `mining town’ to compete with the Linden athletes.

“Some of the Georgetown athletes, including Cleveland Forde, those on the East Coast of Demerara, West Coast Berbice and East Berbice will clash in New Amsterdam at the Esplanade ground.”

All athletes entering the venue will be tested and must show up with their masks and fresh masks will be given to them at the completion of the event.

Fans are reminded that they must practise social distancing at the events and the races will be conducted in a confined area where the fans will be able to see the entire race.

The male and female athletes will be competing in the 12-16, 13-15, 16-19 years and Open age catego-

ries and it will also cater for field athletes and sprinters also, with varying distances being from 2km to 8km.

The registration of an athlete is $200. Transportation will be provided for the athletes who are registered with the AAG. The outer circuit of the Bayrock Community Centre ground, away from the synthetic track currently under construction, will be used for today’s event in Linden.

(Joe Chapman)

Cycling to restart next Sunday with time trials THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has announced a restart to the sport tentatively set for next Sunday with time trials.

The federation opted to re-start with the event, after consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Health.

Racing Secretary of the GCF, Malcolm Sonaram, noted that permission was only granted on Thursday.

“After applying for permission to run off a race which we were sure to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines, we were eagerly anticipating a response.

Alas, our response came on Thursday November

12, 2020. We had a spontaneous meeting yesterday and as a result we have decided to make this Time Trial Series a success.”

Time trials limit interactions since cyclists ride alone while officials record their times. After all participants complete the set distance the cyclist with the fastest time would be declared the winner.

The federation said that the event would bring a new form of excitement for the cyclists and deemed it a “Race against the Clock.”

“We at Guyana Cycling Federation are cognizant of the COVID-19 guidelines and are sure that we can adhere to the rules and still be able to successfully pull

off this event,” information from the GCF Facebook page pointed out.

Next Sunday’s opener is billed for Georgetown and Sonaram indicated that although the location and distance have not been finalised, it would be under 20 km.

The other meets in the series are scheduled for November 29 in Berbice and December 6 in Linden.

According to information from the federation, in each time trial the top three participants will be rewarded, while based on the overall accumulated time placements, the top six will be rewarded after the three events.

The time trials will be opened to both junior and senior cyclists.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 15, 2020

The Brazilians celebrate their 1-0 win over Venezuela

Brazil struggle, but Firmino guarantees win over Venezuela SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil required an untidy second-half goal from Roberto Firmino to beat Venezuela 1-0 and extend their 100% record to three wins from three in a lack-lustre World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo on Friday.

The five-time world champions scored nine goals in their last two games but they struggled from the start against a resilient Venezuela, the only one of the 10 South American sides never to have qualified for World Cup finals.

Richarlison had Brazil ahead in the seventh minute only for the goal to be chalked off for offside and the same player’s foul on the keeper caused a second from Douglas Luiz to be ruled out five minutes before halftime.

The winner eventually came from Firmino midway the second half when he was well-placed to push the ball home from close range after a defensive header fell at his feet.

“We were able to compete and do them damage for a while,” said Venezuelan midfielder Luis Mago. “We made one mistake and paid a heavy price for it.”

The win means Brazil have nine points from nine. They have

not lost a World Cup qualifier since a 2-0 loss to Chile in 2015, 20 games ago.

The result leaves them top of the South American qualifying group after three games, while Venezuela, the only one of the 10 South American teams yet to score a goal, languish joint second bottom with Peru, with just one point.

Bolivia are the only pointless team after three matches.

The top four sides in the 10-team group qualify automatically for the finals in Qatar in 2022 and the fifth-placed team will go into an inter-regional playoff.

Brazil’s next game is away to Uruguay on Tuesday, while Venezuela are at home to Chile the same day.

Earlier in the night, Chile beat Peru 2-0 thanks to a double from Arturo Vidal.

Vidal struck twice in the first half, the first a glorious shot into the top corner from almost 30 metres out, to leave Peru with just one point from their first three matches.

Chile, who missed out on Russia in 2018, are sixth with four points.

India get Saha boost, Ganguly says stumper to be fit for Australia Tests NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - Indian cricket board (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has no doubt wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, currently nursing a double hamstring injury, will be fit for India’s four-Test series in Australia beginning next month.

Saha, considered technically the best wicketkeeper in India, injured both hamstrings during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and missed the playoffs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Australia because he will be fit for Tests. He is not part of the shorter formats.”

Rishabh Pant is the other wicketkeeper in India’s Test squad.

Confusion was also rife on Rohit Sharma’s hamstring injury which the opener had sustained during the IPL. Rohit was initially considered unfit for the Australia tour, but continued to play, leading the Mumbai Indians to their record fifth IPL title in Dubai.

Wriddhiman Saha is considered technically the best wicketkeeper in India

BCCI last week said it would take a late call on Saha’s availability for the tour which begins with the first of six short-form internationals on November 27 in Sydney.

“I think people don’t know how the BCCI works,” Ganguly told The Week magazine, dismissing criticism of the board’s handling of player injuries.

“The BCCI trainers, physio and Wriddhi himself know that he has two hamstring issues.”

“Wriddhi is travelling to

He was subsequently brought back to the Test squad.“Rohit is still 70 per cent (fit),” Ganguly said.

“That is why he is still not picked for the ODIs and T20s Down Under. He has been added to the Test squad.”

The four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin with a daynight match at Adelaide from December 17.

India captain Virat Kohli will miss the last three Tests and return home to attend the birth of his first child.

Sensational Sierra Leone comeback stuns Nigeria, Salah tests positive (AFP) - Sierra Leone staged one of the greatest Africa Cup of Nations comebacks to draw 4-4 with Nigeria on Friday while struggling Egypt were dealt a huge blow as talisman Mohamed Salah tested positive for coronavirus.

Nigeria appeared to have three 2021 qualifying points in the bag when they built a four-goal lead after 31 minutes in Benin City against opponents 88 places below them in the world rankings.

But a sensational fightback that began just before halftime as Kwame Quee scored reached a climax five minutes from time when Al-Hadji Kamara equalised.

It was the greatest Cup of Nations comeback since the 2010 finals when Mali drew 4-4 with hosts Angola in the tournament opener after trailing by four goals 12 minutes from time in Luanda.

Record seven-time African champions Egypt are only third in another section following draws with Kenya and the Comoros, and were hoping Liverpool star Salah could lead them to home and away victories over Togo.

But instead of playing for the Pharaohs in Cairo yesterday and in Lome on Tuesday, Salah spent Friday isolated in a Cairo hotel room after testing positive for COVID-19 despite showing no symptoms.

The 2017 and 2018 African Footballer-of-the-Year will undergo further tests, an Egyptian Football Association official said.

Senegalese Sadio Mane and Guinean Naby Keita, two Liverpool teammates of Salah, have recovered after contracting COVID-19.

In Benin City, Nigeria made a whirlwind start with Alex Iwobi (twice), Victor

Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze scoring in a 26-minute Group L goal blitz.

But Sierra Leone, who have won only twice in 14 previous matches against Nigeria, refused to surrender and Kamara scored either side of a Mustapha Bundu goal to secure a dramatic draw.

Laboured South African win Nigeria have seven points, Benin three, Sierra Leone two and Lesotho one with the second and fourth-place teams were due to meet in Porto-Novo yesterday.

Meanwhile, South Africa needed a Bongani Zungu goal on 90 minutes in Durban to seal a laboured 2-0 win over minnows Sao Tome e Principe despite 110 places dividing them in the world rankings.

Percy Tau put Bafana Bafana (The Boys) ahead on 55 minutes from the penalty

spot after he was fouled and Zungu nodded a corner past substitute goalkeeper Nilson Taty.

al outings.

G h a n a l e a d G ro u p C with a maximum nine points, South Africa have

Wriddhiman Saha is considered technically the best wicketkeeper in India

It was another unimpressive showing by South Africa under coach Molefi Ntseki, who has achieved just three victories in six Cup of Nations and friendly internation-

six, Sudan three and Sao Tome are pointless.

Morocco were the most impressive of the five winning nations on Friday, hammering the Central African

Republic 4-1 in Rabat, with Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech bagging a brace.

The triumph under Bosnia & Herzegovina-born coach Vahid Halilhodzic enabled Morocco to replace Mauritania as Group E frontrunners.

Tunisia and Mali, both top-10 ranked countries in Africa, would have expected to win more convincingly than 1-0 at home to Tanzania and Namibia respectively.

Both needed penalties to succeed with Youssef Msakni scoring after 18 minutes for Tunisia in Rades and El Bilal Toure after 33 minutes for Mali in Bamako.

Tunisia top Group J with nine points, six more than Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Tanzania, and Mali share first place in Group A with Guinea on seven points followed by Namibia with three while Chad have none.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 15, 2020

45

England’s tour of South Africa at risk unless interim board ratified ENGLAND’S white-ball tour of South Africa, which starts at the end of the month, could be at risk of being called off unless Cricket South Africa’s Members Council tonight ratifies the interim board that South Africa’s sports minister Nathi Mthethwa imposed on the organisation two weeks ago.

Yesterday, the Members’ Council made public its decision not to appoint the interim board citing an inability to work with them. Mthethwa has since threatened sanctions, which include withdrawing recognition of them as the game’s official governing body in this country, if they do not allow the interim board to proceed.

Should CSA’s Members Council not relent and Mthethwa intervene, South Africa will not have a official team to represent the country, thus making the England tour impossible.

“I don’t know what the thinking is in England but if the Members Council does not take a proper decision this evening, England will probably be seriously discouraged from coming,” Judge Zak Yacoob, the chair of the interim board, told the media.

CSA’s Member’s Council - the highest-decision-making body in the organisation which is made up of the 14 provincial presidents - meets tonight and has so far, shown no signs of willingness to co-operate with the interim board.

England are due to arrive in South Africa on Monday for a 10-day quarantine period with fixtures scheduled to begin on November 27.

“We hope that CSA recognises that giving us the authority to work properly is a smaller disadvantage to them and to cricket than the minister withdrawing recognition,” Yacoob said. “It would be sad if the minister has to proceed in terms of the legislation. That is going to be the fault of the Members Council and that is for the Members’ Council to answer to.”

Further, should Mthethwa take drastic action, that may prompt the ICC to step in as its constitution prohibits government interference in any of its members. However, in order for the ICC to consider a sanction against CSA, a member has to make a formal complaint or there must be exceptional circumstances.

Yacoob said that CSA Council members have already indicated they would do such, as they view the interim board’s appointment as interference, but Yacoob has urged the ICC not to view it as such. “We would make it quite clear that the minister’s appointment of the board does not amount to interference and if CSA contends that, it would be continuing in its misleading attitude,” he said.

Mthethwa has kept the ICC abreast of all his communication with CSA and intention to act in cricket and Yacoob added that he would be willing to enter into personal communication with the ICC to explain the situation.

“One of the things the proposed board might be able to do, if the minister asked us to do so, is to approach the ICC and persuade it to hold on and not to do anything at this stage,” Yacoob said, “I am quite happy to personally approach the ICC in order to persuade them that the minister’s conduct does not amount to interference because it does not.”

However, even if ICC chooses to slap its own sanction on CSA, Yacoob believes

the blame for that would lie squarely with Members’ Council. “If the ICC steps in now, it would be because the Members’ Council improperly resisted a reasonable effort to fix things,” he said.

recognise us. We are going to keep the pressure absolutely on at every level to ensure that they are pushed to cooperate with us,” Yacoob said.

Although the Members’ Council does not recognise the

Ben Stokes hammers one over the leg side (Getty Images)

For that reason, the interim board aims to continue to push the Members’ Council towards working with it, by any means available to them. “There is very much we can do to pressure the members’ council to

interim board at the time of writing, Yacoob said the board itself will continue to operate “although it is difficult for us,” in the best interests of cricket.

“We want to make sure the players remain interested and

organised and committed. It would be a shame if we don’t do well in cricket because of the nonsense that is going around cricket,” he said.

Meanwhile, the South African Cricketers’ Association have expressed their ‘despair and disbelief’ at the Members’ Council refusal to recognise the interim board and have begged them to reconsider.

“We have addressed formal correspondence to the Members’ Council advising them of our dismay at their decision, and highlighting their disregard for the welfare of players in passing this decision,” Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO said.

“Self-interest and politics are continuing to triumph over the best interests of cricket, at a time when the game is crying out for stability and certainty.

It would appear as if the Members’ Council does not realise the extent of the damage being done to cricket, and sadly we are reaching a point where that damage may be irreparable.

“We have been in this state of crisis for over 18 months, and the window of opportunity to change direction is closing fast.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Ecuador Boxing Association pledge support Clock ticking on Andre Russell

THE Ecuador Boxing Association (EBA) has pledged its support for Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) in relation to upcoming international competitions being planned by the latter. This was disclosed to Chronicle Sport by GBA president Steve Ninvalle, who informed that he held wide ranging discussions with EBA president Alex GonzalezA last Tuesday evening.

According to Ninvalle, Guyana and the Caribbean will need to up the level of competition at hosted tournaments in order to make an impact in the world. He pointed to the last Caribbean Championship held in Trinidad and Tobago where the host country went in that direction by inviting Cuba.

“My belief is that we will remain stagnant if we continue as is and don’t open the door to Latin and South America. Trinidad and Tobago made the bold step (of inviting Cuba) last year. Once our international tournaments recommence Guy-

ana will be inviting Ecuador, who along with Brazil and Argentina are South American powerhouses,” Ninvalle said.

“Though our invitation is informal at this time Mr Gonzalez has pledged his full support to that and other things. We have promised to update each other

Ecuador while preparing for the Olympic Qualifiers. Guyana had four boxers training in Cuba for three months leading up to the Olympic Qualifiers.

Guyana are scheduled to recommence activity in the boxing fraternity following a lapse because of COVID-19. The GBA on

EBA president Alex Gonzalez

GBA president Steve Ninvalle

every fortnight. Guyana and Ecuador have visa-free travel between the two South American countries.

Ninvalle said that Gonzalez has also promised to make available training facilities in Ecuador, should the Guyana national team need to be encamped for a prolonged period.

Last year the Cuban national team travelled to

Monday dispatched a letter to the Ministry of Health seeking permission to restart its activities.

The GBA head said the association is hoping that the letter will be favourably considered so that “we can move into the first phase of getting Guyana back to being the number one territory in the Caribbean”.

THE place of talented all-rounder Andre Russell could be in doubt for future West Indies teams after a spate of injuries and his declining invitations to play for the regional side.

Russell was invited to join the team for the upcoming tour of New Zealand but, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief of selectors Roger Harper, declined after claiming he needed space to “clear his head” after having to deal with playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russell last represented the West Indies on tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, where his scintillating 40 from 14 deliveries saw him named man-of-the-match.

Even with such brilliant performances under his thumb, Harper insisted he was keeping an eye on things and that emerging talent could make it difficult for the 32-year-old to continually be selected “if they take their opportunities”.

“I think as we move forward we will look at all situations, all players and determine whether we need to continue to look at those players, continue to consider those players, or we need to move on,” Harper told members of the media, from

the team’s training camp in New Zealand, in reference to the situation.

“A lot of things are determined by how well the team performs. How well the players in the team at the time perform, and the success of the team. I think if players in

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell

the team perform exceedingly well, then it will make it difficult for those that are not on the tour to get back into the team. So a lot of things will be taken into consideration as we move forward.”

Meanwhile, Harper said opener Kraigg Brathwaite had been dropped as West Indies vice-captain in order for him to be able to concentrate on improving his batting.

Brathwaite was replaced as Test vice-captain by all-rounder Roston Chase ahead of the start of the team’s tour of New Zealand. Brathwaite, who was first appointed Test vice-captain in 2015, had averaged 21 from his last 15 Tests heading into the England series.

He showed signs of improvement with half-centuries in the first Test, where he scored 65, and in the second Test with 75. Brathwaite, however, also had scores of 4, 12, 1 and 19 to average 21. According to Harper, the selection panel is hoping that less responsibility will lead to more consistency from the player.

“We thought it important at this time to allow Kraigg Brathwaite, who has been the vice-captain for a while, to just pay a little more attention, to focus a little more on his batting,” Harper told members of the media.

“He has not been in the best of form for a little while. I think he began to get himself together on the England tour. We want him to build on this. We thought the relieving of the responsibility would allow him to focus some more on his batting.” (SportsMax)

46

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 15, 2020

Cristiano Ronaldo definitely faster than me – Usain Bolt

USAINBolt believes Juventus and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is “definitely” quicker than him.

Bolt retired from athletics in 2017 but the eighttime Olympic gold medallist still holds the world records over 100 and 200 metres.

The 34-year-old clocked a world-record time of 9.58 seconds in the 100m at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, while he also ran 200m in 19.19s 11 years ago in the German city.

But Bolt feels five-time Ballon d’Or winner and footballer Ronaldo is faster.

“For sure Cristiano [is faster than me],” Manchester United fan Bolt, who also tried to forge a career in football post-athletics following trials with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and A-League side Central Coast Mariners, told Marca Sport Weekend.

“For me he works out every day, he is a super athlete.

“He always on top of his game, he works hard and he is focussed. Right now I definitely think he would be faster than me.”

Ronaldo has scored six goals in four Serie A appearances for Juventus this season, while the 35-yearold netted in Portugal’s 7-0 friendly rout of Andorra on Wednesday.

honours.

Ronaldo left United for Real Madrid in 2009, having scored 118 goals for the Red Devils across all competitions.

In the Spanish capital,

a pair of LaLiga trophies, three Club World Cup honours and two UEFA Super Cups among other silverware before joining Juventus in 2018.

In Turin, Ronaldo al-

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo

After bursting onto the scene at Sporting CP, Ronaldo spent six years at United, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League among other

Ronaldo became Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with 450 – 311 of those coming in LaLiga.

Ronaldo claimed four Champions League crowns,

ready has 71 goals and two Serie A trophies to his name amid speculation he could depart for Paris Saint-Germain or United.

(Sportsmax)

Umpire Pashchim Pathak opens up on his hair style and umpiring career USUALLY, an umpire becomes viral on social media only after giving a controversial decision on the field. Umpiring is pretty much a thankless job and most often than not, an umpire makes it to the news because of mistakes.

But Pashchim Pathak is an exception. The umpire was all over the social media during IPL 2020 but not for any wrong reasons.

Pathak caught everyone’s attention with his long hair as well as his voice. Fans on social media called him Rockstar umpire, and some have termed him DJ umpire.

With the IPL now all done and dusted, the umpire has opened up about his long hair after becoming popular during the tournament in the UAE. Pathak has revealed that getting attention for hair is nothing new for him “I received lots of messages from my friends and people whom I know. People talked about my hairstyle but it’s nothing new. I have been growing my hair for the last two years now, even in do-

mestic cricket I stood with my long hair,” Pathak told The Indian Express.

Apart from his hair style, Paschim Pathak also caught attention with the way he stood on the field.

Just like the umpires of

If you see in cricket everyone has to bend at some point of time. The bowler has to bend while bowling, fielder bends once he takes a start and batsman too bends at stance. So even I bend while standing behind

Paschim Pathak has an old-school approach to umpiring

the yesteryear, he too likes to bend while standing behind the stumps. Umpires in old days believed that standing with a bent pose helped them focus more.

Speaking about it, he recalled how he had read a famous quote about how cricket is a sport where everyone bends, including the umpire.

“The line stuck with me.

stumps. It helps me a lot in terms of concentration,” he said.

The cricket official further opened up on how he started his career as an umpire. He was a chartered accountant but his heart was set on cricket and he eventually opted for the second option. Pathak started his journey in the game with the dream of

playing. In his childhood, he had enrolled himself in the academy of Ramakant Achrekar, the man who had taught Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli among others.

However, he didn’t take long to realise that becoming a professional cricketer was tough. But at the same time, he wanted to remain connected with the game and thus decided to become an umpire. Pathak revealed he asked his neighbour Sriram Kannan, a Mumbai Ranji Trophy player, how to pursue a career in umpiring before getting himself enrolled at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

“I wanted to be a cricketer but soon I realised that it’s not meant for me. I was always good at studies, so my family never pressured me. I became a professional umpire after giving an exam in MCA and later cleared all umpiring exams under BCCI in 2008. Since umpiring was my passion, I stopped my CA work,” Pathak said. (CricTracker)

Masters 2020

Dominant Johnson takes four-shot lead at Augusta

World number one Dustin Johnson will take a fourstroke lead into the final round of the Masters after a dominant performance at Augusta on Saturday.

Johnson pulled away with a bogey-free seven-under 65, his second of the week, to lead on 16 under after round three.

in November has seen Augusta National play longer, but a mild few days and Thursday’s electrical storm have provided perfect conditions for scoring.

Johnson made the most of the soft greens once more with an eagle and five birdies in round three that saw him pull clear of the field.

The 36-year-old, who won the US Open in 2016, is playing some of the finest golf of his career during a season that also saw him miss two tournaments while self-isolating after contracting Covid-19.( He opened with rounds of 65 and 70 at Augusta and, after a brief nine-way tie for the lead at the beginning of round three, accelerated clear with a tap-in eagle at the second hole.

From there, Johnson was almost faultless and Dustin Johnson prepares made an up-and-down par to putt on the 15th at 18 to become the first green. Photograph: player in Masters history Curtis Compton/AP with multiple rounds of 65 The American, chas- or less in the same touring a first Green Jacket, nament. equalled the Masters’ reJohnson equalled the cord lowest score after 54 record low score of 16 unholes. der after three rounds set by South Korea’s Sungjae Jordan Spieth when he won Im, Abraham Ancer of Mex- it in 2015 and is looking to ico and Australia’s Cameron become the first world numSmith are closest to him at ber one to win the Masters 12 under. since Tiger Woods in 2002.

South Africa’s Dylan “I have been playing Frittelli, who was joint lead- really well, I just need to er after round one, shot get a few putts to drop,” a five-under 67 and is 11 said Johnson, who tied for under, with world number second last year. three Justin Thomas a fur“It was a really good ther stroke behind. day, I have been swinging Northern Ireland’s well all week. Even after Rory McIlroy pieced to- getting off to a good start, I gether a fine round of 67 to tried to stay patient and be climb to eight under par. aggressive when I could.

Cooler, wetter weather (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Sunday, November 15, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Chris Gayle-258 runs (2) Tim Southee-15 wickets TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) What is the highest individual score registered in WI/ NZ T20 Int’l matches to date?

(2) What are the best bowling figures recorded in a single WI/NZ T20 Int’l game to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 15, 2020

47

Pakuri-born accepted by Barbados Cricket Association Centre of Excellence GUYANESE-born Laliwa Hadali Corrie has been accepted by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) to become a member of their Centre of Excellence for Outstanding Junior Cricketers.

According to information from the youngster’s father, Damon Corrie, the Pakuri (St Cuthbert’s Mission) born only started to play cricket this year.

“This feat is all the more remarkable because she is only 13 years old, and just three months ago she started cricket practice at Wanderers (private club) as a summer holiday hobby for the very first time in her life. She did so well that she went from absolute novice - to getting invited to join the BCA as a junior member in three months.”

Laliwa Hadali (means Ye l l o w B u t t e r f l y S u n ) moved to Barbados when she was a few months old, and has been living on the

island ever since. She returns home during the August school break every year.

It was during one of her trips home that she fell in love with the game. She admired the Pakuri Women’s Cricket

Laliwa Hadali Corrie was impressive in a three-month cricket camp, which started in August 2020 at the Wanderers CC

Skerritt to deliver Frank Worrell Memorial lecture tomorrow

PRESIDENT of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Ricky Skerritt will share his plans for getting better results on the field of play from the region’s cricketers, when he delivers this year’s annual Frank Worrell Memorial lecture tomorrow.

He will address the topic ‘Reforming Cricket West Indies for Improved On-field Results’ and will engage sport fans in a live question-and-answer session afterwards.

administrator, he was a minister in the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party government.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s event, he said: “Being invited by The UWI Faculty of Sport to speak at such a prestigious event is an honour for me. I look forward to sharing some thoughts on the ongoing reform of Cricket West Indies and the way forward.”

Debra King, Director of Corporate Communications of sponsors

The 20th annual Frank Worrell Memorial lecture will be hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus through its Faculty of Sport, in partnership with CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

It will be carried live on UWItv’s cable channel on Flow EVO, and streamed on its website www.uwitv.org on November 16, starting at 20:30hrs (Eastern Caribbean)/19:30hrs (Jamaica).

Skerritt, who previously served as manager of the West Indies cricket team, was elected CWI president in March 2019 and pledged to work towards the redevelopment of the regional game.

Aside from being a cricket

CIBC FirstCaribbean, said the bank was very pleased to join with The UWI to host its 20th edition.

“Sir Frank’s story by any measure is an inspirational one and we are delighted to be long-time sponsors of this distinguished event which seeks to celebrate his life and honour his memory,” King said.

Dean of The UWI Faculty of Sport, Dr Akshai Mansingh highlighted the significance of the occasion: “This is the first time this lecture is being delivered since the advent of the Faculty of Sport, and for us to have an event associated with the name of Sir Frank is humbling. To have President Skerritt deliver this address is a privilege,” he said.

(Nation Sport)

team, since several of her cousins are top players in it.

After her nine-day long puberty ritual (traditional Lokono-Arawak rite of passage) this year, she told her father that one day she would like to play on the

Pakuri team.

“So I agreed to send her to a summer Cricket camp in August 2020 in Barbados at the private Wanderers Cricket Club, under the care and guidance of cricket coach Michael Lucas.”

The older Corrie added that his daughter is the first person from her tribe in a national Barbados Cricket Sports Programme.

“Who knows, if she stays focussed and keeps improving - she might get

selected for the Barbados National Women’s A-Team in a few years.”

Corrie said that he is also hoping that his daughter would move up to represent the regional side in the game.

G

lf champs

Persaud, Deo new Nexgen Academy coaches SEE PAGE 43

New GGA/Nexgen coaches Reigning Guyana Open Golf champ Avinash Persaud (left) and former Women’s champion Dr Joaan Deo

AAG starts season with two cross-country meets in Linden & Berbice today FLASH BACK! SEE PAGE 43

SEE PAGE 47

Cleveland Thomas (469), pushing ahead of Odwin Tudor (487) and other competitors at an AAG Developmental Track Meet in January

Cycling to restart next Sunday with time trials SEE PAGE 43

Cyclists will have to wait until 2021 for traditional competitions to re-start

Pakuri-born accepted by Barbados Cricket Association Centre of Excellence

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