Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_01_2020

TUESDAY 1st December, 2020

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Tourism breathes again

No.106200

–– COVID-19 measures relaxed

SEE PAGE 03

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Seawalls and Beyond Group on Monday unveiled a mural at the Georgetown Seawalls, urging everyone to keep the environment clean (Delano Williams photo)

Man, 52, kills self over girl, 14 PAGE

03

No entry!

––non-essential travel in or out 11 of Region 7 restricted PAGE

High Court to decide fate of 05 Haitians on Thursday PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Task Force will ‘shut down’ bars violating COVID-19 measures

–– Health Minister says, urges compliance

By Vishani Ragobeer BARS found violating the COVID–19 emergency measures, even after being warned twice, will be shut down, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

According to paragraph (2) section (1) of the emergency measures which take effect from today, bars and rum shops are to remain close; this measure has been in place for a number of months, as measures were employed to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Even though bars were not supposed to be opened, in November, the Guyana Chronicle found numerous bars in Georgetown, and on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), that were operationalsome even after the 22:30h curfew.

In an invited comment on Monday, Dr. Anthony reiterated the measures imposed relating to bars and rum shops.

He contended that bars should not be operational because one would have to remove one’s mask in order to drink, and most bars are based indoors where the potential for spread is much greater.

“What we have to do is to be more stringent with our enforcement and we have spoken to the Guyana Police Force about assisting us with heightened enforcement,” Dr. Anthony said.

While he acknowledged that these restrictions may be hurting businesses, he emphasised that the country is currently engulfed in a public health crisis.

60+ BUSINESSES IN CONTRAVENTION Dr. Anthony also revealed

that the National COVID-19 task force (NCTF) has now written to more than 60 businesses, pertaining to a breach of these guidelines. A week ago, after it was publicised that popular entertainment spot, Palm Court, was given a final warning for non-compliance, the NCTF said that 42 businesses breached the guidelines.

For those businesses (that is, bars and entertainment spots in particular) found acting in contravention to these measures, Dr. Anthony said that their owners or managers are invited to the task force’s office where the body attempts to appeal to their sense of morality first.

Thereafter, if they continue to violate the measures, they are issued a second and final warning. At this point, if there is still non-compliance, more stringent actions are

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

taken.

“If they get two letters from us, (after that) we are closing them down,” the Health Minister said pointedly.

No businesses have been closed as yet, according to the Minister. He, however, urged them to comply so that

the task force is not forced to shut them down.

As per the new COVID–19 measures, which will remain in effect from December 1-31, the curfew remains from 22:30h to 4:00h.

Even though the month of December is usually one of many social gatherings, many

restrictions have not been lifted.

These measures state that no person shall host, attend, or visit: cinemas- except drivein cinemas; private parties; banquets, balls or receptions; bars or rum shops; a public or hotel swimming pool or waterpark; wake or vigil; club or discotheques; a meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organisation; or any social activity.

In September, the Guyana Chronicle reported that more than 2,000 persons were arrested for violating similar regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some persons were arrested while others were charged.

During mid-November, over a two-day period, the Guyana Police Force reportedly arrested a total of 116 persons after they were found in breach of the COVID-19 measures. These individuals were mainly from Region Five and Six.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Tourism breathes again

–– COVID-19 measures relaxed

The Pandama Retreat & Winery located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway

By Vishani Ragobeer THE tourism sector, which has been devastated by the restrictions imposed to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, finally has a chance to breathe again as per the newly gazetted COVID–19 emergency measures, which take effect from Tuesday.

According to paragraph (6) section (1)(r) of these new

measures, hotels and other accommodation, including interior lodges and resorts and tour companies are now listed as essential services, which are allowed to operate 24 hours each day.

The new measures highlighted that these services shall comply with any health and safety protocols issued by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in order to minimise the risk and spread

of the coronavirus when hosting clients.

“The operator of any service permitted to operate in accordance with paragraph 6(1)(r) shall be responsible for ensuring that their staff and clients comply with this Notice, any health and safety protocols issued by the Guyana Tourism Authority and any guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.”

This paragraph also em-

phasised that the GTA shall be responsible for monitoring these services and ensuring the implementation of the measures under the notice. If any service fails to comply with this notice or any of the protocols or guidelines issued, the Minister of Health may close the operation of that business or prohibit an activity.

Globally, it is estimated that tourism has declined by

65 per cent during the first half of this year. This has resulted in a loss of more than 850 million jobs and as much as US $1.2 trillion in earnings.

Over the last two years, Guyana recorded its highest visitor arrivals, during which time it also won six international awards (four of which were tied to sustainable tourism). Guyana is a recognised eco-tourism hub.

After the pandemic hit Guyana, however, many of the stakeholders in the tourism sector have complained about the difficulties they faced due to the closure of airports and even the restrictions to local travel- efforts employed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In November, President Irfaan Ali acknowledged that the revenues of the local tourism sector have declined by an estimated 46 per cent in the first half of the year.

Some 30 per cent of the sector’s employees lost their jobs, with an additional 36 per cent placed on unpaid leave.

In the 2020 emergency budget, measures were introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on the sector. These include the removal of the value-added tax on hinterland travel and the provision of special tax incentives for new hotels and tourism-related businesses.

And, already the country’s international airports have been reopened, importantly, under strict COVID-19 prevention and containment protocols. Now, with these restrictions lifted

even further, it is expected that tourism will start to rebound.

Billions of dollars in hotel investments have been announced recently. Popular hotels which will be coming to Guyana include the Delta Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and the Hyatt. Additionally, many locals have begun investing as well, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity.

Kerwin Bollers from Guyana’s own Hits and Jams Entertainment is one of the investors for the H-Towers Luxury Hotel, which will be housing the renowned Sheraton Hotel and the Element Hotel, both owned by the Marriott. This investment will be close to US$125 million, and construction is expected to commence at Providence, East Bank Demerara, in the first quarter of 2021.

Palm Court, also, will soon be constructing a US$54 million (G$11B) mega Palm Court International Hotel on the outskirts of Georgetown, while King’s Guyana will be constructing a new US$10 million (G$2B) King’s Hotel.

“Guyana is going to become an economic powerhouse and so hotel needs will grow significantly,” President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Mitra Ramkumar posited, adding, “Guyana will attract a lot of business travellers and a lot of businesspeople will prefer to stay with those hotel chains they know or are familiar with.”

Man, 52, kills self over girl, 14 A 52-year-old boat captain stabbed himself to death, on Monday, after he chopped a 36-year-old housewife of Riverview Ruimveldt, Georgetown, because she refused his advances towards her 14 year-old daughter.

Dead is Jeffrey Narine of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Wounded is Michelle Russell, who is now a

patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Police said investigations revealed that, on Monday, about 09:00h, Narine visited the home of Russell and “told her if he do not get to be with her daughter who is 14 years old, he will kill her and also kill her daughter.”

Police said Russell rebuked him and told him he cannot have a

relationship with her daughter after which Narine left the house.

Police said that, at about 13:00h, the same day, Russell was at home with her reputed husband, a fisherman, along with others, when Narine entered the yard, armed with two cutlasses in his hand and a knife in his right side pants waist.

He then proceeded to the apart-

ment of Russell and dealt her a chop with the cutlass to the right side of her abdomen and on her left hand.

The boat captain then left the yard “saying he will kill someone.”

The victim was immediately taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The perpetrator then walked away and sat on a bench in front of

a shop and upon seeing the police, he stabbed himself in the neck and bled to death.

As a result of his action, the paramedics were summoned and they pronounced Narine dead at the scene.

The body was subsequently taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour and is awaiting an autopsy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Service sector critical to recovery of local economy

–– Economist says not against reopening of country, but advises against trading lives for profits

By Navendra Seoraj REVERSING the effects of the dreaded novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the local economy would not happen immediately, but, with a coordinated approach which places emphasis on the service sector, recovery would be faster here than in other countries.

Guyana, like many countries around the world, has been severely affected by the direct and indirect effects of this pandemic. And, the main constraining factor has been the necessary control measures which were instituted by the government to mitigate the spread of this scourge.

In March, 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic reached the shores of Guyana, the country was forced to adopt measures to protect its people and simultaneously maintain economic stability. The situation was further exacerbated by a protracted General and Regional Elections, which ended on August 2, 2020.

Faced with a pandemic and political tension, the country’s economy was threatened, as commercial and economic activities had “dried up,” leaving the country to “ride on the back” of its nascent oil-and- gas sector, which only kept the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) above the international average and did not provide actual relief to the nation.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at a pre-budget press conference in August, said that Guyana’s oil economy grew by 45.9 per cent, but the non-oil economy, which comprises the traditional labour-intensive sectors, shrunk by 4.9 per cent in the first half of the year.

And, although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Guyana will be the only country in the Caribbean and Latin America to have positive real GDP growth, pegged at 26.2 per cent, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Arm-

Tuesday December 1, 2020 –– 04:30 HRS

UG Head of Economics Department, Sydney Armstrong

strong, has said that certain key sectors will have to be re-organised and placed on the front burner so that there could be tangible recovery.

Critical in the road to recovery, as outlined by Armstrong, will be the service sector, which was severely rattled by the effects of COVID-19.

According to Investopedia, the service sector produces intangible goods, more precisely, services instead of goods and it comprises various service industries, including warehousing and transportation services; information services; securities and other investment services; professional services; waste management; health

care and social assistance; and arts, entertainment, and recreation.

Countries with economies centred on the service sector are considered more advanced than industrial or agricultural economies.

SEVERE HIT The service sector in Guyana accounts for more than half of the GDP, but it has taken a severe hit.

“The service sector has been hit the hardest…but, as we recover, it must be the sector of focus…we have to organise and plan how to reopen the economy with this [service sector] in mind… there is the tourism industry and there are other industries

within the service sector, like banking and transportation which need to be priority,” said Armstrong.

The government has already taken steps to rejuvenate ailing sectors and restore stability, but has maintained focus on safeguarding the health of every Guyanese through various control measures.

Among some of the resuscitative measures are the reopening of the country’s international airports; the reduction in the hours of the national curfew; extension in the time for businesses to operate; and the authorisation for businesses to operate in a safe manner, although at half of its regular capacity, in some cases.

But, like Armstrong, Bruno Antunes, an economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), was reported as saying that a strong and better economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic requires governments to make the services sector a key element in their policy mix.

Services play a key role in increasing productivity, efficiency and effectiveness in the whole economy, said the economist.

Globally, services represent two-thirds of economic output, more than half of the world’s jobs and about a quarter of direct exports. But direct exports of services are just the tip of the iceberg; services provide significant inputs to all economic sectors.

As countries reel under the pandemic’s economic impact, the services sector can help turn the tide by creating opportunities for greater income, food security, productivity, employment, investment and trade, said Antunes.

Investments in the service sector will, however, have to be supplemented by placing similar emphasis on manufacturing.

“In terms of manufacturing, even before the pandemic, has been a very low-performing sector in Guyana, in terms of GDP, so it is something we must think about because value-added is the way we should go,” said Armstrong, adding that this will be supplemented by investments in agriculture.

Already, the government has pumped $5 billion into the sugar industry, but Armstrong said there are other sub-sectors such as fisheries, livestock, forestry and rice which must be considered as well.

“We have to ensure that emphasis is placed on the people operating in such sectors…they need equipment

to guard against COVID-19 and affordable equipment to conduct their work,” said the economist.

The government, in presenting budget 2020, had announced removal of the value added tax (VAT) on agricultural and other machinery, and had also made the poultry industry zero-rated, among other things.

The comparatively exorbitant cost of electricity has also been a deterring factor for investors, but authorities have promised to reduce this cost by at least 50 per cent within the next five years.

The resuscitative measures, supplemented by promises to create a business-friendly environment, have already attracted investors and instilled some level of confidence in stakeholders.

Local businesses have also been responding well to those resuscitative measures, and, they are now reorganising themselves to “bounce back.”

DO NOT TRADE LIVES Armstrong, however, cautioned that while measures to reinvigorate the economy are great, the authorities must be cognisant that lives cannot be traded for profits.

“I am with reopening of the economy, but the reopening has to be done in a structured way, it must be done in a well-planned manner and well-organised way… we still have a large amount of persons affected by the coronavirus, so reopening the economy, if not done in a structured way, can spell disaster.

“While the drive is to ensure that you have economic growth and the economy rebounds, we cannot and must not trade lives for economic prosperity,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong advised that emphasis must be placed on testing persons and ensuring that contact tracing is done to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Local authorities have so far tested 29,752 persons, with 24,376 negative and 5,376 positive.

“What is key is the dissemination of data from the government to the people… we need to know their plan, how they will do it and what is expected,” said the economist.

While the government has to do its part, he acknowledged that civilians have a critical role to play in protecting themselves and, by extension, safeguarding the economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

High Court to decide fate of Haitians on Thursday ―nationals complain of inhumane treatment, insanitary conditions while in custody

By Naomi Parris A TOTAL of 26 Haitians, who are currently in protective custody at the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt in Region Five, have moved to the High Court, seeking their release as they complain bitterly about “inhumane treatment and insanitary conditions” they have been forced to endure for the past three weeks.

A Habeas Corpus was filed in the High Court last week by President of the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana, Kesnel Toussaint, through attorney Darren Wade.

In his affidavit, Toussaint told the court that just a few hours after arriving in Guyana on November 7, the Haitians were apprehended by the police. A group was removed from the Bristol and Bristol Hotel, located on South Road, Georgetown, while another group was arrested on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The police claimed they

were suspected to be victims of a human trafficking ring but the Haitians have denied that.

Toussaint stated that since their detention, three weeks ago, the Haitians have been denied Counsel, although several requests were made.

He contended in the affidavit that the Haitians arrived here legally and were granted an automatic six-month stay in keeping with Guyana’s obligation to the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

On Friday last, the case, brought against the Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, and the Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, came up before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Based on a request made, the court ordered the Attorney General to file an affidavit of defence by the end of the month. Toussaint has until December 2, 2020, to file an affidavit in reply. The court is set to rule on December 3, 2020 on the matter.

INHUMANE TREATMENT Several of the Haitians, on Sunday, voiced their com-

plaints to their attorney during a Facebook live. During the live stream, the Haitian nationals can be heard saying: “We need our passport, we need our freedom” as they pleaded

lator, one Haitian said, “Here the situation is very very bad, bad food. Sometimes when you want water, you have to buy water; you have to buy food and the delivery can take

My home in Dominican Republic; I have my dog, my cat and I don’t treat them like that.”

Meanwhile, an elderly Haitian woman, who is also being

Attorney-at-Law, Darren Wade, speaking with Haitians outside the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, in Region Five, on Sunday

with the relevant authorities to release them from the holding centre.

Speaking through a trans-

a long time.”

Another said, “We want our passport and our freedom.

We cannot live like animals.

housed at the facility, broke down in tears as she spoke to Wade. The woman, through an interpreter, said that she

has never lived in such a bad situation.

In response, Wade, who was also brought to tears, while trying to comfort the woman said, “I was raised by my grandmother…so it’s hard for me to see her in this condition. No human being should be in this position. This is terrible, this is embarrassing.

Nobody should be under this condition.”

Upon entering the facility, Wade was made to understand that there was no running water and the men and women were forced to sleep in the same dormitory.

He also made a donation of dry food items and water to the Haitians.

Last week, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, disclosed that approximately 33,000 Haitians have been reported as “missing” in a three-year period following their arrival in Guyana.

Benn had said that the 26 Haitians, inclusive of seven children, were part of a human trafficking ring.

City Hall needs innovative ways to recover debt ―should stop embarrassing business owners, says Min. Dharamlall

By Richard Bhainie

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown should employ innovative solutions to address general tax collection, including arrears owed.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, that while central government is keen on everyone paying their taxes, the M&CC should improve its professionalism and implement strategic means of working with citizens in relation to tax collection.

Minister Dharamlall’s comments came on the heels of a bitter feud between Georgetown’s Mayor, Ubraj Narine, and the owner of Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat, who is being accused of owing the city millions in taxes.

City Hall also claims to be indebted to service providers to the tune of some $5B. “Our position is everyone should pay their taxes. That is a non-negotiable issue, and at the same time we would like to see the municipality also provide services that are beyond what they currently do; we believe that much more can be done,” Minister Dharamlall explained.

STOP EMBARRASSING BUSINESS OWNERS He noted that the M&CC

has sought to embarrass business owners publicly, rather than working collaboratively with them, to find creative measures on moving forward to address arrears in relation to outstanding taxes.

massive businesses that we have and we require.”

Minister Dharamlall stated that this hostility the M&CC has expressed towards business owners is unpropitious towards the

small businesses, from medium size businesses, from commercial businesses and from industrial businesses and I do not think that the city has been able to do so, I think they have been unwill-

people and sometimes never get to people. They should enhance the quality of the tax collection department and reach out to individuals,” he explained.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

“I think the Mayor has been on an agenda to discredit business people and we believe that is the wrong thing to do,” the Minister explained He added, “I would hope that he would start focusing on providing leadership as the Mayor of Georgetown, rather than get into discrediting, victimising and dishonouring, hardworking people of Georgetown, including the

development of the business sector in Guyana.

When asked about recommendations for innovative solutions the council can employ, the Minister explained that the M&CC was elected to deliberate and conceptualise those plans. However, he offered some suggestions.

“I would like to see them disaggregate the rate payer’s base, so the households have to be treated differently from

ing to do it.”

He explained that the Mayor and City Council should reach out to individuals and businesses rather than execute the uncompromising methods they have so far utilised, such as issuing letters which sometimes never gets to the ratepayer.

“They should start going out and meeting with people rather than issuing letters which take time to get to

With the COVID-19 pandemic, and other difficulties businesses and individuals are currently faced with, the Minister is pleading with the M&CC to seek out rate payers, and develop creative solutions and methods to address debts that are beneficial to both parties.

“Many people are affected by COVID-19 right now, and other issues, in terms of their businesses, in terms of their employment, in terms of their livelihood and their ability to pay, and I think it is City Hall’s responsibility to reach out to the businesses, and to the rate payers, to

find common ground so that everyone gets a fair chance to pay,” Dharamlall said.

SUPPORT TO CITY HALL Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted a number of initiatives and contributions the central government provides to support the M&CC, such as the recently established inter-ministerial task force.

This task force focuses on the development of Georgetown and comprises of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, who is the chair; the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

“These are the areas that we focus on and we would provide the infrastructural development in the city in terms of drainage, irrigation, in terms of addressing issues of roads and other physical infrastructure,” Dharamlall explained.

He added: “we also play a significant role in the collection and disposal of garbage and the operations of the Haags Bosch sanitary landfill. So central government actually plays a significant role to enhance the city’s development.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

An indiscriminating evil ADDICTIONS of any form are aberrations that are precursors to tragic outcomes in families, communities, and the society in general.

The fundamental fact is that an addict is not affected in isolation by what is a disease that degenerates the mind and, subsequently, progressively, behavioural patterns.

A horrifying story has emerged recently that tells of a young drug addict murdering his mother and wounding near to death, a four-year-old child.

This newspaper carried a news report on November 27, 2020, headlined, “Drug addict allegedly kills mother, stuffs her body in wardrobe” that related, inter alia:- “A drug addict allegedly beat his mother to death and stuffed her body in her wardrobe while assaulting and injuring his four-year-old niece.”

The news item continued: “Reports indicated that Anderson was home alone with the four-year-old when her son arrived, behaving in a manner that would indicate he was “high on drugs.”

Residents said that the drug addict would normally steal items from his mother. Sons are precious to their mothers; except in rare instances, and this affection is often reciprocated.

However, an addict eventually be-

comes crazed and, in extreme cases, loses reasoning power and control of their emotions.

It is most likely this mother grieved to see her son deteriorate to the extent that his life became a tormenting thing – to both of them: But the tragedy lies in the fact that his taking the life of the woman who gave him life is a painful guilt that would haunt him all his life; especially if a period of incarceration during a lengthy period when he is deprived of his drug of choice cures his addiction and restores his mental faculties and emotional equilibrium.

Approximately two years ago a brilliant, beautiful teenage daughter of affluent, influential parents, who attended a prestigious private school, committed suicide because she had become addicted after having been coerced into using ecstasy by her boyfriend, a drug dealer known for seducing young girls from wealthy families and drugging them until they become addicted, so that he has a ready market.

Thirteen-year-old Jerry, (name changed to protect identity) was sent to a young woman for maths lessons.

His mother was described as one of the most brilliant women in her country, but she was naïve in the ways

of the world and took people at face value. When she was approached by a soft-spoken Jenny, who frequented her business, to allow her son to take extra lessons from her the mother, thinking Jenny was a decent young woman instead of a devious deviant who engaged in aberrant behaviour, readily agreed, because she worked long hours and her children were often neglected.

To her horror, long after her vulnerable, susceptible adolescent son had become addicted to cocaine and cigarettes did the mother discover that Jenny’s seemingly quiet, decent family was evil to the max. The father worked at Demtoco in an executive position and was allowed a carton of cigarettes per month and Jenny’s brother was a drug dealer. Thirteen-year-old Jerry, for that deviant family, was not seen as the brilliant, well-brought-up child of a hard-working mother who entrusted her son to Jenny’s care, because her long working hours doing two freelance jobs while running her business and managing her home constrained her time. He became their cash-cow, easily manipulated into buying their cigarettes and illicit drugs.

Jerry’s life kept deteriorating, as did his loving, carefree, sunny nature,

well into adulthood. Needless to say, his mother also suffered the consequences of his addiction. The irony is that Jenny married a rich, influential man and she and her family became highly respected by a gullible society because of her influential husband’s wealth and position: but one cannot help but wonder if her widened sphere of wealthy associates afforded her brother a ready marketplace for his drug dealing..

Parents cannot discount the temptations for their children to engage in aberrant behaviour generated by peer pressure and/or adults who have some influence in their lives.

Whether the addiction is to gambling, alcohol, illicit drugs, squandermania – an uncontrollable craze for shopping, even for non-essentials; all of which are morally and physically debilitating, the end result is often destroyed families and wasted lives.

There is a great deficit of moral guidelines and requisite affordable and sustainable help for addicts.

Moralising on various platforms does not transform lives caught in a grip of turbulence that only an addict and his/her families can empathise with.

Guyana Police Force, keep up the work Dear Editor, THE Guyana Police Force needs to stick with the new changes in managing the traffic on the East Bank. If ALL drivers follow the rules, chaos will be reduced.

The Guyana Police Force has come in for some flak for the traffic arrangements last week on the East Bank of Demerara and while I am normally among those first to criticise, I can see the virtue in their modifications. This morning the traffic management was spot on and traffic moved smoothly.

We all know the obvious, the road net-

work is too small for the number of vehicles that pour into it at rush hour. This problem is exacerbated by drivers who turn the two lanes, on either side of the roadways, into four and five-lane convergences. Line jumpers who always try to “bore” into the existing stream are the main cause for the delays and the major contributor to the bottlenecks. At several points the impatient road hogs “bore” into existing lines of traffic and cause unnecessary stoppages and restarts to the possible smooth flow of traffic. I have travelled on the East Bank roadways for many years and this morning when the traffic police were able to have a proper implementation of traffic

control and lane jumpers were prevented from creating side lanes and parallel traffic streams; the flow was smooth and incident free. I have seen this before; once the extra lanes are removed the legitimate traffic lanes flow smoothly.

There are of course some traffic-management issues to be addressed, such as the crossing of traffic at Gafoors junction, the exit from Alexander Village into Mandela Avenue and the absolute chaos that happens at the junction of Saffon and Broad streets ( Guyana’s 10-lane junction).

In my opinion the efforts now being made are a step in the right direction. It is good to

see the Police Force take measures to manage the inadequate road network. The public needs to get on board and embrace these changes; the lane jumpers will be unhappy but a smooth and steady flow will always work better for the majority. We must not pander to the needs of a few who only serve to breed chaos.

To the Guyana Police Force, keep up the work. I support you trying new tactics for better traffic flow, this is all we can do until we can get more roads.

Sincerely, Ajay Baksh

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Strong arguments made to throw out Coalition’s election petitions AT the third hearing of the case management conference into the APNU+AFC’s Elections Petition, which seeks to challenge the validity of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, continued with strong arguments to have the petitions thrown out.

Mendes, who represents Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, argued before the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, to have the petition thrown out since the second-named respondent, former President David Granger, who was listed as a representative of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) did not comply with Section 2 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. They are contending that it was not filed within the timeline fixed by the law.

On November 10, Nandlall filed an interlocutory application to have the case struck out on the ground that it did not comply with Section 2 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. It was not filed within the timeline fixed by the law, he is contending.

The interlocutory application is being treated as part of one

of two election petition cases before the High Court.

Recently, Granger, through his lawyers, gave notice of intentions not to oppose the petition by seeking to exclude himself from the proceedings.

gued that by using the Act of National Assembly (Validity of Elections), Granger has acknowledged that he is a proper named party in the case at hand.

“A respondent who has giv-

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes

The notice which was signed by Granger and dated November 26, read “take note that I the undersigned respondent do not intend to oppose the above petition pursuant to the provisions of section 27(1) (a) and (2) of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Cap 1:04 and rule 25 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules Cap 1:04.”

Nandlall, during his submission raised the issue of defective service and also ar-

en the prescribed notice that he does not intend to oppose the petition or for whom any person has been substituted shall not be allowed to appear or act as a party against the petition in any proceedings thereon,” Nandlall argued.

The AG further said that “Mr. Granger has implicitly or rather, expressly accepted that he is a properly named respondent. That is what the section gives him the power to do…

Any of the named respondents,

including Bharrat Jagdeo or anyone else, have an option in the law to choose not to oppose the petition. And Mr. Granger has exercised that option.

Mr. Granger cannot contend that he is not a proper party

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George

in the petition and then use a mechanism in the act that is directed to proper respondents.

He cannot have it both ways, your honour.”

Mendes also echoed the same arguments as Nandlall.

He argued that Granger’s attorney must show the court that there is no contention in the petition that conflicts with interests in order for them to achieve in their submission that Granger is not a necessary party.

Granger’s attorney, Basil

Williams, stated that his client does not wish to oppose the petition but opted for the court to determine his status in the case.

On August 31, the Coalition, through its lawyer, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, filed

Former President, David Granger

documents on behalf of Claudette Thorne while Attorney Robertson filed his client’s Heston Bostwick’s documents on September 17.

The petitioners are asking the High Court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

Both petitions are seeking an order to direct the Chairman of the Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President, David Granger, the winner of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

Other attorneys who are part of the case are Raphael Trotman, Olayne Joseph, and Trinidad Senior Counsel, John Jeremie. GECOM is being represented by Dominican Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan and local attorney, Arud Gossai.

The Coalition has named several respondents inclusive of Keith Lowenfield; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; and representatives of several political parties that contested the elections, as it wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days.

Former President, David Granger is also named as a respondent.

The PPP/C emerged victorious in the March 2, 2020 elections following a recount exercise.

In the first CMC hearing, which was held last month, Douglas Mendes, who is representing Jagdeo, argued that the petition was null since his client was not served in accordance with the established procedures.

The importance of Kartik Snaan Dear Editor, IN the Hindu calendar, “Kartik”, the 8th lunar month is truly significant and is compounded with reverences of auspiciousness. Kartik Snaan is one of the much respected and religious event which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Kartik Snaan (maasam) is a one month observance and would have commenced on October 31st and culminate on November 30th, the Purnima tithi timing being Nov. 29th, 12:48 pm –Nov.30th, 2:59pm. This one month of sacrifice, as is customary in India, many would venture on pilgrimages to go visit the holy rivers and the ceremony begins with Kartika Shudda Padyami, i.e. praying to Lord Shiva to receive his blessings so that the sustenance of strength and will power is maintained to pursue their goal. Several references citing the holiness of this month is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures and Puranas, including Padma Purana, Skanda Purana and Naarad Purana.

Karthikeya is the son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Snaan means bath. The benefits of taking snaan in the Kartik month is equivalent to taking 1000 Ganga Snan and over 100 Magha Snan. It is a popular belief that by taking a holy dip in the month of Kartik and by offering donations, one gets freedom from all his/her committed sins. Bathing in the holy rivers during the month of Kartik does not have only religious significance, it is scientific too. After the rainy season, when the

sky becomes clear and Sun rays fall on Earth directly, the environment becomes compatible to the human body.

Many stories unfold during this time and one of the more popular ones refer to Vasista telling King Janaka about the glories of Kartik Snaan. During the month of Kartik, Surya Bhagwan enters into Tulsa rasi and remains for a month. In this month, Ganga Mata turns into “Drava Roopa,” (liquid form),and spreads into all, oceans, seas, rivers, lakes, streams and water bodies of the world. Lord Vishnu resides in these water bodies during this Kartik maasam, hence, those who perform snaam in these water bodies will be blessed with prosperity, happiness and health as well. Lord Krishna himself narrated the glories and rituals of Kartik Snan to His wife, Satyabhama.

The month of November is so eventful for the Hindus, having celebrated Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, Diwali, Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Duj. During this month, daan (donation to charity), teerath ratra (visit to Holy shrines), Kartik snaan (bathing in Holy rivers), Havan Yagh (performing religious service), Japa (meditation), Kirtan/Bhajans (singing religious songs) and recital of Holy Granthis yield enormous benefits.

Kartik Snaan bears many significance: Ahoi Vrat – on the 8th day, parents fast for the welfare of their children. Mothers especially seek the protection of their children. For the Vaishno devotees, Tulsi Mata is worshipped and a diya is lit daily for the entire month.

Karva Chauth – married ladies observe

fast for the well-being of their husbands. The fast is not broken until sundown when Chandra Devta is seen. There is the popular story of Veeravati that explains the power of fasting.

Shiva’s Bhakti – Lord Shiva took the form of Tripurantaka to destroy the demon Tripura to make earth a safe place again.

Kartik Purnima - Thousands of diyas are lit and set afloat to worship Mother Ganga. It is believed that the Devas and Devis descend to earth in Varanasi during this time. Satnarayan Puja is performed as, this is the most auspicious full moon.

Kartik Snaan - Devotees flock to the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati Triveni rivers to cleanse themselves.

Lord Vishnu – According to the Hindu scriptures, it is believed that during the month of Kartik, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the ‘Matysa’ (fish) form in order to restore the Vedas.

Sikhism – The birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is also celebrated on Kartik Purnima as per the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This is a reminder festival that all his devotees should remember the teachings that he emphasized upon and should live in the right and ethical way in life.

Jainism – Thousands of Jains flock to the foothills of Shatrunjay Hills of Palitana on the day Of Kartik Purnima. To undertake the auspicious yatra (journey). They make this 216 km. of rough journey in order to pay homage to Lord Adinath temple atop the hill. Jains believe that Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara,

sanctified the hills by visiting it to deliver his first sermon.

Kartik Snaan is very important in the life of a Hindu and has to do more with merely taking a dip in the ocean and cleansing the outer body. In as much as the outer body is cleansed primarily, this now leads inwardly to the mental body to remove the negative qualities of hate, anger, jealousy, envy, greed etc., the elements which act as a barrier, preventing us to follow the path of spiritual development. In the U.S., it coincides with Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside to give thanks for all of our virtues and show appreciation and consideration for being blessed to enjoy so much happiness and bliss in so many different, respective forms. In this year of a pandemic, many of our loved ones have departed and are no longer with us, physically. It is a time to remember them and offer a prayer on their behalf. This Kartik Snaan, is a time to pay attention and render a helping hand to those in need. The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha made a pertinent appeal to only use biodegradable items when offering reverence at the seaside. All have to be conscious of the environment and play an active and responsible role. Let us do what is only right and stay safe by practicing and observing all the required protocols of COVID-19.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Bilateral trade, investment to increase with Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce

GUYANA’s attractive business sector continues to expand and develop, and now, with the establishment of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, business ties between the two countries will be strengthened further.

According to a press release issued by this Chamber of Commerce, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Natalia Seepersaud. The members on the inaugural Board of Directors include: Chairperson, Anand Beharry; Co?Chair, Winston Kassim; Secretary, Patricia Bacchus; Treasurer, Suraj Mattai; and Directors- Fa-

reed Amin, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, Caron Hawco, Shabir Hussein, Andrew Mendes, Dr. Suresh Narine, Antho-

ny Whyte, Liz Wyatt and Scott Young.

“The main objective of the Chamber is to strength-

en two?way trade and investments between Canada and Guyana and provide support to Canadian and

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Natalia Seepersaud

Co-Chair of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Winston Kassim

Chairperson of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Anand Beharry

Guyanese business interests in the two countries,” the release said.

The Chamber has offices in both Toronto and Georgetown and the Chamber will be officially launched on Friday December 4th at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The 24 Founding Members of the Chamber include Banks DIH Ltd., Caribbean Surgery Inc., CGX Energy Inc., Demerara Distillers Limited, Edward Beharry & Company Limited, Empire Plus Home and Commercial Inspection Services Inc., Gafsons Industries Limited, Go Lo-

gistics Inc., GoldSource Mines Inc., Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited, Guyana Goldfields Inc., Guysons Oil and Gas, High Commission of Canada to Guyana, International Development and Relief Foundation, JHI Associates, Inc., N&S Mattai & Company, NALICO/ NAFICO, NSBOmega Guyana Inc., Panthera Solutions Inc., Precision Truck Lines Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia Bank Guyana Inc., and Sterling Products Limited.

Unique mental health support during pandemic ―as 655-SAFE Counselling Hotline launched

By Vishani Ragobeer DESPITE the limitations to counselling and support services resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health has launched its toll-free 655SAFE (655-7233) hotline as a novel way of providing support to anyone in need.

At the simple launch of the ‘Safe Space’ hotline at the Mental Health Unit in Georgetown on Monday, Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Thomas highlighted that mental health issues are prevalent among approximately 15 to 20 per cent of the population, or approximately one in five persons.

Attempting to provide sup-

port to individuals and their mental health has been fraught with challenges, key among them stigma, which has been a major deterrent to vulnerable persons seeking appropriate help.

Due to stigma, discrimination and severe human rights violation of those afflicted, as well as their family members, a large number of persons refuse to let their vulnerabilities be known and get help. Guyana has also been infamous for its high suicide per capita rates.

While stakeholders continued to grapple with these challenges, up came the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed an even greater strain on the services that could be offered. In-person counselling,

which is offered at the Mental Health Unit, for example, has been limited.

Dr. Thomas quoted a study, which stated that one in five persons who have COVID-19 are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within six months of testing positive. There are also physical, social and cultural factors from the pandemic which interfere with a person’s health and eventually their mental health.

Emphasising that the need for mental health and psychosocial support is crucial and still increasing, Dr. Thomas related that ‘Safe Space’ was crafted and now implemented.

“This national 24/7 counselling service will provide talk therapy to all who access it and requires it from any of

the 10 administrative regions of Guyana,” the Director said.

“It will serve as a safe place for persons to discuss feelings and emotions triggered by daily situations; it will help persons identify issues which cause emotional distress, and help them develop strategies and solutions to help decrease the severity of their symptoms,” she added.

This “proactive approach” to providing support to vulnerable persons during this time, she said, will help to prevent the deterioration into more serious mental health disorders.

Dr. Thomas also explained that this programme and hotline will function as a gateway to referring persons to more specialist services from the Ministry of Health, and other partner bodies such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

This toll-free hotline was made available by local tele-

communications giant, GTT. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Justin Nedd said, “This is really a small gesture to help support the mental health unit to help Guyana.”

The Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) also provided support for this programme, including the training of those persons who will serve as operators and will be required to provide support persons to those vulnerable persons who call the hotline.

‘SAVING LIVES’ This initiative is one which Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said could help save lives.

Much like Dr. Thomas, he, too, lamented that mitigating the challenges of mental health has been difficult and that the pervasive stigma has played a great role in that.

“We can change those attitudes by conveying the right

messages; by modelling our own behavior, and by getting other people to follow what we’re doing,” he stressed, adding later, “The services that we are launching today is very important, because we know if we do it right, it can save a lot of lives.”

Dr. Anthony acknowledged that greater training should be provided to medical professionals in the primary care sector, but also related that community and faith leaders could be trained to provide support to persons too- as was done in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. He also floated the idea of possibly organising counselling sessions via Zoom, Microsoft teams, or some other virtual platform. The transition to online services, he clarified, is not a permanent one since persons out in the field, engaging in person is perhaps incomparable.

PAHO Representative, Ms. Karen Roberts (left) presents the mobile phones which will be used for the 655-SAFE Hotline to the Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Thomas (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Guyana, Suriname ‘business unit’ to address critical shortfalls

By Navendra Seoraj THE ability of the local private sector to invest or service a particular sector effectively has been hindered by a lack of capacity, but Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer, believes that the potential joint Business Facilitation Unit, proposed by Guyana and Suriname, will aid in addressing critical shortfalls.

Guyana, a developing oil and gas nation, has been mainly centered on primary production (extractive sector), but promises from the government to reduce the cost of electricity by at least 50 per cent and steps to create a business-friendly environment have stimulated the interest of business people, who are looking to invest in value-added production and other lucrative areas.

But, since the capacity to make those steps might not be available immediately, the proposed business facilitation unit will serve as a stepping stone for both parties, as there will be mutually beneficial synergies and projects.

There has been no formal meeting of the unit as yet, but Boyer told the Guyana

Chronicle that the local private sector has been asked to field personnel for the management committee of the unit.

The idea to establish such as a unit was birthed last week when President Irfaan Ali and other high-level officials from Guyana visited Suriname on November 23, for a three-day trip, to join in that country’s Independence Day celebrations and discuss matters of mutual importance.

President Ali had said that the unit, once operational, will manage and facilitate collaboration among national private sector bodies. The unit is tasked with promoting investment and business opportunities in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, oil and gas, and other sectors.

“Yes, we are small countries, small population, small human resource base, small investment portfolio, but if we bring synergy to what we do, then we can have greater benefits, greater local content, and more resources flowing into the local economy,” said President Ali. When asked about the potential benefits of such a unit, Boyer said: “There will be co-development… we have a certain amount of

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer

development that is needed to accommodate advancements in oil and related industries… so, there will be joint development.”

He anticipates widespread development, which is critical because there is a “lack of capacity” in almost every area.

A pertinent, topic which both countries will have a deep interest in, is access to concessionary financing (low interest financing), since such financing will help in the early stages of new, mega

projects, which are anticipated to accompany the nascent oil and gas sector.

Stakeholders will also be keen on examining bottlenecks to development and consulting authorities to have those reduced or removed.

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 direct and indirect challenges to economies around the world.

“Government has since taken rapid steps to pro-

tect 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) recently.

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 government has assured that an enabling environment for business development will be created 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

Tourism Awareness Month a success

…positive projections for tourism sector

Guyana’s unique indigenous culture showcased during Tourism Awareness Month 2020.

PRESIDENT of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, has deemed Tourism Awareness month 2020 a success, pointing out the possibility for the sector to “bounce back” to

normalcy in a short time.

Ramkumar, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, stated that even while the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to some of the major tourism events for the year, the support

during November was tremendous.

“A lot of persons look at tourism as a luxury; it is not.

It is a necessity, it is what the doctor ordered, and so if you were to look TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Critical COVID-19 patients transferred to Liliendaal hospital –– 30 new cases, one more death recorded

THE three remaining critically ill COVID-19 patients, who were receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), were transferred to the new Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Friday last.

During Monday’s COVID-19 update, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said the three patients were transferred after all the necessary components of the new hospital were finally in place. Critically ill patients were receiving treatment at the GPHC over the past few months in an ICU that was organised in response to the pandemic.

This infectious diseases hospital has the capacity for 29 patients, whereas the GPHC could only cater for about 15 persons.

“Severely ill patients could be comfortably managed there (at the Infectious Disease Hospital),” Dr. Anthony said.

The three critically ill patients are reflected in the daily COVID-19 dashboard provided by the Ministry of Health. As per that dashboard, the death toll is currently at 151; the latest fatality is a 31-year-old woman from Linden.

There were also 30 new cases recorded from 344 tests. So far, Guyana has recorded 5,406 positive cases overall and 4,392 infected persons have recovered.

The new cases were distributed across Region Two (two cases), Region Three (four cases), Region Four (two cases), Region Six (16 cases), Region Seven (five cases) and Region 10 (one case).

There are 31 persons in institutional quarantine, 63 in institutional isolation and 797 in home isolation.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Nine) are in force from December 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per these current measures however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 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.

Father of three dies in Corentyne accident POLICE are investigating the death of 26-year-old Ganesh Ramlakhan, a father of three, who was struck off his bicycle by a van on the Bramfield Pubic Road, East Coast Berbice, on Sunday evening.

The driver of the van, GRR 3351, alleged that he was proceeding east along the northern driveway when Ramlakhan, who was proceeding in the opposite direction, swerved into his path.

The driver claimed that he took evasive action to avoid a collision, but his right side rear mirror came into contact with the cyclist’s left arm.

Ramlakhan, who resided at Number 11 village, fell of his bicycle and received injuries to his body; he was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed around 01:00hrs on Monday.

His mother, Latchmie Armogan, was in tears when this newspaper spoke with her. She said her son had internal bleeding and suffered severe injuries to his left side.

Meanwhile, the wife of Ramlakhan, Hemwattie Balkarran, 29, said her husband was the sole breadwinner for the family; she is now

Dead: Ganesh Ramakhan

uncertain where their next meal will come from.

Ramlakhan was a sluice operator and, at the time of the accident, he was on his way to work. He leaves to mourn his wife and children, ages 7, 4 and 1. The driver is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

This is the second time tragedy has struck the family in recent years; in March 2016, Armogan and her 16-year-old son, Joshua Ramakhan, were struck down by a speeding car at Palmyra Village, while they were making their way home.

The impact flung both mother and son into a nearby canal and resulted in the death of the teenager several months later.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Students who paid for reviews still awaiting answers from CXC

By Tamica Garnett STEADFAST in the belief that the grades issued to him by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) were not what he deserved, 19-year-old Areeb Ali paid to have some of his subjects reviewed with the hope of seeing his grades improved.

Ali wrote eight units at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE); he believes some of the grades issued to him were unsatisfactory, given his confidence in his ability.

However, over one month after applying for the reviews, Ali and many other students who forked out the US$15 per subject, are still awaiting word on what exactly is going on with the reviews of some of their subjects.

Ali has already received feedback on two subjects, but he noted that the length of queries CXC is dealing with may be holding things up.

“I’ve done reviews in the past for CSEC and I knew it took some time. So in this

Registrar Dr. Wayne Wesley

situation where there was some drama involved, I’d expected it would take some time,” the Queen’s College student explained.

However. some students do not share Ali’s patient outlook on the situation.

Two students, also from QC, noted that they were informed that their review results would be issued before the end of November.

“They told us that we would’ve gotten them by the 20 November. Honestly, I’m really irritated. They dealt with this thing terribly. If I needed those grades to apply

No entry!

LOCAL authorities have restricted non-essential travel in or out of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as there continues to be a steady rise in the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases within the region.

Available statistics show that Region Seven has so far recorded 471 cases of COVID-19, which is eight per cent of the total 5,406 cases recorded nationwide and the third highest of the ten administrative regions.

It is for this reason that authorities have decided to restrict non-essential travel in or out of this region from Tuesday, December 1.

The restriction will last until December 31, 2020, unless otherwise adjusted by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

According to the new COVID-19 order listed among the gazetted emergency measures, travel shall only be permitted where it is connected to an essential service.

Additionally, gatherings shall not exceed five persons and the physical distance of

to university, I’d have to take a year off,” one of the students who asked to remain anonymous, related.

Of the 15 subjects she wrote at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC), she said she paid for reviews in five subjects in October, but is still waiting to hear from CXC. She said queries made at the local Exams Division resulted only in her being told that she had to wait for them to call her.

Zane Ramotar, who recently exited Upper Six, paid for a review of two of his sub-

–– non-essential travel in or out of Region Seven restricted

six feet among persons shall apply to those gatherings.

According to the new measures, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) shall ensure that the government buildings, landings and means of transportation and conveyances are sanitised. Where the Ministry of Health considers it necessary, it may test any person for COVID-19 and quarantine or isolate and treat any person.

“Any person who tests positive for Coronavirus shall be placed in controlled or any other forms of isolation or quarantine as approved by the Minister of Health,” said authorities in the emergency measures.

The joint services have been tasked with the enforcement of these measures. And, Minister Anthony, after an assessment of the epidemiological situation in region Seven, may impose any other measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hinterland regions have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic, with Regions One recording 848 cases; Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 180 cases; and Nine

(Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with 379 cases, accounting for over 38 per cent of the total cases in Guyana.

It was reported recently that as part of efforts to improve and increase testing for COVID-19 in hinterland communities, local authorities have sourced 20,000 antigen tests, which will produce results within minutes.

As it is now, testing for COVID-19 is done centrally at the National Reference Laboratory in Georgetown.

Authorities would first have to acquire a sample from a person suspected to have COVID-19, and then send the sample to Georgetown, where medical professionals will conduct a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which takes hours to produce results.

Each hinterland community is already equipped with fixed sites for testing, but Minister Anthony said that, in cases where there is a high infection rate in a particular community, a mobile team will be deployed to conduct testing and contact-tracing.

CXC Chairman Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

jects and is anxious to know what exactly is going on.

“I’m just on edge. Because it’s like I don’t know if anything has been changed yet. Or if they are going to come back to me with the same nonsense. I had asked one of the teachers that handles [sic] the CXC submissions and stuff, but she said she went over to Exams Division and there was no news for me,” Ramotar said.

At McKenzie High, in Region 10, Toneisha Jacobis is also yearning for word on what is going on with her results, one of which

was an “ungraded.” She did not make an official review request with CXC, but her school had made a note with the Ministry of Education about their ungraded students.

This year, after modifying its exam marking scheme for 2020, the CXC faced a backlash over results issued and saw an unprecedented number of queries and review requests, particularly for CAPE and CSEC. Most of the issues were “ungraded” results or unsatisfactory grades received by students, and occurred

QC student Areeb Ali is still awaiting word pertaining to the review of some of his subjects by CXC

across several out of the 20 countries where the exams were written this year.

To mitigate the situation, CXC registrar Dr. Wayne Wesley, and Chairman, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles had noted during a press conference in October that CXC would be increasing its capacity and putting several other measures in place to handle the queries and reviews in a timely manner.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

HIV self-testing under the spotlight …as an innovative testing strategy to scale up testing, reach more people

By Vishani Ragobeer AS the world observes World AIDS Day today, December 1, stakeholders across the Caribbean have begun advocating for greater use of HIV self-testing kits which are expected to encourage more persons to get tested.

Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership (PANCAP) against HIV and AIDS, Dr. Rosmond Adams, led the advocacy for HIV self-testing during a forum held on Monday to commemorate today’s observance.

“The [HIV] epidemic is changing and so must our response also. We cannot sit and we cannot continue to debate how we can increase testing and increase the number of people who know their

HIV status without seizing the opportunity to explore and implement initiatives such as HIV self-testing,” he emphasised.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition which is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The virus causes harm to the immune system and resultantly, interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection and disease.

The fight against HIV/ AIDS has been a long one in the Caribbean, which is continuously hampered by limited resources and support, and widespread stigmatisation and discrimination.

Though gains have been

made over the years, there is much more to be done. In fact, by the end of 2020, it was hoped that the 90-90-90 treatment for all would have been achieved. But with just one final month left in the year, UNAIDS Caribbean Director Dr. James Guwani highlighted at Monday’s forum that the Caribbean will not achieve these targets.

The 90-90-90 targets are: by 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

The COVID-19 pandemic too has further diminished the fight against this disease; in fact, member of the Com-

Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership (PANCAP) against HIV and AIDS, Dr. Rosmond Adams

munity of Positive Women in the Caribbean, Deneen Moore highlighted that this pandemic has limited the number of health services which can be readily and discretely accessed by persons living with HIV and it has impacted individuals’ socio-economic situations, which present barriers to adequate testing and medical services for HIV. But Dr. Adams posited that HIV self-testing is a safe, effective and simple tool which can help.

“It empowers individuals and puts the responsibility right into our hands. It will

also increase the number of HIV testing services, especially in populations with low access to testing and those at higher risk that will not be tested,” he said.

Through this test, oral or blood samples can be taken, the HIV test is performed and the results can be interpreted in private. However, all reactive results -- that is, results which show that there are antibodies present that attempt to fight off HIV have been detected -- must be confirmed. This confirmation means that persons should get re-tested to know whether they are HIV positive or not.

Director of the Caribbean Med Labs Foundation, Valerie Wilson, noted at this forum too that the foundation will be conducting pilot testing in a few countries in the Caribbean in order to establish a verification process for self-testing and to demonstrate its effectiveness and feasibility.

“The purpose of this pilot is to support the verification and the feasibility of HIV self-testing… and how it can be utilised in health facilities and in communities,” Wilson said.

Dr. Adams said PANCAP is committed to supporting countries in implementing combination HIV-prevention programmes with an aim to reach everyone and to ensure that no one will be left behind. In addition to self-testing, he said that multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and the use of digital technology to offer services virtually should be looked at.

In his World AIDS Day statement, Dr. Adams highlighted, “I do believe that despite the challenges of 2020, our Region can amplify the HIV response and fulfil the mandate of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework on HIV and AIDS (CRSF) of a Caribbean free of AIDS and new HIV infections, in which all people are happier, healthier, productive, safe and respected.”

Tourism Awareness month ... at it from that perspective, you would understand that this is an essential part of life, just like you have annual vacation, it is essential that you take a break, relax, rejuvenate and come again,” said Ramkumar.

He added that THAG does not believe that a continued lockdown of the tourism sector is sustainable, but noted that the focus needs to be on making sure there are safe spaces for people.

“In the pandemic, tourism in Guyana stood out because we have wide open spaces, all of our lodges have fresh air, it’s not locked, it’s not air conditioned and a lot of times when we go, none of these places are overrun.

So you don’t have a lot of people at one location at one time. So one of our strengths is that we don’t have mixing of people. If you go as a family, then it’s you alone there.

So, Guyana as a destination has tremendous strengths,” Ramkumar explained.

According to Ramkumar, domestic tourism should be the main focus for local tourism businesses.

“I believe what we should focus on is domestic tourism and tourism for the persons who are already in the country. I am talking about the expats, the business travellers; we have a huge amount of those persons in the country because of the oil and gas sector and we need to capitalise on that; we are going to continue to put measures in place for safety just like Guyana Restaurant Week,” Ramkumar said.

He said THAG has made an appeal to the government and the COVID-19 task force to give the tourism body some level of freedom to operate.

“We have been locked down now for too long; every other business has been allowed to operate within the guidelines of the official gazette and that’s all we are asking for, for us to operate

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with those same protocols and guidelines and we are actually going to exceed those guidelines by ensuring that within our standard operation guidelines, we have hygiene and sanitation protocols imbedded in them. So we are not reckless and we understand the importance of safety and that is always our watchword and our key word,” said the THAG President.

He said THAG is looking to host several events as part of its “Guyanese Christmas experience”, with the main event being the Christmas brunch.

The event will feature several signature Christmas dishes including Pepperpot and bread, black cake and all of the usual meals that are featured at Christmas time. The event, he said, is set to target those Guyanese who are returning home for the season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Bandits invade Bisram’s house, hold toddler at gunpoint

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…cart off over $5M in cash, valuables

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur FORMER murder accused, Marcus Bisram, is left counting his losses after bandits invaded his residence at Number 71 Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Sunday night.

Bisram, during an interview on Monday, told the Guyana Chronicle that four masked men, armed with guns and a cutlass, invaded his residence, attacked his relatives and subsequently carted off $5 million in cash, cellphones and a quantity of jewellery, valuing close to $1.2 million.

In recounting the ordeal, Bisram said he was joined by about 15 relatives in his yard, where they were conversing and having a casual family time; something they would do often.

An evening of entertainment, however, quickly turned to horror around 19:30hrs, when the armed men ran into the yard and pointed guns at Bisram and his relatives, demanding cash and other items.

“They came in and said ‘don’t move’, and they relieved everyone of their cellphones and then they direct all of us to go into the house where they took every one of their jewellery,” said Bisram.

He recalled that two of

Marcus Bisram

The residence of Marcus Bisram

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Students who paid...

However, some students do not believe things are being done as pledged.

“I am expecting the schools to call me but the whole thing seems like circles and it’s like the schools and CXC are not working together. Everything just feels in the dark to be honest,” noted one student from St George’s College, in Kingston, Jamaica.

The student had paid for a review of three of their subjects and has been desperately waiting on the results to apply to a university.

Some of the students now feel dejected, despite assurances from CXC officials that measures were being put in place to properly address the situation.

Since releasing the preliminary results for its 2020 exams on September 22, CXC is still yet to release the

injured during the ordeal, but a 24-year-old relative of Bisram received minor injuries after being beaten by one of the bandits with a cutlass.

The Guyana Chronicle

the bandits held a two-yearold at gunpoint and demanded to be directed to where the cash and other valuables were being stored.

Bisram was reluctant because he reportedly withdrew a large sum of money, just days before, to pay his legal fees for an ongoing court matter.

The intruders, how ever, through aggressive means, managed to, allegedly, steal eight cellphones, two gold bangles weighing 100 pennyweights each, a 100-pennyweight gold chain, a diamond ring valued US$12,000, several credit cards and US$2,000 in cash.

No one was severely

official results, which cannot be done until the reviews and queries have concluded.

Emails sent to the council for an update on the situation have gone unanswered.

In Guyana, aside from individual queries/reviews made by students, schools had also made official reports with the Ministry of Education requesting reviews.

A total of 20 schools had reported having unprecedented number of students receiving “ungraded” results across 15 subject areas written at this year’s CSEC and CAPE. Twenty four schools had requested reviews for unsatisfactory results across 20 subject areas for CSEC, and six schools submitted requests for review of unsatisfactory results in seven subject areas for CAPE.

was told that the bandits made good their escape on motorcycles that were reportedly parked a short distance away from the crime scene.

Bisram said the police were subsequently contacted and they responded within 15 minutes. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Bisram, a U.S. citizen, was extradited to Guyana to stand trial for the murder of Berbice Carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt. He was subsequently charged with the murder and remanded to prison.

Bisram was, however, exonerated on March 30, 2020, after Magistrate Renita Singh, who presided over the case at the Whim Magistrate’s Court, found that the State did not have sufficient evidence against him.

However, just hours later, Bisram was re-ar-

rested as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ordered that the Magistrate re-open the case on the grounds that there was enough evidence for him to stand a High Court trial. This decision was challenged and Bisram was allowed to go free again.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Restaurant Week extended with new menus

By Naomi Parris FOOD lovers and enthusiasts, who were unable to grab a taste of some of the culinary masterpieces during this year’s recently concluded Guyana Restaurant Week (GRW), will not miss a beat as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) have announced an extension of the event from December 4th – 13th.

Speaking at the sidelines of an event on Monday, Mitra Ramkumar, President of THAG, told the Guyana Chronicle that given the high turnout that was seen during the last ten days, stakeholders have decided to extend the event.

“In the pandemic, tourism in

Guyana stood out, because we have wide open spaces, because all of our lodges have fresh open air; it’s not locked and it’s not air conditioned.

“It was extremely successful even in the pandemic because a lot of persons would have utilised the pickup and delivery option that is able. We would have contracted two delivery service providers which would be One Cart and Hero Cart, so a lot of persons used that and they would have been able to enjoy.”

He stated that during the previous event, which commenced on November 20 and ended November 29, he received a number of reports of restaurants having to turn away customers due to being full to their capacity.

“We were limited in terms of space and capacity. Every night

almost, we would have been getting reports of people having to turn away guest because they didn’t have enough space [due] to the restrictions.”

Ramkumar noted that the various tourism bodies and restaurants are currently in the planning stages of the event.

“Right now, we are at the planning stages…because of the tremendous success of Guyana Restaurant Week. We are in conversation with the restaurants to have it extended...it would give those persons who would have been turned away from those restaurants, an opportunity to come out.”

Ramkumar said most of the restaurants have indicated that they will do new menus.

A glimpse of what food lovers can expect during the extended Restaurant Week 2020

THAG President pleads with police to keep seawalls safe …as GTA, Seawalls and Beyond unveil public awareness mural

By Naomi Parris BRINGING the curtains down on Tourism Awareness Month, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Seawalls and Beyond group, on Monday unveiled a public awareness mural at the junction of Camp Road and the Seawall Road with a special appeal made to the Guyana Police Force to keep the seawalls a safe space for families.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Mitra Ramkumar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), said that the seawall is considered to be one of Guyana’s most popular tourism hotspots and, as such, all stakeholders should play a prominent role in preserving, securing and beautifying the area.

“This area here is our premier real estate as a country, less a tourism place. We would want to see, as the tourism private sector, a situation where our guest are able to come out here freely,” Ramkumar said.

He urged the Guyana Police Force to be rigid in their patrolling of the area.

“I have an appeal here to our security personnel; we need some more enforcement and we need some more policing in ensuring that this area is kept safe. We need a patrol every five or ten minutes passing through this area so we don’t have the

undesirable; the place must be properly lit so it is safe for families to come out and enjoy this space freely.”

be done is if it’s safe, clean and beautified; so this project has really touched on all of those.”

Meanwhile, Kamrul Baksh, Manager of Product Development within the Travel Industry Devel-

opment Division (TIDD) of the GTA said, “The mural will add to the overall appeal to the aesthetic for the

seawall and, more so, the branding of destination Guyana will be catapulted from this mural.”

President of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mitra Ramkumar (Delano Williams Photos)

Additionally, Ramkumar stated that Guyanese also need an attitude change as it relates to abiding with simple traffic regulations and littering when traversing the area.

“Guyanese need to be law abiding; tourists would actually want to come to a place where there is law and order and there is adherence to law and order. Tourism should be used as a catalyst for positive change,” the THAG President emphasised.

Ramkumar noted that the goal is to make visitors feel welcome and safe during their time in Guyana.

“We would want to be able to have tourist come out of there hotel rooms and take a walk on the beach at the back of Marriott, on the bandstand or to even have a jog along the seawall.

“The only way that can

Kamrul Baksh, Manager of Product Development within the Travel Industry Development Division (TIDD) of the GTA, along with a member of the Seawalls and Beyond group

A glimpse of the mural commissioned by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Seawalls and Beyond Group

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Ferry service between Guyana, Suriname to resume in two weeks authorities are moving to resolve them expeditiously.

President Santokhi was reported as saying that the

The Canawaima ferry

MARINE travel between Guyana and Suriname is slated to recommence officially in two weeks, following an agreement between the two countries that there will be a coordinated approach to ensure there is safe travel.

Both countries had closed their borders in March as part of efforts to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

President Irfaan Ali and the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, however, both agreed that the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname will

recommence.

This decision was made when President Ali and other high-level officials from Guyana visited Suriname on November 23, for a three-day trip, to join in that country’s Independence Day celebrations and discussed matters of mutual importance.

Reflective of the decision made by the two Presidents is the updated COVID-19 emergency measures, which states categorically that: “The Moleson Creek crossing shall be opened from the 12th December, 2020, to facilitate travel between Guyana and Suriname.”

It is expected that there will be strict measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in both countries, since global statistics show that Suriname has recorded over 5,300 cases, while Guyana has registered over 5,700.

The COVID-19 emergency measures stipulate that all operators and passengers shall comply with any port health measures issued by the Ministry of Health.

While authorities are working to implement the necessary safeguards, there are still issues related to the actual ferry service, but

$75 million to be spent on

‘Christmas cleaning’

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will be spending approximately $75 million to clean-up the country for the Christmas season.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Monday, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Minister Dharamlall explained that apart from the initiatives of central government and City Hall, the government will also use the money to rehabilitate local infrastructure.

“Right now we are going to be spending quite a lot of monies on cleaning up the country for Christmas and rehabilitating local infrastructure, including in the City of Georgetown…we are going

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

to be spending, across the country, $75M,” the Minister explained.

He urged citizens to play their part in the execution of the initiative and to assist in whatever way they can.

“We would like the res-

idents to come on board and give us their full support and let them be part of the sustainability of this effort,” Minister Dharamlall said.

public and private sectors in both Guyana and Suriname will be called upon to provide a temporary solu-

tion to ensure that the ferry service between the two countries resumes shortly.

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Russia’s suspended athletics federation appoints new president MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia’s suspended athletics federation on Monday elected 50-year-old Pyotr Ivanov, the head of the triathlon federation, as its new president as it aims to be reinstated by the sport’s world governing body.

Newly-appointed President of Russia’s Athletics Federation Pyotr Ivanov

The federation was suspended in 2015 after a report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found evidence of mass doping among track and field athletes.

It paid a multi-million-dollar fine in August to avoid expulsion

by World Athletics, the sport’s international governing body.

The World Athletics Council in September granted the federation a six-month extension to finalise its reinstatement plan before World Athletics decides on potential fresh sanc-

tions or even expulsion.

The federation now has until March 1, 2021.

The federation’s troubles have snowballed in recent months, with some of its officials and senior coaches embroiled in doping scandals.

The process by which Russian athletes had in the past been cleared to compete internationally despite the federation’s suspension was halted in March.

World Athletics has said the status of this procedure would be considered by its council when it convenes later this week.

The federation’s handling of the crisis has angered some of Russia’s top athletes, including three-time world high jump champion Maria Lasitskene, who has been among its most vocal critics.

Separately, Russia has appealed a four-year ban on its athletes competing at major international events under the country’s flag as punishment for having provided the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) with doctored laboratory data.

T h e L a u s anne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to rule on Russia’s appeal by the end of the year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Sir Wes Hall gives thanks as statue unveiled at Kensington Oval

WEST Indies cricket icon, Sir Wesley Hall, was honoured on Sunday night when a special statue was unveiled at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Following a ceremony attended by cricket officials and greats of the game such as Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Charles Griffith, Joel Garner and Desmond Haynes, the 12-foot-tall statue was revealed. It is a tribute to the outstanding, lifelong contribution’ Sir Wes’ made to the game of cricket and to public life on the island.

It showcases the fast bowler at the pivotal point of his bowling action as he is about to hurl down a delivery. It stands next to the statue of Sir Garfield Sobers, in a prominent position at the entrance to the historic venue.

‘Sir Wes’, as he is fondly called, was accompanied by his daughter, Dr Kerry Hall; and his sons-- Sean Hall

and Remy Hall-- as well as the country’s Prime Minister--Mia Mottley, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Charlie Griffith, and Haynes. He was applauded during the unveiling and there were also special video tributes from other icons-Sir Clive Lloyd and Michael Holding. ‘ Sir Wes’ gave a moving speech punctuated with humor and anecdotes. He thanked the cricketing world for “showing me such love as I did what I loved”. He described himself as a servant of the people and said his life and career can be likened to the four seasons — spring, summer, autumn and winter.

“It was a great privilege to play cricket for the West Indies. I was very proud to be a member of the team in the halcyon days which became the embodiment of world cricket supremacy.

It was also an honour to manage the team of great

men and ambassadors and we became the greatest team the world has ever seen. We learned to dream big and to achieve greatness,” he said.

“From very young, my dream and ambition was to play for the West Indies. I want to thank everyone around the world who showed me such love and respect and who shared in my dream and my journey. It was for the people I did it all.

When ordinary people do extra-ordinary things that are worthy of emulation and received by people of their country, it will be material for young men and women to know that they too can write their names in history’s pages.”

‘Sir Wes’, aged 83, is one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. He made his international debut for West Indies against India in the Test at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay. The game

was played from November 28 to December 3, 1958 — so this special event is 62 years to the date of his first international appearance. (Exactly 62 years ago that game was in progress).

He played 54 Test matches and took 192 wickets, at an average of 26.38 per wicket. He bowled the famous last over in the historic tied Test against Australia at the Gabba 60 years ago.

Following his retirement, he held several key positions including President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Director of International Cricket Council (ICC), as well as Team Manager and Chairman of Selectors of the West Indies cricket team.

He was also a Government Minister in Barbados and an ordained minister of the church. He was knighted in 2012 and inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2015.

(Cricket West Indies)

Speedboat reclaims PM T20 Softball Cup Open title

SPEEDBOAT All-Stars reclaimed the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup Open title after defeating defending champions, Regal All Stars, by 31 runs on Sunday afternoon at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Fisherman Masters and Regal Legends also registered title victories in the Over-45 and Over-50 divisions respectively.

In the Over-45 final, Fisherman recorded a thrilling three-run victory against Wellman Masters after scintillating strokeplays by both teams.

Keith Fraser etched his name in the record books by blasting a tournament-high 178 (13X4s, 13X6s), which helped to catapult his team to 240-5 from their allotted overs, but Wellman fought back.

Top order batsmen, Greg De Franca and Troy Lewis almost carried the side home with the former making a solid

108 (4X4s, 11X6s), and Lewis hitting 87. The chase, however, proved to be just short as the side finished their allotted overs on 237-4.

Meanwhile, in the Over50 final, Regal Legends retained their title with a five-wicket victory over Savage Legends.

Savage won the toss and opted to take first strike, but they could only muster 126-7 in their time at the crease.

In reply, Mahesh Chunilall struck 51 to steer Regal to 128-5.

OPEN FINAL Speedboat, who won the competition in the first two years, batted first in the championship clash of the three-day event. Led by half-centuries from Safraz Karim and Ameer Yusuf, they were able to push their score to 201-6 from their 20 overs.

Karim, batting at number three, had anchored the innings, but Regal All Stars were able to wrest some

amount of control given that the batting team could not produce any significant partnership, that was until Yusuf came to the crease and hammered 51 quick runs. He belted seven whopping sixes and a four off just 15 balls.

He and Karim batted their team to a commanding position by adding an unbeaten 79 for the seventh wicket.

Karim, who finished with 71 not out, exploded after his half-century, given that he had clobbered three sixes in quick time.

In their turn at the crease, Regal could not match the intensity, and although a few of their batsmen got starts and showed signs of dominance, none was able to bat himself to that big score.

Delroy Perreira led the attack with 47, which included three fours and four sixes in 24 balls.

In total, six of the seven batsmen who went to the

crease reached double figures—but it was not enough as the defending champions were forced to settle for 170-6 from their allotted overs.

K. Smith and I. Ivan finished with two wickets each for the eventual champions.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips presented the winner’s trophy and the Man-of-thematch award.

He said that he was pleased with the overall running of the tournament, which is into its fourth year.

“This is a success story, because we had the [COVID-19] protocols in place… we’ve encouraged other sporting disciplines to also recommence their activities once they adhere to the COVID-19 measures”.

The winning teams pocketed $200,000 each, while the Runner’s up collected $50,000 each and the Manof-the-Series in each division received a television set.

By Ueslei Marcelino, Leonardo Benassatto

despite long, public battles with addiction.

Argentina declared several days of national mourning for him and his body lay in state at the presidential palace.

“For a woman in childbirth it is very painful. For me I felt that pain the day that Maradona died. The grief is enormous,” said Cintia Veronica, who showed tattoos of Maradona on her arm, at her home in Buenos Aires.

“Having that tattoo now, in this moment, is to feel that he (Maradona) is alive. I feel that he is alive.”

A few days after Maradona’s death, fan Maximiliano Fernando is in a tattoo parlor in Buenos Aires and showing off tattoos of the player on his arm, including images where Maradona is in mid-stride, and another he is holding the World Cup aloft.

“Having tattoos of Diego for me is the greatest thing there is,” said Fernando, whose bedroom walls are lined with pictures and shirts of the player.

“I’m going to take him to the grave.”

Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 and sparkled for Italian side Napoli, where he became a legend for his skills and representing Naples in Italy’s poorer south. His image still appears drawn large on murals in the city.

In Argentina, fans have even named their children after the player, including twin girls Mara and Dona.

“It is love, it is my great love, my passion to have Diego (on my body) so he is always with me everywhere. I feel like he protects me,” said Nerea Barbosa, showing photos of the star.

“When I got the tattoo,

many told me no, that it was not for a woman and a tattoo like that was so grotesque,” said Barbosa, adding that she felt both a feminist and a “Maradonian”.

“I say he was an idol for women too.”

Maradona’s death is likely to spark something of a battle over his legacy and inheritance.

He has some eight children from Argentina to Cuba and Italy, with other paternity claims.

Nonetheless, his wild behavior in some ways endeared him even more with supporters, giving him an everyman feel of fallibility that has ingrained him into the national psyche.

“In reality, I don’t think about what people say, whether he’s good or bad or whether he’s an inspiration or not,” said Matias Disciosia, with a huge tattoo of Maradona’s name and the number 10 on his back

NBA All-Star game postponed Argentines celebrate ‘eternal love’ for Maradona with tattoos The NBA All-Star game “While we are disapscheduled for February 12 to 14 in Indianapolis has been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and rescheduled for 2024, the league said last week.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

pointed that the NBA AllStar Game will not take place in Indianapolis in 2021, we are looking forward to the Pacers and the city hosting the game and surrounding events in 2024,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

The NBA said plans for a revised NBA All-Star 2021 would be announced later.

Cleveland is set to host the 2022 All-Star Game followed by Salt Lake City in 2023.

The 2020-21 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin on December 22.

(Reuters)

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Under his shirt, pizza shop owner Guillermo Rodriguez is a walking shrine to Diego Maradona. His entire back is covered in tattoos depicting the soccer great, whose death last week at the age of 60 inspired enormous grief in Argentina and beyond.

“It is something beautiful to live with him, so for us he did not die, he will continue being there for all of us, the love we have is eternal,” said Rodriguez, whose pizza store is called “Siempre al 10”, referring to Maradona’s jersey’s number.

The death of Maradona has highlighted the almost cult-like adoration that grew up around the player nicknamed “el dios” (or God), who mesmerised on the pitch and inspired fans off it

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Warner out of white-ball Super Smith smashes second Australia’s series, Test status uncertain straight 62-ball century

By Sam Ferris at the SCG STEVE Smith proved his blazing 62-ball hundred on Friday was no fluke by doubling down with another brilliant century from the exact same number of balls on Sunday.

Smith was scratchy in the early stages of the first Dettol ODI Series clash but today he looked in complete control from ball one, toying with India’s bowlers in stifling heat.

The right-hander reached three figures from the final ball of the 41st over and could have broken his previous best had batting partner Marnus Labuschagne not slipped when turning for what would have been his 100th run.

Instead, Smith settled for another 62-ball hundred.

A sold out, half-full Sydney Cricket Ground rose as one when Smith brought up the milestone, comprised of 13 fours, two sixes, 28 singles and four twos.

Smith has now hit the third-fastest men’s ODI hundred for Australia twice, behind only Glenn Maxwell (51 balls) and James Faulkner (57).

FASTEST MEN’S ODI CENTURIES

BY AUSTRALIANS • Glenn Maxwell - 51 balls v Sri Lanka, Sydney,

2015 • James Faulkner - 57 balls v India, Bangalore, 2013 • Steve Smith - 62 balls v India, Sydney, 2020* • Steve Smith - 62 balls v India, Sydney, 2020 • Matthew Hayden - 66 balls, v South Africa, St Kitts, 2007

21 from 21 before putting his foot down to reach his half-century from just 38 deliveries.

It was carnage from then on. Sublime drives through the covers and lofted shots straight down the ground peppered the boundary rope, while he

Another extraordinary innings from Steve Smith, who in this Dettol series has scored Australia’s third fastest ODI ton-twice Smith said he rated kept ticking the scoreboard Sunday’s innings even over with singles that conhigher than Friday’s, ex- tinued to put the flat Indian plaining the SCG wicket fielders under pressure. was a little slower and Needing to score 12 more difficult to score on. runs from four deliveries “It was nice to score an- to beat Friday’s feat, he other quick one and put us took leg-spinner Yuzvendra in a good position,” he told Chahal for two to long on, Fox Cricket before India’s then belted him over his innings. head for six, then two more Smith was 30 from 30 to the leg-side to be on 98 balls in the series opener from 60 balls. and today he got set to be A punch to wide long-

Dubois suffers broken eye socket in Joe Joyce defeat

Daniel Dubois’s left eye became heavily swollen as the fight progressed

BRITISH heavyweight Daniel Dubois suffered a broken orbital bone and nerve damage around his left eye during his stoppage defeat to Joe Joyce.

The 23-year-old was ahead on two of the three scorecards when he was stopped by Joyce in London on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital immediately and will now get

specialist advice on the injury when the swelling eases.

A group of fighters past and present said Dubois “quit” in the bout as he fell to the first defeat of his career.

It is unclear how severe the break is and how long he could be out for, though an update is expected early next week.

Britain’s Kell Brook suf-

fered a fractured orbital bone twice - once around each eye - at the hands of Gennady Golovkin in 2017 and Errol Spence Jr in 2018.

Brook later detailed how invasive the surgery he faced was for BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing and many would argue he has not been the same fighter since.

on looked to be enough for the ton, but as Labuschagne turned for the second he lost his footing to leave Smith on 99 and draw a groan from the crowd.

Labuschagne got off strike the following ball to allow Smith to drive to long on for his century, the 11th for his country in 50over cricket and his fourth against India.

It was third in a row a g a i n s t Vi r a t K o h l i ’s charges having scored 131 in the third ODI of Australia’s away series in India earlier this year.

Unlike Friday, when he was dropped on 38, Smith’s innings Sunday’s knock was faultless.

The only mishap was when he was on nine and David Warner was run out by a bullet of a throw from Shreyas Iyer at long off that hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end with the left-hander short of his ground coming back for second run.

He was unfazed from there though, combining with Labuschagne to post a 138-run third-wicket stand before he was dismissed, caught at a short third man having slipped over trying an audacious lofted late cut. (Cricket. com.au)

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia batsman David Warner has been ruled out of the rest of the white-ball matches against India due to a groin injury and faces a fitness battle to be ready for the first Test at Adelaide Oval on Dec. 17.

“Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer.”

Opener D’Arcy Short has

David Warner ruled out of the rest of the white-ball matches due to a groin injury

Cricket Australia (CA) said on Monday that Warner, who suffered the injury in the field during Australia’s 51-run ODI win on Sunday, would be rested in the hope of being fit for the four-test series against Virat Kohli’s side.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins has also been withdrawn from the white-ball series to freshen up before the Tests.

“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the test series,” head coach Justin Langer said in a team release.

replaced Warner in Australia’s Twenty20 squad, but no replacement has been made for Cummins as yet.

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis remains with the squad as he continues his recovery from a side strain.

Australia’s win in Sydney sealed the three-match ODI series 2-0.

The teams play the dead rubber third match in Canberra on Wednesday before starting the three-match T20 series.

Doctor of late Argentine football star Maradona seeks out prosecutors BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The doctor of Diego Maradona on Monday sought out the prosecutors who are investigating his treatment of the late Argentine football superstar before he died last week, but was turned away because he has not been charged with a crime.

The probe into Maradona’s death prompted prosecutors to search the home and office of Dr. Leopoldo Luque on Sunday. They took medical files but did not charge him or say what prompted the investigation. Luque has since gone on a media offensive.

He has done extensive press interviews and let the media know he would appear at the district attorney’s office in the Buenos Aires suburb San Isidro, which is conducting the probe.

Luque appeared at the office to give a statement but he was not allowed to do so “because he is not formally charged,” his lawyer, Mara

Digiuni tweeted. Maradona, considered one of the best players ever, died from a heart attack at age 60.

Maradona became an international superstar and achieved semi-divine status at home after leading

Personal physician of Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona, Dr. Leopoldo Luque, speaks to the press outside the clinic where Maradona underwent brain surgery, in Olivos, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina November 10, 2020 (REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian)

Members of Maradona’s family have said his death was avoidable and his lawyer told reporters that a delay in the arrival of the ambulance to take Maradona to the hospital on the day he died amounted to “criminal idiocy”.

Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup. He struggled with addiction in recent years.

“Diego was tired, tired of being ‘Maradona’”, Luque told reporters on Sunday.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

New ICC boss questions future of Test championship THE World Test Championship is under threat of being discontinued after its inaugural edition with the International Cricket Council’s new chair Greg Barclay questioning whether the model is “fit for purpose”.

New Zealander Barclay was elected to the role last week after being voted in ahead of the acting incumbent Imran Khwaja and is planning to lead a review of a global calendar that has been heavily disrupted by COVID-19.

And it appears the Test league table, an innovation which only officially began with the 2019 Ashes and is due to culminate in a Lord’s final between the top two nations next summer, is at risk.

Brought in after years of

discussion to lend context to bilateral series, the idea has had a bumpy start due to the uneven nature of international schedules and mass cancellations in the pandemic forcing a change to the points system.

Australia holds the top position from as it stands, with England third.

“Covid has probably highlighted some of the shortcomings we have got with the World Test Championship,”

New ICC chairman Greg Barclay

Perry considering challenge for JCA presidency FORMER Jamaica and West Indies cricketer, Nehemiah Perry, is considering a bid to challenge for the post of Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president next year.

While insisting that, at this point, a decision had yet to be made, Perry admitted that he was far from pleased with the current state of cricket on the island of Jamaica and it was an option

Former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer, Nehemiah Perry

If confirmed, it could mean a second consecutive challenge for incumbent Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven. Heaven easily saw off opposition from former vice-president Mark Neita in 2019 to secure a third two-year term.

he was strongly considering.

“It could be a possibility. I’m not confirming that but I’m still giving it some thought. It’s a lot that you have to give up,” Perry, who recently became president of Jamaica Association

of Insurance and Financial Advisors (JAIFA), told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“I strongly believe that we need some very good leadership and we need some serious work to bring back our cricket. Our cricket is in a desperate situation and I think that management and leadership, we have to start from there to get everything streamlined so that the pathway is very clear,” he added.

Heaven has been president of the JCA since 2013 when then-president Lyndel Wright did not seek re-election. Of interest, however, is the fact that Heaven’s upcoming re-election bid will be the first since the JCA is believed to have voted against fellow Jamaican Dave Cameron in his re-election bid for Cricket West Indies (CWI) president.

The move was widely condemned in some quarters of Jamaica’s local cricket fraternity.

Barclay said.

“From an idealistic point of view it probably had a lot of merit but I do just query in a practical sense whether it’s actually achieved what it was intended to do.

“Let’s get through the next little bit, do what we can taking into account Covid and the ability to reallocate points or whatever, but my personal view is once we’ve done that we’re probably back to the drawing board.

“I’m just not quite sure it’s entirely fit for purpose and perhaps has achieved what we might have hoped it would when it was first conceptualised four or five years ago.

“Like everything it’s kind of up for grabs and we’ll have a look at it.”

Barclay has no intention of compromising the primacy of the format but with fixture congestion a major issue along with the commercial viability of five-day cricket in several territories, he sees the need for pragmatism.

“We’ve got to look at it in the context of the calendar.

Simply putting more cricket in there for the sake of putting more cricket on makes the situation worse,” he said.

“If we accept Test cricket is the bit that makes the game of cricket different and special and has its legacy and heritage, I’m at an age where I’m still a purist, but I probably accept it’s not paying the bills anymore.

“Things need to change but I’d love to see it (as a for-

mat) kept exactly where it is.

The fact is (fewer and fewer) countries are able to afford to play it, very few countries can actually make it work from a financial point of view. If we are going to retain it and, and I fervently hope we will, we need to have another look at it.”

Barclay also vowed to be a champion of women’s cricket, which suffers a greater internal divide between the haves and have-nots than the men’s game internationally and, outside of Australia where the women’s team hosted New Zealand the successful Rebel WBBL|06 season, has been noticeably slower to get back up and running in the pandemic. (Cricket. com.au)

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury has ‘absolute support’ of WBC

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are already “in agreement regarding the financial terms” Composite: PA Images; (Reuters)

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman has insisted that the organisation will “absolutely support” a bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

The heavyweight champions earlier this year agreed terms of a two-fight deal for 2021, though many fans have expressed scepticism over the likelihood of the pair meeting in the ring.

But Sulaiman has insisted that the WBC will do everything it can to make the fights – or at least an initial clash – happen.

Dillian Whyte was the WBC’s mandatory chal-

lenger to Fury’s championship, but the Briton’s recent knockout defeat by Alexander Povetkin has affected his chances of facing ‘The Gypsy King’ in the near future.

Whyte and the Russian are set to meet in a rematch in January, with this month’s scheduled second bout having been called off after Povetkin tested positive for coronavirus.

While the winner of that rematch could face Fury next year, Sulaiman told Sky Sports that he has great interest in seeing the champion take on WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO titleholder Joshua next.

“There’s absolutely great hope from the world to see that undisputed fight,” he said.

“Tyson Fury is our champion, our pride. Anthony Joshua holds the other belts and he has been a tremendous asset to the sport. A gentleman, a great career.

“To see this showdown, Fury-Joshua, would be tremendous for everyone in the sport of boxing. We will absolutely support it.”

Joshua is due to defend his belts against Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev on 12 December at the O2 Arena in London. (Independent)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Former Senegal, Fulham & Portsmouth midfielder Diop dies aged 42 FORMER Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has died aged 42.

Diop made 129 appearances in the Premier League and also had spells in England with West Ham United and Birmingham City.

He played for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, scoring the winner in the tournament’s opening game as his country beat France 1-0.

“Once a World Cup hero, always a World Cup hero,” Fifa posted on social media.

A post on Fulham’s Twitter account said the club was “devastated” and, using Diop’s nickname, added: “Rest well, Wardrobe.”

Senegal reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, with Diop going on to score twice more in the

3-3 group-stage draw with Uruguay.

Senegal were runners-up in 2002. He retired in 2013.

Former Senegal, Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop

He also featured at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including when

Diop helped Portsmouth, who were managed by Harry Redknapp at the time, win

the FA Cup in 2008.

“He was such a wonderful character,” Redknapp told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He was fantastic for me, a great character, always happy and always had a smile on his face.

He was a giant of a man.

“He had no aggression in him. He looked aggressive on the pitch because he was so big, but there was nothing nasty about him.

“My thoughts are with all his family.”

Macky Sall, the president of Senegal, called Diop’s death “a great loss for Senegal” while Liverpool’s Senegal midfielder Sadio Mane wrote on his Instagram: “Pape Bouba, it was with a broken heart that we learned of your (death).

Know that you will forever remain in our hearts even if you left without saying goodbye to us.”(BBC Sport)

Rain washes away Windies’ hopes for redemption

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, (CMC) – Torrential rain prevented West Indies from salvaging pride, and they had to settle for a no-result against New Zealand in the final Twenty20 International of their threematch series on Monday.

Only 2.2 overs were possible before heavy showers swept across the Bay Oval and forced the players and umpires to leave the field.

The Windies were 25 for one with opener Andre Fletcher, not out on four, and lefthander Kyle Mayers, not out on five, after they were put into bat.

The result meant that the Caribbean side lost the series 2-0, after tumbling to a five-wicket defeat under the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method in the first T20I this past Friday at Eden Park in Auckland, and a 66-run defeat the previous day at the Bay Oval.

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard said his side was obviously disappointed with the way they played and the outcome of the series.

“As a unit, we didn’t expect to be outplayed this badly,” he said. “The onus was on us to compete and win the

series.

“The conditions are totally different to where we come from. We didn’t have enough time to practice, to get middle wicket practice and stuff like that, which is why it’s been hard to win in New Zealand.”

Pollard said the players on the Windies team also needed to hard work hard on their

attitude to fielding because it will be a vital component to the visitors’ long-term success.

“Fielding is an attitude,” he said. “That’s the only time it’s 11 vs two on the park. And if you don’t show the intent to want to do it, it’s going to be difficult. So as individuals, we have to look in the mirror.

“We don’t want to feel like laughing stocks in the

dressing room. We have an opportunity now to think about it and come back. Next year is very crucial with the World Cup coming up, so if players don’t show that attitude, they may get the boot.”

West Indies brought pacer Romario Shepherd and leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr into replace left-handed batsman Shimron Hetmyer,

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner and West Indies captain Kieron Pollard shake hands, after the final T20I of their sides’ three-match series ended in a no-result because of rain on Monday at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (NZC photo)

PCB chief Wasim Khan assures Babar Azam of long-term captaincy PAKISTAN may have had four Test captains in just over three years, but the PCB CEO Wasim Khan is convinced the chopping and changing is over for now. Babar Azam, who replaced Azhar Ali as the captain early last month will “remain captain until Ehsan Mani and myself are here,” according to Khan.

Azam was appointed white-ball captain last year when Ahmed was removed as all-format skipper, while Ali took over Test match duties. But with Ali struggling to recover from a loss of personal form and Azam’s star continuing to rise, the temptation to settle the captaincy question for potentially a significant period of time became too tempting for the

Babar Azam replaced Azhar Ali as Pakistan captain ealier last month

Speaking to YouTube channel Cricket Baaz, Khan said Azam had been appointed captain “ because he is our best batsman, young and mentally very strong and he himself wanted to take on the responsibility for all three formats. He has a good future. That’s why when the time came we felt that Azhar Ali had done his best but now was the time to start grooming Babar and make him Test captain as well.”

The declaration from Khan comes as something of a departure from the PCB’s policy on captaincy.

Sarfaraz Ahmed was given the role on a series-by-series basis for much of his tenure, while Ali never received long-term guarantees in the manner Azam looks to have secured before he takes charge in his first Test match. who suffered a delayed concussion from a blow to the head from fast bowler Lockie Ferguson the previous day, and all-rounder Keemo Paul.

The match started brightly for the Windies, when the New Zealanders’ stand-in captain, Mitchell Santner, bowling his leftarm spin, conceded four wides down the leg-side with the first delivery of the match.

Things continued to flow smoothly for the Caribbean side, when opener Brandon King started positively with a six over extra cover off the fourth ball of the over from Santner.

Next over, King followed up with a boundary to third man off the first ball from Ferguson before he edged a

PCB to ignore.

Khan’s commitment to keep Azam at the helm until this administration is in charge lends further credence to the idea Pakistan wished to put an end to questions about the man at the helm.

The Pakistan team is currently observing quarantine in New Zealand before a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series from December 18 to January 5th.

Seven members of the squad tested positive upon arrival in New Zealand, with the team copping a rebuke from New Zealand’s director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield for not observing quarantine regulations. After that, New Zealand said the players’ compliance had improved sIgnificantly.

(ESPN cricinfo) loose drive at the next delivery and was caught in the same position for 11.

Kyle Mayers, promoted to three, announced himself with a four off the next delivery to the fine leg boundary and Fletcher followed up with a boundary to the same position off the inside edge two balls later.

The pair would have been hoping to build from there, but the weather intervened after two balls in the next over from Hamish Bennett, and never relented to give the visitors a chance at redemption.

Attention now turns to the two Tests between the two teams. The first starts on December 3 at Seddon Park in Hamilton and the second on December 11 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Furlonge named T&T Red Force senior men’s cricket coach

David Furlonge is the new coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force senior men’s cricket team.

The 62-year-old former national cricketer who was a member of the T&T team, captained by Rangy Nanan, which won the regional four-day title in 1975 was selected by a panel from a list of ten impressive candidates who participated in the interview process.Furlonge is a long-serving head coach of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club was the manager/assistant coach of the Red Force team last season, which finished runners-up to Barbados in the aborted Cricket West Indies regional tournament.

In a media release on

Monday, the TTCB expressed its appreciation for the services of outgoing national coach Mervyn Dillon, whose one-year contract ended last April 30 and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The cricket board also thanked the candidates for their keen interest shown in responding to their invitation.

The TTCB stated it was satisfied with the integrity, transparency and accountability of the process used for the first time to select a national senior men’s team coach which involved an advertisement in the media inviting candidates for the position.

A panel appointed by the TTCB initially received a list of 18 applications which was

later reduced to ten through seven withdrawals and one failure to respond before the stipulated deadline.

In naming Furlonge, the panel noted his excellent leadership qualities; an astute knowledge of all aspects of the game; a familiarity of the technological tools to improve the national team; a visionary plan for the immediate future; outstanding communication skills which clearly articulates his mission; and impeccable qualifications highlighted by a Cricket Australia Level 3 High-Performance Coaching Certificate.

On Monday, Furlonge said he was elated to be given the opportunity as it was the aspiration of any

coach to take charge of the national team. He said he had high expectations of moulding a unit capable of launching a serious challenge in the 2021 regional Super50 Cup to be staged in Antigua and Barbuda in February.

First up on his agenda is a meeting with the TTCB on their shared aims and objectives for the coming regional cricket season especially in the light of the challenges faced by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Furlonge acknowledged that he will have to hit the ground running to maximise the limited time available to work with members of the provisional national squad which has been train-

ing under Kelvin Williams, and David Williams, both of whom he expects to meet with shortly.

He said his main concerns are physical fitness and the technical work the squad has been undergoing to identify what was needed to ramp up preparations in the midst of the Christmas season and the impending TTCB 50-Overs competition planned for January, pending the lifting of Government’s Covid-19 regulations by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

Furlonge said he will also meet with the senior men’s national selection panel headed by Rajendra Mangalie and soon after with the national

David Furlonge - Red Force former Manager is now Headcoach

cricketers to formulate a plan going forward and ensure all are the same page.

As the current head coach of the Parkites, which he has been performing for the past decade, in addition to his role as Cricket Administrator, Furlonge said he will officially inform his club of his call to national service before taking up his new job today. (Extracted from Trinidad Guardian)

Bumrah’s struggles highlight India’s bowling woes West Ham go fifth after pulsating over Aston Villa

SYDNEY (Reuters) - India’s bowling shortcomings have been laid bare in the first two one-day internationals against Australia and unless pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah finds his rhythm quickly the tourists will have their backs to the wall in this month’s Test series.

Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch ODI series with a 51-run victory in Sydney on Sunday.

And the hosts could deal a psychological blow for the four-match test series, which starts in Adelaide on Dec. 17, by securing a sweep in the third match on Wednesday.

Bumrah, the world’s second ranked ODI bowler, has endured a torrid time, bleed-

ing 73-1 in the first match and 79-1 in the second.

“He means a lot to this team and we know the value of Jasprit,” vice-captain KL Rahul said after Sunday’s

Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s second ranked ODI bowler, has endured a torrid time, bleeding 73-1 in the first match and 79-1 in the second

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loss.

“It’s about time a champion player like him will come back, deliver and get wickets for us.”

Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s failure to strike early has allowed Australia to get off to flying starts, which Steve Smith and his middle order colleagues have capitalised on.

Rahul was not surprised by the bowlers’ struggles on pitches where India also surpassed the 300-mark in both matches.

“You have to understand that in New Zealand and Australia, the wickets are so good to bat on. You will see top bowlers not getting wickets (occasionally). That’s quite acceptable,” he added.

With all-rounder Hardik Pandya yet to fully recover from a back injury, India played him as specialist batsman in the first ODI, even though it upset team balance.

Pandya bowled just four overs on Sunday but still picked up the wicket of Smith, who had smashed his second successive century of the series.

“If he (Pandya) starts bowling, then it is a load off the skipper and the team,” Rahul said.

“We need all-rounders for the team balance. He quite enjoyed it himself. He loves to get into contests and he is itching to go.”

West Ham moved fifth in the Premier League with victory over Aston Villa in a pulsating match at London Stadium.

Villa’s Ollie Watkins was denied a stoppage-time equaliser after an agonising VAR wait deemed his upper arm was offside.

The former Brentford man also hit the bar with a penalty as the spirited visitors pressed for the leveller their play more than deserved.

David Moyes has quietly established the Hammers as an effective outfit this season and they got off to the perfect start when Angelo Ogbonna buried a header past Emiliano Martinez inside the first two minutes.

Villa had won all three of their previous away games and seized control of the first half after that, Jack Grealish whipping an equaliser past Lukasz Fabianski from distance.

But Moyes rang the changes at half-timec and it paid immediate dividends as substitute Said Benrahma set up Jarrod Bowen for a delightfully deft header immediately after the restart to retake the lead.

Villa had plenty of chances to draw level but were left to rue Watkins’ profligacy and VAR’s ruling.

West Ham, meanwhile, gratefully took the win to move to within four points of Tottenham and the Premier League summit.

WEST HAM’S FINE FORM When West Ham were handsomely beaten by Newcastle on the opening day, the script was seemingly set for another season scrapping at the bottom of the Premier League.

evident than when Ogbonna towered above Matt Targett to open the scoring from Bowen’s corner.

They surrendered the initiative in the first half but Moyes showed his nous to change it, bringing on Sebastien Haller and

Jarrod Bowen has been involved in 10 goals for West Ham since his January move from Hull City (five goals and five assists)

But since that defeat, the Hammers have thumped Leicester City and Wolves, drawn with Man City and Tottenham and accrued their highest points total after 10 games in nine years.

Moyes’s teams are always built on firm foundations and the back three of Ogbonna, Fabian Balbuena and Aaron Cresswell, shielded by Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, have been rock solid.

Indeed, only Tottenham and Chelsea have conceded fewer in the league than West Ham. And they carry a threat from set-pieces too, no more

Benrahma at half-time, and he was instantly rewarded with the winning goal.

They rode their luck, not least with Villa’s missed penalty and disallowed goal, but they took their chances and held on.

West Ham may have been written off earlier this season but Moyes has previous with taking unfancied sides into the upper echelons of the league.

With the Hammers sitting in the European places after 10 games, Moyes’s stock is rising once again. (BBC Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Jamaica still No.1 ranked in the CFU region

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Jamaica remained firmly fixed on the top of the Caribbean Football Union rankings.

It follows the latest release of the FIFA World Rankings for this month, which put the Jamaicans at 47th in the World, making them the highest ranked team in the CFU and the third ranked team in CONCACAF. The Reggae Boyz completed a two-match series on the road against Saudi Arabia, where they crashed to a 3-0 defeat in the first match before rebounding to a 2-1 win in the second match in Riyadh.

The Jamaicans have steadfastly been the topranked team in the Carib-

bean for the past three years and will be gearing up like the rest of the region for next year’s qualification tournaments for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they will hope to prove their strength.

The Dutch territory of Curaçao was the biggest mover in the CONCACAF region on the World Rankings table during the past month, moving up five places to hold on tightly to second place in the CFU. The biggest drop in CONCACAF region on the World Rankings table was recorded

by St. Kitts & Nevis. They fell three places to 140th, but they remained at No.6 in the CFU, whose standings were

Tyson, Jones Jr share engaging draw in ‘exhibition’ bout

Mike Tyson and Roy Jones were said to have drawn after eight, two-minute rounds

LOS ANGELES: Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson returned to the sport and brought an end to the 15 years of inactivity by playing an engaging draw with Roy Jones Jr. Tyson, took on 51-yearold Jones in a high-profile pay-per-view eightround ‘exhibition’ bout at the spectator-less Staples Center amid the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday evening.

T h e f o u r- h o u r l i v e event — supported, commemorated and scored by the World Boxing Council (WBC) — had rounds which were 60 seconds shorter than usual two minutes, instead of three. The fight was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission, according to CNN.

Tyson, 54, said he was happy with the draw and made clear his future pursuits would not be in a professional capacity.

“This is bigger than championships, we are humanitarians, we are helping people. I’m happy I got this under the belt and I’ll continue to go further and do more,” he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Rap artist Snoop Dogg, who turned as a ringside commentator, said it was like watching “two of my uncles fighting at a barbecue”.

Tyson, who became the youngest heavyweight champion of all time when he defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986 aged 20, won 50 of his 58 professional fights before retiring after his loss to Kevin McBride in 2005. (IANS)

unchanged for November.

Jamaica remainsfirmly fixed on the top of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rankings

CFU RANKINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2020 1 Jamaica (47, up 1) 2 Curaçao (76, up 5) 3 Haiti (84, up 3) 4 Trinidad & Tobago (103, up 2) 5 Antigua & Barbuda (126, no change) 6 St. Kitts & Nevis (140, down 3) 7 Suriname (141, down 2) 8 Dominican Republic (149, no change) 9 Grenada (160, no change) 10 Barbados (162, no change) 11 Guyana (167, down 1) 12 St. Vincent & the Gren-

adines (168, down 1) 13 Bermuda (169, down 1) 14 St. Lucia (175, up 1) 15 Puerto Rico (179, down 1) 16 Cuba (180, down 1) 17 Montserrat (183, up 1) 18 Dominica (185, no change) 19 Cayman Islands (193, no change) 20 The Bahamas (196, no change) 21 Aruba (200, no change) 22 Turks & Caicos Islands (203, no change) 23 United States Virgin Islands (207, no change) 24 British Virgin Islands (208, no change) 25 Anguilla (209, no change)

Sir Wes Hall

SEE PAGE 22

Sir Wesley Hall, surrounded by his children, speaks during the unveiling of a 12-foot tall statue of him in delivery stride outside of Kensington Oval

Speedboat reclaims PM T20 Softball Cup Open title

― Fisherman Masters and Regal Legends win age division trophies

SEE PAGE 22

Phillips and Conway set to face Windies “A” MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand, (CMC) – Batsmen Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway, two thorns in the West Indies’ side during their Twenty20 International series with New Zealand, have been selected for the Blackcaps’ reserves to face Windies “A” in the first “Test”, starting on Thursday at the Bay Oval.

Phillips made the fastest hundred by a New Zealander in the second T20I this past Sunday at the Bay Oval in Mount Manganui and South Africa-born, left-hander Phillips, in his debut international series, batted with aplomb against Kieron Pollard’s side to help the home team win the three-match series 2-0, after rain washed out the final contest.

Ish Sodhi and Tim Seifert, two other New Zealand T20 team members, have been named in the Blackcaps’ reserve side.

Auckland Aces batsman Mark Chapman and Central Stags all-rounder Doug Bracewell, who joined the New Zealand T20I squad for the rained-off third and final match of the series against West Indies have also been included.

Selector Gavin Larsen made it clear this was an opportunity for players to show their Test credentials.

“We’re delighted to be naming such a strong squad to take on West Indies ‘A’,” he said.

“It really does highlight the talent depth we currently have and underlines our intentions to look at a wide group of potential Test players over this New Zealand ‘A’ season.”

Larsen added: “To have 10 Blackcaps included across the two games is a testament to that depth and we know the next tier of players get a lot of out of sharing a changing room with our internationals.

“To have guys in red-hot form like Glenn, Devon…is a bonus and I know they’ll be keen to prove what they can do in the longest form of the game.”

Squad: Doug Bracewell, Joe Carter, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.

Argentines celebrate

‘eternal love’ for Maradona with tattoos

SEE PAGE 22

Prime Minister Mark Phillips (Brigadier ret’d) presents the Open trophy to Speedboat All Stars captain, Wazeer Hussain. At centre is Ian John , president of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League SEE PAGE 27

Walter Vazquez, a devoted Diego Maradona fan who has an image of Maradona tattooed on his arm, poses for a photo at his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, November 30, 2020 (REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)

Jamaica still No.1 ranked in the CFU region region

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020