Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_11_2020

FRIDAY 11th December, 2020

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Guyana gets $19.8B from EU No.106210

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–– for inclusive and sustainable development

Walrond properly re-appointed PAGE

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EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto, looks on as President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses members of the media at the diplomat’s Bel Air Springs, Georgetown residence on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

ready to sue Coalition MPs who ‘squatted’ in Parliament

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Contractors received $75M in overpayment for COVID-19 hospital

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

Walrond properly re-appointed, to be sworn in as MP

–– Attorney-General

By Richard Bhainie THE Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, on Thursday, informed the Demerara High Court that Oneidge Walrond was appointment Parliamentarian prior to relinquishing of her US citizenship.

The Attorney-General filed an affidavit on behalf of Waldrond, in which he outlined that her appointment as ‘Technocrat Minister’ predated her application for relinquishment of her nationality of the United States of America.

Therefore, Walrond has since resigned and was properly re-appointed by President Irfaan Ali, on December 1, 2020 and will be sworn in at the next sitting of the National Assembly, as an unelected member thereof.

The affidavit was filed in the matter, Christopher Jones v Oneidge Walrond, Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney-General, and was heard before the Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George on Thursday morning.

The Attorney-General, Deputy Solicitor General, Debora Kumar and State Counsel, Chevy Devonish, appeared for First and Third Named Respondents while Roysdale Forde appeared for Jones.

The decision was made in recognising the error on the Government’s part, and to

avoid unnecessarily wasting the Judiciary’s time, resources and public funds; and in conformity with the Constitution and the Government’s respect for the Rule of Law. “Unlike in the recent past, this Government took expeditious remedial action in correcting an error of law that was made as soon as was reasonably practicable without the need for protracted, time consuming and unnecessary litigation,” the Attorney-General emphasised.

Nandlall submitted to the court that the legality of all actions and or decisions of Walrond prior to December 1, 2020, would be saved and cured by the De Facto Doctrine and the Doctrine of Necessity, which was upheld by the court.

The ‘De Facto Officer Doctrine’ validates the acts of public officers who exercise the duties of an officer under color of an appointment or election to office, when it is later discovered that the legality of that person’s appointment or election to that office, is deficient.

Meanwhile, the Doctrine of Necessity is invoked to protect officials, when actions designed to uphold fundamental constitutional principles, would be deemed to be in contravention to established norms or conventions.

The Opposition APNU+AFC Coalition on November 18 petitioned the High Court to order the removal of

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, as a Parliamentarian, contending she had taken the oath while she was still a US Citizen.

Jones, the applicant, in his application also asked the court to declare that Walrond was unlawfully appointed a Minister of Government.

Walrond had previously insisted that she was constitutionally sworn in as a parliamentarian on September 1, although she had signed an oath renouncing her US citizenship on September 4, 2020 In accordance to Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

EU releases $19.8B grant to Guyana

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―will contribute to inclusive and sustainable development

By Navendra Seoraj AN enabling environment and political stability have encouraged the European Union (EU) to disburse $19.8 billion (approximately US$92 million) to Guyana, to aid in inclusive and sustainable development as the country moves forward with its agenda to create a better life for all.

Guyana was initially in line to receive this support under the EU’s “budget support programme” last year, but political instability and uncertainty had discouraged the bloc from releasing funds to this country.

The uncertainty and turbulence followed the passage of a no-confidence motion tabled in the National Assembly in December 2018 by then opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) against the former A Partnership for National Unit + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration.

A prolonged period of litigation, and a protracted electoral process had deteriorated Guyana’s image and reduced the credibility of the nation. But the country, since the completion of the protracted process, has been able to rebuild this image and receive funds that will assist in the development of this nation.

This disbursement was described as timely by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who said Guyana is receiving these funds at a time when the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to constrain economic growth and advancement.

“It is coming at a time when mobilising resources is difficult. Globally, the pandemic has caused tremendous socio-economic hardships, but also tremendous financial constraints; these constraints have affected countries negatively.

“The state of indebtedness has worsened; the ability to repay debt has worsened, and there is a global call for rescheduling loans

Cheers to cooperation! President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto

and loan payments,” said President Ali during a press briefing at the EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Canto’s residence on Thursday.

Despite those overarching challenges, the Government has been able to mobilise resources for Guyana.

“Every single day since I took office, there has been direct communication; bureaucracy has been removed, and strong commitments would have been made from both sides to see the success of our programme, and to ensure that governance is delivered in a structure that ensures democracy, constitutional rule and… issues we have to deal with in the future,” said President Ali. The Head of State assured that the Government is committed to diversification, economic strengthening and the reduction of economic risks.

Attention, he said, will be placed on agricultural diversification, industrialisation, manufacturing, and the development of sustainable energy, the linking of all economic prospects with the region, the integration of infrastructure and the creation of synergies.

MOVING FORWARD

“Guyana will move forward in a progressive manner… Something that is most crucial is the regaining of the country’s credibility; a lot of emphasis and time has been placed on rebuilding that credibility… This [the EU disbursement] goes a long way in portraying the new Guyana, and regaining that credibility,” said President Ali. According to a statement from the EU, the union is a very important grant donor in Guyana, and together both sides have arrived at a consolidated, privileged partnership for development cooperation in the form of Budget Support.

“Budget Support is a proof of trust, and of a true partnership as the funds are channelled through the national treasury and implemented by the Government of Guyana, under agreed indicators,” said the EU. The overall amount of the EU Budget Support for the Integrated Coastal Management (2017-2021) is $74.5 billion. This latest payment brings the total grant funds released since 2017 to $51. 6 billion. This payment is made possible by the fulfillment by Guy-

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh

ana of a comprehensive and demanding set of requirements.

This, the EU said, should provide a major contribution to the inclusive and

sustainable development of the country, and substantial fiscal space for the country finances, in the context of an unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.

Senior minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said the previous PPP/C administration had worked hard to become eligible for budget support.

“We did so by demonstrating macro-economic stability… Coming from a background of fiscal instability and insolvency, we have demonstrated that we have solid systems for managing public finances,” Dr. Singh said.

The minister assured that Guyana will preserve an environment to ensure that the country remains eligible for budget support.

“We intend to work hard to qualify for every Euro dollar we receive… This will help to finance important budgetary initiatives; we are firmly committed to ensuring not only the creation and preservation of an environment that is conducive to the diversified economic growth that we refer to, we are firmly committed to securing a vibrant non-oil economy,” said Dr. Singh.

Ambassador Canto advised Guyana to maintain a diversified economy, even though the country has inherited new-found oil wealth.

There have been talks that Guyana does not need support because it is the newest oil-producing nation, but this, the ambassador said, is far from the truth. Guyana has many needs, and the EU stands ready to support Guyana on fulfilling those needs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

Haitians released from ‘protective custody’ ― AG rebuffs claims of ‘inhumane’ treatment

By Naomi Parris

AFTER three weeks of being held in ‘protective custody’ for being a part of an alleged ‘human trafficking ring’, the 26 Haitians have been released pending an ongoing case in the Demerara High Court.

The 10 men, nine women and seven children, who were being held at the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, in Region Five, were late Wednesday night released and taken to a hotel in Georgetown.

Speaking at the sidelines of an event on Thursday, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, told reporters that the Haitians were released since it is unknown when the court preceding will be concluded.

“There is no indication when the case will be concluded, the case will come up Wednesday next week, it doesn’t mean that the case will conclude,” he said.

The Attorney-General said

the government thought since the deportation will not be imminent anymore, “rather than have those people where they were being kept and they seem to be uncomfortable making some problems within there, the government thought it best to release them until the case is concluded”.

During the time of their detention, the Haitians had complained bitterly about the ‘inhumane’ treatment they had received at the centre while in custody and upon their release on Wednesday evening, they said were treated like ‘prisoners’.

However, rebuffing the

claims of the Haitians, the Attorney-General said that over the weeks, the matter become a case of sensitive nature since he believes many have taken advantage of the situation for their own agendas.

“There is a lot of sensationalism attached to this matter and people are using

The Haitians outside of a City hotel on Wednesday night after being released from protective custody

this matter to advance different agendas and the government will not be the sacrificial lamb in this facility,” Nandlall told reporters.

TREATED FAIRLY To his knowledge, he said that the Haitians were treated fairly like every other inmate that was housed at the facility.

“They were kept at a civilian facility… they were being fed like every other inmate at that institution. The place as I am aware is a rehabilitation centre, it is resourced and it is adequately secured and of course they are staying there upon the charge of the state.”

He added that the Haitians were offered to either remain at the facility or to be released at an address of their choice and they chose the latter.

“They were offered an option and they exercise the option. They told the authorities there that they would like to be dropped off at a particular address and that was the address they were dropped off at.”

Just a few hours after arriving in Guyana on November 7, the 26 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; however, the Haitians consistently denied the allegations, maintaining their innocence.

On December 1, Principal Magistrate, Sherdel-Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, issued an order for the nationals to be taken to the nearest port of exit on the grounds that they violated Guyana’s immigration laws.

However, last Friday, Chief Justice, Roxane George issued a conservatory order halting the deportation of the 26 Haitians.

The case is expected to be called again on December 18.

Contractors received $75M in overpayments for COVID-19 hospital ― Auditor General confirms

By Rehana Ahamad

CONTRACTORS responsible for the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, were overpaid by a whopping $75M. This confirmation was given by Guyana’s Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, on Thursday, shortly after handing over his 2019 audit report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

Sharma told reporters that the findings of a probe into the hospital were compiled into a report and submitted to the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and the Permanent Secretary, Malcolm Watkins.

The Auditor General declined to give specifics of the report, noting that he is still to receive a response from Ministry’s officials.

Dr Anthony had told the National Assembly back in September that the former

FRI. December 11, 2020 ― 01:30hrs - ~03:00hrs

APNU+AFC Coalition Government had overpaid one contractor by at least $70M. The minister highlighted too that another contractor was also given an advance payment of $14.7M to install an elevator, which had not been installed.

Issues were also highlighted with regard to the manner in which the eight contractors were hired.

The $1.6B hospital, once known as the Ocean View International Hotel, was rehabilitated and converted into a medical facility capable of accommodating patients with COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. It was commissioned on July 30, 2020, by then President, David Granger.

However, it could not become operational, due to a number of inadequacies that were later identified by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) which assumed office in August 2020, following the protracted March 2, General and Regional Elections.

The Infectious Diseases Hospital located at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, later announced that, due to “the poor planning that went into the conceptualisation of the facility,” the Government was “forced” to spend an additional $790 million to make it fully operational. Edghill noted that even though the facility was “beautifully painted”, it lacked basic amenities required to handle infectious diseases such as the novel corona virus.

Those issues, he said, were related to plumbing and electrical deficiencies, things which will be addressed through the use of the additional funding.

Poor ventilation and the presence of mold in the building were also highlighted. As the project was put under a microscope, even more troubling inefficiencies surfaced. In addition to the physical shortfalls, eyebrows were also raised with regard to the deal between the former Government and the owner of the former hotel, Jacob Rambarran.

Rambarran, after the change of Government on August 2, 2020, had issued a demand for G$65 million in rent for the past five months, in keeping with a lease, as he claimed that the gazetted order for compulsory acquisition has no force. He asked the Government to vacate the building if it would not pay the rent of $13

million per month.

In expressing his disgust over the situation, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that “The individual, who claims he owns the land, stayed quiet while the media was questioning the project, and suddenly he sent a lawyer’s letter to be paid millions.”

“He will have a long wait because a lot of irregularities and illegalities took place through this deal, and those will be fully investigated,” said Jagdeo.

As the Government was preparing to launch an investigation into the project, information had surfaced that the land might have been in receivership, so Rambarran did not own it.

“How can you demand payment and you do not have a formal lease agreement… there are lots of things that do not meet the eye… it is looking like an incestuous arrangement, so they would have to answer a lot of questions,” said Jagdeo.

The concept of a specially designed COVID-19 facility was put to Government by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) after a study had found that Guyana could have had as many as 20,000 COVID-19 cases in a month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

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Guyana develops online travel form

By Rabindra Rooplall TRAVELLERS to Guyana will eventually be required to complete a new online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form prior to arrival, as the country aims to resume commercial travel and enhance security from all forms of threats.

formation is essential while noting that the development of the Online ED Card Application will enhance travellers’ screening process and harmonise the electronic transmission of passenger information to the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) in CARICOM. CARICOM Implementa-

safety of visitors.

Meanwhile, Gill explained that the introduction of the online ED form is one of many initiatives being implemented by government,

Noting that the system is currently being used in Barbados, the security adviser explained that it is important for countries to develop digital platforms as they navigate

and well-being of citizens.

Through the introduction of the online ED form, he noted that Guyana will be able to offer travellers a smooth, safe, and contactless

Stakeholders at the meeting

Security Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs, Harry Gill and Home Affairs Ministry Research Officer, Kavita Bhowani during the virtual meeting with CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (Delano Williams photo)

The initiative, spearheaded by Security Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs, Harry Gill, was discussed with stakeholders at a meeting on Thursday at the Home Affairs Ministry, Brickdam Boardroom.

Home Affairs Ministry Research Officer, Kavita Bhowani, stated that the initiative is focused on enhancing Guyana’s screening and security process at the airports.

She explained that the collection, processing and screening of passenger in-

tion Agency for Crime and Security in a virtual presentation, explained that after the form is filed online, the visitor will receive two receipts via email – one for customs and the other for immigration.

These receipts may be printed, or saved to a mobile device, and presented to authorities at the airports on arrival or departure.

The information requested includes travel history, contact information and health screening to complete the risk assessment process for COVID-19, to ensure the

towards a digital transformation of public sector services, to improve operational efficiencies and the ease of doing business for Guyanese, visitors and potential investors.

the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic which demands that they become more resilient and agile in implementing solutions to protect the health

transit through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The Online ED Card Application will be developed

by CARICOM IMPACS in

consultation with key stakeholders. The application will be used as a critical tool to capture Advance Passenger Information (API) that can assist Guyana in the processing, and screening of travellers and the decision-making process.

In attendance at the meeting were CJIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir; Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Director at CJIA, Stanley Philips; Director of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Transport Management, Saeed Suliman; Head of the Policy and Research Unit Ministry of Home Affairs, Courtney Samuels; Strategy and Policy Unit Economist of the Tourism and Commerce Ministry, Isaiah Gangadeen, and Head of Immigration Superintendent, Dennis Stephens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Restoring the ‘agri’ sector UNQUESTIONABLY, Guyana’s economic condition is in a parlous state.

However, the Irfaan Aliled administration is not daunted, and is forging ahead with developmental plans, programmes and policies, while simultaneously, through countrywide Cabinet outreaches, listening to the concerns and addressing the dire existential needs of the citizens of the land, all clamouring for facilitative mechanisms to better their lives and lifestyles.

In a recent television interview, Senior Finance Affairs Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, elucidated at length on configurations that are determinants of key macroeconomic indicators and their development trends, and outlined the factors that led to Guyana’s retrogression in social development and economic growth patterns over the interim years from 2015 to 2020. One of the primary inhibitors to growth, he averred, was the neglect of, and punitive measures that constrained common business procedures in the country: from starting a project to closing

a business, with the consequence of a decimated private sector, and a nation in a survival crisis, primarily because of widespread job loss.

During the past five years, the laws of the land regarding the issuing of contracts and other anomalous applications to equitable and judicious administration were breached with impunity, which precipitated the downward spiral of the country’s fiscal system, decadence in labour practices, property rights regulation peculiarities etcetera, all of which eviscerated Guyana’s engine of growth.

One of the hardest hit sectors was agriculture, the lodestar of every PPP/C governments’ economic thrust.

However, once again, under another PPP/C administration, the agriculture sector is being revitalised and re-energised in innovative ways.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha last Tuesday met with newly-appointed members of the Board of Directors of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Pesticide

and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Minister Mustapha adjured the newly-appointed GSA Board of Directors that, in view of Government’s vested interest in further developing the school, given the role it plays in delivering quality agriculture-focused education, his hope to have the school extend its services to other regions be fructified by the Board. “The Guyana School of Agriculture is one of a kind. I know for a fact that even though other countries have senior institutions offering programmes in agriculture, students travel from all over the Caribbean to attend our school. We, too, have the University of Guyana with an agriculture programme, but the knowledge offered at GSA is unmatched.”

Minister Mustapha told the Directors of the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board that regulating the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals is crucial in Guyana. He said, “Large companies are signalling their desire to invest in the

country, and they will need permission and oversight in the area of toxic chemicals.

You will have to ensure that you move the Board forward.”

To the members of the GRDB Board, he said, inter alia, “We have to ensure we develop and move this industry forward. I’ve taken a ‘hands on’ approach to dealing with matters pertaining to the rice industry,” while reminding them that rice remains one of Guyana’s largest foreign exchange earners.

Under the administration of the former PPP/C Government, small farmers’ groups were introduced to a special three-year financial facility of some $220M, $180M in grants, and $40M in low-interest loans, which was intended to facilitate their expansion, and allow them to farm through best practices. Under the Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Development (READ) programme was established the Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), through which support to small farmers was provided.

Drainage and irrigation, which is an essential pre-

requisite for any successful agricultural programme, was prioritised. Additionally, as a consequence of a special request from the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (GRPA)’s General-Secretary, Dharamkumar Seeraj, directly to then President Bharrat Jagdeo, the government had given duty-free concessions on fuel, agricultural machinery and spares.

The decline of the agricultural sector under another PNC-led government has once again precipitated the free-fall of all agriculture-based industries, primarily rice, sugar, cashcrops and their manufactured by-products; with the rice industry taking another severe downturn, near to annihilation, except for the RPA collaborating with the private sector to sustain/ attain markets, and fight for farmers’ rights with millers. The return of another PPP/C administration, which has always shown itself amenable to advocacy on the farmers’ behalf, especially through representation by the RPA GS Seeraj, who takes a handson, people/farmer-centric

approach to administration, will enable the eventual concretisation of the RPA’s projected plans, which were forcibly curtailed during the preceding five years, which include, but are not limited to, the provision of advantageous terms on the acquisition of seed paddy, fertiliser and fuel that were intended to boost rice production, and make the sector even more viable than in the years preceding 2015.

Agriculture has once again assumed its role as one of Guyana’s major developmental planks, as it did prior to 2015, when this country achieved the UN MDG in food security, through government’s facilitating mechanisms to enable the phenomenal successes of the “grow more” campaign, and “The Jagdeo Initiative for Agriculture”, which was adopted by Caribbean nations in efforts to emulate Guyana in minimising their food import bill, and boost their food security.

2019 Audit Report handed over…

Controversial drug bond, Leguan Stelling among ‘special investigations’

By Rehana Ahamad GUYANA’S Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, has submitted his 2019 Audit Report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir and it is expected to be an ‘interesting’ read.

The document, handed over during a simple ceremony hosted at Parliament Buildings on Brickdam, Georgetown, contains findings of some “special investigations” related to the controversial Ministry of Public Health Drug Bond, the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development Project and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Leguan

Stelling Rehabilitation.

While investigations of these projects have already been completed, a few other special investigations are still continuing.

These include probes into the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Ministry of Legal Affairs’ Retainers Agreement and Ministry of the Presidency’s Acquisition of Birth Certificates.

Sharma told reporters that the execution of this year’s audits was carried out under severe limitations, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Nonetheless, the Audit Office of Guyana, although faced with these challenges and risk of exposure to the

The Auditor General, Deodat Sharma (right) handing over his 2019 report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

virus, was still able to complete a substantial amount of work in order to submit our report,” he said.

The Auditor General noted that while his office commenced four performance audits, these suffered significant delays due to the pandemic.

“These are, a ‘Review of Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)’; ‘Preparedness for Marine Oil Spill Response’; ‘Maternal Health Care Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital’; and, ‘An Assessment of the Hinterland School Feeding Programme.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020 FROM PAGE

Controversial drug bond...

Sharma said that these audits are likely to conclude in 2021. He noted that as the pandemic continues, the Audit Office is facing new and unique challenges in executing its functions.

These challenges, he noted, have all pointed to the need for government to embrace technology and move away from the “manual system and paper-based payments, to computerised system and electronic payment”.

“Now, more than ever, the Audit Office has to rely on technology in performing its audits. This makes it more challenging, as we may not be able to physically observe all processes. The requirement to access everything remotely and electronically with limited IT capabilities affected both the Audit Office and its auditees,” Sharma stressed.

Upon accepting the report, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, said he was pleased that de-

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spite the delays and challenges, the Audit Office was able to deliver on its mandate.

Nadir reflected that almost two decades ago, the Auditor General was tasked with delivering the document to whoever was the Minister of Finance. However, in the interest of transparency, the document is now required to be submitted to the National Assembly.

“That was an important separation in terms of the Office of the Auditor General, which is an independent constitutional office, reporting to the executive,” Nadir posited.

The Speaker underscored the importance of performance audits, expressing the hope that more resources would be provided to the Audit Office, in an effort to increase the number of performance audits done each year.

Domestic abuse emergency hotline launched

–– as Guyana wraps up 16 Days of Activism THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has partnered with UNICEF, Digicel Guyana, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Telecommunications Agency to create a toll-free hotline as part of measures to promote the reporting, prevention and response services to cases of violence.

The hotline, 914, was launched at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre after the Ministry, in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly, observed 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

The 16-day initiative, which was initiated in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute, is an annual occurrence which begins on November 25 and ends on December 10, and is globally recognised as Human Rights Day. The hotline comes at a

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

time when the reports of domestic violence have increased drastically, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 protocols were being observed, more women and children were forced to remain within the proximity of their abusers, which, in turn, saw a high number of reports recorded throughout the year.

“We think that violence is apparent,” Minister of Human

Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, explained, in response to survivors’ stories, “but no,” she said.

“We heard today, violence can be hidden. Excuses are made by many women, not because they don’t want you to know, but because they live in fear of more violence being carried out. From my own medical background, we

hear they’ve ‘fallen down the stairs’, they ‘walked into a door’; you hear all kinds of things to explain the bruises and the marks they have, but we know differently. So I want to appeal to anyone who’s experiencing violence.

914 is a 24-hour service that is toll-free, for you.”

The objective of the easily remembered number is to integrate the services available at both the Domestic Violence Unit and the Childcare and Protection Agency. It is the hope of all involved in the execution of the service that it will attract an increased number of reports, as the Ministry and UNICEF expand the services for reporting and response.

Also present at the launch were representatives of Digicel and GTT, survivors of domestic violence, Patricia Smithet and Bibi Ahmad, representatives of UNICEF and UNFPA, as well as Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

632 suspected victims of human trafficking contacted –– 579 of foreign nationality, says acting Top Cop

By Richard Bhainie WITHIN the period 2018 to 2020, 632 persons were contacted by the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, on suspicion of being involved in human trafficking.

This was disclosed by Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie, at the launch of a Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Training Course, for Station Sergeants, by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, on Thursday, at the Police Force Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The two-day training is de-

signed to encapsulate a gamut of objectives which will equip the participants to be able to identify and respond to situations of TIP, to develop the necessary skills required in dealing with victims of TIP and to understand the laws and procedures pertaining to the issue, to name a few.

The acting commissioner explained that of the 632 individuals, 579 of the suspected victims were of foreign nationality, hailing from Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Haiti among others.

The contacting of the alleged victims was prompted by raids conducted by the Guyana Police Force as well as reports

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (third from left), flanked by Police Commissioner (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and participants of the training course

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud delivering the feature address

made by the general public reacting to suspicion in relation to activities pertaining to human trafficking.

Between the said period, 84 reports were accepted by the police, from which 58 cases were made; so far, securing six convictions, with cases still open and before the courts.

According to Hoppie, Guyana, in 2005, ratified the Palmyra Protocol of 2000, a supplement of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, which obliges states to prevent, suppress and punish TIP, into domestic jurisdiction through the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2004.

The Act provides comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons, through the implementation of stringent penalties.

In accordance to the said legislation, the Ministerial Taskforce of TIP was established on February 6, 2007 to facilitate the planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of national strategies in response to TIP. The commissioner (ag) explained that the task force has been instrumental in curbing trafficking in persons in Guyana, and has seen a high success rate in relations to victims rescued and the number of perpetrators placed before the court.

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie addressing the participants

In June 2020, Guyana retained Tier 1 ranking in the latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report of the United States Department of State, the fourth consecutive year of Guyana receiving a Tier 1 ranking.

Present at the event was the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who highlighted the importance of the training to maintain the Tier 1 ranking.

TRAINING AN ESSENTIAL STEP The minister explained that training is a crucial and essential step to ensure that the servicemen and women of the nation are properly equipped with the skills required to combat trafficking in persons.

“It is imperative that we put every mechanism in place so that we can destroy networks and let persons who are involved in carrying out this heinous activity know that we are serious and we mean business,” Persaud explained.

She charged the participants of the training, as ambassadors of the Force, to be passionate in the execution of their duty, in order to bring trafficking in persons, to an end “Be passionate about what you do, to be passionate advocates against trafficking in persons but more importantly be passionate custodians of the safety and security of people, so that we can stop the scourge

that is called modern day slavery,” Minister Persaud told the ranks present.

Minister Persaud, in recognising International Human Rights Day observed on 10 December, explained that TIP is “modern day slavery” and everyone must be cognisant of the impact it has on the country, and play their part to preserve and maintain fundamental human rights.

“Today is World International Day that deals with human rights and the human right that we are trying to preserve is the right to freedom and with that right to freedom comes many other rights that we must always be conscious of,” she said.

She adding: “You [the participants] and we too at the Ministry of Human Services, are the custodians of these rights in many ways and when we do not act in a manner where people are assured of their rights, then I think we need to look at ourselves a little more very objectively, and at times critically to see what we need to do.”

The minister reiterated that trafficking in persons is very much real, and will not be eradicated until the stakeholders involved work collaboratively and play their distinctive roles in response to the issue.

She highlighted that the eradication of TIP requires many steps, from education and awareness, to training of individuals involved in the response team, intervention according to protocols and standard of procedures, laws and regulations and the most critical component helping persons who are victims of TIP. Trafficking in persons occurs in all walks of life, from coast to coast and the training will help equip the force with the required knowledge and skill to combat the problem in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

80 land titles for Region Two residents next week

SOME 80 land titles will be distributed to residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) by next week, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday.

The Head of State made this disclosure at the end of the presidential outreach, which was held at the Regional Democratic Council in Anna Regina.

“Today alone, just with some pushing, we have 80 titles that are now available to people that were in the system for years; five years, six years, seven years. On Monday, these 80 titles will be available to the people,” he said.

One of the main aims of Wednesday’s exercise was to reduce the bureaucratic hassle that many persons face when accessing services The President said the engagement also highlighted the existing weaknesses in the system as well as a deficiency in service delivery to citizens of the region. On this note, he urged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) staff to recognise and respect the prestige that comes with

their jobs.

“Public service is the highest call of service in your country and we must not think that we are doing people a favour... and if you believe at this point in your career that you want to go in the other direction, then make that choice. But once we are in public service, let us serve; the same feeling you have today, the same energy, the same excitement you have to serve the people should be what you find every day.

We are not in public service because we have no other option; we are in public service because we chose a career to serve the people. And if we don't want to serve the people, then public service is not for us,” he said.

The President said, too, that public service and leadership must involve all levels of workers from the chief executive officer to the helpers.

In this way each level will have a better understanding of the strategic vision and direction of the organisation.

“If they understand where the organisation is going, what is their strategic vision,

One arrested in contractor’s murder

Dead: Peter Gonsalves

ONE person is in police custody as investigations continue into the murder of 60-year-old Peter Gonsalves which occurred Monday last on Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Gonsalves, a building contractor and father of three, of Pere Street, Kitty Georgetown was gunned down on Monday night in front of a liquor restaurant in Garnett Street during a confrontation with bandits, who made good their escape with his black and white Honda XR motorcycle, CJ 600.

Reports indicated that Gonsalves, who was shot multiple times, was pronounced dead by

the Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs) who visited the scene.

Gonsalves had left home on his motorcycle with one of his colleagues as a pillion rider to make a purchase when he was attacked.

The pillion rider escaped unharmed when Gonsalves decided to stop in front of the bar after he realised he was being followed by the bandits. Soon after stopping, he was confronted by the robbers.

Police said the motorcyclist was proceeding west along Garnett Street when he was attacked by two men on a motorcycle, one of whom was armed with a hand gun. He was shot several times, after which he fell to the ground.

Further information revealed that after the victim was shot and the pillion rider fell to the ground, the motorcycle was taken by the two bandits who made good their escape.

then they will know how they have to perform and how they have to behave. We have an excellent opportunity to achieve this. We have to change this country.”

President Ali explained that positive change is vital, especially with Guyana’s development trajectory. He said it is imperative that “we fix our culture of doing business” to ensure greater local content.

He then urged the older agencies’ heads to recognise their roles in leaving a legacy of efficiency.

“I ask you to use this opportunity of your experience in the public service to pass this on to all these younger people. This is the only way we will become a better country. All of us have an equal role in making this country better….

Uniting our country starts in the public service. We have the greatest ability to demonstrate this common vision…. Take today as a renewal of your vows to your job and to service to the people,” he urged.

Gravesande guilty of killing neighbour

Foster Gravesande

THREE years after the murder of Courtney Porter, his 50-year-old Mahaica, East Coast Demerara neighbour, was, on Thursday, found guilty of the crime.

Foster Gravesande was convicted by a 12-member jury. Trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, at the Georgetown High Court, further remanded Gravesande to prison pending a probation report and sentencing for January 7, 2021.

He was convicted of the offence which read that on April 09, 2017, he allegedly murdered 49-year-old Porter.

Gravesande was represented by Attorney, Dexter Todd while the State was represented by prosecutor, Teriq Mohammed.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on March 25, 2017, Porter was reportedly beaten to the head with a piece of wood by Gravesande who had accused him of pulling his wife’s clothes.

Porter was hospitalised and succumbed to his injures on April 9, 2017.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the outreach to Region Two on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

Chief Justice: Walrond’s appointment was unlawful ACTING Chief Justice, Roxane George, on Thursday, at the Demerara High Court, ruled that the appointment of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, was unlawful.

The Chief Justice also granted another declaration stating that Walrond was not a lawful member of the 12th Parliament of Guyana when she was sworn in on September 1, 2020.

In November, Opposition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition had approached the High Court seeking a declaration to have Walrond moved from her seat in the National Assembly, which they claimed she is illegally occupying.

The fixed date application was filed in the name of Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, as the applicant, by attorneys-at-law

Senior Counsel Roysdale Ford, Mayo Robertson, Raphael Trotman, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Amanza Walton-Desir, Olayne Joseph and Darren Wade Walrond was listed as the respondent in the case along with Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

During the commencement of the virtual hearing on Thursday, Attorney-General

Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George

Nandlall conceded that Government recognises that Walrond’s appointment might have collided with the Constitution of Guyana, since, at the time, she was still a citizen of the United States of America when she took the oath to become a minister and parliamentarian.

However, Nandlall said that Government had already taken the necessary steps to rectify that breach by having Walrond re-sworn as a Minster on December 1, 2020, by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. At the next practical sitting of National Assembly, she will be sworn in as a Member of Parliament.

The Chief Justice granted the application and declared that attorney-at-law Walrond was not a lawful member of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament of Guyana and was also not lawfully appointed as a minister before December 1.

In light of Walrond re-taking her oath of office, the Chief Justice noted that she does not see the need for the Speaker of the National Assembly to prevent Walrond from sitting in or participating in the business of the National Assembly.

Lastly, the Chief Justice ordered that Walrond pay $75,000 in court costs to Christopher Jones.

In his grounds for the application, Jones had stated that Walrond took the Oath of Office of a Minister of Government on August 5, 2020, although she was not named in the List of Candidates presented by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap. 1.03 for the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

However, in October 2020, Walrond issued a press statement stating that on August 18, she wrote to the United States Consular Office and renounced her cit-

Attorney-General and Minster of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones and his Attorney, Senior Counsel, Roysdale Ford (Adrian Narine photo)

izenship to the United States of America with immediate effect. The process was finished by August 27 and she received her Certificate of Loss of Nationality.

Nevertheless, on September 1, 2020, Walrond took the Oath of a Member of the National Assembly and it was there during the First Session of the 12th Parliament, that she was recorded as a Cabinet Member and a Non-Elected Minister.

Jones had contended that by doing so, Walrond is not a valid and legal member of the National Assembly and minster since at the time she had her dual citizenship.

To back up this ground for the application, Jones listed Article 155 of the Constitution which states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who, (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

In the court document, Jones said: “As member of the National Assembly, it is right and proper that I insist and demand that there be full and complete compliance with the Constitution.”

The minister was not a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) in the March 02, 2020 elections, but was selected to be a technocrat minister, which means that she has no voting power in the National Assembly. The Constitution provides for four technocrats to sit in the National Assembly, once they meet the citizenship requirement to do so.

The issue of dual citizenship came up in 2019, after former AFC member, Charrandass Persaud, crossed the floor in favour of the then Opposition PPP/C in a No-Confidence Motion against the APNU+AFC Government in December 2018.

Following legal challenges, the Court of Appeal ruled that a person holding dual citizenship was not entitled to be a member of the National Assembly.

In 2019, this led to the relinquishment of foreign citizenship by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira and her colleagues, Adrian Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba. It also saw former ministers of government Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Dominic Gaskin resigning as MPs, while Harmon and Greenidge relinquished their foreign citizenships.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

AG ready to sue ‘every’ Coalition MP who ‘squatted’ in Parliament ­­–– should they seek legal recourse to have Minister Walrond repay salary

By Navendra Seoraj ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, is prepared to sue every A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentarian, who sat ‘illegally’ in the National Assembly while being a dual citizen, should the coalition seek legal recourse to have Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond repay salaries paid to her over the past four months.

The Coalition on November 18, 2020, filed an action in the High Court against Minister Walrond, seeking a

declaration that she was illegally sworn-in as a Member of Parliament (MP).

In the case which came up before Chief Justice, Roxane George on December 10, 2020, it was declared that Minister Walrond was not a ‘lawful’ member of the National Assembly.

Walrond initially took the oath of office on August 5, 2020 and then as Parliamentarian on September 1, 2020.

The Attorney-General has since admitted that the Government ‘erred’ in appointing Walrond in August this year.

But, he said due process was followed when Walrond was sworn-in for a second time

by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on December 1, 2020.

“Upon inquiry, the Attorney-General informed the Court that the legality of all actions and or decisions of Minister Walrond prior to the 1st day of December 2020, would be saved and cured by the De Facto Doctrine and the Doctrine of Necessity – a proposition with which the Court concurred,” said the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Although corrective measures have already been identified and established, the opposition remains adamant that Minister Walrond must repay salaries paid to her prior to December 1, 2020.

In sharing his views on the opposition’s demand, the Attorney-General told

members of the media that the Coalition is fully aware that the De Facto Doctrine will “cure everything”.

“Is Mr. Harmon [Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon] going to return all his salary?

He was a dual citizen sitting in the Parliament for five years… all of them who relinquished would they give back their salary?” Nandlall enquired.

He further said: “We are talking about three months, they have five years of money to pay back… if they go that road [legal recourse] I don’t mind, I love the courts I will sue every single one of them for those monies.”

The issue of dual citizenship came up in 2019

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall

after former member of the AFC, Charrandas Persaud, “crossed the floor” in favour of the current Government in a no-confidence motion against the now Opposition in December 2018. The APNU+AFC was later ousted through the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Following legal challenges, the Court of Appeal ruled that a person holding dual citizenship was not entitled to be a member of the National Assembly.

Article 155 of the Constitution states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

“When Mr. Harmon, Mr. Felix and Mr. Scott and all those who relinquished their dual citizenship ready to give back their money and their salaries and their benefits then we can speak on it,” said the Attorney-General.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

UN announces six Champions of the Earth

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday announced six laureates of the 2020 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour. The champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leadership in urging bold and decisive action on behalf of the planet and its inhabitants.

According to a release, since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award has brought visibility and validation to some of the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders, from pioneering scientists and captains of industry to heads of state and community activists. The awards celebrate inspirational and motivational examples of the potential of individual and collective action to change the world.

Congratulating this year’s laureates, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “In the middle of a global pandemic, with societies struggling, economies stretched to their limits and

Professor Robert D. Bullard (USA)

Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador)

Yacouba Sawadogo (Burkina Faso)

Dr. Fabian Leendertz (Germany)

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji

an escalating biodiversity and climate crisis, we need to act boldly and urgently to repair our relationship with nature and take the path of sustainable development. Each year, the United Nations honours these environmental champions for their leadership and vision. Their efforts confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”

“This year’s champions of the Earth have dug their heels in, faced down adversity and taken on the immense challenge of working to protect and restore our environment,” said UNEP’s

Executive Director Inger Andersen. “They not only inspire us, they also remind us that we have in our hands the solutions, the knowledge and the technology to limit climate change and avoid ecological collapse. It is time for us all to act for nature.”

The 2020 Champions of the Earth are Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama of Fiji, honoured in the Policy Leadership category for his global climate action work and his commitment to climate-responsive national development; Dr. Fabian Leendertz (Germany), honoured in the Science and Innovation

category for his discoveries in zoonotics and his work in One Health; Mindy Lubber (USA), recognised in the Entrepreneurial Vision category for her commitment to turning capital markets green by mobilising top investors and companies and making the business case for climate action and sustainability; Nemonte Nenquimo (Ecuador), awarded in the Inspiration and Action category for her leadership and unifying work with indigenous communities that halted drilling in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest; Yacouba Sawadogo (Burkina Faso),

also honoured in the Inspiration and Action category for teaching farmers his traditional nature-based solution to regenerate their soil and turn barren land into arable land and forest across Africa and Professor Robert D. Bullard (USA) who was awarded the Champion of the Earth Lifetime Achievement award for his commitment and service to environmental justice.

By amplifying news of the significant work being done on the environmental frontlines, the Champions of the Earth awards aim to inspire and motivate more people to act for na-

ture. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the champions were announced online, on the cusp of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which starts in early 2021. The awards are part of UNEP’s #ForNature campaign to rally momentum for the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15) in Kunming in May 2021, and catalyse climate action all the way to the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021.

Zorg-en-Vlight residents to get Police Force job satisfaction street lights for Christmas survey commences Sunday THE Ministry of Home Affairs will be launching and conducting an electronic job satisfaction survey within the Guyana Police Force.

This survey will be conducted for a period of three weeks beginning on Sunday, December 13, 2020.

The online survey can be found on the ministry’s web-

site at https://moha.gov.gy/.

“We propose to determine the level of satisfaction of the employees in the workplace and what are the probable measures to be taken based on the responses to the survey. This is important in order to identify resorts in order to motivate higher performance as we seek to maintain law and order in

Guyana,” the Force's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor noted.

The assistant commissioner said that it is crucial to retain an effective and proficient workforce since it is critical to the institution’s performance.

Workers preparing the ground to accommodate a pole

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, announced that the Pomeroon-Supenaam region will be getting more street lights for Christmas. He was at the time speaking at the President Irfaan Ali ministerial outreach held on Wednesday in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Anna Regina.

Speaking on public infrastructure, Minister Indar said two contracts were awarded at the cost of $8 million for the continuation of street lights projects in the region. The project has already commenced and will

be completed before Christmas. This is one of the many infrastructure works that are ongoing by the ministry to further enhance the region.

Other public infrastructure works earmarked for the region include a $50 million road project and $45M rip rap sea defence at Suddie.

The Supenaam Waterfront Development Project will be further enhanced and developed.

When this newspaper visited the site where the street lights are being erected, workers were busy planting the poles. Residents around the Annandale and Queenstown areas were hap-

py about the project.

“We are happy for the continuation of the street lights which guide drivers and secure our community during the night. We are thankful…” One resident in Annandale said.

Workers on site said that planting of the poles will take approximately two weeks after which the lights will be placed. Several communities within the Pomeroon-Supenaam region benefitted from street lights. The lights have tremendously boosted security in these communities.

Bicycle police on patrol on Camp Street Georgetown

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

Musician hopes to make it big in music industry Phillip Anthony Geer, known as WizPhil

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ocal musician Phillip Anthony Geer is sure that someday he’ll make it big and though he is grateful for all that he has managed to accomplish so far in his life, he’d be much happier if local artistes are given more opportunities.

Geer is well-known in the music industry as ‘WizPhil,’ a nickname that came about because of his love for Wiz Khalifa music. “I use to listen to a lot of Wiz Khalifa music back in high school. Phillip is my first name and I like the sound of Wiz,” he expressed.

Geer loved music ever since he was a child and this was fueled by the time he spent playing instruments in church, but it was really in his high school days that the thought came to him that music is what he really wants to pursue.

“I never thought about what I wanted to become

while growing up but I always the country. His most recent of the biggest names in enloved music and instruments. I performance was at the ‘One tertainment locally. “At that grew up in church playing the Guyana’ concert that was held concert, all of the artistes were drums, and then I moved on to by the Ministry of Culture, Guyanese and that was a great guitars and so forth. I started Youth and Sport at the Na- event; the event was amazing developing an ear for music tional Cultural Center. and it was all local. We need and I got better at it and I just continued and realised that I am really cut out for the music business,” he told the Buzz.

Geer started recording music in high school just for his benefit and that of his friends, but after finishing school, he began taking it seriously. “I started recording my own music by getting the right equipment and software, microphones and a better mix and sound. My friends told me I sounded good and it made me think I should continue.”

Geer is especially proud of the fact that he has his own recording studio, WizPhil welcomed all of the attention he got while has managed to get out performing at all of the major PPP/C rallies earlier this year several music videos, and has been able to perform There, he said he was more like that.” at many big events across able to perform among some Geer also recently per-

WizPhil is set to release a new music video soon

formed at all of the major rallies that were held by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) across the country.

“That was a big exposure for me where many people got to see my talent. A lot of people got to know me and my music, so that was big for me,” he said.

Commenting on how he comes up with the lyrics for his songs, Geer said his inspiration comes from things that happen daily. “Relationships, things that happen in the community, lifestyle, stuff that people are going through in life; reality stuff, like people hating on each other,” he said.

He and his team recently completed a song that’s not out as yet, but that is based on racial issues in the country.

Soon, he will be putting out this song, along with a video.

Asked about some of the improvements he’d like to see in the entertainment industry, Geer said people’s work and local talent must be recognized and valued. “The radio

stations need to be valuing such work and not just taking music and playing it like that. We need to get copyright, royalties; those kind of things.

The DJs need to value good music and not just play trash on the radio. Play music that would make Guyana look good,” Geer stated.

The musician said he has often observed that Guyanese tend to put out and promote music that doesn’t make any sense, “that’s just a little hyper and the beats sound good, but doesn’t have a meaning that would inspire people,” he said He called for more local events to be organised. “We need to get local events, more events that feature local artistes as opposed to international ones. We have to showcase our own. Put them on stage, give them a spot,” Geer said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

The Face of Guyana’s Dancehall music

Local musician making waves and breaking boundaries

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Drew Thoven

n this new decade when one thinks of music in Guyana, Drew Thoven is the name that comes mind. Making waves and breaking down barriers, he has managed to put Guyana on the international arena and has been making hit after hit.

Known as one of the youngest and most talented producers in the country, Drew Thoven has worked along with some of the biggest names in the Caribbean music industry, writing and producing timeless pieces of art through music.

The producer, composer, singer and songwriter told the Buzz that he grew up in the church and was always surrounded by music. At a tender age he stated he had al-

ready known how to play at least seven different instruments.

The young artist stated that while he loves what he does, he wanted to do more with his talents to expand Guyana’s music industry hence he began testing the waters with dancehall music in Guyana, producing, writing and featuring on hit songs like ‘Eggball’, ‘Hardball’ and ‘Dunce Thugs’ with many Guyanese Artistes.

“I felt like I was writing everybody else’s story and I felt like I wanted to also express myself.

When you write songs in the perspective of a woman for a female artist and then you write songs in different people telling different stories it kind of is a conflict because at some point you want to write stuff that pertains to you and I have been working on my vocals for two years trying to find styles of music,” Drew Thoven told the Buzz.

He added, “When Trinidad started taking over the dancehall scene with their version of dancehall which is called ‘TriniBad’ I think that is when I felt like this

was my opportunity to do Guyanese dancehall,” he said.

However, the musician, who describes himself as an introvert disclosed that he was only planning on writing and producing a few songs.

Nevertheless with the encouragement of a few other artistes like Gully Ras and cKush, along with his mentor Kerwin Bollers, Drew released a few songs which are today still topping the charts in the Guyanese music industry.

One of his first hits ‘Eggball’ raked in over 400,000 views on YouTube.

“I think that song kind of paved the way for local Guyanese music that song is the made the way for other Guyanese fellow young artistes to put out their music with confidence,” he said adding: “From the time that song started, it was getting traction from New York, Atlanta, Europe and the Uk, even Beijing our song was played I feel like a lot of young artistes got the confidence to put out their music.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 11, 2020

The coordinators behind the “Heart Through Art” Exhibition

Onlookers and artists from the “Heart Through Art” promotional event at the Giftland Mall.

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he "Heart Through Art" exhibition, scheduled for December 1112, is an event that will allow Guyanese artists to showcase their talents and artwork under one roof. The event, which will be hosted at School of the Nations from 13:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs, is a youth-initiated art exhibition geared towards providing a platform for local artists to better connect with the Guyanese society. The key coordinators of this event are Chris Bissessar, Kezyah Bhola and Ashley St.Aublyn.

This dynamic trio is working alongside a growing family of Guyanese artists to make this event a success for all. With their collaboration, they hope to bring a voice and stage to true talent in our beautiful country. “Being brought onboard really turned my year around. The COVID-19 lockdown seemed to stifle more than the world around me; it affected my art,” stated Kezyah Bhola. As such, she hopes this event can help the creative thinking of other Guyanese artists like herself.

The team explained that they initially intended for the event to only include a few artists but to date, they’ve received a towering number of support and requests. Hence, the event expanded into such a large scale exhibition for the general public to attend. The Heart Through Art team went on to explain

how the pros of hosting such an event during a pandemic definitely outweigh the cons. “I strongly believe, just looking at something someone has poured their heart and time into, is so inspirational. That’s what events like this have done for me and that’s what I hope it will do for others who support us,” shared

by Chris Bissessar. Chris and his team also see this as an opportunity to bring recognition to the creative talents our country has.

The event is also a fundraiser with an entry fee of $1,000. That money will be used to help fund scholarships for students at the School of the Nations. The coordinators are asking for everyone in attendance to wear a mask, sanitize, to stay six feet apart—and to follow basic COVID-19 guidelines.

Heart Through Art expects to have the artwork of 20 plus artists displayed. Among the talents that will be displayed are Roberto Teekah, Art Lab Saudia, Tara Bentinck, Michael Hing as well as the coordinators themselves and many others. The artists will be showcasing their artwork and there will also be live portrait drawings on sight. Those in attendance will be able to interact with the artists, view the art pieces, purchase artwork from the artists and even request for commission pieces to be done.

Local musician...

He further added, “Other people start putting put music and finally in Guyana you have a collection of different artistes and different sounds that can be played and mixed with international artistes.”

When asked what can be expected for the New Year, Drew said that Guyanese can look for the music videos of the

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some of his biggest and trending hit songs of 2020.

“I want to make sure that the video represents the song well and that the video represents Guyana, the many other regions and territories [and that] the song is a very good example of Guyanese culture and so I need to make sure that the video does it justice,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

It was not about the money, but the principle!

… Players welcome GFF’s roll-out of payments for 2014 World Cup Qualifiers

By Rawle Toney

GUYANA were due to face Mexico at the Guyana National Stadium during their historic run at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

However, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) sold the hosting rights for the game, which was then hosted at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas, on October 12, 2012.

The Golden Jaguars had lost 3-1 to Mexico at the Azteca in June, 2012, and fans in Guyana were hoping to see the likes of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez in action at Providence.

In a battle led by former captain Christopher Nurse for almost eight years, the players argued that a deal was brokered with the team’s management and GFF president at the time, Franklin Wilson, where they would be given a percentage of whatever was the ‘rights deal’ between GFF and Mexico Football Federation.

In 2017, as reported by Chronicle Sport, Wilson said it was not the desire of thethen GFF to just move the game but a number of factors resulted in such a decision.

Some factors were meagre local funding, no funding from the-then Government, lack of resources to host the game, the fact that Guyana had already lost the opportunity to advance further in the competition as well as the necessity for the federation to supplement its income to meet expenses and indebtedness already incurred.

Wilson noted that the contracts that were entered into with Sponsports, the letter from FIFA granting permission for the game to proceed as well as one from the US Soccer Federation giving approval for the game to be played in its jurisdiction were sent to then President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony.

The former GFF president explained that “match fees and bonuses agreed between the players and GFF have been paid to them (the players). What is outstanding to the players is the agreed amount of 12% of money accruing to the GFF after expenses.”

Wilson, in December of 2012, in a report published in the Guyana Chronicle, said that the GFF had made

a profit of approximately US$75 000 from the move of the Guyana/Mexico game to Houston from the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, but the expenses the Federation incurred during Guyana’s run in the World Cup Qualifiers, was that sum being less.

“That (US$75 000) is not really a final figure since we are still tabulating, so that could still be less in the final calculation. But I want to say that at no time were the players given US$12 as they say in the media,” said Wilson back in 2012.

Three years after a congress had passed a motion for GFF to investigate, extensively, the matters of the players being owed, the Wayne Forde-led Executive Committee announced the rolling out of one-off payments of US$500 to players and staff involved in the 2012 World Cup run; the country’s best outing at a FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

NOT ABOUT THE MONEY For Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, one of Guyana’s most gifted players, it was never about the

Italy’s 1982 World ... were runaway favourites and had enchanted the world with their flowing football.

Italy’s 3-2 victory in that classic encounter in the second group phase booked them a place in the semis against Poland, where Rossi again made the difference.

He sunk the Poles with a brace in a 2-0 win that fired his side into the World Cup decider against West Germany.

Rossi then scored Italy’s first in a 3-1 victory that gave them their third World Cup title and their first since 1938.

He won the Golden Boot as the top scorer and Golden Ball as the player-of-the-tournament, a campaign regarded as one of the best individual World Cup performances of all-time.

He was also awarded the 1982 Ballon d’Or as Europe’s top footballer.

“This came out of the blue,” said Dino Zoff, goalkeeper in the 1982 team.

“We’d heard something was wrong but I didn’t think it was that serious. I had a wonderful relationship with him, he was a lovely guy.

This is something which is difficult to understand.”

Another team mate, Giancarlo Antognoni, said: “Another piece of history of my beloved football has

gone.”

PERSONAL REDEMPTION Born in Prato, Tuscany, Rossi played his entire club career in Italy. He was banned for three years in 1980 as part of the nation’s infamous ‘Totonero’ match-fixing scandal but always denied any wrongdoing.

The ban was later reduced to two years, allowing him to carve out his slice of World Cup history and win “personal redemption.”

“On one hand I felt fulfilled. I said to myself, ‘you’ve made it’,” he said in a FIFA documentary in 2018.

“On the other hand, I was disappointed that all of this just ended. The World Cup was over.”

He also scored three goals at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. With a total of nine goals, he remains Italy’s joint highest scorer at

money, but rather the GFF up-holding their end of the bargain.

“I am grateful for the actions of GFF and the Executive Committee in finding a workable solution for the Mexico payment.

For many of the players, it was always more about the principle than the money – we wanted our voices to be heard and for a fair solution to be found. I’m glad we can now move on and focus on the future of our football,” Richardson said.

Forde, via a release from the GFF, did not divulge the details of the three-year old investigation, only stating that “the investigation showed that it is right for GFF to make this one-off payment now as a gesture of goodwill to some of Guyanese football’s greatest servants.”

Forde said while the damage was already done, his GFF Executive Committee could only hope that the “payment will go some way to repairing the disappointment that many of our national heroes have rightly felt due to this matter, especially after years of loyal service to the Golden Arrowhead.”

TURN FROM BACK PAGE the World Cup with Roberto Baggio and Christian Vieri.

He was included in the 1986 World Cup squad but did not play and ended his playing career a year later with Verona, at the relatively young age of 30.

Italians woke yesterday to media eulogies for one of the country’s favourite soccer sons.

Rossi was “the one who beat Zico’s Brazil, Maradona’s Argentina, Boniek’s Poland and in the final, the Germany of Rummenigge,” La Gazzetta dello Sport said on its website.

Former Italy Prime Minister Matteo Renzi tweeted: “In our hearts, forever. Farewell Pablito.”

G e r m a n y ’s f o r m e r World Cup winner Juergen Klinsmann tweeted: “Dear Pablito, we always remember you!”

Former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni, 81, said: “Bye bye Paolo -players should never depart before coaches.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

21

CWI not at war with Russell, assures Skerritt

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt says all-rounder Andre Russell will face no backlash from selectors over his decision to opt out of the recent Twenty20 tour of New Zealand in preference for the ongoing Sri Lanka Premier League.

The 32-year-old Russell was left out of the T20 squad for the November 27-30 three-match series after chairman of selectors, Roger Harper, said the player had cited bubble fatigue, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Russell subsequently signed for Colombo Kings in the November 26 to December 16 franchise tournament in Sri Lanka, following his stint for Kolkata Knight Riders in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) played in the United Arab Emirates.

But with the Jamaican attracting widespread criticism from pundits and fans over his decision, Skerritt launched a sterling defence of Russell’s actions, contending the player was well within his rights especially since he did not hold a CWI central contract.

“I have said clearly that West Indies cricket is not at war with Andre Russell,” Skerritt told i95FM Sports here.

“Andre Russell has a family to feed, he has whatever his own needs are and I don’t question what his needs are.

“We must, however, be cognizant of the fact that Mr Russell spent two years out of cricket and I’m sure that at his age, he has every right to pursue whatever financial rewards he can as a brand and as an extremely outstanding athlete.”

He continued: “Now, will Mr Russell meet all the criteria for selection going down the road?

Only the selectors can decide but they will not punish him by not picking him.

“If they’re not picking him, it’s because they have decided that he is not the right person for the team on that particular occasion.

“But because he turned down the opportunity (to

play for West Indies) on this occasion, it does not mean he will not be available or not allowed to play for us again in the future, at least as long I am president. I would fight that battle very very vigorously.”

Russell was one of three senior players who turned down selection for the series, with batsmen Evin Lewis and Lendl Simmons also snubbing the offer.

punish players, either by denying them international duty or No Objection Certificates to play in foreign leagues.

“The selection policy is documented. It is very clear on what the selectors have as criteria for selecting players for representing the West Indies,” he reminded.

“But one of the things that are also very clear as a matter of policy is that

Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell

Harper said Russsell had indicated that he “needed some time to clear his head and get himself together” since he had been “going from one lockdown … to another”.

With the T20 World Cup scheduled for India next October, there have been calls for Russell’s non-selection for that event along with upcoming tours, but Skerritt reiterated the stated selection policy in place was not one designed to

we do not use the selection route to punish players or to be vindictive against any players as in the past, which was scary to say the least.

“So a player who is not centrally contracted to Cricket West Indies (CWI) or to one of the franchise teams has the flexibility to ply his or her trade wherever they so please, as long as they get an NOC from CWI.” He added: “My pre-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Friday, December 11, 2020

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) 18 Tests (2) WI 6; NZ 3; Drawn 9

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many Test centuries have been scored by WI batsmen against NZ in the WI to date?

(2) How many centuries have been made by NZ batsmen in WI/NZ Tests in the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

decessors fought a legal battle and lost to the tune of millions of dollars against players who said. ‘You are restraining my trade, by

stopping me from getting an NOC.’ “So we will not stop anybody from getting an NOC and then be sued

for millions of dollars and lose – that’s not going to happen. That would be stupidity. I’m not going down that road.”

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

… Donations made to clubs, NGO, churches etc THE ten cricket teams of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) last Sunday last launched their largest ever Christmas Charity programme with a number of hampers and giveaways presented to various entities.

The teams, under the supervision of Asst Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu, intend to deliver 1 000 food hampers, 5 000 Christmas toys, along with clothing, footwear, educational materials and school bags to less fortunate families across the Ancient County from December 7 to 24.

The teams would also be distributing hundreds of special packages to single-parent households and Christmas breakfast to senior citizens.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was the factor behind the increase of activities in this year’s programme as the teams were aware that the lives of many were affected.

From April to November the teams, in a joint partnership with the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), had shared out over 6

000 food hampers, thousands of facemasks, published an educational COVID-19 poster and distributed cleaning items to dozens of public institutions.

hampers along with single-parent households in the Lower Corentyne area.

Over 350 hampers have been shared out to date along with

Members of Metro female team hand over toys to the Camal Children’s Home

On Sunday, the teams handed over dozens of food hampers to cricket clubs across the county. Among the clubs receiving food hampers were Paradise Blairmont, Achievers, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant, Whim and Young Warriors.

The entire membership of the club also received

hundreds of toys.

Donations of toys have been made to over 15 organisations, orphanages and churches including the Rose Hall Town Wesleyan Church, St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, Camal Children Home, Canaan Children Home, Alpa Children Home, Dream for Kids Inc,, Feed

Neymar scores hat-trick as PSG win game suspended after racism walkout PARIS, France (AFP) Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Istanbul Basaksehir 5-1 yesterday with Neymar scoring a hat-trick as both teams took a knee before restarting their Champions League match suspended 24 hours earlier in an unprecedented protest over an allegedly racist comment by a match official.

The teams, who had joined forces on Tuesday to walk off the pitch following the row, gathered around the centre circle prior to the resumption and were joined by the match officials as they kneeled in support of the Black Lives Matter cause.

Before that they sported T-shirts with the slogan “No To Racism” while warming up at the Parc des Princes, where large banners in the empty stands carried the same message.

The game restarted where it had stopped the previous day, in the 14th minute, when a touchline argument erupted over accusations that the Romanian fourth official, Sebastian Coltescu, had described Basaksehir’s Cameroonian assistant coach Pierre Webo as “black”, or “negru” in Romanian.

Coltescu and the other Romanian match officials were replaced for the restart by a new refereeing team headed by the Netherlands’ Danny Makkelie.

the Children Foundation Inc., Corriverton Anglican Church.

The St Francis Church also benefitted from a contribution of special gifts that would be

Already qualified for the last 16 thanks to Manchester United’s defeat to RB Leipzig in Germany on Tuesday, PSG still needed to win the restarted game to secure top spot in their group and cruised to victory with Neymar outstanding.

SG’s Neymar celebrates after scoring against Istanbul Basaksehir in their Champions League match (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

He curled in a stunning opener before making it 2-0 and then won a penalty which Kylian Mbappe converted for the third goal before halftime.

Neymar, the world’s most expensive footballer, completed his hattrick with another brilliant hit after the interval, and Mbappe got PSG’s fifth following a reply by Mehmet Topal for Basaksehir.

The Turkish side had

already been eliminated before this game but they have left their mark on the Champions League with their response to the alleged treatment of Webo, who was sent off as he reacted furiously to the alleged comment.

That red card was suspended by UEFA pending a probe into the matter, with European football’s governing body promising a “thorough investigation”.

Basaksehir are understood to have close ties to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and he got involved in the row on Tuesday, tweeting that he “strongly condemns the racist remarks”.

France’s sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who was born in Romania, praised the players’ “historic decision”.

It was an unprecedented, unified response by the teams, to what Basaksehir midfielder Giuliano called a “disgraceful” comment from the official.

The row flared after Webo was shown the red card.

Te l e v i s i o n m i c ro phones in the empty stadium - matches are taking place without spectators because of COVID-19 restrictions picked up a furious Webo repeatedly asking why a racist term had been used to describe him.

used in their weekly birthday project for members.

The Canaan Children Home also received a donation of footwear and food items while the Dream for Kids Inc. located in the Upper Corentyne area received a donation of educational materials and confectionery. The teams also visited the homes of two Upper Corentyne cricketers to hand over food hampers and educational materials.

One of the cricketers died

following an accident while the other was badly injured during an argument. Foster who is also the president of the BCB, has pledged to assist the families as much as possible until all the children complete their educational careers.

He also committed to providing a cricket bat and a pair of batting gloves to one of the children, who requested assistance to fulfil his dream of playing for the West Indies.

The teams would continue their programme with the distribution of hundreds of toys to less fortunate children on Sunday at the Area H Ground.

Another 700 food hampers would be shared out during the course of the next two weeks while school bags, clothing and footwear would be presented to families in depressed areas.

A new feature this year would be the distribution of 500 special Christmas bags containing confectionery, apples, grapes, walnuts and biscuits to single-parent households. At least 300 senior citizens would receive a Christmas Breakfast from the teams.

The breakfast would include a cup of hot tea, cold juice, local fruits, pepperpot, bread and black cake. Two homeless persons would also

be surprised with a special makeover that would include new clothes, a haircut and pampering.

The programme would end with the hosting of the annual Christmas Village in the compound of Rose Hall Town Primary School from December 22 to 24.

The National COVID-19 Task Force has granted permission for the Village with some restrictions. The club would not be allowed to use the traditional bouncy castle, trampoline or host the popular horror house.

Foster stated that the Village would be held under very strict COVID-19 guidelines and only 40 persons would be allowed at one time.

Among the popular attractions will be inflatable Christmas Characters, the Nativity Scene, 20-ft Christmas Tree, Christmas Star, Family Bridge, Christmas Chimney, Children’s Games and the Christmas Home.

The 10 teams of the club are: Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Poonai Under-12 and Under-13, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and First Division.

England to tour India in early 2021 for Test, T20 and ODI series

ENGLAND will tour India early next year and play their first day-night Test in the country at the biggest cricket ground in the world.

The sides will play four Tests starting on February 5, with the third under lights at Ahmedabad’s 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium.

coronavirus concerns in India.

Jay Shah, honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said it would “leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols”.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief execu-

England beat India 4-1 on home soil in their most recent Test series in 2018, but lost 4-0 in India in 2016

Chennai will host the first two Tests and Ahmedabad the final two.

They will be followed by five Twenty20s in Ahmedabad and three one-day internationals in Pune.

All the matches are expected to be played in a bio-secure bubble and without fans.

It had been reported that United Arab Emirates - which staged the Indian Premier League (IPL) from September to November - could have hosted the tour because of

tive Tom Harrison said: “The prospect of becoming the first international side to play at the magnificent Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad adds an extra dimension to the tour and I know will be something that is a highlight for both the players and management.”

England’s tour of South Africa was abandoned on Monday without the ODIs being played after a number of positive coronavirus tests.

On Wednesday, England confirmed they will play two

Tests in Sri Lanka January 14-26. They will fly straight to India after that tour.

The England series will be India’s first at home since the start of the pandemic. They are currently in Australia, where they will begin a four-Test series on December 17.

Kolkata staged India’s inaugural day-night Test last year, when the hosts beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs.

India v England schedule Tests February 5-9, 2021: First Test, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai February 13-17: Second Test, Chennai February 24-28 Third Test, Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad March 4-8: Fourth Test, Ahmedabad Twenty20s March 12: First T20, Ahmedabad March 14: Second T20, Ahmedabad March 16: Third T20, Ahmedabad March 18: Fourth T20, Ahmedabad March 20: Fifth T20, Ahmedabad ODIs March 23: First ODI, MCA Stadium, Pune March 26: Second ODI, Pune March 28: Third ODI, Pune (BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 11, 2020

23

Tricia Fiedtkou to chair GOA GOA’’s first Women in Sport Commission

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), yesterday announced the appointment of its Women in Sport Commission, which will be chaired by former National hockey player Tricia Fiedtkou.

The Commission will also include National tennis champion Cristy Campbell, physical education teacher Onefa George, Banker Emily Ramdhani, Olympian Britney Van Lange, Powerlifting champion Runita White, and swimming coach Tatiana Woodroffe.

According to a release

from GOA, “The objective of the Commission is in keeping with that of Panam Sports To ensure the constant growth of women in both sport and leadership.”

“Some of the work will involve facilitating connections between potential players and the National associations/clubs, raising awareness of gender equality, sexual harassment in sport and anti-doping,” the GOA said.

Fiedtkou, the Commission’s Chairperson, said she’s “excited to be heading this diverse group

Cristy Campbell

Tricia Fiedtkou

of professional, independent and accomplished women and we will do our best to create a strong base to empower our girls and women for the future.”

The first engagement for the newly-established Commission will be a Women in Sports Leadership workshop, scheduled for a date and month in 2021 to be announced by the body.

On November 16, 2020, the GOA finally signed onto the “Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women & Sport” which has been in

existence since May of 1994.

Guyana will join 280 delegates from 82 countries representing governmental and non-governmental organisations, national Olympic committees, international and national sport federations and educational and research institutions, endorsed the Brighton Declaration, which provided the principles to guide the action intended to increase the involvement of women in sport at all levels and in all functions and roles.

(Rawle Toney)

David turns Goliath with late fireworks for Hobart Hurricanes SINGAPOREAN international Tim David delivered the best BBL performance of his short career as Hobart Hurricanes produced a stirring fightback to shock Sydney Sixers in the tournament opener.

David, who in 12 Big Bash matches with the Perth Scorchers boasted a highest score of just 18, cracked a rapid-fire 33ball 58 on his debut in purple as the Hurricanes recovered from a disastrous start to post 178-8 at Blundstone Arena.

The Sixers were coasting to victory with English international James Vince (67 off 41 balls) and Jack Edwards (47 from 39) combining for the third highest partnership (116) in the franchise’s history.

strike rate of 154 at international level – albeit against lesser opposition – proves David is no slouch with the willow, and his move to the Hurricanes looks set to give him the platform to explode.

The Hurricanes can lay claim to helping launch the career of English superstar Jofra Archer but when it comes to batting imports there has been more misses than hits for the side.

Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara, Englishman Alex Hales and South African David Miller last year are just three of the big overseas recruits who have failed to fire during their time in Hobart.

There’s plenty of time for Jacks to turn around his

Tim David smashed a match-winning 58 off 33 balls for Hobart Hurricanes against Sydney Sixers

However, the wheels fell off when they were dismissed in quick succession.

Vince was trapped in front

by James Faulkner and speedster Riley Meredith rattled Edwards’ stumps four balls later, with Hobart turning the screws to secure a 16-run win.

Earlier it was the hosts who were rocked, reduced to 1-2 after seven balls when BBL debutant Will Jacks fell for a second-ball duck and Ben Dwarshuis claimed the prized scalp of linchpin D’Arcy Short first ball in a stunning start for the defending champions.

But South African import Colin Ingram (55 off 42 balls) led the rescue mission before David added the late fireworks.

An average of 46.5 and

fortunes but a first-over dismissal was far from how the emerging English talent was intending to start his Big Bash career.

Jordan Silk plays his Sheffield Shield cricket for Tasmania but he has built a reputation as one of the best fielders in the country with the Sixers and again showcased his incredible athleticism and agility.

In the first over of Hobart’s Power Surge, Ingram slapped former Test spinner Stephen O’Keefe over mid-wicket for what looked like a certain six.

Silk had other ideas, sprinting 25-30m around the boundary and leaping full stretch to grab a one- handed screamer.

Unfortunately he was forced to flick the ball back into play as his momentum carried him over the rope, denying Silk the catch of

the summer and Ingram of six runs.

One of the three new rule changes introduced to BBL10 was the Bash Boost, where the

side with the higher total after 10 overs is awarded a point.

The Sixers easily bagged the extra offering by effortlessly reaching 1-85 at

the halfway point of their innings, compared to Hurricanes who only managed 3-72 after their horror start.

(The Australian)

FLASHBACK! Mexico’s Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez (#14) swarmed

by Guyanese players atVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

That game, in 2012, should’ve been played at the Guyana National Stadium

It was not about the money, PAGE 20

but the principle!

Italy’s 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi dies aged 64 (REUTERS) - Paolo Rossi, Italy’s goal-scoring hero from their victorious 1982 World Cup campaign and scorer of a hat-trick against Brazil in one of the most famous matches in the competition’s history, has died at the age of 64.` The celebrated striker’s death comes with the soccer world still in mourning for Argentina icon Diego Maradona, who passed away late last month.

Italian TV channel RAI Sport, where Rossi had been working as a pundit, said yesterday ‘Pablito’ had died of an “incurable disease”.

Rossi’s wife, Federica Cappelletti, posted a photo of herself and her husband on Instagram along with the words “per sempre” “forever”.

“There will never be anyone like you, unique, special ...” Cappelletti later wrote in Italian on Facebook.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president GaSEE PAGE 23

USOPC will not punish athletes for protests at Olympics (REUTERS) - The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) said yesterday it will not sanction athletes for peacefully and respectfully demonstrating in support of racial and social justice.

The USOPC’s decision came in response to recommendations from an athlete-led council seeking change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter which prohibits any kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda.

“The USOPC values the voices of Team USA athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice, and be a positive force for change, absolutely aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements,” USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said in a statement.

FLASHBACK: Paolo Rossi scored six goals at the 1982 World Cup as Italy won their third title. briele Gravina said that Rossi was “indelibly linked to the blue shirt and his style of play inspired many strikers of future generations.”

Rossi, almost frail-looking for a striker at the time

but quick, agile and intelligent, won two Serie A titles, a European Cup and a Coppa Italia with Juventus but will be most fondly remembered for lighting up the 1982 World Cup in

Spain with six goals.

His selection in the Italy squad came after a two-year ban for a match-fixing scandal and was initially criticised by pundits, who wrote him off as out of shape.

But they were left eating their words when he struck one of the World Cup’s great hat-tricks against Brazil, who TURN TO PAGE 20

Tricia Fiedtkou to chair GOA’s first Women in Sport Commission

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020