Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_15_2020

TUESDAY 15th December, 2020

' No.106214 Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Head of the Gas-to-Shore Taskforce Winston Brassington

Exonerated

–– SOCU drops ‘politically motivated’ charges against Dr. Singh, Brassington

Rooplall Abrahim gets life imprisonment for killing Bush Lot couple

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Body of drowned Windsor Forest teen found 05 PAGE

Bartica fire victim endured years 14 of domestic violence PAGE

SEE PAGE 03

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Rooplall Abrahim gets life imprisonment for killing Bush Lot couple DESCRIBING him as a serial offender who has the propensity to commit extreme criminal offences, Justice Brassington Reynolds imposed a life sentence on Rooplall Abrahim after he confessed to the brutal killing of a Bush Lot couple in 2016.

Abrahim, who was charged with murdering Arthur Doodnauth Rajkumar, aged 81 and his wife, 44-year-old Devi Dianne Chamanalall, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He will be eligible for parole after serving twenty-five years in prison.

Prior to imposing the sentence during a Zoom hearing at the Berbice Assizes late Monday afternoon, Justice Reynolds noted that during his twenty years as a judicial officer, he had never been exposed to the evidence of such a heinous offence. “... dastardly, brutal, brutish... listening to the post-mortem report, for a while I thought I was back in school doing a Biology lesson... There is no redeeming feature... there is nothing we can put in support to the plea made by your lawyer. You have

become a serial offender ... don’t know what may have taken you on this path.

You have the propensity to commit extreme criminal offences," said the judge.

The judge pointed out the gruesomeness of the crime and the fact that the victims were attacked and killed in their home.

“You have committed a heinous, gruesome, unprovoked murder. The victims were killed in the comfort of their home. The sentence of this court is life imprisonment. You will be eligible for parole after twenty five years,” Justice Reynolds said.

The accused expressed no regret and showed no sign of remorse when the sentence was handed down.

Earlier, prosecutrix Abigail Gibbs described in detail the wounds on the bodies of the deceased couple.

Their bodies each bore over twenty incised injuries.

Rajkumar body displayed deep incised wounds across his head, back, shoulder, ear, and upper extremities. His 4th and 5th fingers on his left hand were hanging loosely, while the base of those fingers were completely fractured.

His wife’s thumb and 4th

Murdered: Devi Dianne Chamanalall

Murdered: Arthur Doodnauth Rajkumar

finger on her right hand was severed. There were sliced wounds on her arm, forearm and legs resulting in several fractures. Her left ear was dissected. The couple died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to multiple incised wounds.

The couple were at home when Abrahim and another entered the home.

According to a caution statement attributed to the now convicted man, he, along with others, had broken into the house, through a grill door, on January 9, 2016. Initially, they did

Flashback: Photo of Rooplall Abrahim, days before he was acquitted of the brutal murder of 13- year-old Kavita Panday. He now faces life in prison for the double murder of a Bush Lot Village couple

not see anyone and had descended into an adjoining shop where they retrieved and drank some alcoholic beverages.

Shortly afterwards, the couple exited their bedroom and they were chopped after demands for gold and money were not met. During the act, the police were alerted but the men escaped.

Meanwhile, in her report, Probation Officer, Tena Rigby, highlighted that Abrahim has a criminal record. In 2008,

he was a juvenile (aged 16 years) when he was accused of murder, and had spent one year in the Juvenile Detention Centre. In 2009, he was committed to stand trial in the High Court and was sentenced to four years in prison. After serving his sentence, his father took him to Suriname where he spent a year and had worked as a fisherman According to Rigby, following his return to Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Abrahim’s neighbours

described him as a menace, who would associate with questionable characters.

The couple was described as polite, friendly and underserving of such a death.

The relatives of the deceased had called for the maximum sentence.

In his plea of mitigation, defence counsel, Ravindra Mohabir, asked the court to consider the time his client spent in prison when considering sentencing.

“I respectfully ask to take into consideration the early guilty plea and time spent in prison, which is equivalent to 7 years 3 months (based on calculated prison years), a hope of rehabilitation as the prison authorities described him as a respectful individual...and, from the onset, he assisted the police and gave a caution statement.

He also was deprived the opportunity to complete his education as he had to assist his family, financially," the attorney submitted.

Additionally, in 2008, Abrahim was acquitted of the murder of 13-year-old Kavita Panday. The girl’s body was seen afloat in a canal aback Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

Then prosecutrix, Rhondel Weaver, had stated that the mother of the alleged victim had seen her daughter and the accused riding towards her parents’ farm.

She had ventured into the area to chase cows that had gotten into the farm.

After the girl had failed to return home, a frantic search was launched to find her and, within minutes, her battered body with tights, underwear and skirt below the knees, was discovered floating in a trench.

Exonerated

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

–– SOCU drops ‘politically-motivated’ charges against Dr. Singh, Brassington

CHARGES laid by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, have been withdrawn, exonerating the public officials who were victims of a “politically-motivated” attempt, under the former APNU+AFC Government, to taint their character.

When the case was called before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, SOCU prosecutors informed the court that they will not be proceeding with the charges against the defendants. This was also confirmed by the men’s Attorney, Sase Gunraj.

The withdrawal of charges against the duo comes weeks after Chief Justice Roxane George ruled, in the High Court, that the charges against Dr. Singh and Brassington must go to trial at the Magisterial Court.

The defendants had challenged the legality of the charges laid against them by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC. Their lawyers had argued that the charges of misconduct in public office, contrary to common law, is an abuse of process, malicious, biased, capricious, arbitrary, and without proper evidential basis.

They also contended that the charges were made in bad faith, and were unreasonable, discriminatory, unlawful, and influenced by irrelevant and improper considerations and motives, null, void, and of no effect.

In April 2018, Dr. Singh, who is now the Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, and Brassington, were first charged and released on $6 million bail each.

The first charge alleged that, on Monday December 28, 2009, by way of an agreement of sale and purchase, they “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited,

lands belonging to the state amounting to 103.88 acres, for the sum of $598 million (Vat exclusive), without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleged that the duo, on Tuesday December 30, 2008, by way of agreement of sale and purchase, “without due diligence,” sold to Scady Business Corporation, State lands located at Liliendaal, amounting to 4,700 acres, for the sum of $150 million, knowing that the said property was valued at $340 million by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

Another charge alleged that both men, on Saturday May 14, 2011, by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc, 10, 002 acres of state lands located at Turkeyen, for the sum of $185 million without first procuring a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

Dr. Singh and Brassington were also charged with recklessly selling to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc., Sanata Textiles Complex, totalling 18.871 acres for $697 million, between October and December, 2010, when the property was valued at over $1 billion. However, the charge was never read to the duo by the Chief Magistrate due to the defendants being out of the jurisdiction.

Brassington in December 2015 had said he is willing to undergo public scrutiny in the courts of law, maintaining that he was a man of integrity.

FRIVILOUS Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his days as Leader of the Opposition, had described the charges as ‘frivolous’ and had said that it was merely an attempt by the Coalition Government to keep a campaign promise.

“It is all frivolous… This Government campaigned on a promise that they will jail all of us when they get into power because we’re massively corrupt…We were told that we had assets that we were not declaring to

the integrity Commission.

We’re told that the People’s Progressive Party and its

charge them under.

“I know that Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington,

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Head of the Gas-to-Shore Taskforce Winston Brassington

leaders had stolen so much money they couldn’t stash it in Guyana, they had to stash it abroad.

“These were the campaign. This was in the mouth of every person who spoke on the APNU platform. Jail, Jail these people,” Jagdeo was reported as saying.

He went on to say that: “There was a great expectation in this country that once the [Coalition] Government came into office that it will do the audits, swiftly find these huge billions of dollars that are stolen because they can’t be hidden easily and that it will proceed to charge people for the theft of money… for corruption or bribery, or something around that nature.

That was the expectation among people.”

The Coalition was ridiculed by Jagdeo for conducting over 50 audits and finding nothing related to theft of money, corruption or bribery.

“Ashni Singh and Brassington were not charged for stealing money. They were not charged because this Government found them with a big bank account that they can’t explain. They were not charged for even bribery in public office, what they were charged for is ‘misconduct in public office; contrary to common law.’ They [the Government] couldn’t even find a National Statute to

despite all that they [Government] might say about them, they have more integrity in their little finger than many of these ministers have in their whole bodies, from head to toe,” had said Jagdeo.

HARASSMENT AND SMEAR CAMPAIGN Even former President, Donald Ramotar was reported by the Stabroek News as saying: “Dr. Ashni Singh and Mr. Winston Brassington are two outstanding Guyanese whose contributions to the development of this country are great.

“Both these gentlemen have earned the respect of their staff and the international community for their outstanding work. Like I said, they did not run away.

They did all required of them.

Brassington applied for leave to go on holiday and the leave was approved. He did not run out of the country as the regime wants people to believe.

Brassington stayed in his position for a while and they are now saying that they want to get him. This is dangerous and an infringement on all of our rights.”

Ramotar further said: “… the regime showed great hostility towards him [Brassington]. In his absence, it became known that they had the army and other intelligence spying on him and his home.

The unfortunate death of an army intelligence officer and his wife occurred when they thought they were following Brassignton’s daughter.

Many questions remain unanswered. Why were they following her? ….No answers were ever provided.”

On Singh’s part, Ramotar said that trying to blame him for undertaking his designated duties was not only “blatantly wrong” but seems to be a move to discredit the “brilliant contributions” Singh made in advancing the country’s economic growth.

“In the case of Ashni Singh this can only be political revenge. Ashni was a brilliant finance minister.

Without doubt he was one of the brightest persons to have held that position.

“Ashni is a brilliant debater and while he served in the National Assembly he ripped to shreds every argument of the then opposition. He was able to expose them for their obstructionist position and anti-national positions that they often took.

The then opposition parties now in Government often threatened him and it descended into verbal abuse,” said Ramotar.

COMPELLING CASES Contrary to the “politically-motivated” attacks on Dr Singh and Brassington, compelling cases of fraud have been laid against several individuals associated with the former APNU+AFC Administration.

It was reported recently that the current Government will be taking legal action against former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London for lands vested to private investors by the past administration during its time as a “caretaker Government”.

Based on a list issued by the Attorney-General’s (AG), Anil Nandlall’s Chambers recently, lands valuing $2,383,390,759 were issued by the former administration to eight private investors, while only $64,623,276 was paid over, which is a mere two per cent of the consolidated total.

Further, each of those titles was vested after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and each Agreement of Sale was entered into after the former Government was toppled by the successful passage of the no-confidence motion.

“The Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs has sought and received independent legal advice on this matter, and the advice is that Minister Winston Jordan and Mr. Colvin Heath-London have acted recklessly, in bad faith with full knowledge of the flagrant illegalities which have resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the State,” said the AG’s Chambers.

Nandlall was clear that no actions would be taken against companies that surrender their allotted lands to the State. Already, Navigant Builders, Corum Group, Cardiology Services Inc., Supergraphic, American Marine Services Inc., and GUYOIL have voluntarily offered to surrender lands vested to them.

The Attorney-General, however, committed to releasing information related to more infractions committed, allegedly, by Jordan and London.

Heath-London was arrested recently as investigations continue into the prime State lands, but has since been released.

London’s legal team has laid all wrongdoings at the feet of the former CEO of NICIL, Mr. Horace James, who is now deceased.

Prominent People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) member and Attorney-at-Law James Bond, has also been arrested as the probe into the award of State lands at Peter’s Hall, on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) widens.

Bond, who is at the centre of several ‘deals’, is being questioned in relation to conspiracy to defraud the State.

He is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of NICIL, which was presiding over the leasing of the lands.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Mon Repos CPG joins COVID-19 fight \MEMBERS of the Mon Repos Community Policing Group (CPG), on Saturday, distributed over 1000 face masks as part of their public education project.

Additionally, information on the different ways to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus was shared with members of the public.

The CPG members spoke to residents, vendors and shoppers about the proper wearing of face masks and shields, sanitising and washing of hands, and social distancing.

Chairman of the policing group, Troy Edmond, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, stated that the CPG members had noticed that many persons at the Mon Repos Market were flouting the COVID-19 preventative measures.

Subsequent to this observation, CPG members began brainstorming innovative ways to get those persons to adhere to the protocols that are in place. He said that the group decided on a public education campaign as they realised that many persons were unaware of the systems

in place and how to correctly follow them.

Edmond said that the Mon Repos policing group approached the Ministry of Health to get assistance, permission and resources, and were able to get the support of the Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

“Generally what is occurring is that we would have observed in our region, and I’m sure that this is not a unique issue to the Mon Repos area. We observed that [in] many markets, the dwellers even the market vendors especially do not adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines. We would have brought this concern to the Ministry of Health, first to the adviser to the minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy. The ministry was on board with the suggestions we had and we moved forward from there,” he explained.

Further, he explained that he saw that the policing group had a specific advantage over any other body that would come to educate the members of the community. Edmond said that

Chairman of the Mon Repos Community Policing Group, Troy Edmond showing a member of the community how to properly use a face mask

the members of the policing group are all members of the community and have a close relationship with residents.

“Because of the community policing group, they have a far better relationship to the community people obviously because they are from the community as compared to the police, who a lot of the times have to be moving around and transferred to all areas whether its bi-monthly or quarterly or whatever but you would find the community policing group would have a far deeper and more personal reach to the community,” said the Chairman.

Meanwhile, Edmond said he is encouraging other po-

policing groups can play a pivotal role in public education, thereby reducing the spread of COVID-19.

“I am just hoping that this particular idea can be replicated countrywide because the community policing of Guyana has approximately over 1900 active members countrywide. I think if everybody takes up the mantle and tries to encourage their own village to do the right thing, wash their hands and put on a mask, you’d be surprised how it would take those numbers down tremendously. You could even get NGOs, the NDCs, the

Several members of the Mon Repos Community Policing Group during Saturday’s public education campaign.

Tuesday December 15, 2020 –– 3:30 HRS

licing groups around the country to initiate similar projects to aid in the fight against the deadly virus. He expressed belief that other

RDCs, and other stakeholders involved. You would bring those numbers down tremendously,” explained Edmond.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Report on asphalt plant probe expected today THE findings of a probe into the alleged mismanagement and reselling of asphalt at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation’s asphalt plant is expected to be submitted by today, December 15, 2020.

“From there, we will be taking the necessary action,” Senior Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill told reporters during a recent interview.

He explained that given the volume of work that needed to be completed, the team of investigators had requested an extension, which was granted by the ministry.

When investigations commenced in September 2020, the initial timeline was given as one month. The investigative team would be examining the plant’s operations, dating back to 2013.

It was the local press that first exposed the scam which involved contractors afforded the opportunity of purchasing asphalt at massive discounts.

The racket, according to the exposé, involved several employees attached to the Min-

istry of Public Works.

The underhand dealings have likely resulted in Guyana losing tens of millions of dollars in revenue. It also resulted in privately-run asphalt plants being at a major disadvantage.

Minister Edghill could not provide details of the investigation, explaining that his only responsibility was to appoint the team to conduct the investigation, and to ensure that employees of his Ministry cooperate with said team.

“As the subject minister, I think this warrants closure, and one of the ways we can do this is by being objective in examining what was said without prejudice; with a clean eye, and ensuring that we have the necessary facts,” he told reporters.

He said that once the allegations are proven, there will be sanctions. As part of their investigation, the four-member team is also expected to recommend suitable sanctions for those involved in the racket. The team comprises Chateram Ramdihal, Heidi

By Richard Bhainie

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill

Gillette, Brion Singh, and Dexter Smith.

As the minister awaits the final report, he said that stricter measures are being instituted as a means of preventing, and perhaps eliminating the possibility of corruption at the plant. Members of the new Demerara Harbour

Bridge Board of Directors are also awaiting the report.

With a number of massive infrastructural projects slated to begin in the near future, Guyana will require a supply of large amounts of asphalt.

Man found ‘not guilty’ of stabbing death of neighbour A FATHER of six, who was on remand since 2017 for the murder of his neighbour, was on Monday, freed by the Demerara High Court, after Justice Navindra Singh upheld a no-case submission made by his attorney, Siand Dhurjon.

Sheldon Bowen called ‘Muslim’ formerly of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with murdering 44-year-old Mark Ifill called ‘Yankee’, on April 25, 2017, at Bagotstown.

The trial commenced before a 12-member jury with the testimonies of nine witnesses. After the final witness testified, state prosecutors Tyra Bakker and Teriq Mohammed closed their case.

Dhurjon then argued that the State did not have enough evidence to prosecute his client and so he made a no-case submission calling for the case to be dismissed.

Justice Singh ruled in favour of the submission and directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the two men, who were neighbours at the time, had a heated argument over the removal of a Guyana Water Inc. water pipe on the day in question.

Body of drowned Windsor Forest teen found

quickly intervened and parted the fight. However, it was reported that Bowen returned shortly after and allegedly stabbed Ifill to the chest. Ifill collapsed. A team of medical personnel from the Georgetown Public Hospital was summoned and pronounced Ifill dead.

FREED: Sheldon Bowen called ‘Muslim’

DEAD: Mark Ifill called ‘Yankee’

The argument soon turned into a physical altercation, during which

Bowen reportedly dealt Ifill a blow to the head with an object; residents

THE body of Surendra Singh was, on Monday morning, recovered by relatives following a thorough search of the locality by relatives.

Singh, of Line Top, Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), reportedly drowned on Sunday during a fishing trip with two friends at the Windsor Forest foreshore.

The sister of Singh, Anna Mohammed, on Monday, informed the Guyana Chronicle that a search party located the body of Singh stuck in the mud at the Windsor Forest foreshore after the tide went out.

Mohammed explained that the body was discovered after an extensive search of the locality by relatives.

“We began searching from 05:30hrs; we searched from Den Amstel to Vreed en Hoop Jetty, but we didn’t find him. We then went back to the seawall around 10:00hrs and my brother spotted his hands in the air while his body was buried in the mud,” Mohammed explained.

The body was subsequently dug out by relatives when the police arrived on the scene to conduct their investigations and then taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home at Best Road Cemetery, Vreed

Dead: Surendra Singh

en Hoop, WCD. The family is hoping that the post-mortem examination would be concluded

by Wednesday so that they would be able to get the funeral done on Wednesday afternoon.

Singh, along with two of his friends, departed home at approximately 10:30hrs on Sunday to set a line to catch fish; however, tragedy struck when the tide came in and the friends were too far out in the river to return to shore.

One of the friends, who was close to the foreshore, managed to get out of the river before the tide came in, while the other was saved by Singh’s father.

However, they were unable to locate Singh’s body.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Evolution of the Media

KWAME McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, during the launch last Sunday of a new print and online news outlet in Region 10 – INFO 10 Media, said at that forum that government will leave no stone unturned in the evolution of the media to ensure the public’s right to information is safeguarded.

Minister McCoy said there is a place for journalism and entrepreneurship in the management of information. This newspaper would add to that position that it is imperative that the commercial aspect is not allowed to influence or compromise accurate and factual information dissemination, as so often happens.

The co-existence of journalism and entrepreneurship, where the almighty dollar is an essential component in sustaining and keeping the viability, even the survival of media outlets is a requisite factor that has to be clearly de-

fined in the respective roles of either, with no blurred lines that would render the impartiality and integrity of media entities suspect in the perception of the public.

Alluding to that event as a significant milestone, the minister opined that the step taken by entrepreneur and award-winning journalist Mrs. Vanessa Braithwaite-Moore adds to the media landscape. “Today we celebrate one such ground-breaking press-freedom event which marks the beginning of a bold entrepreneurial project that seeks to marry the rewarding elements of business with those of journalism.”

According to Minister McCoy, media played a pivotal role during the March 2 General and Regional Elections when journalists worked tirelessly to apprise the world of the aftermath of the polls. He stressed: “We must redouble our efforts to remain actively engaged in the patriotic efforts to safeguard democracy itself and the integrity of the most sacred arm of our governance

structure – the fourth estate.

We must uphold and defend their freedom to investigate, write, publish and broadcast truths, whatever those truths are and wherever they will lead.”

Guyana ranks 49th of 180 countries listed in the “Data of Press Freedom” in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index. The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published

by Reporters Without Borders, based upon the organisation's own assessment of the countries' press-freedom records in the previous year. Many of Reporters without Borders’ assessments have been challenged, based on allegations of fraternal alliances with opposing political entities in various countries, leading to charges of prejudicial evaluations that compromise their credibility.

In a statement issued on World Press Freedom Day 2016, UNESCO promulgated the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a

basic human right. UNESCO stated: “UNESCO, in keeping with its constitution, advocates the basic human right of freedom of expression, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and its corollary, press freedom.

Indeed, since its creation in 1945, UNESCO has been called upon to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image,” and the organisation’s member states have repeatedly confirmed this mandate over the years in decisions adopted by the General Conference, the highest authority of the United Nations agency. UNESCO promotes freedom of expression and freedom of the press as a basic human right.

An IPI report dated August 8, 2017 and headlined, “Guyana broadcast bill said to threaten press freedom” stated, inter alia: “IPI urges government to review amendment in consultation with local stakeholders.”

Tabled by former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the amendments

include a provision requiring private broadcasters to allocate, free of charge, up to 60 minutes of public service programming daily.

Additionally, the law would require all current broadcast licence holders to reapply within 30 days or lose their right to broadcast.

The changes define a public service broadcast as “the broadcast of a programme produced for the purpose of informing and educating the public and promoting policies and activities of the government that benefit the public as a whole.”

The GPA told IPI, the bill “will disrupt and violate contractual obligations that stations will have with advertisers and programme sponsors,” adding that it “strongly objects to the Guyana government seeking to redefine what constitutes public service programmes.”

Anand Persaud, editor-in-chief of the daily Stabroek News, told IPI that mandating the airing of what the government con-

siders to be public service programming “unconscionably limits the freedom of operation” of private broadcasters, who have to pay broadcasting fees.

“The content of the public service programmes will invariably be political,” he commented. “It is a clear attempt by the government to promote itself.”

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had dubbed the changes “a threat to press freedom” and said the Coalition would force broadcasters to air their propaganda.

However, it is unlikely, under the new administration; this sinister amendment made by the Coalition will be enforced under Minister McCoy’s watch as guardian of Guyana’s press freedom.

It is mind-boggling the Coalition playing victim of election rigging IN his new book, A Promised Land, former U.S. President Barrack Obama writes about the penchant of his administration in its second year of office for using obtuse verbiage such as“excessive partisanship” and “special interests” in Washington when denouncing or calling out Republican misconduct.

He says that his administration ought to have been telling a morality tale with clear good guys and bad guys. But their messaging, though factual, lacked a storyline that could be easily followed by those not engaged with the details, and it did not speak to their emotions.

Casting his mind back, he reflected, “I found myself wondering whether we’d somehow turned a

virtue into a vice; whether, trapped in my own high-mindedness, I’d failed to tell the American people a story they could believe in; and whether, having ceded the political narrative to my critics, I was going to be able to wrest it back”.

In other words, he observed, to be effective governance can’t be so antiseptic that it set aside the basic stuff of politics – you have to sell your programme.

The PPP/C has travelled this road -- most notably in 2015-- when having brought the country back from being the second poorest to the fastest-growing economy in the Region, they expected their economic record to speak for itself. But unrestrained by either scruples or facts, APNU+AFC effectively painted

the administration as corrupt to the core. And kept hammering away at that.

It is of little consolation that all the years of audits and investigations by SARA did not turn up the systemic corruption with which the administration was tagged. However, the accusations were instrumental in unseating the government and the resultant precipitous downward spiral of the country.

APNU+AFC is now again escalating their torrent of disinformation. Mind-bogglingly, they are doing this coming off their five years of scandals, pillaging of the treasury and an attempted coup.

They and their surrogates are everywhere accusing the current government of rigging the election, racial

discrimination, intimidation, and on and on. Somehow or other even well- intentioned and intelligent people are mislead by the deluge of untruths. Maybe repeat something often enough and it takes on the appearance of truth.

The Coalition and their surrogates are not mobilised with the best interest of the country in mind.

Their thinking has no use for the fact that taking the high road is not only the ethical thing to do; it’s the beneficial thing to do.

No amount of coaxing seems likely to get the Coalition to take the high road. They go on unfettered, seizing every opportunity to spread falsehoods and misinformation The country is caught in the jaws of the prisoner’s dilemma. If

one party takes the high road and the other does not, there is an imbalance. The country is the collateral damage. The government bears a cost and the country bears a cost.

It cannot be assumed that people will see through these gross misrepresentations. And that progressive programmes and better governance will completely offset this. The goal cannot be only to govern well and be re-elected.

The messaging has to aim to bring as many Guyanese as possible to a place where they can recognise what’s going on.

Yours sincerely, Ron Cheong

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Poor, inept and one-man leadership led to Coalition defeat Dear Editor, THE 2020 regional and general elections which the PPP won is history, but the truth must be told as to why APNU+AFC hereafter referred to as the Coalition lost the elections after being in office for only five years. One of the reasons is that the Coalition lost the elections because it wasted an entire year in court fighting to rescind the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018. The Granger administration’s refusal to call elections within the three-month period prescribed in the Constitution for an election was because it was is ill-prepared to go to the polls. Instead, they put forth the most foolish and bogus case that 34 and not 33 votes were needed to pass the no-confidence motion.

Not only were they wrong, but they were more illogical than the person(s) who proposed such daft arithmetic. At the time, polls had shown that if the Coalition had called an election by May 2019, it would have won because of public sympathy. Needless to say, none of the courts—Guyana’s High Court, the Guyana Court of Appeal or the Caribbean Court of Justice—validated the Coalition’s voodoo arithmetic.

However, the primary reason why the Coalition lost the 2020 elections was due to poor, lack-

lustre, and visionless leadership and also because the entire cabal in the PNC and AFC allowed one person—the leader—to dictate how the elections should be run. It was a colossal error on the part of the PNC and AFC executives not to confront the leader on his weaknesses and ineptness. But they were afraid of retaliation from a vindictive, indolent, boring and selfish leader who believed that he had absolute power to do as he pleases. He is a self-centred and an elitist leader who does not care about problems affecting the masses. The silence displayed by the PNC and AFC cabal and being out of power have caused some to imbibe to the extent of becoming alcoholics, others are behaving like zombies and a few have indulged in babbling. Losing the election could spell the end for the AFC which is near to death as many of its senior members across the country have either resigned their positions or have quit the party all-together. Other than being immature, what other reasons could the leaders provide for refusing to attend the meeting between President Ali and the former presidents and for not attending the farewell party of the outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana?

Many in the public are of the opinion that the PNC is in political turmoil and this is largely due to the shunning of one of the stalwarts of

the party, whom the leader refused to assign as a Member of Parliament (MP). Not only is she a devoted and very popular member of the PNC, but she is also the Chairperson of the party and the Women’s Auxiliary Group. Ostracising the standard bearer of the PNC from the decision-making process could be the demise of the party, which many believed would be in opposition for a very long time, if not forever. From the inception, many, including a large number of PNC supporters felt that the so-called six-party Coalition put together by the leader was a sham due to the fact that it comprised of four-one-man party, which together could not even obtain 1,000 votes at the polls. At the time, only the AFC and the PNC had a support base, but as evident in the last election, the AFC support base which is mainly on the Corentyne has dwindled. In addition, the senior members of the AFC are always in disagreement over who should be the leader of the party.

For example, there has always been a struggle for the leadership of the party between its current leader and the chairman and there were some major and bitter conflicts between the former Prime Minister (PM) and the leader over the prime ministerial candidacy in the last election. We all know who emerged as the AFC’s PM candidate.

It is time for the senior members

of the PNC and its support groups in the New York Diaspora to speak-up against the assault on the party by its leader and his surrogate. Following the murders of the two Henry cousins at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, the two senior leaders of the party visited the area and prodded their supporters into riotous acts without knowing the reasons for the murder. However, neither the executives of the PNC nor its 10 diaspora groups in the Tri-State area condemn them for such shameful behaviour. The Chairperson of the PNC was the lone voice to tell her party supporters to stop the mayhem against their Indian sisters and brothers in the area who are their neighbours.

The public as well as the PNC groups in the diaspora felt that the leader of the party did not have the talent, wisdom, ability and the political and requisite skills, talent and personality to be president. One reason is that as President of the country, he held only three press conferences in five years. Another reason is that he was aloof and an elitist who lived in his ivory tower and did not care about the people who elected him. A third reason is that as the President of a country with only 780,000 people, he appointed 26 ministers; more than the number of ministers in Jamaica with a population of roughly three million and Trinidad and Tobago

with more than one-and-a-half million. And to add insult to injury, the leader approved a 50 per cent increase for ministers while he gave civil/public servants, including nurses and teachers a meager ten percent increase. If this is not moronic and asinine, then we do not know what is?

Truth be told, the former president gave up his quest to stay in office on August 2, 2020 after a protracted five intense and awful months of fighting to stay in office and several court cases which failed to overturn the election. Many PNC supporters and its 10 groups in the Tri-State had thought they had won the elections. However, the loss has led many of them to criticise the President and characterise him as a misfit who is incapable of leading the party and the nation. Today, the PNC is fractured, thanks to its leader and his surrogate whose support in the New York diaspora has melted away, while the Chairperson has a groundswell of support, which means that sooner rather than later, both of them will have to migrate to the wilderness.

Yours truly, Dr. Asquith Rose

Lincoln Lewis should cultivate an open mind Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is made to Mr. Lincoln Lewis’s December 13, 2020 missive in another newspaper denigrating the effort of President Ali’s overture to past presidents to an initial open forum discussion on nation building. The conjectures penned

by Mr. Lewis are fraught with emotional threads rather than objectively driven.

Juxtaposing scenarios with condemnatory phrases seem to be

screams for recognition in its irrelevance. For 50 odd years, Guyana suffered from partisan politics, and our motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny seemed to be palpably casted asunder. President Ali and his Cabinet are the change agents.

Mr. Lewis’s emasculated attempt to denude Dr. Ali’s olive branch initiative at comprehensive nation building is disingenuous and laic at best as past paradigms should evolve into pragmatic solutions for the all Guyanese.

Over 60 per cent of the Guyanese population, of all races are young and President Ali is initiating a willingness to open dialogue, and Mr. Lewis, using the “De facto” phraseology, ad nauseam, is irresponsible, and a raw testament of his deep anachronism and reluctance to nation building.

Terminology inexactitudes, dogma and hypothecation by Mr. Lewis are the aberrations that have and will continue to retard a nation’s growth, if left unchecked.

In his narrative, Mr. Lewis

seems to be speaking for past President, Mr Granger, which is egregiously condescending as Mr. Granger has clearly stated his reasons for non-acquiescence.

Dismissing the meeting of the Presidents as a “dinner gaffe” (my words) is patronising and self-serving. Spelling President Ali’s Name incorrectly, in his missive can be a Freudian slip or downright hypocritical and demeaning.

Like it or not, Mr. Lewis, President Ali has been demo-

cratically elected and his mantra of “change Guyana” for all has accelerated rapidly and unswervingly. Negative connotations will not dilute or derail this dynamism. Open your mind, Sir, and allow all Guyanese to add gravitas to our Motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny!

Respectfully, Jonathan Subrian Esq.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Ruling in Senior Counsel challenge set for Thursday

COME Thursday, Justice Nareshwar Harnanan is expected to rule on the application filed by Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas challenging the legality of the four Senior Counsel (SC) appointments made by former President David Granger last year.

Justice Harnanan will have to rule on whether the President, as Guyana’s supreme executive authority,

is vested with the exclusive prerogative to confer legal practitioners with silk.

Jonas, an Executive Member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) is asking the court to grant an Order of Certiorari to quash the SC appointments of Attorneys-at-law Jamila Ali, Roysdale Forde, Mursalene Bacchus and Stanley Moore.

The Attorney General was named as the respondent

in the matter while the Bar Association of Guyana and Attorney-at-law Hari Ramkarran SC were permitted to intervene, amicus curiae in the case.

The matter came up on Monday for oral submissions. Justice Harnanan subsequently disclosed that he will rule on the challenge on Thursday at 15:00 hours.

The Attorney General in his submissions had contend-

Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall and Attorney Timothy Jonas

ed that proceedings like these give rise to novel issues in Guyanese jurisprudence not previously canvassed in a significant way.

He argued that the President, as the supreme executive authority, is vested with the exclusive prerogative and such a power was never vested in the Judiciary of Guyana.

Additionally, he said that the President’s prerogative to confer silk does not infringe on judicial independence, nor is it unconstitutional in any other way.

Against this backdrop, Nandlall pointed out that Jones, in his submissions, claims that the court has an inherent jurisdiction to confer silk.

“This is emphatically denied, and the Applicant has not provided evidence of

this,” the AG argued in his submissions.

He noted that the power to appoint Queen’s/King’s Counsel originated with the Monarch, and in Guyana’s case, was exercisable by the Governor, who was the Queen’s representative in British Guiana.

The powers of the Queen were exercisable by the Governor-General by virtue of the Guyana Independence Ordinance 1966, which powers included the prerogative to appoint silk.

Additionally, the common law of England, which included the prerogative of the Monarch to confer silk became the common law of Guyana since 1917 by virtue of the Civil Law of Guyana Act. The Republic Act then captured the, inter alia, prerogatives of the Queen, and

vested same in the President of Guyana in 1970.

The President, he reiterated has the power to confer silk as part of his prerogative to confer honours.

“It is respectfully submitted that the dignity of Silk has become, by evolution of the convention, an honour. If we accept that the dignity of Silk is an honour conferred upon Attorneys-at-law as a mark of distinction, then it must be accepted that the President of Guyana, as the fountainhead of honours in Guyana has the power, or prerogative, to confer Silk as an honour,” the AG said in his submission.

The AG also cited Article 193 (Vii) of the Constitution of Guyana which contemplates the power of the President to bestow honours.

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72-year-old man dies from COVID-19

By Vishani Ragobeer A 72-year-old man, from Region 10 died, after contracting the virus, COVID-19, taking the local death toll to 156 persons, according to the Ministry of Health.

The Health Ministry said that the man died while receiving care at a medical facility. Officials of the ministry have contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who might have been exposed to the now-deceased person.

Additionally, the Ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard reflected that 23 new cases of the virus, COVID-19, were recorded from 140 tests, taking the total number of positive cases

locally to 5,943.

The new cases were recorded from 10 males and 13 females. These cases were also distributed across Region One (16 cases), Region Four (four cases) and Region Seven (three cases).

So far, 5077 infected persons have recovered, an additional four persons over the 24-hour period. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, exhibiting no symptoms. However, eight patients are now being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

There are 22 persons in institutional quarantine, 45 in institutional isolation and 657 in home isolation.

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

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

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Musician hoping to get support to build studio in Buxton

Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams (centre) teaching young children how to drum

By Vishani Ragobeer LOCAL drummer, Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams, is hoping to garner support as he builds a studio in his community of Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), so that the numerous young and emerging artistes in the community can have a space to engage in their craft.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the popular drummer said, “My idea for next year is that I want to build a studio right here in Buxton next. Buxton needs a studio because it got (a lot of) artistes in Buxton and this studio is going to be for everyone to use.”

One challenge to this, however, is that he does not have all of the necessary funds to build the recording studio on his own. And as such, he is hoping that individuals, organisations and even the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport can come forward and help to support this worthwhile cause.

Adams formed a drumming group nearly 15 years ago, alongside a mentor, Deo Persaud, and later, the Buxton Fusion School of Music. Through this school, many youths from Buxton and from other communities have had a space where they can learn African drumming.

The drummer, however, lamented that numerous persons would invite the young children to play and would not recognise they need support. Adams explained that this studio was another effort of his to help provide opportunities to children in the community.

“People does come and take clips from we; mek them play out they whole soul and promise them plenty things, but nothing,” he said, adding, “Nobody ain’t seeing that these children doing good things and think they should do something for them?”

Adams and the Buxton Fusion School of Music have received awards from the Guyana Cultural Association

Ruling in Senior Counsel...

The Article states, “The Ombudsman shall not investigate any such action, or action taken with respect to any such matter, as is described hereunder: the grant of honours, awards or privileges within the gift of the President.”

NO POWER Jonas in his grounds of application said “The power and discretion to admit persons at the Bar of Guyana, to preside over such persons, to discipline, suspend and disbar such persons is conferred by the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act and common law on the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana.”

He noted that the Full Bench of the High Court, had, from time to time, exercised a discretion to confer on Attorneys-at-law who have practised with distinction be-

fore the court, the dignity of ‘Senior Counsel.’

As such, he is of the opinion that Granger’s announcement last December that Forde, Ali, Bacchus and Moore be appointed SC with effect from January 1, 2020 was unlawful.

“There is no statutory or other power conferred on the President of Guyana whether as President or otherwise to make such a decision or to appoint Attorneys-at-law to the dignity of Senior Counsel, and the decision by the President as communicated in the said publication is entirely void and of no effect,” Jonas submitted to the court.

He added: “Insofar as the (former) President, a member of the executive, purports to make a decision within the province of the inherent discretion of the High Court, his trespass into the realm of

of New York (GCANY) and at the 2010 Guyana Folk Festival Awards in New York.

The drummer also lamented that his community of Buxton has been stigmatised for a number of years, but residents, like him, have been trying to portray it in a different light. The community has its steelband group, which is another space that youth are allowed to nurture their musical talents.

“When we here, is always unity. We does just try to bring joy to peopleespecially now that it is the Christmas time,” Adams explained.

This Christmas, Adams will also be releasing a Christmas and folk song album with creole rock musician, Gavin Mendonca.

Over the past few years, the duo has been revitalising folk music locally.

Anyone interested in providing assistance to Adams and the Buxton School of Music can contact ‘Chucky’ on +592694-3452 FROM PAGE

8

the judiciary violates Article 122 of the Constitution, and is illegal and void.”

In October, the Office of the President (OP) announced that Nandlall and Jonas will be appointed Senior Counsel with effect from October 30.

The announcement, OP said followed consultations between Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings and His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. “Their appointments are due to their demonstrable knowledge of, and learning in, the law, and on account of their exemplary erudition and diligence in the practice of the law, and, by virtue of their distinguished contributions to the growth and development of Guyana’s jurisprudence and constitutional democracy,” the OP statement noted.

Man found dead on Bachelor's Adventure road after visiting 'child mother' A MASON, who visited the mother of his child on Sunday evening at Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was found dead on the roadway on Monday at Bachelor's Adventure, ECD. Dead is Keith Andrew Willis, 23, called “Ghandi”, a mason of lot 374 Bachelor's Adventure, ECD. Reports indicate that Willis lives with his mother and other siblings and at about 16:30 hours, he left home to attend a football competition which was held aback of Bachelor's Adventure, ECD and concluded at 20:30 hours.

On conclusion of the game, Willis went to visit the mother of his daughter in 22nd Street Paradise Housing Scheme, ECD and he left about 23:00hrs to head home.

On Monday, at about 05:30 hours, a resident of the area, who was heading to work, observed Willis lying on the roadway and he summoned the police.

When police arrived at the scene, Willis was seen lying motionless on the eastern side of Bachelor's Adventure Access Road, ECD clad in

Dead: Keith Andrew Willis

a black three quarters pants and white top in an east to west position surrounded by blood.

Police examined the body and found a single stab wound to the upper left side neck. The body was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival as investigations continue.

The dead man’s mother, Seema Sukar, said she last saw her son alive on Sunday when he left home “to go by his child mother, one child he has, it’s a daughter.”

“He sleep at home every night as normal, but he didn’t come home last night (Sun-

day) and he doesn’t have a cell phone, I does wake up early in the morning to cook for the little one to go to work and then I saw three men come at the house and ask me to out on a slippers and they ask me if my son was home,” the mother of four said.

She explained that her younger son instead visited the scene because she was unwell and returned with the dreadful news.

In tears, she related that Willis was the one who would look after her needs at home since he was not currently employed but would make himself useful.

His brother, Yannick Willis, said his brother was a jovial person “and he died leaving a two year-old daughter and he was not a bad guy people around the village can tell you that.”

He continued: “My brother would assist everybody in whatever work he can do, and he doesn’t have problems with anyone, right now, I am lost for words and can’t explain what is going on, he had more than one stab wounds on his body.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

International adoptions stalled; pending local cases being addressed WITH an excess of 500 children currently in institutional care, the newly constituted Adoption Board is moving ahead to address a number of pending cases of local persons and fami-

lies wanting to adopt.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud, in her progress report to the Department of Public Information related that the processing of

applications for international adoptions has been stalled.

This is because Guyana is not yet in alignment with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperating in Respect of In-

Members of the recently constituted Adoption Board

ter-country Adoption (Hague Convention). The Convention operates with the aim of protecting children and their families from trafficking, and illegal and ill-prepared adoptions. The treaty, signed by 99 countries, focuses on the need for its member states to work together to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children.

According to research, the core belief of the Hague Convention is that the birth family or extended family should raise a child; in cases where this is not possible, other forms of care within the child’s birth country should be considered. The convention believes that inter-country adoption should only be pursued once all local options have been explored

and ruled out.

Minister Persaud has indicated that efforts are being made to ensure that Guyana is properly aligned with the convention. “With the help of the Attorney General’s office, we amended that legislation and it has to go to Parliament; until that’s passed by Parliament, it will have to be on hold,” Dr Persaud noted.

Guyana’s Adoption Board comprises Subhadra Sukhai, Anuradha Persaud, Vanessa Benn, Sarah Ibrahim, Dwayne Adams, Sylvia Conway and Anne Green, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

Green told the Guyana Chronicle that the board has commenced its meetings, and that it is working assiduously to process at least 10 cases

per meeting. She explained that many of the pending cases are not necessarily “backlogs,” but rather, cases that may have been be delayed for various reasons.

“For instance, persons may have trouble with getting lawyers and so address their cases,” Green posited.

She gave a reminder that the principal mission of the CPA is to ensure that children are raised in a stable and safe environment; one that is conducive to their overall growth and well-being as individuals.

The Adoption Board is intended to provide support to the CPA as it seeks to execute this mandate via various mediums, including adoption.

Drainage works commence in West Watooka –– regional engineers to compile needs-assessment reports to guide ministry’s work programme DAYS after a ministerial outreach to several areas in Region 10 where residents pleaded for urgent improvements to their drainage and irrigation systems, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has commenced work to have a number of drains and canals cleared.

During the visit, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha met with farmers and residents in West Watooka to get a clear understanding of some of the issues they were facing.

Generally, the farmers complained about the inadequate drainage system in the community, adding that for a number of years, no works have been done to clear or maintain any of the drainage channels and structures in the area.

After listening to several farmers raise similar issues, Minister Mustapha committed

A section of the backlands in West Watooka before works commenced

to having a machine sent to the area to commence works within a week. Three days after the outreach, a NDIA excavator arrived in the area and subsequently commenced works in West Watooka.

Minister Mustapha, while offering follow-up remarks on the visit and the works being executed, said that the ministry will

continue to operate in a way that, over time, will regain the trust and confidence of farmers across the country.

“When I visited the area it was very clear that, for a number of years, areas like these were seriously neglected. The ministry is currently carrying out TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

New media outlet launched in Linden

KWAME McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, has said that government will leave no stone unturned in the evolution

of the media to ensure the public’s right to information is safeguarded.

The Public Affairs Minister was speaking at the launch of the new print and online news outlet in Region

10 – INFO 10 Media.

Minister McCoy said there is a place for journalism and entrepreneurship in the management of information.

He added that Sunday’s event was a significant

milestone, and that the step taken by entrepreneur and award-winning journalist Vanessa Braithwaite-Moore adds to the media landscape.

“Today we celebrate one such groundbreaking

Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs (DPI Photo)

press-freedom event which marks the beginning of a bold entrepreneurial project that seeks to marry the rewarding elements of business with those of journalism,” the minister said.

Minister McCoy also noted the pivotal role of the media in today’s society. He referred to the March 2 General and Regional Elections when journalists worked tirelessly to keep the world up to date with the aftermath of the polls.

“We must redouble our efforts to remain actively engaged in the patriotic efforts to safeguard democracy itself and the integrity of the most sacred arm of our governance structure – the fourth estate.

We must uphold and defend their freedom to investigate, write, publish and broadcast truths, whatever those truths are and wherever they will lead.”

Minister McCoy said the news media remain vibrant and Guyana’s democracy secure, because of past and present stalwarts in the profession.

Meanwhile, Braithwaite-

Vanessa Braithwaite-Moore

Moore noted that INFO 10 Media’s first monthly newspaper will be available for purchase from Tuesday. She said the newspaper has dedicated an entire section to small-business promotion.

“During this pandemic period, we have seen scores of small businesses being established by our young people. We will use our platforms to promote these businesses and to make the necessary representation for them to benefit from government and private incentives.”

Braithwaite-Moore earned the Young Journalist of the Year Award back in 2018. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Akawini and Sheriff closed as Sheriff-Mandela reaches 57 percent completion THE Ministry of Public Works has announced the closure of the intersection of Akawini Street and Sheriff Street, from Tuesday, December 15 to Tuesday, December 22, 2020. The closure to traffic, the ministry said, is to facilitate the construc-

the notice read.

As construction works progress on the Sheriff-Mandela road project, commuters and businesses have complained of the works being an inconvenience. However, most of them look forward to seeing the benefits and beauty of

Expansion, too, suffered significant delays.

The contract for the project was signed in December 2017, with Sinohydro Corporation Limited. The works entailed the rehabilitation of the seven kilometer stretch of road between Sheriff Street

Construction moving apace on one of the bridges on Mandela Avenue (Delano Williams photo)

tion of drainage under the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue Road Enhancement Project.

“The intersection will be re-opened to traffic on 22nd December, 2020 at 06:00hrs,” the ministry said.

The notice encouraged motorists desirous of accessing Akawini Street from Sheriff Street, to use Stone Avenue or other suitable alternative routes in the meantime.

“Pedestrians and motorists are reminded to exercise caution and observe all directional signs in the area,”

the spanking new highway, once completed.

On Wednesday last, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, had estimated the project as being 57 per cent completed, with works moving rapidly apace. The minister admitted that the ongoing works have become somewhat of a humbug, as a number of sub-contractors are proceeding with various aspect of the project, simultaneously.

Like many infrastructure projects in recent times, the Sheriff/Mandela Road

Drainage works commence ... a number of works across the country, but I was able to speak with the head of the NDIA to have a machine sent here urgently after seeing for myself how the farmers were suffering. Given the amount of funds expended in this region to execute works of this nature over the past few years, the situation should’ve been different. As minister, I want farmers to have a supportive environment, and we have to ensure their requests are met to the best of our abilities,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha added that, going forward, regional engineers will be tasked with compiling needs- assessment reports of works needed in their respective regions.

This, he said, will be used to properly plan the work programme for the year ahead.

and Mandela Avenue. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project was estimated to cost USD$31,027,627.36.

It was initially scheduled to commence in March 2017 and be completed within a 24-month period. Construction, however, began in August of that year. The project was then stalled, after the Inter-American Development Bank halted works, citing human rights violations by the aforementioned contractor.

Following the protracted

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A section of the area in West Watooka after works were carried out on Sunday

“If we want results we have to be proactive. I’ve instructed the engineers to speak with the farmers, conduct these needs-assessment reports and submit them to their respective agency head so that we can be guided accordingly when planning works for the following year. It shouldn’t be

a case where, when we visit, there is a whole lot of works needed and we have to tell farmers that funds are not available. If we really want to see development and growth in the agriculture sector, we have to get out there and do the groundwork and plan effectively,” Minister Mustapha said.

March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the IDB was re-engaged by the new Irfaan Ali-Government, and the project resumed with much urgency, with a new deadline of August 2021.

The project will boast of a two-lane roadway with a concrete median to divide

the two lanes along Sheriff Street. Meanwhile, Mandela Avenue will see the expansion of the roadway from a two-lane road to a spanking four-lane thoroughfare, with a central concrete median and shared-use paths.

A roundabout is also set for the junction of

Sheriff Street and David Street/Railway Embankment Road. The new highway will also boast of the requisite road safety amenities such as sidewalks, bicycle lanes and adequate parking spaces, including two pedestrian overpasses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Bartica fire victim endured years of domestic violence –– pleas of relatives were not heeded

Her brothers them warn her, her mother talk more than 100 times,” Carolina’s sister, Dianna Kennedy said.

from left: Carolina Kennedy and her two daughters, five-year-old Marianna Downer and three-year-old Gabriella Kennedy

SATURDAY’S fire at Bartica which claimed the life of a woman and her two children, marked yet another tragic end to an abusive

relationship and the repercussion of a woman’s decision to stay with her abuser despite repeated warnings from relatives.

Relatives of 48-year-old Carolina Kennedy say they would often plead with her to leave the abusive man.

“A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot.

She added: “Them speak to her and say ‘girl why you going back to this man you don’t know what intention this man got to do you, you

don’t know’. But she ain’t want hear, she said due to the children she love he bad.

So she want to be with him.

So everybody said fine fair enough and you know what’s best for you.”

Carolina’s reputed husband and father of the children, 36-year-old Kenford Downer is believed to be responsible for setting the fire. He is in police custody.

According to reports, he has confessed to committing the heinous act.

Downer, had reportedly spent time in jail after being convicted of breaking Carolina’s arm during an abusive episode several years ago.

Despite his prison stint for injuring her, Carolina continued her relationship with the suspect and was even supportive of him during his incarceration.

“She was living in Georgetown, and while he was in jail they transferred him from Camp Street to Mazaruni, and she used to come up and bring things and suh to carry to jail for him.

While he in prison she used to support him, she always, always there for he,” Dianna bemoaned.

Dianna said her sister at one point had moved on from Downer, and had gotten married to someone else. However, Downer would turn up and torment the woman and her husband, and at some point while Carolina was living in Georgetown, she returned to a life with Downer.

According to Dianna, the suspect and her sister have been together over six years now. They developed a relationship after Downer became a family friend through him spending time in Bartica, where he had travelled to from Berbice in search of employment.

However, the relationship was a tumultuous one, and Downer repeatedly abused Carolina. The abuse continued after his release from prison. His abuse behavior, this newspaper was told was linked to excessive alcohol consumption.

“He would always threaten her. He does drink a lot, and every time he go out and drink he does come in and threaten her life and tell her all kinds of things; what he not gon do she. He mean to do what he tell her,” Dianna related.

Downer, it is believed finally live up to his threats on Saturday night when he allegedly doused the 24 feet by 15 feet Four Miles Squatting Area, Bartica, Potaro Road house with gasoline and then set it on fire, with Carolina and his children - Marianna Downer age five and threeyear-old Gabriella Kennedy

- trapped inside.

SHOCKING Dianna shared that it was all the more shocking that Downer killed his children, with whom he shared a close relationship.

“The children them loved their father bad, especially the big daughter (Marianna).

He used to always be with his children them, he loved his children them bad, we didn’t expect this. Just the afternoon before this happen he was with his children buying balloons and hug them up and kiss them, but nobody knew what intention he had,” she said.

However, days before the fire, Carolina told her family that Downer was once again threatening to take her life.

Carolina was warned to take the threats seriously, and she had planned to make a police report on Monday. Monday, however was too late.

“He had done already threaten she from since the week before this happen. He threatened her about death and she came and complain to my mother, and while complaining my neighbors was there and they said: ‘don’t take it for joke, go and make a report’.

And today [Monday] she was supposed to go and make a report about it,” Dianna related.

Dianna last saw her sister and her nieces on Saturday afternoon when they passed her residence on their way home.

Carolina’s disposition as she passed left Dianna with such an uneasy feeling that she was unable to eat later that night.

A few hours later, her brother came and relayed that Carolina’s house was on fire and it was suspected that the family was trapped inside.

“When I go and make dinner I couldn’t eat. Then around 8 o’clock my brother pass to go and check she out, because every night he does that. Then he come back and all I hear is: ‘Diane! Go long now, you sister on fire. Tall man just bun up you sister and the two children. Go long now!’,” Dianna recalled She immediately rushed to the scene located a short distance away from her home.

“When I run and go, the fire blazing. When I reach we start hollering for them, the lil children, for she, for he. And we just watching in the fire and somebody said watch she in the fire and look the children them there. Only left for me to scream, but something just seh don’t scream, hold it back,” Dianna conveyed.

It would later be discovered that Downer did not perish in the fire. The police found him hiding in the bushes near the house. He was taken to the Bartica Hospital where he was admitted for minor burns to his feet.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Dates set for Senior Counsel admission to Inner Bar

By Richard Bhainie

THE dates for the admissions of Senior Counsel (Silk) to the Inner Bar of Court have been fixed by the Judiciary.

A source close to the Guyana Bar Association has informed the Guyana Chronicle that the dates for admission to the Inner Bar of Court of Attorneys-at-law appointed Senior Counsel are fixed for the ceremonies to take place in the High Court.

The source disclosed that Attorney-at-law, Mursaline Bacchus would be admitted on Friday, December 18, at the Berbice High Court.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Attorneys-at-law, Jamela Ali; Roysdale Forde and Stanley Moore would be admitted on Monday, December 21 at the Demerara High Court.

Attorney-at-law, Timothy Jonas, was also appointed Senior Counsel, along with Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall,

by President Irfaan Ali after consultation with the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings, with effect from October 30, 2020 However, it is unsure whether Jonas would be admitted along with the named individuals as there is currently a legal battle between himself and the Attorney-General, Roysdale Forde, Mursaline Bacchus and Stanley Moore, who are named respondents, in a court action related to the matter.

Efforts made by this publication to contact Jonas proved futile.

On December 31, 2019, former President David Granger, through the Ministry of the Presidency announced the appointments of Attorneys-at-law Mursaline Bacchus, Jamela Ali, Roysdale Forde and Stanley Moore as Senior Counsel.

In August 2020, Jonas moved to the Court seeking an Order of Certiorari to quash the appointments on the grounds that the President would have acted ultra vires in making the decision.

Jonas, through his attorney, Teni Housty, contended that the President has no authority to appoint Senior Counsel, as there is no statutory or other power conferred on the President to do so, therefore, the decision to make such a decision is void and of no effect.

The Attorney-General and Minister Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who is listed as the first named respondent in the matter submitted to the Court that the President, as the Supreme Executive Authority of Guyana, is vested with the exclusive prerogative to confer Silk upon attorneys-at-law; a prerogative which does not infringe on judicial independence, nor is it unconstitutional in any other way.

Nandlall in his submissions to the Court explained “the prerogative power to appoint King’s and Queen’s Counsel was a residuary power not lo-

Mother in custody after child found brutalised THE mother of a six-yearold girl is in police custody assisting with investigation after the child was found with injuries to her head and face on Sunday, a distance away from her home.

Up to press time, the child remained in an unconscious state in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to the police, the mother and father of the child have been separated but the father has been given visitation rights, to be with the child on Sundays.

The police stated that around 08:00hrs, the father contacted the mother, indicating that he will pick up the child. As such, the mother prepared the child and left her playing in the yard.

At the time, the child's grandmother was at her home doing house chores, and last saw her about 11:30hrs. However, about 12:30hrs when the grandfather made checks for the child, he did not find her.

As a result, a search party was immediately formed by relatives and friends who combed the entire area and about 14:00hrs, during the search, the child's grandfather

found her submerged in a swampy area, about 500 feet away from the house, covered in mud.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, the grandfather said he is still in a state of shock and is grateful to have found her alive.

“Everyone was searching and keep saying ‘let’s us check further up the dam’. I walked up and didn’t see. I continued searching and calling out for her, but is when I coming back, I see her face, so I start holler for help! Help!

But they couldn’t hear me, so I collect her and run until the police them collect her from me,” the grandfather said.

The child was found with a gash to the back of her head and cuts to her face.

A piece of wood was found nearby. Family members said it is uncommon for the child to venture that far away from home as she would be playing around the yard and outside on the street.

The child was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital but was later transferred to the GPHC. Meanwhile, a neighbour was also arrested for questioning as investigation continues.

Attorney-at-law, Timothy Jonas

cated in any Act or Ordinance, but which was still vested in the

King or Queen (Sovereign), as the case may be.”

He explained that while some jurisdictions changed their laws post-independence to either do away with the superior rank of ‘silk’ among attorneys-at-law, or modified their system by which they are appointed, Guyana only changed the name from Queen’s or King’s Counsel to Senior Counsel and the appointment procedure was transplanted to Guyana.

During oral arguments on December 14, Housty contended that the power to appoint Senior Counsel must rest with the

Full Bench of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, and that if the presidential power is permitted to stand, it could have a debilitating effect on the administration of justice.

The ruling by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan in case 2020-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA-627 between Timothy Jonas and The Attorney General of Guyana et al. is scheduled to be delivered on Thursday 17, December at 15:00 hours, in the Demerara High Court.

Jonas had previously indicated that he will await the ruling of the court in the ongoing matter before he accepts the

appointment.

The source also disclosed that it is understood that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, will present Attorney- General, Anil Nandlall, with his instrument of appointment as Senior Counsel during the course of the week.

In the Commonwealth Nations, the elevation to Senior Counsel or ‘Silk’ as it is often referred to, is conferred upon distinguished lawyers for exemplary contributions in the field of law; upon conferral of which the recipients are admitted a member of the ‘Inner Bar’ of Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Sandiford, Puran and Couchman Pooran and Moseley win Season-ending Region 4 half-centuries fail to save Windies A NELSON, New Zealand, (CMC) – Contrasting half-centuries from the left-handed pair of Nicholas Pooran and Shayne Moseley were undermined by a career-best spell from left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra that sent West Indies A tumbling to a 101-run defeat against New Zealand A in the second “Test” on Monday.

Pooran, the Windies A captain for this match, smashed a run-a-ball, career-best 69 and Moseley followed up his first innings hundred with a resolute 54 before the visitors were bowled out for 256 in their second innings about 25 minutes after tea on the final day of the four-day, first-class match at Saxton Oval.

West Indies A captain Nicholas Pooran pulls Jimmy Neesham for four during his 69 against New Zealand A on Monday. (NZC image) Fabian Allen made 35 and opener Brandon King added 32, but none of the other West Indies A batsmen reached 20 and none of them batted with the aplomb to make a victory target of 358 seem academic – and Ravindra blew through the innings to end with six for 89 from 19.3 overs.

Left-hander Jayden Seales was bowled for one, charging down the pitch, swinging and missing a flighted delivery from Ravindra to formalise the result in the fifth over after tea and symbolise the ineffectiveness of the Windies A approach to the challenge of batting through the day to save the match.

The result meant that the Caribbean side were swept in the two-match series, after they crashed to an innings and 143 runs defeat in the first “Test”, which ended two Saturdays ago at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

The defeat also came hours after the West Indies interna-

RDC chess competition

West Indies A captain Nicholas Pooran pulls Jimmy Neesham for four during his 69 against New Zealand A on Monday. (NZC image)

tional team, under Jason Holder, were crushed by an innings and 12 runs in the second Test against New Zealand, led by Tom Latham, in the country’s capital city of Wellington.

The Windies international side were also swept in their two-match series on another gut-wrenching day for the sport in the Caribbean.

West Indies A had an early indication that the battle for survival may turn out to be an difficult task, when Kyle Mayers was dismissed in the fourth over of the day, after adding only four to his overnight score.

The left-hander, strangely promoted to open the batting the previous day, was caught behind off first innings wrecker-in-chief Doug Bracewell for 19, playing defensively forward to a delivery of no merit angled across him.

Moseley joined Brandon King and for a little more than an hour they defied the New Zealanders’ attack to carry Windies A past 50.

The pair put on 43 for the second wicket, but King was bowled by Ravindra, playing defensively forward to a faster delivery in the final half-hour before lunch, which came with the visitors on 101 for two.

Rovman Powell became Ravindra’s second scalp in the third over after the interval, when he miscued an ill-advised lofted drive and was caught at long-off for 18.

West Indies A were 106 for three, but Pooran launched a counter-offensive, putting on 53 for the fourth wicket with Moseley, whose 50 came off 115 balls with a lofted straight drive off Michael Bracewell’s innocuous off-spin for four.

Pooran unleased a couple of square drives for boundaries off Ravindra that carried Windies A past 150 and brought up the 50 partnership respectively.

But Moseley, moving down the pitch, miscued a lofted drive and was caught at long-on to usher the drinks break with the Caribbean side 159 for four.

Pooran continued to take the fight to Blackcaps reserves bowling attack, putting on 77 with Allen and seemed set to carry his side to safety, when he reached his 50 from 56 balls, turning Ravindra through mid-wicket for a single.

But Pooran left the rest of the batting exposed and triggered a collapse, when he was caught behind off Ravindra from a top-edged cut in the final 15 minutes before tea.

West Indies A conceded two more scalps for 12 runs in the space of 14 balls before they reached the break on 248 for seven.

Allen edged a flat-footed drive and was caught behind off Blair Tickner three balls later, and Keemo Paul edged a loose drive off Ravindra and was caught behind for four, giving wicketkeeper Cam Fletcher his fourth catch of the innings.

After tea, there was little resistance from the rest of the batting before Ravindra, also a century-maker in the match, gave proof of his allround prowess by taking two of the last three wickets to bring the match to an end.

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND A 1st Innings 481-7 dec West Indies A 1st Innings 298 New Zealand A 2nd Innings 174-7 dec West Indies A 2nd Innings (target: 358) B King b Ravindra 32 K Mayers c wkpr Fletcher b D Bracewell 19 S Moseley c Kuggelejin b M Bracewell 54 R Powell c M Bracewell b Ravindra 18 *+N Pooran c wkpr Fletcher b Ravindra 69 F Allen c wkpr Fletcher b Tickner 35 K Paul c wkpr Fletcher b Ravindra 4 R Shepherd lbw b Tickner 11 R Cornwall b Ravindra 2 H Walsh not out 1 J Seales b Ravindra 1 Extras (b5, lb2, nb3) 10 TOTAL (all out, 69.3 overs) 256 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-74, 3-106, 4-159, 5-236, 6-236, 7-248, 8-254, 9-254.

Bowling: D Bracewell 10-1-35-1 (nb3); Kuggelejin 6-5-4-0; Sodhi 6-1-15-0; Tickner 14-5-28-2; Phillips 3-0-22-0; Ravindra 19.3-1-89-6; M Bracewell 7-137-1; Neesham 4-1-19-0.

THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) held its final chess competition for the year, and it was well received.

Dozens of chess players battled virtually on the tornelo. com chess platform in three divisions on Saturday afternoon in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four-sponsored Youth in Chess tournament.

On Monday, the winners of the Blitz U-20, the Blitz U-16 and the Rapid U-12 divisions received their prizes from the RDC’s head office in Triumph.

In the oldest age group, Keron Sandiford prevailed, with Johnathan Stephney finishing second and Jessica Cal-

ender third.

In the U-16 section, from a field of 17 players, Queens College’s 15-year-old student, Kishun Puran, ended in the top position. He emerged ahead of Saint Stanislaus’s Italy Ton Chung and fellow QC player, Aniyah Couchman, who both secured five points. The tie-breaker determined the final standing.

The U-12 Division was the largest category with some 30 participants battling. In the end, national U-12 champion, Kyle Couchman, emerged victorious.

The Marian Academy player finished with six wins and a draw (against Nicholas Zhang),

which handed him 6.5 points.

Queen’s College player, Maliha Rajkumar, finished second with six wins and a loss in her seven games, while Zhang ended with five wins and a draw for 5.5 points.

Couchman said that he was happy to have claimed another victory. “I’m very satisfied with my performance as I continue to better my skills. Chess is a game I love.”

According to information from the federation, the Region’s Youth and Sport councilor, Brian Nobrega, was instrumental in helping to organise the event.

Liverpool to face RB Leipzig in Champions League last 16 LiIVERPOOL will face last season’s semi-finalists RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Chelsea come up against Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City will face Borussia Monchengladbach, who are in the last 16 for the first time since 1978.

Holders Bayern Munich face Italian side Lazio, who are in the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years.

Barcelona face Paris St-Germain in arguably the tie

of the round, a repeat of their 2017 classic.

On that occasion the French side won 4-0 in the first leg but Barcelona completed a stunning 6-1 home win to advance.

PSG forward Neymar, injured against Lyon on Sunday, scored twice for Barcelona in the last two minutes of that dramatic comeback - for Barcelona. The Brazilian recently said he wants Barca great Lionel Messi to join him in Paris next season.

All three Premier League teams will be away for the first leg before having home advantage for the return matches.

The first legs will be spread across two midweeks, taking place on 16, 17, 23 and 24 February, with the second legs on 9, 10, 16 and 17 March.

Bayern - who beat PSG in last season’s final - are favourites with the bookmakers to retain their title.

Debutants the silver lining ...

He continued: “Likewise Joshua Da Silva in the second innings. I was really really pleased with both debutants actually – I thought Joshua was outstanding and Chemar Holder.”

West Indies were forced into two changes following the first Test in Hamilton after veteran seamer Kemar Roach – the spearhead of the attack – returned home to Barbados due to the death of his father while Dowrich, who was battling injury, also ended his tour prematurely.

Chemar Holder bowled impressively to claim two wickets in New Zealand’s first innings of 460 while Da Silva was tidy behind the stumps as well as helping to prop up the Windies second innings. He posted an 82-run, seventh wicket partnership with skipper Holder (61), before adding a further 30 for the eighth with Alzarri Joseph (24) and 25 for the ninth with Chemar Holder (13 not out).

When Da Silva arrived at the crease with West Indies deep in trouble on 170 for six late on the third day, Holder

said he quickly realised the 22-year-old was prepared to fight for West Indies.

“I’m really proud of the way he shaped up,” the 29-yearold all-rounder said.

“What was most impressive for me is when he joined me I could see he was up for the challenge … every time I looked into his eyes I could see he was up for it and that was something that was pleasing to see.

“We always say in our dressing room you can only survive in Test cricket if you have that heart. You can have the world of ability, you can have the world of talent but if you don’t have that grit and that heart, you will never survive at this level and I saw that definitely, not only from Joshua but Chemar as well too.

“On that first day [Chemar] put up his hand and said ‘yes skipper, I’ll run into the wind for you’. To see both Alzarri (Joseph) and Chemar put their hands up to run through that wind was outstanding, and I think they’ve been really really good on this tour.”

FROM BACK PAGE

Despite the brought sparks, West Indies lost the second Test by an innings and 12 runs before lunch to follow up their innings and 134-run drubbing in the first Test in Hamilton, also before lunch on the fourth day.

And Holder conceded his side had lacked the consistency expected of them. ““We were good in patches but still not good enough,” he admitted.

“We’ve just not been consistent over a period of time.

We’ve done a lot of great things but we just have not been able to string it together, more often than not.

“New Zealand is a very good team in their backyard.

They do it against most if not all the opposition teams that come over here to play. Not making an excuse but they’re very good in their conditions.

“What I do expect, however, from this group is a little bit more consistency than we have been giving in the recent past. We’ve just got to be better.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Neymar and Barca never quite the same since 2017 split BARCELONA (Reuters) Neymar was never out of the headlines while at Barcelona and his departure continues to leave ripples at the Catalan club, so all eyes will be on him when Paris St Germain meet the La Liga side in the Champions League last 16 early next year.

The Brazilian scored 105 goals in four seasons with Barca and formed the deadliest front three in world football with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League.

When Barca and Neymar were at the peak of their powers in 2017, however, he shook world football by heading to PSG for a record-smashing 222 million euros ($269.89 million).

Neither he nor the Catalans have been the same since.

Neymar may have scored 79 goals and won three Ligue 1 titles in a row as well as reaching last season’s Champions League final, but he has never looked entirely happy in the French capital.

He squabbled with team mate Edinson Cavani in his first season over penalty taking duties and in 2019 hit out at a fan

following his side’s Cup final defeat by Stade Rennais.

His form has also been interrupted by serious injuries in 2018 and 2019, while he was carried off on a stretcher in tears in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Olympique Lyonnais in the league with an apparent ankle injury.

He is due to have further scans on Monday.

He even sought a return to Barca in 2019, refusing to train with PSG to try and push through the move, which collapsed as the Catalans were not willing to meet his asking price.

The saga deepened tensions between Messi and president Josep Maria Bartomeu, with the Argentine saying he doubted whether the club had done everything they could to make the deal happen.

Bartomeu resigned in October amid growing discontent, but Neymar is unlikely to ever play for Barca again.

FINANCIAL STRIFE The club is facing financial ruin, with interim president Carles Tusquets recently announcing Barca have been forced to delay payments to players. He also said the Camp

Neymar scored 105 goals in four seasons with Barcelona

Nou was falling apart.

Barca’s financial strife is all the more remarkable considering the windfall they received for Neymar. However, they squandered his massive transfer fee on ill-fated signings such as Philippe Coutinho for 160 million euros, Ousmane Dembele for 105 million and Antoine Griezmann for 120 million.

The dire situation led them to offload Suarez to Atletico Madrid for free in September to save on wages, while Messi is looking ever more likely to walk

out on the club of his life for free next June.

The team is also crumbling on the pitch, still reeling from their humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in last season’s Champions League knockouts.

They have made their worst start to a league season in 33 years and trail leaders Real Sociedad by nine points.

They also failed to win their Champions League group for the first time in 14 years, leading to the daunting tie with PSG.

SCA to stage virtual recognition night on Saturday …Matthew Nandu, Shamsudeen among top awardees

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – The Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) was primed and ready to celebrate a significant milestone this year – its 40th anniversary. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those lofty plans had to be shelved.

In an invited comment from Chronicle Sport, SCA president, Shiv Persaud, has assured that “we will celebrate this achievement in 2021, once it is safe to do so and permitted by the health authorities.”

After enduring an eleven-week delay, the 2020 season finally got underway on August 1, and ended early October, allowing the association to complete its truncated season before another lockdown in most of Ontario put a halt to most sporting disciplines.

The season was also one with a significant difference. Instead of the usual playoffs, the various divisions, except the First and Second Divisions, were divided into groups which allowed for group winners.

According to the Guyana-born Persaud, the SCA will recognize all the outstanding individual player performances – the top two players with most runs and wickets in each division and the teams finishing number one in each group. This will be done via a “virtual recognition night” scheduled for Saturday, December 19 next, starting from 19.00 hrs.

Persaud also informed that the SCA will be presenting the actual trophies when it is

Matthew Nandu

Raqib Shamsudeen

safe to do so in the near future. He also plans announcing exciting formats for the 2021 season during Saturday night’s function.

Among the prominent awardees are seventeen-year-old Matthew Nandu, the son of former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 leg-spinner, Arjune Nandu, who finished the First Division season with the most runs, his 318 being 43 more than Toronto Rhino’s Aamir Khan, who totalled 275 from eight matches. Significantly, Nandu, who represented Kaieteur International Sports Club ‘B’, only played four games.

Nandu’s 146 in the first match of the sea-

son was also the highest in the division while he also struck two half-centuries for an average of 106 and a strike rate of 91.38.

Left-arm spinner, Raqib Shamsudeen, whose parents are Guyanese, captured the most wickets in the Elite Division; his 21 wickets coming at the miserly average of 11.43. Shamsudeen was also part of the Canadian Under-19 team at the last World Cup, held in South Africa earlier this year.

Among the top clubs were Ambassadors Sports Club, which had the unique distinction of winning the prestigious Group A of the Elite Division and Group B of the Third Division, the only club to complete the unique double. The Caribbean-dominated club is headed by Ronald Ramnarine of Guyanese heritage while Amerish Deoraj skippers the Elite team and Chris Singh is at the helm of the Third Division side.

The group winners are as follows: Elite: Group A – Ambassadors SC; Group B – Ajax/Scarboro Kingz A. Premiere Division: Group A – Highland Creek B; Group B – Palace Panthers. First Division: Winners Toronto Rhinos. Second Division: Winners Maple/Skanda. Third Division: Group A – Tpark Youngstars; Group B – Ambassadors SC B, T20: Group A – Star CC, Group B-- Elevens Kerala; Group C -- The Kayi Wolves; Group D – Island Warriors.

2022 Under-19 men’s World Cup qualifyers set to begin in June 2021 THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the rescheduled qualification pathway to the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in the West Indies, where 33 teams will compete for five World Cup spots.

The 14th edition of the event which takes place in the West Indies in early 2022 will involve Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe by virtue of their top 11 finish in the 2020 edition. The remaining five spots will be determined by regional qualification.

Qualification for the 2022 edition of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup was delayed by a year due to COVID-19.

The 33 spots will be decided by seven regional events starting in June 2021. Due to the depth in strength in the Africa and Asia regions, a two-division qualification pathway will take place.

Teams from the other three regions, Americas, EAP and Europe will have a one division qualifying process, with the winner of each regional Qualifier claiming one of the five coveted ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 places.

The road to the West Indies which showcases the future stars of cricket, will begin in Tanzania with the Africa Division 2 in June 2021. The hosts, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone will be fighting for two spots to join Namibia, Nigeria and Uganda in the Africa Qualifier in September 2021 . The qualifier will be hosted by Nigeria who competed in their first ever ICC event at the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2020.

The top team from the September event will secure their spot in the West Indies.

The Asia region which also has two divisions will see two qualifiers from Bhutan, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Thailand in Division 2 join Malaysia, Nepal and UAE nine in the Asia Qualifier to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates with the top team qualifying for the West Indies.

The top team from the remaining qualifiers East-Asia Pacific, Europe and Americas will make up the Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup line-up.

In Europe, Scotland will host the Qualifier from 30 July to 5 August and will compete alongside Denmark, Guernsey, Ireland, Jersey and the Netherlands for the World Cup spot. USA will host the Americas Qualifier and will be joined by Argentina, Bermuda and Canada between August 18 and 25, 2021.

Finally, the EAP qualifier which consists of Indonesia, PNG, Vanuatu and hosts Japan will take place between September 28 and October 4, with the winner booking their ticket to the West Indies.

Europe’s originally scheduled Division 2 event was cancelled following extensive consultation with participating Members, as the only available window for hosting did not provide a suitable environment for the staging of an international pathway event.

All events are subject to COVID-19 arrangements if required at that time.

(ICC Media Zone)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Pele FC Alumni brings Christmas cheer to past and present players

Former Pele FC coach, Peter Gulliver (2nd right) receives his hamper from Allister Parris in the presence of Club president, Dirk Exeter (right) and Denis `Chow’ Hunte.

WHILST the covid-19 pandemic continues to put a hold on many activities here and the world over, the Pele FC Alumni has once again teamed up with the local chapter, Pele Football Club, to bring timely relief to its members as well as the entity’s six Scholarship awardees.

On Sunday at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, led by Pele FC president, Dirk Exeter and his executive, parents of young players-- past and present-- including Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Braithwaite,

Earl O’Neil, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Travis Grant and Omali Nassey among others were on hand to receive their hampers.

All the recipients of the large hampers, which included regular household items apart from a whole chicken, were high in praise of the Pele FC Alumni and the Pele FC for their continued generosity which they say goes a long way in helping them to ride the challenges currently being faced.

It was back in May of this year that both entities had pre-

sented hampers to its members to assist with easing covid-19 pressure brought on by the shutdown and many persons not being able to work as they normally did.

Also, just over a week ago, for the third successive year, the Pele F.C. Alumni, in association with the Lions Club of Georgetown, Durban Park, brought early Christmas smiles to the faces of 140 children between the ages of 3-14 when the Christmas Walk-in activity was held.

In an invited comment, Club president, Exeter, said that the Alumni and Club were more than happy to be of support to its members yet again and to ensure that they enjoy a peaceful Christ-

mas, adhering to all covid-19 protocols as have been stated by the health authorities.

“My executive and I are more than happy to serve our members, past and present as well as the scholarship students.

It has been a lot of work getting all the items and putting them together as well as distributing them, but this is our way of serving and we are cheerful doing so.

I must, on behalf of the club, also express profound gratitude to our overseas chapter, Pele FC Alumni, for their continued and unflinching support of and for us here. The level of support they render is huge and beyond measure and we say thanks

The now generation of players were all happy to receive their hampers

whilst wishing them all the best for the season.”

The Pele FC Alumni, which is headed by Directors, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and Dennis Ivor Carrington, among other Directors, have collectively stated that the organisation’s aim is to always empower its members and especially the youths to be able to face the challenges that life brings, hence this programme as well as the annual Youth Development Seminar, this year’s progarmme being cancelled as a result of covid-19.

“From our end, we will continue to do our part in assisting our brothers and sisters. This is something that we have been doing for many years now and will continue to do so. Whilst wishing them the best for the season and encouraging all to be safe, we would like to remind, especially our youths, that their education continues to be something that we will prioritise.

“The youth development programme did not come off this year but, all things being equal, we’ll be coming stronger in 2021.”

Former Liverpool, France coach Gerard Houllier dies at 73

PARIS (Reuters) -Former France manager Gerard Houllier, who rebuilt Liverpool from Premier League underachievers into a cup treble winning side in 2001, has died aged 73, his former club said on Monday.

RMC sport and sports daily L’Equipe said Houllier, who also coached Paris St Germain,

Olympique Lyonnais and Aston Villa, died after having a heart operation in Paris.

“We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier,” Liverpool said on Twitter.

“The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gerard

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 15, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Malcolm Marshall-11/120 (Barbados, 1985) (2) Ewan Chatfield-10/124 (Trinidad, 1985) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest partnership by a WI pair in a WI/NZ Test in the WI to date?

(2) What is the highest partnership by a NZ pair in a WI/NZ Test in the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Houllier 1947-2020.”

The French football federation said it extended “its deepest condolences to the family and friends” of Houllier, who had a long association with the national team as a youth coach, an assistant and head coach between 1992 and 1993.

Houllier had a long history of heart problems, dating back to when he was rushed to hospital at halftime of a Premier League game between Liverpool and Leeds United in October 2001.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who scored two goals to win the 2001 FA Cup final against Arsenal, was among many leading figures in English football to pay tribute to the Frenchman.

Owen wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gerard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss”.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher added: “Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got

@LFC back winning trophies.

RIP Boss.”

Phil Thompson, Houllier’s assistant at the Merseyside club who was caretaker coach while the Frenchman was recovering from heart problems, paid tribute to his human qualities.

“My mate, my colleague, my boss,” he wrote on Twitter.

“One of the greatest moments of my life was when we come together in 1998. Just to be in his company was an absolute treat. So loyal, so passionate and extremely fierce.”

After an insignificant playing career in France’s lower leagues, Houllier began coaching in 1973, earning his first big job with Lens before taking over at Paris St Germain.

He became France’s assistant coach in 1988 and then manager in 1992 but had a short, unsuccessful spell in charge.

He resigned after failing to take the team to the 1994 World Cup in the United States following shock home defeats

by Israel and Bulgaria, losing the latter game, which they only needed to draw to qualify, 2-1

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FA Cup Final - Liverpool v Arsenal - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - May 12, 2001 Liverpool’s manager Gerard Houllier holds aloft the FA Cup REUTERS/Ian Hodgson.

after a goal in added time.

Houllier described the defeat by Bulgaria as “the most catastrophic scenario imaginable” and focused on youth coaching immediately after the debacle.

He rebuilt his reputation at Liverpool, however, joining as co-manager with Roy Evans in 1998 before assuming full responsibility and leading the

team to a treble of the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001.

He also had success back in France with Lyon, leading them to back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

He returned to management after taking a break in 2010 with Villa but left the role less than a year later following further heart troubles.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 15, 2020

NCTF guidelines keep sporting organisations in check

FACED with the uncertainty of the pandemic, numerous sporting organisations around the country have not been granted the permission to resume training activities while, surprisingly, some have managed to receive consent to resume.

While most are raring for a chance to be active again in their respective discipline, some were still against being active during the pandemic unless a working vaccination has been established.

It is partially comforting to know that vaccinations to counter COVID-19 were given in the American mass vaccination campaign on Monday morning, opening a new chapter in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more people in the United States than in any other country.

The moves come just six days after Britain became the first nation in the world to begin rolling out a fully tested vaccine. Since then, a handful of other nations have approved the same vaccine.

The outbreak forced an immediate halt on all sporting activities around the world as every governing body subsequently developed strategic

plans for Countries not fully prepared for the transition of sport during the pandemic.

Numerous local organisations have presented their

NCTF to either resume light training, and/or host competitions without audiences, coupled with other restrictions.

Sadly, the number of or-

The debate still lingers whether a face mask should be worn during sporting activities

guidelines in the hope that their request to resume regular activities is given approval. While these plans help to mitigate the spread of the disease to keep athletes, officials and, recently, fans safe, it is the National Covid-19 Task Force (NCTF) who have the last say.

A few organisations received permission from the

ganisations not given approval densely outweighs those who were given the opportunity. <<Active/Inactive/Waiting for the future…>> Sports that were given permission to host events or do light training locally include cricket, golf, lawn tennis, cycling, body building, boxing and athletics (marathons).

The sports that have not gotten permission or have shelved their calendar of activities until 2021 include football, rugby, table tennis, basketball, horse racing, swimming, pistol shooting, karate, volleyball, chess, hockey, powerlifting, squash and motorsports.

Most recently, the Task Force weighed the pros and cons of the annual Kennard’s Memorial Boxing Day Horse Race Meet which has been in existence for decades. However, the hard-working task force decided that the nature of the event makes it highly impossible to adhere to social-distancing guidelines.

Meanwhile, some associations have expressed their frustration at not being approved to resume training for the fact the numerous high-level international competitions are approaching and their preparation is falling behind daily.

At this point, the denied lot of sporting organisations’ only option is for the nation to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine currently in distribution to counter the pandemic and try to return to some form of normalcy.

Holder says 'Bubble' took its toll on players –– family time during holidays will help refresh players

By Clifton Ross WEST Indies Test Captain, Jason Holder, has admitted that life inside the Bubble since summer has been mentally tiring for players, adding that his side will be keen on regrouping ahead of the 2021 season.

The Caribbean side lost the three T20 series, 2-nil, with the 3rd being washed out. They then suffered a 2-nil defeat in the recently concluded Test series, bringing a dismal end to their assignment in this Covid-stricken year.

Despite the loss, however, there were some brilliant individual performers like centurion, Jermaine Blackwood, and young Joshua DaSilva, who had a half-century in the second game, being among the bright stars following the end of the Test series.

Holder told the media, following the match, that he was indeed feeling the brunt of

isolated cricket , which he has been a part of multiple Bubbles since cricket restarted under new guidelines, back in July.

"It has been a tough year, not just for the team but, I know for me personally it has been tough. I haven't seen home in six months now. I have been going non-stop. We have had pay cuts. It is a situation where you are still looking to make a living, still looking to make use of every opportunity you get", Holder explained.

Adding to the challenges of life in a biosecure environment, the Barbados all-rounder admitted that as a player you will need to have some sense of discipline, not only physically, but mentally; as things aren't always rosey for players. " Going from bubble to bubble and being isolated into a room sometimes, as I have said before, the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second. I know a few of the guys have got tired minds because

West Indies Test captain, Jason Holder (right) and head coach, Phil Simmons, having a chat

we've been on the road for a little while". He explained.

With the holidays right around the corner and the New Zealand series being the final of 2020 for the West Indies, Holder added that spending time with family after months of isolation will most certainly help to further refresh the players as they prepare for 2021.

"It would be good for the

guys to get home for Christmas, spend some time with their families. Hopefully, some of them get there in time for Christmas, because I think you've got to do a quarantine; some players have to do a quarantine going back home. It will be a much-needed rest for some players to just refresh and come back".

Holder ended.

World Test Championship New Zealand put pressure on India as race to Lord’s final heats up ...If New Zealand also sweep Pakistan, India will need at least four wins and three draws in eight Tests against Australia and England

New Zealand are all smiles after wrapping up a 2-0 win . (Getty Images)

NEW Zealand’s series sweep over West Indies has given them a realistic shot at making the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be played in June 2021 at Lord’s.

New Zealand finished the series a hair’s breadth from the No. 1 Test ranking: they are 0.086 points behind Australia, following their innings win in Wellington on Monday.

However, the news was not without an element of drama: For several hours after the match ended, the ICC predictor tool showed New Zealand at the top of the table, which caused some confusion within the cricket community.

This, though, seemed to be an error because the ICC clarified in a tweet that Australia are at No. 1 on 116.461 rating points while New Zealand have 116.375.

The predictor too later reflected this ranking.

Australia will build on that slender lead should they win the home series against India but two wins over West Indies took New Zealand to 300 WTC points from four series in the current WTC cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021. If they repeat the 2-0 result against Pakistan later in their summer, they will end with 420 points from five series.

That will leave India needing five wins - or four wins and three draws - out of their last eight Tests (away against Australia and at home against England) to deny New Zealand a place in the WTC final to be played at Lord’s in the English summer.

In a non-pandemic world, New Zealand would have also had to go and earn points in a series in Bangladesh, but because a few series couldn’t be played the ICC had to change the qualification criteria from absolute points to a percentage of points contested. Or, in other words, points per series played.

Australia are currently top of the WTC table, with 82.2% of points won. If they manage a 2-2 draw against India, they will still lead the table with a percentage of 74.17, but if they lose 1-2, their percentage will slip to 70. Australia are also scheduled to play a three-Test series in South Africa.

If New Zealand win both their Tests against Pakistan, they will end with 84 points per series played or 70% of points contested.

By the time India - currently at 360 points from four series played - are done with their series against Australia and England, they will have contested six series or 720 points.

They will need to go past 504 points to beat New Zealand’s score of 84 points per series or 70% of the points contested. Each of their remaining Test wins now will be worth 30 points, and draws will bring them 10 points. Five wins or four wins and three draws will take them clear of New Zealand.

On the rankings front, depending on how India’s series against Australia goes and New Zealand’s series against Pakistan, Australia could build their lead at No. 1 or cede ground to New Zealand.(Cricinfo)

GFF Argentinian ,

Ambassador, Pegasus pay tribute to Maradona THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has partnered with the Argentinian Embassy and Pegasus Hotel to pay tribute to Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, exhibiting a life-size image of the maestro in the hotel’s foyer for one week.

Argentinian Ambassador Felipe Alejandro Gardella officially unveiled the tribute at the 2020 GFF Ordinary Congress on Saturday at the Pegasus Hotel. Delegates observed a minute’s silence in memory of one of the

game’s finest players who died, aged 60, on 25th November.

“I am very grateful for the invitation from the Guyana Football Federation to the Argentine Embassy and for the tribute to Diego Armanda Maradona,” the Ambassador said.

“Football continues but it has lost an irreplaceable artist.” “Diego was a product of the humble neighbourhood in which he was born, but if soccer is universal, Maradona is also. He was a player who, to his natural ability, knew how to add a huge heart to never

Ambassador Felipe Gardella (left) and GFF President Wayne Forde unveil the tribute to Diego Maradona at the Pegasus Hotel’

give up and lead his team,” he said.

“He was a great captain, a driving force, a great inspiration to everyone who played in his team. And he was excessive, in the game and in life.

Rest in peace, dear Captain.” GFF President Wayne Forde presented Ambassador Gardella with a personalised Guyana men’s senior

national team jersey and Federation pendant at the Congress – the first attended by an Argentinian government official.

“We were honoured to host Ambassador Gardella at our Congress and to have the opportunity to honour Diego Maradona’s memory in this way. We encourage

football fans to have a photo taken with the portrait in celebration of his life and remarkable achievements on the pitch,” said GFF President Forde. “We would like to thank the Embassy and Pegasus Hotel for helping us to bring this idea to life.”

Sandiford, Puran and Couchman win Season-ending Region 4 RDC chess competition SEE PAGE 20

The winners of the respective divisions collected their prizes yesterday at the Region Four’s RDC head office on the East Coast

Debutants the silver lining but Windies not good enough, laments Holder

Debutant wicketkeeper/ batsman Joshua Da Silva plays through the on side during his maiden Test fifty on Monday.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, (CMC) – Test captain Jason Holder has hailed West Indies’ second innings performance and the encouraging debuts by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva and fast bowler Chemar Holder but says the Caribbean side were “still not good enough”, following their second successive innings defeat to New Zealand here Monday.

West Indies were dismissed for 317 in their second innings on the final day of the second Test at the Basin Reserve, marking the first time in four innings of the twoTest series they had managed to pass 250.

Under-pressure opener John Campbell top-scored with 68 while Da Silva,

replacing first choice gloveman Shane Dowrich who left the tour for personal reasons, struck 57.

And with Chemar Holder impressing with a couple of wickets, Holder said those performances were the only silver lining from an otherwise disappointing outing. “[We were] good in patches. Obviously I thought our bowlers were outstanding, just tough we didn’t take our opportunities when they came,” Holder told a media conference here Monday.

Debutant wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva plays through the on side during his maiden Test fifty on Monday.

“Then when we batted in the first innings we just didn’t set up the game well.

The pitch was a really good pitch but I was really really happy to see the fight in the second innings.

“The way John Campbell went about it, I gave him that support because I thought he was shaping to put something together quite big for us and it just wasn’t coming off but it was good to see him knuckle down again and go through his same processes and get a score.

“We would’ve liked him to go on a bit longer but still pleased with the way he went out and applied himself.”

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Holder says 'Bubble' took its toll on players –– family time during holidays will help refresh players

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