Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_24_2020

THURSDAY 24th December, 2020

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CART BEFORE THE HORSE

No.106223

–– Coalition gave contractor $48M then signed contract

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–– over $16M in materials to repair old call centre building at Linden unaccounted for

Dr Singh, Walrond sworn in as MPs

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, taking the oath of Member of Parliament on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Singh, Kamaldai finally receive house lots after two decades 09 PAGE

Murder accused escapes from Lusignan Prison 04 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Charrandas enters Parliament in full confidence, sees no Coalition MP in seat

By Navendra Seoraj

VASTLY different from the tension and darkness on the night of December 20, 2018, former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentarian, Charrandas Persaud, returned to the Parliament under the brightness of the sun and calmness of the day, this time as a ‘guest’ to observe the 14th sitting of the 12th Parliament on Wednesday.

Clad in a khaki outfit and equipped with his briefcase, Persaud, heralded as a hero by some and despised as a villain by others, entered the doors of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) which is being utilised for sittings of the National Assembly because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

His presence immediately “ruffled the feathers” of his former colleague, AFC Parliamentarian, Sherod Duncan, who, clearly overwhelmed by emotions, ‘greeted’ Persaud with verbal acrimony, at the entrance of the facility.

Duncan’s annoyance was evidently induced by his memory of what Persaud had called a “conscience vote” in favour of a no-confidence motion against his Government which was tabled by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018.

Minutes after voting

Former APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud (Adrian Narine photo)

Empty seats on the opposition side of the National Assembly (Adrian Narine photo)

“yes” to unseat the David Granger administration, Persaud, on the corridors of the Public Buildings, had told reporters that he was grossly disappointed in the AFC, the party to which he belonged.

“We are sitting in Parliament like ‘yes-men’ to APNU, and we are AFC,” he had said. “And we have not blended with APNU. The other parties have; we have not. The Government

is APNU+AFC; we have not blended. So why are we doing everything they want to do, like passing Prime Minister Hamilton Green’s Pension Bill?” Persaud had told reporters.

Fearful for his life, Persaud immediately fled Guyana after casting his vote and was living in Canada until October, when he returned to Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

CART BEFORE THE HORSE -- Coalition gave contractor $48M then signed contract

– over $16M in materials to repair old call centre building at Linden unaccounted for THE former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration had paid over $48 million to the contractor undertaking repairs to the old call centre building at Linden, Region 10, without first signing an official contract.

This discrepancy was revealed by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, in his 2019 report, which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

It was reported that the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and M&P Investments Incorporated had signed a $116 million

contract for the renovation of the old call centre, which, when completed, was expected to provide 300 jobs for Lindeners.

According to Sharma in his report, the former Ministry of Public Telecommunications had approved an advance payment of $17.1 million and an interim payment of $31.8 million on the same date for renovation and functional enhancement to the call centre building.

Further, it was found that the contract between the ministry and the contractor was signed one day after the advance and interim payments were approved.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications also made full payment on a contract to an engineering firm, for the design and supervision services for the renovation and functional enhancement to the building. But, a physical verification done by the audit office on September 4, 2020 revealed that there was no representative from the consultant on site to supervise the works.

Further, the roof sheeting installed did not meet the specifications in the contract, while materials valuing $16.2 million, already paid for, were not on the site.

Dr. Singh, Walrond sworn in as MPs TOURISM Minister, Oneidge Walrond, and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, were sworn in as unelected members of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Singh and Walrond are therefore considered technocrats, which makes them not eligible to vote on matters that arise in the House.

This is because their names were not nominated on the political party’s list of candidates, leading up to the General and Regional elections.

Walrond was previously sworn in on August 5, 2020 as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, after which she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament (MP)

on September 1. However, because of her dual citizenship, her appointments were deemed as improper. She was forced to resign and was properly re-appointed on Wednesday.

The Attorney-at-Law has several years of practice.

Prior to the March 2020 elections, she was nominated for the position of Chairperson for the Guyana Elections Commission. Walrond, whose nomination was deemed “unfit” by the previous APNU+AFC Coalition, also served as an adviser to the then Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes.

Dr. Ashni Singh had been at the helm of the Finance

Ministry for two consecutive terms under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government (2006 – 2015).

Before becoming Finance Minister, Dr. Singh served as Guyana’s Deputy Auditor General and Director of Budget within the Ministry of Finance. Dr. Singh was also Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Revenue Authority and a member of the Governing Council of the University of Guyana.

Singh is also the holder of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lancaster, UK.

Charrandas enters Parliament in full ...

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His stay in North America, according to reports, was protracted because of a slew of legal challenges which followed the passage of the No-Confidence Motion and a subsequent five-month electoral impasse, which concluded only on August 2, 2020, with the PPP/C being elected to office.

A vociferous Duncan was critical of Persaud’s decision to vote against his Govern-

ment, which now occupies the opposition side of the House, which, coincidentally, was physically empty on the day of the former parliamentarian’s return.

The vacant opposition seats did not go unnoticed, as the Government’s Chief Whip, Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, rose on a point of order to register her disappointment in the oppo-

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sition parliamentarians being absent from the chambers, but participating virtually from another section of the ACCC. The Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, concurred that this should not be the case and advised the opposition parliamentarians to occupy the seats in the chambers.

The old call centre building at Linden

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Teixeira: COVID-19 is an ‘equal opportunity virus’ –– motion introduced to garner input and support from all political players

THE motion of the ‘Global Pandemic of COVID-19’ was introduced to the National Assembly on Wednesday, aiming to garner pragmatic input and

support from all political players as is needed to combat the deadly coronavirus.

“What started out as a public health problem, has

quickly transformed into an economic crisis,” Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony lamented, while presenting the motion at Wednesday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

This newly-introduced motion, Dr. Anthony said, aims to stimulate debates on what are the best plans of action moving forward to combat the virus and its pandemic.

Dr. Anthony further stated, “We have been able to work very hard and to ensure that we stabilise the medical and health response to COVID-19 but this is not enough and this is not going to get us out of the pandemic.”

Avoiding complacency, bolstering efforts to maintain and even strengthen the

current mitigation efforts and adequately preparing for the eventual rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine were among the essential measures, he highlighted.

And so, at about 14:00 hours until after 20:00 hours on Wednesday, spirited contributions from both the government and opposition sides of the house were offered.

The ensuing contributions, however, were largely focused on whether the current government had been able to take better control of the pandemic than the previous government -- which was functioning as the de facto government when the pandemic first stuck Guyana.

But, it was Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who strived to rouse some

semblance of national unity and focus on combatting the deadly virus. She emphasised that COVID-19 is an “equal opportunity virus” that does not consider political affiliation, gender, ethnicity, class or otherwise.

“This is an opportunity for the opposition to take a national position and be able to say ‘Yes we do recognise it is a serious issue’ and to (their) pledge support,” the minister said.

She reminded that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), while in opposition, supported the previous administration with its efforts geared at resolving the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy because it was a national issue. The pandemic, she reasoned, is another national issue that

demands support from all stakeholders.

Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman, also called for the de-politicisation of the COVID-19 response, echoing Teixeira’s sentiments that it does not consider who an individual is before infecting and possibly severely harming them.

What he suggested was a “comprehensive emergency preparedness plan” that includes greater financial support to help cushion the effects of the pandemic, emphasising that the ramifications of the pandemic have wide-reaching impact.

He also stressed that while Guyana combats COVID-19, the country should not neglect the other health issues that are prevalent.

Murder accused escapes from Lusignan Prison POLICE are currently on the hunt for murder accused, Ishaka John, who escaped from the holding bay at the Lusignan Prison early Wednesday morning.

John, 25, of lot 109 ‘A’ Field Sophia, reportedly escaped from the facility between 02:00hrs and 02:20hrs. The escapee was seen by three ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service

Thursday, December 24, 01:00hrs - 02:30hrs

on top of the prison fence.

The ranks discharged several shots in their bid to apprehend John, but he continued running in an easterly direction between tower four, five and six, police said in a statement.

According to the statement, it is unclear if John was shot. A search is currently being conducted in Lusignan and the surrounding areas.

An investigation has

also been launched into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

In October 2019, John was charged with the murder of Jason Bowen, who was strangled to death with a belt on October 12, 2019, at Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

According to information, John chased after Bowen, and the latter ran in front of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, on Church Street.

When John caught Bowen, he dealt him several lashes about his body.

John then strangled the man with his (Bowen) belt.

Prison escapee, Ishaka John John attempted to escape, but was apprehended by public-spirited citizens and handed over to the police.

John was arraigned in court and was later committed to strand trial at the High Court for the capital offence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Region Two learners, schools receive electronic devices –– NGSA top performers honoured By: Indrawattie Natram

THE Region Two administration on Wednesday presented 19 pupils with Alcatel preloaded tablets and several primary and secondary school headteachers with 25 laptops and 11 smart television sets.

The devices totalling close to $3M were procured by the region under its capital expenditure.

During a simple handing-over ceremony held in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt said the region is delighted to invest in education delivery. He congratulated the students, pupils, and teachers who were beneficiaries.

He also urged teachers to ensure that the maximum number of children benefit from the initiative.

More gadgets are expected to be handed over next year.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva, while noting that with the current pandemic e-learning is being promoted, called on teachers, pupils and students to use the gadgets wisely.

She used the opportunity to congratulate several students for their outstanding performances at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

De Silva said that the RDC will be working assiduously with the Department of Education to ensure that learning takes place in the region through the provision of the necessary resources.

Meanwhile, District Education Officer for secondary schools within the region, Shondelle Hercules, said the tablets presented to the region’s top 10 NGSA performers is the department’s way of showing appreciation for the children’s performances.

Sotana Singh, Chaveana Durga, Ted Fraser, Destiny Garraway, Shaunessy, Simon, Tasheanna Persaud, Nezam Singh, Parvendra Tirbinin, Lizzianna Singh and Tieambe Moore are the region’s top NGSA performers.

Additionally, Grade Six pupils of Martindale, Lilydale, Friendship, Malborough, Hackney, Wakapoa, Akawini, Jacklow, and Abrams Creek Primary schools were given tablets to assist with the upcoming NGSA examination. Thereafter, they are expected to return the devices to their respective

Regional Executive Officer Devanand Ramdatt and Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva stand with the region’s top 10 NGSA pupils who were presented with tablets for their outstanding performances schools.

Primary Schools that received television sets are Jacklow, Siriki, Abrams Creek, Kabakaburi, Ulele, St Monica, and Akawini.

Praising the administration for the

kind gesture was the region’s top NGSA performer, Sotana Singh. In her remarks, she said she is very happy to be the recipient of a tablet, which she will be using to do home studies during the pandemic.

GDF spent $91.6M to maintain 30 vehicles –– unauthorised vehicle collected $181M in fuel for army

By Navendra Seoraj A careful examination of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s operations by the Audit Office of Guyana has found that an unauthorised vehicle had uplifted over $181 million worth of fuel on behalf of the force in 2019.

According to information from the Auditor General’s Report for 2019, the GDF had severe shortcomings with respect to the purchase, reconciliation and shortage of fuel. In

this regard, 887,800 litres of fuel, valuing $181.567 million, were uplifted by an unauthorised vehicle.

This included 26 instances where 2,000 gallons of gasoline was uplifted for the Coast Guard Headquarters, Ruimveldt, even though the storage capacity at this location was only 1,000 gallons.

“At the time of reporting, the matter was being investigated by the Guyana Police Force and the Military Intelligence Department of the Guyana Defence Force,” the audit

report outlined.

Sections of the media had quoted Minister of Public Works, Deodat Indar, as saying that a $300million fraud was discovered by the GDF regarding fuel supply at Guyoil.

In a statement, on August 26, Guyoil did not say precisely what action had been taken but added that the State Corporation suffered no loss from the fraudulent activity involving its staff and the GDF. In addition to discrepancies surrounding the supply of fuel, the audit

report revealed that the GDF expended $91.6 million on the maintenance of

30 vehicles, representing an average maintenance cost of over $3 million per vehicle.

More significantly, 10 vehicles were maintained at costs amounting to $46.429 million, representing an even higher average maintenance cost per vehicle of $4.643 million.

“Remarkably, one Toyota Hilux Double-Cab, acquired over 11 years ago,

was maintained at a cost of $7.185M; whilst a Ford Ranger was maintained at a cost of $5.660M,” the audit report outlined.

Also, a Ford F-350 and Ford Ranger Double Cab were maintained at costs amounting to $6.486M and $5.599M, respectively. However, based on a list submitted for audit, the Force has deemed these two vehicles unserviceable.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Responsible Media IN fostering a democratic culture that respects freedom of the media, and that encourages a cacophony of voices to comment on national affairs, what role the State plays in making sure Guyanese receive credible, reasonable and rational, morale-boosting content from operators of newspapers, magazines, radio and television, and online news sites?

It is a well-established truism that freedom must co-exist with responsible leadership, with professional ethics, and with consideration and regard for the overall public good, the well-being of citizens.

Since the restoration of a free media landscape in this country, after decades of a State-controlled press under the Burnham regime, media outlets today flourish from coast to coast. Democracy depends on this foundation of freedom of speech, and on the network of media establishments keeping citizens engaged in national affairs, informed of State activities, and able to air their grievances free from fear. All this is well and wonderful.

However, there is a grave situation at hand, and it is imperative that the relevant arms of the State take notice of this anomaly. In a democracy where freedom flourishes, there is a fine line dividing anarchy and chaos, from order and good governance. In fact, under the concept of good governance comes such necessary ideas as responsibility, reasonableness, and respect for what fosters the public good.

These ideas keep society moving along smoothly, even in the face of conflicting views and public arguments over polities and programmes

and projects: that cacophony of voices shouting and screaming and debating in the national media cannot disrupt and disturb and destroy public order and the smooth running of society. It is the State's role to maintain this fine balance.

Invested in the State, as an embedded aspect of good governance, is the necessity to maintain order across society, to nip any glimpse of anarchy in the bud, to prevent chaos at all cost, to ensure citizens enjoy their homeland in peaceful daily existence. One may point to the law enforcement authorities as the ones earmarked with this task. However, on the less black-and-white issue of guarding the social space from nefarious elements who may attempt to sow dissent, division, and discouragement into the minds and hearts of Guyanese, the State has a definite role to play.

This idea of a social space is important when regarding this issue, when considering how the media landscape impacts and influences and interacts with citizens; even guiding Guyanese on how to approach the task of being a citizen.

The mass media establishment in any society shapes the national social space, influencing the psyche of citizens, even setting the national mood and dictating how people feel and think about their daily lives.

The great media guru, Marshall McLuhan, made famous the adage that the “media is the message”.

Indeed, the media establishment is the single most important factor in shaping, designing and developing the context into which citizens live; the national social atmosphere of the land.

Admirably, Guyana fosters a democratic environment where media outlets are left to self-regulate their content. Citizens, and also the State, expect that the people who operate and work in the national media would be well-trained, would uphold a high level of professional ethics, and would exercise responsible respect for upholding the public good, while giving citizens the best information possible, content that is well-researched, thoroughly edited, and vetted with reliable, objective sources.

Alas, such a situation hardly exists in some highly influential media outlets, and this is a major cause for concern. The State owes it to Guyanese to make sure that this most powerful of forces over the lives of citizens, be grounded in professionalism, ethical practice, and objective reasoning. Whose task is it to ensure this atmosphere exists, and is maintained? Clearly, the State has the ultimate role to play in establishing a playing field where the public good is always upheld.

Of course, Guyana enjoys associations and organisations that accredit media owners and practitioners, such as the Guyana Press Association and the Media Owners' Association. There is the Department of Public Information, which is a government information service. However, some media outlets assail citizens with irresponsible, ill-researched, biased and emotive, even outlandish claims and accusations that only do harm to the public good, and also fosters an unhealthy public distaste for objective, factual information and knowledge.

This country is still recovering

from decades of assault on functional literacy, and it is reasonable to expect that some levels of functional illiteracy crept into the national media – even at management levels, and in influential positions. Across the media, comprehensive training seems wanting. A perusal of media content, over time, would reveal grotesque misinformation, disinformation, and misunderstandings that have far-reaching and profound impact on the country.

This begs the serious question: what methods this country has in place to maintain a healthy national media landscape, where professionalism, ethics, and responsible leadership is the norm?

The elections of both 2015 and 2020 saw how influential the media landscape is in this country. Whilst in 2020, the media houses played a solid role in preventing a collapse of the democratic ideal, in 2015, the Government of President Donald Ramotar suffered irreparable damage at the hands of some influential, but irresponsible, national media operatives. Lies, distortions, accusations of massive State corruption, and even of cronyism and nefarious activities of all sorts, showed up in the media, severely damaging this country for five years.

In fact, the Coalition took office in 2015 with heated angst, lusting for vengeance against former State officials. In five years, however, not one single case was proven in the courts under the Coalition's expensive witch hunt at the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). Media reports had the Coalition falsely levelling accusations

of misconduct against several members of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), including Irfaan Ali, Bharrat Jagdeo, Anil Nandlall, Donald Ramotar, Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington. All of it was based on misguided media reports, especially in irresponsible national newspapers, on TV stations, and on online sites.

This shows, with stark seriousness, the necessity for the State to develop, implement, and maintain a national policy for media houses to exercise their freedom to broadcast, publish and distribute influential public information to gullible, culpable citizens. It cannot be a free for all, with no responsible guidelines in place. Every country in the world entrenches a national media policy to safeguard the public good.

As the nation saw between 2015 and 2020, democracy and the national media go hand in hand, and this relationship could only work for the public good if those values of professional ethics, responsible leadership, and objective reasoning are exercised countrywide with utmost care and respect and literate understanding. This is the sole responsibility of the State-- to develop, maintain, and entrench policies of professional media operation, to make sure citizens are not again swamped with misinformation, disinformation, and insensitive false accusations. The State owes it to citizens to ensure the entire media landscape is trustworthy, professional, and ethical in every aspect of its public practice.

What is the true spirit of Christmas?

Dear Editor,

THE world is swinging in the season of Christmas when Christmas comes once a year and so each person should have a share.

In the countries with cold climates, when fall has given way to winter and snow

covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to house, you know Christmas is coming. Decorated Christmas trees are everywhere you look. Presents crowd for space under the tree and families come together for a turkey feast.

Christmas is one of the

most important Christian and cultural holidays of the year. In America, the Christmas celebrations, shopping, preparations and decorations commence from the night of Thanksgiving Day. In Guyana, from the beginning of December, the

country grooves into the Christmas mood, beginning with the selling of everything Christmas, the decoration of homes, offices, buildings and streets, the displays of fairy-lights, the Christmas tree planting and the playing of Christmas songs and carols over the air and in the stores.

This is the time when stores and shops expect to boom in sales and many small vendors are hoping to make an extra ‘piece.’ The streets are crowded with traffic, the pavements are spaceless to walk, the stores are cramped with shoppers and buyers, people are elaborately

dressed, all the fancy decorations are out, new furniture and appliances are purchased, food and drinks preparations are pursued, including, black, fruit and sponge cakes, pepperpot, chicken curry and dhal puri, ginger beer and sorrel drinks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

How to avoid a nasty new year debt hangover

By Rehana Ahamad THIS year has been incredibly unpredictable.

Since the emergence of the coronavirus from Wuhan, China, last December, the world has not been the same. As at last evening the virus had infected 77.6 million people globally; 1.72 million persons have died, while 43.8 million were fortunate enough to have recovered.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, devastating families, communities, corporations and countries. In Guyana, more than 6,000 persons have been infected, with 160 persons losing their lives; the local figures are especially troubling, considering the fact that Guyana is home to barely 747,000 persons.

The economic effects have resulted in loss of jobs and income for dozens of Guyanese families. This year, the usually anticipated holiday season is not quite anticipated, as many continue to struggle to make ends meet, and to adjust to the new normal.

Despite the global devastation, Guyanese are known for their ability to weather storms and find fun and joy in almost everything. It is therefore safe to say that even though Christmas is not particularly anticipated

ford. As a rule, spend from what you have (cash and bank) and not from credit,” the accountant urged.

this year, Guyanese will most definitely be celebrating.

In all the festivities however, persons are encouraged to spend wisely and avoid splurging this Christmas.

Chartered Accountant and Lecturer at School of the Nations Incorporated, Terrence Jaskaran was kind enough to share some financial tips that Guyanese can follow as we approach the festive season.

AVOID IMPULSIVE SPENDING When I shop for Christmas, I usually end up spending on things that are not on my list, but, as Jaskaran has advised, this could lead to disappointments.

“With all the decorations, happy feelings and festive mood, it is very easy to get carried away with your purchases and end up buying impulsively. One can easily lose track of one’s spending with the end result of incurring expenses on non-essential items,” Jaskaran said in an interview with this publication.

He believes that Guyanese, from all walks of life, could benefit tremendously from a spending plan which prioritises expenditures based on necessities and wants.

“You can plan perhaps along the lines of food, drinks, decorations, pres-

Chartered Accountant and Lecturer, Terrence Jaskaran

ents, travel, utilities, and maybe entertainment, with a dollar value attached to it,” Jaskaran noted.

The accountant reminded, too, that electricity bills have a tendency to be higher during the month of December.

“It is important to be honest with yourself and accept limitations in your spending power. It is better to reduce one category if you’re going beyond your budget rather than to incur debt,” Jaskaran advised.

AVOID DEBTS When it comes to shopping for new clothes for the season, I tend to make ‘impulse’ purchases that usually take a dip into my savings; or, sometimes I

“borrow” a few dollars from mother dearest. Just as I am usually tempted to take from my parents, many persons are also tempted to go as far as taking loans to be able to “afford Christmas”. With 2020 being a clear wake-up call, Jaskaran is advising Guyanese against borrowing money for the holidays.

“You may not be able to get presents for everyone and as such prioritising is important even for gift purchasing.

Set your budget, and stick with it. Do not buy presents that you simply cannot af-

RECYCLE AND REMAKE This COVID-19 pandemic has taught us much about being environmentally-friendly, and the need for us to pursue sustainability in all areas of life, including the financial. Jaskaran is adamant that recycling and remaking should be the rule of the season, especially during a year as challenging as 2020.

“You may be presently surprised of the savings, though small, that you can gain from recycling Christmas items such as gift papers, bows and even ornaments.

Buy only what is necessary and what you planned ahead for,” Jaskaran encouraged.

He believes that making homemade Christmas items, including decorations and presents, can be quite economical in these times.

“For example, Christmas cards made by the kids for their grandparents, while having greater emotional value, may also result in cost

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savings,” the lecturer posited.

JOINT VENTURES Jaskaran has a concept that gives ‘joint venture’ a whole new meaning. As a person who loves receiving gifts, it is not a concept that I quite appreciate. However, as a person who has to give gifts, it is one that I plan to implement this season.

“Consider joining together to give gifts instead of individually buying everyone on your list a present. Other members in your household may contribute to the purchasing of a present for a loved one and a gift from us all may be better and cost efficient than many gifts from us individually,” Jaskaran noted.

GO E-GREETING As much as I value technology and saving the planet, I do have deep appreciation for hardcopy reading materials such as newspapers and books. The same sentiments apply to Christmas cards, since I grew up in a home that cherished them. However, given the year we’ve all had, a beautiful e-card may be best this Christmas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Guyanese prepare to welcome end-of-year festivities

Dear Editor,

THE end-of-year holiday season is upon us; what a year it has been for Guyanese Americans with election-rigging in Guyana and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Guyanese New Yorkers are making preparations to welcome the holiday yuletide cheer--Christmas and the new year-- though the festivities are subdued as a result of the pandemic that has taken a heavy toll among Guyanese Americans and others.

Guyanese residential neighbourhoods and commercial areas are brightly illuminated with multi-coloured flickering lights and various party favours. Queens is a mini epicentre of the corona virus and hundreds of thousands of Guyanese are settled in the borough with thousands infected and hundreds dead from COVID-related symptoms. Too many are in mourning and trying to keep safe from the virus to be bothered with holiday cheer.

Nevertheless, the holiday season is one of expectancy among the large

Guyanese population, especially children, in Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and other parts of America where they have settled over the last five decades. Last weekend, the shops and restaurants on Liberty Avenue, Flatbush/Church, Cypress, and Westchester and Parkchester Avenues, the hubs of Guyanese and ‘Trini’ commercial activities, were buzzing. It was the final weekend before the Christmas holiday although shopping will peak Thursday for last-minute purchasing. Teems of people were seen shopping and ordering cakes and foods, though their wallets are thinned this year because so many lost their jobs as a result of a slowing economy brought on by the pandemic. Shoppers are not buying extravagantly as last year because of uncertainty of future job earnings.

The U.S. government passed another stimulus bill this week to give every American and resident and even some qualified foreigners $600 to spend during the holiday, but that money may not get to consumers until after the holiday. The unemployed will also get an extra $300 a week in

addition to their regular unemployment insurance benefits that range up to $750 a week for a maximum of 59 weeks.

In spite of slow economic activities, stores are well decorated for the season. Huge numbers of multi-coloured lights and other paraphernalia are on display in front of stores brightening them in the dark hours.

The lights, trimmings and other decorations in Guyanese residential neighbourhoods rival those in any other community. Some Guyanese homes in Richmond Hill and even stores can win prizes for their extraordinary lighting arrangements.

One can purchase virtually everything related to Christmas at the dozens of Guyanese and other Caribbean stores that line Liberty, Flatbush, and other avenues. Guyanese come from distant places from as far away as Washington and Virginia to patronise the stores and restaurants on Liberty.

The stores on Liberty Avenue and the avenue itself are brightened for the yuletide season, well decorated with party favours and buntings

hanging on light wires. Appropriate Christmas music emanates from stores, even among Korean-owned businesses; the latter fit in with the Guyanese culture to attract shoppers.

In Flatbush, Caribbean people sang carols and rang bells on the sidewalks, soliciting donations to feed the homeless and other less fortunate people.

Near the restaurants and bakeries, the enticing aromatic smell of dainty dishes wafts in the air. The Guyanese bakeries and restaurants took special orders of food and snacks, including black cake, pine tart, and the like.

The roti shops did very good business. Halaal meat shops were busy as usual for the season. Regardless of COVID, people have to eat, patronising meat stores, restaurants, groceries, and bake shops.

The Christmas spirit has been displayed over the last couple of weeks in residential areas as well. The Guyanese neighbourhoods in Richmond Hill, Jamaica, Queens Village and other communities have an abundance of flickering multi-coloured lights on the exterior

What is the true spirit ...

There was a time when neighbours would gather at one person’s home to do all the baking on a ‘fireside’ oven or a kerosene stove oven. The baking pans were not as fancy as the modern times and sardine tins were a substitute.

‘Ice apples’ and grapes were a delicacy along with chocolates and the imported biscuits, cookies and sweets. Of course, small children expect to go see Santa Clause while toys

and other gifts are bought, wrapped and hidden for the surprise on Christmas morning. The masquerade bands would ply their routes with their “Long Ladies” and ‘Bull cows,’ while their exotic, ecstatic and entertaining juvenile dancers would perform their heroic and acrobatic dances to thrill the spectators, meanwhile posing a danger to the moving traffic. Many of the traditions are still maintained,

but the practice of small boys dressing up on Christmas Eve night, banding together, walking in the neighbourhood and dancing to the beat of their own boy-made instruments (hitting cans, beating drum covers, blowing whistles, and mouth organs), is a dying or faded custom. Lighting up fire crackers was a major past time and “rackling” carbon in Ovaltine or Milo cans to a booming sound was another

favourite. Going to the cinema, especially children to a 9am show was a popular feature for this time of the year. This is also a thriving business season for ‘pick pockets.’

Many of us celebrating Christmas will already be eagerly anticipating the festive food, excessive boozing and dreading being in an unashamedly skint way before the end of December. Christmas for many of us means a great deal of eating, drinking and spending too much money. Most of us would assume it originates from the word Christ, as the whole idea of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus (no, it's not just about the presents). Most Christmas traditions vary in significance and symbolic meaning. For example, we exchange gifts because God sent us a precious gift. For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in order to pay the price for the things we have done wrong: sin. Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It’s also a celebration. It’s when Christians celebrate God’s love for the world through the birth of the Christ child, Jesus. The Bible tells of his birth hundreds of years before, fulfilling prophecies.

But what is the true meaning of Christmas? Is it the Midnight Christmas Mass or the giving of gifts or the distribution of toys or food hampers or money? Is it the

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of homes. Even the trees outside on the lawn are well decorated. Lights in the shape of drapes, curtains and icicles hang down on ceilings and roofs. It is as if the houses engage in an unofficial competition for the best-decorated and most-lit title, not dissimilar from some homes in Guyana.

Just as in Guyana, the Christmas holiday festival in New York transcends religions. Christmas lights blink near fluttering jhandis of Hindu homes. Halaal shops and Muslim homes are also decorated on the outside for the end-of-year season.

This year the Richmond Hill community could not host its annual luncheon that normally attracts some 500, instead, they were treated to a virtual concert last Sunday. Mandirs also held a virtual end-of-year concert for their congregations.

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

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annual economic boost on receiving bonuses? Is it the parties, the gatherings, the speeches, the shopping, the food, the drinks, the cakes, the music and the families getting together? This year, Christmas is threatened by the pandemic attack of COVID-19 and its repercussions. Many countries are discouraging the celebration of Christmas and calling for its postponement, not to travel or banning travelling and to stay at home and to avoid large family gatherings.

The significance of Christmas is possibly lost or interwoven with its cyclic events, rippling in waves of death, sickness, and closures of businesses, job layoffs and unemployment.

The domino effects are translated into poverty, suffering, hunger, food shortage, income scarcity, expense increases, depression, oppression and suppression. Further taxed for aid and coming to the rescue are demanding contributions from governments, employers, organisations, companies, clubs, associations, churches, mosques, mandirs, temples, other charitable societies and generous people.

People are encouraged to get into the Christmas “Spirit.” This “feelings” means different things to different people. To Scrooge, the Christmas spirit was a ghost. To the liquor industry, the Christmas spirit comes in a bottle. Some people feel that the Christmas spirit is somehow the truce that takes place in the fam-

ily when nobody brings up the issues, the quarrels. The Christmas spirit is expressed in a card that conveys a sentiment of well-being. A small child thought that it is really contentment, because that’s what you need to be when you don’t get what you want. For some people it is an attitude of happiness found in the fellowship of friends or the party spirit while consuming drinks and turkeys. For many, however, the Christmas spirit is not so trivial or so frivolous or so fun. For many, the Christmas spirit is one of profound sadness, increased depression because all that is wrong in your life is then measured against the hilarity of the time and seems even more profoundly painful. It is bitter for poor mothers who cannot provide a proper meal or toy or clothing or a wreath for the grave of a little boy. For others, it’s a time for saying thanks for some very basic things. But, getting down to the core of this deal, what is the true spirit of Christmas? Ask yourself, is it the fun or fellowship?

Is it the giving or receiving? Is it the sharing and caring? What really does it mean to you? Whatever you do or don’t do, do have yourself a happy, merry, blessed, healthy and safe Christmas holiday.

Respectfully, Jai Lall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Singh, Kamaldai finally receive house lots after two decades

By Rabindra Rooplall PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, gave two women their Christmas gift, on Tuesday, after he waived all fees and cost attached to their house lots when he learned that they had applied for a plot of land over two decades ago.

The beneficiaries were Patsy Singh, 64, a mother of six, who had been waiting more than 25 years for a plot of land. She was allocated a lot at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) while Kamaldai (only name given) was allocated a lot at Ann Catherina.

Both women applied for land in 1993 but were unable to secure house lots.

They received their house lots at the Government’s ‘Dream Realised Housing Drive 2020’ hosted Tuesday

at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, made the presentations to the women on the President’s behalf.

The outreach concluded Wednesday with over 1,000 house lots being delivered at the two-day event hosted by the Housing Ministry.

President Ali took the decision to waive the fees and costs after the women’s plight came to his attention.

Patsy Singh said she thought her dreams of homeownership went up in flames after the ministry’s building on Homestretch Avenue was gutted by a fire in 2001.

She recalled her frustrations as a single parent while visiting the ministry time after time, only to be told that there were no record of her

Patsy Singh selects her house lot from an envelope held by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (CHPA photo)

application.

“They tell me I got to apply back again and I keep applying and they just get me going and coming, and I ain’t able because I got to work to maintain meh children them. So, I just leave it down like that,” the mother of six explained.

OVERJOYED After decades of hopelessness, she now owns a house lot at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. An overjoyed Singh extended gratitude to the President for his unexpected intervention.

Meanwhile, Kamaldai was given a house lot at Anna Catherina, WCD. The woman said that after applying in 1993, she was issued a lot in 1995 under the tenure of the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

The lot she received was in Sophia. However, her dreams of homeownership seemed to vanish after she was forced off her land by squatters.

“My lot number was lot 648 and Dr. Jagan himself delivered that lot number to me; and in 1997, the squatters take it away and since then I’m running for a house lot and I always get turned down….That is how come I gat to rent house,” she said.

Kamaldai recalled waiting outside of the ministry’s office in the wee hours of the morning hoping to get a chance to speak to a minister or to get some form of assistance from staff.

On Tuesday, she received

‘Importer’ who allegedly for conned customer granted bail AN importer, who allegedly failed to deliver 486 pine doors after being entrusted with over $2M, was, on Wednesday, granted $200,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

James Emmanuel Ragnauth of Leonora, West Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to fraudulent misappropriation.

It is alleged that Ragnauth and Avinash Salim are known to each other.

Salim would often utilise Ragnauth's services.

Between July 8 and August 4 this year, Salim, made three sets of payments which totalled $2,972,000 to Ragnauth for 486 pine doors. Ragnauth told him that they were already on the wharf in Guyana. However, since Salim made his last payment, efforts to contact Ragnauth proved futile.

Salim noticed a wanted bulletin that was issued for Ragnauth. Salim immediately made a report to

the police. Ragnauth was arrested and told of the allegation.

He claimed that the Brazilian company from whom he made the purchase took back the doors.

Ragnauth did not have any documents to support this claim. Further investigations were conducted and the present charge was laid.

Ragnauth currently has two matters of a similar nature pending.

The matter was adjourned to January 6.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in deep discussion with Kamaldai after she received her document (CHPA photo)

an unexpected call from the ministry asking her to attend the Dream Realised event and to bring all of her relevant documents.

“I feel very happy after waiting so long, and I am overjoyed, and I thank the President and the ministers and all the employees, and

I want to wish everyone happy holidays. I would like to thank the President a million and one times, Kamaldai said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Demerara Bank opens Mahaica branch –– Gov’t plans to cultivate new developmental hubs in district

The New Demerara Bank Mahaica branch outlet

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Demerara Bank Limited, Dr Yesu Persaud unveil a plaque as others look on

THE government will be looking at areas on the Mahaica-Mahaicony corridor to cultivate new developmental hubs, President Irfaan Ali announced Tuesday night.

The Head of State made this disclosure while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Demerara Bank Mahaica branch.

“Your government has recognised a series of areas that will become new development hubs, new growth poles. So very soon we will be looking at all the lands on this corridor – Mahaica-Mahaicony. We will be looking at all the lands in order to come up with the perfect diversification plans.”

The Head of State explained that since Mahaica and its environs are heavily dependent on rice and other agricultural produce, the government is looking to create an agriculture hub, which should also see the development of aquaculture.

To facilitate this, the government will develop programmes and policies that will not only encourage and stimulate growth to the areas, but will also give tremendous incentives for future investments.

“Our intention in creating a whole new array of infrastructure is to ensure the travel time between the centre and the outskirts is not inhibitive to business development and growth.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS President Ali said the establishment of Demerara Bank’s eighth branch falls directly into a strategic focus and position of the government and comes at a time when avenues to strengthen the traditional sectors are being explored.

He stressed that the government also has a responsibility to create an enabling environment with proper laws, good infrastructure, security and a supportive bureaucracy for greater reliability and efficiency.

“The bank expands in an environment that it trusts; the bank expands in an environment that it has confidence in; the bank expands in an environment in which it sees itself as playing a transformational role; the bank expands in an environment in which it recognizes the economic prospects for a particular region or area. It is not guess work, it is a strategic alignment with the development of the area and the country through government policies and programmes… it is a perfect marriage,” he said.

President Ali added that a harmonious relationship between government and the private sector is important and essential for the growth and development of the country, and the private sector itself.

GREAT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP The President also applauded the bank for its progress in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, while indicating that other banks and financial institutions have been shutting their doors around the world.

He said this is due to great management, leadership and a particular sense of boldness for thinking outside of the box.

“And if you look at the revenue diversification… the revenue portfolio of Demerara Bank, you will see that there is a lot of thinking outside of the box. And this is what separates successful businesses from unsuccessful businesses – their ability to adapt, cope and to strategically position themselves.”

According to CEO Mr Pravinchandra Dave, the construction of the bank’s new branch cost over $500 million. However, this figure includes the cost of a solar system that provides 100 per cent renewable energy for the branch.

Despite its official opening (December 23), the branch has already facilitated the opening of over 1,000 new accounts and approved three loans.

The branch will also house the Diamond Fire and Insurance Service. Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, also spoke at the opening.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Labour Ministry intervenes as GuyOil workers stage sit-in

By Rehana Ahamad THE ongoing wage dispute between the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) and its unionised workers is currently being addressed at the level of the Ministry of Labour. This was confirmed by the Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle, who explained that the ministry had intervened prior to the commencement of industrial action on Wednesday.

According to President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union, Sherwood Clarke, the action took the form of a sit-in, which saw approximately 300 workers reporting for work, but downing their tools.

Ogle, in an invited comment, said he was a bit surprised by the action taken, since the Labour Department had already intervened and that discussions were still ongoing.

“We had a meeting on Monday,” Ogle indicated.

It was explained that at that meeting, the union reiterated its proposal for a five per cent “across-the-board” increase in wages and salaries for GuyOil workers, or, an eight per cent increase using the performance appraisal system.

“Management (of GuyOil) responded by saying nothing; nil,” Ogle noted.

Because of the bottleneck, Ogle said that he adjourned the meeting and instructed both parties to “go back and review their position”. However, GuyOil had still gone back to the meeting with nothing.

“I told them that they need to do something, because if they don’t move, we will have to move to arbitration,” Ogle noted. The Chief Labour Officer told this newspaper that the union was also cautioned against calling a strike, as of Tuesday.

“I told them that they cannot call a strike, because we are now involved; we have intervened; the compa-

ny is calling it a strike and the union is calling it a sitin,” the CLO posited.

As a courtesy, Ogle said that the company ought to have been afforded some time to provide a definitive response.

General Manager of GuyOil, Trevor Bassoo, had told this newspaper that even though the company empathises with its workers, it is not financially able to abide by a previous decision to give increases in wages and salaries, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The situation at this point in time does not allow us or permit us to issue any of those two specific forms of remuneration that the union requested,” Bassoo noted.

Meanwhile, the union president is insisting that the oil company had been operating at a profit, and can therefore afford to give back to its deserving employees.

“These are essential workers being denied; at the extraordinary meeting, they agreed that as long as the company made profits, the increases would be paid.

They had their recent AGM (Annual General Meeting) and declared $2.9B as profit,” Clarke said.

He noted that in addition to salary increase, GuyOil workers are also deserving of Christmas bonuses. “GuyOil workers are considered frontline workers; they didn’t take days off and stay indoors, they continued their work,” Clarke said previously.

He said that the industrial action was as a result of an ultimatum the union had given to GuyOil. “We told them that they had until December 18, 2020 to come back to the table to tell us something positive,” Clarke said.

As of Wednesday, Clarke said the union is still hoping to resolve the matter in a manner that is positive for the staff. At the same time, several GuyOil employees were hard at work.

Royal Investments to pay outstanding US$2M for sale of Guyana Stores -Court also awards State interest, cost

CHIEF Justice Roxane George has ordered Royal Investments Inc (RI), which owns and operates Guyana Stores Limited to pay the outstanding US$2M balance to the State for the sale of the business entity.

In June 2004, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) initiated legal action against RI for the recovery of the outstanding sum plus interest.

The matter was first filed in

2006, and, after some delays, hearing began in late 2010.

On December 17, the ruling was handed down at the High Court by the Chief Justice who awarded judgement to NICIL in sum of US$2M or its equivalent in Guyana dollars.

The court also ordered that interest be paid as claimed on the said sum of US$2M or its equivalent with effect from October 1, 2001 until fully paid. The Chief

Justice also dismissed a counterclaim by RI and ordered them to pay NICIL the sum of $5,000,000 in cost.

The Chief Justice in her ruling made reference to Mohammed Yassin, the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Stores Limited and him not being honest about his affiliation to RI. “I found that Mr. [Mohammed] Yassin tried to portray himself as a naïve businessman. Yet, he was

dealing with a $6 million US transaction, a not insignificant sum of money in circumstances where the evidence discloses that his company was part of the consortium that made up RI that was involved in the initial negotiations for the purchase of the shares. Mr. Yassin tried to deflect from the fact that he was always a part of RI and I find that this is the flaw in the case for RI,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Christmas a ‘family affair’ at St. Matthias Buxton Church

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Christmas season is said to be a time for togetherness. Family and friends are drawn closer, even if it is only for this brief period, and the St. Matthias Buxton church epitomises that spirit of togetherness, especially during the merry season.

At 03:00 hours on Christmas morning, when many other persons might have crawled back into their beds in an attempt to get a few hours of shut-eye,

the caroling begins at the church.

It’s a symphony of the Christmas favourites, from “We wish you a Merry Christmas” to “Jingle Bells”- albeit with a slight Guyanese twist to some of the lyrics. If you’re lucky, the African drums might come out. And that is guaranteed to invigorate any drowsy child, uncle, or aunty.

Two hours later, by 05:30 hours, the sounds dwindle. Just before the

sun comes up, a family breakfast is done. All agesyoung and old- come together in the auditorium and sit down to share a Christmas morning meal with each other.

Reverend of the Church, Desiree Watts, told the Guyana Chronicle that she spends most of Christmas Eve baking.

She prepares food for everyone. Now, that isn’t an exaggeration because she prepares several pots of pepperpot to accommodate

Marlon “Chucky” Adams and some of the children he taught drumming

Reverend of the St. Matthias Buxton Church, Desiree Watts

the vegetarians and those who prefer different meats.

She also bakes sponge cake, black cake, and fruit cake -- all with and without eggs. Eggs and other breakfast foods are cooked at the church.

“When it comes to Christmas Eve night, who is sleeping?” she joked, adding, “It’s all exciting for me to bake and bring it over to the church and cook at the church.”

And so the church members, their friends and families, and even any visitor are welcomed into this space.

After that breakfast, each person usually goes home to their family breakfast (because you can never go wrong with two servings of Christmas morning pepperpot) and to open gifts.

TOGETHERNESS AND CAMARADERIE Watts, a 65-year-old Buxtonian, said that this spirit of togetherness and camaraderie is alive and well in Buxton, a community that is too often stigmatised.

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, she emphasised that this spirit has been with the community for as long as she can remember.

“In our early days, we used to have the masquerade bands. My father used to be with the masquerade drum and I grow up knowing the masquerade drums,

the mother sally, and the cow and so at Christmas time,” she recollected.

“Sometimes you scared and run under your bed and so, but it was all fun.”

Members of the community came out on Christmas Day to see the masqueraders frolic in the streets. This tradition brought immense joy to the people, even if the “mad cow” was slightly intimidating.

But this particular tradition ceased in the 1980s when the “old heads” grew old and eventually died, Watts explained, noting that this particular tradition was never imparted to the younger sons, and was not practised since then.

However, the reverend emphasised that many other traditions have popped up.

Her son, well-known local drummer Marlon “‘Chucky” Adams organised the Buxton Fusion School of music, which is well-known for an immaculate crop of African drumming talent.

A STAPLE This drumming has become a staple part of life in Buxton for many people, year-round instead of only at Christmas time.

And Watts is certain that with the right amount of encouragement, “Chucky” could prepare the masquerade drums and revive the Christmas masquerade.

This masquerade, or lack thereof, is only just one example of how Christmas has changed in the community. Reverend Watts lamented that maybe, the commercialisation of the holiday has contributed to the greater focus on presents instead of just enjoying the season with loved ones.

It is for this reason she directs 110 per cent of her energy towards ensuring that the community in the St. Matthias church, which has been around for 32 years, is preserved.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

$91M bridge commissioned at Riverstown

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edghill (second from left) cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Riverstown bridge. Also pictured are Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva (right) and Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Odit (second from left)

Vehicles crossing the new bridge for the first time

By: Indrawattie Natram MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edghill, last Saturday afternoon, commissioned a state-of-the-art bridge at Riverstown Village, Essequibo Coast.

The modern edifice which was constructed by H Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering has a price tag of $91M. During a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open it to vehicular traffic, Minister Edghill said the bridge was constructed from taxpayers’ money in an effort to bring infrastructural development to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The solid concrete bridge replaced an aqua panel bridge which was deteriorating. That bridge is now closed and commuters have started utilising the newly constructed bridge.

“The continuation of the project is to ensure the Essequibo Coast Cinderella County experiences the kind of modernisation and development taking place all across Guyana,” the minister said.

He said the solid concrete bridge will be able to accommodate heavy traffic passing through the region.

Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, remarked that the project is a timely one and one that residents have been waiting on for a long time. She said the bridge will benefit the region tremendously as persons will now have better access.

Immediately after the commissioning, the bridge was put into use. Residents who gathered to witness the commissioning thanked the minister and the Government of Guyana for the initiative.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Diamond Insurance opens seventh office at Mahaica DIAMOND Insurance on Tuesday opened its seventh office location, this

branch being located in the Demerara Bank building at Mahaica, East Coast

Demerara.

Diamond Insurance, a related company of the iconic

DDL Group, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Diamond Insurance branch at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara

The indigenous company boasts its impressive insurance packages for Motor, Fire, and Liability. They are the pioneering indigenous company in the marine insurance sector, and promises to the insuring public rapid claims settlement and excellence in customer service.

The head office of the company is located at 11 Lamaha Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, with branch offices at 12C Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice; Lot 1 Port Mourant, Corentyne and Lot 9 West Public Road, Springlands, Corentyne; Barakat’s Mall, Henrietta on the Es-

sequibo Coast and Giftland Mall, Turkeyen. Mahaica is the seventh location of this insurance company and has been strategically chosen to bring convenience and service to persons in the Mahaica, Mahaicony and Abary (MMA) and East Coast corridor.

The new location can be easily accessible on 624MCHA (6242); 228-5544 or hotline 623-5038. Further information can be found on the company’s website at www.diamondinsgy.com or its Facebook page.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Local business launches postcards in time for Christmas season

By Tamica Garnett THE digital age has largely diminished use of traditional methods of greetings and expressions such as letters, postcards, and greeting cards, but, with interactions and gatherings drastically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, the need to uplift and spread some cheer to loved ones has caused a return to tradition of yore.

That is what owner of Caliper Drone Services, Julian Cadogan, hopes to capitalise on this Christmas, with the debut of his postcard business this Christmas season.

Caliper Drone Services is popularly known for its breathtaking images showcasing stunning scenes and sites from around Guyana, and now those images have been turned into cards, as a keepsake that Guyanese can now mail to each other, particularly relatives overseas.

“Finding unique gifts to share with loved ones is always a challenge during the Christmas season, and as our lives become more and more digital, the need to send cards is overlooked, but

having an item that resonates with ‘home’ adds to the joy of sending a card to a loved one,” shared Cadogan.

“Post Cards by Caliper Drone Services were created with the vision of rekindling the transferred and cherished moments of well wishes and greetings. Persons like seeing ‘undiscovered’ parts of Guyana, shared in a new light, and these postcards will allow for that to happen, in addition to providing history or context about the image, and location,” he added.

Aerial scenes of Guyana’s gorgeous coastline, or lush savannahs, perfectly captured scenes from the Lethem Rodeo, Diwali, or Rockstone Fish Festival, the postcards also double as a promotional tool for Guyana as a tourism destination.

With many of us restricted to our homes for a large part of the year, and many of our beloved locations closed up and vacations cancelled, love and appreciation for images that reminded Guyanese of locations they could no longer visit grew even more.

NOSTALGIA “This initiative allows us to showcase new parts Guy-

ana, as well as places that we love and missed, places that travel has restricted us from visiting, and it allows loved ones to reconnect in traditional ways while being reminded and enlightened about the beauty of our Guyana,” was how Cadogan put it.

Originating in the mid-1800s, post cards are small cards for writing and TURN TO PAGE

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Owner of Caliper Drone Services, Julian Cadogan, recently launched postcards business for Christmas

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

How to avoid a nasty New Year ...

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“It’s a ‘Guyanese thing’ to send Christmas cards to friends and almost every family member. Many of these persons reside overseas as well, so there is the cost of (buying) the cards, as well as postage. This Christmas we may save in on those costs and wish friends and family a Merry Christmas on social media or via email,” Jaskaran posited.

GOING LOCAL

During the holidays, a large component of our grocery list accounts for bottled beverages. Jaskaran is encouraging us to cut down on the aerated drinks this holiday.

“Consider homemade alternatives such as ginger beer and sorrel,” he recommended.

Jaskaran said that, in addition to being more cost effective, homemade drinks may encourage us to be

healthier, making us even stronger to fight against the deadly COVID-19.

“They also provide a more traditional Christmas feeling,” Jaskaran noted.

“This can be extended to other packaged, canned and processed imported foods as well. Buy local alternatives and make what you can at home; you’ll save, and it can be a fun family experience making stuff together and of course nothing tastes better

than ‘homemade’,” Jaskaran said.

His advice may differ once he tries my epic casreep egg fried rice. It’s definitely homemade, but I can count on a few other things that may taste better.

PLAY THE SAFE CARD Given all that the world has endured this past year, many of us may be tempted to justify splurging during this season. It has been a

long, difficult, deadly year, and we don’t know what tomorrow may hold, so, I might as well buy this captivating $30,000 watch, even though I know that the money may be better spent elsewhere. Jaskaran has put a damper on my splurging plans, advising that we should “play it safe” this Christmas season.

“We could not have imagined in December 2019 what 2020 had in store for us, and while we are all optimistic about 2021, we should not forget the lessons from 2020,” Jaskaran urged.

He added: “We do not know if there would be additional lockdowns or curfews, and no one’s job and health are guaranteed. The only thing that’s certain is that there will be uncertainty and as such, a 'better safe than

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sorry' mindset will make for a happier 2021, as opposed to a 'let's spend it all, enjoy the Christmas and hope for the best’.”

Jaskaran believes that a little planning and being firm with the way we spend would guarantee us much joy during the holidays.

“Christmas doesn't have to come with a nasty New Year debt hangover,” Jaskaran maintained.

REPORTER’S NOTE This is the first of a four-part series that examines how we continue to adjust to the new normal.

Part two will feature some tips on how we can optimise our use of technology in celebrating with our families and friends, this Christmas.

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Christmas a ‘family affair’ ...

“We have the community spirit at the church and we want it to be just so,” she posited, adding: “We all share what we have. If somebody brings drinks, is drinks for everybody so if you bring a friend, you have things to share and do things and so.”

This year, she is mulling to have a gift exchange on Christmas morning with everyone present. This is usually done during the Old Year’s night, but she realised that persons may prefer to enjoy other activities then.

She also said that the gift exchange on Christmas morning might help to add to the celebrations, which are much needed during this

otherwise dreary pandemic.

Moreover, with Christmas Day around the corner, Reverend Watts is also trying to organise supplies to present some of the persons in the village who have been experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

This is yet another way she believes both she and the church can help to spread Christmas cheer.

“I don’t do it for profits or anything like that. I only do it to spread joy,” the reverend said. “The pandemic is bad, but I hope that it will bring joy to families because it is bringing everyone together.”

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Local business launches ... mailing without the use of envelopes, and over the years like stamps have grown to become a unique way of advertising a nation’s traditions and culture.

The Caliper Drone Cards are four inches by six inches and are retailed in packages of 10 for $2000, and are sold at a booth at the Giftland Mall, and can also be ordered through the business’s Facebook page or by contacting Cadogan directly on 592627-1583.

The idea for the postcard was one that had actually first came to Cadogan in 2019, after persons would

often reach out to him for details about the many awe-inspiring images, which he would often post on social media. He set about to find a way to make the pictures a tangible memento that persons could share.

“This makes the images tangible and creates something that they can hold and send to their loved ones.

There’s space at the back to attach memories. So in addition to sharing the image they’re also able to share memories,” said Cadogan.

Cadogan followed up his idea by putting all the necessaries together.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Lakers lose to Clippers despite LeBron’s effort

(BBC) - NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers were beaten 116109 by Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday’s opening night of the new season.

The Clippers’ Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half while Kawhi Leonard added 26 of his own.

It is the second successive year Clippers have defeated Lakers in their season-opener.

Elsewhere, Kevin Durant scored 22 on his Brooklyn Nets debut as they beat Golden State Warriors 125-99.

Two-time NBA champion Durant joined the Nets on a four-year $164M deal in the summer of 2019 - after leaving Warriors - but missed last season with an Achilles tendon injury.

When asked about the 10-time NBA AllStar’s return to the court, Nets coach Steve Nash said: “It’s a big, big difference in taking 18 months away from the NBA and

Paul George top-scored for the Clippers with 33.

coming back into the NBA with everything he’s gone through.

“He looks like Kevin, he plays like Kevin, but I don’t want to start making expectations of him until he gets going and gets some games and some rhythm under his belt and adapts to playing three in four nights and playing almost every other night for a stretch.

“That’s the next step for him. We’ve got to just take it day-by-day with him.”

Stephen Curry posted a double-double for the Warriors with 20 points and 10 assists but they never looked

like troubling the Nets, who, on Nash’s coaching debut, ended a seven-game losing streak in season-openers with Kyrie Irving top-scoring with 26.

LAKERS LOSE ON RING NIGHT The Lakers were presented with their NBA Championship rings before the game, which featured a mamba snake behind players’ numbers to honour former player Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January.

The top of the ring is also detachable, revealing retired Lakers’ jerseys - with Bryant’s

numbers 8 and 24 jerseys highlighted in purple.

Lakers couldn’t cap off ring night with victory though, never leading against Clippers who had at most a 22-point advantage in the first quarter.

LeBron James topscored with 22 points, for the hosts, at an empty Staples Centre.

In what was Tyronn Lue’s first league game as Clippers’ head coach, George and Leonard became only the third pair of Clippers’ team-mates - and the first since 2016 - to score 25 or more points in a season-opener.

Mazepin cleared to drive after ‘inappropriate video’ (BBC) - Formula 1 team Haas say Nikita Mazepin will drive for the team in 2021 after concluding their investigation into the Russian’s conduct in a video recently posted online.

In the clip, Mazepin appeared to inappropriately touch a woman in a car.

The 21-year-old deleted the video from his Instagram account and apologized for his “inappropriate behaviour”.

Haas later described the video as abhorrent but yesterday said the matter has been dealt with internally.

“Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita

Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver line-up for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship,” Haas said in a statement.

“As per the team’s previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin (December 9) - this matter has now been dealt with

Nikita Mazepin drove with Hitech Grand Prix in Formula 2 last season, but is joining Haas in Formula 1 from 2021. internally and no further comment shall be made.”

Mazepin, who finished fifth in Formula 2 this sea-

son, was first announced as a driver for Haas for the 2021 and 2022 seasons earlier this month.

Three Guyanese appointed to FIFA international referees’ list (CMC) – Guyanese referee Sherwin Johnson said he is looking forward to returning to the field of play next year, after being reappointed to the FIFA international referees’ list.

Johnson, female compatriot, Maurees Skeete and male assistant referee, Kleon Lindey have been reappointed to the referees’ list, enabling them to wear the FIFA badge and officiate at international matches in the coming year.

“I’m very elated to have been

(reappointed) to the FIFA 2021 list,” Johnson said. “With hard work and determination comes success, but I feel as though this one was given to me too easy because little football was played this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m eagerly awaiting the return to play, so that I can once again showcase my talent with the Golden Arrowhead flying high. I want to thank God for his continued protection and my family for their never-ending

support.”

The FIFA referees’ list is updated every year with approved and qualified referees and assistant referees from all over the world on the basis of nominations from national federations.

The nominees are reviewed by the FIFA Referees Committee, chaired by 2002 FIFA World Cup Final referee, Pierluigi Collina.

Guyana Football Federation head of refereeing, Dion Inniss, was delighted that the trio had once again been reappointed to

the international list.

“Because of the pandemic, no opportunities were presented to them for officiating even at the local level, much less the international level,” he said.

“We know how distressing this was for them because they were not able to showcase their talent. We wish them the very best as soon as we are allowed to return to play in 2021, and we know that they will go out and represent Guyana proudly on the field.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Timothy’s Motorcycle & Spares donates Man-of-the-Series prize for BMC TIMOTHY Bhagwandin of Timothy’s Motorcycle & Spares Store located at 122 Regent & Oronoque Streets, Bourda, Georgetown, has donated the Man-of-the-Series prize for the Big Man cricket tournament.

The popular Zanella 110cc motorcycle will be awarded to the most proficient Player-of-the-Tournament.

The Zanella motorcycle is a single cylinder 4-stroke engine with a displacement of 107 cm3. It has air cooling with

4-speed semi-automatic power.

There will be several prizes and trophies to be awarded at the end of this tournament but this one is expected to be the most cherished one for all the players.

Meanwhile the body announced the recommencement of planning for the Domestic Over-45 T25 tournament which will be held in Guyana during the period January-February 2021.

Firm dates for the fixtures will be released in due course.

Willy Farouk, manager of Timothy’s Motorcycle hands over the Zanella motorcycle keys to John Ramsingh, director of Big Man Cricket-Guyana.

Blackwood, Windies most successful Test batsman in disappointing 2020 … Gabriel wraps up year as leading WI Test bowler

By Clifton Ross traumatic JERMAINE Blackwood capped off a COVID-19 stricken year as the most successful West Indies Test batsman, while pacer Shannon Gabriel ended 2020 as the Test team’s leading wicket-taker; - good signs for a team with much to prove in 2021.

Most of the cricket activities of 2020 were either put on immediate hold, or pushed forward to another date following February’s initial stages of the outbreak. Thanks to dedication and an intangible, parameterised concept known as the ‘bubble’ which was birthed by the National Basketball Association (NBA). It has since allowed live sports to be played within a specific bio-secure area with mostly no fans allowed.

After England and West Indies were the first two teams to brave playing cricket amidst the pandemic back in July, it was Blackwood who, for the first time since his return to form in the Regional 4-Dayers; managed to overcome the first-time jitters to emerge as the leading run-getter with 211 runs at an average of 58 with two fifties

Jermaine Blackwood and Shannon Gabriel are the top West Indies Test performers of 2020 with bat and ball respectively. including a 95.

West Indies would lose that series to the English, who maintained a good Test record on home soil. However, Blackwood would then take his form into the New Zealand series, where again his gutsy demeanour took centre-stage.

The 2-Test series saw the touring Windies lose out at ending

2020 with some positives but Blackwood’s performance overseas this latter half of the year is undoubtedly one of the biggest pluses the Caribbean side will take into 2021.

The Jamaican ended with the second most runs in the series behind Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson, finishing the series with 216 runs, again

averaging +50 (54). This time the stroke-maker didn’t let his foot off the gas as he chalked up a brilliant 104 in the first match. He then scored 69 in the last game to go along with scores of 20 and 23. Overall, Blackwood has notched up 427 runs from the 5 Tests played this year, making him arguably the best batsman in

the West Indies Test team over the two away series played, following the resumption of action.

Another West Indian will be entering 2021 with much confidence and momentum, as the bustling speedster Gabriel has made a brilliant return to action since recovering from injury ahead of the England

Test series.

The Trinidadian pacer ended third on the list of wicket-takers (behind Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes).

He snapped up 11 wickets from the 3 matches played against England and claimed a best of 5-57 with an overall match-haul of 137-9 - exceptional performance in a match dominated by the England fast-bowlers.

New Zealand proved to be a bit more of a test for the right-arm quick, but managed to end the 2-match series as the Caribbean side’s most successful bowler ; coming in 4th in the wickets column with 6 scalps.

The departure of his partner Kemar Roach in the 2nd Test following the passing of his father was also a huge setback, as Gabriel and his partner worked better when used in tandem.

Still, despite the few hurdles including the ever-existing threat of the virus looming, West Indies and their two star performers will definitely be looking to vastly improve their game, whether it be from an individual or team basis. Their next assignment is set for January 2021 against Bangladesh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

Tough year for sports locally, with 2021 set for more uncertainty … Cricket, football, athletics among primary casualties of COVID-19

By Clifton Ross THE year 2020 has been filled with enough amazement and newfound ways of living thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in what has been a rollercoaster year for sports internationally and especially in Guyana.

Guyana alone had her fair share of annual events being postponed or called off indefinitely right around the February month-end/ March mark, when the virus made its way onto the Caribbean scene.

The first and arguably most important tournament at that time, the Regional 4-Day tournament 20192020; was in its latter stages when it was forced to be called off, resulting in Barbados Pride winning the title.

After the cancellation of the 4-Dayers, reality began to step in as a number of other regional and local events were systematically dropped or postponed until a more certain, future date.

So began the ripple effect which trickled onwards, plaguing everything from local volleyball, karate, motor-racing, table tennis and other popular brands of sports, to take an indeterminate backseat to normalcy.

The result was a barren, no-live sports wasteland which further created a sad atmosphere for athletes, fans and stakeholders alike.

It took almost 7 months

of tribulation, trials and a bunch of in-depth studying as it relates to understanding how the virus operates as well as how much of an impact it will have on the sports and tourism sector.

After months of inactivity due to lockdown and its guidelines; Guyana, like most other countries, sought to deal with the outbreak and its aftermath, despite a complete 360 turn when compared to just 10 months ago.

Now with the pre-existing threat still lingering and possibly being even more on the verge of mutating into something far more uncontrollable than the initial wave, more than ever sports in Guyana will be put to a stern test.

A f e w s p o r t s h a v e, however, managed to slip through the deadly cracks of COVID-19 and find ways to return to normalcy amidst the ongoing threats.

Volleyball, despite having the backing of the government recently with its proposed plans to move forward after being sidelined since their last overseas outing back in February; has suffered tremendously with no tournament or anything remotely live going down, since earlier in the year. It is likely that the athletes will be seeking to fully regroup and re-enter the world of live action for 2021.

Basketball, soccer and

In 2019, there were a number of athletic meets. cricket are primarily on the same wavelength. All are team sports, all require social-gatherings and heavy team presence/input and all are conventionally played in front of a large number of fans.

Locally, the three sports have been equally quiet with basketball and soccer having to forgo a number of plans for 2020 while cricket has also suffered with a number of major annual competitions being cancelled for the first time in a significant number of years.

Despite these setbacks, the local fraternity of sports has remained solely focussed on finding ways and

means to live and work alongside the pandemic, which has no apparent timeline as to when it might or will subside.

Athletics is another recipient of a major blow dealt

by COVID-19 by having most of its activities, including the international Aliann Pompey Invitational – one of the significant Guyanese tournaments - to not continue its annual tradition.

Those premier associations and clubs in Guyana have lost millions in sponsorship among other areas of fiscal depression thanks to the virus. Horseracing, arguably one of the biggest sporting events in

the country, has not seen any action since January; with two of their events, including the annual Boxing Day Mega Meet, being cancelled.

As a result of the obvious uncertainty, whenever permission is given by the local Task Force to resume live sports and outdoor activities will allow some sort of routine-living in the future. With cases on the rise, locally and around the world, it is most certain that the new plans for sports in 2021 will revolve around, safety and production.

Cricket, football, basketball have all undergone some progress since the

pandemic kicked in, resulting in successful hosting of tournaments in a discreet environment. Those local associations have also been keeping close with their overseas governing bodies, following the necessary guidelines needed to stay safe and play during a pandemic.

It is safe to argue that 2021 will be another year of mystery as it relates to COVID-19 and the new measures, which could be taken or new mandates which will be rolled out for 2021 for all teams and sport niches in Guyana, the Caribbean and rest of the world.

Bonner poised for Windies Test debut - Bennett (CMC) – Former Jamaica Scorpions coach Junior Bennett said Nkrumah Bonner is poised to make his Test debut for West Indies on the Tour of Bangladesh next month.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has not announced a squad for the tour, which includes two Tests and three One-day Internationals from January 10 to February 16.

But Bennett said the fragility of the

Windies batting was so cruelly exposed on the tour of New Zealand, which ended earlier this month, that Bonner, 31, could be the right fit for the middle-order.

“The selection panel must be thinking about giving Bonner a chance in the next series based on his performances in the last first-class season and the fact that he toured with the team to England and New Zealand and did not get an opportunity,” Bennett

told the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

Bonner has played only two Twenty20 Internationals for the Caribbean side, but he has made 69 first-class appearances, scored 3 321 runs at an average of 27.22.

Bennett, however, felt that Bonner’s batting in the 2019-20 West Indies Championship was a sign that he could bring some stability.

Bonner scored two hundreds in 523 runs

from 13 innings at an average of 58.11 for the Scorpions.

“Our batting is still a major concern and I think Bonner is capable of holding our middle order together,” Bennett said.

“Bonner has the ability to concentrate for long periods of time. Therefore, he can hold the middle-order batting together where we are losing a cluster of wickets.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 24, 2020

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‘Consistency’ is Hemraj’s top priority during Super50 Cup

By Rajiv Bisnauth COMING off a productive run in the just-ended U.S. T20 Open, Chandrapaul Hemraj, says he is acutely aware that consistency remains the best avenue for a West Indies recall.

Undoubtedly one of the best young batting talents

opening batsman who can also bowl a bit of decent left-arm spin.

He first came into the limelight when he was selected to play for West Indies U-19s. Very soon after that, he made his first-class debut for Guyana in the Regional FourDay competition during the 2011-12 season at the

Chandrapaul Hemraj across the Caribbean, the left-hander compiled a total of 190 runs in the U.S. T20 Open, with scores of 10, 43, 87 and 50 and will now turn his attention to the upcoming Regional Super50 Cup, scheduled from February 4 to 27 in Antigua and Barbuda.

“I would love to stay on this path, in terms of consistently scoring runs, so yes definitely I am looking forward for the Super50 tournament,” the 27-year-old Cane Grove resident said.

He added, “I’m satisfied with the performance in the USA. I think it’s a step in the right direction for me in terms of understanding my game more and being able to execute game plans more consistently,” he explained.

Hemraj is primarily an

age of 19.

Hemraj represented the West Indies in six ODI’s, the last being against Bangladesh in December 2018. He also played 31 First-Class games and 31 List A games to date.

Meanwhile, only the six main franchises – Guyana Jaguars, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Jamaica Scorpions, Barbados Pride, Windward Islands Hurricanes and Leeward Islands Volcanoes – will be a part of next year’s tournament.

Defending Regional Super50 champions, West Indies Emerging Players, will not be able to defend their title.

More so, with the reduced fixture, the tournament will be played over one round with five matches per team.