Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_31_2020

THURSDAY 31st December, 2020

' No.106229

US$35M Sheraton resort, hotel for CJIA

–– to occupy over 100 acres of land, create about 200 jobs

(Photo courtesy of Sheraton’s website)

No public late-night ‘Old Years’ celebrations PAGE

05

‘Harbour Bridge’ boss gifts self $897,000 bracelet PAGE

02

T&T firm collected Courtney Benn’s over $9M from 17 contract to build Asphalt Plant before dormitories at LTI

PAGE

03

PAGE

it was registered

likely to be terminated

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Harbour Bridge boss gifts self $897,000 bracelet

By Rehana Ahamad IT would appear as though

International Men’s Day attracts quite the celebration over at the Demerara

Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation

Chairman of the investigative team, Chateram Ramdihal, presenting his findings

Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC); so much so that the General Manager of the agency, Rawlston Adams, did not hesitate to approve the purchase of an $897,000 wristband for

himself.

The transaction surrounding this substantially generous gift was one of the more startling findings of an investigation into the operations of the state-owned asphalt plant – a subsidiary of the DHBC. Chairman of the investigative team, Chateram Ramdihal, explained that while the purchase of gifts is not abnormal, it requires approval from the Corporation’s Board of Directors, especially in the case of such an expensive purchase.

“And if there is no

board at the time, then it should have been escalated to the subject minister,” Ramdihal said, moments before handing over the findings to Senior Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.

“It is damning,” Edghill posited, upon receipt of the 31-page report.

The minister told reporters that the findings will be shared with the members of the DHBC’s Board of Directors, for further deliberations.

“I can say that based upon this report, I will summon a Special Sitting of the Board of Directors, where the sole subject would be the deliberations of the findings of the report, and the adopting of recommendations or determining specific actions to be taken,” Edghill said.

The minister insisted that the intent of the investigation

was not to witch-hunt, but to ensure that taxpayers’ monies are properly expended.

The report indicated that in addition to Adams’ bracelet, “Gifts were also given to all other men within the Corporation, to an approximate value of G$10,000 each, to mark the occasion of International Men’s Day.” The document said that due to the lack of an independent approval system, the purchases can be deemed as misuse of the plant funds for personal gain.

The corporation, and those implicated in the mismanagement of funds were also afforded the opportunity to respond to the findings.

In its response to the gift purchases, the DHBC said, “Gifts were given to all men within the organisation. This is the standard practice in the organisation. Please see attached bills and receipts.”

The investigating team recommended that gifts to employees of the corporation be done in accordance with generally accepted principles, and “at arm’s length.

Asked about the consequences, Minister Edghill indicated that “Whoever is culpable, will be dealt with based on the principles of natural justice.”

Questioned specifically about criminal charges being brought against the errant officers, Edghill maintained that “If there are criminal activities, yes!”

“If you do the crime, you have to do the time,” he added.

Meanwhile, Junior Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar, said that while the audit was not forensic in nature, it did capture almost all areas of the asphalt plant.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Courtney Benn’s contract to build dormitories at LTI likely to be terminated MINISTER of Education (MoE), Priya Manickchand, said that her ministry is likely to have the Attorney General terminate the current contract for the construction of the dormitories of the Linden Technical Institute (LTI).

A $398.173 million contract for the construction of the facility had been awarded on May 30, 2018 and signed on July 9, 2018, for the construction work which was expected to last 18 months with a defects liability period of 12 months.

The contract was scheduled to commence on September 6, 2018 and complete on August 16, 2020.

However, according to the recently released Auditor General’s 2019 Report, as of September 2020, the construction was still incomplete despite the deadline for the completion of the works having expired. The construction is being done

by Courtney Benn Construction Services Limited, which already had a contract terminated by the MoE last month for slothfulness on the construction of the St Rose’s High School.

“We are about to terminate for the same reasons.

Long months upon months and what was supposed to be done has not been done.

When contractors fail to do that which they [were] contracted to do, it is the ordinary people who depend on the state for service who

The state of the ongoing works at the Linden Technical Institute in September 2020

suffer and are short changed, Minister Manickchand told the Guyana Chronicle.

The Linden Technical Institute has been in existence for over 60 years and has been providing technical and vocational education and training programmes. The dormitory was being built to house students residing in Rockstone, Kwakwani, Ituni, Riverview and the riverine communities in the Upper Demerara and Berbice Rivers.

The works on the dor-

mitory were supposed to include the construction of six reinforced concrete buildings, Blocks A to F. Blocks A and F were the canteen and admin buildings respectively, while Blocks B, C, D and E would serve as the dormitories. The blocks are required to be complete with plumbing, electrical and rainwater installation, painting and tiling, along with landscaping works, boundary fence, six non-electric rooms and a guard hut.

In the Audit Report, it

was noted that notwithstanding the expiration of the completion date, works were still yet to commence on Block A and F while works on Blocks B, C, D and E were in progress; however, there was “minimal activity on site with approximately 12 staff carrying out the works”.

Notwithstanding the state of the works, the report noted that the contractor has already received payments totaling $165.176 million, which included two advance

payments of $59.741 million and $49 million, along with eight interim payments.

It was noted, however, that while the contractor received two advance payments, the contract only catered for one advance payment.

“The second advance payment is a clear breach of the contract and should not have been paid to the contractor. Further, there was no evidence in the Project File indicating that the contractor used the advance payments

exclusively to pay for plant, machinery, and equipment, materials and other expenses required directly for the execution of the contract, as required under clause 34.2 of the General Conditions of Contract,” the report said Moreover, the advance bonds have since expired on January 31, 2020 and August 31, 2020, respectively, with only $20.909 million or 35 per cent of the first advance payment having since been recovered.

Access to UK market to remain uninterrupted –– with promulgation of new CARIFORUM-UK pact WITH the United Kingdom’s (UK) departure from the European Union (EU) now formalised, CARIFORUM, as a measure of maintaining market access to the UK and vice versa, has promulgated the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

This new pact was made official following the issuance of a Ministerial Order signed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on December 30, 2020. This order gives effect to the CARIFORUM-UK EPA.

The BBC has reported that the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) in 2016 and officially left the trading bloc -- it's nearest and biggest trading partner -- on January 31, 2020. However, both sides agreed to keep many things the same until December 31, 2020, to allow enough time to agree to the terms of a new trade deal. It was a complex, sometimes bitter negotiation, but they finally agreed a deal on December 24. It came into effect on December 31.

Prior to the UK’s departure from the EU, trade between CARIFORUM states and this nation has been governed by the CARIFO-

RUM-EU EPA. However, as of today, the CARIFORUM-EU EPA will cease to apply to trade between CARIFORUM states and the UK. The Ministerial Order, therefore, brings into effect from January 1,, 2021, the CARIFORUM-UK EPA which will serve as the fundamental mechanism that ensures continuity in the existing preferential trading and investment relations, and facilitate uninterrupted market access and other EPA benefits for CARIFORUM states in trade with the UK. The CARIFORUM-UK EPA is a roll-over agreement from the

CARIFORUM-EU EPA as it replicates all relevant sections of the existing EPA with necessary technical and administrative changes to make the agreement operable in a CARIFORUM-UK context.

According to reports, the CARIFORUM-UK EPA was signed on March 22, 2019 by nine CARIFORUM states including Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

It was later signed on April 1, 2019 by Trinidad and Tobago and on April 4, 2019 by The Dominican Republic. Other nations

were expected to also sign the agreement.

The EPA is of economic importance to Guyana’s private sector considering that the UK is Guyana’s largest trading partner in Europe and sixth largest trading partner overall.

It accounts for 2.1 per cent of imports, 8.8 per cent of all exports and is an important market for exports of sugar, rice and rum. At the regional level, the UK is the largest trading partner for CARIFORUM. It absorbs 25 per cent of exports from the region.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Legislation for adult vaccination coming –– opt-out mechanism to be employed for COVID-19 vaccines

By Vishani Ragobeer AHEAD of the rollout of the vaccines for the virus, COVID-19 early next year, the government will be hoping to pass new legislation that will provide for the vaccination of adults.

During his daily COVID-19 update on Tuesday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that a draft piece legislation, a new immunisation bill that will allow for the vaccination of adults, would be presented to the National Assembly in early 2021.

“Our current legislation only provides for immunisation of children. It does not allow for the immunisation of adults,” Minister Anthony explained.

The Public Health (School children) Immunisation Act is an act that makes provision for the immunisation of persons seeking entry into schools and day-care centres.

This does not cater for adults, however. And instead

of amending this existing legislation, a new legislation will be introduced. Once this legislation is presented to Parliament, it would be read and debated on. This allows for a ventilation of ideas from the government and the parliamentary opposition.

“COVID-19 is different in the sense that older people are the ones we want to vaccinate… Traditionally, vaccines are used to prevent childhood diseases,” he explained but added too, “The bill is really trying to fix that gap in our legislation, so I don’t expect too many challenges to it.”

This particular bill, Dr. Anthony explained, was developed out of the real problems presented by the pandemic. He emphasised that the only way to exist this pandemic is by immunising the population.

‘OPT-OUT’ MECHANISM Even though immunisation is the exit strategy of getting out of this disruptive

pandemic, the Minister has consistently emphasised that the vaccine shouldn’t be one that persons should be outrightly forced to take.

“There are sections of the new law where we speak to who should get immunised and there are exemptions…

Those things are clear,” Minister Anthony told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

The exemption process, he said, is similar to the ‘opt out’ mechanism (the dissent forms offered to school children) employed through the ministry during the rollout of its Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF).

During the MDA, it was understood that school children would receive dosages of the tablets in accordance with their age. But, if parents did not want their children to take these drugs, they could have signed the forms refusing the tablets.

“Basically, it’s like that... if you don’t want it, there is a

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

process by which you can opt out,” Dr. Anthony said.

A specific COVID-19 Task Force is expected to oversee the rollout of the vaccines for the virus. This task force will include government agencies, the private sector, members of the Joint Services and hopefully, expert immunologists.

The rollout of vaccines for COVID-19 will require careful logistical planning and management, but also specialised resource capacity. It is already known that

cold-storage facilities are required.

The Ministry of Health has published bids for private contractors to procure and install refrigerators and vaccine carriers, which must be completed before Guyana receives its first quota of the COVID-19 vaccines next year.

Stakeholders have advised, however, that public trust in these vaccines must be built in addition to the other prerequisite measures such as the correct infrastructure, training and perhaps even legislation.

The first set of vaccines Guyana will be receiving will be through the COVAX Facility, a global initiative geared at accelerating the development and manufacture of the COVID-19 vaccines, and then providing them in a guaranteed rapid, fair and equitable manner to those countries which need them.

Those vaccines will be free and the first three per cent of the vaccines will be used for the frontline health workers and the next tranche will be used for older persons and

persons with higher risks, such as those with co-morbidities.

The Guyana Chronicle recently reported that the Head of the School of Nursing at the UWI’s Five Islands campus, Karen Josiah, emphasised that myths and harmful perceptions of the vaccine need to be dispelled.

Additionally, she said that public officials and healthcare workers need to work to ensure that the public’s fears are eradicated.

Though the vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed at a record speed, safety and efficacy of the vaccines approved (or will be approved) have not been compromised.

So far, Pfizer, Moderna and Oxford Astrazeneca are three widely-known vaccines that have been approved. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are already being distributed across the United States.

Results so far indicate that the vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19 and they seem to be safe.

Convicted murderer appeals 70-year sentence CURT THOMAS called “Deportee”, who is currently serving 70 years’ imprisonment for the murder of businessman, Seeram Singh, has moved to the Appeal Court to have his

Thursday December 31, 2020 –– 4:30HRS

conviction and sentence overturned.

In November, Thomas, formerly of Hyde Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was convicted by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High

DEAD: Seeram Singh

Curt Thomas. called ‘Deportee’

Court. Trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh sentenced Thomas to 70 years, with the possibility of parole after serving 40 years behind bars.

Dissatisfied, Thomas, through his attorney, Lyndon Amsterdam, appealed the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred in law and that the sentence was unduly severe.

He is also contending that the trial judge admitted evidence that was prejudicial to a fair trial.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on April 30, 2016, around 21:00 hours, Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall when he was attacked by an armed man.

Singh was reportedly shot in the back and fell to the ground, and, as he laid there, the gunman discharged two more rounds, hitting him in

the head and chest, before relieving him of the two gold chains he was wearing, and making good his escape.

By the time the police arrived on the scene, Singh had already died, but they found a live .32 round, and a bullet casing of a similar calibre, along with his wallet, cell-phone and a few gold rings, which the gunman had apparently missed in his haste to flee the scene.

On May 4, 2016, Thomas was arrested at a Parika betting shop, and when placed on an identification parade, was allegedly identified as the shooter by an eyewitness.

A swab test done on Thomas’ hands reportedly tested positive for gunpowder residue. The police also carried out a search at his home and found clothing which matched what eyewitnesses said the shooter was wearing.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Wanted bulletin Guyana lacks capability to ‘define’ different issued for COVID-19 strains Leon Waddel –– Min Anthony says, waiting called ‘Mack’ on guidance from CARPHA

By Vishani Ragobeer

WANTED: Leon Waddel

THE police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Leon Waddel, 30, who is wanted by investigators for the murder of Hanswar Stoll, called “Red Man,” which occurred between November 15 and 16, 2020, at Dadrima savannah, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Police said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Leon Waddel, called “Mack,” is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 216-0250, 216-0251 216-0252, 2160253, 216-0254, 265-7383, 261-2760, 225-3650, 2261928, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

AMID news that the first case of the reportedly more transmissible strain of the virus COVID-19 has been recorded in the United States, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said that Guyana does not have the capability to define different strains of the virus and instead has to await guidance from CARPHA. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, the minister explained that this new strain -- which was discovered in the United Kingdom and prompted travel bans from that country -- was detected because some countries are able to identify those variants from genetic typing of samples. But Guyana, he lamented, does not have that capability.

“It’s hard to identify the strain [and] to take action without the relevant evidence is a little bit difficult and that’s the challenge…

We don’t have the capability of defining different strains of this virus,” he said.

Last week, during one of his COVID-19 updates with

the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dr. Anthony said that Guyana was awaiting further scientific information to guide any decision, as advised by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

And on Wednesday, he told the Guyana Chronicle that no fixed information has come from CARPHA yet. Instead, that information will be made clearer on Monday (January 4) when chief medical officers of the Caribbean meet.

He, however, noted that CARPHA has indicated that it can assist Guyana in identifying variants, but the agency will probably send those suspected samples to other labs, since CARPHA of itself does not have the capacity to test for the variants.

The new variant (or strain) of the virus has been recorded in the UK, the U.S., Australia, Denmark, Italy, Iceland, and the Netherlands. If someone has been infected with COVID-19 before, they can become re-infected by contracting a different strain.

There are currently 348 active cases in Guyana.

No public late-night ‘Old Years’ celebrations –– as curfew, closure of bars and entertainment spots will not be relaxed

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

By Vishani Ragobeer THERE will not be a relaxation of the curfew nor will bars and other such entertainment spots be allowed to operate as stated in the existing COVID-19 Emergency measures, which expire at midnight tonight.

There are a suite of latenight activities ranging from church services to parties in bars and clubs that are usually prominent features of New Year’s Eve or Old Year’s night, as it is commonly called in Guyana; and even though the updat-

ed COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Nine) expire at midnight on December 31, newer orders which will take effect from January 1 are not expected to relax the curfew nor allow such social gatherings.

“At least for now [the measures that address the curfew] remain the same… bars and entertainment spots, the same,” Minister Anthony told the Guyana Chronicle when asked about how the COVID-19 measures will be employed after midnight on December 31.

The current curfew is

22:30hrs to 04:00hrs. These orders also state that bars and rum shops should remain closed; this measure has been in place for a number of months, as measures were employed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 .

The Guyana Chronicle understands that several churches have prepared for this and will be hosting ‘Old Year’s night’ services at earlier times, so that attendees can return home before the 22:30hrs (10:30 curfew).

Minister Anthony had previously said that bars should not be in operation -- whether they adhere to the curfew or not -- because one would have to remove one’s mask in order to drink.

And, given that most bars are housed indoors, the potential for spread is much greater.

On Wednesday he emphasised that while the Health Ministry sets these health standards it is the task of the law-enforcement bodies to ensure that persons are adhering to the guidelines.

The newer orders taking effect from January 1 until January 31 will be gazetted and made available sometime today.

Taxi driver robs passenger, crashes car POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the robbery of 25-year-old Leroy DeSantos, a barber of Ocean View, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Tuesday night at around 20:00hrs at Crane, WCD. Reports indicate that DeSantos and some friends were imbibing alcohol at Parika, East Bank Essequi-

bo (EBE), when he joined a white Toyota 192 hire car, HB 3949, to head home.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 25-yearold of Linden.

On the way home, DeSantos reportedly fell asleep, and upon reaching Crane, the taxi driver turned into Old Road, stopped the car, and allegedly attempted to steal a gold chain the pas-

senger was wearing.

Unfortunately for the taxi driver, DeSantos awoke while he was attempting to steal his belongings, and in the scuffle which ensued, the chain burst, leaving both men with a piece in his hand.

Now fully awake, DeSantos exited the car, while the driver tried to beat a hasty retreat, but lost control

of the vehicle and landed in a nearby trench.

Later when DeSantos checked his pockets, he realised that his wallet with some $50,000 in it was missing, and reported the matter

to the police.

When the taxi driver, who turned out to be a policeman, was found and taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, a few pieces of the gold chain were found

in his possession.

He has since been placed in custody, while his vehicle has been impounded, pending further investigation of the matter.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecembER 31, 2020

Land of Optimism WHEW! The last day of 2020! And what a year it has been! Here in Guyana, the country battled through and won a major threat against democracy.

In the United States, the pandemic lacerated the country, and the U.S. elections saw all manner of dramas and ups and downs, with protests and Black Lives Matter underlining a year of immense upheaval.

Globally, the pandemic caused immense social and economic angst, and in fact the world is entering 2021 with many places either in full lockdown, such as England and parts of Europe and even closer to home in Ontario, Canada, or with a curfew in effect.

The global population is facing the new year under the COVID-19 pandemic cloud, as vaccine roll-outs ramp up in several countries around the world. Most people worldwide would breath a sigh of relief as 2020 fades into the past. In 2021, Guyana is looking well set to enjoy a fruitful year of plenty, as a major global oil producer and with rice and agriculture, forestry and mining, and overall foreign investments in massive projects, well underway.

Even the sugar industry is bouncing back, albeit slowly. Guyanese are facing the new year with confidence, with a warm welcome and with every assurance that the nation’s social and economic well-being is on the right path. In fact, how different this year-end is, compared to the 2019 year-end, when the country faced political chagrin, an

uncertain future under the Coalition, and economic decline.

Thankfully , things righted themselves and Guyanese came through 2020 with flying colours. The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat hanging over the heads of citizens, but the government is doing a laudable job in tackling the virus. Guyanese in 2020 proved themselves to be a resilient, strong, reasonable nation. They showed integrity and self-leadership in standing up to fight for democracy to prevail. Just like citizens banded together to fight back against a plan a couple of years ago to blanket Georgetown with parking meters, Guyanese stood up with one chorus to demand their country be respected on the world stage.

It is a huge historical moment for this country. Now, nobody would dare mess with the Guyanese people. The country also saw a big win in a case at the World Court, to push back Venezuela’s claim against a chunk of Essequibo. So 2020 would go down in the history books as a monstrous year for the global population, but for Guyana, the people showed their mettle, character, and integrity. The Guyanese nation won big in 2020. In that victory, citizens would count their blessings with COVID-19 as well, as the pandemic did not become as gruesome as it did in Brazil, India, the U.S., Russia, or so many other countries around the world. Guyanese live in such a blessed

land. There’s no major natural disaster, no threat from neighbouring countries – even Venezuela with its border claim would not dare attack, no internal strife of any significance, and the six races co-exist in admirable multi-culturalism and togetherness.

In fact, Guyana today stands out as a model nation on the world stage. In democracy, socio-economic growth and development, the fight against poverty, climate change, human rights, and promising wealth in the near future, the country in 2020 turned the corner from its history as a poor underdeveloped country, into one of rich promise. Every Guyanese should be proud of this land as 2020 comes to an end.

Every Guyanese could hold his/her head high, and indeed the Guyanese diaspora around the world feels immense pride and joy when they consider their homeland.

One would not be surprised if in the near future, overseas Guyanese would start trekking back to live in their homeland, as happened in 1992 when democracy was restored. Guyana today is a land of optimism, positive vibes, and expectations of imminent prosperity. As Guyana says goodbye to 2020, citizens look back with a thankful heart. But they must also face the future, starting tomorrow in 2021, with sober-minded consciousness that there’s a lot of work to build this society into the potential it holds. There is still a lot of work to clean up Georgetown, especially to rid the

streets of petty criminals, homeless drug addicts, and disorderly public behaviour.

Restoring the Garden City should be a dream Guyanese can aim for, and work hard to achieve.

It would be a great achievement in 2021, were Georgetown to be rid of street crimes, homeless vagabonds loitering and sleeping on sidewalks, and for order to prevail with street vendors and hucksters. Cleaning up the capital city in 2021 is a necessary task if the country is to become a global hotspot for business investments, tourists, and for local citizens to enjoy the rich blessedness of the land. Georgetowners should be able to walk the streets and enjoy the cool of the evening, for example, and sit on benches on Main Street and read or enjoy cultural events from local talents. First Lady Arya Ali worked hard in 2020 to clean up the seawall at Kingston. That kind of effort and visionary leadership could transform the capital city, so that any visitor to these shores would enjoy a fantastic first impression of the golden Guyana that lies under the Atlantic sun.

So Guyanese enter 2021 with big dreams, with huge expectations for full development for their nation to become a global mecca of peace, prosperity, and progress, a standout country, with a massive push from government for socio-economic well-being to ramp up across the land. Farewell, 2020. Welcome, 2021!

The CPCE: Celebrating 92 years of dedicated service in spite of COVID-19 Dear Editor, ON December 29, 2020, as I attended the first ever virtual graduation ceremony of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), a plethora of thoughts inundated my mind. While they were all overwhelming and impacting, cognizance of the demand for space in your editorial dictates that attention be given to only one.

The Cyril Potter College of Education has been in existence for 92 years. This is certainly indicative of the institution’s

resilience and commitment to its mandate.

No doubt, over the decades, the CPCE would have faced a number of challenges. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, without fear of contradiction, is certainly the most debilitating crisis to confront this noble institution. The global crippling impact of the prevailing pandemic is obvious to all, and like many other organisations, the standing operational procedures of the College were virtually derailed. The resulting anxiety of those whom we serve resulted in the public outcry of frustration

and dissatisfaction.

Due to the astute leadership of the principal of this prestigious institution, Ms. Viola Rowe, A.A., and her competent vice-principals, the College harnessed the experience garnered over the decades.

The theme of the 86th graduation exercise, “Charting a new normal for teacher education driven by data, resilience and flexibility”, aptly encapsulates the approach employed by the CPCE towards making this year’s graduation exercise possible.

I wish to publicly congratulate the

graduates who would have encountered and overcome many challenges, particularly in the last two semesters of their training.

A most deserving note of commendation is also in order for the administration, faculty and ancillary staff of the CPCE. With close to 100 years of existence, there is no way this pandemic would have prevented the CPCE from fulfilling its mandate. Great job CPCE!!!

Yours sincerely, Errol London (Jnr)

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Whatever resolutions you pen, do include one that will provide peace, joy and happiness Dear Editor,

THE end of the Leap Year, 2020, is fast approaching, and many concerned individuals, professional and amateur, are busy trying to predict, prophesise and presage what the future for the New Year 2021 will bring, happen and reveal.

All will unhesitatingly agree unanimously that this year has been quite a challenge, with the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic asserting number one position as the highest ordeal to deal with and overcome. Naysayers, soothsayers, optimists, pessimists, astrologers and fortunetellers are fully occupied with foretelling what the stars promise, and what luck (good and/or bad) will materialise. What prognosis and portents their forecasts will reveal may be significant, important, consequential or meaningless, contingent on accuracy, belief, faith, wish, fate, luck, Karma or coincidence. One can react indifferently, invariably happy, sad, overwhelmed, depressed, energetic, lethargic, passionate or apathetic.

Looking into the crystal ball, scribers cried that the New Year promises a bumpy road ahead, strewn with changes, revolution, protests, marches and riots.

We have to brace ourselves for more surprises and restrictions. Focus will be on air, air travel, space and space communication, which will affect life on earth.

The issue of how people are treated and human rights will be addressed. Global warming will once again prevail, with climatic conditions encountering disasters relating to extreme weather conditions affecting high winds, tornadoes, cyclones and hurricanes. There is a potential surge expected in possible airline accidents,

crashes and mishaps. Violence and terrorist attacks will pervade in Europe, Asia and Latin America, even Canada and Australia are singled out for reprisals with America bearing the brunt.

Controversies will surround the act of humanitarianism, charities and whistleblowers. The Internet will occupy a different role, with original thinkers and new ideas floating around due to cyber-attacks interfering with Internet security.

Commerce will redefine the purchase of goods, and economists will be forced to revalue currency, with the stock market creating havoc with deadly fluctuations.

The relevance of virus control will take on new meaning, as unexpected changes will dictate, questioning the role of medical science in relation to finance. Will forecasts become outcasts?

At this time of the year, it is customary also to start planning for the upcoming year and making resolutions.

There are many serious individuals who will plan their work and work their plan, while others will fanaticise with fun and frolic, and plan without the rigid intention of accomplishment. Many start and fail, and also others fail to start. Many succeed with their goals and aspirations at the end of the year, then again, many earnestly commence but circumstances, foreseen and unforeseen, prevent a hundred per cent success. Perhaps, it may be a matter of approach, attitude, aptitude and application. The usual questioning and querying will queue up the inquisitive minds of questioners for juicy answers, sarcasms and interests.

Usually, the first thing on the agenda is weight watching, to start a programme on exercising and dieting. Joining the gym, personally working out, buying

Gratitude to Bank of Guyana for COVID-19 relief Dear Editor, PERSONS who have had loans from the commercial banks express their gratitude to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana for extending the COVID-19 relief granted to June 30, 2021.

These terms would include the banks would refrain from classifying loans as non-performing; overdraft at one per cent

per annum; and interest would be one per cent less for loans above $10 million, and two per cent less for loans below $10 million.

We expect the banks will perform in a timely fashion, and all borrowers hope that normality would soon return.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

training equipment and costume are enthused ideas. Simple walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or uncompetitive outdoor games can be effective. Cutting out bad habits, excessive eating and drinking, and concentrating on healthy food intake would occupy major relevance on the planning sheet. Next in line may be to quit smoking or heavy consumption of alcohol. All these are health-conscious commitments meant to improvise body function. Moving along may be the realisation to attend a place of worship and attain spiritual upliftment. This may change the complete outlook of how one lives, and adopt a new way of life. The possibility of wanting to improve on educating oneself may seriously knock continuously at the back of the mind. Registering with a learning institution blossoms a different perspective for advancement at work, with the hope of promotion and earning a higher pay. Such enthusiasm encourages initiative and zeal.

The desire to become affiliated with a sports club influences a follow-up to an ignored ability, pumping up sparks of the old touch of class. The significance of joining a society engaged in charitable work adds a greater dimension to the worth of humanity and sacrifice. Relinquishing relationship with irrelevant associations, and recouping with more meaningful bondage justifies the call of wisdom to occupy a space on the chart.

The artistry of a forgotten hobby ignites

a passion to replicate its replacement, and this can unfold to new heights and meaningful pasttime. The library may attract your attention to recommence reading and writing. Visiting places, people and things may enliven an added speculation as a mark. Giving more time to family affairs and relationships; playing indoor games or giving free time to teaching young ones is a fabulous thought to brighten the spirit. A journey in music involvement is quite relaxing and pleasing to the heart.

The above mentioned ideas are thought provoking, and can stimulate a new approach to one’s life, and promise a glimmer of hope for change. These are not only simple but easy-to-reach targets which can motivate and activate a productive direction in life. Whatever resolutions you pen, do include one that will provide peace, joy and happiness; one that will make you significantly more productive and compassionate to humanity. If one’s life is shrouded with irregularities, uncertainties or questionable activities, then it’s time to seek a different approach to the New Year that can provide a peace of mind.

A quick reflection on this year’s occurrences is a good guideline to take your pick, make the freedom of choice, and not to repeat a mistake twice.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Respectfully, Jai Lall

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

MoE receives 100 tablets from ANSA McAL Alisa Lashley ONE hundred Electronic tablets, purchased with funds raised during ANSA McAL’s ‘ONE YARD’ virtual benefit concert, were, on Wednesday, presented to the Ministry of Education (MoE).

The October 30 concert showcased some of the best talents in the region and had the very important objective of facilitating access to remote learning for children throughout the Caribbean during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, in her remarks during a simple handing-over ceremony, highlighted that Guyana, like many other countries, has been grappling with the difficulties of COVID-19.

She said with schools being closed, initially, for the entire school population, devices were and is still needed

From left: Managing Director of ANSA McAL Troy Cadogan, member of ANSA McAL Foundation Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand

to ensure learning continues.

The Education Minister said the majority of the tablets will go towards a pilot programme for hinterland communities. This programme entails pre-loaded tablets being given to hinterland students writing the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of ANSA McAL Trading Limited, Troy Cadogan, stated that the company, through its Foundation is “elated” to help Guyana’s young people with their learning.

“It is imperative that our young people are equipped with the best possible tools to be educated and our foundation will always continue to aid ventures such as these, not just in Guyana but in the Caribbean as well,” he said.

ANSA McAL Foundation member, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, was

also present and shared similar sentiments regarding the equipping of Guyana’s youth with the best possible tools to aid their learning during the pandemic.

Over the next few weeks, the tablets will be distributed to various schools around Guyana.

Through the special One Caribbean Future Fund, created with the funds raised from the concert, the ANSA McAL Foundation has already distributed tablets to Education Ministries in Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica.

The Foundation will also be distributing tablets before the end of the year to Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis to assist these islands which have also been grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their education systems.

Man convicted of murdering infant appeals sentence LESS than a month after he was convicted of murdering an eight-month-old boy, Nigel Dodson has moved to the Court of Appeal, seeking to have the conviction and his 30-year sentence overturned.

On December 2, a 12-member jury found the 24-year-old Dodson called “Little-Man,” formerly of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, guilty of the capital offence which read that, on January 23, 2017, at Kaneville, he murdered Romain Seth

in the course or furtherance of arson.

Justice Sandil Kissoon sentenced Dodson to serve 30 years’ imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years.

Dodson subsequently filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

This newspaper had reported that, on the day in question, the blaze started around 02:30hrs after the neighbour and his friends threw “fire balls” into the

Nigel Dodson called ‘Little-Man’

Dead: Romain Seth

house in which the infant and

his family were sleeping.

According to information, the neighbour reportedly accused the baby’s grandmother of “snitching” on him and his gang to the police, which resulted in lawmen frequently raiding the neighbourhood for guns and drugs.

The baby’s grandmother, Michelle Menezes, believes that the fire was indeed a result of a report she had made to the police after finding a gun stashed in a tree in her backyard, allegedly by the youth. The suspect, along with

other villagers, used her yard as a short cut to get to another street. Menezes said that after she reported the matter the police started raiding the place and eventually she started getting threats from the young man and his gang.

The police had issued a wanted bulletin for two other men for questioning in connection with the fire.

Keon Ashby and Waynie (only name given), both of Kaneville were reportedly part of the gang that set the house on fire.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

New Tiger Creek Bridge

A BRAND new Tiger Creek Bridge in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) has been constructed at a cost of $24M. The old structure collapsed some time ago under the weight of a heavy-duty truck belonging to a major trucking company.

As a consequence, traffic into Mahdia and surrounding areas had to be closed off and the Ministry of Public Works had to put an innovative system in place for motor vehicles to pass. Such included the clearing of vegetation and creating a bypass road.

Minister within the Min-

istry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, told this publication in an invited comment that the construction of the new bridge was awarded to one of the contractors in the area for fast mobilisation, since it was an emergency project.

According to him, the bridge, which is the main conduit into Region Eight, has been completed and traffic is moving again.

However, the ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), issued an advisory to commuters travelling to Mahdia that they need to

The new bridge that has been constructed

observe the weight restrictions when crossing the new bridge.

All efforts are being made

to facilitate opening to all vehicular traffic soonest.

Vehicles, namely motor-

cycles, cars and vans, sport utility vehicles, four wheel drive vehicles, small buses, small trucks and canters (unladen), light trailers, and single and tandem trucks (gross weight not exceeding 14 tonnes) can cross freely.

The following vehicles will be allowed to cross under supervision: large buses, single and tandem trucks, and trucks with large trailers. No exception will be made for those exceeding the Gross Weight restriction.

In accordance with the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Regulation, single axle loads

are restricted to three metric tonnes, tandem axle loads are restricted to 4.5 metric tonnes and vehicle gross weights are restricted to 14 tonnes.

Vehicles not in compliance with the regulations will be required to utilise the bridge bypass. “The ministry sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused as we continue to urge commuters to exercise caution and to observe all the safety signs and directions when approaching and crossing the bridge,” the advisory said.

18 new COVID-19 cases recorded THE number of persons tested positive for the coronavirus has increased by 18, according to the Health Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard for December 30, 2020.

Even as new cases were recorded, 32 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus.

The three newly confirmed cases were recorded in Regions One, Two, Three, Four and Eight. Seven of the newly confirmed cases were

males with the remaining 11 being females.

Region One recorded three new cases; Region Two recorded two new cases; and Region Three recorded four new cases. Six new cases were recorded in Region Four, while Region Eight recorded an additional three cases.

It was reported that the three new cases were recorded from a total of 285 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 6,319 confirmed cases

since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Following the recovery of the 32 additional persons, the total number of persons who have recovered since March is now 5,809.

There are currently 372 active cases, seven of which are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Currently, there is one

person in institutional isolation; 340 are in home isolation and 26 are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

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 the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leav-

ing their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

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

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Home gardening: a safety net and nightmare in 2020

By Rehana Ahamad THE emergence of the novel coronavirus in December 2019 brought hunger to the doorsteps of millions globally and in Guyana, scores of persons, particularly entrepreneurs, have suffered losses of income, with many pursuing the creation of kitchen gardens as a cushion to ensure food security.

Even though home-gardening has proved to be a safety net for many families, it has also been a nightmare

for some others, especially those who were attempting gardening for the first time.

“People usually think that farming is easy, but in reality, it is not that simple,” Agronomist, Aditya Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle.

He explained that in an attempt to ensure food security, many persons have invested significantly in preparing home gardens that only reaped frustrations instead of fruits.

“Some persons were just spending, and unfortunately, their gardens were nothing

Local Agronomist, Aditya Persaud

but a waste of time and money; it increased their

frustrations instead of easing it,” Persaud noted.

Unfortunately, the advent of a new strain of the coronavirus means that the world will also be entering 2021 with much uncertainty, and even though Guyanese are encouraged to maintain their gardens, Persaud lamented the importance of planting properly.

“Do not jump into it without being properly informed,” he insisted.

Persaud believes that persons should consult an “agro-doctor” before they

begin their journey of planting their own food. “If you have access to an agronomist, or a successful farmer, consult them first. Know what you’re getting into, before you get into it,” Persaud said.

the name of the game.

FARMER’S MANUAL For persons who may not have access to any agro-whizzes, the Ministry of Agriculture has created a comprehensive Farmer’s Manual which is currently available on the Ministry’s website - http://agriculture.

FOOD SECURITY When COVID-19 first hit, many Guyanese feared a shortage of food, mainly owing to what was being reflected internationally. An article from the New York Post stated that the coronavirus pandemic has brought hunger to millions of people around the world, with national lockdowns and social-distancing measures “drying up” work and incomes, and disrupting agricultural production and supply routes.

gov.gy/farmers-manual/ .

The document, which was crafted more than 10 years ago, contains guidelines and tips for planting some of the most common fruits and vegetables available in Guyana. “It provides good advice on how to plant over 30 different crops,” Persaud specified.

In addition to soil types, seeds and techniques, the manual also provides detailed information and advice with regard to various pests and diseases that may affect crops. Meanwhile, Persaud stressed on the importance for persons to be cognisant of the fact that planting is not just about soil types, seeds and techniques.

He explained that even though persons may follow the guidelines set out in the farmer’s manual, the success of their gardens rely heavily on their moods and emotions when planting. “It is also about the energy that people give off,” Persaud asserted. He added, “Plants can sense when a person is angry or frustrated or generally in a bad mood, so when you go about your gardening with negativity, you get negative results,” Persaud noted. He maintained that with gardening, patience is

The article cited examples of chaos occurring during the distribution of food supplies to depressed communities, most notably in Kenya and India.

The article highlighted too, the situation in Colombia, where poor households were hanging red clothing and flags from their windows and balconies to indicate their hunger. The New York Post said experts have determined that the world has never faced a hunger emergency like this.

In Guyana, Director of the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI), Dr. Odhu Homenauth, has confirmed that Guyana is safe and that Guyanese will not go hungry.

During a previous interview with this publication, Homenauth said that Guyana will be able to “weather the storm.” According to the Director, NAREI has been monitoring the local production of fruits and vegetables and has detected no decline.

Even though enough food is available locally, the pandemic had put a damper on the exportation of some commodities, especially those that require air-transport. Nonetheless, with the reopening of the airports, this situation is likely to soon improve.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

$314M to rebuild, repair Turkeyen, Kitty roads

TWO contracts totalling $314 million have been awarded to rehabilitate and reconstruct three streets in the City and in Turkeyen.

A $275 million contract was signed to reconstruct the road which parallels the University of Guyana (UG) and connects UG Road to Sophia. This 900-metre road has deteriorated over the years, despite numerous repairs.

The asphalt continues to slip towards the drains on both sides, creating an untenable road.

As such, a new road will be built; one that will be equipped with geotextiles, keeping the foundation together to prevent the current situation from recurring.

The utility poles on the shoulders of the road will be moved to cater for the widening of the road to 6.9 metres.

Also, another contract, valued $39 million, has been

awarded to XL Engineering for the rehabilitation of Owen and McDougal Streets, Kitty, Georgetown.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, visited the area on Tuesday.

Residents used the opportunity to deplore the appalling state of the two streets.

Bishop Edghill assured them that the 466-metre of adjoining streets would be repaved. The contractor has three months to complete the work.

The minister said the three roads are being done “based upon letters, representations that were made from various communities”.

Minister Edghill also visited the Cummings Lodge area where he relayed that Fourth and Fifth Streets would be repaired soon, while those in Fifth Field, Cummings Lodge, would be looked at under the 2021

Taxi driver robbed of car, valuables after hotel pick-up A 34-year-old taxi driver, Kevin Hope, was, on Tuesday, robbed of his white new model Toyota Premio HC 8929 valued at $3.2M by two unidentified suspects.

Police reported that one of the suspects was armed with a hand gun. The bandit robbed Hope of his Samsung cellphone valued $48,000, a jumper wire kit valued $15,000, a Motorola radio set valued $50,000 and $2,000 cash.

The incident occurred at about 20:30h at Good Suc-

cess, East Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the male passenger hired the taxi from a hotel in Georgetown about 20:00h to take him to Good Success and upon arrival there, Hope said he was confronted by the two suspects who hit him to the head and discharged one round in the air.

He was then ordered to exit the car and the two suspects then entered the vehicle with the passenger inside and drove off in a southern direction. Police investigations are ongoing.

Pedestrian in Kuru Kururu fatal accident identified A pedestrian, who was killed in an accident, Tuesday night, on the Kuru Kururu Public Road, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, has been identified as 32-yearold Bheesham Nandram of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

Reports indicate that the victim was wearing a light blue long pants, white t-shirt and red shoes when the fatal accident occurred.

The accident occurred about 21:00hrs. The driver of the car is a 42-year-old man of Bourda, Georgetown.

Police said the driver claimed that the victim ran

across the road and into the path of his car.

As a result, Nandram was struck by the car and fell onto the windscreen and then onto the road surface, where he received injuries about his body.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver was arrested and taken into custody where he is assisting with investigations. A breathalyzer test was done and the driver tested negative.

programme.

The Public Works Minister said, “we are doing 100 miscellaneous roads; a number of main access roads, urban roads as well as hinterland roads.”

Minister Edghill was accompanied by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; Minister within that Ministry, Anand Persaud, and a team from that ministry.

(DPI)

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill; Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and team navigate the road parallel to UG

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

DDL cops Business Excellence and Leadership award

–– at Republic Jubilee presentation

By Frederick Halley THE Demerara Distillers Limited's (DDL) commitment to the Guyanese community in Canada has been described as “very visible and commendable”.

The company was deservedly rewarded for its “Business Excellence and Leadership” when the Guyana 50th Republic Anniversary Celebration Committee hosted its “Virtual Guyana Republic Jubilee and Cultural Presentation” on Sunday night.

The event, which saw President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, addressing the virtual gathering, was held under the auspices of the Consulate General, Toronto, under the theme “An evening of Appreciation, Recognition and Unity.”

Among the oth-

er awardees were Giving Help To Kids (GHTK), a registered Guyanese-Canadian charitable organisation, The Canada Guyana Outreach Mission (CanGo), a non-profit organisation, Tosh Jeffrey - Young Professional Community Catalyst, Anthony Treva Subryan - Business Excellence and Leadership ATS Engineering Inc., the late Pamela Maynard, who was honoured posthumously for her contribution to Arts and Entertainment; Joe Jaglall, Linden King and Imran Ally, who were honoured for their roles in volunteerism and community service.

Arts and Entertainment awards also went to former Guyana Police Force band member, Jan Morgan, Sandra Brewster and Andrea Douglas.

DLL, through its Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo, has been credit-

Jan Morgan

ed with supporting many Guyanese community events over the years, including those hosted by the Caribbean Northern Charities, Giving Health to Kids, Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association of Canada, Last Lap Lime, Guyana Independence Festival, the Alliance of Guyanese-Canadian Organisations and

the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada, among others.

ment Award – Non-profit Organisation, was focused at the Georgetown Pub-

Komal Samaroo

Dr Narendra Singh

The El Dorado brand received the Gold Award at the International Rum Festival in Canada in 2003, as well as the award for Best Rum Worldwide at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in the UK for a number of consecutive years.

The other Business Excellence and Leadership award went to ATS Engineering Inc., whose owner is Guyanese-born, Anthony Treva Subryan.

ATS Engineering specialises in the dairy industry, manufacturing machines to package products such as cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, ice cream, margarine, juices, sauces, dips and an endless list of plastic containers used in food packaging. The company has grown and expanded and ships its products all across Canada, the USA, the Caribbean and many other parts of the world. The packaging machine used by Banks DIH in Guyana for its ice cream was manufactured by ATS Engineering Inc.

lic Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with the opening of a new neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but has further expanded to five other hospitals in Guyana.

The Canada Guyana Outreach Mission (CanGo) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting health care in Guyana through confidential, compassionate and supportive medical services to the general public with emphasis on the remote parts of Guyana.

CanGo has been visiting Guyana annually since 2014 with particular focus on the remote regions where access to healthcare is a challenge.

The CanGo team is made up of dedicated health care professionals from Canada, the United States of America and Guyana.

Young Professional Community Catalyst, Tosh Jeffrey, is an artist born in Guyana, who migrated to the USA, then to Canada, where he obtained a BA in Visual Art and a BA in Art History from the University of Western Ontario. He went on to Teacher’s College in Australia where he obtained a Graduate Diploma in Education. Jeffrey believes that his life story shaped his perspective and informs his art.

MASTER BUILDER ATS's machines exceed USDA, FDA and 3A Dairy Standards. ATS has been in business for over 25 years and Anthony Subryan is recognised in the industry as a "Master Builder", who has mastered the art of redesigning and modifying dairy equipment, mostly filling machines for processors that needed to achieve higher speeds and efficiencies. ATS Engineering Inc. is recognised as one of the undisputed leaders in the dairy industry in Canada for its innovative work.

GHTK, which is headed by Dr Narendra Singh, is an organisation that is comprised of dedicated and compassionate individuals who form the Board of Directors and their motto is "Every child deserves a life". Since the inception of GHTK, infant mortality rate in Guyana has been reduced by 40 per cent.

The initial work of GHTK, which was awarded the Outstanding Achieve-

VOLUNTARY SERVICE Over the many years, Volunteer and Community Service awardee, Joe Jaglall, has partnered with many organisations to raise funds for the needy and vulnerable members of the community.

Some of the organisations and causes that have benefited tremendously from his voluntary services are the Vedic Cultural Centre in Markham; the Peel Arya Samaaj Mandir and Cultural Centre; the Shiva Mandir in Scarborough; the Seva4life Canada Inc.; the Humanitarian Mission of Port Mourant, Guyana; the Vedanta Academy in Bush Lot, Berbice, Guyana; Green Dupatia; the Children's Orphanage in Cornelia Ida, Guyana; Shiva Mandir in Scarborough; Youth training camps, both in Guyana and Toronto, among others.

Another Volunteerism and Community Service awardee, Linden King, is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards such as the 2015 Mississauga Citizen of the year, Gordon Shipp Memorial Award, 2015 Top 100 Black Canadian Role Models, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games - Torchbearer, 2016 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Halton-Peel Grant Review Team, 2016 Community Service Award - Trinidad and Tobago Association, 2019 Community Service Award – Save Max Real Estate Inc, and 2019 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards – Mississauga Arts Council.

Imran Ally is the official Imam and resident scholar (Shaykh) of the TARIC Islamic Centre where he continues in service dutifully since 2000. His charismatic delivery along with his ability to establish meaningful and honest connections when speaking to crowds, make him a sought-after Imam to preside over many milestone occasions and community events. His role encompasses being a religious guide, educator, counsellor, arbitrator, mediator, and marriage officer.

Pamela Maynard, who was honoured posthumously, was born in Guyana, and the daughter of Guyanese born singer/songwriter, Mavis Maynard, who wrote Pamela’s debut hit-- Lost, Lonely and Helpless. She is described as a versatile artiste, performing such genres of music like Gospel, Reggae, Soul, R&B, Jazz, Calypso and Soca.

Maynard made history in the film industry by receiving awards in four genres of music, namely Best Reggae, Country and Western, Soul and R&B from SurfNoir Inc in the USA. In the UK, she received the prestigious JetStar Award, the Music Volks Award in Germany and the Reggae Award, Best Calypso and Best Gospel Awards in Canada, among others. Her daughter, Mrs. Sonja Maynard-Knights accepted the award in memory of her mother.

TRUMPETER EXTRAORDINAIRE Arts & Entertainment awardee, Jan Morgan, is described as a trumpeter extraordinaire and in some quarters, he is fondly referred to as a musical genius and a musician’s musician.

This talented trumpeter has, over the years, been playing at numerous charitable events in the Guyanese community, which allows him to expand and showcase his melodic musical virtuosity on the trumpet.

TURN TO PAGE

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecembER 31, 2020

Young oil-and-gas lawyer ready to serve Guyana FROM a very young age, Frances Carryl knew she was going to be a lawyer and made it evident to everyone around her; then in 2015 when Guyana struck oil, almost as if of natural instinct, she knew she wanted to specialise as an oil-and-gas lawyer in Guyana.

Now after two years at the University of Guyana (UG), two years at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) and another year at the University of Aberdeen, where she completed her Master of Laws in Oil and Gas with distinction, on Wednesday the 24-year-old reached a milestone in her career pursuits when she was admitted to the local bar.

Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-law Ronald Burch-Smith to Justice Sandra Kurtzious, and the West Bank Demerara country girl could not stop smiling as she celebrated her stellar achievement surrounded by her family and friends.

“Getting to this point was not easy. It took God and the concerted effort of my family and friends.

I like to say that very little of me is because of me. I am the culmination of what God has allowed to happen to me and for me, and of the efforts of those He allowed to develop me,” the former St Joseph High student gushed as she enjoyed her moment.

While at the HWLS she earned the Phelps and Co. Prize for Best Performance in Civil Procedure and Practice and the Miles Greeves Fitzpatrick S.C. Prize for best performance in Legal Aid By a Guyanese Graduating Student.

During her tenure there she also served as the Con-

menced her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Guyana, graduating with a distinction in 2017.

But even before leaving UG, Frances already knew what kind of lawyer she was going to be. When Guyana hit oil for the first time in 2015, at the time wholly without any human resource in the country to help chart the course of this novel economic sector, Frances took up the call to fill that void.

Her research lead her to the University of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen, Scotland , being well known as the off-shore oil capital of Europe, and as perfect a place as any to start if one was looking to learn all they needed to New Attorney at Law Frances Carryl (centre) with lawyer Ronald Burch-Smith (right) and her family about oil and gas. members. From left: Frances’s sister, Tamicola; her mom, Lavern and her dad Francis (Elvin Croker But first Frances had to photo) earn her Legal Education stitutional Chairperson of she said an attorney; we we’re very happy and proud solve the problems of the Certificate and after finishing UG, she was off to the the Guyanese Jurisdictional never choose for her she and hope that she sets the populace.

Committee; was a member chose for herself. She al- bar and keeps raising the I wanted to learn ev- Hugh Wooding Law School of the Constitutional Com- ways wanted to do that,” bar within the legal profes- erything there is to know in Trinidad for another two mittee of the Students Rep- he related. sion.” about that tool and then I years, graduating in 2019. resentative Council; and Showering praises of wanted to apply it for the Once done, she spent her HEART-WARMING a member of the Human gratitude on her parents for good of my society,” she year in Aberdeen, graduating earlier this year.

He shared that he had supporting her throughout, explained.

Rights Committee.

Her mother, Lavern, Her parents, Lavern and at one point wanted to Frances explained that her Francis Carryl, and sister, be a lawyer himself, and fascination with the legal UNWAVERING FOCUS a headteacher at the St Tamicola were at her side since he never got his profession started with So, armed with an un- George’s High School, and it was an all-across-the- chance to see his desire watching TV shows. wavering focus to be a shared that it was not easy board emotional but blissful materialise, it warmed his She said: “I grew a nat- lawyer, Frances ensured sending her baby girl all the moment for the family to heart to see his little girl ural attraction to the legal that all of her academic way off to Trinidad on her watch her dreams realised take up that mantle. profession, firstly through years were aimed straight own, but the entire family was committed to seeing “It was very emotional. detective shows and mys- at it. before their eyes.

Her father Francis, a I am very proud that she has tery series. I loved Judge After writing the NGSA, her realise her dream.

“The biggest challenge labour consultant, recalled been able to achieve what I Judy’s pronunciation of she attended St Joseph High that it was even before she did not achieve. With her the word, ‘adjudication.’ where she attained Grades was having her be away wrote the National Grade home training, church train- I really wanted to use that Ones and Twos in the 12 for three years. That was Six Assessment (NGSA) ing I expect her to keep the word one day.” subjects she wrote at the something I really had to that little Frances had al- flags flying very high, do Later, as she got older Caribbean Secondary Edu- cope with because she’s the baby, but I thank God ready made up her mind the family proud, do the na- and came to the full under- cation Certificate (CSEC). that she was going to be a tion proud,” the father said. standing of the full gravity She would go on to sit that it’s over now. But He added: “The most of the profession which she the Caribbean Advanced I was confident that she lawyer. “ I r e m e m b e r t h a t touching part is she has hoped to pursue, instead of Proficiency Examinations would have done well,” she many years ago, maybe been able to complete not being daunted her appetite at Bishops’ High, where shared.

Lavern shared that around 1997, we were only the first part but was grew even more. she completed seven units she has always admired on vacation in New York able to go on and uplift “I had a great admira- and earned an Associate having dinner and some- her masters in oil- and- gas tion for the role and func- Degree in Humanities, her daughter’s discipline towards her academics, one at the table asked her law, which I think is rare in tion of the law, as a tool that graduating in 2014. what she wanted to be these times, but she is not could be used to socially Without missing a beat, even from a very young and I was shocked when there for money- making… engineer the society, to that same year she com- age.

Prisoner gets four months for escaping lawful custody ANTHONY Edwards, who escaped from police custody hours after he was arrested for armed robbery and illegal firearm possession, was on Wednesday sentenced to four months in prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

In addition to the escape from lawful custody charge, the Forshaw Street, Queenstown resident during his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was made to answer to the offences for which he was initially arrested. He denied those charges.

It is alleged that Edwards, on December 28 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, had in his possession one .32 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

On the same day at Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, specifically a gun, he allegedly robbed Ryan DeSantos of one black CB1 motorcycle, registration number CK 1432, valued at $300,000.

According to the prosecution, DeSantos and Edwards

are not known to each other.

On the day in question, around 08:00hrs, DeSantos was slowly riding his motorcycle along the Houston Public road when Edwards and another male, who was also on Edwards’s motorcycle, pulled up alongside him.

Edwards turned off the ignition of DeSantos’ motorcycle to stop it, while his pillion rider approached the victim with a gun. DeSantos was then relieved of his motorcycle and the duo rode off with it.

The matter was immediately reported to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Police

ranks acting on information proceeded to Agricola where they found Edwards hiding in an outdoor toilet. A search of Edwards’s person revealed the .32 pistol hidden in his pants crotch. DeSantos’s motorcycle was found behind the said toilet.

Subsequently, Edwards was told of the allegation, cautioned, arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station where the motorcycle and firearm were lodged.

While at the station DeSantos positively identified Edwards as one of two persons

who had robbed him of his motorcycle.

Later that day around 19:45hrs, Edwards was escorted by the police to the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost.

Edwards took the opportunity to escape when the door of the lockup was opened for him to enter; he reportedly pushed the police rank aside and ran out of the outpost.

Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, who was leaving the outpost at the time,witnessed the incident and attempted to apprehend Edwards. Edwards in his bid to avoid capture

pushed the attorney to the ground and ran through the gate.

He was recaptured about 10 minutes later and returned to the outpost. Due to the injuries he received at the hands of members of the public during their efforts to recapture him, he was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention.

The chief magistrate sentenced Edwards to four months in prison for escaping lawful custody and adjourned the other matters to January 13.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Heavy rains cause discomfort to Black Bush Polder farmers –– temporary measures in place to remedy drainage and irrigation issues

By Naomi Parris WHILE many were celebrating and enjoying the festivities of the Christmas season, many livestock and cash-crop farmers in Black Bush Polder, Region Six,

were counting their loses as a result of heavy showers and drainage and irrigation issues in the area.

Devika Lekhram, a livestock farmer from Mibicuri, told the Guyana Chronicle that she lost three fowls, sev-

en chickens and 10 ducks within the last week due to the flooding.

The woman, who appeared to be distressed at the time of the interview, stated that she has suffered a great lost and such has put her business and livelihood in a setback during the Christmas season.

However, at the time of the interview, the woman could not give an estimate of her loses.

Anita Mohabir from Yakasuri shared a similar plight.

She stated that she lost approximately 50 baby chicks during the recent floods which have also put her business in a setback.

“Me get 100 fowl chicken but 50 dead out from that, all me duck dead, the whole back of me place flood out.”

Thakoor Persaud, a cash crop farmer, explained that he too has suffered losses due to the floods and poor drainage and irrigation systems within the area.

The man noted that even with very little rain, the area tends to flood tremendously, damaging the crops and livestock of the farmers.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, visited the areas affected by the floods to commence an assessment to address the issues of poor

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, discussing drainage and irrigation issues with farmers of Black Bush Polder

drainage and irrigation.

According to the minister, the Black Bush Polder area is like a basin surrounded by highlands which makes it prone to flooding, especially during the rainy seasons.

“A number of areas have been affected, especially Joanna and Yakusari and, to an extent, Mibicuri. Farmers have complained that they have lost many cash crops and, as a result of that,I am conducting a survey tomorrow. The NAREI [National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute] and GLDA [Guyana Livestock Development Authority] will be doing a survey to see the extent of the loss.”

Minister Mustapha stated that having received a number of reports from farmers in the area of tremendous loss of livestock and cash crops, he sought to visit the area immediately with teams from the relevant agencies in the ministry to begin loss assessments and provide remedies for the issues that were brought to his attention.

“This visit is as a result of reports that I received that cash crop farms and some residential areas [were] under water, so I decided to come here to see first-hand what is taking place.”

However, in the meantime, the minister explained that a

few temporary measures have been set in place to monitor the water levels in the area.

"In the meantime, what we have done, we have put some mechanisms in place to have effective and fast draining, whereas, we will ensure that they have 24 hour drainage in here with the pump and the sluice. Also, we have taken on some people in the community to monitor the sluices and the pumps so that they can have maximum drainage," he explained.

The NDIA has been instructed to send machinery in the area to conduct emergency cleaning of the drains and canals.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

T&T firm collected over $9M from Asphalt Plant before it was registered

By Rehana Ahamad

THE management of the state-owned Asphalt Plant had paid millions of dollars in advance to a Trinidadian company, even before it was legally registered to conduct business. This was one of the many damning findings of a probe into allegations of corruption at the plant, which is a subsidiary of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, headed by Rawlston Adams.

Moments before handing over the official report, chairperson of the investigative team, Chateram Ramdihal provided a summary of his findings, where he indicated that in addition to asphalt, the plant ventured into selling Cold Mix, and was purchasing from a questionable Trinidadian company.

More specifically, Ramdihal said that the plant had paid an advance of more than $9M to the Trinidadian

firm in 2015, even though the business was only registered the following year – 2016.

This has led to presumptions that the management of the asphalt plant might have financed the start-up of the Trinidadian company in the first place.

“We noted that the decision to start to purchase and sell Cold Mix was not done in the right manner in terms of a feasibility study was not done,” Ramdihal said.

According to Ramdihal, there were also missing credit policies, and in some cases, none at all. Investigations found too that no credit approval limit was set for customers.

It was also found that the trucks were being loaded at the Asphalt Plant in Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara but would only be weighed at the Demerara Harbour Bridge in Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, a total of 10 miles apart. The investigative team

Chairman of the investigative team, Chateram Ramdihal (right) presents the findings to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

pinpointed this procedure as being deeply flawed, creating

avenues for asphalt to be removed from the trucks along

the way.

In another instance, it was found that the cost associated with weighing the asphalt at the DHB was higher when compared to weighing it nearby at an available scale.

Among the inefficiencies and malpractices highlighted in the report, was the disposal of scrap metal, which was not done through the required bidding process.

Upon receiving the report, Senior Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, described the findings as ‘damning’, assuring that disciplinary actions would be taken against errant officers, so as to put an end to the “hemorrhaging of the public purse.”

“The commitment that we have is to ensure that the harsh criticisms that came from the AG’s (Auditor General) harsh report of 2019, is not repeated on our watch.

Systems must be followed… every time a project is being

implemented, we must get value for money,” Edghill said.

The minister also commended the efforts of the whistleblower, whose initial allegations led to an investigation of the entity. The investigations examined systems and documents dating back to 2013.

“Invite staff of all the agencies – if you have information of wrongdoing and things that has to be cleaned up, come to us,” Edghill encouraged.

Meanwhile, Junior Minister of Public Works, Deodat Indar, commended the investigative team for a job well done, noting that corrective measures will be instituted.

The investigative team also comprised engineer, Heidi Gillette; Internal Auditor, Dexter Smith; Engineer, Brion Singh; Assistant, Saudiya Hack.

DDL cops Business Excellence and Leadership...

Sandra Brewster is a visual artist based in Toronto.

She has been recognised for her community-based practice that centres a Black presence located in Canada.

Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Art Gallery of Guelph, Or Gallery in Vancouver, YYZ Artists’ Outlet in Toronto, A Space Gallery in Toronto and in group exhibitions including Mamuzic Gallery,

Novi Sad, Serbia, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Arsenal Habana in Cuba, Dunlop Art Gallery in Regina, Saskatchewan, Lagos Photo Festival in Nigeria, Musée des beaux arts in Montreal, the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Windsor, and Allegheny Art Galleries in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Andrea Douglas founded the Children and Youth Dance Theatre in 1992 and the Caribbean Dance The-

atre in 1995 and served as their Artistic Director and Performer. While working with these two groups, she was a freelance dancer and choreographer and performed for the Miss Guyana Canada Pageant, the Miss Jamaica Pageant, the Miss Caribbean/Canada Pageant, the Applause Institute’s Cotillion Ball and the Edge Programme. The groups’ repertoire includes modern dance, classical

ballet, jazz, Afro Caribbean and hip-hop dance.

This included educational excursions, cultural work-

FROM PAGE

12

shops and community performances.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

New Zealand bowlers trip up Pakistan

(REUTERS) - New Zealand bowlers produced a late final session surge to guide their side to a tense 101run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Mount Maunganui yesterday and keep alive their hopes of reaching next year’s World Test Championship final.

Pakistan were dismissed for 271, chasing a victory target of 372, with 4.3 overs remaining in the Test at Bay Oval.

“It was a brilliant game,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said. “Both teams put their best foot forward and Pakistan were incredibly resilient in that second innings, but the boys kept coming.

“A huge effort by the bowlers to get us across the line.”

New Zealand had been hot favourites to win the game as the final day started with the tourists 71-3 but a 165-run partnership between Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan gave the tourists a chance of a draw, if not an unlikely victory.

Kyle Jamieson ended the partnership when he had Riz-

A tale of two sides: Naseem Shah is consoled by his partner after becoming the final wicket of an incredible game, while the New Zealand players celebrate victory. (Getty Images) wan trapped in front, albeit caught by wicketkeeper BJ Nassem, however, got et. We lost this match, but after a review, for 60, and left Watling for 102 and then Fa- too far in front of a delivery we’re still in the series.”

Pakistan 242-6, still 131 runs heem Ashraf for 19 to expose from Santner and the left-arm The second match in the away from their target with the tail. spinner leapt high to take the two-Test series is at Christ25 overs remaining.

Mitchell Santner then caught and bowled dismissal church’s Hagley Oval from He also had Yasir Shah trapped Mohammad Abbas in and then raucously celebrate January 3 and New Zealand caught in the gully for a duck, front for one, before last pair the win. need to win that game as while Neil Wagner, who has Shaheen Afridi and Nassem “Not a huge disappoint- well to give them any chance played the last three days with Shah stoically resisted for ment (with the result),” Riz- of making the Test Champitwo broken toes, had Fawad almost eight overs. wan said. “That’s Test crick- onship final at Lord’s.

Ronaldo hopes to continue playing for ‘many more years’ (BBC) - Juventus and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he hopes to continue playing for “many years” and winning the World Cup remains a “dream” of his.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the top goalscorer in Serie A this season - although defending champions Juve are sixth and 10 points adrift of top spot.

Ronaldo, 35, needs only seven international goals to equal the world record of 109 set by Iran’s Ali Daei.

“It doesn’t matter the age.

What is important is the mind,” Ronaldo said.

“It doesn’t matter if Cristiano Ronaldo is good, you don’t know tomorrow what is going to happen. I live in the present, in the moment.

“The moment is good, I feel happy, I feel sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope to play many, many years more but you never know.

“This is football; we don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. When I speak to young boys I always say ‘enjoy the moment’ because we never know what will happen.

My eyes see the future very, very bright, so I am happy with that.”

Ronaldo’s extraordinary career began at Sporting in Lisbon, where he made 31 appearances from 2002 to 2003 before moving to Manchester United, aged 18.

After six years and 292 appearances at United, he joined Real Madrid in 2009 and remained there until 2018 when he made the switch to Juventus.

Having won Euro 2016 with his country, Ronaldo said a “dream” triumph for Portugal “is possible” at the next World Cup in Qatar in 2022, by which time he will be 37.

He will chase several records

at the postponed Euro 2020 this summer, although it is unclear yet whether supporters will be allowed back into stadiums to witness any potential achievements.

“I don’t like to play in the stadiums without fans, it’s like going to the circus but you don’t see clowns,” Ronaldo said.

“The pandemic has made people crazy. I hope soon they can open the gates of the stadiums. We have to live with that, we have to try to do a normal life but of course we have to respect the rules.

But to play without the fans, I really don’t like it.”

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

Mars hoping to win second consecutive title in today’s Blitz Championship DAVION Mars is focussed on attaining his second consecutive overall chess victory when he competes in today’s National Blitz Chess Championship, which is scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The 25-year-old, who was crowned champion of the 2020 National Rapid Chess Championship on Sunday told Chronicle Sport that he is hoping to make it two in a row.

“I’m pretty confident going into the competition.”

Both Rapid and Blitz are faster versions of classical chess. Blitz is however at an express

level, which brings new dimension to strategy and often ends via time.

Mars, who is UG’s three-time champion (2017-2019), said that he prefers Blitz to Rapid, but is cognizant that there are several strong Blitz players, including Roberto Neto and veteran Rai Sharma.

Some of the younger players, including Joshua Gopaul who defeated Mars last Sunday en route to the Junior Rapid title and Jayden Taylor who is the defending junior Blitz champion, will also look to make their mark.

Another player, South African Uddhav Bagwandeen is also in form and could create

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday December 31, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Marius Fernandes (vs ENG, Bourda, 1930) (2) Bruce Pairaudeau-115 (vs IND, Trinidad, 1953)

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches Colin Croft played? How many wickets he took?

(2) Clive Lloyd played 110 Test matches. In how many did he play as captain?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

LICB questions metrics, criteria and standards ...

From page 27

Ambris as his deputy.

Kavem Hodge, the right-handed top-order batsman, has earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad, while left-handed opener Shayne Moseley and all-rounder Kyle Mayers will also be touring in the Test squad for the first time, after making trips to England and New Zealand as reserves earlier this year. Mayers made his T20I debut against New Zealand last month.

Two players have earned their first ODI call-ups – all-round left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and Kjorn Ottley, a left-handed top-order batsman.

The West Indies touring party should arrive in Dhaka on January 10 and the series will run until February 15.

West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Jomel Warrican.

West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

an upset in the senior division. Bagwandeen won six of his nine games on Sunday to finish second in the Senior Rapid Championship.

FIDE Master Anthony Drayton is the defending National Blitz champion, but up to yesterday afternoon his participation in today’s competition was unknown.

Tournament Coordinator Rashad Hussain was instrumental in organising the overthe-board competition last Sunday and is confident that today’s event will also go off smoothly.

He said that he expects about 20 persons to compete, although only half had officially registered up to yesterday.

“I would like to thank the other executives of the Guyana Chess Federation for allowing the restart of over-the-board tournaments to conclude this crazy year. We are not yet back to full capacity. However, players are excited and back to serious training. I’m happy that chess made a restart in 2020 and look forward to a more productive New Year.”

Today’s FIDE rated competition has both Open and Junior divisions and should be played over nine rounds via the Swiss System. The first pawn will be moved at 13:00hrs and players will battle with a time control of eight minutes and a two-second increment.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecembER 31, 2020

GFF/MCYS/K&S Bounce Back Football …

Georgetown, Linden to clash in New Year’s final

THE final stage has been set for the Bounce Back Football Tournament with Linden and Georgetown All Stars pitted against each other in the race for top honours.

On Tuesday evening, Linden were the first team to book their ticket to the final with a comfortable 4-2 win over East Coast at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

In the match that followed, Georgetown fended off a raging West Coast side to win 3-2 and become the other finalists.

In the feature match, Georgetown’s combined speed caught West Demerara slipping in the opening moments and they paid dearly.

Missing their opportunity to quickly

switch from offence to defence, they conceded the first goal in the 2nd minute when Roy McArthur headed in a fantastic cross from the left flank.

Immediately after, West Demerara became a focussed side that rivalled Georgetown for the entire match.

West Demerara were then gifted with a penalty and a chance to level the scores but Trayon Bobb’s attempt was thwarted by the goal keeper.

Shortly after, Georgetown had a penalty in their favour that was taken by Ryan Hackett, but his attempt was denied too.

Hackett’s shot was stopped by goalkeeper Ryan Hunte, but in his attempt to gather it

was injured in the squabble. Hunte was immediately rushed to the hospital.

However, these two well prepared sides had well trained replacements.

In the 23rd minute Sheldon Holder picked up the equaliser which set the scores at 1 by the halftime whistle.

When play resumed, it was the West Demerara side that gained the upper hand compliments of Bobb who scored in the 53rd minute.

Controlling the Georgetown attack, McArthur had the opportunity to complete his brace and successfully brought the scores back in the balance in the 64th minute.

With the scores level and either side

looking for the game changer, the opportunity came in the form of a set piece play.

As time ran out, the free kick which was set just at the top of the 18-yard box on the left wing was buried close to first post with a excellent attempt by Daniel Wilson in the 81st minute, to give Georgetown the lead once again, and inevitably the eventual victory.

On New Year’s evening the curtain will come down on the tournament with the finale scheduled to commence at 18.00hrs.

That match will be broadcast live on NCN Television, E-Networks and the Ministry of Culture,, Youth and Sport’s Facebook platform.

ExxonMobil, Tiger Rentals Bucks set three-point join ‘Bounce Back’ Football record in win against Heat

EXXON Mobil and Tiger Rentals are the latest corporate entities to lend their support to the ‘Bounce Back’ football tournament.

Yesterday, Communications Manager of ExxonMobil, Nicholas Yearwood and General Manager of Tiger Rentals, Shane Singh presented sponsorship cheques to the president of Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde.

Yearwood and Singh both expressed gratitude for being a part of the supporting cast of the two-day, four-team tournament which kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium.

The pair also stated that they look forward to building a stronger partnership with football and the sports fraternity in the new year.

Forde thanked Yearwood and Singh on behalf of the respective companies and used the occasion to underscore the safety of the players competing in the tournament.

“It is also important for me to use this occasion to state that the Bounce Back’ football event is being organised and managed in the strictest possible compliance with the conditions that we outlined by the COVID-19 Task Force. We can assure the players and the parents of the players that this event is being managed responsibly and we are not putting anyone at risk.”

Forde added that he would be happy to share with anyone the protocols that GFF has developed with UEFA and how that is informing the decisions that the federation is taking to manage the tourney.

All players were tested for COVID-19 prior to the event which is a collaborative effort involving GFF, Kashif and Shanghai Organisation and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The final match of the tournament involving Linden All Stars and GT All Stars will kick off at 18:00hrs.

GFF president Wayne Forde collects sponsorship from Nicholas Yearwood, Communications Manager of ExxonMobil, in the presence of K&S director Aubrey Major.

(BBC) - The Milwaukee Bucks set an NBA record of 29 three-pointers in a game in a 144-97 win over Miami Heat.

The Bucks dominated - leading by as many as 51 points at one stage - and broke the Houston Rockets’ record of 27 three-pointers made in a single game.

Orlando Magic beat Oklahoma City Thunder 118-107 and have now won the first four games of a season for the first time in their 32-year history.

Only Orlando and Atlanta Hawks remain unbeaten in the new NBA season.

Magic top the Eastern Conference from Atlanta, while Los Angeles Clippers sit top of the Western Conference after a 124-101 win over Minnesota Timberwolves.

Phoenix Suns sit second in the Western Conference after a comfortable 111-86 win over New Orleans Pelicans, in which Jae Crowder scored a season-high 21 points.

Julius Randle hit 28 points as New York Knicks beat Cleveland Cavaliers

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks player not to register a three-pointer against Miami Heat.

95-86, while Washington Wizards’ 115-107 loss to Chicago Bulls means they have lost their first four games of a season for the first time since 2012-13.

Jayson Tatum scored 14 of his game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Indiana Pacers 116-111.

And Andrew Wiggins put on a late show - scoring 13 of his 27 points in the final eight minutes - as Golden State Warriors overcame Detroit Pistons 116-106.

Warriors’ Stephen Curry led all scorers with 31 points as Pistons lost for the second time in as many nights to leave them with four defeats from four matches.

De’Aaron Fox got 24 points and nine assists as Sacramento Kings beat Denver Nuggets 125115 while Joel Embiid shone for Philadelphia 76ers with 29 points in their 100-93 win over Toronto Raptors. Raptors have lost their first three games of a season for the first time since 2005-06.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 31, 2020

I am happy to be back in the Test squad, says Permaul

By Rajiv Bisnauth

HARD work and consistency over the years have paid off for the out-of-favour left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

The 31-year-old Berbician was rewarded with a place in the West Indies 15-man squad for the forthcoming two-Test tour of Bangladesh.

With the regional team under a lot of pressure following the debacle away series recently in New Zealand, the selectors opted to focus on strengthening the spin attack in a bid to counter the home team, where conditions are more suited for spinners.

While off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall retained his place despite a horror tour to New Zealand, the selectors recalled both Permaul and fellow left-arm spinner Jomel Warrician, who were part of the squad when the West Indies tour Bangladesh in 2018-2019.

Permaul, who has been a steady performer in regional cricket over the past six seasons, told Chronicle Sport he was happy the West Indies selectors had shown faith in him.

Permaul’s omission over the years has

Roger Harper generated many criticisms, since many feel he has not been given a fair break.

The former West Indies A team captain has appeared in only two Test matches during 2015 against England and Australia

in the Caribbean, despite being the leading wicket-taker on three occasions, (2014-15, 2017-18 and 2019-20), in the Professional Cricket League Four-Day tournament. He finished second in 2018-19, third in 2016-17 and fifth in 2015-16 season as well.

“It is good to be back in West Indies colours. I am looking forward to this tour. It is a bit of mixed emotions. I am a bit surprised but really happy and looking forward to the opportunity.

“One always looks forward to representing the West Indies because it is a childhood dream,” he gushed.

Meanwhile, CWI chief selector Roger Harper noted that Permaul selection was a natural and easy choice to make.

“We are heading to Bangladesh, where conditions are most likely to assist our spin bowlers and this was an opportunity for Permaul, who would have consistently done well at the regional level.”

Harper added, “You would notice we have three spinners in the squad and think that (Permaul) was a natural and easy choice to make and we look forward to him doing his thing in Bangladesh and performing at the sort of high level he has done at the

regional level.”

However, Harper’s comments came just months after he had suggested that the structure of the West Indies team now preluded the selection of Permaul.

Harper, a fellow Guyanese, had said while speaking on the Mason and Guest talk show in Barbados – prior to the team’s departure to England earlier this year – that Permaul’s success did not get him close enough.

West Indies arrive in Bangladesh on January 10, after which they play three One-Day Internationals from January 20-25, followed by two Tests, which start February 3 and 11.

West Indies last toured Bangladesh in 2018-2019 with a more experienced squad, and lost the ODI series 1-2 and both Tests.

West Indies Test Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer and Jomel Warrican.

LICB questions metrics, criteria and standards used to select WI squads

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) has written to Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief selector Roger Harper, questioning the selection policy of CWI, highlighting specifically the metrics, criteria and standards used to select West Indies Test and ODI squads.

In the letter written by acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Abraham Jr and seen by this publication, the board is also questioning the omission of players - Kieran Powell, Sheno Berridge and Devon Thomas to the squads for the tour to Bangladesh next month.

Further, the board has expressed its extreme disappointment in light of the knowledge of the recent statistical facts of the three players, adding that the trio have outperformed some players selected in the recently announced squads by CWI. Powell was the leading run-scorer in the last Super50, amassing 525 runs

Peter Abraham Jr at an average of 58.33 with two 50s and two 100s. Berridge was the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an average of 18.52 and an economy rate of 4.96, while Thomas, who also performed creditably, scored 368 runs at an average of 46.00 with three 50s and one century.

The letter was copied to Ricky

Kieran Powell Skerritt, president; Kishore Shallow, vice-president; Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer and Miles Bascombe, Selector.

Meanwhile Mr Harper says Powell remains unavailable for selection after failing to make the team’s fitness Standard.

“Mr. Powell has performed very

well; he was the leading run-scorer for the Super50 competition but he is yet to meet the fitness standard,” Harper told Mason and Guest radio programme.

Meanwhile, last Tuesday CWI named their squads for the tour which comprises three ODIs and two Tests in Chattogram and Dhaka.

Ten Windies players have declined the opportunity to tour due to COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears. Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran have all opted out, while Fabian Allen and Shane Dowrich are unavailable due to personal reasons.

The Test squad will be led by the experienced Kraigg Brathwaite, with Jermaine Blackwood as vice-captain.

Former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies A captain Jason Mohammed will lead the ODI team with Sunil See page 25

GFF/MCYS/K&S Bounce Back Football …

Georgetown, Linden to clash in New Year’s finale See story on page 26

Georgetown’s Ryan Hackett (10) tries to win possession against West Demerara’s Andre Hector (12) on the first night of the Bounce Back Football Tournament.

ExxonMobil, Tiger Rentals join ‘Bounce Back’ Football See story on page 26

Davion Mars (right) said he favours Blitz chess and would look to be aggressive, yet tactical in his approach today.

Mars hoping to win second consecutive title in today’s See story Blitz Championship on page 25

Shane Singh General Manager of Tiger Rentals (176 Middle Street) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GFF president Wayne Forde while K&S director Aubrey Major looks on.

Veerasammy Permaul

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

I am happy to be back in the Test squad, says Permaul See story on page 27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020