Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_14_11_2021 by Guyana Chronicle

14th November, 2021

See Inside No.106545

Massive repairs begin on Schoonord Access Road

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Camex looks to expand with 03 $200M poultry-processing plant PAGE

–– will create employment for 50 residents of Pearl

Construction industry 16 flourishes at mid-year

Rewarded with a day of fun!

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The Region 10 top NGSA pupils enjoy a full day of fun after their academic accomplishments (see story on page 4)

Financing for new hotels needed 02 PAGE

–– Guyana tells Qatar investors

Venezuelan migrant tops Crane 18 Primary School at NGSA PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Financing for new hotels needed –– Guyana tells Qatar investors

AS members of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) continue to scout possible areas of investment in Guyana, they were briefed on how the country’s growing popularity has birthed the need for

more accommodation facilities for visitors. On Friday, following a meeting with President Dr. Irfaan Ali the evening before, a team led by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, met with two officials of the Qa-

tar delegation, Mr. Abdulhadi F A Al-Hajri and Mr. Dany Farah Nakhoul. A press statement from the Ministry of Finance indicated that, at that forum, a few government ministers presented on the opportuni-

Representatives of the Qatar Investment Association receive tokens from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond ties that exist within their respective sectors. Among

them was Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who, according to the release, outlined the ‘ripeness’ of the hotel industry for investments. According to the statement, Minister Walrond also outlined the need for improved investments in important niche markets such as eco-tourism. More particularly, the need for the establishment of more luxury eco-lodges and resorts in various regions of the country. Minister Walrond’s pitch was supported by various members of the local private sector who, the ministry said, expressed hope of partnering with foreign investors to expand their operations, as well as the need for assistance in financing the establishment of more hotels. The need for more accommodation facilities have existed for years, prompting the pre-2015 People’s Progressive Party/Civic government to pursue the establishment of the Marriott Hotel at Kingstown, Georgetown. Although highly criticised and pegged as a “white elephant” by the then Parliamentary Opposition, the hotel constantly boasts of a “fully-booked” status; as a matter fact, this will remain the case until January 2022. Even amid a global pandemic, Guyana’s stellar reputation as a growing investment hub continues to attract thousands from near and far. And with the country preparing to host a number of world leaders along with their technical teams and private sector representatives, the need for more state-of-the-art accommodation facilities will increase exponentially. Within just a month of being in office, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government issued Expressions of Interest for internationally branded hotels to be built in the country; many have since answered the call, with the most recent being the commitment from a Trinidadian company to build a US$32.2 million (almost GY$6.8 billion) Hyatt

Place Hotel. It was only last week that the ceremonial sod was turned for the 125-room facility to be built along Red Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara. A Guyanese developer has also outlined plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Houston area, strategically positioned along the new four-lane Mandela-Eccles road currently being constructed. Added to that, sod-turning exercises have already been held for a number of new, additional hotels, with two earmarked for the environs of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The government has said that it aims to have at least 2,000 hotel rooms available for visitors to accompany the anticipated growth in the local economy. At Friday’s meeting, the local private sector also highlighted the need for investments in agricultural expansion as well as the need for more marine and dry dock ports, especially as stakeholders work to deliver on President Ali’s vision of enabling Guyana to realise its true potential as a hub for agriculture and food security within the Caribbean region and further afield. Meanwhile, at the meeting with the Qatar officials, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, pointed to the need for a transport and logistics network “to move the country’s goods to the Caribbean and vice-versa.” Edghill, according to the press release, also outlined the need for major farm-to-market roads, as well as other highways to facilitate easier access to key mining and forestry areas. Edghill, according to the statement, also highlighted a need for new ferries and other water-transport mechanisms, as well as the importance of upgrading local aerodromes and other key transportation See page 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Camex looks to expand with $200M poultry-processing plant –– company says project will create employment for 50 residents of Pearl By Navendra Seoraj

HAVING already established a notable presence in the local market with its renowned fast-food brands, Church’s, Dairy Queen and others, ‘Camex’ will be moving to expand its operations with the construction of a $200 million Hatchery and Poultry Processing Plant at Pearl, on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD). Through its subsidiary, Camex Broiler Breeders Inc., the company will be establishing the facility on a plot of land stretching over five acres. In a project summary submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company related that the site, used for poultry rearing, is presently occupied by four 20ft x 100ft wood and concrete chicken pens and living quarters for the farmhand. The project site is surrounded by vegetation which serves as a barrier against visual impacts. It is bordered to the north and east by similar agricultural activities, residential activities to the west and a canal to the south of the facility. With its foundation in the

poultry industry, the $200 million project will serve as an expansion for the company. In outlining the specifics of the project, the company said the hatchery would be constructed on the northeastern section of the land with a footprint of 2,800 sq. feet, while the processing plant would be constructed on the south-western part of the land. It will be a single-storey facility with a total occupied area of 13,000 sq. ft. The plant will be designed to hatch fertilised eggs, rear, and process chickens for meat production. Through its new facilities, the company will be processing 4,000 – 6,000 chickens weekly, and projects a monthly volume of production of 64,000 to 96,000 pounds of chicken. Chicken will be packaged whole and cut into pieces for offsite retail and wholesale. “The project also entails the construction of additional facilities to support the main operation of the hatchery and poultry processing facility. This includes an eight-foot wide access bridge to the facility from the main access

road and about 750ft of internal roads to link various operations on the property,” the company outlined in its project summary. The construction phase of the project will last for nine months after commencement, while the operational phase will be for a period of more than 20 years. It will create employment for 50 people in the community of Pearl and nearby communities during its construction (10 people) and operational (40 people) phases.

Camex assured the EPA that the project will operate at the highest standards to safeguard the environment and in accordance with the requisite laws and regulations of Guyana, such as the Environmental Protection Act, 1996 and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1997. Waste will be managed to reflect the principles of sound environmental management in accordance with established environmental regulations, to prevent and

mitigate negative impacts to the environment. The overarching objective of the company is to address the growing need for healthy chicken meat to supply the local market. In Guyana, the livestock sub-sector contributes approximately 13.6 per cent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.8 per cent of the total GDP. Livestock is commonly defined as domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce labour and commodities such as meat, eggs and milk, among other things. In this Region, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has predicted that the demand for food will increase by 50 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2050. And, according to the FAO, livestock production constitutes a very important component of the agricultural economy of developing countries, a contribution that goes beyond direct food production to include multipurpose uses, such as skins, fibre, fertiliser and fuel, as well as capital accumulation. Furthermore, livestock is closely linked to the social

and cultural lives of several million resource-poor farmers, for whom animal ownership ensures varying degrees of sustainable farming and economic stability. Considering the potential of the livestock industry, the government has taken steps to not just encourage direct investments, but to also initiate the production of feed material locally. The massive soya bean trial farm at the Dubulay Ranch at Ebini, along the Berbice River, has begun to bear fruit, with yields of up to two tonnes per hectare which is of good, export quality. In addition to this trial project which is expected to drive down the cost of inputs, the government gave the poultry industry zero-rated VAT status and removed Value Added Tax (VAT) on fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and key inputs in the poultry sector, including poultry feed, building materials and packaging. Since those adjustments, there has been a stark increase in investments in this industry, with about 500 new farmers getting into poultry farming between August and December, 2020, alone.

Financing for new hotels ... From page 2

infrastructure. “The Public Works Minister indicated that government is seeking public/private partnerships or solely private investment where applicable,” the Finance Ministry said. Meanwhile, summing up government’s presentation, Minister Singh was quoted as saying that the government’s major objectives, as part of its strategy for infrastructure, are to improve international connectivity, unleash Guyana’s productive potential through the improvement of domestic connectivity, particularly the opening of new agricultural lands and the building of new highways to improve and ease commute. In addition to Ministers

Singh, Edghill and Walrond, the meeting with the Qatar officials was also attended by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, along with Chairman of the Private Commission, Paul Cheong; President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker; President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad; President of the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana, Gerald Gouveia Jnr; and First Vice President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Mr. Ramsay Ali.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, delivering remarks at the forum hosted by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

A day of fun in the sun SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

--as top NGSA performers of Reg. 10 treated to exciting nature tour

THE pupils who topped Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) were treated in a special way earlier in the week. The 10 boys and girls who braved the coronavirus to secure good grades, and gain entry into the country’s leading secondary schools were the beneficiaries of bursary awards and an all-expenses paid day tour with Elite Kayaking & Nature tours. The activity, which also celebrates November as Tourism Awareness Month, got underway on Tuesday last. It was sponsored by the Linden Fund USA/LFU Guyana Incorporated, in partnership with Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, a press release stated. It noted that the two partners wanted to come together “to celebrate the academic excellence of Region 10’s top performers in a unique, trendsetting fashion”. “The partnership between the two organisations saw each child being awarded a

In addition to a day of fun, the top NGSA performers for Region 10 were also the beneficiaries of bursary awards

financial bursary, a certificate of recognition, a trophy, and a full kayaking day tour and nature expedition, followed by lunch at the Watooka Guest House,” the press release said. The organisers believe that the celebrations, which also included the parents of the awarded pupils and education officials, was unique, and offered everyone memorable experiences in addition to the physical rewards. This unique coupling

The children enjoyed a full day of kayaking with Elite Kayaking & Nature tours

is the first of its kind (for the organisers); awarding (pupils) financially, while paying homage to Tourism Awareness Month which is currently being celebrated across Guyana. Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Regional Education Officer, Nigel Richards congratulated the pupils for not only enduring and overcoming the challenges of school in the midst of a pandemic, but for going above and beyond to be named as the region’s top NGSA achievers. He further encouraged the pupils to stay focused as they enter high school, and to remain respectful in their future endeavours. Similar sentiments were shared by Deputy Mayor of Linden, Wainright Bethune, who encouraged the children to stay on top as they progress to the secondary level of their academic lives. In his congratulatory remarks, Bethune was quick to note that the pupils did not just make their parents proud, but

have also enhanced the pride of their communities and their teachers as well. Chief Executive Officer of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, Dr. Deon Anderson schooled the young scholars on the three Ds of success, namely, ‘Discipline’, ‘Dedication’ and ‘Determination’. He encouraged the youngsters to remain committed to the task as they strive continually for excellence. Anderson went even further to share an anecdotal story of a seed destined for greatness. He said, “No matter what the circumstances, remember this: ‘Never give up on yourself. Be disciplined, be dedicated, be determined, and you will surely achieve success.’” Once the ceremony ended, the excited pupils and their parents were treated to an ‘Adventure within a City’. Some of the participants were even able to experience kayaking for the first time; that, too, during the country’s Tourism Awareness Month observances. “The children were able to explore the beautiful sand hills of Linden, kayak across the amazing Blue Lakes, and glide through the perfect rainforest setting of the Kara Kara Creek,” the press statement noted. It went on to note that lifeguards and life vests were provided to all participants throughout the entire tour, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees at the event. The tour was followed by lunch at the Watooka Guest House, an iconic heritage site. The top NGSA pupils for Region 10 are: Akiera Campbell of Watooka Day Primary, who secured 518 marks, and was awarded a place at Queen’s College; followed by Aliyah Anthony of Regma Primary with 516 marks; Angel Henry of Regma Primary with 516 marks; Mollya Wilson of Amelia’s Ward Primary, who secured 514 marks; followed by her schoolmate, Nykasi Hodge with 512. Lakeshia Venture, of Royal Halls of Learning earned 511 marks, followed by Shaniece Duncan of Watooka Day Primary, and Angel Saul of Regma Primary who tied at 510 marks. Tia Sampson, of One Mile Primary secured 509 marks, followed by Joshua Purnell of Amelia’s Ward Primary, Jalicia Douglas of Regma Primary, and Tierre McIntosh of Royal Halls of Learning who tied at 508 marks.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

GRA’s demand for additional duties, taxes from Chinese businessman unlawful …High Court rules

By Richard Bhainie A HIGH Court Judge has ruled that a decision by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to demand over $5M in additional duties and taxes from a Chinese importer was unlawful and has ordered the entity to pay the importer costs. The importer, Shanglin Lin, is engaged in the importation of sanitary products manufactured in China. Between January and July 2019, he imported several containers of diapers on which duty was assessed, paid and the goods were released and sold within a few months of arrival. By a letter dated January 3, 2020, GRA wrote to Shanglin demanding that he pay the sum of $5,763,755 in additional duties and taxes in respect of the containers imported between January 2019 and July 2019 on or before the January 14, 2020. The letter indicated that the demand was premised on “anomalies” and listed transactions going back to January 2019 for which duty was already fully assessed and paid, however, the letter failed to identify any of the anomalies or how the additional duties and taxes were calculated. The GRA’s Deputy Commissioner and Head of the Customs Excise and Trade Operations Division, Patrick Hyman, in a sworn affidavit stated that a “post clearance limited scope audit” of the declarations was conducted by GRA after it was observed that the declared values for the items imported by Shanglin were low in comparison to other importers of similar products. Hyman contended that there was a series of correspondence between Shanglin and GRA whereby the revenue

authority requested documents pertaining to several shipments but those were never delivered. Shanglin was also invited to meet with GRA, but did not attend, and was informed of the review. The Deputy Commissioner noted that Shanglin’s broker later submitted copies of the e-SAD’s commercial invoices, bills of lading and custom payment receipts, however, those were already in GRA’s possession and were insufficient to establish the transaction values. In absence of the records to verify the transactions values, GRA located importers of similar products as Shanglin to be used as comparators for transaction values of similar goods; this is the third method of valuation detailed in the Fifth Schedule of the Customs Act. They then used a transaction value by a competitor to establish the true and correct value for Shanglin’s goods. The GRA relied on Section 17(2) of the Customs Act which authorises them to make demand for short levied duty and “upon failure of the individual to comply with the demand, certify upon any entry, specification or shipping bill subsequently presented to a proper officer by that individual, the particulars of the amount demanded.” They also relied on Section 233 of the Customs Act which authorises them to request and inspect invoices, books of accounts and any other documents, provided that the request is made within three years of the date of importation. Additionally, they relied on Regulation 36 of the Customs Regulations made under Section 275 of the Customs Act which also authorises them to

The Guyana Revenue Authority Camp Street, Georgetown Head Office demand any books of account or other documents, and Regulation 204W which stipulates that an officer shall make such audit or inspection of the books and papers … regarding specific customs transactions for the purpose of protecting importers or revenue.However, High Court Judge, Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln, reasoned that section 17 (2) of the Customs Act does not by itself expressly empower GRA to carry out an “audit” or reassessment of Shanglin’s goods in the manner it did. “I therefore find that the respondent’s “audit” and or reassessment of duty on the Applicant’s goods imported and entered between January and July 2019 and the consequent demand for additional duties as a result of the applicant’s failure to provide requested documents purportedly pursuant solely to Section 17 (2)

of the Act is ultra vires and unlawful,” she ruled. Further, she reasoned that while Section 233 gives the respondent the power to demand and examine a wide range of documents even after goods have entered which can be termed as an audit, there is no power conferred by Section 233 to take the action which GRA took. “I do not find that there is any power conferred by Section 233 to conduct a “review” in accordance with the Fifth Schedule or any other part of the Act for failure to provide requested documents,” she held. The High Court judge held that the only sanction imposed by Section 233 for failure to provide documents requested after goods have entered is a fine and further Regulations 34 and 204W impose no sanction for failing to provide requested

documents or failure to submit to the audit and inspection. She ruled that GRA failed to establish the statutory basis upon which it embarked upon a reassessment of duty, including the methodology used to do so and the statutory basis upon which it was determined that the goods were “short levied” for the purposes of Section 17 (2) was also not established. The judge ruled that costs in favour of Shan-

glin shall be assessed if not agreed within 21 days, and if not agreed, Shanglin shall file and serve a Bill of Costs on GRA by November 26, 2021. The GRA had also blocked Shanglin from electronically filing Customs Entries and Declarations with the ASYCUDA system operated and maintained by the revenue authority, this decision was also declared unlawful by the court.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Gun violence

GUN and gun-related violence is a serious matter, not only in Guyana, but in the world at large. It threatens our most fundamental human right; the right to life. It is a daily tragedy affecting the lives of people all across the globe. The statistics show that more than 500 people die every day, globally, because of violence committed with firearms. Guyana is no exception in this regard, and even though our statistics may not be as alarming when compared to some other countries, it is serious enough to gain the attention of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who indicated

that his administration is examining measures to tackle this problem. Towards this end, the Attorney-General has been tasked with examining the existing laws, and to propose amendments to allow for the imposition of maximum penalties for persons found with unregistered weapons. Persons in possession of illegal weapons will be granted a period of amnesty to have those weapons off the streets. Section 16 (2) of the Firearms Act stipulates that any person found with a firearm in his possession without holding a firearm licence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than

$3000.00 nor more than $15,000, together with imprisonment for not less than one year, nor more than three years, and on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for seven years. Given the fact that a significant number of crimes are gun-related, the intervention by President Ali is both timely and necessary. And even though the statistics show a reduction in the overall crime rate, when compared to the corresponding period last year, any crime committed is one too many. According to President Ali, very soon, a programme will be launched to offer those who are in

breach of the laws to turn a new page in life, and be provided with a new pathway to earning an income, and living a decent life. This is a welcome gesture on the part of the President, and it is hoped that full advantage will be taken of this opening. Our people deserve to live in an environment free from crime, and the police records show that unregistered guns are a leading cause of crime and violence in the country. Gun violence results in several health issues throughout affected communities, including mental and psychological traumas by victims and other family members.

Guyana is not a manufacturer of firearms, which means that all firearms entering the country are procured from overseas suppliers. Because of the porous nature of our borders, a significant number of these firearms are smuggled into the country, and find their way into the hands of bandits. The problem was further compounded by the lax gun control measures of the previous APNU-AFC administration when guns went missing from the Joint Services, and were supposedly linked to criminal activities. An audit done after the PPP/C took office into the Guyana Police Force found that under the

previous administration, a significant number of firearms had vanished. It is anyone’s guess as to the actual whereabouts of those missing weapons, especially in light of an apparent nexus between the APNU+AFC coalition, and some elements of the criminal underworld. There is a strong case to revisit our existing laws regarding unregistered firearms, and President Ali is clearly on the ball in dealing with this growing scourge. The economic and social life of the country is getting better, but these advances could be mitigated by perceptions of rising levels of crime and criminality.

Open up more farmlands in Region Five Dear Editor, IN one of my recent letters to the press, I have mentioned that “Region Five is the most productive agricultural region in Guyana”, and I have no second thoughts about this because this region is the breadbasket of Guyana. Be it in rice, sugar, cash crops, cattle, or poultry, the bulk of the agricultural products that are being consumed on a daily basis comes out of Region Five. I have also mentioned in that very article that since this government took office, the farmers are back in their farmlands, farming more than what was happening under the previous government, and that under the APNU+ AFC government, little or nothing was given to the farmers but just raise in land rates and

D&I charges, land being taken away etc. As can be seen today, many farmers have gone back to their farmlands, planting rice and mostly cash crops. Help is being given by this government in many ways to ensure that the farmers have the necessary tools and know-how, with advice from the various government agricultural agencies on caring and protecting their crops. I have visited several villages over the past week, and am amazed as to the sentiments the residents within those villages have for the agricultural sector. Many indicate and show the passion, with the zeal to continue farming, and, moreover, to extend their farmlands and variety of crops they are planting in months to come. Almost all of the farmers were high in praise for what

the Ministry of Agriculture is doing to ensure that they are being taken care of, and given the necessary advice that is much needed. Few farmers are upset for some reason, or mainly because the NDCs are not doing enough to ensure they have water in the drains to take care of their gardens. Farmers also said that the NAREI extension officers need to be more in the fields, and I do agree with them, because those are the officers that have to help those farmers when advice is being sought. My biggest surprise as I walk through those villages and meet with the farmers and residents is that they want more lands to be made available to them, by a portion or section of government lands, to extend their farming, or to start farming in cash crops.

This is what I was waiting to hear, as many said that if the government makes those lands available, they are ready to go in and start the work in getting the lands where they want them for their various crops. It was a sentiment that I cannot shy away from, and told the farmers that is a very good way of getting more produce on the market, but if the government take up that challenge and make the lands available, then it will have to be distributed in a fair and transparent manner; not like what took place under the previous APNU+ AFC government. I said that to them, because I was a part of the previous government that was standing up for the people of Region Five, no matter race or who they voted for, but I will continue to say that the previous govern-

ment was a racial one, and was only about one set or race of people. I am calling on the residents of this region to take full advantage, and I mean full or all the advantages that you can take, in ensuring you legally occupy lands for farming, and do not just turn up and look at a plot of land and start to farm, because it will be illegal. I am calling on the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, Minister of Agriculture to have officials of his ministry explore all the options, and see where there are lands available that can be used for cash-crop farming, and please start the process to ensure that the people of Region Five get access to those lands in starting or extending their farms. I know that the Hon.

Minister has a clear knowledge as to the many ways of developing agriculture, and I am sure he will ensure that as long as lands are available in this region and can be used for agricultural purposes, he would ensure that those very lands are given to the residents of Region Five, so that we can remain on the top of the other regions as the best agricultural region in Guyana. I would like to join with the many farmers here in Region Five to commend the minister and his team for doing a wonderful job in ensuring that agricultural development stays on top of the agenda, not only in Region Five but across Guyana. Yours sincerely, Abel Seetaram

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Migratory class dynamics among rural Indians

LAST week, in this space, I addressed class dynamics among rural Indians. I will now address the transformation of class relations in rural Guyana in Berbice brought about by the socio-economic impact of Forbes Burnham’s cooperative socialist style of governance and migration. Until the early 1990s, class relations revolved around occupation, meaning that well-to-do Indians hired working class Indians to work for them, mainly in rice cultivation, on a private basis. This socio-economic relationship was rather unique in that the working class Indians were paid weekly by the well-to-do Indians but the latter received their income semi-annually based on a two-crop rice cultivation practice per year. Moreover, both classes co-mingled frequently beyond their working rela-

tionship. It is not surprising to see Indians from all backgrounds coming together to help with chores regarding religious functions and weddings. Class positions were flattened during these events. Interestingly, too, both classes shared a commonality of consuming rice, a staple like all Guyanese. Then, when the rural Indian communities were about to take off like those in Trinidad and Suriname in the 1970s, terror struck. The culprit was Forbes Burnham’s policy of making the “little man a real man”, which altered the class relations among Indians. Burnham introduced policies that controlled the production of rice cultivation, essentially unleashing various policies ranging from paddy pricing to private access to international markets. Indian rice-farmers had to sell their paddy to the government controlled Rice Marketing

Board at a fixed price which was not determined by market forces. Additionally, the revenues from the rice industry were not re-invested in the rice industry. They were siphoned off to sustain the public sector, namely, the Police and Defence Force. On page 326 in his book, the Great Downswing, Ramesh Gampat declares: “In effect, the rice industry, which was and still is, dominated by Indians, was being taxed to finance the spending spree of the Burnham government, including spending on the over-staffed civil service that benefited mostly Africans.” The question is: how did Indians who relied on rice cultivation cope with the stifling effects of cooperative socialism? There were three approaches. First, there were those Indians who continued to go along with cooperative socialism including some

rice planting elites hoping to get the best of an unfavourable situation. They were not active members in terms of promoting PNC doctrine wherever and whenever they went. They merely voted for the PNC, although they did influence some Indians to support the PNC. Second, there were those Indians who resisted cooperative socialism by withdrawing their participation in the rice industry or offering critical support to the PNC. Third, there were those Indians who were simply fed up with cooperative socialism and out-migrated. Despite these myriad approaches, cooperative socialism remained unhinged, culminating in the fragmentation of the Indian community. Some rice-planting extended Indian families broke up under the weight of cooperative socialism, leading to bitter conflicts of separation and unequal divisions of prop-

erty among siblings. Some have not spoken to each other for decades. I pause here to say that I have been following the class dynamic discussions in urban Guyana, revolving around how the middle class - light skin and mixed - have come to dominate Georgetown. Although the arguments are impressive, they have missed out on class dynamics in rural areas, and have inadvertently projected the image that rural Indians only became class-oriented when they migrated to urban areas. That might be the case. However, the impact of cooperative socialism caused many Indians to out-migrate to urban areas, and, in so doing, have extended their class status from the countryside to urban areas with little or no social adjustment. Nevertheless, out-migration and integration into the urban class system have not always been fluid. Some

Indians bring to urban areas what some sociologists call status inconsistency and occupy contradictory class locations insofar as not fitting into a racially oriented class system based on colour and privilege “schooling.” Some migratory rural Indians then in urban Georgetown do have wealth and power but they are marginalised for lacking the “prestige” that comes with being educated at a higher institute of learning such as the University of Guyana. The outcome has been that migratory Indians from the rural to urban areas have exchanged social mobility regarding geography and status but are not always accepted in the insular urban Creole class system. The mockery of how Indians speak in urban areas has not faded (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

Guyana must have a Vendors’ Association Dear Editor,

VENDING is now a serious problem in our country. However, vending is a necessity, and very convenient for the population at times. It can also sometimes prove to be a traffic hazard, messy, and the place where criminals and bandits prowl and prey on our citizens. Our country, like any other country, will have to appreciate and accommodate some amount of vending, whether in the city or elsewhere. As the Christmas season approaches, we will witness much more vending, and people will appreciate the situation. However, it is imperative that serious efforts

are put in place to prevent the dangerous criminals that operate freely, particularly during the busy shopping season. Guyana is on the rise; development is taking place at a fast rate. Hence, legitimising vending and providing safe spaces for vendors must be accompanied by adequate security for our citizens. Vendors must not offer security and hiding space for the criminals and thieves who are around the markets. We must appreciate that vending takes place where commuters and people traverse. The marketplaces, junctions, parks/carparks and venues that attract people, particularly during peak hours, are some of the spaces

that attract vendors. Vending is a business; our vendors must ply their business at the appropriate place, and at the time when it is most suitable. The place of vending must be kept clean, and must not be littered and unhealthy. Vendors at the road corners and street parapets must not cause traffic problems. Vendors must be responsible for their customers’ well-being. Schoolchildren in particular must purchase their fruits and snacks in an appropriate and hygienic environment. Our people love fresh fruits and vegetables, and housewives on their way home usually make their purchases at the most convenient venue. Many persons

love to take their breakfast on their way to work, hence, the food handlers must be clean, and provide quality service to the working population. The Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism must work together to empower the vendors, and guide them to work within the law. With all the development taking place in the country, the municipalities, Regional Democratic Councils and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils must devise means and identify sites where vendors can be placed. The pandemic is with us, and our people must be

protected; we must have attractive facilities with all the necessary accommodations. While the markets must have bathrooms and, where necessary, seating facilities, the service providers must dress properly. Food handlers and service providers must look elegant, and at all times be polite and courteous to the public. Guyana is a tourist destination, and we must invest to make our country more attractive. We must have more night facilities, a floodlight-type atmosphere so as to have real nighttime economic activities. As such, our communities must be sparkling and inviting for all-time recreation and enjoyment. Our design must

enfranchise and empower our communities to produce a commodity that will make our country a special place. Roadside vending, markets and seawall vending must be clean and attractive. All relevant stakeholders must put Guyana first. We must develop a culture of cleanliness and safety; our country is known for our high-class hospitality. We need to promote and respect our small businesses, hence, vending must be protected and encouraging, so that our country and people could be a better place. Guyana must have a Vendors’ Association, which will operate in the best interest of our country. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

THE new spate of electoral reforms, which have been drafted by the Irfaan Ali Administration, is bold and futuristic since they seek to largely correct the deficiencies that give way to abuse, exploitation and absurdities in the legal framework of the system which governs elections here. Having glanced through the proposed amendments to the People Representation Act, it becomes clear that the government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to ensure that the atrocities that invaded the 2020 elections, after the polls closed, and up to the declaration, do not have a chance to be repeated or

reoccur in that manner. The reforms, first promised by PPP/C while in Opposition, seek to address the lacunas in the 100-year-old electoral laws by strengthening the system leading to more transparency and accountability whenever elections are held. They address key areas relating to the issues of use of statements of poll, tabulation of results, the use of manuals, and designation of the polling places, to name a few. These hallmark reforms came in less than the prescribed time it would take to get recommendations to effectively overhaul an electoral system. Also, the scope

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Electoral Reforms

of the reforms must have taken the best legal and political minds to ensure that there is no conflict with the laws that govern the election and the Constitution. As Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, explained, the reforms contained in legislation alone are not sufficient to wholly address the exploitation, absurdities, and vulgarities in the law. After all, there is a brand of politicians who look for any way or means of cheating, rigging, and frustrating the democratic process of elections, once they believe that the results will not be in their favour. These reforms mark the start of the transitioning of

the Guyana electoral system to a more modern and realistic system so that Guyanese can have a resurgence of confidence in the ballot’s ability to create and change the power constructs of society. So, it is good that the reforms are being made available to all the opposition parties, stakeholders and Guyanese for their inputs and objections before they are taken to Parliament. This move gives the reforms a consultative and nationally accepted flavour that is good for the buy-in process before they become law. And GECOM must have its input in the reform process which is separate and

apart from other stakeholders. While doing so, it will have to start putting plans on hold for election preparation until the reforms become law. It will need to approach the area cautiously until it is ready for elections and its new Chief Executive Officer is on board. But this reform process will likely mean that there will be no Local Government Elections held this year. This development is most unfortunate, but it is necessary if there are to be bold reforms that would affect the elections, and how irregularities are dodged in the process. Guyana stands to benefit, in a way, if the greater interest is taken first

into consideration. Lastly, the consequences are not, at all, dire, perplexing, and fatal to the local government system if elections are not held this year. Contrary to views being peddled, these local government councils will still be functional and they will still get money to do their community works and services until new councils are voted in under the new laws. Also, the Integrity Commission and all other commissions which stand expired will be given a new lease on life when the President replenishes their functionality soon.

Guyana can play crucial role in efforts to balance sustainability and growing demand

This is the second part of a three-part series that will examine the new Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), COP26, and Guyana’s role in the global fight against climate change. OVER the last couple of weeks, leaders meeting at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) have highlighted the long-term need to reduce global reliance on fossil fuels and the emissions they produce. Companies across the oil and gas space are similarly transitioning towards an “all of the above” approach—introducing new investments in clean energy and making commitments to reduce their emissions while continuing to produce fossil fuels under certain circumstances. The conflicts between emissions reductions and growing demand

for energy have made this a complex challenge for both governments and companies to solve. Developed countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States are working to aggressively tackle carbon emissions, but they also continue to rely heavily on energy production as an economic staple and are struggling with the impact of higher prices and global shortages on their economies. The developed world has been heavily criticised, particularly around this year’s COP, for the perceived hypocrisy between its push to dissuade developing countries from developing oil and gas even as they themselves continue to develop and rely on their own. A recent Foreign Policy article from development econ-

omist, Vijaya Ramachandran, highlighted that, “a ban on financing gas projects would practically end support for critical energy infrastructure necessary to support economic development and raise living standards.” The article heavily criticised Norway, a major supplier of natural gas and oil, for lobbying the World Bank to stop all financing of natural gas projects in Africa and elsewhere as soon as 2025. Norway has announced plans to continue producing oil and gas for the foreseeable future, in part to meet the considerable and growing demand for these resources globally. Despite implementing some of the world’s most aggressive emissions reduction targets, leaders like the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, are grappling

with supply issues that have led to soaring electricity prices and shortages across Europe. Similarly, despite aggressive policies to reduce production and emissions at home, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has called on Russia and OPEC to “boost oil output to tackle rising gasoline prices.” Balancing the need to continue production while also reducing emissions is complex, and world leaders and private companies are working to find the sweet spot. By continuing to develop oil and gas in a sustainable way, while also investing in renewable resources like hydro, wind, and solar, the world can both meet demand and reduce carbon emissions. This challenge—to meet demand while also reducing emissions—has created new opportunities for resource-rich countries like Guyana to be able to satisfy this demand. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told U.S. National Public Radio (NPR), in an interview last week, that blocking new development would mainly serve the interest of established producers like Saudi Arabia. “We have a small window to get as much as possible out,” Jagdeo said, highlighting both the opportunity and the time constraints that Guyana faces while trying to balance the

fight against climate change with urgent need for funds. Guyana’s updated LCDS reflects that balance, outlining an approach that allows the country to develop its rich oil and gas reserves and contribute to global supply, while also reducing carbon emissions. The government plans to transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources by using oil revenues to build renewable generation, protect the country against sea level rise, and conserve critical environments like the Amazon that suck carbon out of the atmosphere. Private companies are also looking to ensure that development is more sustainable and many already have net zero commitments for their operations in place. ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block, recently announced plans to invest $15 billion dollars in developing “low carbon solutions,” including carbon capture sequestration (CCS), a technology that injects carbon emissions back into the Earth. It hopes that technology will one day allow for reducing emissions without curbing production. Other major companies like Shell and BP are investing heavily in renewable technologies like offshore wind and solar as part of their portfolios while continuing to

develop oil and gas. As companies turn their focus to environmental and sustainability goals, they are also looking at the types of regions they are developing. Many companies and analysts are now evaluating areas like Guyana not just on traditional measures like cost, but also on measures like the relative carbon intensity of oil. Higher quality reserves of light oil like those mainly found so far in Guyana require less energy to separate and process and burn cleaner, producing fewer emissions compared to heavier oil sources like Canada’s tar sands. Companies globally are moving quickly to offload more carbon intensive oil assets and transition to ones like Guyana that they think may be able to produce oil profitably even in a lower-emission environment. That demand, if paired with strict environmental policies and measures to protect that vast carbon-absorbing potential of the Amazon, should position Guyana to take advantage of a changing world. In Part 3, the final installment of this series, Understanding Energy will explore emerging technologies and the future of oil and gas development in a warming world.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Molnupiravir in the spotlight

THIS drug manufactured by MSD and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics (referred to as Merck) has been the first oral investigational anti-viral medicine approved by the UK regulatory body MRHA to assist in the fight of mild to moderate COVID-19, with at least one risk factor, in an out-patient setting. Approval of the EUA (emergency use authorisation) is pending for the USA after submission and review of data. Merck has published that the drug has gone through phase three trials for safety and efficacy, after scoring 11 in WHO outcomes in phase two trials, which gave approval for clinical progression. It has been tried in 170 countries including the hard hit ones such as USA, Brazil, Mexico, UK and now Russia. There are no deaths associated with the usage of molnupiravir according to its manufacturer. The BBC has quoted Merck’s claims to reduce deaths and hospitalisation by 50 per cent in an interim analysis of just under 800 persons. The results published have not been peer

reviewed as yet, but the company has indicated willingness and ability to do so based on its confidence in its product. NHC (ß-D-N-hydroxycytidine), initially developed for influenza, is the active metabolite and it has been around since 1980. In 2003 molnupiravir, the prodrug was introduced. When this oral prodrug is metabolised in the body it is then activated into NHC-TP. The mechanism of action is to decode the genetic sequence of the viral replication, specifically by altering the viral RNA polymerase enzyme. It has a two-phased attacking mechanism making viral mutations very difficult since the proofreading exonuclease enzymes cannot detect the incorporation of the NHC-TP into the RNA, which is the building block for the virus. This is a great success story, a light at the end of the tunnel, because of the known contagious nature of the disease and the route of administration, oral rather than the intravenous dosage form. No hospitalisation is required for treatment

which means less exposure to the virus, less utilisation of limited and overworked human resources at hospitals and less need for medical supplies including PPE and sometimes oxygen which were in severe shortages in some countries. The United Kingdom had success in the usage of molnupiravir for the frail and immunosuppressed patients. In the clinical trials treatment commenced early, within the first five days of experiencing the symptoms after testing positive. The recommended regime is twice daily for a period of five to 10 days from 200mg to 800mg, depending on severity. Two other new oral anti-virals, one by Pfizer (ritonavir) and one by Roche (coded AT527) are in the queue waiting on approval or authorisation once clinical trials have been deemed satisfactory. It seems that the Pfizer’s pill would be approved in 2022 whilst there has been a delay in about a year due to failure in phase two trials for AT-527. Pfizer’s unique and competitive offer of a tiered pricing plan to

prevent prohibition in the roll out in poorer countries might be the game changer the world is waiting on, since it fosters equitable access. The cost of the treatment is prohibitive. It is estimated at a whopping US$700 per person resulting in more resourced countries like UK, USA, Australia, Singapore and South Korea placing orders in advance. Such high-priced commodity in high demand can lead to drug counterfeiting or look alike in the pharmaceutical industry, so caution in procurement screening is recommended. Initially, a request was made through CARICOM for the Caribbean countries to have some access. Subsequently it was disclosed that pending a WHO approval, CARPHA will be making recommendations for use in the Caribbean since Merck & Co. has recently indicated a more affordable option through its pending licensing agreement with qualified pharmaceutical manufacturers and the United Nations Medicines Patent pool. Currently, in Guyana, remdesivir is given in the form

of IV infusion but requires hospitalisation and monitoring by a doctor. However with the breakdown of trust and the fact that relatives are not at the bedside, care and treatment of patients had become a breathing ground for suspicion, especially when results are not in keeping with expectations. This can undermine all the efforts and sacrifices made by the health care workers especially since PAHO’s protocol does not endorse this particular anti-viral, remdesivir. It is important though not to dim your judgement with the spotlight on molnupiravir since, as a mutagenic ribonucleoside, some experts in the field expressed concern of undesirable mutation on the host cell and not only on the targeted virus. This caution was raised after animal studies suggested further testing in vivo and monitoring for potential genotoxic effects. If this occurs then unwanted effects like cancer and teratogenicity (birth defects) are some of the concerns to look for later on. Hence, caution is exercised with use in pregnancy and in

children. Further, it must be highlighted that in the trials persons on molnupiravir were advised against heterosexual activity so as to prevent pregnancy. In conclusion, persons should not become complacent or substitute vaccination for treatment since safety concerns may limit usage in the wider population. Emphasis must be placed on disease prevention at all times. The recommended treatment protocol in the UK for molnupiravir include a positive COVID-19 test with at least one risk factor such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and old age. For further pharmacological guidance and physician referral, consult the pharmacist at Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Politics & The Economy: JB’s Analysis

Exxon’s US$9.5 Billion Stabroek Block Bill --practicality and reality of situation ignored by commentators

THE APNU+AFC opposition member Roysdale Forde was quoted in the print media, earlier this week, lambasting the government for its failure to conduct the audit for the Stabroek block bill, which amounts to US$9.5 billion. Forde argued that had the PPP/C Government conducted a rigorous audit, at the very least, the country could have secured enough savings to cover the citizens’ personal income taxes at the 2020 level for nearly 56 years. He was further cited by a certain media house that “by his calculations, Guyana could have recouped approximately US$1.1 billion or GY$235 billion.” Let’s understand the facts surrounding this situation. The APNU+AFC formed the government in May 2015 just when it was announced that Guyana discovered oil in commercial quantities. It was the APNU+AFC Government that renegotiated the contract with the two-year limit for the audit to be done, whereas the requirements for audits by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in keeping with Guyana’s tax laws is eight years. With this in mind, the onus rested upon the APNU+AFC Government to have ensured this audit was done since 20152018 in the first place. Be that as it may, for the past five years, the previous administration of which Forde is a part did nothing to build local

capacity to carry out these audits locally and never even commenced the process to do so. Now, we are five years behind with lots of catching up to do. Did he, Mr. Forde, conduct the audit? Does he, a lawyer by profession possess the competence to do so? Or is he simply propagating an unfounded and absurd fallacy to mislead the nation? Does he have the moral authority to pronounce on this matter? It was Forde and his team who were party and aided the attempted perpetuation of the election rigging in 2020, his rigorous defending of the fraudulent Mingo declaration at the 2020 elections. One wonders how Forde would have derived that US$1.1 billion figure when the audit has not been done. What exactly did he calculate and how? Needless to say, the whole world knows of Forde’s and his party’s infamous reputation on calculation which cost taxpayers tens of millions all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice to tell an entire nation the majority of 65 is 33. Forde, and his ilk are intellectually challenged on small numbers and simple mathematics such as 33 versus 32. Imagine, he is now venturing to do calculations on oil expenditure and on substantially larger numbers, beyond his ability to comprehend the mechanics of such large numbers. It would appear that having exhausted his

competences as a lawyer, he seems to be venturing into the field of accounting. Lord help us. For the sake of clarity, let’s consider Forde’s proposition for a moment. He is of the view that had the PPP/C Government conducted a rigorous cost audit, Guyana could have recouped approximately US$1.1 billion or GYD$235 billion. However, even if this is the case, the existing fiscal framework of the PSA would not permit Guyana to benefit unconditionally from the supposed US$1.1 billion in savings. According to our PSA, there is a two per cent royalty on top of oil production. Of the remaining balance, 75 per cent goes to cost recovery. The balance is then shared 50/50 between the government and the operator. A deduction of US$1.1B from the cost bank would essentially mean that the operator would eventually have to foot these costs. A direct corollary of this on the cost bank would be in the form of a reduced payback period. However, while the government’s take would undoubtedly increase, so too would be the operator’s. In the long run, the operation would remain economically viable insofar as revenue exceeds costs. Therefore, by deduction, Guyana would only receive a fraction of the supposed savings, not the full amount as indicated by Forde. Clearly, Forde is oblivious of how the

O&G sector operates. Forde was joined by a prominent chartered accountant who echoed similar sentiments and sought to trivialise the issue of local content while blasting the Vice-President’s explanation as to why the audit has not been done yet. At no point, though, did the Vice-President said that the audit will not be done. On top of that, what’s stopping the local firms from partnering with international firms to build capacity on their own to ready themselves for when the opportunity arrives? With respect to the other aspect of the criticisms leveled by the Chartered Accountant, the gov’t cannot issue a tender with qualifications for a project to suit the qualification we have in country; rather, it must be tailored to suit the qualification that is required. So, it is for the local firms to know strategically that they would have to enter strategic partnerships to build capacity and to win these tenders locally. The issue of local content ought not to be trivialised. The Vice-President is well in order to champion local content and, as he said in his press statement, only two local firms applied but they are not fully qualified to do the audit. However, if they partner with an international firm, this is how we as a country can build local capacity. If we don’t seize the opportunity now to build

local capacity to do these kinds of audits, despite we are late by a few years, then when will we do it? It is understood that an audit like this, if a local consortium of accounting / audit firms were to come together by partnering with an international firm, where for an audit of this nature 100 per cent audit will have to be conducted – the cost would be anywhere around US$2M – US$5M. So, this would mean that local firms and Guyanese professionals will be losing an opportunity to work on a G$1 billion audit project which would perhaps be the first of its kind if we are to just go ahead and bring in an international firm to get the job done. Moreover, not because we are late by a few years means this is a crime. An audit is a post-mortem exercise so it’s not like we are losing anything, or we have lost something. Whatever discrepancies that the audit is likely to uncover can still be dealt with because Exxon is here for a long time. They are not going anywhere. As far as the legal provision is concerned that the chartered accountant referred to, we know that those legislations will be amended, and that the two-year limit is also likely to be amended. This can be easily brokered, simply because there are several additional benefits the gov’t under the stewardship of the Vice-President has managed to get

Exxon to agree to that is outside of the PSA that a certain chartered accountant so religiously use to justify his assertions. For example, the financing of the gas-to-shore pipeline infrastructure is an example of one of the many things the government managed to get Exxon to do, that it, perhaps, was not even comfortable doing, the US$100 million GGI initiative is another one, and the list goes on. Having said all of this, one can safely conclude that the practicality and the circumstances surrounding the failure to audit to date, are ignored by some commentators and politicians on the other side. In contrast, it might serve the country better if these energies were directed towards the practicable solution rather than working against progress and development. In fact, should I question why the prominent chartered accountant who criticised the government for failure to audit, did not participate in the bidding process for the job? It appears his firm did not. Question is why? And if he did, does his firm have the full capacity? If not, why speak wildly on the matter? __ ___________________ ____________________ The views expressed are exclusively of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper. The author of this column possesses more than a decade experience in research and analysis.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Health Minister lauds vision of Mings Optical … during opening of company’s Rose Hall branch

MINGS Optical has expanded its services to the people of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with the opening of its spanking new branch at Lot 21 Williamsburg, Rose Hall, Corentyne. The featured guest at the event on Saturday was the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who spoke of the company’s continued improvement in the standard of optometry and related services. Operating in Rose Hall since 2013, Mings Optical has been a mainstay for residents not only of that region but villages further afield.

And Dr. Anthony alluded to this, saying, “We want to ensure that we (the government and the Ministry of Health) can lift the standard of medicine in Guyana, and that includes optometry and related services.” From providing services one day a week at its old location, Mings Optical expanded to offer services to residents thrice weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Rose Hall branch will feature the latest in medical testing and other See page 13

Rose Hall Mayor Dave Boodhu cuts the ceremonial ribbon for the official opening of the new, upgraded location of Mings Optical in the presence of Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony (third left); Regional Chairman David Armogan (extreme right) and proprietrix, Dr. Michelle Ming (extreme left)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Two unvaccinated males die from COVID-19

TWO more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 957, the Ministry of Health has reported. The ministry said that the latest fatalities are two unvaccinated men. They are a 49-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice --Corentyne) who died on November 09, and a 39-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) who died on November 13, 2021. Additionally, there are currently 2,302 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 89 new cases within a 24-hour period. The 89 newly confirmed cases were recorded in nine of the ten administrative Regions excluding Region 10. Region Four accounted for 35 of the new cases; Region One recorded six new cases; Region Two recorded 14 new cases; Region Three recorded five new cases; Region Five recorded three new cases; and Region Six recorded 19 new cases. Region Seven recorded four new cases, while Regions Eight and Nine recorded one and two new cases, respectively.

The country has now recorded a total of 36,741 confirmed cases since March 2020. Of the active cases, 15 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 55 are in institutional isolation; 2,232 are in home isolation, and 17 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 are in force until November 30, 2021. 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, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is from 12 midnight 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.

Health Minister lauds vision ... From page 11

associated practices, including full-scale eye testing, spectacles fitting, as well as contact lens services. Dr. Anthony also spoke of the investment in the region, saying, “Coming here to Region Six and being able to create such a good facility is a good example of what your company represents.” Also present at Saturday’s launch was Region-

al Chairman of Region Six, David Armogan, who spoke about the influx of investment in the region. “With this new location, I know we will benefit from renewed service for the residents of Region Six,” Mr. Armogan said. The region, he said, is evolving rapidly in terms of the services sector. Mayor Dave Budhu also spoke about the timeliness of the investment, espe-

cially given that the town recently celebrated its 51st Anniversary. He explained that Rose Hall is poised for major developments in the future. The proprietor of Mings Optical, Dr. Michelle Ming, said the expansion has to do with the demand of citizens in the township for accessing the company’s services.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony having an auto refraction test done by Dr. Naudeen Cheefoon at Mings Optical Rose Hall branch on Saturday

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Massive repairs begin on Schoonord Access Road By Rehana Ahamad

‘COMPLETE rehabilitation’ has commenced on the approximately 2,000 square metres of the Schoonord Access Road along the West Bank of the Demerara River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). The contract for the project, valued at some $36.9 million, was awarded to Mohammed Fawaz Bacchus Construction and Transportation Incorporated. The project commenced in early October, and is due for completion in early January 2022, but according to the engineer overseeing the project, efforts are being made to have the repairs completed before the end of 2021. According to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, the

scope of work includes the resurfacing of large sections of the damaged road, as well as the pockets of potholes that exist along the entire stretch of the road. The project also includes the clearing of the road’s ‘shoulder’ to allow for the efficient “run-off” of water from the carriageway. The shoulder of a road basically refers to an outer lane that runs alongside the traffic lanes of the road; it often serves to protect the edges of the structure from traffic, and can also be used as a lane for traffic in emergency cases. As part of the project, contractors would also be responsible for the installation of centreline and edge-line road markings, as well as the clearing and shaping of the roadside drains. For years, residents of La Parfaite Harmonie and Schoo-

nord Housing Schemes have complained bitterly about the deplorable condition of the road, which is not only plagued with dangerous potholes, but adds to the maintenance expenses of vehicle owners. The ever-expanding Schoonord/La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme is home to thousands of Guyanese who rely heavily on the access road for their daily commute, especially in light of the usually heavy traffic that often plagues the western side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). Minister Indar has said that he is not oblivious to the challenges faced by approximately 6,000-7,000 motorists who rely on the road for their daily commute. “The Schoonord Road; this was the subject of many

The $36 million project is slated to be completed in January 2022

Excavation works to accommodate the shoulders of the road

newspaper articles…There are a number of main parts of the road where the subsurface has failed, and so we have to actually repair all of that,” the minister said during the contact signing for the road in September. “This is a main irritant in the lives of commuters and commercial activity going out of the housing scheme… This particular community has complained about the road for a number of years now,” Minister Indar acknowledged. In an effort to bring shortterm relief to residents, the Public Works Ministry in February this year had executed some much-needed remedial works, in keeping with the ministry’s mainte-

nance budget, but after a few months, the road regressed to its deplorable condition. Since its commissioning in 2014, the 3.0km thoroughfare has had to undergo a series of rehabilitative works, owing to the fast-developing potholes. The structure, in its current form, is perhaps the worse it has ever been, with scores of commuters calling for urgent repairs. To make matters worse, almost all of the street lights that were erected along the $600 million road were stolen. Over the last few months, the lack of lights, coupled with the potholes, have posed significant challenges to drivers; many have complained of the risks attached to traversing the

road at nights. Minister Indar had previously said that the absence of lights on the highway was also being addressed. In August 2019, a team of officials from the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government had journeyed to the community, where it was announced that a $1.5B initiative would be rolled out to effect a number of much-needed repairs in the community. The works were supposed to have begun in January 2020; however, residents are still complaining of deplorable roads, as well as the absence of street lights in areas that are prone to criminal activity.

Road accidents too costly on country, families – Commander Ramlakhan DRIVING under the influence of alcohol, reckless and careless driving have led to numerous accidents and deaths countrywide. As a matter of fact, it has cost the country millions of dollars in lost revenue and result in considerable economic losses to victims and

their families. This was the contention of Police Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, who delivered an address recently at a church service held at the Central Recreational Hall, New Amsterdam, Berbice in

observance of road safety. Road safety is being observed under the theme, ‘Arrive Alive, Stop Speeding, Don’t Drink and Drive.’ According to the senior cop, in addition to the loss of revenue, the injuries that people sustain from road accidents also place additional

burden on the medical sector and add to the loss of productivity for those who need to give up their occupation to look after the injured. “It is unfortunate that some people decide to act irresponsibly on the road, thus causing crashes. Road safety is the responsibility of

each and every one of us. We must try to make people more aware and sensitive to these matters so that our society can move ahead towards a safer future. “We all have to drive responsibly and carefully See page 15

Regional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Income tax exemption for Chancellor, CJ unconstitutional – State ordered to pay $2.5M compensation for discrimination By Richard Bhainie

THE Demerara High Court has found that a law which effectively granted tax exemptions to the Chancellor and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature, but not to other judges of the court, is discriminatory and ruled that it is unconstitutional and of no effect. The action was brought by retired High Court Judge William Ramlal, and dealt with the issue of whether S.13 (a) of the Income Tax Act, which grants the tax exemptions to the Chancellor and Chief Justice, violated Article 149 D of the Constitution. That Article states that the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection and benefit of the law and shall, for the purpose of promoting equality, which includes full and equal enjoyment of all rights guaranteed by law, take measures designed to protect disadvantaged persons. Justice (retired) Ramlal was appointed a Puisne Judge in the High Court in 2000. In his action filed on January 23, 2015, he asked the court for a refund of the taxes which were deducted from his salary from 2004 to

the end of 2014. His petition to the court argued that in 2003, judges of the Supreme Court met with the then President of Guyana regarding the provision of better terms and conditions of service for all judges and representation was made for income-tax exemptions for members of the bench. In 2004, the Income Tax Act was amended by Act No. 7 of 2004 which effectively exempted only the Chancellor and Chief Justice from paying income tax in accordance with Section 13 (a) of the Income Tax Act. “At the date of my appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature, all judges, including the Chancellor and Chief Justice paid income tax on their judicial incomes and the relief of two judges from liability to the exclusion of others has been severely prejudicial to me,” Justice Ramlal had argued in his court action. Justice (ret’d) Ramlal claimed that between 2004 and 2014, he paid in excess of $34,000,000 in taxes, and argued that the differential treatment generated “a feeling of inferiority and hardens the struggle against demotivation in relation to the heavy judicial risks.”

Justice (retired) William Ramlal He also contended that the differential treatment had “a psychological effect” on him and caused him “to feel unworthy and makes… [him]...an innocent victim of the discriminatory exercise of state power in the legislature.” High Court Judge Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln reasoned that Article 126 of the Constitution states that “the word “Judge” includes the Chancellor, the Chief Justice, a Justice of Appeal, a Puisne Judge and a part-time Judge” and while the Chancellor and

Road accidents too costly ...

From page 14

and abide by traffic rules. Authorities, agencies and citizens must join forces to tackle this huge problem,” the Police Commander noted. He continued: “Road safety can be the difference between life and death and it is of prime importance for each of us. Whenever we are walking or travelling by any vehicle on road, our safety is in our hands. We have to be very careful of the other vehicles on the road. Our safety on road can only be ensured when we will abide by the traffic rules, something which seems to be taken for granted.” The superintendent acknowledged that police men and women countrywide risk their lives daily to ensure that

road users can travel and walk safely on the road. Noting that one of the basic traffic rules for pedestrians is to cross the roads only through zebra crossing when the traffic signal is red, he explained it is often noticed that people do not follow the traffic rules, and cross the roads wherever they find no vehicles approaching nearby. Underscoring the danger, the senior cop added that another very common mistake that pedestrians make while walking or crossing the roads is that they remain engrossed in their mobile phones. Even when they are not talking to someone over the phone, they are engaged in various apps or entertainment content on their smartphones. “This makes them more

prone to road accidents. Moreover, this is not only the case with the pedestrians, but the drivers also often happen to be busy on their phones while driving. While crossing a road, it is very important to look on your left-hand side and righthand side, to check if any vehicle is approaching nearby,” the commander emphasised. He reminded the gathering to stay safe on the roads and to remain safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, at the church service, the sermon was done by Pastor Wesley LaFleur who prayed for the ranks who are on the road on a daily basis and encouraged them to be courteous and professional to members of the public at all times.

the Chief Justice are appointed by a different process and have different responsibilities, they fall within the ambit of the word “Judge.” She explained that the Chancellor and Chief Justice must meet the same pre-qualification requirements and have the same retirement age as other Judges of the Court of Appeal, subscribe to the same oath, have the same judicial responsibilities and are bound by the same judicial code of conduct.

Further, Justice Corbin-Lincoln highlighted that a ruling or decision of the Chancellor carries no more judicial weight than those of other Judges of the Court of Appeal and, equally, a ruling or decision of the Chief Justice carries no more judicial weight than that of other Judges of the High Court. “It cannot be disputed that Section 13 (a) of the Act affords different tax treatment to the Chancellor and Chief Justice from other Judges of the Supreme Court, in that it confers tax exemptions to them not afforded to other Judges,” the High Court judge ruled, explaining that the difference in treatment must be justified. The Attorney General, who is listed as the respondent in the matter, sought to argue that the differential treatment is justified, because the Chancellor and Chief Justice are appointed and removed from office in ways different from the Applicant as a Pusine Judge; they have additional administrative duties and enjoy precedence over other judges. However, Justice Corbin-Lincoln reasoned that “since the remuneration

of the Chancellor and Chief Justice already takes into account their hierarchy and additional administrative responsibilities, it has not been established that the differential tax treatment has a legitimate aim.” In this regard, she held that Section 13 (a) contravenes Article 149D of the Constitution in so far as it confers tax exemptions on the Chancellor and Chief Justice only and excludes other Judges of the Supreme Court. “It is apposite to note that in other CARICOM countries, all judges are treated equally in relation to taxes. In Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean, all judges are exempted from taxes. There is no subset of judges that enjoys the exemption and others excluded. In Jamaica, all judges are subject to taxes,” the judge said in her ruling. Taking all of the circumstances into consideration, Justice Corbin-Lincoln ruled that the State should compensate Justice (ret’d) Ramlal and that the appropriate award of compensation for the breach of Article 149D (1) is $2,500,000.

Construction industry flourishing at mid-year

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

–– records 25.5% increase, with notable rise in public, private infrastructural projects –– service sector follows closely, with positive results in each sub-sector By Navendra Seoraj

DRIVEN by a general increase in the number of public and private infrastructural projects, as well as rehabilitation works nationwide, the construction industry fared well in the first half of the year, recording an increase of 25.5 per cent. It was widely reported that from the housing sector to the agriculture sector, there has been mobilisation of resources from both private and public sector stakeholders, who are laying

the foundation to capitalise on the impending growth locally. Private projects, as reported, range from the construction of hotels and apartment complexes, to shopping complexes and office buildings among other things. In the public sector, aside from the construction of several low-income and young professional houses, there were upgrades to highways, main roads, and miscellaneous roads countrywide. This was also supplemented by the commencement of construction on new roads.

In addition to providing improved road facilities, the ongoing works have also added to the creation of thousands of jobs, bringing the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration closer to delivering on its promise to create at least 50,000 jobs within the next five years. During this year alone, the government budgeted $172.4 billion for education, public infrastructure and healthcare. Of this sum, $58.2 billion worth of planned expenditure on public infrastructure is the

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and a technical team from the ministry at the construction site for young professional houses in Amelia’s Ward second largest component sumption and intermediate per cent; administrative and of the government’s fiscal goods) rising during the re- support services by 9.1 per programme. view period. cent; financial and insurance On the capital side, the The arts, entertainment activities by 7.3 per cent; and budget for infrastructure is and recreation industry ex- other services by 6.9 per cent. $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent perienced growth of 19.1 Overall, the Guyanese of the total allocation for per cent, compared with a economy recorded positive 2021. contraction of 45.8 per cent growth during the first half Further, the government’s one year earlier. This perfor- of 2021 from heightened total budget for road pro- mance is mainly on account activities in almost all of the grammes is $23.7 billion, of the growth and positive major sectors. Real-oil Gross $7.9 billion of which will performance of the gaming Domestic Product (GDP) go specifically towards the industry. grew by 14.5 per cent, while development of community Further, according to non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 roads. Of the budgeted sum, the Central Bank, the trans- per cent. $2.1 billion has been set port and storage industry The growth in the non-oil aside for hinterland roads, recorded growth of 16.2 economy was supported by and the rehabilitation of a per cent, primarily on ac- fiscal policies, the removal number of hinterland air- count of lifted restrictions of restrictions, as well as strips. A number of those on domestic and interna- accommodative monetary projects are ongoing. tional air, land and sea policies. The performance in the travel that were put in place And even as the country construction sector was sup- a year earlier to curb the continues to contend with plemented by growth of 9.4 spread of COVID-19. the direct and indirect effects per cent in the services sec“This follows the re- of COVID-19, the Bank of tor, as recorded by the Bank turn to work by many after Guyana is optimistic that the of Guyana in its mid-year prolonged remote working high level of growth achieved report. arrangements, and general in the first half of the year Growth was recorded in movement of persons for will be sustained in the secall sub-sectors of services, business and leisure. The ond half. with the most significant accommodation and food “This outturn is expectincreases being in wholesale services industry grew by ed on account of higher and retail trade and repairs, 14.5 per cent,” the Bank of output of oil, coupled with arts, entertainment and rec- Guyana reported. improved performance in reation, transport and storage, This outturn reflected a all other sectors, as the accommodation and food rise in the occupancy rates economy continues to reservices, and professional of hotels, as well as more bound from the COVID-19 and scientific and technical on-site dining at restaurants, pandemic. Notwithstandservices. though at reduced capaci- ing, the end-of-year inThe wholesale and retail ty, as restrictions remain in flation rate is expected to trade and repairs industry place. remain at a low single-digit experienced an expansion of Noteworthy performanc- level, as supply shortfalls 34.3 per cent. Overall, pri- es were also recorded in the following the May/June vate consumption increased service sectors of information floods are reversed,” the with imported goods (con- and communication by 10.1 Central Bank said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

GDF hosts medical outreach in Kaikan

AS part of celebrations to mark its 56th anniversary, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) hosted a medical outreach in the community of Kaikan, Upper Cuyuni, Region Seven. Medical personnel from the GDF and volunteers from the health sector administered medical care to the residents in optometry, dentistry, paediatrics, radiology (ultrasound), COVID-19, vaccination, laboratory tests, and cervical cancer screening, among others. The residents also received prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals. The outreach was conducted recently and is aimed at bridging the gap between the urgent need and timely access to medical care by residents of the remote hin-

Optometrist Joanna Gefferie takes a resident through an eye examination incurred if they had to travel to seek medical services not available at the community health centre. The outreach was complemented by collabora-

Guyana International, the Cheddi Jagan Dental School, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Scores of residents from

A soldier assists SEWA representatives Yashpaul Sewnarine and Marissa Sewnarine during the packing of hampers terland community. It provided economic relief to the people by cutting the cost and constraints they would have otherwise

tions between the GDF, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), SEWA

A healthcare volunteer administers a COVID-19 jab to a resident

Kaikan, Arau, San Juan and surrounding villages were able to access timely medical care as well as to address several health issues. Migrants residing in the community of Kaikan were also able to benefit from the services provided during the outreach. Additionally, approximately 300 residents benefited from humanitarian aid in the form of hampers distributed by representatives of IOM, CIOG, and SEWA International Guyana. Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and a team of officials comprising the National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Director of Youth, Suresh Singh; and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, visited the community and interacted

Dr Mark Reddi distributes pharmaceuticals to the residents with residents and medical staff during the outreach. Ninvalle presented several sport equipment to the community and, during brief remarks, emphasised the government’s commitment to the development of all communities. Toshao of Kaikan, Marlon Williams, expressed his elation and heartfelt

gratitude to the GDF and stakeholders for their timely intervention. He used the opportunity to convey his anticipation and willingness to partner with stakeholders to develop his community and its people in the future. Brigadier Bess, in brief remarks, reiterated the GDF’s commitment to “build and enhance commu-

nities across the country” as it remains duty-bound in the execution of its roles as mandated by the Defence Act of the Constitution. The GDF is celebrating its 56th Anniversary, having been established on November 1, 1965, immediately following the disbanding of the British Guiana Volunteer Force.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Venezuelan migrant tops Crane Primary School at NGSA –– aspires to become a lawyer to help other migrant children

EMILY Vaamonde-Beria copped 515 marks at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) to emerge as the top student at the Crane Primary School, located at Crane Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD). She earned a place at Queen’s College, which she has always wanted to attend. The 12-year-old said she’d expected to do well, but not to be at the top of her batch. “I feel very happy that I could’ve done so well; it was my expectation, but I did not expect to do so well,” Emily said after learning of her re-

Emily Vaamonde-Beria hard at work

sults in October. “We are very proud and happy. We know she would have done good, because we always give her the support, and encourage her to work very hard in her education,” her father, Brayan Vaamonde said. Emily is Venezuelan by birth; she was placed at the Crane Primary School in 2018, when she emigrated to Guyana with her parents and younger sibling. At the time, she was eight years old, and her only exposure to the English Language was through her Guyanese-born parents while living in the Spanish-speaking country. She said that at first, “It was a bit hard with the language barrier, and to understand some of the subjects,” but she quickly learned the English words she did not understand, and pretty soon became a translator for other migrant students at her school. In fact, her head teacher, Ms. Vashti Paul noted that Emily is often called upon by teachers to communicate with other Venezuelan pupils. “She was always happy to do so,” Ms. Paul said. She further praised the young scholar for being an example of an excellent pupil. “She excels at everything she embarks upon, in-

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand handing over one the prizes awarded to Emily at the Region’s award ceremony for its NGSA top performers tentionally or unintention- Throughout her years at ally. She is self-confident the Crane Primary School, and self-motivated. She is she has always been the pua well-rounded pupil; in- pil that achieves the highest volved in academic as well See page 20 as co-curricular activities.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Venezuelan migrant tops Crane ...

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

From page 18

percentage in her class,” Ms. Paul said of Emily. The 12-year-old has since obtained her Guy-

anese citizenship, but is working towards becoming a lawyer so as to be able to assist other migrants relocating to

From right are: Emily’s father, Mr. Brayan Vaamonde; UNHCR Education Officer, Ms. Samantha Bipat; Emily Vaamonde-Beria; RM&MSS Coordinator, Mrs. Rampattie Prashad-Bisnauth; Regional Education Officer, Mr. Devendre Persaud; Education Officer, Mr. Motielall Samaroo; and Head teacher of Crane Primary Ms. Vashti Paul Guyana. “I would like to be a lawyer to help people like me fight for their freedom and justice; some are awaiting their citizenship, while some are waiting to get into schools,” she noted. To help children like Emily, the Ministry of Education, in June 2021, established its Risk Management and Migrant Support Section (RM&MSS). The Unit is responsible for placing, monitoring, and supporting children in crisis-stricken communities, along with the integration of migrant children into the Guyanese society. The Unit collaborates with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Ministries of Human Services and Social Security, Health, and other stakeholders. The RM&MSS aims to ensure equitable access to education, and that children affected by crises can access a safe and productive learning environment. Coordinator of the RM&MSS, Rampattie Prashad-Bisnauth noted that the Department of Education, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), has assisted several students with the translation of documents

through the Catholic Church, while visits were made to Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three, Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) to assess the problems migrant children are encountering with regards to access to education. Mrs. Bisnauth said that the RM&MSS is in the process of gathering data to create an active database to determine where the children are residing, and how assistance can be provided. “Data guides policy implementation and projects, hence, it’s important that we know where these children are, and how the Ministry of Education can help with integrating them in schools, and providing support,” she said. The RM&MSS collaborates with all Departments of Education across the eleven education districts which provide data on migrants (not just Venezuelans) admitted in each school across the regions. Using the information provided, the Unit visits schools and communities to assess the needs of the migrants, and provide support services as is required. The Unit can be contacted on: 604 -1316. In addition to migrants, the Risk Management aspect of the Unit’s functions will see it providing support to students affected by outbreaks and disasters. (Ministry of Education press release)

‘Sacrifices do pay off’

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

–– says Kingston Sec. school top student

By Jared Liddell SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Giselle Mortimer has emerged as the top student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations for the Kingston Secondary School in Georgetown with two grade ones, four grade twos and one grade three. Attaining this position was no easy feat. As a matter of fact, Mortimer sacrificed a lot of her hobbies and, instead, buried herself in her studies. But what exactly did she sacrifice? Travelling the country, music, time with her friends and importantly, sleep. Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, Mortimer recounted her journey to the 2021 examinations, stating that she did not set out to be the top student; she only wanted to do her best. According to her, one of the major hurdles she had to face while preparing for the examinations was the transition from physical learning to online learning. Mortimer, like many other children, learns better during face-to-face teaching; she believes such helps her to fully grasp concepts and bounce ideas off of persons in the class-

room. What made online teaching even more difficult for her was the fact that she had to struggle with unstable electricity and internet – a common cry among many of Guyana’s top students. “Preparing for the exam was quite difficult given the pandemic and having to do online classes for both school and lessons. But I was focused on my goal and I couldn’t let that derail me, but then other issues came. Sometimes the Wi-Fi would be unstable and other times you’d be in class and there was a blackout and I had to try to find a way to deal with that, try to get the notes and make up for the time I lost. It was a bit frustrating at times,” Mortimer contended. A LONG COMMUTE Students across the country, including Mortimer, were excited to return to school when the Ministry of Education announced plans to reopen schools for physical learning for Grades 10 and 11. Recognising that online teaching was not in her best interest, Mortimer was

a goal and I knew what I wanted to achieve so I got up every morning and I made the trip,” the young aspiring entrepreneur told the Sunday Chronicle.

Kingston Secondary School top student, Giselle Mortimer determined to make it to school and lessons every day for face-to-face learning even though it entailed travelling from Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara to Georgetown; the trip by public transportation took 90 minutes. Mortimer said that while that sacrifice was a major one, she didn’t give it much thought because she knew the impact it would have on her achieving her goals. “I live up the highway so getting transportation was very hard and there were times where I would meet to school and lessons late, but that never deterred me; I had

SUPPORT Even though she battled these challenges, the teenager said she received a lot of support from her family, especially her mother, whom she described as a pillar of strength. Mortimer said she would not have been able to achieve her success without the daily support from her mother. Mortimer is the younger of her mother’s two children, and, according

to her, witnessing the determination of her mother to provide for them, will always be an inspiration because it has influenced her life. “My mom was very supportive; she always found the money to send me to school every day, to make sure I had everything I needed, to make sure I got to print my SBA’s, the questionnaires I needed for it and everything, and she’s been doing it all my life, she’s always been my inspiration.” NEXT STEP The goal, according to the teenager, is to establish her own business. Mortimer has always

been fascinated with managing a business, not just for herself, but to also provide an avenue for other persons to be employed and earn. In alignment with her goals, she plans to study for the next ten years accumulating several degrees in the process. When asked what piece of advice she would give to students preparing to write the 2022 CSEC examinations, Mortimer stated: “Just be confident in yourself and focus on your studies, make the necessary sacrifices and prioritise what is important and necessary for you to achieve whatever individual goal you’ve set.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Children 5-11 to get 'COVID' vaccine from Nov. 19

WITH physical learning at a standstill as the COVID -19 pandemic continues to impact the lives of people across the globe, the Guyana Government intends to begin the roll- out of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11 on November 19, 2021. This was disclosed by Chief Education officer, Dr. Marcel Hudson, on Friday. On October 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorised the emergency use of the vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children five through 11 years of age. This vaccine, in Au-

gust 2021, became the first COVID-19 jab to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. The Guyana Government, through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, commenced its roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 11 to 18 on August 26, 2021. Dr. Hudson, in a memorandum seen by this publication, stated that “the return to schools for face-toface teaching and learning is highly dependent on the roll-out of this vaccination programme. Efforts must be made by the school, PTA (Parent Teachers Association), School Boards, Old Students’ Association,

Departments of Education, and the community to educate parents on the importance of having their children vaccinated and to ensure a smooth flow of this process.” According to the memo, a schedule will be published and circulated that will indicate which schools will be used as vaccination sites and on what dates children can go to be vaccinated. It further states that this process will be done using a cluster approach whereby students of specific schools will be required to visit a nearby school to receive their vaccines. “Pupils who are now entering Grade 7 can return

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, looks on as 12-year-old Danah Shiwgobin receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at St. Stanislaus College, in August (Delano Williams photo) to their respective primary schools to receive their vaccine, once that school is a vaccination site or they can visit the school which will be the vaccination site for the pupils of the primary schools.” Parents of children ages 5-7 also have the option of having their children vaccinated at any of the permanent site established

in their region. Earlier in 2021, the Ministry of Health had informed the Education Ministry that in order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, all schoolaged children should be vaccinated before returning to the classrooms. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, in August, highlighted that while

parents have the option to choose whether they want their children to be vaccinated, inoculation is the best defence against the deadly effects of the COVID-19 virus. The Ministry of Education, in early August, began issuing consent forms to parents of over 50,000 students in secondary schools.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

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09:45 hrs Yala Enki 10:55 hrs Jesse Evans 11:09 hrs Aucunrisque

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

PM Softball... Curry passes Ray Allen’s three-pointers From back page

stop the rampaging Speedboat who seemed well on course to chase down the challenging 195 to march into today’s final. However, a flurry of wickets in the lower and middle-order saw them being dismissed for 167 in the final over. Asked to take first strike, Regal All Stars reached 194 for seven in their 20 overs with consistent scores from Sachin Singh (44), Sewchand Budhu (35), Chien Gittens (26), Richard Latiff (23) and Patrick Rooplall (20). Greg Singh took two for 27 and Devendra Mohan two for 34. Speedboat principal scorers were Greg Singh (31), Kishore Singh (26 not out) and Safraz Karim (24). Budhu took four 26 and Kelvin Orford three for 33. The other semi-final, played at DCC saw Ariel All Stars winning by three wickets after being set 93 for victory. S, Grovesnor (25), Jonhatan Fernandez (24) and D. Leukenauth (22) led the way for the eventual winners while Joshua Sampson took three for 27 for Name Brand. After being asked to take first strike, Name Brand never recovered from a disastrous start and were bowled out for 92 in 17.2 overs. The chief destroyers were Quentin Sampson (three for 10) and Dyanand Singh (three for 14). In the Over-45 semi-final, played at GDF, Keith Fraser clobbered four fours and five sixes in and undefeated 70 as Ariel Masters rushed to 93 for one in 9.3 overs after dismissing opponents Regal Masters for a paltry 85 in 16.5 overs. At Ogle, Fisherman Masters defeated New York Cricket Doctors by eight wickets after limiting the visitors to 93 all out in 17 overs. Asif Ally made 27. In reply, Fisherman Masters reached 96 for two in 14.4 overs with Ramo Malone (32 not out) and Bhim George (27 not out). Mike’s Wellman qualified for the Legends final with a fine six wickets win over Orlando Legends at GDF. Batting first Orlando Legends made 141 for four in their allotted 20 overs with D. Sankar and S. Veerasammy unbeaten on 35 and 34 respectively. Wayne Jones captured two for 25. Wellman, in reply, got to the required target in 18 overs, piloted by half-centuries from Lloyd Ruplall (58 not out) and Harold Hernananand (57 not out). Regal Legends had earlier made light work of Floodlights Legends at Liliendaal to reach the semis. Winning the toss and batting, Floodlights could only muster 84 for eight in 20 overs with Anand Persaud (26) and Clyde Canterbury (25) being the principal scorers. Ramesh Deonarine took two for 27 and Uniss Yusuf two for 21. Eoin Baker with an undefeated 42 with four fours and two sixes and Yusuf 38, with three fours and two sixes ensured Regal Legends got to 87 without loss in 10 overs. The morning session in the Open category saw Quentin Sampson of Ariel All Stars and Regal All Stars Chien Gittens smashing centuries while there were five-wicket hauls for Richard Latiff (Regal All Stars) and Kishore Singh (Speedboat). Ariel All Stars, who won both of their matches on the opening day, continued their winning ways with a comfortable 32-run victory over the previously unbeaten Name Brand at the Police. Batting first, Ariel smashed 285 for nine in their allotted 20 overs with Sampson blasting three fours and 16 sixes in his brilliant 126 while Shaz Grovesnor supported with 60 which included five fours and an equal number of sixes. Mahenda Singh took three for 44, Joshua Sampson two for 50 and Joshua Ramoutar two for 50. Name Brand were 153 for nine when their overs expired with J. Diaram (34) and R. Judister (33) being the principal scorers. Jonhatan Fernandez claimed four for 19 and Chandrashekar Arjune three for 32. In the other game, played at Police, Regal led by a blistering 109 not out from Chien Gittens reached 279 for five in 20 overs. Gittens knock contained 13 fours and nine sixes while opener Sachin Singh counted three fours and nine sixes in 71. Airport were shot out for a paltry 70 in 12 overs with Latiff grabbing five for 13. At DCC, Speedboat made light work of Success All Stars, winning by eight wickets in a low-scoring affair. Set 121 for victory, after Success were bowled out for 120, Speedboat raced to 121 for two in 11 overs. Greg Singh hit 69 and Navin Singh 24. Kishore Singh with five for 12 and Sarfraz Esau four for 30 were the main destroyers as only Troy Drakes (37) and Kumar Bissoondial offered any resistance. The action starts at 10.00 hrs today with the Over-45 Masters final, followed by the Over-50 final at 13.00 hrs and the Open final at 17.00 hrs. The latter will be played under lights. Only 40 per cent capacity will be allowed at the stadium and everyone attending must be fully vaccinated. Prime Minister Mark Phillips is expected to be on hand to witness the day’s proceedings and officiate at the presentation ceremony.

mark as Golden State Warriors win

STEPHEN Curry set a record for the most three-pointers scored in all NBA games, including play-offs, as Golden State Warriors beat Chicago Bulls. Curry now has 3 366 three-point baskets in all NBA games - regular season and play-offs - adding nine in the Warriors’ 119-93 win to pass basketball great Ray Allen’s mark of 3 358. T h e Wa r r i o r s p o i n t guard, 33, is now chasing Allen’s regular-season record. Curry ended the night with 40 points for the Western Conference leaders. It was the 52nd time in his career he had notched up 40 points or more in a game, and came four days after he scored 50 against Atlanta Hawks. Official NBA records do not include play-off games, so Curry’s next task is to overtake Allen’s regular-season record of 2 973 three-pointers. Curry is now on 2 896. Against Warriors, Bulls got off to a promising start to lead 24-14 in the first quarter. But Golden State took control of things to hold the Bulls’ offence to just 33 points in the second and third quarters to cruise to a seventh straight win. Andrew Wiggins scored

Stephen Curry connected on nine of his 17 three-point attempts and 15 of 24 shots in all for Golden State against Chicago Bulls 15 and Kevon Looney managed a game-high 10 rebounds for Warriors while Zach LaVine scored 23 points and DeMar DeRozan 18 for Bulls. Elsewhere, Los Angeles Lakers slumped to a 87-107 defeat against Minnesota Timberwolves with Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 29 points to help the hosts end a six-game losing streak. Anthony Davis managed 22 points as Lakers recorded their lowest points total of the season, and lost for the third time in their past five games - all of which they have played without the injured LeBron James.

It was four straight wins for Denver Nuggets, who condemned Atlanta Hawks to a sixth straight defeat with a 105-96 win, while Miles Bridges scored 24 points and Gordon Hayward added 22 as Charlotte Hornets beat the New York Knicks 104-96. Luguentz Dort snatched a late win with 1.7 seconds left for Oklahoma City Thunder in a 105-103 victory over Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets fell to a 92-104 loss against Portland Trail Blazers, and Kristaps Porzingis scored a season-high 32 points for Dallas Mavericks as they claimed a 123-109 win over San Antonio Spurs.

Dennis Schroder also managed a season-high 38 points as Boston Celtics claimed a 122-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, while Jae Crowder and Devin Booker both scored 17 points to help Phoenix Suns to a 119-96 victory over Memphis Grizzlies. James Harden notched 39 points 12 assists for Brooklyn Nets in a 120112 win over New Orleans Pelicans, who suffered their ninth consecutive loss, while Cleveland Cavaliers beat Detroit Pistons 98-78 with Darius Garland scoring 21. (BBC Sport)

LA Clippers hold on to beat Miami Heat 112-109 THE Los Angeles Clippers claimed a sixth successive win as they held on to beat Miami Heat 112-109. Paul George scored 27 points and Reggie Jackson added 22 for Clippers. Miami led by 17 points during the first period and held a 58-56 advantage at half-time only to trail 78-86 going into the fourth period. Clippers had their lead cut to 108-107, but after M i a m i ’s D u n c a n R o b inson missed a go-ahead three-pointer with 15.7 sec-

onds left they saw out the win. Elsewhere, Indiana Pacers earned a 111-100 victory over Utah Jazz in a game which saw four players ejected in the fourth quarter. Pacers starting centre Myles Turner clashed with Utah’s Rudy Gobert before they had to be separated as players from both teams got involved. Turner and Gobert were ejected, along with Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles for the final stages of

Paul George scored 27 points for LA Clippers the match. Toronto Raptors were 52-57 behind at half-time in their match against Philadelphia 76ers but they turned around to win 115-

109. Fred VanVleet scored 32 points for Raptors, including a three-pointer with 24.8 seconds remaining. (BBC Sport)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Pulisic, McKennie goals lift U.S. over rivals Mexico

`CINCINNATI. USA - After a defeat in their last home World Cup qualification match against Mexico in the cycle for Russia 2018, the United States were able to return to their WCQ winning ways at home against their North America rivals with a 2-0 victory at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Friday. The first half was played at a frenetic pace, but neither team could finish off any of the chances they created, with both squads going back and forth with chances, sometimes in the very same minute. The pace of the match slowed somewhat in the second half, but in the end, United States manager Gregg Berhalter’s changes made the difference. In the 74th minute, Tim Weah took possession on the right wing and sent a cross into the box for substitute Christian Pulisic, who beat his defender to the ball and headed past Mex-

ico GK Guillermo Ochoa for the first goal of the night. The lead was then 2-0 in the 85th minute when Weah found Jesus Ferreira, also into the match as a substitute, near the top of the 18-yard box. The FC Dallas attacker looked to combine with Weston McKennie, but after the ball deflected off a Mexico defender, McKennie ran onto it himself and sent it past Ochoa. Mexico’s chances to find a goal to start a rally increased in the 89th minute when U.S. centre back Miles Robinson saw his second yellow card and was sent off, but there wasn’t enough time for Mexico to take advantage of the opportunities. Both teams hit the road for the final match of the calendar year in CONCACAF World Cup qualification, with the U.S. off to Jamaica and Mexico travelling to meet Canada.

Weston McKennie #8 and Christian Pulisic #10 celebrate with their USA teammates after scoring against Mexico at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati yesterday (Photo By Mexsport)

Second half spurt powers Argentina on brink of reaching Panama past Honduras Qatar after beating Uruguay 1-0

FIFA World Cup 2022 ...

ARGENTINA are set to qualify for next year’s World Cup after a 1-0 win over Uruguay. Angel Di Maria’s strike secured victory, leaving La Albiceleste second in South American qualifying after 12 games. They face leaders Brazil, who qualified by beating Colombia, on Tuesday. Uruguay sit in sixth - level on points with Chile who occupy the final automatic qualification spot - having lost three successive games. Victory for Argentina will be enough,

provided Uruguay, Colombia or Chile fail to win. The hosts squandered chances throughout, having fallen behind to Di Maria’s curling effort after he was fed by Juventus’ Paulo Dybala on seven minutes. Lionel Messi made a 15-minute cameo despite not being fully fit, running the risk of upsetting Paris St-Germain, for whom he is yet to score a league goal. Peru were also victorious, beating second-from-bottom side Bolivia 3-0 in Lima. (BBC Sport)

Di Maria’s sixth minute goal was enough for Argentina

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras - Panama scored three goals in an eight-minute span of the second half to rally from a two-goal deficit and earn a 3-2 victory over Honduras at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, spoiling the debut of new Honduras head coach Hernan Dario Gomez. Honduras had the first lead of the Gomez era in the 30th minute when a ball from MF Omar Elvir found Alberth Elis, who beat Panama left back Eric Davis and sent a right-footed shot into the net for the first goal. Brayan Moya doubled the lead for Honduras, 2-0, just before the hour mark when a clever ball from Kervin Arriaga set up the attacker for a chance in the box that Moya was able to convert. But Panama found an answer beginning in the 78th minute, when Cecilio Waterman beat a pair of Honduras defenders to a ball nodded forward by Jose Farja-

Eric Davis scored the winning goal for Panama against Honduras on Friday at Estadio Olimpico in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

do, making it 2-1. And just three minutes later, Panama were level 2-2, as substitute Omar Browne chipped a ball over the top that found teammate Cesar Yanis, who beat Honduras GK Luis ‘Buba’ Lopez for the goal. Panama then found the winning score in the 86th minute when Eric Davis hit a free kick through traffic that Lopez couldn’t stop, giving Panama a 3-2 advantage that it didn’t

relinquish. The win extends Panama’s undefeated streak against Honduras in World Cup qualification matches to seven games, with Honduras’ last victory coming on May 7, 2000. Honduras will now travel to face Costa Rica in their next match, while Panama head home to host El Salvador at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Brazil qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup with Colombia win

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AFP) - Lucas Paqueta’s instinctive strike gave Brazil a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Colombia on Thursday to book their place at Qatar 2022. The five-time world champions join the hosts and Europeans Germany and Denmark as early qualifiers for next year’s finals. They have produced a near perfect qualifying campaign, winning 11 of 12 matches – their only blemish a goalless draw in Colombia last month – to qualify with six games to spare. “This is the fruit of the work we’ve been building for some time,” said the match-winner. “Now I have to keep working hard to find my space” in the World Cup squad, he added. Brazil were made to graft as Colombia had the better of the first half, but an attacking tactical switch from coach Tite at half-time paid dividends as the Selecao dominated after the break. Colombia’s defeat saw them drop out of the four automatic qualifying positions in the single South American group as Chile overtook them after a third-successive win, 1-0 away to Paraguay. Wilmar Barrios had the first chance of the match, lashing a half volley narrowly over the bar as Colombia made a bright start. A typically muscular run into the box by Duvan Zapata saw him get off a shot that flashed past the post. Colombia were proving tough opponents and creating the clearer chances. William Tesillo should have done much better at the back post when picked out by Juan Cuadrado’s deep cross but headed into a crowd of players. Brazil struggled to create any notable chances with Paqueta’s shot from outside the box easily gathered by David Ospina and Neymar’s free kick blocked by the wall.

Brazil’s Cunha (left) shoots as Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez attempts to block during their South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday. (Photo: AFP) Colombia were always dangerous on the break and Luis Diaz whipped an effort from outside the box narrowly wide, but their failure to test Alisson Becker in the Brazil goal was indicative of a team that came into the match on the back of three successive goalless draws. Brazil were unable to get behind Colombia’s organised defence and a deflected cross from full-back Danilo that hit the side-netting was as close as they came until Marquinhos headed inches off target from a corner in first half stoppage time.

Tite was unimpressed with what he saw in the first half and hooked much-maligned Manchester United midfielder Fred for Real Madrid’s exciting winger Vinicius Junior. They were on the front foot with Gabriel Jesus, who hasn’t scored for Brazil in 17 matches, testing Ospina with a low effort, before the goalkeeper then tipped a Neymar free-kick around the post. Brazil were turning the screw and substitute Matheus Cunha should have done better with a header from eight yards that he sent over. When the goal came on 72 minutes it was beautifully orchestrated as Marquinhos fired a pass from halfway into Neymar, whose first-time ball found Paqueta to hit an instant shot under pressure from two defenders that seemed to catch out Ospina. Vinicius should have sealed the win two minutes from time but stumbled as he rounded Ospina, who also saved from Antony, another substitute, in injury time. A month ago, Chile’s hopes of reaching Qatar appeared in tatters after a 2-0 defeat to Peru, but three straight wins have resurrected their chances. An own goal from goalkeeper Antony Silva on 56 minutes gave them a 1-0 victory away to Paraguay, whom they also beat last month to start their fine run. It was a third straight defeat and fourth match in a row without a goal for Paraguay, who last month replaced coach Eduardo Berizzo with Guillermo Schelotto, and whose hopes are rapidly fading. Peru boosted their qualification chances as goals from Gianluca Lapadula, Christian Cueva and Sergio Pina gave them a 3-0 win over Bolivia to move two points behind Chile. Defender Piero Hincapie scored the only goal of the game on 41 minutes to give Ecuador a 1-0 win over rock-bottom Venezuela and to cement their grip on third place.

Canada down Costa Rica on Verstappen fined as Hamilton David’s strike to stay unbeaten goes from first to last By Alan Baldwin

Jonathan David of Canada celebrates the lone goal against Costa Rica at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Friday night EDMONTON, Canada. - Canada maintained their undefeated start to the final round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification in the CONCACAF region with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Friday night. Canada FW Jonathan David had the lone goal of the game in the 57th minute when Costa Rica GK Leonel Moreira came off his line to collect a cross from Stephen Eustaquio, but instead spilled it into the path of David, who took a touch and finished with his left foot into the unguarded net for a 1-0 Canada lead. The goal was a spark for Canada and the home side searched for a second but was denied by Moreira four minutes later in the 61st minute. There was another Canadian crack at goal in the 66th minute through Alphonso Davies, who was unable to keep a shot on target as it sailed over Moreira’s net. Canada’s back line then kept the Costa Rican attack in check the rest of the way to continue their unbeaten start and secure their first victory over Costa Rica in World Cup qualification since June 1, 1997. Canada stay in Edmonton for Tuesday’s match against Mexico, while Costa Rica will return home for a date with Honduras.

(REUTERS) - Formula One stewards sent Lewis Hamilton from first place to last ahead of a sprint race to decide the Sao Paulo Grand Prix starting grid yesterday, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen poised to extend his championship lead. Verstappen leads Mercedes’ seven-time world champion by 19 points with four races remaining including Brazil and can stretch that advantage to 22 if he wins the 100km sprint at Interlagos. Hamilton had been fastest in qualifying on Friday but his rear wing failed a technical inspection and stewards took away that result yesterday. Mercedes said they would not be appealing. He will start at the back of the grid for the sprint, having set satisfactory times in practice. The Briton also faces a five-place drop in grid po-

sition in today’s race from wherever he finishes in the sprint, dealing another blow to his fading hopes of taking a record eighth championship this season. Both title contenders arrived at the Interlagos track yesterday with stewards’ verdicts and the risk of penalties hanging over them, Verstappen for a breach of the international sporting code. The Dutch 24-year-old had got on the wrong side of the rules for touching Hamilton’s Mercedes with his hands after qualifying. Video footage showed him getting out of the Red Bull, removing his gloves and putting his right hand into the slot gap of his car’s rear wing. He then moved to the Mercedes and did the same, touching the rear wing in two places. Stewards imposed a 50 000 euro ($57 250) fine on Verstappen for the breach. Hamilton’s case hinged

on a gap of 85 millimetres and looked a likely disqualification for non-compliance with the technical rules from the moment it was announced the car had failed the inspection. “It’s quite brutal but there are no grey areas, no fudge factors … You just can’t let it grow by a millimetre here or a millimetre there,” said Sky TV commentator and former racer Martin Brundle. “I think it was the only conclusion the stewards could really come to,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “In that situation, it’s black or white.” The stewards accepted that the design had passed previous tests and while there was no deliberate intention to gain an advantage by exceeding the maximum dimension there were also no mitigating circumstances. Their report found that there was either a fault with the mechanism or incorrect

Formula One driver Max Verstappen was fined by the stewards assembly of parts. “The stewards fundamentally accept the Competitor’s explanation that the cause of the failed test was something ‘gone wrong’ rather than a deliberate action,” it added. They pointed out also that article 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code stated that it was “no defence to claim that no performance advantage was obtained.” The officials concluded that Verstappen’s behaviour in parc ferme had no bearing on Hamilton’s case.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Jamaica Reggae Boyz forced to share points after late El Salvador goal

Alex Roldan, wearing the captain’s armband, scored in the 90th minute for El Salvador

AN Alex Roldan goal in the 90th minute cancelled out a Michail Antonio goal in the 82nd minute as El Salvador and Jamaica both netted a point after battling to a 1-1 draw on Friday at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador. The first half ended scoreless despite a sequence in the 39th minute off a corner kick in which El Salvador attempted two long-range shots, both hitting the crossbar above Jamaica GK Andre Blake. Jamaica thought they may have had the winner with Antonio scoring his first-ever Jamaica goal late in the second half for a 1-0 lead. The attacker took the ball on the left-hand side of attack and

charged forward, beating a pair of Salvadoran defenders and then GK Mario Gonzalez with a clever chip over the onrushing shot-stopper. Yet El Salvador still had something to say about the outcome of the match and found the 1-1 equaliser. Roldan, wearing the captain’s armband, got into the box in the 90th minute and headed in a cross from the right-hand side, with the ball tucking under the crossbar and going in. Next on the slate for El Salvador is a visit to Panama City to meet fellow Central American rivals Panama, while Jamaica head back to Kingston where they welcome the United States. (Sportsmax)

Yorkshire announces anti-discrimination hotline will be active from tomorrow

YORKSHIRE’S independent whistleblowing hotline will be in operation from tomorrow and Mohinderpal Sethi QC of Littleton Chambers has been appointed to lead the independent investigation process which will consider allegations lodged through the hotline. It has been brought about following Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism at Headingley, which has already resulted in changes to staff at the LV= Insurance County Championship club. The hotline will allow anyone wishing to lodge a formal complaint about any form of discrimination or harassment they have suffered as a result of any act or omission from Yorkshire to do so using a dedicated email address. Lord Kamlesh Patel, who has been appointed chair in the wake of the racism fall-out, told the official club website: “We

need to listen to those who have experienced discrimination or harassment to help guide how we move forward as a club. “Since my appointment, I have urged others to come forward to share their experiences and I thank all of those who have spoken up so far. “Setting up an independent whistleblowing hotline will allow there to be a safe space for people to come forward, secure in the knowledge that their complaint will be taken seriously, and I am happy to say that we have been able to put this in place within the week. “Mohinderpal Sethi QC is eminently qualified in this area, and brings a wealth of experience as well as being completely independent from the club. “We are very pleased that he has taken on the role, which is a vital first step towards ensuring that we can move forward

Mitchell breaks duck, Brown ends 45-game goal drought LONDON, (CMC) – Grenada international Kairo Mitchell struck his first club goal of the season to help Notts County leapfrog Solihull Moors and climb to fourth place in England’s National League with a 2-0 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Kyle Wootton put County ahead on 55 minutes before 24-year-old striker Mitchell sealed the three points seven minutes from time, after leading goal scorer Ruben Rodriguez set him up to slot past Moors goalkeeper Ryan Boot to double their lead as the visitors’ Bermuda striker Justin Donawa left empty-handed. The attendance of 12,843 broke the National League record for a regular fifth-tier game. Former Young Reggae Boyz attacking midfielder Jevani Brown, 27, scored his first goal for League Two promotion contenders Exeter

Grenada international Kairo Mitchell City, who beat Oldham Athletic 2-1, to break a 45- game goal drought daring back to his stint at Colchester United after pouncing on a defensive mistake on 50 minutes at St James Park. Brown, who joined Exeter this season after being released by Colchester in May, had a glorious chance to make it 3-0 when he latched on to a poor backpass, but he rolled his shot

wide of the near post with only the goalkeeper to beat. Exeter’s fourth successive league win, after Matt Jay’s sixth goal in successive games opened the scoring on 17 minutes, lifted the Grecians into the automatic promotion spots, two points but from a game more behind leaders Forest Green Rovers, who had the day off because of Colchester players’ international call-ups. Up next for Exeter is an FA Cup first-round replay at home to Bradford City on Tuesday night, and manager Matt Taylor indicated that with the hectic run of games he will make changes to his line-up. Jamaican Travis Gregory, 27, a former Chelsea youth player, gave National League bottom club Dover Athletic a fourth-minute lead at Torquay United with his first goal of the campaign, but the hosts

bounced back to claim a narrow 2-1 victory through an Armani Little double, his seventh goal this term arriving in injury time. In the sixth-tier National League South loanee Khale Da Costa, 27, who is of Jamaican descent, gave Braintree Town a first-half lead with a curler into the corner, but the visitors to Hampton & Richmond were left frustrated when the referee abandoned the game after the break when the floodlights failed. In the same division, Dominic Poleon, 28, who is of St Lucian descent, netted in the 73rd minute as Ebbsfleet United held on to win 4-3 at Hungerford Town. In National League North 26-year-old Tre Mitford, who is eligible to represent Guyana at international level, salvaged a point for Brackley Town with a 90th-minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw at AFC Fylde.

Yorkshire chief executive Mark Harmon resigned during the week from our past, to hear from those who have suffered, and to take action. “I am determined to make the club an inclusive and diverse environment for everyone with a passion for county cricket.” England captain Joe Root joined the calls for lasting change at Headingley on Thursday when he released a statement and addressed the media at a short press conference on the subject. Root described racism as “simply intolerable” and demanded “change and actions that will see YCCC rise from this with a culture that harnesses a diverse environment with trust across all communities”. However, his claim that he could not recall witnessing examples of racism left Rafiq feeling “incredibly hurt” and suggesting “uncomfortable truths are hard to accept”. Later in the day chief executive Mark Arthur resigned to join Roger Hutton, previously Yorkshire chair, in exiting the club following the racism crisis which has engulfed the county. Director of cricket Martyn Moxon has already been signed off with a “stress-related illness” while first-team coach Andrew Gale is currently suspended pending an investigation into offensive but unrelated historic tweets. Sethi QC, who has worked on the British Gymnastics abuse investigation and has over 25 years of experience, added: “I welcome the opportunity to lead this important independent investigation process. “Those who report their complaints to the whistleblowing hotline should feel reassured that these matters will be addressed in a careful and impartial manner.” (PA Sport)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Seales not intimidated by subcontinent conditions

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Rookie seamer Jayden Seales says the subcontinent conditions for the upcoming two-Test series will not force a curb in his enthusiasm, and plans to keep an open mind as he fine-tunes his preparation for the assignment. The 20-year-old is on his first overseas tour after making an impressive debut earlier this year against South Africa as a 19-yearold, and has so far taken 16 wickets from four Tests at an average of 21. With the dry conditions here known to present challenges for faster bowlers, Seales said his aim was to make a quick adjustment while continuing to give 100 per cent. “Personally, I’m not too sure (what to expect) because it’s the first time I’m playing down here,” said the Trinidadian. “I will just have to assess the conditions as (best) as I can and bowl to the best of my ability when wanted for the team, and do as best as I can.” He added: “Once given the opportunity to play in this series, I have to try and remain economical and try and get early breakthroughs. “(I also have to) build as much pressure

for the (other) bowlers and work hard for the team and hopefully we’ll get the results we’re after.” Seales was a shock selection for the South Africa series, called up after having played only a single first class match, coming on the tour of New Zealand last year. He made an instant impact, however, snatching four wickets in his first Test, before taking his maiden five-wicket haul in the first Test against Pakistan in Kingston en route to eight-wicket match figures. Seales said he was pleased with his start to Test career and would use the Sri Lanka series to further establish himself. “I’m very satisfied with the performances I had from my debut series and the series after that,” he explained. “It’s just for me to look to build on those performances now and obviously improve in the areas I know I have to and the areas I can improve on, and just keep working hard for the team and putting my best foot forward for the team.” Seales is expected to feature for West Indies in their four-day match bowling off here tomorrow and said the warm-up would be critical to his acclimatising to the conditions.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 14, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Darryl Mitchell (NZ) (2) Matthew Wade (AUST) Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the teams that have each played three Men’s T20 semifinals to date? (2) What is the highest individual score ever made in a Men’s T20 semi-final game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………

Jayden Seales (left) shares a light moment with fellow fast bowler and Trinidadian Shannon Gabriel “The mood in the camp is good. Everyone has been training hard, working well with each other and getting along very well,” he noted.

“For me, it’s just to go out there and execute my plans as best as I could and try and work (according) to the conditions.”

Brittin, Jayawardene and Pollock inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

..The trio will be formally inducted before the T20 World Cup final today in Dubai

`JANETTE Brittin, Mahela Jayawardene and Shaun Pollock have been inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and the formal induction will take place before the T20 World Cup 2021 final between New Zealand and Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today. Brittin, who died in 2017, played 27 Tests and 63 ODIs for England Women from 1979 to 1998 and scored 1935 and 2121 runs in the two formats respectively, and holds several records . She is the most capped Test player among women; she was the oldest woman to score a Test hundred (at 39 years and 38 days vs Australia in 1998) and the second-oldest to score an ODI hundred (at 38 years and 161 days vs Pakistan in 1997); she scored the most Test runs in a calendar year (531 in 1984) and she has the most 50-plus scores (16) in women’s Tests. She also top-scored in the 1993 World Cup final against New Zealand to

ICC Hall of Fame: South Africa’s Shaun Pollock (left), Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame) take England to the title. Jayawardene, too, held many records for Sri Lanka - he captained them, played five ICC finals and won the T20 World Cup in 2014. He also scored over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, and is now considered an astute T20 coach. Pollock, apart from being among the finest allrounders from South Africa, also took over the captaincy

at a challenging time from Hansie Cronje and went on to play 108 Tests and became the first South African to 400 Test wickets. “The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame is our way of honouring and celebrating the greats of our game. Only the very best players are recognized for their contribution to cricket in this way,” ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice said. “I would like to congrat-

ulate Mahela and Shaun on their induction into this illustrious group and it is a wonderful way to commemorate Janette’s life and career.” Jayawardene thanked those who helped him during his career, saying: “I am very grateful for the recognition and would like to enjoy and share the moment with all those that have helped me on my journey, including my family, friends, coaches, team-mates and, most importantly, Sri Lanka cricket fans who passionately supported and inspired me during my career.” Pollock said: “I would like to thank the ICC for this recognition of my career. It’s an amazing honour to be included in the Hall of Fame alongside the very illustrious company that has already been inducted. It’s a real cherry on the top or maybe even a book end of what has been a thoroughly enjoyable cricketing experience and I’d like to thank my teammates who played such a massive part along the `journey.”(CRICINFO.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

Australia, New Zealand aim for history in unexpected T20 World Cup final

By Matthew Henry

It’s the final few, if any, predicted. The favourites dropped one by one as old rivals Australia and New Zealand secured a place in today’s Men’s T20 World Cup showpiece in Dubai. New Zealand, one of cricket’s smallest major nations, could cap an incredible year with another landmark trophy. “Written off” beforehand, Australia have the chance to secure one of the few pieces of silverware they are missing, less than four weeks before the start of the Ashes. OLD RIVALS CHASE HISTORY IN DUBAI The trans-Tasman rivals both suffered defeats in the tournament’s group stage - Australia were thumped by England and New Zealand were comfortably beaten by Pakistan - but both defied expectations in the semi-finals. New Zealand beat favourites England on Wednesday while Australia dramatically knocked out previously unbeaten Pakistan a day later. Australia came into this tournament unfancied, ranked sixth in the world and on a run of five straight defeats. “Everyone had written us off but we had a lot of confidence within,” captain Aaron Finch said at his pre-match news conference. “It is not unexpected. We came with a clear plan to win this tournament and we still feel we have a squad to do that.” AUSTRALIA’S ROUTE TO THE FINAL Super 12s: Beat South Africa by five wickets Super 12s: Beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets Super 12s: Lost to England by eight wickets Super 12s: Beat Bangladesh by eight wickets Super 12s: Beat West Indies by eight wickets Semi-final: Beat Pakistan by five wickets Earlier this year, the Black Caps claimed the biggest win in their cricketing history, beating India in the inaugural final to become the first Test world champions.

Beaten finalists in the past two 50-over World Cups, they now have the chance to win their first white-ball tournament. “It would be some achievement,” captain Kane Williamson said. “Where it stands at the moment there is a game of cricket to play, for us it is focusing on that. It is a really exciting opportunity to be here now.” Matthew Wade smashed three consecutive sixes to send Australia into the final while opener David Warner, averaging 47.20, and leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who has 12 wickets and an economy rate of 5.69, have impressed throughout the tournament. New Zealand have been typically solid, their success built around their seam bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, with opener Daryl Mitchell and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham playing crucial roles with the bat in the semi-final. Finch added: “They are a great team over all three formats of the game. “They can never be underestimated, maybe people on the outside do, but certainly we don’t. They have firepower, experience, class. I am not surprised one bit.” AUSTRALIA WIN WOULD BE ‘UNBEARABLE’ Australia have won the 50-over World Cup five times and the Champions Trophy twice, but their best showing in the T20 World Cup was finishing as runners-up to England in 2010. England came into this tournament as one of the favourites along with India, who were unexpectedly knocked out in the group stage. There are just 24 days between today’s final and the first Ashes Test and the England and Australia players and staff involved in that series will share a flight to Australia on Monday. Speaking on the BBC’s Good Pace for Radio podcast, England bowler Mark Wood, one of those on the flight, said it would be “unbearable” were Australia to win. “I can’t have Australia win that game,” the fast bowler said.

NACAC stunned by ANOC decision to name MacNeil best female athlete ahead of Thompson -Herah

Elaine Thompson-Herah became the first female sprinter in history to claim the Olympic sprint double twice NORTH American, Central American, and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletic Association secretary Keith Vincent says the association expressed shock at the decision of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) to award Canada’s Maggie MacNeil the Best Female Athlete of Tokyo 2020 ahead of Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah. The 29-year-old Thompson-Herah became the first female sprinter in history to claim the Olympic sprint double twice after emphatic victories in the 100 and 200m metres. In Tokyo, Thompson’s winning time of 10.61 was the second-fastest ever recorded over the event and eclipsed the 33-year-old Olympic record held by the United States’ Flor-

ence Griffith-Joyner. Her dominant 21.53 win in the 200m, not only decimated the rest of a quality field but was also the second-fastest time in history, bettered by only Griffith Joyner’s world record of 21.34, set in 1988. Thompson-Herah went on to add a third gold medal with the Jamaica team in the women’s 4x100m relays. The Canadian MacNeil also won three medals in Tokyo, which included a memorable victory in the women’s 100m butterfly event where she came back from seventh place at the halfway mark to eventually win gold. The 21-year-old also claimed a silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle and bronze in the 4x100m medley. “NACAC has expressed its disappointment with the results of the Award from the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) for Best Female Athlete at the Tokyo Olympics held earlier this year,” Vincent, who is also general secretary of Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Olympic Committee, wrote in NACAC’s weekly bulletin. “For the several NACAC member countries in attendance at the Awards Ceremony held on the evening of Sunday, October 24, in the city of Heraklion on the Island of Crete, Greece, it came as a shock that Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson was not the eventual winner.” Thompson-Herah who was voted as NACAC’s Female Athlete-of-the-Year last week is among the favourites for the IAAF Female Athlete-of-the-Year award.

Captains Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson both played in the 2015 50-over World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand “You can look them in the eye and say “well played” but when you are about to head off for an Ashes series against them the last thing you want will be them feeling confident and waving a trophy around in your face before you have even got there.” The Black Caps will be without wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway for the final, who broke his hand during the win against England punching his own bat. Coach Gary Stead has suggested Tim Seifert, who played in the opening game of the tournament before dropping out, will come in. (BBC Sport) NEW ZEALAND’S ROUTE TO THE FINAL Super 12s: Lost to Pakistan by five wickets Super 12s: Beat India by eight wickets Super 12s: Beat Scotland by 16 runs Super 12s: Beat Namibia by 52 runs Super 12s: Beat Afghanistan by eight wickets Semi-final: Beat England by five wicket

Mbappe scores four as France qualify for Qatar in style

Kylian Mbappe scored six goals in his past two games for France KYLIAN Mbappe scored Mbappe’s hat-trick was the his first hat-trick for France first by a France player in a as the reigning world cham- competitive international since pions secured their place at Dominique Rocheteau in 1985. next year’s World Cup in His first came in the sixth Qatar in style by thrashing minute when he turned in an Kazakhstan. early cut-back before he finMbappe got four of the ished a Kingsley Coman cross eight goals, with the striker’s from close range and headed first three coming in the open- in a third. ing 30 minutes. He completed Vi c t o r y g u a r a n t e e s the rout with a late fourth. France will top Group D as Karim Benzema got two they have 15 points, four after the break. Adrien Rabiot clear of second-place Finland and Antoine Griezmann, with a with one game remaining. penalty, were the other scorers. (BBC Sport)

PM Softball T20 Cup climaxes today

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 14, 2021

…Regal, Ariel in quest for two titles

Richard Latiff (left) and Chien Gittens

Quentin Sampson By Frederick Halley THE fifth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. is set to climax at the Guyana National Stadium today with the finals in all three categories – Open All Stars, Masters Over-45 and Legends Over-50. There’s certain to be a new champion in the Open Division after defending champions Speedboat were booted out by archrivals Re-

gal All Stars in yesterday’s semi-final, played at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary before a raucous crowd Regal All Stars will collide with the unbeaten Ariel All Stars who got the better of upstarts Name Brand at the DCC ground. Both defending Over-45 Masters champions Fisherman and 2020 Over-50 winners Regal Legends with put their titles on the line, Fisherman opposing Ariel Masters and while Regal Legends will battle with Mike’s Wellman who won from Orlando Legends

at GDF. Fisherman turned back the challenge New York Cricket Doctors at the Ogle Sports Club ground while Ariel Masters won easily from Regal Masters at GDF. Regal Legends earned their final spot on a platter after Rockaway Legends, who had earlier beaten Carpet Doctors at the MYO ground, refused to contest the semi-final encounter which was scheduled to be played at the GDF ground. After playing their first three games, the management of Rockaway

Legends claimed they were not aware of the rules which allowed for two players aged 48 to play in the Over-50 category. According to the rules which were published in the brochure – For Over-50 category, players must be born in 1971 and two players at 48 must be born in 1973. In a ruthless display of power-hitting by both teams which saw both smashing sixes at will, Regal All Stars held their nerve to Turn to page 30

Clean sweep good momentum for qualifiers: Connell KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – Experienced fast bowler Shamilia Connell says a clean sweep of the three-match series against Pakistan today will be vital to West Indies Women’s momentum, as they head into the all-important ICC World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. West Indies Women won the opening One-Day International by 45 runs and the second by 37 runs, to complete their first away series victory in five years. And with the World Cup qualifiers set to run from November 21 to December 5, Connell said a clean sweep would invigorate the tourists. “We’ve been working hard (towards a clean sweep). The girls have been in the nets trying to do their best – they’ve been going from strength to strength,” the 29-year-old Connell told reporters. “We know we kind of (usually) slacken up (in) the last game most of the time, so we’re just looking to close out the series with a win and clean sweep against Pakistan at home.” She added: “The mood is very good. It’s a historic series win against Pakistan so the mood is very good and we just want to back that up heading into the qualifiers, finish the series with a win and just look to qualify for the World Cup next year in New Zealand.” Despite the series success, West Indies have produced contrasting performances especially with the bat. In the opening ODI, they mustered 253 with Deandra Dottin hitting a career-best 132 but could only post 153 in the second match, the bowling coming to their rescue to

Fast bowler Shamilia Connell

secure the series. While acknowledging the inconsistency, Connell said the squad had learnt vital lessons from both matches. “We didn’t get the start we wanted in the second game. We were looking to back up the second we got in the first (ODI) so we’ve had to do some regrouping,” she explained. “Going into the third game, we’re looking to improve in all areas – batting, bowling and fielding – and just continue building on that.” She continued: “(We learned) just to keep pushing, just to keep fighting and never give up. You never know what can happen because cricket is played on the day. Once you get in, you never let anyone else in.” The Caribbean side’s bowling has been outstanding however, off-spinner Hayley Matthews leading the way with seven wickets. Connell also made her presence felt in the last ODI, snatching career-best figures of three for 18 from nine overs, to help West Indies Women defend their small total. The results against Pakistan represent a turnaround from the previous series in the Caribbean when West Indies Women suffered a 4-1 drubbing, and Connell said unity in the camp had been key to the revival. “We didn’t have the series we wanted against South Africa so we went back to the drawing board and we said we have to just look to push each other, build and try to be each other’s company,” she said. “Life in the bubble is very hard and we said we just have to go out there and be there for each other.”

Australia, New Zealand aim for history in unexpected T20 World Cup final 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

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021