Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-12-2021

TUESDAY 14th DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106575

$755M being sought for urgent drainage works SEE PAGES

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- all efforts being made to minimise flooding, says Minister Mustapha

Two GDF ranks awarded scholarships - by President at Camp Everard Christmas Luncheon SEE PAGE

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Police can now respond with stun guns instead of real guns

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$5M fine, five years imprisonment proposed for fraudulent use of power-of-attorney

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President Dr Irfaan Ali serving Guyana Defence Force ranks at Camp Everard, Mabaruma, on Monday at their annual Christmas Luncheon (Office of the President photo)

Man gets 12 years Gov’t seeks $21B in supplementary funds for raping girl - for clearance of arrears to GPL, stipend for trainee teachers, cash grant for students, among others

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Vice-President meets civil society on draft local content policy

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, led a team that engaged with

civil society on the final consultation on the draft Local Content Policy before

it is tabled in the National Assembly.

Joining the Vice-Pres-

ident at the Pegasus Hotel were Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall; Natural Resources

Minister, Vickram Bharrat; and Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Below are scenes f ro m t h e e n g a g e ment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

$755M being sought for urgent drainage works

AS part of its $21.4 billion supplementary budget, the Government of Guyana is requesting some $755 million to implement urgent drainage and irrigation interventions nationwide.

The requested funds are merely a component of government’s efforts to tackle the rainy season in a more proactive manner. Already, above normal rainfall has resulted in more than 5,000 households being affected across 46 communities.

The country’s previous rainy season already took a massive toll on the country and its people, resulting in unprecedented floods which saw waters surpassing 15 feet in some areas.

As the country prepares for a second bout of rain, President Dr. Irfaan

Ali has moved swiftly and proactively to activate a ‘Cabinet Level Taskforce’ to respond to the myriad of issues often brought on by the rains, especially potential floods.

The taskforce is being led by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who, along with his team, will work in tandem with all local authorities to ensure that all response and mitigative systems are in place and are functional.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said, on Sunday, that the systems being put in place seek to ensure that all sluices, kokers, and drainage systems function at optimum capacity.

The taskforce would be responding simultaneously to all areas, based on the mandatory reports

submitted by all administrative regions, every 12 hours. “Reports are to describe the communities affected, types of impacts and the measures being taken by response and technical entities,” the CDC had said.

Within the past two days, Regions One to Five have already reported accumulated rainfall measuring above two inches.

Moreover, the weather forecast has predicted continuous rain and thunderstorms across the entire coastland and parts of Regions Seven, Eight and 10.

Even before the launch of the taskforce, the Ministry of Agriculture, headed by Zulfikar Mustapha had embarked on an aggressive plan to ensure that all drainage apparatuses in Georgetown and

across the country were functioning at maximum capacity. Those efforts have led to the quick receding of accumulated waters in the City.

Mustapha, in an invited comment last Friday, had said that, notwithstanding some amount of resistance from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), his ministry has moved ahead to add a secondary level of monitoring through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

“When I went [to a sluice Thursday night] while the sluice was open, half of the door was in the water impeding the flow of the water. Last night, at Riverview, residents complained that either the pump or the sluice wasn’t working,” Minister Mustapha shared.

He said that the NDIA has been quick to ensure that issues are rectified immediately, and has also been vigilant in ensuring that all canals and drains are cleared.

“I have since assigned three engineers from the NDIA to monitor these pumps and sluices on a 24-hour basis to ensure they are operable. In some instances, the Town Council workers refuse entry to the compound of our engineers,” the Agriculture Minister noted.

With heavy rainfalls expected to last until February next year, the government has issued a call for all citizens to take necessary precautions against this natural occurrence.

The previous rainy season, which commenced earlier in May, resulted in more than two

months of devastating floods, occurring in all regions, across 300 communities. This had affected some 52,000 households and destroyed thousands of acres of farmlands.

Even now, many are still trying to recover from the impact of the previous floods. Fortunately, the majority of those affected have benefitted from government’s $7.8 billion flood relief programme which saw persons receiving cash grants intended to aid in their recovery.

This time around, the CDC has already received complaints in relation to damaged crops and livestock, as well as animals in distress.

The government has since promised to do everything possible to minimise the effects of this rainy season.

Two GDF ranks awarded scholarships

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali said that his government will make the necessary investments in a number of army bases around the country to improve their technological capabilities, with the aim of advancing the educational development of the ranks.

The Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces made the pronouncement during his address to the Guyana Defence Force ranks at Camp Everard, in Mabaruma, on Monday at their annual Christmas Luncheon.

“Not because you are posted out here you are divorced from the world of education. We are going to make the necessary investments in this base, and other bases that some people would say are way in the jungle. We are going to put the infrastructure in place to allow all of you to have a chance of improving your educational desires. And we want you to make use of it.”

Since becoming President last year, President Ali has been pushing tertiarylevel educational development among the ranks.

In keeping with a tradition that he started in 2020,

the President also requested that the ranks nominate a male and female among themselves who they think are deserving of scholarships.

The ranks nominated Sergeant Netisha DeSantos and Corporal Ryan David, who were on the spot, to receive scholarships to further their studies.

The Head of State complimented the ranks for the role that they play in safeguarding Guyana’s borders.

He reminded them that being posted at important bases such as Camp Everard carries additional responsibilities such as respecting the culture of the communities and being respectful to their residents.

“We must not allow the uniform we wear to ever be tarnished.”

MORE INVOLVED The GDF was also praised for the meaningful part that they are playing in the development of the country.

“Today, we have re-engineered the engineering corps and they are doing infrastructure works all across the country,” he said.

The President stressed that it is his aim to involve

- by President at Camp Everard Christmas Luncheon

President, Dr Irfaan Ali serving Guyana Defence Force ranks at Camp Everard, in Mabaruma, on Monday at their annual Christmas Luncheon (Office of the President photo) the ranks in more infrastructural development projects in locations in which they serve.

“Retired veterans speak to me with pride that they were part of the development of an airstrip, they were part of the development of a specific piece of infrastructure.

This is the type of pride that

you leave and the type of legacy that you leave.”

The government’s priorities, according to the President, are geared towards improving the lives of every single Guyanese. He said while improving salaries and conditions of work will be done, the government’s priorities are also about giving

the ranks the opportunities to enhance their lives and develop themselves.

He also noted that as the country grows and expands and new areas of opportunities are opened, the defence strategy must also grow and expand.

“All of you will see fundamental changes in your

mode of operation—the use of technology, the improvement of strategies, the redevelopment of infrastructure, the improvement of your working condition, the deploying of assets, and adding assets to make your work more efficient and easier,” the President said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

$21B in supplementary funds being sought - for clearance of arrears to GPL, stipend for trainee teachers, cash grant for students, among others

By Navendra Seoraj

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (Adrian Narine photo)

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THE government has approached the National Assembly for supplementary financing of $21.4 billion to cater for critical development works and the social welfare of Guyanese.

A request for $21,477,833,982, to cover current and capital expenditures was submitted to the National Assembly by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday.

Based on a breakdown of the Schedule of Supplementa-

ry Provision, $7,955,992,228 forms part of the current estimates, while $13,521,841,754 is being sought for capital works.

A further analysis of the schedule shows that the Ministry of Finance is seeking $4 billion to offset arears to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

This is expected to serve as a timely boost for the utility company, since it was reported recently that GPL in on course to recording a deficit of about $2.6 billion by the end of this year.

Another critical intervention, which the supplementary

funds will cater for, is the payment of stipends to learners of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). To execute this initiative, the Ministry of Education will need $100.4 million in additional funds.

On the capital side, the Ministry of Agriculture has requested $775 million to make urgent purchases of equipment for drainage and irrigation interventions countrywide.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, activated a ‘Cabinet Level Taskforce’ to respond to issues brought on by the ongoing rainy season, especially potential floods.

According to a statement issued by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the taskforce will be led by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who, along with his team will work in tandem with all local authorities to ensure that all response and mitigative systems are in place and are functional.

“These systems will include, but are not limited to, all working sluices, kokers, and drainage systems,” the CDC statement said.

In addition to requesting funds to support the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of inclement weather, there are also plans to enhance the level of security across the country. The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking $225 million to purchase doublecab pickups for the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Those resources, according to the schedule, will enhance the GPF’s vehicle fleet.

FIGHT AGAINST CRIME In September, the GPF received over 50 pickup vehicles, which have since been deployed across the country to contribute to the fight against crime.

Also, in the area of security, Dr Singh presented a Schedule of Contingency Fund advances, which shows that $60.1 million was utilised for the procurement of eight containerised offices, and the construction of two entry bridges and gates at the Brickdam Police Station.

This followed a devastating fire at the station on

October 2, 2021. The fire, which started in the Fraud Department, destroyed more than 80 per cent of the structures, including the Property Room, Enquiries Office, Traffic Department and Officers’ Mess Hall.

In addition to this critical intervention, there were also advances to cater for the provision of cash grants to learners from private schools.

Through this initiative, which cost more than $3 billion, some 17,000 learners in the private school system benefited from the $15,000 “Because We Care” cash grant and the $4,000 uniform grant.

Those advances, along with other expenditures, totalled more $5,112,355,210, with $5,052,175,210 being used for current expenditures and $60,180,000 for capital works between July and December.

In February, the National Assembly had passed the government’s $383.1 billion budget, which had set out a plan for recovery, outlined policies to catalyse rapid economic growth in the near and medium term, and laid the foundation needed to ensure that growth is not transitory, but sustainable for the longerterm.

Budget 2021, the country’s largest budget, was the first full-year budget presented by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration since being elected to office in August 2020.

It came after the emergency budget of 2020, which was prepared under a compressed schedule, and arrived in the National Assembly well into the second half of the fiscal year, as a result of the protracted March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The overarching aim of Budget 2021 was to initiate investments in catalytic and transformative infrastructure, including energy infrastructure to ensure adequate supply at a competitive cost, and transport infrastructure to improve international connectivity, and unleash domestic production and productivity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

$5M fine, five years imprisonment proposed for fraudulent use of power-of-attorney

By Richard Bhainie THE government has tabled amendments to the law which, if passed, will see fraudsters who dishonestly obtains or dishonestly uses a power-of-attorney, face five years imprisonment and being fined five million dollars for doing so.

Amendments to the Power of Attorney Act and Deeds Registry Act were read for the first time at the 32nd Sitting of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament of Guyana on Monday. The amendments also propose new requirements for the execution of powers-ofattorney.

A power-of-attorney is legal authority to act for another person. The giver of a power of attorney is called the principal and the person to whom it is given is called the attorney, or the empowered or duly constituted attorney. Powers-of-attorney are usually used when the principal is unable to manage his/her own affairs.

The Power of Attorney (Amendment) Bill 2021 seeks to amend the Principal Act by inserting new sections to provide for important procedures to be followed by a Notary Public and Magistrate

when executing a powerof-attorney, as well as to provide for offences.

The insertion of Section 2A proposes that the giver of the power and receiver appear personally together before a Notary Public or Magistrate and both provide two forms of original photograph identification as well as a photocopy of the documents, to establish their identity.

Where the giver of the power is out of Guyana and the receiver is in Guyana, they shall each appear personally before a Notary Public or Magistrate, but must also provide the two photograph identifications and copies.

The bill also seeks to insert Section 12 to the Act, to provide for the offences of dishonestly obtaining a power-ofattorney, as well as dishonestly using a powerof-attorney for financial gain by the attorney, or to cause loss to the principal.

The insertion of Section 13 makes it an offence for a Notary Public who is suspended, removed from practice or whose name is not on the register to perform any act pertaining to the office of a Notary Public.

Further, Section 13

makes it an offence for any person to wilfully certify or propound any false statement or document, or fraudulently, with intent to deceive, conceal, withhold or pervert any fact or document pertinent to the subject of a power of attorney.

SUMMARY CONVICTION Persons who commit an offence under Sections 12 and 13 are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000,000 (five million) dollars and to imprisonment for five years. This includes persons who fail to comply with any duty imposed on them under Section 2A. In addition, the Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill 2021 seeks to insert a new section, Section 20A, to the Deeds Registry Act, which notes that no power-of-attorney shall be registered, filed or recorded at the Deeds Registry without attached copies of identification documents, and witness statement where necessary.

If passed, a person who registers, files or records documents purport-

ing to be a power-of-attorney without the attached identification documents and witness statement, will have commited an offence and be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $ 5, 000,000 (five million) dollars and imprisonment to five years.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on previous occasions had explained that the amendments to the legislation were part of the government’s efforts intended to prevent and deter fraudulent transactions.

In March 2021, Nandlall disclosed that with fraudsters forging legal documents and selling people’s properties unknown to them, the government was examining ways to strengthen both the administrative apparatus and the statutory framework to improve the system, both in terms of the law and the administrative process.

Since then, he has already taken steps to make the Official Gazette of Guyana the document considered the ‘legal newspaper’ of the coun-

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. The Official Gazette try, as it has the statutory authority to make pub- plays a major role in the lished public and legal conveyancing of propernotices more accessible ty as prior to the passing by uploading them to var- of a title for a property, ious websites and making a notice of the conveythem available at more ance must be published in the Official Gazette. locations countrywide.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The Village Economy

THE government has commenced the disbursement of cash payments to sugar workers who lost their jobs following the closure of a number of grinding sugar estates by the former APNU+AFC administration. The closure of the sugar estates resulted in great hardships on the part of sugar workers and their families.

One of the first actions taken by the new PPP/C administration when it took office on August 2020 was to re-open the shuttered estates. Several sugar workers were re-employed and the depressed communities were gradually restored to life.

However, many sugar workers and their families were forced to survive on little or no income. There were instances of parents being unable to send their children to school because of financial hardships. It was a callous disregard for the welfare and

well-being of sugar workers who were left to fend for themselves by an uncaring administration. The severance pay to eligible workers was stretched to the limit until a lifeline was thrown to the workers by the new administration.

Last October, an announcement was made by Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo that a one-off payment of $250,000 would be paid to every sugar worker, in addition to the severance they received. This came as a welcome development to the sugar workers and for some, it was music to the ears.

Some 2,740 retrenched workers from the Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates have already benefitted from the exercise and the payments are now being rolled out to other estates.

The PPP/C came to the rescue of sugar workers.

Not only were the closed

sugar estates re-opened in keeping with a manifesto promise made by the PPP/C, but measures were taken to modernise sugar production and raise productivity levels.

Given the run-down state of the industry, it required much effort and resources to bring back the estates to some level of economic viability, but substantial progress is being made, despite unfavourable weather conditions.

Sugar has always played a role in the economic and sociological life of the Guyanese people. It provided a lifeline to the national economy during periods of economic distress. And even though the market conditions may not be favourable at the moment, the decision to close a number of grinding sugar estates by the APNU+AFC was at best short-sighted and certainly not in the best national interest.

The cash payments to sugar workers cannot come

at a better time as most workers are now trying to get back on their feet. As noted by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, while it is not the business of government to dictate how and on what the money should be spent, they are all encouraged to spend their money in a wise and prudent manner; and even though the sum may not be enough to invest in any largescale enterprise, if properly managed, it could be used to generate additional income if creatively utilised in some micro-enterprise activity.

Whatever use the money is put to, it will certainly redound to the good of the local economy, especially the village economy. It will give a boost to the business community and to those engaged in the provision of goods and services.

Money is much more than a unit of exchange. It

has what economists refer to as the multiplier effect. It serves as an accelerator to the local and by extension the national economy. This is why any injection of money into the economy is good, not only for the business community, but for the economy as a whole.

The payment to sugar workers coincides with the decision of government to pay salary increases to public servants retroactive to January this year. This will put millions of dollars in terms of disposable income in the hands of public servants, especially at this festive season of the year when any additional income is most welcome.

The cash payments to sugar workers and salary increases to public servants have to be seen in conjunction with the several other policy interventions by the President Ali administration to cushion the effects

of increases in the cost of living due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent flood situation and other unfavourable circumstances at the individual and national levels. The COVID-19 cash grants paid out to every household; the flood-relief monies; increases to old age pensioners and other vulnerable groups and cash grants to parents are manifestations of a caring administration.

The same can be said for the re-hiring of hundreds of Amerindians whose services as community workers were unceremoniously terminated by the former APNU+AFC administration.

Not only did such vindictive actions affect individual lives, but the local economy as well. The cash payments to sugar workers are one way of correcting an injustice to sugar workers for which the PPP/C administration must be commended.

Severed sugar workers deserve monetary relief given by government Dear Editor, IN 1895, Mary T. Lathrap wrote a very inspiring poem entitled, “Judge Softly” or “Walk a Mile in His Moccasins,” about the need for compassion, kindness, empathy and understanding which is more so lacking in our world today.

She implored her readers to ‘just walk a mile in his moccasins’ before we condemn and criticise. During its five years, the Coalition did the most unconscionable act.

In 2016/2017, the Coalition Government made the harshest decision ever when it placed on the breadline more than 30 thousand persons across the country. The domino effect was devastating. In the sugar industry alone 7,500 persons were thrown under the bus, their

worst crime was that the majority of them were perceived as PPP members, supporters or sympathisers.

The Coalition was unconcerned about the sufferings, the deprivations, hunger and the host of social ills which suddenly engulfed and devastated these people. No one in the Coalition asked the question about how these people will survive and even the severance pay given to these workers, which was extremely small in many instances, was not sufficient to prepare these people for economic sustainability and the harsh realities ahead.

Many of these severed workers who owed the banks saw the monies received going to repay loans and pay off credits; they ended up with nothing. The entire scenario was aptly summed up by Dr

Ashni Singh as ‘callous and unconscionable.’

The exodus which continued throughout the PNC dictatorship once again was rekindled as many of these severed sugar workers fled overseas to work and return for six-month periods at a time, but some overstayed and remained illegal in the USA, thus disintegrating their family life. Some died during this period as broken individuals and family dreams and aspirations were dashed to smithereens. A few committed suicide, and their death is squarely on the Coalition’s shoulders, a burden with which they must live. The PPP/C saw what was happening and made a vow during the campaign of the 2020 elections and in its manifesto to reopen the closed estates and give sup-

port to these severed workers. This campaign promise began to take shape as soon as the PPP/C Government took office in August 2020.

Rehabilitation work in the field and factory is gaining momentum at Rose Hall Estate with 700 persons being employed already. Works on Skeldon and Enmore have also started with more severed workers being employed there. It must be recalled that the Coalition allowed the closed estates to rot and decay, contrary to what the Coalition Finance Minister had promised. He had said that the closed estates will not be ‘mothballed’ but kept in operable condition to attract investors.

He lied. If this had been done, then today billions would have been saved. The Coalition must see this huge

expenditure which is now needed as being orchestrated by their vindictive schemes and should take full responsibility.

The Coalition should also accept the fact that the $250,000 payout to each severed sugar worker is a direct result of the massive emotional trauma and social and economic degradation suffered by these workers.

They deserve it. But instead they condemned this initiative which was rolled out by Vice-President Dr Jagdeo a few weeks ago and the payment began last Saturday.

The joy on the faces of these persons who received this money is beyond words.

Many spoke about the timeliness of this payment to buy some necessities, pay off debts, doing repairs to their leaking roofs and broken

stairs, stocking groceries and clothes for the festive season and some even talk about paying medical bills.

This scene should have been witnessed by the Coalition in order for them to appreciate how a caring government operates and how a citizen can be assisted to enjoy a good life. This government is bringing the illusive good life which the Coalition preached about for five years and denied the Guyanese people.

Let them focus on this stanza from that poem: “Just walk a mile in his moccasins, Before you abuse, criticise and accuse.

If just for one hour, you could find a way, To see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.”

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Carl Melville to resume voluntary seawall clean-up works

FORMER homeless man, Carl Melville, will soon return to the Kingston Seawall to continue the clean-up works he had started while he was living there in 2020.

Melville, after embarking on the voluntary mission to clean the entire stretch of Georgetown seawalls, was rewarded with a place to live and has since gained employment. After his efforts were recognised in August 2020, he took a short hiatus from his cleaning campaign to get his personal affairs in order. He has now decided to resume the works in time for the Christmas festivities.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Melville who cherishes cleanliness, recalled that he took note of the indiscriminate disposal of garbage on the seawalls.

At the time, he said nothing was being done to

address this issue and so he took it upon himself to clean the stretch from the bandstand to the Marriott Hotel, every day.

“I look at the condition of the seawall and I started to clean-up and I never get pay or nothing like that.”

Melville noted that with many persons visiting the area to partake in Christmas festivities, he will be returning to the hotspot to help keep it clean.

Not a man of many words, he considers himself an advocate for the environment and hopes that more people will one day recognise the need for proper garbage disposal and see the importance of keeping the environment clean.

After being recognised for his efforts, several volunteers joined Melville and eventually a clean-up group was formed.

The group, Seawalls and Beyond, has since become

a house-hold name and has spearheaded several cleanup exercises along the seawall stretch.

Dwayne Hackett is the founder of the group and many persons have since joined the cause. The group has also received some assistance from First Lady Arya Ali, who was moved

by Melville’s story and wanted to commend him personally. For the next five years, she plans to champion, among other initiatives, a Scenic Conservation Project which will help to safeguard the scenic qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside, while simultaneously creating a more environmentallyfriendly society.

The volunteers are supported by dozens of other Guyanese, who would turn out mainly on the weekend to lend a helping hand towards getting the area cleaned.

First Lady Arya Ali and Carl Melville at State House last August

Minister Teixeira raps Coalition’s unpreparedness for National Assembly

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira MINISTER of Parliamen- that the day’s sitting was tary Affairs and Govern- initially set to be the Private ance, Gail Teixeira, has Members’ Sitting. However, rapped the major opposi- since the opposition failed tion, APNU+AFC, over to bring any new motions or what she said is the political bills to the National Assemparty’s “lethargy, unpre- bly, despite Parliament being paredness and disorgani- in recess since August, the sation”, particularly is it Speaker went ahead with the related to its preparation government’s business, as is for the National Assembly. customary.

Speaking on the sidelines Leader of the opposition, of the 32nd sitting of the Joseph Harmon, on Monday, National Assembly, Monday, criticised the move, accusing Minister Teixeira reminded the government of “hijacking

parliament”.

However, Minister Teixeira pointed out that that was not the case, and grounded that in the fact that no new bills or motions were brought to the Parliament by the opposition.

“Every fourth sitting is the time for the private members’ business. As normal, according to the Standing Orders, you have to submit questions, motions, an adjournment motion on urgent public matters; you can raise questions without notice with the approval of the Speaker.

“There are procedures that cover both days when government business is precedent and when private members’ business is precedent,” Minister Teixeira explained.

She said the APNU+AFC has been “delinquent” about submission dates. This is a stark contrast to the promptness of the PPP/C when it was in the opposition, the minister said.

“When we were in opposition, we tried as much as possible on private members’ day to have motions and questions in advance submitted. We were very proactive as an opposition to utilise the day to our advantage,” Minister Teixeira pointed out.

She continued, “Harmon

is using this sitting to try to whip up supporters’ sym pathy … We in government are doing our business. This is what government does. If they are incompetent, ineffective and inept at doing their job, then we cannot do it for

them, nor can the Speaker or the Clerk.”

As the year comes to an end, the governance minister reminded that the PPP/C Government will be tabling the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) and

local content bills, as committed by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Those bills, she said, will be tabled by the lawmakers this Thursday and are set to be debated on December 29.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Police can now respond with stun guns instead of real guns - as amended law promotes use of ‘less lethal’ weapons

By Rehana Ahamad AMENDMENTS to the Police Act have now paved the way for members of the Guyana Po-

lice Force to use less lethal weapons such as pepper spray, tasers and stun guns when responding to certain cases where civilians physi-

cally and forcibly resist arrest.

The amendments, piloted on Monday by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, received

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn support from members of the opposition, including former Public Security minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

The amended law also allows for ranks to be armed with other weapons such as nightsticks, batons, clubs and tear gas, as well as rubber-coated bullets and water cannons. These were all approved as part of ensuring a more staged response to crime, where lethal weapons would only be used in extreme life-threatening scenarios.

“We have seen these instances on Facebook and other places, where persons have taken the resort of scuffling and even fighting with the police, resisting arrest,” Minister Benn highlighted during his presentation to the National Assembly.

He said that the amended law will provide police officers with less lethal means of restraining civilians displaying such levels of aggression.

“We want to avoid the resort of having to go to the use of firearms,” Benn said, reminding that such provisions for use of less

Opposition Member of Parliament, Dawn Hastings-Williams lethal weapons are not House are in full supunique to Guyana. “These port of the long-awaited insertions were long in amendments to the Police coming,” the minister Act. noted.

The former Minister Added to that, the of State also agreed with 2021 Bill sought to de- Minister Benn that police lete an earlier amendment officers need to be propwhich empowered the erly equipped to execute Guyana Police Force to their functions. “We need extract the Deoxyribonu- our police officers to do cleic acid (DNA) infor- their jobs in a peaceful mation of a person kept manner, and that whatin lawful police custody, ever is done to do arrestas yet another means of ing will be done with less identification. harm, and to avoid the This was in addition to use of firearms,” Hastthe police having approv- ings-Williams said, as al to record a person’s she acknowledged the measurements, their pho- fact that police officers tograph and fingerprints are sometimes victims of as legitimate forms of harassment and abuse by identification. civilians resisting arrest.

Minister Benn said Similar support for the that even though the law amendments were offered was previously amended, by former Minister of it has now been found to Public Security, Khemraj be unnecessary. He said Ramjattan, and governthat the decision was tak- ment Member of Parliaen after some “due con- ment Sanjeev Datadin, sideration” and “perhaps both attorneys-at-law. some criticisms too.”

Nonetheless, now I n r i s i n g t o m a k e that the Bill to amend her contributions to the the Police Act has been amendment bill, Opposi- passed in the National tion Member of Parlia- Assembly, it must now ment Dawn Hastings- be assented to by PresiWilliams said that she dent Dr. Irfaan Ali, so as and her colleagues on to be effectively brought the opposing side of the into the law.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Pumps and sluices operable - all efforts being made to minimise flooding, says Minister Mustapha

REPORTS received suggest that all of the drainage structures in affected areas are operable, said Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, as he cautioned persons residing in lowlying areas to take the necessary precautions in light of the December-January rainy season.

“All of our systems are in place. We have a number of pumps in various parts of the country. Our sluices are operable so when the tide is up, the pumps are in operation and when the tides go out, we open the sluices.

We’ve also deployed monitoring teams to various parts of the country. Based on the forecast from the Hydromet Office, we will have more rainfall. Those persons living in low-lying areas are advised to take the necessary precautions. Citizens can rest assured that, from the government level and at the

level of the task force, all efforts are being put in place to minimise flooding,” Minister Mustapha said.

As it relates to the allocation of resources to critical areas, Minister Mustapha explained that all pumps are operable and mobile pumps have all been deployed to affected areas across the country.

“We have permanent pumps in critical areas across the country and those pumps are operable. We are monitoring those pumps.

In Georgetown alone, we have 13 pumps and they are all operable. Although we have all these systems in place, there will be instances when people will encounter flooding because of the high intensity of rainfall we are experiencing. Wherever there is a need for machinery or other resources we will try our best to make those resources available,” the

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha minister noted.

Last Wednesday, Minister Mustapha, along with a team of technical staff from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), visited a number of drainage pumps/sluices

in Georgetown following instances of flooding across the City. During his visit, it was discovered that several sluices were not fully opened, thereby restricting the flow of water. It was after the minister instructed the

Salvation Army distributes Christmas hampers to needy

THE Salvation Army on Monday distributed 300 hampers to the less fortunate at its Alexander Street location and is planning to visit several institutions across the country in the coming days to spread Christmas cheer.

According to Major Matignol Saint-Lot, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it tough for the charitable organisation to acquire funds. He said that despite the setback, they were still able to get enough to prepare the hampers.

Major Saint-Lot told the Guyana Chronicle that because some businesses were not allowing entry to customers who did not have vaccination cards, donations made to the kettles set up at the entrances to those stores, have decreased greatly.

However, donations are still being received via postage. He added that the decline in shoppers is another factor that is hampering the flow of donations this year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International

Minister Hugh Todd and Major Matignol Saint-Lot, the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, hold one of the hampers Cooperation, Hugh Todd, ganisation, a person’s age, who was the special guest sexual orientation or marispeaker at the distribu- tal status, do not matter. tion exercise, related that “Once you are in need the Salvation Army was and you are a vulnerable established to look after citizen, you will get assisthe needs of the poor and tance,” he emphasised. vulnerable. He took some Major Saint-Lot in brief time to share with the at- remarks, said the 300 hamtendees some background pers are part of a projected information about the or- 1,000 hampers that the organisation. ganisation plans to prepare “This institution is ro- this year. bust. It has survived all the The Salvation Army will challenges of this world be visiting institutions in and it continues to thrive,” New Amsterdam, MahaicoMinister Todd said. ny, Linden, Bartica, VergeHe added that when it noegen and Georgetown to comes to the assistance spread the Christmas spirit offered by the charitable or- to those in need.

sluice operators to raise the sluice doors, that there was a noticeable difference in the flow of water into the river.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, told reporters that although it was too early to pronounce on the extent to which persons were affected, tremendous pressure is placed on the government’s resources when these situations take place.

SIGNIFICANT TOLL “I will say that every time we have these floods it takes a very significant toll on our economy. It affects production, particularly agriculture production, and it exerts tremendous pressure on the budget because we’d have to find resources to respond. As a government, we recognise how important it is to protect our Coast from these floods, first of all, to equip ourselves to be able to respond to the floods and ultimately to protect and reinforce the Coast from such flood events,” he said.

Dr. Singh went on to say that the government’s response to flooding can be characterised as two-fold with the first aspect being an immediate response which

involves removing floodwaters from the land as soon as possible, while the second aspect involves developing infrastructure that will enable Guyana’s Coast and other flood-prone areas to be more flood resilient.

Such infrastructure, he added, includes structures like the Hope Canal and that some of the technical works to identify the potential locations and the engineering designs have commenced.

Last Saturday, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of a Cabinet-level Task Force to coordinate the response to the current rainy season and potential flood impacts across Guyana.

The taskforce that is being headed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (R’td) Mark Phillips, comprises the Ministers of Agriculture, Local Government and Regional Development and Housing and Water; the CDC’s Director-General, the Guyana Defence Force’s Chief of Staff, the National Security Advisor, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s Chairman, and the Chief Hydrometeorological Officer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Amended firearms, evidence laws strengthen role of forensic officers

By Rehana Ahamad

ANALYSTS attached to the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) will now be allowed to handle, test and examine firearms and ammunition in accordance with their duties, without having to be holders of firearm licences.

This was made possible with the passage of the Firearms Amendment Bill which was unanimously passed in the National Assembly on Monday, as presented by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn.

“We now have forensic laboratories for some time and the issue is that we need to make sure that each person along the way who handles and examines and tests

firearms or ammunition as part of investigation are appropriately covered under the legislation,” Benn said in his opening arguments.

He told the House that the amended law also prevents hiccups at the level of the court, since examining firearms would be within the remit of forensic analysts tasked with producing reports on their ballistic findings.

More specifically, Minister Benn said that the amendments would eliminate any concerns that weapons in evidence were handled by persons not covered under the firearms act. Such cases, the minister said, could affect the outcome of the firearmsrelated cases.

The minister ’s sen-

The amended laws offer more protection and responsibilities to forensic officers timents were supported by his colleague, government parliamentarian and attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin, who emphasised the importance of ensuring that the country’s laws are regularly updated, in keeping with technological and other advancements of the world.

He made clear that the forensic analysts would only be covered under the law, once they are acting in accordance with their duties. “It’s not to take it home, it is not to walk around with it, it is to do their job,” Datadin posited.

He reminded that previously, the examination of

firearms and ammunition as evidence was done by members of the Guyana Police Force’s ballistics and firearms department, who were essentially entitled to hold such weapons.

The Member of Parliament believes that the amendment to the firearms legislation would even go a far way in improving the quality of work done by the analysts, since they would be able to hold, and conduct closer examination of the weapons in their possession.

Also successfully amended was the Evidence Act, which now paves the way for reports from a GFSL evidence officer as being admissible in a Court

of Law, and to make the lab’s certificates and forms receivable by the courts.

Added to that, the amended law has seen ‘hair’ being added to the list of objects that can be examined by an analyst.

The altered law also seeks to strengthen the chain of custody for evidence.

As debate on the Evidence Amendment Bill wrapped up, Opposition Member of Parliament, Karen Cummings signalled the support of the opposing side. The passed amendments will now have to be assented to by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, before it can be considered a substantive component of the law.

‘Rasta Beans’ pleads guilty to 2018 murder THREE years after porkknocker, Xavier Boyal, was fatally shot at Puruni Landing, Cuyuni River, his alleged killer, Deion Evans called ‘Rasta Beans’ has admitted to the crime.

Evans appeared before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Suddie High Court for the capital offence of murder. However, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which alleged that on November 11, 2018, he unlawfully killed Boyal.

Sentencing was deferred until December 17.

Evans is being represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir while prosecutor Tiffini Lyken is on record for the state.

According to the police, Boyal, who was a porkknocker from Waramuri Mission, Moruca River, North West District, was shot and killed on November 11, 2018 at Puruni Landing.

Boyal was reportedly employed by a dredge owner and was working at Rock Creek, Puruni River at the time of his demise.

According to the prosecution case, on the day in question, Boyal left Rock Creek, along with one of his co-workers and they headed to Junior’s Disco, also located at Puruni Landing.

While at the disco, the man’s co-worker had

Deion Evans called ‘Rasta Beans’ an altercation with Evans which resulted in him being punched to his face.

As a result, Boyal intervened and pushed Evans away. Boyal and his friend then left the disco and were walking along the Puruni Road on the way to their camp when they came under attack.

It is alleged that following the altercation, Evans joined the vehicle of a 56-year-old man and instructed him to drive.

While the man drove , Evans pulled out a handgun from his waist and pointed it towards the vehicle’s windscreen. He then discharged a round in Boyal’s direction.

Evans then exited the vehicle and discharged another round at Boyal before making good his escape. He was later arrested and charged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Recruits given taste of GDF Christmas

THE recruits currently undergoing training on the Basic Recruit Course

have been given their first taste of Christmas at the Guyana Defence

Colonel Skeete pours some non-alcoholic wine for a soldier on Soldiers’ Day

Force (GDF) and a feeling of being part of the military family.

Colonel General Staff, Colonel Julius Skeete and a team recently took Christmas cheer to the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama, Berbice, a training base.

In his address to the training staff and recruits, Colonel Skeete thanked the recruits for choosing to serve and stated, further, that the leadership of the Force is ever cognisant of the sacrifices each soldier makes to be able to serve the nation.

He explained that Soldiers’ Day provides the

US$89,000 medical centre commissioned at Iwokrama

THE Iwokrama International Centre commissioned a brand new US$89,000 medical centre at the organisation’s Kurupukari location on Friday.

Funding for the medical centre was provided by the Government of Japan through a Grant for Grassroots Human Security Projects. Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was integral in this partnership, a release said.

Nearby communities, staff of the Iwokrama Centre and road users in the area will benefit from the medical centre.

Present at the event were Ambassador George Talbot; Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago and designated to Guyana, Yasuhiko Kamada; Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dane Gobin; and Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board, Toshao Bradford Allicock of Fairview Village.

Ambassador Talbot said the medical centre reflects the ongoing relationship between Guyana and Japan and praised that country for supporting Guyana’s flagship biodiversity research centre.

Kamada recognised the

challenges to completing the medical centre because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but noted that the completion is a testament to the determination and commitment of the Iwokrama team to improving health care for all stakeholders in the area. He reaffirmed his country’s bilateral ties with Guyana.

Gobin said the intervention is timely and has served residents in Kurupukari and nearby Fairview Village.

The medical centre also operates as a hub for Guyana’s Health Ministry to provide vital COVID-19 support to nearby communities.

The Iwokrama Medical Centre at Kurupukari, Region Nine (Raquel Thomas Caesar photo/Iwokrama)

opportunity for Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers to say thanks to the other ranks.

“Of course no one day can express the thankfulness of the leadership. This (Soldiers’ Day) is just a symbolic gesture where we give you the opportu-

nity to relax and be served by your seniors. I know you are missing your family, but you are also part of the GDF family and we are glad to have you,” he said.

Further, he urged the members of the training staff, as well as the recruits, to remain fo-

cused and to take advantage of the opportunities to pursue professional development. He commended the recruits for having the discipline to take their COVID-19 vaccines, adding that it was important for the members.

Colonel Julius Skeete addressing the soldiers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

10th cycle of Basic Needs Trust Fund launched

THE Basic Needs Trust Fund’s (BNTF) 10th Cycle under the theme ‘Reducing the incidence of poverty and building resilience, through an inclusive community development approach’ was launched on Monday.

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, who spoke at the launch, congratulated the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on the milestone achieved of serving the Caribbean region for 42 years, as he alluded to some of the work the Fund, under the auspices of the bank, has done in the region The minister also commended the bank for its commitment to the continuity of BNTF and for securing funds to continue the programme, a release from the Ministry of Finance noted.

“BNTF was created with the express purpose of pov-

erty reduction, and it quickly became well known as the bank’s flagship poverty-reduction initiative. Over the past four decades, interventions have provided access to improved social infrastructure, including markets, health posts, resource centres and schools; provided first time access to potable water; improved roads, bridges and footpaths; and provided certified skills-training aimed at enhancing employability and income generation. BNTF initiatives have impacted us all regionally, nationally and most importantly our peoples at the grassroots level,” Dr. Singh posited.

The minister highlighted the fact that, as of February 2017, through the first eight BNTF Programme cycles, over 2,750 sub-projects were implemented to directly impact the lives of more than three million people across

the region. According to the release, he noted, however, that there still remains a number of challenges in spite of these accomplishments.

COVID-19 “Our region continues to face a vast multitude of development challenges, some longstanding and others new. These include most

immediately the COVID-19 pandemic, which has compounded the pre-existing challenges such as climate change vulnerabilities, infrastructure gaps including in such catalytic areas as transport and energy infrastructure, food security issues, global competitiveness and gender equality amongst others. These are issues that pose challenges to our governments and the bank. Despite these hurdles, we, as participating countries have worked diligently to maintain macroeconomic stability, jumpstart our respective economies, deliver national objectives and improve the circumstances of our people, “the Senior Finance Minister said.

Further outlining other accomplishments and challenges faced in education, water access and sanitisation, basic community accessing and drainage and Human Resource Development (HRD) and livelihoods, Dr. Singh noted that, under the 10th

Cycle, the CDB will continue to invest and focus on these sectors across nine participating countries.

Also speaking at the event, President of the CDB, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, alluded to the CDB’s focus on ensuring that its development discussions centre on how the BNTF can strengthen its programme to enhance development outcomes, especially given the recent setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNRESOLVED CHALLENGES “This pandemic has underscored our challenges yet to be resolved, can amplify the impact of shocks that are outside of our control.

At the same time, it begs the question of how much more amplification can arise from future shocks if we do not address the compound layering of the impact of COVID-19 and the structural weaknesses that existed before COVID-19. I refer to the poverty, inequality, health and education, economic concentration, low access to affordable financing and inadequate infrastructure challenges of today and the future challenge arising from climate change,” Dr. Leon explained.

The CDB President, the release said, also noted that the launch was quite timely in terms of the end-of-year period during which it was occurring.

“It is coincidental but quite fitting that this launch is taking place during the Christmas season when focus

is on how best to bring hope and goodwill to a world that remains mired in significant economic, social and environmental challenges,” he emphasised.

A total of US$30.5 million has been allocated under the 10th cycle across the nine participating countries to implement sub-projects.

Interventions will be tailored to empower the poor and vulnerable and strengthen institutional development by integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) and cross-cutting areas such as gender quality and environmental sustainability.

Guyana began receiving country project grants from CDB’s Third Programme in 1993 and has continued to benefit consistently throughout the programmes. Minister Singh concluded that BNTF in Guyana has been a success and the benefits and rewards through the many interventions in community development and the provision of basic needs to citizens, particularly in rural and hinterland areas, are undeniable. He noted, too, that looking forward, Guyana intends to build on the lessons learnt and successes from the previous programmes in line with national priorities.

According to the release, the CDB’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) has, for over 40 years, invested more than $300 million to fight poverty and improve the quality of life in the poorest communities in the Caribbean.

Sentencing for self-confessed killer deferred to Dec. 17 D AV I D S m i t h , a l s o known as ‘Shanko,’ has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his 19-year-old cousin with an arrow in 2019, at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Smith was charged for the capital offence of murder but when his case was called before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on Monday, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

According to the particulars of the charge, he, on March 22, 2019, unlawfully killed Dave Boyal with an arrow.

Sentencing was de-

ferred until December 17.

The state was represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken.

According to reports, Smith and Boyal were close cousins who lived in the same area. On the day in question, the two men were at a camp when an argument ensued between them.

As a result, Smith, in his fury, stabbed Boyal to the left side of his lower abdomen with an arrow, which resulted in Boyal bleeding profusely. He subsequently succumbed. Smith was later arrested and charged.

David Smith

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Bill tabled to preserve independence, streamline budget process of constitutional agencies

AN amendment to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) to ensure further streamlining of the budget process in relation to constitutional agencies, was, on Monday, tabled in the National Assembly by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

According to a release, the bill seeks to amend the FMAA Act Chapter 73:02 for the purpose of ‘prescribing the manner in which budgets are approved and withdrawals are made from the Consolidated Fund in respect of Constitutional Agencies’.

Additionally, the amendment aims to ensure accountability and sets out the practice and procedure to which these constitutional agencies must conform in the management of their subventions for the efficient discharge of their functions.

The amendments are necessary as they serve to

streamline the budget process particularly in relation to constitutional agencies, while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of the independence of the agencies, the release said.

The bill intends to include amendments such as an amendment to section 15 of the FMAA to require that an annual budget proposed to include a motion in compliance with article 218 and 222 A of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, another amendment seeks to amend section 40 e of the Audit Act to provide for the presentation of the Audit Office Budget.

In January last, Minister Singh had tabled a motion for an amendment to the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act 2021 seeking to amend the FMAA Chapter 73:02 to allow for the correction of a number of anomalies relating to the budget process applicable to constitutional agencies.

Man gets 12 years for raping girl A 25-year old man from Essequibo was, on Monday, sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl at her birthday party .

The convicted rapist, Kemo Calvin Chase, was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Suddie High Court. Last month, a jury had found Chase guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the victim during the month of March, 2013.

According to reports, Chase is known to the victim and her family. On the day in question, Chase went to the victim’s 13th birthday party and went into her room.

While in her room, Chase told the teen that he had a “gift” for her. He then threw the teen onto her bed and held her down. He then took off her clothes and raped her.

In his probation report, it was revealed that Chase, who was 17 at the time, was raised in a Christian household and was a part of his church band. The probation officer who read the report told the court that based on his upbringing and faith, Chase should have known better.

Kemo Calvin Chase His attorney, Latchmi Dindayal asked the court to consider his client’s age and the fact that he was now married and has two children.

During his plea of mitigation, Dindayal asked the court to release his client on a suspended sentence even if conditions are attached.

The judge, during her sentencing remarks, underscored the physical and psychological trauma the victim has had to face, and continues to face.

The judge, after taking into consideration the nature and prevalence of the offence, sentenced Chase to 12 years.

Arising from the 2015 amendment to the FMAA by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), constitutional agencies’ budgets were required to be sent to the National Assembly in advance of the submission of the rest of the national

budget.

This two-stage process resulted in a fragmented and inefficient process for consideration of the national budget and denied the Parliament an opportunity to view and consider the budget in a comprehensive manner, the release noted.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Springer publishes book on COVID-19 by Professor Misir INTERNATIONAL publishing company, Springer, has published the book manuscript “COVID-19 and Health system Segregation in the US – Racial Health Disparities and Systemic Racism” by prominent Guyana-born academic, former University of Guyana (UG) Pro-Chancellor, Professor Prem Misir.

The book focuses on segregated US health system and uses epidemiological evidence to assess the link with systemic racism. It also includes statistics on health disparities of COVID-19 by race/ethnicity in a single volume, and offers takeaways for social, economic and legislative policy makers, health system leaders, and clinicians.

The Foreword for the book is written by Robert E. Fullilove. Fullilove is Professor, Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University Medical

Center, and Associate Dean, Community and Minority Affairs School of Public Health.

Professor Misir’s bio-sketch includes the following: Prem Misir, PhD, is a former Vice-Chancellor, University of Fiji; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Solomon Islands Campus and Professor and Head, School of Public Health, University of the South Pacific (Immediate Past).

Professor Misir also was Dean, Centre for iTaukei Studies, University of Fiji; Dean, Foundation Studies, University of Fiji; and Dean, University–Wide Programme, University of Fiji.

Professor Misir is the holder of the PhD (University of Hull, England); MPH (University of Manchester, England); MPhil (University of Surrey, England); B.S.Sc. (Honours) (Queen’s University of Belfast, United Kingdom); Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH, England); and

Certificate, Harvard University – Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety.

Professor Misir was Visiting Professor at the University of the West Indies; Visiting Professor, Anton de Kom University of Suriname; and Honorary Professor at the University of Central Lancashire in England. He was the former ProChancellor of the University of Guyana.

In addition to numerous journal articles, he is the author of 11 books, the most recent being: HIV/AIDS and Adolescents: South Pacific and Caribbean, Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan, 2019; The Subaltern Indian Woman: Domination and Social Degradation, Singapore, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018; and HIV & AIDS: Knowledge and Stigma in Guyana, University of the West Indies Press, 2013.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

‘Youth Unfiltered’ TV show tackles bullying, statutory rape THE second episode of ‘Youth Unfiltered’ – a brand new show by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security featuring a group of diverse young people discussing many social issues – was recently launched on television and social media.

It is a youth-focused show that is completely directed by young influencers and assisted by a competent team of the ministry; even by subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud herself who adds her personal touch and flair to the programme.

The intention is for a new episode to be released each month with young influencers from all across the country discussing timely topics on the ministry’s platforms to help ignite healthy discussions among youths across the country; heightening awareness of their challenges and proposing solutions, as well as offering profiles of young people who have surmounted hurdles and succeeded.

“My first thought was that every ministry should emulate this,” Young Influencer Aliyah Hassan has said.

She is among the almost two dozen influencers countrywide who volunteers her time towards the programme. She especially appreciates Minister Persaud’s input and is very impressed at how she has dedicated a lot of time to it.

Hassan is also grateful to the ways in which Dr. Persaud has contributed to the personal development of the

young influencers by arranging for several training sessions to help them put out a perfect show and learn about social ills and the ministry’s programmes.

“We saw her dedication to helping us to develop ourselves and not just to work on the programme. I’m sure she will give that same dedication and focus to young influencers as we continue on,” Hassan expressed.

Another young influencer, Jeremiah Kalekyezi, feels that the show is “definitely something fresh,” as there is hardly any other show that relates specifically to youths and the issues surrounding them. “Minister Vindhya has been working with us very closely to ensure the show stays targeted to our young population, even directing some of our shoots personally. She is a fun person to work with and someone I think many can look up to,” he expressed.

The young influencers would choose a topic among themselves with everyone pouring in fresh thoughts and ideas. The programme has a talent segment, one for trends among youths, and an unfiltered segment in which the youths speak their mind without a scripted conversation in place.

The most recent episode speaks to bullying and also features a short overview of statutory rape.

“As young influencers, we try to cover these topics as ‘youth-like’ as possible,

like down-to-earth and casual. It’s meant to be a safe space for youths to listen and share their perspectives while reaching out to the public and promoting services that the ministry offers,” other youth influencer Savitri Ramlochan, based in Berbice, commented.

“Personally for me, I think that we have achieved this goal of being as unfiltered as possible because it’s all coming from the voice of youths and that is not scripted. The minister gives us full control of our views and expressions,” Ramlochan further commented.

Youth Unfiltered is a 30-minute programme that is usually aired on the ministry’s Facebook page, on ENetworks Channel One and on the National Communications Network (NCN).

Aliyah Hassan with a fellow young influencer, Jeremiah Kalekyezi, during the filming of Youth Unfiltered

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, with some of the young influencers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

FAO report on land and water resources paints alarming picture

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a landmark report highlighting the worsening state of the earth’s soil, land and water resources and the challenges it poses for feeding a global population expected to near ten billion by 2050.

“The pressures on soil, land and water ecosystems are now intense, and many are stressed to a critical point,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu wrote in the foreword to the synthesis report, entitled ‘The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for

Food and Agriculture – Systems at breaking point (SOLAW 2021)’.

“Against this background, it is clear our future food security will depend on safeguarding our land, soil and water resources.”

“Current patterns of agrifood production are not proving sustainable,” the Director-General said in remarks at the launch. “Yet, agrifood systems can play a major role in alleviating these pressures and contributing positively to climate and development goals,” he added.

The report says if we keep to the current trajectory, producing the addi-

The pressures on soil, land and water ecosystems are now intense (FAO photo) tional 50 per cent more food There needs to be more needed could mean water integrated planning at all withdrawals for agricul- levels. And investments in ture increasing by up to 35 agriculture must be rediper cent. That could create rected towards social and environmental disasters, environmental gains. increase competition for reSustainable soils, land sources, and fuel new social and water are the foundachallenges and conflicts. tions for resilient agrifood Among the key chal- systems. So the sustainable lenges: human-induced soil use of these resources is degradation affects 34 per key to achieving climate cent - 1 660 million hec- mitigation and adaptation tares - of agricultural land; targets. For example, wise more than 95 per cent of use of soils alone can potenour food is produced on tially sequester one-third of land, but there is little room greenhouse gas emissions for expanding the area of from agricultural land. productive land; urban arWORK ON LAND eas occupy less than 0.5 per AND WATER cent of the Earth’s land surFAO works to promote face, but the rapid growth coherent approaches to susof cities has significantly tainable soil, land and water impacted land and water management to feed the resources, polluting and en- growing population. These croaching on prime agri- include food security; hucultural land that’s crucial man health and nutrition; for productivity and food water quality and governsecurity; land use per capita ance and management declined by 20 per cent be- of food production systems; tween 2000 and 2017; and the provision of essential water scarcity jeopardises agricultural ecosystem global food security and services and biodiversity sustainable development, conservation; and climate threatening 3.2 billion peo- change mitigation and adple living in agricultural aptation. areas.

T h ro u g h p a r t n e rSOLUTIONS ON HAND ships, projects, studies With limited arable land and information-sharing, and freshwater resources, a FAO helps to increase rapid scaling-up of technol- the understanding of ogy and innovation is vital. the biophysical and soWe must strengthen the cioeconomic relationdigital architecture needed ships between land and to provide basic data, infor- water resources. These mation and science-based are vital to better producsolutions for agriculture tion, better nutrition and that make full use of digi- better environment for tal technologies and are better lives. FAO’s apclimate-proofing. proach helps raise awareLand and water govern- ness of the degradation ance must be more inclu- of resources caused by sive and adaptive, to ben- inappropriate agriculefit millions of smallholder tural practices, such as farmers, women, youth and land-clearing. It also proindigenous peoples. They motes wise water use, inare the most vulnerable to novation and technologies climatic and other socio- with particular attention economic risks and face to water-scarce areas. the greatest food insecurity. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

Warner, Matthews secure ICC Player of the Month prizes for November AUSTRALIA opener David Warner and West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews were voted the ICC Players of the Month for November.

Warner, nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award alongside Pakistan’s Abid Ali and New Zealand’s Tim Southee, emerged victorious with the most votes, following his crucial role in Australia’s triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.

Warner was the Player of the Tournament at the marquee event, following a series of stunning displays that helped Australia to the title. In all, he scored 289 runs at an average of 48.16 and a strike-rate of 146.70 in seven matches. Four of those came in the period under consideration for the award, during which he scored 209

runs at a stunning strike-rate of 151.44.

He scored a half-century in the final against New Zealand, a crucial 49 in the semi-final against Pakistan, and was named Player of the Match in the Super 12 clash against West Indies, when he smashed an unbeaten 89.

“David was back to his scintillating best during the T20 WC and his aggression at the top of the order was outstanding,” said Russel Arnold, member of the voting panel. “His 209 runs at a strike rate of 151 in four innings simply tells the story. There was no recovering from the early onslaught by Warner and his stroke play was pleasing to the eye.”

For the women’s award, Matthews emerged victorious over Pakistan’s Anam Amin and Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter.

In four ODIs in November – three in the bilateral series against Pakistan and one in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Ireland – Matthews scored 141 runs and claimed nine wickets, including a stunning 4/26 against Pakistan in Karachi.

This is the second time Matthews has been nominated for the Player of the Month award – she was last in contention for the award in July, when the West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor won the prize.

“Hayley was the star of the tournament, performing with both bat and ball,” said voting panel member Irfan Pathan. “Her allround performance was one of the reasons the West Indies won against Pakistan, and she deserves to be the women’s Player of the Month.” (ICC.com)

British High Commissioner... (From back page) regional academies, that future teams might go one step further to become the first team from Guyana to reach a FIFA World Cup.” Noting that the future is bright for the female game, Forde posited that the players in this festival all have the opportunity to show the nation – and the Caribbean – that women’s football in Guyana is a force to be reckoned with.

“But, at the same time, we also have the responsibility to use this platform to speak out for positive change in our society. With the campaign, ‘We Rise Against Domestic Violence’, the GFF is sending a strong and united message that do-

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mestic abuse against women must not be tolerated. We know there are too many women who live in fear of their partners.

“The GFF calls on all in our society – and, in particular, our men – to take a stand against all domestic violence.”

He highlighted some of the initiatives that the GFF is implementing to make football a welcome place for all women and girls that included safeguarding training for our coaches and administrators, having a zero tolerance approach to inequality, discrimination and abuse, as well as investing in female-friendly facilities at our National Training Centre

in Providence and elsewhere in our regional associations.

Forde challenged other sporting bodies and organisations to join with them in using their collective platforms as a means of influencing lasting behavioral changes across the nation.

Remarks were also shared by the Toshao, who welcomed all to the beautiful village of St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

The winning team of this inaugural Festival will be rewarded with G$500,000 with second place attracting G$300,000.

Third and fourth place are worth G$200,000 and G$100,000 respectively.

(GFF)

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09:00 hrs Kakamora 09:30 hrs Earth Company 10:00 hrs Rainyday Woman 10:30 hrs Young O’Leary 11:00 hrs Merry Mistress 11:30 hrs Bomber’s Moon Newcastle 12:00 hrs Velma 12:30 hrs Alrehb 13:30 hrs Harvest Dayu 14:00 hrs Firmament 14:30 hrs Invasive 15:00 hrs Absolute Dream 15:30 hrs Kilconquhar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

Holders Chelsea to face French side Lille in Champions League last 16 HOLDERS Chelsea will play French side Lille in the Champions League last 16 after the draw for the knockout stages took place for a second time.

A "technical problem" caused an error in the initial draw, which Uefa said had been "declared void".

Premier League champions Manchester City face Portugal's Sporting Lisbon while six-time winners Liverpool play three-time winners Inter Milan.

Manchester United face Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.

In the standout tie of the round, 13-time champions Real Madrid come up against French powerhouse Paris St-Germain.

Champions League last-16 draw: • Red Bull Salzburg v Bayern Munich • Sporting Lisbon v Manchester City • Benfica v Ajax • Chelsea v Lille • Atletico Madrid v Manchester United • Villarreal v Juventus • Inter Milan v Liverpool • PSG v Real Madrid WHY WAS IT REDRAWN? In the original draw, Manchester United's ball was pulled out of the pot

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey enjoyed a record-breaking debut in the first Test at The Gabba to earn praise from Nathan Lyon.

Chelsea beat fellow Premier League side Manchester City in last season's Champions League final

against Villarreal but they were ineligible to face each other as they had been in the same group - an eventuality Uefa said the technology should have prevented.

Last season's Europa League winners Villarreal were instead paired with Premier League champions City.Further confusion appeared to occur when United were excluded from the pot of possible opponents for Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool included instead.

However, United could have played the Spanish side and Liverpool could not, having progressed into

the knockout stage from the same group.

UEFA said in a statement: "Following a technical problem with the software of an external service provider that instructs the officials as to which teams are eligible to play each other, a material error occurred in the draw for the Uefa Champions League round of 16.

"As a result of this, the draw has been declared void and will be entirely redone."

One major change this season...

The first legs will be spread out across 15, 16, 22 and 23 February, with the

second legs on 8, 9, 15 and 16 March.

Chelsea are the only English side to play their first leg at home, with the other three all away first after winning their groups.

A major change from this season sees the away goals rule removed, so ties level after 180 minutes will go to extra time.

If the teams still cannot be separated after the additional 30 minutes, then it goes to a penalty shootout.

This season's final takes place in St Petersburg, Russia, on 28 May. (BBC Sport)

LeBron James stars with 30-point triple double, Lakers beat Magic LEBRON James starred with a 30-point triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 106-94.

It was James' 101st career triple-double as the Lakers recorded their fifth win in seven games.

James scored 14 of his points in the third quarter for the Lakers and added 11 rebounds and 10 assists to his tally.

It was the Lakers' second straight win without all-star Anthony Davis who is out with a knee injury.

James recently became the fifth player in NBA history to reach the milestone of 100 triple-doubles after scoring 20 points with 10 rebounds and 11 assists in the Lakers' recent defeat by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Kevin Durrant shone for

'Incredible debut': Carey passes important test

LeBron James earned his 101st career triple-double as the Lakers beat the Magic

the Brooklyn Nets, scoring a season-high 51 points in their 116-104 win over the Detroit Pistons.

The 11-time all-star joined the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry as the only players to record a 50-point game this season.

Durrant, who is the

league's current leading scorer, equalled the fifth-highest scoring performance in Nets history. Deron Williams holds the record with 57 points against the Charlotte Hornets in 2012.

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his first triple-dou-

ble of the season and Khris Middleton scored 24 points as reigning champions the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks 112-97.

Antetokounmpo scored 20 points, adding 10 rebounds and 11 assists as seven players hit double figures in the win.

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Portland Trail Blazers 116-111 to break a five-game losing streak, as Anthony Edwards registered 24 points for Minnesota.

Derek White scored 24 points registering eight rebounds and nine assists for the San Antonio Spurs in their victory over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Dallas Mavericks grabbed a win on the road with a comfortable 103-84 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. (BBC Sport)

OFF-spinner Nathan Lyon believes the work ethic of rookie Test gloveman Alex Carey will ensure his flawless debut is far from a once off as his career in Baggy Green unfolds.

Carey enjoyed a record-breaking debut in the Vodafone Ashes opener, becoming the first man to pouch eight catches in his maiden Test, having come into the side on relatively short notice following Tim Paine's decision to make himself unavailable.

With his athleticism and fitness providing a strong base, the South Australian's prowess 'keeping back to the pacemen has long been recognised; in the 201617 Marsh Sheffield Shield season he feasted on the fast-bowling work of Chadd Sayers, Dan Worrall and Joe Mennie, ending the competition with a record 59 dismissals (including two stumpings).

And while he has also drawn high praise from T20 superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan, who has labelled him the best wicketkeeper he has bowled to, Carey's acid test was always going to be how he fared up to the stumps to Lyon in a Test match, amid long, hot days on wearing, misbehaving surfaces.

Consequently, Lyon revealed, Carey made sure he was as well prepared as he could be.

"It's been an incredible debut," the veteran off-spinner said after play on Saturday. "I'm not surprised by it – his preparation in the lead-up has been world-class and he's obviously played a lot of white-ball cricket for Australia.

"He's been coming down (to training) on the early bus with me to catch in the nets.

He had a really good catch

with me and our relationship is only going to get bigger and better … I'm pretty proud of him."

A typically modest Carey was quick to push the spotlight onto Australia's bowling attack, which as a quartet has now won six Ashes Tests from six, but he also made plain the currency of a 'keeper is, for the most part, is very simple one: catches.

"I've kept a little bit to 'Gaz' (Lyon) in white-ball cricket but that's a bit different because there's a lot happening in front of you," he said. "So I'll continue to work hard with him … myself, (close-in fielders) Marnus (Labuschagne) and 'Smithy' (Steve Smith), we're all in the game when he's bowling.

"As a wicketkeeper you only tend to get judged on catches taken or catches dropped, so I'll keep moving forward, I'll keep trying to improve my game to Gaz and the quicks – there was great bounce and carry here at the Gabba, and now we move to Adelaide where the ball should move around a little bit, potentially a bit slower with that pink ball.

"But they're all bowling beautifully and I'll just keep trying to work hard on my 'keeping to those guys."

In the dying stages of the Test, the 30-year-old also earned the respect of his teammates when he threw his name forward to open the batting in Australia's second innings, with David Warner nursing bruised ribs.

"To put his hand up there shows a lot of confidence, and (a willingness to) do whatever he can for the team," said skipper Pat Cummins. "It was a tremendous debut – a great start for him."(Cricket. com.au)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

F1 decider puts Masi in spotlight and raises big questions

By Alan Baldwin (REUTERS) – As fireworks exploded and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrated his first Formula One title on a dramatic and controversial night in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, arguments adopted quick and livid.

The questions about honest play, the game’s integrity in an age of scripted television-led drama in addition to the position of race director Michael Masi won’t be going away in a rush.

They may find yourself debated in courtroom if Lewis Hamilton’s outraged Mercedes staff, who had a prime barrister readily available after the race, comply with via on their intention to attraction the result.

Nobody doubts Verstappen is a worthy winner, with the Dutch 24-year-old and seven-times champion Hamilton giving their all in some of the thrilling seasons.

The circumstances that led to the ultimate victory have been extremely controversial, nevertheless, and put Masi — appointed after the sudden demise in 2019 of highly-respected predecessor Charlie Whiting — ever extra in the firing line.

With the security automobile deployed close to the top, the Australian dominated that lapped automobiles wouldn’t be allowed to unlap themselves earlier than racing resumed.

Breaking with protocol, he then decreed that solely the 5 lapped automobiles between Verstappen and Hamilton reasonably than all may accomplish that.

That arrange one final lap of racing with Verstappen, who had seized the chance to pit for brisker tyres whereas Hamilton stayed out, getting a transparent run and passing the Briton seven corners from the top.

“This is a brand new

media after the race.

New Formula one champion Max Verstappen

manner of working the game the place the Race Director could make these advert hoc choices. Its been a bit too ‘guess what I’m going to do now’ I feel,” mentioned 1996 world champion Damon Hill.

Williams driver George Russell, who’s becoming a member of Mercedes, mentioned what occurred was ‘completely unacceptable’.

Nico Rosberg, the 2016

champion for Mercedes, was conflicted.

“I suppose Michael Masi can determine what he desires and he’s the director,” the German informed Sky Sports TV, whereas including that Mercedes had tailor-made their technique to a rule that was then immediately modified.

Mercedes staff boss Toto Wolff didn’t speak to the

GREY AREAS The rules, a lot thumbed on Sunday night time, go away some gray areas.

The required instruction ‘lapped automobiles could now overtake’ was not given and the race director, below a separate rule, has ‘overriding authority’ in the case of the security automobile.

After a rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix that was ridiculed after lasting just a few laps behind the security automobile, Masi may very well be understood for not wanting an exciting season to complete with a procession.

He has additionally been forged extra into the limelight by radio communications between groups and race director being broadcast for the primary time this season.

Whiting, who just about wrote the rulebook, was by no means uncovered to such scrutiny.

In Saudi Arabia, the race earlier than Abu Dhabi, there was a messy negotiation with Red Bull about Verstappen’s grid place at a re-start that raised doubts about Masi’s authority.

It sounded, mentioned Red Bull boss Christian Horner, like haggling in a neighborhood market though Formula One managing director Ross Brawn backed Masi’s pragmatic strategy.

Button recognised few would wish to be in the race director’s footwear.

“He desires to get them racing. He doesn’t wish to determine the world championship. It’s a very tough one however we noticed a race,” mentioned the Briton.

The producers of the ‘Drive to Survive’, the Netflix documentary collection credited with boosting Formula One’s recognition worldwide and notably in America, won’t be complaining.

Dravid has changed many rules Cornwall’s fifty fails to get Samp Army over the line in US Open T20 tourney set by Shastri-Kohli AS soon as Rahul Dravid became the head coach, he started changing the rules of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri which were being followed for the last few years.

The pair of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri may have achieved many successes in the Test format, but there were some rules of this pair which have now started changing by the new head coach Rahul Dravid. According to media reports, Rahul Dravid has now revived Anil Kumble’s policy, according to which players with unfit and poor form were required to play domestic cricket to get a place in Team India.

It was stopped during Ravi Shastri’s tenure but Rahul Dravid has started it again.

The reason for this is the selection of Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup 2021, which was a loss to Team India. According to the report of Inside Sport, Rahul Dravid has restarted this policy due to the selection of Hardik Pandya. Let us tell you that Hardik Pandya played IPL directly after surgery and he did not bowl in IPL 2020. After this, even in 2021, Hardik Pandya was not seen bowling

India head coach Rahul Dravid

and he also performed poorly with the bat. But despite this, he got a place in the T20 World Cup team. But Hardik Pandya was out of the team as soon as Rahul Dravid became the coach and now he will be able to return only when his fitness is right and he will prove himself in domestic cricket Rahul Dravid wants to give importance to domestic cricket Let us tell you that Rahul Dravid wants to stop the selection of players on the basis of IPL. Rahul Dravid believes that no player can make a place in the Test team on the basis of IPL. Also, if a player has to make a comeback, he will have to prove his match fit-

ness and form. At present, Hardik Pandya’s return is difficult as he is away from cricket and has also withdrawn his name from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Because of this, the name of Hardik Pandya will not be considered for the South Africa ODI series.

Dravid also recently revived the age-old tradition by awarding Rs. 35,000 to the groundsmen first during the first Test match at Kanpur and then at the Wankhede Stadium for producing good pitches during the 2-Test match series, for making a commendable track.

This tradition of groundsmen receiving rewards for preparing good pitches had vanished completely. Earlier everyone from Kapil Dev to MS Dhoni, used to practice this tradition, however, this tradition was fading but Virat has now revived this tradition.

Not just this, Dravid has also revived the tradition of debutants receiving their first cap from giants of the game. Recently, we saw legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar giving the Test cap to debutant Shreyas Iyer.

Rahul Dravid has made it a point to reinstate the practice. (Republic World)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida, (CMC) – West Indies all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall slammed a half-century but the effort was in vain as the Bermudian pair of Delray Rawlins and Kamau Leverock shone with bat and ball to guide Florida Scorpions to a 19-run win over Samp Army and into the semi-finals of the US Open Cricket T20 tournament.

In pursuit of 148 in a game reduced to ten overs a side because of rain at the Central Broward Regional Park ground here Sunday, Man-of-the-Match Cornwall gave Samp Army a flying start, smashing nine sixes and a four in his 18-ball 62.

Cornwall, 28, is fresh from the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka which finished earlier this month in heavy defeats for the Caribbean side.

South African wicketkeeper Andries Gous made 39 from 19 balls, but Samp Army fell short at 128 for nine, with seamer Leverock finishing with two for nine and left-arm slow bowler Rawlins snaring two for 21.

Scottish internationals Hamza Tahir and Safyaan Sharif also picked up two wickets apiece.

West Indies all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall.

Inserted earlier, Group B winners Scorpions scored 147 for three from their ten overs, led by Sussex lefthander Rawlins’ 44 not out from 19 balls, which included five fours and a six.

Leverock hammered 33 from 16 balls with three sixes and a four and John Simpson, the Middlesex and England wicketkeeper-batsman, added 37 from 13 balls with four sixes and three fours.

Former West Indies Under-19 off-spinning all-rounder, Bhaskar Yadram, who has played first class cricket for Windward

Islands, bore the brunt of the Scorpions’ onslaught, his one over costing 25 runs, while fellow Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, a medium pacer, saw his one over go for 15.

Indian left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh was the pick of Samp Army attack, claiming three for 29.

Scorpions will face Group A runners-up US All Stars in Monday’s first semi-final while Group A winners Cavaliers 22 Yards take on Group B runners-up against Clarion County Eagles in the second match.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

Larry Nassar abused survivors to receive $380m settlement HUNDREDS of women abused by former US national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar are to receive $380 million (£287 million) after reaching a settlement with USA Gymnastics.

It ends a five-year legal battle that began in the wake of the huge abuse scandal that rocked US sport.

Nassar was sentenced to over 300 years in jail in 2018 for molesting gymnasts.

Athletes including a number of Olympic medallists testified about how Nassar sexually abused them.

The settlement is among the largest ever for a sexual abuse case, and as part of the agreement USA Gymnastics and the Olympic Committee will give board seats to survivors.

Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to go public with allegations against Nassar in 2016, welcomed the news, writing on Twitter: "This chapter is finally closed."

She added: "Now the hard work of reform and rebuilding can begin. Whether or not justice comes and change is made, depends on what happens next."

The settlement will cover claims brought by Olympic gold medallists including Simone Biles, Aly Raisman

Olympic gold medallists McKayla Maroney, left, and Simone Biles are two of the highest profile victims.

and McKayla Maroney.

In total, Nassar was accused of sexual abuse by more than 330 women and girls at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.

A report into an FBI investigation, which was published in July, found numerous missteps, delays and cover-ups by FBI agents, which allowed Nassar's abuse to continue for several more months after the case was first opened.

A lawyer representing the victims described Monday's settlement as "historic" but said they would continue to "pursue justice" against officials who had failed to investigate.

Lawyer John C Manly paid tribute to the women who had testified publicly, adding: "We prevailed for one simple reason, the courage and tenacity of the survivors."

USA Gymnastics filed for bankruptcy in 2018, as the claims filed against Nassar kept mounting.

The settlement was confirmed during a hearing in a federal bankruptcy court on Monday.

Some $880m in compensation has now been agreed in cases relating to Nassar's abuse - after Michigan State University agreed to pay out $500m in 2018. (BBC Sport)

Jayawardene appointed consultant coach for Sri Lanka seniors, Under-19s and 'A' team MAHELA Jayawardene has been appointed consultant coach of the Sri Lanka men's senior team, as well as the men's Under-19 and the Sri Lanka A teams for a period of one year, starting January 1, 2022.

A Sri Lanka Cricket press statement said that the former captain "will be in charge of the overall cricketing element of the national teams" and also provide "strategic support" for players and the management teams at SLC's high-performance centre.

"This is an exciting opportunity to work with the national cricketers and coaches in our various development squads, including the U19 and A teams, to help us do justice to the enormous cricketing talent and potential in Sri Lanka," Jayawardene said in the statement. "I am very passionate about Sri Lankan cricket and believe that with a coordinated and focused team effort, taking a holistic approach working across all age groups, we can achieve consistent success in the future.

My main role will be supporting our team of national coaches and support staff in terms of our preparation and strategic-thinking during the coming year."

The appointment came

Mahela Jayawardene will be the consultant coach for Sri Lanka's men's teams from January 1, 2022. (Getty Images)

following consultations between the SLC's executive committee and technical advisory committee.

Jayawardene had earlier been a part of the Sri Lanka men's senior team as a consultant for the first round of the T20 World Cup, played in the UAE and Oman in October-November this year.

At the time, he had also been signed on as a consultant and mentor for the Under-19 team, which has been preparing for the World Cup in the Caribbean next year.

"Mahela's contributions during the first round of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup became invaluable for the overall performances of our team in the concluded

event," Ashley de Silva, SLC CEO said.

Both Sri Lanka's players and coaching staff had been complimentary of Jayawardene's involvement during the World Cup, and he is understood to have raised the level of data analysis utilised by the team, in particular.

Essentially, Jayawardene is the first appointment to a national men's side that does not, at present, have a coaching staff, following the departure of Mickey Arthur. It is understood that SLC's technical advisory committee, headed by Aravinda de Silva, is likely to not only appoint a fresh set of coaches, but also make changes to the coaching structure itself. The men's side's next international fixture is not until February 11, when they play T20Is in Australia.

Jayawardene will, however, have to juggle this commitment with two other high-profile coaching gigs that of Mumbai Indians and Southern Brave head coach, in the IPL and the Hundred competitions respectively.

One of Sri Lanka's greatest batters, Jayawardene is also regarded as one of the best captains Sri Lanka have ever had, and has been renowned for his tactical acumen for decades. (Cricinfo)

Faisal Hasnain appointed new PCB chief executive for three years FORMER ICC Chief Finance Officer Faisal Hasnain has been appointed the new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO for three years. He will be taking over next month to fill the position left vacant

by Wasim Khan, who resigned four months before his contract ended.

"I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Faisal Hasnain as the PCB's Chief Executive and welcome him to Pakistan cricket family," PCB chief Ramiz Raja said in a statement.

"Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen.

With the plans I have

for the PCB, Faisal will be a perfect fit as he can utilise his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger."

This is the first major appointment by Ramiz, who has seen off several big names since taking over as the PCB chairman. Other than Wasim, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis were the first ones to leave after Ramiz's formal appointment in September. Commercial director Babar Hamid was also sacked while PSL players acquisition manager Imran Ahmed Khan is the next man in line to depart from the PCB in two weeks' time.

Sixty-two-year-old

Hasnain's credentials are based on 35 years spent in finance and sports administration roles, and his last job was with Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) as managing director until 2018. He had two stints with the ICC as CFO - 2002 to 2008 and 2010 to 2017. He has been actively involved in uplifting the ICC's financial health and was part of the sales of the ICC commercial rights cycles 2007 to 2015 and 2016 to 2023.

His role with Zimbabwe Cricket was broadly to mitigate the crisis in the board to bring them back on the map by refinancing their commercial debts and finding a node from the ICC on getting financial support.

He managed to secure hosting rights for ZC for

New PCB chief executive officer Faisal Hasnain

the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers, he helped upgrade and

refurbish stadiums, and he helped bring back marquee players such as Brendan Taylor, Kyle Jarvis and Solomon Mire. But the word was unable to fully claw its way out of a financial crisis that has haunted the country for the last decadeand-a-half. He resigned only a year later, citing the failure to qualify for the 2019 World Cup as the major fact Born in Karachi, Hasnain is a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant and made his career largely in the UK and the Middle-East.

"I feel honoured and privileged to have been awarded with this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve Pakistan cricket and thank the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors

for having the confidence in my capabilities," he said.

"I am fully committed to playing my part in delivering the PCB Chairman's vision for Pakistan cricket, fulfilling the expectations and dreams of millions of passionate Pakistan cricket fans and strengthening the relationships with our existing commercial partners, the ICC and other Cricket Boards and developing new partnerships as we move forward.

"These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution." (Cricinfo)

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Boycott questions England’s decisions after defeat in first Ashes Test AUSTRALIA dominated the proceedings in the first Ashes Test to secure a win by nine wickets. The former England cricketer Geoffrey Boycott has thus opened up on England’s dismaying outing in the first Test match. He asserted that the visitors made mistakes and that resulted in the team suffering the loss.

After winning the toss, Joe Root decided to bat first at the Gabba. The visitor’s batting unit experienced a collapse as they were wrapped up at just 147 runs in their first innings. In the second innings as well, the team’s batting struggled wherein they were reduced from 223-2 to 297 all out.

Boycott feels that England’s lack of preparation is one of the key reasons behind their loss. He also added that the team should rather answer through their deeds and not words.

“Hey, Joe! England has just been walloped by nine wickets so it isn’t a good time to be telling us that England is not far away from beating Australia. It would be much

Former England opener Geoffrey Bpycott

better if you and your team answered with deeds and not words. Face up to the fact that England made mistakes which didn’t help our team.

For a start, your batsmen and bowlers looked underdone and should have had three or four competitive matches before the series.

The planning was all wrong,” Boycott said as quoted by Mirror..

The visitors entered the first Test without two of their key bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Boycott thus questioned England’s team selection and pointed that both of them should be a part of the team for the Adelaide Test.

“If both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad don’t play (in the second Test) then what is the point of them being in the squad. The captain and coach keep telling us how good they are and how many wickets they have taken. I agree they have been magnificent for England with outstanding performances so if they are fit they have to play. If they keep getting injured then they are a luxury England can’t afford,” Boycott added.

He also opened up on the way England managed Jack Leach, He said, “Jack Leach hadn’t played a Test match for nine months since early March in India. He didn’t get a game during the English summer as England played lots of seamers – and then suddenly they expected Jack to bowl well in Brisbane.

No wonder the Aussies went after him and in 13 overs he was whacked for 102 runs. I felt for the lad. Not his fault. Why are we so bloody stupid?

We make it extra difficult before we even start the series.” (CricTracker)

Hazlewood ruled out of second Test with side strain JOSH Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide due to the side strain he picked up in Brisbane with Jhye Richardson, the Western Australia quick, favourite to replace him.

Hazlewood bowled on the fourth day at the Gabba, having been held back for a large part of the innings, after scans had shown a "very minor" strain but it was always unlikely he would be risked for the day-night Test.

He returned to Sydney on Sunday rather than head to Adelaide with the focus now on being ready for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Like all the Australian attack he came into the Ashes without any long-form match practice.

Hazlewood has taken 32

Josh Hazlewood will now work towards being fit for Melbourne (Getty Images)

wickets at 19.90 in seven day-night Tests. The series now includes a second match under lights following the relocation of the Perth fixture to Hobart.

Richardson is the frontrunner to come into the pace attack having enjoyed an impressive Sheffield Shield

season where he has claimed 23 wickets at 13.43.

He played his previous two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019, his debut coming in a day-night match at the Gabba where he claimed match figures of 5 for 45.

However, the uncapped Michael Neser produced a timely reminder of his credentials by taking seven wickets against England Lions including 5 for 29 in the first innings.

Australia have not made any additions to the squad for the second Test.

David Warner did not field during England's second innings in Brisbane or bat in the small chase after a blow to the ribs against Ben Stokes but is expected to be fit. Usman Khawaja is the spare batter. (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

Hamstring injury rules Rohit Sharma out of South Africa Tests …Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal has been added to India's squad as his replacement ROHIT Sharma has been ruled out of the Test leg of India's tour of South Africa with an injury to his left hamstring. The Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rohit suffered the injury during a net session before the India squad entered quarantine in Mumbai, from where they are scheduled to travel to South Africa this week.

For Rohit, this is the second major tour affected by injury in the last 12 months.

He only featured in the third and fourth Tests of India's 2020-21 tour of Australia, missing the first two Tests due to a hamstring injury picked up during IPL 2020.

Rohit's absence will be a blow to India's preparations given he has been their highest Test run-getter in 2021, and one of only two batters - Rishabh Pant being the other - with a 40-plus average from 10 or more innings.

Since moving to the top of the order during the home series against South Africa in 2019, Rohit has scored 1462 runs in 16 Tests at an average of 58.48, with five centuries including, most recently, a Player-ofthe-Match-winning 127 in India's win at The Oval in September.

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are the other openers in India's Test squad apart from the uncapped Panchal.

Rohit had also been named vice-captain of the Test squad, apart from taking over as full-time captain in the white-ball formats.

It remains to be seen if India will hand the vice-captaincy back to the out-ofform Ajinkya Rahane, or name a new deputy to Virat Kohli. It is learned that the selectors are deliberating over Rohit's availability for the three ODIs that follow

Rohit Sharma is India's highest Test run-getter in 2021 PA Photos/Getty Images

the Test series. A decision is likely to be taken this week This isn't Panchal's maiden call-up to the Test squad. Earlier this year he was part of an extended India squad that took on England in four Tests at home. Panchal, who is 31 and leads Gujarat in domestic cricket, was among the reserve openers for that series alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran.

While Panchal is a relative unknown to the wider public, he has been one of the regulars for India A over the last few years. A veteran of 100 first-class matches, Panchal was most-recently part of India A's shadow tour of South Africa, where

he captained the team in two of the three four-day games in Bloemfontein. He made scores of 96, 24 and 0 in his three innings on tour.

Panchal's stocks rose significantly since his breakout Ranji Trophy season in 2016-17, where he topped the run charts with 1310 runs in 17 innings at an average of 87.33. His first-class highest, an unbeaten 314, came against Punjab that season. Those runs were part of a historic run for Gujarat, who clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

Following Parthiv Patel's retirement last year, Panchal took over the Gujarat captaincy. (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 14, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Birmingham, 1975 (2) Clive Lloyd & Majid Khan Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has played most ODI games against PAK to date?

(2) Which Pakistani has played most ODIs against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 14, 2021

Rizwan, Haider send Windies to 63-run loss in first Twenty 20 KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC) – A listless effort condemned West Indies to a fifth defeat in their last six Twenty20 Internationals, as Pakistan cantered to a 63-run victory in the opening game of the threematch series here Monday.

The visitors made a bright start to the contest at the National Stadium when they removed marquee batsman and captain Babar Azam without scoring off the fourth ball, but then failed to contain opener Mohammad Rizwan, who lashed 78 off 52 balls and Haider Ali, who hit 68 from 39 deliveries, as Pakistan gathered an imposing 200 for six off their 20 overs.

Fast bowler Romario Shepherd grabbed two for 43 in his first T20 International in five months but apart from left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein with one for 19 from his four overs, the remaining bowlers all leaked runs.

Needing to score at a

shade over ten runs per over, West Indies faltered from the outset and stumbled their way to 137 all out with an over to spare, the run chase crippled by 20-yearold speedster Mohammed Wasim with a career-best four for 40 and leg-spinner Shadab Khan who claimed three for 17.

Opener Shai Hope topscored with 31 but the knock required 26 balls and cameos

by Odean Smith (24) and Rovman Powell (23) were not enough to rescue the innings.

“I thought we gave away 20 runs [too many] in the field. Eight boundaries went in edges so we felt a bit undone there but I still felt like we could have chased that 200,” said captain Nicholas Pooran.

When Hosein spun one across the right-handed Babar to have him caught at the wicket for only the third ‘duck’ of his T20 career,

Haider Ali goes square in his 69 from 39 balls (PCB photo)

West Indies were ecstatic especially after choosing to bowl but Rizwan quickly silenced the Caribbean side, putting on 34 for the second

Premier League reports 42 positive COVID-19 results in past week FORTY-two Premier League players and staff tested positive for C O V I D-19 in the past week - the most recorded in the league over a seven-day period.

It is the highest number since 40 cases were reported in January.

That week, 2,295 tests were carried out, while 3,805 tests were done in the latest round from 6-12 December.

Brighton, Tottenham, Leicester, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Norwich have all confirmed cases, with United's game at Brentford in doubt.

Sunday's Brighton v Tottenham fixture was postponed following a C O V I D -19 outbreak at Spurs.

Previously, the most positive tests returned in a week this season was 16 from 1622 August, when there were 3,060 tests.

The latest report of 42 results is an increase of 30 on the 12 positives reported

from 3,154 tests from 29 November - 5 December.

On Thursday, following the introduction of new coronavirus rules in England, the Premier League told clubs to return to emergency measures, including social distancing and wearing masks.

A league statement on Monday said the frequency of lateral flow and PCR tests for players and staff would increase.

The statement added: "We will continue to work closely with the government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance."

From Wednesday, fans will need to show proof of double vaccination or a negative test to attend sporting events with crowds of more than 10,000 people in England. This includes Premier League games.

Tottenham's Europa Conference League match against Rennes was called

off on Thursday because of the outbreak that resulted in the Brighton postponement.

Also on Thursday, a number of Leicester players did not travel to Italy for their Europa League group game against Napoli because of positive COVID-19 tests.

United are in discussions with the Premier League over whether it is safe to play their game at Brentford after the club closed their training ground for 24 hours to reduce the risk of transmission.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard confirmed "a couple of staff members and a couple of players" have tested positive but insisted the "vast majority" were negative.

He said Tuesday's game against Norwich is not in doubt and Canaries boss Dean Smith said one of his players was isolating but the rest of the squad had tested negative on Sunday.

At Brighton, head coach Graham Potter says there are "three or four" positive cases. (BBC Sport)

wicket with Fakhar Zaman (10) and a precious 105 for the third wicket with Haider.

Rizwan counted ten

fours, reaching his 12th career half-century off 34 balls in the tenth over while Haider, whose first 12 runs required 14 balls, accelerated to notch his third T20I fifty off 28 deliveries with a swat over mid-wicket for six at the end of the 15th over sent down by pacer Smith.

Shepherd broke the stand when he had Rizwan caught at deep mid-wicket by Smith at the start of the 16th but Mohammad Nawaz arrived to belt three fours and two sixes in a ten-ball unbeaten 30, as Pakistan finished strongly.

In reply, Brandon King chipped the first ball of the second over from left-arm spinner Nawaz to Babar at cover, perish for one in his first international in 13 months and Pooran entertained briefly with a four and two sixes in 18 off ten balls, before losing his off-stump to Wasim’s yorker in the fourth

over.

Devon Thomas’s first match for the Caribbean side in nearly a decade ended in disappointment when he was lbw to Wasim for two in the sixth over and Hope followed at the start of the tenth, missing a sweep at Shadab and falling lbw at 59 for four after striking four fours.

T20I debutant Shamarh Brooks, reprieved by DRS at the end of the ninth over after being given out lbw to Nawaz, departed to the first ball he faced in the tenth, bowled missing a charge at Shadab without adding to his five.

When debutant Dominic Drakes (5) and Powell fell in quick succession, West Indies were tottering on 88 for seven in the 14th, and it was left to Smith and Shepherd to stage a 46-run, eighth wicket stand and push the total beyond triple figures.

David Warner and Hayley Matthews win ICC player of month award for November Photograph (AFP)

Warner, Matthews secure ICC Player of the Month prizes for November PAGE

22

British High Commissioner kicks off historic female competition at St. Cuthbert’s Mission ST. Cuthbert’s Mission, founded in the late 1800s by Joseph Ferguson, pieced together another chapter in its history books when it hosted the official opening of the first-ever, year-end female football competition on Saturday last.

The GFF Women’s Super 16 tournament is being held under the theme, ‘We Rise Against Domestic Violence’ to highlight the plight of this scourge, which continues to plague society.

On hand to share in this piece of history were British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller (the first female to hold this position), Guyana Football Federation president, Wayne Forde, President of the National Association of Women’s Football, Andrea Johnson; Toshao Timothy Andrews, along with

Members of the Village Council and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lennox Shuman, among others.

In her remarks, before doing the ceremonial kick-off, Her Excellency Miller stated that football is the leading participation sport amongst women in the UK and has become a really big thing.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller, officially kicked off the tournament in the presence of officials and players at the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Playfield “It hasn’t always been that way; we’ve had female football teams in the UK since the 1890s, but it’s actually in the last ten years that it has become a really popular sport. So I am looking forward to it becoming

as popular here in Guyana.”

The organisers and all who contributed to the tournament being a reality were congratulated by Her Excellency, who also said that she loves the tagline that was chosen for the festival, suggesting that it was very relevant.

The last 16 days, she informed, were observed as the last 16 days against domestic violence across the globe and it ended on Friday, which was observed as Human Rights Day. “So, today we are celebrating women, we’re celebrating that equality, we’re celebrating women having a place in an amazing sport.

So congratulations to the women; I’m a great supporter for ending domestic violence, so I think it’s great that we should be championing that

Moment in history cemented! Swan and St. Cuthbert’s Mission Female Football Teams along with match officials enter the field to commence battle in the opening match

here. Thank you so much for inviting me; I feel honoured to be here.”

The GFF boss, in his feature address, underscored the historical nature of the event for women whilst underscoring that the GFF is copiously devoted to giving equitable access and resources to the development of all levels of women’s football, through the Federation’s technical programmes and competitions.

“From the nation’s first national women’s development league to our groundbreaking nationwide network of Academy Training Centres, my administration is investing heavily in our female talent. This long-term strategy – boosted by support from FIFA, Concacaf and our corporate partners – has already paid huge dividends, with participation levels

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among players, coaches and match officials soaring, and with our youth and senior women’s national teams performing with distinction on the international stage.”

“Most recently, our hinterland-focused national Under-17 women’s team qualified for the Concacaf Championships – the first time that age group has achieved back-to-back qualification at the regional level.”

“And, before the pandemic hit in 2020, our Under-20 women’s team reached the quarter-final stage of the CONCACAF Championship, just falling short of reaching the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. We are hopeful, as more players graduate through our age-specific, professional training courses in the TURN TO PAGE 22 ► TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021