Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-09-2021

WEDNESDAY 15th September, 2021

' No.106485

CARICOM’s support for Guyana in border controversy ‘firm, unwavering’

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Vile, sexist and repugnant PAGE

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–– Major Narine joins Prime Minister Phillips, government ministers in condemning APNU’s Sherod Duncan’s crass attack on Minister Manickchand

President Ali affirms Guyana’s commitment to democracy 04 PAGE

Police, stakeholders build house for Linden mother 11 PAGE

Malika Thomas, a mother of two, is now the proud owner of a newly built and furnished house, compliments of Commander of Region 10, Superintendent Hugh Winter, and other stakeholders

–– as nation joins world in observing International Day of Democracy

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Transparency issues cited,GTU removed from managing 10 teachers’ benefits PAGE

Broadcaster and businessman, Maxwell Thom, passes on 10 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Vile, sexist and repugnant

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

–– Mayor Narine joins Prime Minister Phillips, government ministers in condemning APNU’s Sherod Duncan’s crass attack on Minister Manickchand

VILE and repugnant were the words used by Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, to describe a social media post made by his colleague in the Opposition, Sherod Duncan, and directed to sitting Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.

“The lyrics of which are gross and distasteful,” Narine said, as he joined a long list of persons who condemned Duncan’s social media attack on Minister Manickchand.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the city Mayor encouraged “every right-thinking Guyanese” to reject the post, which came in the form a “song which must not be tolerated in our country”.

“Women form the backbone of our nation and are our first connection to the world,” the Mayor argued.

He added: “Our women must be protected and must not be used or abused for cheap political points. The people of Guyana must not be exposed to such crass behaviour despite political differences.”

Narine believes that the song, posted by Duncan, a sitting Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) “serves no other purpose than to foment an already fragile society”, which is also facing a crisis in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mayor, also a member of the APNU+AFC, said that he is disappointed by the post and “encourage that our energies are directed to develop our country for all of Guyana to benefit”.

He said: “We must ensure that our constitutional rights are safeguarded and that our citizens especially our women feel safe. I pray that good sense prevails, and this song is removed from circulation.”

Similar sentiments were shared by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips who also condemned

ing: “Let us all take up the responsibility of creating a nation built on respect for our fellow citizens, for it is only through mutual respect that we can achieve the unity towards which we all strive.”

Women’s rights activist, Bibi Ahamad, also lent her voice in condemnation of the post, and called for Duncan

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips Duncan’s “unconscionable attempt to sully the good character of Minister Manickchand, particularly when the minister has tirelessly been working to curtail learning loss and ensure that our children are educated in a safe environment amidst the difficulties posed by the pandemic”.

The Prime Minister said that over the past year, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government has gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of all Guyanese and to minimise the negative socio-economic impacts of these challenging times.

“It is disappointing that some sections of society may find it entertaining to target the Minister of Education with such distasteful messages,” PM Phillips reflected. He indicated that such divisive actions by agitators to make light of matters of national importance and to disrespect the country’s female leaders only serve to create a wedge between the people of Guyana.

PM Phillips also called on all citizens to discourage any further propagation of offensive messages, and to be more responsible and understanding of “the pressures that challenge us daily as we continue to deal with the pandemic”.

NO TO TOXIC BEHAVIOUR “We must not allow toxic behaviours to influence us,” the PM said, add-

for women will join me in condemning this.”

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira also lambasted Duncan for the post, calling it “another act that illustrates the depths of depravity that permeate the PNC/APNU/ AFC and Guyana Teachers Union circles.”

“The lyrics of the song are close renditions of the distasteful chants used during the PNC/APNU/AFC and Guyana Teachers Union attempted protests. Whilst many of these chants went unnoticed, “Rape! Rape!

Priya trying to rape we” was undeniably among the most abrasive and abhorrent statements to be made about a Guyanese woman,” Teixeira posited.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand to make a public apology, immediately. “We can’t condone this type of behaviour and there is a need for a code of conduct for MPs [Members of Parliament] and sanctions for this despicable and unwanted behaviour…he [Sherod Duncan] has gone too far,” Ahamad said.

The “lawless and disrespectful onslaught” on Manickchand was also heavily condemned by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who reasoned that “In a world where we are all fighting for the rights and respect of women every day, it is contemptible that an MP who sits in the highest forum of the land will spew and share this level of nastiness against a woman.”

She said: “I understand that there may be opposing views on many issues, but to descend to this level of vulgarity is unacceptable and these perpetrators must be called out. I condemn this utterly disgusting kind of behaviour and I hope those who speak out on respect

against professional women in government service in 2016 and 2017,” the minister recalled.

She also pointed to “the vile racist and sexist attacks and threats to the safety of the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E. [Lilian] Chatterjee, and US [United States’] Ambassador H.E. Sarah Ann Lynch, who dared to represent the positions of their principals in their capitals supporting the democratic will of the people be upheld.”

Teixeira also referenced the stream of abuse and intimidation meted out to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley, in 2020.

“These few examples demonstrate a pattern of reprehensible behaviour that is of such decadence that it is undermines the values and laws of our society,” Teixeira said.

JUST WHY? She believes that one must also ask why the “leaders of the Guyana Teachers Union, an organisation comprised overwhelmingly by women, and, who teach girls in

APNU+AFC’s Ubraj Narine, Mayor of Georgetown BULLYISM, SEXIST AND RACIST ATTACKS She said that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his entire Cabinet are shocked

by Duncan’s post, which demonstrates “yet another occurrence in a stream of incidents of bullyism, sexism and misogyny on social media and in street protests” which have “progressively worsened” since the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“One cannot help remembering the public personal attacks by the then Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams,

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan our schools, representing 50 per cent of the school population, support songs and chants which surreptitiously mock the pervasive crime of rape? How can parents trust these teachers with their daughters?”

Teixeira queried.

She believes that Duncan’s attacks also raise questions in relation to the inactivity of the women’s and rights organisations which, she said “were so active in 2011 condemning a former minister.” “Their somnambulism over the last 10 years is instructive,” the People’s Progressive Party/Civic member surmised.

She further questioned, “Are they so compromised that it is acceptable to harass, threaten and disingenuously implicate a PPP/C woman and subject her to other criminal acts?”

The Government Chief Whip maintained that “As Guyanese, we should be outraged by these escalating incidences fermented and orchestrated by the PNC/ APNU/AFC leaders and activists, and, now joined by the Guyana Teachers Union, and denounce them with no conditions.”

She shared the belief that “If we fail as a people to stop this behaviour then all of our daughters, sisters, nieces, female cousins, wives, grandmothers, aunts, girlfriends, fiancées, and female friends will all be in great danger of being victims to this bullyism, sexism and misogyny, and worse yet, rape and other sexual offences.”

She asserted: “This is the time for all to condemn this behaviour as unacceptable and to dissociate publicly from all who promote this depravity, and threaten the safety of all women and girls in our country.” Since the video surfaced, none of Guyana’s women’s rights groups have issued any condemnation of it.

Duncan, via his streamed programme, ‘In the Ring’ has been making many statements that are believed to be disrespectful and brazen. It was only recently that he used a similar forum to accuse the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of being “gangsters and hustlers”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

President Ali affirms Guyana’s commitment to democracy –– as nation joins world in observing International Day of Democracy

AS Guyana joins the wider world in the observance of September 15 as International Day of Democracy 2021, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a statement, has recognised all those who raised their voices and stood on the side of democracy during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“That experience has strengthened our resolve to ensure that our democracy is never again imperilled,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State also reaffirmed his government’s and the country’s steadfast commitment to democracy.

“We pledge on this International Day of Democracy 2021 to strengthen the ramparts which protect our fragile democracy: The Rule of Law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and constitutional rule,” President Ali said.

He related that democracy is predicated on respect for freedom and human rights, and respect for the will of the people through free and fair elections held at periodic intervals.

“As the Caribbean Court of Justice has observed, elections that are free, fair, transparent and accountable are the lifeblood of a true democracy,” he added.

The President also relat-

ed that the people of Guyana had once experienced the agonies and anguish of rigged elections and its consequential effects in relation to authoritarian rule, the abuse of human rights, and the upending of economic development.

“Many were forced to scamper from our beloved Motherland in order to escape persecution,” Dr. Ali reminded his audience.

He said, pointedly, that a threat to free and fair elections represents an assault on democracy, and that Guyanese have a duty to zealously guard the country’s democracy.

“For almost two-and-ahalf decades in the past, our people were deprived of the right to elect a government of their choice. And, one year ago, there was an attempt to subvert the will of the electorate,” President Ali noted.

He added: “That plot was repelled, because of the heroism of our people, who stood defiant against the plot to rig our elections. Democracy prevailed, and our nation was rescued from the tentacles of dictatorship.”

To this end, the President recommitted his intention to ensure that the democratic will of Guyanese is never again threatened. In doing so, Dr. Ali said that efforts to fortify the country’s democracy requires

the input of all. “…religious leaders, civil society and every citizen who value, highly, freedom and the ability to choose. All of us must ensure that democracy is safeguarded every day of our lives,” the President said.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira also spoke along the same lines, noting that the occasion presents an ideal opportunity for Guyanese to celebrate the country’s emerging democracy, and the freedoms and fundamental human rights that are afforded to all.

“The protection of our democracy, which is enshrined in our Constitution and Statutes holds even greater importance after having experienced the tumultuous five-month-long wait for the declaration of the results of Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional elections,” Teixeira said.

She noted, too, that the repeated attempts to “highjack the elections” were not only threats to democracy, but also tested the commitment of Guyanese to democracy.

She also acknowledged the fact that international and regional organisations stood unequivocally in solidarity with Guyana, and demonstrated their intolerance of the naked attempts to thwart the will of the

people to choose their legitimate government.

The governance minister related: “Ultimately, democracy prevailed, and the resilience of our people was a clear demonstration of our commitment to democracy, and our willingness to protect it in the face of threats.”

PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY Teixeira said that as Guyana moves past the darkness of the 2020 elections period, the country must turn its attention to the restoration of its grounding principles of democracy, these being the Rule of Law, and the separation of the three branches of government.

“The protection of our collective responsibilities and rights has become more complex and profound,” the minister said. She noted, however, that even though the elections have gone, Guyana’s democracy is once again being tested during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a global public crisis which has warranted difficult decisions by governments across the globe to protect its citizens against the virus [while maintaining] balance between individual rights and collective rights and responsibilities,” Teixeira reasoned.

She said that as the country moves forward with a vision of ‘One Guyana’, coupled with a transformative national development strategy based on climate adaption, innovation and resilience, persons must be watchful of those amongst them who wish to destabilise and reverse the present and potential growth and improvement in the quality of people’s lives and return Guyana to the days of anarchy.

The minister said: “Democracy and anarchy are opposite ends of the political spectrum; clearly, there are those who are responsible for the attempts to hijack the 2020 election results who are now adopting anti-national postures and wish to fan the flames of division and conflict.

Again, they are not in sync with the will of the people.”

She said that in contrast, many sections of society and government are working collaboratively to pre-

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira

Wednesday, 15 September 00:30hrs - 02:00hrs

President Dr. Irfaan Ali pare, manage and coordinate opportunities for rapid economic development of the state, and to curtail the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that some level of normalcy can return, especially for school children.

“Ultimately, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. At this time, in the midst of the pandemic, we must spare no efforts to protect the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other minorities, and save lives, not sacrifice them on the altar of bullyism and expediency,” Teixeira asserted.

The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated September 15 each year as International Day of Democracy.

In proclaiming this ‘Day’, the United Nations affirmed democracy as a universal value, one which is based on the freely expressed will of the people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Sister’s Village masjid damaged by fire –– Imam estimates millions of dollars in losses

By Tamica Garnett

that she had feared that her house would have also been THE third and second sto- destroyed. reys of a masjid at Sister’s But outside of some damVillage, on the West Bank age incurred as a result of her of Demerara (EBD), were house being soaked to guard destroyed by a fire of un- against the fire, she did not known origin on Tuesday sustain major losses. morning, leaving the trust“I was downstairs in the ees of the religious facility house and my son was upcounting losses which are stairs sleeping. I just hear estimated to be in the mil- somebody holler fire ah maslions of dollars. jid, so me run out and see The fire at the Nuurul this big fire coming from the Islaam Sunnatul Jamaat is front of the masjid, coming said to have started at ap- to the back. Me just get panic proximately 08:00 hours, in and didn’t know what to do a section of the third storey because this fire just coming of the masjid. Only one per- and coming. But we run and son was in the building at took off the main switch,” the time of the fire, and was a visibly shaken Persaud luckily able to get out of the related. building safely before the She commended her entire flat became engulfed neighbours for their support in flames. in assisting her to soak the Imam of the masjid, wall of her house, which was Maulana Haseed, estimates just a few feet away from the the losses to be approxi- burning building. mately $7 million, as the fire “The neighbors them comes just months after the come… if they didn’t come, masjid underwent approxi- my house did done with. mately $6 million worth of They soak the house. It’s a renovations. good thing we had water, that “We put on the other sto- was what saved this house,” rey and about six months ago Persaud said. it was completed. We did the Imam Haseed reasoned renovations to make the sis- that the fire might have ters comfortable to pray and spread quickly due to the as well, we have some part highly combustible PVC time teaching that goes on, ceiling and prayer mats that in Islamic learning,” he said. were on the floor.

Speaking with this pubThe imam speculated that lication at the scene of the the fire was most likely due fire, Haseed, who lives a to electrical issues, since the short distance away from section of the building where the masjid, said that he was the fire started was a prayer at home at the time when an room that did not have any alarm was raised notifying appliance or items except for the community members of a fan and prayer mats. the fire.

“I think it’s concerning “ I h e a r d s o m e o n e current [electricity] because screaming, fire! When I came we don’t have anything up out, the whole third floor was there except a fan, and the just black smoke, with fire fire started from the PVC burning inside coming out,” ceiling upstairs. It recently Haseed said as he recounted finished building properly, the scene. it was certified and everyA fire tender from the La thing,” Haseed said.

Grange Fire Station arrived Chief Executive Officer on the scene shortly after the (CEO) of the Guyana Power alarm was raised, but the fire and Light (GPL), Bharrat had already gutted most of Dindyal, was present at the the third and second floors. scene meeting with the reliOther fire tenders from the gious officials.

West Ruimveldt and Leonora Minister within the Minfire stations were also dis- istry of Public Works, Depatched to the scene. odat Indar, also visited the Othesha Persaud, who scene to offer words to the lives a short distance away religious leaders. from the masjid, recalled the Also present at the scene scene that unfolded, noting was Divisional Officer at the

The Sister’s Village masjid after the fire was extinguished Guyana Fire Service, Clive McDonald, who concurred that the initial observations seemed to point to the cause of the fire being electrical in origin. Investigations are, however, ongoing to identify the exact cause.

“Based on investigations of the fire load, there isn’t much fire load so we are looking in that direction but we are still doing investigations as relates to that,” McDonald related.

The Jamaat was first established in 1960, and was rebuilt in 2016, before having undergone the recent renovations. The place of

worship serves approximately 80 Muslim households in that area.

Notwithstanding the third and second storeys being entirely destroyed, a section of the building was saved and will be used even as the officials of the masjid look towards rebuilding.

“The masjid serves the community so we will have to rebuild.

The masjid for prayer [at the front of the compound] was saved, so that will still function. As Muslims we pray five times per day so that will be carried on,” Haseed said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Pandemic of the unvaccinated

PRESIDENT of the United States, Joe Biden, while recently alluding that the current COVID-19 situation is a “pandemic of the unvaccinated”, made mention of elected officials who are actively working to undermine the fight against the disease.

He pointed out that instead of encouraging people to get vaccinated, the said elected officials are ordering “mobile morgues for the unvaccinated dying in their communities”.

His term “pandemic politics”, is in reference to the elected officials who are not helping the cause and who “are making people sick, causing unvaccinated people to die”. He emphasised, “We cannot allow these actions to stand in the way of protecting the large majority of Americans who have done their part and want to get back to life as normal.”

He announced that the Department of Labour is developing an emergency rule to require all employers with 100 or more employees, to ensure their workforces are fully vaccinated or show a negative test at

least once a week.

With regard to healthcare, President Biden noted, “If you’re seeking care at a health facility, you should be able to know that the people treating you are vaccinated.”

He emphasised, “If you want to work with the federal government and do business with us, get vaccinated.”

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne, recently pointed out in an address the grave threat from vaccine hesitancy which he believes may be a bigger peril to the Caribbean than climate change.

He asked the question, “How many more people must die in this country before we start taking the vaccination seriously?”

He stated his Cabinet’s decision that all public servants must get vaccinated or get tested twice monthly or they would not be eligible to enter the work place. He further stated that if they don’t come to work they cannot justify getting paid and absence from work over a period of time, employment would be lost. He added that his office compels him to act in the national interest.

The bottom line is that government

must act in the best interest of the people and according to President Biden, “We’re going to protect vaccinated workers from unvaccinated co-workers.”

Here in Guyana, the Dr. Irfaan Ali administration has made several COVID-19 vaccines freely and easily available for the general public, including adolescents. The government has and continues to demonstrate a profound sense of responsibility in putting measures in place to protect the citizenry from this deadly pandemic with a mutating virus and to ensure the economy is not stagnated.

It is a fact that many countries are not as fortunate as Guyana with regard to COVID-19 vaccination. It is also a fact that, like other countries, including the United States, Guyana has elected officials from the Opposition who are leading the charge against vaccination. There is no doubt that effort is rooted in politics rather than science.

Many are of the view that the Opposition-led antivax campaign is premised on their hope that without vaccination the

situation worsens thereby allowing them the opportunity to blame the government. Even the mere thought of that kind of thinking is deep in the realm of, morbidity, recklessness and being irresponsible.

Prime Minister Browne stated, “Our civilisation within the Caribbean is now at risk because of ignorance” and pointed out the irony that “If we don’t act, they will still blame us. So let us act, do what we are required to do to protect the citizenry, to protect lives and livelihoods.”

It’s no different in Guyana. If the government doesn’t act, the opposition will be the first to cast blame. Even as the government acts, the opposition is calling for protest and shutdown against interventions that are designed to safeguard the welfare of all citizens. That clearly questions whether the opposition is really concerned about the safety of people, including their own supporters.

Given that action speaks louder than words, the answer is unambiguous as they try to foster a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Anti-vaxxers should say if they are pro-virus

Dear Editor,

BASED on surveys I conducted in November 2020 and in January, March, July, and August 2021, the overwhelming majority of the public applaud the government for steps taken in the fight against COVID-19 and its efforts to protect the public from infection.

The last couple of surveys also reveal widespread support for the Ministry and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and the government in re-opening school.

However, people have mixed views on mandatory vaccination for children, saying small children should be excluded until it has been demonstrated that the vaccine is very safe on kids. There is wide support for the policy requiring healthcare and education workers to be vaccinated or to exclude them from public facilities.

It is some individuals in the public (perhaps a fifth of the adult population) who are not co-operating with vaccination and the resistance from some anti-government labour unions that are putting the public at risk.

Guyana has among the highest infection and mortality rate per hundred thousand of population. Infection and mortality rate among the vaccinated is very low, especially among

those who received double doses. People feel that vaccine mandate has become a necessary and reasonable move given the danger posed

by COVID-19. It is the State’s duty to protect the nation from health complications linked to COVID-19. In the US, the national and State as well as local governments are moving towards mandatory vaccination.

The opposition takes a political position without paying concern to the enormous consequences that would be caused by a fourth wave of or a prolonged pandemic. Too many of our people of all backgrounds are dying from COVID-19.

Some educators, supported by their union for political reason, don’t wish to return to school for in-person instruction and don’t wish to take the vaccine to protect themselves, families, and students. They wish to continue teaching from home (a prolonged vacation) even though the science shows that much learning does not occur through virtual or remote or long distance medium of instruction.

The science also says the vaccine is safe. The school break is over.

Educators cannot be on permanent vacation. They are not in greater danger than front line healthcare workers. They must return to work, and in fact, most have yearned to return to work. The overwhelming number of teach-

ers are defying the union, not backing the calls to stay home or to shut down the schools or shut down the capital city. Health experts internationally encourage teachers to get the coronavirus vaccine. Parents in Guyana are wondering whether their child’s teacher has taken the vaccine to help protect the others in the classroom.

NY schools have made vaccination mandatory. And public hospitals gave health workers till end of this month to be fully vaccinated or take a daily PCR test. More and more are getting the vaccines.

The teachers’ union, whose leadership is affiliated with the opposition PNC, is resisting the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. All over the globe, vaccination mandates have been issued to public workers and educators. Rare exceptions are granted for religious and health reasons in the US (that must be demonstrated and affirmed by authority). It is in one’s personal health and the public’s interest to become vaccinated. Theirs and our lives depend on vaccination. Why would they want to resist the mandate that seeks to protect them, their families, and us?

I got vaccinated. I’m pro-vaccine. I did this even before my mother contracted COVID-19. It was/is the right thing to do.

Infections have shown the risk of being un-

vaccinated. COVID-19 has rampaged homes, families, and neighbourhoods in Guyana.

Almost everyone who contracted COVID-19 was not vaccinated.

Every COVID-19 death was of an unvaccinated person. What other evidence does one needs that the vaccine protects lives.

COVID-19 is a ticking time bomb. We got to protect the vulnerable – those with co-morbidities.

All healthcare workers, educators, and those servicing the public should be vaccinated unless it can be demonstrated that their health would be compromised by it. In the latter case, they must undergo regular PCR tests. Those unwilling to become vaccinated (without acceptable reason) should be sent on unpaid leave as is now being considered in the US. The public feels that mandatory vaccination for services and as a requirement for government employment is the right policy to get the public to become vaccinated. Some two-thirds of adults have been vaccinated.

The country needs more education campaigns to encourage the remaining unvaccinated public to take the vaccine.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

There is no better test of a man’s integrity than his behaviour when he is wrong Dear Editor IT is clear that the opposition is not interested in ‘inclusive governance’ but ‘absolute governance’.

This is not about accepting the legitimacy of the PPP/C’s Government, this is about the PPP/C accepting the Coalition’s spurious claims that the PPP/C not only attempted to ‘rig’ the 2020 Elections but actually rigged it.

Is the PPP/C Government at fault for rejecting such a factitious claim? Is it not the opposition which is actually rejecting Article 13? We must recall that although the PNC rigged all the Elections from 1968 onwards until 1985, the PPP/C in opposition led by Dr Jagan lent ‘critical support’ not only when our national sovereignty was threatened by Venezuela but it was an intent to support all positive initiatives by the PNC in favour of progress of Guyana. But sadly, the PNC not only rejected Dr Jagan’s proposals but labelled him an ‘opportunist’. Imagine the rightful President being called an ‘opportunist’ by a rigger and a dictator. We must never lose sight of the fact that the growth of our economy, the eradication

of poverty and the health and well-being of our people has always taken precedent over selfishness and greed for power.

The PPP/C never placed power over the Guyanese people and Guyana.

The Coalition attempted for five long months to rig the 2020 Elections in full view of the world and until now has been trying to hoodwink its supporters that they were ‘cheated not defeated’ and they must take to the streets outside of Parliament to reinforce such claims. That is all the Coalition wants -- power. At any and all cost; even the lives of Guyanese do not matter!

We now have a deadly pandemic which is slowly decimating our population and yet the opposition and its agents have failed to meaningfully support the government in its vaccination drive.

Would the PPP/C have done this? I say never! The Teachers’ Union, the GTU is in the forefront protesting the government’s vaccination drive when it should give effect its motto of ‘Moulding Our Nation’ and support the government.

This is a great shame. In this month, to date 62 persons have died including a mother and her daughter just one week

apart. These were reported as being unvaccinated. I am sure that many of these anti-vaxxers are already vaccinated.

Those Coalition officials who went to the protest in Brooklyn are all vaccinated!

I was utterly disappointed when I saw some of the posts from persons who are teachers and they are peddling false and dangerous claims backed by videos.

These teachers need to educate the people who look up to them for accurate information.

In the past five months, YouTube has removed more than 30,000 misleading COVID-19 vaccination videos and in the past year more than 800,000 videos have been removed for COVID-19 misinformation. They contradicted the vaccine information from the World Health Organisation.

These include false claims that the vaccines kill people, cause infertility and conspiracy theories. Many included false claims on non-existent ‘cures’.

This would have included Coalition’s MP Jermaine Figueira’s ‘cure’ of herbal medicine. Are our people aware of these falsehoods? Have our teachers tried to educate our students and parents about

the misinformation on social media? No, some of these teachers have been busy on the social media sharing these videos to the same students and their parents.

There must be a distinction between issues of bad governance and holding a government accountable and those which are of paramount national interest. However, it’s a crying shame that the opposition in Guyana is using the COVID-19 vaccination to further its political agenda for want of real issues, when it should be truly supporting the vaccination drive.

President Ali and his government have been fulfilling their responsibilities under the Constitution and it is time that the Coalition does the same. If the Coalition chooses to be out of the decision-making processes of the State, then clearly the President and his government are not at fault.

The integrity of the opposition is being tested.

I conclude with this, ‘There is no better test of a man’s integrity than his behaviour when he is wrong’.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

CARICOM leaders set to partake in local energy conference –– organisers say event will serve as a magnet for more investors

THE upcoming International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2022 is expected to open avenues for more investments in Guyana, according to the event’s organisers.

The event is slated for February 15-18, 2022, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

This conference is one of several to be hosted in Guyana in the near future, as the country continues to attract investment interests.

It is being held under the theme: “Charting a Sustainable Energy Future.”

Organisers are working to foster a conducive climate for networking at the regional, national and international corporate levels, and access to policymakers in the

Chief Executive Officer, International Energy Conference and Expo, Angenie Abel

Public Relations Advisor, International Energy Conference and Expo, Alex Graham prolific Guyana-Suriname basin.

During a press conference to launch the event Tuesday, Public Relations Advisor for the conference, Alex Graham, said the meeting will be hosted in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

He reported that several high-level participants have been confirmed from the Government of Guyana, as well as Heads of State from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, including Suriname.

Suriname’s participation is understood to be key, as the country is developing a joint strategy for Guyana on the development of their petroleum resources.

“Both countries are cog-

nisant of the many opportunities that arise through cooperation in energy.

“Currently, discussions between these two countries are centred around joint initiatives that would enhance the benefits of energy cooperation not just for our countries but for the region as a whole,” Graham told reporters.

He said many topical sessions are part of the agenda, including the importance of local content and a robust safety culture.

Expounding on other areas to be discussed, the conference’s Chief Executive Officer, Angenie Abel, pointed to the country’s energy landscape.

“Guyana’s sustainable energy future is dependent on how we explore infrastructure development, skills

development, renewable sources of energy and natural gas opportunities,” she reasoned.

To this end, Abel said workshops will be held simultaneously with the conference, and will focus on energy reporting, procurement practices and other topics.

Abel made notable mention of capacity building workshops for young people.

“We want to ensure that our programme caters not only to companies and business opportunities, but also addresses capacity development with a special focus on developing our people to adequately take advantage of the opportunities that will arise out of the developments in the energy sector,” she said, adding that a trade show will accompany the conference.

Abel too said that the conference is already attracting local, regional and international exhibitors.

The last day is expected to feature tours of Guyana’s national attractions. Abel said she believes the conference will be of value to all participants.

The President, Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration has been positioning Guyana as an attractive destination for investment and, at the same time, advocating for opportunities for Guyanese to benefit.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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Business development app for women launched

By Tamica Garnett

empower thousands of female entrepreneurs to learn, THE British High Commis- earn and contribute more. sion, in partnership with My message to my fellow the UK-based Cherie Blair female entrepreneurs is to Foundation for Women, download and start using ExxonMobil Foundation, the HerVenture app, and to and ActionINVEST Ca- be assured that our team at ribbean Inc., on Tuesday ActionINVEST is here to launched “HerVenture”, a support you in every step of business development app the way,” said Davitri Doerfor women. ga, Chief Executive Officer The simple launching (CEO) of ActionINVEST ceremony, which was held at Caribbean Inc. the residence of British High In Guyana, the aim is Commissioner to Guyana, to encourage at least 3000 Jane Miller, was attended by women entrepreneurs to use First Lady Arya Ali, Minis- the app by January 2022. ter of Human Services and Founded in 2008 and Social Security, Dr. Vindyha based in London, the Cherie Persaud; US Ambassador to Blair Foundation for WomGuyana, Sarah Ann Lynch; en focuses on working with and ExxonMobil Guyana women entrepreneurs in low President, Alistair Routledge. and middle-income countries Cherie Blair Foundation’s to enable them to reach their

Director of Programmes, Emily Scott joined the launch virtually from London.

In her remarks, High Commissioner Miller emphasised her enthusiasm to see initiatives geared at women empowerment.

“Gender empowerment is something that’s very important to me, personally.

I’m the first female British High Commissioner here in Guyana, so gender issues are really important to me,” Miller said.

Developed by the Cherie Blair Foundation, and first launched in 2018, the HerVenture mobile learning app was developed specifically for women who own micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in low and middle-income countries. The app, which is currently available in Vietnam, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, has supported over 41,000 women since its launch. The app is completely free of cost, and offers essential business training and support on-thego. It features nine learning tracks on a range of topics, including how to launch a business, access financing, expand market access and to get into the e-commerce business.

Implementation of the initiative will be done by ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. “The HerVenture app will deliver business education and support that will

true potential. The Foundation is aiming to eliminate the global gender gap in entrepreneurship, and create a future where women entrepreneurs can thrive.

During remarks at the ceremony, Scott conveyed her organisation’s elation at being able to bring the app to Guyana. She thanked the ExxonMobil Foundation for making it all possible by providing the critical funding.

“We are delighted to bring our flagship app to Guyana. By partnering with corporates and their foundations like ExxonMobil Foundation, and expert local organisations like ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., we can support huge numbers of women entrepreneurs to fulfil their potential and make progress towards our shared goal of closing the gender gap in economic participation,” Scott said.

Meanwhile, making remarks on behalf of ExxonMobil Guyana was the company’s Community Relations Manager, Suzanne De Abreu, who spoke at length of Exxon’s own commitment to investing in women’s economic empowerment.

“We know from empirical research that when women move forward, the world moves with them. We believe investing in women is not just a nice thing to do as a corporate social responsibility activity; it is the right thing to do from a business

A section of the audience at the HerVenture app launch. Seated front row, from left, are: Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindyha Persaud; British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller; First Lady Arya Ali; US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; and ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge (Delano Williams photo) perspective. As a global energy company, we succeed, and are profitable when nations and communities are prosperous, and women are key drivers of that prosperity,” De Abreu said.

Also commending the great benefits that this new initiative will bring to Guyanese women was Minister Persaud, who noted that women are natural leaders, and as such must be given the proper tools to ensure that they are empowered.

“We believe that in order to see the full potential of women, we must place not only the tools in their hands, but also create an enabling environment for them to establish all that they can be and develop and express their fullest potential,” she commented.

Minister Persaud highlighted that the app and initiative complement each other, and will be able to work in tandem with several women empowerment and development initiatives that her ministry has, particularly the recently launched Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

The WIIN launched its own app, and opened a new business incubator last month. Minister Persaud noted that the WIIN initiative has already impacted thousands of lives, not only the women involved in it, but persons in their households and communities. Minister Persaud noted that the app will help to build on certain aspects of the WIIN programme, including having the female entrepreneurs complete their business proposals.

“Once they have their business proposal, this app in their hand gives them the power to transform their business proposal into a reality, and ensure that they not only commence their business, but sustain it in the future,” Minister Persaud said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Transparency issues cited, GTU removed from managing teachers’ benefits –– Education Ministry to now award scholarships, grant duty-free concessions directly

THE Ministry of Education will now absorb the role of managing teachers’ benefits, a task which was previously executed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), following complaints of unfairness in allocation by teachers.

The Ministry of Education officially announced this move in a statement issued on Tuesday, and noted that the benefits will continue, albeit under new management.

“The Ministry of Education shall conduct and manage this programme as obtains in other government agencies with similar benefits. Our teachers will still be able to access the scholarships and duty-free concessions at the stated amount per year. Our teachers will continue to benefit from these programmes, thus realising the true intent of the programme, but in an organised, fair and transparent manner,” the Education Ministry said.

The government, through the Education Ministry, allo-

cates 50 scholarships and 100 duty-free concessions to the nation’s teachers annually.

This facility was managed by the GTU, which would submit the names of the teachers eligible for the benefits.

However, the ministry has said that “all has not been right” in how the programme is being managed by the GTU. The Education Ministry noted: “This programme was intended to assist and further serve teachers and provide them with additional benefits as they continue to provide excellent service to the educational system.

However, the Ministry of Education continues to receive complaints and reports from serving teachers regarding how these benefits are allocated or not allocated.”

This newest change comes following GTU’s recent call for strike action in protest of the government’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires teachers be vaccinated or produce

negative PCR tests weekly.

With little support to their call, the Ministry of Education said it has received reports that the GTU has been using its ability to allocate the benefits as a means of “strong arming” teachers into getting on board with the illegal industrial action.

This, the ministry said, has led to a proliferation of complaints from teachers against the GTU. “Members are informed openly and subtly that they will not be a recipient or continuing recipient of a scholarship nor of a duty-free concession. These reports have come from teachers who are duly qualified to receive these benefits. These reports cannot be ignored.

These benefits were meant to serve teachers, not to attack them or to discriminate against them,” the Education Ministry said.

With schools physically reopened from September 6 for face-to-face learning after a 17-month closure due to the

A teacher conducting her lesson in a ‘smart’ classroom (Ministry of Education photo) COVID-19 pandemic, teachers were asked to either be vaccinated or produce negative PCR tests as a means of protecting against the spread of the virus in schools.

The GTU has been protesting against this measure by directing its protest at the Ministry of Education and the subject minister, Priya Manickchand.

But early this week, Minister of Labour, Joseph Ham-

ilton, said that the protest and strikes were illegal and did not qualify as legitimate industrial action, since the teachers did not have a grievance with their employer.

“You can’t as a teacher, strike against COVID-19 regulations issued by the Ministry of Health, and gazetted. Your employer, the Ministry of Education, has done nothing to you,” Hamilton had said.

He went on to say: “I am saying, as Minister of Labour, advised by legal counsel and the Chief Labour Officer, that everything about what they call a strike or protest is out of order.

Screaming and chanting at the Ministry of Education office and the Minister of Education is counterproductive because they have no grievance with the Ministry of Education.”

Broadcaster and businessman, Maxwell Thom, passes on LOCAL broadcaster, and proprietor of the Wireless Connections brand as well as 93.1 REAL FM Radio, Maxwell Thom, has succumbed to COVID-19-related complications.

He passed away on Tuesday while receiving medical care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Infectious Diseases Hospital located at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

In a statement expressing his condolences, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, recalled that Thom was more than just a broadcaster and businessman; he was also an athlete, dancer, and a philanthropist.

“Maxwell has certainly made a positive impact on the Guyanese society.

To lose someone with such zest, zeal and love for country to the dreaded coronavirus reinforces the fact that COVID-19 is real and that it must be taken seriously,” Minister McCoy said.

He added: “The death of a loved one is a painful experience, and Maxwell Thom was undoubtedly loved by many.”

In reflecting on his ageold professional friendship with Thom, McCoy said that the broadcaster has made nothing but meaningful contributions to any area he set his sights on.

“Many may recall that thousands of Guyanese were afforded the opportunity to own a cellular phone because of his pioneering ability.

That ability was transcended to sober and uplifting messages he exuded on his morning broadcasts and by extension on his radio station,” Minister McCoy said.

He recalled too that as an executive of the Guyana Broadcast Owners’ Association, Thom played his part in efforts to develop the industry in Guyana.

“Guyana has lost a true son of the soil. I express condolences to the Thom, 93.1FM and Wireless Connections family on this significant loss. Be assured

Broadcaster and businessman, Maxwell Thom, succumbed to COVID-19-related complications that we have all suffered a loss with Maxwell’s passing. May his soul rest in peace,” Minister McCoy concluded.

Thom is the third media personality to have died from COVID-19, at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The media fraternity, earlier in the year, also lost former editor, Namela Henry, and journalist, Mondale Smith.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

COVID-19 claims five more lives –– 123 new cases recorded in 24 hours

THE Ministry of Health has reported that five more persons have died after contracting the deadly COVID-19, taking the country’s death toll to 692.

The latest fatalities, as announced by the ministry, are a 64-year-old female and 54-year-old male, both from Region Four; a 72-year-old

female and 34-year-old male, both from Region Three, and an 85-year-old female from Region Six. Four of the patients were unvaccinated and the other was partially vaccinated.

Health authorities say that they all died while receiving care at a local medical facility.

Meanwhile, 135 new cases were recorded from 1,158 tests, taking the country’s overall number of confirmed cases to 28,234. But even as new cases were recorded, the number of recoveries stand at 24,521, following the recent addition of 299 new recoveries.

New cases were recorded in regions One (four), Two

(two), Three (15), Four (65), Five (eight), Six (12), Seven (14), Eight (one), Nine (four) and ten (10).

At the end of Tuesday, there were 31 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 20 persons were in institutional isolation and 2,841 were in home isolation.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the pro-

tocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO.21), which are in effect until September 30, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and the need for good

hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotlines 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 or visit the Ministry of Health online at www. health.gov.gy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Police, stakeholders build house for Linden mother

MALIKA Thomas, a mother of two, is now the owner of a newly built and furnished home, compliments of Commander of Region 10, Superintendent Hugh Winter, in collaboration with the Linden Mayor and Town Council, the township’s business and religious communities and several private citizens.

This project materialized from a January 2021 visit by members of the region’s team policing group, who were following up reports about Malika’s living conditions and mental health dilemma.

The commander and his administrative team initially planned to construct lavatory facilities for the family, but, after critical analysis, their plans changed to the construction of a 17 x 24 feet house.

Thomas expressed her gratitude during a simple handing over ceremony held on Friday last.

“When I look at my two kids, I cry. I am now in a home, not just a home, but a furnished home,” she said before promising to take care of it.

She was confident that her constant prayers would be heard and that better days were ahead for her and her children.

Meanwhile, Linden’s Mayor, Waneka Arrindell, said she was taken aback after receiving the initial reports of Malika’s situation.

“When we are contented with what little we have, God blesses us with more,” she said.

Through her office, the mother will be given a brandnew chair set, among other items, for her two daughters.

Commander Winter, in his remarks, said he was proud of their humanitarian efforts.

“Today I am proudly celebrating us as police officers to showcase our humane side, which exhibits us as good police officers at what we are doing collectively,” he said.

The commander also took the opportunity to appeal to his colleagues, saying that “community engagement makes the work of the police less challenging, but enjoyable, once there is respect and camaraderie on both sides.”

He added: “Together with

Dismissal of Opposition-led budgetary allocations’ case upheld THE Full Court of the Demerara High Court recently threw out an appeal filed by two Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) challenging Justice Nareshwar Harnanan’s decision not to grant several orders prohibiting the consideration and approval of budgets for constitutional agencies.

The appeal was heard before Justices Sandil Kissoon and Brassington Reynolds on Friday, September 10.

Earlier this year, Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, S.C, appearing in association with a battery of lawyers from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), filed a Fixed Date Application (FDA) contending that the recent amendments to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) were unconstitutional.

A Notice of Application was also filed along with the FDA in an effort to maintain the status quo until the contentions in the FDA are heard and a decision rendered.

The matter was filed on behalf of Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul and General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Coretta McDonald, along with a number of other individuals.

The respondents named in the matter were Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and 18 constitutional agencies.

In the Notice of Application, Forde sought a number of Conservatory Orders as interim relief to prohibit the Minister with responsibility

for Finance from presenting before the National Assembly for consideration, the budgets of these constitutional agencies.

He also sought orders prohibiting the Speaker of the National Assembly from considering the estimates, and to prohibit the Minister with responsibility for Finance from disbursing any monies approved by the National Assembly for these budgetary constitutional agencies.

In March, Justice Harnanan refused to grant the conservatory orders being sought, and awarded costs in favour of the Attorney-General in the sum of $200,000.

Both applications were also dismissed.

Dissatisfied, the applicants moved to the Full Court and filed an appeal against Justice Harnanan’s judgment and also sought similar conservatory orders.

However, after hearing the appeal, the presiding judges ordered and directed that the Notice of Appeal and Notice of Application be dismissed.

The judges also ordered costs against the applicants to be paid to the Attorney General, the Minister of Finance, the Judicial Service Commission and the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly in the sum of $50,000 each.

In addition to the AG, the State was represented

by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar, Senior State Adviser Raeanna Clarke and State Counsel Teakaram Singh, Asasha Ramzan and Chevy Devonish.

such behaviour, we will assure the residents of Region Ten, a better and safer community.”

Further, he appealed to stakeholders to lend support in the furtherance of Thomas’ as well as her daughters’ education. He also thanked all those who answered the call and made what was just a vision, a reality.

Commander Winter continues to advance his plans to maintain community integration with the support of his ranks and citizens of Region Ten, a remarkable expression of service and protection.

Malika Thomas’ new home

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

CARICOM’s support for Guyana in border controversy ‘firm, unwavering’

IN light of Venezuela’s latest move to lay claim to Guyana’s territory through an internal agreement between the nation’s government and its opposition, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reiterated its “firm and unwavering” support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

At a meeting in Mexico City on September 6, 2021, the Heads of Delegation of the Venezuelan Government and the opposition Unity Platform of Venezuela agreed to ratify Venezuela’s purported rights over the Essequibo, Guyana’s territory, and signed an agreement to that effect.

This agreement was, however, rejected by the Government of Guyana, which, through the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, stated: “That agreement is an overt threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for settlement of Venezuela’s internal politi-

cal differences.

“While the Government of Guyana welcomes domestic accord within Venezuela, an agreement defying international law and process is not a basis for mediating harmony.”

Having taken note of the round of negotiations in Mexico, CARICOM also reaffirmed its support for the ongoing judicial process of the International Court of Justice that is intended to

bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the two countries, and urged Venezuela to participate in the process.

Guyana’s position, as stated before, is that the controversy with Venezuela is properly before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and will remain there for peaceful resolution.

In March 2018, Guyana filed its application in

the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking an affirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established. The ICJ ruled on December 18, 2020, that it has jurisdiction to hear the border controversy case.

Guyana is seeking to obtain a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the

land boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

A report from Energy Company, S&P Global Platts, however, related that Venezuela, in its agreement, rejects the ICJ’s declaration of jurisdiction over the issue, and urged Guyana to engage in direct negotiations.

“We will call on Guyana to resume the path of negotiations in order to reach an agreement on the territory,” representative of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Jorge Rodríguez, was reported as saying.

Venezuela has said, for the longest while, that it is not interested in having this matter resolved by the court.

At a recent outreach in Region Two, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, said: “The international community is clear; CARICOM is clear that the International Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter. So, the propaganda that the court does not have the jurisdiction, we’ve gone past that.”

The President said that

the government will focus on the Rule of Law, and continue to respect it.

“The Court has already ruled that they have jurisdiction, and that is where all of our efforts are concentrated.

There is no sideshow; there is no propaganda. None of that matters. What matters is the Court, and that is where Guyana is,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said.

The President noted that Guyana is committed to living peacefully with all of its neighbours, and to strengthen the relationships with them all, but this courtesy must be reciprocated.

“We’re committed to democracy, and we are committed to the Rule of Law; we don’t waiver our principles. We don’t waiver depending on the season; we don’t waiver depending on who is in government… We have always respected the Rule of Law, and we have always worked in accordance with the Rule of Law… we have always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our neighbours,” President Ali said.

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital receives ISO certification IN keeping with the Catholic Mission, the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, on Tuesday received its ISO 9001 quality management system certificate.

Speaking at a simple yet significant ceremony held at the hospital’s Parade Street, Kingston, location, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Enoch Gaskin, noted that the certification comes as a great achievement.

“When this hospital was founded some 76 years ago, the override intent was and is now the delivery of quality medical care to all with distinction,” he said adding: “We provide this quality care being mindful of our spiritual obligation to do so.

The desire to consistently provide medical care has laid the path for today’s significant undertaking.”

He noted that the hospital pursued the certification in keeping with its mandate to provide the best and quality

care to its patients and clients.

“Our desire to guarantee consistent outcomes require that all our processes and procedures be documented with documentation that is subject to implemented audit periodically. All our clients can be reassured that the care provided to them confirms to the best standard.”

The CEO noted that the achievement will not only benefit the hospital’s clientele but also its staff.

“All of our employs are ensured that they will be properly trained and certified to perform the task required of them.”

Meanwhile, the hospital’s Board of Director, Carlton John, noted that both the staff and directors have worked diligently over the past two years to ensure continuous quality service and care to patients as is mandated in the mission statement.

He added that the St.

Joseph Mercy Hospital has invested heavily to meet the demands of the industry by pursuing ISO 9001:2015 certification among other initiatives.

The company, he said, continues to develop its range of products and services to meet the continued needs of patients accessing quality care at the institution.

“We believe that every customer, whether you are from overseas coming through the door, with an appointment, coming to our ER, coming to our outpatient, you are as important to us as every other,” the director said.

Further, he added: “This is about preparing ourselves for the future and making sure that we are focused on consumer and customer centric.”

Seventy-six years ago in September 1945, the hospital opened its doors to patient care along with a school of nursing. What began mainly

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’s CEO, Enoch Gaskin, receiving the ISO9001 certification from Tracey Alleyne Amsterdam, the hospital’s Quality Assurance Officer (Delano Williams photo) as a maternity hospital and a small surgical unit, has expanded, over the past seven decades to include pediatrics, orthopedics, neurosurgery, gastroenterology laparoscopic surgery, cosmetic surgery,

industrial medicine, audiometry tests, hemodialysis, cardiology services and linkages to international insurances through MoU’s, supporting oil and gas medical needs.

In keeping with the

Catholic Mission, Mercy Resident Care, a geriatric home, was commissioned in 2017. It houses thirty-three residents. This home has also been ISO 9001:2015 certified.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

No shortage of oxygen supply at COVID-19 facilities

–– says Health Minister MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that there is no shortage of oxygen supply at any of the COVID-19 facilities, as the ministry has been working closely with suppliers to prevent shortages, even with the constant rise in the number of persons being hospitalised.

“So far, we haven’t had an issue with oxygen because we have been working with the oxygen company to make sure that we have adequate supplies of oxygen.

We’ve had several meetings between ourselves and the company and we have taken some additional measures

of increasing the capacity, the oxygen capacity at the Ocean View facility,” Minister Anthony said during Thursday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update.

Dr. Anthony affirmed that various measures and precautions were in place at the COVID-19 facilities. He also noted that there were “several other backup plans” in cases of emergency and, as such, the Health Ministry has anticipated no oxygen shortage.

“Previously, we were utilising a 1000-pound cylinders of oxygen and we’ve had several of them. We have now put in a bulk tank

that was specially designed and brought into the country to cater for such needs, so that tank right now we re-

plenish every 24 hours and so that is providing us right now with the types of oxygen supply that we need,” Dr.

Anthony said.

Minister Anthony said a consultant from PAHO/ WHO, who was in the country, had assisted the health ministry in analysing oxygen needs in all the regional hospitals across the country.

“Based on those recommendations, those that were falling short in terms of how many oxygen tanks they should have, we have been able to start those corrective measures. We have been very proactive in how we’ve been addressing oxygen and making sure that we have adequate supplies,” the Health Minister said.

But even with systems in place to tackle the pandemic, Minister Anthony said the continuous rise in active

cases and hospitalisations are concerning. Some 139 persons are currently hospitalised with 31 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“We have about 3,092 active cases across the country, and, in every region, we’ve seen an increase in cases; over the last 24 hours, we have had 135 new cases, that’s after doing 1,158 tests,” the minister said.

Minister Anthony reiterated that the public plays an important part in preventing the spread of the deadly COVID-19. He said persons need to be cautious by wearing their masks, practising social distancing, getting vaccinated and sanitising frequently. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Pursuit of common prosperity reflects China's true character

By Rod P. Kapunan

MAYBE the West deserves credit for recognising the dynamic nature of society, but the East, particularly China, has gone beyond scrutinising the dynamic nature of civilisation by making innovations to society to be shared by all, on the basis that humans share the same planet, breathe the same air, and share a common heritage and destiny.

In modern times, China's dynamism of society has benefitted from the addition of the concept of socialism, which great philosophers consider to be inherent to Man's consciousness of his environment. Specifically, socialism with Chinese characteristics measures what Mankind has achieved, and insists on sharing it for the common prosperity of all people.

This makes China's concept of socialism dynamic, innovative and obligated to pass on what humans have achieved. China's outlook on society, therefore, has

compelled it to introduce changes.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics is geared towards achieving positive things, such as being committed to sharing the nation's achievements for the common prosperity of humanity.

The original path of the Communist Party of China was truly revolutionary, because it allowed China to depart from the shackles of imperialism, colonialism and feudalism.

Today, the Party remains dynamic to achieve greater glory for the nation's society. This is the beauty of the dialectics of history. The Chinese revolution continues to have the same vigour and enthusiasm, and is always looking forward to achieving and sharing.

China's approach to socialism is not only evolutionary, but is also an inclusive and continuing process.

President Xi Jinping had said that the common prosperity that China pursues should by no means be understood as egalitarianism, or robbing the rich to assist

A family enjoys the ginkgo trees in downtown Beijing. [Photo by WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY] the poor, but instead as a dynamic process that promotes the fair distribution of the nation's wealth, and ensures that channels and opportunities for upward mobility are more fairly distributed.

China knows that every society reaches its peak and eventually loses its momentum, and that laxity will allow inequality to be resurrected. China's innovation in socialism is a continuing process that is constantly improving and expanding,

akin to the growth and changes to its economy, and the sharing of an ever-bigger pie in a moderately prosperous society.

Theoretically, this explains why the gradual innovation of the system of socialism is typically Chinese, and has proved to be far more durable than the Western model. It is distinctly Chinese, in that its people take changes as inherently integral to their system.

The idea of common

prosperity is to President Xi a wisdom that reflects the true character of the Chinese people. It is the opposite of the United States' policy of exceptionalism, which can only be implemented through the unilateralism characterised by the threat of arbitrariness and sanction.

Xi is correct in his observation that society is historically and biologically interdependent. Accepting this reality is to promote winwin cooperation, which is humankind's practical guide to peace and tranquility.

US exceptionalism is the opposite of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence espoused by the late Chinese premier, Zhou Enlai, principles to which China remains true to this day. This has brought friendship with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and such friendships have expanded tremendously after the launching of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has cultivated friendship through peaceful trade and development.

This is a clear-cut differ-

ence between the approaches of China and the US. China's concept of common prosperity is implemented by taking the right step for what is mutually good; it is not altruism, but a reasonable, win-win formula, and is the greatest incentive for peace.

The greatest measurement of success is the Belt and Road. Today, a large number of countries are participating in the BRI, the success of which lies in its rightful interpretation of socialism.

The BRI is not laden with political rhetoric, but is instead anchored on substance to achieve progress and development.

The creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank has placed China well above the US and Western Europe in carrying on the development of international finance. (China Daily Global) [The author is a Manila-based political analyst and columnist with the Manila Standard]

China's booming robotics industry shapes intelligent future VISITORS to the World Robot Conference 2021 can hardly miss the chance to meet with a robot guide roaming the exhibition venue in Beijing as they immersed themselves in the intelligent future shaped by the latest robotic technologies.

A of the robots, Opti, impressed the visitors with their chubby orange appearance, funny expressions, and smart hand gestures at the fourday event that concluded on Monday.

Terminus Group, the Chinese developer of Opti, said 152 of their products will serve as mascot robots at the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai.

The intelligent machine will greet and interact with visitors, respond to information inquiries, and provide services such as food and beverage delivery.

In addition to the service robots, the World Robot Conference 2021 displayed a wide range of application fields, from space to deep-sea research, from factories and workshops to fields, and from major projects to people's daily life.

Service robots dance during the World Robot Expo in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/ Ren Chao) More than 110 enterpris- surgery on a model of the es and scientific research human spine. institutions brought over 500 Chen Jinhu, a staff memproducts that represent new ber of Beijing Tinavi Meditechnologies in the upstream cal Technologies Co., Ltd., and downstream segments of said the surgery is guided by the robot industrial chain. the company's telemedicine A live demonstration of system, which has allowed robot-assisted orthopedic sur- doctors at Beijing Jishuitan gery became a hit during the Hospital, which specialises conference. Guided by an in orthopedics, to successfully optical tracking system, a carry out telesurgery on pamechanical arm controlled tients across the country. by a computer master con"Research and developsole skillfully performed the ment in the orthopedic sur-

gery robot involves many disciplines such as medical science, mechanics, biomechanics and computer science, as well as the collaboration of universities, companies and hospitals," said Chen.

In China, key technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) have been widely used in new-generation robots. The development of robots will feature an Internet-based trend with autonomy, collaboration and dexterity, according to Wang Yaonan, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the output of Chinese industrial robots increased from 72,000 units in 2016 to 212,000 units in 2020. Service and special robot manufacturers in China earned 52.9 billion yuan (about 8.21 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue last year, a year-on-year increase of 41 per cent.

Ma Qinghai, general manager of SMC Investment Management China Co., Ltd., said that with the rapid development of China's robot industry, many new demand

and application scenarios have emerged, encouraging SMC to develop new technologies and products.

Sixty per cent of the company's products are now used in the automation and robot-related industries led by semiconductors, new energy, and biomedicine sectors.

"The vigorous development of China's robot industry has brought opportunities to SMC. We saw sales rise over 50 per cent in the first eight months," Ma said.

Zhang Jin, vice-president of Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overseas demand for industrial robots continued to grow, and the company's exports have more than tripled this year.

The Shenyang-based company has set up overseas branches. "We have cooperated with overseas universities and research institutes to carry out research and development catering to local needs. Cooperation in the robot industry is deepening, and creating new driving forces for the world economy," he said.

Experts at the conference

pointed out that while robot-related technology integration and innovation have made continuous progress, it is still difficult to comprehensively integrate industry, learning, research and investment due to bottlenecks such as intellectual property ownership, interdisciplinary talent training, and disconnection between application scenarios and product innovation.

Many places in China are striving to create incubators favourable to the integrated development of the robot industry.

The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area has become a hotbed aimed at becoming a world-class platform for robot technology innovation and industrial cooperation.

It hosts more than 100 robot enterprises.

Liu Li, deputy director of the management committee of the development area, said the local robot and intelligence manufacturing industry is expected to become an industrial cluster with an industrial scale worth 100 billion yuan by 2025. (Xinhua)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Latest security boost welcomed by Region Three private sector body

THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) has commended President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and, by extension, the government, for the timely decision to enhance the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through the procurement of equipment and investment in human resource development.

Head of the private sector organisation, Halim Khan, said the recent addition of 50 vehicles to the GPF is commendable, since the issues of crime and security are always paramount to all citizens, especially considering that there have been reported cases of the police using lack of transportation as an excuse for not fulfilling their duties.

“President Irfaan Ali has a vision for the security sector and to effectively achieve this strategic plan, changes need to be made to ensure a higher level of respect and trust in the force and its ranks… this will also be complemented by assets and resources,” Khan said.

He added that, by understanding the weaknesses and strengths, the force

has the advantage of being in a position to create policies and systems that could address and rectify gaps, and promote a more efficient and effective Police Force.

“President Ali has also said that he is willing to ensure that the force gets the necessary support from the government to achieve its goals of serving and protecting the people of Guyana,” Khan said.

He recalled that, in order to enhance public safety and security countrywide, the government allocated $22 billion in Budget 2021; included in this sum was $15.3 billion for the GPF. Khan said that such an investment is timely since Guyana is on the cusp of economic growth.

“But its development potential is hindered by many factors, including high levels of crime and violence which are also costly to the private sector,” he said, adding: “As such, we welcome all aspects of development the government plans for the security sector.”

In Region Three, Khan said that new vehicles will be assigned to Leguan and

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital staff fully vaccinated

ALL healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, along with the other staffers of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, have, to date, been fully vaccinated.

This is according to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Enoch Wayne Gaskin, who, on Tuesday, on the sidelines of an event, stated that 100 per cent of the hospital’s staff members have received their jabs against the novel coronavirus.

Gaskin noted that, since the beginning of the pandemic, the hospital has had a hands-on approach in protecting its staff and patients.

“From the commencement of the pandemic, this institution took a leadership role in educating our staff, implementing systems to protect our staff and clients.

We had screening, adequate signage [and] See page 23

Wakenaam for the first time in history.

President Ali, last Monday, handed over 50 new vehicles to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and urged the police to use the resources to crackdown on crime and ensure persons could walk the

streets safely.

He advised the police to do an assessment of its capacity to manage these assets and to find a way that is more reliable, efficient and less costly to deliver the required results.

“The vehicles provided to the force must not be

used for joyrides, no.

The assets being provided to the force are to boost its capability, its responsiveness and people will judge us by the way in which we care for and use these assets,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said.

Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc., Halim Khan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 2021

New report shows longer interval for second dose Sputnik V vaccine

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that, in spite of the delays in getting the second dose Sputnik V vaccine, persons should not be afraid to take the first dose or any other vaccine to protect

themselves against the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

During Tuesday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update, Minister Anthony said there is a worldwide shortage of the vaccine; however,

the latest news from the Russian Direct Investment Fund states that persons who took the first dose of Sputnik V will be protected for an even longer interval.

“We also have the Sputnik V vaccine, and we

have administered quite a lot of that to people and I know a lot of people are waiting on the second dose vaccine, so that is something that we are working on and hopefully we will be able to resolve that shortly.

“The Russian Direct Investment Fund, had advised that you can prolong the interval between the first and the second dose up to 90 days. Now, there is more recent advice published by Reuters on July 9. They are indicating that you can actually go up to 180 days. So, [with] that interval, a lot of people who have taken their first dose would not have exhausted that long interval,” Minister Anthony related.

The Health Minister said the government is working to procure more second dose vaccines for the approximately 80,000 persons who are waiting.

“So, I would encourage people to continue to get their first dose because we are going to address this; everybody who took

23

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony the first dose would be able to get their second,” Dr. Anthony related.

Up to Tuesday, 337,030 adults or 65.7 per cent of the adult population had taken their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 175,037 persons or 34.1 per cent are now fully vaccinated against the disease.

Another 18,862 adolescents or 25.9 per cent of persons between the ages of 12 and 17 years have been administered the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. (DPI)

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital staff ...

From page 22 volunteering to do presentation to organisations,” he said.

Gaskin noted that the hospital rolled out a series of education and sensitisation programmes to keep the staff informed as information was made available about the pandemic.

“When the vaccine became a reality, we started educating our staff about the vaccine, even though we weren’t sure when we will get it. As information became available, through the World Health Organisation (WHO) primarily, and from the Ministry of Health, we kept our staff abreast,” he said adding: “Vaccines came and we were a little forward.

We alerted our staff to the reality that vaccination will become mandatory. Even before anything, we were proactive, we were honest with our staff and we utilised all the resources available to educate them.”

The CEO stated that while there were some hesitations to the vaccine, the hospital provided both medical support and counselling

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’s CEO, Enoch Wayne Gaskin to its staff and their immediate family.

“There was massive hesitation [but] we provided medical support and counselling. This hospital has a pastoral council; we have a certified priest who is also a psychosocial counsellor and we have social workers.

So whatever peculiar circumstances, there was a specialist and this was not only provided to the staff but relatives of the staff,” he said.

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GUYANACHRONICLE CHRONICLE,Wednesday, WednesdaySeptember September15, 15, 2021 2021 GUYANA

Hampshire beat Notts to lead County... for the win put Hampshire four clear of second-placed Lancashire, who completed a 10-wicket victory over Somerset earlier in the day.

And they will remain top no matter whether Yorkshire or Warwickshire win at Headingley, where the home side need another 174 on the final day with seven wickets left following Tuesday's washout.

When that game is completed, Notts will drop to fourth but remain in contention as they will be only 6.5 points behind Hampshire going into their home match against Yorkshire.

The final round of fixtures for all sides begins on Tuesday, 21 September.

Spin the deciding factor Hampshire began day

three on 133-7 and managed to add 45 valuable runs in 15 overs before they were finally dismissed.

All three wickets were taken by Patterson-White and the amount of turn he achieved was a warning of just how tough the run chase would be for the visitors.

Mohammad Abbas made the initial breakthrough as England opener Haseeb Hameed was caught at short leg by Organ for eight.

The Pakistan pace bowler then broke a stand of 44 between Ben Slater (25) and Ben Duckett (33) by having the latter leg-before playing across the line.

It was then that Dawson and Organ took over to run through the rest of the Notts batting line-up.

They slumped from 72-2 to 97-7, with Tom Moores dragging the ball into his own stumps as he tried to reverse sweep Organ's offspin.

Joey Evison became only the third batsman to reach double figures but Brett Hutton was bowled

by Organ and Luke Fletcher fell lbw to Dawson to leave Hampshire just one wicket away five overs from the scheduled close.

Evison was last to go for 22 as he pushed forward defensively to Dawson and Nick Gubbins took a smart one-handed catch at silly mid-off, giving the left-arm spinner his first five-for since 2015.

The victory gives Hampshire an extra day

Patriots breeze past Warriors to set up...

(From back page)

start in the first three overs against off-spinner Kevin Sinclair in which Gayle crawled to 1 off 8 balls, Odean Smith was brought into the attack and bowled one of the fastest overs of the tournament, clocking over 150kmph at one stage.

But the balls disappeared even faster to the boundary as Gayle smashed him for four fours and a six during a 23-run over. Imran Tahir took similar punishment in the next over from Gayle and by the end of the powerplay,

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Patriots had raced to 68 without loss.

Gayle fell in the eighth over to Sinclair for 42, mistiming a drive to long-on.

But Lewis exacted revenge on the off-spinner by smoking a pair of straight drives for six and then a four over extra cover to bring up a 24-ball half-century in the 10th over as Patriots continued to stampede toward the target.

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stand between Lewis and Bravo, bowling the latter for 34, before Fabian Allen flicked a short ball straight to Hetmyer behind square on the ring for a duck.

But that just made the final margin look slightly more competitive in the end than it was for much of the match. Lewis clinched victory by slapping Hemraj over wide long-on for his third four to go along with eight sixes.

The final bowls off today at 10.00hrs. (Cricinfo) Nights 11:20 hrs Dusky Lord Sandown 08:50 hrs Seneca Chief 09:25 hrs Goldspur 09:55 hrs Wodeton 10:30 hrs Mostandaf 11:05 hrs Spitit Of ThevBsy 11:40 hrs Ziggy 12:10 hrs Harston Kelso 10:35 hrs Tuff McCool 11:30 hrs On A Promise 12:00 hrs Giovanni Change 12:30 hrs El Borracho 13:00 hrs Chapati 13:30 hrs Grand Enterprise 14:00 hrs Grazeon It

(From back page)

Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson's five-for was the fourth of his first-class career.

off before T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on Sat-

urday when they will try to complete the first leg of

a potential double. (BBC Sport)

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ECB to ask ICC to adjudicate if abandoned Test cannot be rearranged THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will formally request that the world’s governing body adjudicates on last week’s abandoned Test match if a rearranged fixture cannot be agreed, the PA news agency understands.

England’s fifth and final Test against India at Old Trafford was called off just hours before the start of play on day one due to Covid-19 concerns in the tourists’ camp.

Four members of India’s support staff had tested positive but their withdrawal was met with some cynicism as the lucrative Indian Premier League is due to restart this Sunday.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison dismissed suggestions the IPL had been prioritised over a prestigious Test match, rejecting the idea the fear of missing out on the T20 tournament had caused the disquiet among India’s squad.

Talks continue between

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison

the ECB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a bid to resolve the outcome of the cancelled match.

If the two governing bodies fail to reach agreement, the ECB will ask the International Cricket Council to adjudicate.

It is understood that the ECB has not barred its play-

ers from appearing in the IPL. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings.

India are scheduled to tour England again next summer for three one-day internationals and three T20 matches and further games, including a rearranged Test, could be added.

The outcome of negotiations between the ECB and its Indian counterpart could have a significant bearing on the points allocation for each country in the World Test Championship.

India were 2-1 up in the Test series, with England hoping to force a 2-2 draw with victory in a rearranged final Test.

Under WTC rules, matches can be cancelled, rather than forfeited, if coronavirus has had a “significant impact” and the ICC will be asked to rule on that if the two nations fail to reach an agreement.

(PA Sport)

Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga retires from T20 cricket SRI Lanka seamer Lasith Malinga, the most successful bowler in Twenty20 international history, has retired.

The 38-year-old, a World Twenty20 winner in 2014, took a record 107 T20 international wickets at 20.79 apiece.

He played only T20 internationals, having retired from Tests in 2011, one-day internationals in 2019 and franchise cricket this year. , Malinga thanked his former team-mates and the teams he has represented.

"I've had many experiences throughout my career, and I want to share all of my experience in the future, especially with young cricketers," he said.

Malinga, who last played a T20 for Sri Lanka in March 2020, was left out of the squad for the T20 World Cup starting on 17 October.

Known for his slingy action and accurate yorkers, Malinga took 390 wickets at an average of 19.68 in 295 games in all T20 cricket - a tally bettered only

by Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir and Sunil Narine.

That included 170 wickets in the Indian Premier League, where Malinga won the title with Mumbai Indians in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Malinga, who made his international debut in 2004, is also Sri Lanka's third highest wicket-taker in ODIs with 338.

Lasith Malinga is the only bowler to take three hat-tricks in ODI crickrt.

He is the only bowler to take three hat-tricks in ODI cricket, and four wickets in four balls on two occasions.

He took 101 wickets at 33.15 in 30 Tests. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA Wednesday September GUYANA CHRONICLE, CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 15, 15, 2021 2021

Pakistan to tour Bangladesh after T20 World Cup PAKISTAN national men’s cricket team is all set to tour Bangladesh after the end of the T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates.

(UAE) The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)’s Chief Executive officer (CEO) Nizamuddin Chowdhury revealed it. This will be the first time Pakistan will be touring Bangladesh to play all the formats since 2015.

The Pakistan team is expected to reach Dhaka on November 15, only a day after the scheduled final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the United Arab Emirates.

The announcement revealed that the series will see the two teams facing each other in more Tests and ODIs. Since the beginning of this year, several teams have

played a huge chunk of T20Is because of the World Cup in the format but, since this tour will be played after the summit competition, there will be a focus on the other two formats.

The BCB CEO has revealed that the board is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), trying to finalise everything.

“The Pakistan series will happen right after the [T20] World Cup. The cricket operations department is in talks with the Pakistan board to finalize the details.

All formats will be included, there will be more ODIs and Tests,” the BCB CEO told the local media on Monday, reported Cricket Pakistan.

The last time when Pakistan toured Bangladesh was in 2015, it was a successful tour for the hosts. They won

the ODI series 3-0, which was the beginning of the rise of the Bangladesh cricket team in ODI cricket. They also had won the only T20I played on that tour. Bangladesh also managed to draw a Test for the first time against Pakistan. The visitors only won one Test in Dhaka.

This time also there will be two Tests, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 202123. The number of ODIs is expected to be three while the T20I series might also have three games.

For Bangladesh though, this tour will mark their journey in the new cycle of the World Test Championship. Some of their matches in their previous cycle had to be postponed or canceled due to the pandemic. (CricTracker)

Supreme South Africa complete 3-0 clean sweep SOUTH Africa delivered a commanding performance in the third T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo ON Tuesday to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first in the third T20I against South Africa. Given the series was already wrapped up, both teams decided to ring in changes for the final game.

The hosts made three changes to the team that lost the second T20I by nine wickets with Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka and Praveen Jayawickrama making way for Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis and Lahiru Madushanka.

The Proteas decided to go with an extra all-rounder, bringing in Wiaan Mulder to replace Anrich Nortje.After getting off to a quick start, three wickets in three consecutive overs derailed Sri Lanka's innings in the Powerplay. Kagiso Rabada, who has not been in the best of form lately, accounted for the wickets of Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa while Quinton de Kock completed a smart stumping off Bjorn Fortuin to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva.

Kusal Perera, who made his return from injury in the previous game, continued to accumulate runs but found

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks had a productive partnership up top. ( AFP via Getty Images)

little support at the other end.

Mendis' 16-ball stay that fetched only 10 runs came to an end when Aiden Markram caught the leading edge off his bat that went straight to covers.

Skipper Keshav Maharaj brought an end to Perera's resistance when he trapped the southpaw bowling around the wicket as Sri Lanka lost half their side by the 13th over with just 80 runs on board.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the next batter to make the long walk back after he failed to clear the Maharaj at covers with the inside-out lofted shot. They sunk further when Lahiru Madushanka was runout while attempting a quick single.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka perished in the bid to accelerate the scoring at the death.

Thankfully for Sri Lanka, a late flourish from Chamika Karunaratne took Sri Lanka to 120/8 at the end of 20 overs.

In reply, the South African openers — Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks raced off the block in the run chase. The Sri Lankan bowlers tried their best to disturb the rhythm, but simply could not get the same perches off the wicket as their South African counterparts.

After 8 overs, the Proteas were cruising in the run chase, with their score at 64/0, requiring 57 runs off only 72 deliveries. Hendricks and de Kock were both looking comfortable at the crease with scores of 29* each.

The pair further put their foot down, with both of them registering solid half-centuries as a 3-0 whitewash remained a mere formality. They achieved the target with 10 wickets in hand and in only 14.4 overs, in a performance which will give them a lot of confidence ahead of the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. (ICC.com)

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GUYANACHRONICLE CHRONICLE,Wednesday, WednesdaySeptember September 15, 15, 2021 2021 GUYANA

Dhaniram (200), Parasnauth (109) pulverise KC Stalwarts bowlers THE Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2021 playoffs started last Saturday with all eight Over-50 teams battling for championship honours.

And in what has been deemed by some as an unprecedented feat, openers Sunil Dhaniram and Rajendra “Jesh” Parasnauth batted through the entire 20 overs as Toronto Blizzards piled up an incredible 326 without loss.

Opponents Kitty/Campbellville Stalwarts failed to live up to what their name suggested, reaching 102 for four in their allotted overs, thereby going down by a massive 224 runs.

Playing under hazy sunshine at the St Bede ground, Scarborough, Dhaniram, a former Guyana and Canada national player, who also represented the West Indies

in the recently-held triangular series which also involved Canada and USA, smashed the KC Stalwarts bowlers to all parts of the field, his 200 not out decorated with 10 fours and 23 sixes off 74 balls.

Parasnauth, on the other hand, belted eight fours and 10 sixes in his undefeated 109 as KC Stalwarts bowlers toiled unsuccessfully.

Narine Prashad (34) and Dennis Singh (24) were the top-scorers for KC Stalwarts as the four wickets were shared by Parasnauth, Dhaniram, former Guyana player Shiv Seeram and Bhagwandas Budhoo.

In another quarter-final encounter, played at the Woburn ground, also in Scarborough, Pegasus Storm were given a scare but eventually earned a hard-fought two-run

Pele’s daughter says he will leave intensive care within days PELE is to leave intensive care within days after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from his colon, his daughter has announced.

Kely Nascimento has revealed the 80-year-old threetime World Cup winner “is not in pain and is in a good mood” at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

In a statement on her Instagram account, she said: “He is doing well post surgery, he is not in pain and is in a good mood (annoyed that he can only eat jello but will persevere!.

He will move into a regular room in the next day or two and then go home.

“He is strong and stubborn and with the support and care of the brilliant team at Einstein and all of the love, energy and light that the world is sending, he will get through this!”

Pele had earlier revealed a “suspicious lesion” had been detected during tests, prompting surgeons to operate, but vowed to tackle it “with a smile on my face”.

Football’s first world super star Pele

Perhaps football’s first world superstar, he rose to international prominence when he helped Brazil win the 1958 World Cup as a 17-year-old, repeating the feat in 1962 and 1970.

Officially, he scored 757 goals during a glittering career – club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000 – leaving him behind only only Cristiano Ronaldo and Josef Biscan on the all-time list. (PA Sport)

The victorious Toronto Blizzards side; Sunil Dhaniram and Jesh Parasnauth are stooping left and right respectively, with bats.

victory over Dirty Dozen.

Led by a brilliant 99 from Suren Persaud, who shared an opening stand of 105

in 10.1 overs with former Guyana Under-19 player, Troy Gobin (41), Pegasus Storm reached what seemed a

match-winning 204 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

Looking well set to complete a well-deserved century, Persaud fell to a tame shot to extra cover after hitting three fours and 10 sixes while Gobin’s knock contained four fours and two sixes. Jito Narine, who batted at number three, chipped in with a quick-fire 33 (one four and three sixes). Fazil Rasool, Ricky Ramchand, Jano Panday and Wayne Barrett took a wicket each.

Opener Ganesh Ramraj led the charge for Dirty Dozen with some pugnacious and clean hitting as he raced to 69 with two fours and eight sixes and received valuable support from Ivor Chung whose 43 included three fours and three

sixes.

Once the two were dismissed, Dirty Dozen chances seemed to have evaporated but some sloppy fielding almost led them back into the match. Needing 17 in the last over, they managed 15 in a tense atmosphere.

Kris Mahadeo took three for 14 in his two overs while Orlando Deonarine claimed two for 15, also off two.

Despite not taking a wicket, Wayne Harry’s two overs, which cost a mere four runs, proved vital in the game.

In Saturday’s semi-finals, Toronto Blizzards will clash with Pegasus Storm while Cosmos battle Ramblers Rampage. The final is set for Saturday, September 26. (Frederick Halley)

30 34

'Altitude' onboard Miguel Wong’s Junior Pan Am Games journey

GBI’s Marketing Manager Raymond Govinda hands over the sponsorship cheque to Miguel Wong

NATIONAL table tennis player Miguel Wong’s hopes of getting to the Junior Pan American Games slated for Cali, Colombia, in November later this year, was given a much-needed boost after he received backing from Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI) through their ‘Altitude’ Sports Drink brand.

The company, which has been a long-time supporter of table tennis in Guyana and sports in general, expressed their delight in giving Wong

their support through the form of financial backing.

Marketing Manager of the company, Raymond Govinda said, “We are happy to support Miguel and his journey to Cali. GBI has always been a proud supporter of sports in Guyana dating back to when the company first came to Guyana, and we will continue to show our support.”

He noted, “Miguel is an excellent young athlete and we always want to see our athletes, especially the

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younger ones perform well and we have full confidence that he will make us and Guyana proud.”

Wong, who has plans of travelling to the US or Germany in a few weeks time for a High Performance camp in preparation for the Junior Pan Am Games, not only secured GBI’s financial support but also a deal with the ‘Altitude’ brand which will see him being refreshed and rehydrated throughout his training.

At the handing-over on Monday at Wong’s home club, the Titans Table Tennis Club, Wong expressed gratitude for the support.

Wong will depart Guyana for the High Performance camp before heading to Cali where the Games are scheduled to begin from November 25 – December 4.

The Junior Pan American Games will be the first of its kind and is a multisports event for athletes aged 17 to 22 in the Americas, organised by Panam Sports.

GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRONICLE,Wednes Wednesday September GUYANA day, septem bER 15, 15, 2021 2021

Windies Under-19s make England scrape but still taste defeat CANTERBURY, England, (CMC) – Pacers Andel Gordon, Johann Layne and Isai Thorne bowled their hearts out for West Indies Under-19s, but England Under-19s held their nerve and formally clinched their Youth One-day International series with a nail-biting, one-wicket win on Tuesday.

Gordon stood out with three for 37, Layne supported with three for 40 and Thorne took two for 41 – all from nine-over spells – and the Windies made the English scrap all the way in their successful chase of 167 for victory in the fifth Youth ODI at the Polo Farm.

West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Johann Layne … finished with three wickets.

Not for the first time in the series, the Caribbean side put themselves in the frame for victory when Layne had Nathan Barnwell caught behind and Josh Boyden bowled in successive overs with England still needing 12 to win.

But West Indies Under-19s could not find the

West Indies Under-19 fast bowler, Johann Layne … finished with three wickets.

spark in the closing overs and George Bell finished with an unbeaten 60 off 115 balls to guide the England Under-19s over the finish line with six balls to spare.

The Windies Under-19s trail 1-4 in the six-match series, which ends on Friday here, after winning only the third Youth ODI last Wednesday at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham.

Earlier, left-handed opener Matthew Nandu, son of former Guyana left-arm spinner Arjune Nandu, led the West Indies Under-19s’ batting with 51 from 58

balls that included only three fours, before the touring side were bowled out for 166 in 41 overs.

Nandu shared 57 with his captain, Ackeem Auguste for the third wicket and held the Windies Under-19s’ top-order batting together before he fell in the 25th over and they slumped to 119 for five.

Auguste supported with 32 and Giovonte de Peiza made a tidy 34, but the rest of the batting was a let-down, and the Caribbean side lost their last five wickets for 21 in 51 balls.

Lukaku gives Chelsea winning start to Champions League defence CHELSEA opened their defence of the Champions League with a victory as Romelu Lukaku finally pierced Zenit St Petersburg's stubborn resistance at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku, a £97.5m summer signing from Inter Milan, has already demonstrated his goal threat in the Premier League and was on the mark again with his first goal for Chelsea in the competition they won for the second time against Manchester City in June.

Chelsea were made to work hard as Zenit dug in but manager Thomas Tuchel's side stepped up the pace after the interval, Lukaku breaking the deadlock when he headed in at the far post from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross in the 69th minute.

The holders deserved the victory but Zenit missed a glorious chance to snatch a point when substitute Artem Dzyuba slid wide from six yards as he tried to turn in Sardar Azmoun's cross late on.

Romelu Lukaku's header was his first ever goal for Chelsea in the Champions League.

CHELSEA MADE TO WORK FOR WIN Chelsea's victory was not a surprise given their status as Champions League holders and their impressive start to the season but this showed they are more than willing to do the dirty work to get the job done when required.

And it was Lukaku, the talisman, who showed once again what a difference he will make to Chelsea by providing the cutting edge they often lacked last season, even though they won Europe's elite competition in Porto.

Lukaku's chances were

limited as Zenit defended well and with real resilience but he pounced on the first opportunity he was given to score with a towering header.

Chelsea struggled to make any impression in the first half but it was clear Tuchel had ordered his players to move through the gears and they were much more forceful after the break.

If Lukaku is the main man in attack, it was defender Antonio Rudiger who set the tone at both ends to lift the Chelsea fans inside Stamford Bridge.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANACHRONICLE CHRONICLE,Wednesday, Wednesday September September 15, 15, 2021 2021 GUYANA

Deyal fifty, Wiese ‘five-for’ topple defending champions TKR in first semi-final BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC )– Mark Deyal smashed a maiden Twenty20 half-century while David Wiese snatched his second five-wicket haul in four days, as St Lucia Kings surged into their second straight Caribbean Premier League final by toppling reigning champions, Trinbago Knight Riders by 21runs here Tuesday.

Choosing to bat first in the first semi-final at Warner Park, Kings stormed to an imposing 205 for four off their 20 overs with the left-handed Deyal producing an audacious 78 off 44 balls at number three.

Tim David belted an unbeaten 38 off just 17 balls, in-form Roston Chase carved out 36 off 21 deliveries while Wiese also proved handy with the bat with a 21-ball unbeaten 34.

In reply, the game was in the balance at 159 for four but seamer Wiese got the key wicket of Captain Kieron Pollard for 26 in the 16th over, to grab three of the last six wickets to fall for 25 runs and end with spectacular figures of five for 39.

Sunil Narine hit a 17-ball 30; Denesh Ramdin belted 29 while Colin Munro got 28 and Darren Bravo, 25, as TKR folded for 184 in the final over.

Only last weekend, the South African Wiese picked up five for 25 against Barbados Royals in Kings’ penultimate preliminary game.

“It’s unbelievable to be honest,” said Man-of-theMatch Wiese who has played only games after being a late call-up to the squad.

“In this game, you bowl well and you don’t get the reward and sometimes everybody else bowls well and you’re the guy who picks up the wickets and that’s what it was like today.

“Everybody else bowled well and they put the pressure on the batters and they had to go off at me and I suppose I got lucky with one or two and in the end it just worked out.”

Pollard, who presided over TKR’s unbeaten campaign last year, said Kings deserved praise for the aggressive manner in which they approached the contest.

“They came out and they were positive from the toss.

You’ve got to give them credit,” Pollard said afterwards.

wicket with Pollard, to set up a grand-stand finish.

Pollard was beginning to

David Wiese (right) was outstanding with the ball for St. Lucia Kings (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

“I think they played well, they were the better team today and sometimes when you lose a game like this, you have to give credit to the opposition. You can’t win all.

“But congratulations to my team. I’m very, very proud of the boys and the way how we fought today.”

Andre Fletcher, standing in again for the injured Faf du Plessis, said reaching the final had been the first objective but stressed Kings were now focused on their first-ever title.

“It’s a great feeling to know that last year we got to the finals and we didn’t get over the line but this year we wanted to get back there,” Fletcher pointed out.

“We didn’t want to make it look like it was a fluke and trust me, in the dressing room we are pumped up and everyone is looking forward to the final. It’s not over yet but we really want to get over that line.”

The first half of the innings belonged to Deyal, the Trinidadian thumping five fours and half-dozen sixes in a 73-run, second wicket stand off 40 deliveries with Fletcher (4) before adding 54 off 36 balls for the third wicket with Chase, who exuded class in striking a couple of fours and sixes.

Deyal and Chase perished in successive overs to leave Kings on 130 for four in the 15th over but David and Wiese each struck a four and four sixes, combining in a destructive unbroken fifth wicket stand of 75 off 34 balls as Kings plundered 72 off the last five overs.

Needing to score at nearly 10-½ runs per over, TKR lost Lendl Simmons (4) in the first over with the score on six but Narine and Munro transferred

the pressure back on Kings in a fiery 71-run, second wicket stand off 38 deliveries.

However, Wiese removed both in the eighth over – the second of his spell – to haul Kings back into the contest before Bravo added 41 for the fourth wicket with Ramdin and a further 38 for the fifth

tee off with three sixes in a 13-ball cameo when he skied a short ball from Wiese

for wicketkeeper Fletcher to snaffle a single catch, as Kings scented victory.

Shimron Hetmyer topscored for Guyana Amazon Warriors with 45* (Photo by Randy Brooks – CPL T20/ Getty Images)

Evin Lewis celebrates. The left-handed opener struck eight sixes in his unbeaten 77 (Photo by Randy Brooks – CPL T20/Getty Images)

Patriots breeze past Warriors to set up CPL final clash with Kings today COMING off an unbeaten century in his last innings, Evin Lewis continued his sizzling hot form by scorching Guyana Amazon Warriors' bowling unit during his unbeaten 77 off 39 balls as St Kitts and Nevis Patriots breezed past a target of 179 with 13 balls to spare in a seven-wicket win in the second CPL semi-final.

A first-time champion is guaranteed to be crowned today as Patriots will take on St Lucia Kings in the final; the ‘Kings’ finished

as runner-up last year when they were known as Zouks.

Dwayne Bravo's decision to bowl was justified by a superb collective bowling effort. At the halfway stage of the innings, the Warriors were in an excellent position at 88 for 2, with Nicholas Pooran having plundered 18 in the final over before the mid-innings drinks break off Chris Gayle's part-time spin.

But two balls after play resumed, the first of many ‘dominos’ fell as Pooran pulled

Dominic Drakes to Lewis on the leg-side boundary to be out for 26 off 14.

Wickets continued to tumble regularly thereafter as Warriors' best partnership in the end wound up being the 33-run opening stand between Brandon King and Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Warriors' struggles were best exemplified by Shoaib Malik, whose horror season came to a merciful end when he charged against Jon-Russ Jaggesar and was stumped

for 6 off 10. The Pakistan overseas pro ended with 67 runs in 10 innings at an average of 7.44 and zero wickets with the ball.

Warriors looked like they may struggle to bat out their overs at one stage, slipping to 131 for 8 with 21 balls left before Shimron Hetmyer hit out with a series of sixes in his unbeaten 45 off 20 balls. Despite the late rally, Patriots' start to the chase laid bare how poorly the Warriors top order had performed.

After a sedate TURN TO PAGE 27 31 ►

Dhoni’s impeccable T20 records Hampshire beat can be helpful to India - Ganguly Notts to lead County Championship title race

AS India announced ed as a mentor to their 15-man squad that of Australia’s for the 2021 T20 Steve Waugh in World Cup, many Ashes. The pressurprising excluence of such big sions came on the names helps in the table but the apteam moving up, pointment of MS reckoned Ganguly.

Dhoni as the side’s India won the last mentor grabbed all ICC Trophy in the limelight. It will 2013 which came be for the first time under Dhoni’s capthat Dhoni would be taincy as Champiseen in an internaons Trophy. MS tional scenario ever MS Dhoni has been appointed as mentor of India’s T20 World Cup squad. Dhoni stands to be since announcing the only skipper in his retirement in the world with each and Dhoni can really be helpful for the August 2020. side owing to his impeccable records ICC trophy under his belt.

Though Dhoni continues to lead his in T20 cricket.

“Remember Australia had Steve IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, he “It’s just to help the side in the Waugh in a similar role when they played his last international match World Cup. He has a good record in drew the Ashes 2-2 in England the against New Zealand in the semi-final the T20 format for India and the Chen- last time. The presence of such heavyof the 2019 ODI World Cup. nai Super Kings. There has been a lot weights in big-ticket events always Throwing light on Dhoni being of thought behind it. We discussed a helps,” added Ganguly. appointed as a mentor of the Indian lot and then decided to have him on India will play the first game of side, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly board. We haven’t won an ICC trophy the T20 World Cup against Pakistan added that the decision was taken since 2013,” said Ganguly as quoted on October 24 and it remains to be keeping in mind the scenario of the by The Telegraph. the most awaited tournament of the team. Ganguly stated that the team Ganguly further went on to draw high profile event, commencing on hasn’t won an ICC Trophy after 2013 parallels of Dhoni being appoint- October 17. (CricTracker) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

HAMPSHIRE moved to the top of the Division One table with a 122-run win over previous leaders Nottinghamshire.

Chasing a target of 250 at the Ageas Bowl, the visitors were bowled out for 127, with Liam Dawson (5-45) and Felix Organ (3-22) doing the main damage.

Liam Patterson-White earlier took a career-best 5-41 for Notts as Hampshire totalled 178 in their second innings.

They will be looking to secure their first title since 1973 when they face Lancashire at Aigburth next week.

The 20 points earned TURN TO PAGE 31 27 ►

Deyal fifty, Wiese ‘five-for’ topple 35 31 defending champions TKR in first semi-final PAGE PAGE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021