Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16-11-2021

TUESDAY 16th November, 2021

No. 106547

More than 50 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated

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UAE’s Elite Agro LLC advances interest in Guyana -Guyana most ideal place for investments, Minister Singh tells company

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Suriname investors scoping opportunities in Guyana De Clou siblings SEE PAGE

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admitted to the bar SEE PAGE

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The 17-member team of investors from Suriname meeting with Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, at his Camp Street Office on Monday (Go-Invest photo)

Massive financial irregularities under Coalition unearthed - Kato School Feeding Programme short-changed by $34.2M; fraud suspect still not charged - Region Eight had ‘breaches of all the regulations’ in 2016, PAC hears

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Significant decrease in robberies, murders recorded for 2021 SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

UAE’s Elite Agro LLC advances interest in Guyana -Guyana most ideal place for investments, Minister Singh tells company

EVEN with the emergence of a thriving oil and gas sector, government’s focus remains on the development of Guyana’s non-oil economy. This was reiterated on Monday as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh hosted yet another follow-up meeting with representatives of Elite Agro LLC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The company’s Business Development Director, Chandra Pratap Singh, and its Chief Operating Officer, Emil Moukarzel were briefed on Guyana’s vision to expand the agricultural sector.

It was noted that currently, two big streams of opportunities are available to Elite Agro; either to be a direct investor, or to facilitate trade in agricultural commodities to other export destinations.

“Guyana has vast expanses of very rich and fertile

The meeting was led by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh land for agriculture,” Minister Singh noted.

He continued: “We have been, for a long time, a largescale producer for specific agricultural crops such as sugar and rice, but we are now exporting a number of other commodities, which are ready for large-scale cultivation, and other crops that are poised for rapid expansion as well.”

Dr. Singh also informed the men that Guyana is the

reliable producer of a wide selection of livestock and meat.

Also present at the meeting was Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who indicated that with the emergence of oil and gas, it is expected that the oil-and-gas sector will complement the non-oil sector. Minister Mustapha said that government will invest in infrastructure to support the development and expansion of the agriculture

sector.

Meanwhile, the private sector representatives, who also attended the meeting, provided extensive and detailed presentations to Elite Agro on the investment potential in specific areas of agriculture, including the large-scale production of corn and soya bean, as well as the development of the seafood industry.

Wrapping up the meeting, Minister Singh indicated that

his government, alongside the private sector, is aggressively pursuing investment as quickly as possible, as this will aid in the expansion of Guyana’s economy, as well as facilitate job-creation.

“We are a very stable environment, both politically and economically. Guyana is now a place where we are having conversations with all of the big companies of the world, and not just in agriculture, and this is a signal of how attractive we are for investment,” the Finance Minister concluded.

In addition to Minister Mustapha, Minister Singh was also accompanied by Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong, and other private sector representatives, including David Fernandes, who heads the consortium of local businessmen who have invested in a massive $45

million trial farm for corn and soya-bean production.

Sachin Singh, who heads another private sector consortium dealing with the expansion of the seafood sector, along with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Sharon Roopchand; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; and Aditya Persaud, Technical Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, were also present at the meeting.

The engagement was a follow-up to earlier meetings held between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and officials of Elite Agro, which is one of the UAE’s leading agriculture companies with large-scale integrated farming operations, and currently engaged in the growing, sourcing, importing and marketing of agricultural products.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Massive financial irregularities under Coalition unearthed

-Kato School Feeding Programme short-changed by $34.2M; fraud suspect still not charged -Region Eight had ‘breaches of all the regulations’ in 2016, PAC hears DOZENS of financial discrepancies, including criminal matters of fraud, were detected in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) throughout the year 2016, and even though a special audit and police investigation were done, the perpetrator is yet to be hauled before the courts.

As the 22nd Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting convened on Monday, it was tasked with scrutinising several pages of irregularities in that region, including multiple instances of millions of dollars’ worth of supplies being purchased without the requisite approvals.

In relation of the purchase of office and field supplies, 60 payments totalling $33.663 million were made out to the same supplier whose prices for each item were notably higher than that of his competitors. Moreover, out of the 60 payments, only 10 payment vouchers were submitted for audit.

Opposition member of the PAC, Ganesh Mahipaul, was quick to seek clarity on how the illegalities were allowed to occur in the first place, and what measures are now in place to prevent any reoccurrence.

“At the level of the region, this voucher would have had to pass through a number of hands,” Mahipaul posited.

In response, Peter Ramoutar, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) said that it was likely that the answers to Mahipaul’s questions would be contained in a special audit done by the Audit Office for the period January 2016 to July 2017.

Monday’s Public Accounts Committee meeting raised multiple financial irregularities detected in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Ramoutar, who was only appointed after the 2020 change of government, proceeded to share the report of the special audit with the committee. Because the PAC was now seeing the report for the first time, Ramoutar was further pressed for an answer on how the unlawful procedures took place, based on his knowledge of the report.

“Well, it happened because procedures were not followed and things were done in a very unprofessional manner... the checks and balances were all thrown through the window,” Ramoutar noted.

Asked whether his comments were reflected in the special audit report, the REO continued, “Mr. Chairman, the special audit report was very clear and very precise and detailed, and it did highlight the shortcomings in every transaction, which were breaches of all the regula-

tions.”

The PAC, led by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), which was in government between 2015-2021, saw Chairman, Jermaine Figueira, going further to solicit the input of the Accountant General, Jennifer Chapman, who confirmed that the purchases were “a total breach” of regulations and that there was “collusion”.

She noted that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was called in to investigate the irregularities but no one was charged.

A component of the special audit also indicated some damning findings relating to Kato Breakfast School Feeding Programme.

STEALING FOOD FROM CHILDREN? As the report was circulated in the Parliament Chambers, government member of the PAC, San-

jeev Datadin pointed to the fact that the report, dated August 2019, found that during the period under review, the RDC made 18 payments to one supplier totalling $68.853 million for ration for the Kato school feeding programme.

However, the records showed that only $16.281 million worth of dietary supplies were delivered to the school, leaving an outstanding balance of $52.572. “[Were] we not feeding the children?”

Datadin queried.

He added: “How would this not have been addressed? How would this not have been known... how is this able to be perpetuated repeatedly? This is a programme that feeds children.”

Datadin’s line of questioning was shot down by the Opposition’s Juretha Fernandes, who asked that the PAC members be given adequate time to peruse the 12-page report.

Her colleague, Chairman Figueira agreed and questions on the special audit were deferred.

Nonetheless, as concerns relating to even more irregularities were being raised, the PAC called on the former Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrell, who joined virtually, explaining that the region’s accounts department was grossly understaffed at the time.

“You had one officer at the level of an assistant accountant, carrying out the duties of the accountant and chief accountant; that created the conditions that led to that situation,” McGarrell surmised.

Also joining the meeting virtually, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira sought clarity on whether the assistant accountant was sent on leave during the investigations.

McGarrell responded

in the negative, saying that this was due to the shortage of persons to fill the key accounting positions within the regional administration.

“We were not finding staff for the accounts department of Region Eight, and you could not have left the department without an officer to carry out the duties,” McGarrell noted.

This did not bode well with Minister Teixeira, who insisted, “I don’t buy the argument.” The government Chief Whip also questioned whether the REO at the time faced any sanctions for the irregularities, given that the “buck stopped at him”.

The PAC was then informed that the REO at the time was replaced and that efforts were made to recruit retired accountants to fill the vacant positions within the region’s accounts department.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

President Ali discusses modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system with Mount Sinai officials

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday met with an executive team from the renowned New York-based Mount Sinai Health System at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

President Ali was joined

by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony.

Discussions centred on the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system.

The visiting delegation included Mount Sinai international President, Szabolcs Dorotovics; Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs Richard Amiraian; Executive Vice-President Arthur A. Klein; and Manager Amar Dhanraj.

After the meeting, Dr. Klein said that healthcare would be key as Guyana continues to develop.

“One of the most sophisticated investments the country needs to make in its people is healthcare, and we are here to work with the President in defining a plan in the development of more sophisticated healthcare, also healthcare access improvement. What we can do not only in Georgetown but in the rest of the country,”Dr. Klein said.

The Executive VP noted that both parties were enthusiastic about the collaboration.

“I think we all walked away with the President’s enthusiasm with working with us; I think

President Ali greets a member of the New York-based Mount Sinai Health System at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Office of the President photo) he walked away with our en- with the sense that there is a lot pital network is structured cialty care physicians, and 13 around eight hospital cam- ambulatory surgical centres. thusiasm with working with of work to do,” he added.

In New York, the hos- puses, and includes more (Office of the President) him, and we both walked away than 6,600 primary and spe-

De Clou siblings admitted to the bar

IT was a bittersweet moment on Monday, when De Clou siblings – Ama, 25, and Delonte, 23, were admitted to the local bar by Acting Chief

Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Their petition was presented by attorney-at-law Rafiq Khan, S.C. Also, joining virtu-

ally was the siblings’ aunt, Justice Louise Esther Blenman, Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. She was invited to sit on the bench by the Chief Justice.

In 2019, the siblings commenced the first academic year of the two-year course of studies, assignments, examinations and practical training for their Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad. In September 2021, they were awarded their legal certification.

In her address to the court, Ama thanked her family for its

support whether it be morally or financially. She explained that her brother was the perfect company and often challenged her to achieve her full potential.

“I remember in every class the lecturers would look at the class list and ask if we’re twins. I would dread getting picked on as a result. Today, I’m here to say that there is no one else that I would want to share this journey with besides you,” Ama said during her first address in court as a lawyer.

“Even though you are my little brother, you often picked up the role of the big brother

Attorney-at-law, Ama De Clou whenever I needed someone to rely on. This journey was a tough one but it never felt like a solo one having you by my side. You don’t understand how much you have helped to shape me into becoming a better version of myself. I thank you. I love you and I’m very proud of us. We did it!,” Ama said to her brother during her speech.

Meanwhile, Delonte thanked his sister, whom he said was one of his pillars of support throughout his legal journey and life. He

Attorney-at-law, Delonte De Clou expressed gratitude to his aunt, Justice Blenman, whom he said led the renaissance of lawyers in his family, including his mother, Gloria De Clou. He also thanked his older siblings who are doctors.

The Chief Justice welcomed the siblings to the bar and urged them to commit to the hard work that success entails and to commit to conducting thorough research to serve clients and the citizens of this nation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

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More than 50% of adult population fully vaccinated

HEALTH Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Monday announced that Guyana has surpassed a major milestone in its vaccination campaign, fully inoculating more than half of the adult population.

During the COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony said 51 per cent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated against the deadly virus.

“So, this is not the entire Guyanese population. Of the adult population, we have achieved the 51 per cent.”

He said that while the milestone can be applauded, some regions are still lagging in their vaccination. He

said the 51 per cent, overall, was reached because of the high vaccination rate in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

“So, we are 43.2 per cent in Region One; Region Two, 41.6 per cent; for Region Three, 48.9 per cent; Region Four, 58.5 per cent; Region Five, 51.9 per cent; Region Six, 49.8 per cent; Region Seven, 46.9 per cent; Region Eight, 34.8 per cent; Region Nine at 53.4 per cent, and Region 10 at 22.3 per cent. So, these are persons 18 years and over who would have received both doses of the vaccines,” Dr. Anthony said.

As of Monday, the Ministry of Health recorded

391, 521 adults, 18 years and older taking the first dose of a ‘COVID’ vaccine, representing 76.3 per cent of that population.

Some 261,811 adults, or 51 per cent of that population, have already returned for the second dose of the vaccine.

For persons 12 to 17 years, 28, 345, or 38.9 per cent, were vaccinated with the first dose, while 19, 536, or 26.8 per cent, received the second shot.

Meanwhile, despite vaccination numbers progressively increasing, persons are still flouting the COVID-19 guidelines, adding to the number of positive cases, Dr. Anthony

US anger at Russian anti-satellite missile test debris

Astronauts on the ISS are increasingly having to take precautionary measures when fragments from old satellites and rockets come close (BBC/REUTERS photo) The US has condemned “The test has so far gen- debris that now threaten the Russia for conducting a erated over 1,500 pieces interests of all nations.” "dangerous and irrespon- of trackable orbital debris Russian space agency sible" missile test that it and hundreds of thousands Roscosmos downplayed says endangered the crew of pieces of smaller orbital the incident.(BBC) aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

The test blew up one of Russia's own satellites, creating debris that forced the ISS crew to shelter in capsules.

The station currently has seven crew members on board - four Americans, a German and two Russians.

The space station orbits at an altitude of about 420km (260 miles).

“Earlier today, the Russian Federation recklessly conducted a destructive satellite test of a direct ascent anti-satellite missile against one of its own satellites,” US state department spokesman Ned Price said at a briefing.

stated.

Just over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health detected 55 new cases, raising the current active cases to 2,412.

Of that number, 50 persons are currently hospitalised, Minister Anthony noted.

“Thirty-two persons are now at the Ocean View Hospital, with 15 of them in the ICU. The others are in different regional hospitals, like four at Suddie Hospital; three at West Demerara; two at the Region Five facility; one at Skeldon; one at Bartica; two at Mahdia; and we have four persons in the Wismar Hospital,” he said.

Region Three is still

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony topping the chart with 1,014 cases.

Minister Anthony is urging the population,

both adults and adolescents, to come forward and be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

Remembering Our Fallen War Heroes

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Sunday last paid tribute to our fallen soldiers, who, along with millions of others, were killed during the First and Second World Wars. The President urged that we re-dedicate ourselves as a people to the search for peace and well-being of our beloved country.

This is an annual ceremony at the Georgetown Cenotaph to pay homage to the several hundreds of then British Guianese who fought in the wars. In his remarks, President Ali reflected as follows: 'We assemble at this war memorial on this Sunday of remembrance to call to mind the sacrifice of all those gallant men and women who

gave their lives in two world wars. We are forever indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.'

Among the several Guianese casualties in the war were Stanley Roza, who reportedly died when a torpedo struck his ship in 1943; Mohamed Hosein was disabled during the war and had to return home; T R R Wood received the posthumous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for services rendered as a pilot; Sergeant Pat Nobrega sent a letter to his family from the Japanese camp where he was imprisoned; A Rose Hall, Corentyne resident, Private Clarence Trim of the Canadian Army Corps, died in a battle in

Germany on April 27, 1945; A Berbician, Leslie Augustus James of the Royal Air Force died in a hospital in England on May 19, 1945. These are just a few examples of the several Guianese casualties during the war.

The President recalled with gratitude those who, through the years have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuing struggle for human dignity, social justice and freedoms and against all forms of oppression. Among the dignitaries who laid wreaths at the ceremony were President Ali; Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd), Mark Phillips and United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

Many Guyanese who tra-

verse the roundabout of the Cenotaph may not have taken the time to study the significance of that historic monument, which was unveiled on August 14, 1923 by the then Governor Graeme Thompson. It is a war memorial located at the junction of Main and Church Streets. After the end of the Second World War in 1945, Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday and is observed on the second Sunday of November.

Apart from the loss of lives, the implications of the wars were particularly severe on several countries of the then British West Indies, including British Guiana. The war resulted in severe shortages of imported goods from

Britain and North America, since many merchant ships were utilised for military transport. That led to several riots and disturbances as conditions of life deteriorated to such a point that the British Government found it necessary to set up a commission, popularly referred to as the Moyne Commission, to investigate the conditions of life in the colonies and to make recommendations. So devastating was the report that the findings were not released until after the end of the war out of fear it could be used against Britain by the German war propaganda machinery.

Significantly, British Guiana was a major supplier of high-grade bauxite

to America during the war years when there was an increased demand for bauxite. Roughly two-thirds of the allied aircraft manufactured during the war years used aluminum made from Guyanese bauxite, which brought in some additional revenues to the colony, but the overall impact of the war on the economies of the regions proved disastrous.

In paying tribute to our fallen war heroes, we have to make a solemn pledge as a nation to do everything in our power to ensure that there is no recurrence of wars. Indeed, this is the best tribute we can, as a nation, pay to our fallen soldiers

Can’t have the cake and eat it too

Dear Editor, I'VE noted with much amusement and perplexity the rather fatuous obsession by certain sections of the media with the post-2017 cost audit. In fact, the bombardment has become a media frenzy that has been blown out of proportion and has now become a political football. Even those utterly oblivious to the process and the industry in its eternity have now become leading critics.

The main contention that seems to be at play is the delay by the government in auditing the post-2017 cost-recovery audit. While I fully agree that this is a critical exercise and must be judiciously and objectively executed, I beg to differ on the urgency of the exercise.

First, this government has the oil companies on a short leash for those who are not

aware. That is, we dictate, and they follow. While of course we now have to deal with a burdensome PSA because of the APNU+AFC Government, this government is putting things in place to ensure that Guyana gets its fair share of wealth from the oil and gas industry. Amongst others, local content backed by legislation is critical.

Somewhere around February of this year, the President, Vice-President and several senior Cabinet members launched the revised draft local content policy document for public consultation.

From thereon, local content has remained on the front burner for the many stakeholders, especially the private sector. The general consensus is that local content is critical for national development and will play a crucial role in stimulating local business activities. However, one of the

likely shortfalls is our lack of capacity to fully benefit from these opportunities.

Having recognised this looming impediment, the government is pushing aggressively to bring the policy to finalisation and have in place a legislation that would ensure enforceability. In tandem with this legislative agenda, plans are also afoot to execute a mass training programme and attract some of the most talented to our shores in a bid to fill the imminent supply void of skilled labourers.

The post-2017 local content audit is a prime example of how this government intends to treat local content.

Critically, in order to build local capacity in this area, our locals must participate, even in collaboration with external firms. Hence, currently, local firms are in the process of partnering with foreign

companies to commence the post-2017 cost audit. Not only will Guyanese rest assured that our own in-country experts are joining the battle to ensure that we get our fair share of the pie, but a few years from now our own financial experts would be more than capable of doing the job in its entirety. This is an accomplishment that we as Guyanese should all be proud of.

In this age of information, ignorance is a choice. Just recently, a leading figure in the opposition political camp promoted himself to the stature of lead ignoramus by claiming that (based on his own calculations) "Guyana could have recouped approximately US$1.1B (GYD235.2B) from the audit of the oil giant’s expenses in the prolific oil concession" (KN, Nov 9, 2021). Unfortunately, these ill-informed type

of comments have become the norm from members sitting in the opposition camp.

It is downright preposterous to speculate, even before the commencement of the process, that Guyana could have earned US$1.1B. These types of comments reveal the kind of intellectually shallow individuals that are vying for supremacy. However, inter alia, I think part of the issue surrounds relevance. Oil and gas is presumably the most discussed topic in Guyana, and the media seem to be infatuated with the industry.

Therefore, any negative comment quickly gets blown out of proportion and pontificated upon at length.

Those who are familiar with the audit system know it’s almost impossible to speculate with absolute certainty the outcome of an audit before completion of

the process. Second, there must be credible evidence that there is a breach in the accounting system, followed by a successful litigation process before the disputed amounts could be withdrawn from the cost bank. Until such, any comment on the actual amount of cost that could be deducted is mere wild speculation. Even if we managed to slash US$1.1 B from the cost back for some reason, that doesn't mean we (as in Guyana) are entitled to the equivalent amount. The main advantage of reducing cost would be seen in a reduced payback period, and higher profit sharing.

To suggest that the entire amount would go to Guyana is grossly incorrect.

Yours sincerely, Mark Sammy

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

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Agricultural sector making steady progress under new leadership

Dear Editor I REFER to an article captioned, ‘Guyana begins to import fish, shrimp’ and skilfully connects this with EXXON’s operations. The article made a comparison with the first six months of 2019, 2020 and 2021 and concluded that for the past

two years fish and shrimp production has been declining.

The Bank of Guyana Mid-Year Report 2021 states as follows: ‘The fishing industry recorded mixed output performance, resulting in a smaller contraction of 6.6 per cent compared to the 12.1 per

cent recorded in June 2020.

Prawns production increased significantly by 42.4 per cent, which resulted from greater efficiency in the operation of prawn vessel operators.

However, there was a decline in catches of fish and shrimp by 22.1 per cent and 11.8 per cent, respectively, due to a

COVID-19 has been one of the worst pandemics in the last 100 years. This year, the world celebrates also the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. In the centenary year for insulin, a remarkable treatment for this chronic disease, the number of people living with diabetes, the number of people suffering from various complications because of diabetes and the number of people dying from diabetes have increased significantly. Worst, this several decade-long diabetes pandemic has served as a vehicle to aid and abet the new COVID-19 pandemic, making the COVID-19 pandemic even deadlier. A disproportionately larger number of persons living with diabetes have died because of COVID-19, compared to persons without diabetes. We observe World Diabetes Day 2021 with the backdrop of two other global crises – COVID-19 continues to navigate a deadly path around the world and climate change is more explicitly presenting itself with a doomsday picture. The world is called to action on many fronts – we do not have time; we do not have the luxury of waiting for a more appropriate time to act. We must act NOW. Like our call to action to combat climate change, our call to action

to combat diabetes forces us to ask: IF NOT NOW, WHEN? It has been more than 100 years since insulin has been in use and yet insulin, other medicines and other supplies needed for control of diabetes remain elusive for many people living with diabetes around the world. We must end this major gap in diabetes control. At the same time, the world remains in deficit for diabetes prevention efforts. There is absolutely no excuse for this travesty.

One area we are guilty for is the failure to promote better diets. Governments and society are abrogating their responsibilities as we not only continue, but we empower the distribution and use of ultra-processed diets, high in sugar, salt and trans-fat to dominate diets around the world. Guyana is on the wrong side of the debate with our vote at CROSQ against front-ofthe-package labeling to warn consumers about high sugar, salt and trans-fat in food.

On World Diabetes Day 2021, we do call for more discoveries and newer technology to prevent and fight diabetes. There are many revolutionary technological innovations on the horizon. But more importantly, on World Diabetes Day, we call for more fair and equitable distribution of medicines and technology

which are already available today to stem the morbidity and mortality linked to diabetes. For World Diabetes Day 2021, we must acknowledge that full use of the many tools available to us in public health to prevent and control diabetes have not been optimally utilised. There are still too many persons who need insulin and other medicines to control their diabetes who are unable to access such life-saving medicines.

There are still persons who cannot monitor their blood glucose and HBA1C levels and, therefore, cannot optimally control their diabetes. In an age where self-monitoring is a critical element of self-care for diabetes, far, far too many people are unable to effectively contribute to their own care. We believe that every person living with diabetes should have access to self-monitoring blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, even at the level of health centres in Guyana and in many developing countries, people’s access to blood sugar monitoring is deficient, uneven and unreliable. Even worse, poor people are almost invariably unable to include self-monitoring as part of their care. In Guyana, children living with Type 1 diabetes, regardless of their economic status, are fortu Turn to page 9

reduction in the operation of fishing vessels.’ It is clear that the contraction of the fishing industry in 2021 is smaller than in 2020, indicating an improvement. But the article failed to mention this.

In addition, the report specifically stated that ‘the decline in catches of fish and shrimp

was due to the reduction in the operation of fishing vessels’. This was completely ignored in the article.

The BoG reports have clearly indicated that the sector was grossly mismanaged by the Coalition. The Agriculture Sector is now under the most competent

Agriculture Minister ever and the improved progress in the sector will undoubtedly continue. Let’s await the Year-End Report.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Guyana must embrace 100 per cent home self-monitoring for blood glucose

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

Significant decrease in robberies, murders recorded for 2021

FOR the period January 1 to November 13, 2021, robberies have decreased by 428 and murders by 38, when compared with the same period in 2020.

This was disclosed by Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum during Monday’s launch of the Christmas Policing Plans 2021.

Based on the statistics he shared with members of the media, as of November 13, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded 638 cases of robberies compared to the 1,066 for the same period last year.

Similarly, the number of murders recorded locally decreased from 157 in 2020 to 119 in 2021.

According to Blanhum, these reductions come even as the force has a shortage of investigators. He emphasised that this has in no way affected the force’s ability to effectively carry out its duties.

“We have an inadequate amount of ranks. Before we had eight [police] divisions

but then we increased the divisions. So, we have to stretch our resources, but we do have investigators in all 10 regions. Over the years, we have been operating short with regards to human resources and that's something that we're dealing with…It has in no way affected our performance,” he added.

The year 2021 has the lowest number of serious crimes, with 1,700 cases recorded. This figure represents the lowest in the last 10 years, the highest being 4,204 cases in 2013.

Additionally, this year also saw the third-lowest murder rate being recorded in the last 10 years.

The lowest number of robbery/murders over the 10year period was also recorded in 2021, with the year 2019 recording 24, which is the highest in a single year.

The Crime Chief attributed the force’s success in reducing crime across the country to the introduction of several strategies which were specifically crafted to

AS Guyanese continue full steam ahead with their usual Christmas-season shopping, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday disclosed plans for a heightened presence in an effort to minimise robberies and accidents during this hectic period.

While ranks will be strategically placed around the city, special arrangements will be in place for traffic management in Georgetown and other parts of the country.

According to Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram , from Novem-

ber 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022, traffic patrols will be deployed on a 24-hour basis to ensure a free flow of traffic and to reduce road accidents.

He noted that traffic ranks will be conducting patrols using motor cycles, cars and crash trucks. There will also be foot patrols for a 12-hour period, during which there will be a four-hour shift system.

Further, he stated that there will be the deployment of day and night patrols from Traffic Headquarters to the different regions.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum target crime.

Blanhum noted that the One of the most notewor- system gives the GPF a strathy systems implemented by tegic advantage as it allows the GPF is the 24-hour mon- for real-time monitoring and itoring of the CCTV centre information disseminating which is under the force’s full to commanders and patrol control and command. The officers. images and recordings are He further noted that captured in investigations and the GPF has also put into in the prosecution of individ- use several enhanced inteluals who have committed ligence-gathering systems, serious crimes. including social crime pre-

vention programmes (police youth groups), has deployed resources based on temporal and spatial analysis, is engaging in intelligence sharing with local, regional and international law enforcement agencies and is conducting sting operations.

Further, Blanhum noted that the prison population has increased drastically over the past year from 1,667 in 2020 to 1,907 in 2021.

Drugs and narcotics trafficking have been high on the radar of the GPF for 2021 following the seizure of 536.3 kg of cocaine, the highest amount since 2012.

The Crime Chief noted that while systems have been employed to maximise efficiency while minimising the crime rate across the country, several hurdles remain.

He explained that in the case of CCTV surveillance, some images obtained at crime scenes are of poor quality and cannot be used.

He further noted that some cases are dismissed due to the absence of police witnesses.

A notable issue faced by the GPF, according to Blanhum is collusion between ranks of the force and criminal elements. He noted that for years, the force has been able to identify and is in the process of prosecuting an undisclosed number of ranks for this type of collusion.

“We have had instances where a few ranks were found to be in collusion with criminal elements. Only recently we had to prosecute a senior officer for trafficking in narcotics,” he said.

Meanwhile, regarding preparation for the hectic Christmas season, the Crime Chief said that the force plans to ensure that the crime rate remains low during the period.

He noted that one of the major systems the GPF will employ is the heightened patrols in the vicinity of commercial banks, busy shopping areas, and nightspots, which have been found to be target areas for criminal elements.

As part of the force’s efforts to minimise congestion, Superintendent Ashram said that several special arrangements will be implemented.

These include no-entry to vehicles for some sections of Robb and Bourda Streets.

Superintendent Ashram stated that on Robb Street there will be no entry for vehicular traffic going east between Alexander and Albert Streets, while on Bourda Street there will be no entry for vehicles between Regent and North Road.

He further disclosed that

continue.

The Traffic Department will collaborate with bridge officials to activate two lanes when necessary to ease congestion on the East Bank or West Bank Demerara.

The department has also proposed that container trucks operate within Georgetown between 22:00hrs to 05:00hrs daily.

Once approved, business owners will be advised to offload containers at the terminals and transport the goods using lorries (canters) to their places of business.

Traffic Chief Superintendent Ramesh Ashram

Heightened police presence expected for Christmas season special emphasis will be placed on arrivals and departures at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Eugene F. Correia International Airport.

Additionally, in keeping with the force’s aim of reducing traffic congestion, motor lorries traversing the East Bank corridor will continue to be restricted between 07:00hrs to 09:00hrs from Monday to Friday.

The two-lane traffic traversing the Demerara Harbour Bridge from 06:15hrs and 16:00hrs is expected to

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

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More electoral legislation amendments being crafted

A SECOND set of draft proposed amendments of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), one of the pieces of legislation which governs elections in Guyana, will be released for consultation once finalised.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., while making this disclosure said that these amendments will deal with the registration of voters, specifically the National Registration Act. “There is a second set of amendments that will bear the same mould and will enjoy the

same attributes and that is [sic] those dealing with registration of electors where we will clarify the registration system,” Nandlall said, while appearing on a National Communications Network (NCN) television programme last week.

“We will try to get a system in place that will remove dead people effectively from the list, so that the issue of zombie voters will not arise with the frequency that it is arising. We will also ensure that there is clarity when it comes to registration and the system that will be used for the registration process,” he noted.

The Attorney-General mentioned that the draft proposed amendments in relation to registration may be available to the public for review by next week. However, he did not comment on what the initial proposed amendments will look like.

The draft proposed electoral amendments are in keeping with the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) commitment to electoral reform following the five months of shenanigans which followed the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections and saw a number of allegations

of electoral fraud being made against the then APNU+AFC and senior GECOM officials.

Currently, the first set of draft proposed amendments of the RoPA, an Act to make provision for the election of members of the National Assembly under a system of Proportional Representation and for purposes connected therewith, are out for consultation.

The proposed amendments include dividing District Four into four sub-districts to facilitate easier tabulation of results; hefty fines and prison time for persons caught tampering with the elections and uploading the

Statements of Poll online as they are made available.

The Attorney-General emphasised that great care and circumspection were employed when drafting the proposed amendments to ensure that the amended sections are not intended or designed to give any political party an electoral advantage, but only to make the electoral machinery stronger.

The amendments are not final, and the government has been encouraging all citizens to peruse the draft proposed amendments and offer feedback, which will help to shape the final law.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C

Suriname investors scoping opportunities in Guyana --discuss potential of various sectors with local stakeholders

BUILDING on the foundation laid by political leaders who have sought to enhance the relationship between Guyana and Suriname, a team of 17 investors from the Dutch nation has travelled here to explore the investment opportunities in the various economic sectors.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the persons who are in Guyana for the next three days specialise in real estate, integrated waste management, engineering, import/export and tourism, among other areas of interest.

The Surinamese investors shared their intentions with officials from the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Investment) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) during separate meetings on Monday.

While the full details of those meetings were not disclosed, this publication understands that the visiting team

has a deep interest in partnering with locals, and investing in some of the government’s priority sectors.

Just two months before this visit, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Co-operation Albert Ramdin, while in Guyana, said that the two countries, which are continental neighbours, are eyeing the possibility of merging the two economies into a single market space, thereby boosting opportunities in both territories.

Ramdin had said that an integrated approach is one that is convenient, owing to the closeness of the two countries, and their economic similarities.

“We strongly believe that these two markets must be seen as one market,” the Surinamese minister of government related.

Both President Dr. Irfaan

From Page 8 nate to receive regular supplies of self-care packages that include a glucometer and related supplies and insulin pens. The government of Guyana, while they must be commended for this initiative, must be diligent to ensure that these children have reliable supplies of these lifesaving supplies. But the government must ensure more reliable supplies of medicines and testing kits are available in the public health sector. In the last year, commendable improvement in availability and access to insulin and other medicines

and in testing reagents have been achieved. Still there are too many glitches that prevent continuous supply of medicines and testing in public health settings.

There must be continued improvement to eliminate the glitches. For example, the present situation in the public health system of unavailability of HBA1C testing reagents is unacceptable.

The Presidential Commission urges that people living with diabetes be empowered to play a greater role in their self-care. This includes the ability to self-monitor their blood glucose levels

Investors who are in Guyana to explore the possibilities that exist within the various economic sectors (Radjen Dwarka photo) Ali and his Surinamese coun- private sector as the engine to relations. Notably, this initiaterpart, President Chandri- aid in the overall growth and tive will birth a vibrant and kapersad Santokhi have called development of both nations. improved level of partneron the private sectors of the The Council will be com- ship and cooperation between two countries to establish prised of key representatives Guyana and Suriname,” the partnerships for cross-border of the private sector, solely local PSC had said in a press investments. dedicated to the strength- statement.

Responding to the Presi- ening of economic ties and Even further, to maximise dents’ call, the PSC of Guyana initiatives regarding shared the benefits stemming from and the Suriname Trade and interests, and the creation of their burgeoning oil-and-gas Industry Association (VSB) the envisioned single market sectors and other develophad agreed in August to estab- and economy. ments across both economies, lish a Guyana-Suriname Pri“The two countries have Guyana and Suriname had vate Sector Business Council, always enjoyed excellent peo- agreed to establish a common with the intention of using the ple-to-people and business local-content platform.

“We are not in competition; we are on a journey of co-operation to maximise the benefits for people, and in order to ensure we do it successfully, we would need to have synergies in terms of infrastructure and the use,” President Ali had said in August.

Ultimately, the objective of enhanced collaboration between the two countries is to improve the lives of all citizens through social and economic benefits, President Ali had said.

Those benefits are expected to be derived from projects such as the bridging of the Corentyne River to connect the two countries; the establishment of a trade facilitation committee; the creation of a joint strategy to develop the oil-and-gas sectors; and a common “gas strategy”, among other things.

Guyana must embrace 100 per cent... at home. A concerted effort must be made to empower people to own and use home-use glucometers.

While there are citizens who can purchase and support their own home-use blood glucose monitoring, most Guyanese families are not in a position at this time to include self-monitoring for blood glucose level.

The commission has embarked on a process to support more use of glucometers for self-monitoring of blood glucose levels. In this regard, the commission has been able to procure 320 glucometers with 50 glucose test

strips each for distribution among people living with diabetes in Guyana. With the distribution of these glucometers, we expect to ensure all persons with an amputation because of diabetes, is able to monitor their glucose at home. We also want to ensure that all women who are diabetic and are pregnant have their own glucometers for self-monitoring. We will also be pushing for all pensioners who live with diabetes to be able to own their own glucometers. This is a big undertaking, but we believe that if civil society and government work together

that this is one aspect of the fight against diabetes that we can win. Thus, with the theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-2023 focusing on access to care, we have started this initiative to improve blood glucose self-monitoring, but also encouraging the use of point-of-care HBA1C. We urge government to ensure that every health centre and hospital in Guyana is able to provide regular point-of-care HBA1C for all persons living with diabetes. Indeed, Guyana and countries around the world must ensure timely diagnosis, regular monitoring of

blood glucose and HBA1C, and uninterrupted access to medicines, including insulin. With Diabetes continuing to increase in Guyana and around the world, with about 60,000 adults living with type 2 diabetes (between eight and 10 per cent of the adult population) and about 150 children living with type 1 diabetes, Guyana is called to action. If not NOW, When?

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy Chairman The Presidential Commission on the Prevention and control of NCDS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

The trade and economic fallout of the pandemic

A CONTEXT of uncertainty and the failure to make significant advancements on issues that are important to the agenda of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have set the climate, prior to this year’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the governing body of

global trade, according to a publication by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

The joint publication, ‘The Road to the WTO Twelfth Ministerial Con-

ference: A Latin American and Caribbean Perspective’ , argues that geopolitical changes and the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically impacted the institutional priorities of countries and of the WTO itself. Moreover, the global economy has deteriorated substantially over

the last two years, suffering structural impact and affecting areas such as trade and food security, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Also participating in the preparation of the study were the Institute for International Agricultural Negotiations (INAI), the Group of Producing Countries of the Southern Cone (GPS), the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange, the FAO and various researchers from the region.

The publication was launched at an event that included the participation of

launch were David Laborde, Senior Research Fellow in IFRPI’s Markets, Trade and Institutions Division; and Manuel Otero, Director-General of IICA. The document proposes key ideas on issues to be addressed in MC12 – the highest decision-making body of the multilateral trade system. The conference will take place on November 30 to December 3 in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to Gloria Abraham, the repercussions on trade as a result of different situations across the

dented tension,” cautioned Anabel Gónzalez, “the road to recovery will continue to be bumpy and uncertain”.

Many risks and dangers loom large, the most immediate one being unequal access to vaccines. Added to that, there is a scarcity of microchips, congestion on the ports, rising transportation costs, intensifying climate change phenomena and mushrooming poverty and inequality.

All of that was limiting the capacity of trade to support the recovery.

IFPRI’s David Laborde feels that agricultural trade

Gloria Abraham, Costa Rican Ambassador to the WTO and chair of the organisation’s agricultural negotiations. The WTO was also represented

by Anabel González, Deputy Director-General, and Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agricultural and Commodities Division and Chief of the Delivery Unit.

Other participants in the

globe were evident. She remarked that, “There has been a notable increase in food prices and the congestion in some ports around the world is becoming the subject of attention. This has increased the transportation costs of products and evidently will impact the pockets of consumers.”

“Given this unprece-

has been very resilient during the pandemic and has continued functioning thanks to the drive of the sector and policy-makers.

He remarked that, “(Decision-makers) tried to facilitate the process, as they understood that these areas are critical for food security.

Some countries are already Turn to page 12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

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Sankar receives pre-med scholarship from Texila American University

Dean of the College of Medicine at TAU, Dr. Dheeraj Bansal

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson presenting the scholarship award to Kelly Sankar Kelly Sankar, who recently wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, was, on Monday, presented with a scholarship award from the Texila American University.

Due to her exceptional performance of achieving 16 grade ones and four grade twos, Sankar was granted a full-tuition pre-medical scholarship by the TAU to pursue studies for the Doctor of Medicine programme at the university, a release said.

Dean of the College of Medicine at TAU, Dr. Dheeraj Bansal, told Sankar that her experience at

the university will be like no other. He said that the university was very proud of the diversity of its student body.

“This kind of diversity is rare to be seen and it is a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures and to respect different cultures. This will help you develop as a global citizen because not everyone in the world has the opportunity to have such close interaction with different concepts and beliefs from different parts of the world.” Dr. Bansal said.

He urged that during her time at the university, she not only develops

compassion for people in the profession but during the day-to-day life. Dr Bansal noted that studying medical education was not only about studying all the time but it was also about the development of one’s personality to become a good person and that the programme at the TAU was designed to achieve that.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, who presented the scholarship to Sankar, said that the university had been instrumental in promoting the study of medicine in Guyana. He said that it was incumbent on new students to keep a rich

tradition alive by desiring to be the best doctors they can be.

He told Sankar that she can serve as a catalyst for change to draw more students of high quality and standard to the institution so that it will continue to grow and expand. Dr. Hutson also urged her to remember to give back to her community when she is successful. He thanked the University, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and staff of the ministry for awarding the scholarship to the student, the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

Kara Kara Blue Lake ideal for resort

--says Minister Walrond, notes site will be further developed

By Naomi Parris OVER the years, as a result of extensive bauxite mining in Linden, Region 10, a series of blue lakes were formed. The most popular and easily accessible lake located in Kara Kara, has recently attracted the eyes of many tourists and locals as the ideal location for adventures and leisure activities.

With the buzz the lake has been receiving, several tests were conducted to determine if the waters and surrounding area is safe for activities. On Sunday, the area was deemed fit and safe for such activities; in fact, it was listed as the ideal spot for major tourism investments by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Com-

merce, Oneidge Walrond.

M i n i s t e r Wa l r o n d , during a visit to the lake, said that coordinated and targeted action will be taken to further develop the site.

“The sites are beautiful; it’s pristine out here. There is beautiful white sand, the safe water, adventure, kayaking; there is so much to do here,” she said.

The minister further stated that the Blue Lake and its environs is an ideal location for a resort.

“I see this area being a premier location for a resort. Already, we have given support to the tourism committee, in terms of developing,” the Minister said, adding: “I can see, with the proposals that I have encouraged the tourism

committee to [establish], they can come together with a proposal to put up a beautiful resort here.”

In the meantime, Deon Anderson, a Chemical Engineer by profession and the proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, has been doing a series of tours at the Blue Lake.

Anderson, a Lindener, also reassured the authorities that the water at the Kara Kara Blue Lake is safe for leisure activities.

Anderson explained that the water has been tested both locally and internationally for heavy metals and other toxins, and has been found to be in compliance with international standards for recreational activities.

However, there are some

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond at the Kara Kara Blue Lake, savouring the elite kayaking experience at the popular tourist destination (Carl Croker photo)

Deon Anderson, a Chemical Engineer by profession and proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, talking to Minister Walrond and her team about the wonders and adventures of the Kara Kara Blue Lake According to Linden’s campaign, in collaboration concerns about the depth of the lake, but he hastened to Deputy Mayor, Waine- with BOSAI Inc, a privatereassure the authorities that wright Bethune, the town’s ly-owned mining company all protocols are in place dumpsite is located along in the region. to guarantee the safety of the road; however, persons However, within a day visitors, such as the use of have been indiscriminate in after a section of the road lifejackets and on-site life- the disposal of their waste, had been cleared, new garin that they are dumping it bage build-up was seen guards.

The minister has com- along the side of the road along the roadway. mitted to working with An- leading to the lake.

Nevertheless, MinisDeputy Mayor Bethune ter Walrond stated that the derson to further develop told reporters that efforts problem is not one that is the site. are underway to relocate insurmountable. the landfill site to another GARBAGE DISPOSAL “We will collaborate During the visit, it was mined-out area. and speak; we have a However, it has been committee, we have gotrevealed that the indiscriminate dumping of garbage difficult to find a suitable ten organized, and we will along the roadway leading area that is not close to wa- have the discussions at the to the site is a major con- terways. municipality level, and Previously, the Guy- at the local government cern, to the extent that it poses a serious challenge to ana Chronicle had reported level to see how we can developing and preserving that the Linden Mayor and work together to solve this the pristine beauty of the Town Council (LMTC) had problem,” the minister kickstarted a $3M clean-up said.

Blue Lake.

The trade and economic fallout...

From Page 10 on the correct path; there were restrictions, but these were quickly removed and limited in their scope”.

On the other hand, Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agricultural and Commodities Division of the WTO stated that, “Member countries of the organisation want to see results in three main areas: agriculture and fisheries, as well as trade and health.

The Ministerial Conference offers us a great opportunity to create a vital and dynamic trade system.”

MAIN FINDINGS Among other aspects, the IICA and IFPRI publication emphasises that since

the last Ministerial Conference in 2007, the multilateral trade system and its main organisation, the WTO, have been attacked and discredited. Thus, moving towards a coordinated solution to the world’s major problems through multilateral cooperation seems unlikely.

Another issue analysed in the document was the response of various countries to the impact of the situation on international trade and agriculture. Many nations have reviewed their trade policies to tailor them to different scenarios with respect to food security and agricultural trade flows.

Increased prices for raw materials and the fear of food

shortages have prompted some governments to impose restrictive measures that limit or tax agricultural exports.

Other measures adopted included direct market intervention through public stockholding, special safeguard mechanisms and state-trading enterprises.

The adoption of these measures has triggered new debates about their effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and prompting the development of fair and transparent food markets.

The publication assesses different alternatives to resolve potential obstacles in international markets and agricultural trade. The aim is to provide valuable and useful

input to arrive at successful agreements, while also fostering a fair and efficient global food system and more transparent international trade.

“This publication, which was born of a joint effort between IICA, IFRPI and researchers from the region, is being released at a very special moment, following on the heels of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit”, remarked Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA. “It will underscore the importance of international trade in the functioning of agrifood systems”.

Moreover, he said that, “Agrifood trade—particularly from the perspective of Latin American and Caribbean

countries—plays a strategic role in global food security, above all, when we consider the pandemic”.

RECOMMENDATIONS The analysts stated in the document that regulations such as sustainability standards, access restrictions and domestic support measures must be transparent and aligned with the principles of the WTO to avoid discretional application and discriminatory practices.

They also argued that information transparency was key to accessing and developing new markets, particularly under the glare of increasing environmental scrutiny.

Moreover, effective market

access was fundamental, not only for the development of agro-exporting countries (that prioritise this issue in their developmental agendas), but also for importing countries, as a means of guaranteeing food security and connecting major suppliers to buyers in regions experiencing food shortages.

Finally, the authors surmised that the growth strategy of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean may be affected by what happens at the WTO. Therefore, contributing actively to its modernisation and prioritising its success as part of the region’s trade and external policies was of crucial importance. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Known characters, rigorous traffic enforcement on police radar – Berbice Commander REGION Six Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said known characters will be monitored and rigorous traffic enforcement will be conducted on a 24-hour basis to reduce crimes and accidents in Berbice during the Christmas season.

The commander gave the commitment at the launch of the Police Christmas campaign in Berbice.

Ramlakhan said the aim is to provide a safe environment for all citizens, visitors, businesses and communities during the festive season.

He further pointed out that the police will be using vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, foot patrols, mounted and marine patrols to ensure that the region is safe with heightened presence at the major markets and the commercial zones during the festive season.

Police records for Region Six indicate that there was a one per cent decrease in serious crimes,

while murders decreased by nine per cent and robberies by 50 per cent.

During the period under review, January 1 to November 9, 2021, 10 murders were committed against 11 compared with the corresponding period last year. Breaking and entering and larceny also dropped by 22 per cent.

However, increases were recorded in other serious crimes. Rape cases increased by 34 per cent; robbery with violence increased by 25 per cent; larceny from persons increased by 29 per cent; and robbery under arms involving firearms increased by 16 per cent compared the 2020.

For the year so far, some 15 firearms were recovered by police in the region, compared with 23 for the corresponding period last year.

In the area of traffic, the commander noted that from January 1 to October 24, there was a 46 per cent decrease in road fatalities, that is, seven for this year as against 13 in 2020.

However, as the Christ-

Brazilian wanted for murder in Central Baramita

GENELSON Alves Olivera, a 36-year-old Brazilian, is wanted by the Guyana Police Force for the murder of another Brazilian, Gilson Carlos Da Cruz Carvahlo, known as “Negung”.

Police Headquarters, on Monday, said that the murder occurred at Central Baramita in the North-West District, Region One, on October 21.

Olivera’s last known address is Baramita.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Olivera is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-7065, 227-1270, 226-7476, 226-7065, 2279271, 227-1611, 227-1149,

Genelson Alves Olivera 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 2253650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

mas season approaches, Ramlakan added that traffic management will also be adopted to mitigate traffic congestion during the holidays.

Intensification of

roadblocks and raid operations can also be expected throughout the region, along with stringent enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations.

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Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tueasday November 16, 2021

Van-West Charles wins defamation case against Kaieteur News

FORMER Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and Director of Atlantic Fuels Inc, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, was recently awarded $10M in damages, after he won his defamation case against the Kaieteur News and its publisher, Glenn Lall.

The damages in the claim filed by Dr. Van West-Charles in 2019, through his attorney, Rexford Jackson, were awarded by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court on November 5, 2021.

In his lawsuit, Dr. VanWest Charles contended that during January to March, 2019, the defendants published a series of articles pertaining to him that sullied his reputation.

He claimed that the publications were false and caused significant harm and injury to his reputation and lowered his standing in Guyana and the international community and had brought him into public odium.

However, Kaieteur News claimed, “fair comment” and “justification” as their defence.

Nevertheless, Justice Singh, having examined the evidence, found that the Kaieteur News failed to provide any documentary or other evidence to prove the veracity of the statements, and that in its defence, it had instead outlined several averments with respect to the alleged facts upon which the defence of fair comment is based.

Justice Singh, in his ruling, said that the defendants did not present any evidence to the court to show that Dr. Van-West Charles and his company were involved in fuel smuggling. In fact, the testimony of Lall suggested that they did not even harbour the belief that the claimants were involved in this illegal activity.

In the circumstances, the judge said that the particular justification raised by the defendants with respect to using fuel smuggling as a defence

Atlantic Fuels Inc. Director, Dr Richard Van WestCharles was “nonsensical and does articles purported to be renot even pretend to justify porting facts, to wit, unlawful and/ or improper acts done by the article.”

Also, the judge ruled that the claimant.

And with the articles havthe defence of fair comment is not available to the defen- ing been published online dants in this case since the and having reached outside the jurisdiction, Justice Singh found that the words complained of would convey to any ordinary, reasonable reader that Dr. Van-Wes Charles was dishonest. He pointed out that the Kaieteur

News had, at no time, either apologised or issued a retraction.

In the circumstances, the court found that the publication clearly attacked Dr. Van West-Charles’ character, labelling him as a dishonest person who engages in fraudulent or criminal practices, without setting out, factually, any conduct from the claimant to justify such a comment.

In assessing the appropriate quantum of damages in the case, the court took into consideration the libellous attack on the claimant’s personal integrity and professional reputation, and the fact that he was a public figure.

Among other things, the judge placed weight on the fact that the defendants had not apologised or expressed any regret over the publications and persisted with the publications despite being written to by the claimant and his attorney.

He also highlighted that the defamatory articles were published multiple times and “there appears to be no journalistic investigation as to the accuracy of the statements being published.”

“This demonstrates a reckless disregard for the

Kaieteur News publisher, Glenn Lall harm that false reporting can cause, and a stout refusal by the defendants to engage in ethical and fair reporting, and rather seem prepared to publish scandalous articles to boost the sale of the newspapers,” the judge said.

Taking all of the foregoing matters into account, the judge awarded damages in the sum of $10M, which includes an interest on the said award at the rate of 6 per cent per annum from August 5, 2019 to November 5, 2021 and 4 per cent per annum thereafter until fully paid. He also awarded the sum of $1.6M as costs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Winches stolen from critical sluices in Region Three

REGION Three’s regional officials have reported that last Saturday, sometime in the evening, the winch that is used to open and close one of the sluices in the Nismes, West Bank Demerara area, has been stolen.

According to a release, sometime between Sunday night and early Monday morning, it was also discovered that another winch was stolen from another sluice located in the La Grange/Nismes area.

Given the location of the structures and the size and weight of the winches, officials have said that it is most likely that the person or persons carrying out these heinous acts gained

persons found deliberately tampering with any such structure will be made to face the full force of the law.

“It is quite alarming that this has occurred twice in three days. This is very serious and can easily have a very negative effect on the lives of farmers and residents in these and other surrounding areas. We will be ramping up our surveillance operations at all of the structures in the region to try and ensure this does not occur again,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also noted that the areas that are drained by these structures are now in a very vulnerable position should these

access to the structures by means of the Demerara River when the tide is high.

Regional officials have since been working to acquire winches to replacement the ones that were stolen.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, after learning about the situation, is urging persons to desist from such acts. He noted that tampering with government structures are a criminal offence and

be any heavy rainfall for an extended period, given the fact that the structure cannot function until the winches are replaced.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been working with Region Three officials to remedy the situation as soon as possible, the release said.

Sluices are the main structures used to avert flooding in most of the Coastal Regions in Guyana.

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Fmr El Dorado Trading GM pleads not guilty to 2007 murder

THE High Court trial into the murder of gold dealer Dharamchan Mangra, who was fatally shot in 2007, during a robbery at EL Dorado Trading in Port Kaituma, is scheduled to commence on November 24.

On Monday, former general manager of the El Dorado Trading, Neville Chandrawattie called “Sunil,” of Sparta, Essequibo Coast, appeared before Justice JoAnn Barlow at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence.

Chandrawattie denied that, on April 21, 2007, at

Port Kaituma in the North West District, he murdered Mangra.

The indictment was presented by State Prosecutor, Cicelia Corbin, while attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon is on record for the accused. A jury was empanelled and the trial date set for November 24.

According to reports, in 2007, Chandrawattie was employed by Tamesh Jagmohan, who is the owner of El Dorado Trading. He, along with others, had, on that day, planned a robbery.

During the course of the robbery, Mangra was

shot and killed. He was also robbed of $3M in gold and cash. Chandrawattie was tied up by his co-accused as part of the planned robbery. The matter was reported but no arrest was made.

However, on November 8, 2013, the said business place encountered another robbery during which 96 ounces of gold valued at $22M, and $71M in cash, all the property of Jagmohan, were stolen.

During an investigation into the 2013 offence, Neville was questioned. He allegedly admitted that he had planned both robberies. He

Neville Chandrawattie was arrested and charged for his role in both crimes.

In 2016, during the trial into the 2013 robbery, Chandrawattie pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve 5 years imprisonment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Irish Racing Tips Limerick 08:15 hrs Paddys Planet 08:45 hrs L’impertinent 09:20 hrs Elite Des Mottes 09:55 hrs Lake Chad 10:50 hrs Capture The Drama 11:05 hrs Robyndeglory 11:55 hrs Mrs Watson 12:05 hrs Cool Croi

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19

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Ariel All Stars canter to impressive... (From back page) which was decorated with one four and five massive sixes, the game was as good as over.

Man-of-the-match, Quentin Sampson, who entered in a no-nonsense mood, completed the demolition job by thumping four sixes in his unbeaten 25 off a mere six balls. Grovesnor, who batted through the innings, ended on an even half-century, spiced with five fours and a six. Fazal Rafeek took one for 12 from his lone over while Latiff grabbed the other wicket, conceding 26 runs in his three overs.

Regal had earlier enjoyed a rollicking start, reaching 65 in six overs before losing Sachin Singh (23) and the other opener, Patrick Rooplall (31) in the eighth over with 71 on the board.

It became a downward slide from thereon as Regal lost their remaining eight wickets for 58 runs, much to the chagrin of their vocal fans. The destruction was caused by a mixture of brilliant fielding and some poor shot selections.

Apart from the two openers, Fazal Rafeek (14) and Latiff (13) were the only other players to reach double figures. Jonhatan Fernandez was the chief destroyer with four for 21 in his four overs while the impressive Sampson ended with three for seven, also from four overs.

Sampson, who also smashed a fine century in the final round preliminary match on Saturday, earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award to add to his

man-of-the-match performance on Sunday. Apart from the MVP and man-ofthe-match trophies, he also took home a 43-inch Smart television, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

Ariel winnings included the Trophy Stall-sponsored trophy and $300,000 while Regal collected a trophy and $50 000.

Prime Minister Phillips, in brief remarks at the presentation ceremony, complimented the organisers for a splendid tournament and also praised the several sponsors for making the annual event possible.

He once again reiterated his support for the continuance of the event, pointing out that he is already looking forward to the 2022 version.

The Prime Minister was also presented with a plaque on behalf of the GSCL Inc by the entity’s secretary, Telesha Ousman.

Among the many sponsors were Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sports, Tourism Guyana, Yamin Investment, Shahab Hack, Associated Brands Guyana Inc., Pro Signs, Lucky Star Boutique, Global Office Solutions, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s Our Life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, Dyna’s Embroidery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Gandhi University, P&P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Lucky Star Boutique and Price Chopper.

Skipper Taylor hails team...

(From back page)

thrashed 4-1 by South Africa Women, looked in good touch with 102 not out.

The hundred was her second of the year following an unbeaten 105 against Pakistan Women in the Caribbean five months ago, and also took her past 5 000 runs in ODIs. “I never check my stats so that (passing 5 000 runs) was probably far from my mind but it’s really nice to reach such a milestone and I hope I can continue to do

that for West Indies,” Taylor said.

“I’ve never worried about myself but I love scoring runs. I love batting and once the team wins I’m really happy about that. I was hoping to get a hundred against a top team so that’s been something I’ve been working on.”

Taylor is third on the all-time list of leading run-scorers in ODIs but second among active players, only behind India stroke-maker Mithali Raj.

Rashid 'confirms Rafiq's recollection of Michael Vaughan's comments' ADIL Rashid has confirmed he heard Michael Vaughan question the number of players of Asian heritage in the Yorkshire side during an incident in 2009.

In a statement released to ESPNcricinfo Rashid not only confirmed Azeem Rafiq's recollections of the incident, but pledged to participate in any official investigation aimed at stamping out what he called the "cancer" of racism.

Vaughan, the former Yorkshire and England captain, revealed earlier this month that his name appeared in the Yorkshire report into Rafiq's allegations of racism at the club. Vaughan admitted that Rafiq alleged he had noted the inclusion of four players of Asian heritage in the Yorkshire side playing at Trent Bridge and responded: "There are too many of you lot; we need to do something about it."

Vaughan continues to deny those allegations.

But Rashid's intervention is important. Not only is he the third member of that Yorkshire team to confirm he heard Vaughan making the comments - Rana Naved-ulHasan, the former Pakistan seamer, has already backed Rafiq's version of events but, as a highly respected and senior member of the England team, his words carry some weight.

Rashid has long been reluctant to be drawn into the debate and, even now, has asked for "privacy" and space to focus on his cricket. But it could well be that his observations have a devastating effect on the reputation and future career of Vaughan.

He has already been stood down from his Radio 5 Live programme, the Tuffers and Vaughan Show, by the BBC. Rashid's statement in full reads: "Racism is a cancer in all walks of life and unfortunately in professional sports too, and is something which of course has to be stamped out.

I wanted to concentrate as much as possible on my cricket and to avoid distractions to the detriment of the team but I can confirm Azeem Rafiq's recollection of Michael Vaughan's comments to a group of us Asian players.

"I'm encouraged by the fact that a Parliamentary

Committee seems to be trying to improve the situation, whether that's holding people accountable or getting changes made at an institutional level. These can only be positive developments. I will of course be more than happy to support any official efforts when the time is right.

"For now though, these matters are of an intensely personal nature and I will not be commenting on them further. I ask you to respect my privacy and allow me to focus on my cricket.

"I want to thank the ECB, the fans and especially my teammates for all of their support. We didn't get the result we wanted in this World Cup, but I hope that the unity of our dressing room and the leadership of our captain [Eoin Morgan] will propel us forward to achieve what we deserve in the future."

Vaughan and Gary Bal-

lance have both confirmed that they were named in the independent report, with Ballance admitting to using the word "P**i* in relation to Rafiq. Further revelations are expected when Rafiq gives evidence in front of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee on Tuesday.

Yorkshire's handling of the investigation into allegations of institutional racism made by Rafiq has come in for sustained criticism, with the ECB stripping the club of its right to host international fixtures and a number of sponsors severing ties.

Former chair Roger Hutton, former chief executive, Mark Arthur, and director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, were called to appear before the DCMS committee.

With Moxon now unwell - he is suffering from a stress-related illness - Wayne

Morton, the former England physio who now oversees the provision of medical treatment at Yorkshire, is to take his place.

Lord Patel, Yorkshire's chair, responded to Rashid's comments in a statement issued by the club.

"I am aware of the recent statement from Adil Rashid, and I welcome his courage in speaking up at what is a difficult and distressing time for all those who love this Club and the sport of cricket," Patel said.

"It is essential that those who have experienced or witnessed racism, discrimination and abuse are able to come forward to share their experiences.

I have been in touch with Adil personally today so that we can talk through the issues as soon as he is ready and able." (Cricinfo. com)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Barbados to clash with powerhouses India, Australia ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Barbados Women have been drawn in Group A alongside the likes of powerhouses Australia and India for next year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The regional Twenty20 champions will open their campaign against the Aussies on July 29, follow up with a clash against Pakistan two days later before taking on India in their final game on August 3, with all matches set for Edgbaston.

West Indies qualified for the July 29 to August

7 Games by virtue of their International Cricket Council world ranking, but as they represent a cluster of nations, are now allowed to compete at the Games as a single entity.

Barbados captain Hayley Matthews, currently on tour of Pakistan with West Indies Women, said the small Caribbean country welcomed the challenge before them.

“Seeing the groups now shows there’ll be some pretty exciting times ahead,” said Matthews.

“We will definitely be going into the competition

as underdogs but as long as we play the right cricket in England we can definitely create some upsets and we’re looking forward to doing just that.”

Group B will see New Zealand, South Africa and England doing battle against a yet-to-be determined qualifier.

The top two from each group will clash in the semi-finals on August 6, with the final set for 24 hours later. It will be preceded by the bronze medal game.

Barbados qualified to represent West Indies after winBarbados Women cricketers

ning the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze in Guyana two years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the

staging of a domestic women’s tournament since.

The T20 tournament at the Commonwealth Games

next year will mark the first time in 24 years cricket will be played at the multi-discipline showpiece.

VVS Laxman accepts BCCI's offer to become NCA chief

…Kotak, Bahutule part of India A coaching staff for South Africa tour FORMER India batter VVS Laxman has accepted the BCCI offer to take charge as director of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru starting mid-December.

ESPNcricinfo has learned that Laxman accepted the NCA position over the weekend.

He has also informed Sunrisers Hyderabad of his decision to quit as mentor, a role he took on in 2013.

While the BCCI is yet to announce details of Laxman's appointment and tenure, this will be the first time Laxman occupies a position, an influential one, in Indian cricket.

In terms of coaching experience, Laxman, 47, was also a batting consultant for six years at Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which had roped him for the 'Vision 2020' program aimed at tapping and promoting grassroot talent in Bengal.

That role was facilitated by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who was CAB's joint secretary in 2014.

Ganguly has been once again at the forefront, this time as BCCI president, in Laxman's NCA appointment. Laxman became the frontrunner for the NCA lead position which vacated by his former Indian captain and teammate Rahul Dravid,

Teammates then, teammates now: VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly (Getty Images)

who recently took charge as India men's team head coach until 2023 World Cup. As a NCA director, Laxman's primary job will be to create roadmap and pathways for both men's and women's teams in both senior and junior age groups. Laxman will also get the freedom to work in coordination with the selectors to pick and manage India A and Under 19 teams including the appointment of the coaching staff.

Fortunately for Laxman, he takes charge of a well-established structure set up

by Dravid, who put in place education and skill-based programmes not just for the players but also for former players aspiring to be coaches.

For support Laxman will have a band of coaches -

batting, bowling, fielding working alongside him, but the BCCI is yet to announce the names despite having conducted interviews recently for various positions.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has appointed former Saurashtra captain Sitanshu Kotak as the head-cum-batting coach for India A during their tour of South Africa, which will act as a shadow tour for senior Indian team's tour in December-January.

Former Mumbai and India legspinner Sairaj Bahutule will be the India A bowling coach with Shubadeep Ghosh as fielding coach. India A, who will be lead by Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal, play three four-day Tests in Bloemfontein from November 23.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

BCB hosts successful one-day Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy for youths in WestBerbice …local coaches excited at been given opportunities THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday last hosted a one-day cricket academy at the Cotton Tree cricket ground for close to forty youths in the West Berbice area.

The academy is the second of four that would be orgaanised across the county by the board under the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme. The first one-day academy was held on the 7th of November at the Rose Hall Canje ground for youths in the New Amsterdam/Canje area.

BCB’s public relations officer,Simon Naidu, expressed delight at the success of the academy and hailed the hard work of the West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA) in organising the event.

Naidu noted that the hosting of the academies were been done in conjunction with a social skills developmental seminar in each of the four sub

associations.

The BCB, for the first time also used the services of three local cricket coaches in Travis Hardcourt, Shamal Angel and K Sejoc. They were guided during the day by senior coach, Leslie Soloman . The three coaches expressed gratitude to

BCB president, Hilbert Foster for fulfilling his commitment to use local coaches in the area as part of a developmental plan to allow them to grow.

Special emphasis was placed on batting stance, bat grip, running between the wickets, fielding, bowling run

that every potential talent is given the opportunity to excel and follow in the footsteps of Rohan Kanhai and Basil Butcher.

The coaches also used the historic coaching manual published by the BCB, and among the topics covered during the day were mental preparations, attributes of a batsman, ways of dismissals, importance of

discipline and leadership.

Head Coach Leslie Soloman and WBCA president, David Black, led off the field lectures on the different topics. Soloman shared that the vibrant board not only wanted to develop outstanding players on the field but also to produce role model ambassadors for others to emulate.

Cricketers at the academy pose with the coaches

Stephney slams ECB for unaccountability FORMER Essequibo Senior Inter-County captain, Elroy Stephney, is once again hitting out at the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB), citing dishonesty regarding the non-disclosure of the minutes of its Annual General Meeting to verify the body’s legal standing.

According to Stephney, the ECB has been adamant in not co-operating with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in providing the relevant documents including its financial statement in which the Board received millions of dollars in subvention during the past ten years.

“This is a serious situation that requires the ECB to come clean with its constituent members since there is a gross level of uncertainty as to the function and constitutionality of the Board”, he went on.

up, physical fitness and wicket-keeping.

The coaches were also on the lookout for any special talent for recommendation to the Berbice junior selectors for the upcoming inter county under-15 tournament. Foster, who is personally spearheading the organising of the academies, stated that his board was committed to making sure

The elegant left-hander, who is also an accredited CWI Level 11 Coach, disclosed that the Board is seeking to have an Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) this weekend, a move he said should not be supported by the various area committees. “I cannot participate in a process whereby the operations of the ECB have been shrouded in secrecy and illegitimacy for a number of years given that meetings or competitions were seldomly held among the members”.

According to the former all-rounder, the Board is being held hostage and has been crippled by inactivity and much to the detriment of the vast talent of the county’s cricketers. ‘The time has come for a new dispensation and the injection of passion, commitment and a genuine desire among members to

Former Essequibo senior Inter-county captain, Elroy Stephney

fulfil the mandate of the Board, argued Stephney.

Instead, he said that the current situation is a complete failure and should be corrected. Meanwhile, the election of the ECB is constitutionally due in January of 2022 and all eyes will be on the contenders vying for the top post.

Scotland stun Denmark to earn World Cup play-off semi-final SCOTLAND secured a seeded spot in the World Cup play-off semi-finals as goals from John Souttar and Che Adams stunned Denmark in an heroic performance at Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke's Group F runners-up needed at least a point against the runaway leaders to give themselves a chance of a home draw.

But centre-half Souttar headed in his first Scotland game since being sent off in a 2018 defeat by Israel, with striker Adams going clear to settle the home side's nerves after 86 minutes.

Steve Clarke's side had lived dangerously in the closing stages before that breakaway goal secured a sixth competitive victory in succession for the first time since winning six Home Nations matches in a row between March 1928 and February 1930.

It also ended Denmark's

six-game winning run since losing 2-1 to England at the semi-final stage of the Euro 2020 finals this summer and ensured they fell short of ending their qualification campaign with a 100% record.

It was clear Scotland knew what was at stake as, spurred on by a sea of noise from the packed stands, they started off at a frenetic pace.

However, Denmark survived the early pressure to create the first chance after 10 minutes and remind Scotland of their threat.

Midfielder Daniel Wass could only knock Rasmus Kristensen's cross wide off his hip from close range before centre-half Andreas Christensen sent a thundering drive just over from 25 yards.

It took Scotland 23 minutes to fashion their first clear sight at goal as Adams' low drive was denied by a superb Kasper Schmeichel stop, the goalkeeper sending out

a telescopic leg to turn the striker's effort wide.

That reignited the Scots and, after an intense spell of pressure, Liam Cooper headed a John McGinn corner to the back post back into the path of fellow centre-half Souttar to nod past Schmeichel.

A Wass shot deflected off Cooper's heel and just wide of the far post before Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon superbly clawed away striker Andreas Cornelius close-range header either side of the break as Denmark took the game to the home side.

Scotland defended desperately and were dangerous on the break, defender Kieran Tierney's shot come clearance from all of 35 yards clipping the crossbar before substitute Stuart Armstrong picked out Southampton clubmate Adams to curl in the second goal. (BBC Sport)

22

Kane score four as England beat San Marion 10-0 to reach World Cup

Harry Kane's four goals saw him draw level with Gary Lineker on 48 England goals

ENGLAND hit double figures for the first time since 1964 as they secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with embarrassing ease in San Marino.

Harry Kane also racked up the records by scoring four in the first half to go level with Gary Lineker on 48 England goals, additionally setting a new high of 13 for his country in a calendar year as he followed up his hattrick in the 5-0 win against Albania.

Kane became only the fourth player to score a hattrick in consecutive England games after Vivian Woodward, Dixie Dean and Tommy Taylor, and the first to score four since Ian Wright, also against San Marino in 1993.

Harry Maguire's early header set England on their way and Bukayo Saka's shot was deflected in off Filippo Fabri before Kane took centre stage with two penalties and a couple of trademark finishes in the area.

England continued to punish San Marino after the break with Emile Smith Rowe and Tyrone Mings scoring their first international goals with a crisp finish and angled header respectively.

The rout continued with goals from substitute Tammy Abraham and Saka as England hit 10 for the first time since they beat USA 10-0 in New York City in May 1964, and the first time ever in a competitive fixture.

The scoreline again raises

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday November 16, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Charith Asalanka-SL (vs BANG & WI); Adam Zampa-AUSt (vs SL & BANG) (2) 37 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team played a semi-final in the first Men’s T20 World Cup but not in the recent tournament?

(2) Who made ‘golden ducks’ in the recent AUST/ PAK semi-final Men’s T20 World Cup clash?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

questions about the worth of fixtures such as this.

San Marino are ranked 210th out of 210 in the Fifa rankings and the only bonus for their players may be that they can say they shared a pitch with stellar names such as Kane, because otherwise this was simply an exercise in humiliation for a country that has won only one fixture out of 186.

It was a good night for Kane, who made no mistake with penalties given for handball against Dante Rossi, who was later sent off for two yellow cards, and Alessandro D'Addario. He scuffed one finish but showed neat footwork for another, although he was helped by hapless San Marino defending.

Smith Rowe made a good impression in his first England start and deserved his goal, while Conor Gallagher, so impressive on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea, also got on for his first cap.

England's only obstacle was a slightly treacherous surface which meant one of the other aims of the night was ensuring all their players emerged unscathed to return to their clubs.

For England, this was a case of job very comfortably done. Now Southgate can start all the planning in earnest for next year's World Cup as he tries to improve on reaching the semi-final in Russia in 2018.

(BBC SPORT)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

Stead admits NZ are facing a 'tough and challenging' schedule ...They will begin their tour of India with a three-match T20I series in Jaipur, just three days after losing the T20 WC final NEW Zealand are scheduled to face India in the first T20I of a three-match series, in Jaipur, just three days after losing the T20 World Cup final to Australia in Dubai.

New Zealand will then kick off their World Test Championship defence with two games in Kanpur and Mumbai. Gary Stead, the coach of the team, called the schedule "tough and challenging", but there isn't an option.

The Test players, who are not part of the T20I squad, are already in India. The New Zealand support staff will have to juggle with training the Test players in the morning and the T20I group later in the evening while in India.

"It's the first time that I can remember that we're so quickly into another series immediately at the backend of the T20 World Cup," Stead said.

"It's definitely tough and challenging but it is what is in front of us. We've got nine-ten guys in India already, who are preparing for those Test matches, and hopefully we can get up and have a really great performance against India."

Some of New Zealand's players have had a particularly busy time, in bio-bubbles of varying elasticities in the recent past. Ten of New Zea-

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead

land's T20 World Cup squad were part of the IPL too; others like Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham were part of the Hundred prior to that.

Phillips had also turned out for Barbados Royals in CPL 2021. Meanwhile, the likes of Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi have also spent extended periods in the UAE bubble after New Zealand abruptly called off the Pakistan tour in September, citing concerns around security.

During the T20 World Cup, former India T20I captain Virat Kohli had also cautioned against player burnout in trying to "cover up" for cricket lost to Covid-19.

New Zealand will also

have to make a call on their regular captain Kane Williamson, who has been managing an elbow injury, which flared up during the warm-ups ahead of the T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, there is optimism around Lockie Ferguson's return to action on the India tour. Ferguson had been sidelined from the entire T20 World Cup with a calf tear, hours before New Zealand's opener against Pakistan in Sharjah. He has since resumed bowling at the nets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in addition to training with Tommy Simsek, the physio.

"In terms of Lockie, I think he is pretty close," Stead said. "We will just make sure we get over there, travel okay and there's no issues like seizing up on the flight or anything like that.

But I'd expect that he's going to be available for selection, which will be fantastic.

"With all the guys that are going to prepare for the Test matches, we just have to make that call over there - whether we think it's in the best interests of them and also in the best interests of the team being that the Test matches are more of our priority, I think, in the next month than what the T20 matches will be."

(Cricinfo)

CONCACAF World Cup qualification continues with big home dates for Canada, Jamaica MIAMI. - After crossing the halfway point on Friday, FIFA World Cup qualification in the CONCACAF region continues today, as the second half begins with an enthralling slate of four games.

JAMAICA VS. USA The day opens at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica where the Reggae Boyz welcome the United States. Jamaica comes in off the back of a thrilling 1-1 draw with El Salvador on Friday, while the U.S. defeated rival Mexico 2-0 at home.

Jamaica will be in search of its first victory over the North Americans in World Cup qualification since Sept.

7, 2012 when goals from

Rodolph Austin and the late Luton Shelton overcame a Clint Dempsey strike for a 2-1 Jamaica win on the road to Brazil 2014.

The U.S. has won all four meetings in World Cup qualification since, but will need to put in a good showing without two regulars.

DF Miles Robinson is suspended after his red card against El Tricolor, while MF Weston McKennie is out because of yellow card accumulation.

PANAMA VS. EL SALVADOR Panama and El Salvador renew acquaintances at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City after last month’s 1-0 El Salvador victory against the Canaleros

in San Salvador.

Panama rallied from two goal down for a 3-2 victory in Honduras on Friday, while El Salvador fought to the aforementioned 1-1 draw with Jamaica.

The 1-0 El Salvador win in October, thanks to a goal from Enrico Duenas, was the second in a row in World Cup qualification for El Salvador, with Panama’s last victory versus the Cuscatlecos coming in the 2010 cycle COSTA RICA VS. HONDURAS After tasting defeat in their first November match, both Costa Rica and Honduras look to bounce back when they meet at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 16, 2021

GABF praise 3X3 teams for good showing at FIBA AmeriCup tournament …laments the need to play more tournaments in Guyana to boost World Ranking

By Rawle Toney in Miami, Florida (Compliments: National Sports Commission & Guyana Lottery) PATRICK Haynes, General Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), showered Guyana’s male and female teams, with praises for their performance at the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament, which wrapped up on Sunday at Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida.

Guyana’s male team came from Ryan Stephney, Tyrone Hamid, Travis Burnett, and Timothy Thompson.

Spain-based professional, Joy Brown, along with Jada Mohan and Kesann Charles were the country’s women in action.

“Based on the timing that we (GABF) had, the short period for getting players registered and getting all of the required documents, I think we have performed above expectation” Haynes told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview.

Behind a sensational performance from Brown, the Guyanese women were able to top Group C of the qualification round which saw them competing against Jamaica and Guatemala.

Along with Guatemala, Guyana advanced to the tour-

draw, and we’re able to play with any of these teams.

Work needed to play more 3X3 basketball in Guyana, at the club and community level.”

GABF General Secretary, Patrick Haynes

nament’s main draw where they faced Mexico and Chile.

The men’s team, playing in their qualification round against Guatemala and Trinidad and Tobago, narrowly missed out on a spot in the next round.

According to Haynes, “Joy Brown, who was a big spark for the Guyana team, and if not the best female player in the competition; but there’s more work still to be done.”

Though satisfied, the GABF General Secretary said they’re not contented, adding “we will now have to put strategy in place to make sure that (1) we’re not coming into the qualifying draw, but we’re going into the main

PLAYING MORE 3X3 BASKETBALL There has never been a female 3X3 tournament at the senior level in Guyana, with Brown, Mohan and Charles all playing the game’s shortest format for the first time in Miami.

As such, the Guyanese women were ranked 13th, while the men’s side entered as the tournament’s 16th seed.

Haynes reasoned that “one of the things needed to qualify for these events is that the National Federation has to have a national co-ordinator, with access to the back end of the back end, which manages the National team players.”

To help improve Guyana’s FIBA 3X3 ranking, Haynes explained that the GABF will “need to host, the minimum of three events a year, and each event needs to have a minimum of four teams. So, one of the things to get us more points, is to stay active and play regular 3X3 basketball and it’s not just playing the games, but its registering the games and the players and this is now going

Guyana’s male and female teams that took part in the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament

to gather our points…the more players you have, the more competition you have, your ranking goes up. To get into the main draw, you need to be in the top 12 rank.”

Using 3X3 Popularity In 2020, Haynes was named on the newly established FIBA 3X3 Commission, where he’s also the lone Caribbean representative on the body that’s chaired by former NBA great, Andrei Kirilenko, from Russia and Uganda’s Ambrose Tashobya as Deputy Chairman.

Exciting, urban, and innovative, 3X3 is inspired by several forms of streetball

played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport.

It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly city-based FIBA 3X3 World Tour and national-team FIBA 3X3 World and Continental Cups.

After featuring at the Olympics this year in Japan, the format has seen an instant growth and a high demand for the unique balls and other equipment associated with the game.

Asked if the growing popularity of 3X3 basketball can overshadow the conventional 5-v-5 formant, Haynes is of the opinion that “3X3 is more of a grassroots, where it’s bringing the game to the people and not the people coming to the game. So now, we can use this to identify talent, bring the game to the people from Regions 1 – 10, so I see 3X3 supplementing five-v-five basketball.”

When the curtains came down, it was the USA that took home both the men’s and women’s title, with both teams beating Mexico in the finals.

Windies coach, captain back Joshua Da Silva to return to form against Sri Lanka WEST Indies coach Phil Simmons and Captain Kraigg Brathwaite have both backed wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva to return to form during the upcoming twoTest series against Sri Lanka later this month.

In nine Tests, the 23-year-old Trinidadian has scored 372 runs at an average of 23.25 and has two half-centuries to his credit.

He made his debut against New Zealand in Wellington in December 2020, making 57 in the West Indies second innings.

Scores of 42, 20, 92 and 20 followed against Bangladesh in February this year as well as 46 against Sri Lanka in March.

The 42 was made in the first innings of the first Test at Chattogram during a 99-run sixth-wicket stand with Jermaine Blackwood and his second innings 20 was made in a 100-run sixth-wicket stand with Man of the Match Kyle Mayers.

In the second Test at Dhaka, Da Silva made 92 and featured in a sixth-wicket partnership of 88 with Nkrumah Bonner which was followed by a seventh-wicket partnership of 118 with Alzarri Joseph, notwithstanding that latter’s contribution of 71 as the West Indies secured a 2-0 series win.

Since that time, Da Silva’s form has dipped significantly.

West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva

He had scores of 1 and 20 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in March and followed in June with a disastrous series against South Africa against which he had scores of 0, 9, 7 and 0 and then 21, 13, 6 and 15 against Pakistan in August.

However, his form away has been more encouraging averaging 39 while his home average is just under 14.

Asked during a recent press conference, asked whether he was concerned about the form of his wick-

etkeeper, who has played major roles in match-winning partnerships in Bangladesh earlier this year, Simmons said the good news is that Da Silva seems to bat better away than at home.

“A dip like that is always a concern but his away form is a lot better than his home form so we hope that that is not a coincidence and that that is a strength of his, so we are away now and hopefully he lives up to how he started the year. Hopefully, he finishes the year like that,” Simmons said.

Brathwaite, meanwhile, believes Da Silva would see a return to form with the right type of support from the team's leadership.

“He has been doing a

superb job in times before with some very important partnerships. One of the keys to situations like this, for me, is making sure you have good communication with him, just let him know that he can do it, it’s as simple as that and for him to believe in himself,” Brathwaite said.

“I know he is fully capable of doing well. Obviously, we all go through little slumps. We all still learning as players but I think he has been putting in some good work and we look forward to him doing well.”

The first Test begins at the Galle International Stadium on November 21.

(Sportsmax)

The victorious Ariel All Stars team pose with their winnings.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips hands over the winner’s trophy and prize money to Ariel All Stars captain, Brian Mangar.

By Frederick Halley THE fifth annual Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. ended in a blaze of glory at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday night with Prime Minister Mark Phillips declaring that all the 20 participating teams were winners.

PM T20 Softball Cup

Ariel All Stars canter to impressive victory to secure Open title However, Sunday night’s glory solely belonged to Ariel All Stars, who, in a commanding display, defeated Regal All Stars by eight wickets to claim the Open title. The victory thwarted Regal’s quest for two titles following their success in the Legends Over50 category earlier in the day.

Set 130 for victory, after disposing of Regal All Stars for 129, Ariel cantered to an

emphatic win in 11.2 overs as their jubilant supporters celebrated wildly.

Like they did throughout the three-day tournament, the unbeaten Ariel continued their relentless brand of attacking cricket as Regal bowlers were put to the sword.

Regal had an early success when Richard Latiff sent back David Lukenauth (seven) in the fourth over with only 19 on the board.

This paved the way for a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 88 between Shaz Grovesnor and captain Brian Mangar, the two pulverizing the hapless Regal attack to all parts of the fast outfield and smashing them over the ropes.

By the time the fine stand ended at 109 in the 10th over when Mangar departed for a well-played 40, TURN TO PAGE 19 ►

Skipper Taylor hails team batting, downplays personal milestone KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC) – Captain Stafanie Taylor has praised the application of her batting unit following West Indies Women’s clean sweep of Pakistan in their three-match One-Day International Series.

The Caribbean side trounced the hosts by six wickets on Sunday to wrap up an impressive tour, the result coming on the back of a 45-run win in the first ODI and a 37-run victory in the second game last week.

Taylor, who hit an unbeaten hundred in Sunday’s win, hailed the return of Shemaine Campbelle who spent a year out of the side with injury, along with the form of Chedean

West Indies Women after their series win on Sunday.(Photo CWI Media)

Nation and Deandra Dottin.

“It’s really nice to see someone like Campbelle coming back into the squad. She’s been out for a while and the way how she played I think is commendable,” Taylor explained.

“It was really nice to see Chedean get some runs. It’s her first ODI fifty – I didn’t even know that – but the way she batted was brilliant.

“I think it was actually nice for Deandra’s confidence too, getting a hundred. I know she didn’t do as well as she would’ve liked in the last tour, so it was really nice for her

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to get those runs.”

While Campbelle did not get big scores, she featured in key partnerships in both the first and second ODIs, which proved key to West Indies Women putting up winning totals.

Dottin, meanwhile, struck a career-best 132 in the opening match when her side piled up 253 while Nation stroked an unbeaten 51 as the tourists chased down 227 to win the final game.

Taylor, who missed her side’s last outing in the Caribbean when West Indies Women were TURN TO PAGE 19 ► TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021