Issuu

WEDNESDAY 17th November, 2021

' No.106548

Real estate sector ‘ripe’ with 03 opportunities PAGE

–– says Minister Singh as REMAX comes to Guyana

With the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, REMAX has pledged to raise the bar on real estate services in Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

Foreigners shortlisted by PPP/C and APNU+AFC for GECOM CEO post 02 PAGE

Schools to reopen fully after vaccination of children 5 -11 years 08 PAGE

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, met with a team of local entrepreneurs and foreign investors. The Head of State was joined by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop. CEO of Brandt Inc., Rick Brandt, who was one of the foreign investors at the meeting, said that the agriculture market, building infrastructure and energy, including power plants and renewable energy, were among some of the areas discussed. He called the overall meeting “great” and said that the President was very responsive and positive with the developmental ideas. Vice President of Brandt Inc., Mark Powell; President and CEO of Tampa Tank Florida Structural Steel, Corey Yraguen; CEO of Precision Build, David Hemming; CEO of Rev1Energy, Ricky Ehrgott; CEO of Gaico Construction Inc., Komal Singh and Dr Rosh Khan were also part of the meeting (Office of the President photo)

US team excited about investment opportunities in 14 housing, energy, infrastructure sectors PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Foreigners shortlisted by PPP/C and APNU+AFC –– as the race continues for a new Chief Elections Officer THREE foreigners of the 20 applicants who applied to fill the position of Guyana’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO) were all shortlisted by the two main political parties as prospective candidates. When the members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) met on Tuesday, both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) submitted their shortlisted candidates; the names of Leslie Oliver Harrow from Jamaica; Eugene Godfrey Petty from St. Kitts; and Dr. Kurt G. Clarke from Texas, United States appeared on both lists. PPP/C-aligned GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, confirmed that while he and

Manoj Narayan did not submit their lists, their colleague, Bibi Shadick submitted on behalf of the governing party. GECOM’s Information Technology Manager, Aneal Azhar Giddings, along with former Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Pandit Deodat Persaud, and former Public Relations Officer of the GECOM, Vishnu Persaud were also shortlisted by the PPP. It was explained that even though the name Vishnu Persaud appeared at the top of the list, the shortlisted candidates were documented in random order. Persaud was first appointed as GECOM’s PRO in November 2001, after which he applied and was deemed the successful candidate for the Deputy CEO position. He was appointed

to the latter post in 2014, and served for a period of three years, after which his contract was not renewed. When the vacancy for the said position was advertised, Persaud reapplied, and although he scored the highest points for the job, he lost to Roxanne Myers, who is currently facing criminal charges relating to electoral fraud. Ironically, the determining vote choosing Myers over Persaud was cast by the then Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, whose appointment was, in the first place, deemed “flawed” by the Caribbean Court of Justice, forcing him to resign. A probe conducted by the Ethnic Relations Commission found that Persaud was indeed the most qualified

Sase Gunraj, PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner candidate to fill the Deputy CEO position at GECOM, and Patterson’s failure to produce evidence to back his claims of Persaud’s alleged incompetence was discredited by the ERC. Nonetheless, it would appear as though the APNU+AFC Coalition is not in favour of having any locals be put in charge of the local elections, since their list only contained the names of the foreign nationals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Real estate sector ‘ripe’ with opportunities –– says Minister Singh as REMAX comes to Guyana By Rehana Ahamad

HAVING launched its Guyana operations on Tuesday evening, Real Estate Maximums (REMAX) can now boast of being in every country in South America, ac-

handled in keeping with international best practices. This means that once a person wants REMAX to handle the sale of their property, they will be made to sign contractual agreements to ensure that the transaction is handled

With the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, REMAX has pledged to raise the bar on real estate services in Guyana

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh cording to Canada-based Guyanese businessmen, Hemant and Shiv Misir, who founded REMAX Guyana. At an official launch at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, Shiv Misir said that in addition to providing world class real estate services, REMAX Guyana also intends to provide training for agents operating in Guyana. Misir said that even though REMAX is eager to set up shop in Guyana, it recognises the fact that the local real estate market functions in a relatively ad hoc manner. “One of the key things is that Guyana doesn’t have a real estate board… you want to market your property, you tell everybody that you know,” Misir said, drawing reference to the Guyanese real estate culture. He noted that with REMAX’s Guyana operations, all cases will be

professionally. “That’s one area that needs immediate attention; contractual agreements… having a contract will allow you, as a seller, as a client, to get representation and have the confidence that ‘hey, I can leave everything in the hands of this person’…and [that they would] have the best interest of the client,” Misir reasoned. He said that once REMAX is settled in the City, efforts would be made to ensure that the company is able to recruit and train other franchise holders who can operate REMAX branches across various regions of Guyana. Speaking at the launch, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, offered his congratulations to REMAX Guyana, saying that the company is entering the Guyana market at a time when the real estate

sector is “very, very ripe” with opportunities. “You are entering the market at a time when there is more activity happening in the real estate space than ever before in the history of our country,” Dr. Singh said. Reflecting on Guyana’s position as a budding investment hub, Minister Singh said that REMAX’s entry comes as no surprise since the country continues to attract the attention of large investors from all parts of the world. WELL-POSITIONED The minister said that with Guyana’s continued growth, REMAX is well-positioned to be able to create a niche for itself. “At the premium end of the market; at the corporate end of the market, world-class international companies [are] waiting for office space; looking for residential accommodation for their top-tier executives, there is a huge opportunity there,” Dr. Singh highlighted. Meanwhile, in extending his congratulations to

the company, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal reminded that REMAX also has a responsibility to deliver services of a high standard. He also encouraged the Guyanese businessmen to play their part in marketing Guyana as not only an investment hub, but as being ready to accommodate Guyanese in the diaspora who want to return home and help to further build Guyana. Croal also pointed to the importance of international companies coming to Guyana not to “take up a single space”, but to collaborate with locals in building lucrative markets. The Housing Minister also pointed to the fact that REMAX is coming to Guyana at a time when the construction industry’s boom has increased by some 25 per cent even amid a global pandemic. “…not only government, but private sector,” Croal asserted. Similar sentiments were also shared by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said that REMAX’s investment in Guyana is a clear demonstration of the company’s confidence in Guyana. She said that once the company is dedicated to its work, making the requisite investments and practising patience, success will come. She also congratulated the Guyanese businessmen for choosing to invest in

their homeland, and for their commitment to “raising the bar”. “You have a partner in our government,” Rodrigues assured. Also attending the launch were India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa; Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Charandass Persaud; and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bishops’ alumna admitted to the bar

IT was the hard work and sacrifices of her single-parent mother that allowed Thalia Karina

Thompson to pursue her dream of becoming an attorney. On Tuesday, she was

Attorney-at-law Thalia Karina Thompson (Delano Williams photo)

Wednesday, 17 November 13:30hrs - 15:00hrs

admitted to the local bar by Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George, and can now practise law in Guyana. Her petition was presented to the Demerara High Court by prominent attorney-at-law, Teni Housty. During a brief address to the court, Housty encouraged the 26-yearold attorney to “blaze the trail” of pioneering female jurists in Guyana and the Caribbean. Recently, former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Justice Désirée Bernard and the late Iris de Freitas Brazao and Gladys Ramsarran – both born in British Guiana -- were recognised by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law as pioneering Caribbean women jurists. Housty encouraged the young attorney to continue “breaking the glass ceiling” as she advances in her career. Thompson graduated from The Bishops’ High School in 2012. In 2019, she graduated from the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus with a Bachelor of Law degree. Later that year, she commenced the first ac-

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George and attorney-at-law Thalia Karina Thompson (Delano Williams photo) ademic year of the twoyear course of studies, assignments, examinations and practical training for her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad. Finally, in September 2021, the young lawyer was awarded her legal certification. The Chief Justice, who is a Bishops’ alumna her-

self, explained that Justice Bernard has blazed a trail that has allowed female jurists to follow in her footsteps. Using a piece of advice which was given by Justice Barnard, the Chief Justice told Thompson to, “ always be committed to excellence.” It was a sentimental moment for Thompson when she addressed the court for the first time as an attorney; she said that her journey was possible with hard work and determination. She said that her mother was a pillar of strength. “My mother raised me as a single parent. She was a nursery school teacher. Somehow she managed to do it all on her own and still managed to be my rock, my inspiration and main motivator. It is

because of her that I’m here today…I saw my mother work so hard and it encouraged me to excel academically,” the young attorney said. It was her desire for excellence that landed her among the top 25 to attend the HWLS. She was able to secure a government scholarship and would later rank at number five at the end of the two-year programme She explained, “Indeed the journey doesn’t end here for this is only the beginning.” Thompson also paid special homage to her alma mater, The Bishops’ High School, saying that she prided herself in its Motto: “Labor omnia vincit”, which, in Latin means: ‘Hard work conquers all’.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Celebrating 45 years of nursery education

THE Ministry of Education (MoE), on Tuesday, celebrated 45 years of nursery education in Guyana with a National Play Symposium, where it was emphasised that play is a fundamental right of every child, and a useful teaching tool to help children learn in practical environments. Held under the theme “Revisiting Play in the Nursery School System in Guyana: Opportunities for Inclusion and Responsive Programming“, the one-day event was a collaboration between the MoE and the University of Guyana (UG). In delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, noted that celebrating this milestone, at a time when the ministry is undergoing a number of new developments and advances, makes it fitting to analyse some of the accomplishments and pitfalls of the public education system. The minister related that the public nursery school education system in Guyana has seen some of its biggest developments over the past 15 years, particularly as it pertains to the development of native resources for children at this level. “About 12 years ago we had not yet even had our own text. We were taking a serious licking from the private schools who were using the Abeka or Jolly Phonics series, extremely expensive packages. We developed our own series consciously and strategically called it the Roraima Readers where every child was able to get their own reader, workbook, diagnostic assessment,” she told the gathering. However, where it concerns the strategic involvement of play as a teaching tool, the nursery curriculum has moved away from this, something the ministry hopes to rectify. “We started nursery education to socialise our children and engage them through play 45 years ago. Somehow that became a very concentrated academic programme where we lost the play and the benefits of play, where we are looking to see how much you can read and write and how much science and social studies you know at six-years-old without understanding that the incorporation of play might have more value in the imparting

A display of some of the resources teachers could use to incorporate play into their teaching methods Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand of that knowledge that we need,” Minister Manickchand noted. She revealed that greater incorporation of play into the nursery curriculum, is parcel to a wider curriculum revision across several levels, which will also see new curricula being introduced to the first four grade levels from September 2022. UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohammed-Martin, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of play to the development of a child. “In our culture when we tell parents about play, they might be saying that’s not what you go to school for, that’s what you do in the break. [But] play is about production of behaviours, personality, freedoms, autonomy, individualism, respect

of a child’s culture, circumstances and ability to develop autonomy in the education space and figure out how to make things fun, memorable and how most importantly to make learning applicable to what they know and can relate to at their development stage,” she said. Meanwhile, UNICEF Resident Representative, Dr. Nicholas Pron, delivered remarks virtually. He congratulated the MoE for bringing greater focus to the acceleration of play as a strategy in the nursery school system. “It is indeed a fitting way to celebrate 45 years of nursery education in Guyana. This inclusion of play is an important pillar of the learning process which brings to the fore one critical contribution to the fulfillment of the Convention on the Rights of the Child as articulated in Article 31. The right for every child to rest, recreational activity, and to participate

freely in cultural life and the arts.” he said. Pron added: “It is with great pleasure and optimism that I state that the symposium is an articulation of the ministry’s thrust to take action.” Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Samantha Williams said that it is im-

Some of those in attendance at Tuesday’s symposium portant that the ministry take years later, we, now in 2021, time to reflect on how far the celebrate with pride and development of nursery edu- magnificence, a period of cation in Guyana has come. time for which we must en“Forty-five years ago, gage in some reminiscent,” the Guyana nursery educa- Williams said. Also in attendance tion was birthed with spaces for children regardless of were Chief Education Oftheir religion, sex or so- ficer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, cioeconomic status. A pro- nursery school head teachgramme where reading and ers, field officers, district writing through play were officers and other educathe main thrust. Forty-five tion officials.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Giving credit where it is due GUYANA has reached a significant milestone in its fight against the deadly COVID-19 virus. According to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, 51 per cent of the adult population is now fully vaccinated. This is indeed good news and full credit must be given to all those who played their part in ensuring that the vaccines were administered, despite significant levels of vaccine resistance. The statistics are even more encouraging when consideration is taken of the fact that over 391,521 adults have already received their second doses, representing some 76.3 per cent of that age cohort. These figures do not compare badly with several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean where just around 37 per cent of the adult

population has been fully vaccinated, according to recent data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). In fact, there are several countries in the developed world, along with a few States in the USA where less than 50 per cent of the adult population are still to be fully vaccinated. Part of the difficulty has to do with the overall lack of vaccine availability, and according to Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the situation is particularly severe in some countries in the region where under 10 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated. Indeed, we are fortunate to have a government that has literally been going out of its way to ensure that vaccines are procured in adequate supplies. In the words of President, Dr.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, his government's only focus is on protecting the health of Guyanese. Towards that end, all possible avenues were explored to source the vaccines. According to the President, vaccine inequality continues to remain a major stumbling block in the fight against the virus and he made a passionate plea during his address to the United Nations General Assembly for the richer countries to do more to make supplies available to the poorer nations. Now that Guyana is inching its way towards herd immunity, greater emphasis is now placed on the immunisation of the younger cohort of the population, namely the 12 to 17 age group. Already 28,345 or 38.9 per cent of that group have received their first doses of the

vaccines while 19, 536 or 26.8 per cent received their second shot. Encouraging as these numbers may be, there is no reason for complacency and, as the Health Minister has pointed out, there are still significant regional variations in terms of uptake levels with Region 10 lagging behind the most with just around 22.3 per cent of the fully vaccinated age cohort. That situation resulted, in large measure, from the strong opposition to vaccine mandates by the opposition APNU+AFC Coalition and their political cohorts in the trade union movement, especially the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). Fortunately, there is evidence that the population is becoming much more receptive to the call by the Health Ministry

for persons to be vaccinated, and Region Four, which at one stage was lagging behind, has now surged ahead of several other regions in terms of uptake level which is a major contributory factor to the country now surpassing the 50 per cent fully vaccinated benchmark. It is now for other regions to come fully on board if we are to, as it were, break the back of this pandemic within the shortest possible time. The proactive measures taken by the Health Ministry coupled with the several policy interventions taken by the PPP/C administration to enforce compliance with statutory COVID-19 guidelines have certainly paid dividends and there are already some indications of a slowdown in infection rates. This, however, is no reason for complacency, and it is impera-

tive for those who still remain unvaccinated to ensure that they take their vaccination shots as a matter of grave urgency. The government, for its part, is doing its best to make an adequate supply of the vaccines available to the population, something which still remains a challenge for several other countries in the world. And while there is no reason for us to celebrate given the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 virus and its ability to mutate to other variants, we must give credit where it is due: to the countless number of health professionals who have worked tirelessly and beyond the normal call of duty to ensure that the wider citizenry are protected against the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.

Winston Jordan’s thinking is alien to facts, stranger to reality Dear Editor, I SOMETIMES look at this programme ‘Plain Talk’, a programme that is at times very insightful as it discusses political and topical issues. It is hosted by Christopher Ram. I have noticed that recently the host has been speaking to a number of members of the past government (APNU+AFC) and what is quite amusing is that some of them who are speaking now have been failures at their jobs yet think that we the members of the public have somehow forgotten and therefore will listen to their supposed ‘advice’ now. Anyhow, I watched some of the episodes as they provoked much laughter and irony. I decided to watch as Youtube led me to an older episode of August 16, after watching recent ones and I couldn’t help but roll up with laughter. Appearing as a guest was former Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan. At first the conversation was quite interesting as the former minister explained how he

was an ‘independent’ person in government and was never even a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) nor held a party card but became the finance minister nevertheless. Listening to this, I felt a sense of hope for us young people as I had no idea before that Mr. Jordan was just a regular professional who became a minister. He went on to relate how democracy should be and how the two main parties have long had a history of the head being in full control and Cabinet members or committee members usually having to go by all the ideas of the leader and even sometimes not say anything. He sounded like a person who despised such a style as he even noted how the style of democracy is only shown close to election time and that he enjoyed his independent status in the party being able to express himself to former President Granger (not labelled as AFC nor APNU) and share ideas and advice. All was going well to

a regular young listener like myself in the year 2021 until the host asked Mr. Jordan about his thoughts on the no-confidence motion and the 2020 elections. Shockingly, and in stark contrast to what he said earlier, Mr. Jordan then switched gears to describe how Charrandass Persaud’s no-confidence vote damaged race relations as he said and I quote, “after the no-confidence motion, you lost that innocence so to speak you know and if I were an East Indian in the party I would have felt bad because seeing that it is an East Indian who did it, I would assume that everybody would be looking to every one of them you know and I would begin to question my role there.” I could not believe my ears as no mention was made of the downward spiralling of race relations since his government took office. He seemed to have linked this all to the time of the no-confidence motion. I started to wonder what in the world I was listening to in a

land of six people and in the year 2021. I suggest to Mr. Jordan that he seriously re-listen to what he said on that programme and realise how racist it sounds. A man who had only earlier gleefully described how he exercised his democratic right (democratic principles and being able to speak out as the ‘Jordanite’ the former President called him, for which he said he enjoyed and what the country should really move toward practising-more independence) was soon afterward, describing another Guyanese who exercised the same right simply by his race. Mr. Jordan, if he is reading this letter, surely knows very well how obnoxious and racist such a statement was. The no-confidence motion was simply a matter of a man exercising his democratic right the same way he enjoyed his to say whatever he felt like as minister if he is even being truthful. He (Charrandass) could have been of any race and no, no right-thinking Guyanese would have felt

bad (I dare say except a racist person not thinking about the well-being of his/her country) but felt good that someone was brave and independent enough to do what he did and who represented a constituent and decided to represent it with all of his heart because at the end of the day, just like Jordan now enjoys time at home speaking to his neighbours on the ground and being ordinary, the other man had an ordinary life and people to answer to as well. What Jordan said therefore was shameless. If neither he nor his party did not understand or even saw the no-confidence motion coming, then it highlights how much they didn’t care and were in their own haughty and dictatorship world. They failed to see the suffering of the people on the ground, the suffering of the thousands of sugar workers his government dismissed, the cases of suicide, the joblessness and helplessness and the anguish Charrandass felt having to sit there knowing that people were suffering as

Jordan sat and even helped to craft and implement more tax increases on the public as finance minister. And that is another thing. Jordan said in his interview that he wishes the Constitution was scrapped as it made no sense and gives much immunity to a President with a President having to pay no taxes for the rest of his life and the young people paying taxes once they earn $65,000 or more describing how ridiculous it is and how we are a poor country and can’t afford it nor afford to treat Presidents in that manner. Yet, it was Jordan and his government who increased the tax burden on all citizens by adding more taxes as well as helping to largely and proudly increase his own colleagues’ salaries without a care in the world for Guyana being a poor country and its citizens not being able to afford it. The interview was laughable and full of contradictions. Where was this independent Turn to Page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has carefully reviewed some items that have appeared in sections of the electronic media, extensively quoting from a letter penned by Mr. Carl Greenidge to His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The Ministry wishes to state that the portfolio of Agent in litigation of inter-State disputes before international courts and tribunal are normally held by the serving minister responsible for foreign affairs. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had made it clear in its Manifesto that should it be elected to office, it will ensure full inclusivity in the case that the Co-operative Republic of Guyana took to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The portfolio of Agent requires no special expertise in law, since the advocates and counsels contracted are responsible for the preparation of the written and oral

pleadings of Guyana. The Agent’s role is to ensure that there are administrative linkages between Guyana, its international lawyers, and the International Court of Justice, and to be the liaison between the Government and the international legal team on the policy and substantive issues being addressed by that team. The Agent does not act independently of the Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, or the other members of the local team. He reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and is supported by two Co-Agents representing Guyana. They are Sir Shridath Ramphal, and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Ministry wishes to state that the Hon. Minister Hugh Todd recognised that the local team previously assembled under the APNU+AFC administration did not include some key

persons who have years of professional knowledge on the Guyana/Venezuela controversy. His Excellency, Ambassador Keith George, who served as Head of the Frontiers Department for 12 years prior to being appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, and who spent the past 21 years on matters related to Guyana’s land and maritime boundaries, was excluded. Ambassador George is well recognised for the integral role he played in the years leading up to, and ending with the arbitration that delimited the maritime boundary with the Republic of Suriname. Ms. Donnette Streete, who has 14 years of experience in the Frontiers Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and is the Department’s current Director was not fully involved in the matter. Ms. Trishala Persaud, who served as Head of the Legal and Treaties Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation before being posted to

Winston Jordan’s thinking...

From Page 6 voice you had in the former government, Mr. Jordan? How come you did not suggest that the ‘poor’ citizens should not be burdened further? Oh wait! Is it because you do not really admire democracy? Is it because you only want it for yourself but not for others? The impression given when one listens to that entire interview was that your real admiration is for dictatorship, especially with the description of how a no-confidence motion would have never happened under someone like Burnham. Yes, the same Jordan then said that the no-confidence motion would never have occurred, 65 members would not have even been in the Parliament that day and that the Speaker could never have passed such a motion. What would have happened to them, Mr. Jordan? Would they have been annihilated? Disappeared? Car-

bombed like what occurred with Walter Rodney? What would have happened to the Speaker? But young intelligent Guyanese can actually explain to Jordan what happened the day of the NCM and why he never imagined a no confidence motion being successful, even after his own party Coalition had called for the same in 2014. He was living in his ‘Burnham’ dream of dictatorship, forgot that the country was never going back to that period, that they only had a slim majority of one seat and so never imagined that others were living in a democracy so he would have never seen nor imagined what was coming, nor was he listening to the cries of the people suffering. Jordan did not care then. The same 33 being the majority of 65 that he felt was not the right figure as stated in the interview, was what was used all along as his

government passed bills in the National Assembly, so it worked quite fine then. And as to the last part of Jordan’s ramblings -- his claim that he thought the Exxon Bonus was a gift while trying to hide it from the public while in government and now switching gears that he ‘did not get a signing bonus’ and that it was the Exxon Negotiator who misled… this is all documented in history for all to see how quickly he contradicts himself and his misinformation. Hopefully, Mr. Jordan continues to enjoy his freedom and independence as an ordinary citizen because someone with his failed record and thought-capacity should never be in charge in this country again. He is spineless and shameless. Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, was also not fully involved in the matter. Several other persons with great knowledge of the boundaries of Guyana, because of their background in the security services of Guyana, were not invited to provide their inputs. The singular objective of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is to ensure that all available local expertise, specialist and technical support and assistance are made available to Guyana’s international legal team in order for them to access, with ease, the best possible sources of information, experience and ideas on the matter before the Interna-

tional Court of Justice. None of those persons joined the local team at their own bidding. They were each identified and invited by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to lend their support to this preeminent national effort, and their involvement has the full support of His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The Ministry wishes to make it clear that the discussions referred to in the letter quoted in the electronic media were not about the case before the International Court of Justice. There was, therefore, never any reason to question the competence of the international team of lawyers who are not only

held in extremely high esteem, but also are regarded as the best that can be put together to represent Guyana’s interests. The Ministry wishes to further state that the timing of the publication of the letter, purportedly penned by Mr. Greenidge, is peculiar, since the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation convened a meeting today (Tuesday 16 November) with Mr. Greenidge, at which Mr. Ralph Ramkarran and Mr. Robert Persaud, Foreign Secretary of the Ministry, were also present. That meeting was quite cordial, and focused on the issues being addressed before the International Court of Justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Schools to reopen fully after vaccination of children 5 -11 years --says Minister Manickchand

THE administering of the COVID-19 vaccine to children five to 11 years is expected to commence on Friday, and when it has been sufficiently rolled out across the country, public schools will be fully reopened at all levels. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, in making this disclosure on Tuesday, estimated that this full reopening could happen as soon as next term. “I don't think an entire term will pass with us staying home and being out of school. And so, it is important that if the vaccine is available to you, that you avail yourself of it,” Minister Manickchand said, adding: “On Friday, the Ministry of Health is going to launch the 5 - 11 campaign for vaccination. That means that the Pfizer vaccine, properly measured, will be offered to all children across the country. We are giving the appropriate time to allow everyone to get that vaccine. Once the time has passed, we are going back

into schools.” The minister was at the time making remarks at a “National Play Symposium” held at the Pegasus Hotel in celebration of Guyana’s 45th Anniversary of Nursery Education. Noting that “hard decisions will have to be made”, she warned that it is doubtful that COVID-19 will ever fully go away. She said that with vaccination offering a high level of protection against adverse effects of the virus, and most of the population now being able to be inoculated, it would be as safe as it could be for learners to return to school. “COVID is going nowhere; it is going to be here with us like polio, malaria, and the common flu, and we are probably not going to get 100 per cent vaccination, so hard decisions will have to be made,” Minister Manickchand said. She said that while vaccination remains voluntary, those who choose not to get vaccinated will have to live with the consequences of their choice, as Guyana

and the rest of the world move towards the postCOVID-19 era. “Right now, every person 12 years and older can access a vaccine in this country for free. At this stage, anyone not getting the vaccine is someone choosing not to get the vaccine, and the government has been very clear: We are not holding you down and putting shots in your arm. It remains a choice, but choices will have consequences. We are not going to be able to stay home anymore; so, shortly, this country will resume full normalcy in the classroom,” she declared. Minister Manickchand highlighted the lengths to which the government has gone to ensure that citizens feel as comfortable as possible about the vaccination, by making a diverse range of COVID-19 vaccines available free of charge. Currently in Guyana, the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine is available to persons aged 12 to 18 years old, while the Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Astrazeneca, and Johnson and

which started in September. Prior to this, schools were closed for a lengthy period, and learners were exposed to virtual learning. Schools in Guyana had first closed their doors in March 2020, as a result of measures implemented by the government to curb the spread of the virus. The closure and the subsequent partial reopening of school has severely affected education delivery in Guyana. Manickchand stressed that the need for schools returning to the customary face-to-face sessions has become imperative. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand “Normalcy is no longer Johnson are available to all doors will be reopened. a clichéd word; normalcy persons 18 years and above. “Trying to introduce now means the difference F e w c o u n t r i e s a r e any new measure into any between a child being able believed to have such a system to see effectiveness, to access higher education wide range of COVID-19 we can't do it Online, effecand not. It's the difference vaccines available to its tively. We can’t do it with population free of cost. As a one-day attendance, [or] between your child being such, Manickchand said with two hours per day, able to succeed and be betshe believe that enough is two days per week effec- ter than you are, and not,” being done to ensure the tively. While there was a she said, adding: “So, harsh decisions protection of Guyana’s pop- dream and longing prior to will be taken; harsh to ulation. ‘COVID’ about teaching you, but beneficial to our During her remarks, the Online and using technolochildren, because whatminister explained that the gy, we know that, for sure, ever we do has to be in current state of the par- it can’t be the sole means the best interest of the tial reopening of schools of delivering education, children of this country. is severely hampering the because it is not effective,” ministry’s roll out of several Minister Manickchand said. We are certain, here todevelopments in education, Public schools in Guy- day, that it is not in our and as such when the vacci- ana are currently using cus- children’s best interest to nation is completed, school tomised rotational openings, stay home.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Every child in need should get healthy meal in school -- UN agencies back this bold plan and its actualisation by 2030

UNITED Nations agencies have announced their strong support for an international coalition intended to rapidly improve the nutrition, health and education of school-age children around the world following pandemic-driven school closures. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused extensive disruption to schools and education worldwide and millions of children were unable to get their school meals or benefit from school-based health and nutrition services such as de-worming, vaccination and psycho-social support. Globally, more than 150 million children are still missing out on meals and essential health and nutrition services. In a joint declaration, five agencies committed to assisting the School Meals Coali-

tion, a grouping of more than 60 countries led by France and Finland, whose vision is to give every child in need the opportunity to receive a nutritious meal in school by 2030. The coalition is also committed to ‘smart’ school meals programmes, which combine regular meals in school with complementary health and nutrition interventions for children’s growth and learning. “School health and nutrition programmes are impactful interventions to support schoolchildren and adolescents’ growth and development,” the UN agencies’ leaders said in their declaration. “They can help to combat child poverty, hunger and malnutrition in all its forms. They attract children to school and support children’s learning, and long-term health and

Lunchtime at a school in Guatemala. The food is sourced from local farmers through a FAO project (FAO photo) well-being.” School children are not the only ones who benefit. The leaders of the five agencies noted that school meals can serve as “springboards” for food system transformation. Where possible, they can use locally grown food,

supporting national and local markets and food systems, improving opportunities for small-holder farmers and local catering businesses, many led by women. These programmes can contribute to the achievement of at least seven of the SDGs.

Each of the five UN agencies -- the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) -- will bring a specific set of expertise to the coalition. More than 50 partners, including NGOs, civil society, foundations and other organisations have said they will also provide support. “FAO is fully committed to supporting members through the Global School Meals Coalition. It comes at a critical time to safeguard children’s access to nutritious foods and life skills, as well as for supporting local community development and agri-food systems transformation,” declared QU Dongyu,

Director-General of FAO. The coalition will work to restore the school meals and other health and nutrition programmes that were in place before the COVID-19 pandemic, expand these to reach 73 million children who were not covered before COVID, and raise their quality in part by establishing standards and linking them to local food production where possible. In their declaration of support, the leaders of the five UN agencies committed to work with governments to achieve the coalition’s goals, providing technical and operational support where it was needed, as well as advocating for funding and helping gather better data about the impact of school health and nutrition programmes. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Health Minister: Young people not fully vaccinated could be a problem WHILE Guyana continues to show promising numbers for vaccination, the numbers are higher for persons who have taken their first dose than their second dose. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday encouraged young people between the ages of 18 and 39 years to present themselves for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The only vaccine that is one dose only is the Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Those persons who are not fully vaccinated, Dr. Anthony said, are part of the workforce, and are very active, and in some cases are

going to parties and hanging out in bars. “They are at risk, because you wouldn’t know who would be around you, and if they have COVID or not,” Dr. Anthony said. It should be noted that while the vaccine does not prevent someone from contracting COVID-19, it does reduce the chance of death, if someone were to become severely ill with the virus. Also, persons who receive vaccines must still continue to wash or sanitise their hands regularly, wear their masks, and practise physical distancing, in keeping with national and international prevention guidelines. While there are some persons who have complained of not having ad-

equate access to vaccines, including for travel purposes, the Health Minister said there has been an issue in the past where mobile vaccination teams have been rejected in some communities. “We have tried to engage leaders in some of these communities to talk to them about the importance of the vaccination programme, and how this is going to protect them,” Dr. Anthony said. This has yielded results in some cases, but there is still resistance in others. Dr. Anthony said there are currently 100 fixed vaccination sites being operated in every administrative region in Guyana, and the work of these sites is further supported by mobile teams

conducting vaccinations in various communities. “We have gone almost to every community in Guyana,” the Health Minister said. Turning his attention to the Guyana-Brazil border, the crossing of which, it was recently announced, will now be open from Mondays to Fridays, Dr. Anthony said it has always been the case that persons travelling from Brazil to Guyana must present evidence of vaccination, and a negative PCR or Antigen test. This will continue. In a breakdown of the vaccination numbers per age group, the Health Minister said 79 per cent of people ages 60 and over have received their first vaccine, while 66.2 per cent have

received their second dose. For people aged 40 to 59 years, 76.7 per cent of them have received their first dose, while 56.9 per cent have received their second dose. In the 18 to 39 years category, which presents some challenges for the authorities, 72.5 per cent of them have received their first dose, while 43.7 per cent have received their second dose. For young adolescents and teenagers aged 12 to 17 years, 39 per cent of them have received their first dose, while 26.9 per cent have received their second dose. “We are doing 500 vaccines or so per day in this age group, so we need

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to raise this,” the Health Minister said. He remains hopeful that the vaccination numbers will increase over the coming weeks and months for these younger, more active groups.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Xi Jinping: China and US should respect each other, coexist in peace, pursue win-win cooperation, and manage domestic affairs well while shouldering international responsibilities PRESIDENT Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden in Beijing on the morning of 16 November, 2021. At that meeting, Xi pointed out that both China and the US are at critical stages of development, and the “global village” of humanity faces multiple challenges. He impressed upon President Biden that as the world’s two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security

President Xi Jinping meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden via video link in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 16, 2021 (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Council, China and the US need to increase communication and cooperation, each

run their domestic affairs well, and at the same time shoulder their share of inter-

Efficient use of energy key to carbon goal

national responsibilities, and work together to advance the noble cause of world peace

and development. This, he said, is the shared desire of the people of the two countries and around the world, and the joint mission of Chinese and American leaders. Xi stressed that a sound and steady China-US relationship is required for advancing the two countries’ respective development, and for safeguarding a peaceful and stable international environment, including finding effective responses to global challenges such as climate

change, and the COVID-19 pandemic. China and the US, he said, should respect each other, coexist in peace, and pursue win-win cooperation. Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Biden to build consensus, and take active steps to move China-US relations forward in a positive direction, as doing so will advance the interests of the two peoples, and meet the expectation of the international community.

–– growing demand makes minimising coal consumption more difficult By Hou Liqiang UNLIKE major developed nations, China, the world’s largest emerging market, is expected to see continuous growth in energy demand as it strives to go carbon-neutral before 2060. Even though new energy development has been robust, there is still plenty of room for further growth, making it essential for the country to promote energy conservation as it speeds up such development, experts say. Only in that way can China minimise its coal consumption while meeting the growing demand for energy, and see its carbon dioxide emissions peak as soon as possible, they say. They made the remarks following the State Council Information Office’s recent publication of a document detailing the country’s low-carbon transition achievements. Unveiled on October 27, and titled “Responding to Climate Change: China’s Policies and Actions”, the white paper noted a rapid reduction in the country’s energy consumption per unit of GDP. “Preliminary calculations show that the reduction from 2011 to 2020 reached 28.7

per cent, one of the fastest in the world,” it said. From 2016 to 2020, China fueled an average annual economic growth of 5.7 per cent, with average annual energy consumption growth of 2.8 per cent, it said. “The amount of energy it saved accounted for about half the global energy savings in the same period,” the white paper said. China has been ranked among the leading countries in the efficiency of its coalfired power generation units, it said. Compared with 2010, carbon dioxide emissions in the country’s coal-fired power generation sector last year were down by 370 million metric tons. Sixteen mandatory energy consumption quota standards were issued in the country between 2016 and 2020, helping it achieve annual energy savings of 77 million tons of standard coal, equivalent to 148 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Teng Fei, deputy director of Tsinghua University’s Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, said work to enhance energy efficiency will play an important role as China forges ahead to meet its climate targets. He said the country

needs a comparatively stable low-carbon transition to not only honour its commitments, but to also ensure energy security, and guarantee power supply. China plans to rigidly control the growth of coal consumption from 2021 to 2025, and gradually reduce consumption in the following five years. The design of the plans is in line with a stable transition, Teng said. The development of renewable energy in the country is not yet robust enough to address its still growing energy demand, he added, making it necessary to consume coal or other fossil fuels to fill the gap. Teng said enhanced efficiency in coal consumption and energy conservation could help minimise the gap, and make carbon dioxide emissions peak earlier. Following consistent efforts, China has seen its coal consumption efficiency almost reach the highest level in the world. “But it will be increasingly difficult for the country to reduce coal consumption by further improving the efficiency,” he said. Teng said, however, that there is still potential to enhance energy efficiency in

Wind turbines in Rong’an County, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, are examples of the nation’s progress in creating cleaner energy (Tan Kaixing for China Daily) some other sectors. China still has the potential to increase the energy efficiency of home appliances by 30 per cent. Another feasible option to further reduce electricity consumption is to optimise its industrial structures by reducing the size of its heavy and chemical industries, he said. Pan Jiahua, director of the Institute for Urban and Environmental Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that with the proportion of coal in its total energy consumption mix more than twice the world’s average, China is confronted with a much more complicated situation in phasing out coal consumption than developed nations.

In some countries in the European Union, the proportion is insignificant, or even close to zero. “Relatively speaking, it’s much easier for them to phase out coal,” he said. Pan said that against the backdrop of its special situation, China has resorted to a multipronged approach in the management of coal consumption, with enhancing energy efficiency a key part of it. He said China has been weeding out smaller coalfired power plants, so that high-efficiency ones can play a full role in meeting demand for socioeconomic development. Pan also stressed the importance of avoiding a onesize-fits-all approach as the

country strives to control total coal consumption, and phase out coal-fired power plants, the other two components in the multipronged approach. The phasing out of coalfired power plants cannot happen overnight, and should be rolled out in an orderly manner, he said. Priority should be given to phasing out outdated capacity and excess capacity in some regions, while more leeway should be given to plants with high levels of efficiency. “The country aims to realise carbon neutrality before 2060,” Pan said. “We must not act with undue haste, or be overanxious for quick results.” (China Daily)

CPC releases key resolution to embark on another 100 years of endeavours THE Communist Party of China (CPC) on Tuesday issued a landmark resolution on major achievements and historical experience of the Party’s endeavours over the past 100 years. The document was adopt-

ed at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, held in Beijing from November 8 to 11. It is only the third resolution of its kind in the Party’s 100-year history; the first was in 1945 before the vic-

tory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, while the second was in 1981 with the advent of the reform and opening-up drive. The resolution, with a total of over 36,000 Chinese characters, reviewed

the Party’s history since its founding in 1921, covering the periods of the new democratic revolution, socialist revolution and construction, reform and opening-up and socialist modernisation, and a new

era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In particular, it focused on the efforts and achievements made by the CPC in the new era, following its 18th National Congress in 2012.

It also summarised the historical significance and experience of the Party’s endeavours during the past 100 years, and called for further efforts to realise the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. (CGTN)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Soldiers benefit from ‘Life Skill’ workshop THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has commenced a series of ‘Life Skill’ workshops aimed at fostering personal development for troops. The workshops will be held at the force’s main bases as part of anniversary celebrations. So far, workshops have

agement and financial management. Yisrael, who is author of the book, “Go for Glory”, in which he outlines ‘a gameplan for those who are committed to a lifetime of high performance,’ facilitated a highly interactive session with the soldiers using his own life experiences.

Author Kezqweyah Yisrael making his presentation to the ranks been held at three Infantry Battalion, Anna Regina and Base Camp Ayanganna. Force Welfare Officer, Jermaine Hamilton and motivational speaker and author, Kezqweyah Yisrael, are conducting the sessions. Hamilton, in his presentation, drew from the force’s management module and created small but informative presentations on conflict resolution, time management, stress man-

He noted that many of the skills required for soldiering are also applicable in many areas as a person works toward self-development. In this regard, he challenged the soldiers to complete a five-year life plan of personal development. Yisrael donated 150 copies of his book and urged the soldiers to use the literature as an accountability tool.

$115M in marijuana destroyed in Berbice River

One of the many fires that was lit on the west bank of Fort Nassau, Berbice River POLICE ranks in Region Six destroyed 450 pounds of dried marijuana, along with 120,000 cannabis sativa plants, valued $115M during a drug eradication exercise on Monday on the west bank of Fort Nassau, Berbice River. Police Headquarters said

the plants destroyed ranged from one foot to six feet in height while many were discovered in a camp which was used as a drying area. Further, police said that in the drying area, the 450 pounds of dried cannabis were found and everything was set alight.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Shortlisted firms visit proposed Corentyne River Bridge site

THE Public Works Ministry, on Monday, hosted a site visit in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works of Suriname to the proposed site of the Corentyne River Bridge. The purpose of the site visit was for the eight short-

CEMCO; TYPSA, Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner GmbH and Firm Engineering NV; and Politecnica and Rina JV and sub-consultants ILACO and SRKN’gineering & Associates The Public Works Ministry was represented by its

Journey along Access Road under construction to Proposed Bridge Landing Site in Moleson Creek (DPI photo) listed Consultancy Firms to gain an appreciation of the proposed site for the new bridge and have an opportunity to ask related questions. The meeting commenced at 10:00hrs in the boardroom of the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Service Terminal in Moleson Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne. Ten representatives from four firms/ joint ventures were in attendance. The four firms were WSP Caribbean Limited; EXP Services Inc., in association with Pedelta, Arcadia,

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vladim Persaud; Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson and three other members of staff from the Central Transport Planning Unit. Suriname was represented by Kees Boender, Technical Assistant for Capital Infrastructure Projects and his colleague, Firazia Ataoellah. The consultancy representatives were given a tour of the proposed bridge landing sites in Moleson Creek, Guyana and South Drain, Suriname

Proposed Alignment of Corentyne River Bridge and Approach Roads (DPI photo)

as well as a river tour around Lange Island, to which the proposed bridge will be connected. The construction of a bridge linking Guyana and Suriname is a priority project for the governments of both countries as has been reiterated on several occasions by Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali and President of Suriname, Mr Santokhi. The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have jointly agreed to realise the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge using the Public-Private Partnership method of

Group photograph of governments’ and consultancy representatives at Guyana/ Suriname Ferry Service Terminal in Moleson Creek (DPI photo) procurement with a DBFOM (Design – Build – Finance – Operate – Maintain) model

contract. The deadline for submission of proposals by the

shortlisted consultancy firms has been set for December 21, 2021. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

US team excited about investment opportunities in housing, energy, infrastructure sectors

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, received a courtesy visit from the President of the National Bar Association of the United States of America, Carlos Moore, Esq, and a delegation from that organisation. The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, informed the delegation of his government’s inclusive approach to development and commitment to the rule of law, including strengthening the country’s democratic systems. “Since we took office, we have been implementing our manifesto in an inclusive manner,” he said. The senior government official said that his government’s focus is also on strengthening the judicial systems and a range of socio-economic initiatives, including a robust housing programme, job creation and infrastructural development, which will ulti-

Prime Minister (r’td) Mark Phillips, who was accompanied by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, with members of the National Bar Association of the United States of America (Office of the Prime Minister photo) mately lead to a better quality of life for all Guyanese. Minister Teixeira added that the country has made

several progressive strides with regard to laws relating to sections of the society, such as women, children

and the LGBTQ community. She pointed out specifically that in August, laws against cross-dressing were removed

as an offence. Judge Moore, who was named the first African-American Municipal Judge Pro Tem for the City of Grenada, Mississippi last year, said that his organisation was impressed by the meeting and looks forward to future collaborations with the Government of Guyana. “I’m excited to take back to my members the things that are going on here in Guyana… the areas of housing, energy, infrastructure -- we would like to invest in that… but I’m also excited about working with the Guyanese Bar Association and the Judiciary to strengthen the rule of law and the demonstration of justice,” he said. Moore was joined by Chief Foreign Policy Adviser,

Johanna Leblanc J.D, LLM; Executive Director Maurice Foster, Esq, and member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, for the meeting. The visiting officials are also scheduled to meet with several other members of the government, members of the Judiciary and the Guyana Bar Association this week. The National Bar Association is the US’s oldest and largest national network of African-American attorneys and judges. It was founded in 1925 and represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students. (Office of the Prime Minister)

Miner remanded for attempted murder of ex-lover

MELROY Barry, who allegedly attempted to murder his ex-girlfriend, was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. Barry, a 34-year-old miner of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara was arraigned before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court after evading police for over six months. He was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that sometime in April 2021, at Ann’s Grove, he unlawfully wounded his ex-girlfriend with intent to commit murder. According to reports, Barry attacked the victim from behind. He then armed himself with a sharp object and chopped the woman to her head and left hand. Barry escaped and the matter was reported to the police. On November 12, he was arrested after allegedly returning from the interior. Police Prosecutor David Goodridge objected to Barry being released on bail citing the nature, gravity and penalty attached to the charge.

Melroy Barry Magistrate Azore upheld Goodridge’s objection and remanded Barry to prison until January 11, 2022. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Barry, while in custody at the Cove and John Police Station lockups, broke a toilet tank cover and stabbed himself to the neck. The injury was minor. In 2010, while in custody at the same lockups for an allegation of rape, the accused had allegedly ingested a poisonous substance. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he received treatment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Guyana, Canada collaborate to preserve indigenous culture, languages A COLLABORATIVE effort will be taken by Guyana and Canada to preserve the Indigenous People’s culture, language and way of life, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai said on Tuesday at the ceremonial unveiling of the indigenous mural, which is titled, “We the First People”. “Guyana and Canada have continued to share strong bilateral relations that are decades old; these relations are built on a foundation of shared principles, policies and traits. Even deeper than these, our country shared a connection based on our indigenous heritage, our respect and our appreciation of our culture; it is through our rich culture and our heritage and our identity that we are connected,” the minister stated at the ceremony held at the Canadian High Commission. Minister Sukhai added that Guyana will continue to fight for the rights and protection of the Amerindian People, as they promote cultural exchanges, languages and their way of life. “Internationally, the First Peoples have made, and continue to make, an indelible mark on the world… In Guyana, we are continuously advocating for the promotion, protection and promulgation of the way of live, cultural heritage and languages of the Amerindian people,” she said. The minister also said that the government will ensure full development and recognition of the importance of the Indigenous Peoples’ contributions. “The indigenous culture is an integral part of the tourism sector,” the minister related, as persons travel from across the world to experience this culture. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said the mural is significant, as it brings together two governments in friendship and cooperation as they seek to protect the Amerindian culture, while developing the tourism industry. “It brings together the governments of Canada and Guyana, as well as

our respected indigenous nations in a spirit of friendship, kinship and cooperation,” Minister Walrond said, adding: “It builds on the many similarities between our countries, with their significant indigenous populations, and aligns completely with the central place that we see in Guyana for our Indigenous Peoples and

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai communities in our tourism development strategies.” Minister Walrond explained that the mural will add a voice and visibility to the nations of the First Peoples, and aligns with President Ali’s promise to invest more in Amerindian communities to address developmental gaps between these communities and others across the country. “This work of art is prominently placed, as it is will add to the voice and visibility of our Indigenous Peoples. It joins the Umana Yana, and the Guyana Marine Turtle monument, which are intimately connected to the stories of our indigenous nations,” the minister noted. Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman said the artwork will allow for Canada to support new and innovative forms of indigenous expressions. He also stated that it is necessary, as it represents the global effort to preserve endangered indigenous languages. “This activity is symbolic of our shared values, and our long-standing friendship. The mural provides Canada the opportunity to support new and innovative forms of indigenous expressions, through art. The significance of this is rooted in global efforts to preserve indigenous languages, as many of them

are endangered,” the top Canadian diplomat said. The mural, the handiwork of young indigenous artist, Nigel Butler, is an abstract piece depicting patterns and designs from the First Nations of Canada and the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. An inscription on the mural stating, “Welcome to the High Commission of Canada” was

done in Akawaio, a local indigenous language. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lennox Shuman; British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller; US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; and other members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the ceremony. (DPI)

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Mark Berman; and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai standing in front of the mural (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 17, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

English cricket Australia mull options ahead of Ashes squad selection rife with... (From back page)

first made by Rafiq in 2020. In his resignation letter, Hutton said there had been "constant unwillingness" from members of Yorkshire`s hierarchy "to apologise and to accept racism and to look forward." 'RACISM IS NOT BANTER' New club chairman Kamlesh Patel has apologised, praised Rafiq for his courage and promised "seismic change". Rafiq described the atmosphere in the dressing room under former captain Gary Ballance as "toxic". "Andrew Gale came in as coach, Gary Ballance as captain, and the temperature changed. I felt isolated. On tour, Gary Ballance walked over and said: 'Why you talking to him?' Going past a corner shop, I was asked if my uncle owned it," he said. "(Yorkshire director of cricket) Martyn Moxon and (head coach) Andrew Gale were there. It never got stamped out." Yorkshire said last week that Moxon was absent from work due to a "stress-related illness", while Gale had been suspended for an alleged anti-Semitic tweet he sent in 2010. Reuters has been unable to reach either for comment. Ballance, who played 23 Tests for England, had described Rafiq as his "best mate in cricket" but admit-

ted he used a racial slur and regretted his actions. "Paki is not banter, racism is not banter," Rafiq added. Asked about the scale of the problem in English professional cricket, Rafiq said: "It`s scary. It`s clear the problem is there. Everyone has known it for a very long time. "It`s an open secret. I`ve seen that if you speak out, your life is made hell." Some of English cricket`s biggest names have been dragged into the controversy. Rafiq says ex-England captain Vaughan told him and two other players of Asian origin that there were "too many of you lot, we need to do something about it" before a match in 2009. Vaughan denies that. "It was a long time ago. He might not remember it because it doesn`t mean anything to him," Rafiq said. Rafiq has also expressed hurt that current England captain Root, a Yorkshire player, said he had never personally witnessed racism at the club. "Rooty is a good man," he told legislators yesterday. "He has never engagned in racist language. Maybe he didn`t remember it, but it shows the institution that a good man like him cannot remember those things."

Hetmyer should be Windies... (From back page)

is where I was, and I think this is where we need to be heading. “So, in my mind, however you want to structure

CWI, you need to take it out of this parochial structure and give it the opportunity to really perform as a company.” (Sportsmax)

TEN months after Australia last took to the field in a Test match, the national selectors are today expected to unveil a largely unchanged squad to return to the Gabba and begin their Ashes defence on December 8. Unlike the 2019 campaign in the UK when the panel named 25 players who then fought for a berth in the final touring party via a spirited practice match at Southampton, tomorrow's announcement will finalise the group from which the starting XI for the first Vodafone Test will be chosen. In addition, the selectors – chair George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide and men's team coach Justin Langer – will name an auxiliary squad to take part in a three-day centre-wicket practice session in Brisbane prior to the Test, and then represent Australia A in a four-day match against England Lions. The Test squad is tipped to retain the team that lost last summer's final Test to India with the exception of middle-order batter Matthew Wade, whose replacement is likely to come from in-form left-handers Travis Head, Usman Khawaja or Nic Maddinso With the availability of replacement players in Brisbane for the Australia A game (to be played concurrently with the first Test), selectors won't need to replicate the enlarged 17-man squad named for the start of the 2020-21 series against India when players were required to enter a strict bio-bubble. However, the Test squad is expected to include up to five fast bowlers with fitness concerns lingering over Queensland seamer Michael Neser who suffered a lowgrade hamstring strain in last week's Marsh Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia The possible inclusion of Khawaja, who has batted in every specialist position during his 14-year first-class career and averages more than 96 as a Test opener, also helps ensure most contingencies are therefore covered should last-minute changes be required. Members of Australia's triumphant T20 World Cup

Selectors will today name Australia's squad for the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane, with questions over the middle-order and back-up fast-bowling spots yet to be resolved.

squad – including Test regulars Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – have begun two weeks of quarantine on the Gold Coast following their return from Dubai this morning, during which they will be able to train under strict guidelines. The full group will then take part in a three-day practice "opportunity" at Redlands Cricket Club starting December 1, with that fixture expected to be more of a series of competitive centre-wicket training sessions than the formal match held in Southampton prior to the

2019 Ashes campaign Among those confirmed for the supplementary squad, some members of which will also be undertaking their first red-ball hit-out since last summer, will be Mitchell Marsh who doesn't foresee an imminent return to Test cricket despite his heroics in the World Cup final win over New Zealand. "I think I'll play the threeday game (at Redlands) and hopefully the Australia A game, to play a bit of red-ball cricket," Marsh said in the aftermath of his player-of-thematch performance in Dubai "But then I imagine I'll

be back to the Scorchers for the Big Bash and tryi to slog a few. "It's obviously a bit hard to get back to Western Australia at the moment ... and we're very thankful to the Queensland Government to allow us to have training exemptions and a little bit of freedom whilst we're in Queensland." The restrictions facing travellers returning to Perth means Marsh's fellow WAbased members of Australia's T20 World Cup squad – Ashton Agar and Josh Inglis – are also likely to be included in (Turn to page 24)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Roger Hutton: I was stopped from removing Mark Arthur, Martyn Moxon FORMER Yorkshire chair Roger Hutton told MPs he wanted to remove two executive directors over their handling of Azeem Rafiq’s racism and bullying allegations but was blocked by the Colin Graves Trust. Rafiq set out the full extent of the harrowing abuse he suffered during two spells at Yorkshire in an appearance before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee yesterday. Hutton resigned as chair on November 5 over the county’s handling of the investigation into Rafiq’s allegations and told the committee he felt chief executive Mark Arthur and director of cricket Martyn Moxon should be removed for their response to the report.

Former Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton

However, the trust of former chairman Graves – also the chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

between 2015 and 2020 – vetoed that move, according to Hutton. “I spoke to those trustees on personal occasions and at a couple of meetings and it was made clear to me that they were supportive of people in the club that I felt were partially to blame,” Hutton said. “The club owes a substantial amount to the Colin Graves Trust. I imagine without that investment the club would have been in terrible difficulties. I do think on balance it is wrong that a major creditor at that level has the keys to decisions that the board should or shouldn’t make.” Tom Harrison, who served as ECB chief executive under Graves, admitted

it was “a problem” if the trust was still exerting such an influence over the Yorkshire board, and said a governance review of the county would address it. Hutton also repeated his claim that he asked the ECB to lead the investigation. “This was a whistle-blowing claim against Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) extending from 2007 to 2018 against the executive of the club, and (the ECB’s) response was to believe that Yorkshire should handle that when the claims were against the executive in place at the time, and for me that seemed wrong,” he said. “I think they should have investigated and I think the investigation would have been far more satisfactory.”

Harrison said that former ECB chair Ian Watmore may have had discussions at that time on that basis but that the regulatory department was only asked to be a “partner” in the investigation – specifically to sit on the panel which assessed the investigators’ report. The ECB said it declined because it wanted to be in a position to review the regulatory process in full at its completion. “On regulatory matters, it is normal practice for firstclass counties to take on investigations,” Harrison said. “It is then for the regulator, in other words the ECB, to sit in judgement of that investigation and if need be run an additional investigation on top. Yorkshire were

very clear that they wanted to run this investigation themselves.” Hutton was asked whether, in his view, the club was institutionally racist. “I have to observe that in the last few months there’s been a substantial amount of thoughtlessness and ignorance, a reluctance to apologise and a reluctance to see Azeem as the victim and a reluctance to put into place the recommendations,” he said. “I fear that it falls within the definition (of institutional racism).” Harrison stopped short of agreeing with Hutton and said he felt the handling of the report “indicates there are some certain issues of institutional racism” at Yorkshire. (PASport)

Australia mull options... (From page 23) the Australia A squad. And uncapped all-rounder Sean Abbott is vying for an Ashes berth after he and New South Wales teammate Nathan Lyon undertook a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney after their recent Sheffield Shield match to minimise potential COVID-19 exposure. Abbott was also missing from the Shield squad NSW named today for their upcoming match against Victoria starting Friday as he "prepares for the international season ahead". The absence of Test matches for Australia since the end of last season's Vodafone Series loss to India means a fair proportion of the expected starting XI for the first Ashes Test played virtually no red-ball cricket for nearly a year. In addition, captain Tim Paine is yet to return to the playing field after undergoing neck surgery last September and it is expected Alex Carey – named as Paine's understudy for this year's proposed tour of South Africa that was ultimately postponed due to COVID-related security concerns – will join Inglis as auxiliary keepers in the supplementary squad. Test incumbents Marnus Labuschagne (840 runs at 76) and Cameron Green (854

at 61) have guaranteed their places as the most prolific Shield batters over the past year, while Warner and Smith are automatic selections. But the remaining middle-order batting berth is not so clear-cut with Head being a consistent performer since losing his place to Wade last summer, while Khawaja is the leading Shield runs scorer so far in 2021-22 with 404 at 67.33. Maddinson was also clearly in the selectors' thoughts last season when he was named in the Australia A team that played two games against the touring Indians prior to the start of the Test series. Bailey has already indicated Victoria's Marcus Harris – who replaced Pucovski for the final Test against India last January – loomed as Warner's likely opening partner and noted the selection panel would "love nothing more than for him (Harris) hopefully to get an opportunity to get an extended run at it". The hamstring injury sustained by Neser might have led to some revision of the auxiliary bowling stocks, but that quandary was likely shortlived given Test-capped quick Jhye Richardson's five-wicket Shield haul against the Bulls over the weekend While Neser is tipped to have recovered fully in time

for the first Test, Richardson seems certain to be named in one of the squads along with Victoria's Scott Boland, who has claimed a remarkable 15 wickets (at 10.80 runs apiece) in his two Shield outings this summer. Uncapped Queenslander Mark Steketee is also expected to be included, given he was in the South Africa squad and is the leading Shield wicket-taker of 2021-22 to date, and his Bulls teammate Mitchell Swepson will likely be included as back-up spinner having been part of the T20 World Cup squad. Another Queenslander – hard-hitting all-rounder Jack Wildermuth – is also in the mix after he won selection for Australia A last summer and scored an unbeaten century at the SCG. Possible Ashes squad: Tim Paine (c), Sean Abbott, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, David Warner. Possible Australia A squad: Alex Carey (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Philippe, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Netherlands beat Norway to book World Cup place

BCB Tenelec Under-15 tournament bowls off on Friday at venues across the county

THE Netherlands booked their place at the World Cup finals in Qatar with victory against Norway, who missed out on next year's tournament as a result. Late goals from Tottenham Hotspur's Steven Bergwijn and Barcelona's Memphis Depay ensured the Dutch claimed top spot in Group G. The goals were the only bright moments of an otherwise drab game between two sides fearful of being too attacking. It was a costly loss for Norway, who miss out on a play-off spot to Turkey. However, it was also punishment for their lack of ambition for much of a game in which they only mustered two shots, both of which came in the second half. Admittedly, the absence of injured striker Erling Braut

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is expected to bowl off its inter-county tournaments in late January with the hosting of the Under-15 tournament. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is therefore pushing ahead with its plans for the tournament. The BCB launched its preparation earlier in November with the hosting of a series of social skills seminars and mini cricket academies across the county. This would now be intensified with the hosting of the BCB/Tenelec Inc. Under-15 tournament, starting on Friday and involving 16 teams. The teams in the tournament, which would be played 50 overs per side, are Paradise, Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath, Bush Lot United, Edinburgh, Guymine, Tucber Park, Kendall Union, Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, East Bank Blazers, Albion, RHT Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne.

Bergwijn's goal helped send the Netherlands to Qatar after they missed out on the finals in Russia in 2018

Haaland, who scored in the 1-1 draw between these sides in Oslo in September, did not help their cause. The visitors did defend well though, but as soon as Bergwijn's rising shot hit the net with six minutes to go - with rivals for second place Turkey winning 2-1 in Montenegro - their challenge was over. Over-commitment in the

closing stages for a corner then allowed the Dutch to break, with Bergwijn unselfishly setting up Depay to end the contest. The home side lacked pace and creation in attack for much of the game but found a way, sealing qualification for Qatar after having failed to reach the finals in Russia in 2018. (BBC Sport)

Melbourne to stage T20 World Cup final NEXT year's Men's T20 World Cup will be held across seven venues in Australia from October 16 to November 13. The tournament was supposed to be held in the country in 2020 but was pushed back by two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 45 matches will be contested in Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Adelaide and Sydney will

stage the semi-finals with the final under lights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia will be defending champions after their eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. Both teams automatically qualify for the Super 12 stage along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, Pakistan and South Africa. Former winners Sri Lanka and the West Indies will play in the preliminary round with Namibia, Scotland and

four other countries to be determined through two qualifying tournaments - one in Oman next February and the other in Zimbabwe in summer 2022. "Following the success of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2020 (in Australia) and a two-year postponement, our sights are now firmly set on planning for the 2022 event," said International Cricket Council head of events Chris Tetley. (BBC Sport)

Bulls end eight-match losing streak against LA Lakers DeMAR DeRozan and Lonzo Ball both hit season-high totals as Chicago Bulls beat Los Angeles Lakers for the first time in nine matches. DeRozan scored 38 points while Ball added 27 in a comfortable 121-103 win at the Staples Center. It was the first time Bulls had beaten their Californian opponents since November 2016. Lakers are still without LeBron James who missed his seventh game in a row because of an abdominal strain. It was a second big performance in a row from DeRozan who scored 35 points in Sunday's 100-90 win over Los

Angeles Clippers, while former Lakers player Ball also added eight assists and seven rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker scored a career-high 28 points and Russell Westbrook notched 25 points 8 assists 6 rebounds for Lakers. Anthony Davis had 20 points and six rebounds before committing his second technical foul with two minutes and 20 seconds left in the third quarter, and was ejected for only the second time in his career. Bulls had led by as muny as 28 at one point, but Lakers brought the deficit back to six

early in the third quarter before the visitors stormed clear again. LATEST NBA RESULTS Elsewhere, Phoenix Suns made it nine wins in a row, rallying late to beat Minnesota Timberwolves 99-96. Devin Booker scored 29 points and Deandre Ayton tallied 22 points 12 rebounds, while Chris Paul added 21 points 8 assists. And in Texas, Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic combined for 52 points as Dallas Mavericks overturned a 13-point third-quarter deficit to defeat Denver Nuggets 111-101. (BBC Sport)

The teams have been divided into four zones and two teams from every zone would advance to the quarterfinals. The BCB has made it quite clear that players above the age of twelve years must be vaccinated and the tournament would be played under very First round of matches: ZONE A Round one – Friday, November 19 1. Achievers vs Bath at Bath 2. Cotton Tree vs Bush Lot United at Cotton Tree 3. Paradise - bye ZONE B Kendall, Mt.Sinai, Guymine, Tucber Park. Friday, November 19 Round One 1. Kendall Union vs Mt Sinai at Kendall Union 2. Guymine vs Tucber Park at Guymine

strict COVID-19 guidelines. The tournament is been sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Bobby Deonarine and his company Tenelec. The BCB would use the tournament to select a training squad of 30 youths for trials later in the year. ZONE C Edinburgh, RH Canje, East Bank Blazers Friday, November 19 Round one 1. RH Canje vs Edinburgh at Canje 2. East Bank Blazer - bye. ZONE D Albion, PMCC, Upper Corentyne, RHT Farfan and Mendes Friday, November 19 Round One 1. PMCC vs RHTFM at Port Mourant 2. Albion vs Upper Corentyne at Albion

Bartica, East Coast forge ahead in GFF Boys’ U-13 Challenge Trophy

The players from Bartica FA

A 2-0 VICTORY over West Demerara Football Association ensured Bartica held on to the lead in Group A of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Boys’ U-13 Challenge Trophy after week four, while a goalless draw away to Berbice proved enough for East Coast Demerara to leap above rivals Georgetown to top Group B. A first-half effort from Bartica’s Michael Joseph and an own goal from Jason Adams gave the Region Seven side a comfortable win over West Demerara at the Bartica Community Ground last Saturday. East Bank Demerara beat Essequibo/Pomeroon 3-0 at the Anna Regina Ground on the same day, with two firsthalf goals from Mickel Morris and a third from Jaden Tasher. That result leaves East Bank in second place on seven points in Group A with a game in hand. First-placed Bartica have nine points.

In Group B, with Georgetown not in action, there was an opportunity for East Coast Demerara to nudge in front to top the table. In the end, a nil-all draw against Berbice at All Saints Ground on November 14 was enough to see the East Coast side pull one-point clear of Georgetown, who have played one game less than their coastal rivals. Group B’s other match, played out on November 13, saw Upper Demerara overcome the home-based Guyana National U-17 Women’s Team – competing as a guest side in the competition – at the GFF National Training Centre. Goals from Keishon Leacock and Zimri Rose within the first 12 minutes proved the difference in a 2-0 win for the Region Ten team. The U13 Boys’ tournament is part of the GFF’s ground-breaking Academy Training Centre (ATC) pro-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 17, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) IND (2) Asif Ali (PAK); Aaron Finch (AUST) Today’s Quiz: (1) In which two Men’s T20 World Cup tournaments Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals? (2) Which WI scored most runs in the recent Men’s T20 World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

gramme, launched in 2017 and is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region. The ATC is a selective national youth development programme that gives girls and boys aged between 6 and 19 a weekly, structured training curriculum anchored in the GFF’s football philosophy and delivered consistently throughout its nine regional associations. The competition involves representative teams from U13 ATC groups in all nine regional associations, as well as the National U17 Women’s Team. A primary purpose of the tournament is to identify potential talent for the Caribbean Football Union Boys’ U14 Challenge Series in 2022. On November 20, East Bank will take on West Demerara at the GFF National Training Centre, while Essequibo/Pomeroon will host the Rupununi. On November 21, East Coast play Georgetown at Melanie Ground and the National U17 Women’s Team will compete against Berbice at the National Training Centre. As well as offering talent identification opportunities for the upcoming CFU tournament, the U13 tournament enables GFF Technical Department to assess progress being made by the ATCs in all nine associations, and to test logistics for future inter-academy and intra-association tournaments, which will be a key feature of the 2022 national football season. (GFF release)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

GFF pays tribute to former national U17 captain Mandokin THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) expressed its sadness at the loss of former Lady Jags U17 captain Dian Mandokin, who passed away on November 13, aged 25. Mandokin played for the Guyana U17 Women’s National Team in 2011 and 2012, including a stint as captain during CONCACAF Championship qualifying. A keen and talented sportswoman, she competed

at national level for Region 9 in athletics, specialising in the 100m and 200m. Born in Moco Moco in Rupununi in January 1996, Mandokin also represented Snatchers and Guyana Rush Saints football clubs during her playing career. “We are all deeply saddened by the tragic passing of this gifted national footballer and much-loved young woman,” said GFF president Wayne Forde. “On behalf of the entire

football community, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Dian’s loved ones at this extremely painful time.” “We would also like to pay tribute to Dian and her inspiring contribution to football as a female player from a hinterland community. She was a talented, trailblazing leader on the pitch who represented Guyana at youth level with great pride and honour,” Forde said.

COVID-19 Task Force grants approval for resumption of cricket THE National COVID-19 Task Force recently gave written approval to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to resume cricket activities in Guyana. This approval came after the GCB was instructed in September, 2021, to suspend activities. With this approval, GCB is now set to roll off its list of regular competitions at all levels, including Inter-county and Women’s cricket. The GCB wishes to inform all County Boards, Associations and Clubs to begin their preparation for cricket. It is important to note that although permission has been granted by the National COVID-19 Task Force, the GCB, its affiliated boards, associations and all clubs are

Local cricket is set to resume in Guyana

expected to follow the official guidelines of the COVID-19 Task Force. Those guidelines instruct that players, coaches, officials and spectators must be fully vaccinated and that only forty (40) percent of venue capacity is allowed for spectators where social-dis-

tancing practices must be followed at all times. Also, GCB is expected to commence training for the Guyana senior team in preparation for the Cricket West Indies Regional FourDay Tournament, which is scheduled to start in January. (GCB statement)

Pakistan to host 2025 Champions Trophy as ICC confirm eight men's tournaments PAKISTAN will host the 2025 Champions Trophy after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed eight men's tournaments between 2024 and 2031. The announcement comes after New Zealand and England pulled out of tours to Pakistan in recent months. The USA will host their first major cricket tournament when they jointly put on the 2024 T20 World Cup with West Indies. The 2030 T20 World Cup will be in England, Ireland and Scotland. The tournament in Paki-

stan will see the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with Pakistan beating India, who will host the 2029 tournament, by 180 runs in the 2017 final. There will also be T20 World Cups in India and Sri Lanka in 2026 and Australia and New Zealand in 2028. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host the 2027 50-over World Cup, before the 2031 tournament takes place in India and Bangladesh. These tournaments will follow a T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November 2022 before a 50-over World Cup in India

in October and November 2023. ICC events between 2022 and 2031 50-over World Cup 2023: India 2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia 2031: India and Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2022: Australia 2024: USA and West Indies 2026: India and Sri Lanka 2028: Australia and New Zealand 2030: England, Ireland and Scotland Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan 2029: India

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 17, 2021

Briton John cops top position in 4th LonLam Classic THE Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club, partnering with Apostles Nigel London and Littleton Lambert out of the United States, through its special Committee, successfully organised the 4th LonLam Classic under the theme, ‘Investing in Passion, Riding with Integrity’. The event, held in Linden last Sunday, was open to all categories of male and female cyclists, catering to Veterans Over-45, Veterans Under-45, Seniors, Juniors, Juveniles, BMX Under-6 and BMX Open. The event started a little after 13.00hrs from the start line at KD & J Supermarket in Amelia's Ward. From the KD&J Supermarket, racers headed to the Amelia's Ward Outpost then into Toucan Drive Junction and returned to the starting line to complete each lap of the various categories. Continental Cycling Club's National cyclist Walter Grant-Stewart won the Veterans Under- 50 five-lap event from Kaieteur-Attack Racing's Kwame Ridley, with Nigel London of Linden Bauxite Flyers taking third. The outstanding cyclist in the Open 15-lap event

Top-placed Briton John of We Stand United (in black) holds the winner's trophy, with Jamual John in second place while Paul DeNobrega occupies third spot

was We Stand United's Briton John, who out-sprinted Jamual John of Foundation Cycling Club, with Paul DeNobrega of Team Evolution occupying third spot from Walter Grant-Stewart of Continental, Marcus Keilierif of Kaieteur-Attack Racing. Team Evolution's Curtis Dey who was sixth. The Veterans Over-50 race ended with Team Evo-

lution's Andy Spencer in first place ahead of unattached Garfield Lorrimer second and Nigel Codrington third. The BMX Under-9 halflap winner was Marvellous London as among the girls S..Nedd came out top. The Juniors four-lap race was won by We Stand United's Alexander Leung from Team Alanis Cycling Club's Sherwin Sampson with an-

The female Open winner Clivea Spencer (centre) with Susan Hamilton (left) and Shenika Teixeira in podium positions

other We Stand United cyclist, Aaron Newton, copping third position. The BMX one-lap race was won by Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Samuel Bellamy with teammates Julian Gordon and Jahame Henry placing second and third respectively. The Junior Juveniles Boys BMX one-lap event ended with Jedjuan Hensords finishing first from Sorren

CWI team up with USA to host 2024 showpiece ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Two-time champions West Indies will collaborate with United States to host the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, affording the region its fifth International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament in its history. Cricket West Indies (CWI) and USA Cricket launched a joint bid for the tournament, the ninth edition of the glamorous showpiece and the first to feature 20 teams competing in four groups, and proved successful in convincing cricket’s world governing body. “The success of this joint bid by CWI and USA Cricket will be a huge boost for our cricket,” CWI president Ricky Skerrit said. “It offers a vital strategic opportunity to promote and develop cricket and related commercial activity, in North America and the Caribbean. I take this opportunity to thank all those at ICC, USA Cricket and CWI who helped to make this 2024 venue selection decision possible.” West Indies hosted their first-ever ICC tournament in

West Indies set to host the 2024 T20 World Cup.

2007 with the staging of the 50over World Cup and followed up by putting on the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup in 2010. In 2018, the region welcomed the women’s T20 World Cup and is also scheduled to stage its first-ever Under-19 World Cup next January. Skerritt said the partnership on this occasion with USA Cricket was a strategic one which augured well for the successful execution of the tournament. “It means simply that the Caribbean has been handed another opportunity, in 2024, to host a premier world cricket event,” he explained.

“And this time it will be in partnership with our neighbours to the north, USA Cricket, led by my colleague Paraag Marathe. “We know that our strategic partnership has helped ICC to accept our bid, and we must soon get to work to make this exciting ICC decision a truly successful one for all concerned.” CWI and USA Cricket are two of 14 governing bodies – 11 Full Members and three Associate Members – which were chosen to stage eight ICC global tournaments between 2024 and 2031. USA Cricket is one of two Associate Members along with

African nation Namibia who will host an ICC tournament for the first time and ICC chairman Greg Barclay said this was an indication of the global expansion of the sport. “To have 14 Members hosting eight events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and I’d like to thank every Member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders,” he said. “It is fantastic to be returning to so many previous hosts, but what is really exciting about this process is the countries who will stage ICC events for the first time, including the USA which is a strategic growth market for us. “This gives us the opportunity to deepen our connection with fans in traditional cricket nations and also reach new fans around the world.” West Indies boast a rich tradition in ICC competitions, winning the first two 50-over World Cups staged in 1975 and 1979, capturing the 2004 Champions Trophy and T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016.

Frank second and Stece Burbegte third. In the female three-lap race the top cyclist was Team Coco's Clivea Spencer, who topped Linden Bauxite Flyers' Susan Hamilton and unattached Shenika Teixeira in third. In the Juveniles three-lap race the winner was Aki. Europe who is unattached, ahead of Linden Bauxite Fly-

ers' Mark Lewis with Team Alanis' Nivonne Wilson taking third position. Over $400 000 in cash and trophies were up for grabs with support from Banks DIH Limited, Guyana Breweries Inc., KD&J Supermarket, Cevon's Waste Management, Brazo's Workshop and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Yorkshire batter denies he failed recreational drug test FORMER England batter Gary Ballance has denied an allegation that he failed a recreational drugs test at Yorkshire. Former team-mate Azeem Rafiq claimed in his witness statement about racism at Yorkshire that the club had "protected Ballance with respect to his drug and alcohol issues". Rafiq also said that Yorkshire instead told the public he was missing games because of mental health issues. A representative for Ballance denied the specific allegations raised. "These allegations are categorically untrue and should never have been made," a statement said. "Gary has never, to his knowledge, missed a drugs test and would not do so." BBC Sport has also approached Yorkshire for comment. Rafiq gave a witness statement as part of his employment tribunal against Yorkshire. It was published after the former bowler spoke to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee about

his experiences of racism during his two spells at Yorkshire. "Over the years, YCCC protected Gary Balance with respect to his drug and alcohol issues, allowing him to miss drug hair sample tests to avoid sanctions," the statement read. "When he failed a recreational drug test and was forced to miss some games, the club informed the public he was missing games because he was struggling with anxiety and mental health issues." Speaking on Tuesday, Rafiq said racist language was used "constantly" at Yorkshire and he received "inhuman" treatment after the stillbirth of his son in 2017. He said the atmosphere became "toxic" after Ballance took over as captain and described the batter's behaviour as disgusting. Ballance has previously admitted using racist language about Rafiq's Pakistani heritage towards him. In a lengthy statement released earlier in November, Ballance said he "deeply regrets" the language he used. (BBC Sport)

Azeem Rafiq who played for Yorkshire recounted the racism he faced in front of British parliamentary committee (Photograph: AFP)

(REUTERS) - Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq broke down in tears yesterday as he told a British parliamentary committee of "inhuman" treatment at the cricket club and described the sport in England as riddled with racism. In more than an hour of testimony, Rafiq, 30, an offspin bowler and former captain of the England Under-19s of Pakistani descent, catalogued a damning culture of widespread racism at Yorkshire. He and other players with Asian backgrounds were subjected to comments such as "You lot sit over there" and referred to as

English cricket rife with racism, my life made 'hell', says Azeem Rafiq

"Paki" and "elephant washers", Rafiq said. "I felt isolated, humiliated at times," he added in emotional testimony to the parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel. The scandal has shaken English sport, cost Yorkshire sponsors and the right to host England internationals, seen the club`s top brass quit, and embroiled former England captain Michael Vaughan and present England skipper Joe Root. Rafiq, who played for Yorkshire from 2008 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2018, recounted having red wine poured down his

throat as a 15-year-old and spoke of Asian players being singled out for mistakes while they were fasting. Rafiq broke down as he recounted the day he returned after losing his son, around the same time that he had raised concerns about racism at the club. He said Martyn Moxon, the club`s director of cricket, "ripped the shreds off me" in a meeting. "Some of the club officials were inhuman," said Rafiq. "They weren`t really bothered about the fact that I was at training one day and I get a phone call to say there`s no heartbeat."

He also said the racism he endured at Yorkshire was "without a shadow of doubt" replicated across the country and said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were more concerned with box-ticking exercises than increasing the number of South Asian players becoming professionals. Former Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton and Tom Harrison, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), were due to answer questions later. Hutton resigned following criticism of Yorkshire`s handling of an investigation into the claims TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

After World Cup debacle

Hetmyer should be Windies white-ball captain – Dave Cameron CRICKET West Indies (CWI) should appoint Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer as the new white-ball captain after the disappointing run of Kieron Pollard at the ICC T20 World Cup and, generally, for the ‘Men in Maroon’. This assertion has come from former CWI president Dave Cameron, who believes that the current CWI leadership is not looking at the precedent of players’ leadership records when selecting captains. “We felt as an organisation that Hetmyer would be a future leader for West Indies. The way he conducted himself when we won the 2016 Under-19 World Cup and coming through the ranks,” Cameron said while

speaking as a guest on Line and Length on SPORTSMAX. “Hetmyer is a very confident young man, very aggressive and talented, we felt he could be someone who could lead us and be a future captain of the West Indies.” Cameron spoke as part of a review of the leadership roles in the team and CWI managerial structure after the side won one in five matches and finished near the bottom of the table with captain Pollard once again contributing very little with the bat. After 23 matches in four T20 World Cups, Pollard has scored 254 runs at a poor average of 14.11. Since he was appointed West Indies T20I captain in September 2019,

Pollard has played 31 matches, winning 10, losing 16 with five no-results. During the T20 World Cup, Hetmyer topped the batting with 127 runs, averaging 31.75. Only two others managed over 100 runs – Evin Lewis (105, avg 21.00) and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran (103, avg 20.60) – as the defending champions bowed out. “I am disappointed but not surprised, we tried a different method a few years ago and we started to have results. This administration has decided that they wanted to go back to what has been tried and failed…so the results were always there,” Cameron said. “We won two games at the 2019 World

Guyana and West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer (Photo by Randy Brooks/AFP)

Cup and now we won one at this event. Everybody has a different strategy and different leadership styles. You require different types of leadership and management depending on where you are in your cycle. “In 2013 when we took over, West Indies cricket was at a serious crossroad with our players and finances and we had to make some different decisions then. “In my mind CWI needs professional leadership. It’s not just West Indies cricket, I think cricket as a game is not growing as it should because we focus on the game itself rather than opportunities within the sport to expand it so that so many more people can participate. That TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

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