Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-09-2021

MONDAY 20th September, 2021

' No.106490

Almost $800M ‘plugged’ into improving drainage in Reg. 3 PAGE

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‘Cowboys’ may be an intriguing sight for many urban Guyanese, but in the countryside it’s a way of life and a means of making ends meet.

This particular ‘cowboy’ was spotted along Burma Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara recently (Elvin Croker photo)

Massive internet boost to reach Linden by year end PAGE

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–– as E-Networks pursues fibre optic cable from Georgetown to Reg. 10

Strike called off as GuySuCo agrees $100M road project for Onderneeming to compensate Albion cane-cutters 08 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Massive internet boost to

reach Linden by year end __ as E-Networks pursues fibre optic cable from Georgetown to Reg. 10

BY the end of the year, thousands residing in Linden and along the Soesdyke Highway will benefit from improved internet services, owing to investments being made

by E-Networks Incorporated, Guyana’s only locally-owned telecommunications provider.

In a statement on Sunday, the company announced that it was currently building a fibre optic cable from Georgetown to Linden, Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice. This move is said to be the latest in a series of milestones the company has achieved in massively expanding its network “to bring better services to more people.”

With the expansion already in progress, the E-Networks team comprising the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vishok Persaud; Chief Technical Officer, Gerald Singh; Chief Commercial Officer, Abu Zaman; and Project Lead, Yannick Charles visited Linden on Saturday.

During the visit, the team inspected the progress of the expansion, including poles already planted and the ongoing fiber network build-out.

According to the CEO, the company has been keenly focused on bringing high-capacity connectivity to Guyana’s towns to further support the development of a diverse economy.

The company said that its sales affiliate, Charles, who is also a Lindener, has been working with the E-Networks team to mobilise the project. In expressing his enthusiasm for this significant development for his hometown, Charles noted that the project is a major investment for Linden, which currently lacks reliable connectivity.

With the introduction of E-Networks’ faster, more affordable internet services, he anticipates that Linden was poised for further socioeconomic transformation and modernisation.

“E-Networks is com-

mitted to building Guyana’s primary fiber backbone and expanding its network to Berbice and Essequibo towns. With plans already underway, the company aims to com-

Since launching its fiber optic network in 2013, E-Networks said it has supported the majority of the country’s commercial and financial sectors by delivering fast and reliable

by slow, expensive, and unreliable internet through its network expansion to outlying areas, including the Essequibo Coast as recently as August,” the company said, as it re-

to serve the Essequibo Islands and Essequibo Coast.

E-Networks had said then that the company’s motivation to make the notable investment in such a swift manner can be directly

During the life of both Parliaments, the Act enjoyed commendable bipartisan support. It spent considerable time before a select committee, chaired by former Opposition Member of Parliament, Carl Greenidge, and included Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and President Ali who was, at that time, a minister of the government.

Although finalised before the 2015 elections, the Act was enacted by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government in 2016, again with bipartisan support.

In finally bringing the Act into force in October 2020, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips lamented the fact that even though the benefits of the Act were well known to the coalition government, they, for E-Networks team during a recent visit to Linden - CEO, Vishok Persaud (second from right) with Gerald some “inexplicable reaSingh, Abu Zaman, and Project Lead, Yannick Charles son” only brought a few plete the deployment of internet connectivity to iterated its commitment attributed to a challenge sections of it into force, connectivity to Linden address the critical pain towards ensuring that the extended by President Ir- thereby “frustrating the before the end of the year,” points in the sector over the sector continues to advance faan Ali earlier in the year. intent and objective of the the press statement said. last few decades. according to regional and Recognising the need Act by denying Guyanese It added that as part “Within months of re- international standards. for improved connectivity the benefits flowing thereof the Linden expansion, throughout Guyana, the from.”

“E-Networks has also Head of State had underAs the telecommuniprovided lighting on its scored the importance of cations sector was being newly planted poles along more investments within fully liberalised, Phillips the one-kilometre leading the telecommunications projected that the move into Linden on the Soessector and further commit- will be felt countrywide dyke-Linden Highway.” ted to working with various “at a time when enhanced, This, the company said, stakeholders to deliver universal and competiis part of its plans to conbetter quality internet ser- tive access to telecomtinually give back to the vices to citizens, especially munications is pivotal to communities where it prowithin the context of the Guyana’s developmental vides services. coronavirus pandemic and trajectory. In face of the “With this new cable the technology reliance it COVID-19 crisis, it asto Linden, the company has created. sumes even greater signifwill soon be able to offer Another motivating icance.” the same fast, reliable, and factor, according to E-NetSince the liberalisation affordable services as it works, was the long-await- took effect, E-Networks does in Georgetown and ed liberalisation of the said that it has successfulother areas,” the statement telecommunications sec- ly stimulated considerable indicated. tor in October last. The competition, forcing the These services include Telecommunications Act complacent incumbent 4G and 5G fixed wireless of 2016 was first laid by providers to upgrade their connectivity aimed at the the People’s Progressive services reactively.

Newly installed lights on E-Networks poles on residential user and fiber Party Civic (PPP/C) govThis can be reflected in Linden Highway as part of its fibre network optic services focused on ernment in the ninth Par- the fact that only recently, expansion to Linden more efficient business liament in August 2011; it the Guyana Telephone operations. The internet ceiving its telecommuAs part of its Essequibo was laid again in the 10th and Telegraph Company services start at $7,900 for nications licence in Oc- operations, the company Parliament in 2012, after (GTT), rebranded its en20 Mbps of speed, with op- tober 2020, E-Networks invested some $1.2 billion extensive consultations tire internet operations to tions up to 1 Gbps (1,000 has brought relief to the to land its first-ever sub- with both the public and also offer improved interMbps). sector previously plagued marine fiber optic cable operators. net services.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

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Almost $800M ‘plugged’ into improving drainage in Reg. 3 GUYANA CHRONICLE,

By Rehana Ahamad

WITHIN the past year, the Government of Guyana has injected significant sums of monies into improving the country’s drainage capacity.

For the period January 2021 to now, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) has benefitted from capital works to the tune of $717,805,429. This is according to figures provided by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who has oversight of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The projects that have already started and have progressed include the rehabilitation of a critical drainage structure at Henrietta, Leguan island, to the value of $61,758,799; the construction of a $36,804,275 drainage control component and revetment at Kamuni, West Bank Demerara, and the construction of new drainage sluice at New Friendship, Wakenaam island, valued at $143,390,550.

Together, these projects total $241,953,624, and, added to that, are other projects that are slated to commence later in the year. These include the construction of a $466,167,655 pump station in the Greenwich Park/ Barnwell area, along the East Bank of Essequibo, and the much-needed rehabilitation of the fivedoor relief structure at the Warimina, Boerasirie conservancy to the value of $9,684,150.

These two projects alone total $475,851,805.

Aside from the major initiatives, the Ministry of Agriculture is also executing a number of other works across Region Three, including the maintenance of farm roads and dams to the tune of $52,435,800, as well as a number of ongoing drainage and irrigation works valuing $157,826,815.

Unfortunately, despite these and other continued

investments, the country’s drainage system came under severe attack during the April-May floods, which devastated more than 52,000 households across 300 communities, and crippled the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

The floods, which had been pegged as a Level Two disaster, affected each of the Ten Administrative regions, with Region Four, Demerara-Mahaica being among the least affected. This was largely due to the operations of the Northern Relief Channel, an eight-gated sluice which was conceptualised and constructed prior to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government leaving office in 2015.

The iconic structure located at Hope/Dochfour, East Coast Demerara, was heavily criticised by the then parliamentary opposition which comprised of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

H o w e v e r, o v e r t h e past few years, the iconic, multi-component outfall has been key to releasing excess water into the Atlantic Ocean, at times when the East Demerara Wa-

long been susceptible to overtopping. Ever since the Hope Canal was put to the test in 2015, the authorities have lauded the channel’s capabilities of drastically

in safeguarding Region Four from massive floods, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has committed to ensuring that the project is replicated in other parts of the country,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

lowering water levels in the overburdened conservancy, which was also being served by an insufficient

including regions Three, Five and Six. With Guyana being below sea level, it is imper-

investing in improved infrastructural capacity, both President Ali and Minister Mustapha have stressed the need for stricter monitoring of outfall channels.

As a matter of fact, during the height of the 2021 floods, President Ali executed an impromptu visit to several critical sluices in and around Georgetown, and it was found that pump attendants were sleeping while sluice doors were closed, and pumps were switched off.

The President had observed that although systems were in place and instructions were given for pumps to work continually, attendants were being negligent. Dr. Ali had said then that all of the government’s investments would run futile if persons continue to be irresponsible in the execution of their functions.

“We can invest as much as we want, but it will be of no benefit if we do not have responsibility in the system,” Dr. Ali surmised.

Nonetheless, the Agriculture Minister had said that, notwithstanding the challenges, the Ali-led government will continue to make significant investments towards the development of the agriculture

Aside from several major projects the Ministry of Agriculture is investing $157,826,815 in drainage and irrigation works in Region Three

ter Conservancy (EDWC) reaches maximum capacity.

The conservancy is basically a reservoir that holds up to 582 square kilometers of fresh water, which had

release channel located at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

In recognising the critical role that the Hope Canal channel has played

ative that the country’s drainage apparatuses are in exceptional working order to prevent any recurrences of the April-May and 2005 floods. In addition to

sector, which is expected to remain a premier income earner, even with the emergence of a burgeoning petroleum sector.

“Agriculture is the way

forward,” the minister recently told residents of Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.

During the distribution of some $1.6 billion worth of flood relief assistance, minister Mustapha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to utilising the country’s oil revenues to invest in the acceleration of the non-oil industries, and, more especially, the Agricultural sector which has been driving Guyana’s economy since time immemorial.

The minister pointed to the fact that Guyana has already reclaimed its agriculture leadership role within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and, within the coming years, will be investing heavily in value-added initiatives that could see farmers earning much more from their production.

Minister Mustapha said that the current and continued investments in building the country’s drainage and irrigation capacity is to ensure that farmers are no longer faced with consistent floods.

Moreover, on multiple occasions, the agriculture minister has emphasised the need for more Guyanese to invest in climate-resilient farming, which would reduce and perhaps even mitigate the impact that the weather has on crops.

“By doing these things, you get to control how much sunlight and so goes to your produce; you will also be planting on raised beds, so even if there are floods, it will not get to your plants,” Minister Mustapha said, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

The minister is hopeful that within the coming year, the agriculture industry would see a massive take-off in the right direction. Already, within the past year, the government has invested in excess of $50 billion to ensure the sustainability and modernisation of the country’s thriving agriculture sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Onderneeming residents welcome announcement of $100M road project RESIDENTS of Onderneeming who had recently staged a protest for better roads breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday afternoon when Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill told them that they will be the beneficiaries of a $100M road project.

Minister Edghill made it clear to those who were gathered at Rooster’s Place, that his announcement was not as a result of the protest but was part of the road programme for the Region Two community.

The protest action began on Thursday last.

Residents blocked the bridge on the main access road with pieces of wood and other debris to prevent the free flow of traffic to and from the community. Healthcare workers were denied access to their work site and some of them were reportedly threatened by the protesters.

The blockage was cleared the following afternoon. However, residents have placed a wooden barrier at the top of the bridge to prevent sand trucks from passing.

The minister told the residents that to address the issues of “bad road”,

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, listens attentively to a concerned resident. Also pictured are Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva (left) and Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit engineers will revisit the area on Monday and rehabilitation works will commence when his ministry awards the

Monday, 20 September 03:30hrs - 05:00hrs

contract.

According to the minister, the regional administration will be tasked with overlooking and

monitoring the maintenance process.

Meanwhile, he used the opportunity to urge the residents to cooperate with the truck drivers and to avoid any further misunderstanding. Truck drivers were also reminded of their responsibilities of maintaining the road once they have access to private sand/ loam pits in the area.

Minister Edghill said his ministry is spending millions of dollars on roads along the Essequibo Coast and he therefore urged residents to remove the wooden barrier to allow truck drivers to continue their work.

He also called on residents to report any issues affecting them to the regional officials.

Regional officials had met with the aggrieved residents on Saturday and listened to their concerns. They, however, indicated their prefer-

ence to meet with Minister Edghill as they were not confident that the region was in a position to address their plight.

Residents were very satisfied after the meeting with the minister.

One such resident was Kevin Lowe, who said that he was happy to be informed that the road will be finally fixed.

Lowe said it is something residents have been pleading for, for many years.

During the protest, many of protestors claimed that they made several requests to the relevant authorities for the road to be repaired, but their concerns were never addressed.

They had also explained that heavy-duty trucks were entering the community to take sand from the sandpits and were damaging the road.

The area is home to over 2,000 persons and has several sandpits.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Improved community response needed to tackle ‘escalating’ child abuse cases –– says Minister Persaud as Child Protection Week launched

AS of June 2021, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security had been investigating 1,918 reported cases of child abuse, and according to subject minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, these cases have since continued to escalate.

In a message to mark the beginning of Child Protection Week 2021, which starts today, Minister Persaud pointed to the fact that in addition to the above-mentioned figures, there are many cases that remain unreported, thereby allowing predators and perpetrators unfettered access to vulnerable children.

“The increased and necessary usage of the internet during the pandemic opens newer avenues for abuse, as does the hiatus from school as many children may be in closer proximity to their abusers,” Minister Persaud noted.

She reasoned that these scenarios mandate the need for improved public awareness of the signs of abuse, as well as increased education for children on their rights, as well as avenues of safety and protection and critically, the overwhelming need for the adults at every level to report instances of child abuse responsibly.

“We need to encourage children to tell because they understand that they will not be dismissed but helped,” Dr. Persaud said.

She went further to outline a number of avenues that persons can utilise in reporting cases of child abuse and help safeguard the nation’s children. These include the 914 hotline which has seen an increase in reports of children being abused.

Dr. Persaud in her message also cautioned persons to desist from publicising the identities of abused children, as it can do far more harm than good.

“Pictures of children or anything that identifies a child who is being abused in the public domain leads to stigma, more trauma and mental health issues for these children,” the minister informed the public.

She reminded citizens that persons wanting to report cases of child abuse need not worry about conflict, since reports can be made on an anonymous basis.

“An individual wishing to report a matter is not required to provide proof of abuse. If something just doesn’t seem right, it usually isn’t, so the CPA only requires the public to provide the location and identity of the child for us to intervene.”

The Human Services and Social Security Minister said that even though reporting is key to getting the process of intervention started, of equal importance is the optimum functioning of the supporting structures of law enforcement and justice.

To this end, the ministry has commenced intense training for law enforcement officers through the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), as it is imperative that reports are acted on with alacrity.

“Our own child protection officers are continually trained to provide necessary support to children and family,” Dr. Persaud said.

She noted too that while interventions may require children to be removed to protective custody of the state, every effort is made to reintegrate and remove children from institutions as early as possible to loving and safe homes.

In observance of Child Protection week, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry will be launching its ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign, aimed at engaging communities in efforts to further create safe environments for children.

“Through this initiative we will emphasise that child protection is everyone’s business; everyone – teachers, relatives, friends, neighbours -- each must play a role in ensuring that children are in a safe, secure environment; one that nurtures their abilities and enables them to turn into happy, productive adults,” Minister Persaud emphasised.

She said too that the ministry’s week-long activities will culminate with the launch

of an impactful three-year programme and strategic policies that centre on public awareness, parenting, family relationships and community involvement, as well as age-appropriate education on child abuse matters for children and adolescents. The activities will involve parents and children and members of various communities, as well as multimedia messages featuring children of Guyana.

“The CPA can attest to the fact that children growing up in abusive households often replicate the very behaviour when they start their own families; and the cycle is perpetuated,” Dr. Persaud highlighted.

She added, “The safety of every child should not be an elusive goal.” Child Protection today under the theme,

This week, Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud will launch the ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign, geared towards engaging communities to create safe environments “Together, let’s keep children safe.”

“We note the urgent need for collaborative efforts to achieve this…We must always remember that children

deprived of love, encouragement and safe environments can morph into adults filled with hate, poor self-worth and intolerance,” Dr. Persaud recognised.

Persons who may be aware of children in distress are urged to call the 24-hour 914 hotline, or the Child Protection Agency (CPA) on 227 0979.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Climate Co-operation

GUYANA and Suriname recently participated in a Technical Meeting on Climate Change in Suriname. The meeting was jointly hosted by the two neighbouring countries in the run-up to the United Nations’ Climate Change conference. The idea behind the meeting was to come up with a common strategy in terms of environmental management in light of new oil and gas discoveries, which have exceeded initial projections by a significant degree.

Guyana was represented at that meeting by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, among others.

The extraction of oil in the quantities envisaged is indeed good news from a de-

velopmental perspective, but it does come with a cost. And that cost goes well beyond financial and technological considerations. It also has to do, to a significant degree, with environmental issues and the need to ensure minimal damage to the eco-system, especially in the context of an emerging de-carbonised world.

This is why it is so important to coordinate and strategise with a view to arriving at common positions on this important issue of climate change. Both countries have been fortunate to have found oil in large commercial quantities which could be a game changer in terms of lifting them out of a historical system of underdevelopment and dependence. But, like

any other resource, it has to be carefully managed.

The Guyana basin holds out much hope for both Guyana and Suriname. Within the coming months, that basin is projected to see its largest exploration plan with ExxonMobil and its partners likely to commence the drilling of multiple wells across several off-shore blocks.

According to a recent publication, ExxonMobil has already submitted a document to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in which it outlined its exploration and drilling plans. It is anticipated that Guyana’s oil reserves could more than double its confirmed nine billion plus barrels of oil equivalent in the Stabroek and Canje blocks.

Exploratory works are ex-

pected to go until December 2025, during which time a total of 37 wells are expected to be drilled in the Stabroek block alone!

Our oil reserves, it must be said, go way beyond the Stabroek block, even though the majority of oil finds are within that geographical space. There are hopeful signs that major discoveries could also be made in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

All of this sounded too good to be true, but the fact is that our oil potential was in the past unknown until recently when drilling activities commenced and the true picture of our oil riches became known to the Guyanese people and the international community. We have now

been catapulted to the league of oil- producing nations.

Interest in Guyana is now on the rise and Guyana has now become a major investment destination.

No one except those who refuse to see can deny the impact oil is currently having on the local economy. The government is already in receipt of its share of oil revenues which is safely deposited in the Sovereign Wealth Fund and will be released for developmental purposes when the relevant legislation is put in place. The PPP/C administration has given an undertaking that the money from oil will be used to facilitate balanced and all-round development, especially in critical areas of human development such as education, health, housing

and other sectoral development. Some US$400 million has already been deposited in the fund, which is expected to incrementally increase as the volume of oil outputs increase in the coming period ahead.

As pointed out repeatedly

by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, revenues from oil could give the economy a great boost, which potentially could lift all boats. But first the oil has to be drilled and sold. There is still a window of time within which that can be done, but such window in not infinite. As a developing country we have a duty to optimise our resources, even as we remain environmentally vigilant and utilise our money wisely to improve the quality of life of the Guyanese people.

By Dr. DAI Dechun, Dr. QIAO Zhiming, Captain, the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade TIME stops for no one, and the seasons keep changing. On October 1, 2020, as COVID-19 was still ravaging the world, the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade rose to the challenge and arrived in Guyana to carry out a one-year medical aid tenure, fulfilling the glorious mission entrusted by Chinese government.

Over the past year, Chinese Medical Brigade has withstood the wind and rain. As messengers of civil medical diplomacy, they have become guardians of health and life with exquisite medical skills and warm services, recognized by the people and government of Guyana.

On the occasion of parting, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Director of Medical and Professional Services of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), expressed his heartfelt

thanks and best wishes to the 16th Chinese Medical Brigade for its contribution

al pandemic, you left your families behind when it was so high. We appreciate this

extend our greetings to the government and people of China on your return home.

Medical Brigade, said in reply, “This is a special journey in our life. By the end of August 2021, we had attended to 8316 outpatient and emergency patients, 5033 inpatients, conducted 1300 surgeries, treated 300 critically ill patients, completed acupuncture 1071 times, anesthesia 681 times, and reviewed 4000 radiology reports at GPHC and Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).” He added, “What is particularly commendable is that Dr. Wei Wei, Consultant of Pathology, has issued more than 4,000 pathological reports, and handled the specimens that had been backlogged for nearly 10 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible within limited time.”

CHINESE RESPONSIBILITY Ophthalmology is a high-risk department in COVID-19 period. Dr. Lu Xiting, Consultant of Ophthalmology, overcame the challenges of the epidemic

and the dilemma of lack of personnel, medical instruments, medicines, and completed cataract surgeries for patients in time, including some successful and challenging one-eyed cataract operation. The long-lost smiles of patients reappeared, and she became the Angel of light in the hearts of patients.

Dr. Zhang Xiangxin, Consultant of Orthopedics, adopted High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) to preserve the knee for traumatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in young and middle-aged patients, so as to better restore the function of the knee joint.

It could significantly reduce the cost of surgery and postoperative complications, and promote the treatment of KOA to be more precise, minimally invasive and stepped.

Chinese Innovation Technologies According to the needs of patients’ condition, Chinese Medical Brigade

The 16th Chinese Medical Brigade bids farewell with devotion

Above left: Dr. Wei analysing pathological specimen. Above right, Dr. Qiao discussing with Chinese domestic engineer online; bottom left, Dr. Wei (first left) checking extractor; bottom right, Dr. Wei, extractor returned to normal towards the development and improvement of Guyana health care. He said, “In a very difficult time of glob-

so much. We will be forever grateful and thankful for all that you have brought for us. We would like to

I would like to wish you a safe trip back home.”

Dr. QIAO Zhiming, Captain, the 16th Chinese

SEE PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE,

FROM PAGE 6

brought their intelligence into full play and introduced 60 innovation technologies, including general and plastic surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, nephrology, ophthalmology, anesthesia and pathology, to treat patients to the greatest extent, which showed excellent professionalism and compassion for patients.

More importantly, Chinese consultants pay more attention to pass on new ideas to Guyana counterparts.

Dr. Chen Ying, Consultant of Radiology, explained six new CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technologies, such as 3D Imaging of Pulmonary Nodules, Virtual Endoscopy of Airway, guided the operation of gastroenterography, optimised the training plan, taught Residents according

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

to their aptitude to improve professional ability. Dr. Chen said he would like to help Guyana radiology to open a new chapter.

Dr. Qu Hui, Consultant of anesthesiology, carried out eight new technologies, providing timely anesthesia and life support for difficult and critical operations.

Among them, fiberbronchoscope-guided intubation is one of the most outstanding technologies. The new technology has the advantages of less damage, less stimulation, fewer complications, higher safety and success rate, and is almost suitable for all difficult tracheal intubation. More and more local doctors recognised the practicality and convenience of the new intubation method and gradually learned to use it under the guidance of Dr. Qu.

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reduced by more than 80 per cent. Every day of delay meant a backlog of nearly 1,000 samples.

Dr. Qiao and Dr. Wei, Pathologist, rushed to NPHRL. After discussions with Chinese domestic engineers, it was confirmed that a part of the instrument was damaged and needed to be replaced.

Unfortunately, there were no similar accessories in Guyana.

However, China and Guyana are far apart, and the reguAbove left: Dr. Chen (second left) explaining lar delivery time may take image analysis?above right, Dr. Qu months. Under the arrangedemonstrating fiberoptic bronchoscopy ment of Chinese Embassy, intubation; bottom left, Dr. Lu (first left) teaching eye examination; bottom right, Dr. Zhang guiding Dr. Zhiming commissioned the staff returning to Guyana knee surgery only 96-channel nucleic acid from China to bring urgently AMAZING SPEED On August 28, 2021, Dr. extraction instrument in the needed accessories.

Qiao Zhiming, Captain, sud- National Public Health RefOn September 5, Chinese denly received a call for help erence Laboratory (NPHRL) consultants successfully refrom Dr. Horace Cox, Di- did not work, which resulted ceived the parts. On the mornrector of Vector Control Ser- in the detection capacity of ing of September 6, they came vices, Ministry of Health. The COVID-19 of NPHRL being to the NPHRL again. After

repeated adjustments, the extractor returned to normal after 6 hours of hard work!

The prompt rescue, spanning 20,000 kilometers, took only one week to solve the problem of NPHRL. The versatilities of Chinese medical specialists were obvious. Dr. Cox and staff of the laboratory felt very happy. They expressed their thanks to Chinese Medical Brigade with warm applause and greatly praised the amazing speed of China.

“The short one-year stint of medical assistance makes us better ourselves. We are looking forward to the efforts and contributions of Chinese Medical Brigades to promote the development of Guyana’s health and make the friendship between China and Guyana last forever.”

Zhiming said.

Ultrasound and the diagnosis ___of kidney stones___

-- reducing the high number of false diagnosis of kidney stones

By Dr. Vijai Persaud MMED Diagnostic Radiology KIDNEY stones (also called renal calculi or nephrolithiasis) refer to the formation of hard pebble-like deposits made of salts and minerals inside the kidneys.

The lifetime risk of nephrolithiasis is approximately 11 per cent for men and seven per cent for women. Accurate detection and measurement of renal calculi is important to guide in management decisions. Commonly used diagnostic tests include ultrasound, CT scan and x rays. There are advantages and disadvantages of each.

Ultrasound (USG) is an easily accessible, relatively inexpensive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to characterise tissue. Ultrasound should be used as the initial diagnostic imaging test, with further imaging studies performed at the discretion of the physician on the basis of clinical judgment. It has the ability to demonstrate stones, hydronephrosis (swelling due to obstruction), renal inflammation, ruptured fornices, ureteric jets, mass and abscess. Stones that are located close to the corticomedullary junction, particularly when small, can be difficult to reliably identify. The sensitivity

of USG in detecting kidney stones is low when compared with CT. While this improves with increasing stone size, it is widely known that

Dr. Vijai Persaud ultrasound misses approximately a ¼ of large-sized stones (>10 mm) and nearly 3/4 of stones not visualised were transducer settings and focal distance.

In many cases it is difficult to determine whether a urinary stone is present due to its indistinct echogenicity and indiscrete or poor posterior acoustic shadowing.

The twinkle artifact sign that can be seen on colour flow doppler ultrasound is also helpful when present. In addition, given the variety of settings and techniques, USG is more operator-dependent than CT. Indistinct echogenicity of stones results from surrounding

echogenic tissue which may include bowel, prominent renal sinus fat and mesenteric fat. The echogenic appearance of these tissues can frequently produce acoustic shadowing which can be erroneously interpreted as renal stones. Renal artery calcifications should also be taken into consideration, especially in patients with long-standing diabetes, hypertension, or other systemic diseases associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Why is this of concern? It leads to inaccurate diagnosis or overcalling of kidney stones. This causes unnecessary patient anxiety, triggers unwarranted follow up ultrasound examinations and potentially misleads the managing doctor. The ensuing financial burden is also evident. Many patients, being concerned about their diagnosis, would have frequent ultrasound examinations. Studies have shown that as a result, one in five patients may be inappropriately managed when using USG alone.

Sensitivity of Ultrasound by kidney stone size. (BJU) In contrast, gallstones and urinary bladder stones are easily identified using ultrasound due to the presence of surrounding fluid (bile and urine). CT scan

has a higher accuracy in the diagnosis of small stones. It has the advantage whereby not only are the kidneys evaluated for stones, but the

due to its higher level of anatomical detail which is essential for surgical management. The main disadvantages are the cost and

entire genitourinary system i.e the ureters and bladder also. It is used in the emergency setting for diagnosis and in the surgical setting

radiation exposure. The radiation dose however can be decreased by using low-dose protocols. This method uses specific protocols result-

ing in lower tube current.

Stones depending on their sizes can sometimes get stuck within the ureters as they descend to the bladder.

If they remain there for a long period, it can result in obstruction. The ureters can dilate and eventually it also happens to the kidneys. This in medical terms is called hydronephrosis or ureterohydronephrosis. If a stone remains in that location for a long period of time it may damage the kidney if it is not treated. Consultation with your doctor or urologist would be important to determine the appropriate management, so as to prevent long-term kidney damage. Abdominal X Rays also referred to as Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) is most helpful in evaluating interval stone growth in patients with known stone disease. It is less helpful in the setting of acute stones and is largely being replaced by ultrasound and CT. In summary, although ultrasound is an ideal imaging method for renal pathology and complications, it has low sensitivity for detecting small stones and increased awareness of this is important to avoid false diagnosis.

In uncertain cases, a low dose CT scan can provide accurate information.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Strike called off as GuySuCo agrees to compensate Albion cane-cutters

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has agreed that it will be compensating cane harvesters at its Albion, East Berbice-Corentyne sugar estate for cutting dried-out canes that have resulted in a shortfall of their punt weight, which essentially determines their daily pay.

The agreement, arrived at during a stakeholder meeting on Sunday, essentially brings the curtain down on a five-day strike which saw in excess of 1,100 workers downing their cutlasses in a demand for better pay.

GuySuCo in a press statement explained that because cane-cutters are piece-rated workers, they are paid on the basis of

tonnes of canes harvested.

“That weight is known when cane punts are weighted at the factory,” the corporation noted. As a result of the more than 60-day floods that started in April-May, some 31 per cent of the sugar canes at Albion was damaged. This resulted in a large portion of cane crops being much below their normal weight.

During Sunday’s meeting President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Seepaul Narine contended that even though the workers were completing their daily tasks, their earnings were well below what is usual, as a result of the damaged cane stalks.

GAWU reminded Guy-

SuCo’s negotiation team that in the past, the corporation had compensated workers whenever their tasks were completed but their cane weights were not attained. From that point of view, the union urged GuySuCo to revert to known and established practices.

GuySuCo, through its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh, pointed to the fact that the situation at Albion was unusual. In acknowledging the workers’ concerns, Singh emphasised the need for cooperation from all stakeholders in order for the estate to recover from the devastating floods which resulted in some $1.2 billion in losses.

The GuySuCo CEO

During a meeting on Sunday, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) agreed that for this crop only, cane harvesters would be compensated for the shortfall that the flood-damaged canes has had on their daily pay. A memo to this effect was signed between the corporation and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union was particularly keen on noting the critical role that the cane-cutters play in reversing the fortunes of the entire sugar industry.

FOR THIS CROP ONLY Having heard from the GAWU representatives, GuySuCo officials proposed that for this crop only, the Albion cane harvesters would be compensated for the difference between their usual productivity per punt and the actual

canes cut and loaded, or cut and stacked.

“To receive the compensation the workers would have to complete their tasks assigned. The agreement also places a limitation on the task assigned to workers in keeping with long-standing practices,” GuySuCo said.

As the agreement was reached, GAWU’s Narine shared that the union was heartened that the GuySUCo representatives listened carefully and considered the challenges faced by its Albion workers.

Narine believes that the fruitful engagement augurs well for worker/ management relations and is hopeful for further improvement in the GAWU/ GuySuCo relations.

Similar sentiments were shared by the GuySuCo CEO, who expressed appreciation to both the workers and their union representatives.

He indicated that the corporation looks forward to working with the union and strengthening relations between the parties.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

GTU calls off protest to ‘evaluate approach’

AMIDST calls from some teachers for the Guyana Teachers’ Union to terminate its representation due to the “politicising” of recent protest action, GTU President Mark Lyte on Friday officially announced the end of the ‘Boots on the Ground’ protest to evaluate its approach and “strategise for a more impactful advance of the cause.”

Several teachers over the past few days have announced on social media that they are considering cancelling their membership and monthly dues paid to the union. The Ministry of Education (MoE) recently took over the management of a teachers’ benefits programme following complaints from teachers of unfair allocations by the GTU. The GTU recently failed to secure an injunction against the government’s COVID-19 policy that requires teachers to be vaccinated or to produce a negative PCR test once per week.

Some teachers believe that the recent protest became a political one, particularly through the actions of the GTU General-Secretary Coretta McDonald, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) for the main opposition, APNU+AFC. The situation even saw derogatory remarks being made against the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand by another Opposition MP, Sherod Duncan.

“I think they are pulling in two different directions instead of working as one.

They are making everything political instead of trying to help teachers,” noted one teacher from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Another teacher from Region One (Barima-Waini) said: “The protest action

losing confidence in the union.

“I don’t have any faith in the union to represent the best interest of teachers.

There are too many politically motivated executive members. I have no interest in politics, so as a neutral person I don’t believe we will be represented the way that we should,” the Region One teacher added.

Others have noted that while they do not want to leave the union, there is need for an overhaul of its

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand was politically hijacked and became very disrespectful and then I no longer supported it. I believe the GTU president realised the same and called it off.”

Given the sensitive nature of the matter and fear of discrimination, the teachers who spoke with this publication asked to remain

GTU President Mark Lyte

GTU General-Secretary and APNU+AFC MP, Coretta McDonald anonymous. Several teachers have been very vocal over the past few days about

approach.

One teacher from Region Two said: “I have no intention of leaving the union. It saddens me as a teacher that ‘politicians’ try to influence its performance. The GTU has good intentions, but they need to rethink their strategies and not lose focus. They need to reach out more frequently to teachers and have a better system to award benefits to teachers.”

The teacher said that the union has been there for teachers in the past, and they hope that this will continue in the future.

“The union has always put teachers’ interest first. It

Vendor robbed by motorcycle bandits POLICE are on the hunt for two bandits who robbed a 44-year-old female vendor, on Saturday night, at National Avenue, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.

A police report noted that the victim was selling confectionery at around 20:30hrs, when the two perpetrators on a motorcycle stopped to purchase items.

It is alleged that the pillion rider came off the motorcycle and approached the victim; he pointed a handgun at her and demanded her valuables. Police said the woman became afraid and handed over a cellphone valued at $55,000 and $15,000 in cash.

The bandits escaped. Investigation is ongoing.

has fought for teachers under different governments.

It saddens me as a teacher that ‘politicians’ try to influence its performance,” the teacher remarked to this publication.

Earlier last week, Minister Manickchand had noted that the union was straying from its purpose. Nonetheless, she expressed her willingness to engage the union, once they reorganise and puts the interests of teachers first.

“I am prepared to engage with the Guyana Teachers’ Union as often as is needed for as long as is needed. At this stage, the union has to decide if they want to engage with us. The union has to understand its role and fight for itself and if they are not prepared to do that, teachers will see it. I hope they fix themselves, they are a longstanding union,” Minister Manickchand had said on Wednesday when she responded to questions on the sidelines of the launch of the Teachers Welfare and Benefits Programme.

The minister noted that the MoE is willing to work with the union even with McDonald on the executive.

“I hold the view that a sensible, decent person can be both an MP and a union leader. In many respects you are doing the same thing, representing people. But when you let your narrow political positions infect what the union should be doing, it’s a problem,” Manickchand noted.

The GTU in a statement said it is looking to re-ignite engagements with the ministry regarding COVID-19 vaccination and several financial issues.

However, Manickchand had noted that previous attempts by the ministry to work along with the union on the COVID-19 vaccination policy did not receive a favourable response from the GTU. “The union said they’re interested in educating teachers, we should educate teachers more about the vaccine. I said fine, tell me what you want us to do, we will

do it. I arranged studio time, I arranged the doctor, and an executive from the union was supposed to come on TV and ask that doctor any question that teachers had raised with them. Twice, I did it. They didn’t show up. Should I wait for them to show up or should I find another teacher who is interested in serving teachers?” the minister said.

She also pointed out that notwithstanding the union’s executive taking a stance against the vaccines for teachers, many of them are already inoculated.

“The entire executive is fully vaccinated and I commend them for that.

But, go to the union’s page.

Everything that is bad, all kinds of hearsay is [sic] on the page. Nothing positive about the vaccine.

The same type of line the APNU+AFC is taking.

All of them are vaccinated, but they are sure that something will happen to anybody else who takes the vaccine,” Manickchand noted.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Guiding Girls

ALL children need guidance, preferably from their parents and family members.

They need adults to bring out the best in them while teaching morals, discipline, values and fairness. Although these attributes seem basic, many children’s needs go unnoticed during childhood due to adult unawareness, or they are too busy to implement and follow through with systems.

There are several levels to raising children; apart from food, clothes and shelter, their physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs should be initiated by adults. If they are to grow into sensible, level-headed young women, girls especially need guidance.

Girl guidance should begin in infancy with the correct amount of attention and encouragement from caring parents. They should encourage healthy risk-taking and not limit their daughter’s ability to explore or stifle her character. Girls need room to make choices and to discover the world under their parent’s watchful eyes.

Girls should not be stereotyped; their toys can be gender-neutral. They must mix with other children to build social and emotional skills and, of course, be corrected if they do not grasp concepts, such as sharing and taking turns. Some adults say, ‘oh, it’s only a child, she doesn’t understand,’ but children have a good understanding even when they cannot talk. Be firm and consistent in your correcting. Let your daughter understand there is a time for fun, a time to play and a time when you are serious.

During the foundation years (0 – 5), children learn a lot about sharing and caring from interacting with pals. Their socio-emotional development teaches them to have concern for peers and helps them understand how their actions affect others. As mentioned

earlier, some primary attributes like these are overlooked in the grand scheme of childhood.

For this reason, parental guidance and the monitoring of children are priorities.

Empower your daughter to be brave and talk out if something is wrong or against what she knows to be just or fair. Help her to be an independent thinker and not follow or rely on others for validation. Safeguard her by creating a network of trustworthy, reliable people (preferably family members, grandparents, aunts etc.) with whom your daughter will be safe and ensure they are on the same page when it comes to nurturing and disciplining.

There should not be double-standard or mixed messaging in different settings. Your daughter should grow feeling safe and secure, loved and appreciated by her family circle and close friends and relatives.

Loving and appreciating a child means looking out for her welfare and arming her with the necessary qualities and resourcefulness to navigate an unpredictable terrain (the world). Once grown, she will leave to make life on her own. Will she have the integrity, resilience and courage to make it in the world? Plus, the patience, sincerity, and understanding to endure its highs and lows?

Help girls to be assertive by teaching them coping and problem-solving skills. Talk through your daughter’s problems and get her to voice or write down ideas for solving them - even if you have the answers, let her exercise and develop her problem-solving skills naturally. Research suggests that women express emotions more frequently than men.

They also tend to internalize emotions such as anxiety and sadness.

Parents can encourage girls to manage their emotions by getting them to explain how they feel and why. Let them identify the feelings, what caused them, and their reac-

tion to the situation. Help them find ways to ease their mind? Having a strategy to release emotional tension in girls could help cut down on the self-harm that some pre-teens and adolescent girls are prone to when under stress or feeling anxious.

Girls are inclined to be promiscuous if not given clear guidance and attention from adults and parents, especially when they reach puberty. To prevent STI’s and unwanted pregnancies, parents must discuss reproduction and the importance of abstinence with their daughters. Explain why waiting to enjoy the fullness of a loving relationship with a partner is always the safer option.

One of the most critical aspects of ‘guiding girls’ is their father figure - a father plays an essential role in his daughter’s life; no one can overlook this fact. A healthy, father-daughter relationship can build a girl’s confidence and help her to shape a positive self-image. Fathers provide a feeling of emotional and physical security for children.

The communication channels between father and daughter must be established from infancy and kept open as she grows. The sincerer and more genuine the relationship between them, the more self-assured the daughter will naturally be. Her father will influence and shape her opinion of other men, and from him, she will learn how men treat women.

When your daughter becomes a well-mannered young woman, who is considerate, honest, shows compassion, intellect and flexibility, you know that guiding her is worth it in the long run.

Don’t give up on children.

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK Theme: Together, let’s keep children safe Child Protection Week takes place every year to raise public awareness of the plight faced by abused children in Guyana.

People have a moral and civil responsibility to protect children by reporting abuse to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

Communities especially can hear and see what is happening in families and need to be proactive rather than turn a blind eye; leaving children to suffer.

This year Child Protection Week is from Sunday 19th September until Saturday 25th.

The Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security earnestly ask the public to get involved in child protection.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Over 30 women benefit from ‘Accelerate-Her’ workshop IN an effort to promote entrepreneurship among Guyanese women , the Centre for Local Business Development, in collaboration with the Women’s Chambers of Commerce, over the weekend, held its Accelerate-Her workshop.

The workshop which had over 30 participants was held at the Pegasus Hotel.

According to the centre’s director, Natasha Gaskin-Peters, the Accelerate-Her programme is designed to

enable the growth of small businesses through tailored workshops, help women access one-on-one business advisory services, mentoring, pitch development, and fostering a strong and supportive peer-learning environment for women.

Gaskin-Peters further explained that the workshop seeks to assist women entrepreneurs looking to expand their company, access new markets or increase efficiencies and innovation.

Accelerate-Her has two main phases. The first phase began on September 17, 2021 and culminated on September 19, 2021.

The second phase, which will run for nine weeks from October to December, 2021, will include mentorship, coaching and in-person meetings to help women entrepreneurs build their businesses.

A total of 15 women entrepreneurs will participate in the second phase.

Some of those who participated in the recently concluded Accelerate-Her workshop

11

Shining a light GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

By Vanessa Cort

“WHEN a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away?

Of course not. You just change the batteries…when a person messes up or find themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside?

Of course not! You help them change their batteries.

Some need AA…attention and affection; some need AAA…attention, affection and acceptance; some need C…compassion; some need D…direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine… simply sit with them quietly and share your light.”

These words, sent by a relative of mine recently, resonated deeply with me, as they obviously did with him, particularly at this time.

Just as we thought there was a ‘light at the end of tunnel’, with the development of vaccines to combat COVID-19, along came the Delta Variant – much more infectious and far more deadly.

The rate of infection and the death toll have surged both within this country and globally, while the pro and

measures being put in place to guard against the virus and prevent its spread has been summed up by psychotherapist, Dr Shane Tull, in one term – “Pandemic fatigue”.

Dr Tull explained, “People have been told to do things but don’t feel they are working.” In addition, the prolonged nature of this virus has led to the kind of mental exhaustion which has caused people to react irrationally simply because they are ‘fed up’.

What is clear, however, is that while pro and anti-vaccine factions argue people are becoming infected and dying

anti-vaccine controversy has gained momentum.

Curfews and lockdowns which were lifted are now being re-instituted as health services have been inundated with new Delta Variant cases.

Amidst all of this furore, many even dispute the wearing of protective face masks arguing that they do not prevent persons from contracting the virus.

However, as someone pointed out, seat belts do not

guarantee that the driver and front seat passenger will not be injured during an accident, yet they have been accepted.

Furthermore, they are now mandatory and cars even offer back seat belts too.

The parallel between seat belts and face masks is clear.

While masks may not prevent an individual from contracting the virus, they certainly reduce the possibility of infection.

But all of the resistance to

Sophia man stabbed to death, brother injured … during confrontation at Vreed-en-Hoop stelling POLICE are on the hunt for a man who stabbed a Sophia, Georgetown resident to death, and wounded his brother, during a heated confrontation at the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara stelling, on Saturday night.

Dead is 26-year—old Sigmol Gouveia of Block ‘A’ Sophia; his brother, Neville Gouveia, 37, is hospitalised with stab wounds at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Neville is employed as a security guard at the Dock Yard of the stelling.

Police Headquarters revealed that, about 23:10 hrs, a boat arrived at the stelling koker with three

unknown males; one of the males exited the vessel while the remaining two took the boat out on the said river.

A short while after, there was a verbal confrontation between Sigmol and the male who disembarked the boat. Police said the male was told by Sigmol that he cannot use the said area for passage and that he should call his friends from the boat to pick him up.

It is alleged that the suspect called his friends to collect him. However, another argument ensued between the two and the suspect reportedly stabbed Sigmol to his abdomen.

Sigmol collapsed and was

rendered unconscious.

Neville, who witnessed the stabbing, approached the suspect, and he too received stab wounds to his right upper arm and chest.

The boat then returned shortly after with over 10 people on board; they were all armed with pieces of wood and cutlasses. they collected the suspect and they all headed across the river, the police report noted.

Both victims were picked up by the police and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Sigmol was pronounced dead and his brother was admitted a patient.

in unprecedented numbers.

Hospital emergency rooms are overwhelmed and health professionals, on the front line of this new wave, are buckling under the weight of what they see as their responsibility to offer beds and treatment to patients.

Children are returning to school and parents worry about their safety and many are still undecided on whether to even send them. And this is really the crux of the matter – the need for everyone to be safe and feel safe.

Exactly how this can best be achieved is the question we have to consider at all

levels of society. This is not just a matter of our individual safety, but that of the people around us, and, most importantly, our children.

So, instead of abating the stress is mounting, as we all face decisions about the way forward and the looming spectre of additional variants, which the experts say are inevitable as long as the virus continues to spread.

Everyone is affected, but how we cope will vary greatly from person to person and some of us will definitely need the help and support of those who are stronger and can share their ‘light’.

12

Guyana Rum Fest hopes to be top spot for tourists

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

–– offers unique perspective on Guyanese culture through education

By Richard Bhainie

THE Guyana Rum Festival, which exhibits the flavour of Guyanese culture and tradition through a product internationally associated with the Region – rum - aims to be a reason which lands tourists to the country on an annual basis, while at the same time educating the local populace on the rich history of the drink.

The second annual Guyana Rum Festival 2021, a four-day event, ended with ‘the Secret Garden’ -- an all-white event open only to the vaccinated sector of the population -- that was described as the ‘ultimate brunch experience’ on Sunday at the Scout Association Lawns, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The Guyana Chronicle visited ‘the Secret Garden’ when the gates opened at 10:30hrs and caught up with Yonnick David, the co-founder and creative director of the Guyana Rum Festival whose vision is to make the event an international

Yonnick David, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the Guyana Rum Festival (Elvin Croker photo)

name as Demerara Rum, native to Guyana, itself.

“Rum Festival is all about the culture of Guyana and where we come from; we’re all here because of our sugar plantation history and from sugar comes the rum and our rum has been winning awards all over the world, so it’s just a chance for us

He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic forced organisers to host the event under certain constraints; for example, the venue had to be retrofitted to ensure full compliance with COVID-19 regulations and guidelines; however, it still provided the opportunity for persons to socialise,

it’s a beautiful country, you have tourism opportunities, you got amazing industries like the rum industries … it’s a beautiful country with so much potential and it’s an exciting time for the country,” the British diplomat told this newspaper.

Meanwhile, the virtual events included the rum-tasting on September

Rum is embedded in the history of Guyana as its roots run deep into the sugar plantations of Demerara; it can be traced back to the early 17th century with the introduction of sugar cane cultivation and distilling as an externality by the early European settlers.

Recently, as of July

Patrons at the all-white Secret Garden Brunch on Sunday (Elvin Croker photo) to celebrate that aspect of our culture,” David told the Guyana Chronicle.

That celebration was held through a number of virtual events, but a dining experience in the form of a brunch on Sunday saw over 250 people in attendance to witness live performances from Guyanese artistes Drew Thoven, Gully Ras, cKush, local disc jockeys (DJs) and the live sounds of steel pans and saxophone.

“The brunch is a chance for people to enjoy Guyanese cuisine, for people to socialise safely and it’s been over a year of no proper activities, so it’s just a chance for people to come out, socialise and just enjoy Guyanese culture,” David said.

as safely as possible.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, OBE, who was present at the brunch on Sunday; she envisions close partnerships in many areas, not only with the government, but also the private sector of Guyana and used the opportunity to mingle.

“I really want to promote local industry and rum is something that is internationally famous.

In the UK [United Kingdom], if I talk Guyana, people know about the rum and so I’m really keen to promote that and see what’s going on here.

“There’s so much to contribute here [locally];

16 called ‘What name rum?’ where there was a comprehensive discussion on rum and how it is made locally; the Rum Fest 2021 Seminar & Cocktail Mix Session on September 17 that opened discussions on rum, the agriculture and tourism sectors of Guyana and the cocktail ‘mix-off’ competition on September 18.

“Our major push is education, we have an issue with rum and alcohol in a whole, so we want to put a twist to it and have people understand why rum is an integral part of our culture and economy,” David said, as he explained that the education component is executed through the seminars and other events.

28, 2021, Demerara Rum was awarded a Protected Geographical Indication (GI) in the European Union (EU); this protects the name of a spirit drink or aromatised wine originating in a country, region or locality where the product’s particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

By the 1800s there were over 300 distilleries producing their own unique rums locally, each with its own marque identifying its origin such as PM for Port Mourant and LBI for La Bonne Intention.

During the early 20th century, all of the stills were merged and today

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, OBE, at the Secret Garden Brunch on Sunday (Elvin Croker photo) Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the parent company of the famous El Dorado Rum, operates the last remaining Demerara Rum distillery, Plantation Diamond, which preserves the history and quality of Demerara Rum. With the El Dorado brand being described by some as the ‘best rum in the world’, Demerara Rum has gained international recognition and rum makes up a major export commodity for Guyana; according to the Bank of Guyana, the country recorded US$36.0 Million in rum and spirit exports for 2020.

David expressed that both the Government of Guyana and corporate Guyana played a massive role in making Guyana Rum Festival 2021 a reality as the event received sponsorship from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, ANSA McAl Guyana, Digicel Guyana and Diamond Reserve Rum.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Aircraft seized in drug busts to be utilised by GPF, military

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has said that two aircraft seized during recent drug busts will be used by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to enhance their mobility and response to crime.

The minister, in making this disclosure, on Saturday, during a drug eradication exercise, highlighted that government has placed top priority on tackling crime within Guyana to promote safer communities through the provision of more equipment and facilities, training for law-enforcement personnel, and the improvement of investigative and forensic capabilities, among other mechanisms.

He noted that the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been doing its part to curb crime across Guyana. According to Minister Benn, those efforts so far have been successful.

In a recent interview, the minister had said that the success, is evidenced by the 20 per cent decrease in serious crimes recorded between

January and July.

“Serious crimes are down by 20 per cent year-to-date, compared to 2020. We did have it down by 30 per cent, but there have been some jumps over the last six weeks or so, but you may note that we are having success in terms of solving some of those and we are on track to solving some of the more critical ones, he said adding: “A great deal of energy and effort is being expended to do fighting of crime…we have to have the ability and the mobility to deal with those issues…”

Minister Benn indicated that the force has five aircraft that were seized during drug bust operations. He noted, however, that three of these aircraft were destroyed by the pilots flying them.

He noted that from the busts, the GPF had managed to arrest three Brazilian pilots who operated the vessels carrying the illegal substances.

“A number of planes [got] destroyed. We have three and we recovered two

Albion businessman arrested for ‘breach of curfew’ POLICE, on Saturday night, arrested an Albion, Corentyne, Berbice businessman who is the proprietor of Food Court Restaurant and Bar, for allegedly breaching the curfew.

According to a police report, a party of policemen, on patrol duty in the Albion Station District, observed a large number of vehicles parked on both sides of the Albion Public Road as well as a large crowd within and around the bar at around 21:35hrs.

As a result, the ranks immediately went to the proprietor and ordered him to close off and disperse the crowd.

He was arrested and escorted to the Albion Police Station and placed into custody for breaching the Emergency Guidelines by hosting a social activity beyond the stipulated 21:30hrs as well as other breaches. He was later released on bail and is scheduled for court on September 21, 2021.

According to the police, the said location was highlighted to the Police Commander, during an outreach on Wednesday last, as a prime spot where night shift sugar workers are robbed whenever they pass to head to or from the estate.

whole. We have three but we have two whole, which will be put to use for operations of the police and the military. So, we have had significant success,” Minister Benn stated.

Meanwhile, in keeping with government’s aim of

providing more assets to improve the performance of the police force, 50 brand new vehicles were purchased to boost its ability to tackle crime.

The Security Sector Reform Study of 2017 had highlighted the major defi-

ciencies in the operation of the force including chronic underfunding, a shortage of vehicles and the poor state of the vehicular fleet, the lack of adequate communication equipment and poor maintenance of physical assets.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

Goldsmith, family robbed in home invasion A 49-year-old goldsmith and his family have been left in a traumatized state after three armed bandits invaded their Westminster Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home, on Saturday night.

Police Headquarters reported that the goldsmith was sitting on his veranda at around 20:45hrs when the three perpetrators – one armed with a gun and the others with knives - jumped his fence and kicked him to his face repeatedly.

The suspects then entered the house where they held the victim’s wife and two children hostage, demanding valuables and ransacking the house.

They stole a black Lenovo laptop computer valued at $100,000; two black Amazon electronic tablets total value at $40,000; a black iPhone S5 cellphone valued at $60,000; a BLU cellphone valued at $30,000; $50,000 in cash and a quantity of gold jewellery (value unknown at this time).

The suspects subsequently escaped on foot; investigation is ongoing.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

Twelve more die from COVID-19

TWELVE more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 725, the Ministry of Health has reported.

With the addition of the 12 new cases Guyana has recorded 100 deaths since the month of September started; this is the highest number of deaths recorded in a single month since the pandemic hit these shores in March 2020.

The latest fatalities include two residents of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – two males ages 82 and 56, who died on September 18 and 19, respectively; one of the men was said to be partially vaccinated while the

other was unvaccinated.

A man and a woman, age 70 and 71 from Region Two, also succumbed on September 18 and 16 respectively; they were both unvaccinated.

The other fatalities were three men From Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) - a 74-year-old man, who was unvaccinated and died on September 14; a 57-year-old man who was unvaccinated and died on September 10; and a 47-year-old man whose vaccination status is currently “unknown”; he died on September 10.

Three women from Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) also

–– 8 were unvaccinated, 208 new cases recorded

recently died - a 72-year-old who was partially vaccinated and died on September 14; a 60-year-old who died on September 13 and was unvaccinated and a 68-year-old who was partially vaccinated and died on September 17.

The other two fatalities were a 53-year-old male from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and a 74-yearold man from Region Ten (Upper Demerara – Berbice); both men were unvaccinated and died on September 18.

According to the Ministry of Health, all 12 persons died while receiving

treatment at a government facility.

Additionally, there are currently 3,838 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 208 new cases on September 19 from 1,750 tests. The 208 newly confirmed cases were recorded in nine of the ten Administrative Regions.

Region Four accounted for 93 of the new cases; Region One recorded 10 new cases, Region Two recorded seven cases, Region Three recorded 51 cases, Region Five recorded four new cases, Region Six recorded six cases. Region Seven recorded 28 new cases while Regions Eight and Nine recorded two

and seven cases respectively.

The country has now recorded a total of 29,553 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 33 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 158 are in institutional isolation; 3,637 are in home isolation, and three are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency

Measures are in force until September 30, 2021.

They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

PCOS activist recommends low-carb foods to manage condition ONE of the biggest challenges faced by women who have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is managing and maintaining a low-carb and healthy diet, which is especially difficult for some Guyanese women since many of the foods one is expected to consume is not easily accessible in the country’s traditional kitchen.

Having gone through this

the condition.

Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that after her official diagnosis in 2017, she was relieved for having an explanation for the symptoms she was experiencing but she was still having difficulties trying to manage same and keep her symptoms at bay.

“Most of the information that is available and online is not tailored for Guyanese women and products that you find in Guyana easily”, she

Nutana Singh struggle herself, 24-year-old Nutana Singh has used her diagnosis to launch an online platform to help others living with the condition.

According to the Johns Hopkins medical website, PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens which are male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts.

The name PCOS describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries.

Some of the symptoms listed are: irregular periods or no periods at all, difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate), excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks, weight gain, thinning hair and hair loss from the head, and oily skin or acne.

Singh’s blog ‘Eating with PCOS’ features a plethora of meal preparations, menus and recipes that Guyanese women can follow to minimise some of their symptoms.

The very interactive blog also offers workout tips as well as mental health ‘nuggets’ to help women navigate

said adding: “Two years ago I made the website ‘Eating with PCOS’ and I have it divided into sections where I would post recipes. And now on the website people ask me about

workouts and what do I do.”

A believer of the quote “Lift while you climb”, Singh said, she was determined to find ways to make her life and the lives of all the others living with PCOS simple.

“Managing PCOS is all about balance and finding that balance for yourself by using a holistic mind, body and soul approach, it’s not just about diet.”

Sharing some details of her own personal journey, Singh said, “I moved from being 190 pounds when I was first diagnosed to 134 and I was super skinny and not very comfortable and happy in my skin and my diet was very restrictive at that point.”

She noted that women are required to practise a strict diet of low carbohydrates which is a difficulty since the Guyanese traditional way of preparing meals does not always cater for such a diet.

“Women with PCOS like myself have to follow a low carb to moderate diet as a part of our lifestyle. Yes women with PCOS need to avoid high carbohydrate foods; we need to avoid foods that are going to make us feel inflated.”

She noted that PCOS does not only have an effect on one’s psychical health but also mental health.

Hence, she advised women who have been diagnosed with the condition to take care of both their psychical and mental wellbeing.

Mild exercise, yoga, going for walks and reading are

A glimpse of the website

some of the activities one can do to manage both.

Since she started to publicly speak out about PCOS, Singh said, many women have been messaging her for advice.

Singh noted that the key to best managing PCOS is to have a holistic mind body and soul approach.

For information on PCOS and Singh’s blog readers can visit her website, www.eatingwithpcos. com

A side-by-side comparison of Nutana Singh’s weight loss journey and PCOS

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

No place for racism in Guyana’s development – Min. Rodrigues AS International Day of Peace approaches, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, is making a special plea

for Guyanese to promote harmony and brotherhood amongst one another.

On Saturday last, the minister participated in

the Junior Chambers International-Guyana (JCI) ‘A Peaceful and Sustainable Guyana’ seminar. The event was held at Outback Adventures, Canje, Region

Six. During her feature address, Minister Rodrigues stated that the division of the country along racial lines, drawn by opportunis-

minister was quoted as saying in a press release from the Ministry of Housing.

While diving into the country’s colonial background, Minister Rodrigues

she complimented JCI on its continuous efforts.

In her calls for peace, she said that while racism is one of the main factors affecting the country,

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (third from left), and members of the Junior Chambers International-Guyana signed peace balloons tic politicians has affected the rate of the country’s development for far too long and must no long be tolerated.

“With Guyana on the cusp of major transformational change, and the Influx of foreigners who will be looking to capitalize and to take advantage of every opportunity that is created, I cannot think of a more appropriate time to make peace, racial harmony, sustainability and the protection of Guyanese on the top of our agenda,” the

also underscored that Guyanese have never been inherently racist. Referencing an independent report presented in 1962, she said there was no evidence of segregation amongst any ethnic groups in Guyana.

However, she noted that this was used as a tactic on the rise to British Guiana’s independence and handed down through generations by self-seeking politicians.

In this regard, the minister noted that our youth must now be the ones to erase these racial lines, as

everyone must simultaneously seek to eradicate division in the forms of gender, economic, disability and other forms of discrimination, to achieve the President’s vision for ‘One Guyana’.

At the end of the event, the minister and team from JCI signed peace balloons, with their wishes for a peaceful Guyana. International Day of Peace is a United Nations-sanctioned event observed annually on September 21.

the three perpetrators – one armed with a gun and the others with knives - jumped his fence and kicked him to his face repeatedly.

The suspects then entered the house where they held the victim’s wife and two children hostage, demanding valuables and ransacking the house.

They stole a black Lenovo laptop computer val-

ued at $100,000; two black Amazon electronic tablets total value at $40,000; a black iPhone S5 cellphone valued at $60,000; a BLU cellphone valued at $30,000; $50,000 in cash and a quantity of gold jewellery (value unknown at this time).

The suspects subsequently escaped on foot; investigation is ongoing.

Goldsmith, family robbed in home invasion

A 49-year-old goldsmith and his family have been left in a traumatized state after three armed bandits invaded their Westminster Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home, on Saturday night.

Police Headquarters reported that the goldsmith was sitting on his veranda at around 20:45hrs when

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

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MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, September 20, 2021) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 2256158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ravi Rampaul --19 wickets (TKR) (2) Isuru Udana --5/21 (TKR vs Royals) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who struck the most sixes in Hero CPL 2021?

(2) Who hit the most sixes in a single innings in Hero CPL 2021?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Shabazz making room for Danns

By Rawle Toney Neil Danns, undoubtedly one of the best players to feature for the Golden Jaguars, is seen as a necessary component of Coach Jamaal Shabazz’s set-up for the Golden Jaguars.

“I think you need a player like Danns, with his confidence on the ball and his experience,” Shabazz said during an appearance yesterday on ‘592Sports’ on 94.1 BOOM FM. A hailstorm of criticism fell on the roof of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and former head coach, Marcio Maximo,

when Danns didn’t find a place in the team for Guyana’s FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign.

However, most pundits and fans who vented their frustration were a bit more perturbed by the manner in which the former Leicester City and Crystal Palace midfield player was treated by the Brazilian coach who, Danns said, refused to even engage him on his involvement with the Golden Jaguars.

Since ‘lacing up’ for Golden Jaguars in 2015, Danns, now playing for Macclesfield Football Club,

found the net nine times, while assisting on most of Guyana’s goals since then.

In fact, Danns made his debut for Guyana under Coach Shabazz when the Golden Jaguars defeated Grenada 2--0 at the Guyana National Stadium, with the England-based player assisting in both goals which were scored by Pernell Schultz.

Danns, who has made over 400 appearances in the Football League with stellar careers at Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Colchester United, was vocal on social media about his

omission and how it unfolded, but insisted that he’s still committed to being part of Guyana’s National team.

Asked about Danns’ inclusion, Shabbazz believes having the now 38-year-old around will give the rest of players the “belief that we can do something, similar to Gregory Richardson.”

Shabazz said he spoke to Danns following last Friday’s press conference where his return to the helm of the Golden Jaguars was announced.

“For me, even at his age, I want Danns in the squad because he has a pur-

pose. He knows that, we’ve already discussed it. How long he would play; that would be relative to things happening going forward but he clearly understands his role in the team going forward.”

Shabazz reassured football fans that he will also seek out the best young talents, both locally and in the diaspora, as he explained, “people will have to understand. To get experience, you’ll have to give opportunity. It’s a risk we’ll have to take and we have the time to do it and I’m prepared to take that risk and make that

blend.”

Age is nothing but a number for Danns, who said he’s fuelled by “Just the pure love for football.”

The Guyana international made 103 appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst also having permanent spells in the Football League at Leicester City, Bolton, Bury and Tranmere Rovers.

Most recently, Danns has played for the likes of Radcliffe, Halifax Town and was on trial at Chorley, where the Nomads spotted him after their season was curtailed.

C M C – Ve t e r a n West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, lashed an eight-ball cameo and returned to take a three-wicket haul as Chennai Super Kings rebounded to beat Mumbai Indians by 20 runs as the Indian Premier League resumed here Sunday following a four-month break.

In dire straits on seven for three in the third over after electing to bat first, Super Kings recovered to reach 156 for six off their 20 overs at the Dubai International Stadium, with 24-year-old opener, Ruturaj Gaikwad spearheading the rival with an unbeaten 88 off 58 deliveries.

Ravindra Jadeja struck 26 from 33 balls

at number seven while Bravo arrived at number eight to smash three sixes in a crucial 23.

In reply, Mumbai slumped to 94 for six in the 15th over despite Saurabh Tiwary’s unbeaten 50 off 40 balls, before collapsing to 136 for eight off their 20 overs, as Bravo snatched two wickets in the last over to end with three for 25.

Captain Kieron Pollard managed only 15 as Mumbai never really recovered from seamer Deepak Chahar’s (2-19) two-wicket burst which reduced the innings to 37 for three in the sixth over.

Halted last May due to a deadly COVID-19 surge in India, the tournament resumed with

fireworks when the New Zealand pace duo of Adam Milne (2-21) and Trent Boult (2-35) rocked the innings with their new-ball spells.

Boult removed South Africa’s Faf du Plessis without scoring with the fifth ball of the innings, Moeen Ali fell three balls later in the next over to Milne also without scoring before Ambati Rayudu (0) was felled by a short ball to his elbow in the same over, and forced to retire hurt.

When Suresh Raina perished in the third over at the hands of Boult and captain MS Dhoni followed in the sixth over at 24 for four, Super Kings were up against it.

However, Gaikwad

belted nine fours and four sixes to put on 81 for the fifth wicket with Jadeja and a further 39 for the sixth wicket with Bravo to haul Super Kings back into the game.

Facing a required run rate of nearly eight an over, Mumbai watched

as Chahar knocked over openers, Anmolpreet Singh (16) and Quinton de Kock (17), before Suryakumar Yadav (3) and Ishan Kishan (11) also followed cheaply to leave the run chase in peril at 58 for four in the tenth over.

Tiwary, who punched

five fours, then put on 29 for the fifth with Pollard and a further 40 for the sixth with Milne, leaving 24 needed from the last over.

H o w e v e r, B r a v o struck twice and conceded three runs as Super Kings finished the contest clinically.

Bravo’s Chennai beats Pollard’s Mumbai as IPL resumes

Persaud wins BK International golf competition

VIDESH Persaud registered the best net score to win the BK International medal play golf competition, which was held on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club.

The 27 handicapper had scores of 45 and 46 in his front and back nine respec-

tively for a gross score of 89 and a net score of 62.

Former Guyana Open champion Mike Mangal finished second after scoring an eight over par 78 gross. Since his handicap is just six, he finished with a net score of 72.

Mangal, who is known

for his short game, also won the nearest to the pin prize.

Third place was won

by Maxim Mangra, with a gross score of 88. The 16 handicap golfer also finished with a net score of 72, but lost to Mangal on a countback.

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo celebrates the wicket of Adam Milne in the final over on Sunday. (Photo courtesy IPL)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 20, 2021

EBFA/ATC receives support from FreshCo Supermarket & Pure AQUA THE East Bank Football Association’s (EBFA) Academy Training Centre (ATC) has received a timely boost with two corporate entities on the East Bank Corridor partnering with the Association to ensure the ATC functions professionally.

FreshCo Supermarket, located at Diamond and Pure Aqua, situated at Herstelling, recently committed to supplying ice and water to the ATC on a weekly basis.

Both items are essential requirements to ensure that the players are kept hydrated throughout the weekly sessions.

Applauding the move by the EBFA was Technical Development Officer (TDO) Devnon Winter who commended club president, Kevin Anthony, and his executive for initiating the support of the two entities.

Winter and some of his ATC support coaches made the trek to Freshco Supermarket where they met with Branch Manager, Elizabeth Singh, who was glad to convey her company’s best

Harris remains ‘perfect’ in UFC

Guyana’s Carlston Harris about to land another punch against Impa Kasanganay during their welterweight fight at the UFC Fight Night event on September 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

EBFA president, Kevin Anthony (right) at Pure AQUA with Travis Balgeet. wishes for the successful running of the ATC whilst committing to a weekly supply of ice.

Anthony visited Pure AQUA in Herstelling where he interacted with owner, Annan ‘Rajin’ Balgeet, who expressed his business’ delight at being able to sup-

port the development of the youths who will be attending the ATC weekly.

Anthony thanked both Freshco Supermarket and Pure AQUA for identifying with the ATC in these early stages, stating that it is a positive partnership between the entities.

RISING welterweight prospect, Carlston Harris, scored another first-round stoppage at UFC Vegas 37 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, ending Impa Kasanganay with a vicious TKO stoppage.

According to fight reports, Kasanganay came out confident as he tried to close the gap and land some punches inside. However, Harris was game to exchange and seemed to have a little more pop on his shots.

Out of nowhere, Harris caught Kasanganay with a counter combination that wobbled him. Harris followed up with a flurry of

Grimmond saves West Indies from South Africa whitewash

CMC – Opener Rashada Williams and off-spinner Sheneta Grimmond recorded career-bests but it took a dramatic super-over for West Indies Women to avoid a humiliating whitewash in their five-match One-Day International series against South Africa Women here Sunday.

Defending 193 in the fifth ODI at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground after Williams struck an excellent unbeaten 78, West Indies Women were staring at defeat after Lizelle Lee stroked 61 and Tazmin Brits hit 48, to propel the visitors to 111 without loss just after the half-way stage of the innings.

However, Grimmond snatched four for 33 and 20-year-old left-arm seamer Qiana Joseph snatched two for 29, as South Africa collapsed spectacularly, despite a breezy 46 from Mignon du Preez.

While du Preez remained at the crease, the odds appeared in South Africa Women’s favour, and they entered the final over requiring only six runs for victory to enhance their prospects.

But all-rounder Deandra Dottin, lead-

ing the side in place of the injured Anisa Mohammed, produced a superb over to tied the game at 192.

Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta (16 not out) scrambled a leg bye off the first ball before du Preez was limited to a single after cutting a wide, short delivery to backward point where Grimmond pulled off a great stop to prevent a boundary.

Another leg bye off the third delivery and a single off the fourth left South Africa Women with two to win off as many balls, before Jafta raced through for another single to tie the scores at 192 and put du Preez on strike.

Off the last ball, however, du Preez whipped to short square leg where Shakera Selman made a fine stop and sent the return to the non-striker’s end which found the batsman short of her ground.

Chasing seven to win in the resulting super-over, West Indies Women lost Dottin via the run out route off the first ball attempting a second run but Chedean Nation won the game for the hosts when she struck the final ball of the over to the long on boundary with a single run

required.

No such drama was anticipated when Williams struck five fours in a 138-ball knock – her maiden ODI fifty – to anchor the Windies Women after they chose to bat first.

She put on 33 for the first wicket with Reniece Boyce (14) before adding 97 for the fourth with Hayley Matthews who struck 48 from 81 balls with four fours batting at an unfamiliar number five.

Seamer Nadine de Klerk, 21, claimed three for 33, including the wicket of Matthews in the 46th over.

In reply, Lee slammed five fours and a six in a 78-ball innings while Brits struck half-dozen fours in a 90-ball knock to put the game in their side’s favour.

But Joseph and Grimmond scythed through the innings to send six wickets tumbling for just 33 runs and reduce South Africa Women to 143 for six in the 40th over.

Du Preez, who counted four fours, revived hopes in a 49-run, seventh wicket stand with Jafta before the late drama erupted.

punches and some vicious ground-and-pound to score the stoppage.

Harris, Guyana’s first UFC fighter, has now won his last five fights all by way of knockout or submission.

The 34-year-old now has 17 MMA wins and four losses. He was fighting for just the second time in the UFC after picking up a first-round Anaconda Choke Submission victory over American Christian Aguilera.

Kasanganay, 27, has an MMA record of 9-2, and two wins and two defeats from four UFC contests.

scoreboard WEST INDIES WOMEN R Boyce b de Klerk 14 R Williams not out 78 C Nation c Sekhukhune b van Niekerk 11 D Dottin c wkp Jafta b Tryon 7 H Matthews c van Niekerk b de Klerk 48 C Henry b de Klerk 1 S Gajnabi not out 8 Extras (lb4, w21) 25 TOTAL (5 wkts, 50 overs) 192 Did not bat: Q Joseph, S Grimmond, S Selman, C Fraser Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-56, 3-76, 4-173, 5-176.

Bowling: Klaas 7-0-36-0 (w3), de Klerk 10-1-33-3 (w5), Sekhukhune 9-0-32-0 (2), van Niekerk 5-0-15-1, Tryon 9-0-40-1 (w7), Shangase 10-0-32-0.

SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN L Lee c Williams b Joseph 61 T Brits c Henry b Grimmond 48 L Goodall st Boyce b Joseph 0 D van Niekerk c Dottin b Grimmond 5 M du Preez run out 46 C Tryon b Grimmond 1 N de Klerk st Boyce b Grimmond 1 S Jafta not out 16 Extras (b1, lb3, w8, nb2) 14 TOTAL (7 wkts, 50 overs) 192 Did not bat: N Shangase, M Klaas, T Sekhukhune Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-113, 3-114, 4-137, 5-139, 6-143, 7-192.

Bowling: Selman 7-1-28-0 (w2, nb2), Henry 5-1-26-0, Joseph 10-2-29-2, Matthews 10-1-32-0, Fraser 2-0-160, Dottin 6-0-24-0 (w1), Grimmond 10-0-33-4 (w4).

Result: West Indies Women won via super-over.

Series: South Africa Women won five-match series 4-1.

Shabazz making room for Danns see story on page 22

FLASHBACK: Neil Danns in celebration mode after scoring against Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Grimmond saves West Indies from South Africa whitewash

see story on page 23

Videsh Persaud, (second from left), Mike Mangal (third from left) and Maxim Mangra (right) with their spoils.

Persaud wins BK International golf see story competition on page 22

SUPER-OVER: Deandra Dottin breaks the stump off the last ball of the innings to force the super-over as Mignon du Preez (left) puts in a desperate dive.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2021