Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_20_11_2021

SATURDAY 20th November, 2021

' No.106551

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots will be available from Monday

Shared responsibility vital for stronger families 03

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–– forum to mark International Men’s Day hears

Human Services Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Amaila Falls project critical to manufacturing sector 09 PAGE

Suicide particularly high among men 14 PAGE

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday met with a team of top executives from China’s Huawei Technologies, including President for Central America and the Caribbean, Cheng Peng; Vice- President for Latin America, Xue Feng; CEO for the Caribbean office, Jin Zhefeng and the Director of Public Relations for Central America and the Caribbean, Chen Yue. Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices (Office of the President photo)

Linden couple die in Caledonia crash 12 PAGE

Salary increase part of billions of dollars in relief interventions

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Salary increase another intervention to –– Minister of Parliamentary soften impact of ‘COVID’ Affairs and Governance

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said that the recent announcement of the seven per cent increase for public servants is another clear case of the government stepping up to support Guyanese in these unprecedented times.

“What the Minister of Finance announced is a very deliberate decision by the Cabinet to ensure that we keep trying to push our country forward; to try to soften the impact of ‘COVID’ on us, but also on the economy. It is important for our people to benefit; they have had a hard three years,” Minister Teixeira explained during a television interview on Thursday evening.

The minister reminded her audience that under the former administration, although the increase was eight per cent, it was only applicable to those public servants who worked for between $100,000 and $1 million. But this time around, however, the People’s Progressive Party/

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira Civic (PPP/C) Government has made a decision to ensure that the increase is across-the-board for all government workers, and that it is retroactive to Jan-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

uary 1, 2021.

“I think that this will give some people relief, and we recognise that there is more coming. We are doing these, incrementally, as we watch the economy; as we watch our revenue generation, and we watch the impact of ‘COVID’ on our people,” Minister Teixeira said.

The minister also spoke of the $400 million set aside by the government for a special 2021 payout to be made to frontline workers in the health sector, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“That is an important issue; to recognise what they have been going through,” Minister Teixeira said, adding: “It has been a long time from March 11, 2020 to now; and so, we have to recognise what a toll this has taken on many of the health staff, particularly the frontline workers.”

The government is also moving to resolve the disparities in the public service salary scale. This comes on the heels of the government identifying persons who,

despite possessing the same job title, skills and knowledge, are not being compensated on the same scale.

For example, a new graduate with a degree in Environmental Science might be earning $120,000 in one agency, while a new graduate with an identical degree in Environmental Science might be earning $190,000 in another agency.

Minister Teixeira offered her unwavering support on this initiative.

“With all of these transformational projects, you also need a well-oiled public sector, and highly-qualified professionals.

In 2022, we are looking at balancing out some of these anomalies and discrepancies,” the Governance Minister said.

On Thursday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh pointed out that, come 2022, the PPP/C Administration will be taking steps to address these salary scale anomalies.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Shared responsibility vital for stronger families –– forum to mark International Men’s Day hears

HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Friday underscored the importance of shared responsibility at an event to mark International Men’s Day. Addressing a gathering of stakeholders at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, on the lower East Coast Demerara at the event themed, “Better relations between men and women”, Minister Persaud stressed that shared responsibility is most important, and needed in families.

“It can be something as simple as doing the dishes, washing the clothes, or combing your daughter’s hair. How many of you have combed your daughter’s hair?” Dr. Persaud enquired of the men in the audience, many of whom favoured her with quite a hearty response.

“Globally, men comprise 59.4 per cent of people around the world. In our country, for every 100 women, there are 99 men,” Dr. Persaud said as she noted how important it is for the statistics to be considered in determining a way forward, regarding many of the social issues plaguing our society

today.

Notably, she pointed to a particular study that was done on domestic violence, which says, “One in four men saw their fathers beat their mothers; six out of 10 men experienced violence at an early age; 605 men took their lives between 2016 to 2021, compared to 171 women during that time.”

Noteworthy also, according to Dr. Persaud, is the fact that although men make up 60 per cent of the workforce in Guyana, more women than men are continuing to enroll and complete their studies at the University of Guyana.

“It means that fathers need to be present, equally, to ensure that their sons and those they mentor look towards the path of education,” she said.

Minister Persaud was especially interested in hearing from the men in the audience, so that she could be guided on policy development, and be able to craft programmes that are specific to the needs of men.

‘CHIP IN AND HELP’ The Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, who also ad-

Chinedu Emmanuel Aniekwe wanted in pyramid scheme investigation THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is seeking Chinedu Emmanuel Aniekwe, who is wanted for questioning in connection with money laundering and operating a pyramid scheme in Guyana.

The Guyana Police Force issued the wanted bulletin for the 25-yearold on Friday, noting that his last known address is Lot one and two Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Police also noted that Aniekwe is in Guyana illegally.

Anyone with information that may lead

Wanted: Chinedu Emmanuel Aniekwe to the arrest of Chinedu Emmanuel Aniekwe is asked to contact SOCU on 225-3079, 225-3084 or the nearest police station.

dressed the gathering, also underlined the importance of shared responsibility in a modern home.

He encouraged men to expand their duties to include more than just being the sole breadwinner and protector.

“Chip in and help!” he urged.

He also advised men to educate themselves about gender-based violence, and not use alcohol and drugs as options when problems arise.

Providing for the family, he noted, means more than financial support, and includes emotional, physical, spiritual and other forms of support as well.

Meanwhile, the first panel discussion, moderated by the ministry’s Principal Personnel Officer Rafael Boodhoo, dealt with masculinity, expectations and needs, and saw presentations being made by Reverend Kwame Gilbert, Captain ‘Gerry’ Gouveia, Christo-

pher Ram, Saeed Hamid, Derwayne Wills, and Seelall Persaud.

The second panel discussion, moderated by the ministry’s Romario Samaroo, addressed the topic of shared responsibility, and saw presentations coming from Dr. Nardeo Bassoodeo, Alder Bynoe, Pastor Michael Findlay, Keoma Griffith, and Delon Fraser. A third round of discussions looked at men’s health and well-being, and saw presentations coming from Dr. Davendranand Sharma, Ray Davidson, Joshua Singh, and Dr. Horace Cox. Persons in attendance were permitted to question the panelists, while meaningful discussions and conversations were encouraged during the course of the day.

The lively event also had in attendance Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Minister within the Minis-

Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud try of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, and other members of the diplomatic corps.

Chef Davin Rajkumar, Roy Jaffarally, and others from Sarawack and Risto Bar and Restaurant were on hand

to help participants cook up a storm.

The forum to mark International Men’s Day is observed annually on November 19 to celebrate the work of men, and to bring awareness to some of the challenges that are specific to them.

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Kamala Harris first woman to get US presidential powers (briefly)

US Vice-President, Kamala Harris US Vice-President Kamala able to execute his duties.

Harris became the first The medical examination woman to -- briefly -- be came on the eve of the Presigiven presidential powers dent’s 79th birthday. while Joe Biden underwent Harris carried out her a regular health check. duties from her office in Harris, 57, was in control the West Wing of the White for 85 minutes, while Biden House, officials said. was placed under anaesthesia She is the first woman for a routine colonoscopy on -- and the first black and Friday.

South Asian American -- to Biden’s doctor released a be elected US vice-president. statement after the operation, White House Press Secsaying he was healthy and retary Jen Psaki said the

temporary transfer of powers in such circumstances was not unprecedented, and that it was part of the process set out in the US Constitution.

“As was the case when President George W Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007,” she said in a statement.

The President was seen smiling as he returned to the White House. “I feel great,” he said.

“President Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 78-yearold male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the president,” said Kevin O’Connor, the President’s physician.

Kevin O’Connor, the President’s physician, said the colonoscopy found a “benign-appear polyp” that was easily removed.

O’Connor added that the President’s gait also appeared “perceptibly stiffer and less fluid,” than in the past. This was attributed to wear and tear of the spine.

Biden, the oldest US President to take office, had his last full medical examination in December 2019.

At the time, his doctor released a medical report describing him as “healthy, vigorous” and “fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency”. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Guyana, Tanzania commit to re-energising relations

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd and Non- Resident High Commissioner of Tanzania to Guyana, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, have committed to re-energising relations between the two countries.

O n We d n e s d a y, D r Nchimbi, accompanied

by Frank Mhina, Minister Counsellor in the Tanzanian Embassy in Brasilia, paid a courtesy call on Minister Todd at his South Road & Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, office.

During his exchange with the High Commissioner, Minister Todd spoke of the several commonalities between Guyana and Tanzania, including the two countries’ shared colonial histories, developmental challenges, and resource dependency, a release said.

In this regard, Minister Todd recognised the need for greater cooperation between the two countries and informed the Tanzanian officials that Guyana is committed to enhancing relations with all its partners in Africa.

The High Commissioner agreed on the importance of re-energising relations between Guyana and Tanzania and to this end, Minister Todd and High Commissioner Nchimbi agreed to

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, with Non- Resident High Commissioner of Tanzania to Guyana, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi continue promoting cooperation and the sharing of experiences in the areas of air services, tourism, oil and gas and culture, among others.

With reference to the diverse nature of Guyana’s population, the minister informed the High Commissioner about the ‘One Guyana Initiative’ initiated by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, which focuses on equal opportunities and equitable distribution of resources.

In addition, the Foreign Minister underscored the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of resources. The Foreign Minister also updated the

High Commissioner on the legal proceedings before the International Court of Justice with respect to the Guyana /Venezuela border controversy.

The High Commissioner said that he recognises the importance of upholding the principles of international law.

The release also noted that it was agreed that the two sides would continue to work towards the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in mutually beneficial areas of cooperation and for reciprocal visits of the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Tanzania.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots will be available from Monday

MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has announced that from Monday, eligible persons can access booster shots if they so desire.

The minister, during his daily COVID-19 update on Friday noted that these shots are already available in the country, and the health authorities have been contemplating how to move forward with administering them.

“We have concluded, based on data and recommendations from more stringent authorities, that a booster

shot is necessary, because what that data has shown is that six months after the second dose, if the regimen is a two-dose regimen… the immunity starts to wane, and, therefore, if the immunity starts to wane, chances are that persons can get infected; there can also be breakthrough infections,” the Health Minister stated.

Currently, based on age, for persons 60 years and above, the rate is at 79.3 per cent for first dose, and second dose is at 66.6 per cent.

For the 40-59 age group, the

rate is at 77.1 per cent for first dose, and 57.6 per cent for second dose; while for ages 18-39, the rate is at 73 per cent for first dose, and second dose at 44.6 per cent.

For children ages 12-17, the rate is 39.2 per cent for first dose, and 27.1 per cent second dose.

“Out of an abundance of caution, what we are doing from next week is that we want to make booster shots available to persons 50 years and above. So, anybody; once you’re past 50, you can come in, and we will be able

to give you a booster, if you would like to get a booster,” Dr. Anthony stated.

This is once six months have passed since these persons took the second dose of the vaccines. However, for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which is a single-dose vaccine, persons must wait at least 52 days before taking the booster shot.

The second category of persons eligible for the booster shots are those between the ages 18-50, with some level of comorbidity.

The CDC has listed the

comorbidities that classify as risk factors for severe COVID-19.

Also, persons eligible for the booster shots can either opt for a shot of the same vaccine they took, or opt for another one. The minister explained that a guide on how these shots can be mixed will be available at vaccination sites by Monday.

“In some cases, it remains the same. So, if you had two doses of Pfizer, you can have a third dose of Pfizer. With some people, they would like to have

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony mix and matching, so if you have two doses of AstraZeneca, some people might want one dose of Pfizer, so we will put out that schedule of possibilities, how you can interchange these vaccines,” Dr. Anthony explained.

Amazon sees worst deforestation levels in 15 years

DEFORESTATION in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has hit its highest level in over 15 years, official data shows.

A report by Brazil’s space research agency (Inpe) found that deforestation increased by 22 per cent in a year.

Brazil was among a number of nations who promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030 during the COP26 climate summit.

The Amazon is home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people.

It is a vital carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming.

According to the latest data, some 13,235 sq km (5110 sq miles) was lost during the 2020-21 period, the highest amount since 2006.

Environment Minister Joaquim Leite said the data

ously been uncovered between the deforestation of the Amazon and international supply chains.

Last year, a Greenpeace investigation discovered links between the mass deforestation of the region and food sold in British super-

Deforestation increased in the Amazon by 22 per cent during the 2020-21 period (AFP/BBC photo) represents a “challenge” and said: “We have to be more forceful in relation to these crimes.”

He added that the data “does not exactly reflect the situation in the last few months”. He has also clashed with Inpe in the past over its

deforestation, accusing the agency in 2019 of smearing Brazil’s reputation.

But at November’s climate conference in Glasgow, Brazil was among a number of nations who signed a major deal to end and reverse the practice.

The pledge included almost £14bn ($19.2bn) of public and private funds.

Some of that will go to developing countries to restore damaged land, tackle wildfires and support indigenous communities.

Close links have previ-

markets and restaurants.

The investigation found that Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Nando’s and McDonalds were selling meat, sourced from a UK supplier, which had been fed on soy grown on farms built in deforested areas. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Public Sector Salary Increases

PUBLIC servants can look forward to a brighter Christmas with the recent announcement by Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.

Dr Singh on Thursday announced that all public servants will benefit from a seven per cent increase on their salaries, effective January 1, 2021. The announcement is in keeping with a commitment made earlier

by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali that public servants will be receiving a salary hike this year.

Salary increases have become something of an expected norm ever since the PPP/C took office in October 5, 1992. It will be recalled that one of the first things done by the new PPP/C administration was to substantially increase wages and salaries which were highly depressed under the PNC regime. Salaries and wages increased by 20 per cent in 1993 and an income supplement was also given to those in the lower income bracket. Increases were consistently made

each year since then to a point where some measure of respectability was put on public sector earnings.

The increase offered public servants is across the board which was quite unlike what transpired under the former APNU+AFC regime when government ministers and senior functionaries were given hefty increases on their salaries, while public servants were given token increases.

Moreover, the increases given by the present administration comes at a time when several interventions were already made to cushion the impact of the recent floods and the COVID-19, which, when seen alongside increases in pensions, water and electricity subsidies for pensioners have cumulatively provided much-needed relief to the more vulnerable segment of the population. Sugar workers were also given $250,000 each in addition to severance payments.

In addition to the salary increase, government will also from this year seek to correct salary anomalies and disparities

which again will result in greater equity in remuneration levels. Persons with similar levels of qualifications will no longer receive differentiated levels of remuneration depending on where there are employed in government agencies.

The PPP/C administration is committed to ensuring that the real wages and salaries of public sector employees are not only protected, but are also incrementally increased.

This current increase is yet another step in that regard.

There are some in the opposition camp who would argue that the increases are not ‘substantial’ enough and would no doubt seek to make political capital out of what they opportunistically perceive to be ‘too little too late.’ There are a number of fallacies in such an argument. First, the increase is ahead of the current inflation rate, which means in effect that the basket of goods and services for the average public servant will be bigger. Second, the increase is retroactive, which will allow for

a lumpsum payment at a time when some extra income is most needed and third, the increase will build on an incentive package payable to nurses; those who are frontline workers in the administering of care and treatment in the COVID-19 pandemic environment.

Government has a responsibility to protect the gains of the workers by ensuring that inflation is kept in check and that salary increases are not devoured by high inflation rates as happened under the PNC regime.

In other words, real income, as opposed to money income, must be the important catchword.

The PPP/C administration has done an excellent job in terms of increasing real wages.

This is why any attempt to increase salaries and wages beyond sustainable levels could result in inflationary tendencies and the average worker will be poorer with every increase, as past experiences under the PNC regime had demonstrated.

Seven per cent salary increase commendable in face of pandemic, other challenges Dear Editor, IT is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about severe challenges for countries.

Every country, including Guyana, has been dealing with the economic implications of COVID-19 which continues to affect them negatively. Since coming into office and inheriting the situation, the PPP/C Government has remained focused on providing support and assistance to the Guyanese people. The most recent effort to give back to the people is the announcement of a seven per cent salary increase which will be retroactive for all public servants, plus $400M which has been set aside for a one-off payment to frontline workers. I know that a lot of people were expecting more, but given the fact that we are still dealing with the pandemic as well as supply chain issues which the President discussed at his last press conference, a seven per cent retroactive increase and a one-off payment for

frontline workers is commendable. I applaud the PPP/C Government for ensuring that public servants and frontline workers receive something sizeable, especially for the holiday season.

I have been following the work of the government for quite some time and one thing that is evident through their actions is that they are working assiduously to cater for the needs of the people. For instance, many people were unable to work because of the pandemic. The government recognised that and stepped in to offer the $25,000 one-off payment to every household across Guyana.

As far as I am aware, that initiative amounted to $7.5B and provided much-needed support to thousands of families. Then, the government saw the need for frontline workers and the disciplined services to be rewarded for their hard work last year, and as such, offered a year-end bonus to them totalling $1B. Notwithstanding these relief measures, public servants were also provided with a one-off

payment of $25,000 in December, 2020, amounting to $2B. I mention these measures because I want everyone to know that even amidst the pandemic when countries were/are suffering, the Government of Guyana stepped in to offer assistance as best as they can, using the resources that were available.

I also want to point out that with the rise in prices of goods and services, everyone is looking to have more disposable income so that their spending power can increase. The government has recognised that and as a result, has implemented several other measures to provide citizens with more money in their pockets. For instance, the old-age pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000 and all recipients received a one-off grant of $25,000 just recently. Public assistance payment also moved from $9,000 to $12,000 and the recipients also received the $25,000 one-off payment. In addition to these, the government reintroduced the Because We Care cash grant which provided $19,000 to families for every single child. This meant

that families did not have to dig into their own pockets to provide their children with school supplies. The government covered that expense for the most part. Of course, these are just a few of the many publicly documented measures that were implemented to provide people with more disposable income, which is a desire for almost everyone at this time.

I will conclude by saying that the seven per cent salary increase and the $400M that was set aside for frontline workers will assist a great deal. Thousands of public servants and frontline workers will be able to have more disposable income and more spending power because of this. In my opinion, rather than complaining, it is best to look at it in the sense that come December, 2021, public servants will be seven per cent better off.

I commend the PPP/C government in this regard.

Yours very truly, Anson Paul

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

GRA continues to make major technological shifts for improved revenue administration, customer service

Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a post on the Big Smith News Watch facebook page captioned, “Is GRA Serious”?, which stated, among other things that the entity has a “system that causes and costs you three and four hours of downtime running from department to department.”

This statement is vague to say the least when one considers the improvements made in facilitation of online transactions, including registration and return filing, and to some extent, payments being facilitated through its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms. The authority agrees and is fully aware of the need to further improve the delivery of services beyond the current pace.

Two of GRA’s existing platforms, the Automated Systems for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World and the Optimal Revenue Management System (RMS), do

provide taxpayers with the option of utilising a virtual space rather than standing in line for filing of returns and declarations for tax and Customs-related transactions and payments. These platforms can be accessed via the following links: https:// eservices.gra.gov.gy/ and https://www.gra.gov.gy/asycuda/. They are a work in progress, but have equipped the authority with the tools to respond faster to taxpayers’ expectations.

The current payment module in ASYCUDA World allows taxpayers with accounts at Republic Bank and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to begin the process of paying Customs Duty online by requesting a payment order, which generates a reference number that the taxpayer submits to the bank to permit payment from their accounts. At present, the Revenue Authority is in the process of applying this model to its other Income Tax (IT) platforms, through Optimal RMS and the Li-

cence Revenue Processing System (LRPS) online, so that taxpayers can pay taxes and licence fees through similar means. Development of these payment initiatives are almost complete and are planned for implementation in 2022.

The GRA has also collaborated with wharf owners and courier services providers to install scanners at the John Fernandes and GNIC wharves, and at the Laparkan bond at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) airport for scanning of barrels and packages, and a payment system that reduces waiting time for taxpayers, especially during the holiday peak season. The authority has installed a fixed relocatable scanner, which now scans over 100 containers for export, and works a shift system to minimise traffic congestion.

The GRA plans to go paperless, and to this end, continues to make investments to achieve this goal.

The authority continues to make major technological

shifts for improved revenue administration and customer service. Collaboration initiated in 2014 with billing entities such as Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) and financial institutions that utilise National Electronic Funds Transfer, Real Time Gross Settlement and Immediate Payment Services systems, enables taxpayers to effect payment online through these entities. Unfortunately, not all commercial banks are on board, and the current culture of trusting manual transactions more than online systems has stymied the full benefits taxpayers can enjoy from e-payments services.

Notwithstanding the efforts being made by GRA, the agency faces budgetary constraints and is challenged by the number of persons who insist on visiting our offices in person, rather than utilise the online options.

Ninety (90) per cent of taxpayers declined to use the electronic system of filing, and payment, leading to over 280,000 taxpayers visiting

the Authority’s Camp Street head office in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. These constraints have prompted the authority to extend its opening hours for drivers’ licence lodgment, and to remain open during the lunch hour for compliance/ liability and cashier services. Tax Advisory hotline 227-6060 extension 8000, and email contact taxadvisory@gra.gov.gy have also been publicised for taxpayers who require information and guidance for making appointments etcetera.

Taxpayers who refuse to provide their bank information, which would have ensured seamless refund transactions as is presently done in the payment of Mortgage Interest Relief refunds, stymie the GRA system of payment of refunds. Despite this, the authority was able to work with the Ministry of Finance and via processing through the Bank of Guyana window, facilitated payment of over 17,000 tax refunds earlier in 2021. The GRA is also looking for simpler

means of refunding employers through the banking system, since 50 per cent of all checks sent out to taxpayers through the mail system have been returned by the GPOC as “addressee unknown.”

Accordingly, the revenue authority is encouraging taxpayers, the majority of whom have Internet access, to make full use of, and develop trust in existing systems to gain the inherent benefits.

Management of the GRA takes pride in the services that it provides to the taxpaying public and will continue to work tirelessly to improve its efficiency by investing the necessary resources to achieve its objective of a paperless revenue authority.

The authority welcomes constructive criticisms, and appeals to taxpayers to provide continuous feedback through the authority’s helplines and by email.

Yours sincerely, Guyana Revenue Authority

Truth and honesty apparently are not valued traits of the Coalition

Dear Editor,

AFTER the announcement of the salary increase for public servants by the Minister of Finance yesterday afternoon, we saw the opposition lashing out on social media criticising the seven per cent which was announced.

However, it was shocking to see that after more than a year, many of them continue to spread lies on their social media platforms regarding the promises made by the PPP/C Government. The fact of the matter is that the PPP/C never campaigned on the promise that public servants will receive a 50 per cent salary increase. In fact, the PPP/C’s manifesto which is easily accessible to everyone will prove that such increase was never promised by the government. This is all public knowledge and it’s shameful that the opposition would try to use such a false narrative for political gains. However, I believe such should be expected from people of their calibre. Dishonesty is all they

know.

Editor, even though we know that the APNU+AFC has been focused heavily on derailing the government in every possible way, it is surprising to me that the Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman, would also play into this false narrative to paint the government in a bad light. I say this because I always thought of him as a man of integrity and one who is for the people. As a member of the opposition, one would expect him to be critical of the government whenever necessary. But, how can he criticise the government for something that they did not do? It makes no sense. Shuman was one of the first persons to use the photoshopped image of a supposed “PPP/C campaign poster” promising 50 per cent increase to public servants, questioning how come only seven per cent was announced. When the dishonesty was challenged by supporters of the government, he quickly deleted the Facebook post.

As I pen this letter, I take note of the fact that Kaieteur

News also repeated the same lie with the 50 per cent salary increase “promise” in their November 19th publication.

I wish to make it clear to all those who may be unaware that the image that is circulating on social media with the PPP/C’s campaign poster is photoshopped. In fact, people

should question how come there is only that one image of the poster being shared everywhere. If the PPP/C did campaign on such a promise using posters as the opposition claims, why is there not a second image anywhere of the very poster? The image being circulated is the only one

that was doctored by the APNU+AFC in another attempt to discredit the governing party by creating false expectations that are unable to be met.

Any right-thinking individual would see that the only image being shared is one with a very specific background and from a very specific angle. I chal-

lenge anyone, even the fiercest PPP/C critic, to dispute this by providing a second image of the very poster.

It is not possible because the poster never existed in the first place.

Yours sincerely, Thomas Cole

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

AS the Christmas Season approaches, an across-theboard increase of seven per cent was announced for public servants, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, constitutional office holders, and government pensioners, by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

The announcement was highly anticipated all year, as government officials, including President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali repeatedly sought to reassure the public throughout the year of the coming increase.

This intervention will not only benefit the individuals who receive them, but the economy on the whole. Minister Singh, in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said the interventions will inject significant liquidity into the economy.

“When this money is paid to the teachers, to

have been happening all year, since the new government assumed office, Dr. Singh said as he reminded his audience during his announcement on Thursday that a COVID-19 cash grant of $25,000 per household was granted, resulting in the distribution of over $7.5 billion to families across all ten of the country’s administrative regions.

Frontline workers in the health sector and the Disciplined Services also received year-end bonuses totalling $1 billion in December 2020.

All public sector employees received a one-off payment of $25,000 in December 2020, totaling $2 billion.

The monthly old age pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000, amounting to a total annual benefit of $4 billion for the elderly.

The government increased public assistance by 33 per cent, from $9,000 to $12,000, handing over an additional $500 million

Salary increase part of billions of dollars in relief interventions the members of the Disciplined Services, to the public servants, it doesn’t vanish into thin air, or they don’t lock it off somewhere in a box, and it disappears, or put it under a mattress or somewhere and it disappears.

They then take this salary increase, this money; this additional income that they would have received, what do they do with it, logically?

They go to the markets. They go to the shops. They go to the service providers and they spend it,” Dr. Singh said.

In addition to the public servants’ pay hike, the Finance Minister also announced that the PPP/C Government will be making provisions in Budget 2022 to fix the disparities and anomalies which exist in the remuneration systems of the Public Service. Particular note was made of pay disparities for persons who have the same qualifications, but are paid differently across

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh the public service.

The Finance Minister also announced that $400 million has been set aside for a special 2021 payout to frontline workers in the health sector who have endured challenging circumstances, as they provided

healthcare at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These injections into between 50,000 -60,000 households, the minister explained, mark the beginning of a cycle that benefits the economy.

Interventions like these

annually.

In August 2021, the government announced measures to provide a one-off grant of $25,000 to old-age pensioners, public assistance recipients, and persons living with disabilities, benefiting some 90,000 persons to the tune of $2.2 billion.

It also purchased $200 million of electricity credits for the most vulnerable households.

The Because We Care cash grant, which were taken away from public school children by the previous administration, was restored, increased to $19,000, and extended to private schoolchildren, amounting to an injection of $3.6 billion to help them get back to school.

These interventions were made after the PPP/C Government relieved citizens and businesses of a series of burdensome tax measures and provided much needed liquidity to reboot the economy. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Amaila Falls project critical to manufacturing sector

THE hydropower that can be generated from the Amaila Falls project will bring enormous benefits to the manufacturing sector, including affordable and reliable energy.

This was the view of President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Rafeek Khan, as well as Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean, who were both guests of the National Communications Network (NCN) on Friday.

They were at the time spearheading a discussion on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, and what it means to the manufacturing sector.

According to Khan, the renewable and reliable energy source which is provided by hydropower is needed to foster and expand the sector.

“Any company involved with manufacturing products, it doesn’t matter what you’re manufacturing; if you have a simple motor, engine, turbine, whatever it might be, energy is the key cost to production and competitiveness of that product,” Khan said.

He added: “Apart from raw material cost and labour cost, energy is your number one expense, so it is vital to the progress of manufacturing. You cannot discuss manufacturing if you do not have affordable energy.”

Khan stated that Guyana has always been at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining affordable energy.

“Across the Caribbean and across the globe, you will see energy as always being our number one disadvantage here in Guyana.

For decades and decades, we have been talking about trying to get lower energy cost.

So, it is a critical component

GMSA President Rafeek Khan, and Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean during their appearance on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Friday to affecting the bottom line of businesses,” Khan said.

He added that Guyana has been receiving many opportunities in terms of investments and businesses.

However, these would not be fruitful, if affordable energy is not readily made available.

This, Khan said, emphasises how important renewable energy and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is to the manufacturing sector and Guyana as a whole.

“Opportunities are coming, and opportunities will come to Guyana, in terms of businesses, but it wouldn’t happen, and it wouldn’t materialise unless you have affordable energy,” Khan said.

He added: “Manufacturers and consumers were going to continue being a slave to our importers and the big industrialised countries that we are buying power and fuel from, and we would never be able to be a competitive country if we do not have an affordable product.”

MAJOR SETBACK In adding his thoughts to the discussion, McLean stated that Guyana has suffered a major setback for not implementing the Amaila Falls project sooner.

“If you look at the manu-

facturing sector with everything that we do, it is powergenerating and costing money. And, really speaking, that should have been the number one priority,” McLean said.

He said that from 2015 to now, “nothing has happened, and I really believed that we have missed the bus and we lost glorious opportunities to make a success of hydro.”

He is of the belief that Guyana is suffering from the proverbial ‘goat bite’ syndrome, since Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil started using hydroelectricity years ago.

“Goat must’ve bite us, because Suriname has ‘hydro’. They have the Afobaka; that is now 50 years old, and still running. And that would last for over 100 years. Guri Dam at Venezuela [the] same. Brazil; they have several ‘hdyros’. The only country that hasn’t got a ‘hydro’ here is Guyana,” McLean said.

He said it is disheartening that Guyana has had three failed attempts at hydropower, and is only now revisiting the Amalia Falls project.

In July of this year, it was reported that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C) government was going to be moving ahead with the restart the project. The government expressed its desire to begin construction

of the hydropower plant by the second half of 2022, in pursuit of a 2025 completion and commissioning deadline.

According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the government is seeking submissions on two fronts, the first of which is to Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT), which will cover the period starting from Commercial Operations Date.

In response to the country’s energy needs, the PPP/C government had conceptualised the project, which was set to produce 165 Megawatts of power.

The initiative was launched in 2009, but in

2013, it was voted down by APNU+AFC in the National Assembly, forcing its major investor, Sithe Global Incorporated to withdraw from the initiative.

In 2014, Norway, under its climate partnership with Guyana, transferred some US$80M to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund the project.

When the PPP/C returned to office in August 2020, it expressed its recommitment to the project, and went on to propose an energy mix aimed at utilising both natural gas, heavy fuel oil, and renewables such as hydro, wind and solar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Guyana looks forward to enhanced bilateral relations with Switzerland -President Ali says as he accepts Letters of Credence from Non-resident Ambassador

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday accepted the Letters of Credence from Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Federal Council to Guyana, Dr Jürg Sprecher.

He did so during a simple ceremony at his office on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, saying that he looks forward to greater bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to the Head of State, Guyana and Switzerland have enjoyed very cordial relations, and as such, the new Non-Resident Ambassador’s appointment allows the two countries to

strengthen those relations further.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Government of Switzerland to explore areas for a more active approach to our bilateral agenda, especially in the areas of technical cooperation, trade and investment,” President Ali said.

The President said that Guyana notes Switzerland’s commitment to reducing poverty, promoting respect for human rights and democracy, and for the conservation of natural resources.

President Ali also applauded its support for Guyana’s diplomatic presence in Switzerland.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali receiving the Letters of Credence from Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Federal Council to Guyana, Dr Jürg Sprecher on Friday (Office of the President) “I wish to assure you of the full support of the Gov-

ernment of Guyana in the discharge of your duties as Non-Resident Ambassador of the Swiss Federal Council to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” he said, adding: “As you embark on this new assignment, I express my

best wishes to you for a productive and successful tenure of duty.”

Best wishes and continued good health were also conveyed to the President of Switzerland, Guy Parmelin.

In response, Dr. Spre-

cher said that the Swiss Government is following the development of Guyana “with great interest”, and that he has been charged with further enhancing the excellent relations between the governments and their citizens.

“Indeed,” he said, “the current global challenges show once again how important cooperation at the international level is. In that sense, I can assure you that Switzerland intends to remain a close and reliable partner of Guyana, both on the level of our bilateral relations, as well as in undertakings of multilateral cooperation.”

Ambassador Sprecher will also be accredited as the Swiss representative to the Caribbean Community. (Office of the President)

Foreign pilots jailed, fined $11M Juan David Caicedo Villa and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos Gomez TWO foreigners, who on the same date they interlanded a plane at Mahdia, fered with an aircraft and Region Eight, were, on were fined $3 million each Friday, sentenced to two or alternatively two years years imprisonment for imprisonment. operating a civil aircraft Additionally, they admitwithout an airworthiness ted that they operated a civil certificate and fined a total aircraft without an airworof $11M each for three oth- thiness certificate and were er aircraft-related charges. each sentenced to two years’ Juan David Caicedo imprisonment.

Villa, a 32-year-old pilot of Lastly, they admitted that Villavicencio, Colombia, the operated an aircraft in a and Gustavo Adolfo Riascos negligent manner and were Gomez, a 48-year-old pilot/ fined $3 million dollars each businessman of Tachira San or alternatively two years Cristobal, Venezuela, ap- imprisonment. peared before Chief MagisThe Chief Magistrate trate Ann McLennan at the ordered that the sentences Georgetown Magistrates’ run concurrently.

Court and pleaded guilty to On November 9, they four charges. had appeared before the The men admitted that Chief Magistrate for illegal on November 4, 2021, they entry and cannabis possesoperated an aircraft without sion. The duo pleaded not insurance and was fined $5 guilty to the charges and million each or alternatively were remanded to prison. three years’ imprisonment.

According to reports, They also admitted that one of the accused was the

pilot and the other the copilot. On the day in question, they landed their foreignregistered aircraft without authorization, at Mahdia.

As a result, a party of policemen immediately went to the airstrip and found the sixseater Piper Aire aircraft — blue, red and white in colour — in front of Trans Guyana’s hangar. At the time, the two foreigners were standing in front of the said aircraft talking to the security and ramp attendant.

When confronted by the police, one of the men spoke in English saying, “We are lost, we came from Venezuela and going to look for gold.”

Apart from the cannabis, the aircraft contained three 15-gallon drums, two of which contained fuel; one hammock with netting, one bag containing clothing and personal effects, a black bag with identification cards, documents, one Garmin GPS, one Iridium Phone, one Icom radio set, one spot trace device, two phone chargers, one earpiece, one lighter, one torchlight, one Motorola phone, one Samsung phone, one knife, two wristwatches, one wallet and bamboo wraps.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

GPHC signs MoU with Northwell Health to boost capacity building

IN an effort to boost capacity in Guyana’s public healthcare system, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on Friday, signed a fiveyear Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with US non-profit integrated healthcare provider, Northwell Health, for the provision of resource and technical assistance.

The MoU, which is part of a programme at Northwell’s Centre for Global Health, was signed during a ceremony at the Cara Lodge Hotel. Guyana is one of three countries benefitting from the health provider’s global programme.

Signing on behalf of Northwell were Director

18,000 nurses.

Dr. Ciao-Pena noted that Northwell has a personal connection to Guyana, in that many of their patients are from the Guyanese diaspora in New York.

“We take care of the largest diaspora of Guyanese in the States. So, this is personal for us, you are our neighbours in more ways than one,” he expressed.

The signing of the MoU came at the end of a fiveday mission by Northwell, which started on Monday and saw a 17-member team of doctors and nurses making visits to the GPHC as well as to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital and the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony (third from left) and GPHC CEO, Robbie Rambarran (third from right) sign the MOU as Northwell Health Director of Global Health, Dr. Eric Ciao-Pena (second from left), Chief Nursing Officer, Launette Woolforde (left) and others look on (Delano Williams photo)

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Northwell Health Director of Global Health, Dr. Eric Ciao-Pena holding a signed copy of the agreement. Also pictured are members of the Northwell team who are visiting Guyana (Delano Williams photo) Dr. Anthony added of Global Health, Dr. Eric Dr. Ciao-Pena praised that there are a number of Ciao-Pena, and Chief Nurs- the discussions and interac- key areas where Guyana ing Officer, Dr. Launette tions that the team had with needs assistance and where Woolforde, while GPHC the various health officials the MoH will be looking Chief Executive Officer, over the past week, and to focus the support from Robbie Rambarran and believes it gave a strong Northwell on. These include Minister of Health, Dr. foundation to the two sides help with the nursing proFrank Anthony signed for working together on the gramme, assistance in the Guyana. way forward. He noted that development of biomedical Though the MoU will one thing he was impressed technicians to service the specifically target areas of with during his visits, was many complex equipment support in education train- Guyana’s level of primary and machinery that Guyana ing, and human resource healthcare. imports, and assistance with capacity building, Dr. “We saw tremendous the pathology department.

Ciao-Pena explained that it primary care. The level of Dr. Ciao-Pena has comis an overarching agreement integration of primary care, mitted that Northwell will that leaves a lot of room for and breath, is truly impres- have staff present in Guyana more specific programmes. sive. We have a lot to learn throughout the year begin“I really see this agree- in the US of shifting more ning from next year. ment as a floor but not the things to primary care,” he The GPHC CEO was ceiling in terms of our in- noted. very passionate in his apvolvement in consulting Meanwhile, Dr. An- preciation of Northwell’s with Guyana. We are here thony conveyed Guyana’s assistance and what it for the long term. Our goal gratitude to Northwell for would mean for the deis to share lessons learnt, choosing to work here. velopment of healthcare at and we look forward to “We had very fruitful Guyana’s national referral working together with all discussions on the way for- hospital. of you as we go forward,” ward in the relationship we “On behalf of the people Dr. Ciao-Pena stated as he will be building. We are ex- of Guyana, this means a lot made remarks during the tremely pleased that North- to us. Our families living ceremony. well has chosen Guyana as in the US who utilise the Located in New York, one of three countries to roll Northwell services will be where it is the largest out their global programme. happy about this collabohealthcare provider and I believe we have a lot to ration. private employer, Northwell offer here, particularly in This engagement for Health includes a network the area of tropical medi- the last week has been of 23 hospitals and more cine. Our goal is to improve fruitful, and we look forthan 700 outpatient facili- the standard of care that we ward to utilising the efties. It has approximately offer to our patients,” Dr. forts that Northwell will 76,000 employees including Anthony noted. be providing,” he noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Linden couple die in Caledonia crash -Canter truck driver in police custody

LLOYD Valcin, 42, and his 31-year-old wife, Olisa Valcin, were, on Thursday afternoon, killed in a crash on Caledonia Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while another occupant of the vehicle, Shaquel Williams, 20, of Blueberry Hill, Linden was injured in the accident.

Fifty-year-old Carl Craig of Lot 150 Public Road, Soesdyke, EBD, the driver of the Canter truck with registration GWW 4922 was arrested after he slammed head-on into motorcar PXX 8815 with the

three occupants.

The car was driven by Lloyd Valcin of Wisroc, Linden. Valcin’s wife was pregnant.

According to police headquarters, motor lorry GWW 4922 was proceeding north along the western side of Caledonia Public Road, EBD and the motor car PXX 8815 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the same road.

Police said that as both vehicles were approaching a landfill site, situated on the western side off the road, an unknown motor lorry which

was transporting sand was reversing from east to west on the road into the land filling site, causing the driver of motor lorry GWW 4922 to pull in a north easterly direction to pass the reversing lorry.

In so doing, police said he ended up in the path of motorcar PXX 8815 and collided head on. As a result of the collision, the driver of the motorcar, and his wife, who was sitting in the left front seat, and Shaquel Williams, who was sitting on the rear seat, received injuries to their head and about their bodies.

They were all taken out of the car in an unconscious condition by the police and public-spirited citizens and escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

On arrival there, Lloyd Valcin and his wife were seen and examined by a doctor on duty and died while receiving treatment. Shaquel Williams was seen and examined and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was further seen and examined by a doctor on duty, and admitted a patient suffering from body trauma.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motor lorry which revealed no presence of alcohol in his system. The driver is in custody as police continue their investigations.

Dead: Lloyd Valcin and his wife in happier times

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

$30M in cash and prizes for GTT customers this Christmas

CUSTOMERS of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will have a chance to win $30 million in cash and prizes over the next few weeks as part of the company’s “Together We Celebrate” Christmas promotion.

The promotion which was launched on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel, will run until January 8, 2022, and targets DSL, blaze and fibre, landline, cell phone and MMG customers, along with those who make purchases at GTT stores.

“We look forward to putting the smiles on the faces of our customers through our random daily draws across all ten regions in Guyana.

New and existing customers can enter for a chance to win more data, more fibre, more credit more talk, smart TV, shopping vouchers [and] free MMG credit,” said GTT’s Chief Operations Officer

with the purchase of selected handsets as well as free data.

Customers signing up for the for GTT Fibre will be able to enjoy free installation and their first month free, while customers who register for MMG will get a chance to win a smart tv.

“Plus, more prizes every week on our radio programme. All of our customers, new and existing, those on GTT mobile, fibre, DSL, landline or MMG all are eligible for weekly prizes,” Thakurdin added.

Also making remarks at the launch was GTT’s Chief of Operations, Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, who stressed that the GTT promotion is all about celebration, and a reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow, together.

“I emphasise the word ‘together’ as a major aspect of this Christmas celebration. The fact is that this Christmas with GTT is worth

GTT employee, LeAndrea Harris collects her first place prize from GTT’s Chief of Operations, Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson (Elvin Croker photo) (COO) for Home and Fixed Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, during his remarks at the launch.

The promotion will involve both weekly and daily prizes. For the weekly prizes, randomly chosen customers will win between $50,000 to $500,000 in cash and prizes, while daily winners will win free credit, data, grocery vouchers and cash vouchers.

Additionally, GTT will be including free accessories

celebrating, not only because of our gifts and what they symbolise, but also because we do it together,” Ferguson noted.

During the launch, three GTT employees who participated in an internal promotion were presented with their prizes.

Additionally, three persons who attended the launch also won prizes, which included MMG credit and a cell phone.

Second place winner Llissa Anderson, collects her prize from GTT’s Chief of Operations, Home and Fixed Services, Eshwar Thakurdin (Elvin Croker photo)

Some of the GTT employees who attended the launch (Elvin Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Suicide particularly high among men -five-year assessment shows

WHILE suicide in Guyana have generally captured the attention of policymakers and technocrats alike, the higher statistics of the phenomenon among men has seized the attention of Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

During an observance of International Men’s Day 2021, Dr Persaud told a gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) that suicide among men over the last five years have been significantly high when compared to those among women.

International Men’s Day 2021 was observed globally under the theme, “Better re-

lations between men and women,” however, “Engagement” was the theme of yesterday’s national event hosted by the Gender Affairs Bureau of the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

“605 men took their lives from 2016 to 2021 and that’s in comparison to 171 women during that time,” the human services minister said to a gathering of men, primarily from the disciplined forces in the ACCC’s main auditorium.

These statistics are important for crafting policies and programmes tailored specifically to the root causes of suicide.

“There are many im-

portant statistics we need to pay attention to [in order] to determine what are the policies and programme that we need to channel in your direction and how we can help you to navigate through some of the challenges you face,” the Human Services Minister stated.

There was, however, another set of statistics which caused Minister Persaud to raise alarm. “Based on a prison study of 900 inmates,” she said, “one in four men saw their fathers beat their mothers.”

Urging the men gathered to reflect on their childhood years, Dr Persaud said many men, approximately six out of 10, have been exposed to

Photo credit: humanium.org violence from an early age.

“All of these things shape men today [and]… will shape the men of tomorrow.”

Calling for these social ills to be eradicated, the Human Services Minister said, “it is imperative that we not only look at the statistics but also look at how we can address the statistics so we can eradicate some of the common social ills [and] so that

we can definitely ensure that the generations to come have positive messages.”

Dubbed a “men’s centric forum,” Friday’s observance by the Gender Affairs Bureau of the ministry celebrated the work of men and brought awareness to the challenges they face.

Also in attendance were several high-level officials from govern-

ment and the diplomatic corps including Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn; Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud; and Ambassadors Sarah-Ann Lynch of the United States, and Fernando Ponz Canto of the European Union.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

PAHO launches ‘Pahola’ to help risky drinkers

THE Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), on Friday, launched Pahola, the world’s first digital health worker to specialise in alcohol and health, in an effort to help countries in the region reduce increasing rates of harmful drinking.

“Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature mortality and disability among people aged between 15 and 49 years, so any and every tool that can help people to reduce their risk and lead a healthier life is welcome,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), said in a video message at the webinar launch of Pahola.

“New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are powerful tools for expanding access to information and care, and we hope Pahola will be very successful in the Americas and around the world.”

Designed to be empathetic and free of judgement, Pahola can provide general information about the risks of drinking and communicate interactively and confidentially with people. She can help assess users’ alcohol-related risks using a series of questions. If people then decide to cut down on drinking, Pahola can help them create a plan that includes identifying triggers and figuring out how to cope with them. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she can also refer people to alcohol treatment services.

“PAHO’s goal with Pahola is to help people better understand the harms caused by alcohol consumption, increase access to reliable information, facilitate self-assessment of alcohol-related risks and take concrete steps to decrease alcohol use,” PAHO AssistantDirector Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. He added that Pahola is not intended to replace direct contact with health professionals but aims to encourage people to seek help.

Alcohol consump-

tion takes a heavy toll in the Americas, leading to about 379,000 deaths annually from related diseases, injuries, intoxication, and poisoning.

Regular alcohol consumption also increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and some major forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Between eight per cent and 10 per cent of the over-18 population in the Americas has an alcohol use disorder (AUD), defined as harmful use of alcohol or alcohol dependence. But about 80 per cent of people who need treatment for AUD do not get it because services are poorly developed or unavailable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AUD services have been further disrupted, while alcohol consumption increased in several countries, aided by online sales and home deliveries.

Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO e m p h a s i s e d P a h o l a ’s capacity to meet health needs in the Americas.

“Pahola can simultaneously talk with millions of people who wish to assess the health risks of their drinking. She can significantly increase the delivery of alcohol education in settings where we simply don’t have enough health professionals to provide free or low-cost information and support.

Many people can reduce their drinking with simple yet effective advice.”

Pahola complements other PAHO efforts to reduce risky drinking in the region. These include helping countries strengthen public policies such as effective taxation of alcohol, comprehensive restrictions on alcohol sales and marketing, and improving treatment interventions.

This week, PAHO also launched the “Live Better, Drink Less” public education campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol in the Americas.

Pahola was created in collaboration with

autonomous animation company Soul Machines and PAHO’s creative partner, Rooftop. The second digital person designed to combat preventable health issues, Pahola follows Florence, who was launched in July 2020 by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) quit tobacco initiative. (PAHO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Coen Jackson wins defamation case against Ruel Johnson

Coen Jackson FORMER Bishops’ High costs, after he won his defaSchool teacher, Coen Jack- mation case against former son, was, on Friday, award- Cultural Policy Advisor, ed $6M in damages and Ruel Johnson.

The damages in the claim filed by Jackson in 2019, through his attorneys, Nigel Hughes and Savannah Barnwell, were awarded by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court.

Jackson claimed damages against Johnson for defamation as a result of several statements that he published about him on Facebook.

Jackson had asserted that the accusations were false and derogatory.

According to Jackson, “the statements have irrevocably damaged his reputation and has subjected him to public ridicule, contempt, hatred and embarrassment.”

However, Johnson used the defence of “justification and fair comment” for his actions.

Justice Singh, having examined the evidence, found that Johnson clearly attacked Jackson’s character, by claiming that he“actively pursued children” to satisfy sexual desires, without setting out, factually, any conduct of the former teacher that justifies such a comment.

Also, the judge ruled that the defence of fair comment and justification used by Johnson was not available in this case.

“It is not at all necessary to embark upon an analysis of the evidence to determine if this defence was established. The defendant [Johnson] failed to produce one iota of evidence to support either that the claimant [Jackson] is a pedophile or that he was dismissed from his job, for any reason, or at all,” the judge said in his ruling.

He added: “On the evidence, the word used to describe the claimant and the assertion that he was dismissed could not possibly be considered to be justified.

The word and statements are therefore defamatory of the claimant and would tend to lower his standing in society in the estimation of right-thinking members of society.”

In the circumstances, the court found that the word and statements published by Johnson are clearly defamatory to Jackson.

In assessing the appropriate quantum of damages in the case, the court took into

Ruel Johnson consideration the libel attack on the claimant’s personal integrity and his professional reputation.

The court also considered the nature of the libel which was bound to cause distress, hurt and humiliation to Jackson, and also the need to re-establish and vindicate his reputation.

The judge also highlighted that the defamatory material was published on the world wide web and was available for public consumption for eternity.

Taking all of the foregoing matters into account, the judge awarded damages in the sum of $5M, which includes an interest on the said award

at the rate of six per cent per annum from March 5, 2019 to November 19, 2021 and four per cent per annum thereafter until fully paid.

He also awarded the sum of $1M as costs, which is to be paid on or before January 7, 2022.

In 2018, Jackson was charged and later committed to stand trial at Demerara High Court for engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 while being in a position of trust. He is currently out on $300,000 bail as he awaits the commencement of his trial.

Johnson is expected to be a prosecution witness in that matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 20, 2021

Prosecution closes case in Freeman Street murder trial

Murder accused: Stephon Howard (left) and Shawn DosSantos STATE prosecutor, Cicelia Corbin, on Friday, closed her case against.

Shawn DosSantos and Stephon Howard, who are on trial for the 2017 murder of Fazal Shaheed at his Freeman Street, East La Penitence house.

The matter is being heard

by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

The two accused, who are also residents of Free-

man Street, have denied murdering Shaheed, 58, a Berbice businessman, during the course of a robbery on September 24, 2017.

They are being represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Konyo Sandiford and associates.

During Friday’s hearing, Corbin closed her case after a police witness was further cross-examined.

The duo, in their de-

fence, opted to give an unsworn statement in court.

Both men maintained that they were innocent of the allegation.

“I never kill nobody…I don’t even know why I’m here at this time. I’m innocent of this crime,” DosSantos told the court.

The judge then adjourned the matter until November 22, 2021, for the hearing of closing statements.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on Sunday, September 24, 2017, gunmen stormed Shaheed’s home while relatives were making final preparations for the patriarch’s one-year memorial service.

Fazal Shaheed was reportedly in the yard at around 00:40 hours when the gunmen struck while his two brothers, sisters and mother were in the house.

His brothers, Talim and Shalim, who had come in from Canada and the US respectively for the service, were both shot about their bodies.

The suspects reportedly told the police that the gun that was used in the commission of the crime was borrowed from a friend.

They reportedly

Dead: Fazal Shaheed claimed that after seeing “strange faces” in the street, and having learnt

that the persons were foreigners, they planned the robbery.

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Guyana Chronicle. Saturday, November 20, 2021

Bottas sets pace in second free practice of Qatar GP (BBC) - Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas set the pace in yesterday’s practice at the Qatar Grand Prix as the Formula 1 title battle heads into its final three races.

The Finn was 0.209 seconds quicker than Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly, with championship rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton third and fourth.

Just 0.072 secs separated Verstappen's Red Bull and Hamilton's Mercedes, which appeared closely matched for race pace.

Verstappen was 0.350

secs off Bottas' single-lap headline pace.

The Dutchman was fastest from Bottas in the first session, while Hamilton lagged behind his teammate all day over one lap.

Bottas said he had "an ideal" start to the weekend, but Hamilton admitted he was struggling.

"I'm definitely not close," he said. "I'm a little bit slow, so we need to figure that out tonight."

Verstappen said it was too early to say what the respective pace of the cars was.

"Still a lot of things to look at because everything is still so new," he said.

McLaren's Lando Norris was fifth fastest, ahead of

English Racing Tips Ascot 08:55 hrs Ask A Honey Bee 09:30 hrs Martha Brae 10:05 hrs Dashel Drasher 10:40 hrs Buzz 11:15 hrs Dolos 11:50 hrs card Dealer Haydock 08:10 hrs Might 08:40 hrs Jersey Bean 09:15 hrs Calico 10:25 hrs Orbys Legend 11:00 hrs A Plus Tard 11:35 hrs Strictlyadanser Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:00 hrs Bob Olinger 08:30 hrs She’s Some Doll 09:03 hrs Fan De Blues 09:38 hrs Deploy The Getaway 10:13 hrs Dark Voyager 10:48 hrs Young Fitzy 11:23 hrs I Sea The Moon

Lance Stroll's Aston Martin and Alpha Tauri's Yuki Tsunoda.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez was eighth fastest, with Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz completing the top 10.

There were no major incidents as drivers and teams familiarised themselves with the Losail circuit outside Doha, which is hosting its first grand prix and is better known for motorcycle racing.

Both Gasly and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc went off the track and skirted with the gravel traps which are a long way from the racing surface - but managed to continue.

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Royne Race 2 King James Race 3 Big Mountain Race 4 No Time Alone Race 5 Fort Washington Race 6 Cost Basis Race 7 Iconic Adventure Race 8 Colton’s Command Race 9 Serve The King Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Strega Race 2 Orbaline Race 3 Classy Gizmo Race 4 Ocelot Race 5 Fascination Race 6 Stronger Together Race 7 Breaking Alone Race 8 Nashikick South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Antico Amore 09:05 hrs Jaimala 09:40 hrs legitimate 10:15 hrs Good Traveller 10:50 hrs Russian Rock 11:25 hrs Black Silver

30

Guyana Chronicle. Saturday, November 20, 2021

Ambedkar to chair EBECC new executive board

THE members of the East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee (EBECC), in keeping with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014, invited the Cricket Ombudsman to verify eligible clubs of the said Committee to facilitate the holding of long-outstanding Elections of officers of the said Committee.

As a consequence, Mr Malcolm Peters, who is the Cricket Ombudsman, and his officers, attended the activity which commenced at 18.00hrs last Friday at the Tuschen Sports Club ground.

After the registration process was completed in which seven of the eleven affiliated clubs were present, establishing a quorum, the Ombudsman then carefully explained the process, its legality, and emphasised the responsibilities of those seeking election to office.

Immediately after, the election of office-bearers began and the following persons were elected to serve for the next two years: Chairman - Vishal Ambedkar, Vice-Chairman – Imtiaz Sadik, Hon. Secretary - Shazim Nazrudeen, Treasurer – Keyon Alexander, Asst/Secretary Treasurer - Fazlim Bacchus, Marketing Officer - Gregory George, Public Relations Officer –Francis Wright, Competitions Chair –Nazir Alli, Selection Chairman - Deoram Rai, Trustees -

The new elected EBECC executive body

Shahabudeen Mohamed and Naieem Habib, Auditor - Abdool Baseer Azeez

Ombudsman Peters congratulated the new executive and wished them every success.

All-Guyanese GFF activates 'contingency plan' for battle on the Super 16 Year-End tournament cards at South ... Forde doubles down on unauthorised tournaments American 10k

By Rawle Toney

THE 19th edition of Guyana’s hosting of the South American 10k is shaping up to be an all-local contest tomorrow.

The usually exciting race returns to its usual spot on Carifesta Avenue to conclude in the National Park, unlike 2020 when they competed on the West Coast Demerara.

The race will start at 15:30hrs on Carifesta Avenue close to GTT Earth Station and will proceed along the East Coast Highway and return to finish in the National Park.

Orin Thomas, Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee indicated yesterday they are expecting keen rivalry and some fast times, given the hard work done throughout the year by the athletes.

Thomas revealed they are looking in the vicinity of 45 to 50 Guyanese athletes, but there is a slim chance foreigners may arrive to compete.

Last event, the top three spots in the male event went to Winston Missigher, Cleveland Thomas, and the young Sir Kennard Hartog, and it is likely the winner will spring from that trio yet again.

On this occasion, Thomas is hoping he has what it takes to take first place after what he deemed to be a year of hard work which has enthused him that he could potentially run in the 31-minute marker.

The top finishers in the senior male and female categories will secure a winner’s prize of US$1000 with second place claiming US$600 and third US$400 along with trophies. Prizes will also be given in the Junior and Masters divisions.

The National Sports Commission, Banks DIH through its Rainforest and Powerade brands, Star Party Rentals, Guyana Energy, and Benjamin Bakery have supported the event.

THE GFF/Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 tournament will now feature the Elite League clubs and other All-Star teams representing the respective Member Associations, instead of the all-club competition that was previously announced.

This was confirmed by president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, during an exclusive sit-down with Chronicle Sport and NCN. Set to kick-off on Sunday, December 12, at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, the initial plans would see five clubs from Georgetown, two from the East Coast and Linden, along with one each from Bartica, Essequibo, ‘West Side’, East Bank, Berbice, an Indigenous and Rupununi All-Star teams, all vying for the title.

However, now, following the GFF’s implementation of their contingency plans, the Elite League Clubs; Ann's Grove, Buxton United, Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors, Guyana Defence Force, Milerock, Guyana Police Force FC, Santos, Victoria Kings and Western Tigers will face competition from All-Star teams from the Federation’s Member Associations.

The GFF president had announced that only fully vaccinated players, fans and officials will be participating in the tournament.

With this in mind, the federation had embarked on a vaccination drive across their member associations, which Forde revealed, received mixed reaction and which he described as “extremely slothful.”

“That created a bit of doubt, whether

we can really authorise the Regional Associations to conduct a playoff, without having sound evidence that the clubs and the officials that will be conducting or participating in that playoff have been vaccinated,” Forde reasoned.

Forde said the GFF “cannot attempt to organise a tournament, without satisfying the basic conditions that have been laid out to the entire society by the public health authority. And we know that there’s a vaccination requirement for almost every social activity that is taking place.”

Additionally, Forde said, another factor that impacted the GFF’s decision to make alternative plans to see the successful return of competitive football is that “many of the clubs were inactive for the better part of two years and the organisation at the local club level but more importantly, the vaccination requirement that they would have to make.”

With less than a month before kick-off, Forde insisted that the decision also stems from the GFF and the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation having to “start advertising the tournament, advertising critical details about how the tournament will be played, because we have to promote the event.”

“While I can understand all of the clubs wanting to play football, it is important that they understand that we can only approve this, once the conditions that have been placed before us, would have been met,” Forde said.

With the finals set for January 1, 2022 (Leonora), matches will also be played on December 17 (Buxton), December 19 (Leonora), December 22 (Linden), December 25 (Buxton), December 26 (Linden) and

December 29 (GFC).

Understanding that under the current structure, some players might not make their Association All-Star team, Forde assured that 2022 promises to be a vibrant year for local football.

He guaranteed that “we’ve already allocated the funds and funding that would allow all nine of the Regional Associations, to organise all of their leagues, male and female.”

NO OTHER TOURNAMENT With football finally returning to some degree of normalcy for the first time in almost two years, the GFF president has warned that only the GFF/Kashif and Shanghai tournament will be played.

“No member has presented that they are prepared and ready to do this (host yearend tournaments) and it has to be managed.

Of course, we know our members that have been traditionally organising these events (year-end tournaments) and we’ve always been open to this; the evidence is clear… but at the moment, we have to satisfy the authorities, that we are able to manage the sport back to the pitch in the safest possible manner,” Forde firmly stated.

The GFF president said while there’s no way to ‘police’ the game, the Federation is guided by what he calls “a clear and well-defined constitution.”

“I will say that no official, registered member of the GFF, is authorised to participate in any football competition that has not been sanctioned by the GFF. The laws are very clear on that, and it’s the same in every 211 FIFA Members,” Forde said.

31

Guyana Chronicle. Saturday, November 20, 2021

Golf Association/GuySuCo team up with CS World Cargo/Global Medic Canada for Flood Relief HUNDREDS of GuySuCo workers will receive a flood relief kit, donated by CS World Cargo 2000 Ltd and Global Medic Canada, as part of the effort by GuySuCo, in collaboration with the Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/Nexgen Academy, to provide aid to those who were affected by the floods that devastated the country in June.

GuySuCo’s CEO Sasenarine Singh explained that this was only one of the many ways that the organisation was working with partners to ensure a better life and opportunities for its workforce and their families. “We have seen the impact that the recent floods have had, not only on our crops but the homes and lives of our workers. This is another step the company is taking to fulfil our commitment to improving the lives of those who depend on

Persons from flood-affected areas were presented with relief, compliments of Guysuco, GGA and CS World Cargo/Global Medic Canada

GuySuCo.” The packages, which include a bucket, small emergency solar lights, rehydration and water purification tablets,

toothpaste, and soap, were donated by Rahul Singh from Global Medic Canada and Mr Chandi Singh from CS World Cargo 2000 Ltd. They were

2022 Aliann Pompey Invitational set for June 18 ALIANN Pompey yesterday announced that her fifth ‘AP’ Invitational Track and Field event will now be held on June 18, 2022, at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

This comes after the event which was set to be hosted on June 19 this year had to be cancelled, citing the effects of the global pandemic, caused by the coronavirus and the non-approval from Guyana’s COVID-19 Task Force.

“All of our previous sponsors have already committed to the event,” Pompey said in an invited comment. “We're looking forward to welcoming the fans and the international, as well as local athletes, to the Leonora Stadium, on June 18, 2022.”

The four-time Olympian and Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist, saw the event, which started in 2016, like most sport events in 2020, postponed because of COVID-19.

This year’s AP Invitational was seen as the ‘gateway to Tokyo’, since it was scheduled to be the last opportunity for local, regional and international athletes who were seeking qualification to the July 23-August 3 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The inaugural AP Invitational saw 11 athletes, all from overseas, qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

The St John’s University coach noted the event’s cancellation not only affected local athletes with Olympic aspirations, but also those from the Americas and the Caribbean, since many would have had the AP Invita-

flown in by Copa Airlines.

The programme for distribution of these and potentially thousands more items in the future is being handled by

the Nexgen Golf Academy, Guyana Golf Association president Aleem Hussain and Ms Malicia Lawrence from CS World Cargo 2000 Ltd. The company had previously donated over 40 000 face shields to the country at the height of the pandemic and continues to pledge its support to aid Guyanese in need as the company opens its services in the country.

According to Ms. Lawrence, "CS World Cargo 2000 Ltd. is one of the leading shipping companies worldwide and has offices in USA, Canada, UK and now Guyana.

The company plans to join with partners in Guyana and around the world to secure donations and contributions for Guyanese in need and hopes that this becomes a model for other companies to follow."

The David McAntony Gibson Foundation, which

operates as Global Medic, is a Canadian charity that has provided disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid since 2002 and was founded based on the idea that aid could be delivered more effectively and efficiently.

Mr Chandi Singh said, “We feel that we have found an ideal partner in Aleem and Nexgen Global, who we feel will assist us in making sure that our donations reach our intended market and this partnership with GuySuCo is a positive step in the right direction.”

In recent months, the GuySuCo organisation has taken major steps to rehire, retrain and create new jobs for workers and have laid out plans for innovative ways to increase profitability in the coming years through diversification and modernisation of their facilities and methods.

West Indies Women beat Thailand in final warm-up game

Deandra Dottin celebrates her century (CWI Media) Aliann Pompey

tional on their calendar as a qualifying event for Tokyo.

In February of 2020, AP Invitational was announced by World Athletics as part of its structured World Athletics Continental Tour.

World Athletics had stated that the impetus for creating the Continental Tour was to provide more competition and earning opportunities for more athletes.

At the 2018 AP Invitational, Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic champion, 2016 Olympic silver medallist and 2020 bronze medallist, clocked 44.99 seconds to not only win the ‘AP’ Invitational 400 metres, but also set a new track record’.

WEST INDIES Women head into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier on a winning note, after defeating Thailand Women by 151 runs in their warm-up match at Sunrisers Sports Club ground in Harare.

West Indies Women posted 230-6 from their 50 overs, with Thailand Women finishing on 79 all out in 36.3 overs.

Head coach Courtney Walsh was pleased with the outcome ahead of the first match on November 23 against Ireland, “It was good to get in a practice match in Zimbabwe to get accustomed to the conditions. The ladies went out and did what was required.

“Deandra (Dottin) and Hayley (Matthews) had good knocks, so it’s good to see the runs continuing from Pakistan. We gave all the

bowlers a chance to get a feel of the pitch here in Zimbabwe. It was important to get match practice as Papua New Guinea pulled out so we are short one game.”

Coach Walsh added, “Once you keep winning you’re going to keep having confidence.

We left Pakistan pretty confident and it’s important to keep that momentum and not take anything for granted.

“Obviously this was just a practice game but the win is important for team morale and then we have a few days before we start the competition, so it’s good to get that win under our belts.”

The West Indies Women will continue their training schedule for the next three days before kick-starting their qualifying campaign on November 23 against Ireland.

32

Guyana Chronicle. Saturday, November 20, 2021

Several of Guyana's top distance runners will be on show

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30

All-Guyanese battle on the cards at South American 10k FLASHBACK! Jamaican Rushell Clayton eases her way to win the 2019 API Women’s 400m hurdles.

The 2019 World Championships bronze medallist is expected to be among a plethora of Regional and International athletes at the 2022 event.

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31 Kashif Muhammad and fellow K&S Organisation Director Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major join GFF president Wayne Forde to announce the GFF/K&S ‘Super 16’ Year-End tournament.

(Rawle Toney photo)

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2022 Aliann Pompey Invitational set for June 18

GFF activates 'contingency plan' for Super 16 Year-End tournament ... Forde doubles down on unauthorised tournaments

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021