Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_21_11_2021

21st November, 2021

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No.106552

Massive fire destroys US$95M luxury OPR building hotel and –– quick action by fire service saves DPP’s office –– Min. Benn says recent fires PAGE could be politically motivated

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The massive blaze gutted a section of the building that housed the police force’s barracks, the Office of Professional Responsibility and the construction unit at Eve Leary (Delano Williams photos)

casino for Georgetown

No cases of starvation among Venezuelans in Region One 05 PAGE

–– children hospitalised for bacterial infection of skin –– Gov’t providing emergency aid

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

US$95M luxury hotel and casino for Georgetown

By Rehana Ahamad

EVEN as the coronavirus pandemic continues to suffocate the global tourism industry, many are still lining up to invest in Guyana’s potential, whilst responding to the country’s need for more accommodation facilities to support the projected influx of visitors.

Interested in joining the list of investors is Blue Bridge Incorporated, a company that wants to invest approximately $US95 million to build a luxury hotel and casino in Georgetown.

According to a proposal submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the five-star facility is expected to feature 120 rooms, inclusive of 44 Standard ones, 39 Deluxe rooms, 19 Club rooms, 10 Executive Club rooms, three Suites, two Executive Suites, one Presidential Suite, and two rooms that are convenient for persons with disabilities.

“The room interiors are a blend of contemporary elegance and functional design, with hardwood timber flooring, large bathrooms with

The establishment of the hospitality sector oversized tubs, and separate showers. The rooms also feature Wi-Fi access, phone docking station, a personal safety box, and exclusive inroom luxury amenities,” the project summary indicates.

It notes, too, that in addition to a state-of-the-art casino, the hotel will also be outfitted with two restaurants, one for all-day dining and another for fine-dining, as well as a lounge bar, a pool bar and tea lounge, three banquet rooms, two boardrooms, one business lounge, and a banquet lawn garden.

“The Casino Project purely targets the entertainment and amusement sector, and will strictly follow the rules and regulations, and abide by the policies set by the governing authority. We aim to be the best in the hospitality and the luxury services sector. We thrive on our rich experience of operating in this sector in Eastern Europe, East Africa & Suriname,” the company says in its proposal.

The hotel and casino is also expected to feature other standard amenities such as a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a business centre, a kid’s room, an entertainment arena, guest laundry services, a concierge service, and a guest loyalty programme.

“The grandeur of our hotel will reflect in its unrivalled facilities and personalised service from the heart… The Blue Bridge’s luxury property will be designed specifically for the global traveller, offering multifaceted experiences in cuisine, entertainment and relaxation. It will be a welcoming and a stunning address, blending art and flair,” the company says in its project

new five-star hotel will add 120 luxury rooms to the description.

Once given the requisite approvals, the company says that it intends to complete construction of the hotel within two-and-a- half years.

Additionally, the hotel’s establishment is expected to generate employment for approximately 700 persons at various levels of the hospitality and casino gaming industry, whilst paving the way for dozens to be professionally trained. Blue Bridge Incorporated says it also plans to ensure that a number of persons with disabilities are given employment opportunities, once the hotel is opened.

The business plan specifies, too, that a Board of Directors will be appointed to run the hotel; the document proposes that Mr. S. A. Ramlakhan will be Chairman of the Board, and supported by directors Sanket Balgi, R. Parag and Shrikant Rawish Kisoensingh.

According to the project summary, which has been prepared by Mr. Balgi, even though the pandemic has had a notable effect on global tourism, the company has confidence in the Guyana market, especially given the growing need for more accommodation facilities.

As a matter of fact, it was this need that prompted the pre-2015 People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to pursue the establishment of the Marriott Hotel in suburban Kingston.

Although highly criticised and tagged as a “white elephant” by the then Parliamentary Opposition, the hotel consistently boasts of having a “fully-booked” status; as a matter fact, this will

remain the case until January 2022.

Even amid a global pandemic, Guyana’s stellar reputation as a growing investment hub continues to attract thousands from near and far.

And with the country preparing to host a number of world leaders, along with their technical teams and private sector representatives, the need for more state-of-the-art accommodation facilities will increase exponentially.

Within just a month of being in office, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government issued Expressions of Interest for internationally branded hotels to be built in the country; many have since answered the call, with the most recent being the commitment from a Trinidadian company to build a US$32.2 million (almost G$6.8 billion) Hyatt Place Hotel.

It was only last week that the ceremonial sod was turned for the 125-room facility to be built along Red Road, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

A Guyanese developer has also outlined plans to build a 150-room hotel in the Houston area, strategically positioned along the new four-lane Mandela-Eccles road currently being constructed.

Added to that, sod-turning exercises have already been held for a number of new, additional hotels, with two earmarked for the environs of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The government has said that it aims to have at least 2,000 hotel rooms available for visitors, to accompany the anticipated growth in the local economy.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Massive fire destroys OPR building –– quick action by fire service saves DPP’s office –– Min. Benn says recent fires could be politically motivated

By Jared Liddell

THE Guyana Police Force suffered another massive blow on Saturday after a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) which is housed at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown, but quick action by the Guyana Fire Service saved the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Ranks from the fire service and police force were in a race against time to save tons of critical documents from the office of the DPP which is joined to the OPR building.

According to Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo, the fire started in the western side of the building where ranks from Police Headquarters reside; it then spread to the OPR building and then the construction department.

The fire service received the report at around13:53hrs and according to the Fire Chief, five fire tenders were deployed to the scene to control the blaze. Upon arrival, they met low water pressure at the hydrant in the vicinity.

“We had an early part in the initial stage [where] there was low pressure coming from the hydrant, but as the process continued, we informed GWI and they ended up boosting up the pressure,” Edoo said.

POLITICAL LINK This fire follows on the heels of another massive fire

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, engaging Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack

Staff from the DPP’s office carrying documents from the burning building to safety that completely razed the put around the country startBrickdam Police Station in ing from some pyrotechnicOctober. minded person in the United As a result, Minister of States and that maybe perHome Affairs Robeson Benn haps, much more than likely, believes there is a possibility that the incidents that we that the fires are politically see and the timings at which motivated as he referenced re- they occur, are related to cent threats made by Guyanese those more than subliminal living in the United States. messages about ‘Georgetown “It appears that we are will burn if the PPP don’t do experiencing a trial by fire whatever’,” Minister Benn again in Guyana. I have said told the press at the scene publicly that it appears that See page 4 a subliminal message is being

Documents being tossed from the second floor window of the DPP’s office

Firefighters attempting to control the blaze

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Massive fire destroys ...

From page 3

of the fire.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali voiced a similar opinion

when the fire destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, but he made clear his intention to

Sunday, 21 November 04:00hrs

solicit international support to investigate the matter.

“Why am I bothered?

This is coming on the heels of threats made on the capital city from New York and this is not the first time and I’m not going to take this lightly; I am going to ask for international support to investigate, to follow any lead, and to ensure that our capital remains safe,” the President stated.

President Ali noted that government is committed to ensuring that its public assets are protected and will be utilising local and international resources to ensure that instances of arson, especially on public buildings, are stopped and the perpetrators brought to justice.

‘WE WILL STAND FIRM’ Meanwhile, Minister Benn on Saturday reiterated that the government will not allow intimidation to hinder its plans for the development of the country.

He noted that plans will be put in place to promote more vigilance at public buildings.

“We will stand firm; we will make sure the work of our government and the development of our country proceeds. Going forward, we have to be much more vigilant throughout all of the services we provide and we have to make everyone aware of the risk fire poses -not only to the lives of individual people and their employment, but also the proper functioning and the working of our government and our achieving our pathway of sustainable development.”

DISARRAY AT DPP Even as ranks were able to save critical and important documents from the office of the DPP, Minister Benn noted that the entire operations of the office will remain in complete disarray for the next few weeks.

In a bid to save the files from the massive blaze, staff of the DPP’s Chambers, as well as ranks of the GPF, supported the firefighters in their efforts and removed drawers from file cabinets and piled them into police vehicles to be relocated to a secure location.

Employees were seen throwing documents through windows from the top floor of the building in an effort to save them from the fire.

Minister Benn noted that the fire has halted the opera-

Some of the items saved from the burning building

Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force on standby to assist the GPF with its document-removal exercise

From left: Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie; Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandalal; Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn at the scene of the fire

Police ranks and staff from the DPP’s office remove important documents from the building (Delano Williams photos) tions of the DPP. “It puts the operations of the OPR in disarray also the operations of the DPP chambers are also in disarray and some confusion. The files and documents would have to be taken to somewhere

where they would have to be [sorted] and put them in a condition where they could be accessed properly.”

Benn further added: “Basically, the operations remaining to this building are completely perturbated

and confusion from now on, they’ll have to spend the next week or two putting files and things properly together and to get the computer systems and so back online to be able to access files which are online.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

No cases of starvation among Venezuelans in Region One

-children hospitalised for bacterial infection of skin were medically assessed, four -Gov’t providing emergency aid

The makeshift settlement erected by the Warrau Amerindian families

By Richard Bhainie THE Guyana Government on Saturday rushed emergency aid to Venezuelan migrants who were found to be living in poor conditions at Anabisi, Port Kaituma, North West District, in Region One. However, a ministerial team comprising doctors did not find cases of starvation within the dozens of people, further debunking reports published in other sections of the media on Saturday.

The Office of the Prime Minister revealed that the dozens of Amerindians, including children, may have entered

Guyana’s territory from a neighbouring village in Venezuela and are believed to be from the Warrau tribe.

The team on Saturday comprised Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; two paediatricians from Georgetown and other medical personnel and support staff from Region One. Dr. Neil Samwaroo, a paediatrician from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who accompanied the team, reported that approximately 20 children

Food hampers being distributed to the families

of whom required medical attention and were transferred to the Port Kaituma Hospital in the region.

Most of the children were diagnosed with conjunctivitis, also referred to as ‘red eye’; impetigo (a bacterial infection of the skin); mild diarrhoeal diseases - a collection of diseases caused by multiple viral, bacterial, and parasitic organisms - and upper respiratory tract infections, which are contagious infections caused by a variety of bacteria, and viral illnesses such as influenza.

“There were not severe cases that warrant immediate attention; there were also patients who were chronically malnourished but not [with] acute malnutrition” Dr. Samwaroo said.

Two of the children who were transported to the hospital are suffering from severe impetigo which requires intravenous antibiotics for treatment; one baby is suspected of suffering from pneumonia and needed to be evaluated further, while the fourth child was suffering from a diarrhoeal disease with mild dehydration.

Dr. Arjune Harrinarine, also a paediatrician at the GHPC, was sent to the Port Kaituma Hospital where he

saw four children who were previously admitted to the hospital; they were also suffering from diarrhoeal diseases and none of them were in a critical condition.

“One patient was allegedly referred to as being critical, but upon arrival, that patient was not found to be present at the hospital. It was reported that the patient absconded, but with further discussions with the local doctors that[sic] examined the patient, they advised me that the patient was in no case critical,” Dr. Harrinarine told reporters.

MEDICAL AID AND FOOD SUPPLIES Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Anthony explained that in addition to medical supplies and food hampers which were previously sent to the settlement, food hampers and medication were also provided on Saturday.

He disclosed that another medical team will return to the settlement on Sunday to conduct a more detailed medical clinic and be able to examine all 50 children to assess if any are in need of further medical attention and admit them to the Port Kaituma Hospital if needed; evacuation to Georgetown is also an option.

The ministerial team has also identified someone within the settlement with whom they

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, and Dr Neil Samwaroo examining a child

Dr Neil Samwaroo tending to a child (Richard Bhainie photos) can easily communicate and who will be liaising with the regional and health officials.

The Human Services Minister Dr. Persaud, who along with Dr. Samwaroo tended to the children, confirmed the diseases which were identified.

She explained that there will be a continuous monitoring and assessment of the settlement and after the children are assessed, the adults will be assessed as well.

“A young woman who was identified to liaise with the community and with us through the regional structure, was able to translate both the Warrau and the Spanish language for the community and those of us who went in there,” she said.

“We want to assure that throughout all of it, the governmental structure through the region and these ministries, Amerindian Affairs, Human Services and Health will be present for the entire exercise,” Dr. Persaud contended.

Additionally, Amerindian Affairs Minister Sukhai noted that with a coordinated and comprehensive intervention, the government will be looking to alleviate the migrants’ poor living conditions.

“They are Warrau families, migrants that [sic] came from Venezuela, and under the migrant programme, I’m very sure that they too will find complementary support,” she said.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony sorting medication to dispense to the families

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Shared responsibilities

INTERNATIONAL Men’s Day is observed annually on November 19 to promote gender equality and to reflect on the contributions, sacrifices and progress made by men in society.

It also looks at several areas in which men can contribute in terms of parenting and being positive role models to the younger generation. The Day is relatively new and certainly not as popular as International Women’s Day, even though its importance to society cannot be downplayed.

The theme of this year’s International Men’s Day observances is ‘Better relations between men and women”. This theme is most relevant at a time when there is an increase in the level of domestic violence in Guyana and for that matter the world at large. And even though women are generally at the receiving end when it comes to domestic violence and spousal abuse, there are also several men who are victims of domestic abuse, a significant number of which remain buried under the sand, due mainly to

cultural and societal factors.

The key to a stronger society is better relations between men and women. And even though historically, a woman’s place is said to be in the home, much of that has changed over the decades and women have now taken up leadership roles which transcend the narrow confines of home and family. Women today are more empowered, especially in terms of education attainment levels which makes them much more competitive on the job market, Women in Guyana already dominate some aspects of the job market such as teaching, nursing and the public service.

Indeed, the situation has now evolved to a point where there are now references to new concepts such as ‘male marginalisation’ and ‘male spousal abuse’. Males are less likely to report cases of abuse because of cultural reasons and also out of a perception that the laws tend to be more lenient towards the opposite sex.

Men generally are regarded as the “stronger” sex but the records show that

they are more likely to commit suicide than women. According to data released by the Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, 605 men took their lives from 2016-2021 compared to 171 women during the same period.

And when taken together with the fact that women in Guyana outlive men by an average of five years, the perception of women as a weaker sex is all the more debatable if not controversial.

Yet the importance of men to the development of society cannot be overstated.

We live in what is still perceived to be a “man’s world” and the vast majority of decision-makers at the political, executive and legislative levels continue to be men, even though that is now incrementally changing.

What is needed is not a debate on men versus women’s empowerment but a situation in which there is shared responsibility to family, and by extension, societal development. The role of men as bread winners and women as caregivers is

no longer applicable to modern societies and men will have to, as it were, step up to the plate and take up much greater roles in terms of emotional, spiritual and other forms of support. And even though men are still expected to be the main economic provider to meet family needs, the creation of new economic opportunities for women have reduced that dependency on men as the main, and in some cases only, source of financial support.

Guyana has made significant strides in terms of both male and female empowerment and with new and growing economic opportunities and greater access to education opportunities, the gender gap is gradually closing and women are becoming much more involved in national life. This, however, is not an indication of any diminishing role of men in society.

It is about partnering with, and sharing the ‘burden’ of development with the full cohort of the available labour force of which women are now an integral part.

Guyana should receive fair compensation for forest preservation Dear Editor, A WEEK after the conclusion of the Glasgow summit where an agreement was reached on carbon emission reduction, will nations honour the agreement? Glasgow has set climate action goals annually, every five years, by 2030, 2050, and 2070.

Countries must respond now to those goals to take action and reduce emission.

Was it all talk or will countries walk the talk? Governments must take immediate steps on carbon emissions – reduce use of fossil fuels and burning coal and wood, while preserving forests – to protect the planet.

Strong domestic pressure by environmental groups in every country and by citizen activists will be required to push government to take action. We are all imperiled by global warming – rising ocean levels that threaten flooding of our coastland. Our very own existence is at stake. Thus, we must all act together to reduce carbon emission – reduce driving, encourage recycling, among other basic actions. As President Ali said, we are all in this together and all must act in concert.

Carbon emission is primarily responsible for global warming. The developed countries have been the main culprit behind carbon emissions and global warming. Will they do their part as promised? President Ali implored upon them to take effective actions to reduce emissions.

The President noted that while Guyana is a newly emerging oil producing nation, fossil fuel production is not getting subsidies and he urged other nations to end their subsidies.

There is an agreement for phasing down of unabated coal power and phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

The poorer or developing countries are now pursuing development that will only add to carbon emissions as they can’t afford green energy as yet. They need financial assistance to go green (wind, solar, hydropower, thermal) so as not to wrought further destruction to the environment by depending almost exclusively on fossil fuels (oil, gas) and wood and coal.

Will the rich countries assist the less developed countries? In the past, they have not been very generous resulting in the develop-

ing countries relying almost exclusively on fossil fuels for their energy.

President Ali made a commitment that Guyana will do its part to honour the Glasgow agreements. He pledges to cut emissions by 70 per cent by 20203. The Glasgow plan is to reduce emissions to zero by 2050. Guyana would get there because Guyana is not a large user of energy and the forests absorb a lot of carbon produced in Guyana.

But the President rightly cautioned that the developed nations have not been doing their part to cut emissions or honour pledges of assistance to the developing countries. The President commits to the low carbon development strategy and to create green jobs and urges the world to follow suit.

The President noted that although Guyana recently became an oil-producing nation, the country supports the removal of subsidies from fossil fuel production and advocates for a strong global carbon price.

And the President also discussed the importance of forests in reducing or controlling carbon emissions. Forests trap carbon. The rich countries must give assistance to or pay

the developing countries to protect their forests rather than chop down trees for firewood.

As the President implored “we must finalise the rules for carbon markets and REDD+ so as to properly value tropical forests and the climate services which they provide” and assist the developing countries accordingly.

Guyana’s forests are huge, almost the size of Scotland and England combined. And it is largely preserved.

Were Guyana to engage in deforestation, it would add enormously to carbon increase in the environment. Guyana should receive fair compensation from the wealthy countries for forest preservation. Norway is currently offering assistance to Guyana annually for the preservation of its forest but Guyana deserves greater financial reward not just from Norway but other countries also.

And Guyana’s Latin American and Caribbean partners deserve similar assistance to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel and to preserve forests.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Parika businesses blocking roadways Dear Editor, PLEASE allow me space in your newspaper to highlight an issue which needs to be urgently addressed by law enforcement authorities in Parika, East Bank Essequibo, Region Three, as it is causing much frustration to citizens.

This is in relation to vending on the roadside in Parika. For some time now, stall holders have been occupying the roadways to display their goods, especially clothing, and preventing the free flow of traffic and people.

Some vendors, even though they are renting shops along the roadside, are now coming out to occupy the roadways.

Persons cannot walk in the corner of the road; they are now forced to walk in the path of oncoming traffic.

Even other vehicles cannot park or stop properly; they have to do so in the middle of the road, most times creating a bottleneck.

I should mention that this is a huge commercial area where there are several banks and offices etc, and citizens would like to go about their business freely.

As a bus driver myself I am extremely frustrated over the situation.

Several complaints have been made to the Parika Police Station to take action, but it seems that the issue is proving to be some form of challenge for them to address. In some cases, when the police warn the vendors to take their items off the roadways, they comply for a day or two, but soon after they go back to breaking the rules. I am pleading with the Commissioner of Police and the regional authorities to look into this matter urgently and take stronger action against persons breaking the law.

One could only imagine what would happen as the peak season approaches if this matter is not addressed forthwith.

Yours truly, Concerned citizen

Minister Mustapha elected

Chair of Caribbean Meteorological Council

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has been elected to serve as the Chairman of the 61st Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council for the next 12 months.

The Caribbean Meteorological Council is the governing body of the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), a specialised agency of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

While delivering the feature address, Minister Mustapha said given the importance of having access to accurate and up-to-date weather information, the government, since taking office, has made several investments to improve the public weather service in Guyana.

“It is in this context that the development of a National Flood Early Warning System became extremely relevant and in June of this year, Guyana launched its first National Flood Early Warning System.

While the system is still in its pilot phase, its development is critical to protecting lives,

livelihoods, and property.

Critical to our medium-term development agenda, the Government of Guyana recently developed a roadmap for the development of a National Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. Additionally, to further enhance the public weather service, investments have also been made to repair the radar, and to facilitate the maintenance of Automatic Weather Stations,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Caribbean Meteorological Council is the supreme organ of the Organisation and comprises ministers responsible for meteorology.

While acting as Chair, Minister Mustapha will be tasked with guiding issue directions of a general or special character as to the policy to be pursued by the Organization and its any organs.

Outlining Guyana’s current efforts towards building resilience and attaining sustainable development, Minister Mustapha noted that a major component to achieving those goals would

involve the integration of water, weather, and climate services and solutions.

This recognition, he said, is underscored in the recently revised National Development Strategy: The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which has been expanded to include biodiversity and ecosystem services, the maritime environment, and water resources management.

The minister said further that Guyana, through the Hydrometeorological Service along with other government and non-governmental agencies, is committed to accomplishing the integration of weather, climate, and water agendas through national adaptation and resilience policies.

“In the specific case of the Hydrometeorological Service, and in its role of national regulator, a Strategic Plan was recently developed with support under the Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Project and the Caribbean Meteorological Organiza-

tion. This Strategic Plan has allowed Guyana to align the national priorities on weather, water and climate with the ambitions of the international community as led regionally by the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) and internationally by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO),” the minister added.

Furthermore, Minister Mustapha told the Council that Guyana, with support from its regional and international partners, has been working to strategically improve and expand its observational and monitoring infrastructure with investments in state-of-the-art technologies.

“In the last two years alone, we have been able to upgrade the country’s climate data management system to international standards, inclusive of the training of local staff, which is currently ongoing. We also invested in the procurement of computing power to facilitate Climate modelling which will, over the next few years,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha allow our staff to work with international partners to enhance Guyana’s climate modelling capacity. There were also investments made to procure a Direct Readout Ground Station (DRGS) which is scheduled to be installed shortly. This will improve the management of national hydrometeorological data, allowing the Hydrometeorological Service to have complete control over its data flows, and would also improve the efficiency in which we manage and maintain our observational network,” Minister Mustapha succeeds Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, who served as Chair of the 60th CMC. The CMC was established by its Member States in 1962, to further the regionalization of meteorology in the Anglophone Caribbean. (DPI)

Private sector endorses government’s stance on ExxonMobil audits –– encourages participation of local auditing firms

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has welcomed the assurance from President Dr. Irfaan Ali that the Government of Guyana will conduct forensic audits of the US$9.5 expenses claimed by ExxonMobil and its operations.

In a press statement on Saturday, the local business community said that it also endorses the government’s decision to coordinate a group of fully qualified Guyanese auditing companies to participate in conducting the audit.

To this end, the PSC is encouraging all Guyanese audit companies to participate in this important auditing process, and to collaborate where necessary in order to acquire “sufficient capabilities”.

The PSC, in its brief media release, said it has taken note of the fact that the pre-2017 audit of ExxonMobil’s claims was left

outstanding for a lengthy period, and that going forward, it “expects that such a situation is not allowed by any government to ever occur again”.

The Commission went on to emphasise that given that Guyana’s burgeoning oil-and-gas sector is critical to national development, every effort should be made by the government to ensure that the sector benefits from “full accountability, including comprehensive and timely audits”.

“The PSC, therefore, looks forward to a prompt and transparent audit process of the Exxon expense claims, and expects the full and unqualified cooperation of ExxonMobil in the conduct of this audit,” the statement posited.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the government will complete the audits of costs claimed by ExxonMobil for its operations, in keeping

with its mandate to ensure that Guyana’s interests will be protected.

More specifically, it was explained that the hiring of a firm to conduct the audits relies heavily on the availability and preparedness of local auditors to be an integral part of the process.

“We have made it clear what our intention is; to have local people involved,” Dr. Jagdeo told the Department of Public Information (DPI) last Wednesday.

“The government is seeking to assemble a group of Guyanese in the sector who demonstrate strong auditing capabilities in this area, and would be able to collaborate with a reputable international firm for the audit of ExxonMobil’s post2017 costs,” the DPI noted.

Nonetheless, the PSC, in a separate statement, on Saturday announced its support for the upcoming International Energy Conference and Expo slated for

February 15 – 18, 2022.

The Commission said that it is of the firm view that the business partnerships that will result from this venture will greatly enhance the business sector, thereby building capacity, and lending to national development.

In keeping with its commitment to develop a robust and dynamic private sector, where local businesses are able to capitalise on the opportunities being presented in the energy sector, the PSC wants local businesses to be part of the ‘Expo’, and to capitalise on opportunities to build capacity through partnership with other local and international players within the sector.

The conference, which is being held under the theme, ‘Chartering a sustainable Energy Future’, is being promoted locally, regionally and internationally to ensure maximum exposure to the energy sector in Guyana.

The conference is expected to have a number of panel

PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong discussions, and the PSC will be participating in these discussions to ensure effective local representation.

To this extent, the various Business Support Organisations and membership of the Private Sector Commission will be participating in the Conference and Expo.

A number of reputable organisations have already signalled their intention to be part of the conference.

Added to that, Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is also expected to be in Guyana for the conference.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

The greying men in the PNC IN 1984, I found myself living in the western state of Utah in the United States, where, after more than two decades of being deprived by the then dictatorial regime of Guyana, I was able to watch television. While this was a memorable occasion, it was actually what I watched on television that

allowed me now to jumpstart this column regarding the graying of the PNC leaders. It was the first of three Presidential debates between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale. Reagan quipped: “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political pur-

poses, my opponent’s youth and inexperience,” Reagan was 73 years old and Mondale was much younger.

In Guyana, leading up to March 2, 2020 general elections, I submitted a number of letters to the dailies, and on social media, on how a slew of old men within the PNC and some small po-

litical parties were competing for leadership roles, and, in so doing, they were marginalising, if not excluding, the youths in their camp. One older politician chastised me on social media for practising prejudice and discrimination toward people of old age, commonly known in sociological circles as ageism. The

Salary Increases ON Thursday, Finance Minister Ashni Singh announced a seven per cent retroactive salary increase for public servants and other categories of public employees. Singh also announced a whopping $400M that would be set aside as another one-off payout to frontline workers and an undertaking to correct the disparities in the pay scale in Budget 2022.

This announcement follows a commitment by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the People’s Progressive Party to deliver increases to the public servants this year.

Lo and behold, before public servants or employees could start to count the dollars that they would now get to take home on their December pay, the main political opposition party, APNU+AFC, and Deputy Speaker Lennox Shuman entered the mix. They created confusion and political mischief by spreading misinformation and ‘jumbieeconomics’ to the masses.

Firstly, Shuman was being politically disingenuous, to put it lightly, by seeking to accuse the PPP/C Government of failing to honour a so-called commitment it made on salaries for public servants on the election trail of 50 per cent. This move was wicked and deceitful.

Where or when did the PPP ever promise such an increase to public servants?

Which media reported that absurdity? Who in the PPP said that, and where is the proof of them saying so? As a public official, Shuman must know better. He is not exempt from the fire if he deliberately peddles this false line.

Maybe, it is incumbency that is affecting him. After all, he knows pretty soon, he will lose his grip on power and influence to make statements on matters in the political landscape of the country.

Secondly, this misinformation about the salary increases, coupled with a series of unfortunate statements, is now being perpetrated by the opposition APNU+AFC politicians.

They believe that the government should have offered more to public servants, thereby, seemingly rejecting the announcement of the increase. At this point, it is apt to note that it seems like the APNU+AFC politicians are being carried away by the ‘jumbie-economics’ and the crass nature of mathematics of Winston Jordan.

The APNU+AFC politicians are pulling out numbers from the sky and inventing economic analyses to seek to say that the increase is not fair and reasonable even despite the

world economic crisis due to COVID-19, challenges with the global supply chain, and other external shocks.

Juretha Fernandes, Tabitha Sarboo-Halley, and Jordan should be ashamed of themselves because their comments on the salary increases showed how little they know of a sound financial, monetary and economic policy that is stable and prudent.

These politicians went out on the limb, and one even quizzed what happened to all the oil money. The truth is, no money from the oil resources was spent for salary increases this year, and the reasons for that are wellknown.

Instead, the APNU+AFC politicians should be giving the government credit for the impact this would certainly have on the cost of living and inflation. They should not be using the issue of public servants and other employees’ pay as a political tool as they seek to influence the outcome of their Congress scheduled for December 11.

Thirdly, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) should not lay blame on the government for this announced increase due to the collapsed collective bargaining process. It is the union that did not enter into the negotiations in good faith and a spirit of cooperation.

President Ali is on the right path to award an increase that will be to the benefit of the workers this Christmas.

The GPSU will seek to complain only, instead of working along with the government, diligently, to secure a livable wage and suitable incremental increase for Guyanese workers. The union appears more focused on politics and frustrating the government at every turn. It needs to take the negotiations process seriously appealing to the government’s sense of justice and consciousness about the economic challenges that public servants face, especially in these times.

Finally, this is not the end of the line for public servants to receive a salary increase or package which is reflective of the progress and movement of the economy. Looking at the mid-year report optimistically, 2022 will offer much more to the working class, especially public servants.

In addition to the $20 billion or more dollars that the government placed directly in the citizens’ hands through direct cash grants and aid, government will continue, from the looks of things, to look at bigger ways to develop new programmes that will result in better lives for all Guyanese.

politician was suggesting that many world leaders were in their mid-70s and were active, healthy, and of sound mind. The politician’s position was not as eloquently stated as Reagan’s but his message was essentially the same, notably, do not judge a book by the age of the cover. Furthermore, and if I could use sociologist Lars Tornstam’s theory that goes by the mouthful gerotranscendence, which states as people grow old their limited views of life expand. They are tolerable of this and that.

While we cannot safely compare and contrast aging in the United States and Guyana because of the differences in healthcare of both countries, although some politicians have access to international healthcare, there are some advantages of growing old in the position of leadership. Historically, and which is still prevalent in some traditional societies, old age and leadership were like two peas in the same pod. They were a storehouse of knowledge, wisdom, and skills that were transmitted from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, we have seen the flip side of this in the PNC, and that is, the marginalisation of youths and how to rig elections. This is not a jab at the PNC; it is an undisputed fact. In the modern period, it is argued that as older people remain active, be it in politics or otherwise, they could be productive and even enjoy a satisfying life. Moreover, being active implicitly means continuous engagement in any aspect of life, and, when consolidated, translates into not being a couch potato or a burden to anyone. When applying these arguments to the PNC, I say to myself, “oh lard, help I.” I have written before on the incompetence, the corruption, and even on how the ordinary man in the street had difficulty trying to understand why the coalition was so senseless and unconstitutional, over-stepping the boundaries of the law. May I remind you what I wrote in Guyana Times (05.26.17):

“This regime [APNU+AFC] has not only mastered the art of propaganda but it is running on a treadmill of propaganda. The regime is working overtime in overdrive to spew propaganda to ensure another term in office. The zeitgeist of change this regime so promised is a pipe dream and mark my words, expect more propaganda this same time next year. This is now the regime’s game plan until 2020.”

I am not a mind reader, but I do not expect to write almost the same thing about the former coalition government in late 2021. What we have now is not only an extension of propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation but a display of warring and warning personalities among those who are vying for the headship post of the PNC. The AFC is goosestepping with them in prepared silence. All this leads to one unfortunate direction, and that is, the continuation of the marginalization and exclusion of the youths.

These old men in the PNC, who are in the 70s and are political leftovers of the Burnham era, have reached some anchored points in their life. Their continued presence has led to the absence of intergenerational dialectics within the PNC. Can anyone who is reading this column point to one youth who has been groomed in leadership by those individuals who are competing to govern the PNC? This disengagement has ensured that positions of responsibility have been secured for the graying men in the PNC, displacing the opportunity for the smooth transition of power from the old to the young. What this approach has revealed is that PNC thinks that their youths do not need political nurturing. Instead, they rely on natural political developers, a huge mistake (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

By: Ms. Sandra Khan, MBA, Rph.

Rationalisation of healthcare in times of a world economic crisis

AS defined by the Webster Dictionary, to rationalise means to apply the principles of scientific management to an industry or its operations for a more efficient result.

The hallmark of rationalisation is efficiency by maximising the use of limited resources, more so in a looming world economic crisis, to achieve the best possible outcome.

The concept to rationalise for enhanced efficiency in patient outcomes has been aggressively pursued by many forward-thinking health institutions in developed countries even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The culture of these entities that focus on continuous quality improvement of service engage in routine assessments against their key performance indicators and strategically reorganise their vision, objective, resource allocation and prioritisation.

Medical facilities that employ best practices will accelerate innovation, optimise the functions of the work force, minimise complexities and reduce costs by relooking at redundancies and duplications.

Guyana, ranked 155 in the world with a GDP per capita of $5832 (population estimate 790,000) grew its overall GDP by 14.5 percent mainly due to oil revenues in the first half of 2021, of which 4.8 percent was attributed to non-oil activities.

This is considered exceptional in the face of all the challenges encountered; an exacerbated global recession from the direct impact of the ongoing pandemic, the unprecedented floods due to climate change and the historic five-month halt due to the declaration of results

from the general election in 2020.

With global inflation costs for food and fuel and an unmatched income to offset costs, money management is like chasing the wind, sometimes leaving indelible scars of impoverishment and growth impotence, widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Innovative low cost initiatives to offset expenditure must be considered.

All countries have over expended their budgetary allocations on healthcare for their citizenry and migrants mainly because of costs for vaccines, tests (PCR and antigen), PPE and other medical supplies. In some countries, like Jamaica, resources were threatened so severely by the demands of the pandemic that they were forced to shut down their hospitals temporarily. Other countries like India set up outdoor tents and mobile units, and, in some cases, treatment was administered to patients in vehicles parked outside of medical facilities. There was no preparedness for a health disaster of this magnitude for such an extended period of time.

The urgency of the crisis may not have put cost containment measures as priority initially but it must be considered at some point in time, since newer and more expensive treatments are evolving from this phenomenon.

Evidence-based treatment protocols and checklists should become the modus operandi with corresponding signatory approvals at various levels from GMO (general medical practitioner) to consultant level for all clinical operations across the board.

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee must endorse policies where only consul-

tants authorise treatments for critically ill patients like third level antibiotics, anti-virals and addictive pain killers.

Such policies would ensure rational use of medications by lowering resistance to many anti-microbials. Thus more expensive tertiary level medications will be less required so ultimately contain cost by restricting demand and supply. Also standardisation of treatment protocols allows foreign-trained physicians to know what is available locally so that the patient is not sent on a wild- goose chase for a medication that is not registered and hence dispensed in Guyana.

The physician’s support is key in the entire process of rationalisation. Wastage due to duplications of tests and medications must be reduced to a minimum by rethinking operations outside of the comfort zone of one’s department.

Within an autonomous organisation, the framework

for rationalisation starts with the synchronisation of a lean management mindset in a top down approach, starting from the executive board and administrative staff then trickled down to the lowest rank staff. The patient should become the focal point.

Innovate solutions such as digital health solutions enhance efficiency by creating staggered appointment times and allow for pre-registration and triage in preparation for the doctor. More importantly, it allows connectivity with all attending physicians and consultants, which is vital in timely decision making on the way forward for the patient.

Manual systems are time-consuming for both patient and staff and have many associated indirect costs such as segregation of duties, an internal audit control measure barring collusion and pilfering.

A tailored software system that is user-friendly and maintains patient confidenti-

ality will facilitate effective communication, irrespective of location of treatment site.

The current system encourages the doctor-shopping culture of our Guyanese patients because there is no unique identified verification process to establish a trend with the patient’s history, physician visits, assessment and current treatment.

The wastage from redundancies and duplication of functional systems may not enhance efficiency in operations at the technical level but may only be an accounting benefit. Annual performance appraisal and commensurate remuneration will encourage on-the-job performance and foster employee zeal for excellence or champion for change.

Policy reviews and frequent assessments against short and long-term goals by decision makers are critical for reallocation of limited resources in these times. The design and implementation

of strategic plans with an eye on operational cost-effective measures gives value for money resulting in quick wins. Using the 80/20 Pareto rule, fixing 20 percent of patient needs or the high priority areas can give you 80 percent of patient satisfaction. A survey before and after will concur.

In conclusion, clinicians, manager, regulators and policy makers need to collaborate in both the public and private health care systems to truly forge a way forward to cultivate change.

For further administrative consultations, consult the founder of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets.

If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail. com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Oil, gas and the future of emission-reduction strategies This is the final part of a three-part series exploring the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), COP26, and Guyana’s role in the global fight against climate change.

IN the first two parts of this series, Understanding Energy discussed how Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) outlines goals similar to those discussed by leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference to reduce emissions, while continuing to meet rising global demand for energy. According to the COP26, meeting these goals are vital

if we hope to achieve a less than 1.5-degree Celsius rise.

The next questions are: what actions are needed to ensure that the world will meet these new emissions reduction and other climate goals, and what is the role for oil and gas?

Over the last few weeks of discussions, green technologies in the energy space have continued to be a central element of plans to reduce global emissions, while meeting rising energy demand.

Plans to reduce industrial and construction emissions, reduce investment in new coal plants and increase the rate of deployment rate for

clean technologies took centre stage at this year’s COP. Renewable energies, like solar and wind, are methods for generating energy while reducing emissions and supporting the transition away from oil and gas. Nuclear power is also being reconsidered in many European and Asian countries after years of slow decline due to its ability to provide large amounts of clean energy continuously and help make up for the intermittency of renewable sources.

But the transition to renewable energies can be challenging for developing

countries, where energy demand is increasing rapidly, and electrical grids may not be prepared to handle the needs of renewables. Recently, there have been severe price spikes for energy in Britain and a return to coal production in other countries due to unexpected issues as reliance on renewable energy grows.

A staged approach like Guyana’s, with a near term transition to cleaner but not emission-free sources like natural gas and a long-term eye towards renewables, is often the most viable path forward. This allows coun-

tries the same opportunities that the developed world had, while also keeping environmental goals top of mind. Without the opportunity to develop resources, these countries could miss out the revenue that will be essential to deal with the impacts of climate change and pursue a transition to renewable energy. Furthermore, by following a staged approach, countries can avoid vulnerabilities presented by an allrenewable strategy, which can be impacted by weather patterns like droughts and rain.

On top of renewable energies, other technologies to capture and replace emissions have been developed and implemented around the world. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is one innovative technology that is used to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary gas driving climate change.

CCS is used to capture and store carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels so that it is not released into the atmosphere.

In the case of the oil and gas industry, production emissions can be captured and stored deep underground or turned into durable products like cement that trap carbon dioxide without impacting the climate. Other CCS approaches can remove carbon dioxide directly from the open air or capture emissions directly from large polluters like power plants.

Scientists widely agree that CCS will eventually play a vital role in reversing some of the impacts of climate change, especially if the use of oil and coal remains high. The United Nations has called for increased investment into CCS alongside other medium-term technologies like green hydrogen to combat emissions.

Analysts like Arthur Deakin, the co-director of the energy practice at Americas Market Intel-

ligence, have concluded that CCS may be a good option in the future for Guyana. Companies, including ExxonMobil are already working to deploy the technology in some countries. But countries like Guyana will need significant private investment to actually utilise CCS. These technologies are proven to work but remain expensive and are still in their early stages of implementation. They also require a careful balancing act—if the costs are too high, they can render oil from that country uncompetitive on the global market.

Guyana’s government is already thinking about its long-term strategy and supports goals to hit net-zero by 2050. The government is a proponent of global carbon pricing through either a global carbon tax system or a global carbon market.

Furthermore, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) outlines the importance of forest climate services, biodiversity, water management, and the Ocean Economy as the country continues to responsibly develop its resources.

Forest services may play a significant role in Guyana, which has sold carbon offsets to countries like Norway before. But, while this will be a piece of the puzzle, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently explained that oil will yield significantly more revenues and Guyana is reluctant to stake its future on offset markets established by the industrialised world.

As COP26 ended, the consensus continues to be focused on building a multi-pronged technological approach to reducing global emissions to reach climate goals.

New technologies, including CCS, will be key to meeting those goals, but continued development of oil and gas will also be necessary for many years to come to help meet demand and help developing countries sustainably create their own wealth at home.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Amaila Falls ‘hydro’ project: Benefits to the economy Background THERE is a notion that with the implementation of the Amaila project and the gas-to-energy project, Guyana may have excess supply of energy which, in turn, might result in these projects becoming unprofitable at some point in the future. In this regard, a certain media house even attempted to compare Guyana to Ghana, which is a country that reportedly experienced similar problems with excess supply of energy using natural gas.

This was questioned recently in the context of Guyana reaching out to that country (Ghana) to learn from its experience and to help Guyana on several matters in the petroleum sector, including the gasto-shore project. However, Guyana is unlikely to be in a situation like that for two reasons: 1) Ghana is producing less than 100k barrels per day, whereas Guyana will ramp up production to as high as a million barrels per day by the end of the decade.

Think of the welding and fabrication, heavy industrial activities, growth in Shorebase facilities etc., and the overall increase that will be required in the oil and gas support services value chain that will be needed for this level of increased production; and

2) The govt has already signaled that it intends to position Guyana as an energy exporting country.

Current Situation and Major Projects in the pipeline * GPL’s current installed capacity is 250 Mw * Peak demand (2020)

* This means that even with the two major projects in the pipeline (gas-to-energy and Amaila), by 2030 we will still have a shortfall of 280 MW and by 2040 a shortfall of about 2000 Mw Energy Cost What it means for the

was 130 Mw * Spare capacity is 120 Mwh * Amaila is expected to add another 165 Mw * The Gas-to-shore plant another 200 Mw * Bringing the total installed capacity when these projects come on stream by 2025 – 30 to 530 Mw * Demand forecast by 2025 is 450 Mw (at an estimated annual growth rate of 16%); by 2030 at the same rate of growth will be 810 Mw and by 2040, 2624 Mw

Private Sector * Energy Cost accounts for about 20%-30% of operating cost for firms operating in the manufacturing sector * Looking at the financials for two major manufacturing firms, DDL and Banks DIH for example, assuming that their energy cost is about 30% of their operating cost: * The savings that can be obtained between two of the

largest manufacturing firms alone in five years could amount to about US$140 million or 2.5% of today’s GDP. * In the case of DDL noncurrent assets in 2020 stood at $21.3B. Therefore, it can be said that 70% reduction in energy cost can result in an annual savings of about $3 billion and over five years amount to approximately $15 billion which represents 71% of the firm’s total noncurrent assets (2020). What this essentially means is that DDL can use that savings to finance future expansion by over 70%. * Banks DIH’s total noncurrent asset stood at $36B, therefore 70% savings on

energy cost over five years would be equivalent to about $14B or 39% of its total noncurrent assets (2020). This means the firm can pursue close to 40% expansion of its balance sheet position in five years.

On a macro level, to ascertain what it means for the entire economy, both the private sector firms and households – lets look at GPL’s total revenue to have a better macro sense of the impact: * In 2012, GPL’s revenue was about $29B, so maintaining the same level of Y-O-Y growth, current revenue for GPL should be anywhere around $50B - $55B. Hence, a 70% reduction in energy

cost nationally would result in a reduction of about $38B annually, over five years this would be approximately $190B or about 17% of today’s GDP. * $190B is about US$911M which means if the cost to build the hydro is US$700M, the amount of money that the country saves in energy cost in five years owing to a 70% reduction will be far greater than the cost to finance the hydro power project. This level of savings in turn can be reinvested in the economy at the firm level and will result in an increase in disposable income at the household level–thus, the project makes Turn to page 12

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Gov’t to restore hinterland electrification programme

THE Government of Guyana will be reinstating the electrification programme in an effort to bridge the gap that exists between hinterland and coastal communities.

“This PPP/C government will continue to work with all communities, with all people, with all villages, with all leaders to ensure that we seek to implement and plug wherever there are gaps,” stated Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal while addressing residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

The programme is expected to be functional in the coming year, with households outside of the central grid being provided with a 120-watt solar panel. That will see new households, and those

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addressing the residents of Region Seven who were not captured in the past, benefiting.

Upon returning to office, the PPP/C-led government also re-established the Community

Support Officers (CSOs) programme to upskill and ensure self and national development of hinterland residents.

Following the return

of the electrification programme, CSO’s are currently receiving training in solar installation. Among the new initiatives to be unveiled is the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programme which will provide citizens in the hinterland communities with access to free internet through ICT hubs.

Thus far, over 200 CSO’s were trained in the ICT programme, imparting in them several components of ICT, including Computer Fundamentals, Microsoft Word Processing, Microsoft Excel 2016 and Internet and Email.

Two CSO’s from every hinterland community will also be trained in water system maintenance.

Their responsibilities will include the immediate fixing of leakages, ensuring that the equipment is working as it should and to provide immediate feedback.

Additionally, with the increase of potable water access in these communities, the government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to implement a water system

maintenance programme.

Apart from the new training programmes, CSOs are also being trained in engine repairs and tractor training. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be issued a tractor licence.

Tr a i n i n g o f f e r e d are suited to the growing needs of hinterland communities, creating a competent labour force, from within, to cater to these needs. After completion of training, CSOs will return and serve their communities, receiving a stipend of $30,000 monthly. (DPI)

Amaila Falls ‘hydro’ project...

From page 11 financial and economic sense to pursue for the economic benefit of the country, especially in terms of improving national competitiveness.

Demand Forecast Assumptions * Demand will be driven by two things: (1) the development trajectory of the country on the economic front wherein the economy is going through a period of economic transformation and structural transformation and (2) increased spending power: the spending power of the people will increase (sixfold) on two fronts: (1), savings on their energy cost for both households and firms and (2) as the value of the production output in the economy increases resulting in double digit growth of GDP, driven by the oil and gas sector, per capita income will move from US$5,000 pre-oil production to approximately US$30,000 by 2030. * As such, people will spend more on consumption, install more modern electrical appliances such as air condition units, they will work harder, earn more, have more places to go and more things to do, hence more consumption of energy for example, microwaves, iron, washing machines etc., at the household level. * Then there will be a high influx of remigrants, expatriates, and tourists,

50,000 new households coming on stream, a stronger and more competitive manufacturing sector. * Investment in both public and private infrastructure is another factor that will drive the growth in energy demand.

Altogether, these are the factors that will drive the demand for energy and adequately justify or explain the level of growth in the demand forecast.

Energy Consumption Per Capita Relative to Per Capita Income: * The United States energy consumption per capita is about 12 Mwh with a per capita income of US$63.5K * Trinidad & Tobago energy consumption per capita is about 7 Mwh with a per capita income of US$24K * And Guyana’s energy consumption per capita is about 1 Mwh with a per capita income of just over US$5K pre-oil. Imagine, then when per capita income increases by six times to US$30K by 2030 what our energy consumption per capita would be.

Summary The implementation of the Amaila hydropower project, together with the gas-to-energy project, will no doubt bring to bear immense economic benefits to the country in terms of substantially improving national competitiveness.

In view of the growth trajectory and economic transformation of the country, even with these two

major transformational projects in the energy landscape in the pipeline, these may not suffice over the long term as there will still be a shortfall of close to some 300 Mwh by 2030.

This means, more energy projects would need to be implemented to fill that gap over the long term.

With respect to private sector firms, 70% reduction in energy can essentially translate to firms becoming more competitive and having the ability to pursue growth and expansion strategies in double-digit – that is by 10%-15%. This level of potential growth of the balance sheets of private firms is significant when compared to the current situation with energy cost just below the regional average of US$0.33, the average balance sheet growth is in the lower single digit – that is, 5% and less than 5% in some cases.

Finally, as the country undergoes this period of economic transformation from a primary producing economy to a tertiary producing economy or more value-added goods and services, lower energy cost will be integral in realising these outcomes as development progresses.

The views expressed are exclusively those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper. The author of this column possesses more than a decade experience as a researcher and a financial analyst by profession.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Guyanese to be trained to function in low-carbon economy –– LCDS emphasises need for electric vehicle industry

By Rehana Ahamad AS Guyana positions itself for a sustainable future, Guyanese will have to be properly trained how to function in a low-carbon economy.

This is outlined in the government’s expanded Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which points to the importance of education, and the need for academic institutions to build resilience, and be able to respond to the many risks associated with climate change.

“Research has shown that education helps students develop a strong personal connection to climate solutions, as well as a sense of personal agency and empowerment; it can have consequential impact on students’ daily behaviours, and decision making that reduces their overall lifetime carbon footprint,” the LCDS 2030 notes.

At the policy level, the document had outlined that initiatives will be implemented to develop capacities for trade in low-carbon services; align institutions and programmes to low-carbon development, including the University of Guyana and Technical and Vocational Institutions; and develop qualification and experience capabilities to function in a low-carbon economy.

Specific reference has been made in relation to the implementation of low-carbon technologies within the transport sector, which would ultimately complement related programmes for cleaner power generation, and nature-based solutions. “The LCDS will seek to reduce the demand for imported fossil fuels for vehicular transport, and its resultant impact on the local environment and health sector,” the document has indicated.

It has noted, too, that among the low-carbon strategies within the transport sector, the LCDS will support the increasing of efficiency levels of vehicle consumption of fuel, and will foster the development of an electric vehicle industry to substitute fossil fuels.

“Specifically, in investing in low-carbon transportation infrastructure, the LCDS will lower the cost of doing business; maintain Guyana’s territorial integrity; create ease-of-access to social and

economic services; improve user experience; and support economic development,” the Strategy indicates.

The development of an electric vehicle industry, according to the Strategy, would be supported by the government’s implementation of a comprehensive energy mix, which focuses on using solar, wind, hydro and natural gas as renewable sources of electricity.

As it relates to solar power, Guyana has already secured US$75 million in funding to establish solar farms in eight grids, with the intention of producing some 27.8 megawatts-peak (MWp) of solar power to the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

The farms are expected to be up and running by 2023, paving the way for solar-generated power to replace 30 per cent of the electricity being supplied to areas along the Essequibo Coast, Linden, Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, Leguan and Wakenaam.

As for ‘hydropower’, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government is looking to establish at least two massive-scale hydropower projects, namely the almost $US1 billion Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant, and another which is expected to be finalised by 2025.

Further, as Guyana continues to balance its oil wealth with its global climate change commitments, the government is also pursuing the establishment of a US$900 million gas-toshore project, which will see natural gases offshore Guyana being transported to an onshore plant, using stateof-the-art pipelines. After this process, the gas will then be treated and converted to power, after which it will be received by a power plant to supply the national grid.

Also a critical component of Guyana’s transition to a low-carbon economy is the improvement of the country’s digital infrastructure. To this end, the LCDS makes specific reference to the expansion of e-Governance programmes, as well as access to improved connectivity across all regions of Guyana.

“The ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities Project is still ongoing,

and aims to provide the necessary infrastructure, equipment, hardware, and software necessary to enable access to high-quality ICT, training and e-services in all parts of Guyana, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups and remote communities who might otherwise be excluded,” the strategy highlights.

Additionally, the aforementioned transition also includes fashioning a climate-resilient health sector, especially given the fact that climate change has been shown to increase illness and death from floods, heatwaves and droughts; water and food insecurity; increased transmission and spread of infectious diseases, diminished air quality; and adverse physical and mental health impacts on populations.

To this end, the LCDS 2030 will focus on ensuring the sector is served by sufficient numbers of highly-trained medical personnel, who are knowledgeable in providing services to a low-carbon economy; modernising and upgrading facilities and equipment to facilitate accurate diagnosis, treatment, and care; efficient management systems, data and information storage and retrieval, including cloud or offsite back up storage of records in the event of site destruction or damage due to fires, floods or other means; and effective, quality medication appropriately stored, delivered and administered in a timely manner.

It is in keeping with these health sector objectives that the Ministry of Health has embarked on converting five local hospitals into SMART facilities, designed to function in a low-carbon environment; among other things, the upgraded hospitals would be able to conserve and utilise renewable energy and save water.

Moreover, for Guyanese to be able to function in a low-carbon economy, efforts will also have to be made to adapt to climate-resilient agriculture technologies and systems, which protect crops from the harmful effects of climate change.

Under its agricultural commitments, the LCDS seeks to strengthen sea and river defence systems; improve flood control and water management (drainage/

The development of an electric vehicle industry is a key component of Guyana’s transition to a low-carbon economy

kokers); address drought prevention (including in Hinterland regions); implement climate smart initiatives; strengthen institutions such as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority and Hydrometerological Department, etcetera; and improve

response capability for climate event.

Although it outlines a myriad of policies intended to transform Guyana into a low-carbon nation, the LCDS is not set in stone. As a matter of fact, the document is only in

its draft phase, currently opened for the public’s feedback, which is likely to wrap up in February 2022.

Based on stakeholders’ input, the revised version of the strategy will be produced by the end of April 2022.

14

Katoonarib gets upgraded water system

THE Amerindian Village of Katoonarib, located in South Central Rupununi (Region Nine), is now receiving improved access to potable water following the completion of a water supply system, undertaken by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

The system was officially commissioned on Saturday by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan

Rodrigues. Close to 400 persons are now receiving access to potable water which translates to 90 per cent of the community as opposed to an initial 25 per cent.

Addressing the villagers during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Rodrigues stated that the realisation of the new water supply systems in the interior region is as a result of consultation with Amerindian com-

munities prior to government’s appointment to office. This process, she said, has helped to craft the commitments in their manifesto, which are being delivered one by one.

Minister Rodrigues pointed out that government’s intention is to reinstate the respect and honour that many Amerindian communities have lost under the previous administration. She further explained that many villages

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues commissions the water system located on the coast were have direct access to this are receiving. Previousneglected simply because improved service. ly, the village accessed they were not within the As with every hin- water from a shallow geography of Regions terland region where a hand-dug well with a One, Seven, Eight and new well is established, depth of approximately Nine which are considered Mr. Jailal pointed out 20ft. and the water was hinterland regions. that Community Service pumped and stored in The minister thanked Officers (CSOs) will be a re-inforced concrete the GWI team and com- trained to maintain the reservoir. munity members for their system.

During the dry season, co-operation in ensuring He expressed satisfac- the community suffered the success of the project. tion with the work put in water shortage as the main Permanent Secretary of by the GWI well-drilling source would run dry. the Ministry of Housing team, as well as the efforts Most of the residents and Water, Mr. Andre of community members in would then have to rely Ally, alluded to govern- pipe laying. on alternative means of ment’s $345M investment Prime Ministerial Rep- obtaining water. Addiin the water sector for the resentative for Region tionally, the distribution hinterland, noting that Nine, Mrs. Claire Singh, network did not extend $150M of that sum is be- said the water system is beyond the central point of ing pumped into Region yet another fulfillment of the community, preventNine. This will ensure government’s commit- ing residents’ direct access every community gets ment. She added that soon to water. improved and first-time enough, the hinterland However, the newly access to potable water. will be able to benefit commissioned system Also addressing the from equal water service saw the drilling of a new gathering was Executive as on the coast. well by GWI’s hinterland Director of Hinterland Ms. Susan David, a team at a depth of close to Services, Mr. Ramchand Katoonarib resident, ex- 300ft or 80 meters deep, Jailal, who said the shal- pressed appreciation to extension of the existing low well that existed His Excellency, Mohamed distribution network, reposed high risk for con- Irfaan Ali, for his dedica- habilitation of the water tamination while this new tion to the people, partic- trestle, upgrading of the well will eliminate same. ularly those in the hinter- photovoltaic system and He highlighted that the land. She said that with the installation of stand main challenge in exe- the realisation of the water pipes. cuting the project was system, she no longer has The overall project running pipelines to some to walk long distances to was executed in collabhouses due to their geo- fetch water. oration with the Kagraphic location.

Many other residents, toonarib Village CounHe noted that GWI will including the CSOs also cil at a cost of $7.5 M continue to work to ensure noted their satisfaction and was financed by the that even those situated with the system and lev- Government of Guyana. some distance away will el of water service they (DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

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Projects for relocation of women prisoners, construction of infirmary underway

THE relocation of women prisoners to the Lusignan Prison, as well as the construction of an infirmary at this East Coast Demerara holding facility are underway.

This is according to details shared by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) during tender openings the past week.

According to the minutes prepared by the NPTAB, 10 local companies submitted bids to relocate the women prisoners to Lusignan. These companies include R. Kissoon Contracting Service; SD Investment; International Imports and Supplies; A&N Enterprise; Sawa Investment Incorporated; Nabi Construction In-

corporated; Navin and Sons Construction; Kawal Ramdeen General Construction and Office Furnishing; DKE Enterprise; and M&P Investment Incorporated. The engineer’s estimate for this project was at $226,088,415 while the highest and lowest tendered bids were $578,097,922 and $158,224,463.

As it relates to the construction of the infirmary, six companies submitted bids to the government to secure this project. These include R. Kissoon Contracting Service; IMK 2020 Incorporated; Anil Lalsa Construction; Navin and Sons Construction; Internal Imports and Supplies; and Builders HW General Supplies and Construction.

The new holding area for prisoners under construction at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (Photo: News Room) The engineer’s estimate for this project is GY$34,993,623 while the highest and lowest tendered bids were GY$52,740,940 and GY$34,431,254.

Protecting the citizens and ensuring that those deviating from the law are prosecuted have been one of many priorities of the government. To show this commitment, the government allocated $15.3 billion to the Guyana Police Force. Of this sum, $300 million would be expended on its land and water fleet countrywide. Five billion was also allocated to enhance operations of the Guyana Prison Ser-

vice, including upgrades to the Lusignan and New Amsterdam prisons, while $830 million was allocated for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Providence, Ruimveldt, Cove and John, Albion, Whim, Parika and Wismar Police Stations, among others.

Some $50 million was set aside to train inmates in the areas of anger management, literacy, agriculture and culinary arts.

These are just a few of the plethora of programmes, policies and initiatives identified by the government in the 2021 budget under the Ministry of Home Affairs. (DPI)

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Partially vaccinated man is latest COVID-19 fatality

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

ONE more person has died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 972, the Ministry of Health reported on Saturday.

The ministry said that the latest fatality is a partially vaccinated 77-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica), who

died on November 19.

Additionally, there are currently 1,920 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 89 new cases on November 20, 2021.

The 89 newly confirmed cases were recorded in all ten administrative regions.

Region Four accounted for 34 of the new cas-

es; Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded four; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), six; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), five; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) two each; and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) 29.

Region Eight (Pota-

ro-Siparuni) recorded one new case, while Regions Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) recorded three each.

The country has now recorded a total of 37,273 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported here in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 11 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, in Lil-

iendaal; 65 are in institutional isolation; 1,844 are in home isolation, and two are in institutional quarantine.

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

The updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures are in force until November 30, 2021.

They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the pre-

vailing 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 time is: 12:00am to 04:00am.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.

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31 children trained in ICT via ‘leaving no child behind’ initiative

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, handing over certificate to a student

SOME 31 children between the ages of 12 and 17 years, on Friday, graduated in Information Communication Technology (ICT) training at the West Ruimveldt Primary School, Georgetown.

The training offered under the slogan “leaving no child behind” is an initiative taken by the Office of the Prime Minister, and is being administered by the Industry and Innovation Unit which seeks to educate young children in basic ICT programmes across the country.

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, while addressing the graduating batch, charged them to use the very interest they’ve shown in the training programme to focus on other aspects of their school work.

“I commend you; I congratulate you and I’m going to ask you that the interest you’ve shown in this training, that you also put that interest and focus in your other areas of school work, so that you can develop,” the minister said.

Minister Parag also urged them to become ambassadors and to represent their commu-

nity with the knowledge they would have gained through the initiative. Meanwhile, Director of Industry and Innovation Unit, Mr. Shahrukh Hussain, urged the students to continue participating in Government’s training programmes, especially in ICT as it will play an important role in the future.

“I’m happy to see so many girls among the participants which shows a lot of interest in ICT, which I’m very proud of. I want to congratulate all of the participants, while I’m proud of all of you, it is my appeal to do not stop here, but rather carry on with this enthusiasm and remember ICT is the future,” he said. (DPI)

Director of Industry and Innovation Unit, Mr. Shahrukh Hussain, presents a certificate to one of the students

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The old stelling at Fort Island was demolished

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

$82M Fort Island stelling on track for December deadline WORK on the construction of the Fort Island stelling, in Region Three, is about 54 per cent complete. This was disclosed by the civil engineer attached to the Transport and Harbours Department, Eric Morris.

Morris said that, based on the pace of work, the stelling is on track for its December

deadline. The project is being undertaken by IB Contracting Services.

Upon completion, the $82 million stelling will ‘spur’ economic activity on the island where farming and fishing are the main sources of income. With the pandemic slowing up economies worldwide, the stelling will benefit the 95 persons who reside on Fort Island and over 200 persons from the catchment areas.

Aside from that, several persons from the island are employed, assisting with the construction of the stelling.

When Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, visited the island back in September, long-time resident of the island, Pretty Debideen, had explained how the stelling would benefit residents.

“When the stelling is done, persons can go out

there and sell at the stelling and they (will) get a daily income… When the stelling build and if the ferry will be landing here, it would encourage more tourism.

Persons would take the ferry to come here and whatever we have to sell here, you will showcase it to get it sell.

“The stelling was the backbone of Fort Island years ago where all the residents used to go out there … you used to get your cow milk and boil corn and that is what I want to bring back since we will be having a new stelling,” she said.

Minister Edghill had visited the project to get a first-hand look at the nature of work to be undertaken. During his stop, the Minister assured residents that government will continue to work to improve their quality of lives. (DPI)

Teenager, female among six arrested for possession of illegal ammunition

The air pistol and ammunition seized by the police FIVE men and one woman were arrested, on Friday, after police found an air pistol and a large quantity of ammunition at a property located at Bourda Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Police headquarters noted that ranks seized one air pistol, ten 12-gauge cartridges, thirty-one .45 rounds, fourteen .38 rounds and forty-nine M15 rounds.

Acting on information received, ranks visited the Bourda Street property where they met the suspects gathered.

The ranks informed the gathering of their reason for the visit and a 19-year-old male identified himself as the caretaker of the property. A search was requested and he gave permission. They were all taken into the house when ranks found a suspected air pistol inside a cardboard box while searching a bedroom.

The ammunition was found in the kitchen area.

“They were all told of the offence committed and cautioned in regards to the Judge’s rules. They denied having knowledge of the suspected items and were all arrested and placed into custody. The suspected air pistol and ammunition are presently lodged,” the police said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Veterans honoured at wreath-laying ceremony

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, interacts with former Chief-of -Staff Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis and Brigadier (ret’d) Bruce Lovell (left) VETERANS of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were celebrated and their service to Guyana recognized, once again, during the Veterans Day WreathLaying Ceremony which was held on Friday.

The ceremony was the twelfth of its kind to be held on the front lawns of Base Camp Ayanganna, where the Veterans Monument was erected in 2009 to honour the sacrifice of men and women who served.

Wreaths were laid by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion (GVL), Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes.

The Prime Minister, in his address to the gathering of serving officers and ranks, former Chiefsof-Staff and other former officers, ex-GDF servicemen and women, reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans.

“My government will continue to be a people- centred government and so we will continue to design and deliver on people-centred policies. All of our deliverables to the people of this country will include veter-

ans. You will be included in all social and welfare activities,” he pledged.

He thanked the veterans for their service which has paved the way for those who serve today.

Meanwhile, the Chiefof-Staff told the veterans that their sacrifices are a great inspiration and will always be respected and honoured by those who serve today.

“We are proud because you chose to endure the hardships and to build what we are enjoying. Your sacrifices inspire us. The men and women of the GDF have taken up the mantle, and we promise to continue to serve with diligence.”

Brigadier Bess also informed of the current investments being made to equip soldiers with a solid foundation, inevitably preparing them for life after service.

In this regard, he revealed that for the first time 10 ranks are undergoing studies in various areas at the University of Guyana, while another 80 are completing training at other external institutions including the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical School Engineering School, the Government Industrial Training Centre and the

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips laying a wreath at the Veterans Monument on the front lawns of Base Camp Ayanganna

Government Technical Institute.

Meanwhile, the President of the GVL, Lieutenant Gomes expressed gratitude for the continued support to the Legion; he also used the occasion to highlight some areas where more assistance was needed. He said the members of the veteran community were particularly grateful for the continued sustenance of the Veterans Rest Home.

Prime Minister Phillips

presented a cheque for $1M to the Legion on behalf of President and Commander in Chief Dr. Irfaan Ali. He also presented another cheque for the same amount on his own behalf.

Brigadier Bess also presented the Force’s annual donation to the legion in the sum of $1.2 million.

Following the wreathlaying ceremony, the veterans lunched and interacted with uniformed officers and ranks.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips, presents a cheque to President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Djokovic loses to Alexander Zverev in Turin semi-finals

NOVAK Djokovic's quest for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title was ended by German third seed Alexander Zverev in a high-quality semi-final.

Zverev booked his place in Sunday's final against Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

Zverev played superbly throughout, serving well and patiently trading from the

Alexander Zverev is bidding for his second ATP Finals title after winning the 2018 event.

Wo r l d n u m b e r o n e Djokovic was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3 as 24-year-old

baseline to wear Djokovic down.

Zverev sealed victory with a huge ace at 11:40pm local time and goes on to meet US Open champion Medvedev, who clinched a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win several hours earlier, at 5pm (16:00 GMT) on Sunday.

"It took a lot of physical strength to beat Novak, every time we play it takes hours," said Zverev, who also beat Serb Djokovic in the Olympic semi-finals but lost to him at the Australian Open and US Open.

"I've not spent more time with anybody on court than him this year. I'm happy to win, happy to be in the final and give myself the best chance there."

After the defeat, Djokovic did not want to be drawn on whether he would play at the Australian Open in January after tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed unvaccinated players would not be allowed to compete.(BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

'Born leader' - Cummins in frame to take Test reins ENDORSED by Dennis Lillee and Steve Waugh as Australia's Test captain-in-waiting, Pat Cummins' time looks to have arrived far sooner than anyone anticipated.

The 28-year-old is the front-runner to become the 47th skipper of the national men’s Test side after Tim Paine's shock resignation on Friday left Cricket Australia's Board to make a second successive Test captaincy appointment in the wake of a major scandal.

If approved, Cummins, whose senior captaincy experience is limited to four Marsh One-Day Cup games with NSW earlier this year, will become the first specialist fast bowler permanently appointed to the role.

Paine, of course, took over from Steve Smith in 2018 in the wake of the ball-tampering fiasco, with Mitch Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Cummins having all been the wicketkeeper's vice-captain at stages during his threeand-a-half-year reign.

The circumstances of Cummins' likely crowning are as remarkable as they come.

No fast bowler has captained Australia in any men’s format since 1956 when Ray Lindwall filled in for a solitary Test in Mumbai against India.

The Penrith-born quick would be the fifth man to captain Australia this year alone, across all formats after T20 World Cup-winning skipper Aaron Finch, limited-overs stand-ins Matthew Wade and Alex Carey, as well as Paine.

If Paine were to remain as wicketkeeper for the opening Vodafone Ashes Test in Brisbane in 19 days' time, Cummins will lead a side featuring two ex-Test captains (Smith being the other) and a former vice-captain banned from ever ascending to the top job (David Warner).

And that's before the current scandal surrounding Paine is factored in.

Lillee, speaking to crick-

et.com.au before Paine's resignation, believes the fast bowler whom he has mentored for the past eight years is up to the job.

"He's an intelligent guy but more than that, he's got real cricket smarts," said the Test legend, as part of the piece published to coincide with the 10th anniversary of Cummins' Test debut.

"He's a born leader. He's 110 per cent all the time, whether the wicket is flat or not, and I admire that in a fast bowler. He's a leader of men and they look up to him.

"There have been fast bowlers who have captained - Imran Khan, Bob Willis.

In Imran's case, he was batting and bowling. They are modern cricketers who have proved really strongly that a fast bowler certainly can captain the side."

Wasim Akram, Shaun Pollock, Courtney Walsh and Jason Holder are other recent examples of fast-bowler skippers.

But while captaincy has largely been the domain of specialist batters in Australia, Steve Waugh sagely noted on SEN earlier this month: "They say bowlers can't do it, but they said keepers couldn't do it."

The former Test captain did say, however, that he expected Cummins would need to lean heavily on his deputy, particularly while he is bowling.

"I've always thought that if he's bowling the vice-captain could set the field to give him a mental break," Waugh said. "He has good acumen, the respect of the players and he's ready to go.

"I think when Tim Paine steps down, Pat Cummins is the man to step in."

In the case of Cummins, the old stereotype of fast bowlers being short of brainpower hardly stacks up.

The speedster graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Business in 2017 and has since studied a Certificate in Executive Management from the University of New South Wales.

He showed great com-

Premier League leaders Chelsea brush aside flat Leicester

PREMIER League leaders Chelsea ruthlessly tightened their grip on top spot by punishing the failings of lacklustre Leicester at King Power Stadium.

Antonio Rudiger continued his habit of scoring against the Foxes with a glancing, looping header from a corner whipped in by ex-Leicester wing-back Ben Chilwell.

Another former Foxes favourite, midfielder N'Golo Kante, doubled the lead by firing home from the edge of the box after being

as an attacking force after the break as Edouard Mendy made a fabulous save to tip away a fierce longrange shot from Daniel Amartey and Jamie Vardy headed over from close range.

But Chelsea, who stretched their lead at the top to six points before Saturday's later kick-offs, could have had more as Schmeichel saved smartly from Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi curled inches over.

The Blues had also three goals ruled out for

The frontrunner to succeed Tim Paine, Pat Cummins' likely crowning would come in remarkable circumstances. passion in leading donations to a UNICEF fund while at the IPL with India in the grip of a devastating COVID-19 wave earlier this year, and has more recently taken in active role in promoting the need to address climate change.

Well-read and a fan of cryptic crosswords, his teammates have spoken glowingly about Cummins' thoughtful approach to leadership.

Head, who briefly served as a co-vice-captain of the Test side with him, has praised his lead-from-thefront mentality.

"He's someone that oozes leadership, not only in the way he presents himself, the way he speaks, the way he goes about things, the way he trains, but also when he's on the field," the South Australian said on Friday.

"When you look at leaders, and I know it's something I tried to do when I was becoming a leader and captain of South Australia, if I didn't really know what to say in the morning the best thing I could do was go out and try and perform and try and own my own game.

"That's what he does exceptionally well.

"I think he's well-rounded and if he does get his opportunity, which I'm sure he

will in the future, whenever that may be, I'm sure he'll do a fantastic job."

Cummins noted that one of the challenging parts of his captaincy debut with the Blues last summer was ensuring he managed the overs allocations of his bowlers effectively.

"My mum is a Maths teacher so I wouldn't have lived that down if I didn't get that right," he joked at the time.

Although he will not face that particular problem in Test cricket where bowlers do not have overs restrictions, Cummins will have the added challenge of knowing when to drag himself from the bowling crease or when to bring himself on.

But he sees that as no reason why a bowler cannot do the job.

"I don't think just because you're a bowler or a wicketkeeper automatically rules you out of captaincy," Cummins said in February.

"No doubt there are a few more challenges about being a bowler but also it brings some opportunities.

"You hope that our skill is trying to get wickets as a bowler and that's a lot of the time what you're trying to do as a captain out in the field." (Cricket ,com.au)

Antonio Rudiger has scored five Premier League goals since the start of 2019-20 four have come against Leicester. allowed to roam 30 yards virtually unchallenged.

Chelsea could have been out of sight by halftime, Chilwell grazing the bar when he should have scored from an early one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel, who later denied Kante with his legs.

Leicester offered more as an attacking force after the break as Edouard Mendy made a fabulous save to tip away a fierce longrange shot from Daniel Amartey and Jamie Vardy headed over from close range.

But Chelsea, who stretched their lead at the top to six points before Saturday's later kick-offs, could have had more as Schmeichel saved smartly from Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi curled inches over.

The Blues had also three goals ruled out for offside, the assistant's flag foiling Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and substitute Christian Pulisic, who slotted home Chelsea's third from Hakim Ziyech's cross.

Leicester offered more

offside, the assistant's flag foiling Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and substitute Christian Pulisic, who slotted home Chelsea's third from Hakim Ziyech's cross.

The Blues' last trip to King Power Stadium inadvertently led to the beginning of the Thomas Tuchel era, a limp 2-0 defeat in January proving to be predecessor Frank Lampard's final game, and this display was further evidence, if needed, of how much they have progressed since.

It was Chelsea's fourth win in five Premier League away games, and they are yet to concede from open play - the only points they have dropped coming in a 1-1 draw at Liverpool when the Blues played the entire second half a man light.

Just as impressive as their dazzling defensive record - just four goals conceded in 12 games - has been their ability to conjure goals despite injuries to Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Pulisic.

(BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Paine staying as captain 'sent the Pakistan clinch T20 series over Bangladesh in Dhaka wrong message': CA

CRICKET Australia (CA) chair Richard Freudenstein says Tim Paine would not have survived as Test captain had the incident been investigated under the sport's current administration.

Paine, who resigned as captain on Friday, was cleared of any breaches of Cricket Australia's code of conduct in 2018 for a series of lewd text messages to a female colleague.

The incident was the centre of a Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania investigation before Paine was able to stay on in the highest-profile role in Australian sport.

But Freudenstein admitted yesterday that he and CEO Nick Hockley would have acted differently.

"I cannot speak about the original decision-making in 2018," Freudenstein said. "But

what I can say is faced with the same circumstances and with the benefit of all the relevant information about this matter, Cricket Australia would not make the same decisions today.

"I acknowledge the decision clearly sent the wrong message to the sport, to the community and to Tim: that this kind of behaviour is acceptable and without serious Australia captain Tim consequences.”

Paine resigned on Friday Freudenstein defended the actions of his administration tralian cricket team has to be for not acting earlier, claiming held to a very high standard," he considered the case closed Freudenstein said. when he joined the board in "Which is why I think it 2019. is absolutely appropriate that He was also fine with Tim has resigned the captaincy Paine continuing as a player which is in the best interest of ahead of the Ashes, but said Australian cricket. the role of captain had to be "The board of Australian held to a higher degree of ac- cricket is comfortable with countability. his availability as a player."

“The captain of the Aus- (AAP)

PAKISTAN beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the second T20 international to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 2-15 as Bangaldesh were restricted before Fakhar Zaman's unbeaten 57 got Pakistan over the line with 11 balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman hit 57 not out to guide Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh that clinched the threematch Twenty20 series 2-0 yesterday.

Zaman and opener Mohammad Rizwan (39 from 35 balls) put on an 85-run stand that was instrumental in overhauling Bangladesh's paltry 108-7, with 11 balls to spar Zaman was watchful after captain Babar Azam (5) dragged fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's (1-12) delivery on to his stump in the third over, similar to his dismissal in the first match.

He paced the innings, especially after being reprieved on

26 when Saif Hassan dropped his catch in deep midwicket off leg-spinner Aminul Islam (1-30).

Zaman brought up his sev-

Zakhar Zaman made an unbeaten 57 in Pakistan's successful chase enth half-century off 40 balls and then finished the game off on his own, as Pakistan got to 109-2.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-15)

and Shadab Khan (2-22) caused the damage to Bangladesh amid Najmul Hossain's resistance after captain Mahmudullah opted to bat first. Najmul struck 40 off 34, hitting five fours.

Afridi, replacing Hasan Ali, continued his habit to strike in the first over as he trapped Saif Hassan leg-before for a duck.

Naim Sheikh edged Mohammad Wasim's delivery to first slip for two in the second over, leaving Bangladesh at 5-2.

Afif Hossain flicked Afridi for six over backward square leg from the first ball he faced.

He also cut Wasim past point for a boundary as Bangladesh appeared to be in control.

Najmul Hossain Shanto at the other end recovered from his vulnerable start to dominate bowlers. But Shadab Khan stifled the innings and brought an end to the 46run partnership when Afif's premeditated reverse paddle cost him his wicket for 20.

(Sky Sports)

Hetmyer has to focus on his batting first, says Windies legend Amb rose

LEGENDARY fast bowler, Curtly Ambrose, does not believe Shimron Hetmyer is ready to be captain of the West Indies team as the batter still has to develop some areas of his individual game.

Earlier this week, former Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron was reported as saying that Hetmyer should replace Pollard as the team’s new white-ball captain.

In further clarifying the issue, however, Cameron has since explained that he believes his administration would have done more to groom the player to take over the post by now.

With Hetmyer plagued by issues of inconsistency and fitness over the last few years however, Ambrose does not believe having to handle the pressure of the captaincy would be the right move for the batter at this time.

“I certainly wouldn't (make him captain). Hetmyer is a young man and could be a captain in the making but I think Hetmyer needs to get his game in order first,” Ambrose told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“He needs to get his game

in order. It’s too big a responsibility for the young man at this moment when he’s not playing as well,” he added.

“For me, I would like to see Hetmyer focus on his batting. First and foremost, get it right then who knows what can happen a few years later; but I wouldn’t give it to him now. Being the captain is added pressure.”

In ODI cricket, Hetmyer is currently averaging 35.29 and has played 47 matches for the regional team.

(Sportsmax)

Guyana and West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

AB de Villiers: The inimitable phenomenon of world cricket

T H E I n d i a n c ro w d i s known to be an extremely partisan one. The people of India love their Indian cricketing heroes, and it is not easy for an overseas player to win the hearts of the Indian fans. But then, in November 2015, when a South African batter walked out to bat in his 100th Test match, the Bangalore crowd welcomed him as if he were their own.

As AB de Villiers strode out to the middle in his 100th Test match, chants of ‘ABD ABD’ resonated across the

is smashed to a pulp.

Generally, when the greatness of a batter is measured, his numbers are scrutinised. And, yes, de Villiers generated stunning numbers.

He represented South Africa in over 100 Tests and scored close to 9 000 runs at an average of 50.66. He ruled ODI cricket and plundered a colossal 9 577 runs at a stunning average of 53.50. And in T20Is too, the master flayed several bowling attacks and amassed 1 672 runs at a strike rate of 135.17.

But hey, what are we

can toy with the field as if saying to the bowler ‘It does not matter where you bowl. I can hit you to whichever part of the ground I want to’.

You will see de Villiers going down on one knee and scooping the ball over fine leg. This shot is not in any coaching manual, but when the South African plays it, you gape at him in astonishment. And at the same time, you will see him unfurl a textbook cover drive, where the foot goes to the pitch of the ball, the weight is transferred onto the front foot,

AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday. entire Chinnaswamy stadium.

This was a kind of chant that the Indian crowd generally reserves for the superstars of their own country. Sachin Tendulkar had made the Indian crowd go nuts. The crowd has gone mad when MS Dhoni has walked in. Virat Kohli has sent the crowd into a tizzy. But then, this was different.

AB de Villiers is a cricketer who is loved in almost every part of the world. Yes, he might be playing against the side that you support, but you secretly want him to do well. You will secretly wish that he unfurls his magic with the willow, even though a good day for de Villiers generally means that the bowling attack of the side you support

doing with numbers here?

Just chuck them out for a second, throw them out of your window for now, for we are talking about a phenomenon. More than the statistics, de Villiers was a batter of a rare breed.

Throw your mind to the delivery that is bowled outside off stump, where de Villiers hops to the offside, goes down on one knee, and nonchalantly flicks it over fine leg. Recall that delivery that is bowled on the leg stump, with the leg side boundary riders waiting for de Villiers to hit the ball in their direction.

But then, what does the master do? He moves towards leg-stump and smashes the ball over cover. de Villiers

and the gap is threaded with precision. ABD can be the brutal beast, but at the same time, he can also metamorphosise effortlessly into the caressing master.

And, we know that de Villiers holds the record for scoring the fastest 150 in ODI cricket. In a 66-ball knock, the right-hander plundered 162 runs. That was an innings where de Villiers manipulated the field, decimated the West Indian bowling attack to all parts of the ground and scored his runs at a strike rate of 245.45.

Now, let us move to a different scene. The venue is Adelaide. The year is 2012.

South Africa are battling to save a Test match against Australia. The Proteas are

set a target of 430 for victory and will have to bat for close to 2 days to save the Test.

And, the master steps up for his side.

AB de Villiers consumes 220 balls and scores 33 runs.

This means that de Villiers consumed a whopping 36.4 overs and scored 33 runs. His marathon vigil at the crease helped South Africa thwart the Australian charge, as the Proteas played out 148 overs to secure a famous draw. If de Villiers can go berserk, he could also curb his natural instincts and go into a shell as well. And, this versatility was the hallmark of de Villiers’ genius.

While speaking about the bond that he shares with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side in the IPL, de Villiers stated that he has made so many memories with RCB that will last a lifetime. The batting colossus also added that he will stay as an RCBi-

an forever.

Yes, de Villiers set the stage on fire in the IPL too.

Along with his partner in crime and batting genius Virat Kohli, de Villiers gave sleepless nights to countless bowlers in IPL cricket.

The Kohli-de Villiers duo plundered 3 123 runs together in the IPL for RCB and gave a myriad of memories to the fans that will last a lifetime. And, the icing on the cake was the 229-run partnership that the duo put on against the Gujarat Lions, to inspire the ‘Men in Red’ to a crushing 144-run victory.

But apart from the 5 162 runs that he scored in the IPL, apart from the 3 centuries and 40 fifties, apart from all the numbers, de Villiers was the Bangalore boy. The fans in Bangalore treated de Villiers as one of their own and showered the South African with their love. And,

de Villiers reciprocated it with his innovative genius on the field.

The cricket world has seen just one batter who carried a billion hopes on his shoulders for 24 years and made the fans fall for his stroke play in Sachin Tendulkar. The cricket world has seen just one man who stayed ice cool even when the pressure was splitting the heads of the other players in MS Dhoni.

Similarly, de Villiers is in a separate league of his own. He is an inimitable phenomenon who carved a niche for himself by playing a unique brand of cricket.

And, with de Villiers’ final bow from the game on 19th November 2021, an era has drawn to a close. And it is an era that will occupy a special place in the hearts of countless fans.

Goodbye ABD! The sun has set! (CricTracker)

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Four-star Liverpool end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in emphatic fashion LIVERPOOL returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as they put Arsenal to the sword with a 4-0 victory which halted the Gunners’ 10-match unbeaten run.

Having seen their unbeaten start to the season end at West Ham before the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side responded in style with a comprehensive dismantling of their opponents, who had arrived looking to leapfrog their hosts into the top four.

But for all Arsenal’s recent improvement Liverpool’s quality shone through as they eased back into second place, four points behind Chelsea, after a 15th consecutive game in which they scored more than twice – the longest run by an English top-flight club since Wolves’ 16 in 1939.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, remembered here for his time as an Everton player, discovered to his cost the dangers of rattling Anfield’s cage, as a touchline bust-up with Klopp ignited the atmosphere and energised the home side.

It was that incident which saw the match catch fire as Liverpool’s players used the injection of emotion to press home their territorial advantage with goals from Sadio

Mane, in the first half, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and substitute Takumi Minamino – with his first touch.

Arteta appeared to have done his homework and his side started compact and organised but looking to hit their hosts on the counter-attack.

Nevertheless, he still had

would have left with a much worse result than they did.

Having parried a volley from Thiago Alcantara, in the side as Jordan Henderson was only deemed fit enough for the bench after an injury on England duty, Mane got the follow-up caught under his body, allowing the goalkeeper to save.

Liverpool players celebrate their victory 4-0 over Arsenal to rely on Aaron Ramsdale to continue his good form and had it not been for the England international Arsenal

Later in the first half, Ramsdale was also able to deny Salah from close range and Trent Alexander-Arnold

from distance.

But before that came the turning point of the half, and it did not occur on the pitch.

Mane went up for a header with Takehiro Tomiyasu but, for some reason seemingly unapparent to the majority watching, Arteta was incensed.

Klopp offered a word of disagreement, causing his opposite number to fly off the handle which led to both managers being separated by their respective coaching staff and then booked by referee Michael Oliver.

That raised the noise level at Anfield and when lone defender Fabinho’s last-ditch but perfectly-timed tackle to dispossess Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – earlier flagged offside as Alexandre Lacazette thrashed his square pass into the empty Kop net – as he threatened to race clear, the roar was visceral.

It was matched only by the one which greeted Mane’s goal when he nodded home Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick having been left unmarked in the six-yard area.

Mane was then booked for hacking at Ben White as the ball trickled out of play as the atmosphere remained febrile.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was desperate to impress against his old side and when the influential Fabinho intercepted Bukayo Saka’s pass the former Gunners midfielder steered a shot wide of the post.

But seven minutes into the second half Liverpool doubled their lead as Arteta’s insistence his side play out from the back fell foul of Klopp’s pressing game.

Having won the ball off Alexander-Arnold, Nuno Tavares cut inside but blindly rolled a pass straight to Jota who could not believe his luck, showing real composure to side-step Ramsdale and score into an empty net.

Arsenal were being pinned back in their own half with any notion of counter-attacking merely a second thought as Liverpool went in for the kill, Ramsdale denying Mane and Jota twice.

The Arsenal goalkeeper could do nothing about the third 17 minutes from time when Mane burst down the left to cross for Salah to volley home his 16th of the campaign, before Minamino scored his first Anfield goal just 48 seconds after replacing Jota. (PA Sport)

Harrison pledges to 'lead change' as English game addresses racism scandal

…receives backing of game after tumultuous week for the sport

Tom Harrison, ECB chief executive, arrives for the DCMS select committee hearing (Getty Images)

By Andrew Miller TOM Harrison, the ECB chief executive, says he has "received the backing of the game" to carry English cricket through its ongoing racism scandal, following an all-day meeting of the sport's stakeholders at the Kia Oval.

Harrison, who had been braced for calls to resign in the wake of his torrid appearance before a parliamentary select committee this week, told reporters outside the ground that he was "determined to lead this change through cricket", amid reports that he is likely to step away from his role next year once the groundwork for reform has been laid.

"I feel passionately about this issue," Harrison said. "It's something I feel to my core.

I've been trying to drive an inclusive and diverse sport from the moment I arrived as chief executive in 2015. I feel very motivated and very supported to make sure that change happens in the game. I received the backing of the game today, absolutely."

In addition to Harrison's comments, the ECB also issued a joint statement on behalf of its 41 members, promising "swift, positive changes to the culture of the game" in the wake of Azeem Rafiq's emotional testimony at the select committee hearing.

The statement, which followed a day-long meeting of the sport's stakeholders at the Kia Oval, "committed to taking wide-ranging action to tackle discrimination and promote inclusion and diversity at all levels," but was met with widespread condemnation on social media due to the lack of specific action outlined.

However, there was a commitment to a further update next week, following individual consultations within the relevant bodies - namely the first-class counties, MCC, the Professional Cricketers' Association, the National Counties Cricket Association, and the First Class and Recreational County Cricket network. "(The game's stakeholders) have committed to tangible action and discussed several areas of focus including stamping out discrimination, making cricket more open and inclusive and ensuring effective governance and leadership," read the statement.

"Azeem Rafiq has shone a light on our game that has shocked, shamed and saddened us all.

"Racism and discrimination is a blight on our game. To Azeem and all those who have experienced any form of discrimination, we are truly sorry.

Our sport did not welcome you, our game did not accept you as we should have done. We apologise unreservedly for your suffering.

"We stand together against discrimination in all its forms, and are united as a sport to act.

We will continue to listen, and make swift, positive changes to the culture of the game. We will embrace and celebrate differences everywhere, knowing that with diversity, we are stronger.

"Today, as a game, we discussed a series of tangible commitments to make cricket a sport where everyone feels safe, and everyone feels included.

We will now finalise the detail and publish these actions next week.

"Our game must win back your trust." (Cricinfo)

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Shaunae Miller-Uibo reveals she battled severe injury throughout 2021 season

TWO-time Olympic 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo has revealed that injuries significantly impacted her Olympic preparation throughout the 2021 season when she had planned to focus on the 200m.

Speaking on Sportsmax TV’s On Point, Millier-Uibo said an injury she sustained while running 49.08 to win the 400 metres at the USATF Grand Prix in Eugene on April 24 prevented her from doing any speed training in preparation for Tokyo.

“We were supposed to start our speed training after Eugene at the end of April and that’s when I got hurt so we never really got a chance to jump into speed work. It’s unfortunate

Two-time Olympic 400m gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo

sometimes in track,” she said.

As it turns out, the injury was more serious than she initially thought.

“At the end, we found out that it was a tear in my gluteus medius. I actually stalled for a bit with trying to fix it because I didn’t quite know what it was at first. It just felt as though something was jammed so I figured maybe I could go to the chiropractor and get it sorted out. We tried that and it didn’t help,” she said.

The gluteus medius is a muscle located on the outer surface of the pelvis.

The three-time World Championship medallist says the pain started to ease going into the rest of the season until she went to compete at the

Adidas Boost Boston Games in May. “It started to get a little softer going into the rest of the season and then I went to Boston to compete and realised this is something really bad and the minute we get back home I’m going to check and see what it is. Took an MRI and found out there was a slight tear in my gluteus medius so we decided to rest it off and go slowly from there to try and build it up in time for Tokyo,” she said.

Injuries also affected her in Tokyo as was evident in the final of the Women’s 200 metres where Miller-Uibo finished eighth in a time of 24.00.

“I went into Tokyo nursing an injury and right before the heats, I felt really good. Every-

thing was going really well and it was after the heats that I got a little banged up where I started to feel my right hip. I went and raced on it because it was still light at the time, raced into the semis and really hurt it then.”

In addition the trouble with her hip, Miller-Uibo also felt pain in her hamstring in her 200 metres semi-final.

“In the race itself I actually didn’t feel the hip. It was my hamstring that ended up grabbing on me and it was just a wrap from there.”

The Bahamian champion overcame her struggles and returned days later to storm to a new personal-best 48.36 and win her second consecutive Olympic women’s 400 metres title. (Sportsmax)

Solozano feeling no pressure Whitehead picks up all 10 to tie down opening spot wickets in a first-class innings

GALLE, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Rookie opener Jeremy Solozano has brushed aside concerns about his ability to tie down a place in the Test squad, after being a surprise selection for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting today.

The 26-year-old averages only 23 from 40 first-class matches and is the third opener tried by selectors following similar flirtations in recent years with fellow left-handers John Campbell and Kieran Powell.

“To be honest I’m not really under pressure. I think with the environment I’m in with the team, there is no pressure,” he told a media conference here Friday.

“It’s just to go out there and enjoy. I believe once you enjoy your game and enjoy training, everything will just fall into place.

“Once given the opportunity, I’ll just try and contribute to the team as much as possible, which is doing what the team requires at different situations.”

He added: “To be honest I’m not really dwelling on my stats too much in first-class cricket.

“This is a new chapter, a

new stage in my career so I’m looking forward to having a great career in Test cricket and once given the chance, I would like to prove the selectors right by giving them good performances.”

Campbell, 28, averaged 23 from 15 Tests inside the last two years and his successor Powell was given only four matches this year from which he averaged 14, before also being discarded.

Solozano could now see himself become captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s third partner in two years but the Trinidadian said he was already building a useful off-field relationship with the long-term opener.

“I’ve been with Kraigg since the camp in Antigua (last month). He and I are always together, always talking,” Solozano said.

“I’m trying to feed off him as much as I could and gain from his experiences. He’s been sharing a lot of knowledge and we’ve been keeping close since Antigua until now.

“It’s just to keep that bond and to keep learning and growing, once given the opportunity to play as my career begins.”

Solozano has not played a first-class game in nearly two years due to the COVID-19

pandemic which has prevented Cricket West Indies (CWI) from staging the domestic four-day tournament.

He scored 74, 12 and two in the Antigua trial matches and said he entered the two games in good shape because of his relentless fitness regime.

“I never really stopped training. I’ve been training hard, doing a lot of batting, gym, everything – trying to get my body as fit as possible,” Solozano explained.

“Once I got the call to go to Antigua, it was not (a situation where) I wasn’t prepared or had to play catch up. I was prepared, I was ready and I’m just looking forward to this (tour) and making use of the opportunity.”

Rookie opener Jeremy Solozano

… The left-arm spinner, who played for South Africa at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, took 10 for 36 in a Division 2 match of the 4-Day Franchise Series SEAN Whitehead has achieved the rare feat of picking up all 10 wickets in an innings in a first-class match.

Playing for South Western Districts in Division 2 of the 4-Day Franchise Series, Whitehead picked up 10 for 36 to help bowl Easterns out for 65 in a chase of 186 in Oudtshoorn.

He enjoyed a superb match overall, picking up 5 for 64 in the Easterns' first innings and also contributing 66 and 45 as South Western Districts wrapped up a comprehensive 120-run win.

The 24-year-old Whitehead is an all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox and bats right-handed. He was a member of the South Africa squad at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, playing all six of his team's matches and picking up six wickets at an average

Sean Whitehead's figures were the second-best in the history of South African domestic cricket (Cricket South Africa) of 26.00.

Whitehead now has 39 wickets in 13 first-class games at an average of 25.64, to go with 481 runs at 37.00.

Whitehead's figures of 10 for 36 are the second-best in the history of South African domestic cricket, behind the leg-spinner Bert Vogler's 10 for 26 for Eastern Province

against Griqualand West in Johannesburg all the way back in December 1906.

The last bowler to pick up all 10 wickets in a firstclass innings in South African domestic cricket was the seamer Mario Olivier, who took 10 for 65 for Warriors against Eagles in December 2007. (Cricinfo)

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

Unvaccinated players unable LeBron James' comeback to compete at Australian Open spoiled as Boston Celtics

Unvaccinated players will not be allowed to compete at the 2022 Australian Open, says tournament director Craig Tiley.

There had been confusion over the issue in recent months with contradictory statements from leading Australian politicians.

Defending men's champion Novak Djokovic has said he does not want to reveal his vaccination status publicly.

"Novak knows he will have to be vaccinated to play," Tiley said.

"We would love to have him here."

Tiley also confirmed that the tournament, which runs from 1730 January in Melbourne, would be played in front of capacity crowds.

Djokovic, 34, could win a record 21st men's major title if he plays at Melbourne Park, where he is a nine-time champion.

Last month, the Serb said he was uncertain if he would play, adding he was waiting for confirmation from Tiley before making a decision.

Speaking earlier this week at the season-ending ATP Tour finals in Turin, Djokovic said:

beat Los Angeles Lakers

Defending men's champion Novak Djokovic has said he does not want to reveal his vaccination status "The freedom of choice is essen- ceived the vaccination, with the tial for everyone, not just whether figure including all the players it's it's me or somebody else, it who competed in the singles and doubles at last week's WTA doesn't really matter.

"Whether it's vaccination or Finals in Guadalajara.

The WTA players' council anything else in life, you should have the freedom to choose, to sent a letter to players in October decide what you want to do in stating it had been told all comthis particular case, what you petitors would be able to travel to Melbourne. want to put in your body.

The letter also stated that Latest figures show 80 of the top 100 men's players have all players, regardless of vacnow been vaccinated against cination status, would have to show proof of a negative test Covid-19.

Nearly 80% of the top 100 within 72 hours of departure. women's players have also re- (BBC Sport)

Jamaica confirmed to host the 49th CARIFTA Games, April 16-18, 2022

THE Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) has confirmed that Jamaica will host the 49th Junior CARIFTA Track and Field Games in Kingston from April 16 to 18, 2022 at a cost of just under US$1 million.

The event has also been sanctioned by the Government of Jamaica, through the office of the Minister of Sport. The event is expected to attract close to 650 athletes competing in U17 and U20 categories as well as 150 officials from 27

countries.

Jamaica also has the blessing of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) which has oversight for track and field in this region. NACAC president Mike Sands is expected to visit the island early next year for a venue inspection.

Meanwhile, the Games will be managed by a local organising committee, already in place and will be chaired by the president of the Pan Am Games Technical Commission and imme-

LeBron James said the Los Angeles Lakers need more "urgency" after his comeback ended in a 130-108 defeat by the Boston Celtics.

The NBA great, 36, returned after eight games out with an abdominal problem.

He finished with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists - but the Lakers still fell to a ninth defeat in 17 games this season.

Jayson Tatum scored 37 points and had 11 rebounds as the Celtics, 61-60 down after the second quarter, came back.

"I'm more looking forward to seeing how I feel tomorrow when I wake up. That is the

tell-tale sign if I'm going in the right direction with my injury," said James.

The 17-time NBA All-Star admitted his frustration after the Lakers were dominated in the third and fourth quarters.

"There should be a sense of urgency any time we hit the floor," he said. "We have to figure out how we can keep that sense of urgency as close to 48 minutes as possible."

The Detroit Pistons could not take advantage of a Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors, who beat the hosts 105-102.

Jordan Poole led the way for Golden State with 32

LeBron James is a four-time NBA MVP what competition from this region could look like at the 18th World Athletics Championships, scheduled for Eugene, Oregon in July 2022,” said JAAA president Garth Gayle.

“The number of other international events which will follow allows the CARIFTA Games to signal that the youths from the region are ready for competition; that

The CARIFTA Games will be held in Kingston, Jamaica from April 16 to 18, 2022. diate past president of the pandemic.

Several milestones are Jamaica Olympic Association Mike Fennell. JAAA’s to be celebrated next year.

Honorary Secretary Marie These include The Games Tavares will act as General 50th year, Jamaica’s 60th year of independence and Manager.

A team of expert sports the host federation, JAAA, officials in key areas has 90 years in operation.

“The opportunity to host been assembled to manage the event. That team has al- under these kinds of mileready met and plans are well stones is a tremendous opunderway. Chairman Fennell portunity for Jamaica to host is confident that they can some of the best sporting successfully host the games talents from the region to despite having many set- the world. This event will backs due to the COVID-19 also offer some insight on

points, with Andrew Wiggins scoring 27 and Nemanja Bjelica adding 14 off the bench.

The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to 11 games, thanks to 19 points from both Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker, as they beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-104.

James Harden contributed 36 points as the Brooklyn Nets squeezed out a 115113 victory over the Orlando Magic, despite being without Kevin Durant, sidelined with a sprained right shoulder.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists as the Milwaukee Bucks overcame a spirited comeback from Oklahoma City, for a 96-89 victory.

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Indiana Pacers 121-118, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 94-81, the Chicago Bulls beat the Denver Nuggets 114-108 and the Toronto Raptors beat the Sacramento Kings 108-89.

(BBC Sport)

sport is ready and open for business and Jamaica will host the 8 00+ persons from all over in a safe and secure environment.”

This is the eighth time that Jamaica will host the CARIFTA Games since its inception in 1972. Of the 48 editions held so far, Jamaica has topped the medal table on 43 occasions.

(Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 21, 2021)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

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(2) Who were the captains involved?

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31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 21, 2021

GCB president meets with East Coast Clubs

… $300 000 in cricket balls to be distributed … President Ali’s ‘Corridor of Unity’ Trophy to be exciting PRESIDENT of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Bissoondyal Singh, met with member clubs of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), from Ogle to Abary, on November 13, at the LBI Cricket Facility where a number of key issues were discussed.

This meeting was the first of a planned series of outreach programmes. Singh reported that early in 2021 both the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) held long-overdue elections in accordance with the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014. The East Coast Cricket Board is one of the five constituent members of the DCB. Singh informed the meeting that the National COVID-19 Task Force had instructed that all cricket activities be suspended. Permission from the Task Force to resume cricket was recently received. Singh explained that

cricketers, officials and spectators would have to be fully vaccinated as a prerequisite for involvement in cricket activities.

Singh noted that there are two ECCB competitions to be completed, after which new competitions will commence and that a number of sponsors are already on board, including Rockaway Group of Companies of New York and Motor Trend. Additionally, the Elizabeth Styles Cricket Competition will be expanded.

Head of the competitions list is the President of Guyana H.E. Dr Mohamad Irfaan Ali’s ‘Corridor of Unity Trophy’ competition.

This corridor is from Lusignan to Golden Grove and the clubs are Lusignan Cricket Club, Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club, Enterprise ‘Busta’ Cricket Club, Paradise Cricket Club, Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club, and Golden Grove Cricket Club. This is expected to be

an exciting tournament since these teams comprise many talented players.

Singh informed members that ECCB will be staging competitions in the U-15, U-17 and U-19 categories as well as first and second-division cricket. He urged the clubs to commence preparation for these competitions.

The senior clubs were encouraged to field teams at all age levels and to include female cricket in their development plans. Additionally, first-division clubs in the five Associations of the DCB will, for the first time, have the opportunity to play in an all-inclusive cricket competition.

As a conciliatory approach to cricket governance on the East Coast, the GCB president indicated that the East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) will be absorbed into the ECCB and that some of the ECCC committee members will be invited to serve on sub-committees of the ECCB.

UDFA to hold AGM and Elections next Sunday

THE long overdue annual general meeting (AGM) of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) which was first scheduled for Sunday, October 21, will now be staged next Sunday, November 28.

This rescheduling was due to circumstances beyond the control of the UDFA, according to secretary Ms Dawn McCammon-Barker in a recent release.

From all indications, incumbent president of the UDFA, Mr Terrence Mitchell, is unlikely to seek re-election since he reportedly has recently migrated to the United States with his family.

The affiliated clubs were also reminded to hold their Annual General Meetings which were to be staged on

or before October 20.

Additionally, the clubs

President of UDFA, Terrence Mitchell were informed that a member of the UDFA executive committee must be invited to the AGM of these clubs and a copy of the Minutes must be sent to the secretary of the UDFA. Failure by clubs to have

their AGM will result in their being deemed unconstitutional.

Those clubs notified were Amelia’s Ward Panthers FC, Hi Star FC, Botofago FC, Silver Shattas FC, Net Rockers FC, Topp XX FC, Coomacka FC, Eagles United FC, Capital FC, Aroaima FC, and Blueberry Hill FC. The eleven clubs were also reminded that if they have their list of candidates for the various positions in the new Executive Committee of the UDFA, they must send same to the secretary of the UDFA in accordance to the constitution.

According to a source close to the association, the tentative venue for this AGM and Elections is the Linden Enterprise Network.

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (front row, third from left) with other stakeholders of the East Coast cricket clubs In this regard, a meeting will depending on us and we must ‘Corridor of Unity’ Trophy be held shortly. deliver”.

– sponsored, U-17 ComSingh further stated that At the end of the meeting, petition – sponsored, U-19 the ECCB’s Academy will be Singh thanked the members Competition. expanded and urged the clubs for attending what was a highECCB President’s Cup to be more aggressive as it re- ly successful meeting. He Competition (Open) – sponlates to getting the youngsters asked for the continued sup- sored, Elizabeth Styles Cominvolved. He noted that this port and cooperation to ensure petition (Open) - sponsored will be a challenge but we the progress of development ECCB Trophy (Open), must prevail. “If we are going of cricket on the East Coast of T20 Competition, First-Dito succeed then it is important Demerara. vision Competition, ECCB that we make the ultimate ECCB cricket events for Academy to be expanded, sacrifice as administrators to 2022: U-15 Competition – $300 000 worth of balls deliver, Guyana’s children are sponsored, President Ali’s to be distributed

Winning streak key for morale, says Walsh

HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Head coach Courtney Walsh has hailed West Indies Women’s emphatic win over Thailand Women in their opening official warm-up, saying the winning streak was central to team morale.

The Caribbean side crushed the minnows by 151 runs on Friday to post their fourth win in as many matches, following on from their 3-0 clean sweep of Pakistan Women in Karachi last week.

West Indies Women arrived here this week to contest the International Cricket Council 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.

“Once you keep winning you’re going to keep having confidence,” Walsh said following the victory at Sunrise Sports Club.

“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.”

West Indies Women beat Pakistan Women by 45 runs in the opening One-Day International earlier this month, before clinching the series with a 37run victory in the second game.

They produced a clinical run chase in the final game last Sunday to thrash the hosts by six wickets, and lift their confidence heading into the Qualifiers.

On Friday, West Indies Women were propelled by all-rounder Deandra Dottin who struck 101 at the top of the order and fellow Barbadian Hayley Matthews who made 57, as they gathered 230 for six off their 50 overs.

Both players featured prominently in the series against Pakistan Women, Dottin hitting a career-best 132 in the opening ODI and Matthews emerging as Player-of-the-Series after excellent all-round performances.

Walsh praised the form of both players, also noting the outing was important for the entire side to become accli-

matised.

“It was good to get in a practice match in Zimbabwe to get accustomed to the conditions,” the fast bowling legend said.

“The ladies went out and did what was required. Deandra and Hayley 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.”

The recent form of West Indies Women has turned the page on an ordinary run of results which saw them whipped 4-1 by South Africa Women in the Caribbean last September.

West Indies Women open their campaign in the Qualifiers against Ireland on Tuesday, and will also clash with The Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Group A. The top three teams following the Super Six second round will book their spots at next year’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand.

Twenty-two athletes to represent Guyana at Junior Pan-Am Games A CONTINGENT of 28, of which 22 are athletes, will head to Cali, Colombia to represent Guyana at the inaugural Junior Pan-American Games which will run from November 25 to December 5.

Badminton: Narayan Ramdhani (coach), Priyanna Ramdhani, Akili Haynes, Tyrese Jeffrey; Boxing: Terrence Poole (coach), Alesha Jackman, Patrick Harvey, Travis Inverary; Squash: Garfield Wiltshire, Shomari Wiltshire, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, Michael Alphonso; Table Tennis: Idi Lewis (coach), Miguel Wong, Jonathan Van Lange; Weightlifting: Sean Cozier, Esther Nurse; Athletics: Johnny Gravesande (coach), Revon Williams, Noelex Holder, Kelisa Smith, Chantoba Bright, Kenisha Phillips and Swimming: Paul Mahaica

Sr. (coach), Paul Mahaica Jr, Patrice Mahaica, Leon Seaton, Aleka Persaud K a l a m J u m a n - Ya s sin, president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA),, delivered the charge to the Guyanese athletes and officials on Friday afternoon, and stressed the need for them to be good ambassadors and role models.

Guyana’s delegation would be led by Chef-deMission Deirdre Edghill, and has a physiotherapist, Jana Edghill, who will also act as the COVID-19 compliance officer.

GOA treasurer, Garfield Wiltshire, pointed out that Eureka Labs provided the PCR tests for the entire Guyana contingent free of charge, like it did for the country’s delegation at the Tokyo Olympic Games earlier this year.

Athletes and officials who would be representing Guyana at the inaugural Junior Pan-Am Games, starting November 25 (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan)

First Test against Sri Lanka

Windies chase strong finish to mixed year GALLE, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – West Indies will hope to end the year the same manner in which they started, when they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series at Galle International Stadium here today.

The Caribbean side pulled off a stunning 2-0 series win away to Bangladesh last February but results since then have been mixed.

They have only three wins in eight Tests this year, losing three and drawing two.

The drawn Tests came on Sri Lanka’s tour of the Caribbean last March and with only a single win since then, captain Kraigg Brathwaite said making a strong start to the series would be critical, especially where the batting was concerned.

“You have to get 20 wickets to win a game, and you know our bowling unit has really been leading this team for the last couple months,” Brathwaite told reporters on Saturday.

“I think what is key is to have a good start. I think for

the top order it is going to be crucial getting those big partnerships early, and runs on the board are key especially in the subcontinent.

“So I think a good first innings total is key for us as a team for us to obviously put pressure on the opponents.”

West Indies hold unflattering memories of their last tour here five years ago when they lost both Tests heavily in less than five days.

They went down by 72 runs in the first Test at Colombo before tea on the final day, after the fourth day was completely lost to rain, and were then flogged by an innings and six runs with a session left on the penultimate day of the second Test.

Spin proved their undoing then, accounting for the bulk of the wickets to fall as West Indies passed 250 just once.

Though acknowledging pacers still had a role to play, Brathwaite conceded spinners would perhaps be the biggest threat, especially

based on pitch conditions.

“The pitch looks spin-friendly [and is] obviously quite dry. I’m not saying the pacers won’t get wickets but the spinners

know their role and the guys are looking forward to the challenge,” Brathwaite explained.

“You can’t premeditate that the pitch will spin. It

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite

looks quite dry, but I think it is important as a bowling unit we don’t think too far ahead. I think the key for us and what we discussed is that once we build the pressure with dot balls, those dot balls will bring the wickets.

“The spinners are excited for the challenge. It won’t be easy. Obviously, Sri Lanka they are at home and obviously their batsmen play spin well so you know it’s going to be a challenge.

But the guys are really looking forward to it.

“And the [spinners] are looking forward to leading.

If it is a [spinning pitch], the guys are looking forward to leading the attack,” he added.

West Indies have included three specialist spinners in their touring squad – leftarm spinners Veeerasammy Permaul and Jomel Warrican, along with off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall.

Also included is off-spinner Roston Chase while Brathwaite also bowls occasional off-spin.

The match bowls off at

10 am (12:30 am Eastern Caribbean time).

SQUADS: SRI LANKA – Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Minod Bhanuka, Kamil Mishara, Roshane Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan, Suminda Lakshan, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Gunasekera.

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jeremy Solozano, Jomel Warrican.

Whitehead picks up all 10 wickets in a first-class innings

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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