Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_23_10_2021

SATURDAY 23rd October, 2021

' No.106523

Health Minister: Guyana has no policy of re-vaccination at this time

GECOM must be reformed

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21 PAGE

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–– say regional scholars; deem decisions by Appeal Court in elections cases ‘questionable’

Region Three top NGSA performers honoured 04 PAGE

Education Minister Priya Manickchand (seated centre) with the region’s top NGSA performers and regional officials (Ministry of Education photo)

Cancer Foundation: a safe haven for patients and survivors 09 PAGE

Republic Street Budding 15 recommissioned 08 aeronautical –– after left in deplorable state for three years engineer is Best Graduating GDF recruit PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

$7M labour office opened at Corrivert verton

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton (right) is assisted by Regional Chairman, David Armogan, to cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the ministry’s labour office at Corriverton (Elvin Croker photo)

THE Ministry of Labour (MoL), on Friday, officially opened a new $7 million labour office on the Springlands, Corriverton Public Road in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The new office will house officers from all of the ministry’s departments so as to ensure residents can access all of the services under one roof.

In addition to a labour officer, there will also be an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) officer, a Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) officer, a co-op society officer and a Board of Industrial Training (BIT) officer.

“Today is indeed a very significant day in this community. This new office will give access to persons in this area who have issues connected to labour.

From the way they are treated by their employer, to issues connected with co-op and BIT,” Regional Chairman, David Armogan, said during brief address at the opening ceremony.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was done

by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, who commented that opening of the office is part of his overall plan to create a strong labour relations framework.

“We must establish the most robust Ministry of Labour in the history of this country. A lot of people would see that I am moving here and there all the time. I do it because in my head that is what we want to do to ensure we have a robust ministry where people are trained adequately and equally in every region. That is how the

system is supposed to work,” Hamilton noted.

The new office will be the second labour office to be opened in Region Six; an office already exists in New Amsterdam. Given the size of the region, the ministry believes that the establishment of subregion offices are necessary.

“When people in Upper-Corentyne have an issue, they have to travel to New Amsterdam, and then when they go to New Amsterdam the officers there determine when they will come to Corentyne. That must come to an end. This is why we have this office, why we decided to put some money into this,” Hamilton said.

He added: “I would hope that this office serves its purpose at the level of labour. If we have officers functioning here, they can spot the smoke before we have fire and move in to mediate matters before we have placards and police coming in to placate the matter.”

Hamilton charged the officers to ensure that they go into the communities to proactively detect issues at work places.

“The only time they should be in the office is when they are preparing their reports. The officers who are to be at this office, their work is on the road. The labour and OSH [officers] have to be on the road to see the conditions people are working under,” he said “The office is here so that the activities can come closer to people so that this office can engage continuously with the people up here,” the minister added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

GECOM must be reformed –– say regional scholars; deem decisions by Appeal Court in elections cases ‘questionable’

TWO University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturers have labelled the decisions of the Guyana Court of Appeal in the series of litigation which followed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections as questionable and called for a reform of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The lecturers, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, Lecturer in Law and Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior Lecturer in Political Science, were at the time delivering a lecture as part of the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Faculty of Law, Working Paper Series titled “The Judiciary and the 2020 Guyana Elections” on Thursday last.

Barrow-Giles was a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) High Level Team for the Recount of the Vote for the 2020 elections in Guyana in March 2020 and she served as Team Leader of the CARICOM Observer Mission for the recount of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in May 2020.

During their presentation, with reference to the Appeal Court decisions, the academics also scrutinised whether there was a breach of the separation of powers.

“Some of the judgements that came out of the Court of Appel are highly questionable,” Barrow-Giles said, and, while making it clear that she is

Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior Lecturer in Political Science not trying to “impute” anyone, she suggested that the reasons for the decisions might be influenced by the process used to appointment officers of the court.

“Certainly, there might be a connection with the appointment process and some of the judgements but, certainly, in relation to the Caribbean, one of the things that we have to focus on is the need to ensure that we really have a complete separation of powers in the region,” she emphasised.

Her colleague, Dr. Yearwood highlighted that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s apex court, upheld the decisions of the High Court, and it was only at the Court of Appeal level where decisions went “awry”.

“It was often the Court of Appeal where the judgement seems to go awry and then the CCJ correcting

the Court of Appeal to say actually what the High Court originally ruled as the exclusive court to deal with electoral matters was right so we often saw that happen,” he said.

The two university lecturers published an article titled ‘CARICOM and the 2020 unsettled elections in Guyana: a failed political (legal) solution?’ on September 30, 2020 in The Round Table, the Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs.

The article explored the current political and legal issues surrounding the delay in the declaration of the regional and general election held on March 2, 2020 in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

REFORM GECOM Barrow-Giles has also criticised the composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and posited that one of the most important things that must be accomplished as part of Guyana’s constitutional reform is for GECOM to be restructured.

“GECOM does not serve Guyana well at all …

GECOM is really a political party, a partisan organisation and in the context of the problems that Guyana has been experiencing over the years, I don’t think that it serves the purpose of Guyana,” she said.

She contended that the method of selection of the

Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, Lecturer in Law commissioners is flawed, as the commission is made up for three commissioners from the ruling political party, and three from the main opposition party, with a Chairman who is selected after consultation between the President and the Leader of the Opposition.

Whoever is the Chair of GECOM, the academic said will always find himsef/herself in a very difficult situation but pointed out that GECOM is a powerful institution as it enjoys constitutional protection and must be independent.

Following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, GECOM took five months to deliver the verified count of votes, after multiple attempts by elements in the commission to alter the results in favour of the APNU+AFC, which was in government at the time.

In August 2021, after weeks of deliberation and multiple delays, GECOM

voted to terminate the employment contracts of its three statutory officers, namely Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers and District Four Returning Officer for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Clairmont Mingo, who have been accused of electoral fraud.

Since then, GECOM has begun advertising with the intention of filling some of the key vacancies within its secretariat; the appointments of persons to these key positions will clear the way for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGEs) which are due this year.

Currently, Lowenfield is faced with three counts of Misconduct in Public Office, and three counts of Forgery, while Mingo is charged with four counts of Misconduct in Public Office, and Myers with two counts of Misconduct in Public Office.

In addition to Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence;

Opposition activist, Carol Joseph; the CEO’s clerks, Michelle Miller and Denise Bob-Cummings; Elections Officer, Shefern February, and Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan, were also charged.

They are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four, Guyana’s largest voting district, to give the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition a majority win at the March 2, 2020 polls, when in fact the PPP/C had won the elections by 15,000 votes.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali had committed to launching a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to examine what transpired during the five months following polling day on March 2, 2020.

The Head of State had said his government is “committed” to identifying the individuals who were involved in attempts to derail the process and pinpointing possible areas of weakness that can be used to guide the required strengthening of Guyana’s electoral system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Region Three top NGSA performers honoured

THE Region Three Department of Education, in collaboration with the private sector, honoured the top 22 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) performers in the region at a ceremony held at the Aracari Resort on Wednesday.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, said that the pupils’ performance is an example of what can be achieved when the government and people work together to allow persons to thrive and become their best.

She said that the benefit of collaboration is one of the lessons that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught Guyanese, especially those in the education sector. She said, “We can face any challenge that comes to us if there is some level of co-operation and unity.”

Minister Manickchand said that ensuring the pupils were prepared to write the

NGSA this year took willpower, along with the desire and the investments to make it happen. “It took teachers during this time to step up.

Teachers both in the private and public schools during this time refashioned what they knew to do,” the Education Minister noted.

She said that the Ministry of Education also rolled out several initiatives to provide the necessary assistance to the Grade Six pupils.

These initiatives included the refashioning of the Guyana Learning Channel to air pre-recorded lessons done by local teachers, producing the NGSA Booster Programme which was available on the Guyana Learning Channel and Youtube, launching the Quiz Me Platform on the Ministry’s website, producing the Whiz Kids game show and also distributing the necessary textbooks, worksheets and study notes to all Grade

Saturday, 23 October 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Six pupils in the public sector.

In addition, the ministry also developed a consolidated curriculum that focused specifically on the topics students needed to learn to write the examination up to the Grade Five level.

Speaking on the development of secondary level education in the region, the Education Minister announced that for the first time, a school in Region Three will be offering the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). She said this will be done at the West Demerara Secondary School.

According to Minister Manickchand, the aim of See page 5

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, presents a trophy to the region’s top performer, Gizelle Nicholson from Leonora Primary, who achieved 520 marks and was awarded a place at Queen’s College

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Region Three top NGSA ...

From page 4

the ministry is to ensure learners across Guyana have access to the same level of secondary education regardless of which school they are placed in.

She said that before the end of this year, the ministry is looking to have CAPE offered at the Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two and at

the Annandale Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara, Region Four Regional Chairman of Region Three, Inshan Ayube, said that the Government of Guyana must be commended for implementing the many initiatives to help students remain engaged and to prepare them to write the ex-

The students honoured on Friday are listed below.

They have all been placed at Queen’s College Gizelle A Nicholson – LEONORA PRIMARY- 520 marks Zhijie Yang – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 519 marks Malia Marcello – LEONORA PRIMARY – 518 marks Aliyah Hanif – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 518 marks Rauid Khan – LEONORA PRIMARY – 517 marks Gasella Williams – GENESIS EARLY CHILDHOOD – 517 marks Rebekah Joseph – VIVE-LA-FORCE PRIMARY - 516 marks Malachi Patrick – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 516 marks Reshaun Ulla – QAYYIM ACADEMY – 516 marks Kaitlyn Persaud – LA GRANGE PRIMARY – 515 marks Emily Vaamonde-Beria – CRANE PRIMARY – 515 marks Yushini Kumar – GENESIS EARLY CHILDHOOD – 515 marks Feiaz Dhanny – CORNELIA IDA PRIMARY – 514 marks Obama Prosper – GENESIS EARLY CHILDHOOD – 513 marks Akemi Glasgow – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 513 marks Sadie Small – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 513 marks Rachel Joseph – VIVE-LA-FORCE PRIMARY – 512 marks Adrian Playter – GENESIS EARLY CHILDHOOD – 512 marks Romelia Persaud – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 511 marks Jaidev Singh – ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE – 511 marks Vickram Lalbachan – QAYYIM ACADEMY – 511 marks Travis Persaud – LEONORA PRIMARY – 510 marks

amination. He said that a lot of hard work went into the various programmes despite still having to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic which negatively impacted the education sector across the country.

Regional Education Officer, Devendre Persaud, in his overview, said that 1836 candidates wrote the NGSA in the region with, 104 students being awarded places at Queen’s College, the Bishops’ High, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High and St. Joseph’s High School.

Further, he said that 376 students were awarded List A schools, 687 students were awarded List B schools, 504 students were awarded List C schools while the remaining candidates were placed at List D to F schools.

According to Persaud, it is the first time in the history of the NGSA that the majority of students were in the upper

bracket. The region’s top student this year is Gizelle A. Nicholson from Leonora Primary, who achieved 520 marks and was awarded a place at Queen’s College. All of the 22 awardees today were awarded a place at Queen’s College.

“Despite all the challenges during this pandemic, I must say that Region Three has continued to perform excellently. None of this would have been possible without your (Minister Manickchand) outstanding and dedicated leadership and the tireless and dedicated work of all officers, headteachers, teachers, parents and all other stakeholders in Region Three,” Persaud remarked.

Representing the private sector of the region was Devendra Rampersaud, who advised the students to keep reaching for greatness and that an investment in education pays the best interest.

Armed bandits visit Corentyne shop POLICE are investigating an armed robbery which occurred on Friday at Number 69 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, by two armed men.

According to information, at around 12:23 hours, the men, both armed with handguns, entered the shop located at Viking Cricket Ground Street and held a 23-year-old woman at gunpoint.

The police, in a statement, revealed that the 23-yearold woman is the daughter of the businesswoman who owns the shop. The young lady was sitting in the shop when the men entered but she managed to escape by running onto a nearby street.

The robbers then proceeded to enter the house where they held the 46-year-old businesswoman and a 29-yearold businessman at gunpoint while demanding cash and valuables. The bandits then carted off with $200,000 in cash, one gold bangle and a pair of gold earrings.

As the suspects continued to demand more cash, one of them dealt the businesswoman several lashes on both of her hands with a gun before making good their escape on foot.

The police were summoned to the scene and the businesswoman was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital where she was seen by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, a neighbour who was painting his house recalled hearing screams and upon investigation he noticed the men “dashing out” from the shop and towards him. The robbers ran pass him, with one of them pointing a gun in his direction, warning him to stay inside his house.

“They say stay … inside and they rush up the street and towards the back. I never expect to see a robbery in this street in broad daylight. Two nights ago my neighbour notice two men try to break in but they didn’t get to go in. These men were watching them and looking for the right time,” the neighbour said.

Police are investigating the robbery.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Hydrocarbons

GUYANA is set to produce an approximate 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

This places the country in a position in the coming years to be a major player on the international stage. It is envisaged that by 2035, Guyana could be among the top 15 oil producing nations in the world.

This is exciting news. The challenge for Guyana, however, is to get the oil on the international market within the shortest possible time and in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner. Oil, as we know, is a non-renewable resource and it is also exhaustive. What that meant in effect is that as a commodity it cannot wait forever to be exploited and marketed. There is a limited window of opportunity, which, if not taken advantage of, could result in the underutilisation of an extremely valuable and marketable resource.

There are some who argue that ‘oil don’t spoil’ and on the basis of that flawed logic, they argue that there is no need to rush into drilling. The truth is that oil does have a risk of ‘spoiling’ if left unharvested for too long a period, especially in the new dispensation where the world is moving in the direction of non-fossil and renewable forms of energy.

New oil producing nations with huge carbon deposits such as Guyana and Su-

riname cannot sit idly by and allow such resources to remain dormant. That would be tantamount to an economic ‘crime’, especially when seen against the background of historically-induced levels of dependency, underdevelopment and poverty which had characterised several of these nations during colonial and post-colonial rule.

All of that is now about to change for the better. Already 20.2 million barrels of oil has already been produced in the first half of this year, an increase of 64.5 per cent for the corresponding period last year.

That amount is 4.1 per cent higher than the set target of 120,000 barrels per day for the first quarter of 2021.

No less significant is the fact that price of oil on the world market has been on the rise due to an increase in demand on the world market. Guyana, with its superior quality and relatively low-cost producer of oil stands to gain immensely from oil revenues which could make a world of a difference in terms of the quality of life of the Guyanese people. Guyana now has a reputation not only as an emerging player on the oil market, but also as a supplier of light sweet, low sulfur content oil which makes it a strong competitor for market share.

Why then should Guyana be made a

sacrificial lamb in the bigger scheme of things as they relate to climate mitigation measures? As pointed out by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the use of fossil-based fuel is not expected to disappear any time soon, and it would be in the country’s best interest to take advantage of that window of opportunity to enhance the economic well-being of the Guyanese people.

The other point worthy of consideration is that that there is no indication, at least at this moment in time, of any scaling down of oil production by the bigger oil producing nations which continue to rake in billions in profits. Nor is there major progress made in terms of energy alternatives to the fossil-based fuels which meant that the demand for oil will continue to remain high well into the foreseeable future.

The fact is that as a country we are blessed with some of the world’s most lucrative offshore oil fields. It is for us now to produce them in an environment that is becoming much more carbon-sensitive to a point where there are calls in some places for there to be an end to drilling operations. Guyana and other newly emerged oil producers stand to lose the most in such a scenario. Investments in the oil drilling business are highly capital intensive and involves the most sophisticated use of pro-

duction technology, the returns to which can only be optimised with maximum output spread over a number of years.

This does not in any way imply that production should be done at any cost, certainly not at the cost of our environment. The PPP/C administration is fully committed to a low carbon development strategy and it is that strategy that will be the guiding policy in terms of the exploitation of our resources, especially in the oil and gas sector.

Oil, without doubt, is big business worth an approximate four trillion dollars. Guyana is well positioned to receive a substantial share of that money. And as pointed by Dr. Jagdeo, the Guyanese people have a legitimate expectation to have a share in the oil bounty that has helped so many nations and peoples to graduate out of poverty to higher levels of prosperity. Our per capita income still remains low even by regional standards and it is only fair that as a country we market our resources to the maximum of our potential in an environmentally- friendly and sustainable manner.

The government has already begun to put in place policies and regulations to ensure that the development of the oil sector is done in a safe, low carbon way in order to reduce carbon emissions to acceptable levels.

Stop peddling misinformation on flood-relief grant Dear Editor, PLEASE allow me a space in your letter column to share my views as to the misinformation being peddled by former AFC executives in Berbice. Both gentlemen are well known for being part of the previous government.

During some recent televised and live Facebook programmes, both gentlemen seem to be upward, downwards peddling misinformation about the government’s cash grant to farmers.

However, at one time, both gentlemen would praise the government by thanking President Ali and Vice- President Bharrat Jagdeo for such a great programme and on the other hand they would attack the government by slamming the Minister of Agriculture and its agencies. Seems they are playing the one foot here and one there game.

I am not defending the officials who submitted the first list of beneficiaries for the grant. It was done in a short period of time and best to their knowledge. So we must accept that they did what they had to in putting together the information needed in a short period.

However, I believe that they did that list without going house to house to have a firsthand look to know exactly if the names on the list should be there or not. I believe that is where the problems started.

However, both gentlemen are making some serious allegations about persons who already collected the grant that they have done so illegally because they are not famers. They also say that those names that were left out are the real farmers. They also said that multiple persons in one household received the cash grant by claiming to be farming the same.

I would like to enlighten the two gen-

tlemen as to the claims, which the Hon. Vice-President a few weeks ago publicly said that those who should be on the list and are not there have one month to do so. Also the VP publicly said anyone that collects the cash grant and does not qualify have to repay the amount which is given.

In Berbice, three offices were set up for said purpose and direct numbers were provided so that anyone with information as to the persons who collected the grant that should not have collected, to provide the information of those persons. All the information given we were told would be confidential.

However, until this day, I did not hear any of the two gentlemen call in to give any information as to anyone that collected that should not get that cash grant.

I am challenging both of those men to come forward and provide the names

of the persons who received the grant by providing false information to the officials and publicly calling in the police to investigate the same.

I am calling on both gentlemen to stop peddling lies and give information as to who and who collected that should not have.

I must commend the Hon VP Bharrat Jagdeo MP and Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, MP for the extension of time given so that those persons whose names were not on the list can have it now intact on it.

Let’s work to better the agriculture sector rather than to peddle lies and deception for fame and personal aims.

Yours sincerely, Abel Seetaram Former AFC Executive and RDC Region Five Councillor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Efforts continue to be made to build a robust, competitive and sustainable agriculture sector

Dear Editor,

PERMIT me the space to respond to the editorial published in the Friday, October 15, 2020 edition of the Stabroek Business titled “Agriculture: More Rhetoric.”

The editorial provides an additional opportunity for conversation on the ever-important topic of agriculture in Guyana. The Ministry of Agriculture, of course, welcomes every opportunity to be part of this conversation.

Mr. Editor, since August of 2020, under the energetic leadership of H.E. President Ali in the capacity of lead head on agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, collective regional awareness of the importance of food and nutrition security has been significantly heightened. Preceding that period, Guyana’s lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the Caribbean Community had all but been relinquished.

In February of this year, in the capacity of lead head on agriculture for the region, President Ali presented the paper titled “Advancing the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Agenda: Prioritising Regional Food and Nutrition Security” to the CARICOM Heads of Government. This paper outlined a logical approach and pragmatic programme towards the transformation of the regional food systems and indeed in realistically meeting the goal of reducing the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, that the region has set itself.

Arising out of this process, a Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security was established and is being ably led by Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha. The resuscitation of the Regional Transport Commission and the de-risking of agriculture are two of the critical areas being currently addressed by the Special Ministerial Taskforce.

Even in the face of the current pandemic, substantial collective efforts were invested in hosting the annual Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2021 during the week of October 4-8, under the theme ‘Transforming Our Food Systems’. In his keynote address during the launch of this year’s CWA, President Ali reiterated the point that Guyana takes its role as lead head on agriculture seriously and that agriculture is of primary importance to Guyana and the region. During the very week, the Caribbean AgTech Investment Summit was also hosted by the Caribbean Export

Development Agency and again our Head of State delivered a scintillating keynote address.

Guyana’s current efforts for addressing the burgeoning regional food import bill are being undertaken in an integrated manner.

Guyana being the largest of the Member States of the CARICOM, sees the food import bill as an opportunity for its agricultural producers, to replace a significant proportion of the regional food imports. To this end, the Government of Guyana has been actively pursuing strategic investments to support this vision. To support its production intensification and investment programme in the sector, Guyana in 2021 allocated an initial GYD$500M to commence infrastructural works in the area earmarked for the cultivation of corn and soya bean by a consortium of private sector investors. This investment will serve as a major input source for the feed processing sector and will significantly benefit the livestock sector.

The PPP/C government has always recognised the strategic importance of having agriculture as a robust and competitive tradable sector, in counteracting the paradoxical effects of huge natural resource discoveries.

In this regard, the government has been working assiduously towards attracting sustainable Foreign Direct Investments into the sector, while at the same time, developing an enabling environment necessary for the sector to thrive. For instance, in the poultry sector which is being targeted as a key regional import-replacement sector, government support is being rolled out in the following ways: * Zero-rating of VAT on the Poultry Industry - VAT free concessions on items imported for the development of the poultry industry. * Freshwater supply and available lands accessible by a network of roads and waterways. * Concessions for developing lands (Intermediate Savannah). * Tax concessions on investment in agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging. * Waivers of import duty and VAT on agro-processing equipment. * Enhanced technical/extension support provided via Guyana Livestock Development Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture. * The Food Safety Authority is being established and being made will be fully operational.

Only recently, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) collaborated with the Guyana Food Safety Authority in the preparation of the Fruits and Vegetables Booklet focusing on sanitary and food safety aspects. The booklet which was launched on the 20th of October serves as a useful tool for extension officers and farmers alike towards ensuring safe and wholesome food are grown locally and for the region.

The preparation and launch of this booklet to coincide with observances taking place throughout 2021, which is being observed as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, was deliberate.

In all of this it should be noted that, prior to August of 2020, many persons who were involved in agriculture had either scaled down their operations or left the sector altogether.

Today, because of the numerous investments the government has made, there is a notable renewed interest in the sector. Both local and international individuals and companies are lining up to invest in this very promising sector.

Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture, through its various affiliated agencies, continues to play a crucial role in supporting the agriculture sector, and in supporting Guyana’s regional role as lead head in agriculture.

Guyana continues to lead the region strongly in the production of rice which is an important staple food throughout the Caribbean. Currently, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is undertaking trials towards the development of biofortified rice with zinc for the Caribbean Community. The GRDB is also playing a lead role in the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA)-led regional project to address Dietary and Non-Communicable Diseases in CARICOM through the introduction of biofortified crops. Trials are currently being undertaken by the GRDB and preliminary results appear very encouraging.

The Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been very active in providing the necessary support to the livestock sector.

Over G$1.1B was allocated to assist the livestock farmers affected by the recent floods in the main farming districts to resuscitate the livestock sector. Of the 9,216 farmers registered to date, 4,787 received or will receive cash grants valued at G$545M. Currently, preparatory works for the establishment of

a certified swine abattoir are ongoing. This development along with the recently GYS 170:2009 Standard certified Veterinary Services Laboratory, will serve to significantly enhance the sector’s ability to bring market-safe and higher quality livestock products.

Significant resources have been expended through the NAREI to the tune of some $602.8 million at the end of June this year, to further diversify Guyana’s production base and ensure food security. NAREI also provided technical assistance to farmers for the construction of 97 shade houses in all regions across the country, five of which were constructed for demonstration purposes. Additionally, with the continued push for fruit cultivation, the agency made available hundreds of low-cost seedlings at all NAREI nurseries with 54,915 plants sold for some $13.7 million. During the review period, it was discovered that technical support was also provided to 16,284 farmers. Also, as part of the diversification of the agriculture production base, an injection of $70 million was made to promote the expansion, inter-cropping, utilisation of coconut by-products and to increase production and productivity of the Hope Coconut industry Limited.

To support Guyana’s expansion of agriculture into the intermediate savannah, 18.5 kilometers of road has been tendered through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for construction.

This initiative will strongly support the cultivation of large-scale corn and soya that is planned. Additionally, the NDIA, in July 2021, commissioned seven new machines that will add capacity to the current fleet of 169 heavy-duty machines among other initiatives.

Mr. Editor, hopefully, this letter serves to indicate the managerial, administrative and co-ordinating efforts the Ministry of Agriculture is involved, in supporting the advancement of the agriculture sector.

The work of the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies continue to be critical in ensuring Food and Nutrition Security for the nation, and importantly, in promoting a robust, competitive and sustainable agriculture sector.

that in Region 10, 14 contracts totalling $38.5 million were awarded to neither the lowest nor most responsive bidders. Additionally, 17 contracts for the execution of drainage and irrigation works as well as road works were awarded. These contracts were also not awarded to the lowest or most competitive bidders. With this in mind, I bring attention to the fact that just recently, we saw issues arising within the PAC where the opposition chairman of the committee, Mr. Jermaine Figueira, pushed aside a motion by Minister Gail Teixeira to another date even though the motion was in accordance with the Standing Orders. We also saw issues being raised out of the blue by the opposition members of the committee with no basis to support many of their claims. I raise this question to everyone reading this; why is it that the opposition members of the PAC are creating so many

issues recently? Is it because they are trying to distract the government from properly examining the 2016 Auditor-General Report? In my view, the APNU+AFC’s recent behaviour in the PAC could be an attempt to stymie its work to prevent revelations like the one with the awarding of contracts in Region 10.

Additionally, I think it is important to shed light on the fact that during the APNU+AFC’s time in office, they were involved in high levels of corruption. In fact, as soon as they left office last year, we saw revelations made regarding the use of taxpayers’ money to buy gifts, etc. This recent revelation that they disregarded the tender board process and requirements when awarding contracts back in 2016 is just another one of their corrupt practices coming to light. It is public knowledge that there ought to be records to support decisions made when awarding contracts. Why didn’t

the APNU+AFC ensure that proper records were kept like the minutes which would have given reasons as to why specific contracts were awarded to specific people despite them not having the lowest prices or being the most responsive bidder?

For all those wondering, I think the answer is very clear. The APNU+AFC Coalition was only concerned about filling their pockets and giving benefits to their cronies. One way in which they did so is by disregarding the tender process.

Now that more of their corruption is being highlighted, we are seeing efforts being made to stall the PAC meetings and even create issues when there ought not to be any.

Janell Cameron, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture

Good governance was never a serious matter under the Coalition

Dear Editor,

AT a recent PAC meeting, it was revealed that millions of dollars worth of contracts were not awarded to the lowest most responsive bidder and there are no minutes to explain why.

After reading news reports on the matter, it became clear to me that something amiss occurred in Region 10 during 2016 while the APNU+AFC Coalition was in office. This is in regard to the awarding of contracts. However, even though this was just one revelation, it begs the question about what more will be unearthed as the PAC continues examining the 2016 Auditor General’s Report. I ask that you permit me space in your publication to echo some of my concerns on this issue.

As mentioned, the PAC is currently looking at the 2016 report. In this report, it shows

Yours sincerely, Thomas Cole

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Republic Street recommissioned after left in deplorable state for three years

RESIDENTS of Republic Street, Bel Air Park and environs will now be able to enjoy a newly-recommissioned thoroughfare after having to traverse a road which was left in an egregious state for over three years because an errant contractor abandoned the site.

was signed to commence the project; however, it was abandoned in 2020 with only 11.25 per cent of the works completed, but with 93 per cent of the contract sum being paid out.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony to commission the street on Friday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin

ing the revised contract sum to $123M, for the project.

It was awarded to LGS Barnes General Building and Civil Engineering, and was intended to last for four months. However, on June 10, 2020, the site was abandoned with only 225 metres, representing 11.25 per cent of the 2,000 metres of trans-

A section of the newly-recommissioned Republic Street (Delano Williams photo)

The street was dug out to facilitate the replacement of old pipe networks in the locality. In 2017, a contract

Croal, disclosed that a contract was signed on November 20, 2017 to the tune of $108M, and then revised, tak-

mission pipes that were to be installed, being completed.

Yet, $114M, representing 93 per cent of the con-

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal; Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud assisted in the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon for the recommissioning of the street on Friday (Delano Williams photo) tract sum, was already paid eight months. way to the cost of $19.5M, out to the contractor, when The physical comple- 30 per cent cheaper than if only $39M worth of physical tion of the actual works the project was awarded to a works were executed on the which involved the instal- contractor, Minister of Pubsite, reflecting an overpay- lation of 710 meters of lic Works, Juan Edghill said, ment of over $87M under the 22-inch HDP transmission during the ribbon- cutting A Partnership For National main lines from Shelter ceremony.

Unity + Alliance For Change Belt to Vlissingen Road, “The problem was one (APNU+AFC) administra- 659 meters six-inch PVC of mismanagement, bad tion. distribution main lines and contract administration, The matter was investi- the transfer of 248 service breaches of our financial gated after the People’s Pro- connections to newly-in- laws and … corruption, gressive Party Civic (PPP/C) stalled PVC mains was because you were paying 93 assumed office on August completed in August, 2021. per cent of a contract sum 4, 2020 and Croal disclosed Some $28M was also ex- and less than 15 per cent of that legal proceedings are pended by the Guyana Water the work was completed,” being instituted to recover Incorporated to bring the road Edghill said. the overpayment, and for the up to ‘crusher run’ level, after Residents of Republic contractor to hand over the the pipes were installed, and Street had reached out to additional materials that were the project was then taken the Guyana Chronicle and procured. over by the Ministry of Pub- expressed outrage at the Notwithstanding having lic Works to transform the deplorable state of the thorto recover over $87M on street into an asphalt surface oughfare, which was filled the original contract, a new road. with massive potholes and contract was awarded on The Ministry of Public were irksome during the December 1, 2020 to the tune Works commenced works rainy season. One resident, of $91M, of which the actual on October 6, 2021 and com- Samantha Biles, took to expenditure was $87M, for pleted their aspect of the the podium on Thursday the completion of the works project by October 13, 2021, to express gratitude for reover a duration period of paving 943 metres of road- commissioning of the street.

Flashback: The Northern Section of Republic Street after it was abandoned by the errant contractor and left in a deplorable state (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

Cancer Foundation remains safe haven for patients and survivors

Founder and President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan

By Naomi Parris REGISTERED in 2016, the Guyana Cancer Foundation has established its place in society and is considered a safe haven for those who are receiving treatment as well as those who have beaten the odds and survived.

Its Founder and President, Bibi Hassan, in a recent interview, chronicled the growth of her foundation and her vision for increasing access to cancer treatment in Guyana.

Motivated by her own personal experience, Hassan shared that at a young age she became a care giver to her mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage two, and I was her care giver … my mom survived cancer.

She had a mastectomy [and] she is now 79-years-old,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

A tearful Hassan disclosed that it was the pain she watched her mother endure that motivated her to work so closely with breast cancer patients.

“I was there when all her hair fell out when she had to do chemotherapy. I was there all the time with her and she is a very strong woman and she has inspired me to help many women in Guyana,” she said adding: “She is my rock, she is my inspiration and I thank God for having her in my life at this time.”

Hassan told this publication that she had worked closely with the Avon community health fund, assisting as many women as she could.

However, following much vicissitude, the company was dissolved.

Refusing to let the work

she had done go down the drain, Hassan, with the assistance of her former boss and many donors, created the Guyana Cancer Foundation which, to date, is a safe haven and information hub for cancer patients in Guyana and across the Caribbean region.

“This initiative started when I was the treasurer for the Avon community health fund for 10 years until Avon was dissolved in 2015. Two years after that the CEO for the health fund, she called me and she discussed this whole breast cancer thing and she told me I was the only person who had the vision to take over that part of it.”

After registering the foundation, Hassan began a vigorous screening programme offering mammograms and sonograms to the general public. She also held a number of medical outreaches across the country.

Soon after, Hassan also created a cancer survivors club to provide much needed assistance to persons who have won and are fighting the battle against the deadly disease.

“In 2018, we formed a cancer survivors club where we now have 28 members with different types of cancer. The club is more or less a support group,” she said.

Speaking on future projects, Hassan disclosed that she will soon be reaching out to the Government of Guyana for some assistance to extend her services as she wants to reach many more cancer patients across the country.

She explained that her aim is to provide housing for cancer patients who have to travel from interior regions to the capital city

for treatment.

“I’m actually calling on the government to help me.

My vision is to help cancer patients when they come.

When they want to stay, I have two rooms. I would very much like to help when they come and they have to spend over night,” she explained.

Additionally, she is advocating for the establishment of additional radiation therapy services in the country to cater for those who may not be able to afford the costly treatment.

“I’m advocating for another radiation therapy… where we can have low-cost rates. I know radiation therapy is expensive but I think for the poorer people, because of money many of them die because they can’t afford to pay for radiation therapy,” she added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

Several Region Two communities hit by flooding

Svetlana Kingston’s flooded home

THE Region Two administration has put four pumps into operation and deployed a mini-excavator to clear clogged drains at Charity and Sparta following reports of flooding in several communities.

The flooding resulted from heavy rainfall which began late Thursday night. The most affected communities include Sparta, Lima, Charity, and Hampton Court.

Most of the residents of Lima have been affected by the flooding situation. They have approximately three inches of water in their yards and in some cases the water has entered bottom

flats.

Several of them told the Guyana Chronicle that their kitchen gardens and poultry pens are inundated.

It was explained that the water is unable to run off quickly because the sluice is malfunctioning.

This newspaper understands that it is currently being repaired.

According to Regional Vice-Chairman Humace Oodit, pump attendants are working around the clock at Anna Regina, Hampton Court, Sparta, and Charity to bring relief to the flood-affected residents. He said that because the sluice door is currently under repairs, a pump has been put into operation in the area.

Meanwhile, residents of Lima, in expressing concern, said this is first time that their homes have been flooded.

Svetlana Kingston, a caterer from the village, said she woke up to find water in her entire home.

Kingston said her business was affected and

she had to spend most of Friday cleaning. Kingston said that she had to move her household items to higher grounds to ensure she does not suffer any losses.

Another resident, Suraj Persaud said his chicken pen is currently inundated. Persaud said that when he woke up and went down to the lower flat, he observed that his kitchen garden as well as his chicken pen were flooded.

He said he had to immediately move the baby chickens to higher grounds. Persaud used the opportunity to call on the Regional Administration to ensure that the pump continues to work so that residents can get relief.

The region’s Prime Minister Representative, Arnold Adams, also visited several of the floodaffected communities where he interacted with residents. Adams said that he will forward the reports to the Ministry of Agriculture.

A flooded yard at Sparta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

CN Sharma discharged from hospital, recovering at home

VETERAN broadcaster and founder of television station, CNS TV 6, and the Justice for All Party, Chandra Narine Sharma, was, on Friday, discharged from the Intensive Care Unit of the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

His wife, Savitri Singh, related that he returned home and is recovering well.

Sharma spent three weeks in the hospital after encountering breathing problems a few days after he was tested positive for COVID-19 back in September. He was fully vaccinated against the virus.

His family has extended their appreciation to the healthcare workers at the hospital for the care they provided while he was a patient.

As of October 21, six more persons, including a seven-month-old infant died after contract- Chandra Narine Sharma ing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 887.

All six persons were unvaccinated. It should be noted, however, that vaccines are not yet applicable to infants.

The Health Ministry has emphasised to the public “the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home”; “the importance of maintaining the six-feet physical distance from others”; and “the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

Persons displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 or in need of additional information are urged to contact the COVID-19 hotlines on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 or visit the Ministry of Health’s website www.health.gov.gy.

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Cuban business chamber seeks stronger ties with Guyana THE President of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, Antonio L. Carricarte Corona, recently received Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, at the Chamber’s Offices in Centro Havana, to examine co-operation between the chamber and Guyana’s business sector in the context of COVID-19 and its aftermath.

According to the embassy, the Chamber President reaffirmed Cuba’s position with respect to deepening trade and investment between Guyana and Cuba. He said there was no question about that. He anticipated that Cuba would be importing more rice and lumber from Guyana.

President Antonio L. Carricarte Corona told Ambassador Majeed that the chamber is planning to visit Guyana as soon as the details could be worked out, post-COVID-19.

He also briefed Ambassador Majeed on the 2022 Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) that is expected to be held possibly in October next year.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Arlenys Ponce, trade specialist with responsibility for Guyana, and Dr. Celia Labora, Director of the International Department of the Chamber.

‘Is me weed,’ driver tells police after arrest

A THIRTY-FOUR-yearold taxi driver was arrested in the wee hours of Friday morning after police found four kilograms of narcotics in his vehicle, when he turned back at a police road block at the Berbice River Bridge Public Road.

The man was arrested in a dark blue Toyota 212 motorcar bearing registration number HB-6999. The suspect was told of the offence, cautioned and arrested, to which he replied “is me weed and I went going and sell off over the river but I turn back when I see the block.”

According to police in a press statement, the driver was about 20 feet heading west towards the road block when he made a sudden turn and began driving at a fast rate of speed heading east.

The police gave chase with force motor vehicle PAB-3148 and about 200 feet away from the road block they intercepted the said motorcar.

The driver was told of the observations and a search on his person and motor vehicle was requested and done.

The narcotics found in a bag, in the vehicle bearing registration HB-6999 In the trunk of the motorcar, a bulky gray Diesel haversack was found in the spare wheel compartment which, upon opening, contained a bulky parcel wrapped with a transparent plastic and within a black plastic bag.

Police said the plastic bag was opened in the suspect’s presence and it contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The suspected narcotic, motorcar and the suspect were escorted to the Central Police Station where the motorcar was lodged and the suspected narcotic was weighed in his presence which amounted to four kilograms (nine lbs).

The suspect gave a caution statement and is currently in police custody assisting them with their investigations.

Ambassador Halim Majeed and President Antonio Carricarte Corona

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

Guyana Chronicle ‘Agriculture Supplement’ handed over to Minister Mustapha

A TEAM from the Guyana Chronicle, headed

by Editor-in-Chief (EiC), Tajeram Mohabir, on Wednesday, handed over a special publication to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, printed by the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), in recognition of Agriculture Month 2021.

The special publication is a collection of major developments in the agriculture sector driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and its affiliated organisations.

The team from the GNNL, publisher of the Guyana Chronicle and Sunday Chronicle, also included Online Editor, Derwayne Wills, and Chief Reporter, Rehana Ahamad.

The minister and EIC discussed future collaboration for the agriculture sector between the ministry and the publishing company.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha (centre right) receives a copy of the Agriculture Month 2021 supplement from Editor-inChief, Tajeram Mohabir (centre left); flanked by Online Editor, Derwayne Wills (left); and Chief Reporter, Rehana Ahamad (right)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Six more die of ‘COVID’; all from Region Four

SIX more persons, all from Region Four, have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s death toll to 893 as of October 22, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has reported.

According to a MoH press release, the patients were admitted with symptoms presented as COVID-19, but died while receiving care at medical institutions. “Samples were taken at the time of admission, which subsequently returned positive tests.”

The ministry said that the fatalities are three men - a 69-year-old who died on October 21; a 71-yearold who died on October 20; and a 50-year-old who died on October 22. The remaining fatalities are

women - a 69-year-old who died on October 21; a 70-year-old who died on October 21; and a 53-yearold who died on October 22.

All fatalities were recorded in Region Four.

Five of the six persons were unvaccinated, while one was partially vaccinated.

The Health Ministry has expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased, and noted that every effort will be made to provide all necessary support during their time of need.

The Ministry of Health, in its release, has called on the public to allow the families of the deceased their privacy.

It also made no bones about calling for persons

to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.22), which are in effect until October 31, 2021. A national curfew remains in effect every night between 22:30 hours and 4:00 hours.

In its release, the Health Ministry emphasised to the public “the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home”; “the importance of maintaining the six-feet physical distance from others”; and “the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

A total of 74 new cases were recorded. The country has now recorded a total of 34,800 COVID-19 cases with a total of 30,372 recovered cases.

Persons displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 or in need of addition-

al information are urged to contact the COVID-19 hotlines on 231-1166, 226-

7480 or 624-6674 or visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

More women needed in –– GYSBI construction supervisor construction ALIYAH James, construction supervisor at Guyana Shore Base Inc. is quickly approaching her third anniversary with the company providing support to Guyana’s oil sector.

Her encouragement for women is to join the construction technical field.

“Working with GYSBI is a very good experience, especially working in the construction department. That was a very interesting role.

“The construction department is definitely tasked with the job of building all our warehouses and shore base or building any facilities for the shore base. We deal with the clients directly; get their assessment on the scope of work. We complete it as per those requirements and of course, we do this with maintaining very high safety culture.”

James had to learn quickly. She said GYSBI provided a conducive environment for her to thrive and take up a role as a woman in a leadership position in construction.

“Coming from a background without any construction related knowledge, I’ve learnt a lot in terms of building information, procedures, and working with a team that’s very much appreciative. And there was definitely no gender bias there. They

“We have a lot of projects coming online at Guyana Shore Base fairly soon,” said General Manager at GYSBI, Sean Hill.

“We’re not bringing on anymore expats.

We don’t believe we need to, because of the skills and the competencies of the Guyanese people we’ve already found so far, and we believe we’re going to continue to find.”

The government facilitated the expan-

sion when it came into office by clearing US$16 million in permits.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during the Enmore fair, said that multiple shore base and port facilities are being erected to cater for the development of the oil and gas, and other industries which will open numerous opportunities for employment. (DPI)

Superbet cashier charged for allegedly stealing over $300,000

Construction Supervisor at Guyana Shore Base Inc., Aliyah James treated me just as a normal staff.”

James made these comments during a job fair held by GYSBI at the Uitvlugt Community Centre earlier this month. Fairs were also held at Providence and Enmore, as part of GYSBI’s plan to ramp up by 150 Guyanese workers.

A TWENTY-SIX-yearold Superbet cashier was, on Friday, arraigned in court for allegedly stealing over $300,000, from her employer.

Nikeda Castello, of West Ruimveldt, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

She denied that on October 5, 2021, at Laing Avenue, Georgetown , while being a clerk or servant at Superbet, she stole $300,726.

Nikeda Castello Police Prosecutor, Christopher Morris, told the court that on the day in question, Castello, who was employed as a cashier,

was asked to balance the register. When this was done, it was noticed that there was a shortage of $300,726.

Castello, however, denied stealing the money. The matter was reported to police and based on the investigation conducted, she was arrested and later charged.

Police prosecutor Morris did not object to bail.

Castello was later released on $70,000 bail and told to return to court on December 3, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Budding aeronautical engineer is Best Graduating GDF recruit

A BUDDING Aeronautical Engineer of Kwakwani, Region 10, is the Best Graduating Student of the Basic Recruit Course (BRC) 2021-02.

Private Hicks Mittleholzer was among 153 recruits who completed the basic training programme, which commenced on July 26, 2021.

The three-month course culminated on October 20 with a graduation parade at the Patrick Williams Drill Square at the Colonel John Clarke Military School, Tacama.

In his feature address, Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess congratulated the new batch of soldiers.

He thanked them for choosing the noblest profession and staying the course.

“Thank you for answering when we called and for pushing yourself beyond your expectations. You have ensured that you made it to your graduation parade today to officially become soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force,” he said.

Brigadier Bess highlighted the importance of commitment and service to effectively deliver on the role of the GDF, as is

Private Massimo Rodrigues, who hails from Kumu, Lethem, Region Nine, said he is privileged and honoured to receive his award.

“As a young boy growing up in my village, I have always had my focus set on becoming a soldier. My

Best Graduating Student, Private Hicks Mittleholzer receives a trophy from Chief of Staff, Brigadier, Godfrey Bess mandated by the Constitu- the prize for Best Drill. tion. He iterated that for the Prizes for Best Fitness and soldiers to understand their Best Shot were awarded roles, they must first under- to Privates Shemar Harte stand who a soldier is and and Massimo Rodrigues, the expectations. Adding respectively. that, the mission, wherever “I believe the GDF has they serve, is to keep Guy- the opportunities and scope ana safe. to propel me where I want Private Nekil Edwards to go. I have a timeline set was adjudged the run- for myself to achieve my ner-up student. Private Ed- goals and I plan to realise die Dutchin copped the these with the foundation prize for the Best Military provided by the GDF,” said Knowledge while Private Private Mittleholzer, the Deonte Skeete received Best Graduating Student.

A section of the soldiers who participated in the basic training programme, which commenced on July 26, 2021

late father is my inspiration.

He was an extremely disciplined, proud and loyal soldier. In his time, he had won the award for the Best Shot and his trophy is displayed at my grandmother’s home. I feel proud to have contributed to his legacy,” Rodrigues stated.

The Best Platoon prize was awarded to the Number Three Platoon.

The Chief-of-Staff, officers, warrant officers, senior non-commissioned officers, ranks and civilian employees congratulate and welcome the soldiers to the GDF.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

First booklet on fruits and vegetables launched

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, hands over seedling plants to one of the farmers during the launch of Guyana’s first edition of Fruits and Vegetables Booklet THE National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), on Wednesday, launched the first edition of Guyana’s Fruits and Vegetables Booklet, which captures the preharvest and post-harvest practices, safe handling and processing of the two commodities.

The booklet also provides stakeholders with useful forward-looking information, with details intended to be used by farmers, vendors, food handlers, food processors and exporters.

During the launch at NA-

REI’s head office, Mon Repos, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said he was pleased with the direction NAREI is heading and reiterated his support in future ventures.

“This shows that we are moving, and we are moving in the right direction. It shows that we have a ministry that is promoting food security and agricultural activity in the country and region.”

Minister Mustapha commended the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organi-

sation (FAO) for their support in partnering with NAREI to successfully complete the booklet.

He said for years, Guyana needed a hardcover document to promote and guide farming practices.

In April 2021, the Agriculture Ministry launched the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV), which was themed, “Good for you”. It was during that time Minister Mustapha reiterated government’s commitment to implement policies and programmes to promote climate resilient and sustain-

able production of fruits and vegetables.

“We made a commitment in April, we knew for a fact that a number of, stakeholders and persons involved in agriculture were looking forward for the announcement that we have made… to bring out this booklet, and from April to now I think it’s a remarkable achievement in bringing out this booklet so that we can disseminate the information,” Minister Mustapha said during the launch.

He stated that the booklet would be utilised by individuals living in other CARICOM countries.

“Our organisations are committed to working together to ensure a sustainable use of our natural resources base for improved food security and nutrition, and to working a meaningful contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the minister stated.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Jagnarine Singh, said IYFV provides a platform to not only showcase what Guyana produces; but also ensure that systems are put in place to reduce food loss through the promotion of innovative ways to further increase production.

“At NAREI, we have been advancing the produc-

Guyana’s first edition of Fruits and Vegetables Booklet tion of new and improved seeds, seedlings, and germplasm materials, which will help in improving farmers’ livelihood. Increase in production and productivity leads to agricultural growth and can help to alleviate poverty among our small-scale

farmers,” the CEO stated.

He said activities throughout the year will continue to promote a more diversified, balanced and healthy diet and lifestyle through fruits and vegetable consumption among households.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

Coconut vendor charged for stealing clothing from Kitty Market stall

A FIFTY-year-old coconut vendor was, on Friday, taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for breaking into a Kitty Market stall and stealing $2M in clothing.

Clifton Dowden called “Grupa” of North Sophia, Georgetown, was arraigned before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that between September 19-20, 2021, at Bar and Alexander Streets,

Clifton Dowden called 'Grupa' Kitty, Dowden broke and entered the stall of Persaud (only name given), and stole a quantity of clothing valued $2M. According to the facts presented by police prosecutor Christopher Morris, on September 19, the virtual complainant secured the stall and went home. On September 20, an off-duty police officer was passing the market which is located a short distance away from the Kitty Police Station, when he allegedly saw Dowden operating in a suspicious manner. When Dowden who had a bag in his possession saw the rank, he made good his escape. Dowden was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Dowden, who was unrepresented, rejected the prosecution’s claims and told the court that he did not commit the crime. He further told the court that he was kept in police custody for over two weeks and was badly beaten by police ranks.

However, when the magistrate instructed her police orderlies to search Dowden for bruises, no marks of violence were found on him.

As such, the magistrate granted Dowden $100,000 bail and adjourned the case to December 27.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

UG introduces Masters in Supply Chain Management

IN response to a skills gap within both the public and private sectors, the University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) has introduced a Masters of Science (MSc) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) programme.

The new programme adds to the list of several new programmes being introduced by the university at both the undergraduate and post-graduate levels for the 2021/2022 Academic Year, a release said.

The carefully crafted MSc in Supply Chain Management programme is intended to address some critical needs within Guyana.

SEBI considers this programme of critical importance in fulfilling its mandate to offer programmes relevant to national development.

The programme will be offered online and both local and foreign faculties will be utilised to deliver the curriculum. The programme comprises 42 credits which are to be completed over two years (five semesters).

To ensure that students gain more than theoretical exposure to the issues in this programme, they are required to prepare a final project. This final project is intended to provide them with an opportunity to show their understanding of issues critical to supply chain management and how these can be addressed. For example, how does a mining operation locate and move critical supplies to multiple interior locations, given the current network of roads and rivers?

In a brief comment, the Dean of SEBI, Professor Leyland Lucas said: “Launching the MSc in Supply Chain Management is timely in Guyana.

The programme is robust and satisfies the demands of both industry and academia, and has been built around international and regional standards. The programme makes extensive use of simulations to ensure that students receive both theoretical and practical exposure to relevant issues.

More importantly, it requires students to examine critical and relevant issues that may impact on SCM decisions, rather than simply focusing on the theoretical issues of

The University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) has introduced a Masters of Science (MSc) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) programme the field.”

He added: “Globally, there are significant concerns about the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain for industries. With the pandemic came increased focus on online shopping, and these products must be sourced from somewhere. A recent publication stated that businesses might not be able to carry adequate stocks of products for the holiday season. Clearly, SCM is more than just a mundane issue.”

IMPORTANT ISSUES Knowing where inputs are being sourced from, the reliability of suppliers, the risk of exposure to flaws in the value chain system, and how best to protect the organisation from such risks are all to be considered, the University of Guyana said.

It added that no longer can trade barriers protect inefficient firms seeking to exploit market opportunities.

“For example, the Revised CARICOM Treaty of Chaguaramas speaks specifically to the establishment of a Single Market Economy (CSME), while acknowledging that some economies and companies operating there might be disadvantaged and need special dispensation.

Likewise, the treaty emphasises the need to provide opportunities for judicial and other forms of relief, without violating the intent of the CSME establishment.

These and similar initiatives in more advanced regional bodies have the ability to affect access to the most effective and efficient supply chains to support organisational performance. So, although public and private sector organisations that survive are expected to dem-

onstrate dependability and reliability in the delivery of goods and services, specific accommodations will still be necessary in light of unique regional conditions,” the university noted.

The MSc Supply Chain Management was drafted by a team from the School of Entrepreneurship and

Business Innovation (SEBI) under the leadership of Professor Leyland M. Lucas, Dean of SEBI. The core drafters included Teneisha Johnny, Mandie Mickle, and Carol Webster.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME SEBI also launched a new Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sustainable Tourism Management. The new BSc programme in Sustainable Tourism Management has replaced the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and the Associate of Arts in Tourism Studies. It is geared towards addressing the growing needs of Guyana and the region by creating a new group of graduates who will possess the competence, knowledge, and practical skills to aid in (1) viewing sustainable tourism as a vital mechanism to the economic development of Guyana, (2) appreciating the imperativeness of balancing tourism,

the protection of the physical and social environment and economic development, and (3) respecting the historical importance and knowledge of indigenous communities and valuing their contributions to development.

The programme is scheduled to commence online in late October 2021. It is comprised of 126 credits which are to be completed over four years (eight semesters) and will be offered both online and face-to-face modes.

The programme capitalises on Guyana’s competitive advantage of being the world’s number one ecotourism destination and the uniqueness of Guyana’s tourism resources while satisfying the demands of the industry. It incorporates a strong combination of SEBI’s foundational courses and specialist tourism courses.

Some of these exciting specialist tourism courses include: Eco-Tourism

Development; History and Culture Tourism; Indigenous Peoples and Tourism; Community Based Tourism; Facilities & Attraction Management; Facilities & Attraction Management; Tourism Planning & Policy; Tourism Entrepreneurship & Events Management; Eco-Tourism Operations Management; and Marketing Sustainable Tourism.

Persons interested in pursuing one of the programmes being offered by SEBI are kindly asked to use the following link: https:// sebi.uog.edu.gy/academicprogrammes.

Prospective students can also choose from over 140 programmes including those offered at the Ph.D., masters, undergraduate, associate degree, diploma, and certificate levels. The university has instituted a rolling application process for the first semester of this new academic year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

Guyana has enough vaccines to achieve herd immunity -Health Minister

GUYANA has in stock an adequate number of COVID-19 vaccines

to achieve herd immunity, Health, Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said.

One of the COVID-19 vaccines used in Guyana (DPI photo) With the Delta variant of the coronavirus circulating, Guyana aims to fully immunise at least 90 per cent of its population to achieve herd immunity.

During his daily COVID-19 update on Friday, Dr. Anthony said there are adequate amounts of AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to significantly lessen the spread of the deadly virus here.

“With AstraZeneca we have given most of the first doses and we have about 55,000 or so persons who need to get their second dose, so we need to get those second doses.

In terms of Sinopharm, we have adequate vaccines for both first and second doses, and Sputnik V, we have first and second doses currently available, J&J, as you know it’s one dose so we have those available as well,” Dr. Anthony said.

He said the country also has enough doses of the Pfizer vaccine which is being administered to children between the ages of 12 and 18, along with pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Dr. Anthony said the country’s vaccination rate also continues to grow.

Currently 376,436 persons or 73.4 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccine while 236,238 persons or 46.1 per cent of the adult population is fully immunised.

In Region Four, the most populated region in Guyana, 82 per cent of the population received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Anthony said however, that this still needs to increase.

“As you would see the

higher the immunisation rate goes up, you will see a fall-off in terms of the hospitalisation and the deaths, and as we increase these numbers of persons being vaccinated in Region Four, you are going to see the cases come down.”

Many regions still continue to lag behind in their vaccination rate, a situation Dr. Anthony reiterated, must be quickly addressed.

In Region One, 79.5 per cent of the population has had a first dose of the vaccine; Region Two, 59.6 per cent; Region Three, 70.1 per cent; Region Five, 72.4 per cent; Region Six, 73.8 per cent; Region Seven, 72.4 per cent; Region Eight, 45.4 per cent; Region Nine, 73.6 per cent and Region 10, 33.1 per cent “As you can see in Region 10, we are really lagging behind because they have only completed about 33.1 per cent of the region’s population.

If we hope to get to herd immunity in that region, then we have to increase this to at least 90 per cent.

Again, Region Eight is also lagging behind, they are at 45.4 per cent and again if we want to be at herd immunity, it’s about 90 per cent. Region Two is also lagging behind and they are 59.6 per cent and again if we are looking at getting herd immunity against Delta its about 90 per cent of the population, so, we have a far way to go in terms of vaccinating, especially in these three regions,” Dr Anthony noted.

The ministry is also expecting more doses of Sputnik V, AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines in the coming weeks. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 23, 2021

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Health Minister: Guyana has no policy of re-vaccination at this time

HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said there is currently no re-vaccination policy in Guyana for persons who took the Sputnik V vaccine, which is yet to receive approval by the World Health Organisa-

December, so if they hold to that schedule, then the WHO should approve the vaccine,” he said.

The Health Minister noted too that those countries requiring vaccination upon entry have systems in place for travel there.

There is no re-vaccination policy in Guyana for persons who took the Sputnik V vaccine tion (WHO).

Dr. Anthony said the government is also not encouraging revaccination at this time, particularly for persons who may want to travel to the United States.

The Health Minister said if re-vaccinations are done at this time, then persons would get more vaccines than necessary, while there is still an unvaccinated population being at risk of COVID-19.

Dr Anthony said that as far as he is aware, the Sputnik V vaccine is still scheduled to be approved before year-end. Once it is approved, then there would be no issues with travel.

“From the information that we have received and we have been in a meeting, an international meeting, we were told that the Sputnik V vaccine was scheduled for WHO approval sometime in late November, the latest by the first week in

“Countries that are requiring vaccines right now, doesn’t matter which vaccine you get, you have to let them know up front and they would allow you to come into the country.

However, you will have to be in quarantine for some period of time and once that time elapses it’s ok, you can then start moving around and that quarantine usually happens at home, so where ever you’re going, you quarantine at home and that’s permissible,” Dr Anthony said.

The WHO said it was still carrying out some assessment of the Russian made Sputnik V vaccine before it is cleared for emergency use.

The US announced that by early November, international travellers would be allowed entry into the country if they show proof of vaccination with any FDA or WHO approved vaccine. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

ICC T20 World Cup First round …

ICC T20 World Cup First Round …

Sri Lanka cruise past Namibia qualify for hapless Netherlands Super 12s

Wanindu Hasaranga had the Netherlands batters tied up in knots (ICC via Getty)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - This was the first dead rubber of the World Cup, and aptly enough, Sri Lanka were ruthless with their execution. Seven years after they had skittled Netherlands out for 39, the lowest T20 World Cup total, Sri Lanka condemned the same opposition to the second-lowest total too, running through them for 44 in ten overs.

The chase was more batting practice than anything else, and the top order, who had misfired until now in the tournament, for the first time faced no pressure whatsoever. Even so, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka fell cheaply, as Sri Lanka still finished the game off in just over seven overs, giving their own confidence a nice fillip ahead of the Super 12s round. They could hardly have wished for a smoother evening's work.

There was little of substance to play for as far as Netherlands were concerned, and the moment Dasun Shanaka put them in to bat, Sri Lanka looked like they meant business.

Off the fourth ball, when Max O'Dowd set off for a risky single, the captain effected a direct hit at the non-striker's end to send the top-scoring Netherlands batter at the competition back cheaply. From there on, it was a procession, led by carrom-bowling revelation

Maheesh Theekshana and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

Theekshana sent Ben Cooper and Stephan Myburgh back to the pavilion after rattling their middle stumps with carrom balls neither could read, while Hasaranga honed in on the pads with wrong'uns that appeared impossible for the opposition to pick.

Colin Ackermann, Bas de Leede and Pieter Seelaar all failed to get their pads out of the way of the googly, and by the time a remarkable powerplay concluded, Netherlands were reduced to 37 for 6.

And, as if that wasn't destructive enough, Sri Lanka brought back Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara for the lower order to face deliveries regularly in excess of 145kph. One struck Scott Edwards on the head that brought the physio out for a concussion test, before Kumara put him out of his misery by pitching one up into his pads. It began an over that saw him remove the final three Netherlands batters inside six balls to put paid to the innings inside ten overs, and set his batters up with a canter of a chase.

SRI LANKA STROLL Ideally, Sri Lanka would have wished to see the top order run this down without the loss of a wicket CRICKET QUIZ CORNER to assuage concerns about an (Saturday October 23, 2021) underperforming top order.

However, Nissanka holed out COMPLIMENTS OF at mid-off for a duck, while AsCUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD alanka could not take advantage 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) of his opportunity at No. 3. But Sri Lanka were in little hurry Answers to yesterday’s quiz: to force the issue, running the (1) Marlon Samuels target down at a canter.

Kusal Perera had time (2) South Africa (2007) enough for a cameo that Today’s Quiz: should help his confidence deeper into the tournament (1) Which two of these teams have never lifted an - an unbeaten 33 off 24 balls, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title? offering a glimpse of his belPakistan, Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka ligerence in the top order.

Avishka Fernando knocked (2) In what year did the WI host a Men’s T20 World Cup? off the winning runs, but for Sri Lanka today, it was all Answers in tomorrow’s issue about the bowling.

GERHARD Erasmus' anchoring half-century and David Wiese's whirlwind 28* off 14 balls steered Namibia into the Super 12s of the 2021 T20 World Cup. This eight-wicket win over Ireland also meant that Namibia have booked their spot in next year's edition as well, which will be played in Australia.

Batting first in a virtual knockout, Paul Stirling and Kevin O'Brien laid the foundation by adding 62 in 7.2 overs but the incoming batters failed to capitalise on that.

Ireland were 55 for 0 at the end of the powerplay but could score only 70 in the next 14 overs. Apart from their top three, no one else reached the double figures.

Given the sluggish nature of the Sharjah pitch, a target of 126 wasn't an easy one, especially with Namibia playing a batter short. They could manage only 27 for 1 in the powerplay, and needed 49 off 36 balls at one point. Wiese then smashed back-to-back sixes off Craig Young in the 15th over to bring the asking rate down.

With 19 required off 17 balls, Erasmus, who had hit only two fours in his first 44 balls, skipped down the track to Simi Singh and launched him for a straight six. That all but sealed the game for Namibia. When Wiese hit the winning boundary, there were still nine balls left in the game.

STIRLING, O'BRIEN GIVE IRELAND BRISK START It took Stirling and O'Brien a couple of overs to get used to the pace and bounce of the pitch but once they did that, boundaries came frequently. Stirling was the more aggressive of the two but he gained better

rewards when he focussed on timing and placement than power.

In the third over of the innings, he punched JJ Smit over long-on for a six before hitting three fours off left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz in the next over.

O'Brien, who scored 9 off 12 balls at one stage, took a leaf out of Stirling's book and struck two fours off Jan Frylinck in the sixth over to bring up the fifty. Stirling and O'Brien now have 13 stands of 50 or more in T20Is, the most by any pair.

Scholtz eventually ended the opening stand when Stirling holed out to long-on for a 24-ball 38. In the next over, O'Brien (25 off 24) picked out deep square leg off Frylinck to leave the side 67 for 2.

THE SHARJAH SLOWDOWN As was the case during IPL 2021, scoring runs became difficult once the ball softened and the field spread out. The first six overs of Ireland's innings featured seven fours and a six; the next six had just one four.

Andy Balbirnie struggled for timing on a slowing track. He was on 5 when Aleem Dar denied an lbw appeal off Pikky Ya France.

Namibia chose not to review it but replays showed Balbirnie was lucky to survive.

The reprieve, however, didn't hurt Namibia much. Their seamers kept peppering the good length in the line of the stumps and kept the Ireland batters quiet.

Wiese put Gareth Delany out of his misery by castling him with a slower ball in the 15th over. Two overs later, Frylinck dismissed Balbirnie and Curtis Campher to jolt Ireland further as the innings petered out.

Perez leads United States Grand free practice two (BBC) - Title rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton clashed in second practice at the US Grand Prix as Red Bull's Sergio Perez emerged with the fastest time.

Verstappen called Hamilton a "stupid idiot" over the team radio after an incident in which the two raced side by side down the pit straight.

Verstappen then gave Hamilton a middle-finger salute as they accelerated out of the corner.

Verstappen was told to "ignore it" by his race engineer Giampiero Lambiase.

Hamilton was third, his best lap deleted, while Verstappen was eighth.

Hamilton set the fastest time of the session but had it ruled out for marginally exceeding track limits at the final corner. The time he set was 0.1secs faster than Perez's quickest time.

And Verstappen, who leads Hamilton by six points in the title race with six races to go, did not set a representative time at all and ended up eighth in a session in which he also uttered cross words at Lambiase after a mix-up over traffic, and then aborted a second attempt

at a flying lap.

The incident between Hamilton and Verstappen happened when Hamilton passed the Red Bull going into the final corner.

The two then raced side by side down the pit straight, almost touching wheels, and into the first corner, before Hamilton claimed track position.

Perez was fastest by 0.257secs from McLaren's Lando Norris, with Hamilton setting a fastest legitimate lap on tyres well past their best to be 0.364secs off the pace and 0.05secs quicker than team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who made a mistake on his fastest lap.

McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo was fifth fastest, ahead of Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Verstappen.

Bottas has a five-place grid penalty for using too many engine parts following an engine change.

Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel and George Russell's Williams also have engine penalties and will start from the back of the TURN TO PAGE 30

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

CWI announces Cricket Glorious Cricket! partnership with Who will be the 2021 ICC Champions?

Apex Group Ltd CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has announced a new partnership with Apex Group Ltd, a global financial services provider. The partnership will see Apex as the exclusive shirt sponsor for the West Indies Men’s team during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, as part of a broader Official Sustainability Partnership with CWI. It is believed to be the first sustainability partnership of its kind in international cricket.

The Apex logo will appear on the leading arm of the defending T20 World Champions’ shirts for the duration of the West Indies ICC 2021 World Cup campaign. Apex will also provide sustainability and environmental advisory services to CWI for over a three-year period as its Exclusive Sustainability Partner.

By providing CWI with annual carbon footprint assessments, Apex will help the organisation lead the way in driving sustainability in cricket across the region by putting in place an action plan to reduce and offset climate-altering outputs.

Ricky Skerritt, president of CWI said: “Sustainability is a powerful concept that is being woven into our organisational fabric on all fronts. We are therefore proud to announce this innovative commercial partnership with Apex Group, welcoming a new international partner to support West Indies cricket.

“For the many West Indian countries that we represent, climate change is a real and present danger. As the first international cricket organisation to systematically commit to evaluating and reducing our carbon output, Apex will help CWI devise an action plan to become fully sustainable on and off the pitch.

“For CWI, this will directly impact cricket because of how facilities and operations will need to change and adapt. We will also need plans to understand and offset the international and regional air travel that our teams have to undertake.

“In partnership with Apex, we intend to use our combined global platforms to act and drive change for future generations to come, of cricketers and fans.”

Peter Hughes, Founder and CEO of Apex Group said: “Amid the climate crisis, sport, like all industries, must recognise and act to reduce its impact on the environment. We are excited to announce our partnership with the West Indies T20 World Cup team and CWI to provide our market leading carbon footprint consultancy services, to help cricket do its part to combat the growing, global climate crisis.

“The West Indies represents some of the world’s most beautiful natural environments that we are looking to protect, so for us it makes perfect sense to partner with CWI to kick-start our campaign to drive sustainability in sport. We wish the team every success as they defend their title as the current holders of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.” West Indies are two-time and defending ICC T20 World Cup Champions and will be going in search of an unprecedented third title and back-to-back T20 World Cup Tournament wins.

West Indies’ first match is today against England at the Dubai International Stadium in the first of West Indies’ Group games in the Super12 stage of the tournament.

First ball is 18:00hrs (10:00hrs Eastern Caribbean/09:00hrs Jamaica) and will be shown live on ESPN Caribbean.

Perez leads...

FROM PAGE 29

grid, their penalties bigger than Bottas' because they have taken more parts.

Both Bottas and Perez had impressive days - they were the two quickest drivers on the long runs later in the second session, when drivers simulate the first stint of a race. Bottas was comfortably quicker than anyone else.

And the role of the num-

ber twos could be key in the remaining races as their teams battle for advantage in the championship.

Late in the session, there was an incident for Fernando Alonso, who spun his Alpine at Turn 19 and backed lightly into the barrier.

He seemed to get away with it without damaging his car.

MILLIONS of cricket fans are following the 2021 ICC Cricket World Cup championship that is currently being played in the UAE. However, the matches will be played at the three popular venues, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. It will be fun and excitement to see the Super 12s battle for supremacy.

Under the present playing conditions India and Pakistan will be seen as hot favourites to take the title. However, defending champions West Indies will be looking to win their third title and win the back-to-back T20 titles.

The pitches will not be favourable to the genuine fast bowlers. Hence, the spinners will be more effective and on the slow pitches the quicker bowlers will have to bowl an immaculate line and length. While the spinners will enjoy big turns and the bounce and spin will be threatening, bowlers will benefit tremendously from superb fielding. Looking at the various T20s tournaments around the world and it cannot be denied that we will be seeing some superb fielding and fascinating catches.

The game of cricket depends heavily on runs scored in the innings. The batters will have to get scores for their team to win matches. Hence, looking at the batters in the tournament, spectators and fans can expect to see some exciting batting.

The batters who will be scoring runs quickly and hitting the ball all over the ground will be the match-winners while the Test match accumulator of runs will have to wait for Test match cricket.

Remember the name ‘Carlos Brathwaite’?. Defending champions West Indies are without him. It will be interesting to see skipper Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran get runs in the middle order. These three batters can score runs very quickly and destroy any bowling attack if they get going.

The West Indies early batters Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher along with Shmiron Hetmyer and the solid Roston Chase must play important innings. The batting on paper looks great and threatening. However, the bowling looks feeble and the world’s number one all-rounder Jason Holder is missing from the squad that will be playing for the defending champions. Oh! The West Indies will regret the non-selection of ‘golden boy’ Romario Shepherd.

Australia team at the World Cup looks very strong. Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith are all world-class batters.

Batting all-rounders Mitchel Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are all genuine middle-order batters. Their bowling attack includes the reputable Pat Cummings, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc along with spinner Adam Zampa.

New Zealand batting line-up will be dangerous with skipper Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill and Glen Phillips. The middle-order can be dangerous with Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson while the bowling attack looks formidable with Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Jamieson along with Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

South Africa, with a reasonable batting line-up that includes Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen, can score enough runs for their quality bowling to win matches. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, along with the world-rated spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Mahraj can be victorious on the slow pitches.

All eyes will be on team India with several world-class batters and bowlers. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, along with Ishan Kishan are all in tremendous form while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thankur are all ready for possible selection.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are all world-class fast bowlers. India will be the team to defeat in this world Cup. England will be under the astute leadership of Eoin Morgan. However, Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan and Jason Roy are aggressive batters while their bowling line-up includes Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan and Adil Rashid - an attack that can win matches.

The team that can create an upset is the Pakistan mixture of youth and experience. Babar Azam is world class. Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan along with the batting all-rounders can be a powerful and can score heavily. Their bowling is extremely strong with the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and the clever bowling all-rounders.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are two teams that should do well in the playing conditions. However, the ‘Big’ teams are too powerful and the championship will be punctuated with many upsets and full of excitement and thrills. All eyes are on magnificent fielding, superb battings and clever bowling. It will certainly be Glorious Cricket!

Neil Kumar.

Postponed England-India Test to be replayed next year (BBC) - The postponed fifth Test between England and India will be played at Edgbaston from July 1 to 5 next year.

The series-decider, due to be held at Emirates Old Trafford in September, was called off after India withdrew over COVID-19 concerns.

The rearranged Test will count towards the outcome of the series, which India lead 2-1.

Old Trafford will replace Edgbaston as the venue for the second Test between England and South Africa in August.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Old Trafford could not stage the rearranged Test because of "complexities in the schedule" and a lack of time to prepare a pitch because of "pre-planned events" at the ground.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: "We are very pleased that we have reached an agreement with BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to create a fitting end to what has been a brilliant

series so far.

"We would like to apologise again to fans for the disruption and disappointment of September events."

BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah said: "The four Test matches were riveting, and we needed a fitting finale."

India are scheduled to play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in England in July.

The T20 series will start six days later than originally planned on July 7, and the ODI series will get under way on July 12.

Old Trafford will host an ODI rather than the scheduled T20, while Edgbaston will do the opposite.

"We recognise that accommodating this extra match means a tighter schedule for the white-ball series," Harrison said. "We will continue to manage our players' welfare and workloads through next year."

The Test was postponed after a number of India's support staff tested

positive for coronavirus.

The tourists said they were unable to field a team as they feared further cases spreading through the squad.

In announcing the news of the cancellation two hours before the start of the game on September 10, ECB said India had forfeited the Test, only to retract that statement.

Harrison said later that day that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would make a ruling on the outcome of the Test and series, but India opener Rohit Sharma said this month: "In my mind we have won the series 2-1."

England v India 2022 - revised schedule July 1-5: Fifth Test, Edgbaston July 7: First T20, Ageas Bowl July 9: Second T20, Edgbaston July 10: Third T20, Trent Bridge July 12: First ODI, Kia Oval July 14: Second ODI, Lord's July 17: Third ODI, Emirates Old Trafford

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

West Indies hoping to draw inspiration from 2016 win

(CMC) – Captain Kieron Pollard says West Indies hope to draw inspiration from their exhilarating victory over England in the final of the 2016 Twenty20 World Cup but he concedes that result will have little impact on today’s clash against the same opponents.

West Indies beat England by four wickets in a nerve-jangling final in Mumbai after Carlos Brathwaite smashed sixes off the first four deliveries of the game’s final over, with the Caribbean side needing 19 runs from the last six balls in pursuit of 156.

Pollard, who missed the 2016 tournament after pulling out of the squad, said the current group had watched the final in preparation for the opening game.

“In terms of personnel and bearing, to say the (2016 final) will have a big impact, I don’t think so but it’s definitely going to be at the back of their minds,” Pollard said yesterday.

“I think what Carlos did in those four deliveries in that last over, it’s unbelievable.

“It’s something as a team that we actually saw last night (Thursday) and it brought goosebumps back to us, and for us to tbe in that situation and get over the line, it shows that never-say-die attitude.”

Only four players of the current squad – Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons and Andre Russell – featured in that final at Eden Gardens.

FLASHBACK: All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite celebrates after hitting the last of his four sixes to win the West Indies 2016 T20 World Cup final.

Brathwaite, who was appointed captain months later, was dropped from the squad two

years ago, and appears to be off the radar of selectors.

For England, seven players have survived the 2016 final, perhaps handing them the edge in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the October 23 to November 14 tournament.

With five years having elapsed, however, Pollard believes the dynamics have sufficiently changed to negate any carry-over to today’s contest.

“I don’t think it will have much bearing on the game (today) because it’s like another game of cricket,” he cautioned.

“That situation was totally different, it being a final. We’re looking forward to coming out and giving a good account of ourselves.”

West Indies’ overall form has faltered ever since their last World Cup triumph and they enter the current showpiece ranked ninth, only above Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe among traditional Test-playing nations.

However, Pollard stressed it was time for his unit to create new memories, by producing performances of merit over the next few weeks.

“We, as a team, look forward to trying to replicate winning the entire tournament because those kinds of moments kind of stick with us,” said the 34-year-old.

“Hopefully we can just go out and play good cricket and get in a position and a situation where we’re actually in the final so we can have some memories as well going forward.”

West Indies begin T20 World Cup bid today

(CMC) – Erratic West Indies will hope to shake off widespread criticism of squad selection, bubble fatigue of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lethargy, caused by disappointing warm-up results, when they clash with England in today’s opening day of the Twenty20 World Cup in a repeat of the thrilling 2016 final.

The Caribbean side have marched from one bio-secure bubble to another over the last four months, playing 14 T20 Internationals against three different sides at home, before disbanding to allow players to feature in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

To further complicate matters, the 15-man squad became the centre of raging debate due to the inclusion of the ageing duo of Chris Gayle and Ravi Rampaul, and the omission of the likes of Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.

And on-field attempts to change the narrative failed when the reigning champions suffered emphatic defeats to Pakistan and Afghanistan in official warm-ups earlier this week.

However, captain Kieron Pollard said despite the disappointing sequence of events, squad morale was high and players were anxious to prove their worth in the October 23 to November 14 showpiece here.

“I think the mood is upbeat. Yes, we accept

that the two warm-up games would not have gone how we wanted in terms of scoring the amount of runs and the sort of intent that we’re looking for,” Pollard told an online media conference yesterday.

“But be that as it may, I think before the guys (from the IPL final) joined the camp we had a good couple days of good intense sessions, with guys understanding roles and responsibilities.

“We get a sense that guys are up for it, the guys are just looking forward to starting this tournament. And we accept we didn’t do well in the warm-up games but be that as it may, we move on from that and look forward to tomorrow (today).”

West Indies have found themselves in a virtual group of death in Group 1, where they will take on the likes of Australia, South Africa and England, with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka also adding to that difficulty by advancing from the just concluded pre-tournament qualifiers.

In the Caribbean this year, the Kieron Pollard-led unit thrashed a weakened Australia 4-1 and beat Sri Lanka 2-1 earlier in March but lost 3-2 to South Africa.

Pollard said West Indies would be focussing on execution and not necessarily their opponents, as they chased a spot in the final four.

“I don’t want to preempt anything. I just want that every time we step on the cricket field we play a good game of cricket,” he explained.

“This is sport so we’re going to win and we’re going to lose. Obviously every time we step on to that field we’re looking to win matches; so for us, it would be unprecedented if we go all the way through not losing (a game).

“Having said that, I don’t want to preempt stuff by talking about how many games we actually need to win to get through the group.

I think it is important that we plan each and every time and we look to execute our plans and hopefully the results sort of take care of themselves.”

He continued: “Our biggest concern is just trying to start the tournament. The guys are anxious. The guys have been here a while and we’re looking forward to starting the tournament.

“I don’t want to get into the specifics of concerns – different persons have different problems at different times but I think as a team, we’re pretty confident.

“We’re confident our batting can do the job, we’re confident our bowling can do the job and we’re very, very confident in the bunch that we have, in terms of the camaraderie and playing some exciting, entertaining cricket.”

Slow bowling has proved the perpetual bane of West Indies batters and with the power-hitting side notorious for their lack of strike rotation in the middle overs, the problem has become too difficult to ignore.

But Pollard said while plenty work had

been done to address the matter, West Indies would not be abandoning their trademark power game.

“In terms of spin it’s just a matter of backing your strengths, backing your ability, understanding the situation, knowing when we need to rotate strike, knowing when we need to use our power-hitting abilities – again, playing to our strengths if we have to show that intent,” he pointed out.

“I think for us it is a mindset. The guys have worked tirelessly. They’ve worked really hard in the nets to try to understand the situation and what is really needed.

“When that bell rings, let’s see if we can put it into practice but we’re really, really confident as a bunch and as a team, and we believe in each and every individual and we’ve had good chats as to what we want to accomplish.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr ENGLAND – Eoin Morgan (captain), Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 23, 2021

Flashback! West Indies captain Darren Sammy (C) holds the trophy after winning the World T20 cricket tournament final match between England and West Indies at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata on April 3, 2016 (Photo credit: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

West Indies begin T20 World Cup bid today

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31 PAGE

ICC T20 World Cup First Round …

David Wiese celebrates after scoring the winning runs (ICC via Getty)

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Namibia qualify for Super 12s

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021