Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-11-2021

TUESDAY 23rd November, 2021

No. 106554

J&J booster shot possibly opens US travel for Sputnik-V recipients

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Devi Seitaram: From child vendor to UWI-trained lawyer

Create a winning culture

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President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing contractors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday (Office of the President photo)

Value Guyana’s forests - President charges contractors, says quality, expediency and accountability must be their driving force provide to world estimated ‘Dream’ of 350 Lethem at US $40-54M Aviation sector SEE PAGE

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residents ‘realised’ mourns passing of Malcolm Chan-a-Sue O&G sector contributes over $50B in taxes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

O&G sector contributes over $50B in taxes

EVER since Guyana sold its first 1,000,000 (one million) barrels of crude in February 2020 for GY$11.5 billion, the petroleum industry has raked in as much as GY$440 billion; this represents GY$57 billion more than the national 2021 budget. An analysis done by OilNow shows that since 2016, the burgeoning oil-and-gas sector has contributed more than $50 billion in taxes.

Added to that, ExxonMobil Guyana has said that throughout 2020, the sector contributed more than GY$180.39 billion, an equivalent of US$901.95 million, to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Outside of this, oil giant ExxonMobil had said that its Guyana operations between 2015 to present, has seen another $100.5 billion being expended on the procurement of goods and services from dozens of local businesses.

These economic injections are slated to increase exponentially, in keeping with the projected growth of the industry itself. As a matter of fact, a report compiled by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) early this year shows that earnings from Guyana’s oil-andgas sector could reach US$31 billion (roughly G$6.7 trillion) by 2035.

The IDB report, titled ‘Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean,’ outlined that Guyana’s population of approximately 780,000 suggests that the level of reserves equates to 10,250 barrels per person.

“Although this measure is lower than that of Kuwait with 24,000 barrels per person, it is higher than that of the United Arab Emirates with 10,100 barrels per person; Venezuela with 9,500 barrels per person and Saudi Arabia with 8,100 barrels per person, making Guyana one of the richest countries in petroleum reserves in the

Guyana is expected to have its eighth oil lift during the course of November 2021 world,” the IDB report said.

It also highlighted that similarly, ExxonMobil has announced plans to reach a production rate of at least 750,000 barrels per day, which would make Guyana the largest oil producer on a per capita basis in the world.

For October 2021 alone, Guyana earned in excess of US$20.4 million in oil profits; that, coupled with royalties and interest, brings the balance in the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) to US$534 million. The fund, lodged in the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, remains untouched owing to loopholes in the NRF legislation which was passed in January 2019 by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

When the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government assumed office in August 2021, efforts commenced to amend the act to ensure that withdrawals from the fund are transparent and in keeping with international fiscal regulations.

It was only recently that the Ministry of Fi-

nance lamented the issues plaguing the NRF. More specifically, the ministry pointed to the very IDB publication which noted: “The fund on its own cannot achieve the objectives that have been set for it. The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving, but may entail fiscal costs.”

The IDB report also outlined that the formula for maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world. “Its design departs from good practices,” the IDB argued.

The report related, “State-of-the-art advice based on international experience and good fiscalmanagement principles emphasises [sic] simplicity, flexibility, transparency, and close integration with the budget and public asset-liability management,” and that the rule’s complexity may also “conspire against fiscal transparency and public understanding.”

RUSHED The Finance Ministry had then reminded the public that the People’s

Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) did not get to make proper contributions to the contents of the NRF Act, since it was “rushed through the National Assembly” by the APNU+AFC, which was already nullified by the passage of the December 2018 no-confidence motion (NCM).

“In total disregard for the clear consequences that are constitutionally due to flow from a NCM, Jordan’s government rushed, in January 2019, to sneak the NRF Bill through Parliament with no opposition participation and no opposition input. Here again, his letter is replete with brazen misrepresentations,” the ministry posited.

The Finance Ministry further related: “The NRF Act in its current formulation was a piece of legislation which was very poorly conceived, and was ‘rammed down the throats’ of the nation during a period when the APNU+AFC was in a state of illegality and illegitimacy.”

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, had said that with amendments to the

NRF, the government is seeking to ensure transparency and accountability in relation to withdrawals and deposits.

He noted too that the government will be doing everything in its power to ensure that Guyana does not fall prey to the infamous “Dutch Disease.”

Bharrat said that the government will be utilising the oil revenues to accelerate growth in critical non-oil sectors such as agriculture, health, education and the social services.

As part of a more short-term projection, Guyana could begin facilitating up to 50 oil lifts per year at one million barrels per lift, thereby producing 50 million barrels of oil annually. These increased lifts, as previously indicated by Minister Bharrat, are possible with the intended arrival and operation of three additional Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

These include the Liza Unity, which is expected to arrive in November; the Prosperity FPSO which is currently under construction; and the

Yellowtail FPSO which is slated to come on stream by 2026.

Further, with crude prices hovering at US$80 a barrel, Guyana would earn as much as US$4,000,000,000 (GYD$836,902,800,000) each year for its 50 oil lifts. “So, when you crunch the numbers, 50 lifts at a million barrels, and based on the oil price today, if it continues along that trend, you can see or get an idea of the direct proceeds coming to Guyana,” Minister Bharrat said in a recent interview with OilNow. The aforementioned earnings are outside of other benefits such as royalties, which could see a mammoth increase in the country’s overall oil earnings. “We are not even talking royalties yet,” Minister Bharrat related.

To this end, he said that Guyana could comfortably close the year with close to US$600 million in the NRF, especially with the country’s eighth oil lift, which could earn the country some US$80 million in the coming weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Value Guyana’s forests provide to world estimated at US$40-54M -sale of carbon credits will finance LCDS initiatives, according to draft document

THE ambitious initiatives set out in G u y a n a ’s re c e n t l y launched and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, will be funded from money earned from the sale of carbon credits.

The sale is one initiative outlined in the draft document. Just how much will be gained from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits is uncertain; however, estimates informing the development of LCDS 2030 place the value Guyana’s forests provide to the world at US$40-$54 billion.

By refusing to clear its forests, Guyana foregoes opportunities for agriculture, mining and infrastructure, in favour of providing ecosystem services to the world and sequestering carbon to mitigate the rapid warming of the earth.

Guyana’s position is that its people, and those from countries with similar forest endowments, must be recognised for this contribution to the world in a tangible way.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali first announced the plan to sell carbon credits during a press conference in April.

“To advance our participation in the carbon market, we have signed a letter of intent with Emergent Finance Accelerated Inc., a USbased non-profit organisation, to sell our carbon credit through credit contract. This agreement has the potential of earning us hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars annually,” Dr. Ali had said.

Then, in early November, the President advocated for the advancement of systems

to operationalise the carbon-credit market at the highest level yet.

Addressing world leaders at the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Dr. Ali said, “Forests constitute a powerful arsenal in the fight against climate change. Forestrich countries must be provided with the incentives necessary to keep their forests intact and to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.

Mindful that deforestation contributes 16 per cent to annual global emissions and in recognition of the ecosystem and climate services provided by forests, it is imperative that we finalise the rules for carbon markets and REDD+ so as to properly value tropical forests and the climate services which they provide.”

Guyana has earned funds for the preservation of its forests before, through its partnership with Norway, which yielded US$212.52 million in payments in the period 2009-2015. The PPP/C Government has already earmarked some of these funds for renewable energy projects to clean up and diversify Guyana’s energy mix.

Guyana and Norway partnered to build a world-leading forest Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System (MRVS), a combined Geographic Information System (GIS) and field-based monitoring system that provides the basis for measuring verifiable changes in Guyana’s forest cover and resultant carbon emissions.

This platform will advance Guyana’s ef-

An aerial view of Guyana’s forest (DPI photo)

forts to put its carbon credits on international markets.

The first phase of government’s plan to 2025 will see Guyana generating the credits, able to be independently verified by quality and adherence to the rules of the marketplace. The credits will bear specific adherence to UNFCCC’s guidance on REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation), pending the launch of a full REDD+ mechanism.

Phase Two, from 2025 onward, will see Guyana enhancing the quality of its credits through the establishment of a national carbon registry integrated with international markets.

The initiatives which will be financed from these proceeds will advance Guyana’s sustainable development for the next decade.

LCDS 2030 is open for public consultation, and is intended to be finalised by March, 2022. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

‘Dream’ of 350 Lethem residents ‘realised’ SOME 350 residents of Lethem, Region Nine, benefitted from house lot allocations at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s seventh ‘Dream Realise’ housing drive exercise on Monday.

Cheyenne Faria, a 23-yearold nurse attached to the Lethem Regional Hospital, was one of the first to receive her house lot at the distribution exercise, held at the Amerindian Hostel.

Faria, who originally hails from Sand Creek village,

fully, I can start build my house as soon as the infrastructure is completed in the area,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Eon Jacobus, another young professional employed at the Regional Administration office, was excited to finally own his own house lot.

“I waited several years for this and it’s just exhilarating, it’s like a dream come true…

This is a start, a foundation and as soon as possible I want to start building my home.”

Eon Jacabus, resident, Lethem South Rupununi, said she was grateful to have been given the opportunity to own her own home in the Lethem township, where she now serves.

“I was not expecting to get through so quickly…. Hope-

The allocation exercise, the first of its kind in a hinterland region, was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. He was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.

Another 150 house lots slated for the township will be distributed subsequently.

In his remarks, Minister Croal said the government is not only distributing house lots but is investing billions of dollars in community infrastructural development in new and existing housing schemes.

“This will see approximately 700 households receiving water, electricity and the construction of roads, community playgrounds and other facilities and a school. Contracts for these works will soon be signed as we have already put out the call for tenders,” Minister Croal said.

Some $94 million will also be spent on the construction of asphaltic roads and concrete drains in Tabatinga. That area and Culvert City Scheme will also benefit from the installation of 48 street lights.

Further, under the Hinterland Housing Programme, residents will benefit from full house and home improvement subsidies in two villages in each of the five sub-districts in Region Nine.

“Friends, we have not slowed down since we started.

Like other regions, too, Region Nine residents face the challenge of affordable housing.

There is a backlog that we are working assiduously to reduce.”

Minister Rodrigues said the administration, in keeping with its policy of inclusivity, is pleased to have hosted its flagship housing programme in the Rupununi region.

“The ministry has been working to reduce that backlog and we want to ensure that we don’t just focus on Region

Minister Croal handing over a house lot number to a young mother

Cheyenne Faria receives her house lot from Minister, Susan Rodrigues Four… we know that His Excellency, President Ali has committed to 50,000 house lots and we know without a doubt we will be able to reach that target,” she said.

The ministry is currently constructing its first regional housing office in Lethem.

Minister Rodrigues said the

building is about 85 per cent complete and will also house the GWI office to improve service delivery within the region.

The government has so far distributed some 9,000 house lots to Guyanese. This brings the administration closer to delivering on its promise to distribute 10,000 house lots

annually to Guyanese during its first term in office.

Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock; Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Singh; Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally, were also in attendance.

Create a winning culture

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

- President charges contractors, says quality, expediency and accountability must be their driving force PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has charged contractors to expedite their work but to ensure that quality is maintained as Guyana continues to go through a revolutionary period of growth and development.

The Head of State was adamant that structure was needed at all levels and by all stakeholders, since the end result would need to be a quality product for the Guyanese people.

The lengthy but passionate address was made on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in the presence of the heads of the relevant ministries and government agencies.

The President reminded attendees that his duty is to ensure that Guyana develops at all levels and that its people are happy with the quality of work and the transparent ways in which they are executed.

He said that at the end of his first term, his government will have to go back to citizens and that they will “judge us based on our performance.”

He explained that his govern-

ment’s performance involves not only the government agencies, but also many other factors, including all of the contractors executing projects.

EVERY OUNCE OF MY ENERGY President Ali noted that he and his Cabinet have committed to fulfilling the very elaborate and comprehensive mandate of development and that there is “no way, absolutely no way we are not going to achieve that mandate.”

“Every ounce of my energy and the Cabinet’s energy, and the technicians’ energy, will be at achieving that mandate in the interest of Guyana and every single Guyanese, and you’re a part of that…. The government and all of you in this room have a professional responsibility to ensure that our plans and programmes are achieved.”

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM The President said there is always room for growth and that contractors must learn to take constructive criticism. He stressed that they must also be sure at which

level they want to work.

He underscored that a contractor who is bidding for and being awarded large projects that fall over $100M should not be bidding for small regional projects.

“Absolute nonsense for you and for us, because there is something called economies of scale, and allocation of resources, allocation of material[s], human financial and material resources. And if you are a tier-one contractor and you want to spend the time to allocate resources on a $5M project, you will ‘bust.’ You will not be able to efficiently implement or achieve your outcome.”

He also pointed out that when contractors who operate on a large scale go after small contracts, they take away from the small contractors and damage their own business model.

He made it clear that he has no problem with contractors having multiple contracts, but he has an issue with there being a lack of understanding that contracts have to be done simultaneously.

Contractors at the meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday (Office of the President photo)

AMENDED CONTRACTS The President told the contractors that they have to increase their capacity, both human resources and machinery. He noted that some contractors have been working without engineers on sites, despite having them listed as personnel on bid documents. This, the President said, will be addressed with a new contract and with a clause that will now recognise the qualification of someone who can sign off on their work.

He also told the contractors that they have to adapt to the culture of investing in night work.

“If you are playing at a certain level, you have to be willing to make the investment to allow you to be competitive and efficient at that level. This is where the country is heading. You have to build your night capacity, otherwise, you will fail.”

QUALITY OF WORK He also said that the quality of the project will be comprehensively spelt out in the bid document and that there will be a clause of what is the contractor’s responsibility for a specified time. He said that this is necessary for clarity, moving forward.

“The country is operating at a different scale of sophistication, and at every scale of sophistication, you require higher quality—higher delivery of the end product.”

DEMERIT SYSTEM The President also noted that timely completion of projects is another issue that is important for both the government and contractors to address. He explained that there will be an assessment of every contractor and project executed at the end of the year and that a demerit system would be developed.

“The demerit system is that

Truck operator electrocuted while rendering assistance to stranded driver

SEERAM Jainarine, also known as Akash, a 28-yearold Canter truck operator from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was, on Sunday last, electrocuted as he rendered assistance to a stranded driver. The incident occurred on the Zeelugt Public Road, EBE. A police statement confirmed that Jainarine was contacted by 70-year-old Orlando Braithwaite whose pick-up truck suffered a blow-out and went into a trench near the public road.

Jainarine reportedly arrived

on the scene around 18:00hrs with his assistant.

The police report said Jainarine stood at the right side of the Canter operating the crane when it came into contact with a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) electrical wire, causing the wire to spark. Jainarine’s body was reportedly pitched to the ground.

A passing motorcar was stopped by the assistant, and Jainarine was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by

a doctor there. Police were called and Jainarine’s body was escorted to the Ezekiel

Funeral Parlour where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

the net value of outstanding work will be transferred to the new year and will become your net value of work in progress that would disallow you from having new contracts or a certain level of new contracts. That too will be in the bidding document by agency.”

There will also be a performance-based award system in addition to the price and technical qualification system that is currently in place.

“I want you to understand what is going to take place in this country and why it is so important that we pull our socks up, and why is it so important that we have this conversation.”

FUTURE GROWTH The President emphasised that it is important for contractors to address their shortcomings, since tremendous opportunities will open for them in the near future. He explained that the local content legislation alone will open “tremendous opportunities” that will further deplete the contracting pool.

“There are two ways you address this: the first is that you adopt a winning culture, or the second is for you to stay where you are, be happy and slowly be pushed out of what is happening.

To adapt, you have to invest. You have to grow yourself in quality, in equipment and understand what is coming at you.”

President Ali pointed out that the new Demerara Harbour Bridge project alone will require an amount of concrete that would exhaust the country’s current production capacity. He said that the Amaila Falls Hydro Project would also take a tremendous amount of local resources.

“The governmen’s investment programme has many different

levels, and I am only speaking about infrastructure today. Our national infrastructure transformation is going to set us on a pace and trajectory that is [sic] second to none in the world.”

The President said that the development of a four-lane highway from Busby Dam to Ogle and then to Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara; an expanded four-lane highway on the Corentyne; an industrial estate that will require billions in contractual services; more than 30 new first-world schools; more than eight new hospitals across the different regions; the spending of billions of dollars in hinterland and community roads and other government infrastructural projects will create enormous opportunities for local contractors.

“This is the scale of investment that we are talking about— that you will be a part of. That is why you have to pull yourselves up now.”

CULTURE CHANGE The President noted that for these opportunities to be taken full advantage of, the contractors must have a shift in their culture and thinking.

“Whilst we are developing, we have to start thinking and operating as if we are first world, because unfortunately that is how people are judging us. Do not sleep on the development drive. Do not be aloof.

“We have to create a winning culture in this country. You have to create a winning culture in your companies. It requires a shift in how we operate and do things. I want all of us to be successful and be better at what we do. We are going to turn the screws out, because we know you have it in you to be successful.”

(Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

A New Energy Mix

G U YA N A ' S e n e r g y demand is likely to increase almost three-fold over the next five years.

This is due to a rapid expansion of the economy, triggered by oil and gas. There is need not only for an increased supply of energy to satisfy our growing development needs, but also for cheaper, cleaner and a more reliable energy supply so necessary for accelerated development.

One way of addressing the challenges of cheaper and a more reliable supply of energy is to diversify the energy source which currently is heavily skewed in favour of fossil fuel. Apart from being en-

vironmentally unfriendly, it is also expensive when compared to other energy forms. Guyana currently spends a considerable sum of money to import fuel, which use up a significant proportion of our foreign exchange earnings. It is no secret that we have some of the most expensive energy rates in the Caribbean, generated mainly from diesel plants that are in need of upgrading and replacement.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) spends an estimated US$100M annually on imported fuel.

One negative consequence of that situation is the continuing volatility in energy supply which has had over

the years a limiting impact in terms of private-sector development and our economic competitiveness.

The logical and rational thing to do is to lessen that dependence on imported fuel and come up with new sources of energy to satisfy our low-carbon development needs, while at the same time freeing up badly needed foreign exchange to bolster the living standards of the Guyanese people. This is exactly what the PPP/C administration is doing with re-activation of the Amaila Falls hydro-power project (AFHP), construction of which will commence next year.

The project when com-

pleted will capture the energy of flowing water at the confluence of the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers in Region Eight and is expected to generate 165 mg of power, which will then be distributed by transmission lines to the national grid. It will be recalled that the AFHP was at an advanced stage of completion when the then APNU+AFC Coalition voted against the project in the National Assembly when in opposition and subsequently scrapped the project when it took power in May 2015. The financial and economic losses were monumental and could be considered an economic 'crime' against the taxpay-

ers of Guyana.

That is now water under the bridge. With the return of the PPP/C to office in 2020, the project has restarted and is now fully on track, which in a matter of a few years will see power supplied to the national grid at a cost well below current rates.

In addition to hydro-power, the government is also actively examining other forms of energy such as solar, wind and natural gas, which will help to keep the country's greenhouse emission low, while at the same time reducing the high cost of electricity. This will redound positively to the welfare and well-being of

all Guyanese, especially those in the business community and consumers as a whole.

These projects are all in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which was recently launched

by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The LCDS 2030 is intended to help the country reduce its carbon footprint and help to propel the country's development through carbon neutrality. The government must be commended for its visionary thinking and forward- looking plans and programmes to enrich the lives of the Guyanese people.

A little bit of something is better than nothing

Dear Editor, I KNOW that as of recent, all, everyone is talking about is the salary increase for public servants. I have seen so many arguments from both sides of the political divide justifying their stance on the increase and I thought that I would share my opinion as well. I kindly ask that you permit me to do so in your publication.

First and foremost, Guyana, just like all the other countries in the world, is facing economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandem-

ic. Countries are being crippled and people are suffering a great deal. This is not only because of the rise in the cost of living everywhere, but also because millions of people are out of jobs. Looking at our very own CARICOM countries, we can see how severely they are affected and how their people are crying out. Take for instance, Trinidad and Tobago. In August 2021, the TT Guardian carried a story which was headlined “6,000 businesses face permanent closure, won’t reopen Monday.” This meant that thousands of people in

Trinidad and Tobago were going to be unemployed simply because of the economic implications of the pandemic. Fortunately, in Guyana, our people are not facing such hardships and that is attributed to the efforts of the PPP/C Government. I say this confidently because had the APNU+AFC Coalition been in office, we would have more than likely been in a similar situation like Trinidad and Tobago.

In just the same way it should be criticised for its missteps, the government should be commended when it has done well and I

am of the firm view that the way it has provided relief to the people of Guyana in order to cushion the effects of this pandemic is commendable. As soon as they took office, they began rolling out measures such as the one-off payment to frontline workers and the disciplined services; the one-off cash grant to every single household across Guyana and the increase in old-age pension and public assistance. Immediately after, we saw the removal of VAT on electricity, water, education, basic necessities and so much more. These were all

done whilst the pandemic was ravaging the country.

The government offered support to businesses so as to ensure that they catered for the needs of the people, even when the world was facing supply-chain issues. In addition to all of this, thousands of jobs were created and many new businesses have been opened, even though other countries were dealing with the opposite reality.

The countless measures implemented have benefitted thousands of Guyanese. Now with the seven per cent retroactive salary increase, thou-

sands of workers will be able to have more money to improve their livelihoods, especially during this pandemic, which has made things increasingly difficult. I believe that the salary increases coupled with all the other measures that have been put in place have assisted Guyanese tremendously and the government ought to be applauded. In closing, I quote the words of Dan Millman, “A little bit of something is better than nothing.”

Yours sincerely, Erin Northe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

GFS pursuing two theories in OPR fire probe THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is currently looking at two theories as part of the investigation into Saturday’s fire that completely destroyed the Office of

Monday.

Quick work by firefighters saved the portion of the building where the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

of evidence found at the scene and statements from witnesses, an announcement on the cause of the fire is imminent.

“We are looking at mul-

we were able to conclude,” Edoo said.

On Sunday, the Fire Chief disclosed that several ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were questioned in a bid to accumulate information that could be used to clarify the circumstances surrounding the fire.

upstairs the fire started,” said Edoo.

The fire is the second major disaster for the force as a few weeks ago, 80 per cent of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed following an act of arson.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has

Chief Fire Officer Kalamadeen Edoo The massive blaze at Eve Leary on Saturday (Delano Williams photos) Professional Responsibility (OPR) at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

This was disclosed by Chief Fire Officer Kalamadeen Edoo in an interview with this publication on

is located. In addition to the OPR, the Construction Department and Stores were destroyed in the blaze.

According to Edoo, the investigation is coming to a close and with the utilisation

tiple theories based on interviews that we had with ranks within and outside of the department, coupled with the assessment of the building. So, we compiled all the information and that’s how

He disclosed that all of the ranks who reside in the barracks where the fire started, were questioned.

“We’re just questioning police ranks who were around and who were occupying those quarters, and we’re questioning them because so far we know it’s

expressed belief that there is a possibility that the fires are politically motivated.

He referenced recent threats made by Guyanese living in the United States to support his conclusion.

“It appears that we are experiencing a trial by fire again in Guyana. I have

said publicly that it appears that a subliminal message is being put around the country starting from some pyrotechnic- minded person in the United States and that maybe perhaps, much more than likely, that the incidents that we see and the timings at which they occur, are related to those more than subliminal messages about ‘Georgetown will burn if the PPP don’t do whatever’,” Minister Benn had told the press at the scene of the fire.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn on Saturday had reiterated that the government will not allow intimidation to hinder its plans for development of the country.

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

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

Working with men and boys does not mean working only on male issues

Dear Editor, I N T E R N AT I O N A L Men’s Day was recently celebrated under the theme, “Better relations between men and women.” This theme is an important one as it recognises the necessity of improving gender relations and promoting gender equality for all.

Our tendency to focus

on the extreme differences between men and women has resulted in our issues and experiences framed as being vastly separate from each other. This has created an environment where gender stereotypes are taken as fact and further solidified amongst groups.

We must move away from the idea that working with men and boys

means addressing only male issues and instead, looking to build positive relationships between the genders that will promote their collective safety and health. For example, while ChildLinK’s One Thousand Boys initiative focuses on the sexual violence that is perpetrated against boys, it recognises that sexual violence af-

fects children regardless of gender and other identity markers. It focuses on a comprehensive response towards sexual violence, acknowledging that girls are extremely vulnerable, while highlighting the lack of awareness concerning boys’ sexual violence.

The experiences that men and women face and their responses to them are

not fundamentally different and it is for reasons such as these that an intersectional approach towards men and women’s rights must be taken. Recognising the effects that things such as sexual violence, mental illnesses, trauma and instability have on persons regardless of gender, race and social status can aid in us being able to

develop collaborative and comprehensive approaches towards positive change.

Yours sincerely, Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To r e p o r t o r s e e k counselling, please call 914/227-0979/2272023/233-3500

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Aeronautical Engineering School receives ISO certification THE Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School located at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, on Monday, became the first local organisation to transfer its ISO 9001 certification to the Global Compliance Service (GCS).

The school was certified by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards in July 2006, meaning that it has 15 years of compliance. It is the fifth company to achieve ISO 9001 certification in Guyana.

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for a quality management system (QMS) that was developed and published by the International Orgnisation for Standardisation (ISO). This certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to improve internal systems, build quality management systems and operate effectively at different levels, including the ability to focus on customer requirements and constantly find ways to become resilient and sus-

tainable.

This standard is actually based on seven quality-management principles: having a strong customer focus; involvement of high-level company management; employee engagement; evidence-based decision-making; an outlined process-based approach, relationship management, and ongoing improvement of business operations.

The school’s Accountable Manager Nalini Chanderban, said that although the ISO 9001 certification was in place since 2006, a decision was taken to transfer it to a local certification body to facilitate face-to-face, more sampling, and timely surveillance audits due to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our certification body previously was overseas, so with the pandemic came challenges and opportunities, so we took the opportunity of transferring to this certification body because not only is it in Guyana, but with surveillance audit, you want to have a bit more face-to-face

interaction and the fact that all we do here is critical in terms of our documentation and our records. We prefer to have more face-to-face surveillance audits rather than doing it virtually."

Chanderban disclosed that the aeronautical school is the only one of its kind that has institutional accreditation in Guyana under the Ministry of Education and is certified under the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

She noted that the school’s latest move directly correlates with the vision of its founders.

“The founding members of this school, three great sons of Guyana and all patriots, George Loy, Colonel Charles Hutson, and Captain Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, believed in greatness and reaching for the stars. They all paved the way for such an honoured occasion and we are very grateful to receive this certification and recognition from Global Compliance Services in their honour,” said Chanderban.

Art Williams & Harry

Nalini Chanderban receives the ISO 9001 certificate from Chief Executive officer of Global Compliance Service, Candelle Bostwick Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, a service organisation that focuses on aircraft maintenance engi-

neering is approved as an ATO (Aviation Training Organisation) under the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority.

Chanderban said that following the death of the last founding member, Captain Chan-a-Sue, the team is committed to “keeping the torch burning” and continuing along its path of innovative development for the betterment of the school in keeping with the founding fathers’ visions. Chan-a-Sue died on Monday, several weeks after being involved in a vehicular accident Global Compliance Service in a press release noted that the ISO 9001:2015 certification transfer is instrumental for both organisations, since it is the first one done by a local organisation.

“This is indeed a prestigious achievement on continuing its transfer of certification for ISO 9001:2015 certification. Companies certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard have established a QMS, which provides a framework for the delivery of consistent quality products and services as defined within its scope of certification.”

GCS now has 19 organisations certified in Guyana.

Autopsy: Linden couple in Caledonia crash died from multiple injuries

AN autopsy on the bodies of Lloyd Valcin, 42, and his 31-year-old wife, Olisa Valcin, who were killed Thursday last in a crash on the Caledonia Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), has revealed that they died of multiple injuries consistent with a motor vehicle accident.

The post-mortem was performed on Monday by Dr. Nehaul Singh in the presence of police and the victims’ relatives. The bodies were handed over to the families for funeral arrangements.

Carl Craig, 50, of Lot 150 Public Road, Soesdyke, EBD, the driver of the Canter truck with registration GWW 4922 that was involved in the accident is expected to be charged soon.

The car was being driven

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

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

proceeding south along the eastern side of the same road.

The police said that as both vehicles were approaching a landfill site situated on the western side of the road, an unknown motor lorry which was transporting sand was reversing from east to west on the road into the landfill site, causing the driver of motor lorry GWW 4922 to pull in a north-easterly direction to pass the reversing lorry.

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

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

On arrival there, Lloyd Valcin and his wife were seen and examined by a doctor on

Dead: Lloyd Valcin and his wife in happier times duty and died while receiving treatment.

Shaquel Williams was seen and examined and was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was further seen and examined by a doctor on duty and admitted a patient suffering from body trauma.

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

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

The Devi Seitaram Story…

From truant child vendor to UWI-trained lawyer --who successfully lobbied for affordable tuition fees for fellow Guyanese studying in Jamaica

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric AS a child growing up on the East Bank Berbice, she’d walked the dusty streets of her native Edinburgh Village many a day, selling vegetables and fruits from a bowl skillfully balanced atop her tiny head.

Her parents Lilowtie and Khemraj’s rocky marriage and subsequent divorce had dealt a severe blow to the lives of young Devi Seitaram and her three brothers.

But as she grew older, the intrepid Devi would venture into the New Amsterdam Market and try her hand at selling shopping bags made of reusable ‘salt bags’, as we here in Guyana would call the polythene sacks in which rice and sugar are usually packaged.

During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Moonmattie Devi Seitaram, fondly referred to as ‘Devi Seitaram’, painstakingly recounted the many challenges she encountered over time to get where she is today.

“It was no easy feat,” she said. “My accomplishment was by sheer determination;

I was 11 years old when my parents got divorced during my First Form years at New Amsterdam Multilateral School. It was a difficult process; it had a harsh effect on us as children. It was four of us; I was the only girl, and I was already taking care of my little brother, Joel, who was just four year old. My mother had left; I had a lot of responsibility, as a child in the home. I was going to the market to sell on Saturdays; I would also go during the week. Sometimes I didn’t go to school at all; sometimes I’d sell after school. When I was 13 and 14, I was working at Haribol and Hazrat (two popular General Stores in New Amsterdam), and I’d skip school; my classmates would laugh at me. When kids were enjoying summer breaks, I was working.

“I failed Second Form; I failed to matriculate to Form Three. I had to repeat the school year; I was not attending school as I should, and I was not mentally there, due to the effect of my parents’ breakup. My childhood was difficult; we were poor, but I never thought of us as

being poor… I cooked on a fireside, and we did not have a fridge. It was not until I went to ‘Multi’ that I realised that I was poor. My shoe had a huge hole, and I repeatedly used my uniform from the year before.

“But, I was a very bright student; Sir Dhanraj saw that, and Ms. Benn. I must say thank you to her, as it was she who pushed me with the English; I got a distinction in English A and B. Sir Dhanraj encouraged me to attend his lessons, at no cost, and I excelled beyond anyone’s expectation, as I had achieved ten subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council Secondary Examinations (CSEC) in 2007.”

NEW BEGINNINGS With enough subjects in hand to land herself a decent job, pretty soon, Devi began working as a reporter cum anchor and producer at the Little Rock Television Station (LRTVS) in Berbice, before moving to Georgetown, where she worked as a reporter at the Guyana Times/ Television Guyana. It was during her stint at the latter

Devi Seitaram, centre, after being accepted to practise Law here. With her are fellow Attorney-at-Law, Tuanna Hardy, left, and Justice Simone Ramlall media outlet that she opted Arts in Journalism. she also enrolled at the Faculto attend the University of Following her gradua- ty of Law, again at Mona, to the West Indies (UWI)’ Mona tion, Devi began working read for a Bachelor of Laws Campus in Jamaica from as a journalist at Jamaica’s Degree, which she obtained August 2011-2012, at the Nationwide News Network, in 2019. Thereafter, she enend of which she obtained before moving on to serve as rolled at the Norman Manley a Diploma in Media and Administrative Assistant to Law School, in Kingston, Communication. Three years Jamaica’s Minister of Tour- and after a two- year period, later, after continued studies ism Minster, Hon. Edmund was successfully awarded the at the same institution, she Bartlett, from 2016-2018. It coveted Legal Education graduated with a Bachelor of was during this period that TURN TO PAGE 11

Coalition has no moral authority to criticise salary increase -- citizens react, recall Coalition Cabinet awarded themselves 50 per cent salary increase on entering office -- gave public servants pittance in comparison THE A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has come in for criticism for pouring cold water on the government’s seven per cent across-the-board salary hike for public servants.

Several citizens took to social media to ridicule the main parliamentary opposition party for statements they made with regard to the salary increase.

The Coalition in a statement said, “They [public servants] deserve better and in comparison, they got better under the APNU+AFC administration,” in reaction to the announcement made by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Thursday last.

The claims by the Coalition, however, did not sit well with some persons on social media platform, facebook.

Sally Jones wrote that she is “still trying to remember what APNU gave … when they were in office” while, Dwight Darrel noted “so why they [APNU+AFC] didn’t give 50 per cent five years ago” and Anesha Alli responded by saying “just wondering how much per cent these workers get under PNC.” Other citizens drew comparison to when the APNU+AFC was in office and granted their government ministers and other officials a 50 per cent increase on their salaries, just a few months after they assumed office in 2015.

“When the APNU+AFC were in office they didn’t think about the public servants, all they think was about them selfs [sic], they give themselves 50 per cent as soon as the get into office.

What happen to last year, you

were in office 2020, no raise for them public servants,” Feroze Punai wrote, while Lawrence Jaisingh shared similar sentiments.

Isaac Dallo also reminded of then junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott labelling teachers as “selfish and uncaring” in 2018 after a major strike by teachers who took to the streets to protest for almost two weeks because of the then government proposed amount for salary increases.

The seven per cent retroactive pay hike announced by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government will be paid to public servants, including teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, constitutional officeholders, and government pensioners and will benefit over 20,000 persons.

In addition to the pay hike, $400 million has been

set aside for a special 2021 payout to frontline workers in the health sector, who Dr. Singh reminded, continue to face extenuating circumstances in the daily discharge of their duties, as the country and the world continue to battle the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measures are in addition to a slew of measures the PPP/C Government has implemented since assuming

office on August 2, 2020, to help cushion the effects of COVID-19, the recent catastrophic flooding and other unprecedented economic burdens citizens faced.

The President Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government has so far implemented the COVID-19 cash grant of $25,000 per household, which resulted in $7.5 billion distributed to families across all 10 of the

country’s administrative regions and the $19,000 grant for children attending public as well as private schools.

Additionally, pensioners and persons were given a one-off $25,000 cash grant, while $200 million was provided in electricity credits to households that met a certain criterion and $7.6 billion in flood-relief support.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

PM receives 1,000 Internet boxes from Huawei - says donation will aid in bridging digital divide

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips on Monday received 1,000 Internet boxes (LTE/Wifi CPE) from several representatives of Chinese multinational technology corporation, Huawei.

The boxes are capable of transferring 4G networks outdoors at over 300 metres and just below 100 metres indoors to more than 100 users at a time.

The Prime Minister said the donation will assist his government in its aim to bridge the digital divide by providing access to ICT throughout the country.

“I can assure you that this equipment will go a far way in helping us to achieve an important part of our plan for the people of Guyana — that is to bridge the digital divide in the area of ICT connectivity,” he said.

Prime Minister Phillips noted that the donation from Huawei is an excellent show of corporate social responsibility while he called China an important development partner for Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Huawei’s Caribbean Office, Jin Zhefeng, said the gesture is a part of the company’s COVID-19 support measures since the

Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips (third from left) flanked by representatives of Chinese multinational technology corporation, Huawei and National Broadband Project-by- Project Manager, Rosco Greene (extreme right) (Office of the Prime Minister photo) pandemic has accelerated the need for technological advancement.

“The digital economy contributes more and more

to national development.

Digital ICT infrastructure and talent with digital skill are the two driving wheels for this transformation. Hua-

wei is committed and will continue with our efforts in supporting Guyana’s digital development with leading technology,” he said.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, was also present at the simple handing-over ceremony. She

spoke highly of bilateral ties between China and Guyana, noting that the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2022.

The ambassador also said that she is pleased to see the importance with which the government has been treating the ICT sector.

“I’ve noticed that the Guyanese Government has attached great importance to ICT. Since taking government, it has pushed forward with the formulation of a national ICT development plan aimed at improving connectivity bandwidth and enhancing connectivity in the hinterland,” pointed out.

She said that China will continue to work with Guyana to deepen co-ordination with regard to the belt and road initiative, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the expansion of pragmatic co-operation and people-to-people exchanges.

Permanent Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister, Derrick Cummings and senior managers within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for ICT, were also present.

(Office of the Prime Minister)

Venezuelan migrants can access health services at Port Kaituma – Health Minister

SYSTEMS are now in place for Venezuelan migrants to access medical services at the Port Kaituma District Hospital, following a recent government outreach to the Anabisi, Barima-Waini.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, during Monday’s COVID-19 update, explained that persons from the community have been identified to liaise with the regional health officers and the hospital to access the services.

“If they have any medical challenges, they will be able to sort them out very quickly.

They don’t have to wait on an intervention like this. They now have a systematic way if they have any problems, that they can come to the Port Kaituma Hospital and get access to medical service.”

On Saturday, Minister Anthony and other ministers of government, along with a medical team visited the Region One community to

provide medical care and assess the needs in response to reports of the circumstances migrants are facing.

Reports state some 198 persons from 25 families have settled in the area, located approximately 15 minutes from Port Kaituma.

The medical team examined 20 children on Saturday. The children were treated for skin rashes, upper respiratory and diarrhoeal diseases. The Health Minister disclosed that four children were taken to the Port Kaituma Regional Hospital for further medical treatment.

Another medical team returned on Sunday to continue examining the migrants.

Dr. Anthony noted that in addition to providing healthcare services, measures are being put in place to ensure that the migrants are living in a clean and sanitary environment.

“So, because of the un-

hygienic conditions, they’re using the same water from the river and they’re using

Sunday, we gave them some what is called jerry cans which have filters in them

contaminated water, making it better for them to drink and which will prevent some

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Dr. Neil Samwaroo of the GPHC, tending to a newborn at the Warrau Amerindian settlement at Anabisi, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One, during a ministerial team’s outreach on Saturday (Richard Bhainie photo) the river to wash and do other things there. So, the water is not of good quality and what we were able to do on

so when they take the water from the river, they can do some level of filtration … which will help to purify the

of the diarrhoeal disease that they are experiencing…

“In addition to that, a senior health environmental

officer would have explained to them how to dispose of their garbage and to work with them to find an area next to the community where they can dispose of their garbage.

We also worked with them to find a suitable area where they can set up toilets and so forth so that they are not defecating in the same water that they’re using to drink.”

Mosquito nets for hammocks will also be distributed to the migrants, so that they may have some protection from vector borne diseases.

Additionally, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has distributed hampers containing essential items and food.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to the humane management of the migrant situation stemming from the socio-economic situation in neighbouring Venezuela. (DPI)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Dr. Shiwnandan's Clinic Inc. gets ISO 9001:2015 certification

TO further improve the as defined within its scope of that he knew that the next services being offered, Dr. certification. step to continue the developShiwnandan's Clinic Inc. ISO 9001 is the interna- ment of his business would on Monday received its tionally recognised standard be ISO certification.

ISO 9001:2015 certification for a QMS developed and Several international orfrom Global Compliance published by the International ganisations recognised the Service Guyana Inc., be- Organisation for Standard- clinic as an approved medical coming the ninth company isation (ISO). This certifi- provider, including Oil and to get such accreditation cation provides a model for Gas UK, the UK’s Maritime this year. companies of all types and and Coastguard Agency, VanThe clinic has been pro- sizes to improve internal uatu Maritime Services Ltd., viding general medicine, systems, build quality man- and the United States Coast ultrasound, endoscopy, and agement systems and operate Guard. laboratory services, for more effectively at different levels, Thus, a wide range of than 25 years. including the ability to focus medical certificates, includThe health facility is now on customer requirements ing OGUK, ENG 1, MLC ISO 9001-certified for the and constantly find ways to 2006, and USCG, are issued provision of complete medi- become resilient and sus- to meet the International cal certificates for oil and gas tainable.

Convention on Standards of workers and other seafarers.

This standard is based on Training, Certification and Over the years, the clinic seven quality-management Watchkeeping (STCW)’s apGlobal Compliance Service Guyana Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Candelle Bostwick, hands over the ISO certificate to Dr. Michelle Shiwnandan and her husband Dr. Ravindra Shiwnandan has also ventured into providing services to the local oil and gas sector, thereby putting it in the opportune position to benefit from ISO certification.

Companies certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard have established a quality management system (QMS), which provides a framework for delivering consistently, quality products and services

principles: highlighting a strong customer focus, involvement of high-level company management; employee engagement; evidence-based decision-making and outlined process-based approach; relationship management and ongoing improvement of business operations.

Dr. Ravindra Shiwnandan, in his remarks at the certification ceremony, noted

plicable requirements. In this regard, all drug and alcohol, and fitness tests must meet the required standards.

Also supplementing these offerings are Medical Review Officer and clinical psychology services.

“We understand that the ISO standards will be the normal standards in the world of business and so we decided to pursue certification. We be-

came conscious of the quality-management system and we realised as we prepared for the ISO certification that there were many things that we were doing right, but that there were also some things that we needed to improve on,” said Dr. Shiwnandan.

Meanwhile, Candelle Bostwick, Global Compliance Service Guyana Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, congratulated the company

Dr. Shiwnandan's Clinic on its ISO certification. She highlighted the commitment shown by the team to prepare themselves for the audits before getting certified.

She acknowledged the sacrifices of the top management of the clinic to complete the certification saying, “One of the things that stood out with Dr. Shiwnandan is that he said let’s go through this process ourselves, without a

consultant. And that was something that was very impressive and showcased his commitment. He, his wife, and his entire team went through the process together. There are many businesses out there that the top management cannot find the time to work on their certification, but not here and that is a clear demonstration of commitment.”

From truant child... in Berbice, my parents always prioritised my schooling.”

FROM PAGE 9 Certificate (LCE) from the Council of Legal Education of the Commonwealth Caribbean on September 17, 2021.

ADVOCACY Unfortunately, she would lose her father in 2013, while in her first year at UWI. “I was pursuing my Journalism programme, and was the beneficiary of a scholarship; the prestigious AFUWI Pilgrim’s Bursary,” Devi said, adding: “The Pilgrim Bursary of US$3000 yearly is for Guyanese students, and is sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese… After getting the twoyear scholarship, I advocated at UWI to reduce the tuition cost from US$10,000 per year to J$520,000. Because of my advocacy, Guyanese students can go to UWI, in Jamaica, and benefit from less than half of the original cost for tuition for any programme…

“My third and final year scholarship was garnered from the Nationwide News

The indomitable Devi Seitaram, Attorney-at-Law Network Scholar of the Year she’s come, Devi said: “I Award and Bursary, after am extremely proud of mywhich I achieved my dream, self, because this achievewith a Diploma in Media and ment means a lot to me. I was Communication, and my jour- raised in a village where it was nalism degree, and extensive thought that women only had experience, as I had worked one purpose: To be a housewith international media in wife; an educated woman was Guyana and Jamaica.” not considered virtuous.

“The journey to get here IN RETROSPECT has been everything but easy; Looking back at how far it was extremely difficult,

Devi and the youngest of her three brothers, Joel financially, and to work and to know more. balance two jobs in order to “Becoming an attorney pay for school was no easy is also an important achievefeat. ment for not only myself, “I’ve always wanted to but my family. I’m the first be lawyer; my love for Law girl in my family to become began when I was covering a lawyer; something my late the courts in New Amster- father would be extremely dam as a journalist. The proud of. I am from very processes, Latin maxims humble beginnings, and and operation of the court despite spending my early made me curious, and want years selling in the markets

GOING FORWARD As to how she sees the future unfolding for her, Devi said: “I will focus on civil litigation, defamation, and a bit of criminal law, but, otherwise, my focus will be on probate administration, wills, contracts, and conveyancing. “I also want to do some mentoring, and possibly align myself to contribute, pro bono, to the Legal Aid Clinic, with a focus on family law matters, and issues affecting women.

Plans are also on stream to open a Law office in Berbice.”

Now 32, Moonmattie Devi Seitram, who currently resides in Jamaica, was accepted to the Guyana Bar before Justice Simone Ramlall, at the Demerara High Court on Friday. Her petition was presented by Attorney-at-Law, Ms. Tuanna Hardy.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Teen motorcyclist killed in crash on Tabatinga Bridge

Dead: Alex Ferreira

ALEX Ferreira, 19, of Culvert , Central Rupununi, Region Nine, was on Sunday killed after the motorcycle he was riding slammed into a taxi on the Tabatinga bridge, Central Rupununi.

According to police headquarters, the driver of hire car with registration number HC 2059 was proceeding north along the western side of the Tabatinga Public Road, reportedly at 20kmph. On approaching a nearby bridge, he observed motorcycle with

registration CK 2076 approaching from the opposite direction in a reckless manner and at a fast rate of speed.

Upon seeing the motorcar, police said the motorcyclist applied brakes and subsequently lost control, colliding with the front right side of the motorcar.

As a result of the collision, the teenager fell onto the road surface which caused him to receive injuries to the body.

The motorcyclist was later picked up in an uncon-

The taxi that was involved in the accident

The motorcycle that the teen was riding scious state by public-spirited ing in the Lethem Regional citizens and was taken to the Hospital Mortuary awaiting Lethem Regional Hospital an autopsy. A breathalyzer where he was seen and ex- test was conducted on the amined by a doctor on duty driver and no alcohol was and was pronounced dead on detected in his system. He remains in custody as invesarrival.

The body is currently ly- tigations continue.

Man accused of assaulting ex-lover, cop granted $60,000 bail

M A G I S T R AT E D y l o n Bess, on Monday, released a 40-year-old man on a total of $60,000 bail after he appeared before him on six charges including assaulting a police officer and damaging his uniform.

Jason Roberts of Princess Street, Georgetown was arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that he, on November 7, at Middle Road, La Penitence, unlawfully assaulted his ex-girlfriend, Nikisha Ward. He also denied that he breached a protection

order by verbally assaulting Ward.

Further, it is alleged that he damaged a gate valued at $26,000, property of Jermaine Junior on the same date and at the same location.

The last three charges alleged that on the same date, while at the East Ruimveldt Police Station, he behaved disorderly, assaulted police officer Delon Sullivan and also damaged the rank’s $5000 police shirt.

Magistrate Bess released Roberts on bail and transferred the case to Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus for January 3, 2022.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Aviation sector mourns passing of Malcolm Chan-a-Sue able,” the AOAG said in a release.

Capt. Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, A.A., M.S. and Colonel Charles Hutson (Photo credit: Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School) THE last three days have gels. Farewell, Captain institution and one where been especially difficult Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, A.A. Guyanese and regional for Guyana's aviation May God grant you eternal students could get an airsector as its members rest. Sincere condolences craft engineer’s licence mourn the death of two to the family and friends and degree that is comof their pioneers jointly of Captain Malcolm Chan- parable worldwide. The credited for the concep- a-Sue," the GCAA said in board, management, staff, tualising of the Art Wil- a brief Facebook post on instructors and students of liams & Harry Wendt Monday.

Art Williams and Harry Aeronautical Engineering It added: “The Minister Wendt Aeronautical EngiSchool. of Public Works, the Chair- neering School is forever Veteran aviator, Mal- man and Board of Direc- grateful for his boundcolm Chan-a-Sue, 84, and tors, the Director-General, less creativity, shared inaircraft maintenance engi- Management and Staff of sights, energy and guidneer, Lieutenant Colonel the GCAA extend sincerest ance throughout the years. (ret'd) Charles Hutson, 80, condolences to the fami- The board, management, died within three days of ly and friends of the late staff, instructors and stueach other. The Guyana Captain Malcolm Chan-a- dents offer their heartfelt Civil Aviation Authority Sue, A.A., M.S. Guyana condolences to Ms Mar(GCAA) expressed sadness has lost another stalwart in garet Chan-a-Sue and all at the deaths of both men. aviation.” of Malcolm’s family,” the Chan-a-Sue was inCaptain Chan-A-Sue school said in a release. volved in a motor vehicle served as the Chief Execaccident late last month utive Officer (CEO) of the UNTIMELY when the car he was driv- aeronautical engineering The Aircraft Owners’ ing, with his wife Margaret school from its founding in Association of Guyana in the passenger seat, was 1993 up until he departed (AOAG) also expressed hit by a minibus at the cor- from the position in 2018. deep sadness at the unner of High and Barrack The Art Williams and timely death of Captain Streets, Kingston, George- Harry Wendt Aeronautical Malcolm Chan-a-Sue. town.

Engineering School said A police report con- that Captain Chan-a-Sue “Our condolences go firmed the accident and dedicated 25 years (1993- out to his wife – Margasaid Chan-a-Sue and his 2018) of service, business ret -- his children, grandwife were admitted to the insight, consultation, ex- children and immediate male and female surgical pertise and professionalism family. His passing is a wards, respectively, at the as founder, Chief Execu- huge loss to the aviation Georgetown Public Hospi- tive Officer and Director of industry of Guyana. Captal Corporation. this institution. tain Chan-a-Sue’s contri"Another sad day for bution to the development the aviation fraternity in “He had the vision and and progress of aviation Guyana. Another local hero realised same of making in Guyana is second to is now flying with the an- this school a world-class none and truly immeasur-

Captain Chan-a-Sue was the chief pilot of the Guyana Airways Corporation, Operations Manager of Guyana Airways Corporation and Director of Operations, Guyana Air 2000.

For many years he managed the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School at Ogle and played a major part in the growth and development of what is today the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle.

Up until his death, he continued as an active consultant to the airport.

“Captain Chan-a-Sue will remain long in the memory of the numerous

pilots flying today whom he trained and tutored, and all of us in aviation, who have benefited from his advice and wisdom,” the AOAG said.

Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR), in a statement, also mourned the death of Captain Chan-ASue. Captain Chan-A-Sue, a recipient of the National Award, the Medal of Service (MS), also received the Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 2015 for his long, dedicated service and outstanding service in the field of aviation.

The PNC/R extended heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, relatives and friends.

On Friday last, the authority expressed "shock and sadness" at the news of the passing of Charles Hutson.

"As an aircraft engineer, Colonel Hutson was responsible for the effective maintenance of a fleet of aircraft at the Guyana Airways Corporation.”

He was later transferred to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with the rank of Major, where he attained certification in helicopter maintenance, becoming the first Guyanese to hold a dual aircraft (Helicopter and Fixed wing) maintenance engineering licence.

“He was type rated on the majority of fixedwing and helicopter aircraft," the GCAA said.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

J&J booster shot possibly opens US travel for Sputnik-V recipients

Photo credited to REUTERS/Dado Ruvic PERSONS who received the approved by their recog- (WHO) nor the US-based Russia-produced Sputnik-V nized health regulators.

Food and Drug AdministraCOVID-19 vaccine and are Specifically, while the tion (FDA). interested in traveling to the Sputnik-V COVID-19 vacThere might be a possibilUnited States (US) could cine has been administered in ity, however, for Sputnik-V find themselves in conflict Guyana, the vaccine has not recipients in Guyana to travel with that country’s policy of yet received emergency use to the US because of a new not admitting international authorization from neither the intervention implemented by travellers without vaccines World Health Organization Guyanese health authorities

which allows for Sputnik-V vaccine recipients to have the US-produced Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has been discussing the strategy for COVID-19 booster shots over the last few weeks. However, on Monday, Dr Anthony, during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Monday, outlined just how Guyana will administer booster shots.

The Health Minister said for persons to be eligible to receive the booster shots, they must fall within one of three categories established by the health authorities.

Dr Anthony outlined these eligible categories as persons who are 50 years and over with or without co-morbidities; persons who are 18 years and older with or without co-morbidities; and all healthcare workers who are 18 years and older.

Several vaccines are currently being administered

in Guyana including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson), Sputnik-V, and Sinopharm. Minister Anthony was cautious in outlining that the booster COVID-19 vaccine taken by persons should be based on the initial vaccines they received.

Persons who received two doses of Pfizer vaccine initially should take the Pfizer vaccine as their COVID-19 booster shot. Persons with two doses of Moderna vaccine, either Pfizer or the Moderna vaccines can be used as a COVID-19 booster shot.

Those who received the one-shot Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine should take that same vaccine as the COVID-19 booster shot.

With the Sinopharm vaccine, Dr Anthony continued, once two doses have already been received then the Sinopharm should be used as the COVID-19 booster shot.

For persons that received two doses of the AstraZen-

eca vaccine, the COVID-19 booster shot should also be AstraZeneca, however, Pfizer can be administered as well. For recipients of the two doses of Sputnik-V, the Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson) could be used as a COVID-19 booster shot.

When asked whether persons who received the J&J booster shot after receiving two doses of Sputnik-V vaccine could have travel access to the US, Health Minister Dr Anthony responded, “yes”.

The Health Minister advised persons to walk with their COVID-19 vaccination cards so that the information regarding the COVID-19 booster shot could be added to the card.

The safe period for receiving COVID-19 booster shots is six months after the second dose has been administered for two-dose vaccines and the same period for the one-dose Jannsen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Fight between vagrants Teen to stand trial for allegedly killing father leaves one dead

AN unidentified vagrant, on Saturday evening, was stabbed to death by another homeless man on Longden and Commerce Streets, Georgetown.

Police said that the incident occurred at around 19:30 hrs. Based on reports received, the victim appears to be between 35 and 40 years old.

Reports are that the now dead man and the suspect

were engaged in a heated argument which led to the suspect stabbing the victim several times with a pointed object.

As a result, police said the victim collapsed to the ground while the suspect made good his escape. An alarm was raised and as persons flocked the scene, the victim was found with his intestines protruding and in a pool of blood.

Members of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from Central Fire Station Ambulance Service were summoned to the scene and the man was pronounced dead on the spot. He was later escorted to the Memorial Gardens mortuary for positive identification.

Checks were made to locate the suspect but all efforts proved futile. An investigation is ongoing.

A 19-year-old Berbice resident was on Monday committed to stand trial at the Berbice High Court for unlawfully killing his father with a cutlass during an altercation.

Rashane Joseph, called “John Crow,” was committed by Magistrate Peter Hugh, who presided over the preliminary inquiry (PI) at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Hugh ruled that there was sufficient evidence for the teen to face a judge and jury at the next practical sitting of the Berbice Assizes.

According to reports, on August 16, 2020, at Spencer Street, Ithaca, West Bank Berbice, Rashane unlawfully killed his father, Collis Joseph, called “Underdog.”

It was reported that for several years the father and son would get involved in heated arguments which turned physical from time to time.

On the day in question, they had an argument over the use of a bicycle.

Collis saw his son at the shop with a juice and other items in his hand. He went

Collis Joseph, called ‘Underdog’ up to Rashane and allegedly destroyed the items. This resulted in an argument between the two, with both threatening to end each other’s life.

M o m e n t s l a t e r, t h e father left. He later went to his son’s home, armed with a cutlass. Rashane also armed himself with a cutlass. During the confrontation, the father allegedly threw his cutlass at his son

but it missed him and ended up in a nearby trench.

It is alleged that Rashane threw his cutlass towards his father which struck him in the region of his chest. The older Joseph fell to the ground and was then picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he died.

Rashane fled the scene but was arrested later that day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Late collapse leaves... (From back page)

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st Innings (overnight 267 for three) P Nissanka c Cornwall b Gabriel 56 *D Karunaratne st Da Silva b Chase 147 O Fernando c Bonner b Chase 3 A Mathews c Holder b Chase 3 Dhananjaya de Silva hit wkt b Gabriel 61 +D Chandimal c Cornwall b Chase 45 R Mendis c wkp Da Silva b Warrican 13 S Lakmal lbw b Warrican 11 D Chameera c Brathwaite b Warrican 3 L Embuldeniya c Blackwood b Chase 17 P Jayawickrama not out 8 Extras (b5, lb6, nb8) 19 TOTAL (all out, 133.5 overs) 386 Fall of wickets: 1-139, 2-164, 3-170, 4-281, 5-296, 6-331, 7-355, 8-361, 9-361, 10-386 Bowling: Gabriel 19-2-69-2 (nb5), Holder 19-9-24-0, Cornwall 27-3-91-0, Mayers 3-0-9-0, Warrican 32-5-87-3 (nb3), Chase 28.5-3-83-5, Blackwood 1-0-6-0, Brathwaite 4-0-6-0.

combined in a 36-run, sixth wicket stand with Mendis (13) to repair the damage,

WEST INDIES 1st Innings *K Brathwaite c Nissanka b Mendis 41 J Blackwood lbw b Embuldeniya 20 N Bonner c Dhananjaya de Silva b Jayawickrama 1 S Hope c Fernando b Mendis 10 R Chase c Fernando b Mendis 2 J Warrican c wkp Chandimal b Jayawickrama 1 K Mayers not out 22 J Holder not out 1 Extras (b3, lb9, w1, nb2) 15 TOTAL (6 wkts, 42 overs) 113 To bat: +J Da Silva, R Cornwall, S Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-51, 3-80, 4-83, 5-86, 6-100 Bowling: Lakmal 5-1-6-0, Chameera 4-08-0 (w1), Embuldeniya 15-4-39-1 (nb1), Jayawickrama 12-4-25-2 (nb1), Mendis 6-1-23-3.

Position: West Indies trail by 273 runs with four wickets intact.

before Mendis departed to a catch at the wicket off Warrican, three overs before lunch, taken at 341 for six.

Any hopes of passing the 400-run mark after the break were quickly dashed as Warrican and Chase scythed through the lower order.

West Indies came through the seven overs before tea unscathed to be 12 without loss at the second interval, and then frustrated Sri Lanka as Brathwaite and Blackwood staged a 41-run opening stand.

Brathwaite, reprieved by DRS on five after being adjudged lbw to the last ball before tea, punched seven fours off 115 deliveries while Blackwood faced 43 balls and lashed a four and a six – both boundaries coming in the first over after tea off left-arm spinner, Lasith Embuldeniya.

However, Blackwood played down the wrong line

English Racing Tips Southwell 08:50 hrs Brother Pat 09:25 hrs The Turtle Said 10:25 hrs Cry Wolf 10:55 hrs What A Glance 11:25 hrs Sabbathical Sedgefield 08:40 hrs Kavanaghs Cross 09:10 hrs Kaphumor 09:45 hrs Obey The Rules 10:15 hrs Coup De Gold 10:45 hrs Aire Valley Lad Wolverhampton 12:00 hrs Superior Force 12:30 hrs Secret Image 13:00 hrs Shamlaan 13:30 hrs Nizaaka 14:00 hrs Mondammet 14:30 hrs Desert Emperor 15:00 hrs Billy Dylan Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 08:00 hrs Busselton 08:30 hrs Laughing Trix

and was lbw to the same bowler and Nkrumah Bonner (1) lasted only 11 balls before falling to a sharp chance at first slip off Jayawickrama.

Brathwaite and Shai Hope (10) – a concussion substitute for Jeremy Solozano – then tried to rebuild in a 29-run, third wicket stand but once the partnership was broken, the innings fell apart.

Brathwaite turned Mendis into Pathum Nissanka’s hands at leg slip, Hope whipped the same bowler to Oshada Fernando at short leg seven balls later before night-watchman Warrican edged a defensive prod at Jayawickrama behind for one and then astonishingly reviewed the decision despite the obvious outside edge.

Mendis struck again when Chase tapped a defensive stroke low to Fernando at short leg as West Indies stumbled to the close.

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James and Stewart ejected as Lakers beat Detroit Pistons 121-116

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Chinese tennis player's call with Olympic chief is not enough - WTA

IOC President Thomas Bach spoke to Ms Peng for 30 minutes on Sunday.

By Brenda Goh

A bloodied Isaiah Stewart is held back by team-mates and coaching staff

LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart were ejected for causing a fracas as the Los Angeles Lakers came from 17 points down to beat the Detroit Pistons 121-116.

LA's James appeared to strike Pistons centre Stewart in the face as they battled for a rebound, leaving him with a large cut near his right eye.

Stewart then repeatedly had to be held back by teammates and coaching staff as he tried to retaliate.

Both were then ejected from the game after an official review.

"Everyone in the league knows LeBron's not a dirty guy," said James' Lakers

team-mate Anthony Davis.

"In fact, when he knew he hit him, as soon as he did it, he looked back at him like, 'Oh, my bad. I didn't try to do it'."

The ejection - which took place in the third quarter - was only the second of James' 19-year NBA career.

"It was a tough play with Isaiah," said Pistons coach Dwane Casey. "His eye got cracked all the way open and he was upset for a reason. I don't think James is a dirty player, but again, it got them going."

Davis top-scored for the Lakers with 30 points and Russell Westbrook added 26 as the Lakers came back

from 17 points down in the second half.

Elsewhere on Sunday night, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks 97-91, while the Phoenix Suns recorded their 12th consecutive win with a 12697 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

The Chicago Bulls picked up their fourth win in five games by narrowly beating the New York Knicks 109-103, and Andrew Wiggins inspired in a 32-point performance for the Golden State Warriors in their 119-104 win over the Toronto Raptors. (BBC Sport)

PAKISTAN completed a clean sweep over Bangladesh in their Twenty20 series, winning the third and final game by five wickets after a thrilling last over on Monday.

Bangladesh totalled a mediocre 124-7 but a slow approach meant Pakistan needed eight runs off the final six balls.

With two runs needed off two balls, Iftikhar went for glory but ended up being caught for six at backward point. New batsman Mohammad Nawaz then hit

a four through extra cover to take Pakistan home.

Mahmudullah finished with 3-10 from his solitary over.

Earlier, Haider and Mohammad Rizwan had put on 51 for the second wicket for Pakistan.

Paceman Shohidul Islam, making his debut, picked up his first wicket by removing Rizwan for 40. But Haider appeared to be in full control, hitting 45 in 38 balls with three fours and two sixes before fallin Mahmudullah had opted to bat first but debut pace-

man Shahnawaz Dhani, leg-spinner Usman Qadir and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim claimed two wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to its low score.

Dhani took a wicket in his first over by removing Najmul Hossain Shanto for five. Mohammad Naim ended up as the top-scorer for the home team with 47 off 50 balls.

Pakistan won the first game by four wickets and the second by eight wickets. (Sky Sports)

SHANGHAI, (Reuters) Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai's video call with the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not address or alleviate the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA) concern about her well-being, the WTA said on Monday.

The whereabouts of Peng, a former doubles world number one, became a matter of international concern nearly three weeks ago, after she alleged that China's former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

She appeared at a dinner with friends on Saturday and a children's tennis tournament in Beijing on Sunday, photographs and videos published by Chinese state media journalists and by the tourna-

ment's organisers show. But they have done little to quell concerns.

"It was good to see Peng Shuai in recent videos, but they don't alleviate or address the WTA's concern about her well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion," a WTA spokeswoman said in an e-mail.

Asked about the call with the IOC, the spokeswoman said: "This video does not change our call for a full, fair and transparent investigation, without censorship, into her allegation of sexual assault, which is the issue that gave rise to our initial concern."

The IOC said in a statement that Peng held a 30-minute call with its president, Thomas Bach, on Sunday, during which she said she was safe and well at home in Beijing and wanted

to have her privacy respected for now.

Amnesty International's China researcher Alkan Akad told Reuters the video call did little to alleviate fears over Peng's wellbeing.

"The International Olympic Committee is entering dangerous waters," Akad said. "In the past we have seen various similar cases where people had no option but to say what they had been told to."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to an email request on Monday for comment on the Amnesty statement.

French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu "is partly reassured by the video but remains concerned and wants the light to be shed on the accusations of sexual assault", her office told Reuters.

Barcelona's Pedri wins Golden Pakistan beat Bangladesh to Boy award for Europe's best complete T20 series clean sweep under-21 player in top division BARCELONA midfielder Pedri has won the 2021 Golden Boy award for the best under-21 player playing in a European country's top division.

Pedri, 18, beat England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to the award by a record 199 points.

He played more minutes than any other Barca player last season, going on to play at Euro 2020 and win Olympic silver with Spain.

However, he has not played since September because of a thigh injury.

In October, Pedri - who joined Barca from Las Pal-

Pedri played 53 times for Barcelona last season

mas in 2020 - signed a new deal with the Catalan club which includes a 1bn euro (£846m) release clause.

Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland won the Golden Boy award

in 2020.

First awarded in 2003, it has also been won by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Kylian Mbappe. (BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Thirty-six people contact Yorkshire whistleblower hotline THIRTY-six people have contacted Yorkshire's independent whistleblower hotline in its first week of operation.

The hotline was set up in the wake of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal to allow any other victims of discrimination at the club to come forward.

Mohinderpal Sethi QC will lead an investigation into the allegations.

Yorkshire's new chair Lord Patel thanked "all of those who have spoken up so far".

"We need to listen to those who have experienced discrimination or harassment to help guide how we move forward as a club," he said.

The Yorkshire racism scandal engulfed cricket after the county was widely condemned for saying it would not discipline anyone despite a report finding ex-player Rafiq was a victim of "racial harassment and bullying".

A meeting was held on Friday between English

cricket's leading figures following Rafiq's testimony to MPs, during which he said the game in England is "institutionally racist" and spoke about the racism he suffered at Yorkshire.

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said the government could take a "nuclear option" of creating an independent regulator to oversee cricket.

The scandal led to the resignations of Yorkshire chairman Roger Hutton and chief executive Mark Arthur, with Hutton's replacement Lord Patel announcing plans for the whistleblower hotline immediately after taking over.

Ex-Pakistan seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan was the second first-team player to allege racism at Yorkshire, saying "systematic taunting" occurred at the club.

Former Yorkshire academy players Irfan Amjad and Tabassum Bhatti have since shared their experiences of racism at the club.

Former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq.

More than 1,000 people contacted an inquiry, set up by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), into discrimination in cricket in its first week.

On Thursday, Rafiq apologised and said he is "deeply ashamed" for using anti-Semitic language in Facebook messages sent in 2011. (BBC Sport)

Paine is going to be a distraction if he plays the Ashes: Ian Healy THE former Australian keeper-batter Ian Healy has expressed his concerns over Tim Paine’s participation in the upcoming Ashes series. Previously, Paine had voluntarily stepped down as the Test captain of the side. His decision came amidst the sexting scandal with a Cricket Tasmania (CT) woman official.

Cricket Australia (CA) had also stated that it was his personal call to resign from the role.

However, it is also been reported that head coach Justin Langer wanted him to continue leading the side. The keeper-batter has however made himself available for selection for the high-profile series.

Healy thus feels that if Paine plays the series, it will be a distraction for the team.

He added that if his decision to step down as the skipper came with the view to avoid distraction then he shouldn’t make himself available for the selection either.

“My answer is yes (he should be in the playing XI) but if it’s the distraction he doesn’t want, and that’s why he stood down from the

Former stumper Ian Healy feels that Tim Paine is going to be a distraction if he plays in the Ashes series.

captaincy, he wasn’t told to stand down and was actually implored by his coach to stay, but he didn’t want to be a distraction.

So, he’s going to be a distraction if he plays, if he doesn’t want that distraction he shouldn’t be playing either, he shouldn’t be making himself available. He certainly has made himself available, I’d probably be looking

at seeing how it goes,” Healy told SEN’s Pat and Heals on Monday.

Ian Healy on wicket-keeping options who can replace Tim Paine As per the former Australia cricketer, the team has quite a few options when it comes to replacing Paine in the squad. He said that Alex Carey is one such potential player who can make the cut. Healy also named Queensland’s Jimmy Peirson and Western Australia’s Josh Inglis as the strong options who can be Paine’s replacement.

“Well I think Carey, I don’t think he’s done anything wrong not to get that job, and he’s just young enough at 30-yearsold. Having said that, my selection would have been Josh Inglis. Carey certainly deserves to have a go, but if George Bailey (CA chairman of selectors) and his selectors say, ‘No, we’re going to go young and build the future, then it looks like Josh Inglis of Jimmy Peirson, but I’d say it’s Josh Inglis, who has absolutely jammed the door with his foot,” Healy added. (CricTracker)

Zverev beats Medvedev to win ATP Finals title ICC appoints Geoff ALEXANDER Zverev outplayed defending champion Daniil Medvedev to beat him for the first time in two years and win his second ATP Finals title.

The 24-year-old German world number three, who had lost to the Russian second seed in the group stage, turned the tables to win 6-4 6-4.

Zverev, the 2018 champion, did not face a break point in a serving masterclass.

"I had to play one of my best matches," Zverev said after his sixth title of a year that included Olympic gold.

"I'm super thrilled and super happy right now.

There is no better way to end the season than to win here."

Zverev, who beat world number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday, becomes only the fourth player to

beat the top two players in the world in the semi-finals and final of this prestigious tournament and the first since Andre Agassi in 1990. `Zverev ends losing run against Medvedev The pair had already met this week in Turin, with 25-year-old US Open champion Medvedev beating Zverev in a lengthy three-setter.

Zverev, 24, had lost to him five times since a victory over him at the 2019 ATP Finals in London.

But the 25-year-old Russian could not extend that winning run when the trophy was at stake as the German took an early break in both sets in a clinical display.

Zverev's serving was almost flawless as he dropped just four points on serve in the first set and won 83% of his first-serve points. It was

Allardice...

Alexander Zverev celebrates with the ATP Finals Trophy.

therefore only fitting that he sealed victory with an ace.

"You beat me five times in a row, thank you for letting me win once," Zverev said to Medvedev during the trophy presentation.

This was the first final since the tournament's relocation from London and it was the first time since 2005 that the two finalists were aged 25 or younger.

(BBC Sport)

early 2000s. From there, he went up the ladder to become CA's cricket operations general manager, before moving on to the ICC in July 2012.

"My continued focus will be on doing the right thing for our sport and working closely with Members to deliver long-term success and sustainability," Allardice said. "I would also like to thank the ICC staff for their commitment and support over the last eight months and I'm looking forward to continuing to serve cricket with such a talented team."

Sawhney was first asked to go on leave by the ICC in March following issues that emerged over his management style after a cultural review, which was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He was then

(From page 26)

officially let go from his role in July, following a decision taken by the ICC board.

ICC chairman Greg Barclay said: "I am delighted that Geoff has agreed to take the role of ICC CEO on a permanent basis. He has shown tremendous leadership during an extremely challenging period culminating in the successful delivery of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021.

"Geoff has unrivaled knowledge of the global cricket landscape and its stakeholders and has consistently demonstrated he is the right person to work in partnership with our Members to shape the sport for the next decade as we embark on delivering a new strategy and our next commercial rights cycle."

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Dhoni: Hopefully my last T20 will ...'Whether it's next year or in five years' be in Chennai time, I don't know' says CSK captain MS Dhoni has indicated that he would continue playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL - for at least one more season - as he hopes for a Chepauk farewell.

Earlier, following Super Kings' win in the IPL 2021 final against Kolkata Knight Riders, Dhoni had said any decision about his retirement would be taken keeping in mind the needs of the franchise. With the mega auction coming up, and with teams allowed to retain only four players, his future seemed uncertain although Super Kings boss N Srinivasan had hinted that he will stay on with the franchise in some capacity.

"I have always planned my cricket," Dhoni said at an event hosted by the Super Kings. "The last ODI that I played in India was in Ranchi. Hopefully my last T20 will be in Chennai. Whether it's next year or in five years' time, I don't know."

Dhoni has led the Super Kings right from the first season in 2008, taking them to four titles. They have made the playoffs in every IPL they had been a part of, barring 2020. Over time, Dhoni has not only become integral to the Super Kings brand but the city of Chennai itself.

"The association started in 2008 when it comes to IPL, but it started before that when it came to play some of the other formats," Dhoni said. "One of the most memorable being my Test debut,

you know, which happened is in Chennai. I think I never knew that I'll be picked by CSK, I was in the auction and I got picked and it gave me an opportunity to understand the culture, which was very different from where I actually came from.

"And what made it even more different was I'm like a wanderer. My parents came from Uttar Pradesh.

the fans came and supported good cricket."

Super Kings came into the 2021 IPL on the back of a poor run in 2020 and with an ageing squad as well. But they went on to win nine of the 14 league games to finish second on the table, then beat table-toppers Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 to reach the final, and eventually toppled Knight Riders in convincing

an opportunity to earn the respect of the players and the fans, you know, because we said we believe in the process, we don't believe in the result.

"And the result definitely didn't go in our favour in 2020 and I feel we earned the respect of the men because they said this is what they do.

They walk the talk and that's one of the main reasons why

MS Dhoni speaks at the felicitation ceremony for Chennai Super Kings hosted by India Cements Chennai Super Kings

The Chennai Super Kings won their fourth IPL title in 2021 (BCCI) Photo saved: Chennai

It was initially UP, then it became Uttarakhand. I was born in Ranchi which was Bihar. Then later on became Jharkhand. I got my job at the age of 18, with railways in West Bengal, you know, Kharagpur and then I came to Chennai and I believe Chennai taught me a lot. Tamil Nadu taught me a lot when it came to how to conduct myself, how to appreciate the game. Each and every game that we played at Chepauk

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fashion to claim the title.

Dhoni said that the franchise and fans' backing gave the players the confidence to bounce back in the way they did.

"We had a very good run when it came to franchise cricket but it became interesting in 2020. That was the first season where we didn't qualify to the next stage of IPL. It gave us a chance to test the real character of the franchise, because when the going is good, you always keep talking about what you do, what is the process that you follow, but it gave us

I believe we could come back strongly and we were able to win that title."

Dhoni has been asked about his future at Super Kings a number of times during the course of the last two seasons. And this time, Srinivasan also had an answer for it, explaining what Dhoni means to the franchise and to the players who have played under him.

"People keep bugging him, 'are you going to continue?' He is there, he hasn't gone anywhere," Srinivasan said. "He is still there. That's why when somebody said

'what about your legacy?' he said 'I've not gone.'

"So many international captains have played under him. If you look at CSK, we have had a star-studded side. We also have people who aren't superstars. He has managed superstars and other players too. It is universally acknowledged that any player will give his best, better than his best, under MS Dhoni.

"The problem now with the management of CSK is how to get the whole gang back. Because one of the reasons for success of CSK has been consistency and also at all times we have shown faith to our players. We don't like to leave any player."

Srinivasan also spoke about the only time he saw "captain cool" get emotional, which was following Super Kings' return from a two-year ban in 2018 - a year when they won their third title.

"He is really captain cool.

But only once [he has not been]. We came back from banishment [in 2018]. Every year at the start of the season, I have a small interaction [with the team]. That year we had just come back. So, I welcomed the team I was slightly emotional. We had come back after two years and we had expectations of the year. The first time in my life I saw our captain also being emotional. It was a private function and I can't exhibit it. But what he said is that we have to win.

"The journey of the Chennai Super Kings is a journey of faith. It's a journey of leadership. I don't think anybody else could have managed the difficult periods that we went through as he has.

He never showed it on the field whether we win or lose and that is the hallmak of a champion." (Cricinfo)

ICC appoints Geoff Allardice full-time CEO

...He had served as the acting CEO for the last eight months, following the ICC's issues with Manu Sawhney GEOFF Allardice has been named the full-time CEO of the ICC after serving in the role on an interim basis for more than eight months. Allardice had taken over the role from Manu Sawhney in March, when the latter was suspended based on the findings of a cultural

review.

Allardice, a former firstclass cricketer from Australia who has a degree in chemical engineering, earlier served as ICC general manager (cricket) for eight years. He did not play international cricket but was a prolific, dogged batter for Melbourne University in

Geoff Allardice served as the acting CEO of ICC following Manu Sawhney's exit (IDI/Getty Images)

club cricket and played 18 matches for Victoria in the early 1990s.

Former CA CEO James Sutherland was Allardice's long-time Melbourne University team-mate. Eventually, Sutherland brought Allardice into the CA set-up as umpires' manager in the (Turn to page 25)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 23, 2021

Crawford may find the grass isn't greener after moving on from Top Rank LAS VEGAS — Terence Crawford did what he does Saturday, both in and out of the ring. He proved himself to be one of the great welterweights of this or any vintage with a classic performance in a 10thround stoppage of a game Shawn Porter.

Crawford was leading on all three cards, counterpunching beautifully and controlling the fight, when he viciously dropped Porter twice in the 10th round of their WBO welterweight title fight at Michelob Ultra Arena.

After the second knockdown, Porter’s father/trainer, Kenny, walked up the steps and asked referee Celestino Ruiz to stop the fight. He did, and a short while later, Porter announced his retirement, ending a very solid career in which he became one of the big stars of his era.

In the ring, Crawford is a star of the highest order.

If he’s not the best fighter in the world, he’s only 1B

to Canelo Alvarez’s 1A. It’s a different story outside the ring, where Crawford hasn’t proven to be the kind of attraction that elite welterweights before him like Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard and others have become.

Crawford became a free agent upon the conclusion of the bout and said he’d move on from Top Rank.

He had been with Top Rank since 2011, when he moved to 14-0 by stopping Derrick Campos.

Since moving to welterweight in 2018, he had been repeatedly frustrated with the promotional company’s inability to land him fights against the sport’s marquee names, particularly Errol Spence Jr. Spence was in the crowd watching, but immediately bolted upon the fight’s conclusion. Porter raved about Crawford and said he felt Crawford was the better fighter of the two, but

Terence Crawford knocked Shawn Porter down twice en route to a TKO win at Michelob Ultra Arena Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Spence didn’t stick around to speak for himself.

Crawford, though, made it clear that he’s moving on.

“I’m pretty sure my decision is made already,” Crawford said. “Bob [Arum] couldn’t secure me the Spence fight when I was with him. So how are you going

to secure me the Spence fight when I’m not with him? I’m moving forward with my career right now and I wish everybody the best.”

Crawford’s a great entertainer in the ring, but it takes far more than that to become a pay-per-view star. Mayweather became the richest

boxer ever by relentlessly selling himself, doing interviews repeatedly, marketing himself outside the ring by appearing in WWE matches and on “Dancing with the Stars,” and never walking away from a camera without something to say.

Crawford won’t say two words if one will do, and so while he’ll be adored by the hardcore fans, he may find that the grass is not greener if he expects to sell loads of pay-per-views.

Now, whoever signs him will do so with the understanding that it’s incumbent to make the Spence fight, and others like it that arise.

But Crawford isn’t poised to make a Mayweather-like run of massive, financially successful fights.

He was brilliant throughout, though he said he wasn’t pleased with his performance and noted he was better against the likes of Jeff Horn and Felix Diaz. He sparred with the media for not giving those fighters more credit,

but correctly noted that few fighters are ever the same after they face him.

Kenny Porter wasn’t about to let his son get battered by Crawford. He was on the ring apron quickly after the second knockdown.

He spoke compassionately and lovingly about his son as he explained why he put a halt to it when most trainers would have at least let it go on for a few more seconds.

“I knew everything that was going to happen before it happened,” said Kenny Porter, who said Shawn hadn’t spoken to him about his plan to retire before the post-fight news conference.

“So, this was something that was coming. Not to be negative towards him, but because I’m his father, I can see these things. … I could see it in training. I could see it in his movements. I could see it with him looking at the clock to see how much longer I got to be here today." (Yahoo Sports)

US Open T20 Tournament signs Windies Women hoping to extend winning form against Ireland 17 T&T cricketers THE Covid-19 pandemic has put cricket around the world in a spin and the story is even worse in Trinidad and Tobago where there has been no domestic cricket.

Cricketers in the twin Island Republic have been frustrated at not having a chance to play the sport they love. They have been looking at every opportunity overseas to get in some action as they look to continue their development.

A golden opportunity has presented itself through the US Open T20 tournament hosted by Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) in Fort Lauderdale, USA. The tournament which is run by business tycoon Mahammad Qureshi carries US$100,000 in prize money and gets going on December 6 and ends on December 13.

Trinidad and Tobago cricketers have registered in the draft in numbers and have been taken up by the 10 franchise teams.

Former T&T Red Force manager Colin Borde is also involved in the tournament as the manager of the US AllStars team and he spoke to CricScope about the fact that

Sunil Narine

the local cricketers are getting a chance to play competitive cricket.

“This tournament comes at the right time for our cricketers here in Trinidad and Tobago.

With the prolonged lockdown of sports in the country, they have suffered and are just waiting to exhale and now comes the chance.”

A total of 17 cricketers from Trinidad and Tobago — Navin Stewart, Mark Deyal, Sunil Narine, Terrance Hinds, William Perkins, Jarlanie Seales, Kyon Ottley, Khary Pierre, Rayad Emrit, Jesse Bootan, Ricky Jaipaul, Yannick Ottley, Lendl

Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed and Jon Russ Jaggessar — will be taking part in the week-long tournament. This presents the biggest number of players from T&T taking part outside of the country sending a team as they did way back in 2012 and 2013.

Borde added: “We are very grateful for this opportunity for our players to get on the park.

This run out by our players is sure to help in their development. For this, we must thank Maq Qureshi who continues to look in our region and help our players.

In addition to the 18 players from Trinidad and Tobago, there are also several cricketers coming in from the rest of the Caribbean. This is a fantastic opportunity and we thank the organisers.”

The T&T players will be spread around the Titans CC, Florida Scorpions, Brampton Pacers, Samp Army, Punjab Blue, Somerset Cavaliers, Yankee Royals, US All-Stars, NDCC Mace Royals, and Clarion Country Eagles teams. (Extracted from Trinidad Guardian)

HARARE, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – West Indies Women open their 50-over World Cup bid in earnest here today when they clash with minnows Ireland Women in their first match of the ICC Qualifiers.

The Caribbean side are on an unbeaten run, sweeping Pakistan 3-0 in Karachi earlier this month and then crushing Thailand Women in their official warm-up match here last week.

And captain Stafanie Taylor says she wants the excellent form to continue as West Indies Women chase their berth in next year’s showpiece in New Zealand.

“We had a good series against Pakistan so I would love to see, not just for tomorrow’s game but throughout the competition, that we continue from where we left off in Pakistan,” Taylor said ahead of the contest at Old Hararians.

“We’ve been playing some good cricket and we’ve been getting some really good scores from our top players and even from [the rest of the] batting lineup.”

She added: “I believe the

all-round ability of our team is our strength. Our batting is peaking at a good time heading into the Qualifiers [and] our bowlers are showing that they can defend the scores posted by the batters.

“So we are looking forward to a competitive but enjoyable tournament.”

Of particular satisfaction for West Indies Women will be the resurgence in their batting, an area which has struggled in recent times.

Deandra Dottin hit a career-best 132 in the opening One-Day International against Pakistan and followed up with another in the warm-up against Thailand, while Taylor struck here second century of the year with an unbeaten 102 in the third ODI against Pakistan.

And with the likes of Hayley Matthews and Chedean Nation among the runs with half-centuries in Pakistan, Taylor believes the form augurs well for the upcoming campaign.

“I think the morale is pretty good, especially seeing batters getting runs,” she said.

“I think that’s something we have been working on, the

batting scoring runs and helping the team because we’ve been relying on the bowling department for quite some time now so it’s been nice that the batters have been scoring those runs.”

West Indies Women are currently ranked sixth in the ICC charts while Ireland Women are four notches lower, but Taylor stressed there would be no complacency on her side’s part.

“That’s one thing you don’t want to do. Everyone’s here to win the competition and some of the teams we haven’t played them in such a long time,” she noted.

“We’re not here to take any team for granted. We’re here to play hard cricket and come out on top.”

SQUAD – Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams.

Roston Chase got figures of 5 for 83 (AFP/Getty Images)

Ramesh Mendis is embraced

by Praveen Jayawickrama after a wicket (AFP/Getty Images)

First Test in Galle

Late collapse leaves Windies tottering on 113 for six GALLE, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – A dismal final hour damaged West Indies’ chances of gaining a foothold in the opening Test, as a clatter of wickets left the tourists with a mountain to climb heading into Tuesday’s third day at Galle International Stadium.Already under pressure after Sri Lanka piled up 386 all out on the second day here Monday, West Indies finished the day tottering on 113 for six, still 273 runs behind, but more significantly, requiring a further 74 runs to avoid the follow on.

They were well placed at 80 for

two after captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who top-scored with 41, and Jermaine Blackwood (20) provided a solid start, but four wickets tumbled for 20 runs in the space of 49 deliveries to leave the innings in meltdown.

Left-hander Kyle Mayers was unbeaten on 22 off 20 balls with five fours and partnered by all-rounder Jason Holder on one.

Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis, in only his third Test, claimed three for 23 including the key wicket of Brathwaite, while 23-year-old leftarm spinner, Praveen Jayawickrama,

in his second Test, ended with two for 25. “[Mendis] bowled some good balls but obviously we will sit and still review how to better [play] the off-spinner,” Brathwaite said.

The guys to come are looking forward to the challenge. We know it won’t be easy but we have to keep supporting [them].”

Off-spinner/all-rounder Roston Chase had earlier picked up his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests when he finished with five for 83 as West Indies managed to limit Sri Lanka after the hosts resumed from

267 for three.

Left-arm spinner, Jomel Warrican, grabbed three for 87 while fast bowler, Shannon Gabriel, added a second wicket to end with two 69, ensuring the touring side knocked over the last five wickets for just 55 runs.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne, unbeaten on 132 at the start, was dismissed for 147 on the stroke of the first hour, the victim of great awareness by Joshua Da Silva who whipped the bails off after the left-hander played and missed at a widish delivery from Chase and

inadvertently dragged his boot off the crease.

All told, Karunaratne faced 300 balls in a shade under 7-¼ hours and struck 15 fours.

Dhananjaya de Silva had perished half-hour earlier after adding just four to his overnight 57, becoming the day’s first casualty when he dislodged the bails with his bat as he comically tried to prevent a loose ball he had defended off Gabriel from hitting his stumps.

Dinesh Chandimal, who struck five fours in 45 from 83 balls, then TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

Nicholson pins South American 10k triumph on Forde’s advice TWENTY-five-year-old Marlon Nicholson ran the race of his dreams to stun a chequered field in the South American 10k which was organised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) on Sunday.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athlete was not in most pundits' preview for a podium finished but he certainly will be remembered for his courageous run.

He clocked thirty-three minutes, 27.80 seconds, with Missigher (33:38.30s) and Audwin Tudor (33:39.30s) having a close finish for the other two podium spots.

Thomas (34:33.30s) and Ronell Newton (35:54.60s) rounded off the top five.

Speaking to the media after the stunning run, Nicholson revealed that he reached out to fellow GDF athlete and multiple-winner

of the South American 10k, Cleveland Forde for advice in his first attempt of the race.

“He [Forde] was like son be patient, it is all about patience, and I held my composure and waited for my turn and what he told me to do, came out as a victory for me.”

With just over a month in preparation, Nicholson said as the race got closer, he got nervous that he could not do it, but he still managed to pull through.

On the female side, Linden’s Sheama Tyrell (41:16.09s) once again dominated to win quite a distance ahead of Aliyah Headly (45:33.00s), Assatta Eastman (48:29.02s), Tia Azore (50:53.06s) and Delicia Tinnis (52:35.09s).

The top finishers in the senior male and

female categories secured a winner’s prize of US$1,000 with second place claiming US$600 and third US$400 along with genuine medals.

Meanwhile, the time of junior athlete Adriel Austin (45:32.03) would have placed her second in the senior female category, as she made light work of the Girls’ age 1619 category, likewise did Matthew Gordon (35:04.30s) in the Boys division.

Francis King (39:08.08s) and Tanika Jones (51:24:09s) were the leading Masters athletes.

The race started on Carifesta Avenue close to the GTT Earth Station and proceeded along the East Coast Highway for a turn at the University of Guyana entrance then to the National Park for a finish at the Children’s monument.

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Marlon Nicholson made an early move and began distancing himself as he headed into Thomas Lands TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021