Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-12-2021

THURSDAY 23rd DECEMBER, 2021

No. 106584

Health Minister: ‘Act sensibly to curb COVID-19’

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One-month tax-free bonus for joint services - 19 ranks to also get scholarships, President Ali announces

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Over $13B in contracts signed

- for construction of the Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway SEE PAGE

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Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, serving lunch to members of the Guyana Defence Force during the army’s annual Christmas Luncheon hosted at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, on Wednesday (Office of the President photo)

Rice earnings surpass New private industrial complex US$189M this year to create over 150 jobs SEE PAGE

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Victoria farmers to benefit from emergency drainage works after years of neglect SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

One-month tax-free bonus for joint services

- 19 ranks to also get scholarships, President Ali announces AS Guyana and the world over commence the holidays, all members of Guyana’s joint services will have even more to smile about, because in addition to their seven per cent salary increases, they will now benefit from the return of the year-end tax-free bonuses valued at one month’s worth of their salary.

The official announcement was made on Wednesday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his address at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) annual Christmas luncheon at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown.

“Let me be very clear on this because I want to be clear to all those who are listening; we are not returning the onemonth tax-free bonus for any other reason, but because you deserve it; because you work hard for it,” the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces said.

The issuance of military bonuses was a practice under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, but when the party demitted office in 2015, those bonuses became a thing of the past; however, leading up to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the party had promised to reinstate the incentives.

By December 2020, the

bonuses returned at half capacity, with ranks receiving two weeks’ worth of their tax-free salary. This year, they will receive the full package. “…and for those in our society who believe you can just take things away, and who believe that you can take things away from the soldier, I challenge them to go spend a year in some of the locations and live the life you do in protection of your country and then they will know whether you deserve it,” President Ali posited.

In addition to the monetary incentives, soldiers have also benefitted from a number of scholarships, including those offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), as well as opportunities for 19 ranks to be trained as part of a Government of India programme.

“As a matter of fact, this year, we have had the most officers and soldiers being trained or advancing their educational aspirations in the history of this military, and this is just the beginning because we are going to support you in all your education aspirations,” Dr. Ali assured the military men.

He said that substantial investments will also be directed towards improving

the requisite infrastructure to accommodate distance and online learning.

“So [that] all of you would have an equal opportunity; an equal shot at improving yourself and building a better prospect for your family. This is the goal and the vision,” the President noted.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the approach towards military development would continue into the new year at an accelerated pace.

The President maintained that in addition to safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country, military officers have to actively integrate themselves in the national development strategy of the country.

In recent months, ranks of the GDF have been assisting the government in executing development works in several areas including infrastructure.

“Today, I stand here, and I want to celebrate with you the many roads, bridges that you have contributed in building in our country this year. Whilst we’re here, you’re even working, and you’re showing by example that you can work the long hours even in the night to build the median right out here on Carifesta [Avenue],” the President said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing soldiers at Camp Ayanganna on Wednesday Heading into 2022, Dr. Ali said that the GDF will also be partnering with the Guyana Police Force and the private sector to execute a massive clean-up campaign of the city.

Soldiers acknowledge President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announcement of bonuses

“We will show them by our example that we can do it and if we do it as a people, then those who are in the leadership position whether at the NDC, the Town Council or the City Council, they must follow with their leadership in keeping it the way we will hand it to them,” the President posited.

He continued: “We will demonstrate that love for country and patriotism go far beyond what one may consider the military defence of our borders. It is about how we see ourselves. It is about how we respect ourselves. It is about how we respect the communities we live in. It is about how we portray Guyana to those who visit our shores.”

Meanwhile, the announcement of the military bonuses comes just one day after the President announced a $612 million pay-out for health workers within the public sector. This will see 9,200 persons receiving a one-off tax-free bonus valued at two weeks’ worth of their salaries before the end of the week.

Those bonuses come even

as $10.5 billion has already been expended on salary increases for more than 50,000 public servants, including teachers and members of the disciplined services.

Additionally, the incentives represent just a portion of the direct cash benefits that Guyanese would have received from the time the PPP/C government assumed office in August 2020. Some of the other benefits include a $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant which was distributed to every household across the country; the education cash grants valued at $19,000, which was given to every school-aged child in the public and private school system; a $25,000 cash grant for pensioners, among others.

Moreover, the government also responded to the devastating May 2021 floods by distributing $7.8 billion worth of flood-relief grants to each affected household and farmer across the length and breadth of the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

New private industrial complex to create over 150 jobs

Chief Investment Officer of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, visiting the Atlantic Marines Guyana Inc. industrial complex on Wednesday (Go-Invest photo) OVER 150 Guyanese are in line to benefit from employment as Atlantic Marines Guyana Inc. wraps up work on its industrial complex, which is designed to service the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

This is according to a post on the official Facebook Page of the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest).

This addition to the job market comes even as the government continues to encourage investments from both local and international investors.

It was reported recently that there has been a notable increase in the number of opportunities for Guyanese, with the latest symbol of this being the approval of 48 private projects which, collectively, can create over 2,300 jobs Based on information shared with this publication, of the 48 projects which have been approved, 17 are in the services sec-

tor, 17 in the manufacturing sector, five in agriculture, four in mining, three in forestry, two in tourism, two in Information and Communications Technology and one in the energy sector.

Those project proposals signal the growing interest and confidence in the local economy, from both Guyanese and foreigners.

Noteworthy amidst this advancement, is the fact that 33 of the approved projects are from locals.

Speaking during a recent interview on Globespan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, had said that 65 per cent of the private investments made this year were from locals.

Dr. Ramsaroop said that, even as the economy continues to grow, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and, by extension, the government, are committed to having Guyanese benefit from the investment opportunities that are available locally.

“So, when people think

the foreigners are coming in and benefitting, I can say that 65 per cent of my signatures on investment opportunities this year, through the Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, have been local businesses,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

He added: “We’ve got another 10-20 per cent from CARICOM, which we are proud of, too, and then the rest come from the rest of the world. But it will change over time.”

But even with this being the case, the CEO had assured foreigners that Guyana is also open to them.

Their participation in local development was also visible this year, with some nine Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects being

Atlantic Marines Guyana Inc. industrial complex recorded up to this month, while there were three proposals from Guyanese in the diaspora, and six joint ventures.

The Go-Invest CEO further said that the government has been implementing systems to provide incentives to all investors, whether large or small. He reminded his audience that outlined in the government’s plans are opportunities for persons to become investors, and benefit from opportunities across several sectors.

“But what I want the smaller, middle-level businesses to know is that there are incentives no different than what we would give to large investors; you have to study the President’s plan, and how he outlines the initiatives.

“If you look at the first phase, it is significant infrastructure; the second phase is you bring energy. And if you look at, for example, the manufacturing industry, with cheaper energy coming to our shores in two-three years, you could now be able to have textile factories,” Dr. Ramsaroop reasoned.

Even as the government continues to encourage local investors to benefit from the numerous opportunities, Dr. Ramsaroop said that systems have been implemented to train and equip Guyanese with the necessary tools to reap the maximum benefits of any sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Year-End Bonuses

THE Government of Guyana has provided an additional payout of $612M in year-end bonuses for healthcare workers. The tax-free bonuses are expected to be paid out before Christmas Day and are equivalent to two weeks of additional pay on existing salaries. This payment will certainly help to lift the spirit of our hard-working and dedicated nurses and other healthcare workers and professionals.

The announcement was made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali who has made good on his promise to offer an additional incentive to healthcare workers, many of whom have gone beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of the

Guyanese people, especially during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a broadcast message posted on his official Facebook, President Ali extended his appreciation to health workers who have been, and continue to be, in the frontlines in the fight against the deadly coronavirus. “I want to take this opportunity again to thank all the workers in the medical field, medical services, health services for the continued work that you’re doing,” the President said.

President Ali used the opportunity to remind healthcare workers to abide at all times with the norms of service and professionalism and not to be distracted from the exceptional services they have been providing to the

nation. He encouraged them not to be influenced by those with political axes to grind and to be steadfast in their role in the preservation and promotion of the health and well-being of the Guyanese people.

As the President remarked, the bonuses are in keeping with a promise made by his administration earlier in the year to ensure that public healthcare workers are rewarded for their efforts and sacrifices as a consequence of the risks involved in the treatment and protection of the nation against the emergence and spread of the COVID-19 virus. On November 27, President Ali made an announcement that all healthcare professionals will be given a two-week bonus

in December. A similar announcement was made with respect to the disciplined services on December 11th at a Christmas Lunch with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

All of these promises have been fully honoured.

Additionally, sugar workers benefitted from a $250,000 one-off payment and a seven per cent increase on existing wages, retroactive from January this year, which cumulatively have injected billions of dollars in the pockets of workers and by extension into the national economy. This amounted to a sizeable increase in disposable income which will have a multiplier effect on the economy as a whole.

The PPP/C administration is committed to enhanc-

ing the quality of life of the Guyanese people, especially during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic when the economies of several countries contracted, resulting in significant layoff of workers and stagnant, if not reduced, wages. Despite the economic constraints, the PPP/C administration was able to increase wages and salaries by seven per cent which is above the rate of inflation and a consequential increase in the basket of goods and services available to the working people of Guyana.

At this festive time of the year, every additional dollar is most welcome. The mood of the country is changing and with it the propensity to spend more. With the additional billions available to

Guyanese, thanks to salary increases and additional bonuses, consumer spending is likely to increase substantially which will give a big boost to business and commerce.

The bonuses paid to healthcare workers and the disciplined forces come at a time when public servants benefitted from a seven per cent increase on their salaries retroactive to the beginning of the year. Consumers, however, are encouraged to spend wisely and to avoid the pull of ‘consumerism’ and the ‘keeping up with the Jones’ syndrome. A penny saved is a penny gained, and there is always virtue in setting aside some money for the proverbial ‘a rainy day’.

NRF can boost the education sector and set the platform for sustained prosperity

Dear Editor, GUYANA is emerging as one of the largest oil producing nations in South America and has the potential to become the most prominent nation in the world. As oil and gas will soon contribute hugely to our economic GDP growth, education is a vital force to acquire economic prosperity. Without education, common issues such as unemployment, poverty, and disparity between groups, will continue to negatively affect Guyana. Although, Parliament’s newly proposed NRF bill has been a source of debate and division among political parties, the importance of the funds from this bill should not be under-

estimated; such funds can significantly impact our education standards.

Without proper and adequate education and literacy, Guyana would not be able to compete with the oil giants. For Guyana to compete as an aggressive economy, it is necessary to upgrade its educational standards and keep students in country, rather than sending them abroad.

To such ends, the NRF can provide more than enough funds to bolster the quality of education by improving schools, enabling teachers and professors to earn higher wages, providing better facilities, and giving scholarships, and grants to pursue studies in a wide variety of subject

areas in schools. With the ongoing pandemic, our education appears to have taken a turn for the worst; it is therefore, necessary for us to provide adequate technologies to help students earn an education regardless of where they live in Guyana. For example, such technologies would include stronger and faster internet, computers, and accessible and safe transportation to and from schools or learning centres. If Guyana is to become like Dubai, a popular country for comparing oil developing countries, Guyanese must have a strong education and training foundation that will allow them to become more productive. Ultimately

by having an educated society, citizens would be in a better position to take on more highly skilled and specialised jobs which would further increase productivity and raise the GDP in Guyana.

Citizens would be able to earn more money and be able to save or spend their excess money. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, Dubai took 30 years develop into what has become today. Guyanese expected a change in lifestyle and influx of money the moment oil started pumping from the wells. However, without strong education roots and foundation, Guyana will not be an easy task.

Education is the key to a strong foundation that will solidify future gen-

eration’s security and prosperity. While I do agree that other factors, such as, healthcare, infrastructure, and cost of living need to be addressed, education needs more emphasis because most of Guyana’s social, economic, and political problems can be solved through an educated society. The Ministry of Education has set the attainment of quality universal secondary education as a major objective in its current Education Strategic Plan which jells with vision 2030 strategic development plan and with the NRF. This goal can be obtained before 2030 by utilising funds from the NRF to fund schools and universities. With

the NRF, the Ministry of Education can enhance schools which will then be able to pay teachers higher wages, provide textbooks, upgrade facilities, transportation, and security. In future years, oil and gas will be Guyana’s main source of economic revenues and the NRF goal for education should be to contribute to employability and reduction of poverty, increasing performance at all education levels and reducing the imbalance between subgroups. On a concluding note, The NRF bill can boost the education sector and set the platform for sustained prosperity.

Yours sincerely, Mohamed J. Rahaman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

‘Act sensibly’ to curb COVID-19 - Health Minister says

HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has advised that persons must “act sensibly” to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

Speaking during Wednesday’s edition of the COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony explained that acting sensibly means persons must “take on personal responsibility” and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

He said that persons must ensure they wear their masks when in public, sanitise regularly, social distance and most importantly, ensure they are vaccinated. “[Social distancing] seems like a very difficult thing to do during this holiday period because everybody wants to crowd, walk in the crowd and behave like it’s normal, but that’s not taking personal responsibility, that’s being highly irresponsible,” he said.

Further, Dr. Anthony reminded that as part of the Gazetted COVID-19 Measures, businesses also have a responsibility to ensure persons who enter their premises produce their vaccination card indicating they are fully vaccinated before entering.

“Unfortunately, many businesses are choosing to relax these measures and because of their posture – not helping to prevent the spread, we can see an increase in cases,” he said while highlighting that there is no necessity for persons to go to certain places “just to hang out.”

The minister added: “This is not a job for the Ministry of Health alone, this is for everyone in the country. If you want to see a reduction in cases, if you want to see a reduction in hospitalisation, if you want to see a reduction in deaths, then

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during his COVID-19 Update with the Department of Public Information on Wednesday all of us must be involved … take personal responsibility and … do what is right.”

The latest COVID-19 statistics show that some 409,582 adults and 30,131 adolescents have received their first dose of one of the vaccines the country has made available to citizens.

These numbers, when broken down, mean that

79.8 per cent of the country’s adult population and 41.3 per cent of its adolescent population or persons between the ages of 12 to 18 years have received their first shot of a COVID-19 ‘jab’.

In terms of second doses, the statistics show that 57 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, representing some 292,173

persons, while 21,412 adolescents received their second shot, representing 29.4 per cent of that population.

With the exception of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for persons to be considered fully vaccinated with the available vaccines, namely, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V and Pfizer for adolescents, they must be administered both components of those vaccines.

The Ministry of Health has also rolled out its booster shot campaign whereby persons who are fully inoculated could receive a third, booster shot. To date, some 10,076 booster doses have been administered nationally.

Dr. Anthony related that Regions Two, Eight and 10 have been “lagging” behind the national average of persons vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as those regions are “way below the national average” for first, second and booster doses.

“I’ll like to make an appeal because as you know

with the looming threat of Omicron one way to keep yourself safe is to make sure you’re vaccinated. Those who haven’t received any vaccine right now, we’re encouraging them to make sure that they can get their first dose as soon as possible,” he said.

Further, he related that persons who received their first dose but did not return for their second dose are not considered fully vaccinated, and encouraged that those persons take their second dose. He also appealed to persons to take their booster shot as immunity produced by the vaccines eventually wear off.

“It is important that you get your booster shot because with Omicron, we are seeing persons who have had two doses but six months would have passed that your antibodies would start dropping and in six months’ time you can get back infected if you are exposed to the virus,” Dr. Anthony said.

Regional coconut industry to be enhanced - as IICA, CARDI and ITC sign Letter of Intent for co-operation

(IICA) Global coconut market demand is at an all-time high and projected to grow exponentially over the next ten years.

Increasing awareness of its health benefits, rising applications in the food and beverage industry and the launch of new products has led to wider market penetration.

While the Caribbean has tremendous potential to become an active competitor in the global coconut marketplace, its pace of growth has been compromised by aging plantations, lack of quality planting material, prevalence of pests and diseases, compounded by investment, financial and technological constraints.

Recognising the potential of the industry, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) virtually signed a Letter of Intent to facilitate the joint strengthening of development efforts in the regional coconut industry.

Expanding on the potential benefits of this initiative, William Castro Rodriguez, International Consultant, ITC stated: “This collaboration will help us to improve our implementation on the ground, scale up and help us align our policies in the region to support farmer organisations, and to expand coconut production and commercialisation.

“We’re very sure that this will help us to reduce the risk of investing in value chains by collaborating with policymakers, buyers, financial institutions, and other organisations that will help to increase the capacity of smallholder farmers. We

continue to pledge our support to continue promoting integrated value chains into the Caribbean.”

The ITC and CARDI have combined their efforts to implement the project, “Alliances for Coconut Industry Development Expansion and Enhanced Support for the Caribbean.”

This project aims to enhance the competitiveness of small-scale farmers in coconut value chains through better local, regional, and global market integration and production performance.

The institutions are implementing the project under the Alliances for Action model which promotes inclusive

and sustainable agricultural value chains while ensuring compliance with environmental, economic, and social requirements.

A key objective of the coconut project is the creation and re-inforcement of food safety standards and strengthening of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and quality compliance systems.

Financed by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme, with oversight by the CARIFORUM Directorate, Phase Two of the project ends in 2023.

Ansari Hosein, Manager, Science, Technology and Innovation, CARDI explained: “The course of action being pursued today will maximise the use of resources that are made available by preventing duplication of activities.

We look forward to this alliance which identifies clear opportunities for synergies between projects to deliver real action and real results to the agricultural communities of this region, so that in time we can speak of this alliance TURN TO PAGE 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Victoria farmers to benefit from emergency drainage works after years of neglect - works scheduled to commence in the next three to five days

FARMERS from Victoria Village, a farming community located on the East Coast of Demerara, will soon benefit from a number of much-needed drainage works following years of neglect and underdevelopment.

According to a release, during a meeting on Wednesday afternoon, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha told the farmers that most of their drainage woes will soon be behind them in the coming week as emergency works will commence within the next three to five days.

Farmers from the community turned up in their numbers to meet the minister, airing their dissatisfaction with the lack of proper drainage thus resulting in their farms being completely inundated when there are instances of persistent rainfall.

One farmer explained that due to the heavy vegetation in the trenches, many farms are constantly underwater.

“Most of the trenches are blocked up and that’s causing flooding. All through the year, we experience flooding. Every time we go back to the farm we’re flooded again. We need good drainage,” the farmer said.

Similarly, another farmer told the minister that the main relief channel in the area, which also drains three other neighbouring villages, is blocked and needs to be cleared.

“We have a company trench out there. The main drainage trench for Victoria and Cove and John, also Nabacalis and Golden Grove. That one trench drains everything. That is the most important trench and it Is blocked up,” the farmer said.

Aside from drainage, the release noted that farmers also said that there was a need for a ranger to manage

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha addressing farmers from Victoria Village (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Minister Mustapha along with a group of residents at the village’s main access road (Ministry of Agriculture photo) the crown dam. One farmer related that in the past, a ranger would monitor the condition of the dam and provide a report to the relevant authorities.

Ranger Needed “We need a ranger because when the rain fall they are opening the kokar. Years

ago when the water drop in this village then they’d release the water from the savannah. If you go there right now, when the water big, it could work but the wire rope isn’t good and that is the main thing that is causing flooding in this village now. The crown dam

leaking in several places and nobody’s getting to report the matter because we don’t have a ranger. Years ago, we had a ranger that used to run the crown dam and bring in a report but now we have no ranger and the system stop,” the farmer said.

In addition to drainage

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visiting an elderly farmer from Victoria (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

issues, the visibly frustrated residents expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the village’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council. They told the minister that despite making numerous requests for upgrades to their roads and cleaning of their parapets the NDC continues to ignore their requests.

While addressing the farmers’ concerns, Minister Mustapha said that emergency drainage works will commence in the coming days. He added that as the rainy season is expected to last another two months, works have to be prioritized to minimize flooding in the community, the release noted.

“Things that were not done for years cannot be done all at once. We have to prioritise and determine what works should be done now and what should be done later. What is most important should be done now.

We are now experiencing heavy rainfall because the prediction is showing over the next two months we’ll have heavy and intense rainfall. We have to prepare now so that farmers and residents who suffered tremendous losses will not experience that again.

Systems need to be put in place. Although we are approaching the end of the year, which means our 2021 budget cycle is coming to a close, in another three to five days I will ensure that a machine comes to commence emergency works in the area. We’ll do the company trench, the two sidelines, and the middle walk. Those four trenches we’ll do this year for you. Those areas that have breaches, the machine will also seal those breaches and as it excavates, it will build

the dams so that we can prevent flooding,” Minister Mustapha said.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT In addition to the emergency drainage works announced, Minister Mustapha also told residents that officers from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will also be conducting a needs assessment to determine how many farmers suffered losses, after which, the ministry will be able to make available planting materials and fertilisers so that farmers can return to the land as soon as possible. Furthermore, farmers who lost livestock were also assured that, following a similar assessment, the ministry will work to offer assistance to them, the release said.

After the meeting, Minister Mustapha walked with farmers to get a firsthand look at the devastation caused by the flooding as well as the state of the roads. Residents took the opportunity to express satisfaction with the minister’s visit and his willingness to visit several of the affected farms and homes. One resident mentioned that following the passage of the no-confidence motion, the former Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure had visited the area but instead of walking with residents, she engaged them from the comfort of her vehicle.

Minister Mustapha also told farmers that come 2022, they can look forward to more developmental works in the village. He also said that he will engage the Ministers of Public Works to visit the area to address issues with the roadways in the village, the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

GECOM fraud case adjourned to March 25

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan has adjourned the fraud case involving former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; PNC/R Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; coalition political activist, Carol JosephSmith and four others, to March 25, 2022, for report.

The trio, along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

A team of special prosecutors comprising attorneys-at-law Darshan Ramdhani, QC, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai, and George Thomas are handling the case for the State. Attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Eusi Anderson, Roynald Daniles and Konyo Sandiford are on record for the defendants.

The case came up before the Chief Magistrate

on December 17. She then adjourned the case until March 25, 2022, for report, and on that day, a date may be fixed for the case management hearing.

In October, the State handed over certified copies of Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs), to the seven accused who are before the court on multiple charges.

According to particulars of the first charge, it is alleged that, on March 5, 2020, with intent to defraud, Lawrence and Mingo uttered a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) for the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, knowing the same to be forged.

It is further alleged that, on March 13, 2020, Mingo and Smith-Joseph uttered a forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2 elections, knowing that said report was forged.

It is also alleged that, on the said date, Smith-Joseph conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudu-

PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former minister, Volda Lawrence, and former Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo lent count of votes for District Four.

Mingo, Lawrence and Smith-Joseph were each

of expanding into markets internationally but also it is one that contributes to transforming the regional food sector for improved food and nutrition security.

Ana Marisa Cordero, Acting Head, Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Food Quality Programme, IICA said: “The project’s specific work on developing the coconut industry includes the provision of technical assistance to private sector organisations in the areas of training and guidance in key aspects of food safety, innovation, they also upgrade laboratories to undertake tests that are required for the marketing and trade of coconut and coconut products.”

In the Letter of Intent, the signatories acknowledged the importance of co-operation in knowledge management and information dissemination relating to the development of the agri-food system, in particular, the coconut industry, and the establishment of responsible and inclusive

flation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes.

Those who rejected the results filed several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appeal court. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana on August 2, 2020.

Confessed killer to know fate next month

COME January 18, 2022, High Court Judge, Jo-Ann Barlow, is expected to sentence 24-year-old Ryan Albert, called ‘Murray’, who had admitted to fatally stabbing a 19-year-old miner with a pair of scissors, and assaulting another man

Regional coconut industry...

FROM PAGE 7 in the context of being a true success story which created long lasting positive impacts.”

IICA is the executing agency for the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures Project which is one component of the 11th EDF Programme “Support to CARIFORUM States in furthering the implementation of their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) commitments and in meaningfully reaping the benefits of the Agreement.”

The objective of this project is to facilitate CARIFORUM Countries to gain and improve market access by complying with Europe’s SPS measures and to help CARIFORUM states to better develop their own regionally harmonised SPS measures.

The 11th EDF SPS Measures Project which forms the basis of this alliance is an important action for the Caribbean, not only in terms

released on $100,000 bail.

Additionally, it is alleged that between March 2 and August 2, 2020,

at Georgetown, Mingo, conspired with Lawrence, Smith-Joseph, February, Livan, Bobb-Cummings, Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

Recently, Mingo, along with Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and his deputy, Roxanne Myers, had their employment terminated by the Guyana Elections Commission. Lowenfield and Myers have also been charged with electoral fraud and are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that they inflated or facilitated the in-

public-private production and commercialisation connections with Alliances for Action partners.

Parties also recognised the importance of capacitybuilding activities in the areas of production and processing, and strengthening systems for improved SPS compliance in the Caribbean.

Those interventions will contribute to an increased capacity for exports, increased trade and economic development, increased compliance with international obligations and improved market access and a reduction in food safety related incidents.

Cordero said: “The partnership with the ITC and CARDI will further assist IICA to achieve the benefits of the rationalisation of resources to scale up interventions to reach a larger number of stakeholders and, hence, have a greater impact on livelihoods along the region’s coconut supply chain.”

in 2016.

Last month, Albert, formerly of Yarakita, in the North West District (NWD), was arraigned at the Demerara High Court, where he admitted that, on March 29, 2016, he unlawfully killed Dalton Emanuel.

He also admitted that he assaulted Mark Edwards, so as to cause him actual bodily harm on the same date and at the same location where the murder

occurred.

He was expected to be sentenced earlier in the month. However, the judge deferred sentencing until January 18, 2022, to cater for the presentation of a probation report.

The state is being represented by prosecutor Latifah Elliot, while attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir is on record for Albert.

According to reports,

on the day in question, at around 22:00 hrs, Albert was involved in an argument with Emanuel at Yarakita. During the course of the argument, Albert not only stabbed Emanuel in the abdomen with a pair of scissors, but also turned the weapon on Edwards.

Emanuel was reportedly taken to the Mabaruma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Education Ministry to expand teaching in Wapichan language in 2022

IN keeping with the vision to preserve indigenous languages and culture, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has announced plans to expand the teaching of the Wapichan language in several communities in the South Rupununi.

In making this disclosure on Monday, she said that the expansion is expected to take effect in 2022 and will ensure that hinterland children in nursery and primary schools are taught in their native language.

In September 2018, the ministry launched its pilot programme in three nursery schools in Region Nine. The initiative was made possible

through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Quality Bilingual Education Programme for Wapichan Children (QBEP), and the Education Ministry to introduce the language course at the Maruranau, Sawariwa, and Karaudarnau Nursery Schools.

According to Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, the programme was designed with the idea of bridging the language gap so as to afford hinterland children the opportunity to learn in their native language.

He stated that the COV-

ID-19 pandemic which caused schools to remain closed for some time had a major impact on the roll out of the programme. He noted the government’s eagerness to have it implemented and launched come 2022.

De Souza said that presently many of the school-aged children in the hinterland often struggle to learn the English translation of Wapichan words. Because of this, it is difficult for them to understand the concepts being taught.

“With respect to education, this will be very impactful because, coming out of the experience we had when we started the programme, it was

found that the children were very receptive and they were actively learning even quicker because you know it would have been difficult in the past for them to even learn English and then try to understand the concepts that are being taught.

So, to get them into their own language, to get education delivery to them in their own language that is a big plus,” De Souza added.

According to the DCEO, the initiative will see teachers in several communities being trained to teach the ministry’s curriculum in the native tongue. He explained that, as part of that, the ministry will be moving forward with translating texts, its worksheets and

Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development

OVER 150 children between the ages of one and sixteen years, hailing from Maria Elizab e t h / T h re e F r i e n d s Mine, Linden, were on Saturday last treated to a day of activities hosted by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

CIOG, in collaboration with the United States Embassy’s Military Information Support Team, treated the children to a wide range of funrelated activities, including cricket and football

games, and the winning teams were issued a trophy.

The children were also able to participate in face painting and they played on the trampoline, while Tigger the Tiger, who made an appearance, interacted with them and distributed sweets to everyone. Lunch was also provided and every child received a gift ranging

from toys and stationery to ‘goodies bags’.

A number of entities donated to make the event possible, namely, Guyana Beverage, Caribbean International Distribution Inc., Ricks and Sari, D. Singh Trading, Clear Waters, Rahaman’s Fruits, Feroze Khan and the Maria Elizabeth/ Three Friends Mine Neighbourhood Democratic Council

other materials from the standard English they are in presently, to the Wapichan language.

He noted that the initiative would improve the way children in the hinterland experience education, adding, “It’s going to be very impactful because we are starting them off young. We are actually teaching them in their mother tongue [and] as they move on eventually through the system gradually break into English. So, instead of having to wait and teach them two languages, it wouldn’t be any pressure to them learning a second language.”

CIOG hosts children’s fun day in Linden Tigger the Tiger interacting with children at the fun day

(NDC).

“Our sincere gratitude to the entire team which gave their time and effort to make the event a happy and memorable one for the kids.

We pray that God Almighty richly reward all those who were involved and blessings for all the kids with a bright and successful future,” CIOG said in a press release.

A Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) representative handing over gifts to a child

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Educating a woman means educating a nation - Qualitest Training Institute on quest to empower Caribbean women

Yvette Irving, Chief Executive Officer of Qualitest Training Institute and Medical Scientist

By Naomi Parris A WOMAN in the 60s was a very different woman to one of today. There was a period where societal construct confined a woman to a simple housewife, whose lone responsibility was to take care of the household, her spouse and children.

Traditionally, the role of women in society has been greatly overlooked, but, today, that role is being viewed from a different perspective.

However, in these contemporary times, women are empowered and emboldened to take revolutionary action that drives change within our society, starting with a few institutions.

One such institution that must be highlighted is Qualitest Training Institute. This institution is one of the businesses operated by QualiTEST Incorporated headed

by Yvette Irving, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Scientist.

The institution’s Patron is Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin – Vice

Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

The institute offers programmes in phlebotomy technician, medical lab assistant, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant and patient care technician.

Its student population consists of 95 per cent women and majority of that percentage are career working mothers trying to improve their social status through education in the Allied Health across the Caribbean.

Ivring, who holds a post graduate certificate focused in Laboratory Quality Management from Michener Institute in Canada, noted that women are the foundation of a home and when they are educated a nation becomes educated.

“If you educate a woman, you are educating a nation because women are the faculty of the home and most of their kids will look up to them as a role model.”

Wo m e n h a v e t h e power to impart knowledge and inspire generations to come.

“If you educate a woman, she becomes independent and she becomes a role model for her daughters and even her sons,” said Irving.

Speaking on the institution’s success rate, Irving said, “It has been very good, for the entire year we may have four students doing supplement. These students work very hard and some of them have highschool-aged children.”

Recently, the institution had its inaugural graduation ceremony, which saw 38 students in attendance; however, 90 students would have been trained. Some of these students were from other Caribbean countries such as Dominica, Antigua and St Vincent.

Most graduates are employed in the private sector and a few in the public sector.

It must be noted that the institution’s programmes are recognised by the American Medical Technologists certification body and students write that body’s examination to be certified.

In 2022, students will have access to the Canadian Phlebotomy Technicians certification examinations.

The institution is the brain child of Irving, who noted that she started the initiative to promote allied health care across the Caribbean.

A few of the successful graduates of Qualitest Training Institute batch 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Faster internet services for New Amsterdam residents, businesses -with expansion of ‘GTT Fibre’ THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has introduced its residential and “Biz Fibre” services to New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), affording residents and businesses an opportunity to have enhanced internet access.

The company said it looked forward to a great response, since many residents and businesses had expressed interest in the service.

GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions and Fixed Network Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, said that, having previously led installation teams to Non Pariel, Linden and Vreed-en-Hoop

over the past few weeks and seeing first-hand the enthusiasm from customers, he looked forward to a similar response in New Amsterdam.

“Just as GTT Fibre is spreading across Guyana, word has also spread that we will be in Region Six. The sense of satisfaction that we get from being able to deliver this service to people is pleasing. Also seeing the smiles on the faces of subscribers who are about to enter the world of high-speed Internet access is really worth the investment of time and resources,” Thakurdin said.

He added that while “GTT Fibre” had reached numerous subscribers and connected

many across various regions this year, the company looked forward to even greater strides in the new year as it continues to deliver on its promise to reliably connect customers “GTT Fibre is already the widest and fastest growing high-speed network in Guyana, but as long as there are communities and subscribers who can benefit from this service, we will continue to do our utmost to reach them.

So, as we look at 2022, we are setting our targets and goals and making preparations to achieve those goals,” Thakurdin related.

Residential fibre plans that will be available in New Amsterdam are Fibre50, Fi-

bre100, and Fibre150; customers could apply for the service at $8,999, $10,999, and $12,999 respectively.

Additionally, as part of GTT’s 30 Million Christmas Promotion, customers will get free installation and the first month’s service free, plus a chance to win cash and prizes when they sign up.

Each service provides a high-quality voice line, optional enhanced mesh Wi-Fi, with enhanced capabilities for video streams and video conferencing.

DSL subscribers who would like to upgrade to GTT Fibre could also do so and will benefit from free installation.

GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions & Fixed Network Services, Eshwar Thakurdin

Coast Guards join Christmas celebrations

Coast Guards at their headquarters enjoying the festivities

RANKS at the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard headquarters have joined their counterparts around the Force in welcoming Christmas to their base.

Though still in a somber mood, following the passing of their colleague Able Rating Junior Kenroy Sooklall, the soldiers participated in the traditional ‘Gunfire” and attempted to lighten the atmosphere with a few cultural presentations at their Christmas lunch served by Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Other Senior Officers.

In his address recently, Brigadier Bess extended his sincere condolences to the soldiers, many of whom worked with the late

soldier.

“It is always hard when we lose a soldier. Wherever we go, whether it be for operations or any other mission, we always want success and no fatalities because we are like a closely knit family and so any loss of life affects us all,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff told the soldiers that he acknowledged the sacrifices which they continue to make to be able to be of service to their country.

“We acknowledge your service, and we salute you for your decision to serve.

We will always be thankful for your hard work,” he said.

Brigadier Bess also urged the soldiers to share

in the warmth and joy that this season brings but to remain vigilant and watchful. Further, he reminded the soldiers to adhere to COVID-19 protocols and encourage their families to do the same. He also congratulated the ranks for responding to the COVID-19 vaccination call which contributed to the high vaccination rates across the Force.

Tw o C o a s t G u a r d ranks also received on the spot promotion. They are Chief Petty Officer (CPO), Ayeni Oluntunde, who is now Fleet Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) and Able Rating (AR), Vanessa Phyll, who has attained the rank of Leading Rating (LR).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

- for construction of the Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal OVER $13 billion in contracts were signed for the construction of the Eccles to Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara four-lane Highway, as the subject ministers charged the contractors to complete the project in an efficient and timely manner.

The signing of the contracts was done on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Georgetown.

The contracts have been awarded to 12 contractors by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), following the national competitive bidding process.

Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally; Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor and Director of Projects, Omar Narine were also at the signing.

Minister Croal, in his message, said that the project was critical to the reduction of the daily traffic woes faced by commuters as a result of increased commercial activities along that belt.

On its completion, he explained that more than 22,000 households will directly benefit, as well as the growing volume of commercial users.

“This project will also add to our government’s infrastructure portfolio and will see the input of skills, experience and knowledge of local and international contractors who I hope would use this opportunity to help each other,” Minister Croal noted.

Underscoring the value of the project, he noted that it covered a number of works and had a time line of 18 months.

“I want to implore you to be innovative and strategic in your approach. Time is

of essence. So ensure you put in place systems so that work can continue beyond the usual 08:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs. Since you are using the local labour force, be sure to impress on them the importance of punctuality, avoid absenteeism and other unnecessary delays,” Minister Croal emphasised.

He continued: “I also want to remind you to treat your employees with respect, follow the labour laws and ensure that they are comfortable. Be mindful of the pandemic, make sure that all of them are vaccinated and observe all of the COVID-19 protocols. Remember, it is your duty to provide the necessary sanitisers, protective clothing and gear. To skimp on these can be to the detriment of the project and the welfare of your workers.

Be sure to cultivate a working relationship with the residents and communicate any inconveniences that may occur as a result of the work you are doing, in a timely and respectful manner.”

TIMELY COMPLETION The government, he noted was fully committed to bringing relief to the residents within the catchment area in the shortest time possible. Therefore, contractors are expected to work within their timelines and complete the works to the best of their ability.

“Be assured that the officers of the Ministry and CHPA stand ready to assist you with any challenges you may encounter along the way. Should you adhere to these guidelines, I’m confident that you will have a

Director of Projects, Omar Narine (standing) and Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor (at right) assisting one of the contractors with the signing of the contractual documents successful project and the designed to match housing no-objection. communities and citizens developments and commuThe 12 projwill be better for it,” he nities with the accompanying ects are a total of GY added. infrastructural interventions. $13,327,912,019.00. The Meanwhile, in acknowl- And therefore, it requires awarded contractors are edging the feedback the more time, more planning Guyamerica Construction Housing Ministry has re- and a lot of patience, so Inc, V. Dalip Enterprise, ceived since the opening of I’ll beg your indulgence for (joint venture) Colin Talbot the interlink road, he said now,” he explained.

Contracting Services and the interlink road from EcThe project was adver- Eron Lall Civil Engineercles to Great Diamond was tised using the National ing Works, S. Jagmohan not intended to function as a Competitive Bidding (NCB) Construction and General main road. process, where 34 bidders Supplies Inc, H. Nauth and “It is an access road that expressed an interest.

Sons, JS Guyana Inc, (joint can be used to ease some of However, the project was venture) VALs Constructhe traffic challenges that opened on November 4, tion and AJM Enterprise, commuters face; it will not 2021 and the Evaluation China Railway First Group solve all of the traffic woes, Report was completed and Company Limited, Aronco at least not immediately. submitted to NPTAB for Services Inc, Ivor Allen, The infrastructural projects award of contracts.

Puran Brothers Disposal undertaken by the Ministry Prior to the award of con- Inc and Khemraj Nauth of Housing and Water are tract, Cabinet also granted its Contracting Services.

Subject Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues (centre) flanked by Housing Ministry staff (at rear) and contractors

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Deaf community gets free eye tests, spectacles at First Lady’s vision screening THE Office of the First Lady, on Monday, partnered with Optique Vision Care to conduct a vision screening exercise which benefitted more than 80 deaf persons from five administrative regions.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) facilitated the transport of both children and adults from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 to benefit from the initiative. The exercise, which commenced at 08:00hrs and concluded at 18:00hrs, was done at Optique’s Movietowne location at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, a release from the Office of the First lady said.

Asked why that particular group was chosen to benefit from the initiative, First Lady Arya Ali said that, because that members of that group were overly reliant on their sight for visual expressions, it was important to ensure that it was protected.

“It is very important that they have their sight because they already cannot hear or speak, so, the senses that they do rely heavily on must be protected,” Mrs Ali said. “I am sure that many of them are grateful because, from the statistics that were given to me, out of the 20 persons that were tested so far, 18 of them need spectacles,” the First

First Lady Arya Ali and a group from Region six which comprises members of the deaf association (Office of the First lady photo) Lady disclosed when she visited the exercise just after lunch. Persons underwent a free eye screening examination to detect existing or potential vision problems and disorders.

Eye drops and spectacles were also provided to those in need by Optique Vision Care, whose team of ophthalmologists and eye care specialists was led by Dr. Shailendra Sugrim. At the close of the day, a total of 57

eye tests were done on both children and adults, and, of that amount, 40 will require spectacles which will be provided in the coming months free of cost. Twenty-four persons were rescheduled to conduct their tests next week due to time constraints. Since assuming office last year, First Lady Ali has brought persons with disabilities into sharp focus by prioritising their needs and advocating for greater inclusivity of that

James Williams, who is deaf, presents a copy of a sign language book to First Lady Arya Ali, after using sign language to thank her for hosting the vision screening (Office of the First lady photo)

group, the release noted.

“When we speak of ‘One Guyana,’ it must not only be defined in terms of ethnic inclusivity. Yes, that is very important. But, our One Guyana must be inclusive to every group that feels excluded or marginalised, and that includes persons with disabilities,” she added.

Mrs Ali also sought to thank the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for its support in transporting the persons, the

Deaf Association of Guyana for coordinating with the various regions, and Optique for making its human and other resources available to execute the much needed initiative.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Optique, Dhani Narine, shared how delighted he was that Optique was able to partner with the Office of the First Lady to fulfil its corporate social responsibil-

ity. “This project is fitting for the season because we are giving the gift of sight for Christmas and we are very happy to be supporting the initiative and the First Lady’s Office,” Narine noted. Earlier this month, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs Ali hosted a reception for persons with disabilities at State House – the official residence of the First Family, the release noted.

First Lady Arya Ali looks on as Dr. Shailendra Sugrim conducts an eye test on one of the persons (Office of the First lady photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Kaibarupai residents to get firsttime access to potable water

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced the installation of a new water supply system in the village of Kaibarupai, North Pakaraimas, Region Eight.

Once completed, the new system will benefit 1,000 residents of the Patamona Amerindian Village.

This was announced by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during a recent outreach to the community.

He said that the works which include the installation of a photovoltaic system, water tanks and

trestle, among other support systems, are being done with full community participation.

The project is part of a series of initiatives being executed in the North Pakaraimas to the tune of $120 million. Monkey Mountain, Taurka and Kato are also to benefit.

Last week, $66.7 million was approved by the National Assembly via a supplementary budget to complete these and other projects in the hinterland.

“This is significant because you recognised the cost for bringing materials

here, and the cost to do construction here is more expensive than many parts of the country,” Minister Croal said.

Region Eight has 27 communities including some small satellite areas, with 67 per cent of the villages having water supply infrastructure. While there are six wells drilled, many communities have been receiving water from the creeks and springs or through rain water harvesting.

Despite this being the case, Minister Croal said that only 60 per cent of the region’s population has access to potable water because of the geographical layout of the communities.

To address this, he said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has been aggressively advancing its hinterland water strategy, aimed at providing services to unserved areas.

“More and more money is being pumped into ensuring that there are more water systems across the village because by 2025 we want to see the hinterland has 100 per cent coverage,” he told the residents.

In 2022, the sum of $200 million is expected to be invested in water systems in Itabac, Kopinang and

The photovoltaic system at Kaibarupai, North Pakaraimas, Region Eight

Maikwak. This will include the drilling of new wells and the construction of new water distribution networks,

photovoltaic systems and elevate storage.

Further, during the period 2022-2023, new water

supply systems will be constructed in Mountain Foot and Kurukubaru at a total cost of $100 Million. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Lack of funding, fixtures among Ireland’s Test plight

"TEST cricket looks fun," Andy Balbirnie, Ireland's captain, tweeted on the second morning of the first Ashes Test. "Anyone wants a game? Seriously."

Ireland will head into the new year with the same, old problems: funding, facilities and fixtures. Their progress has been slow since they became Full Members of the ICC in 2017, highlighted by a first-round exit at the 2021 T20 World Cup after a humbling defeat to Namibia, and it is two-and-a-half years since they last played a Test.

"We're a Test member, or a Full Member, but at the moment it only really feels like a name," Balbirnie said on Tuesday. "Nothing's really showing for that. We've had our days out at Lord's and Malahide but apart from that, all I can see is a name.

It'll be three years in the summer that we haven't played a Test match."

Ireland's ascent to Full-Member status means that, after a two-year grace period, their players no longer qualify as locals in county cricket, taking away a crucial breeding ground. "In my opinion, that was hugely detrimental to some of the young cricketers here," Balbirnie said.

"It's massively disappointing, watching all of these brilliant Test series around the world - the Ashes particularly, staying up all night to watch such an historic series. I go back to that Lord's Test because it was the highlight of a career.

For the young guys coming through to maybe not have that experience again, that's hugely disappointing."

Andy Balbirnie will look to rebuild the Ireland team with David Ripley, the stand-in head coach Peter Della Penna

The latest version of the Future Tours Programme sees Ireland pencilled in to play away Tests against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the next 18 months, but they are used to having fixtures cancelled at short notice, not least during the COVID-19 era.

Their long-term fixture list has been hit by the ICC's decision to scrap the World Cup Super League after its inaugural edition - though Balbirnie admits there is an element of relief that the prospect of relegation for the next World Cup cycle is now off the table.

"It's a great thing for countries who aren't in the Super League to strive towards," Balbirnie said.

"Certainly Holland had that opportunity in this [cycle] to play against the top teams, and they're games that the countries below where we are need to play - to see how they can go against the top teams, and also to get kids to want to follow them.

"The possibility of getting relegated from that league had some huge knock-on effects and some

potentially damning years ahead, so without beating around the bush, there is a bit of a relief in that regard - but long-term, for the worldwide game, it's a disappointing move but something we can't control."

The immediate outlook is more positive as Ireland look to rebuild following their early exit at the T20 World Cup and Graham Ford's departure as head coach. They are in Florida over the Christmas period for two T20Is and three ODIs, becoming the first Full Member to play against USA on American soil in the process, and will then fly to Jamaica on New Year's Eve for three Super League ODIs and a one-off T20I against West Indies.

Their preparation has been hit by COVID-19, with several players returning positive tests in the build-up to the series, but David Ripley - the interim head coach has a team that was nearly at full strength for yesterday's opening game.

One positive on this tour is that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, after

several series in bubbles.

"It's the way, in my opinion, it has to be going forward," Balbirnie said. "That bit of freedom makes it a completely different tour with a lot less stress. I think all of us are double-jabbed; I'm not going to say everyone should be (but) the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to protect yourself and others around you."

Kevin O'Brien has been dropped, with the selectors bringing the curtain down on his fine international career.

In his absence, Balbirnie, who had a disappointing T20 World Cup with 70 runs off 73 balls across three innings, will shift up to open the batting alongside Paul Stirling.

Shane Getkate will bat at No.5 as a finisher, with William McClintock also likely to slot into the middle order, and Curtis Campher is expected to fill the role as the "glue" batter, the role in which Alex Wakely thrived when Ripley coached Northamptonshire to two T20 Blast titles.

"When we sat down after the World Cup and looked at the areas we stumbled

in," Balbirnie said. "Our boundary count in the middle [overs] hasn't been good enough or consistent enough, and that's something we need to address. We don't want to put too much pressure on our batters but we understand that's an area we need to improve."

Ireland will have to improve quickly, with the qualifiers for next year's T20 World Cup due to be staged in Muscat in February. They will be the favourites to seal one of the two spots up for grabs in their half of the qualifying draw (a separate qualifier will be held in Zimbabwe in July) but will face competition from Oman, Nepal and UAE in particular.

"We were really disappointed about the T20 World Cup," Balbirnie added, "and this is just a chance to go out and try to play with a bit of freedom and give the guys confidence to go out and express themselves.

“It's easy to say that, but we've all got to go out and do it once we get over that line. I've seen a lot of good stuff in the period we have had here."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Pakistan’s Ali undergoes angioplasty Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where Northern and Khy-

On Tuesday evening, the PCB had confirmed that Abid Ali had been diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome (AFP/Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Abid Ali, the Pakistan batter, has undergone an an gioplasty a day after he complained of chest pain while batting in a Quaide-Azam Trophy match and had to be hospitalised.

The 34-year-old will undergo another angioplasty tomorrow, before being discharged. In a message from his hospital bed this morning, Abid said he was doing well and asked his fans to pray for his recovery.

On Tuesday evening, a PCB statement had said that Abid had been diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome or ACS. "He is under the care of Consultant Cardiologist who is liaising with PCB medical team regarding further treatment.

He is currently stable," the statement read. ACS is often used to describe a range of conditions resulting from a sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart.

Abid returned to his domestic side, Central Punjab, following the recent Bangladesh tour, where he was

Player of the Series for the Tests after scoring 263 runs at 87.66. He was playing his sixth first-class game this season and had scored 766 runs at an average of 51.89 with three hundreds.

On the last day of the ongoing game at UBL Complex in Karachi, he had crossed a half-century when he complained of discomfort around his shoulder and chest area before he was rushed to the hospital.

Abid has been the highest run-getter in Tests for Pakistan since his debut in 2019, and in 2021 he is fifth in the world with 695 runs in nine Tests at 48.87, including a double-hundred against Zimbabwe in Harare. He made his debut in Rawalpindi in 2019 after spending 12 years in domestic cricket for 7116 runs in 106 first-class games.

He made his Test debut at the age of 31 and began with a century, and also became the only player in history to reach three figures on both Test and ODI debuts.

Central Punjab finished in fifth place in the

ber Pakhtunkhwa took the top-two spots and will

contest the final. They have drawn five games,

won two and lost three so far this season.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Latham to lead New Zealand to Bangladesh, Patel dropped

(ESPNCRICINFO) - In the injury-enforced absence of Kane Williamson, Tom Latham will stand in as New Zealand's captain for the forthcoming two-Test

series against Bangladesh, which begins with the first match in Mount Maunganui on New Year's Day. After Williamson was sidelined from the Mumbai

Test earlier this month with a long-standing elbow injury, head coach Gary Stead indicated that he could be out of action for a sustained period although he is unlikely to

undergo surgery.

Williamson's elbow problem had flared up in the leadup to the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where he cut short his stints at the nets to man-

Tom Latham will lead New Zealand against Bangladesh while Rachin Ravindra is the only spinner picked in the side (AFP/Getty Images)

age the injury, and troubled him in India as well.

"It's obviously disappointing not to have Kane available for this series but, as we noted in India, he is undergoing a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening and gradual batting loading," Stead said. "We have every confidence in Tom leading the side - he's done an excellent job in the past when called upon."

Devon Conway, who had been ruled out of the T20 World Cup final against Australia in the UAE and the subsequent India tour with a bizarre self-inflicted hand injury, returned to the squad.

However, there was no place for Ajaz Patel, who made history by bagging all ten wickets in the first innings of the Mumbai Test.

Wellington all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who made a strong first impression in India, was the only spin-bowling option in the 13-man squad.

"You do feel for Ajaz after his record-breaking display in India," Stead said.

"However, we've always applied a horses-for-courses selection policy and believe the players selected best fit the way we want to take on Bangladesh here at home."

Trent Boult, who had opted out of the India tour because of bubble fatigue, was also back in the side, as New Zealand ponder unleashing their four-pronged pace pack on Bangladesh. The left-arm seamer had recently returned to action in the 20-over Super Smash competition where he came away with 0 for 19 in four overs for Northern Brave against Auckland Aces

in Hamilton.

Neil Wagner, who hasn't played competitive cricket since the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in June earlier this year, will get an early look at the Bangladeshis, having also been named in the New Zealand XI for the two-day tour match from December 28 at the Bay Oval's No.2 ground.

"I love getting the red ball in my hand and this match presents a perfect opportunity to get some miles in the legs, ahead of what should be a hard-fought Test series against Bangladesh," Wagner said.

Conway is the other notable name in the New Zealand XI for the tour game but his place in the XI will be subject to full recovery from injury.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back into some competitive cricket and hopefully I'm passed fit to play," Conway said. "I've just started batting again and testing out my hand so I'm hopeful of making my return for the New Zealand XI. There's nothing like a match situation to really test it out and help build some confidence."

Ross Taylor, who had a horror tour of India, managing a mere 20 runs across four innings, retained his place in the Test squad. He is three Tests away from surpassing Daniel Vettori as New Zealand's most capped player in the format.

Colin de Grandhomme, who had also opted out of the India tour, was omitted from this squad altogether, with Daryl Mitchell getting the nod after a breakout winter across formats.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Labuschagne returns to West Indies top Test batsman spot vs England (ESPNCRICINFO) - Marnus Labuschagne and Babar Azam have risen to the No. 1 rankings for Test and T20I batters respectively following impressive performance in the most recent engagements. For Labuschagne, it's the first time at the top spot, while for Babar, it's a return to the position he had slipped down from only last week.

Labuschagne has had a purple patch in Test cricket since coming on as a concussion substitute for Steven Smith in the Ashes Test at Lord's in 2019 and currently averages 62.14 from 20 Tests.

In the ongoing Ashes series at home, he has scored 74 and 0* in Brisbane and 103 and 51 in Adelaide with Australia taking a 2-0 lead over England.

Labuschagne had started the series at No. 4 on the batting chart, but those runs have now given him a career-high 912 rating points, taking him past Joe Root, who has dropped to second spot despite being in decent form - he has returns of 0, 89, 62 and 24 in the series so far. Smith, Kane Williamson and Rohit Sharma complete the top five.

Babar, meanwhile, had slipped from the perch among T20I batters after scoring 0 and 7 in the first two T20Is against West Indies at home, but a 53-ball 79 in the final game, which helped Pakistan seal a 3-0 series sweep, has taken him back to the top, tied on points with Dawid Malan.

Marnus Labuschagne had started the Ashes at fourth place in the Test batters' rankings (AFP/Getty Images)

Just below them is Babar's opening partner Mohammad Rizwan, whose spectacular run through the year was capped by a match-winning 45-ball 87 in that final game against West Indies in Karachi.

Those changes at the top have meant a slide to No. 4 for Aiden Markram, while KL Rahul has held on to his spot at fifth place.

Back to the Ashes, and Mitchell Starc has broken into the top ten - at ninth place - for Test bowlers after his match haul of 6 for 80 in the second Test against England, which included a four-for in the first innings.

Pat Cummins continues to lead the table, followed by R Ashwin, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tim Southee and Josh Hazlewood.

Both Starc and Root also made gains in the Test all-rounders' rankings. Starc hit 39* and 19 in the Adelaide Test, and the runs coupled with the six wickets took him up from No. 7 to No. 6 on that list. Jason Holder, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes are above him.

Meanwhile, Root's three wickets in Adelaide, to go with the 86 runs, took him to No. 10, a gain of two spots.

NHL will not send players to Olympics

The NHL season has been disrupted since mid-December by a raft of postponements

(BBC) - The National Hockey League (NHL) has confirmed it will not send its players to the men's ice hockey tournament at the Beijing Winter Olympics. It follows

disruption to the regular NHL season because of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said "Olympic participation is no longer feasible" with 50

league games postponed up to December 23.

The Games are scheduled to begin in China on February 4, 2022.

Without the NHL's stars, national teams at

the Olympics will resemble those that featured at the Pyeongchang Winter Games four years ago.

With the time difference between South Korea and North America, many of the matches at the 2018 Games were played in the middle of the night for US audiences, and the NHL felt it was not right to put its league on hold for three weeks and allow its players to go to Pyeongchang.

"It's disappointing," said Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos, a Canada international.

"For whatever reason, the Olympic card just hasn't worked out in my favour. It sucks. That's something I probably won't have a chance to do now."

The NHL and players union had agreed to send athletes to the 2022 and 2026 Winter Olympics unless league seasons were impacted by COVID-19.

tickets go on sale for 2022 season

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) today announced that tickets are now on general sale for the West Indies vs England fivematch T20I Series and three-match Test Series in 2022. Fans can register for their new ticket accounts at www.windiescricket.com/ tickets\ and purchase their selected seats in advance for any individual matchday or special five-day Test season tickets.

Tickets are available in four price categories providing a range of viewing positions for every budget from US$80 for premium seats with the best views behind the bowlers’ arms to US$20 for mounds and grounds entry in Antigua.

Five-Day Test Match “season tickets” provide access to all five days of cricket at a discounted price to buying each match day.

West Indies fans residing in the Caribbean will receive special promotions for the England tour when they register for a ticket account, as well as access to preferred seats in advance of each match.

The new CWI Ticket service will offer advance ticketing access for every West Indies home fixture, delivering tickets direct to fans’ mobile devices for presentation on mobile screens for entry into the stadium.

Alternatively, fans can print out their tickets at home to bring to the game. Every fan will also have the opportunity to receive special match-day incentives and promotions through their ticket accounts.

All fans should be aware that only spectators fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed into the venues and will be required to bring their vaccination documentation with them to be assured of entry.

Fans will need to make sure

they are fully vaccinated at least two weeks ahead of the West Indies vs England matches they plan to attend.

CWI Commercial Director, Dominic Warne, said: “We know that West Indies and England fans alike are excited at the prospect of the upcoming T20I and Test Series. The new CWI ticket service gives fans the chance to secure their tickets in advance in their preferred location in each venue.

“We are delighted to introduce this new service using leading technology which will deliver tickets straight to fans’ inboxes and devices, provide smarter promotional offers and remove the need to queue for tickets.”

The famous West Indies Party Stand will be introduced on sale in early 2022 and box office times and locations will be announced shortly with tickets available for purchase approximately one week in advance of each match.

England will arrive in Barbados in January to play the blockbuster five-match T20I Series in a nine-day period from January 22 to 30, 2022, including two consecutive weekends of back-to-back action. The highly-anticipated Test Series for the newly-minted Richards-Botham trophy will take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua, March 8-12.

The action them moves to Kensington Oval in Barbados for the second Test, March 16-20, with the third Test match on the ‘Spice Isle’ of Grenada at the National Stadium March 24-28.

The Test Series is a key fixture in both teams’ International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship schedule and which will determine the best Test match team in the world by 2023.

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Cotton Tree CC defeat Paradise CC by 82 runs AN all-round performance by Arif Khan propelled Cotton Tree Cricket Club to an 82-run victory on Tuesday in an U15 battle.

Cotton Tree won the toss and opted to take first strike. Khan led the attack with 58 unbeaten runs.

Support came from Ganesh Samid, who scored

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

Arif Khan is third from right in the victorious Cotton Tree CC team

32; Rohit Sirajoon with 31 and Arif Bacchus with 26, which propelled the side to 251-4.

Bowling for Paradise

CC, T. Connelly took 1-58.

In their turn in the middle, A. Semple looked ready to take Paradise home, but he had little support at the

City agree to sell Torres to Barcelona

other end. Semple finished with a game-high 77.

The next best score was 12, which restricted the team to 169 all out.

Ferran Torres has scored three goals in seven Manchester City appearances this season, including a double in the 5-0 win against Arsenal in August

MANCHESTER City have agreed a deal to sell Ferran Torres to Barcelona.

It is understood Barca have agreed to pay 55M euros (£46.7M) with a further 10M euros (£8.5M) in add-ons for the 21-year-old forward.

The Spanish club are able to fund the deal despite their current financial troubles thanks to a recent bank loan.

However, they will not be able to add Torres to their squad unless they sell some players in order to comply with La Liga financial fair play regulations.

Spain international Torres, who has made 43 appearances and scored 16 goals for City since joining from Valencia in August 2020, has also agreed to the transfer.

He started City's opening six matches of the season but was dropped to the bench for the goalless draw against Southampton in September and has not featured at all since suffering a foot injury on international duty with Spain the following month.

The player told manager Pep Guardiola he wanted to leave in order to secure more regular first-team football and City feel they have strong depth in forward positions, with Bernardo Silva, Jack

Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden providing competition for a starting spot at Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona have told Torres he will be the star of the side something that appeals to him - and are prepared to match City's valuation of the player. The Catalan side believe he will become one of Spain's best players in the next decade alongside Barca teenager Ansu Fati.

They are short on forward players after their financial issues meant they were unable to keep hold of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, and allowed Antoine Griezmann to rejoin Atletico Madrid over the summer. Former City striker Sergio Aguero joined Barca, but was forced to retire from football earlier this month aged 33 because of a heart condition.

Manager Ronald Koeman was sacked in October with the club ninth in La Liga after collecting just 15 points from their opening 10 games.

He was replaced last month by club legend Xavi, who has won three of his first eight matches in charge in all competitions so far, but could not stop Barca exiting the Champions League after the group stage.

Khan returned with the ball to take 4-25 from eight overs, while his namesake Arif Bacchus took 2-30.

Tottenham edge West Ham in Carabao cup quarter (BBC) - Tottenham moved into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup as they edged West Ham in a thrilling quarter-final tie.

The hosts went ahead when Steven Bergwijn linked up with PierreEmile Hojbjerg and fired home his first goal of the season after 29 minutes.

But Tottenham's lead only lasted three minutes before Eric Dier's poor clearance led to Nikola Vlasic having a shot and the ball falling to Jarrod Bowen, who finished neatly after producing a superb turn to create space.

However, Spurs retook the lead - and ultimately grabbed the winner - just two minutes later with Lucas Moura netting from Bergwijn's pull-back.

West Ham so nearly forced penalties, but substitute Andriy Yarmolenko's looping effort hit the crossbar in the third minute of injury time.

Tottenham will play Chelsea in the two-legged semi-finals in January, after Thomas Tottenham are aiming to win their first trophy since lifting the League Cup in the 2007-08 campaign - and Antonio Con-

te's side had to battle hard to overcome a West Ham team, two places above them in fifth spot in the Premier League table.

Spurs had three games postponed earlier this month because of Covid-19, including their final Europa League Conference League game, which saw Rennes awarded an automatic 3-0 victory. It was a result that denied Tottenham a chance to advance into the next phase.

But, since returning to action, they have drawn 2-2 with Liverpool and now beaten the Hammers.

Both named strong sides, although the visitors were without top goalscorer Michail Antonio because of a positive coronavirus test result.

Harry Kane nearly opened the scoring, but had an angled effort parried by away goalkeeper Alphonse Areola before a frantic spell of three goals in five minutes.

Bergwijn put the hosts ahead, but West Ham's response was instant with Tomas Soucek twice having headers saved by Hugo Lloris and Craig Dawson also heading over before Bowen's equaliser.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 23, P A2021 GE

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Flashback: October 23, 2021 Jos Buttler sets off for a run (Getty Images)

West Indies vs England tickets go on sale for 2022 season

Tottenham edge West Ham in 26 Carabao cup quarter PAGE

Tottenham are aiming to win their first trophy since lifting the League Cup in 2008 Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021