Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-11-2021

THURSDAY 25th November, 2021

No. 106556

59 Hope/Bath Settlement families to receive Certificates of Title

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Nurses welcome special $400M payout

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- but suggest a wide group of health workers benefit

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd with members of the visiting Ghanaian delegation during a reception on Wednesday

Six candidates $614M contract Nazameed Rafeek shortlisted signed for construction gets life sentence for GECOM CEO, of new Fire Service for Bush Lot four for DCEO Headquarters double murder

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Fenton Park: Fostering positive growth among Guyanese men

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 25, 2021

Ghana delegation explores housing developments, investment opportunities

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Wednesday, met with a four-member delegation of the Devtraco Group from the Republic of Ghana.

The meeting was held at the Minister’s Brickdam Road secretariat. The parties explored areas of collaboration considering Guyana’s booming

housing sector. The team subsequently visited one of the ministry’s most touted housing projects on the

East Bank of Demerara.

The visiting delegation is expected to meet other Cabinet members as

well as representatives of Guyana’s private sector to discuss investment and collaboration opportunities.

Nurses welcome special $400M payout 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

- but suggest a wide group of health workers benefit

Suana Hyman

SEVERAL nurses have welcomed the special $400 million for frontline health workers but are of the view that a wide group of health workers should benefit from the allocated sum and not just those who dealt directly with COVID-19 patients.

The nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI), pointed out that every health worker at the institution, came into contact with the deadly COVID-19 virus through working in the health system.

On Thursday last, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced that an amount of $400 million had been

Jevita Pearson

set aside for a special 2021 payout to frontline workers “who have continued to face extenuating circumstances in the daily discharge of their duties”.

The amount which would be paid out per health worker is not yet known but Dr. Singh had announced that the details would be announced shortly.

Suana Hyman, a staff nurse/midwife attached to the GPHC Maternity Section said that working during the pandemic posed significant challenges for health workers and noted that the payout would be beneficial for them.

“It been tough for most of us because it has put a strain on the healthcare system; we’re working longer hours with shorter staffage … we’re under a lot of pressure

Vanessa Jerome

because a lot of the nurses would have migrated and so forth,” she said.

In this light, Hyman is of the view that a wide group of health workers should be catered for, as they all would have been exposed to the virus in some way or the other.

Teleba Wilson, a registered nurse attached to GPHC Maternity Unit, Postanesthesia Care Unit, shared similar sentiments.

She was unclear whether the payout will be made only to health workers at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara but thinks a wide group of health workers should be included.

WOULD BE NICE “Everyone are frontline workers because even

La Toya Whitehead

though I am not working at Liliendaal, I too deal with COVID patients on a regular basis so if it includes everyone … it could help,” she said.

Staff nurse/midwife, Venessa Jerome, who is attached to the GPHC Pre-natal Unit, related that the pandemic has posed significant financial challenges to many, and among them are health workers.

She highlighted that health workers face discrimination while working throughout the crisis, especially when using public transportation. This has led her to resorting to taxis to escape discrimination from members of the public.

For La Toya Whitehead, a nurse at the GPHC Maternity Block, being a health

worker during the pandemic posed a number of challenges to her.

She related that, notably, she had to employ a babysitter as school was closed. Whitehead also related that she too has had to deal with discrimination from the public.

“Sometimes you go to catch transportation and as soon as they see the white and they see the scrub they scoot down, they scringe up their face,” she said.

Jevita Pearson, a nursing assistant/midwife attached to the GPHC Maternity COVID-19 Isolation Unit has been working in that unit from the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She noted that working throughout the pandemic has affected her mental

Taleba Wilson

health.

“It takes a toll mentally on you, especially when patients are still not adhering to the rules that we would put in place to try to prevent them from being in contact with relatives. Some of them want to take self-discharge because they don’t believe and that could put your family at risk so it’s hard but we still continue every day to try,” she said.

Given that the sum to be allocated per health worker has not been announced, Pearson explained that, until that happens, she would not be able to pronounce on how she would use the grant.

However, she thinks, if possible, a vacation would be appropriate to help with her mental health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Three US men guilty of murdering black jogger Three white men have been found guilty of killing a black jogger last year in a case that became a rallying cry to racial justice protesters.

Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was shot on 23 February 2020 in a confrontation with Travis and Gregory McMichael and their neighbour, William Bryan.

The defendants said they acted in self-defence during a citizen's arrest; prosecutors said race was a factor.

The men now face minimum sentences of life in prison.

A mainly white jury of 12 deliberated for about 10 hours before returning their verdict at around midday on Wednesday.

The trio were found guilty of murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and criminal intent to commit a felony.

In February the three men will face another trial in a federal hate crimes case, alleging that they targeted Arbery because he was black.

HOW DID AHMAUD ARBERY DIE? Arbery was out jogging in the afternoon on the outskirts of the coastal city of Brunswick in Georgia.

The elder McMichael, a neighbourhood resident, told police he believed Arbery resembled the suspect in a series of burglaries in the suburban community of Satilla Shores.

Police have said no reports were filed regarding these alleged breakins, and no stolen property was found in Arbery's possession.

The McMichaels armed themselves with a pistol and a shotgun and pursued Arbery, who was unarmed, in a pickup truck through the neighbourhood. Bryan later joined the pursuit.

The jury heard a 911 call in which the elder McMichael told an operator: "I'm out here in Satilla Shores. There's a black male running down the street."

The younger McMichael testi-

fied during the trial that he tried to talk to Arbery while the two were still in their truck and Arbery never responded.

arrested in May 2020.

Prosecutors alleged that Travis McMichael used a racial epithet and an expletive directed at Arbery

He also told reporters: "We conquered the lynch mob."

Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, thanked the crowd and

Gregory and Travis McMichael (left and right) and William Bryan (centre) (BBC/Reuters photo) He got out of the truck and as he lay on the ground. The men said she did not think she would see fired his shotgun at Arbery during a deny racism this day. struggle. Travis McMichael claimed "It's been a long fight. It's been self-defence, saying Arbery grabbed 'WE CONQUERED THE a hard fight. But God is good," she at his gun.

LYNCH MOB' said. Of her son, she said: "He will Three shots were fired.

Outside court on Wednesday now rest in peace."

A post-mortem examination dozens of people, some displaying Arbery was enrolled at a techshowed Arbery had two gunshot Black Lives Matter signs, cheered nical college to study become an wounds in his chest, and a gunshot as the verdicts were read. electrician at the time of his death. graze wound on the inside of one of Arbery's father, Marcus ArThe Rev Al Sharpton, a civil his wrists. bery, was seen crying and hugging rights figure and cable TV host, said Gregory McMichael, 65, his supporters. outside court: "Let the word go forth son Travis, 35, and their neighbour "He didn't do nothing," the fa- all over the world, that a jury of 11 William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, were ther said, "but run and dream." whites and one black in the Deep South stood up in a courtroom and said that black lives do matter."

After learning his fate, Travis McMichael turned as he stood to leave court and mouthed to his mother: "Love you."

Prosecutor Linda Dunikoski said: "The jury system works in this country, and when you present the truth to people and they see it, they will do the right thing."

Bryan's attorney, Kevin Gough, said his team was "disappointed with the verdict, but we respect it".

US President Joe Biden said the convictions showed that America's

criminal justice system is "doing its job".

But he added that the killing was "a devastating reminder of how far we have to go in the fight for racial justice in this country".

WHAT WAS THE KEY FOOTAGE? Video was central to this case.

The first key piece of footage was a 36-second mobile phone clip showing Arbery's death.

That was filmed by William Bryan, who was in a vehicle following Arbery, and it surfaced publicly on 5 May 2020.

The clip shows Arbery trying to bypass a pickup truck ahead of him on the road and then struggling with Travis McMichael. There is muffled shouting and three gunshots are heard.The elder McMichael is seen standing in the bed of the pickup as the pair struggle.

The clip sparked a nationwide outcry and was swiftly followed by criminal charges.Five days later footage from a surveillance camera emerged, showing a black man in a white T-shirt - believed to be Arbery - at a home construction site shortly before the shooting. He is seen walking on to the site and looking around for a few minutes before jogging down the street.

During the trial, the site's owner, Larry English Jr, testified that the man in question had not disturbed or damaged his property during the visit.

English said cameras had spotted other people -- including children and a white couple -- trespassing on his property, but he never authorised the McMichaels to enter his property or confront anyone. Jurors were also shown police bodycam footage from the aftermath of the shooting. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Colombia peace deal: The families displaced five years on Sheets of tarpaulin supported by sticks pepper a public square in the northern Colombian city of Montería where a community of indigenous Emberá people have lived since mid-April.

The community fled violence which broke out between rival armed groups in their rural communities many hours away, along the banks of the Sinú river.

One barefoot Emberá woman said she wanted to return, but fears for her and her family's lives.

"We are here out of serious need," says Margarita Pernia, 42, sitting beside her three teenage daughters in their traditional indigenous clothing and face markings.

"They have guns. After 6pm we couldn't go out anywhere, because even though we are on our land, they prohibit it," Ms Pernia said. "We lived in terror."

Ms Pernia said they fled because different armed groups were taking control of the land on their indigenous reserve, although she was unable to identify exactly who the groups were. In Montería, the Emberá community sleep on the ground on thin pieces of foam and wash themselves in the nearby river, where they also defecate. "We're here, putting up with mosquitos and hunger. Our children have gotten sick and some have died," said Fabio Bailarín, 52, a spokesperson for the Emberá people who is part of the 2,700 who fled.

This is a small example of the multiple forced displacements happening each month around Colombia, a country where armed conflict violence is on the rise.

The twenty-fourth of November marks the fifth anniversary of the official implementation of a historic peace deal signed between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) rebel group and the government in 2016.

But for many in the Andean nation, peace never arrived.

Existing or dissident rebel groups and new illegal armed groups involved in drug production or trafficking and illegal gold mining have moved into and vie for control of the

areas the Farc rebels left behind after demobilising.

An overwhelming amount of these illicit activities occur on the ancestral lands of Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities.

Colombia's Ombudsman's Office reported a 213 per cent increase in the number of displaced families, from 1,682 in 2020 to 5,266 in 2021.

During the first half of this year there were 102 incidents of mass displacement, where 44,290 people fled to usually more urban areas for safety from armed conflict violence.

"For many communities across Colombia, the promise of peace has become a devastating disappointment," said Juan Pappier, senior Americas researcher at Human Rights Watch.

"While the peace process initially brought some relief, violence in remote areas is now increasing and many regions are at risk of experiencing a return to pre-peace process levels of violence."

Armed groups confining communities is another phenomenon on the rise.

"Illegal armed groups exert control over local populations by restricting their freedom of movement. This means "confining" them which involves imposing curfews, check points and not allowing persons to leave or enter the community in question or to bring in outside goods into the area," said Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Andes director for the advocacy group Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

The southwestern Pacific region, especially Chocó, has been worst affected by this. The United Nations said in a recent report that 96 per cent of confined people this year belong to indigenous or Afro-Colombian groups.

Most of those under confinement do not speak out to local authorities, rights groups or journalists out of fear of reprisal.

Sánchez says confining communities allowed armed groups to gain military advantage against whomever they are fighting with and guarantees that the local population submits to their demands.

Young and underage Colombians also continue to be recruited into the ranks of illegal groups.

ACAPS, a non-governmental organisation which analyses humanitarian cri-

massacres were likely to increase in the coming months in Colombia's provinces on the Pacific coast, where "at least 10 armed groups are disputing territory".

mass and individual displacements, and homicides in 2021 - a trend likely to continue.

The Pacific provinces are key for coca cultivation - the raw ingredient for

Margarita Pernia and her family fled their home after gangs took control of the area (BBC photo) ses globally, predicted in a September 2021 report that forced recruitment, gender-based violence, massive displacement and

The report said that confrontations between armed groups for territorial control increased the number of confinements,

cocaine - which is at an all time production high too.

Landmines and other explosive devices are also being planted again by

armed groups to protect their valuable coca fields, which frequently maim civilians and security forces.

A Colombian government spokesperson told the BBC they could not provide a direct response to questions posed about rising violence in the country.

On the other side of the public square in Montería, 52-year-old Ireña Domico Charras sits alone.

Using a sewing pin, she carefully scoops up small beads and places them onto a piece of thread to make bracelets to sell around the city. She is a local leader within her Emberá community.

"They've killed some of our leaders in Sinú.

I have received death threats and my husband too," says Charras, who said her brother was killed by the Farc and she was displaced three other times before the peace deal.

"If you don't do what they say, they'll kill you.

We need the government to guarantee our safety before we can go back."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Electoral Integrity

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is in the process of appointing a new Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and the filling of a number of other senior positions in the GECOM Secretariat. A number of persons have already been shortlisted by the commission. It is anticipated that the appointments will be made soon having regard to the fact the Local Government Elections are already overdue. In fact, the PPP/C administration had already made budgetary allocation for the holding of local government elections this year. However, the stalemate at the level of the

GECOM Commissioners as to the procedures for the appointment of a new GECOM CEO has resulted in some delays.

The main reason for the appointment of a new CEO emanated from the apparent attempt by the then CEO, Keith Lowenfield, in collaboration with elements of the APNU+AFC, to falsify the results of the March 2, 2020 National and Regional elections to reflect a victory for the APNU+AFC coalition, using figures that were at variance with those contained in the Statements of Poll (SOPs).

Following the intervention of the courts, including the Caribbean Court of Justice and CARICOM leaders, a

recount was done but the results were again falsified by the GECOM Secretariat to project a 'victory' for the APNU+AFC Coalition. It was not after a final ruling by the commission that the results of the SOPs be used based on the recounts that a declaration was made in favour of the PPP/C. One consequence of those actions on the part of the GECOM Secretariat was the undermining of the credibility and integrity of the GECOM Secretariat and the then CEO in particular to conduct elections in a free, fair and unbiased manner. It will take a monumental effort on the part of the GECOM to repair the damage done to its integrity and credibility and

to restore confidence in that body to conduct future elections in a transparent and unbiased manner.

This is why it is so important to have someone to head the GECOM Secretariat who is not known to have any political baggage and who is possessed with the necessary qualities of managerial competence, integrity and a high degree of professionalism. The commission will no doubt be guided by past experiences, but it is preferable for there to be consensus on the appointment of someone to that important office. A consensual appointment will go a far way in terms of confidence-building measures and trust in the secretariat.

In addition to a new CEO and other senior officials, there are also plans to amend the elections laws to allow for greater penalties for those found guilty of violating the laws governing the conduct of free and fair elections. The APNU-AFC has already voiced its objections to the new proposals by the PPP/C which includes stiffer penalties including imprisonment for those found guilty of electoral fraud. The APNU+AFC has already signalled its objections to the proposals made by the PPP/C for reasons best known to them.

The holding of Local Government Elections is an important aspect

of the democratic and governance processes in the country and every effort should be made to ensure that there are no further delays. The PPP/C administration is fully committed to the holding of such elections. It is now for the APNU+AFC to demonstrate that it is willing and prepared to support the holding of such elections. It has an obligation to ensure that the electoral body responsible for the holding of such elections are free from 'rogue elements' and that there is a restoration of full confidence and trust in the GECOM Secretariat to conduct such elections.

Heavy taxation, policies under Coalition made their salary increases meaningless

Dear Editor, THERE was an article in the November 22 issue of the Kaieteur News captioned, ‘Widespread condemnation of 7% hike for public servants’.

And it began by stating that, “Citizens, trade unions and political parties continue to condemn the meagre seven per cent increase in salary for public servants, with the lead union in the public sector, Guyana Public Service Union, deeming the imposition a violation of the Constitution”.

The GTUC, in this article, made a most astonishing claim. The Union erroneously, or, I would say, maliciously claimed that, “… the paltry seven per cent confirms the opinion of many that the Ali/

Jagdeo regime will take the taxes paid by teachers, public servants and others, and lopsidedly distribute it to friends and cronies, which clearly shows biases that will not augur well for the solidarity of the working class and ethnic relations”. The Union further claimed that, “officials of government trot around the world on the workers’ taxes”.

This is hard to comprehend, when taxes from public servants is hardly significant, given the level of wages and salaries earned. If the taxes from these workers are that huge, then seven per cent will not be a mere $4,900 increase, as, and if this is true then, public servants only contribute a paltry sum to the Treasury. GTUC needs to understand that ‘you cannot eat

your cake and have it too’.

This assertion by the GTUC is contradictory. The Union should do an analysis of taxes paid by its members, and in addition seek clarity on the humongous sums wasted by the Coalition on its useless globetrotting spree. This government brought tangible benefits from each and every overseas trip.

Let us now do a comparison. In October 2016, former Minister of Finance Mr. Winston Jordan gave the public servants 10 per cent; the initial proposal of the GPSU was for a 40 per cent acrossthe-board increase for public servants. The Union had also requested that allowances be included in the negotiations. The former President, David Granger announced

that based on the country’s current indebtedness, the 10 per cent offer was the most feasible. “It is not unjust; it is, perhaps, what can be afforded at the moment.” This, he said after he inherited billions of dollars in reserves, but which, by 2020, he had depleted with great alacrity. The ‘negotiation’ between the Union and the Coalition for this 10 per cent took two months to conclude. In October 2017, an eight per cent increase was given to the public servants.

Again, there was ‘negotiation’ with the Union. This was followed by an increase of eight per cent in 2018, and then in November 2019, the wage increase was nine per cent. By this time, it became pellucid that the ‘negotiations’ between GPSU and the

Coalition was just a façade.

The Union cannot go against its master. Those who are now shouting breach of the Constitution need to understand that, in reality, there was no negotiation.

The non-increase in public servants wages and salaries in 2020 must be attributed to the many attempts by the Coalition to rig the Elections, and destabilise the country. In addition, the Coalition had emptied the Treasury, and ran down all the reserves. They had squandered everything the PPP/C Government had left. When the PPP/C Government was sworn in in August 2020, there was little time to salvage the rapidly declining economy, in the face of the growing pandemic, and lat-

er on, a devastating flood.

But salvage it did. Every Guyanese was given some form of financial assistance to pull them through, but in addition, various tax reliefs and cash reliefs were given to combat a rising cost of living brought about mainly by the pandemic and the flood. I must also mention the rising global costs, which cause our imports to skyrocket. The government indirectly and directly gave relief of more than $20 billion to every Guyanese. Moreover, our children and our old people also benefitted through cash grants and subsidies. Never in the history of this nation has everyone benefitted from a government. The Coalition only spoke about ‘good Turn to page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

OP: ED: Putting gender equality first RARELY in the world have women’s and girls’ rights been challenged in such a concerning way as they have been in Afghanistan. The EU has made it clear that future EU development assistance will depend on the respect for norms on human rights, including women’s and girls’ rights. The EU will continue to support women and girls worldwide, sticking to our values and beliefs.

Human rights, freedom and democracy, and equality represent core values that make the European Union what it is.

It enriches our societies and strengthens resilience. Gender equality is key for peace, security, economic prosperity and sustainable development.

That is why working on all levels to promote and safeguard progress on gender equality is a political priority and objective for the EU. The EU Gender Action Plan III and the new EU external action budget provide a roadmap for global action towards a gender-equal world.

We work closely together with multilateral, regional and bilateral partners, including civil society organisations, to achieve those objectives. We still have a long way to go; there is no room for complacency.

In many countries, the pandemic has exacerbated existing gender inequalities across different areas: education, vocational training, health, security and safety, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and economic opportunities.

In addition, the COVID-19 lockdowns have often led to an increase in gender-based violence, in particular domestic violence. At the same time, a significant part of the care

burden has fallen on women and girls. Workers in the informal economy and in lowskilled jobs (most of whom are women), migrants, and those belonging to minorities, have been more at risk and face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

Moreover, school closures have exposed girls to an increased risk of sexual exploitation, early pregnancy, child labour, and forced marriage.

The Malala Fund estimates that 20 million more girls risk dropping out of school, adding up to a total of 150 million girls – equivalent to a third of the EU population – without educational prospects.

According to a recent UN report, military spending in 2020 still outplaced the worldwide expenses on health, even in a year that was dominated by the corona pandemic. For a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to redouble our efforts to promote gender equality.

NOW IS THE TIME TO DO MORE This challenge now requires a global response, when we are building the future we wish for our children and grandchildren to grow up in a post-pandemic world that is more equal, more diverse, and where equal opportunities are a reality. We need to address the root causes of gender inequality and discrimination in order to achieve sustainable change.

The European Union and its Member States, as well as the European financial institutions have stood with the women and girls of the world throughout the pandemic. As Team Europe, we have already

mobilised €46 billion in support of over 130 partner countries, with a particular focus on women and youth.

Three examples as an illustration: In Nepal, we helped one million girls and boys continue their education through radio-based learning. In Togo, we supported the creation of a universal income scheme and the appointment of women to head new municipalities. Worldwide, the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative has helped 650,000 women and girls prevent or address violence against them, and educated 880,000 men and boys on positive masculinity, non-violent conflict resolution and parenting.

At the local level, in addition to the work of the Spotlight Initiative, the EU Delegation to Guyana will, during the 16 Days of Activism, symbolically light up its office building in ‘’orange’’ as a sign of solidarity in the efforts for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Still, to meet the growing challenges, we need to do more.

That is the purpose of the Gender Action Plan III. It promotes leadership and meaningful participation of women, girls and young people in political, economic, social and cultural life, as well as in all matters related to peace and security.

WE WORK TO GET HUMAN DEVELOPMENT BACK ON TRACK We are now making this plan a reality with the help of the new €79.5 billion NDICI-Global Europe instrument that will support the EU’s external action for the next seven years.

Support for education and particularly girls’ education will

Heavy taxation, policies...

From page 6 life’ for the people, but gave themselves the real good life. We must be thankful to this government for bringing this economy back to life, whilst other economies worldwide are facing sharp economic decline.

Whilst the Coalition gave wages and salary increases, they took it back with a skillful sleight of the hand.

They taxed Guyanese to the hilt, so that any increase in wages became meaningless.

They gave a little, but took more in the end. What if the Coalition was in govern-

ment, what would have been the wage increase, given the flood and the pandemic?

Would it have been a lot more than seven per cent, when the average under the Coalition in four years was eight per cent? The Coalition would have had all the excuses to implement a wage freeze, as was done in the Burnham era.

Today, this government is condemned by the Opposition for a seven per cent wage increase, but when this is looked at in its true context, it is worth a lot more when all the debili-

tating factors affecting the economy are taken into consideration. Guyanese must look at the bigger picture, and realise that in the near future, the dividends from all the investments made by this government will start to bear fruit, and the benefits accruing to everyone will multiply significantly. It’s important to note that sugar workers were given only five per cent during the Coalition’s misrule.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell have a central role. Just as we support education in emergencies, the EU has worked with partner countries throughout the pandemic to minimise its impact on children, and to facilitate a safe return to school.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen We already provide more than half of all global aid to education as Team Europe. We will increase funding further, to promote gender equality through quality education at all levels. Our joint €1.7 billion

pledge to the Global Partnership for Education in July – to transform education for girls and boys in up to 90 countries and territories – is part of this new beginning.

We are multiplying our efforts, from supporting women and girls’ education and economic opportunities to improving their access to sexual and reproductive health services. By 2025, 85 per cent of all the EU’s new external actions – across all sectors – will contribute to gender equality and women's empowerment.

This is now being finalised with our partner countries based on close consultation with civil society organisations, women's rights activists, and youth.

We need to put human development back on track and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, leaving no one behind.

It is crucial we get it right.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 25, 2021

Scenes from reception hosted, on Wednesday, for visiting Ghanaian delegation

TURN TO PAGE 10

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Gov’t finalising national plan to combat human trafficking GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

IN keeping with its commitment to combat human trafficking in Guyana, government is finalising the 2021-2025 National Action Plan for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons.

This was disclosed by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during a virtual address to the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting for the appraisal of the Global Plan of Action to combat human trafficking, held on Monday.

The action plan is being developed by the Human Services Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Minister Persaud, informed those gathered in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters in New York that as part of the plan, the revised Combating Trafficking in Persons Act will be presented to Guyana’s National Assembly before year-end.

It was reported that 78 per cent of human trafficking

perpetrators in 2020 were men, predominantly Guyanese; 14 per cent of traffickers were from Venezuela, while less than three per cent were Dominican and Haitian.

Minister Persaud noted that the Government of Guyana has a zero-tolerance policy to TIP and is committed to the prevention of human trafficking and protection of victims within its available resources, as well as the prosecution of traffickers.

According to the U.S. Department of State 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report, Guyana has managed to maintain its Tier One ranking for its response to TIP locally.

The tier ranking means that the Government of Guyana has fully met the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. Guyana is among just four South American countries to have achieved this status.

The U.S Department of State 2021 TIP Report states, “Despite the documented impact of the pandemic on the

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud virtually addresses the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting for the appraisal of the Global Plan of Action to combat human trafficking government’s anti-trafficking capacity, the government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore, Guyana remained on Tier One. These efforts included increasing investigations, identifying and assisting more victims, creating the first anti-trafficking hotline in Spanish, open-

$70M in cannabis destroyed in Victoria Backdam

THE Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Tuesday destroyed $70M in cannabis at a narcotics operation at Vic-

operation at Victoria Backdam, ECD where they discovered a camp located on one acre of land.

to 500kgs.

CANU noted that no one was seen or arrested during the operation. The cannabis

Some of the cannabis that was destroyed toria Backdam, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the agency, on Tuesday, a team of CANU officers, acting on intelligence received, conducted a narcotics

At the camp they discovered a quantity of male and female clothing, a total of 5,000 cannabis plants ranging from three to five feet in height and 15 salt bags containing processed cannabis, equivalent

plants along with the said salt bags of cannabis were destroyed. The street value of the 500kg which was destroyed is estimated to be G$70,000,000. Investigations are ongoing.

ing an additional shelter, and creating standard operating procedures for victim identification.”

Minister Persaud, in reiterating government’s commitment to tackling this social ill stated, “Guyana has improved its capacity to collect information and report on suspected cases of trafficking, conduct

undercover operations, provide support to victims to rebuild their lives and/or facilitate their repatriation when requested.

Ongoing public awareness programmes are conducted in foreign languages and some Indigenous languages.”

She noted that Guyana recognises that TIP transcends borders and requires a coordinated global effort among member states through bilateral, regional, and international mechanisms in partnerships with the United Nations system, and other relevant stakeholders.

Minister Persaud further stated that the national action plan includes a strong training component that aims to equip frontline workers, police and community policing groups, customs officers, transport operators, and members of civil society with the skills to identify victims of trafficking.

Guyana has improved its capacity to collect information and report on suspected cases of trafficking, conduct undercover operations, provide sup-

port to victims to rebuild their lives, and/or facilitate their repatriation when requested.

Ongoing public awareness programmes are conducted in foreign languages and some Indigenous languages.

Over the years, Guyana has incrementally increased its budgeted allocations to fight trafficking in persons.

Recent initiatives include offering a bilingual anti-trafficking 24-hour hotline to assist Spanish-speaking victims, and the development of standard operating procedures for victim identification. There has also been progress in dismantling some criminal networks in Guyana involved in trafficking.

Government shelters offer specialised care for victims, including training, translation, legal and medical services, and psychological therapy. The government also provides financial support to NGO-managed shelters while direct financial and other assistance are provided to victims who opt not to stay in a shelter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 25, 2021

Scenes from reception hosted...

FROM PAGE 08

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

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Making agrifood systems more resilient to shocks - lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

COUNTRIES need to make their agrifood systems more resilient to sudden shocks of the kind witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has emerged as a major driver of the latest rise in global hunger estimates. According to a new report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), without proper preparation, unpredictable shocks will continue to undermine agri-food systems.

This year’s The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report by FAO is entitled “Making agrifood systems more resilient to shocks and stresses”. It provides an assessment of the ability of national agrifood systems to respond to or recover readily from shocks and stressors. It also offers guidance to governments on how they can improve resilience.

Today there are approximately three billion people who cannot afford a healthy diet. The SOFA 2021 report estimates that an additional one billion people would join their ranks if a shock reduced incomes by onethird. Moreover, food costs could increase for up to 845 million people if a disruption to critical transport links were to occur. The report defines shocks as “short-term deviations from long-term trends that have substantial negative effects on a system, people’s state of well-being, assets, livelihoods, safety and ability to

withstand future shocks”.

Examples include extreme weather events and surges in plant and animal diseases and pests.

Even before COVID-19 broke out, the world was not on track to meet its commitment to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030.

And while food production and supply chains have historically been vulnerable to climate extremes, armed conflicts or increases in global food prices, the frequency and severity of such shocks is on the rise.

The report’s publication could not be timelier.

“The pandemic highlighted both the resilience and the weakness of our agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu at a virtual event for the launch, which also featured a presentation by FAO Chief Economist, Maximo Torero Cullen and a panel discussion with policymakers and academics.

CONCRETE ACTION The world’s agrifood systems - the complex web of activities involved in the production of food and nonfood agricultural products, as well as their storage, processing, transportation, distribution and consumption, produce 11 billion tonnes of food a year and employ billions of people, directly or indirectly. The urgency of strengthening their capacity to endure shocks cannot be stressed enough.

The report also presents country-level indicators of the resilience of agri-

food systems in more than a hundred countries, by analysing factors such as transport networks, trade flows and the availability of healthy and varied diets.

While low-income countries generally face much bigger challenges, its findings show that middle-income countries are also at risk. In Brazil, for example, 60 per cent of the country’s export value comes from just one trading partner. This leaves it with fewer options if a shock hits a partner country.

Even high-income countries such as Australia and Canada are at risk from a shock because of the long distances involved in the distribution of food. For nearly half of the countries analysed by FAO experts, the closure of critical network links would increase local transport time by 20 per cent or more, thereby increasing costs and food prices for consumers.

Based on the evidence of the report, FAO recommends that governments make resilience in agrifood systems a strategic part of their responses to ongoing and future challenges.

The key here is diversification -- of input sources, production, markets and supply chains, as well as of actors – since diversity creates multiple pathways for absorbing shocks. Supporting the development of small and medium agrifood enterprises, co-operatives, consortia and clusters helps maintain diversity in domestic agrifood value chains.

Another key factor is

The resilience of agrifood systems to shocks is critical for food security (FAO photo) connectivity. Well-connect- nerable households is crit- flects FAO’s efforts aimed ed agrifood networks over- ical to ensure a world free at increasing resilience come disruptions faster by from hunger. This can be and sets out new indishifting sources of supply done through improved ac- cators to help members and channels for transport, cess to assets, to diversified measure the resilience marketing, inputs and la- sources of income and so- capacity of their agrifood bour. cial protection programmes systems and identify gaps Finally, enhancing the in the event of shocks. for improvement,” Qu resilience capacities of vul“The SOFA report re- said. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Contractor working overtime to complete Vlissingen Road project

Progress on the Geometric improvement of the Vlissengen road project

Progress on the Geometric improvement of the Vlissengen road project CONTRACTOR for the geometric improvement of the Vlissengen Road project, Vieira 66 Logistics, has been working overtime to complete the project on time.

This was disclosed by Ministry of Public Works’ Manager of Traffic, Safety and Maintenance, Kester Hinds.

Hinds said due to the inclement weather, contractors are working until 22:00 hrs as the aim is to complete the project by the end of the year. He said the bad weather has been interfering with the casting of the drains.

To date, the $42.6 million project which will improve access for pedestrians is about 48 per cent completed.

Upon completion, the project will be three meters wide and will also cater for pedal cyclists. Hinds said the project will create a safe environment for students of nearby schools.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who visited the project in October, said it showcases the lighter side of development the government is undertaking.

“What we will actually see happening is you

will see a full concrete walkway, eventually with lights, at sections, down seats for sitting. From the edge of the road to the walkway, we will be doing an earthen shoulder for the encouragement of the growing of grass. Eventually what you will have is a big open space that at any one time, you can host a major activity,” Minister Edghill said. The project commences at the roundabout and will end at Barr Street in the first phase. The second phase will see it being extended to Lamaha Street.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

First Infantry wins 2021 drill competition

THE First Infantry Battalion, on Tuesday, was adjudged this year’s Drill Champions when the curtains came down on the Force’s Annual Drill Competition held at the Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The Band Corps came in second while the Three Infantry Battalion placed third.

The keenly contested competition saw participation from nine composite platoons which consisted of ranks from various units.

Eleven teams were slated to participate but two were disqualified for failure to meet minimal competition requirements.

This resulted in one female team making it to the finals and judged according to the fulfillment of requirements which included turn out and bearing, rifle drills, quick marching and saluting.

The competition was judged by Retired Warrant Officers, Adrian George, Rudolph Lewis, Clay Flatts, Allistain Quang and Gerald Gilbert. Guyana Police

Force Sergeants, Jermain Semple and Andy Gillis, were also part of the judging panel.

Force Sergeant Major (FSM), Warrant Officer Class One, Raul Rodney, in a brief address, noted that the competition tested the standard of drills across the force.

He observed that there is room for improvement and every effort will be made to ensure this is done.

The FSM is entrusted with the overall responsibility to ensure that drills are of a high standard throughout the force.

B a s e C o m m a n d e r, Base Camp Stephenson, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, in closing remarks, noted that the competition has provided a platform to identify shortcomings which will be addressed at unit lines.

To this end, he encouraged unit Sergeant Majors to work with their soldiers so that the standard of drills across the force is improved.

Lieutenant Jeremy Charles receives the winning plaque on behalf of the First Infantry Battalion

The female team during their execution of a rifle drill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Six candidates shortlisted for GECOM CEO, four for DCEO

THE search for Chief Elections Officer (CEO) and Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission may soon be over as six candidates have been shortlisted for the position of CEO and four shortlisted for DCEO. The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the six shortlisted persons for CEO are Vishnu Persaud, Aneal Giddings, Eugene Petty, Deodat Persaud, Kurt Clarke, and Leslie Harrow.

Meanwhile, the shortlist-

ed candidates for DCEO are Melanie Marshall, Neil Bacchus, Mohamed Arjoon, and Deodat Persaud.

The shortlisted candidates were compiled based on lists submitted by members of the elections commission to the Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

According to information provided to this newspaper, candidates for Assistant Chief Elections Officer/Assistant Commissioner for National Registration (ACEO/ACNR) are Delon Clarke, Noland Jervis, Melanie Marshall, Paul Jaisingh, Mohamed Arjoon, Neil Bacchus, Deolall Ramlall, Deodat Persaud, Natasha Grenion Dipchand, Andrea

Sparman, Duarte Hetsberger, and Colin April.

The Commission now moves close to finalizing the way forward as the shortlisted candidates are likely to have not been officially notified as yet of their shortlisting.

Things appear, however, to be moving apace to the finality of this process despite public reports of differences in opinion within the statutory body.

I n l a t e S e p t e m b e r, GECOM met to approve the advertising of key positions of the elections commission’s secretariat which were made vacant as a result of the massive shake-up following the plethora of challenges experi-

enced during the 2020 general and regional elections which almost saw the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition returning to office through strange processes.

Several charges have since been laid against former top elections officials.

While General and Regional Elections (GRE) are still a few years away, local government election is currently due.

Once the elections body’s major positions have been filled, engagement between the statutory body and the President can commence on the holding of local government elections.

Fenton Park: Fostering positive growth among Guyanese men COGNISANT that men need strong support systems to foster social and personal growth, Fenton Park has dedicated decades of his life to this mission.

Park, who is a businessman and the current President of the National Association of Men’s Ministry within the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has led many workshops and forums in Guyana and around the world that aim to promote positive attributes among men.

He recently sat down with the Guyana Chronicle to share some aspects of his life and work in the men’s ministry.

“I’ve been involved in men’s ministry from 1983.

Currently, I serve as the President of the National Association of Men’s Ministry within the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventist that caters for more than 25,000 men across the length and breadth of Guyana,” Park related.

He said that his work with the men’s ministry over the years has seen him working with men, teens and young children from different backgrounds and lifestyles.

“I have had the privilege of meeting several men in the various regions of this country and meeting with men outside of this country to talk with them about men issues. We don’t only work with men, we work with boys and teens and enable men to be empowered in the long run,” he added.

Speaking on his latest venture, Park, who owns a marketing company, is hoping to use the earnings to execute a project that will target men in hinterland regions and vulnerable communities.

“I have a marketing company called Parks Lumber and Marketing … that’s my own company where I market products in Guyana and also outside of Guyana,” Park said.

He added: “I plan to take some proceeds from that project to help men in the hinterland, men in what we call vulnerable communities, men in my own church and from a national body.”

The project, he further explained, will foster consciousness among males of all ages.

“There is a possibility we can move men from one level to the next. Within five years we must be able to see men who we

Fenton Park never thought or dreamt of, becoming somebody of worth.”

He related that the aim is to encourage men to be the best versions of themselves and to take full advantage of opportunities that will enable and encourage them.

“Opportunities are available all around and what you must do is make the best of what you have, whatever you are doing, you can start there, but there should not be the end of the road.”

In a direct appeal to men and young teen boys, Park said, “You have the ability to climb higher and higher and that is what I always encourage men to do. Don’t think about staying on the same level, think of moving up.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Banks DIH employees get bright Christmas

THE management of Banks DIH Limited and the General Workers Union (GWU), on Wednesday, signed a new three-year Memorandum of Agreement, paving the way for a new wages package and other benefits for employees of the company.

The signing ceremony was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, Brickdam and was supervised by Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine.

According to a release, employees will now receive an initial nine per cent across the board increase for the first year and five and three percent respectively during the additional two years of the three-year agreement.

Andrew Carto, Human Resources Director, who signed on behalf of the company, expressed gratitude to the union for the cordial and professional way in which the negotiations were conducted over a three-week period.

“I am happy to say that we were able to arrive at a consensus where we now have a new three-year agreement which highlights the increases, benefits and allowances which would be applicable to employees of the company for the next three years,” he added.

Carto conveyed appreciation to the union on behalf of Clifford Reis, Chairman/Managing Director of Banks DIH. GWU General-Secretary, Pancham Singh, said the union was pleased with the agreement.

“The negotiations were done virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and both parties showed mutual respect during the consultations. We have a very long and cordial relationship with the company and we would like to maintain that affiliation, he added.

Deonarine commended both parties for negotiating an amicable agreement.

Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine (centre); Human Resources Director, Andrew Carto (right) and General-Secretary of the General Workers Union, Pancham Singh (left) display the agreement following the signing.

Man escapes as police destroy ‘ganja’ fields

SOME 60,000 cannabis plants and 600 pounds of dried cannabis were destroyed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday afternoon, as the agency concluded yet another successful eradication exercise.

A police statement said ranks from the Region Six Division discovered four fields

covering 10 acres of land in the Upper Berbice River close to Ebini. The plants ranged from six inches to 10 feet in height.

Five camps were reportedly discovered and destroyed. Police reported that a man was seen in the field but escaped when he saw the police.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

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59 Hope/Bath Settlement families to receive Certificates of Title

SOME 59 families from Hope/Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice will receive Certificates of Title for lots they currently occupy and have purchased since 1996.

This assurance was given to the residents following a meeting with Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall and a delegation on Wednesday.

The delegation led by the Attorney-General consisted of representatives from the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Housing, the Sugar Industry Welfare Fund (SILWIF) and Region Five.

The families are/or were former employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) who purchased the lots since 1996 but were not issued

with titles.

Nandlall emphasised that it was a campaign promise of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to identify these areas across the country that are affected and to ensure that they are regularised and titles issued for the lands.

The minister confirmed that President Ali’s Government is committed to the discharge of this promise. He identified Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara as one of the areas, the initiative was successfully completed and over 50 families have already received their Certificates of Title.

He reminded of a similar initiative launched some three weeks ago at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. A different variation of the exercise is being conducted

at Cotton Tree, and Number Four and Five villages, West Cost Berbice.

The Attorney-General explained that a Certificate of Title is an instrument of fundamental importance.

“It is that document which conclusively declares you to be the owner of the land to which it relates. No one, not even the State can lawfully take that land away from you without compensation. It is that document that enables you to borrow from the commercial banks; it is that instrument which permits you to transmit that land to your children and future generations,” he said.

The Attorney-General promised that the titles will be ready by May next year, the release noted.

A section of the gathering on Wednesday

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall addressing the Hope/Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice residents on Wednesday

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Land titles, extension for eight Amerindian communities

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai THREE Amerindian com- providing additional validamunities will receive land tion for the extension applititles for the first time, cations, during a ministerial while extensions will be consultation with village granted to five other com- members on Tuesday.

The minister said the munities, including the tourism-driven Lake Ca- village applied for its extension in 2004 and by 2014 a poey, Region Two. Amerindian Affairs Min- full investigation was conister, Pauline Sukhai, made ducted to ensure all legal the announcement while matters were covered during

that period.

“In those investigations all the agencies and commissions that were required to be part and parcel of the investigation were in attendance, and at that time everything was in order.

“I know that we have established the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Unit once again as we are back in office, mid of this year they have an approved work programme for eight communities to be titled -- three for the first time and five for extension and Capoey forms part of the extension.”

A team from the ALT unit visited the community last October to validate the investigation report provided earlier.

“From their subsequent report, they explained that there is no major significant encumbrance. The position of the village remains the same and the area required or applied for remains the

A section of the gathering during the meeting same,” Minister Sukhai un- titling of lands for AmerMinister Sukhai had indians and in this period said the functioning unit derscored.

She said the matter will in our first term, we in- of the project which began be examined for a third tend to address land titling in 2013 was disbanded by time before the ministry again,” the minister said. her predecessor.

The Dr. Mohamed Irtakes another step.

The ALT project al“Land titling is one of faan Ali-led Administra- lows Amerindians to the commitments that we tion has made good on secure their lands and campaigned on. We have its promise to resuscitate natural resources with in the past, in our previous the ALT project with a a view towards sustaintenure in office, signifi- proposed 2021 budgetary able, social and economic cantly moved forward on allocation of $630 million. development. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

$11 M for Capoey’s tourism, productive sectors

AMERINDIAN Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, on Tuesday, said some $11 million will be available to facilitate developments in the tourism and production sectors in Capoey, Region two.

Minister Sukhai was part of a ministerial delegation to the community which addressed a number of concerns raised by residents.

The minister urged residents to place tourism in the community as a priority as government has made several investments to boost the sector.

“I want to also ask you to be serious about tourism.

Capoey has started tourism

and it’s very accessible and we are also supporting that sector here. For example, your economic grant, from what I looked on the submissions, they are geared towards enhancing your opportunities of building the tourism base and also, we are going to add an additional $3 million that will go towards enhancing your guest house.

“So that is about, let’s say that $11 million will be available for tourism and, of course, the productive infrastructure and the roads,” she said.

She also urged the village council to prioritise the establishment of the community’s ICT hub, noting that it should

The items donated to the village (DPI photo) have already been up and running. “… We’re expecting by

now, that you should have had a spanking, brand new ICT hub where the Prime

Minister can just roll in the Internet, the connectivity, the power source, the laptops and we have begun the training of those trainers who will take control of, and support the hub when it becomes operational.

“We’ve been speaking about this hub one year now, the year is coming to an end and I want to ask the village council to put some priority towards it because everywhere we go, we have to hear complaints about connectivity,” she said.

The minister also presented an engine and a brushcutter to the community.

“Today the request that came in for the school children to have an engine, we have

brought that engine in and also the brushcutter was a request made earlier also, which were both bought from the 2021 budget. So, we are happy to deliver on the commitments and on the budgetary work that we’ve had engagements with you in the earlier period of this year,” she noted.

Minister Sukhai encouraged residents to take care of the machines.

“I want to make one appeal: that you take charge, the village council takes charge of the engine and that you operate it in the best interest of the village, including the maintenance; it is important,” she said.

(DPI)

‘Spoony’ gets 18 years for killing Sophia resident ALMOST four years after Sophia resident, Celwyn Allen, was fatally stabbed while walking in his community on Christmas Day, his killer, Bevon Griffith, was, on Wednesday, sentenced to 18 years.

Griffith, called “Kevin” and “Spoony”, formerly of Pike Street, Kitty, was last month indicted for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which was accepted by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

He admitted that on December 25, 2017, at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, he unlawfully killed Allen.The state was represented by Lisa Cave while attorney-at-law, Ravindra Mohabir, is on record for the accused.

During his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Griffith told the court that on the day in question he was consuming alcohol and when he attacked Allen, he was intoxicated. He apologised for his action and begged the court for a second chance to turn his life around.

The judge sentenced Griffith to 18 years and further ordered that the prison deduct one-third of the sentence for his early guilty plea. The judge ordered the

Bevon Griffith, called “Kevin” and “Spoony” deduction of an additional three years, 11 months for the time he had spent in pre-trial custody.

According to reports, prior to the incident, Allen interfered with one of Griffith’s friends, who reportedly rebuked him.

On the day in question, Allen and his girlfriend were walking in the ‘C’ Field, Sophia community when they were attacked

by Griffith.

It is alleged that Griffith pulled out a knife and stabbed Allen several times before running away.

Allen collapsed and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Griffith was later arrested and confessed to the crime.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

$614M contract signed for construction of new Fire Service Headquarters

A CONTRACT valued $614M was signed on Wednesday for the construction of the new Guyana Fire Service Headquarters building on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The work was publicly advertised and won by Mohammed’s Enterprise following an evaluation by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

The contract was signed

by Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas and Nazar Mohammed of Mohammed’s Enterprise. Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn witnessed the

signing The construction will commence on the fire headquarters no later than December 1, 2021 and completion is expected 14 months after.

Minister Benn indicated that the relocation of the Guyana Fire and Ambulance Service will help increase emergency response timings, given that they will be away from the heavily congested Stabroek Market area. Also, they will have more space for holding the equipment and assets.

Minister Benn also mentioned that Georgetown is physically expanding to the East and South, which will allow the Guy-

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, submitting the signed contract to the contractor, Nazar Mohammed in the company of others ana Fire Service Headquarters to be better spatially located.

Consultations moving swiftly on proposed amendments to electoral laws – Minister Teixeira

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira THE consultations on the pressing their views about amendments to the Repre- the amendments,” Minister sentation of the People Act Teixeira told the Depart(ROPA) have commenced ment of Public Information and are picking up steam, (DPI).

Minister of Parliamentary When asked about the Affairs and Governance, involvement of other politGail Teixeira, said in a ical parties in the process, telephone interview on the minister said that no Wednesday. party has officially written She noted that the pro- to the ministry offering any cess has seen a number of recommendations to the groups and individuals from amendments drafted by the the diaspora penning letters, Attorney- General. sharing their views and ofH o w e v e r, s h e s a i d fering recommendations to former President, David the ministry.

Granger, has acknowledged “We have seen persons receipt of the proposed from the diaspora individ- amendments sent to him. ually writing letters and ex“Former President

Granger politely responded and acknowledged receipt of the document and has said that he will ask the [officials] of the party to look at it,” she explained.

Minister Teixeira also said that PNC/R Chairman, Volda Lawrence, has requested electronic copies of the document for her review and perusal.

No other formal response has been received from political parties by her ministry.

Moreover, the electoral reform group, which has seemingly been vocal about their concerns in relation to electoral reform, has also not made any formal recommendations or submissions to the ministry.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has been tasked by the President with executing and supervising the six-week consultation process. The government is also expected to release two other proposals relating to amendments of the laws governing the electoral process for consultation with members of civil society, Minister Teixeira said. (DRI)

Man gets life sentence for Bush Lot double-murder 22

FIVE years after the gruesome murder of West Berbice businessman, Doodnauth Arthur Rajkumar and his reputed wife, Dianne Chamanlall, their 24-year-old killer was sentenced to life in prison.

Nazameed Rafeek of Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court.

Earlier this month, Rafeek had pleaded not guilty to murdering Rajkumar, 81, and

49-year-old Chamanlall, also known as “Devi”, at School Dam, Bush Lot, between January 8-9, 2016. However, as his trial ensued, Rafeek opted to plead guilty to manslaughter.

He was represented by

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

attorney-at-law Mursaline Bacchus, while prosecutor, Abigail Gibbs, is on record for the state.

In his address to the court, Rafeek apologised for his actions but maintained that during the home invasion he

did not kill the couple. He claimed it was the doing of his co-accused, Rooplall Abrahim, called ‘Vijai.’

After listening to Rafeek’s address, Justice Kisson said, “ I reject that as an attempt by you to mitigate your sentence.

I also accept that as a further indication from you that you are without remorse or contrition. Your attempt is to simply obtain a sentence that is consistent to a slap on the wrist notwithstanding the gravity of your despicable act.”

While reflecting on the facts of the case, Justice Kissoon said the words, “brutal, savagery, immeasurable cruelty and unspeakable agony,” best describe the gravity of the criminal act of Rafeek and others who “ butchered” their victims.

He highlighted that if Rafeek was found guilty by a jury for the capital offence of murder, he would have been sentenced to the “gallows.”

While delivering his sentencing remarks, the judge said Rafeek was acting in a criminal enterprise in a premeditated design to obtain money criminally from unsuspecting citizens.

He said they armed themselves with a deadly weapon and snuffed out the victims’ life instead. The judge said that citizens must feel free to carry on with their daily lives without the fear of being attacked and robbed. He also said that the sentence of the court must not only fit this dastardly act, but should also serve as a deterrent for like-minded offenders.

The judge sentenced Rafeek to life in prison and he will be eligible for parole after serving 35 years.

During the plea hearing, Gibbs read Rafeek’s caution statement, which was taken the day after the couple’s murder. In that statement, Rafeek admitted involvement along with Abrahim and another friend, Madanpaul Gocoul, called “Clown.”

In his caution statement, Rafeek said that on the afternoon of January 8, 2016, he, ‘Clown’ and ‘Vijay’ met at Bush Lot, and together they planned to rob ‘Uncle Arthur’.

“Abee smoke up some ‘ganja’ weh Vijay bring, and abee feel nice… Meh had wan kitchen knife, and Clown and Vijay had one, one cutlass,” Rafeek was quoted as saying in his statement.

He told the police that after getting high, he and his

Nazameed Rafeek two friends went “on de wuk”, by jumping the fence of Uncle Arthur’s home, and climbing onto his veranda.

According to reports, the couple was living together in the upper flat of a two-storeyed building. Rafeek and his cohorts allegedly broke in through a grilled door before opening a glass door.

While inside, the men went into the bedroom of the couple and woke them up. According to Rafeek, Vijay asked the couple for gold and money, but Uncle Arthur said they did not have any valuables. he wife wid a cutlass, and me cut dem up wid meh knife,” the accused said in his caution statement.

After making a thorough search for money, all they found of value were a few items of foodstuff and some cigarettes. Apparently incensed by their paltry find, Rafeek and his ‘buddies’ proceeded to chop the couple mercilessly, to the extent that each of them sustained no less than 20 deep incised wounds and multiple fractures.

“Uncle Arthur and he wife bin ah bleed plenty… like he and she ah guh dead. While abee bin still deh-deh in de house, ah drink Stag Beer weh abee get inside de freezer inside de shop,” Rafeek said.

The sudden arrival of the police at the scene caused them to hurriedly make good their escape by jumping over the back fence. It was during that escape bid that Rafeek dropped his hat, which was how investigators were able to pick him up a couple of hours later.

Rafeek was arrested at his Bush Lot home, and according to Prosecutor Gibbs, there were traces of blood inside his yard and home.

Gibbs said that according to a post-mortem report, the couple died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to their injuries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 25, 2021

Cambodia looks for closer co-opertion with Guyana

Ambassador Halim Majeed with Ambassador Ban Borom AMBASSADOR of Cambodia to Cuba, Ban Borom, warmly received Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, at the Cambodia’s Mission in Havana on Tuesday The two ambassadors discussed several current international issues, including COP26 but focused mainly on bilateral relations and examined ways and means of fostering closer ties in the present global economic framework.

Ambassador Majeed was particularly interested in Cambodia’s economic pragmatism and wondered how similar it is (or different) to Singapore’s model of economic development.

Cambodia is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Group and is expanding developmental ties

with Japan, China and Vietnam, among other countries in that region.

Ambassador Majeed recalled the historical ties between the two countries that were initiated by the leader of the People’s Progressive Party -- former President Cheddi Jagan -- who had always expressed Guyana’s solidarity and friendship with the Cambodian people.

Ambassador Ban inquired about the economic policies of the Government of Guyana and wanted to have an understanding of how government’s philosophy impacted national development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Majeed took the opportunity to present Ambassador Ban with several speeches that were delivered on specific occasions by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

England intra-squad warm up washed out

All-rounder Ben Stokes had been set to make his first appearance for England since July

England's intra-squad Ashes warm-up match in Brisbane was abandoned without a ball being bowled on the final day because of rain.

Only 29 overs were bowled in the three-day game, with no play possible on day two as well.

England have only one more warm-up match, also against England Lions and starting on Tuesday, before the Ashes begin on 8 December.

The first Test against Australia will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Haseeb Hameed im-

pressed as England reached 98-0 on the opening day, hitting an unbeaten 53 before play was halted, with fellow opener Rory Burns making 39 not out at the Peter Burge Oval.

The second warm-up game is set to be a fourday match at the Ian Healy Oval, also in Brisbane.

There is scope for England to alter their programme to include more crick et, but a tight schedule means options are limited.

They will reassess in the coming days depending on the weather.

The players who featured for England at the T20

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World Cup are still in

quarantine.

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27

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

City qualify for last 16 after beating PSG

(BBC) - Manchester City came back from behind to beat Paris St-Germain and secure qualification for the Champions League last 16 - doing so as Group A winners.

City's outstanding display reaped the reward it deserved, as they showed character as well as class after Kylian Mbappe swept PSG into a 50th-minute lead.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino, heavily linked with Manchester United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking, was left disappointed as City hit back in style to turn the game around.

Raheem Sterling's recent good run continued as he turned home Kyle Walker's far post touch to equalise after 63 minutes. Then substitute Gabriel Jesus was the beneficiary of an exquisite lay-off from Bernardo Silva to beat PSG keeper Kaylor Navas from close range 13 minutes later.

PSG's superstar trio of Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar were a sporadic threat but City carried the greater danger and this was a well-merited victory, putting them into the last 16 before they travel to face RB Leipzig for their final Group A game, which will be played behind closed doors.

Man City overpower PSG For all PSG's attacking riches, it was Manchester City who carried the more concerted threat - with the only concern initially that they could not cash in on their domination.

Pep Guardiola's side were on the front foot from the first whistle and it required Presnel Kimpembe's header to deny Rodri, before Achraf Hakimi diverted a shot from Riyad Mahrez over the top.

City almost paid the price when John Stones lost possession and Mbappe shot

over but City were calm, measured and always looked a more organised unit than their illustrious opponents.

They were put to the test when Mbappe put PSG ahead against the run of play but City then struck the perfect balance between chasing the game and keeping the door locked at the back.

Sterling's resurgence continued with another goal and an energetic display while Jesus answered the regular questions about City not signing a striker with a predatory finish.

City then closed out the game with few alarms to ensure they will go into the draw for the knockout stage as group winners, always an advantage, and with the opportunity to rest players in that final group game behind closed doors in Leipzig with their Champions League job done.

It was the sort of performance City have been pro-

Raheem Sterling's goal was his third in as many Manchester City matches

ducing in the Champions League in recent seasons, as PSG discovered in last

season's semi-final - now the task is to somehow find a way to make those suc-

cessful steps through the next phase and fill that gap in their trophy cabinet.

Liverpool sees off Porto at Anfield Victory for Sergio Conceicao's side in the final group game against the La Liga champions will guarantee passage into the knockout stages.

Thiago scored his first goal of the season for Liverpool

(BBC) - Liverpool maintained their 100% record in the Champions League this season by seeing off Porto at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's men, who had already secured top spot in Group B and a place in the knockout stages after winning their first four games, picked up another three points against the Portuguese side.

The Reds were not at their best in the first half and although hardly at full tilt in the second either, they scored two lovely goals

to clinch another victory.

Spain midfielder Thiago drilled in a stunning, long-range finish, cutting across the ball to produce a rasping 25-yard strike that nestled in the bottom corner.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah then cut in from the right and jinked his way past a visiting defender before smashing home at the near post.

Porto were punished for missing a glorious chance after 11 minutes when Otavio inexplicably side-footed wide from eight

yards out with an empty goal to aim at.

Liverpool hammered Porto 5-1 in the reverse fixture in Portugal and could have handed out another similarly emphatic victory but Sadio Mane's cool finish was ruled out by VAR for offside, as was Takumi Minamino's volley from close range.

The good news for Porto was that AC Milan secured a late victory at Atletico Madrid, meaning the Portuguese side stay second in the group.

Thiago coming good?

Klopp rested defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Fabinho while also resisting the temptation to start full-back Andrew Robertson and skipper Jordan Henderson, both of whom are returning to full fitness after injuries.

However the 2019 European champions still had too much class for Porto.

Thiago has endured a stopstart time since joining the club at the start of last season as he adjusted to English football and struggled to gain any rhythm as he dealt with regular injuries.

But the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich player showed his quality at times last season and is doing so more regularly in this campaign, backing up Saturday's excellent performance against Arsenal with another fine showing yesterday.

He played just over an hour and recycled the ball in trademark fashion - but the highlight of the night was his goal in front of The Kop. There looked to be no danger when Porto cleared a corner out

of the area, but Thiago showed sublime technique to score his first goal of the season.

The prolific Salah was quiet for much of the contest but converted the one chance that fell his way to take his tally to 17 goals in as many games this term.

His strike meant Liverpool have scored two or more goals in 16 consecutive games in all competitions, the first English team to achieve that feat since Wolves in 1939.

Mane saw a shot deflected away from goal and scuffed off target from a promising position, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - enjoying an extended run in the side - screwed wide from the edge of the box.

Academy product Tyler Morton, 19, filled in for Brazil's Fabinho and played the full 90 minutes on his first Champions League start in the middle of the park.

Porto will be glad to see the back of Liverpool having failed to beat the Reds in their past 10 meetings and extending their poor record in England to just one win in their past 23 games.

Had winger Otavio taken the early chance that fell his way, it could have been a different story but their big game is now against the Spanish champions.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

Vaughn not involved in BBC Ashes Broadcast

He was named in Yorkshire's report into Azeem Rafiq's claims of racism during his time at the club.

Vaughan, 47, said he is "very disappointed" and wants to be "part of the solution, listening, educating myself and helping to make it a more welcoming sport for all".

He has repeatedly denied the allegation made against him.

Vaughan was stood down from his BBC Radio 5 Live show this month and will also not be involved in the BBC's "wider coverage of the sport at the moment".

England will play five Tests against Australia, the first starting on December 8 in Brisbane.

Vaughan joined the BBC's Test Match Special radio team as a summariser in 2009.

"While he is involved in a significant story in cricket, for editorial reasons we do not believe that it would be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team or wider coverage

of the sport at the moment," read a BBC statement.

"We require our contributors to talk about relevant topics and his involvement in the Yorkshire story represents a conflict of interest."

Rafiq alleged Vaughan said "too many of you lot, we need to do something about it" to him and three other players during a County Championship match for Yorkshire in 2009.

Rafiq's account was supported by former Pakistan bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and England leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who said they heard the comment.

The fourth player in the group bowler Ajmal Shahzad - previously told the Daily Mail he had no recollection of the event and "the senior guys were really good to me".

Vaughan wrote in his Daily Telegraph column that he "totally denies" making the comment.

Following the BBC's decision yesterday, he said: "Very disappointed not to be commentating for

Michael Vaughan played for Yorkshire from 1993 to 2009

TMS on the Ashes and will miss working with great colleagues and

friends, but looking forward to being behind the mic for Fox Cricket

in Australia.

"The issues facing cricket are bigger than any individual case."

More than 2 000 people have contacted the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket's (ICEC) inquiry into discrimination in the sport following the racism scandal at Yorkshire.

This week Jahid Ahmed became the third former Essex player to allege he experienced racist abuse at the club.

A 12-point plan which will tackle the issues raised by Rafiq and others is due to be released by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Rafiq criticised Vaughan when he appeared in front of a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee this month.

"It's important on Michael that we don't make it all about Michael," Rafiq said of Vaughan's newspaper column, where the ex-England captain had revealed he was named in the Yorkshire investigation.

Benzema found guilty of conspiring to blackmail (BBC) - France and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been found guilty of conspiring to blackmail a fellow French footballer with a sex tape.

A judge handed Benzema a one-year suspended jail term and ordered him to pay a €75,000 (£63,000; $84,000) fine.

Benzema, 33, was one of five people put on trial last month over an attempt to extort Frenchman Mathieu Valbuena.

The scandal has stunned the football community in France and both players lost their national team places.

The case dates back to June 2015, when the two footballers were at a French training camp.

At the camp, Benzema put pressure on Valbuena to pay off the blackmailers, whom he had conspired with to act as an intermediary, prosecutors said.

Benzema has always denied the allegations and insisted he was only trying to help Valbuena get rid of the compromising video.

Benzema has since returned to the France team and was expected to start for Real Madrid last night when they would have played FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League.

Benzema was not present in court in Versailles for the verdict, nor was Valbuena, who plays for Greek club Olympiakos.

Four of Benzema's co-defendants in the trial were also found guilty yesterday. They were handed jail sentences ranging from 18 months suspended to two-and-ahalf years in prison.

French footballer Karim Benzema lost his place in the national team over the scandal

Benzema's lawyers said they would appeal his conviction. "The reaction is ultimately an angry one to this judgment which is perfectly contradictory," his lawyer, Sylvain Cormier, told reporters outside court.

But when delivering the verdict, the judge said Benzema had "implicated himself personally, through subterfuge and lies, to convince his teammate to submit to the blackmail".

Benzema's lawyers said the French footballer would appeal the conviction Benzema made a surprise comeback to the French national team in May, five years after he was exiled from the side when the allegations first surfaced in 2015.

But last month, the French foot-

ball federation said a guilty verdict would not necessarily jeopardise Benzema's position in the national side.

Since being called back by France manager Didier Deschamps, Benzema has been in prolific form, scoring nine times in 13 games for his country. He's also scored 10 goals this season for his club, Real Madrid, who are yet to comment on the verdict.

For his performances on the pitch, Benzema was named a candidate for the Ballon d'Or footballer of the year award which will be announced next week.

Case leaves Real Madrid status intact There are two ways of dealing with the private lives of footballers

and we have seen that in the case of Benzema. The story hasn't been given much importance in the sports media in Spain, but it has been hugely prominent in France.

In France, Benzema will be questioned professionally because of his behaviour off the pitch, much more so than in Spain. In France, private lives are more relevant, not just in sport but also in politics.

Benzema - who is of Algerian descent - has suggested there was an element of racism in this case.

He felt that, had he been a white player, he would have been treated differently.

But none of it affects his status at Real Madrid, at all. In Spain, there is a view that your private life is your private life, and there has even been a strong campaign in the Madrid media for him to win the Ballon d'Or. What is this case about?

It began in 2015 when Valbuena, now 37, asked a man in Marseille, Axel Angot, to upload the contents of his mobile phone to a new device.

Mr Angot found sexually explicit material on the phone. He and another defendant in the trial, Mustapha Zouaoui, were accused of trying to blackmail Valbuena by threatening to make the tape public.

Mr Zouaoui told reporters he had shared the tape, but there had never been an attempt to extort money.

Valbuena described being approached by another defendant, Younes Houass, who told the court

he had warned the player about the issue without asking for money.

When the footballer went to the police, they set up a sting operation involving an undercover agent.

Prosecutors said another defendant was then brought into the scam - Karim Zenati, who is a childhood friend of Benzema.

At this point, Benzema was asked to act as a "middleman" in the scheme, prosecutors said.

In October 2015, Benzema approached his fellow France player in his room at the national team's training camp.

Benzema said he had merely tried to help his teammate dispose of the x-rated video, warning him: "Be careful, Math, they're big, big thugs."

He then offered to put him in touch with someone he could trust - his childhood friend, Mr Zenati.

Police were by now tapping their phone calls and recorded Benzema telling his friend: "He's not taking us seriously."

Mr Zenati is said to have replied: "We're here to sort it out; if he doesn't want that he'll have to deal with the piranhas."

Giving evidence at the start of the trial, Valbuena said he had never considered handing over money to stop the video getting out.

Unlike his former teammate, Valbuena has not played for France since the scandal began.

Testifying during the trial, Valbuena told the court that football was his life.

"I knew if that video got out it would make things difficult with the French team," he said.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

West Indies fighting for survival as Sri Lanka bowlers reign supreme

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Eleven wickets - seven of them belonging to the visitors - fell on the fourth day of the Galle Test between Sri Lanka and the West Indies as the hosts inched closer towards victory.

Sri Lanka's spinners Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya ran through the West Indies batting line-up to leave them reeling at 52 for 6 at stumps. They need a further 296 runs to win with just four wickets in hand.

Much like in the first innings, it was the loopy offspin of Mendis that did much of the damage, as he accounted for four more West Indies wickets to take his match tally to seven. Embuldeniya grabbed two. Sri Lanka's spinners have so far been responsible for 15 of the 16 in this match.

Chief among the visitors' problems has been their inability to pick the straighter one that goes on with the arm.

Sri Lanka spin coach Piyal Wijetunge had spoken of the lack of control shown by his spinners after the end of play on the third day; he would have been much happier with their showing the following day.

Each of Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder was done in with the Sri Lanka spinners' straighter variant, with Mendis accounting for three of them. Aside from Mayers,

who left one from Mendis that darted in to trap him plumb in front of the middle stump, the other three were all castled one way or the other.

The speed and nature of the collapse - they were 18 for 6 in 13 overs - was in sharp contrast to the ease with which Sri Lanka's batters played West Indies' spinners earlier.

Both Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews notched up half-centuries and shared a 123-run stand off 150 balls to help Sri Lanka set a target of 348.

Karunaratne once more top-scored for Sri Lanka with a 104-ball 83, in what was his sixth straight 50-plus score in Tests - he has crossed 50 seven times this year in seven Tests, and gone on to reach three figures five times, including a career-best 244 against Bangladesh in Pallekele in April.

He, however, fell short of making back-to-back centuries in this Test, edging a cut off Rahkeem Cornwall that looped to first slip via the keeper's gloves. Dhananjaya de Silva was the only other wicket to fall after lunch, when he offered a return catch to Jomel Warrican.

Warrican and Cornwall ended the innings with two wickets apiece, and West Indies now need to complete a record chase - the highest total successfully chased in Galle was the 268 Sri Lanka

ran down against New Zealand in 2019 - or bat out a day, though rain is expected.

Sri Lanka's declaration followed a slog sweep for six

by Mathews, who remained unbeaten on 69 off 84 deliveries.

Karunaratne, in particular, looked in good nick, growing in confidence after a circumspect start against some tight bowling from the spinners.

Mathews, at the other end, also looked comfortable, a late cut past the backward point the highlight of his innings.

West Indies might have had more wickets had it not been for some uncertain decision-making. After an ill-advised early review against Karunaratne - he was rapped on the pads outside off stump not offering a stroke, but replays confirmed the ball was missing the stumps by a considerable margin - West Indies became extremely hesitant to use DRS. This hurt them on two occasions. The first was a missed Oshada sweep that brought about a fervent appeal from wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. The review remained unused, only for replays to show that Oshada may have got the faintest of touches.

While that didn't prove too costly, the next one very well might. Cornwall hit Karunaratne on the pads, but none of the West Indies

players seemed confident enough to challenge the umpire's assertion that the ball had pitched outside leg. No review again, only for replays to show that the ball had indeed pitched in line and likely would have hit off stump.

Had those dismissals - the Karunaratne one, in particular - gone in favour of the visitors, things might have been different. But as it stands, only rain or an unlikely re-

arguard stand in the way of a Sri Lanka win.

Earlier in the morning, it took just over 15 minutes for Sri Lanka to claim the final West Indies wicket and secure a healthy first-innings lead. Following a rain-delayed start, Sri Lanka picked up the second new ball first thing and went on the offensive against Da Silva and Gabriel with the spin duo of Lasith Embuldeniya and

Praveen Jayawickrama.

Of the two, Jayawickrama looked the more likely to pick up the last wicket, having beaten the outside edge of both batters numerous times, and he was rewarded in the end. Gabriel was trapped lbw after being caught flush on the toe by one that was well tossed up. Jayawickrama finished with the best figures of the innings: 4 for 40.

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings

386

WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 224 for nine) 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 c Karunaratne b Dhananjaya de Silva J. Holder c Chameera b Jayawickrama 36 J. Da Silva not out 11 R. Cornwall c Mendis b Lakmal 39 S. Gabriel lbw b Jayawickrama 2 Extras: (b-3, lb-10, w-3, nb-2) 18 Total: (all out, 85.5 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-51, 3-80, 4-83, 5-86, 6-100, 7-163, 8-175, 9-224.

Bowling: Lakmal 6-1-10-1, Chameera 8-014-0 (w-1), Embuldeniya 32-11-67-1 (nb-1), Jayawickrama 19.5-6-40-4 (nb-1), Mendis 17-1-75-3, Dhananjaya 3-0-11-1.

SRI LANKA 2nd innings P. Nissanka c Hope b Cornwall 3 D. Karunaratne c Blackwood b Cornwall 83 O. Fernando lbw b Warrican 14 A. Mathews not out 69 Dhananjaya de Silva c & b Warrican 1 D. Chandimal not out 10 Extras: (b-8, lb-2, nb-1) 11 Total: (4 wkts decl, 40.5 overs) 191 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-39, 3-162 , 4-163.

Bowling: Cornwall 15.5-0-60-2, Holder 5-0-19-0, Chase 6-1-28-0, Warrican 9-142-2, Gabriel 4-0-23-0 (nb-1), Brathwaite 1-0-9-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 348 runs) K. Brathwaite lbw b Mendis 0 J. Blackwood c Mathews b Embuldeniya 9 N. Bonner not out 18 S. Hope b Mendis 3 R. Chase b Embuldeniya 1 K. Mayers lbw b Mendis 2 J. Holder b Mendis 0 J. Da Silva not out 15 Extras: (lb-4) 4 Total: (6 wkts, 25.3 overs) 52

Bonner holding out hope of West Indies resurgence (CMC) - Nkrumah Bonner is holding out hope of West Indies saving the opening Test against Sri Lanka, despite the precarious position in which the touring side find themselves ahead of today’s final day..

West Indies resume on 52 for six in their second innings in pursuit of an improbable victory target of 348 at Galle International Stadium, after conceding a first-innings lead of 156 on yesterday’s penultimate day.

“We have (about 90 overs) to bat tomorrow and if me and Josh (Joshua Da Silva) can bat

the majority of that, (West Indies can save the game),” said Nkrumah Bonner, unbeaten on 18 at the close and partnered by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva on 15.

“Obviously we want to play each ball on its merit, respect the bowlers and put away the bad balls. It’s a simple plan tomorrow, just to bat time and score as many runs as possible.”

West Indies flirted with their lowest-ever Test total when they were reduced to 18 for six after tea as off-spinner Ramesh Mendis (4-17) and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (2-18) ripped apart the innings

with the new ball.

Bonner, however, along with Da Silva combined to add 34 for the seventh wicket to help West Indies avoid that indignity, while also keeping their side’s slim hopes alive of saving the encounter.

And while the odds will be firmly stacked against the Caribbean side, Bonner said there was still great belief in the camp. “(The mood) is the best I’ve seen since I’ve been playing for West Indies so obviously that is up,” the Jamaican explained.

“So the energy is right and tomorrow hopefully we can

come and do the job.”

West Indies were bowled out in their first innings at the start of the day for 230 after resuming on 224 for nine, and then watched as Sri Lanka quickly gathered 191 for four, before declaring on the stroke of tea.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne top-scored with 83 while former skipper Angelo Mathews belted an unbeaten 69, as West Indies struggled to limit the scoring.

West Indies have chased the game ever since losing the toss and watching Sri Lanka pile up 386, and then slumping to 113 for six in reply at the end of the second day.

And Bonner believes the home conditions had naturally provided Sri Lanka with an edge.

“Obviously they would have played here all their careers so they know what’s happening.

They know how to approach it (pitch) – how to bowl on it and how to bat on,” he pointed out.

“We’ve come here for a few weeks. This is my first time in Sri Lanka so basically I had to make an adjustment and I’m sure most of the players will have to do too.”

West Indies are yet to win a single Test in Sri Lanka in nine previous attempts.

30

Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic to return February 19-20

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

Shakib ruled out of Bangladesh first Test against Pakistan

… Tournament launch set for December 10

Shakib Al Hasan picked up an injury during the T20 World Cup and will miss Bangladesh's last two matches of the tournament (AFP/Getty Images)

FLASHBACK! The victorious Pitbull 3.0 shared a photo with tournament founder, Rawle Toney

AFTER a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the ‘Rawle Toney’ 3X3 Classic will make a return February 19-20, 2022, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

The exciting, urban and innovative, 3X3 was inspired by several forms of ‘streetball’ that is played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport.

Organiser Rawle Toney made the announcement yesterday, adding that complete details surrounding the tournament will be made available at the launching of the event on Friday, December 10, also at the country’s premier indoor facility.

“I’m very excited to announce the return of the tournament, especially taking into consideration the development of 3X3 basketball since I would’ve hosted the inaugural event in November of 2019,” Toney shared in a release.

Sixteen teams will be vying for a winner’s purse of $600 000. Toney highlighted that the 100% blossom of the prize money is in keeping with the evolution of basketball’s shortest format.

“3X3 basketball is now an Olympic sport and made its debut at the 32nd Olympiad. We would’ve seen FIBA placing more emphasis on it as well, so it was only right that we do the same in Guyana, to not only entice players in and out of Guyana, but fans as well,,” Toney added.

He also stated, the tournament this year has received an endorsement from FIBA, and will be held under the guidelines set out by the sport’s global body commendation.

The tournament, he said, is now featured on FIBA’s 3X3 website (www.fiba3x3.com), and encouraged players to use the platform to register and create their player profile.

He added that the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), has also given their blessings and will be responsible for the

technical aspect of the event.

“Some countries from the Caribbean are also showing interest in participating next year because, as it stands, participation at FIBA-endorsed tournaments would give the players and the country points, which are added to their FIBA Rankings. This helps in the country’s placing in the draw for major tournaments,” Toney revealed.

As it relates to sponsorship, Toney pointed out that all of the previous sponsors have already signalled their intention to return, adding, “of course, with a larger undertaking this year, I’ve already reached out to other companies to come on board; many of whom are favourable of doing so.”

Toney said the country’s National COVID-19 Task Force will set the guidelines for the event, as the organiser promises a safe environment.

“The entire tournament is being put together with COVID-19 in mind. While the country’s figures in terms of vaccination seem promising, we have to take into consideration that the world is still battling the coronavirus and so we will be responsible to ensure that everyone follows all the protocols that will be set out by the Task Force,” Toney said.

He noted that while 3X3 is played primarily outdoors, having the tournament at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, “is to ensure that COVID-19 regulations are followed and to protect players, in particular. When you get all the tournament details on December 10 at the launching, you’ll understand the importance of hosting it within a safe and controlled space.”

Pitbulls 3.0, behind Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slatter, Ryan Gullen and Travis Belgrave, edged Team Smooth 22-12 in the final, to walk away with $300 000 and the Rawle Toney 3X3 Basketball Classic Trophy in 2019 at the Burnham Court.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of Bangladesh's first Test against Pakistan in Chattogram, which begins tomorrow. It was, however, an inevitable decision from the BCB's medical team after Shakib apparently failed to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh's chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that Shakib might take longer to recover, which could mean that he is entirely out of the Test series against Pakistan.

"Shakib's hamstring injury hasn't improved," Abedin said. "Shakib needs further rehabilitation. Our physiotherapist is constantly taking care of him. We understood that he wouldn't be available for the first Test. We are also not sure of his availability for the second Test. The physio will let us know soon. We haven't called up a replacement since we picked the 16-man squad knowing Shakib's condition."

Shakib missed the last two matches of Bangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign, as

well as the three T20Is in the series against Pakistan. Bangladesh have grown accustomed to playing Tests without Shakib even after his return from suspension this year.

Shakib appeared in only one Test in the World Test Championship, against West Indies in February, a game in which he got injured midway. Shakib also played against Zimbabwe in the Harare Test in July.

Bangladesh are already without Tamim Iqbal in this Test series due to a second thumb fracture after he had seemingly recovered from the first one. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam are also out with injuries for the Chattogram Test. Taskin hurt his hand during the third T20I against Pakistan while Shoriful sustained a back injury during the second game.

Bangladesh's Test series against Pakistan is their first in the new WTC cycle.

They are also scheduled to play against Sri Lanka and India at home next year, apart from tours to South Africa, West Indies and New Zealand to round off their WTC schedule.

Knicks hold off surging Lakers (BBC) - The New York Knicks held off a second-half resurgence by Los Angeles Lakers to edge to a 106-100 win.

Evan Fournier scored 26 points as six Knicks players reached double figures.

The Lakers fought back from a 25-point deficit to level in the third quarter, but Immanuel Quickley scored four three-pointers in the fourth to seal the Knicks' win.

LeBron James was serving the first suspension The defeat was Los Angeles Lakers' fourth in five games of his career as Lakers lost for the fourth time in five ericks beat Los Angeles Clippers 112-104 games. after overtime - forced by two Clippers' Russell Westbrook top-scored for Lak- three-pointers in the last five seconds of norers with 31 points, as he posted his fourth mal time by Reggie Jackson and Paul George. triple-double of the season, with Anthony Miami Heat staged a late comeback to Davis - playing with a non-COVID illness - defeat Detroit Pistons 100-92, while Portadding 20 points. land Trail Blazers won 119-100 against Elsewhere on Tuesday, the Dallas Mav- Denver Nuggets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

Eureka facilitates free PCR tests for Junior Pan-Am team

EUREKA Medical Laboratories Incorporated (EML) is pleased to be part of history in the making, as Guyana participates in the inaugural Junior Pan American Games to be held in Cali, Colombia, from November 25 to December 5, 2021.

EML’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Boyle, did not hesitate to support the 28 young Guyanese in the form of PCR testing, free of cost.

The tests were conducted on Monday, November 22, at the company’s head office in Georgetown.

Boyle sees this gesture as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and was pleased when the Guyana Olympic Association reached out to him, since this demonstrates confidence in the work of the Lab. Members of the Local Organis-

ing Committee (LOC) had indicated that in order to participate in these Junior Pan American Games, mandatory PCR tests are needed at latest 72 hours before arrival in Colombia.

Guyana will be competing in the following sport disciplines: Badminton, Boxing, Squash, Table Tennis, Athletics, Weightlifting and Swimming.

Boyle wished the athletes well as they embarked on their journey.

In August this year, EML also provided COVID-19 PCR tests for the team taking part in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

“EML stands committed to continue serving the sporting fraternity and the people of Guyana in any way it can,” the company said in a press release.

EML's Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Boyle (centre), with some members of Team Guyana

BCB secures sponsorship from Three online chess tournaments set Dr Frank Denbow

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to break new grounds as it strives to develop the game in the Ancient County by securing sponsorship for a proposed fast-bowling clinic.

The club has secured sponsorship from overseas-based Guyanese Medical Doctor, Frank Denbow for the new year.

BCB president Hilbert Foster, who has spearheaded a major restoration of Berbice Cricket since his election in 2018, stated that the board would be organising a series of cricketing clinics as it strives to make sure that every emerging talent is given all the opportunities to develop.

With this in mind, the board would be hosting at least 12 major clinics during 2022 to cater for every aspect of the game including fast-bowling, off-spin, legspin, left-arm orthodox, wicket-keeping, batting, fielding, physical fitness and captaincy.

BCB intends to use not only its own coaching staff but former and current Test players who are considered positive role models.

The BCB president stated that Dr Denbow contacted him about three months ago to inform him that he was very impressed with the raw talent of West Indies Under-19 player, Isai Thorne, and he was willing to sponsor a fast-bowling clinic if the board was able to obtain the services of legendary fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose.

The BCB president, who is also a Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI), opened discussions with Ambrose, who has indicated that he was available to come after the Under-19 World Cup where he is the bowling coach - and the

for this weekend

Dr Frank Denbow

Sir Curtly Ambrose

England/West Indies series where he is expected to serve as a cricket commentator.

Foster expects the clinic to be held in late March or early April.

The sponsorship is worth $1.3M and will cover the cost of a stipend for Ambrose, accommodation, local transportation, airline ticket, security and meals for a four-day visit.

The packed schedule would include three four-hour clinics, a welcome cocktail, question and answer segment with the youths, an award presentation and farewell ceremony. A trip to the Upper Corentyne area is also being planned.

Foster expressed thanks to Dr Dewbow for his support and noted that the generous doctor donated to the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Queen’s College during a recent visit to Guyana.

Berbice, he noted is known mostly for its spinners but this investment would

allow more fast bowlers to come forth, to follow in the footsteps of players like John Trim, Romario Shepherd, Leslaine Lambert, Ray Joseph and Kevin Darlington.

Foster also disclosed that promising fast bowlers from the other counties would be invited to attend the sessions as the objective is to assist Guyana as a whole.

The board would also expand hosting of its social skills seminars across the county to go along with the clinics under the developmental programme.

Ambrose is widely rated as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket, taking 405 wickets in 98 Test matches at an average of 21.00 and also 225 wickets from 176 ODI matches at 24.10.

He produced one of the greatest fast-bowling spell versus Australia in 1993 when he took seven wickets for one run at the famous Perth Ground.

THE Guyana Chess Federation will hold three online rapid chess tournaments this weekend which is expected to attract some of the best players at all levels in the country.

According to information from the federation’s Company Secretary Mrs Marcia Lee, a female event will be held on Saturday, while tournaments for juniors and seniors will be held on Sunday.

She noted that only females can play twice. All will compete on Saturday. Those who are younger than age 20 (as of January 1, 2021), they will compete in the Junior Division.

Older females can play only in the senior division on Sunday.

The events are sponsored by Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) Inc., with a grand total of $75 000 up for grabs.

Each of the three events will have a first-place cash prize of $10 000, second-place prize of $8 000 and third-place prize of $7 000.

To avoid unnecessary contact during the pandemic, the cash will be delivered to the winner’s MMG+ wallet.

Each competition would be seven rounds and is scheduled to commence at 13:00hrs on both days. Mrs Lee said that approximately 60 players are expected for the events.

STRONG JUNIORS The Junior Division is expected to include a number of seasoned players, including several of Guyana’s representatives who performed well at last Sunday’s Jamaica Online tournament.

The likes of juniors Jessica Callender, Keron Sandiford, Kyle Couchman, Kishan Puran, Pooja Lam, Adia Alphonso, Maliha Rajkumar, Mahir Rajkumar have all indicated their interest in playing.

The competitions will be hosted on the Tornelo.com platform with National FIDE arbiters John Lee and Irshad Mohammed managing board pairings and supervising games.

Players interested in competing are invited to register on guyanachess.org.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Thursday, November 25, 2021

Shai Hope's stumps are shattered as he plays around one vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Galle, 4th day, yesterday (AFP/Getty Images)

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West Indies fighting for survival as Sri Lanka bowlers reign supreme Three online chess tournaments set for this weekend

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Kishan Puran, who performed admirably in the Jamaica Online tournament last Sunday, will be in action at home on Sunday.

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Pooja Lam, who was also outstanding in Jamaica, is expected to play twice over the weekend THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021