Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-10-2021

TUESDAY 26th October, 2021

No. 106526

Licence granted to commence $620M quarry operations -to aid in Guyana’s increased growth of infrastructural development SEE PAGE

03

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat presents the licence to Director of Kamaira Quarry, Lorenzo Alphonso in the presence of senior government and company officials (Delano Williams photo)

$136M in contracts awarded Teen beats COVID-19, for Sophia Core Homes depression to excel at CSEC

-La Parfaite Harmonie to receive street lights SEE PAGE

12

Beyonce Gual

SEE PAGE

09

Over 1,300 Guyanese could find employment in Exxon’s Yellowtail project SEE PAGE

02

2 A section of the gathering at the Umana Yana Monday evening (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Over 1,300 Guyanese could find employment in Exxon’s Yellowtail project US oil giant ExxonMobil’s proposed Yellowtail petroleum development could provide some 1,300 jobs across its four phases.

This is according to a non-technical summary document circulated at the first public hearing on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the project, held at the Umana Yana, Kingston on Monday evening.

In the first stage of the project, called well drilling, approximately 540 persons are expected to be employed at peak.

The second phase involves the mobilisation, installation and hook-up of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and Subsea, Umbilicals, Riders and Flowlines (SURF). It is projected that this phase will provide approximately 600 jobs at peak, depending on final construction/installation and support vessel selection.

Both the first and second phases will occur in the years leading up to 2025.

The third stage, production operations, which include the FPSO and oil tankers, will employ approximately 100-140 persons at peak, with an additional 25-30 persons onboard the tanker.

The final phase, called decommissioning, would occur at the end of the project’s life cycle, and is projected to employ approximately 60 persons at peak.

The first public hearing was jointly hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

Officers from ExxonMobil and the drafters of the EIA presented on the specifications of the project and its environmental impacts.

Attendees were also afforded an opportunity to make comments and ask questions on matters included in the EIA scope.

The Yellowtail development, for which approval is being sought from the EPA, would be situated 126 miles from the shore, where ExxonMobil made its 13th discovery in the Stabroek block.

The development plan includes up to three drill ships drilling up to 67 wells, the FPSO vessel and SURF production system, with tankers taking the oil to global markets.

Its initial production phase would commence in 2025, with optimum production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, and would continue for 20 years. The FPSO is designed to have a storage capacity of two million barrels of oil.

ExxonMobil is the operator of the Stabroek block.

Its partners in the consortium are Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited.

If approved, Yellowtail would be the fourth development project for ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block.

This would cause the oil production capacity offshore Guyana to surpass 870,000 barrels of oil per day.

(DPI)

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Licence granted to commence $620M quarry operations -to aid in Guyana’s increased growth of infrastructural development

By Richard Bhainie AGAINST the backdrop of local construction and infrastructural booms emanating from accelerated housing programmes, massive highways and other major developments being undertaken, the quarry sector continues to be expanded to support Guyana’s developmental trajectory.

The latest effort was manifested on Monday when Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, signed a licence for quarry operations with Kamaira Quarry paving the path for a $620 million operation by the local investor.

According to the Institute of Quarrying, this activity involves the process of removing rock, sand, gravel or other minerals from the ground in order to use them to produce materials for construction or other purposes.

Materials produced by quarrying are essential to everyday life, providing the construction materials to build roads, bridges and buildings, delivering vital minerals to agriculture, and supporting the generation of electricity, among other things.

Director of Kamaira Quarry, Lorenzo Alphonso, told the Guyana Chronicle that with the signing of the licence, mobilisation efforts to commence operations at the project site located in the Cuyuni Mining District, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), will begin in the first quarter of 2022.

The area identified for the project is located 11.5 kilometres west of the confluence of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers, between the Upper and Lower Kamaira Landings and the investor is seeking to develop a stone quarry within Batavia, an Amerindian Village.

Kamaira Quarry intends to first target a portion of land demarcated as “Site A”, which has an estimated resource of 5,130,000 tonnes of rip-rap, aggregate granite and gneiss rocks. Up to 450,000 tonnes of stone is intended to be mined and produced annually from the Kamaira Quarry over a

mine life of five years.

Separate from producing essential building and construction materials and direct benefits, Alphonso opined that the operations will also contribute significantly, indirectly to the Guyanese economy through creating employment, among other things.

“Instead of having our own barges to ship the stone to the holding centre, we will use Guyanese contractors who have barges,” the investor told the Guyana Chronicle, which is all part of him exploring avenues to generate maximum benefit from the venture.

MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT EXPECTED Alphonso said that the $620 million investment to fully operationalise the project is a response to President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s call for advancement in the quarrying industry against the backdrop of the massive development Guyana is set to undergo over the next five years, which will increase the demand for aggregate.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who was also present at the simple signing ceremony, explained that the signing of the licence represents a partnership between the private sector and government, as the government continues to build the sector, and increase supply to meet demand.

He noted that when the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August, 2020, aggregate production was below 600,000 tonnes per year, with a market demand of over 800,000 tonnes in 2020 alone, and this number has significantly increased with recent developments in the country.

“When we took over, we realised that there is a significant shortfall of resources that we have in the country.… We started the process of looking at potential investors, especially local investors, to develop quarry operations in Guyana, so that we can meet the shortfall and go beyond,” he said.

Bharrat explained that with all the major public and private developments currently ongoing, demand for building materials has skyrocketed and therefore it is incremental

Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison (centre), signing the licence on Monday. He is flanked by Chairman of the Board of Directors, GGMC, Jimmy Reece (left) and Director of Kamaira Quarry, Lorenzo Alphonso (Delano Williams photo) for local producers to be able to provide these materials to facilitate Guyana’s developmental trajectory.

CREATE JOBS, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES “These are investments that would create jobs, business opportunities and supply a product to Guyanese at a cheaper price because obviously once we’re not importing, we can provide at a cheaper cost,” Bharrat said, as he is optimistic that Guyana could soon export aggregate, rather than import it.

The Natural Resources Minister highlighted that the Government of Guyana is working assiduously to promote Guyanese products, and on that score, he referenced the recent visit by a high-level delegation from Barbados headed by the Barbados Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr Williams Duguid to explore opportunities in Guyana “There is a strong interest by Barbados to source aggregates from Guyana, not only

aggregates but also wood and sand, so we’re looking at that potential market and this is where the local operators will have the opportunity to explore [sic] their products to other Caribbean countries,” he said.

Alphonso expressed gratitude to the GGMC, the Minister of Natural Resources and his team, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for facilitating a professional procedure which allowed for the granting of the licence.

“It was a good procedure, everything was a smooth flow, professionally done… I am just glad for the help we got and I advise other people that [sic] are interested in investing and getting the growth of the nation going to feel free to do so,” he said.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Jimmy Reece, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GGMC; Sase Gunraj, Legal Adviser, Kamaira Quarry; and other representatives of Kamaira Quarry and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

President meets Barbados delegation here to explore investment opportunities

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, at State House, met with a delegation from Barbados, led by the island’s Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr William Duguid.

The Barbadian housing officials are on a three-day visit to explore investment opportunities here. Housing development was discussed when President Ali met with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Trade Turn to page 4

President Dr Irfaan Ali (in white shirt jack); Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (fifth right), and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Elisabeth Harper (right) with members of the delegation from Barbados (Office of the President photo)

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Facebook earns US$9B despite whistleblower scandal Facebook has posted better-than-expected earnings for the third quarter, as it continues to face bad press over leaked internal documents.

The social media giant made US$9B (£6.5bn) of profit in the three months to September, up from $7.8bn last year.

However, it was hit by a new privacy update to Apple’s iOS 14 operating system, which made it harder for brands to target ads at specific users.

It comes amid fresh claims of unethical behaviour made by a former em-

ployee.

Frances Haugen has released a cache of internal documents to the press, alleging that Facebook put profit before user safety.

Multiple media reports say the documents show Facebook routinely failed to moderate content that promoted hate speech and sex trafficking outside of the US. On Monday, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerburg told investors on a conference call: “What we are seeing is a coordinated effort to selectively use leaked documents to paint

Photo credit: BBC/GETTY IMAGES a false picture of our company.”

In the 12 months to 30 September, the social media giant said its monthly userbase had grown six per cent to 2.91 billion.

However, despite its strong profits, its revenue slightly undershot analyst expectations, amid “headwinds” caused by Apple’s privacy rules.

Facebook said the privacy update would also have an impact on its digital business in the final quarter of the year, but that it expected

to adjust to the changes in time.

The firm said it would spend some US$10B on its metaverse division this year - known as Facebook Reality Labs - which is tasked with creating augmented and virtual reality hardware, software and content.

The world’s largest social media network is under scrutiny from global lawmakers and regulators, including from the Federal Trade Commission, which has filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging anticompetitive

practices.

The whistleblower documents, which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have only intensified that pressure.

They include internal research about Instagram’s effects on teen mental health; whether Facebook’s platforms stoke division;

and the social media giant’s handling of the 6 January Capitol riot.

At a hearing on Monday, Haugen told UK MPs that Facebook is “unquestionably making hate worse”.

She said Facebook safety teams were under-resourced, and that “Facebook has been unwilling to accept even little slivers of profit being sacrificed for safety”.

The MPs are considering what new rules to impose on big social networks under the planned Online Safety Bill. Despite the allegations, shares in Facebook climbed by 1.3 per cent in after hours trading on Monday. The firm’s stock is up by about 20 per cent so far this year.

(BBC)

President meets...

From page 3 and Development (UNCTAD) early this month.

During that engagement, issues in the areas of agriculture and fisheries, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, the hospitality industry, transportation, housing and water resources were discussed.

President Ali was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Elisabeth Harper. (Office of the President)

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Barbados interested in establishing recycling facility here for sawmill waste

By Richard Bhainie FOLLOWING a recent visit to Guyana by a high-level Barbados team aimed at exploring investment opportunities and to strengthen relations between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, the delegation has expressed an interest in converting waste from sawmills into valueadded products.

The team, headed by Barbados Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid, spent three days in Guyana exploring opportunities in Guyana’s housing and construction sectors.

During this time, they also met with several senior government officials and representatives of the private sector.

On Sunday, the delegation toured several facilities in Region 10 including the Chetram Brothers Sawmill, located in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, where they witnessed the processing of logs into lumber, a process which results in a large quantity of waste, which can be recycled.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle via telephone on Monday, Amar Chetram of Chetram Brothers Sawmill explained that when a log is “cut” the miller recovers approximately 40-55 per cent of the log, which leaves the remainder, including the sawdust, scraps and other materials, as waste to be disposed of.

However, there is a wide range of opportunities for utilising this waste, including pulp for use in paper production and energy recovery. In these regards, the Barbados delegation disclosed their interest in setting up a facility in the locality to compress the waste, and to export it to Barbados, for their own use.

Over the years many mills have regarded wood waste as

a troublesome by-product of the sawmilling operation, resulting in it being disposed of as landfill, or it being incinerated. Locally, the sawdust and scraps are also usually used for landfill, or for agricultural purposes.

“Because of the volume we are always looking for a way to get rid of this stuff and to also add some value to it and get something out of it … this will create jobs, this will help with getting rid of the waste and at the same time it will help to bring some more profitability within the sawmill industry itself,” Chetram said.

“When you utilise 1,000 cubic metres log a month, and 500 gone to waste, it’s an average of over US$60,000 every month that actually goes to waste because a cubic metre of log is around US$120,” he said, highlighting the loss of profits due to failure of fully utilising the product.

EAGER Cognisant that some countries are utilising 100 per cent of the logs, Chetram is eager for the operations to get up and running as himself, and others have been calling for investments of this nature for a long while, and have even attempted to source markets for the waste products.

“We would have checked several times online and try to speak to different companies in terms of how much it will cost to set up a system like this and it’s very expensive, you’re talking about over US$10 million to get all of this equipment,” Chetram said.

“For years now we have been trying to find some use for our waste because the cost of waste is 50 per cent the cost of production. So, if we can be able to sell our waste and get back some money from that, then we can be able to subsidise the cost of the material we are selling,” he added.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, who accompanied the team on Sunday, told the Guyana Chronicle that the visiting delegation enquired about materials for road construction and building construction, as well as biomass materials such as the sawdust to have it exported to Barbados.

He disclosed that talks were also held over Guyana sourcing bitumen from Barbados, where it is produced.

Bitumen is actually the liquid binder that holds asphalt together. Asphalt is already manufactured locally.

“I welcome the engagement; I believe it’s a good direction we are going … they spoke about buying stone from Guyana and those barges have to come to pick up, so we must look and see how we can trade, what we can get from Barbados and what Barbados can get from Guyana,” Edghill said.

He continued: “I think what is most important is that as small countries we develop synergies and networking relationships that will lead to the ultimate development of all our people; and as CARICOM we have to lend support to each other, ensure opportunities are offered to each other.”

While in Barbados for the 15th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15) earlier in October, President Ali and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, engaged in bilateral discussions, as they sought to strengthen relations between the two nations.

President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley had also discussed several initiatives to advance cooperation and investment in the areas of agriculture and fisheries, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, the hospitality industry, transportation, housing and water resources.

Barbados’ Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill during the visit to the Chetram Brothers Sawmil and Zinc Manufacturing facility in Linden, on Sunday (DPI Photo)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Boosting the Health Sector

THE Government of Japan has donated $205.8 million as part of its contribution to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

Part of the grant money was utilised to purchase four new ambulances which will greatly enhance ambulatory services in several parts of the country, especially in hinterland and rural communities. Other items that will be sourced under this grant money will include imaging equipment and ultrasound machines, ECG machines and pulse oximeters, among others.

Japanese assistance to Guyana and to the health sector in particular is not new. It will be recalled that the Japanese Government provided funding for the construction of a new hospital at New Amsterdam after the old hospital fell into a state of advanced deterioration. The old hospital in New Amsterdam was

constructed way back in 1881 with funds provided to the then Public Works Department by the colonial administration, but was not put into use until 1885. Described as a timber architectural masterpiece, the structure fell into disrepair after the failure of the then PNC to do proper maintenance work and later became unfit and was eventually abandoned.

Thanks to a generous donation by the Government of Japan, work on the new hospital in New Amsterdam was commenced in 2003 by the PPP/C administration. A US$12.3 million grant agreement was signed for the first and second phases of the hospital construction which also allowed for the purchase of equipment, product and other services, as well as training in the operation of the equipment and guidance in management of the facilities. The hospital was constructed in a way that made it much more patient-

friendly than was the case of the previous wooden structure.

The donation of ambulances and other diagnostic equipment could not have come at a better time, when the PPP/C administration is in the process of overhauling the delivery of health care in Guyana. The assistance is all the more welcome coming at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is still showing no signs of letting up and the country is still recovering from the ravages of a natural disaster.

Japan has also contributed in several other areas of assistance, not only to the Guyana government, but to the people of the Region as well. Under the Japan International Cooperation Agreement (JICA), Guyana continues to benefit from the expertise of senior Japanese professionals who provide their skills and expertise in several fields such as agriculture, education, public in-

frastructure, the environment, water, civil aviation and energy, among others. Several Guyanese students were sent overseas to advance their studies in several critical areas of skills which have all impacted positively on the country’s overall development.

The health sector has benefitted significantly over the decades from donor assistance, which has contributed significantly to better health care delivery to the citizens of Guyana. This recent donation is yet another expression of the goodwill that the Government of Guyana enjoys from the Government and people of Japan.

The purchase of the ambulances will greatly boost the ambulatory services across the country. Already, one of the ambulances was handed over by the Ministry of Health to the Linden Hospital Complex. The ambulance is valued at $11M and

is fully equipped with all medical instruments and supplies to provide basic life support. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony expressed appreciation to the Japanese Ambassador for the donations and for their continued support to our nation in the continuing fight against the dreadful disease.

One way of expressing our gratitude for the support received from the donor community is to make maximum use of the donations received and to ensure that the equipment received is handled with care and caution.

Donations, whether in cash or in kind, are not ‘free,’ but are paid for by taxpayers from donor nations and must be treated with due care and diligence. This is all part of a culture of care and accountability which as a country we all have a duty and responsibility to embrace.

PNC/R treatment of sugar workers tantamount to economic violence Dear Editor,

DR. Cheddi Jagan’s life stands as a remarkable example of what Guyanese can achieve when given the opportunity. While applicable for all, his achievements are so much more meaningful and relevant to sugar workers because he himself arose out of the sugar belt. There is a President, a great leader, a great person in all sugar workers, in all Guyanese. We just need to overcome; to set aside all the negatives and distractions of everyday life; to work diligently at whatever talent we have to become the great persons that we are. As the major influencer in the economy, responsibility automatically falls on government to create the conditions necessary for transforming us into being the best that we can be. Parents and teachers stand as the other significant influencers in the type of adults we become. The majority of parents have themselves been failed by society, by their parents, their teachers, most significantly through the perpetuation of negative stereotypes, where diligent guidance would have been most effective. This is in itself an ever-present challenge which requires more dedication by parents, as many do not take the time to understand their children and become better parents.

This said, we once again observe the PNC/R in search of leadership. This is relevant because they have also been instrumental in shaping the fortunes of Guyanese, in addition to who we are as individuals, as a people. To progress, to move forward, to develop as a people, as a nation, it is important that we evaluate available information objectively and make rational, personally beneficial decisions. Also important is that we correctly evaluate the probability of a likelihood of the PNC/R ever attaining office again within the context of our entire experience of the PNCR in government, during its first 28 years, and its most recent term in office.

The litany of disasters in the last term alone have been truncated into the following: the PNCR under its umbrella of the APNU+AFC Coalition effectively disembowelled the lives of many of its very own supporters immediately upon entry into office in 2015 with the chaotic, unplanned removal of many of the vendors in the Stabroek Market area. This was done without much, if any consultations and left many of these vendors economically strangled as they struggled with their lost incomes to maintain their families.

Knowing well that public servants, another bastion of political support for the PNCR, were very much in need of a review of their incomes and salary structures, the PNCR-led administration effectively stymied efforts of pub-

lic service unions, most notably the teachers’ union, scuttling the move to arbitration by an independent review panel which would have effectively granted a substantial and long overdue upgrade based on prevailing information. This has actively cramped the welfare of teachers and their families and other public servants and their families also, since decisions of the arbitration panel on teachers’ salaries may well have been used to advise on incomes in the rest of the public service.

The PNCR/APNU+AFC policy in the sugar industry where it effectively denied/delayed severance payments to retrenched sugar workers, may be considered the height of economic incompetence in some circles, but is not something sugar workers and the Indian community will ever forget, because the government’s policy of dalliance on payment of severance benefits to sugar workers was nothing short of economic violence. For this act alone the PNCR is unlikely ever to see itself receiving substantial support from the Indian community ever again.

The government of the last PNCR/ APNU+AFC administration signed an oil contract which made Guyanese liable for the corporation taxes of a multi-billion dollar U.S. company.

The PNCR/APNU+AFC administration has given away a significant portion of the money which Guyana

was supposed to be receiving from its oil wealth, the money which could fund higher incomes, modernise our schools, university, hospitals, ministries and other public infrastructure, to the oil company in the contract. And we can all imagine that this was not given freely.

Over the period of its administration which effectively ended July 2020, the PNCR/APNU+AFC destroyed G$111 billion in financial wealth, taking its deposits in the Central Bank and commercial banking system from G$78.8 billion in June 2015 to -G$31.7 billion at the end of July 2020. This could easily be claimed as deficit spending, or invested in foreign securities. But we fail to see the benefit of this exercise, which, unless otherwise clarified, effectively sent that G$111 billion into an economic black hole.

Not to be outdone, a careful review of articles in the news from March 02, 2020 to August 02, 2020 will show that there seems to be ample evidence which links the PNCR to attempts by elements within the Guyana Elections Commission to overturn the results of the March 2020 elections. More valuable than all other elements of our democracy, the PNCR was actively involved, very probably orchestrated the entire episode at GECOM aimed at subverting our right to choose our own government. Therefore, as the PNCR seeks out new leadership, we ask: to

what purpose?

Guyana has now entered a stage of political healing where many PNCR supporters -- myself included, though not any more -- recognise that they were misled on the one hand, and the PPP have come to recognise that there are many Guyanese who, as much as they disagree with the policies of the PPP, would never consider dictatorship as a better alternative.

Governments which develop track records for satisfying their populations are very rarely challenged successfully at democratically held elections. The PPP may consider it opportune to extend an olive branch to so many disgruntled Guyanese, chief among these being public servants, whether it be through responding to the present wage crisis via negotiation, arbitration or unilaterally. Also, coordinating with the private sector to create investments and jobs across the regions, or the address of pensions, and benefits for the under-represented/ under-served groups. The challenges are not insurmountable, and could best be addressed by sharing job creation as a priority with income reform in the public service. Public servants would be happy to receive these.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

$1.6B spent to improve water supply countrywide -during first half of the year

THE Housing and Water Ministry, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), has expended $1.6 billion of its allocated $4 billion, to improve access to potable water countrywide, during the first half of this year.

Subject Minister, Collin Croal, said the distribution of clean water to unserved and underserved communities is a priority of the government. This has led to the ministry reforming GWI to ensure treated water services are provided to citizens on the coast and hinterland regions.

The minister said that “delivery of safe water to communities is a priority for the PPP/C Government,

to enhance the livelihood of Guyanese, irrespective of their geographical location”.

Only 52 per cent of the nation’s population currently receives treated water, which GWI hopes to increase to at least 95 per cent. This approach is in keeping with Goal Six of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which speaks to the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

To this end, GWI will install 20,000 meters in residential and business areas to reduce losses of its nonrevenue water by growing its billed volume from 2,600,000 cubic meters to 3,300,000 cubic meters per month, by year-end.

About 20,000 residents are set to benefit from increased water supply following the upgrade of the Sophia and Eccles water treatment plants.

“Water production facilities will be rehabilitated at Eccles and a new storage tank will be activated at Sophia to increase the storage capacity from 2,500 cubic meters to 5,100 cubic meters. Works on a new water main at Bartica was completed, benefiting 8,000 residents and improving production capacity.

“Further, the expansion of Covent Garden, Grove, Friendship and Vergenoegen water treatment plants will commence in the third quarter to benefit approximately

30,000 residents.”

Rehabilitation works are also being undertaken on the transmission and distribution networks at Vlissengen Road and Newtown Kitty, which will see 2,500 residents benefitting.

As it relates to hinterland communities, the ministry spent $148 million during the first half of the year, to complete expansion works on water springs at Mabaruma, Barabina and Wainaina. This includes the installation of electric motor-driven pumps at Mabaruma and Barabina.

As such, residents are now able to access potable water for nine hours compared to the four hours per day previously.

Earlier this year, the ministry saw the completion of new wells at Port Kaituma and Oronoque in

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal Region One. New wells will also be drilled at Baramita, Arakaka, Matthews Ridge, Khan’s Hill, Wauna, Kwebanna, Huradiah, Waramuri and Manawarin in Region One, using the same model as the one existing in Region Nine.

Further works were also set for the upgrade of water supply systems at Jawalla and Kamarang in Region Seven; Monkey Mountain, Taruka and Kaibarupai in Region Eight; and Annai and St. Ignatius in Region Nine. (DPI)

Harmon and others are prisoners of their perceptions based on their experiences

Dear Editor, GUYANA is no longer a ‘heavily indebted poor country,’ but for many, the mindset that was programmed during the PNC/ Burnham era is difficult to shake. Despite Guyana’s exit of HIPC II in 2006 after years of prudent financial management and tough debt-forgiveness negotiations, many are still slaves to the mental begging bowl perception of self. This has to change for Guyana to progress into a first-world nation, for we cannot until a critical mass of our population change their standards, expectations, and behaviours.

Guyana’s recent participation in firstly, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC, Texas) and Expo 2020 (Dubai) has attracted criticism as social media postings from many have highlighted our vibrant Guyanese presence at these events. Joe Harmon is reported to have said that OTC was a ‘friends

and family junket,’ implying that those in attendance had their tickets and expenses paid for by the Government of Guyana.

Harmon is a prisoner to his perception based on his experiences when in government; however, apart from a small contingent from GoInvest (who operated the Guyana Booth) and a handful of members of government, the Guyanese contingent so loudly and proudly represented paid their way (myself included). OTC, like all such conventions, attracted businessmen from all fields looking to invest, and conversely, for investors; connections made at OTC will flourish to the benefit of our nation for many years to come.

Similarly, the Guyanese presence at Expo 2020 attracted criticism, including that of Leon Suseran who made assumptions that all who posted from Dubai were/are there on the taxpayers’ dime. Suseran well knows the adage about what

assumptions make of us, but forged ahead bravely because he (Suseran) does not yet comprehend a Guyana where we (Guyanese) can afford to travel on their earnings.

Suseran and Co. must seek to be more responsible in the future as opinions such as this affect how others treat us in the shark tank of busi-

ness; a perception from our own that our business class is incapable of paying their expenses for a trip to Dubai (or elsewhere) immediately puts Guyanese at a disadvantage in any negotiations. To those making assumptions, a simple Guyanese adage applies ‘nah tek yuh mattie eye fuh see.’

To the Guyanese who have embraced the firstworld future and who are utilising every possible resource to deliver quality goods and services, I salute you and look forward to you being rewarded for your efforts; to those among us who are yet to grasp the vision, I suggest you spend

more time in the present envisioning a prosperous future and less time mired in the HIPC past. For those yearning for those ‘good old days of poverty and want,’ there is always the palm tree waiting to take you there.

Yours sincerely Robin Singh

Religion is a private matter for each individual Dear Editor, FOR some days now I have seen quite a few letters regarding prayers in schools. This debate has been raised from time to time for some years now.

Indeed, this issue of separation of the state and religion became a big issue during the 1960s.

It is my view that we should cease having prayers of any kind in schools. The purpose of schools is not to propagate religion, but to

educate our young people.

The question involves freedom of conscience, which is a fundamental human right.

Religion is a private matter for each individual and it should be kept that way.

Nothing should be done to offend a person’s religious beliefs.

Therefore, to ask the Ministry of Education to create a universal prayer is a mission impossible. Our country does not only have three religions, Christianity,

Hinduism and Islam, people also have other religious beliefs and practices. For instance, we have the Rastafarians, Bahais and others whose religious convictions should be respected as well.

Freedom of conscience also means the right not to believe, the atheist. That right should be respected too.

This issue should not be confined to schools. The state as a whole should stop

these practices at all government functions and the socalled universal prayer at the National Assembly should be discontinued.

This is how we can pay proper respect to the religious convictions or lack of religious convictions of all our people.

This is the only truly democratic way.

Yours sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Mysterious No. 71 burial ground possibly created for pandemic-related victims

-US-based Guyanese historian contends

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

By Derwayne Wills WHILE there is still no clarity following the discovery of wooden coffins with bones protruding

from the heavily-silted foreshore of Little Massiah (No. 71 Village), Corentyne, a US-based Guyanese professor believes the ‘shallow’ burial

ground could have been privately owned.

It is believed that these persons died from a pandemic.

“It is unclear what the race of the persons was, but it is certainly people of the higher class,” said Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine, a Guyana-born historian attached to the Jackson State University, a public university in Jackson, Mississippi.

“It is presumed that these might not have been people who are anchored in that location, but they might have just settled there for the time,” the historian, who spent his childhood close to the discovery site, told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview on Monday.

The historian was cautious about noting that these were just his thoughts and not matter-of-fact conclusions, as he intends to

conduct further research on the subject. He did observe, however, “The coffins had to be built for persons of the higher class, because the wood is pinewood; had to be imported, and could not have been done by working-class people.”

He believes the bones found were neither persons of African nor East Indian descent. “People who settled in these areas a hundred years ago were Indian Indentured servants; however, the persons buried might not have been indentured servants, because their bodies would have been burned, as is done now. Burying, at the time, was not part of Hindu customs,” Professor Roopnarine said.

The coffins that have been found might have also contained the bones of children, Roopnarine contends,

Google-generated satellite image of No. 71 village and shoreline

as some of the wooden boxes are small in size. It is believed that their deaths were caused by pandemic or epidemic-related illnesses affecting Guyana during its colonial days. He would not, however, speculate on the period these coffins and the cadavers were first buried, as is being done in the public now since the discovery emerged on social media.

“It could be that they all died in a close period of time,” Professor Roopnarine alluded. “The young children might have experienced a pandemic; the bodies were placed into pine boxes, with the intention of preserving them,” he added.

Over the last 200 years, and especially in the early 1800s to early 1900s, what was then British Guiana dealt with a number of deadly diseases. Proper sanitation in the colony of British Guiana, and else-

where in the British empire, was virtually non-existent up until public outcry and state-supported investigations at the turn of the 20th Century. Pemberton (2003) writes that the colonial period was marked by a heavier focus on profits from the plantations than on health and sanitation, which were considered as “welfare” and not necessary.

With the arrival of cholera in Great Britain in the 1830s, De Barros (2003) reports, governments in the West Indies were advised to create Boards of Health, and adopt quarantine and other sanitation measures.

British Guiana co-operated, and by 1852, different variations of the Colony’s public health law were established, with Local Government bodies having more control over sanitation and public health.

By the 1920s, more influence was placed on community-based sanitary improvements, as diarrhea and enteric fever (typhoid), called ‘dirt’ diseases at the time, had contributed to deaths throughout the colony. Contaminated water and milk were blamed, as well as the poor management of garbage and sewerage.

“The pandemic does not discriminate against class; but burial does,” Professor Roopnarine noted, adding: “They might not have wanted their children to be buried with other children.”

Another telltale sign for him is the size of the coffins. “The graves are shallow; this explains why this might be a private cemetery. This burial did not follow the regulations of the State, because six feet would have been required.”

According to the Jackson State University website, Professor Roopnarine’s field of study is interdisciplinary, drawing on methods and concepts in history, sociology, economics, and environmental science. His current research involves migration within the Caribbean, and between the Caribbean and the global north.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

‘Teen’ beats COVID-19, depression to excel at CSEC examinations

PREPARING for an examination, especially one that can alter your future career and plans, can be stressful. However, it could be double the anxiety and nervousness if it is written during a global pandemic.

For 16-year-old Beyonce Gual, the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations were not the walk in the park she had hoped they would have been.

Despite the many challenges, the aspiring forensic psychologist emerged successful. She secured six Grade Ones, six Grade Twos, one Grade Three and one Grade Four.

The former St. Rose’s High student, like many others, was forced to quickly adjust her daily routine to accommodate online classes due to the COV-

ID-19 pandemic. That, in particular, was a challenge, since it took some time for her to get used to same.

“Leading up to the examinations, we were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. My mom is a single parent so it hit my family incredibly hard. We had to purchase computers, tablets and other devices and the assignments were increasing and the teaching wasn’t at its best,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

“With the COVID-19 hitting and not having enough face-to-face interaction, it was impossible for me to have taken lessons,” she added.

The pandemic became even more stressful, after she tested positive for the virus which forced her to temporally drop out of her classes so that she could concentrate on her recovery.

Beyonce Gual and her mother Beverly Barrow (left) “I was sick, I had a fever, I couldn’t smell, I couldn’t taste…I would sit in my bed and I would cry and I just wanted it to be over,” Gual recalled.

Additionally, having to

spend three weeks recovering from the virus saw her slacking behind with her School-Based Assessments (SBAs) which were an integral part of the CSEC. “It was a really terri-

ble time for me. I missed out on a lot of my SBAs. I fell back on a lot of my teachings and it was really hard,” she said, adding that it left her questioning her ability to excel since she felt as though she had very little time to prepare.

The teen explained that the anxiety of being ill coupled with the stress associated with preparing for her examinations led her into a depressive state.

“My mom had lost her job and it was incredibly hard for my home at that time. There was also a lot of challenges at school, including my COVID-19 incident which all led up to me falling into a very bad depressive state,” she told this publication.

Refusing to let the challenges of life get the best of her, Beyonce entered each of her examinations with a positive spirit. She also had

abundant support from her loved ones, which she believed contributed greatly to her success.

“It was a tough ride but after writing my examinations I felt relieved,” she said.

Meanwhile, in sharing words of encouragement to any teen or adult who may be going through a tough time or suffering from a mental illness, Beyonce said: “To anyone who is also suffering from the same thing that I did, I would like to say that it gets better. If you are feeling unworthy or even doubting yourself or feeling like you are not enough, seek help.”

She reiterated that seeking help or simply speaking to a loved one, friend or confidant can go a long way in recovery and getting over depression.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

No red tape in Guyana, says hotel investor

CEO of Arimu Investments Incorporated, Geraldo Alphonso

GUYANESE-owned and operated investment company, Arimu Investments Incorporated, has lauded the smooth regulatory process when it comes to getting business done in Guyana.

In a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Director of Investments and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Geraldo Alphonso, said he has had a slew of successful meetings with the CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and several government ministers on the $3 billion hotel his company is

building.

The hotel -- the Aiden Hotel and Suites -- is one of the chain hotels of Best Western International Incorporated. The franchise licenses over 4,000 hotels globally.

The Aiden Hotel will be a nine-storey, unique structure with 141 guest rooms and VIP and presidential suites located on Robb and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown.

Construction of the hotel began in March 2021, and engineers are looking to have it fully completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Notably, all of the onthe-ground labour is being fully supplied

by Guyanese.

The firm responsible for the architecture is a company from the United States, while both engineers for the projects are of American and Guyanese nationalities.

“So far, everything has been good,” Alphonso said, adding that “The hotel is the perfect suite; it would be economical for investors and we are going to boast economic rooms as well for the average traveller.”

The director highlighted that the boom Guyana is witnessing is the perfect time for the country and encouraged local investors to get on board.

“There is no better time to invest than now. This is no longer little Guyana. Everything is changing,” he related.

As part of longterm investments, the director said that the Arimu Group had already initiated plans to expand its investment in the hospitability sector with the construction of new hotels.

“Our group has signed a SureStay Plus Hotel. We are looking to develop the second hotel at a location that is not yet disclosed.

Plans are in place for expansion. We’re at a study right now to ascertain where we should erect the new hotel,” the director shared.

INVESTMENT DESTINATION President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and his government are keen on promoting Guyana as the investment destination. Locally, too, the President has been encouraging the private sector to get involved and expand their business.

“We have a responsibility as Guyanese to promote the development of Guyana. I am not asking

anyone to promote the development of a government or political party. We have responsibilities as patriots, as Guyanese, to positively position our country for every opportunity. We have the chance to do so. We have Guyanese sacrificing and making life- changing investments to create jobs, to create better communities, but yet, some in the society would seek to even be critical of that,” the President had iterated at the sod-turning of a new mall in Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Dr Ali noted that the major transformative projects earmarked for the region will lead to the opening up of new lands; the creation of new industries; the expansion of agriculture and the creation of industrial estates which will ultimately lead to the creation of thousands of jobs.

He had acknowledged that in order for Guyanese to move aggressively on these opportunities in the quickest possible time, government must provide the enabling environment.

“Government must provide the supportive mechanism and machinery. We must provide infrastructure. We must ensure that the human resource asset is not only there, but the human resource asset is adequately trained to meet the requirements to benefit from the output of the economic transformation.”

At the time, President Ali had also announced new opportunities on the horizon for Region Three including the expansion of banking facilities, the housing sector, investments in agro-processing and in the hospitality sector.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Elderly residents with health-related issues get specialised care THE Elderly Home Visiting Committee, since its installment last July, has made significant progress in organising its 10-member team, and has been providing practical, timely, and specialised care to residents with a number of health-related issues.

A release said that the committee, earlier this month, paid a visit to the Uncle Eddie’s, Ivy Hall, Holy Family, Gentle Women’s, Archers, New Nazareth, and National Veterans Rest Homes as part of the commemoration of the Month of the Elderly.

Though the team may not be able to visit all 19 homes across the country before the end of the month, plans are definitely

on stream to have the visits continue.

The team did checkups, and extended personalised care to residents.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security expressed thanks to Dr. Ruth Quaicoe and her team from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for working along on this initiative.

The Committee, which was appointed by subject minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, conducts a holistic review of elderly residential facilities to ensure that they are keeping in line with the guidelines set out for them.

It consists of responsible citizens drawn from society, and has already

informed all of the Homes that it will be visiting them, and has sent them the Minimum Standards for Elderly Residential Facilities so that they can fix whatever measures are lacking before the team shows up.

“Our main goal is to make the Home as functional as possible. We don’t want to just go and criticise, so we’re giving them time to get things in place,” Committee Chairperson, Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu has said.

According to her, the specialty services include dermatology, audiology, cardiology, dental, ophthalmology, mental health and psychiatry. A list is kept of who needs glasses,

The Committee earlier this month paid a visit to the Uncle Eddie’s, Archers and National Veterans Rest Homes

hearing aids, etc. so that the team can help them source it.

The Committee is visiting the facilities collectively or in pairs, and has free access to every part of the facility. It also collaborates with the Administrator, Board and Ministry to improve the quality of care provided by the facility.

The team is also expected to monitor the facilities to ensure that residents are treated with consideration and respect, in full recognition of personal dignity and individuality, and will seek to ensure that

they receive care, treatment and services which are adequate, appropriate and in compliance with relevant statutes, policies and rules.

Under special circumstances where a request is made, the Committee can conduct investigations, and its members may view other pertinent records where necessary.

In order to view such records, though, the Committee will have to get the permission of the resident or their legal representative. The administrator of the home can give per-

mission, if the resident is unable to give consent, or has no legal representative.

In cases where the Committee has reasonable cause to believe that the Administrator is not acting in the best interest of an incapacitated resident, the gerontologist on the committee can examine the resident and findings can be used in the report submitted to the ministry; or an examination may be done by a qualified medical officer, identified by the Visiting Committee, to produce a report to the committee.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

$136M in contracts awarded for Sophia Core Homes

-La Parfaite Harmonie to receive street lights

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal flanked by Housing Ministry officials reviewing the contracts that were signed on Monday THE Ministry of Housing to complete the works to the and Water through the Cen- best standards. tral Housing and Planning “There are persons who Authority (CH&PA) has are waiting to benefit from signed contracts to the tune this programme, those persons of $136M under the Ad- have been identified already equate Housing and Urban and so I want to urge you Accessibility Programme to follow all the guidelines, (AHUAP) for the construc- ensure that you engage our tion of core homes in So- technical staff if you are havphia, Greater Georgetown, ing difficulties, and to ensure and the installation of street that we have a timely delivery lights at La Parfaite Harmo- of this project,” the minister nie, West Bank Demerara. said.

The contracts were signed Minister Croal also exat the CH&PA’s boardroom pressed contentment at the on Monday in the presence pace of the AHUAP, noting of Minister of Housing and that over the past year more Water Collin Croal; Perma- than $600M has been invested nent Secretary, Andre Ally; in Sophia for infrastructure CH&PA Chief Executive Of- upgrades, the construction of ficer, Sherwyn Greaves; and a multipurpose facility and Director of Projects, Omar the disbursement of homeNarine. improvement subsidies.

Minister Croal, in his Approximately $1 billion charge to the contractors, in contracts have also been said the projects are impor- signed for similar projects tant, particularly for the en- in La Parfaite Harmonie. As hancement of low-income the agency continues to push and vulnerable communities the programme, he also noted and families. He urged them that capacity-building will be

ongoing for the Community Development Department – Special Projects Unit, which has oversight responsibility for AHUAP. Giving a breakdown of the contracts signed on Monday, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally further explained that 25 core homes will be constructed in Sophia under the Construction of Core Homes contract, which was awarded to AJM Enterprise.

This contract consists of five lots, with five houses on each lot, at a value of $11,882,800 ($22,376,560 for each lot).

Moreover, the contract for the supply and installation of solar integrated LED Street Lights at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was awarded to N. Balgobin & Sons Contracting Services for two lots. Lot One is valued at $12,671,360 and Lot Two at $12,671,360.

AHUAP is an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded programme aimed at improving the quality of life in urban and peri-urban Georgetown through better access to adequate housing and basic infrastructure for low-income populations and through improved accessibility and mobility services.

The programme previously encompassed communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, up to La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara and Westminster, Onderneeming, RechtDoor-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II on the West Bank of Demerara. The ministry recently expanded the boundary to include 19 communities on the East Coast of Demerara, stretching the boundary to Victoria. Similar works will commence in these areas as the programme continues.

A representative each of AJM Enterprises (right) and N. Balgobin & Sons Contracting Services and Electrical Supplies (left) at the contract signing on Monday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

13

Teen motorcyclist dies in Ogle Railway Embankment accident Dead: Romeo Edgehill ROMEO Edgehill, 17, a construction worker of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara was killed on Sunday after a white motorcar, travelling on the Ogle Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara struck him off his motorcycle and then fled the scene.

Police said that Edgehill was riding motorcycle, CH 6584, which was proceeding east along the northern side on the Ogle Railway Embankment Road. The driver of the white motorcar was proceeding in the same direction in front of the motorcyclist.

While the driver of the motorcycle was in the process of overtaking the white motorcar, police said the car suddenly made a right turn south into the Ogle Access Road and, in the process, collided with the rear portion of the motorcycle, causing the driver to lose control and fall onto the road surface.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, received injuries to the head and other parts of the body. The driver of the car then fled the accident scene.

Police said the motorcyclist was picked up in a conscious state with help from public-spirited citizens, placed in an ambulance and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Hungary wants expanded business with Guyana

Hungarian Charge d’Affaires in Cuba, Zsolt Kiraly (right) with Guyana’s Ambassador, Halim Majeed

GUYANA’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, was recently received

by Hungarian Charge d’Affaires in Cuba, Zsolt Kiraly, as he continues to explore market opportunities for Guyanese businessmen in Central Europe with the Group of Four or the Visegrád Four.

The Visegrád Four or European Quartet, is a cultural and political alliance of four countries of Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia), all of which are members of the European Union (EU) and the North American Treaty Organization (NATO).

They seek to advance co-operation in military, cultural, economic and energy matters with each other.

Charge d’Affaires Kiraly explained that Guyana’s imports from Hungary stood at US$288,000 during 2020 while, in the same year, Guyana’s

exports to Hungary was US$60,000.

Both sides agreed that there was much more scope for trade and commerce between them.

Charge d’Affaires Kiraly also informed Ambassador Majeed that Hungary’s President, Janos Ader, will be hosting Planet Budapest 2021 on November 29 to December 5, 2021, and a formal invitation will be sent to Guyana to attend.

The Planet Budapest 2021 Sustainability Expo will provide a platform for a wide range of participants who could contribute to sustainable development in co-operation with the Visegrad Four Countries.

Also last Tuesday, Ambassador Majeed met with Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Guatemala in Cuba, Jenifer Marilú Méndez Pinto. A follow up meeting will take place as soon as the ambassador of Guatemala arrives in Havana.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Charlestown vendor killed over intimate social media photo -wanted bulletin issued for suspect

Dead: Carl Cameron

CARL Cameron, 48, a vendor of 33 Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown was stabbed to death

on Sunday after the 30-yearold perpetrator accused him of sharing an intimate photograph with his girlfriend online, police said.

Law enforcement officers have since issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect, identified as Kevin Hendricks, of Lyng Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Police headquarters said that one week prior, the perpetrator accused the victim of sharing a photo on social media with the victim and the suspect’s girlfriend in an intimate position.

Police said that at 18:00hrs on Sunday, Cameron was in front of his yard selling confectioneries when the suspect went up to him with a pointed object, suspected to be an icepick, in his

right hand, and dealt the victim five stabs; three to his chest and two to the back.

The victim fell to the ground and the suspect made good his escape.

The victim was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor while receiving medical attention.

The body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting an autopsy as investigation into the incident continues.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Kevin Hendricks is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 672-1390, 227-0968, 226-6978, 225-8196, 911 or the nearest police station.

Wanted: Kevin Hendricks

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Murder accused pleads guilty to manslaughter

ALMOST four years after Sophia resident, Celwyn Allen, was fatally stabbed while walking in his community on Christmas Day, Bevon Griffith, on Monday, pleaded guilty to the crime.

Griffith, called “Kevin” and “Spoony”, formerly of Pike Street, Kitty, was in-

dicted for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which was accepted by Justice JoAnn Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

He admitted that on December 25, 2017, at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, he unlawfully killed Celwyn Allen.

The matter has been adjourned until November 11, for presentation of the probation report and sentencing.

The state is being represented by Sarah Martin while attorney-at-law, Ravindra Mohabir, is on record for the accused.

According to reports,

prior to the incident, Allen interfered with a friend of Griffith 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.

Bevon Griffith

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Flood-affected Region Nine farmers get help to return to the land FARMERS from the villages of Awarewaunau, Shea and Maruranau, in Region Nine, who suffered during this year’s extended rainy period received flood-relief grants provided by the government last Saturday geared at getting them back on their feet.

Region Nine is the sixth region to benefit from the grant.

“Today, we are here to rollout the government’s flood-relief grant to farmers who suffered losses during the rainy period.

This flood was the most devastating flood in our country’s history. His Excellency, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said that the government would make some form of assistance available to those who suffered losses. Today, we are here to make good on that commitment that the President made. Each farmer here will receive $50,000 so that they can return to the land as quickly as possible,” Minister Mustapha said.

Citing the numerous investments made to develop the sector since taking office, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that the government sees agriculture as one of the most important sectors in the country.

“Agriculture is a very important activity for the PPP government. Unlike the previous government, although we are now producing oil and gas, we recognise that agriculture is

one of the most important sectors and that you, the farmers, also play a critical role because you are the ones producing the food,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also announced that in addition to the grant, famers will also benefit from Acoushi Ant bait, seeds, and other planting materials from the ministry, free of cost.

Minister Mustapha disclosed that the ministry will also be constructing three agro-processing facilities in the region to assist farmers with making their produce more valueadded. Further, he said that each village in the region will benefit from a mill to assist with processing cassava, which is one of the main crops grown in the region.

“This year, we will be building three agro-processing facilities in Region Nine. Farmers will be able to take their crops to one of these facilities, package it and make it more valueadded so that they can have better prices. We will also assist farmers with securing lucrative markets for these crops. In addition to these facilities, the ministry has also purchased cassava mills that will be distributed to each village in the region,” Minister Mustapha said.

While in the region, Minister Mustapha also toured the Lethem Public Market, where he interacted with farmers, who usually ply their trade at the facility.

A farmer from Shea Village, Region Nine, signs to collect her flood-relief grant

Minister Mustapha and other officials handing over the $50,000 flood-relief to a farmer from Awarewaunau, Region Nine

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Man accused of ganja trafficking granted bail

Warren Broomes

MINIBUS conductor Warren Broomes, who was allegedly busted with cannabis hidden in his pants crotch, was on Monday released on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

Broomes, 33 of Edon Street, Tucville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Court where the drug-trafficking charge was read to him.

He denied that on October 22, at Macaw Road and Arapaima Street, Tucville, he had 44.5 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Broomes’ attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat during an application for bail told the court

that the narcotics were not found in his client’s possession, but near a stall which does not belong to his client.

Fung-A-Fat claimed that it was simply a case of “wrong place, wrong time.” However, police prosecutor Annalisa Brummel told the court that the cannabis was allegedly found in Broomes’ crotch when he was searched by ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

According to reports, Broomes was intercepted during a CANU operation in the vicinity of Turning Point Sports Club.

After the prosecutor did not raise any objection, Magistrate IsaacsMarcus released Broomes on $100,000 bail on the condition that he reports to CANU headquarters every Friday, until completion of the case.

The case was adjourned until November 22.

Man pleads guilty to 2013 Mash Day killing of businessman

Accused: Devon Thomas

DEAD: Kumar Mohabir

EIGHT years after the Mash Day killing of Enterprise businessman, Kumar Mohabir, Devon Thomas, on Monday, pleaded guilty to the crime.

Thomas appeared before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

He admitted that on February 23, 2013, he unlawfully killed Mohabir, called “Dusky” and “Fire Link” at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

The state was represented by prosecutor, Sarah Martin, while Thomas was represented by attorney-at-law, Surihya Sabsook.

Sentencing was deferred until November 11.

In 2015, Thomas and his co-accused,Randy Isaacs, were first tried at the High Court and found guilty of the offence. After being sentenced to 75 years in prison, they moved to the Court of Appeal to have their conviction and sentence overturned. Earlier this year, the Appeal Court allowed the appeal and ordered a retrial.

In July 2021, the new trial commenced before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a mixed 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. The jury subsequently found Isaacs not guilty of the crime but was unable to arrive at a verdict for Thomas. Justice Kissoon ordered that Thomas face a new trial.

According to reports, the Mohabir family members were enjoying the Mashramani festivities on Vlissengen Road when a gang of youths attacked Kumar Mohabir and killed him, under the pretext that he had “mashed” the feet of one of them.

Navindra Mohabir went to his brother’s rescue and was viciously attacked. He suffered five serious incised wounds to his right hand. Thomas and Isaacs, who were known to the victim, were arrested after Navindra pointed them out during an identification parade.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

19

Women, youth to benefit from economic empowerment programme

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman SOME 12,000 women, youth (both female and male) and marginalised men in five Caribbean countries are set to benefit from an agricultural project that will increase their impact on agricultural markets in the Caribbean, while developing more environmentally sustainable and climateresilient domestic agricultural markets for economic growth.

According to a release, this will be made possible through the launch of the five-year Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) project, which will be implemented in Guyana, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Suriname.

The SAC project is implemented by World University Service of Canada (WUSC), with funding from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The project in Guyana will be launched virtually today and will include greetings from WUSC, Global Affairs Canada (GAC); Mark Berman, Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana; and Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture representing the Government of Guyana. Munish Persaud, WUSC Deputy Project Director, will provide a brief presentation on the SAC project.

The SAC project will facilitate linkages between key market actors; strengthen their capacity through training, information-sharing and outreaches; and foster climate-resilient approaches at every stage and via a wide range of key market actors in the agricultural market system. This approach will help to increase productivity and profitability in the agricultural sector and will mitigate the impacts of climate change, reduce the Region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, and foster climate-resilient agricultural markets that offer increased equitable, inclusive and sustainable economic benefits for women and youth.

The project is estimated to indirectly reach 48,000 individuals, assuming an average family size of four in the project countries. In addition, an estimated 650,000 individuals will be reached and contacted through communication campaigns supporting the agency of women and young people, promoting climate-resilient agricultural techniques and raising awareness regarding gender barriers and norms preventing women’s and female youths’ access to agricultural markets, the release concluded.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Mujeeb, Rashid spin Afghanistan to huge 130-run win over Scotland SCOTLAND were thrashed by 130 runs by Afghanistan in their first Super 12 match at the Men's T20 World Cup. In their first appearance at this stage of the tournament, Scotland disintegrated as they were bowled out for 60 in 10.2 overs, chasing 191 in Sharjah.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman bamboozled the Scotland batters, taking 5-20, including three in the fourth over to effectively end hope of a successful chase.

Rashid Khan claimed 4-9 as Afghanistan's electrifying spin attack ran riot.

The Scotland bowlers were earlier powerless to stop Afghanistan racking up 190-4, the highest score of this World Cup. Afghanistan hit 11 sixes, including some huge hits out of the ground, with Najibullah Zadran smashing 59 from 34 balls, Rahmanullah

Gurbaz 46 from 37 and Hazratullah Zazai 44 from 30.

It reaffirmed the view that Afghanistan could be a dangerous side in this tournament, while it was a chastening defeat for Scotland - the third heaviest at a T20 World Cup in terms of runs.

They face Namibia in Abu Dhabi tomorrow before the unenviable task of playing New Zealand, India and Pakistan in their remaining Group 2 fixtures.

AFGHANISTAN FAR TOO STRONG FOR SCOTLAND Scotland's run to this stage has been one of the stories of this World Cup, after they shocked Bangladesh and beat Papua New Guinea and Oman to come through the preliminary stage.

But they were completely outclassed on Monday, the step up in standard in the

KFC ‘feeds’ $1M into Guyana’s... (From back page) fly that KFC flag in Miami,” Singh said.

KFC Guyana’s Petall Manasseh, pointed out “at the Beharry Family, we always look to give back to society

and we are going to continue giving back. And in doing so, we want to wish our athletes success, and in the event of doing so, we thank all the persons that are supporting us because without them, we can’t do it.”

“Creating opportunities, changing lives and we’re all about that. So we want our athletes to know that we’re always on your side,” Manasseh said.

The inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup will feature 18 men’s teams and 15 women’s sides.

In the Men’s category, Guyana will face St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago in Group C, while the women’s team will face Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, and Jamaica in Group A. The tournament features countries with extensive international 3x3 experience and some who are wearing their countries' colours for the first time in competition.

main draw clear.

Once minnows, Afghanistan are now a side to be feared. They have a worldclass spin attack and their batting looked powerful.

They hit the five biggest sixes of the tournament in their innings, a 103m hit from Zadran and another from Zazai which travelled 101m the highlights. The attacking shots continued throughout, even whe n wickets fell.

Hard-hitting opener George Munsey gave Scotland a decent start in reply - they were 27-0 after three overs - but when Mujeeb removed captain Kyle Coetzer, Callum MacLeod and Richie Berrington in the space of five balls the game was done.

Nine of the 10 wickets were bowled or lbw, the spinners targeting the stumps while turning the ball in both directions.

The other wicket was a spectacular diving catch by

English Racing Tips Bangor 08:38 hrs Go Dante 09:13 hrs Washington 09:48 hrs Rintulla 10:23 hrs Not At Present 10:55 hrs Give Me A Moment 11:30 hrs Saturn ' N Silk 12:00 hrs Poldark Cross 12:30 hrs Dr Seb Chepstow 08:20 hrs Mr Glass 08:55 hrs Stage Star 09:30 hrs Pennyforapound 10:05 hrs Off The Planet 10:40 hrs Esme Shelby 11:15 hrs Getaround 11:50 hrs Megaudais Speed 12:20 hrs Letthetruthbeknown

wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad to see off Matthew Cross.

Afghanistan, the early leaders in Group 2, on Friday face Pakistan, who beat India on Sunday.

Scotland at least know they are not alone in their batting struggles. Three of the five lowest scores in T20 World Cup history have been scored in the past four days at this tournament.

Lowest totals at Men's T20 World Cup 39: Netherlands v Sri Lanka, 2014 44: Netherlands v Sri Lanka, 2021 55: West Indies v England, 2021 60: New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 2014 60: Scotland v Afghanistan, 2021 (Source: Cricinfo) 'A REAL SIGHTER FOR SCOTLAND' - REACTION Afghanistan captain Mo-

Newcastle 11:00 hrs One Night In Milan 11:35 hrs Tommy R 12:10 hrs Purple Ribbon 12:40 hrs Enfranchise 13:10 hrs Bringitonboris 13:40 hrs International Girl 14:10 hrs Cover Name Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:10 hrs Aligheiri 08:45 hrs Purple Dawn 09:20 hrs Barbados 09:55 hrs Fine Lace 10:30 hrs Chacha Dancer 11:05 hrs Ever Rock 12:40 hrs Neverushacon American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1Twelve Year Mac Race 2 Anselmi

hammad Nabi: "The world knows that Rashid and Mujeeb are world-class bowlers. That's why we have the best here. It's a really nice team. It's a very good combination."

"Mujeeb played his first World Cup game and he got the man-of-the-match award. It's fantastic."

Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer: "It wasn't one of our better days. This is a real sighter for us to say this is what the level is going to be.

"Afghanistan bowled fantastically well. We will be better for this, going into the next game."

Former Scotland bowler John Blain on TMS: "It's about exposure and this tournament has done that. They're an intelligent bunch and a dedicated bunch - and there's a lot of cricket left. It's about learning, it's about building and it's about moving forward." (BBC Sport)

Race 3 Queen Arella Race 4 Time Travels Race 5 Zero Point Zero Race 6 Isle Storm Race 7 Witch Hunter Race 8 Mr Mims Canadian Racing Tips Fort Erie Race 1 Eight Speed Race 2 Laxmi Race 3 Rosie Jewel Dancer Race 4 My Boy Christian Race 5 Put A Hemi In Her Race 6 Libertyinblue Race 7 Bold Animaux Race 8 Papa Doyle's Race 9 Seau South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Star Of The South 09:00 hrs Anecdote 09:35 hrs Nasiriyah 10:10 hrs Secret Lizard

24

Anti-vaccine demonstrators show support for Kyrie Irving in New York

Anti-vaccine demonstrators gathered outside the Barclays Center in New York, but the game between the Nets and Hornets went ahead as scheduled. (Reuters)

NEW YORK – Anti-vaccine demonstrators gathered outside the Barclays Centre on Sunday to show their support for Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving before his team’s NBA home opener.

Irving has refused to get vaccinated against novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is not allowed to play or practise with his team until he does so because of local vaccine rules.

Some protesters broke through barriers outside the arena before being confronted by security No arrests or injuries were reported.

“Barclays Centre briefly closed its doors today in order to clear protestors from the main doors on the plaza and ensure guests could safely enter the arena,” a Barclays Centre spokesperson

said in a statement.

“Only ticketed guests were able to enter the building and the game proceeded according to schedule.”

The beginning of the new NBA season has been dominated by debate over the COVID-19 vaccine, with some players saying they will not get jabbed and others refusing to confirm their vaccination statu Irving has recently shared microchip claims about the Moderna vaccine on social media and admits to being a “big conspiracy theorist”.

Without Irving, the Nets blew a half-time lead and lost 111-95 on their home return as the Charlotte Hornets won their third game in a row.

Miles Bridges scored a team-high 32 points, one shy of his career-best, as the Hornets moved to 3-0 – their best ever start to a season.

The Nets’ Kevin Durant led all scorers with 38 points as his side dropped to 7-3 in home openers since moving from New Jersey in 2012.

“We definitely want Kyrie Irving out here on the floor and he’s a huge part of what we do, but it’s not happening right now,” Durant said after the game.

Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers avoided starting 0-3 for the second time in four years as reserve Carmelo Anthony’s 28 points helped them beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-118, with Anthony Davis scoring 19 points and LeBron James adding 19.

And the Boston Celtics beat the Houston Rockets 107-97 to earn their first win of the season, with Jayson Tatum scoring 31 points and Grant Williams scoring 18 off the bench.

(BBC Sport)

Two new IPL franchises to compete in 2022 season TWO new franchises will compete in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2022.

The RPSG Ventures conglomerate bid more than $930m (£675.2m) at an auction in Dubai to set up a team in the Indian city of Lucknow.

CVC Capital partners promised more than $690m (£501m) to set up a team in Ahmedabad, home of the world's biggest cricket stadium - a 132,000 capacity.

The 2022 IPL season will have 10 teams and 74 matches, with each team having seven home and seven away matches.

Sourav Ganguly, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said: "The IPL will now go to two new cities in India in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

"It's heartening to see the inclusion of two new teams at such a high valuation, and reiterates the cricketing and financial

strength of our cricket ecosystem.

"The [auction] process included two interested bidders from outside of India, which strongly emphasises the global appeal of the IPL as a sports property.

"The IPL is proving to be a wonderful instrument in globalising the game of cricket. I'm keenly looking forward to IPL 2022."

Chennai Super Kings are the reigning IPL champions. (BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Solskjaer rues 'darkest day' after Man Utd humiliated by Salah treble LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued his “darkest day” as Manchester United manager after Mohamed Salah's hat-trick swept Liverpool to a stunning 5-0 win over their arch-rivals at Old Trafford Sunday.

Ten years after Manchester City's infamous 6-1 victory at Old Trafford, Liverpool inflicted one of the most embarrassing losses United have ever suffered.

It was Liverpool's biggest win against United since 1925 and moved them seven points clear of Solskjaer's side in the Premier League table.

Second-place Liverpool are just one point behind leaders Chelsea as they chase the title — an ambition which looks completely beyond hapless United after this wretched afternoon.

“It is not easy to say something apart from it is the darkest day I have had leading these players,” Solskjaer said.

“You can look at last season when we lost to Spurs 6-1, but this is miles worse for me as a Manchester lad.”

In a telling indictment of United's capitulation, thousands of fans left Old Trafford well before full time.

United are languishing in seventh place after a fourth-successive league game without a win — a dismal streak that includes three defeats.

The pressure on Solskjaer will be intense in the coming days as the beleaguered Norwegian faces a fight to cling onto his job.

“It is going to be a difficult one. We know we are rock bottom. we can't feel any worse than this,” Solskjaer said.

“I have come too far, we have come too far as a group. We are too close to give up now.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp vowed to toast the “insane” rout with a beer or two on the way home from their largest- ever win at Old Trafford.

“5-0, I couldn't be happier, it is exceptional. Absolutely outstanding,” Klopp said.

“I have a few defeats in

my mind which were not necessary, but we won today so we drink beer on the way home!”

Liverpool have scored three or more goals in each of their last eight away games in all competitions.

“The result is insane.

I asked if there was one like this in history and if there isn't, then it will take a while,” Klopp said.

“The players put a nice

sive game in all competitions and was the first away player to score a hat-trick at Old Trafford since Brazil legend Ronaldo in 2003.

Summing up United's plight, France midfielder Paul Pogba, sent on at halftime, lasted just 15 minutes before being dismissed for a reckless studs-up lunge on Keita.

Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 22 match-

Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring their fifth goal, his third during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, yesterday.

(Photo: AFP)

piece in the book. It is special, but we don't celebrate like crazy.”

They were ahead after less than five minutes when Salah played through Naby Keita who slotted home in front of the shell-shocked Stretford End. Liverpool smelt blood and grabbed a second in the 13th minute when Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw got in a tangle, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to cross for Diogo Jota to convert from close range.

RAMPANT LIVERPOOL Klopp's side was rampant and Salah finished off Keita's cross in the 38th minute.

With United in disarray, Maguire was pulled out of position and Salah struck at the far post in stoppage time.

Salah was not finished yet and he ran clear to complete his treble in the 50th minute, making him Africa's all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 107 goals.

The Egypt forward had netted for the 10th-succes-

es in all competitions, the kind of consistency that United can only dream about.

Antonio fires Hammers past Spurs At the London Stadium, a second-half strike from Michail Antonio gave West Ham their second-successive league win and condemned Tottenham to a second-consecutive 1-0 loss this week.

Beaten by Vitesse Arnhem in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, Tottenham once again failed to produce a cohesive display as West Ham climbed above them into fourth place.

West Ham made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute as Antonio evaded Kane and poked home from Aaron Cresswell's corner, making it 10 goals in 10 games against Tottenham for the striker.

In Sunday’s other match, Leicester won 2-1 at Brentford.

Youri Tielemans and James Maddison scored for Leicester either side of Mathias Jorgensen's equaliser.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

'I'm ready for Australia': Stokes added to Ashes squad ENGLAND have dropped a pre-Ashes bombshell by adding talismanic allrounder Ben Stokes to their Test squad to travel to Australia this summer.

Stokes looked set to miss his second consecutive away Ashes tour after initially being left out of the 17-player touring party having taken a break from the game for mental health reasons, while he has also recently undergone surgery on his fractured left index finger.

But on Monday England declared the 30-year-old is "ready to return to competitive cricket" after being cleared by medicos in what shapes as a huge boost for the visitors' hopes of reclaiming the urn.

"I had a break to prioritise my mental wellbeing and I got my finger sorted," said Stokes, who will depart for Australia next week.

"I am looking forward to seeing my mates and being on the field with them. I'm ready for Australia."

Stokes, not part of England's T20 World Cup squad, missed the entire home Test series against India earlier this year and has not played any cricket since featuring in two Hundred games in July.

His initial omission from the Ashes squad combined with him unveiling a series of videos on his social media pages of his return to training in recent weeks had the potential to create a second consec-

Ben Stokes' 135 not out at Headingley that singlehandedly pulled off a one-wicket victory for England. (Getty Images)

utive Ashes tour for England overshadowed by the saga of his potential return.

A Stokes-less England lost 4-0 in 2017-18 as the allrounder faced an affray charge following a late-night brawl in Bristol, to which he was eventually found not guilty.

Four years on, Stokes has remained in contact with the England cricket officials after taking an indefinite break

from the game to prioritise his mental well-being.

"Following a very successful operation on his finger and several conversations over the last few weeks between Ben and I, our medical staff and his management team, Ben called me to say he was ready to return to cricket and was excited about the prospect of playing a significant role in the Ashes series,"

said cricket director Ashley Giles.

"Time and time again, Ben has demonstrated how important he is to the England team and having him available for the Ashes series is excellent news for all of us and, in particular, Chris (Silverwood), Joe (Root) and the rest of the players.”

Australians Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon had

both said in recent days they hoped Stokes would make the trip out.

"You want their best team here. I'm happy if he comes out," Hazlewood said yesterday.

In the absence of pace ace Jofra Archer who is out of the World Cup and Ashes through injury, Joe Root's side will need all the firepower they can get their hands on if they hope to defeat Australia this summer.

While the Aussies have not lost a Test to England on their home shores in a decade, they are well aware of Stokes' match-winning capabilities.

The left-hander had a breakout tour in 2013-14 and was a rare shining light in an otherwise dismal showing during the 5-0 clean sweep, striking a maiden century at the WACA Ground in just his second Test against a formidable attack led by Mitchell Johnson at the peak of his powers.

He then played an important role in England's 2015 series win but saved his best for the ensuing campaign in the United Kingdom in 2019.

Stokes' 135 not out at Headingley that singlehandedly pulled off a one-wicket victory is regarded as one of the finest individual Test performances of all time.

With two unbeaten tons for the series, he finished it as his side's highest run-getter in a 2-2 draw.

But Giles suggested England may have to gradually reintroduce Stokes back to the longest format.

"Having not played for some time, we will move forward cautiously over the next few weeks to ensure he is fully prepared across all facets of his game," said Giles.

"Ahead of a very busy period of cricket, we continue to remain mindful of the stresses on all our personnel, and our primary focus continues to be the wellbeing of all of our players and support staff."

England's Test and Lions squad players will quarantine for a fortnight in Queensland from next week before the Ashes gets underway at the Gabba on December 8. (Cricket.com. au)

Vodafone Men's Ashes v England

First Test: December 8-12, The Gabba Second Test: December 16-20, Adelaide Oval Third Test: December 26-30, MCG Fourth Test: January 5-9, SCG Fifth Test: January 14-18, Perth Stadium

What makes Shaheen Afridi so valuable to Pakistan SHAHEEN Afridi announced himself as the bowler to look out for this tournament by putting India on the backfoot in a devastating opening spell.

Going off the numbers, India won’t be the only team he troubles with the new ball.

Making his ICC Men’s T20 World Cup debut, Afridi took just four deliveries to make his presence felt, trapping Rohit Sharma in front for a golden duck with a perfect in-swinger. It was so plumb that commentator Nasser Hussain gave it out before the umpire did.

In his next over, Afridi struck again, bowling KL Rahul with an unplayable delivery that snaked in off a good length to knock over the in-form opener for three.

He would later complete

Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaeen Afridi.

his set of India’s big three by removing Virat Kohli in the 19th over, showing his skills at the death. But it’s what he can do with the

new ball that is especially noteworthy.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the seamer has taken a wicket in the first

over a T20 innings 20 times across just 60 innings, with a grand sum of 21 first over wickets.

Of course, as Rahul

found out, he’s not just dangerous in the first over of a T20.

According to CricViz, Afridi is the top Powerplay wicket-taker in T20s since the start of 2019, with his two early strikes against India taking him to an even 50.

India’s Deepak Chahar is the only other bowler with more than 45 wickets in the Powerplay in this period, and the Pakistani’s sub-20 strike rate is an anomaly among anyone with more than 35 wickets.

Off the back of Afridi’s early burst, Pakistan managed to keep India’s batters in check for the majority of the innings, paving the way for a 10-wicket victory.

“He did bowl very well with the new ball,” India captain Kohli said after the

match. “He hit the right areas to pick up wickets, and in T20 cricket you need good execution to pick up wickets with the new ball, and certainly he did that, so credit to him.

“He put our batsmen under pressure immediately with the new ball, and he ran in with intensity and showed that he's bowling in consistent areas, so as batsmen you are forced to be a bit watchful.

“That spell kind of put us on the back foot immediately, and from there on to get those extra 20, 25 runs in the end seemed pretty difficult when you lose three wickets for 20 runs.”

One suspects he will continue to put opponents on the back foot over the remainder of the tournament. (ICC Media)

26

Holding lauds Team India for taking the knee

Team India take the knee prior to the start of the game versus Pakistan.

Michael Holding is inset.

HISTORY was scripted in Dubai on October 24 as Pakistan defeated India for the very first time in a World Cup match.

Both teams were kick-starting their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign with this game and some quality cricket was on display. While the Men in Blue put up a commendable fight, the Pakistan side proved to be too good for them in the end.

It has to be noted that players of both teams expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) ahead of the game. While the Indian team followed the tradition and took a knee to show their support, Pakistan

team expressed solidarity by putting their hands on their hearts. The gestures of both teams were lauded by many.

Former West Indies pacer and commentator Michael Holding was also pleased with the scenes in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Holding, who has been one of the prominent faces of the global BLM movement, welcomed both teams’ decisions and said that he was glad to see such things happening.

“A couple of people messaged to say that India took the knee and Pakistan put their hands on their hearts which apparently is what they’ve done consistently in

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday October 26, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Darren Sammy (2) Pakistan & Australia Today’s Quiz: (1) How many games were scheduled for the first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup? (2) Which two nations were the first to contest a T20 World Cup game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

recent times. You’re right I didn’t see it (the game). I was glad to hear and actually messaged Ravi (Shastri, India coach) to confirm what took place,” Holding told Cricbuzz.

For the unversed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has called the act an ‘anti-racism gesture’ without mentioning BLM. At the same time, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said it was open to offering support to those who want to make a statement against racism.

Speaking of how the high-voltage Indo-Pak game panned out, Pakistan unsurprisingly invited India to bat after winning the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Shaheen Afridi was Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball, Kohli slammed a fighting half-century as India posted 151/7.

Pakistan’s chase couldn’t have been smoother as skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan batted exceptionally on a challenging track. The duo added 152 runs for the first wicket, taking their side to a 10-wicket triumph. (CricTracker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

‘One bad game doesn’t make a summer’: Estwick DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Assistant coach Roddy Estwick says West Indies have written off Saturday’s chastening defeat to England as “one bad game” and would not allow it to define their campaign in the Twenty20 World Cup. West Indies were flattened for 55 in the 15th over at the Dubai International Stadium, and England pulled off a six-wicket victory to condemn the reigning champions to a emphatic loss in their opening game.

Estwick said despite the manner of defeat, it was important players did not lose their motivation and team spirit.

“Well, one bad game doesn’t make a summer. We realize we had a bad game,” he told a media conference yesterday.

“We’ve had a chat about it. The players had some volleyball [on Sunday] to help them to relax to try, to try to build some team spirit but we’re about to have a practise session.”

He continued: “The one thing you can do is, once you lose a game you can look for all the excuses in the world.

You can nitpick all you want [but] you’ve got to back the players.

“Our job is to get the players up, make sure they remain confident, make sure they still believe in their ability, make sure the dressing room is still a happy place and let them go enjoy the

West Indies have focussed on team spirit since the England defeat.

game of cricket, because that’s why they started playing.

“You start playing cricket because you enjoy doing it.

They’re fortunate enough that they become international superstars and they are representing their country.

“But at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoyment and once the enjoyment comes first and the attitude is right, then your skill level will remain high and your discipline will remain very high.”

Against England, West Indies were taken apart by leg-spinner Adil Rashid who snared a career-best 4-2 while off-spinner Moeen Ali and left-arm seamer Tymal Mills grabbed two wickets apiece.

Estwick, the West Indies bowling coach, said it was important his side assessed conditions properly against

South Africa in order not to repeat the same mistakes.

“I believe that there’s enough for both spinners and pacers. It is all about assessing the conditions,” Estwick stressed.

“The pitch will give you the information, and the team that grabs that information the quickest and executes their skills the best, they will come out on top, because the pitch will always give you the information. Pitches change from day to day.

“You might go into a game where you want to hit the pitch hard but you realize that the pitch is not that type of pitch – the ball is standing up.

“You might have to bowl it a little bit fuller or you might find that the ground is a lot smaller on one side so you might have to go to depth early.”

Yadram helps Richmond Hill Liberty to easy T20 win NATIONAL cricketer Bhaskar Yadram blazed his way to a quickfire 44 to lead Richmond Hill Liberty to an eight-wicket victory in the latest round of the NYNCL Rockaway Group T20 League, which was played on Sunday at Baisley ground.

Elite Cricket Club, who have the services this season of one of Liberty’s top batsmen, Dino Choo-wee-nam, won the toss and opted to take first strike. It was the hard-hitting opener, Choowee-nam, who led the attack against his regular side.

He spanked four sixes

and five fours from 34 balls for a match-high 54 runs, with only Arif Mohammed with 14 from nine balls (3X4s) reached double figures also, as the other Elite batsmen were outdone by quality bowling and poor shot selections.

By the penultimate over, Liberty's bowling attack had done enough to restrict Elite CC for 91.

Leon Mohabir finished with a very economical 3-4 from 3.4 overs, while skipper and former national U19 cricketer, Trevor Henry, took 2-22 from four overs and Keron Sewnarine 2-3 from

two overs.

Needing to score at 4.6 runs per over for victory, Yadram wasted no time in the middle. The opener spanked four sixes and three fours for a 19-ball 44.

He dominated his opening 65-run partnership with former National U19 cricketer, Azeemuddin Khan. Khan scored 16 (2X4s) from 14 balls.

Christopher Blucher also played a few shots for 23 runs (1X4, 1X6) from 16 balls, including a six that won the clash, as Liberty knocked off the runs in 8.5 overs.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday October 26, 2021

Gayle cloud hangs over Windies as Proteas clash looms DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Chris Gayle’s continued inclusion in the West Indies XI remained a major talking point as the Caribbean side geared up for their critical clash with South Africa in their second outing of the Twenty20 World Cup here today.

The 42-year-old has endured a protracted run of wretched form this year with an average of 17, but was still selected for the showpiece, subsequently securing a place in the final XI for West Indies’ opener against England last Saturday in which they suffered a chastening six-wicket defeat, after being bundled out for a paltry 55.

But even with West Indies needing to turn the page on that performance and halt

a losing streak which started with defeats in the two official warm-up games, against Pakistan and Afghanistan, last week, bowling coach, Roddy Estwick, argued that the Jamaican was still key to the team’s success on and off the field, while also bringing all-round value.

“Chris has been a wonderful servant of West Indies cricket. We still expect great things from him but he also adds a lot in terms of addressing the room and helping the younger players,” Estwick told a media conference yesterday.

“Sometimes we tend to just look at performances and we tend to think that the numbers don’t match up. But there’s a lot more to a cricketer and there’s a lot more to an experienced player in terms of the dress-

ing room, in terms of helping the youngsters, in terms of helping them to field as well.”

He continued: “What people tend to forget as well is Chris offers a spin option.

If you look at … when we played against Australia, Chris bowled really well.

So, there’s a lot of roles that Chris has to play within the team.

“Just don’t look at the performance. Look at, in the past, he’s done very, very well at the World Cup level. And I’m sure before the tournament is finished he will do well again.”

Since the last T20 World Cup in 2016, Gayle has made a single half-century.

And he has trundled his off-spin in just six of his 17 games this year, sending down nine overs and taking

only two wickets.

With Gayle struggling, Roston Chase’s exclusion for the first game has come under scrutiny, especially following his heavy scoring in the Caribbean Premier League last month and his half-century against Afghanistan.

However, Estwick said any changes to the batting lineup would be to ensure the best combination against the Proteas, and not simply for the sake of change.

“You’ve got to look at your makeup of the side; you don’t just pick players because. You’ve got 15 players, so you have to pick and try and get your best combination, and the selectors obviously felt that going into the England game, that was our best combination,” Estwick argued.

Veteran left-hander, Chris Gayle, leaves a net session yesterday

“We can’t hide behind the fact that we didn’t bat well. It doesn’t matter who played. As a batting unit, we didn’t do well enough. We didn’t do ourselves justice.

“And to start with, if you’re going to get bowled out in [14.2] overs in a T20 game, it just tells you that we didn’t bat well enough.

“But we’ve got to bounce back. We’ve got to work hard to get that right.

And that’s going to be very important for us.

“We’ve got to make sure that whoever walks on that park is ready, is prepared well enough to go and execute the skills and have enough confidence in their own ability to do what is needed.”

Today’s game, which bowls off at 2:00 pm (6:00 am Eastern Caribbean time), will see West Indies renew their rivalry from the home series earlier this year when the Proteas edged them 3-2 in a fivematch series.

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa Barcelona to play Boca Juniors first heard of his death online in friendly tribute to Maradona VANESSA Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant, said she learned about the death of her husband by seeing "RIP Kobe" notifications on her phone.

Basketball star Bryant died with his daughter, 13-year-old Gianna, and seven others in the January 2020 crash.

Ms Bryant is suing the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for negligence and invasion of privacy.

She alleges that officers shared graphic photos of the crash scene, including Kobe and Gianna's bodies.

During a deposition, a county attorney asked Ms Bryant when she was first made aware of the crash.

Ms Bryant said that she was informed by a family assistant that her husband and daughter had been in a helicopter accident, but that five people had survived. She thought that they were likely among the survivors.

But then messages started popping up on her phone.

"I was holding onto my phone, because obviously I was trying to call my husband back, and all these notifications started popping up on my phone, saying 'RIP Kobe.

RIP Kobe. RIP Kobe'," Ms Bryant said, according to a transcript of the deposition.

"My life will never be the

Basketball star Bryant died with his daughter, 13-yearold Gianna, and seven others in the January 2020 crash.

same without my husband and daughter," she added.

In March, Ms Bryant published the names of Los Angeles County police officers who she said shared graphic photos of the scene of the crash.

She alleges that one of the officers shared with a bartender photos of Kobe Bryant's body and the others distributed "gratuitous photos of the dead children, parents, and coaches".

The Los Angeles Times newspaper reported in February last year that an internal police investigation found officers shared photos of victims' remains.

"I don't think it's fair that I'm here today having to fight for accountability," Ms Bryant said.

"Because no one should

ever have to endure this type of pain and fear of their family members. The pictures getting released, this is not okay."

Ms Bryant said that she had asked Sheriff Alex Villanueva to make sure nobody took photos at the scene.

The sheriff's department has declined to comment on the pending lawsuit.

Ms Bryant said that she has kept the clothes her husband and daughter were wearing when they died.

"And if their clothes represent the condition of their bodies, I cannot imagine how someone could be so callous and have no regard for them or our friends, and just share the images as if they were animals on a street," she said. (BBC Sport)

Diego Maradona – Boca Juniors v Newell’s Old Boys – Estadio La Bombonera, Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 29, 2020. A screen displays an image of Diego Maradona and the legend “1960-infinity Thanks Diego” as a tribute Pool via REUTERS/ Alejandro Pagni

SAO PAULO, (Reuters) - Spanish club Barcelona will play Argentine giants Boca Juniors in a December tribute match to mark the one year-anniversary of the death of their former player Diego Maradona, the two clubs announced on Monday.

“FC Barcelona and Club Atletico Boca Juniors will play the ‘Maradona

Cup’ on Dec. 14, a game to pay tribute to the star Diego Armando Maradona when the first anniversary of his death is remembered,” Barcelona said in a statement.

Boca confirmed they will take part in the game and said it will be played at the Mrsool Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Maradona died from a

heart attack on Nov. 25, 2020 after battling health issues and undergoing emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma.

The Argentine played for Barca and Boca in a storied career that included trophy wins in both countries. He also famously guided Argentina to their 1986 World Cup triumph in Mexico.

Ramsammy confident of Mr Guyana triumph after gold medal win in DR ‒ Albert wins silver in weight class

Mujeeb Ur Rahman (left) bamboozled the Scotland batters, taking 5-20, while Rashid Khan claimed 4-9

Mujeeb, Rashid spin Afghanistan to huge 23 130-run win over Scotland PAGE

KFC Guyana’s Petall Manasseh presenting the company’s cheque to GABF president, Michael Singh.

KFC ‘feeds’ $1M into Guyana’s FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 teams Guyana’s FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 team received a $1M boost from KFC yesterday, as they prepare for the November 12-14 tournament at Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida.

Timothy Thompson, Ryan Stephney, Nikolai Smith and Travis Burnett are the male players, while Spain-based Joy Adams, Petal Leacock, Kesann Charles and Jada Mohan will compete

in the female championship of the FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 tournament.

KFC’s sponsorship, according to Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s president, Michael Singh, is a testimony of the company’s continued support of basketball at all levels.

According to Singh, “The Beharry Family, they have been the core support of basketball over the years, by exten-

sion, the companies that they represent.

They have been very supportive at the youth level, for a number of years.”

“Organisations such as mines (GABF), trying to honour two international engagements per year, it’s always tough to put together a budget and honour the commitment of those budgets.

KFC has assisted tremendously, and we promise to TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Darious Ramsammy (left) finished second overall at the Santo Domingo Open, while Nicholas Albert (right) finished second in his weight division. Also in photo is coach/manager, Videsh Sookram.

NATIONAL bodybuilder, Darious Ramsammy, said that his performance on Sunday in the Dominican Republic (DR) has given him added confidence that he will be the man to beat at this year’s Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Senior Bodybuilding Championships.

The 24-year-old won the U-165 pound class, but finished second overall at the Santo Domingo Open, which restricted him from receiving his IFBB pro-card.

“I was not really disappointed that I missed it, I best myself and I’ll keep pursuing it.”

The Fitness Lifestyle (LBI) member also told Guyana Chronicle that he has a busy three months left in his season, which will culminate with another attempt at a pro-card, when he competes in the Aruba Classic this January.

The other Guyanese at the competition, Mr Novice 2020 Nicholas Albert, finished a commendable second place in the U-176 pound class.

In a social media post on Monday, president of the GBBFF, Keavon Bess, congratulated both bodybuilders.

“You guys did us proud and represented us well.”

He also singled out the duo’s manager/coach,Videsh Sookram.

“It is without doubt that Videsh has become one of the best bodybuilding and fitness trainer and coach in Guyana and his many accomplishments locally has already confirmed his superior knowledge of the sport.”

MR GUYANA Ramsammy, who is one of the favourites for the title in December, said that his attention is now solely on Mr Guyana (The Senior Bodybuilding champion).

He said that since he had more time to prepare for the Santo Domingo Open, he was able to work on his calves, hamstrings and glutes. “I believe I can compete and win as just as I am, but I’ll still put in the work.”

The confident bodybuilder also called out five-time champion, Kerwin Clarke, to compete this year. “I want to beat the best—my name must go down as Mr Guyana in the country’s history.”

Once he has achieved this accolade, he will move on to the next chapter of his bodybuilding career.

Gayle cloud hangs over Windies as Proteas clash looms 27 PAGE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021