Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-10-2021

THURSDAY 28th October, 2021

No. 106528

$398.1M more in contracts inked to advance works in the agriculture sector

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Clerk identified for PAC

-next meeting set for Monday; Chairman, Teixeira to meet with Speaker before meeting

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Three foreigners, among 20 persons, apply for GECOM CEO post SEE PAGE

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Dancers perform at Deep Jale (burning of the lamp) to mark the countdown to the Festival of Lights, Diwali. The event hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was held at the Kitty Seawall Roundabout, Georgetown on Wednesday evening (Samuel Maughn photo)

‘Punishment soon over’ -residents say as construction of $150M Moleson Creek to El Dorado road begins

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Construction of new fire service HQ to start by year end SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Three foreigners, among 20 persons, apply for GECOM CEO post

GECOM’s Information Technology Manager, Aneal Azhar Giddings

Former Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President, Omar Shariff A TOTAL of 20 persons are currently in the running to fill the important position of Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Among those

Former ERC Commissioner, Pandit Deodat Persaud

Former Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud

The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) member, Nyall Jodhan

Former Chief Election Officer, Gocool Boodoo

Jainarine ‘Don’ Singh

Attorney Saphier Hussain

persons are two regional and one international applicant, namely Leslie Oliver Harrow from Jamaica; Eugene Godfrey Petty from St. Kitts; and Dr. Kurt G. Clarke from Texas, United

States.

The other 17 applicants include Christopher Chan; Colin Thompson; Nyall Jodhan, a member of The Citizen’s Initiative (TCI); Dr. Stanley A. V. Paul; Dr.

Hubert Maloney; Abushameer Khan; Ronald Singh; GECOM’s Information Technology Manager, Aneal Azhar Giddings; Dr. Breysha Saskia Solomon; Jainarine ‘Don’ Singh; Amar Panday and Former head of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Container Scanner Unit, Simone M. M. Beckles.

The more familiar faces on the list of applicants include Attorney-at-law and 2015 Presidential Candidate of the National Independent Party, Saphier Husain Subedar; Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Commissioner and Pandit, Deodat Persaud; former Permanent Secretary of the Office of the President, Mr. Omar Shariff; former Chief Elections Officer, Gocool Boodoo; and former Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GECOM, Vishnu Persaud.

Persaud was first appointed as GECOM’s PRO in November 2001, after which he applied and was deemed the successful candidate for the DCEO position.

He was appointed to the latter position in 2014, and served for a period of three years, after which his contract was not renewed.

When the vacancy for the said position was advertised, Persaud reapplied, and although he scored the highest points for job, he lost to Roxanne Myers, who is currently facing criminal charges relating to electoral fraud.

Ironically, the determining vote choosing Myers over Persaud was cast by the then Chairperson of

Dr. Breysha Saskia Solomon

Former head of GRA’s Container Scanner Unit, Simone Beckles GECOM, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, whose appointment was, in the first place, deemed “flawed” by the Caribbean Court of Justice, forcing him to resign.

A probe conducted by the Ethnic Relations Commission found that Persaud was indeed the most qualified candidate to fill the DCEO position at GECOM. During the investigations, when Patterson was asked to give reason for choosing Myers over Persaud, his response was that Persaud was “shifty”. Patterson even went further to describe Persaud as being unreliable without producing any evidence to support his claims.

Meanwhile, Persaud was also described by former GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, under whose leadership he served, as being a person of prudence and good character.

Persaud now has his sights set on the CEO position.

Nonetheless, following the dismissal of some recalcitrant officers, GECOM, earlier in the month, began advertising vacancies to fill a number of its top positions; most notably, that of the CEO, which was previously occupied by Keith Lowenfield and DCEO position, formerly occupied by Myers.

The other vacant positions are Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Officer and Civic and Voter Education Manager.

In August 2021, after weeks of deliberation and multiple delays, GECOM voted to terminate the employment contracts of its three statutory officers,

Dr. Stanley Paul Lowenfield, Myers and District Four Returning Officer for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Clairmont Mingo, who have been accused of electoral fraud.

The terminations stemmed from the successful passage of three motions piloted by the commission’s PPP/Civic-nominated Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Manoj Narayan and were possible only after the motions received the support of GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh.

The appointments of persons to these key positions will clear the way for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGEs) which are due this year.

Several high-ranking government officials had expressed strong reservations regarding going into Local Government Elections with the same persons who are accused of attempting to steal the March 2020 Regional and General Elections at the helm of the commission’s secretariat.

Currently, Lowenfield is faced with three counts of misconduct in public office, and three counts of forgery; while Mingo is charged with four counts of misconduct in public office, and Myers with two counts of misconduct in public office.

In addition to Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence; Opposition activist, Carol Joseph; the CEO’s clerks, Michelle Miller and Denise Bob-Cummings; Elections Officer, Shefern February, and Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan, were also charged.

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

Clerk identified for PAC GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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-next meeting set for Monday -Chairman, Teixeira to meet with Speaker before meeting

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs

A NEW Parliamentary Clerk has been identified to work along with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is slated to be reconvened on Monday, according to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, Isaacs said that the PAC Chairman, Jermaine Figueira, has already met with the new Parliamentary Clerk to discuss matters pertinent to the next meeting. “I think they have prepared an agenda,” Isaacs related.

The PAC was unable to meet last week after all other Clerks of Committees expressed their unwillingness to work with the PAC, due to the unprofessional conduct of some members.

Isaacs, in a letter to the PAC Chair, indicated the grievances of the parliamentary staff, who have complained that the PAC is not conducive to a healthy work environment. As a matter of fact, Isaacs said that the situation escalated to the extent where the former PAC Clerk had to seek medical attention due to the high stress levels that come from working with the PAC. Although Monday’s

agenda has been set, it is unclear whether it includes the hearing of a motion put forward by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, which attempted to argue that the frequency of PAC meetings should remain at one weekly, as opposed to the twice weekly meetings that are being advocated for by opposition members of the PAC. Minister Teixeira said that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, has summoned herself and Chairman Figueira to a meeting on Friday morning; she is hopeful that at the meeting, critical issues relating to the derailing of her motion will be addressed and dealt with. “The major issue is, when we [the PAC] do meet, is the motion that I brought, is it going to be put? That’s the issue that I hope will come up on Friday,” the Government Chief Whip noted.

The PAC last met on October 18, and although the committee conducted a full days’ work of scrutinising financial discrepancies outlined in the 2016 Auditor General’s Report, it ended in an uproar.

Earlier that day, Teixeira’s motion was ‘shot

down’ by the Oppositionled PAC, with Chairman Figueira asking for additional time to review the submission, “although he was told that the Clerk of the National Assembly had been consulted to make sure that the motion was in order and in accordance with the Standing Orders.”

Figueira then committed to having the motion entertained during the next committee meeting, which was slated for the following Monday, October 25. However, when the committee wrapped up its October 18th meeting, Figueira reneged. He reportedly ordered that the live stream be cut and that members of the media who were present in the Parliament Chambers leave.

Figueira then proceeded to adjourn the meeting, not until the Monday as promised, but until Friday, October 22, “despite being reminded of his previous commitment”.

On that day, and the Monday that followed, the meetings were stalled due to the parliamentary staff’s refusal to work with the PAC. UNTRUSTWORTHINESS In a previous interview, minister Teixeira expressed the belief that Figueira’s actions serve as yet another example of the “untrustworthiness” of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) opposition, “and their Members of Parliament”.

Te i x e i r a ’s m o t i o n sought to rescind an earlier one moved by APNU+AFC’s Ganesh Mahipaul, who argued that the PAC should be meeting twice weekly in order to clear the backlog of financial irregularities that have to be scrutinised.

However, Teixeira and her colleagues have argued that, with their substantive portfolios as

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

ministers of government, they may not always be available to meet as frequently.

Teixeira and her team, which included Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Dharamkumar Seeraj, and Attorney-atLaw Sanjeev Datadin, also gave consideration to the public servants who are also required to attend the meetings. These persons included officers of the Office of the AuditorGeneral and the Ministry of Finance, among others.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister had indicated that the decision to increase the number of meetings per week was taken “without any discussion” or “any attempt to reach consensus”.

It is important to note that the government’s participation in clearing the current backlog is especially important, since most of the irregularities being dealt with now date back to 2016, when the APNU+AFC was in government.

Further, Teixeira believes that Figueira’s actions are reminiscent of that of his predecessor, David Patterson, who was recently removed from the helm of the PAC, having been accused of openly defying several Standing Orders.

Patterson, who assumed the PAC leadership position in December 2020, was also chided for “shutting down” issues raised by Teixeira and other government representatives of the PAC pertaining to financial

irregularities under the APNU+AFC, particularly during the party’s first year in office.

Patterson’s “defiance” during February to May 2021 led to a stalemate in the PAC. This forced Minister Teixeira to move a motion in the National Assembly, calling for Patterson to be removed from the chairmanship of the committee.

As the motion was being debated during an all-night sitting of the National Assembly in June, Minister Teixeira had described Patterson as being unfit to oversee the work of the PAC, given the fact that he was facing criminal charges relating to fraud and misuse of government’s monies.

When Figueira adjourned the meeting and walked out, Teixeira described it as being “Déjà

vue”.

She said then that while she and her colleagues in government were upset about the direction of Figueira’s chairmanship of the PAC, they were not surprised. “This is the typical duplicitous behaviour of the APNU+AFC and their Members of Parliament; nothing new, except that once again, we have a demonstration of the lack of integrity and the lack of trust,” Teixeira argued.

More significantly, Teixeira threatened that if Figueira continues to show disregard for the rules that govern the committee, then the government members will have “no qualms whatsoever” about going back to the National Assembly to have yet another APNU+AFC member removed from the chairmanship of the PAC.

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‘Punishment soon over’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

-residents say as construction of $150M Moleson Creek to El Dorado road begins

By Nafeeza Yahya WHILE heaping high praises on the government, Berbice residents say they are looking forward to the end of years of suffering and transportation woes when the GY$150 million access road from Moleson Creek to El Dorado is completed.

Shaffeeullah Sawmills of Crabwood Creek was awarded the contract to construct 2,500 meters of road from the bridge at the Moleson Creek Ferry Junction to El Dorado and began work a week ago much to the delight of residents.

Wendy Degoeus 40, a cash crop farmer, told the Guyana Chronicle that when the road is completed, she will replace her bicycle with a better mode of transportation.

While taking a break from pushing her bicycle laden with groceries along the muddy dam, the woman recalled how the deplorable state of the road has made life hard for her and other residents.

“I have been living here

Suresh Persaud all my life and we were pun- road is completed, she plans ishing. I am thankful to the to purchase a motorcycle government and everyone and eventually a car which else that they are making could be used to transport this road for us. We really her family at a reasonable punish for years. When it cost. rain, we have to lift out “We already have water. them children to take them Soon we will get light and to school and ready them in with the road, we will finally the bus shed because if they not have to punish anymore. dress and walk out them skin As soon as it done build, I dirty. Sometimes we all fall will buy a motorbike and down and you have to bathe then a car cause to come in them at the stand pipe and here is $1000 per person and then ready them in the bus you still have to walk out shed. Nothing can come in the dam to the bridge cause the dam. I have to leave this them can’t come in,” she bicycle at the first house and told this publication. walk the rest with my load barefoot,” she said.

Degoeus, a mother of five, related that when the

She highlighted that the thought of owning a vehicle was a merely a dream, but with the road underway she sees that dream becoming a reality.

Suresh Persaud called “Sunil,” a 48-year-old cash crop farmer said he has been living at Moleson Creek for over 38 years and he could recall the struggles he and residents have endured and the losses they have suffered as a result of the deplorable state of the road.

He related that almost annually he has suffered approximately $1M in losses due to the state of the dam during the rainy season.

“Every May/June I loss over $1M in crops. The dam is so bad [that] tractors with cage wheels get stuck so we have to open the kokers and carry our produce by boat to the town which is dangerous. About two years ago my seven-year-old son almost drowned after the boat capsized in the Corentyne

Wendy Degoeus pushes her bicycle along the road which is under construction

River. I had to throw my son on the bundaree [bushes with thorns] until a next boat passed and pick him up,” he told this publication.

Persaud recalled his days working on the main access road from Crabwood Creek to the Guyana/Suriname Stelling many years ago. He said that since then he has longed for a proper road to be built to access his home and other parts of the community.

He noted that numerous promises were made over the years and now that he is seeing workers on the ground excavating and building the road, he is delighted. The excited resident told this publication that he spends whatever free time he has observing the works and is pleased with what he has seen thus far. “ I am very thankful to everyone who finally listen to our cries. I’ve been through this struggle for over 38 years but I can say my children won’t have to face it. The future for them will be better. There was a school that had to close due to the deplorable state of the road and low population of students. My wife is a vendor and she has to use this road to bring out produce too and it’s been so hard,” he said adding that they were forced to sell their car because of the state of the road.

“Now with the road I can buy another vehicle and access my home. From my experience the contractor is doing a good job. They seem very thorough especially with the levels of excavation and compaction of the materials so if they continue this way it will last long,” he said.

EASIER ACCESS Another resident and cash crop farmer, 54-yearold Royanand Persaud, said he was born and raised in Moleson Creek and cannot recall ever seeing the road in a proper state.

He noted that with the construction of the road, he sees their lives being transformed and becoming better and comfortable.

According to him, when a resident was sick, persons would have to lift them out of the area since the road is impassible.

He told this publication that he would lose a sizeable portion of cassava, potato, pumpkin and oranges plants during the May/June rainy season.

“I am looking forward to save on all that. I’m looking forward to much easier

access and an end to our suffering.”

Meanwhile, Junior Directors of Shaffeeullah Sawmill, Iqraan and Iliyaas Shaffeeullah, who are both aware of the plight of the residents, expressed gratitude at being able to execute a project in their community.

They said they are glad that they can assist in making the lives of the residents better. The brothers told the Guyana Chronicle that 98 per cent of the staff working on the job are from the Moleson/Crabwood Creek area.

They explained that works entail excavation of the existing dam to remove the slush and mud to a depth of 0.9 metres or three feet and placement of a geo-textile fabric for reinforcement then infilling with white sand and laterite/white sand mix and finished with crusher run. The contract is a six-month project but the brothers are hoping they can capitalise on the sunny days and put in extra hours to finish ahead of schedule.

“The biggest challenge we have right now is the weather and it’s something only God can fix. There is a mosque a little distance in the road that had to be abandoned because of the state of the road. Even in dry season only off road vehicles can traverse and whenever it rains it’s only tractors and even, they have a hard time. That being said, we are looking to put in extra hours when the weather permits so that we can try to finish ahead of schedule.” Iqraan stated.

“Additionally, there are two structures that have to be built that will aid in drainage and irrigation for the residents in the floodprone community. These were not part of the initial scope of works but there were existing tubings that were damaged and flow beneath where the road is being constructed so we were asked to construct the culverts,” he added.

The Moleson to Eldorado road is along the path of the proposed Guyana/ Suriname bridge and is expected to be upgraded in the future to asphaltic concrete when the bridge is constructed. The long term plan, according to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, is to have the road up to the Amerindian community of Orealla so that access to natural resources and the community can be easier.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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$398.1M more in contracts inked to advance works in the agri sector AS the Ministry of Agriculture forges ahead with plans to transform the food sector, another $398.1 million in contracts were awarded to five contractors, on Wednesday.

During the ceremony at the ministry’s boardroom, Castilho Engenharia Incorporated inked a $261.7 million contract to rehabilitate 18 kilometers of the Ituni/Tacama main access road. The completion of this project will improve access to thousands of acres of farmlands.

Through the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), three contracts valued $115.7 million were awarded to Memorex Enterprise, while the other two were signed by Farm Supplies

The signing of the contracts at the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday (DPI photo) Limited. marketing model for sugar Memorex Enterprise is produced by the entity will responsible for the extension require the estate to package of the sugar storage bond at all of their annual sugar prothe Blairmont estate. The new duced, estimated at 23,000

metric tonnes.

Farm Supplies Limited will supply and deliver a motor road grader and a vibratory compactor road roller to the sugar company.

The road grader machine will help with the maintenance of about 783.1 kilometers of roads at the Albion and Blairmont estates, while the other multipurpose machine will be used for the maintenance of all-weather roads and earthen dams on estates throughout the Berbice region.

Minister Mustapha said the transportation routes are critical to the safe and timely movement of labour, equipment, materials and harvested canes, noting that without proper facilities, production

will be compromised.

Further, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has awarded $4.5 million to Meditron Incorporated and another $16.1 million to Western Scientific Company Limited for the supply and delivery of equipment for the agri-processing facility in Region 10.

The ministry intends to retrofit the facility with modern equipment to provide a certified environment for new and existing agro-processors.

The initiative is also part of government’s plan to boost agro-processing nationwide.

Minister Mustapha said his ministry does not regret making these significant investments, as it is already seeing positive results.

“These contracts are important because, for example, we are embarking on new crops in the intermediate savannah. We have already started a trial for corn and soya beans there with a group from the private sector and the trial is looking very good in terms of production.”

He said the ministry will closely monitor the progress of the works at each location.

“We are coming to the end of the year, and these are some of the projects that remain to complete our work programme for the year, so these are very important projects for us.

The minister urged that contractors abide by the terms set out in the contracts they signed. (DPI)

or higher in each of the four subject areas tested at NGSA. The information is graphically represented for better understanding by stakeholders.

“This move by the Ministry of Education augurs well for accountability because parents and other stakeholders will have access to such information on a public platform,” the statement said Steps to accessing the information are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Education’s website https:// education.gov.gy; Step 2: Click on the “More” tab on the homepage; and Step 3: Select “Grade Six Reports”.

Select the school you are interested in reviewing. A school can be reviewed by each gender or using the entire student population. Schools can also be viewed by region, whether they are on the coast or located in the hinterland.

MoE makes NGSA stats available to the public

THE Ministry of Education (MoE), on Wednesday, published the last four years of National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results for each primary school in Guyana, as part of plans to improve quality education and greater accountability at that level.

Similar information on the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results is expected to be published soon as well.

“The Ministry of Education is proud of this moment in the sector’s history, and looks forward to the information being used constructively, so that strategies can be developed to improve performance by students in schools countrywide,” a statement from the ministry said.

The publication made it the first time that stakeholders in education, including parents and teachers could access this information, which is available on the ministry’s website.

“Currently, information is available for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, but the site will be populated with data from other years,” a statement from the Ministry of Education said.

A screenshot of the webpage where persons can access the information It further noted that: “The information can be obtained by school (public, private), by region, by locale (coastal, hinterland, riverine) and by gender.

This means that educators and researchers can now assess the performance of schools and implement necessary steps to improve or maintain the quality of education in a particular

school or region. Additionally, parents can now review the performance of any primary school in Guyana and be fully informed and engaged in their children’s educational pursuits.”

This open and transparent system will provide all stakeholders in the education sector with access to the examination’s statistics for each school.

“This bodes well for the sector’s development because programmes can be designed and actions can be taken to build on what is already in place in terms of education delivery, thereby, improving the sector’s overall performance,” the statement said.

The online reports show the percentage of pupils who achieved 50 per cent (30 marks)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

A Common Planet

AS world leaders prepare for the 26th Session of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), Guyana has already signaled its support for a reduction in global carbon emission levels in order to save humanity from an otherwise catastrophic situation. The conference will be hosted by the United Kingdom and will take place during the period October 31 to November 12, 2021 in Glasgow.

For nearly three decades the United Nations has been bringing together almost every country in the world for global climate summits, called COPs, which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. This year will be the 26th Summit and expectations are high that new and strategic decisions will be taken to reduce carbon emissions to targeted levels.

Addressing a high-level thematic

debate on “Delivering Climate Action for People’ in advance of that important Conference, Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made it abundantly clear that any delay in the reaching climate change targets is not an option but must be aggressively pursued if humanity is to be saved from threats to its very survival.

As observed by President Ali, climate change continues to be one of humanity’s foremost existential threats. According to the President, ‘we are faced with no other choice but to act now, or consign humanity to doom’.

Climate change is real. There is no point denying its potential to threaten our very existence. We have already experienced the disastrous impact of extreme weather patterns as shown in our recent flood situation. For us in Guyana, that was certainly a wake-up call that we are

not in any way insulated from further harmful effects of climate change.

The hard fact is that we are still lagging significantly behind in terms of reaching the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century in order to avoid irreversible changes in the environment. Much deeper cuts in emission levels are needed and countries, especially those in the advanced industrial world, will most likely be encouraged at the upcoming summit not only to honour existing commitments but to take action to further reduce carbon emission levels.

Guyana, it must be noted, has net-zero carbon emissions. Even as we move in the direction as an oil-producing nation, we will still remain a net-zero global carbon emitter and is likely to remain so well into the future. This is due in part to our vast virgin forests and to

our low carbon development trajectory in addition to the several initiatives and interventions made by the PPP/C administration to lessen our dependence on fossil fuel and in the reduction of carbon footprints.

Climate change, however, is an issue that goes beyond our territorial boundary. Despite the fact of our being a net-zero carbon emitter, we are as vulnerable to the impact of climate change as any other country. This is especially so for Small-Island Developing and Low-Lying Coastal States which are threatened by dangerously rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions which could give rise to floods, droughts, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

The upcoming COP26 provides an opportunity for leaders and policymakers to do some serious stocktaking and come up with new strategies on how best to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.

As stated by President Ali, it must restore confidence in international co-operation such as that which led to the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. It must, in a concrete way, rekindle that spirit of a common planet and that of a common destiny.

It must result in decisions that would allow for a transfer of resources and technology to support mitigation and adaptation efforts, especially as they relate to small states.

Guyana as a member of the global community is willing to play its part in reducing emission levels and providing the world with critical climate and ecosystem services. Indeed, through our low carbon approach to development, we are to a significant degree a model country on how small countries can meaningfully contribute to mitigation efforts and increasing climate resilience.

How families can better support children’s mental health Dear Editor,

DESPITE high rates of mental illness in Guyana, mental healthcare is still something that many do not see as important. There are many inaccurate ideas about what mental illness is, but amongst the most dangerous perceptions is that it is supernatural in nature and that it is something one can easily overcome as long as they adopt the right mindset.

While mental health issues can begin at any point in life and can last for short or extended periods of time, it has

been proven that early trauma puts one at significant risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Aggressive behaviour, thoughts of suicide, depression, PTSD etc. occur at much higher rates for those who experience childhood abuse.

It is amongst these reasons that we need to pay more attention to the importance of mental health and supporting children who have experiences of abuse to access mental health support, as it can quite literally save their lives.

Small ways in which we can build and maintain healthy relationships with children is

by paying attention to their feelings and concerns. They must be encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas as this not only contributes towards a better relationship between you and your child, but will also aid in them becoming better and more confident communicators. In providing a listening ear and non-judgemental space in which they can explore various topics, parents will help to create an environment that promotes their child’s development and autonomy.

While it is understandable that sometimes caretakers can become stressed under the

pressures of providing for and raising children, showing an interest in their child’s life can often make the world of difference. Children who feel as if they cannot speak to their parents or seek out advice are often more at risk as predators actively seek out children who are vulnerable and looking for guidance.

The home should be a safe place for children. A home free of all forms of abuse will teach children about the ways in which they should relate to others and also help them to develop healthy caring strategies for themselves. Given our dis-

missive culture towards mental health, it is understandable that there is bound to be some resistance towards addressing it and the factors that contribute towards it, but it is very necessary in aiding in the growth of healthy and well-adjusted children and young adults.

Yours sincerely, Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counseling, please call 914/2270979/227-2023/233-3500

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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PM gets high ratings from US diaspora

By Dr. Vishnu Bisram

AN informal opinion poll conducted by this writer reveals that Prime Minister Mark Phillips and the ministerial delegation that he led on the US visit earlier this month were very well received. He was viewed favourably by everyone I interviewed for an informal poll. The Prime Minister and the ministerial and investment delegation visited the Miami area as well as the greater New York area.

The Prime Minister and his ministerial team (Collin Croal from Housing, Gail Teixeira from Parliamentary Affairs, and Oneidge Walrond Allicock of Tourism) received very high ratings with everyone, including critics and supporters of PNC (and APNU) praising him.

In Miami, the team interacted with investors and Guyanese diaspora. In NY, the Prime Minister, along with his delegation, was hosted at several receptions and engaged the diaspora on investment at several meetings, in addition to giving an update on the situation at home.

He and the delegation also visited several Mandirs and Churches and engaged leaders of the Islamic community as well as members of nonreligious organisations. They were given a very cordial welcome everywhere. Head of Go-INVEST, Peter Ramsaroop and Minister Oneidge

did not visit New York with the Prime Minister as they were recalled home to prepare for the President’s impending state visit to Dubai.

In speeches everywhere, Prime Minister Mark Phillips repeatedly urged people to celebrate “our diversity and oneness of Guyana” for which he was cheered and saluted.

Every Guyanese this writer interviewed gave the Prime Minister as well as the delegation a thumbs up similar to their response to the visit by the President and Vice-President to New York in September. No one interviewed had any unfavourable things to say about the Prime Minister. Even in Brooklyn, the Prime Minister and his delegation were cordially received with the Prime Minister engaging a handful of detractors and shaking hands with them, telling them “we are all one Guyanese” and that the PPP/C-led government is promoting the concept of one Guyana.

Guyanese in the diaspora were/are very pleased with the visit, praising the Prime Minister and his team for the engagement. In spite of COVID, there was much enthusiasm to meet the Prime Minister with relatively large gatherings in attendance at every event but with antiCOVID protocols observed.

Those who interacted with or followed the Prime Minister on social media said they were most impressed

with his remarks, humility, style, and mannerism and his respect for other people’s faith.

The Prime Minister was described by the diaspora as warm, friendly, humble, polite, affable, articulate, and respectable. Congregants at the places of worship flocked the Prime Minister and the Ministers (Croal and Teixeira) for photo. Worshippers lined up to take pictures with the Prime Minister – a measure of the warmth exuded towards him at the mandirs and elsewhere. At the Tulsi Mandir in Richmond Hill, the Prime Minister and Minister Croal and other members of the delegation sat cross-legged on the carpeted floor listening in rapt attention to Pandit Lakheram Maraj as he delivered his religious discourse during that auspicious period of Navratri. Humility is the embodiment of Hinduism and the congregation was very impressed by the behaviour and behaviour of the Prime Minister, Minister Croal, and Joe Yussuf, and other dignitaries fitting in with the rest of the congregation.

Prime Minister Phillips remarks on unity in diversity and the government’s support for religious and cultural freedom of all groups were well received. People were very pleased to hear the Prime Minister say that the PPP/C Government does not discriminate in employment practices or in any other aspects of governance. He

Some suggestions on the appointment of GECOM commissioners

Dear Editor, AS a nation, we hardly ever reach a consensus on any matter with the exception that a majority of us agree that our elections are ethnically driven. Given our overriding preoccupation with ethnicity, why not use it to our advantage and appoint our Gecom Commissioners on the basis of ethnicity.

Why not have five Commissioners representing each of our ethnic makeup comprising an African, Indian, Chinese, Indigenous and Portuguese Guyanese. The

appointment of these ethnic commissioners should be based on the following criteria: 1. Should have no known political affiliation or membership to a political party.

2. Should be of good character with a stellar public profile and a respected member of their community.

3. Each appointed Commissioner must be approved by a two- thirds majority of Parliament.

4. A select committee comprising one representative each of the political par-

ties in Parliament to manage the application and selection process.

5. From among the five commissioners, they will choose the Chairperson.

6. Their period of appointment should be for 10 years with the option of being selected for one more five-year term.

This methodology of equal ethnic representation might very well remove the stigma of biases in the running of our elections.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin.

reiterated: “We are a government of and for all groups.

National policies are geared towards the prosperity of all.”

Towards this end, the Prime Minister embraced a wellknown perennial critic of the PPP in Brooklyn, telling him and other detractors, “We all have to work towards the improvement of Guyana.”

The Brooklyn-based Guyana America Chamber of Commerce was also very receptive of the Prime Minister and praised his leadership style, saying it was honoured to host and welcome the Prime Minister. The organisation had hosted Phillip’s predecessor before the March 2020 election which was won by the PPP/C, the party to which Mr. Phillips is affiliated.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Lt Col Mark Thomas retires after 32 years’ service

Lt Col Lloyd Souvenir (left) and Lt Col Thomas during the Change of Command parade (GFD photo) Lt Col Thomas, who hails C O M M A N D a t B a s e just over a year. the Drill Square of the Colofrom Goed Fortuin, West Camp Stephenson has Lt Col Thomas, on Tues- nel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Bank Demerara, enlisted in changed following the re- day, handed over the cer- Cadet School (CUPOCS). the Guyana Defence Force tirement of Lieutenant emonial colour of the Base The occasion also reprein 1989 and was commisColonel (Lt Col) Mark to Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd sented a symbolic end to a sioned as a Second LieuThomas, who has served Souvenir during a Change 32-year career of exemplary tenant in December 1990, as Base Commander for of Command Parade held at service for Lt Col Thomas. following his completion of the Standard Officer Course 21.

According to the Guy-

ana Defence Force (GDF), over the years, Lt Col Thomas held several appointments in the force including Base Adjutant, Base Camp Stephenson; Transport Officer, Officer Commanding Medical Corp, Base Commander, Base Camp Ayanganna, and at Base Camp Stephenson.

In his farewell remarks, he described his early years as a Platoon Commander as the best years of his career.

“They were spent at New River, where, as a young officer, I learnt to survive in the jungle, explore the various rapids in river and enjoyed the variety of wild meat and delicacies the interior has to offer. We also conducted search and rescue for lost personnel and even planted an entire island as part of our self-sufficiency programme,” Lt Col Thomas recounted.

Reflecting on his service to GDF and Guyana, Lt Col Thomas expressed gratitude to his family, officers and ranks for their encouragement and unwavering support throughout the years.

He also encouraged ranks to embrace all available educational and training opportunities available to them.

“I take this opportunity to encourage you to embrace education and all the training provided by the force to achieve your life goals. This is the best time to be serving in the GDF. There has never been such an effort to educate our ranks, like there is today.

Seize the opportunities!” he advised.

He further advised the officers and staff to continue being leaders and good soldiers and always strive for excellence.

“Continue to be an amazing person to society.

Share your ideas and experiences with others. Leave a positive legacy for those who are coming behind,” he added.

The Chief-of-Staff, officers and other ranks expressed heartfelt thanks to Lt Col Thomas for his selfless and dedicated service to the GDF and Guyana, and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Lt Col Thomas shares a light moment with his wife and daughter during a reception held in his honour

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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Construction of new fire service HQ to start by year end

By Jared Liddell GOVERNMENT is moving forward, aggressively, with its plans to relocate the Central Fire Station from its Stabroek Market location, due to the massive congestion in that area.

Work is expected to commence before the end of 2021 on the new Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Headquarters, Minister of Home Affairs said in an invited comment.

On Tuesday, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board disclosed that 12 companies submitted bids to undertake the $648 million project.

“Work will commence before the end of the year. We already have some money for ground preparation and this bidding now is for the entirety of the building and the facility,” the Home Affairs Minister stated.

Earlier this year, he had disclosed plans to have the headquarters relocated to Homestretch Avenue in an ef-

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn fort to promote easier access a topic of discussion for as well as to accommodate some years now. It has been the new firefighting resourc- recognised that the Stabroek es procured by government.

Market area had been radiThe new fire station will cally transformed since the be built on three and a half station was constructed, paracres of land as the ministry ticularly as it relates to the recognises the shortcomings congestion. The future develof the current location. opment of the area was also a The relocation of the factor that led to the decision Central Fire Station has been to relocate the fire station.

Not only will the Central Fire Station be relocated but Minister Benn disclosed that the maintenance sections for the fire tenders will also be moved to that location from the West Ruimveldt Fire Station so that the main activities of the fire service will be in one place.

“There were congestion issues at Stabroek and the government has been bringing in new assets, new fire trucks and so on. There are also the emergency management system and the ambulances so we know that there is need for more space.

Also, there is a consideration that the city itself has been expanding eastwards and southwards so the location at Durban Park will help to provide a better balance in terms of being able to reach some locations,” said Minister Benn.

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE With regards to the expansion of the fire service’s

human resource capacity, Minister Benn stated that the possibility has not yet been explored. He noted that at the moment the plan is to improve the service of the current fire fighters.

He stated that the plan was to ensure adequate training and capacity building exercises come on stream so that a higher quality of service is provided to the Guyanese people.

Following the recent fire that destroyed 80 per cent of the Brickdam Police Station, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed the plans government has for improving the performance of the ranks attached to the GFS. Acknowledging the shortcomings within the GFS, the Head of State noted that plans are underway to find Guyanese living in the diaspora, who once served in the capacity of Fire Chief, to provide training locally as part of efforts to improve the operations of the fire service.

President Ali noted that several GFS ranks negated their training and were unprepared for the emergency that required their best performance. He stated that significant retraining and new initiatives need to be in place to better equip the ranks to react to situations of national security.

“Yesterday evening, I asked the head of the diaspora unit to get me a list of all the persons in the diaspora who would have retired as fire chiefs in large cities whether it be Toronto [or] California, so we can bring that expertise home to infuse a level of professionalism, because this is about professionalism. The state can’t provide you basic things as safety equipment for you to wear as fire officers and you turn up without them. It means that you are not in any state of readiness to respond to an emergency,” President Ali stated.

Subhan acting NCN CEO, Abraham-Ali confirmed deputy

Acting NCN CEO, Neaz Subhan

MICHELLA Abraham-Ali, who was assigned temporary duties as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Communications Network (NCN), h a s b e e n p ro m o t e d from her substantive position as Production Manager (radio), to the position of Deputy CEO

with responsibility for radio development at the State-owned broadcaster.

On Wednesday, NCN offered this clarification following a report published by online news outlet, News Source.

Deputy NCN Chief Executive, Neaz Subhan, who filled in for Ms.

Abraham-Ali while she was on leave, has been appointed as the company’s new acting CEO. “The NCN management wishes to assure the public that it continues to develop and maintain a professional broadcasting entity,” NCN said in a statement.

News Source had reported that the shake-up at the State broadcaster comes on the heels of several resignations in the past weeks that Subhan was overlooking the company’s operations.

However, several of the employees who resigned indicated that it was not so, with one of them publicly clearing the air on the matter.

Former Managing N e w s E d i t o r, R a d h a Motielall, in a Facebook post said: “Dear friends (including all those who have been calling to query)...please note...my resignation from NCN News is not due to pressure, political or otherwise.”

She continued: “I simply requested a year off to work with my nine-year-old who, because of the COVID situation, missed over a year (one full grade and a term) of schooling... I initially thought that with the pandemic and my full time job, I would keep her home and have her repeat the grade.... But, it is now going on to two years.

And while she should be starting Grade Five, she has missed all of Grade Four and part of Grade Three.... Hence, I requested NCN for a year off to focus exclusively on bringing her back on track so that she can be ready for Grade Five next September.... I offer this long insight to my family situation to avoid the insinuation reported.

I have every intention to return to doing the job I love, once she is ready to be on her own again.”

NCN’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Michella Abraham-Ali

GPL commissions solar photovoltaic systems

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips

By Naomi Parris SEEKING to reduce the country’s dependency on imported fossil fuel for electricity generation, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), in collaboration with the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and the Organisation of American States (OAS) commissioned its new grid tied solar photovoltaic systems on Wednesday.

Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, during his keynote address, at a simple commissioning ceremony held at IICA’s Brickdam office, said the government was working to better utilise renewable energy and combat global warming.

The initiative is part of

a pilot programme by the Integrated Utility Services jointly undertaken by CARICOM and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GMBH under its Technical Assistance Programme for Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean (TAPSEC).

The systems are set up at the Brickdam offices of the OAS and IICA to provide those facilities with electricity. Combined, both systems generate a total of 30 kilowatts. Excessive electricity would be diverted into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System and utilised.

Approximately $6.3 million was spent on the systems.

Prime Minister Phillips noted that the commissioning of the systems demonstrates a step in the right direction towards a low carbon future,

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha renewable and clean energy.

This, he added: “Plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development and energy security, job creation and poverty alleviation in a cost-effective manner while contributing to climate change mitigation.”

The Prime Minister also reassured that the government remains committed to providing affordable, stable and reliable energy to benefit all while reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuel for electricity generation.

“Our government is currently embarking on its commitment to achieving a low carbon energy, a low carbon economy and advancing the country’s transition towards clean energy development.

We have continued to work with the Guyana power and

A plaque commemorating the commissioning of the solar voltaic grid systems in the compound of the Ministry of Agriculture (Photo courtesy of DPI)

light in advancing its capacity in the area of power generation for our citizens.”

He further added: “The aim is to ultimately realise reduction in the cost of electricity by at least 50 per cent.”

Prime Minister Phillips also noted that the project adds to the efforts the government has already undertaken to deploy solar energy solutions to utilise clean energy and ensure energy security.

He said, too, that, apart from capacity building, this type of engagement between GPL and private institutions encourages revenue generation, strengthens partnerships and can only contribute to positive experiences in the future.

“The model allows GPL to explore new ways of providing its services while allowing partners to procure

affordable, renewable energy and energy-efficient systems.”

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, reiterated that the commissioning of the photovoltaic system is a move in the right direction as it is in keeping with the agenda to achieve the emission reduction goals.

“Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing our society and our government has been leading the action locally to reduce emission through the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which sets out Guyana’s vision for balancing national development and global climate action,” the Agriculture Minister said.

He further added that such an investment will, overtime, contribute to lower electricity bills for consumers

while reducing Guyana’s carbon footprint and safeguarding the environment at large.

Further emphasising on the benefits of the initiative, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said: “Today is testament of renewable energy using photovoltaic system.

The source of the energy is clean and the cost saving is something that is unmatched.

Renewable energy continues to be the cheapest form and the world is transitioning to that.”

Minister Indar said that the government’s goal is for 90 per cent of Guyana’s generated electricity to come from renewable energy sources, which will be achieved through the execution of the government’s comprehensive agenda to diversify and clean up the energy mix.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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GTT, STEMGuyana launch Pinktober Cancer -aims to provide accurate Awareness Chatbot information on cancer

GTT has collaborated with STEMGuyana to launch its Pinktober Breast Cancer awareness chatbot that will allow locals to have access to concise and comprehensible information on different types of cancer.

According to a release, a chatbot is a computer programme designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the Internet.

GTT’s Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens, explained that the company has contributed some G$300,000 dollars to create the Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot.

“In addition to contributing funds towards testing and treatment for breast

cancer patients, GTT is happy to sponsor a permanent and innovative solution for our community members.

Early detection saves lives and the service the breast cancer chatbot will provide will help our citizens to get the information they need, to quickly access medical services that can in turn save their lives,” she said.

STEMGuyana Director, Karen Abrams, said her team is elated to join GTT at the hip in innovating for all of Guyana. “What is truly amazing is that the AI engine upon which the chatbot is built allows it to learn the more as it interacts with users, so over time, the system will become even more useful to Guyanese as Turn to page 13

GTT Pinktober Coordinator, Diana Gittens

Director of STEMGuyana, Karen Abrams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Guyana Shop celebrates ninith anniversary

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

By Naomi Parris AS the Guyana Shop celebrates its ninth anniversary, the establishment is confident that it has sufficient market knowledge and expertise to provide greater support to agro-processors across the country.

Speaking at a simple ceremony held to commemorate the establishment’s milestone on Wednesday, General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Co-operation (GMC), Teshawna Lall, said that through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the GMC and, by extension, the Guyana Shop have embarked on an agricultural transformation, placing special emphasis on the promotion of local value-added products.

“Guyana is proud of our reputation of possessing fresh nutritious agricultural produce, but, by way of the Guyana Shop, we now possess a unique opportunity to market the ‘Land of Many Waters’ as a country with nutritious, high-quality value-added agro-processed food, condiments, and snacks,” Lall said during brief remarks.

She added that farmers and entrepreneurs are at the centre of the said transformation plan.

The General Manager noted that the establishment has in excess of 600 different product lines from more than 120 local agro-processors, and despite the challenges that were brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Guyana

General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Teshawna Lall, along with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, examining a product from one of the shelves at the Guyana Shop (Agriculture Ministry photo)

Locally produced plantain chips (Agriculture Ministry photo)

Shop has seen the addition of more local products on its shelves.

“Despite the pressures of the COVID-19, the Guyana Shop still managed to add 39 new products and 14 new agro-processors in 2021. Also, we saw the addition of 68 OTC products from Twins Manufacturing and New GPC.” The shop, she added, will continue to be a people-centred entity to ensure that agro-processors are given a space to market themselves and consumers are given the best quality products for a superb shopping experience.

“We were successful in establishing four new Guy-

From left: New GMC Board of Directors representative; New GMC General Manager, Teshawna Lall; MoA Director-General, Madanlall Ramraj and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, at the anniversary celebrations (Agriculture Ministry photo)

ana Shop Corners at Cost Cutters, Flamboyant ,Tabs Pharmacy and Essential Pharmacy. We are focusing on making customer experience better every day, constantly thinking of new ways to revive the many joys of shopping,” she said, adding: “We remain committed to being a rock for our local agro-processors.

We want to encourage everyone to shop smart, buy local.”

Meanwhile, in delivering brief remarks, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the Guyana Shop has come a long way in becoming a support system for agro-processors.

“Today, we have a number of these persons and when you look around these shelves in the shop here, you will see hundreds of produce and products that are being produced right here in our country.”

The minister noted that the government will continue to give support to agro-processors to ensure the sector is given the necessary tools to develop into a high income-earning sector and that the government was working to ensure barriers to trade are reduced so that more of Guyana’s products can be exported to the Caribbean and other parts of the world.

The Guyana Shop was established and officially opened in 2012. Its mandate is to house, promote, and build awareness of the vastly growing variety of locally manufactured products.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

13

GTT, STEMGuyana launch Pinktober...

From page 11 it learns the local vernacular and is able to comprehend and dispense useful, even critical information to Guyanese from all walks of life,” she said.

Sharing similar sentiments on the AI chatbot creation, STEMGuyana Team Manager, Arianna Mahase said, “We wanted to go beyond Pink and innovate a technology solution for Pinktober that would help women with early detection, testing resources and general information they would need to improve their chances of survival of breast cancer.”

“The chatbot we have built will provide responses that are tailored to be supportive, comforting, comprehensible and concise. The responses will also encourage users to get screened not only during breast cancer awareness month, but whenever persons utilise it,” she added.

The breast cancer chatbot will be hosted on STEMGuyana’s website and can be accessed via www.stemguyana.com/ breastcancer. It will target Guyanese and Caribbean women. Reports have revealed that breast cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths among women in Guyana and the Caribbean, a release noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Duo plead not guilty to Freeman Street murder Stephon Howard (left) and Shawn DosSantos

THE High Court trial into the murder of 58-year-old Fazal Shaheed, who was shot and killed during a break-in at his Freeman Street, East La Penitence family home, commenced on Wednesday.

Shawn DosSantos and Stephon Howard, both of Freeman Street, appeared before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court and pleaded not guilty to the capital offence.

The pair denied murdering Shaheed, a Berbice businessman, during the course of a robbery on September 24, 2017.

The indictment was presented by State Prosecutor, Cicelia Corbin. The two accused are being represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Konyo Sandiford and associates.

A jury was empanelled and the trial commenced with the testimony of a number of police and civilian witnesses.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on Sunday, September 24, 2017, gunmen stormed Shaheed’s home while relatives were

making final preparations for the patriarch’s one-year memorial service.

Fazal Shaheed was reportedly in the yard at around 00:40 hours when the gunmen struck while his two brothers, sisters and mother were in the house.

His brothers, Talim and Shalim, who had come in from Canada and the US respectively for the service, were both shot about their bodies.

The suspects reportedly told the police that the gun that was used in the commission of the crime was borrowed from a friend.

They reportedly claimed that after see-

Dead : Fazal Shaheed ing “strange faces” in the street, and having learnt that the persons were foreigners, they planned the robbery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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Regions Six, 10 residents can uplift passports in respective district

THE Central Immigration and Passport Office is reminding the general public that persons residing in Regions Six and 10 can now make applications for and uplift their passports at the Immigration and Passport Office in their respective region.

This is according to a notice issued by the Guyana Police Force.

The Immigration and Passport Office in Region Six is located at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, Berbice; and the office in Region 10 is at 227 Independence Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden.

According to the notice, at both Immigration and Passport Offices, passport applications will be accepted from 07:00 hours to 12:00 hours and passports will be issued from 09:00 hours to 11:00 hours and

from 13:00 hours to 15:00 hours on working days.

The general public is also reminded that the following documents are required when applying for a new passport for reason of a “filled” or expired passport, or a change of name by way of marriage, divorce or deed poll. These are completed application form, old passport, one passport size photograph, $6000.00 application fee and in the case of persons doing a name change - the original and a photocopy of the name change document such as deed poll, marriage certificate or divorce absolute.

According to the notice, persons applying for a passport for the first time, or who may be applying to replace a lost or misplaced passport, will need to have

their national identification card in their possession when making such application.

“In the event that they do not have a national identification card, such a person’s parent, a sibling who is 18 years or older or legally married spouse can identify him or her.

Similarly, the person who recommended the applicant can also identify him or her. On all occasions, the person identifying the applicant must be in possession of his or her national identification card and birth certificate, and accompany the applicant to the Immigration and Passport Office where the identification process will be conducted in the presence of the immigration officials,” the notice stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Illegal data inference charge against policewomen dismissed

Special Corporal Carmichael (left) and Constable Tatayana Smith

CITY Magistrate Annette Singh, on Wednesday, upheld a no-case submission and later dismissed the charge against two policewomen who were accused of intentionally deleting electronic data from a computer belonging to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Special Corporal, Jenneka Carmichael of Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and Constable Tatayana Smith of Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, were on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Particulars of the charge alleged that between Janu-

ary 28, 2021 and February 4, 2021, at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Carmichael and Smith intentionally, and without lawful excuse or justification, deleted electronic data from the GPF computer that was in the Administrative Office of the Felix Austin Police College Mess.

The women had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were each placed on $150,000 bail.

The state was represented by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.

Smith was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, while Carmichael was represented by attorney, E. Stephen.

The attorneys, in making a no-case submission, had argued that the prosecution

had failed to establish evidence to prove key elements of the charge.

Magistrate Singh upheld the no-case submission, and dismissed the charge against the women.

At the time the alleged offence was committed, they were both working in the administrative office of the Felix Austin Police College Mess.

SOCU conducted an investigation after receiving information that falsified accounts were stored in the computer at the administrative office of the Felix Austin Police College Mess.

However, before officers of the unit could have accessed the computer, all the “feeding account files” were deleted. Carmichael and Smith were said to be the only ranks who operated the computer.

Cyclist killed on Strangroen Public Road

The minibus and the body of the cyclist at the scene of the accident PEDAL cyclist, Seebaran Dhankumar, 47, of North Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was killed Tuesday evening when a minibus driver struck him down on the Strangroen Public Road, Mahaica.

The minibus driver was identified as Surujpaul Bissoon, 61, of Novar, Mahaicony, ECD. He was driving a minibus with registration BTT 3832 at the time of the accident.

According to police headquarters, the minibus was proceeding east along the aforementioned road at a fast rate of speed and according to the driver, he saw the pedal cyclist cycling in front of him on the northern side of the road.

However, he said the cyclist suddenly changed directions and ended up into his path.

The driver told police that he applied brakes to avoid a collision; despite his efforts, he collided with the pedal cyclist.

The 47-year-old cyclist was picked up and taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. The driver is in custody assisting with the investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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‘Zipper’ among two held over Campbellville cocaine bust

THE owner of D&D Pawn Shop, Andre Gomes, called ‘Zipper’ and a 33-year-old man are currently in custody at Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) Headquarters, following the discovery of $2 million worth of cocaine in Gomes’ Craig Street, Campbellville home.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Gomes, 61, and Eon Joseph were arrested on Tuesday night shortly after two kilograms of cocaine was found during a CANU raid.

Gomes is no stranger to law enforcement officials. In June 2015, a murder charge was withdrawn against him by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) due to insufficient evidence.

He had been charged with the May 10, 2015 murder of Nigel Isaacs of Roxanne Burnham Gardens,

Georgetown. Isaacs was shot in the head outside of Palm Court.

Then in 2018, Gomes was freed of a drug trafficking charge by City Magistrate Leron Daly.

He was accused of trafficking 902 grams of cocaine on January 30, 2018 at his Craig Street home.

Also in 2018, Gomes’ son, Mark Gomes, along with Mohammed Kadir were charged for trafficking 4.9 pounds of cocaine on March 29, 2018, at Sheriff Street. They were subsequently found guilty and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment together with a fine of $6M. In August 2017, Gomes’ girlfriend Naomi Persaud was sentenced to four years jail and fined $21M after 20 pounds of cocaine in a gas cylinder was found in her Craig Steet house.

Their grandson, a

The cocaine that was seized during the raid

national under-19 cricketer, was jointly charged with the offence but the charge was dismissed after his grandmother “took the rap.”

L-R Andre Gomes called ‘Zipper’ and Eon Joseph

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Lady Jags U-17 face Anguilla today in Florida … GFF to focus on hinterland development with team selection THE Guyana U-17 female national football squad will open their account in the qualifiers for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship today against Anguilla in Florida.

Guyana will face Honduras on October 30 and Turks and Caicos Islands on November 1 in Group C of the qualification rounds.

The 18-strong squad for the qualifying tournament includes 16 Guyana-based players from across the nation, including five players from the Orealla community in Region Six, five from Georgetown and four from Region Seven.

Region One is also represented in a squad boasting a significant proportion of talent from hinterland communities.

“It's exciting for both coaches and players to be able to once again take the pitch to do what we love

Lady Jags U-17 team prior to their departure for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship Qualifiers

after being faced with the pandemic, and it's an honour to be a part of the progress being made in the women's game,” said head coach Akilah Castello.

“Preparations have been going well,” Castello said.

“I can admit that it was a challenge putting together this team to participate in this CONCACAF U-17 girls’ competition, but we are happy to be able to participate and it's always a pleasure to represent our country.”

The CONCACAF qualifying tournament has been rescheduled and reconfigured on numerous occasions this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving 10 teams to compete for four places in the final championship.

The selection possibilities

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available to the coaching staff in Guyana have been limited by injury or illness and a lack of domestic competition over the past 18 months due to the pandemic.

The winners of the three groups will progress to the finals, along with the best-ranked second-place finishers.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 28, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) South Africa & Bangladesh (2007) (2) 21 teams Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was declared “Man of the Tournament” in the 2016 Men’s T20 World Cup? (2) How many T20 World Cup games Dinesh Ramdin played?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

Holder to replace injured McCoy (CWI Release) - The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel today announced that all-rounder Jason Holder has been named as the replacement for left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy in the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. McCoy was ruled out of the ICC tournament due to a right shin injury.

He played the opening match against England last Saturday but missed the second match against South Africa on Tuesday.

The change to the West Indies squad has been approved by the ICC tournament’s technical committee. Holder is already in the UAE as a travelling reserve and is therefore quickly avail-

able for selection for the third Super 12 match against Bangladesh at the Sharjah Stadium tomorrow.

Roger Harper, CWI’s Lead Men’s Selector said: “Jason Holder has been in the UAE for a while now and will fit quite well into the team unit. He is an experienced and knowledgeable cricketer who we know will be eager and excited to grab the opportunity.”

Harper said: “McCoy did really well in the T20Is earlier this year and adapted well in the opening match against England. He was a key member of the bowling unit and it’s unfortunate he won’t be able to take any further part in the tournament. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on

the field ready to go again in the near future.”

West Indies third match, against Bangladesh, starts at 06:00hrs Eastern Caribbean/05:00hrs Jamaica time, 14:00hrs local UAE time, and will be shown live on ESPN Caribbean.

FULL SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. Travelling Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Gudakesh Motie.

All-rounder Jason Holder, travelling reserve, will replace the injured Obed McCoy

Omari Glasgow to lead Guyana’s U20 squad at CONCACAF Championship Head Coach Wayne Dover has selected his final squad for the 2022 Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifying rounds in November, following an extensive talent identification process that ranged from the remote hinterland in Guyana to the North American diaspora.

Guyana has been drawn into Group D of the Concacaf qualification process with matches against the Cayman Islands (November 6), US Virgin Islands (November 8), and Nicaragua (November 10) to be played in the Dominican Republic. The winner of each qualification group will progress to the round of 16 finals tournament next year.

“With the national men's U-20 team encamped, it gives us, as the coaching staff, the opportunity to work closely daily with the group with the aim of building a formidable squad to compete in this year’s CONCACAF Men's U-20 Championship qualifiers in November,” said Coach Dover.

The former senior Men’s Head Coach staff includes Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach Charles Pollard, former national player Anthony Benfield, and Guyana Football Federation Goalkeeping Coach Eon DeVeira.

According to Dover, “the technical staff of the team are very optimistic about our chances of qualifying for the next round. Of course, we're cognizant of the fact

Omari Glasgow

that it will not be an easy group to negotiate our way out of, but we'll give it our best shot.”

The diverse 20-man squad features four players from Santos FC, three from Georgetown FC, and three players from Fruta Conquerors, including star forward Omari Glasgow, who shone in his first appearances for the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team in FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.

Two upcoming stars from Ru-

pununi Football Association clubs, one from Grove Hi Tech (East Bank Football Association), and seven based overseas in the United States and Canada football pyramid also made the cut.

The vast majority of the Guyana-based players has progressed through the GFF’s Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme, a first-of-its-kind football development initiative in the Caribbean region, which provides elite, structured and age-appropriate coaching

for talented girls and boys across the GFF’s nine regional associations.

Devon Padmore, Jerome Harrigan, Sealon Sue, Darron Niles, Kevin Mullin, Brandon Solomon and Solomon Austin, the GFF said, have performed consistently well throughout the ATC age groups, as well as standing out in GFF youth competitions, such as the U15 and U17 tournaments which have been made possible by financial support from the Pele Alumni and Namilco.

Santos FC goalkeeper Ronaldo Blair has trained regularly with the Guyana senior men’s squad, while newcomer Yohance Douglas, an attacking midfielder from Marist College in New York state, caught the eye during diaspora trials and is currently plying his trade as a freshman at the highest level of college soccer (NCAA Division I) in the United States.

The Guyana-based contingent of the U20 preliminary squad has been engaged in intense, structured preparations for the qualifiers since September, most recently beating GFF Elite League teams Milerock FC and GDF in friendly matches, with a final warm-up game against a select national U23 men’s side on Thursday, October 28.

The final squad departs Guyana for the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, November 3.

In its last game in Group D, the squad will be hoping to exact revenge on regional rivals Nicaragua, following a nail-biting 1-0 defeat to the Central American side in the last edition of qualifiers for the 2020 competition.

That narrow loss cost Guyana a place in the final tournament, despite commanding victories against Montserrat, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the US Virgin Islands.

The 2020 tournament was eventually cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021

West Indies’ planning terrible - Sir Clive Lloyd

LEGENDARY West Indies captain, Sir Clive Lloyd, has voiced that the planning by the West Indies team at the ongoing World T20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaves much to be desired.

Sir Clive, speaking Tuesday evening on a Barbadian radio programme, Mason and Guest, stated, “Their planning seems to be all over the place and I think if you look at what has happened - 55 runs, no, we are better than that.”

The former captain raised question marks over the team’s batting order against South Africa after their second successive loss in the title defence. In their opening match on Saturday, they were bun-

dled out for 55 by England.

“Our planning seems to be terrible. We had a wonderful start (against South Africa) and we didn’t promote people in the proper order. You would expect the captain to come up when you are going at nine and over, to continue,” Sir Lloyd added.

“You send (Nicholas) Pooran who has not been playing well and you have (Shimron) Hetmyer who is batting quite well and making some very good scores. So, the batting order seems to be all over the place.”

West Indies has soaked up 106 dot balls (17.4 overs) out of the 34.2 overs they have batted to date

and Sir Lloyd said the game plan seems just about hitting sixes. “… Somewhere along the line we feel that this game is about hitting sixes (and) we are getting caught on the boundary, this is a big ground,” he estated.

Sir Lloyd contended that FourDay cricket improves a player’s One-Day cricket, noting that “we have to play more Four-Day cricket. It improves your thinking, batting (and) timing.”

After the defeat to South Africa, captain Kieron Pollard refrained from pointing fingers at opening batsman Lendl Simmons who soaked up deliveries in painstakingly slow innings of 16 off 35

Sir Clive Lloyd has raised eyebrows over the planning by the West Indies

balls.

The defeat left the regional side winless and in deep trouble rooted at the bottom of Group One with just three matches remaining.

West Indies will have to win their remaining three matches in the preliminary phase to have a

chance of advancing to the semi-finals.

The top teams in each of the two groups progress to the semi-finals.

West Indies will play Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Australia in their remaining matches.

Foo blasts unbeaten J's Supermarket sponsors full-coloured booklet for BCB ton for Galaxy CC … Launch set for November

Jonathan Foo struck four sixes and 15 fours in his unbeaten knock

NATIONAL cricketer Jonathan Foo blasted his way to an unbeaten ton and the Galaxy Cricket Club to a 50-run victory over Demolition Cricket Club, when action continued recently in the New York National Cricket League, Rockaway Group T20 Cup in New York.

The hard-hitting batsman was initially watchful at the crease after his team won the toss and opted to bat, but as he settled he went into an all-out attack mode.

He blasted four sixes and 15 fours from 79 balls for a top score

of 123. He and fellow opening batsman Keeram Krishna made batting look easy, as they piled on 184 before Krishna retired hurt at the end of the penultimate over.

Krishna's innings of 56 from 38 balls, included eight fours and a six.

Foo, who scored 11 of the 13 runs in the last over, then helped to push Galaxy’s total to 197-1.

In reply, Demolition batted relatively well but fell short at 147-8.

Seven bowlers, including Foo and Krishna picked up a wicket each for the winners.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will shortly lauch another publication as it pushes ahead with plans to develop Berbice Cricket even further.

The board will be publishing a 30-page booklet to highlight its outstanding work over the last three and a half year since current president Hilbert Foster with his executive body was voted into office.

Foster, who was elected in a fierce contest in February, 2018, has led a complete overhaul of Berbice Cricket and BCB is today considered the most vibrant cricket boards in the Caribbean.

The BCB president stated that his administration had no honeymoon period as Berbice Cricket was in the gutter when they took office and was on the verge of a total collapse.

He recalled that on the same day that he was elected, several sponsorships were secured, including one from former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and current GCB president Bissoondyal Singh.

Since then the board has organised over 70 different cricket tournaments at all levels and raised over $50M worth of sponsorship in cash and kind.

The tournaments were organised at the junior, senior and female levels while dozens of developmental programmes were also organised.

The publication of the 32-page booklet would serve as a review of the board and would form part of the board’s aggressive marketing drive over the next two years.

The booklet would include Presi-

Jason Sripal of J's Supermarket hands over sponsorship to BCB president Hilbert Foster

dential Remarks from Foster, portraits of executives and Patron Vickram Bharrat, along with main achievements of the BCB 2018 to 2021.

Over 140 full-coloured photos would showcase the work of the board during the period under review.

Among the areas to be reviewed are: winners of several tournaments, major sponsorships received, educational programmes, coaching programmes, assistance to clubs/players, community outreaches and the honouring of persons within the cricketing community.

Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, who is the editor of the booklet, stated that they would be distributed free of cost across the country, the Caribbean and North America.

He expressed thanks to the management of J's Supermarket for their support especially Managing Director Jason Sripal.

Sripal, a former Berbice and Guyana junior cricketer stated that he was very impressed with the current state of Berbice cricket and expressed confidence in Foster’s leadership.

He noted the importance of documenting the history of the game in the county for the next generation to build on the success of the current leadership.

The supermarket has been one of the main supporters of the BCB over the past year and has sponsored several programmes and a cricket tournament for teams in New Amsterdam.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 28, 2021 Sir Clive Lloyd has raised eyebrows over the planning by the West Indies

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West Indies’ planning terrible - Sir Clive Lloyd Lady Jags U-17 face Anguilla today in Florida … GFF to focus on hinterland development with team selection

Omari Glasgow to 21 lead Guyana’s U20 squad at 22 CONCACAF Championship PAGE

Lady Jags U-17 team prior to their departure for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship Qualifiers 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

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Omari Glasgow THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021