Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_28_11_2021

28st November, 2021

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See Inside No.106559

CAPE students begin receiving ‘Because We Care’ cash grants

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Locals account for majority of private investments in 2021

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US$2.2M ‘Moco Moco Hydro’ guarantees reliable energy for Lethem SEE PAGE

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The Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara is set to open in 2022

Corentyne guest house gutted by fire SEE PAGE

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Omai to explore ‘historic resource’ beneath former exploration site SEE PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Locals account for the majority of private investments in 2021

By Jared Liddell WITH Guyana positioned to become a hub for major investments, the government is keen on keeping its promise of allowing locals to benefit from the vast opportunities available here.

Reflective of this commitment is the fact that 65 per cent of the private investments made this year were from locals.

Speaking during a recent interview on Globespan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop said that even as the economy continues to grow, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and, by extension, the government is committed to having Guyanese benefit from the investment opportunities that are available locally.

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

“We’ve got another 10-20 per cent from CARICOM, which we are proud of, too, and then the rest come from the rest of the world.

But it will change over time,” he added.

In March 2021, Guyanese-owned Cardinal Investments Inc. positioned itself to absorb the imminent opportunities by completing arrangements with Marriott International for the construction of a US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, next to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The agreement, which was signed by

L-R: CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill; Corporate Secretary of Cardinal Investments Inc., Denise Bassoo; representative of the Marriott Group, Eduardo Reple; CEO of Cardinal Investments Inc., Roy Bassoo; and Project Adviser, Winston Brassington with the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel construction agreement in March 2021

the company’s owners Roy and Denise Bassoo, cleared the way for the construction of the 140room facility, which, when completed, will be the second Marriott hotel brand in Guyana.

The six-story hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA, and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other travellers.

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

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

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

In October, Guyanese merchant bank, Smart City Clearing Company Limited, facilitated a partnership between Guyanese-based engineering, procurement,

and construction firm, Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Inc, and Undiome Global DWC LLC, an Emirati-owned company, for a US$5 million investment to develop a 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility here.

The facility is intended to produce biaxial voided slab technology in Guyana. The partnership marked the first manufacturing international joint-venture partnership and investment between Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Another local company, Arimu Investments, in November last joined other local investors who are set to benefit from Guyana’s vast opportunities for investment, with the construction of a $3 billion worldclass hotel in the heart of Georgetown.

The indigenous company, which owns the Innovations America store, and has a stake in gold mining and real estate, will be looking to expand its horizons with the construction of an over 100-bedroom Sure Stay Plus Hotel, a franchise of the worldrenowned Best Western Hotels and Resorts.

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

He also noted that several private sector organisations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(GCCI) are also offering free training sessions to prepare local investors to enter and grow in various sectors.

“There are a lot of training programmes that are being done; a lot of them are cost-free, and there are a lot of incentive programmes being given out for education. You have organisations like the GCCI that are running training sessions for free, so it’s not like the opportunities are not there,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

He added: “There are so many opportunities that are being provided, that all it takes is for you to pick up the phone, and you can call the Chamber and say, ‘I want to get involved; I want some training.’ And, I promise you, that we will do everything we can to help you.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Omai to explore ‘historic resource’ beneath former exploration site -seeks to raise CAN$4.5M for operations through sale of common shares

By Navendra Seoraj

EVEN as the company plans to expand its capital base, Omai Gold Mines Limited (OGML) has announced that it will soon be exploring the “historic resource” beneath the once-producing Fennell deposit.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elaine Ellingham, was quoted in a recent statement as saying: “We plan to initiate drilling in 2022 to both verify and explore the expansion potential of

the historic resource beneath the past-producing Fennell deposit.”

After ceasing operations here years ago, the company has made a return to Guyana, specifically to its worksite in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, where it intends to make an initial investment of US$12 million.

It was reported that the company had wrapped up operations in 2015 after 24 years of service in Guyana. Omai, during its “glory days”, was listed as being one of the largest

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gold mines in Guyana and the world, with estimated reserves of 3.7 million ounces of gold.

Since its return to Guyana, the company has discovered large deposits of high-grade minerals during ongoing geological surveys at the Wenot Pit. The assay results from the first two holes at the pit, 12WED11 and 12WED13, which were never logged or sampled, indicate that high-grade mineralisation extends below the Wenot Pit, and there is expansion potential of gold mineralisation to new sedimentary targets.

Former CEO of Omai, Mario Stifano had said:

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Exploration drilling in June 2021 (Omai photo) package, and that miner- near- surface gold depos“We are very pleased that alisation from the Wenot its amenable to open-pit the results from these Pit continues at least 150 mining. two holes confirm that meters below the depth To further fund this high-grade gold continof the historical pit that and other operations, the ues beyond the limits of was mined. These results company has announced the Wenot shear, and the support our planned ini- a non-brokered private Wenot Pit to the south tial 5,000-meter drill pro- placement offering for within the sedimentary gramme, beginning in the aggregate gross proceeds new year.” of up to CAN$4.5 milIn a more recent up- lion, through the issuance date, Ellingham said: of units of the company “Our recently completed at a price of CAN$0.11 drilling (10,000 meters), per unit. mostly focused on Wenot, Each unit will consist confirmed that the gold- of one common share, mineralised Wenot shear and one-half of a common corridor continues to a share purchase warrant. considerable depth be“Two such half warlow the past-producing rants constitute a full warpit, along the full 1.7 km rant. Each warrant entitles strike. the holder to acquire one “With the independ- common share at an exent Qualified Person ercise price of CAN$0.20 (“QP”) preparing our ini- for a period of 24 months tial NI 43-101 report on from the closing date of this Wenot deposit, we the Offering,” the comhave commenced our next pany explained. phase of exploration.”

The net proceeds from According to the CEO, the sale of units will be drilling restarted last used for exploration and week, with a new focus drilling at the Omai proon the strike extension ject, and for working capiof the Wenot pit, both tal and general corporate east and west, as well as purposes. some initial scout holes The company, on its on the large Broccoli Hill website, said Guyana has target, and other unmined a long history of resource areas with potential for TURN TO PAGE 5

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Teenager dies after falling from steel structure in Essequibo A SINGLE-mother of Dryshore, Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is in shock over the sudden death of her eldest son, who reportedly fell from the roof of a steel structure on Saturday.

Dead is Amar Dindyal; he was employed as a labourer by a private contractor who was executing extension works at a rice mill at Vilvorden.

The distraught mother, Priya Dindyal, told this news-

The steel structure that the young man fell from

Omai to explore...

FROM PAGE 4 investment, but recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the country from large international firms. Currently, there are over 25 mining companies active in Guyana as well as large-scale oil producers like ExxonMobil, which are investing heavily in Guyana’s infrastructure and workforce.

This “economic renaissance,” as described by Omai, has led the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rate Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world, and determine that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.5 billion is expected to triple within the next five years.

The country’s potential is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the company’s return, and just October

1, 2020, Omai announced that it has completed its previously announced reverse takeover transaction in which Omai acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Avalon Investment Holdings Inc. (“AIHL”), a private Barbados corporation.

The company’s shortterm priorities are to verify and expand the known resources, while advancing exploration on key targets, providing a solid opportunity to create significant value for all stakeholders.

It was reported that the company will not only be engaging and potentially supporting small miners, it will also hire hundreds of people, as over 1,000 persons were employed during the company’s early days of operations in Guyana.

paper that her son was scared of heights. This newspaper understands that the teenager was working on the lower flat of the building, but on Saturday, he was asked to climb the steel structure. The contractor is said to be coop-

erating with the family, and has since offered to help.

The traumatised mother said she received a telephone call at around 15:00hrs, informing her that son fell and sustained injuries to his head and body.

Fifteen minutes later, she reportedly received another telephone call saying that the child had succumbed to his injuries.

The youngster had been working to support his mother and other siblings.

DEAD: Amar Dindyal

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

A New Viral Challenge

AS Guyana inches its way to reaching herd immunity, there are indications of a new viral strain which scientists believe are more easily transmissible and potentially more dangerous. The new variant, named ‘Omicron’, is found to have a large number of mutations and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) could pose serious reinfection risks.

The virus was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24 and has also been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel. Given the potential for easy transmission, a number of countries, out of an abundance of caution, have already decided to ban or restrict travel to and from South Africa. This is indeed a worrying development and even though it is

still under investigation by the scientific community, many countries have already taken steps to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant.

According to medical experts, it is not uncommon for a virus to change or mutate over time. However, it does become a matter of concern when that mutation affects such things as transmissibility, virulence or effectiveness of vaccines.

The discovery of the new variant comes at a time when several countries have re-introduced lockdown measures following a new wave of infections. This has sparked protest actions in several European countries, more particularly Holland, Belgium, Austria, France and Croatia where protest actions degenerated into riots prompting strong police responses. According to medical experts, the spike in

infection rates is triggered mainly from unvaccinated segment of the population and even though most of these countries have had fairly high vaccination rates, that in itself is no guarantee that the situation is fully under control.

In Guyana, the Ministry of Health has commenced the process of administering the ‘booster’ vaccine against the COVID-19 virus which is currently available for persons over 50 years of age and those with co-morbidities or with underlying medical conditions who are over 18 years old. According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, persons can take the booster shot six months after being administered both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine can receive the

booster shot after 52 days.

The fact is that that there is that possibility of the immunity becoming weaker after six months of full vaccination, which in effect means that persons who are fully vaccinated can be infected. Hence, the importance of the booster vaccines which could greatly mitigate against infection or re-infection rates.

The Government of Guyana must be commended for introducing the booster shots even as efforts are still continuing to get persons vaccinated, fully or partially. According to Minister Anthony, there are enough vaccines available to provide booster shots to the full cohort of the over 50-year population and persons are strongly advised to make use of the opportunity provided.

As the experiences of several other countries, including those in

Europe, North America, Australia and elsewhere have demonstrated, no one is safe until everyone is safe.

The emergence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus is all the more reason for heightened vigilance and full adherence of all the necessary precautions and protocols. And while there is no reason to press the panic button, there is considerable merit in the old adage ‘that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure’.

Guyana, like all other countries are not, as it were, out of the woods in so far as the potential of a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus is concerned. One way of preventing that from happening is to become fully vaccinated, in addition to the full adherence of the guidelines and protocols established by the Ministry of Health.

Urgent need to strengthen Representation of the People Act against abuse and rigging

Dear Editor, THE PNC’s glaring manipulation of our electoral system for almost 30 years before 1992 remains indelible on the minds of many citizens alive today from that period. Frightening abuse of the process at the hands of many of their leaders and agents has certainly tainted the crafted intent of decency and fairness in our democratic framework.

Without a doubt, the foregoing highlights strong justifications and a necessity for the immediate strengthening of our applicable electoral laws. In particular, urgent changes to Chapter 1:03 of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA) are critical. The amendments must ensure that clandestine operatives and their agents who are hellbent in their pursuit

to suppress the will of our great nation are sufficiently deterred, or be adequately punished in cases where they breach the applicable legal protocols.

In context, the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers and the Ministry of Governance must be commended for their efforts in proposing recommendations in the draft amendments to the electoral laws. Further, their demonstrated, genuine interest in involving the widest crosssection of our population in the scrutiny of the proposed amendments in draft electoral laws must be commended.

Some of the observed responses to requests from the associated consultations point to the overwhelming harness of penalties being draconian; while others, particularly from the main opposition representatives,

are centred on the need for a complete overhaul of the laws through electoral reforms. It is a long-known fact that the applied strategy by this group was and still is premised on inflicting delays where they believe that the system affords options for manipulation.

It should be recalled that the National Task Force set up after the 1994 Local Government Elections to review related electoral reform matters, achieved nothing after almost two decades of interactions. This was largely due to the delaying and antagonistic strategy of involved PNC operatives to changing legislation that would have been subjectively interpreted and/or represented.

In this case however, Local Government Elections are due and all systems must be put in place for the hold-

ing of free and fair elections.

While electoral reforms are necessary and important, this nation cannot wait another 10 years of frustrating delays for the necessary legal assurance and framework to be fortified. Systems must be put in place to hold duly constituted Local Government Elections now. The Guyana Elections Commission being fully prepared to hold free and fair elections within an effective and legal framework is imperative.

Adequate preparations mean that the relevant staff must be in place. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), is at present without a Chief Election Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO, Assistant CEO, Chief Account, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager, along with other vacancies to

be filled. As a consequence, the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) Madam Claudette Singh must uphold her responsibility for the functioning of the commission and quickly put a system in place for filling all the vacancies and have the full staff complement in place.

The PPP/C Government is fully behind the holding of Local Government Elections and supports this position by ensuring the allocation of over $1.1 billion in the 2021 budget for the holding of LGEs this year. The budgetary breakdown categories confirm allocations approximating $237.7 million towards the printing of 500,000 ballots and other relevant publications; $285.7 million for voters’ education; $135.7 million for the training of election day staff; $81.6 million for rental of buildings to

conduct the elections, while a whopping $75.6 million was allocated for meals. Further, it must be fresh in the population’s mind that a substantial amount of roll-over funds are in GECOM’s coffers.

Guyanese must never forget that the likes of the PNC riggers assigned to the Special Task Force caused the postponement of Local Government Elections for two decades in this country.

It is also not surprising that Vincent Alexander is talking of the pulling of GECOM purse strings. What is utter nonsense relates to Alexander’s aberration about the National Procurement & Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) refusing to release required appropriations to GECOM. Where is the evidence to show that NPTAB refused to approve projects TURN TO PAGE 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Seems not skill, but rain, is the West Indies greatest saviour Dear Editor, THE young Sri Lanka cricket test team humiliated the experienced Roger Harper/ Phil Simmonds West Indies test team by 187 runs in the first test match in Galle. Sad to know that more than a full day’s play was not needed to send the West Indies team packing.

The West Indies batting collapsed and failed in both

innings. While the best test batsman in the Caribbean, Shimron Hetmyer, is at home suffering from insularity and victimisation, it is difficult for the millions of cricket fans around the world to accept this weak and insular cricket team to represent the West Indies. Imagine the pains and frustration that we had to endure as the West Indies were reeling with their score at 18 runs for six wick-

ets. Instead of hoping for our batsmen to score runs, we were praying for rain to wash out the game.

As for the performance of the Sri Lanka team, their skipper led from the front.

He hammered a magnificent century in the first innings and scored a masterful halfcentury in the second. He was just playing with authority. The Sri Lankan bowling, even though lacking in

experience, was too good for the mediocre West Indies’ batsmen. The young spinners bowled an immaculate line and length as they destroyed the West indies in both innings.

The second test match will be very interesting. The home team are favourites and the visitors will have to hope for the weather to save them from a clean sweep.

The West Indies team for

Urgent need to strengthen...

FROM PAGE 06 or releases of money related to GECOM? Further, the NPTAB is not responsible for the release of funds. I, therefore, call on Mr. Alexander to provide the evidence for national scrutiny that GECOM specifically made requests to the NPTAB. With respect to the

renting of buildings, the commission in directing GECOM’s CEO needs to make sure that re-tendering must be completed well in advance before the expiration of an existing contract.

Did GECOM apply for a multi-year agreement? What is stated in the rent agreement (clause)? Was this issue ever flagged at the

commission? Where are the minutes of meetings?

Vincent Alexander, in questioning the autonomy of GECOM after 2020 is deceitful. He cannot be real in the representations bent on misguided perceptions.

There is a need to separate and be clear about what is the true meaning of autonomy and accountability.

GECOM, including its secretariat, makes up a constitutional agency funded by taxpayers and must be accountable. This nation must not be misled by Alexander and must understand the role of GECOM’s secretariat and the powerful commission.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

the second test match will have to be more focused and concentrate on their batting.

Kraigg Brathwaite will have to play a long innings and the other unreliable lucky ‘picks’ should try and justify their trip to Sri Lanka.

While the bowling attack is undoubtedly the weakest in many years, it will have to improve tremendously if they are to curtail the strong home team’s batting line-up.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne is in tremendous form with the bat and the young Pathum Nissanka seems to be thirsty for runs.

Rahkeem Cornwall is not fit to be selected in any team. He is a liability in the field and when batting he struggles to run between the wickets. Jomel Warrican will get wickets only when the opposition is looking for quick runs and while Roston Chase is a steady bowler, he is seen on the trip as a bats-

man. It will be interesting to see if the necessary changes will be made.

Veerasammy Permaul is a mature player and it is indeed foolish to take him on a tour.

Kemar Roach is an experienced bowler and he should be in the playing 11. Jayden Seales is a quick bowler and he could be effective with his pace.

The entire Caribbean will be looking at the second test match and let us hope that we could really rally behind our test team. Not a single batsman in the team is competent and reliable to make a big score. Hence, our fans will have to hope for the best. The big question is, who will make a test century on the trip?

Can the West Indies win their first test match in Sri Lanka?

Name and address withheld

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

John Ty-A-Young and his three wives I WAS researching my birth village of No. 72, Upper Corentyne, known also as “Hong Kong/Chinese Field/China land” with the intent to write an article on this once Chinese settlement. Our neighbour was the last Chinese family who lived in this village (please see a photograph of the house).

The Chinese are all gone, although some of them still do own property in the village. In the process of researching, however, I ran into the following article in the journal of Caribbean Quarterly (2021) “No. 59 Village, British Guiana: Three Wives of John TyA-Young” by Aliyah Khan,

an Associate Professor of English and Afro-American and African Studies at University of Michigan.

I decided to delve deeper into this article to see how the information can assist me to develop my own article.

Khan’s article is about a Chinese man named John Ty-A-Young who was one of the 13,533 Chinese brought from China to British Guiana between 1853 and 1879. Young was born in the 1850s or early 1860s and was five years old when he arrived with his parents in British Guiana.

The author claims that she is great-granddaughter of Young and “pivots on the

speculative fable of JohnA-Young’s larger-than-life existence as remembered by his current descendants, [and] older relative…” (p.128). A number of academic questions are subsequently asked such as what it means to be a Chinese or a mixed-race Chinese in British Guiana. These questions are foregrounded within a theoretical framework, which is typical in academic articles. I will not take you through that journey.

What strikes me, however, is the first line of the article that states that at No. 59 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Young “had three wives: a Chinese woman, an African woman, and an

Indian woman.” I grew up not too far from this village and had no idea that a Chinese family was living there. Nevertheless, I take it that Khan does not have any photographs of the other two wives, an unfortunate blind spot in the article. That said, Khan writes that her “Indian great-grandmother Kunti was not really his [Young’s] wife” (p.133). However, the question worth asking is, how was Young able to have so many wives from various ethnic backgrounds in a racially and culturally divided British Guiana? Khan informs us that: “John TyA-Young was an outlier… who took up with women of whatever race he pleased, though it is important to note that though he was born in China, he grew up in British Guiana and held all the Guianese racial opinions of his time and after it” (p.133).

Young’s life story is one from rags to riches, rising from farming to shop-keeping to becoming a wealthy man. Apparently, he was

never indentured, according to Khan. He was only legally married to his first Chinese wife. His second African wife, Kidaroo, was his servant, and his “outside” woman in a “sweet man” arrangement. Kunti became his third wife after his first Chinese wife died, although he never married her.

The article is strong in three areas. First, it would make sense that Young would cross over from his own Chinese culture and marry someone from a different culture. There was a shortage of Chinese women in Chinese immigration to British Guiana, about three women to every 100 men landed. In this setting, to have a partner meant cultural crossing. Second, and although the inter-cultural marriage was not the norm in British Guiana, Young’s marriage experience has challenged the stereotype that Chinese did not marry outside of their own ethnic group.

Third, and perhaps the strongest point, is Khan’s

ability to reveal the micro-aspects of the Chinese experience in British Guiana. Many studies on the Chinese in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, although impressive, have focused on macro-aspects – recruitment, plantation life, and business. The consequence is that minor history such as biography is buried in the depth of larger history. I find that it is noteworthy not only to prove or disprove a story but also to weave a story that is worth telling and sharing. Young’s life is worth telling because his life proved to be as equally important and significant as other life stories. In this process, the writer is not silent but self-reflective.

Professor Aliyah Khan ought to be commended for bringing the story of John Ty-A-Young and his three wives to the surface which will certainly inspire other writers to explore life stories in Guyana and elsewhere (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Private security, others instructed to remove sirens/flashing lights

NOTICING the growing number of private vehicles and private security services using emergency sirens and flashing lights, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday issued a warning that those persons are in breach of the laws enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution.

The GPF release stated, “The Guyana Police Force is urging operators of Private Security Services, and other persons who have sirens and/ or flashing lights attached to their motor vehicles to comply with the law and have them removed or face

the lawful consequence of prosecution.”

According to the police, the existing laws allow for emergency vehicles only, which comprise Police ve-

hicles, Fire Service vehicles and Ambulances, to carry sirens and flashing lights.

Any other type of vehicle fitted with such appliances is in breach of the law.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals thrive in a price-sensitive market COUNTERFEIT pharmaceuticals, an age-old phenomenon, target consumers with low purchasing power who find cheap prices irresistible, falling prey to substandard or falsified products. The counterfeiting industry, of which pharmaceuticals are a minority player, thrives in a price-sensitive market.

A counterfeit medicine is defined by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as any medicine that is “deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled,” masking its identify and/or the source or origin. The US FDA (United States Food and Drugs Administration) gives a more detailed definition to encompass the actual product, the container and or the label bearing an “unauthorised trademark, tradename or any likeness thereof,” with respect to the manufacturer, processor, packer or distributor.

The distinction between substandard and falsified products is that the former fails to meet the quality standards or specifications, whilst the latter fraudulently or deliberately misrepresent their identities.

According to a 2018 WHO publication, it was estimated that 1 in 10 medical products in middle and low-income countries is substandard or falsified, that is 10 percent globally which translates to approximately US $21B. Prevalence rates of this illegal trade in developed countries is one per cent, but can escalate up to 50 per cent in developing countries.

Both branded /ethical POMs (prescription only medicines which are high-quality, more expensive medications formulated, researched and tested) and generic (chemically equivalent economical version) drugs are counterfeited.

The composition of such drugs may contain either no active ingredient; an inaccurate amount of active ingredients; an inferior quality of active ingredient; a wrong ingredient or contaminants which maybe toxic like chalk, paint, brick dust, sheetrock and flour.

Since 2012, a system to address this scourge officially through WHO was launched and referred to as the Member State Mechanism on Substan-

dard and Falsified Products.

However, under-reporting of incidents result in edited versions or under-representation of cases in reality.

According to a 2019 European Union Intellectual Property Office publication, there has been a rise in the risks caused by counterfeiting and pirated goods, threatening intellectual property and thereby discouraging innovation. The gains from trafficking and distribution of goods from the counterfeiting industry now is in the range of billions of dollars and has become an organised criminal entity.

Further, in some cases it has financed other criminal gangs and terrorism.

The counterfeiters copy high-priced, branded products that are in high demand.

“Cash cows” such as Viagra is the most targeted counterfeit pharmaceutical product. They present a cheaper look-alike option that is gobbled up in price-sensitive markets, where it is assumed by the ordinary unsuspecting consumer to be a smart purchase. Additionally, other needed medications for chronic illnesses such as medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, antibiotics, cancer and HIV may also be falsified, since they are lucrative to them.

There are some reputable high-quality generics manufactured in India for the export market, whose reputations are verifiably outstanding to local authorities. Some are registered with the GAFDD (Government Analyst Food and Drugs Department) and have provided all the necessary dossiers, certificates and samples for quality-control purposes.

However, it must be noted that there are about 15,000 illicitly operated fake companies in India accounting for seventy-five percent of the global counterfeit medical supplies, as highlighted in a 2014 study published by the International Journal of Management and International Business Studies.

Three decades ago, paediatric syrups produced by an unlicensed Chinese manufacturer caused the death of 88 Haitian children. In 2007 and 2011, 78 and 219 Panamanians, respectively, died

after consuming a counterfeit glycerine as reported in a 2013 study by the International Institute of Research Against Counterfeit Medicines.

Online counterfeiting has become rampant since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the general consensus from many ethical companies such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, that there is a 50 per cent chance of getting a fake drug online, especially if an address is not linked to the website. Many opportunistic “catfish-like” entrepreneurs (online imposters) fake the identity of a professional company and scam persons with fake products. In 2014, more than 9600 websites linked to illicit online pharmacies were identified and shut down and payment facilities suspended. So to help online shoppers for medications, the WHO website has a screening checklist that guides authentic purchases.

Our local regulatory framework for curbing counterfeit commodities is the GAFDD, which maintains quality of both foods and medications through its inspectorate system. In 2014 the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) partnered with GAFDD in an international anti-counterfeiting campaign referred to as Operation PANGEA, whereby19,618 packages were compromised out of the 543,531 inspected from online sales of illegal and counterfeit medicines. Some of the other policing partners in Operation PANGEA were INTERPOL, World Customs Organisation, Permanent Forum for International Pharmaceutical Crime, the Heads of Medicines agency, Visa, Master Card, PayPal, Pharmaceutical Security Institute and Centre for Safe Internet Pharmacies.

In an Interpol release in June 2021, it was revealed that in the UK three million fake medicines were seized, 3100 illegal advertising links were removed and 43 websites were shut down. The total worth of medicines and devices such as COVID-19 test kits was valued around US$ 31M; the latter was estimated to contribute to half of the total seizure. In Italy, 500,000 fake surgical masks were seized and 35 industrial

machines used in the fabrication was confiscated. Interpol coordinates operations in 92 countries.

Endorsement from PAHO (Pan America Health Organisation) to root out all fake pharmaceuticals on the Guyanese market was the premise for the revival campaign launched. In 2019, an unnamed perpetrator in a clandestine operation released an unevaluated quantity of products on the market for stomach ailments.

This local businessman, who is known by the authority, was being investigated and subsequently faced either a heavy fine or imprisonment.

The question beckons, what should be the punitive measures for enabling counterfeiting, whatever the level of the supply chain you may find yourself. Are the current fines and imprisonment considered

sufficient for such classified criminal operations?

Pharmacies must have a moral and legal obligation to buy authentic medications from authorised distributors for retail sales. Unprofessionalism and unscrupulous competition can be the driving force behind business owners of pharmacies, mostly who are not pharmacists by profession.

The unexplained, rapid expansions of some business entities may leave many unanswered questions.

The consequences of counterfeiting as a result of substandard and falsified medicines, vaccines and in-vitro diagnostics are many and ranges in severity from wastage of resources, economic loss and increased out-of-pocket spending to exacerbation of antimicrobial resistance and adverse health effects.

Generally, education, training and heightened awareness will enhance the public’s knowledge, more so the consumer, where they become more vigilant on quality and not on price when purchasing not only pharmaceuticals, but other commodities in high demand such as masks, sanitizers, gloves, detergents, vitamins and flu medications.

For further consultations, contact the founder/ pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail. com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

How Guyana’s oil and gas can give life to new sectors GUYANA has already generated more than 500 million U.S. dollars from oil development to fund public works, infrastructural development, and social programmes. But, while revenues will always be the biggest impact of development, Guyana’s growing oil-and-gas sector has the ability to create new opportunities for the country

in entirely different sectors.

And it is important to understand just how vastly the energy sector could positively impact the rest of the economy, not only in job creation, but also in the development and growth of spin-off sectors.

As the workforce advances and becomes more specialised through training programmes and work ex-

perience, the economy also becomes more complex, providing more opportunities for diversification. And Guyana is already taking action to ensure that it has a secure future once oil and gas are gone.

The gas-to-power project, for example, will open up a number of new opportunities that will allow the country to expand and diversify its economy.

A gas-to-power plant will provide Guyanese with better, more affordable, and more reliable electricity that reduces emissions, compared to the heavy fuel oil that is used now. Cheaper electricity can lower barriers to entry for new businesses and make it possible for businesses to expand into energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing and food processing, which often require cheap electricity to be profitable.

Lower prices and more reliable power can also reduce costs for current industries such as sugar, and will help these industries become more efficient and profitable.

Expanding further into industries such as food processing and light manufacturing would also help Guyana to move up the value chain. This means converting domestic raw materials such as sugar into higher-value products that generate more profits and jobs.

The pipeline that will eventually supply the gasto-power plant can also create new opportunities in

spin-off sectors by supplying crucial raw materials. Natural gas is the most important feedstock to produce many chemicals and fertilisers.

Trinidad and Tobago provides just one example of a country that was able to successfully diversify its economy by expanding from oil and gas into the chemicals sector.

Fertilisers may be a particularly smart route for Guyana, considering its agricultural heritage and strong local demand. Natural gas, like the associated gas that the government plans to pipe onshore from the Stabroek Block, is a key ingredient in the production of most commonly used fertilisers.

While Guyana’s market is likely too small to support an oil refinery, converting natural gas into products such as butane and propane for domestic consumption is also a viable option that could be done at the right scale.

This would also help further reduce Guyana’s reliance on imports for key supplies such as cooking gas.

These industries can also create opportunities for new

businesses to open and for Guyana to develop capacity to provide some services and businesses that are currently outsourced to international companies. By diversifying the economy, Guyana is also safeguarding itself for when oil and gas runs out.

Other historic producers that have done this, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland, were able to ensure a stable and financially safe future for themselves. The UAE used oil revenues to build an extensive chemicals and financial industry and become a hub for trade, while Scotland is now using its extensive experience in offshore oil production and service to become a hub for offshore wind production and manufacturing.

This is the kind of mindset Guyana needs to have going forward. Oil will bring 10s or even hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars, but it will not last forever.

That makes the question of how Guyana can use that wealth to diversify into other sectors all the more important.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

$45.3M Health Centre commissioned at Supply MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on Friday commissioned a state-of-the-art health centre at Supply, East Bank Demerara, in Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica).

Constructed for $45.3

million, the fully equipped facility will service approximately 6500 residents in the Supply and other neighbouring villages on the East Bank.

Dr. Anthony said the facility was opened to deliver

primary healthcare and rehabilitation services within the environs of the Supply area.

“This is just another step in the journey that we will be taking, as we improve health across the country, and for all Guyanese,” he

said during his brief remarks.

The minister said the Ministry of Health (MOH) is working on improving the standard of healthcare across Guyana, and that in the coming months,

various health facilities will undergo infrastructural upgrades under the SMART hospital initiative.

The newly commissioned health centre will also assist in the fight against chronic and non-commu-

nicable diseases, by treating patients, or making referrals for tertiary care where necessary. A Family Medicine Resident and a General Medical Officer have been assigned to the newly built health facility.

Inside the new health centre Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony addressing the gathering at the commissioning of the new health centre

The state-of-the-art health centre at Supply, East Bank Demerara

CAPE students receiving ‘Because We Care’ cash grants

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Parents of CAPE students receiving their ‘Because We Care’ cash grants THE Ministry of Education this week commenced the distribution of the $19,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grants to Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) students in public and private schools.

A total of 582 students are registered to receive the grants across the country; this includes 429 in the public schools offering CAPE, and 153 from the private

schools.

The distribution exercise commenced on Tuesday last following the processing, placement and registration of the students; the grants are being uplifted at the individual schools. Like the distribution of the cash grants to other students as well as pupils in the public and private schools, the expenditure is audited live to ensure there is transparency and accountability through-

out the process.

The exercise will continue this week at CAPE public schools across the country, while the distribution will commence at private schools in Georgetown on December 01, 2021.

Earlier this year, the government restored the ‘Because We Care’ cash grants to parents of children attending both public and private schools at the nursery, primary and secondary

levels. This restoration of the grant has benefitted thousands of families by increasing their disposable income, as well as providing an invaluable education investment to over 12,000 of the nation’s children.

The previous administration had cut the funding from the project shortly after taking office, thereby forcing an added burden on their families for close to half a decade.

During her visits to the various regions, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand explained that the grant is not only for educational items, but can also be used to purchase items that serve children, and support them as they continue along their academic journey.

The Education Minister believes that any expenditure in families is a worthwhile investment, as it provides a mutli-pronged

approach to development.

She added that the investment made in the children represents the government’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Guyana is secure.

She also reminded parents of the government’s promise, as was reaffirmed

by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday, that the grant will ultimately increase to $50,000 per child during their first term in office.

Corentyne guest house gutted in early morning blaze 13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

AN investigation has been launched into the origin of a fire which gutted a guest house in Line Path, Corriverton, East Berbice-Corentyne in the wee hours of Saturday.

According to the owner, Swarendra Sukhpaul, the building housed nine self-contained bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar.

Sukhpaul said the guest

house, popularly known as ‘Embassy Building’, was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The distraught businessman said he received a telephone call from a neighbour who informed him the building was on fire.

As such, he left his Springlands residence and drove to the scene.

“When I arrived, I saw the fire service was there,

The fire destroyed the entire top flat of the building they came on time and “I won’t be able to say tried to extinguish the fire how much but know it’s but had to make several a lot because the rooms trips to refill the water.” were all self-contained Despite the brave ef- and fully furnished; nothforts of the fire service, the ing was saved so it will be entire top flat was com- millions in losses.” pletely destroyed leaving The businessman bejust the concrete frame of lieves the fire was electhe lower flat. Sukhpaul trical in nature since the was unable to pin a value area has been experiencto the loss suffered but ing constant fluctuation noted it would run into in power over the past several millions of dollars. few days.

Drugs, firearm found in Plaisance house

The narcotics and firearm seized by the police POLICE are investigating the discovery of cannabis and unlicensed firearm, along with ammunition, which were found in a house at Britton Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday.

According to a police

report, police ranks and officers from the North West Security Inc. received a tipoff and visited the location.

Upon arrival, a male, who is known to the police, was seen running away.

The ranks proceeded to search the house during

which they discovered a.38 revolver, six live rounds and 876.35 grammes of cannabis hidden in the PVC ceiling on the lower flat.

The suspected narcotics and firearm with ammunition were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

US$2.2M Moco Moco hydro guarantees reliable energy for Lethem -project will also benefit surrounding communities, increase share of renewable energy sources

By Navendra Seoraj

THE rehabilitation and expansion of the Moco Moco hydropower plant are estimated to cost around US$2.2 million, but, from all indications, the project will contribute significantly to the development of Lethem and other communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), by providing reliable and sufficient energy.

The hydropower plant is located along the Moco Moco creek on the Kanuku Mountains, approximately 20 km from Lethem and 500 km from Georgetown.

It was developed in the year 1999, based on an agreement between the Government of Guyana and the People’s Republic of China. But the facility became inoperable in the year 2003 due to a landslide along the penstock alignment (a sluice or gate or intake structure that controls water flow) owing to heavy rainfall.

Cognisant of the impending economic growth and increasing demand for electricity, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI), is proposing to rehabilitate the defunct 500 kw hydropower plant to an installed capacity of 700 kw.

In a report submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the GEA and HECI related that rehabilitation of the Moco Moco hydropower plant will create the conditions for Lethem and surrounding villages to benefit from a reliable supply of electricity.

This enhanced energy supply will be delivered through a renewable energy source, which would not generate significant amounts of greenhouse gases.

Additionally, the hydropower plant will increase the share of renewable energy sources within the

country’s electrical generation system in the context of sustainable energy development; this is an area of development which the government intends to pursue through its revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

According to the EPA and HECI, the Moco Moco hydropower project is not just sustainable, it is also technically and economically feasible, given its high head run-of-the-river diversion type system.

The new facility will comprise an upgraded installed capacity of 700 kw, which will generate approximately 4,565MWh/ yr of energy on an annual basis.

“The structures that were installed included a diversion system, headrace, forebay, penstock, powerhouse, tailwater canal, step up substation, administration buildings and transmission line. As such, the rehabilitation will seek to maintain the current location of the existing hydraulic structure (weir), headrace, forebay, powerhouse, step up substation and tailwater canal,” the energy companies related.

The penstock alignment will, however, be determined when the geotechnical and topographical surveys are completed.

As it is now, Lethem is supplied with power by the Lethem Power Company Inc. (LMPC) on a 24-hour basis. The energy is generated from the company’s six diesel units with a total, installed capacity of 3.825 megavolt amperes (MVA).

Fuel, which accounts for between 60-65 per cent of operational costs, is transported by bulk transportation carriers 450 km from Georgetown to Lethem on unpaved roads, which become very challenging during the rainy seasons resulting in delays in delivery.

And although the generation cost is about US$0.49 kWh, consumers current-

ly pay an average rate of US$0.33 -0.40 per kWh, thus requiring government subsidies in the range of US$500,000 per annum.

“With income at subsistence level, the high cost of electricity supply continues to remain a major burden on the households and businesses, which can only

borders Brazil, which is a known economic powerhouse in South America.

The availability of reliable and cheap electricity would, therefore, inevitably draw consumers and developers to Lethem.

ENERGY MIX It was reported in November last that the gov-

hem three times its current capacity.

“We would have almost triple the capacity and this is all coming from renewable energy, which would allow a massive growth in industrial estates and industrial plants for that area, and also residential purposes.

Amaila Falls hydropower station (AFHP) based on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.

Previous reports suggest that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) is expected to cost just under US$1 billion, and once operational, will have the capacity to

Layout of the Moco Moco Hydropower Plant be expected to intensify, considering the expansion of businesses and government’s housing programme in the area,” the EPA and HECI said.

The companies further explained that while the area’s peak demand is 800 kw, this is expected to increase in the short to medium term, particularly since the Government of Guyana has recently completed infrastructural works for an industrial estate in Lethem, which will add to the demand for a more affordable electricity supply Sitting at the southern end of Guyana, Lethem

ernment will be tripling the power in Lethem through a revised energy mix.

“We have had a serious review of almost all of the small systems that we have had… we had to look back at what was planned, so we would get 1.5 megawatts from that and we have to rehabilitate Moco Moco, which would be another 0.7 megawatts. So that is 2.2 megawatts and we approved a one-megawatt solar farm…,” Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo had said.

The aggregate supply of 2.2 megawatts, plus the one megawatt produced by the solar farm would give Let-

“If the entire Lethem is running on renewable energy, money is saved; there would be a budgetary balance of payments impact, welfare impact and a business impact,” Jagdeo reasoned.

Given the immense benefits which could stem from reliable and cheap electricity, the Vice-President said the provision of such remains a top priority for the government.

The government recently granted its “no-objection” for the Office of the Prime Minister to engage the China Railway Group Limited to construct the

generate 165 megawatts of stable and reliable electricity for 11 solid months of the year, with the 12th month during the dry season earmarked for scheduled maintenance.

Currently, GPL sells electricity to the nation around US$0.33 per kWh, and this is expected to be reduced by 25 per cent within the first year of operation of the Amaila Falls project, and by 50 per cent within five years.

The government, in its invitation for bids, had said that it expects the country’s power demands to be met by 2026.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Regional extension officers to be kept abreast of modern agriculture practices

EXTENSION services play a crucial role in the growth and development of the agricultural sector and rural communities for CARICOM member states. Extension services are central to exploiting the real potential of ag-

ICOM has received support from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to assist in the capacity building of a first cohort of 153 extension officers from 15 Caribbean countries to support the new agriculture agenda being

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha ricultural Research and Development (R&D), and therefore serve as a conduit through which the knowledge and innovations generated may be effectively disseminated to producers.

In CARICOM, extension services have traditionally been delivered through centralised and decentralised public-funded agencies. Increasingly, however, private agricultural extension has been partially replacing these public-funded initiatives.

While the rationale behind private-provided extension in the region has been driven largely by efficiency concerns, undoubtedly, it has ushered in a situation of a vastly underserved demand. Generally, private extension services exist as an input-selling mechanism.

As such, some limited extension service may be provided by input suppliers of pesticides and fertilisers to farmers using its supplies.

In this regard, CAR-

led by the Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security. They will be trained virually.

The Ministerial Task Force, which was formed at a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in February 2021, is chaired by Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, and is tasked with expanding the agriculture sector, and increasing both intra and extra-regional trade.

The virtual regional agriculture extension training programme will cover ICT in extension, new extension delivery methodologies, tablets, drones, social media, traditional tools and platforms in extension and agricultural technology transfer, agribusiness and value chains, marketing and new market intelligence approaches for food security, exports and rural livelihoods.

It will also explore renewable energy, including solar and bio-digesting, cli-

matic and risk modelling, and integrated water resources management.

Four areas will be examined here. These are sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) for crops, livestock and integrated farming; best practices in

climate resilience – alternatives to conventional pesticide use and GAP waste disposal and environmental protection; appropriate climate resilient technologies, including silvo-pastorial systems for livestock; and sustainable soil and land

management.

The training is geared at enhancing the participants’ technical capacity in sustainable agricultural production; strengthening extension tools, methods, approaches and networking; enhancing resilience

of farm systems against climatic and natural risks and emerging food security challenges; promotion and support of SALT for livestock and crops, and promoting and operating an agri-extension ‘app’ in Caribbean countries.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

10 winners selected in Human Services Ministry’s ‘Short Story’ competition

OUT of approximately 220 entries in the Short Story Writing Competition by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, ten winners from all across the country have been selected and will now have their stories published in a special book by the Ministry.

The following ten persons have been found to be the best authors in the competition: Aradhya Ramjag (Aaila Runs Away); Daniel Persaud (Quick Thinking); Rondel Parks (Annie Calls 914); Vanessa Ramdehooll (Pup-

py Love); Daniel Lalchand (Early Morning Scare); Sajid Amin (Praying for a Miracle); Giovanna George (Tickling Tommy); Rachel Davis (Fire, Fire!)

Roshanie Mahadeo (The Black Coat); and Shaquana Richards (Veronica’s Father).

The ministry plans to present prizes to all of the winners who wrote their stories centred on the “Every Child Safe” campaign that was launched in September by subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, whose intention is to rein in the issues surrounding child abuse in Guyana.

The age group targeted was 12 years and under and the word limit was 250. Dr. Persaud, along with staff of the ministry, shared in reading and editing the pieces.

Under ‘Every Child Safe’, more is done than just seek to make information available to the public; a personal and consistent check-in with members of communities all across Guyana is carried out for help to identify perpetrators and bring relief to sufferers.

“These communities become essential partners of ours, so that wherever

child abuse rears its ugly head, we will be able to know because there are people out there as our eyes and ears. Perpetrators will have the eyes of an entire community on them; so no one can escape that kind of scrutiny,” Dr. Persaud has explained.

This partnership sees heightened vigilance on child abuse in communities and people will now be aware of crimes that they should look out for and how they should report cases of child abuse utilising the 914 hotline and all the other avenues available to them.

The competition, launched by Dr. Persaud last September, centred on child care and safety

CANU arrests ‘Pinky’, ‘Scar’ with $15M in cannabis

Arrested: Dilon Cadogan

Arrested: Candacy Bennett

The parcels of seized cannabis RANKS of the Cust o m s A n t i - N a rc o t i c Unit (CANU), on Friday, conducted a search operation at Lot 1067 New Glasgow Housing Scheme, Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice where several parcels of cannabis were discovered.

According to CANU, Candacy Bennett, 34, called ‘Pinky’ of the aforementioned address, along with Dilon Cadogan, called ‘Scar’ of

Pepper Street, Edinburgh were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the cannabis.

According to CANU, during the search of the location several parcels containing cannabis were discovered in the presence of two individuals who were at the house.

The cannabis, when weighed, amounted to a total 48.4 kg (107lbs) with a street value of over $15M.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

UNHCR concerned about Venezuelan migrants in Guyana provided by the Guyanese Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and other basic relief items to some 400 indigenous Warraus living in northern Guyana, including in the Anabisi community.

On November 20, a team comprising of Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud; Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai; two paediatricians from Georgetown, and other medical personnel and support staff from Region One visited the settlement at Anabisi.

Dr. Neil Samwaroo, a paediatrician from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), who accompanied the team, reported that during the visit, approximately 20 children were medically assessed, four of whom required medical attention, and were transferred to the Port Kaituma Hospital in the region.

Most of the children were diagnosed with conjunctivitis, also referred to as ‘red eye’; impetigo (a bacterial infection of the skin); mild diarrhoeal diseases, a collection of diseases caused by multiple viral, bacterial,

and parasitic organisms; and upper respiratory tract infections, which are contagious infections caused by a variety of bacteria, and viral illnesses such as influenza.

The ministerial team had identified someone within the settlement with whom they can easily communicate, and who will be liaising with the regional officials.

Importantly, Candler explained that “increased humanitarian presence and timely support from the international community is needed to help the Government of Guyana respond to the needs of these communities.”

The UNHCR has been working with partners since 2019 to distribute material assistance, provide shelter and support to access education services to refugees, migrants and members of the host communities in Region One and across Guyana to help improve living conditions.

The agency also provides counselling, interpretation services and facilitates refugees and migrants access to government services including health programmes and vaccination against COVID-19.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and Dr. Neil Samwaroo examining a child at the settlement in Anabisi, Port Kaituma, in the North West District during the Ministerial team’s visit. remoteness. dinating with the government The UNHCR has since

By Richard Bhainie UNHCR has reported and humanitarian partners on delivered food hampers, soTHE United Nations High that assessments conducted how to best support the gov- lar lamps, mosquito nets, water purification tablets Commissioner for Refugees in October and November ernment-led response.

(UNHCR), the UN Refu- among Warrau refugee and gee Agency, has registered migrant households indicate its concern about difficult mounting needs within the living conditions of indige- communities; they noted nous Warrau families from that families lack access to Venezuela who have settled drinking water, and instead in remote locations across rely on rivers for drinking Guyana, noting that more water, as well as bathing and needs to be done to respond defecation.

“Most Warrau have only to the needs of the commuone meal a day, or less. Lacknities.

Speaking during a press ing formal job opportunities, briefing at the Palais des many of them mention reNations in Geneva on Fri- sorting to begging, working day, Philippa Candler, UN- odd jobs, often in exchange HCR’s Multi-Country Office for food, selling handicraft or Representative in Panama, depending on humanitarian disclosed that an estimated assistance,” Candler said at 24,500 refugees and migrants the press briefing.

She highlighted that last from Venezuela, including some 2,500 indigenous War- week, the UNCHR received raus are currently living in reports that Warraus at the Anabisi settlement were hosGuyana.

The migrants have settled pitalised, reportedly due to in hard-to-reach areas near malnutrition and diseases the Venezuelan border, such related to poor sanitation as Anabisi, Port Kaituma, conditions.

Having received these in the North West District, in Region One (Barima – reports as well, the Guyana Waini), which is home to Government rushed emersome 250 Warraus, where gency aid to the families, and access to services is limited, conducted a medical assessand the delivery of aid is ment of persons residing at hampered due to the lack of the settlement. The UNCHR The makeshift settlement erected by the Warrau Amerindian families transport infrastructure and has been on the ground, coor-

18

THE Government of Guyana must do a complete and comprehensive investigation into the recent spate of fires that have destroyed public buildings, and threatened institutions here.

The government must not be distracted from vigorously pursuing, to the end, the intellectual authors and persons who are aiming to threaten public law and order, as well as the general good of Guyana.

As of recent, the Brickdam Police Station fire and the Eve Leary fire have left a bad taste in the mouths

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Beware of the ‘mo’ fire, slow fire’ campaign

of Guyanese at home and abroad. Something seems amiss with the timing of these two fires, the location where they occurred, and how they actually started.

Mind you, the consequences would have been catastrophic for the law and order sector as well as justice sector, if the DPP building had gone up in flames.

And not to mention the obvious threat of fire swirling around social media and other platforms which seem to promote destruction of public buildings as retaliation against the government.

Firstly, Government

must take serious note of the situation, and get to the bottom of the problem. It must redouble the security apparatus for the holiday season and longer, if such threat persists. It must cause a serious change in the Guyana Police and Fire Service hierarchy, if this pattern of fiery destruction of property continues intermittently.

S e c o n d l y, t h e t e a m which will be put to investigate the fires and threats must look into the things that the opposition APNU+AFC politicians are saying on social media platforms. These things can have an impact

and influence people in society, as we saw happened in the US in January this year with the Capitol Riot.

Similarly, the opposition APNU+AFC politicians are sending subliminal messages, and are putting forward disruptive ideas in the minds of their gullible supporters.

And the team must be capable to call the names of opposition personalities who are wreaking havoc and mayhem, by instilling undue hostility towards the government, government-owned institutions, and State departments.

Looking at things through the political lens, who would want the DPP building destroyed? Who would benefit from the destruction of the Central Police Station or the Brickdam

Police Station? Who would benefit if there was a break down in law and order under the PPP Government’s rule?

Who would benefit if the public trust was lost and the public felt insecure?

It does not matter if they are in Guyana or abroad, they must be investigated thoroughly.

Thirdly, Attorney-General Anil Nandlall should fasttrack the new cyber-security legislation, as many of these crimes, including the arsons, are believed to have links to Online people. Whilst the fires are being investigated, and public property protected, the AG must start by reforming and piloting changes and penalties.

Finally, the government must never act sheepishly when confronted by these

threats to security, in terms of fire and crime. It must investigate properly, and get down to the bones of what is really happening. Government must seek to put an end to this terrorism now, with regards to the fires.

The intellectual authors of the fire want to destabilise the economy and country now, with their new-found ‘mo’ fire’ and ‘slow fire’ campaign. Remember the damage done to property and life during the period of 1997 to 2003 by a version of this campaign.

Now, Guyana can ill afford a resurgence of the things proliferated under this campaign. Government must fight the fire smartly and intelligently to get answers as to who is responsible.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Finance Minister leads NIS outreach to Region Two -resolves long-standing issues

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh presents an NIS pension book to a Region 2 pensioner FINANCE Minister Dr. years were immediately re- cases at NIS. Ashni Singh on Saturday solved following the interDuring the course of the led a team from the Nation- vention of Dr. Singh. Some day, two persons were able al Insurance Scheme (NIS) of the issues include compli- to receive their NIS pension to Region Two (Pomer- ance certificates, contribution books after waiting years to oon-Supenaam), where statements and payments, have their issues resolved. they met with residents registration and replacement They are Kenneth Chunoo and resolved a number of of NIS cards, signing and and Pitamber Sukoo. long-standing issues. submission of life certifiChunoo said he had apMinister Singh, along cates, submission of claims, plied for his pension book with the Directors of the NIS benefits, and pension. since 2017, only to learn Board and employees, met Dr. Singh told residents that there was an issue of with persons at the branch that the government planned missing contributions. He office in Anna Regina. these outreaches in an effort explained that since then, Many issues pending for to address a large backlog of he had been back and forth,

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh meets with Region Two residents trying to resolve the matter.

He further highlighted that he had received an initial sum of money, in the form of a grant, from the NIS, but later appealed the matter in an effort to start receiving his full pension.

He said that it was not until the recent presidential outreach in the region that he started to make some headway in his case. There, he said, he was able to speak to President Irfaan Ali, and

that led to his receiving his pension book today.

“I feel quite alright, because I am not working anywhere, and I got to pay bills and everything. So, now that I get the pension, I thank God for it,” Mr. Chunoo said.

Mr. Sukoo said that he, too, encountered a delay of two years in receiving his pension book. He was also issued a grant, but later appealed the decision. He

said that when he visited the NIS office in the region, he was asked to make contact with the Head Office in Georgetown, where the matter was eventually resolved.

After collecting his pension book, Mr. Sukoo said, “It means I will be receiving my NIS payment on a regular basis; I am very happy about it, that I have received this book.”

Dr Singh encourages Essequibo private sector to tap into call centre industry

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Friday urged private sector members of Region

Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) to tap into the call centre industry.

The minister, during a meeting with members of the Essequibo Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, said liberalisation of the telecommunications sector has resulted in the landing of a fibre optic cable that now sees the region enjoy-

Some members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ing high-speed internet.

“Now that you have high-quality and affordable internet in Region Two, the opportunity immediately presents itself for persons to enter the call centre sector.

“You can enter in multiple ways: if you have knowledge of the sector, you can establish a call centre of your own, or you can partner with somebody and establish a call centre.

Another way is, those who have premises immediately have an opportunity to make those premises available on commercial terms to be negotiated between them and the call centre company,” the minister stated.

Dr Singh said once the investment is made, as

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh many as 500 jobs could be created. He said for young people looking for employ-

ment, the call centre industry is an avenue into which they could venture.

The private sector officials were also updated on programmes and policies the government is executing.

This, he said, provided him with the opportunity to explain the direction government plans on taking the country.

The Finance Minister said it was also useful to hear from the private sector about some of the issues affecting them, and how they think government could provide assistance. He said overall, the engagement was positive and constructive and will be useful as government crafts the next national budget. (DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

Rupununi set to benefit from solar farm PRESIDENT of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Daniel Gajie has lauded the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government

for taking significant steps to construct a solar farm in Lethem, Region Nine, to provide reliable electricity supply there.

Gajie noted that this initiative not only aims to improve

the lives of the consumers, but fulfils one of the government’s plans to diversify its energy sources.

He said that the region’s electricity rates are among the

highest in the country, and as such, it provides affordability issues for both residents and the business community. He is calling on the government to reassess the cost of electricity in the region, after the project

has been implemented.

“Electricity costs can sometimes be 20 per cent of one’s income, which, in any business, is too high. So, we expect relief, not only with the

quality of the derivability of electricity supply, but also our reduction in electricity costs, which will allow us to reduce prices for consumer benefits…

So, we are also pleading with members of government to see

what they can do to bring down the costs,” the RCCI President noted.

He reiterated that the realisation of this solar farm will not only allow businesses to re-

duce their production costs, but to boost income as well whilst offering some form of relief to its consumers, as promised by the government.

This direction, the RCCI President believes, is one of

the many ventures that the Central Administration intends to take to push the region’s development, and, by extension, the country. To this end, Gajie said that once the farm is completed, the region intends to use the supply solely during the day, until further interventions are made from relevant stakeholders.

In 2020, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Farfan & Mendes Limited and SOVENTIX Caribbean S.R.L signed a $1B agreement to construct solar photovoltaic farms at Bartica, Region Seven and Lethem, Region Nine.

This agreement entails the execution of the engineering, procurement, construction and installation and commissioning of the power plants, which includes Battery Energy Storage Systems for the hinterland, especially at Bartica and Lethem.

Lot 1: The works are for the design, and procurement of all materials and specialised equipment, and construction of 2.5km 13.8 kV, three-wire (3W), three-phase, bare conductor overhead interconnecting transmission line for the solar PV plant at Bartica.

Lot 2: The works are for the design, and procurement of all materials and specialised equipment and construction

RCCI President Daniel Gajie of 0.5km 13.8 kV, three-wire (3W), three-phase, bare conductor overhead interconnecting transmission line for the solar PV plant at Lethem.

The project falls under the renewable energy solutions for the hinterland, a major component under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE) programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

It will address the energy diversification policy goals of the government, by increasing the electricity access for the hinterland and rural areas with renewable energy solutions. (DPI)

44 new COVID-19 cases detected, death toll at 986 21

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

THE Ministry of Health has reported that one more person who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus died on November 26, 2021, taking the country’s death toll to 986 since the virus was first detected in the country in March 2020.

The latest fatality is a 69-year-old female of Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara), who was fully vaccinated, and who died while receiving treatment at a government medical institution.

In addition to the death toll, the number of new cases of persons who tested positive for the virus continues to increase as well with an additional 44

new cases detected from some 1,029 tests conducted within the 24-hour period.

With these new cases, the country’s overall number of confirmed cases stands at 37,663. The bulk of new cases was recorded in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) which saw 25 persons testing positive.

Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two new cases; Region Three, five new cases; Region Five (Mahaica-Rosignol) three new cases; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), eight new cases and Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), one new case.

At the end of Friday last, 16 persons were in

the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital; 65 were in institutional isolation; 1,399 were in home isolation and there were two persons in institutional quarantine.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which are in effect until November 30, 2021.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health. gov.gy

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana donates school supplies to St. Cuthbert’s Mission

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), a 25 per cent working-interest partner in Guyana’s Stabroek Block with ExxonMobil and Hess, donated school supplies and CNOOC-branded items to learners and teachers from schools at St. Cuthbert’s Mission on the Mahaica River.

Donations were made to the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Secondary, Primary and Nursery Schools. The presentations are as a result of a visit to the area by CPGL’s representatives on October 29, when a needs assessment was conducted.

Supplies for the schools and the learners were provided according to requests submitted by school administrators. These items include stationery, books, teaching aids, and sanitation materials.

The visiting team from CPGL also presented Toshao Timothy Andrews and his staff, along with the teachers from the schools with Chinese cultural articles and CNOOC- branded

items.

“The donations are in alignment with CPGL’s corporate social responsibility framework, which focuses on enhancing education and supporting Amerindian

communities,” said Liu Xiaoxiang, President of CPGL. He added, “CPGL has established a long- term presence in Guyana. We have a genuine interest in developing the country’s capacity, and in

contributing to its social and economic development.”

CPGL recently awarded 18 scholarships in oil-andgas studies to the University of Guyana, and has given support to the Josh-

ua House Orphanage and the Turkeyen Community Youth Group. CPGL plans on continuing to support Guyanese in educational, capacity building, and safe community initiatives.

Officials of CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited and some of their beneficiaries

$3.4M in cocaine seized at Post Office

The envelopes which concealed the cocaine RANKS of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), on Friday, seized 647.6 grammes of cocaine in five yellow envelopes at the Guyana Post Office Corporation in Georgetown.

According to CANU, the envelopes, which were destined for Brooklyn, New York

City, each had cocaine concealed in a sealed plastic pack in between Christmas cards.

Based on CANU’s estimate, the discovered cocaine has a street value of $17,000 USD (G$3.4 million).

Further investigation into the discovery is ongoing.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 28, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021

Walsh hails decision to abandon Qualifiers, thrilled with ...

FROM BACK PAGE

“Yes it’s disappointing that the tournament had to be cancelled,” said the West Indies bowling legend.

“I’m sure all the teams here participating would be disappointed as it is a chance to put all your skills on show and especially the teams vying to get to the World Cup, there’s going to be disappointment.

“I think the right decision was taken by not putting the teams at risk, especially with the recent developments happening.”

Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, have all been blacklisted by the United States, United Kingdom and several European Union nations.

The move followed the announcement by the World Health Organisation that the new Omicron strain, first identified in South Africa,

Head coach Courtney Walsh

was one of “concerns”, with the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention warning about its “degree of transmissibility”.

West Indies played only a single game of the qualifiers when they trounced Ireland Women by six wickets last Tuesday.

Their second game scheduled for yesterday against Sri Lanka Women was subsequently abandoned without a ball bowled after a member of the Asian side’s support staff tested positive for COVID-19.

According to playing conditions, West Indies,

Bangladesh, Pakistan – the highest ranked teams in the November 21 to December 4 tournament – will now progress to the World Cup scheduled for March 4 to April 3, 2022.

“We are obviously delighted that we have qualified and that we will be there at the World Cup next year,” Walsh said.

“The girls are very happy because that was one of the missions we wanted to fulfil when we left the Caribbean.

“We’re going to start planning and preparing for New Zealand 2022 but our main focus right now is to get

the team back home quickly and safely.”

Only 11 matches of the qualifying tournament were possible before organisers pulled the plug, and West Indies now face a potentially tricky route home with several countries closing their borders to flights from southern Africa or subjecting travellers to strict quarantine protocols.

The Caribbean side were forced to play the qualifiers after finishing seventh in the ICC Championship, with the top four and the hosts qualifying directly.

'Cheating is cheating': Ian Chappell slams CA for making Steve Smith vice-captain BATTING legend Ian Chappell said that Australia shouldn’t have handed leadership duties to Steve Smith after the latter’s involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. The 32-year-old Smith became eligible to lead the Aussies earlier this year in March after he was banned for two years from taking any leadership responsibilities.

Ahead of the upcoming Ashes and in the aftermath of Tim Paine’s ‘sexting’ controversy, Smith was appointed as the national Test vice-captain. The right-hander is set to work under the captaincy of Pat Cummins, who has replaced the 36-year-old Paine at the helm.

Chappell was a tad agitated for the fact that different treatments were meted out to Smith and David Warner, who was also a part of the tampering saga. But while Smith has returned to leadership, Warner was barred from taking any captaincy roles anytime in the future.

The veteran said that Smith’s crime was a bigger one than that of Warner. Chappell put forth his opinions while speaking on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio yesterday.

“For starters, I have a problem - why

is Steve Smith looked upon as a different punishment to David Warner? In fact, if anything, I think Smith’s crime was greater. For a captain to say, ‘I don’t want to know’ when cheating is involved, is not correct.

“A captain’s got to know, he’s got to find out and he’s got to do something about it. Either Smith has a two-year ban from captaincy and so does Warner, or Smith has a life ban and so does Warner,” Chappell said.

Chappell was also of the opinion that in Paine’s case, CA, itself, should have left him out of the eleven after taking away his captaincy. After the recent incident, Paine stepped down as the Australian Test skipper and also took an indefinite break from cricket.

“Cheating is cheating whether it’s big cheating or little cheating, it’s still cheating in my book. If I’d have cheated as an Australian captain - I mean I made a lot of mistakes but I didn’t cheat. And if I had cheated, and if I had done what Tim Paine did, I would have expected Cricket Australia to not ask me to resign, they would have taken the job away from me and made sure I didn’t continue to play as a player,” he added. (CricTracker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021

Patel five-wicket haul helps host grab valuable first-innings lead

Left-arm spinner Axel Patel claimed figures of 5-62

LEFT-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed figures of 5-62 to help India grab a handy 49-run first-innings lead in the first Test against New Zealand yesterday.

The home side suffered a setback, however, with Shubman Gill's late dismissal as they finished day three on 14-1 at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium.

Kyle Jamieson bowled Gill for one and troubled Cheteshwar Pujara who remained unbeaten on nine.

Opener Mayank Agarwal was on four not out with India 63 ahead in the first match of the two-Test series.

"This is the kind of pitch where you can't expect wickets all the time," Patel said after registering his fifth five-wicket haul in seven innings.

"You have to be consistent with your line and length. The odd ball turned and occasionally it kept low. I think the wicket will slow down further."

Earlier, after inducing several edges that fell agonisingly short of fielders, Ravichandran Ashwin ended India's 66-over wait for a first wicket by ending a 151-run opening stand between Tom Latham and Will Young.

Young, having made a career-best 89, edged Ashwin and substitute wicketkeeper KS Bharat - replacing Wriddhiman Saha who was being treated for a stiff neck - grabbed a low catch.

Young was initially ruled not out, but India reviewed that decision, which had to be overturned after replays confirmed the edge.

Replying to India's first-innings total of 345, New Zealand were cruising at 197-1 in the morning session with Latham approaching his hundred and skipper Kane Williamson in the middle.

Soon after India took the second new ball, however, seamer Umesh Yadav trapped Williamson lbw on the stroke of lunch.

Williamson, who made 18, reviewed the decision, but replays confirmed the ball would have hit the top of his middle stump.

Patel ran through the New Zealand middle order removing Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls and denying Latham his century.

Latham made 95 before stepping out against Patel, only to be stumped after a fine knock that included 10 fours.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ashwin (3-82) claimed the last two wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for 296. (Sky Sports)

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings Mayank Agarwal c Tom Blundell b Kyle Jamieson 13 Shubman Gill b Kyle Jamieson 52 Cheteshwar Pujara c Tom Blundell b Tim Southee 26 Ajinkya Rahane b Kyle Jamieson 35 Shreyas Iyer c Will Young b Tim Southee 105 Ravindra Jadeja b Tim Southee 50 Wriddhiman Saha c Tom Blundell b Tim Southee 1 Ravichandran Ashwin b Ajaz Patel 38 Axar Patel c Tom Blundell b Tim Southee 3 Umesh Yadav not out 10 Ishant Sharma lbw Ajaz Patel 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-2, nb-4, w-1) 12 Total: (all out, 111.1 overs) 345 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-82 3-106, 4-145, 5-266, 6-288, 7-305, 8-313, 9-339.

Bowling: Tim Southee 27.4-6-69-5, Kyle Jamieson 23.2-6-91-3 (w-1, nb-4), Ajaz Patel 29.1-7-0-2, William Somerville 24-2-60-0, Rachin Ravindra 7-1-28-0.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham stp. (sub.) b Axar Patel Will Young c (sub.) b Ravichandran Ashwin Kane Williamson lbw Umesh

95 89

Yadav 18 Ross Taylor c (sub.) b Axar Patel 11 Henry Nicholls lbw Axar Patel 2 Tom Blundell b Axar Patel 13 Rachin Ravindra b Ravindra Jadeja 13 Kyle Jamieson c Axar Patel b Ravichandran Ashwin 23 Tim Southee b Axar Patel 5 William Somerville b Ravichandran Ashwin 6 Ajaz Patel not out 5 Extras: (b-6, lb-4, nb-5, w-1)

16

Total: (all out, 142.3 overs)

296

Fall of wickets: 1-151, 2-197, 3-214, 4-218, 5-227, 6-241, 7-258, 8-270, 9-284.

Bowling: Ishant Sharma 15-5-35-0 (nb-4), Umesh Yadav 18-3-50-1, Ravichandran Ashwin 42.3-10-82-3 (w-1), Ravindra Jadeja 33-10-57-1 (nb-1), Axar Patel 34-6-62-5.

INDIA 2nd innings Mayank Agarwal not out Shubman Gill b Kyle Jamieson Cheteshwar Pujara not out

4 1 9

Extras: 0 Total: (one wkt, 5.0 overs)

14

Fall of wickets: 1-2 Bowling: Tim Southee 2-1-2-0. Kyle Jamieson 2-0-8-1.

First Test in Chattogram ...

Pakistan drive home advantage with unbroken opening stand

LITON Das could not add much to his overnight score as Hasan Ali accounted for him. The bowler struck again to remove Yasir Ali and Bangladesh were six down early.

The body blow though was delivered by Faheen Ashraf who nicked off Mushfiqur Rahim, who in turn fell tantalisingly short of his ton by 9 runs.

(Scores at stumps: Pakistan 145 for 0 (Abid 93*, Shafique 52*) trail Bangladesh 330 (Liton 114, Mushfiqur 91, Hasan 5-51) by 185 runs) The tail did wag a little for Bangladesh after the departure of Rahim as Mehidy Hasan tried to hold the fort from one end but the all-rounder was left stranded on 38.

Hasan Ali was the go-to man and he came back and picked up the last two wickets.

His five-for had handed the advantage to Pakistan as Bangladesh had started the day at 253 for 4 and could add only

hand, continued accumulating runs at his own pace and was only seven short of a ton by the end of the day. Abdullah also shed his inhibitions as the

innings went along and got to his maiden Test fifty with a six.

Bangladesh could be on a leather hunt on Day 3 if they don't pick up early wickets as

this Pakistan line-up promises skills as well as depth. The pitch is still true and should be good for run-making on the third day too. (Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st innings

Abdullah Shafique and Abid Ali put on 145 for the first wicket

77 as the remaining wickets fell pretty cheaply.

Pakistan openers then went into a defiant mode and ensured Bangladesh never had a sniff at picking up a wicket.

Debutant Abdullah Shafique was put under some pressure and survived a loud lbw appeal.

Bangladesh didn't opt for the review and were left to rue the only chance that they created. Not even half-chances were

created after that, as the openers dealt with spin and seam in a similar adept manner.

Bangladesh pacers had started off with the new ball but hardly created an impression. Taijul did produce that occasional good ball and kept it tight but Pakistan openers had everything under control.

Mehidy did not create enough pressure as the runs came at a decent pace.

Abid Ali, on the other

Shadman Islam lbw Hassan Ali 14 Saif Hassan c Abid Ali b Shaheen Afridi

14 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Sajid Khan b Faheem Ashraf

14 Mominul Haque c Mohammad Rizwan b Sajid Khan

6 Mushfiqur Rahim c Mohammad Rizwan b Faheem Ashraf

91 Liton Das lbw Hassan Ali 114 Yasir Ali b Hassan Ali 4 Mehidy Hasan not out 38 Taijul Islam c Abdullah Shafique b Shaheen Afridi 11 Abu Jayed c Abdullah Shafique b Hassan Ali 8 Ebadot Hossain b Hassan Ali 0 Extras: (lb-14, nb-1, w-1) 16 Total: (all out, 114.4 overs) 330

Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-33, 3-47, 4-49, 5-255, 6-267, 7-276, 8-304, 9-330.

Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 27-8-70-2, Hassan Ali 20.4-5-51-5, Faheem Ashraf 14-254-2 (w-1), Sajid Khan 27-5-79-1, Nauman Ali 26-6-62-0 (nb-1) PAKISTAN 1st innings Abid Ali not out

93

Abdullah Shafique not out

52

Extras: 0 Total: (no wkt, 57.0 overs)

145

Bowling: Abu Jayed 10-0-30-0, Ebadot Hossain 12-3-31-0, Taijul Islam 19-5-39-0.

Mehidy Hasan 13 4-33-0, Mominul Haque 3-0-12-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021

Fastest to 50 wickets in Liverpool go second with Tests in the 21st Century big win over Southampton

KYLE Jamieson, on the second day of the first Test against India, reached 50 Test wickets in just nine matches. The tall fast bowler became the fastest New Zealander to do so.

He broke the record of the gun Blackcaps pacer Shane Bond, who achieved the milestone in 12 matches.

Making his debut last year in 2020 against India, Jamieson has already taken 20 scalps against Team India in his just fourth Test against them.

Speaking of bowlers reaching fastest to 50 wickets in this 21st century, in terms of matches, the accurate South African quick Vernon Philander reached the feat in his seventh game against New Zealand in 2012. India’s R Ashwin is equalled with Jamieson and Yasir Shah as the off-break bowler got to the milestone in his ninth match against England in 2012. Yasir Shah also recorded the same feat in his ninth Test against Sri Lanka in the year 2015.

Pakistan’s pacer Shabbir Ahmed reached a half-century of wickets in his 10th Test.

Two more Pakistan speedsters, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Abbas rushed to 50 scalps in their 10th match too. Australia’s Stuart Clark

Players

Diogo Jota's goal after just 97 seconds against Southampton is Liverpool's earliest in the Premier League since April 2019 (15 seconds vs Huddersfield)

New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson

did the job in the same number of matches.

Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rahman, Pakistan’s spinners reached the achievement in 11 games. Danish Kaneria, Umar Gul and the latest Pakistani sensation Hasan Ali - all three took only 12 Test matches to reach the 50 wickets mark. Pakistan has always been known for producing quality bowlers over the years.

Opposition

Reaching quickly to 50 wickets landmark, these bowlers justify that fact too - bowlers from other countries, India’s Harbhajan Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, Australia’s Brett Lee, Sri Lanka’s Dilruwan Perara and West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford all touched the landmark in 11 games.

Fastest to 50 wickets in Tests in the 21st Century:

Year Number of Matches

Vernon Philander New Zealand 2012 7 R Ashwin England 2012 9 Yasir Shah Sri Lanka 2015 9 Kyle Jamieson India 2021 9 Shabbir Ahmed England 2005 10 Mohammad Asif South Africa 2007 10 Stuart Clark Sri Lanka 2007 10 Mohammad Abbas Australia 2018 10 Harbhajan Singh Australia 2001 11 Brett Lee England 2001 11 Saeed Ajmal West Indies 2011 11 Abdur Rahman Bangladesh 2011 11 Shane Shillingford India 2013 11 Dilruwan Perara Australia 2016 11 Jasprit Bumrah West Indies 2019 11

English Racing Tips Carlisle 08:10 hrs Universal Folly 08:45 hrs Dreal Deal 09:15 hrs Scipion 10:20 hrs Lossie Mouth 10:50 hrs Morning Spirit 11:20 hrs Knowwhentoholdem

Leicester 08:55 hrs Book of Secrets 09:25 hrs Dolly Mequeen 10:30 hrs Presuming Ed 11:00 hrs Fanfan Du Seuil 11:30 hrs Dorisa Queen South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:15 hrs Tristful 08:50 hrs Vivid Jet

09:30 hrs Quasiforsure 10:05 hrs Mr Gonzales 10:40 hrs Family Favourite Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:35 hrs Fil Dor 09:05 hrs Impervious 09:35 hrs Fury Road 10:05 hrs Forza Milan 10:40 hrs Honeysuckle 11:10 hrs Glan 11:40 hrs Sa Fureur

DIOGO Jota scored twice as Liverpool thrashed Southampton to move up to second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Chelsea.

Southampton arrived at Anfield clearly determined to attack the hosts but their bold intent was punished in less than two minutes when Andrew Robertson was allowed to get away down the flank and cross for Jota to poke in.

Sensing the opportunity to secure a big win against wide-open opponents, Liverpool kept up the attack, Sadio Mane heading wide before having a goal ruled out for a marginal offside.

But a second goal duly arrived just after the half-hour mark when the unmarked Jota tapped in from Mohamed Salah's square ball after good link-up play between the Egypt international and Jordan Henderson.

Those two strikes took Liverpool to 700 goals scored since Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield - they have also become the first top-flight team in English football to score at least twice in 17 straight matches in all competitions since Sunderland in 1927.

The Reds were not done there, however, and a third goal arrived just a few minutes later when the visitors failed to clear their lines properly and Thiago Alcantara punished them with a deflected strike for his second goal in as many games.

The half-time interval provided only a brief respite and Liverpool made it 4-0 soon after the restart as Virgil van Dijk fired in from a corner.

Jota almost completed his hat-trick midway the second half but stabbed just wide as Southampton kept the damage to four goals when in truth it could have been much worse. (BBC Sport)

Berbice Cricket Board OGM set for today

BCB president Hilbert Foster and his executives will host the OGM today

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) today will be hosting its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) at the Port Mourant Community Centre from 11:00hrs, with attendance expected from a number of Ancient County clubs.

The following clubs and sub-associations are allowed one and two delegates respectively at the OGM. Among the items on the Agenda are the president’s, the secretary’s and the treasurer’s reports. All executives and delegates are asked to be seated by 10 45hrs.

The BCB will also be selecting a returning officer for the BCB elections on December 19, which will be held at the same venue. All delegates are asked to wear a face mask and to practise social distancing.

Among those clubs set to be present are: UCCA, WBCA, BRCA, Blairmont CC, Police CC, Young Warriors CC Rose Hall Canje Chesney CC, Albion CC, RHTYSC, MS Port Mourant CC, Whim CC, Kildonan CC Mt Sinai CC, Mental Hospital CC and Guymine CC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021

GFF delivers goalkeeping coaches workshop to boost Academy Training Centres THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) delivered its end-of-year Goalkeeping Coaches Workshop last Thursday to further build capacity among regional associations’ coaches and enhance the impact of GFF’s Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme.

The one-day training session, hosted at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, focused on teaching methods for goalkeeping fundamentals and was led by GFF’s goalkeeping coach Eon Deviera and GFF’s Coaching Education Officer, Lyndon France.

The theoretical and practical workshop was attended by 24 enthusiastic coaches from the GFF’s nine regional associations, who expressed their continued commitment to improving their goalkeeping skills.

The workshop included classroom modules on developing goalkeeping practice structures, training techniques and session plans, as well as fieldwork - focusing on posi-

Guyana’s football”.

Rounding up the day, GFF Assistant Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, said, while participants will not become professional goalkeeping coaches

The theoretical and practical workshop was attended by 24 enthusiastic coaches

tioning, types of catches and distribution.

“This is a very important course as part of the drive the GFF is currently undertaking with respect to getting football growing and coaches and players equipped to move forward in the right direction come 2022 and beyond,” said DeViera.

Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, added that “the main aim is for each of the

regional Academy Training Centres to have a specialised goalkeeping coach. We have a couple of very strong goalkeeping coaches with the national teams and we want to ensure that the Academy Training Centres follow the same structure.”

West Demerara Football Association coach Yonette Hector said the course was a great opportunity for coaches to take their g skills to the next

GFF Coaching Education Officer, Lyndon France, (red shirt) sharing some tips with the coaches

level: “When I go back to my team, I will be able to show them the basics of coaching East Bank Demerara Football Association coach Andre Gibbs added that he attended the session to improve his goalkeeping knowledge “so in the future I could share my knowledge with the youngsters and we can all improve

Cummins named Australia Test captain with Smith as deputy

PAT Cummins will skipper Australia in the upcoming Ashes against rivals England after being confirmed as the country's new Test captain.

Cummins is the first fast bowler to captain Australia's men's Test team on a full-time basis after Tim Paine sensationally stood down last week, having been embroiled in a ‘sexting’ scandal.

Paine had taken over as Australia skipper from Steve

The GFF’s ground-breaking ATC programme was launched in 2017 and is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region.

The programme is a

Smith in the wake of the sandpaper scandal during the South Africa Test tour in 2018 but he is now set to miss the Ashes altogether after taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future".

The top-ranked bowler in Test cricket, Cummins will have Smith as his vice-captain as Australia turn their attention to the December 8 Ashes opener in Brisbane.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 28, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) SL won by 187 runs (2) Dimuth Karunaratne (SL) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has played most Test matches against SL to date?

(2) Which SL has played most Test matches against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Pat Cummins is only the second specialist fast bowler to lead Australia in Tests after Ray Lindwall's solitary Test in charge in India in 1956

"I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer," Cummins said in a statement on Friday.

"I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years.

"With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group.

"This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to."

Australia star Smith returns to the leadership group after he served a two-year ban from holding any leadership role in Australian cricket following the ball-tampering saga three years ago.

Smith was hit with a 12-month suspension for his role in the scandal.

"I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can," Smith said in a statement as Australia prepare to host England, starting at the Gabba next month.

"Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well.

"We are also great friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other's company.

"There are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond." (Sportsmax)

in one session, the year-end course had taught them the fundamentals.

“I hope they return to their respective environments and make an impact, host sessions and seize every opportunity to work on the things they would have learnt and develop the players out there,” he said.

selective, national, youth development initiative that gives girls and boys aged between 6 and 19 a weekly, structured, training curriculum anchored in the GFF’s football philosophy and delivered consistently throughout its nine regional associations. (GFF relaease)

Director of Sport holds discussions with Toshao Williams

DIRECTOR of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, yesterday met with Toshao of Campbelltown Region Eight, Jilian Williams, to discuss a range of matters relating to sports in the community.

Ninvalle informed the Toshao of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Ground Enhancement programme and the National Sports Academy which Minister Charles Ramson Jr is set to launch shortly.

Here, Ninvalle and Williams exchange views on a plot of land earmarked for a community ground.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021

MVP Sports endorses GFF/ K&S Super 16 Cup football MVP Sports on Friday pledged one million dollars in sponsorship to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 Cup as part of growing corporate support for the year-end celebration of football.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde on November 25 received the cheque from Managing Director of MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo, at a handing-over ceremony at MVP Sports’ outlet in Giftland Mall, Liliendaal.

Ramdeo commended GFF and its partners for staging the Super 16 year-end tournament.

“After the tumultuous year and a half that we’ve all had in sports and all other aspects of our daily lives, we thought it was an excellent initiative to be part of this, for footballers to get some playtime and exposure, also for the fans to enjoy the game again in a safe way.

We want to be a big part of this, not only in this particular event but going forward in 2022 as well,” Ramdeo said.

New UDFA president to be elected today ACTING president of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), Claude Williams, yesterday afternoon confirmed that the long-awaited Annual General Meeting and Elections will be held today from 14:00hrs at the Watooka Club.

This quashed speculation that the very important meeting may not have been held as scheduled.

Chronicle Sport has been reliably informed that there will be a new president since the incumbent, Terrence Mitchell, has migrated and will not be seeking re-election.

Two names of persons interested in becoming the new boss of the UDFA have been placed in the public domain as contesting the presidency.

They are Deputy Mayor of Linden Wainwright Bethune and vice-president of Milerock FC, Victor Wright.

Forde thanked Ramdeo for his continued support of football development and emphasised the importance of corporate partnerships for the future growth of sport in Guyana.

“As leaders, we all have a responsibility to improve the quality of life for our young people and when corporate Guyana takes that faithful step to climb on board and support sports in general, then we are meeting that obligation,” Forde stressed.

GFF has organised one month of elite football over the holiday season, involving Guyana’s top male and female players and clubs from all nine GFF regional associations.

GFF-K&S Super 16 Cup will be held over the period December 12 to January 1, GFF Women’s Super 16 Festival 2021 over the period December 11 to January 2 and GFFK&S Futsal Championship over the period December 14 to January 8 in venues across the country.

They include venues in Georgetown,

Ian Ramdeo (left) of MVP Sports presents the sponsorship cheque to GFF president Wayne Forde

Buxton, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Providence, Leonora, Linden, New Amsterdam, Bartica, and Essequibo.

All participants including players,

coaches, staff, match officials, and fans will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access the competitions.

(GFF release)

BCB executives laud Motie/Shepherd recent selection for Pakistan tour

Guyanese cricketers Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie are the only local faces for the upcoming West Indies tour of Pakistan

THE president and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have extended congratulations to Guyanese Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie on their West Indies selection for the upcoming ODI/T20 series versus Pakistan.

The board via statement hailed the hard-hitting all-rounder Shepherd and the cunning left-arm spinner Motie, for their continued strides while calling on the youngsters to continue the rich legacy left by past stalwarts of Berbice and certainly, Guyanese/Windies cricket.

“We are very proud of both of you and most importantly we are very confident that you would represent the leg-

acy of Kanhai, Butcher, Fredericks and Kallicharran with passion, discipline and success”, the statement said.

The BCB, along with the management of the different clubs in the county, has worked hard over the last few years and we are reaping the success of our hard work. Since 2018, 19 Berbicians have either gained selection on West Indies teams at the different levels or were called to training camps.

Meanwhile, BCB head Hilbert Foster stated that while we can all celebrate our success, there is still much more to be done. The objective, he noted, is to double that amount in two years’ time.

Nicholson earns GDF promotion for South American 10k triumph THE country’s latest South American 10k Road Classic Champion, Marlon Nicholson, a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), has received additional recognition for his November 21st achievement.

According to a GDF release, Private Nicholson is now a Substantive Lance Corporal.

Lance Corporal Nicholson received his new badge of rank from Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess following the conclusion of the Force Quarterly Fitness Competition at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri on Friday.

Brigadier Bess encouraged the soldier, who is a member of the 3 1 Special Forces Squadron, to continue to give his best.

The Chief-of-Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force congratulated LCPL Nicholson on this achievement. checkered The 25-year-old Nicholson ran the race of his dreams to stun a chequered field in the South American 10k which was organised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) last Sunday.

The athlete was not in most pundits’ purview for a podium finish but he certainly will be remembered for his courageous run.

He clocked 33 minutes 27.80 seconds, with Missigher (33:38.30s) and Audwin Tudor (33:39.30s) finishing close for the other two Brigadier Bess affixes the new badge of rank podium spots. on LCPL Nicholson (Photo: GDF)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Sunday, November 28, 2021 Windies Women cricketers

Walsh hails decision to abandon Qualifiers, thrilled with Windies qualification HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Head coach Courtney Walsh has endorsed the decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to scrap the 50-over Women’s World Cup Qualifiers but said West Indies Women were thrilled with their qualification for next year’s showpiece in New Zealand.

The ICC announced yesterday the tournament would not continue due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, which had led several major countries to slap travel restrictions on southern African nations, including Zimbabwe.

TURN TO PAGE 27 While acknowledging the disappointment for all the teams involved, Walsh said player-safety was of the highest importance.

'Cheating is cheating': Ian Chappell slams CA for making Steve Smith vice-captain

Ian Chappell slammed CA for appointing Steve Smith as vicecaptain in Tests (AFP photo)

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MVP Sports endorses GFF/K&S Super 16 Cup football PAGE 31

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2021