Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-09-2021

WEDNESDAY 29th September, 2021

' No.106499

$366M in development work for communities from Uitvlugt-Tuschen PAGE

03

–– over 6,000 residents to benefit

$455.6M plugged into infrastructural 05 upgrade at Experiment Housing Scheme PAGE

The government’s efforts to distribute 50,000 house lots by 2025 is taking shape in various parts of the country. In these images from Office of the President, we see the status of the low-income houses being constructed in the vicinity of Little Diamond/Prospect, along the East Bank of Demerara

Administering of more Efforts underway to facilitate Former Department of 04 displaced North West Public Information Sputnik V second 08 Director dies from COVID-19 dose starts today 09 Secondary students PAGE

PAGE

PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

$366M in development work for communities from Uitvlugt-Tuschen

By Tamica Garnett

OVER 6,000 residents who fall within the Uitvlugt-Tuschen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) catchment area, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), are set to benefit from improved roads and other infrastructural developments, following the award of seven contracts valuing $366 million by the Ministry of Public Works to contractors.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, distributed the contracts on Tuesday, during a simple ceremony at the Uitvlugt-Tuschen NDC. Also present at the ceremony were Chairman of the NDC, Ramzan Ali, and Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three, Inshan Ayube.

The contracts which were awarded to contractors, cater for the rehabilitation of several roads, including the Zeelugt Housing Scheme Main Access Road, the entrance to Boodhoo Scheme in Blankenburg, and a street in the Uitvlugt New Housing Scheme.

Also covered under the contracts are the rehabilitation of a farm to market road from Nameless to Bendorff in Parika and a loading facility at Namryck.

“This is a result of complaints made by residents when we were in opposition and when we came into government, especially in the Zeelugt area.

“These roads are in a very dilapidated state that are even worse than the

roads in the interior. Taxis don’t go there, the people have to walk; when they walk, they are robbed in the process. We were on the ground three times with this NDC and we heard the complaints. That is why I came back to the NDC to sign the contracts. They lobbied for it, fight for it, pleaded for it and the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] answered that call and we provided it,” Minister Indar said.

He related that all of the contracts were awarded following a tender process where the lowest bidders were given the contract. The contracts run between three and six months.

The largest contract of the set caters for the rehabilitation of a section of the access road to the New Zeelugt Housing Scheme. Four contractors will be working on that road, with one contract having already been awarded prior to Tuesday’s ceremony.

Ali expressed gratitude to Minister Indar and the government for fulfilling their promise to bring betterment to the residents of the communities that will benefit.

He said that the new infrastructural works will bring a great ease to the residents, especially since the roadways have restricted them, in some cases, from accessing their houses.

Also making remarks at Tuesday’s ceremony was Regional Chairman Ayube, who also thanked the government for what he described as timely developments.

“Most of these contracts

3

–– over 6,000 residents to benefit

A section of the Zeelugt Road that will be rehabilitated (Adrian Narine photo)

are a commitment by the President [Dr. Irfaan Ali] to the farmers and residents in the area. We are very happy to see that promises materialise. But it is no surprise because normally when the government makes a commitment that commitment is executed.

“The execution of this commitment is very timely because the farmers there said the facilities in those areas are very bad,” he related.

He added that the new works are on par with the overall pace of development currently ongoing in Region Three. Development in Region Three, as said by local authorities, is moving apace, in keeping with the policy of the government.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Former Department of Public Information Director dies from COVID-19

IMRAN Khan, the Director of Communications within the Office of the Opposition Leader, has lost his battle with the novel coronavirus.

Reports are that an unvaccinated Khan went into severe respiratory failure a week after being admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. He died during the wee hours of Tuesday.

Khan, a senior member of the Alliance for Change, was also the former Director of the Department of Public Information, under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government.

Prior to that, he served as the head of communications for the West Indies Cricket Board, which has since extended condolences on

Khan’s passing.

On September 25 at 00:27 hrs, just three days before he died, Khan posted to his Facebook page saying that “By the grace and strength of God, I am still fighting this.”

At 15:10 hrs the following day, he made a separate post thanking persons for their outpour of love, prayers, and messages of encouragement and support.

“I am overwhelmed beyond explanation and I am in excellent spirits,” Khan said in his social media post, adding: “Please be assured that I am fighting and there is no giving up.”

In commenting on Khan’s passing, former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo was quoted by Big Smith News as saying that he was surprised that someone of Khan’s stature was un-

Man nabbed after throwing cannabis over fence A 31-year-old plumber is expected to be charged for drug possession following a raid at his Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara home.

According to a press release from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on Monday, September 27,

ranks conducted a raid at the home of Rodwell Taylor.

The ranks reportedly saw Taylor with a black bulky plastic bag in his hands, while he was standing in front of the two-storey building Upon seeing the officers entering the yard, Taylor Rodwell Taylor and the narcotics the CANU officers retrieved allegedly ran into the lower the black plastic bag was flat, causing the officers to retrieved. It contained small give chase. ziplock bags filled with canHe exited the lower flat nabis weighing a total of 200 through the back door, leav- grams. ing a trail of ziplock bags He was arrested and escontaining cannabis, before corted to CANU Headquarthrowing a black plastic bag ters. over a concrete fence.

He is presently in custoTaylor was arrested, and dy pending charges.

Wednesday, 29 September 11:00hrs - 12:30hrs

vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus that has killed millions globally and more than 700 locally.

Also testing positive for the virus was Khan’s wife, Attorney-at-Law Tamara Khan, who has since been discharged and is currently receiving home care.

As it is, 99 per cent of all COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded as unvaccinated persons.

The late, Imran Khan The Ministry of Health has said that it is continuing its national coronavirus novel vaccination programme, and called on all eligible Guyanese to take the lifesaving jabs.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

$455.6M plugged into infrastructural upgrade at Experiment Housing Scheme –– works to pave the way for 500 allottees to begin construction of their houses THE Experiment Housing Scheme at Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is benefitting from a $455.6 million effort to improve the requisite infrastructure for more than 500 allottees to begin construction of their houses.

During a recent visit to

the community, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, inspected ongoing works, and, according to the government’s Department of Public Information, four contractors are currently working on the project to execute land clearing, construction of roads, bridges and drainage.

The department quoted Minister Croal as saying that the project did face a slight delay, owing to access to the reef sand. “…but we have met all the contractors and we worked out a timeline and so, allottees here awaiting at Experiment can rest assured that, by the end

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, inspecting a section of the area where the land is being cleared (DPI photo) of this year, they will be gion Five. We are off the $12 billion in infrastrucable to access the facility,” main road, but if you come tural development in 22 Croal said. down here then you will new and existing housing According to the DPI see the amount of develop- schemes across the counreport, construction works ment that is taking place,” try.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and team engaging one of the contractors at the Experiment Housing Scheme (DPI photo)

A major bridge under construction at the Experiment Housing Scheme are ongoing on a major bridge that will allow access into the area earmarked for residential and commercial housing. Another major access road has been cleared, and contractors are on the ground completing the land clearing.

Minister Croal was further quoted as assuring Region Five residents that the government is accelerating its housing development drive for them to ensure every person awaiting a house lot receives one.

“Persons have been asking [they haven’t been seeing much] what is happening for housing in Re-

he said.

Further, he said the Housing and Water Ministry was seeking to identify additional lands for future housing developments within the region.

To this end, the ministry is negotiating with the Mahaica, Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), to explore the possibility of accessing new lands for future housing allocation, according to DPI. As a consequence, the government is investing

These are: Little Diamond/Great Diamond, Prospect and Providence, East Bank Demerara; Cummings Lodge, Mon Repos, Vigilance, Bladen Hall and Strathspey, East Coast Demerara; Experiment in Region Five and No 79 Village, Ordinance Fortland and Hampshire/ Williamsburg in Region Six. The ongoing works, according to the information department, paves the way for the administration to achieve its target of distributing 10,000 lots during its first year in office and an overall 50,000 lots in five years.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

How many more?

THE reality of the death of former Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan, is still being grappled with.

He died at the National Infectious Disease Hospital from COVID-19. The death of anyone is sad and extremely painful for surviving family members, relatives, friends and colleagues. According to reports, Khan was healthy, suffered no underlying conditions and reportedly, he was unvaccinated against COVID-19.

An online news entity reported that a former senior official, who was Khan’s boss, being shocked not just at his passing but by him being unvaccinated. In that report, the official stated his surprise over someone of Khan’s stature would choose not to be vaccinated. It is also reported that Khan’s wife was hospitalised with COVID-19 and may also be unvaccinated.

Over the weeks, there has been an increased in the number of COVID-19 cases here as well as related deaths.

Glaring, except for a miniscule percentage, is that the deaths are among

unvaccinated persons. To date, over 770 persons have died from COVID19.

Sadly, and even tragically, there are still persons in society who are vociferous in their advocacy against COVID-19 vaccination.

Some of the leading anti-vaxers, as they are referred, are Khan’s former colleagues and associates. While it is common courtesy to not disparage the dead, in these extremely challenging circumstances of a global pandemic, persons with influence and who opposed efforts to have people protected, cannot go unnoticed.

Many with tremendous influence across the world and who vehemently tried to deny the existence of COVID-19 either contracted it or died from it. Many who were unvaccinated, became hospitalised and survived, publicly regretted their decisions, including advocates of, “My body, my choice”.

Recently, there was a call for a shutdown of Region 10 on the grounds of having a right to choose with regard to COVID-19 vaccination. While we all have choices, we must be responsible,

especially those with influence. This has been said over and over, but yet, either for machoism or for political show, or both, unfortunately, the advocacy by some against COVID-19 vaccination, continues.

This can only be seen as a deliberate attempt at putting people’s lives at risk.

Reportedly, Khan supported that call and related misinformation over the vital vaccination process against the ongoing pandemic.

His death is indeed shocking and extremely sad. Following the news of his hospitalisation, there was much optimism for his speedy recovery. Only Sunday last, through a post on his Facebook page, he vowed to fight giving much hope to family and friends. The pain they now feel is unimaginable. One can only hope that the tragic and painful lessons will be heeded.

If his unvaccinated status is true and for whatever reason he chose that path, the hope is that all will see and advocate the value of the COVID-19 vaccines to help save lives. Vaccines do save lives and there is provision for those who are

medically exempted.

Given the devastation to lives and economies across the world, with regard to the former, it raises an important question: how many more have to die before the message is heeded?

How much more pain and loss would it take? Having a choice is one thing, endangering lives is another. At no point in time did the opposition or the Guyanese public had reason to be dissatisfied over the availability of first doses of vaccines.

That speaks to not just the management of the process by the government, but also the priority it places on the safety of the people. In these situation, each is expected to play his/her part; at the least, a demonstration of a sense of responsibility.

If only those with influence and who misuse it would so endeavour, many lives could have and would be saved. The best tribute to Khan would therefore be for his colleagues to work in the best interest of others to help avoid COVID-related deaths as a result of an unvaccinated status.

Close bars, all parties until we achieve desirable vaccination numbers

Dear Editor,

LET me begin by commending the Government of Guyana and the Minister of Health for their efforts thus far in managing the COVID-19 situation in Guyana.

The government has made a variety of COVID-19 vaccines available to all and has managed to operationalise the Infectious Disease Hospital in a short space of time to assist in the fight against this pandemic. Further, I would also like to commend the government for the COVID-19 Cash Grant. In these trying times, it’s refreshing to know you have a government that cares.

With that said, I move on the National COVID-19 Taskforce, the body who was given the power by the President to craft the policies and restrictions for us to follow during the time of this pandemic and to plead my case to them.

I noticed that Private Sector Commission

(PSC) and several businessmen and women, particularly those who operate bars, were the ones petitioning the Taskforce to allow for the re-opening of businesses. Further, these bar owners even petitioned for the curfew to be moved from 18:00 hours to 22:30 hours.

I was in support of this since these businesspeople made a compelling argument that they would follow all protocols and even made some suggestions of their own. Also, the loss of income was starting to impact communities and families.

However, this needs to be reassessed, now.

Over the weekend, bars across Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and in Region Three, were packed to maximum capacity, no one wearing masks, some places not even requiring persons to produce proof of vaccination, all in breach of the COVID-19 Guidelines, which were gazetted for the month of September. What is very important

to note is that these bar owners/operators and promoters/party organisers go unpunished and, in my view, directly contribute to the raise and spread of COVID-19, since most of them close their bars at 21:30 hours.

A few quick examples, a bar in Sandybabb Street was overflowing with persons, not a soul with a mask on and they got away with it because they closed at 21:30 hours.

Similarly, an event was hosted at a ground on Carifesta Avenue, same situation. Another example, an event was hosted at Woolford Avenue and reports are that at least 40 per cent of the attendees have now contracted COVID-19. Further, a popular APNU supporter held a party at his bar and again, no requirement for proof of vaccination, no one wore a face masks, etc. I can go on and on, but I believe the point is made.

Since June or July 2021, cases and number of deaths continue to rise daily. As I was writing this letter, the number of deaths was

762, while the number of active cases was over 4,000 from about one-third of the population tested.

This should be of concern for many persons, yet everyone in Guyana is so relaxed as if we have beaten COVID-19. Every day in the Newspapers, the Minister of Health is pleading with persons to take the vaccine and to observe the COVID-19 Guidelines.

As a result, I believe that the COVID-19 Taskforce should re-implement the closure of bars and all parties and such activities until we have achieved desirable vaccination numbers and it is safe.

In the current state, we are just putting an entire nation at risk by allowing these bars and clubs to be open without any monitoring to ensure they are following the protocols outlined.

Yours truly, Rawle Nichols

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

The Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to firstly retender and then cancel the supply request is altogether proper Dear Editor, GOVERNANCE is filled with challenges; the recent retender brouhaha is a good example. It would seem the explanations offered are too technical in nature and layman’s terms are preferred, so here goes: an agency budgeted a fixed sum (say 10 dollars) for steel, went out to tender, and then cancelled the tender thereby causing some confusion.

The agency was faced with three courses of action: A) Cancel the tender and ask for a retender. B) Cancel the tender completely or until a new budget could accommodate the higher costs.

C) Accept a bid at 10 dollars with the knowledge that steel prices had risen dramatically, the winning bidder would have supplied and asked for a variation on submission of the invoice.

Contract variations are changes in the amount or cost of works/service/

supply stated in a contract. These can be either an increase or decrease in the work needed to be done, changing the scope of work. These contract variations may be instructed by the client or proposed by the contractors which are to be agreed upon by all parties. The use of variations is a method used by unscrupulous contractors and government officials to bypass tender regulations; very often the lowest bidder’s final bill exceeds the highest bidder’s tender as the contractor and officials collude to approve a series of variations.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s decision to firstly retender and then cancel the supply request is altogether proper and may have foiled a plan to exploit a well-known loophole in the tender laws.

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s instruction is a ‘variation’ on business as usual that is welcome and long overdue.

Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

Comprehensive and costly but worthwhile Dear Editor, IN an Article titled, “GWI exploring Hope Canal for East Coast Demerara (ECD) water reservoir” appeared in the Guyana Chronicle on September 26. It was reported therein that the Ministry of Housing and Water (MH&W) through the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is conducting tests to determine the viability of using the Hope Canal as a reservoir to provide water for domestic use or irrigation or both for residents on the ECD. The Hope Canal was built to relieve flood water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Atlantic Ocean. With some modification, it could be used as a reservoir and a conduit for water from the EDWC to meet the need of residents on the ECD providing that its original objective is not compromised.

The EDWC provides water for Georgetown and its suburbs after it is treated as well as irrigation needs for crops along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.

There were periods when the EDWC could

not meet these needs due to droughts and serious rationing of water occurred. Therefore, the MH&W has to determine whether the EDWC could meet the proposed additional demand of water throughout the year for ECD residents.

The water to be extracted from the Hope Canal for use by the ECD residents will require a conveyance and distribution system with a treatment plant. Further, if it is determined that sufficient water is not available in the EDWC throughout the year to meet all the current and proposed needs, then additional sources of water will have to be found. These could probably come from artesian wells and/or pumping from the Mahaica and Demerara Rivers to supplement stored rainfall in the EDWC. This is likely to be a comprehensive and costly project but a worthwhile one which could be funded from the windfall oil and gas revenues the country if fortunate to receive.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Efforts underway to facilitate displaced North West Secondary students A TEAM from the Ministry of Education visited Region One, on Tuesday, to formulate a plan to ensure that students of the North West Secondary School and teachers remain engaged, after they were displaced because of a fire which destroyed at least 60 per cent of the school’s infrastructure.

The purpose of the recent two-day visit was to assess the extent of the damage caused by the fire and to put a system in place for the reopening of the school.

The team from the Education Ministry comprised of Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson; Deputy Chief Education Officer (AHED), Marti DeSouza;

Chief Schools Inspector, Saddam Hussain; Coordinator of the Schools Board Secretariat, Roopnarine Tewari and Technical Facilitator, Kerwin Jacobs.

The Regional Education Officer, Akbar Chindu and Education Officer, Fareeda Jacobis, also participated in the site visit and subsequent meetings.

The Ministry of Education’s team and the regional officials discussing plans to facilitate displaced North West Secondary School students and teachers On Sunday, a meeting was held with the Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Tikaram Bisesar and an engineer attached to the region.

At the meeting, Dr. Hutson said that the Ministry of Education considers schooling for the students of the North West Secondary a top priority, and that the visit was aimed at activating a plan of action that will be implemented to ensure students are meaningfully engaged.

Some of the decisions taken, following the meetings, include the continued

use of the dormitory with a new entrance being created for safe access; Grade 10 teachers will work one additional hour in the morning and afternoon sessions; a designated area at the Learning Resource Centre will house the administrative section of the school and that each temporary site will be supervised by a senior member of staff.

Ashley said that over 60 per cent of the building was destroyed. He added that the region is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure all temporary sites are adequately equipped and op-

erationalised to facilitate the teaching-learning process.

He said that such will be done while the process of renovating or constructing a new school building will be expedited.

The team from the ministry also met with the Senior Leadership Team of the school on Sunday, while, on Monday, separate meetings were held with the teachers of the school and the parents of the students at the Mabaruma Primary School.

At both meetings, Dr. Hutson underscored the See page 10

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Administering of more Sputnik V second dose starts today –– as Guyana receives another consignment

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that persons who took their first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine over the last three months will be able to access their second ‘jabs,’ as it is now available locally.

Another consignment of the vaccine arrived in Guyana on Monday evening, according to Dr. Anthony during Tuesday’s COVID-19 update. He said persons could begin receiving the ‘shots’ on Wednesday.

“So, we have received a quantity of second dose and what we are doing is encouraging anyone, who require their second dose, to come out from tomorrow (Wednesday) at the various sites across the country so that they can get their second dose Sputnik.

“We know that there are a number of persons who were waiting, and so what we’ll be doing is a first come, first serve basis. So, come out you get your vaccine, so I want to really encourage people, use the op-

portunity come out and get the vaccine so that you know you can be fully vaccinated,” Minister Anthony said.

Guyana, like many other countries around the world using the Russian vaccine, has been experiencing a delay in the shipment of the second dose.

Officials say the global shortage is due largely to the spike in cases of the Delta variant.

The Sputnik V vaccine is reported to have been most effective against this latest variant. Minister Anthony has also

said that the government will continue to push forward in trying to access the vaccines in the quickest possible time for the Guyanese population.

To date, 356,062 or 69.4 per cent of adults in Guyana have taken their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 184,941 or 36.1 per cent are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Additionally, 23,237 or 31.9 per cent of adolescents have taken the Pfizer vaccine.

(DPI)

The latest consignment of the Sputnik V second doses arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday evening (Ministry of Health photo)

10

Efforts underway ...

From page 8

effects of the destruction of the building, while noting the need for ensuring there is learning continuity for the displaced students.

In addition, the Head-

teacher (ag) of the North West Secondary School, Indra Chacon, said that they have drafted an operational schedule to guide face-to-face inter-

action.

And based on feedback, all teachers and parents present were in support of the operational plan. (Ministry of Education)

Teachers and ancillary staff who participated in Monday’s meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

GPL, GWI to collaborate to improve Region Six water supply

SHODDY water service in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will become a thing of the past as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has stepped in to address the growing concerns of residents.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has assured residents that they will soon receive an improved quality of treated water.

Residents have, for months, been complaining about the poor water quality they have been receiving.

Sixty-one-year-old Ste-

ven Kasinath, a councillor and resident of Chesney Village Corentyne, said the community has been severely affected by the fluctuating water service.

“For the past two to three months, the water comes on and off. There is no proper water flow but, in the night, like after eight [o’clock] … we have water but during the day when the housewives wish to use this water to do some little house chores then there is no water to do it,” he told the minister.

Another resident, Kamaludeen Hussain, said as

early as 8:00 hours, there is no water supply in the community. Hussain said that basic services such as water and electricity must be prioritised.

“It would ensure that we get 24-hours water as promised and everything would be fine. The resolution of this matter would show residents the seriousness of the government,” he said.

GWI’s Manager, Randolph Leitch, said part of the issue has been caused by faulty power lines that are the basis of constant power outages.

“For the past month and a half, we have been experiencing voltage imbalance from GPL because we have had customers complain that they have power at home but no water.

“So, once GPL gets any fluctuation then the pump would trip off and that is why most of the homes would get water during the day between the hours of 3pm and 6pm.

Sometimes it (water) comes back at 12 and then goes again at 2,” he said.

In response, Minister Rodrigues said: “I spoke with Minister (within the Ministry

of Public Works) Deodat Indar, M.P about this and we are trying to see how best we can address the situation as quickly as possible because it is not only here, but in every region. We are looking at it, it has our attention so it will be addressed shortly.”

Minister Indar has responsibility for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Minister Rodrigues, for the water sector.

While most of GWI’s pump stations are equipped with generators to ensure that there are minimal incidents, Minister Rodrigues said that

the approach is not feasible at every station.

In the meantime, Minister Rodrigues asked residents to be patient with the entity and the government, as they work to rectify the situation.

Communities such as Fryish, Port Mourant, Babu John, among others are also affected.

Minister Rodrigues has informed residents that the region will soon benefit from a third water treatment plant for the Corentyne Coast to provide 100 per cent coverage of treated water. (DPI)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Guyana’s eighth oil lift slated for November

GUYANA’S eighth oil consignment is slated to be lifted in November, according to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who confirmed that this next oil lift will also mark the fifth for this year.

On Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle reported that because of the continued rise in global oil prices, the country’s petroleum revenues will remain on an upward trajectory, with the country’s eighth oil lift positioned to rake in close to US$80 million.

At the time of that report, the price for brent crude was pegged at approximately $79.24 – its highest since

October 2018. However, that figure has dropped slightly to $78.72 per barrel, as at Tuesday.

Should this remain the case during Guyana’s November oil sale, the country would earn some $78,720,000, which would be less than revenues garnered from the seventh oil lift that valued US$79,617,561.87, and marked the largest single oil payment the country has received to date.

In a statement issued then, Minister Bharrat said that the seventh payment was for 1,047,820 barrels of oil, which was extracted from the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and

Offloading (FPSO) vessel on July 3, 2021. The seventh oil lift brought the country’s oil extractions to a grand total of 7,056,262 barrels, and earnings to US$436 million Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

In early March, Guyana also received US$61,090,968 (approximately G$13 billion) from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift. Further, it earned

in excess of US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and received US$13.9 million in royalties during the first quarter of this year.

It was reported, in May, that the country’s total revenue is expected to increase by 17 per cent, with earnings in the petroleum sector alone reaching well over US$500 million by the end of this year.

Even as global oil prices begin to fluctuate, ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners are moving ahead to begin their largest exploration campaign within the Guyana basin. This could see the country’s nine billion plus (barrels) oil finds doubling

by 2025.

Since 2015, Guyana has had 22 oil discoveries, and with the country poised to gain far more within the coming years, Minister Bharrat related that the government’s approach is to “bring benefits from the sector to our people.”

Meanwhile, speaking last month at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) hosted in the United States, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had recognised that because of the climate change imperative to decarbonise the world, it was also important that Guyana pursues an aggressive mission of “getting as much oil out of the ground

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat as quickly as possible.”

The former President reasoned that Guyana has to maximise the benefit from the industry and use those benefits to change lives of every Guyanese.

“We don’t know how swiftly we’ll get to a decarbonised world, but we have to make use of this period when there is still demand See page 13

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Guyana’s eighth oil lift ...

From page 12 to get as much as possible out of the ground and that is why we support the rapid pace of the industry, but it must be done safely,” he related.

On a local radio programme called, “Guyana’s oil and you,” Jagdeo had said, pointedly, that even with the environmental concerns relating to oil production, Guyana does not have the option of leaving the oil in the ground.

To this end, he said: “There are many people saying now that we should not be producing oil. We don’t have that option in Guyana. Our people badly need development and we have to make sure that we produce the oil and get as much development out of it for our people to invest long term in other sectors so that they can get wealthier and have a decent life.”

The former Head of State, who has been globally recognised for his efforts to fight against climate change, indicated the government’s intention to rely on the advice of experts to ensure that its decision to continue oil production was sound.

“We can’t shut down the industry as some people have been calling for. We are going to be driven by the technical expertise. The oil and gas industry will be vital to our future and we have to do it well,” he said.

“We have made it clear that we are going to try, as far as possible, to ensure that

As of Tuesday, oil price was $78.72 per barrel Guyanese benefit from these resources,” he reiterated.

The Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government has repeatedly pledged to utilise Guyana’s petroleum earnings to transform and modernise a number of non-oil sectors, more importantly, agriculture.

The President has also said, on multiple occasions, that all measures are being put in place to ensure that Guyana does not fall prey to the dreaded ‘Dutch Disease,’ which has severely affected many other countries that have been relying solely on their oil revenues.

Unavailability of COVID-19 vaccines at health centres due to storage issues MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that COVID-19 vaccines would not be available at all health centres across the country because there are requirements, such as temperature for proper storage, that must be met.

“We don’t have vaccines at every health center. These vaccines require a certain temperature at which we must keep them and so forth, but we have more than 100 different sites across the country, and we have been repeatedly identifying these sites so that people would know and go to these sites and get vaccinated, so access to the vaccine is not a problem,” Dr. Anthony said during Tuesday’s edition of the COVID-19 update.

The Health Minister said the ministry has been promoting vaccination for the last six to seven months, through radio and television advertisements and education campaigns, among other means.

He said encouraging more persons to get vaccinated should be a national effort and the responsibility of every Guyanese. He urged vaccinated persons to encourage others to take their vaccine, as it is necessary to prevent severe symptoms and death.

To this end, Dr. Anthony related: “This responsibility or this encouragement to get people vaccinated is not just a ministry of health issue, it is every one of us who are living in Guyana should encourage people to get vaccinated because this is what is going to get us closer to herd immunity and this is what is going to help to reduce infection, help

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony to reduce hospitalisation, and ultimately help to reduce deaths.”

The continued rise in COVID-19 cases necessitates a collective effort to guard against the deadly effects of this disease.

The number of coronavirus cases continues to increase with active cases being recorded in all 10 Administrative Regions.

The country has recorded 129 cases within the last 24 hours, with 12 being maternal cases.

This has taken the overall number of active cases to 3,992. Of that number, 131 persons are currently hospitalised, with 31 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Minister Anthony said Regions Three, Four, Five, Nine and Ten remain hotspots across the country. (DPI)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Early medical attention necessary to prevent cardiovascular disease

OFTEN a slight, sudden and unorthodox pain in the chest might be rubbed off as no reason for concern, but these small and what might be considered insignificant signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease are usually indicators which, if taken into consideration, might be life-saving.

Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s and Guyana’s number one killer. It results in 18.6 million deaths a year globally. One of the leading causes is the hesitancy to seek medical attention. Often times, medical attention is sought too late.

Now, more than ever, persons who have expe-

rienced symptoms of cardiovascular diseases are hesitant to seek medical help, according to Interventional Cardiologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Michael Chin, who speculates that the delay may be due to fear of being exposed to COVID-19.

“As such, patients with

heart attacks and strokes and other medical emergencies are presenting later to hospital and when someone presents late to hospital with a medical emergency, then that in itself can lead to their untimely demise, as well as to more complications,” Chin said during an interview with the media on Monday.

Dr. Chin highlighted that most common amongst Guyanese is coronary artery disease which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This occurrence can cause a narrowing or blockage of the artery and ultimately a heart attack.

The decreased blood flow may not cause any symptoms initially; however, as the plaque continues to build up in the coronary arteries, persons may experience chest pain triggered by physical or emotional stress, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with activity and heart attack. “… a lot of people in their 40s they get chest pains and tend to not think of it as it being something that is significant … if you have these particular symptoms and they’re very persistent then you should not stay home, you should try to seek medical attention early,” he said.

“We could do …an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is an electrical tracing of the heart and if you have a significant blockage that could be picked up and then you can receive these medications early and that will open up the artery and restore the fluid and reduce your chance for damage,”

he added.

Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, high stress, obesity, genetics, age and sex.

“Some of the risk factors we see in Guyana where we have a high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, unhealthy eating, and inactivity, all those can contribute to the buildup of these plaques,” Dr. Chin said before recommending lifestyle changes aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases.

“In addition to that, people can develop heart failure, and in terms of other cardiac disease we see in Guyana such as value disease and arrhythmias of the heart, such as atrial fibrillation, so those are the common heart conditions,” he added.

Further, Dr. Chin reported that myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) which can reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood and cause rapid or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), has been common amongst persons who are infected with the COVID-19 virus.

He said that the hospital has been seeing patients who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus suffer from heart complications, some of which may even be linked to the novel coronavirus.

“Studies are showing that people have developed a condition called myocarditis, and myocarditis is a condition where the heart

Interventional Cardiologist at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Michael Chin muscle becomes inflamed.

Myocarditis can recover completely or it can lead to heart failure and we are seeing that in young people in Guyana,” Chin said.

Dr. Chin said that there is a high chance of there being a connection between COVID-19 and the disease, myocarditis, as it is being detected among the younger generation which does not possess the typical risk factors that causes the disease.

“When we now do testing…we could do antibody testing, their antibody test comes back positive, suggesting that they would have had COVID infection in the past, and now they have persistent weakness or heart failure,” he said.

Symptoms in the early stages of myocarditis includes chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeats, or shortness of breath. However, some people with early-stage myocarditis don’t have any symptoms. Severe myocarditis can permanently damage one’s heart muscle, possibly causing heart failure, heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias or even death.

Dr. Chin recommends that persons who experience symptoms of cardiovascular disease seek urgent medical attention to be diagnosed as quickly as possible and to access life-saving treatment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Two in custody for abducting Walton Hall bus driver A FATHER and his son are currently in custody at the Anna Regina Police Station, and a woman is being sought following the abduction of an Essequibo bus driver on Monday evening.

The victim, Imran Khan, aka “Panko”, of Walton Hall in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was dragged out of his parents’ home by two known men around 19:30hrs. His hands were zip-tied before he was placed in the trunk of a car. He was then transported to the road leading to the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), where he badly beaten. Upon seeing a vehicle approaching, his abductors re-entered their vehicles and drove off.

The badly injured lad was taken to the police station and later transported to the Suddie Public Hospital.

His mother, Bhagpattie Khan, told the Guyana Chronicle that her son had, moments earlier, returned home from Georgetown, and was relaxing when he was attacked.

She recalled that she was in the kitchen when she heard two vehicles pull up in front of their gap. Two men entered her home and began pulling her son, who was shirtless, out of the building.

She recalled that she questioned the men about their intentions, and their response was that they were going to “kill” him.

On hearing that, the woman reportedly raised an alarm, but by then the men had re-entered their vehicles and sped off.

Bhagpattie told this publication that just before the men arrived, someone called her son to “hire” him to pick up “passengers” at Supenaam, but he sent his friend instead.

She said that the “passengers” asked the friend if he

The injured bus driver was “Panko”, and when he responded in the negative, they drove off and went straight to her house. It is unclear at what point the second vehicle joined them.

“Is the same people that went to Supenaam that came to our house; they wanted to kill him at Supenaam, but their plan failed, so, instead, they came for him at his house,” the terrified woman said.

She added that after “Panko” was taken, she called another son, and he attempted to intercept the two vehicles but was unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, “Panko”, who has multiple bruises about his body, recounted how he was badly beaten by the two men and a woman.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the woman and the two men hit him repeatedly with pieces of wood, a belt, and a gun. A cutlass was also used in the attack.

Reports are that “Panko” was accused of having a relationship with a 13-year-old relative of the suspects.

He, however, denied the allegation when asked about it by this publication.

Police have so far recovered a belt, zip ties, and one of the vehicles used by the abductors.

One of the cars used in the abduction

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Trial into Ruby businessman’s murder winding down

COME September 29, Justice Sandil Kissoon is expected to sum up the evidence in the trial of the 2008 murder of 76-year-old Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman, Habiboodean.

His daughter, Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean, and Linden Lewis, the man she allegedly hired to carry out the murder, have both pleaded not guilty to the offence which was committed on

February 15, 2008 at Ruby.

Following the summing up at the Demerara High Court, the judge will hand the case over to the 12-member jury, who will then retire to consider the verdict.

The state is being represented by Senior State Prosecutor Lisa Cave, while attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahamat and Roger Yearwood are on record for the accused.

It is alleged that Bibi not

only hired Lewis to kill her father, but also helped him to gain access to his home on the day of the murder.

Reports are that when the “hitman” entered the businessman’s home, he found the elderly businessman sitting in a chair, and proceeded to strike him repeatedly, causing him to later succumb to his injuries at a hospital.

Bibi was charged along with another man, shortly after the murder was com-

Linden Lewis and Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean mitted, but they were both discharged by a magistrate due to insufficient evidence.

Lewis, who had fled to the “interior”, was arrested by the police two years later.

Word is that the police got a breakthrough in the case after Lewis and four others were detained for the murder of Mohamed

Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, who were reportedly burnt to death at their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home in 2016.

While in custody, someone tipped off investigators that Lewis had vital information about Habiboodean’s death. He allegedly confessed and told the police that

he was paid by Bibi to kill her father.

Shortly after, Bibi turned herself in to the police, and reportedly provided investigators with a statement that was consistent with that given by her father’s alleged killer.

Bibi and Lewis were later charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Region One Commander reminds CPG members of role in promoting safer communities

CRIME, traffic violations, domestic violence and breach of the COVID-19 restrictions came under the microscope of Region One (Barima-Waini) Commander, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, during an interactive training session with members of Community Policing Groups (CPGs).

Some two dozen CPG members attended the session which was held last weekend at the Santa Rosa Primary School in Moruca.

Commander Persaud said the meeting promoted partnerships and community-oriented policing as it was underscored that crime prevention requires a proactive approach by all stakeholders, especially residents of the various communities.

Among those present were the CPG Chairperson of Moruca, Heddi James, and Liason Officer Hercules Domingo.

The commander singled out the roles of both the police and the CPGs in making communities safer from crime, traffic violations, domestic violence and breach of the COVID-19 restrictions.

Police ranks under the supervision of a sergeant were reminded to make themselves accessible and to give feedback to persons living in the community they serve.

“You need to listen more and understand public needs, be transparent, accountable and effective in your approach. Be a problem solver, be professional and continue to patrol your beat,” the commander told the CPG members.

He also reminded them that they took an oath to serve the state of Guyana without favour or affection, malice or ill-will and to promote public peace while being proactive in preventing offences.

21

Commander, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud (fourth from right), with CPG members and several police ranks following the interactive session Further, he reminded the CPG members not to stray from their roles while noting that they should work closely with the police in an effort to prevent or reduce crime in their respective communities.

The commander emphasised that they should volunteer information on suspicious characters or activities in their respective communities, work closely with the police through community policing forums, encourage greater contact between neighbours, support victims of crime through counselling, and safeguard the neighborhood by forming a security watch scheme.

“Never take the law into their own hands, always be alert and support the police, assist in solving ongoing problems in the community, know the locations where crimes are committed, find solutions to local problems, and report other issues bothering the community like noise nuisance, domestic violence and other abusive behaviours by particular individuals in the community,” he added.

Some of the concerns raised by CPG members included: the need for uniforms and identification card for the members, the swearing in of rural constables for each group to empower them with the authority to effect arrest of offenders when the police cannot get to the scene quickly, transportation and fuel for patrol vehicles.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

All large gatherings in Region 3 now require NCTF approval GIVEN the increase in COVID-19 cases in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), all applications for weddings and other large gatherings, regardless of the purpose, will now have to be made to the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

This is according to Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, who has said that, previously, some permission and consideration came from the regional body.

Emphasising that there are many active cases in the region, he said the community of Tuschen has been identified as a hotspot.

He noted that, as of Tuesday, records show that 108 persons from Region Three have succumbed to COVID-19 and, as of September 27, there are a total of 1,133 active cases.

Samples taken from ten persons who had died while being treated for COVID-19 like symptoms, subsequently confirmed that they were positive for the deadly virus, Khan said.

September 2021 is now the deadliest month since the first COVID-19 case and death were recorded in Guyana in March 2020.

The month of September also saw some of the highest infection numbers which have resulted in healthcare facilities becoming Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 overwhelmed.

As of September 26, Task Force, Halim Khan some 354, 676 persons had received the first dose of a COVID vaccine, representing 69.1 percent of Guyana’s adult population.

Of this number, 184, 072 persons or 35.9 per cent of the adult population have also received a second dose. Over 131 persons who have tested positive for the virus are being treated at a medical facility.

According to Khan, statistics from the region indicate that daily screening for COVID-19 is being done at the Leguan Hospital and health outposts, Wakenaam Hospital and health posts, the Leonora Hospital and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

He urged all Guyanese to act responsibly and to take all precautions to safeguard their life.

“Unless people take the precautions and stop taking this for granted, we will not see a decrease in the numbers, and more persons will fall sick while many will die. Many persons feel that it cannot happen to them, that is the same mindset that have the numbers going up,” Khan told this publication.

He continued: “Because of the Delta surge, we are going to see an increase in cases. Thousands of tests were conducted at private and public institutions last week and the cases are steadily rising.”

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency measures (No.21), which are in effect until September 30, 2021. This order emphasises: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Six more persons die after contracting COVID-19

SIX more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 778, the Ministry of Health has reported.

The latest fatalities include three males: a 43-yearold from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 74-year-old from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), who were both unvaccinated, and a 49-year-old male from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who was fully vaccinated.

The females who died are a 40-year-old from Region Five, a 60-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and an 81-year-old from Region Four. They were all unvaccinated.

According to additional information from the Ministry of Health, Region Four accounted for 77 of the 123 new cases; Regions One and Five recorded four cases each; Region Three, 17; Region Six, 10; Region Seven, one and Region Nine recorded 11 new cases.

Even as new cases were recorded, 82 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the

total number of recoveries to date to 26,639.

The country has now recorded a total of 31,359 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 31 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 137 are in institutional isolation; 3,774 are in home isolation, and 10 are in institutional quarantine.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until September 30, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166, 226-7480, or 180/181 for assistance.

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, September 29, 2021

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 29, 2021

Champions League

Messi scores in PSG win over Man City as Real Madrid stunned by Sheriff LIONEL Messi scored his first goal for Paris St Germain (PSG) to help secure a 2-0 win over Manchester City in their Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes.

PSG took an early lead in the seventh minute when City failed to clear a cross into the box and Idrissa Gueye smashed the ball into the top corner.

City responded as Raheem Sterling headed against the crossbar, before Bernardo Silva fired the loose ball back up onto the bar when it looked certain he would score.

Messi, back following a knee problem, capped a fine all-round display when he played a one-two with Kylian Mbappe on the edge of the penalty area and clipped a wonderful finish into the top corner SG move top of Group A, with City down to third after Brugge won 2-1 at Leipzig.

Christopher Nkunku put the Bundesliga side ahead in the fifth minute from close range, with the goal given following a lengthy VAR

review.

In the 22nd minute, Brugge captain Hans Vanaken saw an equaliser ruled out for offside after the hosts had been caught trying to play out from the back – only for VAR to swiftly overturn the decision.

The Belgians turning things around when they took the lead five minutes before half-time when Mats Rits knocked a loose ball in from six yards.

Sheriff Tiraspol pulled off an enormous shock as they won 2-1 at Real Madrid to make it two wins out of two in Group D with a late strike from Sebastien Thill.

Jasur Jakhshibaev headed the Moldovan outfit into the lead in the 25th minute, but Los Blancos were level through a penalty from a second-half penalty by Karim Benzema, given following a VAR review.

The visitors, though, snatched all three points with just a minute left when Thill drove the ball into the top corner from 20 yards to leave the Bernabeu in stunned silence.

Earlier, new heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk was watching in the stands as Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan played out a goalless draw at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv.

Liverpool took control of Group B as they ran out 5-1 winners at Porto.

Mohamed Salah put the Premier League side ahead in the 18th minute when he bundled the ball in after Curtis Jones’ angled drive from the left had been pushed out by the keeper.

Sadio Mane tapped home a second just ahead of half-time after James Milner’s cross from the right went right through the six-yard box.

Salah added a second just after the hour after being set up by Curtis Jones.

Mehdi Taremi pulled one back for the hosts, only for Roberto Firmino to roll in a fourth on the break after goalkeeper Diogo Costa was caught upfield and could only race back to scoop the ball out from behind the line.

The Brazilian added a

fifth when tucking in a rebound.

At the San Siro, Luis Suarez netted a stoppage-time penalty as Atletico Madrid came from behind to win 2-1 against AC Milan, who had Franck Kessie sent off in the first half.

The Serie A side were rewarded for a positive start when Rafael Leao drilled in a low shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 20th minute.

Milan, though, were reduced to 10 men just nine minutes later when midfielder Kessie was dismissed for a second caution.

Antoine Griezmann finally levelled things up with six minutes left with a well-taken volley and Suarez had the last word when his scuffed spot-kick squirmed past Mike Maignan.

Ajax maintained their 100 per cent start to Group C with a 2-0 win over Besiktas at the Johan Cruijff Arena, while Borussia Dortmund beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park. (PA Sport)

Ramdihal, Motie spin Galaxy CC to 40-over Caribbean Fest title LEFT-ARM spinners Hemendra Ramdihal and Gudakesh Motie spun a full-strength Galaxy Cricket Club (GCC) to an emphatic 10-wicket victory, when the final of the Caribbean Fest 40-over tournament was played last Sunday at Baisley Pond.

National cricketer Motie and his Berbician counterpart Ramdihal did the damage after Meten-Meer-Zorg won the toss and opted to take first strike.

Ramdihal, who opened the bowling, destroyed the top order with his stifling deliveries, before Motie did damage to the middle order.

Ramdihal finished with 4-23 from eight overs, while Motie took 3-21 from seven overs to go with a run-out and a catch.

Support came from former West Indies Test spin-

ner Devendra Bishoo, who picked up 2-10 from 5.2 overs. Jonathan Foo was also very economical since only one run came off his two overs.

Mohamed Shaw with 18, Andy Mohammed (12) and Looknauth Chinkoo

English Racing Tips Nottingham 08:30 hrs Fresh Hope 09:00 hrs Ellencarne 09:30 hrs Aristobulus 10:00 hrs Lezardrieux 10:30 hrs Wink If An Dye 11:00 hrs Haizoom 11:30 hrs Raasel Bangor On - Dee 08:10 hrs Tequila Blaze 08:40 hrs Rich Vslentine 09:10 hrs Fruit N Nut 09:40 hrs Massini's Dream 10:10 hrs Jessica Rabbit

(11) were the only batters in double figures, which left fellow pro-Guyanese side Meten-Meer-Zorg on 79 before they were bowled out in 28.2 overs.

Needing to score at just two runs per over, the GCC’s opening pair of 10:40 hrs Jolly Maker 11:10 hrs At Poets Cross Kempton 1200 hrs Love Trophy Power 12:30 hrs Migdam 13:00 hrs Raadobar 13:30 hrs Scampi 14:00 hrs Eton Blue 14:30 hrs Rooful 15:00 hrs Nezar 15:30 hrs Highway One Irish Racing Tips Bellewstown 09:05 hrs Stellar Spirit 09:35 hrs Navorrosse 10:05 hrs Pimstrel 10:35 hrs Stormy Jen 11:05 hrs Special Power 11:35 hrs Tide Of Time

Mushin Perkhan and former West Indies youth cricketer Zamal Khan wasted no time to reach 81 in 12 overs.

Perkhan finished with 40 runs (5x4, 1x6) from 43 balls, while Khan added 37 runs (4x4, 1x6) from 29 balls.

12:05 hrs Vinland 12:40 hrs Cask Mate American Racing Tips Balterra Park Race 1 Walker's Girl Race 2 Cardinal Bird Race 3 Graynay Race 4 Myositis Mystique Race 5 Not Again Jackie Race 6 Oak Room Race 7 K W Captain Hook Race 8 Royal'D South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:20 hrs Millsy's Girl 08:55 hrs Sea Eagle 09:35 hrs Royal Kitty 10:08 hrs What A Ryder 10:45 hrs Leslies Pathoffame

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 29, 2021

World Cup-winning England striker Roger Hunt dies aged 83 FORMER Liverpool and England striker Roger Hunt has died at the age

of 83.

Known as 'Sir Roger' to Liverpool fans, Hunt

was part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning side and is the club's record

league scorer with 244 goals.

The forward won 34

England caps, scoring 18 international goals after making his debut in 1962 when Liverpool were in English football's second tier.

Hunt played in every game of the 1966 World Cup and scored three times to help England out of their group.

"Roger Hunt comes second to no-one in his importance in the history of Liverpool FC, that much is clear," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool players wore black armbands in their Champions League group game against Porto In Portugal on Tuesday.

Born in Golborne, Cheshire, on 20 July 1938, Hunt signed for Liverpool in 1958 and made his 492nd and final appearance for the club in 1969, by which time fans had christened him 'Sir Roger'.

Under legendary manager Bill Shankly he helped the club out of the Second Division in 1962 by scoring 41 goals in as many games.

Liverpool then won the First Division in 1964 and 1966 either side of a first FA Cup win in 1965.

While it is his 11 years with Liverpool for which he is best known, Hunt also had a successful three seasons with Bolton Wanderers after leaving Anfield in 1969.

Klopp added: "To be the goalscoring catalyst of the Shankly team to achieve promotion then win those precious league titles and the FA Cup puts him in a bracket of LFC legends who are responsible for making us the club we are today.

Not only that, he was also a World Cup winner in 1966, too.

"I am told the Kop

Roger Hunt played in every game of England's 1966 World Cup win.

christened him 'Sir Roger' for all his achievements.

A goalscorer who never stopped working to help his team-mates; I believe he would have fitted well within our current team.

"So, it is Sir Roger we will remember, honour and pay tribute to over the coming days."

Jimmy Greaves, who played alongside Hunt in the group games of the 1966 World Cup before picking up an injury, died aged 81 earlier this month.

Hunt's death comes six months after that of his long-time Liverpool strike partner Ian St John, aged 82.

A Liverpool statement said Hunt "passed away peacefully at home following a long illness", adding: "The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Roger's family and friends at this sad and difficult time."

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said England would pay tribute to Hunt when they face Hungary at Wembley in October.

Bullingham added that "English football has lost another great", saying Hunt "will always be treasured by fans across the country. (BBC Sport)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 29, 2021

Joe Root ‘desperate’ to play in Ashes but unable to commit so far ENGLAND captain Joe Root is yet to fully commit to this winter’s Ashes even if he is “desperate” to do so and admitted this could be his last opportunity to win the urn in Australia.

Root and his England team-mates are still in the dark about the exact conditions of entry into Australia and those with young families are wavering about travelling due to the stringent COVID-19 restrictions they could face throughout the tour.

However, it is understood discussions between the two countries’ boards are at an advanced stage and England’s players could be presented with specific details in the next few days before a squad is announced next week.

Until then Root, who himself has two children aged under five with wife Carrie, refused to say one way or another whether he would be leading the side for a series that is scheduled to get under way on December 8 in Brisbane.

The 30-year-old, named the cinch Professional Crick-

eters’ Association men’s player-of-the-year, said: “I feel it’s so hard to make a definite decision until you know. It’s a little bit frustrating but it’s where we are at.

“From a player’s point of view we just want to know what the position is and then we can make decisions. Of course it’s been a discussion point throughout the whole summer; it’s a big deal for all of us.

“That’s why it’s so important that we get all the information. I’m desperate to be part of an Ashes series, I always am, it’s that one series as an England player that you want to be involved in and that will never change.

“The position I’m at in my career, it could be the last opportunity I get to go, so of course it’s something you’re desperate to do, desperate to hopefully make history over there and be part of something very special.”

The final Test is unlikely to take place in Perth because of a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Western Australia while four coronavirus cases coming to light in Queensland, where

Joe Root has a modest record in Australia by his own high standards.

the Ashes opener is set to be played in a little over two months, led to a Sheffield Shield match being suddenly postponed with just an hour’s notice.

That is unlikely to have improved the mood among the England players who are having misgivings about the trip but Root insisted his team-mates are free to make up their own minds about whether to take part on the tour.

He said: “I think it’s really important everyone makes a decision that he is comfortable with. There are so many

Usyk eyes heavyweight unification fight after Joshua rematch

By Sergiy Karazy KYIV, Ukraine (Reuters) Newly crowned world heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk expects a rematch against Anthony Joshua in February or March and has his sights on a title unification bout, his team said yesterday.

The Ukrainian defeated Joshua in a boxing masterclass at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Saturday in front of 67 000 fans, earning a unanimous points decision to take his British rival's WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts.

WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury of Britain faces American Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas next month in the third of three fights between the two.

"We can talk about the unification of all the belts only after Tyson Fury will have a boxing match again Deontay Wilder,

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk attends a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine yesterday. (REUTERS/ Valentyn Ogirenko)

and they determine the champion, and after our re-match with Anthony (Joshua)," Usyk told a news conference in Kyiv.

"Of course, I would like very much to have this unification match."

A former undisputed cruiserweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist, the 34-year-old Usyk was contesting only his third professional heavyweight fight. He follows in the footsteps of compatriots Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko who dominated the division from 2004 to 2015.

Speaking alongside Usyk, his promoter Alexander Krassyuk said a rematch between Usyk and Joshua would probably take place in February or March.

"As for the rematch: the rematch was written in our contract and it is now activated

by Joshua's side," he said. "And I remember when we were talking to Oleksandr about the rematch, he wasn't upset. On the contrary, he was happy."

"He was glad and said - 'Oh, cool! I will beat up Anthony twice!". Looking at Usyk, Krassyuk added: "Or I shouldn't tell them this?"

different factors that fall into it and hopefully we’re in a position where it’s not an issue.

“We just have to be patient, we just have to wait until we know what’s happening and then make a decision on the back of that.”

Root has amassed 1 455 runs at a supreme average of 66.13 in his dozen Tests this year, with two double hundreds and four centuries, and will be hoping to continue his golden run of form if he decides to head Down Under.

Joe Root has a modest

record in Australia by his own high standards. Australia represents something of a final frontier for Root, who has been unable to reach three figures in nine Tests while he averages 38 there, set against a career record of 50.15 from 109 matches.

When reminded that he is without a ton in Australia, Root, who presided over a 4-0 series defeat in the 2017/18 series, responded: “I’m very aware of that and it’s something that I desperately want to put right.

“As a senior batter in the

side, you want to be the one scoring the runs; you want to be the one making those big hundreds. I have not done that this year so far.

“But it’s the one place where I feel like I have underperformed and I’ve not got the best out of myself.

It’s a great driver for me to go and do it this time round.

Hopefully that can be the case.”

Joe Root was speaking following the 52nd cinch PCA Awards, the biggest awards ceremony in English cricket.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 29, 2021

Bob Willlis Trophy final

Warwickshire build lead after bowling out Lancashire for 78 at Lord's CRAIG Miles took five wickets before Rob Yates and Dom Sibley shared an unbroken 120-run stand to put county champions Warwickshire firmly on top after day one of the Bob Willis Trophy against Lancashire at Lord’s.

Miles’ five for 28, plus three wickets for teenage seamer Manraj Johal on his first-class debut and two for Liam Norwell, helped to roll a sorry Lancashire for an anaemic 78 in 27.5 overs after they were invited to bat first.

The total was put into context as Yates (69 not out) and Sibley (49 n.o.), both of whom benefitted from being dropped in the same over, took the newly-crowned winners of the LV= Insurance County Championship to 120 for nought before bad light and then rain brought an early end to proceedings.

Intermittent showers throughout the opening day of a fixture that could run into October meant that only 61.5 overs were possible but Warwickshire were still able to move into pole position to complete a first-class double.

Lancashire could not even blame the weather early on after they lurched to 12 for six and in danger of setting their lowest first-class total ever as Warwickshire’s probing bowlers exploited a little movement under blue skies.

Their openers were back in the pavilion within 22 deliveries, George Balderson the first to depart after shaping to leave a rising delivery from Norwell, only for the ball to take the blade before flying to first slip.

Alex Davies was a touch unfortunate after inside-edging a fuller delivery from Miles on to his pad, with the bowler alert enough to charge

Craig Miles' caught-and-bowled to get rid of Lancashire opener Alex Davies was probably the highlight of his first five-wicket haul at Lord's.

forward and take a superb, low diving catch.

Miles’ next over led to full-on panic stations for Lancashire as Luke Wells was bowled by one that snaked down the slope through bat and pad before Red Rose captain Dane Vilas got a three-ball duck after a yorker had him lbw.

A position of nine for

four became 11 for five as Croft was trapped in front by one that jagged back into him to continue Miles’ supreme start to the morning, before Norwell found the outside edge of Rob Jones with just one more added.

Lancashire’s lowest ever first-class total of 25 – set against Derbyshire in 1871 – seemed to be under threat but

Brathwaite reveals challenges of being an overseas IPL player THE Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most celebrated T20 leagues in the world. Not just the Indian players but the foreign players also look forward to being a part of this mega tournament.

However, with the cutthroat competition of the league, there is pressure on the players to deliver. The West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite opened up on the

various aspects of the IPL. More often than not, IPL brings some enthralling contests to the fore and which keep fans at the edge of their seats. The on-field demands of the tournament are naturally high however. The players also have certain other commitments off the field while the IPL players have to fulfil their commitments of commercials.

The foreign players are

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite

(Wednesday September 29, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dinesh Ramdin-9 dismissals (4 catches; 5 stumpings) (2) Johnny Bairstow-5 dismissals (5 catches) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has played most T20 Internationals against ENG to date?

(2) Which ENG player has contested most T20 Internationals against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

also included in the ads and it is no brainer that the shoots are long. The schedule of the cricketers thus revolves around this wherein they have to shoot and then reach the ground for practice.

Brathwaite, who has featured in the league, recounted the instances and stated that sometimes it was difficult to get in the right headspace to go and practise in the nets.

“IPL is probably the biggest beast when it comes to ads and video shoots, pho-

toshoots. So much happens around. You have to get on the bus and have a clear mind to then go and practise. Many days, I would be like I can’t practise, because I was not in the right headspace to go there and face a Mohammed Shami in the nets.

“So there is so much around it that you need to be able to compartmentalise.

When you are off the field you are doing ads and other things. But once you get to practise the game, you need to completely switch off and concentrate on the job in hand,” Carlos Brathwaite said in an interaction with ESPNcricinfo.

The West Indies all-rounder recently praised RCB pacer Harshal Patel after he delivered a splendid spell against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Patel bowled a few slower deliveries that helped him to register a hattrick against MI. Brathwaite also added that Patel’s slower deliveries reminded him of Dwayne Bravo’s. (CricTracker)

an unbeaten 46 from number eight batter Luke Wood at least avoided that fate.

Josh Bohannon resisted for a 39-ball 17 and put on 35 with Wood before gifting Johal, who replaced England seamer Chris Woakes in the line-up, his maiden first-class wicket by pulling straight to Sibley at midwicket.

While Wood seemed to be batting on a different surface than those above him, Johal snared lower-order pair Tom Bailey and Jack Blatherwick for ducks before Miles fittingly wrapped up the innings after lunch as Matt Parkinson nicked off.

Lancashire’s bowlers were unable to make the same impact as their Warwickshire counterparts as Bears openers Yates and Sibley made a confident start in mid-afternoon, racing to the 50 stand within 11 overs.

Wood should have made

inroads not once but twice in his opening over, but not for the first time he was let down by his team-mates. His first delivery found the outside edge of Yates, on 35, only for Jones to spill a high chance at second slip and two balls later, Sibley, on 29, got a tickle but wicketkeeper Davies dropped a low chance.

Warwickshire moved level with their opponents’ paltry total in Wood’s second over before establishing a lead in his third.

Yates reached a 73-ball fifty with a thickish outside edge for his 10th four before Warwickshire reached three figures. While Lancashire’s bowlers tried manfully, they were unable to make a breakthrough before the players were brought off at 17:00hrs, with any hopes of a restart ending just before 18:00hrs.

(PA Sport)

Narine stars with bat, ball as KKR beat Delhi Capitals SUNILl Narine starred with bat and ball in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 41 of the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in Sharjah yesterday.

In the chase of 128, KKR were off to a brisk start before Lalit Yadav dismissed Venkatesh Iyer in the fifth over. While Rahul Tripathi announced his arrival in style, he got out soon after as DC picked the second KKR wicket in the powerplay.

DC then kept things tight with the ball and the approach worked as KKR lost Gill and captain Eoin Morgan in the 11th and 12th overs respectively.

While Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana added a valuable 29-run stand, Avesh Khan picked his second wicket as he dismissed the KKR wicketkeeper-batsman in the 15th over to reduce KKR to 96-5.

Narine joined Rana in the middle and changed the course of the match. The lefthander went after Kagiso Rabada in the 16th over, tonking two sixes and a four, as KKR scored 21 runs an over to bring down the winning target to nine runs from four overs.

While Narine got out in the next over after his 10-ball 21-run cameo and KKR lost Tim Southee in 18th over, Rana, who scored an unbeaten 36 took KKR home.

Earlier, KKR made two changes to their team as Southee and Sandeep Warrier replaced Andre Russell and Prasidh Krishna while DC brought in Steve Smith in place of Prithvi Shaw.

DC made a solid start as the pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Smith took the team to 29-0. But their opening act was cut short as Lockie Ferguson struck in his first over as Venkatesh Iyer took the catch to dismiss the DC left-hander.

Narine struck soon after the powerplay as he let one through the defence of Shreyas Iyer to disturb the timber. Smith and captain Rishabh Pant then chipped in with a 37-run stand before the right-hander chopped one back onto the stumps as Ferguson picked his second wicket.

Iyer’s twin strikes and Narine’s wicket of Lalit Yadav then reduced DC to 92-6 in the 15th over. While R. Ashwin and Rishabh added 28 runs together, KKR restricted DC to 127-9. (IPL)

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 29, 2021

Ambassadors are SCA 2021 Elite champions

By Frederick Halley LAST year they were crowned Group A Elite champions after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the organisers to divide the division into two groups of four. There were also no playoffs, hence no final.

O n S u n d a y , A m b a ssadors Sports Club, after topping the points table among the eight teams during the regular season and subsequently winning their semi-final against Ajax Cricket Club, were crowned the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) 2021 Elite champions.

In a hard-fought low-scoring final, played at the Ashtonbee Number One ground, Ambassadors huffed and puffed their way to 127 for six in 37.2 overs after limiting archrivals Victoria Park Cricket Club to 124 all out in 45.5 overs.

Urged on by a fair-size gathering of spectators, Ambassadors slipped to a precarious 80 for five in the 25th over as Victoria Park kept a tight rein on proceedings with experienced spinners Parth Desai and Shailesh Patel bowling

The victorious Ambassadors side with SCA president, Shiv Persaud at extreme left

MVP Shuaib Zaidi collects his MVP trophy from SCA President, Shiv Persaud.

intelligently.

However, a rearguard effort from Razon Rahaman (28 not out) and Shuaib Zaidi (26) who added 46 for the sixth wicket saved the day for the eventual winners.

With just one needed for victory, Zaidi went caught by Krunal Panel off Arjun Sood after hitting a four and a six.

A more subdued Rahaman was still there at the end despite not hitting a boundary.

Durand Soraine had earlier hit an entertaining 42, batting at number three, a knock that included three fours and two sixes before his stumps were knocked back by Jaimit Patel. The only other player to reach double figures was Ryan Lall (11). Desai ended with two for 25 from his 10 overs.

Earlier, it was a steady procession by Victoria Park after they were invited to

take first strike. The innings never got going as wickets fell at regular intervals. They were in danger of not reaching 100 but for a stubborn 35 (one four, one six) from the burly Tarun Pothugunta that ensure they reached an inadequate 124.

Fast medium bowler Zaidi, who was later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the winners, bagged four for 32 in an inspired opening spell while Soraine claimed three for 11, Talha Shaikh two for 15 and skipper Amerish Deoraj one for 14 in an economical

spell of 10 overs. Pothugunta took the MVP award for the winners.

Zaidi also ended with the most wickets (23) in the season with economy rate of 4.32 at 11.17 runs apiece. Trushil Patel (Islanders Sports Club) took 19 wickets from eight matches with an economy of 3.93 and an average of 11.16. In the third spot was Mohammad Azmi (Highland Creek) who claimed 18 wickets, economy 5.27 at 18.33 runs per wicket.

Zaheem Ghazanfar of Highland Creek topped the

batting with 282 runs from five matches, hitting two centuries, including a top score of 122, averaging 70.5.

Guyanese-born Yoodhanlall Sukhlall (Ajaz) totalled 258 from six matches with a highest score of 92 and a average of 559.6 while Hassan Haider Khan (Highland Creek) made 199 from nine matches with a highest score of 81, averaging 22.11.

SCA president, Guyanese-born Shiv Persaud congratulated both teams for reaching the final and lauded the camaraderie exhibited among the players.

Pollard helps Mumbai brush Gabriel will 'trust the process' on road to full fitness aside Punjab ABU DHABI, (CMC) – West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard crossed a personal milestone and had a small hand in the final push for victory when Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways with a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) yesterday.

Pollard struck a four and a six in 15 not out, as Mumbai chased down a target of 136 in overs to collect two points and strengthen their playoff chances.

Mumbai were dealt two big blows when pacer Ravi Bishnoi had Rohit Sharma caught at mid-on for eight and bowled Suryakumar Yadav for a first-ball duck in the fourth over.

Mumbai were 16 for two, but Quinton de Kock

and Saurabh Tiwary started to rebuild the innings. The pair kept the scorecard ticking and added a vital 45.

Mohammad Shami bowled de Kock for 27 in the 10th over, but Tiwary continued his good work and with Hardik Pandya took Mumbai past 90.

Tiwary fell for 45 caught behind to Nathan in the 16th over, bringing Pollard to the crease.

Pollard and Hardik advanced Mumbai’s cause with a few lusty blows, setting upon Arshdeep Singh and Shami in the closing overs to take their side over the line.

Earlier, Punjab were kept under a tight rein, as Mumbai bowled with discipline in the powerplay and managed to strike in the sixth over, when Krunal

Pandya got Mandeep Singh lbw for 15.

Pollard landed the massive blows in the seventh over however he condemned out-of-form West Indies teammate Chris Gayle to another batting failure, having him caught at long-off for one and Punjab captain KL Rahul caught at short fine leg for 21 for his 300th wicket in all Twenty20s.

Jasprit Bumrah then got the better of an lbw verdict to remove West Indies lefthander Nicholas Pooran for two and Punjab were reeling on 48 for four in the eighth over.

Aiden Markram and Deepak Hooda added 61 for the fifth wicket to push Punjab past 100, but Kings could not finish strongly and were limited to 135 for six.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - West Indies Test pacer Shannon Gabriel said he is “putting in the work” to return to full fitness and will “trust the process” that he will be ready to answer the call to play whenever it comes.

Gabriel, 33, was sidelined because of injury concerns from the Windies side that drew a two-Test series against Pakistan last month in Jamaica.

“It's been a process because I have had a few weeks off, I got some rest, I cleared my mind and cleared my thoughts to get myself prepared to think about the next step towards international cricket, so it has been going well so far,” he said in an interview with CNC3 TV. “I was taking time off from everything. I had a few weeks off. I was just giving the cricket a rest for a little bit and clearing my mind, refocussing.

For the last two weeks, I have

West Indies pacer Shannon Gabriel.

(Photo: CWI Media)

started back training, so it has been well so far.”

Gabriel said the last few months have been tough for him because of the frustration that comes with being sidelined with injury.

“The year started off well for me,” he said. “I had a pretty good series (on the tour) in Bangladesh, but it's just the last two series that have been frustrating.

“It's not been a fitness issue because even the fittest of us

can get injured sometimes, but it is frustrating because you know you are doing everything that is possible to stay on the park and still the injuries come, so that's frustrating at times.”

West Indies have a tour of Sri Lanka for two Tests on the cards in November and Gabriel said he expects he will be ready.

“As long as I put in my work, the rest is going to take care of itself,” he said. “I have not been doing anything out of the ordinary that I am not accustomed doing in preparation for a tournament or a series, so I am putting in the hard work and I will trust the process.”

Gabriel has taken 159 wickets in 55 Tests for West Indies at 31.66 runs apiece since making his debut nine years ago on a tour of England.

His best figures are 8-62 against Sri Lanka at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia three years ago in a Test, where he captured 13 wickets.

CWI, WIPA pay tribute to Imran Khan

Former CWI marketing and communications manager Imran Khan

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt and West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) president Wavell Hinds paid tribute to former CWI marketing and communications manager, Imran Khan.

Khan died yesterday from complications related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He was 42.

He was the Chief Communications Officer for the Leader of the Opposition in his native Guyana, Joseph Harmon, and spent the last week in the intensive care unit of the COVID-19 hospital in Liliendaal on the outskirts of the Guyana capital, Georgetown, where he died. He was not vaccinated.

Before returning to Guyana to get into active politics with the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, Khan held several posts in and around West Indies cricket, including Media Relations Officer for the Windies team, where we worked closely with Skerritt as manager and Hinds as player.

Skerritt said: “Imran loved cricket and he loved working with the Caribbean cricket media who highly regarded him and his work.

“I had the opportunity to work with Imran when I served as West Indies team manager several years ago.

I found him to be a skilful professional and an effective servant of West Indies cricket.

“He continued to be an ardent team supporter even after he left CWI to return home to his native Guyana. I have had the privilege of being in contact with him since, and his advice and wisdom were always welcomed. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Hinds said: “It is with great regret that I learnt of the passing of Imran Khan, who has served West Indies cricket so well.

“I had the pleasure of being a part of the West Indies team while Imran served as media liaison for several home and away series, and his love and passion for West Indies cricket was always evident in the way he carried out his duties.

“In fact, Imran’s contribution goes beyond his role as media liaison, as he was of great assistance to several players during his tenure.

“My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the cricketing fraternity. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon him.”

Khan is survived by his wife, Attorney-at-Law Tammy Khan, who was also hospitalised for the viral illness.

Ninvalle to chair Rio AMBC elections PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, has been appointed chairman of the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) elections to be held tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ninvalle will chair the meeting virtually and will be responsible for what is termed the most important part of the AMBC Congress.

The AMBC had recently written to the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to have one of the most respected administrators appointed to chair. AIBA responded in the

affirmative.

In an invited comment the GBA boss said that he welcomed the fact that AMBC and AIBA could have placed so much confidence in him. He promised to operate in a fair and impartial manner.

In chairing the elections, Ninvalle, a vice-president of AMBC, has become the first from CARICOM to do so.

The local boxing boss has chalked up several firsts since being elected the president of GBA including the Anglophone Carib-

bean’s first Executive Committee Member of AIBA, first AIBA Youth Commission Chairman and first member of the AIBA Executive Bureau.

Venezuelan Luisa Benitez is the lone woman in the quartet along with Brazilian Fabiano Borges, Puerto Rican Jose Laureano and American Tyson Lee. Tomorrow’s Congress will see one person taking over from Argentine Osvaldo Bisbal who has resigned as the 43-member AMBC President of the Guyana Boxing president.

Association, Steve Ninvalle

Ramdihal, Motie spin Galaxy CC to 40-over Caribbean Fest title PAGE

27

Champions League

Messi scores in PSG win over Man City as Real Madrid stunned by Sheriff

PAGE

Galaxy CC claimed an emphatic 10-wicket victory in the championship clash.

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

27 Lionel Messi has scored 121 Champions League goals - 120 for Barcelona and one for PSG. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021