Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_09_18_2020

FRIDAY 18th September, 2020

' No.106126

More US investments

–– Guyana, US to sign agreements in physical infrastructure, energy sector and digital economy today

–– US looks forward to working with SEE new democratically-elected gov’t GE PA 03

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo: “What a pleasure to be in Guyana, the ‘land of many waters’. We enjoy a strong relationship with Guyana, and look forward to working with the new democratically-elected government to expand prosperity and security for our people.

Honoured to sit down with President Irfaan Ali tonight. I welcome the opportunity to candidly discuss governance, citizen security, and leveraging Guyana’s wealth of natural resources to provide for its future.”

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, arrives at State House in Georgetown and is escorted to dinner by President Irfaan Ali (Latchman Singh/Office of the President photo)

‘Sugar will be sweet again!’

–– Minister Mustapha chastises opposition for ‘neglecting’ sugar workers

PAGE

02

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

‘Sugar will be sweet again!’

–– Minister Mustapha blazes opposition for ‘neglecting’ sugar workers

By Navendra Seoraj SUGAR had “lost its taste” under the former APNU+AFC administration, but the “sweetness” will return under the new People’s Progress Party Civic (PPP/C) government, said Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, as he rolled out government’s plan for the resuscitation of the industry, starting the reopening of three shuttered estates.

Minister Mustapha, in defending his ministry’s plans for sugar during the Budget 2020 debates, clashed with Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Khemraj Ramjattan, who sought to criticise the new government for “casting aside” the former government’s ‘rightsising’ of the industry.

In 2017, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without a job or source of income. The move described as “rightsising” by Ramjattan, saw four sugar estates being closed

and 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs, said Minister Mustapha.

The minister argued that the closure of those estates created an unprecedented

“The closed estates were simply abandoned, machinery and equipment sold; billions of dollars of sugarcane are now permanently destroyed; vital infrastructure

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha makes his case during the Budget 2020 debates

economic situation, depriving the economy of billions; reducing sugar production by nearly 60 per cent, losing nearly the same amount in foreign exchange; and created a multitude of social problems.

has fallen apart; equipment in good condition, worth millions, was sold as scrap at certain locations; and money was withheld from GuySuCo,” Minister Mustapha lamented.

Contrary to where it is today, GuySuCo, “in its glory days,” was referred to as the backbone of Guyana’s economy, as the company employed roughly 16,000 employees, was a major source of foreign, and a major provider of community

healthcare, drainage services, and welfare facilities.

The industry has since been reduced to a level of insolvency and instability, but the new government

government’s allocation of $3 billion for the recapitalisation of GuySuCo, which includes the reopening of estates, and an additional $2 billion for the operations of

Opposition MP, Khemraj Ramjattan

believes there is still hope although there are production challenges; low productivity; high cost of production; lack of competitiveness and poor management.

Mustapha told the National Assembly that the PPP/C is confident about returning GuySuCo to profitability, through re-tooling, product diversification and retraining where necessary.

“This PPP/C Government will make GuySuCo profitable again,” said the minister, as he pointed to

the company.

Ramjattan, however, said that industry will become a “black hole,” noting: “Cane sugar days are over and the rightsising we (APNU+AFC) did was very much in order… we deliberated on it long and hard...the sugar industry was resulting at the time when we made the decision, in billions in bailouts.”

He further argued that the government’s aim is to ‘reward’ its political base, but in responding firmly to Ramjattan, Minister Mustapha said: “Providing jobs for Guyanese must not be as seen political. A government must provide jobs so that workers can provide for their families in an effort to reduce poverty and to allow the growth of the local and national economies.”

BEYOND THE BALANCE SHEET The minister argued that GuySuCo is more than just the profitability of sugar estates, so it must be considered beyond the balance sheet and be seen for the socio-economic entity it is.

A common practice worldwide is for the government to provide subsidies to key economic sectors of national importance – to sustain the livelihoods of its people. For example, in the United States, the U.S Department of Agriculture expended about the US $22 billion in 2019 and spending another US$37 Billion in 2020 in subsidies for farm businesses.

“Therefore, why would APNU+AFC feel budgetary support to the largest em-

ployer of labour, deserves any less? Is it that they do not value these Guyanese workers? Is it that they do not care about them? APNU+AFC actions towards GuySuCo over the past five years exposed their unconscionable attempts,” Minister Mustapha argued.

As part of reversing these “unconscionable measures,” government will not only be reopening three estates, it will be establishing the Wales Development Authority.

Minister Mustapha said the Wales Sugar Estate was destroyed far beyond repair, but government, through the Wales Development Authority, will work with former sugar workers and others from the Wales catchment area, to set up start up agriculture value chains which will utilise agriculture production from the catchment area and process them into value added products.

These products will be used to replace the large quantities of agriculture based products that are currently imported into the country. It is envisaged that 3,000 persons will be employed directly in this venture.

“This must not been seen as a bailout, it is taking care of the needs of the people,” said Minister Mustapha, adding that: “By reopening the estates and creating the Wales Development Authority, much-needed jobs will be provided…that is what the PPP/C will do! That is what a caring government will do!”

Government, he said, is not only committed to the resuscitation of the sugar industry, but also the revitalisation of agriculture in Guyana, as it is one of the pillars that sustains the Guyanese population and provides economic stability.

In the next five years, starting with Budget 2020, government plans to implement measures to promote a diversified agriculture-based economy; create more jobs; and increase the income of farmers.

This, Minister Mustapha said, will be achieved through modernising and upgrading infrastructure; strengthening support services; robust marketing systems at local and international levels; and increasing Guyana’s market share by tapping into the US$5 billion food import bill of the CARICOM Region.

More US investments

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

–– Guyana, US to sign agreements on physical infrastructure, energy sector and digital economy today

–– US looks forward to working with new democratically-elected gov’t

By Rabindra Rooplall U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo arrived in Guyana Thursday evening and was greeted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Ambassador, Sarah Ann Lynch.

He was escorted to State House by his entourage where he received a military salute and proceeded to meet with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and team during a working dinner.

Following the dinner, Secretary Pompeo was quoted by the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown as saying: "What a pleasure to be in Guyana, the ‘land of many waters’. We enjoy a strong relationship with Guyana, and look forward to working with the new, democratically-elected government to expand prosperity and security for our people. Honored to sit down with President Irfaan Ali tonight. I welcome the opportunity to candidly discuss governance, citizen security, and leveraging Guyana’s wealth of natural resources to provide for its future."

Pompeo is expected to meet CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque before he leaves today.

The Secretary of State is also expected to sign a number of agreements with the Guyanese Head-of-State, including a maritime patrol pact to fight off narcotics trade.

From Guyana, his next stops are Brazil, Colombia and then to Plano, Texas, USA. During his visit, Secretary Pompeo will reinforce the promise of a values-based U.S. partnership rooted in inclusive governance, pri-

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after arrival at CJIA (Adrian Narine photo)

vate-sector investment to increase prosperity for the people of Guyana and greater rule of law as Guyana grows its economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guyana and the United States established diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago and the cultural ties between the two countries are exemplified by the thousands of Guyanese in the diaspora who call the U.S. their home.

The U.S. support for Guyana’s recent presidential elections, including electoral observation missions, were crucial to ensuring that the election was free, fair, credible, and transparent and reflected the will of the Guyanese people.

The U.S. is the primary source of Guyana’s imports, worth more than $2 billion.

Today the signing of a Growth in the Americas Memorandum of Understanding seeks to draw more U.S. private sector investment to build Guyana’s physical infrastructure, energy sector, and digital economy, and to do so transparently.

The U.S. also supported the development of Guyana’s energy sector through technical partnership on best practices for energy sector policy, regulation and revenue management.

Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the U.S. works with Guyana on law enforcement professionalisation, enhancing the rule of law, and countering transnational crime.

Its most recent assistance focused on enhanced training

for crime scene investigators, forensic video analysis, trial advocacy, and the development of a curriculum for continuing education programmes for magistrates, in addition to training prosecutors and magistrates on implementing maritime security law.

This has led to an increase in criminal prosecutions and convictions as well as an increase in the speed of adjudications.

The Department of State has helped to train Guyana’s Port Control Unit to deter the trafficking of cocaine and other illicit goods through Guyana.

The U.S. Coast Guard also provides training and mentoring to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in order to im-

prove port security.

And the U.S. military provides training for Guyana Defence Forces personnel every year, which includes a current student at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Following the secretary’s visit, a bilateral Shiprider Agreement will come into force, enabling joint maritime and airspace patrols to interdict narcotics.

This joins recent donations of $200,000 in equipment and interceptor boat parts to strengthen Guyana‘s ability to patrol its territorial waters.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Coronavirus: WHO says weekly cases in Europe eclipse March peak (BBC) New weekly coronavirus cases in Europe have exceeded the numbers reported when the pandemic first peaked in March, the World Health Organization has said.

Speaking on Thursday, WHO regional director Hans Kluge said 300,000 new infections were reported last week alone.

“We have a very serious situation unfolding before us,” he said.

Some European countries, including the UK and France, have recorded their highest daily tallies in months.

Testing capacity has increased across Europe since the pandemic began, meaning that cases are now more likely to be identified and recorded.

But Mr Kluge said the new figures also showed “alarming rates of transmission across the region”.

Hospital admissions and deaths have not yet seen a similar rise, although Spain and France are seeing an upward trend.

While younger people - who are less likely to be severely impacted if they are infected - currently make up the largest proportion of newly recorded coronavirus cases, there are fears of many more cases of serious illness if the virus spreads to older and more vulnerable

The Czech Republic announced a record number of daily cases

groups.

According to the WHO, there have been five million confirmed cases and more than 228,000 fatalities across Europe since the pandemic began.

‘Wake up call’ Mr Kluge told Thursday’s briefing that lockdown measures introduced in the spring and early summer had produced clear results.

“In June cases hit an all-time low,” he said. “The September case numbers,

however, should serve as a wake-up call for all of us.”

But he stressed that knowledge about the best ways to contain the virus had improved since the pandemic first spread to Europe.

“We have fought it back before and we can fight it back again,” he said.

Earlier this week Mr Kluge warned that Europe should prepare for a rise in the number of coronavirus deaths in October and November, warning: “It’s going to get tougher.”

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 5:00hrs

What’s the situation around Europe?

In the UK, the number of new daily cases has reached the highest level since mid-May. New rules have been imposed to limit social gatherings and further local restrictions for parts of north-east England were announced on Thursday.

France, meanwhile, recorded 10,593 cases on Thursday - the highest daily number since the pandemic began.

Health Minister Olivier Véran acknowledged the coronavirus “is again very active”; Lyon and Nice, two of France’s biggest cities, have been given until Saturday to come up with new measures to tackle their outbreaks.

Mr Véran and Prime Minister Jean Castex are among several ministers facing legal action over their handling of the crisis.

Other countries are seeing their own spikes: * Spain on Wednesday recorded 239 new coronavirus deaths, the highest number since June. Many of the country’s new infections have been in the capital Madrid, where authorities are planning to announce new lockdown measures * The Czech Republic has reported more than 2,000 daily cases for the first time. The country’s prime minister called on people to follow the rules to prevent an exponential increase in infections * Cases have also reached a new daily peak in the Netherlands, with the government expected to announce new coronavirus measures on Friday

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

San Andrés: Bodies pile up on island as funeral director gets Covid (BBC) The governor of San Andrés says bodies are piling up on the Caribbean island after its only funeral parlour was hit by coronavirus.

The parlour’s owner has Covid-19 and has had to be flown to hospital on the

Colombian mainland. Her son has also tested positive, leaving only one employee at work.

Governor Everth Hawkins said his administration was buying refrigerated trucks to store the bodies.

Nine people have died

with coronavirus so far on the Colombian island which has a population of about 75,000.

Colombia is the country with the sixth highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world with more than 735,000 infections.

San Andrés is a Colombian island in the Caribbean

Colombia: Indigenous protesters topple conquistador’s statue

(BBC) Indigenous protesters in Colombia have toppled a statue of Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar in the south-western city of Popayán.

Police looked on as members of the Misak community used ropes to tear down the equestrian figure of de Belalcázar, who founded the city in 1537.

Indigenous leaders said he represented five centuries of genocide and slavery.

Popayán’s mayor said it was an act of violence against a symbol of a multicultural city.

Belalcázar led numerous expeditions in north-western parts of South America, also founding what is now Ecuador’s capital Quito.

‘Sacred site’ The Misak were joined by members of the Pijao and Nasa indigenous groups in their protest march which led to Morro del Tulcán, the hill where the statue of Belalcázar stood since the 1930s.

The Misak say that before Spanish conquistadors invaded their land, a temple stood at the top of the hill and that it is also the place where many of their ancestors lay

The equestrian figure of the conquistador was beheaded by crowds

buried. They consider it a sacred site.

A regional umbrella group of indigenous peoples released a statement saying

they had toppled the statue after putting Belalcázar on trial and finding him guilty of genocide, enslavement, torture, rape and stealing

their ancestral lands.

The statement accuses Belalcázar of punishing their ancestors by having them impaled or setting dogs on them.

It demands that Morro del Tulcán be “honoured as a sacred Misak territory”.

‘Cultural differences’ The mayor of Popayán described the toppling of the statue as a “violent act” which he said was completely unjustified.

A picture made with a slow shutter speed shoes the Sebastian de Belalcazar monument that was demolished by indigenous communities

in Popayan, Colombia, 16 September 2020.

“Discussions about cultural differences can be had and we’ve always been willing to allow space for such discussions but this type of violence can’t become a tool to express our disagreements,” he said.

He added that he would have the statue restored.

What’s the background?

As well as being decimated by the Spanish conquistadors during colonial times, the indigenous groups in Cauca province more recently have been caught in the middle of Colombia’s decades-long armed conflict.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Honouring our First People THE month of September is a celebratory time for all Amerindians and/or descendants of the original inhabitants of Guyana -- our Indigenous Peoples.

Since Dr. Cheddi Jagan decreed September to be Amerindian Heritage Month in 1995, there has been projected into the national and psychological psyche that Amerindians are no longer going to be a marginalised people subsisting on the crumbs of developmental initiatives within the national construct, but will be fully integrated into the holistic national programme for development by the PPP/C Administration; and one of the basic components of this new paradigm is the Amerindian Act. The Amerindian Act (1976) has never been enforced since its existence and did not fully address Amerindian rights and entitlements: However, the PPP/C Government, after a comprehen-

sive review and stakeholder consultations, drove and passed the Amerindian Act of 2005, which addressed all of Guyana’s First Peoples’ pressing concerns, foremost among which were land-titling issues and sub-soil rights.

The Amerindian Act 2005 provides for, inter alia:

required to seek the advice of the minister.

3) Intellectual Property Rights: With respect to the use of scientific research, the researcher will, among other things, have to submit to the Village Council a copy of any publication containing materials derived from the research.

1) Grants to communal land.

Unlike the old Act, the new Act includes a process for the granting of land. For instance, a community can apply for land once they can prove that they have been living there for at least 25 years and the minister must commence an investigation and make a decision within six months.

4) Environmental Protection: The Amerindian Act supports the need for the communities to use their natural resources in a way that lends support to the concept of sustainability: Impact Assessments will have to be completed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act. 5) Mining and Forestry: Amerindians will have a legal right to traditional mining with the consent of the Village Council and they must comply with the relevant legislation. With regard to forestry, the Village Council plays an integral role in determining who

2) Leases: The minister is not required to approve leasing of titled Amerindian land, as opposed to the first Act where the minister is required to approve it. In the new Act, the communities are only

is allowed to use their land and on what terms.

6) Governance: The Village Council is empowered to establish rules for their communities and set fines within the legal confines of the law. Notably, the money received due to the non-adherence of the rules, goes into the Village Council's account, not the government's.

7) Consultations: More than half of the recommendations are reflected in the Act. These inclusions were as a result of recommendations from the communities and other stakeholders. The process lasted two years and is an unprecedented one in this part of the hemisphere.

The Amerindians of Guyana are given equal status within the landscape of Guyanese citizenhood, while yet being encouraged to sustain their cultural and traditional norms; this far surpasses the treatment meted out to In-

digenous Peoples of even firstworld countries. The Amerindian Act is merely one component of the holistic approach successive PPP/C governments have taken to enhance economic growth and social development in Amerindian communities.

The current government has signalled its intention to revise and review the administrative dynamics directly affecting Amerindian developmental constructs over the past five years and reverse, wherever necessary, decisions that adversely affected Indigenous Peoples’ communities, lives, and ways of life; as well as to create inclusionary initiatives to ensure that Amerindians share, in equal measure to that enjoyed by coastal citizens, the resources of this country that belongs to all the people of the land.

The Eagle has landed Dear editor,

THE eagle has landed. At the sound of the roar of the mighty engines, the swift and strong wings propelled a midair flight from neighbouring Suriname, to softly land effortlessly on the soil of this dear land of Guyana.

Bearing the weight of the powerful high-ranking US official to visit this country, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, smilingly descended on this soil, having arrived for a much-anticipated and desired trip.

The prolonged wait and terrible suspense has finally evaporated and this drama may prove to be a trauma, many already having experienced some degree of insomnia. As the red carpet treatment was rolled out to welcome this highly-distinguished guest, many Guyanese flocked the roads and streets to get a closer look and waved as he passed by, shouting in jubilation, appreciation and expectation. The friendliness of this multi cultured society ameliorated a regrettable

past two weekends to distance a sadness, forging a fashionable recovery to extend a typical Guyanese felicitation with open arms and warmness.

In the absence of adequate public information, there have been many speculations regarding this sudden visit that has sprung as a surprise. “It is a regional visit and the visit obviously has interests of the US and has mutual benefits for all of the member states involved,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd told the news

media. “The focus should be on economic co-operation and assistance, the assistance that we get on building our social pillars as well as security measures that are concerning to us. I think we should keep it simple. It is a visit. Don’t let’s confuse it with Venezuela,” he added. A US issued statement did confirm that Secretary of State Michael R.?Pompeo ?will travel to Paramaribo, Suriname; Georgetown, Guyana; Boa Vista, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; and Plano, Texas, September 17-20, 2020.?

This trip will highlight the United States’ commitment to defend democracy, combat COVID-19 while revitalising our economies in the pandemic’s wake, and strengthen security against regional threats. In? Paramaribo, Secretary Pompeo will celebrate the triumph of democracy by meeting with recently-elected Surinamese President, Chan Santokhi and his Cabinet to discuss increased bilateral cooperation and opportunities for partnerships in energy and security. In Georgetown, Guyana, Secretary Pompeo

is expected to congratulate newly-elected President, Irfaan Ali, and his Cabinet, and meet with CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque. It is anticipated that he will reinforce the promise of a values-based U.S. partnership highlighting opportunities for more responsible and transparent private sector investment to increase prosperity for the people of Guyana, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TURN TO PAGE

07

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Parika resident killed on access road A PARIKA SALEM, East Bank Essequibo resident lost his life, on Wednesday, after he was struck down and ran over by motor lorry GYY 7021.

Dead is Sheik Bacchus, 43, also known as “Babbo”. The accident occurred around 13:30hrs on the Parika

Access Road.

The driver is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

The motor lorry, which is owned and was being driven by a resident of Parika, was offloading sand on the southern side of the road.

At the time, the pedestrian was walking on the northern side of the road.

On completion of offloading, the driver drove off and, while in the process of passing the pedestrian, the front left side of the truck collided with the man which caused him to

The Eagle has ...

FROM PAGE

Regardless of the motives, Secretary Pompeo’s presence is pleasantly appreciated. After all the shenanigans employed by the APNU+AFC Party over the past 18 months, especially the past six months, starting with the NCM, the caretaker mode, GECOM Chair’s illegitimate election, the election fiasco, all the court battles at home and with the CCJ (which they lost), the continuous Mingo rigging and fraud, the thwarting of democracy, the refusal to accept CARICOM’s election recount result, Lowenfield’s perversity and insubordination, Granger’s stubbornness to accede and all the hide and seek mischief, the country’s economy was locked down and the people’s lives were at a standstill. The APNU+AFC totally abused their power because of their control over all the relevant authorities and had no respect for the national and international community. Eventually, the pandemic stepped in to further complicate a dangerous situation. Luckily, the international community, including all the CARICOM heads and the diplomats from the ABCEU, continued to champion the cause to prevent a state of pariah and Granger seizing power illegally. It was the sanctions instituted by the US through the direct intervention of Secretary Of State, Mike Pompeo, that put a halt to the APNU+AFC bullish behaviour and that influenced them to change their attitude. His firm advice to them to “step aside” and to discontinue thwarting the popular will of the people so that the election process can be completed was the turning point so that democracy can once again prevail in this land.

To Mike Pompeo and entourage, Sir, the people of Guyana would like you to know that from the bot-

tom of their hearts, they are much in debt to you for standing behind them in their struggle for freedom from the cabal and freeing Guyana from being held under siege. In a consolidated voice, we say thank you very much for protecting the suppressed people from further oppression and avoiding a dictator to form a rogue government. This has been one of the strongest testing moments in this nation and you stood like a guarding angel. But Sir, the war is far from being over, as witnessed from the horrendous events due to the racial innuendos openly incited by the leaders of the country’s destabilisers.

Granger is in hiding after setting Berbice afire and Harmon continues to exert pressure on his party’s followers to remain aggressive.

Those pretentious elements continue to flout law and order by behaving recklessly irresponsible, thereby causing unnecessary unrest and tremendous damage in the nation. The destructive democracy busters flirt with all the rules and regulations and insist on a divide and rule infiltration so that, the people will be undermined and chaos and confusion will be the order of the day to jeopardise the economy and the lives of the people.

Sir, America and its officers and the rest of the international community have sacrificed a lot to ensure that a free and fair election provided a legitimate elected government, not once but twice (1992).

Your coming here within a matter of weeks is an assurance for the people of this country that you will not allow vulgarity and hooliganism to dominate our streets and the safety and security of the peaceful people of this nation remains a matter close to your heart. We humbly implore you to

6

widen the network and implement not only more visa restrictions but also financial sanctions on all those individuals who are committed to prevent democracy to survive and have an agenda filled with hate, malice, revenge, violence, corruption and other diabolic activities.

Most Guyanese are prepared to unite and develop this country together as one people but there are known detractors who are bent on debilitating and incapacitating the struggling man in the street from making a decent living, hampering the progress of this nation from developing and callously wanting to impede the process of legitimate governance by the ruling administration. We trust your stay will be a comfortable one and you will be able to enjoy our renowned Guyanese hospitality. Your continued support to fight COVID-19 is solicited as we embark with our oil and gas industry as an amateur producer and, having to deal with an inherited contract that is not in the best interest of this poor nation, but one that was agreed to by a corrupted and greedy administration.

The hard working people of this nation do need a break and they do need external influences so that the big conglomerate company can justify the treatment of fairness. Again Sir, we the loving people of this nation wish you and your party a warm welcome and again thank you most kindly for your overwhelming support.

Yours sincerely, Jai Lall

fall on the northern parapet, and, as a result, the left rear wheel of the lorry ran him over.

However, the driver was seemingly unaware of what had happened and continued driving away.

The driver was later told of the accident on his way out of the access

road and returned to the scene.

The pedestrian was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was seen by the doctor on duty who pronounced him dead.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

How Guyanese view their country’s relationship with America THE US and Guyana have had “a topsy turvy” (up and down) relationship tied to the national strategic security interests of the American homeland as well as its economic and business interests in the Americas and the greater Caribbean Region. The US considers Guyana strategically important and that is why it has been involved in Guyana’s internal politics going back to the 1950s. The US has been very kind to Guyanese allowing them to immigrate, work, study, settle, and invest in America and the US has given Guyana over a billion in American dollars in financial assistance since 1965. According to political scientist, Dr. Vishnu Bisram, an estimated 800K Guyanese and their American born live in USA – some half a million Indo-Guyanese and some 300K Guyanese of other ethnicities (Afros, Mixed, Amerindians, others).

Dr. Vishnu Bisram, a pollster and sociologist, collected data (information) in 2018 from Guyanese in field research on their views of the relationship between the US and Guyana. The focus of the research centered on whether Guyanese in Guyana and in America want closer relations with the US? The findings give a general view of ethnic groups’ attitudes towards America. They would not have changed much from 2018 to now even though there has been a change in administration from APNU+AFC to PPP/C governance.

Guyanese in America and in Guyana have similar views about what are the most important aspects of U.S-Guyana relations: immigration, developmental aid including loans, security and defence ties, especially against threat from Venezuela; combating drug trafficking across the borders, money laundering, economics - investment and trade, and shared democratic values (protecting democracy).

The survey’s findings show that for Indo-Guyanese, guaranteeing democracy and free and fair elections was/is the pre-eminent aspect of the relationship because of the history of rigged elections by the PNC (APNU).

Africans and Mixed race were more interested in financial aid for Guyana and support for the retention of power of the coalition APNU+AFC.

FIELD RESEARCH MAIN FINDINGS: Guyanese in Guyana and Americans of Guyanese descent have had a very positive view of the relations between the two countries and would like to see improved relations in light of (security) challenges facing the country. Guyanese say there are cultural, economic (trade, business, investment, foreign aid), immigration, military (security against border incursions and threats to oil explorations), political (democratic and humanitarian), drug trafficking, money laundering, and educational reasons, among others, for Guyana to have much closer relations with America.

The research reveals that Guyanese at home and in the diaspora fully support an alliance (particularly on security, business, trade, and private investment) with America. This conclusion is also supported by empirical observation and anecdotal evidence in Dr. Bisram’s interactions with Guyanese Americans at countless community events in the US. A large majority of Guyanese expressed concern about an end to democratic governance in Guyana.

Almost every Indo-Guyanese said they wanted the US to be the guarantor of free and fair elections.

Indo-Guyanese wanted the US to take a strong stand against electoral fraud and to revoke the visas and take other measures against those who violate democratic rights and engage in any plan to rig elections.

Afro Guyanese don’t feel America should intervene in Guyana’s elections or in Guyana’s politics even if to protect democratic rights.

Almost every Guyanese wants Americans to invest in Guyana. But more Indians than Africans support investment in and want better relations with US. Also, Indo-Guyanese Americans are more likely than Afro-Guyanese Americans to want stronger economic ties with USA. Almost everyone said America is the most important trade and national security partner of Guyana.

More Indo-Guyanese than Afro-Guyanese wants PPP/C to build a partnership with USA. US & RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY IN GUYANA: Guyanese are very grateful to the US for restoring democracy in Guyana in 1992 after nearly three decades of racist, authoritarian rule. Concerned about the rise of the fascist dictatorship and rights violations in their former homeland, Guyanese-Americans played a significant role in the restoration of democracy and in the transformation of their country from a socialist to a liberal economic model. Indo-Guyanese lobbied their elected representatives and the Bush Sr. Administration for assistance to restore democracy in their former homeland. Caving in to the lobbying of Guyanese American activists, the US government was successful in getting the Desmond Hoyte dictatorship to free up the country from the evils of communism, food ban on basic items, an autarkic (inward looking) economy, lack of press freedom, and one race ethno nationalism, and to allow political parties and civic groups to function. Full democracy was restored after the victory of Cheddi Jagan in the October 1992 elections. Free enterprise flourished in Guyana under PPP rule (Cheddi, Janet Jagan and Bharrat Jagdeo).

For inexplicable reasons, in the post Jagdeo period, relations between the two nations became strained resulting in the ouster of President Donald Ramotar in 2015. Supporters of PPP/C were very disappointed over their party’s strained relations with and the attitude of some politicians towards America. They welcomed the return of Bharrat Jagdeo as leader of

PPP/C in 2016 to repair tattered relations with USA. And party supporters as well as Guyanese Americans worked feverishly to rebuild confidence in relations between Guyana and USA. Recognising the errors the PPP/C made between 2012 and 2016 in its relations with America, respondents feel Jagdeo has successfully mended PPP/C relations with Washington. In a 2016 visit to New York, he pledged to make closer relations with the US a top priority. Under Jagdeo’s leadership, PPP/C has shown a positive attitude to the further development of bilateral relations. Jagdeo must have recognised the importance of the relationship with the US and the support the party gets from Guyanese Americans. Guyanese Americans want to safeguard stability in Guyana and further economic development and prosperity, and to protect Guyana from external hostilities especially as it transforms into becoming an oil economy. Jagdeo recognises that Guyana’s and the PPP/C’s interest will be best served in America supporting democracy in Guyana and the PPP/C having a working relationship with Washington.

Since the discovery of oil, there is a convergence of socio-economic and security interests of the US and Guyana over oil Guyana waters. The U.S-Guyana relationship, long defined by Cold War politics and strategic geo-political interests, is now being re-defined by this newly-discovered oil interests.

CONCLUSIONS BY PARTY SUPPORT: The survey conducted by Dr. Bisram reveal that Guyanese of varied ethnicities differ in their views of the nature of the bilateral relationship between the two countries on economic, democratic and strategic bonds. And these bonds are tied to the political parties and the attitudes of their supporters. Indians are most supportive of strong ties with the US and Africans tend to be more reserved in their position.

In general, according to the survey, all Guyanese say the US-Guyana relationship has been very good with America providing financial assistance to Guyana and maintaining a fair policy on immigration of Guyanese to the US. Almost every Indian, Portuguese, and Amerindian want America to be more closely involved in the territorial security, policy matters, free and fair elections, and economic investment in Guyana. They want the US to help further institutionalise democracy in Guyana especially in guaranteeing free and fair elections in 2020 as the US did in October 1992 that toppled the dictatorship.

The view of Guyanese on the relative importance of economic and security ties with US differ along racial and party partisan lines. Indians and supporters of PPP/C are almost unanimous when it comes to the issue of developing strong economic ties with America, their lives improving with stronger US linkage. Africans and Mixed and supporters of APNU are not very enthused about closer relationship with America. This feeling may have worsened with the US demanding that APNU accept the outcome the outcome of democratic elections. Afro-Guyanese and Mixed-Guyanese want the US to support APNU to retain power while Indians want US to promote free and fair elections that would aid their party to win governance. Guyanese Americans feel that political parties in Guyana should work closely with US authorities to advance mutual interests and respect for each other’s views.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Benn ‘straightens’ Patterson’s ‘twisted facts’ on Amaila Falls -- says project still viable

By Navendra Seoraj AMIDST an uproar from the opposition side of the National Assembly, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, called out Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson, for his ‘erroneous’ statements about the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and other projects which were developed by past People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administrations.

Minister Benn, who served as Minister of Public Works under a past PPP/C administration, defended the programmes which were rolled out under his watch.

Patterson, in a prior presentation during the Budget 2020 debates, said the former APNU+AFC administration found no “implementable project” when was elected to office in 2015.

In responding to this claim, Minister Benn was interrupted by loud heck-

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn

Opposition MP, David Patterson

ling from opposition MPs, who only desisted after Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, intervened.

Contrary to Patterson’s claims, Benn said projects such as the West Coast Demerara (WCD) Road Expansion Project, the East Coast Demerara (ECD) Road Expansion Project and even the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project were inherited by the former administration, but were not even completed in some cases.

“So you cannot come here and say those things,” said Minister Benn, noting that a lot was done under successive PPP/C administrations.

Turning his attention to the Amaila Falls project, the minister said the former APNU+AFC government refused to put money into the potentially lucrative initiative. The Amaila Falls Hydro Project was designed as a 165-megawatt facility.

The minister even advised Patterson and his colleagues to read the Norwe-

Businessman on firearm-related charge granted bail

A 60-year-old businessman was, on Wednesday, ‘hauled’ before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, for a firearm-related charge.

Harrielall Motilall called “Jinga Harry”, 60, of lot 11-12 Helena#1, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was charged by the police for possession of components of a firearm without being the holder of an appropriate licence, contrary to Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16:05.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed

on $100,000 bail. His matter was adjourned to October 16, 2020, and was transferred to the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court.

According to reports, Motilall was arrested on September 15 by police.

In 2016, Motilall was sentenced, in absentia, to four years imprisonment for discharging a loaded firearm at Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers.

On July 16, 2014, Motilall, while in the company of others at Airy Hall, Mahaicony, discharged a loaded firearm at Fabi-

He was remanded to prison until October 19, 2020 Enquiries disclose that Dundas, 30, formerly of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was involved in an altercation with Jordon which resulted in a scuffle.

Dundas was reportedly wounded with an improvised weapon made by Jordon.

Dundas was brought out by other inmates from the holding bay and he was examined by prison officers,

“It is renewable and it could be brought to use…it will also allow us to move onto the next project, the Tipiru Falls project, which will allow us thousands of megawatts of export power to Brazil,” said the minister.

He said the records show that even Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, and former Minister of Education under the coalition government, Rupert Roopnarine, while in opposition under a former PPP/C government, were flown into the interior and after reviewing the project outline, agreed it was good.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the Amaila Falls Hydro Project is expected to cost just under US$1 billion and will be able to generate 165 megawatts of stable and reliable electricity for 11 solid months of the

year, with the additional month during the dry season being used for scheduled maintenance.

The last time this newspaper checked, the project is still bankable, meaning that the financiers are still open to the idea of funding the project and all the technical studies are still relevant.

Therefore, the restart timeline is expected to be much shorter than it was before 2015.

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) currently sells electricity to the nation at about US$0.33 per kWh and this is expected to be reduced by 25 per cent within the first year of the operations of the Amaila Falls project, and by 50 per cent within five years; and by the end of 20 years by as much as 80 per cent.

Three arraigned for escaping from prison

Harrielall Motilall called “Jinga Harry”

an Stuart, Jason Moore, Khemraj Murli and Garfield Scott, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

Prisoner charged for killing fellow inmate SHAWN Jordan called “5 minutes” was, on Thursday, charged for killing his fellow inmate during a brawl at the Lusignan Prison in April.

Jordon appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer via Skype. He is currently on remand for another murder charge.

Jordon was no required to plead to the charge which stated that on April 21, 2020, at Lusignan Prison ‘B’ Holding Bay Two, he murdered Jason Dundas.

gian company, Norconsult, report on the Amaila Falls project.

Norconsult was selected by the former APNU+AFC administration, in 2016, to conduct a financial model review of the high-profile Amaila Falls Project.

The Stabroek News, in 2017, released some of the findings of the review, and among those findings was the point that the only realistic path for Guyana towards an “emission free” electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential. And, the fastest way forward is to maintain Amaila Falls Hydro Project as the first major step for substituting its current oil fired generation.

Even now, Benn believes that the Amaila Falls project is viable, as it will provide thousands of megawatts of renewable energy.

who observed that he had injuries to the left side of the face and body.

He was taken to the infirmary and subsequently rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Dundas was pronounced dead on arrival.

On August 27, 2019, Dundas was nabbed by police with over $21M (43.772 kilograms) worth in cannabis at his stall in the Stabroek Market area.

He was on remand for the offence.

Sasnarine Bisnauth, Anthony Padmore, Ganesh Dhanraj and Kenraul Perez

THREE inmates who escaped from the Lusignan Prison back in April were, on Thursday, arraigned in court for the offence.

The men are 26-yearold Anthony Padmore of Ogle Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD); 24-year-old Sasenarine Bisnauth of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo and 32-year-old Ghanesh Dhanraj of Facade Parika, EBE. They appeared before Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer via Skype.

The trio pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that they escaped from lawful custody contrary to section

339(b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act chapter 8:01.

Padmore was sentenced to two years imprisonment while Dhanraj and Bisnauth were each sentenced to 21 months imprisonment.

On April 20, 2020, four inmates escaped from the holding bay at the Lusignan Prison.

The men, Padmore, Bisnauth, Dhanraj and Kenraul Perez escaped from the facility around 03:46 hours on the day in question, during heavy rains.

The discovery was made by prison officials during roll call at 06:15 hours, when the four prisoners did not answer

to their names.

The relevant CCTV footage was examined and the police were alerted.

The prisoners made good their escape by jumping the eastern fence of the prison.

Padmore was recaptured on May 1, while Bisnauth was arrested on May 6.

Dhanraj was recaptured on May 31. Perez is still on the run.

Padmore is serving a three-year sentence for trafficking in cannabis while Bisnauth was on remand for two counts of robbery and armed robbery.

Dhanraj and Perez were on remand for murder.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

President congratulates Modi on 70th birthday PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, extended congratulations and best wishes to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

“Excellency, since assuming office you have led India to unparalleled prosperity. India continues to shine as it assumes its rightful place among great nations of the world,” President Ali said.

President Ali said he looks forward to actively working with Prime

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Man who allegedly murdered elderly security guard remanded ALMOST one year after being freed from a murder charge, Samuel Allen has found himself again before the court, this time for the murder of a 75-year-old security guard.

Allen, 27, of Arakaka, North West District, appeared at the Port Kaituma Police Station, via Zoom, before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

He was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that, on September 5, 2020, at Train Line, Port Kaituma, in the North West District (NWD), he murdered Earl Peters.

Allen was remanded to prison until October 13.

According to reports, Peters who was a guard at the office of the Guyana Elections Commission in the district, was attacked by an unknown man who inflicted the injuries and walked away.

A businessman, who resides at Train Line, Port Kaituma, told police that he was at home when he heard someone shouting for help.

“He immediately went outside to investigate and observed a male, whom he recognised to be Mr. Earl Peters, lying on the ground soaked with what appeared to be blood. He then ran to the Port Kaituma Police Station and made a report,” police said.

Police said that Peters was observed lying on his back on the ground in an unconscious state and soaked with what appeared to be blood from injuries to his

Samuel Allen

abdomen, his left side head and left wrist.

After briefly regaining consciousness, Peters died at the hospital at about 11:23hours on September 5, 2020, while receiving treatment.

On September 14, Allen was intercepted by Lance Corporal Bertland Scotland.

However, when the officer attempted to arrest Allen, he pulled out a knife and stabbed Scotland to his left hand, left hip, left lower abdomen, left eyebrow, and left buttocks.

The officer was airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is being treated.

In November 2019, Allen was found not guilty of the 2014 murder of Brazilian miner Joao De Souza, who was killed during a robbery.

A 12-member jury at the

High Court found Allen not guilty of the charge which read that, on April 2, 2014, at Arakaka, North West District, he murdered De Souza, during the course of a robbery.

The case was before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, who had urged Allen to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble.

According to reports, DeSouza was walking to his camp when Allen came up from behind and, with the intention to rob him, dealt him a lash to his head with a crush hammer.

The man fell to the ground and Allen was seen searching his pockets for valuables.

It was alleged that Allen made good his escape.

DeSouza was rushed to the hospital and died the following day.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi

Minister Modi for the furtherance of the common objectives of the two countries.

“Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration and best wishes for your continued good health and well-being,” President Ali stated.

Guyana and India have cultivated excellent and mutually-beneficial relations ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966.

Cox promises to ensure gov’t delivers on manifesto GOVERNMENT Member of Parliament (MP), Yvonne Fredericks-Pearson said, on Wednesday, that the People’s Progressive Party Civic is a caring government which will work to continue projects which will benefit Guyanese, including those living in the hinterland regions.

She participated in Day Three of the 2020 budget debates coming up in line Opposition Member of ParliaGovernment Member of with Opposition ment (MP), Ronald Cox Parliament (MP), Yvonne Member of ParliaFredericks-Pearson ment (MP) Ronald Commanding Center for the half of budget 2020 but there Guyana Police Force (GPF); Cox, who also spoke on the many disadvantages is little to show for it in the an upgraded airstrip and the faced by citizens in the hin- country. completion of the district She told the opposition: hospital in Port Kaituma and terland.

With her party back in “Now you’re calling the bud- the completion of the road power, Fredericks-Pearson get all sorts of things but you, from Wauna to Yarikita to promised the House that de- unauthorised, illegal, spent name a few. velopment in remote regions the money and here we are As a senior teacher at the will continue and at a faster now, we have to perform Northwest Secondary School, pace than under the former [a] miracle to meet all the Cox also spent much time on demands that is now being the topic of education. He readministration.

The Government MP made. This is Budget 2020, minded the government that stated that projects of the we are in September, we just education cannot be equally opposition like the Hin- have a few more months. distributed but it must be eqterland Employment and Honourable members, I uitably distributed so that no Youth Service (HEYS) pro- would like you to look out child in the hinterland region gramme which replaced for budget 2021.” is left behind. He also urged When he rose to speak, the government that before the Community Support Officers (CSOs) were “total Opposition Member of Par- embarking on new education liament (MP), Ronald Cox, projects it must consider the failures”.

Meanwhile, she pointed said the coalition invested implementation details and out that, had the APNU+AFC heavily in the development whether it stands to benefit adhered to the laws of Guy- of Indigenous communities students. ana, the PPP/C would have during their time in office.

“I want to remind my He said that, under the fellow Indigenous brothers been able to present a better budget long in advance to APNU+AFC, many services and sisters that we must the Guyanese people. On were decentralised such as hold the government rethe same matter, Freder- the establishment of a re- sponsible and demand what icks-Pearson notified the gional office for the Guyana was promised to us,” he MPs that the now opposition Revenue Authority (GRA) said. has already spent more than in Mabaruma; a Central

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Rotary Club of Georgetown helping to transform Night Shelter THE Human Services and Social Security Ministry will be collaborating with the Rotary Club of Georgetown to transform the Night Shelter and will adopt key areas in the institution to improve the lives of the residents.

This was disclosed following a meeting with representatives from the club and Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, on Thursday. At the meeting, support for the elderly, homeless and other vulnerable groups was discussed.

Peter Abdool, the club’s past president; Sheldon Hazelwood, vice-president and Liselle Blankendal, service projects officer, were the club’s representatives at the meeting.

“This partnership will yield major transformation of the institution which acts as a transit point for the homeless, destitute and indigent population who have been abandoned by their families in many cases,” Minister Persaud noted.

On August 18, 2020, the minster toured the shelter and made a promise that she

Representatives of Rotary Club of Georgetown during a meeting with the Minister of Human services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

will be “looking at the entire place with a very practical and holistic approach and making the necessary changes sooner rather than later”.

The institution will benefit

from several upgrades. These are procurement of additional beds, serving healthy meals, upgrade and installation of new washroom facilities with features for persons who

Prompt action saves 200 acres of rice fields PROMPT and immediate action by engineers attached to the National Drainage Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has saved 200 acres of rice lands that were inundated at Sarah, Wakenaam, Region Three due to a broken koker door in the community.

Farmers tried fixing the door but their efforts proved futile. A report was made to NDIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frederick Flatts, who immediately dispatched engineers to remedy the situation.

Engineers and rice farmers on the island came together, last Sunday evening, and replaced the damaged door.

Rice farmer, Jeten Persaud, said he was very happy and satisfied with the prompt response by the NDIA engineers in helping to bring the situation under control. He said rice farmers on the island were expected to harvest within a week and were worried since their rice fields were under water.

Persaud is thankful for the intervention of NDIA in saving close to 200 acres of ripening fields at Sarah, Wakenaam.

A rice field that was saved from flooding at Sarah, Wakenaam

are living with disabilities, and the introduction of programmes and activities such as board games, reading material and television to provide more recreational options for

the residents.

Additionally, several programmes will be designed and rolled out to re-integrate able-bodied individuals into society and for them to be

gainfully employed.

Dr. Persaud, in a previous press conference, told reporters that the ministry will be reviewing the living conditions, the delivery of services and medical care provided to the residents, while partnering with other agencies to effectively transform the facility.

These measures, the minister noted, will be complemented by a programme, the aim of which will be to reduce the number of persons on the streets and integrate them into the shelter.

Minister Persaud said the public will soon be further informed of this initiative, as well as of plans for the Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation Centre.

Meanwhile, in keeping with the restrictions of the COVID-19 protocol, the minister reported that the shelter is operating at a reduced capacity of about 50 per cent to ensure that residents are protected from the virus.

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 62

By Navendra Seoraj TWO persons have lost their lives to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the death toll to 62.

Authorities said the latest victims were a 52-yearold man and an 83-year-old woman, both from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

This region has so far recorded the most cases of COVID-19, 808.

The Ministry of Health expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time.

Officials of the ministry have since contacted all relatives and persons to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone, who might have been exposed to the victims.

Guyana has so far recorded 2,027 cases of COVID-19 with 43 of those cases being recorded in the past 24 hours.

But 1,302 persons have since recovered, while 62 persons have lost their lives. Of the remaining cases, 65 persons are in institutional isolation and 584 are in home isola-

tion, while 16 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus.

Most people, who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

The WHO had said that 81 per cent of persons, who contract COVID-19, will have mild symptoms, while 14 per cent will have severe symptoms and five per cent will need intensive care.

But the COVID-19 disease has proven to be a “real killer”, especially in cases involving persons who have co-morbidities such as diabe-

tes and hypertension, among other things.

Persons were encouraged to take extra precaution because there is no approved cure or specific treatment for the disease. Guyanese were also reminded to observe the protocols established in the COVID-19 emergency measures.

Anyone who displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, can contact the COVID-19 Emergency numbers - 231 1166, 226 7480 or 624 6674 immediately - or visit the ministry’s website at www. health.gov.gy.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Scenes from visit of US Secretary of State

US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, arrives in Guyana on Thursday (DPI photo)

US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, speaks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, as US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann-Lynch, pays keen attention (DPI photo)

US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo and his delegation are welcomed by Government of Guyana officials, including Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall; and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd (DPI photo)

Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali, welcome US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, as he arrives at State House with members of the US delegation Thursday evening (DPI photo)

US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, is greeted by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips (DPI photo)

A dinner was hosted for the visiting US delegation by President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, at State House (DPI photo)

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Cricket Administration Act –– Minister Ramson to be restored soon CULTURE, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. says a motion filed to restore the once suspended Cricket Administration Act to its original conditions, will be enforced within a few days.

During his Budget presentation Thursday, the minister said the bill was passed with the support of both sides of the House but was later deferred when the PPP/C administration left office in 2015.

“There was a challenge to that cricket bill and … a few years after that challenge, at the Court of Appeal, the minister who held the portfolio for Culture, Youth and Sport [Minister Dr. Nicolette Henry] went to the Court of Appeal along with the [then] Attorney General [and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams] and consented to the provisions being suspended in that Act,” Minister Ramson said.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr.

The bill, which was passed in 2014, looks to provide legal administrative guidelines for cricket. It allows the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to be established as a corporate body comprising the Demerara, Essequibo, and the Berbice Cricket Boards, all of which are to be made corporate entities too.

A section of the bill will also address the issue of phantom voting for the election of persons for administrative positions. It will give limited power to the Minister of Sport, whose only role will be to appoint the regulator.

The bill provides for better financial accountability, and as such, the GCB would be required to present timely audited financial reports to the National Assembly, as well as the National Sports Commission.

Minister Ramson said the ministry’s

budget is likely to grow pending its goal to establish three world-class multipurpose facilities in Regions Two, Six and 10. The ministry was allotted $2.7B in this year’s Emergency Budget, $805.3M of which is for sport development.

“We are currently preparing the concept notes and proposals so once that is done, we should be able to get the allocation for the next budget,” Minister Ramson said.

Meanwhile, the minister said Guyanese would soon enjoy virtually broadcast cultural programmes such as dance, drama, and song festivals.

This includes a ‘One Guyana Concert’ and the launch of Mashramani and Amerindian exhibitions on September 27. These activities will be held in keeping with the guidelines outlined for COVID-19. (DPI)

Health workers’ safety paramount – especially during COVID-19 pandemic, says CMO

GUYANA has made several advances over the years to ensure the safety of patients, even as it recognises that health workers’ safety is a priority for patient safety.

This was relayed by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud during a special zoominar held to observe World Patient Safety Day on Wednesday.

“The ministry has been working with a number of stakeholders to prepare what is called our patient charter; that determines both the roles and responsibilities of the providers, but also the recipient,” the Health Ministry official

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud stated.

Dr. Persaud highlighted the extent to which health-

care officials have been risking their lives to serve the population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 82 healthcare workers, including medics, doctors and nurses, have been infected with the disease, two of whom have since died.

Dr. Persaud and Head of the General Surgery Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, agreed that shortfalls in patient care could also occur when patients are misdiagnosed, fail to use their medications in the prescribed manner or fail to use them at all.

Maternal and Child

Health Officer, Dr. Oneka Scott, said in her field, patients’ negligence often contribute to their poor care. She added that too often, pregnant women may experience symptoms such as spotting, bleeding, or other issues that point to threatening conditions and ignore the signs.

“The delay to seek care, to identify that there is an emergency in your pregnancy; they delay to identify that there is an emergency right after you deliver, the ignoring of symptoms and signs […] sadly has caused… some amount of lives lost,” she said.

Although there has been a recorded decrease in ma-

GPHC Head of General Surgery Department, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran

ternal deaths, Dr. Scott said, “This is still not in keeping with the target set out to be achieved by the Sustainable Development Goal Three. So, there’s still much emphasis that needs to be placed on those reasons that continue to contribute to a woman, family, father or spouse not accessing care when they need to.”

She urged the public to prioritise their health to avoid experiencing severe health conditions as they get older.

This year, World Patient Safety Day is being observed under the theme “Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety.” (DPI)

Chandan-Edmond ‘bats’ for safer communities

SAFETY and security of Guyanese are paramount and the Guyana Police Force must be very professional in its work, said A Partnership for National Unity parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond as the budget debate continued at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday.

“Every citizen, in every village, in every region is entitled to the same protection and guarantees accorded under the laws of our country,” she told the House, adding: “The police force is charged with protecting our people, our citizens, they must protect our life, liberty and security.”

She contended that much work needs to be done as public security is a serious matter.

“There are growing concerns about the indiscriminate use of the military to supplement the role of the police. We all know Mr. Speaker, that traditionally dire emergency situations

have to emerge and the police must be seen as incapable of managing the situation, before the military is activated,” she said.

Chandan-Edmond said that the military has a different type of training for internal security situations.

“We urge careful management of this type of operation. This means that appropriate training must be provided to the police so that they can be better equipped to de-escalate threat of social unrest. There have been the recent inconsistent processes relative to detention of suspects by the police,” Chandan-Edmond told the National Assembly.

The parliamentarian, who gave her maiden speech, also said that the security forces in general must be professional in work. The police force, she noted, must also work to continuously enjoy the confidence of the people.

Reflecting on the coalition achievements, she said the APNU+AFC government built new fire stations at Corriverton, Melanie, Lethem, Mahdia, Onverwagt and Mabaruma.

“We increased the human resource capacity of the fire service which resulted in women taking their rightful place as professionals within this organisation, fire service finally got the professional mobility they deserved under the coalition government. We worked assiduously to ensure the fire service fulfilled its mandate of protecting life and property,” the former magistrate said.

On a separate matter, she impressed upon the House that the prison service must provide adequate medical facilities or medical personnel to deal with the health risk which present themselves in the prison environment in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

APNU parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

‘A tiger never

changes its stripes!’

–– Dr. Westford calls opposition ‘selfish,’ says Budget 2020 caters for everyone GOVERNMENT Member of Parliament (MP) has called out the parliamentary opposition for making “ill-informed” statements about Budget 2020, which she believes presents opportunities and caters for all sections of society.

“Budget 2020, our plan for prosperity… prosperity not only for one category, but for all of us because even we, who are in this house, will benefit from it… all Guyanese will benefit,” said Dr. Westford as she made her case during day three of the Budget 2020 debates.

Drawing from the support of her colleagues, who pounded on the table in acknowledgement of her comments, Dr. Westford challenged criticisms from MPs on the opposition side of the National Assembly.

Opposition parliamentarians had argued that the budget is not people-friendly and is designed for the private sector and corporate society, as it does not offer much for public servants.

“Are the public servants a new class of aliens that have arrived in this country?

Public servants are people

Government MP, Dr. Jennifer Westford

like every other Guyanese and they will benefit from this budget… they are not a separate kettle of fish,” Dr. Westford contended.

The budget presents benefits that will be accorded to every Guyanese, including public servants, she said, adding that they will benefit equally from tax measures, scholarships and so forth.

“Why are we singling them out? All of these ill-informed statements, especially by the opposition can only be described as the ranting of persons, who are severely challenged or blinded by political motives… the reality, is that a tiger never changes stripes.

“The very honourable members who sit here and criticise the budget and speak about democracy, are the very people who, by their selfish actions, denied the citizens for five long months, the right to choose who they wanted to govern them… denied them the right to have a government of their own choice to protect their livelihood… that was democracy under attack,” said Dr. Westford.

BENEFIT FOR EVERYONE And, after five months of stress, anguish and frustration, the people, she said, finally have a budget which caters for every sector and every facet of society.

In responding to Opposition MP, Corretta McDonald’s comment that Budget 2020 is not a working-class budget, Dr. Westford reiterated that it is a budget that will benefit everyone.

The Government MP said she found it odd that McDon-

ald spoke about the working class and did not mention teachers, although she is the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

Dr. Westford recalled the protracted struggle between teachers and the APNU+AFC administration, which concluded with the GTU making a turn which left the teachers in the proverbial cold.

She contended that former PPP/C administrations had offered better conditions of service to teachers, and this was even said by McDonald.

“It is documented that all of the PPP/C administrations have negotiated acceptable benefit packages and we promise to continue that trend with or without the meaningful participation of GTU,” said Dr. Westford.

She said teachers will never again be called greedy or selfish during their request for improved conditions of service.

This is, however, just one area of focus, as the new government plans to create programmes to benefit every section of society.

“The PPP/C has always had outstanding success with programmes designed to protect the disadvantaged… we will ensure these programmes remain effective and relevant, and review social sector programmes in consultation with civil sector, to ensure there are channels to those who need it the most,” Dr. Westford argued.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Guyana RumFest ‘Cocktail Mix-Off’

T

HE Guyana RumFest Committee has been crafting and creating varying virtual entertainment activities for the Guyanese people since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. Its latest virtual event “Cocktail Mix-Off” has also been captivating the attention of Guyanese.

The segment, which is hosted by Organizer and Guyana RumFest committee

member Yonnick David, brings together 12 leading mixologists of the local scene and is slated as a competition to leave one standing as Guyana’s Top Cocktail Mixer.

David told the Buzz Magazine that after the committee saw the success it had after its ‘Quarantine Mix’ virtual activity that was hosted in June, it still continued to see the need persons had for a form of

Guyana RumFest Cocktail Mix-Off Finalists

entertainment and somewhat distraction in this period and landed on the idea of ‘Cocktail Mix Off’. He stated that the committee decided to not just let these mixologists come out and make drinks but decided to make it a competition to make it much more entertaining, as well as to give the bartenders a chance to make some money, especially seeing that many of them may be out of work due to the pandemic.

The first round of the competition was hosted on Sunday September 13, 2020, and the top three finalists were selected from the 12 local mixologists. David added that there was a decision taken to add

fourth mixologists with the closest score to the top three into the selection for the finals as a wild card. The four ‘Cocktail Mix-Off’ finalists are Devon Ramlakhan, Anil Singh, Mahendra Ramkellawan and Wildcard Finalist, Jermaine Prescod.

Davis explained that during the competition that is streamed live via the Guyana RumFest Facebook page, each bartender has to make three of the same cocktails for the three judges, who make their decision based on the taste, smell, efficiency, presentation and complexity See page 16

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Guyana RumFest ...

From page 16

of the cocktails.

David told the Buzz Magazine that he believes events like these to be very useful in providing some level of entertainment for the Guyanese people.

“I think events like these give people something to do at home so that their days don’t become monotonous. So I think it’s good to have well organised online events that people can just tap into and have fun. We saw that there were a lot of persons in the comments having fun, and relaxing, taking their minds off of everything for a little bit,” he said.

The Guyana Rum Fest “Cocktail Mix off” final is set for September 20 and will see the first place winner walking away with the title of “Best Mixologists of 2020” as well as a grand prize of $75,000, while second and third place winner will walk away with $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Some of the Cocktails made in rounds one and two of the Competition

APA launches online video competition in commemoration of Indigenous Heritage Month 2020 THE Amerindian Peoples Association will be hosting an online film competition which seeks to bring recognition to the young, vibrant and upcoming film makers of the indigenous communities across Guyana.

Those who are interested will be re-

quired to highlight/ showcase the resilience of Indigenous Peoples during the COVID-19 pandemic and the APA intends to use the videos from the competition as COVID-19 Awareness material for Indigenous communities challenged by the ongoing pandemic.

Interested applicants will be required to submit general information on the celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month.

The pandemic has pushed the Indigenous people to find alternative solutions to the daily challenges within their various communities. Therefore, the video competition would allow APA not only to share how COVID-19 has impacted Indigenous peoples but to also show how resilient they have been during the pandemic.

Persons who wish to submit a piece can visit the APA Facebook page for additional information; submissions will end on September 25, to encourage participation in the competition, cash prizes for first to third place will be made available. $20,000 first prize, $15,000 second prize and $10,000 third prize.

Additional prizes will also be available for the best submission made by a female, and youngest participant of the competition as well as the people’s choice award for the video with the most Facebook likes. These prizes would be $5,000 each.

Judging will be done by a panel at the end of the submission period and the winners will be announced on September 30.

How this Activity will take place: · The video competition would focus on the theme, “Indigenous Peoples: Resilience that inspires” in keeping with the theme for this year’s observance of International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and ef-

fects of COVID-19 on Indigenous Peoples. · Participants will be required to submit a two to three minute video showing the resilience of Indigenous peoples in combating the virus and safeguarding themselves or their communities. For example, the use of proven traditional medicines in strengthening immune systems; awareness efforts undertaken in communities; volunteerism; the efforts of village councils in safeguarding communities; increased farming; gatekeeping, learning from home; safeguarding our elders. · All entrants will be instructed via published guidelines to ensure that they have the relevant permission from all parties involved to film all activities featured in the video for this competition. · The competition will target amateur, Indigenous filmmakers/ videographers residing in Guyana · Apart from English, entrants will be encouraged to also submit videos in indigenous languages but must include English subtitles where possible. · The entrants will be informed that their videos will become the property of the APA upon submission and will be used by the organisation for awareness purposes. · Videos that have been selected by the panel will be used as COVID-19 awareness resources in Indigenous communities facing challenges associated with the pandemic

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

17

Feud over at ‘Days like Dese’ –– Local artist claims intellectual property for show title

L

ONG-standing member of the local entertainment industry, Randolph Critchlow, is claiming intellectual property rights for the name of the local show “Days Like Dese” in a recent feud that has surfaced between him and the show’s producer, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento.

Three years ago, the two personalities came together as writer/director and producer, respectively.

“In the creation of the show, the initial stages, there was no name to it.

It’s a very specific and narrow area I am talking about. I am not claiming rights to the show, but I am saying to her the use of the name is essentially my intellectual property,” Critchlow explained.

Acceding that he did not contact

Randolph Critchlow Madhoo-Nascimento about her decision to move on with the show without him, Critchlow took to social media recently to issue a “public notice” to the effect that he was claiming creative rights to the show’s name, along with any royalties associated with its use.

“I only made the post because of how it was done. You basically decide to not contact me… I felt aggrieved at the fact that it basically moved forward without me being informed. And I am thinking this is something that came out of my head,” he expressed.

Madhoo, a well-respected producer for some 39 years now, told the Buzz that during Season Two of the Show in 2018, Critchlow wrote the first three episodes.

“Then suddenly he wouldn’t answer his phone nor return calls and I had to source other scriptwriters, including myself, to provide the remaining three scripts for that season to satisfy my deadlines.”

She said Critchlow was paid 40 percent of the proceeds from sponsorship re-

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento ceived for his creative contribution to the production, despite him not contributing in any way to the acquisition of sponsors.

“He was not very efficient in providing the scripts for the production. In connection with the name, it should be stated that it was one of many names proposed and that was chosen. This was done in the context of his employment in the production, so how can that be separated?”

The production was presented by GEMS Theatre Productions.

Against this backdrop, Critchlow believes that the country needs an umbrella body to look out for the interests and rights of local performers when issues arise.

The absence of copyright laws in Guyana makes it difficult to iron out certain issues, with one overseas-based Guyanese producer even opining that this may be the reason that the ‘big shots’ in the business prefer not to come here to do business with local artistes.

Critchlow believes that there is a lack of will among the artistes themselves in forming such an organisation. In fact, he has been an advocate for a ‘performers union’ for some time now, but has managed to make no headway with it.

There is also a lack of cooperation in the industry, Critchlow pointed out, as there has been attempts in the past where huge gatherings were discussing the creation of such a body, but nothing happened afterwards.

“There is a lot of competing interest and some persons may not agree that this is a good thing for the creative industry at this time because it would put a lot of restrictions,” he told the Buzz in an interview earlier this week. “I think this is important so that issues like these, we would have a body to defend them.

Nothing would be done without a proper contract, so in the event of issues like these, there is an organisation that is looking out for your interest. At the end of the day, these things happen and we have no representation.”

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

The making of Tibiseri Straw

The heart of Amerindian art and craft

A big part of Guyana’s culture and that of its first people, the Amerindians, is art and craft, and during the celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month, various art and craft are placed on display.

While many enjoy the luxury and fashion of the Amerindian crafts, there are many who do not know about the creative process of making bows, hats, mats, dresses and other products using Tibiseri straw.

In this edition of the Buzz, Gloria Shuman of St. Cuthbert’s mission, who has been making handcraft for most of her life, shared briefly how the Tibiseri straw is made, and how weaving dried ‘Tibiseri’ can produce unique pieces of craft.

The first step is to strip the tree leaves of the palm, after such is complete the straw is then placed into boiling water

A few of the many items that can be made or woven from the Tibiseri straw for two to three minutes until it comes afloat in the water.

This process she notes helps to preserved and keep the straw.

After this process is complete, the straw is then placed in some cooler water, which she notes helps get rid of the gooey substance that is in the straw.

The straw is then hung out to air dry in natural sunlight for some three to four days. After this process is completed, the Tibiseri straw will now be ready to use and proceed to craft.

In this creative process, nothing is left to waste, the husk of the palm is also used to craft many products. However, the husk does not take as much work as the Tibiseri straw to process as it is just left in the sun for some three to four days.

After this process, dyes and other colours can be added to the straw to create various colours and patterns.

The list of items that can be made from the Tibiseri straw are endless, from bags, skirts, mats, bowls and hammocks.

Under normal circumstances, Guyanese would have gathered at various events slated for the month to purchase such items, but owing to the coronavirus pandemic, persons cannot shop or enjoy the arts and crafts they once did in the same atmosphere.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Craft Shop has a variety of art and craft including; jewellery, head-dress, clothing, ornaments and souvenir, hats, baskets, sculptures and much more, all handmade and crafted by the talented craftsmen and women like Gloria Shuman.

These items are available for purchase at our Quamina and Thomas Streets Office from Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 16:00hrs.

When visiting the Ministry’s compound persons are reminded to practice all COVID-19 protocols to protect themselves and others while shopping.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Six teams ...

From page 21

Kadir and Nick Sarwan, among others.

Not to be outdone, Lara’s XI will see the likes of Deonandan, big-hitting Zaheer Allard, Anil Mahadeo and all-rounder Troy Gobin.

Already plans are in place to make the tournament an annual affair and according to Willie, next year’s bash will see the

Sean Deonandan winners take home a whopping Cdn$10 000. Overseas teams will also be invited to participate.

The tournament bowls off tomorrow at 10.00hrs with a launch set for today night at Windies Restaurant & Bar, Scarborough.

Preliminary round matches will be played at the Woburn and West Hill ground, Scarborough while the semi-finals and final are set for Greenbriar ground, Brampton on Sunday.

Among the several sponsors are Softball Cricket Canada, Tropical Nights, Windies Restaurant & Bar, AP Staffing, Omesh Jewelry, JDG Tooling & Automation, Cabana Restaurant & Lounge, Dent Wizard, I Saw That On TV, Canadian Surplus Guyana, Fusion Restaurant, RR CPA Professional Corporation, RRW Accounting Solutions, Alarm TechZ, Bhowan Persaud – Century 21 Regal Realty and Cynthia Singh -Realtor.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

We’re lucky to have Osaka as a leader, says Billie Jean King

By Martyn Herman LONDON, England (Reuters) - Women’s tennis is very fortunate to have U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka as its new figurehead, according to one of the sport’s greatest trailblazers Billie Jean King.

Not only did the 22-yearold Japanese player win a second title at Flushing Meadows last week, she also became a champion for equality, taking a lead in highlighting racial injustice.

The 76-year-old King likens Osaka’s off-court stance to that of the Origi-

nal Nine, a group of players led by King who fought tirelessly to start a professional women’s tennis tour, which in turn led to the creation of the WTA in 1973.

“She is already huge on and off the court. She is very humble and really looks at you when you talk to her and takes in the information and comes up with an authentic response,” King said of Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father Haitian.

“In many ways Naomi is a product of the Original Nine. Think about that, she is what we fought for. That if you’re good enough you

will have a place to compete, wherever you are from.

“Naomi is a product of our wishes and dreams.”

Osaka instigated a oneday shutdown of the Western and Southern Open the week before the U.S. Open, pulling out of her semi-final in protest at the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Before each of her seven matches at the U.S. Open she wore face masks printed with the names of Black Americans who have suffered racial injustice in the U.S. Already a sporting icon,

Naomi Osaka celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (not pictured) in the women’s singles final on day 13 of the 2020 U.S. Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, New York, USA. (Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo) Osaka’s fight for equality has focussed even more attention on her, but King believes she can shoulder the responsibility of being a voice for tennis.

“She seems to be able to compartmentalise things and she cares deeply about

what is happening around her and that will keep her focussed,” King told Reuters ahead of an ITF announcement that the Fed Cup was being re-named the Billie Jean King Cup in honour of her achievements on and off court.

“She is fantastic for the sport. But don’t forget Serena (Williams) and Venus also spoke out and continue to speak out for women of colour and Venus fought for equal prize money.

“People forget because they go on to the new one.

But Naomi is really special and I really think she will be an amazing leader through the years because she cares.

“We are very fortunate to have her in our sport.”

King has long wanted the WTA and men’s ATP Tour to combine to create one body, and has watched recent developments in which world number one Novak Djokovic has formed a breakaway players’ union with interest.

She believes the sport’s various organisations should unite.

“I’ve always been a teams-person,” King said.

“I think together we are stronger. My wish will always be that we are one association. I’m not sure about the Djokovic split.

I’m not sure it’s going to happen. But I just hope the ATP and WTA get together. It would be great.

This could drive it, I don’t know.”

Six teams vying for supremacy in Canada Softball Bash

By Frederick Halley MORE than Cdn$6 000 will be up for grabs when the first-ever two-day Canada Softball Bash bowls off tomorrow at venues in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Following a draft, which took place two weekends ago, six teams will vie for supremacy with the winners guaranteed the top prize of Cdn$4000 and the winners’ trophy while the runners-up will take home Cdn$1000 and a trophy. The Player-of-the-Tournament will earn a diamond ring valued at Cdn$1000 Special incentive prizes will also be awarded to the best fielder, best batsman and best bowler.

A brainchild of businessman Rajesh Willie, the two-day extravaganza is being run under the auspices of Softball Cricket Canada and comes at a time when all the major associations in Ontario decided to cancel the official season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The six teams competing this year are: Canadian Legends, Double Trouble, North-

ern Warriors, Lara 11, Toronto Softball Cricket Club (TSCC) and Super Kings.

While the tournament is being played with the white ball, a major stipulation is two of the 10 overs must be bowled using the roundarm method.

The draft, which was done at Cabana Restaurant & Lounge, Mississauga, lived up to its hype with all six teams opting for calibre players in their opening picks – Loaknauth ‘Colgate’ Ramsuchit going to Northern Warriors, Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth – Double Trouble, Shaun Deonandan – Lara X1, Hemnarine Chattergoon – Canadian Legends, Avinash Sookdeo (TSCC) and Sunil ‘Skello’ Ramkissoon – Super Kings.

Ramsuchit, who recently led Softball Cricket Canada to victory in the Canada Softball Cricket Association (SCCA) 10/10 tournament, will also have experienced players in Azam Haniff, Riaz Kadir and Munniram Karran in his lineup.

Apart from Sookdeo, TSCC will also be boosted by the presence of Damo-

Bobby Parasnauth dar Daesrath, Farouk Hussain and Zakir Khan.

Chattergoon, who will skipper Canadian Legends, will have the support of Aftab Shamsudeen, Ravi Lall Beharry and Avish Rukram.

Super Kings ‘top guns’ include Ramkissoon, Richard Dias, Ian ‘Russian’ Baldeo and Rishi Samuel.

Experienced all-rounder Parasnauth will also have the services of round-arm sensation Amit Rukram, Imran Ali, Mike See page 20

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

Kwiatkowski wins Tour de France 18th stage, Roglic retains yellow LA ROCHE SUR FORON, France (Reuters) - Michal Kwiatkowski, the unsung hero of Team Sky/Ineos during their dominant years, claimed his maiden Tour de France victory when he won the 18th stage from a breakaway duo with team mate Richard Carapaz yesterday.Carapaz, who took the lead in the mountains classification, gave former world champion Kwiatkowski a pat on the back before they crossed the line together, which ensured that the Polish rider would take first place.

The victory is a sweet reward for Kwiatkowski, whose role as a domestique on the Tour has helped Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal win Tour de

France titles since 2016.

It also gave Ineos-Grenadiers something to cheer about one day after defending champion Bernal abandoned the race because of back pains.

“I’m going to celebrate big time tonight,” said Kwiatkowski.

Primoz Roglic retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after the last mountain stage, a 175-km effort from Meribel, as he controlled his closest rival and fellow Slovenian Tadej Pogacar.

Pogacar lags 57 seconds behind with Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez in third place, 1:26 off the pace.

Today’s 19th stage is a 166.5-km undulating ride between Bourg en Bresse and Champagnole.

Caption: Photo saved: Michal

Michal Kwiatkowski (right) had never won an individual Grand Tour stage before.

Windies ready for England T20 challenge: Dottin DERBY, England (CMC) – Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin believes the two inter-squad practice matches have left West Indies Women in good stead ahead of next week’s start of their five-match Twenty20 International series against England Women here.

The Caribbean side completed their second warm-up game at the Incora County Ground here Wednesday with Dottin’s XI securing a 26-run win over Shakera Selman’s XI in a competitive affair.

Last weekend, Dottin’s XI and Stafanie Taylor’s XI clashed in the opening warm-up match in what proved an excellent outing for the squad.

“These two practice matches felt good to be back out in the middle playing competitive cricket,” Dottin said afterwards.

“Personally, it was nice spending some time at the crease after such a long layoff. Generally, we are all looking and feeling good, after the last couple weeks of training.

“So we’re just looking forward now to starting the series on Monday and put-

Lee-Ann Kirby top-scored with 85 not out.

ting all that hard work into action.”

Batting first, Dottin’s XI piled up 132 for five off their 20 overs with LeeAnn Kirby top-scoring with a splendid unbeaten 85, striking seven fours and three sixes.

The 33-year-old Trinidadian was recalled to the West Indies side earlier this year

following a 12-year international break.

Dottin, meanwhile,. followed up her good form in the first match by scoring 29 while off-spinning all-rounder Hayley Matthews led the attack with two for 31 from her allotted four overs.

In reply, Matthews, Chinelle Henry and Shabika

Gajnabi all scored 27 but none could convert into a match-winning knock, as Selman’s XI came up short.

Fast bowler Shamilia Connell finished with two for 18 to be the best bowler.

West Indies will clash with England in the opening T20 International at the same venue next Monday.

German doctor accused of masterminding sports doping goes on trial MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) - A German sports doctor accused of masterminding an international blood doping network for professional sportspeople, from at least 23 athletes from eight countries over many years went on trial in Munich on Wednesday.

The case is a result of “Operation Bloodletting” under which police raided the Nordic Ski World Championships in Austria in February 2019 and arrested athletes just hours before the start of an event. In Germany, the doctor was arrested.

Prosecutors say the defendant, identified in Germany only as Mark S., was behind performance-enhancing blood transfusions mostly for cross-country skiers and cyclists.

They believe he was involved in the practice from at least the end of 2011.

There are two forms of blood doping. Autologous blood doping is the transfusion of an athlete’s own blood, which has been stored, refrigerated or frozen, until needed. Homologous blood doping is the transfusion of blood taken from another person with the same blood type.

“The charge is the commercial use of a banned doping substance and is directed against the doctor and the small group of people who are alleged to have helped him over a long period of time,” prosecution lawyer Anne Leiding told reporters.

Four other suspects are on trial accused of helping him with the collection and supply of blood.

If convicted, the doctor could be put behind bars for between one and 10 years. The trial is set to continue until at least mid-December.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2020

England captain Eoin Morgan reflects on ‘amazing’ summer ENGLAND’S cricketing summer should be regarded as a success despite the one-day international series loss to Australia, says captain Eoin Morgan.

Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey steered Australia to a thrilling victory in the decisive ODI at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, sharing a record 212-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

It handed world champions England their first one-day series defeat on home soil since 2015 and provided the only blemish in a summer in which they have beaten West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland across different formats.

in having him caught at third man.

“If we were right on top of our game, we might have taken those chances. It’s always disappointing when you don’t,” Morgan said.

“When we look back, that will be something we can improve on.

“I thought we were right in the game. Given Australia have struggled chasing recently, I thought we had a chance.”

Australia had collapsed in the previous ODI, ultimately losing by 24 runs, but Maxwell and Carey held firm.

“We thought we were in trouble, absolutely,” Australia captain Aaron Finch said.

“Maxi is in the team to do a specific role, to try to swing the momentum.

“I don’t think there are many bowlers in the world who can hang with him when he’s having one of those days.”

‘THE CRICKET THIS SUMMER HAS BEEN REMARKABLE’ Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special: “What we’ve witnessed in the last few months in terms of drama has been remarkable. When you think the players have been locked up in cricket grounds, they have produced so many dramatic moments.

“I think that’s a big moment for Australia. From where they were on Sunday, if they’d lost that game, and it looked like they would be going into the last over, I don’t know how Justin Langer would have picked them up. I don’t know what he could have said. They deserved to win.” (BBC Sport)

Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey hold the Royal London One Day Series trophy. (Getty Images) All of England’s fixtures have been fulfilled despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with matches being staged in bio-secure bubbles in Manchester and at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl.

“At the forefront of thinking before we bowled a ball was everyone’s well-being and that has continued,” Morgan told Test Match Special.

“It’s been an amazing summer and it’s been great to get our full quota of fixtures in.

“Guys have come and gone out of the bubble and the way (chief executive) Tom Harrison and (director of cricket) Ashley Giles have led things from the ECB’s perspective has been outstanding.

“If there was another summer of a bio-secure bubble we would probably have to look at guys spending more time outside of it or families being allowed to come in.”

Players have lived on site at the two grounds which has meant extended time away from their family - fast bowler Jofra Archer, for example, has spent 86 days in the bio-bubble, more than any other player.

Australia batsman Alex Carey, who made his maiden ODI century in the three-wicket win on Wednesday, praised the England and Wales Cricket Board’s handling of the bio-secure environment.

“I think if it brings smiles to the faces of people watching at home then we’re willing to play,” Carey said.

“We love playing the game and we’re really thankful for the opportunity we got.

“We’ll go our separate ways now but I’ll look forward to the next time we hopefully come over here.”

There is still men and women’s domestic cricket to come, with England women’s international summer beginning on Monday with a five-match T20 series against West Indies.

‘We might have taken our chances on other days’ England recovered from 0-2 in the final one-day international of the summer to post 302-7, with Jonny Bairstow scoring 112.

The hosts appeared to be on top as Australia slipped to 73-5 but Carey and Glenn Maxwell produced an astonishing partnership to drag the tourists back into contention.

Maxwell scored 108 from 90 balls and Carey 106 in a record 212-run partnership to push Australia within sight of victory.

England were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, and could have dismissed Carey for nine had Archer not overstepped

‘CPL was resounding success’ - Hall … believes tournament thrived in difficult circumstances

CARIBBEAN Premier League (CPL) Director of Operations, Michael Hall, has hailed the recently concluded edition of the tournament as a huge success, in light of the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s staging, which had initially been in doubt due to the global coronavirus outbreak, was eventually staged in Trinidad and Tobago in a bio-secure environment, without fans. The Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) created history by being the first team to claim the title without losing a match.

Things, however, did not go off without a hitch. Many spectators took issue with CPL Director of the standard of play at Operations Michael Hall the low-scoring tournament, while many players struggled with the quarantine requirements and conditions of the heavily used pitches.

Hall, while accepting that there were challenges and admitting that he was eager to see things return to normal, believed things went reasonably well.

“I think by any measure, this year, the CPL was a resounding success for the simple reason that we were able to do what we did, stage the tournament successfully, have some decent cricket played despite the fact that a number of cricketers would have been rusty,” Hall told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

“To pull it together, to stage it, to have it successfully completed without anyone testing positive for the virus throughout that entire almost eight-week period, anyone that tries to tell me the CPL was not a success this year, I am having none of it,” he added.

Despite no fans being in the stadium, this season’s CPL was the most viewed tournament in the history of the competition. (Sportsmax)

FIFA confirms new international dates as fixtures pile up ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) FIFA has confirmed a new window for international matches in January 2022 as World Cup qualifying fixtures continue to pile up because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

World soccer’s ruling body said in a statement that the window was ratified by the decision-making FIFA Council yesterday.

It applies to all continents apart from Europe, will last from January 24 to February 1 2022, and means

European clubs will be obliged to release their players during that period.

FIFA has also agreed that the CONCACAF Gold Cup will take place from July 10 to August 1 next year and that the Africa Cup of Nations - postponed from 2021 - will be played in January 2022.

Apart from this month’s UEFA Nations League matches, international football has been on hold since March because of the pandemic, causing widespread disruption to the

qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Six match days have been postponed in the Asian qualifiers while the South American qualifiers, due to start in March, will not get under way until October at the earliest.

The CONCACAF qualifiers, which should have started this month, will not begin until March.

Although the format has been modified, teams could still play up to 18 matches to reach Qatar.

Mumbai Indians won their fourth IPL title last year

By Faisal Kamal ALREADY regarded as the world’s richest and most successful Twenty20 cricket team, the Mumbai Indians will now attempt to underline their status by claiming their first backto-back titles in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Led by senior Indian batsman Rohit Sharma and owned by Nita Ambani -- wife of India’s richest man, Reliance Industries billionaire Mukesh Ambani Mumbai have won an unsurpassed four IPL titles.

So far they have been unable to match the Chennai Super Kings’ feat of 2010 and 2011 by winning the world’s most lucrative T20 league twice in a row.

But Mumbai, who open the coronavirus-delayed IPL season against

the Super Kings in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, head into the tournament as the bookies’ favourites for a fifth trophy.

Mumbai’s financial clout is formidable. Ambani, who bought the franchise for more than $100 million in 2008, has been rated by Forbes as the world’s second richest sports team owner behind former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer, who owns Los Angeles Clippers.

According to an Economic Times estimate, the Indians are worth $115 million, the highest among the eight IPL franchises.

The team has an impeccable playing pedigree too. Their founding captain was the now retired Sachin Tendulkar, the record-breaking batsman who is worshipped by Indian fans. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is another ex-skipper.

‘World’s best’ Mumbai Indians attempt back-to-back IPL titles ‘ABSOLUTE GREATS’ But it was only when Sharma was appointed captain in 2013, after Ponting stepped down due to loss of form that the team became a force to be reckoned with.

The 33-year-old star batsman has led by example, scoring 3 728 runs since joining Mumbai in 2011 and captaining the team to IPL trophies in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene is the coach, while West Indian big-hitter Kieron Pollard and India quick Jasprit Bumrah add power to the team.

Australia paceman Nathan CoulterNile, part of the Indians’ first title win in 2013, returns this season after being snapped up for $1.12 million in the December auctions.

“It’s good to come back to the most successful T20 franchise of the world,” said Coulter-Nile.

“Obviously the team I was involved with then was filled with absolute greats - Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma.

“And to come back to see this team now developing those sort of greats again!. Rohit Sharma is a great in himself. Bumrah, best death bowler in the world!”

However, the loss of pace ace Lasith Malinga earlier this month was a big blow, after the veteran Sri Lankan opted out of the tournament to be with his family.

But despite the loss of Malinga, the IPL’s highest wicket-taker with 170 scalps in 122 matches, Mumbai’s fans still expect their team to come home with the trophy. (AFP)

‘Grateful’ Warner Messi wins court to continue case against cycling COVID recovery company over logo out of limelight

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was named the wealthiest soccer player in the world by Forbes earlier this month.

Former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner

FORMER CONCACAF president Jack Warner has left the hospital and is now in quarantine as he continues to recover from infection with the coronavirus.

The 77-year-old former football official-turned-politician, confirmed in a statement that he had been released from Couva Hospital last Sunday.

Warner was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago, after testing positive for the disease and experiencing some of the symptoms. Warner, who had a tough time battling the disease, reflected that he would not have inflicted it on his worst enemy.

“This was not a good road trip and I will be following the medical guidelines to the dot and to the tittle not simply because it is my social and legal responsibility to do so but because the discomfort, the isolation, and the pain that one goes through is not an experience that anyone

will wish for another,” the release read.

The former FIFA vice-president said that he intended to spend his recovery out of the limelight and that he was thankful to God. “During my period of recovery, I will remain in the shadows away from media contact and this is not because of any disrespect to this profession to which I have grown to love but rather to allow me to recover undisturbed; I would truly wish that my request for silence during this period is respected,” he said.

“Let me, first of all, thank God for this second chance and for His mercy in allowing me to unite with my family and also once again to thank my family and friends for being my source of comfort and strength along this journey and for their prayers for healing which ascended to the throne of grace and my behalf.” (Sportsmax)

BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Barcelona and Argentina captain Lionel Messi has won a legal battle over trademark rights relating to his own logo after the European Union’s top court yesterday dismissed an appeal against the player from a Spanish cycling clothing brand.

The EU’s Court of Justice in Luxembourg said in a statement it had authorised the player to register the trademark Messi, dismissing an appeal from the EU’s intellectual property office EUIPO and the Spanish company Massi.

Messi first filed an application with the property office in 2011 to trademark his surname as a sportswear, footwear and equipment brand despite opposition from the owners of Massi, who argued that the player’s brand would cause confusion to customers.

The EU property office upheld their complaint in 2013 and while an appeal from Messi the following year was dismissed, an appeal to the EU’s General Court in 2018 led

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

to the original ruling being annulled.

The statement added that the Court of Justice had dismissed an appeal by the clothing brand and EUIPO against the annulment, saying the General Court was correct to say Messi’s reputation was a relevant factor in establishing a difference between the player’s brand and the cycling company.

Messi, 33, has been named the world footballer-of-the-year a record six times and is the all-time top scorer for Barcelona, Argentina and in Spanish football.

He was named the wealthiest soccer player in the world by Forbes earlier this month, pocketing an estimated $92 million from his salary from Barca plus $34 million in endorsements.

The Argentinian made global headlines last month for declaring his intention to leave Barcelona, where he has spent his entire career, although he eventually decided to stay because he did not wish to face a legal battle with the club.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020