Guyana Chronicle 01-17-2021

17th January, 2021

, No.106245

Fortune 500 company

moves regional HQ to Guyana

–– plans to employ Guyanese in every aspect of the organisation –– investing heavily in humanitarian efforts

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

Paulette Henry: From teacher to ‘CommonwealthWiseWomen’ mentor

PAGE

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Pensioner seeks help to rebuild, three years after house collapsed SEE STORY ON PAGE 02

COVID strains 13 ‘concerning’, but existing health guidelines will help PAGE

–– says UWI virologist

The little fairytale house at ‘Now Or Never’, some 33 miles from Georgetown, lends to the ambience of scenic Mahaicony, on the East Coast of Demerara (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Pensioner seeks help to rebuild three years after house collapsed

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur SIXTY-eight-year old Arai Permaul, popularly known as “Auntie Merlin”, only has one wish – to have a comfortable house to sleep in – one that does not flood when it rains.

Three years ago, Per-

maul’s two-storey wooden house at Lot 3 Princeton, Corriverton, came crashing down on her during heavy winds; at the time, she was sleeping upstairs. She was trapped inside and could not move. She was rescued and rushed to the hospital with a broken arm and other injuries

to her body.

Hospitalised and no financial means to rebuild her house, Permaul’s son-in-law utilised wood and zinc and made a make-shift shack.

Permaul hoped that her financial situation would improve but three years later, it only became worse.

Arai Permaul is pleading for help to rebuild her house

Arai Permaul

In tears, the woman stated that when it rains, inside the shack is flooded and she often has to fight off snakes.

“I would appreciate any help. I just want one place [to] rest. Nighttime, [I can’t] sleep. [I] just a light one coil and pray fuh morning come.

Meh ah frighten in here,” a tearful Permaul told the Sunday Chronicle.

Permaul is the mother of four children, but they no longer reside with her, however, they assist the best they can, as they, too, barely have the means to survive day to day.

Permaul is currently unemployed; she relies on her monthly pension to survive.

Meanwhile, a foundation based in Berbice, ‘Rose for Relief’, learnt of Permaul’s story from one of her sons-

in-law, who is a carpenter.

He approached the foundation for help to assist with the materials to construct the woman’s house.

Rosanna Mohamed, founder of the foundation, has taken up the task and is now seeking support from donors to gather the necessary resources to make Permaul’s dream a reality.

Mohamed said they will be building an 18 x 20 flat concrete house with toilet, bath and other amenities inside. She has managed to get 400 blocks so far and is seeking help to garner more materials such as blocks, cement, zinc, steel rods and wood. Persons desirous of assisting Permaul can contact telephone numbers, 670-6908 and 695-8062.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Fortune 500 company moves regional HQ to Guyana –– plans to employ Guyanese in every aspect of the organisation –– investing heavily in humanitarian efforts

By Navendra Seoraj ONE of the world’s leading oil service providers, Schlumberger, has designated Guyana as the location for its regional base, with the construction of a modern facility already underway and expected to be completed by mid-year.

Schlumberger, a re-

locally-based team,” Cuadros said.

Schlumberger delivers services to support Guyana’s oil and gas exploration and production operations across the entire value chain, from pore to pipeline. But, with ExxonMobil - the key stakeholder in Guyana’s oil and gas sector - set to expand its operations in the near future,

rels. Ten drill centres are planned, along with up to 41 wells, including 20 production and 21 injection wells.

“There has been sporadic exploration activities taking place offshore Guyana for many years, and Schlumberger is proud to have supported those operations. Our activity in the region has accelerated in line with the increase of

The company’s initial office at Middle Street, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

nowned Fortune 500 company, is the world’s leading provider of technology and digital solutions for the oil and gas industry. In 2017, this company made a decision to invest significantly and establish a long- term footprint in Guyana.

Phase one of this development was commissioned in late 2018 and phase two, which includes the construction of a new facility to house the company’s Guyana, Trinidad and the Caribbean (GTC) office, is underway, the new Managing Director of Schlumberger GTC, Ernesto Cuadros, said in response to questions from the Sunday Chronicle.

“We anticipate that this development will be completed in the first half of 2021. Upon completion of phase two, all Schlumberger operations in Guyana will be supported and maintained via our local office by our

the company has evidently taken steps to ensure that it stays in line with the oil company’s strategic direction.

Since 2015, ExxonMobil, operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, increased its estimated recoverable resource base to more than nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

And, following an agreement with the Government of Guyana, the company recently decided to proceed with the Payara field development offshore Guyana.

Payara is the company’s third project in the Stabroek Block and is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day after start-up in 2024, using the prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The $9 billion development will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent bar-

exploration that began in the early 2010s,” Cuadros said, adding that this includes the now famous Liza-1 discovery in 2015, which Schlumberger was a part of.

Prior to this discovery, the company’s Guyana operations were mostly supported by its base in Trinidad and Tobago, while a small team was stationed locally. The company, as it is now, employs over 85 Guyanese, who account for approximately 26 per cent of Schlumberger’s local workforce.

LOCAL PARTICIPATION Local participation in this company’s operations is, however, expected to increase tremendously over the next 12-18 months, Cuadros contended.

“In addition, due to the impressive, albeit small, local talent pool, Guyanese nationals have been employed

Managing Director of Schlumberger GTC, Ernesto Cuadros

across the entire spectrum of the organisation, many of whom have received and will continue to receive formal training and on-the-job exposure overseas.

“As a multi-national company, there will be opportunities for a wide cross-section of Guyanese employees to be placed on long-term overseas assignments, as they progress their careers in the compa-

ny,” the managing director said.

The company, apart from its direct investments and provision of employment coupled with best-in-class training and career development, is committed to the local community, which is evidenced by some of the initiatives implemented to date.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Kaneville residents hopeful after tell-all outreach WITH the aim of suppressing the alarming incidents of criminal activity in the community of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, the Guyana Police Force, on Saturday morning, adopted a novel approach in an effort to gain and effect control of the situation.

This came in the form of interaction with the residents at one of the known hotspots.

The innovative method was on full display, as a number of senior officers, led by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (ag.), Clifton Hicken and Regional Division 4(B) Commander, Senior Superintendent, Linden Isles, along with ranks who currently serve the community, conducted an outreach at the notorious “Black and White Bridge.”

“I glad that y’all come to hear people problems,” said one elderly female resident.

Other residents said that this was the first time they had witnessed this type of

assertive action in their community; they viewed it as a sign of respect shown to them, but more importantly, a clear signal to the criminals that it would become increasingly difficult to carry out their barefaced and wanton acts.

“Speak your mind; speak the truth. Tell us your problems and we will get things done,” was the assertion of Deputy Commissioner Hicken, at the beginning of what developed into a lively two-hour exchange of candid views and airing of serious concerns about an obviously crime-ridden area that requires proactive law enforcement by trustworthy officers.

Having listened to the aggrieved, and in most cases, admittedly fearful residents relate the numerous brazen and vicious attacks on themselves and their property by “young” perpetrators, Hicken identified a troubling aspect of the complaints – indiffer-

The community outreach at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara

The notorious “Black and White Bridge” in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara

ence by ranks and allegations that several ranks have been colluding with the bandits.

He then instructed Commander Isles that there be prompt action.

“With immediate effect, you are to cause rotation to be done to Grove (Police Station) with fresh faces, with a focus on community building.”

This decision was loudly applauded by the residents.

He continued: “You are to ensure Inspector Layne take responsibility for that Diamond/Grove Station, so that the Sergeant can have enough time to be in the community with her ranks.”

“Job rotation is (also) important to build capacity in any organisation, and the Guyana Police Force is no different,” Hicken added.

“We are here to serve you and not to be served. There is no shortcut. So if you commit an offence, go to the court and deal with it at the Magistrate level.”

He cautioned residents against contributing to unethical behaviour by offering bribes to shortcut the system.

Hicken then disclosed that in addition to the vehicles already being used in the area, next week he would deploy an additional four motorcycles “to service Kaneville only.”

He also noted that the

energy exerted by the residents to voice their concerns was an indication that they are willing to cooperate with the police, and “that is a plus for us.”

The Deputy Commissioner instructed that two community policing groups (CPG) be formed this week in Kaneville.

He explained that the presence of those groups will “reduce our response time; it will aid our success rate.”

“The minority is creating problems for the majority. Based on what I’ve listened to, the community of Kaneville means well. You have a few misguided youths that are perpetrating acts of crime, because they have no guidance. So, our simple task is to remove the problem.

And in doing so, there’s a legal procedure to take. And that’s where the police will take the lead role. CPGs will have established patrols, authenticated by the presence of policemen and women.”

Hicken revealed that a WhatsApp group will be created with interested residents and several senior police officers. The residents were also reminded of their responsibility to “ensure that we mitigate these types of activities. If you see something, you need to say something without any fear.”

As an advocate for youth development, Hicken also called on a number of stakeholders to harness or amalgamate their energies to “identify vulnerable youths, based on the needs of the community, and derive skillsets… vocational training skills, so that we can keep them gainfully occupied.”

There will be a follow-up meeting at the same location next Saturday.

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Fortune 500 company...

Among some of those initiatives are the donation of some US$10 million (G$2B) towards the establishment of a Geoscience Laboratory at the University of Guyana (UG), and the donation of $1 million to the Rotaract Club of Guyana for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) relief.

The company, according to Cuadros, has also donated $1.8 million to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for the renovation of the Dorothy Bailey Health Centre, and plans to distribute close to 100 refurbished laptops, monitors, cable locks, docking stations, laptop bags and other peripherals to a local non-profit organisation, among other things.

One of Schlumberger’s main humanitarian projects is its ‘Excellence in Education Development (SEED) programme’, which seeks to engage employees, customers and other stakeholders to drive programmes focussed on promoting education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to children around the globe and in Guyana.

The programme’s mission, as outlined by Cuadros, is to inspire, influence and enable educators in communities where ‘Schlumberger people’ work and live, and to engage young people from all backgrounds and genders on STEM subjects and problems that require local action.

“This year we plan to implement a number of initiatives and will soon release an Expression of Interest (EOI) in search of local educational partners who can collaborate with us to build SEED programmes.

“We are excited to engage local agencies to develop and plan robust fit-for-purpose programmes for Guyana Schlumberger-Private,” the managing director said.

GREENER FUTURE Additionally, the company is “deeply committed” to playing a role in promoting a greener future by mapping out ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its activities. For example, the company has a plan to use solar power for all lights at its operations facility. Schlumberger is also utilising a water treatment system that enables the company to recycle water used for washing equipment.

“While Schlumberger

is obviously focussed on providing safe and reliable services to the oil and gas operators, at our core is a strong commitment to making a positive and meaningful impact in the communities in which we live and work, and Guyana is no exception,” Cuadros affirmed.

Although the migration of large companies like Schlumberger is a plus for Guyana, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Nicholas Boyer, has said that local content must be promoted through joint ventures and partnerships with these major companies.

“We hope it is not what I would call a wholesale move, where companies think they will set up in Guyana without any sort of partnerships or joint ventures, or local content in their operations,” Boyer said during a recent interview with this newspaper.

It was reported that the government has already initiated the process of crafting a comprehensive local content policy which will form the basis for local content legislation. But even in the absence of a comprehensive policy, it has been reported that Guyanese businesses have been contributing to the oil and gas supply chain, which includes services, such as transportation and even professional services ranging from lawyers, accountants and even auditors.

It is also reported that ExxonMobil and its prime contractors have spent over $300 million with more than 700 local companies since 2015. Also, more than 2,500 Guyanese companies are registered with the Centre for Local Business Development, which was founded by ExxonMobil and its partners in 2017, to build local business capacity to support global competitiveness.

A lot more investors are expected in the coming years, and Guyanese have been positioning themselves to capitalise on the imminent opportunities.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Serving Without Discrimination

EVERY Guyanese would want to savour this magnificent moment of the nation's history and tackle the exciting task of propelling Guyana to its promise of what President Ali described as imminent “quadruple growth,” united as one Guyanese nation. Government demonstrated its commitment to national unity and inclusiveness with the President even inviting Brigadier David Granger to dialogue and a confab of former Presidents. The government last week reached out to the Linden community with a beautifully magnanimous gesture of goodwill and a comprehensive vision for the mining town, with a 1,000-house new development and landmark 50-house community for young professionals unveiled, along with an economic package that will benefit every resident.

Nobody could doubt government's sincere reaching out to every segment of the society since its accession to office, with special attention, incentives and development programmes earmarked for communities aligned to the opposition.

In this time of the country's history it would be fruitful and ideal were the opposition to take a leaf out of government's playbook and set out with intentional leadership to build a national vision for its role in designing the future. The opposition would do the nation, and its constituents, a great service were it to avoid a sectarian approach to its role, especially its parliamentary participation, but also its on-the-ground rapport with the population. Retreating into groupthink and an 'us vs them' mentality would not serve the nation well at all.

Guyanese would be wary of the few commentators and voices on the national scene who try to sow political division, ethnic and racial strife, and schisms in the body politic.

These few voices generate significant in-

fluence among their followers, and seem to revel in perpetuating a one-sided, race-based viewpoint about everything that happens in this country. They refuse to see positives anywhere. The country must be wary of these harsh, myopic, stern leaders who seem determined to sow nothing but angst and division.

Guyana today stands poised on a great threshold, about to leap into a new future that Guyanese have dreamed of for decades.

Leaders, therefore, would serve Guyana well were they to join hands, hearts and heads to generate solutions, knit all communities together, and build a future where every single person benefits.

Government alone can only do so much.

The private sector, with its role as the engine of economic growth; the public sector with its frontline interface with citizens and the need for efficient, professional service; the political scene, with government governing for every Guyanese and the opposition with its influence over its constituents needing to open its arms to all Guyana, its constituents making up a significant percentage of the nation, all these need to see that vision of a whole Guyana progressing in national peace and national prosperity. Thus, everything must be done with a national viewpoint, rather than a narrow, groupthink or ethno-based worldview.

There is no place in these times for influential leaders who influence their constituents to be suspicious, paranoid, or negative about a section of their country.

Guyana is a full-blown democracy and every facet of the country must see that issues are decided at free and fair elections.

In between elections, all Guyanese join in the process of development, pushing ahead, and forging a country everybody loves and cherishes.

In fact, the opposition should more than anybody else be motivated to make this new

future happen with alacrity and optimism, because for decades under the PNC regime and then the coalition, the communities that suffered most socioeconomic hardship were their constituents, in Albouystown, Linden, New Amsterdam, Tiger Bay – under their governance. Yet some of their leaders and spokespersons play the race card, and during the coalition government’s tenure, certain mischievous writers and spokespersons were making all sorts of innuendos and accusations and blame against those whom they perceived to be well-off, enticing their followers to see thriving communities as their enemies.

Some leaders aligned with the coalition even promoted the idea that wealth-transfer should happen by any and all means, taken from the well to do by whatever means.

This sort of mentality the Guyanese nation must be aware of, and encourage every voice on the public stage to instead engage, be proactive and solutions-oriented, and seek always to bring Guyanese together as one people.

This national way of being takes hard work, and must not be ignored, but deliberately cultivated and nurtured.

The national economy, the socioeconomic building, is on the verge of exponential growth, not doubling or tripling in size, but multiplying four times its current size. That is monumental growth, and its rapid pace could very well be a world record. In this phase of such remarkable transformation for the nation, it is time for all public leaders and stakeholders, in the private and public sectors, in academia, in arts and culture, sports and entertainment, in every sphere of national life, to step up to the podium and care about the national soul as one nation, with one destiny.

Gone are the days when the coalition government saw Guyana through myopic lens, painting public buildings in the colours of the party. The A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU) failed to live up to the vision inherent in its name, and even the Alliance For Change (AFC) shed its image as a change agent to embrace this paranoia of painting public buildings around the country in party colours – a clear violation of democratic norms, and a throwback to the days when the People's National Congress (PNC) practised party paramountcy.

The world saw in the United States recently what divisive rhetoric could sow, how it could damage a society, even a robust democracy like America. Guyana needs to take that lesson to heart and encourage all public leaders, commentators and change agents to embrace the Guyana of tomorrow, to cultivate the viewpoint of one people, one nation, with one destiny.

It is the only way Guyana would become a global success story, which would benefit every single Guyanese. This vision of a national playground must stir the heart of all who seek to grace the public stage with a determined goal that the national good is important, that the national viewpoint should be cultivated, rather than mere party, or ethnic identity, or race, religion or creed. Guyana is for all Guyanese, and every leader on the public stage would do well to cultivate this tone.

President Ali demonstrates with graphic action the government's commitment to cultivate its vision for the whole national good, and to reach out embracing all of Guyana, and to sustain a sincere desire to see every Guyanese thrive and improve - quadruple, their standard of living and socioeconomic well-being.

It is a new day for Guyana, and all public figures would do well to care for all of Guyana, not just their section, but the whole nation.

GECOM must have transparent and accountable meetings Dear Editor, THE international standards for elections oversight bodies in democratic states bear a distant variance from the disastrous performance of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in March 2020.

There is much evidence that the barely survived institution, mirrored COVIDlike symptoms under the weight of PNC-led infiltration and bullyism. The groundings were obvious

at commission level where meetings were often volatile, less than transparent, and accountable, feeding unacceptable behaviour at the level of the secretariat.

In the aftermath of the disappointing, vulgar public behaviour displayed by the chief elections officer and staff over which he has responsibility and influence, the consequences informed widespread criticisms and convincing arguments for the overhaul of the organisation at various levels. The result

was a growing vitriolic environment in which the current formula at commission level and particularly the lead role of the chairwperson struggled. It now necessitates balanced, prudent, and decisive actions to ensure that the outgrown approaches now stifling its effectiveness are permanently removed.

The pace of action towards the foregoing has been a source of nationwide concern. It is perhaps understandable and permissive that a total overhaul cannot be

undertaken at once. It must, however, be systemic and priority-driven, particularly because of legal obligations that GECOM has responsibility for such as scheduled Local Government Elections.

Notwithstanding, decisive and purposeful action to address GECOM’s image and to rebuild nationwide confidence in the organisation MUST be the immediate focus of the commission. It is recognisably a task more difficult than mere arguments or propositions, given the

presence of antagonistic strategies related to unreal legal interpretations, and abuse of our courts (if allowed) are among the foreseen immediate hurdles.

This column, therefore, commends the GECOM Chairperson on her stand of not holding secret meetings with political parties under the circumstances and commissioners are expected to understand this principle.

The intent of our constitution in this respect supports a non-partisan role of commis-

sioners although, in reality, representations have varied from this ideal. One must therefore view the chairperson’s response to the nature of the recent request by People’s National Congress Reform General-Secretary Amna Ally in the interest of improving transparency. Justice Claudette Singh is right indeed for letting the PNC commissioners know that her preference is to have meetings with the political parties and the full commission.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Understanding impeachment of USA President

Dear Editor,

GUYANESE I conversed with are overwhelmingly in favour of impeachment of Donald Trump. There are also Trump supporters among Guyanese, but as commented upon in the media, there appears to be some misunderstanding of the concept of impeachment of President Donald Trump. Most Guyanese I spoke with in Guyana and in the diaspora don’t really understand the concept of impeachment according to the U.S. constitution.

They are of the mistaken belief that impeachment equals the removal from office. Many Americans of other ethnicities also hold the same belief. A clarification of the meaning of the concept of impeachment is warranted. Impeachment is not removal from office.

I happened to have studied U.S. constitutional law when I was doing a PhD in political Science and MS in Education Administration.

Studying Constitutional Law was mandatory for both disciplines. Doctoral exams also have questions on Constitutional Law. Thus, I have knowledge of the process.

Trump was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

His trial goes to the Senate for a hearing and a verdict.

If found guilty he will be removed from office. The standards for a guilty verdict are very high, almost impossible to achieve. No American President was ever found guilty and removed from office.

Will President Trump be found guilty?

A guilty verdict means immediate removal from office. With only a few days remaining in his four-year term, it is the analysis of this writer that the answer, in all likelihood, to the question of removal from office is “no” – he will finish his term on Wednesday morning and fly out to Miami -- as is the norm of previous Presidents. They

fly out to their home state (of their choice on a last flight of Air Force One). Obama had flown to Hawaii; his home state was Illinois, although he was born in and had lived in Hawaii Impeachment simply means an equivalent of an indictment in a court. It means an allegation or a charge was made against the President.

The House examined all the evidence of the charge and a discussion was held.

That was followed by a vote among the 435 elected members of the lower house. A simple majority vote was needed for an indictment; some 232 members voted for impeachment. The matter is sent to the Senate where a trial will take place. A conviction requires a ‘yes’ vote by 67 members (two-thirds majority) of only the elected 100 members of the upper house. That is a most difficult task. No American President was ever convicted (removed from office).

Trump is the only President in the history of the U.S.

to be impeached more than once. He was impeached last year, but was not convicted and thus has remained in office. That vote took place along partisan lines – Democrats voted to impeach and remove him from office, while Republicans voted to exonerate him. The Democrats had the majority and voted to impeach him. The current impeachment charges Trump for “high crimes and misdemeanours,” and for “inciting violence against the Government of the United States.” A dozen Republicans voted to impeach Trump this week along with Democrats.

What happens next? It is not clear if the matter will be brought up for a trial. The clock is running and the Senate may run out of time. A trial and a vote must be held before Tuesday, Trump’s last full day in office. Given the limited time, with a trial taking at least two days, the Senate may ignore the process.

For a trial to take place, the Majority leader of the Senate has to schedule the hearing.

Currently, it is Republican Mitch McConnell. He may not want to touch the matter fearing the political fallout for himself and his party.

He may simply ignore the request for a trial, saying time does not allow for it or find some other delaying process.

This leads to a natural death of the impeachment once President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Wednesday morning. All incomplete matters of the preceding administration are dead.

McConnell has been silent on his plan. McConnell’s majority leadership comes to an end after the swearing in of the next Vice-President on Wednesday. The Senate is tied 50-50. The Vice-President, who is ‘the Chair’ of the Senate casts a tie-breaking vote. The Republican Mike Pence is the VP till Tuesday and will side with Republicans. Kamala Harris, a Democrat, will hold that position from January 21.

Currently, all the Democrats (50) plan to vote for conviction. Ten Republican

GECOM must have transparent...

The reactions of the three APNU+AFC GECOM commissioners have brought no surprises. It reinforces their typical irrational behaviour to anything that advocates fairness and is consistent with the innate character displayed by the PNC for decades. Their decision to walk out from a meeting of the commission because the chairperson refused to hold secret meetings is not only wicked but also vindictive. These are the same three commissioners who were fully behind the postponing of elections during 2019 and did everything in their reach to frustrate for five months the announcement of the results of the National and Regional Elections that were held on March 02, 2020.

These three musketeers were quiet for some time, perhaps ashamed to face the public after the futile out-

come of their regional efforts to CARICOM Heads, and distasteful interventions to delay the true results of the elections. Their roles and influence within and over the process effectively realised the unpredicted havoc that not only threatened the acceptability of GECOM itself, but the nation at large. Suddenly, out of the darkness they have appeared to recommence their objective of disruption. They walked out from a meeting of the commission, sarcastically claiming that the ‘Good Lady Chairwoman’ was discourteous because of action she took to improve transparency.

They have now staked a claim of major stakeholdership in GECOM, albeit a malignant cancerous one. The obvious question is, ‘who makes them the major stakeholder? Perhaps it is because they wielded the overwhelming influence

over the chief elections officer and were successful in passing on their poisonous spew over the organisation’s operations.

By their admission, the public is seeing and hearing why they held this nation to ‘ransom’ for five months. Could one imagine why this prejudicial secret meeting of the imminent Justice Claudette Singh is being requested by part of the commission? Of note, her reactions to the singular-engagement approach of PNC General-Secretary Amna Ally to proffer PNC proposals of the matters at hand must be

eeking out another path.

Valuable information suggests that the PNC wants to backdoor influence the postponement of the scheduled Local Government Elections, thereby giving the APNU+AFC/PNC an opportunity to blame the PPP/C. The divided PNC at one of their split caucuses accepted that they cannot win at the Local Government Elections to be held this year. Hence, they have moved to resuscitate surreptitious manoeuvres to use and attempt to influence the GECOM Chairperson to see

off or effect delays. The PNC is leading their cabal followers to come back with a claim to have ‘House-to-House Registration and proposing several opinions they believe would enable them to benefit from the postponement of elections.

The chairperson and GECOM must adopt a swifter approach to cleanse itself of all threats to free and fair elections, and ready itself to deliver the scheduled Local Govern-

Senators plan to support the move to expel Trump from the presidency. The indictment is short of seven votes for a conviction. Two other Republicans may support the vote. Five more Senators would be needed to remove Trump from office.

If the vote is successful, the Vice-President is sworn in as the next President. That would be Mike Pence. He would inherit all the perks of office, including a hefty $200K annual pension and security just for being President for a few days or even a day.

McConnell will decide Trump’s faith. In all likelihood, he will not schedule a trial and will let the clock run out. He could also hold a debate, but don’t schedule a vote. He has that power to block a vote.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (Political Scientist)

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ment Elections. The PPP/C government MUST provide the supporting framework, to help GECOM ensure timely delivery. A firm grip over transparent and accountable meetings of the commission is a precursor, and to this end, Chairperson Justice (retired) Madam Claudette Singh is expected to be assertive.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Guyana completes successful chairmanship of G77 & China - UNDP talks up financial support for small states GUYANA has been recognised for successfully chairing the Group of 77 (G77) and China throughout 2020, and will be officially handing over the chairperson position to the Republic of Guinea on Monday, January 18.

On Friday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, met with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative, Jairo Valverde, ahead of Guyana’s handing over of the position.

According to a press release from the ministry, the UNDP representative extended congratulations to Guyana for its successful chairmanship of the group throughout 2020, and its collaboration with the UNDP during the chairmanship, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Valverde also lauded the efforts of the staff of the ministry to organise and execute the virtual flagship event on climate change held

under the theme “Maintaining a Low Carbon Development Path towards the 2030 Agenda in the Era of COVID-19”.

“We are honoured to have been able to hold the Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China (G77 + China)”, Minister Todd was quoted as saying.

He also emphasised the role of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali in leading the charge of that flagship event.

“The outcome of the event speaks directly to his leadership and contribution to the Chairmanship of the G77 + China,” the Foreign Minister said.

According to Minister Todd, the technical support provided through Guyana’s partnership with the local UNDP office proved instrumental in the success of Guyana’s Chairmanship.

Minister Todd also commended the commitment and efforts of the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues

Birkett, her team, and the staff of the ministry.

Beyond the chairmanship of the G77 and China, the Foreign Minister and UNDP representative also discussed financing for small states in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the reclassification of Caribbean economies and other mutual areas of interest.

“The UN continues to be a strong and trusted development partner of Guyana that has aided in the promotion of the implementation of the global development agenda in the country,” the release noted.

Guyana officially took over the chairmanship of the G77 and China from the State of Palestine, which served in that capacity for the year 2019. Guyana’s election to the position followed a decision of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) earlier in 2019 to ensure that a regional candidate assumes chairmanship in 2020 of this largest negotiating group of developing countries in the

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, during his meeting with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Jairo Valverde

United Nations.

Guyana received the unequivocal support of CARICOM and the majority of countries in the Group, including from Africa, Asia

Pacific and Latin America.

The duties of the chairmanship were discharged with the support of a range of bilateral partners and international organisa-

tions. Team members were drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government ministries and agencies and from the Guyanese diaspora.

Tourism Authority to monitor restaurants for dining compliance

THE Guyana Tourism Au-

tasked with ensuring com-

COVID-19 order, which

thority (GTA) has been

pliance with the amended

now allows restaurants to

have indoor dining up to 40 per cent of their capacity.

The GTA says restaurants, which qualify for indoor dining, would be monitored and those which breach the regulations would be shut down, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

Director, Carla James, on Friday said eateries must apply to the GTA for permission; they must also submit their Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) which must align with the COVID-19 measures, and other health and sanitation protocols.

Once the documents are submitted, the GTA would do a desk review and advise the entity of any deficiencies that need to be addressed, DPI noted. This would be followed by an on-site inspection of the premises to verify that the establishment has everything in place relating to the COVID-19 guidelines, and that they reflect the information provided in their SOPs. “Once that is done and they meet all the requirements, we will then grant them conditional approval to open at 40 per cent capacity.

Patrons must look out for the sign that will be placed [on the establishment] once the property is approved,” James was quoted by DPI as saying.

The director also noted that the GTA would be supporting the businesses by publicising their names so citizens would know where they can dine safely.

Breaches James said monitoring is key to ensuring that the systems in place are working effectively and the GTA is taking a firm stance on breaches.

“Businesses who are in breach will be banned from reopening for a month and we know that this is something that they will not want because they want to remain open to have some revenue coming out their business because they have not been able to operate for quite a number of months. We hope that they do everything that they can and follow the rules so that we don’t have to ban anyone so to speak from operating.”

The GTA intends to employ various methods of monitoring, including making unannounced visits for inspections. The authority

would also be conducting a survey where patrons can provide feedback.

PARTNERSHIPS ON MONITORING Since the GTA’s mandate to ensure safe dining is countrywide, it would be liaising with agencies such as the Mayor and City Council, the Department of Health and regional health officers to ensure continuous monitoring.

The inspection of premises for applications that have been submitted will begin tomorrow.

According to the amended measures, tables are to be spaced six feet apart from each other and no more than four persons are to be seated at a table, and they should be at least three feet apart. The amendment also states that staff at the restaurants shall wear a mask fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin at all times and shall sanitise dining tables and chairs after use by each customer.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, announced the amendments to the Order on Wednesday.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Guyana’s property market on the map –– as world-renowned real estate company establishes foothold here –– plans to partner with local university to offer real estate courses

By Navendra Seoraj PROPERTY is considered an asset which rarely depreciates, making it a valuable resource to owners, particularly since it has the inverse effect, especially in cases such as Guyana, where investors’ interest is at an all-time high.

With the value of real estate expected to ascend consistently in the coming years, renowned global real estate company, Century 21, has positioned itself in the local market with the intention of putting Guyana on the map.

Real estate is defined as property consisting of land and buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in an item of real property, buildings or housing in general.

Guyana is replete with real estate, said Real Estate Industry and Business Development Specialist, Afa Jamal Zada, who franchised Century 21 and established an office at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

Zada, who brings to the fore a wealth of experience, having worked in the industry for over 25 years, said Guyana is the next best destination, especially with its new-found oil wealth and other attractive natural resources.

“I read about Guyana and oil and I recalled how my home country, Azerbaijan, which also had an oil boom

The Century 21 office at the Pegasus Hotel (Delano Williams photo)

Owner of Century 21 Guyana, Afa Zada (third left) with her team

about 25 years ago, grew after international companies came…all these brands, Starbucks and others…within 20-15 years, the country changed tremendously,” Zada told the Sunday Chronicle during a recent interview at her office.

It was reported that close to US$1 billion (G$215B) will soon be injected into Guyana’s economy in the form of world-class hotels, which will be constructed across the country to cater for the anticipated increase in visitors, who are being attracted by the nation’s burgeoning oil-and-gas sector and its spin-off benefits.

A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic as-

cension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry, such as Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Marriott Courtyard, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others.

Outside of the hotel industry, other companies have signalled a strong willingness to invest in Guyana.

“As I read about Guyana, I said this is an opportunity and then I brought the Century 21 franchise and brought it here,” Zada said.

According to the company’s website, since 1971 the Century 21 brand has

been changing the real estate game by offering independent brokers, entrepreneurs and affiliated agents the ability to achieve extraordinary results in an increasingly competitive market.

The system comprises approximately 12,600 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices and 147,000 sales associates in 84 countries and territories worldwide. Coming with such wide recognition, the global brand is expected to increase the value of Guyana’s property market.

The company, according to Zada, has already listed over 50 properties and attracted the attention of several major foreign investors, who are enquir-

ing about property cost and other aspects of real estate in Guyana.

“I started promoting Guyana and a few developers already approached me… they are from Turkey, Korea, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the world…they are enquiring whether lands are transferable, the price and so forth,” Zada related.

While the attention has been good, the realtor said a challenge in responding to those investors has been access to information on Guyana’s property market.

In lamenting those challenges, Zada said: “There is no database; I am struggling to get all this information… while the investor interest is there, the local environment is not ready…they do not have rules, regulations and a database.”

Access to information gives developers comfort and more confidence to invest, so Century 21 intends on doing the work to en-

sure that such information is readily available. This will indirectly aid in preparing the local environment for potential growth in economic activities.

To accomplish the task ahead, Zada has so far recruited a few people, including two Guyanese. But this too has been a challenge because the labour market is not replete with realtors.

With the absence of a real estate school, there are hardly local persons who are formally trained in this area. To fill this void, Zada has utilised the university aspect of Century 21 to train persons before hiring them.

The realtor said she is willing and ready to partner with a local university to expand those services.

“I can help with material, give lectures and so on,” Zada said, adding that she will be pursuing this initiative in the near term.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Understanding Energy

Responsible oil production and healthy fisheries can co-exist RECENT articles in local media have focussed on the impact of Guyana’s growing oil and gas sector on the country’s important lucrative fishing industry.

But a closer look at how the oil and fishing industries interact around the world demonstrates that the sectors can be developed responsibly at the same time—and thankfully that appears to be happening in Guyana so far.

It is first important to understand that the areas being

developed by the oil and gas industry do not significantly overlap with Guyana’s traditional fishing areas. Shrimp account for nearly 50 percent of the fishing haul and generally live in shallow waters close to shore, according to a Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Assessment.

Guyana’s other fisheries for crab, snapper, shark and other species generally follow a similar pattern with trawlers and small craft operating at depths of less than 100 metres.

In comparison, ExxonMobil’s Liza 1 project is located at a depth of around 1,500 metres and a distance of more than 190 kilometres offshore. Nearly all of Guyana’s current fishing—both large scale shrimping and smaller scale fishing with wooden boats - takes place less than 25 kilometres offshore, not in the areas where oil industry development is occurring. These extremely deep waters generally hold minimal value for smallscale shore-based fishermen,

according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Unfortunately, Guyana’s fish stocks have been declining over the last twenty years, long before oil production started in December 2019. Analysts generally believe that this supply loss is largely due to global issues with overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices. In 2014, well before oil production began, the former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, stated that overfishing was a great challenge in the country.

Minister Ramsammy urged that “water resources be better managed so that growth and development can be furthered,” hoping to reverse the new downward trend of fishing production.

Global overfishing issues are compounded by problems with illegal and aggressive fishing by industrial fleets operating within other countries’ sovereign waters. This has likely contributed to annual declines in Guyana’s fisheries dating back to the 1990s, with little

change since Guyana’s oil discoveries.

It’s still worth noting that certain aspects of oil production like seismic surveys can pose some risks to some non-commercial marine life, primarily whales and dolphins. But seismic survey companies take these risks seriously and employ measures such as wildlife spotters to ensure their study areas are free of sensitive species before surveying.

These measures are in place so that responsible development of oil and fisheries can coexist and to safeguard their environment. Proper international standards, like limiting discharge and using non-toxic variants of fluids, are already helping Guyana to ensure that important local industries are not impacted by the growing oil and gas sector. Guyana has also been working with a number of international wildlife organisations, including the UN’s International Maritime Organisation, for decades to ensure the safety of marine life through high standards.

These are the same standards

that are used globally.

For example, the impact of oil production by-products, such as produced water, is limited to the immediate area around the FPSO, and are only released back into the ocean if they meet international standards for environmental safety. Exxon, the operator of the Stabroek Block, has outlined, publicly, during the environmental impact assess process, that it uses non-toxic variants of many common industrial supplies like hydraulic fluid that have been designed to biodegrade quickly to make sure any impacts are minimal. Efforts like these have allowed many areas to remain both prolific fishing areas and major oil production zones.

The physical separation of fisheries and oil development areas, as well as high environmental standards offshore, make it possible to grow the new hydrocarbons sector and protect economic livelihoods in Guyana that depend on healthy fisheries.

46 new COVID-19 cases recorded

THERE are currently 602 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana following the addition of 46 new ones on Saturday, according to the Health Ministry’s COVID-19 dashboard.

Even as new cases were recorded, 43 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 6,126.

The 46 newly-confirmed cases were recorded in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni);and Ten (Upper Demerara–Berbice).

Twenty-seven of the newly-confirmed cases were males, with the remaining 19 being females.

Regions Two and Three

each recorded four new cases; Region Four recorded 26 new cases; and Region Six and Seven recorded two new cases each. Three new cases were recorded in Region Eight, while Region Ten recorded five new cases. It was reported that the 46 new cases were recorded from a total of 756 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 6,851 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Five of the 602 active cases are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Currently, there are 55 persons in institutional isolation; 504 in home isolation; and 38 in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the

virus are said to be asymptomatic; that is, they are not exhibiting any symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from January 1, 2021, until January 31, 2021.

They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 22:30h to 04:00h. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Young economist launches book about elections fiasco

By Richard Bhainie

FROM “Charrandas say no”, a mathematics equation conundrum and “Mingo’s Bingo”, the events prior and subsequent to the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections that had Guyanese at the edge of their seats, have been documented and complied into a single source.

The book, titled, “Democracy in Distress”, was written by a young economist, Stephen Kissoon; it documents the events that took place from December 21, 2018 No-Confidence motion, to August 2, 2020 - the swearing-in of Dr. Irfaan Ali as the President of Guyana.

Kissoon currently serves as an economist at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and is the former executive director of the Guyana Association of Bankers. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the University of Guyana.

During the virtual book launch on Friday, Kissoon explained that the book encapsulates a factual “step by step” account of the series of events that transpired during the said period, with information gathered from various reputable sources. He made it clear that it is not an opinionated piece.

He iterated that the purpose of the book is to provide in “extremely great detail” a proper documentation of the

infamous events, for future generations to make reference to.

“What I was trying to achieve by this documentation is to have a one-stop shop for future researchers to use as the basis for their

Kissoon explained that there were some significant political events in Guyana’s timeline that were not properly documented, and it would be a shame for the same to happen to the recent elections fiasco.

The cover of the book

future research and to have an unbiased authority on this event,” he said during the book launch.

“The reason that I embarked on this endeavor is because, fundamentally, Guyana, as a nation, has gone

‘Piggie Mouth’ arrested for Boxing Day robbery MARK MOORE, known as “Piggie Mouth”, who was wanted by the Guyana Police Force for robbery with violence was arrested on Thursday last at Onderneeming Public Road, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The 26-year-old labourer of David Rose Street, Bagotville, WBD, is wanted for robbing Melvin Joseph, 44, a mason of Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara, on Boxing Day, 2020 at Stanleytown Public Road, WBD. Reports indicated that when Moore was arrested, he denied the allegation and was escorted to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station where he was

Mark Moore called “Piggie Mouth”

placed into custody pending further investigation.

through an endless amount of political turmoil. The difference in this case is that our political turmoil was married with constitutional turmoil and none of these events were documented in a satisfactory manner,”Kissoon contended.

The first chapter covers a brief historical background of Guyana’s post-independence history and some of the social and political issues that plagued the country since. The second chapter covers the No-Confidence motion and the evening of December 21, 2018, while the third covers the events that followed.

The fourth chapter, which he referred to as the climax of the book, covers the elections following the Election Day, while the fifth chapter covers the recount process. The last chapter, the eight chapter, deals with a statistical analysis of the numerous declarations of the elections results.

Present at the launch was the Attorney-General

Author of “Democracy in Distress”, Stephen Kissoon

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., who penned the foreword of the book. Nandlall noted that the book is “refreshing and indeed enlightening … that we see a young in-

tellectual of the caliber of Mr. Kissoon choosing the method of writing a book to chronicle a compendium of events which will remain forever etched in the Guyana contemporary history.”

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

SASOD, Merundoi target religious, sport organisations ….to tackle gender-based violence

By Richard Bhainie THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), in partnership with lead organisation, Merundoi Inc., has embarked on a project to edify religious and sport organisations about their role in helping to eradicate gender-based violence in Guyana.

Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, explained that the project falls under the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) Spotlight Initiative to end violence against women and girls; this project was launched in October, 2020.

Religious and sport organisations have an incremental role to play in the eradication of gender based violence.

Much of what is culturally engrained in the Guyanese society stems from these organisations.

“We’re trying to make these groups more gender sensitive and for these groups to realise that how they view gender and how they portray, particularly, women and gender and sexual minorities who tend to be the victims of gender based violence, that is part of the root cause of gender based violence,” Simpson said.

Simpson highlighted that in the majority of the reported cases, men are the perpetrators of gender based violence.

He explained that much of what is discussed in the places of worship and in the sporting arena amongst men contribute to gender based violence.

“Sometimes the way we speak in church and on the

football field and social and culturally where women are viewed as property and how gender minorities are viewed as an abomination and castaways, that’s the root of gender based violence,” Simpson contended.

He noted that even with the best laws in the country, for real change to occur, the issue must be tackled from the root, whereby these organisations are properly sensitised on the issue and may use their medium to communicate messages conducive to change.

“We have to prevent it from happening in the first place, as opposed to only responding and reacting from when it happens, and the only way to prevent it from happening is to change the mindset of people who are predominately men,” he said.

The project will target

leaders within the religious and sporting organisations who will undergo training and would be able to pass the message on within their organisations.

“So for the faith leaders, we’re developing a toolkit which we’re going to use to train leaders within the community, particularly leaders who are attuned to gender based issues, we’re going to train them as facilitators and then we’re going to support them to do retraining with other faith leaders so the intervention is peer based,” Simpson noted.

The training will be as interactive as possible and will be tailored specifically for the target groups. Simpson noted that one of the more interesting things that will be implemented is diversity and the inclusion of policies for the sporting organisations.

“We are hoping to open the eyes of leaders in these sectors so we start to change the culture around gender

Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson

and gender norms and social norms in Guyana,” Simpson said.

The project, which was formulated with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind, will be conducted

through a mixture of virtual and face-to-face means. It commenced on January 1, 2021 and is targeting faith organisations and sporting facilities in Regions Four and Six.

Guyana Cuban Solidarity Movement condemns U.S …for listing Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism THE President of the Guyana Cuban Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan, has condemned the Donald Trump administration for designating Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism.

Khan told the Sunday Chronicle that the move could complicate any efforts by the incoming Joe Biden administration to revive the Obamaera agreement with Havana.

In 2015, then U.S. President, Barack Obama, formally removed Cuba from the terrorism list to help restore diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“The terrorism designation carries a prohibition on U.S. economic aid and a ban on U.S. arms exports, among other restrictions,” Khan added.

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had said Cuba was being listed for “repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism” by harbouring U.S. fugitives and Colombian rebel leaders.

But the GCSM President explained that Trump has

President of the Guyana Cuban Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan

clamped down on Cuba since coming to power, tightening restrictions on U.S. travel and remittances to Cuba, and imposing sanctions on shipments of Venezuelan oil to the island.

“Trump has kept up a steady stream of 11th-hour sanctions announcements and other actions against targets including Cuba, Venezuela and Iran, and Biden aides have said some appear de-

signed to tie his hands when he is sworn in on January, 20,” Khan explained.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) recently denounced the unilateral declaration by the outgoing United States administration to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Cuba’s international conduct does not in any way warrant that designation. This further attack on the country adversely affects its international standing and its social, human and economic development and is another misguided action in addition to the unproductive, unnecessary and illegal financial and economic embargo already imposed on this Caribbean nation by the United States,” CARICOM noted in a statement.

CARICOM called for the immediate review and reversal of these unjustified actions taken in regard to Cuba and looks forward to the United States moving towards normalising relations with Cuba.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

COVID strains ‘concerning’ but existing health guidelines will help –– says UWI virologist –– says countries should do more testing, contact tracing

By Vishani Ragobeer AMID growing concerns of variants, or strains, of the virus COVID-19 circulating in Guyana, Virologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, Dr. Joshua Anzinger, is of the view that if persons adhere to the existing health guidelines, it will help to mitigate the impact of these variants.

On Friday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, highlighted that Guyana was ‘on alert’ following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in Brazil, Guyana’s southern neighbour. Other variants of concern have been identified in the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa. The BBC reported that it is not unexpected that new variants have developed since all viruses mutate as they make new copies of themselves to spread and thrive.

“I think that regardless of whether you have (the variants) or not, it’s still the basic same principles of public health,” Dr. Anzinger highlighted in a recent interview with the Sunday Chronicle, adding: “You want to keep wearing your masks, you want to keep social distancing, you want to make sure that you’re testing as many people as possible.”

The virologist is a member of the UWI’s Regional COVID-19 Task Force and the Director of Global Virus Network. Speaking about the variants that emerged in the UK and South Africa, Dr. Anzinger noted that there seems to be no difference in the severity of the disease.

What is apparent, however, is that the variants seem to be more transmissible, which means that it is more likely that more persons can become infected. This, he explained, could lead to a “surge” in the number of cases recorded in the country.

In order to adequately prepare for such a surge in cases, the virologist posited that it would be prudent for the health authorities to ready themselves to potentially expend more resources for testing and contact tracing.

Virologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica, Dr. Joshua Anzinger

The Brazil strain is a much newer strain and genetic analyses are still ongoing to determine whether this variant may be more harmful.

So far, it also seems to be more transmissible.

REINFECTIONS In a recent interview with the Sunday Chronicle, the Health Minister said that there are concerns over the increased likelihood of reinfection that may be caused by the new strains of the virus. Dr. Anzinger, however, explained that while the COVID-19 virus has mutated into these newer strains, the majority of the virus’ makeup remains the same.

Resultantly, it would still be recognisable by an individual’s immune system.

“Likely it’s going to be very similar so I don’t think there’s going to be a big

concern right now that we have the variant and we’re going to have a lot of reinfections…I don’t think that’s going to be very likely at all,” Dr. Anzinger contended.

He, nevertheless, acknowledged that studies are still ongoing and more information on the reinfection rates would become available as the variants are analysed further.

VARIANT(S) IN GUYANA? Locally, the Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc., a private institution, discovered what appears to be an ‘abnormal’ makeup of COVID-19, which could possibly be new strains of the virus. Following this discovery, the Health Ministry has requested those test results from the private establishment for further examination. These samples

will be sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) where a type of genetic analysis, called genomic sequencing, will be done to conclusively state whether these abnormalities are newer strains or not.

Minister Anthony has emphasised, on numerous occasions, that Guyana does not have the capacity to conclusively identify newer strains because the country is unable to perform genomic sequencing. But, he has not rejected the possibility that the strain(s) may be in Guyana. Virology Laboratory Manager at Eureka, Paul Cheddie told this newspaper that these “abnormalities”, which could be COVID-19 variants, were discovered following the lab’s use of three-gene-testing to test for three genes or targets associated with SARS-CoV-2, the

virus that causes COVID-19.

These genes, Cheddie said, help to enable the COVID variants to bind to human cells, and, therefore, enter and infect the cells.

He, however, highlighted that some variation has been identified since some samples have one less gene (that is, they have only two genes).

This ‘missing gene’ is the S-gene, and this has been documented internationally as the gene that has indeed ‘dropped out’ or been ‘deleted’ in the UK variant.

According to the Verge, geneticist at the Francis Crick Institute in London, Theo Sanderson, said that ‘flagging’ samples with the S-gene-dropout has been “very useful” in helping to identify potential coronavirus variants.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anzinger also highlighted that the ‘missing gene’ method is indeed suggestive that the positive COVID-19 sample could also be a variant.

“Whether it’s that particular variant that was originally identified in England, it wouldn’t be conclusive so that you would definitely have to do sequencing,” the virologist said, adding however: “It is suggestive of a variant but is not conclusive and does not conclusively identify the particular variant.”

On Friday, when asked about whether the Health Ministry utilises the ‘threegene’ testing, the Health Minister only explained that this testing, along with ‘twogene’ testing are subtypes of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. And, he only indicated that the Ministry uses PCR testing, which is the gold-standard test for COVID-19, along with antigen and antibody tests.

It is not clear whether the ministry has been able to detect similar “abnormalities” that Eureka has, through the use of three-gene-testing. In its updated progress report, CARPHA, however, maintained that the risk of importation of the ‘UK variant’ to the Caribbean is “very high” due to incoming travel from the UK and Europe. The Caribbean agency also flagged the South Africa strain as a variant of concern.

The report also stated that four cases of the new variant have been confirmed in Jamaica. Dr. Anzinger noted that these four ‘variant cases’ were detected after

20 COVID-19 positive samples, gathered from a flight from the UK, were sent to CARPHA for genomic sequencing.

VACCINES EFFECTIVE As aforementioned, these variants are a result of mutations of COVID-19. This does not mean that the entire composition of the virus is changed, though.

“It’s only one little spot (on the virus) that’s changed and your immune system is going to recognise multiple spots,” Dr. Anzinger related, explaining that the neutralising antibodies from the vaccines should still be able to protect against the virus binding to and infecting cells.

What this means is that the vaccines being developed, some of which have already been administered, should still be effective against COVID-19 and these variants identified thus far.

But, the BBC also reported that it may be too early to conclusively state whether current vaccines would be effective against the Brazilian and South African variants.

While further studies are underway, the news agency also reported that alterations can be made to the vaccines to target the mutated coronavirus strains.

Addressing a seemingly pervasive sense of vaccine hesitancy, Dr. Anzinger emphasised that there have not been any major or widespread concerns following the administration of the vaccines. He, therefore, urged persons to “look at the facts” and not be swayed sensationalised reports of issues with the vaccines.

Guyana’s first set of vaccines, secured through its arrangement with the COVAX facility, is expected sometime during the second quarter of this year.

The first set of vaccines will be administered to healthcare workers and then elderly persons with comorbidities (other underlying medical conditions).

As the country prepares for those vaccines, efforts are being made to mitigate further spread of the virus and protect against the importation of newer strains. The crossing between Guyana and Brazil, for example, remains closed.

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Acute kidney injury: Edema and Creatinine

By Dr. Haimchand Barran MMSc Internal Medicine/ Infectious Diseases Fellowship -- Nephrology Nephrology Department -GPHC

AS mentioned before, some patients with COVID-19 have displayed kidney damage through acute kidney injury (AKI), mild proteinuria (protein in the urine), hematuria (blood in the urine), or slight elevation in creatinine (blood marker testing for kidney function).

Another health issue can be edema.

Edema Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.

Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease -- often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver. Edema associated with kidney disease usually occurs in your legs and around your eyes. Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in your kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome.

In nephrotic syndrome (a special type of kidney disease in which you lose large amounts of protein in the urine), this declining level

of protein (albumin) in your blood can lead to fluid accumulation and edema. Signs of edema include swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms; stretched or shiny skin; skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds; and increased abdominal size.

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have swelling, stretched or shiny skin, or skin that retains a dimple after being pressed (pitting). See your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or chest pain. These can be signs of pulmonary edema (fluid in the lung), which requires prompt treatment. If you've been sitting for a prolonged period, such as on a long flight, and you develop leg pain and swelling that won't go away, call your doctor. Persistent leg pain and swelling can indicate a blood clot deep in your vein, referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Creatinine A creatinine test reveals important information about your kidneys. Creatinine is a chemical waste product that's produced by your muscle metabolism and to a smaller extent by eating meat.

Healthy kidneys filter creatinine and other waste products from your blood.

The filtered waste products leave your body in your urine.

If your kidneys aren't functioning properly, an increased level of creatinine may accumulate in your blood. A serum creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in your blood and provides an estimate of how well your kidneys filter (glomerular filtration rate). A creatinine urine test can measure creatinine in your urine.

How often you need creatinine tests depends on any underlying conditions and your risk of kidney damage.

For example, if you have Type I or Type II diabetes, your doctor may recommend a creatinine test at least once a year. If you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend creatinine tests at regular intervals to monitor your condition. If you have an illness that may affect your kidneys -- such as high blood pressure or diabetes -- or you're taking medication that may affect your kidneys, your doctor may recommend creatinine tests.

People with kidney disease and other severe chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for more severe illness. People on dialysis can have weaker immune systems, making it harder to fight infections. However, it is important to know that kidney patients need to continue with their regularly scheduled

dialysis treatments and to take necessary precautions as recommended by their healthcare team.

People with a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection medicines (also known as immunosuppressive medicines). These medicines work by keeping the immune system less active, which can make it harder to fight infections. It is important to keep taking these medicines. It is also important to wash hands, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from their healthcare team.

COVID-19 There have been recent reports of non-elderly adults infected with COVID-19 who have developed AKI -- sudden loss of kidney function.

These adults did not have underlying medical conditions.

With proper treatment, including dialysis in severe cases, AKI can be reversible. AKI, also known as acute renal failure (ARF), is not the same as chronic kidney disease (CKD), which will eventually lead to chronic kidney failure (CKF). Neither CKD or CKF are reversible diseases. Detecting proteins and/or blood

Dr. Haimchand Barran

in urine labs is an early sign of kidney involvement in people with confirmed COVID-19.

It’s recommended that recovered COVID-19 patients who had an AKI should be seen regularly by a kidney doctor, because their risk of developing chronic kidney disease is higher than others. COVID-19 patients who did not develop an AKI, but who had blood and/or protein in their urine, should be monitored since they are at increased risk of developing chronic- and end-stage-kidney

disease.

Older adults and people with kidney disease or other severe chronic medical conditions seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should stock up on supplies; take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others; keep away from others who are sick; limit close contact when in public; wash your hands often; avoid crowds as much as possible; and stay home as much as possible during an outbreak.

If you are on dialysis, you should not miss your treatments. Contact your clinic if you feel sick or have any questions or concerns.

If you have a kidney transplant, it is important to remember to keep taking your anti-rejection medicines, maintain good hygiene and follow the recommendations from your healthcare team.

This article is submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme. For questions, email ministersecretaryhealth@gmail.com.

Veteran lawyer, Llewellyn John, dies VETERAN Guyanese lawyer and politician, Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John, SC, CCH, who was an integral part of the nation-building efforts of Guyana, passed away at his office on Saturday. He was 95.

Born on January 25, 1925 to Joseph Nathaniel and Georgiana Antoinetta John, the lawyer-turned-politician, was elected a Member of the National Assembly, and served as Minister of Local Government, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Agriculture in the People’s National Congress-United Force coalition administration from 1964 to 1969. He later established his own party, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM).

The PNC, in a statement, noted that John spent most of his working life as a solicitor and attorney-at-law. He was a leading member of the once popular League of Coloured Peoples (LCP), becoming the editor of the ‘Sentinel’ newspaper, and later, as Assistant General Secretary of the PNC, editor of the ‘New Nation’ newspaper.

In 2015, then President,

Veteran Guyanese lawyer and politician, Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John

David Granger conferred the national award of the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) on him, and in 2017, he was appointed a Senior Counsel (SC).

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, SC, in expressing condolences on his Facebook page, noted that John was one of Guyana’s first native solicitors.

“Like most professionals of that period, he entered politics at a very young age, and was part of the Forbes Burnham team that travelled to London to negotiate Inde-

pendence in Guyana in 1961,” Nandlall said.

He noted that as a lawyer, “There is no one who appeared in more election petitions or election-related cases than Mr. John, from Independence to current time. He was an authority in the area of local government law and practices.

He also enjoyed a large land law, conveyancing and prescriptive title practice. With the passage of time, he would have represented tens of thousands of Guyanese, moreover, the ordinary litigants.”

Nandlall further noted, “Mr. John certainly made his mark in Guyana, especially in the legal profession. He portrayed certain unique qualities: His style of dress, his style of speaking and writing, and his mannerisms were all inimitably his. He was a hardworking and tenacious lawyer, who championed the causes of his clients with gusto and perseverance.”

John married Evelyn Rose Arthur in 1956, and together they had five children.

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Local agro-processor dreams of establishing factory ANNE BRISTOL-PETERS is known for her many talents, which she has managed to turn into business ventures. However, the vibrant mother of two, born in the village of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, never thought one day she would become a successful agro-processor.

Anne’s agro-processing journey began in 2013 when she made her first batch of hot sauce in the comfort of her kitchen at her Hope Lowland home on the East Coast of Demerara. During that period, Anne sourced all her packaging materials locally and her product had a mere black and white label.

Visiting the market twice a week to sell her hot sauce was not an easy task. however, the positive feedback from her customers inspired her to increase her supply and seek new markets. Upon approaching the Guyana Shop Manager, she was advised about the requirements for her products to be placed on supermarkets’ shelves.

This advice not only led to

the acquisition of her Business Registration and Food Facility Licence, but she also managed to improve the quality and packaging of her products significantly.

Through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Anne’s Products have been afforded many opportunities for recognition and growth.

Anne’s Products are also marketed persistently on the Guyana Shop’s social media platforms and at promotional events. Besides GMC, Anne also credits Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association, Small Business Bureau, and Rosh Khan who have all played an instrumental role in her journey to success.

Challenges that Anne faced over the years included the high cost of packaging materials and the laborious process of having to fill each container manually. As such, she hopes that the government can provide subsidies to small agro-processors like herself, and desires to one day be able to own a filling machine.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne took the opportu-

Anne Bristol-Peters

nity to expand her production facility at her Hope Lowlands residence. Anne is confident that one day her vision of acquiring a land to build her own factory and providing employment to many will

Some of the products manufactured

by Anne Bristol-Peters

come through.

Today, Anne has managed to expand her product line to nine different condiments and produces ‘mauby drink’.

Though she provides employment to three persons, she is

actively present in the operations of her business.

Her advice to persons who are interested in starting their own business is “Better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all. I

started with one product and now I have ten products in various supermarkets across the country. It is not a walk in the park but with hard work and determination you will succeed.” She encourages the general public to support local agro-processors by purchasing their products as it helps to grow the economy.

Anne’s Products can be found in the Guyana Shop and at all major supermarkets such as DSL, Bounty, Massy Stores, Coss Cutters and various Chinese Supermarkets across the country. Through a relative, Anne’s Products have entered the St. Marteen and Canadian markets. From January 18, 2021, the Guyana Shop will have a two-week promotion on Anne’s Products - purchase any two Anne’s Products, and you will be given a free Anne’s Products Mauby Drink.

Persons desirous of starting their agri-business are encouraged to contact the Guyana Marketing Corporation Agri-business Development Department for assistance. (Contributed by GMC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Dr. Paulette Henry: From teacher to ‘CommonwealthWiseWomen’ mentor

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric “I DON’T forget the people who embraced me,” said Dr Paulette Henry, hours after she graduated with a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership (EdD), from the University of the West Indies, Open Campus.

She added that whether it was a horse- cart operator or the driver of a high- end vehicle, “I have found myself a community who has not forgotten me. Those people have kept me and held me together.”

Reflecting on her academic journey, Dr Henry said it would be remiss of her if she does not return to her roots.

Her parents, the now deceased Varnie Randal Cox Legall and Esther Semple Legall instilled in her a sense of responsibility and family values at an early age.

Being the eldest child, a young Henry was tasked with the responsibility of caring for the family’s livestock before going off to school.

“My parents were two sharp, brilliant people, who later became entrepreneurs.

They always instilled the value of wanting better and they ensured that my six siblings and I always got our books and uniforms. My mother died and I being the eldest, I held the family together. I ensured the family stayed on track because of the values of caring and nur-

Dr Paulette Henry after receiving her doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, University of the West Indies, Open Campus

turing which were instilled in us. A lot of those values were transferred into my personal life and then translated into my professional life. We were told ‘Whatever you start, you finish,’” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

It was with grounding, after successfully acquiring the Class 1 Grade 1 Trained Teacher Certificate from the Cyril Potter College of Education in 1981, she enrolled at the Critchlow Labour College where she was instructed in

Dr Paulette Henry with her Social Work students at the University of Guyana Tain Campus

Industrial Relations and Social Studies.

While at the college, that she was advised to pursue Social Work at the University of Guyana and she did, graduating in 1992 with the Frank Pollard Prize for the Best Graduating Student in the Diploma in Social Work Programme.

Due to family commitments, having been married for almost 40 years to Claude Henry, who served in the postal service and was a Mayor of New Amsterdam, Ms. Henry put a pause on studying to care for her three children, two of whom were preparing for the Common Entrance Examination.

During this time she was employed as a probation officer, and in 1998, she resumed studies, successfully reading for a Certificate in Gender Studies at the University of West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. She also read for a degree in Social Work and graduated as a top student, copping the Sybil Patterson Award for the Best Graduating student in that programme.

She subsequently pursued post-graduate studies in Social Work and again excelled, securing the Allan Earp Award for Best Graduating Student in that discipline and the ViceChancellor’s Award for Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Social Sciences, from the University of Guyana.

INVITATION “After completing my degree, I was invited by the University of Guyana to be a part of the team,” she said, noting that she joined the Faculty of Social Sciences as a Social Work educator.

With a background as a Senior Probation and Family

Welfare Officer, she was able to bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing to the fore, a richness to the teaching and learning environment.

Over the years, Dr Henry has served in several leadership and management positions within the University of Guyana community. She also served as Child Protection Officer with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Notably, over the last five years, she led the design and implementation of the Institute of Gender Studies while serving as an Interim Director until it was staffed. Dr Henry was also instrumental in the designing and implementation of the Centre of Excellence for teaching and learning, which is critical to the ongoing professional development of UG’s academic staff.

OUTSTANDING WORK Because of her interest in professional development, in 2015 she helped to coordinate an international conference for Social Work practitioners and educators and the subsequent handbook on ‘Standards for Professional Social Workers’, which is used locally, was developed.

Three years after, she coordinated the first teaching conference on Higher Education in Guyana, which saw participation from regional and international educators.

Over the years, her research interest has centred on issues of well-being, which addresses issues of suicide, gender, income security and child protection.

Dr Henry is currently on sabbatical leave. She was recently promoted to senior lecturer at the University of Guyana and has been identified by the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) to be one of their 'Wise Women' mentors.

The CommonwealthWise Women is a new mentoring programme which offers unique networking opportunities for women and girls from underserved communities across the Commonwealth. By pairing the mentees with successful and influential women in leadership roles for a period of at least six months, the mentees get to map their path through seeing, doing, and networking Dr Henry nowadays is interested in giving back to communities.

“There are diverse needs.

I want to contribute to the upskilling to those who need help. I will continue to give to UG. However, my spiritual journey is a work in progress. I have been blessed and I now have the responsibility to give… love, help, listen … provide a platform to help persons as much as I can,” she said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

Agriculture heightens efforts to tackle climate change …as global temperatures continue to rise

By Rehana Ahamad THE period 2011-2020 has been the warmest decade recorded globally, with 2020 being the third warmest year ever recorded.

This is according to a Global Climate Report published by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in the United States. The report indicated that the combined global average temperature over the land and ocean surfaces, as of November 2020, was 0.97 degrees Celsius above the 20th century average of 12.9 degree Celsius.

“The yearly temperature for South America has increased at an average rate of 0.14 degrees Celsius or 0.25 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1910; however, the average rate of increase is nearly double that value since 1981,” the report indicated.

As temperatures continue to rise, sea levels are likely to follow, and Guyana, which is situated below sea level, could be especially vulnerable and likely to face a series of significant threats, especially in relation to food production and sea defences. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Guyana’s Chief Hydrometeorological Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings, confirmed the recent report, explaining that increase temperatures have been a trend over the last century and is likely to continue in the coming years.

CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE Dr. Cummings also underscored the fact that increased temperatures also threaten Guyana’s vibrant food production sector, since certain crops are unable to thrive in excessive heat.

These concerns are also shared by Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

“Crops require a certain temperature, and we know that increasing temperatures will have an effect on production, especially of fruits and vegetables.” Dr. Homenauth asserted.

He noted, however, that Guyana has been embracing a number of innovative technologies that seek to mitigate the effects of global warming and drive sustainable food production throughout the country. These Climate-Smart initiatives include the implementation of shade-houses, which continue to be gradually and successfully adopted by farmers throughout Guyana.

“We would have started to heavily promote shaded cultivation; what we do there, is create an environment where you apply

we didn’t have that Canal. The people in Mahaica Creek would have been flooded out, the entire East Coast would have flooded out,” he posited.

SEA DEFENCES As threats of a rising sea continue to grow exponentially, the Government of Guyana, via the Ministry of Public Works, is also looking to invest heavily in the rehabilitation and construction of adequate sea defence infrastructure throughout the country. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, had previously indicated the ministry’s intention to request monies for a series of sea defence works in its 2021 budget submission.

A flashback to a rather humorous scene captured amid the otherwise devastating 2005 floods

Protect the mangroves! Mangroves protect us from the sea. Guyana currently has just over 33,000 hectares of mangroves along the coastland.

reduced heat intensity, using the greenhouse plastic that absorbs the radiation to some extent, as well as what we call the shade cloth that helps to absorb the heat, and that is more conducive to the growth of plants,” Dr. Homenauth explained.

The NAREI executive said that the initiative has seen tremendous growth over the last few years, with over 50 largescale facilities already set up countrywide.

“I imagine we will have another 100 shaded houses in 2021,” Dr. Homenauth projected. He explained too that the use of shade houses also promotes year-round production, since many of the facilities employ elevated plant beds. “Even if it is flooding, production would not be affected,” the NAREI CEO posited.

Despite its long-term benefits, shade houses can be a little expensive to erect. To this end, the Government of Guyana, in its 2020 Emergency Budget, allocated $15.8 million for the purchase of shade house materials that can be sold to farmers at a minimal cost.

Dr. Homenauth explained that the materials are being supplied to farmers as part of a “revolving fund” which will see the government making no profits. “It is just to ensure that we always have the materials available to farmers, at a low cost,” the NAREI official said.

He noted that the initiative continues to gain momentum as more and more farmers are recognizing the effects of the harsh temperatures.

“We have seen the benefits of shaded cultivation, and this can be expanded to hydroponics farming as well,” Dr. Homenauth noted.

PREPARING FOR THE ELEMENTS In an invited comment, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the government remains cognisant of the effects of climate change, and has been strategically working to combat its relating challenges. As far as the food production sector is concerned, Mustapha said that, in addition to propagating Climate-Smart Agriculture, the ministry is also preparing to

A resident of Region Five helps to set up a shade house in the region (NAREI photo)

safeguard farmers and their produce, from the elements.

“For example, we are setting up more pumps, because these natural gravity flows now are coming less and less almost on a yearly basis, where siltation is taking over,” Mustapha noted.

He said that the threats of the rising sea, the government is taking a keen interest in ensuring the effectiveness of various conservancies across the country. “…so we can store more water to irrigate rice fields and so,” the minister asserted.

According to Minister Mustapha, under his guidance, the Ministry of Agriculture has executed a series of massive drainage and irrigation works across the country, and in almost all the agricultural areas along the coastland.

“That will be a policy to continue to rehabilitate these drainage and irrigation structures across the country.” He related too that the country’s existing drainage and irrigation infrastructure are expected to be complemented with the installation of nine additional pumps in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six.“…plus pumps to help with

irrigation,” the minister added.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K.J. Srinivasa, had recently told media operatives that the pumps, which are being acquired through a partnership between Guyana and India, are currently being installed.

Nonetheless, Minister Mustapha said that despite the Opposition’s 2011 objections to the construction of the Northern Relief Channel at Hope/Dochfour on the East Coast of Demerara, the structure, commonly referred to as ‘Hope Canal’, has been a critical component to Guyana’s fight against high tides.

“If that canal was not there now, the entire East Coast would have been under water for days when we had the heavy rainfalls,” Minister Mustapha maintained.

He reminded that Guyana’s drainage system was only built to cater for approximately one and a half inches of water that could be drained within a 24hour period. “…we are now having five to 10 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour period, so imagine what would have happened if

MANGROVES PROTECT US In addition to sea defence infrastructure, mangroves are perhaps our first line of defence against the raging sea.

These salt-water-resistant plants boast of sturdy root systems that help to form a natural barrier against violent tides and potential floods. According to Kene Moseley, head of the Mangrove Restoration and Management Department, Guyana currently has just over 33,000 hectares of mangroves along the coastland.

Over the last few years, much effort has been made to cultivate and maintain mangrove sites all along the coast. These efforts were also accompanied by intense public awareness initiatives which sought to deter persons against destroying the plants that are critical in protecting us from the ever-rising sea level.

Previously, many Guyanese, especially in rural areas, have destroyed mangrove sites as a means of obtaining ‘firewood’ for cooking and various other reasons. Moseley has indicated, however, that there has been a significant reversal of these trends.

“In terms of our public awareness, we have had positive responses from persons, and we do get support from communities in the case of persons clearing out the mangroves. Persons have become aware of the importance of mangroves as a defence mechanism, and they would inform us of any attempts to destroy the mangroves,” Moseley noted.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

New lawyer zeroes in on urban and regional planning

By Vishani Ragobeer

JASON Barnes was admitted to the local bar to practise law in Guyana after his petition was presented by attorney-at-law and President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Teni Housty, to Chief Justice (ag.) Roxane George on Friday.

Barnes, who completed his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in 2020, has been working as a Judicial Research Assistant with the local courts. In this capacity, he assists judges by conducting research based on the matters that come before the court in

an attempt to help prepare and inform the judge on the matters.

“The benefit in that role is that you get to build on the core skills required for the legal profession, including skills in research, writing and analysis,” Barnes told the Sunday Chronicle in a recent interview.

This is not necessarily the role you might picture a newly-minted attorney-at-law functioning in, but Barnes is a person that has varying interests.

“I don’t believe that I have to have one career which is being an attorney-at-law, I’m also considering a career as a transpor-

tation planner and in terms of getting into urban and regional planner,” Barnes said.

And he wants to throw his hat in the ring of developing Guyana since he believes that there should be a “serious plan” guiding how Guyana should be developed, including zoning and land allocation.

Along with his day job at the court, he is also pursuing an online course in sustainable urban land use planning with the World Bank Institute. He believes that this is a ‘starter course’ for him to understand what the relevant policies are and what the framework for implementation of those policies is.

Beyond that, he wants to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development.

“I want to be able to contribute in a more meaningful way,” he posited.

Part of his future pursuits may have stemmed from his

previous exposure to Geography and Environmental Studies during his time at the St. Stanislaus College and then at Queen’s College. In fact, he initially wanted to pursue geography as a first-degree, but thought against it. His mother, Justice Dawn Gregory, suggested that he should give law a try, and as it turns

out, he stuck with it. But more than just sticking with it, he said that he found the value of it.

“I discovered how relevant it is and the scope that it covers because the law is really the bedrock of society and it is really fundamental to how we interact not just with each other but also with our

New attorney-at-law, Jason Barnes (centre) with his mother, Justice Dawn Gregory and father, John Barnes

environment and technology and so on,” Barnes said.

He first pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) at the University of Guyana (UG) and then went onto the HWLS. And at both places, he was able to find support from his friends and colleagues. His family has also been a great support to him.

“My grandmother was a major support to me. She passed in 2019, she was looking forward to seeing me being admitted to the bar,” he said, acknowledging that she would’ve been proud of his journey today.

For other students who might be interested in pursuing law, he said that though an interest in law might be sparked by an article or television show, it would be prudent to do adequate research to understand the scope and purpose of the law.

New attorney-at-law, Jason Barnes (centre) with Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George (second right), attorney-at-law, Teni Housty (second from left) and his parents

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 17, 2021

What did not weigh enough on APNU+AFC coalition was that electoral victory was conditional

MY past two columns espoused that the APNU+AFC coalition slipped into power in 2015 with much popularity, but, over a short period, embarked on a journey of self-destruction because of a lack of introspection, the interference with constitutional mandates, the over-reliance on the judicial system, and persistent pressure from the PPP/C opposition.

The reason for this situation was, in one short statement, a lack of confidence.

On a macro-level, there was a dip in focus by the coalition brought about by the unexpected electoral victory in 2015. The coalition was still exuberant from a self-extended honeymoon.

Some analysts called this behavior power drunk. I say that the acute political acme and antennae of the coalition went into hiatus.

On a micro-level, some individuals in the APNU+AFC coalition were not ready for leadership roles. To their credit, many joined the coalition without baggage, hoping to learn as they prodded along with the duties and responsibilities of leadership.

Unfortunately, their roles turned out to be decorative to the coalition hierarchy.

They toed the line, and, in exchange, enjoyed excessive pride among their supporters and communities.

They were enamored by being involved in a new political wave of ideas. To

them, the revolutionary partnership of politics was a rarity in over fifty years in Guyana whereby different political factions came together and captured the mettle of leadership. I call this stable situation a false sense of political consciousness, borrowed of course, from Karl Marx’s theory of people’s misperceived position in society.

What did not weigh enough on the mind of coalition leaders was that electoral victory was conditional and seasonal. We know that limited support and access to power were real because in 2015 some 50 percent of citizenry did not vote for the coalition. More succinctly, however, the coalition’s unsavory efforts to hold on to power through tactical and despotic means demonstrated patterns of insecure leadership. It is noteworthy to reiterate that after the first years in office the coalition began to show signs that it could not rely on votes to retain power, hence the reasons for the shenanigans at GECOM. So, what I have discussed above is the loose political nerve centre of the coalition, when scrutinized, reveals a disjointed partnership, courting disaster. Notwithstanding campaign rhetoric and empty promises, the coalition, nevertheless, made an amazing impact on the PPP/C’s sugar belt stronghold, amassing most of the 6,000 votes required to cross the victory post in 2015. This was well-earned political capital which the coalition squandered. Why the coalition did a volte-face and disturbed the lifeline of a supporting base that brought it to power reveals and represents one of the most elliptic decisions of Guyanese politics?

If the sugar industry was draining the national coffer, the application of draconian policies was not the panacea for economic upliftment or “rightsizing” because even the street committee would have recommended that that decision would have had the opposite effect: a blot on rural happiness. This is a classic example of how the

coalition’s policies led to the using and losing of political capital unnecessarily.

The APNU+AFC coalition was, undoubtedly, plagued by corruption and controversy, but it would have survived another term in office if some forward-looking initiatives were directed to the sugar industry.

In a worse-case scenario, the phasing out of the sugar estates should have happened over a five-year period, which would have ensured the coalition of retaining its so-called earned political capital. This is ring-fencing politics that would have succeeded when considering that voters in Berbice had reached a turning point whereby they were looking for economic development rather than embracing undisputed ethnic loyalty. This revolutionary voting pattern was not happenstance, but a groundbreaking and inexorable force that escaped the coalition’s radar. I call this negligence political cataract which begs the question: were leaders of the coalition trapped in the catacombs of governance?

If the coalition had missed how the closing of the sugar industry had affected its probability for good shepherdship then the results of the local election in mid-2018 were a possibility of them exeunt office in 2020. Predictably, the coalition dismissed the results of the local election as a misguided matter, pointing to how well it had performed while ignoring how the citizenry had suffered from the vagaries of rising unemployment, escalating crime, increased taxes, and so on. The coalition found itself mired in what is not rather than what is. The coalition was too wrapped up in toing and froing around buffoonery. The ominous signs were all there that the coalition had already taken up a care-taker status. The only thing missing was to institutionalize it, and that came by the way of the No-Confidence Motion, or so we thought (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 17, 2021

Training for National ‘ballers’ set to commence January 23

By Rawle Toney

FOLLOWING the granting of approval for the return to the basketball court for the country’s National ‘ballers’, head coach Junior Hercules is looking to bounce-off training on January 23, as Guyana prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador.

The tournament will see Guyana, current holders of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) title, lacing-up against their regional and South American rivals, in their first step towards qualifying for the FIBA marquee event in Indonesia, Japan and Philippines.

With basketball, like everything else, having to deflate since the advent of COVID-19 last year, Hercules said conditioning of the players will be a priority.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Quali-

fiers was originally planned for February 17-21, but Patrick Haynes, Secretary of the Central America and Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CONCENCABA) confirmed with Chronicle Sport that the tournament will now be held from April 7 to 11.

Hercules said the new dates will give him enough time to work on the team’s fitness, but stated yesterday, that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be ready for use by the weekend.

Promitheas Patras Centre player Delroy James was named in the 13-player shortlist, which also includes Stanton Rose, Kevon Wiggins, Anthony Moe, Ray Victor, Shaine Webster, Timothy Thompson, Akeem Crandon, Travis Belgrave, Nikkoloi Smith, Travis Burnett, Yannick Tappin and Terron Welch.

James, 33, plays professionally in Greece and was set to represent Guyana in

2019, at the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 pre-qualifiers, in Colombia, but his Guyanese passport could not have been renewed in time.

This time around, however, Hercules is confident of having the full complement of overseas players, and told Chronicle Sport that “all the players overseas are ready and waiting on a confirmed time and so on and we’ll take it from there.”

Speaking on other interests from overseas-based players, Hercules said the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) received a number of applications and videos of players and would be looking at them as on a ‘needs basis’.

Asked about team selection, and how the players were able to merit a callup to the squad, Hercules pointed to the players’ past performances, since no basketball was played since last year.

LeBron James leaves

behind Coke for deal with Pepsi

LeBron James is changing teams in the cola wars.The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, a pitchman for Coca-Cola since entering the NBA in 2003, is set to land a new deal with PepsiCo. The news was first reported Friday by Front Office Sports, then confirmed by ESPN. James reportedly will endorse Mountain Dew’s new “Rise Energy” beverage, part of the PepsiCo family, and he also could become the face of Pepsi Cola.

His deal with Coca-Cola ended last year after he spent years hawking Sprite and Powerade.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson told Front Office Sports, “LeBron’s contract

came up at a time when both he and The Coca-Cola Company were actively reviewing all of its resources to make sure it was investing in places that ensured long-term growth. After many discussions with LeBron and his team, we mutually agreed to part ways.”

PepsiCo and James’ representatives refused to comment on the report, per Front Office Sports.

James ranked fifth on Forbes’ 2020 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, with his $60 million in endorsements for the year tying for second on the list with the No. 8 Tiger Woods.

No. 1 Roger Federer was tops in endorsement money at $100 million.--Field Level Media.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 17, 2021

Fourth Test at SCG

Rohit Sharma wicket leaves Australia on top AUSTRALIA remain on top after a rain-shortened second day of the decisive fourth Test against India in Brisbane.

After resuming on 274-5, the hosts added a further 95 runs before being bowled out, with captain Tim Paine making 50 and Cameron Green 47.

India made a positive start in reply, reaching 601, but Rohit Sharma fell to Nathan Lyon for 44.

The tourists were 62-2 at tea and heavy rain meant there was no further play after the interval.

Australia remain favourites to win the Test and take the series 2-1, but any time lost favours India’s hopes of a draw.

They only need to avoid defeat in order to retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

ROHIT WICKET LEAVES AUSTRALIA ON TOP Only 54.2 overs were possible in the day but there was enough time for the momentum to swing from one side to the other before eventually ending tilted towards Australia.

The home side began in the

ascendancy as Paine and Green took the total beyond 300 - and their partnership to 98 - but they fell in consecutive overs as India hit back.

Paine edged an expansive drive to second slip and Green was bowled by off-spinner Washington Sundar.

Australia took a tighter grip on the game by dismissing opener Shubman Gill early - he edged Pat Cummins to second slip for seven - but when the stylish Rohit was moving serenely towards the half-century mark, India looked in little trouble.

Rohit contributed 40

‘We lacked that killer edge’ - reaction Former Australia bowler Stuart Clark on ABC: “Australia are in front but not by a massive margin.

“Rohit was so comfortable and India have a long tail. They don’t have the luxury of Jadeja

Nathan Lyon (fourth from left) dismissed Rohit for his 397th wicket in his 100th Test

But rather than quickly polish off the lower order, India’s inexperienced attack were frustrated as the last three batsmen - Mitchell Starc, Lyon and Josh Hazlewood - added 55.

of a partnership of 49 with Cheteshwar Pujara before coming down the pitch and chipping to deep mid-on to gift Lyon the first wicket of his 100th Test.

(injured all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja). They don’t have the strength in batting to give away wickets like that.”

Australia assistant coach Matthew Mott: “It was a pretty

frustrating finish. Both teams bowled extremely well.

“We made a bit of an ‘in-between’ total. We can’t

hide the fact we would have liked a four at the front of the total. We just lacked that killer edge.” (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings David Warner c Rohit Sharma b Mohammed Siraj 1 Marcus Harris c Washington Sundar b Shardul Thaku 5 Marnus Labuschagne c Rishabh Pant b T Natarajan 108 Steven Smith c Rohit Sharma b Washington Sundar 36 Matthew Wade c Shardul Thakur b T Natarajan 45 Cameron Green b Washington Sundar 47 Tim Paine c Rohit Sharma b Shardul Thakur 50 Pat Cummins lbw Shardul Thakur 2 Mitchell Starc not out 20 Nathan Lyon b Washington Sundar 24 Josh Hazlewood b T Natarajan 11 EXTRAS: (b-4, lb-5, nb-6, w-5)

20 TOTAL: (all out,115.2 overs)

369 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-17, 3-87, 4-200, 5-213, 6-311, 7-313, 8-315, 9-354.

Bowling: Mohammed Siraj 28-10-77-1 (w-1), T. Natarajan 24.2-3-78- 3 (nb-6), Shardul Thakur 24-6-94-3, Navdeep Saini 7.5-2-21-0, Washington Sundar 31-6-89-3.

INDIA 1st innings Rohit Sharma c Mitchell Starc b Nathan Lyon 44 Shubman Gill c Steven Smith b Pat Cummins

7 Cheteshwar Pujara not out

8 Ajinkya Rahane not out

2 EXTRAS: (nb-1)

1 TOTAL: (two wkts, 26.0 overs)

62 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-60.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 3 1-8-0, Josh Hazlewood 8-4- 11-0 (nb-1), Pat Cummins 6-1-22-1, Cameron Green 3-0-11-0, Nathan Lyon 6-2-10-1.

Thirimanne leads Sri Lanka fightback after Root’s 228 LAHIRU Thirimanne’s unbeaten 76 frustrated England as Sri Lanka fought back on the third day of the first Test in Galle.

Bowled out for 135 in the first innings, Sri Lanka showed great spirit to reach 156-2 trailing by 130 - after England had posted 421.

Joe Root progressed to a magnificent fourth Test double-century before he was last man out for 228 as England lost their last six wickets for 49 runs.

Sam Curran and Jack Leach took a wicket apiece in Sri Lanka’s second innings, but off-spinner Dom Bess rarely threatened on a pitch that has offered assistance to spin since day one.

Kusal Perera contributed 62 an opening stand of 101 with the patient Thirimanne, who was dropped on 51 by Dom Sibley at gully, as he compiled his highest Test score since 2013.

The left-hander will resume alongside nightwatchman Lasith Embuldeniya at 04:15 GMT today.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who tested positive for coronavirus upon arrival in Sri Lanka, spent time at the ground in the

afternoon, after finishing his quarantine period.

Sri Lanka show character For the first time in two years, England failed to take a wicket in the first 30 overs - with seamers Curran, Stuart Broad and Mark Wood finding the going tough given the minimal swing or seam movement on offer.

Perera showed restraint - he scored at a strike-rate of 57, compared to 74 over his Test career - but hit Leach over mid-wicket for six and swept and also drove well before slapping a Curran long hop to wide third man.

Thirimanne, who averaged 22 in 70 Test innings before this match, was happy to play second fiddle to Perera, although he did find the

Joe Root became the eighth Englishman to pass 8 000 Test runs

However, credit must be paid to the Sri Lanka openers. Thirimanne and Perera were criticised for their first-innings failures, but their century-stand was the first time in six Tests that a Sri Lanka opening pair had survived longer than 10 overs.

leg-side boundary with flicks and sweeps.

Having taken 5-30 in the first innings, Bess failed to maintain a consistent length and allowed Thirimanne and Perera to play off the back foot too often.

Left-arm spinner Leach, who bowled more accurately,

failed with a review for lbw against Thirimanne on 61 before having Kusal Mendis caught behind off a beautiful delivery that turned and bounced in what proved to be the penultimate over of the day.

Root doubles up Resuming on 168, Root reached his fourth Test double-century with the minimum of fuss.

He showed more intent than on day two - when he was happy for debutant Dan Lawrence to take more risks - hitting the third ball of the day to the cover boundary before driving down the ground for six.

It was almost fitting that Root reached 200 with a sweep for four - it was a productive shot throughout his innings, with 88 runs coming via sweeps and reverse sweeps.

In his 321-ball innings Root became the eighth Englishman to pass 8 000 Test runs - in 178 innings, two more than Kevin Pietersen, who holds the record.

England passed 400 in the first innings for the sixth time in their past 12 Tests, having failed to do so in their previous 23.

But they lost their last six

wickets in 13 overs as they chased quick runs, possibly with an eye on the rain forecast later in the game.

Sri Lanka were much more disciplined than on the

previous two days, with pace bowler Asitha Fernando impressing, while off-spinner Dilruwan Perera mopped up the tail to finish with 4-109.

(BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 135 ENGLAND 1st innings Zak Crawley c Wanindu Hasaranga b Lasith Embuldeniya 9 Dominic Sibley c Lahiru Thirimanne b Lasith Embuldeniya 4 Jonny Bairstow c Kusal Mendis b Lasith Embuldeniya 47 Joe Root c Lasith Embuldeniya b Dilruwan Perera 228 Dan Lawrence c Kusal Mendis b Dilruwan Perera 73 Jos Buttler c Niroshan Dickwella b Asitha Fernando 30 Sam Curran b Asitha Fernando

0 Dom Bess run-out (sub)

0 Jack Leach lbw Dilruwan Perera

4 Mark Wood c Niroshan Dickwella b Dilruwan Perera 2 Stuart Broad not out 11 EXTRAS: (b-7, nb-6)

13 TOTAL: (all out, 117.1 overs) 421 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-17, 3-131, 4-304, 5-372, 6-372, 7-382 s, 8-398, 9-406, Bowling: Lasith Embuldeniya 45-4-176-3 (nb-2), Asitha Fernando 14-1-44-2, Wanindu Hasaranga 15-1-63-0 (nb)-2), Dilruwan Perera 36.1-2-109-4 (nb-2)..

SRI LANKA 2nd innings Kusal Perera c Jack Leach b Sam Curran

62 Lahiru Thirimanne not out

76 Kusal Mendis c Jos Buttler b Jack Leach 15 Lasith Embuldeniya not out

0 EXTRAS: (b-1, nb-2)

3 TOTAL: (two wkts, 61.0 overs)

156 Fall of wickets: 1-101, 2-155.

Bowling: Stuart Broad 8-6-3, Sam Curran 7-0-25- 1 (nb-1), Dom Bess 13-2-30-0, Mark Wood 7-1- 20-0, Jack Leach 20-267-1 (nb-1) Joe Root 6-0-10-0.

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 17, 2021

Rooney ends playing career, to become full-time Derby boss

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester United and England great Wayne Rooney ended his illustrious playing career Friday to take up the job of managing Championship side Derby on a full-time basis.

Derby confirmed the 35-year-old former forward had agreed a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis in November.

The club statement confirmed that in accepting the manager’s role, Rooney had “elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job”.

Rooney was in charge for nine matches as interim boss at Derby, winning three and drawing four.

“We are delighted to confirm the appointment of

Wayne Rooney as our new manager,” said Derby County Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances.”

Rooney said he was “blown away” by Derby’s potential when he arrived at the club after a spell playing for DC United in the United States.

To be given the opportunity to follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour,” he said.

“And I can promise everyone involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic

football club.”

Rooney, who captained Manchester United and England, hangs up his boots as the all-time leading goalscorer for United and his country.

He is also the second-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, with 208 goals.

Rooney made his debut for boyhood club Everton in 2002 and shot to prominence by scoring a sensational goal to beat then-champions Arsenal days before his 17th birthday.

After an impressive showing for England at Euro 2004, he was signed by Alex Ferguson for Manchester United for £27 million ($37 million).

“I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years,” said Ferguson on the day he

Olympic hurdles champion McNeal denies testing positive for banned substance

(REUTERS) - American Olympic 100 metres hurdles gold medallist Brianna McNeal has denied testing positive for any banned substance in a statement released by her management agency yesterday.

The 29-year-old, who won gold at 2016 Rio Olympics and was world champion in 2013, was charged with “tampering within the results management process” and provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) earlier this week.

“ICM Stellar Athletics would like to clarify that Brianna has not tested positive for any substance banned in the sport of track and field,” her agency said.

“Brianna will request a hearing, where she fully expects to be exonerated and continue her championship career.”

McNeal led a U.S. clean sweep of the 100m hurdles at the 2016 Olympics but was banned for a year when she missed three out-of-competition drug tests, which constitutes an anti-doping rule violation.

Her ban, which applied to the 2017 season, resulted in

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her missing the World Championships that year.

She also qualified for the

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FILE PHOTO: Athletics - Women’s 100 Metres Hurdles Heats - Brianna McNeal of the U.S. reacts after being disqualified for a false start at World Athletics Championships, Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar October 5, 2019 (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File photo)

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splashed out a-then world-record fee for a teenager.

Rooney soon started paying that fee back, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in the

Champions League against Fenerbahce.

The forward scored 253 goals for United, winning five Premier League titles

In this file photo taken on September 27, 2014, Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League match against West Ham United at Old Trafford in Manchester. (Photo: AFP)

and a Champions League medal, all under Ferguson.

He played 120 matches and scored 53 goals for the national side, appearing for the final time against the United States in 2018.

He rejoined Everton from United in 2017 but was at Goodison Park for just a year before moving to MLS side DC United.

Rooney joined Derby in January 2020 as a player-coach and took caretaker charge when Cocu was sacked.

He will have a tough job on his hands despite his pedigree.

Derby are currently in the Championship relegation zone but are level on 19 points with Sheffield Wednesday, in 21st place.

Test skipper Holder to lead Pride in Antigua

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Jason Holder will lead Barbados Pride in next month’s Super50 Cup in Antigua, following his decision to opt out of the ongoing tour of Bangladesh.

The highly rated all-rounder leads a strong 15-man squad announced here Friday, and which includes the trio of West Indies stars Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase who also declined selection for the Bangladesh tour due to “COVID related concerns”.

Fast bowlers Chemar Holder and Keon Harding, currently in Bangladesh with the West Indies side, have been included for the February 7-27 tournament.

The 29-year-old Holder’s presence will be a big boost for Pride who faltered at the semi-final stage of the last Super50 Cup, in a stunning upset at the hands of eventual champions West Indies Emerging Players.

Holder missed that tournament due to international commitments.

He was at the helm the last time Pride won the Super50 Cup in 2017, hitting a half-century in the final when they defeated Jamaica Scorpions at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Holder featured in only one match of the abbreviated Regional Four-Day Championship last season, when he turned out in the eight-round encounter against Guyana Jaguars in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour West Indies stroke-maker Kyle Hope has been included in the squad, after spending several seasons with Trinidad and To-

bago Red Force.

The right-hander, Shai Hope’s older brother, struggled in the last Super50 Cup with 147 runs from seven appearances.

Batsman Jonathan Drakes and fast bowler Akeem Jordan, who previously played for Combined Campuses and Colleges, will feature in the Pride squad.

Head coach Emmerson Trotman, under whom Pride cap-

tured the four-day title last year, has been replaced by Dexter Toppin.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Joshua Bishop, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Jonathan Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, Ashley Nurse.

Captain Jason Holder

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30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 17, 2021

Nexgen acquires land for first golf facility on West Coast

IN keeping with its aggressive agenda to develop the game of golf in Guyana, president of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA), Aleem Hussain, confirmed the acquisition of land to establish the first of 5 uniquely designed golf courses.

The deal was sealed earlier last week and the Nexgen Golf Academy, according to Hussain, will be located close to the Vreed-en-Hoop area just off the main road for easy access to public transportation, parking and future growth.

Partnering with Mr and Ms Ronald Sami, the GGA was able to sign a long-term deal that would see the facility begin construction immediately, with hopes for completion in a few months.

“What is the value of bringing the immeasurable joy of being able to play golf to thousands of children in a way that will shape their perception of life, opportunity and values forever?” asked Hussain, He went on to outline that

based on the innovative model they created, it will cost less than G$2 000 a month for the kids to learn and continue enjoying the sport.

So far GGA hss facilitated the opening of a Golf Academy & Driving Range in Georgetown that allowed them to attract and teach 556 new players in 6 months, and more excitingly, introduced the sport to the school system so that over 100 000 children, aged 6-18 will have access to participate in golfing.

With strong partnerships established with major companies and organisations to promote the game, supported by a donor system to provide equipment for learners, the need for golf facilities is in high demand, so GGA plans to build and equip five (5) unique golf facilities around the country so they can provide training and equipment for as many as 6 000 new players.

To enhance the interest in the sport, GGA plans to create weekly tournaments

A model of the intended architectural design for the Nexgen golf ourse

Shakib in Bangladesh squad for West Indies ODIs

SHAKIB Al Hasan is back in the Bangladesh squad, which includes newcomers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud, as well as Mahedi Hasan, for the three-ODI series at home against West Indies starting next week in Dhaka.

Also in the 18-man party are Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain.

Former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who was left out of the 24-man training group earlier this month, as well as Al-Amin Hossain, Shafiul Islam and Mohammad Naim are among the prominent names missing.

When Shakib was named in the 24-man preliminary squad for the series, it marked his comeback to the national frame after serving a one-year ban for not reporting a corrupt approach.

Shakib was Bangladesh’s Test and T20I captain before his ban, but has returned as an ordinary member of the side.

Islam is a left-arm quick who was one of the star performers in Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup triumph last year. Mahmud is a fast bowler who broke into Bangladesh’s T20I side last year, while offspin-bowling all-rounder Hasan has played T20Is before. All three also did well in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup recently.

Selector Habibul Bashar hoped Shakib’s return would add the balance to the XI that had been missing for a while. “Shakib makes it easier to make an XI,” Bashar

said. “Shakib and Mushfiqur (Rahim) are our genuine all-rounders, which many teams don’t have.

“We can always play with an extra bowler or batsman when we have these two players in the side. Shakib’s inclusion is going to help the team’s balance. He wasn’t around for a long time but I hope he can return to his old form through this series.”

Shakib Al Hasan last played for Bangladesh in September 2019, in a T20I against Afghanistan (Raton Gomes/BCB)

Bashar wanted the three new players to get comfortable with the dressing-room atmosphere, given that they are being considered as future prospects. “They have been performing well, and they are definitely our future prospects,” he said. “Whether they play or not, we want them to adjust in the dressing room quickly. Hasan Mah-

mud and Mahedi Hasan have played for Bangladesh, but Shoriful is the total newcomer. We want to give them the experience, since we believe they are our future.”

Taskin and Rubel, who had been regulars even two years ago, found themselves out of favour in the last 12 months, but during the pandemic, they have worked hard on their fitness, and according to Bashar, it has been showing in their pace and swing. “They have been bowling quicker recently.

Rubel is looking very good, and he has been swinging the ball too.”

As for Naim’s axing, Bashar explained that it was the return of Tamim Iqbal, the captain, that had worked against the younger player.

“Tamim has returned so we already have a number of openers. But Naim is always going to be in our plans, and not far from the main squad.”

Bangladesh ODI squad: Ta m i m I q b a l ( c a p t . ) , Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkp.), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.

(Cricinfo)

and activities for these new players, all with the intention of building a national team that will represent Guyana internationally and eventually field an Olympic team.

Talks between GGA and a major international golf entity were on the table as Guyana could potentially host a major golf event. Hussain said he could not confirm at this time but did not rule out the possibility of it happening.

The GGA is capitalising on the fact that golf is one of the few COVID- 19 compliant sports in the world to grow and bring worldwide attention to the country by accelerating the interest and number of golf courses to increase sports tourism.

This will benefit hotels, restaurants, taxis, airlines, eco-tourism, car rentals and souvenir sales nationwide.

The first exciting event for Nexgen Golf Academy 2021 season is scheduled in two weeks’ time and it is expected that major prizes will be up for grabs.

Jail term for blood-doping doctor in ground-breaking ‘Aderlass’ trial

BERLIN, Germany (AFP) Senior figures in German sport on Friday welcomed the prison sentence handed to the doctor at the centre of the “Aderlass” international blood-doping trial in Munich after the first major test of Germany’s anti-doping laws.

Dr Mark Schmidt, 42, has been sentenced to four years 10 months for masterminding an international blood-doping ring between 2012 and 2019.

“Finally, we are seeing a verdict that includes draconian penalties for those cheating in sport,” said Alfons Hoermann, president of the German Olympic Sports Confederation, after the verdict.

Schmidt has also received an additional ban from practising medicine for a further three years and was fined 158 000 euros (US$191 821).

Dagmar Freitag, chairwoman of the German Government’s sports committee, hopes Schmidt’s sentence acts as a deterrent.

“The criminal networks have now been made unmistakably aware that serious doping offences can be punished with a not inconsiderable prison term,” said Freitag.

Schmidt has been found guilty of 24 counts of using doping methods and two counts of forbidden use of medicinal drugs.

The trial, which started last September, is the first major prosecution under anti-doping legislation introduced in Germany in 2015.

Blood doping is aimed at boosting the red blood cells, which allows the body to transport more oxygen to muscles,

increasing stamina and performance.

“It’s a harsh sentence, but just right,” sports law expert Michael Lehner told AFP subsidiary SID. Two of Schmidt’s four co-defendants were each given suspended sentences of two years four months and one year four months.

- ‘Blood-letting’ in German.

The raids included a swoop on the 2019 Nordic World Skiing Championships in Seefeld, Tirol.

Five athletes and two suspects were detained at the championships two hours before the start of the men’s 15km cross-country event.

German sports doctor Mark Schmidt (L), accused of masterminding an international doping network in cycling and winter sports.

The other two, one of whom is Schmidt’s father, were given fines of 6 560 euros and 9 900 euros.

In court last week, Schmidt expressed remorse, “I took a wrong turn, it’s all my fault,” and regrets involving his four co-defendants: “I am infinitely sorry that I dragged the other four into it”.

Tischler noted Schmidt’s cooperation in handing over a Slovenian mobile phone, “a massive help, without which the trial would not have taken place in this form”.

Schmidt has been in custody since Austrian and German police swooped during coordinated raids in February 2019, as part of Operation Aderlass

One Austrian athlete was caught undergoing a blood transfusion.

Schmidt was arrested at the same time during raids in Erfurt, central Germany, where he is based.

I n i t i a l l y, t h e l i s t o f events affected by Schmidt’s blood-doping ring was impressive, including 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, 2016 Rio de Janeiro summer Olympics and 2018 Tour de France.

On Tuesday, Austrian cyclist Stefan Denifl became the latest athlete jailed due to the smashing of the Aderlass ring, when he received a two-year sentence, 16 months of which will be suspended.

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 17, 2021

Walsh contracted COVID in Caribbean, says Dr. Mansingh

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Dr Akshai Mansingh, a member of Cricket West Indies’ medical advisory committee, believes leg-spinning all-rounder, Hayden Walsh Jr, contracted COVID-19 before he left the Caribbean.

The Jamaican, also a CWI director, said the incubation period for the novel coronavirus was between five and seven days, and pointed out that Walsh tested negative before departing the Caribbean and negative again on arrival in Bangladesh last Sunday.

However, the 28-year-old returned a positive test three days later, with a follow-up test confirming the positive result.

“If you go back five to seven days, you’d recognise this was picked up when he was in the Caribbean and not en route or obviously not while in Bangladesh,” Dr Mansingh told CBC TV 8 Sports here.

“That is why certain measures are taken. For

example, we encourage the players to isolate themselves for about two weeks before they leave the islands because you want to reduce your exposure.

“Number two, throughout the transportation – that’s by airlines and in the airports – they’re told to wear their mask, maintain physical distancing because that’s going to minimise the chance of transmission to any other team member.”

He added: “When they got to Bangladesh, they went straight from the airport to their individual rooms where they remained isolated.”

Walsh has been placed in isolation in a separate wing of the team hotel in Dhaka, and will need to return two negative tests before he is released.

He is the only player to have tested positive in the travelling contingent. However, his teammates will continue to be tested despite having started training for next week’s first One-Day International.

Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh tested positive for COVID-19 in Bangladesh

Fast bowling all-rounder, Romario Shepherd, returned a positive test before leaving the region and was replaced in the squad

by Barbadian pacer Keon

Red Force selectors name star-studded side for Super50 Cup campaign

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - National selectors have gone with a star-studded lineup for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s Super50 Cup campaign next month, with nine West Indies players featuring in the 15-man squad.

day tour of Bangladesh, while fast bowler Jayden Seales recently toured New Zealand as part of the West Indies side but failed to play a game.

“It is a very experienced team led by the West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pol-

Red Force captain for the Super50, Kieron Pollard

West Indies white-ball skipper, Kieron Pollard, announced to lead the side since last month, will be joined by the likes of Darren Bravo, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Denesh Ramdin and Khary Pierre, all with international experience.

Two other players – Akeal Hosein and Kjorn Ottley – are poised to make their West Indies debut after being selected for the one-

lard,” chief selector Rajendra Mangalie told the Express newspaper.

“There are also plenty West Indies players in the team, mixed in with some younger players so it is definitely a very strong team.”

There was no room for 23-year-old batsman Jyd Goolie who scored heavily in the trial matches nor for his former West Indies Under-19 teammate Kirstan Kallicharan who also notched several scores.

Isaiah Rajah and Tion Webster, the latter of whom scored over 200 runs for Red Force along with two half-centuries in the 2019 tournament, have also been overlooked.

Only on Friday, Rajah struck an unbeaten 110 and Webster, 81 not out, in another practice game as Red Force continued their preparations for the tournament.

Mangalie conceded that with the plethora of West Indies players to chose from, it was difficult finding room for younger players.

“It is a tough team to break into with all these experienced players available,” he said.

Bravo, one of 10 West Indies players declining selection for the ongoing tour of Bangladesh, will serve as Pollard’s vice-captain.

Red Force reached the semi-finals of the last Super50 Cup before going down in an upset at the hands of Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The Super50 Cup runs from February 7 to 27 in Antigua.

SQUAD – Kieron Pollard (captain), Darren Bravo (vice-captain), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Imran Khan, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales, Kjorn Ottley, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre.

Harding.

Mansingh, who toured Bangladesh last November on a reconnaissance tour to review health protocols at venues, hospitals and airports

on behalf of CWI, said Walsh would now receive the best possible care available.

His only interaction will come with the medical personnel already within the established bio-secure bubble on tour.

“Having visited I can tell you that the isolation areas are actually a much better area for the person because we recognise they’re in isolation so there’s a suite with a living, bedroom and so on, so they’re relatively comfortable while they’re there,” Masingh explained.

“We do have further contingencies in the unfortunate event that somebody becomes symptomatic and requires hospitalisation, and they’re dedicated COVID wing within their top hospitals, with COVID equipped ambulances which can come and pick you up, were that to happen.”

He continued: “[Walsh] is asymptomatic and 80 per cent of positive tests remain asymptomatic, and we’re hoping that he would just continue

Tennis stars’ arrival angers stranded Australians

THE sight of some of the world’s biggest tennis stars touching down for the forthcoming Australian Open has frustrated many Australians unable to return home because of the pandemic.

Australia currently has a weekly cap on the number of international arrivals, with people having to undergo quarantine in a designated facility.

There are roughly 37,000 Australians waiting to return, ABC News reports.

A number of airlines have suspended routes making it harder to travel back.

On Friday, Emirates airline announced it would be stopping its flights to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Meanwhile, organisers

of the Australian Open have been putting on chartered flights for the players and other members of staff.

Players had to test negative before boarding flights and were then placed in designated Australian Open quarantine hotels in Melbourne and Adelaide. They are, however, allowed out of their rooms for up to five hours a day to practise on court.

But 47 players who were on flights where passengers later tested positive will now have to be confined to their rooms for two weeks.

The first of these groups, on a flight from Los Angeles, reportedly includes two-times champion Victoria Azarenka and former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.

[being symptomatic].

“He has to remain in isolation until he returns two negative tests which would usually take between one to two weeks. Until then, he’ll just have to stay in that area.”

Walsh is the first West Indies player to test positive for COVID-19 while on tour, with the Caribbean side having previously toured England and New Zealand last year amidst the ongoing pandemic.

The tour of Bangladesh has been overshadowed by the withdrawal of 10 players, all of whom declined selection because of concerns over the COVID-19 situation in the south Asian country.

Bangladesh health authorities on Saturday announced 578 new COVID-19 cases to take the overall tally to 527 063, while reporting an additional 21 deaths, to bring that toll to 7 883.

West Indies are set to take on Bangladesh in the opening ODI next Wednesday.

Tennis players have been flown in to the country on charter flights by tournament organisers

Tennys Sandgren, who tested positive but was cleared to fly by organisers after his medical file was reviewed, is also believed to have been on the flight.

A second group of 23 players on a flight from United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi suffered the same fate. Both flights arrived on Friday.

Those players will have less than 10 days to practise before the tournament starts on 8 February. Reports say they will have gym equipment delivered to their rooms.

UK player Johanna Konta, who was not on either of the affected flights, tweeted about workouts in her hotel room to encourage fitness in confined spaces. (BBC Sport)

Training for National ‘ballers’ set to commence January 23

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... says only interest is to ensure the laws of Guyana are followed

By Rawle Toney

FOLLOWING Friday’s meeting with the executives of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, is defending his ministry’s position with Guyana Cricket Board (GCB),

isolation and only wants the laws of Guyana and that of any sport to be followed.

A delegation from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, headed by Minister Ramson, met with Ricky Skerritt, president of CWI and other members, via the Zoom platform, where the ministry

last year by the Court of Appeal, GCB is deemed illegitimate under the laws of Guyana. As such, the minister believes that GCB’s representation on the CWI ought to be reviewed.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr while downplaying the com- shared its position on the recments and assertions of po- ognition of Guyana Cricket litical bias and Government Board (GCB). interference in the ‘gentleMinister Ramson reaman’s game’ in Guyana. soned that, taking into acIn fact, yesterday, Ramson count the restoration of the stated that he’s not acting in Cricket Administration Act SEE PAGE

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“The public can be assured, that I have the best interest of cricket and all sports as a part of my objective, but what is important to me, is that the bodies which are responsible for the administration of sports in the country are held accountable and that they are in compliance with the laws of Guyana,” Minister Ramson said.

He further noted that “if the law says that you must have your elections, then you must have your elections and according to the terms therein”.

The proscribed-GCB, Ramson told Skerritt, will not be engaged by his ministry until there is full compliance with the Cricket Administration Act, including, deciding to deny the body entry to the Guyana National Stadium, although access has been allowed to participating players and coaches only.

Yesterday, Minister Ramson said his only interest, outside of the development of the sport, is to see the laws of the country being followed.

“Whatever comes out of the process of being compliant with the laws of Guyana and that organisation, that is the body that we’re going to support. We want accountability because this is a body that benefits from us and everyone in Guyana and it’s a sport that we love,” said Ramson, who also played the ‘gentleman’s game’.

Despite the back-andforth with the GCB, the ministry was able to secure and confirm matches for the Pakistan tour of the Caribbean in August. If materialised, it will be the first International match at Guyana National Stadium since the West Indies took on India on August 8, 2019.

It will also be Pakistan’s first visit to Guyana since they took on the West Indies in two One Day Internationals in April of 2017.

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with Pepsi

Jan an 13, 2021; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena (Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, JANUARY 17, 2021