Issuu

See Inside

22nd August, 2021

No.106461

US$3.5B injected into petroleum 03 sector in three years –– average foreign direct investments recorded at US$1.2B annually since 2018

$620M quary project on the 11 cards for Reg. 7

PAGE

Investor, Lorenzo Alphonso

Livestock earnings 16 surpass $18.7M PAGE

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Despite the restrictions on face-to-face learning, due to the pandemic, small private classes in some countryside areas continue to be held while observing the COVID-19 guidelines, like this one here at Cotton Tree, Section ‘A’, West Coast Berbice (Carl Croker photo)

Roads valued over $203.7M 13 Four to be charged with commissioned in Regions 5 & 6 murder of Sophia man 17 PAGE

PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

US$3.5B injected into petroleum sector in three years

– average foreign direct investments recorded at US$1.2B annually since 2018 By Navendra Seoraj

SERVING as a magnet for investors, Guyana’s petroleum sector has received the bulk of private investments with a United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report, titled, “Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean”, showing that some US$3.5 billion was spent by stakeholders between 2018 and 2020. In the report, which was released recently, ECLAC said major investments have been made since 2018 to exploit the large deep-water deposits discovered by American oil giant, ExxonMobil, in 2015. The company has since made 22 discoveries in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana. “Between then [2018] and 2020, US$3.5 billion was invested in this sector in Guyana, with a peak in 2019 of almost US$1.5 billion,” the UN commission related. Oil production began in 2020, generating growth of 43.5 per cent in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while non-oil GDP declined by 6.8 per cent in the wake of the pandemic. The contribution of the petroleum sector to Guyana’s development is also evidenced by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, which have been averaging US$1.2 billion since 2018, juxtaposed with an average of US$200 million per year between 2000 and 2017. “Most of those investment flows are destined for the energy sector, which absorbed 98 per cent of the FDI entering the country in 2020,” ECLAC said. At the same time, the expansion of oil activities has also fuelled the development of support and service

activities. For example, in January 2020, the Danish firm, Blue Water Shipping, which provides shipping and cargo services, announced the opening of a new office in Guyana to support the domestic oil-and-gas market. Another example is the

is evidence that a number of local and foreign investors are positioning themselves to capitalise on the existing and potential opportunities. The prospects are quite positive, since there was an increase in the estimate of recoverable petroleum

and consultancy group, Wood Mackenzie, shows that the country is among five nations which will produce most of the remaining deep-water oil resources. According to the group’s analysis, oil and gas will play a significant role in

been benefiting financially from this progressive sector, as, having earned over US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and received US$13.9 million in royalties in the first quarter of this year, it has in its Natural Resource Fund (NRF)

A pictorial representation of ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana in the various blocks (ExxonMobil photo) British marine services firm, Inchcape Shipping Services, which opened a new office in Georgetown, so as to provide support to clients holding permits for geological exploration and offshore oil-and-gas extraction in Central America. The new office will also provide general vessel maintenance services, crew changes, delivery of spare parts, ship supply and bunkering operations in the dry-bulk and tanker sectors. While a number of investments have been made in the petroleum sector, there

resources, from eight billion to nine billion oil-equivalent barrels, an estimate that had not been adjusted since January 2020. Additionally, ExxonMobil has updated its development plans of having five oil production projects by 2026 to six projects by 2027, which they see could potentially grow to ten production projects in the future. It was reported that Guyana’s role in the global petroleum industry could be bigger than it appears on the surface, as an analysis done by global energy research

meeting energy demands for decades to come, especially with the upstream industry expecting to fill the 450 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BoE) of undeveloped supply needed by 2040. According to the second largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalisation, NASDAQ, Guyana, with its estimated recoverable resources of about nine billion barrels of oil equivalent, is projected to be among the world’s largest per capita oil producers by 2025. Already, the nation has

over US$344 million. Specifically, according to the Bank of Guyana, the nation ended the month of June with US$344,161,633 in its NRF at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. However, revenue garnered from the recent sale of the seventh oil lift has pushed Guyana’s total earnings to close to US$420 million.

Although the benefits are already immense, Reuters had reported that Guyana is aiming to increase its oil royalties, and revamp other contract terms as part of a new profit-sharing agreement (PSA) for future crude and gas projects now in its draft stage. The new PSA will be tougher than that negotiated with the Exxon consortium, and could be ready “within six months or so,” Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo said on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas. “We have made it clear that in any new PSA we negotiate for those blocks, the conditions will be very, very different than the ones from the Stabroek block,” Jagdeo said. This would be timely, since, according to Westmount Energy, Guyana, with its positive prospects, and vast potential remains one of the few areas of “bluechip” interest in high-impact exploration. Investopedia defines blue-chip stocks as secure investments, because they pay out dividends, as well as consistently and steadily grow over time. Generally, despite the lingering adversities, projections for Guyana remain positive, with the country set to record economic growth of 20.9 per cent at the end of 2021, another 26.0 per cent in 2022, and 23.0 per cent in 2023. The country’s GDP of about $6.8 billion is expected to more than double by 2025, reaching over $14 billion.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

CIOG providing financial assistance to over 500 children …in its ‘Orphans and Vulnerable Children’ initiative

WITH its donors and supporters continuing to champion the cause of orphans and vulnerable children, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) is currently providing financial assistance to over 500 children as part of its Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) initiative. According to the organisation’s General Manager, Shameena Haniff, the initiative, which was launched in 1993, has seen a significant and continued growth in the number of children catered for yearly. She noted that the initiative was launched with just

13 children as beneficiaries. The OVC programme assists children under the age of 16 with financial resources relating to their educational and social needs in an effort to ensure their future success and growth. Each child receives school uniforms, textbooks, medical examination, and financial help for extra lessons and exam fees, as well as a monthly stipend. Haniff told this newspaper that although children no longer benefit from the programme when they reach the age of 16, the organisation, in most cases, continues to support some of them to ensure that they have access to resources that would enable them to benefit from a university education. “The programme is up to when they finish writing CXC, so we see them up to CXC but even though there are some of them with poten-

General Manager of CIOG, Shameena Haniff tial or even those who don’t a trade so that they can earn. we have sponsors that take have the potential, we still try Noting that each child care of each child, and it’s in to work with them after they benefits from varying resourc- most cases different for every finished writing CXC. The es and opportunities, Haniff individual case. We have cerwhole idea of the programme explained that donations to tain sponsors who prefer the is for them to be self-suffi- the initiative are made by child be in an Islamic private cient, so we take them up to sponsors who cater either to school and would actually pay that level and in a lot of cases one specific child or a group the school fees for them to atwe end up getting scholar- of children. She noted that tend either of the three CIOG ships for them so they can this could allow for some stu- schools,” Haniff explained. end up going to university,” dents to have a greater push The programme, accordfor academic opportunities ing to Haniff, has had a major Haniff told this newspaper. She also noted that CIOG such as private education. impact churning out adults “We have donors that con- in every profession, includworks to ensure that those students who do not wish to go to tribute specifically to a set of ing teachers, lawyers, and a university are sent to other children or we have sponsors doctors. tertiary institutions to learn that sponsor a particular child; “Seeing how well chil-

dren in the OVC programme have grown is pretty amazing because some children would have been in this programme as young as six months old and it would have carried them through until they are a good 17 or 18 years old. We get to help them in a way that was necessary for them to excel and understand that they can achieve whatever they want, it’s pretty amazing.” According to the general manager, several children who benefited from the programme are now adults and have taken it upon themselves to “pay it forward” by sponsoring a child. “They can now sponsor children that are now in that position that they were in, so it’s really great for us because we have seen them go through the entire programme and now, they can give back not just finances but also encouragement because they have been there, they know and they can relate to the children in the program,” the general manager noted. S o f a r, t h e p r o gramme has aided over 2,000 orphans and vulnerable children in finishing their nursery, primary and secondary education, since its inception.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

50 small businesses exhibit services at Sonia Noel’s 50th birthday ‘expo’

FIFTY small businesses, some which operate strictly online, were given the opportunity to showcase their products and services, ranging from locally manufactured hair products, indigenous wine to arts, crafts and sweets at the Giftland Mall on Saturday as part of Dr. Sonia Noel’s 50th birth anniversary celebrations. “A jubilee is special to a country, a person, and I thought for the entire month I need to do a number of activities, not just for it to be memorable to me but to others and I am an entrepreneur myself and I know the journey could be very tough,” Noel told the Sunday Chronicle as she explained why she staged ‘Expo 50’. The event continues on Sunday from 14:00hrs to 19:00hrs at the Giftland Mall, Plantation Pattensen, Turkeyen, Georgetown, and features a variety of businesses including, but not limited to, spas, beauty products, indigenous cuisines, clothing, jewellery, real estate and décor. Noel said that as part of her

Caption: L-RL Calvin Roberts (left) showcasing his indigenous wine ‘The Mighty Fly’; Tiffany Emmanuel of Allos Seasoning displaying a bottle of her jerk season and Shakela Khan of Farah’s Homestyle Cooking and Baking birthday celebrations, four aspiring and emerging businesses were awarded $50,000 each. However, she did not feel that was enough and instantly thought of an expo to feature 50 emerging businesses. When the idea presented itself, Noel called Giftland Group of Companies and indicated that she wishes for a space to be provided to her for her 50th birthday and got

her wish granted. She highlighted that Urban Life was incremental in setting the space up, while Impressions assisted with printing shirts, all free of cost, which enabled the businesses to be featured at the expo without paying a cent. The business expo was not in isolation as Noel is a John Maxwell-trained coach, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor, designer, speaker and

Sonia Noel getting her makeup done at the expo best-selling author, and so, she tative of Farah’s homestyle and her team provided training cooking and baking, said her and mentorship sessions prior entity caters for any event of any magnitude; they make to the event. With over 100 applicants, sweets such as cheesecakes Noel selected 50 small busi- and food of any tradition and nesses to reflect a diverse pool style, even Japanese; they of products and services. The can be found on Facebook, Sunday Chronicle could not Instagram and on WhatsApp feature every one of the busi- at +592 617 6340. Levi explained that the nesses but caught up with a few on Saturday, all of whom expo provides the business, expressed appreciation for which is trained and certified being able to showcase their in food and health safety, with products and services at such many opportunities in terms of advertising, as half way an event. Saudia Levi, a represen- through the event she ran out

of business cards. Tiffany Emmanuel, of Allos Seasoning, runs a business which manufactures green and jerk seasons, as well as hot sauce; all made from natural ingredients. According to Emmanuel, Allos has any season for any reason. They can be found on the shelves of Cost Cutters Supermarket and Lucky Supermarket or at 47 ‘L’ Turkeyen, Georgetown and also at +592 669 7888 or social media. Calvin of Calvin Roberts Indigenous Cuisine of 616 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo showcased his popular signature indigenous wine called The Mighty Fly, a pungent, aromatic wine made from black potato. He also caters for tuma, farine, cassava cakes and pepperpot. “This event is incredible; I am so happy that Ms. Noel would have invited me to be on board, the responses are overwhelming and amazing from passers-by today,” Calvin said, stating that he can be contacted at +592 602 5026 or social media.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Haiti needs the support of all HAITI, it would seem, is destined to suffer disasters of one type or the other. The country has had more than its fair share of political upheavals which have had a devastating impact on the lives of its people. Only recently, the Haitian President was shot dead, apparently at the hands of paid assassins. And as if that were not enough, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake has hit the island, killing over 2,000 people, and leaving in its wake a trail of damage and destruction. Haiti is a member of the Caribbean community, (CARICOM), having joined the regional body on July 1, 2002. With a population of nearly 12 million, it is the largest member of CARICOM, and along with Suriname, is the only non-English-speaking country to have been accorded full membership to CARICOM. At the political level, Haiti was the first country in the entire region to gain political independence. It gained political independence in 1804, which makes it the oldest independent country in the Americas,

second only to the United States, which became an independent State in 1783. The country is known for its epic battles against French colonial rule, and then against United States neo-colonial rule and political interference. During those years, the country was stagnated politically and economically. It remains, until today, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and the least politically-stable country, even though there has been some recent progress in terms of the consolidation of democratic rule. Because of its shared history of colonial domination, and its insertion, geographically, in the Americas, Haiti's problems cannot be divorced from that of the wider Caribbean. This has become even more imperative, given its full membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is in the foregoing context that Guyana's President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has pledged his full support to the Haitian people on the recent disaster caused by the recent earthquake. It will be recalled that the country suffered a devastating

earthquake back in January 2010, when over 200, 000 lives were lost, and billions of dollars in damages to buildings and infrastructure. According to President Ali, Guyana's contribution to the relief efforts forms part of a larger regional relief package. Immediately after the disaster, President Ali, in a telephone call to the country's Prime Minister, expressed his sympathy and that of the Guyanese people, and pledged support to the rebuilding efforts. Similar sentiments of solidarity and support were extended to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines during a recent volcanic eruption in the island. These are all strong indications of solidarity and support to the regional integration movement, but, more importantly, to the people of the affected countries whose lives were adversely affected by natural calamities. The fact is that when it comes to disasters, natural or otherwise, no country is completely outside of the danger zone. Guyana is still recovering from one of its

more severe floods in its recent history, and the assistance it received from regional institutions and the international community has not been insignificant. Guyana has also benefitted from other forms of assistance, not least of which has been CARICOM's role in the preservation and consolidation of democracy and democratic rule in the country. And while it is true that as a country, we may be outside of the path of potentially catastrophic hurricanes, we have had, over the years, our own challenges caused by attempts by the political opposition to destabilise democracy and democratic rule in the country. We live in an increasingly interdependent and connected world. This fact has not been ignored by our regional leaders and certainly not by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Just days ago, the sod was turned for the construction of an official residence in Georgetown for the CARICOM Secretary-General, yet another indication of Guyana's commitment to CARICOM and the integration process.

Churches need to be part of the solution to vaccination, not part of the problem Dear Editor, I JUST received a prayer request from someone who said, “My brother-in-law did not take the COVID vaccine, and is now in the hospital on a ventilator. Two things: We would appreciate prayers for him, and if you haven’t been vaccinated, please reconsider.” In the USA, we have had probably the most controversial President, and he was one of the first to be vaccinated. I remember the story of a man who was going down under the water, about to drown. A ship passed by and stopped and asked the man if he needed help; the man said, “No, I don’t need help, God would save me.” A second ship came offering help, and the man said, “I don’t need help, God would save me.” A third ship came, and the man said the same thing. Eventually, the man drowned, and went to heaven. He asked God, why didn’t you save me when I was drowning? God replied, “I sent you three ships.” This illustration can apply to our “unvaccinated” problem in Guyana. The Government has more than three ships: Sputnik, Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Vaccine Maitri/Bharat biotech. Nation, don’t refuse help; don’t wait

until it’s too late. The ship is passing your way. “Too late, too late shall be the cry.” Preachers usually preach and warn the “unsaved” to be “saved”. Similarly, preachers must warn the “unvaccinated” to be “vaccinated”, because it’s the wise and right thing to do. That’s a way of “saving” people, too. I remember Bro. Errol from my Assembly of God Church in the Corentyne in the late 1970s. He had flu-like symptoms, but chose not to go to the hospital. He decided he was going to pray and fast about it. He was in his late 20s. Sadly, he died of pneumonia, and left a young wife and children behind. The church was not able to provide ongoing support for his family. Preachers who, themselves, are fully vaccinated, like to say, “God is your healer; don’t put your faith in vaccines,” and everybody yells “Amen!” There is one Pastor Vlad on YouTube misleading people about the vaccine, and when you look at his website, there is a running counter announcing people who made donations to his ministry. Don’t listen to these fully-vaccinated “money” preachers (especially those who call themselves apostles, bishops and prophets). Follow those with more “balanced” thinking. Be wise, and think about your children and

family, and get the vaccine. It’s hypocrisy for preachers to be fully vaccinated, and they are telling you to “have faith”; you don’t need the vaccine. When you and loved ones are going through your trials and tribulations if a family member is infected with the virus, your church will say they will “pray” for you, and the pastor will preach, “free”, at your funeral. Don’t expect tonnes of money support for funerals, medical expenses, and ongoing needs, especially if the breadwinner dies. I call on our preachers to step up and be a part of the solution to the high number of unvaccinated among us. “To them that knoweth to do good, and doeth not, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47).” Preachers usually preach to people to take a specific course of action to live right, and that if you don’t, you will go to hell. They tell you don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t do drugs, don’t fornicate. They don’t tell you, “your body, your choice”. They will cast demons out of you. churches are clear that you must pay 10 per cent of your income as tithes, plus you must give offerings, special offerings, building fund offerings, pastoral anniversary offerings, and contribute to causes. They are clear about that. They

don’t tell you “your money, your choice”. They take a clear position on holiness, honesty, prostitution, abortion, sexual deviance, goodness, sin, etc. They don’t preach it’s “your body, your choice”. They tell you what is the “right” choice. Similarly, when it comes to vaccination, there is no neutrality. The church must come down on the side of vaccination. As the song says, “If you see your brother going the wrong way, just stop and say, ‘You're going the wrong way.’” I empathise with the government whose pure intention is to help the country and balance all interests. They can probably say like Jesus who upbraided cities saying, “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented (Matt 11: 17). Hopefully, our people would understand that the unvaccinated is driving the new wave of the deadly Delta Variant, and would take advantage of the vaccine. We are eager to open up Guyana! Much praise to those churches, mosques, and temples who hosted vaccination drives. Please continue the good work. Yours sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

We must neutralise race tension and set the country on the right growth trajectory Dear Editor, GUYANESE must reject the race-baiting and race hatred emanating out of Brooklyn by a radical anti-government element of the diaspora. The race-baiting and hatred does not serve the interests of the nation. Worse, it furthers racial division at home, and in the US-based diaspora. Also, I note that a litany of falsehoods has been peddled from Brooklyn from the same elements. Appalling, disrespectful remarks were made; these must be condemned in the strongest words. One Rickford Burke referred to Hon. Prime Minister Mark Phillips as “a lightweight buffoon, and a despicable, token, house slave.” Such language is rude, and must be condemned. PM Phillips is a man of integrity and decency, and a champion of equal rights for all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity. Burke also made outlandish comments and claims not supported by facts. His detractors say he has been waging a battle against racism; a non-existent issue. Some of his Guyanese critics claim he has been waging a battle to support his own economic survival; they ask whether he is gainfully employed. And some Guyanese say he has been instigating violence, and spewing race hatred between Indians and Africans. Some also feel Burke has been able to influence US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to endorse or make statements

not supported by facts. Regrettably, Congressman Jeffries identified with individuals who supported election rigging in Guyana, and who attacked US Ambassador Sarah Lynch for taking a position to protect democracy and voting rights. Jeffries and others have advocated for the recall of Ambassador Lynch, an iron lady who has stood for democracy in Guyana. Burke claims that the PPP government discriminates against Africans. This is not supported by data. The PPP Government has been the most inclusive on race, gender, and geography throughout the history of the nation. As an illustration, of some 6,000 scholarships over the last year, 39 per cent were awarded to Afro-Guyanese, 40 per cent to Indians, and 21 per cent to Mixed and Amerindians, albeit the latter two groups are under-represented when measured against their composition in the population. Mixed are 20 per cent, and Amerindians 10 per cent of the population, while Africans are 29 per cent and Indians 40 per cent. State appointees on boards are composed of onethird Africans, including as CEOs and Chairs. Africans continue to dominate all layers of government -- public service (85 per cent), the army (90 per cent), the police (80 per cent), nursing (75 per cent), teaching (60 per cent), and the top echelons (Permanent Secretary) of the public service (50 per cent), although their group constitutes only 29 per cent of the population. Board appointees

include those of Amerindian, Chinese, and Portuguese extraction. In the government, there is an African PM and seven ministers of African ancestry, one of Amerindian, and one of Portuguese background, and two of Mixed ancestry. What could be fairer than this? In terms of governance, groups of independent Guyanese, representing the legal profession, the private sector, political parties, the press, and civil society have been loud in their praise of the performance of the government for the remarkable job they have done on the first year anniversary despite major COVID-19 constraints and the devastating floods. Also, opinion polls I conducted in August and November 2020, January, March, July and August 2021 approved of the performance of the government, including a majority of Africans and Mixed. The government has touched the life of every Guyanese of all strata and ethnicity through various programmes. Calls by radicals to make the country ungovernable have not only been rejected by most Guyanese, but also by the EU (European Union), UK (United Kingdom), OAS (Organisation of American States), Commonwealth, American, UN (United Nations), CARICOM, and other diplomatic missions. It should be noted that Burke was on the side of those who attempted to engineer electoral fraud in 2020. It was the vigilance of foreign diplomatic missions and ballot protectors, as well as some of

us from the diaspora that saved democracy from collapsing. Stealing an election is the mother of all corruption, and the worse form of racism in Guyana; it is no different from apartheid rule. The lies being peddled by Brooklyn operatives must end. It will not lead to achievement of political goals. Respecting democratic principles would lead to more productive results. I support peaceful protests and exposure of bad governance. And I condemn racial discrimination. People must be employed based on their skills and talent and not on race. Guyana depends on the contributions of members of all ethnicities. Africans and members of other groups are not facing discrimination under the President Ali administration. If there is discrimination, it must be exposed and eliminated. Unsubstantiated claims must not be made. No one should promote or support efforts at creating race hatred and conflict that would further deepen the divide among ethnic groups. Using divisive tactics like stirring race hatred and making reckless claims of race discrimination will not help anyone or any political party. We need to build Guyana and not to destroy it. We must neutralise race tension and set the country on the right growth trajectory. Burke should fight for real causes and not combat non-existent issues. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Politics & Society Forum

Caribbean Languages WITHOUT a doubt, the Caribbean is home to a unique diversity of languages brought about by European colonisation as well as the in-migration of individuals in the modern period. Generally speaking, there are two types of languages in the Caribbean: standard and non-standard. These language types have been at the core of the Caribbean regional speaking experience for centuries. I predict they will continue. A standard language is a written version of a language that has achieved widespread acceptance as the proper form. English is a standard language as it is used as the language of government, formal education, and commerce in Guyana, for instance. A non-standard language is when the grammar is undeveloped and inconsistent. Pidgin and Creole are considered non-standard languages but they are not inferior to standard languages, an ongoing misconception. They are instead make-shift or mixed languages derived from limited contact between people of politically unequal influence (Europeans and Africans during slavery). Berbice Dutch Creole in Guyana, which is now extinct, was based on a West African language and Dutch. Many Creole languages have nonetheless evolved into the mother tongue or first language of Caribbean people. For most Guyanese, for example, Pidgin is their first language.

There are other language terms such as dialects, vernacular, and slang that deserve some clarification. Taken together, these language terms reflect how people speak in a geographical area of the Caribbean as well as their social status in society. For example, in the French Caribbean, people speak a combination of standard and non-standard language called Patois or Creole. Additionally, slang is an informal vocabulary developed by members of a subculture who seek solidarity and identification, emerging from conflicts in beliefs and values with the dominant culture. One can think here of the ‘Dread Talk by Rastafarians. What is so unique about Caribbean people is that they engage in code-switching which is a process of changing from one language to another as the situation requires, whether from one language to another or from one dialect of a language to another. For example, my name is Lomarsh, but me barn de adad side of de countree. Personally speaking, code-switching is colourful and it is my favourite part of the Caribbean language. I use it quite a bit whenever I am in the Caribbean including my home village in Guyana. Unfortunately, code-switching is rare in the United States unless you are in a subcultural environment. Now, let us examine exactly where the standard and non-standard languages are

spoken in the Caribbean. The Guianas and the island of Dominica are the only places where the Amerindian languages or Pre-Columbian languages are spoken. In Guyana, there are at least nine indigenous languages, a status Guyanese should be proud of. The standard languages of the Caribbean by country are as follows: Spanish is spoken in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Central, and South American rimland regions while English is spoken in the Commonwealth Caribbean (eastern Caribbean), Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, and the Virgin Islands. French is spoken in Haiti and the French Overseas Department such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. Dutch is spoken in Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles, although English is replacing Dutch as the main language in the Antilles. There are also non-standard Creole languages which are spoken on a daily basis. In the Commonwealth Caribbean “English Creoles” are spoken (Bajan, Crucian on St. Croix), in the French Caribbean, French Creoles are spoken while in Haiti the Creole language has official status. French Creole is also spoken in English-speaking Dominica and St. Lucia because of French colonisation of these two islands before the English took them over. In Suriname, an Afro Dutch Creole with an English base called Takie-Takie or Sranan Tongo is spoken while in the Dutch Antilles

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

an Afro-Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-based Creole is spoken called Papiamentu. The latter has acquired official status. Spanglish (a combination of Spanish and English) is spoken in Puerto Rico, although some linguists believe Spanglish does not have a Creole base. Most standard and non-standard languages in the Caribbean were introduced, formed and evolved before the abolition of slavery in the nineteenth century. The institutionalisation of the indenture system to supplant slavery as a labour source brought new waves of languages to the Caribbean, notably, Chinese, Portuguese, Hindi derived Bhojpuri, Suriname Javanese, and Arabic in Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname. The Chinese and Portuguese languages are gone, but Hindi and Suriname Javanese (different from Indonesia) have survived mainly in Suriname. Moreover, the intra-regional migration in the modern period has led to the spread of other languages in the Caribbean. Guyanese Pidgin is spoken in Antigua while Spanish is spoken in the Virgin Islands. English is widely spoken in Suriname. One suspects that it is a matter of time that Spanish and Portuguese will be spoken beyond their current usage in Guyana due to the in-migration of Venezuelans and Brazilians (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsusms. edu).

The Science of COVID-19 Coronavirus: The scary delta variant is rapidly moving towards us

OVER the past few weeks, attention has shifted to the delta variant of the SARSCOV2 virus which is spreading rapidly worldwide. It is leaving a trail of devastation that is unrivaled by any other mutated forms of the virus. We cannot let our guard down now as this variant is behaving very differently from others to the point where experts are saying that we should treat the current situation like we are in a new pandemic altogether. Today, I will shed some light on this variant so that you can understand why you need to act now and not wait until it’s too late. WHAT IS THE DELTA VARIANT? The delta variant came about from a mutation of the

SARSCOV2 virus (coronavirus) and was first detected in India. It is called the B.1.617.2 variant and was responsible for the recent devastation in India and now the upsurge of infections that are occurring all over the world. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that it has already spread to more than 100 countries. The WHO’s Director for Europe has warned that Delta is “poised to take hold in the region,” as many countries prepare to ease restrictions and allow more social gatherings and travel across borders. Recent evidence suggests that it already accounting for 93 per cent of all sequenced cases in the USA. Evidence suggests that the number of persons infected by it doubles approximately every day.

It is more transmissible than any other known variant and is 60 per cent more transmissible than the alpha variant that was first detected in UK last year and caused a wave of infections and deaths worldwide.

DOES IT CAUSE MORE SEVERE DISEASE? Evidence from the data available so far suggests that the delta variant is likely to cause more severe disease. A study recently done in Scotland showed that the risk of being hospitalized from the delta variant is two times higher than from the alpha variant. Given the higher number of infections and hospitalizations, the potential for deaths should be higher especially in unvaccinated populations.

ARE VACCINES WORKING AGAINST IT? Researchers are rushing to gather data on the effectiveness of vaccines against this variant. The available data suggests that the vaccines effects may be a little weaker than against other variants but are still significant enough to prevent destruction from this variant. Data from UK suggests that the Pfizer vaccine is 88 per cent effective in preventing symptomatic disease from the delta variant in persons who were fully vaccinated. The AstraZeneca vaccine was 60 per cent effective in preventing symptoms from the delta variant in persons who were fully vaccinated with it. However, the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines had 96

per cent and 92 per cent efficacy respectively in preventing hospitalisations from the delta variant. WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE US? The delta variant is lurking around us and it may only be a matter of time before it starts to devastate us locally. I wouldn't be surprised if it’s already with us here given the recent trend in infections. If that's the case, then we need to utilise the time we have on our side and be prepared for this threat before it starts its rampage through this country. Thankfully, vaccines seem to still have the upper hand against this variant and we should take advantage of this and arm ourselves. The best way to do that is to get vaccinated now so that your

Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center immune system is prepared to fight this delta variant if you come in contact with it in the near future. The longer you take to get vaccinated, the less likely you will be prepared to fight this form of the virus; you are therefore putting yourself at risk of being another statistic in the long list of deaths that this variant is leaving in its trails. This may end up being the toughest battle in the war against COVID-19 thus far. The good news is, there is sufficient armor in the form of vaccines to protect us against this deadly variant. Arm yourself by getting vaccinated and you will help guarantee victory against this deadly delta variant when it reaches our shores.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Understanding Energy

Oil revenues will help to advance sustainable development DESPITE the rapid rise in the oil industry and contrary to public apprehension, Guyana remains largely on track to meet many of the sustainability goals set out in its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). As government officials outlined, during the recent Offshore Oil and Gas Conference (OTC) in Houston, success in the oil and gas sector can continue to unlock options that are vital to keeping the economy on a low carbon trajectory, while also raising standards of living. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told audience members at a conference at Rice University’s Baker Institute recently, “resources must help us… keep the non-oil economy diversified so that the wealth created in this short period could continue to grow,” and support Guyana’s transition to a low carbon economy. A growing economy bolstered by oil production and US hundreds of millions in

new revenues has brought previously unattainable projects within reach, while positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. Paradoxically, oil finds will likely mean that Guyana’s power sector cuts its dangerous emissions drastically. The byproducts created during oil production, like associated gas, have also made previously unfeasible projects that could help reduce emissions like gas to energy possible and economical. Others that could likewise reduce power costs and cut emissions, like the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, are renewed options on the table. Both these projects could provide households with cheaper, more reliable electricity and make it easier to do business in Guyana. Most importantly, the addition of these two energy sources will meet rising demand without increasing emissions. Meanwhile, a continued focus on renew-

The politics of leopard-like opposition A leopard does not change its stripes. It may change its outward appearance, but it is still a leopard with hidden stripes. The perception is that these animals are self-centred and egotistical due to their natural leadership ability and tendency to draw attention to themselves. In short, Leopards are dangerous, sleek, and brave. Unlike most animals that run away and hide when they are wounded, leopards become more aggressive. Sadly, in Guyana’s history, many entities and individuals take on the distinct qualities and attributes of the leopard. They have not changed over the years. A modern-day example of this leopard-like behaviour is the People's National Congress led-A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change Coalition (PNC/APNU/AFC). The PNC has disguised itself in the body politic APNU+AFC Coalition. A closer analysis pointed out that just like the PNC, the Coalition is sticking to its mantra of widespread discrimination and racism against Guyanese by the Peoples Progressive Party and the Government. It has used examples to verify this allegation as opposed to just stating the basic statistics

and facts. After all, the Coalition was in the seat of the Executive from 2015 to 2018 (December). It then squatted from December 22, 2018, to August 2, 2020. And they still could not prove that the policies of the PPP, implemented from 1992 to 2015, were deliberately racist and discriminatory against Afro-Guyanese and other ethnic minorities. It did not implement a single recommendation from the Mc Dougall Report on minorities. It lost the opportunity it had during those years to correct what was wrong in Guyana by making lasting changes to combat the race and discrimination problems facing the country. So why then make all of these allegations in terms of discrimination and racism against one race? Why then go through the struggle to get a US Congressman to support the allegations? Why then call for the sacking of current US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch? It is all part of leopard-like behaviour that is designed to speak to the minds of Afro-Guyanese, making them feel angry, frustrated, and inferior, then they hopefully will lash out. Everything the opposition

said sounds as though they are intentionally inciting the Afro-Guyanese to engage in riotous behaviour, illegality and violence. They carefully played on words saying one thing but meaning another. As expected, the political strategy is not working because the PPP and the Dr Irfaan Ali Administration understand the Opposition Coalition. They know the APNU+AFC politicians who went to the US are just seeking attention for themselves. Also, they know that the opposition's claim that the government fired over 2,000 black public servants is untrue. And, finally, the misplaced claims of race hate, racism, and discrimination by the government are far from the truth about what is happening in Guyana. The thing is, citizens know when the opposition APNU+AFC is making up stories and concocting tales of discrimination. The citizens saw it before from the PNC when it caused havoc in 1999 following the elections of 1997. Right-thinking Guyanese know how dangerous and boldly cunning the opposition can be when they do not get their way. The government should never be seen negotiating

ables can help diversify Guyana’s energy mix further and allow the country to expand lucrative industrialisation without increasing emissions or sacrificing environmental standards. While these efforts can all be applauded, much of this work simply would not be possible without continued oil and gas development. Byproducts such as gas can make electricity cleaner and more reliable, while growing revenues give the government the option to invest in renewable energy, stronger infrastructure, and 21st century industries. According to the Vice President, increased resources from oil production “can help us to accelerate our supply of energy to the people… [and support an] energy transition that is going to be a mixture of gas, hydro and solar and maybe some wind power too.” These investments will be critical as the country moves forward toward global goals set out by the Paris Climate Accord

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

with political mischief and should not invite a misguided US Congressman to the table for clarity on things he should know. Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Sam Hinds, should meet with concerned parties in Washington to clear up the mess started by the opposition politicians, in the US. Secondly, a few overseas-based Guyanese should be ashamed. These citizens will never get back the time they wasted be-

and looks to retain its reputation as a leading carbon sink. Guyana should also continue to actively engage with organisations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Part of these efforts must be centered on the oil industry itself. It is vital that oil companies, government, and regulators prioritise strong environmental standards and adherence to international best practices for safety, and broader environmental considerations. Norway, which gets most of its energy from hydropower and has become a centre of offshore wind technology, can be a model for how Guyana can use oil discoveries to position itself for a carbon neutral future. We should continue to leverage oil revenues to support green economy initiatives like renewable energy and pollution reduction technologies that set the country up for the long-term future. Decarbonisation takes time and patience will be key as Guyana continues to progress.

cause they should know that Guyanese could speak for themselves. After all, several Afro-Guyanese organisations could make representation if they feel that racism is involved in any decision against them. Thirdly, the opposition politicians who were part of the rally are doing a disservice to the supporters and the APNU+AFC Coalition. Flying into the US to play politics does not do anything for the support base in Guyana. It does not make their lives easier by putting higher amounts of money

in their pockets or bread on their tables. They should be concerned with the leadership duel at the levels of PNC and AFC parties. They should be up in arms that both parties have delayed their congress and conference. It's almost laughable that politicians will go to the US to convince others what should take place in Guyana and cannot even convince their people on the ground, at home. A leopard may not change its spots but citizens can change their political choices!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Appropriate selection and safe consumption of OTC medications THE new growth opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry to address access to safe and effective medications for the rising aged population was the genesis for over the counter (OTC) medications. This strategic move to make an OTC version of prescription only medicines (POM) or Rx preparations which contain less milligrams of ingredients, permits acquisition without a prescription or even without a pharmacist watch since they are readily accessible. Hence the Rx to OTC switch puts the consumer in the driver seat where as a responsible driver you are expected to read the label and follow the instructions accordingly for appropriate selection and safe consumption of medications. Over the last three decades more than 700 individual Rx switched to OTC. In excess of 80 categories of meds for various ailments were deemed safe preparations by the FDA authority ranging from indigestion/reflux preparations to pain killers. Today OTC include wide ranges of tonics, vitamins in various formulations (chewables, gummies and effervescent drinkables), topical acne treatment (presented as gels, foam, washes, soaps), weight loss/mass gainer supplements, antiseptic mouthwashes, hand sanitisers and antibiotic ointment. In all of the examples given these OTCs are less strong than its Rx equivalent. But conversely, the “emergency” contraceptive pill (Plan B or Pill 72) is a high dose of the regular daily oral contraceptive and is available in non-prescription form. Medications, especially like Pill 72 have the potential for risks outweighing the benefits if it is not used according to the directions given. You are not expected to have “an emergency” daily or weekly. So what are the implications if such products are abused either knowingly or unknowingly? The repercussions are becoming more alarming since some patients are presented with more compromised organ function and even irreversible damage mainly to the kidneys and the heart. This was highlighted in the case when the teenage girl went into cardiac arrest in the US and died at the coffee shop having consumed excessive caffeinated products at a fast rate. Highly caffeinated products are readily available in the form of energy drinks and ‘stay awake’ pills in Guyana. In recent times, prior to

COVID-19, there was a trend of abuse of cough syrups to attain a “euphoric high”, a universal problem associated either with DXM (dextromethorphan) or codeine (a restricted ingredient). Abused dosages of DXM ranges from breathing problems, rapid heart rate (palpitations), muscle twitching and brain damage. So as a parent if you see this in the bags of your children you should be very concerned. Similarly, medications such as aspirin and paracetamol can potentially escalate a crisis in patients with a pre-existing liver disease such as cirrhosis or the genetic Wilson disease since they are metabolised by the liver. In sickle cell patients overload with iron tonic can lead to a hospital admission. Some mothers give their kids diphenhydramine found in cold medicines or cyproheptadine present in appetite stimulants for the sedative side effects which can lead to temporary memory loss or in extreme cases impairment of the brain functions over time. Cough “syrups” found on the shelves of a supermarket, patent shop or gas station are not a one size fit all, and it is highly unlikely that a clerk or cashier with no pharmaceutical knowledge can be able to best advise you on the most suitable choice. For example, diabetics cannot use syrup or lintus, they should only use products labelled “sugar free”. A multi-symptom product provide the “shot gun” effect of treatment and may not be the best option since you will experience the side effects from the unwanted ingredient(s). So taking a flu medication when there is no fever is unnecessarily working your liver to breakdown an extra drug for which you have no symptom. A hypertensive or heart patient should not select a product with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. As a-sthmatic should not use any product with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Advil, Motrin (generic is ibuprofen). And as a rule of thumb, NO child or any teenager below 18 years of age should be given aspirin because of Reye’s syndrome. For further advice consult the pharmacist at Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

$620M quarry project on the cards for Reg. 7 –– to create employment for over 50 people By Navendra Seoraj

IN anticipation of a construction boom locally, developer, Lorenzo Alphonso, has set out to establish a $620 million quarry project in the Cuyuni Mining District, in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The area identified for this project is located 11.5 kilometers west of the confluence of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers, between the Upper and Lower Kamaira Landings. According to the Institute of Quarrying, this activity involves the process of removing rock, sand, gravel or other minerals from the ground, in order to use them to produce materials for construction or other purposes. Quarrying is any such work on the surface of the earth where minerals are extracted. Quarries are also known by other names around the world, such as, ‘Surface mine’, ‘pit’, and ‘open pit’, or ‘open-cast mine’. The institute says that materials produced by quarrying are essential to everyday life, as they provide the construction materials needed to build roads and buildings, delivering vital minerals to agriculture, and supporting the generation of electricity among other things. During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Alphonso said: “This quarry initiative was done after His Excellency [Dr. Irfaan Ali] urged the need for more stone producers to keep up with the construction of infrastructure.” To fully operationalise

Investor, Lorenzo Alphonso the project, it would cost over $620 million, but the initial investment will be just about $200 million, he related. Alphonso explained that the Kamaira Quarry will first target a portion of land demarcated as “Site A”, which has an estimated resource of 5,130,000 tonnes of rip-rap, aggregate granite and gneiss rocks. “Some 300,000 to as much as 450,000 tonnes of stone will be mined and produced annually from the Kamaira Quarry over a mine life of five years,” Alphonso said. Should he receive all the requisite approvals, the investor is hoping to commence operations in the first quarter of next year. “I am currently awaiting one more approval to get the quarry mobilised,” he said, noting that once it is operational, there will be jobs for over 50 people. Such investments are opportune, given that President Ali had said that there is room for advancement in the quarrying industry.

Speaking about the potential for advancement in the local quarrying industry, President Ali had said: “Guyana has a huge quarry potential that has been greatly underdeveloped. Our accelerated housing programme, massive highways and community roads to be developed will increase our demand three-fold over the next five years.” In order to maximise local benefits, create jobs, and expand local content through this industry, the government is in the process of issuing new quarrying licences, so as to fully satisfy local demand. Last year, the mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have expanded by 303.7 per cent, and, based on available statistics, this sector is projected to grow by 39.1 per cent in 2021, driven by growth across all industries, namely, oil, gold, bauxite, and other mining and quarrying enterprises. Growth in those sectors is expected to be stimulated through widespread public and private investments in infrastructure. On the public side, according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, the current budget for infrastructure represents $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent, of the total capital expenditure for the country for 2021. The country’s aggregate capital expenditure for this year is $103 billion. This investment, according to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in its message following the

Gold miner takes own life after stabbing girlfriend A HEATED argument between a couple on Saturday morning ended tragically after a father of two died by suicide after allegedly stabbing his 32-year-old girlfriend. Dead is Andy Williams, a gold miner of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The incident reportedly occurred at around 09:00hrs at Anna Regina. The Sunday Chronicle was reliably informed that the argument escalated

between the two, and Williams whipped out a knife and charged towards the woman, but only managed to slightly injure her in the left wrist. After the woman escaped, Williams took his own life; he was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, while the woman was treated and discharged. Police investigations are ongoing.

DEAD: Andy Williams

announcement of Budget 2021, provides the financial grounding for the “buildout” of the country’s infrastructure, and the basis for re-starting economic growth, which would have been hindered by a protract-

ed electoral process, and the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s total budget for road programmes is $23.7 billion, $7.9 billion of which will go specifically towards the

development of community roads. Of the budgeted sum, $2.1 billion has been set aside for hinterland roads, and the rehabilitation of a number of hinterland airstrips.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Albion Estate kickstarts second crop with reduced target

AFTER being inundated for more than 65 days, the Albion Sugar Estate is ready to begin its second crop, albeit with reduced target. This was confirmed by the estate’s manager, Threbhowan Shivprasad, who spoke in a video posted online by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Thursday. With tillage works expected to commence within the coming weeks, the estate has been given a reduced target of 22,164 tonnes of sugar for this, its second crop. Prior to the devastating floods, the estate was in confident pursuit of a 33,000-tonne target. “Our weekly target has

also been reduced to 1543,” Shivprasad said. In light of waters receding from the estate, he said that there is no reason why the Albion estate would not be able to achieve its latest target. “We have been tested [and] I think we have what it takes to persevere,” the estate manager asserted. He indicated that even though floodwaters had devastated the cane fields, efforts continued to prepare the factory for grinding. As it is, Shivprasad said that the estate has enough punts and the requisite support from government to achieve its target. Most pressingly, efforts are being made to ensure adequate drainage and flood-prevention mech-

anisms are in place. As distressing as the floods were, Shivprasad reminded that much of what is being experienced are as a result of climate change, which is largely due to human activity. “There are things that we cannot control,” the estate manager posited. He said that notwithstanding the challenges, the estate has to recommence operations as its operations remain important to the livelihood of the village and the entire region. Just as GuySuCo was starting to recover from years of neglect, fiscal deprivation and some amount of dismantling, the unprecedented disaster left the entity grappling with a loss of

FLASHBACK: A car attempting to manoeuvre the all-weather road along the canefields at Tain, East Berbice, Corentyne approximately $1.2 billion in sugarcane crops. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh, had explained that while persistent rainfall affected all three of the grinding facilities, Albion was the hardest hit, with 100 per cent of the cane fields being inundated for weeks, with as much as five feet of water. This had resulted in the estate recording a plant mortality rate of 80 per cent, which is likely to have a negative impact on the next two crops. The damage at Albion was cushioned by the combined sugar production at the Blairmont and Uitvlugt estates, both of which recorded only 10 per cent damage in crops. Because production at Albion was forced into a premature wrap-up, preliminary figures predicted a countrywide shortfall of at least 10,000 tonnes of sugarcane during this second crop. “While we targeted 54,000 tonnes, we foresee only being able to make 40 to 45,000 tonnes,” Singh indicated. He said that earlier in the

year, during the first crop, GuySuCo was pursuing a production target of 42, 608 tonnes of sugar; however, only 29,750 tonnes were harvested, thereby resulting in a shortfall of some 12,958 tonnes of sugar. “Whenever it rains, production collapses,” Singh reminded. Given the unavoidable circumstances, the GuySuCo CEO said that the country’s overall sugar production for this year is estimated to be in the vicinity of 72,000 to 75,000 tonnes – the lowest in the corporation’s history. Moreover, after the floods continued, GuySuCo took a decision to suspend exportation of the country’s refined sugar, in an effort to ensure adequate provisions for the local market. “We rediverted all of our available sugar in the bonds, to serve Guyana; primarily, our sugar is made in Guyana, for Guyanese, by Guyanese,” Singh insisted. He assured that even with the shortfall of this year’s crop, the country will still be able to produce “more than

enough” sugar to supply the local market for the remainder of 2021. “The second crop is going to produce approximately 40,000 to 45,000 tonnes of sugar. For the remainder of the year, the local market just needs about 12, 000 to 15, 000 tonnes [of sugar],” Singh noted. With floodwaters returning in some areas, and the level of uncertainty that the rains have created, GuySuCo is examining the possibility of stockpiling. “If we store 30,000 tonnes of sugar, it will be able to take us all the way to next year May,” Singh posited. Guyana consumes an average of 20,000 tonnes of sugar annually. Sugar production at Blairmont, West Coast Berbice and Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, restarted in July. As part of a recent supplementary budget, GuySuCo was allocated $1.5, which has been earmarked to strengthen the drainage infrastructure at all six sugar estates across the country.

Sugar cultivation recommences at Albion Estate, East Berbice-Corentyne

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Roads valued over $203.7M commissioned in Regions 5, 6

MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has commissioned three roads in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) valued some $31.7 million, while another four thoroughfares worth $172 million were reopened in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The newly rehabilitated roads in Region Five include the $10.6 million Health Centre Street at Bush Lot, Pump Station Street at Blairmont and Bacchus Street at Zorg-en-Hoop. The latter two were completed to the tune of $21.1 million. In Region Six, Minister Edghill cut the ribbon for the spanking new $108.1 million road which serves as the first phase for the construction of the main road from Everton to Mara, East Bank Berbice. While there on Friday, Minister Edghill announced that the Public Works Ministry was able to secure another $60 million to start rehabilitation works at another section of the road. “I was there earlier this year and the representations were made to me, we sent in our engineers and I am happy to tell you this afternoon that I have been able to mobilise $60 million and within a month we will start rehabilitation of the road, but we will start from the back coming forward.” Additionally, roads were reopened at Short Man Street and John Lewis Street in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam and Post Office Road, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam. These projects were contracted to various companies and cost $63.9 million altogether.

Four-year-old Anaya Ramotar assists Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in cutting the ribbon to commission Bacchus Street, Zorg-en-Hoop, Region Five During the ceremonial opening, Minister Edghill said the completed projects in the various communities show how determined the PPP/C Government is to address the needs of all Guyanese. He noted that while every community has road issues and the government wants to fix all, there were some streets which had to be prioritised, especially those leading to health centres and learning institutions. “But you all will benefit; we are committed to that; your turn is coming soon! We don’t see ourselves in government not as lords and masters, but we see ourselves in government as servants of the people,” Minister Edghill said. He also examined the finished works at each location, explaining that his assessment is in keeping with His Excellency, Dr. Mohammed

Irfaan Ali’s order, which is to ensure that monies are spent on quality works that would improve the welfare of citizens. “Whenever government spends money, it must not be about how much is spent but we must be able to ensure that we get value for the money. We must be prudent in our management; we must ensure there is no wastage, we must ensure that we cut the fat out, which means we must get what we pay for and we must only pay for what is required,” he stated. Additionally, the Public Works Minister urged residents to live according to what the country’s motto dictates — ‘One people, One nation, One destiny’ — and to never allow persons to divide them. (Modified release from the Department of Public Information)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, engages East Bank Berbice residents

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

177 new COVID-19 cases recorded EVEN as the fight against the deadly COVID-19 virus continues, Guyana now has recorded a total of 1,320 active cases following the addition of 177 new cases in the past 24 hours from 1,570 tests. The 177 newly confirmed cases were recorded in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. No

new deaths were reported and so the total number remains at 591. Region Four accounted for 91 of the new cases; Regions One and Two recorded three new cases each; Region Three recorded 23 new cases; Region Five recorded four new cases; Region Six recorded five new cases; Region Seven recorded 11 new cases while Regions

Nine and 10 recorded 28 and nine cases, respectively. Even as the new cases were recorded, 66 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 22,318. The country has now recorded a total of 24,224 confirmed cases since March 2020. Of the active cases,

15 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 103 are in institutional isolation; 1,197 are in home isolation and five are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from August 1, 2021, until August 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, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew begins at 22:30 hours and ends on 04:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.

Husband, wife robbed in La Grange POLICE are investigating the armed robbery of a 23-year-old woman and her husband, which occurred just after midnight on Friday while the couple was walking along the La Grange Public Road, West Bank Demerara. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that the two bandits were armed with with a handgun and a knife; they stole a haversack containing an ID card, a bank card, and an umbrella, and $42,000 in cash, a Blu Cellphone valued at $4,000, and a silver chain valued at $17,000. The bandits then escaped on foot. Police are continuing their investigations.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Livestock earnings surp

BETWEEN January 2021 and June 2021, Guyana has earned in excess of $18.7 million from its livestock industry, according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who provided a breakdown of the earnings. The breakdown shows that duckling sales topped $6.8 million, while the sale of black giant chicks surpassed $2 million. However, the bulk of the country’s livestock earnings centre on the sale of ducks, cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, which total $9,898,077. In recognising the importance and the potential of the livestock industry, the Government of Guyana has pledged to not only invest in the development of the sector, but also accommodate investments within the sector. Already, investments in Guyana’s poultry industry have increased exponentially; available statistics show that private injections into this industry have surpassed more than US$67 million

($14.4 billion). Traditionally, the demand for outputs from the poultry industry has always been high, but the zero-rating of this commodity and other adjustments, between August and now, have created the conditions for wider investments and more lucrative results. As a matter of fact, when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government assumed office in August 2020, efforts commenced to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and key inputs in the poultry sector including poultry feed, building materials and packaging; the government also gave the poultry industry zero-rated VAT status. Since those adjustments, there has been a stark increase in investments in this industry with about 500 new farmers getting into poultry farming between August and December, 2020, alone. Minister Mustapha has said that the increased interest in the industry augurs well

For this year, $806 million has been allocated to improve the livestock industry; this is an increase of $46 million for Guyana, and will sup- versal of all the challenges plement the growth of the facing the livestock industry country’s burgeoning oil- and approximately 5,000 and-gas sector. small farmers and broiler In his 2021 National producers. Budget speech, Mustapha As it is, Budget 2021 said that the measures intro- allocates GYD$806 million duced in the government’s to the Guyana Livestock 2020 budget initiated a re- Development Authority

(GLDA), an increase of $46 million. With the interventions of Budget 2021, the government said that it hopes to create an environment for local producers to benefit from the increasing demand for meat coming from the thriving oil and gas companies, as well of other local businesses. Worryingly, meat import for 2019 was pegged at $20 million, even though Guyana is self-sufficient in meat. Nonetheless, going forward, Minister Mustapha said that much emphasis will be placed on gaining access to emerging markets, especially the high-end supermarkets, hotels, as well as players within the mining and petroleum sectors. “A certified production chain is required,” Mustapha told the National Assembly in February. He said too that GLDA has begun to design and develop an animal traceability system, and that budget 2021 will provide $14 million for its operationalisation and implementation. “The system is funda-

mental to meeting food safety standards and farm certification and will help to promote export,” Mustapha said. He also pledged the government’s commitment to ensure that all laboratories are certified and fully operational to address the needs of livestock farming and its reliant communities. “In 2021, we will commence the construction of Sample Collection Area at Nutrition Laboratory at Mon Repos [East Coast Demerara]. This will improve laboratory processes to determine the composition of the feed and feeding material in order to formulate the best ration for the animals from locally available feed materials.” Further, in an effort to make the livestock industry self-sufficient, the government is investing $500 million to enhance the infrastructure in the intermediate savannahs, so that the private sector would be able to invest in the large-scale production of corn and soy

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

pass $18.7M beans – which are used to make feed. “If we can produce the amount of corn and soya beans required to become self-sufficient in proteins for our poultry industry, those funds can be used to further develop the sector. As a government, we are also working to reduce Guyana’s food import-bill and food-import dependency,” Minister Mustapha had said. Guyana’s national feed consumption for the poultry industry is 113,000 tonnes annually, with ‘broilers’ consuming approximately 100,000 tonnes of feed, and ‘layers’ consuming approximately 13,000 tonnes of feed annually. Additionally, some $29 million has been earmarked for the establishment of a modular pig slaughtering and processing facility at Garden of Eden, as the importation of pork and pork products reaches almost 66 per cent. “Ham, bacon and sausage make up the bulk of the imports. Based on our

data the swine industry is producing at 10 per cent of its true potential. “With the introduction of the new [imported] breeder herd and with the supply of improved breeding stock to swine producers, output will increase, creating more income-generating opportunities,” Mustapha said in his budget speech. He noted that even though COVID-19 was the main hindrance to farmers’ training in 2020, in excess of $5 million will be invested to providing virtual training for farmers in all districts. Aside from poultry, some US$3.3 million was invested into beef production and US$670,000 into small ruminants, predominantly sheep and goats. The livestock sub-sector contributes approximately 13.6 per cent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.8 per cent of the total GDP. Livestock is commonly defined as domesticated animals

Four to be charged with murder of Sophia man

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that murder charges are laid against four persons in connection with the

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha raised in an agricultural setting to produce labour and commodities such as meat, eggs and milk, among other things. In addition to investments and earnings, the livestock are closely linked to the social and cultural lives of several million resource-poor farmers, for whom animal ownership ensures varying degrees of sustainable farming and economic stability.

McPherson, a 24-yearold from ‘D’ Field Sophia, was found dead around 04:00 hours last Sunday in a yard at ‘C’ Field, Sophia George-

tions by the police revealed that the man had a gunshot wound to his left side chest and another on his right hand; he was later identified

L-R: Nicholas Hercules called ‘Bucko’, Brenna Nurse, Devon Harry and Peter Lam (Photos released by Guyana Police Force) murder of Keon McPherson, who was found dead with gunshot wounds to this body on August 15, 2021. Those to be charged are Nicholas Hercules called ‘Bucko’, Brenna Nurse, Devon Harry called ‘Beer’ and Peter Lam.

town. Police said an unknown woman telephoned the police command centre and reported that she saw a body lying motionless in a yard at ‘C’ Field, Sophia. It was reported that the man appeared to have blood on his skin. Subsequent investiga-

as McPherson. Police also discovered that McPherson was in a “triangular love affair” with a woman who resides in ‘C’ Field; that woman was reportedly intimate with another man who resides in Broad and Lombard Streets.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

It’s okay not to be okay

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

By Vanessa Cort WHEN she refused to give interviews to the press, citing mental health issues, tennis star, Naomi Osaka, turned the spotlight once more on a topic which has been gaining increasing international attention. The second-ranked player, who was penalised by the Tennis Association for her action, nevertheless stuck to her decision and subsequently withdrew from two international tournaments. Referring to herself as an introvert, Osaka revealed that she has been struggling with depression and felt unable to cope with media attention which is so much a part of the sport. In a press release, she

said, “It’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to talk about it”. In this simple statement, she was echoing the words of Olympic champion swimmer, Michael Phelps, who, years ago, had admitted to battling anxiety and depression. Both of these athletes have given voice to what so many people experiencing mental health issues have fear. It is also what the public at large discourages – talking about it. However, voices are no longer remaining silent. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and wife of England’s Prince Harry, also spoke of her struggles with depression and suicidal tendencies in a bombshell interview with talk show host, Oprah Winfrey. “Whenever you get a high

(Image courtesy of Usapharmacyworld.com) stress situation you kind of world-renowned American freak out. I have to focus gymnast, Simone Biles, who, on my mental health and just weeks ago, pulled out of well-being…. It just sucks a group event at the Tokyo when you’re fighting with Olympic Games. your own head.” Hailed as the greatest These were the words of athlete in the history of the sport, Biles, in a statement, articulates what so many people are feeling as they

Teen vendor robbed in Tuschen AN 18-year-old male vendor of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo was, on Friday night, robbed by two bandits who were armed with a cutlass. Among the items taken is a five-pennyweight gold chain valued at $65,000; two Samsung

Galaxy cellular phones (A10 and A20) valued at $90,000 and $10,000 in cash. Police said the victim was walking south along the Tuschen access road heading home at around 21:30 hours when the two suspects rode up alongside him on a bicycle.

They then dismounted and one of the suspects placed a cutlass to his neck and told him to hand over everything. The other suspect then relieved him of the items and they both escaped on the said bicycle. Investigations are ongoing.

struggle to cope with the fallout from the COVID- 19 pandemic which is currently sweeping the world. Many are reeling from the intense pressure of being in a lockdown for so many months, losing their jobs or homes and even friends who have died and, through it all, they have to provide for their families. Yet, across the globe, mental health is still considered taboo. Afraid of the stigma attached to it, many who are affected remain in denial, are embarrassed about their condition or feel that they will be seen as insane. Terms like nut case, basket case, crazy, mental or, in Guyana, simply calling someone mad can be both hurtful and harmful. The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as “A health

condition involving changes in thinking, emotion or behaviour”. It also pointed out that it can come in different forms and may not even be visible from the outside. What is abundantly clear, however, is the fact that mental health is largely misunderstood, with many still viewing it as some form of insanity, while sufferers fear the unsavoury labels and are reluctant to discuss their problems. Furthermore, anyone exhibiting a change in behaviour may be called ‘mad’ and either feared or treated with disdain. This, more than anything else, has led to the silence which generally surrounds mental health. But as we Guyanese say, it is ‘high time’ for mental health to be openly discussed and treated.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

‘Aunty Nella’ from Paradise Village turns 90 today ON the occasion of her 90th birthday today, Rita Nella Mingo could not be more grateful for the loving, peaceful environment that existed in her family when she was growing up, and which eventually passed on to the family she later started. Originally from El D o r a d o Vi l l a g e , We s t Coast Berbice, Mrs. Mingo moved to neighbouring Paradise Village after marriage and raised eight children together with her husband, Randolph Mingo (now deceased). Mrs. Mingo worked as a seamstress in her younger days, while her husband

worked for many years with the Transport and Harbours Department. Today, she is grandmother to 35 children. “I can’t describe the feeling of being able to turn 90 years old,” Mrs. Mingo told the Guyana Chronicle. She said she is happy that she was raised in a loving family and that her family too became like this. One of her daughters who are visiting for the birthday, Judy Williams, described her mother as a beautiful woman who has always been very considerate of others. “She’s one of the best people I know. She’s very nice to

her neighbours, very open and helps everyone she can. You can always come to her home and get something to eat.” Mrs. Mingo is also still very mobile and does everything on her own, including climbing the stairs in the home. “She’s very talkative too,” the daughter joked. “She been very disciplined and she raised us to be sisterly and brotherly, as a unit who look out for each other. So we’re always there for each other.” The family will host a birthday party for Mrs. Mingo today in an outdoor setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs. Mingo in the company of loved ones

Rita Nella Mingo

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Amin leads WI Over-50s to emphatic victory in final From page 32 havoc in the earlier matches, ended with one for 37. The WI Over-50s were given a solid start of 54 by Daniel Sadeo (33 with three fours) and Krish Harricharran (29, one four). After Sadeo departed at 86 in the 24th over, it was the Sudesh Dhaniram show as he raced to an unbeaten 46 which was decorated with seven exquisite fours, much to the delight of his teammates and the sprinkling of spectators. His partner Shivnauth Seeram remained not out on 29, the two adding an undefeated 61 for the third wicket when victory was achieved. Among those in attendance at the impressive presentation ceremony were

Man-of-the-match and captain Zamin Amin collects his coveted trophy aspiring Liberal Member Both Cricket Canada of Parliament, Sonia Sid- vice-president Mohammed hu, whose constituency is Shaikh and Cricket Ontario Brampton South. She con- president Sha Zafar were also gratulated the participating loud in their praise for the teams, sponsors, organisers organisers. and volunteers for the splenWI skipper Amin disdid job throughout the five closed that it was a pleasure days of the tournament. participating in the trilateral

series, pointing to the fact that it was their first chance being together since last year’s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa which was aborted because of the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also showered praise on the organisers, who he said had done a wonderful job, especially taking the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration. The West Indies were missing several of their regional members, who could not travel to Canada because of travel restrictions, and consisted mainly of those members who reside in the USA and Canada. The team was managed by long-standing cricket administrator Raj Singh.

GBA to join ... From page 32 unified throughout the world. We have organised several activities. Our organising committee is spearheaded by two of our AIBA Three Star coaches – Terrence Poole MS and Sebert Blake. On Friday August 27, Guyana will join hands with most of the 203 countries affiliated to AIBA, to showcase what we have and to be part of the International Boxing Day,” said president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle. T h e G B A’ s a c t i v ities, though curtailed by COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis gym in Albouystown.

AIBA president Umar Kremlev will also host several media events, to continue the conversation about the organisation’s progress and its plans for further social development of boxing. Kremlev, AIBA president since December 2020, said “International Boxing Day is an opportunity for us to be together as we celebrate this mesmerising sport. Boxing is beautiful, diverse, and unifying. It is discipline, purpose, grit, spectacle, community, and a family. Each year, on this day, I hope we come together to share our love and passion for this universal sport.” Ninvalle lauded the Russian boxing administrator, for his upgrading of boxing

Umar Kremlev - AIBA president globally, adding that “since his election to the presidency of AIBA, Mr Kremlev has made several inroads that support the development of boxing across the world; so we have to applaud him from the executives of the GBA and the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC).” AIBA plans to continue

celebrating International Boxing Day annually and hopes that the events on August 27 will encourage more boxing fans, new and old, athletes, officials, and everyone else in the community to recognise this day as a fun, inspiring and necessary milestone in the sports calendar.

for the first time in a generation. “To come back with a personal best after the championships, that is amazing,” said the 29-year-old, who also won 200m and 4x100m gold in Tokyo. “I have more races, so I don’t get too excited, too carried away. I have to continue doing the job.” Sha’Carri Richardson, the American who missed the Olympics after testing positive for cannabis, finished last in 11.14 in her first race back following a one-month ban The 21-year-old, whose 10.72 from April makes her the sixth fastest woman in history, was typically defiant afterwards,

saying: “I wanted to be able to come and perform after having a month off and dealing with all I was dealing with. I’m not upset with myself at all. “This is one race. I’m not done. You know what I am capable of. Count me out if you want to. Talk all the s*** you want, because I’m here to stay.” Dina Asher-Smith, whose 100m and 200m medal hopes in Tokyo were dashed by a hamstring injury, clocked 22.19 to finish third in the 200m, while Olympic silver medallists Laura Muir and Keely Hodgkinson were 12th and fifth in the 1500m and 800m respectively. (PA Sport)

Thompson-Herah narrowly misses out on breaking 33-year-old 100m record ELAINE Thompson-Herah came within 0.05 seconds of Florence Griffith Joyner’s 33-year-old 100 metres world record as she clocked the second fastest time ever at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene. The Jamaican blazed to victory at the Prefontaine Classic in 10.54secs, eclipsing the 10.61s she ran to defend her Olympic title in Tokyo last month. She finished well clear of compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who clocked 10.73 Griffith Joyner’s mark of 10.49 from 1988 has long appeared untouchable, but Thompson-Herah’s exploits this summer have brought it within reach

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Southern Brave win inaugural Men’s Hundred

PAUL Stirling and Ross Whiteley starred as Southern Brave became the first men’s champions in The Hundred after they defied Liam Livingstone’s pyrotechnics to defeat Birmingham Phoenix in the inaugural final. Stirling clubbed six sixes in his 61 off 36 balls while Whiteley cleared the rope on four occasions in an unbeaten 44 off 19, as Brave posted 168 for five, a total that would have been larg-

er were it not for paceman Adam Milne. Milne registered two for eight from 20 deliveries and then team-mate Livingstone took centre stage, hitting four fours and as many sixes in a 19-ball 46 before being runout as Brave won by 32 runs under the Lord’s lights. An outstretched Tim David just failed to get his hands underneath a catch at deep cover but his direct hit as Livingstone returned for a second run caught the in-form

batsman out of his crease and proved the defining moment. Moeen Ali’s departure for 36 off 30 ultimately ended Birmingham’s interest as a collective bowling effort from Brave saw them over the line, just a few hours after their women’s side had been crushed by Oval Invincibles. This was a seventh successive triumph in completed matches for Brave, who booked their spot in this showpiece by trouncing Trent Rockets in Friday night’s

Ross Whiteley heaves down the ground during his 44 from 19 balls (Getty Images). eliminator, a victory that owed much to a polished bowling display. Last night in front of 24 556 fans, it was their batsmen and Stirling, in particular, who put Brave on the front foot after they were asked to bat first. Stirling got stuck into his work by rocking on to the back foot and pulling Dillon Pennington all the way but Milne was showing his prowess with crafty changes of pace, up at 94 mph at one point but then dipping down to the low 80s. His quicker ball hurried Quinton de Kock, the South African dangerman lapping to Pennington at short fine leg, with Milne’s first 15 deliveries yielding just three singles as Brave reached 25 for one from the 25-ball powerplay Brave captain James Vince was bowled after missing a slog sweep off Imran Tahir, who celebrated with a familiar running celebration,

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 09:50 hrs Greens 09:25 hrs Godswood 09:55 hrs Immeasurable 10:30 hrs Elusive Woman 11:05 hrs El Romiachi Irish Racing Tips Naas 08:25 hrs Ernest Rutherford 09:00 hrs Bantry 09:30 hrs Rai Sing Yeh 10:00 hrs She’s In The Game 10:30 hrs Affable 11:05 hrs Dabana

but Stirling’s power-hitting ensured his side did not become too bogged down. Benny Howell was twice taken the distance, as was Tahir, the second of which took Stirling to a 31-ball fifty. In attempting to throw the sink at a Howell knuckle ball, Stirling nicked off although new batsman David’s 15 off six balls ensured no momentum was lost. Moeen, back to captain Phoenix on his return from England duty, conceded just five from his only set as Brave reached 110 for four after 75 balls, after which Whiteley took centre stage with some brutal hitting. He drove then pulled Livingstone for a couple of fours before Howell was launched back over his head for six. After Milne returned to snare Alex Davies for 27 off 20, Whiteley ensured Brave finished with a flourish with a couple of slogged sixes either side of a fortuitous inside edge for four off Pennington.

11:40 hrs Plum Perfect 12:10 hrs Collins Street English Racing Tips Worcester 08:35 hrs Hoot At Midnight 09:10 hrs Wild Breeze 09:40 hrs Sensational 10:10 hrs Fix Sun 10:40 hrs Just Once 11:10 hrs Mini Crest 11:45 hrs King’s Proctor Brighton 09:20 hrs Ocean Wilde 09:50 hrs Golden Hurst 10:20 hrs Touchwood

Phoenix made an inauspicious start to their chase as David Bedingham followed up his nought in the Royal London Cup final for Durham on Thursday with a two-ball duck, slicing George Garton to David, who superbly held a low chance. Garton set the tone and was ably backed up by Craig Overton, who accounted for Will Smeed, which brought Livingstone to the crease. The Cumbrian, whose 92 not out from 40 balls had sent Phoenix directly into the final, deposited his third and fourth legal deliveries into the stands, spoiling Garton’s figures and igniting the Phoenix charge Moeen was dropped on 15 in the deep after Overton lost his footing while, from the next ball, Jake Lintott put down a sharp return catch off Livingstone, who flayed the leg-spinner for four-four-six. Just as it seemed the tide was turning, Livingstone was runout by David’s direct hit from the deep. Livingstone’s unexpected downfall left Moeen, the poster boy of this competition, with much to do and while the England all-rounder took sixes off Lintott and Garton, the asking rate was beginning to escalate. Moeen attempted to repeat the trick off Lintott only to pick out Overton at long on to depart for 36 off 30. With 72 required from the last 34, Birmingham’s best hope went with Moeen as they finished well adrift on 136 for five. (PA Sport)

11:25 hrs He’s Our Star 12:00 hrs Contingency Fee 12:40 hrs Hooves Like Jagger Sandown 10:55 hrs Umax 11:20 hrs Sweet Reward 11:50 hrs Fast Response 12:20 hrs Global Prospector 12:45 hrs Oceanline 13:15 hrs Strawberri 13:45 hrs Give it SomeTeddy

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Euro 2020 tournament a COVID ‘super-spreader event’ By Alan Baldwin

(REUTERS) - London: The Euro 2020 soccer final between England and Italy in July was a super-spreader event due to the level of COVID-19 infection found in or around London’s Wembley Stadium on the day, according to official data published yesterday (AEST). Public Health England said 2 295 people were likely to have been infected when they attended the July 11 match, with 3 404 people potentially acquiring infection then. “E u r o s f in a l w a s s uper-spreader event,” declared The Times The match, with a crowd of around 67 000 inside the stadium, was England’s first final in an international soccer tournament since the country hosted and won the 1966 World Cup. Some 2 092 persons likely acquired their infections at the semi-final won by England. Further infections were connected to other events linked to the month-long championship, including other games and entertainment. In their paper, the researchers said in total 6 784 persons ac-

quired COVID-19 during the tournament “Data from the Euro 2020 matches hosted at Wembley identified very high numbers of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 and were traced through NHS Test and Trace. This included both individuals who were potentially infectious (3 071) and those who acquired their infection during the time of the tournament (6 784),” they wrote. “Euro 2020 was a unique occasion and it is unlikely we would see a similar impact on COVID-19 cases from future events,” said Jenifer Smith, Public Health England’s deputy medical director, in a statement. “However, the data does show how easily the virus can spread when there is close contact and this should be a warning to us all as we try and return to a cautious normality once again Other trial events over a four-month period showed far fewer positive tests, and were either broadly in line with or lower than national averages.` The British Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone in July drew a 350 000-strong

FIFA urges rescue of female Afghan players

FOOTBALL’S world governing body FIFA has written to a number of governments to request the emergency evacuation of female players from Afghanistan. Players are said to fear for their lives following the Taliban’s takeover of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Players’ organisation FIFPRO is also calling for help. The union said it was working with governments to establish an evacuation plan, adding: “The ambition is to bring as many persons to safety as possible.” FIFA said the situation in Afghanistan “remains unstable and very worrying”. Earlier this week, former Afghanistan national women’s team captain Khalida Popal pleaded with sporting bodies to “help get our players safe” because she fears for those left behind under the Taliban rule. Many of the country’s female footballers have gone into hiding since the takeover. “I have not been able to sleep, I have been crying and feeling helpless,” said Popal, who was pivotal in forming the first Afghanistan women’s football team in 2007. During their previous rule some 20 years ago, the Taliban stopped girls from receiving

any form of education. Women were unable to leave their homes without a male relative, were not allowed to work and were forced to wear the all-covering burqa. Those who defied them commonly received punishments and beatings. Haley Carter, former assistant coach of the Afghan women’s team, is among those to have been in contact with a number of players in hiding. “If anybody finds out that they’re talking to anyone on the outside, their life is in even more danger,” Carter told BBC World Service Sport. The U.S. Marines veteran said she had received a message from one player saying: “They are going to kill us. They don’t want girls to play football and we’re in risk.” Carter has advised players in hiding to “stay smart, stay safe and be patient”, as she joined Popal in calling on sporting bodies to help protect those most at risk. A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: “We remain in contact with the Afghanistan Football Federation and other stakeholders, and continue to receive updates from players in the country. (BBC Sport)

The crowd watches Italy save an English penalty in a shootout during the final of the UEFA Euro 2020 on July 11. (Credit:Getty Images) crowd over three days – the largest in Britain in more than 18 months – and had 585 cases recorded by NHS Test and Trace.

Of those cases, 343 were likely to have already been infectious about the time of the event and the rest likely to have acquired an infection

then. The Wimbledon tennis championships, with around 300 000 persons attending over the two weeks, recorded

881 cases. The researchers concluded the Euro 2020 tournament and England’s progress to the final “generated a significant risk to public health across the UK even when England played overseas. This risk arose not just from individuals attending the event itself, but included activities undertaken during travel and associated social activities.” The paper did not include data on whether those cases led to higher rates of hospitalisation or death. “We’ve shown that we can reintroduce mass sports and cultural events safely but it is important that people remain cautious when mixing in very crowded settings,” said Culture Minister Oliver Dowden. “So that we can keep the football season, theatres and gigs safe with full crowds this winter, I urge sport, music and culture fans to get the vaccine as this is the safest way we can get big events firing on all cylinders once more.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Donald names toughest batsmen he faced in his career FORMER legendary South African pacer Allan Donald recently opened up on the toughest batters he has faced in his life. Donald is known as one of the greatest pacers to have ever played cricket in South Africa. He added that though he played against several world-class cricketers, he has a few names, who stand at the top of his list, due to their various unique factors. It was no wonder that Donald began his list with India’s all-time great batsman Sachin Tendulkar. Talking about his great batsmen, Donald put Tendulkar on the No. 1 spot and added he has the best technique in the world and can adapt to any part of the world. “The guy who’s technically the best and I’ve played against is Tendulkar. I found it in South Africa that he could adapt to the conditions and our techniques better than any other Indian bats-

Legandary South Africa pacer Allan Donald men back in those times. If he stands on the crease for like 28 or 30 overs, you know you are going to have a long, long day. He played ball better than anyone else and also left it better than all,” said Donald while speaking on a YouTube channel Cricket Life Stories. Donald named his other great batsmen as West Indies

Batting legends Brian Lara (left) and Sachin Tendulkar great Brian Lara, Australian all-rounder Steve Waugh and English cricketer Michael Atherton. He added one man who could make the game really ugly and hard was Steve Waugh. “Another genius, Lara, the best stroke-maker I’ve ever played against. He had a great back lift and could play very aggressively. We had to

be very aggressive against him too to make him stop. He could also play some of the most unique shots which were actually laughable but he carried them with great spend as he had a superb pair of hands,” concluded Donald. Donald also lauded Atherton and Waugh for their skills while they played back in their times. (CricTracker)

Premier League football

Liverpool, Brighton joint top, Man City rebound By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Liverpool welcomed a full house back to Anfield and rewarded them with a 2-0 victory over Burnley, to move top of the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion also showing impressive early form to post a second win yesterday. Juergen Klopp’s side started slowly with Burnley hitting the post inside the opening five minutes but goals by Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane eased them to a comfortable win. Brighton joined them on six points later with a comfortable 2-0 win over Watford - Shane Duffy and Neal Maupay on target. Champions Manchester City rebounded from their opening day defeat at Tottenham Hotspur to demolish promoted Norwich City 5-0 with record signing Jack Grealish scoring

Liverpool played in front of a full house at Anfield for the first time in 528 day

on his home debut. Brentford maintained their impressive start to their first top-flight campaign for 74 years as they fought out a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace while Everton and Leeds United also shared the points in a 2-2 draw at Elland Road. Newcastle United suffered a second consecutive loss as they went down 2-0 at Aston Villa.

It was an emotional day at Anfield where the first capacity crowd since March 2020 paid a tribute to lifelong fan Andrew Devine, the 97th victim of the Hillsborough tragedy who died in July, 32 years after suffering life-changing injuries. If anything, the atmosphere hampered Liverpool early on and Dwight McNeil hit the post for Burnley.

But Jota settled the nerves in the 18th minute, heading in the opener past Nick Pope. Burnley had a goal by Ashley Barnes disallowed for offside but Liverpool dominated after the break with 17 goal attempts but had to wait until the 69th minute to make the points safe when Mane pounced for his 50th Liverpool goal from an assist by Trent Alexander-Arnold. “Everybody was really looking forward to this football festival, to this game, and I think nobody leaves this place today with any kind of disappointment because I think all of our dreams were fulfilled today, atmosphere-wise,” Klopp said. “How the game was as well, was pretty special, because Burnley are Burnley -- and Burnley cause you problems.” Brighton claimed backto-back wins at the start of a top-flight season for the first time in their history with Duffy powering in an early header and

Cairns off life support and recovering, lawyer confirms

FORMER New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns is off life support and recovering in hospital after emergency surgery in Sydney for a heart problem, his lawyer has confirmed. Cairns, 51, had been rushed to an intensive care unit at a Sydney hospital after suffering a “major medical event” in Canberra. “Chris is off life support,” lawyer Aaron Lloyd said in a statement. “He has been able to communicate with his family from hospital in Sydney.” Considered one of the best all-rounders of his generation, Cairns played 62 Tests, 215 one-day internationals and two Twenty20

Former New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns matches for New Zealand between 1989 and 2006 before becoming a television pundit.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday August 22, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Viv Richards-181 (Karachi, 1987) (2) Avishka Gunawardene-132 (Nairobi, 2000)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI bowler has captured most ODI wickets against SL to date? (2) Which SL player has claimed most ODI wickets against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue Maupay seizing on a mistake to make it 2-0 shortly before halftime. Manchester City were off the pace last weekend against Tottenham but were ruthless against a Norwich side dealt a cruel fixture list to launch their return to the top flight. City took the lead in the seventh minute when Gabriel Jesus’s cross forced a panicky clearance that rebounded into the net off Norwich keeper Tim Krul before 100 million pounds man Grealish bundled in a Jesus cross in the 22nd minute. Aymeric Laporte made it 3-0 in the 65th minute before substitutes Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez completed the rout. “This result was the consequence of how many good things we have done,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “We are still not at the top there are still many things to do. We trained, we were refreshed, happy for these first points ... hopefully they will not be the last!” While Grealish scored on his home debut for City, Danny

Ings did likewise for Aston Villa, producing an acrobatic bicycle kick volley to open the scoring against Newcastle. Anwar El Ghazi’s penalty sealed the points. “We have seen Danny Ings do it against us so it is good he is an Aston Villa player now,” Villa boss Dean Smith said of the striker they signed from Southampton. Leeds twice battled back to draw with Everton in a scintillating clash at Elland Road. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty gave Everton a lead that was cancelled out by Mateusz Klich but Demarai Gray restored Everton’s advantage. Raphinha lashed home a superb effort with 18 minutes remaining to give Leeds their first point of the season. Patrick Vieira got his first point as manager of Crystal Palace in a drab stalemate with London rivals Brentford who are yet to concede. Chelsea face Arsenal today after Southampton host Manchester United and Tottenham go to Wolves.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Bermuda’s Fora Duffy wins world title after Olympic gold

(REUTERS) - Bermuda’s Flora Duffy became the first triathlete ever to win Olympic gold and the triathlon world championship in the same year on Saturday, after finishing third in Edmonton’s grand final. The 33-year-old led in the standings by a 467-point margin headed into Saturday’s race and got a fast start diving off the pontoon under pristine conditions. But she was unable to fend off winner Taylor Knibb of the United States, who put on a gutsy performance on the bike to seize an astonishing 2:44 lead after the transition into the run. The 23-year-old, who

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Triathlon - Women’s Olympic Distance - Final - Odaiba Marine Park, Tokyo, Japan July 27, 2021. Flora Duffy of Bermuda holds national flag as she celebrates victory. REUTERS/Hannah Mckay brought home silver with the U.S. mixed relay team in Tokyo, grinned as she approached the finish line,

winning the race in 1:54:47, with France’s Leonie Periault finishing second. Periault and Duffy were

running shoulder to shoulder but the Frenchwoman pulled away from the Bermudan on the third lap of the run. The performance was enough to net Duffy a record-equalling third world title, however, becoming the most decorated female athlete in the history of the sport weeks after she delivered Bermuda its first-ever Olympic gold. “It was a very hard race. I had a pretty mediocre swim,” said Duffy. “It’s very hard to come and try to do this series off the back of winning the Olympics.” She won the world title in 2016 and 2017, as well, and took silver at the 2020 championships.

Guyana beat Bahamas in Round Four of FIDE Online Olympiad

– Fall to Puerto Rico, T&T and St Lucia TEAM Guyana registered six points on the second day of their Division Four, Pool E battle of the FIDE Online Olympiad. The side clashed against front runners Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago, along with the Bahamas and St Lucia. After seven rounds, Guyana sit on 20.5 points, which places them sixth overall. Puerto Rico are way ahead on 38 points, with Trinidad and Tobago in second place on 31 points and Haiti in third on 29 points. The Cayman Islands (21.5 points) have moved into the fourth position with Bermuda into fifth (21 points). Saint Lucia are seventh (19.5), Netherlands Antilles (19 points) eighth, Antigua and Barbuda ninth (18.5), Mauritania 10th (15.5), the Bahamas 11th (12.5) and Togo 12th (six points). Victory against The Bahamas After winning 14.5 points in the first three rounds on Friday against West African nation Togo, the Cayman Islands and Antigua and Barbuda, Team Guyana registered a match-point victory

National champion Taffin Khan defeated the highest rated player in the division in Round Five. against a spirited Bahamas team yesterday in Round Four. Reserve player Loris Nathoo registered a win against Curtis Pride, while Shazeeda Rahim won against Olga Roussos on board three. Youth player Ricardo Narine, Jessica Callender and reserve player Gilbert Williams all drew their games, which left Guyana with 3.5 points out of a possible six points. Outstanding Khan Guyana then took on current leaders, Puerto Rico in Round Five and Captain Davion Mars and current

National Champion Taffin Khan were able to registered points. Candidate Master Khan defeated the highest-rated player of the 12 competing countries in the division, International Master Mark Machin. The top Puerto Rican player with a rating of 2323 started the game with the English Open, but Khan with a rating of 1989 was up to the task and countered well. He was able to capture a strategically placed knight which forced his opponent to resign 29 moves into the game. Mars was able to register

a half-point after drawing against Jaime Santiago Rodriguez (rated 2037) in the round. Guyana’s other point came via a walkover victory by Nellisha Johnson in Round Six against St Lucia. Mars said that St Lucia are the dark horses of the competition and that they played very well. None of our players registered points against Trinidad and Tobago.. After seven rounds, Rahim (five games played) and Johnson (six games played) are ahead with four points each, while Jessica Callender (seven games played) is on 3.5 points. Khan (five games played), Mars (six games played) and Narine (six games played) have so far registered 2.5 points each. Nathoo who claimed a victory in his lone encounter is next followed by Williams (two games) on half of a point. There are six selected players and six reserves in Team Guyana. Today, Guyana will play Netherlands Antilles, Haiti, Mauritania and Bermuda in rounds 8-11 respectively.

Wet outfield forces abandonment of second day’s play at Sabina Park

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Play was abandoned without a ball bowled on the second day of the second Test between West Indies and Pakistan at Sabina Park here Saturday. Rain overnight and before the start wiped out any hope of action in the first session and even though the inclement weather cleared after lunch, it soon returned to deny any

The ground staff at Sabina Park mopping up water from the covers ( AFP/Getty Images) possibility of play before the scheduled tea break. While there was no further rain in what would have been the final session, the outfield remained unfit for play despite the best efforts of ground-staff, and umpires finally called time on the day after a couple of inspections. The persistent rain was as a result of a passing tropical wave, which is expected to continue affecting the island into today, with further showers – including isolated thunderstorms – already forecast. Pakistan are set to resume on 212 for four thanks to half-centuries from Fawad Alam (76) and captain Babar Alam (75) on Friday’s opening day. Fawad put on 158 for the fourth wicket with Babar to pull the innings around from a precarious position of two runs for three wickets in the fourth over, before retiring 20 minutes after tea with heat exhaustion. Babar eventually perished an hour after tea but Faheem Ashraf, unbeaten on 23 and Mohammad Rizwan, on 22 not out, staged a 44-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand to keep West Indies without any further success. Veteran seamer Kemar Roach has been the best bowler with three for 49.

Team captain Davion Mars has 2.5 points from six games.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE August 22, 2021

Amin leads WI Over-50s to emphatic victory in final By Frederick Halley SKIPPER Zamin Amin led from the front as Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Over50s registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Canada Over-50s to capture the trilateral series which also included the USA, Final scores in the final, which climaxed at the Danville ground in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada on Friday were: Canada Over-50s 146 all out in 44.3 overs; WI Over-50s 147 for two in 30 overs. Using his vast experience to full effect, the left-arm orthodox spinner, who also represented Guyana at the Under-19 level, rose to the occasion after Canada looked set build a useful score when they were inserted on a good batting surface, as compared to the previous ones used in the five-day tournament. In the end, the hosts were rolled over for 146 in 44.2

The victorious West Indies Over50s celebrate their win

GBA to join AIBA International Boxing Day celebrations on August 27

Steve Ninvalle - GBA president INITIATED in 2017 by now-president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Umar Kremlev, then in his role as Secretary-General of the Russian Boxing Federation, World Boxing Day will be celebrated on

August 27. For the first time, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will join AIBA in celebrating the day, which is set to showcase all facets of the sport in innovative ways. Local officials, celeb-

rities and champions will conduct a variety of training sessions and exhibition bouts. In the spirit of unity in boxing, community betterment efforts are also being put in place as part of the events on August 27. Some federations are looking to work with local youth and charity organisations. The main programme will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, the soon-to-be host to AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships. The schedule on August 27 includes outdoor training at the main city square with Roy Jones Jr, boxing masterclasses, show bouts and much more. “We see it as an event that shows that boxing is Continued on page 27

overs in the 45-over affair with the left-arm spinner Amin claiming an impressive five for 22 in 8.2 overs, thereby earning the man-of-thematch award in the process. Opener Roshan Jayaskera (33) and middle-order batsman Vishan De Mel (49) added 47 for the fourth wicket to revive the innings after Canada were struggling at 29 for three in the 13th over, having lost the wickets of opener Naved Sehrai (eight), Syed Kazmi (two) and Graham Castanhero (0). Jayaskera struck two fours while De Mel’s 63ball knock included three boundaries. The only other significant score came from David Mohamed who hit 30 (one four) before he was trapped lbw by off-spinner Vejai Seonarine. Fast medium bowler Mohan Harihar, who caused the early damage, took two for 30 in his nine-over spell while Seonarine, who wrecked Continued on page 27

Thompson-Herah narrowly See misses out on breaking page 33-year-old 100m record 27

Elaine Thompson-Herah came within 0.05 seconds of Florence Griffith Joyner’s 33-year-old 100 metres world record on Saturday.

Bermuda’s Fora Duffy wins world title after Olympic gold Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See page 31

| SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2021