Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR Legal actions to be taken NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Tuesday Edition November 03, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 44

against Jordan, Heath-London for giveaway of prime Ogle lands

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

p.

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Price $80

- Govt. asks police, SOCU to investigate Coalition transactions

Online readership yesterday, 117,319

Don’t grant licences to oil companies incorporated in tax havens - says Chris Ram p. 3

March trial for pharmaceutical supplier charged with providing expired HIV testing kits p.

15

Health Ministry $356M headquarters contract…

CARICOM, FAO assessment of COVID-19 on local food systems…

Cash transfers, distribution of

Contractor rejects restocking claims that it breached seeds, of animals contractual obligations recommended p.

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No positive COVID-19 cases from airports’ reopening p.

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Local Content Policy…

Angola, Azerbaijan set aside oil jobs, - PPP/C procurement Govt. can do same for for its citizens Guyanese p.

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 03, 2020

Legal actions to be taken against Jordan, Heath-London for giveaway of prime Ogle lands - Govt. asks police, SOCU to investigate Coalition transactions

T

he Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, plans on taking legal actions against the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and the recently sacked Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin HeathLondon.

According to the AG, the legal proceedings are grounded in the contention that Jordan and HeathLondon had played primary roles in the giveaway of

prime Ogle lands, said to be worth billions of dollars.

The alleged giveaways took place under the leadership of the previous A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), after the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

In the statement, the AG had attached a schedule containing the names of the companies/principals, locations, date of agreement of sale and purchase and/or absence of such agreement, the size of the lands, the date that title was vested to these purchasers, as well as the

purchase prices for the lands and the total amount paid for these lands.

A review by the Auditor General office had found that no legal course of action was followed in the distribution of the state assets.

“Certainly, no Expression of Interest published,” the AG commented, “No advertisement inviting persons to apply. No process w h a t s o e v e r. W h a t i s [astonishing] is how persons were told that land is available for giveaway. You cannot look at any of the records and determine that

Former NICIL CEO, Colvin Heath-London

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall Expressions of Interest were made.”

Notably, Kaieteur News, in a series of articles, had exposed how the Jordan and NICIL vested lands without receiving any monies.

One glaring case involves developer Navigant Builders (Windsor Estates), which had plans of developing a prestigious housing scheme in Ogle.

Even without issuing any payment to the government, Navigant Builders was gifted 30 acres of land worth $900M. When PPP/C assumed office, Navigant, as well as four other developers, took the decision to return the lands vested to them. The developers premised their rescinding on the fact that they wanted to engage with the government on transparent terms.

“The Office of the A ttorney G eneral and Minister of Legal Affairs,” the Sunday statement said, “has sought and received independent legal advice on this matter and the advice is that Minister Winston Jordan and Mr. Colvin HeathLondon have acted recklessly, in bad faith with full knowledge of the flagrant illegalities, which have resulted in millions of dollars of losses to the State.”

According to the statement, the legal opinion further advises “The Caribbean Court of Justice in the case of Marin v. Attorney General of Belize [2011] CCJ 9 (AJ) conclusively ruled that the Attorney General could maintain a cause of action against two former ministers of the Belizean Government for the tort of misfeasance in public office resulting from them transferring 56 parcels of state land to a company controlled by one of them, selling them below market value, deliberately, without lawful authority and in bad faith.”

The Court went on to state that “As a matter of public policy, serious infractions by a public servant, such as misbehaviour in office, neglect of duty and breach of trust, are to be treated as crimes, subject to the right of any person or body of persons to recover damages for injury flowing from such misconduct. Accordingly, we are of the view that the Attorney General could properly maintain an action for the tort of misfeasance in public office against Winston Jordan, and the Director of Public Prosecutions could similarly maintain criminal proceedings against the

Former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan former Minister.”

As a result, the AG will commence civil proceedings to, among other things, recover the said parcels of l a n d a n d c l a i m compensation against those implicated, including, former Minister Jordan.

Meanwhile, AG Nandlall has sought the assistance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and its Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to investigate transactions involving state lands during the tenure of the APNU+AFC Government.

The AG yesterday released letters to the agencies, in which he wrote “The Government of Guyana hereby requests a criminal investigation to be conducted into the said transactions and for all consequential legal recourses to be pursued including, the institution of criminal charges, where necessary.”

In earlier statements, AG Nandlall had described the massive land transactions as “organised crime” and indicated that every effort would be made to recover the lands.

Meanwhile, Jordan has thus far denied all allegations regarding him and other in the land giveaway. In a statement to the press yesterday, the former Finance Minister wrote: “I state categorically that I, Winston Jordan, former Minister of Finance in the Coalition Government performed my duties in compliance with the oath of office and to the best of my abilities.

This I have done in my over 35 years of public service, in various capacities. On the advice of Counsel, I would refrain from delving into matters of an evidentiary and factual basis. This will be done at the appropriate time.”

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Local Content Policy …

Angola, Azerbaijan set aside oil jobs, procurement for its citizens - PPP/C Govt. can do same for Guyanese

By Kiana Wilburg

A

s Guyana continues efforts towards creating a robust local content policy that would be supported by legislation, there are several examples within the industry that the Government can use as a guide to ensure its citizens have every possible chance of being given first preference in the oil sector.

According to a study that was procured by the World Bank and written by Silvana Tordo, its lead energy

economist along with other consultants, Angola and Azerbaijan are two countries whose local content policies provide examples of how others may go about creating the environment for citizens to benefit the most from the sector.

In the case of Angola, the study noted that the dominant secondary legislation for local content is Ministerial Order No. 127/03 on the Contracting of Services and Goods from Angolan Companies by Petroleum Industry

Companies.

The regulation reserves certain categories of procurement expenditure to Angolan companies, including logistics, catering, pressure tests for storage tanks and pipelines.

It also identifies spending categories that fall under a “semi-competitive regime,” where bidding by foreign suppliers and service providers is predicated on these companies first forming joint ventures with Angolan companies.

Expenditure reserved for

this category falls in the area of geophysical sciences, drilling controls and fluid analysis, and the operations and maintenance of production facilities.

The law also seeks to establish a “competitive regime,” which places all other categories of expenditure into international competitive tender, yet provides for “Angolan state companies and/or private companies the right of first refusal, provided that the value of the relevant bid is no more than

10 percent higher than those of other companies.”

With respect to ensuring first preference is given to the use of locals in the oil sector, some countries focus on employment regulation which is one of the most commonly used tools in local content policies.

According to the World Bank study, such regulation may be accomplished through the imposition of minimum local employment obligations, minimum salaries, and training requirements; the reservation of certain jobs or levels for citizens; the (continued on page 14)

Don't grant licences to oil companies incorporated in tax havens - says Chris Ram A

nti-corruption advocate, Christopher Ram, is of the view that Guyana should require companies that apply for a petroleum licence to be incorporated right here.

He made the suggestion during an interview with Kaieteur News, about the suspicious Canje and Kaieteur awards made by former President and Minister of Petroleum, Donald Ramotar just before the 2015 general and regional elections.

“A number of the oil companies are incorporated in other jurisdictions where they are nothing more than a shell,” Ram said, “then they

come here and they register a branch of the company incorporated in the other jurisdictions.”

He said that many companies are incorporated in secrecy jurisdictions because they are generally tax shelters, and that Guyana should not be allowing it.

“I have a big problem with it,” he said.

He explained that Guyana is free to set conditions that it finds appropriate, for its licences.

The owners of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks made sure to set the stage for secrecy in their handling of the licences by hampering full disclosure of information before they

conducted transactions involving the sale of shares to other companies. They had flipped the blocks without doing any work, granting the operatorship in both cases to ExxonMobil.

The owners of the Kaieteur Block, Ratio Energy Limited (renamed Cataleya Energy) and Ratio Guyana Limited, were incorporated in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory well-known and used for facilitating financial secrecy.

Kaieteur Block agreement lists both of their registered offices at the same Gibraltar address: Suites 7B & 8B, 50 Town Range.

One of the early owners of the Canje block, JHI

Associates, has managed to stay under Guyana's radar because of its incorporation in the British Virgin Islands, which is a secrecy jurisdiction and tax haven.

JHI farmed into the Canje block just weeks after Mid-Atlantic, the original recipient, received the block from Ramotar.

ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, are also incorporated in secrecy jurisdictions. Esso is incorporated in the Bahamas, while Hess is incorporated in the Cayman Islands.

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Marcus Rashford - more needed Sometimes there are people and things that take the breath away. Those inspire others to the quiet humble deeds searched for and discovered deep inside and which are then delivered to those most in need. The people and deeds help immensely. The pity is that there are so few of both, since a hungry needy world could use more from whatever sources they could be found.

A young man, all of 22 years old, has been motivated to do just the things that encourage and lift up. Lift up the weak, those without, the many who could use a helping hand, any hand from anyone. Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United footballing star, is doing so in the United Kingdom. His priority and body of kind work is with a program that delivers school meals. In a time of economic distress and individual and familiar financial stresses, young Marcus is a godsend for those on the receiving end of his generosity with time, interest, energy, and good works.

His works are so impeccable, so moving, that men with the power to decide upon, recommend, and channel these things did place his name and his record before Queen Elizabeth II. As recognition for his humanitarian efforts, the honor and prestige of an MBE award and letters now follows the name Marcus Rashford. It has been earned; it is welldeserved. It is a ray of light in time and world increasingly blighted by thick layers of selfishness, of the covetousness and grabbing now so characteristic in the routine affairs of men.

This is what happens when one, only one, could care enough to want to do something idealistic, yet pragmatic, and then summon the will to fulfill openly the internal visions that stirred to steadfast action.

The record of this young man of the world, a millionaire many times over from his sporting career, this Marcus Rashford, is so awesome, so powerful, that even a bitter opponent from the take-no-prisoners world of sporting competition could be moved to utter a few public words of identification and congratulation. For as reported by the BBC in its online edition dated October 23rd, via an article captioned, “Marcus Rashford: Free school meals campaign ‘incredible’ -Jurgen Klopp” even lifelong adversaries join the growing chorus of heralds.

To elaborate for those who are not football fans, Jurgen Klopp is not just anybody, any well-wisher. He is the manager from hated rivals Liverpool. And even Guyanese who are not football followers should know the fevered intensity to which such rivalries soar, or deteriorate. It can be brutal.

Thus, for Mr. Klopp to step in the public domain and said what he said is a special tribute all by itself. This is what the Liverpool leader had to say: “He plays for United which makes it really tricky.”

And that should convey what is involved, the step taken

by Klopp. He went on to say: “But in these moments we are as footballers and as human beings always united.” And “what Marcus has started is so absolutely incredible. It is so nice.”

What he is doing almost didn’t continue. Additional funding for Marcus’s free school meal program was rejected

by MPs, which has since been reversed, and benefits over a million students. The little people, “fish and chip shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes” number among those places, whose controllers are moved to offer free meals. Indeed, one man could make a difference, move mountains, change his environment for the better, even if only momentarily.

But it is a start, something from which to gather others of like mind, to build for better.

We have some citizens, such helping hands, in this society. Though few, they are welcomed for the difference they make. Some of the local energies and philanthropy have been in education, more in healthcare, and still more in steady tireless volunteerism.

Even with all out wealth, and given the huge gaps that still exist and appear to be part of the future, there is a crying need for more of such souls and hearts to come forward and lend a thought converted into the deeds that make a difference. Just like Rashford, Sobhraj, Yesu, and others.

I performed my duties in compliance with the oath of office and to the best of my abilities Dear Editor, On Sunday, November 1, 2020 a statement was issued

by Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Attorney General, in which he made several allegations against me and others with respect to the sale of lands at Ogle. His statement received wide coverage in both the formal and online media.

These allegations (and

innuendos) against me are baseless and repugnant. In my view, they are designed to impugn my character, tarnish my image and lower my esteem in the eyes of my family, friends, admirers, wellwishers and the general public. Indeed, the numerous calls, texts and messages on this matter that I received yesterday, convince me of this

conclusion.

I thank all of those persons who expressed full confidence in me and for their comfort and support. I state categorically that I, Winston Jordan, Former Minister of Finance in the Coalition Government performed my duties in compliance with the oath of office and to the best of my abilities. This I have

done in my over 35 years of public service, in various capacities.

On the advice of Counsel, I would refrain from delving into matters of an evidentiary and factual basis.

This will be done at the appropriate time.

Winston Jordan Former Minister of Finance

There is no doubt in the minds of many that the CEO of GuySuCo is qualified It is rather strange, unfortunate, drably, highly unusual and downright mindless for a former president of the ruling party to make negative comments about the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Mr. Sasenarine Singh who was appointed by the current President of the same political party. While his unhelpful comments about the CEO are shabby, they are very difficult to fathom; there is no doubt in the minds of many that the CEO of GuySuCo is qualified and talented for the position, more than the CEO appointed by the former president. It is daunting to be the CEO of the insolvent GuySuCo at this time and under the present circumstances, especially given the overwhelming and austere task of re-opening three of the four sugar factories shuttered by the Granger-led coalition government more than three years ago. Some say that the previous administration had no choice but to close the

sugar factories because of the $10 billion government annual subsidy needed to keep the industry afloat. The Granger government felt that it was an absolute waste of the taxpayers’ money. Others, including the then opposition were of the opinion that it was a calculated political decision by the Granger regime to close the sugar factories because most of the sugar workers, almost 74 percent, are PPP supporters.

Many, regardless of party affiliation or status in society believe that being the CEO of GuySuCo with the arduous task to resurrect it is perhaps one of the most, if not the most difficult assignment in the country. However, the copious belief is that the newly appointed CEO of GuySuCo is the best choice for the job. He is qualified, talented and confident with the ability and the requisite organizational, management and communications skills more than any other CEO in recent times to turn the sugar

industry around and make it a viable state entity. And unlike the other CEO’s of GuySuCo who had maintained the status quo, Singh is an outside of the box and judicious thinker who would do whatever it takes to succeed and he will for the sake of the more than 7,000 laid off sugar workers.

Therefore, the former president should shower the CEO with praise for accepting such a taxing chore, instead of making unfavorable comments toward him. If this is true, then it is rather sad that the sugar workers were made to be political pawns by the last government. It should not have happened.

For the former President to say that he “cannot fathom what thinking went into the establishment of the new board to run GuySuCo in not only disappointing but is also derisive of President Irfaan Ali’s administration. And for him to proclaim publicly that he is not aware of the new CEO’s reputation as a

manager and his experience to manage such a complex industry is not only hypocritical and duplicitous, but it also begs the question: What was the former president’s reputation and what presidential experience he had prior to becoming president in 2011. There is no place in society for such wayward and rebellious comments by the former president. It is like the pot telling the kettle that its bottom is black. No one should take the former president’s comments seriously. It would be inconceivable to do so. That said, GuySuCo is on the move and its board and its new CEO should be given the opportunity to restore it as Guyana’s flagship industry.

We must support the management team of the sugar industry which for decades has been the country’s second largest employer after the government and its primary source of foreign currency earnings.

Dr. Asquith Rose.

How about criminal charges for handlers of oil resources?

Dear Editor, I support criminal charges against public officials who were/are negligent in the discharge of their duties relating to the country’s assets and resources. But we must not pick and choose – charge all especially those related to the oil scandal that is being exposed by KN. Signing away oil contracts for only 1 or 2 percent in royalty is criminal and treasonous, and all responsible government officials must be charged. Ashni Singh and Irfaan Ali were hauled before the court on land deals and other matters. Now Winston Jordan and Heath London are being threatened with criminal or civil charges. They ought to be roasted but so must those who recommended and or signed away the oil contracts

between 2011 and now.

Donald Ramotar, Robert Persaud, and Raphael Trotman must be held accountable for failing the nation in the oil contracts.

Both political sides blame each other for signing the disastrous contracts and giving away oil blocks from which over US $60 million changed hands; whose palms were greased? Both sides would protect each other!

Both sides have individuals who were derelict in their fiduciary conduct. They must face criminal charges over disastrous vetting and due diligence of agreements signed with the exploiting oil companies and assigning oil blocks. The responsible officials must be charged. But would they be charged and would they be held accountable?

The record would show that the predecessor PNC led regime did not prosecute anyone for giving away the oil resources at 1%. And the PNC itself signed away the oil resources at 2% for Exxon and 1% for other companies when the international norm is between 12% and 16%. The PNC accepted US $18M signing bonus when the global norm would have been $200M. This government has not condemned the dealings of PNC as regards the oil concessions and the PNC is not criticizing what this government is doing on the development of Payara. Both sides blocked accountability and are covering for each other. Both sides criticized the 1% and 2% in royalty when in opposition, but once in government they kept quiet.

It would seem there is an alliance between both sides to deceive the nation on oil royalty.

The two sides are similar in behavior except for the racial base of support. Voters must begin to think of rejecting both sides come next election. It is high time Guyanese start finding alternatives to govern the country and stop supporting the two sets of crooks. Small parties must be given a chance in the interest of the people. The nation needs representatives with a level of courage the likes of a Charrandass Persaud to marshal this effort. I also applaud Chris Ram and Marcel Gaskin and others for speaking out against the injustice in the oil contracts.

Yours truly, Shawn Simmons

Tuesday November 03, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Holding of LGE 2021 should not center around what the APNU+AFC wants or does not want Dear Editor, The PPP/C won freely and fairly two consecutive local elections (LGE’s) held in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Those two elections were conducted and supervised by GECOM using its extant machinery save for the appointment two years later of additional personnel to key and critical posts to assist in the conduct of the 2020 General and Regional elections; The two previous LGE’s were deemed to be free and fair, allegations of rigging or foul play in favour of one party or another were never raised nor heard publicly.

Notwithstanding its good track record as regards its performance at the local government level, PPP/C nevertheless came under sustained and heavy criticism for not holding of LGE notwithstanding bipartisan support for postponement expressed in the National Assembly.

Opposition Leader Harmon and Party leader Granger have both sounded public warnings about actions the APNU+AFC intends to take if LGE 2021 is not held as provided for by the Constitution of Guyana.

The significance of these statements remind us once again of the nature of the beast the nation has to deal with. Some say coming events cast their shadow but that shadow was cast, long and grey for five long months over the nation earlier this year.

Many have declared their reluctance to go back there.

That aside, an argument has been made in the ongoing debate that the holding of LGE 2021 should not center around what the APNU+AFC wants or does not want. On the contrary, the debate they claim should be about : 1)The legal and constitutional requirement that must be honored; 2) The readiness of GECOM to proceed with preparations for LGE 2021; 3) Whether a petition concerning a general and regional election can legally prevent the holding of a LGE; 4) Whether a new voters’ list is required for LGE 2021; 5)Whether police investigations about the conduct of certain employees at GECOM at the last general and regional elections can

legally prevent LGE 2021 from being held; Some have expressed the view that postponement of LGE 2021 for one reason or another, will be tantamount to putting the APNU+AFC on life support or worse yet, providing them with badly needed oxygen as was the case prior to May 2015 and m o r e r e c e n t l y, h a v i n g regard to their attempts to steal the last elections.

Some went further to claim that all the reasons alluded to as to why LGE 2021 cannot be held, can be addressed and or ‘fixed’ administratively, ad interim and well in advance for the sole purpose of just holding LGE 2021.

While the infamous five-month interregnum did throw up questions about the professionalism of certain key employees at GECOM, the GECOM machinery was not condemned in its entirety.

Throwing out the baby with the bath water did not appear to be a preferred option by any of the contesting parties or members of GECOM. One Commissioner was quoted as saying that; “...the lack of confidence is not specific to the

machinery rather key officers of GECOM who have perpetuated ‘shaninigans.’ (sic!).

From all indications, PPP/C still has public opinion and the international community on its side. In the circumstances, a call has been made for immediate steps to be taken to professionalize, in a transparent way GECOM’s election machinery now.

And that this should be restricted solely for the purpose of holding of LGE 2021. Guyanese election watchers have argued that the more profound reforms in respect to General and Regional elections 2025 can come later.

Wi t h negotiated support, GECOM should be encouraged to take administrative steps to send off, at least t e m p o r a r i l y, t h o s e w h o have been charged and placed before the Court (but recognizing the hallowed principle of innocent until proven guilty). Their employment at GECOM should be put on hold so long as the charges against them remain in place.

As for those who are still embedded in the

The Non-Issue relating to Dual Citizenship So many would agree with colleague Vishnu Bisram’s contention that the renunciation by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, of her dual citizenship status requires legal advice to be provided by the Clerk of the National Assembly, is a ‘non-issue’ – as reported in Stabroek News of October 30.

They may also be disposed to argue that more fundamentally the issue is but dalliance on a mindset of the decision-makers who contributed to the institution of the relevant clause in the Constitution decades ago, probably in the conviction that we were self-sufficient as a country in needed professional competencies.

For some, there continues to be this search in order to understand the insinuation of ‘disloyalty’ to one’s country, if, for example, born in another – an obvious case of having no choice (like Dominic Gaskin’s).

However, it is by no means an extreme contrast to observe the many who are born and remain inside, but who substantively contravene laws in ways that, arguably, display a lack of loyalty, about which, unfortunately, minimal apprehension is ever expressed.

In the milieu there are some who enquire (however tentatively) about the equivalence between ‘loyalty’ and ‘competence’,

and how much the former contributes to productive decision-making and performance.

Apart from reference to Parliamentarians (Government and Opposition), alert observers respond, pointing to the range of critical strategic decisions made across public sector organisations and which contribute to fundamental national productivity, but without any question of the loyalty of the related decisionmakers within the porous context of multiple citizenship.

But then what about Advisors (Technical/ Administrative) to political leadership? No question appears regarding the degree of loyalty involved in their

input; even while there may be reservations about competence.

Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers, for example, are amongst the range of critical decision-makers in respect of whom citizenship (like gender) appears to be a ‘nonissue’. Nevertheless they are presumed to be eminently ‘loyal’ to the cause.

Our human resources capabilities need desperately to be upgraded, if only to incentivise a Parliament not sufficiently determined to reform our Constitution, and in the process treat ‘dual citizenship’ as a ‘non-issue’ in the final analysis.

Yours truly, E.B. John

system and are currently being investigated by the police, they can be directed to proceed on leave or be paid off as per G E C O M ’s c o n t r a c t u a l obligations to them.

Such persons can be replaced by temporarily appointing competent persons either from within the system or others (RO’s or DRO’s or even PO’s) who conducted themselves professionally during the re-count at the Convention Center.

Now that the PPP/C is in government, it has unfettered authority to bring in experienced international election experts who, once approval is granted by GECOM, can provide that high degree of comfort level for the ‘Doubting Thomases’ The public must be given the assurance that every effort will be made to hold LGE 2021 the c h a l l e n g e s notwithstanding. In any event, a motion calling for postponement of LGE will have to find its way to parliament in order for a postponement to be legally endorsed.

Once the motion is passed, assumingly without the opposition’s support, it will rekindle the perception still fresh in the minds of the populace that the nation is embarking on the road it once traversed prior to 2015.

Support from the international community to have LGE postponed should not be taken for granted. Further, support for free and fair general and regional elections should not be confused with support for not holding LGE. There were no complaints about the freeness and fairness of previous LGE’s.

However, it now appears that there are general concerns

and justifiably so about the holding of elections period!

But the point is that the then opposition is now in government and the tools are now at its disposal to hold free and fair LGE 2021.

In any event, it is highly unlikely that LGE held under the direction and supervision of a retrofitted GECOM machinery would deliver a botched LGE 2021 given the recent antecedents.

Assuming that the demand for fresh house-tohouse registration for a new electoral list becomes the reason for postponement then blame for postponing LGE 2021 should be placed at the doorstep of the APNU+AFC. By the way, Commissioner Alexander seems to have doubts about the voters’ lists used for the 2020 elections being an obstacle for the holding of LGE 2021. On the one hand, were the APNU+AFC object to going ahead, with the extant or an improved voters’ list solely for the purpose of holding LGE 2021 then the ball will be in their court. On the other hand, were they to agree to proceed with LGE 2021 using the current or an improved voters’ list and the PPP/C administration disapproves, then the ball would be in the PPP/C’s Court.

The question about how GECOM ended up with a socalled bloated voters’ list has been explained ad nauseum.

Incidentally, it was not the socalled bloated list that caused the five month electoral troubles, in the circumstances the current voters’ list should not be the casus belli.

Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 03, 2020

I commend those who recommend national dialogue for electoral reform Dear Editor, I commend the good citizens who put private voices in public papers to share their thinking. Without reading a word beyond the caption I identify closely with, “We recommend national dialogue for electoral reform that puts citizens at the heart of the process” (SN and KN November 1). I offer this humble fare.

We have a problem, several of them, in fact; many such, to be truly realistic.

Here it is that after a (the) most bruising of elections, there is publicly tabled, once again, the crying need for “national dialogue” and electoral reform” and inserting “citizens at the heart of the process.” If I remember well, CARICOM recommended similarly; and so did the EU and OAS (maybe) and the powerbrokers from alphabet societies. In the throes and traumas of the last sordid elections, the rush and flush of that forgettable historical interval, none were interested. Not any leader.

Certainly not the greatest many of citizens. I have

difficulty, therefore, with a start being made with this laudable heartfelt recommendation that should engage all of us.

Government leaders speak well about unity, but commit atrocities, through agents selected, who deliver the opposite. Opposition leaders are still trying to figure out where they stand on anything positive on nation and citizens. My first problem is that since it is currently insurmountable to get any two (government and opposition leaders) to converse honestly about the welfare of country and citizen, then I envision enormous difficulty in getting the two clashing races (first) and all of them thereafter to have any kind of dialogue on anything.

As an example, there were those who held themselves out as authentic patriots in recent calls for truth and reconciliation.

I must question their sincerity, since they have faded in the fullness of electoral triumph.

Who was/is real about truth and reconciliation and who was/is the hypocrite and

fraud here? Those are strong words, but we are going to need stronger stomachs to get from those to national dialogue on electoral reform, since truth and reconciliation are inseparable components of such an undertaking. They are not mutually exclusive.

And now I throw another spanner in the engine: national dialogue must, of necessity, conceptualize and prioritize and emphasize the role of the widest grassroots fields. It cannot be, will not gain enduring traction and work, if it is an elitist or establishment, political or socalled civic, process powered by those specific segments of this multi-ruptured society that are all of their interests and their prosperity.

It is imperative that the Guyanese grassroots be integral to any national dialogue process. Only that will place their visions where they should be, give them the legitimacy that such deserve.

The local cognoscenti and intelligentsia, such as they are, can provide shape and context, but no more. Like the venal politicians of every

strain-PPP, Civic, PNC, APNU, AFC, old and new, and god knows what else-there has been, and will be even more of what feathers their beds. Now that oil is here, I dismiss their supposed integrity as cellophane thin and just as obvious. Their inspirations are not about lowly citizens, but of what is good for themselves.

Many of them have taken care of themselves, compliment of the new government. Citizens are still waiting and wondering why the big buses pass them by.

The ones involving the real deal, the big money. On those notes, I am convinced that dialogue is already occurring.

The striking thing is that it is neither official nor public. It is personal. This was going on before, through selfserving coalition conversations that spared corrupt public servants under the previous PPP regime the rod. Dialogue is going on today, but this time it is for the bigger jackpot: oil and personal enrichment. Where and how do electoral reform and citizens involvement and/

Guyanese turnout today and election outcome in USA Dear Editor, Today is Election Day in America where hundreds of thousands of Guyanese are settled and their turnout is the highest so far in the history of their presence in America going back the late 1960s. The outcome hinges on turnout in the swing states where in each several thousands of Guyanese are present. In America, polls suggest that the Republican incumbent Donald Trump is going down to defeat to Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

There are other candidates on the ballot but they will not make much of a dent in the votes to affect the outcome in any of the states.

Guyanese are in the thick of the electoral contest in America, not as candidates or campaigners but as voters and poll workers and their votes matter in the swing states.

There is a lot of enthusiasm among Guyanese voters, and many actually voted early while others tell this writer they will vote Tuesday.

Few Guyanese volunteer for or donate to the election campaign. This writer volunteered for the Democratic campaign and also came across a few who said they made donations to the Biden campaign. As the labor leader of my teaching site for over

fifteen years, the union annually voted to endorse Democratic candidates and the leaders at the local site tow the line). Several Guyanese have been working at poll stations over the last two weeks for early voting and several will be on duty on November at schools and senior centers. Schools are closed to facilitate the election process, but it is not a holiday although several businesses are closed.

Americans are uneasy about the outcome, fearing violence. Reports say guns have been sold out. Some red neck racists have threatened violence.

Guyanese constantly have queried my views on the outcome. Will it be a close outcome, a comfortable victory, a landslide, or a b l o w o u t ? Wi l l Tr u m p accept defeat? Trump predicts victory.

Biden also predicts victory. If Biden loses, he will concede quietly, but he is not expected to lose if we go with the opinion polls.

From his language, it does not appear that Trump is likely to accept defeat – he said he has a battery of lawyers ready to go to court on Tuesday night. I do not think the outcome would be close but a declaration or presumed

winner may not be ready on Tuesday night. Once the outcome is a landslide, Trump will claim fraud and accept defeat.

If it is close, he won’t throw in the towel – dragged in court. I see a decisive victory as per my analysis of poll numbers.

The actual voting in America does not have an electoral system like Guyana where the party or candidate with most popular votes wins the Presidency. There are 51 contests – each state plus Washington DC holds its own election without national involvement. The national government cannot instruct the states how to run their elections.

Each state declares its own winner. Each state has an assigned number of electoral votes (EVs).

The candidate that gets the most votes in a state wins its electoral votes and there is a significant Guyanese presence in several of the swing states like Georgia, Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Michigan. Two states (7 votes) divide their EVs based on proportion of votes won. The EVs are added for each state won by each candidate. The candidate with at least 270 EV wins the presidency regardless of amount of popular votes won. Right now, polls suggest that Biden

will get between 279 and 351 EVs. It means, therefore, he will win the Presidency. But it is possible that Trump can pull off a miracle with last minute swing voters; votes can also be excluded from counting if they arrive late at the counting place. The contests in several states are very close. Biden was way ahead in several states a few days ago, but the gap has narrowed with some states a dead heat. Nevertheless, 279 is the minimum projected for Biden even if he were to lose the popular votes in the other states. My analysis sees Biden crossing the 300 mark.

Although polls give Biden wins in Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia, those states (62 EVs) would be very close and may very well go to Trump. But Biden does not need them to win the White House.

In 2016, Trump won comfortably (306-232 against Hillary Clinton). Polls suggest if Trump were to win, it would be very narrow, just over 270.

But Biden is projected to get a huge victory – a landslide or even a blow out. The last time there was a blow out was in 1980 and 1984 when Reagan swamped Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale respectively. Obama won comfortably in 2008 and 2012 with Biden as his VP. Biden should win comfortably.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

or interests feature elude me.

It is better to have them at each other’s eyeballs: less effort, less dirty hands at the top, less explanations and defenses to deliver. And there is this crux: since the opposition’s future electoral prospects look grim, the PPP’s door is there to walk through and barter.

For selfenrichment. The corrupt bargains that were finalized during the coalition’s reign are now being reciprocated.

There are the right kinds of

people at the top on both sides. As I see it, this means goodbye to national dialogue towards electoral reform and citizens’ matters in front. There is no juice in that for deceiving leaders; and on that score, we have the best that are around.

Citizens are on their own staring across Guyana’s racial Maginot Line at each other. Maybe, they will celebrate Christmas like the English and Germans did a century ago.

Yours truly, GHK Lall

Sugar cannot be produced in Guyana at a competitive price Dear Editor, Since the change of Government in August, many persons have made suggestions of one kind or another in KN to resuscitate the dying sugar industry or to be more specific GuySuCo, which is fast heading into the sunset due to policies made and executed by previous PPP and APNU+AFC Governments.

Fortunately, GuySuCo has been kept alive because of political and party imperatives but under its present structure it will never become a viable industry even with the input of a large capital investment, diversification and a team of excellent managers with top personnel (not political hacks) brimming with optimism to turn it around because of the reasons given hereunder.

Firstly, sugar cannot be produced in Guyana at a competitive price because of the climatic and environmental factors under which it is cultivated.

Currently, it takes GuySuCo to produce one (1) tonne sugar from fourteen (14) tonnes of harvested cane while elsewhere in the world (Brazil) it takes about eight (8) tonnes of cane to produce one (1) tonne of sugar. This differential could possibly be changed but not by much since such critical variables as sucrose content of the harvested cane cannot be easily changed to increase the sugar produced.

Secondly, it has been proposed by Tony Vieira, a Guyanese sugar expert and former GuySuCo Board Member and others including Donald Ramotar, a former President of Guyana and GuySuCo Board Member that the industry could be viable if the sugar produced could

be diversified into the production of other products such as ethanol. In the USA, ethanol is being produced from corn and subsidized but the industry continues to lose money causing many of its plants to close down. Usually, ethanol is mixed with gasoline to power cars and other equipment but it’s more expensive than gasoline the cost for which has been dropping because of low demand and over supply of crude oil. Gasoline price is projected to drop further because motor vehicles are being converted from being powered by gasoline to electricity and more crude oil is coming on stream from Guyana, Libya , Venezuela and elsewhere. Therefore, ethanol is unlikely to compete with gasoline and become a profitable product for GuySuCo in the foreseeable future.

The Government cannot for political and party imperatives continue to subsidize a heavily indebted GuySuCo indefinitely without a road map for development of the sugar lands devoid of sugar cultivation to find meaningful employment for all the displaced workers. Many worthwhile suggestions have already been made by concerned citizens. These include the development of dairying, livestock, aquaculture and the cultivation of crops such as bananas/plantains, citrus, coffee, avocados, mangoes and coconuts.

The road map has to quickly be transformed into pilot projects to establish which product is viable for a hungry market out there and can create good paying jobs for the many displaced workers now on the bread line.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

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L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Health Ministry $356M headquarters contract…

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Contractor rejects claims that it breached contractual obligations C

hung's Global Enterprise (CGE) has rejected claims by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, that it breached contractual obligations, leading government to rescind the more-than $356 million contract awarded for the construction of the Health Ministry's main office.

Nandlall had sent a letter of termination to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cleon Chung, pointing out that the company had received at least 90% of the contract sum but more than 70% of the works have not been completed despite getting a long extension period. The AG said, too, that the company, one day after the new government took office, they received a revised bill of quantities (BoQ) which exceeded the initial contract sum.

The company, however, in a statement penned by Chung's General Manager, Keisha Chung, said that it prides itself in the highest quality of work and strict adherence to contractual obligations. With that in

CEO of Chung's Global Enterprise, Cleon Chung mind, Chung's Enterprise said that it was “misrepresented and treated unfairly” in the duration of the project.

Providing clarity, the company said while it received the contract on November 8, 2017, the Health Ministry's consultant; VIKAB was only appointed on April 12, 2018 – 155 days later.

The Company explained that the consultant said that the project's bill of quantities was “poorly prepared” with

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall several inaccuracies discovered. This led to a “completely revised” bill of quantities being issued with additional drawings including piles and steel structure.

“This was agreed upon by both parties,” the contractor said but 98 days later, drawings were still to be issued.

It was only until September 14, 2018, the contractor added, that the first set of construction

drawings were submitted by the Health Ministry's consultant. The complete set along with the revised bill of quantities was issued on September 2, 2019 but by that time, the project was already delayed by 353 days.

Chung's said: “Drawings were prior issued in a piece meal manner which impeded our ability to plan, price and procure.”

The company was keen to mention that all instructions and drawings prior to September 2, 2019 were “executed in a timely manner.”

Later on, the COVID-19 put a further damper on construction which halted on April 3, 2020 by the Task Force. Construction restarted on July 17, 2020 but only in a limited capacity. Throughout that time however, the contractor said that the Ministry's consultant “never issued a warning of termination.”

Chung's said that the delays amounted to 768 days including the 317 days extension given by the government.

What is not being considered, the contractor

said, is the extra 451 days of delays. Moreover, the contractor sought to clear the air regarding the revised bill of quantities valued at $513.3 million. That revised bill, it said, represented a completely different project scope.

“The revised bill of quantities was not prepared

by CGE, it was prepared by the MOH's representative, VIKAB, and it should be noted that our First Revised Pricing was submitted in October, 2019 but due to continued negotiations with VIKAB, we were able to submit our final price on August 3rd, 2020 supported by quotations from our suppliers. Furthermore, our final price on the revised BOQ was within the estimated price that VIKAB came up with when they priced same,” the company said.

Chung's said the variation items on the 2019 revised bill of quantities include curtain walls design, window layout and design and specifications, elevator design and specifications, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system design

and specifications, electrical systems and arrangements, CCTV cameras along with plumbing systems and arrangements.

Included in the January 2020 variations was the building footprint extension, connection of block works to steel frame and the revision to electrical systems and arrangements.

“CGE is committed to ensuring the highest quality of work,” it said, adding “We reject any insinuation that we have erred and or failed to honour our contractual obligations. Further, we have w orked tireles s ly and diligently to ensure that this project was executed in a timely and professional manner. Though, however, the aforementioned issues thwarted our best intentions.”

Further, the company said that it welcomes any scrutiny that allows all the facts and details of the project to be available “in an open and transparent manner.

“We have no interest in wasting taxpayers' dollars on a matter that could have been amicably resolved,” it said.

$500M request by Mayor and City Council…

Govt. says no money until we audit you A

fter asking the government for funds to bail out their $500M debt, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown will undergo an audit before any money is given, according to the Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall.

Dharamlall spoke to Kaieteur News yesterday, noting the need for the audit before any consideration for bail out is given. It will be conducted by the Auditor General.

It is unclear whether the audit has begun. However, the Minister stated that he will be reaching out to the Auditor General's office for an update.

The request for a bail out

was made last Wednesday by Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, at a press conference, where he lamented that the council's debt is piling up.

In detailing their debt, it was stated that (M&CC) owed $400M to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), over $20M in retroactive salaries to staffers at the City Constabulary and $100M to garbage collection contractors.

The Mayor also stated that the council has seen a 78% drop in their revenue since the start of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which left them cashstrapped.

“Our revenue dropped here about 78%...we are actually struggling to pay

Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharmlall staff. Our salary and wages scale is $120M a month, close to that. We owe NIS $400M and that is since 1993, I was three years old, I'm dealing with that issue now. And the GPL matter that the Minister of Works spoke about, we finished the

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

assessment and it seems like GPL may have to pay us too when we look at their properties and taxes,” the Mayor said during the press conference.

At the conference, the Mayor claimed the council was receiving no help from

the government even though he would have written to President Irfaan Ali. Narine said that upon sending his letters it was requested that he provided a breakdown which he gave twice but got no response.

In addition to that, he

stated that he also sent several letters to Minister Dharamlall.

According to the Mayor, his efforts did not stop there… he even visited the P r ime M in is ter, M ar k Phillips recently.

The council has been coming under criticism for their management of funds over the years with persons saying that they have been receiving “too much leniency”.

It is a known fact that for years, the M&CC has been cash-strapped- asking for bailouts.

The council has also been accused of not doing enough to collects its rates and taxes and of allowing corruption to become imbedded.

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Rice is not always nice T

he Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has developed a new variety of rice which can potentially yield as much as 60 bags of rice per acre. This may seem like exciting news but it is being blown out of proportion.

First of all, the 60 bags per acre is just the upper end of the yields which were obtained during the experimental trials of the variety. The highest yields obtained would have been 60 bags. The average yield would be about 48. At present the average yield is around 38 bags per acre.

It may appear enticing to a farmer to obtain an additional 10 bags per acre.

But the fact that it is a new variety increases certain risks for farmers. For one, it is not sure just how marketable the new variety is going to be.

Most farmers are comfortable with what they know; they will be circumspect about moving towards a new variety which they do not know much about. It is not clear also as to how resistance the new variety is to pests and other diseases which attack rice.

This past crop, some cultivations were affected by blast. As such, any transitioning to this new variety will take time. Some farmers will want to learn of the experience of other farmers before venturing to use the new variety.

Farmers will also be circumspect because of past experience. It is not the first time that farmers have been told of the development of a new variety which would increase their yields. They will therefore adopt a waitand-see attitude.

The approach however is what is more important.

There is a need to try to increase yields significantly.

If this is done, the rice will be in better shape and farmers will be taking less risk. At present, one bad crop, only one bad crop, is all that it can take to ruin some farmers or to throw them into debt. And it does not take much to have a bad crop – bad weather, disease or flooding the rice lands when the rice is ready for harvesting. That is all it takes to bankrupt farmers.

If yields can increase by more than 40 per cent, this would be a major boost for the rice industry. It would help to increase farmer's earnings and help many of them pay off their mounting debts. Secondly, it would mean that paddy production can be increased without having to find additional lands.

The availability of new lands is a problem. There are not much new lands which can be brought under cultivation. Rice requires access to drainage and irrigation, and these require huge infrastructural costs. It is going to be difficult for government to find the resources to establish new

rice cultivation schemes.

One of the problems in the industry is economies of scale. There are far too many subsistence rice farmers, some planting as little as eight acres of lands. There is not much money to be made there, even if 60 bags are obtained. Small rice farmers need to be encouraged to move to large cultivations but many of them are leasing from landlords and therefore there is not much hope of this happening.

Another major problem is that former rice and coconut lands are being converted for other uses. In the Mahaica area, for example, agricultural lands are being converted for use into high-income housing schemes. This is totally unacceptable and is something which should be stopped.

There are infertile lands along the Soesdyke-Linden highway which is better suited for that sort of development. The scarce agricultural lands should be reserved for agriculture since the infrastructural requirements are costly and it is totally visionless for the government to be allowing prime agricultural lands to be converted to nonagricultural use.

The announcement of the development of highyielding varieties is not likely to create a wave of excitement in the rice sector.

The sector still has major problems, one of which is

The biggest boys seh... con in Guyana Dem

D

em boys hearing h o w d e government want file civil charges against former government officials who are alleged to have passed transport without the full payment for lands and for selling lands at below valuation prices. Civil charges different from criminal charges and can be filed by anyone.

It gat dem boys thinking dat if de government can file civil charges over de sale of land, de boys can also file civil charges over de giveaway of oil blocks. So it gat dem boys thinking about filing an action against some of dem government

offficials who did giveaway dem oil blocks to people wah some of dem seh dem nah even know.

Guyana is noted for its con artists. We once had a conman who used to be called Dr. Crime. De man sell out parliament building and was about to make a killing by selling de Parade Ground when his plan was intercepted.

It said that Dr. Crime even con Burnham. One time, Dr. Crime impersonated the Indian High Commissioner from Suriname and was able to sit as a special guest next to Burnham during a table tennis tournament.

Uncle Moses did talk the story about de time when Burnham walk in parliament. He notice Boysie Ramkarran who had a sharp wit seated in the Opposition benches.

Burnham turned to him and said, “Boysie, I know more jokes than you!”

Boysie replied, “Yes, I agree.” And he slowly pointed in the direction of the ministers on the government front benches, and added: “Because it is you who appointed all of them!”

Talk half and leh we see who gan file civil action against dem who giveaway oil blocks!

markets for additional production.

The loss of the Venezuelan market was a major catastrophe for the rice industry. And even though there is a new government in office, it is not likely that it will make any attempt to regain that

market given the problems within the Venezuelan economy.

Rice production may have already peaked. And with limited lands available, there is not much hope that it can expand substantially in the future, even with the development of high-

yielding varieties.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday November 03, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

There has to be a yardstick by which you judge people in a crisis G

uyanese middle class in and out of G u y a n a , instinctively send their letters to the Stabroek News (SN). In their mental picture of Guyanese society, SN represents their class.

This column here is not a criticism of a sister newspaper.

SN is not the subject, but it is

the object that the middle uses to display their cultural arrogance thus SN becomes part of the discussion.

When in March, I asked Moses Bhagwan and Eusi Kwayana why before the 2020 election, they didn't publicly request the APNU+AFC to seek power-sharing since they were requesting that in

the election impasse, I didn't see a published response.

Just by accident, Dr. Nigel Westmaas in an email exchange told me that Kwayana did reply but SN did not carry it. I was angry.

Kwayana was replying to a KN columnist, why SN should carry the letter?

Westmaas never sent the

missive to KN even though the issue was my column and Kwayana was responding to a KN writer.

It was during five months of the election rigging that KN displayed the sociological perspective on Guyanese nationalism that other media houses did not.

I will implore that readers

do not see the argument here as singing a song for KN Frederick Kissoon because I write for the n e w s p a p e r. T h i s column is a sociological Do you know the Guyana analysis of middle class Human Rights Association hypocrisy and KN and SN (GHRA) never condemned are only mentioned for the atrocious behaviour of r e a s o n s t h a t b o t h elements in GECOM, n e w s p a p e r s f o u n d including Claudette Singh, themselves caught in a and deliberately avoided s i t u a t i o n i n w h i c h a commentary on the fivenewspaper had to take a month ordeal?

Do you know the stand of the election crisis.

Transparency Institute never It is public knowledge that wrote on the horrible as the rigging went on, KN and consequences Guyana was its then editor, Adam Harris, facing for five months?

The had a problematic relationship factual election results were and Harris was gone. Then the newspaper found that declared, a new government two of its columnists – David was sworn in. Then the Hinds and Lincoln Lewis – shattered psyche showed its were expressing sentiments ugly dimensions. As soon as about the election that were constitutional normalcy was a n t i t h e t i c a l t o t h e restored, “In the Diaspora” newspaper's perspective on published a caustic column certain fundamental values. on Pompeo's visit.

That was followed up by a Both columnists were gone. letter (it was not sent to KN) in Without criticizing SN, the same vein signed by more except for editorials, its t h a n 6 0 Guyanese columnists did not express the organizations referring to same perspective as Kaieteur themselves as civil society.

News'.

See my response to this ugly One cannot categorize situation in my column of Ralph Ramkarran as a SN c o l u m n i s t . T h e p a p e r Friday, September 18, 2020, republishes his private blogs. “Zone of peace, zone of Mia Every SN columnist supported M o t t l e y, z o n e o f t h e election rigging using dangerous mind.” These subterfuge. In the case of civil groups were nowhere to Henry Jeffrey, the PPP be seen when Guyana was benefitted from a bloated literally facing a dangerous list. Other SN columnist descent into civil war.

There are now appearing used three perspectives – frequent letters (sent only in GECOM should be the only SN) urging constitutional body to pronounce on what reform, inclusive culture and was happening; the foreign similar values and signed by observers were intruding; the ABC countries had s i g n a t u r e s t h a t w e r e imperialist design and that completely invisible at a forced them to side with the time when Guyana needed their energy, pens and PPP. Let's end our discussion on voices. What kind of the newspaper and look at the psychological interpretation crisis and its consequences. the academic can put to such My theory is that the 2020 ugly minds. I have used the rigged election by the word “ugly” three times APNU+AFC with assistance above and this is because I from elements within the feel strongly about this G E C O M s e c r e t a r i a t hypocritical display.

A n y w a y, t h i s i s a constituted one of the gravest moments in both the psychologically corrugated history of British Guiana and society. Yesterday's hypocrites post-colonial Guyana. It was will become tomorrow's icons. imperative on all to save I am absolutely sure that as the months and years roll on, we Guyana. will see the GHRA, the The impending disaster Transparency Institute and showed how deeply shattered those 60 civil society groups is the psyche of sections of this starring in the news. country. Do you know the (The views expressed in column “In the Diaspora” this article are those of the never devoted even a author and do not necessarily paragraph on the election reflect the opinions of this rigging which went on for five consecutive months? newspaper.)

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Local expertise for West Dem four-lane highway - President Ali

P

resident Irfaan Ali has said the Government will be utilising the services of local experts, as it prepares for the construction of a new 12-mile, four-lane highway on the West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The new highway will link the proposed site for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge on the WBD and Parika on the East Bank Essequibo.

President Ali on Saturday led a team of local engineers from the Ministry of Public Works and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), along with other experts, on a site tour for the project.

“We are going to put together a local team. When you talk about local content, we have the army here, the Ministry of Public Works, [Guyana] based engineers, GIS specialists and the private sector - local knowledge.

We are bringing them together to commence the conceptual work in laying out this new highway,”

President Irfaan Ali leading Government ministers, GDF and other officials during the site tour on Saturday on the West Demerara area.

President Ali said.

The project which should begin in the coming weeks, is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area.

Guyanese will also see benefits in the housing, agriculture, business and tourism sectors.

Ministry of Public Works Roads and Bridges Officer,

Ron Rahaman, said the President's inclusion of young engineers and technicians demonstrates his trust in the local workforce.

“We are very happy to see the President going along that route. From the standpoint of the Ministry of Public Works, we have been designing roads long […] At

this point, we do have the capacity to show that we can do the groundwork for this project and I am very happy to hear the President said he has put his trust in the locals to have this project up and running,” Rahaman said.

Meanwhile, GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, said the Force has

always been involved in Guyana's development.

Brigadier Gary Beaton, an engineer, will be leading the army involvement in the upcoming project.

“As part of the plan to support the Government of Guyana in infrastructure development, I will be part of the planning team and the

execution we will be deploying men and machinery to aid in the construction,” he said.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister, Deodat Indar also participated in the tour.

(DPI)

Kwebanna COVID-19 cases stabilising

M

inister of Health, Hon Dr. Frank Anthony, has said while COVID-19 cases in Kwebanna, Barima-Waini (Region One) are stabilising, officials have noticed spikes in neighbouring communities.

During Monday's COVID-19 Update, Minister Anthony reiterated that medical teams were already on the ground to assist the local staff to curb the current situation.

“We have set up medical teams there, so that in case anybody deteriorates from maybe the mild form of COVID-19 to the more severe form, we will be able to detect this and take the appropriate action.”

Minister Anthony gave assurances that the teams were ready to tackle emergencies.

“Certainly, we can send additional health personnel from Georgetown if that is required, but at this point that is not required and the team in region has been able to provide adequate coverage,” he said.

As of November 1, Kwebanna had 62 active cases. That number had stayed at 61 for several days.

Minister Anthony said that figure should decrease in a week's time.

Testing is still being done and, based on reports, persons have been showing positive signs of recovery.

- teams addressing spikes in nearby areas

The Kwebanna numbers are stabilizing, authorities say

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

No positive COVID-19 cases from airport reopening - A result of stringent regulations says Health Minister

By Sueann Wickham

S

ince the recent reopening of the airports, Guyana has received over 2,000 incoming passengers with no positive cases recorded.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank A n t h o n y, d u r i n g a n exclusive interview with Kaieteur News yesterday.

The Minister stated that it was very unlikely for positive cases to be recorded since the government has enforced stringent regulations at the airport, minimizing the risk of infected persons coming into the country.

These measures, he stated, include passengers producing a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result in their country of origin before being allowed to fly to

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Warning signs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri Guyana.

He explained that incoming passengers are

required to show a negative test result at least seven days before their flight. However,

Bandit accused of robbing female cops at NIS of gun, personal belongings, granted bail

A

bandit who was able to relieve t h r e e policewomen who were working at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Corriverton, Region Six, of their personal belongings and a firearm, has been charged and granted bail.

He is before the court on two charges of robbery and two of simple larceny.

Simeon Lynch called 'Burn Hand', 26; a farmer of Lot 39 Hazel Street,

Springlands, Corriverton, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore in the Springlands Magistrate Court yesterday.

He is accused of, October 28th, at No78th Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice, robbing Shibike Calder of one Samsung A20 cellphone and $45,000 cash.

He is also charged with robbing Annette McKenzie of one .38 Taurus revolver with five live .38 rounds.

The simple larceny

charges were committed on Pamela Trotman of one Samsung J3 Prime cellphone and Annette McKenzie of one haversack and $30,000.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted $70,000 bail each on the two robbery charge, and $30,000 bail on the simple larceny charges.

The gun was found the following day in a nearby plot. When he was arrested, he had one of the stolen cell phones in his possession.

if a person's test results exceed 72 hours, then they will be required to take another test once they arrive in Guyana.

That second test will provide early detection of the virus in case persons travelling became exposed to the virus in their last days coming down to their flight.

The Minister had also told Kaieteur News that adequate facilities are available to isolate persons if they are found COVID-19

positive upon taking their second test in Guyana.

Concerns were previously raised whether the Health Ministry had the capacity to offer institutional isolation since the airports were opening and there was a possibility of a rise in case numbers.

In response, a Ministry spokesman had told this publication that there will be no need for additional institutional isolation provision, assuring that there

is currently sufficient management of isolation spaces and as previously mentioned there are efficient measures to monitor all incoming passengers.

The spokesman further added that if the Ministry notices a trend in incoming COVID-19 cases, proper accommodations will be made available to address the situation. It was stated that institutional isolation for COVID-19 positive incoming passengers can be offered at the Liliendaal Infectious Disease Hospital, also known as the Ocean View COVID-19 Hospital.

Figures released to this publication by the Ministry of Health showed that 2,797 persons in total came into the country as of Sunday, November 1. From that total 2,563 were incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and 234 were incoming passengers at the Ogle International Airport.

It was also noted that Guyana has seen a general decrease in positive cases in the past week.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 03, 2020

CARICOM, FAO assessment of COVID-19 on food systems…

Cash transfers, distribution of seeds, restocking of animals recommended I

n times of a p a n d e m i c accompanied by a global economic shock, food security is a key concern for governments and development partners throughout the world.

To measure and respond to the impact of COVID-19 on Guyana's food systems, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with oversight by the Ministry of Agriculture conducted an assessment from July to August 2020.

This assessment which is presented in a final report, utilized data ; obtained via an online survey.

The respondents included Agri c u l t u r e Extension Officers (167), Farmers and Fishers (741), Vendors (88), and Food Traders (116).

Participants were drawn from all ten administrative regions of Guyana.

The main areas of focus were on production activities and the livelihoods of farmers, fishers, vendors of agriculture inputs, and food traders to assess income/production losses; inputs, marketing and supply chain difficulties and shifts in food consumption choices.

Key Findings Loss of income Majority of the farmers and fisherfolks reported a reduction in overall income from May to July compared

to the same period last year while livestock farming respondents revealed production difficulties with access to feed, supply chain, and processing and retail/market issues.

Fisherfolks and Extension O f f i c e r s i n f o r m ed of difficulties to market fish, decreased prices and other concerns and restrictions related to COVID-19.

Labour shortage Respondents also indicated a noticeable decline in employment of daily or seasonal agricultural labourers, the number of market traders operating on a regular basis, hiring of vehicles to transport agriculture produce and livestock, and daily market labour wage rate.

Limited consume access to markets/shops -These challenges to the food system regarding sales were mainly due to COVID-19 business restrictions since producers and consumers were unable to access markets/shops.

Some effects on food access were the closure of food shops, transport limitations, or lost wages.

Overall, the reduction of income, access to markets and ot h e r d i ff i c u l t i e s within the food system varied differently across the ten administrative regions. Limited availability of certain foods was also widely reported, while in some

instances there were changes in demand.

Limited access to food Farmers and fisherfolks respondents also indicated that they have consumed lesser quantities of nutritious foods because there was not enough food or money to feed household members.

Gender issues Additionally, women's workload increased (productive, domestic and care tasks, and community participation) despite their main productive activities are being affected by COVID-19.

Need for financial and technical assistance-The majority of farmer and fisher respondents would like

some livelihood assistance which can include cash assistance, seeds, fertilizers, animal feeds, and pesticides.

All of these were also identified by the Extension Officers with the addition of marketing support.

The impacts of COVID19 unfolded on top of different shocks such as heavy rains/floods, outbreak of pests and diseases, and dry spell/drought.

This assessment also documented the systemic nature of disaster risk and establishes the need for building resilience of the agriculture sector against multiple hazards and risks—both familiar and unfamiliar.

Outcome Guyana, like most countries is early in its pandemic response and the results from this assessment have already begun to help the Ministry of Agriculture in targeting solutions.

The recommendations provided will help the Government, development partners, and the private sector to collaborate, rebuild and strengthen approaches to evolving hazards and shocks amidst the continuously fluid COVID19 situation.

Targeted interventions to support the most vulnerable groups or households who have been most affected have commenced.

M e a n w h i l e , recommendations were

proposed for the provision of seeds, planting materials, restocking of livestock (small-ruminants, poultry), and supply of critical inputs mainly for most vulnerable and female-headed households.

It encourages too market i n g a s s i s t a n c e , processing support, and fishing gears/tools to smallscale artisanal fishers; and emergency employment or cash-transfer (e.g. Cash for Work) programmes for most vulnerable and affected casual/seasonal workers.

Overall, the listed recommendations align well to the 2020 budgetary allocations for a g r i c u l t u r e a n d FA O priority areas for intervention.

The results compiled have since helped with quick response and recovery actions, as well as medium to long-term resiliencebuilding programmes and policies.

Long term suggestions are to conduct a systematic s t o c k t a k i n g o f experiences and lessons learned from COVID-19 and ensure that these are integrated into upcoming or interim updates of sectoral/multi-sectoral plans, strategies, frameworks, policies, and investment plans.

FAO Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith said “the success of this survey is attributed to the close working relationship and support received from the Ministry of Agriculture”.

Angola, Azerbaijan set aside oil jobs...

From page 3 restriction of certain jobs/ levels to citizens; and the oversight of work visas.

The study pointed out that Azerbaijan is a classic example of how an oil producing country may use employment regulation to ensure first preference is given to its citizens.

The country's laws state that where export-oriented oil and gas operations are expected to last for more than six months, it is required that the company employs at least 80 percent Azerbaijani

citizens at all staff levels.

Kaieteur News understands that the regulation applies to all contractors and subcontractors.

With the foregoing in mind, industry experts such as Dr. Remi Piet, Co-founder of Embellie Advisory and Faculty member at the University of Miami and HEC Paris in Qatar, agreed recently that indeed, Guyanese authorities can use these and other provisions to ensure locals are given first preference in the industry.

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

March trial for pharmaceutical supplier charged for providing expired HIV testing kits

T

he trial for an executive of a pharmaceutical supplies company, that is charged for providing fake HIV testing kits to the Ministry of Health, is expected to commence in March 2021.

The company, Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc., is one of the country's biggest local pharmaceutical supply companies. Earlier this year, the company was charged and the matter is being heard in the Leonora Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Zameena Ali-Seepaul.

The company was charged by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD).

Area Manager, Davendra Rampersaud, is the representative in court for the matter who is facing the charge. The matter is being prosecuted by Shemroy Pompey, a Drug Inspector for the Guyana Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAFDD).

During the hearing of the m a t t e r y e s t e r d a y, Rampersaud received full disclosure of statements and the matter was adjourned to March 2021, when the trial is expected to commence.

On his first court appearance, Rampersaud denied the charge which alleged that on January 16, 2020, Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. allegedly sold and supplied 400 units (20 packs) of Uni-gold HIV Test Kits, Batch #HIV7120026, with misleading

company, Trinity Biotech, in its complaint, named Caribbean Medical Supplies.

According to the manufacturer, the fake boxes were created with expiry dates extended by 17 months and the kits repacked in

Area Manager of Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. Davendra Rampersaud representation, a violation of the Food and Drugs Act of 1971.

According to reports, a quantity of the testing kits was seized by the GA-FDD from the Materials Management Unit of the Ministry of Public Health, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, and from local hospitals and laboratories.

The probe was launched into the fake HIV testing kits after an Irish manufacturer last January wrote to the former Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, warning that it is aware that there are counterfeit UniGold HIV test kits in Guyana.

The Irish company supplied photographic evidence, which indicated clearly that the kits expired since July last year. The

Two appear in court for failure to wear their masks

T

wo persons yesterday appeared at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate Court, Region One, for failure to wear their masks.

One of the defendants, Eustace Smith, was fined $5,000 while Justin James is expected to return to court today.

Smith and James had

their charges read to them via Zoom by Magistrate Delon Bess.

The $5,000 fine for not wearing a mask was first instituted for market vendors in May by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC).

On record, over 90 vendors were charged and fined for the offence.

them. The Irish pharmaceutical company said that the products were already six months out of date when it was brought to Guyana.

Trinity Biotech also claimed that its Trinidadbased authorized distributor,

Transcontinental Medical Products Limited, is the only authorized distributor for the Uni-Gold kits to Guyana and it had not participated in the transaction.

In fact, Trinity called on Lawrence to remove the expired kits from testing

centres immediately as they posed health risks to patients. The company had filed a complaint with the WHO. Trinity said that it had previously complained about Caribbean Medical Supplies to the Ministry.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Man dies after motorcycle topples at Little Diamond VACANCY Vacancy for male / female worker.Serious inquiries only.

Tel#: 615-7784 or 621-6969 Receptionist ages 30-45. Located at 233 South Road.

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FOR SALE Buying corilla bush $150 lb & soursop, Noni Leaves $250.

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Store assistant, must be computer literate. Send applications to Jordan's Auto Parts, 16 High & Broad street.

Office Assistant / Sales, PAYE & NIS knowledge, 2 years min experience, Lot 8 s h e r i f f s t r e e t mimadecor12@gmail.com, 227-0176/ 86 Security guard. Must have experience, mature persons can apply. Contact 223-5274 / 227-5003 One experienced dispatcher to work at a Taxi Service. Contact 621-9356.

A night out with friends came to an abrupt end for a 24-year- old man who died yesterday following a motorcycle accident along the Little Diamond public road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Joshua Persaud of Diamond Housing Scheme.

According to a police report, the fatal accident took place just around midnight.

Investigators detailed that Persaud was a rider of the bike and was heading north along the western carriageway with a pillion rider identified as Devendra Partab.

Investigators stated that he was riding at a fast rate but lost control and toppled on the roadway.

Family members, however, stated that this was not true.

They claimed that Persaud was not the rider. That evening, Persaud and his sister had gone out with friends to lime. While leaving Boat House bar, she recalled Persaud joining the motorcycle as the pillion rider.

The boys were heading to another bar along with other friends on a motorcycle.

Persaud’s sister, however, headed for home while the boys sped off.

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Dead: Joshua Persaud

Woman, 74, among two more dead from COVID-19

Two more persons are dead from COVID-19 with Regions One and Four again in the mix.

The latest fatalities are a 74-year-old female from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 57-year-man from Region One (BarimaWaini). These persons died LAND FOR SALE while receiving care while at hospitals, it was announced Garden of Eden, Dalgin (Highby the Ministry of Health way). 37 acres Public road to yesterday. river.Batchlor's Adventure.

Contact Ray's Reality 6279685.

The Ministry of Health also said it recorded 30 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 4,238.

A Ministry source confirmed that 25 of the new cases were recorded in Region Four while one new case was recorded in Region Three. Regions Five and Six had two new cases each.

The dashboard also shows nine persons are in the

COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital; 66 in institutional isolation; 771 in approved home isolation and 23 in institutional quarantine.

Further, it was stated that to date, 128 deaths and 3,264 recoveries have been recorded.

In addition to that, 20,067 persons have been tested to date, with 15,829 persons negative.

Matter dismissed against cricketer charged for assaulting cop

FOR RENT Bond, East Bank Demerara, 40x40.Saffon street,Kitty furnished restaurant. Residence: Diamond & Pearl, Contact Ray's Reality 6279685.

Not long after, she received a phone call that her brother had crashed.

Family members also found it strange that a party of policemen had to take the boys to hospital since they left in company of two others.

Moreover, they said the bike on which Persaud lost his life was found hidden and not at the crash site.

They also added that Persaud does not know how to operate a motorcycle and would not dare to ride one.

Persaud leaves to mourn his parents, wife and three young children.

Both Persaud and Partab fell onto the roadway and received injuries to their head and body.

The men were picked up in an unconscious state by a party of police man and rushed to the Georgetown public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Persaud was pronounced dead while Partab was admitted in a critical condition.

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The matter against Guyanese cricketer, Christopher Barnwell, who was charged for allegedly assaulting a police rank, was on Friday dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Barnwell, of Lot 8th Albert Street, Georgetown, was charged in August 2019.

He had denied the charge which stated that on March 23, 2019, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown; he assaulted Trevor Benn so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

On Friday, Magistrate Rondell Weever, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, ruled that there is insufficient evidence against Barnwell and the matter was dismissed. Barnwell was being represented by attorney-at-law Savannah Barnwell.

According to reports, on the day in question, there was a friendly cricket match

Matter Dismissed: Christopher Barnwell between the police force and another team, when an argument ensued between Barnwell and Benn.

As a result, Barnwell

allegedly pushed Benn to the ground injuring him . The matter was later reported and Barnwell was charged for the allegation.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 03, 2020

PAGE 17

Investors interested in Orealla bauxite deposits - Minister Bharrat T

he village of Orealla, located along the East Corentyne approximately 33 miles south of Crabwood Creek and 11 miles north of Epira, could very well see a major development.

Yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during a visit to the area, admitted that while logging was categorized as one of the major economic activities in the country, there is an interest to develop the Taracury bauxite deposit in the village.

The bauxite deposit is one of the largest remaining in the country.

The Minister told villagers that based on studies that were done, the information garnered from those studies have revealed that the bauxite "is of a very high quality" and such "the interest is there from investors to come and do mining in this area".

Meanwhile, the Minister also revealed that investors are eager and willing to set

Residents of Orealla and the surrounding environs at the meeting yesterday

A large bauxite deposit in the Orealla area, is likely to be developed, government says up an aluminum plant "because for too long we have been exporting raw materials and not valueadded products.”

Adding to the plans for further development of the small indigenous community, it was also disclosed that the government is set to develop the road from Kwakwani to Orealla and will start early next year.

Such a development will see easier access when

transporting produce for sale.

Villagers were also told that the President of Brazil will be visiting Guyana soon.

Bharrat stressed that adding value to products is a priority for their government and under their stewardship, the "future looks bright for Guyana...the next five years there will be a transformation".

Touching a bit on the oil and gas sector the Minister highlighted that while many

GuyOil's new chief, Trevor Bassoo, vows to stabilize, reduce fuel prices

T

he former General Manager of the state-owned Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL) has been named as new chief of the Guyana Oil Company Company Limited (GuyOil).

The new GM, Trevor Bassoo, in charge of a string of service stations across the country, is aiming to stabilize and bring down fuel prices.

According to a statement of GuyOil, Bassoo is the holder of a BSc. in Computer Science from the University o f G u y a n a , a C AT accounting qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a PhgC. in Business Administration from the University of Leicester, and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business.

“Mr. Bassoo is also currently wrapping up his CMPA at the University of Guyana. In addition to his qualifications across a wide array of professional areas, Mr. Bassoo brings 20 years of combined private and

New GuyOil chief, Trevor Bassoo public sector management experience.”

GuyOil disclosed that after being interviewed and selected by the Board of Directors, Bassoo joined the state-owned company on Monday, October 19th, 2020 and has since been reviewing the operations while interacting with staff with a view to understanding the situation.

“Acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the livelihood of Guyanese, the new General Manager stated that the company's immediate objective is to bring relief to the people by way of reducing and stabilizing the fuel price.

Mr. Bassoo further noted that as the country's largest supplier of petroleum products, under his leadership, GUYOIL plans to expand its operations across the country reaching the people and businesses in the remote areas.”

GuyOil said the company will continue to work to improve the product quality; health, safety and environment; customer service and branding.

“The Board of Directors, Management and staff have committed to giving Mr. Bassoo their full cooperation as he leads the company to fulfill its vision of being the leading petroleum products company - delivering premium value to all stakeholders.”

persons are interested in knowing how exactly they will be benefitting from the lucrative sector, they may not be directly involved in it "but will benefit from the proceeds from oil and gas.

The resources of this country

belongs to all of us here and I am happy to declare we have $148M US in the NRF that is untouched.”

The village of Siparuta was also visited and similar sentiments were echoed during a meeting with

villagers there.

Also on the trip was the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and regional officials, Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain, and Regional Executive Officer, Narendra Persaud.

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Tuesday November 03, 2020

‘Pooran should be playing Test cricket’ - Michael Holding SportsMax - Cricket commentator Michael Holding believes Nicholas Pooran should be playing Test cricket despite the fact that he has not played much first-class cricket.

The former West Indies fast bowler believes that had Pooran, and a couple others, had been in the West Indies team in England this past summer, the outcome of the series might have been different.

During the #Raisethebat series in England in July, the West Indies won the first Test in Southamption only to be comprehensibly beaten in the next two matches at Old

Trafford and subsequently lose the series 2-1.

Darren Bravo and Shimron Heymyer had declined invitations to participate citing safety concerns but Pooran was never considered for selection.

Holding believes that had those three been there things might have been different.

“They were competitive against England without, in my opinion, three of their better batsmen. Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer chose not to come and they didn’t select Nicholas Pooran, who I think is very talented and

should be playing Test cricket,” Holding said during an interview with Wisden Cricket Monthly.

“If they all played I think the series would have been a lot closer and, in fact, I have an inkling that West Indies might have won because runs on the board was their problem.”

Pooran has only played three first-class matches in which he has scored 143 runs at an average of 23.83.

However, the player has excited fans in the shorter forms of the game, most recently for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL where his six-hitting and stroke making triggered debate as to whether he should take his obvious talents to the longest

Tuesday November 03, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're entering a period of doubt, especially about your love life. You like your relationships and feelings to be clear. You may think a lot about your relationships over the next few days.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) For a month you may have had problems communicating with the people close to you, Taurus. This is nothing to worry about, yet it might make you feel off balance.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Gemini, you tend to live your life vicariously through your partner. Today you may come to the realization that this isn't healthy for you. You may realize that you give more of yourself than you get back.

CANCER(June21–July22) You see new horizons. It's possible that the changes you've been going through lately aren't completely finished.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You hide your emotional needs from others. You need to be able to trust someone in order to share your feeling. They have to guess at your deepest secrets.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you may want to change some of the moral and social values that get in the way of relationships. After surmounting these kinds of obstacles yourself, and watching others struggle with them, you've decided that it's time to do away with them once and for all.

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Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, the people around you sometimes have a hard time understanding where you're going. You're living in an imaginary world that has little to do with reality.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may have doubts over the next few days. Don't make any important decisions about your future during this relatively unproductive period.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) What are you afraid of? Is it contact with other people?

It's as if an invisible rope were holding you back from getting close to people, or worse, pulling you back.

What's this about?

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) It's very possible that you will want to take a step back today in order to take a closer look at your relationships.

Your address book is full of names. Your phone rings off the hook.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you feel you've been looking to the past lately, it's in order to liberate yourself from it. You may feel like revisiting your childhood or rekindling certain relationships with old friends.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Sometimes your relationships are like magnets, Pisces. When you want to get close, the other person tries to get away from you. When you take a step back, he or she runs back into your life.

form of the game. Pooran averages 25.68 in T20s and 49.05 in 25 ODI matches in which he has a top score of 118.

The ongoing debate has reached the ears of CWI Chief Selector Roger Harper.

In a recent response to questions from the media regarding P o o r a n ’s s e l e c t i o n t o t h e We s t Indies Test squad, Harper said the player would be availed of a chance to prove himself in the longer form of the game during the upcoming tour of New Zealand set to run from November 27 to December 15.

In addition to the three T20 matches in which Pooran will be involved, and two Tests, the West Indies are down to play two first-class matches from December 3-7 and December 11-15, in Hamilton and Wellington, respectively.

Harper said the Trinidadian would be given an opportunity to play in those matches.

“There was a lot of consideration given to Nicholas Pooran; we are still looking at it and I am sure as we move forward, Pooran will have an opportunity as well,” Harper said.

“He is in the T20 squad and he has expressed willingness to play in fourday games that will be available during the tour.”

...Scott is new GASA From page 23 volleyball and football competitively, said he wants to expand swimming locally.

“I want to expand the sport beyond the City and Linden, foster better working relationships with the Government and other stakeholders and improve conditions at the Aquatic Centre,” Scotts added.

He also indicated that he is hoping to get clubs outside of Georgetown to have the same type of facilities as those in the City.

“We will look to have a home for the Linden Club since currently they do not have a facility to train,” noted the Vice-President of the Sea Otters Swim club.

Elke Rodrigues and Randolph De Santos were elected as vice-presidents for administration and technical management respectively.

Yelema Phillips was elected as secretary and Valmakki Singh as treasurer.

There were no nominations for assistant secretary/treasurer.

Reggae Boyz keeper Andre Blake faces spell on the sidelines with broken hand SportsMax - Philadelphia Union and Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake suffered a fractured right hand during last week Wednesday’s 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire FC and could be out for the remainder of the MLS season, according to reports. The 29-year-old Blake suffered the injury when he slammed his hand into the goalpost in the 76th minute and was eventually substituted 14 minutes later when the pain became unbearable.

Meantime, the Union’s management is hoping to get the MLS is Back Golden Glove winner back before the end of the season.

”The hope is, if things go well, there’s a possibility that it is not a season-ending injury,” manager Jim Curtin said Friday. “But there is a fracture in there. We’re exploring the best possible way to get him back as quickly as possible.”

Blake, Jamaica’s numberone goalkeeper, had asked to be excused from national team duties so that he could focus on the Union’s playoff chances. The Reggae Boyz are expected to leave the island on November 6 for Saudi Arabia where they will play two international friendlies against that country’s national team on November 14 and 17.

...Jason Holder: from unsold From page 20 playing cameos in the lower order, which he is more than capable of. With eight wickets in four games and a decisive knock with the bat, Holder has definitely made the most of his chances.

On November 5, Holder

will turn 29. An advance birthday gift would be helping the Sunrisers make the playoffs by registering victory in their final league match, on Tuesday, against defending champions and title favourites Mumbai Indians.

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Tuesday November 03, 2020

NFL roundup: Steelers top Ravens in North battle, stay unbeaten The Pittsburgh Steelers remained the NFL’s lone undefeated team by rebounding from a lackluster offensive first half on the road and outlasting the depleted Baltimore Ravens 28-24 in an AFC North battle Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger found Chase Claypool on the right edge of the end zone from 8 yards out with 7:29 remaining for what proved to be the winning touchdown.

The bad news wasn’t limited to the score for the Ravens (5-2), whose All-Pro left tackle, Ronnie Stanley, was carted off the field in the first quarter with a broken left ankle. Right guard Tyre Phillips also left the game with an ankle injury.

In addition, linebacker Matthew Judon was ejected for intentional contact with an official during a skirmish in the second quarter.

The Steelers improved to 7-0 as Roethlisberger finished 21-of-32 for 182 yards — 158 of them coming in the second half, after the Steelers were outgained in the first half 25464 and trailed 17-7. Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson completed 13 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions. He also rushed for 65 yards.

Broncos 31, Chargers 30 Drew Lock passed for 248 yards and three touchdowns, the last one to K.J.Hamler as time expired, as host Denver rallied to beat Los Angeles.

DaeSean Hamilton had four catches for 82 yards and

Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) hits Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) as the ball hits the ground fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports) a touchdown, Albert Okwuegbunam had another TD reception, and Phillip Lindsay ran for 83 yards and a score for Denver (3-4). Lock was 26-for-41 passing as the Broncos came back from a 243 third-quarter deficit.

Justin Herbert finished 29-for-43 passing for 278 yards and three touchdowns for the Chargers (2-5), with Mike Williams catching five passes for 99 yards and a score and Keenan Allen nine receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Saints 26, Bears 23 Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes, Wil Lutz

made four field goals, and New Orleans won its fourth consecutive game by beating host Chicago in overtime.

Lutz’s fourth field goal, a 35-yarder with 1:36 left, ended the game on the third overall possession of overtime.

Brees completed 31 of 41 for 280 yards and threw a 16yard touchdown to Jared Cook and a 20-yarder to Taysom Hill as the Saints improved to 5-2. Nick Foles completed 28 of 41 for 272 yards and two touchdowns but also threw an interception as the Bears (5-3) lost their second consecutive game.

Bills 24, Patriots 21

Tyler Bass kicked a 28yard field goal with 4:06 left, and host Buffalo recovered a late fumble to beat New England, handing the Patriots their fourth consecutive loss.

New England (2-5) was driving for at least the potential tying score, but quarterback Cam Newton fumbled on second-and-10 from the Buffalo 19. The Bills’ Dean Marlowe recovered the ball at the 13 with 31 seconds left.

Zack Moss rushed for two touchdowns for Buffalo (6-2), which leads the AFC East and expanded its advantage on third-place New England. The

Bills snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Patriots, who have won the AFC East in each of the past 11 seasons.

The Patriots’ skid is their longest since 2002. They are 2-5 for the first time since 2000, coach Bill Belichick’s first season in New England.

Raiders 16, Browns 6 Derek Carr tossed the goahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and Josh Jacobs rushed for 128 yards to lead visiting Las Vegas to a defeat of host Cleveland during chilly and windy conditions.

Daniel Carlson connected on field goals of 29, 33 and 24 yards in a contest that featured sleet and snow flurries and was played with steady winds of 35 mph, with gusts reaching 50 mph. Carr completed 15 of 24 passes for 112 yards and rushed for 41 yards on six carries for Las Vegas (4-3). Jacobs had 31 carries in his first 100-yard game of the season.

Cody Parkey kicked field goals of 41 and 38 yards for Cleveland (5-3). Baker Mayfield completed 12 of 25 passes for 122 yards, while Kareem Hunt led the ground game with 66 yards on 14 carries. Jarvis Landry finished with four catches for 52 yards.

Seahawks 37, 49ers 27 Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes, and Seattle’s beleaguered defense was steady for three quarters as the Seahawks defeated visiting San

Francisco.

Wilson completed 27 of 37 passes for 261 yards as the Seahawks (6-1) bounced back from a 37-34 overtime loss last weekend at Arizona to maintain their spot atop the NFC West.

The 49ers (4-4), the defending NFC champions, suffered their first road loss of the season in four tries and remained in last place in the division.

Eagles 23, Cowboys 9 Carson Wentz threw two touchdown passes and Rodney McLeod returned a fumble for a score as host Philadelphia defeated Dallas.

Travis Fulgham and Jalen Reagor caught touchdown passes for the Eagles (3-4-1), who have won three of their past five games.

Wentz completed 15 of 27 passes for 123 yards but committed four turnovers — two interceptions, two fumbles. He has thrown an NFL-worst 12 interceptions this season.

Rookie Ben DiNucci, a third-stringer pressed into action because of injuries, was 21-of-40 passing for 180 yards with a long gain of just 15 in his first NFL start for Dallas (2-6), which lost its third straight game. Greg Zuerlein kicked three field goals for the Cowboys.

In other results: Colts 41, Lions 21 Chiefs 35, Jets 9 Vikings 28, Packers 22 Bengals 31, Titans 20 Dolphins 28, Rams 17 (Field Level Media)

Jason Holder: from unsold at the auction to key performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad ESPNcricinfo - Jason Holder wouldn’t have been in the UAE had Mitchell Marsh not hurt his ankle. He might not have featured in the playing XI had Kane Williamson’s thigh injury not forced a rejig of plans.

But here he is and, though he may not have taken IPL 2020 by storm, he has made enough important contributions in a short time to keep the Sunrisers Hyderabad alive in the tournament.

Over the years, the Sunrisers have been a bowling team. But when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was ruled out because of a thigh injury and Siddarth Kaul failed to step up, their fast bowling resources seemed bereft of experience.

Although Sandeep Sharma swung the new ball and T Natarajan nailed the yorkers at the death, the Sunrisers lacked

the glue to keep their seam attack together.

That aside, the Sunrisers problems were manifold. In the absence of an experienced Indian batsman, their middle order was looking shaky. That meant Williamson could not be dropped. With David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan being shoo-ins for the other overseas spots, Holder had to wait on the sidelines.

At the very first opportunity he got - as a replacement for the injured Williamson against the Rajasthan Royals - Holder made an impact. Playing his first IPL game since 2016, Holder picked up three wickets and effected a run-out as the Sunrisers restricted the Royals to a below-par 154 for 6, which Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar helped chase down with ease.

Before the IPL, Holder had

a successful outing in the Caribbean Premier League where he led the Barbados Tridents. Although the Tridents finished second from last, Holder was their best player with 192 runs at an average of 21.33 with a strike rate of 140.14 and ten wickets at an economy of 6.63. But having not been bought at the IPL auction, Holder had other plans: when he was called up as a replacement for Marsh, he was on a vacation.

“I left a vacation to come here and play, I left the missus,” Holder to the IPL website after the Royals game.

“It was hard enough making the decision to come over and play. I am glad I did, and to get the opportunity tonight and making use of it, it is a pleasing feeling.”

In the next match, against the Kings XI Punjab, he again made telling contributions. Using the slower ball to good effect, Holder picked up the wickets of Chris Gayle and Chris

Jordan and, suddenly, the Sunrisers seemed to have found the leader of their pace attack.

Even though the Sunrisers lost that game chasing a paltry 127, the team management quickly understood Holder’s role was important: he provided balance and experience in both the bowling and batting departments.

When Williamson returned, the Sunrisers made room for Holder by replacing Bairstow with Wriddhiman Saha. Leaving Bairstow out was a gamble, but Saha’s 87 off 45 balls ensured it paid off as the Sunrisers beat the Delhi Capitals emphatically.

Before Holder came into the side, the Sunrisers were forced to save Sandeep Sharma’s two overs for the backend of the innings. But with Holder and Natarajan now sharing the responsibility at the death, Warner could use Sharma and his swing for three overs

upfront. That resulted in the Sunrisers picking up the most wickets (41) by any team in the second half of the tournament, with Holder, Sharma and Rashid Khan leading the way with eight scalps each and Natarajan just behind at seven. They also have the best average (21.00) and best economy rate (7.23) in that period.

Against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Holder proved his worth with the bat as well after registering figures of 2 for 27.

The Sunrisers were playing with only four established batsmen and all of them were back in the hut at 87 for 4 in a chase of 121. The scenes of their botched up chase against the Kings XI would have flashed in front of their eyes but, valuing his experience, the Sunrisers promoted Holder ahead of Abdul Samad.

Holder used his long levers to smash three sixes and a four in an unbeaten 26

off ten balls and, with calmness, took the panicstricken Sunrisers home.

“It has been a while since I played in the IPL,” he said after the victory. “For me, I was just longing for another opportunity and I got an opportunity this time. So just trying to make the most of it.”

In the 2020 IPL auction, Holder had listed his reserve price at INR 75 lakh but, despite being consistently ranked among the top two allrounders in Test cricket, a format in which he is the West Indies captain, Holder didn’t attract any bids.

This is his second stint with the Sunrisers - he played for them in 2014 as well. But having come in without any expectations this time, he has become an unexpected key performer for them.

The pitches in the UAE have offered bounce and pace to seamers, which has worked in Holder’s favour. He has also been tasked with (Continued on page 19)

Tuesday November 03, 2020

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

GABF receives Jason Holder: from unsold at the auction revised return to play to key performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad guidelines from FIBA The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has received the second edition of FIBA’s Restart Guidelines a u t h o r e d b y D r. P e t e r Harcourt, FIBA Medical C o m m i s s i o n C h a irman, following consultation with FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG), Medical Commission and Players Commission.

The guidelines are primarily for National Federations who are looking for guidance in the restart of basketball activities/competitions in the context of the COVID19 pandemic and is now available for National Federations and leagues.

The purpose of these guidelines is to offer direction and advice for the restart of basketball activities and competitions.

It is important to note that the guidelines are not intended t o r e p l a c e t h e guidance and restrictions of the Government of Guyana via the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG) has been regularly reviewing the latest

scientific knowledge as well as all the information including know-how, best practices and challenges in the context of the return to basketball, that have been provided by those National Federations and leagues which have resumed their basketball activities and competitions.

T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO) has revised the first version of the Risk Assessment Tool for sports event organizers to provide an overview of the process for determining the risk of COVID-19 spread.

The FIBA MAG has reflected the following updated scientific evidence on both COVID19 and mass gatherings, as well as the valuable input and feedback from National Federations and leagues.

The GABF considers the well-being as well as the mental and physical health of all involved in our sport to be of paramount importance.

We are thankful to the experts from the FIBA, WHO, the NBA and other National Federations and leagues involved in this important work.

Germany legend Mueller ‘slowly passing to the afterlife’ ahead of 75th birthday AFP - Former Germany striker Gerd Mueller “is slowly passing to the afterlife in his sleep”, his wife Uschi said before he celebrates his 75th birthday today.

‘The Bomber’ Mueller, who won the World Cup in 1974 and countless domestic and European titles with Bayern Munich, suffers from dementia and lives in a specialised care home.

“He spends almost 24 hours a day in bed, he has just the rare moments of being awake,” she told newspaper Bild in an article published yesterday.

“It’s beautiful when he opens his eyes a little bit.

Sometimes he manages to

say yes or no with his eyes.

“He’s calm, peaceful, I don’t think he’s suffering and is slowly passing to the afterlife in his sleep,” she added.

Mueller, who also lifted the European Championship with his country, holds the record of 40 goals in one Bundesliga season, set in 1971/72.

“It’s thanks to his goals that Bayern Munich rose to the international level and are there today,” his former team-mate Franz Beckenbauer said.

“In my eyes he is the most important player in Bayern Munich’s history.

I’m sure people will still talk about Gerd Mueller in 100 years.”

ESPNcricinfo - Jason Holder wouldn’t have been in the UAE had Mitchell Marsh not hurt his ankle. He might not have featured in the playing XI had Kane Williamson’s thigh injury not forced a rejig of plans.

But here he is and, though he may not have taken IPL 2020 by storm, he has made enough important contributions in a short time to keep the Sunrisers Hyderabad alive in the tournament.

Over the years, the Sunrisers have been a bowling team. But when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was ruled out because of a thigh injury and Siddarth Kaul failed to step up, their fast bowling resources seemed bereft of experience.

Although Sandeep Sharma swung the new ball and T Natarajan nailed the yorkers at the death, the Sunrisers lacked the glue to keep their seam attack together.

That aside, the Sunrisers problems were manifold. In the absence of an experienced Indian batsman, their middle order was looking shaky. That meant Williamson could not be dropped. With David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Rashid Khan being shoo-ins for the other overseas spots, Holder had to wait on the sidelines.

At the very first opportunity he got - as a replacement for the injured Williamson against the Rajasthan Royals - Holder made an impact. Playing his first IPL game since 2016, Holder picked up three wickets and effected a run-out as the Sunrisers restricted the Royals to a below-par 154 for 6, which Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar helped chase down with ease.

Before the IPL, Holder had a successful outing in the Caribbean Premier League where he led the Barbados Tridents. Although the Tridents finished second from last, Holder was their best player with 192 runs at an average of 21.33 with a strike rate of 140.14 and ten wickets at an economy of 6.63. But having not been bought at the IPL auction, Holder had other plans: when he was called up as a replacement for Marsh, he was on a vacation.

“I left a vacation to come here and play, I left the missus,” Holder to the IPL website after the Royals game.

“It was hard enough making the decision to come over and play. I am glad I did, and to get the opportunity tonight and making use of it, it is a

Jason Holder celebrates after foxing Sanju Samson with a slower one, Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2020, Dubai, October 22, 2020 ©BCCI pleasing feeling.”

In the next match, against the Kings XI Punjab, he again made telling contributions. Using the slower ball to good effect, Holder picked up the wickets of Chris Gayle and Chris Jordan and, suddenly, the Sunrisers seemed to have found the leader of their pace attack.

Even though the Sunrisers lost that game chasing a paltry 127, the team management quickly understood Holder’s role was important: he provided balance and experience in both the bowling and batting departments.

When Williamson returned, the Sunrisers made room for Holder by replacing Bairstow with Wriddhiman Saha. Leaving Bairstow out was a gamble, but Saha’s 87 off 45 balls ensured it paid off as the Sunrisers beat the Delhi Capitals emphatically.

Before Holder came into the side, the Sunrisers were forced to save Sandeep Sharma’s two overs for the backend of the innings. But with Holder and Natarajan now sharing the responsibility at the death, Warner could use Sharma and his swing for three overs upfront. That resulted in the Sunrisers picking up the most wickets (41) by any team in the second half of the tournament, with Holder, Sharma and Rashid Khan leading the way with eight scalps each and Natarajan just behind at seven. They also have the best average

(21.00) and best economy rate (7.23) in that period.

Against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Holder proved his worth with the bat as well after registering figures of 2 for 27.

The Sunrisers were playing with only four established batsmen and all of them were back in the hut at 87 for 4 in a chase of 121. The scenes of their botched up chase against the Kings XI would have flashed in front of their eyes but, valuing his experience, the Sunrisers promoted Holder ahead of Abdul Samad.

Holder used his long levers to smash three sixes and a four in an unbeaten 26 off ten balls and, with calmness, took the panicstricken Sunrisers home.

“It has been a while since I played in the IPL,” he said after the victory. “For me, I was just longing for another opportunity and I got an opportunity this time. So just trying to make the most of it.”

In the 2020 IPL auction, Holder had listed his reserve price at INR 75 lakh but,

despite being consistently ranked among the top two allrounders in Test cricket, a format in which he is the West Indies captain, Holder didn’t attract any bids.

This is his second stint with the Sunrisers - he played for them in 2014 as well. But having come in without any expectations this time, he has become an unexpected key performer for them.

The pitches in the UAE have offered bounce and pace to seamers, which has worked in Holder’s favour. He has also been tasked with playing cameos in the lower order, which he is more than capable of. With eight wickets in four games and a decisive knock with the bat, Holder has definitely made the most of his chances.

On November 5, Holder will turn 29. An advance birthday gift would be helping the Sunrisers make the playoffs by registering victory in their final league match, on Tuesday, against defending champions and title favourites Mumbai Indians.

PAGE 26

Tuesday November 03, 2020

Kaieteur News

Dhawan, Rahane fifties seal second place for Capitals; RCB make playoffs too ESPNcricinfo - Halfcenturies from Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan ensured the Delhi Capitals finished second on the IPL 2020 points table as they beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets in Abu Dhabi. They will now face the table toppers, the Mumbai Indians, in the first qualifier in Dubai on Thursday.

While they lost, the Royal Challengers also sealed a playoff spot by taking the game deep enough to ensure their net run rate stayed above that of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are currently fourth.

After being put in, the Royal Challengers innings never really hit the top gear despite Devdutt Padikkal’s half-century and AB de Villiers’ 35 off 21 balls towards the end. Whenever the Royal Challengers tried to break free, they were pegged back by a wicket or two. As a result, they could manage only 152 for 7. Anrich Nortje was the most successful bowler for the Capitals, picking up 3 for 33.

Defending 152, especially without Navdeep Saini who missed out because of his hand injury, was always going to be a tough ask. Once Dhawan and Rahane put the Capitals on the victory path, the next number the Royal Challengers had in mind was 17.3. They needed to stretch the game at least till 17.3 overs to ensure their net run rate stayed above the Kolkata Knight Riders’. Despite the dew, the Royal Challengers spinners - Shahbaz Ahmed,

Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal - stepped up and made sure the Capitals reached their target only in 19 overs.

Rabada gets his first powerplay wicket in a quiet start The Capitals bowlers did well to keep Padikkal and Josh Philippe quiet at the start. It’s not that the two didn’t show any intent; Philippe, in particular, played many a pull and drive but struggled with timing and placement. With just 25 on the board at the end of the fourth over, Philippe tried to loft Kagiso Rabada inside-out but failed to middle it. Prithvi Shaw back-tracked at cover to cling on to the chance, giving Rabada his first wicket in the powerplay this season.

Padikkal, though, didn’t miss out whenever an opportunity presented itself, mostly in the form of a short and wide delivery outside off.

He was quick to deploy drive, chip, cut or late cut to find the square boundary.

But once the field was spread out, R Ashwin and Axar Patel varied their pace intelligently to strangle the Royal Challengers.

Virat Kohli tried to take on Patel. Using his feet, Kohli tried to loft him over long-on but the ball hit the inner half of the bat. However, Nortje lost footing while taking the catch and the ball popped out of his hands.

Capitals thwart Royal Challengers’ attempt to accelerate With the Royal Challengers on 60 for 1 after ten overs, Kohli tried to cut

loose. He started with driving Rabada over extra cover before clearing long-on against Patel. But his charge was cut short by someone who had never dismissed him in T20s before today. Ashwin got Kohli out for the first time in 20 innings as he failed to clear deep midwicket.

Padikkal too struggled after his initial burst. From being 21 off 14 balls at the end of the powerplay, he managed only 29 in the next 27 balls.

He brought up his fifth halfcentury of the season - off 40 balls - but fell on the next ball to Nortje. The Royal Challengers promoted Chris Morris but he too departed in the same over. de Villiers and Shivam Dube got a few in their slot and added 33 in 18 balls to ensure the Royal Challengers crossed 150.

Dhawan gets Capitals off to quick start After fetching two ducks in his last two innings, Dhawan was welcomed with a low full toss from Morris, which the batsman dispatched through covers.

Two balls later, Morris overpitched again and Dhawan drove it through covers. In the next over, Shaw too hit Mohammad Siraj for a couple of fours before the bowler straightened one off the seam to beat the outside edge to hit the off stump.

The wicket didn’t deter Dhawan who kept finding boundaries from the other end. After a slow start, Rahane too hit his stride and the two took the side to 53 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.

Kohli brought on the spinners to stem the flow of runs. While there was little turn on offer, the move worked as the Capitals

Devdutt Padikkal goes inside out, Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2020, Abu Dhabi, November 2, 2020 © BCCI

managed only two fours from overs 7 to 11. Still, both Dhawan and Rahane brought up their fifties in 37 balls to keep the Capitals ahead of the asking rate.

Spinners save the day for Royal Challengers With their 88-run stand for the second wicket, Dhawan and Rahane had brought down the equation to 46 required from 45 balls when the former lapped Ahmed to short fine leg. Two overs later, Shreyas Iyer too holed out against Ahmed, while Sundar got Rahane on the second ball of the 18th over. After Dhawan’s dismissal, the Capitals failed to hit a single boundary till the penultimate over as Ahmed, Sundar and Chahal combined to concede only 79 in 12 overs while picking up three wickets. That enabled the Royal Challengers to sneak into the playoffs even though they couldn’t stop the Capitals’ victory march.

Scores: Delhi Capitals 154 for 4 (Rahane 60, Dhawan 54, Ahmed 2-26) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 152 for 7 (Padikkal 50, de Villiers 35, Nortje 3-33) by six wickets.

Ajinkya Rahane congratulates Shikhar Dhawan on getting to fifty. (BCCI)

Male track and field athlete of the year nominees announced NBC Sports OlympicTalk - Two world record breakers in 2020 and three Americans are among the 10 nominees for World Athletics’ male track and field athlete of the year.

Donavan Brazier (USA, 800m) Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda, 5000m/ 10,000m) Timothy Cheruiyot (Kenya, 1500m) Ryan Crouser (USA, Shot Put) Mondo Duplantis (Sweden, Pole Vault) Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda, Half Marathon) Noah Lyles (USA, 200m) Daniel Stahl (Sweden, Discus) Johannes Vetter (Germany, Javelin) Karsten Warholm (Norway, 400m Hurdles) Female athlete of the year nominees are expected to be announced today.

Five finalists per gender will be determined via voting among the World Athletics Council (50 percent), World Athletics family (25 percent) and by fans (25 percent) by liking individual athlete graphics on World Athletics’ Facebook and Instagram or by retweets.

The finalists will be named after voting closes on Nov. 15. The athletes of the year will be announced at the World Athletics awards on Dec. 5.

Cheptegei, 24, this year broke longstanding world records in the 5000m and 10,000m, both previously held by Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele.

Cheptegei looks to follow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge to make it three straight years that a distance runner takes male athlete of the year.

Duplantis, a 20-year-old born and raised in Louisiana by a Swedish mother and an American father, recorded the highest pole vault clearances in history indoors in February

Mondo Duplantis and outdoors in September.

He looks to become the first Swedish man or woman to win athlete of the year, and the second male pole vaulter to do so after former world-record holder Renaud Lavillenie of France in 2014.

Brazier, the 2019 World 800m champion, went undefeated in seven total races, recording the fastest times in the world for 2020 in the 800m indoors (1:44.22, American record) and outdoors (1:43.15).

Crouser, a Rio Olympic champion, won all 10 of his shot put competitions and improved his personal best by one centimeter (22.91 meters) to move into a tie for third on the alltime list.

Lyles, the 2019 World 200m champion, won all five of his finals and posted the world’s fastest 200m of 2020 (19.76).

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 03, 2020

PAGE 27

A Tribute by Errol Caetano West MMZ CC U21 overcome GT Uprising by 71 runs to George Braithwaite In respect to my good friend George Braithwaite; I was introduced to George when I was fifteen years old at the CNE in Toronto by Derek Wall, another old friend that has passed.

Seeing that we were both from British Guiana, now known as Guyana, We slowly developed a friendship and over the years became not only good friends but also competitors.

I admired George not only for his talent but his dedication to the sport and to his training. He was strict with himself both physically and mentally. Anyone who knew George would agree with me he was in it one hundred and ten percent.

George was not only a Table Tennis player but a track and field star as well back home. A natural athlete that once he put his mind to something he would not quit until he had completed it to the best of his ability.

We had many hard fought matches and many good times together.

In 1971, we were lucky enough to be invited to China after the World Championships in Nagoya, Japan.

George on the American team and me on the Canadian team; it was a life changing experience, not only for us but I think for the sport in North America.

In 1972, I was invited to play for Guyana in the Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Trinidad where I had the honour of

Manoj Dasrat

Errol Caetano (right) and George Braithwaite. playing with George not only as a teammate but also playing in the doubles event with him. The team consisting of George, Gordon Stevens, Garth Isaacs and myself where we were fortunate enough to win the team event, the men’s doubles, and I managed to beat Robert Earl of Barbados in the finals of the men’s singles. It was a very successful tournament for Guyana and he was very proud of that.

We were then invited back to Guyana following the tournament for a little celebration where we spent a few quality days together.

George then returned in later years to win the singles title himself, and that’s the determination I am speaking of: never quit until you succeed.

One more thing I would like to say about the Chief, he was so approachable he would speak to anyone at anytime, whether it was for some advice or just a question. BUT, my hat is off to George, he would practice with anyone who asked him and I will tell you from experience not many players would and that is one thing I took from George, never put anyone down who is trying to get ahead in the sport, you don’t realize how important that few minutes are to them.

Rest in peace my good friend; you have touched many people’s lives in a positive way...

(Errol Caetano is a former Guyana Former Caribbean Champion and Representative and Canadian National Team Member.)

Scott is new GASA President As Goodridge did not seek re-election

By Sean Devers Former National Hockey player 43-year-old Dwayne Scott was elected as the new President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) when that body held its Biannual General Meeting and elections last Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre in Lilliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara.

President of GASA, Brian Goodridge, did not seek re-election and the new Executive members will take over the reigns’ from January 1, 2021 and will be in charge for two years.

They will be working on transition over the next two

Dwayne Scott months.

During his Hockey playing days, Scott was known for his air-tight defence, but he could be equally effective in offence as he is a true master of the counterattack, earning himself the top-scorer accolade at the 2009 GT&T

National Indoor Championships.

As an Administrator in the Sport of swimming, Scott has several years of experience in swimming and says his main objective as GASA boss is to take the sport to new heights under his tenure.

“My main goal is to build the sport from the grassroots level up, which would result in better overall administrative functioning and an improvement of the images of the clubs,” revealed Scott, who made his senior outdoor hockey debut at the Caribbean Cup in 2007. Scott, who played (Continued on page 19)

Jeffrey Blair

W

est MetenMeer-Zorg Cricket Club under-21 side beat city side Georgetown Uprising by 71 runs when the teams collided in a 35 overs fixture on Sunday last at West MetenMeer-Zorg centre ground.

West Meten-Meer-Zorg U21 opted to bat and posted a challenging 236 for 9. They were off to a bad start losing three wickets with only five runs on the board, however

Riaz Khan (left) and Derick Foo Riaz Khan and captain Derick Foo repaired the early damage with a stand of 50.

Foo clobbered three fours and seven sixes before he was caught on the boundary off Jeffrey Blair for a classy 68, while Khan struck two fours and six sixes in a fine 53. Kevin Latchoo supported with 37 including two fours and a similar number of sixes. Blair bagged 5 for 36 from seven overs.

Georgetown New

Uprising under-21 scored 164 all out in 24.3 overs in reply. Left-handed opener Ushardevo Balgobin top scored with an even half century which contained two fours and six sixes, while Sunil Joshua made 33 with three sixes and Kristoff Shepherd 18.

Bowling for West MetenMeer-Zorg Cricket Club U21, Manoj Dasrat bagged 5 for 35 from 6.3 overs and Ricardo Panaram 2 for 31.

Covid-19: Six Warriors players withdrawn from opening round ESPNcricinfo - South African cricket resumed after almost seven months of inaction due to the coronavirus pandemic but Covid-19 has made its effects felt immediately. The Eastern-Cape based Warriors had to withdraw six members of their squad from their opening fixture against the Knights at the Mangaung Oval, after two players tested positive and four others were in direct contact with them.

The players were tested last Thursday, before the Warriors squad traveled to Bloemfontein, and no other players came into contact with the six.

As a result, the Warriors have had to apply to CSA for an exemption because they have missed the transformation target for this round. The Warriors had to take the field against the Knights with only five

A cleaning sanitiser bottle lies next to some some balls in the outfield during a net session. (Getty Images)

players of colour, including two black Africans, instead of the stipulated six players of colour, including three black Africans. They have asked the body to be lenient i n e x c e p t i o n a l circumstances.

However, they were shown none of the same by the Knights’ opening batsmen, who put the

Warriors attack to the sword.

Jacques Snyman became the first batsman in decade to score a century before lunch in a franchise four-day game - a feat last achieved by Rilee Rossouw in 2010 - and was eventually run out for 109.

Snyman shared a 164-run opening stand with Matthew Kleinveldt, who was dismissed for 73.

rt o p S

Germany legend Mueller ‘slowly passing to the afterlife’ ahead of 75th birthday Michael Holding:

‘Pooran should be playing Test cricket’ Jason Holder: from unsold at the auction to key performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Gerd Mueller (L) alongside current Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller in 2010.

GABF receives revised return to play guidelines from FIBA FIBA has issued new guidelines for return to play.

Jason Holder finished off the tricky chase, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2020, Sharjah, October 31, 2020 ©BCCI Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.