Guyana_Chroncicle_Epaper_05_13_2021

THURSDAY 13th May, 2021

No. 106359 SEE PAGE

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159,951 receive first dose, 16,004 fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Second director sent packing

— given 24 hours to leave; demobilisation efforts underway at illegal concrete facility

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Retraction and apology On April 28, 2020, an article headlined “Who dem fi condemn Clairmont Mingo” appeared in the Guyana Chronicle and on our website. The article contained comments which were injurious to the reputation and character of prominent attorney, Selywn Peters. The Guyana National Newspapers Limited retracts the publication entirely and unreservedly apologises to Mr Peters for any embarrassment, distress, ridicule and torment the said article would have caused him and his family.

At the time of the publication of the article, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited was under the control and management of officials from the APNU+AFC Government and Mr Peters and many other persons were unjustifiably attacked and victimised for their outstanding role in advocating for free and fair elections, democracy and adherence to the rule of law. Once again, the new management of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited unreservedly apologises to Mr Peters.

Minister Anthony hails nurses for leading COVID-19 fight

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

19-year-old is new Toshao of Shea village

—says he’s eager to make community a better place

Newly elected Toshao of Shea village, Jason Caitan

By Vishani Ragobeer JASON Caitan, a 19-year-old resident of Shea, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was elected Toshao of the village, on May 11, and he is aiming to make his village a better place for all of its residents.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Caitan related that his decision to run for Toshao was made after his family members and other community members encouraged

him. The support was, however, not universal.

“Most of the villagers (thought) I am too young to become a leader, but that didn’t stop me,” the newly-elected Toshao said.

Cognisant that he had to win over the support of his fellow villagers if he wanted to be elected, the young man spent some time engaging people.

“I decided that I will have a campaign to have the villagers come out to listen to me and what are my plans,” he recounted to this newspaper.

But even before engaging the villagers on his plans, he surveyed Shea to identify what the needs of the village are and what changes and developments he would introduce.

Among the needs identified were: a building for indigenous activities only, the creation of a men’s group to impart skills and knowledge to younger ones, developing the roads and bridges that lead to the villagers’ farms, and developing the village ranch.

Now that he has been elected, he said that he looks forward to implementing these plans. He, however, acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge for indigenous communities.

In the South Rupununi area of Region Nine, where Shea is located, there has been a recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases, after many villages in this area managed to remain COVID free for more than a year.

Caitan affirmed that he and the councillors supporting him on the village council will ensure that they take care of the villagers. Importantly, he said that most of the villagers already received their first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine and are willing to take the second dose.

Overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 will require support and togetherness from all of the people in Shea, the young Toshao said.

“My message to my people of Shea and also indigenous people all across Guyana is to trust in God [and] to work in unity in order to see development in my community and in the country as a whole, despite the pandemic,” Toshao Caitan said.

In Indigenous communities all across Guyana, village elections are ongoing. The communities are choosing their new local leaders who will be tasked with spearheading development in the villages. Caitan will be joined by a number of other leaders.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

Second director sent packing

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— given 24 hours to leave; demobilisation efforts underway at illegal concrete facility

By Richard Bhainie ANOTHER director of the illegal concrete facility, Superior Concrete Incorporated, being set up adjacent to South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, has been given 24 hours to leave the country.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed on Wednesday that the director, Richard Austin Shamlin, had entered the country on a one-month visa, which has since expired, and as such he was given 24 hours to leave the country or face deportation.

This comes after Ian Jones, also a director of Superior Concrete Inc., was given seven days, starting from Wednesday, to do same, after his work permit was revoked.

The Immigration Department reportedly discovered that Jones’ services were terminated by his previous employ-

ers, who operate in Guyana, but he continued to work in the country under the conditions of same work permit.

Construction on the site had started even though the company did not apply for, nor received the requisite approval from authorities such as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for work to begin.

On Tuesday, the CH&PA served the company with a third Contravention Order, which serves as a cease-anddesist order and seeks to halt all works on the site for breach of conduct.

Previously, when a team from the CH&PA attempted to serve the company with the first Contravention Order it was met with hostility from representatives of Superior

Richard Shamlin, one of the directors of Superior Concrete Incorporated (Adrian Narine photo)

Concrete Inc., one of the representatives being Jones himself, who threw away the order.

When contacted for an update on Wednesday, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, told the Guyana Chronicle that, based on reports he received during the day, demobilisation efforts were underway at the facility. A number of trucks at the site have since vacated the location.

The City Engineer Department of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had also served an Order on Superior Concrete Inc. to “cease and remove all unauthorised works immediately.”

It was reported that the facility is being set up on a portion of land facilitated

by Andrew Mekdeci, which is leased from the owner, Michael Vieira of Houston Estates. Mekdeci has since

denied involvement with the company.

“I wish to state, categorically, that I am not a shareholder, executive nor a joint venture partner, have no interests in, nor am I financially connected with Superior Concrete Inc. I will neither condone nor participate in any illegal operation and I will not flout the laws of Guyana,” a statement from Mekdeci indicated.

In the same statement he explained that his company was contracted to provide equipment and construction materials to the location leased by the company; however, his involvement does not extend to “any concrete batch plant or any other area”.

He has also acknowledged the cease and desist order issued by the Government and assured full compliance with the law.

Region Three Chamber welcomes development of shore base

—says President Ali in Eid-ul-Fitr 2021 message THE FULL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT: Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

I extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially my fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters on this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, on behalf of my family and the Government.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a period of prayers, fasting and peace.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for prayers, exchanging best wishes and helping the needy.

These acts of devotion, kindness, love and concern help to contribute to a culture of understanding and peace.

The Holy Quran says, “When you enter houses, offer greetings of peace upon each other, a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”

Peace is a virtue engrained in our hearts and a gift to be shared. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) urged us all to live as brothers and sisters, respecting and honouring one another.

Peace among men and women is built on respect

President Irfaan Ali

for and understanding and tolerance towards each other.

Peace within society is predicated on justice. And peace between states and peoples must be underscored by respect for religious rights, freedom and democracy.

At this time, we note, with extreme concern, the violence which has erupted in the Middle East. Guyana urges restraint. It also uses this opportunity to restate its long-standing position urging respect for

the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and to a homeland.

Peace begins in our hearts, in how we treat those dearest and nearest to us. It extends to our fellow human beings and to our society. Let us therefore become vessels of peace.

On this holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, I urge that we all continue to strive for greater peace in the world – in our homes, communities and institutions, and between states.

So, to families out there, my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters, let us use the lessons of Ramadan to strengthen us, to make us more courageous and to add to our resolve to come together as humanity; to love each other as brothers and sisters; to give more to the needy; to care more for each other; to care more about our neighbours and this will translate into better societies, better communities and indeed, a better country A joyous and blessed Eid-ul-Fitr to all! Eid Mubarak!

THE Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) has said that it welcomes the development of a shore base at Malgre Tout/Versailles, West Bank Demerara as it will benefit residents.

According to President of the R3CCI, Halim Khan, the chamber observed in the news, issues surrounding the proposed development of a shore base, and, having reviewed the situation, understands that the mangroves are important for sea defence.

However, Khan said that the proposed shore base will use steel sheet piling construction, which will serve to protect the shorelines and prevent flooding of the community.

“We welcome the shore base facility in Region Three as it will require materials, labour, and services that exist in the community. We, therefore, support the establishment of a shore base facility, since during construction, development, and completion it will benefit the people of Region Three,” he noted.

Further, Khan explained that because of the nature of development expected to occur in Guyana, applications and expressions of interest for more shore base facilities are inevitable on the western side of the Demerara River and measures will be instituted to replicate the function of the mangroves.

“The project should be viewed as a positive for the region given its economic impact and ability to generate jobs,” he noted.

With projections for the production of 220,000 barrels of oil per day from 2023 and 500,000 by 2025, Khan explained that the Houston, East Bank Demerara shore base alone will not suffice and has advertised for firms to show their onshore support services capabilities.

The swathe of mangroves is being cleared by TriStar Incorporated, a company owned by Guyanese-born Krishna Persaud, who hails from Region Three but is a naturalized United States (US) citizen, with the intention of establishing a US$100 million proposed shore base and wharf facility at the said locality.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, on Monday, said that, with Guyana being an oil producing nation, there are infrastructural developments that are necessary to facilitate and properly service the industry. He said one such development is the establishing of shore base facilities.

Edghill pointed out that the eastern bank of the Demerara river, which now houses stellings, wharfs and shore base developments, was once lined with mangroves, which had to be cleared to facilitate those developments, as “development comes with changes”. He explained that the same is necessary for the western section of the Demerara River.

“So, the big issue here is the cutting of the mangroves to facilitate this development, the big issue is not flooding because the adequacy of the measures – the hard structures to prevent flooding are in place, so the big issue is if we should cut mangroves or don’t cut mangroves,” he added.

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Escalation of violence in Israel, Palestine condemned by Guyana

THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has noted, with growing alarm and concern, the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine which has resulted in the senseless loss of lives, the destruction of property, the displacement of persons, and a further setback in the Middle East.

Reuters reported that Israel carried out hundreds of air strikes in Gaza on Wednesday and Palestinian militants fired multiple rock-

et barrages at Tel Aviv and the southern city of Beersheba in the region’s most intense hostilities in years.

At least 49 people have been killed in Gaza since violence escalated on Monday, according to the enclave’s health ministry. Six people have been killed in Israel, medical officials said.

The violence, as reported

by Reuters, followed weeks of tension during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, with clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian pro-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

testers near Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.

These escalated ahead of a court hearing - now postponed - that could lead to the eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem homes claimed by Jewish settlers.

According to Reuters, the conflict has led to the freezing of talks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents on forming a governing coalition to unseat him after Israel’s inconclusive March 23 election.

Locally, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Government of Guyana has condemned all acts of violence and finds repugnant the invasion of the Al-Aqsa mosque.

“We hold sacred and worthy of respect, places of worship of all religious faith.

The Government of Guyana implores all parties to apply restraint and to cease all actions that are in contravention of international

and humanitarian law,” the statement related.

Guyana’s view is that constructive dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities is

pivotal to advancing the peace process and to the realisation of the two-state solution as the legitimate end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

THE Ministry of Health has temporarily suspended programmes being conducted at the Charles Rosa Nursing School in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), citing issues of inequitable acceptance of students.

According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, the school has been training mostly persons from Region Ten, while those residing in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine have only benefitted from “nominal” placements.

“This school, funded by the taxpayers of Guyana, is intended to train all eligible Guyanese who are desirous of pursuing a career in nursing,” the Health Ministry asserted.

A recent review of nursing personnel for all regions shows that Region Ten is the only region with an excess of 233 registered nurses and 106 registered nursing assistants.

All other regions have a defi-

cit for trained nursing staff.

The ministry’s statement also highlighted the intake patterns for the year 2019, involving Batches 64 and 65.

“With batch 65, there was 27 nursing professional students with 22 students [being] from Region Ten. This batch will be graduating in 2022.

intake of 33, 21 students are from Region Ten. “These two programmes, batch 66 and class 17 have been temporarily suspended to ensure that the intake of students reflects the regions where the Ministry of Health has the greatest need for nurses,” the ministry said.

The ministry further accused the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) of peddling misinformation and seeking to politicize the situation.

“If the APNU+AFC had addressed the structural discrimination at the Charles Rosa Nursing School during its tenure, then students from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine would have had equitable access,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Health further assured all Guyanese that it would take the necessary corrective actions to ensure all the eligible students from the regions are granted access to the Charles Rosa Nursing School training programmes.

“We will review batch 66 and class 17 to balance the intake before classes can restart. We are confident that all right-thinking and fair-minded Guyanese will agree with this approach,” the statement concluded.

Smoke rises from a tower after it was hit by Israeli air strikes amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, in Gaza City May 12, 2021 (REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)

The Charles Rosa Nursing School in Region Ten

“With batch 64, there was an intake of 36 students for the Professional Nursing Programme, with 29 students [being] from Region Ten. All students from this batch will be graduating in 2021.

Between these two batches, an additional 51 nurses will be added to the staff of Region Ten,” the press statement noted.

The minister said too that the situation prevails even as many of the regions continue to operate with a notable deficit of nursing staff who are eligible for training at the Charles Rosa Nursing School.

“However, these students were excluded once again. Of an intake for batch 66, of 34 students, 24 are from Region Ten,” the ministry said.

As it relates to the Registered Nursing Assistants (RNA) class 17 which has an

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

By Richard Bhainie THE Health Ministry has administered some 159,951 first dose and 16,004 second dose of the three (Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V) COVID-19 vaccines since the vaccination campaign against the deadly virus began.

These numbers, as of Tuesday last, represent 32.9 per cent of the adult population residing in Guyana (persons 18 years and older), receiving their first dose, and 3.3 per cent receiving their

second dose of the vaccines.

The number of doses of vaccine administered as

of Tuesday was disclosed

by Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony during his

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday.

The Health Minister highlighted that while the ministry has recorded an increase in the number of younger persons, who have been willing to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, there is still a large portion of the population who have to be vaccinated as he encouraged everyone to be inoculated against the virus.

He noted that the ministry continues to collaborate with faith-based organisations and community groups,

—to focus on advancement of local content, participation of indigenous companies EVEN though the flurry of physical activities and extravagance will be absent this year, the organisers of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) intend on facilitating engaging discussions on the country’s advancement in the petroleum sector through an innovative, virtual platform.

This, the third annual GIPEX, will run from June 28-30 via a virtual platform hosted collectively by Valiant Business Media (VBM), the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA).

The activity, which is being organised by VBM, will comprise a virtual conference and exhibition and include private breakout rooms, facility for one-on-one virtual meetings, integrated chat and video conferencing, and the virtual exchange of business cards and brochures.

The Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in a recent statement, said the ministry is pleased to be hosting the event jointly with VBM. “GIPEX remains our largest oil and gas conference and exhibition, providing a great opportunity for all stakeholders to converge in order to discover opportunities, be updated on the latest developments, network, establish business contacts and discuss opportunities and developments within the oil and gas sector in Guyana,” the minister said.

He added: “This year we would like to put more focus on the advancement of local content and are looking forward to facilitating maximum participation of the indigenous companies, the small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the startups in addition to international companies interested in exploring tremendous

opportunities in our oil and gas sector.”

The exhibition will allow participants to interact closely with peers across the globe and conduct business, generate qualified leads and gauge instant market reaction with real-time engagement metrics.

enced the organisers’ decision to hold a virtual version of GIPEX before returning to in-person events. However, he anticipates that the benefits of participating will be equivalent to what was offered during the physical events and even more.

“We are confident that the

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

The conference will include presentations and panel discussions, giving insights on the latest trends and techniques in the industry as well as prevalent challenges and solutions to tackle business disruptions caused by the pandemic, and the implication of COVID-19 on the global oil and gas supply chain. In addition, leading experts in the market will field participants’ questions on the industry.

Chief Executive Officer of VBM, Shariq AbdulHai, said the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic influ-

benefits will not be diminished in any way. GIPEX will be hosted via a new-age, interactive virtual platform that will maximise communication and networking among participants,” AbdulHai said.

Speakers at GIPEX 2021 will include Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; President of the GMSA, Rafeek Khan; President and Chief Executive Officer of Saipem, Giorgio Martelli; Vice

Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed; President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana, Zulfikar Ally; Chairman of the International Association of Drilling Contractors, Carlos Ortiz Rigeur, and many other industry experts.

GIPEX has a history of successful execution, with over 250 local and international companies participating in the 2019 summit in addition to more than 70 exhibitors.

Major industry operatives have already signalled their interest in being a part of GIPEX 2021. Saipem is on board as a gold exhibitor, while JHI Associates, TechnipFMC and Oceaneering are silver sponsors. Associate sponsors include Sol, Parker and Digicel.

The third annual GIPEX is particularly timely because business opportunities in Guyana’s oil and gas sector are growing quickly, as news of the nation’s nine billion barrels continues to attract the interest of the international business community.

which have so far been instrumental and have done an exceptional job in aiding the rolling out of vaccination campaigns throughout the administrative regions of Guyana.

He stressed, however, that there is a need for many more partnerships, especially in Region 10, as an assessment of the number of vaccinations administered based on the 10 administrative regions reveals that Region 10 has been “lagging behind”.

“We want to encourage groups in Region 10, community-minded citizens, in-

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fluential people who can talk to others, to make sure that people take their vaccines… we really want to appeal to those persons to assist us,” he said.

Just last week, the Health Minister and a team of his Cabinet colleagues took to the mining town of Linden, Region 10 as part of an effort to improve the willingness among the population to take the vaccine, since it was observed that the town has recorded significantly low numbers of doses administered.

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

Pathways to development AFTER a long time of waiting, it was no doubt a great relief for residents and commuters to see Hunter Street, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, finally open and with a brand new look.

Significantly, the old double lane road has been upgraded to a major thoroughfare with three lanes that will enable a more free-flow of traffic.

Motorists and commuters can now breathe some sigh of relief since prior to the new road, traffic congestion in that area was a major bugbear.

In Guyana, road construction has been an area that has attracted much attention due largely to shoddy work by contractors and the Hunter Street project was no exception. It was

therefore good to see that the Ministry of Public Works moved decisively to terminate the services of the previous contractor, who failed to deliver to expectation after labouring on the project for two years, causing great inconvenience to residents and commuters.

This showed that the government is taking a no-nonsense approach in dealing with errant and negligent contractors and one could only hope that there is no slackening-up on this stance.

The timely delivery by the new contractor of the Hunter Street project is most commendable, as well as the new features of the road which, among other things, include a safer pedestrian walkway, street lights and beautification

of the space between the road and walkway, all to the tune of $150 million.

The project is part of a wider plan by the government to build new roads and upgrade existing ones to ease traffic congestions, reduce cost of travel and generally improve the livelihoods of citizens.

While attention is being paid to build new infrastructure and upgrade existing ones on the coastland, simultaneously, similar attention is being given to road networks in the hinterland regions.

T h i s y e a r, s o m e $938 million has been allocated for major road works in several hinterland communities in Regions One, Seven and Nine in keeping with government’s vision to create avenues

that will stimulate growth and development at the community level as well as the country as a whole.

These impending works will significantly improve the standard of living of residents who reside in the targeted communities. The upgrades to the road networks will also provide opportunities for improved commerce and innovation across the hinterland.

It should be noted that these rehabilitative works will involve the construction of new concrete roads as a way to modernise the infrastructure and provide a more accessible commute to and from these communities. Some of these communities identified for work will also get a temporary road

system to reopen several roads that were previously impassible.

At present, some of these roads are impassible, but with these upgrades, persons would be able to traverse them with their ATVs, their tractors and any other form of transportation.

Aside from these, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, was quick to point out other key benefits, apart from employment, that will be derived from the developmental works.

“Business persons can expect to use less fuel to get their produce in these communities and that would benefit them; they in turn can reduce the cost attached to items and that would benefit the residents,” he recently told

reporters.

Roads are a vital means of transporting people, goods and services from one point to another, and in the wider scheme of commerce, they act as arteries of development.

This is particularly so, because where new roads are constructed, development springs forth and mushrooms. In a nutshell, farmlands open up, and housing schemes come into being. And with the opening up of housing schemes comes the provision of water, electricity, and a hive of commercial activities.

Roads, therefore, play a key role in facilitating national development, as well as contributing to the happiness and well-being of the citizens in the locale in which they are built.

The poverty alleviation efforts demonstrate China really cares about human rights

By Chen Xilai, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy ENDING poverty is the first of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. China had secured a comprehensive victory this year in the fight against poverty, with 98.99 million rural residents in poverty all shook off poverty, which is an outstanding and historic achievement in the Chinese history and even the human history.

On April 6, China released a white paper titled “Poverty Alleviation: China’s Experience and Contribution”, fully i n t ro d u c i n g h o w t h e Communist Party of

China united and led the people across the country to alleviate poverty and protected people’s right to development, an inalienable and deeprooted human right.

No one shall be left behind As the ancient Chinese philosopher, Guanzi said, “the key to governance of a country is to improve its people’s lives.” The CPC has been staying true to its original aspiration and founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. It keeps emphasising that no single poor region or single poor person should be left behind in the campaign against poverty. Millions

of poverty relief officials were selected nationwide and dispatched to live in the front line of the poor villages and to find a way for the poor families to get rich. Mao Xianglin, the CPC secretary of Xiazhuang, a remote village of Chongqing Province, spent seven years leading all villagers to dig a path road from the cliffs and connecting Xiazhuang to the outside world. Through their efforts, impoverished households said goodbye to untreated water and can drink clean water now, and left the mud thatched cottages for the bright and spacious brick houses.

Eradicating poverty through development Poverty alleviation

requires a change of attitude and the support of education, which can only be achieved through development. China mobilised support for poverty alleviation from various sectors including government authorities, state-owned and private companies and civil societies, and stimulated the impoverished areas by “teaching people how to fish” instead of “giving people fish”. In Suixi, Anhui Province, the governmental resident working team of poverty alleviation helped the villagers to build greenhouses for succulent plants as a revenuegenerating programme.

They were provided rent

reduction, tax incentives, planting training and live streaming sales opportunities. In Zhejiang Province, hundreds of Taobao Villages emerged with the support of the local government. Lu Lin, a villager from Beishan, Zhejiang, suffers from muscle atrophy disease and has been unable to walk since he was a child. After he was trained to open an online store selling outdoor equipment, he can now support both himself and his mother.

China’s contribution to the global poverty reduction To get rid of poverty is a main focus and a great challenge of global governance. Hundreds of millions of people will fall

into extreme poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

China has taken an active part in global poverty management and shared its experience with other countries to build a global community of shared future that is free from poverty and pursues common prosperity. According to a World Bank study, the “Belt and Road” initiative will help 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in the related countries. Chinese farmers from Yunan Province taught the visiting representatives from Indonesia, Laos, and others, hand in hand about the co-farming model Continued on Page 7

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana Beloved brothers and sisters, in faith and humanity.

Assalaamu ‘Alaikum Wa R a h m a t u l l a a h i Wa Barakaatuh. May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon you all.

All praises are for Allah (SWT), peace and choicest blessings on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

On behalf of the executives and members of CIOG, I extend to all, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

On this joyous day of Eid ul Fitr, the executives and staff of CIOG join with you in spiritual celebration.

We are grateful to Allah (SWT) for providing the opportunity and the strength to perform our duty during the holy month of Ramadan and generously reward us for all our various acts of worship. Our bodies, minds, and spirits have been cleansed and rejuvenated by fasting and prayer, and we are prepared to go forward with renewed spiritual strength, fortified in our faith and devotion. Let us take the lessons of the University of Ramadan into the other months.

The first of Shawwal is a day of Eid, great joy and reward.

The Prophet (SAW) said:

The poverty...

From page 6 of rice and fish. The 24 agricultural technology demonstration centres built by China in Africa have benefitted more than 500,000 local people.

A UNDP survey shows that moderate poverty households in Guyana declined from 43 per cent to 36.3 per cent in seven years, and extreme poverty dropped from 28.7 per cent to 19.1 per cent. But poverty alleviation in Guyana did not end. As a long-term friendly development partner of Guyana, China is willing to cooperate with Guyana for the national development of the two countries and the holistic human development of the two peoples.

“Angels on the day of Eid stand at the alleys and pathways and say, ‘rush to the Generous Lord Who gives great blessings and forgives great sins.”

Open your hearts to accept the gifts of forgiveness and abundance bestowed upon us by our Merciful Creator (SWT), and then be a clear channel to spread the Joy and the love. Let it flow through your lives in words and actions.

In our celebration, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardship, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Reach out, find ways to help, be a role model, live and act in ways that comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is gracious, infinitely merciful and abundant.

“Those who have faith and perform righteous deeds, they are the rightful owners of Paradise. Therein they shall abide forever.” (Holy Quran: Chapter 2: Verse82) Let us nurture harmonious relationships in our families, communities, and our nation.

I encourage you to invite our Non-Muslim brothers and sisters to join in our Eid

celebrations following the COVID-19 Protocols.

It is our duty to promote the core Islamic values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and khidma — to be in the service of others, to serve and protect Allah’s (SWT) creation is an act of worship.

May Allah (SWT) bless and have mercy on us. May he bless our country and the entire world with peace, justice and respecting the human rights of everyone.

We beseech Allah (SWT) to accept all our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

May Allah (SWT) graciously grant us healing and abundance. (Ameen) I close with the pillar of reliance of trust in Allah (SWT) and which is the foundation of our faith.

“Allah (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us).”

(Holy Quran: Chapter 3: Verse 173) Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak!

Wa - A l a i k u m u s - S a l a a m WaRahmatullahiWabarakaatuh. May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be with you.

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad, President CIOG

The People’s Progressive Party The sacred and joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is once again upon us.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to say Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters here in Guyana and in the diaspora.

Ramadan is the most anticipated month for Muslims across the world during which they make tremendous sacrifices for spiritual advancement through fasting. As the holy month ends and Eidul-Fitr is being observed, it is the party’s wish that the virtues of fasting and the spirituality sought would have been achieved

by all.

Our Party is cognisant that Ramadan offers many pertinent lessons for all mankind as evident from the dedication and self-discipline that exemplifies Islam. Humility, contentment, restraint and love for fellow men and women are foremost and relevant especially in today’s world that is fraught with many related challenges.

The Zakat, or charity, associated with Eid-ul-Fitr, is demonstrative of Muslims across the world contributing to the betterment of mankind and to aid in the removal of societal barriers.

These selfless acts are extremely important to strengthening the much-needed bonds of

brotherhood in the face of the many global challenges to peace. On such occasions, our party would urge reflection so that all of us to be motivated by the significance given the value and potential for individual and collective advancement.

As in the case of other religious and national observances over the past several months, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on traditional celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, our party remains optimistic that the true spirit and intent of the observances will remain dear and deeply etched in the hearts of all.

Eid Mubarak!

More messages on page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

—says House Speaker SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir has said that the allocation of $37 million for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition for its current expenditure is sufficient.

The Speaker was, at the time, responding to allegations from the Opposition that its allocation had been drastically reduced.

During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tues-

day, Speaker Nadir said the Opposition Leader’s office could not receive a budgetary increase of more than 200 per cent.

“This $92.2 million which was requested is 260 per cent of what the Leader of the Opposition Office received in 2020. In no way, no agency, no government ministry does anyone get 260 per cent increase. You might see a new programme, but then you will see other programmes being

cut.

“So, the overall budget for a ministry doesn’t go up by 260 per cent. If we had a budget that increase as a whole of 260 per cent, then everybody would have gotten those wishes. But the budget is cut to fit the revenue stream that flow into government,” the Speaker said.

Nadir also said the $37 million for current expenditure is in keeping with the yearly allocation for the Office of the

Leader of the Opposition.

“Last year, as I said, $35 million was allocated to the Leader of the Opposition’s Office. This year, it is over $37 million for the current expenditure. Last year, be-

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

The office of the Leader of the Opposition (DPI photo)

tween January and August, when the Leader of the Opposition then was … [Vice] President Jagdeo, he received $19.2 million and this was an allocation made by the PPP/C Government to the Leader of the Opposition to cover his expenses from January 1 to August 31.

“For the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joseph Harmon’s Office from September to December, we allocated from the Parliamentary budget, $16.1 million, which is $4

million on average a month, but we had allocated for Dr. Jagdeo was about $2.4 million a month,” the Speaker related.

For the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, the office received $34.5 million, $37 million and $35 million, respectively.

The Opposition Leader’s Office had also requested $48.3 million for its capital expenditure for 2021 but only $5 million was granted.

Speaker Nadir said the Parliament Office had erred by stating that $19.7 million was approved for capital expenditure, but this was corrected and the $5 million is seen as sufficient for the effective operation of the office.

“There is no reason for the Parliament Office and my office to stymie, disable or prevent the Leader of the

Opposition’s Office from functioning,” he said.

Further, the Speaker posited that it is unreasonable for an allocation to the Opposition Leader’s Office to increase astronomically, as it would put a strain on the Parliament Office, which also funds the office of the Opposition Leader.

“We would have had to cut other programmes in the Parliament Office to cater for that budget. So, the Hansard may not have been able to come out in a reasonable time; we would have had to cut committee meetings; we would have had to look at the internet fees; the rentals for the Convention Centre; the meals for the Parliamentarians; the travelling to bring Parliamentarians out,” Nadir explained.

Taxi driver allegedly rapes teenage passenger POLICE are looking for a taxi driver who reportedly raped a female teenage passenger on Tuesday night.

Reports indicate that the alleged rape occurred in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) around 23:00hrs.

It is alleged that the suspect failed to take the teenager to her desired destination and, instead, drove some distance away where the act was committed.

A report was made to the police and efforts are being made to arrest the driver.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

Opposition councillor, Mark Mc Lean, making comments during the RDC meeting

THE HbA1C test, which was never previously offered at the Suddie Public Hospital, in Region Two, is now available.

This was revealed by the Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh, during Wednesday’s statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

During the meeting, Dr. Ranjeev informed the council that the Haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test that measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to the haemoglobin is now available at the hospital. He said with the test, persons can detect the glucose level in their blood at an early stage and will know how to control the chronic illness from an early stage.

The test was never available since there were no parameters and re-agents to conduct the reinstallations in the machine which was in place.

Dr. Singh explained to the council that haemoglobin is part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

He said that the test is available free of cost.

Opposition Councillor, Mark Mc Lean, during

the discussion, commended the work of the RHO in ensuring that systems were put in place and the necessary recommendations were made to ensure that the test became available in the region. Mc Lean said the test was available at private laboratories and persons had to pay approximately $8000 to $10,000 to have it done. He commended the Ministry of Health for its efforts to make the service available at the

public hospital.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, said she is very happy that the test is now available. She said this will ensure that persons are able to check their glucose levels to detect any issues at an early stage. She also commended the RHO for making representations so that the test can be made available in the region free of cost.

Dr. Ranjeev Singh speaking at the statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)

COME Thursday, May 13, Magistrate Alisha George is expected to rule on a nocase submission made in the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the 2019 murders of moneychanger, Aaron Latchman, and his 18-year-old daughter, Arianna.

The matter is being heard at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court Paul Chan, called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony’, a 37-yearold conductor of Dennis Street, Sophia, East Coast Demerara; Troy Abrams called ‘Rastaman’, a 44-year-old vendor of Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Lloyd Sadloo, a 37-year-old vendor of Mocha Arcadia, EBD and Sean Thomas called ‘Yankee’, a 41-year-old electrician of William Street, Kitty, and Mark Rufino called ‘Mark’, a 25-year-old labourer of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, were charged jointly for the capital offence. Rufino escaped from the Lusignan Prison in October 2020 and has not been recaptured.

Recently, the men’s attor-

ney made a no-case submission calling for the charges to be dismissed on the grounds that the prosecution failed to establish key elements in the case. Both parties have already submitted their arrangements to the court and so the Magistrate has set Thursday for ruling.

9

refused. This led to a fight between Latchman and the bandits.

A number of shots were fired and both Aaron and Arianna Latchman were shot multiple times before falling to the ground. The father and daughter were picked up and rushed to a city hospital

Arianna Latchman and her father Aaron

According to reports, on July 4, 2019, Aaron Latchman and his daughter had just returned from the city when the robbers ‘pounced’ on them. Eyewitnesses said the bandits approached the businessman and demanded cash and valuables but he

where they were pronounced dead.

An autopsy performed on Aaron Latchman revealed that he sustained multiple gunshot injuries while his daughter, according to an autopsy, sustained a single gunshot injury.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

Online scholarship programme targets demand for skilled labour

—Prime Minister tells Diamond residents

By Rehana Ahamad

WITH Guyana poised for massive development and

modernisation, the need for a skilled labour force will

grow exponentially, and across all sectors.

This is the projection of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who said that the government’s 20,000 online scholarships initiative seeks to ensure that Guyanese are positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities that are to come.

start studying, you will be part and parcel of the new Guyana that we are building for all Guyanese,” the Prime Minister noted.

Phillips related too that he was quite happy to be back in Diamond, delivering on a promise he kept repeating many months leading up to the 2020 General and

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips encouraging residents of Diamond/Grove to take full advantage of the 20,000 online scholarships initiative (Adrian Narine photos)

“What we don’t want is to have a population of 750,000 Guyanese and a million foreign workers,” the Prime Minister told residents during an outreach hosted at the New Diamond/Grove Primary School on Wednesday.

He noted that, in an effort to prepare Guyana for all the prosperity that will come, significant investments must be directed towards the country’s human resources, and building capacity across all sectors.

“We don’t want Guyana to develop and you are not part of the development. We want you to educate yourself, so you must be the ones to take ownership of Guyana,” Phillips posited.

He noted that even though the scholarships were being provided free of cost to Guyanese learners, they were being fully financed by the Government of Guyana.

In encouraging persons to capitalise on the landmark academic opportunity, the Prime Minister reflected on his own life. He said that after completing secondary school, his desire was to further his education; however, due to financial constraints, he was forced to put his academic endeavours on a 13-year pause.

“What we have today is a scholarship free of charge.

If I had that in 1978 it would have been good. I took 30 years to get my education,” Phillips related.

He reminded those present of how fortunate they were to be able to benefit from scholarships being offered via reputable universities across the world, including India and Germany.

“Only by signing up and

effects.

“We need to put aside all these negative comments by people who are not even in the medical field, or people who have never gotten any reactions to the vaccine, but criticize it,” Bharrat said.

He reminded persons, too, that Guyana is one of the few countries that is able to boast about having a sufficient quota of vaccines to cover its entire adult population.

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, reminded that unlike the regular Public Service scholarships, the programmes being offered via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) come with no strings attached.

Parag explained that the Ministry of Education has the responsibility of vetting the applicants to ensure that they are qualified for the courses, after which the Ministry of Public Service will assume the responsibility of issuing

Residents of Diamond/Grove browsing the many courses available as part of the GOAL scholarships programme (Adrian Narine photo)

Regional Elections.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who said that a more skilled workforce puts Guyana in a better position to ensure adherence to the Local Content Policy which is the subject of ongoing consultations.

He said that the scholarships were being offered as part of a bigger plan to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the transformation boom that Guyana will experience within the coming years.

“If we are going to argue that the oil companies must [employ] Guyanese, then we, as a government, need to train our people, otherwise, the oil companies would say we are willing to employ Guyanese, but you don’t have trained Guyanese,” Bharrat reasoned.

The Minister also used the forum to urge residents to become vaccinated against COVID-19, and to be wary of misinformation being peddled in relation to side

the scholarships.

“We want to give out 4,500 scholarships this year alone,” Parag noted, adding that the GOAL scholarship programme will run over the next five years, and as it expands, more courses will be added.

“Just recently, a few days ago, more courses were added, so in addition to the 85 courses, we now have technical and vocational training,” Parag told the Diamond/ Grove residents.

She emphasized that the courses are flexible and do not demand constant internet connectivity.

“You can work online at your own convenience. You can download your work,” Parag said.

She noted that even though the courses are internationally recognised and being offered by reputable universities, it does not pressure learners into always maintaining perfect grades.

“The government only requires you to maintain a C average,” the Public Service Minister posited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

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Kokerite village to get $12 million primary school IMPROVED access to primary education is expected in the village of Kokerite, Region One (Barima-Waini), as the construction of a $12 million primary school has started.

The ongoing works include the construction of a $4 million teachers’ quarters, which would bring the total expenditure to $16 million. Work on the facility is scheduled to be completed before the end of May. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, during a recent four-day outreach to Region One, used the opportunity to inspect the ongoing work at the facility.

Following the inspection, he told residents that the move to construct a primary school in the village was another demonstration of the government’s

commitment to ensuring that youth receive their education in an environment that is conducive to learning.

“I hope that it is being done to the quality that the village requires, and we also hope that most of the materials being supplied come from the community of Kokerite.

“The reason I am saying so is that when we make these investments, we would like villages to benefit from it so that people can get employed and get money and businesses can be done,” he said.

Two villagers were employed to work on the school.

However, the minister said more persons will have to be employed, and local materials will also have to be procured for the construction.

This approach, he said, would create jobs, boosting the

community’s economy and the country’s, as a whole.

Minister Dharamlall also pledged to explore the possibility of constructing a sanitary block for the school.

Toshao of Kokerite, Sherman Adams, thanked the minister for responding to the community’s request for a new school, noting that the government has aided development in the village.

“It has been hard for this community…I must say that no member of government has ever visited this village since 2015 and so I am happy that you are here to not only listen to our needs but answer them,” he said.

Adams used the opportunity to request the government’s assistance to provide a solar water pump, concrete walkway and the establishment of a

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and his team along with Toshao of Kokerite, Sherman Adams inspect the work done so far on the primary school (DPI photo)

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has said that several companies have prequalified by the Government of India to build the $10.4 billion Ogle to Eccles road.

“We have received official notification that the companies for the building of the four-lane road from Ogle to Eccles have been prequalified by the Indian Government because it is financing from the Indian Exim Bank,” Minister Edghill said during his address at the ceremonial reopening of Hunter Street on Tuesday.

The minister noted that Guyana can now move forward to execute the final round of bidding, with the expectation of contract award by the last quarter of 2021.

“That road will continue with a four-lane from Eccles to Diamond, which is a different road you are hearing right now being built by the Ministry of Housing, and then we will continue from Diamond to Timehri with the intent of being able to link both airports,” Minister

Edghill related.

He said the massive undertaking is part of the government’s plan to improve access to new lands for housing, farming and business.

In September 2020, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said that the project’s cost had skyrocketed and was stalled under the

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill (DPI photo)

Once completed, the road will also ease traffic woes along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) corridor.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), after being elected to office in August last year, retailored the project and saved taxpayers approximately US$158 million.

former coalition administration.

Minister Indar said the coalition had proposed connections at swampy locations in Mocha, making it difficult for the roadworks to be done. Funding was initially secured during PPP/C’s previous tenure. (DPI)

guest house to boost tourism in the community.

Minister Dharamlall said the requests are not unreasonable for a community that

seeks further enhancement and as such, the matter will be raised with the relevant officials.

Established in 1953,

Kokerite is a riverine community located some 60 miles up the Barima River, and is considered an ecotourism paradise. (DPI)

12

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

The People’s National Congress The People’s National Congress extends greetings to all Muslim devotees and to Guyanese citizens everywhere on the occasion of the joyous festival of Eid ul-Fitr – the festival of breaking-the-fast.

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most sacred festivals

of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence, fasting, devotion and self-denial.

Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of the relationship between divine worship, personal sacrifice and

social responsibility.

It compels devotees to continue to be compassionate to one another.

The festival’s expressions of generosity and kindness to fellow citizens sustain social cohesion.

Eid-ul-Fitr emphasizes the values of temperance and perseverance

during the holy month of Ramadan which provided a time for devotees to reflect on their spirituality, to reaffirm their faith and to reinforce the ideals that bind the nation together.

The Holy Quran teaches: “Humanity is but a single brotherhood: So, make peace with your

brethren.”

Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to everyone. The festival’s exuberance, regrettably, will be tempered by the personal and social restrictions which have been imposed, out of necessity, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has witnessed

sacrifices by our medical and essential workers in their efforts to ensure the health and safety of others.

The People’s National Congress joins Muslims everywhere in celebrating our faith and fellowship.

Eid Mubarak!

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union The Guyana Agricultural and G e n e r a l Wo r k e r s U n i o n ( G AW U ) joins in extending greetings to all Muslims and to all Guyanese o n t h e j o y o u s o ccasion of Eid-ulF i t r. T h i s s a c r e d festival commemorates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence and engaged in ritual fasting and p r a y e r.

Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of how divine worship is connected to social responsibility and personal sacrifice. It compels

us to continue to d e m o n s t r a t e c o mp a s s i o n a n d k i n dness to one ano t h e r. T h e s e p e rsonal expressions of goodwill and concern for our fellow citizens rei n f o r c e s o c i a l c ohesion and mutual respect.

E i d - u l - F i t r e mphasizes the values of temperance, persevera n c e , a n d s e l f - d enial during the holy month of Ramadan which provided a time for devotees of Islam to engage in spiritual reflection and t h e r e a ff i r m a t i o n of their faith.

Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to all Guyanese. The

f e s t i v a l ’s e x u berance has been tempered this year by the social and personal restrictions which have been adopted, out of necess i t y, i n o r d e r t o prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The pandemic has witnessed sacrifices by our medical and essential workers in their e ff o r t s t o a d m i n ister lifesaving care and ensure the health and safety of others.

Eid-ul-Fitr, nevertheless, is a happy occasion for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Let us all celebrate our faith and fellowship.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

13

Minister Anthony hails nurses for leading COVID-19 fight —says their hard work and sacrifices are appreciated

HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Wednesday, acknowledged the strain nurses face in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The minister, in his message in observance of International Nurses’ Day 2021, stated that it is critical that nurses are celebrated and appreciated, especially during the current events, as they are working hard to combat the deadly virus.

“In Guyana, nurses have joined with their colleagues worldwide to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments over the past year. Indeed, this pandemic year has been one of the most challenging year for nurses,” he said.

He noted that despite the challenges that were brought on by the pandemic, nurses have been working beyond the call of duty to ensure that those who have fallen ill with the virus receive the best care.

“Many nurses on the frontline have gone beyond the call of duty to care for patients and comfort

the family of patients in the hospitals. In addition, their actions over the past year have provided much-needed relief to many patients,” Minister Anthony said.

He added: “The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, will like to acknowledge the role that nurses play in caring for patients, especially during this pandemic, and to thank them for all their hard work and sacrifices, as we work together to bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister Anthony further highlighted that to safeguard the country’s nurses, the government has ensured that all healthcare workers have access to vaccines and sufficient personal protective equipment.

“To protect our hardworking nurses, the government has ensured that adequate personal protection equipment is always available to protect our nurses from this disease. The government has also made available safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to all healthcare workers, including

nurses.

The minister urged those nurses who have not yet taken the vaccine to do so as early as possible.

“We are optimistic that on this nursing day that those nurses who have not yet taken their vaccines will make a special effort to be vaccinated so that they can reduce the risk of COVID -19 infection, reduce the chance of hospitalisation and the possibility of dying from COVID-19. Let us continue to encourage our colleagues, friends and family members to get vaccinated,” he said.

In closing, the minister added: “On International Nurses’ Day, we salute our nurses for their years of service to Guyana’s health sector, I say a big ‘thank you’. As you help us navigate this pandemic, we look forward to brighter days when our country will achieve herd immunity and we can return to a state of normalcy. Indeed, with your collective voice and leadership, the future of health care can be COVID-19 free.”

Every year on May 12, nurses

A quiet Tuesday ended tragically for a married couple of Herstelling, East Bank of Demerara (EBD), as they were bounded, beaten and robbed by two armed bandits.

Reports are that one of the victims, a 50-year-old taxi driver, after closing and securing a shop he operates at his house, was attending to his pets around 20:40 hours when he was attacked by two males, who reportedly forced him into his house through the back door.

During the ordeal, the taxi driver/shopkeeper was gun-butted and beaten about the body.

The assailants then turned their attention to the man’s wife, who was also in the house, before bounding the hands of both victims and ransacking the house.

According to police reports, the bandits managed to escape with a Samsung S8 cellular phone valued at $80,000; a Samsung J3 cellular phone valued at $40,000; a Samsung 65inch smart television; a quantity of gold jewellery valued at $500,000 and US$1,200 in cash.

The matter was reported to the police and investigations are underway.

worldwide observe the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, who is credited with professionalising and modernising nursing.

This year, Guyana and the rest of the world observed International Nurses’ Day 2021 under the theme, “Nurses a Voice to Lead, a Vision for Future Health Care”.

Florence Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer

and statistician, best known as the founder of modern nursing.

She established St. Thomas’ Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860. Her efforts to reform healthcare have dramatically influenced the quality of care in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Each year, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) commemorates this day with

the production and distribution of promotional and educational materials. These materials are intended to emphasise the dedicated and innovative work performed by nurses worldwide, which is vital not only for improving patient’s health, but also for the advancement of healthcare on national and international levels.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

GuySuCo to complete desilting of Ruimveldt river channel by Friday THE desilting of the river channel alongside the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) largest berthing facility, located at the Demerara Sugar Terminal (DST) in Ruimveldt, is expected to be completed on Friday, May 14.

According to a press re-

lease from the corporation, the multi-million dollar venture which commenced on May 1, 2021, is a collaborative initiative between the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Ministry of Public Works and GuySuCo. The aim is to prepare the company to maximize the opportunities being created by the country’s emerging oil and gas sector.

According to the press release, the channel has not been desilted since 2014.

It added that the terminal was built with concrete and steel several decades ago and is used by ships transporting sugar for bulk storage at the terminal to be sold on both the local and export markets.

Once the desilting process is completed, the facility will have the potential to dock large vessels.

In lauding the initiative to desilt the river channel, Roger Bradshaw, Manager of the Demerara Sugar Terminal, said the desilting exercise was much needed since the huge deposit of silt was affecting the facility’s operational efficiency resulting sometimes in increased operational cost to offload or load a vessel.

“During low tides, we

cease operations and wait until the water rises during high tide for us to complete our tasks whether it’s offloading or loading a vessel,” he said.

The exercise is said to also be integral to GuySuCo’s Strategic Plan to maximize the usage of all its facilities to become economically viable once again.

In this light, GuySuCo intends to extend the services offered at the terminal in wake of the increasing demand for such services by Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector.

Bradshaw said that on completion of the desilting process, ships with a maximum length of 400 meters and a draft of 7 meters can berth at the facility. There will also be a significant increase in operational efficiency due to the reduced number of stoppages as a result of built-up silt, he added.

ANDREW Williams of Middle Road, La Penitence, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and was placed on $15,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Williams denied that he, on May 8, 2021 at Middle Road, La Penitence, had in his possession 32 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, po-

THE Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), earlier this week, convened a public hearing at the Soesdyke/Huiste Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office to hear appeals against the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Global Oil Environmental Service (GOES) Waste Treatment Facility.

The EPA, in a press release issued on Wednesday, said the public hearing was convened to facilitate the views and submissions of the appellants, the developer and the EPA for consideration.

A total of four appeals were submitted to the EAB within the statutory 30-day period in response to the decision published by the EPA on March 21, 2021. However, while the EAB is only required by law to conduct public hearings into the appeals submitted within the statutory period, accommodations were also made for the additional appeals which were submitted out of the prescribed time.

The release further stated that members of the public were invited to attend the hearing for which the statutory 14-day notice was published by the EAB on April 26, 2021.

Recognizing that the National COVID-19 Task Force had approved the conduct of the hearing at an outdoor venue with a

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

By Ganesh Singh DISABILITY rights activist and Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh, was, on Tuesday, robbed by a bicycle bandit as he stepped out of a taxi and was about to enter the building.

The bandit rode up to him and asked if he was going inside. Immediately, Singh suspected that he was about to be robbed, and tried to get back into the vehicle. It was then that the criminal went after him and snatched his belongings.

The incident happened at 11:45 hrs, approximately 10 feet away from the door of the society. The taxi driver froze, Singh said, and the bandit made good his escape. “These guys have become more rampant and aggressive,” Singh told Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

He described the area as a hotspot for robberies with bandits targeting people with disabilities. In fact, just about two weeks ago, someone who went to the society to drop off groceries was robbed in the compound. Singh believes that it was the same individual at work, owing to the fact that a bicycle was used and it was around the same time of the day.

“The security situation in the St Phillips Green where

the Guyana Society for the Blind is located is getting worse. Security was always a problem in the area for the blind persons; however, over the past few months things have gotten worse. The bandits are more brazen,” Singh expressed in a Facebook post.

He continued that while this is not the first incident of a blind person getting robbed in the area, he knows that it will not be the last unless the relevant authorities do something drastic and concrete to improve the security situation in the area.

“Blind persons need to visit the organisation for training and services and should be protected. The Guyana Police Force needs to have more patrols in the area. Whenever calls are made to the emergency numbers for help, a team should be dispatched with urgency,” Singh urged.

“I must indicate that I did not visit the police station at Brickdam to make a report. A friend, who is a former police inspector, called Brickdam and requested a patrol to visit the location. An officer did visit a while after, enduring some difficulty finding the location although a sign board is in front of the driveway,” Singh noted.

Meanwhile, Blindness Awareness Month is observed in May and pres-

lice, who were on motorcycle patrol duty, received information which led them to Middle Road, where Williams was contacted.

At the time, Williams was wearing a one strap shoulder bag which was searched by the ranks in his presence. During the search, twenty ziploc transparent plastic bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis, were found. Williams was arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Further investigations led to him being charged.

The matter was adjourned until June 16, 2021.

maximum of 50 persons for two hours, the EAB also facilitated better participation and attendance by providing a Zoom link for members of the public to attend virtually. Due to technical difficulties posed by the outdoor venue and inclement weather conditions, the virtual platform was interrupted several times.

However, the EAB was able to fulfil the objectives of the hearing and has documented for resolution any outstanding questions and queries which could not be fully addressed at the close of the meeting.

The release added that the EAB has also afforded the formal appellants the opportunity to submit the specific concerns, reasons and justifications surrounding their appeals within seven days and will endeavour to engage with the appellants further, if necessary, to ensure that these are addressed.

The EPA was also asked to make its presentation, including the justifications for its decision, publicly available at its head office and on its website. Thereafter, the EAB will deliberate on its decision, for publication in the daily newspapers.

The proposed facility will involve the transfer, storage and treatment of exploration and production (E&P) oil and gas waste, at Block “X”, and Block 1, all being portions of Plantation T’ Huiste, Coverden, East Bank Demerara.

Ganesh Singh

ident of the Society, Cecil Morris, said virtual activities will be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He called attention to the issue of security for the members and noted that a number of blind persons have been robbed over the past few months, both in the compound and while on their way into the compound. “This security issue has been an ongoing one with no concrete solution from the authorities. The area is known to have a

lot of thieves,” he pointed out.

Explaining some of the other issues at the society, Morris said for the past two years, the building floods even when there is limited rainfall. Also, the sewerage system that is connected to the building is blocked and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) field workers are unable to find the blockage or the plan for the area.

As a result, there is constant back up of waste materials.

Additionally, vagrants and other citizens use the area, mainly the driveway

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to the compound, as a dumpsite, and yet another issue is the absence of adequate funding to manage the organisation and provide services to the membership.

The Guyana Society for the Blind is a national organisation of and for the blind and is governed by an act of Parliament.

The organisation has been in existence since 1953 at its present location and has been providing services to the blind community in various areas.

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By Naomi Parris THE Ministry of Agriculture

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

has completed its trial run on the new bio-fortified rice variety, which is said to be

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

the gateway to promoting a healthier lifestyle and eradicating hunger across the world.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that harvesting of the variety has been completed at the Burma Rice Research Station, with a total of 12,660 bags of paddy being produced to date.

In an effort to promote

healthy food choices among citizens, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Rice Research Station has collaborated with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to develop a bio-fortified rice variety with nutritionally enhanced zinc.

Following a visit to the research station back in February, Minister Mustapha had

related that the new rice variety would help curve the issues of hunger and malnutrition across the Caribbean and eventually across the world.

“This variety here is not only capable of helping the Caribbean curb hunger and malnutrition, but also at the same time helping to enhance certain healthy lifestyles. It can help with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and those things,” he said.

Additionally, the minister said that he is optimistic that the new variety will be able to unlock greater potential for Guyana’s rice industry.

“I am very excited for our farmers to get interest in this because this will be [healthier] for the people. Rice is not only a staple in Guyana but in the entire Caribbean and many parts of the world and rice has been an important revenue earner for us,” Mustapha said, adding: “It will help us to have preferential markets; it will help also to deal with certain diseases. I am very optimistic that this can be a very successful variety after

the completion of the trials.”

Representative of IICA to Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, during a previous interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said that many countries in the Caribbean and the world over are plagued with hunger and malnutrition because of the quality and choice of ingredients in their foods.

For this reason, the IICA has teamed up with local authorities to alleviate this problem in Guyana, the Caribbean and eventually the world, with a rice variety with nutritionally enhanced Zinc.

Garnett had said that this project was made possible through a special COVID-19 fund set up by the IICA for the Caribbean Region.

The funds cater for the establishment of Preliminary Yield Trial (PYT), during the first crop of 2021, at four locations across the Caribbean.

Locally, the institute contributed US$10,000 while the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) invested US$8,000 into this project.

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Pompey heartbroken... weeks “because the preparation of these athletes would have been gravely impacted”.

The inaugural AP Invitational saw 11 athletes, all from overseas, qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

However, Pompey believes that absence from the games this time around, leaves a huge void to be filled, especially for athletes in Guyana and the Caribbean.

“When we hosted the event in 2016, it was used as an Olympic qualifier for, not just Guyanese athletes, but athletes from around the Caribbean. Actually, we had

athletes from Africa and Europe who had competed at the meet.

So it was quite an international event; so when the Tokyo Games were postponed by a year, we were also hoping for a similar event where athletes can qualify for the Olympic Games,” Pompey said.

The St John’s University coach noted the event’s cancellation will not only affect local athletes with Olympic aspirations, but also those from the Americas and the Caribbean, since many would have had the AP Invitational on their calendar as a qualifying event for Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Pompey said though she will not be able to host the games this year, along with other members of her organising committee, she’s hoping to still put something together for the benefit of local athletes.

In February of 2020, AP Invitational was announced

by World Athletics as part of its structured World Athletics Continental Tour.

World Athletics had stated that the impetus for creating the Continental Tour was to provide more competition and earning opportunities for more athletes.

Bermuda’s athletics chief... body else found out, which is very disrespectful,” she said.

“A decision did not have to be made at the beginning of May. It could have been made at the end of May.” Raynor said communication between the local organising committee and NACAC, which was always good, broke down when the decision was taken to call off CARIFTA, and she claimed there was no discussion with BNAA to seek its input.

“It wasn’t how our discussion was going,” she said.

“The discussion was we recognised that it was not going to be the same, but then when it came down to it, they were like ’it’s all or nothing’.

“Then they sent out an email to everybody saying CARIFTA is cancelled. There was no discussion and no process. The interesting thing is that every time (NACAC president) Mike Sands and I talked, it was, ‛We don’t want to say that word ‛cancelled’, we’re going to make it work, even if it is not what it used to be’.

“All of a sudden this word ‛cancelled’ comes into play without any discussion with us.”

Raynor said the BNAA had been looking forward to hosting the Games, the region’s annual junior athletics showpiece, for the fifth time after winning the bid in April 2018 and was disappointed over the cancellation, coming as it did three weeks after both of her parents died within four days of each other.

“We’ve been planning for two-and-a-half years, arranging volunteers and having meetings every single week,” she added.

Keith Joseph, the NCAC general secretary, said in Monday’s statement: “NACAC understands the impact that another cancellation of our premier annual junior competition will have on our young athletes.

“Unfortunately, we have carefully taken all factors into consideration and are left with no option but to cancel the CARIFTA Games 2021.”

Raynor admitted the final straw which led to the cancellation of the Games was the new regulation by the Bermuda government that all unvaccinated travellers be subjected to a mandatory, 14-day quarantine at their own expense.

hopefully can grow to international status again.”

This will be the first time that cyclists will compete in the race, since 2016.

The event began in 1983, under the guidance of Mohamed, and ran until 2016, before it was cancelled in 2017.

Earlier this month, information from GCF indicated that the race was cancelled four years ago, because the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and traditional sponsors, the National Sports Commission (NSC) did not find common ground on the funding of the three-decadeold fixture.

From Page 28

With more than half of CARIFTA athletes aged under 16, many coming from countries where vaccination at that age is not an option, NACAC took the unpopular decision to cancel the Games.

The Games, first staged in 1972, were due to be held here last year but were called off because of the pandemic.

Guyana stepped aside for the first postponement last year and will host the Games in 2022.

The scheduling of the Games has been beset by problems since the original postponement from April 2020 not long after the onset of the pandemic.

A spike in COVID-19 cases in Bermuda from mid-December into the turn of this year, which has seen 31 deaths among more than 2 000 cases, led to new dates around Easter weekend being scrapped.

This was followed by a move to the first week of July, which was then changed because of an unforeseen clash with school examination dates in the Caribbean.

NACAC and the local organising committee finally settled on August 13-15.

Permission granted for... and Sport officially handed over funds to host the threestage event.

Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, presented the sponsorship cheque to president of GCF, Linden Dowridge, and renowned cycling organiser Hassan Mohamed.

Racing Secretary of the GCF, Malcolm Sonaram told Chronicle Sport, “The sponsorship of the Independence 3-Stage Road Race through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport by Hon. Minister Charles Ramson Jr is well received by the cycling community, as one of our prestigious events has regained recognition and

From Page 28

From Page 28

RACE PROGRAMME The first stage will pedal off in Berbice from 07:30hrs outside the Corriverton Police Station and end at Main and Alexander streets in New Amsterdam.

The second stage of the race will also be contested on Saturday, May 15.

It is scheduled to start at 14:00hrs at Rosignol Stelling and end on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The final stage is billed for Sunday, May 16. Cyclists will race from Linden (07:30hrs start) to just outside of the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

United States track and field team cancels pre-Olympic training in Japan THE United States track and field team have cancelled their pre-Olympic training camp in Japan because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Host city Tokyo is under a state of emergency amid a surge in cases, 10 weeks from the start of the Games on July 23.

American athletes were due to train in nearby Chiba and the local government said “concerns for their athletes’ safety” led to the cancellation.

The US team yet to comment The news comes a day

after Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said she was “not really sure” whether the rescheduled Olympics should go ahead this summer.

A recent poll found that nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games to be cancelled, a fact that may have been exacerbated by the country’s wish to offer donated vaccines to about 2 500 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and support staff to prevent an outbreak during the event.

In Japan, 2.6% of the population have been vaccinated and reports that ath-

letes would be prioritised led to criticism from the public.

“Our officials are saying we’ll make sure we don’t cause trouble for the overall population,” said Miho Kuroda of the Japan Paralympic Committee.

One sponsor has also responded to rising public concern in Japan, with a Toyota Motor Corp executive saying company officials felt “conflicted” over the Games.

“As sponsors, it breaks our heart to see public discontent aimed at athletes,” Toyota’s operating officer Jun Nagata said yesterday.

(BBC Sport)

The United States won 13 gold medals in athletics at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Kusal Perera to lead Sri Lanka in Bangladesh ODIs …Karunaratne, Matthews, Chandimal dropped

Kusal Perreira has been named Sri Lanka’s new ODI captain SRI Lanka cricket is all set for a fresh beginning in the ODI format with a new captain and vice-captain in charge of the team. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced an 18-member squad that will tour Bangladesh for the three ODIs in Dhaka.

Kusal Perera, the wicketkeeper-batsman, who was dropped from the team just a few months prior, has been named the new captain, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne.

After losing the threematch ODI series in the West Indies, captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s place in the ODI team was questioned.

Similarly, there were questions raised on the place of the senior members of the squad, including Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Lahiru Thirimanne. It

can be speculated that Thisara Perera’s retirement from international cricket at the age of 32, has something to do with this.

Having said that, all these senior players have not found a place in the squad which will tour Bangladesh. This development was reported just a few days back when there were reports of Karunaratne getting sacked from his ODI role.

He was entrusted with the ODI captaincy right before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, after some success in Test cricket as a skipper. His sacking comes right after he had a record-breaking series as a batsman in the Test series against Bangladesh at home.

In other appointments, Kusal Mendis, the 26-year-old middle-order batsman has been named the

vice-captain of the side. Both the appointment of the captain and vice-captain comes, keeping in mind the 2023 Cricket World Cup. There has been no announcement around the T20I captaincy, and Dasun Shanka is likely to continue in that role.

Apart from this, there are some new faces like Chamika Karunaratne, Shiran Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Binura Fernando. On the other hand, Ashen Bandara, Danushka Gunathilaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who performed well during the Caribbean tour have retained their place in the side.

Ramesh Mendis and Lakshan Sandakan have also been added to the team to boost their spin attack. All three matches will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, on May 23, 25, and 28.

Sri Lanka’s 18-member ODI squad vs Bangladesh: Kusal Perera (C), Kusal Mendis (VC), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ashen Bandara, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanka, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Shiran Fernando. (CricTracker)

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

Misbah-ul-Haq

frowns on critics’ opinions

… says he’s not worried about position as team coach

Right-arm pacer Tabish Khan became the oldest Pakistan Test debutant in more than 66 years.

PAKISTAN head coach Misbah-ul-Haq was blunt and honest about not caring what the critics have to say about him or the team’s performance.

Pakistan team are returning after a successful assignment in South Africa, where they won four series in all, defeating South Africa in the ODIs and T20Is, followed by victories over Zimbabwe in T20Is and Tests.

However, many rate Pakistan’s performance down, as Proteas had many key players missing due to the IPL in both series, whereas Zimbabwe, too, had many senior players sitting out due to injury.

“South Africa did miss their key players but they were playing at home.

Also, their replacements were able performers. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t face their best side but in their own conditions, they were a strong side. You can only look after your own performances. It’s not our fault if the opposition isn’t at full strength,” he said.

Speaking that he is not concerned about the critics’ opinions and he is not worried about his position in the team as a coach, he said: “I don’t care about

them and their criticism.

We can only work and try hard. The bottom line is that results are not in our hands.

As the head coach, I have not thought about my future and will not start doing that now either.”

“We had great results in both series. Winning in different and tough conditions was important for the team. The openers performed well during the Test series against Zimbabwe. Fawad Alam and Azhar Ali also made centuries. We performed better in the field as well,” said Misbah in support of his players.

N o t a b l y, P a k i s t a n handed a debut to 36-yearold Tabish Khan, who became the third-oldest debutant in the nation’s Test history.

Misbah said. “In my opinion, age should not be a factor. If a performer is fit enough they should get an opportunity, Against Zimbabwe, we gave Tabish Khan a chance without compromising on our strengths. We continue to give opportunities to players in the white-ball format as well,” “ We n e e d t o s t o p predetermining the future of players. I was captain at 36,

I played for another seven years after that. We can’t pre-judge that just because a player is 36 when he starts, he won’t last long. Tabish has been performing in domestic cricket for years.

Let’s see how he does in international cricket.”

“There are different factors in selection. Some team combinations are such that even a well-performing player doesn’t make it.

When I was doing well, our middle order was packed with Inzamam, Younis and Yousuf in it. Same with Fawad Alam. He couldn’t make it earlier. It happens in every era.”

“Even in Tabish Khan’s case, it’s the same. It has happened earlier too, during the times of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

Regarding comebacks at a late age, I’ve always felt that if a player is fit enough, age doesn’t matter.

Especially for Test cricket!

You can never predict how long they can serve the team. Whoever performs for the team should get chances.”

P a k i s t a n ’s n e x t assignment is a limitedovers series tour to England, where they will play 3 ODIs and as many T20Is. (CricTracker)

UEFA opens investigation into

Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid UEFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid over their involvement in the proposed European Super League (ESL).

The clubs were part of the 12 ‘founding’ members of the breakaway league, which later collapsed.

The other nine clubs renounced the project but Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid have refused to do so.

UEFA says its disciplinary inspectors will look at a “potential violation” of its legal framework by the

trio.

The other nine clubs involved - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid - have been punished by European football’s governing body for their participation.

They have agreed to make a combined 15M euro (£13.4M) goodwill contribution to benefit children’s and grassroots football across Europe.

They will also have 5% of UEFA competition revenues withheld for one sea-

son, starting in 2023-24, and this money will be redistributed, including in the UK. Each has also committed to UEFA and its competitions, with the clubs facing fines of 100M euros (£86.9M) apiece if they seek to join an unauthorised competition in the future. They will be fined half that if they breach any other terms of the declaration.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who was appointed as chairman of the ESL, recently said that the 12 clubs that agreed to join the project have “binding contracts” and “cannot leave”. (BBC Sport)

Williamson, other NZ players likely to miss IPL if restarted in September THE COVID-19 pandemic forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A number of players from various teams were infected with the coronavirus, and the BCCI put a halt to the IPL. And, one possible window that the BCCI has in mind to complete the remainder of IPL 2021 is during the month of September this year. But then, if the BCCI decides to stage the IPL in September this year, a number of New Zealand players might not be available.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson The Black Caps will face the Pakistan cricket team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the month of September, and as a result, Kiwi players might be absent once the tournament is restarted.

A lot of New Zealand players are a part of the IPL. While captain Kane Williamson is one of the biggest names from the land of the Kiwis to participate in the tournament, the likes of Kyle Jamieson, Jimmy Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Finn Allen, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, and Tim Siefert are also part of the IPL. And, all of them might be forced to give the IPL a miss.

Kane Williamson had even been appointed as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise in the middle of the 14th edition of the IPL. Kyle Jamieson, on the other hand, was one of the most expensive buys during the 2021 IPL auctions.

The tall Kiwi pacer was bought for an astronomical sum of INR 15 Crores by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise. At the time of suspension of the tournament, the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals are placed at the top place in the points table. The Delhi outfit have won 6 out of the 8 matches that they have played in the 2021 edition of the IPL. The Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) side was languishing at the last place in the points table at the time of suspension of the 14th edition of the IPL. The ‘Orange Army’ had accumulated just two points in the seven matches that they played in the 2021 IPL season. (CricTracker)

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MCC gives thumbs-down to bamboo bats

guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

IOC confident of successful Tokyo Games despite public opposition

… says ‘illegal’ under current laws

A study suggested that willow could be replaced by bamboo in bats to increase their sustainability. (FP via Getty Images) THE Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has turned down the idea of bats made with bamboo instead of willow, saying that it would be “illegal” under current laws, which say bats must be made only of wood and also ban lamination of the blade in bats meant for senior cricketers.

But the guardians of the laws of the game did welcome the experiment, saying that “this angle of willow alternatives should also be

considered”.

A study by the University of Cambridge suggested that cricket bats made of bamboo offered a more sustainable alternative than the traditional ones made with willow.

According to Darshil Shah, one of the researchers, the bamboo bat “was stiffer, harder and stronger than those made of willow, although more brittle It is heavier than a willow bat, and we are looking to optimise that”, Shah was quoted

as saying by the Guardian.

But Law 5.3.2 states that the blade of the bat must consist solely of wood, so it would require a change in the law for bamboo - which is a grass - to be considered. “… any potential amendments to the Law would need to carefully take this into consideration, particularly the concept of the bat producing greater power,” an MCC statement said. “The Club has worked hard to ensure that bats aren’t too powerful, taking steps in 2008 and 2017 to limit the materials and the size of the bats for this purpose.

“Sustainability is a relevant topic for MCC and indeed cricket, and this angle of willow alternatives should also be considered. With the researchers stating that the most suitable types of bamboo grow abundantly across China and that low-cost production could make bamboo bats a viable and ethical alternative to willow, this could provide a pertinent angle for further research and the possibility of reducing the cost of producing bats in different areas of the world.”

The statement added that the MCC would discuss the topic at the next laws sub-committee meeting. (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Thursday May 13, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Sachin Tendulkar-51 Test centuries (IND) (2) Brian Lara-34 Test centuries (WI)

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(1) Which WI has played most Test matches against ENG to date?

(2) Which Englishman has played most Test matches against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

IOC president Thomas Bach

By Karolos Grohmann (REUTERS) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday said it supported Japanese measures to counter COVID-19 and was confident the Tokyo Olympics would be a “historic” event, despite wide public opposition.

Wi t h l e s s t h a n t h r e e months to go before the Games begin on July 23, Japan is battling a surge in coronavirus infections.

A majority of its population wants the Olympics cancelled or postponed for a second time, according to several polls, with about 70% of the 10 500 athletes - about 7 800 - already qualified for

the Games.

“We are now very much in an implementation phase with 78 days to go and fully concentrated on delivering the Games,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told an online news conference.

“When the Games happen and the Japanese people are proud hosts of an event that will be an historic moment, I think I am very confident we will see public opinion hugely in favour of the Games.”

His online news conference, however, ended with a protester, who had signed up as a journalist to ask a question, unfurling a banner reading “No to Olympics” and shouting profanities and “No Olympics anywhere” before

being cut off.

Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May as cases rise daily, forcing IOC president Thomas Bach to postpone a visit to Japan in May. An opinion survey conducted May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held.

“Postponement” was not offered as an option.

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again.

More than 300 000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.

“In terms of Japan and Tokyo we understand the caution,” Adams said. “We are fully in solidarity with them.

People are very cautious. We have to fully trust Japanese authorities.”

“There will be ups and downs (in public opinion). We have to take account of public opinion on a longer term. As things stand now, we are moving full ahead. We continue to plan for full Games. That’s the way it has to be for us.”

PSG win on penalties to reach French Cup final

Kylian Mbappe has scored 39 club goals in all competitions for Paris St-Germain this season.

Paris St-Germain (PSG) reached the French Cup final as they edged out Montpellier 6-5 in a semi-final penalty shootout.

Moise Kean scored the winning penalty after Montpellier’s Junior Sambia had blasted his spot-kick over the bar.

Kylian Mbappe had put PSG ahead, but Montpellier’s Gaetan Laborde equalised.

A brilliant solo Mbappe run, after he collected the

ball near the halfway line, restored PSG’s lead, but Andy Delort scored late on to make it 2-2 and take the tie to penalties.

The final will be held at the Stade de France on 19 May and PSG will face either fourth-tier side Vallieres or Ligue 1 Monaco, who meet in the second semi-final on Thursday.

This victory keeps Mauricio Pochettino’s side in with a chance of winning a league

and cup double, although leaders Lille are favourites to win Ligue 1 as they are three points ahead of PSG with two matches to go.

Pochettino replaced now-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in January and gambled with his semi-final selection as he left both Neymar and Angel di Maria on the bench, although both did come on and score in the shootout.

PSG had to do without Mbappe in the shootout as he was replaced by Kean with eight minutes to go, before Delort’s 83rd-minute equaliser.

Mbappe had excelled during the game and his first goal came after good work from Idrissa Gueye, but his second was all his own doing.

He collected the ball 45 yards from goal, near the touchline, and ran at the Montpellier defence, before cutting inside two defenders and curling the ball into the net past goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud.(BBC Sport)

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guyana CHRONICLE Thursday, May 13, 2021

WI legend Richards calls on Hetmyer to take more mature approach to game ‘He has to take a look at himself in the mirror’ WEST Indies batting legend, Sir Viv Richards, has called on talented young batsman Shimron Hetmyer to take a more mature approach to cricket, in order to realise and maximise his full potential.

In the same breath, the iconic former batsman fondly referred to as the ‘Master Blaster,’ believes any failure by the player to do so would be a great loss not just to the West Indies, but the sport as a whole.

The 24-year-old Guyanese-born batsman has been in the spotlight re-

cently, after failing to secure an international retainer contract from Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Long-touted as one of the region’s premier talents, Hetmyer has had a disappointing period, missing out on several appearances for the West Indies and twice failing a fitness test.

“You’ve got to put in the work (because) if you take half measure, then you are going to get half measure results for sure.

Shortcuts in this particular profession are of no substance and I am not

sure if what I am saying here now will get to him at some point, but the individual is a talented individual and there are times when I see him on the field and he is pretty playful like he is still a kid. He actually has to be a little more mature at this stage now,” Richards told the Antigua Observer.

H e t m y e r, w h o h a s played all three formats for the West Indies, last appeared for the team in a T20I series against New Zealand last year. He has, however, not played One Day International Cricket since January of last year

Duguid among 13 senior umpires retained by CWI

Umpire Nigel Duguid ST JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that annual retainer contracts have been offered to all thirteen (13) members of the existing Senior Panel of Umpires for the new contract period April 1, 2021- March 31, 2022.

Among those retained are Guyanese Nigel Duguid who has the distinction of officiating in three consecutive Under-19 World Cups, including the 2020 edition staged in South Africa just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The significant reduction in regional cricket in the last contracting period, due to the impact of COVID-19, has resulted in no changes being made to the list of um-

pires to be offered contracts.

CWI invests annually in the panel of umpires due to their fundamental role in ensuring that the spirit and integrity of cricket is preserved, and that the highest possible quality of fair play is upheld on the field. Investing in a broader pool of umpires who can be rewarded for their hard work and application in developing their skills is vital for the health of cricket at all levels.

CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said, “I am pleased that even in the midst of our financial constraints, CWI will be re-engaging our senior panel of umpires as we recognize and appreciate their important role within the game.

We all hope that there will

be increasing amounts of cricket within the region in the months ahead to allow our best umpires to continue their ongoing development.”

The Senior Panel of Umpires being offered retainer contracts is as follows: CWI’s Senior Panel of Umpires 2021-22: Zahid Bassarath, Johnathan Blades, Gregory Brathwaite, Deighton Butler, Nigel Duguid, Patrick Gustard, Danesh Ramdhanie, Leslie Reifer, Verdayne Smith, Christopher Taylor, Carl Tuckett, Jacqueline Williams and Christopher Wright.

During the recent International Home Series between West Indies and Sri Lanka, for the first time all match officials were of Caribbean origin due to the ICC temporarily permitting the appointment of local-based match officials from the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials.

This was due to the logistics challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One very positive outcome was for Barbadian and West Indies Umpire, Gregory Brathwaite, to officiate in his first Test Match. (CWI)

and has not played a Test match since November of 2019.

“If he really wants to make this sport his profession and to get the maximum result that everyone feels he has in him in terms of the talent then he has got to really start looking at himself in the mirror and start to think.

“I think he is 24 years old now, so he has got to be serious. When you hear some of the stuff like they fail a fitness test and all that sort of stuff then that is just totally unprofessional.” (Sportsmax)

Talented young Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer

CWI anticipates testing time when hosting SA – Johnny Grave BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is anticipating another testing time when hosting next month’s bio-secure series against South Africa but said it was critical to remain operationally “agile” to respond to the challenges served up by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

South Africa are scheduled to play two Tests and five OneDay Internationals but CWI is yet to announce the itinerary for the tour.

The series follows the recent Test and white-ball tour

by Sri Lanka which ended last month and marks only the second international series staged in the Caribbean since the onset of the pandemic.

CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said though experience had been gained from staging the Sri Lanka series, the nature of the pandemic meant planning remained fluid.

“There are so many hurdles to overcome so it’s an ongoing process,” Grave said.

“And ultimately, until players arrive – and talking from experience with Sri Lanka – until that first ball of the first game is bowled, right to the last day when players safely leave, it’s a stressful time for everyone just to make sure the cricket can go ahead as planned.

“I think at this stage we’re

into the final discussions with governments. Obviously, we need chief medical officers to approve the protocols within each of the countries.

“It’s an ever-changing dynamic situation – what we know now might well be different next week so we’ve got to continue to be agile.”

The tour had been scheduled for last July but was postponed due to the pandemic, as CWI was forced to scrap all of its international and domestic tournaments.

And the series was further imperilled by a governance dispute between Cricket South Africa and Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa, which was eventually settled last week, paving the way for the tour to proceed as planned.

With air travel still complicated because of coronavirus restrictions, South Africa are expected to arrive in the Caribbean via Paris and St Martin, to begin their preparation.

“We’ve certainly had very, very positive talks with CSA,” Grave confirmed to Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest. “(A few weeks ago) there was still some confusion with their governance and the government in South Africa and the Minister of Sport.

“That’s recently been resolved and that’s good news for us and good news for world cricket, and South Africa cricket in particular.”

He added: “I’m confident they’re coming. We continue

CWI chief executive Johnny Grave to work through all the logistical and medical and operational challenges that we have.”

Sri Lanka featured in two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals and with the Proteas now poised to follow, Grave said tours by Australia and Pakistan would further ensure a bumper domestic schedule.

“We continue to work morning, noon and night to make these tours happen,” the Englishman stressed.

“Fingers crossed, we’re moving forward with not just South Africa but the visit straight afterwards by Australia and Pakistan after that.

“So (there is) plenty going on and lots of cricket to look forward to we hope.”

Pompey heartbroken by AP Invitational cancellation

By Rawle Toney ALIANN Pompey yesterday announced the cancellation of her fifth AP Invitational Track and Field event, which was set to be hosted on June 19 at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

Pompey listed the effects of pandemic caused by the coronavirus, and the non-approval of the event from Guyana’s COVID-19 Task Force as the primary reasons for cancellation.

In a very sorrowful tone in a video released to the media, the four-time Olympian noted the effects or consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which would not have allowed them to “properly prepare to host an international competition of this

... No Task Force approval, COVID-19 cited as reasons

calibre”.

Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist saw the event, which started in 2016, like most sport events in 2020, postponed because of COVID-19.

This year ’s AP Invitational was seen as the ‘gateway to Tokyo’, since it was scheduled to be the last resort for local, regional and international athletes who are seeking qualification to the July 23-August 3 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

According to Pompey, along with the rest of the AP Invitational’s Organising Committee, they felt that it was important to make the announcement now, as opposed to holding on for a few more days or even Continued on page 23...

Aliann Pompey

CARIFTA Games Permission granted for Bermuda’s athletics chief Independence Three-Stage race upset over way cancellation … Minister Ramson presents cheque for this weekend’s historic championships

was handled HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Bermuda’s athletics chief Donna Raynor has hit out at governing body, North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC), over the way she was informed of the coronavirus pandemic-driven cancellation of the CARIFTA Games due to be held here later this year.

Raynor, president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA), told the Royal Gazette news-

Bermuda’s athletics chief Donna Raynor paper that she appreciated how uncertain the situation had become because of the pandemic but, as a ranking member within NACAC,

she did not expect to be informed of a cancellation through a group email.

“I found out when everyContinued on page 23...

Grave: CWI should decide South Africa venue this week GCF president Linden Dowridge (left) and organiser Hassan Mohamed (right) flank Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, during the simple presentation.

THE stage is set and permission has been granted by the COVID-19 Task Force to host the 2021 Independence Three-Stage Championships - one of Guyana Cycling

Federation’s (GCF) most important events.

The race will be used by the federation, along with the National Championships scheduled for later this

month, to shortlist a team for the Caribbean Cycling Championships in July.

This week the Government of Guyana, through the Minister of Culture, Youth Continued on page 23...

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) should decide the venue(s) for the South Africa series this week, according to CWI CEO Johnny Grave.

In a WhatsApp interview, Grave said, “We hope to have everything confirmed by the end of the week, all being well.”

The South Africa series, inclusive of two Test matches and five T20 Internationals, was originally carded to take place in Trinidad in June.

But Grave said on Friday that the series will not be staged in Trinidad due to the Government’s COVID-19 quarantine regulations.

In a television newscast on Monday, it was reported that St Lucia and Grenada are the likely destinations for the South Africa series.

However, Grave made it clear that “we will announce later this week once confirmed”.

(TT Newsday)

WI legend Richards calls on Hetmyer to take more mature approach to game

See Page 27

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| thursday, May 13, 2021