Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-05-2021

MONDAY 3rd May, 2021

' No.106349

Linden to get bakery, block-making training centres

$263.1 million spent on repairing DHB in 2020

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SEE PAGE 03

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–– more than $924.5 million spent over the past four years

President Irfaan Ali

Durban St murder suspect 09 succumbs after ingesting substance PAGE

According to statistics provided by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, some 75 per cent of marine accidents have been compensated for, while 95 per cent of those responsible for vehicular accidents have financed the repairs

Corentyne man dies in accident 04 PAGE

EU commends local journalists for preserving democracy –– gov’t committed to professional development of media workers, says Minister McCoy

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–– GPA salutes all media workers, particularly journalists and editors who toil beyond hours to bring the news to the public

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

EU commends local journalists for preserving democracy ― gov’t committed to professional development of media workers, says Minister McCoy ― GPA salutes all media workers, particularly journalists and editors who toil beyond hours to bring the news to the public

GOVERNMENT’S principles and commitment will remain steadfast, even as it expects that the Guyanese media fraternity to do likewise and recommit to raising the bar of professionalism and ethics with due regard to the ‘public good’ that information should serve, said Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, who holds the portfolio for Public Affairs.

In a message to mark World press Freedom Day today, Minister McCoy said training of new journalists and broadcasters, including women, for absorption across both the public and private media spectrums will be undertaken.

He noted that capacity-building through industry training and international scholarships, including for online work, is being facilitated for direct benefit to members of the Guyanese media fraternity and indeed all Guyanese.

These awards, the minister noted, form part of a five-year programme that will facilitate 20,000 scholarships across a wide array of academic and skill-based disciplines.

A Broadcast Academy will be established to facilitate world-class industry professional training and exposure for current and new broadcasters, he said, while pointing out that the government is facilitating full access to the free press on a regular basis on state matters and those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, he said, steps have already been taken to strengthen relations and build capacity with the Guyana Press Association (GPA).

“As a nation committed to a free press and a signatory to the declarations of Chapultepec and Windhoek, the Government of Guyana remains therefore unequivocally committed to upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens to freedom of information as a public good, and will

continue to actively pursue, develop, consider and support reasonable measures that protect and guarantee access to, or the dissemination of information in all forms and across all media platforms. I therefore take this opportunity to salute

played in the country’s 2020 elections.

Canto highlighted the EU’s commitment to contributing to the protection and promotion of press freedom, because of the significance it plays in keeping citizens informed.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó

all professional media workers in good standing, particularly the veterans and stalwarts with 30 years and over of diligent, exemplary experience in using information as a public good. Again, congratulations and best wishes on behalf of President Ali and my Cabinet colleagues, and indeed, on behalf of all Guyana,” Minister McCoy said in his message.

COMMENDATION European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, in a video message underscored that freedom of the press and media is a key component of preserving democracy, and commended Guyana’s press for the role it

“Freedom of expression and information, as well as freedom of the press, provides the most powerful platform for contributing significantly for the formation of public opinion. This allows people to make informed choices in political decisions, and daily lives,” Canto said.

“These freedoms are therefore essential for democracy, which is one of the fundamental values common to all the EU members states and to most of our partners and those are the very values on which the EU is founded.”

World Press Freedom Day was established in 1993 by the UN General Assembly following a recommendation

adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991.

Celebration of the day is particularly aimed at reminding governments of the need for the commitment to respecting press freedom, and is also a

and accurate news, but [also] as a pillar of democracy. There is no democracy without a truly free press,” he said He cited Guyana’s 2020 elections as a leading example of how the free press in Guyana played a critical role

Honourable Kwame McCoy-MP, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Portfolio-Public Affairs

day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

This year the day is being celebrated under the theme, “Information as a public good.”

“The title is self-evident.

We want to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism to advance transparency and to ensure empowerment, while leaving no one behind,” Canto remarked in his address.

He highlighted that the EU continues to do its part to ensure the preservation of press freedom.

“Within the EU legal framework press freedom is a fundamental right established in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. With its provisions closely resembling that on press freedom in the EU Convention on Human Rights.

This is also reflected in other fundamental international provisions,” Canto said.

He stressed that the quality of democratic processes is linked to the state of freedom of expression as well as media freedom and pluralism.

“On World Press Freedom Day we want to celebrate the essential role of free press, not only as a conveyor or reliable

in ensuring the preservation of democracy.

“I want to highlight and commend the important role that press and the media in Guyana played in particular during and after the general elections of 2020. This was fundamental and essential in this important process, which led finally to the declaration of results,” he noted.

In 2020, the declaration of results for Guyana’s General and Regional Elections dragged on for some five months following a number of irregularities, court cases, and a recount process.

Canto underlined the critical role the free press is playing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic before noting how important responsible reporting has been during this period.

“In the pandemic context, the media has also a fundamental responsibility to play. I have to say that if the media is disseminating the right messages success is almost guaranteed,” he added.

Canto pledged the EU’s commitment to continuing to tangibly and significantly contributing to the perseveration of press freedom.

“The EU continues to promote free and fair media, not only at home but also globally in relation with partner countries, including by providing funding for targeted projects

that enhance quality for journalism. The EU reaffirms its determination to defend press and media freedom within its borders and worldwide,” Canto assured.

IMPORTANT ROLE Meanwhile, the GPA in its message said this year’s theme ultimately means that state parties have an important role and responsibility, as do the disseminators to ensure that media workers serve the public interest through their content.

“This task has become most important in the period of the pandemic when the public depends on journalists to provide accurate information to counter not only the anti-vaxers, but also those who churn out misinformation and disinformation”, the statement said.

The association noted that states such as Guyana have a critical role to facilitate this public good to the wider public. In this regard, the GPA urged the Government of Guyana to create a greater public awareness about the access to information mechanism so that not only journalists but the wider public can maximise its use.

It used the opportunity to urge the media corps to dedicate journalists to research particular topics and utilise the access-to-information mechanism that it believes needs to be revamped and made user-friendly in a simplified manner.

“In an age when some media practitioners are driven merely by a few lines to catch Social Media eyes, we have to be more aware of the information we put in the public domain. We have to [be] respectful of persons faced with trauma, our treatment of victims of sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking and most importantly, understand our role in the protection of minors and how they are portrayed in the stories we write,” the GPA said.

It noted that the most pressing issue facing journalism is the viability of free and independent media because advertisers and sponsors believe that they get more returns on their dollars from social media, which, for the most part, is “a minefield of misinformation and disinformation.”

In this context, media houses have a larger role to play by constantly educating the public that journalism standing on the pillars of fairness, accuracy, credibility and verification is the basis for informing and educating the public, the statement said.

The GPA saluted all media workers, particularly the journalists and editors who continue to toil beyond hours to bring the news to the public.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

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$263.1 million spent to repair DHB in 2020 ― more than $924.5 million spent over past four years

ASIDE from its annual maintenance budget, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) expends hundreds of millions of dollars each year to repair damage caused by vehicular and marine activity. In 2020, that sum stood at a whopping $263,163,644.

In 2019, $104,157,912 was spent on doing repairs. Earlier in 2018, the cost of repairing the bridge was $367,231,456; in 2019, the cost of executing repairs was pegged at $190,034,756.

This means that within the last four years, the DHBC has spent exactly $924,587,768 on repairing damage done to the bridge.

In cases where an errant party can be clearly detected, those persons are liable to fund the requisite repairs to the age-old structure. According to statistics provided by the DHBC, some 75 per cent of marine accidents have been compensated for, while 95 per cent of those responsible for vehicular accidents have financed the repairs.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had previously explained that apart from accidents, the bridge continues to be damaged by speeding marine vessels, as well as speeding trucks applying brakes suddenly.

In such cases, no particular person or agency could be pinpointed to provide compensation. As such, these repairs are often funded by the DHBC, with the support of government subventions.

It was only at the end of March that significant damage was done to ‘Span Nine’ of the floating structure, forcing government to institute measures that monitor the number of trucks going onto the bridge at once.

“We have to get a new culture of truckers driving on the bridge,” the minister posited.

With trucks traversing the bridge at intervals, there is usually a daily build-up of trucks at both ends of the bridge.

Minister Edghill had said that at one point the DHBC was even considering having police traffic ranks stationed with their ‘speed guns’, along the bridge itself.

The Public Works Minister indicated too that the owners and captains of marine vessels were also being engaged in relation to speeding, as well.

continue to grapple with the high cost of maintaining the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge, works are progressing on the construction of a new structure, which is likely to commence before the end of 2021.

As a matter of fact, it was only last week that President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that the nine prequalified bidders for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge will be invited to tender.

nance option, and second, a design, build, operate and finance option.

The prequalified entities are Ballast Nedam Infrastructure Suriname BV; Odebrecht Engenharia e Construcao SA; Boskalis Guyana; Effiage Genie Civil Company Limited (Netherlands); Rizzani de Eccher Construction (Italy); China State Construction Engineering Corp; China Gezhouba Group Company Limited; JV China Railway

the new ‘fly-over’ Demerara Harbour Bridge is expected to stretch from Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

This new four-lane, highspan bridge, which is scheduled to be completed in two years after the commencement of work, will replace the existing structure which was built in 1976, over four decades ago.

“We expect the bridge to

According to statistics provided by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, some 75 per cent of marine accidents have been compensated for, while 95 per cent of those responsible for vehicular accidents have financed repairs

“Because some of them [the vessels] are moving with such speed, and they are creating waves and current, they are causing misalignment to the bridge,” Edghill had explained.

NEW STRUCTURE Meanwhile, as authorities

Reports are that bidders for the project will be expected to submit their bids within three months of receiving the bid documents, after which construction will commence.

The bidders will be required to bid on two options: first, a design, build and fi-

International Group; China Road and Bridge Company; and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.

Some of the companies have partnered to bid for the project.

While an estimated cost has not yet been announced,

be completed and delivered within 24 months from the commencement of its construction,” President Ali said during a press conference at State House, last Wednesday.

Following an inspection of the proposed site for the new bridge, in September 2020,

President Ali had said: “There is no time and we cannot have too many time lapses… the current bridge is limping along and that is a nice way to put it.”

NEED FOR ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTURE Again, on Wednesday, the President referred to the need for enhanced infrastructure, especially to alleviate the traffic woes related to travel from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

In his view, the existing infrastructure does not allow for an increase in productivity, as persons travelling from Region Three would spend close to three hours in traffic.

With this being the case, President Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to investing in transformational infrastructure such as the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

It was reported that while the bridge is the main focus, the government’s transportation plan is not just a “connection plan” as the project will also include “service/ feeder” roads to support the main highways.

“The alignment would connect to a four-lane alignment on Haags Bosch or Bagotville Road and that will be developed into a four-lane facility between the new four-lane (Ogle-East Bank bypass road) and what will be the older fourlane,” President Ali had said in September.

The interconnections created by the new project will allow for a smooth flow of traffic and even create an alternative linkage between the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and EBD. Additionally, the initial Expression of Interest (EoI) for the bridge had indicated that the iconic DHB would be disassembled following commissioning of the new bridge.

Registration for online scholarships closes month-end WITH many of the courses scheduled to begin in July, the registration process for Government’s 20,000 online scholarship initiative will wrap up at the end of May. “We have not yet set a date,” said Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, as she addressed an outreach exercise at the Region Two Democratic Council at Anna Regina on Saturday.

The countrywide outreaches, being led by various Government ministers, seek to encourage Guyanese to capitalise on the opportunity to pursue internationally-recognised tertiary education being offered by reputable universities in Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. These are all fully-financed by the Government of Guyana.

Minister Parag told the people of Essequ-

ibo and its surrounding riverine areas that the online scholarship programme was conceptualised and crafted over the past five years while the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was out of office.

She said that whether the coronavirus pandemic existed or not, the scholarship programme would have remained a significant part of the PPP/C’s work to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

“Universities all over this world were looked at to get quality fields of studies or programmes to engage our young people, and, in this particular initiative, not even just the young people, but anyone above the age of 18 who wants to realise a dream of getting a higher education can do so,” Minister Parag said.

She acknowledged that persons in Region

Two were faced with many challenges as it relates to obtaining a higher education. She therefore emphasised the many benefits of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), and the importance of all Guyanese to take full advantage of the courses that stem from certificate qualifications, all the way to master degrees.

“I want you to take the opportunity that is being presented to you here today and I will be very proud of Essequibo. I’m already proud because we have a great reaction to this and I would like to see Essequibo come out in numbers,” Parag said.

She explained that over the past few years, Region Two as a whole has only benefitted from a meagre quota of scholarships being awarded by the Government. “Essequibo or

Region Two has actually been left behind and I can tell you the statistics being granted in 2019 with very low scholarships being in the sum of like eight out of our many thousands of persons in the region,” Parag specified.

The minister also underscored the importance of education, noting that the academic advancement of all Guyanese remains of very high priority for the PPP/C Government.

In responding to queries, Parag maintained that a person will only be able to benefit from one scholarship and that every region will have equal opportunities to benefit.

Further, she noted that, over the next five years, the GOAL scholarship programme would be fully expanded to cater to a variety of other courses, including areas of technical and vocational studies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

COVID: Brazil passes 400,000 deaths amid slow vaccination

The number of deaths related to COVID-19 has passed 400,000 in Brazil, the second-highest in the world, as the country continues to struggle with its vaccination programme.

There were 3,001 deaths in 24 hours, after a peak of more than 4,000 was reached at the start of April.

The 14-day average of deaths and cases remains high but has seen a slight fall.

Congress has opened an inquiry into the Government’s handling of the pandemic.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who has frequently spoken out against lockdowns, masks and defended unproved drugs as treatment, is facing widespread criticism and his support has plummeted.

The outbreak has been fuelled by more transmissible

variants of the virus and a lack of co-ordinated national measures. The situation has improved in many areas, including where the health system was on the brink of collapse, after states and cities imposed restrictions, but they are already being eased.

The rate of occupancy of intensive care unit beds remains at or above 90 per cent

in more than a third of the states, according to the health institute Fiocruz, which said the scenario remained “critical”. “[There’s] a tendency of a slight fall but not yet of containment of the epidemic,” the institute said in a report (in Portuguese), warning that the daily number of deaths is likely to remain

The 14-day average of deaths has been falling though the number remains high (BBC photo)

high.

Brazil recorded 100,000 deaths in just 37 days, between March and April, which were the worst months in the country. Only the US has a higher death toll.

Since the start of the pandemic, Brazil has had more than 14.5 million cases.

Meanwhile, some cities have had to temporarily halt their vaccination programmes amid a shortage of doses. About 13 per cent of the population of 212 million has received at least one dose, according to the Our World in Data tracker.

On Tuesday, a Senate commission started an official inquiry into the Bolsonaro Government’s response to COVID-19. They have the power to demand documents and call on witnesses to tes-

tify, and the findings can be submitted to authorities with the ability to prosecute.

The commission will investigate a number of actions, including slow vaccine procurement by the President, his repeated statements downplaying the severity of the virus, and the promotion of scientifically unproven drugs such as hydroxychloroquine.

It will also analyse whether the Government was negligent in the oxygen crisis in Amazonas state, which was ravaged by a more infectious variant earlier this year, and if indigenous communities in the Amazon were left without assistance, in what critics have described as possible genocide. (BBC)

Corentyne man dies in accident

The pickup, PXX 3661, that was involved in the accident

MICHEAL Hendriques, 41, of Number 19 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six died on Saturday evening after he was hit by a pickup bearing registration number PXX 3661 at White Bridge Access Road, Kendall’s Village, East Coast Berbice, at around 18:40 hrs.

According to police reports, it is alleged that the driver of the said vehicle was proceeding north along the access road when he attempted to turn the vehicle around to proceed south on the said access road.

In so doing, he turned onto a street situated on the eastern side of the access road, and stopped before reversing in a north western direction and stopping prior to proceeding in a south eastern direction.

In the process, he felt the vehicle ‘run over something’ on the eastern side of the access road.

Police headquarters reported that the driver stopped his vehicle immediately and disembarked to enquire what it was when he saw Hendriques lying in an unconscious condition on the eastern side of the access road with what appeared to be injuries to his head.

As a result of the discovery, the driver picked up Hendriques and transported him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty. The injured man subsequently died while receiving treatment.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver which read 00 micrograms. The vehicle was lodged and a notice of prosecution was served on the driver as further enquires are in progress.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

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India a solid partner in Guyana’s development ― virtual symposium titled ‘India-Guyana Relations from 1838 to 2021’ hears

HIGH Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa in delivering opening remarks at a virtual symposium titled, “India-Guyana Relations from 1838 to 2021” on Thursday last boasted of longstanding cooperation enjoyed by the two countries and enticed the audience with future projects to be rolled out.

India will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of independence on August 12, 2022 and in anticipation of the monumental and historic occasion, the Government of India is organising a number of events worldwide.

As part of these celebrations and on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day, the High Commission of India in Guyana in association with the University of Guyana organised the virtual symposium which was held on Thursday last.

A press release from the High Commission of India in Guyana noted that the High Commissioner comprehensively informed the audience about India-Guyana relations in various fields and the present status of cooperation between the two nations pertaining to several projects

In making his point, he highlighted many significant infrastructural projects between the two countries, such as construction of the Providence Cricket Stadium; road construction from Diamond to Ogle; the supply of solar energy/household solar panels for 30,000 houses in hinterland/rural community and the supply of heavy-duty irrigation and drainage pumps to Guyana.

He also indicated a broad spectrum of areas for future collaboration, which includes an Electronic Medical Patient Record (EMR) System; fruit processing and bio-degradable ware and collaboration in agriculture with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). High Commissioner Srinivasa also mentioned that India’s discussions on the purchase of oil from Guyana are in the advanced stage Guyana will also see deputation of sugar experts, legal experts, specialists in the field of Sustainable Aquaculture Management and Development and fisheries experts from India, and assistance with electoral reforms, media training and air force training, to name a few.

The High Commissioner’s speech was followed by remarks from Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin, who highlighted that a number of Guyanese who were educated in India occupy important positions in Guyana and are contributing to the country’s development.

of the Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS) Sanghachalak.

The first panel held discussions on progress of relations between Guyana and India in several fields including culture, economy, diaspora relations and common history since the arrival of East Indians as indentured labourers in 1838

and how this contributed to the progress of Guyana.

The second panel comprised Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) R.K. Sharma; Dean, Texila

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa during the virtual symposium on “India-Guyana Relations from 1838 to 2021” on Thursday last

The symposium consisted of two panels; the first panel comprised Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga; Alim Hosein, Lecturer, University of Guyana; Tota Mangar, historian and Ravi Dev, Media Consultant and

American University, Dr Dheeraj Bansal; Lecturer, University of Guyana, Dr Taijrani Rampersaud, and Director, Department of Events, Conferences, and Communication (DECC), University of Guyana, Jainarine Deonauth, some of whom discussed the experiences of their stay in India for pursuing studies.

“Overall, both the panelists concluded that India and Guyana always had very cordial relations in all possible sectors for almost two centuries and the relations are getting better and stronger with the passage of time. The symposium concluded with the wishes from all panelists for continuation of same good relations between the two countries,” the press release noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Investing in human resources

THE economic growth of a country is a powerful tool in reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries such as Guyana.

Over the years, research has shown that in achieving millennium goals that go beyond poverty, a well sustained economy is crucial.

Economic growth in an economy stems mainly from job creation and job opportunities. The skills, knowledge and intellect that one has to provide goods or services to meet demands locally or internationally are what constitute job creation. In keeping with the national development plan of Guyana, many opportunities are being provided by the government for investors and entrepreneurs to expand business operations within the country, especially with the growth of the oil-and-gas sector, which introduced many spin-off effects for other sectors. Intellectual minds are therefore crucial the development of Guyana.

While Guyana is notorious for its immeasurable natural resources, properly educated human resources are needed for sustainable utilisation and cultivation of these resources.

Proper management of these resources is pertinent not only for sustainability, but also for long-term economic benefits.

The Government of Guyana budgeted in 2021 to distribute 20,000 scholarships

throughout the country for youths, especially to have the opportunity to further their studies in their preferred fields of interest. The government is working towards sustaining the resources of the country in the long-term, and as such, is putting measures in place to educate tomorrow’s leaders. Therefore, young professionals should refrain from the idea of receiving a better life abroad and remain/return in/to Guyana to contribute their skills in enhancing economic development. The young minds need to contribute to Guyana’s history in developing the country’s resources in innovative ways and assist Guyana in adapting to the changes of the future and help the country to compete on a global scale. Guyanese in the diaspora also need to return to contribute their skills and expertise in developing Guyana, as opportunities are being created for them in all sectors in which they may have interest, which can be accessed on the Go-invest website.

Incentives are also being provided to assist investors. There is an upcoming conference for the diaspora, in which further plans will be discussed.

The world’s competitive nature will also keep increasing as innovative minds around the globe will generate ideas that will make life easier in ways for all, which will be costly. As such, these innovative ideas are

needed to sync with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which means that our traditional methods of operations will eventually become redundant, as the costs will not be economically viable and the country can return to the state it was decades ago which we cannot allow. Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves now to adapt to those changes that will be unfolded in the future or we will not be able to become a developed country. Guyana has to be able to become self-sustainable and provide a better future for tomorrow’s leaders.

For 2021, the government budgeted $60.7 billion (representing a 175.9 per cent increase from 2019), has introduced many initiatives to not only improve the quality and access of education, but also to expand the curriculum and making education more affordable for all, inclusive of the tertiary level. In spite of the numerous challenges faced as a result of the pandemic, persons are still being afforded the opportunity to continue their studies online. This initiative, though it has its challenges for some, creates an opportunity to adopt to a new forum of education, whereby they will be able to learn more in a convenient way.

One initiative implemented thus far was the introduction of smart classrooms. As the world is becoming technologically advanced

and focused, it is about time the younger generation be a part of this opportunity, so that they can cultivate and generate the necessary skills and knowledge in this arena.

The Guyana Leaning Channel is also being upgraded so as to improve the quality of education it offers. Additionally, more channels and programmes are expected to be implemented alone, with a radio station that will also assist in covering a wider scope of the country, especially the hinterland regions. Scholarships are also being offered by the government for persons to pursue diplomas, degrees and masters in their specialised field of interest. It can be seen that the government is creating opportunities to provide youths with the ability to improve their academic careers, along with improving their knowledge on managing resources, making them better equipped in contributing to the development of the country.

These innovative minds being a part of the development process of Guyana is bound to boost growth in Guyana’s economy, as businesses will be opened to provide top-notch goods and services locally and internationally, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the human resources are needed to have the country back on track in improving economic development of the country.

Guyana must never again endure the travesty of rigged and fraudulent elections!

Dear Editor, THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) cannot be divorced from the trials and tribulations imposed on our nation over the past two years.

In fact, GECOM’s failure to uphold and deliver on its constitutional mandate is central to the heightened threats to our democratic stability from which our nation still reels, and is desperate for corrective action and recovery.

The related issues which stem from the PNC’s known and expected treacherous ilk -that only points to the need for a more robust level of administration by those appointed to function autonomously in the elections commission. One should, therefore, blame GECOM solely for the organisation’s facilitation of the PNC’s undercurrent manoeuvres that have held our people to ransom.

The laxity of the GECOM commission to act and address this unfavoured indecency by secretariat staff under its control is most disappointing. The derogatory actions of key administrative staff have contributed to the wanton, lawless exercise by the PNC-led APNU+AFC. By now, the nation is well aware that the desperate court actions are among the

desperate schemes of the cabal to fool and keep what’s left of its membership interested.

The many elaborate, advantageous contortions GECOM officials allowed the APNU+AFC Coalition were obvious in the many unbelievable but futile actions taken by this shameless cabal. The High Court’s recent dismissal of the elections petition filed by the Coalition is another definitive judicial position of annulment regarding their effort to vitiate the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

It is clear however that none of this would have happened had the GECOM officials done the correct thing to uphold the integrity of the institution. The reaction of Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon to condemn the judiciary and the Honourable Chief Justice is but yet another affirmation that they would stop at nothing to derail a democratic outcome in Guyana. As a consequence, we must ensure that Guyanese must never again be made to endure the travesty of ‘Rigged and fraudulent Elections again.’

It must be crystal clear that with the passing of the no-confidence motion on the night of 21st December, 2019, national elections were due within three months. However, the PNC cabals took to the underhand manip-

ulation of our judicial system to effectively frustrate and postpone National and Regional Elections by filing and placing for the consideration of the courts, the most irrational considerations.

The activation of the plot clearly had its lineage in the move by PNC/Granger to plant ‘riggers’ in GECOM, who were taking directions from the party.

This nation had to unite and fight tooth and nail to get the relevant changes step by step.

The first victory was the removal of then President Granger’s self-appointed James Patterson as Chairman of the Commission. Then we had the unacceptable ‘House-to-House’ Registration aborted. These key actions certainly derailed the PNC’s plans and led to a measure of uncertainty as the nation came out in their thousands in peaceful protests, to demand that Granger name the date for elections.

Notwithstanding all of the ‘riggers’ in place at the GECOM Secretariat and the PNC fully prepared to rig the elections, the PPP/C went to the polls. These National and Regional Elections were peacefully and successfully held on 2nd March, 2020. The APNU+AFC declared that the elections were free and fair.

However, after the verification process was completed in nine regions, the PNC cabals decided to use GECOM to derail the elections. They blatantly attempted to rig the Region Four votes by introducing the unacceptable spreadsheet. This is not the first time that the wicked elements at GECOM tried to use broadsheets to rig elections and we can no longer tolerate these inefficacies.

Guyana has had enough of ‘Rigged and Fraudulent’ elections and our nation must do everything to make sure that we achieve free and fair elections at all times going forward.

To this end, the thieves in GECOM must be removed. Of note was the reluctance of the GECOM chairperson to act, given that the petition was still to be ruled on in the courts.

There are certainly no acceptable excuses now!

With the PNC’s history of rigging elections and their attempts to derail the 2020 elections, condoning any further undercurrents in GECOM will not be tolerated. It is now imperative that all Guyana struggle for all the necessary changes to take place inside GECOM. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

The PNC more than once made Guyana an embarrassment to the world Dear Editor,

THE X-13 Plan, a master plan from the original, registered PNC, was not a shelved piece of artistry for decorative purposes, but rather, a dangerous, devious and damaging piece of document, devised to excruciate, exterminate and extinguish any distinguished credibility aligned to the flame of fame by the PPP. The PNC, masquerading under the fragility of a watered-down APNU+AFC, has lost its tooth and stride and is now rumbling with the sound of an empty barrel and roaring with the agony of an old, timid and hurt lion, isolated in a dungeon and armed with a desultory call. Like a drowning man sinking in a whirlpool, the party attempts to claw at any floating straw, hoping to rescue itself and resurrect as a people’s representative at any cost. As such, the X-13 Plan manifests itself ever so often to reveal its diabolic nature, on a perpetual basis, detrimental to any people, place or principle which presents itself as a force to be reckoned with and is not in keeping with the PNC’s programme, plan or policy. Such deviousness was carefully crafted by the planners of evil-minded sympathisers for the survival of the PNC with the blessings of Burnham himself. Luckily, the X-13 Plan was discovered and revealed to confirm its exis-

tence and provided the living proof of what was afoot and in store for the elimination of the opponents of Burnham and his friends.

This operation has been effectively enforced throughout the life span of the PNC and not only the PPP has suffered from its repercussions but also, other parties, including the WPA, has felt its sharp steel.

Throughout the 28 years of PNC administration up until 1992, the party has ruled with a clenched fist and a dictatorial attitude.

The leaders went on a campaign to ensure the paramountcy of the party was aloof from the constitution, the parliament, the government, the courts, the disciplined forces, the media and the people. As such, their plan had included full control of all arms of the government with no room for exception and so, any opposition could be quickly crushed with the ease of their unlimited resources.

Many backs were broken with the infiltration of their long and fatal tentacles; many succumbed to the gravy train which provided opportunities for favours; many swore loyalty at a high cost; many sucked up to the propaganda as betrayers; many accepted lies and deceits with guilty minds; many bowed down to a do-or-die threat. This era registered a breakdown in morality and eventually acclimatised to a fallen society. The PNC card became a passport for a back door entrance

Unified West Indian sports teams will better represent the region Dear Editor,

IT has become rather perplexing that, in spite of the jelling of the West Indies cricket team, the nations of the Caribbean refuse to use this model for all sports.

This issue has been mooted from time to time in various Caribbean media starting almost two decades ago but has never been addressed

by Caribbean governments, sporting bodies and CARICOM. In the 2016 Olympics, the English-speaking Caribbean tallied 17 medals.

In 2012 that number was 43.

A West Indies soccer team stands a chance of competing internationally and possibly winning medals in a way that none of the territorial teams do. Ditto for any other team sports. In athletics a West Indies team can bring home significant amount of medals from various world games, the Olympics and so on, especially given that powerhouse Jamaica will be supplemented by the best of Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and the other nations.

There are also other reasons for West Indian participation as a single entity in the international sports arena. For one its much more cost effective since instead of large numbers of officials that accompany the various teams, there will be one set of officials at any given time and trips for the boys or girls would have been eliminated. As well we have seen how cricket brings us together, even as we debate, argue and ‘diss’ at the national level in seeking to claim the superiority of our country’s teams. This level of coming together on the one hand and bantering on the other across the Caribbean will become multiplied with each new West Indian birthed and this can only be healthy for Caribbeanness. As well, besides expanding that glue keeping us together, other West Indian teams can also ensure that cream rises to the top and become internationally sought after, while those just below strive to get to the top a la in cricket.

As Ian MacDonald pointed out almost two decades ago “For 30 years, from 1953 to 1983, there was one other united West Indian sports team: the West Indies Davis Cup tennis team.

I know this well, since I played with extreme

pride in the very first match for the West Indies, in their tie against the United States in Jamaica in 1953, and later captained West Indies Davis Cup teams with even greater pride in the 1960s. I think it was a tragedy that the West Indian Tennis Association meekly accepted a sudden ruling by the International Lawn Tennis Federation in 1983 that the West Indies, not constituting a country by their rules, could no longer play in the Davis Cup as a united team.

Since 1983, there have been a number of years when a West Indian team drawing on the tennis talents of all the region’s countries would have done extremely well in the Davis Cup.” And like cricket, other sports can bring international tournaments to the Caribbean and overall economic benefits including boosting tourism and putting the Caribbean on the global stage as cricket is doing. Consequently, there will also be more money to develop sports, including building needed infrastructure and maximizing the use of currently available ones.

I quote Mr. MacDonald again: “I cannot understand why more thought has not been given to organising sports other than cricket on a panWest Indian basis. Nor can I understand why there has not been more debate on this issue in the Caribbean media. A West Indian presence as one nation in the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-American Games, the Davis Cup (again), the World Cups in soccer and rugby, and other world and regional events, is infinitely worth pursuing. As West Indians draw closer together, we cannot afford to neglect the tremendous emotional charge that can be derived from grassroots identification with sporting teams embracing all of us as one.”

And while some international sports bodies, as pointed out above, will claim that the West Indies cannot participate as one team since it’s a conglomeration of nations, unified West Indian sports teams can fight this, and more likely than not win out, especially given that CARICOM does reflect a ‘one team’ concept in many ways.

Yours Sincerely, Annan Boodram

which favoured acceptance without question and gains without sweat. The marginalisation of political opponents became glaringly evident and this issue was not problematic to the reigning force, but was seen as a win for gaining strides and widening the gap of authority. As a result of poor management, false ideology, financial misappropriations, reckless spending, the raping of the treasury and the wholesale use and abuse of power, the economy shrunk with the dollar devaluation and economic chaos and mayhem presented a desperate picture. Meanwhile, many influential and affluent Guyanese were forced to migrate from this spate of mistrust and false promises, along with sober-headed Guyanese of all races fleeing all manner of difficulties.

They migrated to the other Caribbean and neighbouring countries, North America and other parts of the world, seeking greener pastures and escaping the iron fist of prejudice.

The USA in 1992 came to the rescue of Guyana and saw the installation of the PPP/C legitimately back in power for 23 years. A party which changed President from Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo to Donald Ramotar, was able to transform the country from a state of gloom to a garden of bloom.

The PPP/C administration restored some degree of normalcy, discipline, respect and monetary gains to catapult the nation to a sound financial position and good international economic standing, erasing the bankruptcy and overdrafts accumulated from the PNC administration. All these achievements were possible from sound financial policies and effective management, along with trust and good relationships, help and support of the international community.

Despite the glow and flow of Guyanese wealth in totality, the X-13 Plan was kept alive through its destructive elements of PNC-orchestrated strikes, non-cooperation,

blocking projects, stalling production and withholding of approvals for major investments and projects. PNC-organised thugs took to the streets on numerous occasions to create violence and destruction, especially after each election. The PNC wreaked havoc because of a PPP/C minority control in parliament, and as such, their manifesto was unrealised. The party also contributed to its own demise, allowing the PNC to make inroads with their supporters and, as a result, the PNC was restored to power in 2015 by a small margin and a questionable one-vote difference.

The X-13 Plan was given a new reading from 2015 to 2020 and painted a new dimension in political proliferation, racial intonations, violent insinuations, economic manipulation and social degradation.

Through corruption, collusion, crime, financial misappropriations, the authorised pulverising of the Treasury, ignoring law and order, abandoning rules and regulations, the giving away of the country’s properties, contractual arrangements, the selling out of Guyana’s resources and attempted electoral fraud, the country was again reduced to economic stagnation and became an embarrassment to the world. After losing the election in March 2020 and refusing to demit office, the PNC was legally booted out in August 2020, after feeling the pain of American sanctions.

Left naked and exposed to all their friends, families and supporters after being abandoned even by their close associates in CARICOM, it became absolutely transparent that their last trump card left in the X-13 Plan is to play the game of race.

But the majority of Guyanese from all races can clearly see through this plan and it will not succeed.

Respectfully, Jai Lall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

$94M invested to improve water supply in Region Eight THREE contracts totalling $94 million were signed on Saturday, May 1, for Water Supply Improvement Projects in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

According to a release, the contracts were inked among GWI, the toshaos of the benefitting villages and the contractor, R. Kissoon Contracting Services. The villages that benefitted are Kaibarupai, $34.7M; Monkey Mountain,$32.7M; and Taruka - $26.6M. During one of the signing ceremonies, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally, reiterated government’s commitment to

meeting the needs of residents of the afore-mentioned villages.

their impact will be extraordinary. She noted that priority areas are identified

Visit to the proposed well site in Monkey Mountain

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said although these projects are expected of government,

following a needs analysis and regardless of who supported this administration during elections, resources will be distributed in an

equitable manner across regions.

Meanwhile, Senior Min-

as the Guyana Water Inc. works to provide more communities with improved water

A contractor signs one of the contracts as officials look on

ister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said government is committed to bridging the gap between the coastland and hinterland. He added that

supply, his ministry will ensure that the requisite funds are available to execute same.

He called on the beneficiaries to take up ownership of

the water-supply systems by properly maintaining them.

The aim of these projects is to provide residents of the outlined communities with adequate and convenient access to potable water. The scope of works include the drilling of wells; installation of well pumps and photovoltaic systems; construction of elevated storage; installation of storage tanks and the installation of distribution networks and service connections.

Each project is expected to last for three months. Upon completion, over 1400 persons are expected to reap the benefits of these improvement works.

Hunter Street finally taking shape

By Tamika Garnett

WORK on Hunter Street appears to finally be winding down as the contractor has begun to cap the road with asphalt.

Residents are overjoyed and are breathing sighs of relief that the project is almost complete.

Initially scheduled to take seven months to complete when the contract was signed in 2019, delays and a change of contractor have seen the road being under construction for some two years now.

“They really tek lil long but you still glad that the road do, and it still come through alright,” commented Indira Narine, a resident who has been living on the street for 11 years.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, she shared that when the construction was stalled, residents were greatly affected as the road was left in a deplorable state for months, even as motorists continued to use it.

“The road used to have a lot of holes and all of that, so vehicles used to drive til in the corner. Sometimes we used to be sitting down in front [of the yard] and when they drive in the hole with the water it used to pitch straight on you, but now the road look very good, real nice,” she commented.

She added: “I have my sister-in-law here with her small children going to ‘West’ [Rumiveldt Primary] and she used to had to frighten for them with them vehicles, because of how they used to have to drive til in the corner.”

With the road almost complete, residents are now concerned that motorists may abuse it by speeding. They are therefore calling for speed bumps to be placed on the new roadway, given that a number of schools are located nearby.

“The 47 buses which use this road are kind of crazy, and the road is broad now, but we have two schools in this area, so we need those guys to take their time on the road

because of the children. We don’t want anything to happen to them because of the speed,” father of three, Johnny Gangadin, told the Guyana Chronicle in an invited comment.

Gangadin noted that he has two children who attend the West Rumiveldt Primary school and expressed the hope that the improvement of the roadway does not bring with it new problems for residents.

He said he is happy that the roadway is finally being improved as its previous state posed many difficulties for him in getting his children to school.

la Avenue. That section was closed in January, shortly after road works recommenced.

Seventy-one-year old Nurlene Bess, who says she uses the roadway every weekend, said at one point the road was such an inconvenience to her. She said she started praying over the road in the hope that it would speed up the process of getting it done.

“In my mind when I walking every morning, I say ‘Dear Lord we’re poor and we’re glad for the little help’, and to me since I talk things start changing. When I come and I see the thing throw out,

The current state of Hunter Street (Elvin Croker photo)

“It used to be really inconvenience to me and my kids; especially when it rains it was really terrible. This road was in a very bad state for a long time and what the guys [contractors] are doing now it’s looking very nice. It’s also beautifying the country because it looks nice,” Gangadin said.

Works on the street are currently being carried out by contractor, Veira Logistics 66, which was awarded a $100 million contract to complete the street after the original contractor, Surrey Paving and Ideal Engineering, had abandoned works and left the roadway in a deplorable state, in 2020.

The works are being done on the section of the street that stretches from West Ruimveldt Front Road to Mande-

I said ‘Thank you Jesus’,” she related.

Hunter Street is one of a few alternative routes connecting East Bank Demerara to the city, and therefore has become a major road for many commuters looking to avoid the heavy East Bankbound traffic. Drivers traversing the street and residents had continually said that the state of the road was seriously affecting them.

A lot of remedial work had to be carried out when the Veira Logistics 66 took over the project. The new company had noted that it had an uphill task of rectifying several defective works that were done by the previous contractor, including the removal and replacement of the sand filling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

D’Urban St murder suspect succumbs after ingesting poison

LAWRENCE Brummell, the prime suspect in the unlawful killing of Nicola Wilson, his reputed partner, at her Lot 57 D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown house on Saturday has reportedly died after ingesting a substance subsequent to the murder.

Brummell, 50, of Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Saturday evening after consuming the substance.

According to police reports, he died on Sunday around 09:30hrs while receiving medical attention.

Police reports also disclosed that Wilson’s 14-year-old son related that upon their return from a church meeting on Saturday last, Wilson, also known as “Lisa,” informed Brummell that he cannot accompany them to her sister’s birthday party as he would not be welcome there.

The son further related that after getting dressed, he went outside and about five

escape in a silver Toyota 212 motorcar.

Police headquarters noted that it was further revealed that Brummell returned to his home in Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where according to his nephew he confessed to the crime.

Lawerence Brummell and Nicola Wilson, both now deceased minutes after he heard his mother screaming. He then returned to the house and saw Brummell armed with a knife stabbing his mother, who later fell to the ground.

The teenager raised an

alarm and confronted Brummell, who attempted to stab him but failed, since he evaded the attempt. He told investigators that he then saw Brummell exit the house running and made good his

Ramesh Persaud leaves IPED –– new CEO and board praise robust leadership

THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) on Sunday announced the departure of Ramesh Persaud, who was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation for the past 11 years.

According to a release, during his tenure, Persaud transformed IPED in significant and substantial ways.

In the last decade, 2011 to 2020, the value of loans increased by $2B to $3.4B for $1.45. Persaud also oversaw the disbursement of 50,000 loans for a value of $30B. In addition, he expanded the organisation, adding six new branches and making it easier for clients to do business with IPED. At the same time, the clients enjoyed a substantial decrease in their interest rates.

Through these developments, IPED helped create 10,000 jobs annually through the mi-

Ramesh Persaud cro, small and medium-sized businesses it supports.

In a farewell ceremony with staff and board members recently, incoming CEO Jagdesh Haripershad thanked Ramesh Persaud for providing “robust leadership that was always complemented by kindness, caring, good guidance and constant encouragement.”

Member of the board

made what Major-General Joe Singh describes as “wonderfully appropriate remarks in acknowledging the quality of leadership and service displayed by CEO Ramesh throughout his tenure and the high esteem in which he is held by the board.”

Anticipating a continued relationship between IPED and the outgoing CEO, board member Ian McDonald said, “We know Ramesh will always be a friend of IPED. Ramesh has been a remarkably efficient, inspirational and creative CEO, very good for small businesses in Guyana.”

Friday, April 30, 2021, was Ramesh Persaud’s last day on the job at IPED before leaving for what he described as “another opportunity to learn and lead in the private sector.” Persaud will continue to serve IPED as a member of the Board of Directors.

The nephew further reported that the suspect informed him that he had ingested a poisonous substance and that he was going to die.

He gave the nephew some of his personal belongings with instructions of how to distribute same.

Brummell was rushed

to the GPHC by relatives, where he was placed under arrest and was under police guard while receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency Ward.

He died while receiving treatment. His body is at the GPHC mortuary awaiting a post mortem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Foster Care–Filling the Gap THERE are four siblings living somewhere in Guyana who benefitted from foster care when they were most in need.

Their mother was incarcerated, and no family member could have all four children; the youngest-- a baby; the others ranged

from 5 to 10 years old.

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) scouted through their list and found a suitable candidate who ‘fostered’ them previously but had never undertaken such a mammoth task. Her name is Beverley- Ann

Hopkins.

Mrs. Hopkins, her husband and her two older children welcomed the siblings into their home, but of course, that was only the beginning of many days ahead, some of which were challenging.

Foster parents are special people; they care for children temporarily, offering a home away from home, warmth, comfort, care and give individual attention to a child. It is an alternative solution to placing children in institutional care (a children’s home).

At first, the children were shy, and apart from eating and bathing, they barely interacted or wanted to make eye contact.

They missed their mother. Mrs. Hopkins knew that if she could connect with and ‘win over’ the eldest child, the younger two would follow his example, and it worked.

In time, things fell into place. The children settled down and became familiar with their surroundings and their carers.

Bonding with the baby was easy for Mrs. Hopkins; she cared for so many babies in the past. As the months flew by, the bond grew stronger between them. The baby had no memory of her mother, and this concerned the carer; the mother would be a stranger to the child when they eventually meet.

This consideration was one reason why CPA officers kept the siblings together.

When the time came for reunification with their biological mother, the children would do so as a unit. Each child would have shared experiences and memories of their foster home.

There is always the chance that a foster parent might develop an attachment to a child, especially when the child has grown from a babe-in-arms to a walking, talking, delightful toddler -- it is only natural. But foster parents know that, eventually, the day will come when the child has to go home.

Mentally, they have to prepare for that day.

This essential factor is highlighted and emphasised at foster care training.

A foster parent’s role is to connect, protect and direct their foster children while providing a stable environment. Foster children have already been through the very emotional transition of being separated from loved ones. They need adults who understand how to nurture and safeguard them until their biological parents can do so, or a suitable family member is appointed.

People sometimes confuse foster care with adoption, but adoption is permanent, and the children belong to their adoptive parents by law. Foster care is temporary, and the children can be relocated or returned to their family at any time. In an emergency, children are placed with foster parents overnight, or for a couple of weeks. Depending on the circumstances (e.g. a single parent

might be hospitalised, a domestic violence incident may have occurred).

Placement can last 3 – 6 months’ maximum, depending on each case and the factors involved. Parents can have arranged visits to see their children while they are in foster care. However, they are not allowed to take them anywhere or take them home.

Many foster parents build healthy relationships with the parents of the children they care for and keep in touch with the child, even when they are returned home.

Foster care is a specialist service provided for children in their time of need.

Children homes (institutional care) can be a life-saving sanctuary for abused, neglected and abandoned children. The children are given three meals per day and have their general needs met, such as a clean environment, health care, education and adult supervision. Even so, children homes are not the best place for developing children. One-to-one attention is lacking, as well as the comfort and reliability of family life and community involvement.

Children who spend years in institutional care can develop secret pains of abandonment and rejection. Everyone knows that ‘home’ is meant to be a place of refuge - the one place where kinfolks know you, greet you and treat you with love, understanding and the respect you deserve. Ironically, for some children, home is the one place they cannot be; they are at risk of abuse. They are therefore placed in institutional care, along with children in similar or worse situations. Here, they live as a group. They eat as a group, sleep as a group and experience the same things every day, every month, and, in some cases, every year.

Foster care offers family-based care and individualised attention for children.

It is not a substitute for biological parents but more like a bridge that fills the gap for children until they reunite with parents.

There are approximately 236 children in foster care in Guyana, mostly in Regions 3, 4,5 and 6.

This month is Foster Care Month, and the theme is ‘Foster Care is a support for families, not a substitute for parents’. The Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection wishes to honour ALL foster parents across Guyana and thank them for opening up their homes and hearts to children in their time of need. (Names have been changed to protect identity) If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@ gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

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Honourable Kwame McCoy-MP, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Portfolio-Public Affairs

TODAY marks a watershed moment across the world as we observe and celebrate 30 years since democracies united behind the common imperative of ensuring that nations make provisions for the free and unfettered operations of the press.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General assembly three decades ago, serves, each year, as a reminder to governments of their commitment. It was also positioned as a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

The United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has indicated that this year’s theme, “Information as a Public Good” was designed to serve as a call to affirm the importance of cherishing information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind.

Today, countries who are signatories of the ‘Windhoek declaration’ that commenced the observance, will be focusing discussions around issues concerning the economic viability of news media; mechanisms to ensure transparency of internet companies; and enhanced media

and information literacy capabilities that enable people to recognize and value, as well as defend and demand, professional journalism as a vital part of information as a public good.

H i s E x c e l l e n c y D r.

Mohammed Irfaan Ali has committed to fulfilling our party’s manifesto promise of strengthening media freedoms and expanding its reach in his first term of office, to ensure that all Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location, will have access to information.

In fact, it was the PPP/ Civic government that created the first ever constitutional office of ‘Commissioner of Information’ which allowed for free public access to all state information. This office was dismantled by the Granger-led Coalition government in its first few months, a travesty which President Ali is committed to reversing and restoring shortly.

Today, as the government introspects on its policies and positions of press freedom, rest assured that our principles and commitment will remain steadfast even as we expect that the Guyanese media fraternity to do likewise and recommit to raising the bar of professionalism and ethics with due regard to the ‘public good’ that information should serve.

Since returning to office late last year, the PPP/C gov-

ernment has already taken an impressive menu of measures to demonstrate our commitment…

With due regard to our affirmations and commitments to ‘press freedoms’ under the various United Nations resolutions, His Excellency President Ali has included a Ministerial portfolio for Pub-

Honourable Kwame McCoy-MP, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Portfolio-Public Affairs

lic Affairs within the Cabinet, with functional scope and authority within the Office of the Prime Minister… the portfolio which I currently hold.

The portfolio Minister, and indeed no less than the Office of the Prime Minister, are charged with all aspects of information generation and dissemination across all media platforms, including online, to enable, encourage, facilitate, safeguard and protect its free flow without exception; and to collaborate

across all sectors to build capacity, increase and expand skills and knowledge, and all aspects of Telecommunication, including the strengthening and expansion of national infrastructure and supporting mechanisms, and including the liberalization of the industry, national frequencies and attendant platforms…

A mere two months since taking office, The Office of the Prime Minister formally announced the total and complete liberalization of the Telecommunication Sector, effectively ending decades of commercial monopoly. You would recall, I’m sure, our freeing up of the broadcast airwaves prior to 2015… you can expect that policy to continue now and well into the future…

A return to the national One Laptop Per Family programme, which previously catered to ninety thousand families prior to 2015 when the PPP/C held office, has been included in the first substantial national budget of the government, passed in the National Assembly this March. This programme is aimed at building a knowledge-based society through household expansion of access to information in all its forms. Not only are the instruments provided to low-income and vulnerable families, but requisite training and internet access

through community ICT Hubs are facilitated under this programme…

Training of new journalists and broadcasters, including women, for absorption across both the public and private media spectrums will be undertaken. Capacitybuilding through industry training and international scholarships, including for online work, are being facilitated for direct benefit to members of Guyanese media fraternity and indeed all Guyanese. These awards form part of a five-year programme that will facilitate twenty thousand scholarships across a wide array of academic and skill-based disciplines…

A Broadcast Academy will be established, to facilitate world class industry professional training and exposure for current and new broadcasters…

The government is facilitating full access to the free press on a regular basis on state matters and those related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and has already taken steps to strengthen relations and build capacity with the Guyana Press Association…

The government maintains cordial relations with press corps. In late February, the President hosted the annual Media Brunch. In his address, President Ali told the nation’s journalists he believes “that in a free and

open society, every view has a value and every view must be expressed freely, but in expressing those views there comes responsibility also” …

Directors of Public Affairs and of Digital Infrastructure and Online Engagement have been appointed.

The latter is mandated to create a national platform for open access to government content and information by the public and the press.

As a nation committed to a free press and a signatory to the declarations of Chapultepec and Windhoek, the Government of Guyana remains therefore unequivocally committed to upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens to freedom of information as a public good, and will continue to actively pursue, develop, consider and support reasonable measures that protect and guarantee access to, or the dissemination of information in all forms and across all media platforms.

I therefore take this opportunity to salute all professional media workers in good standing, particularly the veterans and stalwarts with 30 years and over of diligent, exemplary experience in using information as a public good.

Again, congratulations and best wishes on behalf of President Ali and my cabinet colleagues, and indeed, on behalf of all Guyana.

Linden to get bakery, block-making training centres THE Ministry of Finance (MoF) under the Basic Trust Fund Ninth Programme (BNTF 9), which is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is inviting contractors to bid for the construction of a bakery training centre and a concrete block-making training centre and incubators at McKenzie, Linden.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Dwight John, shared that the implementation of such projects in Linden will be a welcomed initiative for the region’s economy.

“It will bring work to persons in Linden and also it will benefit the local economy and more money will circulate in

Region Ten and that is what we want. I know the people of Region 10 will welcome it,” John commented during the interview.

He added: “Having a block-making business within Region Ten will mean that contractors who are given work through the regional and national tender can utilise this facility to buy their material and get it at a cheaper price because they would not have to pay transportation cost from far.”

He also highlighted that once realised, the initiative will bolster entrepreneurship and job creation in the region.

“Region 10 has a lot of skilled people and having these training centres in Region 10 means the persons who are trained can then, in the future, open their own businesses, and that is what

we need more, entrepreneurship in Linden. All these programmes are welcomed and will be taken full advantage of by the residents of Region 10. We ask for more such activities to the region and we welcome it very soon,” John added.

Bids for the construction of the two projects will close on May 24.

In order to qualify for the project, bidders must have an annual turnover within the last three years of at least $30 million, demonstrate a cash flow of 50 percent of their bid price and have executed a project of similar scope within the last three years.

These projects are part of some 32 that are being carried out in Guyana under the BNTF ninth cycle, which began in 2018. Works under this cycle had been stalled

by the COVID-19 pandemic and last year, the CDB was written to for an extension to December 31, 2021 for their completion.

The BNTF tenth cycle was scheduled to begin in

March 2021, and run until 2024, when Guyana is again scheduled to benefit from funding for another tranche of projects.

The BNTF is one of the CDB’s key instruments for

Region Ten’s Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John

addressing poverty reduction.

Using the bank’s resource allocation formula, funds are granted to the nine countries eligible to participate in BNTF. Sectors receiving funding include: education and human resources development, including livelihood enhancement; water and sanitation; and basic community access and drainage. Other areas supported include project management, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation, and provision of technical services.

It provides access for the poor and most vulnerable communities, to basic public services through the provision of social and economic infrastructure and human resources development to enhance employability, community management and engagement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

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Minister Parag congratulates Region Two top CSEC performers

By Indrawattie Natram

THE top three Caribbean Secondary Education

Certificate (CSEC) students for Region Two, Duvina Seurattan, Swasti Saytoo, and Tabitha

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Alves, were, on Saturday, publicly recognised

by Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag and

the regional administra- the third best performance and she expected that perFrom SwastiAlves Saytoo Tabitha Alves tion. left to right: Duvina Seurattan, in the country. ofand sons would once again During the launch of Queenstown, who was excel. the Guyana Online Acad- awarded 16 Grade Ones Minister Parag used the emy of Learning (GOAL) and 4 Grade Twos, came opportunity to congratuProgramme in the Region- in third in the region and late the top performers al Democratic Council 10th in the country. and all the other students (RDC) compound, the top Minister Parag, in her who have done well at performers were called on remarks, said the Gov- the regional examination. stage by Regional Exec- ernment of Guyana and She also encouraged them utive Officer, Devanand the Ministry of Education to continue to climb the Ramdatt. are extremely happy and academic ladder and to Public Service Minis- satisfied with the students’ further their studies. She ter, Sonia Parag, congrat- outstanding performance. also used the opportunity ulated the students on be- She told the teenagers that to take a photo with the half of President Irfaan Ali they have broken the glass top performers. and Minister of Education, ceiling and have proved Meanwhile, Ramdatt Priya Manickchand. that women can do so extended congratulations Seurattan, of Cullen, much and be empowered. to the top students and topped the region and seShe said she was also their parents for makcured the second spot for impressed with Saytoo ing Essequibo proud. the country with 19 Grade who had performed a Ramdatt said he admires Ones and two Grade Twos. classical dance during the them not only for beSaytooh’s 18 Grade Ones GOAL launch. The min- ing academically briland 3 Grade Twos were ister noted that Essequibo liant but also for their good enough for the sec- has always set a standard good dancing and public ond spot in the region and for the education sector speaking skills.

Minister of the Public Service, Sonia Parag (second from left) is pictured with the top CSEC performers

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

E’bo teenagers urge everyone to take COVID-19 vaccine

By Indrawattie Natram

MANY youths on Saturday seized the opportunity to get vaccinated during a vaccination drive held in the compound of the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

They were among those who attended the launch of the Guyana Online Academy Learning (GOAL) Programme, where doses of the Sputnik V vaccine were being offered to persons 18 years and over.

According to 18-yearold Swasti Saytoo of Zorg Village, she decided to get vaccinated as she will soon be travelling to another country and wants to ensure that she is safe. The teen who is one of the region’s top performers at the 2020 CSEC examination, encouraged other young people to take the vaccine.

Another 18-yearold, Amalika Persaud of Queenstown Village, told the Guyana Chronicle that she opted to take the vaccine after realising that it was safe to do so. She said she had been watching the news in India and is concerned about what is happening there. Persaud

said that at first she was scared to take the vaccine but related that the vaccination process was very smooth. Persaud called on all young people 18 and above to ensure that they protect themselves by taking the vaccine.

Sherfoni Mohabir told this publication that she was very nervous at first, but now that she has taken it, she feels much better. The teenager said that she wants to safeguard herself and it was for this reason that she opted to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Vickash Persaud said he does not regret taking the vaccine and added that he and his friend decided to take the vaccine together. At first, they were nervous, but after the assurances of a frontline worker, they felt much better and comfortably took their first dose of the vaccine.

Like Persaud, many teenagers rushed to take the vaccine during the vaccination drive. Many of them said they have been researching the vaccine and are now convinced enough to take it.

The Sputnik V vaccine stimulates the body’s natural defences, causing it to produce its protection in

Sherfoni Mohabir shortly after she took the COVID-19 vaccine. She is pictured with her vaccination booklet

the form of antibodies. The vaccine was documented as the first registered COVID-19 vaccine in the world on August 11, 2020.

It is being manufactured by the Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) in collaboration with the Gamaleya Centre. The vaccine is injected into a person’s muscle and is given in two

doses.

The Ministry of Health has advised those who were vaccinated to continue to take precautions. If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the virus, they should immediately book a test.

The Pomeroon-Supenaam region currently has 85 active COVID-19 cases.

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Swasti Saytoo receiving a dose of the vaccine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Dhawan’s unbeaten 69 takes Delhi Capitals to the top MAYANK scored sixty per cent of Punjab Kings’ runs in fewer than half the balls but his unbeaten 99 was not enough to push his side to a total that would challenge Delhi Capitals in the chase.

Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan broke the back of the chase in the Powerplay, and Dhawan went on to seal the win, reclaiming the orange cap as he did so. A sixth win in eight matches took Capitals to the top of the table.

Chasing 167 for victory, after Punjab Kings were limited to 166 for six in their allotted overs, Delhi Capitals cruise to 167 for three in 17.4 overs on the strength of a brilliant unbeaten knock of 69 from opener Shikar Dhawan.

Before this match, three of the top four Powerplay scores in this IPL belonged to Capitals. They duly made a fourth entry in the top five with an unbeaten 63 in the first six overs.

Pritvi Shaw ran riot and Dhawan followed suit. Shaw hit three sixes and three fours in the Powerplay, and Dhawan managed four fours. It included a first-ball six off Kings’ key bowler in the middle overs, Ravi Bishnoi.

Shaw perished trying to dominate everyone, bowled first ball by left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar, but he left the job to a man in the T20 form of his life. Dhawan might not be brightest star while Shaw is around, but what a side won’t do to have a second fiddle who is averaging xx and striking at xx per 100 balls.

The start gave Dhawan and Steven Smith some breathing space as they added just 34 in the first five overs of their partnership. Dhawan, though, settled any nerves in the dugout by unleashing his slog sweep against Bishnoi. It didn’t matter which way Bishnoi turned it; Dhawan took 25 off the 12th and 14th overs, making it 41 required off the last six even though he lost Smith in between.

If there was any doubt this was a done deal, Shimron Hetmyer removed it with two sixes and a four to end it in the 18th over.

Earlier, replacing KL Rahul, who had to be pulled out because of appendicitis, Agarwal found himself in a Rahul-like predicament. Losing wickets at the other end added extra slowness to his apparent role of batting through the innings, but a Rahul-like finishing kick took him from 40 off 34 to 99 off 58.

However, as with Rahul, you need at least one quick contribution from the other end to make the strategy work. Agarwal found none, with IPL debutant Dawid Malan’s run-a-ball 26 being the only other contribution to talk of. (With extracts from Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Jayawickrama and Mendis set up Sri Lanka’s victory push

… The spin twins pick five wickets between them as hosts eye series win on final day BAD light cut short Sri Lanka’s charge to a series win on the fourth evening of the second Test in Pallekele. Bangladesh were tottering at 177 for 5 when play was called off an hour before the scheduled close.

Despite losing three wickets before tea, Bangladesh continued to bat aggressively in the final session, perhaps mindful of the pitch continuing to offer sharp turn and bounce to the spinners.

Ramesh Mendis, the offspinner, took three wickets while Praveen Jayawickrama, the debutant leftarm spinner, picked two to take his match tally to eight wickets. He is now the third Sri Lankan after Akila Dhananjaya and Ajantha Mendis to take so many wickets on Test debut, eight wickets on Test debut.

Jayawickrama struck to remove Saif Hassan and Najmul Hossain Shanto before tea. Hassan struck five fours and a six in his 34, before holing

Praveen Jayawickrama continued to trouble the Bangladesh batsmen in the second innings as well AFP/Getty Images out to cover point off an ungainly shot. Shanto, who made 163 followed by two ducks, survived an early lbw appeal, but had his forward press breached when Jayawickrama got the ball to spin through his defence on 26.

Five overs into the final session, Bangladesh lost their captain, Mominul

Haque, when he inside edged an innocuous Mendis delivery onto his stumps on 32. Mushfiqur Rahim hung around to make 40, but his was a chancy knock.

First, Lahiru Thirimanne dropped him on 6.

Then, Niroshan Dickwella missed a stumping chance when a Mendis delivery slipped through his legs as Mushfiqur, bizarrely, left

the ball through his legs after stepping out. But his end came soon, when Mendis got one to jump on him, taking his glove to be an easy catch for Dhananjaya de Silva at short leg.

Bangladesh’s 437-run target was set up by Sri Lanka, who declared on 194 for 9 shortly after lunch. They added 177 runs 35.2 overs, with Dimuth Karunaratne’s 66 being the top score. It took his series tally to 428 runs, which made him the second Sri Lankan to score 400-plus runs in a Test series against Bangladesh.

Karunaratne added 73 for the fourth wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva, who chipped in with 41. Sri Lanka lost most of their wickets on the fourth day trying to bat aggressively, helping Taijul Islam to a five-wicket haul, his second on foreign soil.

But that may prove to only be academic with the hosts having every chance to wrap up the game on the final day.(Cricinfo).

SCOREBOARD

SRI LANKA 1st innings 493 for 7decl Bangladesh 1st innings 251 Sri Lanka 2nd innings 0/n 17 for 2 Lahiru Thirimanne c Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Mehidy Hasan 2 Dimuth Karunaratne c (Sub) b Saif Hassan 66 Oshada Fernando st Liton Das b Taijul Islam 1 Angelo Mathews c (Sub) b Taijul Islam 12 Dhananjaya de Silva c Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Mehidy Hasan 41 Pathum Nissanka c Shoriful Islam b Taijul Islam 24 Niroshan Dickwella c Taijul Islam b Taskin Ahmed 24 Ramesh Mendis c Tamim Iqbal b Taijul Islam 8 Suranga Lakmal b Taijul Islam 12 Praveen Jayawickrama Not Out 3 Extras 0b 0lb 1nb 0pen 0w 1 Total (42.2 overs) 194 for 9 decl Fall of Wickets : 1-14 Thirimanne, 2-15 Fernando, 3-39 Mathews, 4-112 Karunaratne, 5-124 de Silva, 6-162 Nissanka, 7-178 Dickwella, 8-180 Wanigamuni, 9-194 Lakmal Did Not Bat : Fernando Bowling : Mehidy Hasan 14 - 3 - 66 - 2, Taijul Islam 19.2 - 2 - 72 - 5 (1nb) Taskin Ahmed 4 - 0 - 26 - 1, Saif Hassan 4 - 0 - 22 - 1. .....................................................................

BANGLADESH 2nd innings Tamim Iqbal c Niroshan Dickwella b Ramesh Mendis 24 Saif Hassan c Suranga Lakmal b Praveen Jayawickrama 34 Nazmul Hossain Shanto b Praveen Jayawickrama 26 Mominul Haque b Ramesh Mendis 32 Mushfiqur Rahim c Dhananjaya de Silva b Ramesh Mendis 40 Liton Das Not Out 14 Mehidy Hasan Not Out 4 Extras 3b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 3 Total (48.0 overs) 177-5 Fall of Wickets : 1-31 Iqbal, 2-73 Hassan, 3-104 Shanto, 4-134 Haque, 5-171 Rahim To Bat : Islam, Ahmed, Islam, Chowdhury Bowling : Suranga Lakmal 4 - 2 - 14 - 0, Ramesh Mendis 20 - 0 - 86 - 3, Praveen Jayawickrama 20 - 5 - 58 - 2, Dhananjaya de Silva 4 - 0 - 16 - 0

Hamilton goes eight points clear with victory in Portugal

By Alan Baldwin (REUTERS) -Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton overtook main rival Max Verstappen and Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas to win the Portuguese Grand Prix on Sunday and go eight points clear in the Formula One standings.

Red Bull’s Verstappen finished second at the Algarve circuit with Bottas third after starting on pole position. The disappointed Finn’s only consolation was a bonus point for fastest lap.

The victory was a record-extending 97th of Hamilton’s career, with the sport’s most successful driver repeating last year’s win at the circuit to go 2-1 up on Verstappen after three races.

“That was such a tough race, physically and mentally, just keeping everything together. It was very windy out there so it was very easy to put a foot wrong,” said the Briton, who started on the front row.

“I just didn’t quite get as good a start

as Valtteri and then lost out on the re-start, which was not good. I was not happy about that.”

The safety car was deployed on lap two after the Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi made contact, with debris left on the track and the field streaming through the pitlane.

When racing resumed, Verstappen was quick to pounce and pass Hamilton for second place but the Briton seized it back five laps later after the Red Bull driver made a small mistake.

“I tried to put the pressure on Valtteri.

But in the end I think we just lacked a little pace overall so Lewis got by again,” said the Dutch driver.

Hamilton swept past Bottas on lap 20 of 66 and took the chequered flag 29.148 seconds clear of Verstappen after the Dutch driver had pitted in a late bid for fastest lap on fresh, soft tyres.

“I had to make the move early on before the tyres were destroyed and managed to just

get him in Turn One,” said Hamilton of the key overtake before his only pitstop. “Right on the limit, but great race.”

Hamilton now has 69 points to Verstappen’s 61, with Mercedes 18 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors’ standings.

BEST START Verstappen -- continuing his best start to a season -- had passed Bottas for second place on lap 37 after pitting a lap earlier than the Finn and making the most of warmed-up tyres when Bottas slid wide.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, Bottas and then Verstappen pitted one after the other in the closing laps to try and bag the bonus point.

Hamilton could also have done so but decided the risk was not worth taking.

Verstappen thought he had it but his lap time was deleted for going wide, with former racer Paul Di Resta breaking the bad news in the post-race interviews. The only consolation was that it did not go to Hamilton.

Bottas had also complained of losing

power, a problem the team tracked down to a faulty sensor and that they were able to resolve.

Perez was fourth with McLaren’s Lando Norris fifth and Charles Leclerc sixth for Ferrari.

Alpine pairing Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, who had a lively battle with compatriot Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari, were seventh and eighth.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was ninth for McLaren, after starting 16th, and Pierre Gasly took the final point for AlphaTauri.

There was disappointment for Williams, who had hoped for their first points of the year after George Russell qualified 11th. He finished 16th.

“Probably one of the toughest races I’ve personally had since 2019, when the car was so far off.” said the Briton. “It was a race of survival just trying to keep the car on the track. I couldn’t battle with anybody.”

Raikkonen was the only retirement of the afternoon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Buttler hits maiden T20 hundred for RR against Sunrisers Hyderabad

ENGLAND’s Jos Buttler hit 124 from 64 balls - his first Twenty20 hundred - as Rajasthan Royals(RR) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

Buttler made a relatively slow start but accelerated in stunning fashion, striking 11 fours and eight sixes.

The opener scored 35 from his first 33 balls and then 89 from his next 31 to power Rajasthan to 220-3.

Sunrisers faded after England’s Jonny Bairstow fell for 30 in reply, ending on 165-8 in a 55-run defeat.

They dropped Australia’s David Warner a day after removing him as captain.

The knock by Buttler,

Jos Buttler’s previous highest score in T20s was 95 not out who eventually played on off Sandeep Sharma in the penultimate over, is the highest score by an England player in the IPL. He is the fourth England player to hit an IPL ton,

following Kevin Pietersen, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, and passed his previous T20 high score of 95 not out.

“I’ll finally stop getting [former England captain]

Alastair Cook telling me he has one more T20 hundred than me,” Buttler said.

Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, part of the Royals’ management, said: “It was an outstanding innings.

He is one of the best T20 openers in the world.”

Rajasthan jump to fifth in the table at the tournament’s halfway stage, two points off the play-off places while Sunrisers remain bottom.

Elsewhere, Punjab Kings and India batsman KL Rahul, the leading run-scorer in the tournament, has been hospitalised with acute appendicitis and will undergo surgery.(BBC Sport)

Richmond Hill Liberty CC dominate season opener

RICHMOND Hill Liberty Cricket Club dominated their season opener in the 30-over cricket League with a commanding 226-run victory over Game Changer’z at Baisley Pond in Queens NY, on Saturday.

Richmond Hill, a predominantly overseas-based Guyanese team, won the toss and opted to bat first. Although they lost one of last season’s top performers, Dion Chooweenam (1) cheaply, former Berbice inter-county cricketer, Derick Narine, who had delivered a man-of-thematch performance to lead Phoenix XI to the Saturday’s T20 league victory in 2020, was able to play his game.

Narine and former national U-19 cricketer, Azeemuddin Khan, added 59 for the second wicket, before Narine fell in the ninth over for 43.

His innings was punctuated

Troy Mars scored 92 for Richmond Hill Liberty CC. by eight fours and a six in 21 balls. Troy Mars joined Khan and the two Guyanese continued the assault.

For the third wicket, the duo produced a batting display by adding 151 in 15.3 overs.

Khan, who struck eight

played a few shots. His 38 runs from 17 balls included four sixes and a four.

By the end of their 30 overs, the Guyanese-dominated side were able to push their score to a respectable 283-8.

Sikh team Game Changer’z could not get on top of the bowling in their turn in the middle.

In fact, only two players, Skipper Lavi Singh (13) and Jatinder Singh (11) reached Derick Narine had an double figures as the side all-round game for the succumbed for 57 in 14 overs.

Medium-fast bowler Jawinners. son Rooney nabbed 4-25 fours and two sixes, made 68 from six overs, while felfrom 57 balls, while Mars, low medium-pacer, Narine, who lost his wicket soon after, grabbed 2-12 from four scored an aggressive 92 from overs. Off-spinners Madra62 balls. He slammed six sixes mootoo and Chooweenam and eight fours in his innings. finished with 2-13 from Later in the innings, Ter- three overs and 2-3 from rence Madramootoo also one over respectively.

Ragoonath has space only for Bravo in Windies T20 World Cup squad FORMER West Indies batsman Suruj Ragoonath insists that he would leave both veteran players Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine out of a squad for the T20 World Cup, but for very different reasons.

With the World Cup just a few months away, the debate has raged on regarding the most effective composition of the squad. Experienced players like Gayle, Narine, and Dwayne Bravo, who all have world titles under their belts, remain eligible for selection. Some have called for the selection panel to look past the players.

Recently, the selection of veteran players Fidel Edwards and Gayle, for the West Indies series against Sri Lanka, set

From left: Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle off vigorous debate around the to that had not played conregion. While some endorsed sistently. the Cricket West Indies (CWI) “I don’t think that Sunil selection panel’s decision to Narine is interested in going add experience to the World to World Cup, to be honest, Cup squad, some argued that given the challenges he had,” Gayle being 41 and Edwards Ragoonath told the Mason 39, the CWI should invest and Guest radio programme. in selecting promising youth “Dwayne Bravo is showplayers. ing that he is still capable In the meantime, top and Chris Gayle for me is a spinner Narine is only 32 but big question mark. For the has not appeared for West first time, I’ve seen Chris Indies since 2019 and prior Gayle actually dive around

in a match. The last game they played (Punjab King’s XI) he looked a little fitter, but at the same time, I am not inclined to taking Chris Gayle to a World Cup at this stage,” he added.

Gayle struggled to make an impact against Sri Lanka in March, scoring just 29 runs in three matches. Since the start of this season’s IPL, the batsman has been solid, if not spectacular for Punjab Kings XI after scoring 165 runs from seven matches.

“Of the three, I would love to have Sunil Narine on my side, but psychologically Sunil is not half the player he used to be and so Bravo is the only one I would give serious consideration to.” (Sportsmax)

CWI boasts about exciting five new major broadcast rights agreements CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has said that expansion, growth and innovation are all central to the exciting new partnerships that it has secured during the past year.

This was disclosed in its 36-page Annual Report which was published recently.

According to the CWI, “in keeping with our strategic objectives to unlock the full potential of the West Indies brand and increase the number of people who watch and follow West Indies cricket, CWI has agreed to five new major broadcast rights agreements which will allow millions of West Indies cricket fans across the globe to consume live coverage of West Indies games in a variety of ways.”

The governing body for cricket in the region said that the recent five-year media rights deal with the world’s leading sports broadcaster ESPN+, “which is our most lucrative media rights agreement in the USA to date, will ensure that all our international home games and regional tournaments are available to millions of fans in the United States.

“Our four-year agreement with SuperSport, Africa’s leading sports broadcaster, will enable all West Indies Men’s and Women’s home international and regional tournaments to be seen by millions of fans over 54 African countries and islands including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya.

Major long-term broadcast rights deals with BT Sport and Sky New Zealand will similarly allow our fans in the United Kingdom and New Zealand respectively, to conveniently watch and enjoy West Indies games on their TVs and mobile devices.

Additionally, our recent renewal and extension of Betway as our official betting partner sponsorship (2020-2022) has more than doubled in value as compared to our 2018-19 agreement. Other exciting achievements include: New live broadcast TV presentation and long-term production agreement for International matches and Super50 with Whisper TV New two-year Caribbean radio commentary agreement with VIBES FM to deliver live commentary across the region of all West Indies Men’s and Women’s Home Series matches plus regional tournaments.

First ever long-term data collection and betting streaming revenue agreement with StatsPerform First ever tour partnership with Unilever’s hand sanitiser brand, ‘Lifebuoy’ for West Indies Tour of England 2020.

Launch of a new official team kit with Castore – first quarter sales greater than the last 2 years combined.

Agreement of new ticketing platform with Secutix for 2021-2023 seasons, with significant reduction in cost of sale and overheads, whilst enabling a higher level of fan communication and promotional flexibility.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday May 03, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1)Gordon Greenidge-102* (WI vs PAK, Sharjaj, 1988) (2)Shikar Dhawan-109 (IND vs SA, Johannesburg, 2018) (1) (2)

Today’s Quiz:

Which player is the fastest to 5000 ODI runs?

Which WI player is the fastest to 5000 ODI runs?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 3, 2021

Manchester United protests: Emotions have been simmering for 16 years

By Simon Stone, BBC Sport IT was at an entrance to Old Trafford round the back of the Stretford End, away from the noise and the flares that accompanied the start of the Manchester United fans’ protest at Old Trafford, that those who made it onto the pitch entered through.

Most were young lads in their 20s, coming down the hill in wave after wave. But not all.

There were women and older men too. One, probably in his late 50s or early 60s, wore a green and gold scarf and a woolly hat in the same colours.

Man Utd v Liverpool off after fan protest After he had left the stadium compound, he remained with those waiting for the United team bus that never arrived.

He was not angry and spoke calmly to fans and media in the same area, wanting to know the latest about what was happening on the other side of the ground, or around the team hotel, where he had been earlier.

Those fans, he felt, were more sinister than the ones at the stadium.

But he didn’t condemn them. He accepts they have a common goal. Emotions have been simmering for 16 years, so a bit of aggression is understandable, the theory went.

Exchanges like this - and people like that - underline the reason for what happened at Old Trafford.

A large protest was expected outside the ground before the match with historic rivals Liverpool - but no-one expected fans to force their way into the stadium and onto the pitch and for the match to be postponed.

It was the third major fans protest against the club and its owners in recent days following a protest at Old Trafford last Saturday and fans entering the club’s training ground at Carrington the previous Thursday.

Like supporters of the other five ‘big six’ clubs, Manchester United’s fans are angry about the European Super League proposals. They don’t want it and will voice their opposition - just as fans of the other five English sides have done.

What sets United apart is that their fans are not surprised at the actions of their owners - the US-based Glazer family.

Indeed, to those fans, it merely underlines their view that the owners of their football club only care about money and that they have no affection for the world-famous 149-year-old institution they are in charge of.

If they did, the argument goes, they would never have landed the club with the enormous debt associated with their controversial £790m leveraged takeover in 2005.

Manchester United were a debt-free organisation when they were on the stock market prior to the Glazers buying the club. The fans believe the Glazers should have used their

own money.

That debt currently stands at £455.5m, according to the club’s latest accounts, which were released on 4 March, 2021. It is estimated that in general finance costs, interest and dividends, the Glazer takeover has cost United in excess of £1bn.

There is nothing new in this. Many United fans were genuinely angry when Sir Alex Ferguson used to defend the owners. The Scot repeatedly said the Glazer family backed him in the transfer market and never offered criticism.

Those fans felt Ferguson’s brilliance as a manager masked underlying issues around the money being invested in United’s playing squad.

It is no surprise the ‘green and gold’ anti-Glazer campaign began in 2010, when United were experiencing a dip after three successive Premier League titles, nor that it fizzled out when Ferguson got his team playing like champions again and reached another Champions League final.

But for some, the sentiment never dimmed. Disenchantment with the Glazer stewardship of United has grown with every passing year since Ferguson retired in 2013, not just because the club’s fortunes have slipped, but because despite the relative failure, tens of millions of pounds go out of the club, either directly to the family or because of the way they run United.

There is a counter-bal-

Fans protest outside Old Trafford against the Glazers, who took over Manchester United in 2005,

ance to this narrative.

The owners are responsible for the phenomenal rise in Manchester United’s commercial revenue. They were the ones who aggressively pursued the regional approach, which every other similar sized club has followed.

The Glazers introduced a commercial plan which was different to any other club.

Other than the major deals with Adidas, Chevrolet and others, they sell on a regional basis across the globe, so they have telecoms partners in USA and Canada, another in Africa, another in China.

They recognised United were popular and maximised the popularity.

It can be argued, with some justification, that the Glazers are responsible for a significant proportion of United’s rise in income and what they take out is only a percentage of it.

United sources never tire of drilling home the message that the money the club raises is done to improve the playing side, whether it be through big-money signings or academy prospects.

Beyond question, they have spent a lot of money on players.

Whether they have bought the right ones is debatable though, and the Glazers are blamed by some for not putting the processes in place to get the recruitment right.

In recent times, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a patron of the Manchester United Supporters Trust (Must), which has campaigned against the family, has, like Ferguson, been condemned for not criticising the owners.

Yet Solskjaer, when I asked him about the planned protests in the build-up to Sunday’s game, said the fans’ voice “needs to be heard”.

That probably explains the

wording of the club statement on Sunday night, which in addition to condemning those who put “other fans, staff and police in danger”, also acknowledged their right to free expression and peaceful protest, in addition to highlighting their passion.

In the aftermath of the ESL’s collapse, co-chairman Joel Glazer said he accepted there was a need for greater communication with supporters.

That said, he opted not to join an emergency fans forum on Friday when Must were amongst the signatories of a letter, read out to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, stating the fans did not trust or believe the owners.

It is doubtful whether bridges between the two sides can ever be built but even securing some sort of peace, however uneasy, may not be easy to achieve.

Walsh eyeing international competition in buildup to ICC World Cup Qualifier ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Women are desperately hoping to secure an international tour in order to gain valuable match practice, before they travel to Sri Lanka in December for the crucial ICC World Cup qualifier.

Though the Caribbean side toured England last September for five Twenty20 Internationals, they are without a single 50-over series since November, 2019, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic which wiped out nearly all of their fixtures.

Head coach Courtney Walsh said international competition would complement the preparation undertaken at last January’s training camp and the second one which gets underway here Sunday.

“We are still hopeful of having a tour before the Qualifier, either someone coming to the

Caribbean or we going to another country, but we are not sure what’s happening yet,” the West Indies legend told reporters.

“As soon as CWI can confirm, we can firm up more plans because nothing beats time in the middle.

“In the interim, we are planning to have more game scenarios and more practice matches than we did at the last camp, which was a lot more net training.”

He continued: “Unfortunately, that is the best we can do.

We are still hopeful that before the Qualifier, we can also get the [domestic Women’s Championship] played, so we have a chance to see other players as well because we need to widen the pool.”

West Indies Women had been scheduled to lock horns with South Africa Women last year in a five-match ODI

West Indies are desperate for international competition. series but the tour of the Caribbean was scrapped due to the pandemic.

The Women’s Super50 Cup,

the 50-overs domestic tournament, was also abandoned along with the inaugural Under-19 girls Championship.

“Not being able to play competitive matches, it is hard to say if we have enough time to do everything we want. I have to understand the situation and work with it the best way that I can,” Walsh continued.

“In an ideal world, if we were able to tour and play as much matches as we could and get the (Women’s Super50) out of the way, I would say, yes, but it is a ticklish situation.

“It is something that is understandable, and we have to make the best of what we can and try to get in as much as we can.”

He added: “Once the players are out there playing, I would much prefer that because you have a better chance of judging, assessing, seeing who is in form, seeing who is improving or not.

“So that’s the biggest challenge … not seeing them on

the international stage to use that to build up their confidence and to judge how they are performing.”

The last training camp was staged last January but players have since been hampered in the amount of training which could be done in their respective territories, due to coronavirus restrictions which barred outdoor training.

Walsh said players had still managed to maintain a level of fitness, however, which could now be further enhanced by the camp.

“All in all, a lot of work was done behind the scenes on the fitness levels of all the players and they had drills to do, and the local coaches and the local territorial boards have been very helpful with getting some of that work done,” Walsh noted.

The respective winners and officials at the presentation ceremony.

Dhanpat wins Massy Motors golf competition

SINGLE Digit handicapper, Naro Dhanpat, walked away with two prizes, including the championship trophy, when he competed in the Massy Motors 18-hole golf competition on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

The nine handicapper made a gross score of 78, which is eight over par. Overall, he finished with a net score of 67, and tied with Mike Guyadin, but won on a countback.

His superior back nine of 32 net also won him a prize.

Guyana’s lone golf club at Lusignan has a nine-hole course, so golfers go around twice, hence the terms front nine and back nine.

Guyadin, 11 handicap, finished with a gross 78 to cop the second position.

Third place went to 16 handicapper Naresh Sarwan, who finished with a gross 84 net 68.

Anand Persaud won the best net-front nine with a score of 28.

Massy’s Director Laknarine Shivraj, along with staff members Samantha Fernandes and Lindon Williams assisted in the distribution of prizes and “Holiday” brand snacks.

Hamilton goes eight points clear with victory inseePortugal story on page 21

Naro Dhanpat won Saturday’s competition.

Punjab Kings Chris Jordan congratulates Shikar Dhawan and Shimron Hetmyer after Delhi Capitals comprehensive win.

Lewis Hamilton has opened up an eight-point lead in the drivers’ championship.

Dhawan’s unbeaten see story 69 takes Delhi on page 20 Capitals to the top

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MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021