Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-08-2021

TUESDAY 3rd August, 2021

' No.106442

Guyana receives 84,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from UK

Retroactive salary increases for 03 public servants

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PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has said, definitively, that before the end of the year public servants will benefit from salary increases that would be retroactive. The Head of State gave that confirmation during a virtual news conference hosted on Monday morning, when he said that development in the lives of public servants was not being addressed in isolation, and went far beyond salary increases.

“I am not only looking at salary increases. We are also looking at the mechanisms that would allow every public servant to own their own home,” Dr. Ali noted.

He said too that public servants had also been benefitting from several cash grants being disbursed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government. Since the Irfaan Ali-led government assumed office in August 2020, exactly one year ago, thousands of Guyanese had been able to capitalise on the $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant which had been given to every household in the country; there was also the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant which had seen each child within the public school system receiving $19,000 each. Additionally, due to the ongoing floods, the government had also announced some $7.8 billion worth in monetary aid for various categories of persons who had been affected.

Added to that, President Ali said that efforts were being made to ensure the academic advancement of Guyanese. “We want to empower public servants so that their children too can benefit from the scholarship programme, many of whom are already benefitting. The public servants themselves are benefitting and we are happy about this,” President Ali said, as he pointed to the government’s 20,000 online scholarship programme which has seen thousands of Guyanese being accepted into a number of internationally recognised universities, at the expense of the government. (Continues on page 3)

President to Harmon: quit ‘gymnastics’ for Chancellor, Chief Justice to be confirmed 10 PAGE

Man drowns at popular Linden hangout spot 02

Proof of 08 vaccination required of visitors

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

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Dead: Stephen Wayne Major

Foreigners travelling to Guyana will still be required to produce negative PCR tests

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

World-class legal architecture to support Guyana’s developmental trajectory

By Richard Bhainie WITH Guyana poised to be radically transformed, the consequence of a rigorous and intensive developmental agenda by government, supported by the country’s newest discovered natural resource, light, sweet crude, it is important that the country’s legal and institutional architecture be revamped in alignment with the developmental aspirations.

These were the sentiments shared by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address to the nation and press conference held to commemorate the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) first anniversary back in government on August 2, 2021.

“The new, modern Guyana we envision will be one that has a world class legal and institutional architecture. This will involve overhauling many of our laws and regulations to make them more relevant to the realities of the Guyana of the future,” Ali said.

Ali announced that some key initiatives undertaken to fuel the transformation of the legal sector will be spearheaded by the newly-constituted Law Reform

REGULARISATION

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C Commission which is being headed by Retired Justice of Appeal B. S. Roy, the Chairman of the Commission.

A Law Reform Commission is an instrumental body in any society, as it ensures that the legal system does not remain stagnant. It keeps the law under constant revision, and makes recommendations to Parliament for the repeal, creation, con-

solidation and codification of the laws; the new body is expected to pave the way for incremental legislative amendments.

The commission was constituted after significant amendments to the Law Reform Act 2016 were recently approved in the National Assembly; specifically, amendments to allow for persons who hold a variety

Man drowns at popular Linden hangout spot

STEPHEN Wayne Major, 23, of Self Help Scheme, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, who was socialising with his friends on Monday afternoon, died after a trip to the popular hangout and swimming spot called “Buck Town” Christianburg, Wismar, Linden.

Police said Major allegedly drowned around 15:30 hours.

Reports indicated that Major and his friends were consuming alcohol before they ventured into the water to swim.

One friend said that Major went around the Koker area in the water and it appeared that he was doing stunts in the water by throw-

Dead: Stephen Wayne Major ing himself in and coming back up.

One eyewitness said that Major dived under the water for about two minutes and resurfaced a short distance

away from the Koker front.

Someone attempted to rescue him but failed due to the strong water current.

Five other people, who were at the scene rushed to retrieve Major and he was brought to shore in an unconscious state. Persons at the scene performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Major but he failed to regain consciousness.

He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are investigating the incident.

The body is currently at the morgue awaiting a post mortem examination.

of qualifications to sit on the commission.

Section 4(1) (b) of the Act requires that the Minister of Legal Affairs consults with the organisations that appear to represent the legal profession, organisations such as the private sector; the trade union movement; the entities representing the interest of consumers’ affairs; the religious community; the Rights Commissions; and the National Toshaos’ Council for the appointment of members of the commission.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY The amendment of the Act caters for that diversity and inclusivity to be reflected as part of the Commission, as it will allow for the commission to comprise persons who have a legal background, as well as persons who have at least 10 years of experience in the areas of banking, industry, economics or commerce, social or natural sciences, and law enforcement.

The members of the commission are Vice-president of the Guyana Bar Association, Teni Housty; former High Commissioner for Guyana to Canada,

Clarissa Riehl; Veteran educator and proprietor of Nations Incorporated, Dr. Brian O’Toole; and attorneys-at-law Emily Dodson, Roopnarine Satram, and Deenawatie Panday.

The establishment of a Law Reform Commission is part of a fundamental component of the US$8 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Justice System Programme. The statement from the Attorney-General’s chambers noted that the IDB will fund the functioning of the commission for a specified period, after which the government is expected to take over.

The President announced that other reforms will be driven by sector specific reviews of the legal frameworks while others will be of a more cross-cutting nature.

He mentioned specifically an electronic environment conducive to facilitating transactions.

“For example, the use of electronic transactions, and electronic means of settling transactions, will unavoidably become a reality in tomorrow’s Guyana. So, your government will ensure the relevant legal frameworks are in place,” he said.

Recently, Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development attached to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, John Edghill, told the Guyana Chronicle of an e-Commerce Bill that the ministry is working on to encourage more electronic use in commerce and having all the online market places being regularised.

Edghill had highlighted that currently, entrepreneurs are prevented from accepting payments online as the country lacks the requisite legislation, unless they have a United States account or are using methods provided by third parties. Further, online markets are not regularised and conduct business in a lackadaisical manner.

“Our institutions will also be strengthened, including for the purpose of ensuring accountable and transparent stewardship of our national patrimony,” Ali said as he highlighted reforms will be made to “ensure a modern legal framework is in place to ensure openness and transparency”.

In addition to these measures, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has embarked on a rigorous agenda to transform Guyana’s archaic legal sector through overruling outdated legislation and crafting a modern legal architecture.

Some of the noteworthy initiatives are a new Petroleum Bill; a new Arbitration Bill spearheaded by retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Belize, Courtney Abel; Public Health Bill; Mental Health Bill; Tissue Transplant legislation Bill; Food and Drug Bill; Food Safety and Food Security Bills; and a revised Procurement Bill.

In addition there is the Hire Purchase Bill which is currently before the Select Committee; an Anti-Dumping Bill, a Movable Property Security Bill and an E-Transactions Bill are currently being drafted. There is also a new Juvenile Justice Bill, a Bail Bill, and Sentencing Guidelines on the table, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Retroactive salary increases for public servants

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— says President Ali

By Rehana Ahamad Continued from page 1

President Ali also pointed to the government’s efforts to institute tax waivers, tax breaks and tax reversals, as well as the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain essential services.

“So, it’s a holistic approach to the improvement of lives and livelihoods; it is not a narrow window of only salaries; it is that holistic approach that is necessary,” Dr. Ali emphasised.

Turning his attention to the role of the unions representing public servants, President Ali cautioned Guyanese to “Be careful.” “My appeal to public servants [and] to teachers is a very simple appeal; trust the government. By the end of these five years, you will all be better off. Do not be played politically,” Dr. Ali added.

He also made specific reference to the Guyana Teachers’ Union, and the

“ridiculous remarks” being made by the Union’s General-Secretary, Coretta McDonald, who is also a Member of Parliament for the opposition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

DIRECT DISCUSSION “I would not repeat them; I would not even engage in a discussion surrounding them, but I will engage in a discus-

Guyana’s public servants, President Ali said, “I will engage with you in a discussion so you understand where our country is heading; you would understand the opportunities of the future, and of course, you will be integrated in this new Guyana, filled with opportunities and improvement in your personal and family welfare.”

Shortly after the PPP/C government presented its $383.1 billion 2021 Budget in February, members

President Irfaan Ali

sion directly with the public servants and teachers,” the President said.

Speaking directly to

of the APNU+AFC had complained that there was nothing in it for public servants. This received a

stern rebuttal from Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who pointed specifically to the section of the budget estimates which highlights an allocation of more than $10B for the ‘revision of wages and salaries.’ Contrary to the opposition’s complaints, Minister Parag

assured that there was no need for public servants to worry, since provisions were made for salary increases. “There is an increase. There will be an increase in 2021 for all public servants,” Parag insisted.

She said too that while the salary increas-

es are in line with the budget’s theme: “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience”, it is also a measure that is in keeping with the PPP/C’s manifesto promise to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

‘We cannot expose children to unvaccinated teachers’ — President Ali

By Rehana Ahamad

AS the government pursues the reopening of schools in September, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has insisted that “We surely cannot expose the children to unvaccinated teachers.”

He told a virtual news conference, on Monday, that too many lives are being lost due to the novel coronavirus, and that persons ought to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the deadly disease.

“I am sure that the teachers are responsible enough to understand this, and understand the importance of vaccination,” President Ali opined.

He recognised too that the existence of the Delta variant can possibly pave the

way for more variants of the virus to emerge. “This is not an easy battle,” President Ali emphasised.

He said that since assuming office on August 2, 2020, the government has invested heavily to ensure that enough vaccines are procured to inoculate Guyana’s entire adult population. “Nothing can be excellent if one life is lost…

I am aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and country if people are not vaccinated, and that is what worries me,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State reflected that all things considered, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been doing the best that it possibly can to ensure that Guyanese are able to become vaccinated. Since the emergence of

FLASHBACK: A student of the West Demerara Secondary School is sanitised before she goes into her classroom (Delano Williams photo)

the coronavirus in December 2020, vaccination has been deemed the only safe way for the world to exit the current pandemic.

“Any decision you make, this battle has elements of risks. You just have to measure those elements of risks and make the best possible decision in a holistic interest of the country,” Dr. Ali posited.

Even as he is calling on teachers to become vaccinated, President Ali and his Cabinet are also aggressively pursuing the acquisition of the Pfizer vaccines, which is expected to be reserved for youths between the ages of 12 and 18. Once the vaccines arrive in Guyana, President Ali said, “We expect children to take it.”

Wi t h i n t h e l a s t f e w months, Guyana was hit with the harsh realities that even

children are not spared by the virus. Moreover, the country had recorded a spike in the number of children who have been contracting the virus.

As it is, at least three children have already succumbed to the virus.

The government is hoping that the vaccination of as many children as possible would pave the way for the safe reopening of schools, the majority of which have been closed to physical learning for more than a year.

Citing the seriousness of learning loss, the Ministry of Education had moved to reinstitute physical learning for learners who are preparing for key examinations such as the National Grade Six Assessment as well as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Canada fines travellers for fake vaccination and testing papers

CANADA has fined two travellers arriving from the US who, officials say, forged COVID-19 testing and vaccination documents.

Each was fined C$19,720 ($16,000, £11,500) after inspectors at the Toronto airport found their vaccine cards and proof of testing were fake.

It comes as Canada is set to ease travel restrictions on US visitors.

Around the world, nations are grappling with how to re-open their borders to travellers amid a virus surge.

According to a statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the two unnamed travellers had entered Canada from the US during the week of July 18.

The Canada Border Services Agency, which inspects COVID travel documents for authenticity, determined that the duo had faked the documents that they had uploaded to the government’s ArriveCAN travel website.

“The Government of Canada will continue to investigate incidents reported and will not hesitate to take

Canada is set to ease travel restrictions on US visitors enforcement action where it is warranted to protect

the health of Canadians from the further spread of

COVID-19 and its variants of concern,” the agency said in a statement.

Canada did not identify the travellers or their itineraries. The health agency told Newsweek in a statement that they were Canadian citizens.

Canada loosened requirements for international travellers on July 5. Anyone entering the country must provide proof of vaccination. The unvaccinated have to submit to multiple tests, and stay for three days in a government-run hotel before quarantining for 14 days.

Canada will begin letting vaccinated Americans enter the country starting on August 9.

The US border with Canada and Mexico, however, remains closed to foreigners until August 21.

Other countries are quickly amending their travel restrictions, depending on the rise or fall of new infections and vaccinations.

On Monday, the UK began allowing vaccinated Americans and Europeans to enter without undergoing quarantine. (BBC)

Fighting rages as Taliban attacks key Afghan cities

Ferocious fighting is taking place in a major Afghan city, amid fears it could be the first provincial capital to fall to the Taliban.

Lashkar Gah in southern

Helmand province is under heavy assault from the militants, despite US and Afghan air strikes.

The Taliban are said to have seized a TV station. Thousands

Afghan government forces are battling the Taliban in three key cities (BBC/GETTY IMAGE) of people fleeing rural areas took shelter in buildings.

The UK and US say the

Taliban may have committed war crimes.

Hundreds of Afghan rein-

forcements have been deployed to battle the militants. The Taliban have made rapid advances in recent months as US forces have withdrawn after 20 years of military operations in the country.

Helmand was the centrepiece of the US and British military campaign, and Taliban gains there would be a blow for the Afghan government.

If Lashkar Gah fell, it would be the first provincial capital won by the Taliban since 2016.

It is one of three capitals under attack.

Attempts by the militants to capture Kandahar, Afghanistan’s second-largest city, have continued after rocket strikes hit its airport on Sunday.

Seizing control of Kandahar would be a hugely symbolic victory for the Taliban, giving them a grip on the south of the country.

In a third besieged city, Herat, in the west, government commandos are battling the insurgents after days of fierce fighting. Government forces have taken back some areas after a UN compound was attacked on Friday.

As government forces struggled to contain Taliban advances, President Ashraf Ghani

blamed the sudden withdrawal of US troops for the increase in fighting.

“The reason for our current situation is that the decision was taken abruptly,” Ghani told Parliament.

Ghani said he had warned Washington that the withdrawal would have “consequences”.

Although nearly all its military forces have left, the US has continued its air offensive in support of government troops.

President Biden’s administration announced on Monday that because of the increase in violence, it would take in thousands more Afghan refugees who worked with US forces.

The US and UK have accused the Taliban of “massacring civilians” in a town they recently captured near the Pakistan border.

Gruesome videos that emerged from Spin Boldak apparently showed revenge killings. The Taliban have rejected the accusations.

“The Taliban’s leadership must be held responsible for the crimes of their fighters,” the US embassy in Kabul tweeted.

“If you cannot control your fighters now, you have no business in governance later.”

(BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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Jamaica: Are we emancipated?

M A R C U S G a r v e y ’s message of “emancipation from mental slavery” is immortalised in Bob Marley’s 40-year-old classic, Redemption Song.

Taken from the 1980 Uprising album (Island Records), it was recently certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry in the United Kingdom for sales exceeding 400,000 units.

Professor Emeritus Rupert Lewis — from the Department of Government at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus — said the inspirational line was taken from a speech Garvey made in Nova Scotia, Canada, on October 1, 1937.

“Garvey said, ‘We’re going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because while others might free the

body, none but ourselves can free the mind. [The] mind is your only ruler, sovereign; the man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man that uses his mind’,” Lewis, who introduced the teaching of Garveyism at the UWI, told the Jamaica Observer.

On Sunday Emancipation Day was celebrated. August 1, 1834 marked the date when all children under six years of age were deemed to be free, but all other slaves were deemed to be apprentices and forced to work 40 hours per week without pay as compensation to their owners. Full ‘freedom’ was not given to the slaves until four years later in 1838.

The professor gave Marley an ‘A’ grade for his inter-

POLICE were forced late Friday night, during curfew hours, to try to remove an 81-year-old Maracas, St Joseph, man from a private senior assisted home in Maraval after a High Court judge ordered his immediate removal from the facility.

They were unable to secure his release on Friday night, but Newsday understands at about 12 noon on Saturday, the director of the senior care facility called the police informing them that the man was allowed to walk out of the home on his own.

The home is run by a senior doctor who once held a senior government position.

Attorneys for Kirk Ruthven Noel accompanied the police, on Friday night, to remove the man they said was being held against his will at the home.

Earlier on Friday, Justice Robin Mohammed issued a writ of habeas corpus to compel the home’s director to justify Noel’s detention at the facility since June 24.

After the doctor and Noel’s family failed to respond to the writ, the judge, just after 18:00hrs, ordered the man’s immediate release. The court’s order was finalised at 21.42 hrs, and attorneys, who had to call the police’s curfew hotline for clearance to go to the Maraval police station and the home, got there with officers at 22.45 hrs but were unable to get to Noel.

The man is represented by attorneys Chase Pegus and Edisha Greene, both of Veritas Chambers in Port of Spain. In documents filed in support of the writ, Greene

said they received a call from a friend of Noel’s who was concerned about his detention at the home. The attorneys called the cell phone number provided for him, and he told them he was being held there without his consent.

Noel had first been taken to another senior care facility in San Fernando on May 15, by a close relative who told him they would return for him. They did not.

On June 24, the director of the Maraval home went to the nursing home in San Fernando to retrieve Noel, telling him she wanted to take him the Queen’s Park Savannah to get his COVID-19 vaccine.

He got his shot and was then taken to the senior care home in Maraval, where he remained until noon on Saturday.

Noel has since been returned to his home in Maracas, St Joseph, with the

Professor Emeritus Rupert Lewis pretation of Garvey’s speech.

“Excellent. You can’t get better than what Marley did in rendering those words in a way that more people think it is Marley’s words,” he said.

“Marley is now building

on a traditional idea and putting that idea to music; and using the select lyrics which make a huge point, but which is more powerful as music than as prose. It’s Garvey’s brilliance and Mar-

ley’s brilliance combined,” Lewis added.

Redemption Song was first released on vinyl in the United Kingdom and France in October 1980. It was re-released digitally in November 2015.

In 2004, Redemption Song ranked number 66 on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Several artistes have covered over the years, including Stevie Wonder whose version was included on the 1996 soundtrack to Get on the Bus, and Wonder’s Song Review: A Greatest Hits Collection.

Joe Strummer of The Clash did a solo cover as well as a collaboration featuring Johnny Cash.

Wyclef Jean performed a version of the song for the

9/11 benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes in September 2001.

Marley, a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, died in May 1981 of cancer. He was 36.

Jamaica’s first national hero, Garvey, like Marley hailed from St Ann. His teachings and philosophies are integral to members of the Rastafari community, as well as the Nation of Islam, and Black Power Movement.

He was the founder and first president-general of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA-ACL, commonly known as UNIA).

Founder of the pan-African movement, he died in London in 1940 at age 52.

(Jamaica Observer)

After these attempts to get a response to their client’s concerns, the attorneys filed the application for the writ of habeas corpus. The doctor was also informed of the virtual hearing at 18:00 hrs, but did not attend the hearing.

Further, attempts to serve the writ at the home were also thwarted since staff at the facility said they will not accept the documents.

After the virtual court hearing the judge ordered Noel’s immediate release.

Noel has now instructed

his attorneys to file a report with the police as well as file a false imprisonment claim against the director of the care home.

In 2019, police were forced to rescue 69 men and women from an alleged rehabilitation centre in East Trinidad. Police said the 69 were all being held captive and most were in cages.

Criminal charges relating to the incident were filed and are pending in the courts. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

TT: Judge orders home, run by a doctor, to release 81-year-old man

Kirk Ruthven Noel assistance of a close friend.

Noel says he is perfectly capable of managing his own affairs.

On July 26, the attorneys said they tried to get access to Noel by visiting the facility but were denied. They also spoke to the director who admitted to not knowing of any court order to have him housed there.

She also told them, “I do not pick people off the streets.” A pre-action protocol letter was issued to the

doctor on July 27, but there was no response to it, and later that day Noel told his attorneys he was feeling unwell and was in need of urgent medical attention.

Attempts were made to call his relatives but they went unanswered. The doctor also did not answer calls.

Noel said he was fearful that attempts would be made to disconnect the service to his cellphone once it was discovered his lawyers had stepped in and sent the legal letter to the home.

His phone number was disconnected the next day, the lawsuit said.

On Friday, the attorneys called Noel’s relatives who said they were not in a position to speak with them.

Another call was made to the doctor about Noel’s detention at the facility, but she said she was not speaking without her attorney, refusing to give details.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Strong Statement of Support

THE decision to compensate those who suffered losses during the recent floods can be seen as a strong statement of support

by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to farmers in particular and the Guyanese people in general. It is also an indication that farmers are not only valuable contributors to our economy, but more fundamentally, that there is dignity and security in tilling the soil and in the rearing of cattle, livestock and poultry.

In what is regarded as the biggest allocation ever to compensate Guyanese who suffered losses as a result of floods, a substantial sum of money was set aside by President Ali.

Over 52,000 households who were affected by the recent floods will benefit from this financial package.

The package, worth billions, is the fulfilment of a promise made by the President that once the floodwaters recede, government would conduct a full and comprehensive assessment of losses, which would be the basis on which the interventions of the government would be undertaken for those who lost their livelihoods.

The assistance covers various categories including homestead farmers, those with kitchen gardens and other affected households. A total of $3.6B has been earmarked for those who qualify under these categories. In

addition, another $3.2B has been set aside to provide financial assistance to rice farmers who suffered losses in varying degrees from land preparation to the pre-harvesting stage.

Roughly 50,000 acres of rice were affected, involving some 2,000 rice farmers. Poultry farmers will also benefit from the relief package which is projected to cost over $600M. As pointed out by the President, this assistance, even though it may not be a full compensation for losses suffered, will go a long way in mitigating such losses.

The financial package offered by the PPP/C administration has to be seen in conjunction with a much bigger intervention mechanism to

bring immediate relief to affected communities and to help prevent a recurrence. Among these interventions were massive drainage and irrigation works, upgrading of river-defence systems, and other forms of technical support to farmers by way of genetic improvements and other forms of technical support.

The financial relief package announced by President Ali on the eve of his first year as the country’s Head of State is most re-assuring and, as noted by the President, even though it may not fully compensate for the emotional and social losses which he experienced first-hand during his interactions with those affected by the floods, it certainly

has lifted the spirit and hopes of thousands regarding the future and security of their lives and their livelihoods.

It is a known fact that the majority of farmers do not enjoy insurance coverage for their crops or livestock and any unexpected disaster as in the case of the recent floods could spell ruin or have a crippling effect on their ability to get back on their feet.

Many are barely able to eke out an existence due to the relatively small size of their operations, aided sometimes with the support of family members. In such cases, the losses suffered can be particularly distressing and any form of relief will be welcomed with open arms.

There was a time

under the previous APNU+AFC administration when agriculture was downplayed and when farmers were treated with scant regard by those in officialdom. One consequence of such attitude was a marked decline in agricultural production and productivity and a consequential loss of export earnings.

All of that has now changed and agriculture is one again, as it were, on the front burner. This is exactly how it should be and the PPP/C administration must be commended for the several policy interventions to create a more diversified and balanced economy so necessary for sustainable development.

CIOG commends H.E. President Dr. Irfaan Ali on flood-relief measures

Dear Editor,

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) wishes to commend His Excellency the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government (May God Protect Him) for the range of measures aimed at mitigating the devastation caused by the recent flooding across our country.

It is well known that real leaders are those that are forged in crisis. As Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School

Nancy Koehn asserts, “Real leaders are not born; the ability to help others triumph over adversity is not written into their genetic code. They are, instead, made.”

On this day, one year since His Excellency’s formal ascension to office, it is critical to contextualise what was endured during this period, making him the leader he is today. By March 3rd, 2020, it was known and verified locally and internationally that Dr. Irfaan Ali was Guyana’s new President. What followed is testimony of the faith, fortitude and patience

of the man.

Thereafter, Dr. Ali endured attempts to derail the electoral machinery and obliterating of the country’s democratic credentials. These issues were complemented by his personal trials. Nevertheless, His Excellency, forged in crisis, stayed the course Immediately, upon assuming office in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the greatest global crisis challenge of our time, relief measures were announced; thousands of scholarships were made available for Guyanese;

cash grants for students were announced and a couple of days ago, flood-relief measures have been announced.

The benefits to the economy with these kinds of economic stimulants are well known and documented. What is often lost in the discourse is the real and tangible benefits that reach the ordinary people.

As one who has never been enamoured with the trappings of office, His Excellency Dr. Ali has a clear appreciation for a people-oriented approach to governance which has been demonstrated in his interactions with lead-

ers and ordinary folk alike.

This style of leadership has transcended to the ministers of government where their interactions and approaches to citizens suggest that we are well on the way in realising and fulfilling our motto of “One People, One nation, One destiny.”

In announcing the flood-relief measures that will benefit many households across Guyana, CIOG sees in His Excellency a style of leadership that is determined by his blend of personal humility and unparalleled will to lead others in service of

a cause bigger than himself.

This is leadership with Ihsaan -- excellence.

The CIOG reiterates its support for His Excellency the President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his administration, and we pray for your every success as you fulfil your duty to serve, guide, and protect all the people of Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Shaykh Moeen-ulHack Director of Education

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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We as Guyanese have endured so much outside of the pandemic

Dear editor,

TODAY, I write to you to reflect on the year 2020 to 2021. We as Guyanese have endured so much outside of the pandemic. We have faced challenge after challenge but we are still standing. That in itself shows how strong we are as a people. August 2nd makes it one full year since the PPP/C was sworn into office. I am sure that thousands of my fellow Guyanese would join me when I say that the government has done a lot which deserves recognition and applause.

It is time we give just that unto them.

However, we cannot simply forget the journey we took to get to this point. In March 2020, we had our elections. We can all agree that that election period was tense and the five months that followed were just stressful to say the least. That entire period, along with the five years that preceded it, allowed us to distinguish between what a government for the people looks like, and what a government for themselves looks like. One thing was revealed throughout that period: the APNU+AFC co-

alition has no regard for anyone but themselves, not even their supporters. They kept on lying and deceiving their supporters, saying that they had won the elections even when the recount showed that the PPP/C won. To date, they continue to spew lies and propaganda to score cheap political points with their supporters holding out that they won the elections last year. We all know that they did not win, but what they did was try to rig the elections more than once.

I recall clearly that the coalition tried to get Mr. Mingo, the Returning Officer of

Region Four, to declare that they won. No one who was present could corroborate the figures Mr. Mingo presented and not even the Statements of Poll could reflect what he was saying. The PPP/C released their Statements of Poll, but the coalition kept theirs hidden only because they knew it would reveal that they had lost the elections. We had a whole debacle with the declaration of the results that led to the courts many times. It even got to the point where the coalition got their supporters to file injunctions to stop GECOM from declaring the results.

It was protest after protest, it was chaos day and night, and even up to now with all the courts declaring that the votes were valid and the recount figures are correct, the coalition continues to be petty and refuses to recognise the PPP/C government as legitimate.

Nonetheless, despite the propaganda and misinformation that are being peddled daily, the PPP/C has remained steadfast in their approach to good governance. This past year has been a good one for the PPP/C as their accomplishments are seen in every part

of the country. There are infrastructural works ongoing; there are projects being undertaken regularly; education is being prioritized; healthcare and COVID-19 are being focused on heavily. The Indigenous Peoples are being recognised and vulnerable and minority groups are being provided with initiatives to help themselves. I applaud the government for how they have handled the first year and I look forward to their second year in office.

Respectfully yours, Brian Azore

Tremendous progress made in just one year

Dear Editor,

AUGUST 2, 2021, will mark the end of one year of the PPP/C in government and to say that the achievements are outstanding is a gross understatement. No one had expected that the PPP/C government would start its delivery immediately. This government has to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; the rigging ‘epidemic’ of the PNC; the worst flooding ever and the Herculean task of reversing the socio-economic devastation and havoc which the coalition wreaked on this nation for five long and arduous years. But it has reversed the effects of all these in just one year.

Of course, the PPP/C government has never failed this nation. Immediately upon assuming office, they took to the task at hand and began to accelerate the plan which was in place long before it assumed office on August 2020 and was outlined in their manifesto, unlike the coalition whose manifesto was not their ‘plan,’ but just a campaign gimmick to fool the people. Unlike the coalition, this government has embarked on economic and social programmes which have benefited every region and community. There is no differentiation between who voted for you or not for you and no one can claim

discrimination on any basis, be it race or religion. The President has kept the vow at his inauguration that he will govern for all Guyanese.

Indeed it will take a rather long dissertation to capture each and every achievement, so I will confine myself to a few. The government knew that to stimulate the economy there must be an immediate measure to put money into the hands of the people and therefore not only did it cut taxes and remove VAT from essential, items but also gave a cash stimulus in the form of the COVID grant. This resulted in billions being spent in the economy, which, when the multiplier effect is considered, will create a ripple effect. The Ministry of Local Government must be lauded for this great initiative and its distribution to every household. In addition to each household, GuySuCo workers, medical professionals, and the Joint Services benefited twice from the cash grant -- a total of 60,000 persons. In total, $20 billion dollars was placed into the pockets of the people and this created an instant stimulus to a dying economy.

We should recall that all the coalition did at the inception was to give themselves humongous salary increases ranging from 50 to 100 per cent as an incentive not to steal. But “thief” they did, on

a grand and unprecedented scale.

The education sector saw the rolling out of the $3.2 billion ‘Because We Care’(BWC) cash grants which again put monies into the hands of parents to assist with their children’s education. The multiplier effect will again boost the economy manifold and happiness was seen on all the parents’ faces. On the other hand, Granger’s Bs had benefited only the coalition support base. The BWC has benefited each and every child in Guyana who attends school. This will increase each year to $50,000 per child by 2025. In addition, the Guyana Online Scholarship programme is already set on course to deliver the 20,000 online scholarships as promised. This is in addition to increasing technical and vocational training and apprenticeship schemes.

The Ministry of Public Works has invested heavily in infrastructures and the landscape which had deteriorated under the coalition across the country is progressing at a rapid pace.

This ministry had suffered massive corruption under the previous administration; imagine an ailing entity giving a $500,000 gold bracelet birthday present to a then sitting minister!

The Ministry of Housing has also been moving rapidly

in making 50,000 house lots available to Guyanese, as housing schemes are being opened across the various regions. How many house lots did the coalition gave in its five-year term? They gave 360 house lots! This government gave 400 in Linden in one day and in less than a year has distributed nearly 5,000. Getting a house lot is not a nightmare anymore.

The Ministry of Health must be congratulated for the manner in which it has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. It completed the infectious disease facility at Liliendaal in just a few months and has embarked on a massive vaccination drive to achieve ‘herd immunity.’

It must be recalled that the coalition stole hundreds of millions from the Liliendaal facility whilst Guyanese were dying from the disease.

They had only one focus and that was to rig the 2020 elections and stay in power to continue its thieving and squandermania.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has seen massive improvements with oil leading the sector. In fact, crudeoil production increased by 82.4 per cent and has now earned nearly US$500 million. All the sub-sectors which were dying under the coalition are now improving rapidly. Under the coalition, it was a mystery to know what had happened to the

US$18 million signing bonus. It makes us wonder what would have happened to the U.S. millions now being earned. The gas-to-shore project will ensure that our economy continues to benefit from oil and gas.

The Ministry of Agriculture has ensured and guaranteed that Guyana does not become victim to the oil curse. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this sector has continued to grow at a rapid pace. In March, despite adverse weather conditions, rice output increased by 79.9 per cent, fish and shrimp by 9.2 per cent and even sugar which was actually destroyed by the coalition has shown a growth of 0.5 per cent. The government has delivered on its promise to reopen the closed estates and the Rose Hall estate has already employed nearly 700 persons and will be grinding in the second crop next year. The entire Canje and surrounding areas are once again coming to life economically. The other estates are already embarking on the reopening process. This again is a promise delivered.

This sector faced the worst challenge. The flooding was deemed a national disaster and crops were completely wiped out throughout the country as thousands of hectares of agricultural lands and entire communities became inundated. But this

disaster brought out only the best of this government and its ministers. Moreover, the Minister of Agriculture toiled endlessly and without any respite to ensure that the crisis is brought under control. Again, the government has made a cash-compensation commitment of more than $7 billion to everyone affected by the flood, in addition to a $10 billion supplementary budget to repair the fallout from the flood.

It’s anyone’s guess what the coalition would have done; it would have been just another avenue to steal and squander.

There are so many achievements that it is impossible to mention them here. Congratulations to this government! No doubt the President, the Vice-President and his team have done wonders at this juncture when our country has been so hard hit by not only the flood and the pandemic, but by an opposition which continues to lie and deceive the people.

We must beware of what happened in 2015 when the Goebbels strategy was used to perfection.

The chief propagandist for the Nazi party, Joseph Goebbels, had said that, ‘If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.’

Yours sincerely, H. Yusuf

Harbour Bridge tenders to be opened on October 3

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COME October 3, 2021, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be moving one step closer to realising a spanking new Demerara River Crossing. According to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the tenders submitted for the project will be opened on the aforementioned date.

Submissions of bids were initially due today, August 3; however, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the nine shortlisted bidders were unable to meet the deadline. The contractors had also sought clarification relating to several aspects of the project.

As a result, consultations were hosted with the Minis-

try of Public Works, and an extension was granted.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, had explained that following the June engagements, the issues raised were clarified and the bidders had all reiterated their commitment to the project.

As it is, the bidders are expected to submit proposals which require them to bid on two options: first, a Design-Build & Finance option; and second, a Design-Build-Operate & Finance Option.

Edghill said that bidders were also reminded of the government’s strict two-year deadline for completion of the project, once the contract

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

is signed.

The government had hoped that the project could commence by the end of 2021; however, it is unclear whether this remains possible.

The nine pre-qualified bidders were selected following an ‘Expressions of Interest’ exercise which saw 54 firms indicating their interest in the project. Thereafter, 44 entities moved on to complete the registration process, with a total of 21 companies subsequently submitted to become qualified. All of the bidders were from outside of Guyana, and include China, Suriname, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

While an estimated cost

The 43-year-old Demerara Harbour Bridge is to be determined following is the situation with the exist- an expiration date. It was the submission of bids, the ing structure. The new bridge explained at the time that East Bank to West Bank link is likely to carry a lifespan of the bridge is one that can be constantly maintained, in that is likely to be a “four-lane, at least 50 years.

W h i l e t h e e x i s t i n g almost all of its components high-span fixed bridge; the new ‘fly-over’ structure is 43-year-old bridge is unable are “repairable”. It is unclear intended to stretch across to adequately accommodate whether the government will the Demerara River from La the daily and growing traf- utilise the structure at another Grange on the West Bank to fic, it is not necessarily a location in the country.

Nonetheless, President Nandy Park on the East Bank. structure that is substandard.

According to the EoI, the A few years ago, under the Ali had often singled out new design of the Demerara leadership of Robeson Benn, the new bridge to be one Harbour Bridge will not re- the then Ministry of Public of the major components quire opening or retraction to Works had denounced the of a modernised East Bank allow for maritime traffic, as “myth” that the bridge had Demerara corridor.

Proof of vaccination required of visitors

IN addition to a negative PCR test, foreigners travelling to Guyana will also be required to show proof of vaccination, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill explained that the new measures will come into effect from Sunday, August 8, 2021.

The minister, who has responsibility for the aviation sector, said the government is taking “further action to ensure safety for both visitors to Guyana and our local population by requiring that foreign travellers are vaccinated.” This means that travellers will be required to have at least one dose of a vaccine.

“The Government of Guyana remains committed to achieving herd immunity here in Guyana and will work assiduously to protect the health and well-being of all Guyanese,” Minister Edghill noted.

Currently, Guyana has is-

Foreigners travelling to Guyana will still be required to produce negative PCR tests sued an order which requires the vaccination of non-Guyanese coming from Trinidad and Tobago.

It has been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic hit Guyana, and within the last few months, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led government has been aggressively pushing a comprehensive national vaccination pro-

gramme.

Guyana is also one of the few countries that have managed to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the entire adult population.

As it is, Guyana has recorded in excess of 22,000 cases of the coronavirus which has already taken 546 lives since patient zero in March 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Local authorities monitoring flooding in Region 10

THE local authorities of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are closely monitoring the fluctuating levels of floodwater in several communities.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, on Monday, Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, said Rockstone, Lamp Island and Hururu were still under water.

As it related to persons who were in shelters, Adams said that 29 persons were still being accommodated at the forestry compound at Hururu and an additional 16 persons were at another shelter in the community.

Some 18 persons were being housed at a shelter in Aroaima, 30 Kwakwani residents were at the communi-

flooding.

Yearly, when the MayJune rainy season comes, residents of Kwakwani would brace themselves for heavy torrential rainfall and light flooding.

However, this year, water levels rose above 15 feet, displacing almost 100 resi-

A house under water in Region Ten (Deron Adams photo) ty’s primary school and an being housed at the Kwakadditional six persons were wani Secondary School. At Rockstone, there were eight persons in a shelter that was established there.

Adams disclosed that residents had been battling with reptiles and other dangerous animals as they too tried to find dry land.

“There are concerns of reptiles being found in properties, shops and so on that continues to be a concern for us,” he said.

The chairman noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had since received support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and generous donors to mitigate the effects of the Flooding at Eteringbang, Region Seven (CDC photo)

Make-up artist, hairdresser among trio arrested in wedding house robbery

A HAIRDRESSER, a make-up artist and a taxi driver were arrested on Sunday, after allegedly stealing from six persons at a wedding house at La Union, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The suspects were identified as a 27-year-old female, a 28-year-old male and a 33-year-old male taxi driver.

Police said the items stolen included: two A52 cellular phones valued $260,000.00; one S8 cellular phone; one G-Shock watch valued $70,000; one gold chain valued $ 50,000; one silver chain valued $15,000; $600.00 Barbados dollars; one Apple watch valued $95,000.00; one Samsung S9 cellphone valued $180,000; one Samsung S8 cellphone valued $180,000; and US$275.

The victims were identified as a 49-year-old paint-

er of La Union, WCD; a 29-year-old carpenter of Linden; a 28-year-old Barbadian female; a 24-year-old male of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; a 53-year-old businessman of La Union WCD; and 30-year-old US-based Guyanese woman.

Reports indicated that all the victims were attending

dence at Stewartsville, West Coast Demerara.

At that time, the two suspects who were hired to do hair and makeup were left at the home.

About 16:20 hours, the victims returned home and about 20 minutes later both of the suspects left the house.

About 18:00 hrs the vic-

a wedding ceremony at La Union, WCD and they are all relatives staying at the said address with their personal belongings in different rooms.

Police said that during the celebrations about 15:00 hours on Sunday, the victims and other family members went to the groom’s resi-

tims went to their rooms where they observed the afore-mentioned articles missing.

The suspects, along with the taxi driver who transported them were invited back to the home, where they were all arrested and placed into custody as investigations continue.

dents from their respective homes.

Last week it was also reported that the water level in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) was rising again.

The CDC reported that floodwaters have risen significantly in the community of Eteringbang.

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The previous report stated that some 10 commercial establishments and three households had been impacted. Early assessments also indicated that water had risen to approximately three feet in some parts and continued to rise.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Harmon must quit ‘gymnastics’ for Chancellor, Chief Justice to be confirmed

By Richard Bhainie AS mandated by Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice can only be confirmed by the President, acting after obtaining the

agreement of Leader of the Opposition.

In these regards, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has made it clear that Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, must quit his “gymnastics” and recognise the legitimacy of the People’s Progressive Par-

ty Civic (PPP/C) Government, which will remove the barrier and pave the way for the substantive appointments.

The President shared the remarks during his address to the nation and press conference held to commemorate the Peo-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

ple’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) first anniversary back in government on August 2, 2021.

“As you are aware, the Leader of the Opposition has still not issued any statement recognising the legitimacy of the government. So, I don’t know who I am consult-

Constitution explicitly states that the Chancellor shall be the President of the Court of Appeal. The Chief Justice, on the other hand, is the President and most senior judge of the High Court.

The position of Chancellor is one of utmost importance, pursuant to

Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon

ing with,” Ali said.

“I am sure Harmon definitively knows who also is the Leader of the Opposition and who is the President, so the ball is in his court to do the right thing and I’m hoping – I’m a very positive person – I’m hoping that very soon he will stop his reckless statements about the government and do what is right in the interest of the people of Guyana,” the President added.

Article 124 of the

Article 95 of the Constitution, during any period when the office of President is vacant the office shall be assumed by, the Prime Minister or if there is no Prime Minister, a minister as elected by Cabinet may assume the position. However, when there is no Cabinet, the Chancellor will act in the role.

In March 2018, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice Roxane George were sworn in

to perform the functions of acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and acting Chief Justice, respectively.

No Chancellor or Chief Justice has been confirmed in the positions since 2001; Justice Cummings-Edwards took up the mantle following the retirement of Justice Carl Singh, while Justice George was appointed to the post following the retirement of the late Justice Ian Chang, S.C. In December 2020, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., expressed that with the Constitution being reformed to specifically accommodate consultation for the appointment of the top positions, Guyana remained without a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice.

“I say that it is reg re t t a b l e s i n c e t h e Constitution has been amended to effect that change and we have never had it filled,” Nandlall had said, as he opined that given the circumstances, it might be requisite to revisit Article 127 of the Constitution.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

UK’s AstraZeneca donation received

THE Ministry of Health, on Monday, received 84,800 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the United Kingdom (UK) to aid its countrywide vaccination efforts.

Since those opting to take this vaccine require a first and a second dose, the 84,800 doses will be used to vaccinate 42,400 persons.

The vaccines were handed over by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, and Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Davidson and his wife Shivaun Davidson, to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

High Commissioner Miller, in a recent comment, noted that the UK is proud to be supporting the expansion of Guyana’s COVID-19 vaccine programme. She also congratulated the Government of Guyana for its determined efforts on the roll out of this

Zeneca vaccine.

Minister Anthony, in a recent interview, had stated that while vaccination rates have been increasing, there is still a significant way to go before the country could achieve herd immunity, which is essentially the immunisation of 80 to 85 per cent of the country’s adult population.

He related that it is with

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, touch elbows to officially hand over the vaccine donation. Also pictured are Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Davidson (left) and his wife Shivaun (second from right). (DPI photo) to receive a vaccine. important vaccination and to get vaccinated.

Government has rolled Currently, government is has encouraged everyone to get evidence-based informa- out an aggressive COVID-19 offering the Russian-made tion on the COVID-19 vac- vaccination programme Sputnik V vaccine, the Chicine, to get vaccinated and to which gives everyone above nese-made Sinopharm vacencourage friends and family the age of 18 an opportunity cine, and the Oxford Astra-

Stanleytown resident dies in accident

JOSHUA Butts of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, East Berbice, died on Monday, after he lost control of his car, which ended up in a trench on Warren Public Road, East Coast Berbice.

Police said the accident occurred at 03:30hrs. The 21-year-old was, at the time, driving a Toyota Premio with registration PTT 7891.

Reports indicated that Butts was seen driving west along the southern side of the road when he appeared to have lost control of the car and subsequently plunged into a nearby trench located on the southern side of the

Dead: Joshua Butts

road.

Butts was taken out of the car by public-spirited citizens and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he received treatment for his injuries but eventually succumbed.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

The vehicle being towed away from the scene of the accident

Lusignan prison escapee recaptured

A PRISONER who escaped from the Lusignan Prison, early Saturday morning, was recaptured later that day in Albouystown, Georgetown.

Police said that 38-year-old Quincy Clarke was arrested on Callendar Street, Albouystown. Clarke, on July 29, was sentenced to two four-week terms concurrently for two counts

Recaptured: Quincy Clarke

of threatening language.

He was nabbed around 18:50 hrs on Saturday by policemen and later handed over to officers of the Guyana Prison Service.

During his escape in the wee hours of Saturday morning, he was seen pushing a motorcycle belonging to a prison officer.

However, he dropped the bike, jumped a trench and ran west into a bushy area.

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this in mind that the government has been taking steps to ensure its vaccination efforts are being bolstered with procurement of vaccines.

As of July 12, 2021, 250,712 adult Guyanese have received their first dose. About 138,624 persons have received both doses of the vaccine.

The 84,800 doses of Oxford AstraZeneca that were donated by the United Kingdom being offloaded at the CJIA (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

When forests flourish, communities do too AS she does most mornings, 37-year-old Tun Kean has completed a patrol of her local forest in Preah Vihear province, northern Cambodia. She is monitoring the area for signs of illegal activity or forest fires. Looking after the health of the forest is one of Tun’s biggest concerns, and for good reason: in recent years, forestland encroachment, over-harvesting, illegal logging and climate change have dramatically altered the once

luscious, leafy landscape surrounding her home.

The decreasing forest cover exposed her community to the impacts of climate change, namely, more frequent droughts and an increase in temperature, which affects crops and, consequently, food security.

“In the past three years before 2020, we did not have enough rice to eat year-round.

It was because of prolonged drought and too little rain,” says Tun. Since most of the

community depends on the forest, it has been increasingly difficult for Tun and other families to sustain their livelihoods and feed themselves.

These days, however, when Tun returns to her husband and their five children after her morning patrol, she notices that their home in Trapeang Tuntoeum is beginning to be surrounded again by the rich green forest that characterised this part of Cambodia. Her income, which comes from rice farming and growing cash

crops, is picking up again too.

The rice, cashew nuts and vegetables she grows all rely on the natural shade and soil of the forest environment. So, how did things turn around?

FIGHTING BACK Tun was desperate to protect the forest in her community but had no idea how to get started. The local community lacked the resources and technical capacity to take action.

Then, in 2019, Tun heard about the Forest Landscape Resto-

The project encourages the entire community to get involved in restoration through benefit-sharing initiatives that allow them to take ownership of and use the land to grow food for their families (FAO) ration Mechanism (FLRM) Project, introduced to her community by the Regional Community Forestry Training Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC) and FAO. FAO and RECOFTC are equipping forest communities with the technical capacity and funds needed to address forest degradation and promote restoration activities, in conjunction with the Cambodian government’s Community Forestry initiative.

The project helps sustainably manage natural resources on five pilot sites, covering more than 52 hectares across Cambodia’s Kampong Thom, Siem Reap and Preah Vihear regions.

Training is one of the most important aspects of the project, giving the community members the necessary skills, tools and resources to successfully manage forests through actions like selecting sites for restoration, replanting trees, choosing appropriate species, taking care of and raising seedlings in nurseries and protecting the forest from the risk of fire.

Tun joined the FLRM project at its beginning and is now part of the maintenance group. She has been involved in the planting of trees and restoration of ten hectares of degraded forest. She regularly checks the seedlings to ensure their survival, clears weeds or grasses and attends meetings to discuss the restoration activities.

Armed with this knowledge and a plan for the forest’s restoration, Tun eagerly engages with other community members on how to best protect it.

“I am happy that I can contribute to protecting and improving the forest I love, which provides me and my community with food and extra sources of income,” she says.

SHARING THE BENEFITS Ensuring high survival rate of new seedlings is a crucially important stage of the restoration initiative. For this reason, the project introduced the concept of benefit-sharing,

motivating community members to participate. Members of the maintenance group all received a portion of land on which they could plant crops and vegetables to feed their families, on the condition that they maintain and care for the trees as they grow on their plot. Not only does this boost food security for those involved, but it also helps the forest ecosystem by reducing soil erosion through planting crops, supporting natural forest regeneration and ensuring that native tree species grow.

Tun received 1.5 hectares of land from the local Community Forestry committee and, based on the soil condition, has chosen to grow soybeans.

“When I have access to extra land, I’m happy because I will be able to generate more income for my family,” says Tun. “This extra income will allow me to invest in my agricultural activities.”

Once the trees will have fully regenerated and provide too much shade to grow crops underneath, Tun and others will continue to benefit from non-timber forest products and be able to sustainably collect firewood through silviculture techniques.

For Tun, this project restored her sense of agency, which was being undermined by the rapid degradation of the landscape around her.

The same is necessary for many of the other communities in Cambodia – and worldwide - who rely on forest resources to sustain their livelihoods. The world is losing forest cover at a rate of 10 million hectares each year. This type of loss is why the United Nations launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems, helping to end poverty and combat climate change. Together, FAO and local communities can help turn the tide, ensuring the health of the planet’s forests and ecosystems for generations to come. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

One new COVID-19 death; 22 new cases recorded

THE Ministry of Health has reported that one more person has died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 547.

According to the ministry, the latest fatality is a 30-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died while receiving treatment at a Ministry of Health facility.

Meanwhile, there are currently 853 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana following the addition of 22 new cases on August 2, 2021. These positive cases were among the 813 tests conducted by the ministry’s officials.

Eleven of the newly recorded cases are females while the remaining 11 are males.

Region Four accounted for 12 of the new cases

while Regions One and Nine recorded two new cases each. Region Three recorded five new cases and Region Six recorded one.

Even as new cases were recorded, 28 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to date to 21,221.

The country has now recorded a total of 22,619 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was recorded in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 12 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 90 are in institutional isolation; 749 are in home isolation, and two are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are

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

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

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

However, as per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew begins at 22:30 hrs and ends at 04:00 hours.

Persons with symptoms of the virus are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 180/181, for assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Education grants an investment towards a secure future — Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has urged parents and guardians in Region Six to ensure that they use the government’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for their children’s education.

The minister made this appeal when he led the grant-distribution exercise at the No. 59, Leeds and Eversham primary schools in the region Friday.

Minister Mustapha also reminded them that the reintroduction of the initiative is the fulfilment of the PPP/C

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha receives a warm welcome at the Leeds Primary School (DPI photo)

administration’s campaign promise. He noted that the initiative would not only benefit the recipients, but their communities.

“When you receive the money, not you and your child alone benefit, but the entire community because you’ll go and spend that money in the community.”

Minister Mustapha also said the government is committed to making investments in all sectors and throughout the country for the benefit of the citizenry. Investments in education are among the government’s priorities as it impacts the development of Guyana’s human resources, he added.

“To develop a country, we have to first of all develop the most important resources.

One of the most important resources in our country is the human resources and that is why we recognise that we have to develop it and we have to constantly make in-

vestments in this sector.

“If a country has to develop and while our country is at the verge of taking off, when we are seeing or we will be witnessing unprecedented development, where a number of investors are coming into our country, we will need the skills so that our people will have the opportunities.”

Minister Mustapha said while the cash grants are only available for public school students from the nursery to secondary levels, the government has also embarked on huge investments at the tertiary level through its Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship initiative.

The GOAL initiative will see some 20,000 scholarships being awarded over a fiveyear period.

“I’m very happy to say that this year alone, thousands of young people have already been selected to be given scholarships. Not only

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha hands over the grant to this pupil (DPI photo)

to the University of Guyana, but other reputable universities across the world, universities like the university of the West Indies, universities like Indira Gandhi University in India.

“Your child will be in their home and at the end of two years or four years, they will have a diploma or a degree which will prepare them to face the world out there so that they can make their contribution to our countries development.”

Meanwhile, several parents told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that they are thankful for the grant. Annette Sookram said the grant would enable her to send her children to school. “[It] would let them get everything up-to-date at school and let them must go school to take them education. That’s what me want for them because abhie a very poor family and only that me could give my pickney them, a education.”

Raspattie Sookra shared similar sentiments.

“I’d like to thank the government for the grant cash and everything that they do for the kids. I will put the money up fuh buy them school things them, I will not take them money and waste it or buy other things for me… me go buy things for my two kids them.” Minister Mustapha assured the parents that the grant is not a one-off investment but the government intends to continue the programme and even increase it over the years. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Sifan Hassan wins 5,000 metres gold, eyes more with historic triple attempt LESS than 12 hours after falling in the first round of the women's 1,500 metres but getting back up to win her heat, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won gold in the women's 5,000 metres.

"It has been an amazing day," Hassan told reporters afterward. "When I fell down and had to jump up I felt like I was using so much energy.

I couldn't believe the feelings in my legs. All the energy seemed to leave me."

Yet with 250 metres remaining in Monday night's final in Tokyo, Hassan pulled away from Kenya's Hellen Obiri to win her first Olympic gold medal in 14:36.79. Her final lap was clocked at 57.36 seconds.

“I am an Olympic champion. How did that happen?

I am super happy. I cannot

believe it, especially after what happened this morning," Hassan said in a release from her agent. "I thought it wasn’t going to happen. But these last two rounds I stuck around with them. And now I am an Olympic champion. I am really happy”.

It is the first of three gold medals that Hassan is trying to win as she attempts to become the first person in history to win the 1,500 metres, 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the Games.

Hassan will get to rest on Tuesday before tackling the second round of the 1,500 metres on Wednesday before the final Friday. The women's 10,000 metres is on Saturday morning.

Obiri, who finished second at the Rio Olympics and entered as the reigning world

champion, held on for silver again in 14:38.36. Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, which hadn't missed the podium in this event since 1996, was third for bronze in 14:38.87.

Hassan's range is what has separated her from the rest of the world's best.

She owns a personal best of 1:56.81 for 800 metres, a 3:51.95 personal best for 1,500 meress, the world record for the mile in 4:12.33, a 14:22.12 personal best for 1,500 meters and a brief stint as the 10,000 meter world recorder in 29:06.82.

At the 2019 world championships in Doha, she became the first woman to win gold in the 1,500 metres and the 10,000 metres. She opted not to contest the 5,000 meters, in which she won a bronze medal at the 2017

world championships.

Five years ago, she ran the 800 metres and the 1,500 metres at the Rio Olympics.

She only reached the semifinal of the 800 and finished fifth in the 1,500-metres final.

In 2017, she started working with coach Alberto Salazar and started becoming a force on the global stage after dominating at the European level.

That relationship ended in September 2019 when Salazar was banned for four years by the United States Anti-Doping Agency for anti-doping violations that included tampering with the doping control process and trafficking in testosterone.

Hassan has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs.

In 2020, Hassan found a

new coach in Tim RowBerry and raced sparingly, but her dominance took off this year.

In the 1,500 metres, her biggest challenger will be Kenya's Faith Kipyegon, who won gold in Rio and beat Hassan at the Monaco Diamond League over 1,500 metres on July 9. In the 10,000 metres, Hassan will get her first race against Ethiopia's Letsenbet Gidey. who broke the world record by five seconds in 29:01.03 just two days after Hassan's record-setting run.

The United States was represented by training partners Karissa Schweizer and Elise Cranny, who were both making their Olympic team debuts. Schweizer finished 11th in 14:55.80.

Cranny was two spots back for 13th place in 14:55.98.

Moroccan El Bakkali ends Kenyan US women stunned in Olympic semi-final steeplechase domination

By Omar Mohammed ning the heavens opened up country's flag around himloss to Canada and rained poured down at self to celebrate his victory.

Canada women are euphoric after their stunning win.

TOKYO (Reuters) -The World Cup-winning United States fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Canada in the semi-finals of the women's Olympic football tournament on Monday, with Jessie Fleming grabbing the winner with a 75th minute penalty.

In the gold medal match, Canada will face the winner of the other semi-final between Australia and Sweden which is being played later

on Monday.

The crucial moment, in a game which had produced little incident, came when Tierna Davidson challenged Deanne Rose on the edge of the penalty area. After a video review, a penalty was awarded.

Canada's veteran striker Christian Sinclair initially had the ball in her hands, but Fleming took the responsibility and kept her cool to slot home.

The U.S, pre-Games favourites for gold medal, went close to an equaliser when Carli Lloyd struck the bar with a header but Canada held on for a famous victory - and their first ever appearance in the Olympic final.

The Americans have won the Olympic women's football tournament four times and have not been beaten by Canada for over 20 years.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco won gold in the Olympic men's 3,000 metres steeplechase on Monday, breaking Kenya's stranglehold on an event they had won nine times in a row.

The only occasions Kenya have not won the steeplechase gold since 1968 were when they boycotted the 1976 and '80 Games and they were bidding to make it 10 in a row on Monday.

The 25-year-old El Bakkali, fourth in the 2016 Olympics and bronze medallist in the 2019 world championships, finished in a time of 8:08.90.

Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia claimed silver, clocking 8:10.38, and Benjamin Kigen of Kenya took the bronze in 8:11.45.

Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya, the 2016 Olympic champion, failed to qualify for the Games, reducing the East African nation's chance of winning a 10th straight Olympic steeplechase gold since 1984.

El Bakkali ran a patient, tactical race on a night when earlier in the eve-

Tokyo's Olympic stadium cooling down the temperature after days of punishing heat.

With about four laps to go, the Moroccan was in the middle of the pack, with Girma, who boasted this year's leading time, and his compatriot Getnet Wale leading, as the Ethiopian delegation in the stadium roared them on as they came on the bend.

Earlier in the race, it looked like it would be Kenya versus Ethiopia battling it out for the medals, as Girma and Wale led, but were almost shoulder to shoulder with Kigen and his countryman Abraham Kibiwot.

The Ethiopians were still out front as the bell rang with one lap remaining, but El Bakkali moved up to third and when Wale took a tumble the Moroccan surged ahead on the final bend and powered to the finish line.

"It was not easy for me to be in front of the Kenyans and Ethiopians. I know how hard it is to be first in front of them," El Bakkali told reporters.

El Bakkali wrapped his

"I am so used to seeing Kenyans win, it's a big accomplishment for me," he said later. "I have been aiming for this for years and this was my opportunity to show that Morocco is capable of winning this prize.

"I have tried so many times to compare myself with the Kenyans and Ethiopians to see whether I could reach this gold, and I did," he added.

Girma, 20, said that moving ahead early was a tactical decision.

"The race was really interesting. I am happy I got this second place and I am really happy with the result," he said.

Kigen, 28, said there was a lot of pressure that came with knowing that Kenya had been so dominant in the event.

"I ran to my best and I have (a) medal. It is my first time at the Olympics, which is a privilege for me," he said.

"There is a lot of pressure. I know a lot of our previous champions and train with them. Next time I promise I will bring the (gold) medal."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Denmark's Axelsen bags men's badminton singles gold, dethroning Chen Long

By Richa Naidu TOKYO (Reuters) - Denmark's Viktor Axelsen swept to the men's singles Olympic gold medal on Monday, unseating Chen Long of China who claimed the title at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Axelsen and Chen, two of the world's most brutal smashers, ended their match 21-15 21-12 after nearly an hour of flash shots and mesmerising rallies. Afterwards, Chen embraced and spoke in Chinese with Axelsen, who was still sobbing when he left the court.

"He told me that I deserved it, and my performance here has been great. And I said 'Thank you so much and that he has been a big inspiration to me," said Axelsen, who had just hung up from a call with Frederik, the crown prince of Denmark.

Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting beat Kevin Cordon of Guatemala for the bronze medal 21-11 21-13, crushing his hopes of winning his country its second ever Olympic medal.

With Chen's silver, China has swept six badminton medals at Tokyo, more than any other country: a gold and silver in mixed doubles, a gold in women's singles, a silver in men's doubles, a silver in women's doubles and, now, a silver in men's singles.

While the haul isn't as big as it was in London when China won all five golds up for grabs, they have done better than the two golds and one bronze medal they scored at Rio, their lowest at an Olympics.

Earlier, world number six women's doubles pair Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia won the Olympic gold medal, smashing their way to victory as raucous onlookers chanted and waved large national flags.

They beat China's Chen Qing Chen and

Denmark's Viktor Axelsen celebrates with his gold medal.

Jia Yi Fan 21-19 21-15 to cries of encouragement from a handful of socially distanced Indonesian team members and support staff that echoed through Tokyo's mostly empty Musashino Forest Sport Plaza.

The win was well-deserved. At one stage, Polii hit the shuttlecock so hard that a string on her racket broke and she had to dash off to swap it for another one while the point was still in play.

Indonesia have never won a gold medal in women's doubles, an event China has previously excelled in.

"People said, 'You're not going to make it because Indonesia doesn't have a history in women's doubles," said a crying Polii, 33, whose Olympic dream began two decades ago.

"Here I am now."

Polii and Rahayu clutched each other after the win, singing the national anthem underneath their masks as the Indonesian flag was hoisted. In a moment of touching camaraderie, they invited the silver and bronze medallists to squeeze onto the podium for a picture.

George Bailey becomes Australia's chief selector FORMER Australia limited-overs captain George Bailey has taken over as his country's chief cricket selector.

The 38-year-old, who played 90 one-day internationals and five Tests for Australia, will take over from retiring 67-year-old Trevor Hohns.

The appointment comes prior to the Australia men's team playing in the Twenty20 World Cup and a home Ashes series against England.

Bailey said he would "very much look forward to

George Bailey joined the Australian selection panel in February 2020.

the journey ahead".

Cricket Australia is now looking to bring in a third panel member to join Bailey and Australia men's head coach Justin Langer.

"The third panel member will add to their combined experience as we look for someone who will bring complementary skills along with their own perspective and diversity of thinking," said Ben Oliver, who is Cricket Australia's executive general manager, high performance and national teams.(BBC Sport).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Women's Olympic football:

Canada beat USA to set up Sweden final

By Ellie Thomason CANADA secured a 1-0 victory over world champions the United States to set up a women's Olympic football final against Sweden at Tokyo 2020.

Jessie Fleming scored Canada's winner from the penalty spot after Deanne Rose was fouled by Tierna Davidson inside the box at the Kashima Stadium.

Canada will face Sweden in Friday's gold-medal match.

Fridolina Rolfo scored the only goal as Sweden beat Australia to reach their second successive Olympic

final.

Having been favourites to win the tournament, Vlatko Andonovski's US side will compete for bronze on Thursday against Australia, when the Matildas will play in an Olympic women's football medal match for the first time.

After reaching the final of every women's Olympic football event since its introduction in 1996, the US have now failed to reach the final in successive Games.

Beverly Priestman's Canada are guaranteed at least silver in Tokyo, meaning midfielder Quinn will be

the first openly transgender athlete to win an Olympic medal. Canada and Quinn won bronze in Rio 2016 before Quinn came out in September 2020.

Canada scored with their only shot on target to beat their neighbours for the first time since March 2001.

Davidson's foul on substitute Rose was initially missed by referee Kateryna Monzul, but the Ukrainian pointed to the spot after the video assistant referee (VAR) showed the Canadian was kicked as they both challenged for a loose ball.

Substitute goalkeeper

American Allman all smiles after winning discus gold

By Amy Tennery TOKYO (Reuters) -One throw was all it took for Valarie Allman of the United States to win Olympic gold in the women’s discus on Monday, with an effort of 68.98 metres.

Germany’s Kristin Pudenz had a personal best 66.86 metres for silver and Cuba’s Yaime Perez took bronze with 65.72.

It was the first athletics gold for the U.S. at the Tokyo Games.

"It is an honour, I couldn't be any happier or more proud," said Allman, who was all smiles before the discus had even landed on her opening throw. "I’m still waiting for my feet to touch the ground."

The American finished seventh at the 2019 World Championships and credited her family for her breakthrough success.

"They have been my rock along with my coach," Allman told reporters. "Figuring out my place on the world stage would have been so hard without their love and support."

She threw 70.01 metres at the U.S. team trials in June, the second-best performance of 2021.

American Valarie Allman celebrates after winning Olympic gold in the women’s discus.

A torrential downpour during the second round injected chaos into the competition, as a handful of athletes struggled to complete their throws - including Portugal’s Liliana Ca, who slipped and fell on the slick throwing circle - before organisers suspended the event for about an hour.

Three women were allowed to retake their throws when the competition resumed, as volunteers sopped up the water with towels. "(The stoppage) affected me a lot. It affected my concentration and I got a bit cold," said 2019 world champion Perez after picking

up her first Olympic medal in her third Games.

"It is a lot of years worth of work and the only medal that was missing (from my collection) was this one. Like every other athlete I wanted gold, but I’m happy with what I’ve got."

Pudenz, whose best through four attempts was 65.34 metres, was on course for bronze until she launched the throw of her life in the fifth round, beating Perez's best mark of the night by more than a metre.

Croatia's Sandra Perkovic fell short in her bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold, finishing fourth with 65.01 metres.

Adrianna Franch guessed the right way, but Fleming found the bottom corner for the 75th-minute winner.

Franch had replaced US first-choice Alyssa Naeher in just the 30th minute after the hero of their quarter-final penalty shootout win over the Netherlands had landed awkwardly following a challenge

by Nichelle Prince.

The US dominated possession in the second half and had six shots on target, but could not find a way past goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe.

"It sucks. We just didn't have it today," said US for-

ward Megan Rapinoe.

"Just too many errors from us again. Obviously we never want to lose to Canada, I don't think I've ever lost to Canada. So it's a bitter one.

"I've been thinking about the whole tournament and we just didn't have that juice that we normally do."

Sweden into final for second straight Games After hitting the crossbar with Sweden's best chance of the first half, Rolfo gave the Rio 2016 runners-up the lead within minutes of the restart of their semi-final.

Australia goalkeeper Tea-

gan Micah tipped a deflected long-range shot onto her crossbar, but the Matildas defence could not clear and Barcelona forward Rolfo volleyed in the rebound from a tight angle.

Alanna Kennedy came closest for Australia in the first half when her free-kick dipped over the wall, but goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl reacted quickly to tip the ball over.

Ellie Carpenter was sent off in injury time as she hauled down Lina Hurtig seconds before the final whistle. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Consul General lauds efforts to launch Over-60 softball league

By Frederick Halley CONSUL General (ag) to Toronto, Gerald Whyte, was among those present when the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League (OTSCL) made its official launch on Saturday at Littles Diamond school ground, Scarborough, Toronto.

The brainchild of club president, Azeem Khan, who also pioneered the now-popular over-50 leagues in Canada, Guyana, New York and Florida, the three-man executive committee also includes vice-president Feizal Bacchus and secretary Dickey Singh, a trio who were also part of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) until the 2021 Annual General Meeting.

In brief remarks, Whyte who also participated briefly in the friendly match following the launching, told those in attendance that the Guyana Consulate is always happy to be present in activities of the diaspora and lauded the OTSCL executives for their efforts in forming the league.

Whyte expressed sincere thanks to the OTSCL for inviting him to the ceremony and reminded that cricket is more than a sport, more than a recreational activity, it is the special unifying force that brings people together, especially those in the Guy-

Bibi Bijulsingh hands over sponsorship cheque to OTSCL president, Azeem Khan, in the presence of her husband Nigel Bijulsingh.

ana diaspora.

After welcoming the players, who played two friendly games, secretary Singh gave an overview of the objectives of the OTSCL, the primary purpose being to provide the opportunity for the most experienced cricketers to continue enjoying their boyhood sport.

Khan reminded the cricketers that they should all appreciate and be thankful for the opportunity to continue playing softball in a foreign land. He then read the famous Land Acknowledgement, in honour of the Indigenous

peoples of Canada: I'd like to begin by honouring the land that I'm on. If you are not currently in Toronto, I encourage you to learn about the lands you're on.

“We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississau-

CONSUL General (ag) Gerald Whyte (left) with OTSCL executives Azeem Khan, Dickey Singh and Feizal Bacchus.

gas of the Credit”.

The president proudly added that Canada has become the first country in the Commonwealth World to have sworn in the first Indigenous Governor General, the Honourable Mary Simon, on July 26, 2021.

According to Khan, the OTSCL was registered in 2020 and he’s very optimistic about health, wellness and the camaraderie that lie ahead for these experienced cricketers.

Khan boasted that he has received blessings from in and out of Canada for the successful launch of the Over-60 league. He also

received a congratulatory certificate from the office of the Scarborough Rogue Park, Member of Parliament, Gary Anandasangaree which read: “Staying active through physical activity not only benefits your physical and mental well-being, but can also unite community members, teach new skills and can inspire the new generation.

“I would like to thank the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League for creating an over-60 softball cricket league which provides community members a chance to stay fit, meet new friends and to play the fun and ex-

citing game we all grew up watching.”

Khan expressed sincere thanks to the several sponsors who are already on board and these include Naseer Baksh, Nirad Lall, Feroz Yakub, Waseem Ahmed (Black Ash Sports), Ravi Etwaroo (Cricket Zone), Anand Persaud (New Jersey) and Tom Bacchus (Orlando) Nigel and Bib Bijulisingh of Tropical Nights Family Restaurant, Scarborough, who made a substantial financial contribution and provided lunch for those present, were on hand to witness the day’s proceedings.

Camacho-Quinn dazzles in 100m hurdles gold, Tentoglou grabs long jump title

By Omar Mohammed TOKYO (Reuters) - Puerto Rico's Jasmine Camacho-Quinn capped a dazzling performance in the 100 metres hurdles in

Tokyo with a gold medal while Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece won the men's long jump title in an action packed Monday morning at the Olympic Stadium.

A day earlier, Cama-

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cho-Quinn shattered the Olympic record in her semi-final and on Monday she exploded off the blocks and stormed through the finish line, clocking 12.37 seconds to secure her first Olympic gold.

American Kendra Harrison, the world record holder, won silver in 12.52 and Jamaican Megan Tapper grabbed bronze in 12.55.

"At this point I was really running for the world record.

I hit the hurdle, but everything happens for a reason. I came through with the gold.

My first gold medal," Camacho-Quinn said after the race.

Camacho-Quinn's win was the first Olympic gold medal in athletics for Puerto Rico.

Harrison, who broke the 100m hurdles world record

soon after failing to make the team for the 2016 Rio Games, said it felt great to win silver.

"I missed out in 2016 so to come here and get a medal for my country, I couldn't be happier," she said.

There was drama in the men's long jump as Tentoglou won with his last leap of 8.41 metres which tied with Cuba's Juan Miguel Echevarria's jump, but the Greek secured the title on a countback with his next-best effort of 8.15m ahead of the Cuban's 8.09.

"What an incredible competition. What an incredible jump, the last jump," Tentoglou said after the final.

"In the end I managed to pull something out to get the medal."

Echevarria settled for silver while his compatriot

Camacho-Quinn's win was the first Olympic gold medal in athletics for Puerto Rico.

Maykel Masso picked up the bronze medal.

"It's not what I expected, the result I expected, but still, it's a very welcome prize," Echevarria said.

His compatriot Mason

also lauded the competition.

"It was a spectacular competition, I hope everyone enjoyed it. I am very happy for the country to have won two medals," he said after the final.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 3, 2021

USA beat Mexico in extra time to win seventh Gold Cup

The United States celebrate avenging their defeat by Mexico in the 2019 Gold Cup final.

THE United States beat Mexico 1-0 in extra time to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup for a seventh time on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson headed in after 118 minutes in Las Vegas, his third international goal.

The US win is their first in the tournament for North American, central American and Caribbean countries

since 2017.

"I don't know really what happened - some crazy emotions but I'm happy we got the W," said Robinson.

"We were focusing a lot on set pieces. I knew if I could get open, I could finish one and Kellyn [Acosta] put a perfect ball in so I had to finish it."

Mexico - the only nation to have won the tournament more often than the US - had

the better of the first half and had a promising chance saved when a Rogelio Funes Mori header was turned round the post by US keeper Matt Turner.

Paul Arriola was in on the Mexico goal for the US shortly afterwards but hit the outside of the post, although the miss did not ultimately prove costly as his side went on to win.

(BBC Sport)

‘Magical’ Guyanese fans spurred Pooran’s special knock WEST Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has credited the ‘magical’ atmosphere at the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday as a big motivation to produce an outstanding performance.

The Trinidadian, who plays for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and is expected to captain them at this year’s Caribbean Premier League, revealed that the familiarity in conditions and feedback from the fans was refreshing and inspiring.

Pooran cracked an unbeaten 62 from 33 balls in front of a 40 per cent allowed capacity of fully vaccinated fans.

The innings, which was laced with six sixes and four fours, was still not good enough as the hosts went down by seven runs in pursuit of 158 in the second match of the series.

“I have some experience of the wicket [pitch]. I love the Guyanese fans as well, and I just felt if I could hit a couple of balls here, that could get me going and I felt like the magic was there again, especially with the energy… I felt Guyana and Trinidadian fans are the best in the Caribbean, and I felt they needed to be entertained as well”, the West Indies T20I Vice-captain expressed.

Pooran noted that while fully-vaccinated fans were present for matches in Grenada and St. Lucia, he saw a considerably bigger number in Guyana which aided the atmosphere.

Reflecting on the match where West Indies soaked up 50 dot balls as compared

Nicholas Pooran hit an unbeaten 62 from 33 balls at Providence Stadium on Saturday

to Pakistan’s 36, Pooran deemed the surface to be a bit difficult for batting but one where they should have done more strike rotation.

“The surface is a bit tricky and we saw when the [Pakistani] spinners bowled quick into the pitch, it was difficult to rotate strike. I felt even when I went in to bat, I bat like 5-7 dot balls out of 10, and I felt we could have gotten more singles there but it was tough to rotate the strike knowing that we could

make up in the back end.”

Captain Kieron Pollard has stated they are working to address the matter but said he is seeing gradual improvements.

Looking ahead in the series, which West Indies can only draw 1-1 since the third match was a noresult, Pooran opined that the players must stick to their plans and the batsmen must step up and do their part to improve overall consistency.

Cuban wrestler wins fourth Olympic gold GRECO-Roman wrestler Mijain Lopez cemented his position in history by winning his fourth straight Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

The 38-year-old Cuban beat Georgia's Iakobi Kajaia 5-0 at the Makuhari Messe Hall.

He is the most successful male Olympic wrestler of all time and only the fifth athlete in history to win four golds in the same individual event.

"I feel happy, proud to be the best in the world and make history," he said.

Lopez had said he would retire after Tokyo 2020, but soon after winning gold he did not rule out a bid for a record-breaking fifth gold at Paris 2024, when he will be 41.

"I don't want to say yes or no, but to everyone, Mijain is alive," Lopez said.

"I've had a long career, working hard to make these goals and break this record."

At the conclusion of the match, Lopez hoisted his coach on to his shoulder, carrying him around the mat in wild celebration.

He joins an exclusive list of athletes who have won four goals in the same individual event - Paul Elvstrom (Finn sailing, 1948-1960), Al Oerter (discus, 1956-1968), Carl Lewis (long jump, 1984-1996), and Michael Phelps (200m individual medley, 20042016).(BBC Sport)

Cuba's Mijain Lopez Nunez celebrates winning his fourth Olympic wrestling gold medal.

Moroccan El Bakkali wrapped his country's flag around himself to celebrate his victory.

Sifan Hassan wins 5,000 metres gold, eyes more with historic triple attempt

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Moroccan El Bakkali ends Kenyan steeplechase domination

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Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won gold in the women's 5,000 metres.

Windies battling rain, injuries & confident GCB allowing Pakistan in quest to find a perfect formula Sunday’s match tickets as entry for today’s final T20

LEVELLING the series would be on the agenda today for West Indies when they face Pakistan at the National Stadium, Providence, in the fourth and final Twenty20 International game in the series.

Rain and COVID-19 meant three matches of the intended five either did not play or were no-result.

Not the ideal situation for West Indies, who were using this series like the other three to find the best combination for this year’s World T20 in October--November.

While Pakistan is not in the same group with West Indies for the global tournament, they certainly are an even stronger opponent in these conditions as compared to Sri Lanka, South Africa and Australia.

Outside of the elements, the West Indies unit has been hit with several injuries to key players, and it is likely Evin Lewis, who retired hurt in the match on Saturday, and Lendl Simmons injured in the first, might miss today’s match again, which means both the inconsistent Chris Gayle and Andre Fletcher probably will open the batting, as they did in Sunday's match.

Even though the ‘cheeky’ Obed McKoy is missing from this team, West Indies bowling still has held its own and it was the big reason they pulled Pakistan back from 85-1 in the 10th over.

Since the South African series, Kevin Sinclair has not found a spot in the playing eleven and given the continued rain, the pitch could play low which paves the way for another spinner, or perhaps a replacement for Akeal Hosein.

Pakistan will be eyeing an away series win, and while winning remains paramount, what they would seek is batters-

West Indies and Pakistan will hope the rain stays away today at the National Stadium.

apart from the prolific Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, to raise their hands. Before the series, Azam had promised to check the bench strength.Rizwan now has the record for the most T20I runs – 752 – in a calendar year at an average of 94.00 and a strike rate of 140.03 In that sense, this game gives both sides yet another opportunity to fine-tune their respective team combinations.

With rain predicted, there is a chance that the contest may be a shortened one. However, there is a clear window in the day but conditions are expected to be overcast.

Win toss, bowl first may be the safest option today.

ONLY 1.2 overs were possible in Sunday’s match between West Indies and Pakistan at the National Stadium, Providence, as rain forced a no-result of the third Twenty20 International.

A release by Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Monday afternoon indicated that patrons who attended the match on Sunday, can re-use their tickets to gain entry for today’s match, but only to the Orange Stand.

“The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wishes to inform the public that tickets purchased for the cricket match on Sunday, August 01, 2021-- West Indies v Pakistan-- will be accepted for entry into the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, for the WI v Pakistan T20 match on Tuesday, August 03, 2021.

In this regard, patrons will be accommodated in the Orange Stand”, the release stated.

Meanwhile, fans are asked to note that cricket tickets and car passes will be sold at the Povidence stadium today and a the GCB office on Regent Road, Bourda.

Today’s match bowls off at 11.00am.

Cuban wrestler wins fourth Olympic gold Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021