Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-08-2021

WEDNESDAY 4th August, 2021

' No.106443

Enhanced authority over lands used by petroleum operators being sought 04 PAGE

Upgraded four-lane highway for New Amsterdam-Skeldon –– President Ali announces, says major infrastructure projects progressing smoothly

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New agro-processing facility: 50 jobs in the pipeline, farmers 03 to add value to produce PAGE

Closer collaboration with US's Black Entrepreneurs 02 Association expected PAGE

–– as President Ali engages members, shares plan for equal opportunities President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, engages members of the Black Entrepreneurs Association of the United States of America, at the Office of the President, on Tuesday.

Close to 5,000 Wakenaam residents to benefit from improved water supply PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Closer collaboration with US’s Black Entrepreneurs Association expected –– as President Ali engages members, shares plan for equal opportunities

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday afternoon reaffirmed his government’s position and intention to craft and execute policies that will benefit all of Guyana.

The Head of State reiterated his position during a meeting among him, several members of Cabinet and a delegation from the Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA) of the United States of America, at the Office of the President.

The visiting BEA delegation included the Honourable Senator (Georgia State District 33), Dr Michael Rhett; the Honourable State Representative (Alabama State), Laura Hall; the Honourable State Representative (South Carolina), Annie McDaniel; the Honourable State Representative (South Carolina), John King; former Democratic member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Dee Dawkins Haigler; Human Rights Activist, Dr. Richard Freeman; Human Rights Activist, Marcus Coleman; Keith Grandberry; Keyford Langley; Quinetha Fraiser; Letron Pryce; Stacey Mollison and Melissa Varswyk.

President Ali told the gathering that his government has been pursuing an agenda that focuses on improving the welfare and prosperity of all Guyanese.

“We have rolled out a number of programmes that seek to improve the living conditions, creating opportunities for every segment of the Guyanese population to advance and achieve their dreams and aspirations,” the President said.

He also pointed to the government’s programmes in place to ensure that the vulnerable sections of society are not left out of the country’s development agenda.

He said that over the last year, his administration has been “aggressively” building on its promises after a protracted struggle for democracy following the March 2020 Elections.

“I want to thank the United States of America, and I know many of you would have played a part in ensuring that we remained on a democratic pathway so that the rule of law and democracy won at the end of the day. It was a struggle that all Guyanese embraced; it was a struggle that the Diaspora supported,” the President related.

He said that it now rests on the col-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali lective shoulders of all stakeholders to ensure that Guyana never repeats its post-elections experience.

President Ali used the opportunity to point out that the resources from the oil and gas sector will be used as an impetus to build and fortify other sectors of the economy.

The BEA delegates said that they were grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Head of State and members of the Cabinet and to have the opportunity to engage in the conversation around diversity, inclusion, equity and justice, specifically as it relates to black entrepreneurs and those of African descent.

“We are grateful that you have commissioned efforts that will unify your administration’s efforts to not only bring attention but to bring resources to your business owners; so, thank you,” Frasier said.

The BEA currently has 300 registered members in Guyana and 300 in the United Kingdom (UK) chapter.

The association highlighted that it is committed to creating a blueprint for

black-owned businesses, which creates generational wealth while transforming the business economy and community.

The representatives also said that they are offering their services in guidance to entrepreneurs when it comes to foundational strategies and processes within their businesses.

They expressed interest in collaborating with th government to achieve their objectives and create the necessary mechanism to support businesses development.

“So, part of this process is yes, we are concerned about how to get access to opportunity, but we are also aware that we have a responsibility to bring people to the table that can help us support the businesses here.

“That is why you see a lot of businesses around the table, and we will continue to bring and engage the diaspora in terms of what can be done … for me I want you to understand it’s not just about what the government can do for us, we are taking an active and proactive role in making sure that we are ready to implement and activate once an opportunity is identified … so it is a two-way street,” Mollison of the Guyana- Georgia Tourism and Business Authority related.

BEA SUPPORTS ‘ONE GUYANA’ VISION The group also called attention to the ways in which the BEA can contribute to the functioning of the “One Guyana Commission” by lending their professional expertise from their “talent pool” to address the priority areas and realise projects and programmes.

Representatives also praised the Head of State for his Emancipation Day message.

Several concerns raised by the BEA representatives focused on the functioning of the One Guyana Commission, the President’s stance on reparations and addressing cohesion.

President Ali assured them that his government understands the potential that exists within the diaspora, pointing out that it is a forward and backward relationship that will create the important linkages.

He said that a part of the government’s agenda, even before the elec-

tions, was a consultative approach to development.

“We will definitely find a vehicle, a mechanism through which we can build off of this initial meeting and continue the collaboration to see how we can develop opportunities for collaboration and partnership. We don’t really define our policies by black, brown, white….

Our policy is to ensure that all of Guyana benefit,” President Ali said.

He assured the delegation that they are pushing at an open door in the sense that government intends to continue to create policies and programmes that will help every segment of the Guyanese population in every sector, and has already demonstrated this through many sectors, including housing, agriculture and policy formulation.

He also encouraged them to become part of the national consultations, including Local Content consultations, to share their ideas to be taken into account in policy formulation.

Following the lengthy engagement, President Ali indicated that the meeting was the first step to future collaborations with the group.

Also making remarks were Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who reiterated that the government’s policies are geared towards oneness and reaching all Guyanese.

In his remarks, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo provided a historical overview of the political dynamics in Guyana while he outlined the objectives of the formation of several committees and their role in addressing rights agenda, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and ensuring accountability. He also expressed interest in working with the representatives of the BEA and their membership.

Several other cabinet members attended the meeting, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and National Security Adviser, Gerry Gouveia

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Upgraded four-lane highway for New Amsterdam-Skeldon

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–– President Ali announces, says major infrastructure projects progressing smoothly

SUPPLEMENTING the plans to physically connect Guyana and Suriname by way of a bridge across the Corentyne River will be the construction of a four-lane highway from New Amsterdam to Skeldon in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, a project-planning and pre-design analysis for an upgraded four-lane highway in Berbice is currently underway.

“The objective of this project is the construction of an upgraded fourlane highway from New

Amsterdam to Skeldon,” President Ali said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

Infrastructure development is commonly at the heart of economic advancement, as it provides the conditions for catalytic investments and transformation on all levels.

And with Guyana being on the cusp of massive transformational development, significant investments have gone into enhancing the country’s infrastructural capacity, as a means of improving connectivity, See page 5

FLASHBACK: President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging the team during a visit to the proposed site for the Schoonord to Parika ‘superhighway’

50 jobs in the pipeline, farmers to add value to produce –– as plans for agro-processing facility at Black Bush Polder progress with private-public partnership

By Naomi Parris LOCAL manufacturing company, Umami, has officially signed on as investor for the construction of a multimillion-dollar agro-processing facility at Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

For this project, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), on Tuesday.

Construction of the facility is expected to commence within the next six months.

And once completed, over 50 persons will be employed at the facility.

Speaking during a brief signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Agriculture, Subject Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the facility, when completed, will contribute to increased production of value-added

From left: CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, and CEO of Umami, Chris Persaud, engaging members of the media before signing the MoU on Tuesday (Delano Willams photo) products in Guyana for both real value for the produce, convert it to a product of domestic consumption and and we as a government, we quality that is ready for doexport purposes. want to ensure that we pro- mestic and foreign markets.

There are plans to estab- vide the necessary facilities Speaking about the benlish several agro-process- and we help these farmers so efits of an agro-processing ing facilities at “agriculture that they can have more value facility in the community, hubs” across the country. for their produce,” Minister Minister Mustapha said: “Many times, we found Mustapha related.

“Black Bush Polder is one of farmers doing something Specifically in the Black the areas that we have seen called subsistence farming, Bush area, he said farmers a lot of agriculture produce from the farm to the market will have the opportunity to coming out from and many and we are not getting the process their produce and times, farmers’ produce are

being purchased by middle men and then they are not getting the real value for their produce… so this will help the Black Bush Polder farmers to process their produce and at the same time create more jobs for the residents.”

He related that Guyana is currently heading a CARICOM Ministerial Task Force that was recommended by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to remove barriers that are blocking some of the countries’ products from being exported within the Caribbean and to other parts of the world.

With a vision in mind, Minister Mustapha said the government, perhaps through public-private partnerships, will be establishing seven agro-processing facilities, to drive progress in the sector and, by extension, make Guyana the agriculture basket of the region.

The minister said that the government is currently working on its public-private formula to engage more pri-

vate investors.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said that many investors have already signalled their interest to be part of Guyana’s agriculture sector.

He added that, over the past year, the number of investors showing interest in the country’s agriculture sector has doubled.

One such investor, Umami, which is wholly indigenous, has already made a step forward to expand its horizons in the agriculture sector.

Chief Executive Officer of Umami, Chris Persaud, said that his company will be working with the local farmers to enhance shelf-life of products and limit the amount of spoilage.

He added that his company has established a name of confidence and quality, and will provide the same service to farmers in Black Bush Polder.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Enhanced authority over lands used by petroleum operators being sought

–– through proposed amendments to land use provisions in the Petroleum Act THE Government of Guyana is seeking to amend the land use provisions in the Petroleum Act to acquire greater control over the lands, both public and private, being utilised by petroleum operators.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, introduced the desired revisions in the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Amendment) Bill 2021, to the National Assembly on Tuesday, and moved that it be read the first time.

The Bill seeks to

amend Section 52 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Chapter 65:04. This section deals with restrictions on rights of licensees and surface rights.

The Bill also proposes amendments which target work done by a petroleum licensee, in aid of its operations, on State land, government land, or land otherwise controlled or under the management of the Government of Guyana.

It would allow the Minister of Natural Resources to grant permis-

Wednesday August 4, 2021 – 01:30hrs - 03:00hrs

sion to the licensee to land, install or operate any pipelines or submarine, fibre optic cable or terrestrial cables or similar infrastructure, on or through the said land. The minister would also mandate the licensee to maintain, inspect, repair or renew such infrastructure.

The Bill also seeks to amend the granting of consent to the minister and a petroleum licensee for use of land by the private owners or lawful occupiers of said land, in aid of petroleum operations.

The explanatory memorandum of the Bill states that it ensures the government has oversight over the exercise of the licensee’s rights over private land.

It states further that the amendment would strengthen and protect private proprietary interests as enshrined in the

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat Constitution of Guyana.

This legal revision is being sought ahead of projects involving ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

Those are the gas-to-energy projects

and the laying of a fibre optic cable linking EEPGL’s onshore and offshore facilities.

Both of those projects are being pursued as part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s promise to improve the lives of

Guyanese.

The gas-to-energy project is expected to, in the initial phase, transport 50 million cubic feet of natural gas from the Liza Phase One operation to shore, mainly for power generation purposes.

This is expected to result in a cut in the cost of power by half, improve Guyana’s investment climate and the ease of doing business, leave more disposable income with households, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

The laying of the fibre optic cable would provide connectivity which allows the government the means to monitor EEPGL’s offshore operations on the Liza Destiny floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The government is looking to establish a data centre for this purpose, ensuring the prudent regulation and management of the most important current project of the oil and gas sector-- the Liza Phase One.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

LGC has authority to appoint Interim Town Clerk

–– Commission Chairman

By Naomi Parris THE decision by the Local Government Commission (LGC) to revert acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick to her former position as Deputy Town Clerk, and appoint Candace Nelson to act as Interim Town Clerk of City Hall is in keeping with the law, Local Government Commission (LGC) Chairman, Julius Faerber said.

Faerber, during a press conference held in the commission’s boardroom on Tuesday, said several meetings were held with Jerrick to clarify several redundancies that were occurring at City Hall. He said that the commission subsequently came to the conclusion that Jerrick was not performing her duties

up to par, and a unanimous vote was then made among the seven commissioners to have Jerrick reverted to her previous position of Deputy Town Clerk.

A decision was later made to appoint Nelson as the Interim Town Clerk.

According to Deputy Commissioner Norman Whittaker, the Chairman of the commission has the authority to make such decisions on behalf of the commission in between statuary meetings.

Additionally, he noted that according to the Local Government Act, the commission also has the authority to revert an employee from one position to another. This, he said, is evident in Act 12 of 1980.

Meanwhile, Faerber quoted the Local Government Act 18: 2013, Article

Former Town Clerk, Ms. Sherry Jerrick

Interim Town Clerk, Ms. Candace Nelson

LGC Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber

30, stating that it enables the Chairman of the commission to unilaterally make decisions on behalf of the local government body.

“The commission may make rules and regulations prescribing all matters which by this Act are required or permitted to be prescribed which are necessary or convenient to be pre-

scribed by carrying out of or given effect to the provision of this act and particular for the procedures of the commission,” Faerber said.

“We could have not left the Mayor and City Council without having someone taking over the mantle, and so the commission appointed Ms. Nelson to act as the Town Clerk until such

time when the commission will be advertising for the various positions at the Mayor and City Council,” he added.

Meanwhile, Georgetown’s Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine has protested the commission’s decision to revert Jerrick from her position as Town Clerk.

Mayor Narine said the

LGC Deputy Chairman, Mr. Norman Whittaker former Town Clerk has proved herself to be competent to the councillors during her two years’ service to City Hall.

The Mayor said, too, that the Council will not be honouring Nelson as the Interim Town Clerk, and has mounted a legal challenge to the commission’s decision.

Upgraded four-lane highway...

From page 3

and opening new opportunities for investment.

Dr. Ali, during the press conference on Monday, provided an update on a number of major projects being executed across the country.

He said that the government has already received Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the construction of the Guyana-Suriname bridge link, and that construction of the Lethem to Linden Road has commenced with tendering for the Linden to Mabura section of the structure.

“To ensure we develop enough capacity to service the oil-and-gas sector, the Government of Guyana welcomes private sector investment to construct multiple shore-based and deep-water facilities at the mouths of the Demerara and Berbice Rivers,” President Ali noted.

He said that these works, which would see hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars being invested by private investors, have commenced.

Further, President Ali reported that the Number 58 to Canje Creek Road in Region Six is already at

the tendering stage, with works expected to commence before the end of the year.

This, he said, is part of the government’s efforts to expand access to productive lands for agricultural and other productive purposes, while creating opportunities for new investors and developers.

The Head of State said that the clearing of the alignment and surveying has commenced for the Parika to Goshen Road, in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), as well as the Timehri to Bartica link, which connects Sand Hill to Makouria.

TENDERING PROCESS Further, the tendering process for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River has commenced, and is likely to be opened on October 3, 2021.

In the vicinity of the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, a new road is being constructed from Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), to Parika, on the East Bank

Essequibo.

According to Dr. Ali, the feasibility study for the project has been completed, and the administration has progressed to the design and finance stages.

Added to that, the president said that the new highway from Eccles to Mandela Avenue has commenced, and is expected to be completed “long before the end of the year”.

“Works on the further expansion of this highway from Eccles to Diamond has already commenced, with designs and costings completed,” he said.

To supplement this, a contract for the Ogle to Eccles Highway is expected to be awarded by the end of this quarter of the year, with works commencing before the end of the year.

“Further, efforts to secure financing for the Ogle to Diamond, and from Diamond to Timehri phases of this project have also commenced, with the feasibility study already completed,” Dr. Ali related.

He said, too, that the pre-construction feasibility studies and efforts to secure financing for the

further extension of the four-lane road on the East Coast Demerara to at least Mahaica, has also commenced.

He also pointed to the rehabilitation of Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which has already commenced.

“Works on community roads, streets, and residential areas have commenced in all 10 administrative regions,” Dr. Ali said.

AVIATION BOOST He noted, too, that works to boost aviation are afoot, with efforts ongoing to enhance aerodromes and airstrips. As it is, Lethem’s extended runway has been completed.

Additionally, the president said that works are moving apace on the modernised Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which is in the process of securing two additional air-bridges, while adding 30 new shops in the commercial centre. This, along with the construction of the “front-side curtain-walls” is expected to be completed by the end

of the year.

“Work has already commenced on modernising our river transport system,” Dr. Ali noted, adding that several stellings across the country are also being upgraded. “…and we expect to secure a new ocean-going ferry in 2021. This contract has already been awarded 10 months ago with a construction period of 18 months,” Dr. Ali added.

He said, pointedly, that the platform is also being laid for new growth poles and urban centres, with a planned sustainable new

city.

“Works on Silica City are at a planning stage, with surveys and land acquisition being pursued,” the Head of State indicated.

He said: “The physical landscape of our country is changing dramatically as a result of renewed private sector confidence in our economy.”

In addition, President Ali related that the conceptual planning for transformation of the Wales Sugar Estate is in the final stage of completion.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

New Frontiers of Development

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in an address to the nation on the occasion of the first anniversary of his PPP/C administration in office, spoke of the several infrastructural developments that have taken place over the one-year period commencing August 2, 2020. Among these are several massive infrastructural programmes which, when completed, will have a transformative impact on the lives of the Guyanese people.

The President made mention of the new bypass roads currently under construction linking the East Bank of Demerara with the city of Georgetown and with the East Coast of Demerara as examples of projects that will greatly ease the current level of stress among commuters due to traffic congestion.

Those who commute to and from work from the East Bank to the City of Georgetown will have a much better appreciation of the importance of these roads both in terms of traffic congestion and the consequential loss of vital manhours. When monetised, they amount to significant loss to the economy in terms of production and productivity.

The construction of new roads, however, goes way beyond the loss of productivity, inconvenience and stress levels experienced by the travelling public. And while it is true that some progress has been made within recent years following the expansion and upgrading of the East Bank Road to that of four-lane, coupled with better traffic control measures put in place by the Guyana Police Force during peak hours, it still continue to pose serious challenges from time to time in terms of traffic build-up.

One consequence of the construction of new roads which cuts across new and virgin territory is that it opens up new avenues of economic growth and development. Lands that were idle, sub-optimally utilised or in some cases abandoned become almost instantaneously prime property with the passage of a road and the real estate value of those lands suddenly soars. Billions of dollars are added to the country’s gross domestic product, not to mention the rise in property value belonging to persons living in close to the new roads.

No less important from a developmental perspective is the potential for the establishment of new housing schemes and other ancillary developments such as the mushrooming of trade, commerce and business as a whole.

It is the above context that the construction of a new four-lane highway announced by the President from the West Bank of Demerara to Parika and the Ogle by-pass road to Diamond and ultimately to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport have to be seen. As it currently stands, there is just a single road that links practically the whole of coastal Guyana to the country’s main international airport which could potentially be risky should anything untoward happen to that main East Bank corridor.

At a macro-level, the construction of the road linking Suriname and Guyana and the road link between Linden and Lethem will create new frontiers of development between Guyana and its neighbours and, for that matter, with the whole of Latin America. There is already the Takatu

Bridge linking Brazil and Guyana and, with the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge, a whole new world of opportunities will be opened up linking countries, communities and peoples in ways never before envisaged.

Apart from these mega-projects, existing roads will be expanded and resurfaced including the East Coast Demerara highway. Several new roads will also be built including the 25-kilometre all-weather road from No.58 Village to Canje Creek. This will open up large swathes of agricultural lands and will be a further boost to rice and cattle production in Region Six and the country as a whole.

There is without doubt a major expansion and overhaul of the physical and social infrastructure in the country which augers well for our current and future development.

These, together with the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River and the other oil and gas related projects will certainly catapult Guyana to the status as a country with new and exciting developmental prospects.

Let the work of the City go on Dear Editor, I LISTENED with complete horror and distress to the most recent press conference hosted by the Mayor and a few councillors of the City of Georgetown in what was a feeble attempt to address the current brouhaha regarding the appointment of a Town Clerk.

It was like the circus comes to town, but not in a good way!

Let us forget for a moment what was done to the Queen’s English and focus on the absurd war that has been declared by the Mayor and a few of his councillors against the Local Government Commission and the collateral

damage that is being done to the officer corps, particularly the new Town Clerk.

When the Mayor says that he will not respect the new Town Clerk, what does he mean to say? That he will not have due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of this young lady? Because that is the literal meaning of what he said. I hope he meant to say that he does not propose officially recognise her as the new Town Clerk, because as infantile as that would be, it would be more acceptable in the modern world of today.

He keeps putting forward the false narrative that the former acting Town Clerk was demoted. She was not. All that happened was that she was returned

to her substantive post as Assistant Town Clerk. In fact, if the City were not so unprincipled, they would have known that each time any officer who is acting proceeds on their vacation leave they have to return to their substantive post and the requirement is that they have to be nominated and approved to act again. But not at the council, everyone automatically continues to act upon their return as though it is their right to do so.

Can you believe that the Mayor then arrogates to himself the function to determine who is competent, qualified and suitable. This is just astounding. If the persons that he had in the past are so erudite, adroit and worthy, then how did Georgetown get into the state that it

is in currently?

He then goes on to say that he is undertaking this battle on behalf of the citizens of Georgetown. Well, I have news for him, the citizens are sick to their stomachs of the Georgetown City Council, and would like to see all those square pegs removed from those round holes at City Hall.

Come on Mr. Mayor, stop being so petty by trying to seize the vehicle and preventing the new Town Clerk from accessing her office. Let the work of the City go on.

Suck it up and move on.

Yours sincerely, Anu Bihari

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

High-level World Bank team in Guyana –– for strategic dialogue with the government on enhanced partnerships

A High-level World Bank team, led by its Vice-President responsible for the Latin American and Caribbean Region, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, is in Guyana on a two-day visit, to discuss areas for strengthened co-operation.

The team, on Tuesday, met with Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, at the Finance Ministry’s boardroom.

The team’s visit intends to reaffirm the World Bank’s commitment to Guyana and to assess areas for further opportunities for expanded partnership in pursuit of the country’s national development goals. The team will also have discussions with the government on a number of projects.

The visit serves also as an opportunity for dialogue between the Bank and the Government of Guyana on Guyana’s economic objectives and priorities and how the World Bank can support these through its assistance and lending programmes.

During the meeting, Minister Singh acknowledged the bank’s support over the years, adding that he looks forward to further assistance in strengthening the partnership between Guyana and the bank.

Following the meeting with the Senior Minister, the World Bank team, along with officials from the Ministry of Finance, inspected various ongoing and completed project sites which form part of the World Bank’s project portfolio in Guyana.

The site visits included pump stations at Enmore, Lusignan and Liliendaal that fall under the Flood Risk Management Project for Guyana. The objective of that project is to reduce the risk of flooding in the low-lying areas of East Demerara.

Civil works are underway to improve drainage, update critical sections of the East Demerara Water Conservancy dams and channels, and improve hydro-meteorological monitoring.

Additionally, the team visited the Westminster Secondary School, West Bank Demerara which falls under

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, engages World Bank Vice-President responsible for the Latin American and Caribbean Region, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo and other members of the World Bank delegation, on Tuesday the Secondary Education Improvement Project. The school caters for 1,000 students residing in the Region Three area and offers amenities in TVET, Home Economics, Allied Arts, Science and Information Technology Laboratories and a library, in addition to classrooms and a dance studio.

A multi-purpose hall is provided for indoor sports, large gatherings as well as seating for the canteen facilities. The facility also caters for persons with special needs with wheelchair access to all areas on both floors.

The World Bank has been supporting various projects in Guyana over the years through a number of loans and grants including a US$20 million loan for the Guyana Petroleum Governance and Management Project to support the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks and the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage the Oil and Gas sector in Guyana.

Additionally, the bank loaned US$6 million to Guyana under the Guyana Payments System Project to improve Guyana’s national payments system, while another US$13.3 million was loaned for the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project to improve student learning outcomes through reform of curriculum and teaching practices, US$37. 9 million under the Flood Risk Management Project and US$12.5 million towards

the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

Further, the bank also provided a US$7 million grant to this country for the Guyana Education Sector Programme Project for the improvement of learning conditions at the nursery level in select areas, the increase use of technology-assisted learning at the primary level in select areas and to improve functionality of the education management information system nationally.

The visiting World Bank team also includes incoming Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc and Outgoing Country Director for the Caribbean, Tahseen Sayed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Praises for ministers of Education, Human Services and Public Administration Dear Editor, ON the first-year anniversary since appointment in office, Ministers Priya Manickchand, Vindya Vasini Persaud, and Sonia Pariag of the Ministries of Education, Human Services and Social Security, and Public Services (Administration) respectively, among other ministers, received high praises for their work ethic and performance-based on findings of a survey I conducted late July.

Respondents in the poll indicate that human resources, social protection, and educational training are among the most important issues facing the nation. The government has increased social relief assistance and access to education. The public expressed its gratitude to the President and the government for their allocation of large amounts of resources to education and social security. The public assistance, scholarships, and educational grants have boosted the approval ratings of the President, government, and responsible ministers.

The government has been facing serious challenges in the fields of education, employment, and loss of earnings as a result of COVID. There was a serious interruption or loss of earnings as a result of job termination during the coalition, the five months election saga, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and recent floods.

Low-income families could not afford to pay tuition for tertiary education for dependents. Over 10,000 lost their jobs during the coalition administration before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Thousands more lost their income during the pandemic as businesses closed. Schools were also shuttered from April 2020 till now except for fourth and fifth forms in 2021, affecting delivery of traditional education. Colleges were also closed. Education was provided virtually or through long distance. The government responded appropriately with financial relief to households and educational grants for deserving college students. There was social assistance for

many who were severely affected by a loss of income from the pandemic and the floods.

The government offered a $25K stimulus per household and other forms of social assistance as well as food hampers and anti-COVID protective equipment to help the underprivileged. Thousands of scholarships were handed out to deserving students. The Education Ministry received the second largest chunk of the budgets of September 2020 and February 2021. The Education Ministry has been doling out educational grants of $19K per child. Hampers have helped affected families during the pandemic. More grants are on the way.

There has been an increase in pension amount, public assistance, and study scholarships under President Ali’s administration, boosting the ratings of his ministers. Also, Dr. Vindya has been praised for making it easier to access pension payment and her courage in visiting the families of murder victims during last September’s West Berbice violence; she was also described as ‘approachable’.

Manickchand was praised for wading in flood waters to distribute educational grants and hampers to families. Parag was acknowledged for granting scholarships and professionalism in the public service.

All three ministers received majority approval ratings for their performance. Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of Dr. Vindya, 72 per cent answered in the affirmative; women, in particular, gave Dr. Vindya high marks for addressing needs of vulnerable children and females in abusive relationships. Priya Manickchand scored 64 per cent while 59 per cent gave thumbs up to Sonia Parag.

Parents complained that their children are not receiving ‘proper’ education during school closures and look forward for re-opening of schools for in-person learning.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

‘Balance sheet’ of oil earnings to be posted online –– says President Ali, as draft legislation being finalised for Natural Resources Fund

IN an effort to strengthen transparency and eliminate causes of concerns, the Government of Guyana will be moving to ensure that adequate information related to Guyana’s oil revenues are released to the public.

This assurance was given by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a virtual press conference hosted on Monday.

“We committed during the campaign that there will be no secrecy in revenues received by the country from our natural resources, especially oil and gas, and we have stuck to that commitment,” President Ali told reporters.

He said that in doing so, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has ensured that the public is notified of all the monies deposited into the Natural Resources Fund. The oil earnings, the President related, are also gazetted. Even further, Dr. Ali said that the oil revenues will also be documented online.

“We are moving a step further in creating a balance sheet that persons can examine online and be kept abreast with revenues and expenditure,” the Head of State said.

He reasoned that the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), also a Sovereign Wealth Fund, is critical in safeguarding resources for future generation of Guyanese, President Ali said.

He noted, however, that this coincides with the fact that the country has “immediate needs” that have to be financed.

Dr. Ali affirmed that even if the government decides to dip into the Natural Resources Fund, mechanisms are in place to ensure that any and every withdrawal has to receive the requisite approval from the National Assembly.

“Any projects to be financed from these funds must be approved by the National Assembly,” President Ali stressed.

NEW LEGISLATION Added to that, the Head of State said that efforts are underway to craft a new legislative framework to govern the important Natural Resources Fund.

Dr. Ali said that even though the PPP/C government would have liked for the legislation to be presented to Parliament before it goes into recess, the document is still undergoing a process of finalisation.

“I am aware that there are technical suggestions being transmitted to the Attorney-General, so we can finalise the legislation to take to the National Assembly,” President Ali noted.

Should all go well, the significant pieces of legislation could possibly be presented to the House by the

highest amount garnered since the nation started trading this commodity.

Having earned over US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and received US$13.9 million in royalties in the first quarter of this year, Guyana has in its NRF over US$344 million.

Specifically, according to the Bank of Guyana, the nation ended June with US$344,161,633 in its NRF at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

Revenue garnered from the sale of the seventh oil lift could push Guyana’s total earnings to close to US$420 million. It was in early March that Guyana also benefitted directly from its petroleum sector, receiving US$61,090,968 (approximately G$13 billion) from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali end of this year.

Questioned about a perceived shortfall in the release of information pertaining to the NRF, President Ali asserted that every piece of information that the government has, every discussion they have had and any change in any agreement have been shared with the public.

Currently, even with oil prices on a global rise, Guyana has still been reaping the benefits of a burgeoning petroleum sector.

As a matter of fact, earlier in July, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said that Guyana was expecting proceeds from its seventh oil lift, which could rake in around US$75 million.

The country’s seventh oil lift was safely and successfully completed by operator, ExxonMobil, aboard the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore, in June.

Lifts of about one million barrels of oil are done every eight to nine days. And, with Brent crude oil, the index Guyana uses to sell its crude, at more than US$75 a barrel, Guyana could easily clear US$75 million, the

Guyana’s petroleum earnings could reach as much as US$500 million by the end of this year Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million.

In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

It was reported in May that the country’s total revenue is expected to increase by 17 per cent, with earnings in the petroleum sector alone reaching well over US$500 million by the end of this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Duo accused of drug trafficking remanded TWO Linden residents were, on Tuesday, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after they were slapped with a joint drug trafficking charge.

Devon Stephen

Oyanna Stewart

Colin James

Devon Stephen called “Catty”, a 25-year-old a pork-knocker of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden and Oyanna Stewart, a 24-year-old clothes vendor of Block 22, Wismar, Linden pleaded not guilty to the charge and were remanded to prison

until August 24.

Meanwhile, in another case, Colin James, 52, of Linden was charged for unlawful wounding.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until August 11.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

AG promises new TIP legislation –– as House clears amended Adoption Bill

By Rehana Ahamad

A NEW piece of legislation intended to address the phenomenon that is Trafficking in Persons (TIP) will soon be presented to the National Assembly for consideration, according to Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. The AG made this announcement on Tuesday as he stood to debate the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill, which was taken to the House by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

Nandlall told the House that once finalised, the new Bill will contain clauses that specifically address the protection of children.

“We have a new trafficking Bill that will be brought to the Parliament that has in it several provisions that will go hand-in-hand with the provisions here against transnational smuggling,” Nandlall said, as he defended the proposed Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill.

The amendments, piloted

by Minister Persaud, seek to bring the Adoption of Children Act in conformity with the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption.

The Convention is an international agreement to safeguard children who are being adopted by persons outside of their country of residence.

With the new amendments, the Hague Convention would have the force of law to operate within Guyana.

Nandlall said that without the Hague Convention being properly enforced in Guyana, children going through the process of inter-country adoption run the risk of being victims of transnational crimes.

To this end, he said that bringing Guyana’s laws in conformity with the Hague Convention provides children with the requisite legal protection.

“This convention helps support the protection of our children from these crimes by requiring each state to put a safeguard to prevent the harm and exploitation of our children,” Nandlall said.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal, Anil Nandlall, S.C. (Photo courtesy of the AG’s official Facebook Page) He emphasised, too, the need for Guyana to approach the protection of children in a manner that is comprehensive and all-encompassing.

It is against this backdrop that the new trafficking bill will be presented to the parliament. “…that [new bill] has in it, several provisions that will go hand-in-hand with the provisions here against transnational smuggling,” Nandlall related.

It was several suspected cases of human smuggling that prompted the Government of Guyana to impose visa requirements for Haitian nationals coming to Guyana.

In June, dozens of Haitians, consisting of mostly youth, children and a pregnant young woman, were discovered at a hotel in Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The government had said that its visa requirements were geared at addressing suspected human-smuggling, since it has long been suspected that there is a huge trafficking in persons and human-smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the Caribbean region and Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket, which includes Cubans, Ni-

gerians and Haitians, among others.

Meanwhile, in defending her proposed amendments to the Bill, Dr. Persaud said that it seeks to safeguard children from being abused and exploited under the pretext of being adopted by an overseas family.

Dr. Persaud recognised that even though inter-country adoption is usually a humane commitment to children, persons can fall prey to criminal elements.

“Even a very well-intentioned legal process like adoption can be manipulated, abused and exploited by profiteers,” Minister Persaud noted.

“There are persons in the world who are willing to sell children; unscrupulous persons willing to buy children, and adults seeking to obtain children for baseless and selfish reasons, such as sexual labour and criminal exploitation,” the minister lamented.

The Human Services and Social Security Minister emphasised that during the adoption process, violations of the most basic rights of children can occur.

“These violations are See page 13

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Two women latest COVID-19 deaths

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) has reported that two more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 549.

The latest fatalities are two females, a 54-yearold from Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 55-year-old from Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

They both died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, there are currently 735 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana following the addition of 24 new cases on August 3, 2021.

These positive cases were among the 839 tests conducted by the ministry’s officials.

Of the active cases, 12 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 87 are in institutional isolation; 648 are in home isolation and two are in institutional quarantine.

The MoH expressed sincerest condolences to the families of the two

deceased and said every effort will be made to provide all the necessary support and render whatever

assistance may be needed.

The ministry is also appealing to the general public to respect the con-

fidentiality of the women and their families and to allow them to mourn their tragic loss in peace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

AG promises new TIP...

From page 11

often perpetrated under the cover of supposedly humanitarian acts, and justified by the simplistic view that a child might be better off in a materially-rich country,” Dr. Persaud said.

ADDED SUPPORT TO PROTECT CHILDREN She said that the amendment to the Bill was important, since it will see Guyana receiving added support to protect its children, more specifically,

children being adopted by persons outside of Guyana.

“This convention is important, as it advances a system in which contracting States work together to ensure the protection of children. Cooperation between contracting States is essential for the effectiveness of any safeguard put in place,” Minister Persaud related.

She added: “Enshrined within that convention are safeguards to prevent all of the atrocities of which I

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

spoke.”

Dr. Persaud said that the amendments will enable international cooperation between authorities in origin and receiving countries, under international best practices.

Only recently, with in excess of 500 children currently in institutional care, Guy-

ana constituted an Adoption Board to oversee adoptions of children throughout the country.

Although the board has commenced its work, the processing of applications for international adoptions had been stalled, owing to Guyana’s failure to conform to the Hague Convention.

The treaty, signed by 99 countries, focuses on the need for its member states to work together to prevent the abduction, sale or trafficking of children.

In 2019, Guyana became the 100th country to sign on to the convention; however, it failed to put the legal systems in place to accommodate the

enforcement of the convention.

Guyana’s Adoption Board comprises Subhadra Sukhai; Anuradha Persaud; Vanessa Benn; Sarah Ibrahim; Dwayne Adams; Sylvia Conway, and Anne Green, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Close to 5,000 residents to benefit from improved water supply –– as drilling of water well commences at Wakenaam

CLOSE to 5,000 residents of Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), are set to benefit from improved water supply, as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) commenced drilling of a new water well

on the island.

According to a press release from GWI, the drilling of this well forms part of the utility company’s efforts to improve water supply across the country.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GWI, Shaik Baksh,

and a technical team visited the island on Monday, to inspect the ongoing operations at the Noitegedacht well station. The well is being drilled using a new rig acquired by the company.

Chairman of the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Demo-

cratic Council (NDC), Sheikh Ahmad, Councillors of the NDC and several residents were also present during the site visit.

With work ongoing to complete the drilling of the well soon, there are also plans to construct a water

treatment plant on the island within the next two years.

As it is now, the island is currently serviced by two well stations, located at Free and Easy, and Noitegedacht.

Shortly after assuming office in the latter part of 2020, Baksh visited the island and found that residents were experiencing poor levels of water supply.

This was attributed to low water production at the Free and Easy and Noitegedacht well stations.

The wells, which are now over 45 years old, showed signs of structural degradation.

A GWI team has already cleaned and rehabilitated the wells to increase production.

GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh inspects material at the well drilling site

The visiting team, along with Councillors and residents of Wakenaam, at the well drilling site

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

‘If we are to achieve one Guyana, there must be room for all’ –– PM Phillips tells National Assembly

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, is encouraging Guyanese to continue working together and to have mutual respect for each other, as the nation collectively fights against injustices.

The Prime Minister, who brought Emancipation greetings to the National Assembly on Tuesday, said a great example is the resilience of Guyana’s African forefathers, who, in spite of hardships and injustices, fought for their and their family’s freedom.

“Enslavement of Africans remains one of the most odious events of our history, where millions of men, women and children endured unimaginable acts of violence, oppression and exploitation over four centuries.… Through it all, the African peoples suffered not only a loss of freedom, but slavery robbed millions of people of their culture,

language, religion and their identity.

“We are proud here about the indomitable contribution of our forebears… in a spirit of reconciliation and co-operation, proclaimed this Constitution, in order to forge a system of governance that promotes consorted effort and broadbased participation in national decision making, in order to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights and the rule of law,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The Prime Minister said the spirit of oneness is a critical premise of the Constitution, which is fully embraced by the government.

To this end, he said: “If we are to achieve one Guyana, there must be room for all, regardless of race, religion, class, gender, geographic location, language,

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (DPI photo) disability and sexual iden- should be no room nor tolertity.… Mr. Speaker, there ance for racial prejudice and

discrimination in our midst.

“In the spirit of Emancipation, I encourage that we continue to work towards mutual respect and to fight against the injustices of society, much like our African forefathers did, both as a government and as a nation.

We must remember that our strength lies in our unity.”

Prime Minister Phillips reminded the National Assembly that the concept of building “One Guyana” is a message that has been reiterated by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, which underlies the core of every goal and every initiative of the PPP/C administration.

With the ‘One Guyana’ concept, the Prime Minister says the government is duty-bound to provide for all citizens within available means. Just as important, he noted, citizens must also respect differences and work towards building a harmonious, modern and democratic

society.

The Prime Minister said the government has wasted no time in demonstrating its commitment to Guyanese by instituting multiple programmes at the community, regional and central levels. It has also removed ‘draconian’ taxes, all aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing citizens lives and livelihoods.

Some of the programmes introduced and reintroduced by the government since taking office, are the ‘Dream Realised’ housing initiative, the $25,000 per household COVID-19 cash grant initiative, 20,000 scholarships offered over five years through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant initiative for students, and a flood relief grant to cushion the impact of recent flooding.

(DPI)

Areas of cooperation between UK, GDF discussed –– as new British High Commissioner visits army’s headquarters THE newly-accredited British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, has engaged Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, on ways the existing relationship between the army and the United Kingdom (UK) could be enhanced.

Discussions on increased cooperation were held during the High Commissioner’s visit to the GDF’s Headquarters, on Tuesday.

High Commissioner Miller was welcomed by Brigadier Bess; Colonel (General Staff), Colonel

British High Commissioner, Jane Miller and Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Davidson (right) engage Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and his team at the GDF’s Headquarters, on Tuesday Julius Skeete; Inspector General, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts; Colonel (Admin-

istration and Quartering), Commander Vernon Burnette and Staff Officer One,

Special Duties, Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray.

High Commissioner

Miller who took up her post in Guyana last month, was accompanied by Deputy

High Commissioner, Ray Davidson.

The officials discussed a number of issues including the excellent relationship which the army and the High Commission share.

Brigadier Bess also updated High Commissioner Miller on the COVID-19 measures within the Force, as well as vaccination efforts.

Miller acknowledged the update and said she was pleased with the precautions being employed as well as the vaccination status of the army’s members.

She noted too that she looks forward to continue building on the existing relationship.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

World Bank disburses record US$29.1B to support Caribbean, Latin America –– in fight against COVID-19, other adversities

IN response to the debilitating effects of COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean countries, the World Bank Group deployed a record $29.1 billion to that region between April, 2020, and June, 2021.

Those funds- the largest crisis response of any such period in the institution’s history - were disbursed to fight the pandemic’s health, economic, and social impacts, as well as support the region’s response to challenges such as hurricanes and migration.

The institution’s com-

mitments and mobilisations during this period included a combined $14.5 billion from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); $10.8 billion from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote private sector-led sustainable development, and $3.8 billion in guarantees by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

“Latin America and the Caribbean was the region hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 20 per cent of global cases and a third

of global deaths. The high infection rates and sharply contracting growth have had devastating social and economic impacts,” World Bank Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, said.

Further, he related: “Since the pandemic began, we have moved quickly to provide substantial, new funding to help countries tackle the crisis and provide relief to the most vulnerable.”

The World Bank’s financing and expertise this fiscal year focussed on social protection, health emergencies, tests, vaccines and strengthening countries’ health systems, as well as record deployment of shortterm finance during the first months of the pandemic to help the private sector stay afloat.

The IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, committed $10.8 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the mobilisation of $5 billion and short-term finance of $2 billion, driven by increased demand for fast-track financing for the manufacturing,

agri-business and services sectors, continued support for the financial industry and successful engagements to establish Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the region.

Since April, 2020, when IFC kickstarted its COVID-19 response, it committed close to $3.2 billion in liquidity support for the region, which has helped expand lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) so they can continue operations.

The IFC also worked with financial institutions to promote green financing, and supported export-oriented agri-businesses in the region.

“IFC has been stepping up to offer innovative solutions to support sectors severely affected by the pandemic, with a focus on helping companies preserve jobs and ensuring that MSMEs can access financing,” IFC’s Vice-President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia, Georgina Baker, said, noting: “We also continue to open new paths to greening the region’s financial system and promoting greater finan-

cial inclusion for women.”

Almost 40 per cent of IFC’s own account investments in the last fiscal year were aimed at financing climate-smart solutions.

The corporation provided one of the first sustainability-linked loans to Corsan, a water and sanitation services provider in Brazil, to reduce water losses in the distribution system and boost energy efficiency in its operation.

Additionally, around $1 billion was set aside for greater financial inclusion for women, representing 66 per cent of IFC’s total commitments in this area during the last fiscal year.

Further, MIGA, the world’s largest political risk insurance provider, whose mandate is to help drive impactful foreign direct investment (FDI) to developing countries, issued a little over $3.8 billion in new guarantees in Latin America and the Caribbean over the 15-month period.

The agency’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens in LAC, who have been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, is strong; roughly half of all new MIGA guarantees in the fiscal year were issued in the LAC region.

It also supported eight

new projects in eight LAC countries during the fiscal year. Some 98.6 per cent of those new issuances were through MIGA’s $6.5 billion COVID-19 Response Programme. An example of MIGA’s efforts to deliver tangible development impact in the face of the pandemic is its first ever engagement in The Bahamas.

MIGA issued guarantees on loans extended to The Bahamian government.

These loans will be used to modernise two public hospitals and provide financing to micro, small and medium enterprises.

“MIGA worked closely with governments, businesses, and financial institutions in LAC to deploy its guarantees and secure private foreign capital resources to complement efforts towards mitigating the social and economic impacts of the pandemic,” MIGA’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer S. Vijay lyer, related.

He added: “In addition to MIGA projects securing better health outcomes for citizens, FY21 projects in LAC contributed to expanding the credit available to small and medium enterprises, financing climate measures and building resilience.”

Boat captains freed of 10 manslaughter charges SEVEN years after a deadly boat accident claimed the lives of ten civilians in the Mazaruni River, two boat captains were, on Tuesday, freed by a jury at the Essequibo High Court.

Devon Thomas, called “Beast” and Cabesh Persaud, called “Dube” were on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall on ten counts of

manslaughter which alleged that, on January 22, 2013, in the county of Essequibo, they unlawfully killed Deon Moses, Ulrick Grimes, Christopher Ramnarine, Zahir Baksh; Brazilian national Francisco Olivera Alves, Kevon Ambrose, Keanu Amsterdam and his brother, Ricky Bobb; Jermanie Calisto, and Jewan Seeram.

The jury, after deliberating for two hours, found Thomas and Persaud not guilty of the ten counts of manslaughter. The state’s case was presented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, while the duo was represented by attorneys-at-law Dexter Todd and Roger Yearwood.

According to reports on the day in question, Thomas

was the captain of the vessel called ‘Matheran’ which had 13 persons aboard, while Persaud was the captain of the vessel called ‘Dube’ which had six passengers.

The vessels, which were traversing in full throttle, collided at Crab Falls in the Mazaruni River which led to the death of the ten passengers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Clinical Bioanalyst graduates with distinction from Cuban university ANDREA Sonia Park, who was studying at the University of Medical Sciences of Camaguey, in Cuba, recently graduated with distinction (Titulo de Oro) after completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Bioanalysis.

The youthful clinical bioanalyst, who hails from Linden, has expressed deep gratitude to God, her family and friends, and the Government of Guyana for her academic achievement.

She is anxiously awaiting the processing of her academic documents and an early return flight to her homeland.

A smiling Andrea Sonia Park displays her certificate of Titulo de Oro.

Gunmen rob women in salon THREE women, who were at the Simone’s Beauty Salon on Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, on Emancipation Day, were robbed of their jewellery and cellular phones by two armed bandits.

The victims are a 23-year-old makeup artist, a 30-year-old hairdresser and a 25-year-old woman.

Police said the gunmen visited the salon on a motorcycle with an unknown registration number around 22:10 hrs. One of the men reportedly went into the salon and asked for Sharon. When he was told that no one with that name worked there, he pulled out a black handgun from his pants and pointed it at the three women.

The other man then entered the salon and demanded that the victims lay on the floor.

When the women complied, the two men took four gold rings, an LG cellphone valued $50,000, a foot chain, an iPhone 8 Plus, a Samsung Galaxy 9 Plus cellphone and a gold chain valued $340,000, from them.

The bandits then made good their escape on the motorcycle to an unknown location.

No shots were fired and no one was injured, the police said before adding that investigations are continuing into the armed robbery.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Ferguson’s cyberbullying trial to start September 13 COME September 13, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly is expected to commence hearing the trial of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament (MP), Annette Ferguson, who is accused of cyberbullying.

Last month, Ferguson first appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which APNU+AFC MP, alleged that, on June 15, 2021, she used a comput- Annette Ferguson er system to humiliate or harass Colonel Omar Khan, a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). She was granted self-bail.

The former government minister is being represented by attorney-at-law, Lyndon Amsterdam.

Ferguson was charged under Section 19 (5) (a) of the Cybercrime Act. On June 30, 2021, Ferguson was arrested after the senior GDF rank made a report about a Facebook post which falsely claimed that he had been earmarked to be in charge of “a killing squad”.

Hunt on for ‘Big John’, ‘Brainer’ in murder of mechanic POLICE are on the hunt for two suspects, ‘Big John’ and ‘Brainer,’ in connection with the killing of 21-year-old Jaleel Leow, a mechanic of Den-

Dead: Jaleel Leow nis Street, Campbellville.

Reports are that Leow was gunned down purportedly by two men in the vicinity of ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Brandon Smith, a 23-year-old mechanic of ‘B’ Field Sophia, who, along with a female shopkeeper and two other persons was in the company of Leow, was also injured during the ordeal.

According to information from the Police, Leow and the other persons were socializing, on Monday evening, when the two suspects, who were riding bicycles, approached them.

Both suspects dismounted and one of them, who was armed with two

cutlasses, approached the shopkeeper and said: “Is problem you want.”

She responded in the negative and everyone she was socialising with allegedly walked away into her yard which was nearby.

The other suspect then pulled out a handgun from his pants waist and walked up to Leow, who was walking into the yard, and discharged two rounds, which hit the mechanic to his right upper back, causing him to fall to the ground.

The gunman discharged two more rounds at Leow, hitting him to the chest, before he got up and ran to the back of the yard where he collapsed.

The shooter then fired another shot at Smith who was standing at the roadside. Although the bullet purportedly grazed his right upper hand, he managed to flee the scene.

The shooter and his accomplice then mounted their bicycles and made good their escape.

Leow and Brandon were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Leow was pronounced dead.

The body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. Smith was treated and sent away.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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Thompson-Herah wins 200m gold to complete sprint 'double-double' ELAINE Thompson-Herah confirmed her place among the pantheon of sprint greats as she secured an unprecedented women's 100m-200m double-double with a sensational victory over the longer distance in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old Jamaican surged home in 21.53 seconds, just 0.19 seconds off Florence Griffith-Joyner's long-standing world record, to back up her

individual golds from Rio 2016.

It is the second-fastest time in history.

Trailing in her draught, Namibian teenager Christine Mboma, who was barred from her favoured 400m two weeks before the Games on account of her naturally high testosterone levels, took silver in 21.81.

Gabrielle Thomas, the American champion, took bronze in 21.87.

Griffith-Joyner's 21.34-second mark, set in the final of the 1988 Games in Seoul, has long seemed unassailable. But Thomas' 21.61 run in the U.S. trials in June and Thompson-Herah, who became the second-fastest woman of all-time over 100m on Saturday, have brought it back into view with the help of a high-tech track and carbon-stiffened spikes.

It may yet be Mboma

who could finally claim the record however. Having only turned 18 in May, the Namibian had run only one 200m before this season, a pedestrian 25.05.

But her awesome finishing speed swallowed up Jamaican great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and several others over the final 50m.

Work on her start and the new experience of running the bend could quickly bring her time lower quickly.

Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce and 100m bronze medallist Shericka Jackson will attempt to make sure Jamaica go one better than their 4x100m silver from Rio in Friday's relay final.

Before Thompson-Herah's victory, British teenager Keely Hodgkinson took 800m silver, shattering Kelly Holmes' 26-yearold British record with a tactically impeccable 1:55.88 run. (BBC Sport)

Norway’s Warholm Djuraev beat Armenia's sets stunning 400m record holder to win 109kg hurdles world record weightlifting gold NORWAY’S Karsten Warholm ran a stunning men's 400m hurdles race to obliterate his previous world record and take gold at Tokyo 2020.

Warholm, 25, finished in 45.94 seconds to slash more than seven-tenths off his old record, while American Rai Benjamin was hot on his heels to win silver having also beaten the previous record.

Warholm had set the previous world record of 46.70 in Oslo in July.

Brazil's Alison dos Santos took the bronze medal with a time of 46.72.

"You know the cliche that it hasn't sunk in yet? I don't think it has but I feel

ecstatic," Warholm, who now holds the European, world and Olympic titles, told BBC Sport.

"I can't believe the time, it's so fast! A lot of the time I am asked about the perfect race ... I said it didn't exist, but this is the closest I've ever come.

"I told myself going into the race, remember all the work you have put in. It was the only thing missing from my (medal) collection.

"I can't describe how important this is for me. This is what I do morning until night - it's huge."

It was tipped to be one of the most exhilarating races at the Games after Benjamin had come within five-hundredths of a second of taking the then-world record in winning the U.S. trials this summer.

Warholm established a strong lead when he raced out of the blocks but Benjamin threatened to claw him back before the Norwegian's final push for the line.

He roared with delight when he looked up at the screen to see his time, ripped his shirt in celebration and posed for photographs next to the new world record. (BBC Sport)

By Junko Fujita

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Uzbekistan's Akbar Djuraev defeated Armenia's world record holder Simon Martirosyan to win gold in the men's 109kg weightlifting category at the Tokyo Olympics yesterday.

The 21-year-old Djuraev lifted 193kg for the snatch and 237 kg for the clean & jerk for a total of 430kg, five kilos short of Martirosyan's record set in 2018.

Martirosyan took silver with 423kg after failing in his last two clean & jerk attempts. Latvia's Arturs Plesnieks won bronze with 410kg.

"I didn't think I could achieve this record and

Uzbekistan's Akbar Djuraev displays his gold medal.

get the medal so I am very pleased right now," Djuraev said through an interpreter.

Loud cheers echoed in the area as Djuraev completed his third clean & jerk of 237 kg to set an Olympic record. Djuraev bent down

and put his head on the floor.

Then 24-year-old Martirosyan started his remaining two clean & jerk attempts at 238 kg, which could have broken Djuraev's records. But he failed at both lifts.

In the snatch, Martirosyan lifted 195 kg to set an Olympic record but then failed to lift 198 kg in his final attempt.

Djuraev, who earned Uzbekistan a weightlifting medal at a third successive Olympics, put his right hand on his heart as his national flag was raised during the presentation ceremony and sang the national anthem with his lips sticking out above his mask.

Archer seeks further medical advice on long-standing elbow injury ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Archer has suffered a setback in his recovery from elbow surgery, with no timescale put on his return to action.

Archer, 26, had surgery on a long-standing issue in May and had returned to playing for Sussex.

On 18 July he said he was a month away from full fitness, but he is now due to seek further medical advice this week.

A fit Archer was ex-

pected to feature for England in this year's Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes series.

The fast bowler has played 13 Tests, 17 oneday internationals and 12 T20s for England, and was part of the team that won the World Cup in 2019.

He missed a number of matches on the tour of South Africa at the beginning of 2020 with the elbow problem then was also ruled out of the fourth Test against India earlier this year because

of the same issue.

The Barbados-born bowler sat out the aborted Indian Premier League, during which time he had an operation to remove glass from his hand, an injury he sustained when cleaning a fish tank at home.

Archer's extended absence comes as a further blow to England, with all-rounder Ben Stokes taking an indefinite break from cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing. (BBC Sport)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis wins men's pole vault gold medal SWEDEN’S Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis confirmed his status as the best pole vaulter in the world with a winning leap of 6.02 metres at Tokyo's National Stadium.

The 21-year-old Duplantis was the only man to clear the height to land the title just a centimetre lower than the Olympic record that Brazil's Thiago Braz set in Rio 2016.

But Duplantis asked for the bar to be raised one centimetre higher than the world record he set in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2020. He came painstakingly close in his audacious attempt but could not scale the eye-watering height of 6.19m. Duplantis has been in superior form over the last two years, highlighted by his world-record leap of 6.18m.

Christopher Nilsen pro-

duced a lifetime best of 5.97m to claim the silver medal, with defending champion Braz taking bronze scaling 5.87m.

Duplantis has already proved himself as the future of the men’s pole vault – other than setting the world record – winning the silver medal at the world championships in Doha at 19 years of age. The victory in the

Japanese capital city effectively rubber-stamped his meteoric rise in the event beating two former champions to the top of the podium.

London 2012 champion Renaud Lavillenie of France finished eighth on the night and watched on as the Swedish prodigy raise the bar in an event he once dominated.

"It's a surreal feeling really, I still don't know how to explain it. It's something I've wanted for so long and now that it's finally here, and I finally did it, it's so crazy,” said Duplantis.

"Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved this sport so much and I have always believed that it would take me to some great places, and the fact that I'm actu-

Armand Duplantis of Team Sweden competes in the men's pole vault final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium.

ally here, I'm at the Olympics and being able to win

it is fantastic." (Olympics. com)

Teenager Mu ends long American wait for 800m gold

By Omar Mohammed TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Athing Mu of the United States won the gold medal in the Olympic women's 800 metres final yesterday - her country's first victory in the event in more than half a century - as her compatriot Raevyn Rogers grabbed bronze.

The absence of South Africa's double champion Caster Semenya, ruled ineligible due to heightened testosterone levels, opened up the field to a new winner and the 19-year-old Mu took full advantage.

She dominated the race, leading almost from the start and crossing the line clear of her rivals in a time of 1:55.21, to secure the U.S. a second gold in the event after Madeline Manning's triumph in 1968.

Keely Hodgkinson of Britain took silver.

Mu, whose parents moved to the U.S.. from Sudan two decades ago, said it was "awesome" that she won gold at such a young age.

"I wasn't really putting gold on that, but as it got closer to the final today, I was like, 'Yeah, we want gold'," the 19-year-old said.

Mu said getting ahead quickly was part of her strategy.

"I wanted to go early from the front and not let anyone mess up my race plan. I just wanted to do my own thing," she said.

Athing Mu (left) wins 800m gold and Raevyn Rogers silver.

Mu's time was an American national record.

"I knew it was pretty close but to do that again feels amazing," she said.

Along with the bronze for Rogers, who posted a personal best of 1:56.81, the pair became the first U.S. medallists in the event since 1988.

Britain's Hodgkinson ran a brilliant second half of the race to earn silver and after the race she was excited about two teenagers winning medals at the grandest stage.

"There's not just one 19-year-old in the race, there are two ... which is unbelievable. Hopefully it stems for a good competitive 10-15 years ahead and faster times on the horizon," she said.

The 19-year-old broke 2004 Olympic champion Kelly Holmes' British national record with a time of 1:55.88.

"Kelly is a massive legend of the sport and she al-

ways will be with that double Olympic gold. She sent us all a few messages the last couple of days," she told reporters. "I am quite in shock about that time."

Asked how she would celebrate, Hodgkinson said; "You'll catch me in the pub - one guilt-free night out before I finish the rest of the season and then off-season in September."

Rogers, 24, said it felt "surreal" to win bronze.

"I think it's settling in.

Just being able to take something back home, I'm really proud," she said.

Rogers dedicated the medal to her mother who is celebrating her birthday today.

"It's morning time in America, so she's going to have this whole day to celebrate. I'm just really happy.

I just want to make them proud," she said.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Fifty-six Under-19 stars assemble in Antigua ‒ High Performance Training to begin following required COVID quarantine period ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the players for the Rising Stars U-19 High Performance Camp in Antigua.

The camp has been designed to help lift the players to the next level of physical and mental skills development, in the ongoing preparation programme for the 2022 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, to be played in the West Indies in January and February next year. The players have begun arriving in Antigua over the past weekend.

Along with targeted coaching sessions, the players will also compete in warm-up matches, and more intense “trial” matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and CCG international venues.

The final squad of 18 players will be selected for the West Indies Rising Stars U-19 Tour of England in September where they will play six Youth One-Day Internationals.

“Given all the challenges we faced over the last twelve months, a huge amount of work has taken place across

The Guyanese quartet posed shortly before departure for Antigua last Saturday.

the region to identify and start developing those players in the provisional pool for the ICC U-19 World Cup,” said Graeme West, CWI’s High Performance Manager.

“We are now bringing the players together for an unprecedented trial series in Antigua that will provide them with the opportunities to showcase their talent and their readiness for centre

stage.

After four rounds of matches the group will be reduced and those players who are retained will attend a High Performance Camp with 18 of those players travelling to the United Kingdom to play six Youth ODIs against England as part of the preparation for the World Cup. The West Indies Rising

Former FIFA interim president Hayatou banned for one year (REUTERS) - Former FIFA interim president Issa Hayatou has been banned for one year and fined 30 000 Swiss francs ($33,189.51) for a breach of FIFA's ethics code, the world soccer body said yesterday.

Cameroon's Hayatou, 74, served as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president for 29 years until he was voted out in 2017.

He was acting president of FIFA from 2015 to 16 when Sepp Blatter, now 85, was suspended amid a widespread corruption scandal.

Hayatou is also an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

FIFA said an inves -

tigation into Hayatou’s conduct as CAF president concerned involvement in deals for media and marketing rights of CAF competitions with France-based Lagardère Sports between 2014 and 2017.

The adjudicatory chamber ruled that Hayatou had entered "in the name and on behalf of the confederation, into an anti-competitive agreement with Lagardère Sport which was detrimental and caused significant damage to CAF." FIFA said this amounted to 200 million Egyptian pounds ($12.76 million) and had caused reputational and financial damage.

The ban, from any kind of football-related activity at both national and inter-

Issa Hayatou served as acting FIFA president from 2015 to 2016.

national levels, came into force yesterday.

Hayatou, who rarely makes public comments, could not immediately be contacted.

Stars U-19 Tour will reward those players that perform well in the trials and show a hunger and desire to learn and improve.”

West thanked the various Territorial Boards for helping to facilitate the unusual selection process and more customised preparation approach, which became necessary due to the evolving and unpredictable COVID-19

pandemic restrictions. He also outlined the contribution of a few of those CWI coaches who have played a key role in developing the Rising Stars programme.

“The technical programmes created by head coach Floyd Reifer, have been delivered by coaches keen to provide support to our stand-out talents. Gregory Seale has led a Strength and Conditioning Programme engaging enthusiastic and experienced local support to work with every player.

The games in England will allow the support staff to begin developing team strategies and to get a greater understanding of each player and what they will bring to the team.” West said.

“Player Development Manager Ayana Cooper has developed a Personal Development programme, delivered remotely over the past 18 weeks that featured Mental Skills, Sports Nutrition, Anti-Doping, Anti-Corruption, Financial Management and mentoring sessions with current International players and former U-19 players.”

FULL SQUADS (with home territories) Barbados: Rivaldo Clarke, Hakeem Perry-

man, Tariq O'Neale, Johann Layne, Shaqkere Parris, Nimar Bolden, Giovonte Depeiza, Kwame Patton, Kamario Grant, Achilles Brown, Romario Brathwaite Guyana: Matthew Nandu, Mavindra Dindyal, Isai Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth Jamaica: Brandon English, Steven Wedderburn, Jordan Johnson, Justin Beckford, Andel Gordon, Nicholas Lewin, Oneil Roberts, Javid Simpson, Tamari Redwood, Gavasta Edmond Leeward Islands: Jaden Carmichael, Akadianto Willett, Anderson Amurdan, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Onaje Amory, Kelvin Pittman, Nathan Edward Trinidad and Tobago: Shiva Sankar, Matthew Gittens, Sion Hackett, Anderson Mahase, Isaiah Gomez, Vasant Singh, Aaron Bankay, Kyle Roopchand, Jeremiah Cruickshank, Nick Ramlal, Tariq Mohammed, Justin Jaggessar, Amrit Dass, Chaydon Raymond, Rajiv Ramnath, Kyle Kissoondath Windward Islands: Divonie Joseph, Udell Preville, Tyran Theodore, Ackeem Auguste, Teddy Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Tiron Charles, Keygan Arnold.

GCB mourns passing of cricket stalwart, WG Boston THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is saddened by the passing of cricket stalwart and staunch supporter Winston Gordon Boston, popularly know was WG Boston.

Boston passed away suddenly on July 20.

A press release from the GCB reads: The Executive and Members of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wish to express our dismay at the sudden death of Mr Winston Gordon Boston, our trusted cricket supporter.

‘WG’, as he was familiarly and fondly known, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday July 20, 2021 at the age of 69.

‘WG’ was a member of the Cricket Stakeholders’ Group that fought gallantly for over ten (10) years to return legality to Guyana’s cricket, achieved at the historic GCB elections held March 29, 2021.

Indeed, he was a com-

Late cricket stalwart Winston Gordon Boston

mitted and strong advocate for our cause, travelling the length and breadth of our country in his quest for legality and accountability for our national game.

‘WG’ was a member of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Malteenoes Sport Club (MSC). He served as the Secretary of the Malteenoes Sports Club and Manager of

the Youth, Intermediate and First Division teams at that club while also serving on various sub-committees.

Mr Boston was also Secretary of the Mildred Mansfield Youth Club, Vice-President of Pele Football Club, Secretary of the National Dominoes Association and Sports Organiser of the Guyana Electricity Corporation during the time of the GUYSTAC tournaments.

W.G Boston was a passionate sports enthusiast who never hesitated to express his views and support for any just cause whether verbally or in writing. He will be remembered for ensuring that the illegal regime that ruled Guyana’s cricket was removed.

The GCB wishes to express sincere condolences to the wife, children and other family members of Mr Winston G. Boston. He will be dearly missed.

May his soul rest in peace!

26

England, India clash today in first Test of new WTC cycle

England captain Joe Root and India captain Virat Kohli

THE first Test between England and India today at Trent Bridge will mark the beginning of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

India have had to deal with injury woes yet again on the England tour with Mayank Agarwal out of the first Test due to a concussion.

Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Avesh Khan are already ruled out of the

whole series. However, Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav are flying to England as replacements and will give the visitors options for the second Test.

Rohit Sharma is now likely to open with KL Rahul, who has proved a strong contender after a hundred in the practice game against County Select XI. It also remains to be seen whether India will go in with two

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Answers in tomorrow’s issue

frontline spinners or think about adding a fourth pacer with the conditions in England favouring the seamers.

England, on the other hand, have a void to fill in the absence of Ben Stokes, who brought balance to the side. Sam Curran is the leading man in Stokes’ absence who can offer the same set of skills with the bat and ball.

The hosts will also be without the services of Jofra Archer, who is recovering from elbow surgery.

The wicket at Trent Bridge looks bowler-friendly with plenty of grass and with both teams rich in pace options it might be a tightly-fought contest.

Remember the last time: The two sides went headto-head in a four-match Test series hosted by India in February this year.

In the final Test, India dominated England with a comprehensive win by an innings and 25 runs, thus taking the series 3-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Swaminadha earns two points on day three of FIDE Cadet and Youth Online Rapid World Cup AQUILANI Swaminadha defeated an American player, while he gained a walkover from a Peruvian yesterday on day three, in rounds five and six respectively, of the FIDE Cadet and Youth Online Rapid World Cup. The eight-year-old, who is part of a Guyana four-member team in the U-10 division, has so far registered three wins in his six rounds.

After failing to record a point in the opening two rounds, the School of the Nations student rebounded in round three on Monday with a win against Zimbabwean player Jordan Gweshe.

He then lost to Indian player Sharma Madhvendra Pratap in round four before he got past U.S. player Sanskrit Jaiswal in round five.

In round six, he registered a walkover win against Adriano Coaquira.

Swaminadha is leading Guyana’s U-10 players with his three points, while Julian Mohabir and Nicholas Zhang

Aqiualani Swammadha was flawless on day three.

have so far registered two points each, with Jacob McDonald on one point.

Eight-year-old Mohabir won against Arsh Mathur in round three and Gayle Raheem of Jamaica in round six, while nine-yearold Nicholas gained a bye in round three before he had defeated Raheem in round four.

Meanwhile, fellow nineyear-old Jacob McDonald registered a surprising win

Julian Mohabir (in picture) defeated Gayle Raheem from Jamaica in round six.

against a quality-rated player from Malta, Nick Calleja (1087) in round two.

The youngsters have four more rounds of games before the older age group players compete.

In total, Guyana is being represented by 22 players at various age levels.

Over 1 600 participants from more than 100 countries are competing in the World Cup.

Bangladesh beat Australia for first time in Twenty20 cricket

The five-match series is preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup that is due to take place in United Arab Emirates and Oman from 17 October.

Bangladesh picked up their first ever Twenty20 win over Australia in the first game of their five-match series.

After being put into bat in Mirpur, Bangladesh made 131-7, with Shakib Al Hasan top scoring with 36 and Josh Hazlewood taking 3-24.

Alex Carey was bowled first ball of the chase, before Australia limped to 11-3.

They recovered to 71-4,

leaving 61 to win from 42 balls, but lost regular wickets to be bowled out for 108, 23 runs adrift, from the final ball.

Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed recorded career-best figures of 4-19, with Mitchell Marsh top scoring with 45.

Eight Australia batters were out for single-figure scores, with three of those dismissed without scoring.

The series is the first bi-

lateral T20 series between the two sides, with the previous four meetings in the format all coming in World Cups and ending in Australian victories.

Bangladesh have beaten Australia once in six Tests and have won one of their 20 completed one-day internationals.

The second game in the series takes place in Mirpur today. (BBC Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Government partnership with other stakeholders integral to sports development ...President Ali aims to ensure athletes balance education, sport GUYANA’S President Dr Irfaan Ali was adamant that more needs to be done to enhance the development of local athletes, but pointed to a multi-faceted approach with the private sector and sporting bodies also playing a critical role.

The Head of State, during a press briefing yesterday, told the media that Guyana is blessed with talent and his administration intends to put systems in place to help unearth it.

“I am confident that we have in Guyana athletes who are capable of standing on the medal podium, but we have to make that investment.”

He said that a multi-dimensional approach has been working in other countries and should also be imple-

mented in Guyana.

“In all countries that do well in sports, the private sector plays an integral role.

So we want to do this in partnership with the private sector, the commission, the federations, sporting bodies …”

TALENT-SPOTTING President Ali said that talent-spotting will not only unearth gifted athletes or athletes with potential early, but will help the relevant authorities to make the needed investments in overall development.

First of all, we have to invest in talent-spotting from a very young age. When we spot those talents, we have to invest in a programme that allows them to pursue

academics while their athletic talent or sporting talent is developed and enhanced.”

The President noted that his Government is already putting systems in place to help develop local athletes.

He said that an essential pillar of his Government’s strategy will be to ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary training venues to harness their talent.

“The existing sports infrastructure will be overhauled to include the establishment of three new multi-purpose centres to accommodate a wider range of sporting facilities and events.”

He noted that not only will there be upgrades to all public sports facilities, including the sports grounds in rural and hinterland

President Irfaan Ali (centre) and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (second from right), pose with cricketers (l-r) Leon Johnson, Travis Dowlin, Lennox Cush, Ramnaresh Sarwan (third from right) and Steven Jacobs (right) at the Amazonia Mall last week. The Mall is owned by former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Sarwan.

areas, but that his Government has already commit-

ted to establishing regional centres and a high-perfor-

mance training centre for athletes.

Moses family from Wowetta scores another first in karate with achievement of black belt FRESH from their April 30, 2021 grading from white to brown belt, the Moses sisters from Wowetta have done it again!

On Friday, July 23, the GKC sisters, Rose and Pauline Moses, and 13-year-old Anusha Jodhan from 3 Ryu Karate

Club were promoted from the third kyu to the first dan black belt.

ANOTHER FANTASTIC, REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT! Precedence was set in

Men’s Olympic football…

Brazil win shootout to set up Spain football final BRAZIL reached back-to-back men's Olympic football finals following a penalty shootout victory over Mexico.

The defending champions won 4-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Kashima.

Brazil goalkeeper Santos saved from Eduardo Aguirre in the shootout before Johan Vasquez hit the post with Mexico's second penalty.

They will play Spain in Saturday's gold medal match.

Dani Alves, Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, Bruno Guimaraes and Reinier all scored their spot-kicks for Brazil.

It looked like the second semi-final was heading for penalties until Marco Asensio scored in the 115th minute in Saitama.

The Real Madrid winger came off the bench to score the winning goal with a superb curling strike from inside the box to send Spain to a first Olympic final since they finished runners-up at the 2000 Games in Sydney. (BBC Sport)

GKC potential kata team for the IKD World Cup 2022 in Guyana, left to right:: Latisha, Pauline, and Rose Moses show perfect form.

1971 when 21-year-old Frank Woon-A-Tai was graded on a Friday from white belt to the third kyu by Master Hirokazu Kanazawa in Tokyo, Japan.

Three days later, on Monday, he was promoted to first dan black belt by a panel of masters headed by the late Master Takahashi.

In 1974, Maureen WoonA-Tai was promoted from the second kyu to first dan by Master Okazaki in Guyana. Maureen became the first Guyanese woman to attain the Japan Karate Association of Guyana

International black belt.

Following Maureen’s footsteps, 47 years later, the two sisters, Rose, 27 and Pauline, 22, created karate history by moving from white to brown belt at their first grading three months ago They were training privately for two years under their instructor, Shihan John Fernandes, 7th dan.

And now, another Moses joins the duo, making it possible to field an Indigenous women’s kata team for next year’s World Cup scheduled

for Guyana.

Their niece, 14-year-old Latisha Moses, was trained by her three uncles (black belts) Silas, 37, Ernie, 29, and Courtney, 24, who arrived in Georgetown a few weeks ago to receive final pre-exam instructions by Shihan John Fernandes.

Latisha moved from white to blue belt at her first grading conducted by Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, M.S., 9th Dan. To receive such honours from the master himself is a

privilege. Frank, a 1978 Pan American kata gold medallist, is Guyana’s Karate Ambassador who has membership in a record ten years of 80 regions in 57 countries across the globe.

He is Guyana’s most decorated, highly qualified, and certified internationally by his legendary Japanese teachers.

Frank, with the assistance of Dr Guy Low, 7th Dan, OB/ GYN Surgeon and Assistant Professor at the University of Guyana; John Fernandes, 7th Dan Advertising CEO; Aubrey Bettencourt, 7th Dan; Businessman Tejram Harichand, 7th Dan; Psychologist Roland Fanfair, 3rd Dan. They all teach separate classes at the Guyana Karate College Transport dojo, Thomas Lands.

GKC is now accepting children, adults and families to join the dojo. Classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 17:30hrs to 18:30hrs. Try a no-obligation free trial class before signing up to what will change lives positively.

GKC invites you to visit us at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown or call/text Sensei at 602-1301.

Elaine Thompson-Herah surged home in 21.53 seconds, just 0.19 seconds off Florence Griffith-Joyner's long-standing world record.

Norway’s Warholm sets stunning 400m hurdles world record PAGE

23

Thompson-Herah wins 200m gold to complete sprint 'double-double' Pakistan win T20 series 1-0 after another washout at Providence Stadium RAIN allowed only three overs to be bowled in the fourth - and final T20I at the Providence Stadium yesterday, which meant Pakistan, courtesy of their win in the second game, won the four-match rainmarred series 1-0.

After winning the toss,, Babar Azam put West Indies in on a damp pitch on an overcast morning. With both sides unchanged from Sunday’s washout, Andre Fletcher and Chris Gayle once again opened the innings.

Fletcher kicked off the innings by hitting two sixes off Mohammad Hafeez in the opening over and Gayle followed it up with two fours off Mohammad Wasim Jr in the next.

West Indies were 30 for no loss after three overs when rain halted play. That was around 11.15am..

When the rain eventually relented, the umpires had an inspection at 1.25pm and decided to resume at 2.00pm.

The match was reduced to nine overs per side but just when play was about to restart, the rain returned to have the final say.

At the toss, West Indies captain Kieron Pollard had said that this would be the last international game for Dwayne Bravo in the Caribbean and that his side wanted to give him a win. The weather though had other plans.

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23

Karsten Warholm of Norway wins the men's 400-metre hurdles, setting a world record.

Aliyah Abrams in Women’s 400m semis today GUYANA’s Aliyah Abrams will run out of Lane 2 in semi-final two of the women’s 400 metres today, after setting a new season’s best of 51.44 seconds.

That race is set for 6:45am.

Abrams crossed the finish line in fourth, in her 400m Heat and is now the first Guyanese female since four-time Olympian Aliann Pompey to qualify for a 400m semi-final at the Olympic Games.

Abrams managed to reset the previous season best of 51.46 seconds, while her Personal Best remains 51.13 seconds.

She is the final Guyanese athlete on show in Japan. In fact, she was the first Guyanese to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, doing so since 2019.

Abrams is also the only Guyanese athlete to qualify for the games by achieving the required standard entry time for her event.

At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Abrams narrowly missed out a spot in the women’s 400m finals when she finished fifth in the semi-finals.

Guyana's Aliyah Abrams

Government partnership with other stakeholders integral to sports development

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021