Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-01-2022

WEDNESDAY 5th JANUARY, 2022

No. 106595

Coconut industry’s earnings climb to $2.5B in 2021 SEE PAGE

3

- four nurseries established in Regions Three, Six

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, joined officials of government ministries and agencies at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, for a series of Budget 2022 meetings. President Ali was accompanied by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (Office of the President photo)

James Bond condemns “racial” utterances by Coalition colleagues 1.6 million ounces of gold detected at Omai pit SEE PAGE

15

SEE PAGE

4

Police investigating suspected murder/suicide at Sarah Johanna

SEE PAGE

17

Guyana records close to 500 COVID-19 cases in one day SEE PAGE

18

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Guyanese ‘hustle’ could now become executive businesses - with Local Content Legislation, Minister Edghill says

By Rehana Ahamad THE passage of the landmark Local Content Legislation paves the way for thousands of Guyanese to transform their mere

“hustle” into thriving executive businesses, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has said.

He outlined the opportunities that will follow the promulgation of this

legislation during his defence of the document in the National Assembly, on Wednesday, prior to it being signed into law by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The minister estimates

that in the coming years, the continued growth of the oil and gas industry will result in magnanimous development across every single sector in Guyana.

“It’s not just the people who are going on board or working on the supply vessels; it’s not just the people who are directly linked to operations offshore Guyana,” Edghill said.

He related that already, the aviation sector has begun to see transformation as more and more persons are being shuttled in and out of the country.

“Rotary craft have to be out and in of our airports… more companies will have to come to Guyana to fetch people back and forth, using helicopter services,” Edghill projected.

He reasoned that the influx of visitors, whether for work or play, will undoubtedly increase the demand for a host of services, which will ultimately require a massive scale-up of goods and services across all sectors; this will range from food and transportation to accommodation and cleaning services.

“It means that more people have to be fed, more people need fruits and vegetables, more people stay in hotels need tomatoes and cucumbers,” Minister Edghill said.

He added: “More people have to be accommodated, because when they are on rotations, there must be apartments; there must be places for them to stay.”

The heightened demand for such services will also have a trickle-down effect on various sub-sectors.

“If there are apartments, these apartments need to be maintained; there needs to be landscaping,” Minister Edghill said.

Importantly, the Public Works Minister elaborated on the importance of the agriculture sector, and the need for farmers to stepup in order to fulfill the growing multi-sectoral demands.

“We don’t need the canned stuff coming into Guyana, we need our farmers to be able to provide those services to those

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill places to ensure that they are getting part of the pie,” Edghill said.

He added that Guyana’s overall transformation will require that Guyanese prepare themselves to upgrade from mere employees to sophisticated employers.

He, for instance, highlighted the scope for growth in the transportation industry. “…to the taxi drivers, you must move from just merely a hustle and you must be able to invest in several cars and provide executive services for the oil companies,” Edghill said.

MANDATORY The Local Content Act outlines 40 sub-sectors which would legally mandate oil companies to procure goods and services as well as employ specific percentages of Guyanese in their day-to-day operations.

For instance, oil companies are now required to ensure that 100 per cent of their ground transportation needs are satisfied by locals. Similar percentages apply to the provision of immigration support services, customs brokerage services, insurance services and visa and work permit services, among other things.

“Service providers, whether it is for hair or nails or all the rest of it, must be local people that are providing that,” Edghill said.

Meanwhile, the minimum local content requirements contained in the legislation relate to engineering and machining, which secures five per cent of opportunities for Guyanese workers in that field, followed by metrology and

dredging services at 10 per cent and aviation and borehole testing services at 20 per cent.

Minister Edghill also highlighted the key aspect of the Act which guarantees that Guyanese benefit from continuous training and capacity building in areas such as borehole testing and other services that are not widely done in Guyana.

“Don’t take yuh eyes and pass Guyanese that you go and bring people from Ukraine and Argentina and Peru to do a job, when there are Guyanese here in Guyana who can be trained and developed to do that same job,” Minister Edghill cautioned.

In addition to practical skills, the new piece of legislation also secures training for various highlevel jobs.

It has since been promised by several senior government functionaries that as more and more Guyanese are trained, the Local Content Legislation will be updated and amended to ensure that those trained persons are given preference for employment.

Edghill said that it was for this reason that the government moved to table a piece of legislation, as opposed to implementing a Local Content Policy.

The legislation, he reminded, outlines as much as $50 million in fines for oil companies that fail to employ sufficient numbers of Guyanese.

Specific penalties and consequences for breaches of the local content law have been deemed especially important, as the country’s oil and gas potential continues to grow exponentially.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Coconut industry’s earnings climb to $2.5B in 2021 - four nurseries established in Regions Three, Six

By Rehana Ahamad FOR the period January to November 2021, Guyana earned $2.5 billion from the exportation of coconuts and its byproducts, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, on Tuesday.

Data show that the exportation of dried coconuts alone raked in $1.8 billion, while $685 million was earned from the exportation of virgin coconut oil. Those earnings represent significant increases when compared to the previous year, which saw the industry exporting just about $1.9 billion in coconut and coconut by-products.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, had previously said that the growth of the coconut industry is not a mere coincidence, but rather the results of a number of strategic investments.

For instance, the Agriculture Ministry recently established four additional coconut nurseries, three in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) at Wakenaam, Leguan, Canal No. Two Polder, and a fourth at Benab in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). This, according to the ministry, has resulted in a boost to Hope Estate’s seedling production capacity to 48,000 nuts per annum.

Coconut seedling production for the year 2021 was 33,613, which represented a significant improvement when compared to the year 2020, which saw a production of only 4,905 seedlings.

Added to that, the Ministry of Agriculture also spearheaded a fruitful collaboration which saw 115 new coconut farmers joining the industry. That brought with it, the cultivation of new coconut farms measuring some 1,845 acres.

Further, the ministry also followed through on its promise to establish more farmers’ groups across the country. It was related that, to date, at least 50 new farmers’ groups have been formed in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Region Six, and Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“Groups have been found to be more effective in addressing farmers’ issues and distribution of inputs,” the Agriculture Ministry said.

Those accomplishments were merely components of a comprehensive programme to ensure that Guyana ad-

vances as a top coconut producer. As part of the 2021 national budget, $70 million was set aside to ensure that coconut production reaches its true potential, especially as demand continues to grow.

A few months ago, during an address to a forum organised by the International Coconut Community (ICC), Minister Mustapha said that, notwithstanding the challenges, Guyana’s coconut industry remains a major income earner and a stimulant for the development of some 1,800 farmers, who cultivate in excess of 24,000 acres of coconuts.

“Guyana produces an average of 92 million nuts per annum and has managed, in the year 2017, to generate US$7 million from exports. This important sector, I must emphasise strongly, has tremendous potential for both improvement and expansion,” the Agriculture Minister told the ICC. With a number of developmental plans already activated, Minister Mustapha had recommitted the government’s intention to ensure that Guyana regains its status as a major coconut producer, capable of satisfying the lucrative Caribbean and South American markets.

REVITALISING COCONUT FARMS In addition to the farmers who joined the coconut industry in 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture was also able to execute several interventions geared at revitalising a number of coconut farms that were neglected and left in disarray.

The ministry, via the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), is also pursuing the establishment of a full-fledged Coconut Development Unit, which would focus primarily on research and development; capacity building and participatory planning and implementation; integrated insect pest and disease management; quality, quantity and productivity improvement; post-harvest processing, product diversification and value addition, among other things.

The unit, once fully established, would be responsible for the development and adoption of technologies that would ensure the proper management of insects, pests and disease-affected coconut farms, as well as processing and product diversification.

Emphasis would also be

A local farmer engages Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, at a farm in Laluni (DPI photo) placed on market research and promotion of the product.

It would appear as though the local business community has also recognised the potential gains of the coconut industry, because investments that support the growth of the industry are already being made. It was only in May that a local coconut production company, Pomeroon Trading Incorporated, unveiled its plan to construct a US$8 million processing facility here.

It was previously reported that the company already cultivates close to 35,000 seed nuts on about 400 acres of land, and, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Duncan Turnbull, the ultimate goal is to acquire more lands to expand the company’s operations.

The processing facility is expected to support coconut production and ensure that the company is also able to benefit from the lucrative by-product markets as well.

“Once we have this facility set up, we would not only take produce from our farms, but from other farmers in the region. So far, we’ve invested approximately US$3 million since we started,” Turnbull had said.

He further related that the company has also begun to engage additional investors to buy into the project.

“We’re working very closely with the United States Government and USAID,” Turnbull said.

Pomeroon Trading was also exploring the possibility of a joint venture with Trini-

dad and Tobago, to export coconut water. In the immediate term, the company’s aim is to become U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certified, to be able to export their products to the United States.

Meanwhile, at the level of the government, a major focus is to continue working

with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to reduce the overall agricultural imports within the region.

“We are working aggressively to tap into the CARICOM market, which is a very large and lucrative market,” Minister Mustapha said previously.

Even with rising oil revenues, the government has outlined its intention to work intently towards improving agriculture across the board. Outside of rice and sugar, coconut often serves as the agriculture sector’s third largest revenue stream.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Police investigating suspected murder/ -wife was shot twice, suicide at Sarah Johanna husband once to the head THE police are treating Tuesday’s discovery of the lifeless bodies of a recently married Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara couple as a murder/suicide.

This is according to a police release issued last evening in which it was disclosed that 27-year-old Elizabeth ‘Sasha’ Dass sustained two gunshot wounds, while her husband 25-year-old Nicholas Low-A-Chee sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

The bodies were discovered in the Lot 1-2 Sarah Johanna house where the couple lived.

The release said that the couple was last seen alive

on Sunday, January 2. It is believed that the deaths occurred during the early hours of Monday morning.

The discovery was made

by Low-A-Chee’s uncle, who suspected that something was amiss when he could not make contact with his nephew. He had made several attempts to contact his nephew via telephone but was unsuccessful. This prompted him to visit the couple’s residence.

On arrival, the uncle noticed that a door was partly opened. On investigating, he found the two bodies in pools of blood on the bed and floor respectively with what appeared to be a black

handgun, about two feet east of Low-A-Chee’s body.

The police were then contacted.

According to the police, Dass’s body bore suspected gunshot injuries, one above her right eye and another to her abdomen. Low-A-Chee was found with what appeared to be a single gunshot wound just above his left ear

and another to his right-side temple, which is suspected to be the point of entry/exit.

“Three suspected .32 spent shells were found in the bedroom, one on the bed, one on the floor and the other about six feet west of his body. A .32 pistol was found two feet east of his left hand,” the release said.

There were no damages or

Deceased: Elizabeth ‘Sasha’ Dass and her husband Nicholas Low-A-Chee suspected forced entry seen vealed that the hands and on the building and the fire- body of the couple were proarm was examined/processed cessed for gunshot residue. for fingerprints but none was Additionally, blood samples from Low-A-Chee were taken detected.

According to the po- along with what was found in lice, further searches in the the bedroom for DNA testing.

The death of the young premises unearthed a quantity of suspected cannabis couple has left the close-knit which was later weighed community in shock.

The bodies are currentand amounted to 370 grams.

Several persons in the area ly at Memorial Gardens were questioned but no useful Mortuary awaiting a post mortem as investigations information was obtained.

The police further re- continue.

The house where the bodies were found (Adrian Narine photo)

December 29, 2021

H

3 10 15 17 18 27 13 December 22, 2021

D 3 4

10 14 15 20 17

2 5 6 20 22

29/12/21 -

9

0

2

29/12/21 -

4 8

30/12/21 - 1 5 8 15 20

30/12/21 -

3

6

6

30/12/21 -

03/01/22 - 4 8 13 20 23

03/01/22 -

4

5

5

04/01/21 - 8 10 15 16 18

04/01/21 -

9

7 7

29/12/21 -

6

29/12/21 - 2 11 15 16 17 19 20

1

2 7

30/12/21 - 2 4 8 10 12 13 20

03/01/22 -

9

0 8

03/01/22 - 5 7 8 9 15 19 20

04/01/21 -

0

9 7

04/01/21 - 3 6 8 10 13 18 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

CARICOM condemns attack on Haitian Prime Minister

Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has condemned an armed attack on the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, and his delegation at

Gonaives, on Saturday.

According to a statement from CARICOM, the incident occurred at Gonaives Cathedral, during a traditional ceremony to commemorate the 218th anniversary of Haiti’s independence. The activities were disrupted by volleys of automatic weapons in the surroundings of the church.

As a result, the Prime Minister was unable to deliver his public speech at the nearby Place des Armes Square, which normally follows the church service as part of the ceremony.

The reported death of a citizen during the incident, heightens CARICOM’s concern with the continued deterioration of the security situation in the country.

Haiti is still reeling from the effects of the assassination of the country’s President, Jovenel Moise, in July, 2021.

It is for this reason that CARICOM urged Haitian authorities to address this prevailing untenable security situation with urgency in order to restore a sense of safety and security to the country.

5

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

No place for racism and intolerance

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has made it clear that under the PPP/C administration, there is no place for racism, discrimination and violence. He made those remarks in his New Year’s message to the nation.

Guyana is known for the warmth and hospitality of its people, and despite our ethnic and political diversity, there is a fair measure of cultural tolerance and political accommodation. The recent Christmas holidays have demonstrated that when it comes to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, there is hardly any distinction among Guyanese in terms of race and religion. Christmas has become, over the decades, a cultural institution that transcends race, religion and creed.

The same could be said of other religious festivities such as Easter, Phagwah and the Eid celebrations.

We have evolved as a society to one of higher levels of tolerance and political accommodation. We do have our political differences, but, regardless of our political affiliation, life goes on regardless of which political party or group of parties constitute the ruling administration.

This is how it must be.

We are not responsible for our diversity and multi-culturalism, and it, therefore, behooves us all to accept the reality of our existence, and celebrate the fact of our co-existence. Indeed, we are much richer for our ethnic and religious diversity, and we all have a role to play in preserving the peace and cohesiveness of our society.

This is why it is so important that whatever differences we have as a society, they should be settled in a legal and constitutional way. The recent behaviour displayed by the parliamentary opposition is a good example of bad parliamentary conduct, which runs counter to the norms of acceptable conduct. The same could be said of attempts by the APNU+AFC coalition to subvert the democratic will of the Guyanese people in the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Modern society rests on the foundation of democracy and the rule of law, and any departure from those fundamental values and norms of governance will result in unnecessary wounds to the body-politic, and a departure from the norms of civilised behaviour.

President Ali, from the time he took office as the Executive President of Guyana, has committed himself to a united and prosperous Guyana. According to President Ali, “an essential part of my government is inclusion.

Stop being defined by race; stop being defined by politics. Start being defined by our one nationality, and by our common love for our one country. Let us lift it up together, and by doing so, let us lift each other and ourselves.”

Like any politically plural society, there are bound to be challenges based on politics and governance, but it is the manner in which such differences are resolved within the framework of our Constitution and our laws that will ultimately define us as a society.

We have had our difficult moments, but we

emerged with our heads high, as we continue to put our shoulders to the wheel of our collective development.

The fact is that there is and cannot be any short-cut to the realisation of our full potential as a nation. There is simply no ‘silver bullet’. We can only realise our dreams and that of our fore-parents of a prosperous and cohesive society by dint of hard work and collective action. We are fortunate to be blessed with an abundance of fertile lands, rich mineral wealth, and a resourceful people.

Now we have oil and gas. The ingredients for sustained development are all there. It is for us now to harness those resources for the common good.

Already we have garnered over US$534 million in oil revenues, and, based on preliminary

projections, the country could earn billions more in the coming years.

But, as President Ali said, we do not want to have a rich country of poor people; we want a society in which there is a fair and equitable distribution of our wealth, and where no citizen is left behind. And at a more fundamental level, we want a society in which there is a flourishing of the human spirit, and where we are not only materially better off, but where we enjoy the best that our society can offer, culturally and spiritually.

President Ali has demonstrated that with the political will, no challenge is too big.

His ‘One Guyana’ vision has certainly provided the conceptual framework to take this nation of ours along the path of unity, peace and progress.

Looking forward to big things happening in the country Dear Editor, I felt happy to see that two huge bills were passed in the Parliament and it gives me something to look forward to as I think that Guyanese

will soon benefit from business in the oil industry and this was needed for a long time. Guyana is our country and I have a few relatives who have small businesses which I

hope will benefit as well.

Some people I know are only waiting to expand their businesses and earn more for the services they provide. I hope they will see this

happening with this new Local Content Law. I can’t say I understood the Natural Resource Fund Bill before but after I tuned in and listened to the things Guy-

anese will benefit from as was explained by the Minister of Finance, I’m convinced that we will see big things happening in the future and I ask that they keep up the

good work. At least I hope so. Congratulations to the government on looking out for our best interest.

Yours sincerely, Brian Azore

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

ON Wednesday, 30th, December 2021, the opposition APNU+AFC Coalition parliamentarians attempted to steal the Mace so that the Natural Resources Fund Bill, which was being discussed, could not become law.

Apart from blowing their whistles in the middle of the dome and the usage of placards to protest against the legislation, the APNU+AFC parliamentarians created confusion, pandemonium, and chaos in the Parliament of Guyana.

They were heard hurling all manner of insults and remarks at the parliamentary staff for prohibiting them from carrying through with the plan to steal the Mace and effectively invoke the delay in the government’s business, indefinitely.

Luckily, order was restored to the proceedings of the Parliament and the bill became an Act before being assented to by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday, December 31, 2021.

Firstly, all right-thinking Guyanese should strongly condemn the actions of the MPs of the opposition APNU+AFC Coalition.

It was a dastardly and foolish display of the levels of desperation in the circles of the APNU+AFC. It was also shameful and reprehensible conduct, to say the least for parliamentarians to engage in such ‘yardfowl’ behaviour. Finally, it showed a side of the political and parliamentary opposition that only comes to the fore when they are going to lose out on a vote as was the case in the 2020 elections.

In condemning this gutter and reckless behaviour, Guyanese should examine if they want their representatives to behave in this thuggish and confrontational style. What was accomplished by this despicable behaviour? What did the opposition APNU+AFC Coalition get out of their shenanigans? Nothing, because the PPP MPs still passed the legislation following the steps outlined by law.

Is this how they are being role models for the younger generation to follow? Are they teaching them that bullyism and violence are the only way to go in the Parliament when things do not go a certain way?

All the ‘rights’ organisations, ethical watchdogs, political parties and ordinary Guyanese should condemn this denigration of Parliament into a madhouse by the opposition.

Secondly, Speaker Manzoor Nadir must not allow this incident to go unpunished. He should investigate and suspend all the protestors from three or five sittings of the Parliament.

Therefore, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Lennox Shuman, should hold one head and invoke the Standing Order that has to do with parliamentary conduct and behaviour. Parliamentarians Annette Ferguson, Amanza Walton-Desir, Sherod Duncan, Maureen Philadelphia, and others should not be allowed the privilege to speak in the Parliament until they apologise to the nation for their barbaric displays.

Additionally, the PPP Government should use their numbers and send the opposition APNU+AFC parliamentarians straight to the Privileges Committee of the Parliament.

Thirdly, there is no precedence for what occurred in the Parliament on Wednesday.

After all, if you are found tampering with the Mace, you are going to get the toughest sanctions regardless of what led to your actions.

The case of former MP Isahak Basir (1991) comes to mind. The APNU+AFC Coalition would want Guyanese to excuse the conduct of the APNU+AFC in Parliament but truth lives in the pages of the Parliament papers, newspaper, personalities like Kamal Rambaran, and other politicians.

Finally, the security apparatus must be looked at in the Parliament in case there is an insurrection. Parliament cannot afford these

APNU+AFC parliamentarians should apologise for their ‘yard fowl’ conduct

breaches occurring and the Speaker must have confidence in the discharge of his duties. Parliament is not safe and the tradition and

customs are being eroded by a very aggressive opposition.

If this behaviour is a sign of how the APNU+AFC Coalition will be

behaving in Parliament, the government side must be ready at all costs for them. Is this Parliament of Guyana? Where is the de-

corum, class, civility, and respect that parliamentarians should have when they are arguing different opinions?

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Two wanted for Region One double murder

TWO men, Kurtland Damon, called ‘Carto’ or ‘Bullet’ and Thomas Kyte, called ‘Taco’ are wanted for questioning in relation to the double-murder which occurred on December 24, 2021, at Nassano Landing in the North West District.

Dead are Sherwin Goddett, a 29-year-old gold miner of Dredge Creek in the Upper Pomeroon, and Shawn France, a 21-year-old gold miner from Akawini Creek, Pomeroon.

According to a police release issued on Monday, Goddette and France were relatives employed

by Terrence Evans, a gold miner and dredge owner.

On December 24, the deceased along with sev-

Wanted: Thomas Kyte called ‘Taco’ eral others left their mining camp in the backdam and went to Indra’s Shop where they purchased bottles of alcohol which they later consumed.

According to the statements received by the police, later that night at about 22:30 hours, France had a heated argument with Marie Welcome, the bartender at

Wanted: Kurtland Damon called ‘Carto’ the shop over a bottle of champagne.

France seemingly became annoyed and pelted the bottle to the ground.

Thereafter, a scuffle ensued between persons at the shop. During the scuffle, France was armed with a pair of scissors which he used to attack several patrons including Alvon Claus, a 35-years-

old gold miner and licensed firearm holder.

Police said Claus, in self-defence, discharged a single round in the air which brought an end to the fighting.

During the scuffle, Devor Stohl, called ‘Jubbu’ sustained a cut to his abdomen which caused his intestine to protrude.

According to Daniel Beck who was at the bar at the time of the incident, Damon, who is Stohl’s

father, along with Kyte, in retaliation attacked him and others as they were walking back to their camp. As a result, Hosea Sandy was stabbed about his back and left arm and Goddette and France fatally stabbed.

On Christmas Day, Stohl was air dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he is presently a patient.

A report of the incident was made at the Port Kai-

tuma Police Station.

According to the police, several persons were questioned in the vicinity of the crime scene and statements were taken.

On December 30 between 12:00 hours and 15:00 hours at Grant Backdam, North West District, the ranks made checks for the suspects but they were not contacted.

Investigations are ongoing.

Simple steps to prevent suicide

Photo courtesy of www.humanium.org

By Vanessa Cort depression resort to suicide.

Indeed suicide is such NOWADAYS when some- a grave social issue that, one takes their own life following a World Health they are said to have ‘died Organisation (WHO) report by suicide’. This terminolo- that Guyana had the highest gy came about because the suicide rate in the world, idea of a person commit- this country became one of ting suicide is sometimes only 28 to develop a Suicide seen as victim-blaming, Prevention Plan. The plan This was explained by sought to identify factors that Psychotherapist, Shane Tull, could contribute to suicide who said, “When we say and has led to the establish‘commit suicide’, we seem ment of a Suicide Hotline. to be blaming the person, The Ministry of Health whereas the act is to stop declared that “poverty, perthe pain.” vasive stigma about mental In an interview, the psy- illness (and) access to lethal chotherapist also clarified chemicals”, are among those a statement he made that factors most responsible for suicide rates go up in the last suicide. Statistics also show month of .the year – from that the suicide rate is higher December 1 to January 1. Al- among men, which Tull exthough many of us consider plained was because, while December as the ‘Happy more women may attempt Month’, where people are suicide, men are more likely contemplating and preparing to complete the act. for Christmas celebrations, He also noted that often the reverse is true for some. the family is unjustly blamed “Holidays bring on a lot for the suicide of a member, of depression for some,” he saying, “When someone is said, adding: “think about committed to the act they’re members of the LGBT com- committed… there is nothing munity who may be ostra- anyone can do.” cised from their families.”

The role of society is to And this made me immedi- try to prevent individuals ately think of persons with from getting to this point substance abuse problems by paying close attention to who may also be cut off from anyone displaying signs of their families and in their seeking to harm themselves,

Tull, who also serves as a consultant, advised.

He noted that this is a time when “we can really reach out”, because, particularly in the month of December, people are reluctant to reveal their suicidal thoughts.

The consultant declared that, more importantly, it may actually be necessary to deal ‘head-on’ with a person displaying suicidal tendencies. “It’s a very delicate topic… but sometimes you really need to confront the person,” he said, adding that a talk may be vital so that “they really see the gravity of what they’re thinking.”

And in a report on suicides in this country, Balogun Osunbiyi, Co-founder of the Guyana Psychological Association and Government Psychologist, noted that the factors contributing to suicide “are like dominoes.

Sometimes it’s more of this, sometime it’s more of that.”

Clearly there are myriad reasons that may lead to a person deciding to take his/ her own life, but what is equally clear is that suicide is an attempt by individuals to end the pain they are feeling.

And this may occur, not when the person is at a particularly low point, but when all seems to be well and no one suspects the dark thoughts hiding under the surface.

“This is what is so baffling… they don’t want you to see them as weak,” Tull said. However, he urged that we ask troubled individuals outright if they are thinking of self-harm, so they can talk about it, because, “sometimes this can snap them out of it.”

Antigua and Barbuda joins International Solar Alliance 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

THE Government of Antigua and Barbuda has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing the International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement in St. John’s on Tuesday.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, signed the ISA Framework Agreement (FA) on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in the presence of Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, who is currently on a visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

The International Solar Alliance was set up jointly by India and France on the sidelines of the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris in 2015.

According to a release, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is conceived as a coalition of solar- resource rich countries to address their special energy needs and

to provide a platform for collaboration to address the identified gaps through a common and agreed approach.

The ISA was launched at the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC CoP21) on November 30, 2015 by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and then French President, Francois Hollande.

Ban ki Moon, then Secretary General of the United Nations, also graced the occasion. The Paris Declaration establishing the ISA states that the countries share the collective ambition to undertake innovative and concerted efforts for reducing the cost of finance and cost of technology for immediate deployment of solar generation assets.

The ISA General Assembly, in its first meeting held on October 2-5,

2018, in New Delhi, attended by 78 countries, adopted the proposal made by India for an amendment to the Framework Agreement on the Establishment of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) (the Framework Agreement) to expand the scope of membership of the ISA to all countries that are members of the United Nations.

Consequently, the membership of the ISA was opened up to all member countries of the United Nations and the Government of India encouraged all countries to sign the ISA FA before the Second General Assembly of ISA held on October 31, 2019. Subsequently, a Joint Invitation from the Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy of India and the Minister for Ecological and Inclusive Transition of France was extended to the Government of Antigua and

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne and Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, display the signed agreement

Barbuda to the Second ISA General Assembly, the release stated.

The Second Assembly took place to build upon the momentum generated during the Founding Conference of ISA held on March 11, 2018 in New Delhi and further bolstered by the First Assembly of ISA held during October 2-5, 2018.

At the recently held COP26 summit in Glasgow, the ISA joined hands with Denmark G re e n T h i n k Ta n k CONCITO @concitoin-

fo, Investment Fund for Developing Countries #IFU & World Climate Foundation @wclimate in its quest to mobilise US$1 Trillion for investment in solar power by 2030, to achieve clean energy, Energy Transition #ET, enable energy access and energy security and to deliver new economic driver for all countries. Earlier, during the meeting of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi with CARICOM leaders (India-CARICOM Summit) on September 25,

2019 on the side-lines of the UNGA in New York, he had announced an offer of assistance of US$150 million Line of Credit (US$10 million per CARICOM member state) for CARICOM countries for solar energy and climate change-related projects. The High Commission of India is working closely with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to finalise proposals for availing this assistance in solar energy sector, the release said.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Schools to get more protective equipment for COVID-19 prevention -as Sewa International donates thousands of PPE to Education Ministry

AS the battle against COVID-19 rages on, schools across Guyana will be better equipped to combat this disease as a result of a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) by Sewa International Guyana, to the Ministry of Education.

The Education Ministry, in a press release issued on Tuesday, said that it received some

80,719 face shields, 24,190 KN95 masks, 126,500 disposable masks, 2,600 surgical gowns and over 6,240 face goggles.

Senior representative of Sewa International, Yashpaul Seownarine, handed over the items to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, at the Book Distribution Unit, Evans and Lyng Streets, Charles-

town.

King said the items will supplement the ministry’s efforts to ensure students, teachers and other staff are safe, as schools reopen.

He was quoted as saying: “We want to make sure that all schools are given enough protected gears so that the learners, teachers and cleaners could be protected while they deliver

education.”

The Education Ministry related that distribution of the items will start in hinterland communities before moving to the coast and Georgetown.

“At most of our schools in and around Georgetown and in other regions, we’ve

already given some amount of protective gears. So, this will complement what is needed in the school system, at least for maybe the long-term, replacing what is already here in the system, but we would have already provided a whole lot and this will help in ensuring we can

place replacements,” King said.

A representative of Sewa said the donation is important since it supports on-going efforts to ensure students receive an education while being protected against COVID-19. (Ministry of Education)

Senior representative of Sewa International, Yashpaul Seownarine, hands over personal protective equipment to Permanent Secretary at the Education Ministry, Alfred King, at the Book Distribution Unit, Evans and Lyng Streets, Charlestown, as organisation member, Sorojini Mohobir, looks on (Ministry of Education photo)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Man appeals 15-year sentence for 2017 ‘wedding house’ killing RAJEN Dindial, called ‘Eric’, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence for fatally beating another man, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

In 2019, Dindial, formerly of Section ‘C’ Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court

Rajen Dindial, called ‘Eric’ for the capital offence of murder committed

on Aliston Henry. Henry was beaten to death at a ‘wedding house’ at Grove, in 2017.

However, the jury found Dindial guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter.

Dissatisfied, Dindial subsequently moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge the conviction and the sentence imposed

by Justice Barlow. He is claiming that his trial was unfair and the sentence

imposed by the judge cannot stand. .

According to reports, on September 3, 2017, at Sarran Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, while at the wedding celebration, Henry had a

misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable toilet which was nearby.

Consequently, Dindial became annoyed and dealt Henry several lashes with a wooden paddle.

The injured Henry was then taken home by public-spirited citizens and, subsequently, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries several days later.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Duo gets 30 months for robbing Essequibo couple

TWO men were, on Tuesday, sentenced to 30 months each, after they confessed to the $5.9 million armed robbery committed on an Essequibo Coast businessman and his wife.

Nigel Bentick, 25, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Isaiah Okmie Bar-

clay, 21, of Lodge, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

The duo pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 1,2022, at Charity, while being armed with dangerous weapons and using personal violence, they

robbed Mohamed Khan and his wife, Sohanie Sanchara, of a quantity of Digicel and GTT phone cards valued at just over $1.1 million and $4,822,641 cash.

Magistrate Sam sentenced the duo to serve 30 months behind bars.

According to reports, on

the day in question, Khan, 55, was about to open his business when the two men, who were armed with a cutlass and knife respectively, pushed the door and entered.

One of the men placed a knife to his throat, while the other defendant attacked his 57-year-old wife and covered her mouth. The robbers then tied the couple’s hands and feet with duct tape.

The defendants proceeded to ransack the building and later escaped with the phone cards and cash.

The businessman managed to free himself and ran behind the suspects. He chopped one of them but was attacked by the other suspect, who chopped him on the head.

Isaiah Barclay and Nigel Bentick Police, with assistance from public-spirited citizens, including some members of the Charity Community Policing Group CPG), cordoned off the area between New Road and Dartmouth backlands where the defend-

ants had fled.

A manhunt, which lasted some five hours, led to the duo being apprehended. They were taken to the Charity Police Station. All of the stolen items were recovered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Accurate measurements, less substandard products on the local markets

13

- as a result of work done by GNBS in 2021

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recorded a successful 2021, owing to its efforts to ensure there are accurate measurements in trade and that substandard products are removed from the local markets.

According to a statement from GNBS, there were enhanced efforts to verify weighing and measuring devices used in commercial activities, to protect consumers and ensure equity in trade.

To continue this exercise in a safe manner during the COVID-19 pandemic, the bureau commissioned a mobile stamping bus in January 2021, which allowed for adequate social distancing and sanitisation.

During 2021, a total of 44,501 measuring devices were verified which included 8,515 scales compared to 5,653 in 2020; 15,292 masses compared to 11,450 in 2020, and 19,129 electricity meters, as compared to a total of 27,554 devices in 2020.

In addition, with 187 weighbridge scales used in the rice, sugar, transportation and retail sectors verified in 2021, there was a significant increase when compared to the 146 weighbridges verified in 2020.

Further, 105 moisture meters used by millers to determine the moisture content of paddy supplied by farmers were verified in 2021, as compared to 59 in 2020.

Notably, GNBS commenced the verification of breathalysers in 2021, resulting in 10 instruments being verified for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other private entities. In October, the bureau also launched its speed guns verification service.

For volumetric measurements, in 2021 the GNBS verified 1,989 petrol pumps at gas-stations countrywide as compared to 1,722 in 2020; 328 bulk meters at fuel terminals as compared to 270 in 2020, 67 storage tanks as compared to 30 in 2020, and 131 tanker wagons compared

to 114 in 2020.

Those devices were verified for Rubis, Guyoil, Sol Guyana and other private companies countrywide to ensure measurement accuracy and conformance to safety requirements.

Last year, there was a significant increase in surveillance inspections which are done to ensure vendors and shopkeepers are using approved measuring devices. A total of 5,719 premises were visited countrywide as compared to 1,217 in 2020.

The visits, which were conducted by inspectors and weights and measures officers, resulted in 895 scales, 74 masses, one measure and one moisture meter being seized and removed.

To fulfil its measurement role in the oil and gas sector, the GNBS, in 2021, established its Oil and Gas Department.

Anticipating the arrival of the second FPSO, newly employed inspectors were trained to take up roles in the new depart-

ment, as it continued to be fully involved in monitoring the verification of custody transfer meters on the first FPSO, offshore.

Apart from its verification services, the GNBS continued to monitor the 17 categories of products under its purview. The product compliance department conducted inspections at ports-of-entry, warehouses, manufacturers’ premises and sale outlets to ensure products imported and locally manufactured comply with the mandatory national standards. Last year, a total of 483 importers, 667 dealers and 17 manufacturers registered with the GNBS. During the year, 4,583 inspections were conducted for tyres, furniture, cellular phones, and electrical fittings/ equipment, garments, furniture, toys and other items. This was an increase from the 3,843 inspections conducted in 2020.

From inspections conducted, several products did not satisfy the labelling and/or quality requirements outlined

in their respective national standards. Notably, a total of 5,514 non-conforming tyres were rejected and destroyed at the time of examination, to avoid subsequent use.

Other items placed on hold or destroyed by the GNBS inspectors in 2021 for noncompliance included 1,596 pieces of furniture, 10,426 toys, 21,923 electrical appliances, 418 gas stoves, 8,084 pieces of PVC pipes, 26,300 pieces of electrical fittings and equipment, 43,665 pairs of footwear, 200 rolls of textiles and 5,040 safety helmets.

For some of the items placed on hold, some importers and dealers took the necessary corrective actions and these were released by the GNBS for sale.

Finally, both the verification of devices and product compliance services were expanded to the outlying regions of Guyana during 2021 with the opening of three new sub-offices at Corriverton, Region Six; Bartica, Region Seven, and Mahdia, Region Eight. In 2022, the bureau plans to expand its reach with the opening of new sub-offices in Region Five and 10.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Indigenous communities enhanced by significant investments in 2021

IN the last year, the Government of Guyana, under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has made significant strides to enhance Indigenous communities across the country. Numerous investments were made in various sectors, such as agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism.

This is according to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, which detailed the ministry’s sector highlights for 2021.

Realising the tremendous potential for agriculture to flourish in most of these

hinterland communities, the government procured 112 tractors, along with ploughs and harrows at a total cost of $446 million. The aim was to boost agriculture production, and ensure food security for Amerindian people.

An additional $434 million was recently acquired in the National Assembly for further Amerindian development.

The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration, upon taking office in August 2020, reintroduced its ICT programme that was halted under the previous government. Some $5.2 billion was procured in the 2020 budget

to commence this initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Project Management Unit under the ICT Access and E-services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The monies were expended in early January 2021 for the construction and rehabilitation of 200 ICT hubs in hinterland regions.

Also delivering on its promise of supplying Amerindian communities with renewable, clean and cheap energy, the government, through a

partnership with the Government of India, procured 25,000 solar units to benefit residents in these hinterland villages.

Additionally, $1.5 billion was set aside in the National Budget for the further development of solar farms.

Making good on his promise, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali resuscitated the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project by putting a hefty $650 million towards that initiative.

This project allows Amerindians to secure their lands and natural resources, with a view towards sustainable, social and economic development.

Meanwhile, with the reintroduction of Community Service Officers (CSOs) in Amerindian communities, many residents grasped the opportunity to be trained in various sectors.

Some $820 million was allocated to train and empower Amerindian youths through this programme which forms part of the govern-

ment’s commitment to youth development, advancement and investment in the lives of Amerindian people.

Also, another important investment was the distribution of presidential grants. In February 2021, 220 Amerindian communities across the country received $300 million.

The presidential grants were used to develop agricultural enterprises such as cattle and poultry rearing, cash crop farming, tourism ventures, village offices, and roads.

This was a major boost to the development of the Amerindian people as some communities received up to $5 million.

Capoey Village in Region Two is a natural tourist attraction and as such the government invested $11 million to develop that community.

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in 2021 also executed several critical projects. Some $3.5 million was handed over to Phillipai and satellite community Wayalay-

eng in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) for the construction of two school canteens and the purchasing of farming equipment and boat engines.

In order to relieve transportation burdens for parents and students in Monkey Mountain and surrounding communities in Region Eight, the government purchased a truck valued $7 million to ensure these children have equal access to education.

Further, all Amerindian villages in the country also benefitted from the government’s COVID-19 cash grants which were distributed to cushion the effects of the pandemic. This initiative saw millions of dollars being pumped into these communities.

Additionally, $53.8 million in school uniform vouchers for hinterland students were also distributed.

These initiatives undertaken by the government in 2021, created a pathway for Amerindian development and sustainability.

One of the ICT hubs that were constructed in the hinterland

One of the tractors that were distributed to hinterland communities to boost agriculture

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

1.6 million ounces of gold detected at Omai pit

SOME 1.6 million ounces of gold have been detected at Omai Gold Mines’ Wenot Pit, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This discovery, according to Omai, represents a significant milestone for the company which has since lost its reputation of being South America’s largest producing gold mine.

The official announcement of the find was made on Tuesday, via a press release, which quoted the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Ellingham, as saying that the mineral in the Wenot pit gives Omai a very solid base from which to expand the property’s total potential gold resources.

“Not only is the Wenot deposit open along strike and at depth, it is located approximately 400 metres south of the past-producing Fennell open pit that hosts a significant historical gold mineral resource that also remains open at depth,” Ellingham added.

The press statement noted that initial Wenot mineral resource justify the potential to expand the known deposits and, together with Fennell’s historical mineral resource, demonstrate the potential to re-build Omai into a multimillion-ounce project.

“We also see potential elsewhere on the property for additional Wenot-type and Fennell-type deposits,” Ellingham said.

She related that, since late November, with the Wenot mineral resource drilling completed, Omai shifted its focus to commencing exploration for near-surface mineralisation that has the potential for additional ounces amenable to open-pit mining.

In issuing her congratulations, Ellingham said that Omai’s exploration team was able to deliver notable results, even amid the many challenges that were presented by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Their experience and dedication allowed us to complete the Company’s first NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate on the timeline set out at the end of 2020,” Ellingham said.

She expressed great confidence that the very exploration team will drive further exploration successes for the company, in 2022.

According to the press release: “Omai Gold Mines

Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary Avalon Gold Exploration Incorporated, holds a 100 per cent interest in the Omai Prospecting License covering 4,590 acres (18.575 sq. km) that includes the past-producing Omai gold mine, and a 100 per cent interest in the adjoining Eastern Flats Mining Permits covering 1,519 acres.”

In its prime, Omai produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. However, mining eventually ceased at a time when the average gold price was less than US$400 per ounce, leaving significant drilled mineral resources untapped and prime exploration targets untested.

“The company’s shortterm priorities are to verify and expand the known mineral resources, while advancing exploration on key targets, providing a solid opportunity to create significant value for all stakeholders,” the company said.

It was only recently that the Guyana Chronicle reported on Omai’s intention to restart its operations with an initial investment of US$12 million.

It was reported that the company had wrapped up operations in 2015 after 24 years of service in Guyana.

With its return, the company said that, in addition to engaging and potentially supporting small miners, it also had plans to employ hundreds of people. In its earlier days, the company had in excess of 1,000 persons in its employ.

Currently, there are over 25 mining companies active in Guyana as well as large-scale oil producers like ExxonMobil, which are investing heavily in Guyana’s infrastructure and workforce.

This “economic renaissance,” as described by Omai, has led the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rate Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world, and determine that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.5 billion is expected to triple within the next five years.

The country’s potential is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the company’s return, and, just October 1, 2020, Omai announced that it had completed its previously announced reverse takeover transaction in which it acquired all of the issued and

outstanding common shares of Avalon Investment Holdings Inc. (“AIHL”), a private Barbados corporation.

AIHL is the parent company of Avalon Gold Exploration, a Guyanese company which is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and potential development of precious metal mineral properties in Guyana, including the former Omai Gold Mines located in the Omai/Potaro Mining District No.2.

Omai has restarted its operations with an initial investment of US$12 million

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

China plans missions to the moon’s south pole

BEIJING, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China has approved the fourth phase of its lunar exploration programme, including a basic model of a research station built on the moon over the coming decade, according to the China National Space Adminis-

tration.

Wu Yanhua, deputy director of the administration, said China would carry out lunar explorations in the future Chang’e-6, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions.

As planned, the Chang’e-7 probe will be

launched to the south pole of the moon first. Since Chang’e-6 is a back-up of the Chang’e-5 samplereturn mission, it will be launched after Chang’e-7 to bring back samples on the lunar south pole. The Chang’e-6 mission will be followed by Chang’e-8,

a step towards building a model of a lunar scientific research station.

“We are also prepared to work with Russia to build the basic model of the lunar research station,” Wu said in a recent interview. “The construction of the station will lay a

solid foundation for us to better explore the lunar environment and resources, including how to use and develop lunar resources peacefully,” he added.

The Chang’e-5 probe was launched in 2020, having retrieved a total of 1,731 grams of lu-

nar samples. China is currently operating the Chang’e-4 lander and the Yutu 2 rover on the far side of the moon. They made the first-ever soft landing on the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the lunar far side in 2019.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

China ready to ‘present great Games to the world’

By CAO DESHENG

DESPITE the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus and a small number of countries’ moves to politicise the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, China has vowed to present the world with streamlined, safe and splendid Games, which will open on February 4 in the Chinese capital.

Thanks to its institutional strength in mobilising all available resources, China has prepared well to welcome athletes from around the world to enjoy the sports event, the official motto of which is, “Together for a Shared Future”.

President Xi Jinping told the world in his New Year address on December 31, 2021 that “China is ready” for great Olympics. “We will spare no effort to present great Games to the world,” he said.

The event will make the Chinese capital the first city in the world to host both the summer and winter Olympic Games.

It comes at an unusual

time, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging globally, and this requires the nation’s additional efforts in epidemic prevention and control, so that athletes will be as safe as possible. For the sake of safety, China has decided to forego a big ceremony and attendance from international spectators.

Xi, a keen sports fan, was personally involved in the country’s 2015 bid for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. During the preparation process, he visited the venues of the Beijing Games several times in order for the event to be held successfully.

Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games executive director of the International Olympic Committee, said China’s preparations for the upcoming Games, particularly venue construction and COVID-19 prevention and control measures, should be given high marks in all aspects.

In a recent interview with China Global Television Network, Dubi said that as the work for epidemic prevention and

control has gotten more complicated during the winter, he is grateful for China’s efforts to host the event. Many admirable achievements have been made in preparation for the Games, he added.

The official also said he is eager to begin his trip to Beijing in a couple of weeks, and he believes the Games will present a grand event with Chinese characteristics to the world.

Richard Pound, a senior IOC member and former IOC Vice-President, also praised China’s preparatory work.

Pound said that the preparations for the Beij i n g Wi n t e r O l y m p i c Games have been smooth and orderly, and the excellent organisation and management will make the Games a success.

China has the best capacity to respond to COVID-19, so the country can ensure the Winter Olympics will be held safely with a live audience, he said, adding that his experience has convinced him, from a professional point of view, that the Beijing

The Olympic flame for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics on display on the Flame Exhibition Tour at Shougang Park in Beijing, on Dec 13, 2021 (Photo/Xinhua) Winter Olympics will be a spectacular success, despite the challenges.

Observers said that against a raging pandemic, stagnating economy and rising geopolitical tensions, it would be more rewarding to make the Beijing Winter Olympics a platform for rebuilding trust and global solidarity.

Many countries and international organisations have expressed their

support for Beijing to hold a successful Winter Olympics. Leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have confirmed that they will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Games.

China has made great efforts to promote peace, harmony and friendship through the Beijing Win-

ter Olympics, said Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Ban, who is also Chairman of the IOC Ethics Commission, said he believes that with the leadership of the Chinese government, the Beijing Winter Olympics are bound to spread friendship, harmony and mutual respect. (China Daily)

James Bond condemns “racial” utterances by Coalition colleagues

FORMER People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) Executive, James Bon d h as con demned his colleagues in the APNU+AFC for their “overtly” racial attacks on him and his acquaintance, who is a well-known businessman.

The attacks stem from a photograph of Bond holding an umbrella for the businessman that has since been making the rounds on social media.

“I saw a video from Mr. Duncan and some others; they are putting this (photograph) of me holding the umbrella for Azzrudin in a racial light with racial undertones,” Bond said in a response video of his own, which has also been making rounds on social media.

It would appear as though Bond’s colleagues in the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) were equating him holding the aforementioned umbrella to slavery, since his acquaintance is of different ethnic background.

“They are making it seem as if James Bond, a Black man, is not supposed to be holding the umbrella for another person. Here’s the thing, they are equating Azzrudin Mohamed to a White man or a slave owner or slave master,” Bond explained.

He continued: “And they are not doing it covertly; it’s overtly. They are putting it in your face.”

The former Member of Parliamentarian lamented

the fact that the racism being spewed by his colleagues continue to do more damage to the fragility of Guyana’s race relations struggles. “Remember, in Guyana, we have terrible race relations, so now what these racists are doing is trying to make it seem that Mr. Mohamed or the race that he comes from or the class that he’s coming from, that they are the slave owners or slave masters; they’re like the masters of Guyana,” Bond posited.

It should be noted that this is not the first time that the APNU+AFC Coalition has been accused of perpetuating racism. As a matter of fact, it was during the last sitting of the National Assembly, Opposition Member of Parliament, Maureen Philadelphia was videoed

Former PNCR executive, James Bond verbally abusing the Personal Assistant to the Speaker of the National Assembly, who foiled the Opposition’s rowdy attempt to steal the Parliamentary Mace.

As Mr. Ean McPherson clutched the Mace in his protection as he lay on the floor, Philadelphia stood over him, calling him derogatory names and addressed

him using racial slurs.

Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond subsequently expressed the view that the Opposition believes that it has a “monopoly” over AfroGuyanese.

“This young man, lying down on the ground, unable to defend himself is being verbally assaulted and called the vilest of names and so what does this attitude says?

This attitude says that as an Afro-Guyanese you have to automatically support the APNU+AFC, that is what you should do and when you don’t you are assaulted, insulted, berated and called all kinds of house slave,” Minister Walrond shared in disgust.

The minister went as far as to share her own personal

experience, noting that she too was subject to the same kind of condemnation from the APNU+AFC when she was first appointed a minister of government under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), even before she was even given a chance to prove her competency.

“From day one I was berated about being a house slave and being unworthy because I have exercised my right of self-determination and decided that I want to support who I want to support and what I want to put my support behind,” Minister Walrond shared.

I’m the meantime, Bond, in his video, reminded that all Guyanese are equal. “They are our Guyanese brothers and sisters,” he noted.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Guyana records close to 500 COVID-19 cases in one day

- several GPHC employees among 1,824 active cases being monitored THE number of COVID-19 cases recorded in a single day reached a record high on Tuesday, when 485 persons tested positive for the disease.

“In the last 24 hours, we had 485 new cases, so our active cases are now 1,824. So, that’s a big jump, it’s probably the highest total we’ve had in a day and maybe these numbers would even go further,” Minister of

Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said during Tuesday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update.

Minister Anthony said that of the active cases, 1,138 are in Region Four; 272 in Region Six; 148 in Region Three; 41 in Region Two; 78 in Region Nine and 74 in Region 10.

“So, you can see cases are going up around the country, and those regions

where we have low cases, we are awaiting the test results because we have collected samples, but they have not been processed as yet,” the Health Minister related.

He also said that this trend is expected to continue as the Omicron variant is “highly contagious” and doubles every four days or so.

On the East Bank of

A worker, equipped with her mask, performs her duties (DPI photo)

Demerara at Diamond, 43 people are infected, 33 at Providence, 20 in Grove, and 17 at Herstelling. In other regions, New Amsterdam recorded 66 cases, while Lethem recorded 45; Bartica, 21 and Wismar, 26.

“Right now, we have 64 persons in hospital, over the last 24 hours I think we had about 10 persons that came into the different hospitals. We currently have 36 persons at the Ocean View hospital, with eight of those persons in the ICU and a few of those persons are intubated. All of them are receiving oxygen, but I think two of them are intubated,” Dr. Anthony said.

The vaccination numbers largely remain the same, but with a slight increase in first dose uptake which now stands at 80.3 per cent of the adult population while booster uptake has also improved.

“Boosters have been going up incrementally… we are at 12,306 booster doses, but we still have a long way to go because of the persons

Health worker tests an individual for COVID-19 (DPI photo) who would have received their second dose. This is just a very small portion of that, so we still have a very long way to go in ensuring that more people get their booster doses,” the Health Minister said.

He also confirmed that a number of employees at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) have tested positive for the disease and are being closely monitored.

“There are a number of persons who have tested

positive, both doctors and medical staff. We have been constantly monitoring them and we have taken mitigation measures, so it has not had a big impact so far on service delivery, but if more and more people get sick well then obviously it’s going to have an impact,” Dr. Anthony said.

He related that most of the infected persons are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and are expected to return to work shortly. (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Bangladesh complete famous... (From back page) team and just their sixth victory abroad from 61 attempts.

Bangladesh had not previously won any of their 43 matches in New Zealand across all three formats, while the result also ends the Kiwis' eight-series home win streak that stretched back to 2017 Ebadot, having dismissed all but two of NZ's top eight batters in their second dig, earned player-of-the-match honours.

"The first thing to know about Ebadot as a person is that he only came to cricket about five years ago," Bangladesh's bowling coach Ottis Gibson said on Tuesday.

"He won a fast-bowling competition somewhere and two years later he was playing international cricket.

"He's a joy to work with because he's enthusiastic and he wants to learn so much.

When his confidence is high, he can bowl spells like this."

Led by Devon Conway's 122, NZ managed 328 in

their first innings but the loss of their last five wickets for 70 runs left them short of a strong total on a low, dry Bay Oval surface.

Captain Mominul Haque

(88), Liton Das (86) and Mahmudul Joy (78) then fired the visitors to 458 to put the heat on a Black Caps top order missing their skipper and best batter Kane

Williamson due to an elbow injury.

The second Test gets underway on Sunday in Christchurch. (Cricket. com,au)

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 328 Bangladesh 1st innings 458 Shadman Islam c & b Neil Wagner 22 Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Henry Nicholls b Neil Wagner 78 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Will Young b Neil Wagner 64 Mominul Haque lbw Trent Boult 88 Mushfiqur Rahim b Trent Boult 12 Liton Das c Tom Blundell b Trent Boult 86 Yasir Ali c Tom Blundell b Kyle Jamieson 26 Mehidy Hasan c Tom Blundell b Tim Southee 47 Taskin Ahmed lbw Tim Southee 5 Shoriful Islam b Trent Boult 7 Extras: (lb-8, nb-3, pen-5, w-7) 23 Total: (all out, 176.2 overs) 458 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-147, 3-184 4-203, 5-361, 6-370, 7-445, 8-450, 9-458.

Bowling: Tim Southee 38-4-114-2 (w1), Trent Boult 35.2-11-85-4 (w-1), Kyle Jamieson 35-11-78-1 (w-4),Neil Wagner 40-9-101-3 (w-1, nb-3), Rachin Ravindra 28-5-67- 0.

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings Tom Latham b Taskin Ahmed Will Young b Ebadot Hossain Devon Conway c Shadman Islam b Ebadot Hossain Ross Taylor b Ebadot Hossain Henry Nicholls b Ebadot Hossain Tom Blundell lbw Ebadot Hossain Rachin Ravindra c Liton Das b Taskin Ahmed

14 69 13 40 0 0 16

Kyle Jamieson c Shoriful Islam b Ebadot Hossain 0 Tim Southee b Taskin Ahmed 0 Neil Wagner Not Out 0 Trent Boult c (Sub) b Mehidy Hasan 8 Extras: 2b 5lb 1nb 0pen 1w 9 Total: (73.4 overs) 169 all out Fall of Wickets: 1-29 Latham, 2-63 Conway, 3-136 Young, 4-136 Nicholls, 5-136 Blundell, 6-154 Taylor, 7-160 Jamieson, 8-160 Ravindra, 9-161 Southee, 10-169 Boult Bowling: Taskin Ahmed 14 - 3 - 36 - 3 (1w 1nb), Shoriful Islam 12 - 2 - 30 - 0, Mehidy Hasan 22.4 - 5 - 43 - 1, Ebadot Hossain 21- 6- 46 - 6, Mominul Haque 4 - 0 - 7 - 0.

BANGLADESH 2nd innings Shadman Islam c Tom Blundell b Tim Southee 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto c Ross Taylor b Kyle Jamieson 17 Mominul Haque Not Out 13 Mushfiqur Rahim Not Out 5 Extras: 0b 1lb 1nb 0pen 2w 4 Total: (16.5 overs) 42-2 Fall of Wickets: 1-3 Anik, 2-34 Shanto Did Not Bat: Joy, Das, Chowdhury, Miraz, Ahmed, Hossain, Islam Bowling: Trent Boult 5 - 3 - 4 - 0, Tim Southee 5 - 2 - 21 - 1, Kyle Jamieson 3.5 - 1 - 12 - 1 ( 2w), Neil Wagner 3 - 1 - 4 - 0 (1nb)

Hetmyer has let...

Super50 Cup last year which preceded Sri Lanka’s tour, averaging 50 while hitting a hundred and two half-centuries.

Hetmyer has not featured for West Indies since the T20 World Cup last October, after opting out of last December’s tour of Pakistan which was cut short because of COVID-19 issues.

The Caribbean side face Ireland in three One-Day Internationals from January

Wolverhampton 08:20 hrs Or Passion 08:50 hrs Maahi avae 09:25 hrs Dark Side Prince 10:00 hrs Income 10:35 hrs Blazing Hot 11:05 hrs Beryl The Peril 11:35 hrs Party Planner 12:08 hrs Eagle One Ffos Las 08:40 hrs Mayhem Mya 09:10 hrs Templier 09:45 hrs Wicked West 10:20 hrs Gustavian 10:55 hrs Getaweapon 11:25 hrs Fairlawn Flyer

(From back page)

8-14 and a one-off T20 International on January 16 – all matches scheduled for Sabina Park here.

West Indies will then head to Barbados for a fivematch T20 series against England from January 22-30.

Simmons said he had already outlined a strategy for the T20 squad which he hoped could be applied in both series.

“We have little targets that we want to reach at

certain points in the 20 overs [format] but it’s not hard and fast. It’s about getting to those targets,” Simmons explained.

“If we’re playing right, we will get past those and that’s how we’re going to start looking at it now. We are going to be making sure that there are targets we’ve got to try and hit.”

West Indies have lost seven of their last eight T20 Internationals.

12:00 hrs Hunter Legend

15:30 hrs Just Albert

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 09:35 hrs No Speed Limit 09:10 hrs War Hero 10:45 hrs Crystal Dawn 11:15 hrs Colonel Slade 11:45 hrs Eloy D’amerval 12:15 hrs National Gallery 12:45 hrs Dinamine 13:15 hrs Here’s Hoping

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:25 hrs Rotunda 09:00 hrs Caesura 09:35 hrs Yata 10:10 hrs Tonightsfightnight 10:45 hrs Forest Jump

Kempton 11:55 hrs Lord P 12:30 hrs Small Print 13:00 hrs No Diggity 13:30 hrs Chateau Peapod 14:00 hrs Red Evelyn 14:30 hrs Minister For Magic 15:00 hrs Hafeet Alain

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Raced 1 Philipsburg Race 2 Reservenotattained Race 3 Pronta Race v4 Abundant Honor Race 5 Arturo Toscanini Race 6 Emirates Affair Race 7 Officer Country

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Rising COVID-19 cases

BCCI postpones Ranji Trophy, CK Nayudu Trophy, women's T20 league takes off.

The Ranji Trophy was supposed to be held after two seasons, following its cancellation for the first time in its 85-year history in the 2020-21 season.

Recently, the BCCI had also started to disburse the Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy when it was last held, in 2019-20 (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)

THE BCCI has postponed the upcoming Ranji Trophy, the Under-25 CK Nayudu Trophy and the senior women's T20 league for the 2021-22 season because of the rising COVID-19 cases in India.

The Ranji Trophy and CK Nayudu Trophy were set to begin this month whereas the women's league was scheduled to start in late February.

"BCCI does not want to compromise the safety of players, support staff, match officials and other participants involved Hence, it has decided to put the three tournaments on hold till further notice. The BCCI will continue to assess the situation and take a call on the start of the tournaments accordingly," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a release yesterday.

"BCCI thanks and continues to appreciate the efforts of the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, match officials and all the service providers who put their best foot forward to host more than 700 matches across 11 tournaments in the current 2021-22 domestic season.

Board president Sourav Ganguly confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the Ranji Trophy had been pushed back by "15 days". Gan-

guly himself had tested positive for COVID-19 a week ago and had to be admitted to a hospital in Kolkata for a few days.

The men's domestic first-class competition was scheduled to start on January 13 at multiple venues across six cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai.

But on January 3, it emerged that six Bengal players and their assistant coach had tested positive for COVID-19. Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube and the team's video analyst had also tested positive prior to the team's departure for Kolkata, to add further doubt on the tournament's immediate future.

Last week, the board had also postponed the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, which was scheduled to begin in January 2022, following the fresh surge of COVID-19 cases and the growing threat of the Omicron variant.

The postponement of the Ranji Trophy has put the premier first-class tournament in a tricky situation because its final was scheduled for March 16 to 20 and the IPL usually starts by the first week of April.

Postponing the Ranji Trophy by 15 days could further crunch the first-class tournament, whenever it

match fees it owed to hundreds of domestic cricketers - male and female - for the numerous tournaments that had to be shelved due to COVID-19 in the 202021 season.

The senior women's T 2 0 l e a g u e w a s s c h e d-

uled to start on February 28 to be played in Guwahati, Dehradun, Haryana, Lucknow, Pune and Puducherry.

The CK Nayudu Trophy was set to start a day after the Ranji Trophy, on January 14. (Cricinfo)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Pujara, Rahane defy South Africa after Shardul bags seven SHARDUL Thakur claimed the best figures by an Indian in South Africa, bagging 7 for 61, to bowl South Africa out for 229 after half-centuries from Keegan Petersen and Temba Bavuma. India lost KL Rahul early while Mayank Agarwal fell after a positive start.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane ensured that the visitors did not suffer any more setbacks, helping India finish the day at 85-2, leading by 58 runs.

India hit the straps straightaway in the second innings, with Mayank Agarwal even driving away from his body against Kagiso Rabada. He struck his first four boundaries off Rabada while Kl Rahul struck his first four with an upper cut off Duanne Olivier.

Dean Elgar decided on bowling changes, bringing in Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen in tandem. Ngidi was on the mark to Mayank while Jansen took the ball away from Rahul a few times before forcing him to play at an incoming delivery and found the edge. Rahul waited a while to see if the catch was taken cleanly but the third umpire did not find any conclusive evidence to give India's stand-in skipper not out.

While India entered the lead with Mayank continuing in a confident manner, Cheteshwar Pujara was being

Shardul Thakur finished with India's best bowling figures against South Africa in Tests (AFP/Getty Images)

targetted with incoming deliveries keeping the short-leg fielder interested all the time.

He was also uncertain around the off-stump line, even edging Ngidi but playing with soft hands meant it did not carry to slips. The reintroduction of Olivier and a short delivery helped Pujara get his first four while Mayank creamed a drive through midoff.

But Mayank's decision to shoulder arms proved his undoing as he was trapped in front by Olivier, leaving the under-pressure veterans to do the heavy lifting. Although the South Africa pacers posed questions with short deliveries, whenever they went full Pujara and Rahane cashed in by playing assertive drives for boundaries.

Pujara even scored a couple of boundaries in the final over of the day bowled by Maharaj as the fourth-wicket pair finished unbeaten having added 41 off 52.

Earlier, the second morn-

ing was mostly about Petersen's classy batting and Dean Elgar's defiance but Thakur turned it around late in the session with three quick strikes. Petersen, who was playing his shots with a lot of confidence, registered his maiden Test fifty. Elgar, at the other end, was stone-walling the Indian attack, having remained on his overnight score of 11 for 31 deliveries.

They put on a 60-run stand for the second wicket but just before Petersen got to his milestone, the South African captain nicked a Thakur delivery to the 'keeper. Petersen then edged to second slip to give Thakur his second wicket while Rassie van der Dussen was the next to go, with his dismissal shrouded in controversy.

India endured a wicketless period for an hour and a half after tea as Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne's 60-run association led South Africa's fightback. They were both troubled a few times by the

Indian pacers but they hung in, with Verreynne playing the anchor's role and Bavuma making sure that scoring opportunities weren't missed.

But Thakur was in the thick of action again.

Verreynne was stuck on the crease and was out leg-before - with a review failing to come to his aid. Bavuma displayed good footwork against Ashwin - both front and back - as he scored a four and a six. Thakur found the outside edge of Bavuma's bat but the ball evaded the slip cordon and went to the ropes to help the No. 5 bring up his

17th Test fifty.

But Bavuma came down the track and was caught down the leg side off the very next ball to become Thakur's fifth scalp. Kagiso Rabada chipped a simple catch off the inside edge to mid-on to give Shami his second wicket of the innings.

Keshav Maharaj, who scored a couple of boundaries late in the second session, put on a useful stand with Marco Jansen post-tea to help South Africa into lead. Both batters were eager to take on the bowlers, who were erratic on occasions - especially

Bumrah.

But the lead pacer managed to knock Maharaj over to pick up his first wicket of the innings, and even struck Duanne Olivier on his elbow with a short delivery. But Jansen wasn't deterred as he took on Bumrah for a couple of boundaries and also survived review for lbw off Shami.

It was again left to Thakur to check South Africa and he responded with the wickets of Jansen and Lungi Ngidi to become only the second India to bag seven in an innings in South Africa. (Cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 202 SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Dean Elgar c Rishabh Pant b Shardul Thakur 28 Aiden Markram lbw Mohammed 7 Keegan Petersen c Mayank Agarwal b Shardul Thakur 62 Rassie van der Dussen c Rishabh Pant b Shardul Thakur 1 Temba Bavuma c Rishabh Pant b Shardul Thakur 51 Kyle Verreynne lbw Shardul Thakur 21 Marco Jansen c Ravichandran Ashwin b Shardul Thakur 21 Kagiso Rabada c Mohammed Siraj b Mohammed Shami 0 Keshav Maharaj b Jasprit Bumrah 21 Duanne Olivier not out 1 Lungi Ngidi c Rishabh Pant b Shardul Thakur 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-3, w-5) 16 Total: (all out, 79.4 overs) 229

Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-88, 3-101, 4-102, 5-162 e, 6-177, 7-179, 8-217 j, 9-228.

Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 21-5-49-1 (w-3, nb-2), Mohammed Shami 21-5-52-2, Mohammed Siraj 9.5-2-24-0, Shardul Thakur 17.5-3-61-7 (w-1, nb-1) Ravichandran Ashwin 10-1-35-0.

INDIA 2nd innings Lokesh Rahul c Aiden Markram b Marco Jansen 8 Mayank Agarwal lbw Duanne Olivier 23 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 35 Ajinkya Rahane not out 11 Extras: (b-2, lb-4, nb-2) 8 Total: (two wkts, 20.0 overs) 85 Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-44.

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 6-1-26-0 (nb2), Duanne Olivier 4-0-22-1, Lungi Ngidi 3-1- 5-0, Marco Jansen 6-2-18-1, Keshav Maharaj 1-0-8-0.

‘Everything on the table’ in Ashes review – Ashley Giles … defends head coach Chris Silverwood role "EVERYTHING will be on the table" when England review their Ashes defeat in Australia, says managing director Ashley Giles.

The tourists trail 3-0 with two Tests to play after Australia clinched the series with three emphatic victories.

England's miserable tour has led to debate over the futures of coach Chris Silverwood and captain Joe Root as well as on the state of the national game.

Giles said "systemic change" is needed rather than replacing individuals.

"Unless we look at more systemic change, a collective responsibility, and collective solutions, we can make whatever changes you want," the former England

spinner, whose position has also been debated, told BBC Sport.

"You can change me, we can change the head coach and change the captain, but we're only setting up future leaders for failure. That's all we do. It's only pushing it down the road."

England surrendered the Ashes when being bowled out for 68 in the third Test last week, their ninth defeat in 12 Tests.

In April, Giles removed Ed Smith from the role as national selector and added selection to the remit of Silverwood, head coach since 2019.

That move has been questioned in the aftermath of England Ashes loss but Giles defended the decision to change from the

long-standing norm.

"One of the criticisms I had during my career was a lack of innovation, a lack of forward thinking," Giles said.

"And now we're talking about going back to a system that is pretty antiquated and about 150 years old.

"In what other sports would we have someone sitting on the outside who would be telling the head coach what he should be doing?

"Yes, you build relationships but ultimately it's a performance game. I think the head coach can still have those relationships in the dressing room. We've been accused in the past perhaps of being too cosy, too soft.

"I don't agree with that."

England began 2021 by winning 2-0 in Sri Lanka but were then beaten 3-1

in India, 1-0 at home by New Zealand and were trailing 2-1 in the return series against India when the fifth Test was postponed.

They began the Ashes aiming to win a series in Australia for the second time in 34 years, following the 2010-11 success, but succumbed after just 12 days of cricket.

Giles said: "Being here now, in this position, I absolutely feel the responsibility of losing this Ashes series.

Absolutely. And we all do.

And we can only apologise and I know there will be a lot of emotion, a lot of anger about how we've lost it.

"But we know it's not an easy place to come. We can't kid ourselves; there has been a lot more gone on in the last two years than just performance."

Giles said the players

had been "extraordinary" in "getting the game on" during the Covid-19 pandemic. He also defended England's policy of rotating players, adding that the amount of time spent in bio-secure bubbles is "simply not healthy".

"Performance has almost been the last thing we've had to think about, and that's a really sad situation," he said.

"How much time have we really had to sit back and think strategically? Not a lot. But have we got the game on? Have we tried to keep players fit? Well, yes, we tried. And the wellbeing issue is a massive one."

But Giles said the England and Wales Cricket Board has to look "internally" to assess the men's Test side's failings.

The structure of the domestic season, where whiteball tournaments are played

at the height of the summer and the County Championship pushed to the early and late season, has also been blamed.

Giles said: "Are we creating the conditions in the game that will allow us to better prepare our cricketers to play in these conditions here? I'm not sure we are at the moment - what we play, when we play, on what we play. And again, that's a collective responsibility. It's up to us as the ECB, but also a conversation for us to have with the counties.

"We will review the tour, obviously.

"Everything will be on the table. We've got two Test matches left, the series might be lost, but we've got two matches we can make an impact on and we've got to try to."

(BBC Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Lukaku apologises, returns to Chelsea squad for Carabao Cup semi-final ROMELU Lukaku has apologised and will return to the Chelsea squad for today’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham, manager Thomas Tuchel says.

Lukaku was dropped for Sunday's Premier League draw with Liverpool after comments he made in an interview recorded three weeks ago.

The pair had a "calm" meeting on Monday about the striker’s returning.

"He apologised and is back in the squad for today's training," Tuchel said.

Lukaku undermined Tuchel publicly, says Sutton

Tuchel said he had left the 28-year-old out of the squad to "protect the preparation".

Tuchel added: "Even before, when he seemed to be, in his opinion, ready to play after his injury from the start and we thought he needed to readapt to the intensity a little bit more, there was never the slightest behaviour against the team.

"So, it was the very first time that he felt this way. It's very important to stay calm and understand it's not as big as maybe people want it to be."

Lukaku has scored seven goals in 18 appearances since he rejoined Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku has apologised and will return to the Chelsea squad for today’s Carabao Cup semi-final

"We have given it time to look back on. For me, the most important thing was to understand - and clearly understand - it was not intentional. He did not do this intentionally to create this kind of noise in front of a big game."

In an interview recorded in December, Chelsea's club record £97.5M signing said he was "not happy" with his bit-part role under Tuchel and that he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future.

Before Sunday's game against Liverpool,

from Italian champions Inter Milan last August.

Tuchel said Lukaku is "aware of what he has created", adding that the striker "feels the responsibility to clean up the mess".

The manager added: "He is still our player and we have good, good reasons to make him play for us and convince him to fight hard."

Lukaku has also been hampered by injury and illness since returning to Stamford Bridge and, at times, was left out of the starting line-up even

when fit.

However, he has had

a recent upturn in form, scoring in his past two

Premier League appearances, after discus-

sions about his role with Tuchel. (BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

A look back at cricket’s stars at ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups (PART ONE) THE first seven ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cups featured a different line-up in each of the finals, with four teams being named champions.

The inaugural tournament was held in 1988 before the World Cup took a decade-long break with biennial editions then staged from 1998 as stars of the future were given the chance to shine on the global stage.

1988 Originally known as the Youth World Cup, Australia claimed victory on home soil, beating Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Adelaide.

Inzamam-ul-Haq topscored for Pakistan in the showpiece with 37 while Brett Williams made a crucial century in the final on the way to 471 runs for the tournament, to be the leading run-scorer.

Mike Atherton and Brian Lara captained England and West Indies respectively to

West Indies Chris Gayle

Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq

the semi-finals while Sri Lanka, who included Sanath Jayasuriya, just missed out on the knockout stages.

were among the teams to make their tournament debut, with the latter playing hosts, while the Tigers fielded Mushfiqur Rahman in their side.

The West Indies’ Chris Gayle made 364 runs to be the tournament’s top-scorer, while India included Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh as they reached the Super Eights.

1998 The tournament was reimagined as the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 1998 with England earning their only title to date as Stephen Peters made 107 to see his side chase down 241 to defeat New Zealand in the final.

Future champions Bangladesh and South Africa

2000 As the world welcomed a new millennium, India won

their first U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, defeating hosts Sri Lanka in the final, with Reetinder Sodhi named player-of-the-final for 39 not out in a low-scoring affair.

South Africa’s legendary captain Graeme Smith scored the most runs in the tournament with 348 while Pakistan’s Zahid Saeed took 15 wickets to top the bowling standings.

Brendon McCullum was joined by his brother Nathan in the New Zealand squad with 17-year-old Shoaib Malik making his second appearance at the tournament for Pakistan.

2002 Australia became the first team to win the competition twice when they triumphed in New Zealand, as South Africa tasted defeat in their first final.

Future Australia T20 captain Cameron White was the top run-scorer with 423 having made 64 in the semi-final against a West Indies team that boasted Dwayne Bravo and Lendl Simmons.

2004 Shikhar Dhawan made his bow in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2004 and made an instant impact scoring 505 runs for India, the most by a player at a single tournament.

The most wickets in a single World Cup also came in this edition as Enamul Haque took 22 wickets for Bangladesh, but it was Pakistan who triumphed over West Indies in the final as Asif Iqbal top-scored in with 54 for the champions.

2006 Two years later, Pakistan became the first and, so far, only team to defend their title, defeating India in Colombo.

Pakistan could only score 109 in 41.1 overs but bowled out India for 71 with 31.1 overs remaining, as Anwar Ali took 5-35 in the final. But it was Australia captain Moi-

ses Henriques who topped the wickets table with 16 in a tournament that included the likes of David Warner, Rohit Sharma, Eoin Morgan and Kemar Roach.

2008 India would avenge that final defeat as they joined Pakistan and Australia as two-time champions in 2008, Tanmay Srivastava made 46 in the final to end the tournament with 262 runs in Malaysia.

Future India captain Virat Kohli could make only 19 as Ajitesh Argal took 2-7 to secure a 12-run win over South Africa in a nervy, rain-affected match.

New Zealand’s Tim Southee was named Player-of-the-Tournament as he featured alongside Kane Williamson and Trent Boult as they were defeated by the eventual champions in the semi-finals. (ICC Media)

Sir Curtly Ambrose to visit Berbice from February 11 for historic fast-bowling clinic … Nolan McKenzie facilitating batting clinic THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is taking its coaching programme to international level next month with West Indies former pacer Sir Curtly Ambrose, facilitating a fast-bowling clinic.

The programme will commence on Friday, February 11

with added contributions from former national opening batter Nolan McKenzie who is expected to host a batting clinic.

BCB president Hilbert Foster, at the board’s annual general meeting (AGM) on December 19 last year, had unveiled a massive coach-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday January 5, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shai Hope-251 runs (6 matches) (2) Kevin O’Brien-348 runs (12 matches) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI bowler has claimed most ODI wickets versus IRE to date?

(2) Which IRE bowler has bagged most ODI wickets against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ing programme as part of his administration plans for the period 2022 to 2023.

Foster stated that the board would invest heavily into coaching to make sure that every potential in the county is given the opportunity to develop and also to lift the standard of the county cricket to another level.

The BCB, he stated, was aiming to produce a total of ten West Indies players at all levels over the course of the next few years. Clinics would be held for fast bowlers, off-spinners, left-arm spinners, leg-spinners, captains, wicketkeepers and batters while investment would also be made in producing more coaches for the county.

The BCB would be organising clinics for pre-Level One coaches while sessions would be held for umpires, match referees, scorers and managers in an aggressive developmental programme.

Foster further added that he was contacted by overseas-based Guyanese Dr Frank Denbow, who stated that he would like to sponsor a fast-bowling clinic once the BCB can get Sir Curtly Ambrose to conduct it.

Dr. Dendow informed the BCB president that he was very impressed with the raw talent of Isai Thorne and wanted to invest in his development along with other fast bowlers.

Foster immediately contacted the legendary fast bowler who readily agreed but had to find a suitable date to visit.

Eventually the parties agreed that Sir Curtly would arrive on Thursday, February 10 and depart on the 14th. The fast-bowling clinic would be held from Friday to Sunday with about 40 players.

The BCB selection committees headed by Albert Smith and Balram Samaroo would host a series of sessions before selecting the fast bowl-

ers for the sessions.

Sir Curtly is expected to pay courtesy calls on several government officials including Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and would also be involved in inspirational sessions with administrators across the county, an answer-and-question session and a visit to the Upper Corentyne area.

Dr Denbow is also expected to be in the county for the clinic and he has expressed confidence that his sponsorship would result in the county producing more fast bowlers in the future.

Berbice is more known for producing spinners like Ivan Madray, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Devendra Bishoo, Veersammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie. Fast bowlers produced included John Trim, Leslaine Lambert, Ray Joseph, Brandon Bess, Romario Shepherd and Nial Smith.

Ambrose is widely consid-

ered a legend of the game and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time.

Ambrose played 98 Tests for the West Indies taking 405 wickets at the remarkable average of 21.00 while he played 176 One Day International matches taking 225 wickets at 24.1.

Former national player Nolan McKenzie volunteered his service to the BCB to conduct a batting clinic at the same time as Ambrose visited and it was readily accepted by Foster.

The 52-year-old McKenzie played 19 first-class matches for Guyana, scoring 800 runs with six half-centuries.

He is expected to work along with promising batters like Rampertab Ramnauth, Jonathan Rampersaud, Leon Cecil, Zeymul Ramsammy and Mahendra Gopilall.

The BCB would like to express thanks to Dr Frank Denbow for his support and sponsorship.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 5, 2022

Fitness and Windies cricketers

By Brian Davis TOBY R ad ford is th e Welshman who was employed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) some years ago as the coach responsible for supervising the WI Cricket Academy in Barbados.

Afterwards, he was made the batting coach of the WI team. He returned to England in 2019 when the new administration of WI cricket, under president Ricky Skerritt, changed the coaching set-up.

Radford has made some serious comments about the fitness of the present WI players and, for what it’s worth, I cannot agree with him more. His bold, positive statements pulled no punches. One of his most potent remarks was “Everybody has got to be treated the same way, tested the same way and whatever the results are, the decision that’s made for A has to be the decision made for B, C, D, E, F and

G as well.”

Radford suggests, “At the moment it’s being used however they want to select.”

Then he added, “For testing to be fair, everybody should be in the same place on the same day doing the same test, and you can all see them doing it.

“When you start doing it at different times, and this person had a waiver and that person’s got a waiver, it gets messy and then it’s open to people looking at it (the process) and saying, ‘What went on here?’ And even if it was fair, it doesn’t look fair.”

The fantastic West Indies team that ruled the world during the 80s and half of the 90s is a powerful case in point. There’s no way selectors or trainers would have got away with revealing such a lack of integrity.

When the Kerry Packer revolution in cricket started in 1977, 15 West Indian players signed up to join World Series Cricket.

Former West Indies men's batting coach Toby Radford – (CWI Media)

Michael Holding, WI icon, delivered the feature address at the Queen’s Park Cricket Club’s annual awards dinner some 20 years ago and told this story.

Packer stormed into the dressing room after WI had done badly in yet another game, while players were relaxing. Packer threw airline tickets on the table telling

the cricketers that they were the biggest attraction in his entire competition, but if that’s the type of cricket they were going to play, he might as well cancel his investment. He was not prepared to finance the deal any more.

“It is over, and those are your airline tickets back to the West Indies.”

There was a tension-filled

few minutes of awkward silence when Packer left the room, then Viv Richards told the men, “We have to do something about this.”

After a team discussion and an apology to Packer, they organised with Packer’s officials and got on with the business of playing cricket.

A cricket trainer, Dennis Waithe, was attached to the team and Holding described how they got down to tough training and lots of practice.

They didn’t lose a game after that and were victorious in the tournament.

Holding’s conclusion to the QPCC members was that the experience brought unity and improved dedication through a new understanding of what being a professional meant. Then, through the leadership of Clive Lloyd and Richards, they went out and conquered the world for the next 15 years. Holding explained that the importance of fitness contributes to the improvement of cricketers’ performances.

Waithe stayed with the team throughout the WI cricket years of dominance.

Unfortunately, he walked out after 20 years when he could not get subsequent players to follow his training schedule.

This was in South Africa (1998/99), under Brian Lara.

It is no coincidence that WI lost that series five-nil – the first time that had ever happened.

Another Aussie, Bryce Kavanagh, took over, and lasted three weeks. After this brief time, Kavanagh said the players were not taking it seriously and did not know what basic training was.

Plus, they lacked interest.

They would arrive late for sessions and some would not appear at all. When they were reported, frustrated managers would just allow things to slide.

This indiscipline is still very much present. Hence the WI team is unfit for international competition.

Holding’s story indicates the need for that professionalism.

No team should ever get away with excuses of medical exemptions.

So in 2022, for WI to improve their game, they need to: Work harder at their physical fitness Bat, bowl and catch for longer hours at practice This should enable them to adjust to any confrontation they encounter, which ought to build self-confidence, and thus a winning attitude. (TT Newsday)

Atwell remembered for his contribution to the vibrancy of cricket in Georgetown Joshua training with Lawrence Okolie, FORMER cricket administrator Sherlock Atwell is being remembered for his years of service and the vibrancy and dedication he brought to the game in the Capital City during his years as president of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA).

In a press release issued yesterday, by the current president of GCA Neil Barry, the late Atwell was described as a cricket enthusiast.

“Sherlock Atwell served Guyana’s cricket in many capacities: first, as a player, representing Essequibo County and the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) then as president of the GCA for five consecutive terms where he was instrumental in implementing many initiatives that have contributed to the vibrancy of the association and the sustainability of cricket in the City of Georgetown.”

Atwell, who died on Sunday, January 2, was also remembered for his years of dedication to his club, where he was “instrumental in sustaining the image of DCC as a premier cricket club in Guyana and the producer of quality cricketers at both the junior and senior levels”.

Barry said that Atwell's "love, enthusiasm, and commitment to the sport of cricket were sought-after commodities by the Guyana Cricket Board which they utilised in areas such as grounds curator during Test and first-class matches, liaison officer for teams visiting Guyana, and as assistant manager to the West Indies team”.

“The entire cricket fraternity in Guyana certainly owes a debt of gratitude to Sherlock Atwell and his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

working on mobility ANTHONY Joshua worked out with WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie yesterday, focusing on mobility and throwing body shots on the inside.

Interestingly, Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken hasn’t been seen in any of his recent video clips from Dubai. Has Joshua already cast McCracken adrift?

You would think that Joshua, out of loyalty, would keep McCracken on as the captain of his sinking ship until the bitter end.

If Usyk had any questions about what strategy Joshua will use in their rematch, all he needs to do was take one look at his workout with Okolie to find out what his plan will be for their match next April.

AJ will be targeting Usyk’s breadbasket with a

hit and run approach to the fight, with a lot of clinching to keep him from getting his punches off.

It’s a spoiling game plan that is tried and true but so ugly to watch and a real turnoff for the boxing fans.

With Joshua trying desperately to save his career, I don’t think he cares one bit how ugly he makes it.

He needs to win, and he’s beyond caring if it’s pretty or not.

Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is trying hard to come up with the winning formula to avenge his loss to Oleksandr Usyk to win back his IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles in April.

The Joshua vs. Usyk rematch is still yet to be announced by Matchroom Boxing, but it’s all but certain to be taking place in April,

British boxer Anthony Joshua

likely in the UK. Joshua, 32, has already decided that he wants the second fight with the unbeaten 2012 Olympic gold medallist Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) and activated the rematch clause months ago.

Working out with the lanky 6’5″ Okolie (17-0, 14 KOs) is an odd move by Joshua, as his size, reach, and fighting style is nothing like that of the 6’3″ Usyk.

Charles Brun couldn’t pick a more different heavyweight than Usyk for Joshua to train with if he tried.

It’s just a strange choice for Joshua to work out with Okolie to prepare for the Usyk fight, but of course, AJ is frantic at this point, reaching for ANYTHING in hopes of coming up with the magic elixir that will lead him to a career-saving victory.

All this movement and mauling that Joshua is planning on using against Usyk could ultimately lead to his demise in the fight because to fight like that, you need stamina. (Boxing News 24)

The senior men’s cricket team will now be referred to as Guyana Harpy Eagles

Guyana Harpy Eagles - new name for national cricket team FROM Guyana Jaguars to Guyana Amazon Jaguars to now Guyana Harpy Eagles - the new name for the national men’s franchise team.

This announcement was made yesterday via a press release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

“The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) wishes to inform the general public that it was brought to its attention that the current name of the Guyana Regional Franchise cricket team, the Guyana Amazon Jaguars, has caused some level of confusion with the Caribbean Premier League Franchise Team,

the Guyana Amazon Warriors,” the GCB said in a release.

“For the sake of clarity and to avoid any further and unnecessary confusion, GCB has made a decision to rename the Guyana Regional Franchise cricket team. The new name is ‘GUYANA HARPY EAGLES.” It was explained in December that stemming from legal reasons GCB had taken a decision to change the country’s senior male franchise team, Guyana Jaguars, to Guyana Amazon Jaguars.

Guyana Amazon Warriors is the country’s privately-owned franchise team that competes

in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

According to GCB president, Bissoondyal Singh, Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI), who previously managed the Jaguars, is a “private entity” and they still have not gained control over such and the corresponding accounts.

“It must be noted that in the other territories, CWI (Cricket West Indies) affiliate boards own the franchise company; this is not the case in Guyana. The Guyana Cricket Board does not own CGI, and this, along with other reasons, has caused the GCB to effect a name change of the national franchise team,” the GCB president explained at the press

Bangladesh complete famous Test win over New Zealand

Shimron Hetmyer has not featured for the West Indies since the T20 World cup last October

Hetmyer has let himself, team down: Simmons KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Head coach Phil Simmons has lamented Shimron Hetmyer’s absence for the upcoming series against Ireland and England, saying the gifted left-hander had “let down himself and his teammates” due to his ongoing fitness lapses.

The 25-year-old, a successful former Young West Indies captain, was the Caribbean side’s leading batsman at last year’s Twenty20 World Cup in United Arab Emirates but was ruled out of the white-ball side for the assignments later this month after failing to meet Cricket West Indies’ fitness standards.

For Hetmyer, it is not the first time he had found himself overlooked for selection due to his lack of fitness, a situation Simmons described as “heart-wrenching”.

“It’s the same old, same old. He did his

briefing which lasted over two hours.

Singh, who is also a CWI Director and sits on the Financial Committee, added, “We have asked Cricket West Indies to deal directly with the GCB and no third party.”

Now that the GCB has rebranded the team, they will issue new contracts to the players and appoint coaches, and potentially be able to soon access the Cricket Development Fund.

CGI was created when CWI launched its Professional Cricket League (PCL) for senior male Four-Day and 50-over cricket in 2014.

fitness assessment with Guyana last week and came way below the required mark,” Simmons told a media conference.

“It’s something that’s heart-wrenching because you know that you’re part of this team and you have to continue to be at a certain fitness to be part of this team, and you keep letting down your teammates.

“So it’s disappointing so again, you have to go back to this which is something I don’t think we should be going back to all the time but he keeps letting down himself and his teammates.”

Hetmyer was ruled out of Sri Lanka’s tour of the Caribbean last year also due to fitness issues and missed West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka in 2020 for the same reason.

Ironically, he was one of the leading run-getters in the TURN TO PAGE 22 ►

Ebadot Hossain has become an instant national hero with 6 for 46 // Getty

A jubilant Bangladesh have completed their finest ever Test victory abroad, ending world Test champions New Zealand's 17-match unbeaten streak at home in a remarkable upset.

Ebadot Hossain, a former volleyball player for the Bangladesh Air Force who had a bowling average of 81.54 from 10 Tests coming into the series opener in Mount Maunganui, proved the unlikeliest of heroes as he ripped through the hosts with a terrific spell of 6-46.

After Bangladesh had seized a 130-run first-innings advantage, pacemen Ebadot and Taskin Ahmed (3-36) devastated NZ with skillful reverse-swing bowling to skittle them for just 169 on the game's final morning.

(Scores: Bangladesh 458 (Mominul 88, Litton 86, Boult 4-85) and 40 for 2 (Shanto 17, Mominul 13*) beat New Zealand 328 (Con-

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

way 122, Nicholls 75, Shoriful 3-69, Mehidy 3-86) and 169 (Young 69, Taylor 40, Ebadot 6-46, Taskin 3-36) by eight wickets) Bangladesh then knocked off the required 40 runs in 16.5 overs to seal a historic win for the Tigers, who are ranked ninth on the ICC Test standings and missing legends Shakib al-Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah.

Ebadot, who has only played cricket for around five years, had almost single-handedly reduced the Black Caps to 5-147 at stumps on day four before completing his maiden five-wicket haul with his second ball of day five, producing a brilliant delivery that bowled outgoing star Ross Taylor (40).

Shoriful Islam and sub-fielder Taijul Islam then took stunning catches to all but seal Bangladesh's first ever away Test win over a top-five ranked TURN TO PAGE 22 ► WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022