Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-04-2021

TUESDAY 6th April, 2021

' No.106322 Dr. Ashni Singh

Guyana to remain among fastest growing economies SEE PAGE 03

–– Dr. Singh tells global leaders, outlines plans for human capital development

These folks celebrated Easter by showing their love for Guyana! The vast majority of Guyanese here, unlike the years before the advent of COVID-19, spent the Easter holiday quietly on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

Teenage mother, who lost son, graduates from UG 02 PAGE

13 die from COVID-19 in five days 02 PAGE

Body of UG student found in 13 decomposed state PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Teenage mother, who lost son, graduates from UG

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric LIFE has never been easy for Doysha Gittens but she never gave up. Gittens became a mother while in school and five years ago her world was turned upside down. The life of her nine-year-old son, Shaquan Gittens, was brutally snuffed out by Brian Bob Semple, who was reportedly of unsound mind.

Semple is currently serving a 23-year sentence for the heinous crime.

Gittens, who describes herself as a charismatic, fun-loving and candid young woman, like all the

challenges she has faced and overcome one by one, she followed suite with her most recent, graduating from the University of Guyana (UG) with her Bachelor Degree of Education in Literacy Studies.

Her story is filled with moments that could have caused her to quit but she always stood strong and found a way out of her troubles.

After becoming a mother at age 15, she was almost forced to leave secondary school, but, with the support of relatives, she wrote five subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Cer-

Doysha Gittens

Doysha Gittens and her son Shaquan Gittens, who was brutally murdered in 2015

tificate (CSEC) examination and did reasonably well.

She was not so successful at Mathematics but knowing how essential that subject was when pursuing employment, she rewrote it and secured a passing grade.

And it was around that time an aunt encouraged her to become a teacher. The relative had rationalised that the profession would provide her an income, so the life of the young mother and her baby could be sustained, while, at the same time, allowing her to spend quality time with her son.

She applied for a teaching position and was appointed as a Temporary Qualified Mistress at South Ruimveldt Park Primary School on October 02, 2002. After teaching for three years, she became pregnant with her second child, Shaquan.

Two years after his birth, the young and ambitious mother, applied and gained entry to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), where she majored in Mathematics and minored in Science.

That academic chapter in her life was also filled with challenges, which included finding a sitter to watch her children while she attended the teachers’ training college in the evenings.

She had to make a difficult choice of either missing classes or leaving her sons unattended. Her motherly instincts chose her chil-

dren’s safety. This resulted in her failing her major, Mathematics. However, she was determined not to give up and after many late nights studying, she managed to secure a passing grade in her major. In 2011, she was able to graduate from CPCE with credit.

All was going well until in 2015 when her world was turned upside down. She had returned home from work and her younger son was not at home, and despite searching for him that night, he was nowhere to be found. The event which led to the discovery of his remains will be forever etched in her memory.

WORST FEARS The following day, family members and friends organised a search party to look for the boy but their efforts to locate him proved futile. Three days later, the police called to say that they found a body.

The body turned out to be that of young Shaquan. He was murdered by a man who, it was alleged, was of unsound mind.

“People often ask me how I was able to cope with losing my younger son the way I did. Well, I cried many days and nights. I found comfort in talking about something he would have said or done; which sometimes brought a smile to my face or tears from my eyes.

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13 die from COVID-19 in five days THE total number of COVID-19 deaths in Guyana is now 246 following the passing of two men aged 59 and 44 and a woman, aged 73. The victims, from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), respectively, all succumbed while receiving medical treatment at a Ministry of Health facility.

There are now 13 documented COVID-19 deaths in the first six days for the month of April, 2021.

The Ministry of Health has recorded 26 new COVID-19 cases from 296 tests conducted for Sunday, April 4. This was shown in the ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for April 5.

Of these, Region Three recorded four; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), seven each; Region Six, one; Region Seven, two, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), five.

The newly infected persons were six males and 20 females. No other regions have confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours.

There are currently 14 persons within the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 72 in institutional isolation, 985 isolated at home, and 12 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 10,606 cases of COVID-19 since its arrival in Guyana. Of that number, 1,083 are currently active.

And, of the 9,289 recoveries, 39 were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Guyana to remain among fastest growing economies

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–– Dr. Singh tells global leaders, outlines plans for human capital development GUYANA remains the fastest growing economy in the world and will remain among the fastest growing economies over the next few years, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has said.

Driven by the country’s nascent but lucrative petroleum sector and other critical investments in productive economic activities, Guyana is anticipated to lead global growth, even in the face of challenges related to climate change, COVID-19 and general internal bottlenecks.

Minister Singh, in his address to a virtual ministerial conclave on human capital, convened by the World Bank on Monday, said that Guyana is rich in natural resources, including oil, minerals, and forests that cover 85 per cent of the country’s territory, making its economic prospects very promising despite COVID-19 and domestic political issues which caused a sharp contraction in nonoil gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.

“Our economic prospects have never been brighter.

Our collective feet are firmly placed on the first rungs of a ladder to prosperity that is clearly within our sight,” President, Dr Irfaan Ali, had said during his message to the nation on January 1, 2021.

The year 2021, accord-

ing the President, will be the springboard from which Guyana will leap into recovery, rebuilding the economy, enhancing the people’s health and lifting up the vulnerable in society.

“We must not remain a rich country of poor people,” the President affirmed, noting that the bounty of Guyana must be shared across the population.

It was reported that resilience has been the hallmark of the local economy, as it has withstood the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, to record real GDP growth of 43.5 per cent at the end of last year and still remain on course to grow another 20.9 per cent this year.

Guided by the government’s $383.1 billion Budget 2021, the economy will continue to navigate the pervasive pandemic and, at the same time, recover through prudent management of the productive sectors and the general economy.

But, even with the country’s prospects being bright, Dr. Singh told the virtual caucus: “… we also face extreme vulnerabilities to climate change, as well as significant development challenges. We are well aware of the magnitude of these challenges.

They include avoiding the resource curse, promoting a

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

strong and competitive nonoil economy, addressing our infrastructure gap, and improving human development outcomes.”

Speaking on the issue of environmental sustainability, Minister Singh highlighted the role of both the original Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the potential expanded version of this strategy.

LONGSTANDING “Guyana’s commitment to low carbon or ‘green’ growth is longstanding. In 2008, we published what

we believe was the first low carbon development strategy for a developing country.

The LCDS reflected that Guyana is at the intersection of many different aspects of the climate challenge. On the one hand, our low-lying coast means we are heavily impacted by climate change.”

To paint a vivid picture of the impact of climate change on the country, Dr. Singh related some examples, including the 2005 floods, which stymied national development.

“In 2005, floods caused economic damage equiva-

lent to 60 per cent of GDP. On the other hand, our forests make a very substantial contribution in the global fight against climate change.

The LCDS paved the way for us to join with Norway in 2009 in the world’s third largest international forest partnership, under which the climate services provided by our forests were remunerated for the first time – making available US$250 million of performance-based payment for climate services to finance climate-friendly investments,” the senior minister said.

Further, he said that the government is now preparing an expanded LCDS which will build on the original LCDS and outline a comprehensive low carbon development agenda for Guyana.

In moving forward, aside from building climate resilience, Minister Singh assured the global leaders that the government has placed the highest level of importance on investing in human capital development.

“Despite the many competing calls on our finite fiscal resources, we are investing heavily in the social sector, as well as in facilitative infrastructure such as information and communications technology.

“For example, in education, we are investing heavily in early childhood education, universal primary

and secondary education, improving access to and quality of tertiary education, strengthening technical and vocational education, improving learning outcomes at all levels, and ensuring lifelong learning, supported by the use of information and communication technology based on lessons learnt during COVID-19, and all with the aim of improving production and productivity as well as individual and household well-being.”

He added that too that many of those initiatives are done through collaboration with the World Bank. “… we expect the education sector to dominate our portfolio of projects with the bank in the next programming cycle... this will be in keeping with our emphasis on human capital development both as an input to, and an outcome of, sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Singh said.

In concluding his presentation, Minister Singh reiterated that the government views human capital development as both a critical prerequisite for economic growth.

The meeting on human capital was attended by President of the World Bank Group, David Malpass, other senior executives of the bank, and several Ministers of Finance from around the world.

Teenage mother, who lost son...

FROM PAGE

I also placed a huge photo of him in my living room so every day I can still see his smiling face, and when I'm not at home, I can still see his face because he is on my display picture on my phone. I know he is not physically here with me but spiritually, he lives on in me, so I keep his memories close because he will always be a part of me,” she said as her eyes welled up with tears.

“People always say with time, the pain will ease, but that is not entirely true. To me, ‘with time’ you learn to cope with the pain but it is always there. I also realised that Shaquan was loaned to me by

God for almost 10 years and I had some wonderful memories of him and I wished for more of him but God had other plans for us.”

A few months after his death, Gittens relocated to the East Bank Demerara and took a transfer to another school to escape the unwelcoming feeling of incompleteness.

CHALLENGED “It was at Craig Primary School that a colleague challenged me to do more... want more out of life than just following the same daily route. So, in 2017, we applied to the University of Guyana. We both applied for the Primary General

Programme but that was filled.

“I was later informed of the Literacy Studies Programme and wrote a letter seeking permission to add it as my second option on my application and was given a place to read for my Bachelor degree in Literacy Studies.

“Over the next three years, my intellectual sisters and I had some great moments, along with a few challenging ones. Each of us gave the other words of encouragement and a helping hand when we felt like giving up.

“It was not until after graduating, that I have realised that I was merely surviving. The memories

of Shaquan coupled with my perseverance have made me stronger and no longer afraid of change.

Better is yet to come. I'm here because God is not done with me and I'm faithfully and optimistically planning for the future. I am a strong believer that with God, all things are possible,” the young mother told the Guyana Chronicle.

For Gittens, the month of April takes her on a journey of sadness, which affects her emotionally and mentally.

“I try my best not to think about how Shaquan died. It’s so much better to remember how he lived. Shaquan and I both shared

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the same birth month and my father died the year before Shaquan’s death, which was five days after my birthday.”

Gittens is urging teenage moms who may be feeling overwhelmed, to never give up.

“We are not perfect but with time, practice, patience and determination, we can become better at anything we set our minds to. Surround yourselves with people who also want the best for you. Life may be challenging but persevering through these difficult times makes success taste so much sweeter,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Minneapolis police chief testifies Chauvin violated policy in George Floyd arrest Derek Chauvin violated Minneapolis Police Department rules and its ethics code on respecting the “sanctity of life” during the deadly arrest of George Floyd last May, the city’s police chief testified at the former officer’s murder trial on Monday.

“It’s not part of our training, and it is certainly not part of our ethics and our values,” said Chief Medaria Arradondo, referring to how Chauvin, who is white, held his knee on the neck of Floyd, a 46-yearold Black man, for more than nine minutes. A bystander’s video of Floyd’s dying moments sparked global protests against police brutality.

Over 3-1/2 hours of testimony, Arradondo disputed the defense’s claim that Chauvin, who has pleaded not guilty to murder and manslaughter charges, was following the training he had received in his 19 years on the force.

According to law experts who track police prosecutions, it is highly unusual for a city’s senior police official to testify that one of his former subordinates used excessive force. Chauvin, who along with three other officers was fired by Arradondo a day after the arrest, sat nearby in a suit, taking notes.

In opening statements last week, a prosecutor told the jury that it would hear from

period of time,” he said, echoing testimony last week by the department’s most senior homicide investigator who called Chauvin’s use of force “totally unacceptable.”

In cross-examination, Eric Nelson, Chauvin’s lead lawyer, began with getting Arradondo to say it had been “many years” since he himself had made an arrest.

“I’m not trying to be dismissive,” Nelson said. He also had Arradondo agree with him that a police officer’s use of force is often “not attractive.”

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo is sworn by Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill before answering questions on the sixth day of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. April 5, 2021 in a still image from video. Pool via REUTERS

Arradondo, who would not “mince words.” Last year, the chief released a statement castigating Chauvin, saying: “This was murder — it wasn’t a lack of training.”

On Monday, he appeared dressed in a blue uniform,

placed his chief’s hat on a ledge in front of him with its golden badge visible to the jury, and spoke with his hands clasped in front of him.

“I vehemently disagree that that was appropriate use of force for that situation on

May 25,” he said.

He said officers are trained to treat people with dignity and are sworn to uphold the “sanctity of life.” They are trained in basic first aid and given annual refresher courses, be it in tying a tourniquet

to a bleeding gunshot victim or using a naloxone inhaler to reverse an opioid overdose.

Chauvin failed to follow his training in several respects, Arradondo said.

He could tell from Floyd’s grimaces that Chauvin was using more than the maximum “light-to-moderate” pressure an officer is allowed to use on someone’s neck.

The officer did not relent in using deadly force even as Floyd fell unconscious and he did not provide the mandated first aid to a dying Floyd, Arradondo said.

“It’s contrary to our training to indefinitely place your knee on a prone, handcuffed individual for an indefinite

‘HAVE YOU SEEN THE VIDEO?’ Arradondo was at home on the night of Floyd’s death when a deputy chief called him to say a “critical” situation appeared to have unfolded at the intersection outside a food store where Floyd was arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.

That Floyd was taken into custody at all was unusual, Arradondo said, given it was a non-violent misdemeanor. He said he called the state agency that investigates any case where police kill someone. He then called Mayor Jacob Frey, who in 2017 appointed Arradondo as the first Black person to lead the city’s police, and headed downtown to his office in City Hall.

The first video he saw, a long shot taken on a city surveillance camera across the street, did not show him much. But shortly before midnight, he got a call from someone “in the community.”

“They said almost verbatim: ‘Have you seen the video of your officer choking and killing that man at 38th and Chicago?’” Arradondo recalled. “Eventually, within minutes of that, I saw for the first time what is now known as the bystander video.”

He could see how long Chauvin had kept Floyd pinned facedown, and concluded it was in breach of his department’s “principles and values.”

“We are oftentimes the first face of government our community will see, and we will often meet them at their worst moments,” Arradondo told the jury when asked by a prosecutor to describe the meaning of the badge the city’s roughly 700 sworn officers wear. “That has to count for something.”

(Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Jamaicans scamming in US could face 20 years in prison THE United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has warned that any Jamaican who is found to be exploiting the visa system to undertake fraudulent activities in the US, like scamming, can face up to 20 years in prison.

The USPIS said while the majority of Jamaicans who enter the country operate legally, there are a few with criminal intentions.

“The majority of Jamaicans who are going to the US, they are going in a legitimate way. They are going for tourist reasons or to shop or maybe to go to school or to work. Maybe even to migrate. But there are some who are going in to scam people or to actually be a money mule, to collect money from people that they don't know, to bring back down to Jamaica for the scammers,” Dominick Riley, special agent postal inspector at the USPIS, said last Wednesday during Consular Conversations, a weekly talk series by the US Embassy in Jamaica.

Those who create these scams and participate in them, Riley added, can either be indicted in Jamaica, or extradited to the US for mail and wire fraud.

“Those persons who are engaged in these illegal activities, they can be charged both here in Jamaica and in the US. Our primary goal here at the US Embassy is to extradite persons back to the United States, but we do work the Jamaican law enforcement, the FID (Financial Investigations Department), MOCA (Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency) and the JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) to charge persons under POCA, which is the Proceeds of Crime Act. With the USPIS and the consular section, we work to stop people who are using the visa system in a nefarious way,” he said.

“Both of those charges have 20-year sentences and that time is day for day in the federal system in the US. So, if you get charged and you're found guilty of that crime,

you can serve up to 20 years and it would be at least 85 per cent of that time.”

This means that an individual found guilty could serve at least 17 years behind bars.

In addition, Riley said the USPIS is focused on lottery scamming, and enforces over 200 statutes ranging

from robbery, murder, rape and child pornography to mail fraud and mail theft.

“A lot of the time, the scammers will call the elderly persons in the States and try to scam them out of money. So, they'll tell them that they won a lottery of $4.5 million and a Mercedes and some other luxury vehi-

cle. They will try to get them to collect money from other persons to send down to Jamaica. There a lot of different things that they try to do to get money. That's something that we can't have.”

He urged US citizens to

look out for potential scams.

“Some of the better practices for avoiding being scammed would be to not engage in any type of illegal activity that deals with a lottery that they know they have not entered into.

I would say that you want to hang up the phone if someone's talking to you and you don't know them or don't answer the phone if you don't know the number.

There are a number of things you can do.”

Further, Riley underscored signs people should look out for. One of the most common ones being “high pressure sales”.

“Someone telling you that they won something and they have to pay a fee or they have to send cards or phones or any type of merchandise down to Jamaica; you want to look out for any type of thing that would be considered to be illegal.”

(Jamaica Observer)

TT: Maha Sabha wants Cabinet to revert to former policy on scholarships CABINET’s policy which saw a reduction of national scholarships and bursaries is final.

Attorneys for the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha were told this by the secretary to the Cabinet, in a response for disclosure relating to the new scholarship scheme.

However, the religious body which initiated legal action over the award of scholarships and bursaries, are prepared to give the Cabinet extra time to respond if they revert to the previous policy of awarding 400 scholarships.

On March 23, attorneys for the Maha Sabha wrote to Cabinet secretary Cheryl Hem-Lee complaining of the cut in the number of national scholarships and the implementation of a new bursary system.

They claimed there was no subjectivity in the process.

Attorney Rhea Khan, who appears with Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, Dinesh Rambally, Stefan Ramkissoon, and Kiel Taklalsingh for the Maha Sabha, said the new policy, which reduced the number of scholarships from 400 to 100, and introduced 500 bursaries, leaves a potential applicant in the dark as to what criteria to focus on.

The letter said the new system gave no guidance on how a

student could qualify.

“A striking and troubling feature," she said, was "the deliberate removal and complete absence" of academic performance as a criterion. Khan asked if the policy, published by the Education Ministry on March 11, was final, and she was told it was.

In a subsequent letter, attorney Zelica Haynes-Soo Hon, of the firm Al-Rawi, Haynes-Soo Hon and Co, which is instructing Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, Michael Quamina and Rishi Dass for the Cabinet, also wrote to Khan on April 1, askingthey hold their hands on legal action until April 12.

However, Khan gave the Cabinet until April 9.

Khan told Haynes-Soo Hon the matter was one which should be dealt with urgently.

“We thought that it was obvious given that students are awaiting a decision as to whether or not they would be awarded scholarships, which will in turn materially affect their prospects of tertiary education, is a matter which should be dealt with on an urgent basis.”

Scholarships were announced on March 11. Khan also said they intend to apply for interim relief to preserve the rights of students who would have benefitted from Cabinet’s

previous policy of awarding 400 scholarships on the basis of academic performance.

However, Khan said they were prepared to extend the time asked for by the Cabinet on the

condition they get an undertaking that the Cabinet would apply the previous policy for students who sat the CAPE examinations this year. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

Tuesday April 6, 2021 01:00hrs & 12:30hrs Wednesday April 7, 2021 01:00hrs & 12:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Economic growth through infrastructural development TRADE is a crucial part of an economy’s growth, whether it is local or international.

It is said that time is money and if a country is subjected to poor infrastructural frameworks, there will be delays in the trading process which affects the country in making more money. For example, lack of road linkages between crucial points within a country or limited road access through a popular and frequently used point can result in road congestion and long hours of sitting in traffic, which for distribution companies for example, limits the number of sales that can be made in a day. This can be observed at the Demerara Harbour Bridge on a daily basis. Another example would include the extraction of natural resources from interior regions of the country. In the mining and forestry sectors, poor roads and access points have over the years resulted in limited activities being carried out, which affect the ability to fully maximise the resources available. The transportation and operation costs have also been expensive for these companies to be constantly maintaining and repairing their vehicles, thereby affecting their social and economic development.

Infrastructure, however, does not only include roads, bridges, and airports (referred

to as hard infrastructure). It also includes soft infrastructure such as telephone lines, Internet servers and broadband access, which influence external trade. The quality of infrastructure is as important as the quantity of infrastructure available. Greater quality infrastructure results in better outcomes of efficiency and greater sustainable impacts on the economy. A country such as Guyana that seeks integration with new trading partners, whether locally or internationally, requires proper infrastructural frameworks. As also seen in the government’s Plan for National Development, due to the many business opportunities being unfolded through foreign and local investments, Guyana is on the verge of achieving drastic economic growth. Therefore, infrastructure is crucial.

A classic example of how infrastructure is a key factor to economic growth in a country is Dubai. Dubai is the second richest country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), just behind Abu Dhabi, which is the capital state.

The country has undergone several stages of transformation to achieve the level of status it has today. Its economy went from the traditional fishing practices to trading and tourism and finance. However, the country has limited oil-and-gas reserves (which contribute only five per cent to the GDP), which prompted

the development of infrastructure to attract tourists and businesses for trade, especially by sea. Dubai is also known for its luxurious multi-billion real estate ventures. In 2005, Dubai City attracted 12 million tourists and was described in the Vanity Fair Magazine as the “city on crack.”

Guyana has been referred to as the next “Dubai City” and can be seen as taking examples from Dubai in its transformation. The government has countless times emphasised that the oil-and-gas sector will not be the main economic contributor to the country’s economy, though much emphasis is being placed on the sector to maximise benefits as soon as possible. The other sectors will also benefit from the spin-off effects of the oil-and-gas sectors, which prompted the development of the Local Content Policy.

Due to the oil discovery in 2015, as many have gained interest and have discovered Guyana, within the next 10 years, Guyana will be expecting a high inflow of foreigners.

Therefore, the country also needs to provide amenities to provide services for these people to have a comfortable stay in Guyana, from which the economy can also benefit. Within the last year as the government took office, many hotels have been approved to be set up across the country along with new airlines

have been given approval for travelling to and from Guyana. These are already preparations in place to cater for the extended benefits of the near future.

As part of the infrastructural development, housing communities will also be developed along the East Bank of Demerara along the new linkage road of Great Diamond to Eccles, which will aid in providing homes and opening new connective points in areas that will reduce the congestion around the Demerara Harbour Bridge. This project will also benefit the banking and construction industries through loans and the purchase of building materials, which will boost economic activity within the country. This initiative will also prompt the development of businesses within the communities to meet demands in a shorter timeframe, which will further boost economic activities.

Having proper infrastructural framework in place can aid in a country’s economic development. Without this is in place, a country suffers from low economic activity, costly business operations and low standards of living. Therefore, the government’s efforts in spending billions in improving infrastructure will soon result in increased economic benefits for the country.

Junette Jean and Wilbert Fremont should be released on humanitarian grounds Dear Editor, WE write on behalf of two citizens of Haiti, Junette Jean and Wilbert Fremont, who on March 17, 2021, were sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment in addition to a fine of $30,000 (Guy) each for the offence of illegally entering Guyana. To date, Ms. Jean and Mr. Fremont have served just under two weeks of their sentences and continue to do so in a new country, separated from each

other and surrounded by a strange language. Their nearest Haitian language contacts in Guyana are in Georgetown. Ms. Jean is incarcerated in New Amsterdam, and Mr. Fremont was placed at Lusignan and then taken to Timehri.

One can hardly imagine the mental hardships this couple faces in isolation in these conditions.

An appeal is being filed on behalf of Ms. Jean and Mr. Fremont against their unreasonably severe sentences.

On humanitarian grounds, we hereby ask that this appeal be heard without delay, since from all appearances this couple has been treated harshly and their current rights as CARICOM citizens might not have been taken into account. Ms. Jean and Mr. Fremont travelled to Guyana hoping to reunite with their relative who lives there. Neither of these two Caribbean citizens has ever had a criminal record, and no such evidence was produced in court at their hearing on

March 17.

Ms. Jean, who currently faces a health challenge, having had major surgery just a few months ago, has been severely traumatised by her arrest, sentencing and detention in Guyana. When seen by her husband’s relative at La Penitence Police Station lockups after sentencing, she was crying uncontrollably and displaying suicidal tendencies. Ms. Jean has children and it is unconscionable that she should be kept from her children for a year.

What is of deep concern to us is what appears to be the unequal treatment of this Haitian couple in comparison to persons of different nationalities who were arrested at the same time and at the same port of entry, and charged for the same offence of entering Guyana illegally. Our understanding is that a group of five persons from a different country were similarly arrested and charged on the same day for the same offence. They pleaded guilty, were fined $15,000 and each

deported immediately. Both Haitians also pleaded guilty but, as stated above, were fined $30,000 each and sentenced to one year in jail with deportation orders only after completion of their incarceration. After sentencing, they were transported to Georgetown and placed in crowded holding cells in Brickdam and La Penitence, respectively, the conditions of which appear to be in breach of the COVID-19 protocols in effect in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Memories of my mother

Dear Editor,

THE death of a mother, even at 93, as is mine on Sunday night is a great loss; it is irreparable. With my father’s passing in the mid-1990s, I join many others who have lost both parents. It takes courage to bear the pain of the loss of a loved one, especially a mother who was the first to see you at birth and I was there with her in my heart as she took her last breath.

I was with my mother as the ambulance took her away from her home, but could not be with her in the final moments in the hospital because of COVID restrictions. I did spend time with my mother right after my flight from Guyana on Saturday and she was joyful in seeing me, calling my name throughout the night. The grief is overwhelming as I choke with emotion.

My mother was very unique among girls of her generation, as she had received a primary school education that was not permitted for most others. It took a special person to do what this woman did.

She was born after the end of Indentureship in 1928 in Bound Yard, Plantation Port Mourant. Her parents were also born in the same village some 25 years earlier. She also spent time with her maternal grandparents in Free Yard. (Animal Yard, Bound yard, Freed Yard, N-Yard, and Portuguese Quarter were all next to each other in Port Mourant where the indentures lived).

My mom’s nanna and nanni, Amarnath and Bhuri Singh, of Rajput (Chatri) stock came from Bharatpur, Rajasthan India; and her aja (Sau-ji) came from (Chapra, Bihar) and aji (Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh) of Banya caste (money lenders or business people). They were bounded to Bound Yard, Port Mourant. My father’s grandparents are from Uttar Pradesh and are of Brahmin and Ahir or Garreri stock (followers of Lord Krishna).

Her name was Gladys, so given because her parents and grandparents were ‘very glad’ for her birth, being the first surviving child of Ketwaru and Rampiyari of Free Yard; earlier pregnancies ended in mortality. It was after several efforts she was

born and survived after great environmental and medical difficulties. My mother’s father (my nanna) shortly after my mother’s marriage got into an accident while working on the estate, for which he got no compensation; for his death, my nanni was compensated with a job to weed grass under the hot sun in the canefields.

My mother had seven other siblings (Dhoris, Johnny, deceased, Dorothy, Aska, Irene, Esther, Shanta, and Gama, deceased).

My mother was one of four girls who were granted entrance in English School (Anglican) in Free Yard during the 1930s. There was fear of religious conversion, a common requirement for an education and social mobility, but Gladys remained loyal to her Hindu faith till the end. She excelled in school and was offered a scholarship to study nursing in England. Three of her friends took up the offer. But her aji, who was boss of the Sau clan, won’t allow it. Her teachers, who were Africans, pleaded with the family to send the “girl” to England because she was very bright, but to no avail. Glady’s aji

took her out of school fearing she would “couton” boys and ‘taint’ the name of a respectable money lender and merchant family. Females were not allowed outside of the home at the time, and she must have been among a few Indian girls who actually were allowed an education by their families. My mother cried and her father and aja wanted to send her to England, but the aji would have none of it and she was the boss.

Gladys’s paternal grandparents owned a store selling cloth and she helped with retailing. She decided to be self-taught in sewing. She said she would visit an African seamstress in Free Yard and observed what the woman did. She collected discarded pieces of cloth from the African woman’s sewing shop and did hand-sewing with needles. She asked her parents to buy her a sewing machine and she taught herself to sew, becoming the leading seamstress in

Port Mourant and beyond, getting abundant jobs to sew fancy dresses. She also became a teacher of sewing, imparting skills to hundreds of young ladies. Her sewing shop also became a place for wedding match-making.

Families would routinely come to her shop to look for a bride for their son during the 1940s thru 1960s.

My mother would be called upon to assess the would-be bride’s character and sewing skills and or make recommendations for marriages.

She ‘looked’ for husbands for some of the beauties she trained. She also taught males to sew, including my father who became a tailor, in addition to being a rice and cane farmer. All of her students were forever grateful to Aunty Gladys.

My mother’s three school friends who went to study in England visited her on their return from their studies. On seeing them, refined from their schooling and training in England,

my mother grieved; she did not further her studies, but she was very obedient to her grand-parents. It was perhaps her quest for education that she made sure her children received formal schooling. Nine of her 12 children also received tertiary education in America; one child died in infancy in Guyana. Several of her “grands” are doctors or employed in the medical profession.

My mother wanted me to become a (medical) doctor and I disappointed her by becoming a social science doctor, pre-occupied with struggling against the dictatorship rather than taking care of myself and my family. She was very proud of my achievements of perhaps being the only Guyanese to pursue four PhDs, with an extensive background in education administration, natural sciences, and social sciences, and my role in Guyana’s freedom struggle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

More opportunities needed in rural areas

Dear Editor,

I READ with great interest a letter written by a young and brilliant woman from Black Bush Polder, who noted the lack of opportunities; domination by some in authority who wanted sex from their junior employees; the importance of perseverance; the lack of facilities for educational advancement and numerous obstacles in her quest for higher education.

Lisa Budhu's letter to the First Lady Arya Alli was brilliantly written, respectful and addressed her as Her Excellency and pointed out the ills of the agricultural settlement of Black Bush Polder. Her writing skills were superb, es-

pecially for someone without a university degree. She wants to improve her education at all costs, but there are numerous setbacks. She knows that without a university degree her chances on the job market would be minimal.

The missive which was published in the Sunday, April 4 edition of Stabroek News was also very informative. I did not know that there was no landline in the area to make it easily accessible to emails and computer-related materials. It is unbelievable at this age when the computer is now a necessity for children's education, residents are denied this facility. Black Bush Polder was the brainchild of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, established be-

fore independence and when Forbes Burnham took over the administration of the government in 1964, he continued the agricultural developments of the settlement which both leaders said would be the breadbasket of the Caribbean... and indeed agricultural produce from Lesbeholden, Johanna, Mibicuri and Yakusari found their way to Port Mourant, New Amsterdam, Bourda and Stabroek markets.

Rice is also grown there which is exported. However, it is regrettable that the roadways are not the best and are deteriorating fairly rapidly, maybe because the infrastructure was not the best. There are numerous problems in the area and residents are deprived of basic

facilities enjoyed by those in other areas. Well-known Guyanese Professor Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, a Berbician, who now lives in New York, is not optimistic. Writing a blog, he said "Black Bush Polder is the place God has forgotten about and the urban elites (many of whom once lived in the countryside) choose not to be reminded about it. Indeed, this place has the highest suicide rates per capita in the world of 196 countries)".

In response to Lisa's letter, another blogger "Soph" states... this young woman is smart and resilient and makes this important call "to the many national businesses that could put her intelligence and ambitions to productive use. I

say if you can afford it… step up and help her get a university education. A scholarship and some support would be awesome". I support this call and will go a bit further to request the government to assist Lisa who is trying her best to advance her education. Her stunning letter is strong evidence that this young country woman is very resourceful and talented. She needs assistance to move ahead. She is not trying to move out of Black Bush Polder, but wants to remain and assist residents after she is better qualified to do so.

I would have thought that the government, regardless of which party is in power, would make the 6,000 residents of Black

Bush Polder comfortable and provide them with the proper tools and better facilities, so that they can continue their planting in order to feed the nation. Their children must also be taken into account... no doubt there are several smart ones like Lisa who want to advance their studies. They can start off with a landline and a secondary school with better-trained teachers.

These people are hardworking farmers and should be cared for in a better way.

We should remember most of the "brains" of this country hail from the rural areas.

Yours truly, Oscar Ramjeet

Junette Jean and Wilbert Fremont should be released ...

Their imprisonment exposes them to danger on many fronts, among these are cultural intolerance, the pandemic and the violence which erupts in our prisons from time to time. Additionally, in the overcrowded prison system in Guyana, is it right that taxpayers are being charged the full costs for the incarceration of two non-violent Haitians for a border crossing, when they could just as well have been deported as the other non-Haitians were for the same of-

fence?

The discrimination against Haitians, who are CARICOM citizens, needs to be questioned.

Why is the legal system more amenable to infringements by other nationalities and so draconian towards Haitians?

We stand in solidarity with Junette Jean and Wilbert Fremont.

We support their appeal without reservation and call for their immediate release on humanitarian grounds.

Signatures

Guyana-Haiti Support Group - Charlene Wilkinson Melissa Ifill Donald Rodney Sinikka Henry Danuta Radzik, Karen De Souza Vanda Radzik Alissa Trotz Sherlina Nageer Mark Jacobs Pierre Jean, teacher Mondy Balenjo Nago Methelus, Journalist Myrtha Désulmé - President Haiti-Jamaica Society; Haitian Diaspora Federation - VP for Advocacy & Public Poli-

cy for the Caribbean and Latin America Kesnel Toussaint, President, Association of Haitian National in Guyana (AHNIG) Patrice Florivus - Collectif des Avocats Spécialisés en Litige Stratégique de Droits Humains, (CALSDH – Haiti) Elton McRae, Guyana Reparations Committee Olive Sampson, International Decade for People of African Descent, Guyana Chapter (IDPADA-G) Women & Gender

Equality Commission - I. Chandarpal; C. Sampson Help & Shelter - Josephine Whitehead Red Thread - Joy Marcus; Wintress White; Halima Khan; Susan Collymore; Vanessa Ross Jeremy Peretz Medino Abraham, journalist Sherwin Fraser, University of Guyana Pat Francis, University of Guyana Ebon Lammy Hazel Woolford, Guyana Institute of Historical Research (GIHR)

Barrington Braithwaite Gerald Perreira, Organisation for Victory of the People Janette Bulkan Hollis France Nicole Cole Akola Thompson Lisa Edwards Vidyaratha Kissoon Kamala Kempadoo Bonita Harris Denise Harris Oonya Kempadoo Lighttown/Gangoo Creek Community Development Association Sea View Cultural Association Guyana Non-Traditional

Memories of my ...

My mother was very kind and generous. In addition to imparting sewing and garment-cutting skills to youngsters, my mother helped so many others in births, marriages, and deaths. She would pierce the ears of babies – without charging.

There was a special skill to ‘bore’ the ears or noses of female youngsters and my mother was able to numb the ears to prevent pain; I watched her undertake that task with expertise, as if she were a trained nurse and as hundreds visited our home. She sewed clothes (gowns) for brides and grooms and for the deceased, often free or at very low charges, especially for the poor. The rich did not patronise my mother that much,, preferring

instead urban fashion. She was very comfortable helping the poor.

And she shared meals even under very difficult financial constraints.

I remember some very poor families visiting our homes for cooked food, and my mother packing the saucepan for them. And of course, she would give out rice and dhal to beggars who would come to the gate almost daily. After our rice harvest, my mother doled out rice to neighbours and relatives.

She also shared with neighbours and relatives the milk from our cows, vegetables and fruits from the kitchen garden, and the pumpkin, watermelon, other fruits, and chowrai bhaji or other produce my father brought from the backlands

from the banks of our rice fields. I remember her preparing and sharing special delicacies for Phagwah and Diwali and her fasting for other Hindu festivals. My mother held a special place in her heart for me – she prepared the best foods for me, including when the dictatorship banned basic foods. I had to get my dhal, aloo, and roti.

As a child, I ate only fresh-water fish and she got hell to find me patwa, hourie, hassar, and sun fish to make me happy. And she took me to Bollywood movies with the old stars.

She was adored by her relatives and neighbours. They referred to her as “Didi” (elder sister) or as ‘Bhouji’ (sister-in-law). Neigh-

bours and others called her Aunty Gladys.

My mother was very hard-working. I remember her giving birth to my last two siblings and back at the sewing machine the next day or making roti or preparing meals for the family or washing clothes. Even after undergoing surgery and returning home, she was back on the manual machine, sewing clothes to provide food for her dozen children. Life was very difficult for the family, especially for me personally, during the period of banned foods. But we were never short of food and clothing at home. My parents provided for our well-being rais-

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Agricultural Exporters Association (GNTEA) Invest Cuffy 250 African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) Dominion Schools First of August Movement Anbessa Foundation Women for a Green Economy Blak Reparation Forum

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ing us in comfort. Our 10 surviving siblings (Bassant, Sadhanand, Kamlawati, Chandrowti, Srimati, Baskanand, Taramati, Vishnunand, Vekanand, and Chrishnanand) and two dozen grandchildren and a dozen great “grands,” along with her in laws (Sadhu, Wato, Bebo, Sandra, Penal, Parbatie, Jugnu, Anand, Desiree, Radica, Golo) will miss my mother. Vedyawati and Sanita passed on. She was our ‘mai’.

Her memory lives on in all of us.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Harnessing local agricultural production to create healthy diets

HARNESSING local agricultural production around the world to create healthy diets through agri-food system-transformation was the focus of a high-level event organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and involving leaders and experts.

Under the framework of its Regional Network on Nutrition-sensitive Food Systems, FAO's Regional Office for Near East and North Africa co-hosted the special virtual event with FAO's Regional Offices for Africa and for Asia and the Pacific.

The virtual dialogue was opened on Wednesday by FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, and brought together leaders from Africa, Asia and the Near East, as well as senior officials from FAO with the goal of strengthening cross-regional collaboration and sharing ideas on how to harness the potential of agri-food systems In his opening remarks, the director-general stressed that innovation and experience-sharing were critical for transforming agri-food systems and making them more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Citing the widespread structural reforms he has undertaken at the FAO since his election in 2019, Qu stressed the importance of "breaking down silos" so individuals, organisations and countries could learn from one another. "We need to accumulate more experience, interactive experience," he said.

"We have to have more hybridisation, heterosis of experience, it is the only way.

You can read more books

but you also need more interaction."

In addition to technical innovation, the director-general noted that there were several major requirements needed to drive transformation. Apart from structural reform, he alluded to the need for social interaction, knowledge combined with experience and stability to enable organisations and their staff to evolve and grow.

He particularly emphasised the need for a vibrant exchange of views and experience -- as FAO seeks the same through its employees worldwide. Drawing on his expertise as a geneticist, the director-general indicated that interaction with others combined with knowledge and expertise were essential in bringing about real change.

Poor diets are the main contributor to the global burden of disease and over dependence on a few staple crops is a leading cause of low dietary diversity and persistent malnutrition. Approximately three billion people in the world cannot afford a healthy diet, and more than three billion people suffer from one or more manifestations of poor nutrition.

Mahmoud El Solh, member of the Steering Committee of the Committee on World Food Security's High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition, gave the keynote address on "Harnessing the benefits of diversified agri-food systems for healthy diets."

Environmental degradation and the impact of climate change were among the challenges, he said, in addressing hunger and poverty in the

world's poorest countries. El Solh spoke about the urgency required if the world is to bridge the gap and increase food production by 70 percent by 2050.

Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mheiri, the Minister of State for Food and Water Security in the United Arab Emirates, called for greater awareness and education to promote sustainable food while supporting local production with technology and innovation.

The minister indicated that the UAE Government was seeking to reduce the country's dependence on food imports and had accelerated the FAO had played an important role as a partner advising the UAE on data and information.

Aly Abousabaa, the Director-General of the International Centre for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), a Beirut-based research institute, said diversity was the key to resilience and invited participants to consider whether the right policies were in place to leverage technology and development.

Thanawat Tiensin, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and Permanent Representative of the Government of Thailand to the UN Agencies in Rome, encouraged participants to refer to the CFS guidelines and to translate them into actions to transform agri-food systems and create better outcomes for all.

FAO's Chief Scientist, Ismahane Elouafi, moderated a session on the role of research and science. She echoed the director-general in calling for "a holistic ap-

Work underway to boost services at Bartica Hospital STEPS are being taken to advance upgrades at the Bartica Regional Hospital, which would enhance the services there and allow it to become a more patient-friendly facility.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Seven, Kerwin Ward, told The Department of Public Information (DPI), in a recent interview, that the ini-

tiative was in keeping with the Government’s efforts to ensure health services offered countrywide were at a high standard.

“For the last couple of months, we have more specialists being dispatched to the region, and so, with this in mind, we have to upgrade our health facilities so that they can properly function.

Better services are being of-

fered at the hospital where all of its departments are upgraded and more equipment are being placed,” he said.

Ward said the Administration’s 2021 work programme will also include the construction of a maternal and child health clinic and living quarters at the hospital.

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Native to the Andes, the vegetable, Amaranth, is grown in Africa, the Caribbean, India and China (FAO photo)

proach," noting that science and technology were key to creating a world free from poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

While moderating a session on policies and investment, FAO's Chief Economist, Máximo To-

rero, stressed the need for a multi-sector approach to produce healthy nutrition and pointed to the FAO's evidence-based, country-led and country-owned Handin-Hand Initiative, which is designed to accelerate agricultural transformation.

The FAO has recently launched a dedicated website on countries’ good practices to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, through which FAO representatives publish articles on successful activities. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Commander Mandall zeroes in on child sexual abuse in Region One WHILE there has been a decline in crime at Mabaruma and other sub-districts in the Barima/Waini area despite the influx of migrants from Venezuela, Region One commander, Superintendent Khalid Mandall, said child sexual molestation is a cause for concern.

Within the past month alone, Commander Mandall noted several cases of sexual abuse of minors in the region.

In spite of the obvious challenges and difficulties associated with monitoring and traversing the expansive terrain with limited resources, Commander Mandall said his team of hard-working ranks has been engaging in a number of community initiatives to build trust and improve

relations between the police and residents in the various communities in Region One. This was related by the Commander during a recent meeting with Director of the Police Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) Mark Ramotar, Deputy Stan Gouveia and other ranks from the CCU. The meeting was held at Mabaruma in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Region One. “A lot of time(s), perception can be viewed as reality… every policeman and woman are PRO agents in their own right,” Mandall asserted while giving assurance of his team’s full support to the CCU’s push to improve the image of the

Director of CCU, Mark Ramotar (extreme right) next to Region One commander, Superintendent Khalid Mandall and other ranks during a recent meeting in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region One

Guyana Police Force.

The Commander, along with his deputy, Mark Vigilance, and their administrative team, highlighted a

number of issues inclusive of the formation of community policing groups and youth groups within the various districts, so as to build trust with the residents.

Additionally, Superintendent Mandall spoke of some of the challenges faced

by the police in the division which include domestic violence, statutory rape and child abuse.

In an effort to curb this behaviour, sensitisation campaigns are being done by the Commander and his team in the form of lectures to

schools and residents in the communities.

Ramotar and Gouveia applauded the Commander and his team for bringing these issues to the fore so that requisite attention and assistance can be provided.

Robust occupational health & safety programme for 2021 –– 21 new OHS officers to be recruited by Ministry of Labour, special attention for mining, construction

By Jared Liddell AMID a growing local economy and expanding labour market, the Ministry of Labour will be looking to implement a robust Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) programme this year, according to subject Minister, Joseph Hamilton.

Hamilton made this announcement during his remarks at the recent launch of OHS month 2021. Guyana is observing Occupational Safety and Health Month under the theme: “Investing in OSH systems, capitalising on safety and healthy working environments in times of crisis.”

“There is a great need for us to place an increased focus on good workplace safety and health practices, and promote the safety and health culture in Guyana.

Therefore, investing in Occupational Safety and Health systems and the workplace is a necessity. It is very important and can save lives,” Hamilton reasoned.

The Ministry of Labour is currently in the process of employing 21 new OHS officers, as part of efforts to ensure that all workers across Guyana have equitable access to more efficient services.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

“We have to find the qualified persons and bring them into the system. We don’t have enough labour officers and that is why I have been making the point that we are attempting to ensure that in every region we can have at least two labour officers and that is what we are working towards, and that is part of the engagements we had with the Regional Democratic Councils,” Minister Hamilton said.

The ministry, he said, also intends to position OHS officers in Guyana’s Oil and Gas sector. Already, there are plans to utilise nine senior OHS officers in this area to ensure that best OHS systems are employed in what

is expected to be one of the largest sectors in the country.

Further, Minister Hamilton said that specialist OHS officers will also be trained to deal directly with sectors such as forestry and construction.

Simply put, the ministry will be introducing a comprehensive programme which focuses on OHS across every major productive sector in Guyana. Special emphasis will be placed on the mining and construction sectors because of the relatively high number of fatalities recorded in 2020.

Multi-stakeholder outreaches will be conducted in mining communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

“The messages will be on accident prevention and the adherence to COVID-19 protocols for the workplace. Therefore, there will be various inspections at construction sites to ensure that there is compliance with the OSH Act, and the OSH officers of this ministry will also be available to provide technical support for employers and trade unions programme,” Minister Hamilton said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Comprehensive process for appointment of diplomats

–– says Minister Todd

By Vishani Ragobeer THOUGH there are some vacant positions for Ambassadors and High Commissioners at Guyana’s overseas missions, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, has said that the government is engaged in a comprehensive process of vetting and selecting future appointees.

On Sunday, in an invited comment, Minister Todd acknowledged that appointments have to be made in Brazil, the United Kingdom (UK), Qatar, and other countries but noted that the government inherited several vacant positions for Guyanese diplomatic representatives abroad. He, however, highlighted that since this government assumed office in August, the ministry has been vetting suitable candi-

dates.

“Some of these things can take time because we are not only dealing with diplomatic postings but we are dealing with many other national issues as well,” Minister Todd related, and added: “It is a balanced approach.”

Last month, Former Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, was accredited as Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, while earlier in the year, it was reported that Former President and Guyana’s longest serving Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds has been tipped to be Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America (USA).

It was also reported that the Consul General to Toronto, An Yin Choo, will be named as Guyana’s Ambassador to China. Choo has been the Consulate General in Toronto since February

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd

2018 and she once served as the First Secretary of the Guyana Embassy in Beijing.

“We are working very

hard in ensuring that we can have those vacant appointments that we’ve inherited, filled,” Todd asserted on

Minister Singh chairs CARICOM Council on Finance and Planning –– progress made on key longstanding issues SENIOR MINISTER in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni K. Singh, recently attended and chaired the Eighth Special Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP) The meeting was held virtually in accordance with the decision of the 32nd Inter-Sessional meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government held in February 2021, which examined the supporting macroeconomic environment for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Thursday’s meeting involved Ministers of Finance exchanging views on joint advocacy positions that they may wish to adopt during the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) - World Bank Spring Meetings 2021.

The meeting also addressed and reached agreement on a number of longstanding

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni K. Singh

issues related to the CSME, including the CARICOM Policies on Credit Reporting, Deposit Insurance, Development and Regulation of the Regional Securities Market, as well as the CARICOM Financial Services Agreement and the intra-CARICOM Double Taxation Agreement.

In his opening remarks at

the meeting, Minister Singh pointed out that the meeting was taking place at a time when the region was facing unprecedented economic challenges, resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which have brought into sharp focus the importance of speaking with a single unified voice on issues of

shared interest at the upcoming IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings.

He also highlighted the urgency with which progress is needed on many of the long outstanding issues that need to be addressed to advance the supportive architecture for the CSME, and urged that those matters be dealt with conclusively and in a timely manner.

The meeting subsequently saw significant progress made on many of the issues, and agreement was reached on the way forward with a number of the pending policies, while there was also consensus on the way forward with other items that require further discussion and consultation among Member States. It involved participation from several Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, and senior finance officials from around the region.

Sunday, adding: “It is something that we are giving a lot of attention to.”

Minister Todd also explained that the process of vetting and selecting these diplomats is a “comprehensive” one, wherein the government is not giving any appointment priority status over the others. Additionally, he explained that the overarching aim is to ensure that suitable placements are made in the various countries.

“At the end of the day, the representatives in those capitals would have to ensure that they are able to push our national policies there,” Minister Todd underscored.

He further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is moving ahead with its diplomatic appointments in Qatar and the US. He did not disclose who the representative to Qatar will be.

It is important to note, however, that the ministry is working to establish an em-

bassy in Qatar before the end of 2021. Another embassy, which is also expected before the end of 2021, is being established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a previous interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Todd highlighted that Guyana is strengthening ties with the Middle East. In addition to Qatar, Guyana already has good relations with Kuwait and is now forging ahead with strengthening its partnership with the UAE. In January, Minister Todd said that the embassies in Qatar and the UAE would be established. He said that efforts are “past the midpoint” and that discussions on staffing these embassies have already begun. He also affirmed that both embassies will be headed by an ambassador from Guyana.

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Work underway to ...

In 2020, the Bartica hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit underwent works valued $5.6 million and became fully equipped to deliver 24-hour service as opposed to its previous eight hours per day schedule. The former one-bed unit was upgraded to accommodate four beds, and featured a separate area for quarantine and monitoring of special patients who might have ingested poison. The outpatient, pharmacy and paediatric spaces were also refurbished, and the computerised tomography (CT) scan was operationalised last year.

Moving forward, the REO said, he hopes that a radiologist and a psychiatrist are sent to serve the facility soon. This service would also be provided to residents in riverine areas during outreaches.

Additionally, an extension would be built at the Kamarang District Hospital, which would help reduce the number of referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

A US$17.5 million line of credit had been signed with

Region Seven’s REO, Kerwin Ward

the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India in 2017 to upgrade and modernise the Suddie Public, West Demerara Regional and the Bartica District hospitals.

The Ministry of Health will invest about $1.2 billion (US$6 million) to advance infrastructural works at the Suddie hospital, almost $1.6 billion (US$8 million) to upgrade West Demerara Regional Hospital and $600 million (US$3 million) to upgrade the Bartica hospital.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Officers stood at barricades to prevent the breach of COVID-19 guidelines (Adrian Narine photo)

COVID-19 puts Easter in paralysis –– Task Force, Joint Services remain vigilant in enforcing guidelines

By Mesha Sealey ONE of the most celebrated holidays in Guyana, Easter, carries the deep religious significance of the resurrection anniversary of Jesus Christ. The occasion is marked by many cherished traditions, the most significant and prominent of which is kite-flying.

Over the years, those ‘traditions’ have expanded

to include ‘fetes’, parties and large group outings as a means of celebrating the holiday in a non-religious form.

Due to COVID-19 which has caused some 246 deaths and thousands of infections, Guyanese were forced to stay indoors in keeping with the guidelines of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) for their safety the safety of their families and others.

On Monday, the Joint Services ensured the COVID-19 guidelines were enforced.

Easter Monday is a day most people opt for their favourite picnic spots. They meet up with friends to fly their kites on ball fields, play parks, seawalls and wide open spaces. The kites, which decorate the skies are often different in size, colour, shape and style.

On Easter Monday and the days leading up to it, kites are flown frequently to mark the approaching holiday. It is believed by some that the flying of kites is meant to symbolise the ascension of Jesus into heaven after his resurrection, but this has not been confirmed.

This year, those plans were quickly quashed following an advisory issued by the NCTF Secretariat,

discouraging large gatherings and Easter activities in public spaces such as parks, creeks, lakes, beaches and resorts.

These measures were part of efforts geared at facilitating “safe celebrations” during the Easter weekend.

All across the seawalls along the East Coast of Demerara, members of the Guyana Police Force, stood by barricades and patrolled the coast to ensure compliance

with the COVID-19 Easter guidelines.

A total of 140 persons were reportedly arrested over the Easter weekend after they were found in various bars and entertainment spots later than the 22:30 hours (10:30 PM) national curfew that has been instituted to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Georgetown was very quiet on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

The Kitty seawall, which for years has been a popular place for kite-flyers, was an empty spot on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

Police officers prevented persons from picnicking on the seawalls (Adrian Narine photo)

These youngsters tried to maintain the kite-flying tradition in their own little way on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Gov’t pursuing cost recovery audit of oil share THE Ministry of Natural Resources is pursuing a cost recovery audit and validation of the Government of Guyana’s profit oil share.

On Sunday, the ministry published an advertisement inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) for firms to conduct the exercise.

“The objective of the assignment is to conduct an audit of the recoverable contract costs as determined by the Petroleum Agreement (PA), taking into consideration accounting good practices. International accounting standards as well as auditing procedures and standards,” the notice read.

It further explained the four components of the project, which entail the auditing, examining and verifying all available documentation and records necessary for charges and credits relating to the contractor’s activities under the applicable PA for the period January 2018 to December, 2020.

Additionally, the project would require verifications of Crude Oil Valuation for the audit period as well as the verifications of royalties remitted to the government during the aforementioned period. The audit is also ex-

overall efforts, commencing with the ‘Enhancement of Legal Framework and Stakeholder Engagement’ for which US$3.20 million has been allotted.

The audit is a component of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project being financed by a US$20 million loan from the World Bank (Photo courtesy of Hess Corporation)

pected to determine the accuracy of the total ‘Government Share of Petroleum’ for the period under review.

A component of the audit project will require the provision of on-the-job training for selected staff a number of government agencies including the Natural Resources Ministry, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Office

of the Auditor General.

The four-month assignment is expected to commence by June 2021, as part of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project being financed by a US$20 million loan from the World Bank.

The loan, which was approved during the first quarter of 2019, is intended to finance

specific initiatives that support the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks, as well as capacity-building for the key institutions tasked with managing the oil and gas sector in Guyana.

The monies, according to the World Bank, are being disbursed in four parts, and will be directed towards specific components of the

CAPACITY BUILDING The second component deals with ‘Capacity Building of Key Institutions’, with a budget of US$10.70 million; the third aspect of the project deals with the ‘Enhancement of Fiscal Management’ at a cost of US$3.50 million.

The final component of the project relates to ‘Project Management and Project Preparation Facility’ at a cost US$2.60 million.

A recent analysis contained in the World Bank’s ‘Implementation Status and Results Report’ shows that since 2019 to present, the State has only utilised 23 per cent of the US$20 million loan; this accounts for approximately US$4.77 million of the sum. The report indicated a slight delay in relation to getting internationally recognised consultants who meet the requirements needed to execute various components of the project.

Back in March, the government issued a call for consultancy services to de-

Study: Climate change shrinks marine life richness near equator During some summers, as the Caribbean water temperatures climb, the luminous coral colonies of gold, green and blue that ring the island nation of Cuba give way to patches of skeletal white.

The technicolor streaks of darting tropical fish flash less frequently. The rasping sounds of lobsters go quiet.

While Cuba’s marine life has suffered from overfishing and pollution, there is mounting evidence that the warming of waters due to climate change may be taking a large toll as well -- both off the island’s coast and globally.

Research published Monday finds that the total number of open-water species declined by about half in the 40 years up to 2010 in tropical marine zones worldwide. During that time, sea surface temperatures in the tropics rose nearly 0.2 degree Celsius.

“Climate change is already impacting marine species diversity distribution,” with changes being more dramatic in the Northern Hemisphere where waters have warmed faster, said study co-author Chhaya Chaudhary, a biogeographer at Goethe University.

While numerous factors like overfishing have impacted tropical species, the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a strong correlation between species decline and rising temperature.

A view of a coral colony on the coast of Havana, Cuba, March 28, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Marsh

Fish species diversity tended to either plateau or decline at or above 20C (68 Fahrenheit), the researchers found.

‘BLINK OF AN EYE’ While past studies have shown that ocean warming is driving some species to migrate to cooler waters, the new study attempts to gauge that impact more broadly -- analyzing data on 48,661 marine species including fish, mollusks, birds and corals since 1955.

The dataset is a representative sample of 20 per cent of all named open-water and seabed-dwelling marine species - like corals and sponges, researchers said.

The number of species attached to the seafloor remained somewhat stable in the tropics between the 1970s and 2010, according to the

study. Some were also found beyond the tropics, suggesting they had expanded their ranges.

In other words, scientists say, species that can move are moving.

“In geological history, this has occurred in the blink of an eye,” said Sebastian Ferse, an ecologist at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research who was not involved with the study. “To see such changes occurring so rapidly is something quite alarming.”

For fixed species like corals, moving is not an option.

“One of the big questions is ‘Will coral reefs as ecosystems and corals as species be able to move north or south enough fast enough to adjust to a changing climate?’”

Ferse said.

CUBA’S CORALS

Having fleets of fish and other swimmers shift rapidly to more temperate waters could devastate the coral ecosystems they leave behind -- along with any fishing and tourism industries that rely on them.

Such changes “can have a really huge impact on some of the most vulnerable human communities around the planet,” said Stuart Pimm, a conservation scientist at Duke University not involved in the study.

For Cuba, such an impact could unravel the island nation’s efforts to manage its underwater gardens although its corals have been less stressed by coastal development and pollution than corals elsewhere.

They are considered more resilient to ocean warming.

“It’s impressive to return to an area that experienced significant bleaching the year before, but looks perfectly healthy a year later,” said Daniel Whittle, who heads the Caribbean program at the Environmental Defense Fund.

Cuba opened its first coral reef nursery four years ago to research which species coped best with warming and eventually to repopulate depleted reefs. The country is also restoring coastal mangroves, which serve as fish nurseries and shelter.

Chaudhary and her colleagues plan next to look at which tropical species were in decline or were migrating. (Reuters)

velop the legal and regulatory frameworks for the oil and gas sector. This requires the execution of a comprehensive review of Guyana’s existing legal and regulatory framework, the development of a “prioritised Legislative Agenda and Implementation Action Plan”.

In April 2019, the Ministry of Finance had indicated that the components of the loan reflect the reality of the oil and gas sector on the economy. The emerging sector will also have environmental implications, as well as multiple direct and indirect impacts on local communities, “and that if poorly managed, the development of oil and gas resources can be economically and socially costly for the country,” the Finance Ministry acknowledged.

In an effort to comprehensively tackle the environmental and social issues stemming from Oil and Gas Sector, the government had committed to the execution of critical assessments, which will require effective and constant monitoring, coupled with significant investments in the environment, particularly in relation to damage prevention and response capacity.

Body of UG student found in decomposed state

Joel Skeete

THE badly decomposed body that was found between rocks on the western bank of the Demerara River, in the vicinity of Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara, on Monday, has been identified as that of University of Guyana student, Joel Skeete.

Skeete, 19, a computer science major, was missing six days ago.

Police said the body, which was clad in a pair of dark grey long pants and a burgundy jersey was discovered lying ‘face down’ at about 13:45hrs.

Police said several persons in the area were also questioned but no useful information was obtained.

The body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

National mangrove-monitoring platform to be established MANGROVES are considered Guyana’s natural sea defense and are essential in providing several eco-system services.

Studies have shown that mangroves provide about five to 10 times more carbon storage than the terrestrial forest.

And with Guyana’s low carbon development trajectory, mangroves are pivotal in this regard.

In keeping with this thrust, a national mangrove monitoring platform would be established this year to foster a better understanding of the factors affecting their depletion, and other methods aimed at advancing technology to accomplish the government’s agenda.

The platform is the result of a partnership between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December, which also caters for a geographic information systems consultant at NAREI. Coordinator of the Mangrove Restoration and Management Department, Kene

Moseley, in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said while the department utilises geographic information system (GIS) software to monitor mangroves, its capacity is currently limited to its restoration sites.

She said to plan effectively, there must be an understanding of what is happening along the entire coast, and the only way to achieve this is by using enhanced technology.

“Remote sensing technology and that is what we are going to be having with this project,” she related.

Moseley said restoration activities are being monitored to determine the success of the intervention, the survival rate, how the seedlings are growing and the ability of the forest to extend linear in terms of protecting the neighbouring villages.

“As long as you have a forest that is healthy and providing seeds, and the neighbouring sites, if there is no mangrove there and the site conditions are suitable, they would colonise naturally. That is what we’re looking for, a successful restoration activity,” Moseley reasoned.

She said that the new inter-

Mangroves along the Essequibo Coast (NAREI photo)

vention will also provide an understanding of the impact of the restoration initiatives.

“It’s not just that we would have restored, for instance Better Hope, but as a result of

restoring Better Hope, you have a significant natural regeneration happening at Plaisance, Sparendaam going all the way to Ogle.

“Now that we are going to be able to use the technology and remote sensing combined with the GIS, we are going to be able to do that analysis to provide information, not just for us, but the government as well, and give us better tools with regards to planning our future restoration initiatives,” Moseley explained.

In 2020, the mangrove restoration and management department focused on creating an environment suitable

for mangroves to be restored at Anna Regina, Essequibo, and Beterverwagting and La Bonne Intention, East Coast of Demerara.

Moseley explained that the elevation at those locations was not sufficient for mangroves to colonise the areas.

“At Anna Regina we completed construction of a 200-metre geotextile tube groyne and the function of that structure is to increase sedimentation and thereby reaching the suitable elevation so that mangroves can be restored.

“At Beterverwagting and La Bonne Intention, the project we are working there are

groynes as well but we are using a different material. We do research to see which material works best, and on the East Coast we are working with rocks or boulders,” she said.

The coordinator further said that significant progress was made at the La Bonne Intention lot which was about 85 per cent complete by the end of last year.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in some setbacks in the supply of rocks for the Beterverwagting lot, which the department is hoping to complete this year. [DPI]

Mon Repos businessman, friend robbed of jewellery, cash POLICE are on the hunt for three suspected bandits who robbed two men of their valuables at Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), on Sunday night.

The suspected mastermind of the crime is currently in police custody at the Beterverwagting Police Station, on the ECD. Reports are that Rameez Mohamed, a businessman, and his friend, Ryan Singh, were imbibing with other colleagues at School Road

around 20:30 hours, when the suspected gunmen approached them.

Police said that one of the friends, upon seeing the men, said “watch them man” and subsequently sprinted away, while the others followed.

While Mohamed was running he fell to the ground and two of the suspected bandits used the opportunity to relieve him allegedly of one Samsung A71 valued at $50,000; one Samsung J8 valued

at $40,000; one gold ring valued at $300,000; a gold chain valued at $250,000 and $175,000 cash.

Police said too that Singh was attacked with a gun by one of the perpetrators, causing him to lose consciousness. He was subsequently relieved allegedly of one Samsung S21 valued at $50,000, and $25,000 in cash.

The suspected bandits, after the ordeal, made good their escape on separate bicycles.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Several on Essequibo Coast arrested for breaching COVID-19 guidelines

SEVERAL persons on the Essequibo Coast were arrested on Monday for breaching the national COVID-19 guidelines.

Those arrested were caught in Easter-celebration gatherings in wide open spaces at Golden Fleece and Capoey Lake.

The police in their quest to ensure that citizens are safe during the pandemic, conducted several exercises in the region, particularly at the popular resorts and beaches. Persons breaching the national COVID-19 guidelines were arrested and taken to police stations.

According to reports, persons crowded the popular Capoey Lake to celebrate Easter. Many young persons were seen imbibing there, while at the popular Golden Fleece Beach many gathered for picnics.

An advisory issued by the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat stated that Easter activities in public spaces inclusive of parks, creeks, lakes, and

likely to appear in court today charged with breaching

Persons breaching the COVID-19 guidelines disembark a police truck at the Anna Regina Police Station

resorts are prohibited.

The consumption of alcohol was also prohibit-

ed. Up to press time, the number of persons arrested was not disclosed. They are

Swan porter killed, two suspects in police custody TWO men are in police custody after a 23-year-old porter, Roy Ross, of Swan Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was found dead in his house on Easter Monday.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Ross was reportedly approached and attacked by two men.

It is alleged that the men, who are in police custody, reportedly assaulted another villager and sought to gain access to the home of one resident, on Sunday.

Prior to his demise, Ross was reportedly last seen alive by his reputed wife sometime after 21:00 hours, on Sunday.

One of Ross’ neighbours claimed that the man, who returned home on Sunday, after reportedly imbibing, appeared to be intoxicated, much to the dislike of his reputed spouse, who left the Swan house to stay with her mother, who lives nearby.

The neighbour related that Ross’ partner would often leave him alone when he is intoxicated, since he would often become abusive.

It is unclear what hap-

Dead: Roy Ross

pened before and immediately after she had left, but Ross’ body was found with several stab wounds, early on Monday.

Reports are that a neighbour saw Ross’s door ajar after returning from an outing Sunday midnight but didn’t think much of it. However, on Monday around 06:00 hours, he observed that the door was still open and decided to investigate.

To his surprise, he saw

Ross’ feet in the doorway and upon closer inspection, found the man’s body in a pool of blood with a stab wound to the chest. He immediately raised an alarm and the police were contacted.

Subsequently, relatives of Ross arrived at the crime scene, but aside from his mother and reputed wife, the others were not allowed to view the body.

the COVID-19 guidelines.

So far, Region Two

has 262 active COVID-19 cases.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

CWI treatment of territorial...

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FROM PAGE

“Very limited amount of our funding is performance related, so related to maybe the IPL-release fees if you’re a territory that’s producing more cricketers, maybe through West Indies production fees if you’re producing more players to the West Indies team, there might be a small amount of additional

funding but in the main it’s very equitable funding.”

Grave said in order for West Indies cricket to succeed, there needed to be productive synergy between CWI and all territorial boards.

“What you want is the game to be led by your governing body in the high-

est possible standards,” he stressed.

“You want funding to flow. Ultimately in the eyes of your members and in a sense your own shareholders, it’s about [CWI and the territorial boards] winning.”

All-rounder Jason Holder ...

BACK PAGE

He was exceptional in the crucial playoff eliminator, snatching three wickets and hitting a late order unbeaten 24 as Sunrisers stunned Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets in Abu Dhabi with two balls remaining.

Relieved of the Test captaincy just prior to the series against Sri Lanka, the move did nothing to affect his

performances as he featured prominently in all three formats in helping West Indies win the Twenty20 International series 2-1 and the one-day series 3-0.

In the Test series staged in Antigua, he gathered two enterprising half-centuries to finish with an average of 69 and also claimed seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first

20

Test.

At Sunrisers, Holder will play alongside the likes of New Zealand batting star Kane Williamson, the English pair of Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow and Afghan superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

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12:00 hrs State Secretary

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13:00 hrs Thrill Seeker 14:00 hrs Count Of Amazonia

08:30 hrs Ravenscar

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09:55 hrs Sea Ways

08:45 hrs Theatre Mix

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09:20 hrs Vodoo Doll

10:55 hrs Dynamic Lass

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Test stars shine in tense Bulls-Blues battle QUEENSLAND and NSW looked set to lock in a Marsh Sheffield Shield final rematch, while Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan Lyon stayed best in class as their clash in Wollongong remained in the balance.

At stumps on day three at North Dalton Park the Blues were 2-49, trailing the Bulls by three runs.

Matthew Gilkes (24) and Jason Sangha (0) were the not out batsmen With Western Australia struggling against Tasmania, the Blues and Bulls now seem likely to meet again in the final starting April 15, with the Queenslanders also in pole position to host the fixture.

Labuschagne (112) will no doubt be a central figure in the clash, the Test star showing his Nappetite for runs again on Monday with his third century of the Shield season.

The No.3 was an irresistible force, cracking 11 fours in his 212-ball stay before eventually edging to Kurtis Patterson at second slip off the bowling of Trent Copeland (1-48).

He now has 629 runs at

Marcus Labuschagne posts his third ton of Shield summer

69.88 for the season.

Usman Khawaja (64) and Jimmy Peirson (59) helped bolster the Bulls’ total to 433 but there was little doubt as to who the other star of the show was.

Lyon demonstrated that he remains Australia’s best spinner, picking up 6-128 from a marathon 48.2 overs.

The tireless tweaker took five of the top seven wickets as the rest of the bowling contingent struggled on a largely benign deck.

He now has 39 wickets at 25 for the season and will likely finish as the competition’s top bowler.

Mitch Swepson, considered the country’s next best

spinner, showed his wares when Queensland got the ball again, picking up 2-9 including a stunning ball from around the wicket that bowled Daniel Hughes for 16.

Returning early from a neck injury this match, Swepson also dismissed Patterson for nine.

A draw would appear the probable result in Wollongong, particularly given it’s likely that is all Queensland will require to host the final, but a brave declaration by NSW or a sharp Bulls’ bowling performance could leave the door ajar for a win.(Cricket.com.au)

CWI treatment of territorial boards always ‘equitable’, says Grave

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Chief executive Johnny Grave has defended Cricket West Indies’ treatment of territorial boards, contending the governing body had been “equitable” in its allocation of international fixtures and financial resources.

Noting CWI were ever cognisant about accusations of partiality towards certain territories, Grave said it was the board’s stated philosophy by way of policy, to ensure insularity was removed from the regional game.

“It’s a philosophy that we try to have, that’s why we took the view, certainly pre-COVID, to ensure that every international ground or every territory that had international cricket would have at least had a Test match or two white ball games, and we would spread our cricket around the region trying to take any accusation of politics out of how we play cricket,” the Englishman explained.

“I think we, certainly on an equitable basis, fund all the franchises and fund all the territorial boards so there’s no favour shown or discrepancies between how we now allocate cricket or fund the territorial boards so I think in that respect, I think we’re doing as much as we can do.”

Grave gave the assurance after the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) snubbed last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting, resulting in a lack of a quorum and forcing a postponement until April 11.

Both boards subsequently indicated their discomfort with receiving audited financial statements 48 hours prior to the AGM. The other four shareholder boards – the Jamaica Cricket Association, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board and the Windward Islands Cricket Board – had been present for the virtual meeting.

Not for the first time, the controversy thrust the political divisions in West Indies cricket into the headlines and sparked heated discussion over the relationship between CWI and territorial boards.

Grave said it was vitally important that fans, shareholders and stakeholders across the region understood that CWI always acted in the best interest of the game, and never in an unfavourable way towards any member.

“Clearly there will always be fans or people within certain territories that think that their player should be picked over another player and that’s part of the excitement of cricket and the debate of cricket and the narrative of any sport,” he pointed out.

“We want that debate and we welcome that debate but certainly the philosophy here is to share cricket out equally and equitably and fund all boards in a similar fashion.

TURN TO PAGE

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Injured Shadab Khan to miss Simmons wants results pitches remainder of South Africa tou in wake of series stalemate SHADAB Khan, the Pakistan legspinner, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing series against South Africa and the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe, the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) announced on Monday.

Shadab suffered an injury to his left toe while batting during the ODI against South Africa on Sunday, which is expected to sideline him for up to four weeks.

“X-rays conducted following the match revealed an intra articular communicated fracture though there is neither any displacement nor angulation.

The injury will be treated conservatively and Shadab will undergo a four-week rehab,”

Shadab was a part of all the three squads of Pakistan for this twin assignments in Africa © (AFP)

the PCB stated in a release.

Earlier in the year, Shadab had suffered a thigh injury that had ruled him out of the New Zealand Tests and the home series against South Africa.

Shadab was a part of all the three squads of Pakistan for this twin assignments in Africa. In the first two

Frampton retires after losing to ...

A wonderful left uppercut from Herring in the next round saw Frampton go down again, and although he did get back up, was unable to stop Herring closing in and securing the win.

The decision of trainer Moore to throw the towel

in came as little shock, with a dazed Frampton stopped for the first time in a 31-fight professional career.

For Herring, it was an impressive third defence of a title he has held since May 2019. The southpaw

one-dayers of the series, he failed to pick up a wicket but registered scores of 33 and 13 as Pakistan and South Africa find themselves level going into the last of the three-match series.(Cricbuzz)

FROM PAGE

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was far more impressive in Dubai than he was in his last outing, where his lukewarm performance had galvanised Frampton fans looking ahead to their long-awaited showdown. (BBC Sport)

NORTH SOUND – (CMC)West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has urged authorities in the Caribbean to prepare more results oriented pitches, following a nil-all draw in the recent two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua and Barbuda.

Both matches finished in tame stalemates on flat wickets at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and Simmons said it was important to provide more competitive pitches in the region in order to lift the profile of Test match cricket.

“I think we from a country standpoint need to get better wickets where we can have Test matches that will create a result,” he contended.

“Even if we lost a Test match after it’s gone to the fifth day, you will still think that we’ve done well to get to the fifth day and were in with a chance of winning the Test match, so I think that’s an important part of it.”

The home side found themselves frustrated on Good Friday when Sri Lanka comfortably batted out the

final day of the second Test to earn a draw.

Set an improbable target of 377 runs, Sri Lanka resumed the final day on 29 without loss and lost only two wickets, en route to reaching 193 before the game was called off.

The first Test had taken a similar direction with West Indies easily batting out the final day after being asked to get 375 for victory.

West Indies employed a five-pronged attack for the series with four seamers and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall being utilised, and Simmons said it was more the tranquility of the pitch and not the effectiveness of the bowling group, that led to the drawn matches.

“I don’t think you can reinforce [the attack]. The only thing you can do sometimes is adjust the make-up of the five bowlers,” the former Test all-rounder pointed out.

“In this case, the pitch looked like it would deteriorate a little bit more and Rahkeem would have come into it but the pitch just got better and better, and that’s not in our hands.

“So next time we look at it, we might play two spinners or we might play five fast bowlers but it just depends on how we read the pitch.”

Uncapped teenaged Trinidadian seamer Jayden Seales was allowed to train with the Test squad as a developmental move, while experienced off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase was named as a reserve but was not required.

Simmons said he was comfortable with the current composition of the attack, however.

“We had the bowlers there who we wanted to be in the Test team. Everybody else is still work in progress and still looking to put themselves in contention so right now these five bowlers are our main bowlers.”

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach was the leading bowler with nine wickets at 23 runs apiece.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Lawrence, Brathwaite among the winners at USATF Sprint Summit Caribbean athletes Shadae Lawrence and Shane Brathwaite scored victories in the discus and sprint hurdles, respectively at Saturday’s USATF Sprint Summit in Prairie View, Texas, where several of their regional compatriots also had podium finishes.

Lawrence, whose twin sister Shardia was sixth in the triple jump, sealed her third victory of the season with a throw of 57.76m in the discus. The Jamaican, who has already achieved the Olympic standard by way of her 63.75m effort in Florida on March 20, took the lead with her third throw of the competition.

However, Rachel Dincoff of the USA came close to taking the lead back with her final throw of 57.72,

which was good enough to lock in the silver medal.

Kelsey Card, also of the USA, was third with her best throw of 55.50m.

Meanwhile, Barbadian Brathwaite was a comfortable winner in the 110m hurdles winning in 13.82.

The USA’s Ryan Fontenot was more than 0.10 behind, finishing second in 14.00. Jeff Julmis of Haiti picked up the final podium spot when he crossed in 14.50.

In the Women’s 400m, Jamaica’s Chrisann Gordon-Powell opened her season with a 52.47 as she finished second to the USA’s Jessica Beard who took the win in 52.38. Jaide Stepter Baynes was third in 52.54.

There was also a second-place finish for Shian Salmon in the 400m

Caribbean athletes Shadae Lawrence (left) and Shane Braithwaite

hurdles. The 2018 World U20 silver medalist clocked 56.90 while finishing behind the USA’s Ashley Spencer who crossed first in 56.36.

Gianna Woodruff of Panama was third in 57.22. Trinidad and

Tobago’s Sparkle McKnight was fourth in 57.40.

The men’s 100m was won

by Liberia’s Emmanuel Matadi in 10.29s. He held off the USA’s Isiah Young who clocked 10.35.

Barbados’ Mario Burke ran

This 4-nil victory over The Bahamas a significant morale booster GUYANA’S World Cup qualifying campaign received a significant morale-booster with a commanding 4-nil victory against The Bahamas last Tuesday in the Dominican Republic This World Cup qualifier triumph is only second to Earl O’Neal’s men 5-2 victory against Grenada at the GCC ground, Bourda in March 1980. Guyana’s World Cup qualifying campaign began some 45 years ago, July 4, 1976.

Today, Chronicle Sport and statistician Charwayne Walker will take readers back starting with that historic 2-nil victory over Suriname at GCC ground, Bourda.

Guyana’s World Cup qualifier debutants defeated old nemeses Suriname at world-famous GCC Bourda 2-nil. Goalscorers Vibert Butts and Keith Niles. Maurice Enmore’s men lost the return fixture 0-3 in Paramaribo 1976.

World Cup qualifier #3: Guyana defeated Grenada 5-2 at GCC Bourda, March 1980.

Goalscorers: Clyde Watson, who registered a double. Clyde Forde, Gordon Braithwaite and Ashton Taylor.

Qualifier #4: Guyana defeated Grenada 3-2 at St George’s. Goalscorers: Clyde Watson who scored another double and Ashton Taylor.

Qualifier #5: Lost 0-1 to Suriname at GCC Bourda 1980.

Qualifier #6: Lost to Suriname

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday April 06, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Jeff Dujon-270 dismissals (265 catches; 5 stumpings) (2) Prasanna Jayawardene-156 dismissals (124 catches; 32 stumpings) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the recent WI/SL Test series?

(2)

Who was declared Man of the Series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

0-4 nil, Paramaribo 1980 and in qualifier # 7, lost to Cuba Havana 1980.

Qualifier #8: Lost to Cuba 0-3 at Mackenzie Sports Club, 1980. Qualifier #9: Lost to Suriname 0-1, Paramaribo 1984. Qualifier #10: Drew with Suriname one-all, GCC Bourda 1984. Goalscorer Terrence Archer.

Qualifier #11: Guyana lost to Trinidad and Tobago 0-4 at Camp Ayanganna 1988, qualifier #12: Trinidad and Tobago won one-nil, Arima 1988.

Qualifier #13: Suriname won 2-1, GCC Bourda 1992.

Goalscorer Anthony Stanton.

Qualifier #14 was drawn with Suriname one-all, Paramaribo.

Goalscorer Kevin Archer, 1992.

Qualifier #15: Lost to Grenada 1-3, GCC Bourda 1996.

Goalscorer Bryan Joseph.

Qualifier #16: Lost to Grenada 0-5, St George’s 1996. Qualifier #17: Grenada won 6-nil, St George’s 2004. Qualifier #18: Grenada won 3-1, Blairmont Community Centre.

Goalscorer Carey Harris 2004.

Qualifier #19: Lost 0-1 to Suriname, Paramaribo 2008.

Qualifier #20: Lost to Suriname 1-2, Providence National Stadium 2008. Goalscorer Nigel Codrington 2008. Qualifier #21: Defeated Barbados 2-nil, Providence National Stadium 2011. Goalscorers Charles Pollard and Shawn Beveney.

Qualifier #22: Defeated Barbados 2-nil, Bridgetown 2011.

Goalscorers Anthony Abrams and Christopher Nurse.

Qualifier #23 Guyana defeated Bermuda 2-1, Providence National Stadium 2011.

Goalscorer Vurlon Mills, who

scored the double. Qualifier #24: drawn with Bermuda one-all at Hamilton. Goalscorer Ricky Shakes. Qualifier #25: Defeated Trinidad and Tobago, Providence National Stadium 2011, 2-nil, Goalscorers Ricky Shakes and Carl Cort. Qualifier #26: Lost to Trinidad and Tobago 0-3, Port of Spain 2011.

Qualifier #27: Guyana lost to Mexico 1-3, Azteac Stadium 2012. Mexico scored an own goal. Qualifier #28 Costa Rica won 4-nil, Providence National Stadium 2012. Qualifier #29: Drawn, El Salvador 2-all, San Salvador 2012.

Goalscorer Trayon Bobb who scored the double. Qualifier #30: Lost to El Salvador 2-3, Providence National Stadium 2012. Goalscorers Gregory Richardson and Christopher Nurse. Qualifier #31: Guyana beaten by Mexico 0-5, Houston Texas 2012. Qualifier #32: Lost to Costa Rica 0-7, San Jose 2012. Qualifier #33: Drawn match with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown 2016 with goalscorers Ricky Shakes and Brandon Beresford. Qualifier #34: Drawn match with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Providence National Stadium 2016.

Goalscorers Avery Welshman (2) and Neil Danns (2).

Qualifier #35: Lost to Trinidad and Tobago 0-3, Dominican Republic 2021.

Qualifier #36: Defeated Bahamas 4-nil, Dominican Republic 2021. Goalscorers Terrence Vancooten, Kadell Daniels, Omari Glasgow and Avery Welshman.

a season-best 10.51 for third while Jamaica’s Odean Skeen, who is returning to competition after recovering from a series of injuries was fourth in 10.55.

(Sportsmax)

Frampton retires after losing to Jamel Herring in WBO world title fight

CARL Frampton announced his retirement in the ring after being stopped

by Jamel Herring in the sixth round of their WBO super-featherweight contest on Saturday night last.

The Belfast man was bidding to become Ireland’s first three-weight world champion.

Herring dropped Frampton, 34, a round earlier before another left uppercut in the sixth sent Frampton to the canvas.

Frampton’s career After losing to Josh Warrington in December 2018, Frampton seriously considered retiring but opted to continue in pursuit of another world title, firm in the belief he still had that level of performance in him.

The nature of the loss to Herring, given his assertion prior to the fight that such a result would signal an end to his career, has left Frampton with no doubt that the time

Carl Frampton was knocked down twice, in the fifth and sixth rounds

Amid a flurry of shots and little defence, Frampton’s corner threw in the towel.

“I said before I would retire if I lost this fight and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” an emotional Frampton said in the ring.

“I just want to dedicate my life to my family now.

Boxing has been good to me, it’s also been bad to me.

“The last few years with these boys [trainers Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis], have been the best of my career.

“I just want to go home to my beautiful wife and kids and that’s it.”

Defeat draws curtain on

is right to hang up his gloves.

Before the first knockdown, Herring was firmly in control of the contest having used his jab and seven-inch reach advantage to take the first three rounds.

Although not rocked, Frampton was already left with considerable ground to make up and did get to work in the fourth as a cut formed over Herring’s right eye.

However just as the Northern Irishman looked to be working his way back into the contest he walked onto a left hand midway through the fifth as the pendulum swung back in Herring’s favour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Ganguly says IPL to Spice Boy Mitchell brace boosts King’s go on as scheduled Lynn hopes, Guyana’s Harriott on target

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly on Sunday confirmed that everything will go on ‘as per schedule’ in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. His confirmation comes just hours after the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“Everything will go on as per schedule,” Ganguly told news agency ANI. Maharashtra will enter strict weekend lockdown from Friday to Monday, said state Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik adding that essential services and transportation including buses, trains, and taxis will be allowed. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting on Sunday in view of surging COVID-19 cases, he told reporters.

“A decision has also been taken to impose strict lockdown from 8.00 pm on Friday to 7.00 am on Monday in Maharashtra. The decision has been taken after consultations,” he added. Wankhede Stadium is set to host 10 IPL games this season from April 10 to 25.

The first match in Mumbai is slated to be played on April 10 between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

Four franchises – Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals have set up their base in Mumbai as of now.

The fifth franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is also based in Mumbai currently, but they will soon move

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

to Chennai to play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11.

The BCCI is also thinking of players’ vaccination ahead of the IPL with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla saying that the board will get in touch with the Health Ministry for players’ vaccination.

“In order to cope with this Coronavirus rise, I think the only solution is to get vaccinated. BCCI is also thinking on those lines that players should be vaccinated. Nobody knows when Coronavirus is going to end and you can’t give a deadline that by this time frame, it will not be there so players can play easily. So, I think now will have to think over that. Vaccination should be done for the players also,” Shukla told ANI. When asked if BCCI has written to the Health Ministry regarding players’ vaccination, Shukla said the BCCI is mulling over the idea and they will definitely get in touch with the ministry that players should be vaccinated. (Zee News App:, with ANI inputs)

LONDON, (CMC) – Grenada international Kairo Mitchell scored twice late on as King’s Lynn Town boosted their English National League survival hopes with a 2-0 home victory over Altrincham on Monday.

Mitchell, 23, fired home an angled shot low into the bottom corner with 10 minutes remaining before the six-foot, three-inch striker converted from the penalty spot four minutes from time.

King’s Lynn, beaten 3-0 by fifth-tier rivals Altrincham less than a fortnight ago, had earlier seen substitute Michael Gash’s 78th-minute penalty saved by Tony Thompson.

In League One, St Kitts and Nevis defender Michael Nottingham produced a superb finish 20 minutes from time to earn Accrington Stanley a 2-1 win at Oxford United.

Nottingham, 31, controlled a clearance with a deft first touch and then rifled home a half-volley from 10 yards to bring Accrington a vital win for their slender hopes of reaching the play-offs, and all but ending Oxford’s.

Earlier, John Coleman’s men went in front on 16 minutes when on-loan Queens Park Rangers forward Paul Smyth fired high into the net from 15 yards, before Oxford equalised nine minutes later with Elliot Lee slotting home from Matt Taylor’s pass.

Meanwhile in League Two, Guyana international Callum Harriott helped Colchester United secure a point against fellow strugglers Barrow with the opener in a 1-1 draw.

Harriott, 27, gave Colchester the lead on 33 minutes when his low first-time

Callum Harriott

shot flew in after Frank Nouble had helped Courtney Senior’s delivery into his path.

But substitute Tom Beadling salvaged a point for the visitors in the 88th minute when he struck home a low shot from the edge of the area.

Elsewhere in League Two, 37-year-old striker Clayton Donaldson, who made 10 appearances for

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, and Luke Norris exchanged firsthalf goals as play-off-chasing pair Stevenage and Bradford City had to settle for a point apiece.

Norris put Stevenage ahead after 15 minutes, but the visitors levelled against the run of play in the 27th minute when Connor Wood’s cross was met by Donaldson, whose header looped over a stranded Jamie Cumming in the Stevenage goal.

In the Championship, Lewis Grabban, who played in two friendlies for Jamaica in 2015, helped nudge Nottingham Forest nearer safety from relegation with a 63rd-minute goal in his team’s 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers.

Alex Mighten opened the scoring just before the break and Grabban doubled Forest’s lead before midfielder James Garner, on loan from Manchester United, made it 3-0.

Substitute Lyndon Dykes headed in Albert Adomah’s cross for an injury-time consolation for the visitors.

Bermudian striker Nahki Wells notched his 10th goal of the campaign, but in the end it proved to be only a consolation as out-of-sorts Bristol City went down 3-1 at Championship strugglers Coventry City.

Wells, 30, looked to have set up a nervy finish when he capitalised on Kyle McFadzean’s under-hit back pass in the 79th minute, having

Grenada international Kairo Mitchell.

seen home goalkeeper Marko Marosi make a wonderful reaction save to keep out his effort in the first half.

Coventry took an early lead through Leo Ostigard and doubled their lead with a Matt Godden penalty on 63 minutes before Viktor Gyokeres settled it with a third on 87 minutes.

Manager Nigel Pearson, whose difficult start at Ashton Gate has now seen him lose five and win just two of his first eight games in charge of Bristol City, said afterwards: “It was a poor performance and a careless one, too. We gave away soft goals and we didn’t compete on a physical level.

Quinton de Kock escapes fake fielding charge after Zaman run out

A disappointing end for Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman who was run out in the 2nd ODI against South Africa while not watching the ball

(AFP) -South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock is unlikely to face any sanction over the run out of Fakhar Zaman during the Proteas’ 17-run win in the second ODI, according to reports.

After reviewing footage of the incident, match officials are believed to have come to the conclusion that de Kock was not in breach of the law on fielders deceiving batsmen.

In the last over of the match, with Pakistan still needing 30 to win, de Kock seemingly gestured for South African Aiden Markram to throw to the bowler’s end, where Haris Rauf was heading.

Fakhar, who had struck an outstanding 193, looked behind him, away from the direction of the fielder, as he was running towards the wicketkeeper and was surprised when Markram’s throw hit the stumps at that end.

Social media immediately went into overdrive with cries that de Kock had flouted the law on fake fielding which states that “it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct

either batsman after the striker has received the ball”.

Fakhar admitted after the match that he had been taken by surprise but did not attempt to deflect blame for the dismissal on to cheating by the South African wicketkeeper.

“I was looking at Haris Rauf because I thought the run-out would be at his end. It was my own fault,” he said at the post-match press conference.

Officials are understood to have deemed that de Kock’s actions were not a trick and that he was indicating for the throw to go to the bowler’s end.

South African fielder Tabraiz Shamsi tweeted on Monday that de Kock was calling for a fielder to back up the throw at the non-striker’s end.

“QDK was NOT speaking to or pointing at the batsman, he was asking a fielder to back up at the non strikers end,” tweeted Shamsi.

“Not Quinnys fault the batsman turned around 2 see instead of completing the run safely which he should have done.”

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave.

CWI treatment of territorial boards always ‘equitable’,says Grave SEE PAGE 21

All-rounder Jason Holder arrives for Sunrisers IPL campaign CHENNAI, India, (CMC) – Former Test and one-day captain, Jason Holder, arrived here Monday for his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the cash-rich Indian Premier League, fresh from helping West Indies secure a nil-all stalemate in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Under the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) existing health protocols,

the 29-year-old will now spend seven days in quarantine before he is allowed to link up with the squad led by big-hitting Australian opener David Warner.

Sunrisers take on Kolkata Knight Riders, who boast Holder’s teammates Sunil Narine and Andre Russell in their ranks, next Monday.

“Welcoming the big man from the Windies.

Svagatam, @Jasehold-

er98!,” Sunrisers Hyderabad tweeted.

Holder, the world’s leading Test all-rounder, proved a revelation for the franchise last season after he was a late call-up to replace injured Australian Mitchell Marsh.

The Barbadian captured 14 wickets from seven matches at an average of 16 and an economy rate of eight.

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All-rounder Jason Holder will spend seven days in quarantine

Simmons wants results pitches in wake of series stalemate SEE PAGE 21

Phil Simmons, West Indies head coach

Ganguly says IPL to go on as scheduled SEE PAGE 23

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

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TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021