Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-02-2021

Happy New Year

MONDAY 8th February, 2021

' No.106266

MACORP invests over US$1M

–– to tap O&G opportunities; company acquires marine certification

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

Cancer survivor: ‘Early detection helped save my life’

PAGE

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More ICT infrastructure needed in rural, hinterland areas 17 PAGE

Road work done at Charity. Residents of Region Two have expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Works for the rehabilitation of several deplorable roads in the regions. Road works are currently being done at Charity, Affiance, Henrietta, Jib, Perservance, Queenstown, Good Hope, Golden Fleece, and Richmond, Essequibo Coast (see story on page 13)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

President Ali to address Parliament on Thursday

By Navendra Seoraj COMING on the heels of a turbulent year plagued by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a protracted electoral pro-

cess, 2021 is billed to be a year of recovery, progress and development, driven by comprehensive and targeted plans, which will be possibly outlined when President, Dr. Irfaan Ali,

makes his maiden address to the 12th Parliament, on Thursday.

Dr. Ali, Guyana’s ninth Executive President, was elected to office at a time when Guyana and the world over is facing a deadly pandemic, which has compelled society to change its habitual practices in order to not just save lives but to maintain economic stability.

With the pandemic still pervasive today and the impacts of a protracted electoral process still evident, the President and his Cabinet will be looking to build on the foundation laid over the past six months in office.

It is still unclear what the President’s address to Parliament will include, but reliable sources have said that the Head-of-State will be outlining the government’s agenda for not just short term advancement,

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

but also plans in place for the medium and long term.

According to the order paper for the 18th sitting of the National Assembly, President Ali, on his arrival at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre - the designated location for sittings amidst the pandemic - will be inspecting the Guard of Honour.

When the President arrives in the Chambers, the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, will resume the sitting of the National Assembly and deliver brief remarks before affording the Head-of-State the opportunity to address the Parliament.

President Ali has said already that Guyana is on course to prosperity, with a diverse economy which is yet to reach its peak.

NEVER BEEN BRIGHTER “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, said during his address to the nation on January 1, 2021.

The year 2021, according 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 groups 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.

This country having received payment of US$49.3

million for its fourth oil lift, has ended the year on a high note with approximately US$200 million being generated so far from the country’s nascent oil and gas sector.

Considering the country’s oil revenue and other lucrative sources of income, the President believes that the standard of living and the quality of life must be lifted for all. “Work will be rewarded; hard work will be rewarded even more,” he said.

“Opportunities will be created to join in such work, and they will be made available to all. I recognise that there are communities within our society which, because of disadvantages of geographic location, will need more help than others to join our national advance,” President Ali reasoned.

The country will have to identify those communities, assess their needs, identify solutions, and implement plans to change their circumstances.

This change will not occur overnight, it will take time.

But every journey begins with a first step, the President said.

“I intend to initiate that first step, and to maintain a steady pace that will take us to that journey’s end. We still have many challenges ahead of us,” the Head of State said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

MACORP invests over US$1M

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–– to tap O&G opportunities; company acquires marine certification

By Navendra Seoraj RESISTANCE to change is common because of the uncertainty attached to this phenomenon, but Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), one of Guyana’s leading suppliers of heavy-duty machinery and equipment, has withstood the test of time and has even positioned itself to absorb opportunities stemming from Guyana’s burgeoning oil-and-gas-sector.

The sector has already drawn in a number of major global players.

The inescapable truth is that oil and gas will attract major attention, as has been observed recently in Guyana.

But, MACORP, which is the only authorised dealer of Caterpillar (CAT) products here, has not, in any way, taken a backseat amidst rapid development.

In fact, the company has already invested close to US$1 million (approximately G$200 million) in order to build capacity to service the nascent sector, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Human Resources (HR) Manager of the MACORP Group, Anita Ramprasad, has said.

“The facilities are already here, so the investments are in technical training, tools and other items… over the past two years, we would have spent around US$1 million on training, certification, tooling, specialised equipment and

other overhead costs,” Ramprasad said during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Testimony too of the company’s seriousness in this area, is its appointment of an oil and gas manager and an engineer, both of whom work “24/7.”

The company, through its investments, has already been able to deliver support services to Guyana’s oil and gas exploration and production operations.

But, with ExxonMobil – the key stakeholder in Guyana’s oil and gas sector – set to expand its operations in the near future, the company has evidently taken steps to ensure that it becomes a leading oil service provider.

Since 2015, ExxonMobil, operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, increased its estimated recoverable resource base to more than nine billion oil-equivalent barrels. And, following an agreement with the Government of Guyana, the company recently decided to proceed with the Payara field development offshore Guyana.

Payara is the company’s third project in the Stabroek Block and is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day after start-up in 2024, using the prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The $9 billion development will target an estimated

resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels.

Ten drill centres are planned, along with up to 41 wells, including 20 production and 21 injection wells.

OPPORTUNITY This presents an opportunity for MACORP to further expand its reach in the sector, since, according to Ramprasad, the company already shares a commercial relationship with all of the main contractors and sub-contractors in the sector.

“We are a registered supplier… we also sit on the board of the Guyana Energy Chamber,” Ramprasad said, noting that the company’s aim is to be the leading oil service provider in Guyana.

This aim, she said, is aligned with the company’s business model, which is strategic and caters for competition.

The business model was further boosted when the company became a certified marine dealer after receiving accreditation from CAT. Caterpillar Inc. is an American Fortune 100 corporation that designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, markets, and sells machinery, engines, financial products, and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network. It is the world's largest construction-equipment manufacturer.

“We are now, in CAT world, a certified marine dealer…. this process started two

years ago and it was no easy task,” Ramprasad related.

To achieve this certification, the company had to invest close to $40 million on four employees, who were sent aboard to undertake specialised examinations; a process which lasted 18 months.

“We have invested a lot on four employees to receive this marine certification…

CAT audits your process, the skill of the employees, output, equipment, tools and standards to meet the demands of the oil and gas industry… we were subsequently certified after this,” Ramprasad said, adding that the company received a top tier, gold standard certification despite being new to the sector.

With this accreditation, the company has eliminated the need for stakeholders in the sector to look outside of Guyana for various support services.

Added to this, MACORP is a “six sigma company,” holding both black and green belts. According to research, “six sigma” is a quality-control methodology developed in 1986 by Motorola Inc. The method uses a data-driven review to limit mistakes or defects in a corporate or business process.

“There are not many companies in Guyana that can do six sigma… this is commonly associated with Fortune 500 companies and basically entails no wastage of time and so forth,” Ramprasad explained.

CFO and HR Manager of MACORP Group, Anita Ramprasad

As far as quality control goes, the company is also ISO 9001 certified, and has been awarded for the maintenance of a robust system of quality.

UNMATCHED Ramprasad is of the firm view that the company’s quality-control systems are unmatched; this being a critical element of their business which would afford them the chance to tap opportunities in the oil-and-gas-sector.

The company has already made many strides in this area, with one of the first being the opportunity to send four of its employees offshore to participate in one of the first projects aboard the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Ramprasad said the company, since then, has been participating consistently in many jobs related to the sector. And, there is definitely no intention to stop there, as the company has already committed to consistent advancement and development in the coming years.

It was reported recently that the company will be constructing a US$25 million (approximately G$5.4 billion) mega complex at Covent Garden, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

The state-of-the-art five-section complex will house its new corporate office and other facilities, which will offer services to every productive sector in Guyana, particularly oil and gas.

More than 700 Guyanese-owned businesses have already been able to secure

work in Guyana’s nascent oiland-gas-sector.

In just five years, local investors have been able to position themselves to absorb opportunities emanating from a sector.

Prior to ExxonMobil’s discovery of oil, offshore Guyana, indigenous businesses focused primarily on the traditional sectors such as agriculture, gold/diamond mining, forestry and tourism and commerce, among others.

Some 18 discoveries have so far been made in the Stabroek Block since 2015, but just three projects have so far been sanctioned – Liza One, Two and Payara. The operator, ExxonMobil, expects this to ramp up to around five by 2026, generating more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day. ExxonMobil has since increased its estimated recoverable resource base in Guyana to more than nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

While this development has attracted many foreign ‘eyes’, Director of the Centre for Local Business Development, Patrick Henry, had said that over 700 Guyanese-owned businesses have received some type of contract, purchase order or other work within the oil and gas sector.

Guyanese businesses have been contributing to the oil and gas supply chain, which includes services such as transportation and even professional services ranging from lawyers, accountants, caterers and even auditors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Biden sets out firm line on Iran sanctions

US President Joe Biden says he will not lift economic sanctions against Iran until it complies with the terms agreed under a 2015 nuclear deal.

Biden was speaking in a CBS News interview aired on Sunday.

But Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Tehran would only return to compliance if the US first lifted all economic sanctions.

The 2015 deal sought to limit Iran’s nuclear programme, with sanctions eased in return.

Former President Donald Trump, however, withdrew the US from the deal in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, leading Iran to roll back on a

number of its commitments.

Iran, which says its nuclear programme is peaceful, has been increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium. Enriched uranium can be used to make reactor fuel, but also nuclear bombs.

Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal - an agreement reached between Iran, the US, China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK - Tehran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors to access sites and facilities.

In return, sanctions imposed on Tehran were lifted.

But Trump withdrew the US from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in an effort to force Iran

to negotiate a new accord, and reinstated economic sanctions.

Trump wanted to place indefinite curbs on Tehran’s nuclear programme and also halt its development of ballistic missiles.

Iran refused. In July 2019, it breached the 3.67 per cent cap on uranium enrichment and in January this year announced it had resumed enriching uranium to 20 per cent purity.

Weapons-grade uranium is

we see that they have acted faithfully in this regard, we will return to our commitment,” he said, adding: “It is the irreversible and final decision and all Iranian officials have consensus over it.”

The president also talked about the US relationship with China.

He said there was no reason for Washington to be drawn into direct conflict with Beijing, but that both sides would engage

in what he called “extreme competition” on the global economic stage.

Biden said he had not spoken to his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, since becoming president last month, and that he had not changed his stance towards Beijing.

“He’s very bright, he’s very tough,” Biden said of Mr Xi, adding: “He doesn’t have a democratic - small ‘d’ - bone in his body.” (BBC)

Largest protest in Myanmar in more than a decade MYANMAR has seen its largest protests in more than a decade, as tens of thousands of people rallied against the military coup and demanded the release

Monday February 8, 2021 – 02:00hrs – 13:00hrs

90 per cent purity.

In a short clip of the interview published before the full broadcast at 16:00 EST (21:00 GMT) on Sunday, Biden was asked if he would halt economic sanctions to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table, and he replied: “No.” Meanwhile, Ali Khamenei said that for Iran to return to its commitments under the deal, the US must first “abolish all sanctions”, Iranian state TV reported on Sunday.

“We will assess, and if

US President Joe Biden

of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. “We don’t want military dictatorship. We want democracy,” the crowds chanted in the main city, Yangon.

Rallies were held in more than a dozen other cities.

Internet access has now been restored after a daylong blackout.

The army has not yet commented on the growing opposition to Monday’s coup.

The military seized power after claiming, without evidence, that the November election was fraudulent. The rulers declared a year-long state of emergency and have been hunkered down in the capital, Nay Pyi Daw. Suu Kyi and senior leaders of her National League for Democracy Party (NLD), including President Win Myint, have been put under house arrest.

In Yangon, people wore red shirts and held red balloons, the colour of Suu Kyi’s party, while cars and buses slowed to sound their horns in support. Many flashed the three-finger salute, a symbol of defiance against authoritarianism in the region. The Internet shutdown imposed by the military failed to curb the protesters. “Respect our vote,” read one banner, in reference

to the NLD’s landslide win in November.

Sunday’s protests in Yangon were the biggest since the so-called Saffron Revolution in 2007, when thousands of the country’s monks rose up against the military regime.

Crowds marched towards the Sule Pagoda in the city centre while police vehicles and officers in riot gear were stationed near Yangon University. There were no immediate reports of violence.

“First, we don’t want to go back to military rule. We don’t want to live in fear.

Secondly, we want Mother Su to be freed from being under detention unjustly,” a protester told the BBC. “And third, we want to root out the system where soldiers take civilian administrative positions.”

Another demonstrator said that Suu Kyi was “our true leader”, adding: “She is our only hope for our democracy, if she died or something happened to her, what is our future?

We really need her back.”

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Haiti judge among 23 arrested in ‘coup attempt’ THE president of Haiti says an attempt to kill him and overthrow the government has been foiled, amid a dispute over when his term ends.

At least 23 people were arrested, including a top judge and a senior police officer, the authorities said.

President Jovenal Moïse insists his term in office ends in February 2022.

But opponents say it finished on Sunday.

Protesters took to the streets of the capital Port-au-Prince and other towns over his refusal to step down.

There were clashes with police, who responded with tear gas.

“We cannot accept that Jovenel Moïse violates the Constitution of the country,” said one protester, Etienne Jean Daniel. “We demand that the Constitution be respected.”

Another accused the authorities of “kidnapping” those accused of carrying out the

coup. “I am demanding the release of these people quickly,” said Jean Reynold.

Security officials said there had been an “attempted coup d’etat” and cash and weapons - including assault rifles, machine guns and machetes - were seized as the arrests were made.

“I thank my head of security at the palace.

The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life,” President Moïse said.

“That plan was aborted.”

The BBC’s Will Grant says Haiti’s political crisis comes down to two different interpretations of the Constitution and the length of the president’s current term.

Opponents of President Moïse say it ends now after a volatile period in office following a disputed vote in 2016. Moïse disagrees, arguing that he has one year left of his term and has no intention of stepping down before that date.

After legislative elections were suspended in 2019, President Moïse is now in his second year of ruling by decree. Even if he manages to avoid being ousted, there are likely to be further protests ahead, our correspondent notes.

Haiti is the poorest country in Latin

America with some 60 per cent of the population living below the poverty line.

A group of US senators, in a letter to new Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has called on the Biden administration to withdrawn Washington’s support for President Moïse. (BBC)

TT: Women, girls, men, boys in anti-crime march HUNDREDS of women, girls, men and boys marched around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain declaring “Enough is enough,” as they demanded action by those in authority to deal with crime, especially violent crimes against women and children.

The march came nine days after 22-year-old court clerk Andrea Bharatt was kidnapped and three days after her decomposing body was found dumped down a precipice in the Heights of Aripo in East Trinidad.

The marchers called on politicians to effect changes to the law to enable women to protect themselves. Carrying home-made placards, men, women and children

marched to the chants of: “We want justice,” “No bail for rapists,” and, “No bail for kidnappers.”

Co-organiser, Dimitri Chote said there are three things that should be done: legalise the use of non-lethal weapons; regulate PH (private-hire) taxi drivers and make the Sexual Offenders Registry public.

He said non-lethal weapons such as pepper sprays and Tasers will give women and young girls a fighting chance when confronted by male predators.

Regulating PH drivers will ensure the mainly male drivers will be registered and could pave the way for such provisions as GPS tracking.

Making the registry public could provide potential

Jamaica: Bartender stabbed to death by boyfriend A farmer has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death during a dispute in St Ann last night.

The deceased is identified as 31-year-old bartender Keniesha Reid and the accused is 23-year-old Javell Devarn Lindo, otherwise called Mafia.

Both are from Frazer district, Cascade in the parish.

According to the police, about 11:00 pm, Reid and Lindo had a longstanding dispute, which ensued from the bar operated by the deceased after she was seen speaking with another man.

Reid reportedly left for her apartment followed by Lindo when the argument escalated.

The police reported that a knife was brought into play and Reid was stabbed several times in her torso. She subsequently ran from the house onto the main road where she collapsed.

She was later pronounced dead at the Percy Junior Hospital while Smith turned himself in at the Cave Valley Police Station. (Jamaica Observer)

Marchers with placards during the walk around the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on Sunday (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday photo) life-saving information to society’s women and the parents of the country’s vulnerable children and teenagers.

Chote described the turnout as “amazing” and beyond his personal expectations.

He said he wanted the anger and outrage over Bharatt’s murder moved off of so-

cial media and into tangible, physical action that could foster change.

Chote said that he and fellow organiser Ishmael Tarouba were accused of being racially motivated to protest. “People were citing racial motivation and so on, which made me wonder,

‘why do this if this is the kind of ignorance I am meet-

ing?’ We know there is no racial motivation behind this.

This was just a terrible action done to somebody who didn’t deserve it and I had trouble sleeping at night so I said, ‘let me do something about this. Let me act.’”

Many protesters said they came out to make their voices heard and ask Government to do something about crime.

Sarah Benjamin-Paul, who marched with her husband, daughters and nieces, said she is fed-up of the situation in the country.

“We have to think about the future of our girls. If nothing is done, it’s just going to continue getting worse and it’s just going to go downhill from here,” Benjamin-Paul said. (Trinidad and Tobago Newsday)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Budget 2021

MINISTER of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, this week, is expected to present, in Parliament, the 2021 National Budget, and the nation looks forward to the projects, plans and policies that the State will fund through this year with great anticipation, expecting much progressive thinking in it because of the minds behind its drafting, in Minister Singh and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Along with the budget team and staff, these two leaders worked hard and smart to design the 2021 National Budget in the backdrop of a global environment of the COVID pandemic, worldwide economic contraction from COVID lockdown measures, and with the nation’s oil and gas sector fully up and running.

Despite the pandemic scenario, the 2021 National Budget is an exciting advent, with its goal of unleashing tremendous and historic Guyanese socio-economic progress. The budget would drive the national impetus to grow the GDP with historic record leaps and bounds, bringing Guyana’s wealth ranking among nations of the 21st century world to a new high. These are exciting, historic, optimistic times for the Guyanese nation, and the best economic minds in the country, Minister Singh and Vice- President Jagdeo, are the brains behind the 2021 Budget, and it is heart-warming to know that these leaders would also be in charge of implementing the budget measures for the next year. 2021 promises to be Guyana’s best year ever in its history, and the budget, on Friday, will kick start this

exciting new era of Guyana’s progressive development.

Coming after five years of the Coalition hoisting draconian, oppressive, austerity budgets upon the backs of Guyanese, and after the September 2020 Emergency Budget of the President Ali-government, this 2021 Budget is the first real annual progressive, development-focused package of State initiatives in six years. Guyana weathered the storm of the Coalition’s dense lack of understanding of basic socio-economic wisdom, and even battled through and won against the Coalition’s harsh assault on the democratic fabric. Following the last five years of really bad, terrible governance – which saw the Coalition hoicking a mammoth 200 new taxes on the backs of ordinary citizens, this 2021 National Budget brings a new promise and great relief to the nation, building upon the work started with the September 2020 Emergency Budget.

Every Guyanese looks forward to Minister Singh’s presentation in Parliament. It will be the day that history records as the start of Guyana’s move into a position of glory and global prominence, as a country that achieves its vast potential. It is as if the nation for all its history, and for all of the 55 years since Independence, has been waiting for this moment. This moment is what Dr Cheddi Jagan worked his entire life for, in ensuring Guyana functions as a full-fledged democracy, and for this kind of progress and development of the people. Also, in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

(PPP/C), a political party that became more of a socio-economic movement for the Guyanese nation over the past half century, always battling to keep the country democratic and progressive and peaceful, this moment is a rewarding result. All Guyanese could take an example from this movement’s decades of perseverance, mammoth sacrifices, and eternal belief in the nation’s destiny, to dedicate their days to the national cause.

This national cause of the government is a well-balanced approach to achieve massive economic progress and development, to institute humane social programmes across every corner of the society, and to provide the physical infrastructure necessary for Guyanese to build their communities. The budget will establish new communities across the land, with new highways, new mega projects, new schools, new thinking.

There will be massive incentives for the private sector to escalate investments in the country, and to become a more robust engine of development, and there will be a plan for full engagement of the Guyanese diaspora around the world, both to invest in the homeland, but also to market the Guyana brand worldwide and to partner with local businesses and organisations.

This 2021 Budget is founded on a national vision, for it is not just an annual financial plan. The vision is laid out in the elections manifesto of the government, and includes a whopping 50,000 new jobs over the next five years, the roll out of a country-wide digital network to equip

and empower individual Guyanese with real time high-speed connection to the global internet, and the implementation of a sustainable development agenda.

These are broad areas of the vision, with the entire package of programmes, projects and development policy a comprehensive and packed agenda for government over the next year, but stretching into the full five-year term of this administration. The State will be busy this year after this budget presentation. Much of the work is already underway, through the 2020 Emergency Budget, and 2021 will install the goals of this visionary, futuristic, progressive government.

The presentation will reveal the exciting path Guyana is embarking upon, and Guyanese are assured that the best team in the country is in charge of governance and implementation of these budget goals.

Minister Singh has laid the ground work well, with adjustments to the country’s monetary policy, raising the financial ceiling for foreign capital generation to $650B and the local ceiling to $500B. This will open the avenue for serious and historic financial capital to be pumped into the local economy, thus ensuring resources are adequately available for the great vision that is unfolding over Guyana’s destiny.

For every Guyanese, these are exciting times, especially as the government gets ready to present its budget, which would be a roadmap for the new future that has opened up for this country.

Big investors must also come to Berbice Dear Editor, THANK you for allowing me this opportunity to inspire our foreign and local friends who might be looking for an idea for their next big investment.

One word, “BERBICE!” SIR, we in Berbice, specifically those of us on the Corentyne have always felt a bit left out of all these grand developments that have been taking

place in Guyana. The average Berbician travelling from the Corentyne to Georgetown to conduct business, spend on average $10,000 on each trip. If our investor friends consider building one of those fancy malls, or any place that can satisfy ones recreational needs in Berbice, I’m sure profits will be just as attractive, if not better, as when one chooses to build in Georgetown. See, all this money that we spend on transportation alone can be spent in such a

place if one were to invest in one, here in Berbice.

Editor, I am not qualified in economics, but don’t be misled by this, as I am one of the average Berbicians who will travel with my family to Georgetown, just so that my family can enjoy a little bit of the better part of what Guyana has to offer; specifically using the escalator at the Giftland Mall, eating at one of the many food joints in the food court or even the fun rides at “Fun

City.” (Oh, how I wish we had even one Burger King, DQ or Pizza Hut here, as I am sure do so many others.) As petty as it might sound, the deficiency in recreational activities (pandemic aside) has created a great demand for same in this county, and having a great demand for a service would be good for business.

Don’t you think?

Hopeful Berbician, Naressa Drijodhan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Poll: Invest in agriculture, oil & gas

AN opinion poll conducted by eminent pollster and political analyst Dr. Vishnu Bisram in mid- January has found that the population wants (is supportive of) the government to invest in agriculture and energy (oil and gas) to ensure sustained long-term growth and to transform the econ-

omy of the country.

The findings of the poll (of 470 respondents) reflect the views of the demographics and of the diversity of the population.

According to the findings of the poll, when asked whether government should invest in agriculture for sustained growth, 86 per cent

THE CASH GRANT

By Michael Younge

LAST week, there was concern in the public domain about government’s roll out of its $25,000 COVID relief cash grant initiative.

There were fears that the eligibility criteria were not doing justice to the initiative and ‘many’ persons were left out from benefitting from the much-needed aid. More interestingly, it was also alleged that some who benefited didn’t need the aid and therefore should not be eligible.

And finally, the normal political banter that the cash grant is being really used as a political initiative and plan by the government to dole out monies to its supporters primarily; hence, allegations of discrimination and marginalisation in the grant.

It would seem as though these fears and questions about the grant can be cleared up with simple facts if the person who is pointing the accusatory finger really wants to know.

The cash-grant initiative was introduced as part of government’s response to the socio-economic crisis of the COVID-19 epidemic last year by President Dr Irfaan Ali. It is a one-off initiative that is part and parcel of a number of policy measures aimed at opening up the economy; revitalising and keeping businesses going; tackling the unemployment caused by the adverse effects of the pandemic, and dealing with the socio-economic challenges that are rearing their ugly heads. Therefore, this must be seen as a grant from government that is helping all who qualifies for it to “cope” for the time

being in the current environment.

So far, 153, 000 families have benefited from the initiative at December 30, 2020. And that amount is not inclusive of those families still waiting to be served in the second round this year, and those who have been given the “pink slip.” This is pegged at $7B dollars as there is more work to be done under the project which is headed by the Ministries of Human Services and Local Government and Regional Development.

This is remarkable when one considers the time frame and topography of Guyana.

So, the argument that all eligible households would not get the grant is unfounded and a politically sensitive innuendo, designed to cast aspersions on the project.

Everyone, regardless of which side of the political divide, race, creed, religion and sexual orientation, will get the grant once they qualify for it.

And those bickering about the criteria to be qualified are not being serious about helping Guyanese families that are in need.

While it is understandable that a few persons who are considered in the upper classes of society will get the grant, a large portion of the middle classes and the poorer classes are getting the grant. Evidence is seen every day of people rejoicing because the aid came just in time when they are in need of a “small-change” or “extra” money to cover their bills and restart their lives which have been challenging since the advent of the epidemic.

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said, “yes”; nine per cent said, “no”; and five per cent offered no response or said “Not Sure.”

Asked whether government should invest in oil and gas for long-term growth, 83 per cent said, “yes”; 11 per cent said “no” and six per

cent said not sure. The public feels that energy investment will help to transform and modernise the economy.

The public is very supportive of the re-opening of the closed sugar estates – 81 per cent in support with 12 per cent opposed to and

seven per cent offering no opinion.

Respondents were also asked who were the most popular and effective ministers. Attorney General Anil Nandlall was rated as the most popular minister of the government. Other

ministers who received high ratings for performance include Zulfikar Mustapha, Deodat Indar, Nigel Dharamlall, Vickram Bharrat, Kwame McCoy, Bishop Edghill and Susan Pariag, among others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

No new COVID-19 cases in Region Nine

REGION Nine is the only region in Guyana that has not recorded new COVID-19 cases in the past week, according to the Ministry of Health’s daily dashboards.

While the ministry recorded a total of 302 new cases over the past seven days, none of these were recorded in Region Nine, which is a remarkable feat for such a large region.

Meanwhile, 43 new cases were confirmed within the past 24 hours. Three of these

were recorded in Region One, two in Region Two, four in Region Three, 28 in Region Four, four in Region Six, and two in Region 10.

Regions Five, Seven, Eight and Nine have not confirmed any new cases within the past 24 hours.

Currently, five persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 51 persons are in institutional isolation, 780 persons in home isolation, and 14 persons in institutional quarantine. The

number of active cases is now back to 850, with 212 tests carried out within the past 24 hours.

The number of recorded COVID-19 fatalities remains at 180.

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 your home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance

from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus.

If you or anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need 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.

THE CASH ...

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Also, this is a small help and can only, at this time, do for the families in need because of the financial situation that Guyana found itself in at September 2020 with mounting debt, financial discrepancies and scandals. It never was intended for each person to benefit so the challenges persons are facing in the distribution of the grant are noted.

Government must do all that is legally possible to safeguard the people’s monies from hands that are sticky and “fast.” But already, the system has checks and balances in place along with daily audits to guard against the money being used for anything outside of the normal. This should muzzle the politically bankrupt arguement that the money

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is being used for political gerrymandering. And the audit by the auditor general should cement this position and expose all cracks in the process, so that action aimed at recouping misused funds can be taken.

From all standpoints, the grant is doing exactly what the President considered and is therefore a lesson of what can be done when government thinks with its heart, head and resources. It is classic because it not only marries the people’s current need for funds, but it also exposes just how policy formulation and policy execution can work to drive a certain outcome in a society such as Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

EoIs for Guyana-Suriname bridge can be submitted electronically

By Rehana Ahamad DUE to various COVID-19 measures, contractors, particularly those residing outside of Georgetown, are fearful that their Expressions of Interest (EoI) to build the Guyana to Suriname Bridge would not arrive before the stipulated deadline of February 15, 2021.

As a remedy, the Ministry of Public Works for both Suriname and Guyana are encouraging electronic submissions.

“We have given potential bidders an option to submit electronically, and the reason for that is that some persons have reached out to us to say that because of restrictions due to COVID-19, there is a chance that their submissions might not reach to us in time,” Project Engineer, Patrick Thompson, told the Guyana Chronicle.

He clarified too that the electronic copies are only being accepted as a means of contractors meeting the already prescribed deadline, and will not serve as a replacement for the hardcopy submissions.

“They will still have to send the hardcopies, but they [potential bidders] will have the option to send electronic copies of their documents, in cases where persons are having challenges sending the hardcopy in time for the deadline,” Thompson posited.

According to the EoI notice issued on November 29, 2020, submissions are expected to comprise of three hardcopies and one softcopy that must be sent to both the Public Works Ministry in Suriname and here in Guyana – ctpuwsg@gmail.com and santosh.soman@publicworks. gov.sr respectively.

“In the event the electronic submission received on Monday, February 15, 2021 is not identical to the hardcopies transmitted by March 1, 2021, the electronic submission shall take precedence,” the notice affirmed.

The invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) is specifically for the provision of consultancy services for the “conducting of feasibility study and preparing detailed designs for construction of the bridge over the Corentyne River and approach roads connecting Suriname and Guyana.”

The notice outlined that, “The objective of the consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study including environmental and social-im-

pact assessments and prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the construction of a bridge linking South Drain, Suriname and Moleson Creek, Guyana.” This particular assignment has a timeline of 12 months attached to it.

Guyana’s Senior Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, had said that if all goes as planned, the bridge linking Guyana and Suriname could be completed and put to use before the end of 2025.

TECHNICAL TEAM ASSEMBLED Minister Edghill had previously told the Guyana Chronicle that a technical team has been assembled to ensure the competent and transparent execution of construction of the bridge.

That team is being mutually spearheaded by Minister Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart, Riad Nuiermohamed. While construction of the bridge is a joint initiative, Minister Edghill said that the contracted works will not necessarily be ‘shared’ by the two countries.

“Whoever is the contractor that wins the contract, they will do the work,” the Public Works Minister noted. This is irrespective of the nationality and/or location of the successful bidder.

“Whoever is the qualified contractor with the competence and skills and everything to build the bridge will be awarded the work,” Edghill said.

The EoI has specified that “following the assessment of the submissions, a shortlist of no less than three, and no more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and will then be invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment.”

Minister Edghill had informed that all submissions would be examined by the technical team, and that bidders would only be selected if they satisfy the criteria agreed by both countries.

In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, financial capability, qualifications, existing commitments, and importantly, the bidder’s experience on similar projects, both locally and regionally.

“The Governments of Suriname and Guyana reserve the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation

partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest,” the initial EoI notice concluded.

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Flashback: Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, accompanied by a Surinamese trekked through the bushes to plant flags at the bridge’s intended location

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Home is where the hurt lies THERE are many sayings about home. Home is where the heart is; there’s no place like home; home sweet home etc. But for some children in

care, there is no home and no family linkage -- just painful memories of the past, and an uncertain future. Abused children who have no family

to turn to are taken into care for their safety and well-being.

While in care, they have regular meals, attend school

and receive clean clothes and a comfortable place to sleep. Every effort for children to partake in events, sports and entertainment is made, but the necessary

attention and nurturing needed for their emotional and social development is sparse.

Children should only be in institutional care for a short period, (4 – 6 months) until alternative accommodation and provision are in place for their care. But due to one set of adverse circumstances or another, some children spend the majority of their lives in institutionalised care, void of family connection.

However, removing them from the certainty of institutional care and returning them to the uncertainty of a family home is not an option. They were rescued from an abusive situation before; therefore, it would not benefit them to return to the same unsafe environment.

After staying in residential care for three years, a girl of 12 recollects: “My sister and I were sexually molested by our uncle, and I am sure family members living nearby knew what was going on when he came home drunk at night. Our father worked nights and left us alone because our family were around, but they did not protect us.

“The first time my uncle trouble me, I kicked and fought and screamed for help, but no one came. I tried to tell my father, and he tell me ‘shut me mouth’. After a while, I stopped screaming. Now our Aunty wants us to live with her, but it’s she brother who trouble we.

I don’t want to stay with her or go back to that village where our uncle and father living.”

Most people believe that only strangers abuse children, but ‘home is where the hurt lies’ for many of our children.

This example and other similar cases are why some of them cannot go back home. But neither should they spend their developmental years in a residential care facility. It is against child rights for children to be raised in an institution. Children need to connect and bond with adults who will care for them and give them one-to-one attention – they need to belong.

There are over 500 children currently in residential care in Guyana, and a large percentage of them are eligible for adoption. Adopting a child means taking a child into your home and treating the child as if he/ she is your own. It is a binding legal procedure. The child can even carry your surname if agreed upon by both parties.

Adults who wish to adopt must consider the implications of caring for a child who has spent time in care. It will take time to bond with the child and to learn each other’s ways.

Adoptive parents need to

be open-minded, understanding and allow for a little give and take initially, as teething problems may arise. Adoption should occur for the right reasons; e.g. Adults must understand a child’s need for parental support and family linkage.

They must also recognise their role as compassionate, reliable, nurturing adoptive parents. Living in a home with caring adults gives comfort and security to children; it is a place where children should feel cherished, appreciated and protected.

The State is duty-bound to provide a family for every child in care, if not through reunification, (returning them to their own family or close relatives), then through adoption. However, those thinking of adopting are usually looking for younger children, which means that older children (11 - 15) in residential care run the risk of staying there until they turn 18, and then ageing out of the system.

Research shows that young people who leave an institutional setting, after living there for years, are victims of several social ills. Many of them have never experienced family life or received the attention, encouragement or assistance needed from adults or mentors for their self-esteem and well-adjusted development.

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, is working with local NGO’s on a reunification project. The Project’s objective is to reunite children from care homes with their families, where possible. Background checks, evaluations and reports will help decide suitability – and where biological families cannot be found, adoption will be an option.

Children living in care, even adolescents, long to be adopted; every child needs to be part of a family. The National Alternative Care Plan for children in Guyana aims to make this a reality and welcomes public support. You can contact the Adoption Unit at the CPA on 225 7450 or write to them at adoptioncpa@gmail.com.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@ gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

India’s Vaccine Diplomacy – A Win-Win Initiative ical personnel in a calm, sober and persuasive tone.

THE VACCINE DRIVE While dealing with the pandemic through all the uncertainties and while focusing on the urgent necessity of wearing masks, maintaining a social distance of six feet, and regular and frequent washing of hands, the leadership of the country was equally conscious about the priority to be accorded to development of vaccines to counter the virus till the time a cure of the disease is found.

This has borne fruit. The Serum Institute of India (SII) entered into an arrangement

Ashok Sajjanhar

By Ashok Sajjanhar BACKGROUND IT is a little more than a year that the coronavirus was first detected in the city of Wuhan in China. The first case outside China of a woman who had arrived from Wuhan was reported by World Health Organisation (WHO) in Thailand on 13th January. This development should have set alarm bells ringing but the WHO kept maintaining that there was no cause for concern nor was there any need to stop flights from Wuhan/China as that would be tantamount to stigmatising a country and its people.

Within a few days, authorities in the US, Nepal, France, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan confirmed fresh cases. It was only on 30thJanuary that WHO declared the coronavirus a global emergency as the death toll and number of infected cases surged in China. Simultaneously new cases were confirmed in India (first case on 30th January), Philippines, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the US, the UAE and Vietnam. It was after considerable delay that WHO declared the coronavirus to be a pandemic on 11th March 2020. By 5thOctober 2020, the WHO estimated that a tenth of the world's population had been infected with the coronavirus.

CURRENT STATUS By the third week of January, 2021, more than 98 million cases of coronavirus have been confirmed with two million plus deaths. 190 out of 193 countries of the world have been affected by this virus. It is once in a century crisis, the likes of which no one has experienced in his/her lifetime. It is not only a health catastrophe but has resulted in extreme economic damage

and destruction in all affected countries. Some of the most advanced and developed countries have been hit the worst.

Extremely prosperous and rich countries with well-developed health infrastructures have succumbed miserably to this disease. The most powerful country USA with more than 25 million cases and 400,000 deaths accounts for more than 25 per cent of the total number of global infections and about 20 per cent of deaths while it has only about four per cent of the world population. Several other developed countries like the UK, France, Italy and others have also experienced a similar fate.

As compared to many of the advanced economies, India’s performance has been exemplary. With its 1.35 billion population which represents about 17 per cent of the global total, India accounts for 10 million plus infections and 153,000 deaths. These represent less than 10 per cent of the world infected cases and less than eight per cent of the recorded global deaths. Moreover, total cases and deaths per million population are about the lowest among major countries of the world. This is all the more remarkable since the health infrastructure in the country, particularly in the rural areas where most of the population lives, is somewhat lacking.

Its shortcomings notwithstanding, India has been able to effectively and competently handle this challenge because of the steady, decisive and resolute leadership provided

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was successful in instilling confidence and inspiring the people to rise to the occasion. At the worst of times when the daily number of positive cases was fluctuating around 95,000 in September, 2020, he kept a firm hand at the helm and continued to communicate with the common people, leaders and med-

with the Oxford University to manufacture the vaccine developed jointly by Oxford and British pharmaceutical firm Astra Zeneca. Another Indian pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech has also developed a vaccine to treat this disease. In addition to these two vaccines, approval for emergency use of which was obtained and vaccination drive rolled out in the country on 16th January 2021, several more vaccines by SII and other firms are under development and are expected to be released soon.

Even during the initial months of the disease, India,

by virtue of the fact that it has emerged as the ‘’Pharmacy of the World’’ had ramped up production of medicines like hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol etc. and supplied them and medical equipment like PPE kits, ventilators and masks to more than 150 countries of the world. Keeping in view the fact that India produces 60 per cent of all vaccines manufactured in the world, responsibility has devolved upon it to supply these vaccines to other countries, particularly developing countries. WHO has recently said that the developed countries

have monopolised the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for their own populations and are not making them available to developing countries.

PM Modi has stated, on several occasions, that India conducts its foreign policy on the maxim of ‘’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’’ (The World is a Family). He has promised that vaccines being manufactured in India will be made available to humanity across the globe, particularly to the poorer and developing countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

MoE distributes care packages in Georgetown communities

THE Ministry of Education’s Georgetown Department, on Friday, distributed care packages to learners living in Albouystown, Sophia, Back Circle, Rasville and Wortmanville.

The initiative targeted learners in areas where the Community Chalkboard Project was implemented, and is aimed at keeping them actively occupied while schools are closed for face-to-face teaching.

The Community Chalkboard Project was enacted by a MoE team, led by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson. The aim of the project is to engage learners who do not have access to the internet or other learning materials, and was carried out in conjunction with the distribution of worksheets to ensure that all learners are

engaged.

The care packages contained face masks, food items, dictionaries, school stationery and educational toys.

Hutson, who witnessed the distribution at the Albouystown Nursery School, noted that the initiative has taken on some “very important steps”, the ministry said in a press release issued on Sunday.

The CEO further highlighted that some learners have not been engaged since March 2020, and he detailed the minister’s search for ways to impact education delivery since she took office in August, 2020.

“We have a vibrant Minister of Education who has been on the front burner. Lots of things were not happening and in some cases, [she] singlehandedly went to com-

munities and delivered worksheets,” Hutson expressed.

He also alluded to the ministry’s recently launched ‘BeKind’ campaign on social media, iterating the ministry’s intention to ‘be kind’ to all learners who participated and continue to participate in the chalkboard project.

“We will continue to provide work on the chalkboards so that students in the community can come out”, the CEO pledged.

Meanwhile, Education Officer (Nursery), Deborah Hutson, said that the distribution of the packages is a way of encouraging students to continue utilising the chalkboards while simultaneously alleviating some of the harsh experiences that were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hudson, handing over learning materials to one of the students

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Essequibo residents grateful for road upgrades Mayor of Anna Regina, Rajendra Prabhulall, and workers of the Anna Regina Town Council inspecting a road in the township

A rehabilitated road at Henrietta, Region Two

Work being done on the road at Charity

By: Indrawattie Natram RESIDENTS of several communities in Region Two have expressed gratitude for the rehabilitation of several deplorable roads by the Ministry of Public Works.

The Region Two Administration is currently overlooking the road works currently being done at Charity, Affiance, Henrietta, Jib, Perservance, Queenstown, Good Hope, Golden Fleece, and Richmond.

A drive along the Essequibo Coast revealed that there has been tremendous improvements to several roads in those communities.

Additionally, works are also being done on other roads along the coast.

During visits to these communities, residents did not hesitate to shower praises on the ministry and the regional administration.

Residents in Jib Village related that for years they had been asking for their road to be repaired but those pleas fell on deaf ears.

“We are thankful and satisfied with the progress of work since the new government, the PPP took office. We seeing a lot of things happening, our road is one of them,” Shelia Persaud related.

An Affiance resident expressed similar sentiments stating that their streets were filled with potholes and many times drivers refused to transport them. They too are appreciative of the government’s efforts.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, said she is satisfied with road works and called on residents to care the new roads. She said she had a walk around Charity and she was happy to see residents utilising the road that was rehabilitated. She said for a long time now, vendors and businesses within the Charity environs have been requesting proper

roads.

Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, who inspected several of the roads recently, said that he has received positive comments from residents.

Odit informed that the ministry is upgrading the deplorable loam roads to asphalt so that they will be more durable.

He said that the Government of Guyana under His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali is working rigorously to improve the lives of Guyanese as well as provide better access.

Last October, President Ali had announced that $2.4 million will be dispersed towards the upgrading of the Suddie recreational ground and $30 million for the upgrading of miscellaneous roads under the Ministry of Public Works. These inventions, he said, were geared at making life for the residents of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region more comfortable.

Work being done on one of the Region Two roads

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

GMCS commences mammal biodiversity research

THE Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), last Friday, commenced a research project to investigate the prevalence of medium and large-bodied mammals in the Barima-Mora passage.

The passage is home to some of the country’s most intact mangrove ecosystems and wildlife animals.

According to local conservationist and GMCS President, Annette Arjoon-Martin, the mangroves are home to many endangered animals and bird species, and provide vital ecosystem services, including coastal shields, protection of biological diversity, forest products, and carbon sequestering, a process critical in the fight against climate change.

Despite their benefits, mangroves are under severe threat in Guyana. Increased population in coastal areas has led to the conversion of many mangrove areas for other uses. The increased demand for wild meat, further endangers over half a dozen, International Union for Conservation red-listed animal species that live there.

If mangroves are not protected and hunting for wild meat is not managed at sustainable levels, wildlife populations will decline, and rural communities will suffer increased food insecurity.

“Barima-Mora is home to rich biodiversity and incredible indigenous culture,” said Arjoon-Martins.

She noted that action is needed if these are to be protected.

“We must act to protect it to ensure it remains resilient to the threats of climate change,” she said.

Hence, GMCS, with support from the German Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Agricultural and Rural Development Association (ARA), and through international and national partnerships with The University of Florida, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, The Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit and the Region One’s Regional Democratic Council, has embarked on a research to assess the current state of medium and large mammals, such as peccaries, deer, agouti, jaguar, and howler monkeys at the Barima-Mora Passage.

Members of the investigative team making their way along the Barima-Mora passage (photo courtesy Anette Arjoon-Martins)

The study will use camera traps to collect crucial data that will inform Guyana’s conservation efforts, contribute to the growing understanding of mammal species in the region and in the country, and serve as a vital input

for the eventual goal of the Barima-Mora Passage being considered for inclusion as a World Heritage site.

According to Arjoon-Martins, the project brings together a diverse group of scientists, researchers, indigenous com-

munities and local government personnel to generate critical data that will inform efforts to sustainably restore and conserve Guyana’s mangroves.

This will contribute substantially to climate change mitigation, she added.

The team will also train community members in Region One on scientific tools and methods, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and building a talent pool for future biodiversity surveys.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

UG collaborates with IRO Guyana –– to foster discussions on social cohesion

THE University of Guyana (UG), last Friday, collaborated with the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO Guyana) to host the third annual interfaith panel discussion in observance of World Inter-Faith Harmony Week.

This observance has been held in the first week of February since 2010 to promote harmony among all religions, faiths and beliefs in the various places of worship around the world.

This year’s panel discussion, themed ‘The Role of Religion in Creating Harmonious Societies’, was the first to be held virtually, with the university assuming the role of virtual host, using the Zoom webinar platform.

It was facilitated by the university’s Supplies and Logistics Officer, Mr. Adrian Sam, who is also an advocate for youth and religion in his community.

The discussion included presentations from esteemed

members of society, including Dr Laureen Pierre, a representative of the Baha’i community; President of the Guyana Council of Churches, Reverend Andrew Morris-Grant; Head of the West Demerara Arya Samaj, Pandit Dhanrajie Haimraj; and President of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Trust, Maulana Tasdeeq Aabidi.

The IRO had expressed the importance of programmes aimed at developing social cohesion and including young people who aspire for spiritual and intellectual growth, in order to make contributions to social progress.

As such, the university community, a fertile environment to foster discussions in a manner that promotes respect and tolerance for different beliefs while promoting peace and harmony among members, was deemed an apt one within which to hold such an event.

UG last Friday collaborated with the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO Guyana) to host the third annual interfaith panel discussion in observance of World Inter-Faith Harmony Week

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India’s Vaccine Diplomacy...

It is also felt that the prices of vaccines manufactured in western countries like Pfizer and Moderna are prohibitively high.

They need to be stored at temperatures of minus 70 degrees Celsius which would be unfeasible in under-developed countries.

Transportation at super low temperatures to the inner parts and rural areas of these countries would be a difficult task.

Keeping in mind the ‘’Neighbourhood First’’ Policy enunciated by PM Modi at the beginning of his first term in 2014, Bhutan and Maldives became the first two countries to receive 150,000 and 100,000 Indian-made vaccines respectively on 20th January 2021. Bangladesh and Nepal came next and received two million and one million doses respectively on 21st January 2021. Myanmar received 1.5 million doses, Seychelles 50,000 doses, and Mauritius 100,000 doses on 22nd January.

The two million doses gifted by India to Bangladesh were handed over by Indian envoy to Bangladesh foreign minister and health minister in Dhaka. This

has been the single largest consignment of vaccines provided by India to any country so far. Bangladesh health minister said that India had stood by Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971 as well as the pandemic that had impacted the world. “This proves the true friendship between Bangladesh and India,” he said.

India’s vaccine assistance reached Nepal within a week of a request made by Nepalese foreign minister during his visit to New Delhi last week. While handing over the supplies to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Kathmandu, Indian envoy said that reflected “India’s Neighbourhood First policy in action”. Oli thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Indian Government for the “generous grant of one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nepal at such critical time when India was rolling out vaccination for its own people”.

All these supplies have been made on a gratis basis.

Several of these countries have also signed commercial agreements with SII, supplies according to which will be made in the coming

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days.

Regulatory approvals

by Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are awaited to effect supplies to these countries.

India has also conducted a training programme for its neighbours and allies to help them in the vaccination drive.

Brazil and Morocco, close strategic partners, also got two million doses each on 22nd January. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro thanked PM Narendra Modi for sending COVID vaccine supplies with a picture of Lord Hanuman bringing the holy 'Sanjeevani'. Thanking SII, the Brazilian Ambassador in Delhi tweeted: “Thank You @SerumInstIndiafor the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil & immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support.”

CONCLUSION What has been particularly appreciated by observers is the speed` and selflessness with which India rolled out millions of doses as aid despite the massive requirements of

its own vaccination drive.

This will go a long way to enhance the credibility and trust-worthiness of India in the world. In the rapidly evolving geo-political landscape in Asia and the world, the healing and supportive actions by India through supply of

Covishield and Covaxin vaccines will go a long way to promote peace, security, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world. India’s ‘’Vaccine Diplomacy’’ or ‘’Vaccine Maitri’’ (Vaccine Friendship) has further strengthened its image as

the first responder in all emergency situations. This is all the more commendable when there are only five countries in the world which have thus far been able to successfully manufacture anti COVID-19 vaccines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

‘Early detection helped save my life’ –– cervical cancer survivor says, doctors call for greater ‘buy-in’

By Vishani Ragobeer SALLY PERSAUD, a 47-year-old market vendor, has been one of the numerous women diagnosed with cervical cancer locally, but, due to regular screening she was able to detect the cancer in its early stages and effectively cure it.

More than 15 years ago, in 2005, Sally’s 11-year-old daughter succumbed after she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The loss of a child, more so a child that young, devastated Sally.

As the years went by, and the woman managed her grief, she became wary of her own health and opted to

undergo regular screenings and checkups.

In 2015, Persaud decided to get a Visual Inspection of cervix with Acetic acid (VIA).

This is a screening test that allows health professionals to determine whether a woman has cancerous cells in her cervix. Pre-cancer cells were found, but cryotherapy (a process involving freezing cells) was used to destroy those abnormal cells.

For a number of years, it seemed as though the medical crisis was averted. But then, in 2019, she noticed that she was experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding and as such, went for another checkup.

“I went to Dr Gobin, did

a test and they took a biopsy and that was when they found I had early stage cancer,” Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview on Sunday.

She related that she was advised to undergo surgery and the mere thought of surgery, coupled with her diagnosis, brought back painful memories of her daughter.

Though that terrified her, she underwent the hysterectomy.

For a few months after, she experienced minor pains but her family, especially her husband and two daughters, and friends were there to help nurse her back to full health.

The surgery was a success and she became cancer free.

Former PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow

Sally Persaud

Local gynecologist and oncologist, Dr Shivani Samlall

Common signs of cervical cancer (Sunrise hospital photo)

“I feel way better than before. I used to get sick steady and I used to get pain in my belly and back… since the surgery, it is not as painful as before,” Persaud related, reasoning, “Maybe if I didn’t go early, it would’ve been worse.”

PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM Local gynecologist and oncologist, Dr Shivani Samlall, in a recent engagement with the Guyana Chronicle, highlighted that cervical cancer is a global public health problem but once detected early, it is curable.

In Guyana, according to Dr. Samlall, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer incidents, with breast cancer being the most prevalent. In fact, according to recent statistics provided by her, 16.4 per cent of all cancer cases in Guyana are cervical cancer.

Meanwhile, in the global sphere, as of 2018, over 570,000 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

At that time, too, there were about 311,000 deaths. Dr Samlall lamented that this figure is expected to increase to 700,000 new cases by 2030.

What is important to note is that all of these deaths can be prevented if there is a regular screening regime in place that allows women to detect the cancer early and cure it.

But, Dr Samlall highlighted that it is not just about screening early. Emphasis, according to her, should be placed on treatment for women, too. This would include treatment of the pre-cancer lesions (the cryotherapy done

by Persaud, for example), treatment of invasive cancer and also palliative care (providing patients with relief from their pain and other symptoms).

Many persons are often

hesitant about cancer treatment because of the cost of undergoing treatment. Persaud, for example, underwent her hysterectomy at the Woodlands hospital, a private health facility.

“When you have persons who have to make a decision about whether they have to seek care about whether they will seek care for cancer or to feed themselves... they will of course feed themselves,” former Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow lamented.

COLLECTIVE ROLE Dr Adu Krow, a public health specialist, emphasised that governments, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups and community members all have a role to play in reducing inequities in health services.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

More ICT infrastructure needed in rural, hinterland areas –– Guyanese youths

Young Influencers, Aliyah Hassan and Troy Alfred

TWO Guyanese youths have joined their counterparts around the world in calling for adequate ICT infrastructure to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

The two youths, Aliyah Hassan and Troy Alfred, are part of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ‘Young Influencers’ programme. They joined youths around the world to participate in an EU-UN virtual youth forum on the 59th Session of the Commission for Social Development.

During her presentation, Hassan noted that COVID-19 has changed the way of life of people worldwide, with many relying on digital technology to get on with their daily lives. She added that the virtual meeting was a testimony of the critical role technology has on social development and the well-being of all, including youth.

“As young people, we have adjusted quite comfortably to this new way of life…we can attend online classes from the comfort of our homes, though the value of in-person learning and

human contact with our peers are well recognised. We have seen the emergence of young entrepreneurs, using digital technologies, to creatively market their ventures, ranging from pre-packaged vegetables to delivery and online services,” she noted.

However, Hassan explained that while the demand for digital technologies is growing, inadequate ICT infrastructure and inequitable access to the Internet and devices are increasing the digital divide among youth.

This, she said, has resulted in unequal academic opportunities for children and youth, particularly those living in poverty and in rural and hinterland communities.

To address this, Alfred told the forum that the Government of Guyana has ramped up efforts to ensure equal access to education, job opportunities and other social programmes even as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soon the ‘One Laptop per Family’ initiative will be re-introduced to ensure that every child has the opportunity to not only be connected

to an ICT hub, but has the required equipment through which they can pursue their studies,” he said.

Alfred commended the initiative, which he said, allows Guyanese youth the opportunity to share their perspectives and engage with other youth from around the world. He also emphasised the importance of having youth voices in such a forum.

Friday’s virtual event was aimed at fostering youth participation in the discussion on this year’s theme of the Commission for Social Development: ‘socially just transition towards sustainable development: the role of digital technologies on social development and well-being of all.’ Twenty-two other countries participated in the virtual session. It was organised by the Permanent Mission of Portugal, the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (DPI)

‘Early detection helped ...

FROM PAGE

The month of January was designated as Cervical Awareness Month. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony highlighted that a comprehensive health plan is being crafted as part of the Health Ministry’s efforts to fight all forms of cancer. A specific emphasis, he told this newspaper, is being placed on cancers of the breast, cervix and prostate.

As part of this programme, the Health Minister also noted that there are plans afoot to increase the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination rate.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection

(STI), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, explaining that the virus has the potential to develop genital warts and cancer, in particular cervical cancer, among women. This HPV vaccine will help to immunise girls and prevent them from developing cervical cancer.

“In some countries, the HPV vaccine is also given to boys,” Dr Adu-Krow said too, but explained that when there are financial constraints, those vaccines are given to girls first. He, however, hoped that with Guyana’s new stream of revenues from the oil and gas industry,

16

much more emphasis will be placed on widespread distribution of this vaccine.

While the wider efforts -- geared at reducing the incidence of cervical cancer and treating more infected women -- are engaged in, Persaud encouraged all women to get screened for cervical cancer.

“If I didn’t get tested early, I wouldn’t know anything and it would’ve gone way forward and maybe I wouldn’t have saved my life,” the market vendor said, adding that early detection, and a mountain of faith, helped to save her life.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

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20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Mayers double century hands ...

From back page

our plans and we did that right down to day five,” said Brathwaite, who top-scored with 76 in the first innings.

Added Mayers: “I’m always a positive person. I always believe in my ability and believe that the team can reach places so I was always positive.”

A virtual unknown in international circles before Sunday, Mayers wrote his name into the record books as he carried West Indies to an unlikely win and a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Barbadian became the sixth batsman to score a double-century on debut, with his 210 the highest score in a fourth innings by a player on debut and only behind Lawrence Rowe’s 214 as a debutant for West Indies.

Mayers also joined the legendary Sir Gordon Greenidge as the only other batsman in Test history to score a double hundred to achieve a winning result.

With Mayers resuming the morning on 37 with Bonner on 15, West Indies first faced the ultimate challenge of avoiding defeat on a wearing pitch and against a battery of

spinners.

However, both batsmen were self-assured and Mayers was first to his half-century 40 minutes into the session in fortuitous circumstances when he collected a single to third man, after being dropped at slip off off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4-113).

The pair posted 87 runs in the session to take West Indies to lunch on 197 for three and while Mayers, unbeaten on 91 at the break, managed only 26 runs in the second session, Bonner took the initiative to score freely and raise his half-century in the fifth over following the resumption.

Mayers, meanwhile, crawled after lunch and reached his hundred approaching the first hour, with an edged boundary off left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman.

Only 69 runs came in the session and the pendulum swung when Bonner lasted just six balls after tea before being hit in

front by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam (2-91) and Blackwood was then bowled charging Nayeem after facing only 11 balls, further increasing the pressure on Mayers.

He hardly blinked, however, and with the support of Da Silva, moved into the 140s with a boundary to third man off Nayeem before reaching 150 on the verge of the last hour.

With West Indies on 334 for five at the start of the final hour, Mayers upped the tempo by clearing the ropes at long on with Mustafizur before smashing Mehidy over long off for another six.

The last of his seven sixes took him to 198 and he completed a sensational double hundred with a single to point off Nayeem, with the Windies needing just 10 runs to win.

Another six off the first ball of the next over all but confirmed victory and not even the wickets of Da Silva and Roach could tarnish the result.

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st Innings 430 WEST INDIES 1st Innings 259 BANGLADESH 2nd Innings 223-8 decl.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (overnight 110 for three) K Brathwaite c sub (Yasir Ali) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 20 J Campbell lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 23 S Moseley lbw b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 12 N Bonner lbw b Taijul Islam 86 K Mayers not out 210 J Blackwood b Nayeem Hasan 9 J Da Silva b Taijul Islam 20 K Roach c sub (Saif Hassan) b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 0 R Cornwall not out 0 Extras (b11, lb4) 15 TOTAL (7 wkts, 127.3 ) 395 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Campbell), 2-48 (Brathwaite), 3-59 (Moseley), 4-275 (Bonner), 5-292 (Blackwood), 6-392 (Da Silva), 7-394 (Roach) Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 13-1-71-0, Taijul Islam 45-18-91-2, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 35-3-1134, Nayeem Hasan 34.3-4-105-1.

Man-of-the-Match: Kyle Mayers.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

England in command of first Test despite Pant onslaught DOM Bess took four wickets as England tightened their grip on the first Test in Chennai as India were reduced to 257-6 at the end of day three.

After the tourists were bowled out for 578 early in the day, Jofra Archer (2-52) accounted for both openers before the off-spinner claimed the prize scalp of Virat Kohli for 11 and, with the help of a stunning catch from Joe Root, added the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane soon after to leave the hosts 73-4.

India countered with a 119-run stand for the fifth wicket between the effervescent Rishabh Pant (91 from 88 balls) and Cheteshwar Pujara (73) but Bess (4-55) persevered and removed them both in the evening session.

A stubborn seventh-wicket stand between Washington Sundar (33no) and Ravichandran Ashwin (8no) helped India safely through to the close but they still trail by 321 runs heading into day four.

England began the day hoping the tail could add a few more to their overnight 555-8 and boundaries from Bess (34) and Jack Leach (14no) helped them to 578 when the final wicket went down, the former trapped lbw by Jasprit Bumrah (3-84) with the first ball of the third new ball before Ashwin (3-146) bowled Jimmy Anderson (1).

The game then went into fast-forward with the start of India’s innings. The home side went at more than fouran-over in the 14 overs they batted before lunch but lost Rohit Sharma (6) and Shubman Gill (29) to Archer in the process as the surface

in Chennai showed signs that it was just beginning to break up.

England went on the offensive with their seamers and while Anderson struggled to get his line quite right and Archer offered up a few loose deliveries, the latter, in particular, was also causing a few problems for the batsman.

Having gone past the edge in his first over, Archer found it in his second with a ball that nipped away marginally off the surface to Rohit and, crucially, bounced a little more than the opener anticipated to get the nick through to Jos Buttler.

At the other end, 21-year-old Gill looked in supreme form, hitting five sweetly-timed boundaries through the legside, with anything even fractionally too straight punished.

Ben Stokes came on to challenge him with some short stuff from around the wicket and Archer rattled him on the gloves, ensuring the batsman knew he would not have it all his own way, and in his next over, the fast bowler had his man.

Gill had just drilled another boundary through midwicket and was after another, only to get through his shot too early and chip the ball to Jimmy Anderson, who dived forward from mid-on to take a superb catch.

Pujara and Kohli were able to take India to the interval without any further damage but it did not take England long after lunch to inflict more as Bess produced an excellent delivery that drifted away from the right-hander, the deviated just a fraction but that was enough to take the inside edge and Ollie Pope took

Markram and Rassie van der Dussen give SA hope in big chase SOUTH Africa remain in with a chance of securing a series draw in Pakistan after Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten stand of 94 left the Proteas 127-1 chasing 370 for victory after day four in Rawalpindi.

Markram (59no) and Van der Dussen (48no) rallied the Proteas after Dean Elgar (17) fell with the score on 33 and the tourists will require a further 243 runs on day five to ensure the two-match series ends tied at 1-1.

Pakistan had appeared strong favourites after making 298 in their second innings - wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (115no) hitting a maiden Test ton as he lifted his side from the alarming position of 76-5 on day three.

The home side were buoyed further when Elgar chased a wide delivery from Shaheen Afridi and was caught behind by Rizwan but Markram and Van der Dussen’s alliance has left the game fascinatingly poised.

Opening batsman Markram took 22 balls to get off the mark but then reached his fifth Test fifty from 71 balls, while No 3 Van der Dussen is two runs shy of a sixth Test match half-century.

Proteas left-arm spinner George Linde earlier completed his maiden five-wicket haul in his third Test when he bowled Pakistan’s last man Shaheen for four.

Pakistan had resumed on 129-6, leading by 200, but Rizwan received excellent support from the tail, while the hosts were aided by some sloppy South Africa fielding.

Yasir Shah (23) was dropped twice, once by Linde and once

by Quinton de Kock, while he put on 53 with Rizwan for the eighth wicket.

Nauman Ali then scored 45 off 78 balls in a ninth-wicket partnership of 97 with Rizwan - the No 10 batsman striking six fours and two sixes.

Rizwan managed 15 fours in his excellent knock as he became the seventh wicketkeeper-batsman from Pakistan to register a Test hundred. (Sky Sports)

a good catch at short leg.

Rahane (1) came in but lasted only six balls as he fell to a brilliant one-handed catch from Root, the England skipper diving to his left to grab it at cover after the India vice-captain was undone by some late dip as he met Bess’ delivery on the full.

India were in trouble but Pujara was batting with typical assurance and Pant, coming off a match-winning knock in Australia, started confidently, albeit a little more watchfully than usual.

That all changed with the introduction of Leach to try

and attack the left-hander using the large patches of rough outside his off stump.

Pant knew what was coming and was not about to sit back and wait for it to happen, instead choosing to skip down the pitch to the leftarm spinner’s first ball and hit him into the stands.

He added another later in the over and the pattern of play was set. Pant remained watchful again Bess at one end, the ball turning away providing no immediate danger out of the foot holes, and never mind the sink, Pant threw just about every kitchen implement he could find at Leach at the other.

The result was four fours and four sixes on his way to a 40-ball half-century a few balls after Pujara, who had also been able to get after Leach, went to his own more becalmed fifty from 106 balls in the penultimate over before tea.

Leach had a few overs off at the start of the evening session but when he returned, Pant’s approach was the same and he moved into the 80s with another big six.

The partnership reached 119 but just when England might have begun to wonder where a wicket was coming from, they got one with a huge slice of luck.

A rare drag-down from Bess was smashed by Pujara, hit Pope at short leg but bounced up off his shoulder to Rory Burns at midwicket.

Pujara was dismayed but England had their breakthrough.

Pant reined in his all-action approach for the next couple of overs but could not resist for much longer, Bess tempted him with a floaty delivery, wide of off stump and in trying to hammer the ball over long off, the left-hander sliced it high into the offside and Leach took the catch to claim some sort of revenge.(Sky Sports)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

Regional Super50 Cup bowls off...

Stoute, Ambris inspire Volcanoes victory despite Kumar hundred S T J O H N ’ S , A n t i g u a, (CMC) – Nitish Kumar’s superb hundred went in vain as Windward Islands Volcanoes raised the curtain on the Regional Super50 Cup with a 31-run win over Leeward Islands Hurricanes here Sunday.

Asked to chase a challenging 285 at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the right-handed Kumar carved out a polished 108 off 105 balls but was one of one of five wickets to fall for 27 runs as Hurricanes were dismissed for 253 in the 48th over.

Opener Ross Powell chipped in with 46 off 52 deliveries but captain Montin Hodge’s 28 proved a labour, requiring 42 balls.

Left-arm spinner Larry Edward (2-31) along with left-arm seamer Preston McSween (2-47) and leg-spinner Kerron Cottoy (2-52) all finished with two

wickets each.

Barbadian all-rounder Kevin Stoute had earlier marked his debut for Volcanoes with a Man-of-theMatch 86 off 95 deliveries to power them to 284 all out in the final over.

Man-of-the-Match Kevin Stoute gathers runs through the on side during his half-century.

Captain Sunil Ambris put aside his lean form on the recent tour of Bangladesh to hit 70 off 86 deliveries while Emmanuel Stewart supported with 27 off 29 balls.

Seamer Quinton Boatswain led the attack with four for 45 while pacer Sheeno Berridge (3-65) and West Indies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr (3-79) picked up three wickets apiece.

“I am very happy. It’s always great to start on a winning note,” Ambris said in a post-match interview.

Ross Powell did a good job in building a partnership,” he noted.

“I think we just lost too many wickets in clusters and it pegged us back a bit.”

Man-of-the-Match Kevin Stoute gathers runs through the on side during his half-century.

“I thought we played not the best game of cricket but a decent game and I think we can only get better from here.”

He added: “I would’ve taken this at the start of the game. It’s a win, a convinc-

ing win at that.”

Hodge said Hurricanes had lost wickets at critical times during the run chase.

“With 284 to chase, we got off to not the best start losing Kieran Powell early but I think Keacy (Carty) and

GFA awaits green light for Mega League kick-off THE Georgetown Football Association (GFA), under the leadership of Otis James, has proposed one of their first major tournaments for the month of March.

According to the president, James, the GFA Mega League, which has been on the association’s cards since 2019, now has the opportunity to become a reality.

However, it will not be without challenge since the COVID-19 conditions are still in effect. Guyana’s footballing activities returned in December but not without restraints.

The association, which is governed by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), has chosen to put forth the senior league first because of the attendance uncertainty which looms at the junior level.

Added to that, all major international tournaments-20 years and under-- have been postponed by football’s world governing body, FIFA. This also means the grass-

GFA president Otis James roots level of the sport will take quite some time to return to its regular programming.

Meanwhile, the GFA boss is very ecstatic that a glimmer of hope has revealed itself at the end of the tunnel. The Mega League, once approved by the National COVID-19 Task Force, (NCTF) has the support of the GFF and corporate Guyana to get the ball rolling.

James said, “I was planning to do it in February, but with this guideline in place, it will actually take all the mon-

ey to do testing and all kind of things. So, at this time, we really can’t say directly if we could still stay with February or we might be able to go to March to do whatever we can do to get this League on the ground.”

“I’m very frustrated because after taking the presidency for a year, being in the football arena so long, accustomed to going to my Friday and Sunday football and often, nothing is going on. So, I think if it is frustrating for me as an executive, then much less a player who has nothing really to look forward to. But I will assure the members of the Georgetown Football Association that just as we get a green light, which I’m working on presently now, we will have football back on the pitch,” the GFA boss stated.

After James was elected to head the GFA in November 2019, the association had a full development schedule in the blueprints for the

2019/2020 season, but the pandemic made a major upset. Those plans have been postponed but are in the pipeline ready to flow if the 2021 season unfolds.

In 2020, he was optimistic that the sport could resume with the Mega League in August, but the NCTF was not convinced about the safety of not transmitting the virus.

Sent in, Volcanoes slipped to 40 for two in the seventh over before Stoute arrived to anchor two excellent partnerships, first adding 119 for the third with Ambris and then a further 68 with Stewart.

Stoute, a former Barbados captain, struck half-dozen fours and four sixes while Ambris notched eight fours and a six before perishing in the 31st over.

With a century in sight, Stoute played onto Walsh in the 42nd over and Stewart holed out in the deep in the 43rd after punching a couple of sixes, and the lower order all chipped in to take the innings deep.

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Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the first Test of the current WI/BANG series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

In reply, Hurricanes were set back in the second over when Kieran Powell (1) edged a drive at fast bowler Ryan John to be taken high at first slip by Desron Maloney with two runs on the board.

Ross Powell, who counted six fours, then added 49 for the second wicket with Carty and a further 43 for the third with Kumar before Edwards prised out both to leave the innings in limbo on 115 for four in the 22nd over.

Kumar stablised the innings, striking eight fours and two sixes en route to reaching three figures off 96 balls in the 42nd over.

Along the way, he posted 79 for the fifth wicket with Hodge and 32 for the sixth with Terrance Warde (9) before Cottoy knocked over both to trigger the final slide.

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23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 8, 2021

President’s Softball Cup launched; two teams from Florida confirmed GUYANA’s President, Irfaan Ali, yesterday charged players and officials to adhere to COVID-19 regulations and to give their best during next month’s inaugural President’s Softball Cup, which is expected to be played at various venues over a three-day period.

“May the best team not only win, but may the best team be the best example also.”

The Head of State was, at the time, delivering the feature address at the Cup’s launch, which was held at the Everest Cricket Club.

He said that he was grateful and honoured to be a part of the three-division battle and noted that his government has systems in place to further develop sports.

Among these were the creation of multi-purpose

President Irfaan Ali (centre) and Ian John (left) and Regal’s Mahendra Hardyal at yesterday’s launch. sports facilities in every region. He said that the intention is to start with three (in regions Three, Six and 10).

The President was also adamant of putting the right systems in place to benefit all sports in Guyana. Among

these were lights at the venues to facilitate night competitions and training.

Dr Ali told the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) that they need to spread the sport at the junior level and should

promote a schools programme to spread softball at the youth level.

The GSCL and Guyana’s Honourary Consul to Florida, Ramzan Roshanali, have teamed up to organise the event.

Also addressing the media at the launch was Speaker of the National , Manzoor Nadir, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Nadir, who is also the president of the Everest Cricket Club, said that the minister conveyed to him that he intends to spread sport throughout the country and at all levels.

Also at the launch was Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie, who told the GSCL that the LBI Facility was available to them.

He also congratulated the league and indicated that they are very instrumental in keeping the sport active.

President of the GSCL, Ian John, said that the organisers would ensure that all systems are in place in

accordance with COVID-19 stipulations as prescribed by the Task Force.

He said that masks will be available at the various venues for players and officials.

The event, which is billed for March 5, 6 and 7, will be played across the city. So far, two teams from Florida have confirmed their participation, while teams from New York and Canada have also indicated that they will travel for the event.

The GSCL is hoping to have eight teams each in the knockout tournament for a grand total of 24.

According to John, the teams will contest in the Open Category, the 40-andOver and the 50-and-Over.

Banks DIH, Trophy Stall and Regal are among the sponsors of the event

New players underpinning culture change: Simmons CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Head coach Phil Simmons has pointed to a culture change taking place in the West Indies Test setup, which is being driven by the arrival of new players with improved attitudes and the character necessary to excel in the international arena.

Speaking moments after West Indies completed the fifth highest run chase in history to stun Bangladesh by three wickets in the opening Test, Simmons praised the

side’s inexperienced players for the commitment shown in recent Tests.

Kyle Mayers struck an astonishing unbeaten 210 and fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner stroked 86, the pair putting on 216 for the fourth wicket to spearhead the successful chase of 395 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

“The guys went about it in a way that even I, during the day, couldn’t believe these were guys making their debut,” Simmons beamed.

“And I must say, there are a lot of changes happening. We had two guys (Chemar Holder and Joshua Da Silva) who made their debuts in the last Test we played [against New Zealand] and showed the attitudes we want in this team and then we have three guys here now making their debut and showing the attitude we want.

“So the attitude and the culture itself is changing which is what I want to see and I am happy to see it.”

CWI congratulates West Indies on magnificent win CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has congratulated the West Indies team on the record-breaking victory against Bangladesh in the first Test match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Led by an amazing double century by Kyle Mayers on debut, West Indies made 395-7 to win by three wickets. He made 210 not out and shared a superb partnership of 216 with fellow debutant Nkrumah Bonner, who made 86.

The superb batting performance was the second-highest score in a successful run chase in West Indies Test history and the highest run chase in a Test match in Asia.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt

lauded team and their performance, which brought great joy to West Indies supporters around the world.

“Congratulations to Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and our entire squad for an exceptional display of composure and desire,” Skerritt said in a statement.

“Led by debutant Kyle Mayers, it was a fighting team performance overall.

The people of our region should walk a little taller today and the challenges of COVID-19 should temporarily be overshadowed by this astonishing West Indies Test victory. The hard work will continue.”

Mayers was named Man-of-theMatch for the knock that turned the match around for the West Indies.

Debutant batsmen Kyle Mayers and Nkrumah Bonner He added: “[Character] is huge and the character is forming here.”

Selectors were forced to include four uncapped players in the 15-man squad after six first choice players, which represented the core of the batting group, opted out of the tour for various reasons.

Debuts were subsequently handed to Mayers and Bonner, along with lefthander Shayne Moseley, in the opening Test which bowled off last Wednesday, Given little hope of winning especially after being set an imposing total in the final session of the fourth day, Simmons said the maturity shown by the group to win the match had been extraordinary.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Simmons said.

“To watch this team come from where we’ve come from, from all the neg-

ative talk we’ve had since we left the Caribbean and have a performance like this, it’s unbelievable. I don’t have words for it right now.”

Resuming the final day on 110 for three, West Indies appeared intent only on survival as Mayers and Bonner kept Bangladesh without any success for the first two sessions, reaching 266 without further loss at tea.

But with 129 required for victory in the final session, the Caribbean side lost Bonner in the first over after tea and Jermaine Blackwood (9) soon afterwards but Mayers combined in a 100-run, sixth wicket partnership with Da Silva (20) to revive the run chase.

Simmons said victory had never been off the cards in the Windies planning but it had been a matter of being strategic in each session.

“It is a case of working out – we have 90 overs – how are we going to section it off,” the Trinidadian explained.

“As long as we [didn’t] lose wickets early on, I knew that the power of Kyle and how he can hit the ball [would be a threat].

“So we just had to section it off and make sure that by lunch if we get 70, 80 runs, next session if we get close to a hundred runs and then in the last 30 overs if we’re needing three, four even five runs per over, they (bowlers) would be tired.

“The wicket didn’t look like it was getting as bad as people were talking about and it still played well and that’s all we had to do.”

Simmons also praised the leadership of interim captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who he said had been inspirational.

“In this Test match I am happy for the captain,” said Simmons.

“He came down here the last time [in 2018] and got [beaten in the two-Test series] and he’s come back this time with the attitude and the grind. He’s given the players [the attitude that] ‘we must grind through this. I was here the last time and I’m not going to go through that again.’ “ So I am happy for him that he got this victory too.”

Mayers double century hands Windies astonishing victory

Left-hander Kyle Mayers celebrates his maiden Test hundred on the final day of the opening Test on Sunday.

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Left-hander Kyle Mayers became only the second West Indies batsman to hit a double hundred on debut as an under-strength West Indies pulled off the highest ever successful run chase on the Asian continent and the fifth highest in Test history, to stun Bangladesh by three wickets in the opening Test here Sunday.

Starting the final day on 110 for three in pursuit of an improbable 395 for victory, West Indies defied all odds to reach their target late in the final session with 15 balls remaining at the Zahur

Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

At the heart of the victory was an astonishing unbeaten 210 from Mayers who batted the entire day to lead the second highest successful chase for the Caribbean side following their 418, 18 years ago in Antigua which remains the highest by any side.

Mayers found an ally in his overnight partner Nkrumah Bonner who hit 86, and together they added 216 for the fourth wicket in a partnership that marked only the second time two debutants have put on more than 200 runs in a Test innings.

The epitome of con-

Highest scores on Test debut 287 - Tip Foster, England v Australia, 1903 222* - Jacques Rudolph, South Africa v Bangladesh, 2003 214 - Lawrence Rowe, West Indies v New Zealand, 1972 214 - Matthew Sinclair, New Zealand v West Indies, 1999 210* - Kyle Mayers, West Indies v Bangladesh, 2021 201* - Brendon Kuruppu, Sri Lanka v New Zealand, 1987

Highest successful run chases in Tests

7-418 – West Indies v Australia, St John’s, 2003 4-414 – South Africa v Australia, Perth, 2008 4-406 – India v West Indies, Port of Spain, 1976 3-404 – Australia v England, Leeds, 1948 7-395 – West Indies v Bangladesh, Chattogram, 2021

centration and combining selective aggression with a sound defense, the 28-yearold Mayers struck 20 fours and seven sixes in an innings spanning 310 balls and just under seven hours at the crease.

Bonner’s knock was no less significant, the righthander facing 245 balls in just short of 5-½ hours, and counting 10 fours and a six.

Their enterprise denied Bangladesh’s bowlers any success for the first two ses-

sions and West Indies found themselves well placed at tea on 266 for three, still requiring a further 129 runs for victory in the final session.

Drama unfolded when Bonner, unbeaten on 79 at tea, perished in the first over after the interval and when Jermaine Blackwood followed for nine soon afterwards, Bangladesh were back in the contest with the Windies stumbling on 292 for five.

However, Mayers domi-

nated a 100-run, sixth wicket stand with Joshua Da Silva (20) which revived the run chase and put West Indies in sight of victory.

Though Da Silva and Kemar Roach (0) fell in the space of 14 balls late on, Mayers fittingly hit the winning runs with a single to mid on off off-spinner Nayeem Hasan to earn the Windies a historic win.

The result came against the backdrop of a depleted side being selected for the

tour after six first team players, including regular captain Jason Holder, declined selection due to COVID-19 fears, and interim skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said belief had been key for the inexperienced unit.

“I believed in this team from day one. Obviously a lot of people said different stuff but for us, it was just to believe in ourselves, back See page 20

GMR&SC hosts successful endurance track day THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosted a successful endurance track day with competitors all lauding the return to track.

While the club has postponed the release of results pending a review of the timing system, GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed contended that the event was successful.

“I must commend the new drivers. They did well; there were no incidents on day and we were able to run off a good event,” he added.

He added that a timing issue has to be rectified

Endurance racing opened the GMR&SC calendar yesterday (Stephan Sookram photo) before they can release the official results.

“We have an issue with a few drivers who

protested the results and we realized a fault in the timing system,” Mohamed added.

The results will be released in the week with presentations to also be announced.

Mayers’ knock brings father Shirley Clarke to tears … CWI arranged for Clarke to congratulate his son in a Zoom call ahead of the post-match press conference

ONE of the many people watching Kyle Mayers bat on his dream Test debut was his father Shirley Clarke, who was up all of Sunday night following the match in Chattogram.

As a special surprise, Cricket West Indies (CWI) arranged for Clarke to congratulate his son in a Zoom call ahead of the post-match press conference. Shirley said that he had tears in his eyes seeing Mayers make the unbeaten 210 helped West Indies to a memorable win.

“I want to congratulate Kyle and the rest of your team-mates,” Clarke said. “This morning was very special for me. It brought tears to my eyes. I just want to wish you

continued success to you and the rest of the team. Continue to work hard. We will stay connected as usual.”

Mayers thanked his father who had been his coach for much of his life. Clarke had played 12 first-class matches and five List-A games for Barbados and Combined Campuses and Colleges between 1999 and 2008. He has since become a Level-3 coach.

“You know how hard I was working when I was preparing for this tour in Barbados. You know how I felt about this opportunity. I just want to give you thanks for the help, coaching and making sure I was prepared for this series,” Mayers told

Clarke.

Mayers said that he was always in touch with Clarke, whether it was to talk about his batting stance or any personal matter. He said that he was lucky to have a coach at home during the pandemic when everyone else was struggling to find time in the nets.

“Lockdown was difficult but I have been fortunate to have my dad, who is a Level-3 coach, throughout the lockdown days. I had my dad working with me. So we worked on various stuff,” he said.

Mayers, who was briefly caught up in Dominica during Hurricane Maria in 2017, said that the shift from Windward Island

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to Barbados has been a gamechanger for his career, as his playing role became more refined.

“From Windward Islands to Barbados, it was a tough process for me. I was actually injured and then I got prepared to play for Barbados in the next season. I had a different role. I wasn’t getting a lot of opportunities with the bat for Windward Islands.

“It changed from being a bowling allrounder to becoming a batting allrounder, representing Barbados. For me that is a big change, to get more batting opportunities to show people my batting capability. It was a massive difference.” (ESPN criccinfo) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021