Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-05-2022

8th May, 2022

free Inside No.106716

Guyana, Brazil to enhance, diversify agricultural trade 03 PAGE

Eccles to Great Diamond highway progressing 19 PAGE

An aerial view of construction underway at the new Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway (Sydel Thomas photo)

‘Freak storm’ batters West 21 Coast Berbice PAGE

$1.7B to upgrade urban, miscellaneous roads 22 PAGE

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

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Guyana, Brazil to enhance, diversify agricultural trade

sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

–– through potential expansion of Partial Scope Agreement

By Navendra Seoraj LEVERAGING the strength of their individual agricultural sectors, Guyana and Brazil will be looking to enhance and diversify trade in this area.

The possibilities for expansion in the area of agricultural trade were explored on Friday when President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro visited Guyana at the invitation of President Dr Irfaan Ali. According to a joint statement following engagements between the two Presidents, the Heads of State agreed on the importance of expanding and diversifying agricultural trade between the two countries.

Agriculture has been a critical area of cooperation between the two South American nations since they established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968.

This relationship was enhanced on June 27, 2001, when an Economic Complementation Agreement (Partial Scope Agreement) was signed between Brazil and Guyana. The agreement, which was since amended, aims to foster bilateral trade flows by the exchange of tariff preferences between the parties, cooperation on trade matters and increased participation of the private sector.

Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro have since committed to broadening the scope and expanding the provisions of the Partial Scope Agreement.

The Sunday Chronicle understands that Guyana, on a broader level, earned over US$20.4 million

President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali and Brazil’s Head of State Jair Bolsonaro share a light moment following engagements on Friday (Adrian Narine photo) from exports to Brazil in 2020.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) – an online data visualisation and distribution platform – the main products exported from Guyana to Brazil in 2020 were rice, aluminum ore and surveying equipment, among other things.

On the other hand, Brazil, a known manufacturing and commercial hub in South America, exported soya bean, unglazed ceramics and tractors to Guyana in 2020.

In moving ahead, specifically in the area of agriculture and food security, Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro agreed to pursue greater collaboration through the sharing of information and best practices, enhanced collaboration between their respective research institutions and the promotion of investment.

“Over the years, Guyana and Brazil have en-

joyed an excellent relationship in trade and agriculture development,” Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha had said.

A report from the Department of Public Information in 2021 quoted the minister as saying: “We are looking to expand these ties, while also looking to develop new areas of technical cooperation. Guyana is pleased with the recent advances made in the Partial Scope Agreement that has increased our supply quota from 10,000 tonnes to 34,000 tonnes of rice to Brazil.

“This augurs well for us in terms of increasing our production and tapping into new markets for our produce.”

Additionally, greater opportunities are in the pipeline for Guyanese and Brazilians, as authorities move closer to finalising further arrangements for the paving of the road from Linden to

Lethem, which serves as a conduit for travel between the two South American nations.

“Linden-Lethem corridor will be a game-changer for Guyana and Brazil,” Director of the Department of International Cooperation at Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ambassador Forbes July, said during his address at the recent joint launch of World Vaccination Week in Bonfim.

Guyana is linked directly to Brazil through Lethem, which lies just on the edge of the border between the two countries. And, as it is now, the journey from Lethem to Georgetown takes as many as 13 hours, depending on the state of the road.

The unpaved 450-kilometre road from Linden to Lethem is often impassable in the rainy season, due to flooding along low-lying sections

of the trail.

Although air travel to Lethem is also possible, anecdotal information shows that the cost factor often discourages the average Guyanese from choosing this mode of transportation.

Once paved, the road which was referred to as a game-changer by Ambassador July, will eradicate many bottlenecks to travel by reducing ground transportation time to approximately five hours.

This piece of infrastructure will not just improve transportation, but it will also augment trade and tourism and increase land value, among other things.

President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, in describing the massive project which will be done in phases, said: “Almost one half of Guyana’s potential will be linked one way or the other to just opening that corridor…

we are using Linden to Lethem, but I am referring here from the deepsea port in Georgetown all the way to connectivity to Brazil.”

The CDB is no stranger to this initiative, since it has provided direct funding of US$112 million for the upgrading of 121 kilometres of road from Linden to Mabura Hill. The project is a joint undertaking of Guyana, the United Kingdom and the CDB. It was reported by the Stabroek News in February that negotiations were expected to commence between authorities and the most responsive bidder for the US$190 million Linden to Mabura Hill upgrade project, Construtora Queiroz Galvao S.A. from Brazil.

The upgrading of this corridor will provide year-round connectivity between Linden and Mabura Hill, improving conditions for local and long-haul transport.

And although the intended aim of this specific project is to improve connectivity between Guyana’s hinterland and the coastal areas, it is just the first phase of the wider plan to develop the transportation corridor from Georgetown to Lethem on the south-west border, thereby connecting the port in Georgetown with northern Brazil.

Dr Leon believes that while this augurs well for Guyana’s internal advancement, the project will essentially create a hemispheric corridor, linking South America to the Atlantic and, similarly, granting the Caribbean access to South America

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Health workers challenged to coach patients to adopt better lifestyles

MINISTER of Health Dr Frank Anthony is challenging health workers to start ‘coaching’ their patients on how to live healthier lives.

In Guyana, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, strokes, high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent.

However, these diseases can be prevented with the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Minister Anthony, during the recent launch of the ‘Hearts technical package’ at the Eccles Health Centre, East Bank Demerara, said, “So, when you come to the health centre, one of the things that we want our doctors and healthcare workers to talk to you about is [sic] the things that can help to make the lifestyle changes.

“So, we want to spend

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony additional time to coach you to make sure that you can make these lifestyle changes because they’re very important.”

While speaking about high blood pressure, Min-

May 07, 2022

B 10 11 14 19 24 25 05 April 30, 2022

H 1 05 09 11 15 19 28

ister Anthony said exercising, reducing salt and alcohol intake, losing weight, and diet modification can regulate blood pressure.

Dr Anthony, while reiterating the role health workers play in educating and helping people to maintain healthy changes, noted that training will be provided to ensure that these personnel are able to better communicate with their patients, and assist them to make these necessary changes.

“One of the things that we’ll be doing is training of our healthcare workers.

[We] want to make sure that they understand the new protocols, so when people come in we coach them about lifestyle changes; we work with them to make sure that they embrace these changes and if we have to give them

07/05/22 - 05, 06, 15, 17, 25-

A patient at the Eccles Health Centre testing his blood pressure medication, then we have the right types of meds available for them.”

Meanwhile, preventing and controlling diabetes is another priority of the health ministry, since ac-

07/05/22 - 5 1 2

cording to estimates from the International Diabetic Federation, approximately 60, 000 people in Guyana are diabetic.

Minister Anthony reiterated government’s com-

07/05/22 - 7 5 9

mitment to provide better infrastructure, as well as training for healthcare workers so that they can provide quality services to the country’s population.

(DPI)

07/05/22- 3, 5, 6, 8, 13, 14, 16

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Lula launches presidential bid –– says to defend Brazil’s democracy SAO PAULO, (Reuters) - Former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched his presidential bid on Saturday calling on Brazilians to unite behind him to defend Brazil’s democracy from the authoritarian government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Former Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva takes part in an event to officially launch the coalition

Former Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during an event to officially launch the coalition “Vamos Juntos Pelo Brasil” (Let’s go together for Brazil) for the presidential election, in October (REUTERS/Carla Carniel/File Photo) Without mentioning Bolsonaro by name, Lula told supporters at a rally that his adversary was unable to govern and lied constantly to the nation to hide his incompetence. “The most serious moment the country is going through forces us to overcome our differences

and build an alternative path to the incompetence and authoritarianism that govern us,” he said.

“We want to join democrats of all political positions, classes, races and religious beliefs ... to defeat the totalitarian threat, the hatred, violence and discrimination hanging over our country,” he said to a cheering crowd.

The rally was called a “pre-launch” to comply with Brazilian election law that says official campaigning for the October election starts in August.

Recent opinion polls show Lula maintaining a comfortable advantage over his rival if the election were held today, though Bolsonaro has gained ground by boosting welfare spending and traveling around the country.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly questioned Brazil’s electronic voting system, raising fears he might not admit defeat.

Lula said he has forged a widening alliance of seven left-of-center parties so far, and has picked centrist former Sao Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin for his running mate to draw moderate voters not happy with Bolsonaro’s administration.

Lula stressed his achievements during his two terms

from 2003-2010 when Brazil grew fast due to a commodities super-boom, allowing his government to raise millions from poverty.

“Brazil has returned to the somber past we thought we had overcome,” he said, mentioning the rise of hunger among poor Brazilians. Alckmin addressed the rally remotely by video after testing positive for COVID-19.

Lula, a 76-year-old widower, said he was in love with his girlfriend Rosangela da Silva. They plan to marry on May 18.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Towards a better Guyana

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has described Guyana as the ‘epicentre of tolerance’, one that demonstrates unity in diversity. Guyanese, according to the Guyanese Leader, are ‘humble, tolerant, united and strong in their quest for peace’.

The remarks were made at a dinner hosted by the President in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The month was characterised by a period of fasting, praying and the giving of ‘zakaat’ to the poor and needy. Only recently, President Ali hosted a Day of Fasting and Prayers to observe the convergence of the fasting periods of the three main religions in Guyana, namely Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

As pointed out by President Ali, Guyanese are ready and willing to embrace development and the upliftment of all humanity. This commonality of purpose and the desire to create a society in which there is peace and plenty resulted historically from the shared aspirations of our fore parents, who by their sweat, tears and endurance, and in the face of unimaginable sufferings, laid a solid foundation for a future society in which there is enough room for the prosperity for all.

As noted by President Ali, “our only desire and that of the government is the upliftment of all the people of the

country and to ensure that we implement programmes and policies that will enhance humanity; that will bring people together; that will create love among each other.”

This is exactly what the ‘One Guyana’ initiative as envisaged by President Ali is all about; it is about bringing all Guyanese regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliation under a single Guyanese umbrella, characterised by a mutuality of respect, high levels of tolerance and shared prosperity.

On Thursday, Guyana observed Arrival Day, which is a celebration of our cultural diversity. As in the case of Emancipation, which saw the end of the obnoxious system of slavery, there is a common denominator, namely the labour of our ancestors designed to create maximum profits for the expatriate planter class. It is significant that Labour Day was observed just a few days ago in which President Ali re-asserted the primacy of labour and workers as “the backbone of our economy and the protagonists of our future society.”

Regrettably, the labour movement is today divided by the positions taken by some opposition elements with ulterior political motives who are using the working class movement to promote their own political agendas. This is certainly not in the best interest of workers and, as pointed out by President Ali, “the

fissures in the trade union movement can only be mended by addressing their root causes.” In this regard, President Ali has committed himself and his government to working with the unions “in a spirit of respect rather than rancour, hope rather than hostility and cooperation instead of confrontation.”

As we celebrate yet another workers’ day, it is important for the labour movement to rise above partisan politics and embrace the cause of the workers and their best interests. Regrettably, some sections of the labour movement seem more inclined to identify themselves with attempts to derail the democratic processes in Guyana rather than with the struggle of workers for better working and living conditions.

It is time for the labour movement to rally behind the cause of a better Guyana. The working class environment is changing. Workers’ rights today are protected by the Constitution of Guyana. This is further facilitated by the pro-working class policies of the government aimed at increasing the disposable incomes of workers and the provision of wage and non-wage benefits. Under the previous APNU+AFC administration, the Ministry of Labour was scrapped, an indication of the disrespect the administration had for the working people.

This ministry was promptly re-established when the PPP/C took office. In

fact, the Ministry of Labour has been very pro-active in terms of protecting the rights of workers and preparing thousands of workers to enter the labour market through the Board of Industrial Training.

The workers of Guyana have a friend in the current government, one that is deeply rooted in the working class struggle. President Ali has repeatedly said that the orientation of his administration is pro-working class, a commitment he repeated in his address to workers on May Day when he said “I give my word that as the country enters this transformative stage of development, workers will not be left behind. Workers will share equitably in the benefits which will flow from our economy in the years ahead.”

Guyana has already made significant strides in this regard. Real incomes, as opposed to money incomes, have been increasingly steadily over the past few years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Ordinary people have benefitted from the several social programmes of the government, especially in the areas of housing, water and access to education and health services. As the economy continues to improve, more is expected and will be delivered by the government.

GECOM seems to be working with alacrity to produce a voters list, LGEs must be held this year Dear Editor, THE current GECOM cycle of continuous registration has gained momentum allowing updates to a verifiable Register of Registrants (RoR).

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the public, particularly the youths in this respect, which is most heartening. The updated register will be available for scrutiny during the Claims and Objections period legislatively prescribed to follow, and will ultimately lead to a Voters List to

facilitate the holding of Local Government Elections.

This subject, however, has not been without contention due to seeming slothfulness regarding the removal of deceased people from the RoR. While this position is acknowledged by all parties, a recent Stabroek Newspapers Editorial attempts to cast shades of grey and splashes blame on major political parties.

Please, therefore, allow me to expound briefly reasons why this editorial and the approach by the PNC/R as the main critique requires contextual review.

The demands for a clean RoR and by extension Voters’ list is indeed the pursuit of the PPP/C and should be of interest to all contesting electoral parties in Guyana. Our country’s political history however, is replete with too many deliberate PNC demonstrations of democratic indecency and actions are solely driven by their pursuit of party paramountcy.

The emboldened undercurrent behaviour of the latter never relents and cannot be swept under the table under the pretext of a bloated list. The convenience of David Granger’s unilateral appointment of James Patterson as

GECOM Chairman arguably created a fiasco that was never designed to clean the voters’ list, but rather, realise greater imbalance while extending the Coalition’s tenure in office.

There was no objective plural agreement or support for the PNC-directed bullish approach or rather, objective proposals.

In 2019, approximately four years into its term, Patterson approved the commencement of the house-to-house registration approach to re-creating the RoR see page 7

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Mother’s Day in the Guyanese diaspora in USA Dear Editor, MOTHER’S Day is Sunday, May 8 in Guyana, the US, and other parts of the Guyanese diaspora.

Different countries have different date for Mother’s Day. Guyanese Americans have been known to honour their mother (and their father as well as their grand-parents and great grands) on this day. They would do so at places of worship, restaurants, and the home. It is an occasion where family get together to pay tribute to the ‘old lady’ and other females. It has been a tradition that every one of the more than a hundred Guyanese or West Indian mandirs in America hosts a special Mother’s Day function organised by youths who pay tribute with a spiritual concert, flowers, and a sumptuous meal.

Children (and even husbands or their brothers) give females (their mom) “a time of their life” – a day off from domestic chores, shower them with petals and flowers, breakfasts in bed, brunch, lunch, dinner, gifts, etc. The mom is well decked out in her best clothes on this day.

Children’s gratitude and affection for their mothers is concentrated on this special day to alleviate a feeling of guilt for neglecting her for the other days of the year. It is better than no time at all when one considers

that some children abuse their parents and elders. But moms are forgiving; they don’t ill-treat their children or loved ones. Lavish praises are showered on mothers for their sacrifices, hard work, dedication and love to raise their children and for helping to feed, clothe, educate and make us what (who) we are today. Women (our moms) are worthy of more than honours. They are our Goddesses. They give birth to us and raise to make us who or what we are today.

They deserve all the accolades, tributes, gifts, and meals and deserving of more that are showered on them on ‘Mother’s Day’.

Being a mother is a difficult task, but mothers persevere and do a fantastic job in raising a family. Mothers consider it an unending obligation to tend to their children’s needs and they do not fail to meet expectations. They do what they must to provide for their children and other kinship. They think about children and their own mom perennially, not just for one day. Only mothers know the pain of bringing forth children, of providing food and shelter. They nurse their children and exercise patience and caution in raising them.

In growing up in Guyana, my mother and my sisters were the first to wake up in the morning to prepare meals for breakfast, for my father to go to work,

and for us to take lunch to school. Mom and females are the last to go to bed. In between getting up and going to bed, they make every effort to meet the needs of children. Today, mothers are called upon to meet greater needs – giving children cell phone or some other gadget (that was absent when most of us grew up during the 1960s through the first decade of the 2000s. Moms send children to school with lunch box and money even when they can’t afford it. They feed their kids before they eat. Their work is never finished. And yet they are not always appreciated for their sacrifices and responsibilities. Worse, the endearment children have for parents is short lived. Some abuse their mom and dad and other elders.

I note that in New York and other parts of America, Guyanese families face many challenges of raising children in an alien cultural environment. As an educator of 40 years, I notice how children are not imbibed with the cultural values inculcated in me as a youth of the 1960s in Port Mourant. The youths tend to lose aspects of their cultural upbringing and of respect for elders, copying values in conflict with their heritage that tend to destroy the foundation of a tight knit family life. The strong endearment and kinship respect (aunty, uncle, mousie, mousa,

dada, didi, aja, aji, nanna, nanni, etc) that children have had in Guyana for relatives and elders tend to disappear in America.

Youngsters must be encouraged to reject the negative aspects of life (especially in NYC) and strive for family togetherness and respect for elders and cultural retention of their forebearers.

I must also note that in my studies of the Guyanese diaspora in America, some females are not ideal role models – their public behaviour at bars or rum shops, social clubs, and the streets are much to be desired. Women must present themselves as role models and make their children and kin proud of their behaviour. They must conduct themselves properly because children take their cues from them. The children often emulate adults modeling their lives after their parents or elder folks.

Thus, it is imperative that mothers live a moral, reputable life serving as ideal role models. They must live like Goddesses worthy of deification.

Regardless of their life, mothers must always be respected by children.

Every day should be Mother’s Day – respect and honour your mom and all females. Happy Mothers Day! Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

GECOM seems to be working with alacrity ... from page 6

knowing fully well that it would have taken more than two years to complete while disenfranchising thousands of Guyanese citizens. This absolutely could not work as all of the GECOM elections would have had to await the outcome and delays.

Guyana is not unique among numerous states, practicing democratic states that have variances. What is not being mentioned by the aggressive critics is that all parties have representatives in the place of polls as a countercheck to prevent the exhumation of the alleged dead people in the place of polls.

Notwithstanding, the PPP General-Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s concrete proposal for the cleansing of the list and the removal of dead person’s names from the list are most welcome. He contends that with the tremendous improvement and efficient functioning of the General Registrar Office (GRO), we will have a more efficient and legitimate removal mechanism regarding

dead person’s names from the list. The PNC, particularly all those who are in politics for decades and are calling for a clean voters list must come up with concrete proposals and let the nation work together towards this end.

In observing the PNC’s duplicity, it is of note that during 2008-2009, GECOM conducted a thorough house-to-house registration exercise resulting in the production of a new and updated identification card. That RoR was accepted by all and elections were held in 2011 and again in 2015. Further, immediately after the APNU+AFC Coaltion took power, they went to the Parliament and strengthened the process by amending the legislation to ensure that the continuous registration exercise will use an extended period of six months to validate the Narional Register of Registrants.

The APNU+AFC did this without the required level of consultations or the involvement of the PPP/C. They went

into full action mode without the PPP/C’s meaningful participation and held the Local Government Elections in 2016. In addition, the PNC-APNU+AFC went forward with the same paramount party power and unilaterally made changes and add more Local Authority Areas for the 2018 LGEs. Significantly, the PNC as expected, dumped the AFC and contested the 2018 LGEs by themselves. But this did not stop the PPP/C from humiliating them in the Local Government Elections.

In December 2018, the PPP/C moved the famous “No Confidence Motion.” The infamous victory results of the motion certainly upset all the Coalition Government plans. The PNC was determined to stay in office although they had reduced power. As usual, the PNC returned to their old habits of trying to ‘bully’ themselves to stay in office as the government. Further, the PNC utilised the Judiciary/Courts to its full advantage to

buying more time in office. However, the corruption, racism, discrimination, white colour crime, and controlling influence over persons involved in the GECOM Secretariat, enabled the Coalition Government to stay in power for a further period, particularly the five unforgettable months.

Guyanese will never forget the attempts to postpone the elections by starting an illegal, house-to-house registration exercise.

The manipulation of the Guyana Elections Commission and the GECOM Secretariat, in particular, must never be allowed to operate in such a shameful manner.

All the calls for a better RoR and voters list are evidence of the activation of approaches to ‘dogged’ elections. Let us face the polls in a free and fair manner for the upcoming LGEs. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

World Press Freedom in 2022

Was the US Supreme Court leak a bad thing for the common good of all American women?

ANOTHER day, another headline… But not like this one: the leak of a draft decision by the nine justices on the US Supreme Court; and not just any leak, but one with implications for every woman across the USA. Five of the nine justices had decided to overturn the almost-50-year-old Roe v Wade decision that legalised abortion over 49 years ago.

On January 22, 1973, the US Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision in favour of “Jane Roe” (Norma McCorvey), holding that women in the United States had a fundamental right to choose whether to have abortions without excessive government restriction, and striking down Texas’s abortion ban as unconstitutional.

Since then, women

across America had no problem getting legal abortions.

But politicians latched on to the Bible to preach against and call abortion ‘a sin’ -even ‘murder’ -- because it involved terminating ‘a life.’

Supporters have argued, from time immemorial, that apart from women having a right to decide what to do with their bodies, there were cases when a termination would be in the best interest of the woman’s health, including the possibility of death during delivery; or where the woman is a rape victim.

Roe v Wade is the classic law that ensured since 1973 that women across the United States could terminate pregnancies safely, but right-wing politicians and affiliated religious groups have never stopped plotting

to overturn it, many states (led by mainly Republican legislators) deciding to make abortion illegal, even while the Supreme Court said it wasn’t.

And then in 2016 those seeking to erase the law voted for and got a President who supported their plan and would engineer

its deliverance, President Donald Trump appointing three conservative judges in 2017, 2018 and 2020, to tip the court’s balance in favour of his way of thinking.

But in 2022, someone with access decided to leak the draft Roe v Wade decision to the press – and since then the Supreme Court building has looked more like The White House under attack on January 6, 2021 -only this time the protesters are peaceful.

The leak also ignited a firestorm of protests across America, starting with President Biden and Vice- President Harris accusing the five justices of wanting to decide whether a woman should become pregnant.

The Chief Justice, caught between Roe and Wade, publicly acknowledged the leaked document was valid, but also noted it was still a draft – and not yet law.

But he also let it be known that he had ordered an investigation into how it happened and who did it.

It must be assumed the person(s) will be found and severely punished for the biggest breach of trust from within the highest court of the land, but it must also be assumed that the person well knew the risks at stake and still proceeded.

WHY? That question will surely be answered when the person is identified and made to face a court of law, but it is a different matter in the court of public opinion, where this one act snowballed overnight into the hottest political

agenda item as the country speeds towards the November mid-term elections.

Polls by ABC and The Washington Post showed (one day after the leak) that 42 per cent of Americans want the law to remain as is and 28 per cent want it overturned – and 30 per cent didn’t care; and 70 per cent said the decision should be left to ‘a woman and her doctor’ and 24 per cent said it should be ‘regulated by law.’

The case is already decided in the court of public opinion where John and June Doe across America voted by a higher majority than the Supreme Court Justices.

But the five justices have decided to overturn the law, despite the Center for Disease Control (CDC) saying that could lead to countless deaths, especially as too many women will not be able to afford “safe pregnancies.”

Up to now, any woman seeking to terminate a pregnancy in any US state where abortions are illegal has had to undertake the expense of flying or crossing into a neighbouring state where it’s allowed – an exorbitant cost for minority and poor women who end up exposed to extortion by medical practitioners with only dollar signs on their eyeballs.

But not anymore – if the five judges have their way – as it would mean that not even rape victims would have a choice and women’s health will take a back seat to what the law says.

Obviously, whoever leaked the document (alone or not) knew they’d be open-

ing up the can of worms that’s led to the Supreme Court building now barricaded with steel fences like The White House after the Trump-backed insurrection and violent assault 15 months earlier.

The Republicans, sensing the possible high political cost in November, have changed their election strategy, while the Democrats continue to ride the wave of unpopularity by asking all women upset with the five justices to vote against Republican candidates, warning that legislation protecting Same-Sex-Marriages and LGBTI rights will be next in line for scrubbing.

So, the big double-barrelled question is this: did the leaker(s) personally do a bad thing for the common good of all, or does the unethical nature of the act nullify any argument about good intent?

This is a matter as much in the global public square and the media’s domain, as in the court of public opinion -- which is normally the people’s Supreme Court in societies that call themselves democratic.

But not in this instance where the Supreme Court reigns supreme.

So, will the intense and growing public pressure force or convince one of the five justices to have a change of heart, in light of the overwhelming verdict of the court of public opinion?

The answer isn’t easy, because, as was the case with the top court’s sense of being beyond leaks, you never know

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

The challenge to find payees in India was also manufactured by the colonial government Politics & Society Forum

LAST week, I provided a journey on how savings from indentured Indians were remitted from British Guiana to India.

Despite the well-defined regulations on how to remit savings, payees or heirs in India were not found to receive remittances from their relatives in British Guiana due to death or migration. Entire villages were wiped out from natural disasters such as famine and flood while payees were on a constant move looking for employment.

The challenge to find payees in India was also manufactured by the colonial government. When indentured Indians left India, they were told that communications between British Guiana and India would be established, and facilities were in place to remit savings and properties to their relatives should they die in British Guiana.

This agreement was breached, and it was not until 1882 that the Immigration Department began to assist the Colonial Receiver-General on unclaimed balances of deceased indentured on various estates. Mr. Mitchell,

the Immigration Agent-General for British Guiana, claimed that 266 Indians died in British Guiana between 1862 and 1879 leaving £3,336 to be remitted to India. In 1883, another £1,037 unclaimed funds were added to the list. These were only a couple of cases where funds were left unremitted. The actual unremitted funds were sub-

stantially higher. The table below shows the challenge of settling unclaimed balances and credits of deceased Indians in British Guiana in the 1880s.

Statement showing No. of Deceased Immigrants Credits Still Outstanding and Progress to Resolve Them

From the table, ninety-one heirs were traced while an almost equal number of eighty-one heirs were not traced, and more than half (forty-six) were not identified.

What this meant was that at any given time during indenture more heirs were not traced or identified. This was rather unsettling to indentured Indians since one main objective of committing themselves to indenture was to remit savings back to India regardless of whether they were dead or alive. They expected their families to be the recipients of their savings, not the colonial government. One reason why payees were not found in India was that their names as well as names of indentured Indians were often misspelled. The colonial Registrar Officials, mainly British, were unfamiliar with Indian names and spelled them according to their own standards. For example, the misspelling of names such as Laallgee and Bhowammadeen appeared often on official lists of indentured names. These names did not exist in India. One colonial official stated that the spelling of Indian names was so transmogrified during

registration prior to departure from India that it was no surprise that individuals and villages were not found in India. Even worse was that most indentured Indians also enabled the dysfunctional registration system.

Many indentured Indians could not read and write and were therefore incapable of pinpointing the misspelling of their own names. Even if they had recognised the misspelling of their names, they would have not questioned it seriously because arriving indentured Indians to British Guiana were submissive to authority figures. Still, some indentured Indians deliberately gave Registrar Officials incorrect names to conceal their caste identity to start new upward associations in British Guiana. The result was that some Indians were difficult to trace There was also a problem associated with the exchange rate which was lower than expected. Towards the end of the indenture system, the Indian government responded to the unfair exchange rate.

The government stated that the number of orders was advised to the Bombay Post Office in Sterling

money and the amount in Indian currency payable on each order was calculated by that officer in accordance with the rate of exchange current at Bombay the day the advice list was received from London. Consequently, the government could not in any case be previously determined what amount was payable in India.

The value of the rupee was one-sixth and a quarter in 1888. The government subsequently declared that it was necessary for indentured servants to know that owing to frequent fluctuations in the value of the rupee no fixed rate of exchange for money orders could be declared.

The rate of exchange agreed upon between the Imperial and Indian Governments was not applicable to the transactions with the Post Office.

It is not precisely known how much savings were remitted through the Post Office, but the unpredictable exchange rate and the slow process were major disadvantages to waiting families of indentured Indians in India (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

By Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

That successful press event 10

THE recent activities held in Guyana to mark World Press Freedom Day could be deemed a success.

It was remarkable to see the level of discussion that occurred and centered on the role of a free press in modern society and the challenges to accessing public information.

Journalists, communications personnel and stakeholders pitched in at various points in the national discourse that centred on the theme ‘Journalism Under Surveillance’, and the sub-theme, ‘Partnerships in communications for development’.

Further, there seems to be a concern in society regarding alleged attempts by the PPP/C Administration to censor harsh criticisms, the non-holding of post-Cabinet media briefings to date, and the use of spy equipment to target journalists and social media influencers.

Firstly, the organisers of the two-day activity are deserving of our congratulations for putting together the conference and symposium.

The major events were well-focused, frank and ran smoothly, with no group or stakeholder complaining that they were censored or left out.

It seems that the government team guided the various discussions and did not try to influence participants in any way or form. Also, it is hoped that the feedback gathered will go into the future formulation of policies.

After all, this conference was the first at the national level put on by any government in the recent past that sought to bring so many minds together, with a view of discussing Guyana’s media landscape, ethics and practices and thrust into the future.

Secondly, it did not occur to any right-thinking Guyanese or rational thinking being, that the event was aimed at censorship or influencing the media, both public and private because it was not.

This PPP/C Government, it would seem, does not have a problem with the media in Guyana once it reports the truth frontally, factually, responsibly, and with balance.

Apart from the abovementioned, the activities were held to reinforce the safeguards or ethics and solicit views on how to improve the role of information that reaches the public.

Thirdly, one would be well-advised to take anything that

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Crossfire By michael younge

the Guyana Press Association says with a tip of salt.

There seems to be a hidden agenda or motive for asking for the President’s assurance publicly, at a point in time when there is no such concern about government spying on citizens.

Maybe, the GPA wants to be preemptive. It could be part and parcel of the Opposition’s plan soon to start up a claim that has a spurious foundation.

Whatever the motive, President Irfaan Ali publicly dismissed the spurious spying claims, and assured it would never occur.

The truth is, the GPA is overly dramatic and wants to be relevant. It does not have to be preemptive of this government because there is no secrecy.

The PPP/C Government believes in the media right to access information according to the law. Media freedom is held in a highly esteemed position and will never be easily violated but will always be respected.

During the previous regime the media was starved of information, despite there being a President and a minister of state, who was performing the function of a press secretary.

Comparing it to the record of Granger and his ministers, the present Administration is holding more press conferences, interviews and outreaches across Guyana.

Additionally, it is also believed that the post-cabinet brief-

ings are going to be addressed shortly, but there are bound to be some changes in the design.

In the meantime, there are many more urgent and compelling things that the GPA should focus its attention on.

For instance, it should try harder to correct the leadership paralysis situation that seemingly has turned the GPA into a one personship since 2018.

It could also embark on a process of reorganisation as there are many more important issues that media workers need help with than the few training sessions.

Lastly, the media in Guyana must be held accountable to and by the people. While it is true that media as the fourth estate has a very important role to play, it is also true that the government must help to protect citizens from the onslaught of misinformation, lies, opposition conspiracy theories, spurious and unbalanced reportage, and yellow journalism.

One way the PPP/C Administration seems to be helping is by providing wholesome public information about its policies, projects, and plans, and positive propaganda when it sees fit.

Another way is creating an environment where the media is responsible and free to grow.

It does not criticise the media unjustly or deliberately withhold critical development information.

Ask the media not the GPA!

Understanding Energy

Guyana’s right to produce takes centre stage at CARICOM - US forum LAST week, U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris, hosted a virtual meeting attended by heads of states from 15 Caribbean nations to discuss U.S. commitment to advancing cooperation for economic recovery, mitigating the climate crisis, and other areas of concern.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali attended this summit and called for a “strong and strengthened relationship” between the US and Guyana and better coordination through CARICOM. In his remarks, President Ali repeated calls for cooperation on areas of mutual benefit, including energy. “There is an absolute need for the building of trust— trust in our policy formulation, and trust and predictability in what we do; trust in the partnership that we seek to endeavour and this trust, I think, must lead to an institutional arrangement, outside of the annual meeting that will allow us to address some very key issues—energy and climate change being two of them,” President Ali said.

On the much-debated subject of Guyana’s sovereign rights to produce its oil and gas, President Ali asked attendees “if you’re locking out new suppliers, it

is to whose advantage? We can very well be creating a monopoly for those who are already in the business, who have already extracted this natural resource and developed their own jurisdiction.”

These remarks track with a broader emerging narrative that other Guyanese and regional leaders have highlighted: that developing countries should not be unfairly blocked from development by long-time oil producers in the developed world.

At a private sector meeting back in December of 2021, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo also alluded to how hypocritical policies would affect new producers like Guyana. “In the developed world, they want more oil pumped [at home] because prices are escalating and affecting their people, their businesses, their consumers,” Jagdeo said. Demand has continued to surge, even as oil-producing developed nations like Norway call for the developing world to halt production.

Meanwhile, legacy producers like the US, Canada, and Norway continue to explore and develop new fields. The right to produce is fundamentally a decision that belongs to the people of Guyana and

its elected representatives. In Guyana’s case, the government strongly believes that oil represents the best chance to earn the capital needed to grow the economy, improve the standard of living, and build stronger and more resilient infrastructure.

Just recently, three new discoveries have been made at the Patwa, Barreleye, and Lukanani wells. After full assessments are made, it’s likely these new discoveries will be added to the Stabroek Block’s estimated resources of nearly 11 billion barrels of oil. In preparation for up to ten FPSOs operating in Guyana by the end of the decade, ExxonMobil has increased investment in local facilities such as the just-announced Vreed-enHoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI) project, a majority Guyanese owned operation that will significantly boost logistics capacity in all sectors. These investments represent confidence that Guyana’s position as a stable and democratic oil producer will be a precious commodity in the coming decades, as it joins a small handful of countries that produce more than one million barrels of oil per day.

With more oil production comes the potential for more investment, better

infrastructure, and a wealthier society.

For Guyana, the timeline to reap the full benefits of oil and gas developments will not last forever. For every project delay, Guyana stands to lose millions of dollars in revenues that could go a long way to funding priorities like schools, roads, bridges, and healthcare. This is why countries like Guyana and others in the region are demanding the autonomy to utilise their resources without interference.

The right to own natural resources and to reach the global net zero emissions goal by 2050 can be accomplished simultaneously. New oil producing countries are just now reaping the benefits of investments flowing into their countries and economies.

As Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados explained at a climate conference early last month, developing countries needed “a way to finance our route to net zero,” and if the wealthy nations that “caused the problems” would not provide funding, they would need to find other ways to generate revenue, such as exporting fossil fuels. “ There has to be equity,” she said.

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$10M drug bond at Bartica Hospital gets July deadline

STORAGE of drugs and medical supplies in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region will no longer be an issue, as a $10 million bond is scheduled to be completed at the end of July.

The bond is under construction in the compound of the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala made this disclosure after a recent tour of the hospital with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ni-

the hospital’s two-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has received since its establishment. According to Dr. Sagala, the ICU has been able to save at least 20 patients.

Currently, five medical specialists are stationed at the hospital, including an obstetrician, pediatrician, radiologist, anesthesiologist and trauma orthopedic surgeon.

“They are making a difference because they have tremendously cut down the number of patients that had

The Bartica Hospital

Region Seven Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala gel Dharamlall. Dr. Sagala told DPI that the storage of drugs and medical supplies at the hospital’s current bond has been difficult.

The structure of the new bond, according to the RHO, will accommodate a significant number of drugs and medical supplies for at least six months to a year.

He noted that the region “hopes to have a similar bond, but a little smaller for Upper Mazaruni so this bond would be able to get supplies in a timely fashion when we receive from Materials Management Unit (MMU), at least for Lower and Middle Mazaruni.”

The RHO also spoke about the positive responses

to be referred in the past.

Thanks to our fully operating theatre, patients are being treated,” he noted.

Aside from this, upgrades are being done on the Kamarang District hospital to meet the needs of residents there.

The RHO said the district hospital, “has three doctors and we have about 15 beds for admission. We hope to increase that a little bit; we hope to do surgeries as you can see. We have medical equipment like operating bed, lights, cardiac monitors which are expected to fly in to Kamarang soon.”

Operations will be conducted in the Upper Mazaruni area before year end. However, these developmental works are just the beginning of how healthcare services will transform in the region. Dr. Sagala said a spanking new hospital is expected to be built in Bartica.

Work on the hospital is set to commence by year end The hospital will provide services to persons in Regions Two, Three, Eight and Nine.

“We are going through exciting times, you know.

Everybody is looking forward for this. It has been long overdue so everyone is excited to have a new hospital with improved services including support services such as laboratory, pharmacy

and medical imagery,” he noted.

In 2021, Guyana was approved a US $17.5 million ($3.6 billion) Line of Credit from the Government of India to upgrade and modernise Suddie, West Demerara and the Bartica District hospitals.

The hospitals will feature environmentally friendly operations that utilise best practices in energy and water consumption, among others. (DPI)

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Celebrating Blindness Awareness Month

By Brigette Lewis “Never Curse the bridge you cross.

Know God and see where it takes you.

God is phenomenal beyond description.”

Were the words echoed by Mrs. Ingrid Waithe Peters:

Who is Ingrid Waithe Peters? A widow, a mother of two sons and a grandmother of two. She describes herself as humble, one who loves people, a helpful person, one whose word is her bond, who is very out-going, and one who loves the Lord.

I was gathering information for my second book, honouring women with disabilities who have gone above and beyond, against all odds when I met her. She

attended a church service at the Charlotte Street Wesleyan Church to mark the commemoration of Blindness Awareness Month. Ingrid rocked the congregation and enhanced the church service with her rendition of ‘Only a Prayer Away’ and ‘Try a Little Kindness’.

Ingrid Waithe Peters was born in Guyana to Grenville Tony a Vincentian and Ida Watson, Guyanese.

At birth she was diagnosed with a defective vision because of congenital cataracts. Her parents were advised that if she was operated on she would become permanently blind very early and that it was better to let her enjoy what little vision she had. Ingrid eventually became blind at the age of sixteen. However, she is thankful to God because today she still sees shadows.

A special boarding school for the blind in Santa-Cruz,

Trinidad and Tobago, paved the way for children like Ingrid in the Caribbean and Guyana to be taught, and that was the only way the visually impaired children, who were kept at home, could have been educated.

The idea was for Guyana to be able to set up its own schools when the students returned. Ingrid was one of the students fortunate to attend that school and the ‘last in the jar’ to make Guyana proud.

She returned to Guyana in the late seventies and was able to introduce the system of integration which opened the way for the blind to study alongside the sighted in public schools and the University.

Ingrid was the third person to attend the University of Guyana and the only person to challenge the Fine Arts. She was the first visually impaired person to attend the Cyril Potter’s College of Education, and also the first person to receive a Diploma in music from the Royal School of Music in London. She taught Braille to the blind children at the David Rose School for the handicapped and music in the public schools.

One of her favourite pastimes is singing. She sings calypso, gospel and other songs at concerts, and has continued to study throughout her career. She retired in 2013 and is presently on contract as a part-time Braile teacher with the Ministry of Education’s Unit for the blind in Albert Street, Georgetown.

Speaking about life in general, she recognises that she has a likeable personality and that wherever she goes people are helpful and kind. She is very independent and even her sisters, her mother-in-law and her granddaughter marvel at her independence. However, there were times when a taxi driver, realising that she is blind, would drive past. Nevertheless, Ingrid reiterates she is enjoying a very contented life, against all odds.

It is very significant to note that Mrs. Ingrid Waithe Peters was the first person to challenge the Fine Arts at the University of Guyana 16 years ago, having achieved a Degree. She was among the visually impaired persons who attended Special School in Trinidad and Tobago.

She was one who came back to Guyana and introduced the concept of integration which now enables blind to sit in class rooms with the sighted writing the CXC examinations.

Ingrid expresses thanks to all those who have contributed to her success - Daphney Franklyn, William Langevine and Valarie Goorsammy, among others.

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Hubu Aqua Farms to rear shrimps, prawns …with support from SBM Offshore

SBM Offshore says its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach to its activities continue to guide the company’s operations in Guyana as it remains resolute in the pursuit of sustainable development.

As a result, the company is leading a series of initiatives geared towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Quality Education; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Climate Action and Life Below Water.

In keeping with these objectives, SBM Offshore and Hubu Aqua Farms Incorporated signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in December 2021, for financial support.

Through the agreement, SBM Offshore is supporting the rearing of premium shrimps and prawns in Guyana, at the Hubu Aqua Farm on the East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and will be the first of its kind. It will be fully equipped with a hatchery, processing, and manufacturing facility, a press release from the company

noted.

According to the release, on April 5, a team from SBM Offshore, comprising former General Manager, Francesco Prazzo; General Manager, Martin Cheong, and Sustainability and Social Impact Program Development Officer, Recardo Bovell visited the hatchery that is under development at Le Destin, EBE, and the location that is housing the farm at Hubu.

Mr. Cheong emphasised the company’s commitment to creating positive opportunities for both present and future generations. He stressed that ‘local content’ is more than just a phrase for the company.

“One of the things in selecting projects is that we really look for integration into the community and the supply chain. So, we’re looking at vertical and horizontal integration into the economy,” Mr. Cheong was quoted as saying in the release.

According to the release, Chief Executive officer of Hubu Aqua Farms, Sheik Rahman, noted that the support received from SBM Offshore has fueled the realisation of a lifelong dream.

Rahman expressed his gratitude, sharing that lack of support in the past made the venture impossible to rollout, until he approached SBM Offshore.

“SBM Offshore was approached and after talking to them and showing them the potential of how it can benefit the country, we were able to get a grant from SBM Offshore which is what propelled this whole thing and made it all possible,” Mr. Rahman was quoted as saying.

According to SBM Offshore, the project will entail the operationalisation of a soon-to-be-complete hatchery that will utilise advanced technology for the facility’s management, including the sustainable use of recycled water and solar energy.

The project will allow for quality brood stock to be provided to local aquafarmers who are being trained in rearing shrimp and prawn. Some 25 ‘grow-out’ ponds for rearing of crustaceans will be developed.

This project is aligned with the United Nations SDGs that pursue good health and wellbeing (SDG Three), the provision of decent work and

The Hubu Aqua Farms hatchery at Le Destin

A team from SBM Offshore and Chief Executive officer of Hubu Aqua Farms, Sheik Rahman, visited the site of the grow-out ponds at Hubu economic growth (SDG Eight), as well as industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG Nine).

The project will provide significant opportunities to develop sustainable work for local aquafarmers and strengthen the overall aquaculture sector.

Hubu Aqua Farms will engage a network of local farmers and rural workers to promote inclusivity in economic growth. It will also offer a reliable and high-quality product without seasonality.

“We’re hoping that when there is a processing

plant, it will employ a minimum of 100 people in the community, mostly women who are underprivileged and cannot get work,” Mr. Rahman was further quoted as saying, According to the press release, Mr. Rahman opined that the farm will be historical for Guyana and expressed his gratitude to SBM Offshore for its proven dedication to sustainable development.

Mr. Bovell, who plays a leading role in such projects, said the initiative was in tandem with the company’s goal of positively impacting local communities.

“A lot of what we do, is to look at where SBM

Offshore can make an impact in the communities, and this project ticks all of those boxes and will not only impact one farmer but will also provide opportunities for wider development within these communities as well as developing technical capabilities within the industry,” he was quoted in the release as saying,.

He noted that shrimp and prawns reared through the project will be used to supply the Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessels being operated by the company offshore.

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Study to utilise Hope Canal as sustainable water source begins

THE government has commenced the feasibility study to determine whether the Hope Canal could be used as a sustainable potable water source to service the East Coast of Demerara.

This was revealed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Wednesday, during an inspection on the ongoing works of the water distribution system at Providence.

“Coincidentally, I have been invited on Friday [May 06], to a consultation with various stakeholders, with the consultant who is on board and who has already started the Hope Canal Study,” the minister told DPI. The Hope Canal was built under the PPP/C administration prior to 2015, to provide drainage from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Atlantic Ocean.

As the country is confronted with climate

change, and the growing demands for potable water, particularly along the coast, the administration is exploring utilising surface water from the EDWC for domestic consumption.

Instantaneously, the administration plans to construct approximately 12 water treatment plants in areas identified across the country. This will add to the existing 27 water treatment plants.

“So, we have started that work already and it has to start with the study and the study will guide us as to what we need to put up in terms of these plants,” Minister Croal explained.

To this end, the minister stated that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has established a department that will focus primarily on the execution of these projects. That department will work along with the consultant to do the designs for the treat-

ment plants.

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh explained that the preliminary designs for the treatment plants commenced three months ago, and, by the end of this month, the tenders will be out to commence the construction of at least six of the treatment plants.

“So, we have these huge treatment plants apart from smaller systems, which will come onstream; also another 10 smaller systems which will fill the gap so that we have complete coverage on the coastal belt,” Baksh said.

The government, through the GWI has crafted a five-year strategic plan that will see the expansion of coastal treated water coverage from 52 percent to 100 percent.

Since taking office in August 2020, government has invested more than $6.2 billion in the water sector.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh at the inspection of the water distribution system at Providence, East Bank Demerara These investments are in keeping with the administration’s man-

ifesto and its mandate to achieve the United Nations Sustainable De-

velopment Goal number six- Access to water and sanitation for all. (DPI)

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$3M poultry farm to advance Karrau’s economic development

THE government’s vision for development of Amerindian communities is advancing, with the community of Karrau, Region Seven beginning its poultry farm.

The economic project is being undertaken by the villagers. Some $3 million of their $7 million COVID-19 relief grant will be used to fund the project.

Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius, told DPI that the community is pri-

marily known for its logging and mining activities and, as such, the villagers decided to try something different.

They believe the poultry venture will be successful due to its close proximity to Bartica and the influx of persons travelling in and out of the community.

“We designed it in such a way that persons within the village would actually benefit directly from the project. So, it is not a tradi-

tional village poultry project, but it is intended to operate much like a co-operative society, whereby each resident would be allocated a certain number of chickens,” he explained.

The village council will oversee the procurement of the feed, medicine, and chicks for the venture.

Currently, a pen that will accommodate 500 meat birds is under construction, and a similar pen will be built at a later date.

According to Corne-

lius, the decision to construct the pens separately, would allow them to gauge the community’s market response. This is to ensure that there is no lapse in judgement regarding the project’s profit.

Once the construction process is finished, Toshao Cornelius said the village council “would sign contracts with the residents who would have to pay back storage fee and use of the chicken project and so basically, we are tar-

getting two areas -where we would be providing a source of income to residents, and also providing poultry meat to markets close by.”

The remainder of the community’s COVID fund allowed the council to procure a $2 million All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), while $1million was used to improve the ICT hub.

In 2021, government earmarked a one-off $1.73 billion COVID-19 relief fund aimed at creating op-

Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius portunities for livelihood, youth development, and the enhancement of village infrastructure.

It was one of the many measures implemented by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to bring relief to citizens affected by the pandemic. (DPI)

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Over 600 vehicles registered for DHB automated toll system –– prepaid option being explored

By Jared Liddell

OVER 600 vehicles have registered thus far for the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB)’s automated toll system, and the authorities are exploring alternatives, whereby people can sign up for a prepaid option instead of with their Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) account.

This is according to DHB General Manager Wayne Watson, who told the Sunday

Chronicle that the registered vehicles thus far represent a mix of private, government and private sector-owned mode of transportation.

He noted that the $15M automated toll system, which was implemented in two phases, saw over 460 vehicles being registered from the business community and government agencies.

A total of 200 vehicles were registered in just under two weeks by members of the public during Phase Two.

This newly-implemented system, once fully operationalised, is expected to significantly ease congestion at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Explaining how the process is intended to work, Watson said commuters will only be required to pay their toll via a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, which will be placed on the front of their vehicles, and on their mobile phones.

Bridge commuters, he said, will be registered to a DHBC General Manager Wayne Watson points out the RFID tag on his vehicle (Photo courtesy of News Room) database, and they will need to have funds in their MMG account.

The magnetic RFID tag, he explained, will be placed on the vehicle, and when it approaches the toll station on the eastern end of the bridge, the system’s sensors will identify the commuter’s vehicle, using the tag, and the toll will be deducted automatically.

He noted that with this system, different tags will be created for different types of vehicles, whether car, truck or van.

He explained that the plan is to have 1,500 vehicles registered in the first phase of this open registration period.

OPTIONS BEING EXPLORED Even as the systems currently rely solely on the use of MMG to make payments, Watson told the Sunday Chronicle that other options are currently being explored to ensure a wider section of the population can access the service.

He stated that management of the Harbour Bridge is currently engaging the software development team to assess the viability of setting up a prepaid system that could see persons making payments directly to the Harbour Bridge Corporation on a monthly basis.

“We are talking to the software developer to provide alternative options; we

are assessing the viability of persons coming in, and if they want, they can pay directly to the Harbour Bridge [about] $1,000 [or] $2,000.

“Companies can put $30,000 in their wallet, and it goes straight to the account and they use that. We recognise that some Guyanese are not that tech-savvy, and they still don’t want to get involved for money transactions,” Watson emphasised.

The General Manager sought to remind the public that while this new system is being implemented, toll booth operators will have the option of utilising the cash-based system for drivers without the RFID tag, or any driver who simply wishes to pay with cash.

Vehicles traversing the Demerara Harbour Bridge

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Local company forms US$20M joint venture with US company

GUYANESE-OWNED Ithaca Energy Partners Inc (IEP) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Excalibar Minerals LLC for the establishment of a US $20 million barium-manufacturing facility in Guyana.

According to a release from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the signing, which took place on Tuesday at the International Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, will see Excalibur Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newpark Resources, coming to Guyana to set up the massive facility.

Barium is a soft, silvery metal that is mostly used in the oil-and-gas sector to make drilling mud for oil and gas wells.

It is also used in paint and in glassmaking.

The multimillion-dollar facility is expected to supply Guyana’s oil-

Chief Executive Officer of Ithaca Energy Partners Inc (IEP), Linden Edmondson (second right sitting) along with Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat (second left standing), and CEO of GO-Invest Dr Peter Ramsaroop (third from left standing) with other members of the Guyanese delegation at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas. They are seen here with representatives of Excalibar Minerals LLC during the signing of the MoU

and-gas industry with Barite. Chief Executive Officer of IEP, Linden Edmondson, noted that the joint venture would create employment, transfer barium-manufacturing technology to Guyana, and provide training for several Guyanese.

Ithaca Energy Partners Inc. (IEP) -- an indigenous Guyanese Company -- is an umbrella supply-chain execution platform for Guyana’s oil-and-gas industry. The company has international experience that provides upstream and midstream support services to the industry.

IEP also offers doorto-door logistics and Exworks with material management and supply-base services.

Excalibar Minerals LLC has sourced and processed high-quality barium sulfate and calcium carbonate ores to deliver the very best products possible since its founding in 1990.

Eccles to Great Diamond highway progressing

WORKS on the $13.3 billion Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway on the East Bank of Demerara are progressing smoothly.

This road will be linked to the recently commissioned Eccles to Mandela Avenue four-lane highway and produce a number of benefits.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, these benefits include the reduction of traffic congestion and improved connectivity to existing and future communities.

Works are being executed by GuyAmerica Construction Inc; V. Dalip Enterprise; (JV) Colin Talbot Contracting Services and Eron Lall Civil Engineering Works; S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc.; H. Nauth and Sons; JS Guyana Inc.; (JV) VALs Construction and AJM Enterprise; China Railway First Group Com-

Works are ongoing on the new alternative road link (Sydel Thomas photo) pany Ltd.; Aronco Services Inc.; Ivor Allen; (JV) Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. and

Khemraj Nauth Contracting Services.

The project, which has

been divided into 12 lots, includes the construction of more than 30 reinforced

concrete bridges, two roundabouts and a total of 9.4 km of reinforced con-

crete road.

The estimated timeline for the project is 15 to 18 months.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, implored the contractors to be innovative and strategic in their approach to the project. He also emphasised the need for quality work and timely completion.

Minister Croal also encouraged the contractors to put systems in place to work beyond the stipulated hours and avoid unnecessary delays. He reminded them to adhere to the labour laws and ensure workers’ safety.

Further, he advised the contractors to cultivate a working relationship with the residents and communicate any inconveniences that may occur as a result of the work which should be done in a timely and respectful manner.

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Providence water well to be in operation by month end

MORE than 7,000 households from Providence, Farm, Herstelling, Eccles, Bagotstown and surrounding communities on the East Bank of Demerara will benefit from a newly drilled water well at Providence, by the end of this month.

This assurance was given by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, following a recent visit to the site where works are ongoing. He was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Incorporated, Shaik Baksh and a technical team.

The minister highlighted that he had taken note of the concerns raised, recently, regarding low level of service in some of the above mentioned areas

and so he noted that once the well is completed, it will bring great relief to residents.

The well was drilled to a depth of 638 ft. by S. Jagmohan Construction Services and remaining works include the installation of a discharge line and other transmission and distribution lines, as well as construction of the pump house, fence and other ancillary works.

Minister Croal said that, from all indications, works should be completed by the end of May. He noted that the realisation of new housing schemes and increased occupancy of the existing ones have placed a burden on the current water supply system, resulting in a reduced level of service

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal in discussion with GWI, Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh and a technical team for some customers along the East Bank corridor.

He explained that his ministry and GWI have

recognised that and were finding long-term solutions to increase capacity to meet the demand and

satisfactorily serve residents.

The Housing and Water Minister noted that, within another year, East Bank Demerara residents could expect overall improvement in the quality and quantity of water they receive, following the interlinking of the network.

In this regard, the GWI CEO, Shaik Baksh, added that upgrades were in the pipelines for the Eccles and Covent Garden Water Treatment Plants, which will see new wells being drilled to supply these plants and increase pro-

duction. Another well is also on the cards for Diamond.

Baksh said the utility will continue to work in close collaboration with the Ministry, in an effort to expand its network, even as the housing drive intensifies.

He said the new Providence well is highly productive and will supplement the Providence Number 1 well, which is not sufficient on its own for a growing population.

The Providence well station is being constructed at a cost of $130M.

Decomposed body of man found at Bachelor’s Adventure house THE decomposed body of Roystan Lam, 60, was found at his Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD) house, on Friday evening.

According to Police Headquarters, Lam lived alone in a one-storey wooden structure and was last seen alive on April 29 by neighbours.

However, on Friday evening, his cousin visited his residence and called out to him several times but got no answer but he caught a foul smell which was emanating from the house.

This prompted the relative to alert the police and, upon arrival, they found Lam’s body on the back (facing up).

The scene was processed by the police.

The body was taken to the Merriman Funeral Parlour for storage, awaiting a post mortem examination.

Police said that the home was not ransacked, and no foul play was suspected as several persons were questioned and information received indicated that the deceased suffered from hypertension.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

‘Freak storm’ batters West Coast Berbice

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur ABOUT 19 houses in several communities on the West Coast of Berbice, in Region Five, including Bath, Waterloo and Experiment, suffered extensive damage as a result of a freak storm on Friday night.

Residents of those communities are now counting their losses and are hoping for some relief from the relevant authorities. Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal; Vice Chairman, Rion Peters, along with Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, were on the ground speaking with affected families and

assessing the situation.

One of the residents, Deokumar Jagan, 49, told the Sunday Chronicle that he was woken out of his sleep by loud sounds and realized that the roof was being blown off.

“When we hear the noise them, thing start fly out on the house top; so I hurry to cut off the main switch and grab my wife and child as we coming out the house, so the rain coming in the house heavy, heavy; we were walking on the water-soaked carpets,” Jagan recalled.

Jagan and his family, including his five-year-old, sought shelter at a neighbour’s house.

Some of the houses that were damaged due to the freak storm on Friday night on the West Coast of Berbice

“All the things inside damage: clothing, sofa, wardrobe, mattresses. When this thing happen, me and meh wife and child just come out to safety and everything left behind.

“It was shocking to see but I couldn’t save anything; it hurt me to see them damage because I work hard to put things in the house.”

Jagan, a mechanic, said up to late Saturday he was unable to repair the damaged roof due to financial constraints. He is opened to any help available and can be contacted on telephone number 661-6149.

Meanwhile, Dave Singh and his family of Lot 18 Plantation Hope managed to save a few items but their roof, kitchen cupboards, television set and chest of drawers were damaged.

According to Singh, at around 22:00hrs on Friday, he heard the growling of the wind and within minutes, he noticed zinc sheets being ripped off the house.

“We try to save what we could, like mattress and stuff.”

Singh estimated his losses to be over $200,000 and on Saturday, he purchased the zinc sheets to replace the roof but it will be delivered until Sunday. In the interim, he used some “old zinc sheets” for shelter.

Singh, a cane harvester, said the added financial expense is “tough” since “out of crop season” just started and the storm also damaged his three-quarter acre of eschallot garden.

Like the others, Bimen Sawh, of 313 Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice, was unable to save anything from his house. He said he, his son and daughter-in-law hurriedly sought shelter at a relative’s home.

His roof was also blown away. Sawh had to dig into his savings to replace the roof but, on Saturday, he was still hesitant to turn on the electricity to the house.

Another house also collapsed while motorcycles were also damaged and a utility pole fell during the storm.

The Guyana Power and Light managed to restore power to the area during Saturday.

The Regional Chairman told this newspaper that excavators have also been deployed to affected areas to assist with drainage.

The Civil Defence Commission and other stakeholders have been engaged to provide assistance.

Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal (extreme left); Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, and other officials engaging residents who were affected

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$1.7B to upgrade urban, miscellaneous roads

THE Ministry of Public Works recently awarded $1.7 billion in contracts for urban and miscellaneous road development in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten. Contracts were awarded to 53 contractors at the

ministry’s Kingston office, 37 of whom are to complete miscellaneous road works in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to the tune of $1,163,692,208.

Sixteen contractors will

complete urban road works in Regions Two, Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six, Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to the see page 24

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar at the contract signing ceremony

sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Hicken donates hampers to mothers in Police Force

COMMISSIONER of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, on Saturday donated hampers and paid tribute to mothers who are serving in the Guyana Police Force.

The top cop commended them for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices.

The presentation was done in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary.

“It is my belief that we should always cherish, respect, and be thankful for the services that women provide. This is why, as the Acting Commissioner of Police, I salute and recognise the service, sacri-

fice and true dedication to duty of the mothers in uniform of the Guyana Police Force,” Hicken noted.

The mothers, wives, sisters and even grandmothers who received their hampers, expressed appreciation for the kind gesture.

According to Police Headquarters, female ranks, including those who are mothers, are true nation builders and deserve the recognition that they receive.

“They are tasked daily to provide a service to the public and they make extraordinary sacrifices to protect and serve citizens of Guyana. Within the Guy-

ana Police Force, there is a woman police officer in almost every department of the force who happens to be a mother. Our women police officers who are mothers patrol the ‘Beat,’ they investigate crimes at the Criminal Investigations Department, they help rescue lives at accident scenes,” the Force Headquarters noted in a press release.

The Force’s Headquarters added that there are female ranks who are attached to the Special Constabulary Unit of the Guyana Police Force who provide tremendous dedication and service and protection to the nation.

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken (centre) flanked by a number of mothers whom he recognised for their hard work, dedication and sacrifices (GPF photo)

Additionally, there are also female ranks who are tasked daily with ensuring that the proper administration of the Guyana Police Force at the Office of the Commissioner of Police/ Headquarters Eve Leary and the list goes on.

“The female police officers, including those who are mothers, have experienced tremendous improvement in every area of responsibility in the Guyana Police Force.

More so, with the MoUs that [the] force have [sic]

signed onto with those learning institutions, female ranks will be no exception and will benefit from training, mentoring, career and personal-development programmes,” Police Headquarters stated.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

$1.7B to upgrade urban, miscellaneous ...

from page 22

tune of $562,297,396, while the ministry has accepted 17 new contractors, who also participated in the open bidding process.

Subject Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has urged this latest crop of contractors to maintain the existing roads in those communities to which they have been assigned during the construction period, and to also involve the residents in whatever they are doing as much as they possibly can.

“We are in the business of fixing, not breaking, and I want to endorse what Minister Indar says, ‘We have to use some of the streets to get access to some of the roads we are fixing, so let’s be mindful that when we are passing through communi-

ties, we are not damaging shoulders; we are not damaging roads, we are taking our time,’ Minister Edghill said, adding: “Wherever we are executing contracts, before the work begins, a meeting must be held with the community, whether the ministers are present or the permanent secretary, or just the engineers, with the local authority. The people must know that this is the contractor that is executing this work, and the unpriced bill of quantities must be given to the community, so they must be able to monitor the work.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar said the government, since taking office in August 2020, has

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar, along with the contractors at the recent signing ceremony rehabilitated a number of roads, and will continue to do much more in 2022.

“This budget for public works this year for this miscellaneous urban roads

programme is $15.2 billion; it is the biggest we’ve ever had. A number of roads will be constructed… Over the past two years since we have been in government, we have

done a lot of roads. This year, it is going to be even more, between ourselves in Public Works, Local Government Ministry, as well as Housing Ministry.”

The road works will be done in asphaltic concrete, reinforced concrete, and rigid pavement, based on the geographic location of the projects. (DPI)

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

Man stabbed to death at Rose Hall Town –– suspect hospitalised

POLICE in ‘B’ Division are working to ascertain the identity of a man who was fatally stabbed on Friday evening in Rose Hall Town, East Berbice Corentyne.

Thus far, he has only been identified as “Fineman” and reports are that he hails from the lower East Coast of Demerara.

The suspect, who was injured, has been identified as Anthony Cameron called “Anta”; he remains a patient under guard at the New Amsterdam Hospital after suffering stab wounds to his neck and abdomen. It is unclear how he received the wounds or whether it was during the incident.

This newspaper understands that he underwent surgery to his abdomen on Friday evening.

Reports indicated that Cameron confronted the victim at around 17:30hrs on Friday and stabbed him to his chest. It is alleged that the duo was imbibing through-

out the afternoon and an argument reportedly erupted over a woman identified as “Sisto.”

An eyewitness told the police that he had just bought two bottles of Guinness and was standing on Maycock Street, Rose Hall Town when the victim approached him and asked for $100.

According to the eyewitness, shortly after Cameron approached and began to argue with the victim during which he (Cameron) pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim to the chest.

The victim collapsed and Cameron jumped on his bicycle and said he was going to file a police report.

Meanwhile, the Police responded to the scene and escorted the victim to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Shortly after, Cameron arrived at the hospital in the company of a relative with stab wounds to the region of

Man busted with ‘ganja’ at police roadblock A 23-year-old man from New Amsterdam, Berbice, was nabbed with 30.8 kilograms (or about 69 pounds) of cannabis while travelling in a taxi on Saturday.

Police Headquarters reported that the taxi, a white Toyota 212 (HC 2702), was stopped at a police roadblock in front the Weldaad Police Station on the West Coast of Berbice at about 12:15 hours.

The car is owned and was driven by a 47-year-old

The suspected cannabis found by the police man from Light Town, East Bank Berbice.

When the vehicle was stopped, officers proceeded to search three market bags that reportedly belonged to the passenger when they found 15 compressed parcels wrapped with clear plastic. Those parcels contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana.

Upon discovering the suspected narcotics, the passenger was arrested and cautioned.

Police Headquarters reported that the man admitted to the possession of the suspected cannabis which was weighed in his presence.

his neck and abdomen; he was subsequently admitted and reportedly told the police that it was ‘Fineman’ who stabbed him.

Due to the severity of his wounds, Cameron was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital on Friday night. Investigations are ongoing.

Police in the vicinity of the crime scene on Saturday

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sunday CHRONICLE may 8, 2022

31 new COVID-19 cases recorded THIRTY-ONE more persons have been tested positive for the COVID-19 virus over the past 24 hours, taking Guyana’s overall confirmed cases to 63,570 since the first case was recorded in March, 2020.

No new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded within the last 24 hours.

There are currently 127 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 31 new cases on May 07, 2022.

The new cases, which were recorded from 992 tests, were found in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

Regions One, Three, Five and 10 recorded one new case each; Region

Two recorded two new cases; Regions Four and Six recorded 11 and 14 new cases, respectively.

There are no patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; one person is in institutional isolation; 124 are in home isolation, and two are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

Leclerc leads Ferrari 1-2 for tomorrow’s Miami

Pole position qualifier Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari (C), secondplaced qualifier Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari (L) and third-placed qualifier Max Verstappen of The Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing (R) pose for a photo in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at the Miami International Autodrome yesterday in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) CHARLES Leclerc took pole position in a stunning battle at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix qualifying session, his title rival Max Verstappen settling for third on the grid – while Carlos Sainz backed up a Ferrari one-two.

Leclerc aced the first two qualifying sessions but Verstappen was closing in, setting up a grandstand finish in the top-10 shootout.

Q3 saw the reigning champion take provisional pole but Leclerc eclipsed him for a final pole time of 1:28.796s, Sainz filing in second by 0.190s.

Verstappen made a mistake in his final flying lap and was eventually third, just 0.005s behind Sainz, while Red Bull team mate

Sergio Perez took P4.

Valtteri Bottas, a new Ferrari power unit in his Alfa Romeo, delivered with P5 – ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who was sixth despite having had to put in a quick final lap in Q1 to avoid elimination.

Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda both made it to Q3 for AlphaTauri, the Frenchman qualifying seventh and the Japanese driver ninth.

Between them was Lando Norris, eighth in qualifying despite going P3 in Q2.

Lance Stroll rounded out the top 10 for Aston Martin.

Alpine’s Fernando Alonso missed out on Q3 in P11, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell – who dealt with severe porpoising in Q2 – while Sebastian Vettel was

disappointed to take P13 for Aston Martin. Gear shift issues for Daniel Ricciardo put him 14th on the grid for McLaren, while Mick Schumacher was last in Q2, finishing P15 on Saturday.

His Haas team mate Kevin Magnussen (P16) missed out on Q2 by a tenth, and Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu took P17 having been compromised by traffic in his final flying run. Neither Williams driver made it out of Q1, Alex Albon taking P18 and Nicholas Latifi 19th.

Esteban Ocon did not take part in qualifying after his FP3 crash and is likely to start today’s Grand Prix from the pit lane.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

Hetmyer, Jaiswal push Rajasthan over the line

A RETURNING Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a sparkling half-century from the top of the order as Rajasthan Royals (RR) chased down 190 against Punjab Kings with two balls to spare. The win helped them consolidate their third position on the points table.

Cameos from Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson gave Royals a flying start, but with Devdutt Padikkal struggling at No. 4, Jaiswal almost singlehandedly steered the chase for a large part with his 68 off 41 balls. Royals still needed 49 off 34 balls when he was dismissed, and despite Padikkal dragging them back with a 32-ball 31, Shimron Hetmyer took them over the line with an unbeaten 31 off 16 balls.

Earlier, after Samson lost his tenth toss in 11 games, Punjab Kings rode on Jonny Bairstow’s half-century and fireworks towards the end from Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone to post a formidable total. It looked sufficient at the halfway stage, but didn’t turn out to be.

A MIXED DAY FOR BOULT Opening the bowling, Trent Boult found swing with his first delivery, but it ended up on the pads and Bairstow flicked it through midwicket for four. Three balls later, Boult switched to around the wicket, but

again strayed down the leg side. Bairstow helped it past short fine leg for another boundary.

But Boult made a strong comeback in his second over - bowling a maiden to Shikhar Dhawan - but went for 18 in his third as Bairstow and Shikhar hit him for two fours and a six.

BAIRSTOW, RAJAPAKSA KEEP THE ATTACK GOING R. Ashwin sent back Shikhar in the final over of the powerplay, with Buttler back-pedalling at mid-on, leaping high, and plucking the ball out of the air with his right hand. But Bairstow and Bhanuka Rajapaksa kept the attack on.

Facing only his third ball, Rajapaksa smashed Yuzvendra Chahal for six. Two overs later, he launched Kuldeep Sen o v e r l o n g - o ff b e f o r e hitting Prasidh Krishna for back-to-back fours.

Bairstow, too, found the boundary at regular intervals and the two took the side to 88 for 1 after ten overs.

CHAHAL STRIKES BACK Coming into this game, Kings had the lowest scoring rate (6.80) against spin of the ten teams in the tournament. And spin once again proved to be their Achilles’ heel. Rajapaksa stepped out to Chahal only to be bowled.

Bairstow brought up

his half-century, his first of the season, off 34 balls but Chahal returned to dismiss Mayank Agarwal and Bairstow in the same over.

That left Kings on 122 for 4 after 15 overs with two new batters at the crease.

JITESH, LIVINGSTONE FINISH STRONGLY It looked like Royals might restrict Kings to 175 but Jitesh took the lead and hit Prasidh for two consecutive fours before walloping Chahal for a six. Livingstone was on 12 off ten balls before hitting Prasidh for a six and a four in the space of three balls. But the seamer cut his innings short when he moved too far across to a full and straight ball and was bowled. In the final over, Jitesh hit Sen for 6, 4, 4 off successive balls to ensure a strong finish.

ROYALS BLAZING START It was a daunting target but Royals got off to a blazing start with Jaiswal hitting Sandeep Sharma for two fours and six in the first over. In the fourth over, Buttler took Kagiso Rabada to the cleaners, smashing him for three fours and six. But the bowler had the last laugh.

On the last ball of the over, Buttler shuffled across to lap Rabada over

Shimron Hetmyer took them over the line with an unbeaten 31 off 16 balls short fine leg but it was bowled full at his feet.

Buttler realised the ball wasn’t there for the shot, changed his mind and tried to help it over short third man but couldn’t clear the fielder.

It looked like Kings could breathe easily for a while, but Buttler, with a mix of power, timing and

luck, had collected four fours in the first seven balls he faced. So, at the end of eight overs, Royals were 85 for 1.

J A I S WA L , H E TMYER MAKE UP FOR PADIKKAL’S STRUGGLES Rishi Dhawan sent Samson back for 23 off 12 balls when the batter

skied one to cover-point.

Batting at No. 4, Padikkal got stuck in first gear but Jaiswal’s strokeplay kept Royals abreast with the asking rate.

With 77 needed from eight overs, Jaiswal took three fours in one Rishi over. Against Rahul Chahar, he brought out the reverse sweep to fetch another boundary. He holed out to long-on off Arshdeep Singh, with the seamer conceding only three in the 15th over, but Hetmyer dragged Arshdeep for two leg-side fours in his next over to bring down the asking rate.

I n t h e 1 8 t h o v e r, bowled by Rabada, Padikkal too chipped in with two fours with a Hetmyer six sandwiched in-between. That over produced 16 runs and brought the equation down to 11 from 12 balls. Arshdeep once again conceded only three and dismissed Padikkal, but the equation was very much in Royals’ favour.

With eight needed from the final over, Chahar started with a wide down the leg side. Hetmyer then lofted the next ball over long-on to level the scores. Two balls later, he chipped a full toss towards long-on for the winning run.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday May 08, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 4 (2) 6 Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest partnership for any wicket in IPL 2010?

(2) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in IPL 2010?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… ………………………………………

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:20 hrs Porfirio 08:55 hrs Harold The Duke 09:30 hrs Ocean Warrior 10:00 hrs Droghiere 10:35 hrs Herei Is The Tiger English Racing Tips Plumpton 08:40 hrs Sophosc

09:15 hrs Salamanca 09:50 hrs The Tin Miner 10:25 hrs State House 11:00 hrs Sainte Doctor 11:30 hrs Kolisi 12:00 hrs Prairie Town 12:30 hrs El Muchacho Ludlow 09:00 hrs Blenkinsop 09:40 hrs The Wild Wild Sea 10:40 hrs Coolnaugh

Haze 11:10 hrs Barden Bella 11:40 hrs Flaming Ambition 12:10 hrs Groom D’Oudaires Hamilton 10:50 hrs Kind Spirit 11:18 hrs Lasting Legacy 11:48 hrs Eilean Dubb 12:18 hrs Ava Go Joe 12:48 hrs Ballet Steps

13:18 hrs Emaraty Hero Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown 08:50 hrs Corporal Violette 09:25 hrs Ark 10:00 hrs Waterville 10:35 hrs Artistic Choice 11:05 hrs Agartha 11:35 hrs Atomic Jones 12:05 hrs Real Appeal 12:35 hrs Moracana

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

Holder spurs Super Giants to win despite Russell Heroics changed all that. Bowling to a short leg-side boundary, Mavi, who had conceded just 20 in three overs till then, had a horror over. Stoinis hit the first three balls for sixes, two in the slot and one a short ball, over the leg side. The fourth ball was in the slot too, but Stoinis just couldn’t get the elevation and found deep midwicket.

The arrival of a new b a t t e r d i d n ’t c h a n g e things: Mavi bowled two more slot balls, which Jason Holder hit over square leg and long-off. Southee pulled things back a little in the final over, but Super Giants knew they had plenty on the board.

Jason Holder took 3 for 31 (ESPNCRICINFO) Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) went to the top of the table, with three matches to go, with a comprehensive win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who now stood all but knocked out.

Knowing the slow Pune pitch would be ill-suited to shot-making in the middle overs, LSG went hard against the new ball despite the dismissal of captain KL Rahul without a ball faced.

The expected slowdown ensued as balls bowled into the pitch proved to be difficult to score off, but a 30-run 19th over by Shivam Mavi sent them on their way to a par-plus total.

Super Giants’ pace attack then bounced Knight Riders’ top order out, reducing them to 25 for 4 before Andre Russell created excitement with his 19-ball 45 but he, too, fell to a short ball. The end came swift as KKRs were bowled out for 101 with 5.3 overs to spare.

Two wicket-maidens and just three scores in dou-

ble-figures told the story of the defence.

HOODA, DE KOCK SPARKLE In the first over, Quinton de Kock ran his captain Rahul out even before he had a chance to face a ball. This mishap happened in the process of looking for a quick single, a nicety de Kock didn’t bother for in the rest of his innings. He was brutal against every ball pitched short or short of a length, and the bowlers tended to overcompensate when they went up, allowing him to drive balls. He scored 44 off 23 in a 66-run powerplay, their second-biggest powerplay this season.

While de Kock took care of pace in his 29ball 50, which included three sixes and four fours, Deepak Hooda hit Sunil Narine for a six in the fourth and Anukul Roy for a four in the fifth.

THE SLOWDOWN Narine came into the match with just the seven wickets but an economy rate of under a run-a-

ball. The pattern has been clear: sides are playing him out and targeting the other KKR bowlers. de Kock, though, aims higher when he gets going. He tried to hit Narine too, but the ball gripped to take the intended extra-cover loft to long-off.

Now the bowlers started to use the middle of the pitch more with the slower balls gripping too. Krunal Pandya got stuck for a 27-ball innings that couldn’t reach a run-a-ball. Narine found support in Russell, who got Hooda and Pandya both with the short ball.

Between them, Narine, Russell and Tim Southee bowled 11 overs for 70 runs and four wickets.

THE FINISH Marcus Stoinis chose to play the first half of the death overs with caution. Overs 16, 17 and 18, bowled by Narine, Mavi and Russell, went for just one boundary, that too off an edge. At 142 for 4, it looked like Super Giants might end up underachieving.

The 19th over, though,

THE START Mohsin Khan, arguably the most impressive of a bunch of impressive young Indian quicks going around, started the

defence off perfectly. He bowled at high pace, got length balls to seam away, bowled a full in-swinger, and then provided the finishing touch with a sharp and accurate bouncer last ball to get B. Indrajith out. When Knight Riders got their first run off the ninth ball of the innings, they had achieved the longest wait for a first run this IPL. Dushmantha Chameera matched Mohsin’s pace, and if anything, bowled harder lengths.

In the fourth over of the innings, he followed a backing-away Shreyas Iyer with a bouncer, who tried to pull him down and gave square leg an easy catch.

Jason Holder reserved the same treatment for Aaron Finch before Avesh Khan bookended this opening burst with a yorker to take out Nitish

Raina, who was backing away expecting a short ball. This second wicket-maiden left KKR at 25 for 4 in seven overs.

RUSSELL KEEPS KKR INTERESTED ONLY FOR A WHILE With Russell coming to bat in the seventh over, KKR were either going to win comfortably or not bat out their allocation. There is no in-between. Russell did hit five sixes and three fours in just 19 balls, but eventually an Avesh short ball flew to third man, who was placed fine just for this.

Narine, too, managed to score 22 off 12, but the lower order collapsed.

Holder was on a hattrick with the last pair at the wicket. Harshit Rana avoided the hattrick but ran himself out taking a third.

Andre Russell’s aggression was not enough

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

BFA officially launches Bartica Men’s Senior League

The Bartica FA executive along with General Council members, following the launch of the Men’s Senior League on Friday evening “IT’S time for Bartica to have football on the go, bigger and better and here is where we start that journey. The Bartica Football Association (BFA) tonight is officially launching the Bartica Football Association men’s senior league and we’re looking forward for a great and exciting league of football.”

Those were the words of Mr Alden Marslowe, president of the BFA, in his opening remarks at the launching of the Men’s League 2022.

The launching of the league was held at the Bartica Town Council boardroom on Friday evening

in the presence of the Regional Chairman, Mayor Gifford Marshall and other members of the association’s executive body.

Also present were Lyndon France, who came in the capacity of GFF Technical Support Officer to the BFA, Bartica Referee Councillor Leon Stewart, members and representatives of the nine clubs that will be part of the league and Delroy McIntyre the administrator of the Bartica Sports Direct page.

During the launching of the league, the co-ordinator and the GFF technical support officer to the BFA outlined the rules and regulations and also handed

over fixtures of the league.

France mentioned that he was pleased at the turnout of representatives from participating clubs.

He stated that GFF is on a path to making Guyana’s football first-class and the responsibilities are placed on clubs locally to make the early start.

He reinforced that statement by adding that punctuality is key so as he is expecting all clubs to be on time, organised and ready for the start of the league.

Mayor Marshall added he was very grateful and it’s pleasing to have such a healthy return of the sport in that region.

At the end of the

launching, the BFA handed over balls, bibs and cones to each team who will be playing in the league.

The teams in the League are Rivers View FC, Ballers FC, Rising Stars FC, Lazio Untied FC, Agatash United FC, Ak Galaxy FC, Beacon United FC, Potaro Strikers FC and Wolves United FC. The league is set to start May 15 and will be played at three venues; Bartica Community Centre ground, Rivers View sports group and Dogg point playfield.

A total of 36 matches will be played during the period of May 15 to July 2.

Linden Town Week Red Stripe Masters Football …

GT CLUB 45’s Under-45 take top honours

Club 45’s U-45 Masters GEORGETOWN Club 45’s Under-45 Masters scored a 1-0 win over their Linden Masters Over-45 unit to cart off honours in the Red

Stripe Linden Town Week Masters football tournament on Friday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

On a heavy outfield, the victory strike for the GT side came from a set piece play which began from the left back position.

The play was converted in the 64th minute by outside midfield player Dellon Layne,breaking the goal-less stalemate.

Earlier that evening the Linden Under-45 edged past their City rivals Club 45 Over-45 rivals to take third position.

The Linden team won 5-4 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw.

Club 45 defender Dwayne Alli was voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament having

secured the Most Goals title, with two.

Their goalkeeper Lance Liefde was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper, Mark Glasgow the Best Defense Player, Kevin Pryce the Best Midfield Player, their manager Kurtis Davis the Best Manager and Mr Dallas the Best Supporter.

An undisclosed amount of cash was awarded to both the winners Club 45 U-45 and the runners-up Linden Masters Over-45 teams along with trophies; while the individual awardees collected trophies. (Joe Chapman)

GCB presents over $800,000 worth of cricket gear to UDCA

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) earlier this week donated over $800 000 worth of gear to the Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA).

The items were handed over at the latter’s Annual General Meeting, by GCB president Bissondyal Singh.

The donation, he said, is being done to help the association with gear and equipment needed for training sessions and to play matches.

He urged the recipients to make full use of the items donated and looked forward to seeing talented players coming from the Region, assuring them that it will not be the last.

The items donated include

efforts were made to destroy and disband the body, but the UDCA prevailed.

“He also mentioned the contribution made by the legendary Sir Clive Lloyd along with the gathering of some 7 000 signatures to help get the Cricket Administration Act passed. That entire process took years to conclude including a number of court battles.”

“You were stifled for over 11 years by the previous administrators and must be given some attention and the GCB is willing to assist.”

The president alluded to the hard work and enthusiasm of the members of the UDCA, pointing specifically to the

GCB president Singh is flanked by representatives of UDCA bats, pads, gloves, stumps, balls. The GCB will be moving to implement several activities including training and playing matches across the country.

President of UDCA, Mr Bradley Fredericks, said that the UDCA is extremely grateful for such an enormous contribution.

The UDCA president said that with the donation of the gear it will be easier for them to help administer the game across the Region.

He promised that he and his executives will make full use of the items donated.

The UDCA president stressed that his board would continue to create the environment for players to grow and he took up GCB challenge to have teams prepared in time for all upcoming competitions.

PRAISE RAINED ON UDCA Singh congratulated the president of the UDCA and the executive on behalf of the GCB and DCB and wished them all the best in their term in office.

“The UDCA stood the test of time when they were treated badly, were ostracised, and must be applauded. Many

concluded U15 Inter-Association Cricket competition in Demerara.

For the first time an Under-15 team was selected from the Region to participate in a cricket competition.

What was exemplary about that was the team was selected in two weeks.

The GCB president commended the UDCA for having a number of females on board as a part of the executives.

GCB ROLLING OUT PLANS In his address, the GCB boss also said the Board is moving full speed ahead to implement a number of programmes they have in the pipeline, adding that some will be done simultaneously to make up for lost time.

A massive school’s programme to be undertaken shortly with the training of 150 teachers from 75 primary schools, countrywide was one of the examples Singh alluded to - a programme of which Region 10 will be an integral part.

He challenged the association to have teams ready for all other competitions including Under-17, Under-19, and Females among others.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

GCB names team for remaining Georgetown’s Spartans win Arrival three WI Championship rounds Day dominoes competition in Linden

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are currently in fourth place of the West Indies Championship 2022 THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has named the 15-man squad to contest the remaining three rounds of the West Indies Championship 2022.

Leon Johnson retains his captaincy with Keemo Paul as vice-captain.

The other listed players are Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demeter Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sin-

clair and Ronsford Beaton.

The manager is Albert Clements (Smith), head coach Esaun Crandon, assistant coach Ryan Hercules, cricket analyst Keshava Ramphal and physiotherapist Angelica Holder.

The squad will be engaged in its final practice match prior to the resumption of the regional tournament at the Guyana National Stadium, from Monday May 9, 2022, to Thursday May 12, 2022.

Play is scheduled from 09:30hrs to 16:30hrs.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are currently in fourth place in the point standings on 21.4 points behind thirdplaced Leeward Islands Hurricanes on 24.6 points, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 38.6 points and Barbados Pride on 42.0 points.

They will play Barbados Pride from May 18 to 21, 2022, at Queen’s Park Oval, Jamaica Scorpions from May 25 to 28, 2022, at Deigo Martin and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force June 1-4, 2022, at Queen’s Park Oval.

The Georgetown Spartans THE Spartans of Georgetown lifted the Arrival oneday dominoes tournament, played Friday night at the Senior Supervisors Club in Mackenzie.

The tournament was organised by the Swag Boss dominoes club.

The City side led an invasion which resulted with two Georgetown teams reaching the final.

However, it was Spartans who accumulated 50 games in the four-game competition, ahead of

Linden’s Sparta Boss and Georgetown’s All Season on 43 games.

In the final, Spartans took control from the second set of matches and never looked back as the fifth sitting ended with them leading 41 games to 39 from Sparta Boss and All season.

In the end, Spartans came away winners with 50 games as Sparta Boss managed 46 and All Season had 43 games.

Swag Boss, fresh from winning the Linden Town

Week Mayor’s Cup dominoes tournament, played well to reach the final.

The main sponsors were Banks DIH through their XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Spartans, Tony’s Jewellery, Broad Money Spare Parts and Marltann Enterprise.

For their win Spartans copped $130 000 and the Tony’s Jewellery Championship Trophy, while Sparta Boss picked up $100 000 and a trophy and All Season won $70 000.

(Joe Chapman)

Essequibo/Pomeroon FA clubs ready to battle for supremacy as Senior League launched

EPFA president Magzene Stewart takes time out for a photo with fellow EPFA executives and club representatives following the launch of the Senior League SEVEN clubs affiliated to the Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association (EPFA) are set and ready to battle for

supremacy in their senior League which was unveiled last Thursday.

President Magzene Stewart

at the launch challenged the clubs to bring their best to the playing field as the top two clubs would be rewarded by

being involved in a National playoff among their peers from the other Regional Associations (RA).

“I first of all would like to commend each of you for answering the call to compete in this league that will create

history as it would be the first time that all nine RAs would be kicking off their senior leagues at the same time.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), I can assure you, has been fully supportive of all that is happening in the continued development of the game on and off the field of play and as a member, we would not be left out. So come out, do your best and let the games begin.”

The competing clubs are Queenstown, Mainstay Gold Star, Hood Hope, Henrietta, Dartmouth, Wakapoa, and Tapakuma.

Each club was presented with balls, bibs, and cones, compliments of GFF and EPFA.

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Holder spurs Super Giants to win despite Russell Heroics

Hetmyer, Jaiswal push Rajasthan over the line

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 8, 2022

SEE PAGE

32

Shimron Hetmyer took them over the line with an unbeaten 31 off 16 balls

SEE PAGE

33

Jason Holder took 3 for 31

GCB presents over $800,000 worth of cricket gear to UDCA SEE PAGE

34

GCB president Singh is flanked by representatives of UDCA

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| SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022