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Guyana, Belize form landmark partnership VAT INCLUSIVE

No.106777

–– to help CARICOM accelerate ambitious ‘25 by 25’ food security goal

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the Prime Minister of Belize, John Antonio Briceño observe as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, Eamon Courtenay, at State House, Thursday (Office of the President photo)

Mandela Guyanese woman’s 12 Over 1,700 Region Five 02 US$25M hotel, mall to feature short story featured in residents gain employment over 60 stalls 13 award-winning publication PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Over 1,700 Region Five residents gain employment –– through government’s part-time job initiative

OVER 1,700 residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have gained employment through the government’s part-time job initiative which was launched in June by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. The programme was initially aimed at employing 1,000 persons from the region, but was extended to cater for an additional

1,000 residents due to an overwhelming number of applications. This initiative is also part of the government’s efforts to increase household income, in the face of the rising cost of living, and fulfil its manifesto promise to create employment for Guyanese. In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Wednes-

day, Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five, Genevieve Blackman, said she was pleased that the programme was taken to the farming region. “We are blessed, and we feel privileged to be one of the regions that is part of this initiative. As you know, this is a farming region, so there are not many opportunities for jobs in the region such as this. So, a lot of persons responded to the Vice President’s initiative, and they started their job. They are extremely happy that they are working even if it is on a part-time basis,” Blackman said. Persons have been employed at various government agencies such as health centres, schools and hospitals, among others. The REO said the only requirement needed for employment is to be a Guyanese, and a resident of the region. DPI spoke to several part-time employees who highlighted how important the job is for them. Young Anisha Ramseepaul works in data anal-

More than 1,700 Region Five residents have been employed through the government’s part-time job initiative programme (DPI photo) ysis at the Rosignol Neighbourhood Democratic Council (RDC). She said the job is propelling her to become an independent woman. “I was home for a very long time … I am a teenager, and I want to be an independent woman, to have my own money and stuff like that, so I saw the opportunity and take it. It benefits me and my family in many ways; more income, less struggles on one person,” Ramseepaul said. Latoya King, a single

mother, said the job helps to support her, and her two children. King said: “I applied for this job for me and my two kids. It benefits us a great lot in our home, it shows progress. I could get to do things for the home, my two children, and for myself.” Another employee, Abiola Thomas, said: “I put in application to all the places I know and didn’t get through so I decided to apply for this one.”

She also added that the job assists in paying her mortgage. “It benefits me a lot, I newly build my house so I have to pay mortgage when the month come, and it coming in a great deal to help me pay my mortgage,” Thomas said. Beneficiaries are also encouraged to apply to the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL) for scholarships, to further elevate themselves. (DPI)

Guyana, Belize form landmark partnership 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

–– to help CARICOM accelerate ambitious ‘25 by 25’ food security goal By Jared Liddell

GUYANA and sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) State, Belize are set to foster closer symbiotic ties following their signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday. Among areas of interest on which the two countries will work closely, via the memorandum, are agriculture and food security, tourism, and climate change. The pact was agreed by Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration Mr. Eamon Courtenay, and Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Hugh Todd on Day Three of the four-day official visit here by Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño, and will be implemented by a joint commission presided over by the foreign ministries of both countries. In accordance with the agreement, the Joint Commission will have on board experts from the public and private sectors of both countries, and is expected to have its first meeting within three months of the MOU’s coming into force. As President Dr. Irfaan Ali rightly observed after the deal was agreed, top of its agenda is collaboration on agricultural initiatives that will cater to the current CARICOM goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. “Both of our countries are very keen on agriculture,” President Ali said. “If we combine our efforts with that of Suriname, we can have enough land assets to deploy to meet the food requirements of CARICOM,

which to share ideas. “We talk on issues of climate change, protection of our environment or forests, you know, but Guyana is known for its pristine forests, which, yesterday, I had the pleasure of flying over… And, I mean, as I said, all you see is a tree cover for miles and miles and miles, which very few countries have,” PM Briceño said, adding: “Well, in Belize, we have 30% of our country on a protected status also. So, again, we are seeing similarities on how we can cooperate in the work that

we are presently doing, or in our different countries.” Noting also that he is proud to rekindle the strong relationship Guyana and Belize once shared, PM Briceño said: “I really truly see both countries once again renewing that friendship; strengthening that cooperation, assisting one another in different ways that we can. And so, for us to be able to sign a cooperation agreement this evening, to me, is a sense of accomplishment; a sense of achievement, and a sense of happiness that we are mov-

ing in the right direction.” The Belizean leader further noted that with Guyana heading the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification, and Food Security, and leading strategically implemented systems that are projected to mitigate the issue of food insecurity across the CARICOM region, his country is committed to working collaboratively with Guyana, and lending a hand directly in the area of agriculture to achieve this goal.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali both from an input perspective and an output perspective. These are some of the things that have captured our discussion. And now we’re setting up a structure institutional mechanism to advance the discussion.” President Ali noted that in the coming months, he anticipates innovative plans from the foreign ministers of both countries that would develop the infrastructure to have all the hatching eggs in the region produced between Guyana and Belize as part of the cooperation. A NATURAL ALLY Referring to Belize as “a natural ally” in helping Guyana to mobilise and enter new export markets, President Ali said that just as how this new deal opens up tremendous doors for Guyana in the support of the sugar sector, so, too, does Belize stand to benefit from Guyana’s relationship with Brazil. “Belize, on the other hand, could advance their cause with Brazil, for exam-

ple, and we are very happy that we could have facilitated the visit there by Prime Minister John Briceño and his delegation in understanding how we can expand this integration, and how we can create a huge hub in CARICOM itself to support the aspirations of Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras,” President Ali said, adding that Education and Healthcare are also among the major areas of cooperation expected to be explored through this collaboration. On the Climate Change front, the president noted that seeing that Guyana and Belize share similar geographical characteristics, they will be working together to strengthen capacity going into the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Prime Minister Briceño, who shared similar sentiments as President Ali on the novelty of the agreement, noted that Belize’s having forests covering a significant percentage of its landmass just like Guyana makes it the perfect ally with

A show of friendship! Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Belize’s Prime Minister Mr. John Briceño share a friendly embrace at State House, where an MoU was signed between the two nations (Office of the President Photo)

Guyana,Trinidad to sign co-operation agreement in August

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

By Jared Liddell

AS Guyana continues to enhance its partnership with its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sister states, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has disclosed that Guyana is set to sign a bilateral agreement with Trinidad and Tobago in August of this year. The President, who made this disclosure following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Belizean Prime Minister on Thursday, noted that the agreement with the Twin-Island Republic is in keeping with the government’s vision of setting out a clear path through which both countries have structured dialogue to achieve particular goals. The Head of State noted that these agreements are part of the plan to strategically remove barriers to trade among CARICOM states. “We are working on signing an agreement with Trinidad and Tobago in August. Now we have signed an agreement with Belize, St. Lucia is coming to sign an agreement… so in a bilateral way, from country to country, if we can collectively say we got to remove all the barriers to trade individually, we got to work in a working group to remove the barriers within ourselves and eventually the barriers will be diminished,” President Ali said. This agreement in August will be the second agreement signed between Guyana and Trinidad this year. In May 2022, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which sought to address non-tariff barriers, areas of trade and investment, agriculture and food security, security, energy, infrastructure, education, tourism, sports, and culture to develop a strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of the two countries and the wider community. Dr. Ali and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, were among those who witnessed the signing.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in May 2022 (Office of the Prime Minister photo) President Ali, at that time, told the media that a bilateral commission will be established within the next three months to ensure that the initiatives under the agreement for the renewed and enhanced co-operation between the two countries are implemented in a timely and efficient manner. The Head of State said that discussions with Trinidad and Tobago have been “very focused, very positive and forward-looking,” and has allowed both countries the opportunity to “take the bull by the horns” when

identifying opportunities within both states and potential blocks to those opportunities. President Ali noted that even as the MoU has been signed, it is pivotal that investors from both Guyana and Trinidad are fully on board. He opined that in Guyana alone, there are tremendous investment opportunities, welcoming Trinidadian investors to take advantage of the opportunities available here. He disclosed that the government has already taken Prime Minister Row-

ley to visit expansive areas across the country that are ripe for investment. Dr. Ali said that even as opportunities are available for investment and the increased production of local goods, there must be ease of connection and logistics for the delivery and transport of these products. Further, Guyana’s President said that the two countries are already in talks for a cargo-plus ferry that would be a necessary investment to facilitate better trade relations between the two nations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Guyana’s Image Rebuilt

AN image once damaged by a slew of events that followed polling day on March 2, 2020, has been pieced together through the strategic efforts of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government, on the global stage. The economic, political and social benefits that accrue to countries with a positive influence and image are immense, and range from increased exports and financing for critical projects, to support in matters concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the centre of a good image, however, is democracy, an important element of governance that empowers the people of a nation and ensures that there are equal and equitable rights for all. Like a distorted image, the future of democracy in Guyana was blurred in 2020, when Guyanese and people the world over, watched as this sacred tenet of society was threatened by the actions of the former A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition administration in the aftermath of the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections. The electorate, after casting their votes, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the elections, as they witnessed unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges. In this time, the patience of the elector-

ate was tested, as they observed an attempt by the then coalition administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society. “We experienced a dark time when we were made to walk through a deep valley in which the shadow of autocracy at home, and ostracism from abroad hung over us. We escaped that awful fate because brave men and women of all races, ages, and political persuasion stood up to defend democracy, and to resist stolen elections and autocratic and illegitimate government,” President Ali of the party that emerged victorious at the elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had said. Since its election to office in August 2, 2020, the government has spared no effort in trying to cement diplomatic partnerships and ties that were threatened, and to establish Guyana as a democratic nation that is governed with the highest respect and regard for laws and regulations. It was predicted that it would take at least a generation to repair the damage inflicted on Guyana’s image during the five-month election period. Head of the Electoral Observer Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Bruce Golding, had said: “Even if this debacle (elections) is soon and satisfactorily resolved, it will perhaps

take a generation and significant institutional reform for that damage to be fully repaired. The people of Guyana did not deserve this.” However, in a little under two years, through the work of the government and other key stakeholders, Guyana is now a country that is respected and acknowledged for its economic potential and strategies, and one that, based on anecdotal evidence, is on the “places to visit” list of tourists and investors across the world. There seems to be no aspect of Guyana that is not attractive to world leaders, investors, celebrities and even ordinary visitors. Some 51,398 persons already visited the country in the first quarter of this year and based on information from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the arrival rates are expected to be 10 per cent more than the 158,347 arrivals recorded in 2021. There have been visits to Guyana by high-ranking officials of the United States, United Arab Emirates, CARICOM, Africa nations, and others. All of those visits have ended with commitments to strengthen bilateral ties in many areas. On the other hand, Guyana has been well-represented at various conferences across the world. Leading from the front, Guyana’s Head of State has been evidently immersing himself in knowledge related to the challenges

that affect countries the world over, and, together with his team, devising solutions and strategies to address those problems that are then shared with leaders at the highest levels of international governance. President Ali was present at the COP26 Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow, Scotland, EXPO 2020 in Dubai, and the annual reception of the London Caribbean Council at the House of Lords. He also attended Toronto’s Guyana Festival Committee Dinner; California’s ninth Americas Summit; Rwanda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting; Suriname’s hosting of the Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition; Barbados’ hosting of AGROFEST’22; and Suriname’s hosting of the 43rd CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government Meeting, among other prestigious events. At those engagements, the President affirmed Guyana’s position as it regards upholding democracy, outlined opportunities for investment here and shared the country’s strategies to enhance regional integration, address food security and reduce carbon emissions. Those presentations and the vested interest in the country’s development are enough to conclude that Guyana’s image has been rebuilt.

President Ali is a man for all seasons Dear Editor, GUYANA’S young and restless President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has become a global trotter spanning continents; crossing seas and oceans; flying over forests, deserts and mountains and visiting lands, far and near. Possessing a bold and beautiful personality, he is meeting people of all races, religions, genders and creeds, nationally, regionally and internationally. Braving all weathers and climatic conditions, shunning pride and prejudice, he presents himself as a simple, humble and friendly representative of a thriving and striving nation of potential wealth from her natural resources and agricultural produce.

As the world turns to accept, embrace and welcome him, his audiences listen to his powerful speeches, words of sincerity and his inspired messages. His charismatic flamboyance attracts the crowd to catapult him in the limelight and usher him in the front seat without reservation or hesitation. The memories from his recent visits are still fresh and akin to “A Man for all Seasons.” His visits include: London Caribbean Council’s House of Lord’s Annual Reception; the Guyana Festival Committee’s Dinner in Toronto; The Ninth Summit of the Americas in California; the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda; Suriname’s Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition; AGROFEST’22 in Barbados

and The 43rd Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Suriname. Dr Ali knows no fear and the word failure does not exist in his vocabulary, knowing that optimism lies in his positive approach, determined to market his people, country and products for their highest values. His admirable popularity is the window to the world, which easily allows him to win friends and influence people and all doors are automatically opened to meet and greet him with open arms and extend the hand of friendship. The world is growing to respect President Ali for his dynamic leadership, his energetic enthusiasm and his integrity to be an honest, frank and fair speaker.

His Excellency does not cower behind cloaked costumes; hide behind hidden agendas; issue veiled threats; speak with a forked tongue; mislead with crafty and cloudy words; pollute the atmosphere with uneasiness; make unrealistic demands, nor ask unreasonable questions. He was well received last year at the UN Framework convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, and also at EXPO 2020, Dubai. At the UN General Assembly in NY Sept’21 (UNGA76), he revealed to interviewers that Guyana will be receiving high-level visits from Kenya, Colombia, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Latin America, the Caribbean, See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

The Opposition needs to demonstrate credibility

Dear Editor,

I AGREE with the Stabroek News editorial of Thursday, July 7, 2022, that the Guyana Police Force may be facing a loss of credibility as a result of purported attempts, at the initial stage,

to cover up the killing of Quindon Bacchus by the ranks involved. However, the checks and balances in place (such as the PCA investigation), together with the activism of relatives and others, ensured that the offenders are now before the court.

President Ali is a man ...

From page 6

EU and Asia, all of which materialized. Prior to this visit, he was also in Mexico for the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit. President Irfaan Ali recognises that Guyana is going through a period of growing pains and has many obstacles and hurdles to overcome, internally and externally. His job is no piece of cake and does not come with a written manual. Being the chauffeur at the wheel, it is far from driving any Miss Daisy on a quiet Sunday afternoon. From the inception, heavy traffic prevailed at the time of swearing into office, and, he and his ministers were cognizant of the many problems with which the country and people were taxed. That did not daunt nor deter him but made him more determined to create a pathway to clear all impediments blocking the road to progress and prosperity. There is little room for errors and mistakes, and, he is daily flaunted by critics, hunting to find faults to discredit him and punch holes in his bag. Not surprisingly, His Excellency has been involved personally along with members of his Cabinet on out-reach programmes to all the 10 regions, meeting and greeting Guyanese from all sections of the community, listening and learning, advising, making suggestions and recommendations and solving problems on the spot. He has initiated a number of cash grants to all qualified stakeholders affected by economics, politics and nature via financial constraints: the fired sugar workers during the Granger regime compensation; flood relief; school relief; medical relief – dialysis, et al; farmers’relief; COVID -19 packages; business start-ups; unemployment relief; easy bank loans for house construction, etc. It is not by luck and chance that he is not above the law, but by sheer diligence and not negligence. President Ali is guided by established rules and regulations, protocols of precedence, the constitution and mandatory guidelines. He is not a one-man show as evidenced by previous dictators, but, he

refers to his advisers for proper counselling, guidance and advice. The sound of music is muffled by the constant cry from antagonists and protagonists, bellowing a bugle of tuneless melodies and out of sync with rhythms and beats. He hears those sour notes and does not ignore the lesson to improvise, while, fine tuning the instrument to produce sweet, simple and soft notes. There is always a bending curve and His Excellency flexes time out to learn and listen and to reconfigure any compromising approach to appease the satisfied customer and consumer. But, there is the border line which determines the line of demarcation between reality and fantasy, and he does not hesitate to quickly install that fence. He is the first to always shake hands! The Honourable President makes it his duty to visit those involved in accidents, fire victims; crime scenes; wakehouses; weddings; sports activities; religious functions and can be seen at charitable events and fund-raising activities. He is involved with his hands in numerous clean-up campaigns and when he makes a promise, he delivers. This is no country for old men and so, his Cabinet vibrates with the power of youth, ready, willing, able and capable of handling the future of the young generation, this nation and the opportunity of providing a “One Guyana” with all the amenities and necessities to make Guyana the potential economy to be one of the world’s richest nations per capita. Under President Ali’s mantleship, the infrastructure of this country is quickly and vastly taking the shape of a new face with numerous projects unfolding daily, new businesses opening and visitors and investors flocking this land. He toys with an Opposition which lacks integrity, maturity and sobriety. President Irfaan Ali, lives, breathes and works for Guyana and Guyanese and thus, deserves no rotten tomatoes but only fresh tomatoes. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

I urge the Stabroek News editorial team to similarly share their perspective on the importance of having a credible political opposition. What mechanism is there to protect the citizenry from the spread of outright inaccuracies such as the claim by Opposition Leader Mr Aubrey Norton that the PPP/C sent persons to infiltrate the Quindon Bacchus protest and that it was these persons who attacked vendors and commuters at Mon Repos Market? What about the Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones’ claim that banks are giving loans to only Indo-Guyanese? How are Guyanese expected to take seriously an opposition which claims to

this day that it won the March 2, 2020, elections but refuses to provide its copies of the “winning” SOPs? And these are but a few examples of the untruth being told by an Opposition that presents itself as an alternative to the current government and which is expected to provide credible leadership to thousands of Guyanese. Also, one of the main roles of an Opposition party is to provide checks and balances in the functioning of a democracy; therefore, the opposition needs to demonstrate credibility just as in the case of the Guyana Police Force. Regards, Thomas Cole

Fire Service Corner Today’s Fire Safety Tip is:

DO not leave cooking unattended. It only takes a minute for a fire to get out of hand. Don’t leave things cooking on the stove top unattended and check regularly on the things cooking in the oven. A message from the Guyana Fire Service.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Development must be buttressed by attitudinal changes on the part of Guyanese

A RELATIVE of mine, who recently visited Guyana after over a decade, was high in praise for the professionalism of the staff at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). This is good for the image of Guyana especially at this time when the country is on the cusp of transformation and modernisation. This transformative process is already evident on arrival at the new-look CJIA airport which now compares favourably with other airports in the region. There is no doubt that Guyana’s is currently undergoing a massive infrastructural overhaul but such a development must also be buttressed by attitudinal changes on the part of Guyanese, among whom there must be a high degree of professionalism, respect for the rule of law and also the democratic norms of society and governance. Guyana’s international profile as a country is changing thanks to our new status as an

emerging oil and gas producing nation, but also as a result of our proactive role on the international stage. President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C administration must be given credit for the enormous strides the country is making both from the perspective of good governance and raising our profile in the Caribbean and beyond. As we observed CARICOM Day a few days ago, we need reflect on how stronger we are together as a member of the CARICOM family both in terms of the preservation of our democracy and our territorial integrity. This is why attempts to damage our image as a rule-based society must be condemned. There can be no place for any display of hooliganism as recently observed on the East Coast of Demerara. Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally

No condemnation of questionable remarks from known characters in the Opposition Dear Editor, I’VE noticed there has been no condemnation or any sort of rebuke of the racist and inflammatory statements made by known characters on the opposing side of the political spectrum. This is in stark contrast to the many editorials, letters to the editor and state-

ments carried in the newspapers from the usual suspects on everything from oil and gas to a “dildo” remark by a government MP. I urge readers to draw their own inferences as to the silence and selective outrage by the usual suspects. Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

UN report: Global hunger numbers rose to as many as 828 million in 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

THE number of people affected by hunger globally rose to as many as 828 million in 2021, an increase of about 46 million since 2020 and 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a United Nations report that provides fresh evidence that the world is moving further away from its goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. The 2022 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report presents updates on the food security and nutrition situation around the world, including the latest estimates of the cost and affordability of a healthy diet. The report also looks at ways in which governments can repurpose their current support to agriculture to reduce the cost of healthy diets, mindful of the limited public resources available in many parts of the world. The report was jointly published today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). THE NUMBERS PAINT A GRIM PICTURE: * As many as 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021 – 46 million people more from a year earlier and 150 million more from 2019. * After remaining relatively unchanged since 2015, the proportion of people affected by hunger jumped in 2020 and continued to rise in 2021, to 9.8 per cent of the world population. This compares with 8 per cent in 2019 and 9.3 per cent in 2020. * Around 2.3 billion people in the world (29.3 per cent) were moderately or severely food insecure in 2021 – 350 million more compared to before the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic. Nearly 924 million people (11.7 per cent of the global population) faced food insecurity at severe levels, an increase of 207 million in two years. * The gender gap in food insecurity continued to rise

in 2021 - 31.9 per cent of women in the world were moderately or severely food insecure, compared to 27.6 per cent of men – a gap of more than 4 percentage points, compared with 3 percentage points in 2020. * Almost 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, up 112 million from 2019, reflecting the effects of inflation in consumer food prices stemming from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures put in place to contain it. * An estimated 45 million children under the age of five were suffering from wasting, the deadliest form of malnutrition, which increases children’s risk of death by up to 12 times. Furthermore, 149 million children under the age of five had stunted growth and development due to a chronic lack of essential nutrients in their diets, while 39 million were overweight. * Progress is being made on exclusive breastfeeding, with nearly 44 per cent of infants under six months of age being exclusively breastfed worldwide in 2020. This is still short of the 50 per cent target by 2030. Of great concern, two in three children are not fed the minimum diverse diet they need to grow and develop to their full potential. Looking forward, projections are that nearly 670 million people (8 per cent of the world population) will still be facing hunger in 2030 – even if a global economic recovery is taken into consideration. This is a similar number to 2015, when the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition by the end of this decade was launched under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As this report is being published, the ongoing war in Ukraine, involving two of the biggest global producers of staple cereals, oilseeds and fertilizer, is disrupting international supply chains and pushing up the prices of grain, fertilizer, energy, as well as ready-to-use therapeutic food for children with severe malnutrition. This comes as supply chains are already being adversely affected by increasingly frequent extreme climate events, especially

The 2022 SOFI report provides updates on the food security and nutrition situation around the world in low-income countries, and has potentially sobering implications for global food security and nutrition. “This report repeatedly highlights the intensification of these major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition: conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks, combined with growing inequal-

ities,” the heads of the five UN agencies wrote in this year's Foreword. It added: “The issue at stake is not whether adversities will continue to occur or not, but how we must take bolder action to build resilience against future shocks.”

REPURPOSING AGRICULTURAL POLICIES The report notes as striking that worldwide support for the food and agricultural sector averaged almost US$630 billion a year between 2013 and 2018. The lion share of it goes

to individual farmers, through trade and market policies and fiscal subsidies. However, not only is much of this support market-distorting, but it is not reaching many farmers, hurts the environment and does not promote the production of nutritious foods that make up a healthy diet. That's in part because subsidies often target the production of staple foods, dairy and other animal source foods, especially in highand upper-middle-income countries. Rice, sugar and meats of various types are the most incentivized food items worldwide, while fruits and vegetables are relatively less supported, particularly in some low-income countries. With the threats of a global recession looming, and the implications this has on public revenues and expenditures, a way to support economic recovery involves the repurposing of food and agricultural support to target nutritious foods where per capita consumption does not yet See page 11

Man remanded for allegedly murdering Mon Repos pensioner

NEMAN ‘Boyee’ Persaud, a 26-year-old labourer, was charged with murder and remanded to prison on Thursday. The accused man of Mon Repos North, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, a police statement said. The court heard that Persaud allegedly murdered 86-yearold Agnes Dillon, a pensioner of Mon Repos North. Dillon was found dead late last month in her home. Police ACCUSED: Neman had said the body ‘Boyee’ Persaud had multiple stab wounds. Two persons were detained. Persaud was not required to plead to the charge as murder is an indictable offence. He will return to court on September 12.

More opportunities for Guyana in Cuba

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

–– as Caribbean Airlines Cargo connects to island nation

CARIBBEAN Airlines has announced the expansion of its cargo network to/ from Cuba effective June 28, 2022. Through a partnership with General Handling Agent Aerovaradero, the airline will offer air cargo services twice weekly into Havana on Tuesday and Saturday on its scheduled passenger flights. From there, the handling agent will distribute the cargo upon request to the respective provinces and districts of Cuba. Customers will have the option to transport general cargo, pharmaceuticals, live animals and perishable goods in the belly-hold of the aircraft. In addition to moving

shipments between Cuba and Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, cargo connectivity will also be available via the airline’s Port-of-Spain hub to the wider Caribbean, including Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados and several other destinations. ExporTT supported Caribbean Airlines in the startup of its Cuban operations by providing key linkages and facilitating training. With an

office in Havana, exporTT provides hundreds of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) products access to the Cuban market in which Caribbean Airlines Cargo will be the primary carrier. Commenting on the launch, Marklan Moseley, General Manager Cargo and New Business Development, stated: “Caribbean Airlines Cargo has supported the movement of goods between

[sic] Cuba, Guyana and Trinidad via chartered flights in the last couple of years. “However, this expansion to offer full cargo services via our passenger flights, is a welcome and exciting development. It will improve connectivity and increase opportunities for trade and the seamless movement of cargo between Cuba, and the region.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

UN report: Global hunger numbers rose to as many ...

From page 9

match the recommended levels for healthy diets. The evidence suggests that if governments repurpose the resources they are using to incentivize the production, supply and consumption of nutritious foods, they will contribute to making healthy diets less costly, more affordable and equitably for all. Finally, the report also points out that governments could do more to reduce trade barriers for nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables and pulses. It is estimated that between 702 and 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021. The estimate is presented as a range to reflect the added uncertainty in data collection due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. The increases are measured with reference to the middle of the projected range (768 million). For FAO - QU Dongyu, Director-General; for IFAD - Gilbert F. Houngbo, President; for UNICEF - Catherine Russell, Executive Director; for WFP - David Beasley, Executive Director; for WHO - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General. WHAT THEY SAID FAO Director-General QU Dongyu: “Low-income countries, where agriculture is key to the economy, jobs and rural livelihoods, have little public resources to repurpose. FAO is committed to continue working together with these countries to explore opportunities for increasing the provision of public services for all actors across agri-food systems.” IFAD President Gilbert F. Houngbo: “These are depressing figures for humanity. We continue to move away from our goal of

ending hunger by 2030. The ripple effects of the global food crisis will most likely worsen the outcome again next year. We need a more intense approach to end hunger and IFAD stands ready to do its part by scaling up its operations and impact. We look forward to having everyone's support.” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell: “The unprecedented scale of the malnutrition crisis demands an unprecedented response. We must double our efforts to ensure that the most vulnerable children have access to nutritious, safe, and affordable diets -- and services for the early prevention, detection and treatment of malnutrition. With so many children’s lives and futures at stake, this is the time to step up our ambition for child nutrition – and we have no time to waste.” WFP Executive Director David Beasley: “There is a real danger these numbers will climb even higher in the months ahead. The global price spikes in food, fuel and fertilizers that we are seeing as a result of the crisis in Ukraine threaten to push countries around the world into famine. The result will be global destabilization, starvation, and mass migration on an unprecedented scale. We have to act today to avert this looming catastrophe.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “Every year, 11 million people die due to unhealthy diets. Rising food prices mean this will only get worse. “WHO supports countries’ efforts to improve food systems through taxing unhealthy foods and subsidising healthy options, protecting children from harmful marketing, and ensuring clear nutrition labels. We must work together to achieve the 2030 global nutrition targets, to fight hunger and malnutrition, and to ensure that food is a source of health for all.”

AmCham proposes $1M prize for business-pitch competition THE American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham) in collaboration with the United States of America (USA) Embassy is hosting its first Shark Tank-style pitch event

for young entrepreneurs between the ages of 21- 25 years. Through the project, budding and existing entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to secure financing of $1 million once their business pitch is selected. According to a post on AmCham Guyana’s Facebook page, the event gives local entrepreneurs the opportu-

nity to present their ideas, products or services to a panel of esteemed judges for investment consideration. “The competition aims to provide a platform to introduce and foster a culture of innovation in business, strengthen the capacity of young entrepreneurs, and reinforce AmCham and the US Embassy’s commitment to helping innovative youth to increase their competitiveness and turn their ideas into commercial products and/or services. Winners will receive a wide range of support including funding, leadership coaching, networking opportunities and a bevy of developmental resources,” the chamber said. The young entrepreneurs will be required to complete the AmCham Guvana Shark Tank application, detailing their ideas for new commercial products or services, along with a 3060 second video presentation. Ten applicants will be shortlisted by a panel of five local business leaders and those nominees will be asked to submit a more detailed description of their products or services and to personally present their respective business pitches to these judges at a later date. All finalists will receive professional business coaching on refining their business plans and creating pitch decks and several business leaders will act as “sharks” and ask questions to the finalists, who will defend their innovations and make a case for their feasibility.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Guyanese woman’s short story featured in award-winning publication

MAKEDA Braithwaite, a 24-yearold editor, has written a short science fiction story that was published by the American-based FIYAH-Literary Magazine. Her short story titled, “The Pastry Shop Round the Bend,” was based on herbs used by Guyanese. “There’s this Guyanese way of thinking, there is a herb, there’s a this for every single illness you have. It is basically using that and transforming it into a short story, witchcraft into magic… so it is about a witch who uses these natural herbs that we grow every day and she uses it to assist the village and then there is a competitor who comes to the village now who goes against the natural laws,” Braithwaite said during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle. She said that having her short story published by the magazine was overwhelming at first because the idea of being published alongside people who already had their debut novels and who are already known in the science fiction community, seemed unreal. “At the back of my mind I was thinking that this story doesn’t belong

Makeda Braithwaite here,” Braithwaite said. She related that she saw that the magazine had a call for submission of

stories, so she wrote it in accordance with their request. She said that she didn’t expect anything to come out of it because she had submitted to several places before, local places as well, and was rejected. “I was like okay if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, well that is normal,” the young editor said. Braithwaite has been a lover of literary arts since primary school and writing has always been a hobby of hers which never really took the front burner in her life. “I always thought practically, okay what am I going to do with fiction writing in Guyana?” she related. FIYAH is a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about people of the African diaspora according to its website. The magazine was awarded the Hugo Award, an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, at the World Science Fiction Convention. The Hugo is widely considered the premier award in science fiction.

The FIYAH magazine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

US$25M Mandela hotel, mall to feature over 60 stalls –– investor says multi-complex facility could be fully opened early next year By Shamar Meusa WITH works progressing on the US$25 million “Royal Orchid” Hotel and Mall on Mandela Avenue, investors expect to have more businesses opened before the end of the year even as they noted that the facility could possibly be opened fully by 2023. A primary investor in the project, Jason Wang, told the Guyana Chronicle: “We are in progress… before the end of next year we can completely open.” Interest in the local economy is at an all-time high, with investors, both foreign and local, looking to channel their resources into mega projects across the various economic sectors. And, while the idea to construct the Royal Orchid Hotel and Mall was birthed in

2007, its completion, though delayed due to minor setbacks, is expected to be timely and strategic because of the potential advancements expected in the coming years. Work on this project started with the land preparation in 2014 and then moved to actual construction in 2016. The hotel and mall is equipped to cater for every segment of the local population and foreigners, Wang said. As it relates to the mall, two businesses have already opened their doors, Space Gym and Tian Tian Hot Pot restaurant, which on the fifth and fourth floors of the facility. Since the opening of the two businesses, there has been significant traffic to the facility. Wang told the Guyana Chronicle that along with

these two businesses, two more are expected to be opened before the end of 2022. He added that over 90 businesses have shown interest in securing spots there, but that number would have to be narrowed down to just around 60 businesses. As it now, tests are ongoing for the central air conditioning and when this is completed, entire floors can be opened and businesses will be able to come in and begin doing their work in their respective spaces. Regarding the hotel, Wang said this aspect of the facility will have some 240 rooms, ranging from Presidential suites to regular and standard rooms. Giving an update on this part of the project, Wang said that the hotel rooms are almost complete, as they

One of the businesses that are currently being completed in the Royal Orchid Mall and Hotel (Delano Williams photo)

Works ongoing at the Royal Orchid Mall and Hotel, on Thursday (Delano Williams photo)

The exterior of the massive Royal Orchid Mall and Hotel (Delano Williams photo) are almost finished with the installation of all toilets and ceiling work, among other things. To this end, he said that a majority of the work on the front of the facility has been completed and the final

touches including the installation of equipment are set to commence soon. Aside from the rooms and stalls, the facility will feature a food court, movie theatres, a gaming section, a roof garden, a tennis court,

and a pool. The facility, upon completion, will create over 200 jobs, while the shops and other operations within the facility will create more direct and indirect opportunities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Curbing noise nuisance: ‘Top Cop’ receives 25 Noise Meters from EPA

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on Wednesday, presented the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with 25 REED R8080 Data Logging Sound Level Meters with Bargraph to aid the Force in noise management and complaints of noise nuisance. EPA’s Legal Officer, Shareefah Parks, presented the Noise Meters to Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, on behalf of EPA in a simple yet significant ceremony at the Officers Training Centre, Eve Leary. “As part of the MoA signed between the EPA and the Guyana Police Force, we are handing over these meter readers for noise as part of our programmes. We do look forward to your continued support and an effective team to tackle noise management,” Ms. Parks commented. Lauding the gesture exhibited by the EPA, Mr. Hicken noted that noise pollution is a topical issue in our society. The meters will aid the

Force in noise management and noise nuisance complaints. Furthermore, he posited that “as we develop our partnership with the wider stakeholders, we are going to ensure that we focus on noise pollution in a constructive way, and this will be done in conjunction with the EPA.” The Top Cop further asserted that “members of the public can look out for the Guyana Police Force’s proactive arrangement in terms of dealing with noise pollution, which is expected to bring some degree of relief.” The Guyana Police Force and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Monday, May 16, 2022. The MOA was signed by Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag.), Calvin Brutus, and Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram. The agreement is a collaboration between the EPA

and the Police in training and other related areas such as mitigating noise nuisance. The REED R8080 Data Logging Sound Level Meter has a quick responding triple range sound level meter with a backlit display, analog bargraph, and built-in memory to data log up to 64,000 points. It also can record samples on internal memory and keep track of registered readings with a time and date stamp. Calibration is an essential part of the necessary maintenance, and this will be done every three months. A one-day training session is currently being conducted by the EPA on Noise Management, with police ranks from various divisions. The training includes “a hands-on approach” to using the noise meter as well as case studies. Noise pollution impacts millions of people daily. The most common health problem it causes is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Exposure to loud noises can also

Zee and Lust-en-Rust. According to the Housing Ministry, scope of works include the supply and installation of 80-watt stand-alone solar integrated street lights, with the lamp comprising of a solar panel, charge controller and battery. The contract was awarded to N. Balgobin & Sons Contracting Services & Electrical Supplies and has been divided into two

lots. Sixty-two street lights will be installed at Lot One for $12,671,360. Meanwhile, Lot Two will see the installation of sixty street lights at the cost of $12,530,000. Pole planting is ongoing, and the installation of the street lights is slated to commence in the coming days. The project is set to run for 210 days.

$25M street light installation programme for Region Three – Housing Ministry

THOUSANDS of residents within six low-income communities in Region Three (Essequibo Islands / West Demerara) are soon to benefit from a street light installation project under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP). AHUAP is executed by the Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It is designed to enhance the quality of life for low-income populations through better access to housing, infrastructure and improved accessibility and mobility. The communities to receive the street lights are Schoonord, La Parfaite Harmonie, Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht Door

EPA’s Legal Officer, Shareefah Parks, presents the Noise Meters to Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, on behalf of EPA (GPF photo) cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disturbances, and stress. Also present at the handing over ceremony was Deputy Commissioner Administration (ag) Calvin

Brutus; Deputy Commissioner Law Enforcement (ag), Wendell Blanhum; Head of Special Branch, Errol Watts; Senior Environmental Officer; Head of Complaints, Surjpaul

Singh; Senior Environmental Officer, Candacie Brower-Thompson; Senior Environmental Officer, Tashana Redmond and Environmental Officer Tethram Persaud.

By Naomi Parris WITH a heavy-hitting season finale, Strangers Things Season Four was, undoubtedly, the best of the show’s runtime. While the finale did end with more questions than answers, it left fans feverishly pondering on what’s next in Season Five. And now, we begin our long wait. The season saw new characters like Edward “Eddie” Munson, portrayed by Joseph Quinn, who quickly became a fan favourite. Eddie joined the team of heroes in a journey through the grim ‘upside down’ parallel

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Stranger Things Season 4 finale

universe to battle the season’s villain, Vecna. With a rocking performance, Eddie was dubbed one of this season’s best characters; however, in good ole television show fashion, his character is killed off in one of the most gut-wrenching deaths of the season. Nevertheless, Eddie left his mark on the Stranger Things story. Without spoiling too much, Eddie’s was not the only death of the season. Max (Sadie Sink), Vecna’s final victim in his determination to take over the normal world, was also taken out. But there is a shocker! Max’s

death is brief as she is brought back to life by her superpower best friend, Eleven. But the writers could never make it that ease, so they put her in a coma after Vecna’s terrifying curse leaves her blind and with broken limbs. While the hope for this season was to see the show’s villain finally defeated, that was just wishful thinking as the demon was only severely injured. He’s now gone into hiding. Licking his wounds from the defeat by teenagers, it’s like Vecna will return angrier, more violent and calculated in his attacks for the final season. There is a lingering uncer-

tainty that clouds this season. Much of that gloom was broken by a few mention worthy moments like the return of Eleven’s father, Hopper (David Harbour), who was held in a soviet prison in Russia up to this time. With this season concluded, there’s definitely war afoot. There’s also a likely spill out of the upside down demonic dimension into the real world. Until the next season releases in 2024, we’ll have to speculate on many questions like where is Vecna? Will Max regain consciousness? Will Eleven and Vecna finally have the long-awaited standoff oneon-one?

Fourth Thor film is ‘funny but silly’, critics say

(BBC) - THE latest Thor movie has received broadly positive reviews with critics describing it as “fun” but “silly”. ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ is the fourth instalment in the superhero series, based on the Marvel Comics character. In a plot twist, it sees Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster returning with superior powers to her ex-boyfriend Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth. The Guardian said the follow-up to ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ “repeats some of that masterwork’s tongue-in-cheek approach”. In a three-star review, Peter Bradshaw said it was another “cosmic spectacular in the tradition of Mike Hodges’ Flash Gordon”, filled with “nice gags” and “big cameos”, although he “missed some of the major characters” from the previous films. The movie was directed by Oscar-winner Taika Waititi who also features on-screen alongside Hemsworth, Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson and Jaimie Alexander. The plot finds Thor on a search for inner peace after the apocalyptic events of 2019’s ‘Avengers: Endgame’. But his quest for karma is interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher (Bale) who is seeking the extinction of the gods, Thor included. To battle this evil, he enlists the help of Valkyrie (Thompson), Korg (Waititi), and his old earthling astrophysicist flame

bi-sexuality of Thompson’s Jane - now in possession of mark of late, he concluded “is it’s the heart that matters here. “Love and Thunder’s char- Valkyrie - now the King of New Thor’s famous hammer and a red becoming a bit of a cul de sac - but that isn’t to say it isn’t still acters are all running towards the Asgard - the “deadpan nonchacape of her own. “The film is probably on its funny, and Thor still delivers a same conclusion: That, no matter lance” she displays after losing strongest ground with the most mighty hammer-blow, or rather how long or short our time on the woman she loved in battle Earth (or any planet) may be, confirms it. purely absurd touches, such as axe-blow, of fun.” The Independent went one we’re all inevitably living for the Variety’s Owen Gleiberman the squabbling rivalry between lavished praise on the “otherthe hammer Mjölnir, and his new better than the Guardian, giving benefit of others. “We love. Then we love worldly” movie, saying he felt weapon, the axe Stormbreaker - the movie four stars, saying it which is always crowding into was an example of “a rare Mar- again. It’s nice for Marvel, al- “moved” by the final scenes. “I like plenty of Marvel the frame suspiciously when vel film that remembers its main ways caught up in its own chaos, to remind us of something so movies just fine, but they are Thor starts swoonily hanging out audience are kids”. what they are, and what they are “Of course, Ragnarok’s dis- simple”. with Mjölnir, unable to accept Loughrey noted how while is products,” he wrote. that Mjölnir is with Dr Foster tinctive humour is carried over, and there’s a blissfully dumb the previous film had hinted “This one has enough widenow,” wrote Bradshaw. a t t h e eyed boldness and shimmer to “Thor himself has conquered running joke about a pair of earn the designation of fairy his weight issues, and is now a giant, heavy metal-screaming tale.” fine figure of alpha-maledom goats,” wrote Clarisse However, the Sun said Love who literally makes young god- Loughrey. “But, and Thunder didn’t live up to the desses faint in one scene after r e a l l y , expectations of Thor’s previous he is disrobed and his manhood outing - frequently named as one (or rather godhood) is revealed of the best (and funniest) entries to them.” in Marvel’s 29-movie cannon. While still full of “silliCritic Grant Rollings ness”, the new film has its said the creators had “more solemn” moments, missed an opportunity Bradshaw continued, with by not calling it “Thor reference to Dr Foster’s Four” - but he apcancer and references to preciated Waititi’s her chemotherapy. attempt to re-create But it is ultimately Ragnarok’s “suc“effectively ruled by cessful formula”. one cameo”, the critic “By putwarned, from a big ting comedy into Hollywood name the comic book, who we won’t name Wa i t i t i m a k e s here, don’t worry Love and Thunder - as Zeus. a likeable rumThe comedy ble,” he added, or “self-satire” while dishing out that has beNatalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth star in Thor: Love and Thunder (Photo three stars. c o m e M a rcredit: MARVEL STUDIOS; retrieved from: BBC) Screen Daily vel’s trade-

found the production “rousing” and “funny and emotional” if not “occasionally a little unfocused and jokey”. “Impressively, Waititi goes for a darker, more rousing tone in later reels, the one-liners and sight gags taking a backseat to a more sombre exploration of love and sacrifice,” wrote Tim Grierson. “Love And Thunder doesn’t always gracefully execute its balance of light and dark but when the film focuses on the unshakeable bond between Thor and Jane, the results can be mighty moving.” Finally, while Dr Foster may have gained equal footing with her godly ex, the new film is still Thor’s playground, stressed BBC Culture. “Disney’s marketing talks a good game about how Jane is wielding the God of Thunder’s hammer, Mjölnir, and has become a superhero called Mighty Thor,” wrote Caryn James. “True enough, but this is still original Thor’s film. Fortunately, Hemsworth is better than ever at making the character the most human, lifelike and appealing of gods, a regular guy except when he’s saving the world.” She added: “This big-hearted Thor, thundering and sensitive, may be just the diverting hero we need right now.” Thor: Love and Thunder is out in UK cinemas from 7 July.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Kazuki Takahashi:

Yu-Gi-Oh! manga comic creator found dead in sea at 60

(BBC) – KAZUKI TAKAHASHI, whose popular manga comic series Yu-Gi-Oh! became a global franchise including TV shows, films, and a hugely successful card game, has been found dead in the sea in Japan. The 60-year-old died after an apparent snorkelling trip near southern Okinawa Island, the coastguard said. He was found off the coast wearing an underwater mask, snorkel and fins, an official for the city of Nago added. “We are investigating the case as both a possible accident or crime,” he said. Yu-Gi-Oh!, which means King of Games, is about spiky-haired teenager Yugi, who receives an ancient puzzle that awakens in him the alter ego of an Egyptian pharaoh. He then solves conflicts using games. It was published in Japanese comic magazine Shonen Jump between 1996 and 2004, and in 1999 was turned into a real-life trading card game. A decade later, the game gained the Guinness World Record for the best-selling trading card game in history with sales of more than 22 billion cards, according to manufacturer Konami. The franchise also grew to include video games, books, toys and figurines. Takahashi was found about 300m offshore, public broadc a s t e r NHK said. He was found o n We d n e s day and identified on Thursday.

(Photo credit: Peter Endig/EPA/SHUTTERSTOCK)

‘No, not so!’ – Jamaica Foreign Minister sets the record straight

(Jamaica Observer) MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, is denying the Jamaican Government’s involvement in the detention of Popcaan at Heathrow Airport in London on Tuesday. Johnson Smith was responding to a tweet by booking agent Shelly-Ann Curran who raised concerns after Popcaan’s detention and suggested the Jamaican Government had been party to the decision. “Hon Min @kaminajsmith there is a situation in UK involving @PopcaanMusic where he is detained and asked to do so by JA Govt ... we need to know why ?”

Curran tweeted. The minister of foreign affairs, on Wednesday, used social media to set the record straight. “Dear @ShellyCurran The Govt of JA has not requested that @popcaanmusic be detained, but there are many reasons why a traveller may be detained. I have asked the High Commission to enquire into the matter as early as they are able, so that they may advise,” Johnson Smith responded. According to Johnson Smith, Popcaan was subsequently released. “We also conveyed to the Home Office a letter from his attorney-at-law who may update the public as seen fit,”

she tweeted. Popcaan, who travelled to London, is billed for a concert at National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on July 10. On Tuesday, he posted a snap to his Instagram story highlighting his predicament. “They just give mi dis paper and detain mi because of information that was sent by my country that I should be stopped every time I’m here. I wonder why? Mr Prime Minister of Jamaica, I would like to draw your attention to this once again,” said Popcaan in the clip. This is not the first time that Popcaan has had issues with immigration in the United Kingdom.

In January, the entertainer also took to social media to reveal that he had been held in immigration for a number of hours. “I would like to know why someone with authority in Jamaica send information to England immigration that I’m a gang leader and I got charge with firearm. This is not cool at all from my own country, why I have to be sitting in immigration for over 3 hours??” he tweeted at the time. Popcaan came to prominence in 2010 with his mentor Vybz Kartel on the popular song, ‘Clarks’. His subsequent hits include ‘Only Man She Want’, ‘Party Shot’, and ‘Dream’.

Rapper Nipsey Hussle’s killer convicted of murder (BBC) - THE man who shot and killed Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle minutes after a brief argument in 2019 has been found guilty of murdering the rising artist. Eric Holder, 32, was convicted by a jury in California, on Wednesday, after six hours of deliberations. Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was shot outside his LA clothing store. The 33-year-old had reportedly known the killer for several years. Following his death, tributes were paid from across the music industry. Holder was also found guilty of two counts of attempted manslaughter as two other men were shot in the incident. He could get life in prison when he is sentenced in September. He belonged to the same street gang as Hussle and

had previously admitted to killing him. Witnesses say he left the scene after a ten-minute argument, in which Hussle warned him of rumours that he was co-operating with police, and returned with two handguns. His defence team argued that he attacked him in the “heat of passion” but the jury agreed that the attack was premeditated. At the 2019 BET Awards, Hussle was posthumously given the Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Humanitarian Awards. Over 20,000 people attended a celebration of his life, with former US President Barack Obama praising him for leaving “a legacy worth of celebration”. Hussle, a former gang member in Los Angeles, had become a community organiser and used the mon-

Eric Holder could get life in prison when he is sentenced in September (Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES)

ey he made from music to fund improvements to his neighbourhood. After his death, he was praised as a “West Coast hero” by members of the city council, who unani-

mously voted to re-name an intersection “Nipsey Hussle Square” in his south LA neighbourhood. Bryannita Nicholson, a woman who was in a casual relationship with Holder and

unwittingly drove him to and from the murder scene, testified in court during the trial that she saw Holder load a gun before the shooting. She said that they spot-

ted the rapper on the street outside his Marathon clothing store while they were picking up a food order. Holder rushed over and, she said, she heard him loudly tell the rapper: “Did you say I snitched?”. Ms Nicholson added that she posed for a photo with Hussle while Holder went to collect the food. The witness, who came forward to police leading to Holder’s arrest, said that she saw Holder eat some food before he left her car to kill Hussle. Last week, Holder was attacked in jail by “multiple individuals”, his public defender told CBS News, the BBC’s partner in the US. He was reportedly cut with a razor, and taken to hospital where he had a wound to his head closed with staples.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Stanton Rose Jr to lead Guyana’s 3X3 team at Islamic Games

FOR the first time in the history of the Islamic Solidarity Games, Guyana will be represented in the discipline of 3X3 basketball. The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) yesterday announced that point guard Stanton Rose Jr will lead Timothy Thompson, Nikkoloi Smith and Harold Adams into battle at the games set for August 9-18 in Konya, Turkey. Rose and Thompson recently represented Guyana at the inaugural Caribbean Games where they teamed up with Kemol Grimmond and Yonnick Tappin to secure bronze. The 22-year-old Rose, who hails from Kwakwani, has always been a stand-out player ever since he burst onto the scene at the Youth Basketball Guyana National School Championship for Kwakwani Secondary. Though dominating the backcourt in local club basketball with Bounty Colts as a teenager, Rose’s stardom status came after he captained Guyana to their maiden Caribbean Basketball Championships in Suriname. Rose was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP); the first and only Guyanese to hold the accolade at the prestigious Caribbean event. The GABF was the first for any local governing body for a particular discipline to officially announce representatives for the Islamic Solidarity Games. Recently, the Michael Singh-led GABF has been emphasising basketball’s shortest format, with Guyana sending both male and female teams to the FIBA AmeriCup 3X3 tournament in Miami, Florida. (Rawle Toney)

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips Ascot 09:15 hrs Far Shot 09:50 hrs Soulcombe 10:25 hrs Cosmic Desert 11:00 hrs Swoon 11:36 hrs Sea The Casper 12:11 hrs Lucky Man 12:45 hrs Counsel York 09:05 hrs Southern Voyage 09:40 hrs Flotus 10:15 hrs Yahsat 10:50 hrs Asaassi 11:25 hrs Saleymm 12:00 hrs Peggy Sioux 12:30 hrs Beautiful Surprise Newmarket 08:15 hrs Epictetus 08:50 hrs Yonafis 09:25 hrs Mawi 10:00 hrs Summer’s Knight

10:35 hrs Inspiral 11:10 hrs Nizaaka 11:45 hrs Dusky Lord South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:40 hrs La Duchesse 09:20 hrs Ptincess Kalisi 09:25 hrs Almas Tower Irish Racing Tips Cork 12:05 hrs Classic Lord 12:35 hrs Royal Romeo 13:05 hrs Sequoiaspirit 13:35 hrs Grand Soir 14:05 hrs Mullaghmore Wave 14:35 hrs Whiskey Sour 15:05 hrs Finnthemagician American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Power Attack Race 2 Ready To Venture Race 3 Johnselectricride Race 4 Admission Race 5 Cloud Forest Race 6 U Should B Dancing Race 7 Unique Unions Race 8 Invincible Gal Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 The Newfie Express Race 2 Forest Selection Race 3 Linda Loves Lace Race 4 Solar Race 5 Soupuer Success Race 6 Big Executive Race 7 Dancing Doll

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

USA-based Guyanese makes contribution to project ‘Cricket Gear’

CHIN Singh, formerly of East Canje, Berbice and who now resides in New York, has made a contribution of $40 000 towards project ‘Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana’. The former Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club (RHCCCC) first division cricketer voluntarily made this contribution. At a simple ceremony, held recently in New York, Singh said that he was following the work of the joint venture by Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana and was impressed that cricketers and clubs across the length and breadth of Guyana were benefiting. Beharry pointed out that he was grateful for the assistance which will go a far way in enhancing the project. “This initiative is to help identify and nurture young talents and at the same time encourage them to educate themselves,” Beharry noted. According to Beharry, a former Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president, “the project is happy to assist young players with the hope of producing more

cricketers for Guyana and West Indies”. Total cricket-related items collected so far: $170 000 cash, two trophies, 11 cricket boots, 17 pairs of batting pads, 19 bats, 13 pairs of batting gloves, 19 thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, six cricket bags and two helmets. In addition, $600 000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/ batter. To date, 36 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from three junior gear bags, two trophies, one arm guard, 13 bats, one box, two helmets, nine pairs of cricket shoes, nine pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and 11 pairs of batting gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard each also collected one box of red cricket balls while RHCCCC received two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and

New York-based Guyanese Chin Singh (left) hands over the contribution to Anil Beharry

bails. Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the

recipients. Talent-spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit.

Kaur, Vastrakar star as India women wrap up 3- sweep

Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar’s all-round brilliance and Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s three-wicket haul helped India women beat Sri Lanka by a comprehensive 39 runs in the third ODI to complete a 3-0 whitewash. After rescuing India with the bat with her 16th ODI fifty, Kaur removed a dangerous-looking Chamari Athapaththu for 44 to land a colossal blow to the hosts’ chances. Vastrakar, too, made a vital contribution, scoring her third ODI fifty after India were in trouble midway their innings, and also chipping in with a couple of wickets late in the chase. Chasing 256, Sri Lanka lost Vishmi Gunaratne early but Athapaththu took the attack to India from the outset, dealing in boundaries for the most part. She was particularly severe on Deepti Sharma, whom she hammered for three consecutive fours in the 9th over. When Kaur brought herself on in the 11th over, Athapaththu greeted her with a powerful sweep

Harmanpreet Kaur scored 75 and added 97 for the seventh wicket with Pooja Vastrakar ( Sri Lanka Cricket photo)

to the square-leg fence. But just as she was looking to take the game away from India she miscued one to mid-on, who was bravely kept in the circle by Kaur. The run-rate slipped considerably after the fall of Athapaththu, as Sri Lanka looked to rebuild. Hasini Perera and Kavisha Dilhari added 36 before Dilhari was drawn out of her crease to be

stumped off Gayakwad just before the 100 was up. Soon after the 100 was up, Gayakwad struck again, as she bowled Hasini through the gate for 39. Then, there was another small partnership as Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva added 36 before Harleen Deol had Samarawickrama drag one on to her stumps on the sweep. That was the final blow of consequence; though Nilakshi held one end up while making her best ODI score. There was little the tail could do to challenge India’s total. Earlier, India recovered from 124 for 6 to post a competitive total as Kaur and Vastrakar added 97 for the seventh wicket. The spinners did the bulk of the damage for Sri Lanka with Inoka Ranaweera taking 2 for 22 in a miserly spell of bowling. India started well with the openers adding 30 before Smriti Mandhana was caught behind trying to cut a ball that was too close and full for the stroke. Then there was a partnership of 59 between a dominant Shafali Verma and

an assured Yastika Bhatia before Bhatia miscued one to mid-off while trying to clear the infield off Ranaweera. Spin started to have more of a say in the middle as wickets suddenly tumbled. Playing just her second ODI, Rashmi Silva struck early as she trapped a set Verma in front for a well-made 49. She followed that up with the wicket of Deol who walked past a slider, for a stumping down the leg side. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh followed soon after, to leave India tottering at 124 for 6. That brought Kaur and Vastrakar together and the duo set about reviving the innings. To help India’s cause, Sri Lanka dropped Vastrakar on the midwicket fence, and later, reprieved Kaur when Anushka Sanjeewani missed a stumping down the leg side. Kaur went on to make 75 before she was caught in the covers in search of quick runs. Vastrakar reached her own fifty a while later and helped take India to 255, which proved to be a winning total. (Cricinfo)

Pooran, Mayers fifties hand Windies 2-0 series sweep By Clifton Ross at Providence

BELLIGERENT half-centuries from opener Kyle Mayers and West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran piloted the Caribbean Boys to a clean 2-nil sweep of the series, leaving Bangladesh with more questions than answers, heading into the ODI series this weekend. Bangladesh, batting first, racked up a formidable 163-5 in 20 overs. In-form power-hitter Afif Hossain smashed 50 off 38 with 2 fours 2 sixes, while opener Litton Das found some form with 49 off 41, stroking 3 fours and a pair of maximums. Afif added 57 runs with Das for the 3rd wicket, while veteran Mahmudullah (22) steadied things at the backend, sharing a 49-run partnership with Afif. Windies leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr returned figures of 2-25 while pacers Romario Shepherd (1-19) and Odean Smith (1-34) lent ideal support with the ball. Pooran and Mayers added 85 runs for the 4th wicket, a partnership which practically sealed the series for the hosts as the latter cracked 55 from just 38 balls with 5 big sixes and a pair of fours. The skipper finished with an unbeaten knock of 74 off 39 balls with five fours and five towering sixes, as the Windies surged to 169-5 in 18.2 overs. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed was the pick of the lot with 2-44. Early morning torrential rains almost sprang a scare, but ground inspection at 13:45hrs yielded good news of a 14:00hrs starting time with no reduction to overs. The West Indies chase got off to a mixed start as Brandon King (7) clobbered a big six and looked to be as dangerous as he did last game, only to be dismissed caught, victim to Ahmed. Shamarh Brooks (12) took the opposite approach and immediately hit back-to-back fours before falling to Hasan while Smith (2) was trapped lbw by Shakib in his first over. Mayers muscled the team’s first 6 and continued his aggression but the Bangladeshi bowlers had already begun to make inroads. Pooran came to the middle and West Indies notched up their 50-run mark in the 8th over with runs coming easily. The pair of left-handers went into attack mode,, picking apart the Bangladeshi bowlers as they surged to a fifty-partnership but more importantly, closer to sweeping the series. Mayers, a little after reaching his fifty, succumbed to a delivery from spinner Mehedi Hasan (1-21) while Pooran smashed consecutive fours to bring up his own half-century as, the final nails were being driven into the coffin. Pooran continued to play his shots, finding the boundary and eventually finishing the game with a massive six to cheers and celebration from the Providence crowd. When play began, Bangladesh openers Anamul Haque (10) and Das were watchful but timely in their approach. They found the ropes on a few occasions early in the power-play, even surviving an appeal for caught-behind off an aggressive first over from left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Hosein then managed to repay the near-call by aiding Smith, as he snapped up an amazing catch at the fine-leg boundary off the pacer to dismiss Haque. At 35-1, all-star Shakib Al-Hasan (4) announced himself immediately with a blistering four as he seemed intent on continuing from where he left off in game 2. However, the introduction of hometown boy Shepherd proved even more effective as Shakib made a wily attempt to smash the pacer, only to pick out a lurking Smith in the mid-wicket area who completed an easy catch. Despite a few setbacks, the Tigers reached their team’s 50 in the 8th over, with Das, even breaking out the slog-sweep to smash Hosein for the first 6 of the Bangladesh innings. Das followed up with an even better stroke, upwardly driving Smith over extra-cover for a lofted six, as Afif kept the pressure on as well, with an array of strokes which was key in their 50-run partnership. However, just one run away from 50 Das misfired a shot and was out caught, but not before Afif showed his full aggression. He assaulted the Windies bowlers on his way to a half-century but was unfortunately run-out in the penultimate over, but not before Mahmudullah and Mossadek Hossein (10*) finished things off with a few boundaries of their own.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Ons Jabeur to face Elena Rybakina in Wimbledon final

HISTORY-MAKERS Ons Jabeur and Elena Rybakina will meet in the Wimbledon final after the pair claimed impressive victories in the last four. Tunisian third seed Jabeur became the first Arab player to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open era with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win over Tatjana Maria. Rybakina then became the first singles player from Kazakhstan to reach a major final with a 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of former champion Simona Halep. The two will meet tomorrow. Jabeur has become a favourite at Wimbledon, and she and good friend Maria thrilled the crowd with an impressive display of shot-making. The pair are good friends but were rivals on Centre Court, before sharing a long and loving embrace at the net as Jabeur secured victory. While Rybakina’s progression has gone under the radar, she outmuscled former world number one Halep with relative ease. Born in Moscow, she has represented Kazakhstan since

Elena Rybakina is the youngest Wimbledon finalist since Garbine Muguruza

Ons Jabeur becomes the first Arab player to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open era

2018 and will now bid to become the first player from there to win a major singles trophy.

vourite at a venue where she has won 12 straight matches. However, she was overpowered from the start by Rybakina, who used her big serve and equally giant groundstrokes to wrong-foot Halep. The Romanian faced at least one break point in each of her first five service games, let down by a first-serve rate of 53% and nine double faults. Rybakina showed no sign of nerves, bringing up three set

RYBAKINA STUNS HALEP At 23, Rybakina is the youngest Wimbledon finalist since Garbine Muguruza, then 21, achieved the feat in 2015 and she played with an ease that seemed beyond Halep. As the only player left with any Grand Slam final experience, Halep was the heavy fa-

points in the first with a 118 mph ace, before converting on a long Halep forehand. Her momentum continued in the second set, with Halep saving a break point in her first service game before coughing up back-to-back double faults to leave her in serious trouble. Halep managed to get the break back and did it to love, stringing together three points for the first time in the match, but another double fault in the next game handed the lead back to Rybakina. From then, Halep’s shoulders dropped, and Rybakina needed no further encouragement, again racing through her service games to put Halep under pressure. The frustration was evident when Halep, serving to stay in the match at 5-3, went from 4015 up to deuce on yet another double fault. She stood for a long time, leaning on her racquet, her hand on her thigh as the crowd attempted to urge her on. However, a wonderful return of serve from Rybakina caught the line to stun both Halep and the crowd. (BBC Sport)

Nadal withdraws from Wimbledon semi-final with abdominal tear

RAFAEL Nadal has w i t h d r a w n f ro m h i s Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios with an abdominal injury. The 36-year-old Spanish second seed received treatment during his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday but pushed through the pain to win in five sets. “I have tried a lot of times in my career to keep going but it is obvious the injury will get worse,” he said. Kyrgios will play Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie in Sunday’s final. Nadal confirmed he has a tear in his abdominal muscle which means he would not be able to be competitive over two matches. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had practised at Wimbledon away from the media earlier yesterday but then called a

Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal

news conference. “Throughout the day I have been thinking about the decision to make,” Nadal told reporters. “I think it doesn’t make sense to play. I feel very sad to say that.” Nadal had strapping on his abdomen during his fourth-round match but was in visible pain from the injury against Fritz. He took a medical timeout during the match and ignored calls from his father and sister to quit before somehow rallying to win.

The two-time Wimbledon champion had been on course for a calendar Grand Slam, having won the Australian and French Opens already this year. ‘HAPPINESS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TITLES’ Nadal had been a doubt for Wimbledon because of a chronic foot condition which he had to manage during his run to a record-extending 14th French Open title last month. He had performed well at the All England Club

but was visibly struggling during the match against Fritz. His serve was noticeably affected by the injury and he said yesterday that he could not serve “at a normal speed”. “I can’t imagine myself winning two matches and for respect to myself in some way I don’t want to go out and not be competitive enough,” Nadal said. “A couple of weeks ago I saw my career very different because of the foot injury. “The most important thing is happiness more than any titles. I can’t risk that match and stay two or three months out of the competition. “I am very sad and it is a very tough one.” Kyrgios wished Nadal well in a social media post, adding: “We all hope to see you healthy soon.” (BBC Sport)

Shakib unavailable for West Indies ODIs, Zimbabwe tour

BANGLADESH Cricket Board (BCB) officials have said all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is unavailable for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe as well as for the three-match ODI series against West Indies. Cricbuzz has last month reported that Shakib is unlikely to play in the three ODIs in West Indies as well

Sri Lanka all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan

as in the Zimbabwe tour, and BCB cricket operations chairman Jalal Yunus confirmed the same yesterday, before getting into a meeting with the selection panel at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh are scheduled to play three ODIs after the ongoing T20I series at Guyana on July 10, 13 and 16. After the meeting Jalal informed reporters that Shakib is not available for the tour of Zimbabwe, scheduled in July-August. “Shakib is not available for the Zimbabwe tour and informed us about it before and so we sat with selection panel regarding the formation of the team,” said Jalal. “Most of the other senior players are available and they want to play,” he added. Cricbuzz understands BCB is mulling the idea of sending a second-string team to Zimbabwe though a final decision in this regard is yet to be taken. (Cricbuzz)

Man Utd forward Cristiano Ronaldo to miss Thailand leg of pre-season tour

CRISTIANO Ronaldo will miss the first part of Manchester United’s pre-season tour to Thailand.Ronaldo has been granted additional time off for family reasons and will not be on Friday’s flight to Bangkok. United are adamant they view Ronaldo as part of their squad and have no interest in selling him. However, they are giving no guarantees about his presence on the Australia leg of the trip and his absence will only fuel speculation over his future. The Portugal forward, 37, wants to leave the Premier League club this summer if they can find the right offer. Ronaldo has missed the club’s return to pre-season training at Carrington so far this week for family reasons and instead trained at the Por-

Cristiano Ronaldo last played in a Nations League game for Portugal against Czech Republic on 9 June

tuguese national team’s headquarters. The Old Trafford side play Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday before flying to Australia (BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Pogacar wins stage six to Kohli heads take Tour de France lead list of senior TADEJ Pogacar sprinted away at the finish to win stage six and move into the overall lead at the Tour de France. The defending champion attacked at the top of the short climb into Longwy, pulling away from the peloton to finish ahead of Michael Matthews and David Gaudu. Britain’s Tour debutant Tom Pidcock finished fourth. With a time bonus applied, Slovenian Pogacar, 23, has a four-second lead overall from American Neilson Powless. It was a seventh stage win in the event for the UAE Team Emirates rider, who won the Tour in 2020 and 2021. The 219.9km route from Binche to Longwy marked the longest stage in this

Tadej Pogacar is going for a third consecutive overall victory at the Tour de France

year’s race and it began frenetically with Belgian’s Wout van Aert at the forefront of several attacks before one stuck. The Jumbo-Visma rider initially escaped in a threeman group containing Jakob Fuglsang and Quinn Simmons but his over-ambitious move which saw him at the front of the race for over 130km and go solo in the

final 30km, eventually cost him the yellow jersey when he was caught and passed 11km from the line. His attention will now divert to the points classification in which he currently enjoys a healthy lead over Fabio Jakobsen and to helping team-mate Jonas Vingegaard attempt to challenge Pogacar. While the Ineos Gren-

adiers trio of Adam Yates, Pidcock and Geraint Thomas all moved up in the GC race to sit fourth, fifth and sixth, Pogacar’s display suggests he will be difficult to dislodge at the top of the standings. “Every time I win it’s even better,” said Pogacar. “Today was so hard from the start. The first two hours were crazy and the strongest guy went in the breakaway. “My team did an incredibly good job to put me in a perfect position. “It was not a pure sprint after we rode the last two climbs above threshold. I guess I had good legs to push in the end. I don’t mind to take the yellow jersey but I’m above all happy to take the stage win. Everything else is bonus.” (BBC Sport)

players rested for Windies ODIs

Smith moves on from Khawaja run-out mix-up

MUMBAI, India (CMC) – India have rested the big three of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah for their three-match One-Day International series against West Indies bowling off later this month. In fact, the tourists who will be led by left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan, will also miss the likes of Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami, as selectors have opted to rest many of the senior players due to the side’s hectic schedule. The series against West Indies bowls off five days after India’s white-ball series against England, which runs from July 7-17. Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj have all, meanwhile, been included for a chance to impress selectors. Kohli, the former captain, is India’s leading batter with over 12 000 runs from 260 ODIs while Rohit, an aggressive opener, averages 48 from 230 ODIs. Bumrah, India’s new-ball champion, has taken 113

Steven Smith’s stay at the crease ended with a chaotic run-out on 6 (AFP/Getty Images)

Virat Kohli is rested for Windies ODIs

STEVEN Smith insists there is no lingering fallout from his mid-wicket mix-up with Usman Khawaja after his fiery first Test dismissal against Sri Lanka. Smith created headlines last week when he gestured back at Khawaja and stormed off the field after being runout for six in Galle. The incident drew criticism back home in Australia, including from former captains Mark Taylor and Ian Chappell. Chappell, in particular, was harsh on the righthander, claiming he should have been in better check of his emotions as a vice-captain on the field. But Smith insisted he and Khawaja had immediately moved on, and he was more frustrated at his own dismissal.”I hate getting run-out. I think anyone does,” Smith said on Wednesday, when asked if he had reflected on the situation: “Particularly given the (tough) conditions and gifting them a wicket. As one of the most experienced players I was pretty upset. “That happens in the

game. I got over it pretty quickly. I had to keep moving forward and that is part of the game. “I spoke to Uz straight after and he was pretty chilled. Mix-ups happen, we keep moving on.” What Smith is desperate for is more time in the middle. He missed the final three one-day internationals in Sri Lanka with a quad injury and only faced 11 balls in his one innings in Galle before his run-out. The former captain batted through another lengthy net session on Wednesday, work-

ing hard on facing left-arm spin with throw-downs from former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori. Smith employs a different approach to most Australians against the spinners, only using the sweep when the ball spins back into him. He was Australia’s leading run-scorer on the last tour of Sri Lanka, relying on a fast-feet method to try and unsettle the bowlers. “I’m not a huge sweeper so I prefer to run down the wicket and get them off their lengths that way or come back into my crease,” Smith

said. “Really it’s about not getting stuck on the crease with the ball spinning into me. “If I’m doing that well and fast on my feet, I usually feel pretty good.” Australia expect the pitch to spin just as much in the second Test in Galle starting today, with Sri Lanka adding more spinners to their squad. Smith had attempted to lead a more positive team with the bat when he captained Australia’s 3-0 loss in 2016, only for the side to be tentative in defeat. But that approach has been put into far better effect on this tour, as Australia scored at a rapid rate in the first Test. “It’s about having courage in the way guys are playing,” Smith said. “It’s good we all play a little bit differently. “There’s not the same continuity, so bowlers have to change their lengths a bit and when they’re doing that in a partnership you can cruise along quite freely.” (AAP)

wickets from 70 ODIs at an average of 25. The ODI series against West Indies will be played entirely at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad from July 22 to 27. Immediately after, India take on the hosts in a fivematch Twenty20 International series from July 29 to August 7, with matches carded for the Brian Lara Stadium also in Trinidad, Warner Park in St Kitts and Central Broward Park Stadium in Florida. West Indies are currently wrapping up a T20 International series against Bangladesh with the final game yesterday in Guyana. A three-match ODI series against the Asian side follows from July 10 to 16, also in Guyana. SQUAD – Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wkp.), Sanju Samson (wkp.), Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohd Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Guyana to host seven Brittney Griner countries at Junior Caribbean pleads guilty Squash Championships to Russian drugs charge

Team Guyana at yesterday’s launch at the Georgetown Club with coach Carl Ince (left) and manager Garfield Wiltshire (right). In front row seated from left: Vice-president of GOA, Godfrey Munroe; Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Communications Manager for Digicel, Vidya Sanichara.

FROM July 9 to 16, Guyana will be the venue of the Junior Caribbean Arena Squash Association (CASA) Championships with athletes from seven countries set to start arriving last night. Athletes are expected from Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St Vincent & The Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago. At the launch of the event, yesterday at one of the tournament venues, Georgetown Club on Camp Street, it was revealed that the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA)

is the premium title sponsor, and all systems were in place for a well-run event. Vice-president of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA), David Fernandes, thanked the numerous sponsors for their support in making the event possible and highlighted that it is a team effort that brought hosting to reality after St Vincent and the Grenadines opted out of hosting this year. Vidya Sanichara, Communications Manager for Digicel Guyana, said the company was happy to extend its long-time partnership with the GSA, and it is more

than just about fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility. Additionally, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, applauded the GSA for being one of the most organised sport associations in Guyana and pledged that the National Sports Commission and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, will build a Doubles court. Such a move would allow Guyana to bid to host international tournaments, and also athletes can train better ahead of major competitions. After a welcome dinner on June 9 at the National

Racquet Centre, the individual championship will run from July 10 to 12 then the team segment will follow from July 13. Matches will be livestreamed on the Guyana Squash Association’s Facebook page, compliments of E-Networks. Since 2017, when Guyana were dethroned by Barbados at home, they have not added another title to their 12 consecutive overall championship trophies, but there is hope brewing, the 13th title could be copped this year.

Brittney Griner was handcuffed and wearing a red T-shirt as she was led into the court in Khimki outside Moscow

US basketball player Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court but has denied deliberately breaking the law. The Olympic gold medallist was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when cannabis oil vape cartridges were allegedly found in her luggage. “I was in a rush packing and the cartridges accidentally ended up in my bag,” she told the court in Khimki. Her trial began last week on charges that could mean 10 years in jail. Griner’s wife earlier called on President Joe Biden to do “whatever is necessary” to secure her release. Mr Biden told Cherelle Griner he was working to have her freed as soon as possible. The 31-year-old basketball star, who is accused of possessing and smuggling drugs, had already sent the president a letter saying she was “terrified [she] might be here forever”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Guyana to host seven Brittney Griner countries at Junior Caribbean pleads guilty Squash Championships to Russian drugs charge

Brittney Griner was handcuffed and wearing a red T-shirt as she was led into the court in Khimki outside Moscow

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 8, 2022

Pooran, Mayers fifties hand Windies 2-0 series sweep Story on page 23

West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran lit up Providence with an unbeaten 74 (Adrian Narine photo)

Bangladesh’s Afif Hossain makes a big dive but is run-out for an even 50 (Adrian Narine)

Stanton Rose Jr to lead Guyana’s 3X3 team at Islamic Games Bangladesh players congratulate Nicholas Pooran and his team following their series win (Adrian Narine photo)

Story on page 22

Stanton Rose Jr

Guyana to host seven countries at Junior Caribbean Squash Championships

Story on page 27

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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022