Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-03-2021

WEDNESDAY 10 th March , 2021

’ No. 106296

Upgrade for GPL’s fault identification system PAGE

03 –– as numerous ‘blackouts’ cause PM, Junior Public Works Minister to intervene

Guyanese nominated to serve as Pennsylvania’s Physician 10 General Dr. Denise A. Johnson PAGE

Zeelust-Rosignol 08 councillors rebuke Coalition, withdraw resignation letters PAGE

Guyana to 18 participate in Dubai Expo PAGE

UNDP: COVID-19 ‘flattens’ 02 income of female-led households PAGE

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips receives a copy of the socio-economic impact assessment report from Operations Coordinator UNDP Guyana, Navindra Persaud

Suspected stolen 05 motorcycles seized in Pouderoyen raid PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

COVID-19 ‘flattens’ income of female-led households –– United Nations Development Programme report

A UNITED Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report on the impact of COVID-19 on Guyanese households has found that although household expenditure remained somewhat normal, income has been reduced significantly, especially among female-led households.

The socio-economic impact assessment report was prepared in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the data was collected via telephone and faceto-face interviews using a sample of 1,500 households across the country.

One in every five persons reportedly lost income as a result of the pandemic.

Additionally, approximately 69 per cent of the respondents reported that they had no alternative sources of income and would prefer cash as their primary form of assistance.

That report also noted that around 52 per cent of the households interviewed said that they were forced to use up their savings and with regards to purchasing food, some 37 per cent of the respondents resorted to buying cheaper, less preferred brands, while some 25 per cent said they started growing their own vegetables.

Apart from the loss of income, 35 per cent of respondents suggested that they would place proper Internet access among their priority areas of need.

GUIDE Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, said the Government of Guyana will use the socio-economic impact assessment report as a guide in future projects.

The Prime Minister, who received the

document in his office Tuesday during a simple handing over ceremony, said the government recognises the importance of sound, scientific data for informed decision-making and acknowledged that the data in the report reinforces the importance of its COVID-19 relief measures.

“We now have data which demonstrates the extent of income reduction at the household level and reinforces the importance of our government’s COVID-19 relief programmes, such as the $25,000 cash grant and the distribution of food and sanitation hampers,” he said.

He added that as the government continues to work with partners, such as the UNDP, to restore the country’s economy and social systems, “this socio-economic impact assessment will inform project and programme design, planning and implementation across all sectors, so that resources will reach to the people most in need”.

VERY USEFUL

UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka, who attended virtually, said she agrees that the data in the report will be very useful for Guyana, especially in the long-term.

“I believe that it is really important that we have this evidence for Guyana that would help to adjust the response and a lot of nuances that can be looked into and drawn from in the recovery strategy and also the longer-term development agenda that this new government has launched.”

Deputy Regional Director in the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, Linda Maguire, and Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme, Jairo Valverde, among other international representatives were also virtually present for the ceremony.

Several representatives of the UNDP and CDC, including Operations Coordinator UNDP Guyana, Navindra Persaud, and CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig were in the Prime Minister’s Office for the ceremony.

GUYANA CHRONICLE

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wednesday, mARCH 10, 2021

Upgrade for GPL’s fault identification system –– as numerous blackouts cause PM, Junior Public Works Minister to intervene

By Vishani Ragobeer NUMEROUS power outages prompted a meeting among Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and the top management of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), where it was highlighted that the company’s fault identification system will be upgraded.

Following the meeting on Tuesday, the Prime Minister explained that the Government opted to engage GPL amid the numerous reports of the frequent power outages, or ‘blackouts’ as they are more commonly called, over the past weekend.

These occurred primarily on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara.

“We are aware that GPL is doing some extensive repairs to the transmission and distribution system and that is the main reason for the outages,” the Prime Minister related.

He, however, lamented that the transmission and distribution system languished since it was not consistently maintained over the past five years.

As such, he explained that much corrective, maintenance work is now necessary.

To provide some redress to citizens while GPL engages in the necessary maintenance work, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted that a stronger public relations effort will be made so that the maintenance schedule and the reasons for some of the power outages would be communicated.

Importantly, also, Minister Indar highlighted that intermittent issues with GPL’s transmission are

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (centre) and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, along with members of GPL’s Board of Directors (DPI photo) expected since the company’s transmission lines are old. Exacerbating the issue, he reminded, is that GPL does not have redundant lines.

Due to this, if there is an issue with one part of the transmission line, there is no ‘backup’ line to allow the flow of electricity to continue.

Additionally, he noted that GPL does not have a system that allows it to capture which neighbourhood has a fault.

Resultantly, he explained that the electricity company would not be able to identify which specific area has the issue and is in need of restoration, unless members of the community report the issue.

WORK TO CORRECT “That is something we have to work to correct so that the neighbourhood fault is known

by GPL so that the crew can come out right away and deal with it,” Indar underscored.

It is expected that upgrade of the fault identification system will result in speedier restoration

processes.

He also noted that as per the current system, when there is an outage, GPL crew members would be required to check each post on the distribution line to find the issue that needs rectifying. According to him, GPL has about 276KM of primary line and about 784 KM of secondary lines.

“It is a time-consuming thing when they have to go rectify and respond to these outages, so what we are trying to do is fix it so that you don’t have to have these number of outages and then react to them because the reaction basis takes longer,” Indar noted.

GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharat Dindyal supported the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister, highlighting that the distribution system requires a certain volume of maintenance each year but there is an accumulation of maintenance.

“We need to get back to a stage where we are doing enough maintenance to maintain the performance of the line in a satisfactory level,” the

CEO stressed.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the company’s Board, Maurice Gajadhar assured that the company was tending to the issues “vigorously” so that the more than 200,000 customers would be ably supplied.

“We’re trying to change the system whereby you don’t have to call the Minister or the Prime Minister or myself to get something fixed,” Gajadhar asserted.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle in December, last year, Minister Indar said that it is expected that by next April, GPL’s new 46.5MW at Garden-ofEden power plant will be commissioned. Further improvements are also expected in the transmission and distribution system, to build redundancy at the 69 kV and 13.8 kV levels.

MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF The upgrades to GPL’s system will bring much-needed relief to thousands of citizens but this is not the only area through which the Government is hoping to

upgrade, in order to improve power generation and supply.

The 2021 National Budget contains allocations of $240 million for the Sustainable Energy Programme; $628.8 million for the Renewable Energy Improvement Power System Project; $750 million for the Energy Matrix Diversification Programme; $500 million for the Solar System Project; $125 million for the Small Hydro Projects; and an estimated $202.5 million has been allocated to Hinterland Electrification.

Additionally, an estimated total of $3.1 billion has been allocated to power companies across Guyana: $172.5 million for Lethem Power Company, $490 million for Kwakwani Utilities Inc., $2.3 billion for LINMINE, $30 million for Mabaruma Power Company, $50 million for Mahdia Power and Light, $10 million for Moruca Power and Light, $15 million for Matthew’s Ridge Power and Light and $50 million for Port Kaituma Power and Light.

“Our Government will now work assiduously to implement the neces-

sary measures that will result in improved standard of living for our people through the generation and provision of sufficient, stable and reliable power,” the Prime Minister had emphasised during his presentation to the House in the recent Budget Debate.

He also reminded that the Government’s vision for the future of energy provision in Guyana includes the addition of over 400MW of newly-installed capacity and a reduction in the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent through provisions from a mix of energy sources that include hydropower, natural gas, solar and wind.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Farmers’ market to push ‘agri’ sector in Region 10

By Naomi Parris THE Regional Democratic Council and Agriculture Committee of Region 10 will be hosting its second farmers’ market next week at the Wismar Market Square, where cash crop and livestock farmers, agro-processors and other entrepre-

neurs will be given a chance to sell their produce.

According to the head of the region’s agriculture committee, Mark Goring, given the success of the previous farmers’ market that was held last month, the committee and council have taken a decision to have the event become a monthly activity to promote

Scenes from the previous Farmers’ Market held at the Wismar Market Square last month (RDC photo)

Wednesday March 10, 2021 – 02:00hrs - 03:30hrs

agriculture in the region.

“It’s a collaboration with the RDC and the Agriculture Committee; we are providing a platform for the farmers of Region 10 to have security and a market for their products, and we are also trying to have food security in the region as well,” Goring told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

He explained that the initiative, which is led by

the theme, “Buy local, grow local, consume local”, will provide a space for those in Linden and other surrounding communities to showcase their talent as well as promote agriculture and create job opportunities for the youths of the region.

“We are providing a space where the people of Linden can access their farmers, and also at the same time we are creating employment,” Gor-

ing said.

He said that the committee will also be aiming to have the event become a weekly norm, where persons from all over the region can either come to buy or sell their products and goods.

“The idea is to get a weekly Market Day; we had it in 2019, but with the pandemic, we didn’t have it in 2020. But we are having it in 2021; we are starting on a monthly basis, but the target is to have a weekly market just like Parika, Mon Repos, La Penitence and these others places,” Goring said.

He added that the committee and council are hoping that the initiative will not be one that is short-lived, and will provide farmers and agro-processors in the region the push needed for them to promote and sell their produce.

“Persons can come from the other surrounding areas to Linden and have a Market Day, and this month we expect it to be bigger,” he

said, adding: “I have had people contacting me from the highway and all over, saying that they want to take part; they want to bring out their produce and they want to showcase.”

He said that in the future, the Farmers Market will also see Region 10 tapping into other markets across the country with regards to exporting fruits and vegetables to other regions.

“As we go along, we expect it to be bigger and better; we want to tap into the other regions around Region 10 bordering nearly all the regions, except for Region Two and One. And so, if we develop our agriculture sector, we can export to all these other regions,” the regional official said.

The farmers’ market will be held on March 19 at the Wismar Market Square, from 06: 00 hrs to 15:00 hrs.

Persons are advised to be mindful of all COVID-19 protocols.

Japan to help Guyana with medical equipment, supplies –– COVID-19 vaccination gets underway in all regions

GUYANA, Belize, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago will benefit from additional medical equipment and medical supplies to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, through a grant provided by the Government of Japan to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

“Through a grant from the Government of Japan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), UNOPS will support the procurement of US$4.8 million of essential medical equipment, medical supplies and personal protective equipment to aid in the public health response to the current crisis,” a release from UNOPS noted.

The agreement for this collaboration was signed on Tuesday, during a ceremony held at the UNOPS office in San José, with the participation of Ambassador of Japan in Costa Rica, Komatsu; Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for Costa Rica, Panama and the English & Dutch Speaking Caribbean, Alejandro Rossi, and Representative of the Embassy of Trinidad & Tobago in San Jose, Anesa Ali-Rodríguez.

“Japan hopes to continue strengthening relations of friendship

and goodwill with the nations of Belize, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, and contribute to the global response against the new coronavirus. It is in the mutual interest of our countries to continue collaborating closely to face the enormous health, economic and social challenge that COVID-19 has posed for humanity,” Ambassador Shinjiro was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the UNOPS Director highlighted that “Within the framework of our mandate as the central procurement resource of the United Nations System, UNOPS has been working with the Government of Japan on a global scale.

“It is an honour to once again be able to work alongside the health authorities of Caribbean governments, and contribute from the United Nations System to the strategy for an effective response to the pandemic, and an improvement of the national health systems, all while applying the highest standards in procurement within the approach of fair public management.”

VACCINE ROLLOUT Meanwhile, Guyana has

been intensifying its vaccination rollout as part of local efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, during his daily interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted that vaccination teams had been deployed in all of the country’s ten administrative regions.

Though at the time he did not have information on how many persons were vaccinated thus far, he conceded that fewer persons have been hesitant to take the vaccines.

“We expect as we go through this immunisation programme, we’ll get more people coming out.

More people know where the sites are and so forth, and we will get more people vaccinated in a short period of time,” Dr. Anthony said.

Additionally, he sought to remind everyone that taking the vaccine is not mandatory. Currently, health workers are being vaccinated, as they are seen as the most at-risk group of persons.

Dr. Anthony denied that health workers would be fired if they refused to take the vaccines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Suspected stolen motorcycles seized in Pouderoyen raid

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is calling on persons who have reported stolen motorcycles, to visit the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station to inspect motorcycles which were seized during a raid at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The raid was conduct-

–– says on-line programme that benefitted five Coalition ministers will now benefit

Some of the seized motorcycles The seized firearm ed at the Lot B&C Coglan Dam, Pouderoyen home of a 26-year-old welder/fabricator on Monday at about 17:45 hours.

Some 13 motorcycles, all suspected to have been stolen, were found. In fact,

police said that the raid was conducted following reports that the welder was in possession of stolen property.

The man was questioned in relation to the owners of the motorcycles and he was unable to give a satisfactory answer, police said.

Police said they also questioned the suspect’s fa-

ther, a 55-year-old businessman.

Meanwhile, ranks, acting on information received, conducted a search on the premises for a firearm. The suspect then handed over a .32 Taurus revolver.

Police Corporal Thomas, who was leading the raid, then questioned him in re-

lation to the licence and the suspect stated that he last renewed the licence in 2017.

He was arrested and his firearm seized.

The 13 motorcycles were also confiscated.

The man and his father were placed in custody pending further investigations.

Passenger who allegedly stabbed minibus conductor remanded JOELD Haynes, who is accused of stabbing a minibus conductor to his neck during an argument, appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, on Tuesday, and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Russell Liverpool.

Haynes was not required to plead to the indictable at-

tempted murder charge.

It is alleged that on March 5 at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, Haynes caused grievous bodily harm to Vishal Singh with intent to murder him.

Prosecutor Thornel mentioned to the court that on the day in question, about 21:20 hours, Singh was working on

a minibus when an argument ensued between himself and Haynes, a passenger.

The argument escalated and Haynes allegedly stabbed Singh, who was immediately taken to the hospital where he was admitted as a patient.

Haynes subsequently filed a report at the police station, but was told of the

allegation against him before being arrested.

The accused will return to court on March 11.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Small Business Culture CULTIVATING a national innovation ecosystem for the birth, germination, and nurturing of fresh, new, original ideas for economic enterprises that could plug into this country’s private sector business-friendly atmosphere would provide every Guyanese with opportunities to play a role in the burgeoning growth happening now across the land.

Government announced plans to reduce red-tape and bureaucracy in the business administration corridor, with the goal of encouraging more citizens to open new business, from coming up with an idea and seeing it to fruition without undue roadblocks, to sourcing funding and operating the enterprise with as little headache as possible. The nation’s exciting acceleration of economic development opens a wide range of possibilities for enterprising souls.

Indeed, Guyanese all across the country are known for their enterprising spirit, for coming up with innovative solutions to pressing problems, and for inventing new ways to achieve their dreams.

This country is ripe for fresh ideas for new businesses, with government developing every sector for potential expansion and development, including the agro-processing industry. Across every sector, tourism, housing, mining, oil and gas, even on the climate front, opportunities abound. In the manufacturing world, the creative industry, the agriculture sphere, everywhere Guyanese look today, they could find an opportunity for investment and business operation.

It used to be that savvy business people focused on retail enterprises, with clothing

and shoes and appliances and furniture and food some of the big attraction for investors. Eventually, malls started opening as the Real Estate industry took off under the housing miracle that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government performed from 1992 to 2015. Today, major international hotel brands, high-intensity tourism resorts, and entertainment enterprises are springing up almost on a daily basis, with investors flocking into the country from overseas, including from Caribbean countries.

Government also rolled out incentives and attraction models for foreign investors and diaspora Guyanese, including tax breaks, and the State’s investment czar, Peter Ramsaroop, announced the welcoming, forward-thinking news that tax-free havens are in the works.

In this scenario, Guyanese on the home front would be looking for how they could play their role. To encourage a robust, dynamic, energetic local investment atmosphere, with citizens even in remote villages and the hinterland feeling an integral part of this new economic dynamism sweeping the country, some important things need to happen. First, the country would do well to generate an innovation culture that cultivates good ideas, whereby people could pitch their ideas to the public, be able to refine research and development, and to develop written plans around operations. Then, a vigorous national financing and funding ecosystem should be easily available to any citizen who came up with a workable, sensible plan. The model for such a financing system exists, with the experience of the Institute of Private Enter-

prise Development (IPED), albeit without the exorbitant, draconian interests on loans that IPED charges.

A field for funding and financing would include a structure for banks to invest in talented new entrepreneurs, for a Fund, or series of Funds, whereby the public could easily purchase shares in a new enterprise, which includes strong accountability pillars, and a State-backed financing guarantee for cottage industries in remote villages.

Guyana has a long way to go to reform the structure in place for local citizens to launch businesses, for example, reforming the business laws that tie registration fees to capital shareholding. It is impossible for a small business owner in Berbice, Essequibo and the Rupununi to launch a company here with share capital of millions of shares, for example, because the cost of registration is tied to declared share capital. So companies typically register small amounts of shares. This makes it hard for potential investors to purchase shares in a registered company, hampering investment on the local front. The structure of shareholding in new companies is an important factor in developed economies, and one could easily register a company in Canada or the US with tens of millions of shares, making it possible and easy to raise capital and necessary financing from friends, family, and interested potential partners.

Given Guyanese business acumen, one wants to see the business laws reformed so that not only sole proprietor enterprises are launched, but partnerships that tap into a pool of human resources with vested

ownership interest, and pooled financial capital.

To tap into the talents, skills, ideas and general human resources assets of the Guyanese nation, developing an innovation atmosphere across the land, and thus encouraging citizens to flood the national stage with fresh ideas and new thinking for business startups, would be a great structure for economic growth apart from macroeconomic projects and big foreign investments.

So much possibility is there for development, from landscaping local village fronts and even the waterfronts along rivers, as First Lady Arya Ali demonstrates with such vivid success, to village tourism endeavours, such as Annette Ali-Martin’s horse-cart tour along the East Coast seawall to showcase mangrove sea defence at work, to craft and agro-processing in Rupununni communities, and scores of others, across every facet of human society, that Guyanese everywhere could operate their own little piece of the national economy, not just as workers, but also as solution generators and entrepreneurs and visionaries.

In this vein, the sugar industry would do well to tap into the experience of sugar workers for ideas, partnerships, and cottage industry entrepreneurial ventures that eventually divests some of the State subsidy into an innovation ecosystem whereby workers generate new revenue from creative application of their knowledge, experience, and skills.

Guyana is ripe to become a business hub of exciting possibilities for Guyanese all across the land.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Women’s plight in their fight for rights Dear Editor,

WHEN women are seen, counted, and placed in positions to lead, the whole world benefits. This is the fundamental theme which the world at large is focusing on to mark the occasion of International Women’s Day. The world will benefit as women are heard and this was amply magnified on Sunday as Oprah Winfrey hogged the limelight to host the TV platform to showcase the plight of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, confirming that she is the Queen for TV talk shows. In a pandemic world, women are daily challenged for their resilience, facing the home environment, work atmosphere and the outside world at large, fighting for liberty, equality, acknowledgement, recognition, acceptance and opportunity. Kamala Harris recently broke the glass ceiling to gain world attention last November, when she was appointed Vice-President to U.S. President Joe Biden in the most powerful nation on earth. At home, First Lady Arya Ali is swinging the baton at the helm, leading an army of prolific women occupying many key ministerial positions to govern the interest of the Guyanese public. These women are educated, determined, and progressive and have a mission to stamp their authority not to be underestimated. They also have an agenda to raise the bar for women and peruse and pursue a path for Guyana, with an interest to uplift the status of women and take care of their welfare satisfactorily and effectively.

It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’s is a song written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, recorded on 16th Feb., 1966 and reached No.1 position on the NY Billboard R & B chart. This type of alienation sadly underscores the importance of women; satiates the bias presumptuousness of a woman’s place is in the home; inflames prejudice and inflates the male ego! While there is a predominantly male gender imbalance in the work force, females tend

to dominate the teaching, nursing and administrative professions.

The world is changing and the new face is amply captured by Deepshikha Deshumkh, a wife, a daughter-in-law and mother who wears many hats with ease, as she competently juggles and multitasks with life also as a film producer and an entrepreneur. She is a symbol of strength and courage and as a mother, she exemplifies superpower to organise, delegate, work with a schedule and be a disciplinarian. Her advice is for females to leave the comfort, believe in yourself, have faith, be conscious of the environment and seek a platform to apply your talent.

Women have had a rough year, and Vice-President Kamala Harris knows it. In her speech before the European Parliament on International Women’s Day, an event aimed at celebrating women’s empowerment and leadership during COVID-19 times, Vice-President Kamala Harris called on nations to build a world that works for women. “Doing so it is not just an act of goodwill,” Harris said, “but a show of strength. If we build a world that works for women, our nations will all be safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Canada on Monday took a step to ensure that its upcoming spring budget, which will also outline a promised post-pandemic stimulus package, includes measures to get women working and address gender inequality. Their Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said, “Canada’s future prosperity and competitiveness depend on the ability of women to participate equally – and fully – in our workforce.”

She has promised a national childcare plan as a stimulus package worth up to C$100 billion over three tears to support women and their domestic needs. “To build a fairer and more equal Canada, we must ensure a feminist, intersectional recovery from this crisis,” Freeland said.

U.S. President Biden last week congratulated Swati Mohan, Guidance and Control Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab’s Perseverance team, after as a leader, successfully landed

COVID-19 vaccines and the spirit of fraternity and international solidarity Dear Editor, There is a clear dichotomy in the global response to the acquisition and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines between the top capitalist states of America, Britain, Canada, Europe (ABCEU) and the socialist countries of China, Russia, India and Cuba (CRIC).

On one hand you have the ABCEU countries exhibiting the essence of individualism that characterises capitalism in their “me first” approach to acquiring vaccines. They have used their wealth and influence to order and over order vaccines from the suppliers and in the process have regulated less developed countries to a very low position down the supply chain.

They are even competing against each other for the vaccine where recently the pharmaceutical firms in Europe told Britain that they can get their supplies only after they have filled the orders of their European nations. If we are to go by current orders placed with manufacturers in America and Europe, the orders of

less developed nations will maybe receive their supplies by 2022.

The ABCEU has hogged all the potential vaccines for the rest of the year with no intent of sharing any internationally. This reflects the ideological sterility and selfish values of capitalism. Now take the socialist or former socialist countries. India is in the forefront of donating free vaccines to less developed nations around the world. In the CARICOM region, India has donated over 500,000 vaccines of which we have just received 80,000.

India has so far provided 36.37 million vaccine doses to 35 countries and to UN health workers and peacekeepers. China and Russia is also doing the same. Cuba is in the forefront and the only country to date that has been sending out medical brigades to assist fraternal nations in fighting the COVID-19 virus.

This is what international solidarity and fraternal relationships are all about. It is a principle that is integral to social democracy, especially in facing a global pandemic where no one is safe until all is safe.

One thing you can say about socialism is that they ran bad economies but great medical systems. This is now bearing fruit with all the CRIC nations manufacturing their own vaccines and selflessly sharing with grateful nations. This pandemic is also making us as a nation aware as to who are our real versus convenient friends

which is something to always be cognizant off when engaging in bilateral discussions.

A special thank you to India, China and Prime Minister Hon. Mia Motley for their spirit of international solidarity and fraternity.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

a robot on Mars. He also has a slew of women on his management team. Twelve American men have walked on the moon.

The last Apollo astronaut left his footprint there in December 1972. Now, a half-century later, NASA is planning to send people back to the moon. The new NASA programme is called Artemis, after Apollo’s mythical twin sister, and the goal is that the next footprint on the moon will be made by a woman. The Artemis programme isn’t just named for a woman, it’s largely being run by women. Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is NASA’s first female launch director. Despite the many advances of women to key positions throughout the world, “Simply put, our world does not yet work for women as it should,” according to Kamala Harris. Anupria Goenka, an actress, is known to be a strong voice for gender equality and women empowerment. “It is quite ironical that at a time when we have women in power positions, many of us are still denied of our basic rights, and equal opportunity is still a myth which is why pay disparities continue to be a burning issue,” she says, adding, “What bothers me is that women are judged based on how they dress and how they speak, be it in personal or professional circles. If we don’t adhere to society’s definition of morality, we are called all sorts of names and are accused of sending out signals to invite men.” There is an urge for everyone to do their bit in spreading awareness in creating a society that gives respect and opportunity to both men and women, which can bring about a shift in people’s mindsets.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Selected quotes from Zeelust-Rosignol councillors rebuke Dr Cheddi Jagan Coalition, withdraw resignation letters “THE People’s Progressive Party, the vanguard of the National Liberation Movement, welcomes the announcement that British Guiana will soon attain nationhood.

The party fails to understand, however, the significance of the date, May 26, unless it is the wish of the British and British Guiana governments to make it symbolic of their contempt for the Guyanese people and a grim reminder of the unfortunate events at Wismar on May 25/26, 1964, and their aim to keep the Guyanese people divided...” Nov. 19, 1965

THE six councillors of the Rosignol/Zeelust Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) who recently resigned have withdrawn their resignation following a meeting with People’s Progressive Party (PPP), General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

On Monday, Chairman of the Zeelust-Rosignol Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Chate Puran, along with five of the nine councillors tendered their resignation from the West Coast Berbice Local Government.

The others who rescinded their resignations were

People’s Progressive Party (PPP), General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo with the six Rosignol/Zeelust NDC councillors (PPP Facebook page photo) Deputy Chairman, Iqbal Alli; Chairman of the Mar-

ket Committee, Haimwattie Persaud; Chairman of the Works Committee, Samuel Jagnandan; and councillors Agnes Karamchand and Joseph Tribhawan.

Central and Executive Committee members Zulfikar Mustapha and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall were also present during the meeting at Freedom House on Robb Street, Georgetown.

According to the PPP, the councillors were agonised by the fact that their resignation over a particular matter was “falsely portrayed” by the APNU+AFC and its surrogates as a loss of confidence in the PPP/C Government.

“They also sought the assistance of the party and Government in accelerating development in their NDC and reaffirmed their commitment to that cause. In rebuking the sinister motive of the APNU+AFC cabal, the councillors reminded that the community and NDC of Rosignol/Zeelust have suffered from neglect, wanton discrimination and lack of accountability during the APNU+AFC time in office,” the PPP noted in a press statement on Tuesday.

The party is of the view that this mischievous attempt by the APNU+AFC is designed to create a distraction as a means of deflecting from its notorious and dreadful record which was highlighted during the recent budget debates and the current observance of the one-year anniversary of their assault on democracy.

“No doubt, this sort of desperate behaviour by the Coalition will continue as the PPP/C Government presses ahead with its development agenda through the implementation of the measures outlined in the 2021 Budget

for the benefit of all sections of society,” the party added.

On Monday, Nigel Dharamlall said he was shocked to have heard that six councillors resigned from the NDC over a misunderstanding at the level of the Council.

“Two weeks prior there were some councillor who said that they indicate that I instructed them to move the people off the road but that is not the situation,” Minister Dharamlall explained.

Dharamlall further explained that he did visit the market last Saturday and came to an understanding with the vendors.

He said it was agreed that the vendors would move inside once the Ministry of Local Government would have completed certain remedial works on the market. Dharamlall maintained that he at no time asked the vendors to remove with immediate effect.

“I went Saturday and we have an agreement with the people now who said as soon as the washrooms are finished building and they have good water and sanitation in the market they will go in. So we agreed that they will go in at the end of April. That is as far as I know, so I’m surprised the people resign,” Dharamlall said.

The minister noted that only one councillor from the NDC was present during his visit on Saturday, where he was also accompanied by Regional Democratic Council Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal.

He said he was all the more surprised because his ministry has a very cordial relation with the NDC and the ministry would have facilitated a lot of community work being carried out in the NDC.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Guyanese nominated to serve as Pennsylvania’s Physician General

GOVERNOR Tom Wolf has nominated Dr. Denise A. Johnson to serve as Pennsylvania’s Physician General. Dr. Johnson, a Guyanese who hails from Linden, will succeed Dr. Wendy Braund, who, in addition to her role as COVID-19 response director, served as interim Physician General following the departure of Dr. Rachel Levine.

Dr. Johnson will serve as acting Physician General until she is confirmed by the Senate, a release from Governor Wolf’s office said.

“We thank Dr. Braund for her acting role over the past weeks; her professionalism and expertise are

appreciated,” the release quoted Governor Wolf as saying.

He added: “We welcome Dr. Johnson to the administration and look forward to her sharing her expertise and passion for many issues affecting Pennsylvanians, demonstrated through much of her professional work and appointments. I have every confidence in her ability to serve the commonwealth, the Department of Health, and the residents of Pennsylvania during this incredibly critical time for public health.”

According to the release, Dr. Johnson was most recently Chief Medical Officer at Meadville Medical

Centre. Prior to joining the leadership team in 2008, Dr. Johnson spent 13 years in private practice in Meadville. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She serves on the Governor’s Commission for Women.

Dr. Johnson has been involved in various community and regional groups focusing on diversity and inclusion and on the needs of women, and is the current board chair of the Meadville Area Free Clinic. She is past chair of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania

Coalition Against Rape.

Dr Johnson received her Medical Degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“I am truly honoured

to be offered this opportunity to further contribute to the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvanians,” Dr. Johnson said, adding that “I plan to work tirelessly for all and to devote every effort to this goal.”

Dr. Denise A. Johnson

Man pleads not guilty to raping girl, 11 A 12-member jury, was, on Tuesday, empanelled to hear the case against Adriane Sewdeen, who is accused of two counts of rape committed on an 11-year-old girl.

Sewdee, who is on trial at the Essequibo High Court, pleaded not guilty to the first count which read that between June 1 and 30, 2018, in the county of Essequibo, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child, who is under the age of 16.

He also denied the second count which read that on July 9, 2018, he repeated the act.

Justice Gino Persaud will be presiding over the trial.

According to report, Sewdeen is known to the victim and her family. The victim would often be left in the care of a woman who is known to Sewdee.

It is alleged that he would rape the child whenever the woman was away.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

CPG membership climbs rapidly under new management –– building safer communities is essential, security adviser

By Rabindra Rooplall THE relaunch of the Community Policing Groups (CPG) last November has seen membership of the organisation increasing to 3,223 with 182 active groups.

This is according to former Senior Superintendent, Reshi Das, who is currently the CPG administrator.

Das took over the body with 2,009 members and 115 active groups.

“The new membership was achieved during four months under the new administration. There is an increase of 67 new groups with an additional membership of 1214,”

assist with bringing social ills and other plights to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Explaining the guidelines for new membership for the CPGs, Gill said: “We made it very clear that persons that are involved in abuse at home or abusive to their children or wife/spouse need not apply.”

He continued: “Persons involved in corruption and corrupt activities need not apply. We feel that this is a very privileged group to be with, [and] as time goes on, we will have training and development activities.”

Many citizens are now more eager to be associat-

Adviser to the Home Affairs Minister, Harry Gill, and CPG Administrator, Reshi Das, in one of the monthly meeting with Liaison Officers and Divisional Chairmen of the CPG in the Ministry of Home Affairs boardroom Das said.

Noting that the motto of the CPG is “Community Service for Community Security,” Das said that the image of the CPG is being rebuilt by resuscitating dormant groups, while forming new ones and removing lazy and corrupt persons.

In an invited comment, Harry Gill, a security adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs noted that the CPG’s role will now be expanded to ensure members enhance the wellbeing of the community they serve.

Gill said CPG members will be trained and guided by a higher standard while learning how to counsel, guide children within their community, ensure children benefit from social services and

ed with the CPG since the groups will receive much more support and collaboration from the relevant authorities, including the Home Affairs Ministry.

The CPGs also aim to increase the flow of information between the police and the public, which may potentially help solve criminal cases rather than deter crime. Community policing groups, he said, must be embraced by the community they intend to serve and protect.

Underscoring that community policing can be effective if implemented correctly, Gill explained that one strength of the community policing policy is the encouragement of community-police relationships.

He said the issue of lack of respect from ju-

nior ranks of the Guyana Police Force towards members of the CPGs will be addressed and noted that frequent police and CPG presence in the community shows citizens that law enforcement cares about the community being served.

People, Gill posited may be more likely to cooperate with law en-

forcement in making the neighbourhood safer, including sharing information to assist in resolving crime issues if CPG members and police work in tandem.

According to Gill, there are high crime areas where community policing may seem impossible, but there are citizens in those communities who

want to feel safe.

On this score, he said the authorities will seek to establish relationships with the public.

Citizens’ trust, he noted, is an important aspect of community policing, which is why community-police relations and diversity training is critical to police reform.

Adviser to the Minister of Home Affairs, Harry Gill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Minister Mustapha ‘talks up’ rural digital inclusion in agriculture –– ministry to procure 255 tablets to boost extension services in rural areas this year

GIVEN the undeniable need to improve agricultural connectivity in rural areas and overall technological innovation systems in Guyana, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that Rural Digital Inclusion is now seen as a priority, and remains key to development in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

The minister was, at the time, delivering remarks at the Inter American Institute

for Cooperation on Agriculture’s (IICA) Development of Skills for Rural Digital Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean virtual event.

During his presentation, Minister Mustapha said that Guyana is cognisant of the fact that technology is important for the advancement of the sector, as well as ensuring timely responses to farmers’ needs are met, more so now as countries battle with addressing the challenges in the agriculture

sector due to the current global pandemic, COVID19.

“Transformation in our agriculture and food systems will be evident as the level of technological innovation increases in the region. Communications, operations, and transactions will be revolutionised, and we will see the creation of smarter farms and more inclusive and transparent value chains. In Guyana, despite several research challenges, there has been the establish-

Director-General of IICA, Dr. Manuel Otero said that the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19 has magnified the urgent need for this type of inclusion.

From left: Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and IICA Country Representative to Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, during the meeting ment of a biotechnology laboratory at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) as efforts are made to work on crop improvement and enhancing crop diversity. Recognising the critical role of extension in the rural economy, in 2021 we will procure 255 tablets for crops and livestock extension officers to improve advisory and traceability system, which will allow for proper monitoring, more efficient data collection, and management systems and farm traceability,” Minister Mustapha said.

He further stated that it was important to note that ICTs can be highly complex and require proper training on their operation and maintenance and that rural farmers and other beneficiaries would require training and other assistance in that regard.

COLLABORATION IICA is currently collaborating with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and American multinational technology company, Microsoft, to develop a document addressing the development of skills for rural digital inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean.

It was noted that a large part of the documents generated have produced data in order to measure the problem of access to connectivity as one of the critical issues that need to be reversed soon.

Among the advances developed, information has been generated that made it possible to diagnose the scope of the crisis in production and the limits to telework due to the lack of connectivity; gaps between and within countries have been measured; existing barriers were identified in terms of infrastructure and in the expansion of coverage; regulatory practices; limitations on affordability; the disadvantages in women’s access to digital technology, among others.

NEED INTENSIFIED “The need has intensified as a result of the social-distancing measures implemented and the sudden digitisation of work, education and trade, and millions of people modifying their daily routines in an attempt to limit contagion. So far, we have succeeded in generating considerable awareness and mobilisation of governments in favour of a pro-connectivity agenda, as witnessed by the important presence of officials from dozens of countries in the recent forums organised by IICA to discuss the issue and promote more and better changes. We are now taking another huge step, along with IDB and Microsoft, towards the adoption of digital skills among the rural population in Latin America and the Caribbean, so as to deal with the issue of leveraging the technological and digital resources that connectivity affords us,” Dr. Otero said.

Data from a survey of cases in the region, which forms part of the study carried out from the IICA offices at the beginning of 2021, where recent experiences of training in digital skills in rural areas are recorded, as well as initiatives that promote incorporation of technologies in agriculture that have the potential to be replicated, were also recorded in the report.

With International Women’s Day being observed on March 8th, Minister Mustapha said that government will continue to work with its regional and international partners to bridge the gender gap and empower rural women while developing their digital skills.

“Being cognisant of the gender divide particularly in rural areas, women must be given equal access to technology and skills training.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, I wish to recognise the important role that women play in the agriculture sector. As we address the gender gap we will work to empower our rural women.

Women can expect to benefit from initiatives that will develop their digital skills,” Minister Mustapha said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

De Hoop, Burma and Black Bush roads slated for month-end completion AS the government continues to push its farm-tomarket initiative, several critical farming community roads are being upgraded in an effort to facilitate easy transportation of produce.

At least four such roads are slated to be completed by the end of March 2021, according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.

Works on these structures are ongoing in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The Free and Easy Access Road in Region Three is being rehabilitated at a cost of $278,351,952; it is approximately 30 per cent completed. In Region Four, Lot Three of the De Hoop, Mahaica Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is being constructed by Shereza Bacchus Contracting Company at a cost of $53,390,950; this project is currently progressing at 80 per cent completion.

The often-deplorable Burma Road in Mahaicony, ECD, is being repaired at a cost of $45,422,699; these works are being executed by KP Thomas and Sons, standing at 20 per cent completed. KP Thomas and Sons is also carrying out rehabilitative works on sections of the Black Bush Polder Road, which is currently 60 per cent complete, and is being constructed at a cost of $9,857,000.

The start date for the projects in Regions Four, Five and Six was given as December 2, 2020, and are slated to be completed promptly on March 31, 2021. As part of its continuous and comprehensive efforts, the Ministry of Public Works has indicated its commitment to focussing on the construction and maintenance of key roads within various farming communities.

Meanwhile, the Region Five Democratic Council had indicated its intention to aggressively push for the rehabilitation of key roads in several farming communities, including Mahaicony Branch Road and a section of the Number 27 road.

During a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Chairman of Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal, said that enhancing these roads would reduce commuting time and increase farmers’ overall production.

“Knowing that Region Five is the largest rice-producing region in the country, it was imperative to address some areas to push

the development of the sector and so we identified several farm-to-market roads to be rehabilitated since they were in a dilapidated state, over the past years,” Ramphal said.

He added that the administration also intends to rehabilitate Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary/Agricultural Development Authority scheme to improve its infrastructure.

“We would have seen several dams graded and shaved as well as the canals and trenches within the cultivation area being cleared and cleaned, which has led to better irrigation in the farming areas.

This, of course, is a great boost for our region and our farmers,” the Regional Chairman indicated.

He reiterated the government’s goal is to restore Guyana as the ‘breadbasket of the Caribbean’ by making the necessary investments and providing technical, financial and other support to the agriculture sector. The efforts to commence works on Mahaicony Branch Road can be seen as an answer to the yearsold plight for better roads.

Only recently, businessman, Navin Singh of WW Branch Road lamented the need for better roads, since the rapidly deteriorating road has posed significant challenges to rice formers.

He also emphasised the need for authorities to take into consideration the needs of the road and the importance of ensuring that the structures are durable enough to withstand heavy-duty machinery.

In December, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, told Region Five farmers that the administration intends to develop more lands to double rice production in the next five years. To this end, the ministry has installed several drainage pumps which have already started to reduce the level of flooding due to seasonal rains.

Ramphal said this measure is exactly what the Region needs to push the sector’s development, while reducing the adversity farmers and residents face. In the 2020 Budget, the ministry made allocations for the installation of a new pump at Trafalgar, which will enable the operationalisation of four pumps at the station in keeping with its design.

Provisions were also made for 12 high-capacity drainage pumps to be installed in the region.

As part of the gov-

A worker surveying sections of Mahaicony Branch Road, East Coast Demerara

ernment’s $383.1 billion budget for 2021, a sum of $25.6 billion has been allocated towards improving infrastructure of roads and bridges throughout the country. In presenting the budget back in February, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said that a total of $23.7 billion will be spent on roads, while some $1.9 billion will go specifically towards bridges.

The monies will facili-

tate upgrades to a number of existing structures, as well as finance the commencement of several others.

“An amount of $3.5 billion has been allocated for the commencement of the Linden to Mabura Hill Road and tenders will be launched in the first quarter. Further, a sum of $150 million has been budgeted for sectional rehabilitation of the Linden – Soesdyke Highway,” Dr. Singh had indicated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Mark Lowchee pleads not guilty to 2003 ‘Blue Iguana’ murder THE High Court trial of Mark Lowchee, called “Mark Lee”, who is accused of fatally shooting a man outside the Blue Iguana nightclub in 2003, commenced on Monday before a 12-member jury.

Lowchee, who is partly

handicapped due to a stroke to his left side and uses a cane for assistance, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on September 21, 2003, at Fifth and Light Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown, he murdered Collis DeAbreu.

Justice Navindra Singh is presiding over the tri-

al at the Demerara High Court.

According to reports, on the day in question, there was a misunderstanding between Lowchee and the owner of the nightclub over a glass belonging to the Blue Iguana.

It is further alleged that

Lowchee pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds in the vicinity of the nightclub, hitting De Abreu to the chest and injuring other patrons.

De Abreu was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

Mark Lowchee, called Mark Lee

DEAD: Collis DeAbreu

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Road works, bridge repairs to commence soon at Enterprise –– bridge linking Nonpariel to be built

SEVERAL streets in Enterprise on the East Coast of Demerara, including the main access roads, are set to undergo major infrastructural works soon, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar disclosed during a project assessment exercise on Tuesday.

Minister Indar stated that the works are necessary to ensure an improved quality of life for the more than 900 households in the community.

He explained that infrastructural works have not been undertaken in the area for over 15 years; that the roads, in particular, have been in a deplorable state for some time.

“The roads have been bad for some time; and when the rain falls, it destroys it even more, and makes it more worse. Just imagine you have schoolchildren have to traverse through those gorges of mud water in their footwear, and then have to go and spend all day in school.

We have to fix it, starting with the main roads first and the sectional repairs, because most people are affected by them. And then we are going to the sections of the community that have less traffic,” Minister Indar said.

He stated that in addition to the road works, construction of a connecting

bridge between Enterprise and Nonpareil is also being undertaken.

Residents had indicated to the minister that the children in the community are forced to make an unnecessarily long commute to get from their homes in Enterprise to the school in Nonpareil. The minister committed to the construction of a connecting bridge that would shorten that travel distance by more than half.

Additionally, residents indicated that one of two connecting bridges between Enterprise and Enterprise Gardens was in a deplorable and shaky state, which poses a threat to the residents who

use it on a daily basis. He also made a commitment to the residents that the ministry would undertake this project, too.

“The roads have problems; obviously, the bridges that they are using to connect Enterprise Gardens to Enterprise, one of them is shaking, Minister Indar said. “On the other side, between Nonpareil and Enterprise, where the schoolchildren have to journey a long distance and do the same to come home, we are connecting a pathway there, too, so it’s easier and faster to get to school and back home,” he added.

He noted that during his walkabout in the community,

he noticed that several residents had “fenced-off” the government reserves, making it hard to get the necessary equipment into the community to conduct infrastructural work.

“People are taking up the reserve, and when they take up the reserve, we cannot do public works; we can’t move machine in to build bridges, we can’t clean, we can’t do anything; everybody put up a fence or something, so we are appealing to residents that when we’re doing public works and they have to move in their fence, they just have to do that. If you put up a fight, you’d be obstructing the work and delaying the

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, and representatives of the NDC assessing some of the ongoing infrastructural works

Engineers at work at Success on Tuesday

work,” he said.

Minister Indar stated that he has advised the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) representatives to have conversations with the residents to ensure that they free up those reserve lands that they may be occupying, so that the works can move ahead.

Moreover, he said that he is satisfied with the pace of ongoing works, and hopes that they will be completed in less than two months.

“Our engineers are very aggressive; they are going out, and they are explaining the modus operandi of the Irfaan Ali government. We are awarding new contracts, and the agreement is that within three to six months, you have to finish the work.

Because if you don’t finish the work, definitely we are not adding you, if you are not finishing the existing contracts you have,” Minister Indar informed.

Minister Indar explained that the works that will be undertaken are separate from the current works. The cost of the upcoming works is still being assessed.

He said, too, that similar infrastructural works are ongoing at Success, another East Coast Demerara village, some five miles or so west of Nonpariel. The Ministry of Public Works has also committed to rehabilitating two community grounds at Success and Enterprise.

Meanwhile, Roger Evelyn, Chairman for the Buxton/Foulis NDC, lauded the government’s response to the invitation, and used the opportunity to thank Minister Indar for his commitment to

undertake additional works in the community. He stated that the works would benefit the residents greatly, and will allow them access to a better quality of life.

“Luckily, the minister is a man of the people. We were able to walk around with him and the residents, and let them show him what are some of the more concerning and urgent cases that need to be looked into,” Evelyn said.

He further stated that his NDC is committed to monitoring the progress of the projects to ensure that they are completed in keeping with the suggestions expressed by Minister Indar.

Evelyn explained that for some time, residents have been calling for better drainage and irrigation and infrastructural works, which could not have been completed with the NDC’s limited budget.

One of the streets at Enterprise which has been identified for repair works

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Climate-smart project at Dora Secondary wins high praise A CLIMATE-SMART pilot project at the Dora Secondary School, situated along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (UNFAO) has proven quite beneficial, according to both students and educators. The beneficiaries laud the initiative as a practical learning solution for students.

“What we learn in the classroom, we are able to see it happening in the school garden. For me, the school shade house garden is like my best Agriculture Science textbook,” one student stated.

Another noted that, “this project is very important to me at this time when I will be writing my CSEC exams in June 2021 and would like to pursue a career in agribusiness. For me, agriculture is one of the most viable economic businesses to get into because people in Guyana and the Caribbean will always need healthy food.”

Implemented under the Assisting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Programme, the school-based pilot project aims to contribute to enhancing food and

nutrition security. Overall, the SIDS initiative supports livelihood and resilience to natural disasters linked to climate change, build resilience of domestic food production systems, and ensure food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable communities, including women and youths.

Nestled within the Kuru Kuru community in Region Four is the Dora Secondary School, located approximately 50 kilometres South of Georgetown. This area is known for its white sandy soil, freshwater creeks, and

forest coverage, which support livelihood activities like farming, logging and charcoal production. As such, agriculture is a key component of the school’s curriculum.

However, hands-on practical training in agricultural production could not be done previously due to several underlying constraints, such as inadequate space, tools and equipment.

Under the UNFAO project, a shade-house and a poultry pen were built in the school compound. Measuring 1500 sq. ft., the shadehouse was designed with

150 chickens for an eightweek production cycle.

POSITIVE IMPACT Principal Ruth Lawrence alluded to the project’s positive impact and especially its linkage and contribution to the School Feeding Programme, which provides hot, healthy and nutritious meals.

The school feeding programme is intended to reduce hunger and encourage increased attendance and academic performance.

Lawrence also stressed the impact of the pilot-project in exposing students to

Students going through their paces at the poultry farm at Dora Secondary (FAO photo)

Work being done at the shade house (FAO photo)

A student examines a tomato from a plant cultivated in the shade house (FAO photo)

a roof of gardening plastic and accommodated five concrete-raised beds in which the sandy soil was enhanced with reef sand, compost, and poultry pen manure. Drip irrigation system was also set up to ensure appropriate use and conservation of water and fertiliser.

Crops such as tomatoes, sweet pepper, cabbage, pak choi, lettuce, and celery were then cultivated. Shaded cultivation is a climate-smart agricultural practice that allows year-round production barring unpredictable weather patterns like long dry spells or heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the poultry pen, built with an area of 450 sq. ft. is divided into five sections; four used as ‘Grow Out’ and one as a ‘Brooding Area’ for chickens. Each section has capacity to accommodate

business/entrepreneurial benefits of climate- smart agriculture and poultry production. She related that several students stated their interest to do individual home gardening and poultry production initiatives. The principal declared that the project excited teachers and students, brought new skills, techniques and structural support for continuous practical activities in agriculture production at the school and also in the community.

She welcomed the collaboration with UNFAO, and stated that “the agriculture teaching and practical opportunities offered at Dora Secondary School could facilitate the building of an appropriate educational and socio-economic platform for students, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs”.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a prolonged closure of schools countrywide, the Dora Secondary School project suffered some delays.

However, the partial re-opening of schools in September 2020 for Grades 10 and 11 students to prepare for CSEC examination enabled those pursuing Agricultural Science to participate and use the activity to complete their School Based Assessments (SBA) in both Crop and Animal production.

Students used the opportunity to conduct investigations by applying practical experiences from hands-on learning. They planted seedlings and managed the crops while taking care of the chicks and managing the poultry pens.

During the month of January 2021, the first batch of 135 chickens totaling 564 pounds were produced and utilised under the Dora Secondary School Feeding Programme. The crops cultivated in the shade house will be ready to harvest soon.

Agricultural Science Teacher, Rachel Nobel said students and teachers were long awaiting such technical skills and facilities to support

the practical component of CSEC Agricultural Science at their school. She also anticipated that students who benefitted from the handson training would become involved in home-gardening enterprises, thereby creating more food and nutrition security in their communities.

UNFAO Guyana Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith, extends her appreciation to the principal, staff and students of Dora Secondary for supporting the successful implementation of the pilot project.

“We are very pleased that the impact of this project extended beyond climate readiness for poultry and crop production, and that it was able to contribute to the School Feeding Programme, support the completion of the CSEC School-Based Assessment and brought new skills and facilities to support future practical sessions and agriculture production.

In this challenging time, we are extremely pleased with the participation and interest of our young people who found this learning-by-doing tool very rewarding,” Dr. Smith noted.

(FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

‘Take the pills’ –– Filaria patients recount life of stigma, social withdrawal FIFTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD John (not his real name), hails from a quiet community on the Upper Corentyne in Region Six. Twenty years ago, he was a vibrant and adventurous individual who used to charm the ladies with his contagious smile.

However, that changed when he began to notice some physical changes to his foot. It was filaria. The vibrant John became dejected and, so, he isolated himself from society.

“I used to do everything, jump on my bicycle, run, go all over, catch birds, but now I don’t do the things I used to do before. I get friends that would come and gaff and so, but most times I would just lay down in the hammock at home. I’m comfortable with just being by myself, because of the stigma. The stigma made me withdraw completely, so you really can’t do the things you used to do before”, John explained. He was sitting on a chair in his home with both of his feet covered.

Before the physical symptoms manifested, John worked in the interior, but he had to stop. Eventually, he took up a role in the family’s bakery.

Even though the swelling of his foot started many years ago, it was only five years ago that he was officially diagnosed with filaria. Since then, he has been attending the Filaria Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

John said he feels comfortable and at ease at the clinic with no watchful eyes.

Even though he missed several visits, he has been actively using the CARE remedy which includes; cleaning the area, applying treatment, raising the affected area when sitting and above the level of the head when lying down, and exercise.

“When I first started, was twice a month and then six weeks after, but due to the pandemic, I didn’t go since the beginning of last year, but I will resume next week. Ms. Cheryl and the doctor make you feel so comfortable at the clinic visit,” He noted.

John’s sister describes him as an extrovert who became an introvert due to his condition.

She noted that over the years, John did a good job at hiding his symptoms in an effort to avoid being judged. The sister emphasises the importance of providing 100 per cent love, affection and support to persons affected by this mosquito-borne disease.

“Don’t be ashamed of your family. They are the same persons. Love them as much.

And let them not feel rejected.

I am encouraging everyone, when the team is heading out, take your pills. If they don’t catch you at home, go to the

health centre and collect your pills. That will help you to live a fuller life and you won’t feel rejected. Play your part in preventing yourself from having it and from spreading it,” she urged.

Meanwhile, John is pleading with persons in his region and the rest of Guyana to join the fight in the elimination of the disease. Once it can be eliminated, it would be a great accomplishment for the country and a prayer answered for him.

“Once the pills are available take it. You won’t want to reach to these stages that change your life completely.

You won’t want to end up like me; this way in a corner, hiding from people. Prevention is the best way, so please take the pills. I am always praying and hoping this disease can end and no one else can get affected.”

In another communi ty on the Corentyne Coast, 51-year-old Richard (not his real name), a suspected filaria patient, said that in early 2000, he developed an itch on his right leg followed by swelling over the years. The leg then developed a thick “elephant like” skin.

“Was an itch and it became like a small ulcer and the skin get thick, like elephant skin. Then I keep trying going from hospital to hospital, but no help. I recently learnt it could be filaria. It grow till it turn big and hard,” Richard said.

Richard, at that time, was a market vendor and had a thriving business. However, due to the stigma, he had to quit. He eventually opened a small shop at home to keep earning. Like John, the disease also forced Richard to change his lifestyle and he kept to himself.

As such, he is urging the residents of Region Six to take the pills and help to eliminate the dreadful disease.

“In my personal life, it slows me up. I had opportunities to go different places, but I turned them down because I didn’t want to be among people who will look at me differently.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as filaria, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. It is caused by an infection caused by parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Mosquito-transmitted larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body.

The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adult worms,

thus continuing a cycle of transmission.

In communities where filaria is transmitted, all ages are affected. While the infection may occurred during childhood, visible manifestations, such as lymphedema, occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability.

MULTI-PURPOSE PILLS Dr. Sadhana Samtani, the national supervisor for Region Six, explained that the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign is designed to stop transmission through pills distribution and to identify chronic cases so as to manage morbidity and alleviate suffering.

She stated that in Region Six, the campaign will last for two weeks during which the Ministry of Health (MoH) personnel will be going houseto-house and at fixed points to administer the pills to persons who are eligible. These include everyone except pregnant women, children under two years and severely ill persons.

Region Six is one of the endemic regions, which means that it has enough positive cases to cause filaria transmission, hence the need for the MDA in the region.

Dr. Samtani highlighted that the triple drugs regimen, Invermectin, Diethycarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole (ALB) also known as the IDA, is safe to use and has lots of benefits.

It would help not only in the elimination of filaria, which cannot be emphasised enough, but it also has benefits in treating scabies, lice and de-worming.

“When we take the pills, we not only protect ourselves,

but we also protect our families, so prevention is better than cure. This campaign is basically a preventative measure, as you know the symptoms of filaria won’t show up immediately, it shows up 10-30 years later. We could be infected and don’t even know, so it’s really important to take the pills and it would garner enough coverage to eliminate filaria in the country,” she said.

The pills will be administered via a height-based dosing schedule and pills have to be taken in the presence of the pill distributor. Minimal transitory side effects such as headache, nausea or drowsiness may occur, but are expected to last less than 24 hours.

In 2019, during the first round of the MDA in the region, Region Six was able to achieve 75 per cent geographical coverage, an exceptional feat which paved the path for the second round of MDA, in which the region aims for over 90 per cent this time around.

Field Officers, Regional Coordinators and community engagement officers have been meeting with all stakeholders

and sensitising them and their constituents on the campaign and the importance of taking the pills.

Further, Clarence Charles, a Regional Coordinator and a Public Health Inspector attached to Vector Control Services, explained that a remapping survey was done in 2018, which revealed positive cases of filaria in the region. This led to the implementation of the MDA. “I really want to see filaria eliminated from Guyana as a whole and for my region. I would like to see persons exhibiting the willingness to take their pills so they too could participate in this programme as we work to get rid of this disease. The impact on an infected person is significant and we should all make a conscious effort to support the campaign,” he said.

What is important to note, Dr. Samtani said, is that the pill distributors and Field Officers have received rigorous training.

“Everyone involved in this programme has had training from the national level to the

regional level right down to the Field Officers and pill distributors and, during training, there were practical exercises and a test was done at the end,” she informed.

In conclusion, she shared her opinion on what it would mean as a healthcare provider to see the elimination of filaria in Guyana.

“Even if I wasn’t a healthcare worker, I would try with the same zeal and energy to assist to get filaria eliminated in our country. Why? Because we can look back in the years to come and say we were part of that campaign. Just like how polio was eliminated, we want to see Guyana as one of the countries that is filaria free, because it is not something that is only harmful to us, but to our generations to come, so we want to save generations ahead.”

During the MDA, all COVID-19 measures are in place while interfacing with residents. Pill distributors are easily identifiable with their purple t-shirts and hats with the Ministry of Health and PAHO logo and a badge.

Guyana records 204th COVID-19 death THE number of COVID-19 fatalities in Guyana is now 204, following the death of a 76-year-old man from Region 10.

The elderly man succumbed while en route to a Ministry of Health facility. His demise is the seventh for the month of March.

The Ministry of Health has recorded an additional 33 cases from 814 tests conducted for March 7; one in Region One, two in Region Two, seven in Region Three, 19 in Region Four, two in Region Five, and two in Region Six. No other regions recorded new cases.

Seven persons are currently convalescing in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 36 remain institutionally isolated; 400 are isolated at home, and 11 persons are institutionally quarantined.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 8,847 cases since the arrival of COVID-19 in Guyana last March and of that number, 454 are currently active.

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

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline: 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Guyana to participate in Dubai Expo

DESTINATION Guyana is expected to be on full display to an audience of more than 25 million persons, as Dubai’s Expo2020 commences from October 1, 2021.

This was confirmed by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond, who declared that Guyana is open for business investments. The exposition will conclude on March 31, 2022.

The 2020 ‘expo’, dubbed the ‘World’s Greatest Show of human brilliance and achievement’, was forced into postponement following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. As preparations for the activity resume in 2021, the 173-day event is estimated to attract participants from over 200 countries and companies, and Guyana will be participating under the theme, ‘Home of nature: Land of opportunities’.

According to the Tourism Ministry, Guyana will capitalise on the opportunity to market its tourism products and investment opportunities. The ‘expo’ is expected to feature all aspects of Guyana’s heritage, including food, music, technology, art, science, culture, and numerous live events.

Like all other participating countries, Guyana will manage a pavilion, and highlight its culture during a planned National Day. It is the first time at a World Expo, that Guyana will prominently manage a stand-alone pavilion.

The Tourism Ministry has said that Guyana’s participation will be aided by a US $1.5 million contribution by the Government of Dubai, which covers the cost of the pavilion, outfitting, airfare, and accommodation.

Minister Walrond believes that the ‘expo’

presents tremendous opportunities for Guyana’s tourism product. “This is a perfect, somewhat unrivalled opportunity for us to showcase Destination Guyana to the world.

There will be millions of people traversing that venue, and there is no better time for us to market ourselves,” Walrond said.

She added that apart from encouraging people to visit Guyana, the Expo serves as a critical tool to drive a plethora of investment opportunities available in Guyana, especially within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“We have already attracted franchises for several branded hotels, one of which has already started construction. We want to see more investment, not only in tourism but other sectors. We also want to see investment in the other regions of our country. We want to let the world know that they are welcome to do business here,” Minister Walrond posited.

Local tourism stakeholders are poised to meet with potential investors to foster relationships with international operators, tourism marketers, the media, and other participants during the ‘expo’. Several local companies are also preparing to attend the massive event, while others will be afforded the opportunity to send their products to be showcased.

Persons desirous of asking additional questions pertaining to the activity are asked to make contact with Ms. Chevon Lim at c.lim@op.gov.gy, or Cordell McClure at: cmcclure@mintic.gov.gy or call (592) 2251223.

Additional information can also be accessed via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @GuyanaPavillion2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Over $1B for local government development programmes in 2021

- $1.172B for community enhancements - $552M for local gov’t organs’ subventions - $39M for reform of local gov’t legislation - $100M for Georgetown enhancement

By Tamica Garnett ASIDE from the $552 million budgeted for subventions to local government organs across the country, over $1.311 billion has also been allocated in the 2021 budget for various projects and development works across the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities.

The 2021 budget was

buildings of several NDCs across the country, including Annandale/Riverstown, Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlugt, Leguan, Canefield/Enterprise, Black Bush Polder and No. 52/74.

Another $39.093 million is also set to increase capacity building for local government reform. This programme is also set to cater for the harmonisation of local government legislation, and amendment to existing legis-

Rehabilitation of the Mon Repos Market is among community development works in the 2021 budget successfully passed on March 4 in the National Assembly, and under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MoLGRD), the budget catered for the 70 NDCs to continue to receive $5 million each in subventions from the government, while nine of the municipalities will receive $18 million each, and Georgetown will receive $30 million.

However, outside of this, another $1.172 billion has been allocated under the “Community Infrastructure Improvement Project”, which will cover planned rehabilitation works at the Parika, Charity and Mon Repos markets. It will also cover rehabilitation of the

lation. Reform of local government legislation is an area that various local government organs have been calling for over the years. Mayors of the 10 municipalities have long since registered their thoughts on the need for a reform of Chapter 28:01, the law which governs the functioning of the municipalities.

Other laws governing local government systems in Guyana include Chapter 28:02. Aside from these programmes, another $1 billion is said to have also been allocated in the budget for the holding of local government elections.

Meanwhile, towards the See page 20

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Over $1B for local government development programmes ...

From page 19 development of Georgetown, another $100.719 million has been budgeted under the Georgetown Enhancement Programme which is set aside to cater for the infrastructural development, environmental improvement of the city for the improved health and well-being of citizens.

The Georgetown Enhancement Programme replaces the Georgetown Restoration Programme, which had seen some $1 billion injected into it from 2015 – 2019, to be used for developmental projects towards improving the aesthetics of the capital city and dealing with several issues that plague the municipality. Over the years, it has been used for projects such as the de-bushing of Le Repentir Cemetery and works on several of the municipal markets around the city, including works on the Kitty Market, Bourda Market, East Ruimveldt Market, as well

Several NDC buildings are expected to be rehabilitated under the 2021 Budget as to complete phased work on the City Hall’s new administration building.

The programme had incremental disbursements of $300 million in 2015, $200 million in 2016 and $200 million in 2018. No money was allocated in 2017. However, the programme has been plagued with unaccountability and mismanagement over the years, when the funds were being handed over directly to the Mayor and City Council (MCC).

At least one contractor for a project under this programme had reported not receiving full payment for works carried out, despite the ministry stating that all the money for the programme was handed over to City Hall. Proper procurement practices were also not reportedly followed, while there were cases where multi-million-dollar works were carried out without the creation of a written contract outlining the parameters of the works.

In the Auditor-General Report 2017, it was noted that from the 2016 allocation, the council could not produce any evidence accounting for some $70.489 million out of the $200 million given to them; prior to that, in the 2015 allocation, there was no evidence of payments totaling $12.816M. In 2019, the ministry had taken over the monitoring of disbursements of money under the programme and passing works through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPATAB), to better monitor how the money was being spent.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 10, 2021

SLED gets another $180M PERSONS looking to create community small businesses that will contribute to job creation and development, can capitalise on funding towards their business in 2021, as another $180 million has been allocated for the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in the 2021 budget.

The SLED programme is an initiative aimed at business and job creation in communities across the country, and provides funding to individual persons or organisations for the support of entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the areas of agriculture and livestock.

The $180 million for SLED in 2021 is part of the “Regional Economic Transformation” project under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MoLGRD).

It is geared at increasing job opportunities and employment, improving access to training, enhanced skills and competency levels, as well as enhancing social and cultural cohesion. The $180 million will bring the total monies allocated under this programme to $940 million, after a total of $760 million was disbursed from 2015 to 2020 in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million,

$150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively.

Audits and countrywide assessments are currently being conducted of monies that were expended under the programme from 2017 – 2019. A physical assessment is currently being carried out by the Ministry of Labour (MoL), while the Audit Office is also expected to eventually conduct a financial audit. Based on initial assessments carried out by the MoL thus far, the subject minister, Joseph Hamilton, had reported that assessments of the 2019 projects in Region 10 revealed several alleged instances of ‘fraud’ and ‘criminality’. A similar situation was unearthed in Region Five.

Most of the projects assessed were never completed and are not functioning, notwithstanding all the money being disbursed.

Several of the business ventures were done under co-op societies. However, it was discovered that several of the co-ops were not registered with the co-ops division of the Labour Ministry.

Additionally, the minister had revealed that the ministry has had difficulty in locating the documentation that trailed how monies were disbursed in 2017 and 2018.

This abandoned community centre and ICT hub in West Watooka, where an alleged $2.2 million was given for the rearing of meat birds is one of the projects under the SLED programme that was never implemented

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Guyana’s ‘home game’ against The Bahamas to be played in Dominican Republic

By Rawle Toney

GUYANA’S home game on March 30, in the Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers against The Bahamas, will now take place in the Dominican Republic, president of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, announced yesterday.

The move by the GFF follows that of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), who had to shift their March 25 clash against Guyana from Port-of-Spain, to Santo Domingo.

Speaking at a press conference hosted at their National Training Centre at Providence, Forde said Guyana’s decision to host their clash against The Bahamas at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium, was influenced by the forced-decision taken by the TTFA. The Dr Keith Rowley-led Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) chief medical officer (CMO), Dr Roshan Parasram, had ruled that a proposal by the TTFA fell short of local COVID-19 regulations.

Also, with Guyana having a number of UK-based players in their squad, Forde said the move will also provide the Golden Jaguars the possibility of having some of their best players available.

“We are also somewhat hamstrung by the UK’s decision to place Guyana on its COVID-19 “red list” of banned countries,” Forde said. “This decision means that clubs would not be able or willing to release players for travel to Guyana. We are grateful to the Dominican Republic Football Association for accommodating us, and we have the full cooperation of The Bahamas Football Association, CONCACAF and FIFA in this matter.”

The GFF president noted, “It is obviously disappointing to not be able to host a home match this time around,

but we are hopeful that conditions will allow this in the next window in June.”

Disappointed at not being able to play at home, Forde did highlight that the move to play in the Dominican Republic, will come at some additional cost. The overall operational cost will see the GFF spending a total of $27M, plus an additional US10 000, payable to the Dominican Republic Football Association.

Because of the dates involved and ongoing travel challenges, Forde told the media that GFF had to charter a flight to and from the Dominican Republic, at a cost of $12M (included in operational cost).

Guyana will depart Guyana on March 17, and will return on March 31, with Forde being confident that the Dominican Republic “will provide a professional and safe environment, alongside CONCACAF’S strict match day testing schedule.”

COVID-19 protocols across the Caribbean have forced the various football associations and federations to make adjustments to their home fixture for the World Cup Qualifiers.

Barbados will be playing their home game in the Dominican Republic after the Barbados Football Association (BFA), similarly, could not have gotten approval from their government to play home matches in the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’.

Suriname will also play their home games on the Spanish-speaking Island, at the Pan American Stadium in San Cristobal.

Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat are set to faceoff in the US Virgin Islands, while St Vincent and the Grenadines will use Curaçao for their home games.

The Golden Jaguars were drawn in Group F of the Qualifier alongside Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and St Kitts & Nevis.

We’re ‘best suited’ to continue CWI transformation, says Skerritt

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president, Ricky Skerritt, has lashed out at the “antiquated, self-centred, and confrontational mindsets” of his opponents in the upcoming elections and says the March 28 showdown will be a chance for the cricket fraternity to “think seriously” about the quality of leadership it wanted going forward.

In formally announcing his re-election bid along with running mate, vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow, Skerritt said his team was focussed on continuing “to battle against petty boardroom politics and territorial insularity” which he described as the “two of the biggest enemies” threatening the development of the sport regionally.

Skerritt and Shallow

are being challenged by CWI director and Guyana Cricket Board secretary Anand Sanasie and Barbadian cricket administrator Calvin Hope.

“Some people seem to believe that the CWI boardroom is a type of Parliament where their only job is to oppose or resist any decision that doesn’t directly benefit them individually,” Skerritt said in a statement late Monday.

“Sadly, both of our election opponents are strong proponents of that same antiquated, self-centred, and confrontational mindset.

“This CWI 2021 leadership election provides another opportunity for cricket lovers to think seriously about who is best suited to champion the bigger cause of West Indies Cricket, at this crucial time.”

Ahead of the elections, Skerrit and Shallow have advanced an “upgraded” ten-point Cricket First Plan, in a move aimed at confronting the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2018, the Cricket First Plan formed the basis of the duo’s bid to unseat then-incumbent president Dave Cameron and vice president Emmanuel Nanthan, and

Skerritt said the upgraded version would ensure CWI’s transformation continued.

“Two years ago, the Skerritt-Shallow partnership introduced our Ten (10) Point ‘Cricket First’ Plan, which has become the improvement mantra of our stewardship,” Skerritt pointed out.

“As we now approach the completion of a very challenging but productive first term, we are upgrading that plan.

“We are proud of the numerous transformational changes which are already taking place at CWI based on that very plan; some of the points are now self sustaining in their implementation, but some points still need our direct attention.

“We are therefore pleased to let the Caribbean public know that we will be seeking re-election to a second term of the CWI offices of president and vice president based on an updated TenPoint plan.”

Among the items outlined on the upgraded plan is the increased exposure of development category of players embracing the Under-23s, Emerging and A-team players, along with the development of Coolidge Cricket Ground as the centre of a regional

high-performance structure.

On the finance end, the plan targets increased support for territorial boards and deepening of the collaboration with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to achieve “mutually desired cricket and commercial outcomes”.

Skerritt and Shallow have been nominated by the Leeward Islands Cricket Board and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, the same two boards who nominated them two years ago.

Further, Skerritt said they were confident of being re-elected after also having received “formal advice of support” from the Windward Islands Cricket Board and the Jamaica Cricket Association, and reiterated he and Shallow were “best suited” to continue leading CWI. “The Skerritt-Shallow leadership has therefore set the stage for CWI to strengthen partnerships further with all stakeholders, especially the territorial boards, to build together and sustain a modern cricket-centric organisation, featuring a cricket system which will produce more knowledgeable, confident and battle-ready cricketers,” Skerritt stressed.

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Orinduik Development Inc. and Aquafina Action Pistol Match …

DaSilva, Braithwaite & Rajiv are Class winners

THE Smallbore section of the Guyana National Rifle Shooting Association (GuyanaNRA) fired off their 2021 season in style last Sunday at the Timehri Rifle Ranges with an Action Pistol Match, sponsored by Orinduik Development Inc. and Aquafina.

When the dust cleared after five competitive stages, Dr Johan DaSilva amassed 309 points to win the A-Class competition, ahead of Azad Hassan (291 points) and Satya Dayaram who ended on 284 points.

DaSilva won Stage 3 with 40 points as opposed to Dayaram’s 33 and Hassan’s, 32.

Stage 5 also went to DaSilva who tallied 90 points while Hassan (78) and Dayaram (70) followed closely. Stage 1 saw DaSilva and Dayaram ending on 126 points apiece with Hassan one point less on 125.

Stage 2 was taken by Hassan with 25 points as DaSilva and Dayaram totalled 15 each.

Dayaram ruled the roost in

his exploits with the rifle as a top shooter in Guyana and the Caribbean and who also holds his own further afield,

garnered 274 points, with third place going to Joshua Ramlakan who accumulated 270 points.

Eight of the top nine shooters of the Orinduik Development Inc. & Aquafina GuyanaNRA Smallbore Action Pistol Match display their trophies

Stage 4 with 40 points ahead of DaSilva with 38 and Hassan, 31.

Known much more for

Lennox Braithwaite won the B-Class shoot with a total of 280 points ahead of fellow rifleman Roberto Tiwari who

Braithwaite got off to a fine start with victory in Stage 1, tallying 134 points to Ramlakan’s 129 and Tiwari’s, 116.

Braithwaite maintained his hold even though he shared the top spot in Stage 2 with Ramlakan (25 points each) while Tiwari managed 10 points.

Tiwari and Ramlakan shared the spoils for Stage 3 with 34 points apiece and Braithwaite accumulated 25 points. Braithwaite was back to winning ways in Stage 4, putting together 43 points to top Ramlakan’s 34 and Tiwari’s, 32.

Stage 5 was won by Tiwari who racked up 82 points ahead of Braithwaite’s 53 and Ramlakan, who got 48 points.

The C-Class was ruled

by Rajiv Latchana with 269 points ahead of runner-up Yonelle DeAbreu (261) and Stefan John (245). After falling four points behind after Stage 1 which was taken

by De Abreu (114 points), Latchana ensured he was more accurate, hitting the

target in Stage 2 as he ended on 25-points with DeAbreu stuck on 15.

Stage 3 was won by Latchana with 40 points as DeAbreu (31) and John (19) made up the other top spots.

Latchana and John ended Stage 4 with 39 points apiece while DeAbreu had 31. Stage 5 was taken by John who fired his way to 66 points to outshoot Latchana (61) and DeAbreu (60).

The top three shooters in each of the three classes were rewarded with trophies, compliments of the sponsor.

At the end of the tournament, GuyanaNRA Smallbore captain Dale Hing expressed thanks to the sponsor and all the shooters for making the opening event for 2021 a resounding success whilst promising that the season would be a very hectic one.

Low to leave Germany manager role after 15 years following Euros JOACHIM Low will step down from his role as Germany manager after this summer’s European Championships.

The 61-year-old has been in charge of his country’s national team since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006.

He had a contract until the 2022 World Cup but approached the German Football Association (DFB) to end it early.

“I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude,” said Low, who led his country to victory at the 2014 World Cup. He added that “at the same time” he continues “to be very motivated when it

comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament”.

“I am proud because it is an honour for me to be involved and because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country and support them in their development,” said Low. Following the World Cup success in Brazil, Low guided Germany to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 where they were beaten by hosts France.

He then came under pressure after his side went out at the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. “I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many

wonderful and magical moments - not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,”

Low’s side beat hosts Brazil 7-1 on the way to winning the 2014 World Cup

Khan’s attacking unbeaten 75 leads Bel Air RUBiS to victory over DCC NATIONAL Under-15 batsman Anthony Khan produced a mature innings to ensure Bel Air RUBiS a two-wicket win over Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) last Saturday in an Under-17 friendly match.

Playing in a 30-over day/ night match at the DCC ground, the hosts won the toss and opted to take first strike and capitalised on the natural light but were restricted to 129 for nine in their full quota of overs.

In response, Bel Air RUBiS reached 130 for eight with nine deliveries to spare.

In the chase, despite wickets tumbling at regular intervals, Khan showed his class and manoeuvred his way to 75 not out from 70 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes along the way.

The opener was able to get support from Mohan Ragnauth (10) as the pair added 30 for the second wicket while cameos from Hemraj Harrinarine (13)

and Josh Alves (13) were vital as they added 36 for the fourth and sixth wicket respectively.

Indeerjeet Nanan looked to pull off an unlikely victory, removing three batsmen in the space of one run but with just three runs to get, it was too tall of a task. He eventually ended with 5-41 from his four overs.

Anthony Khan piloted Bel Air RUBiS U-17 to a two-wicket win over DCC with an unbeaten 75

Earlier, DCC lost Romeo Deonarine (2) in the third over but Jayden Campbell and Jonathan Van Lange added 55 for the second wicket to put their side in a solid position.

Campbell stroked five fours and one six before being bowled for a 42-ball 33 by Neeram Bani in the 17th over.

Van Lange was then bowled in the following over by Harrinarine for 26 from 52 balls, laced with four boundaries.

Bani returned to knock over Wavell Allen for a duck while trapping Jaydon Dowling for one to end with 3-15.

Nanan resisted with a 25ball 29, decorated with three fours and one six while DCC were given a boost from Daniel Mootoo who carved three boundaries in his 17-run cameo before both batsmen were removed by Nicholas Sheopersaud, who returned 3-16. Extras accounted for 20.

added Low. “I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment.”

Germany are in Group F with France, Hungary and

Portugal for this summer’s European Championships, which will take place from June 11 to July 11 after being delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They open their campaign against France on June 15 at

Allianz Arena in Munich.

DFB president Fritz Keller said: “The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent. He gives us the necessary time to name his successor.”

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AAG releases 2nd DM’s full results …

Improved performances expected in the future THE second Development Meet of the year for the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) yielded promising results for the junior athletes who participated last Sunday at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Some 60-odd events were contested, but without heavy participation in a few of the events. The participants were combined for some races and field events, but their progress was recorded accordingly.

The sprints got underway early and saw Juvonna Cornette clocking 12.07s in the Girls 17-19 100m to be the fastest junior female at the meet. She was followed

by Karese Lloyd and Kyasha Thomas who clocked 12.21s and 14.36s, respectively.

It was a blistering finish in the Boys 17-19 100m dash as D’Quan Williams won with a time of 10.95s and narrowly defeated Wesley Tyndal and

Shamar Horatio who ran times of 10.97s and 10.98s, respectively.

In the Boys 14-16 100m, David Higgins won with a time of 11.05s ahead of Shaquan Nelson (11.35s) and Jaheel Cornette (11.64s). In the Girls 14-16 100m, Queiwsha Sealey stormed to victory in a time of 12.71s while Queanna Taylor and Akala Hall were second and third with 12.96s and 13.22s, respectively.

The Men’s 100m saw Emanuel Archibald clock the fastest time of the meet with 10.24s ahead of Nolex Holder (10.39s) and Deron Roberts (10.59s). There were five other sub-11 times for this category.

When the Women’s 100m was contested, Cassy Small won in a time of 11.99s which left Ruth Sanmoogan and Shaquan Daniels in second and third with 12.01s and 12.29s.

In the Women 200m, Keliza Smith turned in a time of 25.67s for victory while in the Men’s version Akeem Stewart clock the fastest time with 21.36s.

winner after securing victory in the Boys 14-16 200m in a time of 22.91s while the same feat was achieved by Williams who won the 17-19 200m in 22.54s.

Joshua Lam won the Boys 17-19 400m dash in a time of 51.79s on Sunday at the Leonora Track and Field Centre

Cornette doubled up on the wins when she clocked 25.62s in the 17-19 200m dash while Lloyd was second with 25.99s and Shantae George, third, with 27.03s.

Higgins became a double

In the 400m Girls 14-16, Charissa December won with a time of 1:00.29s while the Boys 14-16 400m dash was claimed

by Omar James who turned in an impressive 51.61s. Joshua Lam then clocked 51.79s in the

Boys 17-19 400m dash.

The army men swept the Men’s 400m as Devaughn Barrington ran 49.80s to win against Michael James (49.94s) and Brian Roman (51.09s).

FIELD EVENTS In the Men’s Javelin Throw, Leslain Baird, even though he sustained an injury, was able to land 75m flush in his first attempt, 10 metres shy of the Olympic Qualifying standard.

The Men’s Triple Jump had a best attempt of 14.88m set by Micaiah Washington. If Washington manages to improve his distance, he might just be able to make the qualifying standard which is set at 16.85m. However, the winner of the Boys 17-19 Triple Jump, Trevon Hamer, leaped to 14.79m which is an encouraging sign for the future.

Another noteworthy mention would be Cleve-

land Force who won the Men’s 5000m in a time of 16:39.70s, beating his nearest competitor by almost a minute.

Emanuel Archibald claimed wins in the Men’s 100m and Long Jump on Sunday and narrowly missed the Olympic Qualifying Standards, while Sanmoogan leaped to 6.05m in the Women’s Long Jump. The Women’s Olympic Qualifying Standard is set at 6.82m.

Other field event winners included Zeryssa McRae, Amris Hector, Annalisa Barclay, Sileena Bhola, Victoria Douglas, Keyoka Cort, Ibena Cato, Natrena Hooper, Ameka Eastman, Anisha Gibbons, Jerome King, Dejaun Grant, Wesley Tyndal, Okeno Pascal, Omaley Harry, Shomary Bess, Mikhail Nannan, Mark Jhali, Jevaun Conway, Gabriel Lim and Marissa Patterson.

Pompey calls for Pan Am athletes to ‘stick together’ GSCL had no control of the gate, says John AFTER a year at the helm of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission, fraught with unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, Guyana’s Aliann Pompey has learned that any adversity can be overcome by uniting behind a common cause.

At the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, thousands of athletes throughout the Americas elected Aliann Pompey of Guyana to be the new leader of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission.

After just a few months adjusting to her new role, the Olympic Movement and the entire world drastically changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

2020 tested my resilience and ability to adapt to changes I couldn’t predict or control.

It forced me to reassess what our goals are and how we will achieve them despite the restraints imposed upon us because of the pandemic,” said Panam Sports Athlete Commission president, Aliann Pompey.

As the leader of the eight

athletes chosen by their peers, to give athletes a voice in important decisions within Panam Sports, Aliann is focussed on increasing representation and making the athlete experience better for everyone across the 41 countries of Americas’ Olympic Movement.

“As a president, I want to make sure that all of our athletes’ views and concerns are considered when important decisions are being made, that our diversity is fully reflected in our offerings to athletes, and

Aliann Pompey – president of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, March 10, 2021

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Vanburn Holder-5/50 (vs ENG, Birmingham, 1976)

(1) WI won 2-1 (2) Nil

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What was the result of the first T20 Int’l in the recent series between the WI & SL? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

that our various groups feel represented. I want to make sure that athletes are actively involved in all aspects of what we do. Having the full support of the Panam Sports executive board and staff continues to make those things possible.”

Before becoming president of the Commission, Aliann enjoyed a successful athletics career that included a Pan American Games bronze medal at Santo Domingo 2003 and four consecutive qualifications to the Olympic Games in which she was the flagbearer for Guyana on two occasions.

Despite ending her athletic career in 2012, she knew she did not want to leave the sporting world behind.

But her goal of increasing representation in the Olympic Movement and influencing change doesn’t stop with athletes, and she is adamant in advocating for more women to become leaders in the world of sport.

“As counter-intuitive as it sounds, we need the support of men. First, we need their support to change the systems that have been responsible for the legacy of inequality we see in sports leadership - a legacy with limited leadership opportunities for women. Second, we need their assistance in providing leadership opportunities for women,” Aliann said.

She adds that adding people you trust and admire to help you along your journey is essential to success not only in the Olympic Movement, but in all careers.

As the athletes’ representative on the Panam Sports Executive Committee, Aliann continues to help Panam Sports take these steps towards greater representation for athletes and women throughout the Americas.

… National Task Force to decide ECC faith

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE President’s T20 Softball League descended into farce on Sunday afternoon when the Open final was called off, after the organisers discovered several breaches of COVID-19 protocols.

However, the organisers, Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), is refusing to take the blame solely, saying Everest Cricket Club (ECC), the venue where the threeday tournament ended in an anti-climactic fashion, should shoulder the responsibility for the COVID-19 breaches.

“We, the GSCL, had no control over the gate … that the gate was solely monitored by the ECC, so whoever comes in or goes out was out of our control,” president of GSCL, Ian John, said in an invited comment on Monday.

John added: “The GSCL (orgamisers) tried their best to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, but I was surprised at the large crowd in the after-

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noon. We had to show respect to His Excellency, and to the Task Force, so after some discussion with the president of ECC, Manzoor Nadir, and the match officials, we decided to call off the game in the best interest of all.”

GSCL president Ian John

It is understood that the organisers were granted conditional approval by the Task Force to host the event, of which the Head of State had agreed to be patron with the assurance that the organisers would adhere to the National COVID-19 guidelines.

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However, the venue was packed to almost capacity, with the majority of the spectators breaching the COVID-19 guidelines - failing to wear a mask and lacking social distancing.

Meanwhile, Director of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, said the Task Force will decide forward after meeting with administrators of the ECC The Task Force was expected to meet with ECC sometime on Monday.

“Well, we haven’t reached out to the organisers of the tournament, but we will meet with the administrators of the ECC to decide the way forward,” Colonel Hussain revealed to Chronicle Sport on Monday.

President Irfaan Ali, upon arriving at the venue on Sunday, expressed his disappointment with the organisers, and called for those who are responsible to face the consequence of their action.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, March 10, 2021

First ODI bowls off today

Spin in focus again as Windies seek to alter ODI fortunes NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Unpredictable West Indies will be searching for the right balance in batting approach and tempo against Sri Lanka’s dominant spinners when they face the Asian side in the opening One-Day International of the three-match series here today.

The Caribbean side eked out a 2-1 win in the just concluded Twenty20 International series but their batting lacked conviction in every outing, with the spin trio comprising leg-spinners Akila Dananjaya and Hasaranga De Silva, along with left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan weaving a web around the home side’s batsmen.

And with the wounds from the T20 International series still fresh – spin accounted for 19 of the 23 West Indies wickets to fall – assistant coach Roddy Estwick said they were aware of awaited them but would not play with fear.

“Obviously we’re working hard on that (combating the spinners). We know the Sri Lankans are going to come with their diet of spin but remember we played them before in Sri Lanka a year ago and the spinners weren’t that dominant,” Est-

wick told a media conference on Tuesday.

“The leg-spinner (Hasaranga) he was tight but he didn’t get a lot of wickets.

So we’ve got to pay the respect that is due but it’s a different format, it’s a lon-

Stroke-maker Shai Hope has returned to strengthen the West Indies ODI squad

ger format and remember someone like Shai Hope is coming back into the side who did very, very well out in Sri Lanka.

“So yes we will pay him (Hasaranga) the respect but we will not fear him, and we will just have to get our game plan as spot on as possible.”

In the T20 series, West Indies seemed to have only one tempo, appearing content

to eschew singles and twos in favour of boundary hitting.

With a slight change in personnel for the ODI series, West Indies will target a slightly different approach with the likes of Hope, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed and Kyle Mayers coming into the squad.

H o w e v e r, E s t w i c k warned West Indies was still aiming to be positive with their scoring, especially with the side targeting totals in excess of 300 runs.

“It’s ok to say you’re going to bat time but you’ve still got to try and make sure you get somewhere around 300,” he stressed.

“We can’t just sit back and say we’ll bat time because if we bat time, we’ll make 120 and then [people] will say we batted too slowly.

“We’ve got to come up with better game plans, we’ve got to execute better.

You know you’ve got a certain strike rate and certain runs per over to go at in ODI cricket.

“To be safe these days, you have to try and probably make around 340, 350.

It might not be that much in this series but remember we’re preparing for 2023 and that’s going to be very,

Watford FC’s Bayli Spencer-Adams delighted to represent Guyana BAYLI Spencer-Adams said it was an emotional moment for his family when he was named in the preliminary Guyana squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month.

The defender, who played both of the FA Cup third-round ties against Tranmere last season, has been provisionally called up by coach Márcio Máximo for games against Trinidad & Tobago on March 25 and The Bahamas on March 31.

The 19-year-old was born in London but qualifies to play for Golden Jaguars through his father.

“My dad broke the news to the family on FaceTime and the family are all buzzing and really proud,” said Spencer-Adams.

“My dad is Guyanese and so are my grandparents so it’s so nice for them. I haven’t been to Guyana for a while so it will be great to go back and perhaps see some aunties, uncles and cousins,” Bayli added.

Spencer-Adams appeared on Guyana’s radar after his call-up to the first team last season and then when he

played on loan at Dover earlier this year, adding “I received a few messages in the past, but I didn’t really think it would turn into anything serious,”

Arsenal defender, who has captained the Under-23 side at points during a run of four wins in six games and scored a stunning last-minute winner

Bayli Spencer-Adams will feature for Guyana during the Qatar World Cup Qualifiers

“I’ve played a few senior games and now they’ve confirmed their interest.

I’m delighted to accept and can’t wait to meet up with some of the lads. I’ve already spoken to a few of them and we all can’t wait to play in World Cup qualifiers,” he said.

The call-up caps a good few weeks for the former

against Queens Park Rangers on Monday.

“It’s been good,” said Spencer-Adams. “I had a few games on loan and then we’ve been doing well with the 23s. The lads have been giving me sticks when I do shooting drills after training so I’m happy I stuck that one in and they can’t give me any stick now.”

very important because that’s when the World Cup is and we’re building towards that.

“So we can’t just sit back and say we’re going to spend time, we’re going to occupy the crease.

Yes, somebody’s got to bat

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga

and bat as deep as possible and the players know their roles. If we execute our roles properly then we should be ok.”

West Indies have struggled badly in the ODI format in recent times, with just three series wins inside the last seven years and none of them coming against top-

ranked nations. Further, they have won only nine of their last 23 ODIs. They have also not beaten Sri Lanka in a bilateral series in 13 years and suffered a 3-0 drubbing only last year when they toured the Asian country just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Estwick said a series win over the coming week would be critical, with West Indies needing to make headway in the ongoing ICC one-day championship which served as a qualifier for the 2023 World Cup. “What I would really like to see is to win the series 3-0 but we’re also making sure that players understand their roles, players go out and execute their roles and [make sure] we don’t have to qualify [for the World Cup] like we did last time via the playoffs,” Estwick reiterated.

“We want to be in that first pool. We don’t want to go to a tournament where we have to win to qualify, so we’re going to try and make sure that we win all of our remaining series.

“It’s very very important we start by winning against Sri Lanka. Last

time we played Sri Lanka a year ago away from home, we lost three-nil, even though it was a close fought series but we want to turn that around and we want to make sure we do qualify.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Kyle Mayers, Jason Mohammed, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair.

SRI LANKA – Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilake, Pathum Nissanka, Ashen Bandara, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Akila Dananajaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilshan Madushanka, Suranga Lakmal.

Brathwaite misses out on three figures as Warrican impresses ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite narrowly missed out on three figures while left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican grabbed three wickets, on the second day of the four-day West Indies warmup match here Tuesday.

Replying to Roston Chase XI’s 326 at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Brathwaite’s XI ended on 242 for five with the right-hander top-scoring with 95.

Kavem Hodge, who toured Bangladesh but failed to make his Test debut, struck a compact unbeaten 59 while lefthander Paul Palmer ended on 31 not out.

Warrican, a key member of the Caribbean side’s Test attack in Bangladesh last month, claimed three for 52 including the key wicket of Brathwaite.

Resuming from their overnight 280 for seven, Chase’s XI passed the 300-run mark courtesy of a 50-run, eighth wicket stand between Jermaine Blackwood and Imran Khan.

Blackwood, on 18 at the start, made 34 off 64 deliveries with five fours while Imran Khan, resuming from his overnight three, slammed three fours and a six in 24 off 32 balls.

Left-arm seamer Preston McSween snatched two of the three wickets to fall to end with four for 64 while

fast bowler Jayden Seales, who did not bowl on Tuesday, finished with three for 42.

In reply, left-hander Kieran Powell perished without scoring in the second over when he edged fast bowler Chemar Holder to Sunil Ambris at first slip, with only two runs on the board.

Opener Kraigg Brathwaite gathers runs through the on side during his 95

Brathwaite then inspired a string of partnerships to repair the innings. Firstly, he put on 76 for the second with Shamarh Brooks (19) as his side reached the lunch break on 55 without further loss.

Brooks, who spent just over 1-½ hours at the crease, eventually departed when he ducked underneath a short ball from pacer Nial Smith but left his bat hanging in the air, and deflected a skied catch to wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton.

All eyes fell on Shimron Hetmyer, especially after the left-hander’s exploits in the recent Regional Super50 Cup but then failing to make the white-ball sides after failing a fitness test.

However, he lasted 15 balls for his 12 in adding 25 for the third wicket with Brathwaite before he was bowled essaying an ugly cross-batted shot at Warrican.

Brathwaite played attractively, stroking 12 fours and a six off 156 deliveries and 3-¾ hours at the crease, dominating a 67-run fourth wicket partnership with Hodge.

Unbeaten on 91 at tea, he found himself bogged down afterwards and eventually suffered a rush of blood, charged Warrican and was neatly stumped.

Hodge lost Joshua Da Silva cheaply for seven but found an ally in Palmer to add 55 in an unbroken sixth wicket stand.

The right-handed Hodge has so far counted six fours off 160 balls in just under 3-¼ hours while Palmer’s stay has so far lasted an hour and included four fours.

The match serves as preparation for the twoTest series against Sri Lanka starting later this month, and as a trial for selection.

Golden Jaguars head coach Marci Maximo promises to present the best possible team to represent Guyana at the CONCACAF World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

GFF to announce Golden Jaguars World Cup Qualifiers squad on March 17 ... Forde confident despite no friendlies

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will announce the final composition of the Golden Jaguars on March 17 – the same day the team will depart for the Dominican Republic for their away and home fixture in the Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.

Though some clubs would have announced the call-up of their players, GFF president Wayne Forde said the Federation would want to make an announcement as early as possible, but “there are situations that are simply outside of our control … it’s better to make one announcement, than adjusting it because something did not come through or didn’t happen.”

“So I just want to make sure that the SEE PAGE 28

media and the public is clear, that it is not in the interest of the federation to hold that information without any good reason… it’s just that there are many moving pieces behind the scenes and until those pieces are properly aligned, it would be not in anyone’s interest to go out and make announcements,” Forde said.

Asked about the composition of the team, both Forde and head coach Marcio Maximo related that the squad will reflect the ‘vision of the GFF’ and their intent to be taken seriously in CONCACAF. Meanwhile Forde, speaking at the GFF press conference yesterday, said the Federation has been unsuccessful in its bid to secure an International Friendly for the Golden Jaguars, despite their valiant effors.

“We had discussions with two CONCACAF members and had made provisional arrangements with them. Unfortunately, however, these fixtures have had to be postponed due to ongoing challenges created by restrictions on international travel and COVID-19 regulations,” Forde said.

Forde lamented that regardless of the outcome, the GFF is “confident – and expect – that our players will be 100% physically, psychologically, technically and tactically ready for battle. Our game against Trinidad and Tobago, in particular, is going to be as competitive as any regional derby gets.”

“We look forward to a hard-fought fixture, with our players leaving absolutely everything on the pitch as proud representa-

Guyana’s ‘home game’ against The Bahamas to be played in Dominican Republic

tives of our nation. We also demand the same level of spirit and performance against The Bahamas, whom we shall not underestimate,” the GFF boss said.

Football in Guyana has been at a standstill since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

While the GFF would have gotten the green-light to host their Year-End Bounce Back tournament in collaboration with the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation,, the GFF did not get any favours from the National Task Force for the resumption of the Elite League.

Under strict COVID-19 Guidelines, GFF was able to receive the Task Force’s blessings for the return to training for the Golden Jaguars players.

We’re ‘best suited’ to continue CWI transformation, SEE PAGE 28

says Skerritt

Guyana’s local-based players in training at the GFF Training Centre at Providence

CWI president Ricky Skerritt and vice president Dr Kishore Shallow

Spin in focus again as Windies seek to alter ODI fortunes Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021