Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-05-2021

MONDAY 10th May, 2021

' No.106356

24 COVID-19 deaths recorded in nine days

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04

Billions spent to procure COVID vaccines

–– protect yourself and loved ones; get vaccinated, urges PAGE Minister Croal as campaign 03 intensifies in Moruca

‘Cousin Maud’ is 101 08 not out PAGE

First Lady 02 treats mothers on special day PAGE

One of the mothers receiving a hamper on Sunday

A happy ‘Cousin Maud’ on her birthday

Waramuri to benefit Fisherman killed in 04 from new water well 14 hit-and-run accident PAGE

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Dead: Navindra Ramnarine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

First Lady treats mothers at West Demerara, Georgetown public hospitals

SOME 50 mothers at the West Demerara and Georgetown Public Hospitals, on Sunday, received hampers from the Office of the First Lady, Arya Ali, as part of an initiative to give back to mothers on Mother’s Day. The hampers were sponsored by Muneshwers Limited.

Government Medical Officer (GMO) at the West Demerara Hospital, Dr. Shemaine Anderson, said the hampers will be

gifted to the post-natal mothers. At the time, there were six patients in the Maternity Unit.

“We are very grateful at the West Dem Hospital that considerations are being given to our mothers. We know that right now, during the pandemic, things are very difficult and these hampers go a far way in assisting our mothers to attend to their babies and the family as a whole. So, on this day, Mother’s Day, we are grateful that the

Junior Departmental Sister, Nurse Althea Bristol, delivers a hamper to the mother who delivered the first baby on Mother’s Day at GPHC

First Lady, Arya Ali

Government Medical Officer at the West Demerara Hospital, Dr. Shemaine Anderson (third from right) with nurses and the hampers

First Lady can consider our mothers within this region, and I am sure that they are very much appreciative of it,” Dr. Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Junior Departmental Sister, Nurse Althea Bristol, spoke of the significance of the hamper distribution.

“It’s because its Mother’s Day, and even though

they are not first-time mothers, I mean it’s just this special feeling of being appreciated for giving birth.

So, it’s just about giving back, saying thank you for adding to our society and bringing them forth.” Both hospital representatives and mothers thanked the First Lady and Muneshwers for the timely contribution.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Billions spent to procure COVID vaccines –– protect yourself and loved ones; get vaccinated, urges Minister Croal as campaign intensifies in Moruca

By Rehana Ahamad MORUCA of the three sub-regions of Barima Waini, Region One, has had the lowest vaccination rate. As a result, the national vaccination efforts have intensified in that area, according to Minister of Housing, Collin Croal.

During an outreach to Waramuri on Saturday, Minister Croal encouraged residents to get vaccinated.

He said that billions are currently being spent to ensure that enough vaccines are procured to ensure that all Guyanese are immunised against the deadly coronavirus.

“They are some countries that they do not have enough of the vaccines available to even vaccinate one person.

You have an opportunity where we have thousands here in our country,” Croal said.

The minister indicated too that regardless of how many doses of vaccines are procured, these will do no good being left in storage.

“Please, take your vaccines,” Croal pleaded.

He informed the residents that so far, in excess of 150,000 persons have been vaccinated, and that the taming of the novel coronavirus rests on the immunisation of at least 90 per cent of Guyana’s population.

“While the aspect of our vaccination is optional, we

the minister noted.

Similar sentiments were also shared by Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who reminded residents that all top government officials, including the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, have been vaccinated and remain in perfect health.

Over the past few weeks the government has been capitalising on the countrywide launch of its 20,000 online scholarships initiative to promote the national vaccination programme. On many of the outreaches, various ministers of government are accompanied by vaccination Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during an outreach to Region One also have to recognise that vaccination is the way to defeat the COVID pandemic,” the Housing Minister emphasised.

He said too that while being vaccinated now is a choice, this might not remain the case, since vaccination may soon become a requirement for many undertakings, including international travel. As a matter of fact, it was only recently that Giftland Mall announced that it will not be taking new recruits who have not been vaccinated.

“There may come a time when you may not even have access to public services without being vaccinated,”

den, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill cautioned persons against believing the misinformation being peddled about the COVID-19 vaccines. He assured Lindeners that the vaccines are perfectly safe, and that it is the only way for Guyanese to guard themselves against the virus that continues to devastate the world.

During a scholarship outreach in Region Five, Education Minister Priya Manickchand also pleaded with teachers to take the vaccine. “We will only be as protected as the person next to us. We can’t reopen

had also released a broadcast message pleading with persons to become vaccinated.

“Vaccines are one of the most successful developments in modern medicine.

It has made possible the eradication of small pox and provides hope for an end to this devastating pandemic, which has claimed the lives of over three million people,” Mrs. Ali said.

She emphasised that “Vaccines act as a protective shield, keeping our families and communities safe and bringing us closer to a day when we can put preventative [sic] diseases behind

ence, they require investments, trust and confidence.

“With countries scrambling to access vaccines to protect their populations, we must recognise how fortunate we are to have access to vaccines,” Mrs. Ali acknowledged.

So far, Guyana’s positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with more than 300 persons having already succumbed to complications caused by the virus.

“Get vaccinated; encourage your families and friends to ensure that they too are vaccinated; not only against COVID-19,

These residents of Branch Road, Mahaicony, proudly show off their vaccination cards teams from the Ministry of Health, providing on-thespot vaccinations.

A few days ago in Lin-

schools and UG if we don’t take the vaccination number to a certain point,” she said.

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali

us.”

The First Lady lamented the fact that for vaccines to effectively make a differ-

but dangerous preventative diseases. Together, we can do this,” the First Lady concluded.

Trial phase underway for poultry feed project

By Naomi Parris PLANS are moving apace as some 250 acres of land are being prepared in Tacama, Region 10, to cultivate corn and soya bean locally for livestock feed, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has reported.

The minister, who spoke briefly to the Guyana Chronicle during a telephone interview, disclosed that land preparation, along with some infrastructural works have

commenced on the farmlands that have been chosen to cultivate the crops and results can be expected as early as November.

“We are now preparing lands to do a trial crop, we are putting both corn and soya bean, we are doing the design for the road… the government will be expending close to $500 million to do infrastructural work and I’m hoping by June we can start doing the planting and reaping by November,” the

minister disclosed.

The initiative, he added, will significantly decrease the country’s reliance on imports and ensure that prices, especially for poultry, remain constant.

“Over the years we have been importing to Guyana corn and soya and it’s almost close to U.S.$30 million; it will help us to save that foreign exchange and help us have regular protein for the poultry industry and not only the poultry industry,

but the fishing industry,” he said, adding that “We will be self-sufficient in producing all the proteins for the poultry and fishing industry in Guyana.”

Minister Mustapha further disclosed that he is optimistic that the trial will be successful and the production of corn and soya bean can soon become a massive and lucrative production in Guyana.

“I am very, very optimistic that we will start on

that trial and that we will be successful where we can go to large-scale productions.”

Meanwhile, six local companies and a regional firm have joined together to undertake the massive project that could see Guyana on the path to becoming self-sufficient in corn and soya bean production over the next few years.

The owners of Guyana Stock Feed Limited, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha Ranch and Bounty Farm Limited, along with the Brazilian-owned N F See page 5

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Fisherman killed in hit-and-run accident

THE police are currently looking for motor pickup with licence plate, GPP 869, and its driver, following a vehicular accident on the Better Hope Public Road, on Saturday, which resulted in the death of a fisherman.

Navindra Ramnarine also known as “Rado” and “Suga” of 78 Phulwarie Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The 50-year-old man was taken to the medical institution by public-spirited citizens who had picked him up in an unconscious state from the roadway.

Ramnarine died just a few days shy of his birthday.

His body was later tak-

en to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post mortem examination.

According to a police report, Ramnarine was struck down at approximately 19:00hrs as he was crossing from the northern side to the southern side of the roadway. He was on his way home at the time.

“Enquiries disclosed that the pedestrian was crossing the road from north to south when motor pickup # GPP 8699 which was proceeding west on the southern carriageway along the southern driving lane collided with the pedestrian. As a result, the pedestrian fell onto the roadway and received injuries about his body and the said motor pickup drove away,” the police report said.

Monday May 10, 2021 03:30hrs - 05:00hrs

Investigations are currently underway as the police seek to identify the owner and driver of the vehicle.

Ramnarine’s family is now hoping that the police will be able to apprehend the suspect, and that they will receive justice for what has happened.

“Any human being with a good heart wouldn’t have done that.

[The driver] is cruel I hope [they] get justice,” commented Ramnarine’s niece, Tishana Balgobin.

Balgobin, said she last saw her uncle last week, and was left in shock when a resident from the village called her just before 20:00hrs on Saturday and broke the news.

“I was speechless. I didn’t believe,” Balgobin shared. Balgobin said her uncle was loved by many.

“He was an open hearted person. He was a willing individual and a hard-

The deceased: Navindra Ramnarine working man,” she added.

Another niece, Ashana Ramnarine, also remembered her uncle as a loving person who did not deserve to die the way he did.

“He was a very good man. Never in anyone’s way. The person that did that is a monster, he’s heartless. I know that justice will be served for my uncle,” she said.

Aside from his many nieces and nephews, Ramnarine leaves to mourn a daughter, who resides overseas, as well as several other family members.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

24 COVID-19 deaths recorded in nine days TWO more persons who were tested positive for COVID-19 succumbed to the deadly virus on Saturday, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health.

The total number of deaths, which is now 325, is reflected in the ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for that day.

The latest fatalities are two women, aged 82 and 60, from Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), respectively.

There have now been 24 deaths recorded for the month of May 2021.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has recorded 159 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,053 tests conducted for May 8, 2021.

Of these, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), five; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 15; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 108; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), five; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 15; Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), six, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), one.

The newly infected persons were 66 males and 93 females.

There are currently 16 persons within the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 101 in institutional isolation, 1,766 isolated at home, and 16 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 14,362 cases of COVID-19 since the arrival of the deadly virus in Guyana. Of that number, 1,899 are currently active and of the 12,154 recoveries, 82 were recorded within the past 24 hours.

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

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Never too late to learn, upskill – Dr. Singh SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has said that it is never too late to continue learning and upskilling oneself, in a plea to older Guyanese to apply for one of the government’s 20,000 online scholarships. The programme is being facilitated through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

The minister made this statement during an outreach at the Cotton Tree Primary School on Saturday.

“The journey of educating

yourself is never finished.

The task of acquiring skills is never finished. This is a journey that is always ongoing.

Don’t feel that because you complete CXC you are educated that you don’t need any more education. Don’t feel that because you complete a diploma or a degree, that that is it or that you know everything,” Minister Singh said.

The minister said a person’s age does not limit his or her ability to learn a new subject or acquire a new skill.

He also noted that while the government places much emphasis on the development of

youth, anyone can capitalise on the opportunity to apply for a GOAL scholarship.

“It is PPP/C President, Dr. [Mohamed] Irfaan Ali who brings now to you, GOAL, which will enable you to have a university education without even leaving your home. You know what this means? It means that you can still pursue a university education without leaving your job, without leaving your village and going to Turkeyen or going to Tain, or going overseas. You can stay in the comfort of your home. You can still do your

A section of the gathering at the Cotton Tree Primary School GOAL scholarship outreach

job. You can still take care of your children and still be able to uplift yourself educationally,” he said.

Minister Singh explained that Guyana is primed to undergo significant economic transformation, but it cannot happen without education and the upgrading of persons’ skillsets.

He said this principle is the driving force behind the PPP/C government’s delivery of the GOAL scholarship programme. Additionally, he said this is the reason the government is hosting outreaches in every community, to ensure that every citizen is informed of the scholarships and is afforded an opportunity to apply.

“We don’t want you only to be spectators of the transformation that is taking [place] in Guyana…. We want you to be able to actively contribute to the dramatic transformation that is unfolding in our country…”

In this regard, Minister Singh noted that GOAL is not a stand-alone programme but complements investments being made to enhance the delivery of education in schools, institutes and at the university. He also noted that

Trial phase underway for poultry...

From page 3 Agriculture, have partnered to produce soya bean and corn for both the local and regional markets.

“We have had a number of investors who have indicated their interest of coming into that part of production, so this trial will be very important to us and there are a number of persons who are involved from the private sector; they are like me, very optimistic that we will have a very good trial run and then go into full production,” Minister Mustapha said.

The minister added that the outcome of this project will not only benefit the local market and Guyanese farmers, as the government is expected to tap into regional markets to provide poultry feed for other neighbouring Caribbean states.

A section of the land under preparation in Tacama, Region 10

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh the government is working towards achieving universal secondary education at the end of its first term.

Meanwhile, Region Five Vice-chairman Ryan Peters hailed the PPP/C government for fulfilling its promise to Guyana to deliver thousands of scholarships. He told attendees that the government is keen on investing in their growth and well-being.

In his address, Region Five Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally said the government will touch every area in the region. He noted while campaigning, the PPP/C had met a wide cross-section of stakeholders, whose main concern was access to education.

As such, the government embarked on providing schol-

arships in 85 programmes within nine months of taking office. Jaffarally also noted that to ensure inclusivity, the government has made provisions for persons who may not have the requisite qualifications by designing a six-month Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme.

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal and Regional Education Officer Deon Lyn Lewis-Clarke also attended the outreach.

Over the past few weeks, ministers of government have fanned out across the country to ensure that all citizens are informed about the GOAL programme. The scholarship programme is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Public Service. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Data and Development Planning THE creation of a dense network of technologies and radical shift in the volume, variety, quality, and speed of data generated on people, governments, economies, and environment has led to a salvo of new information (and techniques of storage, access and analysis) without precedent in history (UNDP 2016).

Data is rapidly transforming society and the way in which the world functions. It requires enormous opportunities – as well as challenges – to improve the livelihoods of people around the world (UNDP 2016).

Access to data and data analytics has the potential to radically improve service delivery, public administration and accountability of governments and businesses (Sachs, 2015).

According to the UNDP, it is estimated that governments worldwide already posted over one million datasets on the Internet (IDRC 2013). However, only a small fraction of these datasets is from developing countries.

This points to the lack of knowledge in some parts of the world, despite a data surge in others (UNDP 2016).

New data collection and monitoring technologies are becoming rapidly available. These innovations will dramatically advance national statistical offices’ and the

international community’s ability to monitor the impacts of development programmes, in addition to informing the way they are designed and implemented.

Critical data for global, regional and national development policymaking are still lacking. Many governments still do not have access to adequate data on their entire populations. While most data are typically public, assessing it is not always easy, and mining it for relevant insights can require technical expertise and training. Making good use of big data will require collaboration of various actors including data scientists and practitioners, leveraging their strengths to understand the technical possibilities as well as the context within which insights can be practically implemented (Maroof, n.d).

Effective application of big data would require changes in decision-making process, which customarily relies on traditional statistics. Given the high frequency of big data, a more responsive mechanism will need to be put in place that allows the government to process information and act quickly in response (Maroof, n.d).

Moreover, it must be acknowledged that data are an essential for the delivery of the

2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Development Co-operation report (2017) produced by OECD highlights the importance of data for development because of the quality, timely and disaggregated data that are crucial for achieving the ultimate goals of development – improving welfare of people and fighting poverty.

Investing in statistical systems needs to become a strategic priority for developing countries like Guyana and providers of development cooperation alike. Development cooperation can help developing countries produce and use more and better data in a responsible and transparent manner for good policy outcomes (OECD, 2017).

The OECD has put forward six concrete actions that can bridge the data divide for sustainable development which includes making statistical laws, regulations and standards fit for evolving data needs; improving the quality and quantity of financing for data; boosting statistical capacity and data literacy through new approaches; increasing efficiency and impact through data compacts or other coordinated, country-led approaches; investing in and use country-led results data to monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and pro-

duce and use better data to help understand the overall state of SDG financing.

Guyana is about to enter an era of transformational development of its economic landscape and is ripened to be positioned as the number one investment destination in the Latin America/Caribbean and South America, if not the Western Hemisphere.

As a signatory to the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative that the development path undertaken by the policymaker is aligned to the SDGs. Guyana has a huge gap to fill where data-driven policy is concerned; there is a lack of data collection to aid in this regard. The data is not necessarily unavailable, but rather, lack of compilation owing to most agencies still largely manual.

It is crucial, therefore, that going forward, data for development planning needs to be tied to a national digital transformation strategy and / or an ICT strategy which needs to be implemented quickly.

More so, agencies such as the Bank of Guyana, and the Guyana Revenue Authority that sits on an abundance of data, and the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, need to work collaboratively in these respects.

Beliefs that keep male sexual abuse survivors from coming forward

Dear Editor,

THROUGHOUT Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, many local and international agencies promoted campaigns to tackle sexual violence.

Focusing specifically on sexual violence against boys, ChildLinK last month launched and implemented the Blue Umbrella Day (BUD) campaign into its existing One Thousand Boys (OTB) initiative. The BUD campaign centres on the care of boys and aims to contribute to public education on the sexual violence that they experience.

There is a public perception that boys are not vulnerable to sexual violence. A lot of this stems from the belief that young boys, regardless of their age and capacity, should be able to protect themselves from attacks

against them. Those who are proven unable to defend themselves are often ridiculed and shamed for failing to abide by the standards of masculinity that have been set out for them.

Boys in turn, internalise these feelings of inadequacy, fear and shame. This often causes them to remain silent about the abuse that they experience as they buy into the belief that they should have been able to protect themselves from it.

This becomes even more difficult as young boys navigate a society that is intensely homophobic and pushes the popular idea that only gay men and boys sexually assault others or can be assaulted. The reality is that sexual violence has nothing to do with one’s current or future sexuality. It has everything to do with the abusers’ anger and need for power and control over another person. These

distinctions are not often acknowledged however, particularly in everyday society that tends to promote hyper masculine aggression as the standard. So boys who have been sexually assaulted by a male perpetrator can often struggle with questions surrounding their sexuality. The questioning can become even more intense if it is that they had an erection or ejaculation during the assault – but these bodily functions are really automatic ones that come through mere physical contact and even stress.

Like other survivors of sexual abuse, boys go through similar periods of grief, shame and fear. These responses to assault can often remain with them for a lifetime, particularly if it is that they do not get the support that they need. Unfortunately, we still have a largely victim-blaming culture that often

discourages male survivors of violence from coming forward with their experiences, due to the fear that they will not be believed or would be blamed for the assault against them.

Victim-blaming can also result in young boys distancing themselves from their experiences, as they do not want to believe such a crime could have happened to them, particularly if it was by someone they know.

Supporting boys who have been victims of sexual abuse means challenging a lot of the ideas surrounding who constitutes a “perfect victim” and moving away from the general culture of violence and victim-blaming that permeates our society.

Yours sincerely, Akola Thompson Consultant, ChildLinK

Will the free press stand its ground?

Dear Editor,

I AM reminded constantly of the saying of Nelson Mandela that “a free press is a pillar of a democratic society.”

Then I am also reminded of Barack Obama’s saying before he left the Office of U.S. President that “we have to uphold a free press and freedom of speech – because, in the end, lies and misinformation are no match for the truth.”

Mr Editor, this was my mood as I read that former President David Granger has filed charges against the Guyana Times, Stabroek News and the Kaieteur News for defamation and libel they allegedly published about him during, and after the 2020 March 2 elections in Guyana.

I know that I can’t say much about the case because it is sub judice, but I must say that this case cannot stand the test of reasonable scrutiny and facts.

The former head of state has made yet

another mistake, perhaps the biggest - to single-handedly sue the media in Guyana - and there is a plethora of evidence to be called in support of the media’s case.

I, like all Guyanese, will watch this case closely as the media’s freedom to report and tell stories based upon what they know to be factual is being attacked and threatened.

The courts were assaulted first and they stood their ground. The political party in power was attacked and they stood their

ground. Now, it’s the media – the fourth estate that has come under attack with allegations of spreading fake news, libel and defamation.

Will they stand their ground and deliver an unrestrained blow to the former President, or will they break under pressure?

Yours truly, Erin Northe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

GOAL scholarship programme can help with poverty reduction

Dear Editor

MINISTER Dr. Ashni Singh noted that “Investment in education is the surest path to personal upliftment.”

He made this emphatic pronouncement a few days ago, when he … urged residents of Albion and nearby communities to take full advantage of the 20,000 Online Scholarship Programme’ being offered by the government. I fully endorse this statement and I hope that the precious opportunities that are being offered will be fully grasped and appreciated by those eligible to do so. I have my good reasons for saying so.

A quick footnote on eligibility is worthy of mention here. The programmes are free and we all know that ‘university education,’ at its cheapest, is still expensive. So, no one is precluded in terms of affordability, and more so, there is no contract to sign for service after completion. Also, for the many who do not quite meet the ‘entrance qualifications,’ there are the pre-university courses that can be used to fill the gap and ‘come up’ as we would say in education.

The big word here overall is that the government is extremely caring about the less fortunate and those stuck in an education hole.

My support for the programme adds to what the minister detailed about ‘personal upliftment/fulfilment.’ It goes to the area of poverty alleviation. The programme strikes at the heart of poverty reduction, since no government can ‘feed the hungry’ interminably.

Studies abound where the link of ‘education (or lack thereof) and poverty’ is inextricably formed. I recall an academic paper, “The role of education in poverty alleviation and economic development: a theoretical perspective and counselling implications.”

By Omoniyi, M.B.I. (Ph. D), from the Department of Guidance & Counselling Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, making this telling point.

The gist of the paper is that poverty is a major threat to the very existence of humanity in modern times, especially in the developing world. To combat this, the author argues that “Education in every sense is one of the fundamental factors of achieving sustainable economic development, through investment in human capital.” Overall, the article contended that “Education fosters self-understanding, improves quality of lives and raises people’s productivity and creativity, thus promoting entrepreneurship and technological advances.” In addition, it goes on, is that “Education plays very crucial roles in securing economic and social progress, thus improving income distribution, which may consequently salvage the people from poverty.”

So, when the minister and others here are pushing this programme, they are really combating poverty now, where it now exists, and in the future, where and when it is likely to surface.

I further explain that this offer to Guyanese is indeed vital. Why? “Poverty and education are inextricably linked, because people living in poverty may stop going to school so they can work, which leaves them without literacy and numeracy skills they need to further their careers.

Research has shown repeatedly that with additional years of schooling income can increase by at least 10 per cent. In fact, the paper mentioned that with just two more years of secondary schooling, millions of people worldwide can get out of poverty.

So as Guyana forges ahead in the 21st century, we need to remind ourselves that education plays a significant role in attaining a quality life individually, and so collectively the nation is the beneficiary.

Kudos to the Dr Irfaan Ali led PPP/C Government for this GOAL initiative.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Gov’t working in the fields; opposition only working their mouths Dear Editor,

long lines and time for them to get access to government services. Some of them have THE government appears to have a firm to come a long way very early with specific grip on every situation that has affected types of documentation only to see the crowd its people, regardless of how they voted or a surprising build-up. The government during the last elections. should fix this urgently.

The government is not holding grudges or In the meantime, the government and watching faces when they are offering people Guyanese should not allow the opposition a scholarship or house lot or land. Even more to distract them from doing their businesses surprising and despite what the opposition is and ventures. After every single time, they saying, there appears to be no discrimination lead them down the wrong road or get them or victimisation occurring under their watch. worked up and even excited about something There appears from all intents and pur- that never ever occurs or happens how the poses to be fair, transparent, and easy access opposition says it would happen. Just look to services being developed or insisted upon. at their disastrous reign in the courts, locally And, I think that’s very important when you and regionally. are in the business sector and private-sector Does the opposition have real lawyers? enterprise.

Does it get advice before? Go on with your There is just one thing that I think is day and let them squeal. It will be business crucial to Guyana getting back accustomed as usual. to doing business, is there must be efficiency when dealing with businesses or people.

Yours truly, People are getting frustrated because of the Attiya Baksh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

‘Cousin Maud’ is 101 not out

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

SHE kneads and plaits her dough. She prepares the mixture for other

baked goodies.

She keeps abreast with current affairs, both local

Neighbours who planned a birthday celebration for ‘Cousin Maud’ and international, including the recently concluded George Floyd murder trial. She does crotchet. She reads the weekly newspaper. She also puts aside time for a game of checkers with a friend.

She is Maud Olga Williams, fondly referred to as ‘Cousin Maud’, ‘Miss Williams’, or ‘Neighbour Williams’. She is the oldest resident of Lot 49 Stanleytown, a place she has called home for almost 70 years.

Recognizing that her overseas-based children would be unable come to Guyana to celebrate the milestone because of travel restrictions, a few neighbours decided to celebrate her birthday in a simple, yet significant way. A helium balloon arch with an inflated 101 sign was placed at her entrance. The group of women sang spiritual hymns and songs as she walked onto the patio, where she greeted the well-wishers and expressed gratitude for the gesture.

Later in the day, Reverend Tyrone Sulker and team paid her a visit during which a thanksgiving service was held.

During an interview last year, she had expressed belief that in order for persons to adequately maintain their respective families, their income must be supplemented.

She had managed to supplement her husband’s

A happy ‘Cousin Maud’ on her birthday income by crocheting, sewing, and cultivating a kitchen garden.

Although she is not attending to her kitchen garden now, ‘Cousin Maud’ would view her fruit plants from her windows, and can tell when there is a need for special care.

The centenarian was born to Antonita Lyken and Samuel Ellis on May 8, 1920 at the New Amsterdam Hospital, then located at Charles Place and Main Street.

Her early years were

spent at Lot 43 Stanleytown, with her mother, siblings and relatives. During that period, she attended the All Saints Anglican School.

Following her school years, ‘Cousin Maud’, was sent to learn the art of sewing and crotchet.

Despite her age, she still does crotchet.

Along with crotchet, she keeps abreast with the current affairs by reading the daily newspapers and See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

‘Cousin Maud’ is 101...

From page 8

viewing various telecasts.

A game or two of checkers with her neighbour, Shirley Adams and her former caregiver, Yvonne Lambert, is always on her agenda.

The lone Stanleytown centenarian was married to the late Eugene Williams, who, in order to provide for a growing family, was employed as a carpenter, farmer and a security guard. Together, they raised seven children, inclusive of three girls.

In order to supplement her husband’s income, she reared livestock and planted a kitchen garden at her Lot 49 Stanleytown home.

Although her life was consumed with finding innovative ways to enhance the quality of life for her offsprings, she was keen about what was happening outside her home.

It was that eagerness to know that resulted in her reflecting on the American aviator, Art Williams.

“It was in the 1930s he flew his plane over New Amsterdam. It was a sight for all to see, as he was doing aerial stunts which captured the breath of the viewers,” she recalled with a twinkle in her eyes.

Art Williams was an American pilot who came to the then British Guiana, in the early 1930s and became a pioneer of the country’s aviation sector.

In the meanwhile, ‘Cousin Maud’ is concerned about youths who are not academically inclined, and who are seemingly wasting their life away.

“There is something they can do... they can learn a trade. It is always good to earn an honest living...,” she said.

Along with her surviving children Winston, Barbara, Brenda and Wynette, she has fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

19 new scholarship programmes added to GOAL SOME 19 programmes have been added to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme and will be offered by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus.

UWI is among five international universities offering 85 online programmes to Guyanese through the GOAL initiative.

Of the 19 programmes, six are post-graduate diplomas, nine technical and vocational and craft programmes, and four six-month certificates in early childhood.

For the post-graduate diplomas, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). Applicants will also be required to teach in the area of specialisation for the

duration of the programme.

The six-month certificate courses require applicants to possess at least five Caribbean Secondary Education Certificates (CSEC) or London General Certificate of Education (GCE).

Meanwhile, candidates for the nine technical and vocational and craft programmes do not need entry requirements.

The programme also spans six months and offer certificates in art, painting and drawing; photography; welding and fabrication; joinery and cabinet making; jewellery making; garment construction; therapeutic massaging; event management; and wedding planning and decoration.

The government has promised to establish partnerships with other academic institutions to offer more programmes.

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Citizen examining a GOAL scholarship form during the programme launch at the synthetic track and field facility, Region Three Over the past few weeks, government ministers have been leading outreaches to the administrative regions to promote the GOAL project.

Citizens are being encouraged to tap into the educational opportunities made possible by the government in keeping with its manifesto promise to provide 20,000 online scholarships

over its first term.

The programmes are a partnership between the Ministries of Education and Public Service.

Interested individuals can apply at www.guyanagoal.org, www.goal.edu. gy or complete and submit hard copy application forms to the Ministry of Public Service. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

All about Mothers

OF the different types of love, a Mother’s love is claimed to be the strongest; and the deepest bond is meant to be between a Mother and her children.

It is often said that a Mother’s love is unconditional, meaning – it is a love that is given freely without terms or condi-

tions. In addition, Mothers are intuitive, everyone knows that a ‘Mother’s instinct’ surpasses all others.

Mothers are special - the maternal bond between a Mother and a child does not have to be biological. Many cases exist where unrelated women have cared

for children as their own, building a solid lifetime bond. Their natural maternal intuition to nurture and care, flowed spontaneously.

On Mothering Sunday, families have the opportunity to show their appreciation to Mothers and don’t Mothers know it.

This results in the highest sale of flowers and plants for the year; sold out restaurant venues (pre-COVID-19 times) and hampers with goodies and other ‘I love mum’ paraphernalia. Also, more telephone calls are made on ‘Mother’s Day than at any other time of the year.

Most Mothers deserve all the attention and special gifts they receive on Mother’s Day. They have made sacrifices and left themselves undone so their children would not go without. Others have toiled single-handedly, night and day, for an income to raise their children. My Mother used to say to me, ‘Your Father run and left yuh, I could do the same’. But I never believed her; it was not in her character to desert her children. Instead, she worked two jobs to make ends meet, to put food on the table and pay bills.

There are many stories throughout the centuries and across the world of Mothers who successfully raised children with meagre resources in destitute or poverty-stricken environments. These stories often tell how the children became well-rounded or accomplished adults, having started with very little but a Mother’s love. For Mothers to be this influential in their children’s lives, regardless of social standing, environment, wealth, or lack of, they need to realise their role.

Some Mothers are not in touch with their designated role as caregivers. They do not understand the importance of nurturing their off-spring, showing affection and correctly guiding their children.

These are a few primary factors that are part of Motherhood, and of which a Mother should take heed if she is serious about safeguarding her children.

How good is the connection between Mother and child? Some Mothers know their children are sexually abused and turn a blind eye to the fact. They are clearly out of touch with their role as protector, and their Mother/child relationship is poor. It is not the child’s fault. Children do not choose the households they are born into and do not control what they learn or are exposed to by adults.

Looking out for children when they are small and caring for them as they grow should come easily and naturally for Mothers, and in most cases, they do.

Mothers learn either through trial and error, instinct or experienced family

members and elders. In addition to these organic remedies, there is information online about childcare and child development. A trip to the library is no longer necessary to garner information. There is no apparent reason why young Mothers should find their role challenging.

Child protection should begin in the womb, where Mothers-to-be (and Fathers) work to keep their child safe with good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

In normal circumstances, every Mother starts out wanting to be a good Mother.

It is one of the best feelings in the world to give birth to a healthy child after spending nine months protecting him/her in the womb. Protecting the vulnerable infant is instinctive for most adults. But situations occur along the way that propel some Mothers into lifestyles that put their children at risk.

Substance abuse, Alcoholism, and Domestic Violence are just three negative situations that Mothers contend with while trying to raise children. Babies born into families where these ills are rife begin life at a disadvantage. Some babies are affected from the womb and show signs of alcohol or substance abuse at birth. These and other pressures, such as mental health issues, influence and challenge the role of Mothers as child protectors.

Lack of intellectual capacity or poverty also prevents Mothers from doing what they can to protect their children - being socially and financially deprived means not enough food or good nutrition for her developing brood. There may even be cases of malnutrition and stunted growth in these circumstances. Although a Mother’s affection, guidance and nurturing may be apparent, her children will never be brighter and better than their contemporaries due to their deprivation and environment.

In such cases, Parents can seek support from The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, where officers from various departments, including the Childcare and Protection Agency, work to support vulnerable families - keeping parents and children together.

Parents who understand their roles should strive to raise healthy, well-balanced children.

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

‘Uncle Polo’ empowering NA youths through music

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

LINCOLN Williams, known as ‘Uncle Polo’ was vending at the New Amsterdam market in 2010, when he was approached and asked to assist with the formation of a marching band.

The specific instructions were for its members to be older persons.

While the 73-year-old quickly agreed, given his years of experience in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) military band, he was quick to stipulate his preference for youths, as he be-

Previously, there were seventy-odd musicians between the ages of 12 and 17 years, who were taught marching and patriot songs. However, after attaining the age of adulthood, many of them opted to join the GDF band or seek alternative employment.

‘Uncle Polo’ had left New Amsterdam for Georgetown to seek employment but found securing a job difficult.

He passed his time playing the double alto steel pan at the Atlantic Symphony Steel Orchestra under the direction of Philbert Moore.

In 1968, he returned to New Amsterdam and formed

‘Uncle Polo’ playing his keyboard at his home in New Amsterdam lieved the old adage: “Bend the tree while it is young”, and reasoned that “old trees are hard to bend.”

It was Neil Mc Callam, and Keith London, a former “squaddie”, who had approached him, and who would later introduce him to Dr. Leonard Lewis, President of Council of Friends of New Amsterdam (COFONA), and Marcy Williams.

The first set of recruits were six boys, who were drawn from the market environs. Initially, there were no musical instruments. The wooden unoccupied market stalls were used to teach the lads rhythm and percussion.

Compton Darlington and Jeffery Williams, both seniors, assisted with the training.

Thereafter, the COFONA New York Chapter sent bugles, drums, and trumpets for the ever-growing group of male musicians.

Practice sessions were held at the New Amsterdam Market, but following noise nuisance complainants, the group relocated with their instruments to the militia base at Coburg Street, in the township. Practice sessions later shifted to the Esplanade Park.

Thereafter, the young musicians were exposed to local, regional and national events.

At the moment, the group has over forty members.

the Amsternite Symphony.

Former New Amsterdam Mayor, Errol Alphonso, was the manager at the time. It was after the symphony won the first republican steel orchestra competition in 1970, that he was recognized for his talent. Archie Mc Allister took him to join the GDF military band, which was, at the time, directed by Fenton Haynes, and subsequently

by Sonny Ault. It was during Ault’s tenure that Williams was exposed to theoretical and practical training of wind and other instruments.

According to him, when he joined the army’s music corps, there were two groups: the corps of drums and steel band. Over time, the military and string bands were added.

While reflecting on his boyhood years and growing up at St. Ann Street or Chinese Lane, as it is popularly called, he expressed belief that his appetite for music was stirred because it was in his blood. He said his relatives-- Ivan Fraser and Desmond Fraser-- were musically inclined, having played in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) band and the Salvation Army, of which he was a member.

Currently, his days are filled with personal practice sessions which helps him to maintain his knowledge of musical scales and chords

and to stay ahead of his youthful mentees who are quick to surf the internet for assistance.

“That aside, as long as the possibility exist, I will continue to share my knowledge with the youths; the rich legacy of music.

I love what I am doing.

I won’t change it for anything else,” Williams said.

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‘Uncle Polo’ and his young musicians preparing to perform at an event in New Amsterdam

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

OVER 150,000 IMMUNIS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

SED AGAINST COVIDD19

AX

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Waramuri to benefit from new water well

IN light of several hinterland communities com-

plaining about the lack of sufficient water supply

in the villages, the Government of Guyana has

opted to purchase a drilling rig for the purpose of

drilling and establishing new water wells in areas

that need it.

This is according to Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, who assured the community of Waramuri, in Region One (Barima Waini), that efforts will soon commence to ensure that their water needs are met.

Croal said that during an outreach last year, residents of Waramuri had presented President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his team with several programmes, along with a comprehensive 10-year-plan that addresses the needs of the community and its residents. “One of which was (the establishment of) a proper water system,” Croal indicated. He said that the need for a new well was highlighted as a priority for the community, and that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) spared no efforts in addressing the concern.

The Housing and Water Minister said that the contract to procure the rig has already benefited from the requisite approvals from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and that the government is currently awaiting the supply of the equipment.

“This is expected to arrive here within three months,” Croal said.

He noted that when the equipment does arrive, it will first be sent to the community of Waramuri, so that the new well can be established before the end of 2021.

The Department of Public Information had reported in March that under the Water Management and Expansion Programme, Mabaruma Central, Barabina and Wanaina would be interconnected to boost the water distribution system in that catchment area of Region One. “So, for Wanaina and Mabaruma Central, that aspect of the work is complete and that is the reservoir for the water to allow for the pumping to take place and to have the better quality of the water when being pumped,” See page 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Commemorating CONSUMER Indian Arrival Day CONCERNS

LAST Wednesday, 5th May, Indian Arrival Day was commemorated countrywide.

The University of Guyana and the High Commission of India conducted a high-powered Symposium and the Media, both print and electronic, carried multi-dimensional stories on indentured immigration and on the descendants of the immigrants. Moray House also made its contribution.

In this offering, we will touch on a few myths concerning indentured immigrantion which had not been considered by the otherwise comprehensive media spread.

In 1838, Emancipation came to the slaves who had been toiling on the plantations. With the advent of Emancipation, the freedmen began leaving the plantations which had been the places of their terrible suffering and humiliation and to move to villages which they created from abandoned sugar plantations purchased with their savings accumulated over many years. This was of course, the Village Movement.

Some freedmen had remained on the plantations but refused to receive the absurdly low wages they were offered and in the 1840s they struck twice but both strikes failed after which they made their final exodus from the estates. The sugar industry and indeed the colony were on the verge of collapse and the planters frantically and desperately began to search for a new labour supply.

They tried several countries including China, Madeira, the West Indian islands and India. They eventually settled on India as providing the kind of labour they wished to use.

The conditions under which the early immigrants lived and worked were very much a continuation of those of slavery. They were housed in the same slave barracks; the food they were given barely kept them alive; they had no medical

attention; and were subject to whipping if they did not work hard enough.

As the century progressed however, conditions slowly improved but these still remained oppressive and there were regular worker protests which were harshly suppressed. There were seven large labour protests which were designated “riots” which licensed the Police to use firearms on the protesters. Workers were killed in all of them and at the last one which happened at Enmore on the East Coast Demerara, seven workers were shot by the Police.

These seven workers are remembered as the “Enmore Martyrs”.

On the completion of their indenture contracts, several workers left the estates and set up as small farmers and were responsible for the establishment of several agricultural industries including the Rice Industry, the Coconut Industry and the Dairy Industry.

Indian immigration had initially saved the country from economic collapse and had greatly helped in its economic development. It had enriched Guyanese Culture and had established Hinduism and Islam making Guyana one of the few countries where the three great world religions exist side by side in the greatest amity.

Several myths have been concocted which seemed to be aimed at causing national discord and especially, to generate adversarial feelings among Indo and Afro Guyanese. These myths could be sourced from colonial times and sections of the planter class may have been responsible for them since if there was a united working class, they would have less opportunity of exploiting them.

Owing to the constraints of space, we will mention only a few of these myths.

One of the most widespread myths which had even found its way in CXC text books was that Indian indentures were so poorly paid that they depressed

the wages of African sugar workers who were forced to leave the estates. The facts belie this myth: After Emancipation, there was an exodus of the freedmen who went on to create villages. Many of them had however remained on the estates which, until about 1860, had more Chinese, Portuguese and West Indian workers than Indian indentures. Indian indentures only became the main workforce on the plantations after 1860 by which time Africans had long left the estates so there could not have been any competition between Africans and Indians.

Another myth is that Indo-Guyanese are the richest community in Guyana and in particular better off than their Afro compatriots. This myth was first generated by the planter class to have indentures themselves and others believe indentureship was a lucrative employment and, later, to create feelings of jealousy among the communities and divide them. The statistical facts belie this myth. The overwhelming majority of Indo-Guyanese are as poor as their Afro compatriots and the few wealthy high profile business persons all started their lives as poor men and the biographies of such persons like Yesu Persaud and Toolsie Persaud testify to this.

The Royal Commission under the chairmanship of Dr Venn had mentioned, in passing, that African slaves were responsible for digging up millions of tons of earth to create the infrastructure of the sugar estates. This created the myth that the indentured workers who succeeded the Africans on the estates did much less backbreaking work. This myth is belied when it is considered that the indentures and their descendants had to redig and maintain the canals and dams and in any case, since at least twice as much new land was taken in with the expansion of the sugar industry, the indentured workers had to dig up as much earth as was done as when the original estates

were created. Workers of all communities were equally responsible for maintaining and expanding the estates’ infrastructure.

The final myth we will mention was that there were always conflicts between Afro and Indo Guyanese.

The sugar planters tried to segregate these communities and tried to induce adversarial feelings among them, but

despite this, there were numerous friendships and even familial relations between these communities. Later, the political parties tried to mobilize support by trying to resuscitate the vestiges of this colonial racism but it is now clearly seen and understood that the only persons who talk about race and racism are politicians and those affiliated with them. The rest

Pat Dial

of the population now recognise the interdependence of all groups and calls for racial support by politicians are finding electorates less responsive than two or three decades ago.

Racial calls for political support are not awakening the response they once had and from indications will disappear in less than a decade.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Waramuri to benefit from ...

From page 14

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, being greeted upon his arrival at Waramuri on Saturday

Croal was quoted as saying.

He further noted that the focus would now be on the installation of electrical pumps as part of the expansion process, and that the pumps will be installed at Mabaruma Central and Barabina, thereby increasing the service hours from nine to approximately 16 hours

per day.

The sum of $4 billion has been allocated in 2021 to procure equipment and improve and expand the water supply network systems countrywide. It also includes the drilling of new wells along with the upgrading of photovoltaic systems, storage facilities, distribution networks and service connections across Regions One, Three,

Seven, Eight and Nine. The distribution networks would also be upgraded in Regions Eight and Nine.

Nonetheless, Croal told the residents of Waramuri that unlike previous years, they will not be forgotten and that all of the government’s programmes will equally and adequately meet the people of Region One.

“You also had intervention with your electricity,” Croal reminded.

He noted, too, that the community had reached out recently to request the provision of volleyballs and a volleyball net for the purpose of their Physical Education classes.

“Today, I have brought that with me,” Croal said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Jeffrey intends to ...

FROM PAGE

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teammate at the Foundation Cycling New York Inc. Jamual John, who could also take the title: “\It will be a battle”, said Jeffrey Jeffrey, a two-time national road race champion, who is also a seven-time national time-trial champion of Guyana, is not just talking the talk. Since January this year, he has been training. It started with indoor work due to the weather in New York and then it blossomed into outdoor activities.

“I’ve been in the gym in the off-season, I’ve been indoor training as much as possible, I’ve been trying to get in as many hours as possible. Around March-April, we started to go on the road, putting in more hours.”

He then began working with his coach. “My coach is trying to get me in shape for the Guyana National Championships and the Caribbean Cycling Championships.”

The training and practice sessions have been paying off. Two weeks ago, Jeffrey won the Beach Channels Time Trials, while over the last 14 days, he has also registered a number of top finishes in other NY competitions.

His latest was a top 10 finish in the Pro-level criterium race last weekend. He said that due to the sharp turns, he slowed down considerably just to ensure that he stayed injury-free.

“I should have done better, but I did not want to take too many chances, the course is tight, it’s dangerous; if you crash, something worst is going to happen.”

His current form has boosted his desire to excel, especially since he was on a year-and-a-half hiatus, prior to last month’s re-start to the sport.

“Winning is always something that motivates you more, it drives you to train harder, it gives you that extra energy to go harder. Losing is not an option for me. I always want to win and I always train hard.

Winning back my first race reminded me of what I’m capable of and what I can do.”

He then sent a message to the local cyclists: “I’m training very hard at the moment and I’m coming to win.”

Jeffrey and nine other short-listed cyclists will use the National event and next weekend’s ThreeStage Independence race as trials. The five best finishers will represent Guyana in Havana, Cuba.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

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I did it for Guyana!

Hamilton hunts down ‘‘sitting sitting duck duck’’ Verstappen to win Spanish Grand Prix I did it for my family!

By Alan Baldwin back but it was a good gamble, from last weekend’s Portu- from third to fourth behind Carlston Harris makes a really great strategy by the guese Grand Prix.

Leclerc.

(REUTERS) -Seven-times team.”

Mercedes continued a The safety car was dehistoric entrance to UFC world champion Lewis HamVerstappen, who pitted remarkable winning run at ployed on lap eight after Alilton hunted down “sitting duck” Max Verstappen to win the Spanish Grand Prix for a record-equalling fifth year in a row on Sunday and go 14 points clear at the top of the standings.

The Briton’s 98th victory, from his 100th pole, was his third in four races and he and Mercedes delivered a strategic masterclass after Red Bull’s Verstappen, who finished second, seized the lead at the first corner.

The breakthrough came when Hamilton made a second pitstop with 23 laps to go, returning on fresh tyres but some 22 seconds behind his Dutch rival.

Hamilton rapidly closed the gap, defying computer predictions that he would take until the last lap, to sweep past his helpless rival with six to spare in a re-run of his epic chase of Verstappen at the 2019 Hungarian Grand Prix.

“Such a close start... and then after that just hunting,” said Hamilton, the first to succeed from pole this season and now a six-times winner at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

“It was a long way to come back from 20 odd seconds

for fresh tyres after he had lost the lead to secure a bonus point for fastest lap, said he could see it coming.

Barcelona, Spain Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton after winning the race (Pool via REUTERS/Emilio Morenatti)

“There was not much we could have done. They went for another stop and then I knew it was over because I was already struggling with the tyres and you could see that every lap he was getting closer and closer,” he said.

“Bit of a sitting duck... we were just clearly lacking pace. I tried everything I could.”

Hamilton’s Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas finished third in a repeat of the podium

NAUMAN, SHAHEEN LEAVE PAKISTAN ONE WICKET AWAY FROM 2-0 SWEEP

NAUMAN Ali took five second-innings wickets as Pakistan closed in on an innings victory over Zimbabwe on day three of the second Test in Harare on Sunday.

Zimbabwe, who trail 1-0 in the two-Test series, were made to follow on after being bowled out for 132 at the first time of asking and were nine second-innings wickets down - still trailing by 158 runs - by the close of play Seamer Hasan Ali (527) did the bulk of the damage early on as Zimbabwe who started the day at 52-4 in their first innings - were skittled out on the stroke of lunch, before veteran left-arm spinner Nauman took over in the final two sessions.

Nauman (5-86) was expensive in his 21 overs, but got reward on a pitch that is starting to take turn as he also moved past 300 firstclass wickets with his haul.

Regis Chakabva struck an impressive 80 for Zimbabwe, an innings that included 13 fours and two sixes, while stand-in skipper Brendan

Taylor smashed 49 from 31 balls as he tried to put the pressure back on Pakistan.

Left-arm paceman Shaheen Afridi (4-45), who shared all nine wickets with Nauman, ended the pair’s fun as Taylor fended a short, sharp delivery down the legside to Mohammad Rizwan.

Chakabva’s innings, meanwhile, was ended when he attempted one slog too many off Nauman, edging to Babar Azam at slip and Zimbabwe’s innings fell apart thereafter From being 170-3, the hosts collapsed to 202-9, though Luke Jongwe (31no) and Blessing Muzarabani (0no) did manage to block out the final seven overs of the day to at least take the game to a fourth morning.

Hasan’s haul ensures the 34-year-old’s impressive form for the series continues, having taken 9-89 in their innings victory in the first Test and also contributing 97 - off just 104 balls - in their massive first innings score of 510-8 here. (Sky Sports)

the Spanish circuit, triumphant in every race there since 2013. They stretched their lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ standings to 29 points.

Hamilton now has 94 points to Verstappen’s 80 and Bottas now third with 47.

FERRARI FOURTH Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth with Mexican Sergio Perez fifth for Red Bull.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for McLaren and Spaniard Carlos Sainz seventh in his first home appearance for Ferrari.

McLaren’s Lando Norris was eighth with Esteban Ocon ninth for Alpine and Pierre Gasly taking the final point for Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri.

Some 1,000 spectators were allowed to watch from the grandstands after the previous two races in Italy and Portugal were held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Verstappen made the better start, muscling through at the first corner with the two drivers somehow avoiding contact, and then opening up a lead while Bottas slipped

phaTauri’s Japanese rookie Yuki Tsunoda stopped on the outside of turn 10, but Verstappen gave Hamilton no chance at the re-start.

Hamilton did go back in front when Verstappen pitted on lap 24, a 4.2 second stop with the rear left slow to go on, and stayed out a further five laps before also coming in.

The Briton was right up behind the Red Bull again by lap 35 but, with overtaking always difficult at the Spanish circuit, pitted again on lap 43 of 66.

“It’s like Hungary all over again,” said Verstappen’s race engineer over the radio as the strategic implications sank in with Red Bull having to make the tyres last or pit and lose track position.

“I don’t see how we are going to make it to the end,” said Verstappen four laps later, with the gap already down to 15 seconds.

Hamilton still had to get past team mate Bottas, second on the road, and the Finn did not make it particularly easy despite being told ‘Don’t hold Lewis up’ over the team radio.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 510 for 8 dec’l Zimbabwe 1st innings o/n 52-4 Kevin Kasuza b Hassan Ali

4 Tarisai Musakanda lbw Tabish Khan

0 Regis Chakabva c Abid Ali b Hassan Ali 33 Brendan Taylor c Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Afridi 9 Milton Shumba lbw Sajid Khan

2 Tendai Chisoroc Imran Butt b Hassan Ali

1 Luke Jongwe b Hassan Ali

19 Donald Tiripano c (Sub) b Sajid Khan

23 Roy Kaia c Azhar Ali b Hassan Ali

11 Richard Ngarava Not Out

15 Blessing Muzarabani Run Out Imran Butt 7 EXTRAS: 4b 3lb 0nb 0pen 1w

8 TOTAL: (60.4 overs)

132 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-0 Musakanda, 2-23 Kasuza, 3-40 Taylor, 4-47 Shumba, 5-53 Chisoro, 6-68 Chakabva, 7-77 Jongwe, 8-108 Tiripano, 9-110 Kaia, 10-132 Muzarabani Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 14-4-34-1 (1w), Tabish Khan 158-2-1, Hassan Ali 13-4-27-5, Nauman Ali 6-3-3-0, Sajid Khan 12.4-6-39-2.

ZIMBABWE 2nd innings Kevin Kasuza b Nauman Ali

22 Tarisai Musakanda c Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Afridi 8 Regis Chakabva c Babar Azam b Nauman Ali

80 Brendan Taylor c Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Afridi 49 Milton Shumba c Imran Butt b Nauman Ali

16 Luke Jongwe Not Out

31 Donald Tiripano lbw Nauman Ali

0 Roy Kaia c Sajid Khan b Nauman Ali

0 Tendai Chisoro b Shaheen Afridi

8 Richard Ngarava b Shaheen Afridi

0 Blessing Muzarabani Not Out

0 EXTRAS: 1b 5lb 0nb 0pen 0w

6 TOTAL: (63.0 overs)

220-9 Fall of Wickets: 1-13 Musakanda, 2-63 Kasuza, 3-142 Taylor, 4-170 Chakabva, 5-188 Shumba, 6-196 Tiripano, 7-196 Kaia, 8-205 Chisoro, 9-205 Ngarava Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 17-5-45-4,Tabish Khan 9-2-42-0, Hassan Ali 10-7-9-0, Sajid Khan 6-1-32-0, Nauman Ali 21-3-86-5.

SATURDAY, April 8, 2021, will be a day that Carlston Harris and his family will never forget.

When Harris, who hails from Skeldon, Berbice, walked into the octagon at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas against American, Christian Aguilera, he became the first Guyanese fighter to feature in the UFC. However, it didn’t stop there; fighting in the welterweight division, Harris (16-4 MMA, 1-0 UFC) choked Aguilera unconscious at the two minutes, 52 seconds (2:52) mark of the first round to become the first fighter from Guyana to win in the UFC. He picked up the win with an anaconda choke, making him just the 19th fighter in UFC history with that finish.

The end came after Aguilera tried to take him down against the fence. The 33-yearold Harris defended the takedown by snapping Aguilera down, locked in the choke, and sat back to put Aguilera out.

With the result, Harris is now on a four-fight winning streak and 9-1 in his past 10 bouts. Prior to joining the UFC, Harris was competing in notable promotions such as Shooto Brazil and Brave FC. It’s been for me to get here and finally, I got the chance to show my skills...I’m here

and I made news and made a statement,” an ecstatic Harris said in his post-fight interview on ESPN. In jubilation after his win, Harris hailed his family, and particularly Head-ofState, Dr Irfaan Ali. Later on, Harris said due to UFC protocols, he had to seek written permission from the Government of Guyana to carry the Golden Arrowhead in Las Vegas.

“When I got into martial arts in 2011, this (fighting in the UFC) was my dream. The first time I got into martial arts was the first time I watch BJ Penn and I said I hope one day I get to the UFC, and finally I’m here,” the always-smiling Harris said.

Harris describes his win on Saturday as life-changing, not only for him but for his family, adding “I grew up in a poor family; some days we woke up, no meal to eat. Go to school without no meal.

I grew up in a single-parent home. My mom, she worked as a maid, so I got into this to change my life and change my family’s life.”

The Berbician encouraged all athletes in Guyana to “believe in yourself and believe in your dreams.

Work towards your dreams and one day it would happen, but you have to believe in yourself.” (Rawle Toney)

Jeffrey intends to medal at Caribbean Cycling Championships ―US-based cyclist also has eye on National title

FORMER National cycling Champion, Raynauth Jeffrey, is putting in the leg-work to not only win this month’s National Cycling Championships, but to medal at the Caribbean Championships, which will be held next month in Cuba.

The US-based Guyanese is optimistic of an overall victory when he competes at the three-stage Nationals, which is scheduled to take place on May 22 (his birthday), May 23 and May 30.

The upcoming championships has special meaning to Jeffrey and winning it is not just a step to represent Guyana again at the international stage. According to the 26-year-old, it is about proving himself to the naysayers.

The 2017 national cham-

pion said that for several years he was not considered for the national team, despite him performing at a high level. During this time, it took every ounce of his determination to not quit the sport.

“Now that we got a new president (Linden Dowridge) of the Guyana Cycling Federation, I hope things change for the better.”

NOT OVER CONFIDENT Jeffrey said that although some of the big names of yesteryear have either retired or are in their twilight stages, there are several quality riders who will present stiff competition. One such is his TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit fails drug test, trainer suspended

THE horse that won the 2021 Kentucky Derby, Medina Spirit, has failed a drug test and its Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has been indefinitely suspend from Churchill Downs, officials said Sunday.

In a news conference Sunday morning, Baffert said the winning horse tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone, 11 picograms above the legal limit in Kentucky racing, NBC Lexington affiliate WLEX said. Shortly after, Churchill Downs, who hosts the Derby, announced his suspension.

“Failure to comply with the rules and medication

protocols jeopardizes the safety of the horses and jockeys, the integrity of our sport and the reputation of the Kentucky Derby and all who participate. Churchill Downs will not tolerate it,” the organization said in a statement.

Baffert called the drug test results “disturbing” and “the biggest gut punch in racing for something I didn’t do,” according to WLEX. The trainer said he didn’t know why Medina Spirit would have tested positive for the drug, which is an anti-inflammatory. He called the incident “a complete injustice” and said he feels “wronged.”

The test doesn’t automatically disqualify Medina Spirit, as Derby officials

Medina Spirit, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, crosses the finish line to win the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby

IPL postponement may lead to World T20 being moved or rescheduled – Ian Chappell

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to postpone the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a number of players and support staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Thus, to ensure the safety of the other players and members involved in the T20 Championship, BCCI decided to suspend the league for an indefinite time.

India is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup later this year in October and November. Despite the havoc created by the coronavirus in India, BCCI is confident of hosting the tournament in the country. However, the former Australian captain Ian Chappell doesn’t harbour the same thoughts.

Chappell believes that the postponement of IPL 2021 has made people aware of the vulnerability of the game due to the ongoing pandemic.

The veteran is of the view that the suspension of IPL can also pave the way for the T20 World Cup to get postponed or shifted to some other venue.

Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC)

has kept the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the backup venue.

“The suspension of the 2021 IPL tournament because of surging Covid infections and deaths among the public, and a number of participants testing positive, was a reminder of the game’s vulnerability,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

Last September, another of his horses, Gamine, also tested positive for betamethasone. In April, Baffert successfully appealed his 15-day suspension from the Arkansas Racing Commission after two of his horses tested positive for the painkiller lidocaine.

“There’s problems in racing,” he said. “But it’s not Bob Baffert.”

Medina Spirit won the prestigious race on May 1, giving Baffert a record seven derby wins. The jockey was John R. Velazquez, a four-time Derby winner born in Puerto Rico. The horse was not a favorite to win. (NBC News)

Man United comeback at Aston Villa keeps Man City waiting on title

being postponed or moved,” he added.

Further in his column, Chappell recalled a few incidents when the gentleman’s game was disrupted due to a variety of reasons in the past. The 77-year-old reflected on the 1970-71 Boxing Day Test between Australia and England that was suspended due to excess rainfall and paved the way for the 50-over

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell

“In the current disastrous climate, the suspension of the IPL could also produce a precedent. It may lead to the World T20 event, programmed for India later in the year, either

MONDAY, May 10, 2021

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“If the findings are upheld, Medina Spirit’s results in the Kentucky Derby will be invalidated and Mandaloun will be declared the winner,” Churchill Downs said of the horse that was runner up in the Derby.

Medina Spirit is expected to continue racing in the meantime and the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

This is not the first drug testing scandal for Baffert.

The announcement Sunday makes Medina Spirit Baffert’s fifth horse to fail a drug test in the past year alone.

Bruno Fernandes has scored 27 goals for Manchester United in all competitions this season, the most by a Premier League midfielder in a season since Frank Lampard for Chelsea in 2009-10

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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await results from another sample to come back before making a decision.

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: George Lohmann-ENG (16 Tests) Alf Valentine & Andy Roberts (19 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

Who is the first player to score a hundred in his 100th Test match?

Who is the first WI to hit a century in his 100th Test match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

format.

“In the past, tours have been aborted and matches abandoned for a variety of reasons. Many of these involved backstories, some of which were tragic and others amusing. In 197071 the MCG Boxing Day Test between Australia and England was abandoned without a ball being bowled after heavy rain ruined any chance of a competitive match.

“That led to the first-ever ODI being played in lieu of the Test in an effort to recoup some of the lost revenue. The match was agreed between officials of both countries without the players being consulted, and this angered many in the England camp,” the former captain concluded. (CricTracker)

MANCHESTER United guaranteed a Premier League topfour finish and ensured rivals Manchester City must wait to be crowned champions as they came from behind to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Having sealed their place in the Europa League final despite a 3-2 second-leg defeat by Roma on Thursday, second-half goals from Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and substitute Edinson Cavani - followed by West Ham’s loss to Everton - sealed a Champions League place for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

A win for Villa would have clinched the title for leaders City - beaten 2-1 by Chelsea on Saturday - and Bertrand

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Traore’s emphatic finish into the top corner midway through the first half threatened to do just that.

Emiliano Martinez was equal to attempts from Greenwood and Marcus Rashford as United struggled to respond initially, while Dean Henderson kept out Ollie Watkins’ strike to deny Villa a second before half-time.

United levelled shortly after the restart when Fernandes calmly slotted in a penalty after Douglas Luiz needlessly fouled Paul Pogba, and Greenwood completed a four-minute turnaround when his low strike found the bottom corner.

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against Greenwood was dismissed after Luiz headed the ball onto the arm of the United forward and the visitors successfully resisted late Villa pressure despite the loss of captain Harry Maguire to injury, before Cavani confirmed victory in the closing stages.

In a frantic finale, Villa forward Watkins also received a red card for a second booking for simulation when under pressure from goalkeeper Henderson.

United are 10 points behind champions-elect City but will have the chance to move within four points as they face Leicester and Liverpool before the leaders next play. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 10, 2021

23

Canelo stops Saunders in eighth round …sets sights on IBF champ Caleb Plant

By Jeff Zimmerman

WBA/WBC super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (561-2, 38 KOs) scored an eighth round TKO over WBO super middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders (30-1, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Reigning pound-for-pound king Alvarez out of Guadalajara, Mexico, in his third fight since December 2020, proved too strong for the Brit Saunders and stopped him on his stool between the eighth and ninth rounds and leaves the Lone Star State as the super middleweight unified world champion.

Wi t h t h e w i n , C a n e l o snatched the WBO belt from Saunders to go along with his WBC and WBA straps and now set his sights on IBF champ Caleb Plant this September for the undisputed title, which has been his stated goal.

Canelo told DAZN Chris Mannix immediately after the fight in the ring as such, “That’s the plan to go for the belt. I’m coming, I’m coming my friend. I hope that fight can be made.”

For that fight to become a reality, Canelo had to first go through the undefeated Saunders, who proved he was more than game for the best fighter

in boxing today.

In the first two rounds, Canelo slowly walked Saunders down and unleashed his power left hands to the body and once he had Saunders against the ropes, he blasted him with a big right hand.

The southpaw Saunders flicked out his right jab from time to time, but not enough to slow Canelo down early on. Canelo began to find his range in round three as he landed a beautiful combination that got Saunders’ attention and

with a solid jab as he was coming in. Canelo continued to plow forward, but Saunders caught him again to the face as Saunders was starting to find his footing.

The fight then began to heat up in round six as both guys traded blows in the centre of the ring as Saunders used his legs more effectively to avoid Canelo’s big shots.

Saunders opened round seven with several jabs at Canelo’s head and appeared to gain con-

This right uppercut from Canelo Alvarezled to Saunders being unable to continue after returning to his stool followed up with another solid right hand.

Saunders did his best work in round five, as Canelo continued to look for openings, however, Saunders snapped Canelo’s head back

fidence as the fight moved to the middle rounds. The pro-Canelo crowd chanted his name to provide a boost, but Saunders continued to box his way into a competitive fight. In round

eight, Canelo now requested the crowd to provide some energy and the noise rapidly increased in Jerry World as Canelo threw every punch with bad intentions.

Saunders showed swelling and cut under his right eye between rounds. And seconds later, the fight was waved off by referee Mark Calo-oy as Canelo jumped onto the ropes to celebrate with the record-setting pro-Mexican crowd that also primarily supports Jerry Jones beloved Dallas Cowboys. Jones brought two Manny Pacquiao fights to his stadium previously and Canelo in 2016 against another Brit in Liam Smith.

The official score was a TKO at the end round eight as Saunders suffered a damaged right eye from a massive uppercut according to the replay shown on the giant screen at the stadium. All three judges had Canelo in the lead at the time of the stoppage 78-74 twice and 77-75.

Eddie Hearn told Chris Mannix in the ring afterward, “It’s the only fight to make.

Canelo Alvarez will fight absolutely anybody, and Caleb Plant is the fight for the undisputed championship. Canelo is the pound-for-pound star in the sport along with AJ.” (Fightnews)

Harper worries inconsistency impacting international standards BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Men’s chief selector, Roger Harper, has argued that the number of players losing their central retainer contracts for the upcoming year is a reflection of the lack of consistency in West Indies cricket, and believes this has implications for performance standards at international level.

Eleven players, eight of whom featured in the whiteball format, failed to hold on to their contracts this week, with their performances falling below the required benchmarks during the evaluation period.

Admitting the situation was “concerning”, Harper said it was critical players at all levels of the West Indies system understood the link between their personal performances and those of the international squads.

“It is concerning that consistency seems to be an issue for our players,” Harper said following the announcement of the new central retainers for the year beginning July 1.

“And this is something we want to make sure our players understand, that if our teams are going to perform consistently and be successful, that our players themselves have to be successful, and we have to aim to be world class performers.

“I think that’s a message we have to send to our fran-

chise players, our players playing regional competitions, our players from youth level, that no longer can we just be working to get into a West Indies team.

and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich also saw their red ball contracts not renewed.

“I want to also make the point that we have a player like Oshane Thomas who has missed out on a contract, you have players like Sheldon Cottrell who has missed out on a contract also,” Harper pointed out.

“Sheldon Cottrell was

West Indies fast bowler Oshane Thomas

“We have to be developing players to be of a world class standard. That is the only way we’re going to become a world class team, if we’re going to beat the best teams in the world on a consistent basis.

“So I think it’s developing that attitude, it’s developing that focus and it’s working towards that with determination.”

The likes of batsmen Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Ambris, Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas were all axed from the list of white ball contracts while Roston Chase, Test vice-captain on the tour of New Zealand as recently as last December, lost his all-formats contract.

Batsman Shamarh Brooks

Roston Chase lost his all-formats contract

at the top of the tree from a white ball bowling perspective. Oshane has been one of the players we thought with tremendous potential – at his best he can really be a wicket-taker and a shock bowler for us, but a set of things sort of compounded to not allow them to be retained.

“A lot of these players had fitness issues as well.”

Thomas, a 24-year-old burst on to the scene with much promise three years ago, earning himself tours of England and New Zealand

last year, before falling out of contention recently.

Cottrell, meanwhile, was West Indies’ leading bowler at the 2019 World Cup with 12 wickets and continued to spearhead their attack until fitness issues also saw him lose his spot in the squad.

Hetmyer struck the last of his five ODI hundreds in December 2019 but has also seen his career stunted by lack of fitness while Chase, who has made five Test hundreds, scraped 33 runs from his last six innings in a serious decline of form.

Harper stressed while players were not readily discarded, it was incumbent on them to produce consistently in order to make a case to selectors for their retention.

“We have to appreciate as well that these are performance-based contracts, so the contracts are awarded based on performance during the evaluation period, as well as the selection panel must feel that the players will play a major role or form the nucleus of the various teams going forward,” Harper explained.

“The players who were not awarded contracts, their performances over the period did not meet the necessary criteria and as well, you had new players who came to the fore and performed.”

West Indies won’t ever see glory days again ― Ambrose

Legendary fast bowler Curtly Ambrose took 405 Test wickets in 98 Tests between 1988 and 2000

FAST bowling icon Sir Curtly Ambrose believes it will be difficult for the West Indies to unearth players with similar talents to those from the team’s glory days of the 70s and early 90s because the current crop of players has not grasped what cricket means to the people from the region.

The outspoken 57-year-old Ambrose, who took 405 Test wickets in 98 Tests between 1988 and 2000, was speaking on Talk Sports Live with Michael Bascombe in Antigua on Saturday when he made his stunning declaration.

“This is no disrespect to the players we have now because we have a couple of guys who have some quality in them and can become great but what we have to understand is that I don’t think we will ever see those great, exceptional glory days again,” said the towering Antiguan, who famously took seven wickets for one run in a devastating spell against Australia in Perth in 1993.

“It’s going to be difficult to find another Viv Richards, or a Haynes and Greenidge, a Brian Lara, Richie Richardson; you know, a Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, and the list goes on and one, Clive Lloyd.

“It’s going to be extremely difficult to find those quality players again.”

He believes this to be the case because the modern players have little appreciation for the legacy that made the West Indies great.

“Most of the youngsters we have now, probably don’t quite understand what cricket means to West Indians in the West Indies and abroad because cricket is the only sport that really unites Caribbean people,” argued Ambrose, who took 22 five-wicket hauls during his illustrious Test career.

“When we were the best team in the word, West Indians all over the globe could walk and boast about how good we are because we were the best, so it’s going to be difficult to see those glory days again.

“Yes, we can be competitive and climb up the ICC rankings and be a force to be reckoned with again, but those glory days, I don’t think we will see them again.”

For almost 20 years, the West Indies under the leadership of Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards was the number-one Test and ODI team in the world. The team won the ODI (Prudential World Cup) in 1975 and 1979 but have not won the tournament since. The West Indies are now ranked eighth on Tests and ODIs and tenth in T20 cricket despite being the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2016 and 2012. (Sportsmax)

I did it for Guyana!

I did it for my family!

Carlston Harris celebrates after winning his UFC welterweight clash against Christian Aguilera via the Anaconda Choke submission

Carlston Harris makes historic entrance to UFC

SEE PAGE 21

Carlston Harris

CWI prepared to be ‘agile’ in planning as Proteas series looms

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies is anticipating another testing time when they host next month’s bio-secure series against South Africa, but said it was critical to remain operationally “agile” in order to respond to the challenges served up by COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa are scheduled to play two Tests and five One-Day Internationals but CWI are yet to announce the itinerary for the tour.

The series follows the recent Test and white-ball tour by Sri Lanka which ended last month and marks only the second international series staged in the Caribbean since the onset of the pandemic.

CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, said though experience had been gained from staging the Sri Lanka series, the nature of the pandemic meant planning remained fluid.“There are so many hurdles to overcome so it’s an ongoing process,” Grave said “And ultimately, until players arrive – and talking from experience with Sri Lanka – until that first ball of the first game is bowled, right to the last day when players safely leave, it’s a stressful time for everyone just to make sure the cricket can go ahead as planned.

“I think at this stage we’re into the final discussions with governments. Obviously we need Chief Medical Officers to approve the protocols within each of the countries.

“It’s an ever changing dynamic situation – what we know now might well be different next week so we’ve got to continue to be agile.”

The tour had been scheduled for last July but was postponed due to the pandemic, as CWI were forced to scrap all of its international and domestic tournaments.

And the series was further imperilled by a governance dispute between Cricket South Africa and Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa, which was eventually settled last week, paving the way for the tour to proceed as planned.

With air travel still complicated because of coronavirus restrictions, South Africa are expected to arrive in the Caribbean via Paris and St Martin, to begin their preparation.

“We’ve certainly had very, very positive talks with Cricket South Africa,” Grave confirmed to Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest. “[A few weeks ago] there was still some confusion with their governance and the government in South Africa and the Minister of Sport.

“That’s recently been resolved and that’s good news for us and good news for world cricket, and South Africa cricket in particular.”

He added: “I’m confident they’re coming. We continue to work through all the logistical and medical and operational challenges that we have.”

Sri Lanka featured in two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals and with the Proteas now poised to follow, Grave said tours by Australia and Pakistan would further further ensure a bumper domestic schedule.

“We continue to work morning, noon and night to make these tours happen,” the Englishman stressed.

“Fingers crossed, we’re moving forward with not just South Africa but the visit straight afterwards by Australia and Pakistan after that.

“So [there is] plenty going on and lots of cricket to look forward to we hope.”

SEE PAGE 23

SEE PAGE 21

Jeffrey intends to medal at Caribbean Cycling Championships Raynauth Jeffrey has registered several podium-finishes this season in New York

Canelo stops Saunders in eighth round

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MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021