Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-07-2021

SATURDAY 10thJuly, 2021

' No.106417

Residents begin to return home as floodwaters recede

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Greater support for private sector development SEE PAGE 03

–– highlighted by President in meeting with CDB President

–– President shares ideas with bank on how to address challenges in Guyana and the region

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, meeting with Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon and his delegation at the Office of the President on Friday (Office of the President photo)

Lowenfield seeks to block Gunraj, Shadick from 15 participating in dismissal motions PAGE

Three remanded for Coalition MP in 07 Chronicle journalist allegedly ‘torching’ 08 ‘slanderous attacks’ is top Youth 09 GECOM Linden office on CARICOM heads Parliament debater PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Motions against Benn, Anthony ‘have nowhere to go’ –– say gov’t ministers; move seen as a game of ‘knock-fuh-knock-back’

SEVERAL Ministers of the Government have contended that the no-confidence motions brought against their colleague ministers of Health and Home Affairs are nothing short of a ‘knock-fuh-knockback’ scenario.

Appearing on a ‘Parliamentary Agenda’ programme aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Wednesday night, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; and Junior Minister of Housing and Water, Susanne Rodrigues, reiterated their government’s confidence in Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn.

Minister Walrond, an attorney-at-law, has insisted that the motions, which accused the two ministers of mismanaging their respective sectors, have no basis. She went further to flay Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, also a lawyer, for compiling a legal challenge that has “no grounds”.

“It is just theatrics,” Walrond maintained.

She explained that when the PPP/C submitted its No-Confidence Motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in 2018, the submission was comprehensive, and based on the grievances of the Guyanese people.

This, she posited, is not the case with Harmon’s motion against ministers Anthony and Benn, since it contained no grounds or evidence

on which the no-confidence can be attributed.

“It speaks to a disregard for our systems [and] our people,” Walrond said.

She believes that both ministers Benn and Anthony have the evidence of their work to defend them, should the motion

No-Confidence Motion against one David Patterson, which was successful; I am of the view that what you have here is, ‘they knock us, let us knock them back’,” Hamilton said.

He insisted that although the motion

tions.

“We already know, and it has been demonstrated. It has been established that the Opposition has a problem with mathematics, and they do not have the numbers in the National Assembly to pass these mo-

he represents loses confidence in him or her. And in this case, that is the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” Rodrigues explained.

She also joined the list of government officials who have deemed the motion to be not only

“There is nothing in the Constitution that says that a no-confidence motion can be passed against a minister, and that if it passes, then he has to leave the Parliament; there is nothing that says that,” the former APNU+AFC parliamentari-

Host of NCN’s Parliamentary Agenda, Mark Watson engaging Ministers Joseph Hamilton, Oneidge Walrond and Susanne Rodrigues on Wednesday night’s programme come up for debate. “Our colleagues have the full confidence of the government,” Walrond noted.

She also used the forum to call on supporters of the APNU+AFC to examine the “incompetent” manner in which the opposition goes about its business.

Meanwhile, her colleague, Minister Hamilton believes that the motions were a response to the Government’s efforts to successfully remove David Patterson as Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“A couple of weeks ago, we brought a

has been filed, it has no place to go. “But as comedic as it is, it is serious, in the sense that they are paid substantial salaries and benefits by the State [to represent their constituency], but when you look at the deliverables, where is the value for the money? When they criticise, what do they bring to the table?” Hamilton queried.

NON-STARTER Similar sentiments were shared by Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susanne Rodrigues, who projected the failure of both mo-

tions; these motions are doomed already,” Minister Rodrigues told the programme’s host, Mark Watson.

She pointed to the fact that a No-Confidence Motion is not the method that can be used to remove a sitting minister of the government, especially a minister who enjoys the confidence of the President and the members of his Cabinet.

“There is the recall legislation that you use, and a Member of Parliament can only be removed if he is deceased, or incapacitated, or mentally unstable, or the leader of the list of the party

laughable, but lacking in basic substance. “There is no reference in the motion to any statistical data, facts, or circumstances,” Minister Rodrigues highlighted.

She is of the belief that Harmon and the APNU+AFC “lack [the] understanding of what a no-confidence motion is intended to do.”

“The motion is a none-starter,” Rodrigues argued.

Meanwhile, an audio recording, purported to be that of a senior member of the former APNU+AFC government, has surfaced, critiquing the motions.

an related.

“It is meaningless if you pass a motion of no-confidence in Benn and in Anthony; it means nothing. They will continue being ministers,” the former government official related.

Only recently, President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his government’s support for ministers B e n n a n d A n t h o n y, who, he said, have been doing good work. As a matter of fact, both ministers have indicated their eagerness to highlight their one-year accomplishments, if the motion is allowed to be debated.

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Greater support for private sector development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

–– highlighted by President at meeting with CDB President

–– President shares ideas with bank on how to address challenges in Guyana and the region PRESIDENt Dr. Irfaan Ali has lobbied for greater support for private sector development, while outlining the country’s development agenda to the visiting President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon and his team.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh were also a part of the meeting, which was held at the Office of the President.

The Head of State said he outlined with “great clarity” the vision for Guyana and the Government’s macro plans, as well as “what it is we believe the bank can do to meet the challenges that face not only Guyana, but the region”.

The President said that he shared disaggregated information relating to the Government’s vision on various sectors, and for future projects that are necessary to move the country forward.

“An important part of that is the inclusion of the private sector, and greater support for private sector development,” President Ali said.

Calls were also made for more information to be made available to the private sector, to help them understand the bank’s existing opportunities, and for “a reform within the bank itself” to cater to the developmental needs of the region.

The Guyanese team of Government officials

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh with Caribbean Development Bank President, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon emphasised that the bank has an important role to play in supporting private sector development, not just in Guyana, but throughout the region.

The President has been adamant that the Government would support private sector initiatives, especially when it comes to developmental projects.

This viewpoint was expounded upon by Dr. Singh, who noted that the private sector is earmarked to play key roles in Guyana’s future. “…We have been speaking about things like Public-Private Partnerships for some time.

We are hoping to be able to see private financing play a bigger role including in infrastructure projects. And then of course the role of the private sector in investing in the productive economy,” Dr. Singh said.

According to the senior minister, Friday’s discussion can be viewed against the backdrop of Guyana’s role not only as a borrower and a beneficiary of the bank, but also as a shareholder in the bank.

He explained that a brief history of the bank’s engagement in Guyana, including support for a number of developmen-

tal projects, especially through the Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) facilities, were also discussed.

Conversations also focused on issues surrounding climate change, the environment, the energy sector, and the national development priorities of Guyana and other Caribbean nations.

Dr. Singh said that overall, the exchanges were “very forward-looking,” not only the articulation of Guyana’s development agenda, but through shared ideas on the bank’s future in the region. “… It was a very for-

ward-looking conversation about the future direction with the bank and potential opportunities for the bank. We shared some thoughts on the bank’s continued important role in the region’s landscape.”

Giving an insight into the meeting from the CDB’s perspective, Dr. Leon said that the discussions were “very constructive”, and underscored how the bank and Guyana would sustain their great relationship.

“We touched on a number of topics that are of common concern now in the region, in terms of its development and how

the bank can, hopefully, assist in that particular direction.”

Dr. Leon, who is on a two-day visit here, plans to next meet with the CDB’s key interlocker in Guyana, the Ministry of Finance, as well as other government agencies. He also intends to visit some projects that the CDB would have facilitated over the years, and possibly engage, informally, with the private sector.

The visit to Guyana by the CDB President is the first stop on his trip around the Caribbean, since taking the reins of the regional multilateral institution in May.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Taliban capture key Afghanistan border crossings

THE Taliban have captured major border crossings with Iran and Turkmenistan in a sweeping offensive across northern Afghanistan, officials say.

The militants say they seized two key border towns, Islam Qala near Iran, and Torghundi bordering Turkmenistan.

Video footage appeared to show Taliban forces taking down the Afghan flag from the roof of a border customs office.

The Taliban are rapidly retaking land across Afghanistan, as the US-led mission removes the last of its troops.

Taliban officials say their fighters have taken control of 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, a claim impossible to independently verify, and disputed by the government.

Other estimates have put the amount of territory the Taliban controls at more than

a third of the country’s 400 districts, including an arc of land from the Iranian border in the west to the frontier with China on the other side of the country.

The Americans, earlier this week, quietly departed from Bagram airfield, a sprawling base that was the centre of US operations in Afghanistan, and once held tens of thousands of troops.

Afghan officials acknowledged the loss of the Islam Qala and Torghundi border crossings, both in Herat Province.

The Islam Qala crossing is one of the biggest trade gateways into Iran, generating an estimated $20m (£14m) in monthly revenue for the government. The Torghundi border town is one of two trade gateways into Turkmenistan.

Afghan forces are trying to recapture the two border crossings, a government

spokesperson said.

“All Afghan security forces, including the border units, are present in the area, and efforts are underway to recapture the site,” interior ministry spokesman, Tareq Arian told the AFP news agency.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said the Islam Qala crossing was “under our full control”.

Reports said Taliban fighters had seized five districts in Herat without a fight.

Earlier this week, more than 1,000 members of the Afghan security forces fled into Tajikistan, which lies north-east of Afghanistan, as the Taliban advanced around

them.

Russia on Friday said the Taliban had taken control of about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border in a swift advance. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Moscow was urging all sides in Afghanistan to “show restraint”.

The reports came hours after US President Joe Biden defended his administration’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

“I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different out-

come,” Biden said.

He admitted it was “highly unlikely” that the Afghan government would be able to control the entire country.

Some US intelligence analysts fear the Taliban could seize control of the country within six months, according to an assessment distributed to officials in June.

Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani has insisted that Afghan security forces are capable of keeping the Taliban at bay, and Afghan forces appear to have retaken lost ground in some areas.

According to officials, troops on Wednesday recaptured government buildings in the western city of

Afghan soldiers search a man at a checkpoint in Herat province. The army has lost ground to the Taliban (BBC photo)

Saturday July 10, 2021 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Qala-e-Naw, the first major provincial capital entered by the Taliban in their latest offensive.

UK Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter told the BBC’s Today programme that one of three scenarios would likely unfold in Afghanistan. Firstly, the Afghan government could “hold the ring, as it’s demonstrating through holding all the provincial capitals at the moment”, he said.

“The second scenario, I think, is a very sad scenario, where the country fractures, and you see the government collapse. You see the Taliban perhaps controlling part of the country, and the other nationalities and ethnicities controlling other parts of the country, like we saw in the 1990s,” he said, adding: “A third, more hopeful, scenario is where you actually see a political compromise and talks occurring. US operations in Afghanistan will officially end on 31 August, but the vast majority of foreign troops have already left.”

Peace talks between the government and the Taliban continue, but the talks have regularly stalled and failed to progress significantly. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

US, Colombia sending agents to Haiti to help probe President’s killing A GROUP of 28 foreign mercenaries, including retired Colombian soldiers, assassinated Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse earlier this week, police say.

After a gun battle in the capital, Port-au-Prince, 17 were detained, some at the house they were using, others after entering Taiwan’s diplomatic compound.

Three suspects were killed by the police, and eight are still being sought.

Bloodied and bruised, the arrested suspects were shown to the media on Thursday, along with a slew of seized weapons.

It is still unclear who organised the attack, and with what motive.

Also unclear is who is in charge of the country.

On Friday, a group of political parties added to that uncertainty by nominating a president, although how much legitimacy that has is unknown.

The attack took place in the early hours of Wednesday, when gunmen broke into the President’s home in Port-au-Prince, shooting him dead, and wounding his wife.

Mr. Moïse, 53, was found lying on his back with 12 bullet wounds and a gouged eye, according to authorities.

Martine Moïse, 47, was seriously wounded, and is in a stable condition after being flown to Florida for treatment.

Police said the hit squad included mainly Colombians, along with two Haitian-Americans.

Found in the suspects’ possession were firearms, sets of US dollar bills,

the president’s personal chequebook, and the server that held surveillance camera footage from his home, the newspaper, Le Nouvelliste, reported.

Taiwan confirmed that 11 of the suspects were arrested after breaking into a courtyard at its compound.

Angry civilians had joined the search for the gunmen, and helped police track down some who were hiding in the bushes. The crowd set fire to three of the suspects’ cars, and destroyed evidence.

Police chief Léon Charles called for calm, saying the public should not take the law into their own hands.

At the news conference on Thursday, police showed reporters Colombian passports.

“Foreigners came to our country to kill the president,” Charles said, as the suspects sat on the floor behind him in handcuffs.

Colombia’s government has pledged to assist Haiti with its investigation efforts.

Colombian police director, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, said 17 former Colombian soldiers were thought to be involved.

The US State Department, meanwhile, said it could not confirm if any of its citizens had been detained.

However, US and Canadian media are reporting that one of the dual citizens arrested, James Solages, 35, is from Florida, and was a former bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Haiti.

An investigating judge told local media that Solages and the other US citizen, named as Joseph Vincent,

had said they were there as translators for the mercenaries, after finding the job on the Internet.

“The mission was to arrest President Jovenel Moïse... and not to kill him,” Judge Clément Noël told Le Nouvelliste.

The US said on Friday it was sending FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials to Haiti following the nation’s request for help in the investigation.

Members of Moïse’s security detail have been summoned before Haiti’s courts to answer questions about its failures.

The Colombian daily, El Tiempo, said that it had seen confidential documents that named the Colombian suspects. The paper’s research suggests that four of them flew from Colombia to neighbouring the Dominican Republic on 4 June.

They crossed by land from there into Haiti two days later. The two countries share the island of Hispaniola.

According to El Tiempo, Colombian intelligence has seen photos posted on social media by members of the group, showing them posing at a popular tourist spot in the Dominican Republic.

The killing has triggered some civil unrest in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas. A state of emergency remains in force across the country, while the Dominican Republic has closed its border.

The situation has been unclear, and is getting murkier.

In this particular situa-

Axes, wire-cutters, sets of US dollar bills and Colombian passports have been seized (BBC photo)

Large crowds surrounded the Pétion-Ville Police Station in Port-au-Prince, where the men have been detained (BBC photo) tion, the Constitution says the National Assembly should choose another president. But disputes meant that elections scheduled for October 2019 did not take place, and Mr. Moïse had been ruling by decree amid widespread protests.

Amendments to the Constitution, not accepted by everyone, suggest that the prime minister should be the next one to take over.

But Haiti has both an interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, and a new appointee, Ariel Henry, who has yet to be sworn in.

Both are claiming to be in charge.

On Friday, a group of political parties signed a resolution proclaiming a new

president, Joseph Lambert, with Mr. Henry acting as his PM. The situation is doing

little to resolve the political and economic instability that has long plagued the nation. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Politics of deception

T

HE APNU+AFC coalition continues to refer to the PPP/C administration an ‘installed regime’, despite overwhelming evidence that the administration won the National and Regional Elections in a fair and transparent manner. The results of the elections were declared in favour of the PPP/C by the Guyana Elections Commission, and the then PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ai was, in keeping with the requirements of the Constitution, sworn in by the Chancellor of the Judiciary as the duly-elected Executive President of Guyana.

No other election in the history of Guyana was subjected to the level of scrutiny and judicial reviews as that of the March 2, 2020 polls. There had been counts and recounts, mainly at the insistence of the APNU+AFC coalition, with the consequential result that a declaration, which, under normal circumstances, would have been concluded in a week’s time was dragged on

for over five months before a final declaration was finally made. That was not only unprecedented in the history of our electoral politics, but it will also leave a permanent scar on our body-politic insofar as our electoral process is concerned.

One would have thought that given the level of scrutiny of the validation processes conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission, under the watchful eyes of a CARICOM team of observers and other national and international observers, the integrity and validity of the electoral process would have been accepted by all of the contesting parties. But not the APNU+AFC, which continues to sell a false narrative that the elections were ‘stolen’ by the PPP/C, and, in their opinion, the government that emanated therefrom is ‘illegitimate’.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and his party cohorts cannot be oblivious to the fact that, as a party, they have failed to obtain the required number of votes to be re-elected to office. Their

polling/counting agents would have given them the results of the elections as reflected in the Statements of Poll (SoPs) at the close of poll. These SoPs were signed off by Presiding Officers, and the counting agents of the respective political parties, and the originals kept by the Guyana Elections Commission. As to why GECOM failed to make available verified copies of the SoPs in their possession immediately after the close of poll remains a mystery. It could have erased any doubts as to the authenticity of the results, and put to rest whatever allegations of ballot tampering made by the political opposition.

All of that, however, is now, as it were, water under the bridge. The important thing is for the Guyana Elections Commission to learn from its mistakes, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that there is no recurrence of that sordid and highly embarrassing episode. The credibility of the GECOM, more particularly its secretariat, as an independent, unbiased and impartial

electoral body is critical for the holding of free and fair elections, and it will take some deep and forward-looking thinking on the part of GECOM to erase such a perception from the collective consciousness of the Guyanese electorate.

The APNU+AFC Leader and its entire leadership also need to do some serious introspection to its own credibility and integrity as a political entity. There are many, including some in the leadership of the Coalition, who do not subscribe to the idea of winning at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing truth and integrity on the altar of some perceived political gain.

Harmon, as the Leader of the Opposition, has a responsibility to its membership and, for that matter, the Guyanese people, to come clean and admit to the legitimacy of the current PPP/C administration. This will then open the doors for constructive and, hopefully, fruitful dialogue on the way forward for the country, especially in these trying times.

Remembering the Ballot Box Martyrs…

Let us be united and inspired

By Neil Kumar

C

OME July 16, we will be commemorating the brutal murder of our two exemplary Comrades Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar. These two young men were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down as they were among their villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.

On that fatal day, July 16, 1973, 48 years ago, Bholanauth Permanand and Jagan Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force soldiers. Guyanese were fully aware of the People’s National Congress’ wicked approach to National

Elections, specifically, their heinous intentions to rig the elections. Investigations by the Justice Dhanessar Jhappan Commission of Inquiry revealed the high likelihood of a PPP victory if the elections had been run in a free and fair manner. The commission cited the massive public meetings held by the People’s Progressive Party and the overwhelming public display of support for Dr. Cheddi Jagan as evidence of this. The PNC, in order to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and police, to all parts of the country.

In addition to the regular strength at the police stations in Berbice, a battalion was

deployed from the Guyana Defence Force under Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson had his headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam.

Captain Johnson’s men were further broken up into smaller groups and a platoon under the command of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on the 7th June, 1973. The section consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals and nine privates, that is, 20 men in all, including Lieutenant Henry. The platoon pitched camp at No. 51 backlands and remained there until the 19th June, 1973. From there they went to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there un-

til the 27th June, 1973, when they moved on to No. 63 and bivouacked on the beach.

On the 14th June, 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police Station. They had with them self-loading rifles, submachine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.

‘Bholanauth Parmanand and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar were shot by armed agents of the PNC dictatorship at No. 63 Village, Corentyne during the 1973 elections, while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.’

Yours truly worked on that polling day in Pouderoy-

en, and as we were coming out at 5:30am., I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling on the roadside with their guns.

A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, police and the army.

It is not by chance that Private London of the Guyana Defence Force was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie”! He was one of the masterminds among the criminal gangs that terrorised the Guyanese people.

“Blackie” was killed in a shootout with the police and the PNC draped his coffin with the National Flag and gave him a PNC farewell funeral.

On the 16th of July, 1973, with Corporal Collins, Privates Mc Kenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the Guyana Defence Force, Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the police force, Lieutenant Henry took along with him tear smoke grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two submachine guns, rifles and bayonets. He himself was armed with one of the submachine guns. Corporal Collins had the other.

The PNC thugs with all their armed might descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention to take full control of the ballot boxes and remove the representaTURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

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Sherod Duncan accuses CARICOM heads of being ‘gangsters and hustlers’

OPPOSITION Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan has accused Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of being “gangsters and hustlers”.

In a recent broadcast programme, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) member went after CARICOM for the statement it issued following the assassination of Haiti’s President, Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday last.

In the statement, CARICOM leaders condemned the assassination as “abhorrent and reprehensible”, and called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice, and for law and order to prevail.

Duncan, having not found favour with the statement, accused the CARICOM leaders of being “hypocrites”. “The

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan

TURN FROM PAGE 6

tives of the other three political parties from around the ballot boxes.

Bholanauth Parmanand was killed and his dear wife and four children had to endure the death of the breadwinner of their home, as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.

Young Jagan Ramessar was shot and killed and the army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon. He was paraded to send a message to the people in Berbice.

Approximately five hours later, after his corpse was unspeakably desecrated, he was taken to New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Jagan Ramessar, only 18-years-old, was brutally murdered and his parents and other relatives are today still crying.

Parmanand’s immediate family and his comrades, 48 years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 elections.

My Dear Comrade Rishi

Ram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fatal day. Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened. Families were humiliated and separated. Rishi Ram Motie was a genuine activist with the PPP. During the campaign before July 16th it was clear that the People’s Progressive Party meetings attracted massive support while the PNC had a sprinkling of people. Motie, as he sobbed, told me that when the election results were announced and the PNC was the winning party, nobody accepted the results. The PNC terrorists continued to terrorise the Berbicians as hundreds of people fled their homes and went across to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months.

As a result, thousands of Berbicians and other Guyanese were forced to leave Guyana.

Guyanese must never forget that many eminent

persons such as Dr. Walter Rodney were assassinated and murdered during the dark days of PNC rule. Today, we must draw strength, unite and work together for the maintenance and further development of the democracy we now enjoy.

We must ensure that the memories of Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar live on in us and let their sacrifice inspire us to rally with Comrade Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party.

We must never forget that the Guyana Elections Commission was fully under Burnham’s PNC control. It was the then Chairman of GECOM who allowed the staff to rig the elections.

However, in 2020 it is the astute leadership of Bharat Jagdeo and his powerful leadership that was able to unite this country and with the help of the international observers, democracy triumphed in 2020. Guyanese must never allow anymore ‘Rigging of Elections’ in Guyana.

Let us struggle for Electoral Reforms.

whole flipping Heads of Government for the region are hypocrites,” Duncan said, adding: “All of the Caribbean leaders, y’all are hypocrites and y’all are wasting our time and taxpayers’ monies funding CARICOM.” This would not be the first time that members of the APNU+AFC are criticising the operations of CARICOM. As a matter of fact, the now Opposition members were quite critical of the Caribbean Community for having helped to restore democracy in Guyana, following the widely highlighted attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC. Aside from his services being terminated for mismanaging the finances of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper while he held

the position of General Manager, Duncan has developed a reputation of being quite defiant of those in higher positions.

Just a few months ago, he took to social media to bash the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. In a Facebook post, Duncan wrote, “Mr. Speaker started out like them new cookshop, and then the price rise, and the standard fall. I thought after the second bout of COVID he would stay closer to God…” In his latest ramblings, Duncan contended that the CARICOM leaders were “hyposites,” which, according to Online dictionaries, means ‘low-energy food’. From all indications, he meant to say hypocrites, but used the wrong word, since hyposites has no relation in the context in which he was speaking.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Three remanded for torching GECOM Linden office AS the investigation continues into the alleged arson committed on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) building at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden, three men were on Friday remanded to prison for the crime.

Teon February, called “Nut”, 23, of Canvas City, Wismar, and Marlon Hunter, called “Bushy”, 21, of Silver Town, Wismar; and Byon Kendell, 48, of Kara-Kara Linden, appeared virtually before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The trio was not required to plead to the joint charge which alleged that on July 14, 2020, they unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the GECOM building.

February was slapped with two firearm- related charges, and a series of break-and- enter with simple larceny charges committed in the Linden District.

Hunter was represented by attorney-at-law Yondessa Welcome-Mercurius, while February and Kendell were unrepresented. Welcome-Mercurius told the court that her client does not pose a flight risk, and should be released on bail.

However, the bail ap-

plication was strongly opposed by the prosecutor, on the grounds that while the offence is bailable, the nature of it is serious, since it was committed on a public building.

According to the prosecution, an investigation into the arson is still ongoing by investigators in Linden. Additionally, come Monday, July 12, February and Hunter are expected to appear in court for charges relating to break-and-enter with larceny committed around the Linden district.

The Magistrate remanded the trio to prison until July 30.

According to reports, on July 5, February and Hunter were arrested following a raid in Linden.

At the time, February was allegedly nabbed with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and eight matching rounds that had been stolen from a retired police officer’s car days prior.

According to a police report, during a video interview conducted on July 7, 2020, at about 18:00 hours, February admitted his involvement in the setting of the fire, in that he reportedly said that he was contacted

by Kendell on the night of July 13, 2020 regarding the

burning of the building.

February allegedly said that he asked Hunter, who’s his cousin, to join him, and on the night in question, sometime after 22:00 hours, Kendell picked them up in a silver Toyota Note motorcar and took them to Burnham Drive where the building was pointed out.

The police in its report said that February claimed that Kendell told him that he wanted the building set on fire the same night, and that they would receive $150,000 on completion of the task. Kendell allegedly gave the cousins a yellow five-gallon bottle of gasoline, which he had in his car trunk at the time and left.

February allegedly said they hid the ‘gas’ in some nearby bushes a short distance from the GECOM building and went home.

He said that at around midnight on July 14, 2020, he and his cousin returned to the location on foot and retrieved the ‘gas’, and thereafter, entered the compound from a side gate and later gained access to the GECOM building from the back door.

February allegedly told the police that once inside the building, he and his cousin went to what ap-

Teon February, called ‘Nut’

Marlon Hunter, called ‘Bushy’

Bryon Kendall

peared to be a storeroom in the upper flat of the building, and that after throwing the gas around the room and lighting a fire, there was an explosion, which caused them to receive burns to their feet.

February said they escaped the scene, and went home, using the same route they took to get to the building. On their arrival home, three relatives were there, and they were informed about what had transpired.

One family member assisted them with tending to the burns. The same night, Kendell reportedly went to the cousins’ home where $75,000 was handed to February, who later gave the money to Hunter.

The following morning, Kendell reportedly handed over the remaining $75,000.

After that date, February said he saw Kendell several times, but he did not say

anything about the incident. He added that the man told him that the reason for burning the building was because GECOM was taking too long to swear in Mr. David Granger.

Marlon Hunter was next interviewed on camera, and

he supported the story told

by February which led to the arrest of Kendell. On Friday, July 9, William Roy Marshall was arrested in connection to the crime.

He is said to be the mastermind behind the burning of the building.

Woman caught with cannabis in bedroom sentenced, fined ALICIA Henry was, on Friday, found guilty of being in possession of 485 grammes of cannabis when she made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Delon Bess. She was sentenced to three years in prison and was ordered to pay a fine of $363,750.

The charge stated that, on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Lot 77 Queens Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Henry had in her possession a narcotic specifically, 485 grammes of cannabis, for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, around 07:20 hours, police, acting on information

received, went to Lot 77 Queens Street, Kitty, Georgetown, where they made contact with Henry. They requested that a search be conducted on her premises, to which she agreed.

During the search a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, that were suspected to be cannabis, were found in her bedroom. She was told of the allegation and cautioned, under which she claimed ownership of the cannabis found.

She was subsequently arrested and taken to the Kitty Police Station. Further investigation was carried out which resulted in Henry being charged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Chronicle journalist is top Youth Parliament debater

By Naomi Parris

EMERGING as the top performer of this year’s ‘Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition’, 22-year-old Richard Bhainie seized, not one, but two wins.

The young journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, who is also pursuing studies in law, over the last two weeks, proved to be one of the best candidates rising out of the competition. With a fearless aura and factual responses, Bhainie coped the title of best debater and best rebuttal.

Speaking with this publication after his big win, Bhainie revealed that it was his first time participating in a debating competition. In fact, he was approached to fill in for someone who was unable to participate.

“I never participated in debate competitions before, I

was asked to be a part of the group after someone wasn’t available. I was asked to fill a spot,” he said.

While basking in his achievements, he noted that the competition was not without its challenges; however, he managed to overcome them and in the end was successful.

“There were definitely challenges… but in the end it came down to keeping a cool head and despite the challenges that would have [arisen] between team mates and persons refusing to co-operate and all of that, it all came back to just remaining calm and having faith,” Bhainie told this publication.

He reiterated that keeping a ‘cool head’ and a positive perspective led to his success in the competition.

“There is a specific quote that I held dear to me ‘had he but faith, you could move

mountains said Jesus’ and throughout the competition I kept faith and even in times when I didn’t believe in myself, I still had a positive perspective and outlook.”

Describing his feelings, Bhainie said, “It’s my first competition, and, to win it, I feel more than happy…. It was a lot of hard work and it took a lot out of me and I’m proud of myself, I’m proud to say that this moment is a result of all of that hard work.”

Sharing some advice to his fellow youths, Bhainie said despite the challenges faced, they should, despite setbacks, with much vigour, pursue their goals.

“I love to see equal opportunities and access to everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are and where you are from, I love to see that everyone is given an equal chance in life and there are things that often affect us which we

may feel will hinder that, but, in the end, I would encourage everyone to pursue their goals vigorously.”

Bhainie thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Friday, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir said that the competition aimed to promote the work of the country’s democratic institutions.

“This was not just a debating competition; this was an initiative that seeks to make our intuitions of de-

mocracy within the State more prevalent among the people and as Speaker I am embarking on a number of initiatives so that we can promote these democratic institutions.”

The Speaker further noted that the competition was the first of many initiatives being undertaken by Parliament to promote harmony, civility, cohesion and engage the future leaders of the country.

“This is one vehicle to speak about our Parliament, its functions and its role in promoting harmony, civility and cohesion among our people. A number of other initiatives are going to be launched not only nationally but among parliaments

The top debater, Richard Bhainie and parliamentary groupings around the world.”

In closing, Nadir expressed confidence that the participants of this year’s competition will go on to represent the country beyond the walls of Parliament.

“I am confident that we are going to be seeing persons from these 48 debaters emerging to serve the nation at the highest level in almost every sphere of endeavour.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Residents beginning to return home as floodwaters recede

FLOODWATERS have significantly receded in several communities, allowing for residents, who were housed at shelters across the country, to begin returning to their homes.

All of the persons who were being housed at the Tabatinga shelter in Region Nine have returned home. Sixty-nine persons in Region 10 have also returned to their homes.

As of Friday, there are now 184 persons staying in shelters in Regions Two, Five and 10. This is a marked reduction of the 257 persons who were being housed in 12 shelters as of July 2.

Of those remaining in the shelters, there are 30 persons at the Barama Building in Karawab, Region Two; seven persons at the Mortice Primary HM Building in Region Five; and 147 persons across shelters in Region 10.

A total of 91 females and 93 males are in those shelters.

Floodwaters have receded from most of the coastal regions including Regions One, Two, Three and Four, with no new reports of flooding. However, regional officials in each of the respective regions continue to monitor the situation.

Water has also significantly decreased in Regions Seven and Eight. However, there still remains significant flooding in Regions Five, Six, and 10. Though some areas in Region Nine have improved, there are some new reports of rising levels in the river.

Below is an outline of the situation in the respective regions.

REGION ONE There have been no new reports of flooding and re-

gional officials continue to monitor the situation.

At last report, water levels had receded in riverine communities and have dropped to normal levels in the Barama River.

REGION TWO There have been no new reports of flooding and the regional officials continue to monitor the situation.

At last report, floodwaters have receded in all previously-affected communities including those on the Coast and in the Pomeroon River.

REGION THREE Floodwaters have receded from communities previously affected.

There have been no new reports of flooding and regional officials continue to monitor the region.

REGION FOUR There have been no new reports of flooding and regional officials continue to monitor the situation.

REGION FIVE At the Mahaica Creek area, flood waters have further receded by about two inches, with water having receded from the residential area of Little Biaboo; however, there still remains approximately 16 inches of flood water in Big Biaboo.

In the Mahaicony Creek area the communities of Hyde Park, Esau and Jacob, Mora Point, Water Dog Creek, Kara-

floodwaters have receded from most of the coastal regions including Regions One, Two, Three and Four, with no new reports of flooding mat, Pine Ground and Governors Light remain inundated with about seven inches of water. In the community of Wash Clothes, water has further receded by one inch; however, there is still approximately 31 inches of floodwater remaining. At Gordon Table, floodwater level increased by two inches as a result of heavy rainfall and is now at approximately 14 inches.

The entire communities of Burma Housing Scheme and Lower Moraikobai Village remain flooded.

At Abary Creek, water has dropped by a further two inches; however, the entire community remains affected with approximately nine inches of water still on land.

REGION SIX As a result of heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours, some homes in low-lying areas, yards and roads are flooded with about 10 inches of water across communities from Village #35 to Epson. However, sluices and kokers are operable and the water is slowly receding, with noticeable decreases in the communities of Yakusari, Joanna, Mibicuri and Le Bolden in the Black Bush Polder District.

REGION SEVEN Water levels have receded by approximately 15 feet in the Kamarang and Mazaruni Rivers and these areas remain safe.

REGION EIGHT Floodwater has receded from El Passo to the left side of the Potaro River.

REGION NINE As a result of rising levels in the river, water levels in the South Pakaraimas and Deep South Rupununi are rising once again covering roads and bridges. However, water levels at North Rupununi, Central Rupununi and South Central Rupununi continue to rapidly recede.

REGION TEN Officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) carried out a number of assessments where it has been noted that water has receded in Landersville, Three Friends Mines, Coomacka, Sand Hills, Riverview, Muritaro, Dalawala, Speightland and Develdt.

At Malali, the floodwater has decreased by approximately 10 feet. In Hururu, floodwaters have decreased further by a few inches while at Rockstone, the floodwaters have receded; however, water remains high in the creek.

Floodwaters continue to slowly recede at Maria Elizabeth, Great Falls and Old Kara Kara; however, water level at Kwakwani remains between two to seven feet high

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Revolutionary condoms to hit market soon — product addresses best-practice, and modern, forward-thinking applications for intimacy

A NEW product is about to hit the shelves in Guyana and change the way in which sexual practices and intimacy are viewed.

Come July 14, the A+A Marketing Company Incorporated will launch an innovative, new product, rumoured to be the first of its kind in the world: Double “A” Protection Condoms.

‘Double “A” Protection Condoms’ is a combination box comprising three lubricated latex condoms, one wipe, one lubricant and one disposable pack, created by the A+A Marketing Company Incorporated.

According to a statement by a company representative, the product is designed to help persons explore healthy sexual behaviour, and recognise non-discrimination of sexual orientation in the expression and demonstration of love in a modern society, while enhancing sexual practices between consenting adults.

It will also serve to endorse Goals Number Three (Good Health & Well-being) in making well-in-

formed choices, practising safe sex, and vaccinating children, and Five (Gender equality and women’s empowerment) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which aim to promote prosperity in all countries— poor, rich and middle-income—while protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

“This product will revolutionise the way we treat sexual behaviour and encourage present-day, disciplined and pushing-the-envelope consideration of sexual life in Guyana, in the first instance, and spreading its philosophy, regionally, thereafter. All in all, this product addresses best-practice, modern, forward-thinking applications, with respect to healthier and safer sex practice,” the statement further detailed.

The “combination sex box,” as it has been dubbed, has been described as ‘pioneering’, since it demonstrates non-discriminatory judgment on sexual preference, and treats existing sexual behaviour with a realistic, contemporary,

heads-on overview.

‘Double “A” Protection Condoms’ are joining the global campaign to deter teenage pregnancies and regulate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), primarily HIV/ AIDS. The A+A Marketing Company seeks to embolden the agenda of responsible, sustainable, holistic wellness choice, which is a mandate for improving the quality of life of citizens, which in turn aims to promote a better standard of living.

With wellness as a mandate, consumers at large are better prepared, through prevention, rather than cure, to access improved lifechance status.

“The success of the product directly impacts humanitarian alignments.

The intention to amplify a corporate social responsibility based on sales of an essential and relevant product, free of prejudice, speaks volumes for its appropriateness and relevance, at this time. The company mandates that part proceeds of sales go to a charity of

choice,” the representative’s statement explained.

The success of the product would also directly impact the opening up of a condom plant in Guyana, where many jobs would be created. Its continued success would invariably

impact export-worthy viability, and as a result, job security for those under its purview.

In the final analysis, in a post-pandemic equation, persons would be equipped with new, revolutionary tools to cater to the ‘new

normal’ social culture, to come.

A+A Marketing Company Incorporated premieres its product on the 14th July at the SleepIn Hotel and Casino, 288-289 Church Street, Georgetown at 10:30hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Canje boy does Guyana proud –– while studying classical music in India

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric AT just 18 years old, Karamchand Sugrim, better known as Kishan Sugrim, travelled over 9,000 miles away from the ‘Land of Many Waters’ to the Land of Spices and Rich Cultural Heritage’, where he enrolled at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, a renowned institute engaged in the training and preservation of traditional Indian Music and Dance.

The cultural institution was founded in 1952 by Sumitra Charat Ram in New Delhi, and imparts training in Indian classical dance styles and music, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Chhau, and Hindustani Classical music, both Vocal and Instrumental.

It was shortly after Kishan responded to a Facebook post by the India High Commissioner to Guyana that he received an acceptance email from the learning institution.

Further permission from his parents, and support from Dr. Vindhya Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship programme that recommended a full scholarship, allowed him to embrace the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Consequently, he departed his homeland on August 4, 2018 to pursue studies in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music in New Delhi, India.

On arrival, he was imme-

Performing with others at the annual Basant Panchami Festival at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra diately assailed by nostalgia and wanted to return home, given the cultural shock, and language barrier. But, in time, he quickly overcame those fears, and immersed himself into his studies, so as to fulfil the purpose of his three-year tutelage.

Initially, he along with students of other nationalities attended classes six days a week, and were exposed to the Sagram, basic notes in Hindustani music, such as sa- re-ga-ma, pa-dha-ni-sa, before later moving on to what is called Raagas (small composition).

Overall, the studies strengthened and built the voice, while ensuring breath control, uniformity in voice, clarity in voice, articulation, resonance and vocal range were on point.

Additionally, he was taught precision, as hours Playing the Tanpura, an instrument used in classical performances

See page 13

Receiving a lifetime blessing from Guru Shishya Parampara

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Several more to be employed in Mocha/Arcadia SEVEN more persons from Mocha/Arcadia will be employed as Community Enhancement Workers (CEWs).

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall made the announcement on Thursday during a meeting with residents, farmers and the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

This, he said, is in keeping with the government’s commitment to create jobs and boost village economies.

Residents also raised concerns about the state of some roads, and flooding caused by poor drainage, among others.

“We will be doing some trench cleaning, and the engineer will be here tomorrow at 8, and do an

Mocha/Arcadia residents highlighting their concerns assessment of all of the in the community,” the drainage points. We will minister said. be doing a conditional Residents were urged survey of all of the roads to work together with the

relevant authorities to assist in the development of their community.

“The Government is committed to working together with you to develop this community, because only through this kind of approach can the Mocha Arcadia community be able to grow for the benefit of our future generation,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Minister Dharamlall also handed over a brush cutter to the NDC to conduct much-needed enhancement works.

Some $1.1 billion was set aside in the 2021 National Budget for the CEW programme, for the preservation and enhancement of communities. CEWs fall under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) which started in 2014, and was

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall modified in 2015, to decentralise resources to the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs).

CIIP also enables the NDCs to provide services to the commu-

nities, and to encourage citizens to pay their rates and taxes to facilitate the maintenance of critical structures and other development works. (DPI)

Canje boy does ...

From page 12

are dedicated to Riyaz ( practice) so as to improve one’s ability to render every note, every rhythm in its designated place, not a frequency here or there.

Further, the young student learnt dedication and self discipline, as Indian classical music is a rich musical tradition filled with complexities. Following the three-year period of studies, which concluded in May 2021, he amassed a Grade A or 92.

5%, and during his time in India, he was fortunate to be a part of Ramlila, a dramatic folk enactment of the Hindu god-king Ram’s life through song, narration, recital, and dialogue. It’s an annual show with a 65-year history.

In addition, visits were made to the Golden Temple, Chandli Chowk, Himalayas, and Jama Masjid amongst other historic places.

EARLIER YEARS The elder of two boys born to Soorsatie and Deepanand Sugrim at Reliance, East Canje received his initial musical tutoring from his mother, who taught him the famous Bhajan, ‘Rama Ho Rama Re’, which he sang for many weeks at regular Sunday morning services at the Mandir.

Thereafter, he not only participated in singing competitions, but also sang at many events across Guyana, such as the E-Networks Emerging Voices (Season 2) competition, becoming a finalist and grabbing the third position. He also participated in school events, and in the annual Diwali motorcades.

It was after becoming a finalist in the national competition that he hosted singing classes for the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation, which attracted lots of

young people from the East Canje and New Amsterdam areas. This continued even through his stint as a nurse’s assistant at the medical clinic of Doctor Ramesh Sugrim, a cultural icon himself in the Berbice Hindu community.

That aside, the aspiring medical practitioner believes there must be a balance between academics and culture, and as such attended the New Amsterdam Multilateral School, where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and secured several passes.

IN RETROSPECT Looking back at his many achievements over the years, Kishan said: “Travelling in India was on the top of my wish list; it warmed my heart to see so many ancient historical sites, places

At the Golden Temple in Amritsar of worship and amazing epics of this great land.

While travelling also, it’s given me the opportunity to sample so many Indian foods, most of which

are very spicy, but so delicious. The sweetmeats are the best in the world.”

As to his plans for the future, he said: “My goal is to be a

better singer, having gained the knowledge of the preamble of music, and in so doing, widely share my knowledge in Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

GRA initiates consultation on Customs Administration Modernisation Project

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and a delegation of six consultants from the Korea Customs Service (KCS) have commenced consultations for the Modernisation of the Guyana Customs Administration.

According to a release, the 50-day visit to Guyana is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the GRA and the

KCS, and concludes with the delivery of a final report which will recommend a future model for Guyana’s Customs.

During the visit, the project team will introduce UNI-PASS, Korea’s e-customs clearance system and hold seminars on Korea’s Customs Administration to share its experience and know-how.

The two countries ex-

pect that the consulting project which is expected to be for a duration of eight months will bring shifts in Guyana’s Customs administration in various fields, including risk management, cargo management and item classification, and contribute to the automation of Guyana’s Customs administration, the release said.

Officials from the GRA and the Korea Customs Service during their recent meeting

EPA, ExxonMobil begin consultation on gas-to-energy impact assessment THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) have begun a public scoping campaign before the U.S. oil company embarks on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the gas-to-energy project.

The project, which is a manifesto promise of the Preliminary artist’s Impression of the natural gas government, will halve the plant (Source: EEPGL) cost of power and lower to determine the potential mental authorisation. The impacts of the project be- agency has published a emissions.

The EPA had decided fore it considers EEPGL’s project summary which inthat an EIA is necessary application for environ- cludes technical informa-

tion to be used to evaluate the application.

EPA’s Head of Environmental Communication, Education, Awareness Programme (ECEAP) Candacie Thompson, during a virtual briefing Thursday, said the requirement for the EIA was placed on public notice on June 27, for 28 days. The public scoping meetings will continue until July 22, with in-person meetings along the coast and a second virtual meeting on July 15.

Members of the public are allowed to make their contributions for consid-

erations in the EIA and Thompson said that public participation is integral to the process.

Project Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Erik DeMicco, represented EEPGL during Thursday’s briefing. He presented the project’s summary and components; this included the preliminary list of resources and receptors which will be included in the assessment.

The project includes the construction and operation of a pipeline from the Liza Phases 1 and 2 floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO)

vessels to an onshore natural gas liquids and natural gas processing plant. The pipeline will transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the plant. According to the summary, the plant will, in turn, drop the pressure of the gas, dehydrate the gas, separate propane, butane and pentanes, and treat the gas to the specification needed for the power plant.

The plant is expected to add some 250 MW of power to the national grid, starting late 2024.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Lowenfield seeks to block Gunraj, Shadick from participating in dismissal motions

By Clestine Juan

CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield has moved to the Georgetown High Court seeking an order preventing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)- nominated GECOM Commissioners, Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick from participating as adjudicators in the hearing of the motion for his dismissal.

Lowenfield, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes, has filed a fixed-date application against GECOM, seeking, among other things, a declaration that Gunraj and Shadick, in their motion for his dismissal, cannot properly participate, hear and determine their own complaint against him.

He is also seeking a declaration from the court that he is “entitled to the protection of the rules of natural justice, and the right to a fair hearing in the hearing and determination of the motion for dismissal.”

Additionally, the embattled GECOM chief wants “a declaration that the Respondent, having determined that there shall be a hearing of the Motion for dismissal of the Applicant brought

by Commissioners Gunraj

and Shadick, is bound to provide the applicant with a fair hearing, including the protections of the rules of natural justice.”

On June 1, 2021, GECOM Commissioners Gunraj, Shadick and Manoj Narayan had tabled a motion seeking the “immediate dismissal” of Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, and Clairmont Mingo, Returning Officer for Region Four at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In filing that motion, Gunraj, Shadick and Narayan relied on a gamut of reasons pertaining to breach of functions, duties, responsibilities and obligations to support their call for the trio’s dismissal.

GECOM had unanimously decided to send the trio on paid leave, effective June 28, so as to give it enough time to conclude the ongoing discussions regarding their dismissal within the shortest possible time.

The GECOM trio has come in for harsh criticism from the public at large for their alleged conduct at the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. They have since been charged, and are currently before the

court for a series of electoral fraud.

It is alleged that the trio, between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other, together with Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith-Joseph, Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb- Cummings, Michelle Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

They and their alleged co-conspirators are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Guyana’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls, when in fact the PPP/C had won by 15,000 votes.

This dispute resulted in several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), ewhich is Guyana’s highest court of appeal, and a five-month delay in the declaration of the results. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, which led to Dr. Irfaan Ali being sworn in as the President of Guyana.

Director of Public Pros-

PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield

ecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., granted a fiat to attorneys-at-law, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas, to prosecute the

matters on behalf of the State.

In May, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, S.C., had ordered the release of the certified copies of the elections’ Statements of

Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) to the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and the DPP for use in the prosecution of the cases against the GECOM officials.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Certificates of Title for West Coast Berbice residents soon

GOVERNMENT will soon begin issuing Certificates of Title to residents of West Coast Berbice who have been occupying lands without formal titles, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C., said.

The Attorney-General met with residents of Numbers Three, Four and Five villages on Thursday, to address land-titling.

“Dating back decades, Guyanese have been living

in communities right across this land without formal title being issued to them in relation to the land that they are occupying… What this exercise is intended to do at the end of this process is to put in every hand a Certificate of Title for the land upon which your house is standing,” the Attorney-General told residents.

He said the government is conducting a similar exercise at Number 46 village on the Corentyne Coast and

Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. He said the first set of land titles for Cotton Tree residents will be generated soon.

With residents receiving formal titles, they will be able to pass the property to their children or other family members. Residents can also pledge their titles in commercial banks when taking loans.

“This is another elections promise being delivered.

This is a very important

Attorney-General Mohabir Anil Nandlall interacts with a West Coast Berbice Resident (DPI photo) exercise for the betterment of you and your family; the government is undertaking this task free of cost.”

The Attorney-General noted that land surveys will be conducted. This, he said, will identify the parameters of the lands occupied by the residents.

That information will be put into a plan, following which a judge in the Berbice High Court will grant an

Order authorising issuance of the titles.

AG Nandlall said the success of the process depends on the participation and cooperation of residents.

He encouraged them to get on board.

“This process can only benefit you. There is nothing detrimental to your interest… Once you have title for your land, you can do so much to help

yourself and your family.” Member of Parliament, Faizal Jaffarally; Region Six Chairman, David Armogan; Region Five Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman and officials from the Legal Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) were also in attendance. (DPI)

Residents gathered during a meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

10 water processors issued cease orders

TEN water processors have been asked by the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) to cease operations following a survey conducted among 46 processors in Georgetown and its immediate environs.

According to a release, the exercise was conducted during the period October 2020 and January 2021.

“A total of 160 water samples were taken by inspectors of the department and submitted to our Food Microbiology laboratory where the test parameters for total Coliform and E. coli were performed: A test that gives a general indication of the sanitary and safety condition of the water supplied.

“This survey/exercise was therefore conducted to determine whether the sanitary/microbiological requirements as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for drinking water quality were being met.

“Of the 160 samples submitted, 109, or 68 per cent, were found to be satisfactory, while 51, or 32 per cent, were found to be unsatisfactory for the parameters tested. The department then had cause to with immediate effect ask 10 water processors to cease operations and there were only allowed to resume operations after satisfying sanitary and microbiological safety requirements in the best interest of the consuming public,” the release said.

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), or sanitary inspectors, who work with inspectors of the GAFDD have been alerted to this survey/exercise findings, and would be conducting a similar survey among water processors in their regions, the release noted.

It also pointed out that only 25 of the 46 water processors who participated in the survey were in possession of the Water Treatment and Basic Sanitation certificate issued by Empretec Guyana Inc. This is another basic requirement that wa-

ter processors must fulfill in order to be licenced or be approved to process.

The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department is reminding

all water processors to submit regular samples to the department; and

to ensure that processing, sanitation and record keeping requirements are

adequately maintained to protect the consuming public.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Experts argue that animal proteins are essential to nutritious, healthy diet

HIGH-quality proteins from meat and other foods of animal origin are instrumental in maintaining and restoring health.

Therefore, promoting universal access to these foods, and including them in diets is fundamental, particularly in medium and low-income countries, according to experts at a scientific seminar.

Nutritional specialists from different regions of the world attended the scientific seminar, “Proteins for All: The Importance of Protein Quality in Equitable, Sustainable Food Systems”, one of the preparatory events for the Food

Systems Summit convened

by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

The seminar was organised by the prestigious Riddet Institute, a New Zealand-based, world-renowned centre dedicated to strategic research on food and nutritional sciences; the Punjab Agricultural University in India, the largest educational centre in Asia focusing on food production matters; the Global Dairy Platform, a group of companies, scientific institutions and other stakeholders committed to the sustainable and healthy production of milk and its by-products; and the Inter-American

High-quality proteins from meat and other foods of animal origin are instrumental in maintaining and restoring health, the experts say Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Understanding the type and amount of proteins found in each food is essential for those who are working to improve the diet of the mushrooming global population, said the participating specialists, who highlighted the unparalleled contribution of animal protein to a nutritious and healthy diet.

The event was supported by the International Dairy Federation, the International Egg Commission, the International Meat Secretariat, the International Poultry Council, and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

Paul Moughan, Professor at the Riddet Institute, who is considered a global authority on protein metabolism, indicated that, “Not only is the amount of protein that people eat of tremendous importance, but that in evaluating diets, we must also consider protein quality, ensuring that in developing countries, people have access to what they require for development.”

Responding to the arguments against animal production and its emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, Moughan warned that the quality of meat proteins, which cannot be replaced by vegetable proteins, should also be assessed when measuring the environmental impact of meat production.

“Only a wide range of proteins guarantees a bal-

anced and healthy diet,” he concluded.

Kiran Bains, Professor and Head of the Food and Nutrition Department at Punjab Agricultural University, spoke of the amino acid deficiencies in the diet in India, which is home to approximately 1.4 billion people.

Bains explained that, “In populations with limited resources or income, people consume more grains and limited amounts of foods of animal origin.

Thus, their diets usually consist of low-quality proteins, which have a negative impact on health.

In India, up to 26 per cent of rural and urban inhabitants exhibit dietary deficiencies.

“The consumption of grains that are low in protein may satisfy hunger, produce satiety, and even provide sufficient energy for people,” he warned, “but they certainly do not offer the required amount of amino acids, such as lysine, which may have an adverse effect on the body’s metabolic functions.”

Head of Research at the Riddet Institute, Suzanne Hodgkinson spoke about measuring the quality of proteins, and compared various basic foods, based on their level of amino acids.

On the other hand, IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero, cited data to support the importance of animal-based products as sources of healthy nutrition throughout the world.

Dairy products are the primary source of calcium for people; vegetable proteins cannot replace animal proteins, because they do not contain the essential amino acids that meat does. Innovations in genetics and animal reproduction have the potential to eliminate diseases, and, in this way to increase the sustainability of livestock production.

Otero mentioned that in developed countries, 80 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change originate from the burning of fossil fuels and not from livestock rearing. “In any case,” he said, “we all know that the attacks on animal production are nothing new.”

IICA coordinated a series of discussions and the preparation of the document “On the road to the UN Food Systems Summit: key messages from the perspective of agriculture in the Americas,” which the countries of the Americas agreed to present at the Food Systems Summit 2021. The document prioritises agriculture and farmers – the guarantors of the planet’s food and nutritional security.

The summit was convened to raise awareness among the global public and to establish global commitments and measures to transform food systems, not only to eradicate hunger, but to reduce the incidence of food-related diseases and cure the planet. (IICA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Exciting new ‘Expressive Visual Arts’ competition on stream CHILDREN between the ages of seven and 12 years old will have the opportunity to partake in a fun initiative called the ‘Expressive Visual Arts’ competition that will be rolled out just after school closes in July.

The competition is in keeping with the theme of International Day of Families 2021, “Families and New Technologies”, and is being undertaken by the National Family Commission (NFC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, a release says.

A call is being made to children across the length and breadth of Guyana to design an artistic representation of their family tree (up to three generations, inclusive of the participant).

It is anticipated that with this competition, awareness

The competition is in keeping with the theme of International Day of Families Technologies’ will be brought to the dif- nologies available (Zoom, submission should be of an ferent types of family units Social Media, etc.) to gather original concept. The entry there are, and the roles and information and create their should be conceptualised, changes affecting families. family tree. The artwork developed and completed by Additionally, it is expected they produce will have to the child. Family details to that in gathering informa- be in the form of a drawing complete the artwork could, tion on their family, bonds or painting that expresses however, be obtained from among children and their their interpretation of their family members. family members will be family tree.

In addition, contestants strengthened.

However, while the use are to submit a brief sumChildren are urged to of technology is encouraged mary (with a limit of 750 make use of different tech- to formulate designs, the words) of the story behind

2021, ‘Families and New the image, and how they made use of technology to create the masterpiece. The image should be at least 1,080 x 1,350 pixels, and each participant is allowed only one entry.

All submissions must be labelled legibly with the name, age and contact information of the participant, and submissions should be

sent to: NationalFamilyCommission2022@gmail. com before August 30, 2021.

Submissions will be posted on the ministry’s Facebook page, and it is envisaged that family members and others will promote the image on social media by sharing it.

The 10 submissions that receive the highest number of Facebook ‘likes’ will be shortlisted for a final review by the judges.

Prizes of electronic devices will be awarded to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth place winners, and the announcement of winners will be made before September 15, 2021.

All entries will be judged on creativity and originality, best use of technology, clarity and neatness and overall impression of the piece and the story behind the image.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

$29M subvention disbursed to 8 NDCs, 1 municipality in Region Two

LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall on Friday presented cheques worth millions of dollars to eight Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and one Municipality in Region Two. The simple handing-over ceremony was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Anna Regina.

During the handing-over ceremony, cheques worth $2.5M were presented to each NDC, while $9M was presented to the Anna Regina Town Council (ARTC).

The eight NDCs are: Annandale/Riverstown; Good

Hope/Pomona; Aberdeen/ Zorg-en-Vlugt; Evergreen/ Paradise; Charity/Ursara; Nile/Cozier; Kitty/Providence; and Moruka/Pheonix in the Pomeroon River.

Speaking to NDC chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, contactors, overseers and the Mayor of the town of Anna Regina, Minister Dharamlall said the disbursement of the monies is part of the government’s commitment to spurring physical development in every community.

He, therefore, said that he desires for the NDC leaders to use the money to conduct transformative projects geared at improving the lives of Guyanese.

According to the minister, Region Two is poised for development, and the Government of Guyana is committed to providing the necessary resources to help communities. He made mention of the recent award of $638M in projects that will further enhance the region.

The minister reminded NDC officials that it is part of their mandate to ensure that the government’s Manifesto is achieved by providing employment and equal opportunities for all citizens who reside in their respective communities.

“It is part of the government’s commitment that we provide physical development in every village. What Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharmalall handing over a cheque worth $2.5M to Althea Giles, overseer of the Moruka/Phoenix NDC, in the Lower Pomeroon, as others look on is even more important is philosophies as a govern- ing… I hope that the NDC that you as leaders, you have ment is that when we put officials are taking these to see the transformation of resources into communities things seriously, especially lives in your communities,” we would like resources to when investments are made.

Minister Dharamlall said. revolve,” Minister Dharam- We do not want to recycle He also announced that lall said. the labour force” the minster road works will be done at He also called on con- added.

Lima, and that there will tractors to provide local He also called on offialso be enhancement work employment for persons cials in the region to ensure on the Charity/Ursara tar- in the communities where that they overlook the projmac. Plans are also in place they are executing projects. ects, and that persons within to get a third landfill for The minister said the region the region are employed. waste disposal in the region. was affected over the last He also urged persons to The minister urged those five years because it did not get vaccinated during the contractors who are working benefit from enough devel- pandemic, so that they can within the various NDCs to opment support from the protect themselves and their work along with officials previous government. families. in further developing those The minister also Chairperson of the Ancommunities, and to ensure stressed that the recent nandale/Riverstown NDC, that they carry out their floods had affected the live- Jayshreee Persaud said she corporate social responsi- lihoods of persons, and as is happy for the subvention bilities. such, the resources invested that will assist her NDC to “We expect that contrac- must be accounted for. provide more enhancement tors when they go into an “We would like the re- works for the villages.

NDC area that they notify sources we invest and the Persaud thanked the the NDC, and they will try partners we have, which minister and the Governas best as possible to employ include the database of con- ment of Guyana for makpersons from within the tractors we have, to help us ing the money available for NDC area. Our economic get the economy revolv- the people in Region Two.

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Cavendish pulls level with Merckx after stage 13 win

(BBC) - Britain’s Mark Cavendish made history in the Tour de France as he equalled Belgian great Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins.

Cavendish won his first Tour stage in 2008

The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider won the sprint into Carcassonne by a few inches ahead of team-mate Michael Morkov.

“It’s what I dreamed of as a kid. I’ve worked so hard for it,” said Cavendish.

Briton Simon Yates of Team Bike Exchange abandoned the race following a crash in which several riders fell down a ravine.

Tadej Pogacar of UAETeam Emirates remains in the leader’s yellow jersey on a day that will be remembered for Cavendish’s exploits, 13 years on from his first win at the Tour.

An emotional and physically drained Cavendish embraced each of his team-mates at the finish and cried out “we’ve made history” as he hugged Davide Ballerini.

Cavendish added: “I’m so dead - 220km in that heat, in that wind. I went so deep

there - they boys were incredible. I can’t believe it.

“For a lot of the day it didn’t feel like it was going to happen. I was so on the limit.

You saw that at the end (which was) slightly uphill.

“It is just like my first one (win on the Tour). It was what I dreamed of as a kid and it is what I dream of now.

I have worked so hard for it.”

‘MAYBE HE WILL BEAT IT’ If Cavendish can survive the mountain stages in the Pyrenees to come, he could yet eclipse the mark that Merckx, a five-time overall winner of the Tour, set in 1975.

The Manx rider should have two more opportunities to take the record outright, first on stage 19 into Libourne on the final day of the race on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, where he has previously won four times.

SATURDAY, July 10, 2021 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1)

(2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

Brian Lara-1715 runs (18 Tests) Jacques Kallis-2356 runs (24 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI player against SA to date?

What is the highest individual Test score made by a SA player against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

The 219.9km stage from Nimes was tagged as a day for the breakaway but Deceuninck-Quick-Step largely maintained control of the peloton with Ballerini and Morkov, arguably the world’s best leadout rider, coming to the fore late on.

“He (Cavendish) knew I was picking the right moment,” said Danish rider Morkov. “He had a beautiful

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victory. It is only the second race I have done with him.

The experience he has is extraordinary.

“We went into this Tour thinking, ‘if we could bring him to one stage victory it would be more than amazing’. Now he has taken four.

He told me a couple of years ago that he needed just one Tour de France to tie the record. Maybe he will beat it. “

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

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Novak digs deep to beat Shapovalov

(BBC) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic needed all of his nous and quality to edge past Denis Shapovalov and set up a Wimbledon men’s final with Italy’s Matteo Berrettini tomorrow.

Canada’s Shapovalov, 22, played superbly for the most part, only for Djokovic to claim the key moments on his way to a 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 win.

Berrettini earned a 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.

The seventh seed is the first Italian to reach the men’s singles final.

The Queen’s champion used his big forehand and serve to good effect to reach his first Grand Slam final, with tomorrow’s showpiece taking place just hours before his nation take on England in football’s Euro 2020 final.

The 25-year-old is the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976.

“I have no words, really,” Berrettini said. “I need a couple of hours to understand what happened.

“I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream.”

DJOKOVIC SHOWS INDOMITABLE SPIRIT TO MOVE CLOSER TO 20TH GRAND SLAM Five-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic is now one victory away from retaining the crown he won in 2018 and 2019, and therefore equalling the all-time men’s record of 20 major victories set by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

But it was far from a straightforward passage for

the 34-year-old Serb.

The world number one needed all of his skill and spirit to see off 10th seed Shapovalov in an enter-

Shapovalov was emotional and in tears as he left Centre Court after his defeat

Sawhney removed as ICC CEO (ESPNCRICINFO) - The ICC board has decided to relieve Manu Sawhney as the CEO with immediate effect, ending a long-running saga at the very top of the organisation’s management. The decision was taken by the ICC board at an emergency meeting on Thursday, chaired by Greg Barclay, the ICC chairman.

Sawhney had effectively been out of office since March this year, when he was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. That move was recommended to Barclay by the ICC’s Human Resources committee, headed by ECB chairman Ian Watmore. It was based on the findings of a cultural review carried out by Price-

Sawhney will leave the ICC with immediate effect (ICC)

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board,” the ICC said in a media release.

The decision was not put up for a formal vote but it is believed no objections were raised by any of the directors on the board.

waterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the start of the year, one which made a number of allegations against Sawhney’s management style.

Those included charges of bullying certain staff members, as well as exhibiting acts of “physical aggression, such as fist banging” and that he had impacted the health and wellbeing of staff through his behaviour. One charge was that he had taken and implemented decisions without properly consulting the board.

taining contest which had Centre Court gripped.

In his first major semi-final, Shapovalov did not deliver in the key moments

Those allegations were spelt out to Sawhney at a virtual disciplinary hearing with Barclay on June 17, the only one Sawhney faced after his suspension. The ICC ethics officer Peter Nicholson was also present.

At the hearing, reading from a prepared statement, Sawhney said he was the victim of a “premeditated witch hunt”. He criticised the “four bullet points” of allegations as insubstantial and said they had the potential to rob him of his “livelihood” and hurt his “reputation”.

He also sent his statement to all the ICC directors, stating that he would contest any guilty verdict and “resist this blatant attempt to force me from office,” which would set, he said, “an extremely dangerous precedent”.

The full PwC report, including a review of the workings of the ICC board., was distributed to all directors on Thursday. Sawhney has, according to the ICC constitution, five days to lodge an appeal with the board.

Sawhney, who took over from Dave Richardson as CEO in April 2019, did not respond to ESPNcricinfo’s attempts to contact him about the ICC’s decision.

- and that proved costly.

“I don’t think the scoreline says enough about the match, he was serving for the first set, was probably the better player for the second set. He had most of the chances,” said Djokovic, who has reached his 30th Grand Slam final.

“I would like to give him a round of applause for all he has done this fortnight.

We will see a lot of him in the future, definitely. He is a great player.”

The Canadian came out swinging off both flanks, his heavy hitting rocking Djokovic and drawing wondrous gasps from the almost-capacity 15 000 crowd.

He was unable to serve out the opening set or then convert any of five break points - which all came in a 10-minute spell across two

service games - that would have seen him take control of the second set.

T h re e m o re b re a k points went a-begging for Shapovalov at the start of the third set and, although he continued to ask questions, Djokovic always seemed to have the answers.

Plenty of balls continued to come back from the Serb in the rallies and, like in the second set, the pressure again told on Shapovalov as he lost serve for a 6-5 deficit.

With Shapovalov receiving support from a Wimbledon crowd which likes to see an underdog succeed, Djokovic remained steely and serene through most of the match.

But the ferocious roar of celebration which greeted the ace that sealed victory illustrated his relief.

GVF exhibition match yields successful performances for national players

Players pose after the GVF exhibition match

THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) wrapped up a successful exhibition match last week at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the Senior National volleyball team being handed an upset by the National Under-23 unit.

The Seniors fell in 4 sets to their younger opponents, with the first set of the game going to the U-23 team who beat the Seniors 25-21. The second set saw the Seniors fall prey once

more to the U-23 team losing 21-25.

The Seniors avoided being swept in straight sets after they annihilated the U-23 team in the third set to a score of 25-16.

The fourth set was the most competitive set of the night which saw the U-23 team closing out the game and cementing their victory over the seniors by a score of 30-28.

The top scorers for the National U-23 team were Kristoff Shepperd who had

10 points, Tyrone Farley with 8 points and Ronaldo Bobb with 7 points.

The top-scorers for the Seniors were stars, Quacy Matheson and Vance Harding who both tallied 11 points while Trevon McRae chipped in with 8 points.

Meanwhile, GVF will continue to push for volleyball to be played on a consistent basis and also to enhance the level of volleyball in and across Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

New Windies ‘Rookie Camp’ gives youngsters tools for development

As part of Cricket West Indies (CWI) ongoing commitment to player development, the inaugural ‘West Indies Personal Development Rookie Camp’ was successfully held to serve both as an induction process and an information-sharing exercise for all players who were awarded regional franchise contracts for the first time.

Addressing the players at the event were experts in the field of Sports Nutrition, Personal Finance, Player Agency and Representation, Social Media and Personal Branding, along with representatives of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

There was also a question-and-answer session with former West Indies Test captain Denesh Ramdin, which gave the players the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics.

Ayana Cooper, CWI’s Player Development Manager, who was responsible for the construct and delivery of the event, was pleased with the response from the players and said: “Our intent in hosting the Personal Development Rookie Camp was to provide first-time contracted players with critical information that would support

their transition into the world of professional cricket.”

Cooper added: “At the camp, vital insights about various aspects of the professional game were discussed and I would like to thank everyone who presented at the event for sharing their time and exper-

new avenues in which to support our region’s professional cricketers both on and off the field.”

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket, also noted that the event would be an annual one and that it aligned with the organisation’s strategic objec-

tive of producing world-class players. He added: “We are pleased to have delivered our first ever Rookie Camp to our ‘Rookie’ players heading into the 2021-22 season.

The event will become an annual fixture where we share information with each yearly

Part of the training session

Golden Jaguars winger Harriot charged in UK for rape (CMC) - Guyana international Callum Harriott is set to face a rape charge in England at the end of the month, court officials said.

Harriott, 27, who left League Two side Colchester United at the end of last season after his two-year contract ended, is accused of the rape of a woman on November 30, 2019.

Harriott, of Beech Road, Biggin Hill, London, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court and the winger ’s case was sent for trial at Ipswich Crown Court, which is set to take place on July 30.

tise with the guys. I have been receiving some really positive and fantastic feedback from the cricketers who attended the event.

“This is definitely an initiative that the organisation intends to continue on an annual basis as we are always trying to find

Harriott, who was born in Norbury, London, has not entered a plea at this time.

Harriott made 64 appearances for Colchester and scored 12 goals during his time there, having previously played for Charlton Athletic and Reading.

He made his debut for the Jaguars in 2019 and has scored once in nine appearances.

But he was missing from the line-up when Guyana bowed o u t o f t h i s y e a r ’s CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers when they lost 4-0 to Guatemala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Saturday.

cohort to assist them in adjusting to life as professional athletes. The topics that were covered were all relevant to their careers now and for life after cricket, as we continue to focus on a holistic approach to player development.”

The players were very receptive and spoke highly of the benefits from the day-long event, which was executed via Zoom meeting.

Kirstan Kallicharan of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force said: “It was a really great presentation and I know most of the stuff I heard and saw I can apply them in my daily lifestyle.

Everything was well organised and it’s always a great pleasure being able to gain knowledge from persons with such an experienced background in all different aspects of life.”

Kofi James of Leeward Islands Hurricanes said: “The key thing for me was the impact. I listened carefully and everything said was very impactful for me and I know I will use the information wisely throughout the rest of my career. Hopefully we can have other sessions similar to this where we can learn more and ask more questions as we grow in our careers.”

Mohammed spurs West Indies to 2-0 lead over Pakistan

(CMC) – Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed’s clinical four-wicket effort wrecked Pakistan Women and set up a comfortable eight-wicket victory, as West Indies strolled to a 2-0 lead in the five-match One-Day International series here yesterday.

After the visitors chose to bat first at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the 32-year-old snatched four for 27 to send the innings crashing to 120 all out in the 43rd over, with only opener Muneeba Ali (36) and Aliya Riaz (26) providing any resistance.

In reply, opener Hayley Matthews found form with a breezy 49 off 58 deliveries while her left-handed partner Kyshona Knight made a patient unbeaten 39, as West Indies Women reached their target in the 32nd over with time and effort to spare.

The hosts swept the preceding three-match Twenty20 series and won the opening ODI on Wednesday by five wickets.

Seeking to level the series, Pakistan made a terrible start when they lost in-form opener Ayesha Zafar for four in the third over and captain Javeria Khan in the fifth for five, with 13 runs on the board.

risma Ramharack (2-27) broke the stand in the 17th over when she gained an lbw decision against Sohail and Muneeba followed in the 23rd over, to trigger a slide that saw the visitors lose their last seven wick-

Hayley Matthews plays elegantly through the off-side during her 49 against Pakistan Women yesterday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

H o w e v e r, M u n e e b a punched half-dozen fours in a 63-ball knock, reviving the innings in a 43run, third-wicket stand with Omaima Sohail who made 19 off 34 deliveries.

Rookie off-spinner Ka-

ets for 41 runs.

The damage was done primarily by Mohammed, the Trinidadian scything through the middle and lower orders and picking up the key wicket of Aliya Riaz, after the right-

hander belted two fours and a six in her 52-ball stay at the crease.

Matthews also chipped in with her offspin, taking two for 17.

The game was virtually put to bed once Matthews and Kyshona Knight put on 65 for the first wicket to keep Pakistan Women without any early success.

Matthews counted nine fours to mark her highest score in six innings dating back three years, and looked to be closing in on a fifth ODI half-century when she perished via run out in the 18th over.

Kyshona, meanwhile, who struck four fours in a 90-ball effort, then put on 32 for the second wicket with her twin Kycia (12) and a further 24 in an unbroken third-wicket partnership with Deandra Dottin (13 not out), to put the hosts over the line.

The third ODI is set for Monday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

35

GVF exhibition match yields successful performances for national players THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) wrapped up a successful exhibition match last week at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the Senior National volleyball team being handed an upset by the National Under-23 unit.

The Seniors fell in 4 sets to their younger opponents, with the first set of the game going to the U-23 team who beat the Seniors 25-21. The second set saw the Seniors fall prey once more to the U-23 team losing 21-25.

The Seniors avoided being swept in straight sets after they annihilated the U-23 team in the third set to a score of 25-16. The fourth set was the most competitive set of the night which saw the U-23 team closing out the game and cementing their victory over the seniors by a score of 30-28.

The top scorers for the National U-23 team were Kristoff Shepperd who had 10 points, Tyrone Farley with 8 points and Ronaldo Bobb with 7 points.

The top-scorers for the Seniors were stars, Quacy Matheson and Vance Harding who both tallied 11 points while Trevon McRae chipped in with 8 points.

Meanwhile, GVF will continue to push for volleyball to be played on a consistent basis and also to enhance the level of volleyball in and across Guyana.

Players pose after the GVF exhibition match

McCoy, Walsh Jr produce masterclass to deny Australia

(ESPNCRICINFO) West Indies fought back to secure an extraordinary victory in the opening match against Australia having been behind the game for large periods.

The visitors contrived to lose their last six wickets for 19 runs against Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh Jr having needed less than five over in the second half of the chase.

McCoy, who was impressive in the recent series against South Africa, confounded Australia’s lower order with his slower-ball variations while Walsh Jr marked his recalled with the key wicket of top-scorer Mitchell Marsh who looked to have put Australia on track with a maiden T20I fifty.

In the end it was another maiden T20I half-century, from Andre Russell, which finished on the winning side as his 51 off 28 balls transformed the West Indies innings after they had laboured against an inspired opening burst from Josh Hazlewood who

conceded just three runs in his first three overs.

Australia surged out of the blocks in the chase with 70 on the board at the end of the powerplay and the loss of three wickets in the same period seemed a reasonable price to pay to be so far ahead of the required run rate. The decisive collapse began when Ben McDermott missed a booming drive against Walsh Jr’s googly and the rest of Australia’s innings did not make much sense.

A small crowd of fully vaccinated supporters were left jumping for joy.

HAZLEWOOD’S POWERPLAY PERFECTION There was one spot up for grabs among Australia’s four specialist bowlers and it went to Hazlewood for just the 10th T20I in a career that started in 2013. He could not have put in a better display to advance his claims for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. With his second ball he had Evin

Lewis taken at mid-on and then he tied down Chris Gayle with a maiden in his second over. That pressure told when Gayle got a top edge to point in Hazlewood’s third over, by the end of which he had the astonishing figures of 3-13-2 - including 17 dot balls - as West Indies limped along in the fielding restrictions with Lendl Simmons 19 off 23 balls in the first six overs. Hazlewood would return for the final over of the innings where he adjusted his length to end the thunderous display of Russell and, if it hadn’t been for Dwayne Bravo sending the last ball for six, he could have finished with Australia’s most economical four-over display.

After Simmons’s difficult stay was ended by an outside edge in Marsh’s first over, West Indies’ problems were compounded by the run out of stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran although there was a curious element about the dismissal. Mitchell Starc appeal for lbw

against Shimron Hetmyer, which was turned down, but Pooran couldn’t get back into his crease at the non-striker’s end as Josh Philippe proved very alert to the chance. However, before the run out had been completed Aaron Finch had called for a review for the initial lbw shout so, after Pooran had been shown to be clearly out, they had to check for the lbw which was missing leg stump so Australia lost their review.

A RUSSELL SPECIAL West Indies needed something to turn their innings around and provide a target to bowl at.

Russell was given a life on 5, dropped at midwicket

by Moises Henriques, and delivered with his maiden T20I half-century, a display of awesome power off 26 balls, which included five sixes over various massiveness around the ground. Having reached 6 off 9 deliveries, he started to unleash with consecutive sixes off Ashton Agar,

the first requiring a replacement ball as it exited the ground, then he added back-to-back sixes against Starc in the 17th over as the left-armer missed his mark attempting for wide yorkers. Another mighty blow in the penultimate over, again off the expensive Starc, brought up the fifty.

HECTIC POWERPLAY Fabian Allen and McCoy both struck with their first deliveries in Australia’s chase - Finch driving Allen to cover and Philippe clubbing McCoy to mid-on - but boundaries flowed at the same time.

Matthew Wade raced to 33 off 14 balls which included sending Russell out of the ground over deep midwicket but fell at the end of the over when he carelessly found deep point. Henriques began his innings by pulling his first two deliveries from McCoy and the job was half done for Australia by the end of the fielding restrictions.

Then the wheels came off.

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? Henriques continued the tone of Australia hitting the ball in the air to fielders when he drove to point, but Marsh worked his way to a composed half-century and with batting still to come, it should have been well in hand.

Walsh Jr’s first over back in the side had cost ten but he returned in the 11th to remove McDermott which exposed the lower order.

He then firmly opened the door for West Indies when Marsh drove a return catch and it left Australia needing Dan Christian to guide a chase home on his recall after a four-year gap. Agar did not stay for long, McCoy grabbing a brilliant low caught and bowled, then Christian lofted Walsh Jr to long-on which meant it was over to the bowlers to try and stop the panic. They couldn’t do it with McCoy claiming the last two wickets in the space of three deliveries which gives him 13 scalps in his last five matches.

Andre Russell sent the ball miles during his fifty, West Indies vs Australia, 1st T20I, St Lucia, July 9, 2021

Hayden Walsh Jr. and Fidel Edwards celebrate a wicket, West Indies vs Australia, 1st T20I, St Lucia, July 9, 2021

McCoy, Walsh Jr produce masterclass to deny Australia

SEE PAGE

35

Mohammed spurs West Indies to 2-0 lead over Pakistan Callum Harriott

Golden Jaguars winger Harriot charged in UK for rape

SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

34

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

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SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2021

SATURDAY 10thJuly, 2021

' No.106417

Residents begin to return home as floodwaters recede

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10

Greater support for private sector development SEE PAGE 03

–– highlighted by President in meeting with CDB President

–– President shares ideas with bank on how to address challenges in Guyana and the region

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, meeting with Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Dr Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon and his delegation at the Office of the President on Friday (Office of the President photo)

Lowenfield seeks to block Gunraj, Shadick from 15 participating in dismissal motions PAGE

Three remanded for Coalition MP in 07 Chronicle journalist allegedly ‘torching’ 08 ‘slanderous attacks’ is top Youth 09 GECOM Linden office on CARICOM heads Parliament debater PAGE

PAGE

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10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Residents beginning to return home as floodwaters recede

FLOODWATERS have significantly receded in several communities, allowing for residents, who were housed at shelters across the country, to begin returning to their homes.

All of the persons who were being housed at the Tabatinga shelter in Region Nine have returned home. Sixty-nine persons in Region 10 have also returned to their homes.

As of Friday, there are now 184 persons staying in shelters in Regions Two, Five and 10. This is a marked reduction of the 257 persons who were being housed in 12 shelters as of July 2.

Of those remaining in the shelters, there are 30 persons at the Barama Building in Karawab, Region Two; seven persons at the Mortice Primary HM Building in Region Five; and 147 persons across shelters in Region 10.

A total of 91 females and 93 males are in those shelters.

Floodwaters have receded from most of the coastal regions including Regions One, Two, Three and Four, with no new reports of flooding. However, regional officials in each of the respective regions continue to monitor the situation.

Water has also significantly decreased in Regions Seven and Eight. However, there still remains significant flooding in Regions Five, Six, and 10. Though some areas in Region Nine have improved, there are some new reports of rising levels in the river.

Below is an outline of the situation in the respective regions.

REGION ONE There have been no new reports of flooding and re-

gional officials continue to monitor the situation.

At last report, water levels had receded in riverine communities and have dropped to normal levels in the Barama River.

REGION TWO There have been no new reports of flooding and the regional officials continue to monitor the situation.

At last report, floodwaters have receded in all previously-affected communities including those on the Coast and in the Pomeroon River.

REGION THREE Floodwaters have receded from communities previously affected.

There have been no new reports of flooding and regional officials continue to monitor the region.

REGION FOUR There have been no new reports of flooding and regional officials continue to monitor the situation.

REGION FIVE At the Mahaica Creek area, flood waters have further receded by about two inches, with water having receded from the residential area of Little Biaboo; however, there still remains approximately 16 inches of flood water in Big Biaboo.

In the Mahaicony Creek area the communities of Hyde Park, Esau and Jacob, Mora Point, Water Dog Creek, Kara-

floodwaters have receded from most of the coastal regions including Regions One, Two, Three and Four, with no new reports of flooding mat, Pine Ground and Governors Light remain inundated with about seven inches of water. In the community of Wash Clothes, water has further receded by one inch; however, there is still approximately 31 inches of floodwater remaining. At Gordon Table, floodwater level increased by two inches as a result of heavy rainfall and is now at approximately 14 inches.

The entire communities of Burma Housing Scheme and Lower Moraikobai Village remain flooded.

At Abary Creek, water has dropped by a further two inches; however, the entire community remains affected with approximately nine inches of water still on land.

REGION SIX As a result of heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours, some homes in low-lying areas, yards and roads are flooded with about 10 inches of water across communities from Village #35 to Epson. However, sluices and kokers are operable and the water is slowly receding, with noticeable decreases in the communities of Yakusari, Joanna, Mibicuri and Le Bolden in the Black Bush Polder District.

REGION SEVEN Water levels have receded by approximately 15 feet in the Kamarang and Mazaruni Rivers and these areas remain safe.

REGION EIGHT Floodwater has receded from El Passo to the left side of the Potaro River.

REGION NINE As a result of rising levels in the river, water levels in the South Pakaraimas and Deep South Rupununi are rising once again covering roads and bridges. However, water levels at North Rupununi, Central Rupununi and South Central Rupununi continue to rapidly recede.

REGION TEN Officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) carried out a number of assessments where it has been noted that water has receded in Landersville, Three Friends Mines, Coomacka, Sand Hills, Riverview, Muritaro, Dalawala, Speightland and Develdt.

At Malali, the floodwater has decreased by approximately 10 feet. In Hururu, floodwaters have decreased further by a few inches while at Rockstone, the floodwaters have receded; however, water remains high in the creek.

Floodwaters continue to slowly recede at Maria Elizabeth, Great Falls and Old Kara Kara; however, water level at Kwakwani remains between two to seven feet high

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Revolutionary condoms to hit market soon — product addresses best-practice, and modern, forward-thinking applications for intimacy

A NEW product is about to hit the shelves in Guyana and change the way in which sexual practices and intimacy are viewed.

Come July 14, the A+A Marketing Company Incorporated will launch an innovative, new product, rumoured to be the first of its kind in the world: Double “A” Protection Condoms.

‘Double “A” Protection Condoms’ is a combination box comprising three lubricated latex condoms, one wipe, one lubricant and one disposable pack, created by the A+A Marketing Company Incorporated.

According to a statement by a company representative, the product is designed to help persons explore healthy sexual behaviour, and recognise non-discrimination of sexual orientation in the expression and demonstration of love in a modern society, while enhancing sexual practices between consenting adults.

It will also serve to endorse Goals Number Three (Good Health & Well-being) in making well-in-

formed choices, practising safe sex, and vaccinating children, and Five (Gender equality and women’s empowerment) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which aim to promote prosperity in all countries— poor, rich and middle-income—while protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

“This product will revolutionise the way we treat sexual behaviour and encourage present-day, disciplined and pushing-the-envelope consideration of sexual life in Guyana, in the first instance, and spreading its philosophy, regionally, thereafter. All in all, this product addresses best-practice, modern, forward-thinking applications, with respect to healthier and safer sex practice,” the statement further detailed.

The “combination sex box,” as it has been dubbed, has been described as ‘pioneering’, since it demonstrates non-discriminatory judgment on sexual preference, and treats existing sexual behaviour with a realistic, contemporary,

heads-on overview.

‘Double “A” Protection Condoms’ are joining the global campaign to deter teenage pregnancies and regulate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), primarily HIV/ AIDS. The A+A Marketing Company seeks to embolden the agenda of responsible, sustainable, holistic wellness choice, which is a mandate for improving the quality of life of citizens, which in turn aims to promote a better standard of living.

With wellness as a mandate, consumers at large are better prepared, through prevention, rather than cure, to access improved lifechance status.

“The success of the product directly impacts humanitarian alignments.

The intention to amplify a corporate social responsibility based on sales of an essential and relevant product, free of prejudice, speaks volumes for its appropriateness and relevance, at this time. The company mandates that part proceeds of sales go to a charity of

choice,” the representative’s statement explained.

The success of the product would also directly impact the opening up of a condom plant in Guyana, where many jobs would be created. Its continued success would invariably

impact export-worthy viability, and as a result, job security for those under its purview.

In the final analysis, in a post-pandemic equation, persons would be equipped with new, revolutionary tools to cater to the ‘new

normal’ social culture, to come.

A+A Marketing Company Incorporated premieres its product on the 14th July at the SleepIn Hotel and Casino, 288-289 Church Street, Georgetown at 10:30hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Canje boy does Guyana proud –– while studying classical music in India

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric AT just 18 years old, Karamchand Sugrim, better known as Kishan Sugrim, travelled over 9,000 miles away from the ‘Land of Many Waters’ to the Land of Spices and Rich Cultural Heritage’, where he enrolled at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, a renowned institute engaged in the training and preservation of traditional Indian Music and Dance.

The cultural institution was founded in 1952 by Sumitra Charat Ram in New Delhi, and imparts training in Indian classical dance styles and music, including Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Chhau, and Hindustani Classical music, both Vocal and Instrumental.

It was shortly after Kishan responded to a Facebook post by the India High Commissioner to Guyana that he received an acceptance email from the learning institution.

Further permission from his parents, and support from Dr. Vindhya Persaud of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship programme that recommended a full scholarship, allowed him to embrace the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Consequently, he departed his homeland on August 4, 2018 to pursue studies in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music in New Delhi, India.

On arrival, he was imme-

Performing with others at the annual Basant Panchami Festival at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra diately assailed by nostalgia and wanted to return home, given the cultural shock, and language barrier. But, in time, he quickly overcame those fears, and immersed himself into his studies, so as to fulfil the purpose of his three-year tutelage.

Initially, he along with students of other nationalities attended classes six days a week, and were exposed to the Sagram, basic notes in Hindustani music, such as sa- re-ga-ma, pa-dha-ni-sa, before later moving on to what is called Raagas (small composition).

Overall, the studies strengthened and built the voice, while ensuring breath control, uniformity in voice, clarity in voice, articulation, resonance and vocal range were on point.

Additionally, he was taught precision, as hours Playing the Tanpura, an instrument used in classical performances

See page 13

Receiving a lifetime blessing from Guru Shishya Parampara

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Several more to be employed in Mocha/Arcadia SEVEN more persons from Mocha/Arcadia will be employed as Community Enhancement Workers (CEWs).

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall made the announcement on Thursday during a meeting with residents, farmers and the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

This, he said, is in keeping with the government’s commitment to create jobs and boost village economies.

Residents also raised concerns about the state of some roads, and flooding caused by poor drainage, among others.

“We will be doing some trench cleaning, and the engineer will be here tomorrow at 8, and do an

Mocha/Arcadia residents highlighting their concerns assessment of all of the in the community,” the drainage points. We will minister said. be doing a conditional Residents were urged survey of all of the roads to work together with the

relevant authorities to assist in the development of their community.

“The Government is committed to working together with you to develop this community, because only through this kind of approach can the Mocha Arcadia community be able to grow for the benefit of our future generation,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Minister Dharamlall also handed over a brush cutter to the NDC to conduct much-needed enhancement works.

Some $1.1 billion was set aside in the 2021 National Budget for the CEW programme, for the preservation and enhancement of communities. CEWs fall under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) which started in 2014, and was

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall modified in 2015, to decentralise resources to the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs).

CIIP also enables the NDCs to provide services to the commu-

nities, and to encourage citizens to pay their rates and taxes to facilitate the maintenance of critical structures and other development works. (DPI)

Canje boy does ...

From page 12

are dedicated to Riyaz ( practice) so as to improve one’s ability to render every note, every rhythm in its designated place, not a frequency here or there.

Further, the young student learnt dedication and self discipline, as Indian classical music is a rich musical tradition filled with complexities. Following the three-year period of studies, which concluded in May 2021, he amassed a Grade A or 92.

5%, and during his time in India, he was fortunate to be a part of Ramlila, a dramatic folk enactment of the Hindu god-king Ram’s life through song, narration, recital, and dialogue. It’s an annual show with a 65-year history.

In addition, visits were made to the Golden Temple, Chandli Chowk, Himalayas, and Jama Masjid amongst other historic places.

EARLIER YEARS The elder of two boys born to Soorsatie and Deepanand Sugrim at Reliance, East Canje received his initial musical tutoring from his mother, who taught him the famous Bhajan, ‘Rama Ho Rama Re’, which he sang for many weeks at regular Sunday morning services at the Mandir.

Thereafter, he not only participated in singing competitions, but also sang at many events across Guyana, such as the E-Networks Emerging Voices (Season 2) competition, becoming a finalist and grabbing the third position. He also participated in school events, and in the annual Diwali motorcades.

It was after becoming a finalist in the national competition that he hosted singing classes for the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation, which attracted lots of

young people from the East Canje and New Amsterdam areas. This continued even through his stint as a nurse’s assistant at the medical clinic of Doctor Ramesh Sugrim, a cultural icon himself in the Berbice Hindu community.

That aside, the aspiring medical practitioner believes there must be a balance between academics and culture, and as such attended the New Amsterdam Multilateral School, where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and secured several passes.

IN RETROSPECT Looking back at his many achievements over the years, Kishan said: “Travelling in India was on the top of my wish list; it warmed my heart to see so many ancient historical sites, places

At the Golden Temple in Amritsar of worship and amazing epics of this great land.

While travelling also, it’s given me the opportunity to sample so many Indian foods, most of which

are very spicy, but so delicious. The sweetmeats are the best in the world.”

As to his plans for the future, he said: “My goal is to be a

better singer, having gained the knowledge of the preamble of music, and in so doing, widely share my knowledge in Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

GRA initiates consultation on Customs Administration Modernisation Project

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and a delegation of six consultants from the Korea Customs Service (KCS) have commenced consultations for the Modernisation of the Guyana Customs Administration.

According to a release, the 50-day visit to Guyana is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the GRA and the

KCS, and concludes with the delivery of a final report which will recommend a future model for Guyana’s Customs.

During the visit, the project team will introduce UNI-PASS, Korea’s e-customs clearance system and hold seminars on Korea’s Customs Administration to share its experience and know-how.

The two countries ex-

pect that the consulting project which is expected to be for a duration of eight months will bring shifts in Guyana’s Customs administration in various fields, including risk management, cargo management and item classification, and contribute to the automation of Guyana’s Customs administration, the release said.

Officials from the GRA and the Korea Customs Service during their recent meeting

EPA, ExxonMobil begin consultation on gas-to-energy impact assessment THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) have begun a public scoping campaign before the U.S. oil company embarks on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the gas-to-energy project.

The project, which is a manifesto promise of the Preliminary artist’s Impression of the natural gas government, will halve the plant (Source: EEPGL) cost of power and lower to determine the potential mental authorisation. The impacts of the project be- agency has published a emissions.

The EPA had decided fore it considers EEPGL’s project summary which inthat an EIA is necessary application for environ- cludes technical informa-

tion to be used to evaluate the application.

EPA’s Head of Environmental Communication, Education, Awareness Programme (ECEAP) Candacie Thompson, during a virtual briefing Thursday, said the requirement for the EIA was placed on public notice on June 27, for 28 days. The public scoping meetings will continue until July 22, with in-person meetings along the coast and a second virtual meeting on July 15.

Members of the public are allowed to make their contributions for consid-

erations in the EIA and Thompson said that public participation is integral to the process.

Project Environmental and Regulatory Manager, Erik DeMicco, represented EEPGL during Thursday’s briefing. He presented the project’s summary and components; this included the preliminary list of resources and receptors which will be included in the assessment.

The project includes the construction and operation of a pipeline from the Liza Phases 1 and 2 floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO)

vessels to an onshore natural gas liquids and natural gas processing plant. The pipeline will transport up to 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the plant. According to the summary, the plant will, in turn, drop the pressure of the gas, dehydrate the gas, separate propane, butane and pentanes, and treat the gas to the specification needed for the power plant.

The plant is expected to add some 250 MW of power to the national grid, starting late 2024.

(DPI)

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Lowenfield seeks to block Gunraj, Shadick from participating in dismissal motions

By Clestine Juan

CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield has moved to the Georgetown High Court seeking an order preventing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)- nominated GECOM Commissioners, Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick from participating as adjudicators in the hearing of the motion for his dismissal.

Lowenfield, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes, has filed a fixed-date application against GECOM, seeking, among other things, a declaration that Gunraj and Shadick, in their motion for his dismissal, cannot properly participate, hear and determine their own complaint against him.

He is also seeking a declaration from the court that he is “entitled to the protection of the rules of natural justice, and the right to a fair hearing in the hearing and determination of the motion for dismissal.”

Additionally, the embattled GECOM chief wants “a declaration that the Respondent, having determined that there shall be a hearing of the Motion for dismissal of the Applicant brought

by Commissioners Gunraj

and Shadick, is bound to provide the applicant with a fair hearing, including the protections of the rules of natural justice.”

On June 1, 2021, GECOM Commissioners Gunraj, Shadick and Manoj Narayan had tabled a motion seeking the “immediate dismissal” of Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, and Clairmont Mingo, Returning Officer for Region Four at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In filing that motion, Gunraj, Shadick and Narayan relied on a gamut of reasons pertaining to breach of functions, duties, responsibilities and obligations to support their call for the trio’s dismissal.

GECOM had unanimously decided to send the trio on paid leave, effective June 28, so as to give it enough time to conclude the ongoing discussions regarding their dismissal within the shortest possible time.

The GECOM trio has come in for harsh criticism from the public at large for their alleged conduct at the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. They have since been charged, and are currently before the

court for a series of electoral fraud.

It is alleged that the trio, between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other, together with Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith-Joseph, Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb- Cummings, Michelle Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

They and their alleged co-conspirators are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Guyana’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls, when in fact the PPP/C had won by 15,000 votes.

This dispute resulted in several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), ewhich is Guyana’s highest court of appeal, and a five-month delay in the declaration of the results. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, which led to Dr. Irfaan Ali being sworn in as the President of Guyana.

Director of Public Pros-

PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj

PPP/C-nominated GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield

ecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., granted a fiat to attorneys-at-law, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas, to prosecute the

matters on behalf of the State.

In May, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, S.C., had ordered the release of the certified copies of the elections’ Statements of

Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) to the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and the DPP for use in the prosecution of the cases against the GECOM officials.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Certificates of Title for West Coast Berbice residents soon

GOVERNMENT will soon begin issuing Certificates of Title to residents of West Coast Berbice who have been occupying lands without formal titles, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C., said.

The Attorney-General met with residents of Numbers Three, Four and Five villages on Thursday, to address land-titling.

“Dating back decades, Guyanese have been living

in communities right across this land without formal title being issued to them in relation to the land that they are occupying… What this exercise is intended to do at the end of this process is to put in every hand a Certificate of Title for the land upon which your house is standing,” the Attorney-General told residents.

He said the government is conducting a similar exercise at Number 46 village on the Corentyne Coast and

Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. He said the first set of land titles for Cotton Tree residents will be generated soon.

With residents receiving formal titles, they will be able to pass the property to their children or other family members. Residents can also pledge their titles in commercial banks when taking loans.

“This is another elections promise being delivered.

This is a very important

Attorney-General Mohabir Anil Nandlall interacts with a West Coast Berbice Resident (DPI photo) exercise for the betterment of you and your family; the government is undertaking this task free of cost.”

The Attorney-General noted that land surveys will be conducted. This, he said, will identify the parameters of the lands occupied by the residents.

That information will be put into a plan, following which a judge in the Berbice High Court will grant an

Order authorising issuance of the titles.

AG Nandlall said the success of the process depends on the participation and cooperation of residents.

He encouraged them to get on board.

“This process can only benefit you. There is nothing detrimental to your interest… Once you have title for your land, you can do so much to help

yourself and your family.” Member of Parliament, Faizal Jaffarally; Region Six Chairman, David Armogan; Region Five Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; Neighbourhood Democratic Council Chairman and officials from the Legal Affairs Ministry and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) were also in attendance. (DPI)

Residents gathered during a meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

10 water processors issued cease orders

TEN water processors have been asked by the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) to cease operations following a survey conducted among 46 processors in Georgetown and its immediate environs.

According to a release, the exercise was conducted during the period October 2020 and January 2021.

“A total of 160 water samples were taken by inspectors of the department and submitted to our Food Microbiology laboratory where the test parameters for total Coliform and E. coli were performed: A test that gives a general indication of the sanitary and safety condition of the water supplied.

“This survey/exercise was therefore conducted to determine whether the sanitary/microbiological requirements as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for drinking water quality were being met.

“Of the 160 samples submitted, 109, or 68 per cent, were found to be satisfactory, while 51, or 32 per cent, were found to be unsatisfactory for the parameters tested. The department then had cause to with immediate effect ask 10 water processors to cease operations and there were only allowed to resume operations after satisfying sanitary and microbiological safety requirements in the best interest of the consuming public,” the release said.

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), or sanitary inspectors, who work with inspectors of the GAFDD have been alerted to this survey/exercise findings, and would be conducting a similar survey among water processors in their regions, the release noted.

It also pointed out that only 25 of the 46 water processors who participated in the survey were in possession of the Water Treatment and Basic Sanitation certificate issued by Empretec Guyana Inc. This is another basic requirement that wa-

ter processors must fulfill in order to be licenced or be approved to process.

The Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department is reminding

all water processors to submit regular samples to the department; and

to ensure that processing, sanitation and record keeping requirements are

adequately maintained to protect the consuming public.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Experts argue that animal proteins are essential to nutritious, healthy diet

HIGH-quality proteins from meat and other foods of animal origin are instrumental in maintaining and restoring health.

Therefore, promoting universal access to these foods, and including them in diets is fundamental, particularly in medium and low-income countries, according to experts at a scientific seminar.

Nutritional specialists from different regions of the world attended the scientific seminar, “Proteins for All: The Importance of Protein Quality in Equitable, Sustainable Food Systems”, one of the preparatory events for the Food

Systems Summit convened

by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

The seminar was organised by the prestigious Riddet Institute, a New Zealand-based, world-renowned centre dedicated to strategic research on food and nutritional sciences; the Punjab Agricultural University in India, the largest educational centre in Asia focusing on food production matters; the Global Dairy Platform, a group of companies, scientific institutions and other stakeholders committed to the sustainable and healthy production of milk and its by-products; and the Inter-American

High-quality proteins from meat and other foods of animal origin are instrumental in maintaining and restoring health, the experts say Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Understanding the type and amount of proteins found in each food is essential for those who are working to improve the diet of the mushrooming global population, said the participating specialists, who highlighted the unparalleled contribution of animal protein to a nutritious and healthy diet.

The event was supported by the International Dairy Federation, the International Egg Commission, the International Meat Secretariat, the International Poultry Council, and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

Paul Moughan, Professor at the Riddet Institute, who is considered a global authority on protein metabolism, indicated that, “Not only is the amount of protein that people eat of tremendous importance, but that in evaluating diets, we must also consider protein quality, ensuring that in developing countries, people have access to what they require for development.”

Responding to the arguments against animal production and its emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, Moughan warned that the quality of meat proteins, which cannot be replaced by vegetable proteins, should also be assessed when measuring the environmental impact of meat production.

“Only a wide range of proteins guarantees a bal-

anced and healthy diet,” he concluded.

Kiran Bains, Professor and Head of the Food and Nutrition Department at Punjab Agricultural University, spoke of the amino acid deficiencies in the diet in India, which is home to approximately 1.4 billion people.

Bains explained that, “In populations with limited resources or income, people consume more grains and limited amounts of foods of animal origin.

Thus, their diets usually consist of low-quality proteins, which have a negative impact on health.

In India, up to 26 per cent of rural and urban inhabitants exhibit dietary deficiencies.

“The consumption of grains that are low in protein may satisfy hunger, produce satiety, and even provide sufficient energy for people,” he warned, “but they certainly do not offer the required amount of amino acids, such as lysine, which may have an adverse effect on the body’s metabolic functions.”

Head of Research at the Riddet Institute, Suzanne Hodgkinson spoke about measuring the quality of proteins, and compared various basic foods, based on their level of amino acids.

On the other hand, IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero, cited data to support the importance of animal-based products as sources of healthy nutrition throughout the world.

Dairy products are the primary source of calcium for people; vegetable proteins cannot replace animal proteins, because they do not contain the essential amino acids that meat does. Innovations in genetics and animal reproduction have the potential to eliminate diseases, and, in this way to increase the sustainability of livestock production.

Otero mentioned that in developed countries, 80 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change originate from the burning of fossil fuels and not from livestock rearing. “In any case,” he said, “we all know that the attacks on animal production are nothing new.”

IICA coordinated a series of discussions and the preparation of the document “On the road to the UN Food Systems Summit: key messages from the perspective of agriculture in the Americas,” which the countries of the Americas agreed to present at the Food Systems Summit 2021. The document prioritises agriculture and farmers – the guarantors of the planet’s food and nutritional security.

The summit was convened to raise awareness among the global public and to establish global commitments and measures to transform food systems, not only to eradicate hunger, but to reduce the incidence of food-related diseases and cure the planet. (IICA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Exciting new ‘Expressive Visual Arts’ competition on stream CHILDREN between the ages of seven and 12 years old will have the opportunity to partake in a fun initiative called the ‘Expressive Visual Arts’ competition that will be rolled out just after school closes in July.

The competition is in keeping with the theme of International Day of Families 2021, “Families and New Technologies”, and is being undertaken by the National Family Commission (NFC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, a release says.

A call is being made to children across the length and breadth of Guyana to design an artistic representation of their family tree (up to three generations, inclusive of the participant).

It is anticipated that with this competition, awareness

The competition is in keeping with the theme of International Day of Families Technologies’ will be brought to the dif- nologies available (Zoom, submission should be of an ferent types of family units Social Media, etc.) to gather original concept. The entry there are, and the roles and information and create their should be conceptualised, changes affecting families. family tree. The artwork developed and completed by Additionally, it is expected they produce will have to the child. Family details to that in gathering informa- be in the form of a drawing complete the artwork could, tion on their family, bonds or painting that expresses however, be obtained from among children and their their interpretation of their family members. family members will be family tree.

In addition, contestants strengthened.

However, while the use are to submit a brief sumChildren are urged to of technology is encouraged mary (with a limit of 750 make use of different tech- to formulate designs, the words) of the story behind

2021, ‘Families and New the image, and how they made use of technology to create the masterpiece. The image should be at least 1,080 x 1,350 pixels, and each participant is allowed only one entry.

All submissions must be labelled legibly with the name, age and contact information of the participant, and submissions should be

sent to: NationalFamilyCommission2022@gmail. com before August 30, 2021.

Submissions will be posted on the ministry’s Facebook page, and it is envisaged that family members and others will promote the image on social media by sharing it.

The 10 submissions that receive the highest number of Facebook ‘likes’ will be shortlisted for a final review by the judges.

Prizes of electronic devices will be awarded to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth place winners, and the announcement of winners will be made before September 15, 2021.

All entries will be judged on creativity and originality, best use of technology, clarity and neatness and overall impression of the piece and the story behind the image.

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Motions against Benn, Anthony ‘have nowhere to go’ –– say gov’t ministers; move seen as a game of ‘knock-fuh-knock-back’

SEVERAL Ministers of the Government have contended that the no-confidence motions brought against their colleague ministers of Health and Home Affairs are nothing short of a ‘knock-fuh-knockback’ scenario.

Appearing on a ‘Parliamentary Agenda’ programme aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) on Wednesday night, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; and Junior Minister of Housing and Water, Susanne Rodrigues, reiterated their government’s confidence in Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn.

Minister Walrond, an attorney-at-law, has insisted that the motions, which accused the two ministers of mismanaging their respective sectors, have no basis. She went further to flay Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, also a lawyer, for compiling a legal challenge that has “no grounds”.

“It is just theatrics,” Walrond maintained.

She explained that when the PPP/C submitted its No-Confidence Motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) in 2018, the submission was comprehensive, and based on the grievances of the Guyanese people.

This, she posited, is not the case with Harmon’s motion against ministers Anthony and Benn, since it contained no grounds or evidence

on which the no-confidence can be attributed.

“It speaks to a disregard for our systems [and] our people,” Walrond said.

She believes that both ministers Benn and Anthony have the evidence of their work to defend them, should the motion

No-Confidence Motion against one David Patterson, which was successful; I am of the view that what you have here is, ‘they knock us, let us knock them back’,” Hamilton said.

He insisted that although the motion

tions.

“We already know, and it has been demonstrated. It has been established that the Opposition has a problem with mathematics, and they do not have the numbers in the National Assembly to pass these mo-

he represents loses confidence in him or her. And in this case, that is the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” Rodrigues explained.

She also joined the list of government officials who have deemed the motion to be not only

“There is nothing in the Constitution that says that a no-confidence motion can be passed against a minister, and that if it passes, then he has to leave the Parliament; there is nothing that says that,” the former APNU+AFC parliamentari-

Host of NCN’s Parliamentary Agenda, Mark Watson engaging Ministers Joseph Hamilton, Oneidge Walrond and Susanne Rodrigues on Wednesday night’s programme come up for debate. “Our colleagues have the full confidence of the government,” Walrond noted.

She also used the forum to call on supporters of the APNU+AFC to examine the “incompetent” manner in which the opposition goes about its business.

Meanwhile, her colleague, Minister Hamilton believes that the motions were a response to the Government’s efforts to successfully remove David Patterson as Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

“A couple of weeks ago, we brought a

has been filed, it has no place to go. “But as comedic as it is, it is serious, in the sense that they are paid substantial salaries and benefits by the State [to represent their constituency], but when you look at the deliverables, where is the value for the money? When they criticise, what do they bring to the table?” Hamilton queried.

NON-STARTER Similar sentiments were shared by Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susanne Rodrigues, who projected the failure of both mo-

tions; these motions are doomed already,” Minister Rodrigues told the programme’s host, Mark Watson.

She pointed to the fact that a No-Confidence Motion is not the method that can be used to remove a sitting minister of the government, especially a minister who enjoys the confidence of the President and the members of his Cabinet.

“There is the recall legislation that you use, and a Member of Parliament can only be removed if he is deceased, or incapacitated, or mentally unstable, or the leader of the list of the party

laughable, but lacking in basic substance. “There is no reference in the motion to any statistical data, facts, or circumstances,” Minister Rodrigues highlighted.

She is of the belief that Harmon and the APNU+AFC “lack [the] understanding of what a no-confidence motion is intended to do.”

“The motion is a none-starter,” Rodrigues argued.

Meanwhile, an audio recording, purported to be that of a senior member of the former APNU+AFC government, has surfaced, critiquing the motions.

an related.

“It is meaningless if you pass a motion of no-confidence in Benn and in Anthony; it means nothing. They will continue being ministers,” the former government official related.

Only recently, President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed his government’s support for ministers B e n n a n d A n t h o n y, who, he said, have been doing good work. As a matter of fact, both ministers have indicated their eagerness to highlight their one-year accomplishments, if the motion is allowed to be debated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

$29M subvention disbursed to 8 NDCs, 1 municipality in Region Two

LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall on Friday presented cheques worth millions of dollars to eight Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and one Municipality in Region Two. The simple handing-over ceremony was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Anna Regina.

During the handing-over ceremony, cheques worth $2.5M were presented to each NDC, while $9M was presented to the Anna Regina Town Council (ARTC).

The eight NDCs are: Annandale/Riverstown; Good

Hope/Pomona; Aberdeen/ Zorg-en-Vlugt; Evergreen/ Paradise; Charity/Ursara; Nile/Cozier; Kitty/Providence; and Moruka/Pheonix in the Pomeroon River.

Speaking to NDC chairpersons, deputy chairpersons, contactors, overseers and the Mayor of the town of Anna Regina, Minister Dharamlall said the disbursement of the monies is part of the government’s commitment to spurring physical development in every community.

He, therefore, said that he desires for the NDC leaders to use the money to conduct transformative projects geared at improving the lives of Guyanese.

According to the minister, Region Two is poised for development, and the Government of Guyana is committed to providing the necessary resources to help communities. He made mention of the recent award of $638M in projects that will further enhance the region.

The minister reminded NDC officials that it is part of their mandate to ensure that the government’s Manifesto is achieved by providing employment and equal opportunities for all citizens who reside in their respective communities.

“It is part of the government’s commitment that we provide physical development in every village. What Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharmalall handing over a cheque worth $2.5M to Althea Giles, overseer of the Moruka/Phoenix NDC, in the Lower Pomeroon, as others look on is even more important is philosophies as a govern- ing… I hope that the NDC that you as leaders, you have ment is that when we put officials are taking these to see the transformation of resources into communities things seriously, especially lives in your communities,” we would like resources to when investments are made.

Minister Dharamlall said. revolve,” Minister Dharam- We do not want to recycle He also announced that lall said. the labour force” the minster road works will be done at He also called on con- added.

Lima, and that there will tractors to provide local He also called on offialso be enhancement work employment for persons cials in the region to ensure on the Charity/Ursara tar- in the communities where that they overlook the projmac. Plans are also in place they are executing projects. ects, and that persons within to get a third landfill for The minister said the region the region are employed. waste disposal in the region. was affected over the last He also urged persons to The minister urged those five years because it did not get vaccinated during the contractors who are working benefit from enough devel- pandemic, so that they can within the various NDCs to opment support from the protect themselves and their work along with officials previous government. families. in further developing those The minister also Chairperson of the Ancommunities, and to ensure stressed that the recent nandale/Riverstown NDC, that they carry out their floods had affected the live- Jayshreee Persaud said she corporate social responsi- lihoods of persons, and as is happy for the subvention bilities. such, the resources invested that will assist her NDC to “We expect that contrac- must be accounted for. provide more enhancement tors when they go into an “We would like the re- works for the villages.

NDC area that they notify sources we invest and the Persaud thanked the the NDC, and they will try partners we have, which minister and the Governas best as possible to employ include the database of con- ment of Guyana for makpersons from within the tractors we have, to help us ing the money available for NDC area. Our economic get the economy revolv- the people in Region Two.

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Greater support for private sector development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

–– highlighted by President at meeting with CDB President

–– President shares ideas with bank on how to address challenges in Guyana and the region PRESIDENt Dr. Irfaan Ali has lobbied for greater support for private sector development, while outlining the country’s development agenda to the visiting President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon and his team.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh were also a part of the meeting, which was held at the Office of the President.

The Head of State said he outlined with “great clarity” the vision for Guyana and the Government’s macro plans, as well as “what it is we believe the bank can do to meet the challenges that face not only Guyana, but the region”.

The President said that he shared disaggregated information relating to the Government’s vision on various sectors, and for future projects that are necessary to move the country forward.

“An important part of that is the inclusion of the private sector, and greater support for private sector development,” President Ali said.

Calls were also made for more information to be made available to the private sector, to help them understand the bank’s existing opportunities, and for “a reform within the bank itself” to cater to the developmental needs of the region.

The Guyanese team of Government officials

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh with Caribbean Development Bank President, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon emphasised that the bank has an important role to play in supporting private sector development, not just in Guyana, but throughout the region.

The President has been adamant that the Government would support private sector initiatives, especially when it comes to developmental projects.

This viewpoint was expounded upon by Dr. Singh, who noted that the private sector is earmarked to play key roles in Guyana’s future. “…We have been speaking about things like Public-Private Partnerships for some time.

We are hoping to be able to see private financing play a bigger role including in infrastructure projects. And then of course the role of the private sector in investing in the productive economy,” Dr. Singh said.

According to the senior minister, Friday’s discussion can be viewed against the backdrop of Guyana’s role not only as a borrower and a beneficiary of the bank, but also as a shareholder in the bank.

He explained that a brief history of the bank’s engagement in Guyana, including support for a number of developmen-

tal projects, especially through the Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) facilities, were also discussed.

Conversations also focused on issues surrounding climate change, the environment, the energy sector, and the national development priorities of Guyana and other Caribbean nations.

Dr. Singh said that overall, the exchanges were “very forward-looking,” not only the articulation of Guyana’s development agenda, but through shared ideas on the bank’s future in the region. “… It was a very for-

ward-looking conversation about the future direction with the bank and potential opportunities for the bank. We shared some thoughts on the bank’s continued important role in the region’s landscape.”

Giving an insight into the meeting from the CDB’s perspective, Dr. Leon said that the discussions were “very constructive”, and underscored how the bank and Guyana would sustain their great relationship.

“We touched on a number of topics that are of common concern now in the region, in terms of its development and how

the bank can, hopefully, assist in that particular direction.”

Dr. Leon, who is on a two-day visit here, plans to next meet with the CDB’s key interlocker in Guyana, the Ministry of Finance, as well as other government agencies. He also intends to visit some projects that the CDB would have facilitated over the years, and possibly engage, informally, with the private sector.

The visit to Guyana by the CDB President is the first stop on his trip around the Caribbean, since taking the reins of the regional multilateral institution in May.

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Cavendish pulls level with Merckx after stage 13 win

(BBC) - Britain’s Mark Cavendish made history in the Tour de France as he equalled Belgian great Eddy Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins.

Cavendish won his first Tour stage in 2008

The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider won the sprint into Carcassonne by a few inches ahead of team-mate Michael Morkov.

“It’s what I dreamed of as a kid. I’ve worked so hard for it,” said Cavendish.

Briton Simon Yates of Team Bike Exchange abandoned the race following a crash in which several riders fell down a ravine.

Tadej Pogacar of UAETeam Emirates remains in the leader’s yellow jersey on a day that will be remembered for Cavendish’s exploits, 13 years on from his first win at the Tour.

An emotional and physically drained Cavendish embraced each of his team-mates at the finish and cried out “we’ve made history” as he hugged Davide Ballerini.

Cavendish added: “I’m so dead - 220km in that heat, in that wind. I went so deep

there - they boys were incredible. I can’t believe it.

“For a lot of the day it didn’t feel like it was going to happen. I was so on the limit.

You saw that at the end (which was) slightly uphill.

“It is just like my first one (win on the Tour). It was what I dreamed of as a kid and it is what I dream of now.

I have worked so hard for it.”

‘MAYBE HE WILL BEAT IT’ If Cavendish can survive the mountain stages in the Pyrenees to come, he could yet eclipse the mark that Merckx, a five-time overall winner of the Tour, set in 1975.

The Manx rider should have two more opportunities to take the record outright, first on stage 19 into Libourne on the final day of the race on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, where he has previously won four times.

SATURDAY, July 10, 2021 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1)

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

Brian Lara-1715 runs (18 Tests) Jacques Kallis-2356 runs (24 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What is the highest individual Test score made by a WI player against SA to date?

What is the highest individual Test score made by a SA player against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

The 219.9km stage from Nimes was tagged as a day for the breakaway but Deceuninck-Quick-Step largely maintained control of the peloton with Ballerini and Morkov, arguably the world’s best leadout rider, coming to the fore late on.

“He (Cavendish) knew I was picking the right moment,” said Danish rider Morkov. “He had a beautiful

English Racing Tips Ascot 08:50 hrs Unspoken 09:25 hrs Future Investment 10:00 hrs Century Dream 10:35 hrs Ostilio 11:10 hrs Appellation 11:45 hrs Dhushan 12:20 hrs Little Boy Blue Chester 09:50 hrs Ey Up It Maggie 10:25 hrs Rhoscolyn 11:00 hrs Star Caliber 11:35 hrs Firewater 12:10 hrs Sir Benedict 12:40 hrs Cuban Dancer

victory. It is only the second race I have done with him.

The experience he has is extraordinary.

“We went into this Tour thinking, ‘if we could bring him to one stage victory it would be more than amazing’. Now he has taken four.

He told me a couple of years ago that he needed just one Tour de France to tie the record. Maybe he will beat it. “

11:50 hrs Black Samurai 12:25 hrs Stormy Master American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Piqua Race 2 Financial Stability Race 3 Ok Honey Race 4 King Angelo Race 5 My Best Friend Race 6 Jack Bo Race 7 Santa Barbara Race 8 Australaisa Race 9 Bolshoi Ballet

Newmarket 08:30 hrs Calm Sky 09:05 hrs Samoot 09:40 hrs Royal Fleet 10:15 hrs Dhabab 10:50 hrs Jumaira Bay 11:25 hrs Oxted 12:00 hrs Parachute

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South Africa Racing Tips Tuffontein 08:25 hrs Captain Hindsight 09:00 hrs Wylie Wench 09:35 hrs Kingsley’s Heart 10:10 hrs Believeinthefuture 10:45 hrs Lucky Shamrock

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

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Novak digs deep to beat Shapovalov

(BBC) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic needed all of his nous and quality to edge past Denis Shapovalov and set up a Wimbledon men’s final with Italy’s Matteo Berrettini tomorrow.

Canada’s Shapovalov, 22, played superbly for the most part, only for Djokovic to claim the key moments on his way to a 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 win.

Berrettini earned a 6-3, 6-0, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.

The seventh seed is the first Italian to reach the men’s singles final.

The Queen’s champion used his big forehand and serve to good effect to reach his first Grand Slam final, with tomorrow’s showpiece taking place just hours before his nation take on England in football’s Euro 2020 final.

The 25-year-old is the first Italian man to reach a Grand Slam final since 1976.

“I have no words, really,” Berrettini said. “I need a couple of hours to understand what happened.

“I think I never dreamed about this because it was too much for a dream.”

DJOKOVIC SHOWS INDOMITABLE SPIRIT TO MOVE CLOSER TO 20TH GRAND SLAM Five-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic is now one victory away from retaining the crown he won in 2018 and 2019, and therefore equalling the all-time men’s record of 20 major victories set by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

But it was far from a straightforward passage for

the 34-year-old Serb.

The world number one needed all of his skill and spirit to see off 10th seed Shapovalov in an enter-

Shapovalov was emotional and in tears as he left Centre Court after his defeat

Sawhney removed as ICC CEO (ESPNCRICINFO) - The ICC board has decided to relieve Manu Sawhney as the CEO with immediate effect, ending a long-running saga at the very top of the organisation’s management. The decision was taken by the ICC board at an emergency meeting on Thursday, chaired by Greg Barclay, the ICC chairman.

Sawhney had effectively been out of office since March this year, when he was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. That move was recommended to Barclay by the ICC’s Human Resources committee, headed by ECB chairman Ian Watmore. It was based on the findings of a cultural review carried out by Price-

Sawhney will leave the ICC with immediate effect (ICC)

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Chief Executive Manu Sawhney will leave the organisation with immediate effect. Geoff Allardice will continue as Acting CEO supported by the Leadership Team working closely with the ICC Board,” the ICC said in a media release.

The decision was not put up for a formal vote but it is believed no objections were raised by any of the directors on the board.

waterhouseCoopers (PwC) at the start of the year, one which made a number of allegations against Sawhney’s management style.

Those included charges of bullying certain staff members, as well as exhibiting acts of “physical aggression, such as fist banging” and that he had impacted the health and wellbeing of staff through his behaviour. One charge was that he had taken and implemented decisions without properly consulting the board.

taining contest which had Centre Court gripped.

In his first major semi-final, Shapovalov did not deliver in the key moments

Those allegations were spelt out to Sawhney at a virtual disciplinary hearing with Barclay on June 17, the only one Sawhney faced after his suspension. The ICC ethics officer Peter Nicholson was also present.

At the hearing, reading from a prepared statement, Sawhney said he was the victim of a “premeditated witch hunt”. He criticised the “four bullet points” of allegations as insubstantial and said they had the potential to rob him of his “livelihood” and hurt his “reputation”.

He also sent his statement to all the ICC directors, stating that he would contest any guilty verdict and “resist this blatant attempt to force me from office,” which would set, he said, “an extremely dangerous precedent”.

The full PwC report, including a review of the workings of the ICC board., was distributed to all directors on Thursday. Sawhney has, according to the ICC constitution, five days to lodge an appeal with the board.

Sawhney, who took over from Dave Richardson as CEO in April 2019, did not respond to ESPNcricinfo’s attempts to contact him about the ICC’s decision.

- and that proved costly.

“I don’t think the scoreline says enough about the match, he was serving for the first set, was probably the better player for the second set. He had most of the chances,” said Djokovic, who has reached his 30th Grand Slam final.

“I would like to give him a round of applause for all he has done this fortnight.

We will see a lot of him in the future, definitely. He is a great player.”

The Canadian came out swinging off both flanks, his heavy hitting rocking Djokovic and drawing wondrous gasps from the almost-capacity 15 000 crowd.

He was unable to serve out the opening set or then convert any of five break points - which all came in a 10-minute spell across two

service games - that would have seen him take control of the second set.

T h re e m o re b re a k points went a-begging for Shapovalov at the start of the third set and, although he continued to ask questions, Djokovic always seemed to have the answers.

Plenty of balls continued to come back from the Serb in the rallies and, like in the second set, the pressure again told on Shapovalov as he lost serve for a 6-5 deficit.

With Shapovalov receiving support from a Wimbledon crowd which likes to see an underdog succeed, Djokovic remained steely and serene through most of the match.

But the ferocious roar of celebration which greeted the ace that sealed victory illustrated his relief.

GVF exhibition match yields successful performances for national players

Players pose after the GVF exhibition match

THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) wrapped up a successful exhibition match last week at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the Senior National volleyball team being handed an upset by the National Under-23 unit.

The Seniors fell in 4 sets to their younger opponents, with the first set of the game going to the U-23 team who beat the Seniors 25-21. The second set saw the Seniors fall prey once

more to the U-23 team losing 21-25.

The Seniors avoided being swept in straight sets after they annihilated the U-23 team in the third set to a score of 25-16.

The fourth set was the most competitive set of the night which saw the U-23 team closing out the game and cementing their victory over the seniors by a score of 30-28.

The top scorers for the National U-23 team were Kristoff Shepperd who had

10 points, Tyrone Farley with 8 points and Ronaldo Bobb with 7 points.

The top-scorers for the Seniors were stars, Quacy Matheson and Vance Harding who both tallied 11 points while Trevon McRae chipped in with 8 points.

Meanwhile, GVF will continue to push for volleyball to be played on a consistent basis and also to enhance the level of volleyball in and across Guyana.

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New Windies ‘Rookie Camp’ gives youngsters tools for development

As part of Cricket West Indies (CWI) ongoing commitment to player development, the inaugural ‘West Indies Personal Development Rookie Camp’ was successfully held to serve both as an induction process and an information-sharing exercise for all players who were awarded regional franchise contracts for the first time.

Addressing the players at the event were experts in the field of Sports Nutrition, Personal Finance, Player Agency and Representation, Social Media and Personal Branding, along with representatives of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

There was also a question-and-answer session with former West Indies Test captain Denesh Ramdin, which gave the players the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics.

Ayana Cooper, CWI’s Player Development Manager, who was responsible for the construct and delivery of the event, was pleased with the response from the players and said: “Our intent in hosting the Personal Development Rookie Camp was to provide first-time contracted players with critical information that would support

their transition into the world of professional cricket.”

Cooper added: “At the camp, vital insights about various aspects of the professional game were discussed and I would like to thank everyone who presented at the event for sharing their time and exper-

new avenues in which to support our region’s professional cricketers both on and off the field.”

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket, also noted that the event would be an annual one and that it aligned with the organisation’s strategic objec-

tive of producing world-class players. He added: “We are pleased to have delivered our first ever Rookie Camp to our ‘Rookie’ players heading into the 2021-22 season.

The event will become an annual fixture where we share information with each yearly

Part of the training session

Golden Jaguars winger Harriot charged in UK for rape (CMC) - Guyana international Callum Harriott is set to face a rape charge in England at the end of the month, court officials said.

Harriott, 27, who left League Two side Colchester United at the end of last season after his two-year contract ended, is accused of the rape of a woman on November 30, 2019.

Harriott, of Beech Road, Biggin Hill, London, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court and the winger ’s case was sent for trial at Ipswich Crown Court, which is set to take place on July 30.

tise with the guys. I have been receiving some really positive and fantastic feedback from the cricketers who attended the event.

“This is definitely an initiative that the organisation intends to continue on an annual basis as we are always trying to find

Harriott, who was born in Norbury, London, has not entered a plea at this time.

Harriott made 64 appearances for Colchester and scored 12 goals during his time there, having previously played for Charlton Athletic and Reading.

He made his debut for the Jaguars in 2019 and has scored once in nine appearances.

But he was missing from the line-up when Guyana bowed o u t o f t h i s y e a r ’s CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers when they lost 4-0 to Guatemala in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Saturday.

cohort to assist them in adjusting to life as professional athletes. The topics that were covered were all relevant to their careers now and for life after cricket, as we continue to focus on a holistic approach to player development.”

The players were very receptive and spoke highly of the benefits from the day-long event, which was executed via Zoom meeting.

Kirstan Kallicharan of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force said: “It was a really great presentation and I know most of the stuff I heard and saw I can apply them in my daily lifestyle.

Everything was well organised and it’s always a great pleasure being able to gain knowledge from persons with such an experienced background in all different aspects of life.”

Kofi James of Leeward Islands Hurricanes said: “The key thing for me was the impact. I listened carefully and everything said was very impactful for me and I know I will use the information wisely throughout the rest of my career. Hopefully we can have other sessions similar to this where we can learn more and ask more questions as we grow in our careers.”

Mohammed spurs West Indies to 2-0 lead over Pakistan

(CMC) – Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed’s clinical four-wicket effort wrecked Pakistan Women and set up a comfortable eight-wicket victory, as West Indies strolled to a 2-0 lead in the five-match One-Day International series here yesterday.

After the visitors chose to bat first at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the 32-year-old snatched four for 27 to send the innings crashing to 120 all out in the 43rd over, with only opener Muneeba Ali (36) and Aliya Riaz (26) providing any resistance.

In reply, opener Hayley Matthews found form with a breezy 49 off 58 deliveries while her left-handed partner Kyshona Knight made a patient unbeaten 39, as West Indies Women reached their target in the 32nd over with time and effort to spare.

The hosts swept the preceding three-match Twenty20 series and won the opening ODI on Wednesday by five wickets.

Seeking to level the series, Pakistan made a terrible start when they lost in-form opener Ayesha Zafar for four in the third over and captain Javeria Khan in the fifth for five, with 13 runs on the board.

risma Ramharack (2-27) broke the stand in the 17th over when she gained an lbw decision against Sohail and Muneeba followed in the 23rd over, to trigger a slide that saw the visitors lose their last seven wick-

Hayley Matthews plays elegantly through the off-side during her 49 against Pakistan Women yesterday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

H o w e v e r, M u n e e b a punched half-dozen fours in a 63-ball knock, reviving the innings in a 43run, third-wicket stand with Omaima Sohail who made 19 off 34 deliveries.

Rookie off-spinner Ka-

ets for 41 runs.

The damage was done primarily by Mohammed, the Trinidadian scything through the middle and lower orders and picking up the key wicket of Aliya Riaz, after the right-

hander belted two fours and a six in her 52-ball stay at the crease.

Matthews also chipped in with her offspin, taking two for 17.

The game was virtually put to bed once Matthews and Kyshona Knight put on 65 for the first wicket to keep Pakistan Women without any early success.

Matthews counted nine fours to mark her highest score in six innings dating back three years, and looked to be closing in on a fifth ODI half-century when she perished via run out in the 18th over.

Kyshona, meanwhile, who struck four fours in a 90-ball effort, then put on 32 for the second wicket with her twin Kycia (12) and a further 24 in an unbroken third-wicket partnership with Deandra Dottin (13 not out), to put the hosts over the line.

The third ODI is set for Monday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

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GVF exhibition match yields successful performances for national players THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) wrapped up a successful exhibition match last week at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the Senior National volleyball team being handed an upset by the National Under-23 unit.

The Seniors fell in 4 sets to their younger opponents, with the first set of the game going to the U-23 team who beat the Seniors 25-21. The second set saw the Seniors fall prey once more to the U-23 team losing 21-25.

The Seniors avoided being swept in straight sets after they annihilated the U-23 team in the third set to a score of 25-16. The fourth set was the most competitive set of the night which saw the U-23 team closing out the game and cementing their victory over the seniors by a score of 30-28.

The top scorers for the National U-23 team were Kristoff Shepperd who had 10 points, Tyrone Farley with 8 points and Ronaldo Bobb with 7 points.

The top-scorers for the Seniors were stars, Quacy Matheson and Vance Harding who both tallied 11 points while Trevon McRae chipped in with 8 points.

Meanwhile, GVF will continue to push for volleyball to be played on a consistent basis and also to enhance the level of volleyball in and across Guyana.

Players pose after the GVF exhibition match

McCoy, Walsh Jr produce masterclass to deny Australia

(ESPNCRICINFO) West Indies fought back to secure an extraordinary victory in the opening match against Australia having been behind the game for large periods.

The visitors contrived to lose their last six wickets for 19 runs against Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh Jr having needed less than five over in the second half of the chase.

McCoy, who was impressive in the recent series against South Africa, confounded Australia’s lower order with his slower-ball variations while Walsh Jr marked his recalled with the key wicket of top-scorer Mitchell Marsh who looked to have put Australia on track with a maiden T20I fifty.

In the end it was another maiden T20I half-century, from Andre Russell, which finished on the winning side as his 51 off 28 balls transformed the West Indies innings after they had laboured against an inspired opening burst from Josh Hazlewood who

conceded just three runs in his first three overs.

Australia surged out of the blocks in the chase with 70 on the board at the end of the powerplay and the loss of three wickets in the same period seemed a reasonable price to pay to be so far ahead of the required run rate. The decisive collapse began when Ben McDermott missed a booming drive against Walsh Jr’s googly and the rest of Australia’s innings did not make much sense.

A small crowd of fully vaccinated supporters were left jumping for joy.

HAZLEWOOD’S POWERPLAY PERFECTION There was one spot up for grabs among Australia’s four specialist bowlers and it went to Hazlewood for just the 10th T20I in a career that started in 2013. He could not have put in a better display to advance his claims for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. With his second ball he had Evin

Lewis taken at mid-on and then he tied down Chris Gayle with a maiden in his second over. That pressure told when Gayle got a top edge to point in Hazlewood’s third over, by the end of which he had the astonishing figures of 3-13-2 - including 17 dot balls - as West Indies limped along in the fielding restrictions with Lendl Simmons 19 off 23 balls in the first six overs. Hazlewood would return for the final over of the innings where he adjusted his length to end the thunderous display of Russell and, if it hadn’t been for Dwayne Bravo sending the last ball for six, he could have finished with Australia’s most economical four-over display.

After Simmons’s difficult stay was ended by an outside edge in Marsh’s first over, West Indies’ problems were compounded by the run out of stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran although there was a curious element about the dismissal. Mitchell Starc appeal for lbw

against Shimron Hetmyer, which was turned down, but Pooran couldn’t get back into his crease at the non-striker’s end as Josh Philippe proved very alert to the chance. However, before the run out had been completed Aaron Finch had called for a review for the initial lbw shout so, after Pooran had been shown to be clearly out, they had to check for the lbw which was missing leg stump so Australia lost their review.

A RUSSELL SPECIAL West Indies needed something to turn their innings around and provide a target to bowl at.

Russell was given a life on 5, dropped at midwicket

by Moises Henriques, and delivered with his maiden T20I half-century, a display of awesome power off 26 balls, which included five sixes over various massiveness around the ground. Having reached 6 off 9 deliveries, he started to unleash with consecutive sixes off Ashton Agar,

the first requiring a replacement ball as it exited the ground, then he added back-to-back sixes against Starc in the 17th over as the left-armer missed his mark attempting for wide yorkers. Another mighty blow in the penultimate over, again off the expensive Starc, brought up the fifty.

HECTIC POWERPLAY Fabian Allen and McCoy both struck with their first deliveries in Australia’s chase - Finch driving Allen to cover and Philippe clubbing McCoy to mid-on - but boundaries flowed at the same time.

Matthew Wade raced to 33 off 14 balls which included sending Russell out of the ground over deep midwicket but fell at the end of the over when he carelessly found deep point. Henriques began his innings by pulling his first two deliveries from McCoy and the job was half done for Australia by the end of the fielding restrictions.

Then the wheels came off.

HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? Henriques continued the tone of Australia hitting the ball in the air to fielders when he drove to point, but Marsh worked his way to a composed half-century and with batting still to come, it should have been well in hand.

Walsh Jr’s first over back in the side had cost ten but he returned in the 11th to remove McDermott which exposed the lower order.

He then firmly opened the door for West Indies when Marsh drove a return catch and it left Australia needing Dan Christian to guide a chase home on his recall after a four-year gap. Agar did not stay for long, McCoy grabbing a brilliant low caught and bowled, then Christian lofted Walsh Jr to long-on which meant it was over to the bowlers to try and stop the panic. They couldn’t do it with McCoy claiming the last two wickets in the space of three deliveries which gives him 13 scalps in his last five matches.

Andre Russell sent the ball miles during his fifty, West Indies vs Australia, 1st T20I, St Lucia, July 9, 2021

Hayden Walsh Jr. and Fidel Edwards celebrate a wicket, West Indies vs Australia, 1st T20I, St Lucia, July 9, 2021

McCoy, Walsh Jr produce masterclass to deny Australia

SEE PAGE

35

Mohammed spurs West Indies to 2-0 lead over Pakistan Callum Harriott

Golden Jaguars winger Harriot charged in UK for rape

SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

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SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Taliban capture key Afghanistan border crossings

THE Taliban have captured major border crossings with Iran and Turkmenistan in a sweeping offensive across northern Afghanistan, officials say.

The militants say they seized two key border towns, Islam Qala near Iran, and Torghundi bordering Turkmenistan.

Video footage appeared to show Taliban forces taking down the Afghan flag from the roof of a border customs office.

The Taliban are rapidly retaking land across Afghanistan, as the US-led mission removes the last of its troops.

Taliban officials say their fighters have taken control of 85 per cent of territory in Afghanistan, a claim impossible to independently verify, and disputed by the government.

Other estimates have put the amount of territory the Taliban controls at more than

a third of the country’s 400 districts, including an arc of land from the Iranian border in the west to the frontier with China on the other side of the country.

The Americans, earlier this week, quietly departed from Bagram airfield, a sprawling base that was the centre of US operations in Afghanistan, and once held tens of thousands of troops.

Afghan officials acknowledged the loss of the Islam Qala and Torghundi border crossings, both in Herat Province.

The Islam Qala crossing is one of the biggest trade gateways into Iran, generating an estimated $20m (£14m) in monthly revenue for the government. The Torghundi border town is one of two trade gateways into Turkmenistan.

Afghan forces are trying to recapture the two border crossings, a government

spokesperson said.

“All Afghan security forces, including the border units, are present in the area, and efforts are underway to recapture the site,” interior ministry spokesman, Tareq Arian told the AFP news agency.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, said the Islam Qala crossing was “under our full control”.

Reports said Taliban fighters had seized five districts in Herat without a fight.

Earlier this week, more than 1,000 members of the Afghan security forces fled into Tajikistan, which lies north-east of Afghanistan, as the Taliban advanced around

them.

Russia on Friday said the Taliban had taken control of about two-thirds of the Afghan-Tajik border in a swift advance. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Moscow was urging all sides in Afghanistan to “show restraint”.

The reports came hours after US President Joe Biden defended his administration’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

“I will not send another generation of Americans to war in Afghanistan with no reasonable expectation of achieving a different out-

come,” Biden said.

He admitted it was “highly unlikely” that the Afghan government would be able to control the entire country.

Some US intelligence analysts fear the Taliban could seize control of the country within six months, according to an assessment distributed to officials in June.

Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani has insisted that Afghan security forces are capable of keeping the Taliban at bay, and Afghan forces appear to have retaken lost ground in some areas.

According to officials, troops on Wednesday recaptured government buildings in the western city of

Afghan soldiers search a man at a checkpoint in Herat province. The army has lost ground to the Taliban (BBC photo)

Saturday July 10, 2021 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Qala-e-Naw, the first major provincial capital entered by the Taliban in their latest offensive.

UK Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter told the BBC’s Today programme that one of three scenarios would likely unfold in Afghanistan. Firstly, the Afghan government could “hold the ring, as it’s demonstrating through holding all the provincial capitals at the moment”, he said.

“The second scenario, I think, is a very sad scenario, where the country fractures, and you see the government collapse. You see the Taliban perhaps controlling part of the country, and the other nationalities and ethnicities controlling other parts of the country, like we saw in the 1990s,” he said, adding: “A third, more hopeful, scenario is where you actually see a political compromise and talks occurring. US operations in Afghanistan will officially end on 31 August, but the vast majority of foreign troops have already left.”

Peace talks between the government and the Taliban continue, but the talks have regularly stalled and failed to progress significantly. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

US, Colombia sending agents to Haiti to help probe President’s killing A GROUP of 28 foreign mercenaries, including retired Colombian soldiers, assassinated Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse earlier this week, police say.

After a gun battle in the capital, Port-au-Prince, 17 were detained, some at the house they were using, others after entering Taiwan’s diplomatic compound.

Three suspects were killed by the police, and eight are still being sought.

Bloodied and bruised, the arrested suspects were shown to the media on Thursday, along with a slew of seized weapons.

It is still unclear who organised the attack, and with what motive.

Also unclear is who is in charge of the country.

On Friday, a group of political parties added to that uncertainty by nominating a president, although how much legitimacy that has is unknown.

The attack took place in the early hours of Wednesday, when gunmen broke into the President’s home in Port-au-Prince, shooting him dead, and wounding his wife.

Mr. Moïse, 53, was found lying on his back with 12 bullet wounds and a gouged eye, according to authorities.

Martine Moïse, 47, was seriously wounded, and is in a stable condition after being flown to Florida for treatment.

Police said the hit squad included mainly Colombians, along with two Haitian-Americans.

Found in the suspects’ possession were firearms, sets of US dollar bills,

the president’s personal chequebook, and the server that held surveillance camera footage from his home, the newspaper, Le Nouvelliste, reported.

Taiwan confirmed that 11 of the suspects were arrested after breaking into a courtyard at its compound.

Angry civilians had joined the search for the gunmen, and helped police track down some who were hiding in the bushes. The crowd set fire to three of the suspects’ cars, and destroyed evidence.

Police chief Léon Charles called for calm, saying the public should not take the law into their own hands.

At the news conference on Thursday, police showed reporters Colombian passports.

“Foreigners came to our country to kill the president,” Charles said, as the suspects sat on the floor behind him in handcuffs.

Colombia’s government has pledged to assist Haiti with its investigation efforts.

Colombian police director, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, said 17 former Colombian soldiers were thought to be involved.

The US State Department, meanwhile, said it could not confirm if any of its citizens had been detained.

However, US and Canadian media are reporting that one of the dual citizens arrested, James Solages, 35, is from Florida, and was a former bodyguard at the Canadian embassy in Haiti.

An investigating judge told local media that Solages and the other US citizen, named as Joseph Vincent,

had said they were there as translators for the mercenaries, after finding the job on the Internet.

“The mission was to arrest President Jovenel Moïse... and not to kill him,” Judge Clément Noël told Le Nouvelliste.

The US said on Friday it was sending FBI and Department of Homeland Security officials to Haiti following the nation’s request for help in the investigation.

Members of Moïse’s security detail have been summoned before Haiti’s courts to answer questions about its failures.

The Colombian daily, El Tiempo, said that it had seen confidential documents that named the Colombian suspects. The paper’s research suggests that four of them flew from Colombia to neighbouring the Dominican Republic on 4 June.

They crossed by land from there into Haiti two days later. The two countries share the island of Hispaniola.

According to El Tiempo, Colombian intelligence has seen photos posted on social media by members of the group, showing them posing at a popular tourist spot in the Dominican Republic.

The killing has triggered some civil unrest in Haiti, the poorest nation in the Americas. A state of emergency remains in force across the country, while the Dominican Republic has closed its border.

The situation has been unclear, and is getting murkier.

In this particular situa-

Axes, wire-cutters, sets of US dollar bills and Colombian passports have been seized (BBC photo)

Large crowds surrounded the Pétion-Ville Police Station in Port-au-Prince, where the men have been detained (BBC photo) tion, the Constitution says the National Assembly should choose another president. But disputes meant that elections scheduled for October 2019 did not take place, and Mr. Moïse had been ruling by decree amid widespread protests.

Amendments to the Constitution, not accepted by everyone, suggest that the prime minister should be the next one to take over.

But Haiti has both an interim prime minister, Claude Joseph, and a new appointee, Ariel Henry, who has yet to be sworn in.

Both are claiming to be in charge.

On Friday, a group of political parties signed a resolution proclaiming a new

president, Joseph Lambert, with Mr. Henry acting as his PM. The situation is doing

little to resolve the political and economic instability that has long plagued the nation. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Politics of deception

T

HE APNU+AFC coalition continues to refer to the PPP/C administration an ‘installed regime’, despite overwhelming evidence that the administration won the National and Regional Elections in a fair and transparent manner. The results of the elections were declared in favour of the PPP/C by the Guyana Elections Commission, and the then PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ai was, in keeping with the requirements of the Constitution, sworn in by the Chancellor of the Judiciary as the duly-elected Executive President of Guyana.

No other election in the history of Guyana was subjected to the level of scrutiny and judicial reviews as that of the March 2, 2020 polls. There had been counts and recounts, mainly at the insistence of the APNU+AFC coalition, with the consequential result that a declaration, which, under normal circumstances, would have been concluded in a week’s time was dragged on

for over five months before a final declaration was finally made. That was not only unprecedented in the history of our electoral politics, but it will also leave a permanent scar on our body-politic insofar as our electoral process is concerned.

One would have thought that given the level of scrutiny of the validation processes conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission, under the watchful eyes of a CARICOM team of observers and other national and international observers, the integrity and validity of the electoral process would have been accepted by all of the contesting parties. But not the APNU+AFC, which continues to sell a false narrative that the elections were ‘stolen’ by the PPP/C, and, in their opinion, the government that emanated therefrom is ‘illegitimate’.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon and his party cohorts cannot be oblivious to the fact that, as a party, they have failed to obtain the required number of votes to be re-elected to office. Their

polling/counting agents would have given them the results of the elections as reflected in the Statements of Poll (SoPs) at the close of poll. These SoPs were signed off by Presiding Officers, and the counting agents of the respective political parties, and the originals kept by the Guyana Elections Commission. As to why GECOM failed to make available verified copies of the SoPs in their possession immediately after the close of poll remains a mystery. It could have erased any doubts as to the authenticity of the results, and put to rest whatever allegations of ballot tampering made by the political opposition.

All of that, however, is now, as it were, water under the bridge. The important thing is for the Guyana Elections Commission to learn from its mistakes, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that there is no recurrence of that sordid and highly embarrassing episode. The credibility of the GECOM, more particularly its secretariat, as an independent, unbiased and impartial

electoral body is critical for the holding of free and fair elections, and it will take some deep and forward-looking thinking on the part of GECOM to erase such a perception from the collective consciousness of the Guyanese electorate.

The APNU+AFC Leader and its entire leadership also need to do some serious introspection to its own credibility and integrity as a political entity. There are many, including some in the leadership of the Coalition, who do not subscribe to the idea of winning at any cost, even if it meant sacrificing truth and integrity on the altar of some perceived political gain.

Harmon, as the Leader of the Opposition, has a responsibility to its membership and, for that matter, the Guyanese people, to come clean and admit to the legitimacy of the current PPP/C administration. This will then open the doors for constructive and, hopefully, fruitful dialogue on the way forward for the country, especially in these trying times.

Remembering the Ballot Box Martyrs…

Let us be united and inspired

By Neil Kumar

C

OME July 16, we will be commemorating the brutal murder of our two exemplary Comrades Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar. These two young men were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down as they were among their villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.

On that fatal day, July 16, 1973, 48 years ago, Bholanauth Permanand and Jagan Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force soldiers. Guyanese were fully aware of the People’s National Congress’ wicked approach to National

Elections, specifically, their heinous intentions to rig the elections. Investigations by the Justice Dhanessar Jhappan Commission of Inquiry revealed the high likelihood of a PPP victory if the elections had been run in a free and fair manner. The commission cited the massive public meetings held by the People’s Progressive Party and the overwhelming public display of support for Dr. Cheddi Jagan as evidence of this. The PNC, in order to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and police, to all parts of the country.

In addition to the regular strength at the police stations in Berbice, a battalion was

deployed from the Guyana Defence Force under Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson had his headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam.

Captain Johnson’s men were further broken up into smaller groups and a platoon under the command of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on the 7th June, 1973. The section consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals and nine privates, that is, 20 men in all, including Lieutenant Henry. The platoon pitched camp at No. 51 backlands and remained there until the 19th June, 1973. From there they went to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there un-

til the 27th June, 1973, when they moved on to No. 63 and bivouacked on the beach.

On the 14th June, 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police Station. They had with them self-loading rifles, submachine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.

‘Bholanauth Parmanand and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar were shot by armed agents of the PNC dictatorship at No. 63 Village, Corentyne during the 1973 elections, while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.’

Yours truly worked on that polling day in Pouderoy-

en, and as we were coming out at 5:30am., I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling on the roadside with their guns.

A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, police and the army.

It is not by chance that Private London of the Guyana Defence Force was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie”! He was one of the masterminds among the criminal gangs that terrorised the Guyanese people.

“Blackie” was killed in a shootout with the police and the PNC draped his coffin with the National Flag and gave him a PNC farewell funeral.

On the 16th of July, 1973, with Corporal Collins, Privates Mc Kenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the Guyana Defence Force, Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the police force, Lieutenant Henry took along with him tear smoke grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two submachine guns, rifles and bayonets. He himself was armed with one of the submachine guns. Corporal Collins had the other.

The PNC thugs with all their armed might descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention to take full control of the ballot boxes and remove the representaTURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

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Sherod Duncan accuses CARICOM heads of being ‘gangsters and hustlers’

OPPOSITION Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan has accused Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) of being “gangsters and hustlers”.

In a recent broadcast programme, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) member went after CARICOM for the statement it issued following the assassination of Haiti’s President, Jovenel Moïse on Wednesday last.

In the statement, CARICOM leaders condemned the assassination as “abhorrent and reprehensible”, and called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice, and for law and order to prevail.

Duncan, having not found favour with the statement, accused the CARICOM leaders of being “hypocrites”. “The

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan

TURN FROM PAGE 6

tives of the other three political parties from around the ballot boxes.

Bholanauth Parmanand was killed and his dear wife and four children had to endure the death of the breadwinner of their home, as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.

Young Jagan Ramessar was shot and killed and the army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon. He was paraded to send a message to the people in Berbice.

Approximately five hours later, after his corpse was unspeakably desecrated, he was taken to New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Jagan Ramessar, only 18-years-old, was brutally murdered and his parents and other relatives are today still crying.

Parmanand’s immediate family and his comrades, 48 years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 elections.

My Dear Comrade Rishi

Ram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fatal day. Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened. Families were humiliated and separated. Rishi Ram Motie was a genuine activist with the PPP. During the campaign before July 16th it was clear that the People’s Progressive Party meetings attracted massive support while the PNC had a sprinkling of people. Motie, as he sobbed, told me that when the election results were announced and the PNC was the winning party, nobody accepted the results. The PNC terrorists continued to terrorise the Berbicians as hundreds of people fled their homes and went across to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months.

As a result, thousands of Berbicians and other Guyanese were forced to leave Guyana.

Guyanese must never forget that many eminent

persons such as Dr. Walter Rodney were assassinated and murdered during the dark days of PNC rule. Today, we must draw strength, unite and work together for the maintenance and further development of the democracy we now enjoy.

We must ensure that the memories of Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar live on in us and let their sacrifice inspire us to rally with Comrade Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party.

We must never forget that the Guyana Elections Commission was fully under Burnham’s PNC control. It was the then Chairman of GECOM who allowed the staff to rig the elections.

However, in 2020 it is the astute leadership of Bharat Jagdeo and his powerful leadership that was able to unite this country and with the help of the international observers, democracy triumphed in 2020. Guyanese must never allow anymore ‘Rigging of Elections’ in Guyana.

Let us struggle for Electoral Reforms.

whole flipping Heads of Government for the region are hypocrites,” Duncan said, adding: “All of the Caribbean leaders, y’all are hypocrites and y’all are wasting our time and taxpayers’ monies funding CARICOM.” This would not be the first time that members of the APNU+AFC are criticising the operations of CARICOM. As a matter of fact, the now Opposition members were quite critical of the Caribbean Community for having helped to restore democracy in Guyana, following the widely highlighted attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC. Aside from his services being terminated for mismanaging the finances of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper while he held

the position of General Manager, Duncan has developed a reputation of being quite defiant of those in higher positions.

Just a few months ago, he took to social media to bash the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. In a Facebook post, Duncan wrote, “Mr. Speaker started out like them new cookshop, and then the price rise, and the standard fall. I thought after the second bout of COVID he would stay closer to God…” In his latest ramblings, Duncan contended that the CARICOM leaders were “hyposites,” which, according to Online dictionaries, means ‘low-energy food’. From all indications, he meant to say hypocrites, but used the wrong word, since hyposites has no relation in the context in which he was speaking.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Three remanded for torching GECOM Linden office AS the investigation continues into the alleged arson committed on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) building at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden, three men were on Friday remanded to prison for the crime.

Teon February, called “Nut”, 23, of Canvas City, Wismar, and Marlon Hunter, called “Bushy”, 21, of Silver Town, Wismar; and Byon Kendell, 48, of Kara-Kara Linden, appeared virtually before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The trio was not required to plead to the joint charge which alleged that on July 14, 2020, they unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the GECOM building.

February was slapped with two firearm- related charges, and a series of break-and- enter with simple larceny charges committed in the Linden District.

Hunter was represented by attorney-at-law Yondessa Welcome-Mercurius, while February and Kendell were unrepresented. Welcome-Mercurius told the court that her client does not pose a flight risk, and should be released on bail.

However, the bail ap-

plication was strongly opposed by the prosecutor, on the grounds that while the offence is bailable, the nature of it is serious, since it was committed on a public building.

According to the prosecution, an investigation into the arson is still ongoing by investigators in Linden. Additionally, come Monday, July 12, February and Hunter are expected to appear in court for charges relating to break-and-enter with larceny committed around the Linden district.

The Magistrate remanded the trio to prison until July 30.

According to reports, on July 5, February and Hunter were arrested following a raid in Linden.

At the time, February was allegedly nabbed with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and eight matching rounds that had been stolen from a retired police officer’s car days prior.

According to a police report, during a video interview conducted on July 7, 2020, at about 18:00 hours, February admitted his involvement in the setting of the fire, in that he reportedly said that he was contacted

by Kendell on the night of July 13, 2020 regarding the

burning of the building.

February allegedly said that he asked Hunter, who’s his cousin, to join him, and on the night in question, sometime after 22:00 hours, Kendell picked them up in a silver Toyota Note motorcar and took them to Burnham Drive where the building was pointed out.

The police in its report said that February claimed that Kendell told him that he wanted the building set on fire the same night, and that they would receive $150,000 on completion of the task. Kendell allegedly gave the cousins a yellow five-gallon bottle of gasoline, which he had in his car trunk at the time and left.

February allegedly said they hid the ‘gas’ in some nearby bushes a short distance from the GECOM building and went home.

He said that at around midnight on July 14, 2020, he and his cousin returned to the location on foot and retrieved the ‘gas’, and thereafter, entered the compound from a side gate and later gained access to the GECOM building from the back door.

February allegedly told the police that once inside the building, he and his cousin went to what ap-

Teon February, called ‘Nut’

Marlon Hunter, called ‘Bushy’

Bryon Kendall

peared to be a storeroom in the upper flat of the building, and that after throwing the gas around the room and lighting a fire, there was an explosion, which caused them to receive burns to their feet.

February said they escaped the scene, and went home, using the same route they took to get to the building. On their arrival home, three relatives were there, and they were informed about what had transpired.

One family member assisted them with tending to the burns. The same night, Kendell reportedly went to the cousins’ home where $75,000 was handed to February, who later gave the money to Hunter.

The following morning, Kendell reportedly handed over the remaining $75,000.

After that date, February said he saw Kendell several times, but he did not say

anything about the incident. He added that the man told him that the reason for burning the building was because GECOM was taking too long to swear in Mr. David Granger.

Marlon Hunter was next interviewed on camera, and

he supported the story told

by February which led to the arrest of Kendell. On Friday, July 9, William Roy Marshall was arrested in connection to the crime.

He is said to be the mastermind behind the burning of the building.

Woman caught with cannabis in bedroom sentenced, fined ALICIA Henry was, on Friday, found guilty of being in possession of 485 grammes of cannabis when she made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Delon Bess. She was sentenced to three years in prison and was ordered to pay a fine of $363,750.

The charge stated that, on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at Lot 77 Queens Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Henry had in her possession a narcotic specifically, 485 grammes of cannabis, for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, around 07:20 hours, police, acting on information

received, went to Lot 77 Queens Street, Kitty, Georgetown, where they made contact with Henry. They requested that a search be conducted on her premises, to which she agreed.

During the search a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems, that were suspected to be cannabis, were found in her bedroom. She was told of the allegation and cautioned, under which she claimed ownership of the cannabis found.

She was subsequently arrested and taken to the Kitty Police Station. Further investigation was carried out which resulted in Henry being charged.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 10, 2021

Chronicle journalist is top Youth Parliament debater

By Naomi Parris

EMERGING as the top performer of this year’s ‘Speaker’s National Youth Debating Competition’, 22-year-old Richard Bhainie seized, not one, but two wins.

The young journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, who is also pursuing studies in law, over the last two weeks, proved to be one of the best candidates rising out of the competition. With a fearless aura and factual responses, Bhainie coped the title of best debater and best rebuttal.

Speaking with this publication after his big win, Bhainie revealed that it was his first time participating in a debating competition. In fact, he was approached to fill in for someone who was unable to participate.

“I never participated in debate competitions before, I

was asked to be a part of the group after someone wasn’t available. I was asked to fill a spot,” he said.

While basking in his achievements, he noted that the competition was not without its challenges; however, he managed to overcome them and in the end was successful.

“There were definitely challenges… but in the end it came down to keeping a cool head and despite the challenges that would have [arisen] between team mates and persons refusing to co-operate and all of that, it all came back to just remaining calm and having faith,” Bhainie told this publication.

He reiterated that keeping a ‘cool head’ and a positive perspective led to his success in the competition.

“There is a specific quote that I held dear to me ‘had he but faith, you could move

mountains said Jesus’ and throughout the competition I kept faith and even in times when I didn’t believe in myself, I still had a positive perspective and outlook.”

Describing his feelings, Bhainie said, “It’s my first competition, and, to win it, I feel more than happy…. It was a lot of hard work and it took a lot out of me and I’m proud of myself, I’m proud to say that this moment is a result of all of that hard work.”

Sharing some advice to his fellow youths, Bhainie said despite the challenges faced, they should, despite setbacks, with much vigour, pursue their goals.

“I love to see equal opportunities and access to everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are and where you are from, I love to see that everyone is given an equal chance in life and there are things that often affect us which we

may feel will hinder that, but, in the end, I would encourage everyone to pursue their goals vigorously.”

Bhainie thanked his friends and family for their unwavering support throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, speaking at the closing ceremony of the competition held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Friday, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir said that the competition aimed to promote the work of the country’s democratic institutions.

“This was not just a debating competition; this was an initiative that seeks to make our intuitions of de-

mocracy within the State more prevalent among the people and as Speaker I am embarking on a number of initiatives so that we can promote these democratic institutions.”

The Speaker further noted that the competition was the first of many initiatives being undertaken by Parliament to promote harmony, civility, cohesion and engage the future leaders of the country.

“This is one vehicle to speak about our Parliament, its functions and its role in promoting harmony, civility and cohesion among our people. A number of other initiatives are going to be launched not only nationally but among parliaments

The top debater, Richard Bhainie and parliamentary groupings around the world.”

In closing, Nadir expressed confidence that the participants of this year’s competition will go on to represent the country beyond the walls of Parliament.

“I am confident that we are going to be seeing persons from these 48 debaters emerging to serve the nation at the highest level in almost every sphere of endeavour.”