Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-06-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

FRIDAY 11th June, 2021

' No.106388

House throws out Coalition’s ‘ill-conceived’ shore-base motion

PAGE

‘Callous and unconscionable’ PAGE

–– Dr. Singh describes closure of sugar estates by Coalition Gov’t

–– manner in which sugar estates were closed was ‘bad from any perspective’, ILO study concludes

Closure of estates coincide with 04 increased suicide PAGE

Martina Seepersaud

Dr. Rodney’s death 07 certificate to be corrected PAGE

–– works to be taught in schools, gravesite and memorial to be declared national monuments

Aubrey Norton

SOCU charges 02 ‘pyramid scheme’ marketers with money laundering PAGE

100-year-old, Ursula Corbin of Queenstown Village

Ursula 15 Dainty-Corbin turns 100 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

SOCU charges pyramid scheme marketers with money laundering By Richard Bhainie

TWO agents and marketers of the Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. pyramid scheme, ran by Yuri Garcia Dominguez and Akeeta Ishmael, were on Thursday “slapped” with the first-ever money laundering charges brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) since its establishment. The charges were brought against Aubrey

Norton and Martina Seepersaud, who reside at the upper flat of the property once also occupied by Dominguez and Ishmael, located at Lot 242 Tract ‘A’ Coldingen, East Coast Demerara. They were charged with the offences of Money Laundering, in accordance with Section 3 (1) (a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. Chapter 10:11.

They appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court where the first charge was read to them. They were not required to enter a plea and were placed on $300,000 bail each on the condition that they lodge their passports and report every Friday to SOCU. The matter was adjourned to July 8, 2021. Later in the day the duo then appeared before Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool

at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where the second charge was read to them. They were not required to enter a plea and were placed on $200,000 bail each. The matter was adjourned to the July 22, 2021 for report. Dominguez and Ishmael are suspects currently charged and are before the court in relation to an alleged major fraudulent pyramid scheme whereby they allegedly, mainly through Accelerated Capital Firm Inc., solicited millions of dollars from hundreds of ordinary Guyanese who were enticed by extraordinary returns of approximately 40 per cent. Investors were also encouraged to enlist additional investors on a commission basis. SOCU reports allege that Norton and Seepersaud, agents and marketers for Dominguez and Ishmael, had accrued millions of dollars through the illegal pyramid scheme and they used the proceeds stemming

from the alleged crime to purchase properties. SOCU investigations reveal that on June 8, 2020 at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara, the couple entered into an agreement of sale and purchase for the property located at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, for some $60,000,000. Additionally, it was also revealed that Norton and Seepersaud also transferred some $53,000,000 to vendors as part payment for the property located at La

Aubrey Norton

Martina Seepersaud

Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara. These properties were later resold to purchasers in the United States of America (USA). SOCU alleged that the payments were made by the duo knowing or having reasons to believe that the monies used are allegedly the proceeds of crime, that is the pyramid scheme operated by Dominguez and Ishmael, as the couple had no legitimate source of income that could have gen-

Head of SOCU, Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh erated the funds acquired to enable them to purchase these properties. A report from SOCU noted that these are the first-ever set of money-laundering charges instituted by SOCU since its establishment in 2014; they followed an immense investigation conducted by the unit. When contacted by this publication for a comment, SOCU head, Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh confirmed the charges and indicated that the investigations were instituted from the inception the allegations against Accelerated Capital Inc. were reported. In light that these are the first charges of its kind instituted by the unit within months under the command of Karimbaksh, he disclosed that several more charges of this nature and similar are forthcoming. He also stressed that under his leadership the unit will continue to function free of fear or favour, and with strict adherence to the law.

‘Callous and unconscionable’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

–– Dr Singh describes closure of sugar estates by Coalition Gov't

–– manner in which sugar estates were closed was ‘bad from any perspective’, ILO study concludes By Rehana Ahamad THE manner in which the previous government went about shutting down four of Guyana’s sugar estates was “a bad decision from any perspective,” said Dr. Thomas B. Singh, Director of the University of Guyana’s GREEN Institute, who presented the findings of a socio-economic impact study sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) of the United Nations (UN). The study, which was released on Thursday via a virtual forum, utilises the ‘sustainable livelihoods framework’, and focused on examining the impact that the estate closures would have had on the lives of some 7000 sugar workers and their families. It was the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government that took the decision to shut down operations at the Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon Sugar Estates, pointing to poor performance of the industry; this was done between 2016 and 2017. The report pointed to the fact that not only were the estate closures done over “a very short period of time,” but the onset of the process failed to consult the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), which represents the majority of GuySuCo employees. As a result, the closures compromised the livelihoods of scores of dismissed workers, exposing many and their families to the “poverty trap”. Of the surveys conduct-

Some of the participants of the virtual release of the study titled: ‘Socio-Economic Impact of the Closure of GuySuCo Sugar Estates on Sugar Workers in Guyana’ ed, only one respondent felt unconscionable act com- critical role that the sugar in- oured. that she was better off, when mitted against workers,” as dustry has played in not only MASTER PLAN TO compared to her employ- well as tens of thousands of propelling a thriving econoREOPEN ment with GuySuCo. Many persons living in communi- my, but also the shaping of Shortly after assuming of the others were not as ties that depend on the sugar Guyana’s demography. “The office in August 2020, the fortunate; some have man- industry. industry once had the disPeople’s Progressive Party aged to pursue short-term Dr. Singh, addressing tinction of being the largest Civic (PPP/C) government employment, while others the forum on behalf of foreign exchange earner and remain without a steady President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, employer and has sustained began working towards income. The report indicat- said that the closures were generations of Guyanese es- gradually reopening the ed too that the challenges done without any proper pecially those of rural Guy- estates. In the report, the securing alternative employ- socio-economic analysis. ana. Even today the rural ILO underscored the imment have been exacerbated Moreover, the minister economy is still integrally portance of reopening the by the fact that most of the pointed to the fact that the linked to sugar production,” facilities in a manner that is sustainable. sugar workers were closer move conflicted with the Dr. Singh reminded. Dr. Singh then assured to a pensionable age, having APNU+AFC’s CommisHe further alluded to the forum that the adminisspent all their lives working sion of Inquiry (CoI) into the fact that the then APtration is moving to develop in the sugar industry. the sugar industry, which NU+AFC government failed a master plan for each estate. “Livelihoods notably did not recommend the to make any provisions for These plans, he noted, seeks depend on capabilities, as- closure of any estates. the displaced sugar workto restore the socio-ecosets and economic activities. ers who were still saddled nomic balance of the sugar On the capabilities front, SMALL AND with mortgages and other belt through recapitalisation concerns faced by workers MICRO-BUSINESSES financial and family comof the industry, promoting included feelings that they DEVASTATED mitments. were too advanced in age “Sugar workers were Dr. Singh pointed spe- product diversification and to be considered by new placed on the breadline, cifically to the administra- value-added products as employers,” the report in- resulting in grave hard- tion’s failure to adequately well as agro-energy. “Among the elements dicated. ships to these workers and issue severance payments that are being considered In delivering the feature their families; thousands which are guaranteed by within this master plan is the address, Senior Minister in of small and micro-busi- law. The “denied and deredirecting of GuySuCo’s the Office of the President nesses devastated as their layed” payments resulted efforts towards an optimised with Responsibility for Fi- livelihoods were intricately in some sugar workers product mix, moving away nance, Dr. Ashni Singh, linked to these estates,” the resorting to legal action to from the current low valdescribed the closures as minister posited. ensure that the payments ue bulk-sugar market,” Dr. being “a most callous and He also underscored the owed to them are hon-

Singh said. He highlighted government’s intention towards investing in the marketing of packaged sugar, which could quadruple in sales both locally and internationally over the next five years. “This would require the expansion of the Blairmont and Enmore Packaging Plants,” Minister Singh posited. He said that the measures already being taken by government are in line with the recommendations of the recently concluded study. “The sugar industry still has an important contribution to make to Guyana. Our government is committed to the revitalisation and restructuring of the sugar industry to support a diversified and modernised sector so as to ensure its sustainability and economic viability,” Singh noted. He said that government’s commitment to bringing back the sugar industry can be reflected in the 2020 and 2021 national budgets, which has seen GuySuCo benefitting from injections of $7 billion and $2 billion, respectively. “We envisage a sugar industry which shall continue to contribute to national development, to restoring livelihoods and boosting the rural economy,” Dr. Singh concluded. The forum was also attended by Dennis Zulu, Director of the Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean of the International Labour Organisation (ILO); and Mikiko Tanaka, United Nations Resident Co-ordinator, Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Closure of estates coincide with increased suicide –– ILO study finds; report also flag rise in crime, alcohol consumption By Rehana Ahamad

A UNITED Nations (UN) study has pointed to an increase in the rates of suicide, crime, and alcohol consumption in communities that relied heavily on the sugar estates for their livelihood that were closed by the Coalition government. “Entire communities were sent into depression,” said local economist, Dr. Thomas B. Singh, who authored the socio-economic impact study which was sponsored by the UN’s International Labour Organisation (ILO). In 2016 and 2017, the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government moved to close the sugar estates at Wales, Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon, citing poor performance of the sugar industry. The findings of the study, which was released during a virtual forum on Thursday, pointed to the devasting effects that the closures have had on at least 5,000 sugar workers, their families, and their communities. “The closure was also so disruptive on those economies that the households of

many of the affected workers could have been driven into poverty traps,” the report indicated. The study confirmed that the closures resulted in the drastic decline of sugar workers’ weekly household incomes, which had fallen by 64 per cent, from an average of G$32,238 to G$18,450. The report further indicated that the majority of dismissed workers were fathers who were the sole breadwinners of their families. “The overall average number of dependents was 5.3, with the average size being largest in Skeldon (6.5) and the lowest being East Coast Demerara (4.2),” the study revealed. CHILDREN’S ASPIRATIONS SHATTERED It specified that some 62 per cent of the dismissed workers had children who were still attending school. This meant that the lay offs and dismissals had a direct impact on the academic advancement of the children of sugar workers. “Their career aspirations included becoming teachers, nurses, policemen and doctors,” ILO

Friday June 11, 2021 – 04:00hrs

highlighted. In cases where persons were still able to send their children to school, they were unable to stand the cost of fees for writing the exams such as those administered by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). As the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government moves ahead with gradually and strategically reopening the estates, the ILO has stressed the need for assistance to be given to the affected families that are still struggling to recover. “Particular support must be provided to those students who were unable to write Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations or were forced to miss classes. Similarly, the increase in alcohol consumption, crime and even suicide will also warrant carefully designed interventions to change the new social norms,” the study recommended. It warned that the negative impact of the closures might have already taken root in many of the communities. Further, the report showed that 73.1 per cent of the respondents indicated that members of their communities who used to work with GuySuCo have not been able to find jobs.

Planting materials being sown at Uitvlugt (Adrian Narine photo) “This is not surprising, considering the dominance of the sugar estate in the economies of the surrounding communities. It could also mean that, even when the interviews were being conducted, a large fraction of workers were depending on the revitalisation of the sugar industry to provide them with jobs,” the report noted. Also delivering remarks at the forum was President of the Guyana Agricultural and Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, who called on decision makers to carefully consider the recommendations outlined in the report, and to put systems in place to ensure that the livelihoods of the sugar workers are maintained.

Woman wants to travel so badly, she forges COVID-19 certification A FORTY-NINE-year-old woman has been apprehended by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for allegedly intending to use a forged COVID-19 vaccination card for travel overseas. According to the police, the woman was arrested after the allegation was made at the Rose Hall police outpost by the staff nurse attached to the Williamsburg Health Centre. Investigations conducted after the report was made have revealed that the unnamed suspect had paid a visit to the health centre and reported that she had misplaced her COVID-19 vaccination card and requested a new one. She stated that she had gotten her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on May 27, 2021, and was due for her second shot on June 25, 2021, but had already booked a flight to the USA, and was scheduled to depart the country on Tuesday. On hearing about her predicament, she was reportedly told by the nurse on duty that she’d have to start the process all over again, if she wanted to be issued another COVID-19 vaccine certificate. But, lo and behold, after receiving the new COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate, she left the Health Centre without having the process completed. It is alleged that when the woman got home, she forged the signature of the nurse responsible for administering the vaccine. The suspect was subsequently arrested, and placed on $50,000 station bail, and is expected to appear in court shortly to answer to the charges.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Reg. 9 official arrested for alleged embezzlement

AN 18-year-old District Development Officer (DDO) attached to the Aishalton, South Rupununi Regional Democratic

Council’s (RDC) Accounting Unit has been arrested for allegedly embezzling some $867,144 in cash from his em-

ployers. Word is that on May 25, around 13:00hrs, the sum of $8.2M was handed over to the suspect along with rele-

Football coach nabbed with unlicenced firearm, ‘ammo’

A FORTY-three-yearold football coach is currently in police custody after being found to be in possession of a firearm and several live rounds of ammunition without being “licensed to carry”. According to information reaching this publication, early on Thursday, ranks from the Brickdam Police Station who were on a mobile patrol in ‘C’ Field Sophia stopped, searched and subsequently detained the 43-year-old

after he was found to be in possession of the items at reference. The suspect, who is from ‘B’ Field Sophia, the police say, was seen walking on a street in ‘C’ Field when he was stopped by the patrol ranks who, on carrying out a search on his person, found the .32 Taurus pistol with serial number filed off and matching ammunition wedged in his pants waist. Having been told of the allegation and cau-

tioned, the coach was arrested and taken to the Turkeyen Police Station, where the firearm was processed by a rank from the Crime Scene Unit. Both firearm and ammunition have since been marked, sealed and placed in separate evidence bags in the suspect’s presence, before being handed over to the Station Sergeant for safekeeping. Investigation into the matter is currently ongoing.

vant paysheets for the May 2021 salaries. The funds were reportedly intended to be paid to government employees within the Aishalton district. However, on June 02, 2021, several employees raised an alarm after not receiving their

requisite salaries. Initial investigations have revealed that some $867,144 were missing and unaccounted for from the $8.2M; it was later revealed that the sum at reference is what was owed to the employees who complained

of not receiving their salaries. The suspect briefly fled the Aishalton District, but was subsequently apprehended by the police, and taken into custody. The matter is said to be currently under investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Education And Development

THERE is a saying that one cannot be educated and poor at the same time. That is another way of saying that the best way to empower someone is to provide him or her with a sound and rounded education. It is an established fact that education not only enriches a person’s understanding of himself and the world in which he or she lives, but that it also enhances productivity, creativity and other competencies such as entrepreneurship and technological innovation. As the experiences of several countries have demonstrated, it is not possible to achieve sustainable levels of development without substantial investment in human capital. It is precisely out of this recognition that the current administration has been investing heavily in the education sector. The sector

was given the largest budgetary allocation in the 2021 Budget Estimates. With an allocation of $60.7 billion in the 2021 national budget, the sector received a 16.7 per cent increase over the 2020 allocation. This sum represented the largest and demonstrated the high priority which the administration places on the sector. These allocations are in sharp contrast to what obtained under the past PNC administration when the sector was grossly underfunded to the extent that we were at one time the worst performing country in the Region. Thankfully, that performance deficit has now been largely closed and our students are becoming as competitive as any of their regional counterparts. The challenge facing the delivery of education in this COVID-sensitive environment can be daunting, but it does create some

new and innovative delivery modalities which have, to a fair degree, mitigated the loss of classroom teaching. Both students and parents are becoming much more technologically ‘savvy’ as the government seeks to find alternative teaching/learning strategies to compensate for the loss of direct classroom teaching. There may be some merit in the argument that some schools and families are better endowed in terms of the necessary technological infrastructure which, in some ways, could place some students at a disadvantage in terms of access and delivery of education modules. Cognisant of this reality, the administration is now in the process of equipping all schools, from nursery to secondary levels, with the necessary resources to bridge what some may refer to as the ‘digital divide.’ At the higher end of

the education pyramid, the government is vigorously pursuing its online training programme which will allow 20,000 students to benefit from scholarships over the next five years in keeping with a campaign promise by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. These are no mean achievements in terms of the democratisation of education delivery, which allows for greater accessibility to a much wider cohort of the nation’s children all across the geographic spectrum of the country. Few can deny that our children are doing much better today in terms of education-attainment levels. The recent CXC results, both at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) have once again placed the country in the regional spotlight.

Two Guyanese students, Bhedesh Persaud and Zane Ramotar, have topped not only the country but the Region at the CSEC and CAPE examinations, respectively. Queens College, which both students attended, was named by the CXC Council as the best-performing school for this year in the Region. The success rate in terms of student-attainment levels is not confined only to the top performers or to the top secondary schools. The records will show that there is today a much better spread of examination passes throughout the country and not, as in past years, only to a selected few schools in the city. This is due in large measure to the several policy interventions initiated by the PPP/C administration at the various levels. At the primary level, there was the Primary Education Improvement Project

which saw several critical interventions in terms of teacher training; curricula reform; infrastructural overhaul; capacity building and institutional strengthening. At the secondary level, there was the Secondary School Reform Project which provided for improved quality of secondary education to a much larger number of students at the secondary level. Several Community High Schools and primary school tops were converted to discrete secondary schools, thereby allowing for a much greater cohort of students to sit the CXC examinations than was otherwise possible. As the country prepares for a more robust and accelerated development trajectory, the role of education is becoming increasingly critical. Indeed, the nexus between education and national development has never been more timely and relevant.

Simple wisdom dictates that we get vaccinated Dear Editor,

H A R D t i m e s a re a l l over the world, and here in Guyana, it seems as though Guyanese are still quite unwilling to co-operate with people and measures set out to alleviate worsening situations. I speak here in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I feel certain that even though Guyana has fared fairly well thus far, things could have been better. So let me make a few very telling comments, and hopefully, some better responses will be evoked from all of us.

First, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “In countries with the greatest access to vaccines, we are seeing a decline in mortality among older age groups. In these countries, the public health and social measures that have helped to protect people are being eased, but they must be eased cautiously, and adjusted in line with viral circulation and response capacities.” Now this kind of correlation of the downward trend of infection and deaths with accessibility to the vaccines is indeed great news. It means that Guyana,

if the cards are played right, can enter into a recovery mode very early. Secondly, the idea that a lockdown will help Guyana is very foolhardy in nature and mythical. In fact, it is the opposite. Emergency Medicine Specialist, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, explained that, “Based on evidence gathered, since the onset of COVID-19, a lockdown to help combat the disease could potentially cause more harm than good.” Why? Well, I ask that all read the following. “Citing a 2021 systemic review of studies on COVID-19 spread,

Dr. Bux noted that it was deduced that a low proportion (less than 10 per cent) of global infections occurred outdoors, and higher odds (18.7 per cent times) compared to outdoors transmission. In fact, he noted that experts are convinced that outdoor COVID-19 transmissions may be less than one per cent, a state of affairs that was demonstrated in Ireland, where evidence showed only 0.1 per cent of COVID-19 infections occurred outdoors.” So simply put, we have to respond to the vaccination drive, and in

this regard, we have the input of the government being most robust and futuristic. In fact, Dr. Bux shared his belief that “vaccination will take us ahead of the pandemic.” Here in Guyana, as it stands, we are indeed in a good position to ‘get ahead’ if only we hasten and get going with the vaccination programme being unrolled. There is no excuse on behalf of the populace, as Guyana is poised to receive sufficient vaccines for its population before the year ends. Let us remember that “…. countries with

high vaccination rates have been able to get ahead of the pandemic and substantially reduce deaths and infections from COVID-19.” In fact, as far back as May 2021, Guyana was able to position itself to achieve herd immunity, but the key challenge now is for people to come forward for inoculation. Guyanese must save Guyanese and Guyana by extension. The government has done its part; it is time we do ours. Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Dr. Rodney’s death certificate to be corrected

-- works to be taught in schools, gravesite and memorial to be declared national monuments By Richard Bhainie

WITH June 13, 2021 scheduled to mark the 41st death anniversary of Guyanese scholar and political activist, Dr. Walter Rodney, the government will be undertaking a number of initiatives aimed at recognition of his life’s work and in honouring his legacy. In doing so, Rodney’s gravesite and memorial will be declared national monuments under the administration of The National Trust; his death certificate which currently described him as “unemployed” will be corrected to read ‘Professor’ and his work be incorporated into the national school syllabus by the Ministry of Education. His works will also be distributed to primary and secondary school learners across the country, and his major works, noteworthy ‘A History of the Guyanese Working People’, ‘Guyanese Sugar Plantations in the late Nineteenth Century’, and ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’, will be made available at the University of Guyana library while the Walter Rodney Chair at the university will be reestablished. Most noteworthy, following, and in alignment with the report of the Commission of Inquiry established under

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C, at the 28th sitting of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament on Thursday. (Adrian Narine photo)

former President Donald Ramotar to inquire and report on the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr. Rodney, his death certificate will be amended to replace his cause of death from ‘misadventure’ to ‘assassination’. SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT The announcements were made by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, at the 28th sitting of the National Assembly of the 12th Parliament on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, following a request

of Dr. Rodney’s wife, Dr. Patrica Rodney and his three children, to honour his life and to finally set the public record straight in relation to certain matters surrounding his tragic death. Introducing the “historic step” in an attempt to bring closure to the Rodney family with respect to Dr. Rodney’s death, Nandlall said and explained that “this is a momentous occasion, for many reasons and it is also a personal privilege for me, and indeed, all of us, to be part of a process to right this tragic wrong and to begin the process of the rectification of the historical record.” On June 13, 1980, 38-year-old Dr. Walter Rodney was in the front passenger seat of a Mazda Capella motor car bearing registration number PBB2344, in the vicinity of John and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown with his brother Donald Rodney, who was in the driver’s seat when an explosion occurred, killing Dr. Walter Rodney, and leaving Donald Rodney with minor injuries. Mere months away to mark 40 years after he was convicted for and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on February 26, 1982 for being in possession of the explosive device which killed his brother, Donald Rodney’s convic-

tion was set aside by the Court of Appeal in April last.

EXPUNGE Nandlall told the House that with the Court of Appeal clearing Donald Rodney, also a victim of the incident, of the perverse conviction which he carried for 40 years, every effort will be made to “remove and expunge” all public records that intimate any level of guilt or wrongdoing by Dr. Rodney in relation to the incident. The Attorney-General highlighted that Dr. Rodney’s tragic death sent shock tremors to the conscience of many worldwide and to say that the events ensuing his death were a “horrendous miscarriage of justice”, would be an “appalling understatement”. “The self-evident truth is that when wrongs of such magnitude occur, they can never really be righted. The least that can be done in this instance is to attempt to grant

The late Dr. Walter Rodney (The Walter Rodney Foundation Photo)

the wishes of the loved ones of Dr. Rodney and to work with them in bringing these wishes to fruition, as they attempt to forge their own closure in relation to this horrific tragedy,” Nandlall said. The move to amend the birth certificate comes in the light of the 2014 Commission of Inquiry reviewing an inquest conducted eight years after Dr. Rodney’s death which found that he died by “misadventure” – this was subsequently found to be flawed and dubious by the

Commission of Inquiry. Dr. Rodney’s family are said to have been tremendously affected by the mislabelling on his death certificate, as it prevented them from recovering his life insurance policy. Nandlall explained that one of the greatest tragedies of Dr. Rodney’s death is the loss of his scholarship to the people of Guyana, and the move to introduce his works into schools flowed therefrom. In 2016, then Opposition Member of Parliament of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Gail Teixeira, had tabled a motion in the House calling upon the then A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry; however, the motion was voted down by the then government.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

‘Millions being invested to improve broadband US$112.4M Linden-Mabura Road loan document presented to National Assembly speeds, customer experience’, new GTT boss says

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Thursday, presented the $22.5 billion (US$112,432,000) loan for the construction of the Linden-Mabura Hill Road in National Assembly. Minister Singh told the House that the loan agreement for the 121-kilometre thoroughfare was signed on February 24, 2021 between the Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The road project ranks high on the PPP/C Administration’s development agenda, as it will revolutionise travel between Region 10 and the hinterland, since the existing thoroughfare is difficult to use during the rainy seasons. Construction is expected to begin during the last quarter of 2021 and completed by the end of 2024. The upgraded road will improve connectivity between the coast and the hinterland. Eighteen contractors submitted prequalification docu-

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

ments on April 15. Additionally, 22 consultants have submitted Expressions of Interest (EoI) and several of them have been shortlisted. The administration expects a consultant to be on board for the project by September this year. The Ministry of Public Works is conducting the project and has retained Mott McDonald UK in association with SRKN’gineering as supervisory consultant. Last December, Dr. Singh commended the Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Government for nurturing a stable political climate that facilitates funding from foreign

financial institutions. “Since the return of democracy to Guyana on August 2, as you would have seen President Irfaan Ali, his government, has set about in a very, very diligent way to re-engage the international community with a view to restoring the relationships with our major development partners, multilateral and bilateral. The discussion on this project has been going on for a long time so the conversation on the project in fact predates our demitting of office in 2015,” Minister Singh had said. At the time, Dr. Singh lauded the spinoff benefits from the project which includes but is not limited to the bolstering of ecotourism through the improved access to tourist hotspots, such as the Iwokrama Rain Forest. The US$190 million road is being funded jointly by the CDB, the United Kingdom (UK), and Guyana. The UK is providing US$66 million and Guyana, the remaining US$12 million. (DPI)

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is investing millions of dollars on upgrading its networks to provide improved broadband speed across the country. That’s according to the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damian Blackburn, who, during a virtual press conference on Thursday, noted that GTT is well aware of the current needs of persons all across the country, due to the new mode of doing business brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be working to provide them with easier and more reliable Internet access. According to GTT, over 120,000 homes countrywide currently utilise its services to stay connected, as are some 250,000 mobile customers. Blackburn said that besides looking to upgrade the service being provided to both private residences and businesses, the company is also looking to upgrade its network to four-point 5G LTE. Blackburn said that the upgrades at reference will greatly improve the experience for the company’s mobile customers, partic-

ularly where accessing the Internet and data availability are concerned. “Our mission is to pivot GTT to become a 21st Century customer-centric organisation, whereby the customer will be at the heart of everything we do in GTT, and in a very Guyanese way,” Blackburn said, adding: “And we have got to pivot from where we are now, to this vision of the 21st Century customer-centric organisation. If we do that, we will take the first step on our three-to-fiveyear journey of improving life experiences to every home and business by 2025. We’ve thought hard about the priorities, but we can’t do everything all at once.” IMPROVED ACCESS Blackburn said GTT intends to continue to make its reach felt all across the country in terms of both service provision, as well as making payments easier. He noted that at present, there are 320 MMG agents that can be utilised to conduct bill payment, so as to provide a smoother bill payment system, and thereby significantly reduce the lines at GTT stores. He further explained that

the company now boasts over 500 MMG top-up outlets to cater to its customers who utilize the service to pay their bills. He said that, in addition to improving the customer service experience, GTT will be training 40 new Customer Service Agents, who will be taking calls from customers to provide them with answers and solutions to whatever issues they may have. “We will upgrade the home experience; we will be the preferred partner of choice in the business community,” Blackburn said, adding: “We will develop a new five-year investment plan; telecommunications is a long-term business, and it’s time for us to refresh our five-year plan, and make sure that the investments we make are consistent over the next period to get to our vision of improving life experiences to every home and business by 2025.” In closing, Blackburn said, “And lastly, we need to refresh and deepen our relations with all Guyanese stakeholders, and I will be reaching out, personally, along with my leadership team to do that at every opportunity.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

‘Smokey’ to appeal life sentence

JERMAINE Jefford, called “Smokey”, who was found guilty for the 2016 execution-style killing of Orin David, has moved to the Court of Appeal in a bid to overturn his murder conviction. On Wednesday, June 9, Jefford was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Georgetown High Court to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years for the crime. Jefford, 28, formerly of

Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was convicted by a 12-member jury in May; his Attorney, Stanley Moore, S.C., had approached the Court of Appeal on June 8 to challenge his client’s conviction on the grounds that the trial judge had misdirected the jury on the law of murder, and also on the issue of identification. Another ground is that the verdict is not only unreasonable, but cannot be supported, having regard the

Jermaine Jefford, called ‘Smokey’

Dead: Orin David

evidence. Moore is expected to ask the court for leave to file grounds of appeal in relation to Jefford’s sentence. Jefford was on trial with former co-accused, Howard Rambarose, called “Spleen”, for the August 1, 2016 murder of David, who was killed outside of his Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt home. On May 21, 2021, Rambarose was acquitted after Justice Kissoon upheld a nocase submission made by his attorney, George Thomas.

The 33-year-old taxi driver was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital, shortly after five men came out of a car and shot him multiple times. According to reports, minutes before his execution, David was involved in an argument with Jefford over money. Jefford reportedly went away, but later returned with four other men in two vehicles and executed David with a 12-gauge shotgun.

‘Worrell’ finds 15-year sentence too stiff EUSTACE Abrams, called ‘Worrell’, who is currently serving a 15year sentence for the fatal 2017shooting of Orlando La Cruz, a gold miner in the North West District, has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his sentence. In May, Abrams was found guilty by a 12-member jury of manslaughter, and was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds to 15 years in prison and urged to “detox”, and “wean” himself away from alcoholism. And even though Justice

Eustace Abrams, called ‘Worrell’

Reynolds had ordered that the time he would have spent on remand be deducted from the sentence, Abrams is still unhappy, and recently, with the aid of an attorney, filed an appeal to challenge the severity of it. A date is yet to be fixed for the hearing. On June 15, 2017, La Cruz was fatally shot in the neck after he reportedly refused to perform oral sex on one of his two drinking buddies, who so happened to be Abrams and one Joseph Kerr. Reports are that La Cruz

had invited the two men to his home for a ‘drink’, during the course of which Kerr allegedly asked him to do the act, and when he refused, an argument ensued.

Abrams’ role in the whole sordid affair is that he aided and abetted the shooting by loaning Kerr a shotgun cartridge, and when the deed was done, made good

his escape, as did his partner. Shortly thereafter, Abrams was reportedly arrested, while Kerr was only recently arrested after being on the run ever since.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

House throws out Coalition’s ‘illconceived’ shore-base motion

THE National Assembly on Thursday night voted against the establishment of a multi-stakeholder taskforce to prepare a land-use policy. In his submission, mover of the motion David Patterson said the policy is important in order to provide guidance on the building of shore-bases for the oil and gas industry. Rising to make his contribution, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni

Singh, criticised the formulation of the motion which he said points to “ineptitude and incompetence.” “It would appear that the author of this motion is of the view that a national land-use policy would somehow dictate which areas are to be used for what; and whether the Berbice River or the Demerara River or where should be used for shore base and where should not be used for shore-base,” Dr. Singh said.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

He posited that the motion “highlights a fundamental lack of understanding of what a land-use policy really is.” The minister stated

definitively that “a land use policy will not dictate what areas will be used for what; a land use policy, Sir, will instead outline the broad principles that will govern the management and use of land.” Dr. Singh indicated that by its very definition, a land-use policy cannot focus on a particular sector, and therefore could not focus specifically

on the shore-bases for the oil and gas sector, as is being requested by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) opposition. In relation to the establishment of an actual land-use policy, Dr. Singh questioned the motive behind the motion, pointing to the absence of any such policy in the APNU+AFC’s last two manifestos. “One has to ask one’s self, what were they doing in the last five years?” Dr. Singh queried, as he pointed to the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office. Further, Dr. Singh highlighted that the contents of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)’s 2020 Manifesto, which made specific

reference to the establishment of a “formal inter-agency mechanism for the purpose of coordination among the forestry, mining, agriculture settlements and infrastructural sectors, etcetera.” He said that the government in its manifesto committed to the implementation of the national land-use policy with a regional dimension, and which harmonises residential and commercial interests. Also debating the subject was Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Opposition M e m b e r o f P a rliament, Khemraj Ramjattan. As the motion was put to the floor, it failed to garner enough support from the House.

Get vaccinated, PSC urges citizens COMMENDING the Ministry of Health (MoH) for its exemplary dedication and aggressive approach towards immunisation and the achievement of herd immunity against COVID-19, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on citizens to get vaccinated. In a statement issued on Thursday, the PSC said it noted with great concern the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths “which continues to endanger the lives and threaten the economic welfare of all citizens of Guyana”. With vaccination currently being the only protection against the virus, the PSC said it is imperative for every citizen, 18 years and over, to ensure they go out and get vaccinated. The body called on businesses to also ensure they do their part in encouraging employees to get vaccinated. “The PSC urges the business community to do their part in actively encouraging their employees to be vaccinated so as to ensure the health and safety of all at work,” the statement said. It added that: “It is vital that employers continue to educate their employees on the need to be vaccinated. The Ministry of Health is ready to provide full support to employers who may require assistance in providing information to their employees and in arranging for their vaccination.” With more than 210,777 persons administered the first dose of the vaccine, the PSC noted that it will continue to support the government through the MoH in its national vaccination programme and encourages every adult citizen to take the vaccine. “While vaccination is not mandatory

in Guyana, it is a critically important public health measure in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and it is, therefore, imperative for every citizen, 18 years and over, to be vaccinated,” the statement said. The PSC continues to work closely with the government, health authorities, and other stakeholders to assist in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 on lives and businesses. In addition, the PSC and its member organisations have contributed to several outreaches across Guyana. The PSC also called on persons to desist from spreading “deliberate misrepresentations” about the COVID-19 vaccines. “The PSC notes instances of deliberate misrepresentation and myths targeted at the vaccination rollout in the form of conspiracy theories and fake stories. With more than 43 per cent of Guyana’s population vaccinated, there has been no adverse effect caused by the injections. Minor side effects such as a fever, chills, pain at the injection site are common side effects of any vaccine,” the statement said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 149 new cases recorded THE Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, reported that as of Tuesday, June 8, two more person who tested positive for COVID-19 have succumbed to the deadly virus.

The total number of deaths, which is now 419, is reflected in the Ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for June 10. The latest fatalities are two men, aged 58 and 42,

both from Region Four, who died while receiving care at a Ministry of Health facility. Their deaths push the COVID-19 toll for June, 2021, to 21. Meanwhile, the Ministry

of Health has recorded 149 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,135 tests conducted for Wednesday, June 10. Of those cases, Region One, recorded one; Region Three, 26; Region Four, 44; Region Five, eight; Region Six, 26; Region Seven, one; Region Nine, 37, and Region 10, six. The newly-infected persons were 67 males and 82 females. Currently, there are 20 persons within the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 101 in institu-

tional isolation, 1,506 isolated at home, and one in institutional quarantine. Guyana has confirmed a total of 18,088 cases of COVID-19 since the discovery of the deadly virus in the country. Of that number, 1,628 are currently active; and of the 16,042 recoveries, 205 were recorded within the past 24 hours. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask

when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Agriculture vital to driving Latin American economies impacted by pandemic

WITHIN the framework of an already established joint work plan, the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI) prepared a reference document with relevant information for designing, implementing, and financing a project to promote regulatory convergence in the agrifood sector across the countries of Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance, supported by both institutions. The document was prepared by IICA, through Anabel González, former Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and recently appointed Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and, in collaboration with ALADI, will identify the next steps to move forward with the initiative. “Latin America has taken a hit from the pandemic; there are many consequences and the countries in the region will

need to find new drivers of growth. Agrifood trade is one of those drivers,” said Anabel González, when presenting the document. “The potential for the agrifood sector to contribute to the region’s economic reactivation is significant provided that we reduce the regulatory red tape affecting trade and production linkages, which are relatively limited. We believe that regulatory co-operation between Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance could support the expansion of intraregional agrifood trade, food security, the development of value chains, and the participation of small and medium producers and trade companies that are always the most impacted by regulatory divergence, as well as contribute to strengthening exports outside the region,” added the specialist. Daniel Rodríguez, Manager of IICA’s International Trade and Regional Integration Programme, specified that “identifying criteria that

enable us to prioritise actions not only in terms of value chains and products, but also types of measures, is really important. This is a stageby-stage process and we’ll need to move forward slowly, gradually adding individual sectors and countries.” To that end, the Montevideo Treaty of 1980 offers a wealth of opportunities for progress in the area of regulatory co-operation across ALADI member countries, based on the principles of progressive convergence and multiplicity in trade instrument negotiations. Its Partial Scope Agreements can cover a number of topics, including agricultural trade, health, technical regulations, etc., and are an appropriate tool for a stage-by-stage process, through the progressive multilateralisation of its results. At the presentation of the document, it was emphasised that maintaining the high costs of regulatory divergence impacts and harms small and medium-scale producers the

most, who find themselves unable to participate in trade insofar as larger scale producers have mechanisms to access information. It is believed that this project could be supported by the private sector, in order to focus on certain areas that require tangible, relevant, and swift results. REDUCING TRADE BARRIERS Both IICA, represented by its Director-General, Manuel Otero, and ALADI, represented by its Secretary- General, Sergio Abreu, underscored the important role of international co-operation in helping to reduce existing trade barriers and to unify efforts to promote trade opportunities in the region, generating more trade, knowledge, and regional integration. To that end, also discussed was the possible contribution of technical co-operation to the process of convergence, including informal informa-

tion exchanges, international harmonisation and standardisation, mutual recognition agreements, regulatory equivalence determinations, and the promotion of good practices and principles. One of the objectives of the first phase, indicated González, is to define the co-operation priorities and the trade-related criteria. The analysis will start by creating a community of regulators to exchange experiences, develop work plans, formalise co-operation, and build regulatory reform networks in the region, based on international good practices. REDUCTION IN TRADE According to the analyses presented in the document, the countries of Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance have experienced a reduction in agricultural trade and limited production chains. While the agricultural sector accounts for an important

share of global exports from Mercosur (43 per cent in 2019) the same cannot be said for the Pacific Alliance, for which the agricultural sector represents just nine per cent of global exports. A study of total trade (exports plus imports) across and within both trade blocs revealed the predominance of industrial products: in 2019, agricultural products represented only 25 per cent of total intra-Mercosur trade, approximately 20 per cent of trade between Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance, and 14 per cent of intra-Alliance trade. Between 2016 and 2019, Mercosur sold an average of six per cent of agricultural exports to other Mercosur countries and about four per cent to the Pacific Alliance. These percentages are even less in the case of the Pacific Alliance: only four per cent were intra-bloc exports and less than two per cent were sold to Mercosur countries. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Iwokrama to celebrate World Yoga Day

–– in collaboration with the Indian High Commission

IN today’s stressful world, many are looking for places to get away, to rejuvenate themselves and Iwokrama has long been interested in the tourism market of nature-based healing. This year, Iwokrama has planned to launch the Iwokrama River Lodge as an ideal spot for just this. Surrounded by the energy of the magical rainforest and the

soothing Essequibo River, the Iwokrama River Lodge offers the opportunity for many to come and revive, restore, rejuvenate. According to a release, to celebrate World Yoga Day 2021, Iwokrama, in collaboration with the Indian High Commission, presents ‘Yoga for Health, Yoga in the Forest’ by running a retreat from the June 18 to 21, 2021. Activities include health

discussions, yoga exercises, nature walks and boat rides to name a few. Iwokrama plans other activities for health and wellness in the future as this is recognised as a vital aspect and especially with overcoming the very stressful period of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, 2021. For more information on the retreat, persons can contact Manager, Mike Patterson at email: mpatterson@iwokrama.org or mobile no: 643 2622 or Dr Raquel Thomas, Director, Resource Management and Training at email: rthomas@iwokrama.org or 674 8669. The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama Forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”. The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees, is unique, providing a dedicated well-managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilisation Area (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP) in which to test the concept of a truly

sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforcing. The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices. In more recent years, the Centre has received support from corporate partners such as ExxonMobil (Guyana) Limited who has funded the development of its Science Programme and continues to provide an annual contribution to the implementation of this Programme.

Roof blown off at Blairmont in freak storm

A FREAK storm, early Thursday morning, has left a family counting their losses after the roof of their house was completely blown off. According to owner, Rita Persaud, 50, of Lot 71, Block 1 Blairmont, West Bank Berbice, she had to scamper for safety when she learnt that her roof was being uprooted. Persaud said that she was about to go into the bathroom when she noticed the heavy winds followed by zinc sheets flying in the air. It was until she ran inside the house and looked up that she noticed the roof of her home was being ripped out by gusty winds. “When me see them thing ah fly me want know ah who roof ah fly go way, when me do realise was abee roof ah fly go way meh get confused,” said Persaud, who escaped with minor injuries following the incident. “I was just about to go

Rita Persaud’s home following the freak storm into the bathroom when I see the breeze and then see them thing start pull out, so meh seh ah wha dis ? Meh get crazy like and couldn’t think so me run from the bathroom to go upstairs and fall down on the step. The shed was coming down from upstairs and a zinc fall top me head,” Persaud recalled. She lives at the house with her husband; however,

he was at work when the incident occurred. Late Thursday, she said her husband was trying to barrow some zinc to fix the roof so as to prevent further damage in the house if the rain continues. She was unsure if he will be able to source enough to cover the entire roof. Some of the zinc sheets were damaged during the

incident while some could not be found. She further explained that the house was recently constructed, and in addition to the losses incurred to the roof, her home appliances were also damaged. During the freak storm which occurred at around 07:30 hours, several other houses within the Block 1 area suffered minor damage, while trees were uprooted. On May 20, in the same community of Blairmont, in Block 4, several houses were damaged as a result of heavy winds that swept through the area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Man charged for knifepoint robbery remanded to prison NELROY Douglas, who was accused of intruding a woman’s home and robbing her at knifepoint, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Douglas was then remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, until Wednesday, June 16, 2020. The charge alleged that, on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Douglas, while being in the company of another, and armed with an offensive weapon, specifically, a knife, robbed Tracy Webb of one cellular phone valued, $195,000, one gold chain valued, $65,000, one earbud valued, $13,000 and $24,000 cash. According to the prosecution, Douglas and Webb are not known to each other. On the day the incident occurred, Webb was at home sitting in the living room while the front door was open. It was at this moment, Douglas and his accomplice barged into the house through the said door, and held her at knifepoint. They then proceeded to relieve her of her valuables. In the midst of doing so, Webb began to scream, alarming the neighbourhood that she was being attacked by thieves. Douglas and his accomplice hurriedly exited the house through the door, in an attempt to make good their escape. However, public- spirited citizens came to Webb’s rescue and captured Douglas on the street. The police were summoned and a search was conducted on the accused. Douglas was found to be in the possession of the earbud which was hidden in his pocket. Webb identified Douglas to be the person who had robbed her together with another male and the earbud to be hers. Douglas was subsequently arrested and told of the allegation. Further investigation was conducted which led to him being charged for the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Ursula Dainty Corbin turns 100 By Indrawattie Natram

SINGING the glory of the almighty is a daily routine for Ursula Dainty Corbin of Queenstown Village, Region Two who turned 100 years old on June, 11, 2021. She was born on June 11, 1921, and is the oldest female in the village of Queenstown, one of the largest African villages in Region Two. Ursula was very excited and overjoyed when the interview was conducted that she kept singing the hymn, “Praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice”. She was surrounded by her five children, Veronica Marks, Carmen Hinds, Aldia Corbin, Patrick Corbin and Oliva Corbin. They all visited their mother to celebrate her 100th birth anniversary. The children were very excited that their mother achieved such a milestone in age and contended that it was God’s guidance protecting her. Ursula was baptised at the St Bartholomew Anglican Church in Queenstown at the age of two. Shortly after, her parents moved to Georgetown. There, she attended the Roman Catholic School/Lady Fatima. At the age of 18, she moved to Vergenoegen on the East Bank of Essequibo where she attended the Philadelphia Scots School. The school, she said, was built by her ancestors, who were slaves. Still good at remembering things, the elderly woman said that at a tender age

100-year-old, Ursula Corbin of Queenstown Village she was involved in needlework and knitting. She said in the primitive ages, girl children had to know how to sew even though they were working. She recalled working at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate where she met the love of her life, Victor Hinds, who was an engineer on the sugar Estate. Her union with Hinds produced three daughters, Veronica Hinds, Carmen Hinds, and the now-deceased Monica Dainty. She was 20 years old when she got married to Hinds. She recalled that in 1955, her husband returned to her birthplace, Queenstown, where they built a wooden village house; however, he passed away in 1957, leaving Ursula to take care of her children. At the age of 35, the elderly had to fill the gap of fatherhood and provide for her daughters. Ursula was a seamstress as well as a nursing assistant at the Sud-

Carmen Hinds and her mother, Ursula Corbin

die Public Hospital. Ursula decided to re-marry at the age of 38 to Lenard Corbin, a spiritual leader who was also a carpenter by profession. She reminisced that her life began to prosper when she got three more children Alida, Patrick, and Cathrine Corbin. Only five of her children are currently alive. Corbin passed away when Ursula was in her 60s and by then her children were already grown. She had then taken an oath to support her children and to focus on worshipping Jesus Christ. When asked what advice she had for young people, especially during the pandemic, Ursula said that persons need to become more prayerful. She said that making time for God in one’s life is important. She said her day usually starts with prayers and ends with prayers. Most of her children are living in the United States of America and as such, she is being taken care of by a caregiver at her home. The elderly woman said she is very happy to be surrounded by her five children and her 35 grand-

Ursula with her children (from left) Veronica Marks, Carmen Hinds, Aldia Patrick, and Oliva Corbin children. She also said that most of her day she spends sleeping. Ursula does not suffer from any chronic illness. She was the granddaughter of two deceased slaves, Yama Yagusha and

Miche Johnson. Ursula’s children said they admire their mother’s determination and courage in life. One of her daughters, who currently lives in Brooklyn, New

York, Carmen Hinds-Joseph, said she ensures that she spends time with her mother while she is alive. Joseph said that her mother is always jolly to be around.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Local singer releases ‘My Guyana’ music video to spread positivity during pandemic

LOCAL artiste Sharona Haniff Katriah has loved singing and dancing for as long as she can remember, and recently released her first single called ‘My Guyana.’ T h e 2 6 - y e a rold, of Clonbrook, East Coast Demerara, is more of a pop/crossover artiste and believes that her

love for the entertainment industry springs from genes passed on to her from several family members who all love music and dancing. Even with the restrictions that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought on, Sharona went ahead to release her video song because she took into consideration

that it was something badly needed by people who were bogged down and depressed over the pandemic. Out for about three weeks now on Youtube and social media, Sharona has promoted her music video at several radio and TV stations. Explaining the concept behind it, she

said: “I wanted to start with something that was dear to me. I wanted to pay tribute to my home; I’m Guyanese first.” The song prom-

inently features a theme of togetherness, love and unity and is rich in cultural displays. “I wanted to shine that kind of light on Guyana,” she said during an interview with Buzz this week. Mostly selftaught in dance, SharoContinued on page 17

Sharona won the ‘Miss Guyana Talented Teen’ in 2011 and came in as second runner up in the ‘Miss India 2019’ pageant

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Local singer... From on page 16

na said she went ahead to release her music video because she wanted to spread positivity. “I wanted to showcase that even though we’re down, we can be together and still love and heal. I thought it was needed.” In the video, Sharona is seen performing three dances - an Indian classical, along with African and Amerindian dances in the traditional wear of each group. “I wanted to show diversity as much as I can,” she expressed. She danced in the video with members of the Euphoria Dance

Crew, the Ishara Dance Troupe, and the Adona Dance Group. Sharona has also tried her hand successfully in pageantry, winning the ‘Miss Guyana Talented Teen’ in 2011 and coming in as second runner up in the ‘Miss India 2019’ pageant. “I was a country girl when I moved to Georgetown and it was a big transition but I always had a vision for myself. I wanted to inspire and motivate others.” Apart from working to propel her music career, Sharona also studies at ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accoun-

tants). “I don’t have boundaries when it comes to my music career. As far as it can take me, that’s where I want to go; internationally, wherever it takes me,” she expressed. Sharona said she believes education is a privilege and she loves children, nature and “anything that is positively motivating.” She is also passionate about activities that are charitable and that contribute to the betterment of communities. “It is my aim to use my talents to make a positive difference in this world,” she said.

Sharona with members of the Euphoria Dance Crew who participated in her recent music video

Sharona with other members of the entertainment industry lately

RED Entertainment 18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Providing art and culture-based entertainment locally since 2012!

The three friends who started Red Entertainment. From left are Saskia Wyngaarde, Chelsea Fung and Kristina King

BACK in September 2012, three friends - Saskia Wyngaarde, Kristina King and Chelsea Fung – were enjoying a simple Saturday afternoon lime, reminiscing about their university experiences in Miami and Toronto that prominently featured art and culture-based entertainment. They couldn’t help but notice that the same was not available locally. “During our conversation, it was suggested by my mother that if we wanted to experience a different type of entertainment, we should make it happen

would give birth to one of the best things that we’ve ever done in our lives?” The girls started hosting jazz concerts and art festivals and eventually added event coordination, décor and marketing services to the company. “We slowly built our event planning portfolio, improved our skills, cemented partner relationships and established a dynamic network that is now the foundation of our multi-service group of companies – RED Entertainment, RED Experiences and RED Marketing,” Chelsea said. RED Entertainment offers

since 2014. “This art and wine event was created as a promotional event for our first Art Festival, ‘Kiss My ART Festival’, and it was a hit! Since then, we have continued to host the event at various locations over the years, and as of last year just after the pandemic changed our lives, we pivoted to an online platform to continue offering the event experience,” Chelsea noted. After almost nine years, the three friends are proud to have a team of seven women. “We are a full force of creativity, ideas and love of details, efficiency

Red Entertainment created and produced the Spotlight Show

ourselves,” Chelsea reflected in an interview with Buzz this week. Before that very night was over, RED Entertainment was formed. “A Jazz event (‘From Jazz with Love’) was beyond the embryo stage; the Georgetown Club and Arturo Tappin from Barbados were booked… the rest is history,” she fondly recalls. The friends had never given thought to starting this type of venture individually, let alone with each other. “Who would’ve known that one small ‘gaff’

event décor, planning and coordination services for all event types like weddings, birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, etc. Under the RED Marketing umbrella, the team offers market research, social media marketing management, corporate events, and advertising productions. As a registered marketing agency with media houses, it provides strategic ad placements for businesses. RED Experiences houses the team’s monthly Art Glass events that have been hosted

RED Entertainment offers event décor and planning services for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, etc

and clear communication.” The culture surrounding RED Entertainment is all about collaboration with others who are masters of their own craft and fields, “and we assume this collaborative culture with our team as well. This is a very proud accomplishment of ours that we intend to build and grow in the years to come.” The team is proud of its supportive efforts during the pandemic and its contributions to the community over the years. From the very beginning of their journey as a partnership, they have always sought to give back. They have donated part of their proceeds from every jazz concert and art festival to various organisations and initiatives, such as Help and Shelter, Red Thread, Rotary Clubs of Demerara, Rotary Polio Plus Campaign, Buxton Youth Developers, East Le Penitence Children’s Theatre Workshop and the Children’s Home in Kuru Kururu. The girls cannot wait for their tenth anniversary next year October and are already in the process of brainstorming ideas to celebrate.

WizPhil releases ‘Lavish Lifestyle’ song

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Video dropping soon

IN a sizzling new collaboration, musician Phillip Anthony Geer has dropped the audio to his new song called ‘Lavish Lifestyle’ that tells the story of how the rich and elite live, and how others aspiring to step up in life can achieve the same through hard work. Speaking with Buzz this week, Geer, well-known in the music industry as ‘WizPhil’ explained that the song is a partnership with Joey2kool Productions and Team Mohamed’s. They are now in the process of shooting the video at locations across the country. The audio was released earlier this week on Youtube and on all social media platforms and the video is expected to come out soon, even as no date was announced as yet. According to WizPhil, the music video will showcase Guyana tremendously and will encourage Guyanese to remain positive through their hardships and on their road to a better life. He said it also showcases the high-end lifestyle of Team Mohamed’s and how

any Guyanese can make it once they put in the work required. Geer has made significant strides in the local music industry, top among them being that he was able to acquire his own recording studio. He has also managed to get out several music videos and has been able to perform at several big events across the country. Geer loved music ever since he was a child and this was fueled by the time he spent playing instruments in church, but it was really in his high school days that the thought came to him that music is what he really wants to pursue. He started recording music in school just for his benefit and that of his friends, but after finishing school, he began to take it seriously. He began recording his own music by getting the right equipment and software, microphones and a good mix and sound. He received positive feedback from friends about his music and they encouraged him to continue with it. Since then, Geer has always believed that

his music will eventually make it big, not just locally, but internationally. “I know my music’s worth; it’s worth much more than these ears in Guyana. It just takes one song to make a hit and I know that it will come soon,” he has expressed. “I grew up in church playing the drums and then I moved on to guitars and so forth. I started developing an ear for music and I got better at it and I just continued and realised that I am really cut out for the music business.” His music doesn’t feature comedy and is more about serious, positive subjects that come up in his life such as things that happen in the community, lifestyle, relationships, things that people are going through in life and other reality subjects. The musician feels that more value and appreciation can be placed on the work of local artistes and that the radio stations for one can do its part to promote the work of such artistes. “The DJs need to value good music and not just play trash on the radio. Play music that would

‘Lavish Lifestyle’ is a collaboration with WizPhil, Joey2kool Productions and Team Mohamed’s

make Guyana look good,” he stated. Geer has observed that good music is more than hype and beats that sound good. Music should inspire people, he said.

He is also hopeful that more local events will be organised to give artistes an opportunity to work and showcase their talent. “We need to get local events, more events

that feature local artistes as opposed to international ones. We have to showcase our own. Put them on stage, give them a spot,” he encouraged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Krejcikova to meet Pavlyuchenkova in French Open final

CZECH Barbora Krejcikova showed incredible spirit to beat Maria Sakkari in a classic French Open semi-final and reach her first Grand Slam final. Krejcikova, 25, won 7-5, 4-6, 9-7 with her fifth match point - after saving one herself - in a dramatic match lasting over three hours. Krejcikova thought she had won earlier in the final game but had a line call wrongly overruled by the umpire. She will play Russian 31st seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final tomorrow. “I always wanted to play a match like this,” said Krejcikova, who is ranked 33rd in the singles and also a former doubles world

number one. “When I was younger and I was playing juniors, I always wanted to play such a challenging match where we both had chances and were playing so well - and only one can win. “Even if I lost today I would be very proud of myself because I was fighting. That is the most important thing, to fight, in here and in our own life.” Pavlyuchenkova continued her late bloom at the French Open to also reach her first Grand Slam final, beating Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek 7-5, 6-3 on the Paris clay. Pavlyuchenkova, 29, was a dominant junior player but had never previously reached a Grand Slam semi-final. (BBC Sport)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Sports events have been cancelled or disrupted by a myriad of complications over the years, including war, plague, economic uncertainty and political boycotts, but the series of events that have beset this year’s Copa America takes some beating.

Barbora Krejcikova reached the fourth round of last year’s French Open but otherwise had only won two main-draw singles matches at the majors before this run

top four teams in each group qualify for the quarter-finals, meaning only two of the 10 teams are eliminated after the first round. CONMEBOL has made a show of copying the European model of organisation in recent years, and the latest Copa was to be the first with a co-hosting model, featuring

Former Brazil player Juninho with the Copa America trophy and the tournament ball during the tournament draw at Centro de Convenciones in Cartagena, Colombia, on Dec ember 3, 2019 (File photo: Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez)

The oldest international tournament in world football, the Copa America, is South America’s equivalent of the European Championship and is a big deal for players such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. The tournament’s difficulties began with the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 version was postponed to 2021. The year’s delay forced guest participants Australia and Qatar to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. That left two groups of five teams instead of six. However, rather than alter the format, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) insisted that the

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Colombia and Argentina, at opposite ends of the continent. This May, less than a month before kick-off, Colombia was removed as a co-host after civil unrest in the country, and soon after, Argentina pulled out when COVID-19 cases surged. ENTER BRAZIL TO SAVE THE DAY Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro agreed to host the tournament with less than two weeks’ notice in spite of the country’s own terrible coronavirus record. Almost half a million people have died in Brazil, more than any country outside the York 08:45 hrs Jadhlaan 09:20 hrs Desert Emtperor 09:55 hrs Tareekh 10:30 hrs Mejthaam 11:00 hrs Ought To Stop 11:35 hrs Paxos 12:05 hrs Green Gage Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 10:50 hrs Heart To Heart 11:25 hrs Brightburn 11:55 hrs Blairmayne 12:25 hrs Free Solo 12:55 hrs Time And Money 13:30 hrs Malawi 14:05 hrs Ellaat 14:40 hrs Powerful Kieran

United States, and thousands are still dying each week. PLAYERS UPSET The decision, arranged by Rogerio Caboclo, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), appeared to upset the Brazilian players, and they promised to take a stance. Local media reported that the players could refuse to play in the tournament. Instead, yet another reverse appeared to appease them. Caboclo was suspended pending an ethics investigation, and two days later, the players made their position public. “For different reasons, be they humanitarian or professional, we are not satisfied with the way the Copa America has been handled by CONMEBOL,” they wrote on social media. Stressing that they did not want to take a political stance, the players made no mention of Caboclo, the CBF or Bolsonaro, much less the pandemic. “I confess that I was naive in thinking that the players might really take a historic position in empathy with our people,” wrote former Brazil striker Walter Casagrande. “It was a demonstration of cowardice in the face of all that is happening in the country.” At least one major sponsor has pulled out and, while the country’s Supreme Court is due to hear arguments that the tournament should be cancelled, it is expected to go ahead on Sunday (June 13), when Brazil take on Venezuela. It just won’t look anything like what it was supposed to. American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Artemus Citylimits Race 2 Lune Lake Race 3 Chris And Dave Race 4 Papa Smooth Race 5 Honey Money Race 6 Acushla Race 7 Dealing Justice Race 8 Sham Rocket South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Highway Star 08:55 hrs Palo Alto 09:30 hrs Mojito Magic 10:05 hrs Blingking 10:37 hrs English Princess

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Burns, Lawrence stage England fightback in second Test ENGLAND impressed and disappointed, in parts, the 17 000 fans at Edgbaston, day one, in what was a baby-step towards the restoration of normalcy. Going once again with no designated spinner, the hosts only made a forced change by bringing Olly for Ollie (Stone for Robinson), in stark contrast to their rivals, who made – or were rather forced to make a sea of changes due to a combination of injuries and workload management. A sore back kept BJ Watling out of the mix, with Tom Blundell taking the gloves charge, while Will Young replaced Kane Williamson, whose elbow niggle ruled him out on the eve of the Test. The other changes were

Daryl Mitchell, Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry and Trent Boult. New Zealand were asked to bowl by Joe Root, who seemed a happy captain for at least a third of the day. Openers Rory Burns and Don Sibley, having navigated their way to a half-century partnership at lunch in a manner as unfussy as possible, any hopes of mounting on the visitors shattered for England, who lost three wickets in a space of four overs. Sibley’s 84-ball vigil ended as he found himself stuck in two minds before edging Henry behind, while Zak Crawley edged Wagner to third slip in the next over, bagging his third-consecutive single-digit score in the series, this time a four-ball duck. Henry struck again

and sent Joe Root packing, as the English skipper feather-edged him to Blundell behind.

England opener Rory Burns was England’ top scorer with 81

Unflustered with what happened around him, Burns burnt bright as he steadied the ship with Ollie Pope in a 42-run

Tokyo vaccination centre to offer shots to younger people as Olympics loom By Tim Kelly

(REUTERS) - The main coronavirus vaccination centre in the Japanese capital of Tokyo will begin booking shots for people under 65 from tomorrow, media reported yesterday, as it ramps up inoculation efforts before the 2020 Olympics open next month. Japan began vaccinating front-line health workers and elderly people in February, but the slow pace compared with other major industrialised nations has spurred calls for the Tokyo Games to be delayed again or cancelled. Opening up vaccinations to most citizens may help the government ease concern that the country is unprepared to host tens of thousands of foreign athletes and Olympic officials as its healthcare system struggles with a fourth wave of infections. Vaccinations have mostly been left to local health author-

ities to carry out, with some cities and towns vaccinating residents faster than others. The Tokyo vaccination centre will also begin taking appointments by telephone for the first time from tomorrow, in addition to online bookings in a bid to encourage more people to get shots, the Sankei newspaper reported. A spokeswoman at the Ministry of Defence, which operates the site, declined to comment on the telephone and did not immediately respond to an email. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday Japan aims to finish vaccinating everyone who wants a shot by October-November. That may require about 1 million injections a day. “I want to explain to the G7 about our measures to tackle infections and our intention to hold a safe and secure Games and win their understanding,” Suga told reporters as he left his res-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER FRIDAY, June 11, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

(1) Shiv Chanderpaul (21 Tests) (2) Ross Taylor (14 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI has scored most Test runs versus NZ to date? (2) Which NZ player has made most Test runs against the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

fourth-wicket stand. When Pope seemed to have dug himself in alongside an iron-solid Burns, he was

idence in Tokyo for a G7 meeting in Britain. Politics and money With less than 50 days before the Olympics open, Japan has vaccinated just over a tenth of its population with at least one dose. Organisers will this month decide whether to allow people in Japan to attend events. Spectators from abroad are not allowed. The Games have become a big political issue for the government, given widespread public opposition to holding them during the pandemic. The financial stakes are also huge. The organiser estimates that the cost of the Olympics, including $3B resulting from last year’s delay, will be more than $15B. In a sign of continued concern about the risk of more infections during the Games, however, the governor of Chiba prefecture yesterday cancelled plans for an outdoor Olympic viewing site in a park that would have drawn thousands of people. “We have decided to cancel plans for the live site,” Toshihito Kumagai told a press briefing. Near Tokyo, Chiba is due to host four Olympic events - surfing, fencing, wrestling and taekwondo and four Paralympic events. On Wednesday, the prefecture recorded 106 new COVID-19 cases compared with 440 in Tokyo.

undone by Ajaz Patel to ensure that the second session was entirely owned by the opponents. Both Wagner and Boult

extracted as much as they possibly could have, despite the track offering little movement. The duo stuck to the fourth stump line, pitching the majority of the deliveries in the good and short of a length corridor, posing questions to the batters and pushing them in two minds. Following up his hardfought ton at Lord’s in the previous game, Burns looked set for another, although Boult successfully managed to lure him for the drive – when he was at 81 – which took the outside edge before landing into the hands of slips. If James Bracey had managed to overcome the sight of his off-stump flying all over the place on debut courtesy Southee, Boult

ensured to give him fresh horrors, getting him caught behind to still keep him away from getting his first runs in Test cricket. With wickets tumbling once again, it came down to the dodgy resistance of Dan Lawrence, who strung two critical stands – 42 with Stone followed by 36 with Mark Wood – to take innings lead past 250. He struck 11 fours in his unbeaten 100-ball 67 and held his end up, but Patel trapped Stone lbw to push England at risk of being wrapped up for a sub-par total. Wood, who stood unbeaten at 16 off 58, ensured that did not happen, taking England to 258 for seven at stumps. (CricTracker)

Man, United have £67m bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho rejected

Jadon Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of 2017

MANCHESTER United have had a £67m bid for England winger Jadon Sancho turned down by Borussia Dortmund. The German club want about £77.5m for the 21-year-old, with an additional £4.25m bonus payment on top. BBC Sport also understands that in addition to the fee not being high enough, United wanted to pay it over five years when Dortmund are only willing for it to extend to four. United are now considering whether to revise their offer. The Old Trafford club will be keen to avoid a repeat of 12 months ago, when they were given a fee by Dortmund for Sancho, then tried to reduce it believing the Bundesliga side would eventually sell for a lower price. In the end, Dortmund refused to budge and San-

cho remained where he was. Asked on BBC Radio 5 Live if playing in Germany has contributed to his success on the pitch, Sancho said it has “definitely played a huge part”. He added: “The first two years were difficult with the language and all sorts but I have settled in really well and happily got my opportunity. I took it. “Dortmund is a quiet city, it is easy to go to training and go home. The fans love football and that is a good thing. Not being close to my family is the only thing [I don’t enjoy] but that is part of life. “I don’t really focus on the media, I just focus on myself and what I need to do on the pitch.” Dortmund have a gentleman’s agreement with Sancho that they will allow him to leave the club if someone reaches their

valuation before a certain point in the summer, which is likely to coincide with his expected return date from England duty at the European Championship. Among their major young stars, including Erling Braut Haaland and Jude Bellingham, Sancho is the only one Dortmund are interested in selling this summer. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be keen to get the deal done, and has identified a right-sided attacking player as one of his priorities. He feels there is not enough competition for places in that area of the field, a situation underlined by the fact he failed to make a substitution until extra time despite his side struggling in the Europa League final against Villarreal, which they eventually lost on penalties.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 11, 2021

Anderson becomes most capped England Test player

FAST bowler James Anderson became England’s most capped Test player after being selected to play in the series-decider against New Zealand. The 38-year-old wins his 162nd cap at Edgbaston, surpassing former captain Alastair Cook. Lancashire’s Anderson made his Test debut in 2003 and has taken 616 wickets an England record. “I can’t believe I have got this far,” Anderson told BBC Sport. “It’s been an amazing journey.” He is seventh on the overall list for most caps and fourth for most wickets, the leading fast bowler in each. Anderson added: “I’m lucky that I have got a body that can cope with the rigours of bowling. “I do work hard at my fitness and my skills; I also having the hunger to turn up every day to try to get better. “That is all I’ve done since I became a professional

a lot

He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Lord’s 18 years ago and has played under eight different captains. “It’s a phenomenal achievement for a n y player to

Fast bowler James Anderson

and that will hopefully continue for a few more years.” Anderson revealed he received a congratulatory phone call from former team-mate Cook on Wednesday night and he was presented with a special shirt with the number 162 on the back by his England team-mates before play yesterday. “That phone call meant

from such a close mate,” said Anderson. “To go past him is very special.” Anderson made his England debut in a one-day international against Australia in December 2002. He went on to play 194 ODIs and 19 Twenty20s, and his 375 caps across all three formats is also an England record.

play that amount of games,” current Test skipper Joe Root said on Wednesday. “It’s history-making for him to go through to that milestone.” For how long can Anderson carry on? Anderson went past Sir Ian Botham’s previous England record of 383 Test

wickets in 2015. He has since become the first England bowler to 400 and 500 Test wickets and last summer became the first fast bowler from any country to 600. Anderson has been a part of four Ashes-winning teams - in 2009, 2010-11, 2013 and 2015. He needs four more wickets to go above Anil Kumble to third on the all-time list, behind only Muttiah Muralitharan on 800 and Shane Warne on 708. Anderson is only six short of reaching 1 000 first-class wickets. “Jimmy Anderson still absolutely loves cricket,” former England captain Michael Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special. “I don’t know how many years he’s got left because a year or two ago I thought another three or four years. I honestly don’t want to say how many years he may have left, because he’s bowling better than ever, he’s fitter

than ever, so I think we’re going to see for a little bit longer.” If Anderson plays seven more Tests he will be second most capped player of all-time, trailing Sachin Tendulkar, who played 200 matches for India. “I wonder is he has any thoughts of breaking Tendulkar’s record,” former England coach Trevor Bayliss told BBC Sport. “It’s phenomenal that he’s still doing what he is doing.” The Australian, who was in charge of the England team between 2015 and 2019, believes Anderson could continue to play at the highest level for several more years. “There’s no reason why he can’t,” said Bayliss. “We could be saying this in another two or three years’ time. Who knows? As long as he is enjoying playing the game, has success and his body holds together, who knows how long he will go?”

Omar McLeod is having fun again after a world-leading 13.01 in Florence

OMAR McLeod said he is having fun again as he once more signalled his intent to successfully defend his Olympic title with a world-leading 13.01, to win the 110-metres hurdles at the Diamond League meeting in Florence, Italy. The 2016 Olympic champion was running his fastest time since 2019 that equalled Allen Johnson’s meet record set back in 1999. “It feels good to be winning again. I am having fun again,” said a pleased McLeod afterwards. “It was a really good race. I put together a technically sound race. I did not hit a hurdle. The weather is a bit shaky but we have to put up with this. “The time is close enough to 13 seconds and I will get under 13 seconds when the time is right. Now I had two solid races back to back and I am getting better with every race. It is good to get opportunities to race again.” Great Britain’s Andrew Pozzi ran 13.25 for second place while Wilhem Belocian clocked 13.31, a season’s best for the Frenchman, who was third. Shane Brathwaite of Barbados was fifth in 13.46. Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn was equally impressive in winning the women’s sprint hurdles

event in meet record 12.38, the second-fastest time in the world this year behind her own 12.32. She broke Russia’s Vera Komisova’s record of 12.39 that had stood since 1980. “Actually, I did much better than I thought I would. I was really nervous at the start, so all I could think when I was in the blocks was to have a good start, push really hard, and be good to go,” said Camacho-Quinn, who has plans to go even faster as the Olympics draw nearer. “Of course, I want to run faster, but I just take it as it comes - I’ve been very consistent with my races, so I’m really excited, and not rushing at all. I’m looking forward to the Olympics this year - it will be like redemption from my fall in 2016 - I’m really excited, training really hard, work really hard, but really looking forward to it.” Meanwhile, Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas was the runner-up in 12.80. Elvira Herman of Belarus ran a season-best 12.85 for third while Jamaica’s Megan Tapper was fourth in 12.94. Dina Asher-Smith, the reigning world and European champion destroyed a talented field to win the 200m in 22.06, the second-fastest time in the world this year. It was also a meet re-

Omar McLeod ran a world-leading 13.01, to win the 110-metres hurdles at the Diamond League meeting in Florence, Italy

cord for the Briton, erasing Marion Jones’ 22.19 set in 1999, and who said afterwards that the victory was an essential one. “It was really important to do a good race here today. Obviously, it’s been really hard over the past year and a bit because of the pandemic - so I’m really proud to be able to put that kind of time, and I definitely have more in me,” she said. Asher-Smith won handsomely over the Ivory Coast’s Marie Josee Ta Lou, who stumbled at the start but recovered to run a sea-

son-best 22.58 for second place. “I am very satisfied with the time because I nearly fell at the start. Then I really had to get out of the curve quick and fast. I have not run as fast as 22.58 seconds since 2017. Now I know that all the work I put in pays off and is worth it. The shape is there. And it keeps getting better and better. Now I will go back home to my country and train. And in July I will come back to Europe for some meetings,” she said.

South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi claimed five for 19 from13.5 overs

SEE PAGE 23

Fast bowler Jayden Seales celebrates one of his three wickets on debut on the opening day of the first Test yesterday

Windies crumble for 97 but teenager Seales spearheads fightback

Forty-four mile cycling road race set for Father’s Day SEE PAGE 23

The event is expected to attract cyclists in various categories

T H E Wo r l d B o x i n g Council has created a special Freedom Belt to commemorate ‘Juneteenth’. It will be presented to the winner of the bout

between WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo and Juan Macias Montiel on June 19 in Houston. The Juneteenth Freedom Belt is epit-

omised by the famous quote of journalist Jimmy Cannon about Joe Louis, which said: “Joe is a credit to his race … The Human Race!” (Fightnews)

Anderson becomes most capped England Test player

SEE PAGE 27

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FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021