Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-07-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

TUESDAY 13th July, 2021

No. 106420

Man freed of 2013 Mash Day murder; co-accused to be retried 15

SEE PAGE

Major civil works commence for deep-water port 3 SEE PAGE

―CGX announces; says multimillion-dollar project to be completed by 2023

Farmers and residents of Canal Polder on the Canal Number Two Conservancy Dam, make their way down the canal to assist JS Guyana in its effort to distribute hampers containing diapers and cleaning supplies, following the floods that destroyed farmers’ crops, their livelihoods, and a number of appliances and possessions within their households (Troy (Troy Parboo photo) photo)

Sputnik V second dose available from today SEE PAGE

Edghill: Figueira-led PAC is ‘reasonable and rational’

SEE PAGE

Landlord’s son allegedly stabs young tenant to 8 death SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Drilling of Kawa-1 well to commence before August 15

By Navendra Seoraj

DRILLING of the Kawa-1 well, the first well at the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana, is set to commence before August 15 and will cost close to US$85 million, CGX Energy Inc has said. The Kawa-1 well is located in the north-east quadrant of the Corentyne Block, approximately 200 km offshore Georgetown. The water-depth is approximately 355 metres (1,174 ft) and the expected total depth of the Kawa-1 well is 6,575 metres (21,700 ft). As previously announced by CGX, Kawa-1 will be drilled by the Maersk Dis-

coverer, a sixth-generation, semi-submersible, currently working in Trinidad for another operator. CGX Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of CGX and operator of the Corentyne block, has secured all necessary contracts for the drilling of Kawa-1 and is now commencing operational activities to meet the targeted spud window. Based on the latest update from the company, the well is expected to be spudded within August 1 to August 15 and reach total depth in approximately 85 days. The primary target of the Kawa-1 well is a Santonian age, stratigraphic trap. The estimated cost to

Map showing Guyana’s blocks (Photo courtesy of CNW Group/Frontera Energy Corporation)

drill and evaluate Kawa-1 is between approximately US$80-$85 million, which CGX expects to finance from one or more options that are currently being considered by the company. Back in April, it was reported that Frontera Energy Corporation has injected US$19 million (approximately G$4.1B), in the form of a loan, into CGX. Frontera Energy Corporation which, together with CGX, holds Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara blocks, announced that it has entered into an agreement with CGX for a US$19 million loan, which will enable the company to continue financing its share costs related to the Corentyne, De-

merara and Berbice blocks, the Berbice Deep Water Port (BDWP), and other budgeted costs, as agreed to by Frontera. Executive Co-Chairman of CGX, Professor Suresh Narine, was quoted in the statement as saying: “These are exciting times for CGX, the joint venture and our stakeholders as we get closer to spudding Kawa-1. “We have exciting exploration plans for the Kawa-1 and Makarapan-1 wells on the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks and, as importantly, we are developing the infrastructure necessary to support and enhance broader energy and trade-industry activity through the Berbice Deep-water Port Project. We look forward to executing on

our programmes and creating value and opportunity for our stakeholders.” It was reported in February that an independent prospective resource study has affirmed the world-class prospects of the Corentyne and Demerara blocks. “As confirmed by the independent resource evaluation commission, the Guyana basin offers the joint venture access to a leading offshore oil opportunity. We expect a robust Guyana work programme with the advancement of our exploration wells, as we continue executing on our plan to realise this value for our shareholders. “The independent prospective resource study reaffirms our excitement about

the world-class prospectivity of the Corentyne and Demerara blocks offshore Guyana,” former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Frontera, Richard Herbert, said. The independent prospective resource study and report captured the Corentyne North Area, Corentyne Main Area and Demerara Block, offshore Guyana. Outside of the prospective projects, U.S oil giant ExxonMobil is the only operator, so far, which has started production offshore Guyana. This company –operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur blocks –- has made 20 discoveries since May 2015 and began production in December 2019 from the Liza Phase One development project.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Major civil works commence for deep-water port ―CGX announces; says multimillion-dollar project to be completed by 2023

By Navendra Seoraj AS work intensifies at the various oil blocks offshore Guyana, Canadian oil-andgas exploration company, CGX Energy Inc., is positioning itself to capitalise on the plethora of opportunities that will stem from the expansion of the burgeoning oil- and-gas sector by commencing major civil works for the Berbice Deep-Water Port (BDWP). The company holds three licences in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, a frontier Basin in South America with a proven hydrocarbon system, and highly-prospective deep-water plays that can be drilled in shallow water. Outside of its direct exploration activities, CGX said it intends to utilise the BDWP to service the growing offshore demand in the oil-and-gas sector, and significantly shorten supply routes, simplify logistics, and reduce cost and operational risk. “Travel time from the BDWP to offshore fields is approximately 12 hours, compared to approximately 2.5 days to regional ports currently used by operators. The BDWP port will enable provisioning of operators and vendors in territorial waters of both Guyana and Suriname,”

the company related in a statement on Monday. Already, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Grand Canal Industrial Estates Inc. (GCIE), CGX is engaged in civil works related to the construction of the BDWP on 30 acres of land on the eastern bank of the Berbice River, adjacent to Crab Island. “Currently, work is ongoing on the access road and connecting bridge, relocation of utilities and major construction of the site along the Berbice River,” CGX said, adding: “Construction of the wharf platform and access trestle are currently scheduled to begin in September 2021. The facility is designed to have a wharf platform of 220m length, and 30m width, accessed by a 50m trestle.” Further, an approved dredging programme will be established to ensure that there is continual, unencumbered access to supply and cargo vessels. The depth for dredging is set to be maintained at a 7m (23 ft) low-tide draft within the berth area, and access channel that leads to the BDWP pier. The energy company also owns and operates a 16-acre laydown yard in Berbice at Bramfield; this facility, located along the main Corentyne Highway, is fully permitted

and operational as a logistics base, and will also service the BDWP, which is located 3.2 km from the Bramfield Logistics Yard. The capital cost for the project, which is set to be completed by 2023, is currently estimated at US$70 million, with a further expansion to construct heavy lift and fabrication facilities being contemplated.

company first made its intention of constructing such a facility known. And although it experienced setbacks over the past few years, CGX’s decision to forge ahead with the BDWP was motivated by an independent market assessment conducted by Maritime & Transport Business Solutions (MTBS) of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. According to the MTBS,

MARKET ASSESSMENT It was in 2010 that the

the BDWP is expected to service the demands of one offshore well in 2022 following start-up, growing to 7-12 offshore wells a year, beginning in 2023. “The MTBS report predicts revenue generation from 2022 related to offshore oiland-gas services reaching approximately US$37 million by 2025, and steadily increas-

ing thereafter. The life-cycle of a producing field requires support, consumable supplies, equipment and services. “The BDWP’s containerised, specialised and agricultural cargo operations are targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2023. The MTBS marketing report predicts that by 2030, the port will handle over 835,000 tonnes of cargo, with 64 per cent of this related to the export of rice,” CGX related. With approximately 30– 50 per cent of Guyana’s rice being produced in regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the BDWP, CGX reasoned, will provide important support to this industry, and service its expected growth. Specific to cargo handling operations of the port, the MTBS report predicts revenue generation to reach approximately US$28 million by 2025, with steady growth predicted to reach approximately US$37 million by 2030. The company also commissioned MTBS to prepare a financial model for the BDWP, with inputs from GCIE, as well as other advisers and consultants such as Aqua and Terra Consultores Asociados S.A.S, and SRKN’gineering and Associates Ltd.

The financial model predicts that the payback year for the project is 2025, with an above-industry average net present value and internal rate of return values. Considering its potential, the company believes that this project is transformative, especially for local content in the oil-and-gas sector, and for the transformation of the country’s agricultural and commercial sectors. Co-Chairman of CGX, Gabriel de Alba was quoted by the company as saying: “We are pleased to continue to advance our activities in what we believe is one of the world’s most important new oil-and-gas blocks in the last decade. The CGX team has worked tirelessly to reach this point, in coordination with all our stakeholders. We look forward to providing further details as soon as possible.” Further, Co-Chairman of CGX, Professor Suresh Narine said: “I am incredibly proud of our team as we reach such an important exploration milestone for our organisation. I am equally proud of the progress we have made in the development of the Berbice port, which reflects the focus we have on the broader opportunities for the people and businesses of Guyana.”

“Work is on schedule for the operationalisation of the offshore oil-andgas support shore base by mid-2022, and for the operationalisation of containerised cargo, agricultural cargo and specialised cargo terminal by the end of 2023,” CGX related.

normalcy. The PAC was previously headed by David Patterson of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), who

ruary 1, 2021, during the sixth meeting of the APNU+AFC-led committee, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, moved a motion

which is tasked with scrutinising public spending, since he himself was facing public allegations and charges relating to fraud and mismanagement of government monies.

“paragraph after paragraph” worth of infractions on the part of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, headed by Patterson during his party’s 2015-2020 tenure in gov-

Notwithstanding the fraud charges and investigations, the APNU+AFC trio had vehemently insisted that Patterson had the full confidence of his Coalition party. This led to a notable stalemate of the work of the PAC, and Patterson was accused of stymieing the furtherance of the no-confidence motion brought against him. As a result of the motion being continually blocked, Teixeira’s motion was taken to the ‘full-house’ National Assembly, where Patterson’s fate was heavily debated, and eventually sealed with the passage of the motion which forced him to step down. According to Figueira, Patterson remains a member of the parliamentary committee. As it is, the work of the PAC has been significantly delayed, with the body still examining the contents of

Edghill: Figueira-led PAC is ‘reasonable and rational’ By Rehana Ahamad

THE work of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), under the new chairmanship of the main Opposition’s Jermaine Figueira, has been “reasonable” and “rational” in its operations. This is according to government representative of the PAC, Juan Edghill, who said that after months of stalemate, the parliamentary body was, on Monday, finally able to get back to work. “We actually got work done. We also had a meeting last week, where we were able to get in place, a process of engagement to deal with the Public Procurement Commission; a sub-committee was formed,” the Minister of Public Works related. Edghill believes that the Figueira-led PAC has showed positive signs of returning to some level of

Government representative of the PAC, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill

was then ousted following the passage of a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly earlier in June. Patterson was appointed PAC Chair in December 2020; however, on Feb-

calling for Patterson to be replaced by another opposition member of the PAC. Teixeira had premised her motion on the fact that Patterson was unfit to spearhead the work of the PAC,

Recently appointed Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira

INFRACTIONS At the time of that motion, the PAC was examining the findings of the 2016 Auditor General’s (AG) Report, which highlighted

ernment. At that time, however, Patterson’s other three colleagues, Ganesh Mahipaul, Jermaine Figueira and Juretha Fernandes, refused to take Patterson’s place.

TURN TO PAGE 5

Gov’t seeking investment partners for gas-to-energy project

THE government is inviting interested parties to invest in its US$900 million gas-to-energy project in the Wales Development Zone (WDZ). A public notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources states the WDZ was selected as the landing facility for the pipeline, following the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

consideration of more than 20 potential locations. The pipeline, which would end in the WDZ, will measure some 225 km from the Liza area where the natural gas is produced. The project will see the establishment of a gas processing plant (GPP), and a natural gas liquids (NGL)

A preliminary artist’s impression of the natural gas plant (Source: EEPGL)

facility capable of producing at least 4,000 barrels per day, including the fractionation (or separating out) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The government says a power plant will be established to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW in a second phase, and that an industrial park will be established to comprise industries that could use gas, steam and/ or electricity. ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed

the government that a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transported through the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd. The notice states that interested parties may apply for any of three business opportunities, these being joint participation with the government and EEPGL in designing or utilising the outputs from the NGL/LPG facility and related facilities; design, construction and fi-

nancing of a power plant fueled by natural gas, where the power will be delivered into the national Guyana Power and Light (NGL) grid; and industries that can utilise natural gas for “natural gas drive developments and growth”. Notably, for this option, the Government expects applicants to propose projects with a maximum demand of 10 mmscfd in the initial phase. However, government has noted a preference for those utilising 1-5 mmscfd. Prospective applicants will be expected to demonstrate sound technical and financial capabilities and track record. The government is currently facilitating public consultations on the gas-to-energy project, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for persons concerned about the environmental impact. The EPA said EEPGL applied for environmental au-

thorisation for the project. It has determined that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) would be needed for such a project, since it could have a significant impact on the environment. Persons have been invited to share their ideas on what should be considered in the EIA. The consultations are being held both virtually and in-person, but persons may also reach out directly to the EPA. The gas-to-energy project, which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is anticipate to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity cost by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the private sector as prohibitive to investments. Hence, government expects the gas-to-energy project to revolutionise to significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Top Cop says allegations of missing $3M are ‘unfounded’

COMMISSIONER of Police, Nigel Hoppie, has refuted allegations that the $3 million earmarked to pay an informant in the Henry boys’ murder case has gone missing from the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

information relating to informants, “because it could actually jeopardise the lives of these informants, and, by extension, their families”. It was on November 3, 2020, that the GPF announced that it would be offering the $3 million as a

Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie

“The allegations of monies missing is unfounded,” the top cop told a local journalist on the sidelines of an event at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Pressed for more details, Commissioner Hoppie said the Police Force, following internationally established protocols, does not release

reward for any information that could lead to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the brutal murders of teenaged cousins, Joel and Isiah Henry, whose mutilated bodies were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, in Septem-

ber 2020. It was reported that a fraction of the monies was also earmarked for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder of 17-year-old Haresh Singh. Singh’s death was suspected to have been

On the other hand, due to the lack of sufficient evidence, at least one of the charges against the men accused of murdering Isiah Henry has been dismissed. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has since requested the docu-

Joel and Isiah Henry were brutally murdered in September 2020

a revenge killing, since one of his relatives was initially held for questioning into the Henry boys’ murder. Gladston Henry, the brother of Isaiah Henry and the cousin of Joel Henry has since been charged for Singh’s murder, along with three other persons.

ments which were submitted in relation to the case. Nonetheless, it was over the weekend that a local journalist reached out to the Police Public Relations Department via an official WhatsApp group seeking information about the funds.

Edghill: Figueira-led ... TURN FROM PAGE 3

the 2016 Auditor General’s Report. According to Minister Edghill, Monday’s sitting saw the examination of a number of procurement breaches occurring at the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Business, the National Communications Network, and the Guyana Defence Force, under the former APNU+AFC government. Edghill made specific reference to the establishment of the Plantain Chips Factory which was built, but never operationalised. LESS CONFRONTATIONAL Meanwhile, the new PAC Chairman, Jermaine Figueira, has also expressed satisfaction relating to the manner in which the committee has been doing its work during the past two meetings. “I think we are progressing at a pace; we didn’t have much confrontation so to speak,” Figueira confirmed. In assuming his new role, Figueira had expressed commitment towards executing the mandate of the PAC, which is largely responsible

for scrutinising financial irregularities flagged in the annual AG’s report. In a previous interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Figueira committed to hosting at least two weekly PAC meetings, aimed at clearing the backlog of work, before the Parliament goes into recess. “We on the opposition are prepared to do what is expected of us… which is to ensure accountability and transparency of the people’s money,” the young Member of Parliament said. He indicated too that although Patterson was forced to step down as the head of the PAC, he remains an “integral” member of the committee. Minister Edghill is hopeful that once a “clear focus” is kept, and Figueira continues directing the PAC in the manner that he has, then the PAC could be better able to strengthen the management of taxpayers’ resources. “…that general sense of bullyism at the PAC and so on, that was void of at today’s [Monday’s] meeting,” the Public Works Minister emphasised.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Visionary Leadership THE Government of Guyana recently hosted a visit by the newly appointed President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Hyginus Leon. This is his first official visit to Guyana since he assumed the Presidency of the bank in May of this year. During the visit, the CDB President met with a number of top government officials including President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The objective of the visit was to re-affirm the CDB’s commitment to Guyana and to offer assistance in support of the country’s national de-

velopment goals. The visit could not have come at a better time when the country is experiencing a wave of exciting economic developments, due in part to the new and still emerging oil and gas sector, but also to an outburst of investments, both local and foreign. It also took place against the backdrop of the recent floods experienced in several parts of the country and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic being experienced in the country and the Region at large, The CDB has a long history of partnership in Guyana’s development by way of the disbursement of development financing and other forms of technical assistance, especially through the bank’s Basic Needs Trust

Fund (BNTF). In fact, Guyana is one of the founding members of the bank, having joined the bank in 1970. Funding from the bank over the decades has contributed significantly to the country’s development. Last year, the CDB approved US$9.9 million for the construction of a modern Hospitality Training Institute and another US$190 million for the upgrading of 121 kilometres of roadways from Linden to Mabura Hill, one of the largest projects in the bank’s history. So far, the bank has disbursed over $350 million in several areas of national development such as agriculture and rural development, education, tourism, transportation, communication, power, infrastructure, environment and manufac-

turing. As a developing country on the path of economic and social transformation, the need for development finance and investment capital cannot be overemphasised. This is especially true for the growth and development of trade and manufacturing, so critical for balanced and sustainable development and also for job creation. The private sector has a key role to play in this regard. In recognition of this fact, President Ali, during his meeting with the CDB officials, made a pitch for greater support for the private sector, which is now regarded as the ‘engine of growth.’ The President outlined in his discussions with officials of the bank, his vision for Guyana and the government’s

macro-economic plans, as well as possible areas where the bank can contribute to meet the challenges that face not only Guyana, but the Region as a whole. That view was also shared by Dr. Ashni Singh, who noted that the private sector is earmarked to play key roles in Guyana’s future development. These discussions, as pointed out by the minister, has to be seen against the backdrop of Guyana’s role not only as a borrower and a beneficiary of the bank, but also as a shareholder. From all indications, the meeting was very constructive and could pave the way for greater and more fruitful engagements between the Guyana Government and the Caribbean Development

Bank. The new development paradigm is one in which the private sector is the main driver of wealth creation and by extension national growth and development. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are now the preferred models of wealth creation with the government playing the role of facilitator of the development process and creating the enabling environment for the private sector to grow and prosper. The overall objective is to create a diverse, balanced and resilient economy, which is not subjected to the vulnerabilities of any particular area of production and which is sustainable over time.

PNC thugs were used to break up WPA public meetings

Dear Editor,

JUNE this year marks over 41 years since the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, one of the leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and an opponent of the People’s National Congress (PNC) government under Forbes Burnham. For too long this matter was never given serious action to bring a closure to this bloody action un-

der the People’s National Congress. Former President Donald Ramotar did set up a Commission of Enquiry, which was boycotted by the opposition People’s National Congress. Ramoutar lost the 2015 elections and with the coming of the David Granger government, the enquiry was completed in an unsatisfactory way. The report was never made public. Dr. Walter Rodney, a historian, was a lecturer at an African university. He later

moved to Jamaica before returning to Guyana, where he was denied a job at the University of Guyana because of his criticism against the Forbes Burnham government who was rigging elections to perpetuate his dictatorial rule. D r. Wa l t e r R o d n e y, along with Rupert Roopnaraine, Karen De Souza, Eusi Kwayana, Moses Bhagwan and others, launched the Working People’s Alliance. Dr Rodney became popular,

drawing huge crowds at his meetings. Burnham would have none of that. Dr Rodney’s meetings were broken up by PNC thugs and members of the House of Israel under Rabbi Washington. Many WPA members were beaten. Moses Bhagwan one time got a few of his ribs broken. Dr Rodney was chased down and had to seek refuge in a yard. The police force and the army were behind him. In fact, a member of the Guyana

Defence Force planted the bomb that blew Dr Rodney’s body apart. The killing of Dr Rodney happened at a time when the country was governed by a dictator whose only objective was to hold on to power. It was a time when elections after elections were rigged; when our constitution was being abused to create an executive president; a time when political opposition and civil society persons were threatened, beaten and throw

into prison. Many people were dismissed from their jobs for speaking out against the Burnham regime. It was a time when Dr Rodney was denied a job in his own country. It was a time when thousands of Guyanese were fleeing the country from the Burnham regime. The Burnham government had a hand in Dr Rodney’s death. Yours sincerely, Baldeo Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Prejudice and racism in America during COVID

Dear Editor,

ANY non-White person in America, and perhaps also in other White-dominated countries would reveal experiences or encounters of ethnic hate and prejudice and racism; immigrant communities a re v i c t i m s e v e r y where. Even during the COVID pandemic, when people would be most grateful for the medical assistance received, they exhibited prejudice against medical (health) personnel not of their ethnicity. The immigrants are attending to the victims, some of whom are not grateful. Since coming to the U.S. in the 1970s as a student, I and almost every Guyanese I conversed with have had countless encounters of racial prejudice from all other ethnic groups. Afro and indigenous Americans historically have experienced racism long before the birth of the nation. Even White Italians and Irish experienced prejudice from other White nationalities a century ago. And there has not been much change in race hate from five decades ago when Indo and Afro-Guyanese started settling in the U.S. Guyanese I have conversed with since the start of the pandemic in February 2020 have narrated varied experiences of prejudice at their places of work, public transportation, and even in

neighbourhoods. Indian-Guyanese, in particular, revealed negative experiences although they have no link to the source of the coronavirus; because of their Asian and Indian identities, and with the coronavirus being linked to Asia (China), and the Delta variant (identified in India), they face a lot of heat. The Delta variant does not come from India. The virus mutates itself and has been identified by virologists in various countries and thus becomes the UK or South Africa or Brazil or India variant – alpha, beta, gamma, Delta respectively. Nevertheless, people ignorant about science somehow link the virus to people coming from those countries and spreading the virus. One can get any of those four variants without actually coming into contact from visitors or nationals of those countries infected with the virus. In the U.S., Chinese (all Orientals) have been subjected to extreme forms of hate and racism. Many were physically attacked or spat upon. Indian (including Guyanese and “Trinis”) medical workers were spat on or abused (with profanities) by members of other ethnicities for “bringing” the virus to America. Indians have nothing to do with corona. The virus emerged out of China, but it is not clear whether it was manmade or natural. Indian (including Guyanese) medi-

cal workers and those of other ethnicities have been working extra shifts to save lives. They were enlisted in the war against COVID. They were on the front- line doing their jobs without complaint. When others were at home, they took the risks and made sacrifices associated with their jobs. They quarantined away from family members. They have felt intense pride about being a doctor or a nurse or medical-centre staff or health care worker at a home. They have felt deeply American. Last year, they felt honoured when communities banged pots and blew vehicle horns for their sacrifices. Many lost their lives while attending to others. They felt needed and appreciated. And yet cruel words are uttered against them on account of ethnicity. It is noteworthy that they focus on their jobs rather than on cruel words of hate. Nevertheless, one should not forget that hate and bigotry still exist in America and almost all members of all ethnicities are guilty. Front- line workers, Guyanese and others, are applauded for ignoring the discrimination they have faced in America and for focusing on the task at hand. The coronavirus should not be used to perpetuate hate, prejudice and racism. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Deliver on longstanding development financing commitments ― Minister Singh urges global community

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday, urged the global community to deliver on longstanding development financing commitments. HE made the appeal during his participation in a virtual 2021 United Nations High-Level Political Forum Official side event organised by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The participating governments and institutions were addressed at the opening by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, who highlighted that the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) had special vulnerabilities characterised by the fact that they are small, not diversified with related volatility, remote with the implications of huge costs of transport and vulnera-

ble to climate shocks including rising sea levels, floods and droughts. Importantly, he emphasised that in revamping development assistance there is need for more resources and the need for rich countries to ‘put their umbrella over the multilateral lending agencies’. Professor Sachs noted that on a per capita basis, the SIDS – with the exception of a couple - have contributed almost nothing to global climate change, but they are disproportionately afflicted by the consequences of global climate change that they did not cause. He described this as imposed costs of greenhouse emissions of the rest of the world on SIDS. He expressed his hope that the revamped solution would be practical, scaled and exactly directed for the countries in need and expressed anticipation for the upcoming G20 meeting, in

Bali in 2022, for key decisions. Following the first panel discussion on Measuring Multidimensional Vulnerability post COVID-19 and staying on track for Agenda 2030, Minister Singh led off the second panel discussion on International Financing to address Multidimensional Vulnerability in SIDS by outlining the case of Guyana being a small country below sea level. He emphasised the fact that over 80 per cent of the population live on its low-lying coastal plain which is over one meter below sea level and where over 60 per cent of productive activity occurs. He, therefore, stressed on Guyana’s extreme vulnerability to climate change. At this point, Minister Singh referenced Professor Sachs’ earlier point that Guyana especially was disproportionately contributing to the fight against climate change

through the preservation of its pristine rainforest. He then noted that in 2005, devastating floods cost 59 per cent of Guyana’s GDP and indicated further that recent floods have seen entire communities under floodwaters for several weeks. The Finance Minister alluded to the fact that sister countries in the Caribbean have also experienced hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanos which, in some cases, caused devastation equivalent to over 200 per cent of GDP being lost.

tance (ODA) there is need for recommitment on longstanding commitments already made including the 0.7 per cent Gross National Income (GNI) for ODA as well as on climate financing – both commitments yet to be realised. The Finance Minister further emphasised that the global community should not be distracted from delivery on scale of resources including those promised 50 years ago as well as new resources. This was especially important in small

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

IN FAVOUR The minister stated emphatically that Guyana is therefore strongly in favour of the arguments made regarding the limitations of per capita income as a primary determinant for eligibility. He also voiced Guyana’s support for the incorporation of vulnerability dimensions within the consideration for eligibility for development resource, further noting that while the conversation has to go beyond mere Official Development Assis-

economies whose entire productive base could be wiped out by a pandemic or natural disaster and therefore would have no taxable production. He, therefore, agreed that factors contributing to productive diversification needed to be examined, emphasising that, “Even as we consider questions of mobilising development support etc. we also to have revisit the question of the development model that is being implemented or is being considered for many of these

countries because the reality is we have to find a way to diversify ourselves out of this extreme vulnerability that arises from a single productive sector generating all of our economic output and generating all of our government revenue. That is not an easy question to answer. It’s a question that policy makers have been wrestling to answer for a long time but it’s a question that we have to redouble our efforts to find an answer.” The minister also emphasised that even as regional integration is pursued and despite this having much value to add, “we do have to take a long hard look at how we address the peculiar vulnerabilities that are faced by our countries and in particular this challenge of productive diversification.” He then further concluded that, “It is very important that we don’t allow ourselves to be distracted with new conversations which might divert our attention from ensuring the delivery of commitments that we’ve already made, that we already embraced as a global community and that we are still struggling to deliver on.” Despite Guyana becoming an oil-producing country last year, government, since the commencement of its new term in office on August 2, 2020 has been steadfast in its approach to ensure that the country’s economy is diversified from the reliance on any one sector and has been pushing to strengthen other productive sectors such as agriculture and tourism to add value and resilience in the case of future shocks and to avoid the Dutch Disease.

Landlord’s son allegedly stabs young tenant to death

A 24-year-old father of one, Dwayne Daniel Taitt, was allegedly stabbed to death by the 42-year-old son of his landlord on Monday. The stabbing occurred around 00:30hrs and reportedly stemmed from Taitt being issued with a notice to vacate the Lot 2 Middleton Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, property. According to Police Headquarters, Taitt, an enforcement officer at the Guyana Revenue Authority, at the time of the incident was at the premises which he rents from the mother of the suspect, Jacklyn Lamaizon, and lives with his reputed wife and two-year-old daughter. The wife of the deceased reported that on Sunday last, around 17:30hrs, she was at home with Taitt when the landlady informed them in the presence of her son that they have up to Wednesday,

July 14, 2021, to move out of the premises. At the time of the incident, Taitt and his family were sleeping. They were

Dead: Dwayne Daniel Taitt

awakened by the suspect banging on their apartment door with a piece of wood, while shouting at the family to move out. As a result of the loud banging, Taitt opened the

door and saw the suspect who was armed with a knife. He ran out to the street opposite the apartment, but the suspect pursued and dealt him a stab to his chest before fleeing the scene and escaping with the weapon. Taitt, who fell to the ground, was picked up by his reputed wife and a security guard and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor. Police say that the body was examined and a wound was seen to his left upper chest. It was transferred to the hospital’s mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem. According to Police Headquarters, the suspect was arrested and the weapon was recovered. Statements were taken in the matter and the suspect is in police custody as an investigation continues.

Another child admitted to COVID-19 ICU 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

THE Ministry of Health, on Monday, disclosed that another child has been admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. According to the ministry, this additional child takes the total number of children in the ‘COVID’ ICU to two. Two others are in the hospital’s transition ward. Minister of Health,

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

D r. F r a n k A n t h o ny, made this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update on

Monday and noted that all of the children have confirmed comorbidities. “Two of the children who were there before have been discharged but currently we have four children that are in the hospital and of those four, two are currently in the ICU, and two are in the regular wards. The two that are in the ICU, one has been there for some time now and just early this morning another child has been admitted to the ICU. So,

Boat captains on trial for death of 10 passengers

SEVEN years after a gruesome boat accident claimed the life of 10 civilians in the Mazaruni River, two boat captains will, on Tuesday, stand trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall and a jury at the Essequibo High Court. Devon Thomas, called “Beast” and Cabesh Persaud, called “Dube” have pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of manslaughter which alleged

that, on January 22, 2013, in the county of Essequibo, they unlawfully killed Deon Moses, Ulrick Grimes, Christopher Ramnarine, Zahir Baksh; Brazilian national Francisco Olivera Alves, Kevon Ambrose, Keanu Amsterdam and his brother, Ricky Bobb; Jermanie Calisto, and Jewan Seeram. A total of 20 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial. According to reports

both accused are boat captains. On the day in question, Thomas was the captain of the vessel called ‘Matheran’ which had 13 persons aboard while Persaud was the sailor of the vessel called ‘Dube’ which had six passengers. The vessels which were traversing in full throttle collided at Crab Falls in the Mazaruni River. Ten persons died as a result of the collision.

Man stabbed to death at mining camp

A MINER, Damieon, also known as “Wild Buck” of Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight, was stabbed to death at the Ithaki Backdam, Mazaruni River, on Sunday last, during an argument with another employee at the same mining camp. According to Police Headquarters, enquiries revealed that Damieon and the identified 27-year-old male suspect had a disagreement over the way the suspect was treating a female employee, who is employed as a cook at the said camp. The disagreement resulted in a fight between the suspect and the victim,

where the suspect withdrew a knife, and dealt the victim a stab to his neck, causing him to fall to the ground and subsequently becoming motionless. As a result of the stab, the victim was left a gaping wound. The victim was escorted to Bartica Regional Hospital, Region Seven, where he was

seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced him dead on arrival. The body is at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police reported that the suspect was arrested and placed into custody as investigations continue.

in total we have four children that are currently in the hospital,” he said. Minister Anthony noted that while each child has a different illness, doctors have been working strategically to ensure the safety and recovery of all four patients. Two children who were patients at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, have recovered and were recently discharged from the facility. Currently there are

11 persons hospitalised at the COVID-19 ICU. A total of 57 persons are patients at the facility. Meanwhile, even as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Minister Anthony is encouraging persons to take the necessary precautions to guard against the spread of the virus. He reminded that the only way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is through the use of face masks, social distancing, and practising

proper sanitisation. “We know that if it is droplets that it can travel as far as six feet but if its aerosols which are very smaller particles they can even go further and in indoor environments these smaller particles - the aerosols- can remain suspended in the air for a prolonged period of time. We need to wear our masks constantly and correctly at all times,” said Minister Anthony.

SEVENTY FIVE households of Canal Polder, along the Canal Number Two Conservancy Dam, West Bank Demerara, on Sunday, benefitted from a donation by multi-pronged Trinidadian company, the Junior Sammy Group of Companies Incorporated. The donation was handed over by Tana Yussuff, Senior Representative of the company’s local affiliate, Junior Sammy Guyana, at the conser-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

flood-hit households benefit from JS Guyana donation vancy dam. According to Yussuff, farmers in the area had highlighted their need for assistance in their recovery efforts, following severe flooding that destroyed farmers’ crops, their livelihood, and a number of appliances and possessions within their households. “Currently, we are actually assisting the village in cleaning their waterways, since there was flooding recently. So we’ve brought cleaning sup-

plies, diapers, and a few other stuff for them,” she explained. Chairman of the village, Seelall Shivcharan, expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of himself and the Canal Polder Water Users Association, as well as the villagers, for the ‘timely’ donation, which he says will go a far way in helping the community’s flood-recovery efforts. “... we are very thankful for this donation. It is timely, because the people on the Con-

servancy have a lot of water in their yards and some of them, in their houses; so I think this is a good venture. This will help to clean up their surroundings, and the people around here are very thankful,” he expressed. He reiterated that since the majority of residents on the dam were farmers, the biggest loss faced during the flood was that of their crops, which provided an income for most families and households.

dents are now trying to piece their lives back together, the donation will greatly assist in sanitising their households before everything is ‘back in order’. “This community on the conservancy damn was hard hit with the recent flood. Every home suffered in this flood, and now that the water has receded and the residents are trying to put their lives together, bringing back furniture that

Chairman and other residents in thanking JS Guyana for its generous donation, along with a prominent resident of the Polder, Mallin (only name given.) “I feel very happy and very proud about [the donation]. Thank you to the donor, whoever remembered this village. Thank you a million times,” the grateful woman gushed. JS Guyana Inc., in a statement, expressed pride in being

From left: Senior Representative of JS Guyana, Tana Yussuff; Chairman of Canal Polder, Seelall Shivcharan; Chairman of the Canal Polder’s NDC, Yogieraj Das; another citizen of Canal Polder, and Mallin (Troy Parboo photo)

He noted, to the Guyana Chronicle, that the government had reached out to the community with the distribution of a total of eighty-five hampers, but said that the recent donation from the private sector company was still very much needed. Yogieraj Das, Chairman of the Canal Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), noted that since resi-

they took to higher places and so on; cleaning before they put things back in their proper places is very necessary, and the coming of this donation is a fine gesture, because it contains cleaning agents, and people need to clean up their environments now that the water has receded, so they can get their lives back together,” he stated. He also joined in with the

able to assist the residents in their relief efforts. It stated that while executing flood relief desilting works in the area, the company was moved by the situation faced by the residents, and felt compelled to help. The company assured those present that that was not the last of its assistance to disaster-affected citizens of Guyana.

$30M for Charity market tarmac rehabilitation

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, says some $30 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of the Charity market tarmac in Region Two. The project will be undertaken by the Local Government Ministry and the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF’s) Engineering Corps.

So, I hope that when we are finished constructing and upgrading the market area that we are going to see people move into those areas. “Region Two has to be a signature for development, and it can’t be, you know, the way people think that it is just about doing what they feel like doing. This is not how we charter development,” the

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall

Minister Dharamlall told DPI that the initiative will create an enabling environment for business and address the region’s garbage situation. “Charity is in dire straits with the way things are being done in that Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

minister said. To this end, Minister Dharamlall encouraged the NDC officials and members of the Anna Regina Town Council to pay attention to the progress of the work. “I expect that the officials at the NDC and the mayor and

his team at the town council are taking these things very seriously and plan your development in a way that you will, you know, be proud of the community.” Earlier this year, the minister addressed some complaints by residents about frequent flooding, due to improper solid waste disposal by vendors. A decision was taken to invest more resources for sustainable waste management to alleviate flooding. Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oudit, had told DPI that, “this tarmac was built specifically to bring all of the vendors to vend. Instead, they continue to ply their trade along roadside and river dam which cause hindrance to traffic. The roadside vendors have caused the internal drainage of Charity to be blocked up due to the garbage.” Once completed, vendors will be relocated to the tarmac. This will allow the Regional Administration to ensure such incidents do not recur. A public awareness campaign will also be launched to educate residents on how to properly dispose of solid waste. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Flood-affected Region One miners, loggers to get assistance NATURAL Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, has assured flood-affected residents of Region One of the government’s commitment to ensuring their lives return to normalcy. The minister met with residents, miners and loggers at the Mabaruma Primary School at the weekend. “We know the recent devastation from the flooding would have affected the logging activities and the mining activities, as well as agriculture. But we, as a government, we have been doing an assess-

ment over the last few weeks.” President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been leading members of his Cabinet and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on flood-relief outreaches across the country to assess the damage, and distribute hampers and other relief. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) conducted assessments in the most affected regions and will prepare a comprehensive report of the disaster. “We will contribute to

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

returning our people to some form of normalcy, so that you can go back to your farmland

and to your operations,” Minister Bharrat said. Meanwhile, the minister

said the government will not forsake the mining and logging sectors for oil. “We will work to continue to incentivise these traditional sectors, because I know a lot of people are worried that now that Guyana is an oil-producing nation, that we will forsake forestry or mining or quarrying or manganese. The answer to that is ‘no, we will not’. “As a government, we are committed to ensuring that the traditional sectors receive the necessary incentives to ensure that we grow those sectors

from strength to strength, and that oil and gas can be a supplement.” The minister said government has already provided incentives such as the removal of Value Added Tax, and urged residents to work with the government to provide an environment where the sectors could thrive. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar also attended the meeting. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

SOL Guyana launches ‘Drive Into Summer’ promotion

A ‘STAYCATION’ at the Arrow Point Nature Resort; a Marriott Hotel Bar and dinner voucher; MMG top-ups; RS53 RestoBar & Lounge dinners; grocery vouchers and fuel vouchers are among the many prizes to be won this year in SOL Guyana’s

latest summer promotion. “Drive Into Summer,” which will run for eight consecutive weeks, kicked off on Monday at the Shell Vlissengen Road and Lama Avenue service station, with a moderate gathering to witness the launch of the promo-

Sales Executive of Shell Service Stations, Renée Armstrong-Joseph (centre, left) and General Manager of SOL Guyana, Earl Carribon (centre, right), along with other members of the SOL Guyana team (Delano Williams photo)

tion. ‘Drive into Summer’ also contains a back-toschool aspect, in which persons can win tablets; uniform vouchers valued at $20,000; book vouchers valued at $20,000 and backpacks filled with school supplies. “So we’re catering for all ages, all walks, and like I said, this is supposed to be very exciting,” Sales Executive of Shell Service Stations, Renée Armstrong-Joseph, said during her remarks at the launch. “This promotion signals a chance for us to go back to the types of events that we would have had, or that we would have enjoyed, before the pandemic. So it is an exciting promotion for us… quite a few prizes are at stake, quite a few prizes are there for our customers to win, or have a chance at winning,” Earl Carribon, General Manager of SOL Guyana stated to the gathering. He noted that while the promotion presents the opportunity for prizes to be won by customers, it also presents the SOL family

with the opportunity to do something more important, which is giving back, and rewarding the loyalty of their customers. “At the end of the day, we do what we do because of the customers who believe in the Shell brand, who believe in the Shell brand, who believe in the SOL brand, and who believe in the value proposition that we bring to them each and every day. And it is very important for us to recognise that,” he said. Shell’s “Drive into Summer” promotion runs from July 12 to September 3, and drawings will be done every Friday until the promotion ends. Customers who spend $5,000 or more will receive a coupon to fill and submit for a chance to win one of the prizes. SOL Guyana will also be hosting surprise “happy hours” at sites across the country, where customers can win groceries, branded items and fuel. Customers who are interested in the promotion can go to SOL Guyana’s facebook page for more details.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Sputnik V second dose available from today THE long-awaited shipment of the second dose of the Russian-produced Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine has arrived in Guyana and will be ready for distribution from today, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, announced on Monday. Minister Anthony noted that the shipment is the first of several that will cater to the Guyanese who have already taken the first dose of the vaccine. Priority will be given to those who received their first dose in April as the 12-week deadline for the second dose is almost up. Owing to the breakout of the Delta variant and the efficacy rate of the Sputnik V vaccine for protection against the virus, the procurement of the second dose has been very difficult as shortages have been recorded worldwide. Minister Anthony, during Monday’s COVID-19 update, urged citizens to allow those persons who received their first dose in April to take their second dose first. The guidelines for the administration of the Sputnik V vaccine stipulate that there is an allotted timeframe of four to 12 weeks as the optimal time for full vaccination. Research had indicated that just one dose

of the COVID-19 vaccine has an efficacy rate of about 79 per cent, with an 88 per cent prevention of hospitalisation. These numbers increase to

approximately 97 per cent after the administration of the second dose. “We have now been able to get second dose Sputnik V into

the country and, of tomorrow, we will start administering those second doses but you would recall that we also have given people a time period

A shipment of the Sputnik V vaccine

and that is between four weeks to 12 weeks when you could come and get the second dose of the vaccine. The longer you wait, the better you will get the

durability of the vaccine or the durability of your immune response. So, for now, we would like to give it to the persons who would have received their first dose in April,” said Minister Anthony. Minister Anthony said that while vaccination rates have been increasing, there is still a significant way to go before the country could achieve herd immunity, which is essentially the immunisation of 80 to 85 per cent of the country’s adult population. He related that it is with this in mind that the government has been taking steps to ensure its vaccination efforts are bolstered. As of Monday, July 12, 2021, 239,453 or 49.2% of adult Guyanese have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of this amount, about 120,068, or 24.7 per cent have received both doses. Another indicator of the government’s seriousness about achieving herd immunity is the recent arrival of 100,000 doses of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine. The government purchased the doses from the manufacturer and they will be used to immunise some 50,000 Guyanese.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Man freed of 2013 Mash Day murder; co-accused to be retried

RANDY Isaacs was on Monday freed of the 2013 Mash Day murder of Enterprise businessman Kumar Mohabir, while his co-accused will have to face a new trial. Isaacs and Devon Thomas were on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a mixed 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. It is alleged that on February 23, 2013, they murdered Mohabir, called “Dusky” and “Fire Link” at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

FREED: Randy Isaacs

Dead : Kumar Mohabir

On Monday evening, the jury after deliberating for two hours returned with a notguilty verdict in favor of Isaacs. However, the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict in relation to Thomas. Justice Kissoon told Thomas that he will have to be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes. The state was represented by prosecutor Lisa Cave, while the men were represented by attorneys-at-law Ronald Daniels and Narissa Leander. In 2015, the men were first tried at the High Court and found guilty of the offence. After being sentenced to 75 years in prison, they moved to the Court of Appeal to have their conviction and sentence overturned. Earlier this year, the Appeal Court allowed the appeal and ordered a retrial. According to reports, the Mohabir family members were enjoying the Mashramani festivities on Vlissengen Road when a gang of youths attacked Kumar Mohabir and killed him, under the pretext that he had “mashed” the feet of one of them. Navindra Mohabir went to his brother’s rescue and was viciously attacked. He suffered five serious incised wounds to his right hand. Thomas and Isaacs, who were known to the victim, were arrested after Navindra pointed them out during an identification parade.

Devon Thomas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

‘Agri’ Ministry receives seeds, planting materials from IICA

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha receiving the donation from IICA’s Country Representative Wilmot Garnett in the presence of other officials

― items are for flood-affected farmers

NAREI staff preparing seed trays for distribution

THE Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Monday handed over a number of seeds and planting materials to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist with the government’s flood-relief efforts. The items will be distributed to farmers who suffered losses as a result of the recent flooding, a release said. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, while receiving the items on behalf of the government, said that the ministry through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been working to ensure that the various plant nurseries have the necessary planting materials to assist farmers with returning to the land after floodwaters would have receded. “With the flooding that we’ve experienced over the past few months, almost the entire agriculture sector, in terms of crops, was devastated. We’ve been preparing our nurseries across the country so that we can assist farmers with getting back to the land as soon as possible. Floodwaters have been receding in many residential and farming communities across the country. We are hoping for favourable weather so that farmers can return to the land as early as possible. NAREI has been working to ensure enough planting materials are available for farmers once floodwaters have receded. We’ll continue to collaborate with our international partners like IICA to get the necessary materials to ensure our farmers are, once again, able to produce,” Minister Mustapha said.

A total of 5,000 seedling trays have so far been procured by IICA and given to NAREI to prepare seedlings for distribution. Other planting materials such as seedlings and seeds were also donated to aid with the government’s national flood-relief efforts. IICA’s Country Representative Wilmot Garnett, said following the onset of the rainy season, IICA has been collaborating with the ministry to monitor flooding in agricultural areas across the country. “Our team has been collaborating with Minister Mustapha and his team to monitor the recent floods in Guyana. Once we got an idea of the extent of the damages [sic] a request came from the minister for immediate support that was immediately approved. Over the weekend, teams from IICA and NAREI commenced the preparation of the seedling trays and other planting materials. This morning we also confirmed that 6,000 potato slips [planting materials] will be given to the government through the support of our partners in Jamaica and they should be here by Wednesday. We are expecting two varieties that will be used by NAREI to propagate, because with the flooding farmers lost almost all of their sweet potatoes. We are also expecting 10,000 cassava sticks [planting materials] from our partners in Brazil,” Garnett said. The ministry is curre n t l y p re p a r i n g i t s flood-assessment report to determine the losses experienced in farming communities across the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Over $74.4M in equipment commissioned to boost agriculture sector

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Monday, commissioned several pieces of equipment that forms part of the 2021 capital expenditure for the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCI Ltd). The respective agencies expended more than $74.4 million to procure two longreach excavators and a tractor with accompanying implements. These pieces of equipment will be used to improve agricultural operations for farmers in the MMA Scheme and the Hope Estate farming community.

Although we are an emerging oil-and-gas producing country, we cannot depend solely on the resources that will be gained from that sector. Since taking office last year, I’ve been working to bring the sector back and, as a government, we will ensure that the necessary budgetary allocations are made to develop the sector. Today is a testament to that commitment. When I became minister, this MMA Scheme was in a terrible state. The first representation I made as minister was to go to Cabinet for emergency funds to do rehabilitation works in this scheme. Canals were blocked, drainage and irrigation structures were dilapidated, and

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

The recently acquired tractor and implements

Last April, the MMAADA signed the contract for the procurement of two longreach excavators with Farm Supplies Limited, while the HCI Ltd signed a contract in May of this year with the General Equipment Guyana Inc for the supply of the tractor and implements, a release said. The two long-reach excavators were procured for $64 million and will be used primarily to enhance the drainage and irrigation system in the MMA-Scheme. During the commissioning, Minister Mustapha told those in attendance that since taking office, the government has been making the necessary investments to improve agriculture in the scheme. “This is only the beginning. Over the last 10 months, we’ve seen a number of initiatives that were implemented by the government to enhance our agriculture sector. As a government, we see agriculture as one of the most important tools that can be used to develop our country.

dams were impassable. When I presented that case for the approval of funds, Cabinet gave its no-objection because, as a government, we understand the role this scheme plays in the country’s overall agriculture output,” Minister Mustapha said. Following that exercise, Minister Mustapha commissioned a tractor, with accompanying implements, which were procured by the Hope Coconut Industries Limited at a value of $10,441,100. While offering remarks at that exercise, Minister Mustapha said that the tractor will be used to assist farmers from the scheme to boost their production and improve their operations. “This year, we’ve allocated $70 million for Hope Estate. This tractor and implements form part of Hope Estate’s capital investments and it will be used to assist farmers in the scheme. We’ll also be establishing a number of coconut nurseries across the country as part of our 2021 work programme. Since

The recently acquired long-reach excavators

taking office, we’ve had to refocus the operations of the Hope Estate. A new management board was put in place and has since been working in the best interest of the farmers. I’ve been working very closely with the board to enhance not only the coconut production but the other crops that are being grown here,” Minister Mustapha said. The minister also disclosed that despite the inclement weather over the past few months, there were no instances of flooding in the Estate. This, he noted, was due to the infrastructural works that were put in place over the last 10 months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Bath 08:30 hrs My Little Tip 09:05 hrs Peggoty 09:35hrs Team Lucky 10:05hrs Sarah’s

Verse 10:35 hrs Beastie Boy 11:05 hrs Mabo 11:40 hrs Alambrista Beverley 08:45 hrs Rose Bandit 09:15 hrs Gentle Ellen 09:45 hrs Frisky 10:15 hrs Golden Flame 10:45 hrs John Clare 11:15 hrs Clodovea 11:45 hrs Can Can Girl 12:20 hrs Thorntoun Care Brighton 12:00 hrs Aish 12:35hrs Diamonds Dancing 13:05 hrs Flame Of Freedom 13:35 hrs Contingency Fee 14:05 hrs Wootton Creek 14: 35hrs Artic Emperor 15:05 hrs Finvarra 15:35 hrs Thomas Lan Fiere Irish Racing Tips Downpatrick 08:55 hrs Marajman 09:25 hrs Rock Me Robin 09:55 hrs Rumoroso 10:25 hrs Natural Breeze 10:55 hrs Look Dont Touch 11:30 hrs Ragin Cajun 12:05 hrs My Immortal Canadian Racing Tips Fort Erie Race 1 Walkinaroundmoney Race 2 Shotgun Blast Race 3 Careful Java

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Gayle onslaught propels West Indies to series win ‒ becomes first man to pass 14,000 T20 runs along the way A vintage Chris Gayle performance has blown away Australia and consigned them to a series-sealing defeat as the West Indies dominated their opponents in the third T20 International in St Lucia. Gayle, months away from his 42nd birthday, emerged from a form slump to recapture his magnificent best in brutal onslaught featuring seven sixes that ensured the Windies snagged an unassailable 3-0 series lead at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The Aussies made three changes to their side but their batters misfired for a third consecutive match as a suffocating bowling performance from the Windies, led once again by leg-spinner Fabian Allen (2-18 off four overs), restricted them to 6-141. Recalled speedster Riley Meredith was expensive but otherwise made an encouraging return, bowling with venom and bouncing back from Gayle hitting him for back-to-back sixes (including the biggest of the night that went over the Johnson Charles stand) to dismiss the Windies No.3. By that point Gayle had hit 67 off just 38 deliveries, allowing stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran (32no off 27) to win it with the Windies’ ninth six to seal a six-wicket win with 31 balls to spare. Coming into Monday evening's clash Gayle had averaged just 12.75 in nine

innings since returning to the Windies T20 side earlier this year, but he delivered a statement innings to suggest he can still be a force at the highest level. After crashing Josh Hazlewood for 19 runs in an electrifying start to the Windies innings, the veteran lefthander hit four sixes off Australia's only spinner Adam Zampa, including three in a row to bring up a 33-ball half-century. He became the first man to pass 14,000 T20 runs along the way and look odds on to play in yet another T20 World Cup. Only Mitchell Starc was able to curtail the Windies batters, taking 1-15 from his four overs after going wicketless in the first two games. Hazlewood (0-33 off four), Zampa (0-34 off three) and Meredith were all expensive. Australia shuffled their middle-order, bringing Alex Carey and Ashton Turner in for dropped Josh Philippe and the injured Ben McDermott, but it was largely the same story as the first two matches as the Windies delivered a clever bowling performance. Aaron Finch, now with 40 runs in three innings at a strike-rate of 90.90 for the series, looked to be finding his groove but he was out to a match-turning catch by Fabian Allen in the deep. Bravo fumbled the skied chance on the mid-wicket boundary but Allen had sprinted around from long-on

to be front and centre to dive for the rebound off his teammate's leg. Top-scorer Moises Henriques (33 off 29) was the only Australian to hit a six, doing so twice, in an Aussie total he admitted was at least 20 runs short of par. Series leading wicket-taker Hayden Walsh continued his hold over the Aussies, with the leg-spinner taking 2-18 from four overs and was unlucky not to have a third victim when Pooran fluffed a stumping opportunity off Henriques. Walsh, the former USA player who was once a net bowler for the Aussies, now has eight wickets at 8.75 with an economy rate of 5.83. After Finch won his third consecutive toss and, unlike Friday and Saturday's games, elected to bat. Australia's openers got off to their best start of the tour with Matthew Wade (23 off 14) finding the boundary four times including off Sheldon Cottrell's first ball of the innings. But from 0-41 in the fifth over, the familiar middle-overs struggles began as the in-form Mitch Marsh (9 off 12) and the recalled Alex Carey (13 off 9) both failed to make meaningful contributions. A suffocating death bowling effort from the experienced Windies meant the 59-run stand between Moises Henriques (33 off 29) and Ashton Turner (24 off 22 in his first game of the series) came off a sluggish 44 balls.

Italy's triumphant players arrive... (From back page)

important for all the people and all the fans. 'We are happy that we played well when winning the game. I hope the supporters are celebrating right now.' The whole squad were greeted by hundreds of fans outside their hotel in the Italian capital following their first major tournament triumph since winning the World Cup in 2006. Afterwards, goalscorer Bonucci sent a message back home in opposition to England's famous 'It's coming home' song by screaming into

a TV camera: 'It's coming Rome!' with the defender in triumphant mood following Sunday night's victory. The Juventus defender also said in the aftermath: 'You all still have to eat a lot of pasta,' referring to English fans. He continued: 'They wanted to bring the cup back to England but we are the ones who will take it to Rome by plane.' Bouncci made it known how irritated he was by the boos during the Italian national anthem before the

game too, saying: 'We were strong, louder than the noise of the whistles. 'During the warm-up I said to all my team-mates: let's plug our ears and play as we know how. 'This team hasn't lost in 34 games, we're a fantastic team. It's an absurd enjoyment... we are having fun with this '. Italy celebrated after their first European triumph since 1968, while for England the wait for a victory in a major tournament goes on. (Mail Online)

Canny veteran Bravo (1-17 off three overs) delivered a terrific two-wicket

final over that went for only four runs, wagging his finger at Turner and Dan

Christian when he pulled off a last-ball run out following a pinpoint yorker.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Mahmudullah shines in Test swansong as Taskin, Miraz hand Bangladesh big win in Harare BANGLADESH beat Zimbabwe by 220 runs in the one-off Test in Harare , the visitors' patience paying off after the hosts' nightwatchman Donald Tiripano led a rearguard

action with his 144-ball 52. Zimbabwe's last three wickets took up 34.4 overs, but they had lost four wickets in 19 balls in the day's first session. The win - Bangladesh's

fifth overseas victory overall - capped off a fine farewell for Player of the Match Mahmudullah, who announced his retirement from Tests on the third day of the game. At the start of

Bangladesh's fifth overseas victory overall - capped off a fine farewell for Player of the Match Mahmudullah.

play on Sunday, Bangladesh gave Mahmudullah a guard of honour, and captain Mominul Haque let him lead the team out onto the ground. After being a last-minute inclusion in the XI, Mahmudullah rescued Bangladesh with a first-innings 150 at No 8. He added 191 runs for the ninth wicket with Taskin Ahmed, who made a career-best 75. The eventuality of the Test was decided when Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Richard Ngarava to finish with match figures of 9 for 148, the best returns in an overseas Test by a Bangladeshi bowler. Taskin also took his career-best innings figures of 4 for 82 in Bangladesh's second dig. The win - Bangladesh's first one on foreign soil since 2017, having lost ten out of eleven of those matches - didn't come easy for them on the final day. Dion Myers and Tiripano put up a resistance that lasted 17 overs, but the visitors bounced back with a four-wicket burst that signaled a swifter finish to the Test match. Tiripano found willing allies in Victor Nyauchi and Blessing Muzarabani, who had a hilarious duel

with Taskin, giving back the little jig that the Bangladeshi had done on him on the second day. Nuyachi was caught at slip, fending a Taskin bouncer while Ebadat Hossain removed Tiripano for his only wicket in the match. Bangladesh could have finished matters much earlier had they held on to three chances. Myers was dropped by wicketkeeper Liton Das and first-slip Shakib off Miraz's bowling, while Taskin grassed Tiri-

pano off his own bowling. Shakib dropped a second chance when Muzarabani edged to him off Miraz. Miraz, however, eventually removed Myers and Timycen Maruma in the same over before Taskin took the wickets of Roy Kaia and Regis Chakabva as Zimbabwe's middle-order collapsed. Bangladesh had staged a spirited fightback in the first innings, before Shakib and Miraz ensured a big lead with their combined nine-wicket haul. The visitors batted better in the second innings, with Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto struck hundreds. Brendan Taylor made 81 and 92 in a line-up that had none of their experienced batters. Takudzwanashe Kaitano, one of three debutants, made 87 in the first innings. The visitors would have a few things to work on, most notably their bowling against the Zimbabwean lower order that performed admirably. (Cricicnfo)

SCOREBOARD

BANGLADESH 1st innings Zimbabwe 1st innings 276 Bangladesh 2nd innings 284 for (1 decl) ZIMBABWE 2nd innings Milton Shumba c (Sub) b Taskin Ahmed 11 Takudzwanashe Kaitano lbw Shakib Al Hasan 7 Brendan Taylor c&b Mehidy Hasan 92 Dion Myers c Shadman Islam b Mehidy Hasan 26 Donald Tiripano c Liton Das b Ebadot Hossain 52 Timycen Maruma lbw Mehidy Hasan 0 Roy Kaia lbw Taskin Ahmed 0 Regis Chakabva b Taskin Ahmed 1 Victor Nyauchi c Shakib Al Hasan b Taskin Ahmed 10 Blessing Muzarabani Not Out 30 Richard Ngarava b Mehidy Hasan 10 Extras 5b 11lb 1nb 0pen 0w 17 Total (94.4 overs)

256 all out

Fall of Wickets : 1-15 Shumba, 2-110 Taylor, 3-132 Kaitano, 4-159 Myers, 5-159 Maruma, 6-160 Kaia, 7-164 Chakabva, 8-198 Nyauchi, 9-239 Tiripano, 10256 Ngarava Bowling: Shakib Al Hasan 25 - 9 - 44 - 1, Mehidy Hasan 30.4 - 10 - 66 - 4, Taskin Ahmed 24 - 4 - 82 - 4 (1nb), Ebadot Hossain 11 - 2 - 39 - 1 Mahmudullah 4 - 0 - 9 - 0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

CONCACAF Gold Cup...

Magnificent Phillip denies Mexico, earns T&T point in opener

'I'm no Michael Jordan' - Antetokounmpo stars as Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns GIANNIS Antetokounmpo played down comparisons to Michael Jordan after making history in helping the Milwaukee Bucks to a crucial win over the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals. The Bucks star became only the sixth player in NBA Finals history to score 40 points in consecutive games

as his team won game three of the series. Antetokounmpo notched 41 points in a 120-100 home success, leaving the Bucks 2-1 down in the best-of-seven series. "I'm no Michael Jordan," he later said. The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player joined Jor-

dan, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, Rick Barry and LeBron James with consecutive 40-point NBA Finals performances. When asked if he would threaten Jordan's four 40-point games in a row, Antetokounmpo added: "All I care about right now, it's getting one more win, that's all. Just take care of business, doing our job. "I'm trying to enjoy every single moment of it. I'm going to be doing this for a while - 10, 12 years. I don't worry about the outcome. I want to enjoy the game and I know that by enjoying it I am going to compete as hard as possible." The Bucks will have home-court advantage again in game four at 01:00 BST on Thursday. In game three, they took the second quarter 35-17 and the third 38-31 to build a lead the Suns could not threaten in the latter stages. The Bucks won their only title in 1971, while the Suns have yet to win a title since joining the league in 1968. (BBC Sport)

Goalkeeper Marvin Phillip (right) effects one of his many saves during the game. (Photo courtesy CONCACAF website)

Giannis Antetokounmpo notched 41 points in a 120-100 home success.

ARLINGTON, Texas, (CMC) – Veteran goalkeeper Martin Phillip proved immense, pulling off a string of magnificent saves as Trinidad and Tobago defended stoutly to nullify powerhouses Mexico, and earn a nil-all draw and a point in the CONCACAF Gold Cup curtain-raiser here Saturday. The Caribbean side were dominated in every department of the Group A fixture at the AT&T Stadium in north Texas, managing only 18 per cent of the possession and going without a single shot on goal, but they proved effective in the only area that mattered on the scoresheet. In contrast, Mexico produced seven shots on goal, 15 corners, 31 crosses and 626 accurate passes, all of which went in vain even after seven minutes of injury time in the first half and nine at the end. “We did our homework, we saw them play and the guys executed the game plan to a ‘T’,” said a hoarse T&T

Messi played Copa America final with injury, says coach

head coach Angus Eve. “We’re very proud of what we did and it only augurs well going forward for us in the future.” He continued: “We saw the Mexicans play against Nigeria and we came with a game plan to counter what they were doing, and I thought they would’ve changed something in the second half but they kept doing exactly what I thought they would’ve done. “So we were pretty comfortable throughout the game and at the end we actually got one of the sucker punches we thought we could’ve gotten … but unfortunately [the player] couldn’t keep his composure.” Mexico’s assault started from as early as the eighth minute when Rogelio Funes Mori had his header saved at close range by Phillip, before Hector Herrera was denied by uprights three minutes later from 23 yards out. Phillip was again in action in the 27th minute,

saving from the feet of Jesus Corona before centre back Jelani Peters cleared the follow up shot from Afrain Alvarez off the line. After the break, Phillip dived low to deny Orbelin Pineda in the 52nd and was even more superb when he blocked Funes Mori right-footer from six yards, after Herrera produced a quality chip over the T&T defence. Corona then launched a volley from 28 yards which was tipped around the post by an acrobatic Phillip in the 84th minute, to keep T&T in the game. Mexico thought they had broken through when they scored in injury time but Jesus Gallardo was ruled to be off-side and Phillip underscored his side’s defensive effort when he again denied Funes Mori from point blank range with virtually the last kick of the game. T&T face El Salvador in their next game tomorrowy at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to Lionel Messi on Saturday, praising his team captain and revealing he played in the Copa America win over Brazil with an injury. "If you knew the way that he played in the Copa America you’d love him even more,” Scaloni told reporters after Argentina’s 1-0 win at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. “You can never do without a player like him, even when he is not fully fit like in this game and the previous one.” Scaloni did not say what the injury was but he showered Messi with praise on a night Argentines took to the streets in huge numbers to celebrate their first international title in 28 years and Messi’s first victory with the national side. Messi, winner of the FIFA Player of the Year

award a record six times, has won every club and individual honour with Barcelona but he had lost all four of his previous finals with Argentina. The 34-year old had shown his frustration with the defeats, retiring after losing the 2016 Copa America to Chile only to return to the international fold a few weeks later. “In the end he did not throw in the towel and he

succeeded,” Scaloni said. “We are talking about the best footballer of all time and everyone knew how important it was for him to win a title with the national team.” “I have a relationship that is different than the (usual) coach-player relationship,” Scaloni added. “It’s closer. We greet each other, we hug each other, and I am eternally grateful to him and his team mates.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday July 13, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Franklyn Rose-7/84 (Durban, 1998-99) (2) Makaya Ntini-7/37 (T&T, 2005) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best match figures by a WI bowler in a Test against SA to date? (2) What are the best match figures by a SA bowler in a Test versus the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Racist abuse of Rashford, Sancho & Saka 'unforgivable' - Southgate ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate said the racist abuse aimed at Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after the Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy was "unforgivable". Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Football Association also condemned it. All three players missed penalties in the 3-2 shootout loss and were targeted on social media after the game. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the abuse and said "it will not be tolerated". "It's just not what we stand for," said Southgate. "We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue. "We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity

together. "It's my decision who takes the penalties, it's not a case of players not volunteering or more experienced players backing out." England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham tweeted a picture of the three players wearing crowns and wrote: "We win together and we lose together. So proud to have teammates with such top character. As for the racism, hurtful but not surprising. Will never get bored of saying that more needs to be done. Educate and control the platforms." European football's governing body UEFA condemned the "disgusting racist abuse", adding: "We stand by the players and the FA's call for the strongest possible punishments." On Monday, League Two side Leyton Orient said they had banned a fan for life in connection with the abuse.

"The supporter in question's actions on Twitter were alerted to the club late last night, and action has been taken swiftly to issue a banning order," the club said. England had reached their first final in a major tournament since winning the World Cup in 1966 and, despite taking the lead against Italy, drew 1-1 after extra time before a penalty shootout. "This England team deserve to be lauded as heroes, not racially abused on social media," said the prime minister. He later started a Downing Street briefing by praising the players, adding: "They brought joy to this country and to those who have been directing racist abuse I say 'shame on you and I hope you will crawl back under the rock from which you emerged'." England's players have

Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford missed penalties in England's shootout defeat.

taken a knee before games at the Euros to highlight the fight against racial inequality. On the day the tournament started on 11 June, the prime minister did not condemn fans who jeered when England players took the knee during two warmup games. Instead, Johnson said he wanted to see fans "getting behind the team to cheer

USADA wants fair cannabis rules as White House calls for meeting By Steve Keating (REUTERS) - The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) says it wants more flexible rules for athletes who test positive for cannabis after the White House was reported to be seeking a meeting with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to discuss easing restrictions. The debate over cannabis use by athletes was reignited after American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson tested positive for the drug last month at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field trials. The 21-year-old, who was seen as the top contender for the 100 metres gold at the July 23-Aug. 8 Tokyo Games, got a one-month ban, making her ineligible for the U.S. team. Richardson said in an NBC Interview that her action came while she was dealing with the news of the death of her mother. The suspension sparked an outpouring of sympathy, including from President Joe Biden, and calls for a review

of anti-doping rules from the White House according to the Financial Times. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. USADA has for over a decade taken a hard line on cannabis use by athletes, insisting it remains on the prohibited list. But in a letter to Congressman Jamie Raskin and Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Friday, USADA president Travis Tygart said it had advocated more flexible and fair rules to address the use of marijuana by athletes. WADA, however, told Reuters that when it came to cannabis, USADA has taken a hard line. USADA submissions to WADA’s Prohibited List Expert Group have consistently over the years pushed to keep cannabis on the prohibited list, WADA said. “Since 2004, and as recently as 2021, USADA has without exception insisted that cannabis should remain on the (banned) list,” WADA told Reuters.

MORE LIBERAL In 2014 a proposal was put forward by WADA’s Health, Medical and Research Committee to raise the threshold for a positive test to make the rule more liberal for athletes using marijuana. USADA rejected the plan outright, said WADA, resolute that it was tantamount to removing cannabis from the banned list. USADA also noted in its letter to the Congress members that while the current trend might be in the direction of legalising marijuana, many people around the world still consider it an illegal drug and the argument that cannabis has no performance-enhancing benefit in sport is not universally accepted. But of significant concern to USADA is WADA’s approach to cannabis testing, which it told Reuters was “ethically, scientifically and procedurally flawed and not in the best interest of athletes. “Our annual science-based comments to WADA have also focused on doing oral fluid or blood

testing, and not the current WADA-mandated urine testing approach, to ensure those who may choose to legally use marijuana out-of-competition, which is allowed by the rules, are not caught and punished by the system, and to also ensure that those who use in unsafe or for competitive purposes are held accountable,” USADA Chief Science Officer Matthew Fedoruk said in an email to Reuters. USADA added that current urine testing does not adequately detect marijuana use on the day of competition, which is prohibited, but can capture its use prior to competition which could be days or longer before the athlete competes. “Oral fluids or a blood test is actually a better matrix to determine use on the day of the competition and to not capture use days before the competition,” said USADA. WADA has overseen the banned substance list since 2004. Prior to that it was the responsibility of the International Olympic Committee(IOC).

them on" - and was then accused of not having "the guts to call it out" by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer We implore government to act quickly - FA The FA said it was "appalled" by the "online racism" directed at the three players following the defeat at Wembley. It added: "We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is

not welcome in following the team. "We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible. "We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences. "Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse." In February, the government threatened social media companies with "large fines" if they failed to tackle abuse on their platforms. (BBC Sport)

US beat Haiti 1-0, Canada cruise past Martinique 4-1 in Gold Cup (AFP)-Sam Vines scored in the first half on a fortunate bounce as the United States edged short-handed Haiti 1-0 on Sunday night in the opening game of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup for both Group B teams. Vines' first career international goal came off a header in the eighth minute for the USA, who fielded a team of mainly backup players for the 16-nation tournament. A cross from Shaq Moore deflected off two Haitian defenders before popping in the air and right in front of Vines, who headed it in from six yards. The Americans improved to 36 wins, one loss and four draws in the Gold Cup group stage. The event lost some of its lustre as the 20th ranked United States opted to field a second-string team with most of the country's Europe-based players rested. Haiti came through the preliminary round with victories over St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Bermuda, but the side has been rocked by positive Covid-19 tests for five players and one assistant coach, according to CONCACAF, which said the team was "offered the necessary support."

Elsewhere on Sunday, Canada romped to a 4-1 victory over Martinique. Canada, stung by the loss of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies to an ankle injury on the eve of the tournament, nevertheless had no trouble in their Group B opener in Kansas City thanks to goals from Cyle Larin, Jonathan Osorio, Stephen Eustaquio and Theo Corbeanu. All came after Martinique opened the scoring in the 10th minute on a strike by Emmanuel Riviere. Larin's header put the Canadians back on terms in the 16th minute, Osorio fired them ahead in the 20th and Eustaquio's 26th-minute strike saw them go into halftime with a 3-1 lead. Corbeanu finished off the scoring in the 89th, the 19-yearold running onto a cross from Lucas Cavallini and firing home from close range before allowing himself a giddy goal celebration. Covid-19 knocked Curacao out of the tournament before it started, an outbreak forcing them to withdraw. They were replaced by Guatemala, who lost their opener 2-0 to El Salvador in a Group A clash in Frisco, Texas on Sunday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Matthews century propels Windies Women to series win NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Opener Hayley Matthews sparkled with her second One-Day International hundred as West Indies Women secured a series win with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan Women here Monday. Chasing an uncomplicated 183 in the third ODI of the five-match series, the hosts cantered to their target off the first ball of the 41st over, with the right-handed Matthews finishing unbeaten on exactly 100 off 122 deliveries. She struck 11 fours and dominated a 56-run, opening stand with Kyshona Knight (18) before putting on a further 106 for the second wicket with Britney Cooper, who fell short of a well-deserved half-century with 45 off 68 balls. Sent in earlier at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Pakistan were lifted by Omaima Sohail’s top score of 62 before they were dismissed for 182 with an over remaining in the innings. Opener Muneeba Ali (25) and Nida Dar (24) chimed in with supporting knocks but off-spinner Anisa Mohammed (3-25) and medium

and batted some overs, that the wicket was good enough that once we batted normally, the runs were going to come,” said Matthews. “That was the mindset all of us had going out there. Me personally, I just wanted to spend a lot of time at the crease and I was able to do that, and the runs were able to come with it.” The hundred for Matthews was the second in her last eight ODIs, her maiden one coming against South Africa before her home fans in Bridgetown, nearly three years ago. She reached her half-century off 54 deliveries at the start of the 17th over from off-spinner Rameen Shamim before raising triple figures off the 121st delivery she

A delighted Hayley Matthews celebrates reaching her second ODI hundred on Monday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

pacer Chinelle Henry (337) snatched three wickets apiece to stall the innings and set up West Indies’ third straight win. Not to be left out, Mat-

thews also starred with the ball, grabbing two for 30 from ten measured overs of off-spin. “We all knew as batters once we applied ourselves at the crease, spent some time

Essequibo Coast Cricket Club register opening wins in Toronto competition THE recently formed Essequibo Coast Cricket Club started the 2021 Ontario Softball Cricket League 20-over round-robin competition with victories over the weekend. On Saturday, the team, made up of mostly Canada-based Essequibians, thrashed Miss Phoebe by a massive 156-run margin at Ashtonbee Park in Scarborough. The eventual winners won the toss and opted to take first strike. Led by half-centuries from Skipper Kenny Ramsawak (50) and Oliver Manniram (50), and 33 from Davo Ramsawak, they were able to carve up 203-4. Miss Phoebe, in reply, could not get on top of the bowling of Ravendra Madholall and the skipper, and eventually succumbed for 47. Madholall, a former U-19 cricketer who repre-

sented Essequibo and Guyana at the youth level, and who also played softball in the Florida Cup, picked up 4-8 from four overs, while Kenny Ramsawak took 2-8 from his two overs and Ivan Narine 1-3 off two overs. On Sunday, at Littles Ground, also in Scarborough, Essequibo Coast also made light work of Three Counties by eight wickets. Three Counties tallied a competitive 151-6 off 19 overs, with Rakesh Ramotar top-scoring with 44. There was a wicket apiece for Kenny Ramsawak, Romel Harripersaud, Madholall and Nicolas Sanicharan. In reply, Essequibo Coast cruised to 157-2 off 18 overs with Madholall hitting an unbeaten 92, which included three fours and six sixes. The 12-team tournament is set to resume next weekend with back-toback matches. The Esse-

quibo Coast Cricket Club was formed to participate in the competition. It is the brainchild of Kenny Ramsawak and Devon Ramnauth.

faced, by clipping seamer Diana Baig to mid-wicket for a couple in the 40th over. “I’m really excited. I’ve been working really hard over the last couple of months to improve on my batting and improve on my consistency and it’s really good to see it finally paying off,” the 23-year-old beamed. Kyshona Knight struck two fours in her 31-ball stay before falling lbw to left-arm spinner Anam Amin in the 12th over but Cooper arrived to carve out three boundaries in a polished knock. She appeared set for her first ODI half-century in five years when she top-edged a swivel pull at fast bowler Fatima Sana, and fell to a well-judged running catch by Ayesha Naseem at backward

square in the 36th over. Sohail had proven the mainstay of Pakistan’s innings when they batted, her knock consuming 79 balls and including seven fours. With her side struggling on 56 for three in the 16th over after Henry removed Muneeba and captain Javeria Khan (12), Sohail staged an 87-run, fourth wicket partnership with Nida Dar to prop up the innings. However, both fell in the space of 19 deliveries with ten runs added to leave Pakistan on 153 for five in the 38th over, as the last seven wickets went down for a mere 39 runs, with stand-in captain Mohammed doing the bulk of the damage.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN WOMEN +Muneeba Ali b Henry 25 Ayesha Zafar b Selman 10 *Javeria Khan c Dottin b Henry 12 Omaima Sohail st Kycia A Knight b Mohammed 62 Nida Dar c Henry b Matthews 24 Aliya Riaz b Matthews 6 Ayesha Naseem c Selman b Mohammed 3 Fatima Sana c Cooper b Mohammed 2 Diana Baig c Nation b Ramharack 1 Rameen Shamim not out 19 Anam Amin c Mohammed b Henry 2 Extras (b4, w11) 15

WEST INDIES WOMEN H Matthews not out 100 Kyshona Knight lbw b Anam Amin 18 B Cooper c Ayesha Naseem b Fatima Sana 45 C Nation not out 13 Extras (lb2, w5) 7

TOTAL (all out, 49 overs)

Bowling: Diana Baig 8-0-25-0, Anam Amin 10-0-35-1, Fatima Sana 6-0-42-1, Nida Dar 5.1-0-26-0, Rameen Shamim 4.3-0-22-0, Omaima Sohail 6.3-0-31-0. Series: West Indies lead five-match series 3-0. Player-of-the-Match: Hayley Matthews.

182

Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-47, 3-56, 4-143, 5-153, 6-155, 7-157, 8-159, 9-16, 10-182. Bowling: Connell 6-0-33-0, Selman 9-124-1, Matthews 10-2-30-2, Henry 8-237-3, Ramharack 6-0-29-1, Mohammed 10-1-25-3.

TOTAL (2 wkts, 40.1 overs) 183 Did not bat: C Henry, +Kycia Knight, D Dottin, *A Mohammed, S Connell, K Ramharack, S Selman. Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-162.

Gayle onslaught propels West Indies to series win PAGE

‒ becomes first man to pass 14,000 T20 runs along the way

Chris Gayle smashed seven sixes and four fours in his 38-ball 67.

Italy's triumphant players arrive back in Rome ITALY’s players arrived home in the early hours on Monday after their dramatic victory over England in the Euro 2020 final, with the squad in celebratory mood. Luke Shaw's early opener was cancelled out in the second-half by Leonardo Bonucci's close-range finish, before the game went to penalties and the Italians held their nerve. Three English players - Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - missed spot-kicks as Italy triumphed at Wembley and the whole squad returned back to Rome immediately following their win - and the celebrations were in full swing. Manager Roberto Mancini and captain Giorgio Chiellini lifted the trophy aloft as the team left the plane, with Bonucci in party mood

as the squad arrived back at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome. Players were screaming with joy as they arrived back in the Italian capital, as the squad and staff flew straight home following their famous victory in London. Centre back partners Bouncci and Chiellini also beamed with joy as they took a selfie inside the hotel, alongside the Henri Delaunay Trophy. Mancini praised his Italy side for 'dominating' England in the final after falling behind early on. The Italy boss was in tears after the shootout win and told RAI Sport: 'They did well. We conceded the goal straight away and struggled, but then dominated from there on in. 'The lads are marvellous, I don't know what more to say. It's TURN TO PAGE 23 ►

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Roberto Mancini lifts the trophy alongside Giorgio Chiellini as Italy arrive back in Rome. (AFP photo) TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021