Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-08-2021

FRIDAY 13th August, 2021

' No.106452

VP Jagdeo: Vaccine hesitancy by some healthcare workers disappointing

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Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo ‘booted’ from GECOM PAGE

03

–– Gunraj says hosting of LGE still possible

PAHO concerned about vaccine hesitancy 02 PAGE

Booted: Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

Booted: Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers

Booted: Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo

Prosperity FPSO on course for 2024 completion 05

–– makes strong appeal to people to get vaccinated

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne

Hazel, King and Maraj wanted in connection with gold heist 04 PAGE

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Construction of the Prosperity FPSO is on track for a 2024 completion (SBM Offshore)

Wanted: Jamal Hazel

Dequan King

Antonio Maraj

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

PAHO concerned about vaccine hesitancy –– makes strong appeal to people to get vaccinated

DR. CARISSA F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), expressed concern about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Caribbean countries and made a strong appeal to people to get vaccinated.

Speaking at her weekly media briefing, Dr. Etienne, who is from Dominica, said, "I am truly very concerned about what is happening in the Caribbean” with people reluctant to get vaccines and relaxing their adherence to public health measures.

“So please, please, please take your vaccines and please wear your masks properly, and adhere to the social distance measure. I know the Caribbean people like to be close, and we like fetes, and we like to congregate, but please avoid congregation. Observe respiratory etiquette and wash your hands frequently.”

She noted that small islands in the Caribbean have limited bed capacity in intensive care units, along with limited numbers of specialised doctors. “Our health systems will become over-

whelmed very quickly,” she said.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, more than 1,315,197 COVID-19 cases and more than 16,136 deaths have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic. Cases are rising in Jamaica, Martinique, the Bahamas, and Dominica.

“Over the past month, infections increased 30-fold in Martinique and there has been a significant spike in hospitalisations,” Dr. Etienne said in her briefing.

To date, over 1.1 million

COVID-19 death toll climbs to 569 THE country’s overall COVID-19 death toll now stands at 569, following the Ministry of Health’s announcement on Wednesday that two more persons have died while receiving treatment at a medical facility.

The latest fatalities are a 64-year-old woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and a 51-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Additionally, the Health Ministry has recorded 88 new infections from a total of 1,411 tests.

Sixteen patients are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liendaal, East Coast

Demerara, while 80 are in institutional isolation, and 731 are in home isolation.

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

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

people in the Caribbean, comprising about 15 per cent of the population, have been fully vaccinated, according to PAHO figures. This does not include Haiti, which recently began its vaccination effort.

“What we are seeing now is persons totally relaxing on the public health measures and a high level of vaccine hesitancy," Dr. Etienne said.

"Even when vaccines are available, persons are not coming forward. We are seeing vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers.”

“I don’t know the sources

of the information that is triggering this level of vaccine hesitancy. I can tell you that they are not scientifically proven, and I want to appeal to you to listen to the sources where you have truthful, scientifically-based information and evidence,” she added.

She reassured Caribbean citizens that the vaccines work, particularly those that received emergency use listing (EUL) from WHO. The proof, she said, "is that of the people that are now hospitalised, in severe illness and death, more than 95 per

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne cent of those have not been vaccinated.”

“To be protected, you need to receive the full regimen," she continued. "If it is two doses, you need to receive the full doses. One dose does not protect you. And please, the best vaccine for anyone is the one available to you. So, please make use of available vaccines.”

She said not getting a COVID-19 vaccine is “foolhardy” because the vaccines are safe and protect against severe illness and death. (PAHO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo ‘booted’ from GECOM –– Gunraj says hosting of LGE still possible

By Rehana Ahamad

AFTER weeks of deliberation and multiple delays, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has voted to terminate the employment contracts of its three statutory officers who have been accused of electoral fraud.

Effective August 18, 2021, Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; and District Four Returning Officer for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, Clairmont Mingo will no longer be in the employ of GECOM. The terminations stemmed from the successful passage of three motions piloted by the Commission’s government-nominated Commissioners, Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Manoj Narayan.

The motions, initially filed in June, called for the GECOM trio to be summarily dismissed; however, as voting on the submissions continued to face consecutive delays, it was amended to also include the termination of contracts of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo. When the matter was finally put to a vote on Thursday, it received the support of GECOM’s chairperson, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh.

Notably, instead of voicing their usual objections or logging out of the virtual meeting, the commissioners who represent the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) chose to abstain from voting. It was only on Tuesday that the Opposition Commissioners refused to have the motions put to a vote.

“As you are aware, this nation has perhaps waited too long for this to happen,” Gunraj told reporters shortly after the Commission met.

GECOM subsequently issued a statement which explained Justice Singh’s decision on the matter. “Although they [Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo] hold public/statutory office, they are not public but rather contractual officers. They have no security of tenure

and their respective contracts stipulate the terms by which they are bound,” GECOM said.

It noted too that “These officers exercise the right to enter their respective contracts willingly and voluntarily and were therefore aware of the method of termination provided by the respective contracts.”

Further, the commission said “That it is trite law that not even a court of law can enforce a contract for personal services against an employer terminating the contract of an employee since the proper relief for a breach in an employment contract for personal services lies in damages.”

BENEFITS In accordance with their employment contracts, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo will receive payments in lieu of three months’ notice. “Accordingly, the officers will be paid three months’ salary in lieu inclusive of all allowances under their respective contract as well as payment for remaining days of vacation leave (if any),” the Commission indicated.

While the exact settlement figures have not been announced, it had been revealed previously that between January 2020 to March 2021, Lowenfield was paid in excess of $25 million.

The disclosure was made in March by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, as she addressed queries relating to the $1.1 billion allocation for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for this year. Teixeira had told the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply that Lowenfield received some $3.5 million in salaries.

This, she noted, was separate and apart from a series of other allowances that amount to millions of dollars more. It was also revealed that, in addition to Lowenfield’s hefty salary, he also received a vacation allowance of $1 million, plus $120,000 for travelling; $360,000 for entertainment; $700,000 in gratuity; and $120,000 for uniform. Added to

that, taxpayers also stand Lowenfield’s security expenses which were pegged at some $6 million annually.

It was noted too that Myers benefitted from an annual salary that amounted to $16 million; she too received a number of other allowances including travelling and overtime to the tune of $240,000; entertainment and rent pegged at $1.6 million; gratuity in the sum of $1 million; as well as vacation and uniform allowances that cost the State $865,000 and $120,000, respectively.

REPLACEMENTS Meanwhile, going forward, Gunraj said that efforts would have to be made to ensure that the key positions are filled, and that it is done in accordance with standard procedures.

“The posts would be advertised and persons will be invited to apply [and] they would be interviewed,” the attorney-at-law said.

He added: “For me, it doesn’t matter who fills those positions; my [sole] requirement would be that the persons who fill those positions conduct themselves with dignity and in an ethical manner, and in keeping with the dictates of the law.”

More specifically, Gunraj said that the successors of the GECOM trio would have to carry out their functions without fear or favour, affection or ill will, “which, incidentally, is part of the oath that those officers take, prior to assuming those offices.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Nonetheless, even as many Guyanese continue to recover from last year’s six-month-long elections saga, the country is due for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE).

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had previously indicated that he would not be setting a date for the elections, once Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo remain in their positions.

Now that the three officers have been removed,

Gunraj said that going to the polls “within the statutorily defined time is imminently possible”.

“There are still a few months more to go, and like everything else in life, where there’s a will, there is a way. And, if GECOM is serious about holding elections as contemplated, we can put our shoulders to the wheel and ensure that those vacancies are filled in a timely manner, and that the necessary preparations for the holding of the elections are done,” Gunraj posited.

In reaffirming the possibility of hosting the local authority elections, Gunraj expressed hope that all of his colleagues on the Commission would see the urgent need to have the elections, in order to remain constitutionally compliant.

“Unfortunately, we

have seen the tardiness, at times, that characterises the operations of GECOM, but I hope in this instance, we see the need to have this done and get it done quickly,” Gunraj emphasised. He cautioned, however, that in addition to the competing political parties, any date set for LGE would also have to be convenient to the voting public as well.

It has been almost 17 months since Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo have been accused of attempting to thwart the outcome of the elections. Despite being criminally charged on various counts of electoral fraud, they remained at their substantive posts at GECOM. As it is, Lowenfield is faced with three counts of Misconduct in Public Office, and three counts of Forgery, while Min-

go was charged with four counts of Misconduct in Public Office, and Myers with two counts of Misconduct in Public Office.

In addition to Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence; Opposition activist, Carol Joseph; the CEO’s clerks, Michelle Miller and Denise Bob-Cummings; Elections Officer, Shefern February, and Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan, were also charged.

They are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four, Guyana’s largest voting district, to give the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition a majority win at the March 2, 2020 polls, when in fact the PPP/C had won by 15,000 votes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Hazel, King and Maraj wanted in connection with gold heist

POLICE, on Thursday, issued wanted bulletins for Jamal Hazel, Dequan King and Antonio Maraj in connection with the Kitty gold heist which occurred in broad daylight on August 5.

According to the bulletins, Hazel of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown; King called “Titus” or “Quanie” of Lot 20 ‘D’ Field Sophia and Maraj called

“Pluckin” or “Thuggy” of Leopold Street, Agricola and Buxton, East Coast Demerara, are wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the robbery under arms committed on Wallison Enterprise, Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Hazel is a former member of the Guyana Defence Force.

He, King and Maraj, police say are principal offenders. Ac-

US law enforcement officials probing discovery of cocaine on aircraft LAW enforcement officials in Miami are probing the discovery of three kilograms of cocaine which was found onboard a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) aircraft at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), US law enforcement officers discovered the cocaine in a panel in the rear cargo hold of the CAL aircraft, Reg. No. 9Y-KIN, on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

The cocaine, which weighed approximately 3kg, was discovered in the cargo hold, which is only accessed by maintenance staff of the airline.

The aircraft had previously arrived in Guyana, via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), at 21:45hrs on Monday, August 9, 2021 and departed the next day at approximately 05:30hrs for Trinidad, where it in-transited for approximately 90 minutes before departing for Miami.

“On departure from Guyana, security checks were conducted, routinely, according to protocols. Preliminary indicators do not suggest that the narcotics was placed on the aircraft while it was parked at CJIA. However, more information is being gathered from Caribbean Airlines security and authorities in the USA,” a release from CANU said.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Friday August 13, 2021 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

Wanted: Jamal Hazel

Dequan King

cording to the wanted bulletins issued for the men, Hazel and Maraj were observed in the CCTV footage robbing the victims while King was the driver of the motorcar which was used to transport the suspects to and from the robbery scene.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Hazel, King and Maraj are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2267065, 227-1270, 226-7476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 2271611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 226-

1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

On August 5, at approximately 10:05 hrs., in broad daylight, three armed men, posing as customers, robbed Wallison Enterprise of over $38 million in local currency, and $20 million worth of raw gold.

According to police, a 45-year-old goldsmith and a 20-year-old female cashier were on duty at the establishment at the time of the robbery.

It is alleged that the bandits

GARDEN Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) began production of the 'Ocean-Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel' for Guyana on Saturday last.

The plate-cutting e-ceremony was held in the presence of the High Commissioner of Guyana to India, Charrandass Persaud.

GRSE’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Rear Admiral VK Saxena; Director (Shipbuilding), S. Nayyar; Director (Personnel), PR Hari; Director (Finance), RK Dash, and senior officials of GRSE were present at the occasion.

GRSE bagged the order for this vessel on competitive bidding, and the contract was signed with the Transport

and Harbours Department Limited (T&HD) of Guyana on January 13. The plate cutting signifies the successful completion of pre-production activities, and the same has been achieved amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its share of lockdowns and restrictions.

The 70m long, 1,700 tonnes vessel will be propelled by 02 Caterpillar engines and twin-disc gear boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots.

This fuel-efficient vessel has been designed for carrying passengers and cargo in the coastal and riverine areas of the North West District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers and 14 crew members, along with 14 cars, two trucks, 10 con-

came with a white car, which they parked north of the building, and entered the compound through the main gate. They were reportedly granted access into the building by a security guard, by pretending they were there to sell gold.

Once in the establishment’s waiting area, they impressed upon the cashier that the small package they were carrying contained gold they came to sell.

After they gained the cashier’s confidence, they whipped out their firearms

from their pants waist, and, at gunpoint, ushered her into an inner office where the goldsmith and another man were conducting business.

Holding the two men at gunpoint, too, the bandits reportedly ordered the goldsmith to open the two metal safes in the office, before handcuffing them, and confiscating their cell-phones, valued some $360,000 and making good their escape with the $38 million in cash and 60 ounces of raw gold valued $20 million.

The entire incident was caught on CCTV cameras located inside the business premises.

Police investigations so far have led to the ‘unearthing’ and recovery of $18 million in cash.

The money was found buried at the residence of one of the suspects. Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Keyon King, and the company’s security officers, Delroy Jackson and Peon Lee, have since been charged and remanded to prison in connection with the robbery

tainers, and four refrigerated containers.

Persaud, in his address, said: “This project is a distinct initiative for the Government of Guyana, aimed at smart transportation of passengers and cargo. This vessel will create a new benchmark in the field of passenger and cargo movement for North West District of Guyana.”

GRSE stated that it is proud to construct the vessel for the Guyana Government, thereby contributing towards friendly bilateral relations

between the two nations.

GRSE was the first Indian shipyard to export a warship, an OPV, to the Government of Mauritius in 2015. The shipyard delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel to the Government of Seychelles this year, and bagged a contract from Bangladesh for six patrol boats, again on competitive bidding.

The shipyard is currently executing five shipbuilding projects, including three Advanced Stealth Frigates under Project 17A, four survey vessels (large), and eight anti-submarine warfare shallow-water crafts for the Indian Navy, and one fast-patrol vessel for the Indian Coast Guard, apart from this export ship under construction for Guyana. (PSUWATCH)

Antonio Maraj

India shipyard commences production of ferry vessel for Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Prosperity FPSO on course for 2024 completion –– hull arrives in Singapore for next phase of construction

CONSTRUCTION of Guyana’s third Floating Production and Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel has progressed to another phase.

On Thursday, ExxonMobil’s contractor, SBM Offshore, announced that the hull for the Prosperity FPSO had arrived safely at the Keppel yard in Singapore.

“Now, the next phase of construction will commence, with the topside modules being integrated at the yard,” a statement from the company indicated.

It noted too that despite various challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic, the unit remains on schedule to be completed in 2024. “Drydock activities are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the installation of major structures that will support the Mooring and Subsea Risers,” SBM Offshore said.

It was explained that in keeping the standardisation philosophy that guides the Fast4Ward® programme, the Prosperity FPSO will largely replicate the design used for the Liza Unity FPSO. “This approach has showcased the value of Fast4Ward®, ensuring that the final product is delivered faster to our client ExxonMobil,” the statement from SBM Offshore posited.

Once installed, the vessel is intended to produce roughly 220,000 barrels of oil per day and will be able to store approximately two million barrels of crude oil.

Prosperity is slated to join her sister vessel Liza Unity, currently under construction at the same yard, and Liza Destiny, operational since end

of 2019, offshore Guyana.

Though the Liza Destiny has a capacity to produce 120,000 barrels of oil per day with 1.6 million barrels storage capacity, the Liza Unity and Prosperity are being designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

In addition to the overseas constructions, some local companies are also playing their part in the construction of the vessel. For instance, the Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Incorporated (GOGSSI) will be responsible for transforming over 30 tonnes of steel into the ladders and handrails of the vessel. Another local company, Industrial Fabrications Inc. (InFab) will also be providing parts for the Prosperity. The two companies are providing services to ExxonMobil’s prime contractor, SBM Offshore.

This is of major significance, as it marks the first time that companies in Guyana would have had the capacity to carry out such a project for the oil-and-gas sector. It also marks a substantial development in the involvement of local content in the oil-and-gas industry.

General Manager of SBM Offshore, Francesco Prazzo, had previously emphasised his company’s commitment to working with local contractors wherever possible in order to help develop Guyana’s economy.

FUTURE IS BRIGHT “I dream that our children and history books will describe this period as a ‘golden age’ for Guyana.

The future is bright, but the journey is not without chal-

lenges, and how we do is just as important as what we do,” Prazzo remarked.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, also shared similar sentiments, as he commended the local companies for coming on board and providing services to the sector.

“This is a significant step in our bid to increase local content for Guyana and the projects that are developing the national oil and gas resource. This was a competitive process, and you had to invest heavily in the facility and people to win the work, and we have great faith that you will deliver this project in supreme fashion,” Routledge said during a commemorative ceremony hosted in March.

He added, “GOGSSI is a fine example of how local business are capturing the opportunities, and evidence of the progress already being made with supplier development.”

Routledge noted too, that as part of the overarching effort to expand the involvement of Guyanese companies in the oil-and-gas sector, Exxon continues to work closely with prime contractors to ensure they are equally committed to developing local content.

However, he also stressed the need for local companies to ensure that they are up to international standards, and commit to a culture of safety.

“Stringent safety requirement is essential to our industry; a robust safety culture is important to develop resources in sustainable manner,” the ExxonMobil official had said.

Police: Yuri Garcia, wife tendered falsified medical documents THE Guyana Police Force has reported that the medical documents tendered by Cuban national Yuri Garcia and his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael, that they had contracted COVID-19, were falsified.

The couple had been charged following investigations into a Ponzi scheme here.

Police in a release said the documents had been tendered on the couple’s behalf by their Attorney, Dexter Todd, at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on July 27, 2021, after they had failed to appear in court to answer new charges of Conspiracy to Defraud that had been filed against them.

Further investigations are being conducted into this matter, the release noted.

Cuban national, Yuri Garcia, and his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael

Construction of the Prosperity FPSO is on track for a 2024 completion (SBM Offshore)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Inconvenient truths THE National Assembly, after much deliberation, has adopted the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the killing of renowned scholar and revolutionary, Dr. Walter Rodney.

The adoption now allows for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report. The Commission of Inquiry was established by former President Donald Ramotar in 2014, but was only handed over to the APNU+AFC nine months after it assumed office.

One key finding of the report was that there was a conspiracy involving the security apparatus to kill Rodney, and that the then Prime Minister and Leader of the PNC, Forbes Burnham had to be aware of it. Former President, David Granger, for his part, dubbed the report “badly flawed”.

This is yet another commendable step taken by the current PPP/C administration to correct an historical injustice against a great son of Guyana, and at the same time bring closure to a matter that has been festering for several decades. The family members and relatives of Dr. Rodney had been clamouring for an independent inquiry into his death, but it fell on deaf ears as the PNC continued to perpetuate its own narrative as to how Dr. Rodney met his death.

It would be recalled that Dr. Rodney was killed by an explosion on June 13, 1980 in the vicinity of John and Bent Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. His brother, Donald Rodney was also injured in the explosion.

Dr. Rodney, at the time of his death, was fiercely opposed to the dictatorial and authoritarian nature of the Burnham-led People's National Congress (PNC) regime, and it was widely believed that his death was engineered by elements closely associated with the then ruling PNC regime. Many aspersions were cast against him by Forbes Burnham, who vowed that 'his steel is sharper' in an attempt to intimidate and silence him for his political activism against the then dictatorship.

The PPP, at the time, was the leading opposition force against dictatorial rule, and found common cause with Dr. Rodney. Indeed, Dr. Rodney was ideologically closer to Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the PPP, who had consistently embraced a democratic and pro-working class approach to governance. He founded the Working People's Alliance (WPA) party, which, together with the PPP played a key role in the democratic struggle in the country at the time.

The motion for the adoption of the ecommendations was presented to the

House by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

This, it must be noted, is the third motion presented in the National Assembly on Dr. Rodney by Teixeira. In 2005, a motion was tabled in the Ninth Parliament, calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the death of Dr. Rodney, and a second was tabled in 2016 for the CoI report to be adopted and its recommendations implemented.

Interestingly, the 2016 motion was carried, but an amendment proposed by the then APNU+AFC regime changed the main thrust of it, and diluted it to 'call on the government to take measures to examine the findings and recommendations contained in the report in order to ascertain whether any, and if so, which are acceptable and implementable'.

It is no secret that the PNC was uncomfortable with the idea of a Commission of Inquiry into the matter, no doubt out of fear that it will unearth, as it were, a number of skeletons in the cupboard, not to mention incriminating evidence of its own complicity in the killing.

Indeed, it was vehemently opposed to any call for an inquiry into the matter.

It took the PPP/C administration to have the Commission of Inquiry established, only to be prematurely aborted after the

APNU+AFC got into power in May 2015.

In all of this, the AFC played a muted role, and, in some respects, could be considered a 'partner in crime' by its association with the PNC, which cannot escape responsibility, if not complicity, in Dr. Rodney's assassination. Indeed, it was painful to witness the deafening silence which reverberated in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly by persons who were once close associates of Dr. Rodney, and who, for reasons best known to themselves, chose to join ranks with the party that allegedly masterminded his death.

The PPP/C administration must be commended for the actions it has taken to restore the legacy of Dr. Rodney, and in the process move the country closer to the ideals of a 'One Guyana' concept, as adumbrated by His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali. This is not only forward looking, but the only way to go, if we are to fully realise our national motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny. It is not too late for the PNC to embrace the truth and come clean on its role and involvement in the Rodney affair. The first step in any reconciliation process is to admit to the errors of the past. These are some of the inconvenient truths which the PNC appears reluctant to embrace.

Government shows reasonableness but number of unvaccinated nurses, teachers shocking Dear Editor, IT came as quite a shock that there were many nurses in Linden and Region 10 who were unvaccinated and a large number of teachers nationwide who were not vaccinated.

The government’s decision to give a twoweek extension for compliance shows reasonableness on the part of government.

Both in the USA and Guyana, the vaccine was given first to frontline workers – the nurses, doctors and medical personnel. Everybody else had to wait. In Guyana, frontline workers also got a bonus from the new government.

Therefore, it was shocking to find out that some nurses are not vaccinated and most of the

teachers were not vaccinated. This is simply reckless and unacceptable. The government should have been tracking these numbers and disclose to the public. You would least expect that the vaccine resisters and hesitants were medical people. Same for teachers who are the most educated sector. It’s not that because they worked unvaccinated, it’s OK and should be allowed to remain unvaccinated. Now that we know, that’s a problem to be fixed. You would expect nurses and teachers to be preaching the gospel that vaccination saves lives while the virus kills people.

I asked my friend Suresh what he thinks of the latest news that many Region 10 nurses were not vaccinated. He said, “Dat is sheer wickedness. Blackking the bridge is nat a

human right, when other people gat to pass.”

It’s not a lack of education or lack of sensitivity by the government why resisters and hesitants are not getting the vaccine. It’s simply stupidity. Guyanese have access to all information and are worldy wise. They know what’s going on around the world. They know it’s better to be vaccinated than to remain at risk by being unvaccinated, but some are seriously misguided by the vaccinated mischief makers who think a COVID crisis that becomes unmanageable would embarrass the government.

Guyanese must realise that a “hole in the boat, is a hole in the whole Guyana boat”. It does not matter that the hole is on the side of the unvaccinated group. The hole affects and threatens the health and safety of all of us. As

Martin Carter would say, “All are involved, all are consumed.” If you look at the headlines across the world, more and more employers are requiring people to be vaccinated or show regular negative tests if they choose to be unvaccinated. This is good, defensible public policy, and we must include the teachers too.

I trust our people would understand these are desperate times that require desperate measures, and we cannot invoke human rights when the rights of the majority in the boat are threatened.

Getting the vaccine is the right thing to do!

Yours sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Vaccine hesitancy by some healthcare workers disappointing –– Vice-President Jagdeo

VICE-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed his disappointment with the vaccine hesitancy being displayed by some doctors and nurses.

The Vice-President shared this during an interview with social commentator, The Guyanese Critic on Wednesday.

“Doctors and nurses are in a science-based field.

How could you be in a science-based field, and then have these weird views about vaccines? It is almost un-

acceptable. And teachers, first of all, they should be teaching; they should be educated, reading, and then they succumb to rumors and unsubstantiated views,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The Vice-President said the government is expending billions of dollars to procure vaccines to achieve herd immunity, and is appealing to persons to take the ‘jab’.

“This is a struggle. What bothers me is that we are trying to save lives; imagine they are protesting a gov-

ernment trying to save lives; trying to get you immunised so that you don’t die,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding: “We’re saying please get your vaccine; it costs us money. We bought the vaccine; people are struggling around the world to get the vaccine. We bought it; just take the vaccine so that you can protect yourself and your family.”

Dr. Jagdeo also addressed reports of patients being denied access to hospitals. He emphasised that vaccinated or not, patients should not be denied access to a public hospital.

A notice from the Ministry of Health has since stated that any person accompanying a patient to a public hospital must present their vaccination card or a negative PCR result.

More than 50 per cent of the adult population has taken the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while some 30 per cent has been fully vaccinated.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony says that in a few weeks’ time, the government will be procuring COVID-19 vaccines for children. As he delivered the feature address Wednesday

morning at the St. Ambrose Secondary School on Third and Light Streets here in Georgetown, Minister Anthony said that in order to roll out the plan, the support of both parents and teachers is vital.

“We are also working to make sure that we provide vaccination for children between the ages of 12 and 18,” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “Right now, we don’t have those types of vaccines in Guyana, but we are working to make sure that we could get those vaccines for children.

We anticipate that in an-

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo other couple of weeks, we will get those vaccines. And when we get those vaccines, we would require the cooperation of both parents and teachers, so that we could get those vaccines administered as quickly as possible.”

The only vaccine granted authorisation, so far, for emergency use in children ages 12 to 15, is the Pfizer vaccine. (DPI)

Linden’s anti-COVID-19 vaccination protest is uncalled for

Dear Editor,

THERE is a protest happening in Guyana and it must end quickly.

I am talking here about the ignorance that I see being manifested concerning mandatory vaccination in Guyana. The fuss is totally uncalled for and now protests have moved to the point that life and belongings are coming into play.

I go to Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, Vice Provost for global initiatives, at the University of Pennsylvania, and according to him, “Healthcare workers have an ethical duty to put patients’ health and well-being first, and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is integral to that duty.” He extended his statement, adding that, “Employer vaccine mandates are ef-

fective and lifesaving and they are especially appropriate in health care and long-term care settings. No patient should have to worry that they could become infected by one of their care providers, and no provider should put their patient at risk.” A big ‘amen’. So why the resistance, mind you, politically-driven, ongoing here?

I am saying all of this, because Lindeners are joining frontline health workers who were locked out of healthcare facilities across the region, as they are refusing to comply with the “no vaccine, no entry policy,” which is now a global phenomenon. How ironic, contradictory and hypocritical it is to see, that vaccinated Opposition Members of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira and Devin Sears, safe with their inoculation, are telling

the Lindeners that “You are standing for your rights, you are standing for justice, you have been on the frontline serving this community without vaccine, putting your lives at risk every single day for the residents of this community and here you are denied access to your place of employment.”

These words fly in the face of groups such as the American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.

All of them are calling for all healthcare employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The other thing to note is that this Linden protest seems to be more about ‘other

things’, instead of the mandatory vaccination drive. The news is that there were scores of residents blocking traffic in the town. Is this legal? I guess not, but it has the makings of societal disruptions, and I am happy that Commander of Region 10, Hugh Winter, was on hand, imploring residents “to desist from blocking the road and obstructing the flow of traffic.”

If lives matter, and Guyanese embrace irrefutable evidence concerning the fight against COVID-19, then Guyana can move on to normalcy quite quickly.

I pray we quit ‘fooling around’ and act according to knowledge.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Thankfully, finally the CoI findings into the death of Dr Rodney has been adopted Dear Editor, MANY Guyanese here at home and abroad are extremely pleased that the National Assembly passed a motion to adopt the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of historian, Dr Walter Rodney.

This is indeed long overdue as that CoI goes back to well over five years, and at the time, the expectations were rife, that some kind of rectification was imminent, as regards the truth concerning Dr. Walter Rodney’s demise.

The motion was via Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, on behalf of government, for the Assembly to adopt the report and its

findings, and these findings are indeed important to the country’s history. By way of encapsulation, they are that: the late President Forbes Burnham and the People’s National Congress were culpable in Rodney’s death; the former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) member Gregory Smith was directly responsible for Dr. Rodney’s death on June 13, 1980; he, Gregory Smith, acted as an agent of the State, having been aided and abetted so to do, by individuals holding positions of leadership in State agencies and committed to carrying out the wishes of the PNC Administration.

Let me add a few other important things concerning this appropriate adoption from the government, and these

relate to a direct correction of Rodney’s history, namely his death.

First, and rightly so, Dr. Rodney’s death certificate will now read ‘death by assassination,’ and not the vulgar by ‘misadventure,’ that was affixed by the Burnhamites at the time. According to Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, this was in response to a request by Dr. Rodney’s widow and children. I love the fact that the 1988 farcical inquest that had been conducted, will now be invalidated.

Moving to resuscitate the Walter Rodney Chair at the University of Guyana and including several of the late historian’s works as part of the Guyana’s school curriculum are indeed most welcome, as they are necessary indeed.

I need not go on to what are some of the other posthumous changes to be effected, as I think my point is well-made.

However, I refer to the U.S. Embassy in Guyana in 1980. From the inception, there resided strong evidence to believe that the death of Walter Rodney was a political assassination, and this is based on documents obtained and posted by the National Security Archive at the George Washington University.

So, finally, after over four decades, the heinous crime of the killing of one of Guyana’s greatest sons has been put to rest.

Yours respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Achieving sustainable food production hinges on improving situation in rural communities –– regional agriculture ministers, experts

AGRICULTURE Ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean and senior executives from global companies participating in a high-level panel discussion, convened by the Council of the Americas and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), have agreed that achieving sustainable

agri-food systems will require the development of a framework to ensure the well-being of farmers and rural communities.

The discussion began with a presentation by award-winning scientist, Rattan Lal, who is considered the world’s leading authority on soil sciences, and also featured the participation of

the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, Luis Basterra; the Minister of Agriculture of Guyana, Zulfikar Mustapha; the CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, Paula Santilli; Head of Sustainability and Business Stewardship at Bayer Crop Science, Klaus Kunz; and Walmart’s Director of Global Government

Top row: Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, Luis Basterra; and renowned scientist, Rattan Lal, who is the Director of the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (CMASC) at Ohio State University. Middle: CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, Paula Santilli; Walmart’s Director of Global Government Affairs, Christian Gómez; and Head of Sustainability and Business Stewardship at Bayer Crop Science, Klaus Kunz. Bottom row: Vice-President of The Americas Society/ Council of the Americas (AS/COA), Eric Farnsworth; Senior Director of the Council of the Americas, Steve Liston; and the Director General of IICA, Manuel Otero (IICA photo) Affairs, Christian Gómez. ensure that all people have global discussion about the E r i c F a r n s w o r t h , access to a healthy diet of future of agri-food systems, V i c e - P r e s i d e n t o f T h e safe food; and have degraded “the future of the human Americas Society/ Council soils, contaminated water, race is in question in the of the Americas (AS/COA), fuelled global warming and context of a world that is and Manuel Otero, Director reduced biodiversity. experiencing the effects of General of IICA, gave the Lal stated that, “There development. This is not a opening and closing remarks are three billion people that recent process, but something of the event. Steve Liston, cannot afford a healthy diet that began with the industrial Senior Director of Council and 690 million with chronic era.” of the Americas was the malnutrition problems, a He mentioned that, “A moderator. figure which increased by country such as Argentina The event was one in a between 83 and 132 million, has decisively embraced the series of roundtable discus- due to the pandemic. The concept of sustainability. sions organised to discuss the system must change.”

There is a commitment by manner in which food will be The expert who head the both the private and public produced and consumed in Carbon Management and Se- sectors to identify the best the future and the situation questration Centre (CMASC) ways to produce and to preof rural communities in the at Ohio State University, pro- serve ecosystems. We can Americas. vided details on the impact proudly say that much of our The debates are being or- of increasing inequality and land is cultivated employing ganised in preparation for the poverty. the zero till method, which 2021 United Nations Food He explained that agri- captures part of the carbon Systems Summit. The first food system transformation that is lost, through practices two forums focussed on the should be based on iden- that would previously have benefits of international trade tifying and introducing consumed carbon.” for rural dwellers and on how policies, innovations and Basterra also discussed the digital revolution can the necessary institutions to the need to consider implehelp to improve the standard reduce the negative impact menting a payment system of living of farmers. of agriculture, while also for ecosystem services, as a “Sustainable food sys- ensuring resilience to phe- means of promoting environtems are those that ensure nomena such as pandemics mental conservation. He said food and nutrition security and extreme climate events. that, “The Americas possessfor all without endangeres a wealth of biodiversity ing the economic, social FOCUS and of carbon sequestration or environmental welfare Lal insisted that the habitats. There should be a of future generations”, ex- focus should be on pro- fair and balanced transition plained Professor Lal, who ducing healthy food, while to achieve the Sustainable partnered with IICA in 2020 curtailing greenhouse gas Development Goals (SDGs), to launch “Living Soils of emissions, and also empha- which are essential for the the Americas”, an initiative sised the need to tax the survival of the species.” aimed at galvanising public production of unhealthy The Argentinian Minand private efforts in the fight food and to introduce label- ister also emphasised the against soil degradation. ling systems that encourage collaboration between the The scientist argued that positive consumer habits. governments of all the current agri-food systems Argentina’s Agriculture countries of the Americas have not resolved hunger and Minister, Luis Basterra, reSee page 9 malnutrition; have failed to marked that in the ongoing

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Achieving sustainable food production hinges ...

From page 8

to arrive at a joint position to present at the Food Systems Summit and thanked IICA for its role in establishing this consensus.

The Guyanese minister, Mustapha, stressed the need to empower small farmers and rural communities, through infrastructure building and technology transfer and by introducing policies that guarantee fair compensation for one’s work.

Mustapha stated that, “We must improve the conditions of those who are the true generators of wealth – the food producers” while also advocating for the establishment of infrastructure that will facilitate food processing in rural areas, thus enabling value addition that will increase the profitability of these

communities.

SEVERE FLOODING Mustapha also spoke about the Caribbean countries’ vulnerability to climate change, stating that, “In Guyana, we have suffered severe flooding.

This year, there was a volcano eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and all of the countries are bracing for increasingly stronger hurricanes. We are small countries and economies and both our crops and our livestock have been hard hit. Recently, we provided assistance to 52,000 small farmers who have been the most affected.”

Paula Santilli of PepsiCo Latin America indicated that agriculture was essential for the sustainability of his compa-

ny’s operations, and said that, “We are an immense agro-industrial business and we need agriculture.

We know that without farmers, we have no business. That is why we have a close relationship with farmers, small and large, and are working to ensure that all our crops—corn, sugar, sweet potato—are 100 per cent sustainable.

We need help to achieve this objective. One important thing that we are doing is disseminating new regenerative agricultural practices. It means adding biological components and utilising technology for soil care.”

For Eric Farnsworth, it was essential that farmers and rural communities participate in the debate about agri-food system transformation, “not only because they are the most

affected”, he said, “but because of their knowledge about soil care, resource conservation and climate adaptation, which are all critical to sustainable agricultural production”.

Manuel Otero, who recently attended the Food Systems Pre-Summit in Rome, emphasised the dialogue that took place during the global meeting, despite the presence of varied perspectives.

“Let us defend the fact that agriculture is the life and future of our hemisphere. Although changes are needed, it is in no way a failed system. Without farmers, it is difficult to think about transformation,” he maintained.

The Director-General stressed that agriculture and sustainability were inseparable. He also remarked that sustainability has not only an environ-

mental, “but also an economic dimension and a human face”.

In closing, he stated that, “there are 16.5 million family farmers who are not receiving a fair price for their products. The lack of profitability results in poverty and disorganised migration to urban centres.

It is imperative that our rural zones become regions of progress and opportunity.” (IICA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

UN Women, UNESCO partner to strengthen women-and youth-owned businesses

UN WOMEN and UNESCO have embarked on a partnership to strengthen women-and youth- owned businesses in the cultural and creative industries in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa.

According to a release, the programme will also highlight Afro-descendant women’s role and contribution to sustainable development through cultural exchanges, knowledge sharing and movement-building.

The announcement of this initiative came as part of activities to launch UN

Women’s new Global Black Women Programme where Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, moderated a panel discussion of black women creatives, entitled “Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women, Creativity and Development”. It was sponsored by UN Women MCO-Caribbean, in collaboration with NYU Africa House, UNESCO, and the EU-funded UNESCO-Transcultura Programme.

Representative UN Women MCO Caribbean, Tonni Brodber, explained the goal of the new project: “We will contribute to enhancing

the economic empowerment and resilience of women-and youth- owned cultural and creative MSMEs through strengthened networks and opportunities for employability and entrepreneurship in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa; through strengthened digital transformation, financial management and basic and advanced digital

technologies skills for women in the cultural and creative industries (including art, design, music, film, beauty) with particular focus on marginalised and economically disempowered groups.”

“At UN Women and UNESCO, we felt the need to be even more intentional and imaginative about our work to recognise and promote justice and development. We developed a project with the goal being, that Afro-descendent and ethnic minority women, men and youth are empowered through greater voice and agency, and resilient livelihoods to live free from violence and discrimination,” Brodber added.

Director and Representative of the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean, Saadia Sanchez-Vegas, said: “This partnership programme harnesses the potential of

culture and creativity to empower youth, women and men to transcend borders and build communities across the Caribbean, the African Continent and the entire African diaspora.”

Panellist, South African Carol Bouwer, Founder of Mbokodo Awards for Women in the Arts stressed that the world has not yet begun to understand that black women are a larger part of society whose creativity should be seen as creativity within the broader conversation of art, heritage and culture.

“Historically, we do not look at the intersection between art and the environment, the economy, society and the cultural diversity that carries communities together… Black people in particular, not just Black women, we constantly have to apologise each time

we come into spaces where we choose to talk about building each other. I am hoping that this healing space, this space of beauty and vibrant art will remind us that we have to be seen, we have to be able to celebrate ourselves and we have to be able to say to the world acknowledge me.”

Sierre Leone and Canadian filmmaker, Ngardy Conteh, said there is a huge gap in opportunities for Black women to thrive: “We don’t want to just survive, we want to thrive. We have the creativity, and our creativity can only blossom when we have the space and the resources to do so. There needs to be an increase in opportunities.”

UN Women also hosted a global art exhibition and online auction in New York City, featuring 25 women artists of African descent.

Fifty per cent of the proceeds will go to the artists, while the other 50 per cent will support implementation of the UN Women’s Afro-descendant Women’s Programme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

1,000 parents/guardians in Georgetown receive $33M in education cash grant APPROXIMATELY $33 million in ‘Because We Care’ cash grants have been handed over for distribution at five schools within the Georgetown

was imperative in eradicating social ills in the country and in the transformation to a developed nation.

"We often say that 'education is the key to success

power of education, the minister said the government has showed its dedication by not only reinstating the cash grant for learners but also prioritising the sector’s

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, interacts with a parent during the distribution exercise district by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.

The minister first visited the St. Margaret’s Primary School before leading the disbursal at Winfer Gardens Primary School. In addition to pupils at the two schools, learners from Starters Nursery, East Street Nursery and St. Barnabas Special School, also received grants at the locations.

In her address to parents and guardians, Minister Rodrigues stated that education

but we never really stop to think about it. Education is a passport out of poverty and if we want to move from being a third world country then we have to make the necessary investments,” Minister Rodrigues remarked.

She further noted that while the programme may seem like a small initiative, each $19,000 in a parent's hand can go a long way in ensuring that vulnerable students remain in school and illiteracy is ‘stamped out’.

In recognition of the

development through one of the largest budgets for 2021.

"Our only objective in government is to make sure that the people are taken care of," the minister said.

Over 1,700 learners at the five schools are expected to benefit. Through the ‘Because We Care’ initiative, each child will receive a grant of $15,000, added to a uniform grant of $4,000, totalling $19,000.

Parents and guardians were urged by the minister to utilise the grant wisely and purchase the critical

A section of the gathering during one of the distribution exercises

supplies that their children need.

While at the schools, the minister also took the time to address the concerns of

a number of parents and guardians, who spoke to her on the sidelines of the exercise.

Several other Cabinet

members and government officials are also spread across coastal and hinterland regions to bring the programme to the people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

UN Resident Coordinator departs Guyana UNITED NATIONS (UN) Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, will end her assignment

in Guyana this month.

Tanaka joined the UN System in Guyana in August 2016. From 2016 to

2018, she was the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) and UN Resident Coordinator.

In 2019, as part of global UN Reforms, Tanaka left her position as UNDP Resident Representative to concentrate on the wider responsibilities of the Resident Coordinator for the whole UN System in Guyana.

According to a release, during her tenure in Guyana, Tanaka led the implementation of the first ever Caribbean Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDF), a development partnership that supports Guyana in the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Tanaka had deployed the UN System in Guyana to address challenges

faced during the 2020 national and regional elections, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support people directly affected by flooding and forced migration.

With the European Union, she has enabled Guyana’s inclusion in the global Spotlight Initiative, which aims to eliminate violence against women.

Tanaka has maintained the closest strategic relations between the UN and successive Guyanese governments since 2016, supporting them in strategic planning, helping them prepare for the effects of the unfolding climate emergency, and highlighting the challenges faced by some of Guyana’s poorest and most margin-

UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka alised communities.

“Tanaka has worked tirelessly to ensure that the United Nations system supports Guyana to protect human rights, preserve democracy, and ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstances, status or identity, is left behind from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” the release said.

Tanaka’s successor will be announced in another release.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Health Minister urges parents to get their children vaccinated –– as procurement of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines gets underway

WITH the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to soon become available in Guyana, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, is urging all parents to ensure that their children are fully immunised against the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the variants of the disease.

Dr. Anthony, during his daily COVID-19 update on Thursday, said that the two vaccines will soon arrive in the country and his ministry will be working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that school-aged children receive their jabs.

“We expect that very shortly we will get those vaccines. We will be working very closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure that we roll this out to children in schools,” Dr Anthony said, adding: “It is a choice, but we would hope that parents understand that for children to return to school, they should be in

a safe environment and we should encourage them to make sure that their children get the vaccine.”

A research from a 2000plus sample size in 2020 had shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 100 per cent effective in children ages 12 through 15.

In late 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed emergency use of the vaccine from age 16. This year, the vaccine was given to children in the US from ages 12 to 15.

Moderna vaccine was shown to be around 95 percent effective in clinical trials in preventing symptomatic illness in adults.

In March, Moderna started clinical trials of its vaccine in children ages 6 months to 11-years-old and it has since proven to be effective and safe for children.

“These vaccines are quite safe. The literature on Pfizer and Moderna is out there for everybody to scrutinise.

Millions of doses have been used across the world and the results were deemed quite good,” the health minister assured.

Dr. Anthony, during his plea to parents, highlighted that with the rapid spreading and presence of variants in some neighbouring countries, persons must think of the severity of the effects the virus can have on their children.

“The other thing that one would have to understand is the new delta variant that is causing a lot of infections in the United States, those infections are occurring more in the unvaccinated populations and if children remain unvaccinated, unfortunately they can become infected and when they get infected is not a mild form of the disease in children but we are getting a more severe form of the disease.”

He added that in order to stay ahead of the disease and the variants, the younger population must be im-

munised and protected from contracting them.

“If we are going to stay ahead of the Delta variant then one of the things that we will have to do urgently is to protect our children from this disease.”

“The Delta variant is

in circulation in 142 countries and just yesterday we saw an announcement from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, that they have identified two cases of Delta. As I have said before we have to operate as if all the different

variants are here and take the measures accordingly,” he added.

Additionally, the minister noted that the Ministry of Health is expecting a batch of Sputnik V second doses by next week for the country’s adult population.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Kescia Branche murder trial begins August 26

MATTHEW Monroe, who was charged for the murder of young teacher Kescia Branche, is expected to stand trial at the High Court come August 26.

The 51-year-old taxi driver was arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon and pleaded not guilty to killing Branche on November 7, 2017 at Georgetown.

A 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the case.

The state is being represented by prosecutors Seeta

Bissoondial and Lisa Cave while attorneys-at-law Dexter Todd, Anastasia Sanford and Dexter Smartt are on record for the accused.

Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night out with her friends.

However, her unconscious body was found in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row in the city

the following day. Her left leg was broken and there was evidence that she had sustained multiple head injuries.

The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) two days after being admitted. A post-mortem examination indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

During the investigation, three suspects who were

being questioned regarding the death of Branche, were released. The father of Branche’s three-year-old son was released on November 14 and placed on station bail, along with two police constables.

The two officers were later charged departmentally for neglect of duty, consuming intoxicating liquor while on duty, improperly entering licensed premises and acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the police force.

At the time of the trio’s release, the police were seeking to contact the taxi driver whose cell phone

number appeared repeatedly on Branche’s mobile device.

The taxi driver’s car was impounded at the Brickdam Police Station, subsequent to his reported departure from the country, after Branche

was found in an unconscious state.

Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Education grant an investment in a brighter future –– Minister Persaud HUMAN SERVICES and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said Guyana’s children will have access to quality education as the government continues to invest in the sector.

She made that statement while leading the distributing of the government’s “Because We Care” cash grant for the pupils at St. Angela’s Primary School. Some $13.6 million was distributed to the parents and guardians of 719 pupils there.

“The future of our country is our children; that is the future that we are investing in… ensuring that they have access to and they receive quality education…. to receive quality education is also important [so] that children know who take care of them, are able to equip them to receive education in the best way possible,” Minister Persaud said.

The minister said the programme would benefit all the children enrolled in public schools. She also said the

government has recognised the struggles and hardships parents face every day during the pandemic, and the grant was another way of buttressing their household incomes.

“The name ‘Because We Care’ was not chosen in ad hoc manner. It was chosen because care is something each one of us must have for each other.

“So, we are extending that care as Government of Guyana to all children of the country, with recognition that there is even a little

A parent collects the grant from Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, at the Graham’s Hall Primary School on Tuesday (DPI photo)

bit of support to make the child’s reality of a future possible…. To ensure that we develop exceptional young people who will become progressive, positive, inspirational young people… who will contribute in no small way to our lovely land,” she said.

Additionally, Dr. Persaud told parents that it was important for them to ensure that their children not only attend school but graduate “because once someone has education so many doors are opened to them”.

The minister also said parents must recognise teach-

ers’ hard work and dedication, particularly during the pandemic.

She then called on those gathered at the school to observe the gazetted COVID-19 Measures and to ensure they are vaccinated so Guyana can achieve herd immunity. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Eating healthy before, during and after COVID-19

IF there was ever a time that made us pay attention to our health, it has been this one of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year has also made that clear that not everything in the world of health is under our control. However, many of us are lucky enough to have a say in one important element and that is what we eat. Healthy diets play an important role in our overall health and immune systems.

The food we put in our bodies directly affects the way

that we feel and the way our bodies function. This is as true during an illness as it is before or after.

Diets vary widely around the globe, influenced by access, incomes, habits and culture. Yet, there are some common truths about how to maintain a healthy diet regardless of where we live.

Here are six healthy eating habits and FAO resources to help you out 1. MIX IT UP! Eat a variety of foods

within each and across all the food groups to ensure adequate intake of important nutrients.

National food-based dietary guidelines can help you. FAO assists Member Countries to develop and implement food-based dietary guidelines in line with current scientific evidence.

More than 100 countries worldwide have developed food-based dietary guidelines that are adapted to their population’s health situations, food availability,

culinary cultures and eating habits.

2. EAT PLENTY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Fruits and vegetables provide loads of vitamins and minerals as well as the fiber that we need for healthy diet.

Minimally processed frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are a good choice for limiting your trips to the market or supermarket. However, be sure to pay attention

Fruits and vegetables provide loads of the vitamins, minerals and fiber needed for a healthy diet (FAO photo) to the ingredients. In the safety is always important. canning and processing of Remember these five tips: these products, sometimes (1) keep your hands, sugar, salt or preservatives cooking utensils and cookare added. ing surfaces clean; (2) sepIn fact, 2021 is the In- arate raw and cooked; (3) ternational Year of Fruits cook thoroughly; (4) keep and Vegetables food at safe temperatures and (5) use safe water.

3. TAKE THE PULSE OF THE SITUATION, 6. BE PHYSICALLY BE WHOLESOME ACTIVE AND DRINK AND GO NUTS! PLENTY OF WATER Pulses, whole grains, Exercise is important nuts and healthy fats such for both our physical and as in olive, sesame, pea- mental health. Obesity nut or other unsaturat- and overweight have been ed oils can support your significantly increasing in immune system and help the last years. to reduce inflammation.

Particularly now, when Pulses, in particular, are people are staying at home environmentally friendly more due to COVID-19 and a generally inexpen- restrictions, it is important sive source of protein. to find other ways of being Beans, peas, lupins and active. You should aim for other pulses are full of vi- at least 30-60 minutes of tamins and minerals that, daily exercise depending on when part of an overall your age and lifestyle. The healthy diet, can help re- children’s nutrition activity duce the risk of diseases book gives plenty of tips on like diabetes and coronary how to help kids maintain a conditions. healthy lifestyle, from ideas on exercise to lessons on hy4. LIMIT FATS, giene and food safety. FAO SUGAR AND SALT also has plenty of e-learning In times of high stress, courses for adults if you many people turn to com- want to learn more about fort food. the fascinating world of Unfortunately, these are nutrition. often high in fat, sugar, salt The COVID-19 pandemand calories, which, as part ic has altered the daily lives of an unbalanced diet, can, of people around the world, over time, affect your over- causing many people a lot all health. As a good habit, of stress, sickness and pain. check the labels of all the Amidst these difficulties foods you eat to learn about and changes, it is all the their ingredients and nutri- more important to maintain tional value. a healthy lifestyle. FirstFood labels are there to ly, to protect yourself and help you limit the amount others against COVID-19 of certain ingredients or infection and transmission, increase the levels of ben- we all need to follow nationeficial ones. al rules and World Health Organisation advice. Even 5. PRACTISE GOOD with the introduction of a FOOD HYGIENE vaccine, these rules remain Hygiene in all forms is fundamental to help end the particularly important in pandemic. this time of pandemic.

Equally important, However, it is good to however, we need to take remember that COVID-19 care of ourselves, and eatis a respiratory virus. It is not ing a healthy diet is one a food-borne disease. Yet great way to do just that. practising food hygiene and (FAO feature)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

‘Cash grants could not have been better timed’ – Minister McCoy MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, said the government’s “Because We Care” cash grant was timely as the nation was still grappling with the pandemic.

The minister shared that view when he spearheaded the distribution of the grant at Christ Church Secondary School and the St. John’s College in Georgetown on Wednesday.

“The cash grant programme can and will go a long way in many homes and in many families to be able to keep our children in school.

“And this grant couldn’t have come at a better time, couldn’t be restarted at a better time;

a time at which we are all experiencing the challenges of the COVID-19 situation,” he said at Christ Church.

Minister McCoy assured the attendees that the PPP/C Government will work diligently every day to ensure that the transformational goals of the country and its citizens are achieved.

At the St. John’s College, Minister McCoy’s alma mater, he reminded parents and guardians that the “Because We Care” cash grant programme was deliberately included in the PPP/C Manifesto. The government, he said, considers the investment in the education of the children paramount to the development of the country.

“The government does

not consider the cash grant a waste of money. We consider this a good investment in our children’s education and the future.

“This is the next generation of doctors, lawyers, teachers, pilots, administrators in various fields. If we invest in them consistently and sincerely, then we are going to have the best outcome for our children.”

Beneficiaries of the grant spoke highly of the initiative.

Julian Mysmuss shared what she plans to do with the grant.

“I will use the money to repair my computer’s processor so that my son can log onto the online classes,” the mother of four told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the re-

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, hands over a cash grant to a parent (DPI photo)

strictions that followed, Mysmuss, who is self-employed said she finds it difficult to ply her trade.

“This grant will come in to assist my family and I am thankful for it. I think that it is a good gesture,” she added.

Meanwhile, Julia Whitmore, a grandmother of one told DPI, “I feel good about the cash grant. This is a boost for the parents so that they can purchase items to benefit their children.”

After collecting the grant, Whitmore said she

intends to purchase clothing for school and stationery for her grandson.

Later this week, more government ministers would be fanning out across the country to conduct similar exercises.

(DPI)

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London-trained ‘Miss Melody’ mulls music management company

AMELIA ‘Melody’ Thomas has a bright idea in mind. It is one that will not only bring her plan of starting up her own publishing and distribution company to fruition, but one that will significantly aid local artistes who are often forced to leave the country to get their music published.

Having returned from London three years ago to live in Guyana, the 33-yearold mother of two told Buzz this week that the company she has in mind will alleviate the troubles, financially and otherwise, of local artistes who find it extremely difficult to get their music online and published.

“They seem to think it’s so difficult to do here in Guyana because we don’t have a licensing agency here. So, it’s really hard for artists,” the singer/songwriter and producer expressed, adding, “I want to make it easier for

them to come to me and publish their music and have an agency that can collect royalties on their behalf.”

Thomas is still in the plann i n g stage s but she believes

that things can really kick off next year once the country gets back to normal and the effects of the pandemic subside. She wants to conduct a conference with local artistes even before she introduces the business.

Thomas is a pioneer in royalty management and Continued on page 21

Thomas began working with vocal trainers and artist developers at a young age thereby realizing her true passion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 13, 2021

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London-trained ...

From page 20

Amelia ‘Melody’ Thomas released her new single just this month

music licensing through her previous employment as a music licensing agent for a company in London and aims to educate artists, music businesses and music users alike on the benefits of protecting their work and making money from their music.

Formerly known as ‘Miss Melody’, the Reggae and R&B singer went to England with her family when she was three years old and began singing when she was 12. At age 14, she began working with vocal trainers and artist developers during which time she

Guinness ‘Crab Fest’ to sizzle the West Side

The West Demerara District seems to be gripped in an anticipated frenzy, as folks there prepare to indulge in the first ever, ‘Guinness Crab Fest’ which is slated for Felisha’s Licious Grill located at Lot 14 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

This new and breezy entertainment hotspot recently caught our attention for its uniqueness, as it offers a plethora of innovative and intriguing concepts, including the option of grilling our own food! Inspired by their lives in St. Maarten, propri-

etors of the new barbeque joint, Felisha and George Semple have installed grills in the middle of some of the tables.

After months of bringing us scrumptious meats and soothingly chilled drinks, the couple is now gearing up for its crab festival which is expected to feature crab cooked “in every style and fashion.”

The event, slated for Sunday at 13:00hrs, will provide foodies and all crab lovers with varied options of succulent crab dishes, from the ‘cassareep crab’ and ‘grilled crabbie explosion’ to ‘fanta-

sia roasted crab’ and ‘baked crabbie delights.’ Drooling yet? Well, it doesn’t end there, as Felisha’s has promised to dish out some its signature crab specials such as the ‘crab intrigue’ and its traditional ‘bun suga crab’, and so much more.

Added to that, the Semples tell us that Crab Fest will also afford us the opportunity to grill our own crabs and crab meats, as a means of ensuring that it is cooked to our individual perfection.

Continued on page 22

Crab Fest will feature a number of unique and succulent crab dishes

realised that songwriting and the art of compiling lyrics were her passion.

Thomas subsequently wrote and produced her own music as she collaborated with, and wrote for local and international artists. She has also performed at various venues across the UK, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean including the 291 Show at Hackney Empire, a variety of songwriters’ competitions; Reality Byte’s Showcase, the Canadian Reggae Fest; Guyana National Stadium and National Park, and Hootenanny Brixton, among others.

In 2010, she enrolled on

a degree course in music industry management where she learnt a lot about royalties, artist management, music law and more. At that time, she was also working on management and administration in various labels, production companies and recording studios.

Thomas has released three singles from her debut EP ‘Reggae and Blues’ so far but it was ‘Love everlasting’ that won her the 2016 ‘Single of the Year’ during the Jubilee celebrations in Guyana. She also picked up ‘Best R&B Female’ and ‘Best Lovers Rock Female.’

Further, she released ‘Told Me’, in July 2020, along with her single ‘Shoulda Told Me’, which did well worldwide, gaining her a top 20 spot on the UK Reggae ‘Best Singles of 2020.’ Her new release ‘BETTER’ is a blend of dancehall and R&B and was released last August 1.

“If I’m doing it, I’m doing it big! I love performing and being able to project my feelings to audiences through my music. Whether my songs make you laugh or cry.... I just want my fans to connect. It’s all for the love of the music,” Thomas said.

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Guinness ‘Crab ...

From page 21

Even with all the COVID-19 protocols in effect, Felisha and George Semple are looking to entice a good turnout by offering a number of giveaways, featuring some exciting prizes, including gifts for most captivating crew as well as a

special prize for the ‘Jovial Big Spenders.’

The couple has asked that we join them this weekend for grilled goodies and tingling drinks, enjoyed in a vibrant, spacious, and stimulating atmosphere. Even more intriguing, is that there will be karaoke!

Going forward, the

Semples are looking to host a number of other fascinating events such as live acrobatic shows, a vocal talent search, a westside dancehall queen contest, and a curry duck cook off and showdown competition.

We looking forward to it all.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Wine, crab meat, and karaoke is on the itinerary for Sunday

Bollywood’s Amjad Ali Warsi is here to teach us tabla HAVING received extensive training in music, particularly in playing the tabla (a pair of twin hand drums used in Indian classical music), Guyanese students now learning to play the instrument are privileged to have Amjad Ali Warsi teach them.

Warsi, originally from Mumbai, India, was sent to Guyana by the Indian government to teach Indian classical music through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Perhaps his appointment emanated from his ability to teach at several prestigious institutions in India before being asked to make the move.

Warsi now teaches at the Indian Cultural Center (ICC), but owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, he started to hold his classes online.

“I belong to two renowned Gharana which is very famous (music school); one which is famous by my grandfather Ustad Aman Ali Khan, who is one of the founders and teachers of Lata Mangeshkar,” Warsi told Buzz in an interview this week.

He was just five years old when he first learnt to play the tabla with his father Ustad Wasir Ali Quadri and then his uncle, the leading tabla maestro Ustad Dayam Ail Quadri from Farukhabad Gharana. Warsi’s teachings and his love for the tabla would propel him into the lime light where he would

delve deeply into performing professionally at the tender age of 15. “I grew up in a traditional family of music; my uncle was a very famous tabla player and that’s what inspired me,” Warsi expressed.

He said he has been able to perform in India and abroad with many legends such as Pandit Birju Maharaj, Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh, Pandit Jasraj and Ustad Ghulaam Mustafa Khan, among others.

Warsi has also dabbled in acting, and has, added to his credit, a stint in the Bollywood film industry, lending his talents to several wellknown movies that featured reputable actors. “I acted in a few film such as: The Hero with the actor Sunny Deol and the movie Delli Belli with actor Imran Khan,” he related.

Warsi believes that it was the rigorous training from all the Ustads and his own diligent efforts that made him a true representative of the Muradabad Farukabad Gharana of tabla. “I hail from a family of well-known musicians, owing allegiance to the Muradabad Bhendi Bazaar Gharana of Hindustani classical music, which has given to the world, a musician of the stature of Ustad Zahur Khan Saheb, who was the Sarangi Maestro.”

His father was also an accredited artiste of Doordarshan, a master of the harContinued on page 23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 13, 2021

Bollywood’s Amjad...

Warsi has taught at several prestigious institutions in India before being asked to make the move to Guyana.

From page 22 monium and a well-known artist in India. “I then started learning tabla from my uncle Ustad Dayam Ali Quadri who is the pillar and shining star of this Gharana and a very well-known tabla maestro,” Warsi said.

He also has guidance in tabla and vocals from his elder brother Ustad Mohsin Ali Khan, who is a well-known sitar player. Warsi has had

the honour of accompanying many popular artistes in India and abroad, and he has also given a number of solo recitals which have been very well received.

He has received many awards in recognition of his talent such as Sahitya Kala Parishad Award, Yuva Mahotsav award and the Ministry of HRD scholarship award in 1992, etc. He is an approved artist of A.I.R and also an ‘A’ grade artist from

the song and drama division of the Indian Government.

While there has been a lot of controversy over the origin of the tabla, Warsi believes the following: “Some people try to make up stories that are not true.

The fact is tabla was invented by renowned and respectable Sufi Sant Hazrat Amir Khusro (Rahamtulla Alleh) from Pakawaj which he cut in half to form the tabla and bayan.”

Warsi now teaches at the Indian Cultural Center (ICC) in Guyana.

Warsi, originally from Mumbai, India, was sent to Guyana by the Government of Indian to teach Indian classical music.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 13, 2021

GFF commits to setting up Academy Training Centre in Waramadong

GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) president, Wayne Forde, has pledged to establish an Academy Training Centre (ATC) in Waramadong to boost hinterland football development.

Forde made the commitment during a visit to the Region 7 community this week.

The GFF president also donated football equipment to the village sports council and offered to organise GFF training for coaches, referees and club administrators for the Region where, because of its difficult terrain and logistical challenges, some areas are not adequately served.

The Federation regularly undertakes outreach, equipment donations, and capacity-building activities in hinterland communities that are not covered within the boundaries of the GFF’s nine Regional Associations, and Forde underscored the reason for this. “It is vital for the GFF – and for me, personally – to ensure that all corners of Guyana have access to football development resources and support, as our nine Regional Associations do not cover the entire geography of the country,” Forde said.

“My meetings this week with Waramadong village

Edghill says...

From Page 32

from her victory over Fiji’s Sally Yee (4-1) at the 32nd Olympiad.

Edghill told Ninvalle that the image is one that’s close to her heart since it was her first match at the Olympics and

more so one where she came out victorious (11-5, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8) and moved on to the Round-of-64.

Ninvalle, on behalf of the Commission and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and Minister Charles

Abbas rattles ...

From Page 32 lunch at 34 for two and on resumption at 13:00hrs (14:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time), Babar and Azhar Ali (17) extended their third-wicket stand to 45 to deny West Indies any further success.

With the partnership threatening, Seales got the breakthrough when he found Azhar’s edge for Holder to take a sharp catch diving forward at second slip and without any runs added in the next over, Roach claimed the prized wicket of Babar, given

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings Imran Butt b Roach 11 Abid Ali c wkp. Da Silva b Seales 9 Azhar Ali c Holder b Seales 17 Babar Azam c wkp. Da Silva b Roach 30 Fawad Alam b Holder 56 Mohammad Rizwan c Chase b Holder 23 Faheem Ashraf run-out 44 Yasir Shah c wkp. Da Silva b Mayers 0 Hasan Ali c Mayers b Seales 14 Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 0 Mohammad Abbas c wkp. Da Silva b Holder 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-5, nb-4) 13 Total: (all out, 70.3 overs) 217 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-21, 3-68, 4-68, 5-101, 6-186, 7-190, 8-217, 9-217.

Bowling: Roach 16-4-47-2, Seales 16-3-70-3, Mayers 14-5-38-1, Holder 15.3-3-26-3, Chase 8-1-33-0, Warrican 1-0-4-0.

WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite not out 1 K. Powell c Imran Butt b Mohammad Abbas 0 N. Bonner lbw b Mohammad Abbas 0 R. Chase not out 0 Extras: (b-1) 1 Total: (2 wkts, 4 overs) 2 Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 2-2-0-2, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-1-0-0, Yasir Shah 1-0-1-0.

Position: West Indies trail by 215 runs with eight wickets intact.

leaders and the sports council were extremely positive, and we look forward to working together to develop football and to give young people in the community the opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential,” he said.

Forde said the GFF Technical Department will begin work immediately on planning for the creation of a special Academy Training Centre in the village, which boasts one of the most successful school football teams in Guyana.

The GFF’s ATC programme is an elite youth development initiative for boys and girls, which pro-

Ramson Jr, congratulated Edghill on an exceptional performance at the Tokyo Games.

The country’s Director of Sport reaffirmed the Linwood University Chemistry graduate that the NSC stands fully committed in supporting her development.

caught behind off the inside edge courtesy of DRS. Fawad then anchored two key partnerships to lift his side out of trouble, posting 33 for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Rizwan and a further 85 for the sixth wicket with Faheem.

The left-handed Fawad, in his 12th Test, struck half-dozen fours off 117 deliveries in just under 3-¼ hours while Rizwan hit five fours in a breezy 30-ball knock before falling about half-hour before tea, clipping Holder to Roston Chase at forward square.Faheem proved the frustration for West Indies after entering at number seven, belting eight fours in a 66-ball innings to help haul Pakistan back into the contest after the interval.

A moment of brilliance ended the partnership, however, Chase throwing down the stumps at the striker’s end to find Faheem short of his ground, as he attempted a quick single with Fawad.

His dismissal changed the tone of the innings as Holder, Seales and medium pacer Kyle Mayers combined to knock over the tail swiftly.

Any hopes of a strong end to the day for the hosts were then quickly dashed when Powell edged low to Imran Butt at second slip and Bonner found himself pinned on his stumps with the very next delivery, to depart lbw.

vides professional-standard sessions delivered by trained GFF-affiliated coaches. The programme, which currently only covers the GFF’s Regional Associations, has been hailed by FIFA and CONCACAF as a pioneering template for football development in the Caribbean region.

“We are determined to give all talent in Guyana a chance to reach our national teams, no matter where it

is based,” said Forde, who also undertook an outreach to Mabaruma in Region 1 earlier this year . “We want to reward proactive and committed football communities. No Guyanese should have to miss out on the GFF’s national football pathway just because of the limitations of the regional association structure we inherited.”

“We know the past year

has been challenging for all footballers across Guyana,” he said, “but, thanks to the national vaccination programme, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. We continue to urge the football community to fully support the vaccination drive, so that we can move out of this pandemic, protect our loved ones, and return to play very soon.”

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Kenya’s Kipchoge cements legacy as greatest marathon runner TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) About 30 kilometres into the men’s marathon in Sapporo, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge pulled away from the pack and began running his own race, chasing immortality.

Kipchoge looked like a man determined to run towards his legacy of greatness. He took a peek behind him at one point and there was no one there.

He was all alone - the greatest marathon runner in history and one of the greatest Olympians.

“I wanted to create a space to show the world that this is a beautiful race,” Kipchoge said after winning gold.

He began to smile as marathon-mad Japanese fans, who defied Olympic organisers’ request to stay away due to COVID-19, lined up the streets of Sapporo and cheered him on to the finish line.

Kipchoge was about to become only the third person ever to retain the Olympic marathon title, and cement his legacy.

Smiling was his way of enjoying the race, he said later.

“That smile is the happiness,” he said.

He waved at the fans as he came through the tape, slapped his chest and pumped his fist into the air.

“I have fulfilled the legacy by winning the marathon for the second time, back-to-back. I

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge cements legacy as the grestest marathon runner hope now to help inspire the next generation,” he said.

Doubts crept in about his ability to retain the Olympic title he won five years ago in Rio de Janeiro, after he suffered a rare defeat in October’s London marathon.

The 36-year-old had previously won 10 straight races and his eighth-place finish sparked rumblings that he may have started to fade.

He allayed those concerns after a win in the Netherlands in April. And after his victory on Sunday, in what could be his last Olympic Games, any questions about his abilities were put to rest.

He clocked 2:08:38 to win the race, and now holds two of the top five fastest times ever posted in Olympic marathons.

Kipchoge said last month that

winning this gold medal would be his greatest achievement a big statement for an athlete who already has an Olympic gold, holds the world record and is the only man to have ever run the marathon in under two hours.

“Today I lived my Olympic dream,” he said. “I always say that sport is like life, whereby you can win and lose. But today was a day when I won and get to say I successfully defended my Olympic title.”

The marathon and the Tokyo Olympic Games at large were about more than just sports for Kipchoge, they were about the endurance of the human spirit.

They represented hope after a year of human suffering and deaths due to the global pandemic; he said, the mask-

wearing crowds along the marathon route were a stark reminder that COVID-19 was still raging on.

His win held more significance than just the gold medal he wore around his neck after the race.

“It means a lot for me, especially at this time,” he told reporters later, saying the past year had been “really hard” particularly with the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The fact that the Games went ahead was important to show that life will return to normal one day, he said.

“It is a sign that shows the world we are heading in the right direction - we are on the right transition to a normal life,” he said.

Asked in July whether the race in Sapporo would be his last, Kipchoge said that he still has the competitive spirit to go on.

“The end of my career will come automatically that’s for sure, that’s in front of my mind, but for now I still want to compete more,” he said. “I still want to go around the world and run, inspire people.” He was still non-committal, saying he would take it one step at a time.

“I’m going back now, (will) talk with my coach, see what are the opportunities in the world,” he said. “Now I want to enjoy winning here in Tokyo.”

Former world champion Haye set for return against Fournier

(REUTERS) - Former world heavyweight champion boxer David Haye will return to the ring after a three-year absence to fight Joe Fournier next month, the 40-year-old Briton said yesterday.

Haye, who won the world heavyweight title in 2009 when he beat Nikolai Valuev, retired in 2018 with a 28-4 record following a re-match defeat by fellow Englishman Tony Bellew.

He will face Fournier, an entrepreneur who moved into the nightclub industry before making his professional boxing debut

Former world heavyweight champion David Haye in 2015. Fournier usually competes in the lightheavyweight division and has a 9-0 record.

“This isn’t a comeback;

this is about teaching there are levels in boxing. One must stay in his lane or risk getting flattened,” said Haye, who is also a former

world cruiserweight champion.

“I was the heavyweight champion of the world just 10 years ago. I’m only 40. Joe is delusional.

Champions are born not bought.”

The pair have agreed to an eight-round heavyweight fight on September 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The bout will take place on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya’s comeback at the age of 48 against former UFC champion Vitor Belfort.

Reborn Lukaku returns to Chelsea at peak of his powers

By Alasdair Mackenzie ROME, Italy (Reuters) Romelu Lukaku is a familiar face to Premier League viewers, but the player who completed a £97.5 million ($134.7 million) return to Chelsea yesterday is, by his own admission, not the same one who departed England two years ago.

“Italy has brought me to another level. I have never felt this strong. I have reached another level, physically and mentally,” Lukaku said in May. The Belgian hit his peak during two years at Inter Milan after leaving Manchester United, and was central to the Italian club’s first Serie A title in 11 years last season.

In Italy, he has developed into one of European football’s most lethal and reliable goalscorers while underlining his ability as a creator and a leader.

Antonio Conte was desperate to add Lukaku to his ranks after being named Inter coach in 2019.

The Italian would not take no for an answer, and eventually a club record £74 million deal was agreed, paving the way for a relationship that got the best out of coach and player.

“We talk about the Premier League being physically the toughest league, but the training sessions that we do nobody trains as hard as we.

Never. You are really at your fittest,” Lukaku told Sky Sports in April.

Lukaku altered his diet and slimmed down. He made an immediate impact, scoring 10 goals in his first 13 Serie A games to equal Istvan Nyers’s 71-year-old record for the best start to a debut season at Inter. But even then, his place was not assured.

“Conte told me very directly: ‘If you do not work in training you will not play, it is essential that you know how to play with your back to goal’,” the Belgian told La Tribune.

“It is important to meet people who tell you the absolute truth to help you improve.”

By the end of 2019-20, Lukaku had equalled Brazilian great Ronaldo’s record of 34 goals in a debut season at Inter in all competitions, firing the Milanese club to runners-up finishes in Serie A and the Europa League.

A MAN REBORN In Lukaku’s second season,

his partnership with Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez bore

Chelsea have re-signed striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan for £97.5M even greater fruit as Inter stormed to the league title.

The 28-year-old scored 24 league goals and was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player, but the improvement of his overall game was underlined by his tally of 10 assists – second only to Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi.

“I have not forgotten how a lot of people turned their noses up when we signed Lukaku and said he was overrated,” Conte said.

“I always said that he arrived here with potential and that if he worked hard, he could do extraordinary things.

Lukaku has made exceptional improvements and can make even more.”

He also delivered in the big moments. Lukaku scored two and set one up in a 3-1 win at home to Lazio in February that took Inter above AC Milan and top for the first time in the season.

In the following week’s top-ofthe-table Milan Derby clash, he set up Martinez for the opener before sprinting half the length of the pitch to fire home Inter’s third.

“He does not rely only on his physique. Lukaku has technical skills that had not been seen so much in Manchester. At Inter, he is a man reborn,” said former Inter striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Inter will badly miss a player who has hit his peak in Italy, and returns to the Premier League confident of his place among the elite.

“I’ve taken a big step.

(Robert) Lewandowski, (Karim) Benzema and (Harry) Kane used to be talked about as world-class strikers,” Lukaku said during Euro 2020.

“Well, now I’m world class, too. That was my personal goal.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 13, 2021

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison very ‘confident’ Ashes will go ahead

By Stephan Shemilt

ENGLAND and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Tom Harrison says he is “confident” this winter’s Ashes tour of Australia will go ahead.

England players are seeking assurances that their families will be able to join them in Australia.

“People come first. That is our view and we will continue to take that approach,” said Harrison.

“These are very reasonable requests we are asking the Australian government to give some leniency towards.”

Australia has some of the strictest COVID-19 protocols in the world.

England players who take part in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes face the prospect of being away from home for four months.

The World Cup takes place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman from October 17 to November 14, with five Ashes Tests scheduled from December 8 until January 18.

In July England players held meetings with ECB and Professional Cricketers’ Association, with some

(REUTERS) - Britain’s Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Chijindu Ujah has been provisionally suspended for allegedly breaching anti-doping rules at the Tokyo Games, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said yesterday.

Three other track and

positive is confirmed.

The AIU said it had worked closely with the International Testing Agency during the Games and provided the intelligence to carry out specific target testing on two of the four athletes, without specifying which.

“The AIU now awaits

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison considering pulling out of the Ashes if their families are not allowed to join them for at least part of the tour.

“It’s going to be important for us that we can give the comfort to players, that their families will be in Australia, that the conditions of quarantine are reasonable, and to enable the players to be at their best for that series,” said Harrison.

Harrison said he has regular conversations with Cricket Australia (CA), although there is no timescale for when the situation might be resolved.

He added: “We need the assurances that our players can get on a plane to Australia and feel confident they can be at their best.

“I’m very confident we’ll get to a place where we can fulfil our obligation to tour.”

Harrison drew a comparison between the Ashes tour and England’s current series against India, before which the ECB approached Prime Minister Boris Johnson for permission for the tourists to be joined by their families.

If some England players

withdraw from the Australia tour, questions over the credibility of the Ashes series would arise.

It is already unlikely that travelling supporters will be in attendance while there will be challenges for overseas media.

“The integrity of the Ashes is paramount. Cricket Australia understands that just as well as we do,” said Harrison.

“Cricket Australia is taking it very seriously and understands the issue at hand.

(BBC Sport)

Kosgei, Kitata to defend London marathon titles

(REUTERS) - Kenyan world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopian Shura Kitata will defend their titles at the London Marathon in October, organisers said yesterday.

Kosgei won silver in the women’s marathon event at the Tokyo Games last weekend. The 27-yearold is aiming for her third consecutive London Marathon victory.

“Last year’s win was very special, particularly given what the whole world was going through ... I hope to arrive again in very good shape and win for the third time,” Kosgei was cited as saying in a statement from the organisers.

Kosgei set the women’s marathon world record of 2:14.04 in Chicago in 2019.

Britain Olympic silver medallist Ujah suspended after doping test

Brigid Kosgei won silver in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Games last weekend.

Kitata, who pulled out of the Olympic Games marathon after suffering in the hot and humid conditions in Sapporo, said he was healthy and ready to

return.

“I have set my mind on how I can run fast and better than last year and I’m looking forward to seeing if I can repeat the

victory and make history in the race,” the statement quoted 25-year-old Kitata as saying.

The London Marathon will be held on October 3.

Britain’s Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist Chijindu Ujah field athletes who were suspended during the Games - Moroccanborn Bahraini 1500m runner Sadik Mikhou, Georgian shot-putter Benik Abramyan and Kenyan sprinter Mark Otieno Odhiambo - were also listed.

The AIU said in a statement it had been notified by the doping control laboratory in Tokyo after the Games that Ujah had returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) from a test carried out during the Olympics.

It listed the prohibited substances detected as Ostarine and S-23, both classified by world antidoping organisation WADA as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) with effects similar to anabolic steroids.

Ujah’s relay team mates were Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel MitchellBlake whose medals will also be at risk if the

the conclusion of the ITA proceedings against the above athletes, which will determine whether any anti-doping rule violations have been committed and what consequences (if any) should be imposed in relation to the Olympic Games,” it added.

It added that it had been notified of another AAF for Odhiambo in a sample collected in South Africa on June 24, before the Games started.

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has handed over the case management responsibility to the AIU. Odhiambo, a 100m sprinter, was suspended before the qualifying heats in Tokyo.

Mikhou was suspended for receiving a blood transfusion during the Games.

Abramyan failed an out-of-competition dope test for steroids in Tokyo.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

Allicock, Lewis, Amsterdam heading GCB saddened by passing of coach to AMBC Elite Championship Michael Hyles

OLYMPIAN Keevin Allicock will lead a Guyana team of three boxers to the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championship in Colombia from September 25 to October 4, 2021.

According to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, Allicock will be joined by light-welterweight Collin Lewis, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam coach Terrence Poole (MS).

“The Elite Championship gives us another chance to not only expose our boxers, two of whom have not fought since 2019 when it was the Caribbean Championship, but it also gives us a chance to gauge where we are within

Keevin Allicock (Newsroom photo)

Latin America and the Americas,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA president said

“This is a very important championship for us. Guyana has been at most of the AMBC

championships in the past and this year would be no different.”

Jamaican Parchment tracks down volunteer who helped him win gold

(REUTERS) - Olympic champion Hansle Parchment has tracked down a volunteer who rescued his gold medal hopes by giving him money for a taxi after a transportation mix-up meant he was dropped off at the wrong venue for his 110 metres hurdles semi-final.

Jamaican sprinter Parchment, who initially went to an aquatic centre instead of the Olympic Stadium for his race, has now gone viral after he found the volunteer, paid her back and showed her the gold medal he won.

In a video posted on social media, Parchment said that his medal chances were all but over when he realised he had boarded the wrong coach and he did not have enough time to take a bus back to the Olympic village and then another to the stadium.

“I saw this volunteer and I had to beg, because of course, she’s not allowed

to do much, and she actually gave me some money to take one of the taxis,” he said.

“And that’s how I was able to get to the warm-up track at the stadium, with enough time to warm up and compete, and that’s just awesome.”

Parchment finished second that day, narrowly qualifying for the

final where he stunned world champion Grant Holloway in a season-best time of 13.04 seconds.

The volunteer was taken aback as Parchment showed her the gold medal. “Really, you got this?” she can be heard saying in the video.

Parchment also gifted to her an official tracksuit of the Jamaican team.

As a way to thank her, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister for tourism, has invited the young woman to the Caribbean nation.

“No matter where in the world she is, we want to reciprocate the kindness shown to one of our own,” he told local newspaper The Gleaner.

ON Thursday, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced its sadness at the passing of long-standing coach Michael Hyles.

In a release, the GCB expressed shock as Hyles was not known to be suffering from any serious illness.

In fact, he had been conducting coaching sessions in Berbice and just recently had visited the GCB’s office in Georgetown.

Michael Hyles, also referred to as Michael Franco, was a longstanding cricket coach of the GCB, sharing his expert knowledge across all levels, including female cricket. Hyles had been used extensively at the domestic level to assist in the development of players and coaches.

His wide array of coaching education knowledge had allowed him to become a highly reputable coach within Guyana, and he was also

Cricket coach Michael Hyles

respected by regional coaching education facilitators.

The GCB further stated, Hyles, or ‘Franco’ as he is familiarly known, made sterling contributions to the GCB’s development plans, especially those relating to players’ and coaches’ development. His contributions and ideas at planning meetings were invaluable.

Hyles’ professional approach to coaching had won him many admirers.

He will be dearly missed in the cricket fraternity.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday August 13, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shiv Chanderpaul & Chris Gayle (30 ODIs) (2) STEPHEN Fleming & Nathan Astle (29 ODIs)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI has scored most ODI runs versus NZ to date?

(2) Which NZ player has made most ODI runs against the WI to date?

Hansle Parchment won the 110 metres gold at the just concluded Olympic Games.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 13, 2021

KL Rahul hits century as India punish England on opening day at Lord’s JOE Root’s decision to bowl first on the opening day of the second LV= Insurance Test backfired in frustrating fashion at Lord’s as India racked up 276 for three to assume control.

The England captain won the toss and sent the tourists in under gloomy skies but the combination of quality batting, spells of uninspired bowling and a belligerent lack of swing left the tourists in an envious position at stumps.

Rohit Sharma set the tone at the top of the order with a fine 83 but it was his opening partner, KL Rahul, who ground the hosts down most as he batted throughout the day for a high-class 127 not out.

England might have found themselves even further in the mire had it not been for James Anderson, who shrugged off fears he would miss the match with a quad injury to dismiss Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara deep in the afternoon session.

Having scored just eight from his first 46 deliveries, Rohit was off and running.

England began the afternoon session with a blast of 94mph pace from Wood but, while Rahul wore a bouncer on the glove, Rohit took on the short ball merrily with two fours and a hooked six.

Moeen’s spin could not contain him either, with a skip down the pitch and a

one-bounce four helping India to 100. At that stage Rahul had been almost entirely sidelined, scoring 16 to Rohit’s 75. He finally broke his long abstinence by smashing Moeen for six over long-off but England were about to make a breakthrough at the other end.

It fell to Anderson to raise the spirits, taking a couple of balls away from Rohit before nipping one back in and bowling him via a flick off the back leg. After 43 chanceless overs and 126 runs, England were on the board.

The off-form Pujara was more obliging, turning in a brief but deeply unconvincing stay before prodding Anderson to second slip. At 150 for two, there was still time to recover lost momentum but with Rahul accelerating nicely towards fifty and Kohli new to the crease, the window closed after tea.

Rahul was picking up easy ones and twos and driving confidently through the covers as his early hard work paid off, while his captain settled into the bedding in phase of his own innings.

Runs did not come easily for him and an awkward fend off Robinson almost had short-leg interested, but he was showing plenty of determination.

The introduction of his former Royal Challengers Bangalore team-mate,

Prince takes over as full-time Bangladesh batting coach … Stint will run till end of 2022 T20 World Cup, in October-November in Australia ASHWELL Prince has resigned as head coach of South Africa’s Western Province to take up a permanent role as batting coach of the Bangladesh men’s national team.

His present stint will be until the end of the 2022 men’s T20I

South Africa between 2002 and 2011, began his coaching career at the Cobras, first as an assistant to Paul Adams and then taking over full-time later in the same season.

Under Prince, Cobras did not win any trophies but produced

KL Rahul ended the first day on 127 not out (Credit: Reuters photo)

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st Innings Rohit Sharma b Anderson KL Rahul not out 127 Cheteshwar Pujara c Bairstow b Anderson 9 Virat Kohli c Root b Robinson 2 Ajinkya Rahane not out 1 Extras: (b-8, lb-5, nb-1) 14 Total: (three wkts, 90 overs) 276 Fall of wickets: 1-126, 2-150, 3-267.

Bowling: James Anderson 20-4-52-2, Ollie Robinson 23–7-47-1 (nb-1), Sam Curran 18-1-58-0, Mark Wood 16-1-66-0, Moeen Ali 13-1-40-0.

Moeen, almost paid off but instead of flattening his stumps a thick inside edge skimmed between the legs of wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for four.

Rahul was one shot away from a sixth Test hundred and got there with a ninth four – slashing Wood to the third man ropes. The 29-year-old would not have been in the XI were it not for injuries to

Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal but he will prove hard to dislodge now.

The second new ball gave England a much-needed shot in the arm, with a handful of plays and misses culminating in Kohli’s hard-handed push at Robinson. Root, who had not seen a catch come his way all day, did well to hold.

(PA Sport)

Ashell Prince played 66 Tests, 52 ODIs and a solitary T20I for South Africa.

World Cup, to be played in Australia in October-November.

Prince was in charge of the Cobras - the franchise which has now dissolved into Western Province, Boland and South Western Districts - from the 2016-17 season and has been with Bangladesh in a temporary capacity since their tour of Zimbabwe last month.

He remained with them during their historic T20I series win over Australia more recently, and will now be part of the set-up for the T20I World Cup later in the year.

Assistant coach Faiek Davids will take over Prince’s role in an acting capacity at Western Province when the South African domestic season starts in September.

Prince, who played 66 Tests, 52 ODIs and a solitary T20I for

several players for the national side, including the Malan brothers, Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne and George Linde.

“What I will treasure most about my stint as head coach of the Cobras is, along with my coaching staff, assisting six young players to make their international debut for the Proteas,” Prince said in a statement.

Prince joins a strong South African component in Bangladesh’s coaching staff, which includes two former South Africa men’s national head coaches - Russell Domingo, who was in charge of South Africa between 2013 and 2017, is Bangladesh’s head coach, and Ottis Gibson who took over from Domingo between 2017 and 2019 is Bangladesh’s bowling coach.

(Cricinfo)

WI Over-50s start preparation for 2022 World Cup

… Trilateral series set for Toronto

By Frederick Halley

FOLLOWING the aborted Masters Over-50 World Cup, which came to a screeching end in Cape Town, South Africa last year March due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the teams are set to return to the same venue in November next year.

According to a release from the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA), the West Indies Over-50s, who were among the teams participating, are leaving no stone unturned to

return for next year’s tournament. Towards this end, the intense preparations will begin in earnest with a trilateral series in Toronto, Canada, featuring the WI Over-50s, the hosts and USA. West Indies will square off with Canada on Tuesday, August 17 in the first game of the ODI series and against USA the following day.

The semi-final, featuring the second- and third-placed teams will be held on Thursday, August 19 with the firstplaced team qualifying for the final. The tournament culminates with the final next

Friday and this will be followed by a closing ceremony.

All the games will be played at the Danville ground, Mississauga.

The West Indies in the meantime will be involved in two practice matches, the first on Sunday against a select Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) X1 at the Lamoreaux ground, Scarborough on Sunday while they will engage Canada Over-45s at Danville on Monday.

The CWIMA disclosed that it has been seriously crippled in its selection process since it has been advised by

Former Guyana batsman Sudesh Dhaniram the Canadian authorities that it cannot select any players from the Caribbean who are not resident in the USA or Canada CWIMA pointed out

that it had already staged a Masters tournament in Guyana, styled Big Man Cricket, while Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados have their own historical masters’ tournaments which are now played under the CWIMA umbrella.

Windward Islands have also become active under the CWIMA but unfortunately, their players weren’t considered for selection in the triangular series due to Canada not opening its borders for these players until September 7.

Evergreen campaigner Zamin Amin, who led the team in South Africa, will once again be at the helm of the West Indies strong 15-

man squad to Canada which also includes former Guyana players, Sudesh and Sunil Dhaniram and Shivnauth Seeram.

The full squad reads: Zamin Amin (captain), Imtiaz Rick Ali, Sudesh Dhaniram, Sunil Dhaniram, Kenny Girdharry, Brijmohan Harihar, Krishna Harricharan, David Malvern, Walter Persaud, Curtis Richards, Rajendra Daniel Sadeo. Shiv Shiwnauth Seeram, Vejai Seonarine, Balwant Roy Singh and Daniel Singh. Seasoned cricket administrator Raj Singh is the manager with Dave Narine as his assistant.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 13, 2021

First Test at Sabina Park

Abbas rattles Windies after Holder, Seales limit Pakistan to 217

Fast bowler Jayden Seales celebrates after dismissing Azhar Ali. (AFP/Getty Images)

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Seamers Jason Holder and Jayden Seales snatched three-wicket hauls to restrict Pakistan to a modest total on the opening day of the first Test, but fast bowler Mohammad Abbas grabbed two wickets in successive deliveries in the day’s penultimate over, as West Indies surrendered some of their advantage here yesterday.

Sent in at Sabina Park, Pakistan were dismissed for 217, about half-hour before the scheduled close, with Fawad Alam top-scoring with 56 and Faheem Ashraf chipping in with 44.

Captain Babar Azam struck 30 and Mohammad Rizwan, 23, but Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 31 runs in quick time.

Holder picked up two of those wickets to end with three for 26 while the 19-yearold Seales, in only his third Test, claimed three for 70.

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach made the early inroads with two for 47.

However, in four overs before the close, West Indies lost left-hander Kieran Powell and Nkrumah Bonner without

scoring, to be tottering on two runs for two wickets.

“If you asked us if we would take 217 at the start of the day, I think we would’ve taken it,” Holder said afterwards.

“There was disciplined bowling by everyone. Probably if I wanted to be critical I would say there were maybe a few too many boundaries but all in all we’d take 217.”

Of the batting reply, Holder added: “(We) just (need) some application. I think it’s going to be difficult up front obviously with the amount of grass, and the movement they will extract from the surface.

“We just have to be a little bit tighter and give ourselves a really good chance to get a really big score.”

Imran Butt (11) lost his leg stump to Roach in the morning’s seventh over, the right-hander playing on to a full-length delivery before Seales had the other opener Abid Ali caught at the wicket in the next over for nine, defending outside off-stump with no addition to the total at 21 for two.

Rain then forced an early Continued On Page 27

Edghill says thanks to GFF commits to setting up Director of Sport Academy Training Centre …Ninvalle reiterates NSC’s full support for table tennis star

Chelsea Edghill (at left) makes a presentation to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, as a token of appreciation for the National Sports Commission’s assistance.

CHELSEA Edghill, Olympian, yesterday visited the office of Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, to not only thank the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support, but also to re-engage the commission on her future plans in the sport of table tennis.

Ninvalle, this week, made a presentation of $1M to the GTTA in aid of Edghill’s quest for continued success in table tennis, while noting that it could balloon following a review four months from now.

The 24-year-old, who became the first woman from the English-speaking Caribbean and first Guyanese (male or female) to play table tennis at the Olympics, presented Ninvalle with a portrait

in Waramadong

See Page 27

GFF president Wayne Forde (right) addresses the gathering of youth players in Waramadong.

Continued On Page 27

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| FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021