Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-04-2021

WEDNESDAY 14 th April , 2021

’ No. 106330

Sugar getting ‘sweet’ again –– over 6,500 tonnes of packaged sugar sold in three months –– Guyana regains Antigua, Holland markets; Germany on the cards

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$25M sign commissioned at CJIA Dr. Norton 14 charged with Misconduct in Public Office PAGE

More Sputnik Exxon slashes production 09 V vaccines expected by 75 per cent facilitate further tomorrow 10 repairs–– toto flash-gas compressor PAGE

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Almost 40 years later, court sets aside Donald Rodney’s 19 conviction PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

$25M ‘Welcome to Guyana’ sign commissioned at CJIA

By Tamica Garnett AS Guyana continues to rapidly grow as a tourism destination, visitors at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), particularly tourists, will now be greeted in fine style.

A 20-foot-tall, illuminated “Welcome to Guyana” three-dimensional sign was commissioned within the vicinity by First Lady Arya Ali on Tuesday.

The erection of the sign and beautification of the surrounding landscape costs over $25 million, and forms part of the First Lady’s ongoing “National Beautification Project”, which she has undertaken over the past few months to enhance Guyana’s tourism brand.

“In an emerging economy like ours, marketing is functionally important. The development of this area will, without a doubt, add to the value of Guyana’s tourism experience, and support efforts to market Brand Guyana,” First Lady Ali said at the launch on Tuesday.

Aside from the sign, the project also includes the placement of 100 hanging flower baskets on the light posts from the Timehri Junction to the site.

The new sign and beautification was carried out in collaboration with branding company, Impressions Inc,

First Lady Arya Ali (fourth right) and her husband, President Dr. Irfaan Ali (immediately behind her) with other dignitaries at the launch on Tuesday (Delano Williams photos) and the management of the CJIA. The First Lady also credited Go-Invest and oilfield services company, TOTALTEC, for contributing to the initiative.

“With Guyana’s economic landscape changing drastically,” she said, “the interest of potential investors and tourists continue to grow with each passing day. Over the past few years, Guyana

has been featured prominently as one of the world’s emerging tourist destinations.

To complement this revolutionary change, I thought it appropriate to embark on an ambitious national beautification project.”

Among those attending the launch was the First Lady’s husband, President Dr. Irfaan Ali; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Ms. Oneidge Waldron; CJIA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ramesh Ghir; and CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

Also in attendance were several diplomats, among them US Ambassador Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Mark Berman.

The launch also featured cultural performanc-

es such as a poem entitled “Protection of the Arapaima” by Graziella Abraham; a rendition of Dave Martins ever-popular “Not a Blade of Grass” by renowned local singer, Abel Stokes, and a dance by Joshua Percival, to Poonam Singh’s “Guyana”.

PERFECT FIT Ghir applauded the ini-

tiative, noting that the new landscape fits perfectly into other large-scale developmental works in and around the airport. Soon, construction will begin at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, which is located close to the airport.

Creative Director of Impressions, Shane Sukhlal, commended the First Lady See page 4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Sugar getting sweet again –– over 6,500 tonnes of packaged sugar sold in three months

–– Guyana regains Antigua, Holland markets; Germany on the cards

By Navendra Seoraj

AFTER years of being hamstrung by growing financial constraints and imprudent management, Guyana’s ailing sugar industry has restarted its ascension, which is being stimulated mainly by the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) renewed focus on value-added production and a revised sales mix.

Cognisant of the fact that a diversion from the traditional bulk production of sugar is needed if the ailing industry is to recover and regain its vitality and position as a contributor to economic growth, the government had initiated plans to ensure that by 2025, 61 per cent of industry sales come from value-added products.

In keeping with this new mandate and direction, GuySuCo has taken steps to increase the production of packaged sugar, with some 6,542 tonnes being sold within the past three months alone.

“Usually, January is soft, so to be able to have achieved such an advanced sale of sugar at a higher value level was phenomenal,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Sasenarine Singh, said during an interview at the corporation’s LBI headquarters, on Tuesday.

It was reported recently that instead of being a liability to the National Treasury, the sugar industry will soon be able to “stand on its own” through the implementation of innovative mechanisms.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, was reported as saying: “In 2020, some 29 per cent of the industry’s sales were from the higher value packaged sugar. In 2021, we anticipate this will grow to some

CEO of GuySuCo, Sasenarine Singh 39 per cent.”

The overarching plan, however, is to ensure that a minimum of 61 per cent of the sales from the industry are generated from the value-added, packaged sugar line in four years.

“GuySuCo is changing its sales mix in compliance with the mandate of the Government of Guyana, which is, we have to sweat these assets and leverage greater value, and that is what we have been doing… our aim is to get back into heavy-duty packaged sugar manufacturing,” Singh related during the interview on Tuesday.

An investment without tangible returns is imprudent in any case, but the litmus test to prove that packaged sugar is viable was already done.

According to Singh, the mathematics and the business model make sense, and this was proven in 2011 when the corporation was exporting 30,000 tonnes of packaged sugar to the Caribbean alone.

“Last year, we exported 10,000 tonnes to the Caribbean, but we are preparing ourselves to get back to where we can export 30,000

tonnes to the Caribbean,” the CEO said.

Singh related that the sale of over 6,500 tonnes of packaged sugar is just the tip of the iceberg, as greater advancement is expected, on this front, within the next three months.

EXPECTING GREATER THINGS In relaying his optimism for the industry, the CEO said: “We are expecting greater things over the next three months… the great news remains that we have made our first sale in years to Antigua… it has been more than five years since we sold to Antigua, and we have done that in the first quarter.

“We have also now sold sugar for direct consumption for the first time in years to Holland and I am told that the [the buyer] is preparing to buy a container to go to Germany because of the feedback they have gotten on the quality of Demerara Gold [the industry’s premier brand of packaged sugar].”

Based on customer-review, Guyana’s sugar is of

such a high standard that it is treated as a niche product, a position which augurs well for the industry, since high-value niche products can gather higher prices.

“We are moving up the value chain… we have an inventory of the highest value product, which is packaged sugar, and we are trying to de-emphasise our accumulation of raw bulk sugar which is sold for US$300-US350 per tonne, while we are selling packaged sugar at double that price,” Singh reasoned.

The corporation’s intention is to reduce sales on the bulk market by 33 per cent by 2026, and optimise its new sales mix by expanding the market for packaged sugar.

Already, in keeping with its shift, the corporation has placed an inventory of packaged sugar at each operating estate. The benefit of this shift was highlighted on Monday, when the corporation was called upon to produce 50 tonnes of packaged sugar for shipment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where a volcanic eruption has severely affected citizens of the island-nation.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines market, on a regular day, has been favourable for Guyana’s sugar.

In addition to this market, Guyana is also selling to Grenada, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, among other countries.

As it is now, Guyana is tapping only a fraction of the Trinidad and Tobago market, by selling 5,000 tonnes of sugar, when the country’s estimated intake is 35,000 tonnes.

HUGE POTENTIAL “That market has huge potential to penetrate… the Jamaican market is not open as of now, but they will open it shortly

because they have been shutting mills… they have a market of about 40,000 tonnes of sugar, packaged and bagged,” Singh related, noting that Guyana is also in talks with stakeholders from Barbados.

Considering the corporation’s position and the opportunities that exist, there is only one way to go from here, and that is up.

Minister Mustapha, in a past report, had said: ‘“To realise this potential, significant investments have been planned to expand the Blairmont packaging plant, quadrupling its current capacity. Moreover, we will be re-tooling the Enmore Packaging Plant, to support the paradigm shift to packaged sugar.”

As a result of those strategic actions, the sugar industry will be less dependent on the National Treasury.

In 2020, the corporation was allocated a sum of $7 billion. A sum of $3 billion was used to recapitalise the

shuttered Rose Hall, Skeldon, and Enmore Sugar Estates, while the remaining $4 billion was allocated to support rehabilitation works at the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Sugar Estates.

A further $2 billion has been set aside in Budget 2021 for capital works to be carried out at the various sugar estates across the country. Those investments are expected to pave the way for the execution of a strategic plan developed by the board and management of GuySuCo. “In 2021, the plan is to expand and further develop feasibility studies which support GuySuCo’s value-added potentials including, but not limited to, ethanol and agro-energy,” Minister Mustapha had said.

The corporation has since set a target to produce approximately 97,420 metric tonnes of sugar by year-end and breathe new life into the country’s sugar industry.

One of the sugar industry’s most prized possession, the Demerara Gold

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

$25M ‘Welcome to Guyana’ sign ...

From page 2

on the project, and thanked her for allowing Impressions to be part of it.

He also announced that plans are already afoot for another such signage to be erected at the Eugene F. Correira International Airport at Ogle, on the East Coast Demerara, and at other prominent areas across Guyana.

“It will enhance the local experience, and create a sense of pride,” Sukhlal said.

The national beautification project has a special focus on protection of the environment through scenic conservation and empowerment of vulnerable groups. The CJIA sign is one of a number of scenic revitalisation projects that the First Lady’s office has embarked on over the past few months. Other projects include the beautification of the Kingston Seawall, a project at the Tuschen Community Centre, on the East Bank Essequibo, and another at La Jalousie, on the West Coast Demerara.

The 20-foot-tall “Welcome to Guyana” sign at the CJIA roundabout The project is reportedly form of unlawful intrusion of tourism potential. guided by five principles of the landscape of public spacSaid the First Lady, scenic conservation, these es; the education about the “I am beyond excited to being the retention of the dis- value of scenic conservation join with you to launch tinctive character of towns, and importance of environ- this aspect of the national cities and communities; the mentally-friendly lifestyles; beautification project, and protection and regulation of and lastly, the establishment encourage you to use your scenic resources; the regu- of a linkage between stake- platform to market and lation and monitoring of any holders to increase Guyana’s brand Guyana.”

Wednesday April 14, 2021 – 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

88 new ‘COVID’ cases, 45 recoveries recorded THE Ministry of Health has recorded 88 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,517 tests conducted one April 12, 2021.

This was reflected in the ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for April 13. Of those new cases, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded one; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 16; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 47; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 10; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), five; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), six; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), two, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), one.

The newly-infected persons were 42 males and 46 females. No other region has confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours.

To date, there are 15 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 77 in institutional isolation, 1,131 isolated at home, and 12 in

institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 11,277 cases since the discovery of the first case of COVID-19 in Guyana; 1,235 of which are currently active; and 9,796 recoveries, 45 of which were recorded in the past 24 hours.

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

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Dual citizen busted with marijuana in suitcase at CJIA A 50-year-old man who holds dual citizenship for Guyana and the USA was detained on Monday after he was caught with a large quantity of marijuana shortly after arriving at the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA).

CANU said the suspect is likely to face charges today.

Joel Cadogan, who lives and works in New York, was taken into custody when the discovery was made by customs officials of the Guyana

Revenue Authority (GRA).

“There appears to be a developing trend of nefarious individuals trafficking presumably novel grades of marijuana into Guyana from the developed world, reversing the traditional traffick-

The marijuana that was seized from incoming passenger, Joel Cadogan at the CJIA on Monday

ARRESTED: Joel Cadogan

ing transshipment flow,” the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has underscored.

CANU has noted that the suspect entered Guyana with three large suitcases and two hand-pieces.

It was after clearing immigration and while being subject to a random search by a GRA customs official that four compressed plastic parcels of suspected cannabis wrapped in a pair of ‘jeans’ were uncovered in his luggage.

The substance, when weighed, amounted to 4lbs.

The suspect was duly detained and handed over to CANU officials at the CJIA, then escorted to the Georgetown Headquarters.

When the remainder of his luggage was searched, several pairs of sneakers were found to have been stuffed with small Ziploc bags and a tabletop scale.

Alberttown residents busted with narcotics, cash TWO residents of Alberttown, Georgetown, are slated to appear in court today after they were reportedly caught with marijuana last Saturday.

ARRESTED: Glen Forde

ARRESTED: Deryck Roach

Autopsy finds

Missing Mabaruma man was strangled to death

AN autopsy done on the body of Avinash Fernandes, who was reported missing on April 5 and was found Thursday last floating in the Arakaka River, North West District, has found that he was strangled to death.

According to a postmortem report released on Tuesday, Fernandes died as a result of asphyxiation due to compression to the neck, consistent with manual strangulation.

Reports are that Fernandes’ body was already decomposed when it was discovered between 07:00 hours and 11:45 hours by a party of policemen and his employer, Keith Alphonso.

Fernandes, of Mabaruma compound, North West District, was last seen alive on April 5 at his campsite located at the 13 Miles trail line backdam, Arakaka.

The body was handed over to relatives for burial arrangements.

Avinash Fernandes, called ‘Avi’

According to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), a raid was conducted by its officers, and Glen Forde of Fifth Street, Alberttown, was found with 33

grams of cannabis and a quantity of cash, while Deryck Roach, of Light Street, Alberttown, was found in possession of 206 grams of cannabis as well as cash.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Education and economic growth THE economic growth of a country is a powerful tool in reducing poverty and improving the quality of life in developing countries such as Guyana.

Over the years, research has shown that in achieving millennium goals that goes beyond poverty, a well sustained economy is critical.

Economic growth of an economy stems mainly from job creations and job opportunities. The skills, knowledge and intellect that one has to provide goods or services to meet demands locally or internationally are what constitute as job creation. Intellectual minds are therefore crucial for developing countries like Guyana. While Guyana is notorious for its immeasurable natural resources, properly educated human resources are needed for sustainable utilisation and cultivation of these resources. Proper management of these resources is pertinent not only for sustainability, but also for long-term economic benefits.

Therefore, young professionals need to escape the idea of receiving a better life abroad and remain in Guyana to contribute their skills in enhancing economic develop-

ment. The young minds need to contribute to Guyana’s history in developing the country’s resources in innovative ways and assist Guyana in adapting to the changes of the future. The Diaspora also needs to return to contribute their skills and expertise in developing the country as opportunities are being created for them in all sectors they may have interests in.

The world’s competitive nature will also keep increasing as innovative minds around the globe will generate ideas that will make life easier in ways for all which will be costly. As such, these innovative minds are needed to implement ideas that sync with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which means that our traditional operation mechanisms will eventually come to an end as the cost of maintenance will not be economically viable. Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves now to adapt to those changes that will be unfolded in the future or we will not be able to move farther up the chain in becoming a developed country. Guyana has to be able to become self-sustainable and provide a better future for tomorrow’s leaders.

Bearing this in mind, Guyanese need to

take steps in equipping themselves with the relevant skills and resources to take advantage of the opportunities that will unfold and assist in developing the country.

Guyana’s education system has been lapsing tremendously over the years to improve the quality of output and to expand the scope of reaching every populated area within the country. However, with the $60.7 billion budgeted for 2021 (representing a 175.9 per cent increase from 2019), has introduced many initiatives to not only improve the quality and access of education but also to expand the curriculum and making education more affordable for all, inclusive of the tertiary level. In spite of the numerous challenges faced as a result of the pandemic, persons are still being afforded the opportunity to continue their studies online. This initiative though has its hiccups for some, creates an opportunity to adopt to a new forum of education where they will be able to learn more in a convenient way.

One initiative implemented thus far was the introduction of smart classrooms. As the world is becoming technologically advanced and focussed, it is about time the younger

generation be a part of this opportunity so that they can cultivate and generate the necessary skills and knowledge in this arena.

The Guyana Leaning Channel is also being upgraded so as to improve the quality of education it offers. Additionally, more channels and programmes are expected to be implemented alone, with a radio station that will also assist in covering a wider scope of the country, especially the hinterland regions.

Scholarships are also being offered by the government for persons to pursue diplomas, degrees and masters in their specialise field of interest. It can be seen that the government is creating opportunities to provide youths with the ability to improve their academic career along with improving their knowledge on managing resources, making them better equipped in contributing to the development of the country.

These innovative minds, being a part of the development process of Guyana, are bound to boost growth in Guyana’s economy, as businesses will be opened to provide top notch goods and services locally and internationally.

Happy Chaitra Navratri Dear Editor,

ONCE again, Hindus, devotees, lovers and followers of Hinduism throughout the world, including Guyana, are proud and lucky to have the golden opportunity of celebrating Vasant or Chaitra Navratri.

Navratri, the auspicious festival of commemorating nine nights/days of the nine forms of Divinity of the Universal Mother, Durga Mata, is observed twice per year, in Spring (March/April as per the Gregorian calendar), and in Fall, October/November (Sharad Navratri).

With the repercussions of the deadly disease of COVID-19, this pandemic has certainly taken a heavy toll and many people have suffered losses of their dearly loved ones. As we observe Vasant or Chaitra Navratri, our thoughts and prayers are with the departed souls as we remember them and miss their loving presence. This year, Navratri commences on April 12th and concludes, as usual, with the grand culmination of Ram Navami on April 21st. While most of the customs and rituals are fundamentally the same for both seasons, traditions and practices may vary as per the different ways and means practised in the different parts of India and inherited by the descendants who migrated and settled in various parts of the world. In Maharashtra, for instance, the first day is called Gudi Padwa and in Kashmir, it is known as Navreh. The first day of Chaitra Navratri falls during the

full-moon phase, which is known as the Shukla Paksha phase, marking the first day of the Hindu calendar. Ghatasthapana is one of the significant puja during Navratri and it marks the beginning of the nine days of festivity.

This is the invocation of Goddess Shakti and must be performed as per the stipulated rules and guidelines of the scriptures.

Nav (nine) Ratri (night), is a dedicated period to specifically revere the Divinity of Mata Durga, who is the Universal Mother. In Shaktism, the word Ratri (night) is symbolically derived from the root ra, “to give,” and is taken to literally mean “the giver” of bliss, peace and happiness. This is a time when Hindus go the extra mile to prepare themselves mentally, spiritually and physically to undergo this period of penance to include cleansing, fasting and praying in order to seek the blessings of Mata Uma. Attention is also paid to the surroundings for cleanliness and the restriction of anything sacrilegious or the consumption of anything considered unholy.

Under normal circumstances, devotees would flock all the mandirs throughout the country, but, the pandemic has placed restrictions and the protocols require limiting the seating capacity and free flow of movement and participation. In our prayers, we ask and beg Bhawani Ma to bless all those who are no longer with us and give them peace and bliss as we seek solace and refuge in chanting Her prayers, serenading her numerous names and glorifying her heroic stories. As we request

Amba Maa to satisfy our quest for Her to shelter us under her umbrella of protection and shield us from any form of endangerment, we specifically request Her to sanitise the universe in order for this virus to be eradicated from the environment, and, the earth will be free of this deadly disease so that people can be restored to orderly lifestyles once more as fast as possible.

Durga Maa enjoys being addressed by 108 names with each adorned with its separate significance. As the Trinity of Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati, the divine mother blossomed from the attributes of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and gifted with the presents of all the deities and devas. Identified as AdiShakti (Primal Power), the goddess of war, her manifestation centres on combating evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, progress and prosperity. The triumph of good over evil to restore faith in confidence and restore Dharma over Adharma, provides the pinnacle for the essence of Navratri. And so, the first three nights are dedicated to the feet of Durga Ma, the protector of mankind who was called upon to reveal Her prowess in her nine Avatars to battle the forces of physical and psychological negativity. The second three nights are exalted to the devotion of Lakshmi Mata, the bestower of health, wealth and prosperity, whom we beseech for material growth for sustenance and survival to provide the convenience of comfort. The last three nights are lauded to extoll the praises of Sarasvati Ma, the pro-

vider of knowledge who removes nescience and paves the path of acquiring intelligence, so that we function responsibly in society and maintain moral up-righteousness.

In as much as the joy and fervour remain enthusiastically inclined for devotees to celebrate in all its pump and glory, amid this pandemic, socialising freely becomes challenging and many may be confined to domicile at home, rather than visiting the holy places or mandirs. The season will again be observed in a low-key manner. Nevertheless, this is the ideal occasion to learn about all The Universal Mother’s features, characteristics, significance, purpose and scriptural history, while staying indoors. One can read, look at virtual programmes, recite the scriptures, observe fast, look at religious films, listen to bhajans, pray and also give to charity. This doom and gloom will eventually dissipate as more and more are being vaccinated and the protocols are observed.

Prayers and praises of the Mother, practice and protection as mentioned, perseverance and performance as mitigated, all these elements when factored together will restore a belief that better days are ahead with the intervention of the Divine Mother. May Ma Durga’s blessings be showered on all to enjoy peace, bliss and happiness. Shubh Vasant Navratri.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Harmon failed the people of Linden Dear Editor, IF you tell a barefaced lie long enough and no one objects, the public is likely to believe you.

That is the saying in Guyana and further afield.

Therefore, the number two man turned Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, made an uttering hoping it will go down well with Lindeners who are upset and outraged with the APNU+AFC regime. He couldn’t be more wrong as they learned the truth from Public Affairs Minister, Kwame Mc Coy. Harmon told the APNU+AFC propaganda outfit “Village Voice” that when his coalition government was in power, it had most of the critical groundwork completed and was about to return the assets alongside ownership of the Linden TV Station (Channel 13) to Lindeners. He appears to be saying that the coalition had been delayed because of “paperwork”.

What is even more interesting now, he is calling for the Irfaan Ali Administration to fulfil the coalition’s promise

it made more than six years ago when it campaigned in Linden at the election. This too was after the coalition used the violence which erupted in the mining town to force the hand of the then Donald Ramotar government to make a pact in 2012, as I understand it, just for peace and an end to violence, and for the budget to pass in Parliament.

Harmon must think that people of Linden are not able to recognise foolishness when they hear it and they see it. He must think that Lindeners are ignorant and unintelligent.

I am a proud son of the mining community and I am no party or APNU + AFC yes man. I call it as I see it and as it indeed is.

Harmon had about four and a half years to get that one thing done for Lindeners. He could’ve used all of his limited vocabulary and three postings he had in government to get this done. Even at the last minute, he had the five month-long period after March 2nd, 2020 to get this thing signed and delivered to the people of Region 10.

He never did.

This is an example of APNU+AFC’s deceit and how they broke all their promises and neglected ordinary Guyanese after they got into office in 2015. We were fooled to think that they had transferred the TV station to the people of Linden.

He used us, Lindeners, to get power and then threw us by the wayside.

Because the facts are showing that “slow paperwork” didn’t prevent them from transferring tens of acres of State land all over the country to their rich businessmen cronies.

Harmon is seeking to “Kaffufle” Lindeners as the evidence points to “a lack of any audit or financial arrangement”, according to Minister Mc Coy. McCoy is quoted as saying, “I am still looking for the 2012 Agreement, which could be helpful to this situation, and until such time when

I myself could have clarity, then I will be able to move further than I can at this time.” He, however, maintained that the television station remains that of NCN. What a shame!!! The coalition better believe they will face hot fire for fooling us and reneging on all the promises they made. I don’t care what you say now Mr Harmon, you had five full years to do it and you blame the “slow process”?

I should blame everything on the “slow process” when it’s time to vote again.

Lindeners better get some sense before they bare their souls out and put their feet to the fire for these (same) people who parade themselves as honourable men.

Regards, Brian Azore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Over 20,000 persons to benefit from two new wells in Region Three TWO new wells are slated to be drilled in Region Three during the last quarter of 2021, benefitting over 20,000 residents.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Inc., Shaik Baksh, along with technical officials visited the proposed well sites on Tuesday, April 13 and met with residents who will benefit.

One of the wells will be drilled in Lust-en-Rust, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara to serve Lust-en-Rust, Recht door

Zee and Onderneeming -- a total of approximately 12,720 residents.

According to Minister Croal, the realisation of this well will see the beneficiaries receiving an improved level of water service. He told residents that his ministry is committed to development of the community; hence, a water treatment plant will be constructed in the near future to accompany the well on the five acres of land that was allotted for its construction.

Baksh added that the well will be drilled to a depth of 700 feet, at a cost

of $115M. He explained that the project is currently in the procurement phase with a projected completion timeline of August 2021.

In the meantime, GWI has committed to conduct regular flushing of the network so as to address the high iron content in the water.

Parika Backdam has been identified for the drilling of the second well and this is expected to provide first-time access to potable water for close to 8,000 persons from areas including Parika Backdam, Naamyrck Backdam,

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal and GWI CEO, Shaik Baksh, meeting with residents of Parika Backdam and surrounding areas Ruby Backdam, Barnes Avenue and Kenn Dam, on the East Bank of Essequibo.

The minister told residents that GWI will be consulting with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to determine if the site proposed for drilling is the most suitable. He

said this is expected to be concluded within a matter of two weeks.

The GWI CEO pointed out that this well is expected to be completed by September 2021. Through funding from the Government of Guyana, it is being drilled to the tune of approximately $80M, with

a depth of 300 to 700 feet.

Minister Croal assured the community members that the funds for the execution of these projects have already been budgeted, while noting they form part of community development works being undertaken by his ministry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

‘Exxon’ slashes production by 75 per cent –– to facilitate further repairs to flash-gas compressor

IN conducting final checks on the recently re-installed flash gas compressor at the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil encountered another issue, which has since forced the oil giant to slash its production temporarily by at least 75 per cent.

According to information from ExxonMobil, its regular daily production of about 120,000 barrels has been reduced to 30,000 per day, a decrease of 90,000 barrels.

“We have reduced production to a minimum level that mitigates formation of hydrates in subsea systems, maintains gas injection and fuel gas to the power generators, and minimises flare,” ExxonMobil’s Public and

Government Affairs Adviser, Janelle Persaud, said in an official update, on Tuesday.

According to Persaud, production was reduced significantly because the company encountered problems related to the discharge silencer, which is a component of the recently re-installed flash gas compressor.

The compressor was damaged in January and resulted in the company having to temporarily increase gas-flaring above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations. The faulty contraption was subsequently removed and sent to Germany for immediate repairs.

The repaired and upgraded components of the flash gas compression system have been safely re-installed, but a comprehensive three-phase testing programme was un-

dertaken to ensure full safety.

It is during the final stage of the three-phase testing programme that the company encountered a problem with the discharge silencer. A discharge silencer is used to attenuate noise produced by the expansion of air, steam or gas at elevated pressure to atmospheric pressure.

As part of efforts to rectify the issue, a team from SBM Offshore, MAN Energy Solutions and ExxonMobil are on site assessing repairs, with support from engineering experts in Europe and the USA. Persaud said too that relevant government agencies have been notified and ExxonMobil is continuing to work with officials to determine the next best step.

“ExxonMobil Guyana is extremely disappointed by

the design issues and continued underperformance of this unit, and will be working with the equipment manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions and the vessel’s operator, SBM, to rectify the situation.

This performance is below ExxonMobil’s global expectations for reliability,” Persaud related.

Should there be no immediate remedy to the situation, Guyana’s next oil lift, its sixth, which is expected in a matter of days, could be delayed. This is the case because lifts are done every eight-nine days, and, with production levels low, meeting the quota of just about one million barrels could take longer than expected.

It was early March that Guyana benefitted directly from its petroleum sector,

receiving US$61,090,968 (approximately GYD$13B) from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift. The fifth lift was sold to New York-based Hess Corp, which in turn vended the local crude to HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), a joint venture between Staterun Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Indian steel tycoon LN Mittal.

It was reported that HMEL operates a 226,000 barrels per day ‘Bathinda’ refinery in the northern state of Punjab.

Prior sales of local crude, particularly the first three, went to a trading arm of Shell on a dated ‘Brent’ basis.

Guyana, new to the petroleum sector, sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In

its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

Based on a consolidation of all the lifts to date, the country has sold 5,009,797 barrels of oil valuing US$246,542,662.

Along with the earnings from the oil lifts and over US$21 million in royalties and interest, Guyana has close to US$267,668,709 in its NRF, at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. Under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Guyana receives two per cent royalty and 50 per cent profit oil, which is what remains after the producer recovers the production cost.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

More Sputnik V vaccines expected tomorrow

By Vishani Ragobeer

The second batch of the Sputnik V vaccine purchased by the Government of Guyana from Russia arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on board Amerijet International (Ministry of Health photo)

WITH 63,740 individuals already receiving their first dose of one of the three COVID-19 vaccines being administered locally, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that Guyana will be receiving its third set of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines on Thursday.

On Monday, Guyana received an additional 30,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine after getting an initial 25,000 doses at the beginning of April. A total of 200,000 doses of this Russian vaccine was purchased for US$4M (approximately G$800M) by Guyana, through an arrangement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“We are happy to get the second tranche of the Sputnik V vaccine… later in the week we are expecting some more vaccines,” Minister Anthony said on Tuesday, during his daily COVID-19 update.

Later in his presentation, on the same day, the minister said that the vaccines would arrive on Thursday.

The vaccine has about a 91.6 per cent efficacy and it is administered in two doses, given 28 days apart.

And on Monday, during his daily COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony highlighted that this particular vaccine required cold chain storage at a temperature of about -18 degrees to -20 degrees.

It is important to note, however, that there was a dearth of experience using vaccines that require cold chain storage in Guyana.

It is for this reason that local health personnel had to receive training on how to administer this Russian vaccine.

With this second consignment of the Sputnik V vaccines already in Guyana, the Health Minister said that there would be a more efficient roll out, since health workers would be better acquainted.

On Tuesday, he indicated that there has been stringent management of these Sputnik V vaccines due to its cold

storage requirements. He explained that when these vaccines are removed from the freezers and left to thaw, before being administered to an individual, they cannot be put back into the freezer. If these vaccines are not used, they will spoil and have to be thrown away.

“We are going to scale this up as our staff become more proficient in the use of these vaccines,” the Health Minister said, adding: “We have deployed in the different regions enough vaccines for them to use and to make sure that this programme is ongoing.”

Despite the adequate distribution of vaccines, he acknowledged that there are some logistical challenges to surmount in the hinterland regions due to the geographical spread of some of the villages.

COVAX VACCINES Additionally, the minister said that additional vaccines scheduled to be provided to Guyana through the COVAX facility is expected to arrive in Guyana sometime before May. No definitive date was given.

The COVAX facility is a global mechanism that was created to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. COVAX is made up of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi; the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other stakeholders.

Through this facility, Guyana has already received 24,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

And, during the initial distribution phase, which is still ongoing, Guyana is expected to receive a total of 100,800 doses of vaccine from COVAX. At the sidelines of an event on Monday, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, lamented that sourcing See page 16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Dr Jagan’s contributions to democracy will never be forgotten

11

–– says President Ali, emphasises former President’s ideals part of the PPP’s DNA PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has hailed the late Dr Cheddi Jagan as the country’s “greatest citizen” and said that his contributions to the fight for democracy will forever be enshrined in the annals of Guyana’s history.

The Head of State praised the former leader at the Annual Cheddi Jagan Commemorative Lecture that was held virtually today.

“This activity, modest but important, is recognition— if any was needed— that Dr Cheddi Jagan has not been, and will never be forgotten, not in our party or in our country.”

President Ali said that suggestions that the memory of Dr Jagan has been sidelined is “nothing further from the truth”.

“Dr Cheddi Jagan’s ideas and ideals are engraved in the psyche of our party and its leaders. They have become part of the PPP’s DNA. His examples and contributions continue to inspire us, especially in the face of the attempts which were made to derail our elections and to destroy our democracy,” the President added while emphasising that the party was inspired and led by the best example of political tenacity.

Dr Jagan, he emphasised, never succumbed or compromised the democratic principle during “the 28 years the party was cheated out of office”.

The Head of State said that they were confident that by following Dr Jagan’s example and by staying true to his ideals that democracy would prevail.

He noted, too, that it was an “absolute honour” and “overwhelming privilege” for him to not only have been asked to deliver remarks at the annual lecture but also to serve in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which Dr Jagan established, and to occupy the office of the Head of State—a seat which the great leader once presided over.

FATHER OF THE NATION “Cheddi Jagan is without question Guyana’s greatest citizen. He is considered the Father of our Nation and was widely respected as one of the Caribbean’s leading internationalists and the patriarch of the PPP.

His heroic 28 year-long struggle for the restoration of democracy and the foundations, which he laid in his abbreviated yet impactful tenure as President, bequeath to him a permanent iconic standing.”

The Head of State said that Dr Jagan remains Guyana’s foremost democrat, who possessed unfaltering faith in democracy and was committed to the building of a national democratic state resting on a tripod of principles: the right to free and fair elections, respect for human rights, and meeting the needs of the citizens.

“Democracy for him went beyond the country’s political system; it encompassed the very substance of the society which was being fashioned. It was not only about elections and respecting human rights, but it was also about realising the full capabilities of our people.”

President Ali further explained that Dr Jagan believed that democracy was integral to the nationalistic struggle, for the eradication of social ills, for rejecting despotic tendencies and for establishing a peaceful and prosperous Guyana.

He said that the former President knew that democracy was necessary for national sovereignty and independence, for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and for shielding Guyanese from anti-popular and dictatorial forms of government.

SOLUTION Despite being deposed by the suspension of the Constitution in 1953 and in opposition from 1964 to 1992, the President said that Dr Jagan continued to insist that democracy must become part of the solution to the country’s political and economic crises.

“Democracy was part of Dr Jagan’s worldview. Some misguided elements, including those once close to him, have sought to insinuate that his support and advocacy of democracy were opportunistic. How little they know of him! How little they learnt from him!” the President passionately stated.

He said that Dr Jagan had his socialist convictions and never disavowed his ideological leanings but considered democracy as an important pillar for socialism.

“So, Dr Jagan’s ideological position, his ideological

underpinning was based on democracy, it was based on freedom, it was based on equality, it was based on the creation of a just society. His ideas and ideology were all wrapped in the tenancy of democracy and freedom.”

President Ali noted that Dr Jagan subscribed to the belief that genuine democracy must exist in both form and substance and insisted that it must not only protect fundamental rights, but the needs of its people. He pointed to the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and security in old age as an example.

“The satisfaction of people’s material needs

and of ensuring a more dignified existence formed a critical element of Dr Jagan’s programme of development. He was fond of saying that ‘democracy cannot be built on an empty stomach’,” the President added.

He said the former great leader saw development and democracy as mutually inclusive, with democracy being a prerequisite for development since nothing could be achieved without it.

“He also saw democracy as a motor of human development, including the attainment of social goals and of ecological justice.”

The Head of State said

that although 24 years have passed since Dr Jagan left us, the citizens of the country have a duty to protect his legacy—especially his commitment to democracy.

He added that since Dr Jagan planted the seed of consultative and participatory democracy, citizens must ensure that the tree of democracy is sturdier and that his legacy is never felled.

“Never again must Guyana’s democracy be imperiled. We must strengthen our electoral laws, including ensuring stronger penalties for those who dare to violate this sacred canon. We must insist on greater integrity on the

President, Dr Irfaan Ali part of some of those who manage our elections. In safeguarding democratic rights and principles, particularly the right of citizens to elect the government of their choice at free and fair elections held at regular intervals, we will be honouring his memory and protecting our rights and our country’s development.” (Public Information and Press Services Unit)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Japarts donates $1.1M in relief items to St. Vincent LOCAL auto parts importer and dealer, Japarts, has donated $1.1M in relief items to the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines which continues to be affected by the La Soufrière Volcano.

The items were handed over to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Monday during a simple ceremony held at the company’s 86 Charlotte & Oronoque Streets location.

CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, was quick to laud the business for “stepping up to the plate”. He said

that this is one of many donations made through the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).

“It goes to a greater effort, and a partnership with the private sector, Government of Guyana through the Civil Defence Commission, and we are here this afternoon, as you can see, with all the items.

We have from onions, potatoes, pampers, water, flour. Everything here you can see, and a list will be provided.

And we want to thank See page 15

Terry Singh (second right) handing over some of the supplies to the CDC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Finance Minister urges affordable, adequate access to vaccines for developing nations

By Richard Bhainie AT a time when global partnership and solidarity is imperative, Guyana is concerned that developing countries are presented with challenges pertaining to the equitable distribution of and access to adequate supplies of COVID-19 vaccines.

This is coupled with the economic destruction brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable counties, thus the need for affordable and adequate access to vaccines by these nations is of utmost importance.

These were the sentiments shared by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Segment on Financing for Recovery from COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has wreaked more havoc worldwide than any public health issue in living memory, exacerbating pre-existing systemic challenges in the global economy. The unavoidable consequence has been widespread economic contraction and sharp reversal of previous hard-won development gains,” he said.

He noted that developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and low-lying coastal states such as Guyana, are still grappling with various pre-existing economic challenges, while in addition, has to now confront the harsh and lasting socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In Guyana’s case, our total revenues declined by 5.5 per cent while total expenditure increased by 15.2 per cent in 2020. The Central Government fiscal deficit expanded to 9.4 per cent of GPD in 2020 from 2.8 per cent in 2019.

COVID-19 is costing our economy,” Dr Singh said.

However, the minister explained that the country has, from the inception of the pandemic, expended a great magnitude of resources in handling the situation, while “grappling with the reduction in the scarce liquidity, a tightening of fiscal space, sharp increases in debt and dwindling external financial flows.”

At this juncture, the toll on the economy is expected to only increase further as the country adjust to the new normal, and in the face of the economic challenges, more resources are needed now more than ever to confront the pandemic.

“More resources are now required to co-ordinate health responses, ensure equitable access to healthcare and invest in recovery, global partnership and solidarity are more critical now than ever before,” Dr. Singh told the forum.

The minister explained that the “immediate and most urgent” challenge is stemming the pandemic, and urged that steps be taken to ensure vulnerable countries have equitable access to vaccines.

“In this regard, Guyana is concerned that developing countries are encountering hurdles in accessing adequate supplies of vaccines at affordable prices and on fair terms,” he said.

He explained that achieving herd immunity is critical to economic recovery and emphasised the need to ensure affordable and adequate access to vaccines, as it is only possible through vaccination.

Dr. Singh also highlighted that the global community has entered the last decade before expected delivery of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a uniquely challenging time in human history.

He noted that Guyana

recommends a global stock taking exercise in early 2022 to assess how the pandemic has impacted the SDGs and the trajectory to 2030.

“Guyana stands in

solidarity with all countries facing the multiple challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the most vulnerable countries, and reiterates the call for

global will to be mustered to take concerted action urgently to ensure that these countries receive the necessary support to recover and rebuild,” Dr. Singh said.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Dr. Norton charged with Misconduct in Public Office by SOCU

By Richard Bhainie

FORMER Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton, who served under the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU + AFC) administration, was on Tues-

day slapped with a Misconduct in Public Charge by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force.

Dr. Norton was charged pertaining to his conduct in relation to the rental of the controversial Sussex Street

Bond. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and was placed on $400,000 bail.

In December 2020, Auditor-General Deodat Sharma

recommended that the Guyana Police Force conduct a thorough investigation into the rental of the bond by the then Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) under the former APNU+AFC government, and to institute charges where necessary.

The warehouse facility, situated at 29 Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was rented from Lawrence “Larry” Singh at a cost of $12.5 million per month to serve as an offsite medical storage facility for the MoPH and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The agreement for rental of the bond was signed by Larry Singh, on behalf of Linden Holding Inc. and then MoPH Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas for three years, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019.

The report highlighted that there was no evidence to conclude that the contract was advertised, which is a breach of Sections 10 (1) and 25 (1) of the Procurement Act of 2003.

Investigations conducted by SOCU also revealed that Dr. Norton, in 2016, instructed Thomas “not” to engage the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) with respect to the tender and/or any submission of any justification for the award of contract for the rental of the bond, in turn single sourcing the contract.

INSTRUCTED TO SIGN It was also revealed that Dr. Norton instructed Thomas to prepare a Cabinet Memorandum for him to take to Cabinet for its deliberation on the matter, and that, thereafter, Thomas received a copy of Cabinet’s decision, and was instructed by Dr. Norton to sign the contract, which he did.

Former Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton On November 21, 2016, Dr. Norton informed the National Assembly that there was no public tendering or procurement for the contract, since it was a matter of urgency for the storing of pharmaceuticals, and the facility was certified for such, in keeping with International Standards set out by PAHO/ WHO. However, the audit report revealed that the MoPH records state that the warehouse was not utilised for the months of July See page 15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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Dr. Norton charged with Misconduct ...

Japarts donates $1.1M in relief ...

From page 14

and August 2016, with the first delivery to the warehouse being on September 1, 2016.

Further, the report revealed that the MoPH entered into the contract as a statutory body corporate. However, according to the Fiscal Management & Accountability Act 2003, the Schedule passed by the National Assembly on December 15, 2003 lists the Ministry of Health as a Budget Agency, and not a Statutory Body Corporate, as stated in the Agreement of Tenancy.

Based on the examination of documents relating to the payments for the premises, a total of $337.5 million was paid during the period July 2016 to August 2018, with a balance of $137.500 million outstanding.

Two months’ rent, together with the equivalent of one month’s rent as a security deposit accumulating to the sum of $37.5 million was paid on July 29, 2016 for the premises.

Based on the report compiled by the Auditor-General, which was seen by this newspaper, the recommendation for a thorough investigation into the matter was made consequent to the findings that the correct procedures were not adhered to in awarding the contract.

Dr. Norton was required to lodge his passport with the court, and the matter was adjourned to April 27, 2021. He was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Marissa Leander.

From page 12 the Japarts Source One group for making this donation,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Japarts, Terry Singh, took the opportunity to express his satisfaction with being able to assist, and urged others within the business community to join in helping St. Vincent and the Grenadines during their time of disaster.

“It’s an honour to serve my country when it’s called upon, especially joining with the GCCI—the Georgetown Chamber, and… the President reaching out to the chamber for

assistance. Our company is very pleased to assist in this regard. My heart goes out to the people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I’m sure someday we could have been in that position, so if it’s our chance to help, let us do it now. I would like to encourage others, in terms of the business community, to assist at this time,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

International Co-operation, Robert Persaud, also expressed his gratitude to the various businesses who would have played a role in assisting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I want to thank the business community for stepping up and helping our brothers and sisters in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. You know, our sister CARICOM state, they are in a state of distress, and I think

it’s our obligation, our duty to help and support,” Persaud said.

He further noted that Guyana has established two hotlines through which persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can reach out to the Government of Guyana for assistance.

“We do hope that this will reach the wide affected population, including Guyanese living there,” he concluded.

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More Sputnik V vaccines expected ...

From page 10 vaccines has been a challenge owing to the global demand for these commodities.

“Most countries are going through a spike (in COVID-19 cases) so getting the vaccine itself is a great difficulty,” the President said.

He added that the production line of some of the more popular vaccines including the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines has become “stressed”.

Even so, he reminded members of the media that Guyana has been able to secure 200,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccines and

that the country would be expecting another 200,000 doses later.

Explaining why these Russian vaccines have been arriving in smaller tranches, the President noted that the procurement of the vaccines also present logistical challenges. These challenges include getting specialised air and land transport, cold storage and transporting the supplies in a short period.

“The logistics is a great bugbear and also now it is getting more and more difficult to get supplies,” the President lamented.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

GTT appoints ‘Customer Service Champion’ as new CEO TELECOMMUNICATIONS veteran, Damian Blackburn, is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), as of April 13, 2021.

GTT made this announcement in a statement released to the public on Tuesday. According to the release, Blackburn has over two decades of experience leading major mobile, internet and TV operations and technology start-ups in competitive Caribbean, the Americas and European markets.

“Damian is a highly experienced telecoms leader who has the vision to grow GTT and deliver on the changing needs of our customers and the country,” Brad Martin, Chairman of GTT’s Board of Directors was quoted as saying.

“His impressive career has included running companies, building and managing mobile networks, leading growth initiatives, and more. One of the most consistent themes of his work is that he’s been a customer service champion at every level. With a track record of

operating highly-reliable networks and improving customer experience, Damian will accelerate GTT’s customer-focused mission,” he said.

Most recently, Blackburn served as CEO of Aliv, the second mobile telecommunications company licensed in The Bahamas.

Throughout his career, he also held key leadership and CEO positions at Digicel, Virgin Mobile, Vodafone/Orange and the BT Group; roles in which he lead strategic business and operational development activities across multiple jurisdictions.

“It’s an honour to lead a company that has long served the people of Guyana and is such an integral part of the country’s economy and culture. My goal is to listen to our customers and work with our incredible team to make sure that we deliver the country’s vision of exceptional technology and service to meet current and future needs. The company has built a strong foundation, and with a sharpened focus on the needs of our customers, we will rise together with Guyana,” Blackburn expressed.

Outgoing CEO of GTT, Justin Nedd (left), with the newly-appointed CEO, Damian Blackburn As Guyana’s economy transitions and presents expanded opportunities for investment, growth and job creation, ATN has decided to create a new initiative under the leadership of outgoing GTT

CEO Justin Nedd.

As ATN’s new Vice President of Strategic Programs, Nedd will focus on cultivating additional ATN investments, including in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

China to join hands with other countries to defeat pandemic: Chinese FM BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said here, Monday, that China will stick to solidarity and mutual assistance and join hands with other countries to eventually defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wang made the remarks at the special event of the Foreign Ministry to present Hubei Province to the world, with the theme -- Heroic Hubei: Reborn for New Glories.

The anti-epidemic efforts in Hubei are an epitome of China's anti-epidemic efforts and a display of Chinese spirit and strength, Wang said.

Noting that April 8 marked the first anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown lifting in Wuhan, Wang said as the first place to report the epidemic and the first to control it, the first anniversary of ending the lockdown in Wuhan is commemorated and

celebrated by the Chinese people and attracts a lot of attention all over the world.

Hubei and provincial capital, Wuhan, had been the frontline and main battlefield in the fight against the epidemic, and people there had not only made great sacrifices for China to overcome the epidemic, but also made important contributions to the global fight against COVID-19, Wang said.

After the epidemic was brought under control, he said, the people in Hubei immediately embarked on a new journey of restoring economic and social development, and achieved fruitful results in promoting post-epidemic recovery as well as stable economic and social development.

"It is expected that economic growth will reach more than 10 per cent in Hubei this year," Wang added.

In the fight against the epidemic in Hubei and Wuhan,

China received support and help from many countries, he said, adding that after the pandemic spread globally, China also extended a helping hand to other nations.

"This unprecedented epidemic has made us realize deeply that the world is indeed a community with a shared future," he said.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading globally and the global economy is still facing the risk of recession, Wang called on countries to join hands together and combat "vaccine nationalism".

Wand said that China has provided anti-epidemic materials to more than 160 countries and international organisations around the world so far and is providing urgently needed vaccines to more than 100 countries and international organisations.

China will continue to make its efforts to maintain the stability of the global an-

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, speaks at a special event of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present Hubei Province to the world, in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) ti-epidemic materials supply chain and provide support to countries in need, he said.

"China will stick to solidarity and mutual assistance and join hands with other countries to eventually defeat the COVID-19 pandemic," Wang said.

China will adhere to opening-up and cooperation, and work with other coun-

tries to promote the recovery of the world economy, he said.

"China, which continues to open wider to the outside world, will further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and inject more impetus into the recovery of the global economy," Wang said.

Noting that China will

uphold multilateralism, Wang said the country will hold high the banner of a community with a shared future for humanity, adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, safeguard the international order based on the UN Charter, and improve the global governance system.

How transportation sector drove China's fast development, and vice versa

By Kang Bing | China Daily Editor's Note: From railways including high-speed trains and aviation including state-of-the-art airports to a comprehensive road network including worldclass expressways, China has become a global leader in transportation in four decades. How did this come about? In the first of a series of commentaries, a senior journalist with China Daily tries to find the answers.

I was all of 19 when I first travelled by a train from Xi'an to Shanghai to join a university. I was 25 when I first took a plane from Beijing to the United States to continue my higher studies. Many of the things today's youngsters take for granted was a rich experience, if not a dream, for people four decades ago.

Lack of resources restricted most people from travelling, confining them for life to the place where they were born. Money mattered a lot more than it does now. For instance, a hard-seat train ticket from Xi'an to Shanghai cost about 30 yuan the average monthly income of an urban

worker. And even if one had the money, booking a ticket could prove to be a bigger challenge, because only one or two trains a day used to run between big cities, far from enough to meet the needs of those travelling on business or returning home to visit relatives.

Every time I returned to the university from Xi'an, I had to queue up for five to six hours to book a train ticket, all the while praying that the tickets were not sold out before I reached the ticket window.

However, getting a ticket was the beginning of a nightmare. The 1,300-kilometer journey from Xi'an to Shanghai took more than 24 hours, and usually more than 200 passengers squeezed into a carriage with 100 seats. The carriages were so crowded that just going to the toilet proved to be a fierce battle.

Traveling by air? That was out of the question for most people 40 years ago. Air travel was a dream then not only because air tickets were a lot more expensive than train tickets, but also because common folk were disquali-

A high-speed train moves past fields of flowers in a section of the Qingdao-Yancheng railway. (Lyv Hengwei/For chinadaily.com.cn) fied from flying even if they could afford to pay for a plane ticket. Only high-ranking officials with letters of introduction from qualified organiastions and institutions could get plane tickets.

When China decided to launch reform and opening-up more than four decades ago, it realized that its poor transport infrastructure was a big hurdle on the road to economic development. So it made improving transportation a basic requirement for achieving

sustainable development.

The central and local governments have since then made transport development a priority. Foreign and private investors have been encouraged to invest in expressways and introduce new technologies to upgrade the transport infrastructure. The relatively comprehensive transport infrastructure that we see in China today is the result of more than four decades of development.

By the end of 2019, China

boasted of 139,000 kilometers of rail tracks, including more than 35,000 km highspeed lines far more than the combined total of all other countries-- according to the State Council white paper published last year.

The country also has 5 million km of highways, including 150,000 km of high-quality expressways.

What makes this even more impressive is that China did not have any expressway until 1990, when the 19-km Capital International Airport Expressway opened for the Asian Games in Beijing that year.

Air travel became popular in China toward the end of the last century. Today, it is not unusual to see groups of grandmas and grandpas from the countryside waiting in airport lounges to board their flights to other cities and countries. In 2019, more than 1.35 billion air trips were made in China, and the nation has 239 certified civil airports. Dozens more are -under construction.

Moreover, high-speed trains have become people's top choice for travelling

within the country. Running at an average speed of about 300 km per hour, a highspeed train today covers the distance between Xi'an and Shanghai, which took me 24 hours four decades ago to travel, in less than five hours. In fact, China is close to realizing its shortterm target of connecting all the district-level cities with high-speed trains.

The once crowded train and air ticket booking offices are now largely deserted, because smartphones have made it easier to buy train and plane tickets in minutes. I haven't visited a booking office for more than 10 years.

As a person who had not taken a train until 19, I am lucky to be a witness to, and beneficiary of, the rapid development of China's transportation sector. And since the central government, in the just-passed 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), has decided to maintain the investment momentum in the transportation sector, I expect to see more surprises.

The author is former deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Almost 40 years later, court sets aside Donald Rodney’s conviction

By Richard Bhainie MERE months away to mark 40 years after he was convicted for and sentenced to imprisonment for being in possession of an explosive device which killed his brother, Dr. Walter Rodney, Donald Rodney’s conviction was, on Tuesday, set aside by the Court of Appeal.

On June 13, 1980, Donald Rodney was in the driver’s seat of a Mazda Capella motor car bearing registration number PBB2344, which was at the time in a stationary position in the vicinity of John and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.

ing pardoned in 2014 by then President, Donald Ramotar, Donald Rodney sought to have his conviction and sentence overturned.

Through his Attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin, he argued that the decision of the trial magistrate was unreasonable and could not be supported since there was no evidence. He has proffered several grounds in this regard.

“There was no evidence which was sought to say what was in possession was in fact a substance for which there would have been a level of control. There was no evidence led by the State that

Donald Rodney and his attorney, Sajeev Datadin, after the ruling of the Court of Appeal on Tuesday (Photo taken from Sajeev Datadin's Facebook account) At the same time, his brother, Dr. Walter Rodney, was in the front passenger seat of the said vehicle when an explosion occurred in the car which killed Dr. Walter Rodney, and left Donald Rodney with minor injuries.

On June 24, 1980, Donald Rodney was charged in relation to the incident for unlawful possession of explosives and was convicted on February 26, 1982 and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

On the day of the explosion, Donald Rodney had collected a ‘walkie-talkie’ for Dr. Walter Rodney, which was supplied by a then member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Gregory Smith.

The brothers were instructed to test the instrument near the Georgetown jail.

From all indications, Dr. Walter Rodney’s death was as a result of an explosion of the device provided to the brothers by Gregory Smith.

Following the conviction, Donald Rodney filed an appeal and was granted bail pending appeal. Despite be-

demonstrates that there was no lawful authority,” Datadin had told the court.

Rodney further argued that the magistrate failed to admit his defence, namely, the public eyewitness’s account by him, which precluded a charge of possession and was read into evidence in the court’s record by the police witness under oath, and the true unsworn statement he made in his defence in open court.

Additionally, he argued that the magistrate failed to allow him time and facilities to prepare his defence, a breach of his constitutional right under Article 144 (2) (C) of the Constitution of Guyana.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC., told the Court that there was no evidence that Donald Rodney had been in possession of explosives.

“We don’t have sufficient evidence to prove that he was in possession of an explosive,” she told the court.

The DPP, in a brief comment following the conclusion

of the matter on Tuesday in the Court of Appeal, noted that the decision of the court is in keeping with the law. “The case has spent an unduly long time within the criminal justice system,” a release from the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers noted.

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings, who set aside the conviction, will soon issue her written judgement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Guyana surpasses its 60,000 COVID-19 vaccination target EVEN as he noted the key role community leaders and businesses have to play in the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy on Sunday

said that Guyana has exceeded the 60,000 goal that was set for April 11, 2021.

Dr. Ramsammy, who was visiting Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), told the Guyana Chronicle that the region and several oth-

ers, including Regions One (Barima-Waini), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are behind the regional target.

However, he was optimistic See page 21

Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy interacting with persons at a vaccination site in Region Two

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy during his interaction on Sunday with Region Two residents who were about to take the COVID-19 vaccine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Man charged with stealing zinc sheets from workplace ROY Sandiford, who is accused of stealing 49 zinc sheets valued more than $900,000 from his place of work, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, and was placed on $25,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Sandiford of Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, pleaded not guilty to the simple larceny charge when it was read to him.

He denied that he, on April 8, 2021, at Lot 10-11 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, stole the zinc sheets valued at $962,800, the property of Rudisa Motor Company.

It is alleged that on April 7, 2021, Sandiford, who is now an ex-employee of Rudisa Motor Company, reported for duty. On April 8, 2021, he was reportedly seen on CCTV camera removing several zinc sheets from the company’s premises. Sandiford was subsequently arrested. After being told of the allegation, he reportedly took police to a location were 35 of the zinc sheets were found. He was later charged.

The matter was adjourned until April 26, 2021.

Guyana surpasses its 60,000 ...

From page 20 that a vaccination drive that was being conducted at the Anna Regina Mandir Kendra would be able to contribute significantly to the target.

On Sunday, over 300 persons were vaccinated during the vaccination drive, which was organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

Dr. Ramsammy thanked the region’s religious leaders, especially the imams and pastors, for promoting the vaccination programme. However, he expressed belief that during the vaccination rollout, community leaders and businesses have an integral role to play in ensuring that the population takes the vaccines.

He informed the residents that he was in the region to solicit the help of the community leaders in mobilising persons to take the vaccine. He said that during this new week, there will be massive vaccination drives in the region’s five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

Dr. Ramsammy also challenged young people to use social media to promote positive messages about the vaccines, as the younger generation has an important role to play, and can do so by promoting posts on their social media platforms and encouraging persons to take the vaccine. He explained that the available vaccines are safe and effective, and will save lives. It was noted that the vaccines could also prevent persons from becoming severely ill from the dreaded virus.

“The business community needs to ensure that their employees take their vaccines; vaccines are 100% safe and effective, and it prevents you from going to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), so if you don’t want to take the vaccine, you are only being irresponsible,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He also challenged the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh and his vaccination team to ensure that 3, 000 persons receive the vaccines in a week.

The region has permanent vaccination sites, from Supenaam to Charity. The sites are at Anna Regina, Dartmouth, Queenstown, Suddie, Charity, and Huis T’ Dieren. Several vaccination drives will be rolled out in the Amerindian communities to ensure that their members are vaccinated.

Region Two commenced its vaccination rollout in February. Over 3000 persons, including frontline workers, have already received their first dose.

Man accused of ganja trafficking granted $70,000 bail A MAN, who was allegedly found with 100 grams of cannabis in a box, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, and was granted $70,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Joshua Yhop, denied that on April 8, 2021, at Guyhoc access road, Georgetown, he had the cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

It is alleged that on the day in

question at about 12:00 hours, police on patrol duty saw Yhop and several males under a shed at the northern side of the road. They were approached by the ranks who identified themselves and requested that a search be conducted on Yhop’s person.

At the time, Yhop was observed holding a yellow and red box. In his presence, a search was conducted on the box and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems secured in several small

transparent ziploc bags, suspected to be cannabis were discovered. Yhop was immediately told of the allegation and cautioned.

He was later arrested and escorted to East La Penitence Police Station where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence. Further investigations were conducted and Yhop was charged.

The matter was adjourned until May 10, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Hinterland schools benefitting from help of ‘coastlander’ teachers

By Tamica Garnett SOME 150 Grade 11 students from 12 hinterland schools in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine who are currently preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, are benefitting from extra

lessons being taught by teachers on the coastland.

The programme, which has been going on since February, sees the hinterland students being tutored remotely, Monday to Friday, from 15:15 to 16:30 hours in the four core subjects of English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Integrated

Science.

“The teachers from the coastland are reinforcing what was already done in class,” explained Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti DeSouza.

“They worked with the teachers in the local schools

to find out what they have done; what areas have been covered, and what help is needed. So they come in, in the afternoon, to do reinforcement to ensure the children fully understand the concepts that were taught in the classroom,” he added.

In addition to reinforcing what is already being

taught to the students, the pioneering programme is also being used to help some of them catch up in areas that may not have been covered by the teachers at their schools.

“With the Integrated Science, they have been working with topics that are at the end of the syllabus, because the children would not have gotten that far. So they are doing a back-tofront approach, where they are working from the back to catch up with the teacher wherever the teacher is able to complete at the end of the term,” DeSouza related.

The programme is part and parcel of an overall move by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to make education delivery more technology-assisted, and was made possible through the creation of a number of “smart classrooms” across the country.

Those “smart classrooms” are equipped with an interactive, computerised, touchscreen whiteboard, two cameras that can be used to videotape the lesson by the teachers, and a monitor connected to the cameras.

The coastland-to-hinterland tutoring project currently involves teachers from Georgetown, Linden, and Berbice.

There is also a Mathematics specialist from the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NECERD), while DeSouza himself is also one of the tutors.

BACKUP “In all, there are eight tutors; there are four who are each teaching with an alternate, so that in the event of someone not being able to make a class, there is a backup,” De Souza said.

The hinterland schools currently involved in the programme include eight in Region One (Barima-Waini), two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and one each in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Those in Region One are the Santa Rosa, North West, and Port Kaituma Secondary Schools, along with the Hosororo, Wauna, Kamwatta, Kwebanna and Matthews Ridge “Primary Top” schools.

DCEO for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti DeSouza In Region Seven, the classes are currently being held at the Three Miles and Bartica Secondary Schools; in Region Eight it is being administered to students at Mahdia Secondary, and in Region Nine to students at St. Ignatius Secondary.

Noting that the programme has not been without its challenges, DeSouza said: “We know that the hinterland has its connectivity issues, but we have been working through the challenges, and even though sometimes the signal or connectivity might be weak, our tutors have adapted to working with that situation. It is a learning process for everyone, including the tutors, because even they would have been adapting to this new mode of teaching.”

He said that tutors have been finding ways of working around issues as they arise, so as to ensure that all the students are equitably catered to.

“They would back-up with WhatsApp to try as much as possible to ensure everyone is covered,” he said, adding: “If the schools have a connectivity problem, they would find a way of getting the content to those children who would have missed.”

Notwithstanding the challenges, DeSouza believes that the programme could be nothing but beneficial to the students that are involved.

“It is something new to all of us, but I know that we will see the fruits of this at the end of the period, when CSEC is being written,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Sudden spike in fires causing Fire Chief sleepless nights WITH 123 fires having occurred in the first quarter of the year already, as opposed to the 115 that did over the same period last year, Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo is, understandably, none too happy about this development.

What must be even more daunting to him, judging from the statistics at hand, is that privately-owned property continues to record the highest number of fires in the country, now pegged at a whopping 84 to date, when compared to last year’s modest 74.

A cursory look at the records, however, shows that calls to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) are down 44 per cent, from 800 this time last year to a mere 304 or so to date.

Also down significantly, at 125, are outdoor vegetation fires, which at this time last year stood at 592.

And in terms of fires involving motor vehicles, there has been a 50 per cent increase from 10 last year to 19, while fires occurring at business places are down somewhat, at 17 as against the 23 that were recorded for the same period a year ago.

TEN-POINT PLAN Fire Chief Edoo, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, had indicated that throughout 2021, the GFS will be employing a ten-point plan in its quest to improve the quality of service it provides the people of Guyana.

The plan at reference entails the modernisation and renovation of existing fire stations; collaboration with government agencies; implementation of a fire service building code; establishment of a legal department; creation of an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department; training courses for staff both locally and internationally; establishment of a public relations unit; operational pole training for all

high quality of service to the general public; this will be done through the Cen-

Fire Chief, Kalamadeen Edoo staff; and the expansion of emergency medical service.

Under the modernisation and renovation of existing fire stations aspect of the plan, one of the major developments will be the relocation of the GFS headquarters from its present location in down-town Stabroek.

For some time now, the fire service has been contemplating this move, due to congestion in the area, which negatively impacts its response time.

NEW FIRE STATIONS The fire service is also looking to operationalise fire stations at Mahdia, Lethem and Mabaruma, where there are currently axillary units in operation; these fire stations are due to come on stream with a permanent staff by the end of this year.

A new fire station is also to be established at Eccles, on the East Bank Demerara; all of these expansion efforts, the fire chief said, are geared at improving the infrastructural aspect of the GFS, so as to make it better to envision their role in providing a fire prevention service, and responding appropriately to other emergencies.

According to the fire chief, the GFS also intends to increase its collaboration with other government agencies, so as to provide a

One of the four new fire tenders that were handed over to the Guyana Fire Service

tral Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and the Georgetown Mayor

and City Council (M&CC), which will afford the fire service the opportunity

to ensure greater compliance with fire prevention methods.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Johnson pleads guilty to shooting sleeping family –– and executing minibus passenger

By Richard Bhainie ORPHEUS Johnson, a pork-knocker of Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday, admitted to shooting a sleeping family and killing Travis Rudder Sr, on June 21, 2015 at their Lot 130 Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara home.

On the day, gunmen, firing semi-automatic pistols through a bedroom window, pumped 12 bullets into Travis Rudder Snr, and a few more rounds into his wife and baby son, as they slept in their bedroom.

By the time the gunmen’s clips were empty, Rudder lay sprawled and lifeless on his bed; his 18-month old son, Jaheal Rudder, badly wounded, with six gunshots to the stomach and back, and Rudder’s reputed wife, Mawanza Gill, bleeding from gunshot wounds to both legs.

O n T u e s d a y, Johnson also admitted that on April 22, 2015 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, he killed Orpheus Johnson Gladstone George, called “Brother”, of Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, who was shot execution style while a passenger of a minibus at Agricola.

George was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Johnson was arrested and placed on an ID parade where he was positively pointed out by an eyewitness.

Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder. The charges read that on June 21, 2015, he unlawfully killed Travis Rudder and on April 22, 2015, he unlawfully killed a man unknown to him, and on June 21, 2015 he discharged a loaded firearm at Mowanza Gill and Jaheal Rudder with the intent to commit murder.

Johnson’s criminal career dates way back to 2009 when he faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder and robbery under-arms. However, Johnson was not convicted on those charges.

The pleas were taken by Justice Sandil Kissoon who ordered a probation report be prepared on behalf for Johnson who will return to court on May 3 for sentencing.

The State was represented by prosecutors Tyra Bakker and Lisa Cave, while Johnson was represented by attorney-at-law, Rachael Bakker.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Sport Minister Ramson, GCB officials visit Guyana National Stadium AT the request of the newly elected Executive Committee of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, met with the members for a guided tour of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence at the weekend.

Minister Ramson updated members on the continuing works at the stadium and in particular the playing area.

The minister said that he was well aware of the upcoming international tours to the region and that the Government of Guyana, when necessary, will be bidding for matches at the stadium, including the West Indies vs Pakistan T20 tournament and the ICC Under-19 World Cup Championship to be played in the West Indies in August 2021 and January 2022 respectively.

The GCB members were all impressed with the facilities at the stadium and noted that the ground and pitch were in excellent condition and up to international standard.

Minister Ramson took the opportunity to again congratulate the Executive Members of the GCB on their recent appointments and urged them to build a strong cricket structure and establish partnerships with all cricket stakeholders in this new dispensation.

Gold Cup...

Las Vegas to host confederation final for first time MIAMI, Florida, (CMC) – Two-time Gold Cup finalists, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, will get the chance to feature at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium if they can reach their third final in seven years, after organisers CONCACAF on Tuesday awarded the championship game to the City of Lights.

Opened last July, the near US$2 billion venue already plays host to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, and will now also stage the first-ever Gold Cup match to be played in the cosmopolitan western United States city in the tournament’s 30-year history.

Jamaica, one of 12 teams to have already qualified for this year’s showpiece, were losing finalists in the 2015 tournament stage at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and two years later at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

This year’s Gold Cup is scheduled for July 10 to August 1 and will be played amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has already accounted for 31 million infections across the country and nearly 560 000 deaths.

“At CONCACAF we are very excited about this summer’s Gold Cup and we know that Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium will provide a great host city and venue for the final,” said president Victor Montagliani.

“2021 is CONCACAF’s 60th anniversary year making this edition extra special for players and fans.

“The federations and their teams are looking forward to this tournament with great anticipation and it is fitting that the regional champion will be crowned in such an outstanding venue and famous city.”

The Gold Cup will see 16 teams competing across four groups in the preliminary round, with the top

two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions and who will host next year’s FIFA World Cup, will feature in the tournament for the first time as guests.

Raiders president Marc Badain said the Gold Cup final added to the brand value of the Allegiant Stadium.

“The Raiders are proud to join Las Vegas in hosting the final of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Allegiant Stadium in August,” Badain said.

“The Gold Cup stands out among the many worldclass events that will be hosted at Allegiant Stadium, and we are excited to bring CONCACAF’s signature event to the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Steve Hill, CEO/President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said the city would offer an “unforgettable” experience to those participating in the final.

“We’re thrilled that the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup is coming to the Sports Capital of the World,” Hill noted.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to host an event of this caliber, and with world-class entertainment, dining, outdoor adventure and sports facilities, we’re confident the teams and their fans will find an unforgettable, Only Vegas experience.”

Several Caribbean Football Union nations will do battle in the Gold Cup, with the likes of Grenada, Curacao, Martinique and Suriname having already qualified.

CONCACAF will stage a 12-team qualifier from July 2-8 at Inter Miami’s CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to determine the last three spots in the Gold Cup first round.

He reminded the members that cricket is our national sport and that, in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, they must raise the bar in cricket administration.

He added that the Government of Guyana would be willing to partner with GCB to ensure that Guyana is firmly placed as a tourist destination.

He noted that GCB is the only sports body in Guyana that is governed by an Act of Parliament. So, it is incumbent on the executive committee to leave an exemplary legacy of accountability, good governance and public confidence.

The minister once again expressed his profound sadness at the passing of the GCB treasurer, Mr Pretipaul Jaigobin, and suggested that the GCB should consider a cricket competition to be played in his honour.

Meanwhile, president of the GCB, Mr Bissoondyal Singh, responded by thanking Minister Ramson for accommodating the visit by the GCB. Singh praised the minister for the pivotal role he played in resolving the cricket impasse and added that GCB looks forward to working with him and the government to realise the aims and objectives of the board.

Over two dozen athletes expected for 2021 Novices Bodybuilding, Mr Linden Classic THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) will have approximately 25 athletes competing in its first competition of the year, when it hosts the 2021 Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition and the Mr Linden Classic next month in the mining town.

According to information from the president of the federation, Kevon Bess, the event will be virtual with Live Streaming on popular social media networks from Lichas Hall in Linden - the venue of the battle.

The idea of virtual bodybuilding started last December when the federation hosted the Resilience Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships at the National Cultural Centre.

That event was sparsely attended by officials, technicians and support staff for the bodybuilders, but it was viewed by numerous persons online, a large percentage of the online spectators were new to the sport.

The May 29 event is once again expected to gain traction, given that spectators are again prohibited from the venue.

Like Resilience, Bess noted in a release that this upcoming competition would again celebrate the sport.

“The GBBFF has collaborated with Fitness Ex-

press to present the hardworking athletes, the bodybuilding and fitness fraternity and the entire Guyana with its first bodybuilding and fitness competition for 2021. The said competition is to celebrate life, health and fitness whilst promoting healthy lifestyle and healthy living.”

He made it clear that athletes, backstage personnel and the executive of the GBBFF will observe all COVID-19 protocols.

“While on stage athletes will be required to stand 6 feet from each other while backstage athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distancing. Judges will be seated 6 feet from each other and will be required to wear their masks.”

The competition will include three segments Bodybuilding, Bikini Fitness and Men’s Physique.

So far a number of competitors have signed up for the event, while others will do so in the coming weeks.

Some of those who have confirmed are Mahendra Andy Ramjit, Quamie Ezra July, Shaquan Emmanuel Caleb, Gail Karim, Alexander Correia, Yusuf khan, D e n ro y R o s s , L e s o n Quince Jones, Joel Ramnauth, Michael Cockfield, Mohamed Kaliel Razack and Michael Sampson.

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Curry sets Golden State Warriors all-time scoring record STEPHEN Curry made history by becoming Golden State Warriors’ all-time leading scorer with the ninth 50-point game of his career in Monday’s NBA victory over Denver Nuggets.

Curry, who joined Warriors as a first-round draft pick in 2009, scored 53 points in the 116-107 win.

It took him to 17 818 points and past Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 17 783.

“This is special,” Curry said. “With Wilt, any time you hear his name, you just assume his record’s unreachable.”

The 33-year-old added: “I did play six extra years here I guess, but it still means something to be at the top of

Stephen Curry was soaked by fellow Warriors player Juan Toscano-Anderson after the win

that list.

“These last 12 years, all the team-mates I’ve played with, the coaching staff, the ownership, our fans - I’ve had some amazing experiences here.

“I’m not planning on slowing down, but this is one to kind of take a second and appreciate, for sure.”

Ex-NBA star Reggie Miller said Curry was “Mr Warrior” while Miami Heat’s Andre Iguodala said he was “a god”.

His coach, Steve Kerr, said: “What he’s doing is ridiculous. Nobody has ever shot the ball like this. It’s kind of crazy what he does out there.”

Despite Curry’s landmark moment, and the victory, the Warriors are 10th in the NBA’s Western Conference.

Elsewhere on Monday, Bradley Beal contributed 34 points and Russell Westbrook scored a triple-double as Washington Wizards ended Utah Jazz’s 24-game home-winning streak with a 125-121 victory.

The Jazz remain top of the Western Conference, while in the East, Philadelphia 76ers hold top spot after a 113-95 win over Dallas Mavericks, with Joel Embiid notching 36 points.

Bonus points to settle Sheffield Shield final stalemate FOR just the second time since the Sheffield Shield final was introduced almost 40 years ago, this week’s season-decider will be played with the bonus-points system to determine the winner if the match ends in a draw.

Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) will contest the final of the 119th Marsh Sheffield Shield at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field from tomorrow, with the Blues looking to complete the double of winning both the one-day and four-day competitions.

In their way are an impressive Bulls outfit, led by captain Usman Khawaja, that finished on top of the table, but one that won’t have the luxury of knowing a drawn match will secure them their ninth Shield title.

When the Shield final was introduced for the first time in 1982-83, it was determined that a drawn decider would mean the team that finished on top of the ladder in the regular season would be crowned the champions.

But for the 2018-19 season, the bonus-points system that is used during the round-robin stage of the competition was added to the final to avoid the home team preparing a flat pitch to achieve a draw and capture the title.

Initially introduced as a one-year trial, the bonus-points system is back for the final this season.

Four of the past seven Shield finals have ended in draws while only six of the past 37 finals have been won

by the side that finished second on the ladder.

The bonus point system works like this: the batting side receive 0.01 points for every run scored beyond 200 in the first 100 overs of their first innings. The bowling side receive 0.1 points for every wicket taken inside the first 100 overs of their opponents’ first innings.

For the bonus-points system to come into play, the match must last at least 270 overs. If the bonus points are equal after two innings and the match is a draw, the team that finished in first place will take home the Shield.

There was no Shield final last year due to the pandemic, but it is back in 2020-21 and so is the bonus point

More than 13 years on from his first-class debut, Queensland skipper Usman Khawaja is still to taste victory in the five-day domestic decider

So, say NSW win the toss and bat and are 3205 after 100 overs, they would receive 1.2 points and Queensland 0.5 points. Then in reply, if Queensland are bowled out for 290 in 90 overs, the Bulls would earn 0.90 points and NSW 1.0 for taking all 10 wickets.

Add them together and NSW would have 2.2 bonus points and Queensland 1.4, meaning NSW would take the title if the match ends in a draw.

system, which has the support of senior NSW quick Mitch Starc.

“I really like the fact that the bonus point has come into it,” Starc told cricket. com.au.

“It means the home team can’t just bat for five days if they want.”

The Allan Border Field pitch has traditionally favoured batting, but only one of the past four completed Shield matches at the venue has resulted in a draw. (Cricket Australia)

Julius Randle scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for New York Knicks against Los Angeles Lakers, his former team, in a 111-96 win.

Lakers, who have won just five of the 13 games missed by star players Anthony Davis and LeBron James this season, now sit fifth in the Western Conference.

De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings guard, responded to being fined $20 000 by NBA for criticism of game officials over the weekend by netting 43 points, although his team were beaten 117-110 by New Orleans Pelicans.

Jae Crowder made a career-high 8 three-pointers as Phoenix Suns set a franchise record of 25 three-pointers in a

126-120 victory over Houston Rockets.

The Suns sit second in the west, while elsewhere San Antonio Spurs eased past Orlando Magic 120-97 and Jonas Valanciunas recorded a franchise-record 15th consecutive double-double as Memphis Grizzlies beat Chicago Bulls 101-90. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Paul Jaman is new OMSCC president … Jas Mathura creates history as first female vice-president

By Frederick Halley SWEEPING changes were the order of the day when Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) held its eagerly awaited and delayed Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Sunday via Zoom. The current COVID-19 pandemic saw the meeting and election of office-bearers rescheduled from last year.

Significant among the changes was the election of the entity’s first female vice-president in Jas Mathura, who has been elevated from the post of secretary.

The new president is Paul Jaman who replaces long-standing leader Azeem Khan whose term ended last year. Jaman last served as the Over-50 Coordinator.

Orin O’Neil, who is still an active player, will serve as treasurer, replacing Khem Singh while Terry Mathura, the husband of Jas, is the Over-50 Coordinator.

Ganesh Ramraj replaces Dickey Singh as the new Umpires Coordinator while the disciplinary commit-

tee, which is chaired by the vice-president, comprises Bobby Ramlagan, Patrick Shivrattan and Nazir Khan.

The three other members, as prescribed by the consti-

the OMSCC receiving permission from the Ontario government health officials and also the City Parks & Recreation authorities.

According to the new

Paul Jaman

Jas Mathura

tution, will be appointed by the executives.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport, following his election, Jaman said several factors will have to be taken into consideration as to whether there will be a full or shortened season this year after there were no tournaments last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief among the factors, Jaman explained, is

president, even if these permissions were secured, OMSCC will still seek feedback from the teams as to the way forward since some of them are still “iffy” about participating due to the pandemic.

Jaman is, however, optimistic that even if there are no seasonal tournaments, players will be involved in some form of cricket under strict guidelines.

Acknowledging that the

secretary plays a major role in any organisation, Jaman said the Board, which will hold its first meeting during this week, will use due diligence in appointing someone who is team-oriented, efficient and able to fit in well in a team atmosphere.

The same method, he said, will be used to appoint the other three Disciplinary Committee members.

Jaman praised the “tireless efforts” of the outgoing executives for their role in upkeeping the sport and also expressed a special welcome to the new members.

In an invited comment, Mathura said she’s indeed proud to be the first female vice-president of the OMSCC and was appreciative that the members felt confident enough to elect her into the position of vice-president.

Mathura pointed out that she hopes to be part of a successful team which will ensure that the game of softball flourishes as there are many committed players and fans.

Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai DEFENDING champions Mumbai Indians somehow earned their first win of the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a 10-run defeat of Kolkata Knight Riders.

Mumbai were bowled out for 152 in Chennai, with Andre Russell taking 5-15 in only two overs.

Kolkata, led by Eoin Morgan, were 72-0 in the ninth over.

But they were choked

by Mumbai spinners Rahul Chahar and Krunal Pandya and, needing 15 off the last over, managed only four to end on 142-7.

New Zealander Trent Boult held his nerve, having Russell caught and bowled and then bowling Pat Cummins off the next ball.

That came after leg-spinner Chahal took the first four wickets to fall in his figures

of 4-27.

Shubman Gill was caught at long off for 33, Nitish Rana stumped for 57, Morgan holed out to

completed a miserly spell of 1-13, which included having Shakib Al Hasan sweep to deep square leg.

It was left to experienced

Kolkata did not know where the next run was coming from.

The result continues Mumbai’s dominance over

Fury says Anthony Joshua bout will ‘100% happen’ as deal moves close

TYSON Fury believes a much-anticipated heavyweight bout with Anthony Joshua will “100% happen” and that a date and venue will be known in the coming days.

Representatives of the two British heavyweights are examining offers made by venues to stage the fight.

An offer from Saudi Arabia is in place and Fury says other bids are also under consideration.

But the WBC world heavyweight champion warned: “If I don’t know anything by Tuesday, I am just going to move on.”

Speaking to Behind The Gloves, the 32-year-old added: “I’ve always been quite sceptical on it all.

“I’ve been told there are a few major offers on the table from a few major players, so I am very interested and excited to finally hear what they are - to see if they are feasible and that we can make it happen.

“I think it will 100% happen. A million percent happen.

And I think we will know in the next couple of days, where and when.”

‘British pair Tyson Fury (left) and Anthony Joshua between them hold all of the world heavyweight titles

‘We have it all to lose’ Fury will risk his WBC belt, while Joshua’s IBF, WBO and WBA titles are set to be on the line in the first contest for all four major belts at heavyweight.

The last undisputed heavyweight champion was Britain’s Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000. That, though, was before a boxer had to also hold the WBO belt to be recognised as undisputed champion.

In March, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said a twofight deal with Fury had been signed, with locations and dates to be confirmed.

With some of the details still to be ironed out, Fury recently posted a countdown on his social media channels and warned he would move on from the fight if those involved could not quickly agree to a way to deliver it.

But it now appears a deal for an all-British world title fight is closer than ever, with Joshua posting there is “positive news” about the event on his social media channels.

“This isn’t like when Lennox Lewis fought Mike Tyson and they were past their best,” added Fury. We are both in the prime of our lives. Me, personally, I think it’s a short fight.

I’m eager, excited and like a kid before Christmas. I want this fight to be announced.

“I am in the (best) physical fighting fitness of my life.

Where I am at now as a man, you don’t get any better.

“After you get to 34 for a prime athlete you might go downhill. Now is the time to make this happen.

“We are both as physically strong as we are ever going to be, we are both mature, at the height of our success and both have it all to lose.” (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER WEDNESDAY, April 14, 2021

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Mumbai Indians lost their opening game of the season to Royal Challengers Bangalore

deep mid-wicket for seven and Rahul Tripathi was held behind for five.

Then, left-armer Krunal

pair Russell and Dinesh Karthik, who were still together at the beginning of the final over but, by that point,

Kolkata, with the five-time champions now having won 22 of 28 completed games.

(BBC Sport)

(1) Doug Walters-242/103 (AUST vs WI, Sydney, 1968-69) (2 Graham Gooch-333/123 (ENG vs IND, Lord’s, 1990)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which two teams contested the first ever IPL game?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

33

PSG knockout holders Bayern Munich on away goals PARIS St-Germain (PSG) were beaten on the night but held on to claim an away-goals victory over holders Bayern Munich that takes them through to the last four of the Champions League.

In a fascinating second leg between the sides that contested last year’s final, PSG were threatening on the break, testing visiting goalkeeper Manuel Neuer a number of times and twice hitting the woodwork through Neymar.

It was Bayern, though, who broke the deadlock, giving themselves hope of a comeback win as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting rose highest to follow-up David Alaba’s saved shot with a close-range header.

Missing the injured Robert Lewandowski, the German side lacked their usual ruthlessness up-front and were unable to find the sec-

ond goal that would have continued their trophy defence.

Kylian Mbappe thought he had sealed the tie with just over 10 minutes to go, but after breaking clear and firing in, the assistant’s flag ruled his effort out.

PSG will face either Borussia Dortmund or Manchester City in the semi-finals with the latter holding a 2-1 advantage going into today’s second leg in Germany.

PSG UNDERLINE THEIR GROWTH While this result will go some way towards exorcising the demons of last season’s final loss to Bayern, true redemption for PSG will only come if they can taste victory in Istanbul at the end of May. It wouldn’t be PSG, though, with their recent humbling history of throwing away Champions League

leads, if they did so with little fuss or drama and Tuesday’s tie was more nerve-jangling than it needed to be for the

Mbappe on the break, they were the more threatening side for much of the contest.

have swung the tie heavily in their favour.

But Choupo-Moting’s goal, coming moments

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in both legs for Bayern but it was not enough to send them through

French side.

Soaking up pressure and using the pace and trickery of Neymar and

In the first half, Neuer and the goal frame repeatedly stood between them and an opening goal that would

after Neymar had struck both the bar and post with shots in the space of three minutes, ushered back

memories of Manchester United’s comeback-win in Paris in the last 16 in 2019.

Progress is being made in front of us, though, and PSG were able to reset, re-focus and largely manage the game during a second half in which Bayern again held the larger share of possession of territory but not the required guile.

Eight months on from Lisbon, PSG still have their speed and trickery in attack, but now look to have married it to a much-needed discipline and resolve under Mauricio Pochettino.

With his Tottenham side having lost the 2019 final to Liverpool, Pochettino has Champions League final demons of his own to vanquish.

Get past Borussia Dortmund or Manchester City in the last four and he and his new side will get their chance. (BBC Sport)

England all-rounder Ben Stokes ruled out of IPL with broken finger Japan Olympic adviser

ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a broken finger, his Rajasthan Royals team say.

The Royals say Stokes, 29, suffered the injury during their four-run loss to Punjab Kings on Monday.

England say their medical staff are in contact and Stokes will have a second X-ray “in the next 24-48 hours” to assess the seriousness of the injury.

England’s next fixture is a Test against New Zealand starting on June 2.

The IPL runs until May 30 with the possibility of Stokes and other England players missing the New Zealand Test if their side qualify for the latter stages.

England bowler Jofra Ar-

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cher, another Royals player, has missed the start of the tournament because of an elbow injury and returned to training on Monday in a bid to prove his fitness.

The Royals say Stokes

will remain in India to support the rest of the squad.

Monday’s defeat was their first game of this year’s IPL with Stokes bowling one over for 12 before being dismissed for a three-ball duck.

After the two-Test New Zealand series, England’s year also includes a home Test series against India, a Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes in Australia in the winter. (BBC Sport)

Stokes’ Royals were beaten in their opening match of the IPL on Monday

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urges COVID-19 vaccine option for athletes

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - A health adviser to Japan’s Olympic committee said yesterday athletes should have the option of getting COVID-19 vaccines, days after public outcry led the government to deny it was making them a priority.

Japan last Thursday had dismissed a media report that it was considering vaccinating all its Olympians by the end of June after the idea sparked social media uproar amid a slow vaccine rollout for the rest of the population.

But yesterday, the adviser, Nobuhiko Okabe, told Reuters that although vaccines should not be an obligation, they should be available to the athletes who want them.

Okabe is an infectious disease expert who helped to guide Japan’s response to the H1N1 outbreak in 2009 and advises on its COVID-19 response.

“I think the recommendation should be to be immunised, particularly for the athletes,” said Okabe, who has held leadership roles in the World Health Organisation.

He said choices by individual athletes to refuse the vaccine for health or religious reasons “should be respected”.

About 1.1 million health care workers in Japan have received at least their first dose of Pfizer Inc-BioNTech’s vaccine.

Inoculations of the country’s sizable elderly population began on Monday, but some experts caution that shots for the general populace may not be available until late summer or even winter because of constrained supplies.

Okabe, who heads the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, also said Japan’s commercialisation and licensing hurdles involving drugs and medical products remain a “big problem,” as they could slow its response to health crisis such as pandemics.

Japan has approved only one COVID-19 vaccine so far and about 0.9% of its population of 126 million has gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 2.2% in South Korea or 36% in the United States, according to a Reuters tracker.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Chelsea lose second leg to Porto but reach Champions League semi-finals CHELSEA survived a spectacular late overhead kick from Mehdi Taremi to overcome Porto and confirm a place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in seven years.

Thomas Tuchel’s side went into this ‘home’ lasteight second leg - with both games being played in Seville during the current Covid-19 pandemic - protecting a twogoal lead they only briefly threatened to surrender in the dying seconds following Taremi’s brilliant finish.

Chelsea, who will now face either Liverpool or Real Madrid in the semi-final, played within themselves but it was enough to keep a disappointing Porto at bay, the Portuguese side rarely testing keeper Edouard Mendy with their surprisingly cautious approach, which they only cast aside when it was too late.

Mendy’s poor clearance almost offered Corona a first-half chance but he

could not take advantage, while Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount had opportunities after the break.

Taremi’s goal was out of character with the rest of Porto’s performance and came too late to alter the inevitable course of this quarter-final.

COOL KANTE PULLS THE STRINGS Chelsea manager Tuchel suggested he might have preferred to keep N’Golo Kante on the bench after a recent hamstring problem, until an injury to fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic forced his hand.

And he was rewarded with yet another masterclass from the France international, who showed supreme positional sense, tireless work-rate and that uncanny ability to spot any rare danger before prompting attacks of his own.

Kante has been an outstanding figure since Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard

and it is no surprise the German has come to count on him so readily, this understated but world-class performer completing the full 90 minutes despite doubts over his match fitness.

Kante was back in the Chelsea starting line-up after making two substitute appearances against Porto and Crystal Palace following a hamstring injury

Chelsea adopted an understandably conservative approach, taking no chances and refusing to offer Porto any route back into this tie.

Porto were largely lacklustre

England captain Knight delighted

by Women’s Test against India (AFP) - England captain Heather Knight said it was vital to keep Test cricket as part of the women’s game as it was confirmed yesterday her side would play their first long format in almost seven years international, against India.

Test cricket remains at the margins of the women’s game, with just eight such fixtures played in the past decade - and six of those in Ashes contests between England and Australia.

England and India have not played a Test against each other since 2014, when India won at Wormsley.

But they will face each other in the format again with a four-day fixture at Bristol’s County Ground starting on June 16.

This will be the first of 15 fixtures across all formats for 50-over world champions England this home season, with India remaining for six whiteball games before New Zealand arrive for three Twenty20s and five one-day internationals.

“I love playing Test cricket,” said Knight. “One of my proudest moments in an England shirt is scoring a Test century.

“It’s really important that we keep Test cricket going in the women’s game.

Realistically, T20 is what’s going to grow women’s cricket around the world and we’ve seen that over the last five years, but I’d love to

keep playing Test cricket and to see the multi-format series that we do for the Ashes as the norm going forward.

“I’d also love to play a Test match in India, which I think it would be a massive challenge.”

Bristol June 27: 1st ODI, Bristol June 30: 2nd ODI, Taunton July 3: 3rd ODI, Worcester July 9: 1st T20, Northampton July 11: 2nd T20, Hove

England captain Heather Knight (right) and team-mate Nat Sciver

Knight added the scarcity of women’s Tests had helped create a sense of excitement in her squad.

“Because you only have one you feel like you desperately want to perform in that match, you know the next one’s not going to come around for a while,” she said.

“It’s going to be a really big occasion and, coming from the southwest, I’m really chuffed that it’s going to be down at Bristol as well. Hopefully we can put on a show.”

FIXTURES: England v India series: • June 16-19: Test match,

and rarely showed any of the sparkle that saw them shock Italian giants Juventus in the previous round.

They may not have offered any serious threat of their own, although Mount

• July 15: 3rd T20, Chelmsford • England v New Zealand series • September 1: 1st T20, Chelmsford • September 4: 2nd T20, Hove • September 9: 3rd T20, Taunton • September 16: 1st ODI, Bristol • September 19: 2nd ODI, Worcester • September 21: 3rd ODI, Leicester • September 23: 4th ODI, Derby • September 26: 5th ODI, Canterbury

was denied by superb defending from Porto defender Wilson Manafa.

In reality, however, there was no need whatsoever for Chelsea to take unnecessary

risks that may have allowed Porto back in. This was about game management and, despite that last-ditch scare, for Chelsea it was a job very well done.

Can Chelsea win the Champions League?

Chelsea’s hopes of claiming the crown for a second time will certainly be rising after this mature performance, even in eventual defeat, to add to the impressive elimination of the powerful La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the last 16.

Tuchel has Chelsea organised, fiercely disciplined and increasing in confidence - a mood that will only grow as they prepare to face either Liverpool or Real Madrid. Yes, this was a loss but the overall tie will be regarded as a highly satisfactory outcome.

The Champions League can often be about timing the run of form and there is no doubt Chelsea have

built up impressive momentum under Tuchel aside from the 5-2 thrashing at home to relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge recently.

Chelsea will show the requisite respect to whoever they face in the semi-final but they will not fear either Liverpool or Real Madrid, depending on who prevails at Anfield on Wednesday.

Tuchel has bolstered their defence and while this was a performance built on those solid foundations and with Kante and Jorginho as the anchors, Chelsea have already shown they have attacking weapons when required.

Chelsea will not shout about their Champions League aspirations - but there is no reason why they should not fancy their chances, even though the record will show this ‘home’ second leg as a defeat. (BBC Sport)

Brathwaite set to turn out for Gloucestershire tomorrow BRISTOL, (CMC) England – West Indies Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, believes he can use his extensive experience at the highest level to make an impact for Gloucestershire in his upcoming stint in the County Championship with the west country outfit.

The 28-year-old is set to turn out for the county in the first half of the season, beginning with a high profile clash against Somerset on Thursday in Taunton.

Brathwaite has played 68 Tests and struck nine hundreds, and is on his fourth county campaign after previously featuring for Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Glamorgan.

“Playing here before obviously, I have a few experiences and for me it’s just to wherever I can assist as a batsman and as a player advice-wise, I would do that,” the Barbadian said.

“And for me possibly as the opening batsman, it’s just to build that foundation to make it easier for the guys coming to follow. It’s just about doing my job to be honest.”

Brathwaite is coming off a rewarding two-Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this month where he was his side’s leading run-getter with 237 runs at an average of 59.

The series also represented his first as full-time captain, replacing compatriot Jason Holder, after overseeing a whitewash of Bangla-

desh earlier this year when Holder skipped the tour.

Brathwaite arrived in England immediately following the Sri Lanka series but was forced to quarantine under the country’s COVID-19 regulations, causing him to miss the club’s first game against Surrey which they won by eight wickets.

And he said he was thrilled to finally be among the squad and preparing for the upcoming contest.

“I’m very happy to be here, very happy to be out of quarantine and I look forward to doing well for Gloucestershire,” he said.

“Obviously I’m a cricketer and I love to play cricket so coming and seeing the guys is a nice feeling, and I really look forward to going out there and playing some cricket.”

He continued: “I followed a few [games] on the website.

Obviously saw the guys having a good first game. I’ve been on the website [following] and it’s good to see the guys doing well.”

Gloucestershire were impressive in their opener, chasing down 228 on the final day at the weekend with South African Graeme van Buuren hitting an unbeaten 110.

West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 14, 2021

35

Todd wins Colin Ming memorial golf competition GAVIN Todd won last Saturday’s Colin Ming Memorial Golf competition which was held in the memory of the recently departed sports personality.

Ming, who died in early April following a road accident, was a decent golfer (handicap of 13), who had won several competitions at the Lusignan golf course.

The event included the nine-hole competition, special tributes by golfers and the Ming family and a celebratory meal and drinks.

According to information from the club, Todd finished with a net score of 33 with a handicap of 10, which propelled him ahead of Patrick Prashad who finished with a net 34.

Prashad finished with the best gross score (actual score) over nine holes with a 39.

Third place overall went to William Walker, who finished with a net 34 (gross 40). A countback determined the second and third positions.

The trophies were presented to the winners by Ming’s three children.

Several glowing and touching tributes were made by members of Guyana’s golfing fraternity including Club president Pur Persaud, vice-president Paton George, captain Patrick Prashad and long-standing friends, which included Brian Glasford,

The winners pose with members of the Ming family

Edghill suffers heartbreaking defeat in Women’s singles opener ―Britton, Alleyne and Cummings also fall in Latin American Singles TT GUYANA suffered a heartbreaking opening round at the 2021 Latin American Singles and Mixed Doubles Qualification tournament, which started yesterday in Rosario, Argentina.

All four of our players faltered, but Chelsea Edghill had the most difficult defeat when she went up against Mexican Monica Munoz last evening.

The former Caribbean U21 female champion and Lourosa Portugal semi-professional player battle back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 before she took the lead in the final set, but Munoz kept her nerves to win the clash 4-3 (11-5, 11-8, 4-11, 11-6, 8-11 and 11-9).

Guyana’s other female in Argentina, Natalie Cum-

mings, also suffered an opening round defeat when she played against home girl Lucia Cordero last evening.

That was a 4-0 defeat (9-11, 6-11, 7-11 and 8-11).

Earlier in the day, former male Caribbean U21 champion Shemar Britton had a tough battle against Paraguay’s Alejandro Toranzos.

Britton had to battle back

The Guyanese players and coach in Argentina. From L-R: Joel Alleyne, Chelsea Edghill, Shemar Britton, Natalie Cummings and coach Idi Lewis

twice to draw even at 2-2, but then Toranzos surged ahead to win 4-2 (11-5, 8-11, 11-2, 8-11, 11-3, 11-3).

The other Guyanese in Argentina, Joel Alleyne, who is based in Huston, went down 0-4 to Chile’s Gustavo Gomez.

The Guyanese table tennis players are expected to be in action again today. According to information from president of the GTTA, Godfrey Munroe: “The regional qualifiers for Latin America would have three (3) available men and women spots and two mixed doubles spots and would follow a format of single elimination best of seven matches where the winner for each round will automatically qualify for the Tokyo Games (Olympics), a redraw would be held for the next round.”

He said that in the mixed doubles qualification, each country can only field one doubles team. Guyana’s mixed doubles players will be Britton and Edghill.

The four players are with Coach Idi Lewis.

Troy Cadogan and Bryan Hackett.

The club’s PRO Anasha Ally, who chaired the event, noted that: “Some funny, lighthearted stories were shared which also added to the day’s special significance.”

A moment of silence was also observed in Ming’s honour.

Mr Stanley Ming, brother of the late Colin, was emotional when he offered a few words in response to all of the tributes paid to his brother.

The late Ming was active in several sports locally.

Roy Jafarally heads new Berbice Boxing Committee

... GBA not informed of new committee

WITH the intention of helping to resuscitate the sport of boxing in the Ancient County, Businessman Roy Jafarally will head the new Berbice Boxing Committee, which was officially launched over the weekend.

The 41-year-old Jafarally of Fort Ordnance, East Canje, Berbice, said the team recognised that boxing has died within the region and therefore planned to resuscitate the boxing gyms across Berbice that have been dormant.

In a release, Jafarally said there are coaches in Berbice “who would have resigned to their homes and not doing anything to come back into these gyms and to stimulate the process of having the youngsters now execute their interests in boxing taking into account all the COVID -19 protocols.”

At present, Berbice has four boxing gyms all of which had to close as a result of the COVID-19 measures along with the lack of equipment needed by boxers to engage in the sport.

The Berbice Boxing Committee also intends to hold dialogue with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, as well as president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle.

Ninvalle, when contacted by Chronicle Sport, said he was unaware of the committee being formed in Berbice, and stated that he will hold off on any comment until being informed of its existence.

The other members of the committee are Eli Hazel, Pinky Arthur, Greggory Roy Jafarally heads Cort and Royan the new Berbice Abrams.

Boxing Committee

Sport Minister Ramson, GCB officials visit Guyana National Stadium

Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, alongside GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (both at centre), and flanked by other GCB executives, following their visit to the Guyana National Stadium at Providence

SEE PAGE 30

… discuss hosting of Pakistan T20 tourney, ICC U-19 World Cup Championship

Gold Cup...

Las Vegas to host confederation final for first time SEE PAGE 30

SEE PAGE 30

Over two dozen athletes expected for 2021 Novices Bodybuilding, Mr Linden Classic

Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium

SEE PAGE 33

Last year’s winners, from left: Mr Linden Classic Omissi Williams, Novices Physique winner Jonathan Jefferies and Novices Bodybuilding champ Nicholas Albert

Japan Olympic adviser urges COVID-19 vaccine option for athletes

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021