Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-07-2021

WEDNESDAY 14thJuly, 2021

' No.106421

‘Steady decline’ in active COVID-19 cases recorded; several hotspots being monitored

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400 house lots distributed in Linden –– at one stop by gov’t; Coalition gave 360 in five years –– neglected New Washer Pond Road rebuilt to tune of $52M 02,03 PAGES

–– Gov’t investing billions to develop Region 10 road network

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Scores turn out 21 for second-dose Sputnik V vaccine PAGE

$29.2 M to rehabilitate 07 Parika Market APNU+AFC’s Mc Donald allegedly trying to derail 19 education cash grant distribution PAGE

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Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal assists a Lindener in pulling her lot number from the allocations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Gov’t investing billions to develop Region 10 road network

RESIDENTS of Region 10 will soon benefit from billions of dollars in infrastructural works that will vastly develop the region’s road network.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said that, before the end of the year, the region will see a massive facelift with new and rehabilitated roads.

He made the disclosure, on Tuesday, during the commissioning of a multi-million-dollar road in the mining town.

Minister Edghill said Government is making strides in fulfilling a commitment to construct an all-weather road from Linden to Lethem. He said the first 125 kilometres of the road will be undertaken from Linden to

Part of the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway (DPI photo)

Mabura Hill. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) are funding the project.

CDB’s President Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, during his recent visit, examined the road alignment.

“This year, in the last quarter, we will be signing the contract for that road. It will cost about US$190 million ($38 billion) … That contract is at the final procurement stage……” Minister Edghill said.

Further, $150 million will be expended for the upgrade of the Linden / Soesdyke Highway. Minister Edghill said the contract for that project had already been awarded and works will commence soon.

He said the rehabilitation of the road will “ensure residents of Region 10, as well as businesses and others travelling through to Region Nine, Seven and Eight, could get to Linden and onto their final destination in a safe manner.”

Government will also be collaborating with

the Ministry of Natural Resources to construct a road from Orealla to Kwakwani. Minister Edghill said he, along with Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat will soon make an assessment of the alignment to ensure the road is properly built.

“With that road, aggregates, the quarrying industry, trucks will be able to bring aggregates from the quarry for construction and for infrastructural development into Region 10 and other areas and ultimately getting into the market for our entire road construction,” Minister Edghill said.

Residents will also benefit from the rehabilitation of a number of urban and miscellaneous roads. For urban roads, $20 million will be spent on rehabilitation and construction of Third Corner East, Amelia’s Ward, Linden; $17 million for rehabilitation of Top Knock Street, Half Mile, Linden; and $12 million for rehabilitation of Main Road to One Mile Primary School.

As it relates to miscellaneous roads, $11.5 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of the

Kwakwani road network, $13.5 million for the road to Hururu Village, $34 million to rehabilitate the road network to West Watooka, $23 million to rehabilitate Phase Three Amelia’s Ward roads, $28 million to rehabilitate the road network in Block 22, $30 million to rehabilitate the road from Old England to Coomacka Mines and $22 million for the rehabilitation of roads in Andy’s Ville and Pros Ville in Wismar.

“The residents of Region Ten can be fully informed and duly notified that not every single thing that they desire to be done is being done which is the same situation that exist in any region and in any village.

Significant allocations have been budgeted and will be expended for the development of works in Region Ten under both the urban road project and miscellaneous road project, about $300 million in works in 2021,” Minister Edghill stated.

The Public Works Minister also noted that he will soon visit with a team from the Sea and River Defence Board to make an assessment to determine the best possible location for the $30 million waterfront development project.

“Some people have a view that we should do it at the Wismar shore, some have a view that we should do it on the Mackenzie shore but we want to ensure that wherever we spend this year’s allocation it must have the greatest impact… be assured that every cent of the $30 million will be spent this year to bring improvement to the waterfront development but in a manner that would give maximum benefit to the people.”

The minister said the Government’s approach to development is non-discriminatory.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

400 house lots distributed in Linden

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–– at one stop by gov’t; Coalition gave 360 in five years

By Rabindra Rooplall

WITH 400 house lots to be distributed and 144 land titles and transports to be issued by the end of today, the Housing Authority commenced their massive ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10, on Tuesday.

The exercise marks the largest land allocation in the region over the past five years. The two-day event is being held at the Amelia’s Ward Primary School.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within The Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, will continue their work on the ground today, along with managers and staff of the agencies assisting members of the public.

The Housing and Water Ministry is working with the Ministry of Health and residents are required to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

In his feature address, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, said government has distributed 4,724 as well as titles and transports in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 in less than one year.

“Compare that to the 360 lots that were allocated between May 2015 and July 2020: For example, I can provide the exact figures. In 2015 - 1; 2016 - 36; 2017 201; 2018 - 121; 2019 - zero; 2020 - 1. And of that number

“Compare that to the 360 lots that were allocated between May 2015 and July 2020: For example, I can provide the exact figures. In 2015 - 1; 2016 - 36; 2017 - 201; 2018 121; 2019 - zero; 2020 - 1. And of that number only 20 houses were built,” Minister Croal said.

only 20 houses were built,” Minister Croal said.

He disclosed that there will also be a nursery school, health centre, market, bus and taxi terminals, a playground and recreational facilities for the housing de-

velopment while lots will be allocated to applicants who are members of the Disciplined Services.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has more than 4,000 pending applications

Leo Winter receives his title from Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal from Region 10.

Minister within The Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues assists Special Constable, Trinette Gibbs in pulling her lot number from the allocations

A section of the gathering at the ‘Dream Realised’ housing drive in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10

WILL BE CONTACTED “For this exercise, applicants, prior to 2010, were also contacted. Unfortunately, the contact information for some of them is outdated and so we could not reach everyone.

Be reminded to ensure that you regularly update your information; you can do so by visiting the ministry’s website and following the prompts. Notwithstanding though, once you applied, rest assured that you will be contacted for future allocations,” he told the gathering.

Adding that the houselot allocation in Amelia’s Ward is not being done in isolation, he said between now and 2022, government is expected to expend at least $2.9 billion for infrastructure in Region 10 under the Housing Sector.

These works, he said, are not only expected to be completed in 2022, but will benefit all of the citizens who will live in Linden.

Over the past year, Minister Croal said the Housing Ministry has been pursuing policies and interventions that will not just provide affordable housing for Guyanese but will create complete communities.

MAJOR INVESTMENTS “There are several areas in Linden that cannot access clean, safe water for a number of reasons.

Those areas include Amelia’s Ward Squatting Area Block 42, aback Cinderella City; South Amelia’s Ward; Bamia and an area across Kara Kara Creek.

BurJag, Prosville, Andyville and Rasville are home to informal settlers who, in addition to water, need electricity and roads.

So on that note, I am very happy to tell you that in the coming months, the Guyana Water Incorporated will begin several major investments in Region 10,” he emphasised.

He told residents that while certain critical infrastructure for the communities in which they live are missing, “we at the Ministry of Housing and Water are doing everything we can to close those gaps.”

He continued: “As we speak, there are other interventions that you stand to benefit from which will make life easier for you and your children. We will ensure that for each housing project there are safe spaces for the children to enjoy, not only open parks and playgrounds, but also community centres.”

He explained that the

recently launched Community-Based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) will create jobs within identified communities through the purchase of concrete blocks from blockmakers, who live in the communities, to be used on houses to be built

by CHPA over the next five years.

“CHPA will provide some support to blockmakers through the provision of tools, training and other means. Similar opportunities will come to Lindeners.

There are other programmes that will, in time, be introduced to your community, so look out for that information,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal was dismayed about the abysmal land distribution in Linden under the previous government when Linden is supposed to be its strongest support base and the previous Housing Minister is also from Linden.

“This PPP/C government understands the frustrations that many of you face when it comes to housing. We are very aware of how having a roof over your head is tied to your own sense of self-worth and how it can be a catalyst for self-development and community development,” he explained to the gathering.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Planes dump water on Siberian wildfires as residents plead for help

RUSSIA’S army sent firefighting planes on Tuesday to battle huge wildfires that have blanketed Siberian towns in thick smoke, as residents complain of being suffocated in a region known for its frozen tundra that is now sweltering under a heatwave.

With flames tearing across some 800,000 hectares of Russian forest, the hardest-hit region of Yakutia, in the north, has been in a state of emergency for weeks, as climate scientists sound the alarm about the potential long-term impact.

Fires in Russia’s central Chelyabinsk region last week killed one man, and destroyed dozens of village homes.

“We’re suffocating; our lungs are being poisoned by

acrid smoke,” reads one of two Online petitions by Yakutia’s residents addressed to President Vladimir Putin. They are asking for more equipment and forces to combat the fires.

Russia has seen its annual fire season become more ferocious in recent years, as climate change has driven unusually high temperatures across the northern Siberian tundra.

This year, temperatures have already hit new record highs.

“The fire risk has seriously flared up across practically the entire country, because of the abnormal heatwave,” Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told a meeting on Tuesday. “The most difficult situation is in Yakutia.”

On Tuesday, more than 2,600 firefighters were battling

blazes in Yakutia, which has borne the brunt of huge forest fires in recent years.

Putin ordered the defence ministry to assist local authorities, while the army deployed several water-dropping Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft to douse the flames from the sky, Shoigu said, without specifying exactly how many aircraft were sent.

The Siberian fires have raised fears about the permafrost and peatlands thawing, releasing carbon long stored in the frozen tundra.

Meanwhile, ash from the fires could blanket nearby snow cover, turning it dark so that it absorbs more solar radiation, and warms even faster.

In both 2019 and 2020, Yakutia’s wildfires led to record

amounts of greenhouse gases being released from the region, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), part of a European Union observation programme.

In just the last six weeks, fires in the region have spewed out around 150 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, close to the 2017 annual fossil fuel emissions of Venezuela, said Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at CAMS. “We’re still piecing together the information to try and understand what it means for the climate,” he said.

“This year, we haven’t yet seen so many fires within the Arctic Circle within that region, but just within the last 3-4 days, we’ve started to see a number of

HEATWAVE While fires rage through forests, the country has struggled under a heatwave that has broken several temperature records in western Russia.

Moscow roasted at 33.1 degrees Celsius, its hottest June 13 in 85 years.

In Siberia, the city of Yakutsk hit 35C at one point; the region’s city of Verkhoyansk, seen as one of the coldest places on earth, saw temperatures of over 30C, the state weather forecast agency said.

“The temperature is really high; 8-10 degrees higher than the norm. It’s really unusual for the temperature to be over 30

degrees towards the north,” the agency’s head of science, Roman Vilfand said at a briefing.

He said the temperature should fall in the coming 7-8 days with rain also increasing, factors that should slightly reduce the risk of new fires sparking though they might not stop existing fires from spreading.

Similar conditions in parts of Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest have also led to wildfires.

“These fires will continue to happen with climate change,” said Andrey Shegolev, head of WWF Russia’s forest programme office, who urged more funding for local firefighting efforts. “The question in this situation is: What to do?” (Reuters)

AUSTRALIAN authori ties are widely expected to extend a three-week lockdown in Sydney today, as a

COVID-19 outbreak in the country’s largest city spreads to previously unaffected areas.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who has extended financial relief to businesses hit by the shutdown, appeared to jump the gun ahead of an announcement by state officials.

“New South Wales is going into Week Four of a lockdown, and that means the challenges are escalating,’ he said on Australian broadcaster, Nine Entertainment on Wednesday.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian is scheduled to speak publicly at 11.00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT). She has repeatedly said that restrictions, currently due to end on Friday, will only be lifted when the

number of newly-reported cases that were circulating in the community while infectious were close to zero. The number has dropped in recent days, but remains well above that criterion.

The harbour city of five million residents was plunged into an initial two-week lockdown on June 26, as the highlycontagious Delta variant started to take hold in a country that has otherwise largely avoided mass infections.

The shutdown was extended and tightened for a further week as daily case numbers surged rapidly. Total infections

since the first was initially detected in the city’s eastern suburbs in mid-June now stand at around 800. Two deaths have been reported, the first for the country this year.

The virus appears to have spread to parts of the city previously unaffected, according to a list of potential exposure sites published by health authorities overnight.

The outbreak has also spread to regional areas, with a case detected in Goulburn, about 200 kilometres southwest of Sydney, and has crossed the border to Victoria State where three cases were

reported on Tuesday.

The outbreak has started to pressure health services, with queues for COVID-19 tests in Fairfield, in Sydney’s southwest, stretching for kilometres overnight, due to new health orders requiring people who leave the suburb for work to be tested regularly.

Snap lockdowns, speedy contact tracing, and tough social distancing rules have otherwise helped Australia keep COVID-19 numbers lower than many other developed countries, with just over 31,300 cases and 912 deaths.

(Reuters)

hotspots occurring and a lot of smoke,” said Parrington.

Sydney braces for extended lockdown as COVID-19 spreads

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Haitians apprehensive of foreign troops as government seeks U.S. help (Reuters) - A troubled past of foreign military intervention has made many Haitians anxious or hostile to calls requesting U.S. or other foreign troops be sent to the Caribbean nation in the aftermath of last week’s assassination of the President Jovenel Moise.

Acting Prime Minister, Claude Joseph, has asked for troops from both the United States and the United Nations, which were reviewing the requests as the Caribbean nation spiralled deeper into turmoil following Moise’s killing.

Joseph pitched the idea as a way to safeguard key infrastructure such as the capital’s airport and main seaport.

However, the idea has met resistance from civil society groups, as well as retired soldiers in the country and ordinary citizens.

“We don’t want other countries to impose a government on us,” said Jose Maslin, 55, who repairs televisions and radios for a living, standing beneath a highway overpass in the capital’s western Delmas neighborhood.

On Tuesday, the Haitian Military Association, which represents retired officers, called on Haitian society to spare Haiti the “humiliation” of foreign intervention.

The association sharply criticized what it described as the lack of “patriotic” planning by the acting government, which it accused of opting “to rush into the ease of a request for intervention on national territory,” according to a statement.

Another group, representing civil society, called for a “Haitian-led” solution to the country’s crisis.

Pierre Esperance, the executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network, called on the U.S. to listen to and support diverse civil society groups during the transition in an article for Just Security.

“We fear the U.S. will do what it has always done:

Haitian police patrol the streets as protests were planned after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo/File Photo)

impose its own solution on Haiti, including by throwing its support behind the people and policies it thinks will be best for key U.S. interests,” he said.

Such views can be traced to a long history of foreign military footprints in Haiti, including a 1915 U.S. occupation that lasted 20 years, and more recent U.N. and U.S. troop deployments following political turmoil and natural disasters, some of which led to allegations of abuse.

The White House, on Monday, said it had not ruled out the possibility of troops, although U.S. officials have said the Pentagon sees no need to deploy. Washington sent a small group of fewer than a dozen personnel to shore up security at the U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince after the attack.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, spoke to Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS).

“The Secretary underscored the United States’ commitment to working with the

OAS and our international partners to help Haitian institutions restore security and to pave the way for free and fair legislative and presidential elections in 2021,” a spokesman for the department said.

“Secretary Blinken also expressed concern with the political and security situation the Haitian people are enduring and reiterated the United States’ support for democratic governance and stability in Haiti.”

REJECTING ‘FOREIGN

INTERVENTION The international community’s involvement threatens to worsen Haiti’s fragile situation, said Jake Johnston of the U.S.-based Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR).

“For far too long, foreign actors have sought to impose solutions from abroad,” Johnston said. “Those interventions bear significant responsibility for the current situation in Haiti and for the long-term undermining of Haiti’s democracy.”

Alex Dupuy, a Haitian sociologist at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, said, “Foreign intervention is not the solution, the solution is a

more accountable system of government but also greater economic opportunities and the creation of a better economy.”

The streets of the capital remained calm on Tuesday, despite calls for protests from a gang leader. Gangs remain in control of parts of the city, including key fuel supply routes.

Tires were set ablaze at makeshift blockades, including in front of the Justice Ministry where prosecutors interviewed witnesses to the assassination or others who may have information about the plot, including senior opposition figures.

Hoping to sell colorful clothes spread out on a plastic tarp on a busy street corner, 39-year-old Judithe Volcy said foreign troops would be unable to solve Haiti’s deeper problems.

“Look, Haiti’s economy is in horrible shape. Everything is so expensive. So many people just leave for the countryside, or those with money leave for other countries,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Irresponsible behaviours THERE is the adage that alludes to the fact that with position comes responsibility.

With regard to positions of public office, the two extremities of taking responsibility in the interest of the people and that of being irresponsible thereby working against the public’s interest, would have been noted. The latter continues to be characteristic of the current APNU+AFC opposition and a trait that was even evident when they were in government.

Their latest exhibition in this regard is the no-confidence motions (NCM) brought against two government ministers, Dr. Frank Anthony with responsibility for Health, and Robeson Benn who carries the Home Affairs portfolio. This must be seen from the standpoint of the Opposition deliberately trying to hinder progress within these two very important ministries.

In the case of health, the strides made just within a year, specifically with regard to COVID-19, and more especially the first few months of this People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government that took office on August 02,

2020, is incomparable to what transpired prior. The holistic interventions to combat the pandemic by this government, including the seeming unmatched efforts to make the necessary vaccines available, are exemplary when compared to many other nations.

That speaks to the unwavering commitment by the government to safeguard the welfare of the citizenry’s health, which is vital not just to life, but to further reopening the country to expand economic activity. As it is, COVID-19 vaccines are easily and freely available across the country, to the point where people are literally being begged to get inoculated.

Before the current government came to office, COVID-19 testing was minimal, due to the lack of capacity in terms of training, equipment and availability within the various regions. More so, it appears that there was a glaring absence of a plan on the part of APNU+AFC to respond to the pandemic and related impact. Now, with necessary equipment acquired allowing for testing to be ramped up and decentralized, and vaccination ongoing, the country is on

far better footing.

With regard to security-related issues, the fact that the government is making necessary interventions to ensure the safety of all is further demonstrative of that commitment to protect lives and property. That in itself breeds confidence in both the populace and foreign investors which have positive all-round impact. That is demonstrative of prudent leadership from the President and his ministers in responding to challenges faced by the populace.

In all the other sectors, ongoing developments are in keeping with promises made, and also to mitigate challenges that arise with time, and are all part of a visionary approach for transformative development. This is what responsible governments do; they work in the interest of the people. Therefore, any attempt to derail such efforts is woefully irresponsible, for it not only undermines development, but jeopardises the welfare of the people.

Therefore, the two no-confidence motions by APNU+AFC alluded to, can only be seen as a deliberate endeavour to stymie progress, and put at risk the

lives of the citizenry. All Guyanese are concerned about crime and its impact; all would want to be comforted that tangible efforts are being made by the government to keep them safe.

APNU+AFC’s NCM against the Home Affairs Minister must be seen as a purposeful ploy to undermine vital efforts to keep the populace safe. Similarly, the NCM against the Health Minister is designed to incapacitate all efforts to confront the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to safeguard the well-being of the nation. It’s difficult to reach a different conclusion, especially given the historical context of the characteristic of the APNU+AFC. The opposition is also expected to work in the best interest of the people, since they are elected. They also have a role to play in the development of the country, and must therefore act in a responsible manner. What is currently playing out is far from that.

The APNU+AFC’s push to waste taxpayers’ money to debate the pointless no-confidence motions further fortifies the belief that they are irresponsible.

Cane-cutter attendance a significant achievement!

Dear Editor,

THE GAWU welcomes Mr. Jonathan Yearwood’s letter titled, “To what extent are GuySuCo and GAWU cooperating in order to turn around the industry?” appearing in the July 13, 2021 edition of the Kaieteur News.

Indeed, like Mr. Yearwood, the GAWU was heartened to learn that the industry netted $734M more than anticipated, though realising 70 per cent of its anticipated production. It demonstrates that the GAWU is correct, and the sugar industry has every potential to turnaround and become viable. Certainly, we believe that with other ventures we have referred to in the past, even greater rewards could be reaped.

Mr. Yearwood questions whether our

union is supportive of the reality that around 70 per cent of the cane cutters are availing themselves to work daily.

Maybe it is that the letter writer is not familiar with the sugar industry, but the turnout statistic described is a significant achievement. Mr. Yearwood will well know that cane-cutting is a labourious task, and one that exacts a significant toll on cutters. Certainly, it is difficult, given the hardships of the task for all the workers to be present every single day. Cane cutters may wish they could be present at work daily, especially given they do not obtain year-round employment, but, at the same time, they are not by any means superhuman. While with the advent of mechanical loaders, the workers’ onerousness has lessened, and contributed to increased productivity, but yet it remains

a challenge for them to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, travel several miles into the cultivation, and cut and load several tonnes of cane, day after day. The fact that cane cutters can regularly accomplish such feats is testimony to their commitment and sheer strength and will.

The letter writer urges the GAWU to encourage more workers to turn out daily. As a responsible organization, we do advise sugar workers to avail themselves at work. But while calls are heightened for workers to present themselves during the cropping periods daily, during the off-crop periods, the workers are confined to four days’ work per week, sometimes with tasks that are taxing, and which they are unable to complete within their allotted work time. The point we wish to

make is that there must be some equity when speaking about workers attendance to work. Maybe the Corporation, with its strategy, can seek to address workers’ pay, which sees some of them earning just a bit over $2200 per day. Certainly, any worthwhile improvement can play a meaningful role.

Finally, we agree with Mr. Yearwood that the target is attainable.

We recognize, too, where the industry is coming from.

While the workers will seek to play their role, it requires several other factors to align as well.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine President GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

$29.2 M to rehabilitate Parika Market SOME $29.2 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation of the Parika market, bringing a new wave of development to the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three).

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall facilitated the signing of the contract between VAL’S Construction and his Ministry on Tuesday.

“This is part of our bud-

Chief Executive Officer of VAL’S Construction, Vedika Sahadeo (left) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Prema Roopnarine signs the contract (DPI photo)

getary support approved by the Government to enhance the infrastructure of the Parika Market. This work we expect will be done in the very near future, in a few months, so that those vendors who are terribly affected at Parika that they are going to be able to get back into the market, under better conditions of work,” Minister Dharamlall said.

The project will see the construction of 1,000 square feet of roof with translucent sheets, to allow natural light to illuminate the market. A 300-foot concrete and steel fencing will also be erected, along with a four-chamber sanitary facility.

Major works will also be done on the electrical distribution system.

Minister Dharamlall said with Government’s development vision, the issues facing vendors and consum-

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall witnesses the contract signing (DPI photo) ers would be alleviated.

“We are aware that many store owners are on the roadside towards the Stelling and as soon as this market is completed, this phase of rehabilitation, that many of those who are encumbering on the road, they will find space within the

market and we will have a much better business environment in Parika. So, we look forward to the contractor, beginning work very soon.”

The project is part of the $130 million set aside by the Local Government Ministry to upgrade the Parika, Char-

ity and Mon Repos markets.

The project will improve the aesthetics of the communities and will bring order to the markets, eliminating itinerant vending, while providing shoppers with a safer and peaceful space to conduct business. (DPI)

Man accused of murdering uncle remanded A 27-year-old man was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the murder of his 51-year-old uncle, Aubrey Jonas, following an argument over the unauthorised reaping of plantains.

Melroy Moore appeared, via Skype, at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Esther Sam, who was sitting at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on July 7, 2021, at Leguan Island, on the Essequibo River, he murdered Jonas.

He was remanded to prison until July 29.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that according to eyewitnesses, the argument started after Moore entered Jonas’ farmland at Phoenix, Leguan, and reaped the plan-

tains without being granted permission to do so.

After Moore left the farm, Jonas went after him with a cutlass and engaged him.

Jonas reportedly asked the suspect who gave him permission to reap his plantains, to which Moore responded: “You touch dem plantain and yuh gon see whuh gon happen to you!”

The men reportedly got

into a heated but short-lived argument, which ended with each going their separate ways.

However, Moore armed himself with a knife and went to the Phoenix Koker and sat, and as Jonas was walking past him, heading into the village, they started arguing again.

It is alleged that Jonas lashed Moore with the cutlass

he was carrying, whereupon the latter picked up a piece of wood and used it to clobber his uncle in the head. Moore reportedly made good his escape, while his uncle was rushed to the Leguan Cottage Hospital, where he later succumbed.

Moore was later arrested in an abandoned house in the village, and charged for the capital offence.

Melroy Moore

Kudos to GuySuCo; GAWU must work to reduce workers’ absenteeism Dear Editor, FINALLY, this nation has heard of some good news from GuySuCo. Mr. Sasenarine Singh, the CEO, stated that the company has surpassed its sales target of sugar and molasses for the first half of 2021 by $734 million, even though there was a shortfall in production. GuySuCo had set a target of 42,609 tonnes of sugar for the first crop, but was only able to produce 29,650 tonnes (29650/42609=69.6 per cent).

But according to Singh, the Corporation still raked in $5.9 billion.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the company on this achievement. It is a small step towards paying off the company’s monumental debt of $10.5 billion to Guyana, which the present government has lent GuySuCo since taking office in August 2020.

In an earlier statement, Mr. Singh lamented that only an average of 70 per cent of the cane cutters are opting to access employment across the six estates, and that mechanical

harvesters were becoming mandatory to complete the workforce.

This, it can be supposed, does not have the approval of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), which represents the cane cutters. Question: To what extent are GuySuCo and GAWU co-operating in order to turn around the industry? A daily average of 30 per cent absenteeism from any workforce is enough to have devastating effects on any industry, especially one which has been a huge financial burden on Guyana for many years. GAWU

needs to ensure that more of their members commit to the effort needed; an effort which could have facilitated GuySuCo’s target fulfillment.

Hopefully, for the second crop, GAWU will be able to reduce the level of absenteeism among its members, and assist GuySuCo in achieving its target of 54,811 MT. This target is achievable, but only if all stakeholders contribute fully.

Yours sincerely, Jonathan Yearwood

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Neglected New Washer Pond Road rebuilt to tune of $52M

PUBLIC WORKS Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Tuesday, commissioned the once dilapidated New Washer Pond Road in Linden, Region 10.

The $52 million road is outfitted with concrete drains and the requisite safety markings.

The work was executed by engineers from the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit.

Minister Edghill said that, to avoid erosion, heavy duty vehicles cannot be accommodated on the road at this time.

“That is at least one month to keep the big heavy trucks, 35 to 40 tonnes and sometimes 50 tonnes, way above what the axels can carry off these roads until we can get what the ordinary layman might call curing period.

To build a road and not have adequate drainage was like putting money in fire. It will just disappear after a while, so we had to address the issue of drainage.”

Head of the Special Projects Unit, Colin Gittens, said the ministry was able to address the issue that was causing the road to deteriorate.

“One of the major challenges is there was

a spring in the area. I do not know if it is an artesian spring or because of the specific location of the area, because we are in a valley; it could be there was water seeping out from the ponds above, but we have been able to harness the area, contain the water and allow it to free flow into the drains,” he said.

Mayor of Linden, Worship Waneka Arrin-

dell said the people of Linden appreciate the works executed by the ministry, as the road was in a derelict state for many years.

“Linden is grateful for this; this has been one of the major issues we have been facing over a couple of years as it relates to roads in Linden and we are grateful more so, that the problem that has been

plaguing us has been identified,” she said.

Mayor Arrindell said the Town Council will make every effort to maintain the road. Regional Chairman Deron Adams echoed these sentiments.

The rehabilitation of the roads is just one of many projects to be executed by the Government, in 2021, in the region. (DPI)

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, Head of the Special Projects Unit, Colin Gittens and Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell walking on the rehabilitated road (DPI photo)

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Senior Finance Minister tours Texila American University

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

_ alludes to President Irfaan Ali’s vision for diversification of the economy including through world class education and health care

AS Government continues to place focus on the diversification of Guyana’s economy through the strengthening of new and emerging sectors, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Tuesday, visited the Texila American University.

The minister, during a tour of the facility, met with the university’s Dean, Dr. Dheeraj Bhansal and other university representatives, a release said.

Dr Singh’s visit was primarily to gain a better understanding of the institution’s progress since its establishment in Guyana in 2011 and to discuss the university’s future plans for expansion.

Upon learning about the progress at the institution and the number of persons, comprising Guyanese and other foreign nationals, who have graduated in the field of medicine thus far, Minister Singh commended the officials for this major achievement and for their investment in such a facility.

He also noted that the institution boasts a modern and well-equipped campus which has produced to date, over 400 licensed medical doctors currently practising not only in Guyana, but also worldwide.

“There was once the point when we used to send our students elsewhere to study

medicine and come back to Guyana. We now have the very interesting phenomenon, the reverse phenomenon that young medical students are coming from the rest of the world to Guyana, studying to become a doctor, qualifying as doctors and going on to practise medicine, not only in Guyana but some of them have gone back to their home countries -- Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Africa and India. It is extremely pleasing for me to observe how this private sector educational institution responded to the investment environment that we had created pre-2015 years, grew over the years and is now poised for even greater growth,” Minister Singh emphasised.

During the visit, the Senior Finance Minister spoke with some of the foreign students and alluded to President Irfaan Ali’s vision for diversification of the Guyanese economy and Guyana’s potential as a destination for world class education and health care. Additionally, he posited that institution’s like Texila will aid in the country’s development.

“In our first budget when we returned to office in 2020, one of the initiatives was to remove the corporation tax on education and medical facilities. That was intended to even further enhance Guyana’s attractiveness as a destination for investment in

education and healthcare and we see this not just from the point of view of widening the options that are available to Guyanese students… but we see investment in education and health care as a business.

Also, from the economic standpoint, we see this as an important economic development,” Minister Singh said.

He outlined the fact that because the institution exists, it means that jobs are being created in the form of administrative staff, other support staff and also through the provision of support services.

“When international students come to Guyana not only do they come and pay their tuition fees, but they live in Guyana, they rent accommodation in Guyana, they consume goods and services, they interact with Guyanese,” he reminded.

Texila University came to Guyana in 2011 and acquired the plot of land on which the institution was constructed in 2014 as part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s agenda to develop Providence and the East Bank area as a major corridor for economic development. Government had also indicated then, its recognition of Guyana as a potential destination for investment in new and emerging sectors including specialised education and specialised healthcare.

Texila University came to Guyana in 2011 and acquired the plot of land on which the institution was constructed in 2014 (Ministry of Finance photo)

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh during his tour of the Texila American University campus (Ministry of Finance photo)

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WIST dance conference set for July 15-17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Team members at the 2017 dance conference WORSHIP in Spirit and in Truth Ministries International (WIST) Inc. on July 15-17, 2021, will be hosting its highly anticipated dance conference under the theme “Iron Sharpens Iron (Proverbs 27:17),” at the Open Bible Church, located at Lamaha and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown.

The conference will cater for dancers five years and older.

Executive member, Jade Ogle-Primo, said, in a media release, that expectations are high as dance ministers across the country prepare their dance teams to attend the fifth hosting of the annual conference that is known to be informative, uplifting, and life-changing.

She noted that there will be sessions, both physically and virtually, beginning on Thursday, July 15, in the afternoon and continuing throughout Friday and Saturday. The conference will come to an end on Saturday evening.

Primo-Ogle stated that all the necessary COVID-19 protocols will be observed in order to protect students and teachers and their loved ones.

“We at WIST see it necessary to rise above and quickly adapt to the new way of life while staying safe and taking the necessary precautions,” she added.

The international facilitators and dance teachers for the conference are Apostle Sumaya White from the United States of America and Pastor Bryant Henry from Trinidad and Tobago.

Apostle Sumaya White White is a choreographer, movement expert, author, and minister who has taught around the world for more than 25 years.

Pastor Bryant, who graduated from the Open Bible School of Theology, specialises in the ministry of mime.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Significant strides made in health, security sectors –– say Teixeira, Datadin

By Richard Bhainie

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira and People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjeev Datadin, elaborated on a number of accomplishments the PPP/C government has made since its assumption of office less than one year ago, during a television show on the National Communications Network (NCN).

They were at the time speaking on the no-confidence motions against Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, filed by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, which contended that the two ministers had persistently demonstrated inability to effectively undertake their duties in their sectors.

“If they want to bring the thing we can go right back into the past and show how their master security plan did nothing in the period and with health, how can they dare? They should be mortified to go to the Parliament and say that we haven’t handled COVID-19 properly,” Teixeira said.

While sharing his thoughts, Datadin listed a number of measures the Government had already initiated to support the health and security sectors.

He mentioned the ‘Container Courts’ at the Lusignan Prison barracks and the Cecil Kilkenny Training College, East Coast of Demerara which came into being to ensure criminal matters were not halted in the court system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They are equipped with WiFi … broadband, so that trials can take place because going in and out of the prison is a risk; you can’t afford an outbreak of COVID in the prisons … the prisoners can go to these cabins, sit down, be virtually present so their matters move forward – these are all advancements that assist in reducing the burdens of the prison system” he said.

Datadin also pronounced on the Leader of the Opposition’s approach to the COVID-19 vaccination drive. He posited that in the middle of a pandemic, Harmon was “playing games” with which vaccines should be administered, where the vaccines should be sourced, where it should

be bought and what the cost should be.

WE VALUE LIFE “The Vice-President said it clearly at his press conference weeks before that we would have paid anything because that’s the value that this government puts on Guyanese life.

He’s quarrelling over US$10, that’s the value, US$10 is the value of a life, is it that cheap? We should pay anything to get it to our people,” he said.

“Understand the world of geopolitics; Guyana is a small, small country. We don’t have the clout of the big nations, so Pfizer, Moderna, all of these vaccines even the vaccines we’re buying – buying it directly from the source is not always possible, we got to get it wherever we can get it, from whomever, as long as it is authorised” he added Datadin explained that the move to purchase Sputnik V vaccines from the Office of Admed Dalmook Al Maktoum was a move directed by the Russian Sovereign Fund, who informed that the Sheik Al Maktoum was the distributor.

“If he wants to sell it for what he wants to sell it, what do we do? We have no choice, this is a pandemic.

The virus is getting worse… it’s more infectious. You have to protect yourselves and the only way is to get the vaccines,” Datadin said.

Datadin cited the “one line” motions moved by Harmon, which he opines has “nothing to discuss” as the motion does not highlight the shortcomings of the ministers it is being moved against – “we shouldn’t have to waste parliamentary time figuring out what he intends,” Datadin said.

“I think Mr. Harmon is having difficulty understanding … how much we have done in 10 months that they were able to do in five years; they are spinning from that, they can’t comprehend and therefore they are scratching at things to try to distract,” Teixeira said.

She also highlighted a number of measures the Government has implemented since its assumption of office, noteworthy: the reduction of taxes; the increase of the school uniform allowance; the opening of the tender process and the school cash grant which will commence shortly.

In addressing health and security under the AP-

NU+AFC, she scrutinised the previous administration for investing money into the prison at Lusignan, extending the facility, when the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent condemned the Lusignan Prison for being inhumane.

This was highlighted in a press release from the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner dated October 9, 2017, titled “Guyana: Crisis in justice and penitentiary systems greatly affect human rights, UN experts warn.”

That release had stated “Major deficiencies in the justice and prison systems in Guyana, including a jail not fit for human habitation, are having a disproportionate impact on people of African descent, a group of UN human rights experts had said after visiting the country.”

She highlighted that in 2015 former President, Brigadier (Ret’d.) David Granger, entered the government on the premise of his security expertise, surrounded by former members of the Defence Force.

ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING “What did they accomplish? They accomplished nothing.

Police stations did not have equipment, didn’t have proper facilities, police didn’t have capacity to move around, some of the systems weren’t working, a whole range of things,” she said.

“If the Speaker allows us, we have a lot to say. We have a lot to say not only about what we’ve done in trying to improve the situation even in the way traffic is being handled and trying to reduce corruption amongst the Police Force … those are small steps but important ones, in 10 months,” she added.

She stated, further, that since coming into power, the PPP/C government had taken steps to equip and boost the image of the Police Force.

Touching on the health sector she reminded of how hundreds of volunteers from the PPP/C took the initiative to hand-sew cloth masks, 200,000 of which were made and distributed nationwide.

“It wasn’t enough but it was something. Their government didn’t give out one mask, even in the hospitals they didn’t have

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP, Sanjeev Datadin masks. They didn’t have personal protective equipment (PPE), they didn’t have drugs, they didn’t

have oxygen etc,” she said.

“So if they want to come with that motion, I think they will leave the Parliament like a sent ice melting in the sun; they don’t have any feet to stand on and so this is how I think it’s grandstanding and maybe they are trying to show that they are radical but they should be embarrassed,” she said.

The minister also highlighted the Opposition’s response to the major flooding in Guyana, their dissemination of information in relation to the COVID-19 vaccination programme and the fiasco which followed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

‘_Sseveral teady decline’ in active COVID-19 cases recorded hotspots being monitored

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has indicated that the country over the last few weeks, has been seeing a “steady decline” in the number of active COVID-19 cases.

As of July 5, 2021, the number of active cases recorded was 1,623.

Minister Anthony disclosed that as of July 13, 2021, the number of active cases was 1,321 which indicated that 302 persons had recovered from the virus during a one-week period.

“We have 1,321 active cases as of today so if you’ve been looking at numbers over the last couple of weeks,

we would have seen a relative decline in the number of active cases.

Over the last 24 hours we have had 56 new cases and as you know we would monitor people for approximately 10 days or so and once the two last days they haven’t shown any signs or symptoms, then we are able to discharge them.

So, using this WHO criteria, we have been able to discharge people,” the Health Minister stated.

Even as the ministry continues to see a decline in active cases, Minister Anthony highlighted that several communities across the country were being monitored

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

as COVID-19 hotspots.

He indicated that these communities had been seeing clusters of positive COVID-19 cases being confirmed from one area and this had led to the ministry monitoring them.

“We’re monitoring Sisters Village [Region Three] where we have approximately 20 cases…Region Four, the area that we are monitoring is Sophia where we have about 20 cases.

Region Six continues to

be a little bit problematic, and we currently have in New Amsterdam, 32 cases,” he said.

The minister added: “In Region Nine, over the last three weeks or so, we have seen a surge in cases and right now we have 39 cases in St. Ignatius, 33 cases in Lethem, another 19 cases in Tapachinga, and in Region 10, we have at Wismar and Mabura 17 cases each.”

He noted that government was continuing with its fight against the virus and was encouraging everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

Those included the wearing of face masks, proper sanitisation and adequate social distancing.

Persons are also being encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Government has been rolling out an aggressive COVID-19 vaccination programme which gives anyone above the age of 18 the opportunity to receive a vaccine. Currently, government is offering first and second doses of the Russian-produced Sputnik V vaccine, Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine, and the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

As of July 13, 239,877 or 49.3% of adult Guyanese had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Of this amount, about 120,914, or 24.8 per cent had received both doses.

Senior OSH officers being professionally upgraded SENIOR Occupational and Safety (OSH) Officers attached to the Ministry of Labour (MoL), on Monday, began a five-day training on the ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Occupational Health Safety Management Systems.

The training is part of the MoL OSH Department Virtual General/Oil and Gas Industry Refresher and Lead Auditor Training Programme.

The certification will play a major role in the OSH officers’ work in the manufacturing, energy, industrial and marine sectors.

Some of the training topics being covered during the training include workplace hygiene and illness prevention; guidance for cleaning and disinfecting; job hazard analysis/risk assessment; walking, working surfaces and fall protection; safety leadership; hazard recognition programmes; ergonomic hazards in general industry; accident investigation: basic; scaffold safety; confined space safety; stairway and ladder safety and personal protective and life-saving equipment.

The training programme is the brainchild of Minister Joseph Hamilton, who has continually emphasised his goal to reduce the number of workplace accidents across all sectors in Guyana, particularly through capacity building.

“The minister has been

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

actively ensuring that the ministry has OSH officers that are efficient and trained at the highest technical levels so that they can properly monitor all sectors,” a release from the ministry noted.

During the opening of the training on Monday, Minister Hamilton highlighted that it is important for OSH officers to be competent and respectable in executing their mandates.

The minister also emphasised the importance of OSH and proper monitoring, highlighting the need for adherence to OSH laws by

all organisations, including government agencies.

Since assuming office last August, the minister has pledged to ensure Guyana has the most robust labour sector.

Also present at Monday’s opening session were OSH Consultant, Gweneth King; Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn; Trainer and Principal Consultant/ Business Crisis Consultant, Garth Vincent; and MoL Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Orealla residents complain about illegal crossing RESIDENTS of Orealla, East Berbice-Corentyne have requested an increase in inter-agency collaboration to counter illegal border crossing while asking for smart policing and a professional approach to citizens by law enforcement.

This was highlighted recently when the Deputy Commissioner Operations (ag), Clifton Hicken, and other senior security officials visited the riverine community of Orealla where they met with residents, in an effort to build partnership and trust between the members of the community and the Guyana Police Force.

Concerns raised by residents were also addressed by the Deputy Commission-

er (ag) Clifton Hicken.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner (ag), Hicken; Colonel General Staff (GS) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Colonel Julius Skeete; Regional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan; and Deputy Commander, Superintendent Himnauth Sawh also met with several business entities at the Line Path Airstrip Ground, Corentyne, Berbice, where a range of issues were raised and addressed.

The meeting also addressed methods to avert corruption as well as greater monitoring and enforcement of COVID-19 measures and vaccination drive.

The issues and concerns raised were addressed

by Deputy Commissioner

Hicken and Colonel Julius Skeete.

Also present and making meaningful contributions at the meeting were the Mayor of Corriverton, Winston Roberts; Hemant Narain, Chairman of the Springlands Station Management Committee; Valmiki Dilchandr, Chairman of the Crabwood Creek Neighbourhood Democratic Council; Fizal Ally, Overseer of Crabwood Creek and Molsen Creek Neighborhood Democratic Council; T. Arjune, Liaison Officer for Corriverton Community Policing Group; and R. Europe and team from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the GDF.

Security officials addressing the concerns of residents of Orealla

Deputy Commissioner Hicken (fourth from left) speaks to other senior officers at the stakeholders’ meeting in Orealla

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

COVID-19 death toll at 499

TWO more COVID-19 deaths, announced by the Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, have taken the COVID-19 death toll for July to 23 and

the overall COVID-19 toll to 499.

The latest fatalities are a 50-year-old female and a 79-year-old male, both from Region Four, who

succumbed to the virus while receiving medical care at Ministry of Health facilities.

Additionally, the Health Ministry has re-

corded 53 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,505 tests carried out for July 12, 2021.

Of these, Region One recorded three; Region Two, one; Region Three, 11; Region Four, 12; Region Five, three; Region Six, 22; and Region Nine, one.

The newly infected persons were 29 males and 24 females.

To date, 10 persons occupy the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while 77 are institutionally isolated, 1,209 are

isolated at home, and three in institutional quarantine.

Of Guyana’s 21,055 confirmed cases since the advent of COVID-19 in Guyana, 1,299 are currently being monitored, while 160 of Guyana’s 19,260 recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when

leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb 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 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

US Embassy to host medical outreach in Region One

THE United States Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP), is set to host a five-day medical outreach in the Region One communities of Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, next month.

Head of the embassy’s civil affairs team, Greg Talbert, disclosed that medical personnel will be working in the region from August 2 to 6.

The outreach will facilitate both local and international personnel who

will provide the residents with medical treatment for varying health issues.

A US team of doctors from the Global Medical and Surgical Support Group, who are specialists in various fields of medicine, will be conducting medical testing and treatment in areas inclusive of hypertension, dentistry, minor surgery, and even identification and treatment of skin diseases and other health issues.

Talbert noted that a main area of focus for the

outreach will be women’s health and, as such, trained medical persons will be deployed to provide obstetrics and gynaecology care and other services that would cater directly to the specific needs of women in the aforementioned communities.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the initiative is expected to target approximately 1,000 persons in Mabaruma and an additional 1,000 in Port Kaituma. It is anticipated that this will be the largest

From left: Head of the US embassy’s civil affairs team, Greg Talbert; CIOG General Manager, Shameena Haniff, and member of the embassy’s media information team, Dennis Cruz number of persons ever targeted at any of the local outreaches facilitated by the programme.

Talbert told this publication that with the current health focus being placed primarily on the fight against the COVID-19 virus, the embassy believes that this is the optimal opportunity to host this initiative.

He highlighted that the initiative will not just reach Guyanese citizens but also Venezuelans who are living in those communities.

Talbert stated that based on initial assessments, the embassy has been able to deduce that several Venezuelans are making their way into Guyana via the borders and, like the residents of the two communities, they would also need medical attention.

He noted that the idea for this type of exercise came following a recently concluded training exercise for medical practitioners in the region. The training, which was executed by the embassy, is expected to improve the range of services available to the residents of the region.

“Those communities, we choose them as a follow-up from the initiative we facilitated in March where we had a medical education exercise with medical practitioners there, and from that they would have identified a lot of needs for services.

So, this is a follow-up from that where we would now deliver on services to address those needs this time,” said Talbert.

He noted that the team, which consists of local and international doctors, surgeons and medical ex-

perts, will begin work in Port Kaituma on August 2, and will make their way by boat on August 4 to Mabaruma to continue the outreach.

One of the notable parts of the outreach, he said, will be the provision of surgical services at the Port Kaituma Hospital. He stated that surgeons, who have received Ministry of Health approval, will assess the need for the residents and will be able to perform minor surgeries.

Additionally, he noted that the outreach would be used as a means of highlighting the needs of residents which would be addressed by government and other non-governmental organisations.

Dennis Cruz, a member of the embassy’s media information team, noted that the initiative would greatly impact the lives of the residents who, according to him, have reported that they do not always have access to medical outreaches of this magnitude.

“It’s going to affect them tremendously. This is an opportunity that’s like a one-stop shop. They can go around and see doctor after doctor, probably get medicine, supplies, vitamins for their families and I can almost bet that they are in dire need of this… not saying the ministry hasn’t facilitated this or that the residents aren’t healthy, but an extra hand is always positive, it never hurt anybody,” said Cruz.

PharmX, Guyana Medical Relief, and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) are also partnering with the embassy to ensure that the necessary services and medical supplies will be provided to the residents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Severe flooding returns to parts of Region Ten

FOLLOWING 72 hours of heavy rainfall, several communities in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) were, once again, experiencing severe flooding.

Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, told the Guyana Chronicle, on Tuesday, that water levels in Kwakwani, Malali, Hururu, Landersville and Muritaro had risen.

“Because of heavy rain-

Regional Chairman of Region Ten, Deron Adams fall, water levels rose about six inches at Hururu and approximately 12 inches at Kwakwani,” Adams disclosed during the telephone interview.

He said the residents of Landersville would have reported that water was still under their houses and that persons were still being housed at the shelters in that community.

“In the case of Malali, I understand that persons had started to move back to their homes. The water hasn’t fully receded but they have started to go back to their homes,” Adams said.

He noted that approximately 140 persons are still being housed in shelters across the region.

In May, the regional authorities had declared the region to be in a “severe state” since water levels had risen above 15 feet, completely covering several houses.

Recently, the Guyana Chronicle reported that water levels were dropping significantly and that persons were returning to their respective homes from shelters.

Meanwhile, Adams related to this publication that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) had exhausted its resources in responding to reports of severe flooding across the region.

“We would have utilised a lot of our resources not in anticipation of this flood. We didn’t cater for it, but we had to use resources and things like monies for transportation, the movement of donations to and from storage, to those who are in need,” he said.

He stated that the RDC had already used up its fuel supply and for the past few weeks

had contracted private transportation to transport hampers, cleaning supplies and other flood relief items to residents.

“We would have raided our fuel supply at the RDC. We would have sent through

a request for fuel and we are hoping that that request is fulfilled to take us through the six months that we have remaining in the year.”

Adams noted that a report had also been submitted to the

Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with the hope that the region will be assisted with its immediate needs.

“We have been in contact with the CDC. We would have submitted to them some key

things that we would like to see them making available to the region,” he said.

Additionally, Adams related that several roads and bridges across the region had been damaged.

“We are dealing with erosion in most of these communities.

We have submitted a list of capital and emergency works to central government,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

UN report: Pandemic year marked by spike in world hunger

THERE was a dramatic worsening of world hunger in 2020, much of it likely related to the fallout of COVID-19, the UN said on Monday. While the pandemic’s impact has yet to be fully mapped, a multi-agency report estimates that around a tenth of the global population, up to 811 million people, were undernourished last year. The number suggests it will take a tremendous effort for the world to honour its pledge to end hunger by 2030.

This year’s edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is the first global assessment of its kind in the pandemic era. The report is jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund

(UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Previous editions had already put the world on notice that the food security of millions, many children among them, was at stake.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to expose weaknesses in our food systems, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of people around the world,” the heads of the five UN agencies wrote in this year’s Foreword.

They go on to warn of a “critical juncture”, even as they pin fresh hopes on increased diplomatic momentum. “This year offers a unique opportunity for advancing food security and nutrition through transforming food systems with the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, the Nutrition for Growth Summit and the COP26 on

A fruit vendor on the beach in Viet Nam (FAO photo)

climate change,” the five said, adding: “The outcome of these events will go on to shape the [...] second half of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition,” a global policy commitment yet to hit its stride.

THE NUMBERS IN DETAIL Already in the mid-2010s,

hunger had started creeping upwards, dashing hopes of irreversible decline. Disturbingly, in 2020, hunger shot up in both absolute and proportional terms, outpacing population growth: some 9.9 per cent of all people are estimated to have been undernourished last year, up from 8.4 per cent in 2019.

More than half of all undernourished people (418 million) live in Asia; more than a third (282 million) in Africa; and a smaller proportion (60 million) in Latin America and the Caribbean. But the sharpest rise in hunger was in Africa, where the estimated prevalence of undernourishment, at 21 per cent of the population, is more than double that of any other region.

On other measurements, too, the year 2020 was sombre. Overall, more than 2.3 billion people (or 30 per cent of the global population) lacked year-round access to adequate food: this indicator, known as the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity, leapt in one year as much in as the preceding five combined. Gender inequality deepened: For every 10 food-insecure men, there were 11 food-insecure women in 2020 (up from 10.6 in 2019).

Malnutrition persisted in all its forms, with children paying a high price: In 2020, over 149 million under-fives are estimated to have been stunted, or too short for their age; more than 45 million

wasted, or too thin for their height; and nearly 39 million overweight. A full three-billion adults and children remained locked out of healthy diets, largely due to excessive costs. Nearly a third of women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia. Globally, despite progress in some areas -- more infants, for example, are being fed exclusively on breast milk -- the world is not on track to achieve targets for any nutrition indicators by 2030.

OTHER HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION DRIVERS In many parts of the world, the pandemic has triggered brutal recessions and jeopardised access to food.

Yet even before the pandemic, hunger was spreading; progress on malnutrition lagged.

This was all the more so in nations affected by conflict, climate extremes or other economic downturns, or battling high inequality - all of which the report identifies as major drivers of food insecurity, which in turn interact.

On current trends, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World estimates that Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger by 2030) will be missed by a margin of nearly 660 million people. Of these 660 million, some 30 million may be linked to the pandemic’s lasting effects.

WHAT CAN (STILL) BE DONE As outlined in last year’s report, transforming food systems is essential to achieve food security, improve nutrition and put healthy diets within reach of all. This year’s edition goes further to outline six “transformation pathways”. These, the authors say, rely on a “coherent set of policy and investment portfolios” to counteract the hunger and malnutrition drivers.

Depending on the particular driver (or combina-

tion of drivers) confronting each country, the report urges policymakers to: Integrate humanitarian, development and peacebuilding policies in conflict areas - for example, through social protection measures to prevent families from selling meagre assets in exchange for food; Scale up climate resilience across food systems - for example, by offering smallholder farmers wide access to climate risk insurance and forecast-based financing; Strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable to economic adversity - for example, through in-kind or cash support programmes to lessen the impact of pandemic-style shocks or food price volatility; Intervene along supply chains to lower the cost of nutritious foods for example, by encouraging the planting of biofortified crops or making it easier for fruit and vegetable growers to access markets; Tackle poverty and structural inequalities - for example, by boosting food value chains in poor communities through technology transfers and certification programmes; and Strengthen food environments and changing consumer behaviour - for example, by eliminating industrial trans fats and reducing the salt and sugar content in the food supply, or protecting children from the negative impact of food marketing.

The report also calls for an “enabling environment of governance mechanisms and institutions” to make transformation possible.

It enjoins policymakers to consult widely; to empower women and youth; and to expand the availability of data and new technologies. Above all, the authors urge, the world must act now - or watch the drivers of hunger and malnutrition recur with growing intensity in coming years, long after the shock of the pandemic has passed. (FAO)

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APNU+AFC’s Mc Donald allegedly trying to derail education cash grant distribution

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

T H E p a re n t s o f o v e r 172,000 learners will tomorrow, for the first time since 2015, begin uplifting their “Because We Care Grant”.

Though this initiative, which was resuscitated by the government, serves as a means of alleviating some of the financial burdens on them, there are purported efforts afoot to derail and obstruct the distribution process.

Reports seen by this newspaper claim that A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Parliamentarian and General-Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald has sought to discourage teachers from participating in the distribution of the grants.

McDonald, by virtue of her position within the GTU, has influence in the public school system. According to the claims, she solicited

the support of teachers in derailing the exercise, which is seen as a crucial initiative at this time, because the COVID-19 pandemic and other external shocks have driven up the cost of living.

The Guyana Chronicle made several attempts to contact McDonald for a response to the claims made against her, but they all proved futile.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, in a post on her Facebook Page, said: “It is bizarre to me that any person, or political party or any of their affiliates would object to Guyana’s families being assisted with $19,000 per child.

“But then, it was bizarre, too, that Guyana was forced to wait five months after our election to have a legitimate government.”

While not referring specifically to the claims being made against McDonald, Minister Manickchand said: “The APNU+AFC just

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand

doesn’t do anything sensible, logical or lawful. Reject them, as they try to deny you this grant. We are here, and we will bring you this goodness; every public school child. Because we care! See you when I come into your community.”

Body of Harbour Bridge jumper washes ashore

DEAD: Dellon Thorn

THE body of a man who allegedly jumped off the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Sunday was found early Tuesday morning when a jogger stumbled upon his partly decomposed remains at the Kingston, Georgetown seashore.

Before jumping, Dellon Thorn had parked his

black CG motorcycle with registration CH 4923 on the bridge with the engine still on.

Police said that the body was discovered at about 06:30 hrs, and was positively identified by relatives, before being taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await an autopsy.

Reports are that the “Because We Care Grant” is valued at $15,000 this year, while the “School Uniform and Supplies Grant” is valued at $4,000; this means that each child in the public education system will be entitled to $19,000.

Approximately 172,000 learners are set to benefit from this programme, bringing the overall cost to $3.2 billion. And, unlike last year, the School Uniform and Supplies Grant will not be given in the form of a voucher, but rather in cash. The School Uniform and Supplies Grant was increased last year from $2000 to $4000.

The Ministry of Education said that it aims to serve each child before September 2021, when the new school term is set to begin.

“This initiative of the Government of Guyana is to provide assistance to families, so that they can provide the necessary resources to their children, so that they cannot only remain in school, but also excel in their studies,” the ministry said.

The “Because We Care” grant was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government prior to demitting office

in 2015. At the time, the programme afforded each child in the public school system $10,000.

The programme was implemented with the aim of providing support to parents with school-age children, and increasing their disposable income, with a view to increasing school enrolment and attendance rates across the country.

When the APNU+AFC assumed office in 2015, it discontinued the grant.

During the lead-up to the March 2, 2020 elections, the PPP/C had promised to reinstate the programme.

This has since been re-introduced by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and the Irfaan Aliled Government.

The government has also committed to increasing the Because We Care cash grant incrementally each year, until it reaches $50,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Work to commence on fish ponds in Region Six

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha has met with stakeholders of Region Six to discuss projects relating to aquaculture development.

During the meeting, which was held at the Albion Sports Complex, Minister Mustapha told stakeholders that the Fisheries Department is scheduled to commence works this week to develop new fish ponds in the region.

“In the coming week, we’ll start the work to create various ponds across Region Six. The Fisheries Depart-

ment will start the earth work in terms of putting in the tubes and so. Based on the list that was created, our officers will make contact with you so that we can commence those works. Two excavators will be made available to do those works,” Minister Mustapha said.

The minister also told stakeholders that the government’s long-term goal is have a hatchery and feed- mill so that the necessary shrimp species can be provided to supply the sector. This, he added, will be done in a more

controlled and scientific way.

The minister also said the Fisheries Department had conducted a survey which determined that it should move ahead with establishing the ponds and also outlined the most suited areas.

“The Fisheries Department was tasked with conducting a survey in Region Six to determine the number of farmers that we have and what is needed to move ahead with what we have planned for the region’s aquaculture sector. By the end of this year, we want to double the

Stakeholders who attended the meeting on Saturday (DPI photo)

production of brackish-water shrimp from 250,000 kilograms to 500,000 kilograms.

All of the technical advice is showing that we can achieve that target. That would entail a number of interventions from the government.

“I want to assure you that we will not compromise any sea defence structure.

Our technical people have already submitted a report to us showing where these

ponds will be established.

We are not doing this to only improve your livelihood in terms of income. We want to increase the capacity of the shrimp production in Region Six while creating employment for people. These interventions have to be translated to the other sectors because it is part of the government’s overall plan for development and economic growth.”

During a recent visit to

Black Bush Polder, Minister Mustapha told residents that a private individual had expressed interest in establishing such a facility on the Corentyne Coast. The minister also told residents that along with the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, he will be meeting with the individual to have further discussions, with the hope of moving forward with establishing the processing plant. (DPI)

Police Lance Corporal collapses, dies in house

A 44-year-old Lance Corporal, attached to the Springlands Police Station, collapsed and died at his home around 05:30hrs on Tuesday.

Dead is Albert Perreira of Reid Street, Sheet Anchor, Berbice.

The man’s wife told investigators that she was awakened by Perreira who was lying on the floor in the hall and having difficulty breathing.

As a result, she went for

Dead: Albert Perreira

a glass of water to give him and when she returned she observed that he was motionless.

Divisional Commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan empathies with a relative of the late Lance Corporal during a visit to their home on Tuesday

Police said that the woman immediately contacted the New Amsterdam Hospital for an ambulance but was unable to get one.

As such, she then contacted the police, who visited and observed the man lying in the hall motionless. The body was checked for marks of violence but none was seen.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital. The body is currently at the Persaud Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy.

Meanwhile, divisional commander, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan and his team visited the relatives of the late Lance Corporal.

The commander related to the man’s wife that he (Perreira) was always a jovial, hardworking and energetic individual and he will be missed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and more so, by residents of Region Six whom he served.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Scores turn out for second-dose Sputnik V vaccine

The Ministry of Health has started the administration of second doses of the Sputnik V vaccine at sites across the country.

DPI visited the Ministry’s Brickdam office on Tuesday, where scores of persons turned out for their second ‘jabs’.

Many individuals said they were pleased that the vaccine is finally here, following delays in shipment.

Shontel Warde said she has not experienced any side effects after receiving her first shot, and is encouraging others to take their ‘jabs’.

“I feel good, I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get the second dose in time.”

Doodnauth Sooknarine was happy to receive his second dose, noting that the vaccination process is efficient.

“I will encourage everyone, when I said everyone to go out, for those who are of the age eighteen and above

Second dose of the Sputnik V Vaccine being administered to a patient (DPI photo)

Persons who came out to take their second dose of the vaccine (DPI photo)

to please go out and have yourself vaccinated.

“The process is very simple. I’m amazed, I was here for like an hour but there were at least about 40-50 persons ahead of me, the timings

I would say like two to three minutes because there was a backlog like 40-50 there before me. So once again, I’ll advise everyone to go out and have yourself vaccinated.”

Meanwhile, Ambrose

FAO, NAREI launch virtual agro-ecology training THE Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) for a two-day Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) virtual training.

TAPE is an innovative framework established to provide policymakers and stakeholders with information on how agroecology can contribute to sustainable food and agricultural systems.

The exercise targets several youths from the Central Rupununi district and NAREI’s extension officers.

FAO Country Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith, said the forum forms part of the project, “Enhancing production of and access to nutrition-dense food through social protection programmes.”

She said the initiative was conceptualised over a year ago, with the aim of providing a case study on how the livelihoods of farmers could be supported, while improving nutrition of school-age children.

In May, FAO and NAREI signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) to understand the agro-ecological status of smallholder farms in two Administrative regions; explore the synergies that exist on the ground between social protection programmes and develop farmer-field school curricula that would be linked to implementation of a pilot home-grown school-feeding programme.

“FAO and NAREI have historically shared a great col-

FAO Country Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith and NAREI’s CEO, Jagnarine Singh, hold the Letter of Agreement (DPI photo)

laboration and we are excited to support the agency to complete this very important LOA within the given timelines; but more importantly colleagues, it is not just about meeting the deadlines and spending the funds, it is more so about ensuring that this innovative change effort is made sustainable beyond the life of this LOA and the Project,” Dr. Smith said.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer, Jagnarine Singh, underscored that the initiative will create guaranteed market for farmers which will lead to food sustainability.

“We will continue to make sure that the agriculture sector in Guyana grows from strength to strength. I cannot over-emphasise the fact that the Minister of Agriculture continues to talk about this; His Excellency, Dr. Ali continues to talk about this, that Guyana is rightfully taking its place in CARICOM as the breadbasket as it relates to agriculture,” Singh noted.

Meanwhile, Agroecology and Livestock Specialist, Dario Lucantoni, explained the importance of TAPE, noting that it

uses agroecology for measuring the performance of any kind of agricultural system across the different dimensions (social, economic, environmental, health and governance.)

He said TAPE collects data at the farm level, but provide information and results at community and territorial level.

Further, he said diversification is key to agroecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources.

Meanwhile, for the first time in the history of TAPE, the methodology will be administered within the context of school feeding and social protection programmatic areas. The Administration was able to customise the data collection tool to capture field data on social protection programmes, which will be administered by 23 enumerators identified from NAREI, to over 200 households in Regions Five and Nine. Agroecology is sustainable farming that works with nature. (DPI)

Thomas said she feels much better now that she has received her second dose of the vaccine and is encouraging others to do the same.

“I feel better now that I’m fully vaccinated; I encourage others to take their vaccine to safeguard their loved ones and the people that they care

about.”

Gewansawh Ramsarran said he took the first dose of the vaccine in April. He said he was never afraid of the vaccines.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Tuesday, said there has been a noticeable increase in persons

coming out for their vaccines.

Dr. Anthony reminded persons that the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine will be given to individuals whose timelines for second ‘jab’ are closer.

“Which means that persons who would have received their first dose Sputnik in April are now going to be due for their second dose. We want those persons to have their second dose now and, therefore, the others who got their first dose later can hold on a little bit and they would get their second dose in due course.” Individuals due for their second doses of the other Covid vaccines are advised to get their ‘jabs’ as soon as possible. (DPI)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Green Climate Fund accredits IICA to implement climate-resilient agriculture projects

THE Green Climate Fund (GCF) has accredited the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) to implement projects funded by its loan portfolio, enabling the hemispheric agency to access resources to support climate adaptation and resilience

initiatives for agriculture and rural areas in the countries of the Americas.

With the accreditation granted by the GCF in early July, IICA can apply for resources to develop projects with a maximum value of US$50 million per initiative.

“IICA’s accreditation

during the 29th meeting of the Board of Directors of the GCF represents a key improvement in the Fund’s capacity to support the climate needs of the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Soil-based solutions play a pivotal role in overcoming the climate crisis and we look forward to

partnering with IICA to help achieve its regional climate ambitions through innovative agricultural solutions,” commented Javier Manzanares, Deputy Executive Director of the GCF. The GCF’s decision lays the foundation for a structural change in IICA’s ability

IICA can apply for resources to develop projects with a maximum value of US$50 million per initiative

to support and add value to the resilience agenda of its Member States, by promoting ecological and climate-smart agriculture.

At present, IICA is implementing two approved-readiness projects funded by the GCF that will benefit 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

These initiatives are “Strengthening the Foundation for a Climate Responsive Agricultural Sector in the Caribbean” for The Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Haiti, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago; and “Post COVID-19 Green Recovery for Food, Health, and Water Security Strengthened by Financial and Technological Innovations in Latin American Countries” for Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Bolivia.

“The accreditation by the Green Climate Fund opens a world of opportunities in which, through co-ordinated actions with the ministries of agriculture and of the environment and other stakeholders of the agriculture sector in the Americas, we can develop ambitious projects and programmes that will change the way we practice agriculture today, with a view to the future imposed by climate change,” said Manuel Otero, Director-General of IICA. “We have demonstrated that we have a robust institutional system to effectively and transparently manage projects to act as a bridge between the needs of agriculture in the Americas and the investments necessary for a paradigm shift,” he added.

The accreditation establishes a direct link to the messages approved by the Member States of IICA, which recently consolidated their unified position ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit.

These messages underscore the fact that food production systems are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change and that climate change imposes challenges that necessitate a focus on adaptation to guarantee the systems’ resilience and to maintain the necessary production for food security.

Thus agricultural production must move toward sustainable systems that promote a balance between carbon emissions and sequestration and take into consideration the positive externalities of ecosystem services, which will require systems that quantify them and foster their usage.

The purpose of the GCF is to make a significant contribution to the efforts of the international community to combat climate change—the ultimate goal of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Within the context of sustainable development, the fund promotes a paradigm shift toward low emission, climate-resilient development, supporting developing countries in limiting or reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change, all while considering the needs of particularly vulnerable nations.

As part of its mission to provide technical cooperation of excellence, IICA is now partnering with the global organisation and committed to the agriculture sector of its member countries.

“The accreditation process was not a sprint. This milestone involved teamwork focused on creating a favorable evaluation of IICA’s situation, policies and procedures, history and demonstrable capacity with respect to the GCF’s standards,” stated Beverly Best, Director of External and Institutional Relations at IICA and focal point to the GCF.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Brilliant Balbirnie leads Ireland to...

(From back page)

84; McBrine 2-34) by 43 runs.

"I'm extremely proud with the character we showed," Balbirnie said.

"We knew it was a pretty tough pitch to take 10 wickets on, but the way we stuck at it in the middle and towards the death was a credit to them (the bowlers).

"It is a huge day for cricket in Ireland. We will have a couple of beers and enjoy this, but at the same time we have to look to Friday, when we could po-

tentially win a series."

After being sent in to bat, opener Balbirnie received excellent support from Harry Tector (79 from 68 balls), while there was also a flourish from George Dockrell (45 from 23) at the end.

South Africa, who again rested key batsman Quinton de Kock, battled to keep up with the run-rate throughout and when opener Janneman Malan (84 from 96) and Rassie van der Dussen (49 from 70) fell in quick suc-

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:10 hrs Tracker Jacker 08:50 hrs Gentleman's Wager 09:25 hrs Miss Generosity 10:00 hrs No Layin Up 10:35 hrs Spring High American Racing Tips Delaware Park Race 1 Hide The Ransom Race 2 She's All Courage Race 3 Wicked Mercury's Race 4 Tuesday's Rose Race 5 Downtown Katie Race 6 Not Invented Here Race 7 Jag Race 8 Kid D'Oro Irish Racing Tips Killarney 11:25 hrs Camino Mission 11:55 hrs Tut Tut 12:25 hrs Star Harbour 12:55 hrs Flirting Bridge 13:25 hrs Is Fantastic 13:55 hrs Tashim 14:25 hrs Prairie Dancer

cession with the score on 160, their chances of victory slipped away.

"Big up to Ireland, they outplayed us and showed up on the day. They really nailed down their skills with bat and ball. There is a lot for us to work on," South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said.

"We created chances with the ball but our fielding let us down, we set higher standards than that. The momentum was always on their side."

14:55 hrs Eastern Tornado English Racing Tips Uttoxeter 08:55 hrs Crystal Gazing 09:20 hrs Packie's Dream 10:05 hrs All Hail Caesar 10:40 hrs Siannes Star 11:15 hrs Middnight Jewel 11:50 hrs Zip Pearl 12:20 hrs Throckley Catterick 09:20 hrs Wee Loch Lass 09:55 hrs Improvised 10:30 hrs Cottam Lane 11:05 hrs Shawaamekh 11:40 hrs Cover Name 12:10 hrs Edgar Alan Poe Wolverhampton 12:15 hrs Peachey Carnehan 12:45 hrs Puchita 13:15 hrs Power Of Beauty 13:45 hrs Say Grace 14:15 hrs Twilight Secret 14:45 hrs Geremia 15:15 hrs Barbara Ann 15:45 hrs Coqueta

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Tour de France…

Austria’s Patrick Konrad wins stage 16 PATRICK Konrad from Austria held on to clinch a thrilling solo victory on stage 16 of the Tour de France.

He attacked out of a breakaway on the Col de Portet-d'Aspet, the penultimate climb of the hilly 169km stage.

It is the 29-year-old's first Tour stage and first professional win.

Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey as the group of overall leaders crossed the line almost 14 minutes later with no significant changes at the top of the general classification.

The Slovenian had to stay alert for attacks from his rivals on the final climb and then the sprint to the finish, but otherwise this was another relatively stress-free ride for the defending champion as the race resumed following Monday's rest day.

Damp conditions on the treacherous descent of

Patrick Konrad is the Austrian national road race champion and is competing at his third Tour de France.

the Portet-d'Aspet were the main concern for the big-hitters in the peloton, who seemed to be saving their legs for today's gruelling summit finish at the 2,215m Col du Portet.

IT IS GOING TO BE THE HARDEST DAY IN THE TOUR "It was quite a hectic day," Pogacar said. "We started in super cold weather then the fight for the breakaway was again really big in the first two hours until it

settled down.

"At the end there were fireworks again - I don't know what happened at the end of that final climb, I just followed the wheels - but it was good to open the legs for today.

"I'm not worried but I think it is going to be a really hard day - the hardest day in the Tour."

Britain's Mark Cavendish finished more than 23 minutes behind Konrad but was still well within the time limit for completing

the stage.

Cavendish retains the green jersey as the leader of the points-category but saw his lead cut to 37 points

by Australian Michael Matthews, who finished third.

Matthews was part of a nine-man chase-group that also included France's David Gaudu and Italy's Sonny Colbrelli that was unable to reel in Konrad in the final few kilometres.

The Austrian mounted a solo attack more than 30km from the finish, and said: "I was already three times in the break but always waiting until the final chance.

"It is not always a good decision to go early but I gave it a try and I am really happy that I had the legs to get to the finish.

"It is my first win on the world tour and this is the biggest cycling race in the world, so I am really speechless. I am super, super happy."

Canada to send largest Olympic team in 37 years to Tokyo (REUTERS) - Canada will send a team of 371 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics.

That, despite COVID-19 challenges and concerns, will be the country's largest Olympic contingent since the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said yesterday that 225 members of the team will be athletes that identify as women and 146 who identify as men.

Delayed a year by COVID-19, just qualifying for the Tokyo Games proved an immense challenge for many Canadian athletes with global sport brought to

standstill by the pandemic, wiping out opportunities to earn Olympic spots.

"Even before Canada’s incredible athletes get to their first competitions in Tokyo, I am extraordinarily impressed by their results," said Canada Chef de Mission Marnie McBean in a statement.

"Despite the pandemic, through their creativity and perseverance, they have become the largest Canadian Olympic Team in three decades.

"In far less than ideal conditions, they have found a way to be faster and stronger than ever and I have no

doubt that they are ready to reveal something special at Tokyo 2020."

The youngest member of the team will be 14-year-old swimmer Summer McIntosh and the oldest 56-year-old equestrian Mario Deslauriers.

The squad includes 226 Olympic rookies while 134 competed at the 2016 Rio Summer Games.

There are 40 returning Olympic medallists and two athletes who have crossed over from the Winter Games to Summer.

Georgia Simmerling, who competed for Canada at the 2010 Vancouver

Winter Olympics in alpine skiing and ski cross at the 2014 Sochi Games, will be a member of the track cycling team.

Vincent De Haître, who competed in long track speed skating in Sochi and the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, has also made the jump to track cycling.

Canada won a total of 22 medals, including four gold, at the Rio Olympics - the country's biggest haul since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics - when they also won 22 medals.

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23 and run through to August 8.

ICC doesn’t want me to use the ‘Universe’ Boss - Gayle MANY questions were raised over Chris Gayle’s place in the West Indies team as the veteran was enduring a rough patch lately.

However, the left-handed batsman switched on his A-game during the third T20I against Australia and mustered a match-winning half-century.

While none of the Aussie batters could bat freely in St Lucia, Gayle put up an exhibition of big-hitting and scored runs all over the park.

The self-proclaimed Universe Boss, in total, scored 67 off 38 deliveries as West Indies chased down 142 in a mere 14.5 overs, winning the contest by six wickets.

With this triumph, the Men in Maroon also took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Gayle was enthralled with his performance and it was evident in his animated interaction after the game.

While the 41-year-old calls himself the ‘Universe Boss,’ his bat during the third T20I sported the sticker of only ‘The Boss.’ Speaking of the same, Gayle revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) doesn’t want him to sport ‘Universe Boss’ on the bat.

“ICC doesn’t want me to use the Universe Boss.

So I have shortened it and

just put ‘The Boss.’ I am the boss (laughs),” Gayle said in a video posted by Cricket. com.au.

On being asked whether ICC has the copyright over the term ‘Universe Boss,’ an animated Gayle said, “Well, I have to copyright it. Not ICC, I am technically the Boss.”

These statements speak volumes of Gayle’s confidence and he certainly has no plans of slowing down.

Notably, Gayle, during the third T20I, was up against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Riley Meredith, who were clocking good speeds.

The reflexes of a human body tend to slow down with time and hence, facing high-quality fast bowling gets difficult.

However, that wasn’t the case with Gayle. On being asked if tackling Aussie pacers was challenging for him, Gayle said he used his experience to score runs.

Meanwhile, the fourth T20I of the five-match series will take place on July 14 (today) in St Lucia. With West Indies sealing the series 3-0, the remaining fixtures are mere dead rubbers.

However, West Indies would like to continue their winning run. On the other hand, Aussies would not want to lose any more games in this series. (CricTracker)

Rugby Union awaits COVID-19...

(From back page)

Corbin, Dwayne Schroder, Sean Phillips, Glenroy Poole, and Jamal Mona.

Police Rugby Football Club: Shawn David, Odida Douglas, Marlon Small, Adrian Hall, Kareem Simon, Michael Barrow, Scott Gar-

raway, Richard Butcher and James Osborne.

Hornets Rugby Football Club: Ryan Gonsalves, Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Patrick King, and Johnathan Garnett.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Pacquiao says Spence is ‘better’ than Mayweather MANNY Pacquiao took a shot at Floyd Mayweather Jr last weekend when he claimed that Errol Spence Jr doesn’t need any helpful advice from him because he’s a “better” fighter than him.

There’s no question that Spence is far more exciting than Mayweather ever was during his career at 147.

Floyd was a boring fighter after he moved up to 147, and he lacked the power to do anything more than throw single-pot shots.

The comment from Pacquiao was in response to Mayweather offering to help Spence by giving him tips for his match next month on August 21 against the former eight-division world champion Manny.

Not surprisingly, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) didn’t like the idea of Mayweather, his former opponent from 2015, inserting

himself into the equation, as if he knows the secrets in how to beat him.

“You know actually Errol don’t need to have advice from Mayweather because I believe that Errol is better than Mayweather,” said Pacquiao.

“I think he will teach Mayweather how to fight toe to toe,” said Pacquiao.

Manny isn’t just talking about what Spence would do to the 44-year-old Mayweather right now. He’s talking about what he would have done to him in his prime.

Let’s face it; Mayweather wasn’t great at 147.

He almost lost to Marcos Maidana, and he struggled badly against an injured Pacquiao, winning a controversial decision.

Mayweather’s win over a weight-drained 22-yearold Canelo Alvarez took in the 154-lb division, so it

doesn’t count.

The reality is that Mayweather fought an injured one-armed Pacquiao, and he took advantage of the situation to grind out an incredibly boring 12-round decision and BARELY won.

“He [Pacquiao] will give you a lot of compliments and gratitude and things like that, and then as soon as the bell rings, he will be jumping all over you, so you know how I take it,” said Spence when told about Pacquiao’s comment about him being “better” than Mayweather.

That version of Mayweather would likely lose to the Spence that will be facing Pacquiao on August 21. That’s obviously what Pacquiao means when he says that Spence is better than that Mayweather.

If you could take Spence back in a time capsule and insert him into the ring in

Errol Spence will fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21.

place of Manny on May 2, 2015, Mayweather would have been a world of hurt.

Spence had already worked over Mayweather during a sparring session several years earlier, and he had done a job on ‘Money’ during the workout.

By the time Mayweather fought Pacquiao, he would

have been no match for Spence and he would have been knocked out. The power difference between Spence and Mayweather is extreme, and Errol’s jab is light years ahead of Floyd.

That’s not to say Spence is a better fighter in terms of floating between weight classes the way Mayweather

did.

No, Spence can’t do that, but he is a better fighter than Mayweather ever was at 147.

Mayweather wasn’t great at 147. He looked weak, and he beat a bunch of old guys and smaller fighters like Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez, who had no business fighting at 147.

The fight was basically a rip-off in the eyes of many boxing fans, who paid $100 per household to watch it on pay-per-view. Mayweather played it safe and did just enough to get the win against the injured Pacquiao.

Spence would have been a nightmare for Mayweather if he’d been the one that faced him that night in May 2015. There’s a good chance that Spence would have stopped Mayweather because he would have been all over him.

(Boxing News 24)

U.S. to send second biggest UEFA investigates Wembley clashes, charges team ever to Tokyo Games England FA after Euro final (REUTERS) - UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings and charged England's Football Association (FA) for disturbances during Sunday's Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley, Europe's soccer governing body said yesterday.

UEFA also said it had appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct a separate investigation into the "events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium".

The final, which Italy won in a penalty shootout, was marred by clashes between fans and officials in and around the stadium.

British police, who said 19 of its officers were injured, have so far arrested a total of 86 persons. Some 53 of the arrests were at Wembley.

The charges against the

FA include: invasion of the field of play by its supporters, throwing of objects by its supporters, disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem and lighting of a firework.

Boos were heard around the stadium when the Italian anthem was played before kickoff while a pitch invader interrupted the match, with the referee stopping play while the stewards chased him down.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body in due course," UEFA said.

The Met Police had urged fans not to travel to Wembley if they did not have a ticket. However, several fans breached security cordons and charged into the perimeter area of Wembley before kickoff.

The FA said on Monday officials would conduct a

full review into the security breach. FA condemned the behaviour of fans who forced their way into the stadium and apologised to those who had tickets for the "unprecedented level of public disorder".

British Formula One driver Lando Norris was mugged and had his watch worth £40 000 ($55 364) stolen, with his team McLaren saying the 21-yearold was "understandably shaken".

Last week the FA was fined 30 000 euros ($35 460) after a laser pointer was shone at Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during what proved to be the deciding moment of their Euro 2020 semi-final.

The FA was also charged for fans booing during the Danish anthem and for the setting off of fireworks during the semi-final.

(REUTERS) - The United States will send a team of 613 athletes to the Tokyo Summer Games, its second largest delegation ever for an Olympics, said the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee (USOPC) yesterday.

Only once before has the U.S. had more athletes competing at an Olympics and that was in 1996 when Atlanta hosted the Games and 648 were named to the team.

Delayed a year by COVID-19, qualifying for the Tokyo Games proved an immense challenge for many U.S. athletes with global sport brought to standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic, wiping out opportunities to earn Olympic spots.

"Team USA is ready," said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland in a statement.

"Our roster includes 613 remarkable athletes, one of our biggest teams ever, all who qualified to participate in these Games.

The youngest member of the U.S. Olympic squad to the Tokyo Ganes will be 15-year-old swimmer Katie Grimes.

"In these extraordinary times -- these athletes have shown perseverance, dedication and focus and have inspired us all."

For the third consecutive Olympics there will be more women (329) then men (284) on the U.S team that will feature 193 returning Olympians and 104 medallists, including 56 Olympic champions.

The youngest member of the squad will be 15-yearold swimmer Katie Grimes

while equestrian Phillip Dutton will be the oldest competing at age 57.

Dutton will be taking part in his seventh Olympics, having contested three Olympics for Australia in 1996, 2000 and 2004 and now four for the U.S. after becoming a U.S. citizen.

The U.S. squad will also include eight fivetime Olympians; equestrians Steffen Peters and McLain Ward, basketball players Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, track athletes Abdi Abdirahman and Allyson Felix, fencer Mariel Zagunis and water polo player Jesse Smith.

Bird and Taurasi will be bidding for a fifth straight Olympic gold medal.

The U.S. have consistently topped the Olympic medal table including the Rio Summer Games where they claimed 121 medals, including 46 gold.

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23 and run through to August 8.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Nandu pilots Kaieteur International to second consecutive win JUST days before he plans to return to Guyana to rejoin the “Rising Stars,” Matthew Nandu used the opportunity to once again display his undoubted talent with another brilliant all-round performance, on Saturday last, as the Scarborough Cricket Association 2021 season entered its second weekend in Toronto, Canada.

Following up on his fine batting and bowling in the opening round, Nandu showed discipline and maturity as he piloted Kaieteur International B to an eight-wicket victory over Hawks/Toronto Braves in their First Division fixture, played at the Ashtonbee Number two ground, their second in consecutive weeks.

Set 181 for victory, after Hawks/Toronto Braves were limited to 180 all out in 41.4 overs, Kaieteur International ‘B’ achieved the target in 43.

5 overs in the 50-over affair, with Nandu carrying his bat throughout the innings with an unbeaten 85 on a sluggish outfield after midweek rains had drenched the venue.

The left-handed opener’s innings, which spanned 115 balls, included five fours and three sixes. Ravindra Nauth supported with 34 (one four and two sixes). Vikram Gowla took three for 41 from 10 overs for Hawks/Toronto Braves.

Earlier, leg-spinner Jonatan Singh, son of former Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) Finance Controller, Mohan Singh, scythed through the Hawks/Toronto Braves middle and lower-order, bagging five for 41 in 4.4 overs, while Nandu also made an impact with his off-spinners, claiming an impressive three for 25 from his allotted 10 overs.

Matthew Kurikesh hit 52 (four fours and three sixes) and Gowla 46 with five fours.

Nandu is part of the ‘Ris-

Matthew Nandu (right) and Jonhatan Singh after LAST Saturday’s game.

ing Stars’ who are currently undergoing COVID-sensitive virtually coordinated training across the region, as part of the preparation system that has been put in place by West Indies Under-19 head coach, Floyd Reifer.

He is vying for a place in the West Indies Under-19 squad for next year’s World Cup, to be staged in the Caribbean; he reportedly took a break to look after his academics. He’s scheduled to return to Guyana this weekend.

Meanwhile, two other youth players with Guyanese roots were also in the news in the Toronto & District Association 50-over tournament which continued at King City on Sunday.

Former Canadian Under-19 player, Ashtan Deosammy, spanked an attractive

93 while Arjuna Sukha supported with 43 as JB Tranzac made light work of Prime Cricket Club in their one-sided contest. The two shared an enterprising fourth-wicket partnership of 134 as their team reached 230 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.

Deosammy’s knock was laced with four fours and seven sixes while Sukhu was more subdued, hitting three fours in his 43. Nandu supported with 21 (two fours).

Prime Cricket Club were skittled out for a paltry 50 in 28.2 overs, going down by a massive 180 runs. Kairav Sharma was the main destroyer with four for 13 in 5.2 overs, while Deosammy crowned a fine all-round performance with two for six in four overs. (Frederick Halley)

Nicholson, Reid hand Reggae Boyz winning start to Gold Cup campaign ORLANDO, Florida (CMC) – Overseas-based stars Shamar Nicholson and Bobby Reid both produced clinical first-half strikes as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz made a winning start to their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Suriname here Monday night.

Playing in Group C at the Exploria Stadium, the 24-year-old Shamar Nicholson scored in the sixth minute while Reid netted in the 26th, to hand Jamaica a 2-0 lead at the break which they managed to keep intact over the last 45 minutes.

“We’re very elated about the three points. We get the tournament kick-started with a victory,” head coach Theodore Whitmore told media.

“Not the type of performance we expected but at the end of the day we have three points.

“We scored, we didn’t concede so we came away with a clean sheet and that was a positive for us. I think we were OK in the first half.

In the second half, the Suriname team made it very difficult for us.

“But all in all, it’s the first game so we get the first one (out of the way) and we hope to improve in our next game.”

Jamaica grabbed the early lead courtesy of Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey, the 23-year-old tantalising the Suriname defence down the right before laying off for Daniel Johnson at the top of the 18-yard box.

Goal-scorer Shamar Nicholson challenges Suriname’s Dion Malone during Monday’s contest.

The 28-year-old Johnson, who plays for Preston North End in the Championship division in England, then teed up Nicholson who beat goalkeeper Warner Hahn to his right with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Suriname responded almost immediately. With Jamaica’s defence caught napping on the counter, Kelvin Leerdam put through Gleofilo Vlijter who shot narrowly wide with custodian Andre Blake beaten, after charging off his line.

Jamaica made Suriname regret the wasted opportunity nearing the half-hour mark when the Egypt-based Damion Lowe put a searching aerial ball into the box and the defensive header fell to Reid, who volleyed first time from 22 yards to again beat Hahn to his right.

Reid, 28, plays for Fulham who were relegated from the Premier League last

season.

Not for the first time, Suriname hit back, Sheraldo Becker’s long range drive grasped by a diving Blake at the far post in the 28th minute.

Meanwhile, French Caribbean side Guadeloupe enjoyed no such fortune in the other game in Group C, having Steve Solvet sent off and going down 3-1 to Costa Rica.

Joel Campbell put the Costa Ricans ahead in the sixth minute before Ariel Lassiter added the second in the 21st, before Raphael Mirval pulled one back for Guadeloupe in injury time.

Solvet was shown a straight red for violent conduct nine minutes after the break and Costa Rica capitalised to add a third through Celso Borges in the 70th.

Jamaica and Guadeloupe meet in their next fixture on Friday at the same venue.

England winger Jadon Sancho has medical ahead of Man. United move ENGLAND winger Jadon Sancho has had a medical as his £73m move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund edges closer.

United agreed the fee for the 21-year-old on 1 July but the deal could not be concluded until after Euro 2020.

Sancho was driven into United's Carrington training complex on Tuesday and was later pictured leaving.

United are expected to

formally announce the former Manchester City youth player's arrival later this week.

Sancho had a penalty saved along with Bukayo Saka as England lost to Italy in a penalty shootout at the Euro 2020 final.

Marcus Rashford missed his penalty at Wembley on Sunday and all three players were targeted on social media after the game.

Although he was a team-mate of Phil Foden

at Manchester City prior to his exit for Dortmund in 2017, Sancho never played a first-team game for the Blues.

His only competitive club game in England came in a Champions League defeat by Tottenham at Wembley in February 2019.

Sancho was injured for both legs of Dortmund's quarter-final with Manchester City last season.

Banner image reading "Be ready for the new season". (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Vince ton spoils Azam's party as England make clean sweep BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Pakistan skipper Babar Azam's stunning knock of 158 was in vain as England's second string side completed a record run chase at Edgbaston to win by three wickets yesterday and clinch the three-match one-day international series 3-0.

Set a target of 332 for victory, James Vince smashed 11 boundaries en route to his maiden ODI century (102), which helped guide England home with two overs to spare as a sloppy Pakistan dropped catches and conceded runs through several misfields.

Opener Dawid Malan was sent back for a second straight duck in the series but Phil Salt (37) and Zak Crawley (39) -- both dismissed by Haris Rauf -- attacked the bowlers to keep the chase on track, with the first 100 runs scored by the 13th over.

Skipper Ben Stokes (32) lived dangerously and was let off by Pakistan when he was dropped in the deep on 7 and 18 before a slog sweep off spinner Shadab Khan drew a faint edge to the keeper.

Vince built a 129-run

partnership with Lewis Gregory, who contributed a crucial 77 before he was dismissed when Shadab caught a high, swirling ball as the all-rounder attempted to launch Rauf into the stands.

Gregory's wicket, with 29 to get, gave Pakistan a lifeline but Craig Overton (18) and Brydon Carse (12) remained unbeaten to guide

England home amid a celebratory mood in the stands at Edgbaston.

CARSE TAKES FIVE Earlier, England chose to field after winning the toss and Saqib Mahmood (360) gave the hosts an early breakthrough when Fakhar Zaman edged to third slip but Imam-ul-Haq (56) and

James Vince drives through the covers during his maiden England hundred.

(Getty Images)

Babar Azam celebrates his 14th ODI hundred.

(PA Images via Getty Images)

Azam stitched together a 92-run partnership.

Spinner Matt Parkinson got his man when he bowled a peach of a delivery that turned off the pitch and breached Imam's defence to smash into his middle stump, with the crowd roaring its approval when the replay was shown on the big screen.

Mohammad Rizwan arrived at the crease and steadily

increased the run rate, building a crucial 179-run stand with Azam and he hung around until the 46th over, when he edged a short ball from Carse to the wicketkeeper to be dismissed for 74 off 58.

Pakistan's wickets started to fall in a heap as Carse (5-61) cleaned up the middle order and Azam, sensing he was running out of partners, fell in the final over when he was caught

off a top edge while going for a big shot.

Azam, who is ranked number one among batsmen in ODIs, fell 15 runs short of 4 000 runs and the crowd gave the 26-year-old a standing ovation as he walked back to the pavilion.

England next play Pakistan in three Twenty20 matches before hosting India in a five-match Test series.

Rashford set to miss first two months Bishoo five-for leads Galaxy to of season due to shoulder surgery six-wicket win in Caribbean Fest MANCHESTER United striker Marcus Rashford may not play until the end of October after deciding to have surgery on a shoulder injury.

Rashford, 23, had a scan on Tuesday after being hampered by the problem in the latter half of the 2020-21 season.

It was decided the damage was so severe that rest alone would not repair it and United hoped the England striker could

have the operation immediately.

However, the surgeon is not available until the end of July.

It is anticipated Rashford will be out for 12 weeks, which will be a blow to United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans for the start of the new campaign.

Rashford scored 11 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season but did not make a significant impact for England

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday July 14, 2021)

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Answers in tomorrow’s issue

at Euro 2020.

He made five appearances for his country in the tournament but was only on the pitch for a total of 84 minutes then missed a penalty in the shootout as Italy beat Gareth Southgate's side on penalties in the final.

Rashford - together with Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka, who also missed their spot-kicks - received racial abuse on social media after the game.

A mural of Rashford in Withington, Manchester, was also defaced.

The damage has since been repaired and on Tuesday hundreds of people gathered for an anti-racism demonstration there.

On Monday, Rashford issued a statement apologising for his penalty miss but said he "will never apologise for who I am".

In it he said: "I've had a difficult season, I think that's been clear for everyone to see and I probably went into that final with a lack of confidence." (BBC Sport)

FORMER Guyana and man Rudro Chowdhury (6) in control of the middle and lowWest Indies leg-spinner De- the fifth. er order. This helped to restrict vendra Bishoo spun his way Bishoo was the third bowl- the side for 78 in 27.2 overs. to five wickets, which lifted er used by Galaxy; He took The talented spinner finthe Galaxy Cricket ished with 5-6 from Club to an emphatic seven overs, while win when action in Johnson ended with New York Nation3-29 from seven al Cricket League overs.

(NYNCL) continued Skipper Yudesh on Sunday.

Bissnauth and Shiv In their clash Raghubar supported against New York with a wicket each.

Warriors, Galaxy In reply, Galaxy lost the toss and were had a trying first asked to field. two overs, with forOpening bowlmer senior Berbice er, Telson Johnson, cricketer Mushgot the early breakin Perkhan, who throughs for Galaxy scored 59 on Saturwhen his line-andday falling for one length bowling unand Bissnauth faildermined the top ing to score, but Shaorder. The former feek Shah struck 26 Essequibo cricketer from 31 balls (2x4, trapped Mohammed 2x6) and Bishoo, Nazu (0) lbw in the who batted at five, first over, before he added 22 unbeaten bowled fellow openruns from 19 balls er Habib Imrul (1) (2x4, 1x6) to propel in the third over and Davendra Bishoo, who bowled two the side to victory in number-three bats- maidens, took five wickets for six runs from the 15th over. his seven overs.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 14, 2021

FIFA, CONCACAF to act on death threats, racism to T&T players FOOTBALL’s world governing body FIFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), are set to deal with issues of death threats, racism and attempts to physically harm directed to members of the T&T football team at the ongoing CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.

Angry Mexican fans hurled racial slurs and threw bottles at the T&T players during a Group A encounter between T&T and Mexico at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA on Saturday. This situation was further exacerbated by a clash between Mexican winger Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano, goalkeeper Marvin Phillip and defender Alvin Jones at the end of the first half which resulted in Lozano being

rushed to the hospital with a suspected injury to the head.

The game ended in a goalless draw as coach Angus Eve employed a counter-attacking strategy that, not only frustrated the tournament's defending champions, but prevented them from scoring.

Eve, yesterday confirmed to Guardian Media Sports that because of death threats to him and his players- Phillip and Jones, there has been heightened police presence at the hotel where the team is currently based.

The T&T Football Association has since reacted to this development by writing to both FIFA and the CONCACAF and has since received a promise that something will be done about it soon, the coach said.

Eve, a former national player, did not have this experience during his five

years of playing for T&T at the Gold Cup, and in reliving the horrifying experience said they were outnumbered in terms of support at the stadium. However, the Mexican fans became very angry when their team could not score, so they started chanting racial slurs, throwing bottles at the players on the touchline and even shouted death threats.

"I must admit that I felt a bit bad for my players, and though there would normally be a police presence at our hotel, there was a heightened presence because of the death threats," Eve explained.

Eve in the post-match interview said the match was stopped three times because of the crowd's behaviour, noting: "At the third time I felt the referee should have stopped the match and awarded it to us because we

have to stamp out this type of behaviour in the game."

To date, the T&TFA football page has been littered with threats and abuse from Mexican fans, with many also directed to Jones and Phillip. Phillip has since apologised to Lozano, saying there was definitely no intention to cause harm and later wished the Mexican player a speedy recovery.

On Sunday, Guardian Media Sports got a glimpse of some of the things that were said on the TTFA football page. Among the comments were: " Y'all some of the nastiest people I've ever seen play soccer. Y'all just go against Mexico to try and injure them. We're starting a petition to lick y'all out of the Gold Cup. Y'all aren't worth it"; "y'all some hoes for what cha did to Chucky Lozano"; "You will pay for Chucky Lozano you monkeys,".

On Monday, the president of the T&T Olympic Committee Brian Lewis, said he was angry when he heard about it initially.

Lewis, who is also chairman of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance's (SIGA) standing committee on race, gender, diversity, and inclusion, said: "What I was told it was trolling, but obviously it was racist, outright racism, the term used, the 'N' word, monkeys.

We can't hide from it, the fact that it is something that I have raised on more than one occasion, about the issue of racism in global sport. In April the T&TOC joined a boycott of social media for a weekend in protest of racism, racial activities taking place on social media. So I was initially angry because even though you're aware of it when it happens in an open way, it is triggering."

Meanwhile, a news release from the TTFA on Monday states: "The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association strongly condemns the discriminatory actions, racist comments and threatening messages directed at our players, staff, supporters and country following the Senior Men's National Team 0-0 result versus Mexico on 10th July 2021. Discrimination and racism have no part in our game and our society.

Official reports have been lodged with CONCACAF and we are working with them to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the team is maintained.

These actions are rooted in division, so it is paramount that we unite to stamp them out. The Fight Back is Against Racism and Discrimination."(Reprinted from Trinidad Guardian)

Captain Taylor returns to top of batting, all-rounder ODI rankings with Australian Jess Jonassen holding on to the number one position.

The Jamaican has been in a rich vein of form in the ongoing five-match series against Pakistan Women, in which the hosts have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead.

She struck an unbeaten 105 in the opening game, powering her side to a five-wicket

West Indies captain and batting star Stafanie Taylor

LONDON, England (CMC) – West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor has reclaimed the top batting and all-rounder’s spots in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) women player rankings announced yesterday by the governing body.

The 30-year-old jumped four spots to displace India stroke-maker Mithali Raj from the summit of the batting charts and rose two places in the all-rounders charts to knock Australian Ellyse Perry off her perch.

Raj, South African Lizelle

Lee, Australian Alyssa Healy and England’s Tammy Beaumont round out the top five of the batting while Aussie Megan Schutt, South African Marizanne Kapp, fellow national Shabnim Ismail and India’s Jhulan Goswami complete the top five in the bowling.

It is the first time in seven years Taylor has found herself as the top-ranked batsman, while returning to the top all-rounders’ spot for the first time in four years.

Taylor has also made moves in the bowling rankings, leaping three spots to 16th,

victory after they easily chased down 206 at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Taylor also nabbed three wickets in an excellent allround display which earned her Player-of-the-Match honours.

She did not bat in the second ODI and was sidelined from the third, with Anisa Mohammed leading the squad

in her absence.

There was also movement in the rankings for all-rounder Deandra Dottin who re-entered the batting charts at 28th, after featuring in her first ODI in two years last week.

She has also been installed at 47th in the all-rounders rankings.

Left-handed opener Kyshona Knight has moved

up seven places to 53rd in the batting rankings while veteran off-spinner Mohammed has jumped two places to 26th, after taking nine wickets in three games.

Fast bowler Shamilia Connell, who has picked up just two wickets in the series, now lies 39th, after rising four places in the bowling rankings.

ICC doesn’t want me to use the ‘Universe’ Boss - Gayle

During Chris Gayle’s blistering innings of 67 on Monday night, he became the first player to complete 14 000 runs in T20 cricket.

PAGE

27

Brilliant Balbirnie leads Ireland to first-ever ODI win over S Africa

Rugby Union awaits COVID-19 approval to commence training for RAN 7s

Andy Balbirnie scored his seventh ODI hundred.

(Sportsfile via Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - Captain Andy Balbirnie scored a stylish century as Ireland recorded their first ever One-Day International victory over South Africa with a win by 43 runs in the second match of their threegame series in Malahide yesterday.

Balbirnie stroked 102 from 117 balls as the home side posted 290 for five in their 50 overs, before restricting the tourists to 247

all out in their reply to secure the historic victory and a 1-0 lead in the series after Sunday’s opener was washed out.

Ireland will have the chance to claim the series when the third and final match is played at the same venue on Friday.

Scores: 1reland 290 for 5 v (Balbirnie 102, Tector 79, Dockrell 45) beat South Africa 247 (Malan TURN TO PAGE 26 ►

National player Osei McKenzie makes a diving pass during a previous tournament.

ON Monday, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) called 34 players to train ahead of Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament to be held October 16-17 in Turks and Caicos.

According to a release from the GRFU, the squad listed for training is made up mostly of newcomers with a few seasoned campaigners.

At the 2019 tournament, held in the Cayman Islands, Guyana were winless after three matches in Pool B, and lost the Plate Final to the hosts 21-10. Canada defeated Jamaica 40-5 for the overall title.

This year’s tournament is a qualifier for the World Rugby Challenger Series in 2022.

The GRFU has already requested permission from the National COVID-19 Task

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Force to commence training and is awaiting a response.

“The GRFU remains committed to observing the COVID-19 protocols and also to the COVID-19 vaccination campaign,” the release stated.

The players were selected from the five clubs in Guyana.

Panthers Rugby Football Club: Godfrey Broomes, Jamal Angus, Osei McKenzie, Tyreese Prescod, Owen Adonis, Lancelot Adonis, D’Arcy Durant, Rondel McArthur, Kareem Fisher, and Selwyn Henry.

Caribs Rugby Football Club: Kempton David, Kevon David, Alex Crawford, Elio Cameron, and Makaya Smith.

Guyana Defence Force Rugby Football Club: Avery TURN TO PAGE 27 ► WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021