Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-08-2021

SATURDAY 14th August, 2021

' No.106453

US$35M agro-processing plant earmarked for Enmore PAGE

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– to create over 600 jobs

Guyana receives 57,600 doses of 02 AstraZeneca from US

$45M trial for corn, soya bean showing positive results 05

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Police record 32 02 per cent decrease in fatal accidents PAGE

Alex Mendez, who currently manages the Dubulay Ranch, outlines the stages of corn cultivation to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, at the ranch's corn nursery, on Friday

Petroleum management 10 standards to be enhanced PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Guyana receives 57,600 doses of AstraZeneca from US

THE US Government has donated 57,600 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Guyana as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donated doses of vaccine arrived via COVAX in Georgetown on August 13, and it brings the total number of vaccines donated to Guyana through the COVAX distribution to 165,600.

This donation, the US Embassy, in a release said, will help protect Guyanese from the ravages of the COVID-19 and assist the Health Ministry in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

“We are pleased that Guyana is one of the countries to receive vaccines under the plan announced by President Biden this month to donate 80 million doses of vaccine around the world,” said US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

These 1.5 million doses are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to share US vaccine supply with the world, the US Embassy release said, adding: “As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to

end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world.”

“From the beginning of my presidency, we have been clear-eyed that we need to attack this virus globally as well.? This is about our responsibility — our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can — and our responsibility to our values. We’re going to help lead the world out of this pandemic, working alongside our global partners,” President Biden had said.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of Canada has joined fellow members of the diplomatic community to welcome a third batch of AstraZeneca vaccines to Guyana, which was acquired through the COVAX facility.

According to a release, Canada has committed over CAD $325 million to COVAX and is proud to be among the first donors to announce a major contribution.

Through COVAX, Canada is supporting access to safe, effective and high quality vaccines for all participating countries, including Guyana, to help slow the global pandemic.

“We know that no one is

US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch (third left) and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony (fourth right) with diplomats and others at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Friday (US Embassy photo) safe until everyone is safe,” said Canada. In addition to support through the COVAX facility, Canada has also been working with Guyana directly to help reduce infections and help the most vulnerable.

In Guyana, through PAHO, Canada has procured PPEs to the value of US$76,818; provided 1,058 testing kits to the National Public Health

Reference Laboratory; provided equipment including a laptop, a projector, a printer and a camera to the Health Emergency Operations Centre; provided IEC material for the Health

Emergency Operations Centre (5000); supported training to strengthen the diagnostic and testing and sample taking and; supported mental health psychosocial support campaigns,

risk communication and essential cleaning and sanitation supplies.

“Canada will continue to be a partner in Guyana’s fight against the pandemic!” the release concluded.

Police record 32 per cent decrease in fatal accidents MOTORCYCLISTS and pedestrians have accounted for the majority of road deaths this year, according to the Guyana Police Force Traffic Headquarters which has recorded a 32 per cent decrease in fatal accidents.

As a result of these statistics, the police, on Thursday, conducted a two-hour motor and pedal cycle campaign around Georgetown, which led to the arrest of several road users who were in breach of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations Chapter

51:02.

As of July 10, 2021, there has been a 32 per cent decrease in fatal accidents bringing the number down from 71, to 48 cases for the same period last year. Additionally, there has been a 30 per cent decrease in fatalities with the numbers down from 74 to 52 cases for the same period.

A total of 29 pedestrians and motorcyclists have died due to inattentiveness and speeding in 18 out of the 21 fatal accidents.

Some of the motorcycles seized by the police during the two-hour campaign

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

US$35M agro-processing plant earmarked for Enmore

– to create over 600 jobs CARIBBEAN International Distributors Incorporated, a member of the Rudisa Group of Companies, has signalled its intention to build a whopping US$35 million ($7.3 billion) agro-processing facility at Enmore, on the East Coast Demerara (ECD).

To this effect, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday with the Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said that the facility will accommodate the processing and packaging of a range of products such as pasteurised milk, natural fruit juices and water, as well as a myriad of bread-like products including hamburger buns, cookies, biscuits, croissants, bagels and donuts, etcetera.

“This here will tap into the market both locally and overseas.

But locally, we already have markets like the school-feeding programme; you have fruit juices that are normally used there… You have the milk; now that will be pasteurised,” Minister Mustapha told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said, too, that in addition to creating some 600 new jobs for the people of Guyana, the project is expected to create a large market for fruit farmers and dairy producers, who, according to the developers, will be the primary suppliers in this venture.

The government’s

Department of Public Information (DPI), which was present at the signing of the MoU, quoted the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, as saying: “Rudisa Group of Companies has a longstanding in-

in Guyana’s agricultural and industrial development…We want to make sure that our people benefit from this investment, and are eager to add value to the agriculture industry in keeping with our President’s vision for Guyana,” Gajadar

tial as the food-basket of the Caribbean.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August 2020, it had pledged to put immediate focus on tapping into at least 15 per cent of the regional food import bill, which

plants, which would see more value-added products coming out of Guyana.

To this end, the government has already budgeted in excess of $800 million for the establishment of six high-quality agro-processing facilities across the country.

These facilities are slated to be established particularly in Arana-

Shortly after signing the MoU for a US$35M agro-processing plant at Enmore, are, from left: Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, along with Maurice R. Gajadhar, CEO of Caribbean International Distributors Inc., and Go-Invest’s CEO, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (DPI photo)

terest in Guyana, and is embarking on a new and critical venture, which will considerably contribute to the President’s vision for an Agriculture-focused Guyana, and which will be focal in the government’s mission to transform Guyana into a large-scale exporter for the Caribbean and beyond.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean International Distributors Inc, Maurice R. Gajadhar, related his enthusiasm about embarking on this new investment, and adding to the country’s transformation effort.

“We are excited to expand our operations, and to be instrumental

said.

The establishment of this new plant will bring Guyana one step closer to realising the government’s comprehensive food agenda, while ensuring the development of the local farming community.

“We have to move away from the subsistent way we have been doing things,” Minister Mustapha said.

He related that currently, Guyana has been working with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to eliminate certain barriers of trade, which will ultimately pave the way for Guyana to become a major food supplier of the region, thereby realising its true poten-

ranges between US$5 billion to US$8 billion.

Minister Mustapha said that Guyana produces much of the items that are being imported by the 15 CARICOM Member States; however, it is important that efforts be made to improve the production and sales of value-added products.

For instance, even though Guyana is a major producer and exporter of coconut, processed products such as coconut cream and bottled coconut water are still being imported.

It is for this reason that the government has begun investing heavily in the development of agro-processing and packaging

puta and St. Ignatius in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Black Bush Polder in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and Leguan in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Minister Mustapha has also committed to ensuring such facilities are replicated in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“This here will help Guyana to be a leading country,” Mustapha said, as he pointed to the investments being made.

He noted, too, that in addition to improving the country’s pro-

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cessing and packaging capabilities, much effort will be placed on ensuring that standards and quality are superior.

LABS TO BE BUILT To t h i s e n d , t h e Ministry of Agriculture will be investing in the purchase of critical equipment for the creation of “mini labs” to test the products being processed and packaged in Guyana.

Soon after taking office, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had related his government’s vision of transforming the agriculture industry.

Dr. Ali had stressed that even though Guyana is gearing to become a major oil producer, the country will not make the mistake of being reliant on the Oil-and-Gas Sector alone.

The Head of State has often underscored the importance and potential of Guyana’s agriculture industry, especially as it relates to agro-processing and investing in value-added. However, Dr. Ali had also recognised that investments in value-added products depend heavily on Guyana’s ability to produce affordable energy.

To t h i s e n d , a s part of its plan to transform Guyana into a powerhouse, the government has embarked on a mission to cut the cost of power generation by at least 50 per cent, using an energy mix, which will see the creation of projects that will utilise various sources of alternative energy. The Amaila Hydropower project and the pioneer Gasto-Shore project are all part of this effort.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Greater inclusion of Guyanese in Caribbean Airlines’ operations discussed –– as President Ali engages company’s executive members

GREATER inclusion of Guyanese in the work of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) was among the topics discussed during a virtual meeting among President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, government officials and executive members of the company, on Friday.

The President said that he is aware that CAL has been an outstanding partner of Guyana but it has never been a one-way street.

“We are aware that CAL has been an extremely good partner of Guyana, but you must also accept that Guyana has been an extremely good market for CAL. It has never been a one-way street, it has always been a two-way street, and all your previous boards and CEOs would have appreciated this,” President Ali said, noting that there is room for improvement in many areas, including local content.

He added: “I know that you are cutting costs and you are cutting staff, but we would like to see more involvement of Guyanese in the operations, and by that, I mean we are willing to work with you on increasing your footprint and your presence here in Guyana as part of your development plans.”

Additionally, he highlighted the challenges related to frequency and costs of flights to Canada and Miami and the issue of cargo capacity.

The President noted too that during the pandemic, the relationship continued since Guyana was kept relatively open and CAL’s operations were sustained.

“It is under these circumstances that I wanted us to engage and to have a clear understanding as to where CAL is heading… we believe that CAL is a long and strong partner

Saturday August 14, 2021 – 09:30hrs - 11:00hrs

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (first from left); Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, engage executive members of Caribbean Airlines Limited during a virtual meeting, on Wednesday with us, and we need to find a way in which that partnership is demonstrated in a stronger way.”

MORE COLLABORATION In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CAL, Ronnie Mohammed, said that the airline has been a “legacy carrier” into Guyana and that the mutual friendship and relationship between Guyana and Trinidad have been maintained and sustained.

“We are eager and will-

ing to partner deeper with our footprint in Guyana,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CAL, Garvin Medera, assured the President that CAL is “very willing” to continue with the push to support local content in Guyana.

He said that prior to the onset of the pandemic, the airline had started recruiting Guyanese but was forced to cut back on staffing.

Despite the existing challenges, President Ali pointed to the importance of a clear path and plan between the

government and CAL, which can be transmitted to consumers.

“We have to grow together. We need to have a technical discussion on the way forward to improve efficiency and to come up with a master plan together to share with the people in demonstration of the partnership,” President Ali said.

He informed the airline officials that moving forward, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who were all a part of the meeting, will engage them at a technical level to craft

a cohesive plan that demonstrates and strengthens the partnership while examining the opportunities ahead.

This, he believes, will contribute to the enhancement of mutual trust and improve services in the eyes of consumers.

Also present at the meeting were National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia and CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir.

Caribbean Airlines was represented at the meeting

by Mohammed; Madera; General Manager, Carl Stuart and Chief Commercial Officer, Yannis Gounaris. (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

$45M trial for corn, soya bean showing positive results – authorities to move ahead with $500M infrastructural upgrades for large-scale production

AHEAD of a massive plan to produce corn and soya bean on a large and commercial scale, local investors are pleased that their $45 million trial farm has shown positive and encouraging results, ahead of a September harvest.

On Friday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha journeyed with the team to the Dubulay Ranch, located along the Berbice River, to get a firsthand look at the ongoing trial.

“I want to compliment the team for what they have achieved so far. Both the corn and soya bean pilot plots look very encouraging, and I am very optimistic that this pilot project will yield exceptional results ahead of commercial and large-scale production of these two very important proteins for the poultry industry,” Minister Mustapha said.

The project, which is being undertaken by a group of local investors, came on stream after President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the government’s intention to be self-sufficient in producing proteins for the poultry industry.

The Head of State had also related that incentives would be made available for private individuals interested in coming on board with the government’s vision for the development of the sector.

With Guyana now taking the lead on advancing the agri-food systems agenda in CARICOM, the government is keen on finding ways to reduce the country’s and CARICOM’s food import bill. Guyana currently expends close to US$25 million annually on proteins for the poultry sector.

The group of investors who have answered the President’s call include the owners of Guyana Stockfeed Ltd, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and Bounty Farm Ltd, along with the Brazilian-owned N F Agriculture.

Assistant Managing Director of Bounty Farm Limited, David Fernandes said that it

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha inspecting some of the young plants at Dubulay was important for the team to commence trial of the two key inputs so that sufficient data could be gathered for the larger investment.

“This is a project that was initiated by President Ali, so we thought it was very important to rapidly do some trials that would give us data that was enough for us to continue to push towards becoming a commercial operation. We planted 115 acres of soya bean, and five acres of corn at this point. Those two crops will probably be reaped by the end of September, and then we’ll plant again in November,” Fernandes said.

He said that by November, the team intends to plant 125 acres each of corn and soya bean.

“So far, it’s been quite interesting and exciting for us, because the plants are now about four-and-a-half weeks old, and the soya beans look very good.

The corn is still very young,” the businessman said, as he lauded the government’s push to become self-sufficient. “…Because, with the pandemic hitting us last year, we realised that it was imperative for Guyana to move in this direction,” Fernandes said.

He also expressed optimism in the outcome of the ongoing trial, in light of the continued support being provided to the team.

Since taking office in August 2020, the government has taken steps to promote domestic cultivation on a scale that would enable Guyana to satisfy the agricultural needs of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

EXPANDING AGRICULTURE Minister Mustapha said that even though Guyana is an emerging oil-producing nation, much emphasis will still be placed on developing and expanding the agriculture sector.

“As a government, we believe that agriculture is the backbone of a country’s economy, and we will continue to invest in the development of the sector.

With the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen how vulnerable global economies are. As a government, we have been making the necessary steps to ensure all of our sectors are developed sustainably, thus reducing our economy’s overall vulnerability,” Minister Mustapha said.

The government, in its 2020 Emergency Budget, had taken steps to remove value-added tax (VAT) on agriculture machinery, fertilisers, agro-chemicals, and pesticides, making it more feasible for such investments.

Further, in this year’s budget, an additional $500 million was allocated to improve the

The Dubulay Ranch, located approximately 70 miles south of Georgetown, along the Berbice River

requisite infrastructure required for the large-scale corn and soya bean farms.

To this end, minister Mustapha said that infrastructural upgrades to the road leading to the Tacama Savannah will commence shortly, as part of the administration’s Intermediate Savannah Development Initiative.

“To facilitate production in the Tacama Savannah, we’ll be doing the 18km of road, drying floors and other facilities. As you know, access is critical when undertaking projects of this magnitude in these far-off locations.

I am happy to inform you at tenders are currently out for the roads. That should be closing shortly,” Mustapha posited.

He said that tenders for other infrastructural works to accommodate the investment will be issued shortly.

“Access is critical, so we thought it best to get the road project up and running, but all in all, this will be a multi-year project. The ultimate goal is to first become self-sufficient then be able to produce enough for export to regional markets,” the Agriculture Minister said.

INTERNSHIP AND THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOL-

OGY Additionally, owing to the success of the trial farm, the government will soon embark on a joint effort, which will see students from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) benefiting from training exercises at both the Dubalay Ranch and the Tacama site.

Minister Mustapha said that with the level of technology employed on the ranch, it would benefit the country as a whole to have students who are studying agriculture being exposed to such advanced levels of technology.

He said that his ministry has already discussed the possibility of having students from various learning institutions benefit from some form of internship at the ranch.

“This initiative will also be extended to students from the University of Guyana and other relevant agencies. When you look around and see the amount of work and level of technology being employed here, I’m sure our students will be able to learn a lot. Theory is important, but the practical aspect of agriculture is also very critical in ensuring allround development,” Minister Mustapha emphasised.

Meanwhile, aside from the

ongoing trial, Alex Mendez, who manages operations at the Dubulay Ranch, has been managing the cultivation of several varieties of corn which are exported to the United States, and used for seed and the production of new varieties.

The project, which has been ongoing since 2005, forms part of global projects funded by the Stine Seed Company. Stine Seed is the world's largest private seed company, and the largest independent seed company in the United States.

Mendes further related that over the years, he has been able to provide employment for a number of women from the neighbouring communities. He added that with the new project expected to come on stream soon, more employment opportunities will be generated.

Over the next four years, the government will be working with several private individuals and groups to develop various mega-farms to propel production and reduce the annual food import bill in its entirety.

Corn and soya bean are among the commodities targeted for development under the ministry’s Intermediate Savannahs Development Initiative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Politicisation of vaccines

DIRECTOR of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne has expressed concern regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Caribbean countries and has made a strong appeal for people to get vaccinated.

That concern is echoed by several other experts both at the technical and professional levels, especially in the context of new data which is showing a resurgence of the virus in some countries including the United States and other western countries.

Thanks to an increase in the uptake levels in several countries, there has been a significant decrease in new cases globally. However, there are growing fears among experts that the virus could mutate and spread at an even faster rate unless strong actions are taken by national governments to contain the spread of the virus. Already there are some alarming statistics in North America and elsewhere of infection rates among children driven by the emergence of the delta variant.

As the PAHO Director pointed out, cases rise when complacency steps in. Guyana has been pushing

hard to ensure that the adult population is fully vaccination but there continues to be a fair measure of resistance and complacency by some sections of the population. Many of those who refuse to be vaccinated are doing so out of misinformation regarding the health benefits of the vaccines but there are others who are encouraged to act against the best interests of themselves and their families seemingly out of political considerations.

How else can one explain significant variations in vaccination uptake levels in some parts of the country, perceived to be political strongholds of one political party, which from all appearances, seem to be using the vaccination exercise as a political tool to foster its own political end. The recent protest action in Linden and the blocking of access to the Wismar Bridge is indicative of the extent to which some people are prepared go in order to stand in the way of the government's attempt to vaccinate the full cohort of its adult population, especially those who are considered front line workers.

It is unfortunate that some catego-

ries of professionals who are looked upon as important 'reference groups' in terms of the promotion of the deadly Covid-19 vaccines are allowing themselves to become part of an unscientific and wholly unsubstantiated narrative as it relates to the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Such behaviour, apart from the dangers to which they are personally exposed to, send out a wrong message to the wider population. One can only hope that good sense will prevail and there will be rethink of their current stance.

It is in the above context that the decision by the current administration to make it mandatory for front line workers such as nurses, doctors and other categories of workers to become vaccinated or to show evidence that they are free from the COVID-19 virus as a condition to gain entry to their respective places of work. This is now becoming standard operating procedures in several other countries in the Caribbean, North America and for that matter the world at large.

There is nothing punitive about that.

Nor is it a violation of a person's fundamental or constitutional right to be vaccinated against a disease which

potentially could place the lives of others at risk.

The Ministry of Health has agreed to put a two-week pause on its decision to make it mandatory for front line workers to be vaccinated as a condition for entering places of work.

This is not a 'victory' as the political opposition is claiming or wants to take credit for. Indeed, it is more a case of some measure of desperation into which the political opposition has sunk in seeking to make political capital out of the health and well-being of the Guyanese people.

The PPP/C administration, for its part, must be commended for displaying a high level of understanding and patience given the sensitivity of the matter. Not taking the vaccines, however, cannot be an option.

The risks are by far too high. The country is making steady progress in terms of its vaccination programme with close to 30 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.

We still have a far way to go, however, before we reach fully vaccinated status which is so vital to, as it were; break the back of this dreaded pandemic.

Chief Elections Officer of GECOM should be a non-national for an interim period Dear Editor, THE 2020 general elections manipulations and attempts at rigging when condensed and filtered down could have been stopped in its track if two specific officials of GECOM, namely the Chairperson and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) had acted as officers befitting their office. What actually occurred was largely a case of inaction by the Chairperson and too much nefarious actions by the CEO. Hypothetically, had the CEO acted as per the guidelines of GECOM, Min-

go would not have been calling out bingo and bogus numbers. The complete electoral secretariat reports directly to the CEO and he has the commensurate authority to direct their conduct as per the standard operating procedures. His decision to condone the falsification of the statements of poll for Region Four was the major turning point in an otherwise fair and free election up to that point. This only amplifies the importance of the CEO. Furthermore, had the Chairperson acted with her vested authority and suspended both Mingo and Lowenfield the moment they

disregarded the Chief Justice and her orders, we would never would have had to endure this rigging nightmare.

The way forward should be to retain the Chairperson given the fact that although she was very dilatory at times and lacks the experience of overseeing an election; she went through a crucible of fire and must have emerged tempered and wiser.

With regards to the CEO of Gecom which is the most crucial position, we should look at the possibility of hiring a competent officer from either the CARICOM or Commonwealth countries

for at a minimum of two elections to replace Lowenfield.

This would give everyone they proper breathing space to regain trust and impartiality in the elections process since a non-national would have no partial preference for any which political party.

Over time we would come to have trust in the system regardless of the individuals manning the electoral system.

Yours Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

OP-ED United Nations Guyana

IN April this year, more than 11,000 youth leaders from around the world gathered for the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum, the UN’s foremost platform for listening to the voices of the world’s 1.8 billion young people.

At the event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was time for world leaders to “move beyond platitudes” about young people, and commit to delivering a better future for them all.

Addressing Youth Forum delegates, the UN’s Youth Envoy, Jayathma Wickramanayake said that the world’s 1.8 billion youth face issues “that no other generation has encountered”, including the climate crisis, conflicts, and systems of inequality that threaten young people's lives and futures.

Acknowledging these challenges, the Secretary-General stated that world leaders should “not be surprised that both Online and in the streets, young people have been expressing their impatience with the pace of change, and their frustration with injustice and poor governance”. He added that “tangible improvements” are urgently required in education, employment, environmental protection, and digital connectivity in particular.

The annual International Youth Day observance on August 12 is “an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young people’s voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement.” But if we are we are serious about our own legacy, we must accelerate our work to bestow on young people a future worthy of their talents.

This is why the UN is implementing a global Youth Strategy that aims to significantly strengthen our capacity to engage young people and benefit from their views, insights, and ideas.

It is also the reason why the UN is putting young people at the centre of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and at the core of the global recovery from COVID-19.

LISTENING TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN GUYANA Young people in Guyana constitute more than two-thirds of the population, but significant numbers are already at risk of being left behind.

The youth unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2021 was recorded at 31.4 per cent, and more young women are unemployed (41.9 per cent) compared to young men (23.7 per cent). The proportion of youth (both young men and women) not in employment, education or training was 35.9 per cent. Among young women, the rate is 45.6 per cent.

Last year, to commemorate 75 years since the creation of the United Nations, the Secretary-General led a global conversation about “the future we want, the United Nations we need”. Youth from Guyana joined more than one million people worldwide who voiced their aspirations in focus group conversations, and in Online surveys.

We heard young people in Guyana express their desire for a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society. They want

Youth-led innovation important for Guyana's transformation –– time to move beyond platitudes to do motivating work, and are interested in the development and uptake of emerging technologies. They are worried by levels of crime and gender-based violence that threaten the safety and well-being of girls and women, and even boys. They are passionate about eliminating racism and all forms of discrimination against persons living with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

They affirmed their expectation for quality health, education, and social services.

The UN wishes to collaborate with the government, private sector and civil society to support and work with girls, boys and young women and men to realise the Guyana they want.

‘NOT JUST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, BUT WITH THEM’ Right now, governments around the world are preparing for two landmark events that will have major implications for our shared future and the lives of children: COP26 (the global climate conference) and the Global Food Systems Summit.

Both demonstrate that we should be thinking not just about how to create a future fit for young people, but how to build a future with them, actively drawing on their talents and insights.

In fact, the theme of this year’s International Youth Day is all about how youth innovation for human and planetary health could help transform food systems. And in Guyana, today, we get a glimpse of how young people, the government, and the UN, can work together to kick-start this transformation.

First, the importance of developing new types of food system (domestically, regionally, internationally) is already well-recognised in Guyana. Under H.E. President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s stewardship, Guyana is playing a leading role within CARICOM on agriculture and food security policy, while revitalisation of Guyana’s domestic agriculture and aquaculture industries is a national priority.

Meanwhile, we know that young people are highly receptive to the use of new technologies in food production and attuned to the necessity for climate-smart production.

In Guyana, we have seen how young entrepreneurs are already amongst those adopting new farming techniques such as vertical farming (hydroponics, aeroponics), organic production, and regenerative practices.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is already helping young people start their own businesses in food production, processing, agro-tourism, agricultural supplies, marketing, and other associated fields. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports economic enterprises in rural and indigenous communities under the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development Project. The World Food Programme (WFP) is active in the Caribbean and offers assistance to enhance food security.

Taken together, these components offer insights of glimpse of how governments, young Guyanese women and men, and the UN can work together to address the issues with today’s food systems.

The potential of such cooperation is high and its urgency beyond question.

THE UN’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH IN GUYANA: OUR NEW COOPERATION PARTNERSHIP Food system is just one example of how the UN is putting youth at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNICEF, the UN Children’s Fund, has taken a multi-sectoral approach to protecting children’s rights, through early childhood interventions, education and by supporting the introduction of the Juvenile Justice Act and helping with the creation of children’s courts. UNFPA promotes reproductive health and addresses adolescent pregnancies. UNAIDS works on prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS involving some of the most vulnerable population groups. PAHO/WHO supports Guyana’s

health systems and services and has been active in addressing mental health issues that affect young people as well. UNDP supports young people in accessing ICT hubs and exploring innovation through digital means.

UNESCO’s #iRespectU campaign aims to promote the meaningful participation and inclusion of young people in decision-making, with a particular focus on human rights and diversity. IOM and UNHCR work with government services and communities to enable migrants and refugees to be included in Guyana’s society and economy.

In 2021, as we emerge from a global pandemic, and confront the magnitude of the climate emergency, there are no more important stakeholders in our future than our young people.

The UN will spare no effort in protecting them, and in soliciting their energy, ambition, and talent to create a better world for us all.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

The six barriers to digital inclusion in rural areas and ways to remove them

By Manuel Otero Director General, Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA)

AS in other sectors of the economy, knowledge and technologies are key to explaining recent developments in agriculture. They are also central to dealing with the imminent challenges facing agrifood systems, and to driving sustainable development.

The technological revolution that we are experiencing is linked to the availability of equipment, tools and systems applied to production, processing and marketing. These factors have an impact on all economic activities, and agriculture is not excluded from these processes.

The potential benefits offered by the digitalisation of agriculture are enormous, but its expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean is still in its infancy due to six barriers: 1- Infrastructure problems reflected in a gap of 34 percentage points between urban

IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero and rural connectivity. A combined assessment of 24 countries within the region reveals that some 80 million rural inhabitants lack access to quality connectivity.

2- Restrictions in access to and affordability of technologies, services and devices in comparison with developed countries,

both between the countries and, within them, between the rural and urban environments.

3- Deficits in the promotion and regulation of the sector, which give rise to a shortage of stimulus plans for digitalisation.

4- Limitations in the development of digital skills among the rural population because of obstacles relating to educational levels (within the region, only 17.1 per cent of the rural population has specific digital skills).

5- Gap between technologies and their adaptability to the context in which they are applied (differences in culture, language and skills that limit their adoption).

6- Women and rural youth lagging further behind with respect to the benefits of technology.

These obstacles prove that facilitating access to technology is a basic and necessary condition for a significant transformation of agrifood systems and rural life. But making access universal is not sufficient. There is also the need to drive digital skills training to develop capacities that allow users to make a qualitative leap.

In order to achieve this, bridging the

digital divide in access and in the use of technologies in the rural environment must be a priority for policy-making.

Intensive and flexible use of technologies has an enormous potential to make the productive process as well as the public and private services more efficient, inclusive and sustainable; bring about improvements in the productivity and quality of products and services; promote opportunities for employment and training in the rural milieu; and broaden the possibilities for knowledge. T hese are all key factors for achieving sustainable development and strengthening agricultural systems.

We are facing an urgent and enormous task that requires a broad coalition between the States, international cooperation, the private sector and civil society organisations.

We are united by fundamental objectives for the construction of a valuable social capital: connecting the rural environment and preparing its population for intensive and smart use of technologies by building sustainable bridges between the rural and urban sectors.

Voucher suggests Georgetown Mayor requested City’s funds to attend protest in New York A VOUCHER has surfaced that suggests that Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine requested funds from the City’s coffers to attend a protest scheduled to occur in Brooklyn, New York, on the invitation of well-known ‘rabble-rouser’ on Facebook, Rickford Burke.

The protest is organised by an unknown organisation that calls itself the Guyanese Organisations Against Racism (GOAR) and includes what it called an ‘anti-racism & injustice march and rally’ on August 15, 2021, as well as a diaspora conference on August 17, 2021, in Brooklyn, the

Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine invitation letter to Narine, signed by Burke and Ervin Washington disclosed.

The voucher seen by

this newspaper shows a Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown ‘Purchase Requisition’ that suggests that Narine requested the sum of US$600, or GY$132,000, for “meals and out of pocket” for his travels to New York for a period of eight days.

The Mayor, in response, claimed that when he learnt of the requisition, which was prepared by the international relations officer attached to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, who is responsible for organising the Mayor’s international travels, he informed the officer to withdraw same.

The Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown ‘Purchase Requisition’ voucher

Improved water quality for areas such as Albion, Fryish and Chesney Dear Editor, THE Guyana Water Incorporated has taken note of a recent Letter to the Editor in the media that raises concerns about the quality of water provided to Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice residents.

We wish to reiterate that the high iron concentration referred to in the letter is not

unique to the Corentyne, Berbice area. In fact, it is a common occurrence among aquifer wells along the coastal belt of Guyana.

It is because of this, that we have implemented a robust schedule for the flushing of pipelines.

This aims to reduce the iron content built up in pipelines, thus ensuring an improved quality of water supplied to residents.

Additionally, water supply levels in the aforementioned areas have remained consistently high but have suffered some bad days, owing to frequent Guyana Power and Light (GPL) phase outs.

These electrical issues contribute to water service disruptions and even damaged pumps and motors at our well stations.

Nevertheless, residents can be assured that

in keeping with our mission, we are working assiduously to ensure that at least 90 percent of the coastland receives a regular supply of treated water.

In this regard, areas such as Albion, Fryish and Chesney stand to benefit.

Yours sincerely, Guyana Water Incorporated

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MMG experienced ‘tremendous’ growth over the past year –– new services include salary payments

By Tamica Garnett WITH almost 70,000 customers and over 750 merchants and agents, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) electronic payment service Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), has seen massive growth over the past year, and is expecting even greater growth as it begins to expand services to include facilities such as salary payments by employers.

The company is also considering a possible future with MMG debit cards, and making MMG commonplace at merchants all across the country.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, MMG General Manager Bobita Ram, shared that although the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for increasing Guyanese usage of the services, the facility has been seeing growth year-on-year.

“The growth has been phenomenal,” Ram related, further explaining that: “We have more than doubled the business. In terms of number of customers, in terms of number of transactions, types of transactions, in all of those criteria over the last year we have seen more than double growth.”

Launched eight years ago, MMG offers a wide range of services including purchasing cellphone credit and bill payments.

Over the last year with the pandemic reducing social contact, MMG’s “electronic wallet” which allows for cashless, electronic payments, took centre stage.

“We’ve enabled large and small businesses, and consumers to realise they do not have to physically travel to a location to make a payment. They

MMG General Manager, Bobita Ram can sit in their living room making payments and reliably deliver to whoever they have to pay,” Ram commented.

A peer-to-peer payment system similar to Square Inc’s CashApp, the service allows users to safely transfer money electronically between accounts, without the need to exchange physical cash.

The system functions similar to a bank account, allowing persons to deposit money into their accounts at any of several agents.

The money can be stored, used to conduct payments, or withdrawn with ease using a number of options.

Customers can conduct transactions using an android app, by visiting the website, or with the phone you can use *123#. Last year, the company invested in upgrading the interface of the android app.

“Will we stop there?

No, we will continue to innovate. A card could be on the horizon. How soon I wouldn’t be able to say.

But not only a card but several other means of innovating to enhance the customers’ experience,” Ram shared.

With the increasing cases of cash robberies highlighting the need for more cashless options, Guyanese have been increasingly capitalising on the electronic payment option that MMG pro-

GTT CEO, Damian Blackburn vides.

Ram explained that particularly during the pandemic, the service was a lifesaver for many small business service providers who were worried about how they could get payments without leaving their location.

Over 33,000 customers have their own MMG “electronic wallets” where they can safely store cash and make payments. The system has registered over 150 merchants ranging from taxi and delivery services, to gas stations, supermarkets and fast food restaurants.

“We have changed the behaviour in many instances for customers in how they see payments.

We have enabled businesses to realise they don't have to be opened 24/7 to receive payments because of an electronic process that can happen at any moment,” Ram said.

GTT has also begun piloting salary payments using the service, and has given its own employees the option of having their salaries paid though MMG. The telecommunications provider is working along with other businesses to expand this facility.

Last year, the business went a step further and signed partnerships with a number of local banks enabling consumers to transfer money from their

bank account to the MMG account which can then be spent on any of the host of services offered by the facility.

GTT has been proactively expanding the services that MMG can be used for.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Damien Blackburn said the company also continues to encourage businesses to partner with

MMG to make the provision of their services easier.

“We are on a mission to make it as easy as possible for persons to get money in their wallet. I put an appeal out as the GTT CEO, anybody who thinks they can use the MMG, and they want to use GTT wallets,” Blackburn conveyed.

“We’re listening to ev-

erybody about what they want to do. If you can pay

by VISA, why not pay by MMG. A lot of people are asking us that. And we’ve put that announcement out, any company - big or small - that want to work with MMG please get in touch with us and we will help make that vision come to life,” he added.

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Petroleum management standards to be enhanced –– through partnership between GNBS and the American Petroleum Institute

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will be working closely with the American Petroleum Institute (API) to enhance local petroleum management standards, as operations at the oil blocks

offshore Guyana intensify.

To solidify their partnership, the GNBS and the API signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the GNBS’ Sophia office on Friday.

GNBS Executive Director,

Ramrattie Khan said: “Through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today, the GNBS will be adopting a list of API standards.

“We’ll be accessing training and capacity building from API,

as well as other opportunities, based on the needs of the Bureau and the local industry.”

Senior Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Bobby Gossai Jr., said this partnership has been in the making for two years, and that it is crucial for the development of the oil-and-gas industry in Guyana.

He noted that Guyana has “a steep learning curve” ahead, as it has made several hydrocarbon discoveries in commercial quantities over a short period of time.

“We have realised that it’s very critical and very important that we put in place the right standards. We have seen from 2015 to today, there have been

22 commercial discoveries offshore Guyana, and all of that is taking place in one block.

But at the same time, we also understand that we have a steep learning curve in Guyana,” Gossai said.

The Ministry of Natural Resources had set up a working group with the GNBS to develop petroleum standards, which would develop the industry in a manner that would encourage investment.

The MoU, Gossai related, is not just about paperwork, but about putting systems in place to govern upstream and midstream activity.

Vice-President of Standards and Services at API, Alexa

GNBS Executive Director, Ramrattie Khan (DPI photo) Burr, who joined virtually for the signing said API and GNBS have a significant opportunity to share knowledge.

“As the global economy starts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the global energy demand returns to pre-pandemic levels; it’s increasingly important that Guyana meets global energy needs through the use of best-in-class industry standards,” Burr said.

She said API is excited that the two organisations are aligning to advance safety, sustainability and environmental protection in Guyana’s oiland-gas industry. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Region Three police officers benefit from four-day training programme

THE US Military Information Support Team, the Region Three police division, and the Region Three Private Sector Inc (R3PSInc), on Tuesday concluded a four-day course, during which two dozen police ranks benefited from training in medical life- saving techniques, and effective

He also posited that this training should be the starting point for greater collaboration in the future between the embassy and the regional division, as his aim is to use the provision of better services to bridge the gap between the police and the public.

Head of R3PSInc, Halim

through hands-on instruction and seminars, while building a more effective community based policing strategy, Khan said.

Noting that police strategies are continuously evolving, and are diverse, he said common threads are readily discernible, both locally and internationally.

Facilitators of the US Military Information Support Team with Region Three police ranks who received certificates at the conclusion of the programme communication.

Commander of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Senior Superintendent Errol Watts thanked the facilitators from the US Embassy for their timely support in the four critical areas of knowledge sharing, which will ensure the provision of better services to the public in the region.

Khan explained that over the past month, the Military Information Support Team from the US Embassy collaborated with the Region Three police in the areas of social media optimisation, police ethics, medical life- saving techniques and effective communication.

This joint collaboration allowed police officers to increase their knowledge base

“It is clear that the design and implementation of information systems should not be left to technologists; they are matters for strategists and managers. If these matters are neglected, they can undermine the best intentions for strategic reform. In many police departments, these matters now are urgent.

In order for the full potential of the emerging

Region Three Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts (second left); Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc (R3PSInc) Halim Khan (extreme right); and facilitators of the US Military Information Support Team

strategies of policing to be realised, senior officers will

have to ensure that their information support fits

their policing strategy,” Khan noted.

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Five arrested after missing fisherman found dead

POLICE in Berbice have arrested five persons in connection with the death of 34-year-old Shaheed Mohamed, whose lifeless body was found floating in the Aruka River, Kumaka Water Front, North West District, on Thursday.

The discovery was made two days after he was reported missing.

Mohamed, a fisherman of Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice, was fished out of the river around 08:00 hours.

Police retrieved the body, and it was positively identified by boat captain Edwin Oneil and other crew members. An hour later, Mohamed was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.

According to the police, Mohamed’s body was examined and what appears to be marks of violence were seen on the right side of his neck and right eye. The body is presently at the Mabaruma Public Hospital mortuary

awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Mohamed was reported missing on August 10, by his boat captain. It was reported

by Oneil that Mohamed was last seen in the company of two female Venezuelans, two nights before the missing report was made.

Police investigations had led to the two females being detained along with three of Mohamed’s crew members.

Investigations are ongoing.

Man sentenced to 10 years after confessing to killing stepfather

Shaheed Mohamed

FIVE years after 46-year-old Narain Shewnauth called “Hop-Hop” was fatally chopped during a drinking spree, his stepson confessed to the crime and was, on Friday, sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Bisram Ramsamuj was arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Berbice High Court for the capital offence of murder, but opted to plead instead to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Ramsamuj admitted that between May 8-9, 2016, at Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice, he unlawfully killed Bisram Ramsamuj Shewnauth. The State was represented by prosecutor Abigail Gibbs while Ramsamuj was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir.

According to reports, during the period in question, the family was imbibing at their home when an argument ensued between the two men.

During the argument, Ramsamuj armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Shewnauth to his head.

Shewnauth was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Convicted child rapist appeals life sentence MARK Campbell, who is currently serving life imprisonment for two counts of sexual activity with a child under 12-years old, is now challenging his conviction and sentence.

In 2017, Campbell was tried before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Georgetown High Court. It is alleged that he first engaged in sexual penetration of the boy during the month of September 2011, when he was six years old. He again committed the act on July 10, 2013, when the boy was eight.

A 12-member jury found Campbell guilty on both counts and he was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years in jail.

Campbell recently moved to the Court of Appeal claiming that his conviction cannot stand. He is asking that his sentence be set aside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive. The matter is expected to be called in the Court of Appeal on August 16.

According to reports, Campbell was asked by the boy’s mother to take care him while she worked the night shift. Campbell allegedly sodomised the boy on the dates mentioned in the charges while his mother was at work.

In 2018, Campbell was handed another life sentence after confessing to raping a 5-year-old boy on April 16, 2013.

The sentence was handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who ordered that Campbell be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.

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COVID-19 claims another life –– 100 new cases recorded

THE Ministry of Health has reported that one more person has died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 570.

The latest fatality is a 75-year-old female from Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died while receiving treatment at a Ministry of Health facility.

Further, there are 866 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 100 new cases on August 13, 2021. Those cases were detected from 813 tests.

The 100 newly-confirmed cases were recorded in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. Region Four accounted

for 65 of the new cases while Regions One and Five recorded two new cases each; Regions Two, Nine and Ten recorded three new cases each; Region Three recorded 15 new cases and Region Six recorded seven new cases.

Even as new cases were recorded, 65 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the

total number of recoveries to 21,913.

The country has now recorded a total of 23,344 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 14 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, 86 are in institutional isolation, 761 are in home isolation and five are in institutional

quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from August 1, 2021, until August 31, 2021.

They could be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended.

The current curfew begins at 22:30 hrs and ends at 04:00 hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

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25 soldiers undergoing Grade III finance course

YOUNG serving members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who have opted to join the organisation to offer their service to the country and pursue prospective career opportunities are realising their dreams and ambitions through training within the army.

Twenty-five of them are currently undergoing training on the Grade III Finance Course 2021-01.

The course was formally declared open on August 12, 2021 by Staff Officer One, General Eight Finance and Contracts, Lieutenant Colonel Dale DeMendonca, during a simple but significant ceremony at the Base Office Lecture Hall of Base Camp Ayanganna.

The Force Grade III Finance Course prepares and equips young officers with the requisite skills and knowledge to func-

tion as junior clerks in the Finance Department, and pay clerks around the GDF. In brief remarks to the young soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel De Mendonca stressed the importance of diligence and accountability.

He also urged them to be honest, confidential and dedicated clerks to ensure a smooth and secure practice of the finance and procurement processes within

the organisation. During the 12-week course, the ranks will be exposed to an array of subject areas on several topics relative to finance.

On conclusion of the training, the ranks will be able to process imprest transactions, complete bank reconciliations, process public revenue transactions, examine payment vouchers, compute superannuation benefits, execute NIS and salaries computations, and record and process Central Bank transactions.

Upon completion of the course, the most outstanding students will be recognised for sustained excellent, and exceptional performances.

Lieutenant Robin Rogers of the GDF Finance Department The prizes to be coveted are Best Graduating

Student and Runner-up Graduating Student.

Ranks pursuing the Grade III Finance Course

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

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EU donates electronic devices to UG

THE University of Guyana (UG)’s capacity to provide more support to its students, especially those with challenges and disabilities, was boosted with a timely donation of equipment from the European Union (EU) on Thursday.

The equipment gifted to the university include seven laptops, one copy machine with toner supplies, one ‘smart’ television, and multiple flash drives, a release said.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin received them on behalf of the university from the European Union’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Fernando Ponz Canto during a simple ceremony in front of the UG-EU Democracy mural at the University’s Turkeyen Campus.

The items were part of a reserve library of electronic equipment of the EU’s Electoral Observation Mission (EUEOM) to Guyana for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Professor Mo-

At the handing over of the items gifted by the European Union to the University of Guyana are, from left, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Fernando Ponz Canto; UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed; UG Berbice Campus Director, Professor Subramaniam Gomathinayagam; and IDCE Director, Dr. Jacqueline Murray hamed-Martin extended the tured unit to provide support forward to continuous sup- in 2023. university’s appreciation for for students with challenges port, especially as it relates Ambassador Ponz Canto the gifts which she said will and disabilities within the to support for education, noted that the donation coinbe put to immediate use. university’s new Centre for inclusion, and democracy in cides with the ongoing activ“They will partly en- Behavioural Sciences and Re- Guyana,” she added. ities that are part of the EU hance the capacity of the UG search (CeBRES),” Professor The Vice-Chancellor also Delegation in Guyana’s 30th Student Society (UGSS), in Mohamed-Martin said. commended the European anniversary celebrations.

Georgetown and Berbice. The “We are really happy Union Delegation in Guyana “I am happy to deliver equipment will also partially with all of the wonderful on celebrating its 30th an- these materials that should help support the university’s on- work the EU has been doing niversary, noting that UG students and faculty to take going thrust for a more struc- over the years, and we look itself will also be turning 60 forward one of the most im-

portant objectives for Guyana: The education and progress of all its citizens,” he said, adding: “This is a humble contribution, and we know it will make a difference in the lives of many students under the leadership of Professor Mohamed-Martin and the distinguished professors at the university.

I am even happier to hear that it will be going to people with disabilities; it is important for us, because the EU, in particular, is paying keen attention to the needs of those who are disadvantaged, and also to the council of students.”

The Vice-Chancellor was joined by two other top UG administrators, namely, Berbice Campus Director, Professor Subramaniam Gomathinayagam, and Director of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE), Dr. Jacqueline Murray, as well as other officials of the university, and the EU who witnessed the simple ceremony.

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Holder, Brathwaite dominate day two (ESPNCRICINFO) - West Indies-Pakistan’s last Test match four years ago was a classic, and if the events of the second day at Sabina Park are anything to go by, we may be in for another one over the coming days.

On an attritional day of Test cricket that didn’t swing as much as it swayed in either direction, the teams go in at stumps in a Test that refuses to decisively tip one way or another just yet. Simple Maths would dictate the hosts have the edge, leading as they do by 34 runs with two wickets still to spare, but with Yasir Shah in the fourth innings a historically significant factor, all bets will be off.

Kraigg Brathwaite (97) dominated the day, surviving almost through to the end after

having to settle nerves, after the frenetic finish of last night.

He saw off each of Pakistan’s pace bowlers, the first new ball, a dangerous middle order collapse, the introduction of Yasir and two full sessions.

But soon after the most threatening partnership for West Indies between the captain and Jason Holder (58) had been broken, having added 95 runs, Brathwaite was eyeing up a personal three-figure score, too - ideally before the new ball in darkening conditions, with Mohammad Abbas warming up.

It is hard to say if that played a role in his decision to hare back for a couple down to fine leg, taking on Hasan Ali, whose direct hit caught the opener well short of his ground. He had departed three

runs shy of what would have been a splendid hundred, with the wicket coming at a time when West Indies had firm control over the Test.

Holder carried on after tea, playing with delightful fluidity as his side pushed past 150 and bore down on Pakistan’s first-innings score ominously. Yasir, not nearly at his best, was dispatched to the boundary repeatedly, and soon enough, a back-foot punch off Hasan got Holder to his 11th half-century.

Faheem Ashraf provided the all-important breakthrough - subtle seam movement drawing Holder into a push that resulted in a feather through to Mohammad Rizwan.

Once Brathwaite fell, the visitors had a real open-

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 217 WEST INDIES 1st innings (overnight 2-2) K. Brathwaite run-out 97 K. Powell c Imran Butt b Mohammad Abbas 0 N. Bonner lbw b Mohammad Abbas 0 R. Chase c wkp. Mohammad Rizwan b Hasan Ali 21 J. Blackwood c Mohammad Abbas b Shaheen Shah Afridi 22 K. Mayers lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 J. Holder c wkp. Mohammad Rizwan b Faheem Ashraf 58 J. Da Silva not out 20 K. Roach lbw b Mohammad Abbas 13 J. Warrican not out 1 Extras: (b-3, lb-10, nb-6) 19 Total: (8 wkts, 87 overs) 251 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1), 3-51, 4-100, 5-100, 6-196, 7-221, 8-249.

Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 21-9-42-3, Shaheen Shah Afridi 20-559-2 (nb-1), Yasir Shah 13-1-46-0, Faheem Ashraf 14-6-37-1, Hasan Ali 19-4-54-1 (nb-5).

Position: West Indies lead by 34 runs with two first innings wicket intact.

ing, but wayward lines with the new ball, particularly from Shaheen Afridi, saw the lower order continue to eke out runs as Joshua Da Silva manipulated the strike intelligently. By the time the umpires began worrying about the light, West Indies already had a sizeable lead they will be keen to build on tomorrow.

In overcast conditions in the morning, Abbas had picked up exactly where he left off the previous day and was the pick of the bowlers, peppering the corridor of uncertainty between a good- and full-length. Roston Chase and Brathwaite had to be especially sure of their footwork, with the seam movement Abbas was generating being an additional challenge.

Afridi let his high standards dip somewhat, beginning with two leg-side deliveries that trickled away for four leg-byes each. It settled West Indies’ nerves, and once Chase drove Abbas straight down the ground, the runs off the bat became more frequent.

Before long, they had brought up a half-century stand.

But just as West Indies looked poised to take control, Pakistan struck. Hasan, who had been testing the pair in his first three overs, especially when they got on the front foot, coaxed an expansive front-foot drive from Chase that wasn’t really on. It produced a tickle through to Rizwan, with an anguished look from the batter revealing quite how ordinary the shot was.

The second session was a dogged, scrappy affair that - one sensational over from Afridi aside - West Indies negotiated with relative conviction. The problem for them, though, was that the session would be defined by four balls from Afridi more than anything any batter could manage.

Just after West Indies brought up the 100, Pakistan broke through with the wicket

they had threatened before lunch. Jermaine Blackwood’s punchy counter-attacking knock might have been evocative of Rizwan’s cameo on the first day but it wasn’t nearly as assured, with all four of his boundaries coming off shots he wasn’t in control of.

Afridi landed one in the slot for him to go after, but with the ball wobbling in the air, Blackwood only managed to toe-end it to Abbas at longon. The very next ball, Kyle Mayers was struck full on the pad, and found himself departing for a golden duck.

It might have gotten worse for West Indies. Two balls later, the irrepressible Afridi had Holder trapped in front, with the umpire raising the finger. The all-rounder would survive by the barest of margins, with the review showing the ball pitching just outside leg stump.

Holder understood the magnitude of the moment, and dug in. He did not score until a straight drive off his 12th delivery, and didn’t score again for 22 more balls. He knew the chance would eventually come, and a wayward Yasir over towards the back-end of the session allowed him to take three boundaries off it.

Brathwaite, meanwhile, might as well be batting on a different surface. His patience was exemplary, his shot selection immaculate. When Pakistan appeared to be having one of their purple patches, he had the awareness to retreat completely into his shell and place an even greater value on his wicket, and with Holder keeping the scoring ticking over at the other end, West Indies began to take control.

T h e q u i c k d e p a rture of both let Pakistan back in, though, and it feels increasingly as if it might all come down to fine margins again. Just as it did in 2017!

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No fans for U.S. Open qualifying rounds (BBC) - Fans will not be allowed to attend the U.S. Open qualifying rounds to “ensure the health and safety of all”.

The main tournament will have capacity crowds when it starts on August 30.

The qualifying week will see “the greatest number” of players and support staff on site, with or-

ganisers estimating more than 2 500 persons.

“This was a particularly tough decision for the USTA to make, given the immense popularity of U.S. Open Qualifying among fans,” said organisers.

“But after consulting with local health authorities and the U.S. Open medical

team, it was determined that it was the right decision to ensure the health and safety of all.”

Because of COVID-19, indoor capacity at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center within Flushing Meadows has been reduced, while many of the players’ facilities have been moved outdoors

during qualifying.

“With that, there is not enough room to allow fans to access the site while still ensuring player and fan

safety - which remains our top priority,” organisers added.

The U.S. Open 2020 singles titles were won by

Austria’s Dominic Thiem and Japan’s Naomi Osaka, and it is the fourth and final Grand Slam event in the tennis calendar.

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Lukaku returns to Chelsea

(BBC) - Romelu Lukaku’s agent, Federico Pastorello, says he and his family received threats while he was working on the striker’s £97.5M Chelsea move.

Lukaku, 28, left Inter Milan after helping the club end their 11-year wait for a 19th Italian title.

Pastorello says talk that the deal was “engineered” or “forced” for financial gain “is leading everyone astray”.

“Many of those who today insult me and threaten me, thanked me wholeheartedly for bringing him to Milan,” he said.

“I have always accepted - and will con-

tinue to do so - confrontation and constructive criticism: they are part of the game for those who play a role with considerable media relevance.

“We absolutely cannot tolerate the falsehoods, insinuations, insults and threats we have received (also against my family and my daughters), which have far exceeded

Romelu Lukaku re-signed for Chelsea for a club-record fee, seven years after he left Stamford Bridge.

the limits of civilisation, decency and tolerance.”

Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 appearances in his two seasons at the San Siro, helping the Nerazzurri to a first Scudetto since 2010 in his final term.

The move made Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer the most expensive player ever sold by a Serie A side and comes at time that the club is facing financial difficulties.

Despite saying he was happy to stay with the Italian champions, Lu-

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kaku reversed his stance earlier this month and told Inter that he wanted to join Chelsea if the right offer was received.

“Believe it or not, the supporters affection and the special bond with the city of Milan made him think about it for a long time: but then, once he made his decision, he carried on with conviction and firmness,” Pastorello said.

“The economic aspect is a detail, but it is not the main factor that determines our choices and

those of our clients.

“With regard to FC Internazionale, I can guarantee that the Sport CEO Giuseppe Marotta, the sporting director Piero Ausilio - as well as the coach Simone Inzaghi, who worked at this personally - did everything in his power to avoid this transfer.

“But there are circumstances that go beyond their decision-making range and depend on the instructions of the owners.”

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29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

India-England match easily poised on day two

(ESPNCRICINFO) - It was more ebb and flow and less one-sided on day two as England counter-punched throughout to significantly limit India’s chances of running away with an early advantage in the second Test.

Spearheading the bowling effort once again was James Anderson, who became the oldest man in 70 years to take a Test five-for. He was aided much more on the day by the rest of the line-up, and together they made sure that India added only 88 to their overnight score of 276 for 3.

By stumps, England were 246 behind with Joe Root looking solid, after he had put up an encouraging stand with Rory Burns that came just in time, as a potent spell from Mohammed Siraj threatened to put India on top once again.

The day could not have begun any better for England.

Overnight centurion KL Rahul miscued a drive straight to extra cover off Ollie Robinson, second ball of the day, and Anderson had Ajinkya Rahane caught behind off the first ball next over, to put an end to a 23ball effort for India’s vice-captain that yielded a single run.

At 282 for 5, India were suddenly in danger of a rapid end to their innings as England made use of the overcast conditions far better than they had done on the first day.

The last recognised pair - Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja - did come good at that point, even if briefly in a 49run stand. Pant played with typical panache, stepping out to slash over the bowlers, to pummel through the covers, and on one instance even stepping out and leaving a ball outside off.

He was dismissed by Mark Wood, who eventually added Jadeja as well. India’s last four wickets totalled 33, a laboured effort that took 16.1 overs of

was much like that of India’s in the last session of day one, with the sun peeking through the clouds and scoring getting easier. Soon enough, Kohli was forced to turn to Jadeja to tighten up one end in a bid to get to stumps without too much damage.

India did pull one back

Mohammed Shami appeals successfully for the wicket of Rory Burns, vs England 2nd Test, Lord’s, 2nd day, yesterday. (AFP/Getty Images) batting around an a-typically subdued Jadeja, who was the last man out. That total of 364 signalled a move towards some parity in the game for England.

Burns and Dom Sibley looked resolute as they took England to tea, but India punched back immediately after. They did that via Siraj, and with the use of a strategy they had developed earlier in the year on their Australia tour - the leg trap, a move that involved consistently slanting the ball into batters with packed leg-side fields that eventually proved to be a viable attacking as well as defensive strategy.

Siraj was the man entrusted to pull it off, attacking Sibley’s middle and leg stumps until he induced a leg-side strangle that has become endemic for England’s opener in a short career; he had chipped to midwicket at Trent Bridge, and he did it again yesterday after enduring 44 balls for 11.

Next ball, India had three catchers in various orientations around midwicket, and that was enough to push the returning Haseeb Hameed to play down a middle stump line to a full delivery that rattled the base of off.

It became crucial at this juncture for England that Root would get through Siraj’s spell unscathed, and the bowler didn’t make it easy. He consistently challenged Root’s inside edge with a sustained attack at the stumps. On two occasions he came close to trapping him lbw; on both, Virat Kohli made reluctant reviews that showed the ball was sliding down leg side and India burned two reviews quickly.

With the second one, he was visually distressed with wicketkeeper Pant, seemingly for being too late in telling him that the review wasn’t on. Funny enough, it was a Siraj over that did eventually release the pressure off England.

The 27th over went for three fours, all of them from Burns, who drove neatly past mid-off and followed it up with consecutive pulls to the midwicket boundary to jump from 19 off 78 to 31 off 84.

It also managed to take Siraj out of the attack, and began a series of fours, including two from Root at the start of Ishant Sharma’s next over. From 42 for 2 at the end of 26 overs, England swiftly jumped to 73 for 2 at the end of the 30th.

The pattern from there

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at the end, though: Mohammed Shami going around the wicket for a third wicket that involved the ball coming in at the stumps. Completely against the run of play, Burns was trapped on the back foot, the ball keeping a touch low as he looked to swish it into the leg side.

He made it clear he wasn’t pleased with that decision and it ended up costing England a review.

But on the balance, at least from the point of view that India didn’t make any massive strides after day one, England would have been the happier team at stumps.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Richardson, Thompson-Herah and Fraser- Pryce to clash in Oregon

(SPORTSMAX) - Elaine Thompson-Herah, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic triple-gold medallist, will take on American upstart Sha ‘Carri Richardson and a stacked field that includes the Olympic 100m silver and bronze medallists Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, respectively, in a blue-ribbon showdown at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meet on Saturday, August 21 in Eu-

gene, Oregon.

Thompson-Herah, who won the 100/200m double at the 2016 Rio Olympics, created history in Tokyo earlier this month when she became the first woman to successfully defend both titles at the same Olympics.

She won the 100m in an Olympic record of 10.61, eclipsing the 10.62 set by Florence Griffith-Joyner at Seoul in 1988 and followed up by winning the

200m in a personal best of 21.53, which made her the second-fastest woman in history.

She then added a third gold medal as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m sprint relay team that established a new national record of 41.02.

The 21-year-old Richardson, who ran a personal best 10.72 in April, won the 100m at U.S. trials in July in 10.86. However, she was subsequently banned for

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (left), Elaine Thompson-Herah (centre) and Sha ‘Carri Richardson a month after testing positive for THC, a derivative of marijuana.

Her omission triggered a debate about whether she would have won had she been allowed to compete in Tokyo.

However, the much-touted American will not only be facing the Olympic champion in the blue-ribbon sprint. She is also facing a motivated Fraser-Pryce, the second-fastest woman in the world this year and the third fastest all-time, who is likely to

be still smarting from her loss in the Olympic 100m final.

The 34-year-old two-time Olympic champion (2008, 2012) was considered the overwhelming favourite to land a third 100m Olympic title following her 10.63s run at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 5.

However, she finished second to Thompson-Herah in 10.74.

The Olympic 100m bronze medallist Jackson, who ran a personal best 10.76 in Tokyo,

has been included in the line-up that will also feature Tokyo relay gold medallist Briana Williams (11.00), Teahna Daniels (10.98), Javiane Oliver (10.96) and Marie Josee Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast, who ran a personal-best 10.78 in Tokyo.

Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji who has run a season-best 10.96, is also listed for the clash that is perhaps the fastest field ever assembled.

Guyana’s CAC games team cut to six after two positive COVID-19 tests GUYANA’S eight-member delegation for the Central American and Caribbean Body Building championships was cut down to six members from the initial eight after two positive PCR tests.

According to a release from the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) the team was also hampered by visa issues but arrived in El Salvador on Thursday (Guyana time).

Apart from the two positive team members, the coach of the team was advised not to travel as he was in close proximity to the duo.

VISA ISSUES Prior to departure, the body had checked travel requirements to the South American country, also confirming with the El Salvador Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (CACBBFF).

Both agencies confirmed that no VISA was needed to enter the country, but rather, the members of the delegation would have to purchase a ‘Tourist Card’ upon arrival.

Nevertheless, the GBBFF obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, under the signature of the Permanent

Secretary, a correspondence, addressed to the relevant authorities in El Salvador, explaining that, if necessary, the members of the delegation will purchase their visas upon arrival in El Salvador.

The GBBFF sent 4 (four) of its members to the Airport on the morning of August 10, 2021.

At the airport the members, inclusive of the coach Videsh Sookram, was told by the COPA Airline that they cannot board the flight because they would require an El Salvador Visa.

This sudden change in events led to GBBFF immediately contacting the CACBBFF for clarity on the matter but for a prolonged period there was no reply from the CACBBFF. Contact was made with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and all requested information about the team was submitted to the relevant authorities.

Eventually CACBBFF and the El Salvador Federation reached out to the GBBFF with an official document from the El Salvador Federation giving clearance for the 8 (eight) athletes of the delegation to enter El Salvador but did not include the names of the president of

the GBBFF, its coach and other delegation members.

Immediately they were both contacted and informed that the said official document was missing 5 other names.

At this point the GABBFF continued to follow up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and also contacted the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ascertain if direct contact could have been made with the Immigration Ministry in El Salvador.

Nevertheless, the members of the delegation with American Visa travelled to El Salvador with American Airlines and arrived at the official hotel at about 23:30hrs (El Salvador time (two hours behind Guyana) on the 12th day of August, 2021.

After a 23-hour journey that consisted of several delays and several connecting flights, the delegation arrived in El Salvador. Competition gets on its way today with weigh-in having wrapped up yesterday.

The president of the GABBFF, Keavon Bess, will now assume responsibilities of coach and manager of the delegation while already serving as its head of delegation.

Bess registered his disappointment with the CACBBFF and the El Salvador Body Building and Fitness Federation.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Poonai Pharmacy renews sponsorship for RHTYSC U-13 team

… Team makes donations to Catholic youths THE fruitful relationship between Guyana’s leading youth and sports club and the leading pharmacy in Berbice was renewed on Thursday.

The popular business entity handed over a cheque for $200 000 as its sponsorship for the next year for the Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy Under-13 cricket team.

The presentation was done by the Managing Director of the Pharmacy, Poonai Bhigroog, to RHTYSC Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall in presence of executive member Tyrone Pottaya and vice-captain of the team Tameshwar Deonandan.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to Bhigroog for his continued support of the club and stated that the Under-13 team is one of eleven teams of the club.

The team serves as the nursery for the Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team and currently has about 30 members under the leadership of captain Sohail Mohammed.

Tameshwar Deochand is the vice-captain while Kissoonlall and Pottaya are the cricket managers.

Poonai Bhigroog hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Organising Secretary/Cricket Manager Ravindranauth Kissoonlall in the presence of Tameshwar Deoanand and Tyrone Pottaya.

National junior player Jonathan Rampersaud is the team’s mentor along with club assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu.

The team was formed in 2017 with sponsorship from the company and emerged as runners-up in the BCB championship in 2018.

In December, 2019 the

team defeated Albion in the Trophy Stall Tournament to emerge as champions in an exciting final at the Hampshire Ground.

The team have restarted preparation for the BCB 2021 season and are confident of defending their title when play starts in the BCB/Romario Shepherd

The presentation, according to Sunich, is to assist the team in being uniformed at the 18th FESUPO/ NAPF Pan-American Regional Powerlifting Championships, set to take place from August 17 to 21, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Orlando, Florida, USA. “Trophy Stall is always willing, ready

and able to assist our sports associations, federations and athletes as we know they are representing this nation. It’s a long-standing tradition ever since we started business and it’s something we’ll continue to do.

So as the GAPLF embarks on another journey to bring glory to this nation, The

RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster and Parish Priest Ramesh Vanan pose with the five youths and their cycles. he was very impressed with Roman Catholic Church in Under-13 tournament.

The team and management the work of the club and he Port Mourant. of the team would also be is well aware of the positive The cycles were handed involved in a minimum of difference it has been making over to the youths under the RHTYSC/Basil Butcher 20 social developmental in the lives of others. programmes with the The Club and team, Bhigroog Memorial Trust Fund. objective of making a noted, have been outstanding Foster, who handed over positive difference in the flag-bearers of his company the cycles to the youths brand and committed himself along with Parish Priest lives of others.

Ramesh Vanan, stated that These would include to a long-term relationship. distribution of cycles, school Meanwhile, the Poonai the church had played a bags and food hampers to Pharmacy Under-13 team major role in the formation youths and the less fortunate. have already started to fulfil of the club and as such Bhigroog, in remarks, noted their commitment to their the RHTYSC was totally that he was delighted to sponsor by handing over committed to assisting as renew his sponsorship as five bicycles to youths who much as possible. attend the St Francis Xavier

Trophy Stall supports GAPLF ahead of NAPF/Pan American Championships

AS has been its custom, support of and for national teams across the spectrum continues. Yesterday, The Trophy Stall, owned by Ramesh Sunich, well known in the sporting arena, made a presentation of polo T-shirts to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF).

Trophy Stall would like to present these polo T-shirts to assist the team to look uniformed which is part of a winning attitude.”

Making the presentation to secretary of the GAPLF, Roger Rogers, was Mrs Devi Sunich who also wished him and his team the best at the championships,

which lifts off next week in the USA. Rogers, in response, expressed gratitude to Mr & Mrs Sunich and The Trophy Stall for their continued support of the sport.

“On behalf of the president, Gordon Spencer, and the entire executive, I would like to say how grateful we

are for this gesture which is significant in itself. We are a new executive but the relationship with The Trophy Stall is a well oiled one which we will ensure gets even better. You can be assured that our team would strive to do the best we can and make this nation proud.”

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 14, 2021

Holder, Brathwaite dominate day two See page 26

Jason Holder and Kraigg Brathwaite bump fists during their partnership vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Kingston, 2nd day, yesterday. (AFP/Getty Images)

Trophy Stall supports GAPLF ahead of NAPF/Pan American Championships See page 31

The Trophy Stall’s Mrs Devi Sunich hands over one of the polo shirts to GAPLF’s secretary Roger Rogers at their South Road and Bourda Street location.

Guyana’s CAC games team cut to six after two positive COVID-19 tests See page 30

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| SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021