Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-02-2021

WEDNESDAY 17 th February, 2021

’ No. 106275

Boat with decomposed 03 bodies slipped out of sight PAGE

–– due to harsh weather; no ruling out vessel, bodies are from another country

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn (second left), and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill (third right), with MARAD officials, at Maritime Boat House at Stabroek Stelling, perusing information and maps pertaining to the vessel’s retrieval mission (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

Death row 16 inmates among four Mazaruni Prison escapees PAGE

Women’s 02 Chamber hails budget as transformational PAGE

Fire leaves family of four homeless 08 PAGE

Lands and 05 Surveys issued lease for land it does not own PAGE

Dubai, Spain among countries interested in building Guyana-Suriname Bridge 13 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Women’s Chamber hails budget as transformational –– calls for increase in maternity benefits, introduction of paternity benefits

THE 2021 National Budget, presented by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Friday, has been hailed by the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) as one that has welcomed focus on economic transformation for the people of Guyana.

In a statement shared exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, the chamber noted that there are several allocations and measures stated in the budget that are quite commendable.

“It is our view that it is quite comprehensive with focus on economic transformation enabling increased economic activities which will

impact overall circulation of money to get more done, especially given the effects presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Chamber noted, adding: “(The budget) is certainly in alignment with the mission and vision of the WCCIG.” The massive allocations made to the health and education sectors, in particular, were highlighted by the women’s organisation. Key budgetary measures such as the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain goods and services and the reduction of the cost of connectivity function were singled out for special mention.

These measures, the See page 4

Co-founder and President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry- Guyana (WCCIG), Kerensa Gravesande-Bart (centre) alongside Vice-President and Co-founder, Lyndell Danzie-Black (third from right) and other members of the Board of Directors: Sherry Ann Dixon, Jennifer Cipriani, Latoya Jack, Rowena Elliot and Christine Camacho

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Boat with decomposed bodies slipped out of sight –– due to harsh weather; no ruling out vessel, bodies are from another country

By Rabindra Rooplall UNFAVOURABLE weather conditions at sea caused the boat with several decomposed bodies to drift further offshore Monday evening, as the search continues today for the vessel.

However, there has been no report of missing Guyanese registered vessels or crew and authorities are not ruling out that the bodies on the 20X25 feet boat without engine are from another country.

On Tuesday night, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, briefed the media on the matter at the Maritime Boat House at Stabroek Stelling.

Minister Edghill expressed Government’s

concern, distress and sadness about the entire ordeal.

“We are distressed with after having five hours of aerial surveillance and the ‘scoping’ of the general area by two fast boats carrying 200 horsepower engines each in the general area, there was no sighting yet,” Edghill explained.

The boat was first sighted on Monday at about 83 nautical miles off Guyana’s shore, drifting 2.9 knots and was moving in a westerly direction.

The subject minister said Suriname was contacted and Trinidad was also informed of the discovery of the badly decomposed bodies of about five to 10 persons.

Further, he noted that based on the direction which the boat was com-

ing from it, can even be a vessel out of Africa.

“The boat doesn’t have an engine attached to it.

It has a tow line from the front based on the pictures.

Was the boat towed out and cut loose? Was it cut from something, we are not sure that is why Minister of Home Affairs has remained engaged to ensure that the investigative capacity of the Police Force along with the resources become available instantly on capturing that boat and bringing it here so we can get answers,” he noted.

He explained that a crew from ExxonMobil had informed the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the situation and MARAD had asked the crew to put a tow line and bring the boat to shore but the crew

indicated that they had to seek permission from their supervisors, which was granted.

However, during the process, along with the combination of bad weather, their efforts proved unsuccessful and the boat was last sighted at around 17:53hrs Monday, drifting in a westerly direction.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), MARAD and private stakeholders are continuing the search.

Additionally, an ExxonMobil helicopter conducted surveillance to scope the area but the boat was not found.

A GDF Coast Guard and a helicopter team were also involved in the search Tuesday and are expected to return today.

Minister Benn said that

when or if authorities retrieve the vessel, the Guyana Police Force will take charge of the investigation to determine the origin of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the situation.

“The forensic and criminal investigations detectives will start their own investigations and along with the maritime administration, will seek to determine the origin of the vessel, the nationality of the persons as far as possible and try to reach out to any agency or State which may have a relationship with the vessel if it is not Guyanese in origin,” Minister Benn explained.

Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores said he was assisted by his counterparts in

plotting and planning the retrieval of the vessel.

“The weather last night (Monday) was very bad and the vessel could have experienced water lodge, and that is the main reason why the tug could not attach the rope since we could not get near to the boat; it’s a very small boat,” he said.

Captain Flores added: “It looks like a vessel that is about 20 to 25 feet from the pictures we saw and it is an open boat, it has no cover, plus it was raining and there are no guarantees on what happened.”

Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Stephen Thomas, was also at the emergency media briefing.

Rupununi youths learning to keep traditional knowledge alive

By Telesha Ramnarine TRADITIONAL knowledge classes have been set up in eight communities across the South Rupununi in an effort to pass on certain skills to village youths whose elders have been complaining are losing interest in their culture.

It is the latest project by the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), funded by Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme - Guyana, which had initially planned to conduct an environmental education curriculum, but with the closure of schools, the group decided to switch its focus to traditional knowledge.

Programme Director at

SRCS, Neal Millar, told the Guyana Chronicle recently that there is hardly a meeting or consultation at which the elderly indigenous folk do not lament the loss of interest by their youths in continuing traditional skills, learning their indigenous languages and so forth.

With an emphasis on sustainability, the SRCS sought permission from the respective village councils to conduct the classes under strict COVID-19 protocols, such as social distancing, the provision of adequate sanitisers, and others. In fact, even the slightest hint of a positive COVID-19 case in one of the villages can cause the class there to be discontinued.

The SRCS went to each

community and asked the villagers to identify three skills that they wanted their youths to learn. Overall, they came up with cotton spinning, hammock weaving, basket weaving, traditional storytelling, bow and arrow making, and teaching of the Macushi and Wapichan tongues.

The villagers recommended three persons in each village that they thought are qualified enough to teach the skills, after which those selected identified their students and how they would design their classes.

“A lot of students have the work books but to be honest, the parents who are supposed to be helping them don’t know the material themselves, so all these

students have nothing to do; idling and not being stimulated,” Millar expressed as he spoke about the practicality of the programme in this part of the country.

Meanwhile, Carmen Ritchie of Aishalton Village was selected as one of the 24 persons who are helping to teach the skills and every week she would host a class with about 10 students. She works on handicraft including hammock weaving, bags, baby slings, and other items that she makes from cotton fibre.

“The process of cotton weaving includes using the hand spindle to spin the cotton. The process starts after we extract the cotton from the plant and then we use the

local hand spindle to spin it into thread, and then we double spin the thread so that it can be strong and last longer.

“We use the wooden frames to weave the hammocks and bags. After the weaving process, I take off the hammock from the frame and then I can design it into other items, like a bed spread, table mat, and so on,” Ritchie explained.

Some of the materials she uses are hand spindles, hammock frames, hammock beater, hammock roller and other wooden materials that she can find around.

“I enjoy doing this. It’s like a hobby for me, plus I like being creative. I would be happy if other young people learn these things so that

Carmen Ritchie – one of the persons helping to teach in Aishalton Village they can continue it too.”

Ritchie especially appreciates that spending her time this way helps to keep the Wapichan culture alive and motivates younger women into doing the same.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Women’s Chamber Man wanted for suspected trafficking of Venezuelan girl hails budget ...

From page 2

body reasoned, increased disposable cash, enabling spending power for middle to lower income households and empower households to access Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“This budget also presented increased monthly assistance for the senior citizens and the vulnerable. The

WCCIG is of the firm belief that economic empowerment is central to one’s ability to overcome adversity,” the chamber noted.

Beyond the presentation of the budget, the Women’s Chamber emphasised that there must be a keen focus on fostering pay equity and creating a gender-balanced approach to governance.

Wednesday February 17, 2021 – 09:00hrs

This, the body said, can be achieved by including more women in the National Assembly and on boards of directors.

The chamber said that it hopes to partner with programmes, agencies, private sector bodies and international organisations that want to fulfil this inclusive mandate.

Importantly, the WCCIG highlighted, “We also believe it is time to increase maternity benefits and introduce the implementation of paternity benefit. The inclusion and implementation of these initiatives and formation of savings, lending groups and income-generating activities will help women realise their financial goals and overcome persistent, gender-based barriers.”

The body stressed that women are “resourceful economic agents” who are well able to add value to the development of their families and communities at large.

LAW enforcement officers are investigating a possible case of Trafficking In Person (TIP) committed on a 17-year-old Venezuelan girl by a 40-year-old man.

The teen, who is unemployed, was last known to be residing at Kumaka Water Front, Mabaruma, North West District.

Police, in a statement, identified the suspect as Neil London, a construction worker of Kumaka Water Front and Lot 252 Grove, East Bank Demerara.

It was related that the teen came to Guyana in November 2020 and was staying at Kumaka Water Front, at the wharf.

She subsequently sent

for her 15-year-old brother, a Venezuelan residing in Tucupita, Venezuela. The lad arrived in Guyana on January 26, 2021 via speed boat and was staying at the said wharf.

According to police, he began working as a labourer at the Kumaka Water Front.

The teenage girl was befriended by the suspect and they were living together for over seven days.

Police said that on Tuesday, about 08:30 hrs, the suspect took the teen to Georgetown via a chartered flight, leaving her brother at Mabaruma.

A report was made at the Mabaruma Police Station at 14:30hrs by the brother, who is now in the

The suspect: Neil London care of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as investigations into the suspected TIP case continue.

Two miners drown on Valentine’s Day POLICE are investigating two separate deaths of miners on Valentine's Day as a result of drowning.

Around 11:30hrs on Sunday last a 29-year-old miner of Sand Creek Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine, lost his life while swimming in an old mining pit at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven.

Dead is Manley Williams. He was last seen swimming in a mining pit some 40 feet from the main camp, before suddenly going under the water.

A subsequent search by his brother resulted in the discovery of his motionless body in the pit. The body was escorted

to Bartica as the investigation continues.

Another, miner Franklin Smith, 59, of Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara lost his life at Rock Creek Backdam, Puruni River.

Reports indicated that Smith was employed by a miner of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast as a cook.

He went missing for a short period and his body was found on Sunday submerged in the Puruni River. The matter was reported to the police who retrieved the body which was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Police are investigating these incidents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Lands and Surveys issued lease for land it does not own

By Richard Bhainie

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) is once again at the centre of attention after it was highlighted that lands which were leased by the GL&SC to Cevons Waste Management Inc. did not belong to the Commission.

The lands, situated at Area C, Tract B, Le Repentir, Georgetown, was leased by the former Commissioner of the GL&SC, Trevor Benn, under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration to Cevons Waste Management Inc. In a letter seen by this publication, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, S.C. on Tuesday, wrote to Morse Archer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cevons Waste Management Inc., instructing him to vacate the said lands or face legal proceedings.

Former Commissioner Benn, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, on or about December 18, 2018 purported to issue a lease for the said lands to Cevons Waste Management Inc. for a term of 50 years.

The Attorney-General, in his letter, explained that the lands in question are owned by the National Sports Commission (NSC), a body corporate established by virtue of the National Sports Commission Act 1993, which is separate from GL&SC. “The then Commis-

sioner knew, as did you, that the lands are owned by the National Sports Commission (NSC) by Act No. 23 of 1993,” Nandlall wrote in his letter to Archer.

He further elaborated and reminded Archer that Cevons Waste Management Inc. previously held a purported lease from the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) in respect of the same lands.

That lease was void for the same reason that the legal title to the lands located at Area C, Tract B, Le Repentir, Georgetown, did not reside with the M&CC either.

“Similarly, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has no legal authority to lease the said land to your company or any one,” Nandlall explained in the letter.

The Attorney-General noted that in those regards, every purported dealing with the said lands is unlawful, null, void and of no effect.

Accordingly, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and lease which contains a promise to sell the lands to Cevons Waste Management Inc. are both unlawful, void and of no effect.

NO LAWFUL AUTHORITY Nandlall further highlighted in his letter that Benn did not possess lawful authority to promise to sell the lands to Cevons Waste Management Inc. as that au-

thority is vested with the President.

“The power to sell State lands resides with the President by virtue of Section 3 (1) of the State Lands Act, Chapter 62:01 and was never delegated to the former Commissioner,” the Attorney-General noted.

He also highlighted that Cevons Waste Management Inc. paid a substantial sum of money pursuant to a MoU which appears to be a sum of money paid to secure the grant of lease and title to the lands.

The Attorney-General indicated that this is not a mechanism provided for in the State Lands Act and Regulations made thereunder, and is a procedure unheard of at the GL&SC. “That this entire transaction was done without the knowledge and authority of the owner of the lands, the National Sports Commission (NSC), simply compounds the impropriety and illegality which permeated it,” the Attorney-General said.

He informed Archer that the NSC has plans to utilise the lands in question for the development of sports and for the construction of facilities in relation thereto and in the circumstances, Cevons, nor its sub-lessees have any right to use or occupy the property.

Failure to vacate the premises on or before March 31, 2021 would result in legal proceedings being filed against Cevons Waste Management Inc. and its sub-lessees and the

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, S.C. Anil Nandlall

Cevons Waste Management Inc. CEO, Morse Archer

Former GL&SC Commissioner, Trevor Benn

matter would be reported to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force.

It was also recently reported that a whopping $27 million was paid pursuant to a MoU between JANICO Industrial Engineering Limited and the GL&SC for the leasing of State lands that are seemingly non-existent.

The MoU, seen by the

Guyana Chronicle, was entered into by Benn and JANICO Industrial Engineering Limited, on May 8, 2017, for the leasing of six acres of State land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

However, a letter seen by this publication, from GL&SC Commissioner (ag) Enrique Monize to the Attorney-General seeking guidance on the matter, explained that there are

no such lands under the control of GL&SC. Additionally, in another matter, the Attorney-General has written to Wilfred Brandford, a board member of the GL&SC under the APNU+AFC administration, asking him to relinquish undervalued lands he obtained weeks after the March 2, 2020 elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Engaging stakeholders on development SIGNALLING its keen interest and genuine intention and deep desire for the involvement of citizens in the development process, Government held its wide-ranging consultation with the society on crafting a local content policy framework, further immersing Guyanese in this partnership between them and their government.

In the backdrop of citizens emerging out of five years of stone-walled governance under the Coalition regime, the openness, engaging camaraderie, and easy flow of communication between the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government ministers and the people of the land shows a welcoming willingness for a dynamic people-government partnership to make things happen for the benefit of the entire society.

Here’s the essence of a functioning, fruitful democratic culture, where the elected officials give due consideration and cultivate thoughtful conversations with the people who elect them to office.

Indeed, it would take the immersive responsible roles of all concerned, of the people and government and organisations and institutions, all working together, to chart the course forward, and to harness the full intellectual and leadership resources of the country for the task at hand.

Guyana, today, faces an excitingly challenging road ahead, with a demand for sophisticated leadership, and from its vantage point atop the society’s hierarchy of organisations, as the governance pinnacle,

as the government and executive director of State resources, the Guyana Government is able to see the big picture, to see the total playing field, to grasp the viewpoint of the entirety of the job that is necessary. Citizens can only see so much of the big picture, and organisations and institutions that represent different sections of the society see only their own corner of the country. It is the government’s job to bring the different parts of the country and to knit them together so that everybody sees the whole picture.

This is why public communication is such a vital aspect of operating the State machinery, for Guyanese to be able to consider the whole of the society and see how they fit in with dynamic engagement.

In fact, this is where the Opposition seems to be failing, in its inability to see the big picture of Guyana’s national life, and so they focus on their corner and show a sort of disdain to the rest of the country.

Thankfully, President Ali’s Government is open, engaging, fully conversant with the population, and it is a sign of matured national leadership to see Vice-President Jagdeo and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall and the ministers so involved in on-the-ground public engagements.

President Ali’s visionary initiative for the Corridor of Unity, along the East Coast Demerara communities, demonstrates with graphic detail the commitment of this government to the public good, through consultation, cooperation, and conciliatory initiatives.

So, government sees the big picture,

and one recognises this in the tone of Vice-President Jagdeo, who noted at the local policy consultation confab with citizens, that one must be cognisant of the role of macro investors in the unfolding economic miracle of Guyana. Although local content is important in the oil and gas sector, and in every sector of the economy, there must be room for foreign and diaspora investors to play a role. Citizens who spoke at the consultation raised several issues, from the need for financial capital for small and medium local businesses, to laws and rules to protect them against powerful big investors. Vice-President Jagdeo noted that legislation will be enacted to give this protection to local interests and stakeholders.

However, government also recognises that there is a delicate balance between fostering a robust environment for local content involvement, and tapping into the investment ability and human resource needs of international stakeholders. Government also is aware that the oil and gas sector – which garnered special interest at the confab for local content advocates – is now the catalyst for Guyana’s accelerated socio-economic advancement, and thus, as the most important driver of the economy today and for the foreseeable future, would require special attention and treatment and a lot of focus.

But government also sees the big picture, that the oil and gas sector, as the development catalyst, can and must pave the way and prepare the path for development and growth across all other sectors. Guyana is setting out to develop a multifaceted

economy, not one that is lopsided. The country’s beloved agricultural sector, especially rice and sugar, and mining, forestry, and manufacturing concerns must continue to grow. None of it should be left behind as the oil and gas sector functions today as the catalyst for accelerated development.

Vice-President Jagdeo made this point with particular emphasis, while noting the great importance of the oil and gas sector, and while lauding the role of big investors, which the country needs with particular urgency.

Then, on top of all that, it is government’s job to balance all this hive of activity on the economic front, with the global agenda for a net-zero emissions future, through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). It might appear that these diverse sectors are competing with each other, but in fact government is building a strong networking framework uniting these sectors so that they all work together, in a smooth operation where they all come together to cause a balanced platform for the national well-being.

Government and the people are on a partnership for Guyana’s accelerated advancement, and that generates enormous confidence in the hearts of Guyanese that their country cares for each and every person, that everybody counts and that the welfare of the entire country matters.

Thus, the local content policy framework consultation signals that the government-people partnership serves the interest of every Guyanese.

Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami today

Dear Editor,

WHILE many countries enjoy four different seasons, namely, winter, spring, summer and fall, Guyana experiences two rainy and two dry seasons. Most areas are hot and humid, relieved by the cool wind from the Atlantic Ocean and the trees.

Some areas also feel chilly and cool, especially in the night. In India, certain parts enjoy and experience the four seasons. A study of this country from where the descendants of Guyanese indentured labourers originated is more than its philosophy, literature, laws, language, people or culture. According to a Professor Bournouf at the College of France, it is a page of the origin of the world that can be attempted to decipher. Last month, Hindus throughout the world, including Guyana, celebrated India’s first cultural and religious holiday, Makar Sankranti. Hindus in Guyana and the rest of the world will again join India in celebrating Vasant Panchami on Tuesday, the 16th of February. Vasant Panchami is, lit-

erally, the festival which heralds the arrival of the spring season. Vasant means “spring”, and the event commences every year on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Magha (Shukla Paksha), which falls during the Gregorian period of January-February. Puja timing for Vasant Panchami, also called Basant Panchami, is referred to as Muhurat – 6:59 AM to 12:35 PM, the tithi being 3:36am Feb.16th till 5:46 AM on Feb. 17th.

India is universally renowned as the home to a number of festivals, each of which comes with its own traditions, customs and practices, and they vary, contingent on the different states, as, the many geographical locations observe the same occasion in various ways.

That is why Hindus in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname follow a similar trend because our foreparents were a composition of these variants. There is also a lot of history, stories and significance associated with most of the festivals. While summer is hot, winter is cold, and fall is full of magnificent colors, spring

brings back life and is the breaking out of nature’s greenery. Spring is a major season in the country for farmers, where crops flourish, fields are sown and flowers bloom after a long winter. The arrival of this season is marked with Vasant Panchami, which is celebrated with full enthusiasm, pomp and joy. Maharaja Ranjit singh, who was given the title of ‘Sher-e-Punjab’ and was a ruler in the early 19th Century, is said to have marked the festivities by wearing yellow and holding fairs.

The practice continues to date; girls wear yellow dresses, kites are flown in Punjab and fairs are held.

Whereas Diwali, the Festival of Light is to Mata Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and, Navaratri is to Mata Durga, the Goddess of Power and Valor, so Vasant Panchami is to Mata Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and the Arts, completing the feminine trinity of three in one and one of three. This occasion is related to the manifestation of Devi Saraswati. From her emergence as knowledge, she assisted Lord Brahma, being the creative force

of the Creator (Brahma)/Sustainer (Vishnu)/ Destroyer (Shiva) male trilogy principle (Trimurti), in the direction to create the cosmos; the sun, moon and stars which came into being. Devi Saraswati is depicted in a white outfit sitting in lotus posture, symbolizing that she is grounded in absolute truth and has pure knowledge. Her four arms represent, mind, intellect, intelligence and ego and also the four Vedas, the most sacred books of the Hindus. In a visual representation, with two hands, she perfects arts and sciences as she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the Veena, another hand holding the Vedas and the other, a crystal mala representing meditation and spirituality.

Max Muller observed, ‘In the Rig Veda, we shall have before us more real antiquity than in all the inscriptions of Egypt or Ninevah.

The Vedas is the oldest book in existence.”

Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Mata Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami ...

From page 6

arts, science and technology. She is worshipped to get enlightened with knowledge and to get rid of lethargy, sluggishness and ignorance.

This ritual of initiating education to children is known as “Akshar-Abhyasam or Vidya-Arambham/Praasana, which is one of the famous rituals of Vasant Panchami. It is an auspicious day to start any good work, schooling and academics, perform Saraswati puja and seek her blessings. Saraswati Ya Kundendu is the most famous Stuti dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and part of the famous Saraswati Strotam and is recited during the puja. The famous German thinker, Schopenhauer, remarked in the introduction of his book, “The Upanishads,” “In the whole world there is no study so beneficial and so elevating as that of the Upanishads. It has been the solace of my life (and) it will be the solace of my death. Books are to be revered and treated with respect.

Guyanese revere Vasant Panchami with the “planting of Holika.” As is customary in the North of India, 40 days prior to Holika Dahan (the burning of Holika), and a circular hole is dug in the ground and filled with wood and cow dung. A green tree, generally castor oil, is planted and grass is heaped around it.

Males usually participate in this aspect and is expected that they make a sacrifice for the next 40 days and nights (by giving up or abstaining from something they like). Coconuts are offered as prayers are chanted, facing the East. As the days prolong, dry branches, logs and other woods and materials are placed to

build the site for a huge camp fire. The day after Holika Dahan, Holi or Phagwah is celebrated in a grand style.

The day of Vasant Panchmi is traditionally observed by rising early, offering prayers to Surya and Devi Saraswati, donning yellow and mustard clothes, preparing meals with recipes to include yellow, decorating the homes to welcome the Goddess, visiting temples, offering prayers, distributing sweets, starting an educational project, placing books or musical instruments at the feet of Devi Saraswati for blessings, initiating children with the writing of “Om” to begin their studies, marriages, house warming , naming children and indulging in a day of pious activity.

Educational institutions organize special functions and it is a public holiday in India. Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists also worship Devi Saraswati and the significance of Vasant Panchmi as the “birthday” of this Goddess is observed.

From the Matsya Purana, the story of the 40 days penance to Lord Shiva

by Ratri, the wife of Kamadeva, the God of love, is remembered. In the Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama’s visit to Mata Sabari and eating her offering of half-tasted berries and grapes is told on this day. The marriage of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji is marked with a fair in Bilaspur, India, on this day. The story is related of Kalidasa, whose wife did not think much of him and Devi Saraswati emerging from the river where he attempted to commit

suicide. She persuaded him to take a dip instead and he emerged enriched with knowledge. In Indonesia, Vasant Panchmi marks the beginning of the Balinese calendar. This day is also celebrated by Indian Muslim Sufis since the 12th Century as the Dargah of Nizamuddin Aulia in Delhi. This day is among the six major holy bath days at the gathering of Prayag where the rivers Ganga (Ganges) and Yamuna meet the now underground Saraswati river. Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, Music, Art, Education and Nature, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness.

William Durant, the author of the 10 volume Story of Civilization, wrote, “India was the motherland of our race, and Sanskrit, the mother of European languages. She was the mother of our philosophy, of our mathematics, of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all.” The above reference indicate that the Vedic culture was a global faith, a world influence.

This is given further in the remarks of Ctesias, the Greek writer who states, ‘The Hindus were as numerous as all the other nations put together.” The blessings of Devi Saraswati will eventually propel you to seek knowledge and wisdom.

Happy Vasant Panchami.

Respectfully, Jai Lall.

The devil, as they say, is in the details Dear Editor, A LOOK at global flaring data provided me with an eye-opening moment.

After months of frightening reports of flaring numbers that mean little without context, it was notable, to say the least, to see World Bank numbers on flaring showing Guyana…nowhere. While it is unfortunate that flaring issues related to the compressor continue to this day, it is in no way the existential threat that some in the media have framed it to be. The devil, as they say, is in the details.

When compared to other countries, Guyana did not even make the Top 30 on the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring report. 2019 flaring rates for countries like Nigeria, Algeria, and Russia all dwarf the 10 billion cubic feet of gas said to have been flared here in 2020 by orders of magnitude. Ecuador, dead last on the World Bank’s list, still flared several times what we did last year. Now, any flaring other than for safety should raise questions, but it must be put into context of what is happening around the world. Publishing per capita numbers, as some outlets here have chosen to do, is deeply misleading in a small country like ours. That goes double for some reports that have not bothered to convert between cubic feet and cubic metres, sometimes overstating the problem by many times as a result.

As has been said in the past, the teething pains, and operational issues since first oil in December 2019 are not wholly unexpected and have been well documented in the media.

But there is still more ExxonMobil must do to address the compressor issues, and work to maintain Guyana’s identity as a “green” country and a carbon sink. The sooner ExxonMobil can make a permanent fix on its compressor, the sooner it can meet its goal of no routine flaring aboard the production ships, the better.

I am hopeful that this is much sooner than later, and that the lessons learned here will help Exxon avoid a repeat of the same issues in the future.

Yours sincerely, Donald Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Fire leaves family of four homeless

A FAMILY of Lot 443, Circle Street, Number 76 Housing Scheme, East Berbice, Corentyne, is contemplating its next move following a midday fire on Tuesday which completely destroyed their house.

Micheal Smith, 27, a carpenter, explained he was at work when he was informed that his house was ablaze.

The young man, who was visibly shaken, related that by the time he arrived at the scene, the entire single bedroom, two-storey wooden structure was destroyed.

Micheal Smith Smith noted at the time of the fire, his wife Kimberly Barnett, 22, and two

Drivers to make court appearance for DUI, other traffic offences

children ages two and four were at home.

Barnett said she was doing chores at the time when the four-year-old ran to her and said there was fire in the house.

Without hesitation, she grabbed her children and exited the house, leaving all their possessions behind.

Singh and his family only moved into the property two months ago. He estimated his loss in the region of $1 million. Persons desirous of assisting the family can contact them on 679 2802.

The Number 76 Housing Scheme, East Berbice, Corentyne house in the aftermath of the fire

TWO drivers, who were recently stopped by a police mobile patrol at Number 78 Village Public Road, Berbice, are expected to appear in court on February 25 for a series of traffic related offences.

Kemraj Cecil, 30, allegedly had a 122 micrograms of blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

while commandeering BXX 1799, while Troy Stewart, 42, allegedly had 167 micrograms of BAC whilst driving motor vehicle, PTT 3738.

The other offences, allegedly committed by the duo, include being unlicensed drivers, breach of insurance and uninsured motor vehicles.

Kemraj Cecil

Troy Stewart

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

PCR tests still needed for travel, not vaccination cards

By Vishani Ragobeer

THOUGH the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has begun in Guyana and is expected to intensify over the coming months, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has highlighted that persons desirous of travelling will still need to take a PCR test, even if vaccinated.

“Even if you have received your two shots (of

munisation cards which provide the details of when they received the COVID-19 vaccine and which vaccine they received. But, this card has not yet substituted the PCR test.

The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines began last Thursday with the administering of the first of two doses to frontline health workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and at the National

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker on Thursday (Vishani Ragobeer photo) the vaccine), you would still need to do your Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test if you’re travelling to another country,” Dr. Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday.

In Guyana, vaccinated persons are receiving im-

Infectious Diseases Hospital, at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Some 981 frontline healthcare workers have received their first dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine for COVID-19.

Though someone who has been vaccinated and is 100 per cent protected from

getting the severe effects of COVID-19 by this Astrazeneca vaccine, the Health Minister explained that it is possible for a small number of persons to become infected with a mild form of the novel coronavirus and transmit it to others. He said this is a possibility because none of the vaccines offer 100 per cent protection.

This specific issue is one which Dr. Anthony indicated has been raised with both the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The advice from both of those organisa-

tions, he said, has been that countries continue to require the PCR test for travel.

However, he also indicated that investigations are now underway to determine whether vaccination alone would suffice before permitting someone to travel overseas.

This Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is manufactured in India by the Serum Institute, has an efficacy of 62 per cent, while it offers 100 per cent protection against the severe form of COVID-19.

However, studies carried out in a smaller sub-group reported that the vaccine

is 90 per cent efficacious, with a lower dose than the required two doses.

Now, according to a newer study from Oxford University that is under review, a single standard dose of the vaccine provided 76 per cent protection (or efficacy) overall against symptomatic COVID-19 in the first 90 days (about three months).

Then, vaccine efficacy reached 82.4 per cent after a second dose in those persons with a dosing interval of about 12 weeks.

Initially, health workers were expected to receive the

second dose of the vaccine — known as the ‘booster’ dose — about three weeks after the initial vaccination, but the Health Minister noted that a decision was made to increase that to between eight to 12 weeks. This, according to studies, he referenced, has shown to increase the efficacy of the vaccines.

Last Wednesday, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) suggested this eight to 12-week interval between the two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Foreign leaders convey best wishes, hopes for Year of Ox (Xinhua) -- ON the occasion of this year’s Chinese New Year, or Year of the Ox, many leaders and dignitaries of foreign countries have extended greetings or congratulations, conveying their best wishes and positive expectations.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday wished the Chinese people a happy new year.

“A happy new year to the government and the people of China. May this year bring health, happiness, prosperity and success to our friends in China, to the people of Zimbabwe and to humanity as a whole,” Mnangagwa said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Friday sent his warm wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2021.

“Wishing the people and government of China a happy Lunar New Year,” the Ethi-

opian prime minister said, as he expressed his commitment to further strengthening China-Ethiopia ties.

“Ethiopia will continue to build on its existing bilateral relations and cooperation with China in the Year of the Ox,” Ahmed said in his message to the Chinese people and government via Twitter.

With a video message and multilingual tweets, French President, Emmanuel Macron, has extended his greetings online to all people celebrating the Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year.

On Friday morning, Macron shared a video on Twitter to “all our compatriots who celebrate the Lunar New Year,” wishing that “the Year of the Ox (be) full of joy, hope and happiness.”

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Friday, sent his greetings in a video to people

celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, wishing them “a happy and prosperous” Year of the Ox. In the one-minute video posted to his Twitter account, Johnson first sent his new year wishes and thanked the British-Chinese community “for the incredible contribution you make to our country, consistently achiev-

ing so much in everything from education to business and medicine.”

Looking ahead to the Chinese New Year, he noted that Britain and China “have many shared challenges” from defeating COVID-19 to tackling climate change and supporting a worldwide economic recovery.

Vella said that as the Year of the Ox brings prosperity and good health to all, both countries should be committed to resolute action and political will to ensure that no one is left behind.

Argentine Foreign Minister Felipe Sola, on Friday, sent greetings to the Chinese people for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

“Happy New Year to all the people of the People’s Republic of China and in particular to the community living in Argentina. May the Year of the Ox bring prosperity to all,” Sola tweeted.

Development of Xinjiang debunks rumors about human rights abuses, says Egyptian politician (Xinhua) -- ANTI-CHINA forces in the United States and some other countries raised false claims of human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region only in a bid to hinder the region’s development, an Egyptian politician has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Hassan Badawi, member of the political bureau of the Egyptian Communist Party, said that the United States’ moves against China are “baseless fabrications.”

The US administration has been promoting such lies for a long time, but

failed to be fair in what has been achieved in Xinjiang, he said.

He rejected the disinformation about Xinjiang and highlighted the progress made in many fields in Xinjiang by the Chinese government over the past years.

From 2014 to 2019, the GDP of Xinjiang increased from 919.59 billion yuan (about 142 billion US dollars) to 1.36 trillion yuan (210 billion dollars), with an average annual growth rate of 7.2 per cent, official statistics show.

As the per capita disposable income in Xinjiang increased by an average

Hassan Badawi, member of the political bureau of the Egyptian Communist Party, receives an interview with Xinhua in Cairo

annual rate of 9.1 per cent during the same period, Badawi said the fact signalled “the efforts exerted by the Chinese government for promoting the citizens’ welfare and prosperity.”

He also spoke highly of the optimised infrastructure network in Xinjiang, which connects vast regions and offers convenient public transportation to locals.

“I wondered how the Western media are spreading rumors about genocide crimes occurring in Xinjiang while its residents enjoy equal rights as the other Chinese people in free education, health insurance, holidays, wages, work safety and prac-

tice of politics,” Badawi said.

After the United States and Britain recently issued a series of sanctions against Xinjiang on the ground of forced labor, Badawi suggested that China should exert more efforts via media channels in cooperation with its friends to raise awareness against the Western gigantic media machines that spread poisonous lies about the country.

“The tensions created by the West haven’t impacted the relations between China and Arab and Islamic countries,” Badawi stressed, noting that China cooperates with other countries on the basis of mutual

respect and with the goal of improving well-being for more people.

Additionally, China’s fight against terrorism could be a field of cooperation with Egypt, he said, as the latter has been suffering the same problem that left hundreds of security personnel and civilians killed during terrorist attacks on the country’s institutions.

“Fighting terrorism in China will also benefit the world,” he said, adding that only when the world is free from extremism can resources and funds be entirely devoted to promoting socioeconomic development.

WHO experts slam NYT for twisting, misquoting their words on virus origins probe WHO experts who recently visited Wuhan slammed the New York Times for twisting their words and casting shadows over the efforts to uncover the origins of the virus, after the newspaper accused China of refusing to hand over sensitive data to WHO experts.

Chinese observers said they are not surprised by the New York Times’ baseless report given those in the Western media have insisted on politicising the virus origins investigation.

The report by New York Times titled “On WHO Trip, China Refused to Hand Over Important Data” accuses

China of failing to share important data that may help in identifying the origins of the virus and prevent future outbreaks.

After the report was published, two WHO experts slammed New York Times for misquoting them in the report to fit its own narrative, with the report casting a shadow over the scientific work of seeking for virus origin.

Peter Daszak, British zoologist and part of the WHO expert team, said on his personal Twitter that it’s shameful for New York Times to engage in selectively misquoting WHO experts to fit

Peter Ben Embarek (C) and other members of the World Health Organization (WHO) team visit a local community in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province on February 4, 2021. its own narrative.

“Hear! Hear! It’s disappointing to spend time w/ journalists explaining key findings of our exhausting

month-long work in China, to see our colleagues selectively misquoted to fit a narrative that was prescribed before the work began. Shame on you

@nytimes!” Daszak posted on Twitter.

Daszak said his experience is nothing like the New York Times depicted and said as the head of animal and environment working group, he found trust and openness when working with his China counterparts.

Thea Kølsen Fischer, a Danish epidemiologist on the team echoed Daszak, who was quoted by the NYT in the report, wrote on Twitter that “This was NOT my experience either on the Epi-side.

We DID build up a good relationship in the Chinese/Int Epi-team! Allowing for heated arguments reflects a deep

level of engagement in the room.” Fischer continued that “Our quotes are intendedly twisted, casting shadows over important scientific work.”

On Twitter, Fischer also said it’s “important to stay true to facts if building up trust, calling to stop this negative spin about ‘no access to raw data.’”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, said at a briefing on Friday that the summary findings of the mission team would be released soon next week, with the full version of the report due for release in the following weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

‘Businessman’ swindles ‘customers’ out of millions A NORTH Ruimveldt man, who allegedly collected over $11 million from two persons under the pretext that he could supply them with machinery and parts, on Monday, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Micah Sonaram of Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to two fraud related charges and was granted $300,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus.

It is alleged that Sonaram, between October 24, 2020, and January 21, 2021, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with $3,744,000, by Clive Jordan in order that he may purchase and deliver one

2017DX225 excavator, 2019 Honda ATV and excavator parts (monitor, starter, and a water pump), converted the money to his own use and benefit.

Further, it is alleged that between November 3, 2020, and January 12, 2021, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted with $7,700,000 by June Ann Daniels in order that he may purchase and deliver one DX225 LCA excavator, converted the money to his own use and benefit.

The court was informed that Sonaram is the registered owner of a flyby-night business named ‘PARTZONE GY Inc.’ located at North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

The business imports

Soldier dies in motorcycle crash LEROY Hercules, 28, of Durban Street, Georgetown, was killed after he collided with another motorcyclist at Plum Park, Sophia, Georgetown, on Monday night, at around 19:30 hours.

The father of two was a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The accident involved motorcycle CG 9908 that was driven by a resident of Plum Park, Sophia and the motorbike CJ 7787 that was driven by Hercules.

An eyewitness alleged that both motorcyclists were speeding when they crashed into each other while heading in the opposite direction.

Reports indicate that Hercules swerved from a load of sand on the carriageway and in doing so he got into the accident.

Public-spirited citizens picked up both men and shuttled them to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Hercules was pronounced dead.

The other accident victim

Dead: Leroy Hercules was admitted.

Police said Hercules was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and he suffered a broken neck and multiple injuries.

Hercules was the youngest of 12 siblings and his death has left his family in a state of shock.

A post mortem on his remains is expected to be done today.

Alleged phone snatcher gets bail A MAN, who allegedly snatched a security guard’s cellphone while he was on duty, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, and was granted $10,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus.

Jerimiah St. Valle, 20, denied the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that, on February 11, 2021, at Shell Gas Station, Mc Doom Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he stole from the person of Jermine Harding, one cellular phone valued at $30,000.

According to information provided, on the day in question, about 05:15 hours, Harding was on duty at the gas station when St. Valle snatched his phone.

Harding gave chase but was unable to apprehend St. Valle.

Later that day, St. Valle was positively identified

by Harding as the person who snatched his cellphone.

Subsequently, St. Valle was arrested and charged for the offence.

He will make his second court appearance on April 8.

and sells new, refurbished and used heavy duty machinery.

Apart from having a physical location to conduct his business, Sonaram uses Facebook to promote it. It was via this platform that Jordan and Daniels became aware of Sonaram’s business and the services he offers.

Jordan made contact with Sonaram and later visited the business location. When he arrived, he met with Sonaram and made arrangements to purchase the items mentioned in the charge. During the period stated in the partic-

ulars of the charge, Jordan made a down payment of $3,744,000 for the purchase of the items. The items were scheduled to arrive in Guyana 30 days after the down payment was made.

According to the facts of the case, Sonaram signed and provided Jordan with receipts for the money received. He then indicated to Jordan that the items were on the wharf and were ready to be uplifted, but they were never delivered to him.

Sonaram reportedly promised to refund the amount given to him but he has failed to do so. The

matter was reported and Sonaram was charged.

Like Jordan, Daniels became aware of business via Facebook. She also met with the accused at his business place and handed over the sum mentioned in the charge as a down payment for the item she wanted.

She was given signed receipts for the money paid.

The excavator was scheduled to be delivered on January, 12, 2021, but it was not. She too was promised a refund after being told that the item was on the wharf. She has not received the refund.

The matter was reported

to the police and an investigation was launched.

Sonaram is not a first time offender. The accused has similar matters before the court. Recently, he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on two counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Additionally, he has seven similar reports lodged against him at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus granted Sonaram $150,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned until March 15.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Potable water, better security for fishermen, vendors at Meadow Bank Wharf

By Naomi Parris VENDORS and fisherfolk, who ply their trade at the Meadow Bank Wharf, greater Georgetown, are calling for heightened police presence in the area along with rehabilitation works to be executed at the wharf to provide potable water at the establishment.

These concerns were raised with the Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a visit to the facility on Tuesday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Indranie Sookhoo, a vendor, said she was one of the many victims who had encounters with bandits at the wharf, which has left her traumatised.

“We don’t have no security when you come through here, robbers them does come through, they does break your car and they do all sorts of things; they does even steal your battery from your car,” she said, adding, “And we, the small man, when we come morning time does got to feel afraid to come and walk up here; we does got to sit-down

and wait until it gets like a group to come in.”

Additionally, the woman noted that fishermen and vendors have no access to potable water on the wharf, but there are food establishments there and the surroundings are required to be clean at all times.

“We get water problem, plus in the morning you not get toilet, when you come

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, listening to the concerns of a vendor at the Meadow Bank Wharf on Tuesday (Carl Croker photo) here you don’t have no toilet facilities… we don’t get water, all like when we finish selling water now we don’t get water to wash up your stand,” she said.

Reiterating the same concerns as his colleague, Mahendra Baijnaha, another vendor, stated that he is hoping that the relevant authorities will listen to their pleas and provide better security at the wharf.

“I would glad for them to get a better market for we and get proper water and proper light and security system, plenty robbery does pass here; is every week somebody getting rob out here and is till after the robbery pass, is then the police coming and nobody not getting hold, after then you never hear nobody get hold for all them robbery that pass here.”

Aside from the security issues in the area, Baijnaha told this publication that vendors have been working in unsanitary conditions since there is no potable water for them to use during the day, as well as no toilet facilities for them to relieve themselves.

“For starters, we not getting any water; two, we not getting proper price for our fish, and three, there is no washroom facility to use in the morning; matter of fact, in the whole day. There is no water to wash down your stand when you done sell. There is bad management. ” DO OUR BEST Meanwhile, another vendor, Michael Thomas, said that while the fisherfolk and vendors do their best to keep their environment and working space clean and sanitised, it is hard for them to do so without running clean

water and the proper facilities.

“We need water here, we need proper toilet facilities and them stuff, we also need the place to clean up,” said Thomas.

Minister Mustapha said the concerns raised will be addressed with urgency.

He stated that he will be liaising with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and water to address the immediate needs of the fishermen and vendors in the area.

“There are a number of problems that are plaguing this entity here; this is my first visit and a number of concerns were raised by the fishermen and the other stakeholders here,” he said, adding: “There are two burning issues that we have to tackle immediately, and those issues are security and potable water in this area here, and so, I will be [liaising] with those two with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Water Authority immediately.”

The minister further stated that he will be hosting meetings with the co-op of the wharf, the fishermen and other stakeholders to ensure that the fisherfolk who work in the meadow bank area are provided with the necessary facilities for a safe and clean working environment.

“If we want to develop this area, we have to develop proper security. They are also saying that when the police come, they are not taking the action that they are supposed to take.

I plan to raise it with Minister Benn and I plan to have a joint meeting with the co-op, the fishermen and commander for Georgetown, so that we can enhance security at this place here,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Dubai, Spain among countries interested in building Guyana-Suriname Bridge A total of 30 companies have expressed interest for the Consultancy Services in conducting a Feasibility Study and Detailed Designs for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River, connecting Guyana and Suriname.

In a press statement, Guyana’s Ministry of Public Works said that the companies are from countries such as the Netherlands, Turkey, United States of America, Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Italy, India, Spain, Suriname, Philippines, Canada, Dubai, China, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Lebanon.

“Some of the proposals submitted were for joint venturesm,” the statement indicated.

In receiving a report of the submissions of the Expressions of Interest (EoIs), Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, said he is heartened by both the number of responses and how wide the geographical spread of interest is, as reflected in the scope of countries that bid.

“It is clear that the world is interested in Guyana and its development. People want to participate, invest and have a stake. This is good for both countries,” Edghill said.

The favourable responses from companies come even as contractors from various parts of the world were faced with a series of COVID-19-related challenges in making their submissions. The ministry, a few days ago, even adjusted its requirements to facilitate electronic copies of the EoIs, in an effort to ensure that contractors are able to make their submissions on time. The conditions, however, provide for an extended March 2021 deadline for all hardcopy submissions. In the cases where the softcopies are different from the hardcopies, the softcopy documents will take precedence in being considered.

Minister Edghill had previously told the Guyana Chronicle that a technical team has been assembled to ensure the competent and transparent execution of construction of the bridge. That

team is being mutually spearheaded by Minister Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart, Riad Nuiermohamed.

Minister Edghill had informed that all submissions would be examined by the aforementioned team, and that bidders would only be selected if they satisfy the criteria agreed by both countries.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, OTHER REQUIREMENTS In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, financial capability, qualifications, existing commitments, and importantly, the bidder’s experience on similar projects, both locally and regionally.

Edghill said that while construction of the bridge is a joint initiative, the contracted works will not necessarily be ‘shared’ by the two countries.

“Whoever is the qualified contractor with the competence and skills and everything to build the bridge, will be awarded the work,” Edghill asserted.

The EoI, initially published late last year, has specified that “following the assessment of the submissions, a shortlist of no less than three, and no more than six applicants, will be provided with full terms of reference and will then be invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment.”

“We expect this process to be advanced swiftly as both Guyana and Suriname are committed to the finalisation of this project,” the recent press release stated.

During early December 2020, the Ministry of Public works for both countries (Guyana and Suriname) invited Expressions of Interest for the provision of consultancy services for the “conducting of Feasibility Study and Preparing Detailed Designs for Construction of the Bridge over the Corentyne River and Approach Roads Connecting Suriname and Guyana”.

According to the pub-

lished invitation, “The objective of the consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study including environmental and social-impact assessments and prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost estimates and bid documents for the construction of a bridge linking South

Drain, Suriname, and Moleson Creek, Guyana.”

Once one of the 30 companies is selected, the company would have to be able to supply both a comprehensive feasibility study, as well as a detailed design for the bridge, within 12 months.

The EoI had specified that

“The Governments of Suriname and Guyana reserve the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any ap-

plicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.”

Nonetheless, Minister Edghill is hopeful that if all goes well, the bridge linking Guyana and Suriname could be completed and put to use before the end of 2025.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

People are ‘coming round’ to the idea of COVID-19 vaccines – Health Minister says

By Vishani Ragobeer THOUGH many persons are unsure of taking the COVID-19 vaccines once given the chance, Minis-

ter of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has opined that since the arrival of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines last week, more persons are ‘coming

round’ and accepting that vaccines are necessary to exit the pandemic.

Last Thursday, Guyana began its rollout of

COVID-19 immunisation following the donation of 3,000 doses of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. Since this is a two-dose vaccine, it means that 1,500 persons will be vaccinated first. And, Guyana has be-

Nurse Edoll Ainsworth places a plaster on the arm of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, after he had received a dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown (Vishani Ragobeer photo) gun vaccinating frontline health workers.

“The uptake has been tremendously good,” Dr. Anthony said during his daily COVID-19 update through the Department of Public Information (DPI).

In fact, he related that the quota of vaccines that were brought to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown had to be replenished because an unexpected number of persons showed up.

Adding to Dr. Anthony’s statement was Dr. Mahendra Carpen, Head of Internal Medicine at the GPHC, who highlighted that before the vaccination exercise commenced on Thursday, the Health Ministry had asked departments within the GPHC to submit lists of those persons who wanted to take the vaccine. Those lists, he said, had very few people.

“But, guess what, as soon as the vaccine got here and people started taking it, the line to get the vaccine was far more excessive than the list that was submitted,” Dr.

Carpen said, adding: “I have confidence that they will look at the evidence and they will see that the benefits are far more than the risks.”

Dr. Carpen himself took the vaccine himself and stated that the benefits of being vaccinated- i.e., gaining protection from COVID-19- outweighs any potential risks, in his estimation.

A COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy survey was conducted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and published on January 25. The survey consisted of 819 persons in total, drawn from the general population across all 10 administrative regions as well as key populations of persons older than 60 years old, health workers, social workers and adolescents.

Though the survey found that most persons believed that vaccines can protect from serious diseases, and that it is important for persons to be vaccinated with these newer COVID-19 See page 15

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

People are ‘coming round’ to the idea ...

From page 14

vaccines, it stated that there were widespread concerns over the potential side effects of the vaccines.

The analysis revealed that as high as 77.3 per cent of respondents from the general sample mentioned that they have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. These conc e r n s w e r e l a rg e l y about the potential side effects or adverse effects of the vaccine.

But, Dr. Anthony said that the survey does not necessarily reflect how persons feel nowadays. In fact, he pointed out that when that survey was conducted, Guyana did not yet know it would receive the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines first and, as such, there

were many uncertainties about the vaccine rollout.

Additionally, this vaccine received Emergency Use Authorisation from the World Health Organization (WHO) only last week as well.

“Things are moving so fast in this field that every day, information becomes available and a month can seem like a very long time with what is happening in science right now,” the Health Minister highlighted.

Addressing concerns over side effects of the vaccines, the minister explained that there are usually two types of side effects from vaccines, generally. The first type are those common side effects such as

soreness at the vaccination site, headaches, mild fevers and fatigue.

These side effects, he said, show that your body is reacting to the vaccine which means that your immune system is starting to produce the antibodies to fight off the virus.

The second type, he explained however, are those adverse events which are quite rare.

These adverse reactions are usually anaphylactic shocks, which mean that an individual develops an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

“So far we have not had any major adverse events. All we have had is [sic] these things that we expect, which is the site-soreness and so forth,” Dr Anthony said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Death row inmates among four Mazaruni Prison escapees

FOUR high-profile inmates, who were locked in solitary confinement at the Brick Prison of the Mazaruni Prison, escaped after cutting locks and iron bars in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and the Joint Services Heads, met Tuesday and a Joint Patrol was established at the outer perimeter of the prison.

A search has been launched by law enforcement to recapture the four escapees who are all convicted of murder. Law enforcement officers are using water, air and land patrols in a bid to find the men.

The escapees have been identified as 25-year-old Imran Ramsaywack, who is facing a death sentence after being tried for murder. His last known address is Lot 07,

WANTED: Imran Ramsaywack Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice; Kenrick Lyte, 44, who is also facing a death sentence after being tried for murder. His last known address is Grant Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River; Samuel Gouveia, 26, who is imprisoned for murder. His last known address is Lot 13 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and Rayon Jones, 28, who is also imprisoned for murder. His last known address is Lot 121 Timehri, EBD. The police have since issued wanted bulletins for the men who will now face an ‘Escaping from Lawful Custody’ charge.

According to Director of

WANTED: Kenrick Lyte Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot, about 07:15 hours during the unlocking of the Brick Prison (Solitary Division) supervised by the duty officer and four other ranks, it was observed that the padlock to the entrance gate was tampered with.

Further checks, he said, revealed that two bars of separate cells were cut. The matter was immediately reported to the Officer-in-Charge, Mazaruni Prison, Kofi David, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (ag), who immediately ordered a head count.

Upon conclusion, the Prison Director said the aforementioned convicted prisoners, who were housed in the Brick Prison (solitary) were unaccounted for.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is appealing to members of the public, as well as relatives and friends of the wanted men, to give any relevant information as to the where-

WANTED: Samuel Gouveia

WANTED: Rayon Jones

abouts of these escapees so that they can be captured and returned to the prison.

“Also, an appeal is being made to the escapees to surrender to the police or relevant authority, to avoid any serious confrontation that is likely to result in the use of force. All information will be treated with a high degree of confidence and also the rights of those escapees will be respected and upheld,” the Police Force said.

In 2019, the death sentence was handed down on Imran Ramsaywack, who was found guilty of murder by a 12-person jury. Ramsaywack, also known as, “Kevin Jones” and “Coolie Boy” was found guilty of the March 2015 murder of US-based citizen and boutique owner, Samantha Benjamin.

Also, in 2019, Kenrick Lyte, of Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

was found guilty of murder by a 12-member jury at the Suddie High Court, Essequibo Coast.

He was charged in 2014 for the murder of 72-year-old Osmond Fiedtkou.

Samuel Anthony Gouveia, formerly of Plaisance, ECD, was charged for the murder of Santee Solomon, on November 23, 2015, at Puruni Landing, near the Cuyuni River.

In 2018, Rayon Jones was sentenced to 28 years for the murder of Puranand ‘Andrew’ Baljit, a mechanic, who was killed during a robbery on June 9, 2016, at his Timehri, East Bank Demerara home.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the convicted killers is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 455-2238, 455-2222, 4552241, 226-4585, 225-2700, 225-3650, 226-1326, 911 or the nearest police station.

Policeman collapses, dies in barrack room

A POLICE constable who received two injections for chickenpox and later drank pills being used to treat filaria collapsed in his barrack room and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

The Guyana Police Force mourns the death of Constable 24530 Rockliff Cozier of Supply, East Bank Demerara.

He was stationed at Regional Police Division # 4 ‘B’. Enquiries revealed that around 08:30 hours on Tuesday, the Consta-

ble, who was infected with chickenpox, allegedly received two injections for same and about 14:30 hours, he allegedly took pills being used to treat filaria.

Around 18:00 hours, he collapsed while in a barrack room and was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state.

He was placed in incubation during which he had a relapse, suffered two seizures and subsequently passed away.

An investigation into the death of the Constable has since been launched.

Dead: Rockliff Cozier

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Work must be delivered to specification, Edghill tells contractors MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Tuesday, visited a number of ongoing infrastructural projects in Regions Five and Six, where he urged the contractors to get the work done in keeping with the specifi-

cations outlined in their contracts.

According to a press statement from the Public Works Ministry, works in Region Five at De Hoop, Mahaica, are progressing well. However, in Region Six, particularly at Bre-

Minister Edghill tours a section of the road being rehabilitated in Black Bush Polder

haspat Street, Number Two Village, the contractor had “demobilised”.

Minister Edghill was told that the contractor had done so due to allegations of physical abuse by residents.

The residents, during a meeting with Edghill, explained that the contractor had used “sappy materials” as a base for the road being built in the area, and that this was vehemently objected to by the residents, who also voiced concerns with regard to the road not being graded before loam was layered. That particular project is being pursued at a cost of $31.6 million.

It was later explained by the Ministry’s engineer that sections of the road, which had not deteriorated, were not removed but was used as a foundation for the layer of loam.

Further on the issue of

New air service starts Ogle to Port Kaituma flights ROYALTY Air Service lifted off on Monday on a high note with praises for its first flight between Ogle and Port Kaituma.

Flights between Ogle and Port Kaituma will operate on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, a press release from the company noted. From February 24, it will introduce flights between Ogle and Mabaruma on Wednesdays and Saturdays and from February 26, flights between Ogle and Matthews Ridge on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The release further noted that Roraima Airways will be its partner on these routes, while Jags Aviation is being used for the Port Kaituma route.

“Apart from very competitive pricing, the service is offering ticket delivery, on-line payment with Republic Bank, and loyalty rewards. Royalty Loyalty, the rewards programme, yields a free round-trip flight after 20 flights. Envelopes and parcels under one pound are free, while cargo is charged at $100 per pound,” the press release noted.

According to the release, Operations Manager Mr. Mark Peters noted that the team is very pleased with the reaction of the market as interest is quite high.

The release noted that

the company aims to differentiate itself through its service and affordability as well as its Corporate Social Responsibility programme (CSR).

“We want to support the communities we operate in by providing opportunities for youths especially and we will be embarking on

socio-economic projects after consultation with the people,” the Operations Manager was quoted as saying.

Bookings can be made at the Georgetown office at 48 Russell Street Charlestown, near to New York Car Wash or by call/ WhatsApp to 632-4759.

the “sappy materials” being used, Minister Edghill warned that if the allegations are found to be accurate, the Engineer, Clerk of Works and the contractor will be held accountable for rectifying same at no cost to the ministry.

Edghill also urged residents, during the meeting, to be respectful in voicing their concerns to contractors operating in their area. He noted that they should not halt development plans, but t0 continue being the eyes of the community, in a respectful manner.

While in Black Bush Polder, Minister Edghill stopped and inspected construction works being done by the Guyana Defence Force in Lesbeholden, one of four settlements that make up Black Bush Polder, in Region Six. The team was busy constructing a 90-foot heavy-duty timber bridge to benefit the residents.

Also, in Black Bush Polder, the minister inspected ongoing road works. Residents thanked Minister Edghill for his visit and for ensuring that the road is being built.

Also accompanying Minister Edghill to a community meeting was the Regional Chairman, David Armogan; Regional Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain and Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic

Minister Edghill watches on as a resident digs a section of the road, in Number Two Village, to ensure it meets the required thickness Council, Ubraj Matadeen.

During remarks, Minister Edghill pointed to the importance of farmto-market roads; he said that even amid the birthing years of oil production here in Guyana, the agriculture industry remains pivotal to the overall development of this land of many waters.

The minister also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of trucks adhering to the weight limits set out for various thoroughfares, as a means of maintaining the integrity of certain roads. In fact, one resident said he feels that rice millers should be held

accountable for damaging the road due to over-loaded vehicles in Black Bush.

One resident, who attended the meeting from Yakusari North, complained that farmers are converting the residential house lots to farm lands, much to their discomfort.

The resident said that due to the farming activity, heavy-duty trucks would frequent the internal streets and cause damage.

Residents also complained of being affected by the use of chemicals.

Minister Edghill promised to look into their concerns.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Guyana Red Cross Society: Going the distance with the fight against COVID FOR the field team of the Guyana Red Cross Society, responding to COVID-19 has meant time away from families, thousands of miles by car, plane and boat, and arranging logistics for tonnes of cleaning and

hygiene supplies destined for people living in remote corners of the country.

“We have a lot of small communities that do not necessarily have Internet, they are usually reached by radio or by people travelling into the community

themselves to share information,” said Andrea Phillips, Guyana Red Cross Society COVID-19 project manager and the team lead.

So, that is what the Guyana Red Cross Society does. They work with Indigenous communities,

in migrant settlements, and at the markets in transportation hubs, sharing information about COVID-19 and how to stay safe and healthy. For some people, their interaction with the four women that make up the team will be their only opportunity to ask questions about the disease that they have been hearing about from others.

“We have found that communities are very receptive to people who take the time to come into the community, share the information… give time for them to ask questions to ensure they are clearly able to

The Guyana Red Cross Society team delivers hygiene kits to communities living on the river near Mabaruma, Guyana. These communities are impacted by COVID-19, and it is difficult to access cleaning and hygiene items because of distances and lockdown measures

Melissa Lewis talks about staying safe and healthy during COVID-19, while the Guyana Red Cross Society team delivers hygiene kits to riverine communities. These communities are impacted by COVID-19, and it is difficult to access cleaning and hygiene items because of distances and lockdown measures understand,” Phillips said.

In St. Aslems, in Region One, Joan Webber asked about how she would know if she or her family had come into contact with the virus. The team had come to her community by power boat, and Webber sat in her small dugout canoe as she learned about symptoms. She then received a bag with hand sanitizer, soap, laundry detergent, bleach, and other supplies she could use to protect herself and her family.

“People are pretty thankful for the activity and the fact that Red Cross is coming to the [river-based] communities to assist them,” said Samesta Martin-Forde, a Guyana Red Cross field officer.

“It has gone far, especially in these commu-

nities where, you have a lockdown, so they cannot access [sanitation supplies], or you have poor communities where they may not be able to supply themselves,” Phillips said.

Getting to St. Aslems was no easy task. Alana Prescod, who handles logistics, oversaw moving everything from toothpaste to toilet paper from Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, to Mabaruma, about 250 kilometers away. But there are no roads, the tonnes of equipment had to be flown on two separate charter flights, before being trucked to the motel room where the team slept and that served as a temporary warehouse.

In the small, hot and humid room, the team worked with their masks on to pack the bags that would be

given away. “I am very happy with the team that we have. It’s a small team, but a hard-working team.

Each person has a role on the team and we have been able to complement each other in a way that we’ve been able to deliver the service that’s required by working together,” said Phillips.

The bags were trucked to the docks to be loaded on to the boat that would take the team upriver.

Over a two-day period, the team reached 80 families, moving up and down along a river. A community leader and a boat captain guided them in and out of the tight mangroves to people’s homes.

The mornings were hot and sunny, but on the trip back to town the first day, it began to rain. The drops were hitting like needles as the speedboat raced to get them back and off the water. When they completed the work, they immediately started meeting with other leaders in the area, to see what was needed next and by whom.

“I love helping persons, it always puts a smile on my face when you can give something to someone and they appreciate it, whether it is something big or something small and it makes me feel happy, and I would say that’s why I am doing what I am today,” Prescod said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Coconut a new frontier crop

THE government has proposed an allocation of over $70 million in the 2021 National Budget to advance and further expand services provided at the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL), East Coast Demerara.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh made this announcement during his presentation on Friday. The minister said coconut is the new frontier crop in the agriculture sector and is expected to take off over the medium term.

“This administration will fund the establishment of four new coconut nurseries at Wakenaam, Leguan, Canal No. 2 and No. 63 Village in Corentyne, which will each produce 1,500 to 3,000 coconut seedlings, every three months,” he said.

This will enable farmers to benefit from high quality planting material at an affordable cost.

“Technical training on inter-cropping and cultivation will be provided to coconut farmers to help them optimise their returns on investments. Support from government will see the private sector investing in over 1,000 acres of coconut estates, in the near

term,” the minister added.

Speaking with DPI, General Manager of the Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, said he is pleased about the allocation, noting that it is a significant increase from the previous allotments when the estate received a fixed amount of $3 million.

The sum for the capital project would be used to finance four additional coconut nurseries, purchase a tractor and Canter truck, erect two shade houses and fence the compound, he said.

Other allocations would be used for the National Coconut Sensitisation Programme and other operational costs of the entity.

Over $10 million was approved for the estate in the Emergency Budget of 2020 for capital works, which was used to establish two coconut nurseries at Kairuni and Charity, the construction of a wooden bridge and extension and equipment for the estate office.

The Hope Coconut Estate produces 100,000 coconut seedlings for farms across the country annually, to advance the development of the coconut industry.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha has

Hope Estate, General Manager, Ricky Roopchand

said the development of the coconut industry in Guyana is a priority, and as such, much focus has been given to revitalising the industry, which is the third largest export crop after rice and sugar. (DPI) Coconut Seedlings at the Hope Estate nursery (DPI photo)

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Herstelling blockmaker murder…

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Widow, Barbadian together get 68 years’ imprisonment

–– to be eligible for parole after serving 20 years CONFESSED killers, Beverley Persaud and Barbadian national, Oswald Yaw, were on Tuesday sentenced to a total of

68 years’ imprisonment for the brutal murder of Herstelling blockmaker, Nathan Persaud.

Demerara High Court

judge, Justice Navindra Singh, sentenced Persaud to 29 years behind bars, while Yaw was sentenced to 39 years. The duo will

become eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years.

The duo was on trial for the capital offence of mur-

DEAD: Nathan Persaud der committed on Nathan, a blockmaker, on September 10, 2015, at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. However, they opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The State was represented by prosecutors, Tiffani Lyken while Attorneys-at-law Racheal Bakker and Ravindra Mohabir were on record for the accused.

During a plea in mitigation, Bakker asked the court to temper justice with mer-

Oswald Yaw cy since Yaw had expressed “sincere and deep remorse” for his actions. Bakker also said that Persaud preyed on Yaw and played with his emotions.

Meanwhile, Mohabir told the court that Persaud was abused by her husband and had suffered a miscarriage when she was four months pregnant due to severity of his beatings.

In his address, Yaw pleaded with the court to give him a second chance.

“Please gave me a chance so that I could go back home to my five-yearold child. I am not a bad person,” he said.

Persaud, while begging the court for mercy, apologised for her actions, and said, “May the soul of the deceased find eternal peace.”

Prosecutor Lyken read the victim impact statement which was taken from the deceased’s mother Sylvie Persaud to the court. The

woman in the statement said that her son was killed in one of the cruellest ways that one can think about.

She also remembered one of the last conversations she had with him on the telephone on that fatal day when he told her “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

“My son was killed in one of the cruel ways you can think out,” the woman said.

Beverley Persaud The Guyana Chronicle had reported that, on September 10, 2015, Persaud’s battered, lifeless body was discovered at his Herstelling home in a pool of blood.

According to reports, a neighbour heard screams from the residence, but did not think to investigate until a man was seen leaving the home several minutes later.

This aroused his suspicions.

The neighbour alerted others and they proceeded to the house, where they discovered Persaud’s body.

A brick and a hammer were found at the crime scene leading investigators to believe that the objects were used to murder Nathan. The number ‘20’ was also found smeared on a refrigerator in the house, equivalent to the number of times the man was hit as confirmed by a post-mortem examination report.

Yaw had reportedly confessed to the crime and told investigators that Beverley Persaud met with him several weeks prior to the murder and had invited him to carry out a hit on her husband in return for $1.7M to cover his travel overseas. He was reportedly paid $10,000 and promised $100,000 in weekly payments.

This newspaper was made to understand that Nathan was reportedly killed over a land dispute he had with his wife.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

International Cricket to return to the Caribbean

ST JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday confirmed the all-format International tour between West Indies and Sri Lanka starting in March, signalling the return of international cricket to the Caribbean.

The two teams will play three T20Is, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Test matches in a bio-secure environment in Antigua from Wednesday, March 3 to Friday, April 2.

The T20I Series will create history as the first official International matches to be played by the West Indies Men’s team at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) and the first West Indies Men’s T20Is to be played in Antigua since 2013.

As reigning ICC T20 World Cup champions, West Indies will use these matches as important preparation for the defence of their T20 World Cup title which is scheduled to be held in India later this year.

The CG Insurance ODI Series will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on March 10, 12 and 14 - with the third being a day/night encounter. The CG Insurance ODIs form part of the ICC Super League and these three matches provide the opportunity for West Indies to secure their first points as the team try to qualify automatically for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.

The two Test matches will be played at the same venue with the first match starting on Sunday, March 21 and the second starting March 29, providing the West Indies with another opportunity to win points and climb the ICC World Test Championship table following the recent fantastic series win in Bangladesh.

The last International West Indies Men’s Home Series featured Ireland in January last year. Since then West Indies men have made three overseas tours to England, New Zealand and Bangladesh as part of the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP).

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, both teams will stay and play in bio-secure bubbles

with all the matches being held in Antigua to accommodate a later arrival date

by Sri Lanka. Fans will not be able to attend matches, but will be able to follow on TV, radio and through CWI’s digital channels.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt stated: “We are pleased to be able to finally confirm this tour. A number of COVID-related logistic hurdles have now been overcome and I want to thank Sri Lankan Cricket president Shammi Silva and his team, for their co-operation in honouring their obligation to tour under the ICC FTP Agreement.

“We are also extremely grateful for the support we received from the Governments of Antigua & Barbuda, and St Lucia in planning this tour. But it is regrettable that we are unable to include St Lucia as part of this home series as we had originally hoped to, due to the delay in Sri Lanka’s arrival and the need for the tour to end before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL).”

CWI has been working closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sport in Antigua & Barbuda to orchestrate all the logistics and agree the safety and medical protocols for the tour. All players, support staff and match officials will be kept in a bio-secure environment, with regular COVID-19 PCR testing taking place with assistance from the local Ministry of Health and CARPHA. CWI CEO Johnny Grave commented: “We are delighted to be able to re-start international cricket in the West Indies, with the announcement of the tour by Sri Lanka. We have a full schedule featuring all three formats, which is sure to attract lots of attention from our fans, especially following on from the terrific Test series win in Bangladesh.

A lot of detailed planning has gone into the hosting of this tour and we are confident it will be a success.”

SRI LANKA TOUR ITINERARY

• March 3: 1st T20I at CCG • March 5: 2nd T20I at CCG • March 7: 3rd T20I at CCG • March 10: 1st ODI at SVRS • March 12: 2nd ODI at SVRS • March 14: 3rd ODI at SVRS • March 17-18: two-day warm-up match at CCG • March 21-25: 1st Test at SVRS • March 29 to April 2: 2nd Test at SVR

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Spinners take all 10 wickets as India beat England by 317 runs in Chennai

ENGLAND succumbed to an inevitable 317-run defeat by India on the fourth day of the second Test in Chennai.

Faced with the hopeless task of chasing 482 on a deteriorating pitch, England lost all 10 wickets to spin as they were bowled out for 164 to leave the four-Test series poised at 1-1.

Only captain Joe Root provided prolonged resistance, but even he needed plenty of fortune in his 33, before Moeen Ali chanced his arm for 43 off only 18 balls.

Debutant left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed 5-60, while off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-53 - and match figures of 8-96 - to go with a century in India’s second innings.

After two matches in Chennai, the series moves to Ahmedabad, with the daynight third Test beginning on February 24.

Moeen will miss those matches, choosing to go home as part of England’s rotation policy.

INDIA FIGHTBACK LEAVES SERIES POISED Halfway through, this series between two Test heavyweights is living up to its billing.

After England produced one of their finest away performances to win the first Test by 227 runs, India dominated the second, exploiting their expertise in dusty, spinning conditions.

While the tourists cashed in on winning the

toss in the first Test, India did the same in the second.

Even if this match will be remembered for the pitch, that should not detract from the fact that the home side have been vastly superior.

through to meet New Zealand in June.

INDIA SWEEP TO VICTORY From 53-3 overnight, England’s only goal on the

The second Test was wrapped up by India’s spinners on day four, with Axar Patel delivering a five-for on his debut against England

Between them, Rohit Sharma and Ashwin made more runs than the entire England team. Ashwin and Axar applied more pressure than England spinners Jack Leach and Moeen, while Rishabh Pant pulled off as many moments of wicket-keeping brilliance as Ben Foakes.

The floodlit third Test, played with the pink ball, will add a different dynamic, with pace bowling perhaps having a bigger role.

On the line in the final two matches will not only be the outcome of the series, but also a place in the World Test Championship final. England, India or Australia can make it

fourth day was to survive as long as possible on a pitch offering huge and unpredictable turn as well as occasional spitting bounce.

Dan Lawrence tried to be proactive, running at Ashwin’s first ball to be nutmegged, with Pant completing a spectacular diving stumping.

In contrast, Ben Stokes was almost shot-less, tormented by Ashwin in making eight from 51 balls before he offered a bat-pad catch.

While Root survived offering a simple chance to Mohammed Siraj off a reverse sweep, Ollie Pope and Foakes were caught miscu-

ing conventional sweeps.

Root, though, could do nothing about a snorter from Axar that took the glove and was held at gully.

With the game gone, Moeen blazed five mighty sixes and was in with a chance of the fastest half-century in Test cricket, only to be the last man out, stumped by some distance off Kuldeep Yadav.

ENGLAND LEFT TO REGROUP This is the first blemish on a winter that had seen England win their three previous Tests, an overall run of six successive away wins going back to December 2019.

Although defeat in Chennai was reminiscent of their historical struggles in Asia, in particular the 4-0 hammering on their last tour of India, there are still reasons for optimism looking to Ahmedabad.

In the one previous pink-ball Test in India, albeit in Kolkata, none of the hosts’ spinners took a wicket in the victory over Bangladesh, the only occasion that has happened in an India home win.

Seamer-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad would be more suitable to England than the turn of Chennai, with seamer James Anderson - rested this week - likely to come back into the side.

England will also have Jonny Bairstow available after he was rested for the first two Tests, with Zak Crawley also potentially fit following a wrist injury.

WTC final scenarios: England in tight spot after India’s win in second Test INDIA’S 317-run win in the second Test in Chennai means there is plenty at stake for both teams, as well as Australia, when it comes to lining up a face-off with New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship.

The target for both India and England is to surpass Australia’s points percentage of 69.17.

What do India need to do to qualify?

India need to win the series by any margin, which means they need at least a draw and a win in the two remaining Tests. They started the series requiring a minimum of 70 points to go past Australia’s points percentage. That meant they needed at least a 2-1 series win. With the series currently level at 1-1, India will be through to the final if they win 2-1 or 3-1.

What about England’s chances?

The loss in the second Test has hurt England’s chances in a big way. They now need to win both the remaining Tests to make the final. Anything less and they will be out.

History is against them as well - the last touring team to win three Tests in a series in India was West Indies in 1983-84.

Who will Australia be cheering for?

Australia would be hoping that India don’t win the series, and that England don’t win both the remaining Tests.

That means, for Australia to finish ahead of both India and England, the series should either finish in a draw - 1-1 or 2-2 - or England should win 2-1.

Australia are still in it, but they could have avoided all this uncertainty had they not dropped four points because of a slow over-rate against India in the Boxing Day Test.

Had that not happened, Australia would have been level with New Zealand on 70, which would then have brought

the runs-per-wicket ratio into play (that is the ratio of the runs scored per wicket lost, and the runs conceded per wicket taken). Australia’s ratio is currently 1.39 while New Zealand’s is 1.28.

This means Australia would have stayed ahead of New Zealand, and would have been certain of qualification.

Now, they will need India and England to help them out.

Of course, the over-rate lesson is one that both India and England will do well to heed: any points docked due to slow over-rates in the next two Tests could affect the qualification hopes of these two teams as well. (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Tuesday, February 16, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Nkrumah Bonner (WI) 231 runs

TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) How many wickets Rakheem Cornwall took in the recent WI/BANG second Test?

(2) How many wickets he took in the series?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

They would provide alternatives to Rory Burns or Lawrence.

Sam Curran and Mark Wood have also rejoined the squad, while Jofra Archer could also be available after missing the second Test with an elbow problem.

‘WE ARE VERY MUCH IN THIS SERIES’ - WHAT THEY SAID England captain Joe Root: “Credit has to go to India. They outplayed us in all three departments.

“We are 1-1 in the series with two important games to come. We are very much in this series. It is set up very nicely.

India captain Virat Kohli: “It was a bit strange in the first game playing at home without the crowd.

This game the crowd made a massive difference.

“Our application with the bat was outstanding. Conditions were challenging for both sides but we showed more application to grit it out.

It was a perfect game for us.”

Player-of-the-match Ravichandran Ashwin: “This wicket is very different to what we played on in the first game. The balls that were doing much were not getting wickets. You had to play on the mind of batsmen to get wickets.

(BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 329 ENGLND 1st innings 134 INDIA 2nd innings 286 ENGLAND 2nd innings o/n 53-3 Rory Burns c Virat Kohli b Ravichandran Ashwin 25 Dominic Sibley lbw Axar Patel 3 Dan Lawrence stp. Rishabh Pant b Ravichandran Ashwin 26 Jack Leach c Rohit Sharma b Axar Patel 0 Joe Root c Ajinkya Rahane b Axar Patel 33 Ben Stokes c Virat Kohli b Ravichandran Ashwin 8 Ollie Pope c Ishant Sharma b Axar Patel 12 Ben Foakes c Axar Patel b Kuldeep Yadav 2 Moeen Ali stp. Rishabh Pant b Kuldeep Yadav 43 Olly Stone lbw Axar Patel

0 Stuart Broad not out

5 EXTRAS: (b-6, lb-1)

7 TOTAL: (all out, 54.2 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-49, 3-50, 4-66, 5-90, 6-110, 7-116, 8-116, 9-126.

Bowling: Ishant Sharma 6-3-13-0, Axar Patel 21-5-605, Ravichandran Ashwin 18-5-53-3, Mohammed Siraj 3-1-6-0, Kuldeep Yadav 6.2-1-25-2.

11:42 hrs Pressure Sensitive

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:05 hrs Europeana 08:40 hrs Forgetful Girl 09:20 hrs Legitimise 10:00 hrs Kitty Cat Chat 10:35 hrs Jacqueline 11:10 hrs Royal watch American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Sandra’s Mine Race 2 Sadio Race 3 Shaftesbury Race 4 H P Big Hope Race 5 American Matters Race 6 Lifechangevent Race 7 Sovereign Warrior Race 8 Don’t Get Smart Race 9 Coworth Park Race10 Hardly Social English Racing Tips Wetherby 08:30 hrs Ballybegg 09:05 hrs Chantry House 09:35 hrs Sawpit Sienna 10:05 hrs Umbrigado 10:40 hrs Albert’s Back 11:12 hrs Leverock Lass

Wolverhampton 09:15 hrs Heptathlete 09:45 hrs Parknacilla 10:15 hrs Rain Gauge 10:50 hrs The Pretty Way 11:20 hrs Album 11:50 hrs The Rutland Rebel 12:20 hrs Elzaam’s Dream 12:50 hrs Mjolnir Hereford 09:55 hrs Herbiers 10:30 hrs Tallow For Coal 11:05 hrs Favori De Sivola 11:35 hrs Annie Day 12:05 hrs Trump Lady 12:35 hrs Dubai Guest 13:05 hrs Hartnoll Hero Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 10:20 hrs Raphael 10:55 hrs Pillar 11:25 hrs Doyouthinkso 11:55 hrs Lunastar 12:25 hrs Ballycaines 12:55 hrs The Alpha Man 13:30 hrs Forbearance 14:00 hrs Star Harbour

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Austrlian Open tennis …

Williams beats Halep & will face Naomi Osaka in semi-final SERENA Williams produced a stunning performance to beat second seed Simona Halep and set up an Australian Open semi-final with Naomi Osaka.

The 39-year-old American, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, won 6-3, 6-3 against the Romanian.

“I think this is the best match I’ve played this tournament,” said Williams, who moved well and hit 24 winners.

Earlier yesterday, Osaka cruised past Hsieh Su-wei in just 66 minutes to reach the last four.

The Japanese third seed, who won the second of her three Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park in 2019, beat the Taiwanese 6-2, 6-2.

Now Osaka will face 10th seed Williams - a seven-time champion in Melbourne - tomorrow for a place in Saturday’s final.

It will be the first meeting between the pair since their infamous 2018 US Open final.

That saw Osaka win her maiden major title after Williams accused umpire Carlos Ramos of being a “thief” in some of the most dramatic scenes at a Grand Slam final.

Williams fit, focussed and ‘looking like a champion’ After her victory, Osaka said she would be tuning in to the match between Williams and Halep because she “always” watched the American’s games.

What Osaka will have seen is a player who looks fitter and more focussed than she has in recent years. And, on this evidence against reigning Wimbledon champion Halep, will surely offer a stern examination of the Japanese player’s credentials as the tournament favourite.

DCB likely to hold elections on February 19 FOLLOWING Monday’s Supreme Court ruling, Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is set to hold its long-awaited elections on Friday February 19 at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

This new ruling comes months after last September’s Court of Appeal sitting, which saw the Cricket Administration Act once again restored.

Cricket elections had been a hot topic for almost a decade and, given this new emphasis on the restoration of a new body, this recent court hearing will undoubtedly set the tone for future changes in local cricket administration.

After Monday’s High Court action No.2018-HCDEM-CIV-FDA-622 was heard before Justice Navindra Singh, the now long road to elections commences and will first be marked by the DCB elections of officer-bearers, followed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) electoral process.

Of the 5 associations, East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA) and Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) have already provided their respective information; leaving just East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) and West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) as the two final sub-associations which have until today to submit their list of delegates.

Meanwhile, in accordance with Section 17 of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, following the DCB elections, consultation between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and most likely the Minister of Sport will move to select an Ombudsman as they prepare for the highly anticipated GCB elections.

Williams has lost her past four Grand Slam finals - including the 2018 US Open to Osaka and against Halep at Wimbledon in 2019

The beaming smile which greeted victory, along with her excited demeanour in the on-court interview, indicates Williams is in a relaxed mood

Serena Williams plays a backhand in her women’s singles quarterfinals match against Simona Halep during the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, yesterday

- as she attempted to land that elusive 24th major title which would pull her level with Australian Margaret Court.

at Melbourne Park. That could prove dangerous for the rest of the field, says former British number one Laura Robson.

“We’ve seen before she

might get stressed or overwhelmed but she looks like a different person. She is looking like a champion out there,” Robson said in her role as an analyst on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

Looking fired up but coolly executing her shots, Williams started quickly with a break of serve to lead 2-0 before Halep showed her trademark resilience to wipe out the early deficit.

Williams continued to find angles with powerful returning, allowing her to quickly reassert authority and break again for a 4-2 lead before serving out for the opening set.

Whether Williams would be able to maintain such a high level in the second set - against one of the best movers in the game - was the next question.

Initially it looked like she might not be able to.

Williams dipped at the start of the second set, regularly stopping to stare at her strings as unforced errors and a double fault helped Halep break for a 2-0 lead.

But, after the pair exchanged three more breaks, Williams mentally reset to rattle off the final five games and clinch an impressive victory.

“I realised I was making a lot of unforced errors in the games I lost and knew I had an opportunity to play better,” said Williams, who reached the 40th Grand Slam semi-final of her career.

“I stayed in there and kept going.

“I think this is the best match I played this tournament, obviously I had to going against number two in the world. I knew I had to do better, I did and I’m excited.” (BBC Sport)

Djokovic edges out Zverev to reach Australian Open semi-final MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Reigning champion Novak Djokovic overcame several dips in form to beat Alexander Zverev 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(6) and book his place in the Australian Open semi-finals yesterday.

The Serbian world number one hit back strongly after losing a tight opening set on a tiebreak but trailed in both the third and fourth sets before turning them around.

German sixth seed Zverev will rue allowing Djokovic back from 4-1 down in the third set and he was also up 3-0 in the fourth.

Djokovic again wore tape on his abdominal area, a legacy of the injury picked up in his third-round win over Taylor Fritz. But it did not appear to bother him as he reached his 39th Grand Slam semi-final, where he will face an unlikely opponent in Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.

“After the tiebreak I felt like I started moving better, I started serving better and ended up with more aces than he which is a miracle against someone like Sacha,” Djokovic, whose route to the semi-finals has been a struggle, said.

“There were lots of nerves out there, emotionally I feel a little drained, it was a great battle, tough luck to Sacha. We pushed ourselves to the limits.”

The 23-year-old Zverev began in confident fashion and broke Djokovic’s opening

service game as the favourite initially struggled to get into his usual silky rhythm.

Zverev failed to convert a set point on Djokovic’s serve when leading 5-3 and wavered on his own serve at 5-4 but showed plenty of composure as he edged the opening tiebreaker when Djokovic fended a return long.

Zverev was 0-30 ahead on Djokovic’s serve in the next game but Djokovic clicked back into gear, reeling off 20 of the next 24 points to move one set from victory.

Again Zverev forged ahead in the fourth set and he had three points to move into a 4-0 lead but Djokovic hung on.

Djokovic squandered his first match point in the tiebreak with a sliced backhand into the net but a dipping backhand earned him a second opportunity, this time on his own serve, and his 23rd ace sealed victory.

With 114th-ranked Karatsev up next, it would be a huge surprise if Djokovic is

Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic

While the first set took an hour, Djokovic needed only 29 minutes to grab the second as Zverev lapsed.

An unpredictable match then took another change of direction as Djokovic went off the boil and Zverev moved into a 4-1 lead, with the Serb’s frustration boiling over as he destroyed a racquet, leaving fragments of frame across the baseline.

Djokovic, bidding for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title, chiselled his way back into a high-quality set, saving yet another break point at 3-4.

Zverev was happy to trade from the baseline in long exchanges and a sumptuous backhand winner earned him a set point in the 12th game, only for Djokovic to reply with an ace.

not contesting Sunday’s final.

But he said he will not be taking the Russian lightly.

“To be honest I hadn’t seen him play before this Australian Open but now I’ve seen him,” he said.

“He’s a very strong guy, physical, moves well and has a lot of firepower from the back of the court. He has a great backhand, serves well and has nothing to lose.”

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Sir Curtly hails Brathwaite, Cornwall final day heroics ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Fast bowling legend Sir Curtly Ambrose has singled out interim captain Kraigg Brathwaite and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall for special praise, following their superb contributions on the final day which helped West Indies win the second Test against Bangladesh last Sunday.

Brathwaite drew plaudits for his inspired field settings, rotation of bowlers and overall decision-making, which also saw him snatch three wickets in an inspired spell of off-spin.

Meanwhile, Man-of-theMatch Cornwall grabbed four wickets and three sharp slip catches, as the Caribbean side produced a magnificent effort to stop Bangladesh reaching an uncomplicated target 231 in Dhaka.

“I thought the captaincy was good. Kraigg Brathwaite he was innovative, rotated his bowlers quite fell and he followed his gut feeling from time to time and generally as a West Indian I am happy for the guys,” Sir Curtly

said here during the ongoing Super50 Cup where is a member of the television commentary team.

a 2-0 series whitewash, following their first Test win in Chattogram.

Regarding Cornwall,

John Campbell (top) and Kavem Hodge engulf Rahkeem Cornwall as they celebrate a wicket on the dramatic final day of the second Test

In the end, West Indies pulled off a nerve-jangling 17-run victory to complete

who finished the match with nine wickets, Sir Curly said he had not been surprised by

USA-based Kwakwani resident Wendell James continues support with equipment donation

THE village of Kwakwani, located in the Upper Demerara/Berbice Region of Guyana has had a rich history in the sporting arena be it football, basketball or other sports but, like every other village or area in this nation, has been battling with the challenges being presented by the global pandemic COVID-19.

But even while the virus continues to take its toll, residents of the village have been banding together whilst observing the protocols as outlined by the National COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that the fallout from this virus is minimal and that they can rebound as quickly as possible in every aspect of their lives, including sports.

Recently, members of Region 10, Sub-Region 2 Football Committee were presented with letters of appointment along with the terms of reference as they seek to chart a new course for the sport.

Basketball has been a shining light for the community under the astute technical leadership of National coach Ann Gordon and this sport as well will be seeking to come out bouncing hard whenever the green light is given to resume.

Well, the two above-mentioned sports as well as circle tennis and lawn tennis have been boosted with a donation of equipment, compliments of USA-based resident and former Striker Football Club member, Wendell James, who is continuing a tradition he started a few years now.

his fellow Antiguan’s performance.

“Rahkeem Cornwall has been doing well for a number

The former utility player (goalkeeper, striker, defender) handed over footballs, basketballs, tennis racquets and balls to the relevant committees. With regard to lawn tennis, James indicated that it is a sport they are seeking to get going in the community and have plans to utilise the Management Centre Court which has to be spruced up a bit.

of their self-empowerment and development, James had the following words of encouragement for his young villagers as well as youths throughout Guyana.

“I would encourage all youths to play sports. I know as a kid we were involved in every sport, from athletics to football, basketball, swimming. Whichever sport it was, we were there to take

Wendell James hands over racquets and balls to Kwakwani management

“I try my best to support my community in whatever sport possible. Once I can see the effort, I give my support.

I have supported basketball, football and now we are trying to get tennis going as well. If we can get volleyball going that would be a plus for our youths.”

Cognizant of what sports can do for the youths in terms

part. So I would encourage our youths to do that as much as they possibly can.

“In terms of the Kwakwani youths, once I am satisfied with what I am seeing, they can always count on me to be there to assist them with equipment and uniforms to help them develop because I know we have very talented athletes in this community.”

of years, whether it’s been Leeward Islands cricket, West Indies or A-team crick-

et for that matter, he’s always been producing with the ball.

“He’s still, in my opinion, the best off-spinner in the Caribbean and nine wickets was a tremendous effort and a few catches as well.”

The tour had been overshadowed by the withdrawal of 10 first choice players across both the one-day and Test formats, leaving selectors with no choice but to send an inexperienced unit.

But while West Indies were soundly thrashed in the three-match one-day series after trotting out 10 debutants, the Test side played outstandingly to win the first Test by three wickets before following up with another shock win in the second Test.

Two of the three debutants in the Test side featured prominently in the series.

Kyle Mayers struck an historic unbeaten double hundred in the fourth innings of the first Test while Nkrumah Bonner hit 86 as West Indies chased down 395 to win on the final day.

Bonner went on to score 90 and 38 in the second Test

to earn Man-of-the-Series honours. “[It was an] exceptional performance from the young players,” said Sir Curtly. “[There were] so many debutants when of course not too many people gave them a chance of competing, let alone winning, and to have won the series 2-0, I’m very, very happy for the guys.”

And after failing to win two Tests away from home for nearly a decade, Sir Curtly said the success in Bangladesh had special significance. “[The victory in the second Test] may not have been as exciting as the first one because chasing 395 on a fifth day wicket is always a big challenge,” he pointed out.

“But nevertheless, the importance about the second Test is that we won it and we won the series 2-0, which is important.

“It has been years we haven’t done that in that part of the world so I’m happy for the guys … and can’t wait to see them next series.”

STAG beer, Panko Steel, latest companies to join Drag Race Round 1

LOCAL Fabrication Company Panko Steel and Ansa McAl through their STAG beer brand have joined the first round of the 2021 Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) Drag Race meet, set for this month end.

Both companies were announced yesterday by GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed, who contended that their support is testimony to the quality of event expected come February 28.

“STAG has always been a good supporter of motorsport in the past, both circuit and drag racing events, and to welcome them back so soon speaks to the quality of events that we (GMR&SC) hold.”

“Panko Steel has been a company that has offered us support without hesitation and we obviously want to thank them for that. I don’t think we’ve ever been denied assistance from them for events.”

The GMR&SC boss also pointed out that plans are well advanced in planning the event which is likely to be livestreamed via the club’s page.

“We are in talks to have the event live-streamed. We understand that the sport, especially drag racing has developed a lot of fans over the last few years and we want to keep that fan base safe.”

“As it is, persons have been asking about tickets and accommodation for spectators and we aren’t looking at that; hence the plan to have the event livestreamed. We are cognizant that COVID-19 is real and we need to do what we can.”

For competitors, on the other hand, we will have mandatory temperature checks for all persons entering the venue as well as mandatory sanitisation areas for all drivers/riders.”

The GMR&SC boss also reminded that persons should be registered early with cars being

charged $5 000 per entry and bikes free.

He also confirmed that testing will be available on Friday (February 26) and Saturday (February 27) with pre-qualification available on the latter date.

Further, persons who do not get to qualify on Saturday will have a chance to do so on Sunday morning (February 28) before the Knockout segment gets going at noon Other sponsors include Mohamed’s Enterprise, Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc., Prem’s Electrical, KFC Guyana, E-Networks, Motor Trend Service Centre, Wind Jammer International Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Trans Pacific Auto Sale, Unicom United Commodities, MMD Hollow Blocks & Pavers, KGM Security, Ready Mix Concrete, Homeline Furnishing, Imran Auto Works and West Coast Customs Washbay.

SEE PAGE 28

...International Cricket to return to the Caribbean West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite proudly hoists the series-winning trophy after the Caribbean side’s four-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second Test match in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The visitors sealed a thrilling two-match Test series to win 2-0. (Courtesy CWI)

Fletcher, Cottoy fifties set up 92-run win for Windward Islands Volcanoes

HALF-centuries from Keron Cottoy and Andre Fletcher saw Windward Islands Volcanoes cruising to a whopping 92-run win over the Jamaica Scorpions in the Regional Super 50 Cup last night at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua Batting first, opener Andre Fletcher clobbered 60 off 51 with 4 fours and 3 sixes while the left-handed Cottoy smacked four sixes and found the ropes on 4 occasions as

he finished off the innings with a 47ball 67.

All-rounder Kevin Stoute (48), Sunil Ambris (28) and Roland Cato (23), added reasonable support to the two half-centurions as Volcanoes racked up an imposing 260-8 in 50 overs.

West Indies all-rounders, medium-pacer Rovman Powell returned 3-47 to lead the effort with the ball while Fabian Allen chipped in with

2-35, bowling for Jamaica.

The Scorpions then stuttered terribly in their pursuit of the 250-plus target, being kept to 168 all out in 37 overs, with Andre Mccarthy scoring 55 and Allen returning to hit 39, but in a losing effort.

Left-arm spinner Larry Edward was the pick of the Volcanoes bowlers, grabbing an impressive 3-35 with seamers Ryan John (2-33) and Fletcher (2-3) being the other prima-

ry wicket-takers alongside Preston Mcsween and Cottoy, who finished with a wicket apiece.

Final scores: Volcanoes: 260 for eight off 50 overs (Kerron Cottoy 64, Andre Fletcher 60, Kevin Stoute 45, Sunil Ambris 28; Rovman Powell 3-47, Fabian Allen 2-35) Scorpions:168 off 36.4 overs (Andre McCarthy 55, Fabian Allen 39; Larry Edward 3-36, Andre Fletcher 2-3, Ryan John 2-33) (Clifton Ross)

Valour FC extends invitation to two U-23 players for pre-season tryouts ... Canadian Premier League club seeking to build relationship with GFF, Sports Ministry

Guyana’s Alex Bunbury and Valour FC head coach Robert Gale during one of the club’s tryouts SEE PAGE

31

Sir Curtly hails Brathwaite, Cornwall final day heroics

By Rawle Toney VALOUR Football Club, one of the eight teams in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), have extended an invitation for two U-23 players to join the club on their pre-season training for an assessment and evaluation to earn the opportunity to play in this season’s CPL. In a letter written to Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde, and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, and seen by Chronicle Sport, the club’s head coach Robert Gale said, through Alex Bunbury, he’s delighted to hear things are continuing to develop in Guyana with regard to the ‘beautiful game’.

Only recently, Bunbury, a legend in Canada and who proudly stated he’s Guyanese first, was instrumental in Fruta Conquerors’ 19-year-old forward, Nicholas McArthur, securing a full scholarship to Chicago State University ahead of their NCAA Division One football debut.

Gale, who coached Canada’s National Youth teams from 2011 to 2018, said his club is looking forward to hearing from GFF and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as they welcome “these young talented Guyana players to our professional club environment. We currently anticipate a mid-April start to pre-season but will stay in contact with Mr Bunbury to finalise all details in line with government;s COVID protocols.”

The Canadian coach is hoping that “this is the first of many engagements our organisations can have and would like to extend our hospitality to your entire organisation for future Coach and Player Development exchanges as you develop your infrastructure.”In 2018, Bunbury, one the most recognisable figures in Canadian football, had made a pitch for Guyanese players to take advantage of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) tryouts.

Bunbury who hails from the village of Plaisance had said that he’s looking forward to “working with the GFF to bring some players (from Guyana) over for tryouts, to give them an opportunity to play in Canada.”

Since the league’s inception, many Caribbean nations, especially players from Trinidad and Tobago, have made the CPL their home.

However, apart from Emery Welshman who played with Forge FC, no other known Guyanese player was able to break into the league.

Welshman now plays for Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C in the Israeli Premier League.

Winners of the CPL championship earn a berth in the CONCACAF League, playing against teams from Central America and the Caribbean.

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| WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021