Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-03-2022

THURSDAY 17th MARCH, 2022

No. 106665

Easing burden on consumers - every option being examined to cushion rising cost of living - stakeholder consultations key in this process, President Ali says

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Strategic partnerships among Guyana, USAID, Peace Corps acknowledged SEE PAGE

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President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, commended USAID and the Peace Corps for impacting the lives of many people positively and highlighted that both organisations will play a part in the country’s development (Office of the President photo)

Young fisherman missing after boat capsizes in Corentyne River

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Queen Elizabeth II honours Guyana-born poet SEE PAGE

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Tighter security for Stabroek Market SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Every option being examined to ease rising cost of living

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- President Ali assures Guyanese, says stakeholder consultations key in this process

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali TO ease the rising cost of living, the government will soon convene a national consultation on the best options to ease the financial challenges faced by Guyanese.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that having meetings with a cross-section of stakeholders would allow for open and frank discussions in addressing “this multifaceted problem that we are faced with.”

The Head of State made this announcement

on Tuesday afternoon while pointing to the global challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“So, as if COVID-19 was not enough, the war in Ukraine came upon us, taking out close to 40 per cent of global wheat production, taking the price of oil to as much as $126 per barrel, driving up the costs of transportation, cutting off supplies, and if this was not enough, China with just an emergence

of a few [COVID-19] cases, has gone into lockdown again,” Dr. Ali said.

President Ali assured Guyanese that his government is “aggressively” tackling the issue and examining the best approach.

He said: “We have already started discussions, and the government will be continuing that aggressively with a cross-section of Guyanese and communities so that we can come up with the best possible approach; listening to ideas, listening to some of the connected issues and then coming up with some policies.”

RELIEF MEASURES He reminded that nearly $5 billion has been set aside in Budget 2022 for interventions aimed at easing the burden of the rising cost of living.

Earlier this month, the Head of State said that dealing with issues affecting the cost of living is

at the top of his government’s agenda and is being tackled head-on.

Since being elected to office, the government has introduced several measures to put more disposable income into the pockets of Guyanese. From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity.

There has also been a constant increase in oldage pension and public assistance, which, in 2022, put $2.3 billion and $432 million into the pockets of Guyanese.

Additionally, the PPP/C government reinstated the “Because We Care” cash grant and school uniform grant, which stands at $30,000 per child in both public and private schools.

The government has also cut excise tax on fuel on several occasions in light of rising fuel prices since taking office.

“We have reduced it to

a point where I think it’s at 10 per cent …so that has been continuously done without anyone calling for that,” Dr. Ali said.

It was reported recently that consumers in Guyana will not be forced to pay higher water and electricity rates stemming from the global surge in fuel prices because the government will be subsidising the increased fuel costs.

The increase in fuel prices, like the increased costs of food and other commodities, has been linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, the price surge has been exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both the pandemic and the war have led to supply chain disruptions and other adverse economic implications.

While speaking at the commissioning of a water well at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara

(ECD), on Tuesday, President Ali lamented that the cost of fuel increased by more than 100 per cent.

This has resulted in the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) spending more than was budgeted to procure fuel for use.

Consequently, the rates ordinary consumers pay for water and electricity services were expected to increase to offset the rising cost of production. The Head of State, however, said that the government will ease the burden on consumers.

“Here in Guyana, the government is not going to allow that increase to translate to people. I said to both entities that you are not going to increase a cent,” President Ali said at the event, adding: “The government will take up the responsibility.”

Young fisherman missing after boat capsizes in Corentyne River

A FRANTIC search has been launched for a Berbice fisherman who disappeared after the boat he was in, capsized in the vicinity of Bush Lot Village on the Corentyne Coast sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Missing is 28-year-old Suraj Dhaneshwar of Lot 49 Railway Line, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice.

The captain of the vessel is in police custody as worried relatives and fellow fishermen remain hopeful that the missing father of one is alive and had managed to drift to safety.

Up to late Wednesday afternoon, persons on four boats searched the river for Dhaneshwar but they found no trace of him. They will resume the search today.

This publication understands that Dhaneshwar left his home on Tuesday at around 03:00 hours with a captain and was slated to return on Wednesday.

His mother, 54-year-old Chandrawattie Persaud, told reporters that her son and the

captain had a “full catch” as the fish box was full to capacity. Based on what the woman said they were on their way back to shore when tragedy struck.

According to the missing man’s sister, the captain of the boat told them that the vessel capsized somewhere in the vicinity of Bush Lot in East Berbice-Corentyne while they were making their way back to the 3 Doors sluice at D’Edward Village, West Berbice.

“This morning we see the captain and the fishery supervisor come by we early…and said there was an accident and them can’t find me brother,” the worried woman recalled.

She said that the captain related that after the boat toppled, he managed to hold on to the boat while her brother held on to the ice box but he drifted away.

The captain was reportedly rescued by a passing vessel. Dhaneshwar, however, could not be found.

The captain then made his way back to the Rosignol Fish-

Suraj Dhaneshwar’s worried sister Omawattie Dhaneshwar (right ) and wife Anita Seecharran waiting for news from the search teams

eries where he raised an alarm and a search was launched.

At around 14:00 hours on Wednesday, fishermen stumbled upon the ice box that Dhaneshwar was reportedly holding on to when he drifted away.

The family, including the missing man’s wife 24-yearold Anita Seecharran, are not giving up hope even though the chances of survival become

less as more time passes.

“He could be anywhere because the tide does push you far from where you topple so we hoping we find him,” his sister said.

Dhaneshwar has been in the fishing industry for over four years plying his trade between Guyana and Suriname. He has a two-year-old child and is currently building his house.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

‘Guyana has lost a distinguished gentleman, extraordinary soul’ - President Ali says of the late Justice Cecil Kennard

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, addresses persons at the funeral of the late Justice Cecil Claude Kennard

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, paid his respects to the family of the late Justice Cecil Claude Kennard O.R, C.C.H and described him as a distinguished and extraordinary gentleman.

Justice Kennard’s simplicity and humility were also highlighted during the Head of State’s brief remarks at the funeral service on Wednesday.

“Guyana has lost a distinguished gentleman and extraordinary soul,” President Ali said.

The President also praised Justice Kennard’s

family and friends for being the structure and support behind him and for the many sacrifices they have made over the years.

He said that Justice Kennard played an integral role in many different circumstances in Guyana and was well admired and well respected.

“The simplicity of the man, the humbleness of him and the way in which he carried himself—always respectful… These are the characteristics and lessons that all of us can take and assume in our own lives as we serve people,” the Head of State said.

ALWAYS CONNECTED The President also lauded Justice Kennard for always staying connected to his roots.

To this end, Dr. Ali said: “Although he assumed great heights, great national and regional prominence, he never disconnected himself from the environment in which he

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came.”

The President said that Justice Kennard was a role model and was enthusiastic and passionate.

“He lived his passion; horse racing was his passion. He contributed to his passion in a legendary way.

A conversation about the judicial system would not be complete without him. A conversation about horse racing would not be complete without him,” the President related.

The President added that Justice Kennard was full of life and was full of ideas.

On this note, he said: “He was full of brilliance; his intellect never wavered one day. And I’ve had the opportunity to seek his counsel and receive his counsel voluntarily, on many issues, national, regional, and I’m very grateful for all those encounters.”

Justice Kennard died on Saturday last at the age of 86. (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II honours Guyana-born poet

Queen Elizabeth II meets Grace Nichols at Windsor Castle (Photo credited: The Royal Family Facebook page) GUYANA-BORN poet, Grace Nichols, was, on Wednesday, presented with the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2021

by Her Majesty, at Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom.

According to the royal website, the Poetry Medal Committee unanimously recommended Grace Nichols as this year’s recipient on the basis of her body of work, in particular her first collection of poetry ‘I Is a Long-Memoried Woman’ (1983), prose and several books for younger readers.

Nichols moved to Britain at the age of 27 and her first collection of poetry ‘I Is a Long-Memoried Woman’ (1983) won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize.

Nichols said she was overwhelmed when she first got the news.

“It was both wonderful and humbling to be recognised in this way. As a poet you write your poems in solitude, never knowing who they’ll reach. I feel so honoured and delighted to be given this award by Her Majesty and the committee, headed by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage and to join the illustrious company of past winners from across the Commonwealth.

“In my own work I’ve celebrated my Guyanese/ Caribbean/South American heritage in relation to the English traditions we inherited as a former British colony. To poetry and the English language that I love, I’ve brought the registers of my own Caribbean tongue. I wish my parents, who used to chide me for straining my eyes, as a

small girl reading by torchlight in bed, were around to share in this journey that poetry has blessed me with.”

Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, said that, over the past four decades, Grace has

been an original, pioneering voice on the British poetry scene.

“A noted reader and ‘performer’ of her work, she has embraced the tones of her adopted country and yet maintained the cadences of her native tongue. Her poems are alive with characters from the folklore and fables of her Caribbean homeland, and echo with the rhymes and rhythms of her family and ancestors. Song-like or prayer-like on occasion, they exhibit an honesty of feeling and a generosity of spirit.

They are also passionate and sensuous at times, being daring in their choice of subject and open-hearted in their outlook.

“Above all, Grace Nichols has been a beacon for black women poets in this country, staying true to her linguistic coordinates and poetic sensibilities, and offering a means of expression that has offered inspiration and encouragement to many.

She is a moving elegist, and a poet of conciliation and constructive dialogue between cultures, but also a voice of questioning dissent when the occasion demands.”

Nichols was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1950 and worked as a teacher and journalist before moving to the UK in 1977. On arrival in the UK, Grace’s work touched on

racial tensions at a time when immigration was at the centre of political debates under Margaret Thatcher’s government.

Her work was often influenced by the history and culture of her homeland, in particular the oral storytelling tradition of folk tales, the landscape and the history of enslavement. Her first collection of poetry, ‘I Is a Long-Memoried Woman’ (1983) won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and a subsequent film adaptation of the book was awarded a gold medal at the International Film and Television Festival of New York. Since then, she has published eight more poetry collections as

well as prose and several books for younger readers.

In 2007 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

The Gold Medal for Poetry was instituted by King George V in 1933 at the suggestion of the then Poet Laureate, John Masefield. The medal is awarded for excellence in poetry, on the basis of either a body of work over several years, or for an outstanding poetry collection issued during the year of the award. The poet is from the United Kingdom or a Commonwealth realm, and the poems will have been published. (royal.uk)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

People-oriented approach to development

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali recently commissioned a new water distribution system at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. The well will provide thousands of people on the East Coast of Demerara with clean, safe and a reliable supply of potable water.

Some 22, 000 residents of the Lusignan and Annandale communities stand to benefit from the facility which was constructed at a cost of $141M. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Ali said that the supply of potable water to the Guyanese people is high on the government’s social agenda, and that some $11 billion has been earmarked for the water sector over the next two years. This expenditure, the President said, will ensure that the entire cohort of the population on the coast and hinterland communities will

have access to potable water by 2025 and 100 per cent of coastal communities having access to treated water.

In all of this, the hinterland communities are not being left behind. According to Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal, 30 new wells will be drilled in the hinterland regions across the country this year. Since assuming office, the minister said nearly $1 billion has already been spent on hinterland wells and another $394.5 million allocated in the 2022 Budget under the Hinterland Water Supply System (HWSS). Only recently a new well was commissioned at Jawalla Region Seven, another in Kamarang and three in Region Nine in Aranaputa, Wowetta and Rupertee.

This is indeed a commendable intervention by the PPP/C Administration, especially when seen against the

background of the debilitating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent flood situation which took a severe toll on the physical and social infrastructure of the country. And, as if those were not enough, the war in the Ukraine has pushed the cost of fuel and food items much higher.

Despite rising fuel prices on the international market, the President has given a commitment that water tariffs would remain the same and there would be no increases to water charges despite the recent steep increase in fuel acquisition costs. The government had previously removed valueadded taxes on water and reinstated subsidies to pensioners. It will be recalled that these were removed by the previous APNU+AFC regime but was promptly reinstated by the PPP/C Administration when it assumed

power on August 2020.

Globally, billions of people around the world do not have access to water, sanitation and hygiene, according to a report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). And even though there has been some progress worldwide in the supply of water, the quality of that water in many cases leaves much to be desired. This is why the emphasis by the PPP/C Administration is not simply one of providing water, but ensuring that the water supplied is compliant with standards established by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Guyana has come a far way since the days when the water-distribution almost collapsed under the PNC regime. The IDB, in its 1993 Report, said that access to clean water under the then administration was severely

lacking. Water service, according to the report, was erratic in the Georgetown and absent in most parts of the country.

Those who lived through that period can still relate to the days when water had to be fetched over long distances as most of the wells were dysfunctional and could not send water to individual homes.

The PPP/C has done an extraordinary job in correcting past deficiencies in the water distribution system not only on the coastal regions but in the country as a whole.

Much of that success in the country’s water infrastructure is attributable to President Ali during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Water. Indeed, both housing and water can be regarded as success stories of the PPP/C Administration and is a direct result of the pro-people approach to development.

The supply of potable water impact directly on the quality of life of people and in the words of President Ali, “We are going to deliver this without a single cent increase on the water tariff you are going to pay.”

These are indeed the characteristics of a caring President and administration. Development means little if it does not impact on the quality of life of the Guyanese people. And this is exactly what the economic and social agenda of the government is all about -putting people at the centre of its developmental agenda.

As more revenues are generated from our oil and gas resources in the coming period ahead, Guyanese can look forward to further improvements to their quality of life as the PPP embarks on its peopleoriented approach to development.

Re-imagine the sugar industry Dear Editor, THE PPP/C Government’s realistic approach to the sugar industry has created uneasiness among some people, as the administration is moving away from traditional ‘stop gap’ measures (like subsidies) to limit the negative impact of high cost of production by proceeding to “re-imagine” the sugar industry. Enmore Sugar Estate would be divested and become an industrial hub; Skeldon Sugar Estate will be divested with industrial hemp cultivation and processing, aqua-culture, peasant cane farming, soya and corn cultivation (cogeneration is not fiscally viable); Rosehall Sugar Estate is being rehabilitated for sugar production and should become operational early next year; while the Wales Sugar Estate will be converted into an industrial zone under the direction of the Wales Development Authority (WDA) for

which funds have already been allocated in the 2022 budget.

What is central to the reimaging process is the need to avoid heavy subsidies in the future; ensure that workers do not lose their employment; rehire those who have been dismissed; and promote economic revitalisation of the four sugar estates that were closed by the previous PNCR-led government.

When the government says that it would re-open the three sugar estates (Enmore, Skeldon, and Rosehall), it does not necessarily mean that the estates’ communities would be resuscitated based on sugar, even though that would have been the understanding of many people. I believe that the government conceives the re-opening of the sugar estates as viable economic entities, but not necessarily to be built around sugar cane cultivation, which is of course one option.

The lease of the Sugar

Packaging Plant (SPP) facility to Guysons K+B Industries (GKB) for use as a fabrication factory, is one step forward in the implementation of the government’s re-imagine approach.

At Enmore, the GKB facility will employ the 30 Packaging Plant employees, and projects a labour force of 500 employees in five years’ time. This project, along with others,will contribute towards the revitalisation of the sugar estate community, which has been hurled into an economic dead zone by the previous government.

The SPP will be relocated at Albion Sugar Estate and put into production there. The Agriculture Minister says that SPP workers will be given two months of severance pay.

However, a rational plan or strategy maybe (and the government has an opportunity to refine the re-imagine process with inputs from the technical team from Guatemala), it is not likely

to sit well with some people.

Mr. Samuel Gittens wonders why Indian Rights activists who had been critical of the PNCR-led coalition’s closure of sugar estates in 2017 have now gone silent over the Enmore SPP deal.

One critic claims, “Ali is now using statistics and figures from another country, Guatemala, to buttress his arguments.” And Mr. M Narine asks: “Is government moving away from sugar and agriculture?”

The Indian Rights group was critical because the Coalition government refused to carry out the recommendations of their own CoI which recommended a threeyear turn-around time for the industry. Worst yet, the Coalition government did not provide the 7,000 dismissed sugar workers with alternative jobs and failed also to conduct a socio-economic impact study. The Indian Rights activists are aware that the PPP/C Government has been providing relief to

workers in the form of alternative jobs and the grant of $250,000 for workers still unemployed (to compensate them for the non-payment of annual productivity bonus and pay rise) as part of the process to build hope for the revitalisation of the sugar estate communities.

Indian Rights activists know that sugar estates have been losing money at an annual average of G$8 billion during the period 2011-2020.

They support the constructive measures set in motion by the PPP/C Government to minimise and even to eliminate losses.

While Guyanese must continue to question the viability of projects and policies, their points of view could only gain answering reaction if these are well articulated and grounded in evidence or facts. The decision by the PPP/C Government, for example, to lease the sugar packaging plant at Enmore to FKB Industries Inc. is based on sev-

eral critical factors, namely, (i) the run-down state of the sugar factory, including its cannibalisation and its non-operational state for over six years; (ii) the abandonment of sugarcane fields for a similar period; (iii) the broken bridges and poor condition of dams; (iv) heavy annual losses averaging ($(G) 2.632 billion) over the period 2011-2016); (vi) and low levels of productivity (4-5 metric tonnes per hectare compared with levels of 10.7 metric tonnes per hectare in Guatemala).

T h e s e a r e p o w e rful negative forces that should not be allowed to continue. The government has therefore decided that divestment which protects jobs and increases employment level, will also lead to the revitalisation of the Enmore Sugar Estate community. The same situation applies to Skeldon Sugar Estate.

Yours sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Some interesting developments in global politics

By Earl Bousquet IN recent days, some interesting developments o c c u r re d , s t e m m i n g from the ongoing war between Russia and the Ukraine. Washington engaged Caracas in its bid to isolate Russia by offering to lift the over 150 sanctions imposed under the Trump administration and resume Venezuelan oil supplies to the US. It’s Washington’s latest adoption of the traditional Monroe Doctrine ‘Carrotand-Stick’ approach that offers Venezuela something it wants badly -- lifting of sanctions – in exchange for something it’ll have to think hard about.

The US sources only seven per cent of its oil from Russia, but with one eye on escalating prices at gas pumps across America and the other on the upcoming November mid-

term elections, President Biden wants to lessen the domestic impact of the sanctions and increase his (and the Democratic Party’s) popularity.

Washington is also courting China to possibly discourage Beijing from responding positively to Moscow’s call for help to overcome the US-led economic sanctions -- and military support.

It’s a dicey gamble.

China, with most of America’s debt in its back-pocket and as an equal player on the world stage, shared US $147 Billion in trade with Russia in 2021; and both agreed to increase their trade to $250 Billion by 2024.

China calls for recognising Russia’s genuine security concerns, while also opposing military action.

But Washington has warned of “serious con-

sequences” if Beijing honours its bilateral and mutual trade, defence and security agreements with Moscow.

With Russia already reportedly having built a specially-prepared contingency reserve worth over US $680 Billion (over the last eight years since the Crimea conflict), transferred its US cash reserves into gold, integrated with China’s global banking system and sufficiently weaned itself off dependence on US-led international financial institutions (like the World Bank), it’s hard to see the current sanctions soon grinding the Russian economy to the intended halt.

Never mind the economic sanctions, Russia now has what it always strategically wanted: preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, stopping

Rampant APNU+AFC corruption being exposed at PAC Dear Editor, THE rampant corruption that occurred under the A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance for Change administration was brought to an end in 2020. Through the democratic process, the Guyanese people removed the former administration after a fivemonth delay. They had attempted to pervert the true will of the people of Guyana.

Since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government entered office in August of 2020, numerous acts of corruption, nepotism and cronyism have been unearthed.

The APNU+AFC which did little to nothing for Guyana and Guyanese grossly mismanaged this

country and its resources.

Their many acts of deliberate misappropriation of taxpayers’ money have seen many of them being brought before the courts on charges, and rightly so.

These acts along with their many other indiscretions resulted in the APNU+AFC facing a no-confidence motion three years into their tenure. The behaviour of those political leaders subsequent to the successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018 left much to be desired. From 2020 to now the revelations of corruption have not astonished this letter writer.

Recently, during the examination of the Auditor General report of 2017, another example

of rampant corruption surfaced. This time the Ministry of Education came onto the radar involving a fuel scandal.

Only last month, tension erupted between Jermaine Figueira, Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and the Senior Minister of Public Works Hon. Bishop Edghill. The senior minister was at that time seeking clarification into the sales of some derelict vehicles by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs also back in 2017. The ministers’ inquiry saw direct attempts to suppress information into the highly irregular sale that occurred when the APNU+AFC was in power.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

NATO weapons deployment in Ukraine, a strong military presence on the ground and -- most of all, as also admitted by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken last weekend) -- keeping America at bay, as President Biden simply cannot risk sending

Americans to fight another foreign war.

But, more than all else, Washington’s courting of Beijing and Caracas, while also urging Saudi Arabia to produce more oil to lessen dependence on Russia, is more-than-enough of a

reminder that America, like any other nation, has no friends, only interests.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Strategic partnerships among Guyana, USAID, Peace Corps acknowledged - at reception to honour 60th anniversary of both US organisations

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships and the importance that values and principles bring to their successes.

The Head of State addressed this topic at a reception in honour of the 60th anniversary of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Peace Corps, on Tuesday evening.

He congratulated both agencies on reaching their milestones, lauded their progress and pointed to their collaboration with Guyana over the years.

He also acknowledged that USAID and the Peace Corps have “indeed impacted many people positively” and will play a part in the country’s development.

Dr. Ali said: “The objective here is to understand where the country

is heading, and for us, together, to develop the vehicle that will take us there.”

He noted that the United States and Guyana are working together on many strategic objectives in several areas.

“Whether it is security, whether it’s developing a new master’s programme at the University of Guyana, whether it’s working on institutional strengthening with the Perry Center, whether it’s working on a bell chopper; what we are doing is building a long-term partnership in keeping with the country’s objective and keeping with the vision of the country,” the Head of State related.

The President also highlighted Guyana’s leading role in agriculture and food production in the region.

The Head of State said: “We are building partnership with the rest of

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, greets President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, (Office of the President photo) CARICOM in ensuring that we build a sustainable future for food pro-

duction within the region.

These are the new areas that we need tremendous help in. In order for us to avoid the Dutch disease, we have to build capacity to ensure that there is enough economic energy at different levels to bring

all of Guyana together.”

CHANGING ENVIRONMENT President Ali acknowledged, too, the changing global environment in which USAID and the Peace Corps operate, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine

by Russia which is having global ramifications.

“In the world we live in today, I cannot share this platform without using it, as we celebrate 60 years for the Peace Corps and USAID, I want to call on all those involved in the war in Ukraine, the invasion of Ukraine, to understand that there is a moral and ethical responsibility to return to peace, and more importantly, diplomacy.

“I saw the SecretaryGeneral of the UN making another call that diplomacy is not too late, but I want to say that it is not only about diplomacy, it is understanding that the world is suffering now. You may not see the world dying by rockets, but with oil at US$126, we are all suffer-

ing because of the war,” Dr. Ali said.

The President called the organisations “important” and said that they add value to the country.

“We must commit to ensuring that each of these organisations continue to survive,” the Head of State related.

Peace Corps Guyana was established in 1966, the same year as Guyana’s independence. The programme ran until 1971, and between those years, over 160 volunteers served in Guyana. The Guyana Peace Corps programme was discontinued from 1971 until it was re-started in 1995.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and several other Cabinet Ministers; Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, members of civil society and members of the diplomatic community were also at the reception, which was held at the US Ambassador’s Residence. (Office of the President)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Nine-year-old with heart condition needs urgent surgery

By Naomi Parris

WITH a time stamp on his life as a result of a severe heart condition, nine-year-old Dilon Edwards is in urgent need of life-saving surgery, which, at the moment, is beyond the financial position of his parents.

Young Edwards is battling with an enlarged heart and a swollen lung. The child also has a hole in his heart, and this has exacerbated his condition.

“He was born with an enlarged heart. When he was six years old, they [doctors] said he got a hole in he heart and then like six months ago they said that the heart get a tear,” the child’s mother, Roxanne

- parents seeking assistance

Edwards, said in an invited comment on Wednesday.

His parents were recently informed that Dilon needs to undergo surgery by the end of this month because his condition is worsening and could even be fatal if left unaddressed.

“Three days ago, they said the heart tearing more and his lungs swell and if he don’t get the surgery by this month end, we gone lose him. So, I trying to raise the money to go to Holland or New York,” Roxanne related, adding that they need US$11,000 to fund the surgery in New York or Holland.

Dilon’s physical move-

ment has been affected since he suffers from shortness of breath; this leaves him dependent on an oxygen tank to breathe.

The lad is also unable to attend school due to his condition and, according to his mother, he has never lived the life of a normal young boy, since most of his time was occupied with doctors and hospital visits.

While caring for her sick child, Roxanne and her partner also have to care for their other five children.

This, she related, has not been easy, especially since her youngest child is a two-year-old who re-

quires a lot of attention.

Roxanne said: “I can’t even take care of them right now because all the money spending on Dilon… because every time we have to carry him to a private hospital and it’s a money and we does do it. We have to try our best to do it.”

The parents are calling on the Ministry of Health, non-governmental organisations and anyone who wishes to support them to make a donation towards saving their child’s life. Anyone interested in assisting Dilon could contact his parents on 592-665-9614.

Nine-year-old Dilon Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

26 persons to benefit from $20.6M FAO-sponsored training programme -beneficiaries to be drawn from GL&SC, sister agencies

(From left) Resident FAO representative, Dr. Gillian Smith; Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GL&SC, Enrique Monize; and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, signing the Letter of Agreement on Monday, at the University of Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

By Jared Liddell AS part of efforts to boost the government’s capacity to improve and modernise its land administration and management, 26 employees of the Guyana Lands and Surveys (GL&SC) and its sister agencies are set to benefit from a $20.6 million training programme funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The programme, which will be facilitated by the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, will begin on March 23 and end in July 2023.

In addition to employees of GL&SC, other beneficiaries will be drawn from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (two persons); the Guyana Forestry Commission (two employees); the Central Housing and Planning Authority (one person) and the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority (one person).

Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GL&SC, Enrique Monize, called the initiative timely, noting that it will boost the human resource capacity of each participating

entity.

As it is now, the government is utilising land surveyors to conduct land administration processes, and gather information.

“The letter of agreement today would strengthen the capacity of technical staff in the areas of administration in Guyana. The letter of agreement is as a result of a few months of negotiation among the GL&SC, FAO and the University of Guyana,” Monize said.

He related that those types of upgrades to the human resource capacity of the organisation would directly improve land management.

He further said that his staff requires updated, modern and innovative approaches to address complex land issues.

They also need to understand legal instruments, valuation vividness, conformity with environmental regulations and assessments, optimal land uses, and land management practices, among other specialised areas of land administration and management.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed, said that the university remains committed to being involved in the sustained development of Guyana. To this end, after receiving a request

for additional learners to join the land management programme, the university waived the tuition costs for six persons.

This allowed the number of learners enrolled in the programme, which is funded by the FAO, to increase from 20 to 26.

She said that this is the second such programme being facilitated by the university.

Resident FAO representative, Dr. Gillian Smith, said that, overall, the project seeks to help with the government’s and the country’s agenda to improve and modernise its land administration and management processes. She encouraged the participants to utilise the training provided to improve the services offered to Guyanese. “ To y o u t h e s t u dents, my final words, and I see a few of you are here today, I really would like to urge you and really hope for you that you make the most of this really wonderful opportunity. Your organisation and your country need you to do very well in this course, and to become a part of Guyana’s vision to transform land management and administration that is going to support the low carbon sustainable development,” Smith said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Public urged to stop abandoning relatives at GPHC

THE Medical Social Work Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is urging the public to desist from neglecting their hospitalised relatives as this is putting a strain on the hospital.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the department’s coordinator, Clayton Newman, said that the hospital does not have the capacity to keep persons who have been discharged but were neglected by relatives or friends.

He highlighted that the department is responsible for assisting patients and families to understand the illness and treatment options, the consequences of various treatments or treatment refusal, helping patients and families adjust to hospital admission, possible role changes and to explore emotional or social responses to illness and treatment.

The department also educates patients on the roles of healthcare team members which is to help patients and their families to communicate with each other and the members of healthcare team, and it also interprets information and educate

because of the lack of space,” Newman said.

Meanwhile, he shared some more responsibilities of the department, none of which involve caring for neglected persons.

“We deal with the loss

Coordinator of the Social Work Department at GPHC, Clayton Newman hospital staff on patient psychosocial issues.

Staff also coordinate patient discharge and continuity of care planning, collaborate with other social institutions such as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Childcare Protection Agency (CPA), the Night Shelter and Palms and also help to find placement for abandoned patients and the destitute.

Newman said that there is a home in Sophia that accommodates children and families and that neglected children are handed over to the CPA after they are discharged by the hospital.

“If it is a destitute, we will take care of them.

We consider a destitute, a person who has lost or

severed ties with their family for more than 10 years, not somebody that you can’t take care of,” he said.

Newman added that it is the family’s responsibility to take care of their relative, but, if guidance is needed on how to take care of them, the department will assist after they are referred by a doctor.

He also noted that the Christmas season is the peak time for an uptick in neglected patients. He said that is the biggest challenge faced by the hospital’s department.

He also expressed how inconvenient it is to have the neglected persons in spaces and beds where patients are supposed to be.

“Patients are sometimes treated in chairs

of limb, coping with diagnosis, disorientated mental health state, trauma due to sexual molestation or rape, grief and bereavement issues and educating caregivers on the needs of patients,” he said.

The hospital, he not-

11

ed, is also faced with several challenges such as the unavailability of adequate institutions to refer abandoned cases to and limited personal care items to readily distribute to persons in need.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Man accused of murdering US-based Guyanese remanded A TWENTY-SIX-yearold labourer was, on Wednesday, arraigned for the murder of overseas-based Guyanese, Lakan Chatterpaul called “Rickash”, who was fatally stabbed during a wedding celebration at Crabwood Creek, Region Six. Eon Gonsalves called “Belly” appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore. Police are currently on the hunt for

two persons who are said to be his accomplices.

Gonsalves of Crabwood Creek was remanded to prison until May 31, 2022.

According to a police report, Chatterpaul of Ohio, USA arrived in Guyana some three weeks ago to attend his brother’s wedding which occurred on March 6, 2022.

It is alleged that on March 9, 2022, around 01:00 hours during the ‘Kangan’ wedding celebration, Gonsalves along with two others stabbed Chatterpaul.

Enquiries revealed that the deceased and his relatives were the wedding celebration when three men approached the yard

Lakan Chatterpaul called “Rickash” (left) and Eon Gonsalves called ‘Belly’ and were turned away by the family members.

Police said that the trio became annoyed, left the yard and went into the street a short distance away from the wedding and started to hit vehicles that were parked on the street.

Chatterpaul and other family members, police

said, went onto the street where there was an altercation during which Chatterpaul was stabbed in the stomach.

He picked up from the ground where he had collapsed and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.

Man ditches motorcycle, cannabis after seeing police in Linden

A MAN, on Monday, chose to evade officers in Linden by ditching the motorcycle he was riding and dropping a bag containing over 7,000 grams of cannabis.

According to police reports, the man was riding an unlicensed XR motorcycle in the vicinity of Millie’s Hide Out, Amelia’s Ward, on Monday evening, when he spotted officers of

The parcel seized by police in Linden

the Guyana Police Force and decided to ditch the vehicle and escape on foot.

The male rider reportedly had in his possession a white bulky salt bag, and upon seeing the police vehicle, attempted to flee on foot, but he was pursued by ranks causing him to drop the motorcycle and the bulky bag and make good his escape on foot, within the vicinity of some thick vegetation at Amelia’s Ward, The bulky bag, police said, was retrieved and, when opened, it contained a large quantity of compressed leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa, wrapped in transparent plastic, along with one bulky black plastic bag containing suspected cannabis sativa, which, when weighed, amounted to 16.5 pounds (7,484.3 grams).

Police are continuing the search for the suspect as investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Over 50 Essequibo businesses to participate in ‘WE LIFT’

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will be taking its “WE LIFT” initiative to Region Two to commemorate Wom-

en’s History Month, on March 30.

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said that the ministry will be collaborating with

the Regional Gender Affairs Committee of Region Two for the upcoming event.

The intention is to showcase the talent, in-

novation and creativity of women and girls in this region.

Dr. Persaud said: “WE LIFT 2022 exceeded all our expectations, with over 150 superb femaleowned business participating and the fantastic support and response by the Guyanese public.

The programme featured significant contributions from girls and young women who have held their own in male-dominated spheres.

“By taking this initiative to Essequibo, I hope that the same enthusiasm and momentum can be generated when it comes to accelerating opportunities for women’s empowerment, growth and start of business and promotion of gender equality and equity.”

The minister added: “WE LIFT should be supported by all of Essequibo and I invite all to attend to show their support for

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud the work and efforts of the Essequibian women as the Ministry of Human Services continues to provide platforms to highlight the offerings of Guyanese women under the tagline #made by Guyanese women for the world.

“I feel it is imperative to give wider exposure to women and their businesses as it will aid in raising their visibility and increase their opportunities in diverse ways. Essequibo is our regional foray and we will continue to do this in the regions in the future.”

The WE LIFT event will be held at the Anna Regina Town Council. The event will be open to the public from 13:30 hours and entry is absolutely free.

It is expected that 50 businesses will be participating in this event and will showcase products and services in areas inclusive of beauty, health and fitness, agroprocessing, manufacturing, photography, accommodation, catering, landscaping and event planning.

Man pleads guilty to attempted murder ANTHONY Persaud, who is accused of stabbing a man with a pair of scissors during a robbery in 2016, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge before a High Court Judge.

Persaud was arraigned at the Demerara High Court before Justice Brassington Reynolds and admitted that on March 22, 2016, in the county of Demerara, he wounded Navindra Budhu with intent to commit murder.

Prosecutor Simran Gajraj presented the state’s case while attorney-at-law Teriq Mohammed is on record for Persaud.

Prosecutor Gajraj told the court that Persaud and Budhu are not known to each other.

According to the prosecutor, on the day in question around 18:02 hours the victim was

Anthony Persaud walking along the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, Cummings Lodge, when Persaud passed him on a bicycle.

Persaud subsequently dismounted the bicycle, approached him and pushed his hands into his pocket. The victim pushed Persaud away; however, this caused Persaud to become annoyed and he cuffed the victim to his face.

The victim retaliated

and punched Persaud to his mouth and broke two of his teeth. Persaud then pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed the victim six times about his body.

Persons who witnessed the ordeal rescued Budhu and also captured Persaud. Persaud was handed over to the police and was later charged.

Mohammed told the court that his client indicated to him that although he attacked the victim, he did not attempt to rob him.

Prosecutor Gajraj requested that a psychiatric evaluation be performed on Persaud given his attorney’s disclosure that he attacked the victim.

The judge granted the request and also ordered that a probation report in favour of Persaud be presented to the court.

He is expected to be sentenced on April 8, 2022.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Tighter security for Stabroek Market

POLICE presence at the Stabroek Market is expected to improve following a meeting between officials of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Wednesday.

According to a press release, Commander of Police Division ‘4A,’ As-

sistant Commissioner Simon McBean, met with Chief Constable at the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC), Virjanand Gafur, to discuss strategies that could enhance security at Stabroek Market.

Both representatives conducted a walkabout at the market before identifying areas for collabora-

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, (centre) speaking with other law enforcement ranks at the Stabroek Market, on Wednesday tion and policing.

The GPF related that it will provide resources to the M&CC so that there would be greater police presence, particularly in areas that are classified as high risk.

The Stabroek Market

Passenger nabbed with suspected cannabis at Weldaad A ROUTINE stop and search exercise by officers of the Weldaad Police Station, on Tuesday, resulted in the discovery of 1,814 grams of suspected cannabis, purportedly belonging to a passenger of motorcar HD 2424.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the taxi was driven by a 50-year-old male and had only one male passenger.

After a search of the vehicle, police found a wrapped parcel in a brown haversack, which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The passenger was told of the offence, arrested and cautioned.

The seized package of cannabis He later admitted to possession of the suspected cannabis.

The suspected remains in custody as investigations progress.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Ramotar puts up ‘Presidential Flag’ for display at military museum

FORMER President and Commander-in-Chief, Donald Ramotar, on Tuesday, formally handed over his “Presidential Standard” for display in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) museum at Base Camp Ayanganna.

During a simple, but

significant ceremony, the former Head of State said it was his pleasure to hand over his Presidential Standard for display.

The Presidential Standard or Presidential Flag is the flag that is used in many countries as a symbol of the Head of

State or President. In some countries, it is exclusively used by the President or is only raised where he/she is present.

According to the GDF, the design of the standard comprises a bold yellowlined pyramid, set against a blue background which

Former President Donald Ramotar presents the Standard that was folded to Inspector General, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts (GDF photo) has, on its left upper right corner, the cacique crown, while a clump of trees is on the left.

In the centre of the pyramid is a flaming torch. A bold white wavy line runs from left to right at the base of the pyramid. In the centre of the pyramid is a pair of folded fists with breaking chains in the centre of a yellow-lined oval shape. All of those are set against a red background.

Explaining the significance of each symbol, Former President Ramotar first pointed to the pair of folded fists with breaking chains, stating that the chains symbolise the struggle and aspirations of the Guyanese people

from the time of slavery, through indentureship, through colonialism and on to independence and the battle for democracy.

The flaming torch, he explained, embodies the hope and aspirations of all Guyanese to live a better life and improve themselves steadily and keep that flame of hope alive.

Born and bred at CariaCaria village in the Essequibo River, the former Head of State said the clump of trees was inspired by the love for his hometown, as the forest is one of the most important resources, particularly in light of climate change and its challenges internationally.

The white line represents the rivers of Guyana.

The yellow, which lines the pyramid, symbolises the objective of betterment while the blue background represents the Atlantic Ocean, and the red symbolises the fight against injustices.

The standard was later folded and Former President Ramotar presented it to Inspector General, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts.

The GDF related that the standard was put on display at the museum among the standards of former Presidents Arthur Chung, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

PAHO: Americas must focus on vaccines to protect most vulnerable (PAHO) – AS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to expand in the Americas, countries must continue to focus on the protection of the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the immunecompromised, healthcare workers and other highrisk groups, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Assistant Director, Jarbas Barbosa, said Wednesday.

“COVID-19 infections and deaths are declining in

New infections have increased by 28.9 per cent in the Western Pacific Region, 12.3 per cent in the African region, and almost two per cent in the European region.

“The virus puts us all at risk,” he said, adding: “That’s why we must continue our efforts to close the equity gap and protect the most vulnerable with COVID-19 vaccines.”

Dr. Barbosa said that, while many countries and territories are on track to reach the WHO 70 per cent

most of our region, but there are still too many cases and deaths being reported every day – a clear indication that transmission is not yet under control,” Dr. Barbosa said in a media briefing.

Since the virus arrived in the Americas two years ago, 149 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported and 2.6 million people have died.

The Assistant Director also warned that the current rise in cases in other regions of the world should serve as “a cautionary tale” for the Americas.

COVID-19 vaccination target, and eight have vaccinated more than 80 per cent of their population, 21 have yet to vaccinate half of their population.

“We still have a lot of work ahead to improve our resilience to COVID-19,” he said.

Dr. Barbosa highlighted that pandemic response has left routine immunisation programmes decades behind – with coverage against polio and measles dropping to 1994 levels.

“COVID-19 showed us, once again, that vaccines

are the most important tool to control infectious disease and save lives,” he said, noting: “Yet in just two years, we’ve rolled back nearly three decades of progress on polio and measles.”

Vaccine coverage for other childhood diseases has also fallen further behind, with diphtheria and yellow fever threatening to resurge unless countries take urgent action, the Assistant Director warned.

HPV vaccination, which prevents cervical cancer in young women and girls, has also stalled across the region due to school disruptions.

While many countries restarted campaigns against measles, rubella, and polio in 2021, and at least eight countries are planning to do follow-up measles campaigns this year, sustaining high coverage is “essential to securing our children’s future and allowing our region to flourish,” he said.

The Assistant Director called for strong political and technical leadership at national and local levels to raise routine vaccination coverage and urged countries to leverage COVID-19 vaccination efforts to rapidly roll out other essential vaccines, including the influenza vaccine.

“We cannot waste time.

We have the experience, tools, and know-how to catch up on missed vaccinations, prevent diseases, and protect our families today and in the future,” Dr. Bar-

‘Bora’ found guilty of killing teen JUNIOR France, called “Bora” was, on Tuesday, found guilty of the 2020 fatal shooting of a 17-yearold gold miner.

The 12-member jury, after deliberating for two hours, returned with a guilty verdict for the lesser offence of manslaughter, even though France was on trial for murder.

France’s case was tried before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, at the Essequibo High Court.

The now-convicted man will return to court on April 11, 2022 for the reading of a probation report followed by his sentencing.

Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken presented the State’s case while attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels are on record for the accused.

Junior France (left) and Dane Jerrick According to reports, on May 17, 2020, Jerrick was shot and killed by France, who is a licensed firearm holder.

According to reports,

Jerrick was loitering in front of France’s shop located at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, when the businessman opened fire at him.

bosa related.

PAHO, he said, will work with countries across the region to run coordinated national campaigns during Vaccination Week in the Americas.

Further, the PAHO Revolving Fund stands ready to continue to support coun-

tries with purchases of routine vaccines.

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, Dr. Barbosa reported that cases in the Americas reached 901,000, a 19 per cent decrease from the previous week. However, hikes in cases were seen

in Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean Islands, where cases increased by 56.6 per cent.

Deaths fell by 18.4 per cent to 15,523, with all sub-regions reporting declines, from a 6.9 per cent drop in the Caribbean to a 27.9 per cent decrease in Central America.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Root, England make...

FROM PAGE 23

his 2021 annus mirablis with scores of 228, 186 and 218 against Sri Lanka and India, and the sense that nothing and no-one could dislodge him, so he finished this first day as if in a force-field.

West Indies delayed their new ball until the 85th over as Seales, in particular, began to locate some reverse-swing, but Root's footwork was imperturbable as he sashayed himself into line, and set his stall for today's resumption.

And yet, it hadn't been quite such plain-sailing for Root in a choppy opening gambit, and after being offered nothing from another dog of a deck, West Indies were left to rue two priceless opportunities either side of lunch that could potentially have cracked open the rest of England's still unproven batting.

Root's first big let-off came on 23, in the second hour of the morning, when Jason Holder wriggled a length delivery through to the keeper, via a tangle of bat and pad. West Indies, perhaps chastened by the misuse of an early review, chose not to send it upstairs, and sure enough, replays showed that Root had indeed got a thin inside-edge as the ball went by.

Root's big reprieve, however, came on 34 in the fourth over after lunch, when he deflected a leg-sided delivery from Kemar Roach straight off the face of his bat, only for Joshua da Silva to spill a low but catchable chance, diving to his left. Roach dropped to his haunches in despair, perhaps recognising how fleeting such opportunities would be on this unforgiving deck.

Sure enough, Root barely offered another glimmer as he brought up a 125-ball fifty five balls after the drinks break with a punched single into the covers.

After winning the toss, Root had had little hesitation in batting first, even though there was a hint of early assistance for West Indies' seamers, not dissimilar to that which England had encountered in crumbling to 48 for 4 on the first morning of the first Test. At 4 for 1 in the fourth over, with Zak Crawley caught in two minds by a good seaming delivery from Seales, there was just the slightest threat of a repeat performance.

Lees, however, settled

quickly into his day's work as the threat of the new ball dissipated, with another innings of self-denial that would be familiar to anyone who tuned into his warm-up maiden fifty at Coolidge last month.

West Indies were perhaps guilty of bowling too few deliveries that were targeting his stumps after his consecutive lbws in Antigua, but Lees left the ball well with his minimalist footwork, and picked off his runs with uncomplicated resolve - his three boundaries, in fact, came via a clip, a cut and a push down the ground, a hattrick of strokes that served Alastair Cook perfectly well in his under-stated career.

But just when Lees seemed to have done the hard part, he was nailed plumb in front of middle for 30, as Veerasammy Permaul cramped him from over the wicket to break his drought after a wicket-less second innings in Antigua.

However Lees' departure, at 80 for 2, singled a marked change-up in tempo, as Lawrence romped out of the blocks with a desire to bring the action. He came close to running himself out for 11 as he took off for a tight single to mid-on, moments after battering Holder for backto-back fours, Holder's first such indignity of the series (but not, as it would turn out, his last). But he was far from chastised when, three overs later, he skipped down the track to Permaul to launch England's first six of the innings, to confirm the intent with which the remainder of a gutsy innings would be compiled.

Until the relative fireworks of the evening session, England's most dramatic developments arguably took place off the field, with the news that Yorkshire's Matt Fisher had been drafted in for a last-minute debut, after Craig Overton had fallen ill overnight.

With Saqib Mahmood already inked in for his own debut, England are fielding two debutant fast bowlers for the first time since the Lord's Test of 2009, also against West Indies, when Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan made their bow. On this early evidence, the new pair will not be expecting quite the same assistance from the conditions that their forebears enjoyed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Second Apex Test, West Indies vs England …

Root, England make West Indies toil on day two than most opponents of course - and that can be a curse as much as a blessing

Joe Root celebrates his 25th Test century (Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Two Tests into the red-ball reset.

Two Test centuries for the one man in England's ranks who really didn't require the Ctl-Alt-Del treatment.

By the time the shadows had begun to creep at a rowdy Kensington Oval - a venue more packed with England fans than his own stomping ground of Headingley may end up being this summer - Joe Root had marched imperiously along to his 25th Test hundred, and his eighth in 19 Tests since the start of 2021.

An anomalous Ashes campaign stands squarely in the way of Root's otherwise normal service, but if the pressure of hoisting this Test team onto his shoulders had caused those knees to buckle in Australia, then Root has reaffirmed his desire to lead England's rebuild in no uncertain terms.

In six hours of ever-mounting authority, Root reaped what he himself had sown - in partnership with, first, the doughty Alex Lees, then the more free-spirited Dan Lawrence - as a morning session of 47 grimly-conceded runs gave way to returns of 89 in the afternoon and 108 in the evening, during which Lawrence's 91 from 150 balls - the highest score

of his young career - reinforced the can-do attitude that he had displayed in his declaration slog in Antigua last week.

Alas for Lawrence, his innings would end in agonising anti-climax, from what would have been the penultimate ball of the day. He had reined himself in for much of the final hour, surviving in the process a spill at slip off the persevering Jayden Seales on 72.

But then, with his blood pumping after racing into the 90s with back-to-back boundaries, Jason Holder lured him on the drive once more, and Lawrence stalked off cursing himself after picking out extra cover.

Like Zak Crawley in the first Test, he may reflect that opportunities for Test centuries don't come much better than this, least of all when you are privileged enough to share in a 164-run partnership with an acknowledged modern master of the game.

For there aren't many measures left by which to assess the zone that Root has entered into in the past 14 months. By the time he left the field with 119 from 246 balls to his name, Root had racked up 2 018 runs since the start of 2021.

England play more Tests

when it comes to managing burn-out - but of his contemporaries, only Rish-

abh Pant (1077) and Dimuth Karunaratne (1068) have crossed even the 1000-mark.

Just as Root had begun TURN TO PAGE 22

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Azam thwarts Australia

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Babar Azam thwarted Australia with an extraordinary 196 as a gutsy Pakistan survived a dramatic late collapse to remarkably draw the second Test after batting through 171.4 overs to ensure the historic series remained deadlocked.

Against all the odds, Pakistan finished their marathon second innings at 443 for 7 with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 104 and Nauman Ali on 0 off 18 balls. Pakistan fell short of a record run chase by 63 runs, but in getting through they achieved the second most overs survived in the fourth innings. behind the timeless Test between South Africa and England in Durban in 1939.

Having endured a two-year century drought, Babar made

up for lost time with his highest Test score and the highest fourth-innings score by a captain in Test history. Just as the match was petering out to a draw, there was a late twist in the final hour when Babar's 425-ball epic ended when he prodded to bat-pad off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Finally getting reward for his unwavering bowling, Lyon then picked up Faheem Ashraf on the next ball as Australia's spirits lifted ahead of the third new ball. He didn't claim a hattrick but Lyon removed Sajid Khan shortly after and Australia suddenly needed just three wickets with eight overs left.

In a nerve-jangling passage, Australia had seven fielders around the bat for the bowling of Lyon and debutant Mitchell Swepson, who almost had the

Cameron Green congratulates Babar Azam after his 196 (AFP/Getty Images)

big wicket of Rizwan with 19 balls left only for Usman Khawaja to drop a low chance at extra cover.

It proved to be Australia's last chance with Rizwan notching his century in the penultimate over and then keeping Swepson at bay in the final over as Pakistan conjured the improbable.

A weary Australia were gutted for the fourth time in just over a year - they failed to bowl out their opponent in the fourth innings. But Lyon, who endured criticism during those matches, produced a Herculean effort as did captain Pat Cummins.

Swepson, Australia's first specialist leg-spinner since Bryce McGain in 2009, was inconsistent but looked threatening at times in an encouraging debut.

But with their late rally falling short, it was a disappointment for Australia, who had dominated most of the match and declared both their innings in a Test in Asia for just the second time.

After routing Pakistan for just 148 off 53 overs in the first innings, Australia appeared on course for victory but they were denied by Babar, who produced an innings for the ages.

Babar came to the crease with Pakistan teetering at 21 for 2 just after lunch on day four as the hosts appeared to be headed for a crushing defeat in their fortress. But they incredibly lost just two wickets over the next 137 overs in shades of their batting dominance in Rawalpindi.

The backbone of Pakistan's defiance was Babar's 228-run partnership with opener Abdullah Shafique, who made 96, as the pair batted through almost three sessions. Babar also combined with Rizwan for a century partnership to ensure Pakistan held on for a famous draw.

With oppressive conditions in Karachi throughout the match, the pitch was marked by widening cracks in a contrast to the docile Rawalpindi deck amid a stale first Test draw. There was

swing, sharp turn and variable bounce at times earlier in the match, but the pitch did not significantly deteriorate although occasionally played tricks late on day five.

After tea, with Babar and Rizwan well set, it appeared Pakistan would make a bold attempt at mowing down the record chase as they scored 20 runs off the first two overs.

But with the ball getting old and not coming onto the bat, Pakistan decided the gamble to go for broke was too risky, and they shut up shop before Lyon's heroics threatened to undo all their hard work.

Babar's most testing period was before tea when he was dropped on consecutive balls

by Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne fielding close to the wicket off Swepson, who rebounded with menacing sharp

turn and bounce after wayward bowling in the morning session.

Cummins had earlier almost single-handedly reignited Australia's push for victory with two wickets during a brilliant spell either side of lunch.

Having given themselves almost two full days, Australia rued two chances on day four against Shafique, who was dropped on 20 by Steven Smith in a regulation chance at slip and almost run-out only for Cameron Green's throw to miss from mid-on.

With contrasting draws to start the series, this historic contest comes down to the third Test and Pakistan will enter with the momentum after their heroic performance in a match that will surely be talked about for a long time to come.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

KFC sponsors Quarter Mile Return drag meet

DRAG-RACING set to return on Sunday, March 27, with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club confirming the event earlier this week, and already support has begun pouring in.

Fast food franchise, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has continued its support of motor racing locally by being one of the first sponsors of the event dubbed ‘Quarter Mile Return’.

Having already being a patron in not only drag-racing but also circuit-racing and karting, the company has rejoined the quarter-mile shootout.

In an invited comment, Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) president, Rameez Mohamed, said, “We are glad to welcome a stellar sponsor such as KFC to drag-racing.”

“They have been on board with us since 2018, sponsoring all our major meets, and they have also sponsored

the GT motorsports KFC cup, so their investment in motorsport has been no small feat.”

Mohamed noted that already the committee is moving apace with preparations for the highly anticipated event that has been approved by the National COVID-19 Task Force, and since there has not been any drag-racing over a year, efforts are being doubled to ensure an almost perfect meet.

“I think this will be a fantastic race meet and we are expected to see a large turnout of cars, as was the case with last Sunday’s first-round Endurance Championship. The pandemic has left competitors hungry and about 16 cars are expected to arrive from Suriname as well.”

Tickets for the event will be sold at the venue and they cost $2 000 per adult, $500 per child.

KFC rep Pamella Manasseh hands over the sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC secretary Cheryl Gonsalves (right)

GCB appoints former national player Seeram as Chairman of Selectors

Ravindranauth Seeram

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has appointed Ravindranauth Seeram as Chairman of its Senior Selection Panel.

Seeram has replaced former West Indies and Guyana captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was previously named chairman but was promoted to the Senior Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies.

Ravindranauth Seeram was born on July 20, 1961 at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. He played 41 First Class and 12 List ‘A’ matches for Guyana from 1982 to 1992.

Seeram previously served as a member of the senior

selection panel prior to being elevated to head coach duties of the senior team in 2010.

He enjoyed immediate success in the T20 format when Guyana won the inaugural Caribbean T20 Tournament by defeating arch rivals Barbados in a pulsating final played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago.

This victory ensured that Guyana qualified for the Champions League which was played later that year in South Africa.

GCB extends congratulations and best wishes to Mr Seeram for a successful tenure as Chairman of the Senior Selection Panel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

BCB/Vitality Inc. 20/20 Cricket Tournament

Teams chalk up wins, as competition progresses

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in its ongoing effort to develop cricket in the Ancient County is hosting a series of tournaments within each sub-association with the main objective of reaching the grassroots level.

One such tournament is the BCB/Vitality Inc. 20/20 Cup for teams in the Upper Corentyne area. A total of 28 teams started the tournament and the finals are scheduled to be hosted early next month.

Scores for some recent matches played are: Skeldon Estate brushed aside No.68 CC by 7 wickets at the No.68 Ground.

No.68 took first strike and scored 145 for 6 off 20 overs with P. Karran 33, T. Persaud 32 and J. Anthony 27.

Bowling for Skeldon Estate, S. Rasheed 2 for 18 off 4, S. Chaitnarine 2 for 32 off 4.

In reply, Skeldon Estate reached 149 for 3 in 15.1 overs with Junior Blair scoring 72, N. Dezouza 25 and A. Seeraj 22.

No.72 Cut and Load defeated No 71 by 36 runs at No.70 Spartans Ground.

Batting first Cut and Load amassed 153 for 7 from 20 overs with Davenand Chatterpaul 44, Vijay Persaud 34 and Samuel Sernod 20 being the principal scorers.

Bowling for No.71, Rishi Persaud took 3 for 29 and N. Ali 3 for 21.

In response, No.71 CC were bowled out for 117 with Rishi Persaud 24, N. Vincent 26 and N. Mohammed 24.

While bowling for the winners, Abhindra Paressar took 3 for 7 and Michael Singh 3 for 23.

At the No 3 Young Warriors Ground, Rama Krishna Foundation defeated Young Blood by 32 runs. Rama Krishna Foundation 84 from 20 overs - Prakash Singh 21, Andre Tahall 18 and Khemraj Dhap 16. Bowling for No.3 Young Wattiors; V. Singh 4 for 10, K. Dup 3 for 18 and T. Doobay 3 for 7. Young Blood 52 all out in 17 overs with A. Mohammed 15 and K. Khan 13.

Bowling for Rama Krishna Foundation; S. Khan 3 for 20, A. Hun 2 for 12 and I. Ally 2 for 12.

Skeldon Estate defeated Dark End by 9 wickets at the Skeldon Ground.

Dark End CC batted first and scored 22 for 8 with the innings closed at 10.3 overs.

Bowling for Skeldon Estate saw Mahendra Chaitnarine grab 3 for 5 and N. Seenarine 2 for 3.

In reply, Skeldon Estate blazed to 25 for 1 in 4.5 overs with A. Hussain 16 not out.

Skeldon Estate defeated No.43 CC by 17 runs at the Number 68 Ground.

Skeldon CC 108 all out in 15 overs with Q. Burnett 40 who amassed 3 fours and similar number of sixes, Devin Baldeo 2 for 17, B. Deen 2 for 10, P. Lensankar 2 for 22 was the principal bowler.

No.43 were bundled out for 92 in 14 overs with B. Deen 32 and A Dangram 16; Mahendra Chaitnarine 3 for 17, A Hussain 2 for 15.

Action continues this week.

FROM PAGE 27

VSH Guyana Inc. put ... further afield.

Toney thanked the company for its support, adding that it will certainly help in the quest to reignite the sport of basketball in Linden, which, he said, has been dormant for over two years.

Meanwhile, Toney pointed out that each team will receive $25 000 as an appreciation for participating, as well uniforms.

The winning team will go home with $100 00, second-placers $50,000, and third-placers $30 000.

With Linden celebrating 52 years as a Town, the tournament will mark the start of the week-long

series of events to com-

memorate the occasion.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 17, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Nkrumah Bonner-161 runs (2) Jonny Bairstow-155 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI bowler claimed most wickets in the recent first against the WI? (2) Which ENG bowler bagged most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Duffy named Bermuda’s Female Athlete of the Year for ninth time CMC – Olympic gold medallist Dame Flora Duffy has won Bermuda’s Female Athlete of the Year award for the ninth time.

Duffy, a 34-year-old triathlete, who claimed Bermuda’s first ever Olympic gold medal at last year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo, said in a recorded message: “Certainly, it was a massive year and I’m very grateful to all of you who play a major role in allowing me to achieve what I did last year, getting a gold medal in Tokyo.

“I want to say a big thankyou to the Bermuda Olympic Association for their support and allowing me to do my thing. I also want to say

Olympic gold medallist Dame Flora Duffy

thank-you to the Bermuda Triathlon Association for years and years of support which started when I first got into the sport and all the way up to going to the Olympics and going for gold.

“Winning last year in Tokyo was definitely the biggest honour of my career and I’m so glad that I could do it for Bermuda,” added Duffy, who won her first Bermuda female award in 2006.

Duffy, made a dame in the Queen’s New Year Honours, has already said she plans to defend her Olympic crown in Paris in 2024.

Duffy, currently training in South Africa – her husband Dan Hugo’s homeland

– for the upcoming international triathlon season, ended Bermuda’s long wait for a second Olympic medal – the only other one coming when heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill took bronze at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

Triple jumper Jah-Nhai Perinchief landed the Male Athlete-of-the-Year award handed out at the 40th Government Sports Awards at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Perinchief, 24, is the first triple jumper to win the male award since Brian Wellman won five straight Athlete of the Year titles in the 1990s.

“Unfortunately, I can’t be in attendance due to the fact

that I’m overseas training and preparing for the World Indoor Championships and the rest of my outdoor season,” Perinchief said in his recorded message.

“So far this year it has been interesting, it’s been fun transitioning from college to the pros. I’ve learnt a lot of new things, constantly getting better and constantly working hard,” added Perinchief, who has already qualified for the Commonwealth Games in the English city of Birmingham this year and the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador in 2023.

… Two young fast bowlers latest to benefit

Cricket gear for young, promising cricketers in Guyana Project YOUNG and promising fast bowlers Quincy Alder and Winston Joseph were the latest to receive gear from ‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’ project.

Alder is from Paradise Cricket Club and Joseph from Belladrum Cricket Club, both located on the West Coast of Berbice. Each received one pair of cricket shoes.

Historically, the area is known to produce fast bowlers for Guyana.

Anil Beharry, a partner in this initiative along with Kishan Das of the USA, stated that he is pleased to assist young cricketers in their quest to play the game at the highest level.

He added that sports in general helps to keep our young people off

the streets doing idle things and is an avenue to a better life.

The young pacers were delighted and grateful for the token.

They promised to work hard on their game and stay disciplined and focused.

Total cricket-related items collected so far include $130 000 cash, two trophies, 11 pairs of cricket boots, 15 pairs of batting pads, 15 bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, 18 thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard and four cricket bags.

To date, 32 young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, nine pairs of cricket shoes, six pairs

of batting pads and seven pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club received a pair of stumps and bails.

Two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees also collected one box of red cricket balls each.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent-spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent.

Beharry and Das take this op-

Winston Joseph

Quincy Alder

portunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh

Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Peter Ramkissoon and Rabindranath Saywack.

Special mention was made of the media for the role they are playing to promote this venture.

Anyone who would like to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

VSH Guyana Inc. put ‘Red Wings’ behind Rawle Toney 3XC Classic in Linden LOCAL distributors of Red Wings Safety products, VSH Guyana Inc., became the latest sponsor of the Rawle Toney 3X3 Classic – Linden edition.

The eight-team tournament is set for Saturday, April 23, in Richmond Hill, Linden, at the residence of National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Kashif Muhammad.

At a simple presentation at their Carmichael Street, Georgetown location, the company handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to the tournament organiser, Rawle Toney, towards the event.

Apart from being the official supplier of Red Wings Safety products in Guyana since 2015, VSH Guyana Inc,, a member of the VSH Group of Companies, is also the distributor of Hexarmor products, while also offering Logistics and other services, gearing towards the country’s booming oil and gas industry.

The company lauded Toney for his passion for helping to keep basketball afloat through the 3X3 format, which has become increasingly popular across the Caribbean and TURN TO PAGE 26

VSH Guyana Inc.’s Kerisha Beete (L) makes a presentation to organiser, Rawle Toney, at its Carmichael Street, Georgetown location

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 17, 2022

Second Apex Test, West Indies vs England …

Root, England make West Indies toil on day two

PAGE

23 Joe Root celebrates his 25th Test century (Getty Images)

KFC sponsors Quarter Mile Return drag meet

VSH Guyana Inc. put ‘Red Wings’ behind Rawle Toney 3XC Classic in Linden PAGE

27

PAGE

KFC rep Pamella Manasseh hands over the sponsorship cheque to GMR&SC secretary Cheryl Gonsalves (right)

25

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VSH Guyana Inc.’s Kerisha Beete (L) makes a presentation to organiser, Rawle Toney, at its Carmichael Street, Georgetown location THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022