Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-05-2021

MONDAY 17th May, 2021

' No.106363

More than 27,000 receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine

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09

Stimulus for value added

–– over $800M earmarked for six agro-processing facilities

–– Min. Mustapha emphasises need to lessen loss, wastage of agricultural produce

PAHO: Brazil 05 Boy, nine, crushed ‘P.1’ variant of by garbage 09 COVID-19 in Guyana truck in Sophia PAGE

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East Indian Settlement Monument 02 recommissioned PAGE

SEE PAGE 03

‘Aunty Vera’ dies at 102 12 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

East Indian Settlement Monument recommissioned –– Guyana will remain India’s priority, says High Commissioner of Indian

By Indrawattie Natram

THE REGION Two Arrival Day Committee, in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), on Sunday recommissioned the East Indian Settlement Monument at Cotton Field.

The monument, which is located approximately five minutes from the Cotton Field Public Road, was erected in recognition of the settlement of 56 Indian immigrants in the area in 1838.

The Indians were brought from India on the Hesperus

ship and were sent to the Anna Regina sugar plantation.

Attending the ceremony was the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa, who said he admires Guyana’s culture and tradition, since it is a multi-cultural society like India.

Dr. Srinivasa reflected on the Indians’ voyage to Guyana 188 years ago, saying that they endured much hardship during those 144 days.

He said despite that hardship they managed to settle and contribute to the political

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa, and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, stand beside the recommissioned monument

and economic landscape of Guyana.

He noted the Imam Baksh family was one outstanding family that settled at Bushlot after the Hamburg beach was flooded in 1876. The Indian High Commissioner also said that at least 25% of the Indians returned to their homeland, while the others remained in Guyana.

The Indian High Commissioner said Guyana continues to be top priority to India and over the years his country has partnered with Guyana to execute many beneficial projects, which include the multi-million dollar road at Ogle, the purchase of a ferry and the modernisation of the Suddie Public Hospital.

Dr. Srinivasa said there are ongoing solar projects, educational scholarships, and continuous training programme being funded by his government.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, in his remarks said indentured immigrants were the real pioneers of the global Indians. He said the Indians survived all kinds of oppression during the indentureship period.

Minister Dharamlall mentioned that preserving the settlement is an act of “Dharma”and a way to continue to pave the way that the Indian immigrants have set.

He noted that the immigrants have paved the way for colonialism and Guyana’s independence.

He used the occasion to

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, being assisted by High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa, and Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, to cut the ceremonial ribbon to recommission the monument. Also pictured are Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, and other officials commend the efforts of the RDC to organise the programme.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt who chaired the programme, said the day is symbolic and historic for the region since the monument was left unrecognised for more than five years. He said a special committee was set up to ensure that additional expansive and beautification works were done on the site to preserve the settlement.

A representative from the Indian Action Committee (IAC), Shaira Ali, said that the body is happy to be a part of such a momentous occasion that celebrates the

life of the indentured immigrants. She said that the IAC has a long history of hosting several IAC Indian Arrival Day programmes.

She also remembered the late Isahack Basir for helping the IAC to compile the history of sugar estates in Region Two. “Anna Regina is significant in the history of the Indo-Guyanese because of the fact that it was one of the first sugar plantations which was allotted to Indian indentured labourers to the then British Guiana,” Ali said.

Ali further explained that Indians that came on the Hesperus were distributed to three estates namely, Vreed-

en-Hoop, D’ Stanvastighied on West Bank of Berbice, and Anna Regina.

She said a total of 56 Indians were allotted to the Anna Regina plantation, inclusive of three females and six children. In 1843, survivors returned to their homeland India with monies in their pockets. From the 56 Indians who came to Anna Regina, four reportedly died.

Also delivering remarks during the ceremony was Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva. She told the gathering that her ancestors came with the Whitby ship.

In noting the numerous sacrifices they had made to develop Guyana’s economy, she said the indentured immigrants were determined to be leaders in Guyanese society. De Silva said Guyana is fortunate that the business sector is populated with Indian businessmen, which is evidence of the sacrifices their foreparents made.

She later called on the Indian High Commissioner to help the region in developing its agricultural sector.

Leaders from the three main religions and representatives of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) and Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit were among those who attended the ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Over $800M earmarked for six agro-processing facilities –– Min. Mustapha emphasises value of value-added initiatives to lessen loss, wastage of agricultural produce

THE development of the agro-processing industry remains a priority for the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture. To this end, in excess of $800 million have been earmarked for the establishment of six agro-processing facilities across the country.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, told a virtual United Nations (UN) Food Systems forum hosted last week, that these facilities are slated to be established in farming communities, notably Aranaputa and St. Ignatius in Region Nine; Black Bush Polder in Region Six; and Leguan in Region Three. Minister Mustapha has also committed to ensuring this is also replicated in Regions Two and 10.

He told the UN forum that government’s investment in agro-processing

remains aligned with the global agenda to ensure sustainability of the world food system, especially in light of growing threats such as climate change and other factors that have resulted in continued food loss and wastage.

It has been reported that even though hunger affects close to 700 million people annually, an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food are dumped each year. This means that the global wastage and loss of food account for approximately 30 per cent of all food production.

These threats, according to Mustapha, have worsened due to the emergence of the novel coronavirus pandemic which continues to devastate the world.

“COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerability of the food production and distribution systems, especially to the

most vulnerable and to rural populations,” the minister told the forum.

He further pointed to the importance of pursuing value-added initiatives which will lessen the loss and wastage of agricultural produce, including fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, the agro-processing facilities are expected to be a mere component of the administration’s plan to establish industrial estates/parks in various parts of the country, commencing with Regions Two and 10.

Currently, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is examining the possibility of establishing these parks in Kara Kara, Linden, Region 10 and Onderneeming, Essequibo, Region Two. Director of the Department of Industrial Development, Sharon Al-

exander, had previously explained that an industrial estate is an area where the requisite facilities and/ or factory accommodation are provided by the government, to investors to establish their industries.

DEVELOPMENT AGENDA She told the Guyana Chronicle that the establishment of the industrial estates ties into government’s development agenda “… as stated in the party’s manifesto under Manufacturing and Business Development.”

She said that the project for the industrial estates looks to enable and equip the two regions to become more sustainable in their operations, since it will utilise raw materials as a critical means of promoting value-added products.

The growth of the agro-processing industry would ultimately result in the decrease in food loss and wastage, says Minister Mustapha

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha “There is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that spoil almost every day because there is no value-added industry to take up the surplus,” Alexander acknowledged.

Added to that, efforts have also commenced to operationalise the incomplete industrial estate in Lethem.

Meanwhile, minister Mustapha briefed the UN team about Guyana’s plans to modernise the agricultural industry in multiple other ways, as is reflected in the Food Production and Food Security Agenda put forward

by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the 32nd Heads of Government Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

“This CARICOM AgriFood System Strategy seeks to address a number of key areas which will drive the transformation of the agrifood system in Guyana and the region. These areas include but are not limited to the complete removal of all technical barriers to trade; the implementation of an E-Agriculture Strate-

gy; investments in production, research and development; measures to promote de-risking of the sector; and the improvement of transport and logistics,” Minister Mustapha highlighted.

He said that even with the oil industry, the agriculture sector remains an indispensable contributor to the local economy.

“In 2020, the country saw the agriculture sector contribute approximately 27.1 per cent to the country’s non-oil GDP [Gross Domestic Product] with rice, fisheries, sugar, and other crops, being the most important export commodities. The sector remains an important contributor to the country’s rural development, employing more than 12.1 per cent of the country’s population in 2020,” the minister noted.

Mustapha noted too that the agro-processing industry will pave the way for more women to become major players in agriculture, as a significant quota of women are agro-processors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Elimination of NGSA, other assessments being explored

EDUCATION Minister, Priya Manickchand, has revealed that her ministry is exploring the possibility of eliminating the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Grades Two and Four assessments.

Minister Manickchand, in making this revelation last Friday, stated that over the years it has become clear that young children have been put under immense pressure to be placed at a particular school.

She added that the ministry is exploring whether NGSA should be stopped and instead, direct focus be placed on ensuring an equal delivery of education at all

secondary schools.

“NGSA is something we have to sit, we have to write, not because we want to test children and find out who is bright and who is not… It’s a placement exam. We have to find out where to

put children,” she said.

The minister added: “Testing children on one single day and having their future decided on that day when they are 10-years-old is hard and it might not be the most child-friendly thing that

we can do.”

The minister further expressed her displeasure with the placement examination stating, “It has turned into something I don’t like anymore… never really liked it, and we are currently examining how we can make sure it doesn’t matter

Monday May 17, 2021 –– 04:00hrs

which high school you get.”

According to the minister, the ministry is working to ensure that there is an equitable delivery of education across the country, no matter what secondary school a pupil is placed at. She emphasised the need for equality of services, trained teachers and facilities.

Referencing the country’s premiere secondary school, Queen’s College, Minister Manickchand said, “Queen’s College is 180 years old and we can’t make another high school 180 years old, so there is a tradition but then there is service, quality, resources, facility and if we equalize what we give as resources then it wouldn’t matter anymore what high school you got, and that’s what we are working on.”

However, when asked by reporters what the NGSA would be replaced with, she declined to speak any further before noting that the final

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand decision could only be made after much wider conversations and consultations are held.

In the meantime, she said that the ministry is working towards having the same resources and facilities that are available at the country’s premiere secondary schools made accessible at all secondary schools.

“The schools have to provide an equal type of education and then see if the best way to do this is to test on a paper or if we want to perhaps look at a buildup of testing,” she added.

Regarding the Grades Two and Four assess-

ments, the minister noted that they were designed to enhance children’s literacy skills. However, over the years the examinations have become questionable.

“It might be very precipitous but we are considering whether some of those exams need to even be continued. The Grades Two and Four exams started out because we wanted to ensure children were literate.

“Have we seen an increase in the level of literacy because of those two exams, or did they just become two exams?” the minister questioned.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

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Brazil ‘P.1’ variant of COVID-19 in Guyana -- according to information from PAHO Adviser on Emerging Viral Diseases THE P.1 variant of the novel coronavirus that originated in Brazil and has been devastating that country is present in Guyana, according to information provided by Advisor on emerging viral diseases at the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Jairo Mendez-Rico.

While presenting at a PAHO webinar organised for variants, Dr. Mendez-Rico highlighted that 37 countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region have

and that the occurrence of these mutations is a natural and expected event within the evolutionary process of the virus.

And, he noted that every single time a virus transmits from one person to another, it undergoes some molecular change.

Importantly, he explained that a majority of these mutations have a neutral effect while some may result in the virus harming itself. The PAHO Advisor, however, pointed out that sometimes, virus mutation causes that virus to gain an ad-

discovered at the end of 2020, due to genomic sequencing (a type of genetic analysis) conducted in that country.

Ever since this UK variant was discovered, the importation and emergence of variants in Guyana have been a concern but the local authorities have been unable to ascertain whether these variants are present, since Guyana does not have the capacity to conduct the genomic sequencing required to identify the variants.

In fact, the only reported sequencing done by Guyana has been the 10 COVID-positive samples the country sent to Trinidad and Tobago for testing by Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine campus. Those 10 samples, out of the more than 15,000 cases Guyana has had, returned with a negative result.

CONCERNS OF ILLEGAL CROSSINGS

confirmed the presence of one or more variants of concern.

During that webinar, he provided a table which illustrated the distribution of the variants and on that table, it was noted that the P.1 variant has been present in Guyana.

This is the only variant, however, found in Guyana.

That table also illustrated that the B.1.1.7 has been recorded in 34 countries in the LAC region, the B.1.351 in 17 countries, the P.1 variant in 21 countries and the B.1.617 in eight countries.

Dr. Mendez-Rico indicated that variants are created through mutations of viruses,

vantage that enables it to enter cells and replicate easier and escape the immune response produced naturally or through vaccination.

Specifically on variants of the SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus that causes the disease, COVID-19), he noted that since the spread of the novel coronavirus became a pandemic in March 2020, the variants of concern include those that originated in the United Kingdom (B 1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1), and India (B.1.617).

The variant that originated in the UK was the first variant of concern discovered; it was

Recently, due to concerns of illegal crossings at the Guyana/Brazil border in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the local health authorities have signalled an interest in testing positive cases in that region for the presence of variants. It is unclear whether those tests have been completed.

Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, in a recent interview with this newspaper, said that the number of positive cases documented illustrates the minimum number of times the virus has been transmitted from one person to the other, since the virus was first imported in March, 2020.

“Any virus transmitted so many times will have changes and so we don’t have to determine right now that we got

Peter Headley

and following up on investigations pertaining to an armed robbery committed at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on May 11, 2021, ranks of the GPF intercepted a motor vehicle with two men inside at Nandy Park, EBD. During a search of the vehicle a television set suspected to have been stolen during the armed robbery was found, the report stated and as a result, Headley, the driver of the vehicle, 45 years, and the other occupant were arrested.

Headley was placed in the front passenger seat of the civilian vehicle, which was being driven by a police rank, while an armed police rank was in the back seat. The other suspect was placed in the

police vehicle with the other ranks.

Police Headquarters reported that on their way to the Providence Police Station, EBD, Headley reached under the seat of the vehicle and pulled out what appeared to be a firearm, causing the armed rank to discharge a round which struck him to his body. There was no report as to whether the suspected firearm was retrieved.

Headley was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment.

Police Headquarters noted that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an investigation into the incident.

A healthcare worker preparing to administer a COVID-19 vaccine (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

Shot robbery suspect dies

A 4 5 - y e a r- o l d m a l e of Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Peter Headley, was shot by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after drawing “what appeared to be a firearm” on Saturday evening.

According to a police report, about 20:45hrs on Saturday, acting upon information

The table presented by Adviser on emerging viral diseases at the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Jairo Mendez-Rico that shows that the P.1 variant is in Guyana

this variant and that variant.

We should know that; virology tells us that, because it is a virus and it is transmitted, it will change,” Dr. Ramsammy underscored, adding: “I don’t think people need to get hung up on whether it is a Brazilian variant, an American variant or what.”

Cognisant of the expected changes to the virus, Dr. Ramsammy cautioned that a mutated form of the virus has been adversely affecting younger people in Guyana over the past

few weeks.

“Initially, the elder people that died were all people with comorbidities – they were diabetic, they had heart diseases, hypertension. Now you’re getting deaths among people with no previous history of comorbidities,” the Adviser said worriedly.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has also highlighted that, based on the surveillance conducted by the local health authorities, it has been found that younger people

are becoming impacted by the more severe and life-threatening form of COVID-19.

Both the Health Minister and the Adviser have said that taking the COVID-19 vaccines will prevent people from becoming severely impacted by COVID-19.

Importantly, at the webinar, Dr. Mendez-Rico highlighted that there is no evidence stating that the COVID-19 vaccines are not effective against the variants as well.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Climate and disaster risk financing

CLIMATE-CHANGE risks, such as extreme weather-related disasters as well as slow onset changes such as rising sea levels, threaten sustainable development and resilience, impair socio-economic development, and reinforce cycles of poverty across the globe.

The average annual weather-related disaster losses in the last five to 10 years in “low and “lower middle” income countries have reached US$1.3 billion and US$6.8 billion, respectively.

Climate impacts undermine resilience and the capacity to recover and absorb losses from these events, especially those of poorer countries and their citizens, by reducing their agricultural productivity; weakening water and food security; increasing the incidence of diseases and threatening the existing infrastructure, economic productivity and value chains (Munich Re, 2013; & Collier et.al., 2008).

The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) produced a working paper on disaster risk insurance and the triple-dividend resilience. The triple-dividend framework helps to shed light on how insurance mechanisms are sources of support to direct and indirect resilience benefits at different scales. The paper speculates that the first dividend is where insurance can transfer and compensate for losses of various kinds by way of

payouts after a disaster. Second, insurance can facilitate income-smoothing, and support investment decisions at the macro and micro levels by relaxing budgetary constraints in doing so. For example, investments related to the adoption of technologies or specialisation in agriculture (second dividend). The third dividend refers to insurance being a source of significant co-benefits by supporting greater institutional transparency, or by contributing to the adoption of adaptive behaviours.

Although more than one billion people have lifted themselves out of poverty over the past 15 years, climate and disaster risks threaten these achievements.

According to a World Bank study, global economic losses from disasters are now reaching an average of more than US$300 billion annually. The report also finds that the impacts of disasters on well-being are equivalent to up to a US$520 billion drop in consumption (60 per cent more than the asset losses usually reported) and force about 26 million people into poverty every year (Hallegatte et al., 2017). Consequently, countries also experience increasingly complex threats that often compound the negative impacts of disaster and climate shocks – from migration caused by fragility and conflict situations to the risk of pandemics.

It is estimated that some 93 per cent

of people are living in countries that are politically fragile and/or environmentally vulnerable. To this end, for example, the United Nations humanitarian appeal in 2017 stood at a record US$22.2 billion, to help about 93 million people affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

Post-disaster response financing, including donor assistance and commercial insurance, covers only a fraction of disaster losses, which in turn create a protection gap. Over the last 10 years, an average of just about 30 per cent of catastrophe losses has been covered by insurance. This, in turn, translates to about 70 per cent of catastrophe losses having to be borne directly by individuals, firms and governments (SwissRe, 2016).

Financial protection involves planning ahead to better manage the cost of disasters, ensure predictable and timely access to much-needed resources, and ultimately mitigate long-term fiscal impacts. As such, in the intermediate aftermath of a disaster, being able to rapidly access financial resources is crucial to save lives and livelihoods (World Bank, 2017).

Catastrophe risk pools are emerging as a cost-effective vehicle to help countries access rapid financing for disaster response. These allow countries to pool risks in a diversified portfolio; retain some amount of risk through joint re-

serves/ capital portfolio; and transfer excess risks to the reinsurance and capital markets. Twenty-six countries have joined the sovereign catastrophe risk pools in three regions, namely Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean and Central America, over the past 10 years or so.

These countries have purchased parametric catastrophe risk insurance for an average aggregate coverage of US$870 million and an aggregate premium volume of US$56.6 million (2016/17), backed by more than 30 re-insurance companies.

This type of insurance solution (parametric) allows for rapid payouts in the event of a disaster by providing liquidity within a few weeks to finance rapid response. The success of this form of sovereign catastrophe risk pools, however, relies on a combination of technical assistance, significant financial support, and strong political commitment (World Bank, 2017). At the regional level, such catastrophe risk pools would require a regional partner organisation to facilitate the political and policy dialogue and coordination between participating governments.

Further, disaster risk-financing solutions require that participating countries be committed to implementing necessary policy reforms, the World Bank contends.

Minister of Education’s suggestion to abolish NGSA a brilliant idea Dear Editor THE Minister of Education’s suggestion to re-examine the use of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) as a high school placement test is fresh, new thinking that bodes well for the future of education reform.

The NGSA is probably the single most root cause of many ills of our current education system. For decades, our education system as designed and perpetuated by successive post-independence governments is inherently inequitable. Our placement of students in high schools is based on a system that slots and stratifies children based on their test scores at the NGSA into schools of varying grades and qualities. The system now places the lowest-scoring students in the lowest graded schools – an educational malpractice.

I know our Constitution does not agree with such an iniquitous and inequitable system.

The biggest problem facing education in Guyana is the failure of our governments to create an equitable system of education in which all schools are schools of quality and excellence. Minister Manickchand can be the minister to take us to the Promised Land of Equity, as she usually pursues her ministry’s goals with the utmost zeal. The NGSA had become a “drill and kill” exam with extra lessons scams that left children from low-income and rural families behind, and favouring the well to do and urban areas. In the 21st century, an inherently unequal system is not only an abomination, it goes against the tenets of a fair and democratic society.

We need the ministry to unveil some kind of “A Decade of Equity and Excellence in Education Plan.” There is no current edu-

cation plan. The plan expired under the last government and they did not bother to create a new plan. Going forward, removing inequities in the system should be the number one priority in education. The COVID pandemic revealed the pervasive inequities when online learning could not be effective because of the rural-urban divide in relation to technology and Internet access, access to TV and radio services, training and readiness of staff and schools to deploy online learning, etc.

In each school, in every region, we need to have equity in subjects taught at each high school for CSEC and CAPE, comparable quality of facilities – computer labs, other school technology such as copiers and printers, classrooms, libraries, science labs, lunch rooms, number of graduate teachers, number of trained teachers, availability of textbooks and workbooks, school supplies, Internet

access, availability of clubs and societies, child-nutrition programmes, gyms, sports opportunities, support services such as social workers and counsellors, functioning school boards, access to water and electricity, etc.

In the mix of curriculum reform, we can have special-focus schools and “Magnet” schools such as oil-and-gas academies, high tech high schools, curriculum pathways to law/medicine/engineering, and programmes to address needs of the new oil and gas economy and the related local content opportunities. So let’s help the minister figure out the needed educational reforms and the redesign of education in Guyana.

Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall Author and Education Consultant

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Political elite of the PNC/R attempting to psychologically manipulate African-Guyanese to our detriment Dear Editor, I HAVE been involved in Guyanese politics since the age of 16. In all that time I have abided by the principle, so perfectly articulated by the great African scholar and freedom fighter, Amilcar Cabral.

Cabral instructed us to: “Hide nothing from the masses of our people.

Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told.

Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories.”

By now, surely all Guyanese must have realised that the last five years of APNU+AFC governance and their bizarre and embarrassing behaviour following the March 2020 elections, has changed Guyana’s political landscape once and for all. Maybe I am being too optimistic.

However, I hope and pray that since the two major political parties have had their opportunity to govern this country, Guyanese, of all races, will wake up and see that the major contradiction is between the exploiters and the exploited, the oppressors and the oppressed, the “haves” and

“have-nots.” For OVP, it is about Guyanese of every race, who toil 40-60 hours and more a week, and still cannot adequately care for their families. They are the working poor, who wait longingly for every payday, knowing that before the next pay-day they and their children will be back to tennis rolls and tea. It is about those who hustle every day to eke out a living in dilapidated markets and on the pave, without proper amenities and the respect due to these vendors who are businessmen and women. It is about those who are forced to beg for a living, including so many of our elders. This is a terrible injustice, no matter what the race of those who are suffering this way, especially in a country that is one of the most resource-rich on the earth, and with a population of way less than a million people.

As leader of OVP, in the run-up to the 2015 elections, I warned Guyanese in a newspaper advertisement that even if APNU+AFC were elected, the struggle for economic justice and true independence will continue. The

Opposition influence needed for herd immunity Dear Editor, FOR such a small population, Guyana has over 15,000 cases recorded with over 320 deaths.

This is such an alarming number since in Guyana communities interact closely with each other.

The government continues to invest large sums of money to provide vaccines across our country.

There are many sensitisation programmes including those on television, radio, print and social media.

The government’s efforts are being undermined with misinformation, especially on social media.

If the Coalition cares at all for their supporters as much as they claim, or even the citizenry, they will come forward and endorse and even in some cases take their vaccines once medically advised.

With such a low turnout in Region 10, the opposition especially through their leader should come forward to encourage vaccination if herd immunity is to be achieved.

Sincerely, Timothy Joseph

people wanted the PPP out in 2015. Not only Africans, but a significant number of Indians wanted to give APNU+AFC a chance. Because of this decision by the people, we offered critical support to the Coalition and ran only at the regional level.

For years, as leader of OVP, I have spoken out against the garrison politics that divides and ruins this country. Guyana’s development has been arrested for years by race-based politics, which allows Africans on the one hand to blindly follow the PNCR, and Indians to follow the PPP in the same way. Guyana can never move forward unless and until we move beyond this absurd binary.

History moves in both evolutionary and revolutionary ways. In the case of Guyana, the people had to see the truth for themselves.

There were many people who believed that the APNU+AFC government was the answer to their prayers.

When they first came to power in 2015, their supporters were crying out in the streets, “thank you Jesus” and “David and Moses will deliver us.” It has been a painful process watching the debacle of the last five years, culminating in the tragic events that followed the March 2020 elections, which even led to the loss of lives.

If anything positive can come out of it, it will be that Guyanese of all races will finally realise that we must judge a government not on their race, but on their policies and actions.

If Guyanese have reached that point, then we would have reached a level of political maturity where we, the people, can take a giant leap forward.

Organisation for the

Victory of the People (OVP), as a revolutionary nationalist and patriotic formation, will always put the nation before narrow partisan interests and allegiances. It is in this spirit that we congratulate President Ali on his decision to kick out the two principals of the rogue foreign company, Superior Concrete.

OVP urges President Ali and his government to rein in the local businessmen and women who facilitated this rogue company. We advocate that this approach be consistently applied across the board, to all corporate predators and plunderers.

In addition, we must congratulate President Ali and his government on the issuing of 22,000 scholarships for all Guyanese.

This is an excellent move, because Guyanese of all races are in dire need of education and upskilling if they are to take their rightful place in the future development of our nation.

Unfortunately, the bitter truth is that we are witnessing the political elite of the PNCR attempting to psychologically manipulate African-Guyanese to our detriment. A clear example is that in some quarters, Africans have been told not to take the “PPP scholarships.” This is narrow and petty politics; it is anti-national and unpatriotic. It shows that they are actually willing to deprive African-Guyanese of this opportunity, even while their children are attending prestigious universities abroad, a number of them having been awarded scholarships while APNU was in office.

The scholarships on offer are not “PPP scholarships,” they are scholarships issued by the Government of Guyana. I urge

all African-Guyanese, once they fulfil the necessary criteria, to apply immediately and take advantage of this opportunity. If we do not, then clearly we will be further marginalised, not because of the PPP, but because of our own mis-leaders. I can assure you personally that President Ali and his government are genuinely trying their best to offer these scholarships to Guyanese of every ethnic background. If this were not the case, you can be sure that OVP would be among the very first to denounce such discrimination. As patriots, whose main objective is to see our nation and its citizens prosper, we are not in the business of picking a fight for the sake of it.

We have no axe to grind.

We are fiercely independent. Let it be known, if any grave injustice raises its ugly head anywhere, under any regime, you can be sure that myself and our organisation will be at the forefront of resisting that injustice as we have done for so many years.

As I write this letter, news has been posted that the Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand, is talking about abolishing the draconian National Grade Six exam and making every school a “good school.”

This is something that the OVP has called for since our inception (see Common Entrance’ and the so-called ‘good schools’ Guyana Chronicle, 4/7/17). Such a move would go a long way to breaking down the social elitism that prevents all Guyanese from enjoying an

equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

Both APNU+AFC and the PPP/C must know that African Guyanese are no longer willing to be used as pawns in a game, and we hope that our fellow Indian Guyanese will also not allow themselves to be manipulated along race lines, and will join us in freeing this nation from the garrison politics that has arrested our development for too long. The OVP will support any initiatives, by any government that benefit our country and its people of every ethnic background.

Likewise, we will firmly resist any agenda that seeks to perpetuate the exploitation and oppression of the masses of our people. We believe in a politics that is ethical, principled and transformational, and will never be imprisoned by garrison politics, regardless of who promotes this backward and obsolete thinking.

I say to all Guyanese, of every ethnicity and mix, if the last five years have shown us anything, surely it is that we need to move beyond race-based politricks, recognise that the fundamental contradiction in our society is between the “haves and the have-nots,” regardless of their ethnicity, and begin to exercise our right to decide who will govern this nation on the basis of their policies and actions.

Yours sincerely, Gerald A. Perreira Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

‘Boys 2 Men’ empowerment programme hailed a success

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

EIGHTY Berbice youths recently received certificates and care packages from Grace Temple Assembly of God Church and the U.S. Embassy Guyana, after successfully participating in a four-month

interactive ‘Boys 2 Men’ empowerment programme.

Participant Otis Austin, was high in his praises for the initiative, which was the first of its kind in the Ancient County. He was specifically pleased with the conflict management discussion which has benefitted him tremendously.

Coordinator of the programme, Odessa Shako, hailed it a success, and revealed that she had sought, and subsequently received US$5000 from the U.S. Embassy. This money, along with additional finance from the local church, were used to offset expenses for the programme. These expenses

A participant receives his certificate and care package

included, stationary, stipend for facilitators, meals, certificates and hygiene packages for each participant.

The programme which commenced with the first of four seminars in February, was held at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Facilitators included Reverend Dr. Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer; Dr. Darren Shako, consultant; Dr. Paulette Henry, sociologist; Dr. Kester Deane; Dr. Kester Persaud, medical practitioner; Adel Lily, Director of the Gender Affairs Bureau; Phillip Drayton, Chairman of Life Reform; Reverend Selwyn Sills, Edgar Anderson, Vanessa Jacobs and other educators drawn from the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, GuySuCo Training School, and the University of Guyana.

The embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Violeta Talandis, had addressed the participants during the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, the topics covered included career development and leadership, choosing tertiary education,

personal hygiene, personal goal setting, crime prevention, the male reproduction system, conflict management, drug abuse, table etiquette, communication, money management/budgeting, public speaking and leadership.

The programme which comprised four one-day sessions, fulfilled its original mandate which was to assist with the educational development of the young men, provide them with psychological support and positive role models, and strengthen their social and leadership skills.

The participants who ranged from ages 13 to 25 years, were drawn from the New Amsterdam township and its environs.

The initiative was conceptualised by Shako as a means of assisting young men at her local church, whom she regarded as her “little brothers”. However, it was later extended to young men from other parts of the town and surrounding communities.

The programme was developed in response to the observed challenges of

young men, many of whom are willing, but lack the social and psychological tools to overcome the intrinsic challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. There is also an observed absence of strong positive male role-models inside and outside of the home to support these young males.

According to Shako, adolescence is often an emotionally difficult period for youths. Without the necessary financial and psychological support from strong role models in and outside their homes, many of them are unable to navigate this period skillfully to transition successfully to adulthood.

For males, this is reflected in high drop-out rates, drug abuse, perpetuation of criminal activities, and teenage fatherhood.

In New Amsterdam and adjacent communities, a high number of school drop-outs and unemployment have been observed.

This is believed to have contributed to increased drug trafficking and criminal activities among young males in the township.

Vlissengen Road pipe project being fast-tracked HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, assured residents of Newtown, Kitty, that the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) was doing all it could to fast track works and relieve them of the inconvenience they had been experiencing, caused by pipe laying works.

The minister, along with GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh and Director of Projects, Aubrey Roberts, visited the site at Republic, DaSilva and Lamaha Streets on Sunday to inspect the status of works carried out.

Minister Croal noted that residents had expressed the discomfort they had been experiencing due to the length of time the project was taking to be completed. He emphasized, however, that the history and initiation of the project were important, since

such led to the prolonged delay and inconvenience meted out to residents in the project area.

The Housing and Water Minister recalled that the contract for the Vlissengen Road pipe laying project was signed on November 30, 2017 with eight requests for payment by the previous contractor - Mr. Barnes, totalling $114M. However, only 11 per cent of works were completed, equivalent to some $39M. As such, the administration inherited the below-par work and the challenges surrounding it, and the matter was before the court.

The minister apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked residents for their patience to date, adding that, upon completion, they will benefit from improved quality of water and level

of service, as well as better roads.

Baksh stated that GWI has stood the expense outside of the contract sum to replace culverts in the area and the utility will be writing to the Town Clerk of City Council to desilt the drains.

Meanwhile, Projects Director Roberts now anticipates another four to six weeks for the completion of works. The remainder of works includes the installation of four-inch lines along Vlissengen Road, between Garnette and Duncan streets, pressure testing of the pipes, reinstating the roads and the interconnection of lines.

Residents who met with the team during the visit expressed gratitude for the interest shown in seeing the works to completion and welcomed the improved service and roads expected at the end of the project.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and GWI’s CEO, Shaik Baksh, engage Newtown residents

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

More than 27,000 receive both doses of COVID-19 vaccine

AS Guyana aims to achieve herd immunity by the end of 2021, more than 27,000 people have received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccines and can be considered to be fully vaccinated once two weeks have passed since they each received their second dose.

According to information provided to the Guyana Chronicle by the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, a total of 27,875 persons or 5.7 per cent of the targetted 500,000 adult population have received both doses of vaccine as of Saturday.

Additionally, it was noted that a total of 166,950 people or 34.3 per cent of the targetted adult

population have received their first dose of one of the three COVID-19 vaccines distributed locally, as of Saturday.

Previously, the Health Minister explained that vaccinations for COVID-19 are important since these vaccines have been proven to reduce the risk of people contracting the more severe and possibly, life-threatening symptoms of the COVID-19 disease.

It is important to note that while it was initially found that the more severe and life-threatening forms of the disease were manifesting in older people, the Ministry of Health has reported that the younger population was also being

impacted.

While addressing the nation recently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali alluded to the Government’s intention to procure additional COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that they can be administered to each adult.

“Our plan is to ensure that we take this country and economy back to normalcy as soon as possible,” President Ali said, underscoring that the Government will invest significant resources towards achieving this goal.

He also addressed concerns that were raised about the unavailability of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccines. To this end, he explained that the vaccination rollout

Boy, nine, crushed by garbage truck in Sophia A S TU D E N T of S ophia Primary School died in an accident on Sunday. Dead is Enam Holder, nine, of Section ‘C’ Sophia, who was crushed by a garbage truck bearing registration number GVV 6890 while riding his bicycle at Church Street, Section ‘C’ Field, Sophia.

Reports indicate that the garbage truck was proceeding east along Church Street, Section ‘C’ Sophia, picking up garbage when the driver stopped in the vicinity of a heap of mud, which was on the southern side of the said road and exited to assist his porter to load the garbage onto the truck.

He then re-entered the truck and while driving, the pedal cyclist who was proceeding in the same direction, tried to pass the truck on the southern side, rode onto the mud and lost control of his bicycle.

The nine-year-old cyclist fell onto the road surface under the garbage

The scene of the accident on Sunday truck, and as a result, the right side rear wheel ran over his head.

The police said Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) arrived and pronounced the pedal cyclist dead at the scene.

The body was then taken to the Lyken Funeral Home Mortuary, where it

awaits a post-mortem.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the motor lorry driver showed a 0.00 reading.

He remains in custody, assisting the police with further investigations. A notice of intended prosecution was prepared and served.

A woman was strategically planned to ensure that the corresponding second dose would be available to each person who already received a ‘jab’.

In addition to about 100 fixed vaccination sites across the country, the local health authorities have

receives her first dose of vaccine been conducting various Five (Mahaica-Berbioutreach sessions to make ce); in Moruca and Port vaccination process easier Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini); North for people.

Over the weekend, the Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Ministry of Health had a Region Four (Demernumber of mobile sites ara-Mahaica) and, at across the country. These various locations on the included sites at vari- East Coast and East ous locations in Region Bank of Demerara.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Is your interest in children?

THE Protection of Children Act (2009) states that when adults make decisions on behalf of children, they should always be in the children’s ‘best interests.

‘The psychological and physical welfare of the child comes first. Some estranged parents who did not raise their children for one reason or another, may suddenly appear in the child’s life and expect an instant relationship.

Children have a sense of loyalty to the person or people who raise them, especially if there is a strong bond and connection. They cannot simply flip their affections from one person to the next. Even if it is their biological parent, they will need time to gradually get to know the person before any bonding may occur. Forcing a child to live with someone against their will or expecting a child to show affection to a biological parent who he/she does not know is not in the child’s ‘best interest,’ but in the interest of the parent.

Decisions made on behalf of a child should include their health and safety; their educational advancement and developmental needs and the views of children themselves.

Most children can make valuable contributions to decisions that concern them, and one of the articles in the ‘Convention on Rights of the Child’ states that their voices must be heard. Children over the age of 12 must be allowed to express their opinions, and if they are able, younger children can participate also, as long as they understand the proceedings.

When her mother’s boyfriend sexually molested 10-year-old Hannah, she was placed in the care of her aunt, where she settled down and began, in a small way, to heal from her ordeal. The perpetrator fled but was seen in several places, including in her mother’s home, so the child could not return there.

A year passed before it became clear that the mother had moved on from that

relationship; she had a new man in her life and wanted her daughter back home. It was evident that the child also missed her mother: when the two spent time together at the aunt’s home, it was hard for them to part.

A decision needed to be made after some evaluation.

Should the child remain with the aunt or be reunified with the mother? Child Protection Officers must conclude this case in the best interest of the child. Resolving issues in a child’s best interest is not always a clear-cut and easy procedure. There are many contributing factors in each case, some of them are unseen; yet a judgement must be made that can affect a child’s future negatively or positively. It is a significant responsibility.

The Protection of Children Act (2009) came into law to help vulnerable children receive protection through governmental entities such as the Childcare and Protection Agency and

the law courts. Children are unprotected on many levels in several various circumstances, so that working in their ‘best interest’ can be a struggle for every-day parents. Although support is available through The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, many parents do not seek assistance.

Instead of making their children a priority, they are busy hustling to feed them and keep a roof over their heads. Some adults allow their relationship/romantic issues to take over their lives.

The ‘interests’ of their children are permanently on the back burner. A husband who had his ‘sweet woman’ in the car whilst collecting his 12-year-old son from school, told the child not to tell his mother. He explained to the confused adolescent, ‘When you get big, you will understand, a man needs a special friend, well she is my special friend – just don’t tell your mother, you hear?’.

Expecting children to

keep sordid secrets is not in their best interests. It creates disrespect for the adult and teaches the child that deception is acceptable. The child becomes a co-conspirator to the deed and carries around an unnecessary burden of guilt.

In some situations, children have to learn strategies to protect themselves from their parents - if they are old enough and wise enough to realise that their parents have problems. Where adults show undue reliance on a child or confide in a child as if he/she is an adult, the roles become reversed; it is the child who should be confiding in and relying upon the adult. Adults are responsible for protecting children and working in their best interest.

It is customary for people to say and do all types of things in front of small children. They believe that children do not understand or are too young to discern the true meaning of words or situations. However, chil-

dren are being affected daily by all that is done and said around them. Words, deeds and events are moulding their minds. Are you working in the best interest of your child?

‘In the best interest of a child’ has wide-reaching implications. It could mean a grandmother is granted child custody over the biological father of a child or a mother decides to move from a dysfunctional relationship to a place of peace and tranquility. Children are in the hands of adults who must guide, protect and direct them with love and with their best interests at heart.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

GuyOil advertises for new General Manager

THE embattled Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) has issued an advertisement inviting persons to apply for the post of General Manager, which was made vacant following the resignation of Trevor Bassoo a few weeks ago.

Bassoo had resigned following the revelation of an oil scandal earlier in April.

Bassoo had, however, insisted that his resignation was unrelated to the situation involving proprietor of Aaron Realty Inc. (ARI), who claimed that he was left with a large quantity of fuel on hand, after senior officials of GuyOil recanted on a commitment to make a purchase.

The fuel dealer claimed that he had evidence of the

Shortly after the allegations were made, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, summoned the company’s Board of Directors, Chaired

by Paul Cheong, to an urgent meeting at his Main Street office.

“The Board [of Directors] repeatedly emphasised that there is no contract with the company in question,” Dr. Singh told the Guyana Chronicle.

The board, during the meeting with Minister Singh, outlined the procurement procedures that are adhered to by the company. Following the meeting, GuyOil issued an independent statement which listed the pre-requisite procedures that are in place and in practise, relating to the

commitments.

After reports of the scandal began to make the rounds, Bassoo’s resignation followed, forcing the company’s Board of Directors to appoint an interim sub-committee to manage GuyOil’s day-to-day operations.

Even before the official reports of him resigning surfaced, there were social media reports hinting that Bassoo was being sent on administrative leave in light of alleged corruption at GuyOil. He took to Facebook with a response.

“I wish to state that is incorrect. I also wish to advise that I have chosen to and have submitted my resignation to the Chairman and Board of Directors,” Bassoo said in his post. He also indicated his intension to solicit legal advice on the way forward. Bassoo was appointed to the post of General Manager of GuyOil in October 2020, replacing Renatha Exeter, who had also resigned from the company.

Meanwhile, in addition to the former General Manager, GuyOil also noted that no contract was signed with the accusing company.

purchase of fuel from any company. Those pre-requisites include competitive procurement, due diligence of the supplying company, purchase order/contract, nominated quantity sent to the supplier with expected date of delivery, certificate of quality/conformity with technical specification, proforma invoice which is necessary for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to authorise the offloading of any fuel from the supplier’s vessel, and a certificate of origin/signed declaration that the product was not sourced from an embargoed country.

Also, among the pre-requisites are details of the vessel to be used, the Q88 document; a detailed report by an independent inspector on the loading of the vessel; bill of lading for the loaded vessel and updates from the vessel on its estimated time of arrival.

“GuyOil wishes to categorically state that whilst ARI was one of a number of companies which GuyOil had discussions on the possible supply of fuel, GuyOil has not, at any time, entered into a

contract with ARI,” the company said in its press release.

Despite GuyOil’s defence, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, went ahead to request that an urgent audit be conducted by the Office of the Auditor General. “We have absolutely no tolerance in this government for any corrupt

practices,” Dr. Singh emphasised.

In an invited comment following the incident, Dr. Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that while he does not want to preempt the outcome of the investigations, whomever is deemed culpable of wrongdoings will face the

requisite consequences.

“In the event that any inappropriate practices are identified, condign action would be taken,” the Finance Minister maintained.

He noted that while there might have been some communication between particular GuyOil officials, no official

agreements were entered into.

“The board made that clear to me,” Dr. Singh added.

The vacancy notice, signed by GuyOil’s Chairman, Cheong, also advertised for a Company Secretary.

The investigations into the scandal are said to be ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

‘Aunty Vera’ dies at 102

CENTENARIAN, Mary Adela Crawford, passed away last Friday at her Number One Road, Corentyne home, after a brief illness.

Crawford, who was known to many as ‘Aunty Vera’ had celebrated her 102nd birthday on March 29, with her close relatives. At that time, she had expressed

gratitude to her creator for sparing her life to see so many years.

She had lived most of her life in the Corentyne village, where she nurtured many nieces and nephews, who subsequently sponsored many overseas trips. During her latter years, Constance Greig was her caregiver.

‘Aunty Vera’ had spent

most of her retired years solving word search puzzles, a hobby she had developed after retiring as a seamstress more than a decade ago. But, even in her retirement period, she ensured that the curtains of Gibraltar Anglican Church were well fitted to beautify the place of worship.

Additionally, she ensured that the young women in her

community were taught various forms of needlework, especially sewing, needlework and crotchet, so that they could remain productive.

She was once married and, although childless, she was always surrounded by the offsprings of her siblings, who, collectively, brought much joy and laughter to her life.

At her last birthday celebration, she was described as being in the ‘pink of health’, and her only challenge was a hearing impediment. There was no preferred diet, as she was content with whatever foods were prepared for her.

‘Aunt Vera’, the sixth of ten children, is survived by her youngest brother, James Crawford.

‘Aunty Vera’ on the day she turned 102

Region 2 nurses and midwives honoured

By Indrawattie Natram

THE efforts of the nurses and midwives attached to various wards at the Suddie Public Hospital and the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital were, on Friday afternoon, recognised at a simple luncheon and prize-giving ceremony.

The event, which was held at the Suddie Public Hospital boardroom, fea-

tured poems and tributes in recognition of the sterling contributions made by the healthcare professionals. It was held under the theme, “Nurses a voice to lead, a vision for future Health Care”.

Sister in charge of the wards at the Suddie Public Hospital, Deokie Lall, said although International Nurses and Midwives Day had passed, the management of the

Some of the nurses and the midwives who attended the luncheon and prize-giving ceremony

Nurse Trishelle Greene (right) collects her plaque from Dr. Basir

region’s regional health services wanted to show appreciation for the work done. She said the activity reflects the tremendous contributions to maternal and newborn health.

According to Lall, midwives have excellent qualities such as dedication and continuous commitment towards maternal care skills and compassion towards women.

She further explained to the healthcare professionals that midwives play an integral role during the delivery process.

“I therefore expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to every midwife

and nurse. Without your support and commitment, preserving lives would not be possible,” she emphasised.

She commended the efforts of all the nurses and midwives who are working during the pandemic to serve the people of the region. The ward sister noted that nurses continue to upkeep the foundation of the healthcare system.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh, in his feature address, saluted the efforts of the nurses and midwives on behalf of the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the

Regional Health Services.

He said that he appreciates the efforts and dedication displayed by the healthcare professionals during the pandemic.

Dr. Singh said while he desired a bigger event to celebrate the day and week, this couldn’t happen because of the pandemic.

He reminded healthcare workers that they have his support and later reassured them that together everyone will fight the pandemic.

Plaques were presented to nurses and midwives in each ward. The plaques were given to Wards One and Two (male and sur-

gical), Wards Four, Five and Six (female medical, surgical and paediatrics), Ward Three (maternity), Isolation and Quarantine, the operation theatre and Accident and Emergency.

The plaques were presented to those in charge of the various wards by Dr. Shazeda Basir of the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital Administrator of the Suddie Hospital, Shelly Ambrose; the hospital’s acting administrator, Omkar Persaud, and Medical Superintendent, Dr. Sheneer Reid, were among those in attendance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Regular exercise, music and yoga help to beat stress –– says senior psychologist

By Rabindra Rooplall ALTHOUGH stress and anxiety may arise in your workplace and personal life, there are many simple ways of reducing the pressure by using exercise, mindfulness, music, and physical intimacy to improve your overall worklife balance in the process.

This is according to senior psychologist at the Mental Health Unit of the Health Ministry, Mr. Balogun Osunbiyi during a symposium on Friday with nurses of the National Insurance Scheme

of belonging and self-worth, which can help you in tough times.”

Using the findings of another survey to bolster his argument, Osunbiyi said: “One study found that for women in particular, spending time with friends and children helps release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever. This effect is called ‘tend-andbefriend’, and is the opposite of the ‘fight-or-flight’ response.”

As to how he perceives wellness, the veteran psychologist said: “It is a state of complete physical, mental,

said that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t exercise at all.

As he explained: “There are a few reasons behind this: Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones, such as cortisol, in the long-run; it also helps release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood, and act as natural painkillers.

“Exercise can also improve your sleep quality, which can be negatively affected by stress and anxiety.

When you exercise regularly, you may feel more compe-

often,” Osunbiyi said, adding: “This is especially true if you find yourself taking on more than you can handle, as juggling many responsibilities can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Being selective about what you take on, and saying no to things that will unnecessarily add to your load can reduce your stress levels.”

EVER MINDFUL Participants were also exposed to the practice of “mindfulness”, which can help lower symptoms of

Some of the nurses of the National Insurance Scheme who participated in the programme as part of their programme of activities to mark World Nurses Day (NIS), as part of their activities to observe World Nurses Day. The training was held in the Training Room of the Patrick Martinborough Multi-Purpose Complex on Carifesta Avenue, here in Georgetown, and saw 16 nurses going through the paces on location, and 24 others joining them on the Zoom virtual platform. Other persons in attendance were NIS rehabilitation and other ancillary staffers.

Under the theme, “Negative Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Staff”, Osunbiyi told participants that having strong social ties may help them get through stressful times and lower their risk of anxiety. Noting that one study has found that men and women with fewer social connections are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, the senior government mental health official said, “Social support from friends and family can help you get through stressful times; being part of a friend network gives you a sense

and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Noting that there is a sight more to wellness than meets the eye, in that it can range from emotional, to environmental, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual, Osunbiyi went on to explain that well-being is not just the absence of disease or illness, but rather is a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health factors.

Well-being, he said, is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction.

In short, well-being could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.

COMBATTING STRESS Exercise, he said, is also one of the most important ways of combatting stress, and that contradictory as it might seem, putting physical stress on your body through exercise can do a lot to relieve mental stress.

Noting also that the benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly, Osunbiyi

tent and confident in your body, which, in turn, promotes mental well-being. Try to find an exercise routine or activity you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, rock climbing or yoga.”

He also talked a bit about the benefits of aromatherapy, the science behind using essential oils and other aromatic compounds to promote health and well-being, saying that it can help to significantly lower anxiety and stress.

And so too, he said, can using certain supplements, such as Ashwagandha, a small evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East and parts of Africa, and omega-3 oils, green tea, and lemon balm.

Underscoring that it is important to not take on more than you can handle, and that saying no is one way of controlling your stressors, the senior psychologist said that while not all stressors are within one’s control, some are.

“Take control over the parts of your life that you can change, and are causing you stress. One way to do this may be to say “no” more

Senior psychologist Mr. Balogun Osunbiyi anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness, Osunbiyi explained, is a practice that anchors you to the present moment, in that it can help combat the anxiety-inducing effects of negative thinking.

“There are several methods for increasing mindfulness, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga and meditation,” he said, adding: “A recent study among college students suggests that mindfulness may help increase self-esteem, which, in turn, lessens symptoms of anxiety and depression.”

Osunbiyi also pointed out that positive touch from cuddling, hugging, kissing and sex, or even listening to music may help lower stress, by releasing oxytocin, and lowering blood pressure.

“Cuddling, kissing, hugging and sex can all help relieve stress. Positive physical contact can help release oxytocin and lower cortisol.

This can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are physical symptoms of stress,” he said, adding: “Listening to music can

have a very relaxing effect on the body. Slow-paced instrumental music can induce the relaxation response by helping lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as stress hormones.

Noting that some types of Classical, Celtic, Native American and Indian music can be particularly soothing, Osunbiyi said that simply listening to the music you enjoy can be effective, too. And, because the sounds of nature can have a rather calming effect on one, he said, “This is why they’re often incorporated into relaxation and meditation music.”

As to the therapeutic benefits of spending time with one’s pet, he said: “Having a pet may help reduce stress, and improve your mood. Interacting with pets may help release oxytocin, a brain chemical that promotes a positive mood.

Having a pet may also help relieve stress, by giving you purpose, keeping you active and providing companionship, all qualities that help reduce anxiety.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Region Two administration to host training for contractors

By Indrawattie Natram

AS the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

administration works to ensure that all budgeted projects for this year are awarded and completed,

contractors will soon benefit from training.

This was disclosed by Regional Executive Officer

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt providing the RDC with an update on the region’s spending

Devanand Ramdatt during the May 12 statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

While making a budget presentation to the councillors, he said evaluators and members of the Regional Tender Board (RTB) will soon be meeting with contractors and suppliers to undertake training.

He explained to the councillors that this training has become necessary, as a lot of persons are showing an interest in the tendering process. Ramdatt noted that the training will be made available to anyone who is interested, so as to create equal opportunities for those in the region.

With regard to the region’s budget, Ramdatt said $653M was allocated for capital works and $ 4.6 billion for its current budget.

He noted that the realisa-

tion of projects will enhance the livelihoods of residents and stated that the projects will undergo robust scrutiny for quality and timely implementation.

During the power-point presentation, Ramdatt said some major projects which include the construction of a tuberculosis clinic and the Abram Zuil Secondary School are currently before the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). He also explained to the council that for the region to achieve 1 per cent of work completed under the capital budget, an entry of $6.5M in vouchers has to be entered into the system.

The council was also informed that on May 4, the RTB for the first time evaluated and awarded projects on the same day. Ramdatt further emphasised that it is important that money

continues to circulate within the region’s economy and as such, projects are being awarded promptly to ensure that this happens. He also stated that projects are being monitored closely for quality.

He said the RTB is looking at creating equal opportunities for contractors and will facilitate the necessary guidance in keeping with the Procurement Act. Meanwhile, Opposition Councillor Mark Mc Lean commended the efforts made by the REO to provide a detailed presentation on the region’s spending.

However, he said that many contractors in the region are consistently failing at the evaluation level and therefore suggested that the administration provide periodic training to guide them through the process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

Work on Sheriff/Mandela road project moving smoothly

EFFORTS have commenced to lay sections of the Sheriff/ Mandela thoroughfare with asphalt, as the expansion project progresses into its final stages.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has confirmed that construction works have reached 68 per cent. This means that it is on course to achieving its December 2021 deadline.

At present, the project is at least two years behind schedule. In December 2017, the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure signed a contract with Sinohydro Corporation

Limited for rehabilitation of the seven-kilometre stretch of road between Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project was estimated to cost USD$31,027,627.36. It was initially scheduled to commence in March 2017 and be completed within a 24-month period. Construction, however, began in August of that year.

The project later suffered a suspension, owing to health and safety violations committed by the contractor, Sinohydro. Following the protracted

March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the funding agency was re-engaged by the new Irfaan Ali-led government, and works resumed with several sections of the road being worked on simultaneously.

Only recently, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, hosted a consultation exercise with several companies who had concerns pertaining to completion of the previously delayed project.

Banks DIH Limited, Edward B Beharry and Co Limited, Citizens Bank and the

Asphalting works being done on a section of the road (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) were some of the companies consulted and the majority of issues raised were dealt with on the spot.

Once completed, the Sheriff/Mandela project is expected to benefit from improved road-safety infrastructure; better coordinated traffic movements, as well as adequate drainage along the road corridor and its surrounding communities.

The project, according to its outline, is also expected to extend the design life of the

Sheriff/Mandela pavement and its interconnecting structures by at least 20 years. The project will boast a two-lane roadway with a concrete median to divide the two lanes along Sheriff Street. Meanwhile, Mandela Avenue will see expansion of the roadway from a two-lane road to a spanking four-lane thoroughfare, with a central concrete median and shared-use paths.

A roundabout is also set for the junction of Sheriff Street and David Street/Railway Embankment Road.

“The roundabout is starting up. So far, we’ve completed one of the bridges and the other one will commence soon,” the Public Works Minister noted. The Sheriff/Mandela project, according to its work plan, will be outfitted with the requisite road-safety amenities such sidewalks, bicycle lanes and adequate parking spaces.

A pedestrian overpass is also on the cards for the vicinity of the East Ruimveldt and North Ruimveldt secondary schools.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 17, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

Briton John is new... ...From page 24 and mindset of Guyana’s top cyclists; many were battered and bruised from the 100-odd miles of the previous day’s two stages in Berbice and then from the Ancient County to Georgetown.

For 21-year-old John, it was about tactics over the undulating highway and taking the attack to the field; he did so right after Splashmin’s Resort and never looked back.

With rival and friend, Jamual John at his side, the pair blistered through the East Bank Demerara road to finish over three minutes ahead of all other competitors.

As the finish line neared, former national road race champion, Jamual, attempted to break free. He did so twice since he needed to finish by over 14 seconds in order to take the overall prize.

Briton countered in both instances to crush Jamual’s hopes. It then took an aggressive attack from behind by Jamual in the last 1000 metres to surge ahead for the stage victory.

Due to his dominance, the third stage winner also finished second overall, although he started yesterday’s 65-mile race in third position.

Overall, Briton, from We Stand United, won in

a time of 6:56:57, while Jamual, from Foundation, out of New York, placed second in a time of 6:57:09 and Paul DeNobrega third in a time of 7:01:56.

N e w Yo r k c y c l i s t , Raynauth Jeffrey, who won Stage Two on Saturday afternoon, placed fourth with an overall time of 7:02:17. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith finished six seconds behind Jeffrey for the fifth overall position (7:02:23).

Meanwhile, Alex Mendes finished sixth overall, to capture the Masters’ Championship title. The 44-year-old tallied a total time of 7:02:26.

Senior cyclist Kemuel M o s e s ( Te a m A l a n i s ) finished two seconds after in seventh, while Masters cyclists, Steve Fernandes (7:02:29), Paul Choo-weenam (7:02:30), Walter Grant-Stuart (7:02:37) and Ian Jackson (7:02:47) occupied positions 8-11.

Adelie Hodge, Kwame Ridley, Deeraj Garbarran, Segun Hubbard, Jaikarran Sukhai, Curtis Dey, Horace Burrowes and Kwame Fortune rounded off the top 19, in that order.

The Juniors and Females only raced over the first two stages on Saturday.

Overall, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Suzanne Hamilton finished ahead of Shenika Ti e x e i r a a n d A n e i s h a Crandon in the female battle.

David Hicks won the Stage Two Junior battle by a large enough margin to take the overall Junior title, while Mario Washington (Stage One top junior) finished second, Aaron Newton third and teenager, Alex Leung, fourth.

Prior to this weekend, the Independence ThreeStage event was last held in 2016.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr visited the finish line yesterday to interact with the cyclists.

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Phillips cops ‘historic double’... ...From page 24

to sweep both the 200m and 400m during the outdoor season.

Phillips is also the first athlete in her University’s history to win the 200m and 400m at the same outdoor Ohio Valley Conference Championship meet.

Meanwhile, Natricia Hooper erased Guyana’s 26-year-old National women’s Triple Jump record of 13.74 metres and replaced

it with 13.92 metres.

Competing for the University of Florida at the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Championships, Hooper finished third and bettered Nicola Martial’s June 3, 1995 record.

In fact, the distance was good enough to become the University of Florida’s second best all time in the women’s triple jump.

Over in the BIG 12 Conference Outdoor Championships in Manhattan,

Kansas, Chantoba Bright, though missing the podium, was able to set her personal best distances in the Long and Triple Jumps, securing fourth-place finishes in both events.

The lone Guyanese athlete at the university notched 6.47 metres in the women’s Long Jump, while over in the Triple Jump, she leaped a distance of 13.29 metres. Bright also recorded the sixth best mark in Kansas State University’s

history in the triple jump event.

Joanna Archer, also competing in the BIG 12 Conference, finished 7th in the women’s 800M. Archer, suiting up for Texas Tech, ran two minutes, 08.44 seconds.

The athletes are gearing up for the 2021 NCAA Division one outdoor Track and Field Championships, which will be held from June 9 – 12 in Eugene, Oregon.

Suarez rescues Atletico on dramatic day in title race

LUIS Suarez scored a dramatic late winner as Atletico Madrid fought back to beat Osasuna and put themselves on the verge of a first La Liga title for seven years.

Diego Simeone’s side now travel to Real Valladolid in their final game knowing that a win will clinch the title.

Ante Budimir’s header had put Osasuna on course for a shock win and seen Real Madrid briefly top the table.

But Renan Lodi levelled before Suarez steered in Yannick Carrasco’s cross.

Both Atletico goals arrived in the final 10 minutes of a compelling contest - and just as it looked as though they were going

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to have to surrender top spot to their city rivals.

Real, who were leading and went on to win at Athletic Bilbao, were in pole position for the title with two minutes remaining.

Simeone’s side, who have led the table since November and at one stage had a 10-point lead at the top, dominated throughout but initially failed to take advantage of a glut of chances, with the Argentine urging them forward.

Suarez hit the post and flashed a drive wide as the hosts peppered the Osasuna goal with 16 shots during the first half.

And Stefan Savic then had a second-half goal disallowed after a VAR review correctly found he was offside when volleying in

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Luis Suarez from close range.

B u d i m i r ’s h e a d e r, which was also awarded after a review, came after a superb run and cross from Ruben Garcia but was one of just two efforts on target for the visitors.

However, Lodi, who was introduced as a substitute settled home nerves

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with a clinical left-foot effort into the top corner and the hosts more than deserved their victory.

Barcelona had also started Sunday’s penultimate round of fixtures in contention for a fifth title in seven years but lost 2-1 at home to Celta Vigo.

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

Archer ruled out of NZ Test Series Hussey, and rest of Australia

with recurrence of elbow injury contingent in Maldives, set to fly home

Jofra Archer had an injection in March on his longstanding elbow problem.

ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the two Tests against New Zealand next month after a recurrence of his elbow problem.

Archer was unable to bowl on Saturday during Sussex’s County Championship match with Kent, and did not bowl in the game’s final day on Sunday either.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the 26-year-old “was suffering from pain in his right elbow”.

The first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s starts on 2 June.

“The England and Sussex medical teams will now seek guidance, and Archer will see a medical consultant later this week to determine the next course of action on the management of his elbow,” added the ECB. Last month, Archer pulled

out of the now postponed Indian Premier League to focus on his recovery.

Having taken two wickets in the first innings at Hove, Archer had bowled only five overs in Kent’s second innings.

But after rain delayed play until 17:00 BST, it appeared as though he was being gestured to return to the attack by Sussex captain Ben Brown.

Instead, George Garton ended up bowling the second over after the restart from the Sea End. “There was some confusion over the state of Jofra’s elbow,” Sussex head coach Ian Salisbury told BBC Radio Sussex.

“Ben thought he was going to bowl and there was confusion over that, but obviously his elbow is sore so he couldn’t bowl.

“Any other info about

his elbow, unfortunately that’s the England and Wales Cricket Board’s job to mention that.”

Archer cut his right hand cleaning his fish tank in January before England’s tour of India, where he played in two of the four Tests and all five Twenty20 internationals, before the hand required surgery in March.

He also had an injection in March to help deal with the longstanding elbow problem.

Speaking after Sussex’s draw with Kent on Sunday, Brown said: “It was a communication thing with Jofra on Saturday evening.

There is no issue.

“The issue here is a sad one for Jofra. He’s a champion cricketer, so talented and so gifted, but at the moment he cannot do what he wants to do - he cannot do his skill.

“I really feel for him.

He’s in a difficult situation, with that skill of bowling really fast being taken away from him, if you like.

This week has been very challenging for him. He was hopeful about how it would go, but he’s felt pretty sore in this game.

“We all want him to be fully fit and firing for England and for the Ashes and things like that.

“We tried to do what was right for Jofra’s career, and he needed to play in this match to prove his fitness, but it just hasn’t worked out this week.”(BBC Sport)

Michael Hussey has now been cleared to return to Australia on a commercial flight via Doha (BCCI/IPL) MICHAEL Hussey will be home from India on Monday, about the same time as the 38 Australian players, coaches and media land on their return from the Maldives.

Following a series of Covid-19 positive tests, Hussey was unable to join the Maldives group after the postponement of the IPL but returned a negative test on Thursday night India time.

He has now been cleared to return to Australian soil on a commercial flight via Doha.

The larger Maldives contingent, including the

likes of Pat Cummins, David Warner, Steven Smith and Michael Slater, will travel home to hotel quarantine in Sydney, on a BCCI charter flight that will also stopover in Perth once it reaches Australian airspace.

The return of the cricketers, coaches and media have been secured over the incoming arrival caps put in place for overseas travellers to Australia, following negotiations between Cricket Australia, the Australian Cricketers Association, and state and federal governments.

“The public will see our best Australian cricketers as almost superheroes.

They’re brilliant athletes, great cricketers but they’re human beings [too],” Todd Greenberg, the ACA chief executive had said on May 5. “Some of them are fathers and husbands, and they’re under enormous amounts of stress. Some deal with it differently. This will probably be an experience they will never forget. We will help them when they come home. Some will cope with it really well, others will need support and counselling and that’s what we’ll do.

“The last 12 months around the globe, we’ve seen all professional athletes travel differently and charter

flights maybe two years ago would have seen a different type of commentary than what we would see today.

The reality is we’re going to try to keep them as safe as possible and if that’s available, I don’t think we should shy away from that.

“I’m not sure it will create reticence but it will ensure players do their due diligence before they sign [future] agreements,” he added, with the ACA having already advised its players to complete due diligence before signing up for T20 leagues during the pandemic.

“The world is literally changing before our eyes, particularly with Covid and on that side of the world, obviously those cases are going up exponentially.

We’re enjoying our freedoms here in Australia. It is a very different place over there. If anything it sends a message to players about making sure you do your homework before making any decisions.”

A federal government pause on the return o f A u s t r a l i a n s f ro m India concluded on Saturday, with a series of repatriation flights for the first portion of some 9000 citizens beginning over the weekend.

(Cricinfo).

Afridi says politics in internal system almost made him quit international cricket PAKISTAN cricket has been under the scanner lately after several cricketers made massive allegations on the cricket body.

While pacer Mohammad Amir called the selection p o l i c y u n f a i r, v e t e r a n all-rounder Shoaib Malik accused PCB (Pakistan Cricket Body) of nepotism. Now, another Pakistan cricketer made a huge statement against the governing body, and he’s none other than Shahid

Afridi.

The former Pakistan captain recalled how the politics in the internal system almost made him quit international cricket.

One of the finest allrounders to have played for Pakistan, Afridi had a successful career for the Men in Green. He had even led the side in all three formats.

H o w e v e r, h e r e c e n t l y revealed there was a lot of politics in the Pakistan team when Shoaib Malik was appointed captain in 2009.

The same year, the Men in Green had won the ICC T20 World Cup and even Afridi was in impressive form. However, the allrounder wanted to call time on his career due to the system.

“I decided not to play cricket anymore. Shoaib Malik had become the captain and there was a lot of politics going on within the team,” Afridi told Samaa TV. The all-rounder also revealed that a piece of valuable advice from a wise old man made

him rethink his decision and he decided not to hang up his boots.

“He said you’re so worried about your own performance and worldly matters. Just compare your hardships to those of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and you will realise that yours are nothing,” said Afridi recalling advice from a bujurg (wise old man).

Notably, Afridi continued to play international cricket after 2009 and even led the national team. He announced

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Shahid Afridi his retirement from Tests in bid farewell to Test cricket July 2010 but continued to in 2009, retired from ODIs be a crucial member of the post the 2015 ODI World Cup and played T20Is for white-ball setup.

U n d e r h i s l e a d e r- another couple of years. ship, Pakistan reached The all-rounder played his the semi-finals of the 2011 last international game in World Cup. Afridi, who May 2018. (CricTracker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

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Figueroa KOs Nery to unify Joshua confirms Fury super bantamweight titles showdown set for August 14 in Saudia Arabia

Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa after his victory over Luis Nery.

WBA super bantamweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa (22-0-1, 17KO) was relentless in defeating previously undefeated two-division WBC champion Luis Nery (31-1, 24KO) in a WBA and WBC super bantamweight unification bout on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Figueroa showed little

respect to Nery and Nery eventually yielded the middle of the ring. At that point, Figueroa became the hunter and Nery became the hunted.

Nery had no answer to keep the taller, younger and harder punching Figueroa off of him and his only hope seemed to be if he could land a counter punch while Figueroa was coming in.

Despite being in control of the fight, Figueroa never took

his foot off the gas and just kept coming.

The end came at 2:17 in round seven while Figueroa was launching a combination at the retreating Nery. A few punches into the combination, Figueroa landed a hard body shot with Nery having a slightly delayed reaction but then going down in tremendous pain. Nery made a seeming effort to get up to continue but the referee reached the count of 10 making Figueroa the winner and new unified WBC and WBA bantamweight world champion.

Brandon Figueroa, with the victory, also earns the chance to next face WBO super world titlist, Stephen Fulton, who was in attendance ringside, for what will be 3/4 of the unified super bantamweight title.

At the time of the KO, judges had it 57-57, 5955 Nery, 58-56 Figueroa (Fightnews)

TYSON Fury says his world heavyweight title showdown with Anthony Joshua will take place in Saudi Arabia on 14 August.

The all-British bout has been billed as one of the biggest in heavyweight boxing for decades and the winner will become undisputed champion.

Joshua, 31, holds the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, while Fury, 32, is WBC champion.

The fight will see all four belts contested in a heavyweight bout for the first time in history.

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

The winner of the allBritish heavyweight bout will become the undisputed champion.

In announcing the fight date in a video on Twitter, Fury said: “All eyes of the world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and I cannot wait to smash Anthony Joshua on the

biggest stage of all times.

“This is going to be the biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet earth. Do not miss it.”

Although news of the fight is one of boxing’s worst-kept secrets, neither Joshua, his promoter Eddie Hearn or Fury’s co-promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren have officially confirmed it will take place.

Last week, Hearn said that the fight would take place in Saudi Arabia but Fury did not mention a venue.

When Joshua won back the WBA, WBO and IBF belts by beating Andy Ruiz in December 2019, the fight took place Diriyah, on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh.(BBC Sport).

saw him break the Serb in the next game before he went on to hold his serve and nerve to close out the match.

“I had a very positive week and I’m very happy,” said 34-year-old Nadal, who will defend his French Open title when the tournament at Roland Garros starts on 30 May. The match was their 57th meeting and Djokovic, 33, has had his lead in their headto-head wins tally cut to 29-28.

It proved an enthrall-

ing final and, despite Nadal being broken in his first service game, he recovered it as the Serb dropped his serve in the next game.

Nadal was angered by a fall after he slid on the line in the seventh game but recovered his composure to go on and take the first set.

Djokovic drew level with a comprehensive display and quick second set before he had a chance to assert himself in the decider.

H o w e v e r, N a d a l saved two break points

at 2-2 and, after going 40-0 up in the next game, sealed a crucial break with a backhand down the line before securing victory in two hours and 49 minutes.

In the men’s doubles final, Britain’s Joe Salisbury and American partner Rajiv Ram lost out to Croatian pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

Salisbury and Ram, who were beaten finalists at the Australian Open in February, were beaten 6-4 7-6 (74) in one hour and 24 minutes.(BBC Sport)

Nadal beats Djokovic to win Italian Open final in Rome

‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal defeats Novak Djokovic to win his 10th Italian Open title in Rome.

RAFAEL Nadal won his 10th Italian Open with a 7-5 1-6 6-3 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic in Rome.

Both players dropped serve early on in the first set before Nadal took it after securing the key break at 5-5.

Djokovic dominated

the second set but paid for not taking two break points in the fifth game of the decider.

A stunning backhand from Spaniard Nadal

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

Kobe Bryant formally inducted into Hall of Fame in postponed ceremony

Michael Jordan joined Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, on stage KOBE Bryant has been posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The five-time NBA champion died, aged 41, in a helicopter crash in January 2020 alongside his 13-yearold daughter Gianna and seven others.

He was presented at the ceremony in Connecticut by NBA great Michael Jordan and his widow, Vanessa, accepted his induction on his behalf.

In a speech, she said: “You did it, you’re in the Hall of Fame now.”

Vanessa Bryant added:

“You’re a true champ. You’re not just an MVP, you are an all-time great. I’m so proud of you. I love you forever and always, Kobe Bean Bryant.”

Los Angeles Lakers great Bryant retired in 2016; he was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008, was Finals MVP twice and earned 18 All-Star selections.

He was in the United States team that won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012.

The 2020 Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony was delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tim Duncan, a five-time NBA champion with the San

Antonio Spurs, and Kevin Garnett, who helped the Boston Celtics win the championship in 2008, were among the other inductees.

Each inductee is given 10 minutes for their acceptance speech, but the clock was turned off for Vanessa Bryant, who was later joined on stage by her youngest daughters Capri and Bianka.

“I know Kobe was really looking forward to being here,” she said. “He didn’t really talk about upcoming awards, but he did mention this one a week before he and Gigi passed.

“If my husband were here tonight, he would have a long list of people to thank who helped inspire him and get him into the Hall of Fame.

At the risk of leaving anyone out, I can only say, ‘Thank you.’ To all those who helped him get here, you know who you are.”

She added: “There will never be anyone like Kobe.

Kobe was one of a kind. He was special. He was humble - off the court - but bigger than life.”(BBC Sport).

Barker and Abbott propel

Hampshire to seven-wicket win

HAPSHIRE wrapped up a seven-wicket win inside three days under the lights after Middlesex collapsed at Lord’s.

Resuming still 41 behind Middlesex on 131-7, bighitting from Keith Barker (84) carried Hampshire to 207 all out - and a 36-run

first-innings lead.

Kyle Abbott (5-41) and Mohammed Abbas (3-24) then bundled Middlesex out for 101 in fewer than 30 overs.

Hants wobbled after a rain delay, but Ian Holland (22) and Sam Northeast (18 not out) took them across

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the line.

Hampshire’s third win of the season moved them level on points with second-place Somerset in Group Two, while Middlesex remained second bottom, just four points above Leicestershire after a fifth defeat in six matches.

Bowlers had been firmly in charge for the opening two days, but Barker turned the game on its head with a blistering counter-attack.

After bringing up his 19th first-class 50, he then hit 34 off his next 19 balls including 18 from one Tim Murtagh over - before he finally fell to a superb Peter Handscomb catch off James Harris.

Middlesex lost openers Sam Robson and Jack Davies and first-innings top-scorer Nick Gubbins before they had bridged the deficit.

And they were five down and just 13 ahead when Abbott removed Middlesex skipper Handscomb for the second time in the match, for 24, the Australian’s highest score in four matches this

Federer calls for end to Tokyo Games uncertainty (REUTERS) - Tennis great Roger Federer has called on Olympics organisers to end the uncertainty around the Tokyo Games, with the 20time Grand Slam winner saying he was still in two minds whether to compete.

The Olympics are set to run from July 23 to August 8 after being postponed in March last year over the coronavirus pandemic.

But Japan, battling a surge of infections, has extended until the end of May a state of emergency in its capital, Tokyo, and three areas.

“Honestly I don’t know what to think. I’m a bit between the two,” Federer, who won a doubles gold in the 2008 Beijing Games and a silver in singles four years later in London, told Swiss television station Leman Bleu on Friday.

“I would love to play in the Olympics, win a medal for Switzerland. It would make me especially proud.

But if it doesn’t happen because of the situation, I would be the first to understand.

“I think what the athletes need is a decision: is it going to happen or is it not going to happen?

“At the moment, we have the impression that it will happen. We know it’s a fluid

20-time grand slam winner Roger Federer situation. And you can also decide as an athlete if you want to go. If you feel there’s a lot of resistance, maybe it’s better not to go. I don’t know.”

A petition calling for the cancellation of the rescheduled Games garnered 350 000 signatures in nine days and was submitted to organisers on Friday, raising new questions about whether the Olympics should go ahead.

Rafael Nadal, who is tied with Federer at 20 for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams this week said they were still unsure of competing in Tokyo.

J a p a n ’s t o p - r a n k e d women’s and men’s tennis players - Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori - also added

Keith Barker added 61 in just 60 balls to his overnight 23 to turn the game on its head. season.

Barker was in the game again when he had Martin Andersson trapped in front for his 50th first-class wicket for Hampshire.

But, after taking 6-44 in the first innings, Abbott again starred, mopping up the tail after tea to finish with match figures of 11-85.

Hampshire appeared to be cruising to the total when a third rain break of the day paused their chase at 23-0, and they quickly lost Joe Weatherley and Liam Dawson after the resumption.

Holland then became Murtagh’s second wicket

with 26 still needed, but with rain threatening a wash-out of Sunday’s play, and the Lord’s floodlights on for the extra half hour, Northeast hit four fours in a 13-ball cameo of 18 to seal victory.

Middlesex captain Peter Handscomb: “To come out and still be upbeat in the field and try and take a few of them with us was credit to our bowling group and the fielders.

“But, ultimately we’ve got to be better with the bat.

To be bowled out for 101 anywhere, regardless of what the wicket’s doing, is not going to be good enough.

their voice to the concerns, saying the risks of holding the Olympics amid the pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Federer, a father of four, said he had taken the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’m glad that I could do it, with all the travelling I do,” said Federer, who will play the Geneva Open next week, his second tournament since returning in March after a year out due to knee problems.

“Even if I’m staying in Switzerland, I think there are advantages. Above all, I did it for others because I don’t want to give it to anyone else, even if I still remain very careful.

“We’re very careful with the family and with our friends.”

“Blake Cullen’s a young kid coming in, trying his hardest and it’s really good to see. I loved what he did.

I was interested to see how he’d take the new ball and he doesn’t disappoint - he’s swinging it and trying to take poles.”

Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker: “Once we got past them, we were confident with the ball and Abbo and Mo bowled brilliantly. We just kept it tight and we got a few lucky wickets on the way but, all in all, we bowled brilliantly.

“We had our eye on the weather so it was a tough one - do we stick or twist? Hold out and bat and see how we get on with the weather or do we get it done? Fortunately we got it done.

“I just saw it as an o p p o r t u n i t y, w i t h t h e short boundary. It was still doing quite a bit and they’d changed the ball because the other one went out of shape, so I thought if we could make the most of the hard ball, every run counts.”(BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday May 17, 2021

23

Barcelona thrash Chelsea 4-0 in JFF confident in COVID-19 Women’s Champions League final protocols for Japan tour

CHELSEA conceded four goals in the first 36 minutes as Barcelona blew them away to win their first Women’s Champions League title in Gothenburg.

Chelsea trailed 33 seconds in when an attempted clearance hit Melanie Leupolz and went in for an own goal, and Alexia Putellas’ penalty made it 2-0.

Aitiana Bonmati finished an intricate move and Caroline Graham Hansen tapped in to put a rampant Barca out of sight.

Despite a spirited second-half display there was no way back for the Blues.

Barcelona become the first club to clinch both the men’s and women’s Champions League title, while this was the biggest ever winning margin in a women’s final.

Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side had hoped to add a European crown to their Women’s Super League and League Cup triumphs this season, as they looked to become only the second English side in history, after Arsenal in 2007, to complete the quadruple.

It was Chelsea’s first Champions League final - and the first time an English side had reached the showpiece since Arsenal lifted the trophy in 2007 - and it showed with a nervous start, and failure to turn the tide once things began to unravel.

In the first attack of the

Jamaica Football Federation president, Michael Ricketts.

Barcelona are the first Spanish side to win the Women’s Champions League. game Lieke Martens struck the bar for the Spanish champions from outside the box and from a subsequent cross Fran Kirby’s attempted clearance rebounded off team-mate Leupolz and freakishly looped in over goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Chelsea’s Pernille Harder missed a golden chance to level when she shot over when unmarked from Jess Carter’s deep cross, and they were punished as Leupolz caught Jennifer Hermoso with her trailing leg in the box and Putellas calmly sent Berger the wrong way from the spot.

Putellas then played a wonderful first-time pass for Bonmati to slot home a third

inside 20 minutes before Martens beat Niamh Charles and showed composure to pick out Hansen for well-worked fourth goal.

Chelsea were high on endeavour after the break but failed to create any notable chances, while Barca’s Asisat Oshoala had a last-gasp goal ruled out for offside.

Barca right the wrongs of 2019 It was a second Champions League final for Barcelona and the lessons learned from their previous experience proved invaluable this time round.

Against seven-time winners Lyon in 2019 they found themselves 3-0 down inside 20 minutes before going on to

lose 4-1.

Two years later and it was they who were handing out that punishment, showing that ruthless edge that Chelsea do not yet have on the highest European stage.

Barca knocked out Chelsea’s biggest domestic rivals Manchester City in the quarter-finals and while the WSL now seems to be attracting the highest revenues and biggest names in Europe, this shows the level of its top clubs is still that bit below the leading one or two teams on the continent.

The Spanish side’s triumph brings an end to Lyon’s run of five Champions League titles in a row.(BBC Sport)

GFF scholarship awardee scores perfect GPA in first year GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) scholarship awardee, Shennel Daniels, has successfully completed her first year as a business student at Bryant and Stratton College in the U.S. with flying colours, securing perfect academic scores and playing every minute available for the Bobcats women’s soccer team.

Daniels received a part-scholarship from the GFF to support her pursuit of an associate degree in business at the college’s Syracuse campus. She scored straight A grades in both her mid-term and final reports to achieve a perfect GPA (grade point average) of 4.0.

The GFF, in a release on Saturday, said the former Fruta Conquerors player also made her mark on the Bryant and Stratton Bobcats women’s soccer team, being selected in every starting line-up and completing the full 90 minutes in all their matches.

“Having achieved a GPA of 4.0 in all my studies and being able to perform well on the

Guyana Football Federation’s s c h o l a r s h i p awardee, Shennel Daniels Bobcats women’s soccer team is really a wonderful feeling and a great achievement for me,” Daniels said.

“I am very happy and proud of my achievement in soccer and in my studies at this point of my journey.”

“I would like to personally thank the Guyana Football Federation for all the help and support you’ve given me when I first obtained the scholarship from Bryant and Stratton Col-

lege. I am grateful for the support I have received and I look forward to your continuous support as I enter my second year at Bryant and Stratton College.”

Part of the GFF’s strategic plan is to provide meaningful opportunities for Guyanese footballers, including college scholarships, trials with professional clubs and vocational training.

In April, for example, the GFF joined forces with MACORP to offer 10 excavator training scholarships for male and female footballers.

“We are extremely proud of the impact Shennel has made on her college experience, both in her outstanding academic achievements and in her onfield performances for the Bobcats,” GFF President Wayne Forde said.

“She is rapidly proving herself to be an exceptional ambassador for Guyana, the GFF and our football community.”

“We look forward to supporting her further on this journey as she continues to excel in

her studies and football career.

As a role model, we hope Shennel’s achievements will inspire many more young female footballers in Guyana to follow in her footsteps.”

Bryant and Stratton’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Alex Grigorita, was full of praise for his new star player and student.

“Shennel became an important part of our starting line-up,” Grigorita explained.

“She was able to adjust quickly to the demands and athleticism of college soccer.

Her experience and knowledge allowed her to be competitive at a high level. Shennel was able to cover a few different positions for us, and we were very happy with her performance on the field and in the classroom.”

“Shennel accomplished the highest possible GPA of 4.0 in all of her classes. This is an exceptional achievement and everyone is very proud and happy for her,” he said.

Daniels’ scholarship with the college was facilitated by former national team player, Kevin Beaton.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaica Football Federation chief, Michael Ricketts, has given the assurance that all COVID-19 health protocols will be in place for the Reggae Boyz three-game tour of Japan next month.

In making the announcement of the fixtures recently, Ricketts said there had been collaboration with the Japan Football Association and government, to ensure all relevant protocols would be established for the June 3-12 tour, amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, Japan authorities reported 5 262 new infections of COVID-19, moving the active cases to 83 616 and overall reported infections to 685 131, since the start of the pandemic.

We are satisfied with the arrangements for our players and staff members are comprehensive in respect of safety in this current pandemic,” Ricketts said.

“I want to thank all those involved with the relevant negotiations in order for these games to come to fruition and I am sure the technical staff is very appreciative.”

He added: “So we have had extensive discussions in this regard and all detailed protocols have been put in place by the Japanese FA in conjunction and collaboration with the Japanese Government.

“In fact, we were instructed not to make an official announcement because

the Japanese Government was waiting to formalise a protocol system that would be able to accommodate us.”

The Reggae Boyz, the highest-ranked English-speaking Caribbean side in the FIFA World rankings, will take on the hosts on June 3 in Sapporo, a city north of the capital Tokyo, before clashing with Serbia in Kobe, a city just west of Osaka.

Jamaica wrap up their tour on June 12 with a fixture against the country’s Olympic side in Nagoya, a few hours outside Tokyo.

The tour is part of the Caribbean powerhouses’ preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting July 10 in the United States and their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament which gets underway in September.

Head coach Theodore Whitmore, an outstanding former national player, said the games in Japan would be key to Jamaica’s preparation.

“This is an important year for the Reggae Boyz in so far as international competition is concerned,” he noted.

“We welcome the two matches against Japan and Serbia as these are important games to fine-tune our preparations for the Gold Cup. We anticipate a very competitive roster and view this as positive.”

The JFF have named a strong 30-man squad for the tour.

Briton John is new Independence Three-Stage cycling champion

-Jamual John finishes second overall after victory in final stage

Jamual John finished second overall after winning the third stage of the meet.

Briton John is the new Independence Three-Stage Champion. (Elvin Croker photos)

BRITON John entered yesterday’s final stage of the Guyana Cycling Federation Independence Three-Stage meet with a lead against his competitors, but instead of only countering their attacks, he made one of his own—which ensured that he finished as overall champion of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport-sponsored event.

The race from Kara Kara, in Linden, to Banks DIH at Thirst Park, on the outskirts of the capital city, tested the endurance, skills Continued on page 19...

Phillips cops ‘historic double’; Hooper breaks Triple Jump record …Bright sets ‘PB’ in Long & Triple Jumps

Natricia Hooper takes flight for the ‘Gators’ to set a new Guyana women’s National Triple Jump record (13.92 metres) on May 15, 2021.

Kenisha Phillips won the women’s 200m and 400m for Austin Peay State University

By Rawle Toney IT was a historic weekend for Guyana’s Track and Field athletes across the respective National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) conferences outdoor championships, with Chantoba Bright, Natricia

Hooper and Kenisha Phillips leaving their mark.

Phillips won the 200m and 400m events for Austin Peay State University, while competing at the 2021 Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Championships, hosted by Eastern Illinois at O’Brien Field. In the 400 metres,

Phillips crossed the line in 53.47 seconds, and then returned to clock 23.35 seconds in the 200 metres.

In the process, Phillips became the first Ohio Valley Conference athlete, since Tennessee Tech’s Na’Asha Robinson in 2017 and 2018, Continued on page 19

GFF scholarship awardee scores perfect GPA in first year

See page 23

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| MONDAY, May 17, 2021