Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-06-2021

THURSDAY 17th June, 2021

No. 106394

Health Minister: No ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in fighting COVID-19

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Saving lives not an overpriced option

― Health Ministry rejects divisive statements from Opposition Leader

Sloppy contractors under scrutiny 3 SEE PAGE

― President orders review of all maintenance contracts for drainage structures ―urges activation of penalty clauses where needed; insertion of penalty clauses where absent

Jagdeo to appeal 5 ruling in libel case

USAID to provide 5 $6.2M in flood relief to Guyana

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Unprepared for fatherhood at 17, but fully committed to his son 15 SEE PAGE

Abishai Caesar sentenced to 3 death for gruesome murders SEE PAGE

Death row convict: Abishai Caesar

Jennifer Persaud, Afridi Bacchus and Jadon Ernest

Patterson’s future as PAC Saving lives not an overpriced option ay tod e vot for ly like Chair 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

-- Health Ministry rejects divisive statements from Opposition Leader February 1, 2021, during

AS the 29th Sitting of THE Ministry of Health has conParliament 12th the said that saving the lives venes today, the Houseof Guyanese is not an overa expected ispriced option,to anddebate at no time to reintended motion did Guyana procure vaccines from an illegal entity and memopposition move accessed vaccines secretly David Patterson as ber from anyone, as it rejected the Pubof Opposition Chairperson statements from Leader, JosephCommittee Harmon as Accounts lic malicious.

(PAC).

According to the ministry, appointin aPatterson statement,was it has followed Decemin Chair ed thePAC established procedure and has established legally-binding ber 2020; however, on contracts to ensure the timely

of the sixth ofmeeting delivery these vaccines, the pointing out that Harmon’s of Minister committee, statements on these matters are and Affairs Parliamentary intended to add to the whisper Gail Teixei-to Governance, campaign in communities slow down athe COVID-19 callmotion moved ra, vaccination campaign. to be for Patterson ing “His Excellency, President opporeplaced Irfaan Ali,by hasanother also announced the PAC. of paid. sition prices member Guyana has It has never been a secret Guyana premised had that Teixeira paid $US22on dose the factofthat motion perthe her Sputnik V vaccine and $US17 facing pubPatterson per dose ofwas Sinopharm.

These to relating prices include all associated allegations lic cost, including ground and air

transport.

“We are disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition believes that the price Guyana paid for Sputnik V vaccines is overpriced. When he admitted in Parliament that he could not get a better price, the Ministry of Health will never believe that saving the lives of our people is an overpriced option. Guyana has sought to procure directly from the Russian Sovereign Fund, but with no firm commitments on a delivery schedule, Guyana opted to utilise a supplier.

It wasof a good investment Parliamentary Minister for our people at the time. It Gail Teixeira remains a good investment at this time. The Ministry of Health has no apologies in this mismanagement fraud and regard,” the ministry He was, funds. said. of public The Opposition Leader, the to deemed therefore, ministry pointed out hasunfit openly the of work the spearhead declared that in vaccinating 223,659 persons with a with first is tasked PAC, which dose and the 92,157 fully vacscrutinising irregularities cinated persons so far, the price in the highlighted paid was not worth it. Auditor annual But the (AG)’s Health Ministry General noted that no one who is fully reports. vaccinated in Guyana has ended mothat Unit time ofCare the up inAtthe Intensive examwas PAC the tion, (ICU); none has died, contending that this investment in of the findings ining the Guyanese is entirely worth it. which Report, 2016 AG The ministry also said that ithighlighted has followed the“paragraph standard opworth paragraph” after procedures eration (SOPs) for

procurement, always obtaining the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’s approval for procurement. In terms of the single-sourcing of vaccines, the ministry said that there is no availability from different sources that permit open tendering.

Guyana has purchased, through direct procurement, Sputnik V vaccines from the Office of Admed Dalmook Al Maktoum; Johnson and Johnson and other vaccines from the African Union and SinoPharm vaccines from Governance, and Sinopharm.

Affairs Guyana has sought to propart of infractions cure from any ofon thethe entities or with vaccines apof Public the Ministry ofcountries proved for use in those counby headed Infrastructure, tries. parhis during Patterson “We will continue to do so and2015-2020 procure vaccines from in tenure ty’s sources with authentic availgovernment. ability,” the ministry said, intertelephone In athat stressing Guyana has not Minister Sunday, from view on vaccines procured any illegal sourcereminded as suggestedthat by Teixeira the opposition. the motion did not seek “We are not aware of, have as a Patterson remove to seen not any evidence, and none thethePAC, of by was presented Leaderbut of member the Opposition, anyhim other to calledorfor simply person or entities, that show another with replaced be Sheik Al Maktoum is an interPAC opposition national fraudster or member. wanted in

So far, Guyana has been able to secure vaccines from However, the other has indicated that since the following sources: of efa series February, opposition three* COVAX - GuyanaPAC is a signatory in the COVAX agreemade to beenZeneca have ment and has receivedMahiso far 62,400 of Astra fortsdoses Ganesh members, Vaccine Jermaine Figueira stymie the furtherance of paul, * Barbados - Guyana received 3,000 doses of AstraZenmotion Fernandes, Juretha and eca as a donation from Barbados the committee’s Patterson. against Pattake to have *refused China - Guyana received 20,000 Sinopharm doses “Funof vaccinesplace. as a donation damentally, he uses evhaveChina They from terson’s *vehemently India - Guyana received 80,000 of the prevent the to AstraZenmeans ery doses insisting been eca vaccine from India. {Note that Guyana, in turn, donated put to being from motion former thedoses that 5,000 of this minister vaccine to Barbados].

Government the a vote,” con- doses full 400,000 * Guyanathe procured of Sputnik V vaccines has earned from Dubai.

Guyana has received of this noted.

Whip doses Chief305,000 his Coalition of [Note fidence so far. Guyana expects to receive 95,000 doses of Sputnik She said that the Partnership A this – the party vaccines from procurement to arrive in Guyana soon “mind-boggling” for National * China - Unity Guyana +hasAlprocured 100,000 doses ofsituation SinopharmFor vaccines from(APChina and expect even to receive this the though persists, Change liance shipment within the next two weeks. committee was advised NU+AFC). * African Union/CARICOM Agreement - Guyana is by occasions on multiple has since Patterson part of an AU/CARICOM Agreement to purchase vaccines Speakand Clerk the both charged criminally been from the AU. In this procurement arrangement, Guyana is procuring 148,000defrauddoses of vaccines. portion of this Assemwill National er ofAthe allegedly for be made up of Johnson Harand Johnson that the motion was blyvaccines.

ing the Demerara bour Bridge Corporation any country.–The Ministrypreof an agency (DHBC) Health rejects the Leader of the his purview. under viously Opposition’s mischievous and Member The opposition malicious attempt to derail the beis alsoproof Parliament COVID-19 vaccination gramme in Guyana. Instead, we as part ing investigated will again encourage him,scanof the gift-giving stop his divisiveness, stop underminallegedly which hedrive, dal, ing theinvaccination and valugifts ask that he encourages everyfrom benefited one take their vaccines,” the $2 million, than ingto more ministry said. that were agencies from By any standards, the his remit. Vaccinaunder COVID-19 Guyana tion programme has been sucTeixeira Meanwhile,

valid. “This is a serious which cessful so far.[sic], As of in June 15, of events 2021, Guyana has vaccinated the chairman has refused 223,659 persons (46 per cent the minister oftothecomply,” adult population) with added. the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

Guyana has also fulhighlighted It was lythat vaccinated 92,157 persons the 3, 2021, on May (17 per cent of the adult popNationthe of Speaker ulation) against COVID-19.

Manzoor Assembly, Atalthis moment, Guyana is ranked as wrote the country with to PatterNadir, the most vaccines in CARson indicating that his ICOM, ahead of all countries

in this region with populapage 4 Seepeople. tions above 600,000

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Sloppy contractors under scrutiny GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

-- President orders review of all maintenance contracts for drainage structures

-- urges activation of penalty clauses where needed; insertion of penalty clauses where absent PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, has instructed Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, to “immediately review all service and maintenance contracts within the sphere of the Government of Guyana, and the entire State structure, in relation to drainage pumps, sluices, kokers and drainage and irrigation, generally”.

The Head of State’s orders come as Guyana remains in a state of disaster due to flooding. Earlier in the month, Dr. Ali made an impromptu visit to several pump stations across Georgetown and on the outskirts of the City, where he found pump attendants sleeping, sluice doors closed, and pumps switched off. These scenarios sought to exacerbate the devastation of the ongoing countrywide floods.

President Ali has ordered that the AG “enforce any penalty clause against contractors who are in breach of their obligations under these [servicing and maintenance] contracts.”

In instances where the pen-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his impromptu visit to several drainage pumps and outlets earlier in the month

alty clauses are absent from the contracts, Minister Nandlall was asked to ensure that such contracts are renegotiated for the purpose of inserting penalty clauses, which can be activated when contractors fail to discharge their duties.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has informed that government will be launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding flooding in Georgetown.

The minister believes that

flooding in Georgetown is particularly due to negligence and carelessness on the part of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

“There seems to be some sabotage going on in the town,” minister Mustapha posited. He said that whenever its rains excessively in Capital, “two or three pumps suddenly become inoperable.”

The minister reminded that the ongoing flood is a national disaster that requires an allhands-on-deck approach to

find solutions and enact relief mechanisms.

“Let us don’t play politics with people’s lives in the City… they [Georgetown Mayor and City Council] must get their act together,” Mustapha noted.

He related that the flooding experienced by Georgetown on Wednesday is as a result of three key drainage ports becoming inoperable at Cowan Street, Commerce Street, and River’s View.

The minister indicated that new engineers will be assigned to the City, and would be responsible for ensuring the 24hour operations of all drainage apparatus.

Minister Mustapha said that even though he has spoken to officials of the Georgetown M&CC on multiple occasions, they have not been doing anything to alleviate the effects of the flood waters on residents.

“The City Council will also have to play their part… the City Council is not doing anything,” minister Mustapha related.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in its daily report said that the number of flood-affected households nationwide has surpassed 36,083 in at least 300 communities across all 10 Administrative regions.

In some areas such as Kwakwani in Region 10, floodwaters have surpassed 15 feet, forcing persons to seek alternative housing. Many persons have settled in with close family and friends, while others have been set up at government-operated shelters. So far, the CDC said that a total of 216 persons are currently being housed in a total of nine shelters activated in Regions Two, Five, Nine and 10.

Since the floods began in May, the Irfaan Ali-led government has ‘dived’ into emergency response gear, providing much to almost every affected household. So far, a total of 21,284 cleaning hampers and 26,045 food hampers have been distributed across the country, as a form of emergency relief.

President Ali has since promised the administration’s support in assisting citizens in their rebuilding and recovery efforts.

Meanwhile, Guyana is not yet in the clear, with continued rainfall expected well into the month of July.

As a matter of fact, the National Weather Watch Centre has projected deteriorated weather conditions for the coastland, with expected thunder showers. Moreover, Guyanese are urged to take the necessary precautions to safeguard against possible wind, lightning, and mudslides.

It was only on Monday night that the government successfully secured a $10 billion Supplementary Budget to address a number of issues stemming from the ongoing floods. These issues include increased flood-relief support for residents, as well as monies to conduct critical repairs to a number of public infrastructures such as roads and bridges that have been damaged by the ongoing floods.

Abishai Caesar sentenced to death for gruesome murders

By Clestine Juan

NINE years after the gruesome killing of Anna Catherina liquor store owner, Jennifer Persaud, and her two sons, Abishai Caesar, was, on Wednesday, handed three death sentences for the crimes.

Justice Sandil Kissoon said he had no other alternative but to impose a sentence of death on Caesar, since the convict treated life and death as “meaningless” and showed no remorse for his horrific actions.

Caesar, who was represented by lawyer, Rachael Bakker, had initially denied the three counts of murder when his trial commenced at the High Court in Demerara.

According to the indictment presented by State Prosecutor, Lisa Cave, Caesar murdered 41-year-old Jennifer Persaud called “Jenny,” and her sons, six-year-old Afridi Bacchus and 18-month-old Jadon Ernest, between September 21 and 22, 2012, at Sea View, Anna Catherina. A 12-member jury, on May 28, 2021, found Caesar guilty of the heinous crime.

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, a probation report was read in court by a probation officer. The probation officer told the court that Caesar had previously served in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and was also a teacher for a short period.

The probation officer told

the court that Caesar is currently enrolled in a barbering course and anger management counselling while behind bars.

The prison authorities stated that Caesar is a well-behaved prisoner and would help other inmates with their studies.

The businesswoman’s father, Kumar Persaud, also gave a statement in court during the sentencing hearing to express his gratitude for the verdict.

“I’m happy with the verdict; justice has been served. My daughter and grandsons can finally rest in peace,” the man told the court.

Before imposing sentence, the judge told the court: “This crime that was committed by Abishai Caesar is a despicable unparallel act of cold-blooded ruthless savagery where an entire family…was meticulously and methodically brutally executed by Caesar while these three persons were in the security of their home.”

The trial judge then turned to Caesar and said “You have treated life and death as meaningless. It is only right, it is only proper, and it is only just, in view of your horrific crimes having regards to the exceptional and specific circumstances that… you be sentenced to death.”

The judge told the convict that he will be taken to a lawful prison to suffer death on all three counts in a manner authorised by law.

Death row convict: Abishai Caesar

One of the main witnesses in the case was Zoey Phillips, the former reputed wife of Caesar and neighbour of Persaud.

“Abishai said to me that he was going over to Jenny to get some money because he was broke,” Phillips had told the court during her testimony.

The couple then went into the kitchen in the lower flat of their home, where Caesar armed himself with a knife and a pair of green gloves. He was clad in a pair of 3/4 pants at the time.

The witness said that Caesar went to the back of their house and gained entry into their neighbour’s yard through an opening in the zinc fence.

According to Phillips, her neighbour had clear glass windows and so she was able to see Caesar in the woman’s house by peeping through the louvre window in her bedroom. After

Jennifer Persaud, Afridi Bacchus and Jadon Ernest

seeing Caesar as he went up the stairs to Persaud’s home, Phillips claimed that she went to bed and fell asleep. She was later awakened by the sound of a woman screaming and sat on her bed. Thirty minutes later, Caesar called for her and she went downstairs into the kitchen and opened the back door for him.

According to Phillips, Caesar had a small cardboard beer box in his hands, and told her that that was all he had gotten from raiding Persaud’s home.

The box contained a number of $20 and $100 bills which amounted to $3,000. He also came back with the pair of gloves and a knife, both of which had what appeared to be blood. There were also what appeared to be spots of blood on his pants.

The witness disclosed that her reputed husband told her that Persaud woke up and saw

him in her house and he killed her because she saw his face and knew him well.

Caesar, Phillips explained, told her that while he was stabbing Jennifer, the older son woke up and saw him. This caused him to kill the older son and later the baby. The couple then went to the seawall, where Caesar threw the knife into the river. They then went into the

street and Caesar threw the gloves and pants into some bushes.

The witness said they returned to their home and went to sleep.

In 2019, Caesar was first tried before Justice Brassington Reynolds, but the case was sent for retrial after a 12-member jury was unable to arrive at a verdict.

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Region One woman is latest COVID-19 fatality; 128 new cases recorded

T H E re c e n t d e a t h o f a 5 4 - y e a r- o l d w o m a n from Region One (Barima-Waini) who had tested positive for COVID-19, has pushed the country’s toll for June 2021, to 40.

The Ministry of Health, in a report released on Wednesday, said the woman had been admitted to one of its facilities for treatment after testing positive but succumbed on Tuesday, while receiving medical care.

The ministry, in its daily COVID-19 dashboard for June 16, reported that a total of 438 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded thus far.

In the meantime, the

Ministry of Health has also recorded 128 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,421 tests conducted for Wednesday, June 16.

Of those, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded five; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), eight; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 43; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 10; Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), one; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 35, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 24.

The newly infected per-

sons comprised 58 males and 70 females.

Currently, there are 21 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 113 in institutional isolation, and 1,509 isolated at home. There are currently no persons in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 18,658 cases of COVID-19 since the arrival of the deadly virus in the country. Of that number, 1643 are currently active; and of the 16,577 recoveries, 176 were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

Nearly 20% of adult population fully immunised against COVID-19 AS of Tuesday, June 15, some 223,659 adults have received the first dose of the Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, or Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, accounting for approximately 45.9 per cent of Guyana’s adult population.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, who made the revelation during his COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, said some 92,157 persons have also received their

A woman receiving her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

second dose of the vaccine which is equivalent to about 18.9 per cent of the adult population.

He noted that the three vaccines currently available in Guyana are highly effective.

“The vaccines that we currently have in Guyana, and those that are… I would say globally, they are all very good vaccines. They work, they’re effective, they’re safe, and as of this week, the WHO would have said about 2.2 billion persons would have received vaccines. So, we know that these vaccines are working,” Anthony said.

He reminded persons that receiving only one dose of the vaccine would not fully immunise them against the

virus, and highlighted that there have been no recorded hospitalisations or deaths in persons who have received both doses of the vaccine.

“So if there’s any proof that you’d like to have, in a sense, here is the proof that this is working. Because none of those persons have come to the hospital, or died from COVID. So, it’s very clear, if you take both doses of the vaccine, you are going to be protected. And that is what we want people to be; safe and protected,” he continued.

He also urged everyone who has received their first dose to ensure they receive the second dose. He called on all adult Guyanese to take the vaccine if they have not done so.

Jagdeo to appeal ruling in libel case HIGH court judge, Sandra Kurtzious, on Wednesday, affirmed her awarding of a default libel judgement against V i c e - P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo, in a proceeding filed by former Minister of Communities, Annette Ferguson.

However, the judge recanted the $20M previously granted, and is expected to assess a new quantum of damages with the parties involved come July 28, 2021.

Jagdeo’s attorney, Devindra Kissoon is expected to file an appeal against the judge’s ruling.

In March, Justice Kurtzious had rendered the default judgement in the libel proceedings filed

by Ferguson, who served under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration.

The proceedings resulted from statements made

by Jagdeo alleging in December 2019, that Ferguson had acquired significant

wealth in only two years of being the housing minister, and used her public office to acquire several plots of lands at Eccles, East Bank Demerara on which she was constructing a mansion, which was published in

Procedure Rules (CPR).

Ferguson’s application was granted on March 11, 2021 and was awarded default judgement against Jadgeo in the sum of $20,000,000, along with costs in the sum of $75,000.

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Minister of Housing, Annettee Ferguson

the Guyana Times newspapers. The libel proceeding against Guyana Times is still ongoing.

Ferguson and her team of attorneys had applied for default judgement after Jagdeo had failed to file a defence within the prescribed time outlined in the Civil

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that when the proceedings were filed, Jagdeo was represented by the current Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, who appeared at the hearings for injunctions which were also applied for in

proceedings, filed the required affidavits, and made legal submissions.

Subsequently, on February 25, 2020, the court dismissed the applications filed for injunctions after considering the affidavits and hearing the legal submissions made. Jagdeo pleaded the defence of justification and fair comment in his affidavits.

On or about February 24, 2020, a defence on behalf of Jagdeo became due under the Rules of Court; however, that defence, though prepared, was inadvertently never filed due to a series of exceptional circumstances which resulted in Jagdeo and his legal team being unreservedly occupied.

A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Devindra Kissoon, shortly after, moved to have the judgement set aside and filed a notice of application seeking to have Ferguson’s Statement of Claim dismissed on the basis of delay.

USAID to provide $6.2M in flood relief to Guyana THE United States Government, via its Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to providing “immediate humanitarian assistance” in the form of US$30,000 or in excess of GY$6.2 million to Guyana which has been battling floods caused by heavy rainfall.

This disclosure was made on Wednesday by Clinton White, Regional Representative of USAID’s Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission. He told a news conference hosted at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Georgetown that US$15,000 of the monies will be directed to the Guyana Red Cross Society for the purchase and transportation of relief hampers including cleaning and personal hygiene kits. The remaining US$15,000, White said, will go towards aiding the ongoing efforts of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

White, who is in Guyana as part of an official five-day visit, said that the ongoing floods point to the very real and crippling effects of climate change, and the need for comprehensive mitigation efforts. In addition to Guyana, Suriname has also been

experiencing severe floods. The USAID representative recognised that the Caribbean region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. “The impact of Climate Change in the region is huge, personally, environmentally, and economically,” White posited.

He noted that climate change tends to hinder a country’s competitiveness in almost every sector, notably international tourism and agriculture.

This, he said, is likely to result in the loss of jobs, as well a decline in income for various sectors of a country’s economy.

He noted, too, that as a global leader, the United States is keen on providing the requisite support towards addressing the phenomenon. White related that earlier on Wednesday, the USAID partnered with the US Embassy in Guyana and several regional agencies to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which seeks to build awareness, preparedness, and develop action steps to counter the impacts of climate change.

These agencies include the TURN TO PAGE 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Vaccine hesitancy and herd immunity

H

EALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his address to the National Assembly, disclosed that 16.8 per cent of the adult population in Guyana had been fully vaccinated and 46 per cent of adult population had already received their first shot. More recent data showed that the number of doses administered has surpassed 300,000 doses with that number continuing to increase with each passing day.

The minister, however, drew attention to the fact that while the government is making every effort to make the vaccines available to all Guyanese, there appeared to be some measure of ‘hesitancy’ among some people to take the shots.

This is not only unfortunate but it also borders on a fair degree of irresponsibility on the part of those who, for whatever reason or reasons, are so inclined.

There is conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that the best way to protect oneself from the COVID-19 virus is to be immunised. That is why so many countries are in a mad scramble to secure adequate supplies of the

vaccines which are currently in short supply. The Guyana Government has expended significant sums of money to procure the vaccines despite budgetary constraints, made even more challenging by the flood situation which is having a devastating impact on the lives of so many Guyanese.

In the United States, as elsewhere, there is a close correlation between infection rates and those who are unvaccinated. Data provided by the Department of Health and published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggested a marked increase in infection rates among younger people, as older people are much more likely to be fully vaccinated and hence less vulnerable to the effects of the virus.

The message is clear: vaccines do work and any attempt to deny this scientific fact is not only foolhardy but dangerous as well. Like the experiences United States and other countries have so unmistakably demonstrated, the number of young people who are dying from the COVID-19 virus is on the increase. Guyana is no exception to this new reality.

This ‘hesitancy syndrome’ can only help the spread of the virus. People who still harbour reservations about the vaccines are doing so at their own peril and would do well to desist from such attitude. These views are clearly baseless and go against the grain of medical science.

This cannot be a case of ‘my body, my choice’. The virus by its very nature transcends the boundaries of age, gender, ethnicity or geography. Persons who remain unvaccinated pose a health risk not only to themselves and to their immediate families, but to the wider society.

Guyana is significantly ahead in terms of vaccination rates, both at the regional and global levels. This however, is no reason for complacency. We cannot breathe any sigh of relief until such time that the vast majority of the population is fully vaccinated or until we have reached the stage of ‘herd immunity,’ which we are still to achieve.

Interestingly, there are significant regional variations in terms of vaccination rates. Regions One and Six are the only two regions that have so far surpassed

A few suggestions to Mayor Narine Dear Editor,

I

HAVE seen in the press recently, Georgetown’s Mayor complaining that the businesses in the City do not pay their fair share of property rates and pointing out that the municipality is currently receiving a quarter of what it needs to function. I would like to make a few suggestions to him.

Why does he not make the rate collection more efficient by first ensuring that every property owner in the City receives a demand notice at the beginning of the year as is required by law but which is not being done? Why does he not upgrade the methods through which people can pay like allowing persons to pay online or at commercial banks?

But another alternative since he is only receiving a quarter of the financing that he needs, how about if he considers cutting the top heavy, feather bedded and redundant human resources of the Council down to a quarter of its current strength?

The City Council has been well known over the years for practicing nepotism and cronyism, stuff-

ing the Council at all levels with friends, relatives, church colleagues, political comrades, paramours and supporters.

All sorts of schemes were set up to facilitate this state of affairs such as establishing a warden corps that never made any sense, establishing many new sections, departments and upgrading existing ones.

And creating a tonne of high paying duck soup jobs.

The place is littered with old boys and girls from the party, and with countless operatives from the House of Israel who have all somehow ascended to the top of the ladder and become sinecures. This is all money for old rope. There are sweeping layoffs all over the world but not at the Georgetown Municipality Mr. Mayor, instead of the Council constantly moaning and trying to get more money out of the battered citizens and businesses, particularly at this time of the pandemic, how about if you guys consider spending less?

Sincerely, Anu Bihari

the 50 per cent mark, with Region 10 trailing behind with just around 14 per cent.

The Health Ministry must be commended for the proactive and aggressive manner in which it has been pushing the vaccination drive, especially when considering the fact that several areas of the country were inaccessible due to the current flood situation.

Having an adequate supply of the vaccines remains a challenge to many countries especially in the developing world. This is why the recent announcement by leaders of the G7 countries to make available one billion doses of the vaccines free of cost to the poorer countries must be seen as a welcome initiative. Time however, is of the essence and the sooner the vaccines reach the intended beneficiaries, the better. As the Director of World Health organisation reminded us, this is not the time for what he termed ‘vaccine nationalism’.

The solution to this global pandemic requires a global response. In such an environment, no one is safe until everyone is safe.

Now is the time for relief and rebuilding Dear Editor,

I

AM glad that Parliament passed the $10B supplementary spending bill, and, once the President affixes his signature, its law.

Then it’s expected that the government will do much more for the poor people in this country like myself. Firstly, the government will have to focus its priority on the residents in flood-hit communities which are affected gravely by the natural disaster we have all witnessed over the past weeks. I want to urge that the government waste no time in getting the communities the relief supplies and necessary assistance to get back on their feet.

Secondly, I am concerned about this coronavirus and the vaccine hesitancy. As a poor and ordinary Guyanese, I want to encourage the government to push for more people to get vaccinated. I don’t care about the cost. We are saving people and protecting their lives. Also, cost could be looked at by another Committee that is charged with looking at the financial arrangements in place to make sure we are not getting short changed and is affordable. I say continue with the government-led vaccination project and do it on a larger scale. Every life lost must be a reminder of the need to be effective, efficient and compassionate in the approach.

Thirdly, this money, I hope, will work towards getting Guyana back on its two feet. We need to be resilient and strong to cope with the changing world, regional, and national agenda around us.

Now it’s time for us to pick up the pieces and start a process that will rebuild and reform our economy.

Yours sincerely, Attiya Baksh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Blood donation ‘quite safe’ despite COVID-19 pandemic – says Health Minister Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

WITH the National Blood Bank recording a 25% decline in blood donations during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony had made it clear that it is “quite safe” to donate blood during this period.

Minister Anthony made this disclosure on Monday during the ministry’s daily COVID-19 update, where he appealed to the general public to donate so that the blood bank can meet its target.

Each year, the National Blood Bank collects 12,000 – 13,000 units of blood to be used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment, and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries.

Minister Anthony noted that the decline stemmed from the pandemic which prevented the holding of some of the annual blood drives which allowed for a steady flow of volunteers and the achievement of the target. He further noted that persons

were also unsure of any additional requirements that may have been instituted in wake of the pandemic.

He explained that the ministry and the blood bank have instituted several systems to ensure the safety of both the donors and the health professionals who are conducting the blood donation exercise.

“Every year we try to collect maybe 12,000 – 13,000 units of blood. Last year, we would have seen a decline in the amount of blood that we collected, a 25% or so decline, and that would have interrupted some of the services that we usually offered. This year, we are quite on track to collect enough blood and hopefully with people coming out and responding and giving blood, we will be able to have adequate supply in our blood bank,” said Minister Anthony.

He said one of the major undertakings by the blood bank that allowed it to maintain its blood donations, was the walk-in service that is offered to the regular blood donors. He noted that the blood bank intends to have its donor list expanded during 2021.

“It is quite safe and we want to appeal to persons to come out and donate blood. One of the things that we really need is blood…Persons who require surgery, emergency surgery,

often times require blood and if it’s not in adequate supplies then we can lose that person, so we want to appeal to persons to come out and donate blood,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the minister took note of the concerns regarding blood donations and the COVID-19 virus. He stated that there is no real threat to persons donating blood even if they had contracted the virus. He reminded that COVID-19 is not a blood-borne virus and explained that while the blood bank will not collect blood from an active COVID-19 case, no restriction would be placed on persons who volunteer to donate blood after they would have recovered.

“COVID-19 is not a blood-borne disease, so the only way you have transmission occurring or the most popular way you have transmission occurring is through droplets or aerosols…..But getting COVID from the blood, that is highly unlikely so in that way, people don’t have to be fearful of that because when you come to donate blood, we take all the infection protocols to make sure people are safe. So, if you come to any one of our donation sites, we will be observing all the protocols for COVID-19 which means that you will not be able to get COVID nor anyone in the unit would contract COVID,” Minister Anthony said.

How much more irresponsible could the Georgetown Municipality be?

Dear Editor,

I

WRITE to express grave concern about happenings in and around the Bourda Market which occur every day and every night, circumstances that leaves much to be desired from the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown.

Daily a gang of youngsters can be seen riding their BMX bicycles up and down Robb Street in the vicinity of the market performing all sorts of bike stunts including wheelies, stoppies, bump jumps, and bunny hops.

Many times these youngsters lose control of their bicycles crashing into persons either accidentally or purposefully where their victims end up being robbed. All this occurs under the noses of the City Constabulary whose officers are least interested in preventing this dangerous and illegal activity being undertaken.

Secondly, in spite of the fact that wet markets all over the world have come under scrutiny amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with calls to ban them to prevent further pandemics, and to control zoonotic infections being spread, we see each afternoon outside the Bourda Market vendors selling raw chicken to the public. These

vendors have no refrigeration capabilities; this creates an ideal situation for the growth of a good number of microorganisms that can lead to foodborne illnesses and deaths. They are improperly dressed and engage in poor food handling practices, yet the Public Health Department seems unbothered by the state of affairs.

Thirdly, there are hardly any working street lights on the roadways contiguous to the Bourda Market, causing the streets to be pitch black in the evening, a nightmare for citizens trying to shop after they have finished working.

This is a huge safety risk, not to mention the hazard of slipping on a banana peel or the skins of other fruits and vegetables.

But most upsetting of all, is the drive-through shopping practiced by many shoppers who decide to embark on their grocery shopping without getting out of their vehicles. Now if each of these unscrupulous shoppers opts to utilise 10 minutes to shop all the items they need while haggling with vendors to get better pricing, it is quite easy to understand the gridlock is causes. The Constabulary happily observes this situation without lifting a finger to bring this chaotic situation to an end.

Finally, the Pesticides

and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) of Guyana has said numerous times that the sale of pesticides and oth-

er toxic chemicals from roadside vendors is dangerous to public health and against the law, yet we see vendors

around this market freely selling rat poison.

How much more irresponsible could the George-

town Municipality be?

Best regards.

Deodarie Putulall

8

MEMBERS of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) braved the inclement weather in Georgetown, on Wednesday morning, to pay tribute to the fallen Enmore Martyrs with a simple wreath-laying ceremony at their Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown gravesite, in observance of the 73rd anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs shooting.

Those in attendance included Neil Kumar, representative of the General-Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and Sheila Mathura, General-Secretary of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), among other members of the party.

Also in attendance were Carvil Duncan, President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG); Dharamkumar Seeraj, General-Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association

(GRPA); and Seepaul Narine, President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

June 16, 2021 marked 73 years since Rambarran; Lall, called ‘Pooran’, Lallabagie Kissoon; Surujballi called ‘Dookie’ and Harry, who would become known as the ‘Enmore Martyrs’, were gunned down by Colonial Police in 1948 while on strike at Plantation Enmore, East Coast Demerara, demanding better working conditions for sugar workers.

It is recorded that the strike started on April 22, 1948, with cane cutters, backed by the then Guyana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU), calling for the replacement of the “cut and load” system with a “cut and drop” system; they also demanded improved living conditions and better wages.

Their strike received the support of the then Political Affairs

Committee (PAC) and Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

As the strike action continued, the recognised union of the day, the Manpower Citizens Association (MPCA) urged the striking workers to return to work, saying that negotiations for their demands will be taken up with the Sugar Producers Association (SPA).

On June 14, 1948, the SPA and the MPCA met to discuss the issues; however, no agreement was reached. Subsequently, on June 16, a large crowd of over 500 workers gathered outside the Enmore Estate factory in protest. The disgruntled workers attempted to enter the factory, when the policemen opened fire, causing the death of the five Enmore Martyrs and injuring 14 others.

On June 17, 1948, thousands of sugar workers, prominent labour unions and political leaders, including Dr. Cheddi Jagan, marched from Enmore,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Members of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday at the Enmore Martyrs Gravesite, Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown

East Coast Demerara alongside the coffins of the slain sugar workers to the Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown.

Kumar, who chaired Wednesday morning’s activity, told the Guyana Chronicle that consequent to the shooting, Dr. Cheddi Jagan founded the PPP/C and made a “silent pledge” to ensure that the rights of the working class citizens of Guyana are guaranteed; and that his pledge is still of paramount importance to the party, which continues to be executed through the current leadership.

The PPP/C, in their mes-

sage on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs death, noted that the “struggles of the Enmore Martyrs and Dr. Jagan were guiding forces during that ominous period when thousands of sugar workers were coldheartedly fired and plunged into economic despair through the politically motivated closure of estates” by the previous administration.

Meanwhile, GAWU, in a statement on the occasion, noted that the “brutal repression of 1948 did not daunt the workers nor dampen their spir-

its” and recognised that while tribute is paid to the martyrs, reflection on the sugar industry “which has now received a new lease of life” must also be held.

“Following the change of government, we have seen focussed attention and support directed to reversing the fortunes of the beleaguered.

The new administration has remained true to its commitment and is extending serious efforts to re-open the shuttered Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates,” the statement noted.

Persons with disabilities included in COVID-19 response, recovery efforts ―Minister Persaud tells UN conference MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Tuesday, reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) all across Guyana are included in response and recovery efforts following the initial onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister was at the time addressing the 14th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Saying that these efforts regard access to healthcare services, COVID-19 vaccination, education and social protection and public assistance, she noted that the government is making significant investment to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

In the 2021 national budget, $150 million was allocated for the construction of a training complex in a concerted effort to integrate persons with disabilities into the working world. This will allow them to have financial independence as well as protect their fundamental rights.

The training complex will be equipped with the requisite equipment and tools to facilitate upskilling, technical and vocational training and information technology opportuni-

ties, the minister said, adding that this will be complemented by funding opportunities for entrepreneurship.

She stated that this facility will provide PWDs with the opportunities to enter the job market in both the private and public sector. She stated that, in the public sector, government will work to ensure the PWDs are provided with equitable working circumstances, inclusive of equal pay for equal work.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

“Government is committed to ensuring that the public sector provides adequate employment opportunities for persons with disabilities with emphasis on equal pay for work done and we consistently advocate

for the private sector to follow suit. Our public awareness campaigns encourage the wider population to extend compassion, understanding and support to persons with disabilities,” Minister Persaud stated.

Over the years, Guyana has made notable progress, through constitutional and legislative reform, to address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. Minister Persaud noted that this progress will be enhanced by a review and amendment of the country’s Persons with Disabilities Act. She noted that government is committed to collaboration with organisations supportive of the PWDs and highlighted government’s relationship with the National Disability Commission, where a subvention is provided to assist with its operations.

The minister added that government will be increasing its support to groups, councils and associations that work with persons with disabilities.

She also used the opportunity to emphasise that government remains committed to empowering persons with disabilities and will ensure their inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

$1.2B contract signed for reconstruction of Lusignan Prison

THE Home Affairs Ministry, on Wednesday, signed a $1.2 billion contract for the reconstruction of the Lusignan Prison, Lots 1-3, under the Guyana Prison Service.

Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, said the signing ceremony will aid in the successful rehabilitation and education of offenders, and enhance the prison system so as to ensure offenders are not a risk to public security and safety.

The contract awardees are Mohamed Enterprise, M&P Investment in joint venture with Construtora Cobra Eireli, and Nabi Construction Inc. On September 19, 2020, two inmates: Earl

Graham and Winston Herbert, were fatally wounded and several others were injured after members of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) fired live rounds at inmates to prevent a breakout.

The GPS had said that the men were shot at by guards stationed in the prison’s tower in the midst of rushing towards the main gate to escape.

The shooting capped off hours of protests by inmates over a number of issues, including overcrowding at the facility and the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Overcrowding at the facility has been a long-standing concern.

Signing on behalf of the Home Affairs Ministry was Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas (left) in the presence of Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and others

Vitality Inc. donates hampers to flood-affected Mahaicony residents AS flood relief efforts by government and the private sector continues, Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc. on Monday last chipped in to donate a quantity of food hampers worth over $500,000 to the flood-affected residents of Branch Road, Mahaicony.

Hampers were distributed to villages along the Mahaicony riverine area, including New Providence, Mortice, Wash Clothes, and Esau and Jacob, all of which have been inundated over the last two weeks due to the recent heavy rainfalls and subsequent overflowing of waters from the backlands in the locality.

“Vitality Inc. is extremely concerned about the many families, businesses, and communities which have been intensely impacted over the past few days. As such, it has decided to render this form of much needed assistance,” a press release from Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc. noted.

The generous donation was handed over by Vitality Inc’s representative, President of Golden Om Dharmic, Pandit Deodat Persaud, who thanked the residents for their resilience and bravery demonstrated in such difficult times.

Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc. representative, President of Golden Om Dharmic, Pandit Deodat Persaud, distributing the hampers to flood-affected citizens of Branch Road, Mahaicony

Persaud conveyed the empathy and hurt expressed by the Board of Directors’ of Vitality Inc. upon learning of the devastating impact of these floods across Guyana and advised residents to continue to demonstrate the spirit of benevolence and not to yield to any form of frustration in such trying times.

Residents were assured of the company’s continued assistance throughout, and the press release noted that Vital-

ity Inc. remains committed, as a good corporate citizen, to assisting Guyanese in the rebuilding process.

Vitality Inc. is a United States-based company owned by Guyanese entrepreneurs. It specialises in accounting, medical supplies, oil and gas, and housing, with services ranging from equipment supply in the petroleum sector to consultancy and strategic planning.

A church at Branch Road, Mahaicony

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

‘Use Guyana as a model to successfully address urbanisation’ ―President Ali tells urban forum

DESPITE the challenges associated with urbanisation, Guyana has managed to successfully address this issue by employing deliberate planning and a comprehensive policy framework, President Irfaan Ali said on Tuesday.

The Head of State who was at the time delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF) 10th international conference, said that other countries should use Guyana as a model when attempting to manage urban environments.

In acknowledging the significant challenge urbanisation poses to the Caribbean, he emphasised that a sustainable approach to urbanisation through structured systems is imperative in producing long-term solutions.

He said a government’s response to urbanisation will undoubtedly determine the quality of life citizens will experience

as well as how successful the country would be in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that there must be a common pathway through which urbanisation reflects the attainment of the SDGs. “In Guyana, for example, we have been successful in addressing urbanisation. The available statistics show that between 1992 and 2011, the degree of urbanisation reduced continuously.

Our success during this period was by no means accidental but was due to deliberate efforts by the Government of Guyana to embark on an ambitious housing programme, where over 100,000 house lots were distributed, and several housing schemes were developed as new growth poles,” he stated.

Further, the president noted that “the examination of new growth poles, the features of new growth poles and the opportunity that new growth poles offer us

as urban and regional planners cannot be understated”.

President Ali, who holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning, explained that Guyana’s robust housing programme was rooted in an organic National Development Strategy (NDS), predicated on objectives that were bolstered by policies articulated in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP) I & II. “Under the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Government pursued numerous interventions which sought to: divest land to eligible Guyanese; provide infrastructure for new housing schemes and improve existing infrastructure in squatter settlements; regularise squatter settlements; facilitate access to finance by low-income earners through amendments to the New Building Society Act and the Income Tax Act; facilitate community participation in sustainable settlements development and prepare

development plans for new towns and upgrade existing towns, consistent with the framework for Urban Development, elaborated in the NDS (2001-2010),” President Ali stated.

Those national policies, he noted, were backed by significant fiscal support from the government between 1992 and 2015 and were supplemented by an operational manual for housing that emphasised all the critical dimensions of sustainable development, including social development, economic development, environmental preservation, and good governance.

Due to these efforts, Guyana not only witnessed a reduction in rural-urban migration and the lowering of its urban footprints between 1992 and 2015 but saw accelerated development in rural areas and the attainment of several MDGs. President Ali explained that apart from sparking his interest in urban planning, the success of Guyana’s efforts to promote balanced development spurred his decision to pursue his Ph.D. at the University of the West Indies.

LEADERSHIP Speaking to the integral components of successfully addressing urbanization, President Ali highlighted the importance of transformational leadership, noting that it is the most important aspect of a government’s vision for local urban transformation.

He noted that leadership must come up with innovative government policies to aid in this transformation. One such recent decision taken by government is the expansion of e-services to provide a smoother and more efficient experience. He spoke to government’s move to a Single

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, speaking during the virtual opening ceremony Window Approval System, al- environmental management,” he lowing for electronic transmission said before adding: of building permit applications “My government is fully supapprovals and issuances, which portive of training and educating would significantly reduce the a new cadre of professionals that time required to attain a permit. will be masterfully equipped with Additionally, President Ali the essential skills and compenoted that necessary capacity tencies to deal with our complex must be developed through edu- urban challenges. The recently cation to ensure sustained devel- launched Guyana Online Acadopment in achieving sustained emy of Learning, a free online urbanisation. He noted that in 20,000 scholarship initiative, light of this government will be is tangible proof of my governengaging UWI and the University ment’s commitment to attaining of Guyana (UG) to be part of the this objective.” “transformational agenda” in the Regarding urban resilience, various areas identified.

President Ali highlighted govHe emphasised that as coun- ernment’s commitment to creattries grapple with planning and ing suitable urban development managing their urban environ- policies that will influence key ments, it is imperative to recog- considerations when undertaking nise that those efforts may not be planning and expansion and fosproperly sustained over the long tering better urban resilience in an term or may be doomed to failure era of rapid change and transforwithout requisite technical and mation of urban areas. professional capacity.

He underscored the impor“It is crucial that the nec- tance of continued professional essary capacity is developed to networking and the importance effectively and efficiently manage of those in the field continually urban change at all levels of urban engaging in professional growth planning and governance. I urge and the sharing, exchanging, that more attention be given to and cross-fertilization of ideas professional training and capacity and best practices in urban building in urban planning and planning and development.

USAID to provide ...

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Climate Change Centre, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

Further, White pointed to the hosting of a US-CARICOM Climate Change Symposium, which he said, intends to address a number of issues relating to mitigating the effects of climate change in the Caribbean. The symposium, which convened on Wednesday morning, will continue until June 30.

The USAID official indicated that these initiatives tie into the commitment of the Joseph Biden/ Kamala Harris Administration to make climate change a priority focus, and to provide support where necessary.

Similar sentiments were shared by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who indicated that climate change has been placed at the centre of the US foreign policy, diplomacy and national security.

She noted that even with policies in place, strong international cooperation is vital in charting the course to a sustainable future. She said that such cooperation exists between the US and the Caribbean region.

The US Ambassador made specific reference to the fruitful relationship that exists between Guyana and the USAID which will be solidifying 60 years of diverse partnership in 2021. Lynch

noted that the US-Guyana partnership has had profound impacts on a variety of Guyana’s sectors including health, governance, environment and the wider economy.

Nonetheless, in addition to support for climate change and the ongoing floods, White said that the Caribbean has also received much support from USAID in relation to its fight against the deadly coronavirus disease, which has since emerged into a global pandemic. Specifically, he said

TURN FROM PAGE 5 that the organisation has providing some US$3M in funding to contain the spread of the virus, as well as the purchase of medical supplies and the execution of awareness campaigns.

Further, White said that USAID is gearing up to launch its new Country Development Cooperation Strategy for 20202025, which is intended to address issues such as education, economic growth, security, energy and climate change.

An aerial view of severely flooded areas in Region 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

No ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach in fighting COVID-19

the vaccine.

He noted, however, that he was happy to see more and more community leaders and local authorities making efforts to get residents vaccinated.

“I was very pleased to

see that the regional chairman (of Region Ten) made a statement again, pertaining to the vaccine, and that he and others in the region would be working to ensure that people get vaccinated,” Anthony shared.

He said the first houseto-house campaign has been somewhat successful, seeing some 53 persons receiving their COVID-19 vaccine. He also stated that the efforts aimed at increasing vaccination numbers will continue from there.

“The truth of the matter is that unless people are vaccinated, we would not be able to exit this pandemic. So unless all of us receive the vaccine, and all of them, we would not be safe. So, to get

to herd immunity, all of us need to get the vaccine,” the minister concluded.

As of June 14, the vaccination campaign saw approximately 222,373 persons or 45.7% of Guyana’s adult population receiving their first dose and 90,157 persons or 18.5% of the adult population receiving both doses and therefore, becoming fully immunized.

The minister urged more persons to play their part in not only putting an end to the pandemic here in Guyana, but in protecting themselves and others, by receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as one dose would not grant them full immunity against the deadly disease.

since 2012, contributing nearly GYD$100 million to date. The programme is also supported by the Ministry of Education. The Volunteer Youth Corps Inc (VYC) is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicat-

ed to improving the lives of children and youth through access to quality education and social services in Guyana.

The organisation continues to advance the development of children

through its ongoing educational services to public schools in Guyana.

Through partnership, VYC is looking to broaden its reach to educate and improve the grades of as many students as possible.

—Health Minister says

IN an effort to encourage more residents of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to take the COVID-19 vaccine and by extension amplify vaccination rates, the local Regional Health Department, on Monday, launched a house-to-house vaccination campaign.

Since its launch, Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has voiced his approval and support for the clever approach.

“There are peculiarities in each region, and we don’t want a “one-size-fits-all” campaign. We want the health personnel and other people in the region to customize the

response that is more suitable for that region,” the minister stated during his COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Tuesday.

The Minister noted that due to the demographics in each region, and the challenges specific to those regions, the Ministry of Health, through the regional health authorities, would need to work with residents and members of the community, in order to devise strategies for optimum responses.

From the onset of the vaccination campaign launched by the Health Ministry against COVID-19, Region

EXXONMOBIL Guyana has plugged $20.9 million to support the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education afterschool programme in Guyana.

According to Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC), this new commitment will ensure the improvement and continuity of online afterschool academic classes for 700 students at 15 high schools in Regions Three and Four.

Initially, the programme was geared to assist students in grades nine to 11, a release said. However, for the first time, VYC will additionally cater for students and teachers in grades Seven and Eight. Chief Execu-

tive Officer, Goldie Scott, said the VYC was able to rise to the task of connecting students in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been able to support students and teachers during this difficult time by connecting them via ZOOM and other platforms, as well as providing laptops, tablets and other devices,” she added. This year, in an effort to encourage academic growth, VYC will loan 150 tablets to disadvantaged students under the programme to ensure they are able to participate in the online classes as well as sustain or improve their performances.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

Ten has continuously recorded the lowest number of persons being vaccinated.

Minister Anthony has noted time and again that the region continues to see a ‘lag’ in vaccination rates, due to residents’ hesitancy to take

Exxon plugs $20.9M into STEM after-school programme Students will also be able to view recorded class sessions via VYC’s social media platforms, the release said. Meanwhile, VYC awarded Deandre Serieux, a former student of Central High School and beneficiary of the programme, one HP laptop. Deandre gained 10 grade ones and a grade two in his 2016 CSEC examinations. VYC congratulated Deandre on his outstanding performance.

The STEM Afterschool programme has been implemented under the funding of ExxonMobil Guyana

Gerald Gouveia (Jnr) elected president of Aircraft Owners Association GERALD Gouveia (Jnr), Director of Roraima Airways Limited, has been elected President of the Aircraft Owners Association at the association’s Annual General Meeting on Friday.

According to a release, Captain Andre Farinha, Director of Operations, Trans Guyana Airways, was elected First Vice President and Christopher Cheong, General Manager, JAGS Aviation Inc. as Second Vice President.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wings Aviation Limited, Captain Ronald Reece, and Col (ret’d), Anthony Mekdeci A.A, Chief Executive Officer/Project Coordinator, Ogle Airport Inc., were elected as the two directors of the association.

Gerald Gouveia (Jnr)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Balancing ‘tiring’ work and fatherhood

By Naomi Parris IN many family dynamics, fathers play a pivotal role.

From being a provider and protector to being a comforter, the role of a father is vast and ever-changing.

Many fathers spend their entire life working tirelessly, day and night, to ensure that their families are well taken care of.

In celebration of Father ’s Day, the Guyana Chronicle sought out several of these special men who continue to work tirelessly, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Samuel Maughn, a videographer and photo-journalist, spends most of his work days chasing after the news, and all that is happening across the country.

His work often requires him to spend long hours, sometimes days, in the field, interacting with people to report the current affairs. This strips him of valuable time that can be spent with his seven-yearold son and three-year-old daughter. Nevertheless, he makes the best of the time he gets to spend with his children.

“You don’t get enough time; that is the truth of the matter. You just have to try and make the best of whatever little time you get,” he said.

In March 2020, Maughn’s job became even more strenuous when Guyana recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus, and later during the elections period, when he was required to work overtime.

He described this period as frightening, since he was concerned about having to interact with persons and then having to go home to his children.

“Earlier in the pandemic, it was kind of scary, but I

puppy; it is so much more, because I didn’t have so much of time with my kids when I was younger,” he said.

actly what I would do with my children at home, apart from the other responsibilities such as protecting, providing, and giving spiritual guidance among others,”

Adrian Narine celebrating a recent event with his granddaughter and wife

think that I got accustomed to it, and learnt to live with the pandemic,” the young father and husband conceded.

He said that it took a while for his children to get used to not hugging and holding on to “daddy” as soon as he got home from work. However, they, too, got used to the “new normal”, and have been reminding him to always wear his masks and sanitise whenever he goes out.

Working in a similar field is Adrian Narine, a father of four. A senior photographer in the newspaper business, Narine said the time he gets to spend with his family is often limited.

For him, family time is always the best and most rewarding time.

“Media life is very hard to actually get time to spend with your family; if you don’t have a supportive wife or spouse, it’s extremely difficult, because of the demand of your job,” he related.

For him, working through the pandemic was also a challenge. “It was very scary, knowing what you have to deal with and still have to try and tell your family what you have been through, and how they can protect themselves even from you,” he said, adding: “At the end of the day, they need to sanitise just like you, because you don’t know what you are carrying in, so it was very difficult [and] still is, because I still have that routine from then to now… Once I hit my

door, I strip from there, and shower immediately.”

Because of the demands of his job, he has missed most of the significant events in his sons’ life. But now that he has a lighter workload, he is making up for lost time with his granddaughter.

“The best part about being a grandfather is that now I actually get so much time to spend with my granddaughter; it’s what I didn’t have with my kids.

I didn’t have that with my sons, because it was just work, work, work, trying to accomplish certain things…

Now I’m actually getting to see her grow so much in front of me, and spending so much moments, seeing her walk, seeing her talk, seeing her trying to call the

Secondary school teacher, Jermine Orlando Lynch

A FATHER TO MANY Meanwhile, for Jermine Orlando Lynch, his job requires him to be not just a father to his own children but many others.

A schoolteacher attached to the Ann’s Grove Secondary School, Lynch’s job requires him to father many.

“At work, I am a father to all my students. Being a teacher requires you to coach, mentor, guide, love, give attention, give instructions and affirmations to the hundreds of students who have their own needs and struggles. This is ex-

the father of three said.

Lynch, like many other educators, has to brave the pandemic to ensure that his students do not “miss a beat”. He said that seeing his students accomplish great things is what fulfills him.

“The most rewarding part of being a teacher is to see students accomplish their dreams and become successful in their ways.

Knowing that you were an inspiration and their achievement is partially as a result of your input is quite satisfying,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Unprepared for fatherhood at 17, but fully committed to his son -- the story of Amir Raghubeer and his son Aditya

By Rehana Ahamad WHEN we think about teenage pregnancies, we first and foremost think about the young girls whose bellies get stared at with raised eyebrows, and whose decisions seem to invite criticisms, whether she chooses to abort or give birth. And rightly so, because more often than not they are the ones saddled with the consequences and responsibilities that come from having conceived a child; there exists countless books, movies and documentaries that tell the tale of teenage mothers, abandoned by their intimate partners, once the deed is done.

But today, as we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day 2021, I want us to spare a thought for the teenage fathers who possess enough courage to step-up and become dads; young men such as Amir Anthony Raghubeer who became a father at just 17 years old.

Living in La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, Amir had just graduated from high school, and was enrolled at the Government Technical Institute where he had been pursuing studies in welding and plumbing.

His life was somewhat “breezy”, and he hadn’t much to worry about. On the days when he was not studying or taking up part time construction work with his father, Amir

spent all his free time with his girlfriend Anna; they had been together for a couple years, and they always talked about building a future.

However, their plans were accelerated when Amir learnt that Anna had become pregnant.

As can be imagined, he was terrified at the news, and at 16, could not fathom being a father; his life as a young man had just begun and he wanted to enjoy it.

But he also knew that the responsibilities of the pregnancy did not just rest on Anna’s shoulders, but equally on his as well. This meant that his responsibility as a father begun months before the baby was even born.

With the blessings of both sets of expectant grandparents, Amir stepped up; he was there for the morning sicknesses, the moodswings, and all the foot rubs Anna desired.

Asked whether the nine months were enough for him to become prepared for fatherhood, Amir responded in the negative.

“But still, I had to be ready, because my baby boy was on the way, so I had to be ready,” a smiling Amir told the Guyana Chronicle. Reminiscing on the day his now wife gave birth, Amir said he spent hours experiencing a gush of different emotions, all at once. Primarily, he was terrified; his thoughts wandered on whether he would be a good father, and he worried intensely as to whether his efforts would be enough to raise another human

being. Simultaneously, he was excited to see his son’s face; to be able to hold him and compare all their physical features. “At the end, it was a wonderful feeling,” Amir recalled.

He is now 19 years old and his son Aditya Ronaldo Raghubeer is a lively toddler who requires constant attention and endless love – much of which Amir and Ana both have to give.

Amir said that even though the journey to fatherhood was plagued with many uncertainties, he was sufficiently motivated to do his best.

“My child himself motivated me, because I know I have get up, and get going; for him; I have to provide for him,” the young man related. He noted that of all the examinations he has taken throughout his life, fatherhood is a test he will never allow himself to fail at.

“It really is tough, but I still trying my best; I gon always try my best,” the teenager posited.

Amir believes that even though one might not be ready, it is never the right thing to abandon one’s partner during situations of pregnancies, be it teenage, or adult. “Guys, my advice is to step up and take your responsibility,” he advised.

Reflecting on the future, Amir said that his deepest desire is to watch his son grow into a strong, intelligent, and prosperous human who is always in good health.

19-year-old Amir Raghubeer and his now toddler son, Aditya

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

‘Step up to the plate’ --foster father encourages other ‘dads’

By Mesha Sealy WHETHER with a single-parent or couple, and regardless of age, a foster-care home affords a child the opportunity to develop healthy emotional intimacy, trust, and to learn valuable life skills.

Foster parents, or foster carers, have the chance to provide children with a consistent living environment that gives them the chance to work through difficulties, and overcome obstacles.

When 40-year-old biological father of one, Steve

Neils became a foster carer six years ago, the responsibility of caring for a child that was not his, biologically, was not one he had planned for, but was definitely one that he was prepared to accept.

“At first, we received the information from someone at the agency; it was a friend who spoke to one of the officers there, and told them, well, she knows of this couple that can help out and so on… And so, we had a discussion about it,” he explained.

He would later relate that

becoming a foster parent was one of the best decisions of his life.

“Me and my wife, at the time sat down and discussed it, because someone told her about the little girl and her struggles, and we discussed that, you know, we’re not rich, we don’t do that well and all of that, but we could definitely do something to help her,” Neils shared during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle via telephone.

While most children who are put into foster or alternative care are victims of

trauma, abuse and/or neglect, this child appeared to have had similar experiences.

Steve recalls that she had had a “rough patch” with family members, and was only six or seven years old at the time.

“She had been going through a lot of problems; she had a rough patch with family members. The first day we met her, she actually kind of clung to my wife; the two of them hit it off right away. And then it took a little while for her to come over to my end,” he said.

He also recalls that his foster daughter clicked well with his now 17-year-old son, who was around eleven at the time.

Asked what the experience of fostering a child is like, Steve remarked: “It’s not without its challenges; you know, it’s kids you’re dealing with. And it’s not a child that we would have brought up from the baby

ages, that you can train them to grow up in the way you want them to. So you have to be trying to instil stuff in them now.”

All in all, though, he described the experience as a great one, noting that fostering a child is a monumental step that everyone playing a role in the process should be ready for; from the parents and their children, to the foster child or children.

“Fostering a child, you’re giving them the support that they actually need to become somebody; to do something with their life. They have to go through whatever trauma they endured to have them end up in the foster care system. And it’s a good feeling; it’s a lot of responsibility, too, but it feels good,” Steve said, adding: “You have to show them all the love that you could; and you’re trying to show them all the different values they should grow with, so

they could be a productive person and so when they get older.”

He expressed that fostering a child has opened his eyes to the traumatic experiences that some children have, and the things that others take for granted, such as having parents, receiving guidance, and being taught values and morals.

He would like to encourage persons to become foster parents themselves, as children need guidance, love and care in order to become functional members of society, who can make a substantial contribution.

“It’s something good you would be doing; it’s a great initiative. You’re actually moulding a young person who’s been through so much to be somebody,” Steve said.

His family is currently in discussion with regard to adopting the now 13-year-old girl.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Crème de la crème on show for AAG’s National Senior Championships In what can be one of the most competitive Senior National Track and Field Championships, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is bracing themselves for the influx of the country’s top athletes at this weekend’s event at the National Track and Field Centre.

When the Championships get on the way from 17:00hrs tomorrow, it can very-well be the ‘last gasp’ of air for those athletes with

aspiration of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

So far, 400 metre athlete, Aliyah Abrams, is the only Guyanese track and field athlete to qualify for the games.

Aliyah and her sister, Jasmine Abrams, who copped bronze in the 100m at the Senior South American Championship last month, are both in Guyana and will hit the ‘blocks’ at Leonora.

Arinze Chance, Jeremy

Bascom and National Long Jump record holder, Emanuel Archibald, are also in Guyana for the event.

Aubrey Huston, president of the AAG told the gathering of Media at yesterday’s press conference, that more overseas-based athletes are expected, both Guyanese and non-nationals.

Hutson indicated that there is a triple jumper from Suriname, along with an athlete from Belize that would’ve registered.

“It will be a packed event and many local clubs are trying to get more than their allocated three athletes per event competing. There will be prize monies for the top three athletes in each event but the clubs will be responsible for using that money to further the development of junior athletes since monies aren’t awarded to junior athletes, especially if they are aspiring to gain sport-scholarships in the US,” Hutson said.

The administrator noted that all systems are in place for a

(BBC) - In-form Italy became the first team to reach the knockout stage of the European Championship with another impressive Group ‘A’ showing in victory over Switzerland.

Roberto Mancini’s side thumped Turkey on the opening day of the tournament and made it backto-back 3-0 wins courtesy of another sprightly performance in Rome.

Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli scored twice, first by finishing off a move he started by tapping in from Domenico Berardi’s darting run and cutback.

Italy’s passing and pressing was far superior to their opponents’ and Locatelli’s fizzing strike from the edge of the area underlined their control of the contest.

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile’s

long-range drive, which squirmed under goalkeeper Yann Sommer, completed a comprehensive victory late on.

Switzerland barely threatened an Italian backline that has now gone 10 games without conceding in all competitions, a run approaching 1 000 minutes.

World champions France were tipped by many as pretournament favourites, but Italy have showcased their credentials as strong contenders with two eye-catching performances.

Once again they set the tempo before kick-off with a rousing rendition of the national anthem, sung with gusto by players and supporters alike at the Stadio Olimpico.

Switzerland struggled to cope as the Azzurri impressively extended their unbeaten run to 29 games, and their fierce defence and ruthless attacking play in the final third looked like

it will take some stopping as this tournament progresses.

Before this championship, Italy had never netted three goals in a game at the Euros but Immobile’s effort means they have now achieved the feat twice in two games.

One blemish for the Italians came with an injury to captain Giorgio Chiellini, who had a close-range finish ruled out for handball shortly before he was forced off with a suspected hamstring problem.

Switzerland’s only chance of note fell to substitute Steven Zuber, but his low shot from the angle was comfortable for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to deal with.

Italy can finish top of the group with a point against Wales on Sunday, which would set up a last-16 meeting against the runner-up in Group C at Wembley Stadium on June 26

-Three-day event to start at 17:00hrs on Friday

safe and exciting event.

AAG Carifta Games local organising committee (LOC)committee member, Leeron Brummel, who was also on hand at the press brief, highlighted that the AAG has received permission from the National Covid-19 Task Force to host the event closed doors, adding that “Just the athletes, officials, coaches will be at the venue.”

According to Brummel, the AAG is still “determining whether we will stream the event but in terms of the

media, we are attempting to have high class photos and results readily available at the event or remotely, almost immediately.”

Guyana is set to host the 50th Carifta Games in 2022 or 2023 and Brummel revealed that the LOC will be looking at the systems put in place for the National Senior Championships over the three days, to determine what works and what will need tweaking to ensure that the prestigious regional junior athletics showpiece is successful.

Italy first team to reach Euro knockout stage

English Racing Tips Ascot 09:30 hrs Lucci 10:05 hrs Mohaafeth 10:40 hrs Moon Star 11:15 hrs Stradivarius 12:00 hrs Aerrion Power 12:35 hrs First Light 13:10 hrs Aldaary Chelmsford 08:40 hrs Pure Charmer 09:10 hrs Royal Dynasty 10:20 hrs Sky Commander 10:55 hrs Cochise 11:30 hrs Red October 12:10 hrs Breccia Ffos Las 12:45 hrs Lermoos Legend 13:20 hrs Floral Bouquet 13:50 hrs Ballinsker 14:20 hrs Gavrocheka 14:50 hrs Equus Dancer 15:50 hrs Olympic Honour Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown

11:10 hrs Daisy Peers 11:45 hrs Jeroboam 12:20 hrs Navorrosse 12:55 hrs Diderot 13:30 hrs Munfallet 14:00 hrs Kazakdaria 14:30 hrs Lunar Power 15:00 hrs Risk Factor American Racing Tips Thistledown Race v1 Stalking Moon Race 2 Biscuits And Grits Race 3 Cat’s Curiosity Race 4 Shahjarazad Race 5 Make The Call Race 6 Mobil Solution Race 7 Moonlit Mission Race 8 Crypto Copy South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Namaqualand 09:05 hrs She’s A Cracker 09:40 hrs Encore 10:15 hrs Lady Amherst 10:50 hrs Un Deux Trois

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 17, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Tel: 225-6158 Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dinesh Ramdin-41 dismissals (40 catches; 1 stumping- 5 Tests) (2) B J Watling-30 dismissals (29 catches; 1 stumping- 4 Tests)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI player has contested most Test matches against ZIM to date?

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Answers in tomorrow’s issue

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Durant’s performance gives Nets eastern conference lead

Kevin Durant was just a point short of equalling a career-best 50-point haul in a play-off game.

(BBC) - Kevin Durant scored 49 points as Brooklyn Nets beat Milwaukee Bucks 114-108 to take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series.

Durant also came up with 17 rebounds 10 assists to inspire victory after Nets were 17 points down in the third quarter. He hit a threepointer and three free throws late on to seal the win.

Nets coach Steve Nash said Durant’s display “makes him one of the all-time greats”.

Milwaukee’s two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo,

who top-scored for the Bucks with 34 points, called Durant “the best player in the world right now”.

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of basketball’s finest players of all-time, also praised Durant on social media.

In what Nets coach Nash said would go down as one of Durant’s “signature” games, the power forward played all 48 minutes, shot 16-of-23 from the floor and finished just shy of his play-off, career-high 50 points.

It did, however, set a franchise record for points in a play-off game, surpassing

Vince Carter’s mark of 43 points set 15 years ago.

He also posted his second career post-season tripledouble and joined Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Charles Barkley and Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic as the fourth player with at least 40 points, 15 rebounds 10 assists in a playoff game.

Nets relied heavily on Durant in game five of their best-of-seven series after Kyrie Irving was injured in the previous game and James Harden had a quiet night on his return from injury.

England Women suffer late collapse against India on day one

(BBC) - England suffered a late collapse against India after a sterling 95 from captain Heather Knight on a fluctuating first day of the one-off Test in Bristol.

The hosts slipped from 230-2 to 251-6, losing four wickets for 21 runs on a turning pitch before reaching 269-6 at the close.

Knight, in her 100th match as England captain, was distraught to fall five runs short of a century after watching Nat Sciver and Amy Jones being dismissed in quick succession by a rejuvenated India.

India acquitted themselves well in their first Test for six years, with debutant spinners Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma taking 3-77 and 2-50 respectively.

After the criticism of the Test being played on a used pitch, the opening day had a bit of everything - runs for the batters and turn later in the day for the India spinners.

Tammy Beamount’s 66 and a positive 35 from Lauren WinfieldHill helped England make a strong start, but India fought hard to check their progress.

However, with a mixed forecast for the remaining three days, England will know they need to make the best use of a pitch that will only deteriorate.

“I still think it’s an evenly poised contest,” England World Cup winner Alex Hartley told Test Match Special.

“After the first two sessions it was definitely going all England’s way and I was doubting India’s team selection without the variation of spin, but I think both teams will be pretty happy.” day

India hit back on absorbing

For much of the day, England played positive cricket with the batters jumping on poor deliveries and keeping the tempo of the match ticking along.

But it is to India’s credit that after a chastening afternoon

Sneh Rana took three wickets on the first day of her Test debut vs England Women, yesterday.

session, which saw a weary fielding unit trudge off the field, they regrouped, making inroads almost immediately after tea.

Sciver and Knight, England’s most consistent all-format players, shared a 90-run stand before Sciver was trapped lbw by a full delivery from Sharma.

Wicketkeeper Jones, who has impressed in domestic cricket this summer, was also pinned lbw by Rana before Knight, on the brink of her second Test century, went deep into her crease to Sharma and was also trapped in front.

After Georgia Elwiss was caught at first slip by a diving, tumbling Mithali Raj, it was down to debutant Sophia Dunkley, the first black woman to represent England in Test cricket, to guide them to the close without any further damage.

India could have made inroads earlier. Sciver should have been caught at mid-wicket on 34 but was dropped by Sharma, while Smriti Mandhana was guilty of a poor drop at first slip to reprieve opener Winfield-Hill.

India did, however, finish the day strongly, which will give them confidence for the next three days.

England show positive mindset Head coach Lisa Keightley told BBC Sport before the series that should England get the opportunity they would “definitely look to win”.

This positivity was on show from the opening moments. After seeing out the first hour WinfieldHill unleashed two huge sixes, including a flat-batted heave into the stands over mid-wicket.

Knight exemplified the approach, taking advantage of any poor deliveries, hitting nine fours in her 175-ball knock.

Hartley, who played whiteball international cricket under Knight’s captaincy, described the knock as “one of the best innings I’ve seen her play”.

“She looked confident and solid at the crease; she didn’t look like getting out until that one ball,” Hartley added.

“It was the first mistake she made all day and she will be frustrated with herself because she was so in control every ball she faced out there.”

Despite not having a fresh pitch, England never looked anything less than busy, running well and finding the gaps on a slow outfield.

Although the collapse briefly halted their progress, England will be pleased with their position, and the way they handled a potentially tricky pitch.

“The pitch was a little bit on the slow side,” said Knight at the close of play. “There was not a huge amount of carry, but I thought it played OK. I think it might turn more as the game progresses.

“We put pressure on their bowlers and played with good intent. The score is good and it’s a really important morning tomorrow. If we can push that score up to 350 it gives us a chance to control the game a lot better.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Roberts helps Wales beat Turkey in European qualifiers (BBC) - Wales took a significant stride towards qualifying for the second round of Euro 2020 as they overcame Turkey after a gripping encounter in Baku.

With a crowd of more than 30 000 in Azerbaijan’s capital city effectively making this a home game for Turkey, Wales responded to the hostile atmosphere with a vibrant, attacking display in which they cut their opponents open at will.

After a host of missed chances in a breathless first half, Gareth Bale played a brilliant lofted pass through the heart of the Turkish de-

fence for Aaron Ramsey who brought the ball down and finished elegantly.

Although Turkey came back strongly, Wales squandered a glorious opportunity to consolidate their lead when captain Bale ballooned a penalty over the bar.

There were some nervous moments for the Welsh defence as they withstood Turkish attacks - with Danny Ward making a vital late save to deny Merih Demiral.

But Connor Roberts struck from a corner deep in injury time to seal a win that takes Wales to four points with one match left in the

group stage.

That final fixture will be in Rome on Sunday against Group A favourites Italy, who faced Switzerland later yesterday.

Having drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening fixture last Saturday, Wales will keep a close eye on events at the Stadio Olimpico as that match could have a major bearing on their hopes of reach the last 16.

But regardless of events in Rome, this impressive performance and result against Turkey - tipped by many before this tournament as potential dark horses - marked

Miranchuk helps to put Russia past Finland RUSSIA secured their first win of Euro 2020 with a hard-fought victory over Finland in St Petersburg.

Aleksey Miranchuk put the hosts ahead in first-half injury time with a fine, curling finish, despite being surrounded by defenders.

Finland would have qualified for the All the Finland squad members wore T-shirts saying last 16 with a win and thought they had opened ‘Get well Christian’ as a gesture of support for the scoring, but Joel Denmark’s Christian Eriksen.

Pohjanpalo’s header was ruled out for offside.

The result leaves both sides on three points before their final Group B matches on Monday.

Finland, competing in their first major finals, won 1-0 against Denmark on Saturday in a match overshadowed by Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch.

Before yesterday’s game, all the Finnish squad wore T-shirts saying ‘Get well Christian’.

Eriksen is currently recovering in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest.

Pohjanpalo scored the only goal in Finland’s opener and thought he had his second goal of the tournament when he got between two Russian defenders to head in following Jukka Raitala’s excellent cross inside three minutes.

However, with the help of the video assistant referee, Pohjanpalo was ruled to be marginally offside and the goal was disallowed.

Russia then had the best chances but Magomed Ozdoev headed over and put another opportunity wide, and only superb defending from Jere Uronen denied substitute Viacheslav Karavaev.

But the hosts got a deserved goal when Miranchuk, surrounded by four visiting defenders, managed to shift the ball onto his left foot and curl an effort past Lukas Hradecky.

Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki had a rare chance for Finland in the second half but could only shoot tamely at Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov.

The hosts continued to look the more likely of the two sides to score, but Aleksandr Golovin and Rifat Zhemaletdinov both narrowly missed the target and Daler Kuzyayev had a shot saved.

a remarkable transformation from Robert Page’s side.

WALES TRANSFORMED Wales were passive, often disjointed in their opening 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Saturday but, despite making no changes for this match, they were unrecognisable.

Bale and Ramsey, anonymous against the Swiss, were heavily involved from the start and combined to excellent effect.

Skipper Bale found Ramsey with a fine through-ball

in the sixth minute and, after turning inside Caglar Soyuncu, the Juventus midfielder’s shot at the near post was saved by Ugurcan Cakir.

Wi t h B a l e s w a p p i n g wings with Daniel James, an absolute menace for the Turkish defence, there was a purpose and pace to Wales’ game which had been lacking in their opening fixture.

They were constantly creating chances, with James crossing for Kieffer Moore - who headed over - before another Bale through ball set

up Ramsey, who rushed and blazed his shot over the bar.

If there was a creeping sense that these squandered opportunities would come back to bite Wales, those fears were eased when their stellar combination delivered at the third time of asking.

Bale picked up possession near halfway, saw Ramsey’s run in behind Turkey’s defence and found his team-mate with an expertly measured chip. Ramsey’s control was of equal quality, as was his low finish.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Curator ‘shocked’ at West Indies decision to bat first

HEAD grounds man at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, Ken Crafton, expressed his dismay at the decision of West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite to bat first after winning the toss in the first Test.

West Indies were bundled out by the South African pacers for 97 in 40.4 overs then in the second innings, 162 in 64 overs, to lose the match by an innings and 63 runs

on Saturday.

Crafton, speaking on popular Barbadian radio programme, Mason & Guest, expressed on Tuesday evening, “Certainly, I was happy with what I saw, I loved the bounce and pace (but was) very disappointed with the West Indies team.”

He added, “Absolutely; I was shocked, I could not believe that was the case (batting first). From being the head groundsman at the Darren Sammy

Cricket ground, (I know) there is always a chance for the team bowling first to put their hands out and start off in front.”

The experienced groundsman said he was questioned by the team’s management about the conditions but not directly about the decision they should make at the toss.

Furthermore, Crafton said he expects the pitch for the second Test, which starts June 18, to be quite similar to the first.

“I am quite satisfied

with what we have done so far; it would not be different from the one we had prepared so far… we expect some pace and bounce out of it.”

The Darren Sammy Cricket ground has now hosted eight Tests and West Indies have only won one – against Bangladesh in 2014.

Since 2014, only twice have captains won the toss and opted to bat – those two occasions resulted in a draw and a loss.

Ramos to leave

Madrid

Ramos has won 22 trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles.

(BBC) - Sergio Ramos is set to leave Real Madrid after the club announced a “farewell” news conference for their long-serving captain today.

Ramos, 35, has won five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues in a glittering Real career after joining from boyhood club Sevilla in 2005.

The centre-back made 671 appearances, scoring 101 goals.

The club say they will hold the news conference as an “institutional act of tribute and farewell”.

Ramos’ contract expires at the end of June.

Having started his career at Sevilla, Ramos joined Real in 2005 in a record deal for a Spanish defender during Florentino Perez’s first term as club president.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest central defenders of his generation, Ramos has won 22 trophies at the Santiago Bernabeu and memorably scored a 93rd-minute equaliser in the 2014 Champions League final when Real beat rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra time to win their 10th European Cup (La Decima).

However, Ramos was unable to agree a new deal with Los Blancos and will become a free agent a little more than a month after being left out of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad for Euro 2020.

The defender has won 180 caps for his country, winning two European Championships in 2008 and 2012 and the World Cup in 2010.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 17, 2021

Pompey named new ‘Red Storm’ head coach ... only second black head coach in NCAA Big East conference

GUYANA’S Aliann Pompey has been named St John’s Track & Field and Cross Country head coach.

The announcement was made yesterday by NCAA Division One School’s Director of Athletic Mike Cragg.

Pompey has been at St John’s since the fall of 2014 and most recently served as the programme’s Associate head coach for the 2020-21 academic year. She will take over from her former boss and mentor, Jim Hurt, who retired last month after four decades with the Red Storm.

“I want to thank Mike Cragg for his vote of confidence and his support in appointing me as the head coach,” said Pompey.

“It is with great honour that I accept this position.

I have seen the growth and successes of this team over the years – from a distance when I was in college, and intimately over the last seven years.

“I want to continue the tradition of excellence for which we’ve become known.

I thank coach Hurt for his guidance and patience while I found my coaching voice and Kathy Meehan, whose leadership has served as a model for me.”

Pompey said she’s “excited to continue

working with our returning student-athletes who have committed to making our team better. Joined by the incoming class, we’ll strive to be impactful not just with the BIG EAST, but nationally.”

Currently Avon Samuels and Onnasha Rogers are the only two Guyanese athletes at St John’s University.

Pompey, who won gold (2002 Manchester) and silver (2010 India) for Guyana at the Commonwealth Games, will become only the second black female head coach in the ‘Big East Conference (Georgetown women’s basketball coach is the other).

Tasked with guiding the Red Storm’s sprinters and hurdlers during her time on Hurt’s staff, Pompey has seen St John’s studentathletes rewrite the record books during her tenure in Queens.

She added: “I am very pleased and proud to see coach Pompey become our next head coach,” said Hurt. “She is exceptionally qualified to lead the programme to new heights.

It’s been my fortune to work with Aliann these past seven years and her record of accomplishments has been outstanding.

“She is a person of

character and always has her athletes’ best interest at heart. I look forward to following all the great things she will accomplish in pushing the programme forward in the years ahead.”

Pompey’s pupils own school indoor records in the 60-metre hurdles, the 200 and 400 metres, the 500 metres and the 2x200-metre relay.

They also set the programme’s second fastest time in the 4x400metre relay. In outdoor competition, Pompey’s athletes hold school marks in the 100 metre hurdles, 800 metres and 4x100-metre relay.

“During my tenure at St

John’s, coach Pompey has demonstrated time and time again that she has what it takes to lead a high-calibre programme of her own,” said Cragg.

“In addition to being an outstanding athlete in her own right with national championship pedigree, she has shown that she possesses the rare ability to elevate the talents of the athletes she mentors and help them reach their full potential. I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to help the track & field programme reach new heights as its head coach.”

With Pompey on staff, the Red Storm has sent 18 athletes to NCAA

competition.

Pompey has also been active on the administrative side of the sport, serving as the president of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission beginning in 2019.

In that role, she was elected to represent more than 6 600 athletes across 41 countries that compete in the Pan American Games. Prior to taking over as president, Pompey served as a member of the Athletes’ Commission for four years. She is also a member of the organisation’s executive board and a liaison to the International Olympic Committee.

A 400-metre specialist who turned in a personalbest and Guyana National Record mark of 50.71 at the 2009 World Championships

in Berlin, Pompey won the NCAA 400-metre national championship in 2000 while competing for Manhattan College. She’s also the last NCAA title for a Metropolitan School.

A double alumna of Manhattan, Pompey earned a Finance degree in 1999 before completing her MBA in 2003.

Pompey’s career as an accomplished coach came after more than a decade as one of the world’s premier track athletes.

A four-time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012) for Guyana, Pompey also competed in four Outdoor World Championships and four IAAF (now World Athletics) World Indoor Championships.

Curator ‘shocked’ at West Indies decision to bat first See Page 26

West Indies capitulated to the pace of the South Africans in St Lucia,

Pompey named new ‘Red Storm’ head coach

Crème de la crème on show for AAG’s National Senior Championships

... only second black head coach in NCAA Big East conference

See Page 27

Arinze Chance is expected to be on show in the Men’s 400M at the AAG’s Senior National Championships

See Page 23

Guyana’s most decorated CARIFTA Games athlete, Chantoba Bright, will be looking to win the women’s long and triple Jump at the AAG’s Senior National Championships.

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| THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021