Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-08-2021

TUESDAY 17th August, 2021

' No.106456

President Ali announces…

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

$2.6B in relief for vulnerable groups PAGE 03

A one-off grant of $25,000 A one-off grant of $25,000 to all old to all public assistance age pensioners, equivalent to one recipients, and persons living month of old age pension. This grant with disabilities. This grant will will benefit almost 65,000 persons, benefit about 25,000 persons, and place an additional $1.6 billion and place more than $600 of disposable income in the hands million of additional disposable of our elderly income in their hands

Infrastructure, trade, security among priority areas 02 PAGE

Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

– as Suriname’s President begins four-day visit to Guyana today

An electricity credit paid to GPL on behalf of households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. The credit to each household will be equivalent to one month of their electricity bill, and will inject more than $200 million of disposable income into over 40,000 households

Business incubator, mobile ‘app’ launched to empower women 05 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Infrastructure, trade, security among priority areas – as Suriname’s President begins four-day visit to Guyana today

By Rehana Ahamad OVER the next few days, discussions between President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, will centre on a number of key areas including infrastructure, agriculture, security, transportation, the oil and gas industry, trade and the development of the human resource capacity of both countries.

This was confirmed on Monday by President Ali, who spoke with reporters on the sidelines of an activity at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

“It is a wide-ranging array of topics that we have on the agenda; agriculture, removing barriers; all of that is on the agenda,” Dr. Ali posited.

He related that President Santokhi’s visit to Guyana is one that is important, especially as the two countries proceed with a number of joint initiatives. “We have committed ourselves as neighbours to working together on various initiatives, some very transformational, so it [Santokhi’s official visit] is a continuation of that collaboration [and] building stronger ties,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

He indicated that close collaboration with Suriname is strategic, since the country is similarly positioned, and like Guyana, it is also gearing up to become a major player within the oil and gas industry. “Both countries have small populations, similar challenges, [and] similar opportunities ahead, so we have to see how we can merge our thinking, and see if our policies would reflect that integrated approach we want,” President Ali said.

A statement issued by Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, on Saturday, indicated that Santokhi’s four-day visit is in response to an invitation from President Ali. It follows the visit by President Ali to Suriname in November 2020, during which the two presidents launched the Guyana-Suriname Strategic Dialogue and Co-operation Platform (SDCP).

During this visit, the Heads of State plan to review the progress made thus far under the SDCP mechanism in the areas of foreign policy co-ordination and political dialogue, environment, health, infrastructure and transportation, agriculture, immigration, customs,

security and private sector enhancement.

The two presidents are also slated to have important discussions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic and social impact it has had on the two countries. Over the last two months, both countries have also been faced with significant flooding In addition to the bilateral initiatives, Presidents Ali and Santokhi also have plans to discuss priority issues on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agenda. The aforementioned press release said that “This sustained engagement between Presidents Ali and Santokhi is testimony to their shared vision and commitment to converging the collective energies of the two countries for the benefit of the citizens of both countries and the region as a whole.

It is projected that by 2025, relations between the people of Suriname and the people of Guyana would be significantly strengthened, owing to the materialisation of the Guyana to Suriname bridge link.

President Santokhi is being accompanied by Mellisa K. Santokhi-Seenacherry, First Lady of the Republic of Suriname

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi (Office of the President photo) and a delegation compris- ter of Natural Resourc- thana, Minister of Transing Ambassador Albert es; Parmanand Sewdien, port, Communication R. Ramdin, Minister of Minister of Agriculture, and Tourism; represenForeign Affairs, Interna- Animal Husbandry and tatives of the State Oil tional Business and In- Fisheries; Riad Nurmo- Company of Suriname ternational Co-operation; hamed, Minister of Public and members of the priDavid Abiamofo, Minis- Works; Albert E. Jubi- vate sector.

Constitutional procedure for new PSC will be activated – says President Ali

NOW that the life of the ‘current’ Police Service Commission (PSC) has expired, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, said that the next stage was to ensure that a new body was appointed. “That has a procedure, a constitutional procedure, and that procedure will be activated,” Dr. Ali told reporters on the sidelines of an event at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

The former five-member Commission was sworn-in on August 9, 2018 by then President David Granger, to serve for a period of three years – 2018 to 2021. Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe, was

appointed Chairperson of the Commission, while the other four members were retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clinton Conway, Claire Jarvis, Michael Somersall and Vesta Adams.

Earlier in June, prior to its expiration, Dr. Ali had suspended the entire PSC, based on the fact that Slowe and Conway were facing criminal charges relating to fraud. Slowe also had accusations of sexual assault levied against him.

Dr. Ali had said that his decision to suspend the Commission was based on advice from Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips.

Consequently, the embattled members of the PSC had

Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe moved to the High Court, challenging the President’s suspension as being “unconstitutional”. However, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, had said that the matter filed by the PSC was tainted by grave constitutional er-

ror since the President was immune from prosecution.

That matter was, on Monday, adjourned until August 30.

In the meantime, the current state of the PSC has left a number of important issues stalled, including the promotion of members of the Guy-

ana Police Force. The PSC, even after it was suspended, released a police promotion list which has since been rejected by the Irfaan Ali-led Government.

O n M o n d a y, a s k e d whether he was hopeful that a new PSC would resolve the current impasse in relation to police promotions and other key matters, President Ali said, “I don’t want to get involved in the work of the Commission, but I’m sure the new Commission would definitely work towards resolving whatever issues there are.”

The Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces also expressed optimism that a new Commission, once appointed, would take up its role in a “very professional way, and in a manner that befits the func-

tioning of this Commission that is so important to our country”.

Notwithstanding the President’s intention for smooth functioning of the PSC, its composition could be a hurdle, since it would require consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon.

As it is, President Ali has insisted that while he is open to constructive dialogue with Harmon, he will only engage the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) executive if he accepts the government as legitimate.

Since President Ali was sworn in on August 2, 2020, the Main Opposition has been referring to the government as an “installed” regime.

$2.6B in relief for vulnerable groups

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

By Rehana Ahamad

IN addition to the existing cash grants, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced three additional measures which will provide cash incentives totalling $2.6 billion, specifically targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those who rely on public assistance.

In a special address to the nation on Monday night, Dr. Ali said that a one-off grant of $25,000 will be given to all old-age pensioners. “This grant will benefit almost 65,000 persons, and place an additional $1.6 billion of disposable income in the hands of our elderly,” President Ali said.

He added that the grant is equivalent to an additional month of pension.

A similar one-off grant of $25,000 will also be distributed to all recipients of public assistance, and persons living with disabilities. “This grant will benefit about 25,000 persons, and place more than $600 million of additional disposable income in their pockets,” the Head of State noted.

Additionally, he said that an electricity credit will be paid to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on behalf of all households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. The credit to each household will be equivalent to one month of their electricity bill, and will inject more than $200 million of disposable income into more than 40,000 households.

“Together, these three new measures will provide an additional income support of $2.6 billion to our most vulnerable households,” Dr. Ali indicated.

THREE MAJOR CASH GRANTS He reminded his audience that these new measures come even as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) continues the distribution of three major

President Dr. Irfaan Ali cash grants, namely: The $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant, the $19,000 education cash grant, and another $7.8 billion in flood relief cash grants.

President Ali said that currently, the distribution of the COVID-19 cash grant is in its second phase, and that once that is completed, the programme will have placed more than $8 billion in the hands of families all across the country.

“As you know, since my government assumed office last August, we have spared no effort to ensure the reversal of the severe and punitive conditions created by five years of misrule and mismanagement by the APNU+AFC dictatorship,” Dr. Ali said.

He reminded that through the 2020 and 2021 budgets, the government removed Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity, as well as on basic

food items, basic household necessities, and on medical and educational supplies.

Further, President Ali reminded of the administration’s efforts to ensure a reduction in water tariffs by five per cent, as well as the 50 per cent reduction in licence fees, which had been increased since 2014.

MORE AFFORDABLE The Head of State also pointed to the government’s drive to make home-ownership and home construction more affordable by removing the VAT on basic construction materials, as well as increasing the ceilings on low-income mortgages from $8 million to $12 million, “and on loans granted by the New Building Society from $12 million to $15 million”.

Dr. Ali said, too, that the government also doubled the ceiling on loans eligible for mortgage interest relief

from $15 to $30 million.

“We also reduced the cost of connectivity, by taking off the VAT on data for residential and individual use,

and on cellular phones,” President Ali noted.

He said, too, that in order to reduce the cost of doing business and to create jobs for all Guyanese, the government ensured the removal of VAT on heavy machinery and equipment.

It also removed corporate income taxes on companies investing in the education and health sectors, and reversed the hike in land rental charges that took effect in 2015. “The latter measure alone put $1.4 billion back into the hands of farmers,” Dr. Ali said.

He also referenced the $7.8 billion in flood relief assistance, which will begin this week, as well as the introduction of a cap on the freight charges used to calculate taxes on imports.

“This measure will allow for a saving of $4.8 billion by consumers and businesses,” Dr. Ali posited.

“Other measures that my government has implemented since we assumed office include an increase in Old Age Pensions from $20,500 monthly to $25,000 monthly and in public assistance from $9,000 to $12,000 monthly.

These two measures alone have injected an additional $4.5 billion in income

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support to these vulnerable groups,” President Ali added.

The President reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting all Guyanese “as we navigate the current challenges of our time; as we rebuild our country from the difficulties of the last five years, and as we work towards realising the prosperity that inevitably lies ahead for our country and all our citizens.”

The Head of State expressed confidence that the new measures will go a long way in bringing additional relief to the people of Guyana. “This is a government that cares; this is your government, regardless of which community [or] which region you are from,” he said.

On top of all the relief measures, Dr. Ali also pledged additional support within the coming months. “We will continue to work on finding ways in which we will continue to make your lives easier; ways in which we will continue to make you more prosperous, and ways in which we will deliver to you a life that is fulfilling and satisfying,” the President concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

India’s culture transcends race in Guyanese daily life

– Prime Minister Phillips PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has said he is proud of the significant contribution Indian culture has made in the lives of all Guyanese.

The Prime Minister joined High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, and other dignitaries to celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary of India, the world’s largest democracy, at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Georgetown on Sunday.

“Guyana is a country that prides itself in the unity of its people, and the celebration of India’s culture transcends beyond race, through our daily practices in the food we eat, the music we listen to, the holidays we observe, and even the way we dress.

“As one of the fastest

growing economies in the world, and with its vast potential in manufacturing and innovation, 75 years later, India stands as a shining example of the power that freedom, ideas, achievements, actions and resolve can have on a nation. So, I commend the Government of India for taking this holistic approach on its independence observations as it serves as a reminder to its own people and the people and the world, of the importance of strong cultural heritage and resilience.”

Prime Minister Phillips said Guyana is fortunate to celebrate, without fear of discrimination or obstruction, with India as it observes this occasion around the world.

He reflected on Guyana’s

Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa

Continued on page 11

A section of the gathering at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Business incubator, mobile app launched to empower women

AS part of efforts to empower women and ensure stability among entrepreneurs, a new business incubator and Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) mobile app were officially launched on Monday.

The business incubator and app which are complementary initiatives to the recently launched WIIN and Cottage Industry programmes will provide both women and men with a central hub to promote their businesses and access services and support from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute at Cove and John, East Coast of Demerara, subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said the initiatives were an extension to the efforts made by the ministry to empower women and ensure that they can provide for themselves and their families, while contributing to Guyana’s development.

The minister further explained that the incubator was conceptualised and created to give women a boost in their career paths as entrepreneurs after they would have received trainings from the respective programmes provided by the ministry.

“It is not only about the training and the women.

What next? Do you train them and leave them? Absolutely not!” she said.

Dr. Persaud noted that the incubator will provide women with the assistance needed to jumpstart their business, help them deal with the quality control of their products and allow them to benefit from practical help in other aspects of entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, the minister

President Ali admires a sculpture made by a woman entrepreneur (Delano Williams photo) stated that the WIIN mobile app will allow women to market their products and services outside of Guyana.

She emphasised that their services must not only be limited to Guyana’s borders.

“We want women to think that they are not only producing for home here in our lovely land Guyana, but for the world at large.”

Joining the simple yet significant launching ceremony was President Irfaan Ali, who, during his address, said Guyana was undergoing a great transformation that needed the participation of all its citizens.

In that regard, he noted that such initiatives were crucial for the achievement of equality and were a step forward in disintegrating the proverbial box that women had been placed in.

“Government here is trying to create a winning culture for women and something is going to happen in the economy that is going to necessitate what you are doing here,” he said.

According to President

Ali, the country’s transition and development will depend on projects like the business incubator to provide sophisticated services to meet the needs of growing markets. “… and that is why these programmes are critical; to give you that early ad-

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and President Irfaan Ali cut the ceremonial ribbon at the launch of the new business incubator and mobile app (Delano Williams photo) vantage, to give you that business model, your development model [to] address these key issues and that brand that you are building is built sustainably [and] adds value,” the president added.

He stressed that in

order for such projects to be successful, cohesion was required.

He posited that while women should leverage the training and support they will receive through the respective

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, delivering her remarks during the launch (Delano Williams photo) programmes, they must also think about collaborations and working with each other to create multifaceted business enterprises and services.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

A False Narrative

THE APNU+AFC Coalition is continuing to peddle a false narrative that it was cheated out of office, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. In fact, the elections were declared free and fair by all local and international observers and fully endorsed by the diplomatic community. No other election in the history of the country was subjected to the level of scrutiny as that of the March 2, 2020 polls.

After several counts and recounts, the elections were called by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in favour of the PPP/C whose Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was sworn in as the duly-elected President.

The elections were certified by all local and international observers including a team from the Caribbean Community which was mandated to oversee the recount process.

One would have thought

that after one year of the PPP/C in office, the APNU+AFC would have gradually, if not grudgingly, come to terms with the fact of its defeat and begin the process of introspection as to the reasons it had lost the elections and start re-strategising on the way forward. Instead, it continued to spread misinformation and disinformation trying, as it were, to throw dust in the eyes of its supporters and the rest of the population.

Trying to mislead its own supporters regarding its defeat at the polls is bad enough but trying to deceive the international community by way of false and malicious statements is totally unacceptable and completely at odds with the norms of a democratic and civilised political culture.

The recent protest actions organised by a grouping of individuals associated with the APNU/AFC is indicative of the extent to which some opposition

elements are prepared to go to undermine the democratic processes in Guyana and to sow the seeds of ethnic and political discord in the country.

The Government of Guyana, in a statement, has rejected the malicious statements delivered at an activity in Brooklyn, New York, titled ‘Anti-PPP Racism March and Rally’. The rally was organised by a group calling itself the Guyanese Organisations Against Racism (GOAR) and was addressed by several opposition members including a few Members of Parliament and other functionaries of the political opposition.

In its statement, the government said “It took note of the numerous malicious and false claims made by several Members of Parliament, Regional representatives and other persons associated with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) political party. We wish to place on record that we re-

ject all the statements delivered at today’s march and rally. The APNU continues to propagate racial division and tension in Guyana and in the diaspora through the dissemination of inaccurate information about the Government of Guyana and, by extension, the People’s Progressive Party. These attacks are mere desperation by the APNU, who, one year later refuses to accept the results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.”

What was particularly disappointing was remarks reportedly made by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who apparently allowed himself to be negatively influenced by individuals who have a clear political agenda to undermine democracy in Guyana and sow the seeds of ethnic division in the country. The Congressman, who is no stranger to our politics, ought to have known from statements emanating from reputable and impartial observer groups

including that of the Carter Center, the Organization of American States, the European Commission and, by no means least, from the United States Ambassador, Ms. Sarah Lynch, that the APNU narrative is wholly untrue and without substance.

Jeffries is a prominent figure in the United States politics, and as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus ought to be more measured and objective in the way he treats with matters pertaining to other countries, especially Guyana which is now in the cusp of new and transformative changes which will potentially result in a more prosperous and cohesive society.

His apparent ‘solidarity’ with known political dissents with political axes to grind will not help that process in Guyana, especially coming at a time when the country is still to fully recover from the trauma of an attempted derailment of the democratic processes by representatives

of the very group that he reportedly stood in solidarity with.

And, as if that were not enough, he is reported to have urged President Biden to replace US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who, among other members of the diplomatic community, was vocal on the question of free and fair elections in the country and for which they won the admiration of Guyanese and all those who cherish the ideals of a democratic and rules-based society.

Perhaps Jeffries may do well to take up the offer of the government to come to Guyana and have a first-hand and eyewitness account of what is really happening in the country. Seeing, it is said, is believing, and Congressman Jeffries may very well learn that some of the people who was feeding him with information may not be doing him justice, and for that matter, the cause for which they purportedly seek to embrace.

Congressman Jeffries seems convenient with his public comments

Dear Editor,

I ASK that you kindly allow me space in your column to talk about a few things I observed over the weekend in relation to the APNU+AFC’s anti-PPP protest and rally in Brooklyn, NY. To say that I find it all to be comical is an understatement. The Coalition and

their activists made a big fuss, claiming that they were hosting the protest and rally in demonstration against racism and discrimination by the government. However, from the start of all the speeches, the only racism that was noted was that coming out of the mouths of the speakers. I found it to be quite hypocritical that they were rallying against racism.

Mr. Editor, I wish to draw attention to the speeches that were made by the US Congressman, Hakeem Jefferies over the weekend at both the luncheon, which they hosted, and the rally. Jefferies was critical of the US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, calling for her removal. He said that it is time for the Biden

Administration to act on the matter. His comments were quite surprising, given his stature, and the fact that he repeated the lies peddled to him by the APNU+AFC without any sort of hesitation. You also recall that this same Jeffries was the lone voice in support of the APNU+AFC during their attempt to rig the March 2, 2020 elections. Back then,

he urged the US Government to stop meddling in Guyana’s affairs, a position he is now walking back on with his pleading for the Biden Administration to meddle in Guyana’s affairs.

But what is comical is that he is clearly not on the same page as the APNU+AFC when it comes to his position on the Ambassador. If the Opposition truly felt

that the Ambassador is racist, as they claim, then how come the Leader of the Opposition and a delegation of his MPs met with her several times over the past months? It just shows how ridiculous these people are.

Truly Yours, Adron Pires

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

GTT CEO ‘on mission to getting it right’

By Tamica Garnett ACKNOWLEDGING that the company “hasn’t always gotten it right” in addressing issues with its services, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Damian Blackburn, said Guyanese can expect more transparency and better communication as the company tries to build a new image in Guyana’s new liberalised landscape.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview, Blackburn, who took over the helm of the telecommunications company in May, said Guyanese can expect a new approach from the company as it rebrands its image going forward.

“I can’t speak of everything that went before but we are working hard externally to get the message out that there is a bit of a new start at GTT and we are going to be all about the customer,” Blackburn said.

The telecommunications company has had a monopoly on the sector since 1990.

Over the years, customers have complained about issues ranging from lengthy response time to fix issues to not receiving the quality of service they paid for.

The company also faced public relations issues following data billing hiccups with its Blaze high speed Internet service in 2019. According to Blackburn, Guy-

anese will be seeing better from the company going forward.

“Have we got that right all the time? No. But what is important is under my new leadership, with myself and the executive team, we will acknowledge when we don’t get it right, and I think that’s a change. I am not promising dreams that are going to take years, I’m taking immediate action and maybe that’s a difference,” he noted.

After years of stakeholders lobbying for an end to the monopoly, it finally came to an end in October last year.

GTT must now hold its own in the new competitive era, working to make up for past flaws and building better relations with its customers.

Blackburn’s appointment is part of the new image the company is looking to put forth.

With over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Blackburn, who hails from the United Kingdom, has worked with companies such as Virgin Mobile, and most recently in the Bahamas where a similar monopoly ended in 2014.

GTT CEO, Damian Blackburn GTT provides cellular, Internet services and an electronic wallet service via Mobile Money Guyana (MMG).

Blackburn stressed that the company is heavy on its customer-centric focus and is looking at ways to deal with all the current issues at the company.

“I am standing as the CEO saying these things are not right and we are going to do this and this about it. At the moment what I’m doing is putting a long-term plan together so I can be more sure when I’m going to do things,” he explained.

NEW UNITS Apart from Blackburn’s appointment, the company has also recently expanded its staff capacity, particularly in the customer service department, and has launched four new business units to head the various sections of the company.

LISTEN TO STAFF AND STAKEHOLDERS Blackburn emphasised that the most important thing that he wants to do as CEO is listen to the customers, and change how the company handles feedback from customers.

“When I arrived in May,

Kalibur Security urged to obey termination of employment law

THE Ministry of Labour has reminded Kalibur Security that the termination of its employees must be in compliance with the country’s termination of employment law.

This reminder was contained in a press release disseminated by the ministry on Monday, in response to a news article titled “Kalibur Security sends home over 2,000 workers” which was published on August 15, 2021 on the ‘Village Voice News’ website.

The ministry outlined the relevant law and urged the security company to act accordingly.

“We wish to state that employers ought to be aware of certain procedures and laws prescribed in Section 12 of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act No. 19 of 1997, which governs the termination of employees,” the release said.

The ministry said based on the report, the privately-owned company has not followed the law as it relates to the purported termination of the 2,000 employees.

The ministry added that if this article is indeed accurate, it urges Kalibur Security to take the necessary actions that comply with the law.

the first 100 days was a lot of listening. Listening to our team, listening to our customers, stakeholders and business. I spent a lot of time with my executive team and the wider management and got a lot of feedback from them,” he noted.

Blackburn also added that though things are moving fast, staff at the company haven’t always gotten everything they needed but have nonetheless “always tried their best to do what they need to do”.

“We just haven’t always gotten that right in terms of the speed of action that we were able to solve things in.

It’s not the fault of the team, but we need to do better and give them the resources they need,” he stressed.

Last year the company launched its “Together we rise” rebranding campaign with a new logo and slogans to welcome the new era just days after the government ended the company’s telecommunications monopoly.

Blackburn explained that the slogan is about three distinct customer promises that the company wants to aspire to.

“The ‘together’ speaks to community, so our promise is to strengthen our community, the ‘we’ speaks to our

customers and we want to reliably connect to our customers, thirdly ‘rise’ speaks to the country at this particular time, and what we want to do. We’ve worked hard internally to ensure everyone has bought into delivering these promises,” the CEO said.

He added: “We also set a mission for the next 18 months to complement the vision we have in place, to pivot the business to become a 21st century customer-centric organisation in order to bring our vision alive of touching every home, business and person in Guyana with reliable connectivity.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

‘Deceitful, dishonourable and filled with lies’ – President Ali calls out Opposition for NYC protest

By Rehana Ahamad

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said he was disappointed by the number of lies that were peddled at Sunday’s Opposition-led protest in New York, United States of America (USA).

The protest, staged by members and supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), accused the government of executing programmes that mainly responded to the needs of Indo-Guyanese.

President Ali has joined Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips to reject and condemn the statements made at the event.

“It was just an event

President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an activity on Monday filled with lies, hate and it is very deceitful, dishonrace-baiting,” President Ali ourable and obstructionist said as he responded to re- that people would go to the porters on the sidelines of extent that they went in tellan event held on Monday ing lies.” morning at Cove and John, The Head of State rubEast Coast Demerara. bished all claims that the He added: “I think that government’s education and

COVID-19 grants were directed to specific villages.

It should be noted that both sets of cash grants were being rolled out simultaneously in all parts of the country.

Dr. Ali said that he was particularly disappointed by the fact that the protest attracted the participation of persons who “should have known better” and “should have [had] some amount of credibility”.

“It is very concerning that you would have persons who profess to have credibility enveloped in that kind of behaviour,” the President added.

He also pointed to the absurdity of the protestors calling for it to be “time’s up” on the tenure of the government and that of the US Ambassador to Guyana.

President Ali reasoned that based on the call, the protestors seem to also be calling for “time’s up for CARICOM [Caribbean Community]; time’s up for the OAS [Organisation of American States]; time’s up for EU [European Union]; time’s up for all the countries and international bodies – the Carter Centre; that supported the efforts to have a democratic environment

here in Guyana”.

UNDEMOCRATIC ELEMENTS DEFEATED Dr. Ali pointed to the fact that owing to the input of the international community, Guyana was able to “defeat the efforts of those who tried to rig the elections and install themselves undemocratically in the country”.

Notwithstanding the criticisms and misinformation, Dr. Ali said that he will continue to execute his functions as a President for all the people of Guyana. “My focus is on the people of this country, all the people, and nothing that they do or nothing that they plan will ever wean my energy or distract me from that focus of working hard every day for all the people of our country,” President Ali asserted.

It was only on Sunday evening that Prime Minister Phillips issued a similar statement, pointing to the numerous malicious and false claims made by several Members of Parliament, regional representatives and other persons associated with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) political party.”

The forum was also attended by Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, and US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. The Prime Minister’s statement also made specific reference to the “appalling” remarks made by Jeffries. “We are disappointed that the Congressman has allowed himself to be negatively influenced by individuals who are adamant in destroying our beautiful country by instigating violence and division amongst our people,” the statement said.

When asked whether he would be open to engagements or discussions with Congressman Jeffries, President Ali responded in the positive. He noted, however that “when someone who professes to be credible in the face of what the OAS would say, in the face of what the EU would say, Canada, the US, the Carter Center, and still envelopes himself in the lies and the deception and the hate that went on there [at the protest], then I think that a serious examination or re-examination is needed as to what the motive was,” Dr. Ali concluded.

‘Giddie’ found not guilty of murdering Linden footballer

MICHEAL Emanuel called “Giddie,” who was on trial for the 2018 murder of Linden footballer Leonard Peters, also known as “Lenny,” was, on Monday, freed, after Justice Sandil Kissoon upheld a no-case submission made by his attorney Damian DaSilva.

Emanuel of West Watooka, Linden, was charged with murdering Peters on December 21, 2018, at West Watooka. After the final witness testified on Monday, state prosecutors Taneisha Saygon, Lisa Cave and Muntaz Ali closed their case.

DaSilva then argued that his client acted in self-defence and made a no-case submission calling for the case to be dismissed.

Justice Kissoon, during his address, said that from the case put forth by the prosecution, it was revealed that it was Peters who attacked Emanuel with a knife following a quarrel on the day in question. However,

Micheal Emanuel Emanuel responded by ‘firing lashes’ at the deceased with a bicycle bar before there was a physical struggle during which he managed to take away the knife.

The judge noted that although Emanuel had the knife, he kicked Peters.

“Paradoxically, the defence of self-defence arises from the very evidence on which the prosecution relies on to support a conviction.

The prosecution case therefore suffers circumstantially

from its own inherent weaknesses,” the judge added.

He further explained that the prosecution case suffered a “two-fold defect” since there was no direct evidence that the accused, at any time, inflicted the fatal injury on the deceased.

As such, the judge stated that the state had failed to establish a prima facie case against Emanuel for the offence of murder and ordered the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Local content development imminent

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– with Guyana’s attendance at offshore technology conference

GUYANA has officially opened its booth at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), which is the largest trade show in the global oil and gas sector.

This is Guyana’s second time participating at this international conference in Houston, Texas.

Guyana is represented at the conference by the Government of Guyana through the

of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, and Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

Also on the team are representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

BI, GTT, ExxonMobil Guyana, and Halliburton.

The OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park in Houston. The event is sponsored by 13 industry organisations and societies, which collaborate to develop a technical programme for energy professionals to meet to exchange ideas and opinions on advanced scientific and technical knowledge

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, in the presence of senior government officials and other stakeholders, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially declare open Guyana’s booth at the OTC conference in Houston, Texas, USA Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and several private sector organisations and businesses.

The contingent comprises Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd; Minister

Industry (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), and private businesses: GUYSONS-GKB, GAICO, MID Atlantic OIL GAS, GYS-

for offshore resources, and environmental matters.

Guyana’s participation at the OTC is necessary for local content development; it provides opportunities for local businesses to network and seek partners in pursuit of emerging opportunities here.

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo (fifth left) along with other senior officials of the government, and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch (fourth left) with other local stakeholders at the OTC conference in Houston, Texas

Participation would also help to attract more of the supply chain opportunities to Guyana’s shores. Education, connection and networking are the major focal points of this mission.

Several related events are scheduled to maximise every opportunity to showcase and attract investment opportunities to Guyana.

A Guyana Evening of Information Sharing and Networking is planned for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 18 at the Asia Society Texas Center.

Presentations will be made

by Vice-President Jagdeo, Minister of Natural Resources, a representative of Exxon-

Mobil, the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, and the CEO of GO-Invest.

The Guyana Evening is an unpaid invitation-only event, where approximately 400 representatives from various international and local companies are expected to be in attendance to meet with the Guyanese delegation.

The event will see representatives from both the public and private sectors using the opportunity to network and develop relationships with key persons within the industry to attract investment, primarily to Guyana’s oil and gas and services sectors, and to establish and develop crucial

partnerships.

The Vice-President is slated to deliver his keynote address to the OTC today, at 13:30hrs, on the topic: “Guyana: An emerging oil industry in the context of net zero emissions”. He is also scheduled, at 17:30hrs, to speak on the topic, “Climate Change Aspirations and the Viability of Small Development Countries” at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.

He and the Natural Resources Minister will also be featured tomorrow on the “Around the World Series Panel Discussion on the Guyana and Suriname Basin and Liza Project”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination numbers increasing, cases decreasing MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has noted that, over the past few weeks the Ministry of Health has seen a “general uptake” in the number of persons being administered their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister Anthony, during his daily COVID-19 update with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Monday, noted that this represents a positive change that will benefit the country holistically in curtailing the deadly effects of the virus.

“We have seen a general uptake in the first dose vaccination which is very

good and I want to encourage people to continue coming and getting their vaccines.

Second dose, we would like to see a bigger uptake there as people who have received their first dose haven’t come back for their second dose.

We want to urge them to do so because we have the second dose being available,” said Minister Anthony.

Government has been rolling out an aggressive COVID-19 vaccination programme which gives anyone above the age of 18 the opportunity to receive either the Russian-produced Sputnik V vaccine, the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine or the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.

The ministry has been recording decreasing numbers of positive cases since government started intensifying

its countrywide vaccination campaign. In the past 24 hours the country has recorded just 14 new cases.

Regarding the 14 new cases, Minister Anthony acknowledged that while this number may not reflect the true number of new cases, the ministry has recorded a notable decrease in positive cases in recent months.

“On average we do much more. We are closer to 1500 or so tests per day so perhaps this low number of 14 is not a true reflection of the number we have over the past 24 hours. Active cases of today have gone up slightly so we were last week around 900

or so [and] now it’s 1001. But we have seen a decreasing trend in cases so the numbers generally have gone down a bit and across the regions we are seeing that,” said Minister Anthony.

So far, 287,837 or 59.1% adults have received their first dose. Of that number, about 147,128 or 30.2% have received both doses and are now fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony used the opportunity to encourage those persons who had received the Sputnik V first dose in April and May to make their way to a COVID-19 vaccination site to be administered their sec-

ond dose.

“Last week we received 5000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine and we’re going to continue to get Sputnik V second dose vaccines every week. So those that we got last week we have started giving them as of this week.

So as of today, they will be given and this will be given first to the persons who had their first dose in April and in May. So, if you got your first dose in April or May you can come forward now and get your second dose. We have distributed or allocated doses to all the regions,” said Minister Anthony.

THREE men and a woman have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 578, the Ministry of Health said on Monday.

The latest fatalities are a 78-year-old man from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 51-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who both died on August 14 and a 50-year-old man from Region One (Barima-Waini) and a 27-year-old woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who both died on August 15.

According to the ministry, these persons died while receiving treatment at one of its facilities.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e r e are currently 1002 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 14 new cases from the 391 tests that were conducted. Ten of

the new recorded cases are females with the remaining four being males.

Eight of the new cases are from Region Four; Regions One and Three have recorded two cases each and Regions Two and Six, one each.

Even as new cases were recorded, 53 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to date to 21,999.

The country has now recorded a total of 23,575 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 16 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 87 are in institutional isolation; 895 are in home isolation, and four are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons in-

fected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

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

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

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166, 2267480, or 180/181 for assistance.

Four more die from COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

India’s culture ...

From page 4 55-year relationship with the Republic of India, with established partnerships in the areas such as economic cooperation, cultural exchange, infrastructural development,

education and health.

The Prime Minister particularly noted India’s generosity in helping Guyana fight the COVID-19 pandemic by donating 80,0000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“These and other shows of good relations with India serve as testimony to Guyana’s commitment to a continued, strong friendship, built on mutual respect, benefits and understanding with India,” he said.

The Prime Minister extended best wishes to India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the government, and

the people of India from Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Former President Donald Ramotar; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, MP; and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, MP, also attended the celebration.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner, Dr. Srinivasa

said India and Guyana have shared a lot, and that in the coming years, the two countries will be greater partners in progress.

“I believe that the time for Guyana has come, and I want to re-emphasise that Guyana should count India as one of its stable friends, who has been there throughout with Guyana, and we will

be there.

“We will be very happy to share our expertise, to upgrade skills, to extend capacity and, at the same time, to see that Guyana gets the best of what it deserves,” Dr. Srinivasa said.

Also in attendance at the function was Deputy Speaker of the House, Lenox Shuman. (DPI)

Tabla teacher, Amjad Warsi delivering a magical performance

Sushma Yenge, of the Namaste Yoga Studio, performs at the event

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Region One flood-affected farmers happy to get back on their feet

REGION One farmers are grateful to the government for implementing its $7.8 billion assistance to households and farmers affected by the recent floods.

Hundreds of households and farmers suffered losses following floods due to excessive seasonal rains, which started May 18.

President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, spearheaded a national response, which was conducted through a coordinated effort among the Civil Defence Commission, Hydrometeorological Office and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.

Regional response systems were also engaged through

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall the Ministry of Local Gov- supplies provided. An assessernment and Regional De- ment was then conducted to velopment. determine the extent of losses Several shelters were also and the long-term support erected for displaced persons that persons would need to and food and sanitation relief restart their livelihoods.

Joel George, a farmer of Hotoquai, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he is grateful for the initiative as the national disaster had left residents unsure about how to restart their farms.

“Our basic way of getting finance is farming. There is nothing else but farm here in Hotoquai. We do not go anywhere else, but we depend on our farms to produce things like plantain, ginger and other cash crops so that we can maintain our family,” he explained.

George added that while he heard about the disbursements on the radio, it is good to know that the government had devised a plan which will benefit the people.

“We felt glad about this because that (money) can at least assist or help we out with purchasing food item while waiting for the weather change. That way, we can start something else.”

Naja Daniels, a farmer of Hobediah, said the flood destroyed her farm which not only affects her livelihood, but the lives of her children.

The mother of six said this national disaster has made her rethink how she should manage her business.

“I will be building back my farm because everything is gone. I do not have anything right now that I could save from my farm, so I decided that the money will be invested in my business to bring it back,” she said.

Diana James, a farmer and mother of eight, shared similar sentiments.

“Things have been hard because we are poor people,

but our farm normally helps to offset some of our costs even with the rainy season.

“During this season, there is flooding which always carries away the little produce we have… everything does rotten out and so I feel glad that the government would be able to help us,” she said.

FULFILLING COMMITMENT Minister Nigel Dharamlall, in brief remarks, said the initiative fulfils the government’s commitment to its people, despite the challenges.

“Despite all of these challenges, under good leadership, we have been able to provide… All of these things are an act of nature, but our President has been able to find resources to help people to conduct their lives in a meaningful way.

“Naturally, you would not receive for everything you lost but some people will receive substantially, so very soon that programme will be rolled out where cash will be given to these households and farmers.”

On July 31, President Ali announced that over $7.8 billion has been earmarked to assist those who suffered losses during the national disaster.

Over 300 communities and 52,000 households were affected and the government secured $10 billion for flood-relief efforts. This assistance, however, would not exceed $10 million per farmer.

More than $3.5 billion will be transferred to homestead, kitchen garden farm-

Joel George, a farmer of Hotoquai community ers and to households that exclude the aforementioned farmers. It was disclosed that homestead and kitchen garden farmers would receive $100,000 and $50,000 each, respectively. Those with households would also receive $50,000 each.

Over $3.2 billion has been allocated for rice farmers as over 50,000 acres of rice land and 2,000 farmers were directly affected by the flood. Those who had rice ready to harvest will receive $80,000 per acre. Farmers who had sowed rice and lost their autumn crop will get $65,000 per acre and farmers with land completely prepared but not sowed will get $45,000 per acre.

Some 60,000 bags of seed paddy would also be distributed to those farmers. Since taking office, the government has outlined its plan to facilitate the growth and development of the agriculture sector to help Guyana to realise its potential as the ‘breadbasket of the Caribbean’.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Arguments about listing of President in PSC case adjourned to August 30

HIGH Court Judge Gino Persaud will now hear oral addresses concerning the listing of President Irfaan Ali as a respondent in a case filed by the Public Service Commission (PSC), on August 30, at 13:30hrs.

August 16 was initially set for the commencement of arguments for the interlocutory application that was filed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. However, Justice Persaud opted to grant a written request that was made by Attorney-General Chambers to the Supreme Court Registrar, Sueanna Lovell, for an adjournment date due to a “personal emergency” being experienced by the AG. During an August 4 hearing, Nandlall had contended that the substantive matter filed by the PSC is tainted by a “grave constitutional error” since the president is immune from prosecution.

“We believe a fundamental constitutional issue has arisen, which should be addressed by the court before it proceeds to hear the substantive matter, which we are respectfully submitting is tainted by that grave constitutional error,” the AG had said.

The PSC’s application was filed in July, after President Ali, based on advice from Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, suspended the PSC chairman and its members pending the findings of a tribunal that was to be established.

The PSC, with the aid of its attorneys, Selwyn Pieters, Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, filed a constitutional action which is praying that the court grants a declaration that the purported June 16 suspension of its chairman, Paul Slowe and commissioners, Michael Somersall, Claire Alexis Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Clinton Conway, from performing the functions of their respective offices in the Commission, were in violation of the constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Articles

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali 225(6) and 210(3), and therefore of no force or effect.

The applicant is also seeking another declaration from the court that the commission remains competent and responsible to fulfil its Constitutional mandate including appointments to any offices in the police force of or above the rank of Inspector in accordance with Article 212(1) of the Constitution.

Additionally, the applicant is seeking a further declaration from the court that the Prime Minister’s recommendations to the President for the removal of the PSC chairman and its members from their respective offices at the commission were in violation of, and ultra vires, the Constitution, and in particular Article 225(2), being made on grounds other than inability to discharge the functions of office or misbehaviour.

UNCONSTITUTIONAL The AG, in his application, is asking the court for a declaration that the joinder of President Ali to the proceedings is contrary to and in contravention of Article 182 (1) of the Constitution and Section 10 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, therefore, listing the President is unlawful, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.

According to Section 10 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, except in exceptional instances, “proceedings for the enforcement of any claim by or against the State shall be brought by or against the Attorney-General and may be instituted … in

all cases, in the High Court in accordance with the High Court Act”.

Additionally, Article 89 of the Constitution which explicitly states the President is the “Head of State, the supreme executive authority, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces”, therefore any action brought against the Head of State in that capacity should only name the Attorney-General.

Article 182 of the Constitution notes that the President shall not be personally answerable to any court for the performance of the functions of his office or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no pro-

Prime Minister, Brigadier General (ret’d) Mark Phillips

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

ceedings whether criminal or civil, shall be instituted against him in his personal capacity in respect thereof either during his term of office or thereafter.

In June, Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George S.C., struck out the legal challenge brought by five senior police officers against the PSC over the 2020 year-end police promotions. Following the CJ’s ruling, the Government of Guyana through the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs issued a statement rejecting the PSC’s promotion list as “unlawful and illegal.”

It noted that in the circumstances, this purported list of promotions of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be ignored since the PSC was suspended.

“The said decision of the President can only be rescinded, revoked, setaside or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction. No person, let alone a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury and executioner in our constitutional democracy. The Rule of Law simply does not permit it,”

Suspended Chairman of the Police Service Commission and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe the Attorney General, in a statement, said.

“The attempt of the Police Service Commission, therefore, to countermand, disobey and disregard the President’s decision, not only amounts to an effrontery to the highest executive office in this land, but is simply absurd. If anyone had any doubts about the independence and rectitude of this grouping who constitute the Police Service Commission, those doubts should now be put to rest,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Seven roads commissioned in Region Two

PUBLIC Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, has commissioned seven roads in Region Two. During the ceremonial opening of the roads Sunday, the minister said upgrades would not only be done on highways and main roads, but miscellaneous roads across the regions as well.

Enhancing these roads will also boost Guyana’s development.

“This what we are doing is not the only thing that we’re doing because when I do the aggregate of all the works, we are doing on the Essequibo coast, just from the Ministry of Public Works, in every NDC we have awarded contracts to ensure the road shoulders along the main access road are kept clean… with the intent to ensure that the roads are properly drained so that they don’t deteriorate.”

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill assisting a young resident to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of one of the new roads in Region Two Minister Edghill said the government was working to ensure there was job creation on the Essequibo Coast and that young people had access to equal opportunities. He said the people of Guyana were the government’s priorities, and, as such, they will be provided for.

“The Irfaan Ali-led Government is committed to taking care of every Guyanese, in every community in a non-discriminatory manner and, us being here this afternoon, we bare testimony to

that fact.”

He urged the residents to

maintain the roads. The minister also noted that the road works had created employment for five contractors in the region.

Meanwhile, discussions with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce were ongoing to provide a modern ferry service for the people on the Essequibo Coast and other travellers. The improved service will see travellers being able to access online booking and ticketing.

Some $123.5 million have been expended on roads in Region Two since the government took office. Minister Edghill said he was satisfied with the construction and applauded the contractors for completing their work within the given deadline.

(DPI)

Another road that was constructed in Region Two

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Motorcyclist dies after speeding away from police

A 20-year-old motorcyclist, who was speeding to evade the police in La Parfaite Harmonie, was among two persons who died in vehicular accidents that occurred over the weekend at different locations across the country.

The dead motorcyclist has been identified as Mahendra Deopaul of Lot 267 La Parfaite Harmonie. Ryan Boodhoo, 19, of 113 Kuru

the West Demerara Regional Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit. He died at 03:46 hours on Monday morning while receiving medical attention.

In a separate accident on Sunday night, Boodhoo was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mackenzie Public Hospital, Linden, where he was taken by public-spirited citizens after he was hit from behind by an unknown

Dead: Mahendra Deopaul

Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway also died in a hitand-run accident on the Kairuni Public Road, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Other accident victims include a 21-year-old motorcyclist, who remains hospitalised after crashing into a parked minibus on Tempe Public Road, West Coast Berbice, and two persons who were injured when their motor car crashed into a motor lorry at Brickdam and Sandeman Place, Georgetown.

According to a police report, Deopaul, of Lot 267 La Parfaite Harmonie, was driving motorcycle, CK5677, west along the northern side of the Parfaite Harmonie Public Road without wearing a helmet at approximately 23:45 hours on Sunday evening when he was approached by a patrolling police pick-up and ordered to pull over.

Instead of stopping, Deopaul reportedly sped away from the police, who gave chase in their pick-up.

“The motorcyclist ended up driving into potholes along the said road where he lost control of the motorcycle and fell onto the road surface. He received injuries about his face and body,” the police report said.

According to a police report, Deopaul was picked up in an unconscious state by the police and taken to

vehicle, while walking on the Kairuni Public Road around 21:30hrs.

Boodhoo was, at the time, with three other persons, walking south along the eastern side of the roadway.

According to an eyewitness, the vehicle which hit Boodhoo was at the time proceeding south at a fast rate. It sped away from the scene after hitting the teen.

According to the eyewitness, having observed the vehicle as it was approaching, he was able to pull the person walking next to him to safety just prior to Boodhoo being hit.

Boodhoo’s body was taken to the MacKenzie Public Hospital Mortuary where it is awaiting post mortem.

Meanwhile, Pamela Fox, 62, of Lot 73 Brickdam was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for observation after she sustained injuries about her body when the motorcar she was driving, PYY2821, collided into the rear of motor lorry, GZ3901, at the corner of Brickdam and Sandeman Place on Sunday at 19:30hrs Also injured in that accident was William Lockhart, 29, of Lot 19 Industry, East Coast Demerara, who was the front-seat passenger in the car. Lockhart was also taken to the GPHC but was treated and sent away.

The motor lorry was being driven by 44-year-old, Nankumar Ramnauth of De

Hoop, Mahaica.

According to the police report, a breathalyzer test conducted on Ramnauth showed no alcohol in his breath. A notice of intended prosecution has since been served on Ramnauth.

In another accident, this time in West Coast Berbice,

Osbert Abrams, 21, of Lot 645, Number 30 Village was left hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital (NAPH).

According to a police report, at the time of the accident, Abrams was the driver of motorcycle, CK3952, proceeding east

on the northern side of the Tempe Public Road.

He is said to have been proceeding at a fast pace when he lost control of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle collided into the back of minibus, BZZ 5437, which was being driven by 39-year- old

15

Eulet Mars, but was parked on the northern side of the road. Abrams was picked up by public-spirited citizens and initially taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital before being transferred to the NAPH. Police are investigating these accidents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

GABBFF president hails CAC team ‒ Silver for Campbell, Fung earnes Bronze at CAC debut

AMID many questionable decisions, Guyana’s six-member Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship team finished with two medals at the event which was staged in El Salvador over the weekend.

Men’s Physique standout, Emmerson Campbell finished with another silver (first one in 2016) in a head-scratching decision to

the eventual overall winner, while Rosanna Fung snared bronze in the Junior Bikini category.

Guyana’s other competitors, Kerwin Clarke (80kg) and Yannick Grimes (Men’s Physique ) finished fifth and fourth in their respective categories while Roger Callender (65kg) and Rawle Greene (80kg and Masters) failed to crack the top six in their respective divisions.

“Congratulation to all

the athletes that competed at CAC 2021, especially Rosanna Fung at her first CAC and Emmerson Campbell, who almost gained his pro card,” president of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Attorney-at-Law Keavon Bess said in a statement.

Bess further pointed out that “we had to overcome so many obstacles to get here and when we got here a lot went against us, and with the

India crush England by... (From back page) Shami was particularly impressive, taking 10 runs off one Moeen Ali over just before lunch, which included a huge six over mid-wicket to bring up his half-century.

Bumrah was peppered with short deliveries by the England pacers but displayed great applica-

tion, taking advantage of a spread-out field that had ample singles to offer.

The England players cut a frustrated figure, with Mark Wood and Buttler getting into a verbal altercation with Bumrah over what seemed like a response to the Indian fast bowler's

barrage of bouncers aimed at Anderson at the end of day three.

"A bit of tension on the field really motivated us to finish the game," added Kohli.

The two sides face each other in the third test at Headingley from Aug. 25.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 364 England 1st innings 391 India 2nd innings o/n 181-6

ENGLAND 2nd innings Rory Burns c Mohammed Siraj b Jasprit Bumrah

0 Dominic Sibley c Rishabh Pant b Lokesh Rahul c Jos Buttler b Mark Mohammed Shami

0 Wood 5 Haseeb Hameed lbw Ishant Sharma

Rohit Sharma c Moeen Ali b Mark Wood 9

21 Joe Root c Virat Kohli b Jasprit Cheteshwar Pujara c Joe Root b Mark Bumrah

33 Wood 45 Jonny Bairstow lbw Ishant Virat Kohli c Jos Buttler b Sam Curran 20 Sharma

2 Ajinkya Rahane c Jos Buttler b Moeen Jos Buttler c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Ali 61 Siraj

25 Rishabh Pant c Jos Buttler b Ollie Moeen Ali c Virat Kohli b Mohammed Robinson 22 Siraj

13 Ravindra Jadeja b Moeen Ali 3 Sam Curran c Rishabh Pant b Ishant Sharma lbw Ollie Robinson 16 Mohammed Siraj 0 Mohammed Shami Not Out 56 Ollie Robinson lbw Jasprit Jasprit Bumrah Not Out 34 Bumrah 9 Extras 2b 12lb 1nb 0pen 0w 15 Mark Wood Not Out 0 Total (109.3 overs) 298 decl James Anderson b Mohammed Siraj 0 Fall of Wickets : 1-18 Rahul, 2-27 Sharma, 3-55 Kohli, 4-155 Pujara, 5-167 Rahane, Extras 17b 7lb 4nb 0pen 1w 29 6-175 Jadeja, 7-194 Pant, 8-209 Sharma Did Not Bat : Siraj Total (51.5 overs) 120 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-1 Burns, 2-1 Sibley, Bowling: James Anderson 25.3 - 6 - 53 3-44 Hameed, 4-67 Bairstow, 5-67 Root, - 0, Ollie Robinson 17 - 6 - 45 - 2 (1nb), 6-90 Ali, 7-90 Curran, 8-120 Robinson, Mark Wood 18 - 4 - 51 - 3, Sam Curran 9-120 Buttler, 10-120 Anderson 18 - 3 - 42 - 1, Moeen Ali 26 - 1 -0 84 Bowling : Jasprit Bumrah 15 - 3 - 33 - 2.

- 3 (2nb), Mohammed Shami 10 - 5 - 13 - 1 (1nb), Ravindra Jadeja 6 - 3 - 5 - 0 (1nb), Mohammed Siraj 10.5-3-32-4 (1w), Ishant Sharma 10-3-13-2.

inconsistency in the judging we still did well.”

Nicholas Albert and Darius Ramsammy were originally listed to be part of the eight-member team, but had to be left behind due

to being tested positive for COVID-19.

The team had several travel delays regarding their departure from Guyana owing to Immigration misinformation from the organisers in San Salvador.

This meant that they had to undergo another round of

COVID-19 test and upon return of the results, Albert and Ramsammy were positive.

“To win a bronze and a silver medal and the bid to host CAC 2024 is sufficient reasons to celebrate and to be proud,” Bess said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Joe Root takes responsibility for England’s loss to India at Lord’s

ENGLAND captain Joe Root shouldered responsibility after India consigned his side to a morale-sapping last day defeat at Lord’s, insisting his lead-

ership had been found wanting when the pressure was on.

Root has done more than any other England player to keep his side afloat in

2021, scoring an unbeaten 180 in the first innings to keep his side alive in this second LV= Insurance Test – but the burden of carrying too many under-performing

players was too much.

England surrendered a potentially match-winning position on the fifth morning, allowing unheralded tailenders Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah to hit career-best scores in a game-changing, unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 89.

By the time India skipper Virat Kohli declared, leaving England 271 behind with 60 overs remaining, the pressure was on the home side.

Root made 33 before caving in to the third ball after tea and a late rearguard was not enough. England were bowled out for 120 with a hard-fought draw still 8.1 overs away, leaving India celebrating a 151-run success and a 1-0 series lead.

Root was right to say he had not been at his best during India’s fightback, guilty of baffling field placings and failing to instil enough discipline in the bowling attack, but his assessment still felt harsh considering the burdens he has had to bear during a winless run which now stretches to seven Tests.

“I think a lot falls on my shoulders as captain.

Tactically I could have done things slightly differently given the time again,” he said.

“As captain, you take responsibility. It’s very raw right now. I don’t think I coped with that partnership well enough. We went from being in a very strong position, where we looked like we were going to go on and win this game, to being behind and making it very difficult for ourselves.

“I’ll do a lot of learning from here to make sure that, if we find ourselves in a similar position, tactically I’m better.

“We got a few things wrong, but credit to them, they played well for that partnership. I would want to look back at it and look at some of the field placings we made, the way that we bowled at them. Maybe we could have looked at at-

Player of the match KL Rahul said India were fired up by the tetchy exchanges at Lord’s (Zac Goodwin/PA)

tacking the stumps a little bit more frequently, using the short ball as more of a surprise.”

England’s shortcomings were twofold, though. Having allowed victory to slip through their fingers, they still had a chance to kill the game and seeing off 60 overs in familiar conditions was a far from impossible ask.

But with three ducks in the innings, including both England openers for the first time in a home Test and Sam Curran for a king pair in the match, it proved beyond them.

England dropped Zak Crawley for this match in response to their top-order woes but Dom Sibley now looks close to the exit door and Haseeb Hameed managed only nine runs in the first two innings of his comeback.

Root added: “I absolutely expected us to (survive) and it is disappointing that we didn’t manage to.

“I don’t think there’s any hiding from it, we do need to get better. We need to score heavier. But the guys all know that they’re working extremely hard. There’s still a lot of cricket to be played in this series, three matches.

“I think it’s really im-

portant we take this week that we’ve got and we look to come back refreshed and ready to go again at Headingley.

“More than anything we just need to stay calm and not try to panic and make sure we’re in a really good frame of mind when we turn up to Leeds.”

India savoured victory and suggested the tetchy exchanges between the sides, which have been ongoing throughout the series and were virtually non-stop as the game reached its conclusion, stiffened their resolve.

“We expect the intensity on the field from two good teams. You’re always going to see great skills, a lot of heart and a bit of words as well,” said player of the match KL Rahul.

“But if you go after one of our guys, all 11 of us will come at you. That got us going and the bowlers were really pumped and wanted to have a real crack at them.”

Kohli, who was animated throughout the England innings after previous clashes with Ollie Robinson and James Anderson, added: “That bit of tension on the field really motivated us to finish the game off.

(PA Sport)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

‘The greatest striker’: Gerd Müller, legendary German forward, dies aged 75 Oliver Kahn: ‘He will forever be a part of the history of Bayern’ THE legendary German striker Gerd Müller has died aged 75. The forward scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany, including the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final against Holland.

During 15 years at Bayern Müller netted a record 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games and 66 goals in 74 European matches.

In a statement the Bayern Munich president, Herbert Hainer, said: “Today is a sad, dark day for FC Bayern and all its fans. Gerd Müller was the greatest striker there’s ever been and a fine person and character of world football. We’re all united in deep mourning with his wife, Uschi, as well as his family.

“FC Bayern wouldn’t be the club we all love today without Gerd Müller. His name and memory will live on forever.”

Müller began his career at TSV Nördlingen, scoring well over a goal a game in Germany’s lower divisions before joining Bayern in 1964, when the club was in the second tier.

Thirty three league goals in his first season helped to restore the club to the Bundesliga and within four years Bayern were German champions, a title they won four times in five years. More impressive still was their stretch of three European Cup wins in a row, from 1974-76, to which Müller contributed 18 goals including three in the finals.

Gerd Müller scored the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final

In his 15 years at Bayern Müller was the Bundesliga’s top scorer seven times, the German footballer of the year twice and the recipient of the Ballon d’Or once, in 1970.

He left in 1979 to follow the likes of Pelé and George Best to the North American Soccer League, where he played three seasons for Fort Lauderdale Strikers, before returning to Bayern as a coach. He remains the Bundesliga’s all time top scorer.

Müller’s feats on the international stage were no less impressive. After making his debut in 1966 he quickly racked up goals at a rate of over one a game, including 10 at the 1970 World Cup and eight hat-tricks. His last appearance for Germany was the 1974 World Cup final, held at Bayern’s Olympiastadion, where he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 win to make his country world

champions. His record of 68 international goals for Germany stood for four decades, until Miroslav Klose surpassed it in 2014 (though Klose took 132 games to Müller’s 62 In 2015 Bayern announced in a statement that Müller had Alzheimer’s disease.

The Bayern chief executive officer, Oliver Kahn, also paid tribute: “The news of Gerd Müller’s death deeply saddens us all. He’s one of the greatest legends in the history of FC Bayern.

His achievements are unrivalled to this day and will forever be a part of the great history of FC Bayern and all of German football.

As a player and a person Gerd Müller stands for FC Bayern and its development into one of the biggest clubs in the world like no other.

Gerd will forever be in our hearts.” (The Guardian)

Federer to have knee surgery, has 'glimmer of hope' for return (REUTERS) -Roger Federer will miss the upcoming U.S. Open and be sidelined for many months because he needs more knee surgery, an operation that the Swiss great said on Sunday will give him a "glimmer of hope" that he can resume his glittering career.

The 40-year-old Federer, speaking on a video posted to his Instagram account, said doctors told him that in order to feel better for the medium- to long-term, he would need surgery on the knee that he injured again during the grass court season.

"I'll be on crutches for many weeks and then also out of the game for many months," Federer said.

"It's going to be difficult of course in some ways but at the same time I know it's the right thing to do because I want to be healthy and I want to be running around later as well."

Federer, who shares the men's record of 20 Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, had knee surgery twice in 2020 which resulted in more than a year of rehabilitation before a return to action in March, some 13 months after his Australian Open semi-final exit last year.

He withdrew from the French Open in June after winning his third-round match to save himself for the grass court season and a bid

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Roger Federer shares the men's record of 20 Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

to win a record-extending ninth Wimbledon title.

Federer reached the quarter-finals at the All England club but lost in straight sets to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, failing to win a game in the third set.

Federer then withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics as well as a number of lead-up events to the Aug. 30-Sept.

12 U.S. Open.

"I want to give myself a glimmer of hope also to return to the tour in some shape or form," said Federer.

"I am realistic, don't get me wrong, I know how difficult it is at this age right now to do another surgery and try it, but look, I want to be healthy and I'll go through the rehab process I think also with the goal while I am still active which I think is going to help me during this long Carlisle 11:30 hrs Ninky Nonk 12:05 hrs Motawaazy 12:35 hrs La Pulga 13:05 hrs Cool Dandy 13:35 hrs Chinese Spirit 14:05 hrs Swoon 14:35 hrs Poet's Magic 15:05 hrs Detective South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:50 hrs Super Noir 09:25 hrs Stage Dance 10:00 hrs Global Drummer 10:35 hrs Demonte Irish Racing Tips Sligo 11:45 hrs Clounts Glory 12:15 hrs Darkened

period of time."

Towards the end of his 97-second video, Federer thanked his fans for their support.

"You guys are always incredible, you always think of me," Federer said. "Some of you suffer with me, some of you just wish me the best and want to see me back on court or see me smile. I am doing OK so I appreciate that.

"And I'll update you as I move along with my rehab.

I wish you all the best and I'll check in with you soon."

Russian Daniil Medvedev, speaking to reporters after winning the Masters 1000 event in Toronto, said the absence of Federer on tour is a pity for everyone and wished him a speedy recovery.

"I mean, age takes over.

Hopefully we can still see him back on tour, because I think that's what he wants.

That's what everybody wants," said Medvedev.

"Of course, even if he's going to be back on tour, we're gonna try to beat him every time we play him, because even if it's Roger, I know we are still competitors on the court.

"The only thing I can wish him right now ... is health, speedy recovery, and seeing him back on tour, yeah, because we never know what's gonna happen next."

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22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Osaka to donate prize Kenya's golden region seeks new champions after money to Haitian earthquake relief efforts steeplechase setback (REUTERS) - Naomi Osaka has pledged to donate her earnings from next week's Western & Southern Open to support earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, the Caribbean nation her father hails from.

The four-time Grand Slam champion announced her pledge in response to the 7.2-magnitude quake that struck the impoverished country on Saturday, killing at least 304 people and injuring hundreds.

"Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going

Steeplechase exercise session at Chesubet Primary school in Marakwet East of Elgeyo-Marakwet County

By Jackson Njehia ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya (Reuters) - On a cloudy day at a school in Elgeyo Marakwet county in Kenya's west, children jump over wooden desks serving as hurdles placed on the course of a steeplechase race, as their classmates cheer excitedly from the side.

Boniface Tiren, who has moulded several of the East African nation's world beating middle distance runners as a coach, then shows one of the students how to position his legs and upper body for the optimum jump.

"Yes! That's good!" he shouts when one girl executes the move flawlessly.

The rugged, hilly county of Elgeyo Marakwet has produced the bulk of Kenya's nine Olympic gold medals in the men's 3,000m steeplechase, an event the country had dominated at the Games since 1984 until Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali snatched the title in Tokyo this month.

Tiren believes that defeat will force Kenya to pay more attention to its athletics development programmes, especially at the grassroots level in places like Elgeyo Marakwet.

"It is a wake-up call, we need to go back to the drawing board," he told Reuters.

Officials need to invest in training the girls and boys at a young age, equipping them

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday August 17, 2021)

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with the skills necessary to progress into the next crop of gold medallists in the race, Tiren said.

Elgeyo Marakwet also hosts Iten town, a high-altitude training area frequented by global track super-stars including Britain's Mo Farah and Kenya's world record holder in the men's 800 metres, David Rudisha.

Past Olympic gold medallists in the men's 3,000 metres steeplechase who hail from the area include Conseslus Kipruto, the 2016 Olympic champion, Brimin Kipruto who won gold in 2008 and Ezekiel Kemboi, who took the crown in 2012 and 2004.

Other notable athletes from the area include multiple 3000 metre steeplechase world champion and Olympics silver medallist Moses Kiptanui, and Kenyan-born Qatari Saif Saaeed Shaheen.

For Tiren's young athletes, their dreams of reaching the medal podium at future Olympics remain despite the Kenyan runners being edged out in Tokyo this month.

"I am expecting to become a great runner and I hope one day I will bring a gold medal to Kenya," said student Elizabeth Khatievi.

Naomi Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion

on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break," Osaka said on Twitter.

"I'm about to play a tournament this week and I'll give all the prize money

to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we'll keep rising."

World number two Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and who plays under the Japanese flag, has used her platform to call attention to the causes she cares about.

She wore masks at last year's U.S. Open with the names of victims of police violence on them.

Osaka is seeded second at the tournament in Cincinnati, which runs from Aug. 14 to Aug. 22.

Guyanese Manniram Prashad joins CWI Board as Independent Director ON Monday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced that Manniram Prashad, a past Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce for Guyana, and current Chairman of several prestigious commercial organisations, has been appointed to the CWI Board of Directors as a non-member (independent) Director, effective July 30, 2021.

According to a CWI release, Prashad brings over 25 years of experience in commerce and private sector leadership, having held several senior positions in a variety of industries. He has also held the position of chair for a number of large state corporations, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Guyana National Shipping Corporation.

Prashad is also the current Chairman of MP Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited, Consul General of the Philippines to Guyana, Corporate Coordinater and Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission and President of the Guyana Oil

Former Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in Guyana, Manniram Prashad

and Gas Energy Chamber.

A long-standing cricket enthusiast, Prashad has served as president of various cricket clubs and leagues, including the Gandhi Youth Cricket Club and Eastern American Cricket League.

CWI President, Ricky Skerritt said: “I am confident that Manniram will add significant value to the CWI Board. I have had the benefit of knowing Mr. Prashad when we were both serving

our respective countries as Ministers of Tourism. He is a very experienced and astute businessman who will help to bring more gravity and focus to the CWI Boardroom. I also expect him to help CWI reach out to much- needed commercial partners in our region and beyond.”

Reacting to his appointment, Prashad said: “I am truly honoured and humbled at my appointment. I see this as a challenge, and an opportunity, to serve West Indies Cricket and to join a team of Directors who are committed to improving and uplifting the standard of our game.”

Prashad’s appointment means that CWI has reached its allocation of four non-member Directors. He joins Trinidadian Attorney, Debra Coryat-Patton, Jamaican Surgeon and University Administrator, Dr. Akshai Mansingh, and former West Indies captain, Daren Sammy, as non-member Directors whose terms will expire at CWI’s Annual General meeting in 2023.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Kemar Roach: 'I have never been in a situation like that before' …Sabina Park hero recalls last-wicket partnership that secured West Indies a one-wicket win

SMALL TARGETS. Big drama. The story has done the rounds for as long as there has been Test cricket and yet another riveting chapter was added to it at Sabina Park.

West Indies were set 168 to win. But they ended up battered and bruised and barely standing as Pakistan, and especially Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, went into haal mode.

A match that had ebbed and flowed, forever refusing to reveal a clear winner, had come to an unbelievable climax. One team needed 17 runs. The other needed one wicket. Anything was possible.

"I have never been in a situation like that before, batting with the tail," Ke-

mar Roach, a professional cricketer of 13 years, said after play. "I am part of the tail, so for me it was to go out there and believe. That was the biggest thing - to believe and stay positive and it worked, and I give thanks."

Roach's strength of will translated into 30 unbeaten, match-winning runs. His experience shepherded the 19-year old Seales, who had already announced that he was ready for the big stage by picking up 5 for 55 on Saturday, through a last-wicket partnership that just wouldn't be broken, even across four high-pressure overs.

"The plan was to just stay positive. That's me," Roach said. "I was just try-

ing to take on every ball as it came. This is by far the most important innings so far. I was just trying to pick the gaps and run hard. My advice to Jayden was just protect the stumps.

The biggest threat is the straight ball. He did it very well. He is a star for the future. His five wickets today speaks wonders about our cricket. All the best to him, and I wish him a great career!"

Seales' contribution to West Indies' victory - eight wickets and an equally crucial two runs off 13 balls - earned him the Man-ofthe-Match award. It also left him speechless. "Test cricket has been a dream come true for me," he managed in the end as he picked up

Kemar Roach and Jermaine Blackwood, heroes of West Indies' triumph, enjoy the winning moment (AFP/Getty Images)

his prize and walked away during the presentation.

So it was up to his cap-

tain to come up with some suitable words, much as it had been down to him to

come up with a suitable total in the first innings.

Kraigg Brathwaite's 97 off 221 deliveries was the highest individual score across all four innings of an extremely tight game. "We never lost hope," he said. "It was truly amazing. I thought Pakistan bowled really well.

It is about patience - who has more patience will come out on top."

Last week, Phil Simmons, the West Indies coach, had pulled his batters up, demanding more runs from them, but he has rarely had a bad thing to say about his bowlers.

And in the end, with light fading and tensions rising, they were the ones that stood up to be counted yet again. (Cricinfo)

WI Over-50s overwhelm SCA counterparts Guyana to host CAC

Bodybuilding Championship in 2024

By Frederick Halley CRICKET West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Over-50s made light work of a Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Select X1 in their feature 30-over game, played on Sunday at the Lamoreaux ground, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.

Led by a sparkling half-century by former Guyana opening batsman, Sudesh Dhaniram, and supporting knocks from his brother Sunil (47) and Vejai Seonarine (38 retired), both also former Guyana players, the CWIMA Over-50s rushed to a challenging 218 for six in their allotted overs.

The SCA X1 innings never got going as they were hustled out for a paltry 85 in 29.3 overs despite 13 players batting, going down by the huge margin of 133 runs as only skipper Surendra “Sporty” Seeraj (33 retired) showed any semblance of wanting to stay at the crease.

Asked to take first strike on a heavy outfield bathed in brilliant sunshine, the CWI Over-50s innings started in dramatic fashion as they lost opener Krishna Harricharran off the first delivery of the

Brothers, Sudesh and Sunil Dhaniram.

innings, brilliantly taken at point by Clement Peters off the bowling of left-arm medium pacer, Calvin Alexander.

However, there was no let-up after the early loss, as Sudesh Dhaniram and Daniel Sadeo added 83 for the second wicket with the former playing some audacious stroke in a stroke-filled 59 which included four fours and four towering sixes, rolling back the years in the process. The more sedate Sadeo retired on 30 (two fours).

With his brother’s departure, stumped by wicket-keeper Matthew Francis off medium-pacer Terry Mathura, Sunil joined the fun, blasting three fours and two sixes in his 47, before he

CWIMA Over-50s manager, Raj Singh (left) presents a team cap to SCA President, Shiv Persaud.

also went via the same route off Nathan Handan.

More fireworks were in store as Seonarine spanked three fours and an equal number of sixes in a quickfire 38 as Handan ended with two for 46, Alexander one for 12 and Mathura one for 22.

Apart from Seeraj,who struck four fours and a six, the only other player to reach double figures was Peters (15) as Sunil Dhaniram had figures of two for 23.

Prior to the start of the game, the teams were welcomed by SCA President, Shiv Persaud and CWIMA Over-50s manager, Raj Singh, who praised the SCA for being gracious hosts for

the occasion. As a token of appreciation, Singh presented Persaud with a CWIMA cap.

CWIMA Over-50s are preparing for a trilateral series in featuring hosts Canada and the USA. West Indies will square off with Canada today in the first game of the ODI series and against USA on Wednesday. The semi-final, featuring the second and third placed teams, will be held on Thursday, with the firstplace team qualifying for the final. The tournament culminates with the final on Friday and this will be followed by a closing ceremony. All the games will be played at the Danville ground, Mississauga.

GUYANA has been confirmed to host the 2024 Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championship, president of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Keavon Bess, announced Saturday evening.

Initially, Guyana’s bid to host CAC 2023 was submitted to the Executive of the Central America and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (CACBBFF).

However, CAC 2023 was given to Aruba after their bid was revealed to have been presented since 2020.

Bess indicated that Barbados, at CAC 2019, had also bid for and secured CAC 2022.

At both of these General Assembly, Guyana was not represented.

After consideration of Guyana’s bid document and oral presentation on Guyana’s behalf, the CAC General Assembly unanimously voted in favour of Guyana for CAC 2024.

This vote was then officially minuted and an official document to this effect was handed to the President of the GBBFF

President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Kevon Bess

at the 48th edition of the Championship which concluded on Sunday in El Salvador.

In another section of the press, Bess had stated his enthusiasm over hosting the event on the economic impact since athletes and their team officials are the ones who stand the costs to attend.

The host federation’s main expenditure would be for the CAC officials, Secretariat, and a big banquet for all athletes and officials at the end of the competition.

India's players in joyous celebration after their emphatic victory.

India crush England by 151 runs at Lord’s to take a 1-0 lead LONDON, England (Reuters) -India's pacemen produced a terrific display of swing bowling to crush England by 151 runs in the second Test at Lord's on Monday, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

England were bowled out for 120 in pursuit of a target of 272 on the final day, succumbing to the steady pressure built up by the Indian bowlers.

Jasprit Bumrah (3-33) got India off to the perfect start by removing Rory Burns for a duck in the first over before Mohammed Shami (1-13) produced an unplayable out-swinger to get the better of fellow opener Dom Sibley, also for

naught.

Bumrah got the big wicket of the in-form Joe Root (33) soon after tea, the England skipper edging to opposite number Virat Kohli at first slip.

Jos Buttler, who was dropped on two

by Kohli, briefly threatened to salvage a draw for the hosts but all hopes of such a result were extinguished by Mohammed Siraj (4-32), who accounted for both Buttler and James Anderson in the same over, handing India only their third-ever test win at Lord's.

"Super proud of the whole team, the way we stuck to our plans... being put in, our performance with the bat was

outstanding," said Kohli.

"The pitch didn't offer much for the first three days... but we thought with 60 overs to go (on the final day) we could have a crack, and they (the bowlers) were outstanding."

Earlier, India declared on 298-8 after Shami and Bumrah put on an unbeaten partnership of 89 for the ninth wicket.

Resuming on an overnight score of 181-6, India lost Rishabh Pant (22) and Ishant Sharma (16) early, both falling to Ollie Robinson before Shami (56 not out) and Bumrah (34 not out) thwarted the England attack with some gutsy strokeplay. TURN TO PAGE 19 ►

Spectators will not be allowed at Tokyo Paralympic Games

SPECTATORS will not be allowed at the Tokyo Paralympic Games because of the city's ongoing struggle with coronavirus, organisers have confirmed.

The Japanese government has proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency, with the Paralympics beginning on 24 August.

"We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games," organisers said in a statement.

As well as stadiums, fans were also requested not to attend road events.

Organisers confirmed spectators would not be allowed at events in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Shizuoka because of infection rates in those regions.

Schoolchildren will still be allowed to attend at the request of local authorities or school administrators.

Fans were barred from venues in the capital for the Olympics, with events held in some other regions allowed up to 50% capacity.

"We sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues," the statement continued.

"We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home."(BBC Sport)

GABBFF president hails CAC team ‒ Silver for Campbell, Fung earnes Bronze at CAC debut

PAGE

19

L-R Rawle Greene, Roger Callender, Yannick Grimes, Emmerson Campbell, Rosanna Fung, Kerwin Clarke and GABBFF president, Keavon Bess.

Kemar Roach: 'I have never been in a situation …Sabina Park hero recalls last-wicket partnership that 23 like that before' secured West Indies a one-wicket win PAGE

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021