Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-03-2021

THURSDAY 18th March, 2021

' No.106304

Guyana a sleeping giant in investment opportunities PAGE

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–– President Ali tells Guyana Basin Summit

Wider access for home financing -- as Bank of Baroda approved as mortgage finance company

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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, shakes hand with Managing Director of the Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc., Arun Gupta, during the simple ceremony to mark the bank being approved as a mortgage finance company. Also in this Carl Croker photograph are Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (second left); High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa (left) and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (right)

Teen charged with killing of Sophia boy

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UG lecturer wins prestigious 20 academic award PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Wider access for home financing –– as Bank of Baroda approved as mortgage finance company

By Richard Bhainie THE Bank of Baroda

(Guyana) Inc. has been designated a mortgage finance company, a step that

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh and Managing Director of the Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc., Arun Gupta sign the relevant documents as High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa looks on (Carl Croker Photograph)

will see Guyanese desirous of owning their own home, now having greater access to financing to do so.

These were the sentiments shared by officials at a simple ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast

Demerara, on Wednesday, to mark the occasion.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, addressing the occasion, explained that the development is an incremental step aimed at improving access to financing by Guyanese for the purposes of acquiring and/ or constructing their own homes.

The minister highlight-

ed that homeownership is a grand moment for individuals and noted that the Government of Guyana is committed to facilitating individuals owning their own homes, by creating the requisite conditions.

“Under the provisions of Section 15 of the Income Tax Act, the income earned by the bank on housing loans granted under this section and pursuant to an agreement signed by the bank will

be exempted from Corporation Tax and what that does it enables the bank to lend at a lower interest rate,” Minister Singh explained.

This, along with other initiatives the government has already undertaken, will go a far way in allowing persons from low-income and middle-income brackets the opportunity to access financing to construct or acquire their own homes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Guyana a sleeping giant in investment opportunities –– President Ali tells Guyana Basin Summit GUYANA is poised to become the most exciting investment destination in the Western Hemisphere, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, said on Wednesday.

The Head of State made this pronouncement during his address at the opening of the Guyana Basin Summit 2021 (GBS) which was held virtually.

The event, which is aimed at creating investment and development opportunities in the Guyana-Suriname Basin, brings oil and gas leaders and the global energy community together during the virtual edition (17-19 March), before a physical conference is held in October in Georgetown.

“We welcome investment in the Guyana Basin as well as the multiple opportunities it will spawn within our economy… I want to take just a few moments to say to all potential investors that you need to come, you need to explore, and you need to look holistically at the varied opportunities in Guyana. Whether it is largescale agriculture production, whether it is mining, whether it is forestry, whether it is in the healthcare system, the education system; you need to understand the varied opportunities Guyana offers for different types of investors.

It is not only about oil and gas, oil and gas has really brought attention to Guyana, a sleeping giant in investment opportunities.”

President Ali noted that while the summit is not necessarily confined to oil and gas, the sector will become a focal point during deliberations.

“In this context, the Guyana Basin is an important

national resource. In terms of endowment, we have estimated that total Basin potential is around twice our proven reserves. Economically, this is important and further solidifies our position as a lucrative emerging petroleum state.”

He added that his Government intends to maximise on the many business opportunities that exist along the value chain of the country’s fledgling petroleum sector, while expanding drilling, exploration and production activities.

private investment in the traditional and newly-emerging sectors, investing in transformative infrastructure, developing world-class services, including social services, and laying the groundwork for structural transformation.

Indeed, what you will see in the next five years is an explosion of housing construction, and the foundation being laid for manufacturing and industrial development…

Our outlook for this year and beyond is extremely promising.”

RESOURCEDEVELOPMENT MODEL The President emphasised that while his Government is clear on the fundamental principles which will guide the development of Guyana’s natural resources sector, it is important for prospective and potential investors to have similar clarity.

“Our natural resources are part of our people’s patrimony. As such, these resources must be used for, and rebound to, the benefit of the people of Guyana. This is the fundamental starting point for the development of our natural resources. And it underpins our policy resource development model.”

He acknowledged that the country’s resources, however, are useless if they remain unexploited, and therefore, foreign and local capital is necessary to convert its natural resources into wealth and to generate jobs.

“As such, Guyana welcomes private investment….

Investment remains pivotal to shared prosperity. We simply lack the scale of financial, technological and human re-

CONDUCIVE AND ENABLING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT He said that while Guyanese can anticipate continuous and progressive improvements in their living standards so too will investors enjoy progressively greater opportunities and rewards.

“Of course, the oil and gas sector is going to be instrumental in our national development framework.

But our development plans, as I have indicated, do not revolve exclusively around oil and gas but involve all sectors of the economy. The Government, as I have said continuously, is committed to establishing both a conducive and enabling environment for business development.”

With regards to their role in national development, President Ali said that his Government’s plans stretch from large-scale agricultural investments and related projects to mega infrastructure, which includes bridges, a road to Brazil, a deep-water harbour, housing communities and urban centres, port facilities, digital technology, industrial parks and energy

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

sources needed for our ambitious economic development plans. We need investment to drive our development.”

President Ali pointed out that it is necessary for the local private sector to become more involved in the planned economic transformation, and to grow and develop through synergies and partnerships with foreign businesses. To enable this, he pointed to the importance of the draft local content policy and law, which is aimed at spurring a stronger and more robust local business environment.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT President Ali assured participants that Government remains committed to ensuring a model of development which provides benefits for present and future generations and “will not sacrifice long-term benefits for shortterm gains”.

“We are uncompromising when it comes to respecting our people, especially our workers. We insist that the rights of our workers be respected and that investors comply with our labour laws.”

He said that it is Government’s intention to work with local and international investors in every dimension of this economy so as to ensure thriving economic sectors over the next five years and beyond.

The President pointed to the strides made by his administration, since assuming office in the latter half of 2020, to rekindle investor and consumer confidence.

“This year, we will continue to fashion a stronger, more resilient and investor-friendly economy. In our National Assembly, we have just passed our annual Budget which manifests our commitment to human safety, dignity, attracting large-scale

development.

“As a matter of fact, we have commenced discussions with Suriname, our neighbour, in the development of the Energy Corridor… where we are going to develop one of the most competitive energy corridors along the Guyana shield…. Brazil and French Guiana too will play important roles in that development.”

The President said that the major catalyst for industrialisation will be the planned gas-to-shore energy project.

He said that this will afford our economy the opportunity to have an enhanced manufacturing sector and allow Guyana to become an industrial powerhouse, a model energy state, the breadbasket of the region, the Silicon Valley of the Caribbean, and a sustainable tourism paradise.

GBS 2021 is a uniquely global summit that will provide a platform for the industry to forge partnerships, showcase innovation and drive commerce forward.

Guyana’s representatives at the summit also included Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga; CEO of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Guyana Energy Agency CEO, Dr Mahender Sharma. (Public Information and Press Services Unit)

Lusignan Prison escapee recaptured LAW enforcement officials have recaptured a prisoner just under 12 hours after he escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast De-

merara, on Wednesday morning.

Taje Singh, 45, was found at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo on Wednesday evening and was

promptly arrested.

Singh had jumped the southern prison fence and escaped into a clump of bushes earlier in the day.

Singh of Lot 81 Zeelugt North, West Coast Demerara, was serving a sentence for larceny of a water pump and unlawful wounding.

Recaptured: Taje Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Teen charged with killing of Sophia boy

A SIXTEEN-year-old will appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today to face the charge of murder in relation to the killing of 10-year-old, Anthony Cort.

Cort was gunned down by bandits during a home invasion at Packet Corner, C Field, Sophia last Thursday.

Police are seeking another suspect; the teenager has been

identified as the prime suspect.

The child had been playing in the upper flat of the house when bandits invaded the property in search of valuables.

After looting the downstairs shop, one of the bandits stayed behind, holding Cort’s mother and baby sister at gunpoint, while the other gunman escorted the shop owner upstairs in search of more valuables.

Before the woman could begin her search for more items for the robbers, Cort exited the room where he had been playing and the bandit reportedly spared no hesitation in opening fire on the child. After shooting the young boy, the bandits fled the scene, jumping a zinc fence aback the yard.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali recently visited Anthony’s fam-

ily. Accompanying him was the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Commander Pareshram. They expressed condolences to the slain child’s mother and siblings.

President Ali promised the family that he will do all in his power to bring Anthony’s killers to justice.

Wider access for home ...

“The various elements taken by the government form the parts of a comprehensive policy agenda articulated by the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government with the objective of ensuring that Guyanese families can afford their own home, can afford to have access to a plot of land, can afford access to finances for the purposes of constructing their home and therefore can own, construct and occupy their own home,” Dr Singh said.

He noted that the government is desirous of the Bank of Baroda and similar institutions expanding their operations in

Guyana and position themselves to take advantage of the remarkable growth prospects of the country.

“Not only are you providing an excellent service to your customers but indeed there is a remarkable opportunity for growth for the bank, you are a bank with a vast international network, and that gives you a unique position as it relates to international business,” Dr. Singh noted.

EXPAND YOUR PRESENCE “We would like to see international companies like yours expand your presence in

Thursday March 18, 2021 04:30 hrs Friday March 19, 2021 09:00hrs

Guyana and expand the array of products that you offer and services that you offer to your customer and play a full role in the remarkable transformation that is on the verge of being unfolded in Guyana,” he added.

While delivering brief remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that the Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc. becoming an approved mortgage finance company will present significant benefits for Guyanese desirous of owning their own home.

He explained that the bank will now be an additional financial institution available for potential home owners to approach in seeking to secure a mortgage; the addition will also increase competition in the financial sector, a catalyst for development.

“The market is still missing a great deal of competition, we see competition in the financial market as a benefit to our prospective homeowners, with competition better

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service delivery and indeed cheaper and more affordable capital would become available,” Croal explained.

The Bank of Baroda has entered the market at an incremental stage of the Guyana’s development. Demand for mortgages is expected to increase tremendously due to the massive housing drive being undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and Water.

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa noted that the Government of India and the Government of Guyana have enjoyed a strong collaborative relationship throughout the years, and the approval of the Bank of Baroda signals the enlarging of that collaboration between the two countries.

“This occasion will lay the seeds for further collaboration in the financial sector and I can strongly emphasise that the expertise that the Indian financial institutions have in dealing with such matters will be very helpful,” he noted.

Speaking at the event,

Dead: Anthony Cort

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Managing Director of the Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc., Arun Gupta, extended appreciation to the Government of Guyana for granting approval for registering the Bank of Baroda as a mortgage finance company, which will enable the bank’s customers to access housing loans at low interest rates.

Pursuant to the approval, the loans are to be granted at the rates not more than what is being charged by the New Building Society. For loans up to $6 million, the interest rate will be four per cent; $6 to 12 million will attract an interest rate of 5.9 per cent while loans from $12 to 15 million will have a 6.25 per cent interest rate.

The Bank of Baroda (Guyana) Inc. is a subsidiary of the Bank of Baroda, India’s International Bank; they have a global presence with locations in 24 countries worldwide.

Their Guyana branch was established on March 31, 1966 and in 2012 they expanded

their operations by adding a branch at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Gupta noted that the company has intention of further expanding its operations in Guyana by adding more locations to its fleet as well as more products and services.

The approval is a start of that process.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic in their 2020 Elections Manifesto committed to distributing some 50,000 house lots within their first five years in office, disaggregating this into 10,000 house lots per year.

In their first four months of office, the government has distributed some 3,600 house lots to applicants across Guyana. On Tuesday last, $13.8 billion in contracts were awarded to contractors to commence new infrastructural works, as well as for the construction of houses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

EU warns UK over vaccine exports Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has said that if Covid vaccine supplies in Europe do not improve, the EU "will reflect whether exports to countries who have higher vaccination rates than us are still proportionate".

Post-Brexit disagreements between the EU and the UK have been heightened by the diplomatic row over the export of the vaccines.

The European Council president, Charles Michel, claimed last week that the UK had imposed an "outright ban" on the export of vaccines and their components - there is no ban though, and his claim was dismissed by the government as "completely false".

But Mrs von der Leyen says the EU is still waiting for exports from the UK, and it wants reciprocity.

The issue of vaccine exports from the EU - and a potential ban - is being raised because the EU is struggling to get sufficient supplies to accelerate its own vaccination programme.

And the number one export destination for vaccines manufactured in the EU is the UK. Mrs von der Leyen says 41 million vaccine doses have been exported from the EU to 33 countries in six weeks.

More than 10 million of them have gone to the

UK. That is more than the total number of vaccines administered in the UK in the month of February, and (as of 17 March) more than a third of the total number of UK vaccinations so far.

It is worth emphasising that vaccine exports are not organised by the EU itself, but by companies such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, which use its territory as a global manufacturing base.

As of 11 March, 3.9 million doses had also been exported from the EU to Canada, and 3.1 million to Mexico. One million doses have been sent to the US, even though it is a major manufacturer in its own right and has not exported any vaccines to the EU. The US is using export controls under the Defense Production Act, first introduced during the Korean War in the 1950s, to prevent companies exporting vaccine doses or ingredients without federal government authorisation.

There has been no public announcement of any vaccine exports from the UK, and no evidence that any have taken place.

The Department of Health said it didn't know whether there had been any, and AstraZeneca did not respond to a request for a comment.

"Let me be clear, we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Prime Minister Bo-

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission

ris Johnson told the House of Commons on 8 March.

The government is keen to highlight that the UK has donated £548m to the Covax initiative, set up to distribute vaccines around the world. But that doesn't mean there have been exports of vaccines themselves.

"The British prime minister has made it clear to me that obviously his first priority is to vaccinate his people," Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said on 9 March.

"Until then he won't be in a position to give vaccines to anybody, and he has made that point to me."

So, there is no export ban, but publicly available information suggests

vaccines are not being exported from the UK. The government argues that is driven by the contractual obligations which vaccine suppliers have to their customers, rather than by the demands of politicians.

In January, the head of AstraZeneca, Pascal Soriot said of his company's contract with the UK that it was a case of "you supply us first".

And after the UK rejected Charles Michel's claim of an outright ban, he said there were "different ways of imposing bans or restrictions on vaccines/

medicines". In an interview with news website Politico, he challenged the UK to release its vaccine export data.

Now, Mrs von der Leyen has stepped up the warnings.

"If the situation does not change, we will have to reflect on how to make exports to vaccine-producing countries dependent on their level of openness," she said.

In response, the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government had legally signed a contract for the delivery of the first 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and added that "the supply of vaccines from EU production facilities to the UK is fulfilling contractual responsibilities and we fully expect those contracts to be delivered on".

Earlier this month, Italy blocked a shipment of 250,000 doses of Ox-

ford-AstraZeneca vaccine to Australia. But it is the only one of more than 300 vaccine export authorisations that has been refused.

The crunch could come in the second quarter of 2021 when supply problems may intensify. Then, as Mrs von der Leyen indicated, the EU may have to decide whether to block other shipments, including to the UK, to protect its own interests.

One possibility being discussed is to use Article 122 of the EU treaty, which allows measures to be taken "if severe difficulties arise in the supply of certain products".

Those measures could in theory include export bans and the waiving of patent and intellectual property rights on vaccines. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Leveraging development GUYANESE wake up these days with a spectacular feeling of gratitude and goodwill and a glorious relief when they see their nation leaping ahead with extraordinary projects being rolled out every day, almost with dizzying speed, and of such huge goals. Housing the nation ranks at the top of this country's peaceful progress and prosperity, and with government's historic injection of $14 billion to generate 50,000 housing units for Guyanese between now and 2025, citizens digest the news regaling the media landscape, of construction contracts awarded this week, with glee and much anticipation of a Guyana that finally makes its mark on the world stage as a highly developed society. What a beautiful day to be a Guyanese. Everywhere across the length and breadth of this land, people feel the pulse of things happening, of an acceleration of the

standard of living of each person, of the promise and potential of Guyana delivered at their doorstep.

Such a meteoric rise in national fortunes must be experienced at every level of the society.

This is what national development is all about, the euphoric deliverance of the expectation of the citizenry, when a government that the people elected not only delivers on its promises, but goes way above and beyond national expectations. That multibillion-dollar housing industry injection from the State is a big lifeblood to the country, with a range of jobs and economic activities flowing from it. Citizens all across the country will feel the ripple effects of the construction boom that is unfolding.

Yet, there are deeper considerations to be conscious of as to how this country leverages these new socioeconomic stimulus roll outs and State investments and sudden flood of financial

resources into the society. It used to be that quite a few companies and contractors would cream off significant profits from public projects that they are awarded contracts for, and proceed to bank their windfall in overseas bank accounts, with little pumping back of capital into the local economy.

These, however, are different times, and therefore the country would do well to provide incentives for local private sector tycoons who gather financial resources after winning State contracts, to re-invest in local communities. Villages and towns across this nation need an inflow of public projects, like, for example, the swimming pool and aqua recreation club in Canje, Berbice.

Much of the major private sector investments traditionally flowed to Georgetown, with Regent, Robb, Camp and Water streets commanding particular attractiveness to new private investors.

These days, massive private projects are going up on the

East Coast and East Bank Demerara, in outlying areas of the city, and also the environs of the international airports at Timehri and Ogle are starting to become major commercial hubs, with big projects in the works.

Government is flooding serious financial resources into the country, and it is fruitful to ensure that the resources do not sit in bank accounts as savings, or be sent overseas for what might be perceived as more secured ground. In other words, as the Guyanese landscape undergoes tremendous transformation from the State generating a magnificent development agenda, there needs to be a simultaneous engineering of a deliberate atmosphere of confidence, and of a long-term outlook, and a commitment from the nouveau riche and those who glean much from the State roll out, to focus their attention on this land, on playing their part to give back to the society and invest in local communities everywhere.

Of course, one of the factors in making big investments is the available market size. For example, one may not want to invest in a small remote village with a few hundred people because the buying power is low. However, in today's globalised world, local investors could easily set up shop in a remote community, and trade their offerings online to a global marketplace. These sensibilities need to become a national norm, this sense of leveraging local resources into new possibilities.

Developing this country would more and more evolve into an ever expanding sophisticated endeavour, and the powers that be would want to make sure that every facet of the process is always under consideration.

Circulation of money and direct benefits of the windfall from these massive State contracts must be encouraged to stay within the national borders. As much as Georgetown and the central part of Demerara

see big benefits from the development process that is transforming the coastal skyline, Guyanese want to see projects rising up on their street corners, too, in villages everywhere.

These are early days of this new era of Guyanese feeling the real rise of their nation. It would be a good thing were there to be a deliberate effort and an instituting of policies to ensure the wealth is spread evenly across every community across the nation. As 50,000 new homes come into operation, the nation would want to start developing self-sufficient socioeconomic corridors whereby citizens do not have to trudge to the city for their big shopping and entertainment.

In these amazing times, the country would do well to assure every citizen that the wealth and well- being and new ways of living the Guyana dream would be easily available to every citizen, on an even, equal footing.

Hotel arrests violated law and gazetted COVID rules

Dear Editor,

ATTENTION is drawn to the news report of raid and arrest of proprietor and guests at Sleepin hotel (GC Mar 15). There was a clear violation of the laws and of enforcement of COVID-19 rules by the ranks who raided the hotel.

In perusing through the laws of Guyana on licensing for hotels and for restaurants and bars operating within those premises, Cap 88:22, Part 4, Sec 21 (3), hotels are permitted 24 hours operations and services (travellers) to guests of the hotels. As stated in the Official Gazette (Feb 26, 2021), a document signed by the Hon. Minister of

Health Dr. Frank Anthony, hotels are granted 24 hours operations, and by extension to provide 24 hours of services to guests. A hotel is not simply a restaurant and bar and can’t be equated with either or both.

One cannot deny guests food and drinks – that is an essential service of hotels, besides lodging. Off course, as stated in the gazette, hotels and all businesses are mandated to enforce wearing of masks, social distancing, hand washing station, sanitising stations, and other health safety protocols. The Ministry of Tourism plays a role in ensuring operators comply with COVID-19 protocols and rules. Enforcement

of rules can’t apply to providing service at a hotel; they apply to protocols like masking.

Heavily armed ranks, dressed in military fatigues and AK 47s, descended on the premises of Sleepin hotel. There was Joint Services operation. Roads were blocked off.

There were no warnings. Guests and travellers were simply rounded up and herded and taken into police custody. The very COVID-19 protocols that ranks came to enforce they violated. Who sent the ranks there and why? Was the PM’s office informed? Do the ranks or their supervisor know the laws and rules?

Based on the laws of Guyana,

during a raid, the police or ranks could only arrest a guest or those present in a hotel if he or she refused to provide name and address or if the police believe that guest was untruthful of name and address (suspected of providing false information).

It would seem that the police violated the laws when they raided Sleepin Hotel last weekend. The hotel was providing legitimate service to guests and travellers. No one was legitimately charged for violating protocols or rules. The police arrested and charged hotel proprietor, Mr. Bacchus. He was not defiant and he did not provide

false information on his identity or address. Mr. Bacchus lived at the hotel and is well known in the public domain. Clearly, he was wrongly arrested. Also, guests had a legitimate right to be at hotel and if not defiant and or not violating COVID-19 rules and regulations, the police lacked power to quiz them and or to make arrests. The state must make amends.

There was wrongful detention.

Bacchus and others were humiliated. Should Mr. Bacchus seek compensation?

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Ensuring plant health in a post-COVID-19 world

Every year, up to 40 per cent of global crop production - worth over $200 billion - is lost to plant pests and diseases.

The 15th Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM-15) - the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)* - began meeting today to set standards to curb the spread of plant pests and review the state of plant health and protection worldwide.

No less than a new international consciousness about plant health is being sought.

In his keynote address at this morning's session, Jari Leppä, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Finland said that "Humanity is facing a number of existential challenges. [...] It would certainly be my dream that in 30 years' time the year 2020 would not only be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, but also as the beginning of a new international consciousness about One Health, including plant and environmental health!"

In her address, Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO, also spoke of a new paradigm.

"FAO is moving towards a new Strategic Framework", she said, adding "One of our

core functions is to facilitate and support countries and other partners in the development and implementation of normative and standard setting instruments for more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."

According to CPM Chairperson, Francisco Javier Trujillo Arriaga, the international movement of people, goods, containers, and cargos, as well as the increasing volume of goods traded via e-commerce and climate change, are all factors that increase the possibility for plant pests to be introduced and established in new countries and regions. To mitigate the effects of these risks, the world needs that preventive measures adopted at country level become standardized policy and mechanisms implemented at regional and national levels. "The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures is the only international forum that addresses those issues and it leads the implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention" he said.

COVID-19 AND THREATS TO PLANT HEALTH Jingyuan Xia, the Direc-

not regulated plants or plant products (including conveyances, containers, packaging, storage places, soil, and any other organism, object or material capable of harbouring or spreading plant pests).

Furthermore, CPM-15 will review updates on the International Year of Plant Health 2020, which has been extended until 1 July 2021 (due to COVID-19), and address the progress towards the proclamation of an International Day of Plant Health

The IPPC sets phytosanitary standards to protect plants from pests and diseases, and ensure safe trade in plants and agricultural products (FAO photo)

tor of FAO's Plant Production and Protection Division and IPPC Officer-in-Charge, stated that "The COVID-19 pandemic is proving that prevention is always better than the cure, and this applies to the health of humans, animals and plants." The last 14 months have jeopardized access to affordable and nutritious food, but the IPPC ePhyto Solution, for example, has allowed countries to exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates throughout the pandemic and assured

the continuing safe trade of plants (the ePhyto Solution's long-term financial sustainability will be discussed at CPM-15).

EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF CPM-15 The adoption of the IPPC Strategic Framework 20202030, including new strategic objectives and a development agenda to advance global plant health over the next decade will be high on CPM15's agenda.

The adoption of eleven

new standards, including new phytosanitary treatments for regulated pests is expected.

A CPM Recommendation on Food Aid to encourage countries to prepare for managing the phytosanitary risks associated with the export and import of food and other humanitarian aid during an emergency is also due to be adopted, along with a CPM Recommendation on Contaminating Pests to address pest risks associated with traded goods that are

in 2022. Championed by the Government of Zambia, the proposal of an International Day is expected to be validated by the UN General Assembly this autumn.

CPM-15 sees a record number of participants from over 145 contracting parties, and 30 observer organisations attending the virtual meetings which continue this afternoon and on 18 March and again on 1 April 2021. (FAO)

GPF new communications unit commences familiarisation outreach THE recently rebranded Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Tuesday, commenced its countrywide familiarisation programme with the first visit to Regional Division Number Five.

The CCU team comprised Director Mark Ramotar, Deputy Stan Gouveia and Communications Officer, Lance Corporal, Simeon Browne.

Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, and his senior officers of the division facilitated a very candid session.

The discussion explored the CCU’s vision and the requisite

support to ensure its success and received unconditional support from the senior officers.

The officers spoke about the various programmes and initiatives in the regional division and their operations to reduce crime.

From the discussion, training and strengthening of relations between the media liaisons of the division the head office was recommended. A request was also made for training in public speaking and media relations for officers in the division.

The CCU team looked at the recommendations favourably.

CCU Director, Mark Ramotar (fourth right) makes a point during the discussion

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

MPs receive COVID-19 vaccine

MP and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman, has his concerns addressed before taking the COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo)

Opposition MP, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, receives her COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo)

SEVERAL Members of Parliament (MPs), on Wednesday, turned up at Parliament Buildings to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

In keeping with the protocols established for the national vaccination programme, the recipients were provided information on the vaccine and had their concerns addressed before being vaccinated.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir expressed gratitude to the Government for securing the vaccines for the nation.

“It is important that we tell our people that vaccination is something highly recommended, and, as Speaker, I want to be among the first also to be vaccinated. I feel that it’s more than necessary.

It is not sufficient to talk the talk, but we need to do the walk. Today I am pleased to see quite a few Members of Parliament here,” he said.

To this end, the Speaker said the Government would soon be able to provide the vaccine to all Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton said vaccination will no doubt change the course of the pandemic in Guyana, and across the globe.

“Every Guyanese should utilise the opportunity to get vaccinated because we are being told by all of the medical experts that the vaccinated population would help to relieve us from this stress that we have had to live with in Guyana and around the world,” he said.

Government MP, Dr. Jennifer Westford, agreed with these sentiments.

“The vaccine is like any other vaccine. It was normal. I didn’t feel when I got it… The registration clerk explained to us what the vaccine is about and how I am going to feel so I want to encourage every Guyanese

Former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, gets his COVID-19 ‘jab’ (DPI photo)

Member of Parliament, MP Sheila Veerasammy, receives her COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo)

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, receives his COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo)

to take your vaccine once it is available,” she said.

Former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, along with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, were also vaccinated. He told DPI that it is an opportunity to get ahead of the third wave of the disease, “particularly judging by what is going on our southern

border. We need to protect ourselves, so I want to encourage others to do what I have done and other leaders to take the vaccine. This gives confidence to our people that it is not the question of safety, but the question is one of protection and you are better off with the vaccine than if you did not.”

Government MPs Alister Charlie and Sheila Veersammy as well as Opposition MPs Khemraj Ramjattan and Geeta Chandan-Edmond were among those who were vaccinated.

On February 10, the Government received 3,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from

Barbados and soon began its vaccination campaign. It then received a donation of 20,000 doses of Sinopharm from the People’s Republic of China and 80,000 of the AstraZeneca from India. The Government is currently awaiting a consignment of 104,000 vaccines through the COVAX mechanism.

It is also expecting another 149,000 doses under a CARICOM-African Union purchase agreement. Additionally, last weekend, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana has ordered 200,000 doses of the Sputnik vaccine and would be expecting its first shipment of 50,000 doses soon. After the first shipment, the Government expects to receive another 50,000 every two weeks until it has received the amount ordered. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination campaign rolls out in Region Nine HEALTH officials have, to date, inoculated 141 persons in the Amerindian village of Annai, and 118 in Aishalton, as the COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues across Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

The region’s COVID-19 response team spent last Wednesday and Thursday in sub-district Annai, and administered vaccines to healthcare workers and people aged 60 years and older.

This exercise was done in keeping with the vaccination protocols established by the Ministry of Health and the

National COVID-19 Task Force.

Dr. Nial Uthman, Regional Health Officer of Region Nine, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) there was no particular challenge in getting persons to take the vaccine.

“When we arrived at Annai, we did some additional sensitisation there as some persons were not clear about the age groups to be facilitated, so we explained that.

Some of them, because of the numbers [ages below 60], we had to turn back. They live in close proximity, but we were able to give 141 persons vac-

cines in two days,” he said.

Accommodations were made for teachers who travelled from far-flung villages to get the vaccine.

“We had a successful session there, that would include health workers and persons 60 years and over, but we also had some exceptional cases of teachers which we also captured in that batch.

We could not turn them away because of the distance they came from and their difficulty with transportation,” Dr. Uthman said.

After Annai, the team visited sub-district Aishalton, situated in the Rupununi

savannahs, where 118 persons were inoculated, before heading to the community of Sand Creek on Monday and Tuesday.

Dr Uthman said that with the larger size of the Lethem sub-district, more time has been afforded persons there to get the vaccine, before the other categories of frontline workers and the wider population is vaccinated.

The RHO is encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, not only to protect themselves, but also their families.

Guyana has so far received donations of vaccines from the Governments of Barbados (3,000), the People’s Republic of China (20,000) and India (80,000).

The country is awaiting a consignment of 104,000 vaccines through the COVAX mechanism. It is also expecting another 149,000 dos-

A nurse prepares to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Region Nine es under a CARICOM-African Union purchase agreement.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also announced that Guyana has ordered 200,000 doses of the Sputnik vaccine and would be

expecting its first shipment of 50,000 doses soon.

After the first shipment, the government expects to receive another 50,000 every two weeks until it has received the amount ordered. (DPI)

This gentleman indicates that he has received his COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo) The team also visited Lethem (DPI photo)

This gentleman receives his COVID-19 vaccine in Region Nine (DPI photo)

This Sand Creek resident receives her COVID-19 vaccine (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

China to hold next Canton Fair online in April (Xinhua) -- China will hold the 129th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, online between April 15 and 24, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Wednesday.

This is the third online session of the fair following two successful ones in June and October last year.

Continuing to hold the sessions online will consolidate the gains in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as social and economic development, the MOC said.

The fair will further play its role as a platform for all-round opening-up, and help

maintain the smooth operation of the industrial and supply chains of foreign trade, the ministry added.

As China has recently eradicated absolute poverty and transitioned to rural revitalization, the fair will designate a special zone for companies from formerly poor areas, to introduce their products to international buyers, the MOC said.

Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is seen as an important barometer of China's foreign trade. The 128th session attracted around 26,000 domestic and overseas enterprises, with more than 2.47 million products.

Disproving the doubts: insight into the Belt and Road (Excerpt from Xinhua) -- Amid a surging trend toward global interconnectivity propelled by the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noises pop up from time to time as to how this grand vision of the BRI may have its bearing on the world.

The Belt and Road, referring to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes.

Facts have come to show that the BRI is a peaceful, open and green road of win-win cooperation, as well as a revitalized historical route leading to a community with a shared future for humanity.

DEBT TRAP VS. DEVELOPMENT DIVIDEND "Debt trap diplomacy" has been a big buy for those with Cold War mindset, demonizing China's loans as "creating economic dependency on Beijing."

Facts show, however, that the BRI is helping lift countries out of a "trap of no development" rather than duping them into a "debt trap."

To start with, developing countries in the stage of economic take-off, especially those in Asia and Africa, are in urgent need of capital for infrastructure investment. What China has done is to extend a helping hand to such programs, based on the principle of "mutual respect, justice and fairness, and win-win

results."

In terms of project selection as well as investment and financing cooperation under the BRI, all concerned parties will make decisions prudently after joint consultation, risk assessment and feasibility studies.

A look at a country-specific debt portfolio reveals the lack of fairness of the debt-trap rhetoric.

For instance, Sarmad Ali, managing director of Jang Media Group, the largest media group in Pakistan, said that the debt incurred by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the framework of regional connectivity under BRI cooperation, accounts for only around 6 percent of Pakistan's total external debt and liabilities.

CPEC is not only a drive for development, but also injects huge amounts of capital into Pakistan, he added.

Some Western critics tend to blast China for "intentionally creating" the debt problem of Sri Lanka's Hambantota port and its handover, but such allegations are no more than a fabrication out of thin air.

Sri Lanka has "limited experience" in absorbing capital and management, and that's why the country decided to cooperate with China Merchants Group in operation, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the press.

BLACK-BOX OPERATIONS VS. A TRANSPARENT PLAN Western critics are inclined to use "black-box operations" to describe B&R

Photo taken on Aug. 22, 2018 shows a view of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge in the Maldives. (Xinhua/Wang Mingliang)

Photo taken on Dec. 16, 2018 shows the Lower Sesan II Hydropower Station in Stung Treng Province, Cambodia. (Xinhua) cooperation, saying that China has an opaque system when it comes to initiative-related decision-making.

However, officials and experts say from notion to action, the BRI advocates and adheres to the principle of transparency and inclusiveness.

"China has kicked off the initiative, but it is up to others to join and play the game together," said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president of the China Institute of International Studies.

Director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Jose Graziano da Silva praised China for pursuing inclusiveness development with no one left behind, and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, an expert on international security from Britain, believed no dangers were detected in Chinese investment and that B&R cooperation is transparent.

To date, 138 countries and 31 international organizations have concluded BRI-related cooperation agreements with China, including Italy, a member of the Group of Seven.

Furthermore, the projects under the Belt and Road framework are in line with the basic norms of international laws and regulations and abide by internationally accepted business logic and operational models.

GEOPOLITICAL STRATEGY VS. GLOBAL PUBLIC GOODS

With its growing popularity, the BRI is blamed by some with ulterior motives as one of China's instruments in its geopolitical conflicts with other major countries.

In fact, as one of the most well-known international public goods and platforms for global cooperation, the initiative aims to achieve common prosperity rather than boost the so-called "Chinese clout."

It should be noted that many countries and regions actively dovetailed the BRI with their own development plans, ranging from the EU's Junker Investment Plan to the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, Turkey's Middle Corridor projects, and Kazakhstan's Bright Path.

-BRI-related investments can lift up to 34 million people from moderate poverty with respect to the baseline, among whom 29.4 million are from countries and regions along the BRI route, according to a World Bank report.

Changyong Rhee, director of the International Monetary Fund Asia and Pacific Department, believed the BRI has benefited the world in fostering infrastructure need in the low-income countries and also promoting regional cooperation and connectivity in trade investment, human mobility and finance.

It is a "very important contribution" to the global economy, Rhee said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

38 Region Nine boat operators relicensed A TOTAL of 38 boat operators from Region Nine have had their river licences renewed while 12 persons were trained and became certified for the first time in river navigation competency.

A team from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) visited Iwokrama and Annai, earlier in the month, to provide comprehensive training and issue the requisite certification to boat operators.

The certification is part of MARAD’s efforts to ensure that boat operators are maneuvering the waterways in a manner that is in accordance with the River Navigation Act. The training team comprised of the Director of Maritime Safety, Captain John Flores; Registrar of Seafarers, Examination and Certification Officer, Katina Benn-George, and two other employees from the Maritime Safety Division.

Captain Flores and team facilitated training in the areas of collision avoidance, river navigation regulations, emergency drills, and emergency safety equipment.

Twenty-four operators from Annai had the opportunity to renew their licences, while nine persons were trained and certified in river navigation competency. In Iwokrama, 14 operators had their licences renewed, while

Boat operators in Region Nine were trained in the areas of collision avoidance, river navigation regulations, emergency drills, and emergency safety equipment

three persons benefitted from their first-time training and certification. This training was a collaborative effort between MARAD and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The river navigation competency certification adds to the GTA’s efforts of returning the tourism sector to some level of normalcy. As many countries continue to battle harsh lockdowns and curfews owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has moved to reopen its tourism industry.

This is largely owing to the country’s small population, coupled with the fact that it boasts vast open spaces that easily allow for the strict implementation of all

COVID-19 protocols.

The reopening of the tourism industry rests heavily on the promotion of eco-tourism, which is integrally linked to water travels.

Just this week, destination Guyana once again secured first place at the International “Golden City Gate” Award for a video contributed in the category “Stay Safe”.

This multimedia contest took place for the 21st time during this year’s Internationale Tourismus -Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, the world’s largest travel trade show, which was held virtually from March 9 to 12, 2021, due to the pandemic.

A total of 122 film entries were submitted from

23 countries. The 32 members of the international jury honoured the “Welcome back to Guyana” (http://bit. ly/3eMOLsE) video produced by the Guyana Tourism Authority, highlighting the beauty of the country’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, and promotion to visit the country when the corona pandemic subsides.

WINNER This is the second time that Guyana has been awarded first place in the “Golden City Gate” competition. In 2019, Guyana also secured first place after submitting a video in the ‘Destination” category.

Only recently, also, Min-

ister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, highlighted that Guyana continues to maintain its place in the global spotlight as a prime tourist destination, due to its unique ecotourism product. The minister’s statements followed the publication of an article in the ‘Wanderlust’ travel magazine, which ranked Guyana as one of the top nine sustainable tourism destinations in the world.

Minister Walrond said that this “continues to reinforce the point that Guyana is still a world changer.” The article, titled “9 sustainable experiences in Latin America”, shed some flattering light on the immersive experienc-

es contained in indigenous communities and culture.

“Indigenous communities in this South American country have created their own sustainable tourism projects, such as eco lodges and guided tours. These communities’ low-carbon lifestyle, commitment to protecting their ancestral lands and conservation efforts protecting wildlife make Guyana’s tourism one of the greenest on the planet,” the magazine said.

Over the years, Guyana’s sustainable tourism product has been widely recognised.

On November 5, 2019, Guyana won the Silver Prize in ‘Best of Adventure’ from the International Travel and Tourism Awards for the sustainable adventure practices framework communities have employed. Earlier, on June 10, 2019, it won the “Best in Sustainable Tourism” award at the Latin America Travel Association (LATA) Achievement Awards in London. It also secured the coveted cover of the June/July 2019 issue of the international Travel Agent Magazine.

Guyana was also named the ‘The World’s #1 in ‘Best of Ecotourism’ and one of the Top 10 Sustainable Destinations at the ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel and trade show in March 2019.

GPSU calls for increase in income tax threshold AS part of its negotiations for a salary increase for public servants, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is recommending that the income tax threshold be increased to $120,000.

The union is also pushing for a revision of the formula that is used to calculate pensions for public servants.

This was announced at a press conference held, on Wednesday, at the union’s Regent Street Headquarters.

It was disclosed to the media that there are a number of measures that the union will be lobbying for, including tax reforms.

“The GPSU submitted, in its budget proposals for 2021, that the tax threshold should be $120,000. The GPSU also submitted proposals for the review of pensions paid to re-

tirees. The GPSU has called on the government to meet within the time stipulated in the agreement for a meeting upon request,” GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener, said while reading the union’s prepared statement.

In a proposal sent to the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, the union is also calling for a reduction of the tax rate to 20 per cent, and a reduction of VAT to 8 per cent. The union shared a copy of the document at the press conference.

In Guyana, the income tax (PAYE) threshold currently stands at $65,000, which means individuals only pay tax on the amounts earned after the first $65,000 is deducted. Individuals are taxed 28 per cent on amounts

which is more than two years ago. During this period, there were increases in revenue in the government coffers. The revenue referred to is distinct and separate from the revenue received from the proceeds of oil,” President of the GPSU, Patrick Yarde said.

The union said it has written to President Irfaan Ali, following a lack of response to correspondence sent to the Ministry of Public Service (MoPS)’s Permanent SecreGPSU President, Patrick Yarde tary (PS), Soyinka Grogan, up to $130,000 above the first budget debates and passage on a request for the com$65, 000. An incremental rate of the budget in Parliament, mencement of the salary of 40 per cent is charged in- now is the opportune time for negotiations. definitely on taxes above the the commencement of negoti“The union has sought the $130,000. ations on salary increases for intervention of His ExcellenThe union noted that the public servants. The union is cy, President Ali, in a letter income tax rate is higher looking for retroactive salary dated March, 16, 2021 and than the Company Tax which increases for 2020 and 2021. thanks him in advance for his stands at 25 per cent.

“Public service work- involvement and support,” It was explained that ers have had no increase in the union’s statement said. given the conclusion of the earnings since January 2019, Following the passage

of the budget in February, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, affirmed that salary increases are catered for in the budget. This pronouncement was made in response to claims that the proposed 2021 budget did not include any monetary incentive for public servants.

Vice-President Jagdeo had said that over $10 billion has been budgeted in the estimates under the heading, “revision of wages and salaries”.

“A huge part of that sum will go towards salary increase for public sector workers,” he explained.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that previous PPP/C governments are known for setting aside a “lump sum” of money, which is later used to provide salary increases and other monetary incentives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Women’s Chamber proposes tax delay for start-up businesses

THE Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) is petitioning the government to institute a tax moratorium (suspension) of two years for women-owned start-up businesses. The WCCIG believes that this move will pave the way for the development of women-owned enterprises, with significantly less pressure.

“We also advocate for loan windows and grant assistance to women-owned businesses,” the organisation said in a statement.

Additionally, as the entire world continues to work towards achieving gender parity, the WCCIG has moved to establish a youth arm, aimed at inspiring and including young women and girls.

The youth component, coined ‘Youth Connect and Commerce (YCC)’, was one of the many tangible outcomes of the Chambers’ inaugural Guyana Women and Girls Summit, which was hosted on March 8, 2021, in celebration of International Women’s Day, under the theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.”

The initiative brought women and girls across Guyana face to face with several impactful women in leadership, stemming from inspirational speakers and industry leaders. The forum saw female leaders and executives from various industries participating in panel discussions on topical issues such as Equality in a Post-COVID Era; Young Girls in Leadership; Women and Girls in Tech; Personal Branding; Mentorship; Claiming your Power; and Women in Oil and Gas. Commenting on the sa-

Members of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana

lience of women-focused events and women’s networks in a COVID-19 world and beyond, Co-Founder of the WCCIG, Kerensa Gravesande-Bart expressed her belief that “This is the beginning of a new era.”

She said, “A superior generation of girls and women are upcoming; many ideas were birthed, passions developed, and dreams realised; COVID-19 presented a chance to get in touch with our values, review our priorities and understand what is essential in our lives.”

The WCCIG, by way of a press statement issued on Wednesday, said that the organisation will continue to use its strategic alliances in executing its work plan to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.

IDENTIFY MENTORS Vice-President of the WCCIG, Lyndell Danzie-Black encouraged the young women to identify mentors within their communities and organisations, who can further add to the approach of fostering fruitful mentoring relationships.

Through the YCC, the WCCIG said that it is hoping to bridge the gap between the skills acquired versus the skills in demand for entrepreneurship, by establishing youth development programmes, training and learning networks, skills development centres, and investor engagements.

The WCCIG announced that it recognises that ‘Business Services Organisations’ play a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship. As a result, in its thrust

to foster economically empowered youth, the YCC will be supported by a team of business leaders, government representatives, subject matter experts and innovators, who will serve as mentors and provide guidance on the programmatic focus of the YCC. “As we analyse the outcomes of our Summit, the WCCIG is advocating for policies targeted at women-owned businesses and continues to encourage gender diversity, inclusiveness and full participation of women in economic matters,” the organisation said.

It was only on Tuesday that Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, emphasised the importance of gender parity, highlighting several gaps that continue to

Police investigating infant’s sudden death THE abrupt death of 15-month-old Sahara LaCruz of Cabora Village, Moruca, North West District Region One, on Tuesday, has prompted a police investigation.

Reports indicate that on Tuesday, around 15:15 hours, the mother was awakened by her daughter’s cries, and as such, she attempted to

breastfeed the child.

However, the infant refused.

Subsequently, the mother said her daughter began to tremble. When she finally stopped, the child was motionless. The police were immediately called in and they are awaiting the results of an autopsy report.

stymie the progress of women. Dr. Persaud said that even though women continue to play an essential role in the socio-economic and political development of the CARICOM region, and can be found in leadership positions in every sphere of influence including politics, public services, business, and in civil society, much more still needs to be done to ensure that their contributions are equally rewarded.

Dr. Persaud recognised that “Women’s very survival and their entry into leadership and decision-making are hinged on unencumbered access to opportunities for training, resources, sustainable and viable income alternatives and significant, visible national and global platforms.”

She said that the Guy-

ana government remains fully cognisant of the amplified gender disparity and economic exhaustion of female-led households in the COVID-stricken world, and that the administration has initiated countrywide technical and vocational training, micro enterprise and cottage industry initiatives, creative funding opportunities, and dynamic marketing opportunities that are all specific to women.

She reminded that the government is currently preparing to launch its first female business incubator, which will provide critical support to female entrepreneurs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Reinstallation of fixed gas compressor for Exxon vessel commences EXXONMOBIL Guyana has confirmed that its offshore team has commenced reinstallation of the recently repaired and upgraded components of the flash gas compression system on the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Reports emanating from the oil company on Wednesday evening indicated that additional vibration and process monitoring specialists are also being mobilised to join the team offshore.

These persons are currently undergoing the requisite testing and isolation at the COVID-19 staging facilities.

The compressor was damaged in January and resulted in the company having to temporarily increase gas-flaring above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations.

The faulty contraption was subsequently removed and sent to Germany for immediate repairs.

ExxonMobil’s Production Manager, Mike Ryan, had recently said that repairs were completed, and that the gas compressor should be completely installed and ready by the end of March 2021.

It was previously explained that in addition to the repairs on the existing equipment, an order has been placed for a new flash gas compressor, which will be available closer to the end of the year, given the complex nature of the equipment.

ExxonMobil said on Wednesday that safety has remained its top priority throughout the process, and that it will take special care to maneuver

The flash gas compressor and other equipment that were returned for reinstallation on the Liza Destiny FPSO (Oil Now photo)

these large pieces of equipment.

In relation to the flaring, ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Alistair Routledge, had repeatedly emphasised that the current level of flaring is still within the limits of the permits and licences granted to ExxonMobil.

“Let me assure you, we are very clear what are our obligations, our commitments under our permits, and licences for the operation of the project and we are certainly fully within those limits; we have not exceeded anything, any parameter,

anything,” Routledge said.

He added: “We have very same systems that enable us to track what are all those commitments and we are absolutely certain that we’re within those.”

The oil giant had indicated also, that production levels at its operations offshore Guyana have been reduced in order to accommodate the repair of the defective gas compressor. It was noted that the company continues to produce oil at 120,000 barrels per day, while the current daily levels of flaring are between 16 and 18 million

cubic feet.

Ryan, however, noted that reducing production would not necessarily limit the amount of gas that is being flared. “In order for us to get back to pilot-flaring levels, we need that flash gas compressor or we need to reduce production to zero… that’s just a fact,” Ryan had explained.

Back in 2019, ExxonMobil had explained to the media that for the first period, after ‘first oil’, there would be initial start-up flaring, as authorised by the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA), which occurs during the commissioning and initial start-up phases of the FPSO when gas and liquids are introduced into new facilities and equipment.

This flaring, it said, would not continue as a routine, and will only take place again in the case of an emergency, whereby flaring will be used to immediately de-pressurise the facility as part of a shutdown process to reduce risk.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Payne Institute for Earth Resources and Research, Professor of Public Policy at the Colorado School

of Mines, Dr. Morgan Bazilian, had said that general regulatory and technical measures must be implemented to mitigate gas-flaring in future projects.

“Yes, flaring itself has environmental impacts, and is a waste of resources, economically and environmentally bad,” said Dr. Bazilian during a virtual session with local reporters in October 2020.

He further added that there are technical ways to reduce flaring, but there must be a combination of technical measures which will come in quickly, and regulatory measures. Most countries take “a long time” to develop a regulatory framework for gas-flaring, but from the expert’s understanding, the projects in Guyana are engineered to have zero routine flaring.

Dr. Bazilian pointed to the “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative introduced by the World Bank, which brings together governments, oil companies, and development institutions which recognise the dangers of flaring. According to the World Bank, this initiative pertains to ‘routine flaring’, and not to ‘flaring’ for safety reasons or non-routine flaring, which, nevertheless, should be minimised.

ExxonMobil has since said that it remains committed and focused on the quality of the work to ensure successful re-start of the flash gas compression system, which will lessen flaring, once fully operational.

U.S. Embassy launches youth professional development programme THE U.S. Embassy hosted the launch of a professional development mentorship programme which will pair over 200 Guyanese youth (aged 15-25) with established professionals in their desired field of work.

According to the embassy, the six-week project is managed by alumni of the Department of State Youth Ambassadors Programme, who were inspired by the challenges they faced to acquire career guidance for jobs or post-secondary school placements in their fields of interest.

Rawletta Barrow, André Ramaldo, Manisha Singh, Raquel Meenkum, Naomi Marshall, Ruth Waddell and Daniel Narsaiah

recruited and organised over 50 mentors in the fields of international development, medicine, engineering, and economics to provide free mentoring sessions for young people who applied from regions across Guyana.

In his remarks at the programme launch, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mark Cullinane, praised the young attendees for taking the initiative to participate in such a programme and thanked the mentors who are volunteering their time to develop the next generation.

The programme is part of the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing work to encourage prosperity for all Guyanese.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Mark Cullinane connected virtually with participants for the launch of the professional development mentorship programme

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Government committed to electoral reform

–– AG tells EU Election Observer Mission

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. meeting with members of the delegation from the European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission at his Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown office on Wednesday

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Wednesday expressed the government’s commitment in relation to elector-

al reform, to a delegation from the European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission.

The EU Election Observer Mission, which ob-

served the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, paid a visit to the Attorney-General at his Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, George-

town office, to deliver a copy of its report on observations made regarding the elections.

The delegation comprised of Michael Lidauer,

Duo acquitted of 2014 murder

TWO men, who were on trial at the High Court for fatally shooting taxi driver, Raphael Campbell, during a robbery in 2014, was, on Wednesday, acquitted of the crime by a jury.

Shawn Edinboro and Michael Bishop were arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds for the capital offence which read that between January 2 and 3, 2014

at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, they murdered Campbell.

A 12-member jury, on Wednesday, after deliberating for almost two hours, found the two men not guilty of the crime. The men were represented by attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahamat and Bernard DaSilva. The state was represented by prosecutors, Tyra Bakker

and Seeta Bishundial.

Last November, Sean Collins, who was jointly charged with Edinboro and Bishop, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He was sentenced to serve 10 years’ in prison

by Justice Navindra Singh.

According to reports, on January 2, 2014, Campbell picked up Edinboro, Bishop and Collins on Camp Street,

and, at their behest, took them to a location on the East Coast Demerara, where his body, minus the vehicle, was reportedly found the following day, January 3, 2014.

The trio was later arrested in the stolen vehicle during a police roadblock on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Political Analyst; Urmas Paet, Chief Observer; Alexander Matus, Deputy Chief Observer, accompanied Evelina Melbarzde, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname, and several other jurisdictions.

The delegation indicated its interest in Guyana’s legislative agenda regarding campaign financing, and holistic elections law, to which the Attorney-General noted that the Government of Guyana is committed to administrative and legislative electoral reforms, to prevent the issues which occurred at the last elections.

“It is a concern that the [elections] laws are scattered, and that is being addressed by revising and consolidating those laws.

The Law Reform Commission has been constituted. It is independent. One of its first responsibilities will be the revision and

consolidation of the laws of Guyana in several volumes,” Nandlall informed the delegation.

“We are aware of where the weaknesses are and where they were exploited.

So, it is not a difficult task to correct those weaknesses so we will not have a reoccurrence. Your recommendations will be scrutanised and incorporated as far as possible,” he added.

The delegation also enquired as to the status of the election petitions, and members were informed that Election Petition 99 of 2020 was dismissed for procedural impropriety, but has been appealed, while Election Petition 88 of 2020 is still engaging the High Court.

The Attorney-General extended appreciation to the delegation for the role they played during the elections process, and assured them that the report will be perused, and where appropriate, its recommendations implemented.

Martin Blair wanted for murder of brother-in-law MARTIN Blair, 23, of 578 ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown is wanted by the Guyana Police Force for questioning in relation to the murder of Daniel Boutrin at ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown.

The 23-year-old man died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday, two days after he was allegedly stabbed during an argument with Blair, who is his brother-in-law.

According to the police report, Boutrin and his brother-in-law got into an argument over a bicycle Boutrin borrowed last year and subsequently lost.

As the argument escalated, the suspect picked up a cutlass while Boutrin armed himself with a knife.

Police said the suspect’s parents intervened and asked Boutrin to leave.

As he was about to enter a taxi, he was confronted by the suspect who stabbed him several times.

Wanted: Martin Blair

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Martin Blair is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 227-2603, 226-6978, 226-6221, 219-3252, 2271149, 225-8196, 268-2328, 268-2298/2222, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Prime Minister consoles grieving Sukhu family PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, on Wednesday, visited the home of the late Michael Sukhu at Lower Kara Kara, McKenzie, Linden.

Sukhu, 58, died as a result of a vehicular accident Tuesday evening on the Linden Highway.

He was a longstanding member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The Prime Minister and Minister Edghill offered condolences to the family of the deceased, including his wife Sharon Sukhu and their son, Joshua Sukhu. (Office of the Prime Minister)

High Court trial of Rayon Carter commences

Dead: Ishwar Ramanah

THE High Court trial of Rayon Carter, who is accused for fatally shooting a man during a robbery in 2017, commenced on Wednesday, before a 12-member jury.

Carter, formerly of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on January 13, 2018, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Ishwar Ramanah called ‘Jack’ during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

Justice Navindra Singh is presiding over the trial at

Murder accused: Rayon Carter

the Demerara High Court.

The state is being represented by prosecutor Tiffani Lyken while Carter is being represented by Attorney-at-law Rachael Bakker.

According to reports, Ramanah was shot to his abdomen during a robbery at his Kaneville, East Bank Demerarahome on December 13, 2017.

He was rushed to the Diamond Hospital where he was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He died on January 13,2018.

Man on trial for sexually assaulting woman DIRECTOR of a prominent city private school, James Bovell, is currently on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for sexually assaulting a female ex-employee.

Bovell is before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty for the offence which reads that during the month of February 2020, at the school located in Georgetown, he sexually assaulted the woman.

He is currently out on bail and his trial is adjourned until April 20, 2021.

According to reports, the victim worked for Bovell, who would often compliment her about her makeup and beauty. The victim alleged

James Bovell

that Bovell would often ask her if she was a confidential person, and she would say no each time.

He reportedly kissed her on the check in January 2020 and slapped her buttocks on February 8, 2020.

The victim reported the matter to the police and Bovell was later arrested.

She was subsequently laid off from her job.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, interacting with the Sukhu family on Wednesday (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Rice farmers’ Field Day returns after two years –– extension officers to work with low-yielding farmers to improve crop

Farmers interacting in the field

RICE farmers from all across Guyana, on Wednesday, gathered in Cane Grove, Mahaica, as the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) hosted its Farmers’ Exchange Exercise and Field Day after almost two years.

According to an Agriculture Ministry release, farmers travelled from as far as Region Two to share their experiences with other farmers and shed some light on the successes and shortcomings of their production of this crop.

Government has maintained that it intends to double rice production within the next five years and has been working with farmers to improve their production with improved infrastructure and

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, addresses farmers during the Field Day

A rice farmer raises a concern during the Field Day on Wednesday

technology over the past seven months.

Farmers from Regions Four, Five, and Six boasted of their successful production levels, some saying that they had achieved up to 65 bags per acre.

Ramgolam Singh popularly known as “Rishu”, a rice farmer from Region Six, credited some of his success to the massive amount of drainage and irrigation works that were done since Agriculture

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha took over as minister.

"Over the last six months, there has been a mass improvement in drainage and irrigation. If you go in every area in our region, whether Black Bush Polder or 52-74 Crabwood Creek, in the front lands, there are several machines. At present, the farmers and the Government are working hand-in-hand to prepare the dams to take out the paddy, and, fortunately, yesterday, a farmer by the name of Dah-

do from Number 57 Village reaped an average of 65 bags per acre with the GRDB 10 variety. We are seeing a lot of improvement under this new Government because of its commitment to producing food to feed the nation and internationally. Already we are seeing that the price for paddy has gone up a little and the millers in Region Six have upped their price from $45,000 per tonne to $50,000 per tonne,” Singh said.

Some farmers from Region Two, however, said that they have yet to achieve these quantities but remain optimistic that, with good crop husbandry, this can be achieved.

SATISFIED While offering remarks, Minister Mustapha said he was pleased with the reports of the high levels of production in most of the rice-producing regions. The minister also said that Government will continue to work with farmers to improve their cultivation and production levels.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Scrap Metal Association urges gov’t to reopen trade

––says many families depend on it THE Guyana Metal Recyclers Association (GMRA) has expressed its discomfort with the government’s response to the reopening of the country’s scrap metal trade which was closed six months ago.

GMRA General Secretary, Stephen Bourne, said the government has pushed the association to the sideline and has treated them “like scrap”.

Noting that the association is calling on President Dr. Irfaan Ali to lift the ban on the scrap metal trade, he said the situation has negatively affected the citizens who depend on the trade to sustain themselves and their families.

The government decided to halt the scrap-metal trade until there is policy reform to properly monitor the sector.

This decision was taken in the aftermath of a massive drug “bust” when cocaine was found in a container of scrap metal which was shipped from Guyana to Belgium in November 2021.

Local shipper Marlon Primo was considered the main suspect in the smuggling of 11.5 tonnes of cocaine that left Guyana undetected. The cocaine was later intercepted in Belgium.

Bourne noted that since the ban was implemented in September 2020, several consultation sessions were held with Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister of Tourism, Industry and commerce, Oneidge Waldron, and the Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh. However, there has been no positive assurances regarding the reopening of the sector.

Bourne stated that fol-

Scrap Metal collector, Anniet Brummell

lowing a consultation session with the Head of CANU, and Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rohan Beekhoo, on February 16, 2021, it was indicated that a phased reopening of the scrap metal trade is most likely to commence after an improved scanner is installed. Since then, no information has reached the GMRA for the reopening.

“We don’t want to wait, we can’t wait, we can’t afford to wait. We can’t wait while every other export continues and we are not allowed to export. That is our situation.

People are depending on their trade to be able to make a living,” said Bourne.

Bourne reminded that while the association has just 23 exporters, other persons in the scrap metal business are affected by the ban. These include scrap metal connectors and dealers who provide the traders with the metal for export.

BADLY AFFECTED Mahendra Emrit, owner

of Mahendra Recycling Scrap Metal Inc., said that he is pleading with the government to be considerate of persons who have no other means of earning, especially during the pandemic, and to lift the ban on the scrap metal trade. He reminded that many of the persons including himself have expenses that are difficult for them to pay without any stable income.

“I have been affected tremendously because I have workers to pay; I have rent to pay; I have instalment to pay-- a mortgage at the bank, and everything, and when they do that to us, we are left stranded because they shut the trade and didn’t notify we. This is going on to six months closure now. In September, 2020, they tell we two weeks,” said Emrit.

He noted that while the authorities have noted that the reason for the ban on the scrap metal trade is due to the recent drug bust, several other export sectors have seen similar operations but

have not been closed down.

Emrit suggested that the government deals with the person or persons that are dealing with illegal substances instead of punishing the entire scrap metal sector.

“Nothing more we get fuh do. This we depend on, this is we livelihood. The government said they would create jobs for people but they take away jobs from us, funds are very low and we need it. If they can open the trade as soon as possible, we would be appreciative of it. Other sectors aren’t being closed down for one or two persons exporting illegal substances,” Emrit expressed.

Meanwhile, Anniet Brummell, who has been a scrap metal collector for over six years, shared similar sentiments. She explained that scrap metal collection has been her only source of income for several years and that the sudden ban on the trade has put a significant strain on her finances.

“I’m a single parent of

General Secretary of the Guyana Scrap Metal Association (GMRA), Stephen Bourne

three children and it’s been really affecting me because I’m not doing anything right now and it’s really hard. It’s been something I’ve been doing for a number of years and it has been helping me to sustain my family, but it was suddenly closed, so I’m left here wondering what to do,” Brummell said.

She added that since

the sudden closure of the trade, many collectors have been left with the material they would have previously collected.

The woman said she has been receiving negative comments from her neighbours regarding the pile of scrap metal that has been in front of her yard for over six months.

Workers sorting metal at a scrap metal yard on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photos)

Rice farmers’ Field Day returns...

FROM PAGE

“We at the ministry are working to have consistency in our yield levels across the country. We must not have an average of 50 bags per hectare in one region and then 20 bags in another region. We must refocus our efforts to ensure we employ the kinds of agricultural practices required to achieve higher yields.

Government will also continue to give funds for more research in the sector. If we want to achieve these higher yields, we cannot continue to do things in the same way.

Some farmers are still not practising good crop husbandry and this is reflecting in their production,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also

informed the farmers that the management of GRDB is being revamped to better serve the needs of the farmers and other stakeholders of the sector. He also instructed the board to procure portable moisture testing instruments to carry out on-the-spot testing of paddy, after farmers continued to complain of unfavorable moisture readings

for their paddy at the mills.

Noting the success and importance of the event, Minister Mustapha also charged the board with executing three additional field day exercises before the end of the current crop.

Ministry of Agriculture Director-General and Chairman of the GRDB, Madanlall Ramraj, also tasked the

extension arm of the GRDB to work with low-yielding farmers across the country to improve their crops.

"Every extension officer is now tasked with working with low-yielding farmers across the country. From the starting, meaning from land preparation. Do a comparative analysis of their

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production before working with them to ensure their production increases at the end of the crop. This report must be submitted to the management of GRDB and will be treated as a substantive item at the Board of Directors level,” Ramraj said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Airbnb launches Guyana as travel destination on global platform

Guyana's tourism businesses have been putting systems in place that make it a safe destination for travellers

AFTER almost a year of intermittent travel restrictions, Airbnb, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation

(CTO), and Guyana are collaborating to amplify the country's recovery from the impacts of COVID-19

by promoting responsible travel to the destination across Airbnb's vast global community.

As part of this alliance, Airbnb and the CTO are launching a campaign leveraging Airbnb's robust media platforms to market Guyana and other CTO member countries to millions of engaged Airbnb users.

The campaign rollout includes a series of email newsletters, a landing page, and ads on social media showcasing Airbnb listings in Guyana, as well as the existing protocols for safe travel during this time. The promotional landing page for this partnership will be unique to others worldwide. It will integrate multiple CTO member countries, promote homes in each destination, and links to each country's website.

Airbnb has also pledged to share data with the CTO, including travel trends, to facilitate informed marketing decisions during this recovery period.

“COVID-19 greatly impacted our travelling world but it reinforced our approach to sustainable destination management and marketing, which are focussed on nature and adventure-based experiences, community-led and owned tourism (CLOT) enterprise development, and

our rich culture and heritage.

“By nature of design, Guyana is uniquely positioned as a safe destination for post-COVID travel.

Our vast open spaces and small group tours lend to a more intimate travel experience you can take part in -- go horseback riding in the Rupununi savannahs; visit our national icon -- Kaieteur National Park -- and have one of the world’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls all to yourself; go bird watching or learn about one of our many conservation projects. Over the past months, Guyana's tourism businesses have been putting systems in place that make it a safe destination for travellers.

This is to ensure the health and well-being of our guests and communities through stringent hygiene and sanitation protocols, inspection process and listing as approved businesses as 'Safe for Travel,'” said Carla James, Director of Tourism. This joint undertaking with the CTO builds on Airbnb's commitment to help strengthen communities in the Caribbean in tough times.

"With the Caribbean continuing to re-open, we're

helping to usher in the safe return of travel to this wonderful region by shining a light on the many places to see and things to do," stated Carlos Munoz, Airbnb Policy Manager for Central America and the Caribbean. "We're also excited to promote the important economic impact driven by hosting on Airbnb."

This partnership is one of the many initiatives in the CTO's ongoing programme to help its members rebuild tourism in their destinations.

"The partnership with Airbnb will help us to promote the region responsibly by providing our members with a platform to showcase their destinations while at the same time highlighting the health safety measures that each has implemented to ensure that visitors can enjoy a safe Caribbean experience during this time," shared Neil Walters, acting Secretary-General of the CTO. This partnership joins previously announced collaborations with organisations, including the Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), the National Parks Foundation, and Bermuda Tourism Authority.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

New board installed at Linden Electricity Company PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, installed a new Board of Directors at the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI) on Wednesday.

According to a release, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, for the simple ceremony, which occurred in the boardroom of the Watooka Guest House.

The new Board of Directors will be chaired by Andrew Forsythe and includes Aubrey Major, Joan Monkhouse, Orin Wilson, Hazelyn Luther, Audwin Rutherford, Nizamudin Allie and Abdoul Majid.

The Prime Minister thanked the directors for offering their services and encouraged them to serve with distinction as the Government continues with its development agenda.

“Power generation is directly linked to development, you cannot do any-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, speaking at the installation of the new Board of Directors at the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated

thing without energy, and therefore in our budget this year, we allocated $2.3B for the operation of this company.... We expect you to meet as early as possible,

after this installation, and to also meet frequently. If you fail as a board, you fail the people of Linden and if you succeed, you bring them comfort as our Government

continues to work to develop this town,” he said.

Immediately following the meeting, the Prime Minister and Minister Edghill, met with the staff of LECI

in the auditorium of the Watooka Guest House, where they introduced the new board and listened to the concerns of the staff.

On Wednesday, the

Prime Minister also installed a new board and a new General Manager at the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

UG lecturer wins prestigious Elsevier ATLAS Award –– for academic work documenting changes in education due to COVID-19

‘SUDDEN change of pedagogy in education driven

by COVID-19 Perspectives and evaluation from a developing country’ is the academic treatise which earned UG lecturer, Temitayo Deborah Oyedotun, the nod ahead of 1,000 others to win the prestigious Atlas award this year.

Temitayo Deborah Oyedtun is a lecturer at the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education and Humanities, University of Guyana. She is the second person in the South America continent, and the first in Guyana, to have won the award since its inception in 2015. Oyedotun’s article was published in the journal Research in Globalisation https://www.journals. elsevier.com/research-in-globalization/news/article-granted-theatlas-award and was selected from thousands of published articles to be awarded the prize.

Each month, 10 articles are selected from published research across Elsevier’s 3,800 journals by an external advisory board out of which one is selected as research that can impact or has significantly impacted people’s lives around the world.

She said: “I am happy

to have been considered for this award. I only thought of documenting what I observed, and I am happy that most of what I wrote as challenges when we were migrating online have been addressed by the university.

I hope that our experience as documented and recognised would serve as a guide to other developing countries.

I thank Mr Alim Hosein, Ms Elsa Cromarty and Mr Mark McGowan for their reviews, comments and suggestions when the paper was initially prepared and submitted as an opinion paper.”

In December 2020, Oyedotun’s article was nominated among the 10 shortlisted and was subsequently selected winner. An External Advisory Board, made up of individuals from international NGOs, selects a single Atlas article around one of the UN SDG themes from published research from Elsevier’s 3,800 journals hosted at ScienceDirect.

The panelists review the contribution to science and society, and analyse the societal impacts of the article.

Oyedotun’s article was selected around the Sustainable Developmental Goal 4, Quality Education. The External Advisory Board includes,

Temitayo Deborah Oyedtun, lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education and Humanities

among many others, the Ban Ki-Moon Center for Global Citizens, Bioversity International, Epicentre (MSF), Health & Global Policy Institute, International Training and Outreach Center in Africa (ITOCA), University of California, Berkeley (Center

for Effective Global Action) and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

WIDE READERSHIP ATLAS articles showcase research that can (or already have) significantly impact(ed) people’s lives

around the world and Elsevier hopes that bringing wider attention to this research will go some way to wider dissemination, ensuring its successful implementation.

Articles are hosted prominently on Elsevier.com which is visited by almost three million people each month and Oyedotun’s article has been made freely available on ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590051X20300186 to ensure it is accessible to all.

While congratulating Oyedotun and thanking her for her contribution to education, V. Prade López, Associate Publisher, Atlas Programme Manager, has indicated that Elsevier would be delighted to hold a virtual ceremony of the award in the near future instead of the usual in person ceremony because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The trophy has already been posted (February 2021) to the staff. While the article was selected as an Atlas article for December 2020, Elsevier also commissioned a journalist to interview the author and explain the article for wider audiences. The interview of Oyedotun by Lucy Goodchild van Hilten

that was recently conducted would be published in Elsevier Atlas soon.

This is a great achievement, not only for Temitayo Oyedotun but also for the Faculty of Education and Humanities, the University of Guyana and the leadership of the university who proactively took some radical actions that ensured the successful transition from traditional teaching to virtual classroom engagement suddenly. Oyedotun’s article documented the sudden change, the actions that were taken by the university, the challenges of the change as well as the benefits derived from transition.

The University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor and senior administration have extended congratulations and have encouraged the continued excellence in academic writing amongst its faculty. The university moved all its courses and systems online from April 2020 as a result of COVID-19 in order to keep operating in a safe mode.

Since then, it has built out its online learning platform, policies and online service teams to offer over 1,000 of its courses virtually. (University of Guyana Publicity and Communication Unit)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Guyana’s video ‘Stay Safe’ won at Golden City Gate Awards DESTINATION Guyana has once again secured first place at the International “Golden City Gate” Award for a video contributed in the category “Stay Safe”.

According to a release, this multimedia contest took place for the 21st time during this year’s Internationale Tourismus -Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany, the world’s largest travel trade show, which was held virtually from March 9 to 12, 2021 due to the pandemic.

A total of 122 film en-

An ITB representative with Guyana's Award

tries were submitted from 23 countries. The 32 members of the international jury honoured the “Welcome back to Guyana” (http://bit. ly/3eMOLsE) video produced by the Guyana Tourism Authority, highlighting the beauty of the country’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, and promoting visits to the country when the corona pandemic subsides.

It is important to note that much of the footage seen here was filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Anything filmed since the pandemic began was done adhering to strict safety protocols. Tours and lodges have also implemented government-recommended hygiene and sanitation protocols to safely host guests.

This is the second time that Guyana has been awarded first place in the “Golden City Gate” competition. In 2019, Guyana also secured first place after submitting a video in the ‘Destination” category.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Region Two millers want a higher paddy quality –– claim delivered product is ‘green’ and ‘damaged’

By Indrawattie Natram EMPHASISING the need for a higher quality of paddy, several prominent millers in Region Two, on Tuesday, called on rice farmers to invest more time in their crop and to devote lots of energy to controlling the level of paddy-bug infestations.

The millers were, at the time, meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom at Anna Regina.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulifikar Mustapha, speaking at the meeting with Region Two millers

Owner of Caricom Rice Mills, Tamesh Jagmohan makes a point during the meeting with Minister Mustapha

CEO of Imam Bacchus and Sons Limited, Aadil Baksh

Rice farmers taking paddy to Caricom Rice Mills

The owner of Caricom Rice Mills, Tamesh Jagmohan, informed the minister that despite the low grades, millers have added $100 to the $2900 that was previously offered for a bag of paddy.

It was recently announced that rice farmers are being offered $3000 a bag for grade A paddy.

Jagmohan said that his mills have been getting “green” and “damaged” paddy. He explained that low

grades will affect the overall profit margin of the company.

He also told the minister and his team that he thinks the prices offered to the region’s farmers are fair, based on the level of the production chain.

“The prices we are offering…we did a lot of calculations…looking at cost of production on an hourly basis, it’s a fair price. We are encountering issues like green and damage paddy and

so on, and it affects our overall profit margin. Our prices, to me, are very competitive compared to the prices we are getting overseas. We’ve gone up to $100 per bag, yet the quality remains the same,” Jagmohan explained.

Chief Executive Officer and Director of Imam Bacchus and Sons Limited, Aadil Baksh, also said that he believes the rice farmers are being offered a good price for their harvest. He commended the minister for reaching out to millers, an act that was never done by his predecessors Baksh said for several crops, the prices for a bag of grade A paddy remained the same. However, for this crop, he said there has been an increase of $100, which he commented is fair compared to previous crops. He also said that based on the reduction in VAT on certain agriculture items, millers were able to benefit and this resulted in the increase in price.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Xero Global Partner status awarded to BDO Xero, the global small business platform, on Wednesday announced it has signed BDO as a Xero Global Partner, as part of a new three year global agreement.

Xero will become BDO’s preferred accounting solution for its Business, Services and Outsourcing clients in the small to medium business space - significantly growing the number of BDO clients on Xero over the next three years.

By combining Xero’s accounting software platform with BDO’s business expertise and insights, businesses can access greater support and information to build resilience and succeed.

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of cloud solutions and information to business success. By leveraging the Xero platform, BDO will bring their expertise in supporting businesses globally to deliver real-time and accurate financial insights to their clients so they can focus on growing their business.

Rachael Powell, Chief Customer Officer at Xero, said, “We’re thrilled to forge this partnership with BDO on a global level and share a common passion to enable more businesses worldwide to be successful.”

“BDO is a great example of the adviser of the future and we are excited to be on this journey with them. Our aspiration is to deliver Xero into the hands of many BDO advisers around the world and in turn enable them to drive deep and meaningful conversations with their clients,” said Albert Lopez, BDO’s Global Head of Business Services and Outsourcing, adding that “BDO has long been focused on developing a consistent and truly global approach to supporting growing businesses. We are delighted that our partnership with Xero takes us one large step closer to that objective. We know that access to reliable data, and the insights that data can provide, is critical to our clients’ success in the FROM PAGE

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Region Two millers ...

Baksh, however, said that the prices millers are offering depend on the international market prices and thus far, these have been varying.

This, he said, has put millers at a disadvantage since they cannot commit to an increase of price without knowing the prices offered internationally.

He also commended the minister for proposing a 35% reduction in the boat freight.

However, he said most millers use a ship to export their rice and not the ferry.

Baksh announced that his mill will be rewarding rice farmers with better grades and higher prices.

During the meeting with the millers, Minister Mustapha said that the Government of Guyana is prepared to extend concessions with the intention that the benefits will trickle down to the rice farmers.

“As it stands now, I think the factor that determines the prices in Region Two is transportation. I have a proposal. We can look at the consideration of the ferry. In the islands, we were able to give special concessions to the farmers there and I want to extend the same concession to the farmers and millers on the Essequibo Coast,” he said.

Millers have indicated to the minister that they would discuss the proposal among themselves and respond within a few days.

Meanwhile, several rice

farmers told the minister that their fields have a high prevalence of paddy bugs. The farmers met with the minister earlier in the day.

This situation, they said, has resulted in the production of lower grades which has led to the low prices being offered by the millers.

President of the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA), Rajindra Persaud, said that Essequibo farmers need to practice block planting to control paddy-bug infestations.

He explained that if farmers can irrigate their fields in a shorter time, within six weeks the entire area can be cultivated and the bugs would not be able to move from field to field.

Persaud said that during interactions with millers, concerns were raised about the cost of the ferry and the restriction at the Demerara Habour Bridge which are affecting the transport of the finished product to Georgetown.

“There is a weight limit at the bridge, so normally when a truck leaves Essequibo, they have to discharge at West Demerara, take off some of the load, cross the bridge, discharge that load, cross back over the bridge, load the remaining stuff and then proceed to the wharf. It’s very tedious and expensive,” Persaud said.

new reality. Working with Xero will help BDO lead that agenda, adding real value to businesses by helping them both understand and apply their data, to build resilience and plan for future success.”

Powell: “This major global partnership underscores Xero’s growing

presence in the enterprise space - to drive far greater consistency in our service offering to big firms across the globe. Congratulations to BDO.” Xero Global Partner is a new way Xero is recognising global partnerships of this nature and BDO is the first to receive this sta-

tus. This status recognises an agreement at the global level with a number of regional member firms being involved and joining. Initial participating BDO firms are expected to include BDO in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada - with truly global expansion anticipated over the course of the agreement.

Rakesh Latchana, Managing Partner of BDO in Guyana said, “We have started using the platform in Guyana and are excited that BDO is a part of this international collaboration.

Xero allows us to bring a seamless cloud accounting solution to small and medium sized businesses, which is particularly relevant to the transition to remote working that we have been seeing as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As businesses continue to face extremely volatile conditions, it is even more imperative to have timely and easily accessible financial data to support decision making."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Former Top Gear presenter Schmitz dies (BBC) - Former Top Gear presenter Sabine Schmitz - famous for being the only woman to win the Nurburgring 24 Hours - has died aged 51.

Schmitz said last year that she had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017.

Schmitz had become synonymous with the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the 14-mile circuit in Germany that is renowned as the toughest in the world.

She won the 24-hour touring car race at the track twice, in 1996 and 1997, driving a BMW M3.

She became known as the “Queen of the Nurburgring” and estimated she had driven around the track more than 20 000 times.

Schmitz later gained acclaim for an appearance on Top Gear in 2004 in which she drove a van

around the track, and subsequently became a presenter on the show alongside Chris Evans in 2016.

This Sunday’s episode of Top Gear will be dedicated to Schmitz, with Clare Pizey, executive producer, saying: “Sabine was a beloved member of the Top Gear family and presenting team since 2016, having first appeared on the show in 2004, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with her on the team is in shock at this news.

“Sabine radiated positivity, always wore her cheeky smile no matter how hard things got - and was a force of nature for women drivers in the motoring world.

“Like everyone else who knew her, we will truly miss her - Sabine really was one of a kind.

Our thoughts are with her partner Klaus, who was always by her side and whom we welcomed to

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Gulfstream Park Race 1 09:20 HRS Envoi Allen 09:55 hrs Imperial Alcazar 10:30 hrs Saint Calvados 11:05 hrs Sire Du Berlais 11:40 hrs Farclas 12:15 hrs Hook Up

12:50 hrs Bob Mahler DONCASTER 09:35 hrs Gilbertina 10:10 hrs Jack Sharp 10:45 hrs Onemorefortheroad 11:20 hrs Quick Draw 11:55 hrs Slane Lough 12:30 hrs Furius De Ciergues 13:05 hrs Presenting Pete CHELMSFORD CITY 12:40 hrs Shamshon 13:25 hrs The Hulk 13:55 hrs Show Me A Sunset 14:55 hrs Famous Dynasty 15:25 hrs Eyes 15:55 hrs Bellissime 16:25 hrs Iconic Belle AMERICAN

Sabine Schmitz, pictured in January 2020 Dunsfold many times, and her family in Germany.”

Top Gear presenter Chris Harris said Schmitz was a “wonderful, powerful, hilarious person” while the show’s former presenter Jeremy Clarkson paid tribute by tweeting she was “such a sunny person and so full of beans”.

Formula 1 said Schmitz was “a force of nature” who inspired “a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts”.

RACING TIPS Gulfstream Park Race 1 Discreet Tune Race 2 King Cairo Race 3 Khozy My Boy Race 4 Corey Race 5 Gingeronmymind Race 6 Twice Too Many Race 7 Sethamee Street Race 8 Hercules SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Turffontein 08:20 hrs Liverpool Legend 08:55 hrs Diamonds N Dollars 09:30 hrs In Limbo 10:05 hrs Un Deux Trois 10:40 hrs Celestial Love 11:15 HRS EMERALD CREST

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Afghanistan earn emphatic 48-run win (ESPNCRICINFO) - Afghanistan earned an emphatic 48-run win over a Zimbabwe side who were shown just how far behind they are in the shortest format.

Zimbabwe did not get the opportunity to qualify for the T20 World Cup, due to the temporary suspension of their board, but Afghanistan will feature in that tournament and the difference in intent, aggression and style of play between the two sides was evident from the start.

Zimbabwe opted to chase on a surface that captain Sean Williams thought 170 would be competitive on, but their attack went on to concede 198, including 11 wides, against an Afghan top-order that took no prisoners.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz plundered a 44-ball 87, shared in an 80-run first-wicket stand with Karim Janat and 74-run second-wicket partnership with Asghar Afghan to ask Zimbabwe to chase a target they have never successfully got to in the past.

Without power-hitters in their team and against a well-balanced Afghan attack, Zimbabwe were never really in the hunt, despite being 106 for 1 after 12 overs. Afghanistan’s well-balanced attack shared wickets between seam and spin and it was Rashid Khan who headlined their effort once again. His 3 for 28 kept Zimbabwe in check and extended his already impressive T20 record.

Since Rashid made his debut in October 2015, he has taken more T20 wickets than anyone else, with 92 to his name. Ish Sodhi is next on the list with 64.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays a sweep. (Abu Dhabi Cricket) THE DROP THAT MORE THAN DOUBLED ZIMBABWE’S TROUBLES Gurbaz enjoyed a rollicking start and scored 41 runs off the first 20 balls he faced but Zimbabwe had an early opportunity to end his innings. Though the pull short worked for him off Richard Ngarava, when Gurbaz attempted the same off Blessing Muzarabani he hit the ball straight to deep square leg.

Wesley Madhevere, whose first three Test innings resulted in three ducks, put down

a simple chance to only worsen an already tough tour.

Gurbaz went on to score 87 and was on track for a century but did not meet the pitch of a Ryan Burl slower ball and top-edged to point, where Donald Tiripano held on.

RAISE THE BAT, EVEN IF JUST FOR ONE Madhevere was in to bat at No. 7 and arrived at the crease with Zimbabwe all but out of the match, on 123 for 5 in the 17th over. With no runs to his name on the

trip so far, he may have had his heart in his mouth when he drove the first ball he faced to extra cover, and it seemed to hang in the air a little longer than intended. But, he nudged the next one to square leg to complete his first single of the series.

As Madhevere reached the non-striker’s end, he got a congratulatory fist bump from umpire Aleem Dar, who jokingly convinced him to raise his bat as well. It was a sheepish half-lift with folded arms but provided a rare moment of fun on an otherwise disappointing trip for the 20-year-old Madhevere. He added just one more run before he was dismissed lbw.

Zimbabwe’s nemesis from the Test series, Rashid, continued to trouble them and took the wicket that turned the match decisively in Afghanistan’s favour. Opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, playing in just his second T20I, set himself up well to bat through the innings and formed the spine of Zimbabwe’s chase. Though he only scored at a rate of 118.91, he was strong against the short ball, especially those from Amir Hamza and energetic in his strike rotation.

Rashid greeted him with a googly which Kamunhukamwe played off the back foot, but when he tried to do it a second time, gave himself too much room, was beaten by pace and turn and bowled.

That wicket prompted a mini-collapse, with Zimbabwe losing five for 28 and their way in the chase. Rashid also bowled Richmond Mutumbani with a googly and Madhevere out lbw, missing a slog sweep.

Trailblazers rally on inspired Lillard performance (REUTERS) - Damian Lillard made two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to cap a season-best 50-point effort as Portland Trail Blazers rallied from a 17-point, fourth-quarter deficit to post a dramatic 125-124 home win over New Orleans Pelicans.

Lillard, who also had 10 assists, was fouled by Eric Bledsoe before making both attempts. New Orleans’ Zion Williamson saw his short bank shot bounce off the rim as time expired.

The 50-point game was the 12th of Lillard’s career, tying him with LeBron James for seventh on the all-time list. The only players above them: Wilt Chamberlain (118), Michael Jordan (31), Kobe Bryant (25), James Harden (23), Elgin Baylor (23) and Rick Barry (14).

Gary Trent Jr. scored 22

points for Portland, and CJ McCollum scored 10 points in 26 minutes in his return from a fractured left foot that cost him 25 games. Brandon Ingram scored 30 points, Williamson had 28 points and a career-best eight assists and Lonzo Ball contributed a career-best 17 assists for Pelicans.

Los Angeles Lakers 137 - Minnesota Timberwolves 121 LeBron James recorded a second consecutive triple-double to reach 99 for his career, delivering Los Angeles a victory over visiting Minnesota.

James moved within one of becoming just the fifth in NBA history to reach 100.

James and Montrezl Harrell led six Lakers in double figures with 25 points apiece, and James added 12 rebounds 12 assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards paced Timberwolves with matching game highs of 29 points.

Utah Jazz 117 - Boston Celtics 109 Donovan Mitchell scored 21 points and Jordan Clarkson added 20 off the bench to lead Utah to a victory at Boston.

Rudy Gobert had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Jazz, who swept the season series against Boston. Mike Conley chipped in 17 points five assists.

Jayson Tatum scored 29 points and Jaylen Brown added 28 to lead Celtics.

Daniel Theis had 15 points 11 rebounds six assists while Robert Williams III chipped in 14 points nine boards off the bench.

Chicago Bulls 123 Oklahoma City Thunder

102 Zach LaVine scored 40 points and Lauri Markkanen added 22 to boost host Chicago to a rout of Oklahoma City.

LaVine reached the 40-point plateau for the third time this season, shooting 15-for-20 in just under 31 minutes. Thaddeus Young put together 17 points nine rebounds and six assists for Bulls.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 21 points, ending a streak of three straight games with at least 30. Moses Brown finished with 20 points 16 rebounds.

Atlanta Hawks 119 Houston Rockets 107 Danilo Gallinari scored a team-high 29 points, and he and Atlanta teammate Tony Snell each hit five 3-pointers to lead the visiting Hawks to

a win over Houston.

Rockets matched a franchise record with their 17th consecutive loss while Atlanta extended their season-best win streak to six games and improved to 6-0 under interim coach Nate McMillan.

Kevin Huerter added three 3-pointers and scored 16 points while John Collins (20 points 10 rebounds) and Trae Young (13 points 14 assists) recorded double-doubles for Hawks. Victor Oladipo scored 34 points, Kevin Porter Jr paired 22 points with eight assists and rookie Jae’Sean Tate tallied a career-high 25 points for Houston.

Miami Heat 113 - Cleveland Cavaliers 98 Jimmy Butler had 28 points and a season-high-tying 12 rebounds to carry host Miami past Cleveland.

It was Butler’s seventh

straight game with at least 27 points. Heat, who won their fifth straight and improved to 11-1 in their past 12 games, got 17 points from Kelly Olynyk and 15 from Tyler Herro.

Cleveland, who have lost four straight games, were led

by Collin Sexton, who had 21 points. JaVale McGee added 16 points eight rebounds.

Philadelphia 76ers 99 New York Knicks 96 Tobias Harris scored 30 points as hosts Philadelphia rallied past New York.

Seth Curry added 20 and Ben Simmons contributed 16 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Sixers, who earned a season-best sixth win in a row.

Knicks’ Julius Randle compiled 19 points 15 rebounds eight assists. Alec Burks added 19 points and RJ Barrett had 17.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

Individual performances not enough as Windies bow out of Road Safety World Series

(CMC) – Dwayne Smith and Narsingh Deonarine hit half-centuries for the second day running while captain Brian Lara rolled back the years with a glamorous cameo, as West Indies produced a daring run chase before coming up short, to bow out of the Road Safety World Series with a 12-run defeat to India Legends here yesterday.

Always up against it after being set 219 to win their semi-final at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, West Indies Legends looked on course to pull off a stunning victory before faltering late on.

Smith top-scored with a shot-filled 63 off 36 deliveries while the left-handed Deonarine weighed in with 59 off 44 balls but other than

for Lara’s classy 46 off 28 deliveries, no other batsman managed to reach double figures.

The peerless Sachin Tendulkar had earlier top-scored with 65 from 42 balls as India Legends piled up 218 for three off their 20 overs, after being sent in.

Dashing left-hander Yuvraj Singh slammed a 20-ball unbeaten 49, Yusuf Pathan punched an unbeaten 37 from 20 balls while opener Virender Sehwag belted an aggressive 17-ball 35.

Fast bowler Tino Best stood out with two for 25 from his four overs but the remainder of the attack leaked runs consistently.

Tendulkar ensured a strong start from India Legends, stroking half-dozen fours and three sixes in a 56-run opening stand with

Sehwag before adding 53 for the second wicket with Mohammad Kaif (27).

Sehwag blasted five fours and a six before he was caught and bowled by Best in the sixth over while Kaif perished in the 12th over and Tendulkar eventually departed in the 15th over at 140 for three after putting on a further 31 for the third with Yusuf Pathan.

Yuvraj and Pathan then put on an exhibition of hitting at the death, posting 78 off 35 deliveries in an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership to dominate.

Yuvraj clubbed a four and half-dozen sixes, four of which came in the penultimate over from leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo and Pathan struck two fours and three sixes.

In reply, West Indies

Legends lost William Perkins for nine in the second over but Smith crunched nine fours and two sixes and Deonarine carved out five fours and two sixes, in a 99-run second-wicket stand.

Smith eventually holed out to long-off in the 11th over off left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan at 118 for two and the in-form Kirk Edwards followed three balls later for a first-ball ‘duck’ but Lara and Deonarine then put the Caribbean side back in sight of victory with a 80-run stand.

With 19 needed from 10 deliveries, Lara was bowled by seamer Vinay Kumar after hitting four fours and a couple of sixes and when Best departed at the end of the 19th, West Indies lost their momentum and the 17 runs required from the final over proved too steep.

Captain Brian Lara scored a classy 46.

Hope; Chase star in West Indies warm-up game (CMC) – Shai Hope hit an aggressive unbeaten half-century to follow up Roston Chase’s fourwicket haul as Cricket West Indies (CWI) President’s XI dominated Sri Lanka on the opening day of their two-day match here yesterday.

Replying to the tourists’ 172 all out at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the President’s XI reached the close on 103 for one with Hope unbeaten on a stroke-filled 60 off just 72 deliveries.

Vying for a place in the Test side after being dropped for the tour of New Zealand last December, Hope oozed class to continue his heavy scoring from last week’s ODI series, counting 10 fours and two sixes.

Left-hander Darren Bravo, with Sunday’s

start of the first Test in mind, ended on a compact 30 not out off 69 deliveries, and has so far put on 94 for the second wicket with Hope.

Chase had earlier picked up four for 12 as Sri Lanka collapsed from 137 for five to lose their last five wickets for 35 runs in quick time.

Oshada Fernando topscored with 47, veteran Dinesh Chandimal struck 40 while Pathum Nissanka, on his first-ever international tour, made 23.

Sri Lanka were never allowed to settle, as rookie fast bowler Anderson Phillip snatched three for 47 and veteran seamer Kemar Roach, two for 41, to hurt the innings early on.

Roach removed both openers in successive overs, getting left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne to play

around a full-length delivery and gaining an lbw decision in the day’s third over before having captain Dimuth Karunaratne (2) caught at first slip by Kyle Mayers after Chase at second slip parried the initial offering.

Fernando then added 30 for the third wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva who made 17 from 23 deliveries before pulling a short ball from Phillip to Roach at square leg, and when Roshen Silva gloved a lifter from the same bowler and was taken by wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton diving to his right, Sri Lanka were slumping on 51 for four.

Fernando and Chandimal combined in a 53-run, fifth-wicket stand to stitch up the innings and allow Sri Lanka to reach lunch on 74 for four.

The right-handed Fernando faced 90 balls in a shade over two hours at the crease and struck seven fours while Chandimal hit half-dozen fours off 76 balls in just under 1-¾ hours.

When Phillip broke the stand by removing Fernando to a catch at the wicket, Chandimal found a partner in Nissanka to add a further 33.

Chandimal’s dismissal, however, holing out to deep mid-wicket off Chase, triggered the slide that saw a swift end to the innings.

The President’s XI suffered the early loss of Shayne Moseley for six, the left-hander nibbling at one from fast bowler Suranga Lakmal and falling to a catch at the wicket.

Hope then took charge, producing an ar-

ray of flowing drives and leg slide glances before reaching his half-century off 60 balls with the second of his two sixes – a clean strike over long-on off left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya.

He celebrated the

next ball by stylishly piercing cover and point off the back foot for his 10th four and Bravo joined in with a couple of his six boundaries before the close, as the President’s XI ended strongly.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 18, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jason Mohammed-6 wickets (2) Thisara Perrera-3 wickets

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI player struck the highest individual score in the recent ODI series against SL? (2) Which SL player hit the highest individual score in the recent ODI series against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 18, 2021

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League …

Whitewash propels Windies into fifth place THE West Indies have made a significant recovery in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League and are now fifth place on the points table after six matches.

Their recent One Day International (ODI) Series win over Sri Lanka in the West Indies puts 30 points on the board after suffering a 3-match whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in January. The ICC has not announced any further matches for the West Indian team.

Point leaders, Australia, have 40 points after 6 games while the four teams that immediately follow are all stuck on 30 points but are separated by superior Net Run Rate (NRR). The Aussies’ NRR stands at 0.347.

Bangladesh hold the second place spot with three wins in as many games while England are third with three wins and an equal number of losses. The Tigers acquired a healthy NRR of 1.893 while England currently sport a NRR of 0.79.

Afghanistan, who are fourth, also got off to a good start by claiming three consecutive wins over Ireland in their first set of matches

No Danns!

Guyana head to Santo Domingo for World Cup qualifiers

By Rawle Toney

West Indies claimed 30 points from the three victories over Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. which achieved a NRR of 0.527, while West Indies follow with a NRR of -0.876.

Pakistan are sixth with 20 points which they accumulated from two wins and a loss in their three matches against Zimbabwe. For their efforts, Pakistan have a calculated NRR of 0.741 while Zimbabwe, who are seventh with 10 points, have a NRR of -0.741 after claiming one win and two losses.

Ireland also have 10 points for their only win, but the five losses conceded put

a dent in their NRR which is -1.076.

Surprisingly, India are ninth on 9 points which they reached after only one win and two losses.

That earned them a NRR of -0.693. Sri Lanka are yet to claim some points after their journey began with 3 consecutive losses.

Meanwhile, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Africa are yet to begin their campaign.

The 2020–23 ICC Men’s

Cricket World Cup Super League is the ongoing inaugural edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. The ODI League which began in July 2020 and ends in March 2023, serves as part of the 2023 Cricket World Cup qualification process.

The League continues on March 19 when New Zealand and Bangladesh commence their 3-match series and on March 23 when India and England begin their battle.

Skerritt reported to CWI Ethics Committee

By Rajiv Bisnauth

PRESIDENT of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Ricky Skerritt could find himself before the Justice Winston Anderson-chaired CWI Ethics Committee after CWI presidential hopeful Anand Sanasie lodged a formal written complaint with CWI Corporate Secretary Alanna Medford-Singh.

The complaint is regarding President Ricky Skerritt’s meeting with Guyana’s Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday evening, the Guyanese board member revealed that he had “activated” an internal process to report incumbent Skerritt.

While Sanasie did not disclose full details, he is contending that the full CWI board was not informed of the meeting, and the decisions flowing from the meeting are designed to create an unfair advantage for Skerritt’s bid to be re-elected.

Skerritt reportedly met in a virtual meeting with the Guyana Sport Minister, along with a group of handpicked CWI directors, excluding Sanasie and

his running mate Calvin Hope of Barbados.

Should Sanasie’s complaint be upheld by the CWI Ethics Committee, it could see Skerritt being disqualified from his re-election bid.

Skerritt is reportedly attempting to avoid facing the CWI Ethics Committee.

This is not the first time that Skerritt has been reported to the CWI Ethics Committee. Back in 2020, The Gleaner had reported that Skerritt was hauled before the CWI Ethics Committee after a report was submitted to the body accusing him of breaches of the CWI Code of Ethics as well as a violation of the memorandum of association.

Meanwhile, as it stands, Skerritt is the lead contender in the presidential race.

The Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), has been the latest territorial board to have publically endorsed the sitting president and vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow for a second term when CWI’s virtual Annual General Meeting is held on March 28.

The LICB joined the Trinidad and

Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), and the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), as the other two territorial boards to have signalled their support for a Skerritt/Shallow return for another term.

As it stands, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has not yet formalised its decision for whom it will vote to be the next president of CWI, but First vice-president of JCA, Dr Donovan Bennett, told Chronicle Sport recently that while the JCA has not declared its position publicly since the board has not yet called a meeting to have a formal decision in place, he doesn’t see any reason why Jamaica would want to change its position from the people’s selection.

Skerritt was elected president of CWI on March 24, 2019, replacing Dave Cameron. Skerritt beat Cameron, who was in the role for six years, by a vote of eight to four in the elections conducted through secret ballot.

Shallow also defeated Cameron’s deputy, Emmanuel Nanthan, by the same margin to take over as vice-president.

THERE is no place for Neil Danns in coach Marcio Maximo’s 23-man squad which will face Soca Warriors on March 25 and The Bahamas on March 30 in the Dominican Republic.

Danns, one of the most decorated players to suitup for Golden Jaguars, will make way for a number of debutants in Guyana’s quest to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Chronicle spoke exclusively to the Brazilian coach prior to the team’s departure from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle yesterday, and he was reluctant to directly address Danns’ omission, or even say why he wasn’t considered for the opening two matches.

“I’m not talking about a player that’s going out.

Because if I talk about him, I have to talk about five players who are not in this squad. If I talk about one player (Neil Danns), I have to talk about the others that are not part of the squad. I prefer to give my attention to who is in the squad,” Maximo said.

The team will be captained by Sam Cox (Hampton & Richmond FC), and will see UK-based Nathan Moriah-Welsh (AFC Bournemouth), Miguel Scarlett (unattached) and Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC) make their International debut.

Terrence Vancooten (Stevenage FC), Mathew Briggs (Vijle Boldk), Callum Harriott (Colchester United), Emery Welshman (Hapoel Raanana), Keanu Marsh-Brown (Newport County AFC), Akel Clarke (Mount Pleasant Academy), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge United FC) and Kadell Daniel (Margate FC) are the other overseas-based players selected.

Kelsey Benjamin (Guyana Defence Force FC), Omari Glasgow (Fruta Conquerors), Ryan Hackett (Guyana Defence Force), Nicholas McArthur (Fruta Conquerors FC), Jeremy Garrett (Guyana Defence Force), Daniel Wilson (Guyana Police Force), Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt Warriors), Pernell Schultz (Guyana Police Force FC), Nicolai Andrews (Santos FC) and Shawn Adonis (Guyana Police Force FC) are the locally-based players selected.

Asked to comment on the composition of the squad, Maximo said he believes the players selected are the ones that suit his system and style of play, adding that “basically, we did our evaluation according to our previous games and the rounds that the guys did very well.

“Also we renew both groups … every two years, we must renew the team, but maintain the competitive level but with more young players.”

Meanwhile, captain Cox, pointed to the competitive, tough game against Trinidad and Tobago, noting that “we’ve got a rich history with them.

We know they’re going to offer and present a real challenge. We are preparing ourselves for that by coming into camp a couple of days earlier, just to give ourselves that extra preparation and to bond within the team. That’s going to be invaluable.”

On Friday, June 4, Guyana are scheduled to travel to St Kitts & Nevis for their third game and then host Puerto Rico on Tuesday, June 8.

Guyana last faced Trinidad and Tobago during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where, despite a beautiful goal scored by Neil Danns, the two sides ended the match with a 1-1 draw.

Golden Jaguars football team prior to departure from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport yesterday

No Danns!

Guyana head to Santo Domingo for World Cup qualifiers See story on page 35 Euro League ‘baller’ Delroy James to touch down this month THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) yesterday announced that one of the country’s most successful professional basketball players is set to arrive on Wednesday, March 31 as the National team intensify preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifier in El Salvador.

The 6’10” power forward James won both the FIBA Basketball Champions League (BCL) and FIBA Inter-Continental Cup with the Greek Athlitikí Énosis Konstantinoupóleos (Athletic Union of Constantinople) - AEK Basketball Club (BC) based in Athens, Greece.

The Berbician-born and Rhode Island University standout, has since played for the Tulsa 66ers – NBA G-League, Jersey G-Force - IBA , Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz - NBA Summer League before joining the European and Asian basketball circuit where he played for Basket Ferentino (Italy - LegaDue), and was named MVP in the LegaDue All-Star Game.

He has also suited up with Yenisey Krasnoyarsk BC (Russia - VTB United League), Pallacanestro Reggiana BC (Italy - Lega Basket Serie A), Best

Delroy James Balıkesir BC and Gaziantep BC (Turkey - Turkish Basketball Super League), Seoul Samsung Thunders (South Korea - Korean Basketball League), UCAM Murcia BC (Spain – Liga ACB), Meralco Bolts (Philippines, Philippine Basketball Association), AEK BC and Promitheas Patras BC (Greece - Greek Basket League), and most recently played for Real Esteli (Nicaragua – BCL

Anand Sanasie and Ricky Skerritt

Americas).

According to the GABF, James’ arrival was made possible thanks to former GABF president Nigel Hinds and his Financial Services Company.

The Federation thanked Hinds for his “timely sponsorship that will allow Delroy James to travel and train in Guyana with the local players to build team chemistry.”

“Delroy’s older brother Gordon James a professional basketball player with stints in Japan and Argentina, represented Guyana in the 2015 CBC Senior Championships in Tortola, BVI and FIBA AmeriCup 2022 Pre-Qualifier in 2019 in Tunja, Columbia and will join the team in Guyana in early April,” the federation said in a release.

The Guyana Men’s National Team should arrive in San Salvador on April 12. The competition’s format will be Round Robin and the top three teams will advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup - Americas Pre-Qualifier in July 2021.

Guyana will come up against Costa Rica and El Salvador at the FIBA Basketball World Cup - Americas Pre-Qualifier 1st Round.

Hope; Chase star in West Indies warm-up game See story on page 34

Shai Hope plays elegantly during his half-century for CWI President’s XI yesterday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media/Philip Spooner)

Skerritt reported to CWI Ethics Committee See story on page 35

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021