Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-03-2021

FRIDAY 19th March, 2021

' No.106305

US$20M 'Courtyard

by Marriott' hotel gets final approval ––140-room facility located next to CJIA targets 2023 opening

SEE PAGE 03

Courtyard by Marriott, Guyana (Conceptual design by Urban Architects – New York’s 2019 Design Firm of the Year)

Apology and retraction

PAGE

05

Dr Singh: Guyana now among the most attractive investment destinations worldwide

PAGE

16

Hess to inject

Child rapist gets put US$150M into Guyana away for 25 years PAGE

09

In our Saturday, March 13, 2021 edition, an article headlined “Holder has outlived his usefulness in the position, says Lloyd” appeared in the Sports Section of the Guyana Chronicle.

In the article, comments were attributed to West Indies Cricket Great, Sir Clive Lloyd towards former West Indies Captain, Jason Holder.

Sir Clive Lloyd has denied making the remarks attributed to him.

We have caused a full investigation to be carried out on how the information came to be published and a full review of our editorial policies.

We retract the publication entirely, and, unreservedly, apologise to Sir Clive Lloyd for, attributing to him, remarks which he did not make

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Hundreds of small earthquakes occurring every day ––‘prelim’ findings focus on construction of houses in ‘Deep South’

By Vishani Ragobeer THOUGH Guyana experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake since January 31, hundreds of smaller ‘quakes’, or ‘aftershocks’, have been occurring daily in southern Guyana and parts of Brazil, resulting in a multi-disciplinary team putting measures in place to monitor and study these aftershocks.

The team at reference consists of persons from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Geology and

Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministries of Public Works and Home Affairs, and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

Last week, the team travelled to the ‘Deep South’ Rupununi area in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where the epicentre of the earthquake was identified.

The communities of Katoonarib, Sawariwau and Aishalton were among those more seriously affected. In these communities, cracks on the earth’s surface were observed, and a few buildings were damaged.

The equipment to monitor the aftershocks in ‘Deep South’ Rupununi being installed

There, the team installed equipment to monitor seismic activity in four different locations: One close to the epicentre of the earthquake, and three in surrounding areas, thereby creating a seismic monitoring network.

“A seismic network is to record and study the aftershocks,” Professor at the São Paulo University, Marcelo Sousa de Assumpção explained during a virtual meeting, adding: “Most of them (the aftershocks) will occur in the same faults, and we can use the aftershocks to study the properties and the geology of the main shock (the January 31st earthquake).”

The professor explained that an earthquake occurs when the rocks, or faults, on the earth’s crust can no longer sustain the stress (or pressure) that it has been experiencing for a very long time. At that point, there is a sudden

the community of Katoonarib, residents told the Guyana Chronicle that they experience these aftershocks between one to three times a day.

“We are every day alert to see if anything would happen, especially at night… Everyone here has houses with zinc and cement blocks, and so we would hear the tremors and wake up and wait for it to calm down before we go back to sleep,” the community’s Deputy Toshao, Floria Singh said.

A digitiser and sensor that will aid in the monitoring of the aftershocks in the ‘Deep South’ Rupununi before being installed (Photos courtesy of CDC)

movement, known as a failure, that generated a very strong vibration.

He explained that sometimes, some parts of the fault may still have some stress to release, thereby resulting in the aftershocks. And this has been the case in the ‘Deep South’

area, where the fault running across the region has been releasing these aftershocks.

“The activity is decreasing slowly, but it is still recording tens and hundreds of small earthquakes every day,” the Professor noted.

During a recent visit to

FORESHOCKS Meanwhile, the professor also noted that these monitoring efforts have allowed the team to discern that ‘foreshocks’ (the release of stress before the ‘main event’ or the January 31 earthquake) were felt in Boa Vista, Brazil, since December 25, almost one month before the earthquake itself.

TURN TO PAGE

04

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

US$20M 'Courtyard by Marriott' hotel gets final approval –– 140-room facility located next to CJIA targets 2023 opening

Courtyard by Marriott, Guyana (conceptual design by Urban Architects – New York’s 2019 Design Firm of the Year).

By Navendra Seoraj AHEAD of Guyana’s potential economic ascension and anticipated rise in arrival rates, Cardinal Investments Inc. has positioned itself to absorb the imminent opportunities by completing the final agreements with Marriott International for the construction of a US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, next to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Cardinal Investments Inc., a company owned by Roy and Denise Bassoo, “sealed the deal” on Wednesday, when the company signed four agreements with representative of Marriott International, Eduardo Reple.

The agreements signed by the stakeholders are the hotel management agreement; the licence and royalty agreement; the international services agreement; and the technical services agreement.

According to information shared with this publication, this final process clears the way for the construction of the 140-room facility, which, when completed, will be the second Marriott hotel brand in Guyana. The six-storey hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other

L-R: CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Corporate Secretary of Cardinal Investments Inc., Denise Bassoo; representative of the Marriott Group, Eduardo Reple; CEO of Cardinal Investments Inc., Roy Bassoo; and Project Adviser, Winston Brassington

travellers.

Speaking at a recent ceremony to commemorate the completion of the technical process between Cardinal Investments and Marriott International, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said the development of this hotel is a “Kairos [opportune]moment” opportune]in Guyana’s hospitality sector.

Minister Edghill was quoted in a statement issued by the company as saying: “Develop-

ment has an expiry date and so we must take advantage of the opportunities presented to us right now… investments made by the private sector spearhead development and when businesses thrive the country as a whole can also reap the rewards.”

Speaking specifically about the Courtyard hotel, Edghill said this facility will satisfy the need for accommodation next to the CJIA, especially in light of growing business opportuni-

ties in Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said too that he is excited for this project since it will be the first major “airport hotel” in Guyana.

This development, he said, will facilitate the ease of doing business for investors and establish convenient accommodations for tourists.

FULL SUPPORT

“The project is fully supported by the Government of Guyana and this is the second Marriott International hotel in Guyana since its inception under the previous PPP/C administration and will continue to provide outstanding hotelier services under a reputable and longstanding developer, Bassoo Building and Civil Engineering Contractors,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

Chief Development Officer at Marriott International

Caribbean and Latin America, Laurent de Kousemaeker, believes that the project will not only give business travellers and other visitors additional options for accommodation in Guyana, but it will also improve the image of the airport and the surrounding area. Construction of the facility is anticipated to be completed by 2023.

Cardinal Investments Inc. is a special-purpose company created by Roy and Denise Bassoo to design and construct the 140room Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 2.5 acres of land leased from the government.

According to the company, funds for the project will be sourced, in part, through syndicated financing led by Republic Bank.

Republic Bank has arranged over US$100 million in financing for other real estate projects in Guyana including Movietowne, the Pegasus Corporate Offices and Suites and the Georgetown Marriott hotel.

It was reported that close to US$1 billion (G$215B) will soon be injected into Guyana’s economy in the form of world-class hotels which will be constructed across the country to cater for the anticipated increase in visitors, who are being attracted by the nation’s burgeoning oil and gas sector and its spill-off benefits.

TURN TO PAGE

05

4

Rape accused to face retrial

–– after spending seven years in the ‘pen’

RAPE accused, Clevon Forde, will have to be retried, after a 12-member jury failed to reach a verdict on Thursday.

Forde, 34, of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Georgetown, for allegedly raping a 16-yearold girl between May 24 and 25, 2014.

He’d initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was represented by Attorney-at-law Rachael Bakker.

The State was represented by

prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig.

However, seeing that the jury was unable to reach a verdict, Forde will have to be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes, and will remain on bail.

According to reports, the victim was at the Amelia's Ward car park in Linden when she came into contact with Forde.

After having a conversation, the pair decided to go to a club, and the victim got into the back seat of Forde's motorcar.

However, when they arrived at the club, Forde got into the back seat with the victim and began touching her breasts, buttocks and vagina. When the victim told him to stop and pushed him off, Forde allegedly got back into the driver’s seat and drove to the Kara Kara back road, where he proceeded to rape her. When the victim got home and told her aunt what happened, the matter was reported to the police, and Forde was later arrested and charged for the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Two 66-year-olds are latest COVID-19 casualties TWO men, both aged 66, of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), on Wednesday, succumbed to COVID-19 while receiving treatment at a Ministry of Health facility. Theirs mark the 14th and 15th such deaths for March 2021, and take the overall toll to 212.

In the meantime, the Health Ministry has recorded 120 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,107 tests conducted on March 17, 2021. Of these, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded one; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 11; Region Four, 77; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), eight; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), three; Region

Hundreds of small earthquakes ...

With the monitoring sys-

foreshocks, or potential fore-

tem now in place, he noted

shocks, as a means of indi-

that it is possible to study

cating that a larger shock

the characteristics of these

will occur.

Saturday March 20, 2021 09:30 hrs Friday March 19, 2021 09:00hrs

That early-warning system, however, will be difficult to institute, since it

would require the equipment being installed in the four locations to continuously transmit data online. This is not done with the current system; instead, a team from the GGMC will have to travel to the areas and collect the data weekly.

The equipment will be operational for a few months, allowing for adequate monitoring of the aftershocks. And, in about two month’s time, equipment will be placed in a fifth lo-

Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 17; and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), three. No other region has confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours.

To date, seven persons have been admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 46 are institutionally isolated; 747 are confined to their homes; while eight are institutionally quarantined.

Guyana has a total of 9,442 confirmed cases since the arrival of COVID-19 on these shores. Of that number, 808 are currently active, and of the 8,430 recoveries, 89 were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to

FROM PAGE

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

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline @ 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

02

cation to bolster monitoring efforts.

Professor Sousa de Assumpção, however, noted that it may take a number of years, even a century, before another major earthquake is recorded here. He, however hastened to add that there is no guarantee that this would occur, as smaller earthquakes may occur before that time.

Moving forward, the Brazilian University will seek to cooperate with the GGMC and CDC to study aftershocks, interpret the ground cracks seen in Katoonarib and Sawariwau, and study whether there are other smaller faults nearby.

MODIFIED CONSTRUCTION Additionally, the focus now is on the construction of houses in this ‘Deep South’ area, since the ‘adobe’ houses (houses made primarily of mud and clay) are the ones that were most affected by the earthquake. By contrast, those made of timber and concrete were not as affect-

ed, as was illustrated in a preliminary report prepared by representative of the Public Works Ministry, Heidi Gillette.

“If we can come up with a way to use the materials they have in the community; because that is what they use to build, then we can reduce the impact of the earthquakes,” Gillette emphasised.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who is a trained geologist, conceded that while the houses at reference have “historical value”, the earthquake has illustrated that there needs to be an “upgrade of the housing construction” for safety reasons.

Similarly, Professor Sousa de Assumpção noted that it would be advisable for the local authorities to study the recommendations made, vis-à-vis construction, to reinforce these buildings. Furthermore, he advised that critical buildings such as schools and hospitals should be reinforced.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Guyana now among the most attractive investment destinations worldwide –– Minister Singh tells Guyana Basins Summit participants

DURING his keynote and welcome address on Thursday at the Guyana Basins Summit, which is being held virtually under the theme, ‘Driving Investment, Growth & Prosperity across the Guyana-Suriname Basin’, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh stated that Guyana is today one of the most attractive investment destinations, not just in this hemisphere but worldwide.

The minister explained that since assuming office, the Government of Guyana has been taking a number of key steps, and implementing policies to restore confidence, and ensure that Guyana is an attractive destination for investors, potential investors, and visitors.

“First of all, this government is firmly committed to democracy, constitutionality, and the rule of law. Despite the challenges of 2020, which were visible for the entire world to see, democracy prevailed, and a government that is firmly committed to respecting and adhering strictly to democratic norms and

standards of behaviour was eventually able to assume office. To potential investors coming to any country, it is of paramount importance to know that the host country is one that respects the rule of law, not least because the rule of law is so essential to the predictability of the investment climate and the environment for doing business,” the Senior Finance Minister posited.

Next, the minister referenced his government’s commitment to maintaining strong macro-economic fundamentals, since such an environment would also be critical to the investment climate.

“We recognise the importance of strong, sustainable, broad-based real economic growth, driven not only by the oil sector, but also by a strong non-oil economy, including agriculture, agro-processing and food production, given our vast capacity for large-scale agriculture; tourism and hospitality, given the remarkable endowment of nature: Amazonian rainforest, flora, fauna, spectacular rivers, waterfalls, etc., given our strategic location with

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

overland access to both Brazil and Suriname, and close connections with the rest of the Caribbean,” Dr. Singh emphasised.

Beyond productive diversification to ensure economic resilience, the minister said that ensuring a stable and predictable macroeconomic environment is also the government’s aim, including low inflation, exchange and interest rate stability and competitiveness, prudent

fiscal management, and ensuring debt sustainability into the medium and longer term.

The senior finance minister then outlined some of the measures that the government intends to take to avoid the perils other countries have encountered, such as the risk of the Dutch Disease.

RAPID TRANSFORMATION “Thirdly, we are currently embarking on an agenda

US$20M 'Courtyard by Marriott' hotel gets...

A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as, Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others. According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending, support eight million jobs across the US alone.

The same study found that a typical hotel with 100

occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities.

These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, cap-

FROM PAGE

03

ital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship. These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

for rapid transformation of the supportive infrastructure that is absolutely critical for doing business. In particular, transport infrastructure; roads and bridges, including for international connectivity, as well as to ensure ease of domestic access, energy infrastructure to ensure the availability of affordable and reliable electricity, as well as information and communications technology, recognising how important connectivity is to doing business,” Minister Singh said.

Fourthly, the minister said that the government is also working assiduously to invest heavily in human capital, through injecting financing to allow for a highly skilled and educated workforce, which is critical to reducing the cost of doing business. He also highlighted the government’s heavy investment in the social sector, including education at all levels, and in developing a world-class public healthcare system, while at the same time implementing policies to promote private investment in these sectors.

Finally, the minister outlined the government’s ag-

gressive agenda to strengthen and modernise government and business institutions, in order to ensure investors doing business in Guyana are able to interface with government services efficiently.

The senior finance minister, in wrapping up his address, also highlighted other relevant factors, including Guyana’s strategic location, with advantageous links to Brazil and Suriname and the Caribbean, pointing out that investors based in Guyana would have easy access to a market space much larger than the domestic Guyanese market, highlighting also that Guyana is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the home of the community’s secretariat.

The minister concluded by emphasising Guyana’s overall attractiveness as an investment destination, and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Guyana remains a premier destination for investment. (Ministry of Finance release)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

The little things FOCUSING on the big, grand, gigantic development agenda would motivate this nation to work hard, apply the national intelligence and citizen smarts fully to the process of socioeconomic progress, and generally move things along with good momentum. However, Guyanese need to also zero in on the little things that bedevil the land.

One cannot underrate the impact of this country struggling through 28 years of grotesque economic decline over the 1970s and 1980s period, a historic moment that spawned some lasting negative effects upon the society. Across the land, these little things persist, and Guyanese may even see them as the normalised way of how the country is, with no real remedy. Some of these little things cause jarring angst on citizens, when encountering the glaring unnaturalness.

Some of these little things are, for example, insane folks and street dwellers roaming the

public space of Georgetown and New Amsterdam and other communities, people who fell through the cracks and whom the society leaves to roam the land, some clothed with nothing but scanty rags; and animals roaming the main roadway in rural areas; and people strewing garbage on street corners and causing open, infested rubbish heaps in public; and then there's the minibus sub-culture with lewd music and some uncouth operators; and, most bedevilling of all, street crimes that cause Guyanese to be on guard in the markets, on the streets, and even to bar their homes with iron grill. Guyanese look around their country and see a wide range of the little things that could easily be cleaned up and that, were they to be gotten rid of, would contribute to the society being whole and clean and aesthetically pleasing. This one little consideration, of cultivating an aesthetically pleasing country, where Guyanese enjoy their

public spaces, would go a long way to make the nation enjoy its life so much more.

But it is up to citizens to make this society function at such a high level, rather than everybody looking only to government to come up with solutions to every little thing.

These little things one cannot look to government alone to solve. Much of it also lies in the hands of ordinary citizens, for the general Guyanese populace to want to cultivate a country that is pleasing, clean, and that functions with consideration for the welfare of each other.

Somebody dumping trash at a street corner obviously has no consideration whatsoever for the rest of the society. Such things as caring for the public good, is a thing that the nation as a whole must cooperate and pull together and inculcate into a national culture, a way of being for every citizen to feel obligated to keeping their Guyana clean and healthy and looking good.

If ordinary citizens do not care for their community, who would? Guyanese tend to look to government to solve every little issue that arises. But government is the institution that looks after the big development agenda. Ordinary citizens still need to play a role and do their part in cultivating a national atmosphere of caring for each other and showing deep concern for the forward movement of the country. Indeed, the village raises the child, and so this country must watch out for one another. If community residents see a garbage heap is defacing their village or town or neighbourhood, they ought to come together and find the perpetrators and report them to the authorities. If residents know of illegal drug operations and domestic abuse and children undergoing bad parenting, they should care for those who seem helpless and unable to fend for themselves.

Guyanese would do well to cultivate this caring attitude

towards each other, instead of citizens looking to government to solve everything that ails the society.

The non-governmental sector is an important arm of any modern society, partnering with the State and citizens to provide services and safety nets that might be unavailable otherwise and thus also the ordinary citizen who stands up and plays a selfless role in the welfare of their country.

Every Guyanese is not an entity unto him or her own self.

Rather, a country is a nation of people joining heads, hands and hearts to build, cultivate, and generate a society that works for everybody. This country cannot, for example, afford to continue to see Guyanese fall through the cracks and roam the streets when they become insane from illegal drug addiction or homelessness.

Guyana is a relatively small population, and with the wealth and resources available to this country, it is not hard

at all to take care of each and every Guyanese, for the whole society to care for every single soul in a way that every person feels at home, among their national family, and that no matter what, their fellow citizens are rooting for them.

So many things went wrong in this country over its history. Look at the Coalition, for example, painting buildings across the land in party colours, a blatant paramountcy of the party practice. To undo such madness, Guyanese must stand up and care for their country, see their nation as their personal responsibility, and stand up for each other, to ensure that what is right and good and sensible prevails. Caring about the little things is an important national habit and culture for Guyanese to come together to build a great future.

Lethem residents receiving adequate supply of safe water Dear Editor, GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) wishes to respond to the Thursday, March 18, 2021 letter to the editor titled “Lethem still facing potable water woes,” which was written by Mr. Patrick Fitzpatrick.

The author in his letter erroneously stated that the water provided to residents of Lethem is not fit for drinking.

We wish to place on record that over the past years, GWI has been providing potable water throughout Lethem which is safe for human consumption.

This water is provided to

residents from 5:00 hours to 22:00 hours daily from five well stations -two in Culvert City, one in Tabatinga, one in Kanuku Drive and one in Bon Success. Testing is done on a monthly basis to ensure that the water supplied from these sources remains safe.

Further, Mr. Fitzpatrick in his letter stated that “at certain times there is literally muddy water coming through the pipes.” GWI hereby unequivocally states that muddy water is at no time distributed to residents of Lethem and we have not received such a report over the past months.

In fact, all of the wells which serve the residents

have systems which shut off the pump if the water level depletes below the pump, in order to prevent the pump from burning. This will ensure that clear water is pumped from these wells at all times.

However, it must be noted, if there’s a leak on residents’ service connections, there is a risk of them receiving muddy water through their taps. In this regard, GWI urges residents to report any leaks they observe on the distribution system or fix any leaks within their premises.

Mr. Fitzpatrick in his letter stated that the water provided to the residents of

Lethem is not distributed at a reasonable pressure.

It should be noted that over the years, GWI has increased its water pressure and distribution from the aforementioned pump stations which are providing an adequate supply to residents throughout the municipality.

It is the company’s standard operating procedure to operate four of the five pump stations, with the fifth station, located in Bon Success, being used to complement the water supply system during dry periods when the other wells are not producing adequately.

This is the current situation;

hence all five of the wells are in operation.

Another inaccurate statement made by Mr. Fitzpatrick is that there are no elevated water storage tanks used in the distribution of water.

Contrary to this statement, there are currently two elevated storage facilities in Lethem - one in Culvert city and another in Tabatinga.

Both of these storage facilities are utilised to provide residents of those respective communities with water via gravity feed during periods of power outage.

Other areas in the municipality would experience a disruption to their water

supply during such periods.

GWI is aware that most residents have storage tanks, so they can still access the water stored in those tanks in period of power outages.

The company is also cognisant of the fact that some residents are using hand dug wells, but also places on record that most residents of Lethem have been provided with a GWI water service connection.

These residents are being urged to continue using the water provided by GWI, since hand dug wells can easily become contaminated.

TURN TO PAGE

07

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

The diplomats ‘can see clearly now’ because they have ‘feelings’

Dear Editor,

IT was reported that Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Mr. Joe Harmon, played host Wednesday at his office to meet with Mr. Mark Berman, the Canadian High Commissioner. Joining him was Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader of the Alliance For Change (LAFC). The entourage also consisted of other party members, Amanza Walton-Dezir and Geeta- Chandan Edwards, who recently had made a spectacle of herself with un-lady like remarks, not befitting of honorable members of the distinguished Parliament. Having similar rendezvous with the United States and United Kingdom diplomats, Mr. Harmon remarked, “It is important that the High Commission understands the way we see things, and understands the way our supporters feel.” For once, Mr. Harmon spoke an iota of truth and must be commended for his sincerity.

Of course the diplomats of all three powerful nations can see things through the lens of the APNU+AFC party.

The nation cannot forget they were spectators in the front seat, observing the attempted rigging of the election to defraud the nation from declaring the rightful winner and trying to prevent the AP-

NU+AFC mandated interlocutor, CARICOM, from confirming the legitimate election re-count result. APNU+AFC saw to it that their appointed stogies and servants desperately frustrated the smooth process of GECOM work by sabotaging the procedure and delaying a legal declaration by some five months. The brave diplomats were seeing with the eyes of the rogue party the clumsy misdemeanors of Mr. Bingo to contaminate and misappropriate the votes to the rightful and respectful parties. Numbers do add up and accountability demands a mathematical balance, something which the nescient Bingo failed to appropriate. The diplomats used the glossy eyes of the APNU+AFC party to peruse the distressed Lowenfield, making a last minute effort to frustrate the Chair for GECOM, preventing her from concluding a long drawn out process and announcing the legitimate winner of the elections, the PPP/C party. Three fruitless chances to change the outcome of the election by using the art of “mumbo jumbo” mathematics, only revealed the callousness and maniacal way of thinking of villainous jokers employed in a circus.

Yes, not only the Canadian, the US and the UK diplomats witnessed these events through the eyes of the APNU+AFC party, but the live

televised transaction, became a window to the entire world and the national, regional and international community, witnessed this diabolic drama which caused quite a trauma to drain the patience of the world. Yes Sir, Canada, the US, the UK and the rest of the world do understand the way the APNU+AFC party sees things, quite clearly and vividly. In fact, their 20/20 vision is so perfect that, they had no alternative but to applaud and support the US when the United States awarded all the under-miners of democracy in Guyana with visa sanctions.

Mr. Harmon, the international community applied the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff’s song, “I can see clearly now,” to establish a firm stand not to support the APNU+AFC party led by Mr. Granger in their corrupt election position, when they tried to deny the will of the people.

Sure, Canada is no fool, nor are the US and the UK. The diplomats have hearts and they can empathise with the poor people of Guyana, suffering in poverty. The diplomats have a mind of their own and they can make valuable and distinctive calls when it comes to being right and wrong, honest and dishonest, lawful and unlawful.

They have brains of their own to decipher who is loyal to integrity and who is loyal to collusion, they have

Lethem residents receiving ...

FROM PAGE

We also take this opportunity to urge any resident within Lethem, who do not have a service connection, to visit our Lethem Commercial office and apply for one, which GWI will move to provide.

We continue to work towards improving our services across the Hinterland and assure our fellow Guyanese that GWI is committed to providing safe water to all and is working to achieve

06

this within the shortest possible time.

Regards, Ramchand Jailal GWI Executive Director of Hinterland Services

feelings to grasp and gasp when they are being manipulated and when they are not being treated with diplomacy. They have a dignity to maintain and not be pushed around and when to walk because, “enough is enough.” They have feelings to understand when the supporters of any political party is being taken for a ride and when politicians try to pull the wool over the eyes.

They understand when supporters of a party are being led astray, led in the dark, led to a hole dug by their leaders, coerced, dictated, controlled, used and abused.

The diplomats fully understand how supporters feel, when their high and mighty leaders left them out in the cold without a blanket and for them (the chosen few) to enjoy the “good life” only.

Of yes, the diplomats understand how the diehards feel by being “let down” by their

leaders when they tried to con their way through the back door to retain political power and financial control at the cost of the man in the street. You bet, the diplomats understand how the APNU+AFC supporters felt when Mr. Granger, Mr. Harmon, Mr. Ramjattan, Mr. Nagamootoo, Amanza and, oh yes, Geeta-Chandan, didn’t know what constitutes the half of 65; that Patterson’s appointment was illegal and the CARICOM re-count result was legitimate. The diplomats understand how ashamed those supporters felt to know that the APNU+AFC party tried to make a fool of the entire world with their disgraceful performance, thereby, becoming a laughing stock to the world.

Yes Sir, Mr. Harmon, the diplomats are after all human beings and they have eyes to see like you and the

APNU+AFC do. The eyes of the opposition party are not the only eyes for others to see through. The eyes of the entire world saw what was meant by “For Your Eyes Only.” Nothing more than “feelings” the diplomats have for the APNU+AFC supporters because they understand how they feel and they (the diplomats) cry, sympathise and empathise with them. Regardless, the sanctions will remain, that, the diplomats will see clearly to and, yes Mr. Harmon, “nothing personal, no hard feelings”. That’s just the way business is done when you do not play fair and square. Welcome to the world of politics.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Region Three cops benefit from US Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent, Errol Watts (fourth right in front row) flanked by HAP officials. Also in photograph are President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan (second left), and ranks who participated in the meeting

THE US Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP), in collaboration with the Region Three Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the police administration in that region, recently held a workshop to enhance the image of the Guyana Police

Force (GPF), while creating safer communities.

HAP is an initiative under the US Embassy to assist local communities, particularly in underserved regions, in the areas of social, economic and medical development. HAP works to bring together multiple local and international

agencies to reach common goals.

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, said, on Wednesday, that David Giraldo, Mitch Hensen and Joe Gozalez from the US Embassy visited the division and a meeting was held at the Recreational Hall

at the Regional Headquarters, Leonora Police Station.

In a brief comment, the commander noted that the meeting focussed on youth development and strengthening community-police relations.

“After this meeting, there will be an increase in activi-

ties for the youths and ranks will continue to build a better relationship with the community; all in the aid to enhance the image of the Police Force and creating a safer environment for all,” he noted.

Meanwhile, President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan,

said the collaboration was in line with President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision of ‘rebranding, retooling and restructuring’ the Force to better serve and protect the citizens of Guyana.

CCJ might remain stagnant for a long time

BY Oscar Ramjeet THE two largest English speaking countries in the Caribbean Community seem to have backtracked from their original position two decades ago and so far have not abolished appeals to the Privy Council and join the appellate division of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were in the forefront pegging away for the regional court and now more than 16 years after the inauguration they have not yet done so.

Moreso the two countries spent tens of millions of dollars in the establishment of the Court and so far they have obtained very little benefit but they have themselves to blame. Eduard Seaga, former leader of the Jamaica Labour Party and Prime Minister and Basdeo Panday, former Head of Government of Trinidad and

Tobago, and leader of the UNC party were encouraging other CARICOM countries to join the regional court. As a matter of fact it was because of Panday the Court is headquartered in Port of Spain. It is regrettable and rather puzzling for their failure to do so. Granted that there have been change of governments in both countries, but the UNC and JLP were back at the helm. In fact, the current Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness is the leader of the JLP (Seaga’s party).

Holness at first was in favour, but changed his mind and now calling for a referendum in order to give the electorates a say if or not to ditch the London-based Privy Council. At first the CCJ was deemed a hanging court, but that excuse cannot be used any longer in the light of a recent decision by the Court in a Barbadian murder case. Prime Minister Keith Rowley

was in favour of the regional court when he was in the opposition, now he is at the helm is another ball game. Opposition leader, Kamla Persad Bissessar was considering abolishing only criminal cases, but this might not be in keeping with the Treaty of Chaguaramas. You cannot adopt what has been described as a “half slave”, “half free” policy. You have to abolish totally.

Several leading Caribbean scholars including Shridath Ramphal, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, and P.J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, both outstanding jurists, are strongly advocating for the CCJ, not to mention former Presidents of the Court, Trinidadian Michael de la Bastide and Sir Denis Byron of St Kitts/Nevis. There is no doubt that regional court has outstanding justices and their decisions have been lauded by international Law Lords and other distinguished justices. What is important is that it

dispenses expeditiously with cases as was done in the Guyana no-confidence motion and the election-related cases. The Guyana appeals were heard in matter of weeks, which would have taken several months before the Privy Council.

It seems as if it might take several years before more countries get onboard. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada failed in referenda to remove the Privy Council as the final Court. St. Lucia does not need a referendum, but has to delink from the Privy Council, but the powers to be are flip flopping. Some feel that the authorities should have waited until more countries signalled their intention to join before the establishment. Guyana and Barbados were the only two countries in April 2005 when the Court was inaugurated followed by Belize in June 1, 2019 and five years later by Dominica in 2015.

An interesting question is funding, but it seems as if the Court can survive with only four countries for quite some time. The interest and investment from the US$100 million Trust Fund would be able to sustain the functioning for several years. The Court currently has modern equipment and visual telephonic facilities which facilitate lawyers to conduct their cases from jurisdictions outside Port of Spain - extremely convenient and substantially reduce the costs of litigation. I do not see any valid reason for the reluctance to sever link with the London based Privy Council. Trinidad and Jamaica gained political independence since 1962 - nearly 59 years ago yet they are hesitant to have judicial independence.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Hess to inject US$150M into Guyana

–– following sale of Demark shares

By Navendra Seoraj ONE of the world’s leading energy companies, Hess Corporation, plans to widen its investment portfolio in Guyana with an injection of close to US$150M (G$32.7B), funds which the company garnered from the recent sale of its shares in the Denmark market.

Hess Corporation, one of the companies engaged in exploration activities offshore Guyana, announced recently that it has entered into an agreement with Norway’s INEOS Oil and Gas for the sale of its subsidiary, Hess Denmark, which holds a 61.5 per cent interest in the South Arne Field. The South Arne Field produced an average of 5,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day net to Hess in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to the government’s approvals and customary closing conditions.

“The sale of our Denmark asset enables us to further focus our portfolio, and strengthen our cash and liquidity position,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess said in a recent statement.

Hess further said that proceeds will be used to fund the company’s “world-class” investment opportunity in Guyana.

This announcement by Hess Corporation comes one day after Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that this nation is poised to become the most exciting investment destination in the Western Hemisphere.

“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 large-scale 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 said at the opening of the virtual Guyana Basins Summit 2021 (GBS) on Wednesday.

President Ali has said already that Guyana is on course to prosperity, with a diverse economy that is yet to reach its peak.

“Our economic prospects have never been brighter; our collective feet are firmly placed on the first rungs of a ladder to prosperity that is clearly within our sight,” President Ali said during his address to the nation on January 1, 2021.

The year 2021, according

the Head-of-State, will be the springboard from which Guyana will leap into recovery, rebuilding the economy, enhancing the people’s health, and lifting up the vulnerable groups in society.

Guyana’s prospects have been the subject of discussion on the international stage, with Norwegian independent energy research and business intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, being the latest agency to announce that 2021 holds “a lot of promise” for Guyana’s

The 18 discoveries made by ExxonMobil and its partners offshore Guyana

burgeoning petroleum sector.

According to Rystad, the oil giant, ExxonMobil, operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur blocks offshore Guyana will be spearheading the local exploration activities, having already set an ambitious divestment target of $15 billion, by expelling mature assets in Asia, Europe and Africa, so as to prioritise investments in “high-value” assets such as Stabroek.

According to Rystad Energy, the company’s drilling

activity will focus on “firming up” resources in the south-eastern part of the Stabroek Block, where deeper plays have been observed underneath the existing discoveries.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers), with current discovered recoverable resources estimated at more than nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

The 18 discoveries on the block to date have established the potential for at least five floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2026.

ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator of the offshore Stabroek Block, with a 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds a 25 per cent interest.

Current development activities at the Stabroek Block include the Liza Phases One and Two, and the Payara projects. ExxonMobil’s first offshore Guyana project, Liza Phase One, began producing in late 2019, well ahead of the industry average for development time. Liza Phase Two remains on track to begin producing oil by early 2022. Liza Phase Two will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates, using the Liza Unity FPSO, which is under construction in Singapore.

Payara is the company’s third project in the Stabroek Block, and is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, after start-up in 2024, using the Prosperity FPSO vessel.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Some 7,000 sugar workers set to benefit from weekly production incentive

By Navendra Seoraj

—scheme reintroduced after being shelved for two years

AFTER a hiatus of more than two years, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will resume payment of the weekly production incentive (WPI), an initiative expected to benefit 6,900 qualified employees from the three operating estates, Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt.

Coming on the heels of industrial action at the three estates, the resumption of this initiative is anticipated to eliminate any remaining acrimony, and provide encouragement to the sugars workers, as GuySuCo continues to reconfigure the industry.

According to information shared with the Guyana Chronicle, thousands of sugar workers across Regions Three

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will receive their WPI and other incentives for the first crop by tomorrow, March

Cane harvester Mohamed Rafeek Yusuf

20, 2021.

At the Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, some 3,600 qualified employees are expected to receive an additional two days’ pay as WPI, given that both estates would have surpassed their production targets on March 5 and 12, 2021.

Similarly, 3,300 qualified employees from the Albion Estate will receive one day’s pay for surpassing their target on March 5, 2021.

The WPI system was implemented on May 13, 1989, replacing the monthly bonus initiative which was paid for achieving the estates’ set weekly production targets.

Payment of a weekly production incentive is based on the individual estate’s achievement of 100 per cent or more of its weekly target. The targets having been achieved qualifies

employees to receive one day’s pay.

Should a particular estate’s production surpass 130 per cent or more, employees would be entitled to two days’ pay.

Sachin Sooknandan

“Where an estate grinds beyond the scheduled grinding period indicated in the crop’s factory production schedule, the incentive shall be paid, providing the said estate grinds for a minimum of 90 hours per week, during the week, or weeks beyond the scheduled

grinding period, and providing also the estate achieves the target(s) set by management for the said extended week(s),” GuySuCo said in a statement shared with this publication on Thursday.

Such target(s), the Corporation said, may be influenced by either availability of canes or the potential of the factory, or a combination of both, as determined by the estate’s managers.

Chief Industrial Relations Manager at GuySuCo, Deodat Sukhu said that the workers are already aware of the criteria to be satisfied before incentives are paid.

“One of the criteria is to work at least four days of the week, and, most importantly, that the factory would have surpassed their respective weekly target. Employees know what they have to do, and we encourage them to continue work beyond four days, to work five days or six days, because the more they

work, more canes are sent to the factories to be grounded to achieve those targets, qualifying themselves for incentives,” Sukhu said in a statement.

The enthusiasm and willingness of the sugar workers to satisfy the criteria and receive WPI were expressed by Rafeek Yusuf, a long-serving cane harvester.

‘A GREAT THING’ Yusuf, who has been in the employ of GuySuCo for over 41 years, said: “WPI is a great thing in the estate; it boosts the workforce to come out in large numbers. It is a way of improving production. You find over the years when the WPI was not there, the turnout get very poor; people lose interest in the work. The WPI will boost production and turnout; I feel it is something good. I believe strongly this is good.”

Another sugar worker, Sachin Sooknandan was quotTURN TO PAGE 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

11

Israel Government donates $2M in PPE to Guyana

AS part of its ongoing commitment to support countries in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Israel Government has donated $2 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Some 100,000 surgical masks, 4,600 shoe covers, 4,600 surgical caps, 1,000 surgical gowns, 5,000 KN95 and 20 pulse oximeters masks were donated on Thursday during a brief ceremony held at the hospital’s compound, where Ministerial Adviser and former Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy accepted the donation on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Dr. Ramsammy, in expressing sincere thanks to Israel, said the donation strengthens cooperation and friendship between the two countries, especially during the time of a global pandemic “We are extremely grateful today to receive the PPE… it will help to sustain an effective fight against COVID-19,” he said.

Dr. Ramsammy added that Guyana, like many other countries, has had an “uphill task” in procuring PPE during the pandemic, having to “compete against the giants or with the giants for our supplies”.

Meanwhile, Israel Ambassador to Panama, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, Reda Mansour, who joined the ceremony virtually, said that there

Some of the PPE that were donated on Thursday (GPHC photo)

has been price gouging of PPE making it difficult for many small countries like Guyana to access these important items.

Mansour added that the pandemic gives countries in the region the opportunity to increase cooperation, especially in the medical field.

“We have young medex who comes from all over the world to train in our hospitals, to do their specialisation in different fields. So I am hoping today with the health system in Guyana, this will be a first step to open many other doors of cooperation,” Mansour said.

The ceremony was also attended by Chairman of the Board of Georgetown Hospital, Dr. Madan Rambarran; Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Fawcett Jeffrey; Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier (ret’d), George Lewis; and President of the Caribbean

Some 7,000 sugar ...

ed in a statement as saying: “I just received a day’s pay, and this is something real good, and it will benefit me and my family. It will be better for us; we are going to be more motivated, because my partners are already talking about working harder to make the day’s pay.

This is real nice, and we are glad if it can continue, so it will benefit the people in the country. I feel real good what the government is doing, and what we getting right now is real good. Keep it up.”

Safety Officer at the Albion Estate, Kiwani Parks, said, too, that the WPI is an excellent initiative for both the Corporation and workers.

“I’m elated in the sense that we are able to achieve our day’s pay after a long period of time. What you find happening is that persons are motivated when there is something extra; you find that the workforce is motivated when that extra day’s pay is made,” Parks said, adding: “It is evident. You know, sometimes when you look at the turnout, you will find that it is very low; but when there is a day pay, everybody is hyped up; everyone is interested in working to qualify. Just yester-

FROM PAGE 10

day [Wednesday], I spoken to one of the harvester gangs, and one of the first things that they asked me was, ‘Are we going to be making another day pay this week?’ I said there was a possibility, but we have to stay positive; we have to continue to work. And the basic thing is that we have to qualify 80 per cent or more of the days to qualify for the day’s pay.”

He further said: “I encourage the workforce out there to come out in their numbers; work hard as possible. And you know, of course, it will be more disposable income, with an extra day pay. I am really happy that the estate is back on track, and not only Albion Estate, but Blairmont and Uitvlugt are also in the position of achieving WPI.” For the first crop of 2021, all three operating estates are expected to produce 42,608 tonnes of sugar.

In a disaggregation of the targets, by estate, Albion is expected to produce 21,573 tonnes of sugar; Blairmont 12,404 tonnes; and Uitvlugt, 8,631.

As of March 12, 2021, some 10,135 tonnes of sugar were produced collectively by the three grinding estates.

Israel Leadership Coalition, Dr. Andre Thomas and its member, Apostle Elsworth Williams.

Second from left: Apostle Elsworth Williams hands over the items to Chairman of the Board of Georgetown Hospital, Dr. Madan Rambarran. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is standing at the right (GPHC photo)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Water service restored in Central Georgetown

Workers restored water service in a shorter time than was initially proposed

WATER service was restored to Central Georgetown on Thursday morning at approximately 06:00 hours, following a planned disruption, which commenced on Wednesday, March 17. It was done to facilitate pipe relocations and interconnections along Mandela Avenue.

The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) said the restoration of water service was far

beyond previously proposed timelines, as a result of major technical difficulties experienced along the work site.

The expansion of the Mandela Avenue Road is a Ministry of Public Works project and the works undertaken to interconnect the pipelines were under the purview of contractor Sinhohydro and executed by several sub-contractors, with the guidance of GWI.

Four soldiers dismissed, three charged with rape FOUR soldiers were dismissed while others are facing disciplinary action for breach of operational orders in relation to an allegation of rape.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) confirmed that a Board of Inquiry (BoI) convened to investigate the circumstances which led to an allegation of rape being levelled against GDF ranks in Mabaruma, Region One, resulted in disciplinary action taken against two officers and the dismissal of four others.

The BoI found that the ranks seriously breached operational orders while deployed on border duty and were therefore disciplined accordingly.

“Four of these ranks have since been dismissed and the disciplinary process is

ongoing against the others,” the Army noted in a press statement Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has charged and placed before the court three of those ex-soldiers in relation to the rape allegation, while the fourth is awaiting due process from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The GDF noted that ranks are bound by the values and standards of the Army, and, as such, their conduct and professionalism are of paramount importance.

“The defence and security of the nation and our citizens are tasks which the Force will always aim to execute with the highest moral, ethical and professional standards,” the GDF noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Legislation to be strengthened to deter property fraud

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, said the government is examining ways to strengthen legislation to protect property owners from fraud.

He made this statement on Tuesday during his guest appearance on DPI’s ‘Government in Action.’

The Attorney-General said fraudsters are forging documents and selling people’s properties unknown to them.

“This type of fraudulent conduct has repeatedly occurred, especially in recent times, with alarming prevalence having regard to, I guess, the boldness which now endow criminals, as well as the fact that you have, I suppose, technological advances and the fraud mani-

blown” investigation into the matter.

“If there is a Notary Public involved, who may have executed a Power of Attorney, investigate that component of the transaction.

Obviously, the matter was filed at the Deeds Registry, investigate that component, investigate the officers. If it was advertised in the Official Gazette, then let the investigation go as well and let us see where the fraud actually took place,” he said.

It is against this backdrop that the government plans to examine both the administrative apparatus and the statuAttorney-General, Anil Nandlall

fests itself in many ways.”

Referencing recent incidents where persons have

been defrauded, AG Nandlall said he has asked the Crime Chief to launch a “full

tory framework to improve the system, both in terms of the law and the administrative process. This was buttressed by a call from the Caribbean Court of Justice to examine the legal framework.

The Attorney General advises persons to peruse the Official Gazette to safeguard themselves. He said while copies are available for purchase at the Office of the President, it is also available online, free of cost.

Additionally, he said following discussions with the Guyana National Printers Limited on improving the accessibility of the Official

13

Gazette, he is in the process of crafting a Cabinet paper to support the initiative.

AG Nandlall encourages the public to familiarise themselves with the Official Gazette and to continuously check the updated publications to ensure that their properties are not listed for sale. The Attorney-General also said there need to be more public education fora on the matter as “everyone has a duty to protect their property”. (DPI)

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Police question Cevon’s CEO on ‘illegal’ land purchase OFFICERS of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, on Thursday, questioned Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cevons Waste Management Inc, Morse Archer, on the sale of a piece of land purchased from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission in 2018.

This is in the aftermath of former Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Trevor Benn, being questioned Wednesday last.

Benn said police questioned him about the lease of a plot of land on Mandela

Avenue and the sale of land on Aubrey Barker Street on the grounds that he had no authority to engage in such transactions.

Benn is currently before the court for his involvement in another alleged illegal land deal at Ogle, East Coast Demerara and is being investigated for several others including the land sold to Archer and his company.

Archer was informed by a letter from Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in February that the Government was looking to repossess the land at Mandela Avenue, George-

town as it was illegally sold to him by the then GL&SC commissioner, Trevor Benn.

Benn on or about December 18, 2018 purported to issue a lease for the said lands to Cevons Waste Management Inc. for a term of 50 years.

Nandlall has already said that Lands and Surveys Commission had no legal authority to lease the land.

The Attorney-General, in his letter, explained that the lands in question were owned by the National Sports Commission (NSC), a body corporate established by virtue of the National Sports

CEO of Cevons Waste Management Inc. Morse Archer

Commission Act 1993, which is separate from GL&SC. He said that the sale was being reviewed on a direct appeal by Archer to President,

Dr Irfaan Ali but noted that the transaction remains highly illegal.

Nandlall had said then that, even if the Government decides to act in Archer’s favour and allow the transaction to be regularised, it does not make the unlawful act right.

Archer had previously said that his company followed all guidelines and legal procedures in the purchase of a plot of land that the Government is now seeking to repossess.

He is hoping for a resolution void of any legal showdown. He claimed the land was purchased from the GL&SC in 2018 for $100M of which $80M has already been paid.

The CEO said that, as per the written agreement with GL&SC, he was told

that the transport for the land will take three years to be transferred and once that is done, the remaining $20M would be paid. In the interim, Archer explained, that he was granted a 50-year lease by the GL&SC which he is currently paying on simultaneously.

The CEO said he also received a Government evaluation for the land, putting the value at $47M. He said despite this when he approached the Commission, he was told he had to pay $100M. Additionally, in another matter, the Attorney-General has written to Wilfred Brandford, a board member of the GL&SC under the APNU+AFC administration, asking him to relinquish undervalued lands he obtained weeks after the March 2, 2020 elections.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Better days ahead for Prosville, Andy Ville residents PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, have promised to put systems in place to address the concerns of residents of Prosville and Andy Ville following a visit to the two Wismar, Linden communities.

During a meeting with the government officials, the residents raised several concerns, including that of not having access to proper roads and potable water.

Both communities also lamented the inadequate facilities in place for youth

development and pointed out that many residents need assistance with dietary items for their homes.

The government officials immediately committed to resolving several of the issues raised, including upgrading the dirt roads in the two communities to laterite within weeks and delivering hampers to each household within seven days.

The Prime Minister, in his pledge to the residents, assured them that the government intends to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

“This is a demonstration that you have a government

that is a caring government, we’re here, we’ve listened to you, and I want to assure you that we will deliver, that’s why we’re here, because we believe in development for all the people of Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

Minister Edghill, in support of the Prime Minister, said that a work plan will be developed to ensure that commitments are honoured.

“I will develop an action sheet, but there are some things that are immediate; the hampers will be here within seven days. For the young people, I will engage Minister Charles Ramson

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips listens to the concerns of a resident (DPI photo)

and he will come and have a meeting. The engineers will be here by Friday to walk the road, measure and see what we could do in terms of upgrade to laterite.”

Denise Simmons, who attended the meeting at Prosville, said that as a result of the meeting, she was able to get assistance for her daugh-

ter and was pleased at the response she received about community matters from the government officials.

“I had a medical issue with my daughter and coming here I was able to be referred to the Regional Health Officer, and now my daughter will begin to see a doctor from tomorrow. I think we

got good answers today for all the issues we raised, and I’m very grateful for that,” she said.

Also present during the community outreach were Regional Executive Officer (REO), Region 10, Dwight John, and Regional Health Officer (RHO), Gregory Harris. (DPI)

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill during their meeting with the residents of Wismar (DPI photo)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Task Force zeroes in on monitoring of borders, illegal activities

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE closure of the porous Guyana/Brazil border has been a task to manage amid the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic and the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has engaged residents in Regions Eight and Nine in a bid to intensify monitoring efforts.

On Wednesday, members of the NCTF met with the local authorities of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). The issues discussed included the monitoring of Guyana’s border with Brazil, trafficking in persons (TIP), the medical issues the region was facing and the general enforcement of the COVID-19 curfew.

The meeting which was held at the regional boardroom was chaired by head of the Task Force, Colonel Nazrul Hussain. Among the members in attendance were Colonel Skeete, Colonel Bowman, Lt. Colonel Carmichael, Lt. Colonel Welcome, Commander Nurse of the Guyana Defence Force and Deputy Police Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Clifton Hicken.

Also in attendance were Senior Superintendent, M. Kingston; Regional Commander #8, Assistant Superintendent, Melville; Regional Health Officer (RHO), Ravindra Doonauth; Town Clerk,

Stakeholders’ meeting with members of the National COVID-19 Task Force on Wednesday

Molice Adams; members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) and members of the business community of Mahdia.

According to information provided to this newspaper, the RHO explained that the region was divided into two sub-districts: North Pakaraimas and Mahdia. There were two main border villages that

people used to cross over into Brazil to purchase food supplies - one at Kanapang, and the other at Chening mouth.

It was also noted that 2003 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and 53 antigen tests were conducted in the region. From the tests conducted, there have been 246 confirmed cases, including one active case, three

deaths and many recoveries.

It was also noted that the region received 500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and almost half of those doses have already been used.

While in the region, Deputy Commissioner of Police ‘Operations’ (ag.), Hicken asked the local authorities to deal with complaints from the business community in-

cluding that the police were closing some places early and leaving some open and that some clubs were locking their gates and having persons inside. There were also complaints that policemen were seen in clubs during the curfew hours.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday, the team discussed the monitoring and

controlling of the Brazil and Venezuela borders, cattle rustling and the adherence to curfew in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

Members present for the Regional Task Force were Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock; Regional Executive Officer, Karl Singh; Mayor, John Macedo; and RHO, Dr. Nial Uthman among others.

According to information provided, there were meaningful interactions with stakeholders about illegal crossings at St. Ignatius, Kumu, Baitoon, Quarire, Katu’ur and Potarinau Village.

There was also an appeal for the increase of days in which the Brazil border would be open to facilitate trade. Currently, this is only done on Thursdays. Issues were also raised about frequent movement of passengers, pedestrians and vehicles across the Takutu Bridge on a daily basis.

Solutions proposed by the grouping included engaging the internal international organisation to engage the Regional Chairman on matters relating to Venezuelan migrants and engaging ranch owners and members of the villages to obtain information to combat cattle rustling. An invitation was also extended to residents to become Rural Constables.

Child rapist gets put away for 25 years THIRTY-two-year-old Ivor Laud, who was convicted on two counts of raping a minor, was, on Thursday, sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court for the crimes.

Laud was on trial before the Demerara High Court earlier this month, when a 12-member jury, after deliberating for more than two hours, returned the guilty verdicts.

The first indictment stated that Laud, between March 1 and 31, 2015, engaged in sexual penetration with the victim when she was eight

years old, while the second stated that between August 1 and 31, 2017, he engaged in sexual penetration with the same child when she was ten.

The State was represented by Prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while Laud was represented

by Attorney-at-law Racheal Bakker.

During the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Laud’s attorney pleaded with the court for leniency, but State Prosecutor Martin countered, asking the court to consider that the victim’s innocence was snatched away by Laud, who’d abused his position of trust.

In handing down her decision, Justice Barlow considered the prevalence of such offences here in Guyana, and the fact that Laud took advantage of the closeness he shared with the victim and her family.

He was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment on the first charge, and 25 on the second, but seeing that the sentences will run concurrently, he will only spend 25 years behind bars.

Justice Barlow also ordered that Laud undergo counselling for sex offenders while in prison.

The prosecution’s case was that Laud is known to

Ivor Laud

the child’s family, and that during the periods mentioned in the charges, he would invite her to his home on the pretext that he had something for her.

Laud, who is a husband and father, would invite the child over when he was alone at home, and take her into his bedroom and perform oral and vaginal sex on her. After committing the heinous acts, he would send the child home.

The child subsequently confided in her parents, and the matter was reported to the police. Laud was later arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

High Commissioner Charrandass Persaud presents credentials to India’s President CHARRANDASS Persaud, High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of India on March 18, 2021 presented his credentials to President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in a virtual ceremony held at the Ministry of External Affairs of India in New Delhi.

According to a release from the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, speaking on the occasion, the President of India conveyed his good wishes to the new envoy on his appointment.

He said India enjoys warm and friendly relations with Guyana and their ties

are deeply rooted in a common vision of peace and prosperity. He also thanked the Government of Guyana for supporting India’s candidature for the non-permanent seat of UN Security Council for the term 2021-22.

President Kovind noted that India has been at the forefront in the global efforts to forge a decisive and coordinated response to COVID-19. He further stated that under the Government of India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative, highly affordable vaccines made in India have already reached several countries, re-enforcing India’s reputation as the

Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Charrandass Persaud

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind

“Pharmacy of the World”.

In his remarks, High Commissioner Charrandass Persaud highlighted the excellent relations Guyana share with India and conveyed the resolve of the leadership to take them further. High Commissioner Charrandass Persaud also thanked the Government of India for the continued development assistance and support in capacity-building across diverse areas. He also expressed gratitude to India for its humanitarian gesture of supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Guyana.

‘Muddy’ water following disruption of service drives ‘Stevedore’ residents nuts

By Mesha Sealey FOLLOWING a disruption of service by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in central Georgetown on Wednesday, March 17, residents of Stevedore Housing

Scheme were on Thursday morning horrified to find that the water coming through their taps was dark and discoloured.

The disruption, which was initially scheduled to last for approximately nine

hours in order to facilitate pipe relocations and interconnections along Mandela Avenue, met with technical difficulties on Wednesday, according to an update posted to the GWI’s Facebook page.

The update further noted

that the service was expected to be restored by 02:00 hours on Thursday.

Unfortunately, the deadline was not met, and residents of Central Georgetown took to Facebook and WhatsApp to express their frustration. A later update to GWI’s Facebook page on Thursday stated that while water pressure was restored at approximately 06:00 hours, it was expected to be somewhat reduced in some areas.

But when the pressure did finally rise in ‘Stevedore’ around 06:00 hours, residents were far from happy.

“Quite frankly, the water was darker than the colour of my shoe; it looked as though somebody mixed mud and water and pumped it through the pipe,” one visibly an-

noyed resident told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

“It was ridiculous! You couldn’t bathe or brush your teeth with it; you couldn’t make tea with it, or cook with it! And the water wasn’t restored last night; it came back this morning, sometime after 6:30 hours. So, imagine waiting to get ready for work, and then when the water does come through the pipe, you can’t even use it. You couldn’t even throw bleach in it and use it; it was just plain ridiculous. Unto when I left for work at about quarter to eight, the water was still that colour. I ended up using water that I had filled from the day before,” the woman concluded.

One young resident who declined to give her name, also shared her experience

with the Guyana Chronicle, saying: “The water gone long; unto lunchtime when the pressure drop again, I couldn’t do nothing with it.

Unto now nobody ain’t get to bathe or do nothing.”

The expansion of Mandela Avenue is a Ministry of Public Works project, and the interconnection of pipelines are being done under the purview of the Chinese firm, Sinhohydro, and executed by several sub-contractors, with the guidance of the GWI. It is unclear whether the residents of other areas had a similar experience to those of Stevedore Housing Scheme.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

The Lord’s Evening Meal to be observed on March 27 JEHOVAH’S Witnesses and friends the world over will commemorate the Lord’s Evening Meal on Saturday, March 27. This is the second year in a row that the Witnesses are celebrating the event virtually, owing to the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.

In what is considered to be the most important event of the year on their calendar, Jehovah’s Witnesses have recently embarked on a worldwide campaign to invite as many as possible, through letter writing, telephone calls and other virtual means.

The event will be held after sundown and anyone interested in attending can contact them for the meeting time and login Zoom information. The annual event is also being broadcast on Voice of Guyana 102.5 F.M. and 560 A.M., at 18:45 hours on Saturday March 27, 2021.

As a build-up to this important event, and in this time of pandemic, when many have lost the things they thought were of the highest value, the Witnesses are featuring the talk: “Have You Found a ‘Pearl of High Value’?”

This 30-minute programme is based on one of Jesus’ parables regarding the Kingdom that many pray for when they say the Lord’s Prayer. This global virtual event, to which Jehovah’s Witnesses are inviting the community in March, will provide comfort and hope.

This too is available on the Voice of Guyana radio network at 11:30 hours, and via Zoom on March 21, 2021.

“The pandemic has caused us to think about the things that are truly important, like our health, family, and most important, our relationship with our Cre-

Selected quote from Dr Cheddi Jagan

"It behoves us all, whether Christian or non-Christian, whether theist or atheist, to work for world peace; to recognise representative institutions, the free expression of the people's will, and the principles of non-intervention, sovereignty and national self-determination, in the conduct of international relations. Only by the observance of these principles can there be progress on a foundation of lasting peace." 1970s

ator,” said Andre Darrell, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Those who are searching for peace, security, comfort, and hope are warmly invited to attend,” Darrell said, adding that “This special talk and the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death will provide an outlook on present world events that will soothe aching hearts and provide a bright hope for the future.”

There are no fees to attend, and no registration is required. To learn more about how to attend locally, ask one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or visit www. jw.org.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

US$35M joint venture to boost marine industry CONSTRUCTION is presently ongoing at Lot 43 A Friendship, East Bank Demerara on what will be Guyana and the Caribbean’s first Marine and OffShore Training Institute.

The Atlantic Ventures Inc. (AVI), a local 100 per cent Guyanese-owned company with extensive experience in the mining and marine industry has partnered with Alexarya Corporation International, a leading investment and development corporation based in India, to establish a joint-venture Atlantic Alexarya Maritime Development Guyana Inc. (AAMDG) with a common purpose of investing in the development of Guyana’s growing maritime industry.

A maritime institute is a technical school, focused on teaching practical skills to high caliber seafarers to meet the highest standard of professionalism required in the ever changing and demanding shipping industry.

AAMDG Director, (Capt.)

Suniel Kumar, has successfully established similar, marine academies in and around Singapore, Sri Lanka, Dubai and India.

The three main academic curriculums offered to applicants at Atlantic-Alexarya Marine and Off-shore Institute are the pre-sea training, officers training and the postsea training. Other basic safety training programmes will also be offered. A residential facility is available within the premises of the institute.

This facility is compulsory for diploma/pre-sea training cadets before going on training ships.

The ages for persons interested in registering for the institute are 16 to 37 years old. These applications are open to individuals from Guyana and around the Caribbean region.

According to a release, upon completion, graduates will be awarded with accredited certificates that will prepare them for careers both on and off shore as seamen, chief officers, captains, mer-

AAMDG representatives following a meeting with the Ministers of Public Works. From Left: Mr. Stephen Thomas; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Capt. Suniel Kumar; Professor Jaspreet Kaur; and Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works

The Directors of AAMDG, from left: Nicola Whittaker, Asif Hamid, Nareema Khan, Capt. Suniel Kumar, Miranda Thakur-Deen, and Professor, Jaspreet Kaur

chant marines, or any other jobs in the marine industry locally and internationally.

This joint-venture will see developments in excess of US$35M within the next five years. Atlantic Alexarya Maritime Development Guyana Inc. (AAMDG) will not only facilitate a marine and

off-shore institute but plans are already in place for the construction of a ship yard and dry dock to be used for ship building, ship repairs and complete ship management.

The tourism sector will also benefit from this large scale investment through

the development of river cruise and floating hotels in Guyana’s waters, along with worldwide vessel registrations being done through the company. The team from AAMDG, within the past week, has met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsa-

roop; Ministers of Public Infrastructure, Juan Edghill and Indar Deodat, and Stephen Thomas, Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department, all of whom have committed to working together with the joint venture company towards the development of this project.

The Atlantic Ventures Inc. (AVI), represented by Miranda Thakur-Deen and Asif Hamid, is among the very few companies in the region with ISO 44001:2017 Collaborative Business Relationship (CBR) certification which specifically addresses collaborations between foreign and local companies to come together to jointly address the industry needs.

AVI is also ISO 9001:2015 Quality Assurance Control (QMS) certified and ISO 45001:2018 Health, Safety and Management (OHSMS) certified. The administrative team, under the direct management of AVI’s Vice President, Nicola Whittaker is working extensively on setting up the secretariat and admissions office by the end of April 2021. An awareness campaign will be launched within a few weeks to educate the public on this pioneering development that will revolutionise the marine industry in Guyana and by extension, the Caribbean.

Atlantic-Alexarya Maritime Development Guyana Inc. is committed to developing and providing opportunities to local Guyanese in support of the government’s agenda to promote the use and importance of local content. As such, a total of 100 scholarships will be given to young Guyanese interested in pursuing careers in the marine and offshore industry through AA Maritime and Offshore Training Institution Guyana Inc. This development project will guarantee over 600 jobs being given to local Guyanese in the welding, fabrication, mining, marine, tourism and education sectors.

“Our team believes that quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Curt ‘Ceejay’ Johnson

The plan is for Curt to extend his record label in Guyana by building a studio

Curt is the owner of Roll Out Records label, well-known as ROR

21

22

JOHN and his gang are out to rule Mumbai but Emraan and the Police Force will do anything to stop them. “Have you picked a side yet?” is the question that the celebrities have posed to their fans ahead of today’s opening of their film, Mumbai Saga.

“Get ready to witness the

shocking story that transformed Bombay to Mumbai,” lead actor John Abraham posted on his Instagram lately, with another post that said: “Witness the story of men who changed Bombay to Mumbai….forever!”

In cinemas from today onward, Mumbai Saga is an Indian Hindi-language

action crime film directed by Sanjay Gupta and produced

by T-Series.

It also st ars Em raan Hash m i, Su n iel Shetty, Gulshan Grover, Kajal Aggarwal, Rohit Roy, Anjana Sukhani, Mahesh Manjrekar, Prateik Babbar, Samir Soni, and Amole Gupte.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Set in the 1980s and 1990s, the film with John as a gangster called Amartya Rao and Emraan as Inspector Vijay Savarkar, shows how people closed mills in Mumbai to make malls and other high rise buildings.

“When Bombay wasn’t Mumbai, and violence ruled the streets…The one who

Emraan Hashmi

John Abraham

wants to rule at all costs versus the one who wants to stop him, no matter what,” John further teased on Instagram.

According to an article in the Indian Express, John also stars in Satyameva Jayate 2 and Attack, both action dramas scheduled to be released in cinema halls.

While Satyameva Jayate 2 will clash with Salman Khan’s Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai on the Eid holiday, Attack will open on India’s Independence Day weekend.

This year, according to Indian Express, John will also be seen in a cameo in Sardar Ka Grandson, slated to be released on the streamer Netflix. Starring Arjun Kapoor, Neena Gupta, and Rakul Preet Singh in the lead, the film is a

joint production of John’s JA Entertainment, Emmay Entertainment and T-Series.

John made his Bollywood debut with Jism in 2013, which ear ned him the Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom in 2004. He received two Filmfare Award nominations, for his negative roles in Dhoom, and in Zinda. Since then, Abraham has starred in many critically and commercially successful films.

The actor, who has played grey roles in movies like Shootout at Wadala and Race 2, said he enjoys playing the anti-hero.

John is also best known for action entertainers like Dhoom, Madras Cafe, Satyameva Jayate and Batla House.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

Chronixx kickstarts his year in music with a fresh perspective on his new single, ‘Safe N Sound’ by way of Soul Circle Music.

The modern-day Jamaican reggae and dancehall project marks Chronixx’s first release of 2021.

The track co-produced by Chronixx and Romain ‘TeflonZincFence’ Arnett strikes hard with a foreboding bass drum rumble and slashes of viola.

It pivots into a digital syncopation of booming 808 percussion and vibrating synth keys, according to a release from the Chronixx camp.

soulful, conscious, and musical movement out of Jamaica, proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on Dela Move, the prelude to his sophomore LP, released last year.

Despite the delayed album release, Chronixx has maintained a heavy presence on a slew of singles which also included Same Prayer (featuring Kabaka Pyramid) and COOL AS THE BREEZE (FRIDAY).

An exclusive performance of COOL AS THE BREEZE (FRIDAY) was broadcast on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which marked his third

The track calls for an uprising during a dire time filled with hypocrisy and corruption.

On the beat, Chronixx declares the need for ‘more love flowing in the streets’ and ‘evolution time’.

He carries a timely yet unifying message, yearning for the global community to feel safe and sound, especially in oppressed nations.

In a post-apocalyptic backdrop, Chronixx unleashes a striking video, co-directed by himself and Samo, which accompanies the song.

The reggae crooner, who has undeniably ushered a

appearance on the late-night talk show.

Chronixx later celebrated his African roots alongside Agent Sasco on Represent and was featured on Jah9’s Note to Self (Okay).

On the latter, the soloist delivered a zen-like sense of calm amidst the idea of the disruption of world peace.

Ahead of Inauguration Day, US president-elect Joe Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris unveiled a 46-song playlist, which featured Eternal Light (featuring Free Nationals) in honour of their administration’s upcoming

arrival in the White House.

And, last November, Chronixx joined forces with Teflon, his go-to producer, on the Loco Riddim.

Chronixx showcased his vocal range over Teflon’s up-tempo drum instrumentation reminiscent of classic ’90s dancehall.

Chronixx will continue to release music in 2021 with new announcements on the horizon.

What has Chronixx been up to?

Since his #1 US Billboard chart-topping releases – Dread & Terrible EP (2014), followed

by Chronology (2017) album, Chronixx has ignited a movement for a new generation that has brought reggae and Jamaican culture to the world and lured listeners of other genres.

In 2019, he collaborated with Ed Sheeran for a summer-jam remix of I Don’t Care, which features Justin Bieber and Koffee.

Then rounded out 2019 with Free Nationals on Eternal Light before joining Wiz Kid on StarBoy’s Jam. Chronixx has sold-out headlining shows across Africa, the Caribbean, the US, Canada, Japan, Australian and Europe.

His previous nationwide headline tours include a record-breaking stint at London’s Alexandra Palace, where the soloist played to over 10k fans, making it the largest capacity headline show by any roots reggae artist in British history.

He has graced the stages of major music festivals, including Glastonbury, Coachella and Governor’s Ball, and has landed highly-praised support slots for the Stone Roses in Manchester City FC’s Etihad stadium, U2 at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, and Nas and Lauryn Hill on their 2017 North American tour.

Advertising executives tapped him for an Adidas Originals campaign, and he’s landed solo features in Vogue, GQ, and The New York Times.

Viewers of the Netf l i x s e r i e s To p Boy would’ve heard the Skankin’ Sweet hit from Chronology, while in the fragrance campaign department, I Can debuted for Jo Malone. (Loopnewscaribbean.com)

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

27

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

American Aquatic Sports Championship…

Fowler, Seaton end campaigns today

TODAY, the Guyanese pair of Andrew Fowler and Leon Seaton wrap up their campaigns at the CONSANAT South American Swimming and Diving Championships which got underway on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Their third and final event will be the Men’s 50m Butterfly, after they participated in the 50m and 100m Freestyle earlier in the week.

The locals first competed in the Men’s 100m freestyle but failed to improve on their timings as they seek to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Seaton turned in a time of 56.05s while Fowler stopped the clock at 56.33s.

Prior to the race, Seaton entered with a seed of 55.27s while Fowler’s best time was 54.10s. However, none of those times were sufficient enough to hit the Olympic Standard for the event which is set at 48.57s.

In that race, Venezuelan’s Quintero Valero won in a time of 49.57s ahead

India survive ...

After Chris Jordan took a single off the first delivery, Archer hit the next two for a four and a six, which seemed to rattle Thakur who followed it with two wides.

Archer took a single off the next delivery, breaking his bat in the process, before Thakur regained his composure and dismissed Jordan before finishing with a dot ball.

The previous three matches were won by the team electing to field but India managed to buck that trend after losing the toss.

Rohit Sharma smashed the first ball of the match from Adil Rashid for a six but Archer (4-33) foxed him with clever change of pace to elicit a simple return catch.

Yadav pulled the first ball he faced, from Archer, for a six and raced to a 28ball half-century.

India crossed the 50mark in the seventh over before Stokes extended KL Rahul’s batting slump and Rashid unleashed a googly to deceive home captain Virat Kohli who was dismissed

of Brazil’s Peixoto Martins (49.70s) and Valero’s teammate, Mestre Vivas, who was third with a time of 49.82s. The race which had 25 competitors saw Seaton and Fowler finish in 23rd and 24th, respectively.

Their second event was the 50m Freestyle which was won by Argentine Rober Strelkov in a time of 24.39s while Brazilians Melo Baganha (25.54s) and Dias Perseguin (24.55s) were second and third.

In that race, Fowler stopped the clock at 27.48s while Seaton swam a time of 28.62s, both failing to beat their seeds of 26.45s and 28.41s; another performance that place them in the cellar position. The qualifying standard for the 50m Freestyle is a staggering 22.01s.

Meanwhile, the qualifying standard for the 50m Butterfly in 51.96s.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set the deadline for qualification to the games at May 30, 2021.

FROM PAGE 31

stumped for one.

Yadav smashed three sixes before Dawid Malan took a low catch at fine leg to send him back. Replays, however, suggested the ball might have touched the grass.

Rishabh Pant made a breezy 30 and Shreyas Iyer contributed 37 to push India past the 175-mark.

England lost Jos Buttler early in their chase, and Malan made 14 before Rahul Chahar bowled him round his legs.

Roy fell in the next over after a quick-fire 40 but Stokes threatened to take the game away with a blistering 46.

The all-rounder smashed three sixes before Thakur turned the game on its head, dismissing Stokes and England captain Eoin Morgan in successive deliveries.

The teams play the deciding final Twenty20 International at the same venue tomorrow before moving to Pune for a three-match one-day series beginning on Tuesday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

29

Antetokounmpo helps Milwaukee Half-centuries for Mayers,, Chase in Bucks beat Philadelphia 76ers Mayers GIANNIS Antetokounmpo scored 10 points in overtime as Milwaukee Bucks came back from a 19-point deficit to beat Philadelphia 76ers 109-105.

He registered 32 points 15 rebounds five assists as Bucks won a fifth game in a row against 76ers, who had key player Joel Embiid missing.

“We played great defence, trusted one another, didn’t put our head down, kept our composure,” said Antetokounmpo.

“We believed in ourselves, and that’s why we were able to come back.”

Elsewhere, James Harden hit a 40-point triple double as Brooklyn Nets joined 76ers on top of the Eastern Conference

with a 124-115 victory over Indiana Pacers.

Harden made 13 of 27 shots from the field and 12 of 14 free throws, while he registered 10

rebounds 14 assists.

“It’s not even about the triple-double, it’s about our effort,” said Harden. “Especially in that second half we did an

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named NBA’s Most Valuable Player twice

unbelievable job defensively, just getting after it. That’s it.”

Golden State Warriors lost Stephen Curry to injury in a 108-94 victory over Houston Rockets.

Curry, who missed nine of 11 three-point attempts, scored 18 points eight assists before a fall which left him limping to the locker room at the end of the third quarter.

Dallas Mavericks were also comfortable winners as they eased to a 105-89 victory over Los Angeles Clippers.

Luka Doncic scored 42 points for Mavericks, his fourth game with at least 40 points this season.

(BBC Sport)

Play World Cup and Euros every two years and ‘kick all the rest out’— Wenger ARSENE Wenger wants to see the World Cup and European Championship played every two years and FIFA “kick all the rest out”.

The ex-Arsenal boss, who is chief of global football development at FIFA, says the four-year wait between major tournaments is too long for players.

Wenger, 71, has previously called for UEFA’s Nations League to be scrapped to make room for the move.

“Organise only competitions of meaning,” he told beIN Sports.

“Kick all the parallel competitions out of the game. People must understand what is at stake and only have games with meaning.

“If you look at the teams in the World Cups usually the average age is 27 or 28. Because the

World Cup is every four years there are very few chances to win it again because when they go back to the next World Cup they are 32 or 33.

“That’s why maybe we should organise the World Cup

Arsene Wenger has worked as chief of global football development at FIFA and been close adviser to president Gianni Infantino since November 2019

every two years.”

The World Cup has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not staged because of World War Two. Likewise, the European Championship has taken place every four years since 1960, with the exception of Euro 2020 which was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

PLAYERS NEED HOLIDAYS Wenger also wants football’s world governing body to seriously consider condensing qualifiers for major events, reducing the amount of international breaks needed during the season.

The Frenchman wants to see clear breaks for players incorporated into the international match

calendar, which FIFA is due to start a review of this month.

“I believe it’s needed, with the physical resources that the players need today, it’s important that you have four weeks holiday,” he said.

“I would say that’s one of the solutions we will discuss is to compact the qualifiers.

“Instead of going away in October, November, September, March, June, we regroup the qualifiers all in one month or two quadruples in October and in February. At least the players can dedicate that time to the club from March until June, and we would gain four dates.”

Any changes to the international calendar would have to be passed by FIFA’s ruling council and possibly also a full congress of all federations.

(BBC Sport)

Striker Antonio picks Reggae Boyz over England – reports LONDON, England (CMC) – West Ham striker Michail Antonio has given up on playing for England, where he was born, and has opted for Jamaica in the hope of launching his international career at the age of 30, according to UK media reports.

Antonio, whose parents were born on the Caribbean island, was approached by the Reggae Boyz last month but the reports say he was still considering whether he wanted to play for England.

Antonio has been included in England squads under both Sam Allardyce, a previous manager, and the current one, Gareth Southgate, but has never been capped at senior debut.

Jamaica are set to play a friendly against the United States in Austria on March 25, but have yet to name their

squad.

The reports say the fivefoot, 11-inch striker – a father of four – has chosen to pledge his allegiance to Jamaica because it provides the prospect of more regular international football, even with the likes of Danny Ings and Tammy Abraham on the England injured list.

Earlier reports suggested the Reggae Boyz were plotting an audacious move to recruit up to 15 English stars ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Joining Antonio among the list were Demarai Gray, Max Aarons and Liam Moore – now it appears the West Ham striker is the first to confirm his place in the Ja-

West Ham striker Michail Antonio

maica squad.

A physical striker, Antonio has been a vital part of David Moyes’ West Ham revolution and the Premier League club’s manager had been hoping that the player would wait for his England chance, telling reporters recently: “I am still holding out he has a chance to get picked for England.”

Antonio, who was born in Wandsworth, Greater London, started his career at Tooting & Mitcham United Juniors at the age of 12 and remained there for six seasons.

He signed for Championship club Reading in 2008 for an undisclosed fee and had loan spells at various clubs before joining Sheffield Wednesday in 2012, moving to Nottingham Forest in 2014 and then switching to West Ham a year later.

drawn Sri Lanka tour game

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Kyle Mayers served warning on Sri Lanka with a rapid half-century while Roston Chase kept his name on the lips of selectors with a fluent fifty, as the two-day tour match ended in a predictable stalemate here yesterday.

Resuming the day at Coolidge Cricket Ground on 103 for one, the Cricket West Indies President’s XI were dismissed for 294 in their first innings with the left-handed Mayers smashing 57 from 66 balls with 11 fours.

Captain Chase chipped in with 52 to complete a h a n d y a l l - r o u n d p e rformance following his four-wicket haul in the Sri Lanka’s first innings of 172 on Wednesday.

However, there was disappointment for the pair of Shai Hope and Darren Bravo who failed to build on innings of promise from overnight.

Hope, unbeaten on 60 at the start, added only eight before perishing in the morning’s fifth over while Bravo failed to add to his 30 after falling in the previous over.

Off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva (3-26) and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (3-69) grabbed three wickets apiece to warm up for Sunday’s start of the opening Test.

In their second turn at the crease, Sri Lanka reached 56 without loss with captain Dimuth Karunaratne ending unbeaten on 27 and Lahiru Thirimanne, 23 not out.

At the start of the day, the focus would have been on Hope and Bravo, who excited with delightful stroke-play on the previous evening.

However, Bravo lasted only 10 further deliveries before attempting to hit his 78th ball through the on side but succeeding only in edging a catch to gully off fast bowler Suranga Lakmal (2-14).

Hope looked to be continuing in the same vein when he added yet another boundary to his previous ten from the previous day but then fell to a brilliant running catch at backward point by Dinesh Chandimal, trying to whip pacer Vishwa Fernando through the on side.

Suddenly tottering on 111 for three, the President’s XI were lifted by the arrival of Mayers who dominated a 76-run fourth wicket partnership with Shamarh Brooks (19) to push the score to 187 without further loss at lunch.

All told, Mayers struck 11 fours in just over 1-½ hours at the crease to bolster his confidence ahead of the first Test.

Unbeaten on 49 at lunch, he reached his half-century off the fifth delivery after the interval with a couple to deep point.

Brooks, meanwhile, perished to the second ball after the resumption without adding to his 19, brilliantly caught by Thirimanne diving low to his right at first slip, after edging a forward defensive prod at Dhananjaya.

Mayers, whose unbeaten double century on debut earned West Indies a historic win in Bangladesh last month, eventually departed in the fifth over of the session, bowled trying to whip a full length delivery from Dhananjaya down the ground.

Chase then took command, striking eight fours in an 81-ball knock in 1-¾ hours, and adding 30 for the sixth wicket with Kavem Hodge (13) and a couple of small partnerships with the lower order as the President’s XI reached 275 for eight at tea.

The right-handed Chase was dismissed in the penultimate over before the break, lbw to Embuldeniya after missing an expansive sweep.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

BCB Grassroots tournaments 2021 ...

PMCC wins Lillian Nandu Cup

… Ramnauth, Lindee among stars THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to push ahead with its packed 2021 Cricket Season with the hosting of another two grassroots tournaments.

The Lillian Nandu Memorial Challenge Cup was played at the historic Port Mourant Ground while the Mukesh Appiah Grassroots Cup was hosted at Kendall’s Union No1 9 Ground.

With the successful hosting of the two tournaments, BCB has now successfully completed nine of the ten grassroots tournaments it had announced one month ago.

The objectives of the tournaments are to bring back the passion for the game after an absence of over a year, to identify new talents and to allow smaller clubs an opportunity to win a BCB cricket title.

At the Port Mourant Ground, the home team defeated the University of Guyana Elites team to win their first BCB senior title in twelve years.

The historic PMCC club is currently undergoing a rebuilding process after years of decline and this championship win would serve as a major boost.

PMCC, batting first in the final after winning the toss, reached 145 for 3 off their allotted 20 overs.

West Indies Under-15 player Rampertab Ramnauth scored a delightful 50 and together with Daniel Samaroo added 75 for the second wicket.

Samaroo carved three fours and a maximum while Ramnauth who was dropped on seven, struck four boundaries.

Skipper Andy Mohan made

a brisk 14 before he was dismissed by off-spinner Jonathan Rampersaud who took 1 for 17 from his four overs.

In reply, UG team were set back early when Brandon Corlette was trapped lbw by Madhan Budram in a wicket-maiden second over, before Philbert Wilburg steered the chase along with Rampersaud, the pair adding 68 before the latter was stumped for 12.

Wilburg went on to score 68 (4x4, 5x4) but only received support from Linden Austin, who scored 19 as UG Elites were dismissed for 138 from 19.1 overs.

Ramnauth ended with 6-31 to complete a fine all-round performance.

Meanwhile, Port Mourant defeated Tamarind Root of Hampshire by 29 runs. PMCC scored 83 for 5 from their allotted ten overs before dismissing

The Canje Titans pose with the Mukesh Appiah Trophy

Tamarind Root for 54.

In the second game, UG Elites defeated John/Tain/ Clifton Sports Club by 52 runs. Over at the No.19 Kendall’s Union Ground, Canje Titans created history by winning their first-ever BCB title by defeating Kendall’s Union Sports Star by 20 runs in the Mukesh Appiah Grass-

roots Challenge Cup. In the opening game, Canje Titans defeated Kendall’s Union C.C while Kendall’s Sports Star got past No. 1 Road CC Canje Titans batted first in the final and amassed 123 for 7 from 15 overs.

Clifton Lindee top-scored with 53 and received support from Imran Harrianadass 26.

Assuria Golf Tournament extended to March 20 to be named as the First-ever open to the general public and … Massive response from golf enthusiasts GENERAL Manager of Assuria General Insurance, Yogindra Arjune, recently confirmed that their Inaugural 3-Hole Golf Tournament will now continue until March 20, following overwhelming support from the local golf

fraternity.

Golfers also lucked out after last Friday was washed out due to rain. “We certainly did not expect the numbers and interest in the event to be so high and with more than 70 additional persons registered but

unable to participate, owing to the weather, we felt it was only fair to extend by one more day,” said Arjune recently.

The innovative 3-hole Golf tournament has seen players of all categories and levels of skill turn out for their chance

Golfers continue to seek victory as the Assuria 3-Hole Golf tournament continues

English Racing Tips Cheltenham 09:20 hrs Zanahiyr 09:55 hrs Éclair De Beaufell 10:30 hrs Torygraph 11:05 hrs AlboumpHOTO 11:40 hrs It Came To Pass 12:15 hrs Elimay 12:50 hrs Gentleman De Mee Fakenham 09:10 hrs Bally Ellis 09:45 hrs Touchthesoul 10:20 hrs Magic River 10:55 hrs Galtee Mountain 11:30 hrs One More Fleurie 12:05 hrs Shantung 12:40 hrs The Dellercheckout Lingfield

09:35 hrs Lead Story 10:10 hrs Lucky Ava 10:45 hrs Lihou 11:20 hrs Crimson King 11:55 hrs Polling Day 12:30 hrs Unforgotten 13:05 hrs Hold Fast

14:00 hrs Blackstone Cliff 14:30 hrs Lady Of Luxury 15:00 hrs A Case Of You 15:30 hrs Pride Of Pimlico 16:00 hrs Jungle Cove 16:30 hrs Ablah

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Miss Liana Race 2 Overdressed Race 3 Tiergan Race 4 Cherokee Song Race 5 Joycee Haz Pizzaz Race 6 Bank On Shea Race 7 Blu Grotto Race 8 Ernie Banker

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Jebel Ali 08:00 hrs Kimbear 08:30 hrs Royal sands 09:00 hrs Falcon Claws 09:30 hrs Tol Mount

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 HRS Poet’s Pride 13:30 hrs Estepona Sur

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:05 hrs Cape Batis 08:40 hrs Atyaab 09:14 hrs Cerelia 09:49 hrs Jewel Of Doha 10:24 hrs Looks Like Magic

Champion in one of 4 categories (Men’s, Women’s, Under-21 and Under-12) played under the new format.

Assuria General Insurance has been the most visible promoter of golf in Guyana in recent years and has taken a strong stance on the expansion of the game in Guyana’s school system.

“We see golf as an opportunity for our country, especially our children, to develop strong social and networking skills, stay healthy and compete on a world stage while adding to their education and mental development,” Arjune added.

At the sponsor’s request, the tournament will allow for the posting of a new card by previous players (time permitting) that will replace their posted score.

There are 4 categories

players of all skill levels and experience are welcome to participate in the event.

The final day of competition (there is No Entry Fee) will commence at 15:00hrs tomorrow (March 20) with the presentation of trophies and gifts to be done at the conclusion of the event.

The tournament was run off under the firm hand of captain/competitor Chen Deo and saw many of Guyana’s top players, led by Richard Haniff, display their skills, with competitive scores posted by Ryan Ramjit, Leaknaraine Shivraj, William Walker, Carlos Adams, Romel Bhagwadin, Roy Cummings, Robin Tiwari, Dr Joaan Deo and several other seasoned players who were challenged by dozens of newcomers to the sport, with excellent performance.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Friday, March 19, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: (1) Shai Hope-110 (First ODI) (2) Danushka Gunathilaka-96 (Second ODI) (1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

What were the best bowling figures by a WI in a single game in the recent ODI series against SL? What were the best bowling figures by a SL in a single match in the recent ODI series against the WI?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

S. Baker 2 for 14 and F. Cuttie 2 for 17 were the main bowlers for the Kendall’s Union Sports Club.

Needing to score 124 from 15 overs to win their first-ever BCB title. Kendall’s Union team were dismissed for 103 all out in 14.2 overs as Imran Hoosein 2 for 30, Cleshawn Cort 2 for

BMC set to resume today THE 2021 Banks Beer/ Maximum Vodka Big Man Cricket (BMC) T25 Over-45 tournament is set to resume today with one match at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

The lone contest will see Jai Hind Jaguars go up against Timothy Masters in a second-round encounter.

Meanwhile, on Saturday three more second-round matches will be played with GT Royal Rangers battling Upper Corentyne Rangers at No. 72 Cut and Load Ground, West Demerara Vipers facing Essequibo Eagles at Imam Bacchus Ground and Real Warriors locking horns with West Bank Warriors at Farm Ground, East Bank Demerara. All matches will bowl off at 13.00hrs.

On Sunday, in the third round fixtures Real Warriors will battle Jai Hind at Farm from 13:00hrs. Two matches are billed for GCC with GT Royal Rangers versus West Bank Warriors from 09:00hrs, after which Upper Corentyne will challenge Essequibo Eagles from 13:00hrs.

The final game will see West Demerara Vipers oppose Timothy Masters from 13:00hrs at MMZ.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 19, 2021

31

RHTYSC teams continue development programmes throughout Ancient County

THE 10 cricket teams of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) continue to make a huge difference in the Ancient County as a number of donations roll out.

The teams - Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Poonai Pharmacy Under-12, Under-13, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate ,Metro Females.

NAMILCO Under-21 and first division over the last three weeks have assisted several cricket clubs, Berbice Cricket Board and religious organisations as part of their community outreach programme.

The teams are mandated every year by the club management to make a positive difference in the lives of others as part of their personal development programme and also as brand ambassadors of the different sponsors of the club.

Among the organisa-

tions that benefitted were the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Kildonan Cricket Club, Glasgow South Cricket Club, Topoo Hindu Mandir, Rose Hall Town Council and

special prizes to the Kildonan and Glasgow South Cricket teams for the hosting of a fund-raising raffle for each club.

Glasgow South CC was

Kildonan CC under new leadership is seeking to return to its former glory.

The Topoo Hindu Mandir had sought and received a volleyball net for the

RHTYSC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu hands over items to Mayor of Rose Hall Town, Dave Budhu

the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church.

The teams donated three

only recently formed and had approached the RHTYSC for assistance while the

Mandir’s youth section. The BCB benefitted from a donation of trophies to assist in

hosting cricket tournaments while eighty cricket clubs received over three hundred thousands dollars of score books.

The St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church received a financial donation while the teams also obtained five special prizes worth about $50 000 for a fund-raising raffle for the church’s graveyard fence project. In their ongoing effort to assist the Mayor and Town Council to develop Guyana’s smallest township, the ten teams handed over security torchlights, clocks, a cordless phone, stationery and a financial donation to purchase some items for the council’s security office.

The Chesney Mandir received a large foam board on request while the Bal Nivas Home for Children received a set of softball cricket bats and balls.

Members of the team also visited the home recently to teach the boys at the

home. to play the game.

Three senior citizens requested financial assistance for medical care and were assisted while the teams also provided food hampers to dozens of residents, who had sought their assistance.

The teams and club management also installed close to 30 street lights in the township as part of their ‘Say No to Crime’ project and are currently working on a special project to distribute over 1 000 kites to less fortunate children for Easter 2021.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that it was very important for RHTYSC, MS, to learn the benefits of making a positive difference and to continue the club tradition of reaching out to other organisations in times of need. Captain of the Pepsi Under-19 team, Jonathan Rampersaud, expressed pleasure to be of assistance to his fellow Berbicians.

Skerritt says 2022 England series a lucrative benefit of Windies 2020 tour India survive final-over scare BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt has defended the decision to allow the Caribbean side to tour the United Kingdom last year at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, contending major benefits had been derived from the move, including the cementing of England’s series in the region next January.

Skerritt, who is seeking re-election at month-end along with vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow, said negotiations about the traditionally lucrative series began during discussions over the historic bio-secure three-Test tour.

And the former St Kitts and Nevis cabinet minister said that due to CWI’s commitment to fulfilling the tour amidst the challenging circumstances posed by the coronavirus, the governing body had been able to also advance a proposal to the England and Wales Cricket Board for an even bigger tour.

“The other benefit is that we started negotiating since back then for their (England) next tour to the West Indies which is scheduled for January 2022 which is less than a year from now,” Skerritt told Grenada Sports’ TalkSports YouTube channel.

“And the goodwill generated between us has now allowed us to put on the table and get good traction on expanding that tour.

“Now an England tour for the West Indies is always a very good thing for the West Indies financially and economically because we get more money for the broadcast which we own, because England has a much bigger and more lucrative cricket market, and

(Caribbean) countries who host the England team get economic benefits from the tourism impact.”

Tours of the region by the England side have been estimated to generate economic activity of around US$60 million, in what is viewed as a major boost for tourism-dependent economies.

which had been realised.

“Extortion is illegal, extortion is corruption. We don’t get into extortion,” Skerritt stressed.

“It is not allowed. It is against the spirit and the rules of the Future Tours Programme. The only people who make money out of a tour are the hosts, other than with your

CWI president Ricky Skerritt has pointed to benefits of the 2020 tour of England

The last tour in 2019, comprising three Tests, five OneDay Internationals and three Twenty20s, was projected to earn CWI alone close to US$20 million.

CWI had faced criticism from some quarters for proceeding with the tour last year even as the UK remained in a lockdown due to the onset of the pandemic, and was also chastised for not securing a financial windfall from the ECB in exchange for playing the series.

However, Skerritt said trying to squeeze money out of the ECB in exchange for the tour amounted to “extortion”, and argued there were other more far-reaching benefits

own sponsorship, so our going to England benefited our major sponsor Sandals. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that.

“England is a major market for Sandals. Wherever we go, we take their brand with us so in going to England, helped to meet our agreement with Sandals to continue promoting their brand because if we’re not promoting their brand, they’re not going to pay us.

“So first and foremost, going to England benefited us financially from our arrangement with our major sponsor.”

He continued: “Secondly we got the ECB to allow us to bring a significant number

of A-team players. I know we had over (25) players in England at one time. This was good exposure for a lot of our young cricketers; that augured well for their preparation and growth.

“So even if they didn’t play in the official Test series, they were practising, they were net bowlers, they were standby players, etcetera.”

With the series, West Indies became the first international team to undertake a tour during the pandemic, playing in what has come to be known as the “bio-secure” bubble.

And Skerritt said the decision was one the regional governing body was proud of.

“So we have no regrets at all about how we handled the England situation. If we didn’t go to England, they were other teams that were ready to go,” he noted.

“Pakistan went to England.

Australia went to England right after us. Why would (anyone) think we were the only team that can tour England?”

He added: “I’m happy to say we’ve been able to create this bio-secure bubble in collaboration with the ECB. We’re the pioneers in that.

You hear it happening all over the world now but we’re the pioneers.

“We were the first ones to partner with the ECB and prepare what we call a bio-secure bubble, and which is now the model used all over the world.”

Skerritt is being challenged for the CWI presidency by Guyana Cricket Board secretary, Anand Sanasie, who has as his running mate Barbados Cricket Association vice-president, Calvin Hope.

to level T20 series v England

Shardul Thakur removed Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan in successive balls before bowling the final over AHMEDABAD, India (Reuters) - India survived final-over drama to beat England by eight runs in the fourth Twenty20 International and level the fivematch series 2-2 in Ahmedabad yesterday.

S u r y a k u m a r Ya d a v smashed 57 to help the hosts to 185-8, their highest total of the series, after being put in to bat.

Ben Stokes and Jason Roy then came up with entertaining cameos but it was not enough to stop India from levelling the series for the second time.

Shardul Thakur (3-42) looked a bundle of nerves bowling the eventful final over with England needing 23 runs for an unassailable lead.

TURN TO PAGE 28

GCA set to hold outreach cricket programme in Agricola

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in partnership with the community of Agricola, will be conducting a cricket outreach program on Saturday, March 20.

The programme is set to specifically target youths between the ages of 8 years to 17 years, with sessions commencing from 9.30h.

The GCA facilitators for the event are former national coach, Mark Harper, Roderick Lovell, former national pacer Jermaine Neblette and GCA president Neil Barry Snr. Meanwhile, the outreach program will be held at Evans Phillips Park in the community of Agricola.

done yet!

FLASHBACK: Neil Danns in celebration mode after scoring against Trinidad and Tobago at the CONCACAF Gold Cup (Samuel Maughn photo)

... Neil Danns not retired from International Football

By Rawle Toney A HAILSTORM of criticism fell on the roof of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and head coach Marcio Maximo, following the non-selection of Neil Danns for Guyana’s opening matches of their FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign.

However, most pundits and fans who vented their frustration were a bit more perturbed by the manner in which the former Leicester City and Crystal Palace midfield player was treated by the Brazilian coach who, Danns said, refused to even engage him on his involvement with the Golden Jaguars.

Since lacing up for Golden Jaguars in 2015, Danns found the net nine times, while assisting on most of Guyana’s goals since then.

“I haven’t retired from international football,” the 38-year-old told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview from Wales where he’s based, having signed for Connah’s Quay Nomads, the reigning Wales Premier League champions.

“But unfortunately at this point in time I’ve been omitted from the squad and at the moment, I’ll see what will happen,” Danns said.

Danns, who has made over 400 appearances in the Football League with stellar careers at Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Colchester United, was vocal on social media about his omission and how it unfolded, while adding that “I just think that it’s important for the future of the programme that players do speak up sometimes.”

“The last thing I want to do is cause any distraction to the players going into the World Cup qualifying games and I wish them all the luck.

They’re like brothers to me. But I just feel like for everything that we’ve all worked for to get in this position, this sort of treatment coming from the head coach, someone has to speak up and if that someone has to be me it’s a sacrifice to the greater cause then so be it,” Danns opined.

Danns noted that “at the moment, I just want to wish the players on the squad the best of luck and I will be wearing my

Golden Jaguars top and cheering on the boys.”

Age is nothing but a number for Danns, who made his Golden Jaguars debut against Grenada at the Guyana National Stadium. He has placed himself in the discussion as one of the best players to ever lace-up their cleats for the National team.

Asked what fuels his competitiveness to keep playing, Danns said, “Just the pure love for football.”

“Anyone who would have seen me play would say I have the same enthusiasm as a youngster and I’m filled with passion for the game, which helps me to keep going and keep myself in good condition and always ready,” Danns reasoned.

The Guyana international made 103 appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst also having permanent spells in the Football League at Leicester City, Bolton, Bury and Tranmere Rovers.

Most recently, Danns has played for the likes of Radcliffe, Halifax Town and was on trial at Chorley, where the Nomads spotted him after their season was curtailed.

The Golden Jaguars arrived in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday ahead of their March 25 and 30 clash against the Soca Warriors and The Bahamas.

American Aquatic Sports Championship…

Half-centuries for Mayers Mayers,, Chase in drawn Sri Lanka tour game

Fowler, Seaton end campaigns today SEE PAGE 28

SEE PAGE 29

Leon Seaton

Kyle Mayers drives through the off side during his stroke-filled 57 (Photo courtesy CWI Media/Philip Spooner) SEE PAGE

Skerritt says 2022 England series a lucrative benefit of Windies 2020 tour

31

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Andrew Fowler |

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021