Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-04-2021

MONDAY 19th April, 2021

' No.106335

Ashes ‘rain down’, rocks exploded SEE PAGE 03

–– Guyanese in St Vincent relate experience of volcanic eruptions

Dragon fruit:

Creamy, delicious, nutritious

Indian company ‘set to buy’ Guyana’s oil 08 PAGE

Help for Corentyne rice farmers to save crops 05 PAGE

Wayne Charles holds a dragon fruit that is cultivated at his farm at Blairmont Estate, Region Five (Richard Bhainie photo)

Mattai’s owner stabbed during attempted robbery

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Dragon fruit: Creamy, delicious, nutritious

By Richard Bhainie

NOT many are cognisant of the nutrient-dense dragon fruit, and while this fruit is native to South and Central America, the majority who are aware of it does not know that it is cultivated here in Guyana.

However, tucked away at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Blairmont Estate, West Bank Berbice, is a local farmer by the name of Wayne Charles, commonly known as “Trini,” who has been cultivating the fruit over two years now.

The Guyana Chronicle on Friday caught up with “Trini,” who provided some insight into the fruit and the steps and procedures involved in the cultivation of it; a process he describes as no secret.

Dragon fruit, also known as “pitaya” or “strawberry pear,” gets its name from its appearance -- the fluorescent red or yellow oval-shaped fruit with spike-like green leaves shooting up like flames around it -- reminiscent of a dragon.

On the inside, the tropical fruit has a cream-like, silkysmooth texture, which can be described as sweet, usually compared to a cross between kiwi and pear with a dash of watermelon.

It is a delicacy simple to prepare: as tough as the outer shell may appear, it is easily sliced down the middle to access the cream-like flesh which can be scooped out with a spoon and consumed, inclusive of all of the crunchy tiny black seeds.

Not just is it a healthy snack on its own, it can be used to make to make a variety of products such as drinks,

Charles displays a freshly picked dragon fruit (Richard Bhainie photo)

Wayne Charles, commonly known as “Trini,” tending to his dragon fruit plants on his farm located at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Blairmont Estate, West Bank Berbice (Richard Bhainie photo)

including smoothies and cocktails, fruit salads, desserts, and it pairs well with fish dishes as well.

According to WebMD, one six-ounce serving of dragon fruit contains 102 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of sugar, five grams of fibre, two grams of protein and zero grams of fat.

It is also packed with 100 international units (IU) of Vitamin A, four milligrams of Vitamin C, 31 milligrams of calcium, 68 milligrams of magnesium, one gram of iron and several types of antioxidants.

STRENGTHEN IMMUNE SYSTEM These nutritional properties protect cells from damage by free radicals – molecules that can lead to diseases such

as cancer and premature aging. They are also good for digestive health, as they are loaded with prebiotics, and can kill disease-causing viruses and bacteria, and help with food digestion. It can also strengthen the immune system and boost iron levels.

It is produced from a type of cactus of the genus Selenicereus (formerly Hylocereus).

Because of its cactus nature, for cultivation it requires minimum water, and plenty of sunlight, “Trini” related.

It originally grew in regions including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and northern South America, which makes Guyana ideal for its cultivation. However, it is also popular in Southeast Asia, and the United States.

There are several varieties

of the fruit; however, the three most common are the Hylocereus undatus which has white flesh with pink/red skin; Hylocereus Megalanthus, white flesh with yellow skin and the Hylocereus costaricensis purple/red flesh and pink/red skin.

So far, “Trini” has only dabbled in cultivating the Hylocereus costaricensis, with which he has seen massive success, and is now developing a nursery to plant the Hylocereus Megalanthus after recently acquiring a stem of the plant.

“Trini” explained that he has encountered no difficulties in cultivating the fruit, since beginning to do so, and most of his knowledge about the fruit and the process of cultivating the plant was gathered from the worldwide web.

Charles slicing through a freshly picked, creamy dragon fruit (Richard Bhainie photo)

CULTIVATION METHODS He noted that there are two processes from which the plant can be cultivated, from seed or stem. Starting from seed, however, would take about five to six years to yield fruit.

While he has a nursery with seeds being set to bring up plants, his preferred method is by stem. He starts the cultivation process by planting the stem in a pot, and within a month the stem sprouts roots which he then transfers to open soil.

The first time he planted the fruit was through these means, as a stem was given to him by a friend.

“I plant it and watch and learn, there’s no secret, because of the plant being a type

of cactus it does not require too much water, no bugs or pests just ants,” he told this publication.

“It ain’t hard, you just got to know how, once you know it’s not hard. Just like any other plant, you watch it, there’s nothing special, no fertilisers or any chemicals -- all natural -- just need nice soil,” he said.

“Trini” is currently experimenting with a control group to analyse the most appropriate method to cultivate the plant which will yield greater results and will expand his farm to produce dragon fruit on a larger scale.

He related that while the fruit bears all year, it bears “on and off” with a large yield and then a small yield, alternating. The fruit is marketed locally for up to $5,000 per kilo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Ashes 'rain down', rocks exploded –– Guyanese in St Vincent relate experience of volcanic eruptions

By Vishani Ragobeer FEW things could mentally prepare a born Guyanese for a volcanic eruption.

Guyana is free from hurricanes, earthquakes (well, until recently) and volcanic eruptions; it is certainly a stark contrast to what it is like living in the Caribbean country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The last eruption of La Soufrière volcano on SVG was 42 years ago -- on April 13, 1979. On April 9, just about two weeks ago, the volcano erupted once again -- and it has been erupting since then. The eruptions have rocked the island, forcing many people to evacuate from the danger zones, which are the areas closer to the active volcano. Photographs show buildings and surfaces across the island covered with a dark-grey powder that appears to be cement to the untrained eye. But, the powdery substance -- that has been causing roofs to collapse- is volcanic ash. “[It was] very scary for me… as you know back home in Guyana, it doesn't have volcanoes or earthquakes,” Todessa Greaves, a Guyanese living in SVG, told this newspaper.

Greaves has been living in SVG with her family for the past 17 years. She owns and operates a mini-mart in St. Vincent. When the volcano erupted, she related that she was not prepared -- mentally or otherwise.

Fortunately for her, she resides in Dorsetshire Hill, which is on the southern end of the island, away from the volcano. And so far, she has been impacted only by the volcanic ash that has spread across the island.

Still, Greaves, like a handful of other Guyanese on the

island, are interested in returning home. For her, she has been rattled by the eruptions and fearful of what possible devastation lies ahead with the upcoming hurricane season.

Last week, the Guyana Chronicle was told that some Guyanese on the island have expressed an interest in returning home because of the eruption of the volcano. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, said that possible repatriation arrangements are being assessed.

“We’re still assessing those persons who might want to return and [if] that is the case, we will make arrangements for that but right now, the airspace is closed and the focus right now, based on the request from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is for support for food items, water supplies and sanitisation items and so forth,” Minister Todd told this newspaper in an invited comment, on Friday.

Meanwhile, Sunita Ghir, a former weather forecaster in Guyana, who has been living in SVG for the past 14 years, related that she has not decided whether she would like to return to Guyana, since the eruptions are ongoing.

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS She, however, has been assisting the humanitarian efforts in one of the many shelters set up across the island to provide a place of refuge for those people who had to evacuate the danger zones.

The shelter at which she is volunteering is actually the secondary school where she teaches.

“I was affected by the volcanic ash that fell like rain for a few days and blanketed the entire mainland, but this is nothing compared to persons

A Guyanese living in St. Vincent, Sunita Ghir

On Sunday, there was another eruption at the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)

living closer to the volcanic site,” Ghir said, highlighting: “Some lost their entire home as the ash got thick and heavy when the rain fell and cave in their roofs. Some even had their vehicles damaged from stones pelting during the eruption.”

She also highlighted that

during her time assisting at the shelter, she has heard many heartbreaking stories from the people who were forced to evacuate their homes. According to reports, many of the persons forced to evacuate the danger zones had to leave behind their farms and homes, which could collapse due to

Another Guyanese living in St. Vincent, Todessa Greaves

the weight of the volcanic ash.

Ghir lamented that some people have nothing to go back to whenever the eruptions stop.

Due to the devastation of the volcanic eruption in SVG, Guyana and several other countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been assisting. Accord-

ing to a recent press release from the Office of the President, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali assured the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, that Guyana is fully committed to assisting the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, not only in the immediate period, but also in the medium and long-term.

On Saturday morning, a shipload of supplies from Guyana arrived in SVG. More supplies are expected in the country shortly. The local private sector has been collaborating with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in mobilising support for St. Vincent and Grenadines. The supplies that were being organised would help to address the immediate needs of the people.

These supplies include water tanks, buckets, cots, blankets, potties, field tents and kitchens, sleeping mats and hygiene kits, among others.

Persons desirous of donating items can contact the CDC on telephone numbers, 2261114, 226-8815, 225-5847, 226-1027, 600-7500, 2255347, 225-0977 or 225-5339.

Additionally, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has established the St. Vincent Disaster Relief Fund to help the island as it deals with the disaster. Persons who wish to donate can do so by visiting any of the GBTI branches. The Account Name is: ST. VINCENT DISASTER RELIEF FUND, while the Account Number is: 011803403012.

Three new COVID-19 deaths, 101 new cases GUYANA has recorded three more COVID-19 deaths, 101 new cases and 19 recoveries, according to the statistics posted on the Ministry of Health’s dashboard for April 18, 2021.

The latest fatalities are all men and include an 80-year-old from Region Six

(East Berbice- Corentyne), a 62-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 69-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara).

They all died while receiving care at a medical facility.

The total number of cases to date has now increased

to 11,863, while the total deaths has increased to 271.

Twelve persons still remain in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 15 persons are in institutional quarantine.

Seventy-four persons are in institutional isolation, and 1326 persons are in home

isolation.

Thus far, 10,180 out of a total of 107,974 persons tested to date have recovered from the virus. Some 881 persons had been tested in the last reporting cycle.

Of the 101 new cases, Region Four accounted for the majority. This region

recorded 57 new cases.

Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) follows with 18, Region Three with 10, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with five, and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) has four new cases.

Regions Two (Pomer-

oon-Supenaam), Six and Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, each recorded two new cases. Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was the only region that did not have any new cases.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Hydromet Dept. gets $66M to fix operational deficiencies

SIGNIFICANT strides are being made to recondition operations at the Hydrometeorology Department to improve its accommodation, data collection and operational deficiency.

Of the $22.6 billion allocated to the Agriculture sector this year, $66 million has been earmarked to expand hydromet services.

During a recent tour of the National Weather Watch Centre at Hyde Park, Timehri, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said there would be no laidback approach to addressing the insufficiencies at the centre.

"I have received a number of complaints. First of all, the suitability of the people who are here, they prefer to be at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and I am exploring the possibility of acquiring a space at that airport for the office to be housed to

accommodate more persons."

The Hydromet Department is tasked with observing, archiving and understanding Guyana's weather and climate.

It also provides meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic services to support Guyana's national needs and international obligations.

Consequently, Minister Mustapha believes that the proposal made by staff to relocate will allow the nation to receive accurate weather forecast while simultaneously aiding aviation operations.

"Generally, the Government is trying to make the workers comfortable, and, in that way, they can work effectively and provide Guyana with the necessary information as precise as possible," Minister Mustapha relayed.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a recent tour of the National Weather Watch Centre, located at Hyde Park, Timehri (DPI photo)

He stressed the importance of the venture, noting that, with the significant investments being made in the agriculture sector now, it is essential that agriculturists receive precise weather details.

"Guyana is an oil-and-

Monday April 19, 2021 –– 09:30hrs

gas producing country now, so these interventions are also important regarding determining the weather pattern," the minister added.

Minister Mustapha said the Hydrometeorological Service's general responsibility includes monitoring

and evaluating the weather and water resources in Guyana. At the same time, it actively supports the Government in disaster risk management and aeronautical, water, agriculture, engineering, and other agencies for the country's socio-eco-

nomic development.

The department is the official provider of weather, water and climate information and related products and services for Guyana. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Help for Corentyne rice farmers to save crops –– as early rains cause damage to dams

RICE farmers from across the Corentyne Coast on Sunday met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on two occasions to seek an urgent intervention to save their crop.

Persistent rainfall over the last few weeks has resulted in many dams becoming impassable and farmers are now struggling to transport their paddy from the fields. In some cases, they have not been able to reap part of their crop because their fields are flooded.

During the first meeting which was held at the #48 Primary School, rice farmers appealed to the subject minister for immediate action, so that they could salvage the remainder of their crop.

One farmer, Mahendranauth Doolchand, said that certain sections of the dam which he uses to transport his paddy is in a deplorable state. This has put a halt to the transporting of his paddy from the field, he said.

“Sir, we have over 200 acres of land, but the land is under water and we can’t get to take out the paddy.

All we want is for you to fix the dam so that we can take

out the paddy. We’re from #69 Village planting rice in the scheme. We have to travel 14 miles to go there and bring out the paddy. At certain parts of the dam [it is] very bad. We urgently need your help because in five days, four half tanks of paddy can't reach out yet," Doolchand said.

LOST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS Another farmer, Anand Tulsi, said that he has lost millions of dollars in paddy and sought the minister’s assistance to save the rest of his crop.

"We cannot take out one bag. We small farmers cannot bring out one bag.

The dam situation is terrible. Rice that was supposed to cut since the first week in March, left there and all rotten out. We need help.

Right now we need some help. We need a machine to fix the dams so that we can bring out our paddy," the farmer said.

Another farmer from #47 Village said that there was need for a larger koker and a pump in the area to assist with draining farmlands, especially during the rainy season.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

“I’m a rice farmer from #47 Village. Rice farmers in the area have a big issue.

For a number of years, we have saltwater coming in from the riverside into the farmland every May/June season and every Christmas season. The koker there has to drain #48, #47, and #46.

It has to drain rice land water, reef water, and the housing area water. The next thing, we have a 4'x4' koker. That koker cannot take off the amount of water when we get the high rainfall. We are asking for a new koker that is bigger and we need a pump within

the area because if this rain continues, farmers in the area will lose millions of dollars in rice,” the farmer said.

Meanwhile, during the second meeting which was held in Maida, farmers raised similar issues to those that were raised during the first meeting.

CANNOT TRAVERSE One farmer said that because of the state of the dam, tractors cannot traverse it to transport the paddy.

“Right now we have rice to cut and we don’t have

dams to bring it out. I’m from Phillippe. The dam has some big, big pounds that if the tractors drive there, it would leave right there, so we need you to look at the dams and do some work on it so that we can bring out the paddy,” the farmer said.

Another farmer said that works needed to be carried out on both the trench and the dam in her area.

“The canal needs to be dug from the road all the way to Crown Dam and both dams need to be fixed.

Right now the dams are bad and the farmers cannot use the boats because the trench is clogged up,” she said.

After listening to the farmers, Minister Mustapha committed to having works carried out on all the dams that require fixing.

“Before the rains came we expended a lot of money to fix the dams and we are going to fix them again.

I have a request from the Water Users’ Chairman for funds to fix about 10 dams in the #52/#74 areas. I will approve this and through the NDIA, we will have works commence to rehabilitate those dams from as soon as tomorrow. I’ll also ask the NDIA to do an urgent

assessment of those other dams that need to be fixed and we will assign machines to fix them. For the farmer that raised the issue about saltwater intrusion twice a year, if the structure is too small and cannot take off the amount of water, I'll ensure a proper assessment of the area is done. If we need to put a pump and a larger koker there, we'll do it. I will send our technical officers there in the new week to meet with you and they will do an assessment and provide me with a report in the new week," Minister Mustapha said.

Over at Maida, Minister Mustapha told farmers that a team from the ministry will be visiting the area on Monday to meet with residents and the NDC, and that a small committee will be formed to look at all the canals and dams that need to be rehabilitated. The minister made a public commitment to have the works done and to ensure that the farmers benefit from proper infrastructure.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Sustaining Small Business

CULTIVATING a national innovation ecosystem for the birth, germination, and nurturing of fresh, new, original ideas for economic enterprises that could plug into this country’s private sector business-friendly atmosphere would provide every Guyanese with opportunities to play a role in the burgeoning growth happening now across the land.

Government had announced plans to reduce red tape and bureaucracy in the business-administration corridor, with the goal of encouraging more citizens to open new businesses, from coming up with an idea and seeing it to fruition without undue roadblocks, to sourcing funding and operating the enterprise with as little headache as possible. The nation’s exciting acceleration of economic development opens a wide range of possibilities for enterprising souls.

Indeed, Guyanese all across the country are known for their enterprising spirit, for coming up with innovative solutions to pressing problems, and for inventing new ways to achieve their dreams.

This country is ripe for fresh ideas for new businesses, with government developing every sector for potential expansion and

development, including the agro-processing industry. Across every sector, tourism, housing, mining, oil and gas, even on the climate front, opportunities abound. In the manufacturing world, the creative industry, the agricultural sphere, everywhere Guyanese look today they could find opportunities for investments and business operation.

It used to be that savvy business people focused on retail enterprises, with clothing, shoes, appliances, furniture and food, being some of the big attractions for investors.

Eventually, malls started mushrooming as the real estate industry took off under the housing miracle that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government performed from 1992 to 2015. Today, major international hotel brands, high-intensity tourism resorts, and entertainment enterprises are springing up almost on a daily basis, with investors flocking into the country from overseas, including from Caribbean countries.

Government also rolled out incentives and attraction models for foreign investors and diaspora Guyanese, including tax breaks, and the state’s investment czar, Peter Ramsaroop, announced the welcoming, forward-thinking news that tax-free havens

are in the works. In this scenario, Guyanese on the home front would be looking for how they could play their roles. To encourage a robust, dynamic, energetic, local investment atmosphere, with citizens even in remote villages and the hinterland feeling an integral part of this new economic dynamism sweeping the country, some important things need to happen. First, the country would do well to generate a culture of innovation that cultivates good ideas, whereby people could pitch their ideas to the public, be able to refine research and development, and to develop written plans around operations.

Then, a vigorous national financing and funding ecosystem should be easily available to any citizen who comes up with a workable, sensible plan. The model for such a financing system exists, with the experience of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), albeit without the high interests on loans that IPED charges.

A field for funding and financing would include a structure for banks to invest in talented new entrepreneurs, for a fund, or series of funds, whereby the public could easily purchase shares in a new enterprise, which includes strong accountability pil-

lars, and a state-backed financing guarantee for cottage industries in remote villages.

Guyana has a long way to go to reform the structure in place for local citizens to launch businesses; for example, reforming the business laws that tie registration fees to capital shareholding. It is impossible for a small-business owner in Berbice, Essequibo and the Rupununi to launch a company here with share capital of millions of shares, for example, because the cost of registration is tied to declared share capital. So companies typically register small amounts of shares.

This makes it hard for potential investors to purchase shares in a registered company, thereby hampering investment on the local front.

The structure of shareholding in new companies is an important factor in developed economies, and one could easily register a company in Canada or the U.S. with tens of millions of shares, making it possible and easy to raise capital and necessary financing from friends, family, and interested potential partners.

Given the business acumen of Guyanese, it would be good to see a progressive reform of our business laws.

Rape did occur at the Guyana National Service Dear Editor, A LETTER writer recently claimed that “It was the bounden and civic duty of persons knowledgeable of rape in the Guyana National Service to report these incidents to the police.”

Is this writer even aware that over 80 per cent of rapes are never reported today and that, that figure would have been much higher during the years of National Service, especially since in those days the stigma from rape would have been more pervasive? As American psychotherapist Beverly Engel puts it, “Victims are often too ashamed to come forward. Sexual assault is a very humiliating and dehumanising act against someone.”

Also, then, even more than now, parents and family elders preferred to sweep rape and sexual assault under the carpet because of misplaced family honour. Then, more than now, too, victim-blaming was pervasive.

Besides, the political dynamics of those times would have made it impossible for rape victims to report the rapes. In fact, one would recall during those days a prominent

PNC personality who allegedly raped a young lady from a very prominent family, but was exonerated by an “investigation.’’ Today, only a fraction – 25 per cent -- of reported rapes lead to prosecution. In those days this fraction would have been even less. Imagine how much more cavalier that attitude would have been so many decades ago.

The writer then claims, “It is still not too late to do so (i.e. report those National Service rapes).” How many of those victims would still be around or still living in Guyana? How many of the perpetrators would still be around or still living in Guyana? Also, would medical evidence and other facets of those cases be available today? Would those victims want to revisit the horror of their rapes, decades later?

The writer also states, “Most of the administrators of the Guyana National Service (GNS) were recipients of national awards…

It goes against the grain for anyone to think that administrators of such honourable repute will sit idly by and condone high incidences [sic] of rape under their watch.” Really? Is the writer aware that rapes in the military/

paramilitary globally, has a higher rate than among the general population but very, very few victims ever report, and those who report are usually vilified and further victimised?

Yet, military/paramilitary institutions are usually headed by “honourable” administrators.

Besides, is there an instance in the world, historically or in contemporary times, when a military/paramilitary head has admitted to the rape culture? Even here in the U.S., while umpteen reports have pointed to this reality and many victims are now coming forward to report rapes, no head/admin has ever made any public statement on this. The simple fact is even the most honourable person generally does not breach a group cultural wall such as the rape-culture wall that existed in the GNS; one which was reinforced by an almost pervasive masochistic behaviour, toxic masculinity and patriarchal mindset.

The writer then makes an incursion into his own experiences, to claim that, “National Service is about discipline, a trait which is sadly lacking in our society.

With discipline comes exemplary work

ethics, punctuality, leadership, respect for each other, educational pursuits, and many other desirable aspects of nation building.”

The issue of whether these traits actually saturate those who went through National Service is debatable at best, but, in any case, aren’t these traits supposedly inculcated by militaries also? I served for eight years in the U.S. military so I’m absolutely aware of what is inculcated, what obtains and what is covered up. The simple fact is that discipline inculcated in military/paramilitary institutions is a state of order and obedience within, characterised by prompt and willing responsiveness to orders and unquestionable acceptance of compliance to regulations.

It is not the kind of discipline that necessarily fosters ethical, humane and emphatic behaviour, especially when the institution, like National Service, was built for purposes other than what traditional militaries are tasked with.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Poll: President Ali’s approval rating at 69 per cent THE latest opinion poll conducted in Guyana reveals a very strong approval rating for President Irfaan Ali and his government and low confidence in the political opposition’s performance in holding the government accountable.

The poll finds that APNU+AFC is slumping in popularity primarily because of its actions. The survey on contemporary issues covers the period just after presentation of the budget in February, through end of March.

The poll, conducted by well-known pollster Dr Vishnu Bisram for NACTA, had a sample size of 600 respondents, reflecting the demographics of the population.

Based on the findings of the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) survey, 65 per cent of the nation approve of the performance of the government with 26 per cent disapproving and nine per cent not offering a response.

The population has expressed disappointment and displeasure in the political behaviour of the opposition APNU+AFC, with a minority reposing confidence in it as an alternative government in waiting. Only 29 per cent said they approve of the performance of the opposition with 58 per cent disapproving and 13 per cent not offering a response. These contrast sharply with the confidence people have in the job performance of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, who has an approval rating of 69 per cent and a disapproval rating of 24 per cent with seven per cent not offering a response.

The public also expresses strong approval of the government’s handling of the economy, as well as the COVID lock-down policies, although they are not very pleased with the government’s handling of crime and security. Inflation and job creation are also major challenges for the government. The working class complains

about frozen wages and difficulties to make ends meet. Expectations are very high for wage increases and another COVID grant among the lower working class.

Among the most highly rated ministers are Anil Nandlall, Collin Croal, Deodat Indar, Bishop Juan Edghill, Nigel Dharamlall, Zulfikar Mustapha, Vickram Bharrat, Kwame McCoy, Susan Rodrigues, and Sonia Parag.

Ministers Mustapha, Croal, and Indar are praised for their presence almost everywhere.

Asked if government should have invested more in agriculture in the latest budget, 68 per cent said ‘yes,’ with only 17 per cent disagreeing and 15 per cent saying not sure. The population feels that government should continue to focus on agriculture, rather than depend on oil and gas to transform the economy.

Asked if they think the government has legal right to reverse the Exxon

oil contract, the population is divided with 30 per cent saying ‘yes,’ 48 per cent saying ‘no’ and 22 per cent not sure. The largest plurality and those unsure feel contracts with investors are legal and sacrosanct and it would be a violation of domestic and international law to violate the sanctity of a contract. It would impact investment.

It is felt that the government can seek greater local content participation and national benefits in oil-field development and extraction.

Almost every respondent in the poll condemned the caustic language and behaviour of some Members of Parliament during the budget debate.

The public says the language of some MPs was disgusting and unacceptable.

They feel that the Speaker of the National Assembly should not have tolerated those contributions and should have reprimanded the errant MPs, and/or suspend them from the House.

St Vincent and the Grenadines needs our aid and assistance

Dear Editor,

GUYANESE have a reputation of coming together to give assistance to our neighbouring countries that are in great need.

The records show that time and time again, we are always responding to the call for help.

And just as we did in the case of Haiti, which was affected by an enormous earthquake, so we have done in the case of St Vincent and the Grenadines. I am ecstatic that President Irfaan Ali did not hesitate and started the process of providing aid to the country which was covered in loads

of debris after the volcano erupted there.

The La Soufriere volcano erupted at 08:41hrs last Friday, after the government on Thursday night issued an evacuation notice for persons living in the Red Zone, which is in the northernmost part of the island where the volcano is located. This evacuation order was issued following an increase in seismic activity, indicating that the volcano would erupt soon. News 784 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines reported that geologist and Professor Richard Robertson said that more explosions are expected soon, and that the first one was not the biggest.

Indeed, I was moved when I saw Pres-

ident Ali and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo speaking with the Honorary Consul Nigel Russell on Saturday, when they assured him that help is on the way. Soon after, supplies for the people of St. Vincent left Guyana on Tuesday aboard the Miss Meena ship, after a massive show of support from the local authorities, the private sector and members of the public.

This must be commended by all and sundry here and abroad, because Guyana rose to the occasion and responded without the usual red thread to its neighbour in need.

Lest we forget, 5,000 Guyanese are registered as living and staying in St Vin-

cent and some, although out of danger, have been helping others with places to stay temporarily.

I want to appeal to Guyanese to give what you can to those affected. It will go to a good cause. Contact the Civil Defence Commission and make arrangements with them.

St Vincent has always been good to Guyana; let’s be great to the islands by showing our kindness, love and support as they move forward to rebuild their livelihoods from ashes.

Yours Kindly, Brian Azore

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Indian company ‘set to buy’ Guyana’s oil –– reports the Business Standard

THE government-owned Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) is set to buy a consignment of Guyana’s crude oil from production offshore in the Stabroek block, according to reports by the Business Standard, a daily Indian newspaper.

“According to oil ministry officials, this deal is at competitive rates and is in line with the strategy to have multiple sources of crude oil for Indian refiners,” the Business Standard reported recently, adding that this deal with Guyana is being made in an effort to diversify the sources of India’s imported crude oil.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, could not confirm the reports since engagements are ongoing. Instead, he noted that a press release would be issued at the appropriate time.

In March, however, the

first shipment of oil departed Guyana for India after the cargo was purchased by HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd, a joint venture between state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp and steel tycoon L.N. Mittal, according to a Reuters report.

The cargo departed from a production facility offshore in the Sea Garnet vessel chartered by trading firm Trafigura, data from Refinitiv Eikon showed. And, it was reported that this shipment arrived in the South Asian country on April 8.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in March, told Reuters that the crude on board the Sea Garnet had been originally allocated to New York-based Hess Corp, one of the companies producing crude in Guyana along with ExxonMobil, and delivered to Trafigura. It was reported that Bharrat did not know the identity of the cargo’s ultimate buyer.

Previously, however, the high commissioner told this

newspaper that the Government of India is willing to purchase Guyana’s share of oil lifts at the market value, annually, and on a long-term basis, through a government-to-government agreement, since the country is a mass importer of oil.

According to Reuters, the country is the world’s third largest crude importer.

The high commissioner had noted, also, that Indian companies such as Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharrat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) – all Stateowned companies – would be interested in buying crude from Guyana in the future.

India’s interest in diversifying its oil imports is influenced by the country’s efforts to reduce its dependency on the Middle East, according to additional reports from Reuters.

“India, the world’s third biggest oil importer and con-

The Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel

sumer, imports about 84 per cent of its overall crude needs with over 60 per cent of that coming from Middle Eastern countries, which are typically cheaper than those from the West,” a Reuters report highlighted.

Over the past few months, however, Reuters reported that India has been importing less oil from these countries and has been engaging other countries for potential oil purchase.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle in March, India’s High Commissioner noted that Guyana

and India were still negotiating the oil-procurement deal.

In March, also, in another section of the local media, Minister Bharrat, confirmed that the Indian Government is currently in talks with Guyana for the purchase of crude for short-term oil contracts in order to offset its earlier high-priced, long-term contracts entered into. While that request was made, the minister noted that a decision is still to be taken.

India has also signalled its willingness to help Guyana develop its gas-to-shore project, once that project is

finalised. The high commissioner recently noted that assistance can be provided to use the gas for energy purposes, use it as fertiliser or to bottle the gas as Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Importantly, Dr. Srinivasa had told this newspaper: “If you want to set up a processing plant here, we will help you set that up… but if they have excess gas to market, yes, of course we will talk to them once we know what is the quantity and what is going to happen, because we don’t know anything right now.”

Mattai’s owner stabbed during attempted robbery outside home PROPRIETOR of N&S Mattai, Harry Mattai, was injured during an attempted knifepoint robbery in front of his Barima Street, Bel Air home, on Saturday night.

The businessman was stabbed in his lower back during a scuffle with one of two perpetrators. He was later treated at a private hospital in the city and sent away.

According to a police report, the incident occurred at approximately 22:11hrs, shortly after Mattai had returned home. He had parked the vehicle in his driveway and was attempting to open the gate to enter his property.

Mattai’s wife and daughter were in the car at the time.

“He saw the suspects approaching him from a western direction on two separate bicycles. The armed bandit pointed a knife at him and said ‘hand over what you get’. The victim replied that he didn’t have anything, to which the perpetrators

then tried to search him and a scuffle ensued,” the report from the police said.

It was during the scuffle that Mattai was stabbed.

Following the wrestle, the perpetrators made good their

escape heading west on their bicycles.

According to the police, checks were made for the suspects but were unsuccessful.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

29 active cases of COVID-19 in Aishalton

By Vishani Ragobeer THE village of Aishalton, located in the Deep South area of the Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), now has 29 active cases of COVID-19 after additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were conducted recently.

On Thursday, after an emergency meeting with the response team in the village, it was noted that a curfew starting at 18:00hrs and lasting until 06:00hrs the next day has been instituted. This curfew will be in place until May 15 and will be enforced by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Village Council.

This curfew and other measures were adopted since nine members of the village tested positive for COVID-19. Then, also, one village elder, 96-year-old Simon Marcello, died after he contracted the novel coro-

navirus.

While those nine COVID-19 cases were detected first, contact tracing was conducted and it was determined that other exposed people should be tested and placed into isolation. On Sunday, however, via a notice on the village’s Facebook page, it was posted that 21 more persons tested positive for the virus and that a total of 105 persons are on home quarantine from over 20 households.

Additional restrictions imposed on the village include that visitors or non-residents, and people from neighbouring Brazil will not be permitted to enter the community. Individuals conducting official business, such as government officers, contractors and medical personnel, are exempt from this.

Businesses should be closed by 18:00hrs daily and all social gatherings, including sports, church services and fundraisers are suspended. Businesses are also required to ensure that

their premises are outfitted with sanitisation stations.

Buses entering the village must not transport non-residents without permission from the village council and all passengers should be listed on a manifest and present themselves to gate monitors for screening.

“Residents leaving the village must first check with the doctor for screening, obtain a signed medical document and then proceed to the village council for a pass letter signed by the village council. Persons coming into Aishalton must have a signed letter from their respective village council, stating the purpose of their travel, and must follow all village measures,” the notice said.

It was noted, too, that there will be a system in place for the transportation of goods and services on selected days; this will be facilitated by the village council and the business community in Aishalton.

To support these fam-

Officials of the village at the checkpoint erected at the entrance to Aishalton (Toshao Michael Thomas photo)

ilies while in quarantine, the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) — a local non-governmental organisation (NGO)– has been work-

ing alongside the village authorities to provide supplies, according to Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the SRDC, Immaculata Casimero.

On Saturday, Casimero told the Guyana Chronicle, “We are trying to do public awareness to see how they can abide by the rules.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

A job and a half

I KNEW the word Valedictorian had something to do with graduation, but I had to look up the true meaning for clarification. A valedictorian is a person who reaches the highest rank in a graduating class and delivers the farewell address.

While wandering around the Child Protection Agency (CPA) speaking with officers who had a moment to spare, one officer was particularly elated by a case that ended in reunification. She said, ‘I’ve

been working with this family for a long time, and I’ve seen these three children move in and out of the system from very young.

At first, they suffered emotional and physical abuse from a stepfather, then they were kept by a granny who couldn’t cope. After spending some time in care, they recently were reunited with their biological father and stepmother. At last, the children are receiving the kindness and attention they de-

serve.

A local school named the eldest child Valedictorian after passing nine subjects at CXC last year. This achievement shows her resilience.

With her father’s intervention and her determination, she succeeded despite the odds against her. She is now looking forward to attending the University of Guyana. This is a success story because of all that they went through.

Glancing on the wall directly behind the officer, I

noticed a lovely homemade poster designed with love hearts. It reads ‘Happy valentine’. I drew her attention to the incorrect spelling, and she told me about the child who sent it to her. Although we cannot speak about the details, that child has also been reunited with family members twice removed on her paternal side.

The officer continued.

‘Well, Valentine is a time to share love, and I’m almost like a mother figure to her, so she just wanted to express that love at Valentine by sending it’. Displaying the poster was indeed a fitting tribute to the child who thoughtfully made such a heartfelt gesture to the officer.

I asked another busy officer for a few minutes of her time, and she kindly obliged.

She is stationed in Region nine and comes into the Head Office in Georgetown to collect equipment, documents and liaise with senior staff members. Having worked for the Child Protection Agency (CPA) for seven years, her job once consisted of travelling to different Regions sensitising ‘country people’ about the CPA and child protection.

She said, ‘I’ve worked in Bartica, Port Kaituma, and Mahdia. I am presently based in Region nine. I’ve been there for four years; I have a home, an apartment where I stay. My colleague and I service the whole of the Rupununi-- the Deep South, the Pakaraimas, North, Central; we go all over. Our job

takes us into each of the four districts.

There are over 50 villages throughout the Rupununi.

And where ever we get a report, that is where we go.

However, one of the challenges we face is transportation.

We might get a case, and we want to go straight away, but it’s not possible. Sometimes it takes days to reach a location.

Most of the child abuse cases in Region nine are reported to us by school welfare officers, hospital staff and the police. When individuals come forward, the cases tend to be about physical abuse or access; things like that’.

The officer went on to explain that the majority of cases are of child sexual abuse. ‘Of the 11 cases we had during March, seven were sexual abuse cases. We help abused children receive the support they need, such as getting them to the police, allowing them to make their statement and getting them medical care.

There are no children homes in Region nine, so if children are at risk and cannot remain at home, we usually find a foster parent or reliable family member to keep them.

The officer relayed a story where a child was removed from a sexually abusive environment and placed with a foster parent. She has remained there for the past two years.

‘Everything we do is in the best interest of the child, and within the laws of Guyana; children must be allowed

to grow and develop physically, emotionally and naturally, without abuse’. Last year, the Child Protection Officers launched a weekly segment on Lethem radio station to share salient information with fellow countrymen and women in Region nine.

The officer continued.

‘The name of the show is, ‘Child Protection and You.’ We talk about different aspects of the Child Protection Agency so people in the Rupununi can learn about the facilities available for their use. Towards the end of the programme, we encourage people to write to us with their questions or other concerns, which we answer on the next show. We started the programme last year, and so far we’ve had a good response from listeners’.

Child Protection work has many unseen and unexpected aspects. Officers must often be inventive and proactive to reach and inform the public of their work and the facilities available for abused children in Guyana.

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

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Learning Sanskrit now easier through ‘LITTLE GURU’

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa and others at the recent launching of the app ‘LITTLE GURU’

HIGH Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, has formally launched ‘LITTLE GURU’, a specialised app for learning Sanskrit in Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla virtually through a Google meet video link.

The link can be accessed at URL: https://meet.google. com/oap-kftn-krz, a release said The app was launched in India by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on April 9, 2021, to commemorate the 71st ICCR Foundation Day. Vikas Ramkissoon, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, joined the High Commissioner online during the launch in Guyana.

The dignitaries, in their speeches, emphasised the greatness of the Sanskrit language and suggested that all those interested in learning the language should utilise the app. They emphasised that Sanskrit language is the best pathway to Indian culture and encouraged youngsters to learn the language using the app for their better understanding and immersion into the Indian culture.

Sanskrit, the oldest language, continues to be a living language, being used daily in religious activities as well as by scholars in accessing literary texts for research work, etc. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is promoting Sanskrit across the world by providing books and material to Sanskrit institutes.

ICCR also deputes teachers and professors to universities and institutes for teaching Sanskrit. Over the past few years, ICCR has been receiving a large number of requests from across the world both from the Indian diaspora as well as foreigners interested in Sanskrit.

Many of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit

and there has been a great demand from such countries for assistance in learning the language. Within the diaspora community, the desire to stay connected with their roots, as well as to access the rich literary epics and texts of India, has attracted a huge demand for Sanskrit. A number of Sanskrit universities across the world have also been keen on an app which would help not only the students who are currently studying in these universities but also to act as a feeder for young scholars to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

“Little Guru is a gamified app based on an interactive platform which will make Sanskrit learning easy, entertaining and fun. This app will help people who are already learning Sanskrit or those who are desirous to learn Sanskrit to do so in an easy manner based on games, competition, rewards, peer to peer interactions, etc. This unique app combines education with entertainment thereby helping keep attention of the learner as well as encourage him/her to advance further. ICCR is confident that the launch of this App ‘Little Guru’ will go a long way in popularising Sanskrit,” the release said.

This app would help create awareness not only about language but also open the doors for people to access the rich cultural heritage of India. The developers of the app have provided the High Commission with ‘special promotional code’ for the people of Guyana for subscription at concessional prices to unlock the higher levels and learn advance techniques, the release from the Indian High Commission in Georgetown said . For more details, interested persons can contact the High Commission at edu.georgetown@mea. gov.in and/or telephone +592-226 3996 & 2268965.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

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Gov’t will engage GuySuCo on workers’ benefits

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Anna Regina building identified for Ministry of Labour staff

–– Agriculture Minister

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the Government is awaiting a report from the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on the stalemate with Uitvlugt sugar workers over benefits.

The workers have reportedly downed tools since Friday to protest a lack of increase in their wages and salaries amid a pending agreement between GuySuCo and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Speaking on the sidelines of a community consultation in Maida, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), Minister Mustapha said, “the Government has not promised any increase, but we will ensure that we work with the Corporation to see what we can do for the sugar workers.”

The Agriculture Minister said the agreements on wages and salaries are ultimately the responsibility of GuySuCo and GAWU. “As a Government, we

don’t interfere with management and union negotiations.”

Accordingly, Minister Mustapha said GuySuCo’s ability to pay the increases would take into account investments it has made since August, to revitalise the estates.

“We have been putting funds in GuySuCo over the last nine months to develop GuySuCo, recapitalise GuySuCo. As a matter of fact, we are starting to see results already from some of the estates,” the minister said.

The Albion and Blairmont estates were lauded for making three additional days

of pay due to the enhancement of the factories through critical capital works.

“Our commitment was to ensure that we reopen the closed sugar estates. We are working aggressively to do that.”

The minister again said the Government hopes to have operations at Rose Hall by the second crop of 2022, while assisting Skeldon and Enmore.

Minister Mustapha further added that plans are also on stream to establish infrastructure such as roads, to facilitate quicker delivery of canes from the fields to the factories.

Under this year’s budget, $2 billion is allocated to execute critical capital works at GuySuCo as part of the Government’s efforts to diversify the sugar industry that was hamstrung by the previous administration. (DPI)

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, gets a warm welcome during his visit to Region Two

LABOUR Minister, Joseph Hamilton, has announced that all of the ministry’s staff will soon be housed under one roof following the identification of a building in the township of Anna Regina.

Hamilton made this disclosure during a recent threeday outreach to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

During his visit, he inspected a facility that is intended to house all of the ministry’s officers. He plans to return in two weeks to commission the building.

Hamilton said once the building is occupied, Essequibians will be able to access all labour, Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) and co-operative matters under one roof.

The minister said based

on inspections, he is satisfied with the building. Officers from the Ministry will be making all necessary arrangements to ensure that everything is in place for the commissioning.

The building, when commissioned, will be equipped with more OSH and Labour officers. Minister Hamilton said his ministry is in the process of hiring Essequibians as OSH and labour officers.

He also signalled his ministry’s intention to provide more resources for officers to conduct frequent visits to communities in the Pomeroon River. While his ministry will be working to ensure that boats and engines are purchased for those officers, the ministry will continue to depend on the support of the regional administration.

The minister asserted that the work of the OSH and Labour officers is not “deskbound” as they have the responsibility of being out in the fields to ensure that they protect as well as engage employers and employees.

The minister noted that once a business, company or corporation has over 20 employees, the management should establish a Health and Safety committee. That committee, he said, will pay attention to the safety of staff and will ensure that there are protective gears available whenever it is needed.

He, therefore, urged businesses to develop and pay keen attention to safety cultures and to protect their employees from faulty practices and accidents in the workplace.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Essequibians receiving physiotherapy sessions at home REGIONAL Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh, has disclosed that residents are currently getting physiotherapy services at their homes.

He was at the time responding to opposition councillor Mark Mc Lean, who was questioning the activeness of the region’s physiotherapy department, given the pandemic.

During a Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting held last Wednesday, Dr. Singh, a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) councillor, said that persons suffering from injuries or physical disorders are receiving physiotherapy within the comfort of their homes.

He said physiotherapists attached to the Suddie Public Hospital are visiting residents as far as Better Success and Better Hope to offer their services.

He said home visits were implemented by the regional health service after it was recognised that persons would be uncomfortable visiting the rehabilitation centre at Suddie and Charity. Therapy is also being offered at health centres along the Essequibo Coast.

Dr. Ranjeev said physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability.

Persons who had strokes and are unable to walk properly are also being given corrective therapy during the process.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva commended the RHO after hearing that home visits are being done.

She said she supports home visits and encouraged persons to make maximum use of this opportunity.

Regional Health Officer Dr. Ranjeev Singh, providing an update on physiotherapy services to the Region Two RDC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Wins for Celtics, Grizzlies and Lakers

(REUTERS) - Jayson Tatum lost his personal duel with Stephen Curry but the Boston Celtics won their battle with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, out-finishing the visitors for a 119-114 win in a nationally televised duel of streaking teams.

Tatum scored a driving hoop to break a tie with 48.8 seconds left, and Kemba Walker delivered the dagger with a 3-pointer 24 seconds later, allowing the Celtics to record their sixth straight win.

Tatum finished with a team-high 44 points, three fewer than Curry, who continued his week-long assault on the 3-point line with 11 more.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles past Jordan Poole (#3) and and Andrew Wiggins (#22) of the Golden State Warriors in the second half at TD Garden on April 17, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/ Getty Images) Curry, who turned his left ankle in the fourth quarter but never left the game, topped 32 points for a league-best 10th consecutive game and surpassed 40 for the third time in four games in the last six days.

GRIZZLIES 128, BUCKS 115 Grayson Allen made a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points to lead Memphis to a victory over host Milwaukee.

Dillon Brooks scored 21 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 17 points and eight rebounds as the Grizzlies won for the seventh time in the past 10 games.

Desmond Bane tallied 16 points and fellow reserve Xavier Tillman added 15 on 7 of 9 shooting for Memphis.

Ja Morant had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Grizzlies improved to 2-0 on a seven-game road trip.

SPURS 111, SUNS 85 Rudy Gay scored 19 points and rookie Devin Vassell poured in a career-high 18 off the bench as short-handed San Antonio swamped Phoenix in the Valley of the Sun to emphatically snap a twogame losing streak.

The Spurs played

without starters DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl and key reserve Patty Mills, all held out for rest in the second game of a homeroad back-to-back. But the players San Antonio employed dominated the Suns, leading by 19 points at the half and by as many as 31 in the fourth quarter while rolling to the win.

Keldon Johnson added 17 points for San Antonio with Dejounte Murray scoring 14, Drew Eubanks hitting for 13 points and taking a game-high 13 rebounds, and Derrick White tallying 12 for the Spurs.

BULLS 106, CAVALIERS 96 Nikola Vucevic scored 25 points and added seven rebounds with five assists as Chicago defeated visiting Cleveland.

Lauri Markkanen added 16 points off the bench and Denzel Valentine chipped in 13 as the Bulls’ losing streak ended at five games.

Darius Garland had 22 points and 12 assists for the Cavaliers.

Collin Sexton also had 22 points, Kevin Love added 14, Isaac Okoro had 13 and Jarrett Allen had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

WIZARDS 121,

PISTONS 100 Bradley Beal, the NBA’s leading scorer, pumped in 37 points and Washington extended its winning streak to four games by pounding visiting Detroit.

Ish Smith had 16 points and five assists off the bench, while Russell Westbrook supplied yet another triple-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for the Wizards, who have won six of their last seven games.

Isaiah Stewart scored a career-high 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Pistons. Frank Jackson also scored 19 points and Josh Jackson contributed 17.

Jerami Grant added 14 points but shot 4-for-14 from the field.

LAKERS 127, JAZZ 115 (OT) Los Angeles got back in the win column with a gutsy overtime victory over visiting Utah.

With the win, the Lakers improved to 4-1 in overtime games this season. The Jazz dropped to 0-3 in overtime games this year.

Andre Drummond, who returned to the starting lineup after sitting out with a lingering right big toe contusion, topped the Lakers with 27 points and eight rebounds.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Big six sign for EU super League (BBC) - UEFA, the Premier League and UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, have condemned 12 major European clubs, including the ‘big six’ from England, signing up

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to a breakaway European Super League.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are part of the group.

La Liga’s Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid and Serie A’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are involved.

UEFA said it will use “all measures” possible to stop the “cynical project”.

Senior figures at European football’s governing body are furious about the proposals.

None of the clubs involved have commented yet but it is thought a statement is likely to be released later on Sunday.

Johnson said the plans would be “very damaging for football” and that the UK government supports the sport’s authorities “in taking action”.

He added: “The clubs involved must answer to their fans and the wider footballing community before taking any further steps.”

The European Clubs’ Association (ECA), which represents Europe’s clubs, held an emergency meeting on Sunday in the wake of the reports.

BBC Sport understands none of the clubs mentioned in the Super League reports responded to a request to attend the meeting.

The meeting was chaired

by Ajax chief executive, Edwin van der Sar. Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain were among the clubs that were present.

In a statement, the ECA said it would be “strongly opposed” to a “closed super league model”.

It has pushed plans for a 36-team Champions League, which UEFA had hoped would head off the formation of a Super League.

The Champions League reforms are set to be confirmed on Monday.

BBC Sport was told last week of plans for some sort of confirmation about a European Super League.

UEFA released a joint statement, together with England’s Football Association, the Premier League, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), La Liga, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as well as Serie A, on Sunday.

They said they will “remain united” in trying to stop the breakaway, using both judicial and sporting measures if required.

They also reiterated FIFA’s stance that players taking part in the Super League would be banned from all other competitions at domestic, European or world level and could be prevented from representing their national teams.

In a separate statement, the Premier League said it condemned the proposal as it “attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart” of domestic and European football.

Details on how the breakaway league would work are scarce, but there were talks in October over a new £4.6bn competition that would involve replacing the Champions League.

It would likely be a ‘members only’ concept, where many of Europe’s richest clubs would have guaranteed entry, without the threat of relegation or the possibility of failing to qualify.

The threat of forming a European Super League could also be a handy tool for big clubs to use in their negotiations with UEFA for a better deal.

Culture Secretary Oliver

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Sohail Tanvir-6/14 (RR vs CSK) (2) 6 centuries

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many matches were scheduled for IPL 2008?

(2) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in IPL 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Liverpool and Chelsea are understood to be part of the group that have signed up to a breakaway league Dowden said, in a statement, the government is “concerned this plan could create a closed shop at the very top of our national game”.

He added: “We have a football pyramid where funds from the globally successful

Premier League flow down the leagues and into local communities.

“I would be bitterly disappointed to see any action that destroys that.”

Labour leader Keir Starmer said the clubs involved

should “rethink immediately” or “face the consequences of their actions”.

“This proposal risks shutting the door on fans for good, reducing them to mere spectators and consumers,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Late Nketiah goal helps Arsenal salvage a point (BBC) - Fulham boss Scott Parker says he “doesn’t understand” how Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time equaliser was allowed to stand in their Premier League draw at Arsenal.

Nketiah’s 97th-minute effort came with Arsenal defender Rob Holding stood in an offside position to the side of Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who had saved Dani Ceballos’ initial shot.

However, as Holding did not touch the ball he was deemed not to be interfering with play as Gunners forward Nketiah tapped in.

It delivered a major blow to the Cottagers, who led through Josh Maja’s second-half penalty and looked on course to gain a valuable three points in their battle against relegation.

“That was a real painful one,” Parker said. “I don’t know how the goal stood. I don’t understand it. I am a

Five of Eddie Nketiah’s 13 Arsenal goals have come as a substitute little bit confused but we are all confused of late.

“We all scratch our heads a bit, people who have played the game for a long time. Whether he [Holding] attempts to go for the ball or not the ramifications of

his position affect my goalkeeper.

“What is factual for us is we’ve come to another place and the difference between one point and three points is a decision with the last kick of the game.”

Former reggae boy dies during ‘corner league’ match (Sportsmax.tv) Team manager, Paul Christie, said he was rendered speechless by news of the sudden death of Dunbeholden FC midfielder, Tremaine’s Stewart, this morning.

Unconfirmed reports said the former Reggae Boy was playing a ‘corner league’ match early in Portmore, St. Catherine, this morning when he collapsed a short time after taking the field.

Stewart, 33, joined Premier League outfit, Dunbeholden FC, in September 2020 but was not able to play for the club because the season was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, according to the manager, his impact was already being felt by the club, whose head coach was convinced that with him, Dunbeholden would win the Jamaica Premier League once the Jamaican Government allowed play to resume.

“This one has me searching for words,” said Christie, who confirmed that he had received word that the player had collapsed this morning and subsequently died in hospital.

“He was like the leader we were searching for all along. The players wanted to play with him. (In training) when you put him on the ‘B’ side, they would win; when he is on the ‘A’ side, its carnage. They would win by five, six, seven, eight goals.

“The coach said all we had to do was keep him happy and healthy and we would win the Premier League.”

Christie said Stewart always led by exam-

The result leaves Fulham six points from safety but they have played one game more than Burnley - the side directly above them - and two more games than Brighton in 16th.

On-loan Bordeaux

forward Maja opened the scoring with Fulham’s only effort on target after Mario Lemina was fouled by Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel.

However, in a game of few clear-cut chances Arsenal, who remain ninth, merited their point.

Mikel Arteta’s side had Ceballos’ first-half goal disallowed after Bukayo Saka had strayed fractionally offside, while Gabriel Martinelli also found the back of the visitors’ net after the whistle had gone for offside against Emile Smith Rowe.

Substitute Nicolas Pepe and Saka also both went close to levelling the score before Nketiah’s late intervention.

Unpredictable Arsenal After dismantling Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday, Arsenal did little to dispel the feeling of unpredictability

that surrounds them as they faced a team battling the drop.

On paper, Arteta would have expected his side to dispatch their struggling opponents with few difficulties.

But their up-tempo start, which saw Martinelli twice go close to scoring, soon fizzled out.

That allowed the visitors to gain a foothold in the match, although VAR contributed to Arsenal’s failure to break the deadlock with Ceballos seeing a header ruled out after Saka was judged to be centimetres offside in the build-up.

To their credit, Arsenal persevered after going behind despite seeing Alexandre Lacazette limp off with 20 minutes left.

And a late siege saw Nketiah, Saka, Gabriel and Martinelli all have efforts on goal before their dominance finally told.

Federer to play at French open Roger Federer has only played two competitive matches since January 2020

Stewart scored two goals in 12 appearances ple. He would always be at training early and the “players had so much respect for him. He was not a prima donna.”

Stewart began his professional career playing for August Town from 2006 to 2008. He had two stints playing for Portmore United (2008-2012) and again in 2016. He also played for Waterhouse from 2014-2015 before leaving for the Finnish club, Rovaniemen Palloseura.

He also had a stint at Norwegian Club, Aalesund.

Stewart, known to his friends as ‘Tan Tan’ made 12 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, scoring two goals.

(BBC) - Roger Federer has confirmed he will play in this year’s French Open as he continues his return from injury.

Federer, 39, is making his comeback after two knee operations and has not played a Grand Slam since January 2020.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner made his return after 14 months out at last month’s Qatar Open but has not played since.

On Sunday, he said will play the clay-court Geneva Open in May followed by Roland Garros, which begins on 30 May. Federer, who won his only French Open title in 2009, overcame Britain’s Dan Evans in his comeback match in

Doha last month but was then beaten by Nikoloz Basilashvili in the next round.

After losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2020 Australian Open, he had an operation on his right knee and after a further setback was ruled out of the entire coronavirus-hit season.

He had hoped to return at this year’s Australian Open in January but “ran out of time” to regain fitness.

Federer sat out three consecutive French Opens from 2016 because of injury and a wish to manage his workload but returned in 2019, reaching the semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal won last year’s men’s singles title at Roland Garros to equal Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slams.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Dhawan onslaught helps Capitals beat Punjab by six wickets (ESPNCRICINFO) - Shikhar Dhawan’s 49-ball 92 outshone Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul’s half-centuries as the Delhi Capitals beat the Punjab Kings by six wickets in a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium.

After being sent in, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul gave the Kings a blazing start of 122 in 12.4 overs. Agarwal was the aggressor, hitting seven fours and four sixes in his 36ball 69, while Rahul played second fiddle with 61 off 51 deliveries.

The Kings posted a formidable 195 for 4 but Dhawan and Shaw laid the platform for the Capitals’ chase with a start of 59 in 5.3 overs.

After that it was the Dhawan show. Targeting primarily the leg side, the opener struck 13 fours and two sixes and kept the Capitals on par with the required rate. For the second time in three games he had a chance to score a hundred. He failed once again but his knock had put the Capitals ahead. So much that when Marcus Stoinis hit the winning boundary, there were still ten balls left.

AGARWAL, RAHUL PROVIDE DREAM START Chris Woakes conceded only five in the opening over but a 20-run second over opened the floodgates for the Kings. That over, leftarm seamer Lukman Meriwala’s first in the IPL, featured a dropped catch, a misfield, a no-ball, three fours and a six. By the end of the fifth over, Agarwal and Rahul had added 50, of which the latter’s contribution was a run-a-ball 18.

Kagiso Rabada was introduced into the

Shikhar Dhawan’s half-century powered the Delhi Capitals chase (BCCI/ IPL) attack in the sixth over; Rahul greeted him with a four through point but largely looked subdued. Agarwal, meanwhile, was batting on a different plane. With a four off Avesh Khan, he raced away to his fifty in just 25 balls.

The harshest punishment was perhaps meted out to arguably the best bowlers in the Capitals’ side. On the first ball of the 11th over, Agarwal cleared his front leg and launched Rabada over long-off. Rabada responded with a bouncer but erred down the leg side. Agarwal swivelled and pulled it over fine leg for another six. A ball later, Rahul too joined in with a six over deep square leg.

Meriwala eventually broke the stand when Agarwal holed out to sweeper cover trying to reach out for a wide delivery.

GIFTS APLENTY FOR BIRTHDAY BOY RAHUL It was Rahul’s 29th birthday and it looked like the Capitals’ fielders didn’t want to spoil his day. Smith dropped him in the second over, Shaw failed to hold on to a screamer in the 12th and Stoinis grassed a regulation chance in the 15th. Rahul was on 9, 42, and 50 respectively; Meriwala the unlucky bowler on the first occasion, Avesh on the next two.

Stoinis eventually made amends when he caught him off Rabada in the 16th over.

HOODA, SHAHRUKH TAKE KINGS CLOSE TO 200 Deepak Hooda continued his good form with an unbeaten 22 not out off 13 balls. Coming in at No. 4, he smashed Rabada for six off the first ball he faced. Later, he went down on one knee to carve Avesh over the extra-cover boundary for another.

Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran fell in search of quick runs, leaving the Kings 179 for 4 after 19 overs. Shahrukh Khan, though, muscled Woakes for two fours and a six in the final over to take the side close to 200.

DHAWAN-SHAW ONSLAUGHT Chasing 196, Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw didn’t waste any time and gave their side an even better start than the Kings had got. Rahul tried four different bowlers in the first four overs - Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Jalaj Saxena, and Jhye Richardson - and each one of them went for at least ten in their respective overs.

When Shami returned in the fifth over, Dhawan creamed him for three fours. By the end of the fifth over, the Capitals were for 57

for no loss.

DHAWAN CONTINUES THE CARNAGE The Capitals openers were running away with the game, just like they had done against the Chennai Super Kings while chasing 189, but Shaw ended up miscuing a pull against Arshdeep and fell for a 17-ball 32. Steven Smith laboured for a 12-ball 9 before his ugly swat against Riley Meredith was caught at third man.

Dhawan, though, kept batting in the same vein. Having reached his fifty in 31 balls, he stepped out against Shami and hit him for a six over long-on.

But it was the 14th over, bowled by Meredith, that turned the game decisively in the Capitals’ favour. Dhawan started the over by hitting the first three balls for fours. The next delivery went for five wides down the leg side. By the time the over ended, Dhawan had moved into the 90s and the Capitals needed 53 off 36 balls with eight wickets in hand.

STOINIS SEES THE CAPITALS HOME Dhawan fell eight short of a hundred when he was bowled while trying to swipe Jhye Richardson fine. From the other end, Arshdeep bowled a quiet over to make it 36 needed from 24 balls.

But Stoinis quelled any hopes the Kings may have developed by hitting two fours and a six off Shami in 17th over. He also hit the winning runs, dispatching Meredith to the midwicket boundary for four to finish with an unbeaten 27 off 13 balls.

AB, Maxwell help RCB past KKR (ESPNCRICINFO) - Royal Challengers Bangalore ended their Chennai leg of IPL 2021 with a hattrick of wins, beating Kolkata Knight Riders on the back of explosive half-centuries from Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers.

Maxwell made a 49-ball 78, his second fifty of the season, while de Villiers clubbed an unbeaten 34-ball 76. Between them, they hit 18 fours and six sixes to take the Royal Challengers to 204 for 4 after Virat Kohli chose to bat in the afternoon game, and that total proved 38 runs too much for the Knight Riders.

The Knight Riders were aggressive through their chase but lost wickets regularly.

Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi and Eoin Morgan got starts, and Andre Russell muscled 31 off 20 balls at the back end, but the West Indian’s expensive bowling spell at the death - he conceded 38 runs in two overs - ended up as his more decisive contribution.

The win for Kohli’s men kept them at the top of the points table while the Knight Riders ended their Chepauk run with two defeats in three games.

A topsy-turvy day for Chakravarthy

The Knight Riders began with Harbhajan Singh for a third straight game after the Royal Challengers chose to bat, and Virat Kohli under-edged a free-hit in the first over, which nutmegged the wicketkeeper and went for four. However, he was out in the next over to Varun Chakravarthy, mistiming an attempted drive to be caught

by Rahul Tripathi running back from cover. Four balls later, a slider from Chakravarthy bowled Rajat Patidar, who had replaced Daniel Christian in the Royal Challengers’ XI. Eoin Morgan did not continue with Chakravarthy after that two-wicket over, even though Devdutt Padikkal and Maxwell were new at the crease. When he returned for his second over after the powerplay, the duo hit him for 14. And in his last spell, he conceded a further 22 off 12 balls, raising more question marks over Morgan’s use of his mystery spinner’s overs.

Maxwellball once again Coming in when the ball was still new, Maxwell settled in with seven runs in his first seven balls, and rode a bit of luck when he inside-edged a Pat Cummins delivery for four past his leg stump. But

that opened the gates for Maxwell, and the Royal Challengers, who had made a slow start until then, having been 19 for 2 after four overs. Maxwell capitalised on Shakib Al Hasan’s wayward lengths, shanking a six over midwicket and switch-hitting a four over point in the sixth over.

That 17-run over from Shakib helped the Royal Challengers reach 45 for 2 after the powerplay, and Maxwell clobbered five more fours and another six off the next five overs. Cummins was scythed over point and flat-batted through mid-off, Chakravarthy dispatched over long-on and through square leg, Prasidh Krishna rifled through point, and Singh crunched over extra cover.

By the time Padikkal was out for a 28-ball 25 in the 12th over, Maxwell had raced to 60 in 34 balls.

With a grandstand finish expected in de Villiers’ company, Maxwell continued with his sweet timing. He carved Cummins through third man and hammered Chakravarthy for a six over cover. However, Cummins got the better of him off the last ball of his spell when the batter topedged a pull to fine leg to

depart with 78 off 49 balls.

By then, the Royal Challengers were already on 148 with three overs left and de Villiers already looking imperious. de Villiers blasts off When de Villiers walked in after Padikkal’s dismissal, the Royal Challengers were 95 for 3 with 8.5 overs remaining. Quick singles and doubles helped him get his eye in, and he began his onslaught with consecutive fours off Chakravarthy in the 15th over. He followed up with back-to-back boundaries off Krishna to reach 31 in 18 balls without breaking a sweat.

But he saved his best for last, after Maxwell’s dismissal. With 18 balls to go, and the Royal Challengers at 148, de Villiers tore into Andre Russell, clobbering him for a six and two fours - one over deep midwicket and two behind point - as the bowler tried to go full and wide. He then launched Singh - entrusted with bowling the 19th - with a six over extra-cover to reach his half-century in 27 balls.

In the last over, de Villiers muscled another 21 runs, hitting Russell over his head, over midwicket, past short third man and over Russell’s

head once more. With Kyle Jamieson chipping in with 11 off 4, the Royal Challengers hit 56 in their last three overs, finishing on 204 for 4 with de Villiers unbeaten on 76 off 34 balls.

Knight Riders’ top order falters Gill got the chase underway by crashing Mohammed Siraj to the cover boundary in the first over. He then smacked Jamieson for a four and two sixes in the space of four deliveries to race to 21 off just eight balls. But he paid the price of going full throttle next ball, when his uppish drive found the flying Christian at mid-on.

No. 3 Tripathi then struck five fours in 19 balls to race away to 25, but was deceived by a slower Washington Sundar delivery, which he topedged to midwicket. Nitish Rana, who started the day wearing the Orange Cap, began slowly but seemed to be changing gears when he hit Yuzvendra Chahal for two fours in three balls in the seventh over . But the next ball was hit too well, and he found deep midwicket for 18. Dinesh Karthik’s stay was short-lived as he was trapped lbw by Chahal with

a wrong’un that reduced the Knight Riders to 74 for 4 after 8.3 overs. These were the first wickets for Chahal in the competition so far.

Too much for Russell to do Morgan and Shakib tried to keep the momentum going, but only one of them was succeeding. Morgan hit two sixes and a four in his 23-ball 29, but Shakib struggled with his timing, and was eventually bowled by Jamieson for26 off 25.

After Morgan’s dismissal to Harshal Patel, the Knight Riders needed 91 off 38 balls. Shakib couldn’t find the boundaries, but Russell gave the Royal Challengers a brief scare. He swatted Yuzvendra Chahal for 6, 4, 4, 4 in the 17th over, but even after that over the asking rate was nearly 20 an over. Jamieson’s 18th didn’t go for enough, and Mohammed Siraj kept hitting the blockhole in a 19th over peppered with refused singles from Russell.

With six balls to go, Knight Riders needed 43, and Russell soon dragged Patel onto the stumps. Patel finished with 2 for 17 in his four, and Jamieson with 3 for 41.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

GCA clubs will soon use an electronic scoring system IN an effort to structure cricket scoring in the capital city, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is in the process of finalising the use of an electronic scoring system.

Chairman of the Competition’s Committee, Shaun Massiah, in a message to the media yesterday, noted that once finalized, the system would be “a must for all our affiliated club to use during all our competitions”.

The active First Division

cricketer later confirmed that the CricClubs app would be used.

According to cricclubs. com, “With the CricClubs app, matches can be scored live through Android, iOS, smartphones and also through any PC. The live matches can be shared through social media….”

To ensure that persons are familiar with the process, the GCA will facilitate training. To this end, the GCA is asking that each club identify

Jamual John wins ‘battle of the Johns’ in 60-mile road race NATIONAL Road Race Champion, Jamual John, powered his way to first place, but he had to outpace his namesake when Team Alanis held a 60-mile road race from Georgetown to Mahaicony and back yesterday morning.

Forty cyclists started the race, which was sanctioned by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and granted permission by the National COVID-19 Task Force, but in the end, it came down to the battle of the Johns (Jamual vs Briton). The two had separated themselves from the pack, which had thinned out from its original count.

Briton had suffered some mechanical issues, but was able to recover and was neck-and-neck with Jamual, who returned from the USA recently and is in prime form.

Down the stretch, they exchanged the lead.

At the Movie Town Mall, Jamual pulled away, but Briton closed the distance and, nearing Sophia, was back in the mix. Jamual pulled away again at Bel Air and kept the lead until Kitty Public Road where both riders looked like they were playing cat-and- mouse until Jamual made a dash for the home stretch about 400 metres from the finish line. He won in a time of 2:23:55.

After the pair, it took well over a minute for third and fourth place finishers, Christopher Griffith and Alex Mendes, to cross the line. Then, a short while after, fifth-place finisher, Andrew Hicks emerged.

Deeraj Gharbarran placed sixth.

Mendes was the first Masters’ rider to cross the line, followed by Paul Cho-Wee-Nam and Jaikarran Sookhai.

Meanwhile, David Hicks finished ahead of Mario Washington and Shurwyn Sampson in the Junior Division.

Overall, Jamual and Briton won two prime prizes, while Marcus Keiler and Andrew Hicks won one each.

Jamual won $20,000, Briton $18,000 and Griffith $15,000. Fourth to sixth place finishers also won cash prizes, along with the top three juniors and masters riders.

Damian Persaud and Malcolm Sonaram provided live coverage for a large portion of the race.

at least two persons (either members or those attached to the clubs) to take part in the training.

According to Massiah, persons selected must be “interested, committed, willing, like the game and should be ready to score at matches when called upon” SCORING ASSOCIATION Clubs are to submit names and numbers to the Competition’s Committee

Cricket in the capital city will benefit from the new system.

Chairman on or before April 29.

Massiah added that once the training seminar is completed, persons who took part “may be incorporated into the

Scorers Association”.

The GCA governs several powerhouse cricket clubs in Guyana, including the Georgetown Cricket Club, the Demerara Crick-

et Club, the Everest Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club, Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force and the Transport Sports Club, among others.

Verstappen breaks the Italian curse (BBC) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took his first win of the year in a chaotic, incident-strewn Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton fought back to second after a rare error.

Rain at the start led to one of the most topsy-turvy races in memory as the treacherous conditions caught out the vast majority of drivers at one time or another.

There was an early safety Hamilton is one point ahead of Verstappen in the early drivers’ championship car and later a red flag, after a standings massive crash involving Merthe Mercedes into the first into the gravel, taking off cedes’ Valtteri Bottas and him.

And Lando Norris took corner. his front wing as he tried to Williams’s George Russell, Hamilton tried to hang rejoin. rivals for a seat at the world a superb third place after a strong weekend in the Mc- on around the outside of the His race appeared to be champions in 2022. first left-hander of the three- over as he lost a lap, strugEven Verstappen almost Laren.

Charles Leclerc took way chicane, but the two gling to get out of the gravel. lost his win, when he halfspun at the restart following fourth ahead of Ferrari team- touched lightly, and the Brit- But as he fought to recover, the red flag, but he managed mate Carlos Sainz, with Mc- on bounced over the kerbs Russell and Bottas collided to collect the car and streak Laren’s Daniel Ricciardo and damaged his front wing. on the very next lap as the Verstappen streaked Williams sought to pass the off into the distance as Ham- sixth, ahead of Alpha Tauri’s ilton fought to regain lost Pierre Gasly, Aston Martin’s away into a five-second lead Finn around the outside.

Lance Stroll, Alfa Romeo’s after just two laps but HamAt the restart, as Verground.

It appeared as if Hamil- Kimi Raikkonen and the ilton then pegged him back stappen drove off into the ton had gifted his main rival Alpines of Esteban Ocon and and they fought a cat-and- distance, Hamilton set about mouse fight until their pit recovering lost ground. a huge advantage in what Fernando Alonso.

What a fight, what a race stops for dry tyres just before He quickly picked off promises to be a tight chamIt was a second consec- half-distance.

Stroll’s Aston Martin and pionship fight when he lost Verstappen pitted first Ricciardo’s Alpine, was past control trying to lap Russell utive action-packed race at and slid into the barriers at the start of a season that and Hamilton the next time Sainz’s Ferrari a few laps latshows the potential to build around, setting fastest sector er, and then took third from half-distance.

But the crash between into a titanic tussle between times on his in-lap. But a Leclerc with seven laps to go.

That left only Norris beRussell and Bottas a lap later Hamilton and Verstappen, slow pit stop ensured the Red gave him a second opportu- one going for a world record Bull comfortably retained the tween him and second place.

The younger Briton fought nity and he made the most of eighth title, the other for his lead by 5.5 seconds.

But traffic delayed Ver- gamely in the McLaren but it, fighting back from eighth first.

Their battle began from stappen on the next lap and Hamilton passed him with at the restart to finish second.

After a race in which he the very first lap, as Hamilton Hamilton closed in by three three laps remaining.

Norris held on for third could have scored no points, was slower away on the wet seconds. He scented a win Hamilton limited the damage track after a downpour in the as the pair negotiated a train place after a superb weekof back markers including end in the McLaren, makand actually retained the hour before the race.

Verstappen, starting third Russell. ing amends for losing third championship lead by a point Hamilton misjudged the place on the grid by runearned for taking fastest lap, behind Hamilton and the despite Verstappen’s best other Red Bull of Sergio grip as he dived inside the ning wide and exceeding efforts to take it away from Perez, was side by side with Williams at Tosa and slid track limits.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, April 19, 2021

Guyana lose another heart-breaker –– Costa Rica hold on for 78 – 75 win to boot Guyana out of FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifier the third foul, Costa Rica made a run and gained a small lead on the Guyanese.

In fact, Guyana was outscored 27–15 in the third quarter and trailed by 10 points (56 – 66) heading into the fourth.

Deylon Bovell, who finished the night with 10 points, got things going in the final period when he was fouled from behind the arc and made good of his three shots from the ‘stripe’.

A lay-up by James on the opposite end after a rebound from a Kay Martinez missed jump-shot saw Guyana clawing back by five points (61 – 66).

A t h r e e- p o i n t e r b y Rose, his third for the night, along with two freethrows from James saw Guyana going on a 10 – 0

By Rawle Toney A monster game from Delroy James was not enough to save Guyana from going down 78 – 75 against Cost Rica last evening in San Salvador.

The result saw Guyana ending their participation at the 2023 FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in El Salvador without picking up a win from their four outings.

Guyana entered last night’s encounter coming off a heart-breaking 90 – 92 defeat to the home team (El Salvador) and was hoping to at least finish the tournament with a morale-boosting win.

However, they failed to get the ball to their talisman, James, on two critical plays under a minute in the game, which proved to be part of their demise.

James had a game high 29 points, dragged in 12 rebounds and handed out five assists. He also picked up three steals and had one block-shot.

What was more impressive was that James played much of the second half with four fouls, having picked up the penultimate penalty almost mid-way through the third period.

Along with point guard and captain, Stanton Rose Jr (16 points, nine re-

Stanton Rose Jr goes to basket to score during his 16-point performance in Guyana’s 75 - 78 defeat to Costa Rica. bounds), James helped Guyana to level at 20-20 with Costa Rica at the end of the first stanza, while seeing the men from the ‘Land of the Jaguar’, to a two-point cushion (41 – 39) at half time.

But just like their three previous matches, Guyana collapsed once again in the third period, and when Coach Junior Hercules made the right call to pull his ‘big man’ out of the game when he picked up

Brathwaite helps Gloucestershire to easy win CMC – West Indies Test captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, featured in a half-century stand as Gloucestershire completed a straight-forward run chase to beat Somerset by eight wickets on the final day of their County Championship contest here Sunday.

Resuming on 28 for one at Taunton’s County Ground in pursuit of 153, the visitors easily overhauled their target just before lunch, with wicketkeeper James Bracey hitting a polished unbeaten 83.

Brathwaite, on eight on the start, went on to make 36 in a 79-run, second wicket stand with Bracey which put Gloucestershire in sight of victory.

The right-handed Brathwaite struck four fours off 62 balls in 1-¾ hours while Bracey, resuming on ten, counted 13 fours off 122 deliveries in just under 2-¾ hours.

When Brathwaite dragged on a drive at Marchant de Lange, Gloucestershire required only a further 64 runs, and Bracey put on 67 for the third wicket with Tom Lace (20 not out) to settle the issue.

At Derby’s County Ground, Alzarri Joseph made four as part of Worcestershire’s tail as the visitors forced a draw with Derbyshire on the final day.

Set an improbable 398 from 84 overs after Derbyshire declared on 312 for five after resuming on 268 for five, Worcestershire recovered from 83 for six to end on 193 for eight.

At the Oval, opener Hassan Azad hit an unbeaten 144 to defy West Indies seamer Kemar Roach and the Surrey attack, and earn Leicestershire a comfortable draw.

Resuming on 21 without loss and needing to address arrears of a further 276 runs to avoid an innings loss, Leicestershire marched to 295 for three, with Roach ending wicket-less from 16 overs which cost 59 runs.

At St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, West Indies pacer Miguel Cummins tasted defeat as Kent lost by 200 runs to Yorkshire.

Beginning the final day on 33 for two faced with a mammoth target of 445 runs, Kent collapsed for 244 with Cummins scoring 12.

run and tying the scores (66 – 66) two minutes into the fourth.

Martinez would then knock down a three, pushing Costa Rica back in the lead, but it was short-lived after James answered with one of his own, to tie things back again (69 – 69).

Costa Rica went on an eight-to-nothing run (77 – 69) as Guyana couldn’t find a bucket.

It was not until James’ ‘and one’ shot with three minutes to go that Guyana saw a basket. James scored the free-throw, completing the three-point play; putting Guyana down by five points (72 – 77).

A three from James; his fourth ‘dime’ of the night, with two minutes, two seconds left, brought Guyana within three points

(75 – 77).

But James would only have two more touches of the ball as he was ‘frozeout’.

Martinez was fouled by Bovell and could’ve only converted the first of his two shots. Costa Rica was up 78 – 75 with 00.06s on the clock.

Akeem Crandon came up with the rebound and Harold Adams’ ‘prayer’ of a shot fell well-short of the mark as the buzzer sounded.

The five-team group, playing in a round-robin format, will only see the top three teams advancing to the next round of qualifiers for teams in the Central American and Caribbean regions for FIBA. Team Guyana will return home today.

Walker wins Bank of Baroda Golf Tournament WILLIAM Walker emerged victorious in the Bank of Baroda Golf Tournament, which was held on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Club.

The 11-handicapper bested 20 other golfers over 18 holes (twice around the nine-hole club).

He registered a gross score of 80 to finish with a net score of 69.

Second place went to Maxim Mangra, who finished with a gross score of 86 and net 71.

Last week’s Colin Ming Memorial golf

winner, Gavin Todd, finished third, but it took a countback to separate him from Mangra.

Todd, with a handicap of 20, made a gross score of 91.

Fourth place went to Aasrodeen Shaw who grossed 84 to finish with net 72.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; High Commission of India, Dr K.J. Srinivasa and the (Ag) Resident Representative of UNICEF for Guyana and Suriname, Mr Irfan Akhtar were at the venue.

William Walker (third from right standing) collects the first place trophy from Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. High Commission of India Dr K.J. Srinivasa (third from left standing) was also at the presentation ceremony.

Jamual John wins ‘battle of the Johns’ in 60-mile road race See story on page 22 Jamual John (right) got the better of Briton John (middle). Also in the photo is fourthplace finisher, Alex Mendes (left).

Guyana lose another heart-breaker

It was a solid all-round performance from Delroy James, but it was not enough to stop Guyana from going down 78 - 75 to Costa Rica.

–– Costa Rica hold on for 78 – 75 win to boot Guyana out of FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifier See story on page 23

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Glenn Maxwell clubs one down the ground (BCCI)

AB, Maxwell help RCB past KKR See story on page 21

MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021