Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-04-2021

TUESDAY 20th April, 2021

No. 106336 SEE PAGE

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Guyana stands with St. Vincent, Barbados

—will support rebuilding process following volcanic eruptions, says President Ali The third shipment of relief supplies destined for St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados being loaded on to the ‘MV Lady Fazeela’ at the Muneshwer’s Wharf, in downtown Georgetown, on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

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―as GPL undertakes critical needs assessment of its operations

Champagne Village gets Internet for first time

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Cuba has a new leader, and it’s not a Castro 8

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Largest shipment of COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Guyana

2 President Dr. Irfaan Ali

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Brighter days ahead

—as GPL undertakes critical needs assessment of its operations

By Navendra Seoraj SHEDDING light on the underlying problems affecting its operations is the aim of Guyana Power and Light (GPL), as it has undertaken a “needs assessment” to identify specific and critical requirements, which, when addressed, would boost the efficiency of the service offered to Guyanese.

For years, consumers have complained consistently about their inability to enjoy reliable power supply, as spates of blackouts have been common because of certain operational issues at the utility company.

In August, after being elected to office, the new government found that the national grid was providing 120 megawatts of electricity, an amount which is equal to the consumer demand of 117-120 megawatts of power; this leaves no room for reserve power.

Since then, there have been major capital injections into the company to address this and

other issues, but President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has said that GPL was advised recently to identify the gaps in the system and determine what is needed for there to be a reliable and stable supply of power.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), access to modern energy services, of which reliable electricity is a part, is fundamental to fulfilling basic social needs, driving economic growth and fuelling human development. This is because energy services have an effect on productivity, health, education, safe water and communication services.

For developing nations such as Guyana, the need for reliable and affordable energy is more fundamental. The general understanding is that reliable energy, in these countries, supports expanded industry, modern agriculture, increased trade and improved transportation.

Guyana, being on the cusp of economic transformation, fuelled by advancement in its

petroleum and other productive sectors, will be depending heavily on reliable energy. So, the assessment

by GPL will serve as the groundwork towards building confidence in the local power supply.

main reason for the outages,” the prime minister related.

LANGUISHED He, however, lamented that the transmission and distribution system languished since it was not consistently maintained

[last week].

“But we have to make investments as necessary, so that every citizen has an equal supply of power.”

It was reported recently that GPL’s system will be upgraded to bring much-needed relief to

One of the GPL substations at Sophia

Only in March, due to numerous power outages, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips convened a meeting among key stakeholders, and said that the company’s fault identification system will be upgraded.

“We are aware that GPL is doing some extensive repairs to the transmission and distribution system and that is the

over the past five years.

In an invited comment on the sidelines of an event at Office of the President last week, President Ali said: “The last discussion we had with GPL is to come up with the gap in terms of what is needed for a stable, reliable supply, and that is what they are doing now and that evaluation will be done during the course of this week

thousands of citizens, but this is not the only area through which the government is hoping to upgrade, in order to improve power generation and supply.

The 2021 National Budget contains allocations of $240 million for the Sustainable Energy Programme; $628.8 million for the Renewable Energy Improvement Power System Project; $750 million for the Energy Matrix Diversification Programme; $500 million for the Solar System Project; $125 million for the Small Hydro Projects; and an estimated $202.5 million has been allocated to hinterland electrification.

Additionally, an estimated total of $3.1 billion has been allocated to power companies across Guyana: $172.5 million for Lethem Power Company, $490 million for Kwakwani Utilities Inc., $2.3 billion for LINMINE, $30 million for Mabaruma Power Company, $50 million for Mahdia Power and Light, $10 million for Moruca Power and Light, $15 million for Matthew’s Ridge Power and Light and $50 million for Port Kaituma Power and Light.

Although the government’s plans for energy are clear, President Ali, in speaking further

about the issues related to the supply of power, said: “What has happened is, when we came into government, we found this system that was minimally maintained and this has come to us now from various audits… the networks, transformers, circuits, tremendous difficulties, and we have been investing in correcting these difficulties.

We’ve been investing in capital acquisitions for our power-generating capacity.”

NEW SUBSTATION In June, the construction of GPL’s new substation is expected to be completed, boosting the power supply of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) by 46.5 Megawatts (MW).

The Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) is responsible for a total electrical output of 106.7 megawatts within the DBIS, sourcing from four power plants, namely Garden of Eden (22 MW), Kingston #1 (22MW), Kingston #2 (36.3 MW) and Vreed-en-Hoop (26.4 MW).

The additional 46.5 MW power supply will be generated by the five new US$41 million dual-fuel generating sets which arrived in Guyana on November 5, 2020.

“We have been providing funding [to GPL]… after that needs assessment, we will have an idea of the additional requirements, so that is what we are looking at,” President Ali said.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Phillips had said too: “Our government will now work assiduously to implement the necessary measures that will result in improved standard of living for our people through the generation and provision of sufficient, stable and reliable power.”

He had reiterated the government’s vision for the future of energy provision in Guyana, which includes the addition of over 400MW of newly installed capacity and a reduction in the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent through provisions from a mix of energy sources that include hydropower, natural gas, solar and wind.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

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Guyana stands with St. Vincent, Barbados ―will support rebuilding process following volcanic eruptions, says President Ali

By Richard Bhainie WITH St. Vincent and the Grenadines severely impacted by the eruptions of La Soufrière Volcano and

want to assure Prime Minister Mottley and Prime Minister Gonsalves that not only are we with them in this immediate term, but we are with them throughout

the process of rebuilding – not only the physical infrastructure, but rebuilding the lives that would have been affected,” President Ali said.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Lieutenant-Colonel, Kester Craig inspecting the goods being loaded on to the motor vessel (MV) Lady Fazeela at Muneshwer’s Wharf, Georgetown, on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

to a lesser extent Barbados, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said Guyana remains a solid friend in their time of need.

The President gave the commitment during a commendation ceremony of the third shipment of relief supplies loaded on the motor vessel (MV) Lady Fazeela at Muneshwer’s Wharf, Georgetown, on Monday.

“Guyana understands our responsibility to CARICOM, we understand our role in CARICOM and I

government, agencies of government, the private sector, with all of us working together there are no barriers that can stop us from achieving what we plan to achieve,” President Ali noted.

He urged however that it must not only be in times of need that cohesion is mobilised, and charged that the same spirit of working together displayed during times of disaster be engrained in Guyanese culture, which will inevitably be a catalyst in the building of Guyana and the CARICOM region at large.

The President commended the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which he contended has proven its ability time and time again

Managing-Director of Palm Court, Navin Prashad handing over Palm Court’s donation to Olive Gopaul, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Civil Defence Commission (left) and Patrice Wishart, Public Relations Officer, Civil Defence Commission (centre) on Monday at Muneshwer’s Wharf, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (left), Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Lieutenant-Colonel, Kester Craig (centre) and Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips at Muneshwer’s Wharf, Georgetown, on Monday

The vessel expected to leave today will make its first stop in Barbados which has been affected by ash fall, before journeying to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is loaded with 275 tonnes of emergency supplies, which includes bottled water, water tanks, food supplies, and other necessities.

The President praised the cohesive efforts mustered by Guyanese from all walks of life and who have contributed to assisting with the relief missions bound for the Caribbean islands, an effort which vibrantly displays the rewards of collaboration and co-operation.

“This really tells us how much we can achieve when we come together;

to rise to challenges.

VERY PROUD “This tells a story that built in institutionally in our local private sector is a strong commitment to their social responsibility and I think for that as a nation, for that as a government, we ought to be very, very proud,” he said.

He also lauded the Prime Minister, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other contributors, including the proprietors of the vessels which transported the relief supplies, for their support in the initiative, which was done in a selfless manner.

“This is what Guyana must be known for, the collection of people ready to serve at any time, ready to answer the call of humanity at any time, these are traits of Guyana, we are loving people, we are caring people, we are sharing people, we are committed people,” President Ali said.

“For this I am most proud, for this we can all have great satisfaction that in the true spirit of Guyana, in the true spirit of being Guyanese, we are doing our part to help member states of our Region as they too do their part in helping us in our times of need,” he added.

On Saturday last the first shipment of relief supplies from Guyana was welcomed by Prime Minister of St. Vincent and

the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, which arrived on board the MV Miss Meena.

GOOD SAMARITAN While thanking the Government of Guyana and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali for the relief, the Vincentian prime minister said, “I want to say that with the renewed bond of friendship, and this act of solidarity, one cannot help but remember in the Bible the story of the Good Samaritan.”

On Thursday last, a 20foot container packed with cases of water left on a Tropical Shipping vessel which departed Guyana destined for St. Vincent and the Grenadines intended to supplement the emergency supplies.

Earlier on Monday the Guyana Chronicle caught up with one of the contributors to the mission, Managing-Director of Palm Court, Navin Prashad, who on behalf of Palm Court donated 576 cases of drinking water to the cause, and pledged the business’s commitment to render support in the future.

“It is our social responsibility to assist in any way possible. I would like to commend the Government of Guyana and the business community for their unwavering support and solidarity towards our CARICOM brothers and sisters,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Over 100 Parika residents benefit from CIOG outreach THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Sunday hosted a medical outreach in the community of Saint Lawrence, Parika, which benefited more than 100 persons.

The initiative was motivated by the prevalence of indigent and vulnerable persons in that area, and the lack of an “up-to-date” medical facility, according to General Manager of the CIOG, Shameena Haniff.

She said the CIOG was informed that while there is a health centre in Parika, getting medication, or the doctor’s attention has proved to be quite a hassle.

“We saw 100 persons who would have [sic] benefited medically, and also items were distributed. The items which were distrib-

uted were: clothing for babies, both male and female, for children, as well as for

doctors, that were given to patients,” Haniff explained during an interview with this

50%, and then the other 50% is hanging. So, we’d normally do assessments in the

major issues are diabetes and hypertension, and also anxiety to some level. Because

adults; we had footwear, we had petroleum jelly, we had a number of vitamins, as well as other pharmaceuticals that were prescribed by the

newspaper.

“So that’s why when we do the outreaches, we normally cater for a number of things. So, it’s not like a

various communities to have an idea as to what are some of the major complaints.

What we find in most of the communities in Guyana, the

we do have some level of mental health issues across Guyana, and you know, we try to address that by having counsellors also on board when we do these outreaches,” she noted.

The CIOG receives a lot of assistance from the HAP team from the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, the Guyana Medical Relief, the Guyana Cancer Foundation, the National Blood Transfusion Service, and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.

The outreach on Sunday was made possible with the help of the HAP team, the Sewnarine family, Pharma X Consultancy Ltd, Guyana Medical Relief, Guyana Cancer Foundation, Rose Wood Foundation, NAPS, NBTS and Dauntless Therapeutic services.

The CIOG extended gratitude to the doctors, nurses and volunteers who assisted that day, noting their key role in ensuring that the outreach was a success.

“For that area, it was mostly populated with Amerindians, which is what we realised yesterday. So the residents there were very happy and they welcomed the outreach, and we are looking at doing a bigger one soon, at a more central point, that can service Tuschen, Hubu, Parika, and all the surrounding areas in that region,” Shameena explained.

The CIOG recently coordinated an outreach in Mahaicony, which saw numerous residents benefiting from supplies. There will be an outreach in Linden, in the month of May, as part of the organisation’s Ramadan celebrations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

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George Floyd: US city on edge as jury deliberates Chauvin verdict THE jury, in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer accused of killing George Floyd last year, has retired to weigh up its verdict.

Security has been ramped up around the court building in the US city of Minneapolis, which is protected by barbed wire, high barriers and armed soldiers from the National Guard.

“This was murder,” the prosecutor said in closing arguments on Monday.

The defence argued that Chauvin had correctly followed police training.

He behaved as any “reasonable police officer” would, lead lawyer Eric Nelson said, adding the circumstances surrounding Floyd’s death gave rise to reasonable doubt.

But prosecutor Steve Schleicher urged jurors to “use your common sense.

Believe your eyes. What you saw, you saw,” referring to the video showing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd for more than nine minutes last May. “This wasn’t policing; this was murder,” he added.

The footage of Chauvin, who is white, restraining Floyd, a black man, on the floor as he shouted “I can’t breathe” spurred months of global protests against racism in 2020.

The trial of Chauvin has been described as a pivotal moment for race relations and policing in the US. Cities across the country are bracing for protests regardless of whether the jury decides to convict or acquit Chauvin of murder and manslaughter charges.

On Monday the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, requested security assistance from the states of Ohio and Nebraska ahead of the verdict.

Walz thanked Ohio and Nebraska for helping Minnesota’s state troopers and police officers “as they continue to work to keep the peace in our communities”.

The prosecution and the defence made their closing statements in a trial that lasted three weeks. The

prosecution then had another opportunity to rebut Nelson’s arguments before the jury was sent to deliberate.

Jurors could take a short amount of time or days to decide whether to convict

Waters spoke on Saturday in Brooklyn Centre, a suburb of Minneapolis where Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old black man, was fatally shot by a police officer last week.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader of the US House of Representatives, defended Waters over her remarks, insisting she had no reason to apologise.

(BBC)

Minneapolis is braced for a repeat of the violence that gripped the city last spring after George Floyd’s death (BBC photo)

former Minneapolis police officer Chauvin.

The jury will have to consider testimony heard from 45 witnesses, including doctors, use-of-force experts, police officers, bystanders and people who were close to Floyd.

Chauvin has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

He faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge - second-degree murder.

A conviction on any of the counts against Chauvin will require the nine-woman, five-man jury to return a unanimous verdict.

After the jury had left court on Monday, lawyers for the prosecution and defence continued to debate procedural matters.

Judge Peter Cahill rejected a last-gasp attempt by Chauvin’s defence lawyer to declare the trial invalid because of media coverage and comments made by a member of Congress.

Nelson suggested remarks made by Democratic representative Maxine Waters over the weekend may have influenced the jury.

If there is no guilty verdict in Chauvin’s trial, Waters said, “then we know that we got to not only stay in the street, but we have got to fight for justice”.

She also rejected curfews and said: “We’ve got to get more confrontational.

We’ve got to make sure that they know that we mean business.”

In court, Nelson described Waters’ comments as “threats against the sanctity of the jury process”.

“Now that we have US representatives threatening acts of violence in relation to this case - it’s mind boggling to me,” Nelson said In response, Judge Cahill said: “I give you that congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this trial being overturned.”

The judge said he wished “elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law”.

“Their failure to do so is abhorrent,” he said.

However, he said Waters’ “opinion really doesn’t matter a whole lot” and therefore dismissed Nelson’s motion for a mistrial.

Earlier on Monday,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Engaging grassroots in development EXPANDING the power, playbook, and professionalism of local government organs such as Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) serves to firm up democracy on the ground, networks the grassroots arena into a cohesive national interface between the governance structure and citizens, and opens a wide avenue for Guyanese to use their local government office as a platform to contribute individual talents, skills, ideas, and human resource assets to the nation.

The integrity of a democratic country comes wrapped up in citizen participation, not only in exercising their voting franchise to cast their ballots on elections day in free and fair elections, but also to contribute whatever positive, constructive effort and energy and enlightenment they could to the fruitful functioning of the Guyanese society, and to use their voice for the public good. Every hand on deck makes building the nation a smoother process.

The best platform for Guyanese to walk in off the street and add their value and worth as interested and invested, empow-

ered, free-thinking citizens to the nation is at their NDC front office. While central government looks after the macro picture, providing the big vision and national-policy paradigm for how the society works, and regional governments take care of a wide swath of collective communities, the NDC intimately interacts with Guyanese, directly and face-to-face, looking at only the one village or town, the one community -- a singular focus. This relationship offers much opportunity for authentic engagement, trust-building, and a two-way flow of heart-to-heart communication.

Although ministers of the government, and even President Ali, spend a lot of time interfacing with ordinary citizens all across the country, managing a modern country is not an easy state of play. Ministers see a lot of demand on their time and energy, which impacts on their ability to socialise and listen to every concern of every citizen.

Yet, every Guyanese wants to be heard and understood, and to know that the system is open to their concerns.

The structure of the NDC system is a

significant, important, and beautiful pathway for citizens to feel they are vital in the overall schematic of how their country operates; that at any time they could show up at the doorstep of the local government office and become a powerful element in the unfolding of the democratic fabric as real socioeconomic development happens; that they played their part with direct involvement.

Such interest from ordinary Guyanese in their communities would see citizens become deeply invested in their surroundings, standing up, for example, against anything that would damage the public good. NDCs are perfect conduit points between the powers that be at Parliament, and the people who work the land with dedicated toil, building homes and raising families, and holding down jobs and serving their country with patriotic hearts.

NDCs offer the nation a golden gateway to connect with every Guyanese with openness and care for whatever is the individual concern, and to generate solutions that bring satisfaction, goodwill, and commu-

nity togetherness.

In other words, NDCs function as not just political organs of political parties, but as genuine citizen engagement forums within the body politic, reaching out to the needs and concerns of every Guyanese. In fact, such a playground would cause local government elections to become an exciting showcase for whichever national political outfit shows more interest, intelligence, and integrity in taking care of the concerns of citizens, one-on-one and face-to- face, as voters would gravitate to the party of the NDC governments that demonstrated most care for their welfare. In evolving the ever-widening horizon of Guyana’s possibilities, the nation would do well to ensure that every Guyanese from every corner of their country could play a direct role in cultivating a national playbook of confident engagement, individual empowerment, and enlightening involvement in the development process.

The NDC structure offers the perfect platform for such citizen participation.

A most welcome announcement by the President Dear Editor,

THE ‘Rule of Law and Access to Justice’ are of great importance in any country, and it applies especially to Guyana’s situation and the last election. That now infamous March 02, 2020, Guyana General and Regional Elections will always be remembered for what the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) perpetrated. In simple language, their prolonged and bare-faced attempts at rigging constitute a crime of disproportionate immensity, and I am happy to note that President Irfaan Ali has resounded his promise of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into what transpired between March and August of 2020, the period between the actual casting of the votes and the declaration of the verified results.

In this modern era, I remind readers that justice is an area of increasing importance and according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it is inextricably connected to human development and poverty eradication, since it is the fulcrum for all human rights. So, it means when an election

is stolen or there were prolonged attempts to block the official winners, the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

In this vein, the Guyana President is set to fulfill his commitment for a complete investigation in the post-March 02, 2020 happenings by the APNU+AFC, and which were observed and condemned by the entire world. I remember that the President, as early as October 2020, made known to the public this desire, and by extension, that of all right-minded Guyanese, for a full-blown investigation.

In fact, quite a few months back, the populace was informed that the “Guyana Government was already in talks with the international community regarding a forensic review of the events of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.” Our elections attracted more than a mere cursory look: there was and still is a huge global interest in a move towards a parsing of the events that sought at the time to shroud transparency and fairness.

So to hear just a few days back, that “It is going to come and it will come soon,” is indeed a welcome thing from President Ali. By now, we all know that this President sticks to his commitment. This has been the

case so far in his tenure -- social amelioration; easing of financial burdens; care during the COVID-19 pandemic; better access to housing, and more and better infrastructural development, etc. So, the investigation into attempts to rig the elections in an effort to keep the retired Brigadier David Granger and his Coalition APNU+AFC in power, at the expense of the authentic winner, Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C, will soon be a major happening in Guyana.

So, if this planned CoI unfolds quicker than the five months of near chaos engendered

by APNU+FC, it will finally put to rest the elections aftermath. And if all goes well, the same principles that were enforced on the elections will be again utilised by the investigators, that is, principles of transparency, evidence substantiation, and supremacy of the constitution. In this way, even when the losers are established, they can only grumble and fuss.

That is why it is assuring to all Guyanese that the Head of State has indicated that the actual composition of personnel for the CoI will leave nothing to chance and no one in doubt. The commissioners,

he said, are likely to be drawn from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth. After all, they were on hand and recorded everything.

I close with the presidential resolve: “We cannot continue to have an elections secretariat that conducts itself… in a way that the last secretariat conducted itself, that damaged the international, local and regional credibility of our country, damaged our democracy and really set us back in terms of our development pathway…” and “What we want to see is a transparent, professional, accountable elections secretariat…I want to see an elections secretariat that acts without fear or favour; that acts without bias; that is loyal to Guyana; that upholds the constitution of Guyana; that upholds their Oath of Office; that is independent; and that delivers to the Guyanese people in a democratic, free and fair manner.”

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

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Harmon remains a devoted accuser Dear Editor,

I RECALL the Leader of the Opposition Joseph Harmon, on more than one occasion, saying that the A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) is asking that the “PPP regime (bring an end) to the discrimination in the distribution of COVID-19 relief grants and hasten its distribution, since there are thousands of Guyanese countrywide in desperate need, who are yet to receive their grants.”

First of all, APNU+AFC has no credibility. Harmon has been spearheading a campaign, since post-March 02, 2020, that embodies untruths of the most egregious nature. I will just mention the Statements of Poll and Statements of Recount (SoPs and SoRs) of the March 2020 Guyana elections. Harmon and his cohorts are even trying to get the courts away from their well-hidden SoPs, especially those decisive

Region Four ones, which will embarrass the APNU+AFC and confirm what is public knowledge: the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won the 2020 elections.

So, when it comes to attacking the PPP/C, the Harmon posse will never be taken seriously. Mr. Editor, in the same way that all and sundry are asking to see the APNU+AFC SoPs, I am asking Harmon to bring evidence that the COVID-19 cash grant was distributed in a “discriminatory” manner.

Since he is claiming that “… the Coalition has compiled a list of approximately 1,710 households that did not benefit from the cash grant,” but received only “… pink slips which appear to be an “empty promise,” and others did not receive any, as they were simply ignored by the distribution teams,” then like the demand for SoPs I request this list and locations/identities of these people in a corporeal manner. Accusations carry a ‘burden of proof’ and unless

Harmon can substantiate, he will be ignored and life will go on with him merely on the sidelines.

Bordering on the ludicrous, Harmon is claiming that “… close to $1.5 billion from the money that was allocated for the cash grant was siphoned off for political purposes.” Well, prove this is so.

He detailed that the actual amount was derived by virtue of “household surveys.” So, he needs to give details of surveyed areas; the number of households; premises with more than one household; and exactly how much money was utilised for necessary expenses in the distribution.

By asking for details, I do not mean to quote figures, as was the case in the now-infamous spreadsheet shenanigan, but at least get snapshots, photos and videos of the people.

Especially when it comes to Region One (Barima-Waini), and where Harmon is ‘trying a ting,’ telling people that some 376 households did not receive the grant, 101 households did not receive the pink

The spirit of Ramadhan Dear editor, I WOULD like to take this opportunity to say a few words about Ramadhan.

Ramadhan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the world fast during this month. During the fast, they are not allowed to eat or drink anything from dawn to dusk.

But the true spirit of Ramadhan lies in abstaining from falsehood and evil.

As the Holy Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him) has said, “If a person does not eschew falsehood and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from food and drink.”

(Bukhari) Another purpose of fasting is to gain self-control. During fasts, we are supposed to have complete control over our emotions. As the Holy Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him) has said, “Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is fasting, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor should he raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: “I am fasting!”

(Muslim) Although there are many spiritual and physical benefits of fasting, one societal

benefit of fasting is that it encourages us to care for the needy and poor people in our community. When we abstain from food and drink, we share the pain of hunger. This way, everyone in the Muslim community can understand the feeling of a poor man who doesn’t have sufficient food to eat or to feed his family. Thus, we are encouraged to spend on the poor and needy in Ramadhan just as Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to spend generously in the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

By the grace of God, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is working together with Humanity First Guyana to share cooked meals to the street dwellers and needy people. We also distribute food hampers to needy and poor families in the community. These activities take place in the city and four other towns of Guyana. This way, we can uplift those who are weak and help them to get better. May God help us to spend Ramadhan in the true spirit.

Amen.

Maqsood A. Mansoor Missionary in Charge Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at

slip, while 275 households received pink slips.

I have no need to elaborate further. Harmon and his cronies are clutching at straws. Life in Guyana is moving ahead and his vacuous words are now

becoming silent.

I yet again inform readers that the PPP/ C’s leaders have already started birthing the idea of a second $25,000 cash grant. They have had a few logistical hiccups

with the ongoing firstwave distribution, but nothing in terms of being surreptitious and dishonest.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Cuba has a new leader and it’s not a Castro

CUBA’S Communist Party has announced Miguel Díaz-Canel will succeed Raúl Castro as the party’s first secretary.

Díaz-Canel, who in 2018 succeeded Castro as Cuba’s President, had been widely tipped for the arguably more influential post of party leader.

The transition means that the island will be governed by someone other than Fidel or Raúl Castro for the first time since the Cuban revolution in 1959.

Díaz-Canel is seen as loyal to the Castros and their economic model.

Speaking on Friday, when Díaz-Canel had not been officially named yet as First Secretary, Raúl Castro said that he would hand over the leadership to a younger generation “full of passion and anti-imperialist spirit.”

At 60, Díaz-Canel is almost 30 years younger than his predecessor.

It follows the announcement on Friday -- on the first day of the party’s four-day

congress -- that Raúl Castro was stepping down from the key position of First Secretary. The 89-year-old had been in the post since 2011, when he took over from his older brother Fidel Castro.

Between them, the two brothers have ruled Cuba since the 1959 revolution which overthrew the authoritarian ruler Gen Fulgencio Batista.

Fidel Castro was the country’s leader from 1959.

He fell ill in 2006 and two years later he formally handed over the presidency to his brother.

Fidel Castro died in 2016, but his brother Raúl maintained the grip of Cuba’s Communist Party on power on the island.

Even though Miguel Díaz-Canel was born after the Cuban revolution, he is seen as one of its staunchest defenders and a close ally to the Castros. He began his political career in his early 20s as a member of the Young Communist League in Santa Clara, a city dominated by

the mausoleum of Che Guevara, who fought alongside the Castros in the Cuban revolution.

erful Council of State. Five years later, in 2018, he was elected Cuba’s President by the country’s National As-

tained good relations with North Korea, China, Russia, Bolivia and Venezuela.

And while he has vowed

Miguel Díaz-Canel (left) will take over as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party from Raúl Castro (right) (BBC)

He worked his way up through the ranks and became Minister of Higher Education in 2009.

In 2013, he became Vice-President of the pow-

sembly with 99.83 per cent of the vote in a process which was fully overseen by the ruling Communist Party.

Under Díaz-Canel’s leadership, Cuba has main-

to protect Cuba’s sovereignty and the Castros’ ideals, he faces a country mired in its most serious economic crisis in decades.

Cuba’s economy shrank

by 11 per cent last year as the COVID-19 pandemic as well as sanctions and tighter financial restrictions imposed by the U.S. Government under former President Donald Trump hit the island hard.

Díaz-Canel welcomed the election of President Joe Biden and said that he believed “constructive bilateral relations respecting another’s differences” were possible under the new President.

In his final address to the Communist Party on Friday, Castro echoed that sentiment, saying that there was a “willingness to conduct a respectful dialogue and build a new kind of relationship with the United States.”

H o w e v e r, w i t h t h e White House saying that a shift in its policy towards Cuba was not among President Joe Biden’s top foreign policy priorities, any possible changes in the two countries’ relationship still appear to be far off.

(BBC)

Scientist calls action of man who climbed volcano ‘dotish’ THE lead scientist monitoring the La Soufrière volcano, Professor Richard Robertson, Monday described as “dotish” and not an act of bravery, the decision by a man to climb the erupting volcano on Sunday.

“It is absolutely foolish… it is absolutely dotish to do that. People talk about bravery and to me somebody is brave when you are aware of the risks that you put yourself through because of some positive job or they need to contribute to

society in a fundamental way and you still take the action to save your family or something like that,” Robertson reacting to the incident said.

“So you are aware of the risk. You know you could be killed or you know you could

be hurt, but you still do it.

That’s a brave person. A brave person is not somebody who goes up to the mountain, putting themselves and their parties at risk and the people who might have to rescue them,” the volcanologist added.

“is not brave, to me that person is just simply dotish. I would suggest that action like that is not sensible. At this time I think for me, people in St. Vincent need to be brave, be brave to what we have to face.

We have to face a country in

thing, that is not brave, that is dotish, that is what I would call it. I am sorry if I offend anybody with that type of language,” he said.

On Sunday, the volcano continued its pattern of explosions with the Seismic Re-

A video has been circulating on social media showing the man, later identified as “our guide,” going to the summit of the volcano which has been erupting since April 9 and has forced the evacuation of more than 16,000 people in the Red Zone area.

In the video, the person is seen without a face mask, taking video selfies at the smouldering crater and describing the scene, while a strong wind blows, and steam rises from the cauldron. He also captures video of a person climbing.

Robertson said that person

which we will have tremendous devastation because of the volcano.

“We have to be very brave to face the circumstances. If we want to live in this land that is really beautiful, we have to deal with the volcano, we have to deal with the hazards.

You have to be brave to protect your family that is brave.

“Going up the mountain at this point in time where you could be killed or where you could get people with you killed; or you could inspire people who saw you that is a sensible thing to do the same

search Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI), reporting that the episode of continuous seismic tremor generated by explosive activity at La Soufrière, lasted until about 9.00 pm (local time).

In its latest bulletin, the SRC said that following this small long-period and hybrid earthquakes started to be recorded again, at a rate similar to before the explosive activity. It said that this rate dropped significantly during the early hours of Monday.

(CMC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

new COVID-19 cases detected, 66 recoveries recorded

THE Ministry of Health has recorded 38 new cases of COVID-19 from 233 tests conducted for April 18, 2021. This was shown in the ministry’s daily COVID-19 dashboard for April 19.

Of those, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 10; Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), seven; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), three; Region Six (East

Berbice-Corentyne), 14, and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), two.

The new cases include 22 males and 16 females. No other region has confirmed new cases within the past 24 hours.

To date, there are 13 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 77 in institutional isolation, 1,294 isolated at home, and 10 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed a total of 11,901

cases since the arrival of COVID-19 in Guyana. Of that number, 1,394 are currently active. Of the10, 246 recoveries, 66 were recorded in the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance

9

from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of the virus.

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

Roshan Khan launches third book

LOCAL businessman, activist, preacher and Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Haji Dr. Roshan Khan has launched a book comprising his speeches, letters to the editor and articles.

According to Khan, “My words, My vision, My thoughts”, is not his first pub-

lication, but rather his third, which has been in the making for a while now.

“My words are always words of beauty and joy; words of goodwill. Spanning over a decade, you have seen my personal reflections, and the vision for the development of our beloved country, Guyana, which has been publicished in the

form of letters to the editors, special articles, magazines,” Khan highlighted.

Back in 1979, no one would have guessed that Haji Roshan Khan’s life would have turned out the way it has today. Being fired from his job seemed like the end of the world, but the incident turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The cover of “My Words, My Vision, My Thoughts” by Haji Dr. Roshan Khan

Editor of Khan’s book, Gwen Evelyn stated that this was the point when he turned his bad experience into the bridge between dreaming and doing.

“With just 7 dollars and 50 cents to his name, he decided to start a security business and make it a success. It was a lonely, stressful, and all-consuming path, but his revolutionary approach helped him to break all barriers in the security industry.

Today, RK’s Guyana Security Service stretches across the length and breadth of Guyana, and his group of companies has expanded to include real estate and vehicle sales,” she noted proudly on the occasion of the book launch.

Khan’s wife describes him as prolific, tenacious, hardworking and dynamic. For

anyone that knows him, when he sets his mind on a task, there is no turning back, she said.

“As the saying goes: What you can conceive, and believe, you can achieve… My husband conceived and believed, but he has certainly achieved. As you read and flip through the pages of this book, you will find that it will enrich your knowledge, and enhance your understanding of events that have transpired in Guyana.

You will see, also, someone who has repeatedly stood for what is right; someone who took a stand for the vulnerable, and someone who always put Guyana first,” she opined.

“The fact that Roshan built a business from the ground up, and turned it into a security industry colossus is enough to generate public interest in his

words, vision and thoughts on national issues. But his social commentary is even more valuable, because it helps to guide the national discourse that fuels the decisions that push the nation forward. His lifelong goal is to deliver peace, enlightenment and happiness to Guyana and the world. This mission took him to many nations, and brought him eye-to-eye with prominent leaders,” Evelyn further stated.

“Roshan never lost sight of the importance of continued learning and innovation.

He interacts with positive, inspired people without regard for their race, creed, wealth, education or social background. And, above all, when Haji Roshan Khan has something to say, he is not afraid to say it,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Largest shipment of COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Guyana ―Health Minister says second dose of vaccine guaranteed for all ―86,601 people vaccinated thus far

By Vishani Ragobeer THE largest consignment of COVID-19 vaccines, some 83,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Monday morning.

Monday’s shipment is the third set of Sputnik V vaccines the country has received, after

the government managed to secure a procurement deal of 400,000 vaccine doses, which are administered in two components at 200,000 doses each.

Previously, Guyana received a total of 55,000 doses of the Russian vaccine.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently said that the country is paying US$4M (or more than G$800M) for 200,000 doses of

the Sputnik V. This Sputnik V vaccine, like the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines that Guyana has been using in its COVID-19 vaccination rollout, is given in two doses. While the second dose of the AstraZeneca and the Sinopharm is identical to the first, the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine is different from the first, ac-

cording to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.

During his daily COVID-19 update on Monday, he explained that the first dose of the Sputnik V is known as Component One, while the second is called Component Two. To be fully vaccinated with this vaccine, an individual must receive the first and second doses.

“With these two (components), we will be able to fully vaccinate 200,000 people,” the minister said. He also assured members of the public that when persons are ready to receive their second dose, which would be some 28 days after they would have gotten the first ‘jab’, the Component Two vaccines will be made available.

80,000 AstraZeneca vaccines were received from India; 55,000 Sputnik V vaccines were received in two shipments, and 24,000 AstraZeneca vaccines were also received through the COVAX facility.

A n d o n M o n d a y, t h e Health Minister announced that 86,601 people across Guyana received their first dose of one of the three vaccines

Additional doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines arrived in Guyana on Monday

The Russian Sputnik V vaccines being placed in a special truck for cold storage until it gets to a cold storage facility (Ministry of Health photos)

“We have received the first shipment of those first doses and today; we will be receiving 43,000 of the first dose to complement what we already received as first dose, and we will be getting 40,000 of the second dose, so that those persons who would require their second dose, we will have those second doses ready,” he said on Monday before the arrival of the vaccines.

Dr. Anthony also highlighted that another batch of the second dose of the vaccines is expected in the country shortly.

As these vaccines arrive, they will be distributed countrywide.

These 83,000 vaccines mean that Guyana has received a total of 265,000 vaccine doses. Earlier, 3,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines were received from Barbados, after that country received a donation from India; 20,000 Sinopharm doses were received as a donation from China; a further

across Guyana. On Friday last, Guyana began vaccinating all individuals aged 18 years and older, indicating a significant scale-up in the local vaccination rollout.

Guyana still has some more vaccines to receive from Russia through the procurement deal that was made. Additionally, in the initial distribution phase, the COVAX facility, which is a global inter-organisational effort geared at promoting vaccine equity, promised Guyana 100,800 vaccine doses. With that facility only distributing 24,000 doses to Guyana thus far, the country is still expected to receive a further 76,800 doses by May. As Guyana awaits those vaccines, Dr. Anthony also confirmed that Guyana would be interested in ordering more vaccines from Russian in order to meet the local target of vaccinating the adult population by year-end.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Champagne village gets Internet for first time

THANKS to an initiative by the E-Governance Project under the Office of the Prime Minister, residents living in the remote village of Champagne, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), for the first time have access to Internet in their community at no cost to them.

The service was established on Friday, and is available at the Champagne Primary and Nursery Schools. Students and other residents of the community can now visit and connect their electronic devices and access the wifi for free.

School, and another son in Grade Seven at the Mahaicony Secondary. The situation of virtual learning has been a strain on the family, as well as the community.

“It was kind of difficult for us, but we try all out to get the Internet for them,” she told the Guyana Chronicle.

Lachhman eventually approached Regional Vice-Chairman Rion Peters, seeking help to remedy the situation. Peters told the Guyana Chronicle that he was happy to facilitate realisation of the service in the community.

“They don’t have telephone lines and so there, so it’s this Internet or they bear [the] cost of data which is expensive. It’s a good feeling when we can play a part in improving people’s life and improving the conditions under which they live and more so, being part of a government that is working to fulfil its mandate of improving the livelihood of every Guyanese,” Peters expressed.

Mother of two, Lilawattie Lachhman, is very grateful for the provision of free wifi in Champagne Village

The remote community has approximately 250 residents which include scores of students, including those attending the University of Guyana. The new service came as a welcome relief to parents of students in the community, who have had to resort to paying for cellphone data in order for their children to keep up with their school work.

“Without the Internet, we had to take plans on the phone, we had to buy the phones for them and then plus buy the Internet, so it was kind of hard financially; so it’s nice now that they could go to the school and get the Internet for free,” housewife Lilawattie Lachhman commented during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

Lacchman has two sons in secondary school and used to spend as much as $22,000 per month on cellphone data for them to be able to access their school work.

The provision of Internet service across the country came into stark focus over the past year due to increased demands brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to closure of schools.

Schools in Guyana have been physically closed since March 2020 and the majority of students in public schools are currently being taught virtually. Lacchman has a son in Grade Nine at the Bygeval Secondary

Region Five Regional Vice-Chairman Rion Peters

Lachhman is profusely grateful for this new amenity, noting that her children have already begun visiting the school to make full use of it.

“I would like to say thank you to them because now the whole community can get access to the Internet-- schoolchildren and adults. So I would just like to thank the government for that,” she said.

The E-Governance Project is administered under the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and provides free Internet access points at several government buildings and public Internet access points.

To date, there are over 200 free government wifi locations across the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Trial of Mark Williams for murder of ‘Boyie’ and ‘Rabbit’ commences THE trial of death row inmate, Mark Royden Williams, also known as Mark Durant and “Smallie” for the killing of two men during an armed robbery at a bar on Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, in 2007, commenced on Monday morning.

Williams was jointly charged with Michael Caesar for the murders of Fazil Hakim called “Boyie” of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara and Rajesh Singh called “Rabbit” of Martyr’s Ville, East Coast Demerara at a liquor bar at Lot 82, Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara in December 2007.

According to reports, on December 16, 2007 around 21:00 hours, Hakim and Singh, along with another man, were consuming alcohol at a bar on Agriculture Road when the bar was stormed by armed men who held them at gun point. The bandits went into Mark Royden Williams, also known the bar and robbed the ownas Mark Durant and “Smallie” er and another man before

making good their escape. During the robbery they discharged several rounds, shooting Hakim and Singh.

Appearing before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court on Monday, Williams pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. He is represented by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes while the State is represented by prosecutor Lisa Cave. The matter was adjourned to Wednesday.

Michael Caesar called “Capone” was initially charged with the capital offence of murder pertaining to the same matter; however, he pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter on July 2, 2020 when he appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court.

Caesar was also charged with two counts of armed robbery committed on Juman and Ravindra Mookram in relation to the same incident, to which he also pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to 36 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of manslaughter, and 30 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts of robbery under-arms.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced

to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre which saw a dozen persons, including three police officers, shot dead. He had since appealed his conviction.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which saw the murders of 11 persons, including five children. The matter was appealed all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which in 2018 affirmed the acquittal of Williams.

He was also acquitted in 2019, after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the 2007 murder of Cove and John, East Coast Demerara resident, Kumar Singh, also known as “Mango Man”.

Williams had escaped from the Georgetown Prison in July 2017 during a riot, which it is believed that he was the mastermind behind.

He was nabbed three months later at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice on October 9, 2017 while travelling in a public mini bus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Essequibo Coast gets housing office WITH the conclusion of the two-day ‘Dream Realised’ Housing initiative in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) last Saturday, government has now allocated 3, 950 house lots within the last several months.

The Housing Ministry recently established an office there.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, providing an update on the recently concluded two-day housing initiative at Anna Regina, said some 300 persons were allocated house lots in Onderneeming Phase Four.

However, he noted that over 40 allocations were put on hold pending investigations. He said that a thorough investigation will be conducted into land irregularities found on the Essequibo Coast.

The ministry has established a regional office at Anna Regina staffed with qualified personnel, including a regional housing officer, who will lead these investigations.

“Specific emphasis will be placed on Essequibo and one of the first steps will be to ensure there is a functional regional office, we will be bringing some order to Region Two,” he said, adding: “It’s a building that the region has made available for the housing office, some rehabilitation works are needed and will commence immediately, so that it can be ready in another three

weeks.”

The Housing Minister also said the Essequibo Coast has had longstanding land issues, including double allocation, persons illegally occupying lands and illegal construction.

“So, what happens, after constructing in the ministry’s system, it does not show an allocation was done, and so for us, it appears as vacant. We have a number of issues like that, and so Lima Sands has a history of that, and so, we are trying to rectify all of that,” he clarified.

Meanwhile, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sherwyn Greaves, said the two-day event was very successful as some 300 persons with new allotments were served.

“What I am extremely pleased about is that there was a lot of long-standing issues in this region that we were able to resolve over the past two days; fortunately, we had the two ministers who were able to make decisions to assist a lot of people,” he explained.

He said some of the issues surrounded the mixing up of allocations, relocations and titling.

“There is one lady that [sic] told me she was waiting 17 years for a title and she was able to get that, so those are some of the things we were able to resolve for persons,” the CEO said.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and other officials on a visit to the building that was identified for the Region Two housing office in Anna Regina. The building will soon be renovated to house staffers of the ministry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Scholarships will upskill Guyanese for oil sector ― VP Jagdeo

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the 20,000 online

scholarships being offered by the Government will prepare Guyanese for the

oil-and-gas sector.

Dr. Jagdeo made the remark during a recent in-

terview with local commentator, the Guyanese Critic.

“We have 4,500 scholarships being offered this year. We will take resources to pay for the certification of Guyanese in many areas, so that they can be easily trained; to conduct or to bring the people in to conduct classes where they improve the skills of Guyanese, but in a very practical way, to deal with the industry.”

and ExxonMobil, the VP said discussions were held on the need for the oil company to establish training facilities in Guyana. This, he said, will represent Government’s commitment to ensure Guyanese are prepared for the sector.

Dr. Jagdeo also spoke of an “indigenisation plan” which will help locals get petroleum-related jobs, currently dominated by foreigners.

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

The Vice-President said the training of Guyanese for the petroleum sector is high on the Government’s agenda. During a recent meeting between the Government

“We hope that a lot of the jobs that are being created by the oil companies now – where they have to recruit foreigners – that, over time, once Guyanese have the

comparable skills, they will replace those individuals.”

The online scholarship initiative is a PPP/C’s 2020 election manifesto promise to provide some 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese over the next five years.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand said Thursday that this year’s batch of 4,500 awardees will begin studies in July.

Guyanese can apply to pursue studies in over 80 programmes being offered through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), from five internationally-acclaimed universities. They are the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Applied Sciences, the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the JAIN “Deemed To Be” University.

Programmes are offered from the Certificate to PhD levels.

Application forms are available on the Ministry of Education’s website at www.education.gov.gy.

The GOAL website will be launched this week to facilitate the submission of digital applications. (DPI)

Man accused of having cocaine granted bail

A man, who was allegedly found with 18 grammes of cocaine in his pants waist, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was placed on $100,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Angelo Lupe of John Street, Lodge, denied that on April 13, 2021, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, he had in his possession18 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question between 16:00hrs and 17:00 hrs, ranks of the Narcotics Branch who were acting on information received, proceeded to North Road where Lupe was contacted. A search was immediately conducted on his person and the cocaine, which was secured in a transparent bag, was allegedly found in his left side pants waist.

Lupe was shown the narcotic, told of the offence committed and cautioned. He was arrested and subsequently charged.

The matter was adjourned until May 17, 2021.

Man accused of ganja trafficking on $50,000 bail

DERRICK Robinson of Red Road, Sophia, who was allegedly found with 97 grams of cannabis in his possession, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was placed on $50,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Robinson denied that on April 13, 2021, at North Road, Bourda, he had in his possession 97 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the prosecution, between 16:00 and 17:00hrs, ranks of the Narcotics Branch, proceeded to North Road, Bourda, where Robinson was contacted. A search was immediately conducted on his person and a multicoloured bag was found. It allegedly contained 10 transparent ziplock bags, each containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Robinson was arrested and later charged.

The matter was adjourned to May 17, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

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Region Two police ranks take COVID-19 vaccine By: Indrawattie Natram MORE than 25 policemen and women of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Monday received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Members of the Health Ministry’s vaccination team began administering the vaccine from as early as 09:00hrs in the canteen area at the Anna Regina Police Station.

Commander for Regional Division #2, Superintendent Crystal Robinson, said over 25 ranks came forward to take the vaccine. She is optimistic that the remaining ranks will also take it.

Superintendent Robinson had moments earlier taken the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine; she said she was happy that she took it.

According to the senior policewoman, out of the 95 ranks in the region who were recently tested for COVID-19, six were found to be positive for the deadly virus. She said that those ranks are currently in home isolation. She urged the other ranks to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Lisa Dey related that she took the vaccine to ensure that she is protected against the virus. Dey said that she was happy to learn that the vaccination team would be at the station to administer the vaccine to those who were interested.

“It’s an easy process. You just have to make up your mind and then once you have taken the vaccine you will be more confident,” she said.

Another rank, Simone Wallis said she was eager to take the vaccine. Now that she has, she said she feel much more comfortable.

Constable Herman Hardat of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), recalled being encouraged by the commander to take the vaccine. He said over the past few days, he has been researching and reading about the different

Divisional Commander Crystal Robinson displays her immunisation booklet moments after she took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Constable Herman Hardat taking his vaccine

Lance Corporal Lisa Dey

Simone Wallis, who works at the Anna Regina Police Station

vaccines.

According to Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh, over 5000 persons in the region have received their first dose. The AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines are currently available in the region, which has 39 active cases.

Dr. Singh is urging persons to take the vaccine to avoid becoming severely ill. He said apart from the permanent vaccination sites and mobile facilities, residents can visit the closest health centre to receive their doses.

He called on persons to act responsibly and to continue to wear their masks. He explained that even though persons would have taken the vaccine, it is important that they wear their masks correctly and regularly. He also advised persons to practise social distancing and to ensure that they sanitise their hands and homes regularly.

Dr. Ranjeev said the region’s plan is to ensure that over 1000 persons are vaccinated per day. The vaccines are available to persons 18 years and older.

The two vaccines that are available in the region will stimulate the body’s natural defences and cause it to produce its protection in the form of antibodies. The Sputnik V vaccine was documented as the first registered COVID-19 vaccine in the world on August 11, 2020. It is being manufactured by the Russia Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), in collaboration with the Gamaleya Centre. The vaccines are usually injected into the person’s muscles and are given in two doses.

The Ministry of Health has advised that although persons are taking the vaccines, it is important that they continue to adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the virus, they should take a test as soon as possible.

Robber stole Toshao’s boat and engine ORIN Fernandes, Toshao of Chinese Landing, in the Barima-Waini Region, was robbed of his $4.5 million boat and engine between Sunday and Monday, police have confirmed.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred sometime between

18:00 hrs on Sunday and 05:00 hrs on Monday at Chinese Landing in the North West District.

Police investigations reveal that Fernandes secured his boat and a 200hp Yamaha outboard engine at the back of his home, which is just about 100ft from the creek.

When he got up on Monday, he observed the boat and engine missing.

He made several checks in and around Chinese Landing but came up empty-handed.

However, the Toshao received information from persons in the area that a man was seen

cutting the rope that anchored the boat and then heading towards the Waini River with it.

The victim made a report via cellular phone to the Acquero Police Station. Police are looking for the suspect as well as the boat and engine. Investigations are ongoing.

Toshao Orin Fernandes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Lesbeholden seed paddy facility to become operational

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has expressed his disappointment with the dormant and shabby state of the Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) Lesbeholden seed paddy facility and noted that rehabilitation works will commence to make it operable.

commissioned in 2008. In addition to the equipment, a drying floor was also constructed to reduce instances of farmers drying paddy on public roadways.

Minister Mustapha, who toured the facility on Saturday, said that budgetary allocations were made to execute rehabilitation works

out.

“I’m very disappointed, that since this facility was constructed, it has not been put into operation. I can’t say exactly what happened, but, after examining the equipment, I was very shocked to see the state of the dryer, the processor, and the generator.

We have some money in

NAREI’s building in the compound

Lesbeholden seed paddy facility is one of five such facilities in the country.

It was constructed at a cost of $50 million and

of that nature and tasked the GRDB and the Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) with providing an estimate for those works to be carried

the budget, and I’ve asked the GRDB to work along with the RPA to give us an estimate for the repairs. It is very important for us to

make this facility operable because we have a lot of demands now for seed paddy.

I don’t think it was ever put into use. Once we rehabilitate it, many farmers will be able to benefit,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that trials for the bio-fortified rice are current-

need to ensure all of our facilities are operable to process those varieties. I’ll be working aggressively to ensure we get this facility up and running,” Minister Mustapha said.

Furthermore, the subject Minister tasked the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agriculture Research

“NAREI will have to be more aggressive. The building over there is unsightly. Vines and bushes have taken over the entire building. The former CEO should’ve seen that these things needed to be done. When you go around the country these are the things that we are find-

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha examining a piece of equipment at the facility

ly ongoing at the facility.

“If you look around, GRDB has several trial plots in the compound, and just like at Burma, there’s a part here with the bio-fortified rice under trial that we are working along with IICA to develop. This is why we

and Extension Institute (NAREI) with ensuring rehabilitation works are carried out on a building located in the compound that is attached to the agency. The building which is currently covered in vines and bush was once used to house extension staff.

ing out. I’ve instructed the new CEO of NAREI to ensure rehabilitation works are carried out on this building so that we can have someone living here to overlook this facility,” Minister Mustapha said.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

17

‘Bring out your creative side’ for street kiosk

― says Minister Persaud as deadline for logo, tagline and kiosk design competitions extended “LET your creative side loose” is the message that Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, wants to get across to all those who may be interested in picking up on her recently announced plan to establish mobile street food kiosks across the country.

cuisine of Guyana to be presented, but how they want their country to be presented and how we can have a different look to our landscape,” Dr. Persaud further pointed out.

“Let your creative side loose so we can see something that is really spectacular,” she urged. With

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Phase one of the project included a logo, tagline and kiosk design competitions for which the deadline has already passed, but Minister Persaud is not pleased with the submissions so far as she’s found them to be very basic.

For this reason, the deadline has been extended for the time being for more submissions. The minister will be paying particular attention to those submissions that are especially ingenious and altogether different from what the population is accustomed to seeing.

“What I don’t want people to do is to look at what is, and just follow that. Look beyond what is, do research, and come up with some novel idea. That’s where we want it to go; beyond what you are already seeing here,” Dr. Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle over the weekend.

The competitions will enable interested persons to ‘bring to light’ the ministry’s concept of stimulating positive growth in the social sector and once the winning design for the kiosk is selected, a model will be built by the ministry and used as the specimen for the standardised structure, while the logo/ tagline will become the official emblem of the project.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX “We are encouraging people to really bring out their creative side and to think outside the box about how they want not only the

street tourism being highly regarded in many parts of the world, the minister had said that she wants Guyana, too, to be able to tap into the industry.

This is expected to be a standardised operation which will not see the likes of just about anyone, as strict adherence will be paid to hygiene and sanitisation. The initiative is intended to be something distinctive that can potentially change the very landscape of the country.

The kiosks will be made out of different metals and woods in an effort to reflect something very beautiful that is unlike the ordinary food stands. “We’re especially paying attention to hygiene, presentation, quality and standards,” Minister Persaud had expressed, adding that persons will have to be evaluated before being granted permission to run a kiosk.

The initiative is intended to reflect Guyana’s diversity and beauty and will be tapping into various industries in the country like its fabrication, food prep and agricultural industries. It is also expected to result in significant employment mainly for women, but not exclusively to them. A group of women can decide that they want to run a kiosk together and they will be granted permission as a group.

PRACTICAL Minister Persaud also pointed out that the timing for this initiative is practical in that a take-away service is the order of the day with

hardly any indoor dining being permitted. She said universally, street food allows customers to get a firsthand sense of the flow and preparation of local culinary magic and noted that the programme will be showcasing and promoting ‘Guyanese only’ street foods, a venture that would open new industries and provide jobs for many, including single mothers, youth and persons with disabilities.

According to the minister, the street food concept

hinges on the premise of people’s deep connection to local food flavours.

“Guyanese have always been enamoured by local cuisine, and the opportunity to encourage persons to craft an industry that creatively presents our local or street foods to visitors and locals alike is captured in this initiative. The innovative creation of street food industry can make a sizeable contribution to the economy that has been impacted by COVID-19,” she said.

Minister Persaud is optimistic that the kiosk will create that “trendy vibe that also promotes Guyana’s uniqueness and diversity”.

“What we at the ministry want to achieve is a distinctive and stylish kiosk.

A modern and eye-catching structure coupled with Guyana’s renowned mouth-watering creations in a winning formula creating a signature experience for Guyanese and visitors alike,” she stated.

“We will work with vulnerable groups to pre-

pare their business plans and make referrals to secure small loans to build the structure and be part of this exciting new industry of food tourism,” Minister Persaud explained.

Under the initiative, potential vendors will undergo a three-stage training programme. The training sessions will place emphasis on hygiene, safe food handling, waste food disposal and entrepreneurship and producing authentic flavours and diversity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

$30M for Region 2 ground enhancement THREE grounds in Region Two will benefit from a $30M injection from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as part of their country-wide ground enhancement initiative.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr and his team made a visit to the Pomeroon-Supenaam region where he announced that the grounds at Affiance, Reliance and Queenstown will be the beneficiaries of the project.

Cricket is the mostplayed sport in Region Two, and as such, at most of his stops, the request for as-

sistance ranged from the provision of cricket gear, to modifying the facilities.

Projects that were funded under the last budget were also inspected by Minister Ramson and team. In an earlier interview with Chronicle Sport, Minister Ramson noted that it will become a ‘staple’ for him to make periodic checks on projects being funded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, to ensure that tax-payers dollars are being spent on what it was requested for.

Visits were also made at Devonshire Castle.

Since taking office last August, Minister Ramson has gone on a country-wide campaign to ascertain the needs and wants of athletes and administrators, and would’ve made significant contributions to upgrade those facilities.

At the time of this report, the Ministry did not say where Minister Ramson will be making his next visit, however, those announcements are usually made via the Ministry’s facebook page.

Amid financial challenges, CWI restores full salaries across the board DESPITE admitting that their finances were in dire straits, President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Ricky Skerritt has revealed that staff and players are now receiving their full salaries again after agreeing to a 50 per cent pay-cut last year.

It was in July 2020, at the

height of the COVID19 pandemic which left CWI facing a major loss of income in the absence of regular cricketing activities, that CWI enforced pay cuts across the board, but the president now said all salaries are back to normal, even if only temporarily.

“The cut doesn’t exist at the moment…but let me just remind you (the cut) was part of the crisis management strategy,” he told Line & Length on Sportsmax over the weekend.

“We had put in place what we had called a financial strategy advisory committee which was a small task force combined from our finance committee and our audit risk along with the compliance committee, the CEO (Johnny Grave) and myself.

“The pandemic isn’t over but we have relaxed one of those conditions, which is we are back to full remuneration,” said the 64-year-old Kittitian.

According to auditors KPMG, the Board’s financial records show that CWI’s liabilities exceeds assets and raised the “material uncertainty” about the sports organization’s ability to keep operating indefinitely.

“We draw attention to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, which describes that the group’s revenue is cyclical in nature

and depends on the popularity of the various reciprocal tours undertaken by West Indies teams,” the independent auditor’s report said.

“As at September 30, 2020, the group’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by US$14,836,946 and its total liabilities exceeded its total assets by US$10,747,720.

“These events or conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 2, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.”

Skerritt, who was just handed another two-year term along with his vice president, Vincentian Dr Kishore Shallow, also indicated there were much better relations with stakeholders, players and staff over the last two years.

“The whole process is to not distract players away from their focus on cricket as far as possible and doesn’t give any interventions or any intrusions from an administrative or management level that can cause the players any kind of distress or any kind of unnatural concerns to do with the environment they find themselves in whether on tour or not,” the CWI president said.(Sportsmax)

Mohamad dominates ...

FROM BACK PAGE

The top three juniors will collect $20,000, $10,000 and $5000.

The presentation ceremony was scheduled for this week.

BRAZILIAN TRAINING Mohamad, who has performed admirably in recent competitions, told Chronicle Sport that he has intensified his training. He said that over the last year, he has been training with a professional Brazilian coach, which has improved his

overall game.

He added that he hopes to continue improving his game and if he is granted the opportunities to represent Guyana, he would be honoured to do so.

The seasoned player noted that he is more comfortable playing the shorter versions of the game than the traditional version.

The April Open Chess tournament was again sponsored by Marlon Williams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Don King Promotions seeking to halt Charr-Lovejoy fight

HALL of Fame boxing promoter Don King has sent a Cease & Desist letter to undefeated heavyweight boxer Christopher Lovejoy, claiming he is under an exclusive promotional agreement with Don King Promotions (DPK) and not permitted to enter any future fights without King’s consent.

Recent media reports have stated that Lovejoy is currently in Germany and has agreed to face the WBA champion in recess Mahmoud Charr on May 15 in Hamburg, Germany. The letter demands that Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), who had previously announced his retirement from boxing, not participate in the bout with Charr or any other future bout or opponent.

“It is unconscionable, illegal, and unethical for you to participate in this May 15, 2021 bout or any bout with-

Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King

out DKP’s expressed, written permission and consent,” the letter from King’s lawyer’s states.

“Participating in any bout without DKP’s expressed written consent is … willfully breaching the Promotional

Agreement and exposes those you have entered into agreement with for your services as a professional fighter to extreme legally liability, as they too are aware that you are under contract to DKP.” The letter goes on to state, “If you have in fact signed to fight Charr as you proclaim and has been reported in these media reports, you have intentionally, willfully, and maliciously breached your exclusive, worldwide promotional agreement with DKP.” Lovejoy, 37, lives and trains in Las Vegas. All 19 of Lovejoy’s pro fights since February of 2016 have taken place in Tijuana, Mexico.

Trevor Bryan recently won the WBA heavyweight title after Charr disregarded the WBA and was not allowed in the United States due to Homeland Security visa denial. (Fightnews)

Queensland win their ninth Sheffield Shield title QUEENSLAND won the Sheffield Shield for the ninth time as they secured an innings-and-33-run victory over New South Wales in a final they dominated from start to finish.

It was only a matter of time when play resumed on the fourth day - at the very early time of 8.54am - with New South Wales five down in their second innings still more than 100 runs behind and the winning moment came when Josh Hazlewood edged Brendan Doggett.

Mitchell Swepson claimed three of the remaining wickets needed during a probing spell of legspin having previously seen Queensland’s quicks take all the rewards.

The game had been set up on the opening day when New South Wales, who opted to bat first, were bowled out for 143 before Marnus Labuschagne compiled a nine-hour 192, but Usman Khawaja admitted he had been uncertain what to do had the toss gone his way “Even at the start I was looking to bat first. I had no idea what to do, wasn’t sure all night,” Khawaja told Fox Cricket. “Then I was going to win the toss and bowl, but even then I wasn’t sure, so when KP [Kurtis Patterson] won the toss and batted I was like ‘thank you, don’t have to make that decision’. It took a bit off my mind, told the bowlers no pressure on you now, just need to execute our skills and they did it beautifully.

“It wasn’t a very easy wicket at the start on the first day, it was hard to drive, but you still have to execute and

Queensland claimed their ninth Sheffield Shield © (Getty Images)

our bowlers did it beautifully - exactly what I’ve asked of them. Put plenty of pressure on the Blues’ boys and in a Shield final you can’t ask much more in the first session, first hour and first day.”

“Marnus was unbelievable, the only fifty in the match and it was 180-odd [192],” he added. “He’s on fire…credit to Marnus and all the guys who batted around him.”

Michael Neser, who set up Queensland’s stranglehold on the opening day with a five-wicket haul, made the first breakthrough on the fourth morning when Sean Abbott edged to second slip with just two runs added to the overnight total.

Baxter Holt, one of youngsters brought into the New South Wales side for the latter part of the season, and Mitchell Starc resisted for 19 overs to raise the prospect of Queensland needing to bat

again before Swepson made his incisions.

Holt missed a sweep and was struck on the back leg in front of middle stump and then Trent Copeland nicked a perfect leg-break to the keeper.

Starc continued to resist, taking his innings beyond 100 balls, but lost Nathan Lyon when he edged Swepson to slip where Usman Khawaja plucked out the catch high to his right.

With nine wickets down lunch would have been delayed but that wasn’t required when Doggett, who was impressive in the second innings, lured Hazlewood into having a nibble outside off to send Queensland and the crowd - which passed 10,000 across the four days into wild celebrations to end the longest season on record.

(Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

AB de Villiers in talks about international comeback SOUTH African legend AB de Villiers has again floated the prospect of making an international comeback for this year’s T20 World Cup, more than three years since he last played for the Proteas.

It comes as the country’s sports minister said he had “no option” but to become directly involved in Cricket South Africa’s affairs, which could jeopardise their standing with the International Cricket Council.

De Villiers, 37, retired from international cricket in 2018 but remains one of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the world and was in full flight on Sunday, slamming an unbeaten 76 off 34 balls for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. He had planned to return to the international arena last year for the T20 World Cup in Australia before the event was postponed due to the pandemic.

But he confirmed on Sunday that he and Proteas coach Mark Boucher will soon discuss the prospect of a comeback for this year’s World Cup in India.

“We are lined up to have a chat sometime during the IPL,” he said. “But yes, we’ve been talking about it already.

“Last year, he asked me if I would be interested. And I said, ‘absolutely’. And come the end of the IPL, we will have a look at where we are at with regards to my form and my fitness.

“Also, the situation with his team - he’s got to look at his guys who have been performing well over the last while. If there’s no space for me, so be it. If I can slot in there, it will be fantastic if all those things fall in place.”

Before the pandemic,

South African legend says talks are ongoing about him returning to the Proteas side for this year’s T20 World Cup.

Boucher had said that de Villiers would need to make himself available to return the national set-up before the World Cup in order to be re-integrated back into the side.

South Africa are scheduled to play white-ball cricket in Ireland in June while there have also been reports about tours of the Caribbean and Sri Lanka for T20s ahead of the World Cup. Speaking last week, Boucher confirmed he would continue to speak with de Villiers about a comeback.

“I did chat to him before he went to the IPL,” he said.

“The conversation is still very much open.

“AB, being the person he is, wants to perform very well at the IPL to prove to himself and everyone else that he is still a very key figure in world cricket and could dominate at that level.

“I said to him: ‘Go do your thing, and I’ll give you a shout towards the back-end of the IPL.’ So that is where we are with him.”

Despite players like Faf du

Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris being in high demand in global T20 leagues around the world, the Proteas are winless from their past six T20 series and haven’t won a T20 series in more than two years.

Meanwhile, South African Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has warned CSA could be stripped of its status of the sport’s governing body as part of a long-running dispute over the administration’s structure.

Government officials have the power under the nation’s Sport’s Act to strip CSA of its power and remove all funding.

Such a move could in turn raise the ire of the ICC, which forbids government interference and suspended Zimbabwe Cricket in 2018 after a similar intervention from that country’s government.

In a statement, Mthethwa said he “will be taking the necessary steps required to exercise his rights in terms of the law prescripts next week”.(Cricket. com.au)

Late Llorente strike denies Liverpool win

DIEGO Llorente scored a late equaliser for Leeds to deny Liverpool a place in the top four of the Premier League - as uncertainty reigns over what that would mean following the announcement of the European Super League.

The Reds are one of 12 clubs to agree to join a breakaway ESL to “commence as soon as practicable”. Even if it does not start next season, Uefa has said it could ban the clubs - including six English sides - from European competition for their defection.

There was a strange mood around the first game involving any of the 12 teams since Sunday night’s

announcement, with protests inside and outside the ground.

Fans of Leeds and other clubs gathered outside Elland Road to stage a protest - during which a Liverpool shirt was burned - and a plane flew over the stadium displaying an anti-Super League message.

Inside the stadium Leeds players wore T-shirts saying ‘Earn it’ next to the Champions League logo and ‘Football is for the fans’. A banner behind one goal had the same message.

Leeds left the shirts in Liverpool’s dressing room too, in case they wanted to protest - a move that annoyed Reds boss Jurgen

Klopp, who said he does not like the idea of the ESL but that he and his players had no say in it.

Liverpool dominated the first half and went ahead when Trent Alexander-Arnold latched on to Diogo Jota’s fine pass and squared it to Sadio Mane to slot into an empty net after Illan Meslier had rushed out of goal.

That was his first Premier League goal since January, a run of 10 games.

Leeds improved after the break and Patrick Bamford hit the crossbar before Llorente headed in his first goal for the club.

(BBC Sport).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

European Super League a 'spit in the face of all football lovers'-UEFA boss Ceferin THE European Super League (ESL) is a "disgraceful, self-serving" plan and a "spit in the face of football lovers", says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

He also said players who play for teams involved in the closed league would be "banned from the World Cup and Euros".

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are among 12 clubs who have agreed to join the proposed ESL. UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced a fanled review of football.Dowden said the review had been brought forward and would offer a "root and branch" review of the sport, covering finance, governance and regulation.He said while football's authorities are equipped to handle the proposed ESL breakaway, the UK governent would provide "full backing".

"Be in no doubt, if they can't act, we will," added Dowden. "We will put everything on the table to prevent this from happening. We are examining every option. Put simply, we will be reviewing everything the government does to support these clubs."

Labour welcomed Dowden's statement but said it was "short on detail and the urgency this situation merits".

Ceferin, who has been Uefa president since 2016, has overseen an agreement on a noew-look 36-team Champi-

ons League but made clear his disdain for the ESL project.

"We are all united against this nonsense of a project," he said.

"I cannot stress more

The ESL will be a "new midweek competition" with teams continuing to "compete in their respective national leagues".

After it was announced

Protest banners were placed outside Liverpool's Anfield stadium

strongly how everyone is united against these disgraceful, self-serving proposals, fuelled by greed above all else. "[It is a] cynical plan, completely against what football should be. We cannot and will not allow that to change.

"Players who will play in the teams that might play in the closed league will be banned from the World Cup and Euros. We urge everyone to stand tall with us as we do everything in our power to ensure this never ends up in fruition.

"This idea is a spit in the face of all football lovers. We will not allow them to take it away from us."

on Sunday, Fifa expressed its "disapproval" of the proposed competition and called on "all parties involved in heated discussions to engage in calm, constructive and balanced dialogue for the good of the game".

World football's governing body previously said it would not recognise such a competition and any players involved could be denied the chance to play at a World Cup. The 14 Premier League clubs not signed up to the ESL will meet on Tuesday to assess the proposals and consider a response.

On Monday, Ceferin reiterated clubs and players involved

Gloucestershire beat Somerset at Taunton for first time in 28 years GLOUCESTERSHIRE beat local rivals Somerset by eight wickets to register their first County Championship win at Taunton for 28 years.

James Bracey added an unbeaten 83 to his first-innings 118 to guide his side to victory on the final morning.

Having resumed on 28-1, Bracey and Kraigg Brathwaite (36) safely negotiated the first hour to ease any lingering Gloucestershire nerves.

Brathwaite fell at 89-2, but Bracey ensured a memorable win for his side.

The 23-year-old again impressed, hitting 13 fours during his 122-ball stay at the crease, and in the end arguably proved the difference between the two teams.

His performance will also have kept him in the thoughts of the international selectors, having spent time in England’s bio-secure bubble

with the ESL could be banned "as soon as possible" from all Uefa competitions.

"We're still assessing with our legal team but we will take all the sanctions that we can

James Bracey made 201 runs in the match in total.

over the past 12 months.

The result, however, was really set up by Gloucestershire’s bowlers on the third day in skittling Somerset for 149 - after the hosts had held a slender three-run lead on first innings.

Ryan Higgins returned figures of 4-29, while Matt

Taylor and Dominic Goodman took two wickets apiece, to limit Somerset on what appeared a decent pitch.

A first victory at Taunton since 1993 means Gloucestershire have now won each of their first two opening matches in Group One.(BBC Sport).

and we will inform you as soon we can," he said.

"My opinion is that as soon as possible they have to be banned from all our competitions and the players from all our competitions."

Ceferin was particularly critical of Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli, who have both stepped down from their roles at Uefa.

Agnelli was also a longtime president of the European Club Association (ECA), from which all 12 clubs involved in the ESL have resigned.

"He's probably one of the biggest disappointments, or the

biggest disappointment of all," said Ceferin.

"I don't want to be too personal. But the fact is that I've never seen a person that would lie so many times, so persistently that he did was unbelievable.

"I spoke with him also on Saturday afternoon. He said, 'These are all only rumours.

Don't worry, nothing is going on'. And then he said, 'I'll call you in one hour'. And he turned off the phone."

On Woodward, Ceferin added: "I didn't have much contact with him but he called me last Thursday in the evening saying that he's very satisfied with the [Champions League] reforms, that he fully supports the reforms, and that the only thing he would like to speak about is about financial fair play.

"And obviously he already signed something else."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, the only manager of one of England's 'big six' joining the ESL to speak so far, said he "trusts the club to make the right decisions".

"I've know since yesterday but I am here to be in the hardest competition, it's why I came here to play the toughest competitions," he said.

"I am part of this club and I trust this club to make the right decisions. I think it's too early to judge everything and it's not my part. On my badge it says that everyone has to play their role. My role is to coach, be focused, and we've another

Aleksander Ceferin has been Uefa president since 2016

game tomorrow."

'A grotesque concept' Earlier on Monday, Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow said the ESL was a "grotesque concept" and goes against everything football stands for.

"These proposals do away with sporting merit," Purslow told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"It would enable a small number of clubs to be in this competition come what may and, for millions of people in football, that goes against everything the sport means and stands for.

"The idea is that the uncertainty that comes with sport, that makes it so compelling, that we all love, is actually damaging to the business models of these huge clubs.

"So the scheme is designed to take away that uncertainty, to give predictability to their businesses so that, if they're badly managed or have a poor year, they're still in the premier tournament.

"Does that sound like sport or football to you? To me it sounds a grotesque concept."

Mourinho sacked by Tottenham after 17 months in charge JOSE Mourinho has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after 17 months at the club.

The Portuguese manager, who has led Spurs to the Carabao Cup final, which takes place on Sunday, leaves the club sitting seventh in the Premier League with six games left of the domestic season still to play.

Former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Mourinho had been in charge of 86 games at the club, having replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019. Having taken charge with the club in 14th place in the Premier League, they finished in sixth spot.

A draw on Friday against Everton left Tottenham, Champions League finalists in 2019, unlikely to reach the top four.

Chairman Daniel Levy said: “Jose and his coach-

Mourinho packing up after being sacked by Spurs.

ing staff have been with us through some of our most challenging times as a club.

“Jose is a true professional who showed enormous resilience during the pandemic. On a personal level I have enjoyed working with him and regret that things have not worked out as we both had envisaged.

“He will always be welcome here and we should like

to thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution.”

Tottenham play Southampton on Wednesday with the club five points off the Champions League places.

Mourinho’s coaching staff - Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra - have also all been relieved of their duties.(Eurosport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Curran & Moeen impress in Chennai Super Kings win over Rajasthan ENGLAND all-rounders Sam Curran and Moeen Ali both played key roles as Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by 45 runs in the Indian Premier League.

Chennai posted 188-9, with Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 33 while Moeen made 26 and Curran 13 from six balls.

Curran then removed Manan Vohra and Sanju Samson in the six-over powerplay.

Rajasthan finished on 143-9, having been 87-2, with Moeen taking 3-7 and Ravindra Jadeja 2-28.

While no Chennai bats-

man made a match-winning contribution of their own, six batsman made 18-plus, and they hit 10 sixes to reach a score that was 10 runs above par at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai so far this season.

They lost regular wickets, but Moeen’s hitting over mid-wicket, alongside Ambati Rayudu’s 17-ball 27 and Dwayne Bravo’s 20 off eight balls helped their innings maintain momentum throughout.

Left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya impressed in taking 3-36 for Rajasthan, including the key wickets of Rayudu and MS Dhoni, while Chris Morris - the most expensive

singing in this year’s auction at £1.6m - took 2-33.

Rajasthan were well set, with Jos Buttler going nicely, when the ball was changed after the England wicketkeeper hit Jadeja over mid-wicket for for his second six.

The replacement ball, which was dryer than the old one because of the evening dew, brought some grip and turn for Jadeja as he bowled Buttler for 49.

That sparked a collapse of five wickets for just eight runs in 21 balls.

Jadeja and Moeen - who joined Chennai from Royal Challengers Bangalore this season - had Shivam Dube

Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Sam Curran

and David Miller trapped lbw respectively, before the England off-spinner saw Riyan Parag and Morris caught

on the mid-wicket boundary.

Chennai move up to second - behind Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are

the only side with a 100% record so far - while Rajasthan stay in mid-table.

(BBC Sport).

Adebayo scores buzzer-beater to give Miami Heat win over Brooklyn Nets

Bam Adebayo finished with 21 points for the Miami Heat

BAM Adebayo’s buzzer-beater clinched a 109-107 victory for the Miami Heat over the Brooklyn Nets, who lost Kevin Durant to injury.

Adebayo sunk a mid-range jumper to end the Heat’s three-game losing streak, finishing the game with 21 points, 15 rebounds and five assists.

NBA All-Star Durant limped off in the first quarter with an injury to his left thigh.

Landry Shamet scored a career-high 30 points for the Nets.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks won their sixth game in a row with a 122-112 overtime-victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, with Julius Randle leading with 33 points and 10 assists for the Knicks.

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 129-117, while the Los Angeles Clippers

Hero CPL joins forces with Caribbean Cricket Podcast THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has joined forces with the Caribbean Cricket Podcast to bring even more engaging and entertaining content to their ever-growing social media following.

The Caribbean Cricket Podcast, hosted by Machel St Patrick Hewitt and Santokie Nagulendran, has seen phenomenal growth over the last 12 months and has been given increasing recognition from established cricketing pundits for the depth and insight their show has offered.

This partnership with Hero CPL will see the Caribbean Cricket Podcast given a much bigger audience with the podcast being available across the CPL’s social

media channels which have a combined following of over 6.5 million.

The CPL will work with the Caribbean Cricket Podcast to source guests and improve production values to build on an already very strong show that offers in-depth coverage and opinions on cricket in the Caribbean.

“At CPL we are always working hard to produce year-round engaging content and we have been really impressed at what the Caribbean Cricket Podcast has been producing. We look forward to working with them to make something that is already very good even better and ensure that even more listeners tune in to the podcast,” said Chris Watson, CPL’s Head of Marketing.

Santokie and Machel, founders of the Caribbean Cricket Podcast, said: ‘’This is a massively exciting partnership, we look forward to our content, which engages stakeholders across the region, being brought to a bigger audience via CPL channels.

The CPL has established itself as an integral part of cricket in the Caribbean and it is a pleasure to be working alongside them. We will continue to create the podcasts and videos that fans have enjoyed so much over the past year and take things to the next level with this partnership.’’(Sportsmax)

won 124-105 at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Terry Rozier’s 34 points helped the Charlotte Hornets snap a four-game losing run with a 109-101 result against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Sacramento Kings had lost their previous nine games but got back to winning ways at the Dallas Mavericks, with De’Aaron Fox scoring a team-high 30 points to lead the Kings to a 121-107 win.

Chris Boucher scored 17 of his 31 points in the first quarter as the Toronto Raptors edged out the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-106, consigning the Thunder to a 10th straight loss, while the Houston Rockets beat the Orlando Magic 114-110.

(BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday April 20, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 59 matches (2) Yogesh Takawale--11 dismissals (10 catches/1 stumping) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the opening game of IPL 2021?

(2) Who was declared the Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 20, 2021

WI tour in jeopardy after CSA reneges on agreement SOUTH Africa’s upcoming visit to the Caribbean could be in jeopardy in the wake of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) highest authority reneging on their agreement to adopt a new constitution.

West Indies are due to host them for two Tests and five T20Is in June, but by then the Proteas may not be the country’s officially recognized team.

A government release on Sunday said sports minister Nathi Mthethwa had been “left .. with no further option but to exercise his rights in terms of section 13(5) of the Sports Act”. That law allows Mthethwa to strip federations of the privilege of calling their teams national sides and to stop funding them.

On April 10 a CSA release said a “majority of the members council [had decided to] accept the principle of a majority independent board led by an independent chairperson”. At a special online meeting on Saturday the council, comprised of the presidents of CSA’s 14 provinces and associates, refused to do what it had said it would do: it voted against the motion.

That means cricket in South Africa remains structurally unsound. Seven of the

12 places on CSA’s board are reserved for the members council, leaving the door open for cronyism and the kind of poor governance that has led to cricket losing major sponsors and damaging its relationship with broadcasters.

An interim board, established with government help and appointed after the elected board laden with council members was persuaded to resign, has been in place since November. The new board’s chief mandate is to fix CSA’s faulty memorandum of incorporation (MOI). On April 10 it seemed that was about to be achieved. On Saturday the glimmer of hope was dashed.

Council member Donovan May - a member of the dysfunctional elected board that was pushed out of office - proposed that Barry Hendricks, the president of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), be allowed to address the meeting despite the fact that Hendricks was in attendance as an observer only.

Hendricks demanded that the new MOI be sent to SASOC “for approval before it is signed off”, and threatened to “suspend, fine and terminate the membership”

The Proteas may not be the country’s officially recognized team. © Getty

of CSA if that did not happen.

SASCOC, which serves as an interface between sport and government, is itself beset with reputational damage caused by financial, corruption, sexual harassment and governance scandals. But it has the authority to do what Hendricks said it could.

So Mthethwa’s hand is being forced. Sunday’s release spoke of his “disappointment at the failure of the CSA

delegates to adopt the revised MOI”. Clearly, government sees the members council as the rotten apple in the barrel: “The revised MOI ... constituted an agreement between the CSA members council and the interim board. Accordingly, any failure to ratify such an agreement entered into by a duly authorised members council representative can only be interpreted as acting in bad faith.” Mthethwa “will

NACAC to make final decision on 2021 Carifta Games in May WITH recent spikes in the number of Covid-19 cases in Bermuda, a final decision on the fate of the 2021 Carifta Games will be announced in May. The May date for a final decision was arrived at during a North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) meeting on Saturday attended virtually by member federations as well as chairs of NACAC commissions and working groups.

This year’s edition of the Carifta Games is scheduled for August 13-15, in Bermuda. The regional junior meet was not held in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Bermuda transferred its hosting responsibilities to 2021.

The global pan demic eliminated the

This year’s Carifta Games is scheduled for August 13-15 in Bernuda.

possibility of staging the Games on Easter weekend. NACAC had chosen July 2, 3 and 4 as the new dates, but was forced to postpone again because of the scheduling of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) external exams.

The August dates, however, are now under threat. Bermuda is currently experiencing a spike in Covid-19 cases. At Saturday’s

meeting, Carifta 2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) member Mia Bean spoke about a non-negotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.

Since the vaccination requirement would impact all under-17 athletes as well as some of the under-20s, it is a major stumbling block. Other potential

challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive Covid-19 tests during the Games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.

Following extensive discussions, the Carifta 2021 LOC was given until April 30 to report to the NACAC Council on the latest situation with all the issues raised at the information session. The LOC is expected to meet with Bermuda Government officials before the month-end deadline.

Following receipt of the Bermuda LOC report, the NACAC Council will make a decision and communicate it to member federations.(Sportsmax)

be taking the necessary steps required to exercise his rights in terms of the law prescripts next week”.

If he decides CSA’s teams are no longer the country’s national sides, CSA could lay a complaint of interference with the ICC. Should the ICC concur, it could suspend CSA’s membership. Then Mthethwa looks like the bad guy and the members council would have the ammunition to get him to

back down. But Mthethwa has previously explained his actions to the ICC, which has been silent on the issue.

That amounts, many would think, to the ICC’s tacit approval of what Mthethwa has done so far. And the ICC has enough precedent of state involvement in cricket in Pakistan and India to cover itself and justify backing Mthethwa.

The members council has a clear vested interest - which is also a clear conflict of interest - in continuing to make its own rules and mark its own homework. It is notorious for resorting to stalling tactics to cling to power and its trappings. In an echo of what happened on Saturday, in August 2012 CSA pledged to “implement the letter and spirit of the recommendations contained in the Nicholson report”. That has yet to happen, not least because Nicholson calls for a majority independent board.

Mthethwa and the ICC are the only figures in this saga who can neuter the members council, which must be done for the game to emerge from years of increasing ruin. It’s time to see who blinks first.(Cricbuzz)

Kelechi Iheanacho fires Leicester to first FA Cup final in 52 years

KELECHI Iheanacho’s fine form continued as he fired the winner to book Leicester a first FA Cup final appearance in 52 years after a 1-0 semi-final success over Southampton.

After a poor first half where neither side created any openings of note, Iheanacho scored his 10th goal in his last seven games in all competitions to break the deadlock 10 minutes after the break – the first goal Saints have conceded in the FA Cup this season.

James Maddison came off the bench and went close twice to a second, but Saints offered very little in response down the other end, with Kasper Schmeichel relatively untroubled all match.

Leicester saw out the win quite comfortably in the end and have the chance to win a first-ever FA Cup when they face Chelsea in the final in May. With 4,000 fans in attendance for the first time this year, Jamie Vardy, looking for his first goal

Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates (Image credit: Getty Images)

since mid-February, had the best chance of a poor first half, looping an effort just over.

Southampton failed to attempt a single shot at goal in the opening 45 minutes of a match for the first time since November 2019 against Everton in the Premier League.

The match was hardly offering an alternative to the European Super League.

Vardy made up for his unusual lack of potency in front of goal by creating the opener for his red-hot

strike partner. The veteran forward raced down the left, before picking a fine cross into Iheanacho, whose first effort was poor, but he got another bite of the cherry, stroking home after the ball had rebounded into his path. Iheanacho has scored in every round of this season’s competition.

And that proved to be enough for Leicester.

Saints will be disappointed with their input, given they offered nothing at all as an attacking force.

(Eurosport).

$30M

for Region 2

ground

SEE PAGE 22

enhancement

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, during one of his stops in Region Two over the weekend.

Mohamad dominates blitz and rapid competitions to win April Open

rshad Mohamad won both the blitz and rapid competitions over the weekend.

IRSHAD Mohamad was almost flawless en route to a double victory over the weekend, which crowned him champion of the April Open Chess Tournament.

The online blitz and rapid competitions attracted a number of big names, but Mohamad, who is a past president of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) was able to defeat almost all of them.

His only blemish over the 14 rounds of play was a lost to GCF current president, Frankie Farley, on Sunday in the rapid. A day earlier, he held was held to a draw each, against former national champion, Anthony Drayton, and Justino DaSilva in the blitz.

After two days of battle, Mohamad finished with 24 overall points, Drayton placed second with 21 points and 2020 National Rapid and Blitz

champion, Davion Mars was third on 20 points.

Glenford Corlette and Loris Nathoo were tied on 20 points each, while Farley and DaSilva ended on 19 points each.

Meanwhile, Keron Saniford finished as the best junior at the tournament. He accumulated 18 points over the two competitions. Second place went to Ricardo Narine, who finished with 16 points.

Oluwadare Clement Oyeyipo placed third with 15 points, while Jaden Taylor was fourth and Kishan Puran fifth.

Almost 40 chess players (both juniors and seniors) competed in the event.

For his victory, Mohamad will receive $40,000, while Drayton will collect $30,000 and Mars $20,000.

TURN TO PAGE

22

Amid financial challenges, CWI restores full 22 salaries across the board PAGE

CWI president Ricky Skerritt

WI tour in jeopardy after CSA reneges on agreement Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SEE PAGE 27

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021