Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-01-2022

FRIDAY 21st JANUARY, 2022

Livestock industry earns $14.9B in 2021 No. 106611

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Sweeping Victory!

Mottley, Marshall sworn in after BLP 30-0 win SEE PAGE

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Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali (first left) with his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro (first right), and Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, following a meeting among the leaders in Suriname, on Thursday. It was previously reported that the leaders were slated to discuss, among other things, the formation of an energy corridor, as well as mutual opportunities within the oil-and-gas sectors of all three countries

Single-parent mother, daughter to graduate from UG

Fire Chief (ag): Laparkan fire ‘maliciously set’ SEE PAGE

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Mottley’s re-election ‘concretises’ plans between Guyana, Barbados

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Omai finds more gold in Guyana

OMAI Gold Mines Corporation has found more gold in Guyana, this time at its Broccoli Hill pit in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

A press release from the company’s Toronto, Canada office indicated that first round of drilling at Broccoli Hill, totalling 690 metres, intersected gold mineralisation.

Commenting on the find, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Elaine Ellingham, said that the new mineral resource is quite an achievement for the company’s first year of return to Guyana.

“We are also pleased to report that our initial trenching and drilling on Broccoli Hill that commenced late in 2021 has already resulted in several significant gold values,” Ellingham noted.

Broccoli Hill is said to be an area located only 300 metres north of the Wenot pit and less than 200 metres east of the Fennell pit. Those two pits combined, produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold.

“After field work and trenching in October and November, we completed six initial wide-spaced holes on Broccoli Hill before the holiday break in December.

We intersected gold in four of the six holes and consider this very successful for first-pass drilling on a large, relatively untouched target area,” the company said in its statement.

With the knowledge gained, Omai, this week, started additional trenching, mapping and sampling.

“Over the next couple months, we will advance some of the property’s prime exploration targets, including Broccoli Hill, that hold potential for new near-surface mineralisation amenable to open pit mining,” Ellingham related.

Broccoli Hill has been worked by artisanal miners for over 100 years. Broad gold anomalies were identified by previous auger and soil surveys and the airborne geophysical signatures are

Omai has restarted its operations with an initial investment of US$12 million similar to those of the Fennell deposit.

The abundance of past placer gold workings in the lowlands flanking the hill, together with the numerous scattered artisanal workings on the hill itself, indicate a nearby gold source, accord-

ing to the company.

It noted too that exploration across this large 900 metres by 700 metres area has been hampered by a lack of knowledge of the underlying bedrock lithologies due to deep tropical weathering of the bedrock to clay-weathered saprolite to depths of 25 metres to 60 metres, complicated by transported laterite.

It was only on January 4 that Omai announced that it detected some 1.6 million ounces of gold at its Wenot Pit, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This discovery, according to reports, represents a significant milestone for the company which has since lost its reputation of being South America’s largest producing gold mine.

Since late November, with the Wenot mineral resource drilling completed, Omai shifted its focus to commencing exploration for

near-surface mineralisation that has the potential for additional ounces amenable to open-pit mining.

Ellingham had posited with great confidence that the same Wenot exploration team will drive further exploration successes for the company, in 2022.

According to the press release: “Omai Gold Mines Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary Avalon Gold Exploration Incorporated, holds a 100 per cent interest in the Omai Prospecting License covering 4,590 acres (18.575 sq. km) that includes the past-producing Omai gold mine, and a 100 per cent interest in the adjoining Eastern Flats Mining Permits covering 1,519 acres.”

In its prime, Omai produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold between 1993 and 2005. However, mining eventually ceased at a time when the average gold price

was less than US$400 per ounce, leaving significant drilled mineral resources untapped and prime exploration targets untested.

SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES “The company’s shortterm priorities are to ensure verify and expand the known mineral resources, while advancing exploration on key targets, providing a solid opportunity to create significant value for all stakeholders,” the company had said.

It was only recently that the Guyana Chronicle reported on Omai’s intention to restart its operations with an initial investment of US$12 million.

It was reported that the company had wrapped up operations in 2015 after 24 years of service in Guyana.

With its return, the company said that, in addition to engaging and potentially supporting small miners, it also had plans to employ hundreds of people. In its earlier days, the company had in excess of 1,000 persons in its employ.

Currently, there are over 25 mining companies active in Guyana as well as large-scale oil producers like ExxonMobil, which are investing heavily in Guyana’s infrastructure and workforce.

This “economic renaissance,” as described by Omai, has led the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to rate Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world, and determine that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.5 billion is expected to triple within the next five years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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Livestock industry earns $14.9B in 2021

By Rehana Ahamad

FOR the Year 2021, Guyana’s thriving livestock industry has raked in an impressive $14.9 billion in revenue.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who said that these earnings were as a result of local sales only.

“This is what we’re making from the local market alone; imagine what we can do when we start to export,” Minister Mustapha said in a brief interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

He said that last year’s livestock revenues were derived from production totalling 49,785,387 kilograms of livestock animals, inclusive of ducks, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and black giant chicks among other things.

Minister Mustapha told the Guyana Chronicle that the government’s aim is to institute the requisite mechanisms that would allow for Guyana to begin exporting its livestock.

In recognising the importance and the potential of the livestock industry, the Government of Guyana has pledged to not only invest in the development of the sector, but also accommodate investments within the sector.

Already, investments in Guyana’s poultry industry have increased exponentially; available statistics show that private injections into this industry have

surpassed US$67 million ($14.4 billion).

Traditionally, the demand for output from the poultry industry has always been high, but the zerorating of this commodity and other adjustments between August and now have created the conditions for wider investments and more lucrative results.

W h e n t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government assumed office in August 2020, efforts commenced to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and key inputs in the poultry sector, including poultry feed, building materials and packaging; the government also gave the poultry industry zero-rated VAT status.

Since those adjustments, there has been a stark increase in investments in this industry, with about 500 new farmers getting into poultry farming between August and December 2020 alone.

Minister Mustapha has said that the increased interest in the industry augurs well for Guyana, and will supplement the growth of the country’s burgeoning oil-and-gas sector.

In his 2021 national budget speech, Minister Mustapha said that the measures introduced in the government’s 2020 budget initiated a reversal of all the challenges facing the livestock industry, and approximately 5,000 small farmers and broiler producers.

Added to this, Budget 2021 included the provision of G$806 million to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), an increase of $46 million.

With the interventions of Budget 2021, the government said that it hopes to create an environment for local producers to benefit from the increasing demand for meat coming from the thriving oil-and-gas companies, as well of other local businesses.

Worryingly, meat imports for 2019 were pegged at $20 million, even though Guyana is self-sufficient in that particular commodity.

Going forward, Minister Mustapha said that much emphasis will be placed on exporting meats and gaining access to emerging markets, especially the high-end supermarkets and hotels, as well as players within the mining and petroleum sectors.

CERTIFIED PRODUCTION CHAIN “A certified production chain is required,” Minister Mustapha had said previously, noting that GLDA has begun the design and development of an animal traceability system, which would be fundamental for Guyana to meet international food safety standards and farm certification.

He’d also pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring that all laboratories are certified and fully operational, so as to address the needs of livestock farming and its reliant

communities.

Those efforts also include the construction of a sample collection area at the nutrition laboratory at Mon Repos, on the East Coast Demerara.

“This will improve laboratory processes to determine the composition of the feed and feeding material in order to formulate the best ration for the animals from locally available feed materials,” Minister Mustapha said.

Further, in an effort to make the livestock industry self-sufficient, the government is investing $500 million to enhance the infrastructure in the intermediate savannahs, so that the private sector would be able to invest in the large-scale production of corn and soy beans, which are used to make feed.

“If we can produce the amount of corn and soya beans required to become self-sufficient in proteins for our poultry industry, those funds can be used to further develop the sector.

As a government, we are also working to reduce Guyana’s food import-bill and food-import dependency,” Minister Mustapha had said.

As it is, Guyana’s national feed consumption for the poultry industry is 113,000 tonnes annually, with ‘broilers’ consuming approximately 100,000 tonnes of feed, and ‘layers’ consuming approximately 13,000 tonnes of feed annually.

Additionally, some $29

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha million has been earmarked for the establishment of a modular pig slaughtering and processing facility at Garden of Eden, as the importation of pork and pork products reaches almost 66 per cent.

“Ham, bacon and sausage make up the bulk of the imports. Based on our data the swine industry is producing at 10 per cent of its true potential. With the introduction of the new [imported] breeder herd and with the supply of improved breeding stock to swine producers, output will increase, creating more income-generating opportunities,” Mustapha said previously.

Additionally, last year, some US$3.3 million was invested into beef produc-

The Ministry of Agriculture is working assiduously to kick-start the exportation of livestock

tion and US$670,000 into small ruminants, predominantly sheep and goats.

The livestock sub-sector contributes approximately 13.6 per cent of the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.8 per cent of the total GDP. Livestock is commonly defined as domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce labour and commodities such as meat, eggs and milk, among other things.

In addition to investments and earnings, livestock is closely linked to the social and cultural lives of several million resource-poor farmers, for whom animal ownership ensures varying degrees of sustainable farming and economic stability.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Mottley’s re-election ‘concretises’ plans between Guyana, Barbados THE re-election of Mia Mottley as Prime Minister of Barbados has concretised the plans and programmes that Guyana and the island-nation have discussed, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. M o t t l e y, w h o w a s sworn in on Wednesday, has led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a resounding back-to-back 30-0 win.

In congratulating the Prime Minister on her victory, Dr. Ali said: “Your re-election provides us with the opportunity to concretise the plans and programmes that we have discussed to build on the co-operation between Guyana and Barbados.

“I look forward as well,

President Dr. Irfaan Ali to our continued collaboration at the regional level, as we endeavour to advance our integration process and to secure the benefits that our peoples deserve.”

The Government of Guyana congratulated the Barbadian people for once again demonstrating their commitment to democracy.

Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, on behalf of the bloc, congratulated Mottley on her re-election to office.

“The overwhelming success of the Barbados Labour Party indicates that the people of the country have every confidence in your stewardship and look forward to your continued leadership to guide them on a path that would ensure their progress,” Dr. Barnett said.

She added: “I look forward to working with you once again in deepening and strengthening our integration movement and in confronting the many challenges besetting the Community at present.”

The CARICOM Secretary-General assured Prime Minister Mottley of the support of the CARICOM Secretariat in that endeavour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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Mottley, Marshall sworn Ship found with ammunition in Senegal not registered in Guyana in after BLP 30-0 win - says local maritime administration

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley (Nation News) MOMENTS after being sworn in for a second time as Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley said she would spend this weekend fine-tuning a new Cabinet.

Mottley and Dale Marshall became the first political leader and Attorney-General respectively to be sworn in, taking the country’s new oath, which had only been done in a ceremonial context at National Heroes Square when the country became a republic on November 30 last year.

The Prime Minister and Attorney-General were sworn into their positions by The Most Honourable, Dame

Sandra Mason, the President of Barbados, during a brief ceremony just after 11 on Thursday.

Mottley, who led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a resounding back-to-back 30-0 win at the polls, said she would take over responsibilities for the Ministry of Health over the next few days, until her new Cabinet is revealed on Monday.

She said between Thursday and Monday, she would put her mind to forming a team of innovative thinkers to comprise the new Cabinet.

Wednesday’s swearingin ceremony was attended

by Leader of Government Business in the House of As-

sembly, Santia Bradshaw; General-Secretary of the BLP, The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, and General-Secretary of the Barbados Workers Union, Toni Moore, and a handful of constituents.

The Prime Minister’s parents, Elliot Mottley QC and Amor Mottley were also on hand for the ceremony at State House, Government Hill, St Michael.

MOTOR Vessel EOLIKA, which has been detained by Senegalese Customs and reportedly bearing a Guyana registration is not listed on the local ships registry, according to the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana (MARAD).

Reports are that the vessel contained a quantity of illegal arms and ammunition, with its registration having expired on December 10, 2021.

“The vessel in question is not contained in the local ships’ registry and it is believed that registration documents were issued by International Maritime Safety Agency of Guyana (IMSAG), an entity with which the administration had severed all ties since the 13th August, 2021,” MARAD said.

The maritime administration department said that upon learning of the incident, it moved to notify all regional, and international bodies and organisations of the effective termination of all arrangements with IMSAG, and advised of the veracity of registration certificates issued to vessels by IMSAG. As a result, several vessels have been detained in various ports for false registration documents.

“MARAD assures that it will continue to actively monitor this incident, and will spare

no effort in protecting the image of the Guyana flag,” the maritime administration related.

Reports published by TradeWinds, the global shipping news source, reported: “[A] Greek-controlled general cargo vessel was detained in Senegal with ammunition on board. The 1,400-dwt Eolika (built 1983) was held in Dakar on 27 December with 11 deficiencies.”

It continued: “Domestic reports claim the munitions were only found during a subsequent inspection, but the grounds for detention listed by the Equasis website include dangerous goods — harmful substances [in] packaged form.”

The report further stated that other grounds for detention were non-payment of wages and a fault with the auxiliary engine. The ships and ports website cited the Senegalese customs agency as saying the Eolika was searched when it stopped to take on fuel.

According to the

TradeWinds, the vessel had “inconsistent declarations”, the agency added.

The munitions are reportedly worth $5.2 million, according to the Liberation daily. The four Ukrainian crew members are now in custody as an investigation continues. The ship had arrived from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.

Meanwhile, authorities have estimated the ship to be worth some US$1.38 million and listed its sale last June by Arch Shipping in the United Arab Emirates.

The Eolika, which flies the Guyana flag, was called Europe until last May. It has been detained four other times in the past four years. In 2018, it spent 52 days in Santander with 17 deficiencies, according to the website.

“It was also inspected in Mykonos, Greece, last October, when four faults were found, including deck corrosion, but it was not held,” the TradeWinds website noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Teacher Training

GUYANA continues to do well at both the Caribbean Secondary School Certificate Examination (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). According to results released by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), our Guyanese students have excelled in a number of subjects, including having obtained the overall best in the CXC examinations.

This is not the first time our Guyanese students have taken the spotlight in the regional examinations and from all indications it certainly will not be the last. The education system has shown significant levels of resilience despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen’s College has once again demonstrated that it remains the premier secondary school in the country by taking the first spots in both the CSEC and CAPE examinations.

According to an announcement made by the Minister of Education, Priya

Manickchand, Guyana obtained four of the nine CSEC regional awards established by the CXC examination body. Outstanding performances were recorded in Business, Humanities, History and Technical and Vocational education. According to information released, Samuel Haynes of Buxton, East Coast Demerara was named the Caribbean’s most outstanding student having secured nine Grade Ones at the CAPE examinations.

At the CSEC level, Zaynab Shaffie of Industry East Coast Demerara, was named the overall best student with 18 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos.

These are indeed outstanding performances for which the management and staff of Queens College must be given credit. The learning environment has become much more competitive with the establishment of several new secondary schools but Queens College has managed over the years to hold its own as a school of excellence

second to none in the country and for that matter the Caribbean as a whole. Even during the difficult years when the PNC administration starved the institution of teaching and learning resources, the school performed well and surpassed the elitist residential President’s College established under the Burnham regime supposedly to offer a balanced and all-round education to a selected number of students.

Such was the level of prominence given to the school that President’s College, at one time, consumed more financial resources than the rest of discrete secondary schools in the whole of Region Four!

Yet, Queen’s College excelled and outperformed all of the secondary schools in terms of student attainment levels including passes at the CXC examinations.

The school was established in 1844 by Bishop William Percy Austin as an Anglican grammar school for boys and was aimed at educating the colonial elite.

In fact, the current site of

Bishops High School was the location of Queens College from 1854 to 1918 and it subsequently moved to its current location in 1951.

Under the PPP/C, significant rehabilitation and expansion works were done to the school making it the top secondary institution in the country.

It is a fact that the performance of secondary schools has shown marked improvements since the return to office of the PPP/C on October 1992. This is due to several interventions at all levels of the education delivery system not least of which is the expansion of teacher training. Under the PPP/C administration, teacher training was decentralised and several new training centres were established in several parts of the country including Regions Two, Five, Six and Region 10. Through distance education, several hinterland teachers were upgraded and subsequently admitted to the Cyril Potter College of Education. The capacity for

teacher training was also increased at the main teacher training centre, the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Only recently, eight hundred trained teachers were added to the education sector, representing the single largest batch of graduate teachers to be injected into the public education system at the different layers. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation exercise took on a hybrid format with participants and graduates using Zoom and special awardees receiving their awards in person.

According to the College principal, Dr. Viola Rowe, the January 2022 graduating class now holds the record of the largest batch of trained teachers of which 198 are trained in early childhood education, 404 as primary trained and 241 as trained secondary school teachers.

These are indeed interesting and solid achievements which are in congruence with the strategic objective of the Education Ministry, name-

ly to have all teachers in the public education system trained. The importance of trained teachers to higher student attainment levels cannot be overemphasised.

Studies have shown that student achievement is positively correlated with teacher training and experience. In fact, teaching experience displayed a stronger relationship than other education variables such as school buildings, learning resource materials and curricula.

It is clear that the education sector is on the upward climb since under the PPP/C administration due in large measure to the high priority it has placed on education and human resources development. As pointed out by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, all Guyanese children are entitled to education which he said will be achieved by the rolling out of universal access to world class education at the nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Glenn Lall is an intellectual inadequate masquerading as a public commentator

Dear Editor, THE President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, was the subject of severely harsh criticisms and venomous ridicule to the extent of being made a mockery by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, on his Radio Programme on January 14, 2022. This was not only distasteful, unprofessional and disrespectful but he lacks evidence to support his presentation. This programme has now descended into pure unadulterated hogwash.

President Ali, speaking to stakeholders during the launch of the government’s Agriculture and Innovation

Entrepreneurship Programme at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), had made a strong commitment that his government will not sit idly and allow the fishing industry to fall and will find innovative solutions. According to President Ali, a marine cage project will soon be established and ‘each of those marine cages can bring in a net value of close to $8 million annually’. Moreover, he added that, we are looking at marine cages in the rivers where the water is flowing so that we can grow tilapia there in a more natural environment. He further added that Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, will host

consultations with fishermen and women about the new plan. The President emphasised that operations costs will be reduced and profits gained will enhance the livelihood of residents. Mr Lall referred to the President’s statement as ‘coming from an international comic book or from a Scifi movie… and we do not have clowns anymore but comedians’ as leaders. His scorn, contempt and derisive laughter spoke volumes about his ulterior intentions, which was not to be informative at all. He twisted and distorted everything with his half-truths and innuendos.

According to Mr Lall, he is baffled about the source of

the President’s information or who fed it to him. He referred to this as ‘Brer Anancy’ story. He even misquoted to promote a comical effect.

He quoted the President as saying that the marine cage will provide a ‘relaxed environment’ to rear Tilapia.

The President spoke about a ‘natural environment’. He further claimed that marine cages never ‘worked anywhere in the world… but is at experimental stages since 2014’ and named Japan, California, Canada, some parts of Europe, etcetera. He then claimed that a friend had given him some Tilapia reared on a farm in Essequibo and it had an ‘artificial taste’. Mr

Lall then disputed the estimated revenue of $8 million per cage annually which the President gave. He claimed that Suriname and Venezuela both have oil but they have fish, only Guyana is suffering this shortage.

Unfortunately, if Mr Lall is interested in a proper research he would have found out that: ‘Fish cage farming is practiced all over the world. By keeping fish in cages and a “fish holding pen”, entire communities can share a body of water, while each farmer can tend to their own individual fish farm.

Fish cage and fish holding pen farming is attractive to many individuals

because a large crop can be raised, tended and harvested in a small area. Since the fish are in a concentrated area, problems can be quickly recognised and addressed.’(https://sciencing. com/about-5489412-fishcage-farming.html) Moreover, after years of effort, Japan now has the most advanced fish farming in the world. ‘Saltwater fish farming began in Japan in 1927, in the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. The project involved stringing a net across the mouth of a narrow cove, then feeding the yellowtail and sea bream that remained inside.

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Climate change will affect region’s food production

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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-if the world does not act quickly, says Deputy Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund

Green Climate Fund Deputy Executive Director, Javier Manzanares

IF nothing is done, the effects of climate change will create a

scenario fraught with great challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean in the coming years. The region will experience constant drought, more intense rainfall and greater flooding; and one of the sectors that will be most hard hit will be agriculture.

Javier Manzanares, Deputy Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, sounded this warning in an interview with Mauro Zafalon, a journalist for the Brazilian daily newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo. The piece was published in the paper’s “Vaivén de las Commodi-

ties” column.

The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest climate financing fund and was created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In the interview, Manzanares indicated that climate inaction would be very costly for agriculture, triggering losses in productivity due to extreme drought and cold.

Therefore, he stressed that unless there was a change in approach, the food production process would be affected.

Folha de S.Paulo reported that, in order to respond to climate change,

the fund wants to increase its involvement in the Americas, making investments in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and the search for greater climate resilience.

This week the Green Climate Fund and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) announced a $100 million initiative to reduce methane emissions in livestock production.

The Fund has a $20 billion portfolio and last year it accredited IICA as one of the entities authorised to implement projects funded by this portfolio.

In the interview with the Brazilian daily, Man-

zanares also underscored the Latin American and Caribbean region’s potential, with its natural resources and biodiversity positioning it to become a global leader in conservation.

The official maintained that, “Green economies can play a central role and effective natural resource use and management provides one with significant geopolitical power. They are two sides of the same coin.”

The Green Climate Fund finances projects aimed at reducing gas emissions and increasing developing countries’ resilience to climate phe-

nomena.

It has ongoing projects in approximately one hundred countries, spanning diverse fields, including agriculture, forestry, rational water use, soil use, industry and the generation of renewable energy.

IICA is the specialised agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, with a mission to encourage, promote and support its 34 Member States in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being through international technical co-operation of excellence. (IICA)

Dr Yesu Persaud’s life was a fine blend whose aroma will be everlasting

Dear Editor,

A VISIONARY brain, caring heart and bold mind are now permanently at rest with the passing of Guyana born, internationally acclaimed business leader, Yesu Persaud. His

was a life of service to humanity founded on entrepreneurship, philanthropy and bold leadership.

I first met Yesu Persaud in 1975 when I served as a young reporter among the media corps assigned to cover the nationalisation

negotiations between the Guyana Government and Jessel Holdings in Guyana which included Sandbach Parker, sugar estates at Diamond and Leonora and Diamond Liquors Limited.

I will forever remember, among other of his trans-

formational initiatives, his untiring efforts having sugar workers moved from the squalor of the logies at Rajpur and C-yard on the Leonora Estate, to humane housing conditions at Anna Catherina.

Ever since then, in and

out of his employ, he has been a mentor, a friend and a motivating influence in my life. I am indebted to him for his invaluable contribution to my life’s journey thus far. Thank you, Dr. Yesu Persaud. Your life was a fine blend whose

aroma will be everlasting.

Sleep in peace, Sir. My deepest sympathy to his wife, children and all his loved ones on this great loss.

for food. This includes, fish, shellfish, crustaceans, algae and aquatic plants’. (https://sciencing. com/about-5489412-fishcage-farming.html) In addition, ‘the current stock of wild fish around the world is greatly depleted and most of the fish found in the markets are from aquaculture. The demand for fish raised on organic farms is going to be even greater because of the freshness, the taste, and the fact that they are rebased in a natural environment, devoid of chemicals and unnatural elements.’(https://www. agrifarming.in/fish-farming-profit-per-acre-in-india-economics-report).

This fish scarcity is not due to EXXON in Guyana waters and fish cage farm-

ing does enhance the taste and quality of fish.

According to an article titled Fish Farming for the Future, ‘Aquaculture will soon supply the majority of seafood for human consumption. Creating a sustainable fish farming industry for the future will require that we minimise its use of wild fish stocks, pollution, disease, farmed fish escapes and habitat damage.’ (https://www. livingoceans.org/initiatives/sustainable-seafood/ issues/fish-farming-thefuture) For the last 30 years, the high end of fish farming has been dominated by Atlantic salmon, a $15.4-billion industry.

Atlantic salmon has become one of the most profitable fish to grow and is slightly better than

chicken in terms of how well it converts feed into body mass.’

Aquaculture is an extremely profitable industry and the return on investment quoted by the President is a conservative one. In India, it is estimated that the net profit per acre is Rs 150,000 or US$2,010 per annum.

This means that a 100 acre farm can earn a net profit of US$201,000 or $42 million Guyana Dollars per annum. (https://www. agrifarming.in/fish-farming-profit-per-acre-in-india-economics-report) Lastly, on January 7, 2022, Mr Lall wants Guyanese to believe that the export revenue earned from cash crops or any privately owned business, including rice, does not

add to the enrichment of the country as a whole but enrich private individuals. But the most comical effect was the fact that he read and misinterpreted the Guyana Chronicle’s headline which he claimed read, ‘Guyana Earns US$30 million from Export of Non-Traditional Crops’ but the headline actually reads, ‘Guyana earns $2.6 B from Export of Non-Traditional Crops’.

Imagine a headline being distorted. But the worse is that Mr Lall interpreted ‘non-traditional crop’ to mean ‘bigan, bora, ochro and pumpkin’. If he had read further he would have seen that these are crops which were not traditionally exported and these are ‘fruits, vegetables, seasonings, grain crops, oil seeds,

root and tuber crops’.

Moreover, Mr Lall allows basic economics to elude him. Goods produced by the private sector which included the agriculture sector are included in the gross domestic product (GDP) and hence the national income, the size of which influences the standard of living of people in a country. But Mr Lall is of the opinion that, ‘Guyana gets nothing out of that, it does not belong to the country but a few private people hustling to make a living’.

Is this man for real auntie and uncle? Beware people! Mr Lall has a political agenda!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Yours sincerely, Wesley Kirton

Glenn Lall is an intellectual inadequate...

FROM PAGE 6

’(https://www.google. com/search?q=fish+cgae+farming+in+japan&oq=fish+cgae+farming+in+japan) All the countries which Mr Lall mentioned in his show are all actively involved in aquaculture.

He can do his research.

They are not at ‘experimental stages’, Mr Lall.

Furthermore, Mr Lall seemed confused about the term ‘aquaculture’ and is of the opinion that fish cage farming cannot be classified as ‘aquaculture’. However, the term ‘aquaculture’ is often used to refer to fish holding pen and fish cage farming. In general, the aquaculture definition is “the rearing or farming of aquatic animals/plants

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler

Part 6: Fridays in the Mirror

By Earl Bousquet

WHEN my friend and colleague, Moses Nagamootoo, informed me, early in 1993, that President Cheddi Jagan had asked him to ask me whether I would be willing to come to Guyana to share my over quarter-century of direct media experience in the new democratic dispensation that followed the 1992 elections, my simple reply was: ‘When?’

My family and I soon wound-up my lengthy service as Editor of The Star (Saint Lucia’s mostread weekly newspaper) and we moved to At-

lantic Ville (East Coast Demerara), from where I trekked daily by motorway to Ruimveldt, as the new Editor of the Mirror newspaper.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) organ was being published twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays) by the New Guyana Publishing Company, with two persons responsible for news and editorial content: First Lady Janet Jagan as Editor-in-Chief and former Catholic Standard reporter Robert Persaud as Chief Reporter, ably supported by Photographer George Lee and with (Director of Sports)

Neil Kumar as a most-reliable non-resident Sports Editor.

‘Comrade Janet’ was also the main author of ‘Dear Portia’, a column that answered burning questions on mainly homely personal relationship affecting women, posted by mail from various regions – from Port Kaituma in the Northwest to Berbice, from Fort Island in Essequibo to communities along embankments of the Potaro River, from the Rupununi Savannah to Canje Creek.

The responses would have been well-thoughtout by Mrs Jagan based

on her lifelong exposure to the socio-cultural effects of ongoing economic hardships and political exclusion on the lives of the poorest across Guyana, across regional borders and ethnic or racial barriers.

She’d also consult women on staff of all walks of life in the typesetting and bindery departments, including the cook of Amerindian heritage, on some matters.

The Editor-in-Chief also insisted the paper would carry no advertisement encouraging Guyanese to ‘Come to America’ as refugee economic migrants chasing fake Dreams to Remember in Lily-White Fields of Milk and Honey.

A few reliable, wellplaced persons (at home and abroad) also kept the paper’s pages alive with occasional opinion pieces or explanations of implications of new policies adopted by world, like Ambassadors Odeen Ishmael, David Dabydeen, Rudy Insanally and Bayney Karran, as well as legal, political and ideologically-based commentaries by the likes of Ralph Ramkarran, Clinton Collymore, Donald Ramotar, Clement Rohee, Kellawan Lall, Hydar Ali, Eddi Rodney -- and so many others, too numerous to mention.

I married my Caribbean understanding and professional and/or political proximity to leading Caribbean politicians of all types and stripes with the Guyana reality in ways new to my new job, in a continental Caribbean state on the northeastern shoulder of South America, far-removed from its island-chain CARICOM neighbours, where life is, simultaneously, both very different and very-much the same.

In my first four weekends at the Mirror we published exclusive ‘unlikely’ interviews with Hamilton Green, Jocelyn Dowe and Andaiye -and another with tough, constantly-harassed and often-tortured PPP stal-

wart involved in providing personal security to Dr Jagan, done under cover with the nom-deplume ‘Richard Harris’.

In my column Things That Make Me Say Oh Shucks! I offered a funny-but-true Caribbean small-islander’s view of Things Guyana – linking villages with common names like ‘Hope’, ‘Good Hope’, ‘Better Hope’ and ‘New Hope’, or the Biblical connections between ‘Le Repentir’ and ‘La Penitence’, or the forever-wrong pronunciation of ‘Mon Repos’, or Christian imaginations of Heading to Heaven on a chariot named ‘Success’ through ‘Garden of Eden’ and ‘Land of Canaan’, only to end-up at Barama.

During my six-year stint I also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Guyana Television Company (GTV) and a Director at the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), presenting commentaries and hosting opinion programmes on national TV while hosting three popular nightly programmes on GBC, the only radio station in Guyana at the time: Action Like, Plain Talk and Issues in the News.

I also prepared weekly Broadcasts to Schools explaining international, Caribbean and Hemispheric issues and their application to local conditions, to demystify global concepts and simplify their understanding by students.

During that time too, (with Nagamootoo studying law at The UWI in Trinidad & Tobago and Trade and Industry Minister Shree Chand acting as the subject minister) satellite links were quietly established to take GTV’s signal beyond Greater Georgetown to Essequibo and other regions.

I w a s a l s o Vi c e Chair of the Guyana Relief Council (chaired

by Prime Minister Sam Hinds’ wife Yvonne).

But never mind all

Earl Bousquet

these engagements, my daily job was to get to the Mirror along the ‘Back Road’ (Nelson Mandela Highway) every weekday morning to slug-away at the old typewriter I used -- until 1996, when I first learned to finger a computer keyboard.

The news hound in the energetic young Robert (Persaud) ensured we always had more local items about the major weekly Cabinet decisions and achievements of the PPP/Civic administration than possible to use all in any one issue and Team Mirror always ensured coverage was as far-andwide as possible.

Fridays at Mirror saw us working all day to put the paper to bed early-enough by afternoon to get it out to vendors and on the minibuses, ferries and flights that would take it throughout Guyana between Friday evening and Sunday morning.

I’ve never pursued the full story of how The Mirror virtually broke -whether it simply lost its clear reflection, foldedup under the pressure of competition, became a victim of Social Media’s almost-absolute dominance – or none-or-all of the above.

But my half-dozen years at New Guyana and constantly-enjoyed personal, professional and political outreach to the rest of my fellow media-worker colleagues (journalists, reporters, photographers, printers, broadcasters and others across the national spectrum) went both ways: I poured-out my knowledge and shared my experiences – and (I also) earned richer experiences and learned so-manymore new lessons, all of which helped shape who I am today as a distant but chronic chronicler of Guyana’s chronicles.

Would I have liked it any other way?

No way!

Women’s leadership programme launched

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

THE 25 Influential Women Leaders Award (25IWLA) officially launched its Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP) at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel under the theme, ‘Creating an Empire of Women Leaders’, on Tuesday.

The programme, with the mission of advancing and developing talented women across practices, roles, and locations, reflects 25IWLA’s ongoing commitment to supporting women at all stages of their careers, a release said.

With a diverse cohort, WLP will provide its participants with the opportunity to develop skills to maximise their impact, and contribute to their own communities.

Designed and developed by the co-creators of 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, Michelle A. Nicholas, Founder and CEO, The NICO Consulting, Inc and Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director, Cerulean Incorporated, the Women’s Leadership Programme is a ten-month programme that will address the issue of women’s historical underrepresentation in leadership positions.

With a cohort of only 25 women annually, the programme will provide a safe space, mentors, training, opportunities, networking, and a community for its participants to be and feel empowered as they create positive change in themselves and the world.

DRIVING FORCE Lyndell Danzie-Black, co-creator of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award, shared that, “Women are the driving force behind our economics and enabling the growth of one woman can impact the lives of many more. It is an honour to further impact the lives of women through the WLP, particularly now as women are taking the lead in adjusting to the new normal by finding innovative and profitable ways to keep on serving and elevating their communities.”

Speaking to the mechanics and expected outcomes of the programme, co-creator of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award Michelle A. Nicholas expressed confidence that the participants will discover how to navigate and leverage internal and external networks, participate in peer coaching and engage in community service and community-building activities.

“The Women’s Leadership Programme is a com-

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Some of the Women’s Leadership Programme participants, along with co-creator Lyndell Danzie-Black and Minister Persaud (MHSS photo) munity; not a classroom,” Nicholas said, adding: “We are at the beginning of the building of a movement; the assembling of a force to be reckoned with as we tap into the immense knowledge, experience and capabilities of these outstanding women and come out on the other side of this journey of self-discovery and fortification of the strengths inherent in each through supportive efforts and expert executive mentoring. I look forward with pleasure to the completion of this initial growth process, where we will have added another cohort of stronger and more empowered women to this empire of women leaders.”

Recognising the need for initiatives like the Women’s Leadership Programme, members of the national, international, and corporate community joined and shared their commitment to the advancement of gender equity and women’s leadership in Guyana, the release said.

Guest speaker at the launch, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins encouraged the beginning of the conversation on gender equity among girls and boys. “There has to be change in perspective by the men who are around us, who support us and lead with us, that must also be for her,” she said. Senator Cummins, sharing experiences as a woman professional, related that there is excellence and leadership in women and it is on the basis of merit, performance, and capabilities.

“We are supporting women in the transformation of every aspect of our society because this is important.”

Continuing the focus on

supporting programs like WLP, she called upon the gathering to effect change in schools, businesses, policies with the view of mainstreaming women in leadership and development in every society and sector. “Women are being empowered to lead and being given agency to use and own their voice,” she said.

KEEP LEARNING Jane Miller, OBE, British High Commissioner to Guyana built on her address given to the awardees in October of 2021, adding three concepts to her previous exhortation of claiming their seat at the table, calling other women out by acknowledging and rewarding their valuable contributions and seeking mentorship to grow leadership. She encouraged the participants of the Women’s Leadership Programme to “Embrace and celebrate your leadership, keep learning, and look after your friends and yourself. Surround yourself with people that inspire you. Surround yourself by people with different views.”

Sarah-Ann Lynch, Ambassador of the USA to Guyana lauded the co-creators of the programme for their continued investment in women leaders, sharing that in her travels across Guyana she had the privilege of meeting many outstanding women, and she was now proud to see this group of women brought together to improve on their already outstanding achievements. The ambassador shared that investing in women has local, national and global effects, the release noted.

“Personal and professional development cannot be an individual responsibility. It must come from a supportive environment that motivates

people to perform at their highest level,” she said.

Welcoming the chance to continue the EU’s support of the women in Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana shared his excitement for the launch of the programme. He shared

that, “There needs to be a fair playing ground and will only exist when women are not treated differently for being women and treated equally to men.” Expressing the commitment of the EU, Ambassador Cantó was proud of its external support programme that empowers

the development of women in countries like Guyana.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud assured the participants of the support of the ministry, stating that this support will be provide through tangible means. She shared her congratulations to the co-creators for their work to empower Guyanese women and encouraged all women to “Be fearless, have confidence in yourself. Use your voices not only for yourself but for those who will come after you and also be on your journey with you.”

The curated sessions will explore critical areas that include access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally.

Fostering an instant community, it will bring together thought-and-inspirational leaders in relevant fields who are ready to transform and impact the lives of the women participating, the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Trade Unions withdraw challenge against amended ‘COVID’ measures

ATTORNEY-at-Law Darren Wade, on behalf of three of the country’s major trade unions, on Thursday withdrew the legal challenge of the COVID-19 emergency measures.

The decision comes in the wake of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s amendment of an Executive Order that was previously made by his predecessor, President David Granger.

When the case came up for oral arguments before Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, at the Georgetown High Court, Wade made an application for the matter to be withdrawn, claiming that the State has since “fixed the issue”.

The parties had challenged the COVID-19 emergency measures that were laid out in March 2020 by President Granger, in favour of a grouping of government ministers only, called the National COVID-19 Task Force.

Last month, the Central Board of Health (CBH)

Chief Justice Roxane George, SC assumed its full responsibility of issuing and managing COVID-19 regulations, taking that power away from the Minister of Health, in keeping with the 1934 Public Health Ordinance of Guyana, following an Executive Order made by President Ali. With this recent development, the application became redundant, and as such

the Chief Justice was obliged to grant the application for withdrawal.

The application filed by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), and their umbrella body, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), came up for Case Management Conference (CMC) on Thursday at the Demerara High Court.

In their application, GPSU Vice-President Dawn Gardner, GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald, and GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis are all claiming that former President David Granger had exceeded his authority when he issued the first COVID-19 emergency measures back in March 2020, and are, therefore, calling for them to be quashed.

Back in September, High Court Judge Fidela CorbinLincoln had refused to grant the injunctions prayed for by the Unions.

The Unions had asked the court to grant them an

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade; GTU’s Coretta McDonald; GPSU’s Patrick Yarde; and GTUC’s Lincoln Lewis Order preventing the State from implementing the vaccination requirements, and ordering the government to stand the cost of regular COVID-19 testing for all public servants.

In her ruling, the judge was at pains to explain that although the Court has jurisdiction to grant the injunctions at reference, it is in the public’s best interest not to do so, since it would be preventing the government from doing what it must to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) here.

“The world has been severely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pan-

demic; governments throughout the world have employed various measures to contain and reduce the spread of the virus. These measures include mandatory lockdowns, quarantines, curfews, and mask-wearing. The introduction of vaccines is the most recent effort to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The court is not deaf to the debate raging around the world, with respect to the ethicality and effectiveness of the vaccine; the legality of mandatory vaccine requirements is a reasonable infringement of constitutional rights. These matters are still to be tested in court,” Justice

Corbin-Lincoln had said in her ruling.

The judge went on to say that while everything seems to suggest that vaccine hesitancy is a big issue here in Guyana, the government is doing everything it possibly can to keep the virus at bay, by implementing such measures as asking persons to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR result before entering a public building.

Among other things the judge said at the time was that granting the interim injunctions would have been just a “temporary fix” of the situation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Over 55,000 COVID-19 tests conducted so far for January

THE Ministry of Health has conducted a record number of COVID-19 tests so far for the month of January, 2022.

Speaking during his daily COVID-19 update on Thursday, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, said this is more than the number of tests conducted for the whole of 2020, when the disease was detected here in March of that same year.

This number also surpassed the average monthly figures for 2021.

“For 2021, we would have [sic] done 387,266 tests overall; that on average would be 32,272 tests per month, so you can see in January of this year we would have [sic] exceeded all of those numbers,” the

Health Minister said.

He added: “So, we have been testing quite a lot. More people are coming out to be tested and we’ll continue to do that; however, we have to make sure that we are using our testing resources properly and that we are targeting the section of the population which really needs to be tested.”

Dr Anthony related that persons who are symptomatic will be given the antigen test and if found to be positive, no repeat PCR test will be conducted, as was done previously.

“For PCR, we are prioritising that for patients who really need to be checked with PCR. Those include the people who are in hospital, persons who are coming to

the accident or emergency or our outpatient departments, persons who are in high-risk settings or any other person that[sic] one of the clinicians feel should be tested for COVID-19 using PCR,” Dr Anthony said.

He is also urging persons to use health centres in their areas to have their tests done.

“In Georgetown, we have seen at the Umana Yana for example, a lot of people have been flocking there. But I want to advise them that we have about eight or nine health centres in different parts of Georgetown, that are doing antigen testing, so you don’t have to go to just one site,” Dr. Anthony said. (DPI)

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Woman being tested for COVID-19 at one of the Ministry of Health’s testing sites

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Local Content, NRF Acts designed to empower Guyanese

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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- Foreign Affairs Minister tells Linden residents

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, has said that both the Local Content and Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation were enacted to empower Guyanese by creating widespread opportunities.

The importance of those acts was shared with residents of Linden on Wednesday, when the minister and a team visited the town.

“We want you to benefit from the oil and gas sector.

It’s your oil. We are just here to ensure that you get the best out of it. When you look at the Local Content Act and the Natural Resources Act, both are written in simple language, nothing complex.

“When we talk about transparency and accountability, and ensuring that Guyana wins, both acts are designed to do that; to empower Guyana and Guya-

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, engaging Lindeners during his visit to the mining town, on Wednesday (DPI photo) nese and to put Guyanese first so that we could be a true beacon for the Caribbean,” Minister Todd outlined to the residents.

He said too that the government intends to use funds from the oil and gas industry to diversify traditional sectors within Guyana’s economy.

Those he listed were infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and security.

The plan to diversify is in keeping with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision to efficiently utilise Guyana’s resources for the country’s development.

“We will take the oil

money and invest it in all of the other sectors… when you look at our developmental framework, it is designed to put people first,” Minister Todd said.

The Local Content Act is one of the two new oil laws that have been highly praised, particularly by Guy-

ana’s private sector.

The law ensures that preference is given to Guyanese and Guyanese businesses in the procurement of goods and services for the oil and gas sector. It also ensures the transfer of knowledge and skills training in the lucrative sector.

The Natural Resource Fund is another critical instrument used to ensure the prudent, transparent and accountable management of Guyana’s oil funds.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government made a few amendments to the previous model of the Act. One of the amendments sees the establishment of a crucial body to manage the fund. It also removed what was labelled as “untenable power,” which was vested in the Minister of Finance in terms of the governing and use of the fund.

HEFTY PUNISHMENT FOR SECRECY

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, reminded that the Act has an anti-corruption mechanism that would prevent secrecy in the collection of funds.

“We have now introduced the requirement to publish in the Official Gazette and table in Parliament, every single receipt into the fund within three months, which is a feature that was not in the previous Act. And what that does, is it ensures that the fiasco whereby the APNU+AFC minister attempted to conceal the receipt of US$18 million can never happen again,” Dr. Singh said.

If someone fails to comply with the obligation of publishing this information, they will be fined $5 million and be imprisoned for 10 years.

Those provisions, Dr. Singh said, make this Act vastly superior to the previous one. (DPI)

150 persons gain employment - another 150 with Linden call centre to be hired shortly

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THE rebranded Kara Kara call centre at Linden, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice), has empowered 150 residents by offering them employment.

Despite being established for a few months, the Midas BPO (Kara Kara Call Centre) has already employed 150 persons from this town. Importantly, the centre will be employing another 150 by the second quarter of 2022 and holds potential to hire as many as 1,000 persons.

On Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, along with Chief Investment Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, toured the call centre.

The visit was a follow-up to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and the government in September last.

During a press conference following the tour, Minister Todd said the facility is a clear example of the government’s “bold initiative” to

not only stimulate and drive growth in the economy of Linden, but to also create jobs through incentivising the private sector.

“Our framework for development is very inclusive, inclusive to the extent that each and every region is given careful attention; attention that allows each and every region to be serviced based on their needs and priorities.

“For example, in Linden, we know that this town has gone through a lot of economic decay, social decline over the last five years. We knew that when we assumed office, we needed to push development in Linden,” the Foreign Affairs Minister outlined.

In addition to pushing for the creation of 50,000 jobs, the government has also liberalised the telecommunications sector, as promised in its manifesto. The liberalisation will aid in the expansion of operations such as the Midas BPO. “This government cares about Region 10,” Minister Todd said, adding: “This government thinks about Re-

gion 10 and includes Region 10 in our development plans in every sector; in healthcare, education and as well as in driving business.

“We have great potential. Linden is going to be well served going forward, because our agenda is inclusive. It leaves out no community and we know that people here are willing and capable and ready to be able to meet and enjoy the benefits this government will have to offer.”

Meanwhile, Dr Ramsaroop highlighted the massive potential Guyana holds in the BPO industry. Through this expansion, he said he is confident that at least 25,000 jobs could be created in this industry across the country.

“We are out looking for large operators to come and we are speaking to some of the big clients such as Verizon. They came in and evaluated all of the call centres in Guyana. We see Midas BPO and others expanding in this region, because there are people looking for work and that’s what people want; a steady workforce,” Dr Ram-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

(From left) Midas BPO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malcolm Sobers; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and Chief Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr Peter Ramsaroop during Wednesday’s tour of the call centre (DPI photo) saroop related on Wednesday.

During an interview with DPI, Midas BPO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Malcolm Sobers, said the company is geared at creating a lasting impact through the creation of jobs, while restoring revenue to communities.

“Being able to provide

jobs and make meaningful impact is greater than the bottom line. We don’t want to be a nice shiny object you have for a short time; we really want to become a staple in Linden. The first goal is to become the largest private employer and we are looking to return real dollars back

into the community,” he said.

There are currently 20 youths in training who are seeking to become part of the Midas team. Lindeners who are employed at the telecommunication company lauded the government for paving the way for financial enhancement. (DPI)

Single-parent mother, daughter to graduate from UG

IT will be an extremely proud moment for 47-yearold Pamela Atwell, and her 21-year-old daughter, Deandra Daniels who will both “walk” the University of Guyana’s virtual graduation stage come February 11, 2022. The occasion is the pair’s successful completion of the requirements for a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Social Work, and a Diploma in Communication, respectively.

As a single-parent, Atwell shared with the university’s Public Relations Team that she’d always wanted to achieve higher education. The proud mother of one explained: “I always wanted to achieve higher education in order to ‘lift’ myself out of poverty, and make a bigger impact on society.”

The newly-minted qualified Social Worker praised the university for helping her to stand out as a professional, since the goal of social work is to always be of help to persons in society.

Though Atwell stands proudly beside her daughter, it was not without tremendous challenges for both of them.

“Finance was my biggest challenge while attending university. I completed my Diploma in Social Work many years

Deandra Daniels, left, and her mom Pamela Atwell ago, while my daughter was in high school. I returned to campus in 2019 to acquire my Bachelor’s, and that’s the same year my daughter started her studies in the area of communication. Being a single-parent placed a financial burden on me, since I had to ensure both of our tuitions were paid, while also paying back a loan for my previous course. Coupled with that, I also have to pay a mortgage for my home, and fulfill other financial obligations in my home. At this juncture, my daughter is graduating with her diploma, while I am graduating with my Bachelor’s degree.

Glory be to God,” the elated mother said.

When asked how she managed to deal with the challenges, Atwell replied: “I kept my eyes on the prize, and used my motivational skills on myself. I knew that I had to be strong and steadfast; I listened to wholesome music, and danced while at home and at my best friend’s house.”

PURSUE YOUR DREAMS As a mother and proud graduand of the University of Guyana, Atwell wishes to encourage current and prospective students to pursue their dreams of acquiring higher education at

UG. “At the end of your studies, you have a chance to become a well-rounded individual, irrespective of your major,” she urged.

Her daughter, Deandra Daniels, who will be graduating with her Diploma in Communication Studies, reflected on the morals and values her mother had instilled in her. She noted that because of that she knew that straight out of high school she had to further her education.

Deandra is currently pursuing her BA in Communication Studies.

“Being raised by a singlemother, she has always instilled in me that I should aim for a career, and not a job. The University of Guyana is where I would have to hone those skills. My mother always told me it doesn’t matter what it is I study, I should walk that stage one day; we didn’t allow anything to hold us back,” said the young aspiring communication specialist.

When asked what was one of her most fond moments at UG, the enthusiastic graduand boldly reminisced on her selfdefence classes. She reflected: “I joined the Female Empowerment Movement Club in my first year, and they taught us self-defence every Wednesday and Friday afternoon; Tai Chi

with Sensei Rushana Wong, another student herself. They were really refreshing, and gave me a sense of strength, both in body and mind.”

BOLDER AND OUTSPOKEN Deandra also praised the university for grooming her to be bolder and outspoken.

“I have definitely become bolder and outspoken; I always was, actually, but my tongue is sharper with words, and my brain thinks faster when a topic arises. Though I hate the group work at the University of Guyana, it has helped with my understanding and patience with people and their personalities, mannerisms, sudden behavioural changes like family, friends, and significant others,” she said.

Unlike her mom, who highlighted financial challenges as the main challenge she encountered during her studies at UG, Deandra’s was finding her true calling and purpose at the university.

“When I enrolled into the University of Guyana in 2018, I was a Biology major, as I was a science student in high school.

But a small part of me knew I was in a place where I ought not to be; I had the mind of a writer or creator or an artist.

They call us the dreamers. I

buried my true self deep down, and continued pursuing a career in biology. In Year Two, Week One as a biology major, I went into my mother’s room, crying and telling her I can’t do this anymore. I admitted to her that I had been thinking of changing my major to Communication Studies for a while now, and her reply was, ‘I know.’ She had noticed that I was unhappy, but was waiting for me to figure out who I truly am, so I was scolded for burying my true feelings; wasting money and time. Then I switched my major and never looked back. Now we laugh about it,” the proud graduand stated.

Like the March 2021 convocation, events this year will be even more special, since the university’s administration is consistently underscoring that the great resilience displayed by students to complete their degrees in very difficult circumstances of COVID-19 deserves to be richly applauded and celebrated.

A record number of attendees are expected this year, since, due to the Online nature of the event, there will be no limit to the number of invitees who can join the proceedings via Facebook Livestream.

(UG)

Jagnanan of Wakenaam is region’s top business student

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Naresh Jagnanan THE pandemic has not stopped 17-year-old Naresh Jagnanan of Belle Plaine, Region Three from excelling at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examina-

tions.

The former Essequibo Islands Secondary student has emerged as the region’s top business student at the 2021 sitting of the CSEC examinations.

The youngest child of his parents, he has made Wakenaam proud. The young man, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, credited his success to late night studies and extra lessons.

Jagnanan wrote 11 subjects at the 2021 sitting of the CSEC examinations and obtained 11 grade ones. Of the Guyanese students who topped the region at the CSEC examinations, he was the only one who hails from outside of Georgetown.

Jagnanan is doing accounting courses at the Cacique Accounting College and will be enrolling at the University of Guyana the next semester. He is a recipient of a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to further his studies at the University of Guyana.

Leading up to examinations, he said that poor Internet connectivity coupled with frequent power outages dimmed his spirit. However, he remained focused and put in extra hours of study.

During this challenging time, he received support from his parents and teachers of the Essequibo Island

Defendants plead not guilty ahead of schoolboy’s murder trial

DEAD: Brian Charles-Yearwood THE High Court trial into the murder of a 16-year-old schoolboy during a school concert at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is expected to commence next month.

Andy Daniel Peters, 21, and Shannon Cox, 24, on Thursday appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall and pleaded not guilty to the capital offence, in that they denied murdering Brian Charles Yearwood on April 29, 2017 in the County of Demerara.

The State is represented

by Prosecutors Cicelia Cor-

bin and Lisa Cave, and the defendants by Attorneys-atLaw Latchmi Rahamat and Madan Kissoon. The trial is expected to commence before a 12-member jury on February 3, 2022.

According to reports, Peters and the deceased, Yearwood, had had an altercation on the day before the stabbing occurred during an unfortunate encounter at Grove, some four villages away.

Peters was reportedly in the company of Cox, the co-accused, when he saw Yearwood at the fair the fol-

lowing evening, and, walking up to him, asked: “You is nah de boy from the other night?”

As he did so, it is alleged, Cox suddenly dropped into a crouch, and by the time he straightened up, he’d already dealt the 16-year-old several stabs in the region of the chest.

Unfortunately, by the time the injured teen was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, he was pronounced dead on arrival. The police reportedly found the murder weapon, a knife, at Cox’s home.

Secondary School. At times, he said, he felt like giving up but then he reminded himself of what he wanted in the

future.

He is advising students who will be sitting the upcoming CSEC examina-

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tions to stay focused and maintain a balance between studies and extracurricular activities.

Laparkan fire ‘maliciously set’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

-says acting Fire Chief THE Guyana Fire Service has concluded that the fire that destroyed the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC)’s storage bond was “maliciously set.”

This is according to Fire Chief (ag), Gregory Wickham, who said that the fire service has concluded its part of the investigation and will now hand over the report to the relevant au-

thorities.

“The cause of the fire has been determined by the fire service to have been maliciously set by person or persons unknown. The next step is that the information

The Laparkan storage bond being ravaged by fire on early Monday morning

would be fed to the relevant authorities and they would have to take it from there.

The fire service’s job has been completed, which was to find the cause of the fire,” Wickham said during a telephone interview with this publication on Thursday.

He added that he could not share details on what contributed to the GFS determining the cause of the fire as being deliberately set. Wickham, however, confirmed that the fire service had reviewed available video footage from CCTV cameras as part of its investigation.

“All necessary investigative skills were used to come up with the cause, but detailed information as to what [led to the determination of the cause] we cannot disclose that because in case the matter is taken to the court, that could hamper the trial of persons. So, we would not release that kind of information. We would

have looked at CCTV footage, but we cannot disclose that information either,” the Fire Chief (ag) said.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in damages were recorded after the fire destroyed the bond being utilised by Laparkan.

There was also minor water damage and fire damage to a storage bond being used by the Tropical Shipping Company. The fire was first observed at approximately 23:30 hours on Sunday.

Items destroyed included propane cylinders, a quantity of barrels containing food items, clothing, and household appliances.

Laparkan also suffered the loss of one Bobcat machine; a quantity of office furniture; gas cylinders; crates of energy drinks; three 40-foot containers containing electrical cables and flex hoses; three electrical transformers and three 40foot refrigerated containers.

Eleven vehicles were also destroyed, while five were severely damaged and three others were slightly damaged. Laparkan has not released any statement on the fire since the incident on Monday.

During its initial investigation on Monday, the fire service, in a statement, had noted that the Laparkan facilities did not have any fire-prevention measures in place.

“There were no smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or fire hoses installed in the building. Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems play a major role in preventing fires, while fire extinguishers are useful in putting out small fires,” the GFS statement had said.

Wickham said the GFS is willing to work along with Laparkan and all other commercial companies to get the facility equipped with proper fire prevention systems.

ris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court for the trial of Travis Archer, called ‘Spin and Kill’, for the murder of Sophia resident, Jamal Munroe.

Archer pleaded not guilty to the indictment which read that on November 3 or 4, 2017, at ‘Blackand-White Bridge’, in ‘C’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Munroe.

He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat, while

the State’s case will be presented, when the trial commences on Monday,

by Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Cicelia Corbin.

Munroe, 24, reportedly died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) of injuries consistent with the gunshot wounds he sustained during an argument with Archer over a 32 year-old female shopkeeper of ‘D’ Field, Sophia.

‘Spin and Kill’ pleads not guilty of murder

DEAD: Jamal Munroe

A MIXED 12-member jury was on Thursday empanelled before Justice Simone Mor-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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Adventures of Parika/Salem Backdam

Picking a few cassavas was one of the highlights of my day

By Naomi Parris The adventurous soles of my feet this week took me into the depths of Parika/Salem backdam, and I must say, it awakened the inner child in me.

Growing up, I was not allowed to play much outside, since I had sensitive skin and was prone to hives, eczema and other skin-related illnesses. The few times when I did get to go outside, my adventures were limited to my own backyard.

So, I was often left behind when my cousins and friends were heading into the backdams and playfields to pick fruits and play games.

However, a recent

trip to the serene community of Parika Salem, saw me basking in all the activities I was not able to partake in as a younger child.

This week’s adventure began when I left my East Coast Demerara home around 6’o clock in the morning to ‘beat’ the East Bank traffic. Unfortunately, the early morning rushhour caught up with me and I found myself sitting in traffic for a several minutes, counting the vehicles as they passed by. The journey took a couple hours, but I eventually arrived safely at my destination in Salem.

There, I met a farmer by the name of Seeajere who prefers to be

called ‘Aunty Bigs’; she took me on a tour to her farmlands. We ‘geared’ up in our long boots, and sun hats to shield ourselves from the heat of the sun as we made our journey to the farm.

I watched on keenly as ‘Aunty Bigs’ prepared her boat to begin our voyage along the Salem “main trench”, which leads into the backdam.

It was a cool ride, even though the midday sun spared us no mercy. But, the calm waters and cool breeze made the journey a little less harsh. After streaking across the trench for what seemed to be about an hour, we finally arrived at the farm and were greeted with voluminous coconut trees, scrumptious-look-

ing plantain suckers and a galore of other vegetable and fruit trees The real fun began when I tried my hands at reaping a few cassavas and climbing an avocado tree. While I did get a few “ants bites,” it was no biggie.

What I must certainly share with you, dear fans of the Buzz, is the fact that I got to pick an avacoda right off the tree. I tried my best to maintain balance, and fortunately, I have photos to prove to a few naysayers who once told me I couldn’t climb a tree, that I did.

At the end of my trip I left with a heart full of content, and a bag full of memories and goodies, which I can only share with you via these few photos.

Ofcourse I had to get a quick snap while I was in the Avocado tree

A few of the goodies I got from the farm

Navin Singh’s ‘Tera Pukara’ set for February release

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Overseas-based Guyanese singer Navin Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

After just three years of being in the music industry professionally, Navin Singh can’t help but reminisce on his accomplishments with pride, especially having already released six songs, whilst collaborating with some of the biggest names in the genre of Chutney.

Navin is currently preparing to release yet another notable collaboration; this time, it features none other than ‘Guyanese Baboo’ himself, Terry Gagraj. “Tera Pukara,” his new song, will be dropping sometime around mid-February.

Hailing from Number 19 Village, Berbice, East Berbice-Corentyne, Navin migrated to Cayenne, French Guiana at the age of 10, while his family was on their way to finding a better life. He later settled in the United States of America, and has built a comfortable life for himself in Queens.

His studies in mechanical engineering led him

to pursuing a career in construction. Evolving as a master of the trade, Navin now has is own firm. “Through the years, though, I have always had a passion for singing, which I practiced in the temple and enjoyed doing karaoke and singing Bollywood songs,” Navin reflected in an interview with Buzz this week.

He eventually mustered enough courage and recorded his very first song titled, “The Contractor”, which was released in 2019.

Since then, he has been inspired to record one song after the next.

He writes lyrics, sings, and even go as far as to sponsor other artists in the industry. “I’ve been in the music Industry for three years, thanks to Mr. Mahendra Ramkellawan (Dem A Watch Meh singer) who got me into the music industry. He inspired me to pursue my singing career and put out my first song. I’m so thankful for having a

With just three years in the music business, Navin has accomplished quite a lot

friend like him,” Singh shared.

Navin noted that since he was a little boy, though, he always loved singing. He eventually taught himself to play the harmonium and soon enough, began to sing bhajans at the Hindu Temple. “I enjoy being in this field because music is a very creative and expressive hobby that brings me inner peace,” Navin expressed.

He continued, “Since I started singing, one of my biggest accomplishments have been releasing six songs and having the privilege to collaborate with Mahendra Ramkellawan on ‘Love Meh Life’;Steven Ramphal, Bunty Singh and others.

“My other songs entitled, ‘The Contractor,’ ‘Ma Mere Ma,’ and ‘O Sajana’ are also some of my biggest accomplishments,” Navin noted.

His new song, Tera Pukara, is a ‘Bollywood cover’, which will see Terry Gagraj doing some rapping in English. The Production is being done by ‘Big Rich and the Pungalunks Factory from Trinidad and Tobago.

“I have been honored to perform on the same stage with many iconic Chutney singers. I am so thankful and humble to have been given these opportunities,” Navin said.

He was also keen on expressing his pleasure to work with producers such as those from Maha Studios, Big Rich Pungalunks Factory, Shakti Strings, and Rishi Lakhan, and Vendetta Studios. “I appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to making these songs great hits. I find joy in being able to donate to charities and sponsoring shows and fellow artists in the Chutney industry,” he related.

All of Navin’s songs are on YouTube and other major social media platforms.

Don’t be glued to your devices; take a breather!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

HAVE you ever told yourself that you just needed five minutes to check your Facebook account, perhaps for work; but then one-hour later, you’re still browsing on the site and have not actually done the one thing you went there to do in the first place? You’re not alone, and such scenarios are not limited to just Facebook; social media platforms seem to be designed to to keep us glued to our screens, no matter how well-intentioned we are about maintaining brief usage. But, eventually a time comes when we must ask ourselves: just how do we draw the line and not allow ourselves to be overly consumed?

That may be the hardest question for some, and even if we have some answers, it speaks truth into the saying, “easier said than done.”

For one thing, it calls for a determined, conscientious

effort not to be sucked into the habit of spending hours on social media. This means that a careful, deliberate attempt would have to be made to limit just how much time is being spent behind the screen.

So, the first step seems to be determining how much time you want to spend on the apps per day and also what time of day you would spend such time. This would allow for you to complete other important, pressing tasks that otherwise would become backed up with those of the next day.

You may not know it, but Facebook has a setting that allows you to be notified when the timing you’ve set for yourself has expired. For example, if you fix the setting to allow for you to use the app for one hour a day, Facebook will alert you when that hour has been completed. You will only get the notification when all 60 minutes would’ve been completed, so that you could

The Facebook setting to help you manage the time you spend on the app

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be browsing Facebook at different times of the day within that specified one hour.

Another way to control your use of social media might be to download the app on only one device. For instance, if you have the app on your desktop computer only, then you would not be tempted to go on it when you’re using your phone, or your tablet, or laptop. But imagine the enticement if you make the apps available on all of your devices! Obviously, you’d be inclined to use them, unless you’ve really mastered the art of self-discipline.

What also helps at times is to turn off your Wi-Fi or data on your phones. This way, you’ve decided mentally that you’re not interested in whatever is happening on social media during the time that you’re offline.

Often times than not, for some reason, people feel that the world will end if they’re not among the first persons to hear of something. Don’t always be like those people; every once in a while, turn off internet access and spend some time with your family, or a friend, or with yourself!

Perhaps going for a drive, or a walk around the block.

This would do much more for your mental health than being glued to a social media app.

In fact, research points to the fact that too much social media time can have negative effects on one’s mental health.

According to an article on Healthline, a new study shows that there is a causal link between the use of social media and negative effects on well-being, primarily depression and loneliness. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.

On December 1, 2021, the World Health Organisation published an article that said misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, as amplified on social media and other digital platforms, is proving to be as much “a threat to global public health as the virus itself.”

Social media apps have been designed to keep us interested and glued to our screens

The proud family is back!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

- louder, and prouder

By Naomi Parris If you’re a 90’s or early 2000’s baby, then I have some great news for you; the intriguing and hilarious animation series, ‘The Proud Family’ is set to make its big return to our screens in February 2022.

The show, which premiered in 2001, ran for two seasons in a span of four years, and became one of Disney Channels leading animated series.

It was so popular and captivating that it saw the network producing an entire film to commemorate the official finale of the series.

A coming-of-age story that follows the life Penny Proud, voiced by the talented Kyla Pratt, tells the story of an African American teenager, and chronicles her navigation of adolescence, family,

friends and so much more.

W h i l e t h e s h o w ’s genre is recognized as a comedy, it did however touch on some serious conversations such as racism and peer-pressure.

Its witty storytelling also sought to simplify those hard-to-have conversations with children of a young age.

The show was filled with many hi-jinks and hilarity, but always ended with a profound message as the ultimate take away.

So far, the show’s co-creator, Bruce W. Smith, who will be retuning as an executive producer, teased that the return will be louder, prouder, and ready to tackle the social issues of the day.

Some developments will include introducing new, progressive characters with more complexities and storylines similar to real-life situations.

The Proud Family is back, louder, and prouder (Disney Plus photo) A first-look trailer The Proud Family, which Suga Mama, Penny’s hip that are slated to come was released as part of makes it even more splen- grandmother, along with aboard in voice acting Disney Plus Day and did. many others. roles are Tiffany Haddish, will feature many of the Kayla Pratt will reThe revival of The Lizzo, Bretman Rock, Galeading cast members turn a Penny Proud, the Proud Family is also set brielle Union, Lil Nas X, from the original cast of show’s main character, to see a host of celebrity and more. along with Tommy Da- guest stars.

We at the Buzz famvidson as Oscar Proud, So, listen out for the ily are excited and can’t Penny’s overprotective voices of some your fa- wait to see what Penny dad; Paula Jai Parker as vorite actors, singers and Proud and her famiTrudy Proud, Penny’s even youtubers. Some of ly has to bring to our mom; Jo Marie Payton as the more popular names screens.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Aussies top Test rankings, Head soars on batting list

AUSTRALIA'S 4-0 win in the Ashes has seen Pat Cummins side return to the top spot on the ICC's Test team rankings, and the side now have three of the world's top six men's Test batters after Travis Head's Hobart century.

It's the first time Australia have claimed the No.1 ranking since May 2020, when the ICC's annual adjustment of the points table saw the side move up.

After thrashing England Australia are again the world's No.1 ranked Test team after in Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide, their 4-0 Ashes victory over England Melbourne and Hobart – with the leading run-scorer against if he gets out in non-traditional England holding on for a draw in England. ways, I just want him to go out, the fourth Test in Sydney – AusDavid Warner has dropped be free and play his game." tralia have leapfrogged India and from eighth to 11th, after his secThat vote of confidence New Zealand to claim top spot. ond career pair in Hobart. played a significant part in Head's India, the previous topPat Cummins remains the successful return to Test crickranked team, have slipped to top-ranked bowler in Test cricket, et having lost his place in the third after they lost 2-1 in South having held the position since the starting XI, and then his Cricket Africa in an at-times controver2019 Ashes.

Australia (CA) contract, as a resial series, while the inaugural Scott Boland is ranked 43rd sult of last summer's home series World Test Championship winafter an incredible start to his Test loss to India. ners New Zealand drew 1-1 at career, while Cameron Green has Those "non-traditional" dishome with Bangladesh. The risen to No.20 in the all-rounder missals have previously polarised Black Caps could reclaim the lists. views of the 28-year-old's apNo.1 spot with a 2-0 series win Australia's self-anointed proach to batting since he made against South Africa in their 'wheelie bin' Travis Head capped his debut for South Australia as upcoming Test series. a coming-of-age Ashes summer a precociously talented teenager Head was the biggest mover in style to dominate England's in 2013. in the latest update to the player attack and was named both play"I went through a period rankings, improving from 10th to er-of-the-series and player-of-the- when I understood dismissals equal-fifth after his player-of-thematch in Hobart. might not have looked the best, match effort in the Ashes finale.

The South Australian scored and I might get caught at third The South Australian's rise 357 runs at 59.5 to occupy top man or flap at a ball and obviousis more impressive because he spot on the run-scoring charts for ly I don't want to do that," Head was outside the top 25 at the start the five-Test series, despite sitting said after the victory in Hobart. of the Ashes and engaged in a out the drawn SCG Test after "My default as a batter techhead-to-head battle with Usman contracting COVID-19. nically means (when) I nick Khawaja to play in the series Australia captain Pat Cum- the ball, I've thrown my hands Marnus Labuschagne remins endorsed the left-hander's through it. mains at the top of the list, well free-scoring approach to Test "It doesn't look pretty, I unclear of second-ranked Joe Root. cricket, saying: "He goes about derstand that, but I also underSteve Smith has slipped from it a little bit differently to most stand no dismissal ever looks third to fourth behind Kane Wilother batters, which is his biggest pretty. liamson, while Head is equal strength.

"Pat's given me the confiwith Rohit Sharma after being "So as a captain, I don't care dence to go out and play. He

alluded to that (India) game at Optus Stadium and he goes; look, if you take the game on and you get done at third man a couple of times and you're playing the right way it's no skin off his nose, and he backs me one hundred per cent.

"That probably gave me the confidence to go into this series and be myself and play the situation as I see it."

Head's next challenge, as he happily concedes, is to take that instinctive approach that's netted him more than 1 500 runs in 23 Tests (average 43.14) and apply it to vastly different batting conditions that await in Pakistan and Sri Lanka where Australia's next two Test assignments take place.

(Cricket.com.au) ICC Test team rankings 1. Australia, 119 2. New Zealand, 117 3. India, 116 4. England, 101 5. South Africa, 99 6. Pakistan, 93 7. Sri Lanka, 83 8. West Indies, 75 9. Bangladesh, 53 10. Zimbabwe, 31 ICC Test batting rankings 1. Marnus Labuschagne AUS, 935 points 2. Joe Root ENG, 872 3. Kane Williamson NZ, 862 4. Steve Smith AUS, 845 5.= Travis Head AUS, 773 5.= Rohit Sharma IND , 773 ICC Test bowling rankings 1. Pat Cummins AUS, 898 points 2. Ravichandran Ahswin IND, 839 3. Kagiso Rabada SA, 828 4. Kyle Jamieson NZ, 825 5. Shaheen Afridi PAK, 822

`WOMEN'S ASHES

Australia thrash England after Tahlia McGrath's brilliant unbeaten 91

ENGLAND were thrashed in the opening match of the Women's Ashes as Tahlia McGrath's outstanding allround performance fired Australia to a nine-wicket win in the first T20.

McGrath blasted an unbeaten 91 from 49 balls after taking 3-26 as Australia chased down 170 with 18 balls to spare at the Adelaide Oval.

She shared a brutal 144run stand with captain Meg

Tahila McGrath blasted an unbeaten 91 from 49 balls

Lanning, who finished with 64 from 44 balls, to help

Australia register their highest chase in T20s.

England had posted a seemingly threatening 169-4 from their 20 overs, led by 70 from Danni Wyatt.

A ragged bowling and fielding display cost England, who were unable to maintain any pressure on the brilliant McGrath and Lanning.

Victory gives Australia two points in the multi-format series, with the second of three T20s taking place at the Adelaide Oval tomorrow. (BBC Sport)

Guyana to compete at UEFA...

FROM BACK PAGE

UEFA Head of International Relations, Eva Pasquier

and coaches to strive to reach their full potential in football,” Forde added.

“We know that the boys and staff will make Guyana proud as ambassadors for our sport and nation, and leave an extremely positive impression on our European partners.

This will put Guyanese football on the map in Europe and open up connections and new opportunities for our young players, coaches and referees for many years to come.”

The exclusive invitation, which has been facilitated and fully supported by CONCACAF, is a further sign of the strong relationship between GFF and European football’s governing body, as part of the UEFA Assist programme.

“This programme has seen UEFA’s assistance in the provision of two minibuses, ongoing collaboration in the development of a professional league and capacity-building and “return to play” planning.

“We are delighted to support the development of Guyana Football Federation’s U16 national team,” said UEFA’s Head of International Relations, Eva Pasquier. “The opportunity to play in a European tournament, learn from and exchange with UEFA national associations and experience new cultures will undoubtedly help these young stars to develop both on and off the field. And this is exactly what UEFA Assist is all about.”

Players, who must have been born on or after January 1, 2006 to make the U16 squad, will be carefully selected in the coming weeks through an extensive talent identification process, organised by GFF Technical Department across the GFF’s nine regional associations and non-affiliated hinterland communities.

“While we will be looking to draw on existing talent from our national network of GFF Academy Training Centres, we also want to ensure that every player, who should be considered for this incredible trip, will be considered by our staff; so we encourage our members, clubs and hinterland communities to participate fully in the talent identification sessions, which will be announced shortly,” said GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood.

“We will then focus on an intense and holistic training regime to fully prepare our squad for the task ahead.”

The Moldovan tournament will also provide an excellent platform for the preparation for the forthcoming CONCACAF U17 Championship qualifiers, which are scheduled for August.

The cost of the trip to Eastern Europe will be covered by UEFA Assist, a UEFA programme which seeks to develop football within and beyond Europe, with provision made for a 28-strong group to travel, including 20 players.

CONCACAF has played a significant role in facilitating UEFA Assist support projects for its members since the programme’s inception in 2007.

“Under the leadership of president Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF is committed to working with and supporting all of our members to put football first and provide development opportunities, which will truly benefit players and coaches across the region,” said Howard McIntosh, One CONCACAF and Caribbean Projects Senior Manager.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the GFF and its young players, and we commend president Forde and GFF for their dedication to growing the game in Guyana and CONCACAF.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Holders Algeria crash out of Africa Cup of Nations

DEFENDING champions Algeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 defeat against Ivory Coast in Douala.

Needing a win to stay alive, Algeria trailed by two goals at the break, after Franke Kessie capped off a fine move and Ibrahim Sangare headed home.

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe put the Ivorians 3-0 up before Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez hit a penalty against the post.

Algeria, for whom Sofiane Bendebka scored a late consolation, exit bottom of Group E after a torrid campaign.

Djamel Belmadi's men are the third holders to exit at the first hurdle in the past five Nations Cup finals.

Their departure from the competition is in marked contrast to their entry, travelling to Cameroon on a 34-match unbeaten run and looking to surpass Italy's all-time record of 37.

The Algerians had drawn 0-0 with Sierra Leone before a 1-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, and leave with just one point from three games - but did at least finally get on the scoresheet in Cameroon when substitute Bendebka's late goal inspired a brief rally.

Ivory Coast's Elephants topped the group to line up a mouth-watering last-16 match with Egypt, scheduled for Douala next Wednesday, January 26. (BBC Sport)

Algeria claimed offside for Ibrahim Sangare's header from a free-kick, but to no avail

Lord's to host Medvedev, Tsitsipas through Rachael Heyhoe to Australian Open third round Flint Trophy final for first time

LORD’S will host the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final for the first time and bring the women's domestic season to a close on Sunday, September 25.

Holders Southern Vipers will be looking to retain the 50-over title for a third successive season.

The T20 Charlotte Edwards Trophy will start the season on Saturday, May 14 with South East Stars the defending champions from last summer.

Its final will take place at Northampton on Saturday, June 11.

Former England captain Heyhoe Flint, who died aged 77 in 2017, was a pioneer of the game, leading England to the first Women's World Cup title in 1973.

Aptly, Baroness Heyhoe Flint played in the first women's match at Lord's against Australia in 1976, became the first woman to serve on the committee of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 2004 and the first woman to be inducted into the ICC's Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

The MCC announced last year the North Gate at Lord's would be renamed in her honour.

The 50-over competition's group stage will begin on Saturday, July 2, with

holders Southern Vipers playing Central Sparks away and last year's runners-up Northern Diamonds travelling to Thunder in a Roses fixture.

The team that wins the group stage will qualify automatically for the final, with the play-off between the teams finishing second and third to be played four days before the Lord's final.

The Charlotte Edwards T20 Cup group stage will get under way with South East Stars beginning their title defence at Chelmsford against Sunrisers.

South East Stars win the Charlotte Edwards Cup South East Stars beat Northern Diamonds by five wickets at the Ageas Bowl in the 2021 Charlotte Edwards Cup final Ten group fixtures will also be played as double-headers with men's T20 Blast matches during the school’s half-term holidays in late May and early June, starting with Central Sparks against South East Stars at Edgbaston on Sunday, May 29 before Birmingham Bears play Durham.

Both competitions will see the eight teams play each other once in a round-robin group stage before the play-offs and finals. (BBC Sport)

WORLD number two Daniil Medvedev and fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas both made it into the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Russia's Medvedev, the highest-seeded player in the draw, beat Australian Nick Kyrgios 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Greek 23-year-old Tsitsipas earlier overcame Argentina's Sebastian Baez 7-6(7-1), 6-7(5-7), 6-3, 6-4 in three hours 22 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.

He faces Benoit Paire, who beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(4-7), 7-6(7-2).

US Open champion Medvedev had to deal with a hostile crowd in favour of their home player on Rod Laver Arena.

"I came to win this match and I am happy that I managed to do it," said Medvedev, who lost in the final last year. "That's the only choice when you are booed between first and second serves.

"The game is ready to win, but then you have tough opponents like Nick. I just want to play my best and hopefully this can be enough to do something big."

Meanwhile, fifth-seed Andrey Rublev is yet to drop a set in Melbourne after seeing off Lithuania's Ricardas Berankis 6-4, 6-2, 6-0.

The 24-year-old Russian will face Croatia's Marin Cilic next after the

Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the semi-finals in 2019 and 2021

former US Open champion defeated qualifier Norbert Gombos 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(8-6).

Australian prospect Alex de Minaur, 22, made it through in front of the Rod Laver Arena crowd with a comfortable 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Poland's Kamil Majchrzak.

Taylor Fritz won an all-American tie against Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(7-5) to set up a meeting with Spanish 16th seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1, 6-0, 6-3. (BBC Sport)

Hampered Raducanu suffers defeat by Kovinic

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - US Open champion Emma Raducanu was bundled out of the Australian Open in the second round as she was beaten 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 by Montenegro's Danka Kovinic yesterday.

The 19-year-old British sensation was hampered by a blistered racquet hand from early in the first set of a tense contest on Margaret Court Arena but showed great fighting spirit to stay in contention.

With her usually powerful forehand reduced to a slice,

Raducanu let slip a 3-0 lead to lose the first set.

But she played on her 98th-ranked opponent's nerves to break at 4-4 in the second and take the match into a decider.

Kovinic showed great composure to forge ahead in the deciding set, resist a Raducanu fightback, and then move 5-3 ahead as the British youngster finally looked a little weary.

A stunning backhand winner sealed victory for the 27-year-old Kovinic as she moved into the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

SA head coach Boucher charged with gross misconduct over racism claims SOUTH Africa head coach Mark Boucher has been charged by the sport's national governing body with gross misconduct over allegations of racism.

Former player Boucher, 45, was among a number of Cricket South Africa (CSA) employees implicated in "tentative findings" by the Social Justice and Nation-Building Commission last month.

CSA said Boucher, who became head coach of the national team in December 2019, would meet disciplinary hearing chairm Terry Motau, on January 26, to "determine a timetable for pro-

Mark Boucher will stay in his role as South Africa head coach while the disciplinary hearing plays out (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe’s Victor Chirwa suspended from bowling in international cricket ZIMBABWE Under-19 bowler Victor Chirwa has been suspended from bowling in international cricket because of an illegal bowling action. The left-arm spinner was reported after Zimbabwe's opening Under-19 World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea.

"Chirwa was reported by the match officials during Zimbabwe's match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday. Video footage of him as he bowled in the event was shared with the Event Panel for review," the ICC said in release. "The Event Panel concluded that Chirwa employed an illegal bowling action and, as such, in accordance with Article 6.7 of the regulations, he is immediately suspended

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 21, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andy McBrine (IRE) (2) Andy McBrine (IRE) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI player scored most runs in the just-concluded WI/IRE ODI series?

(2) Which IRE player totaled most runs in the recent WI/IRE ODI series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ceedings".

In a series of hearings between July and October last year, a number of black players testified that they had been victims of racism and discrimination while part of the national team.

Boucher admitted playing a part in joining his team-mates in singing songs and using nicknames that caused offence, and has since apologised.

The CSA said in a statement: "While Mr Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA emphasises it is important that the independent inquiry

first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise."

Former left-arm spinner Paul Adams told the commission that a racial slur about him was used in a team song in the late 1990s.

Ex-wicketkeeper Boucher, who played 147 Tests and 295 ODIs between 1997 and 2012, subsequently apologised in a written submission to the commission.

However, the ombudsman found that Boucher's explanation lacked sensitivity and understanding of South Africa's racist history. (BBC Sport)

PSL reports five new COVID-19 cases in three franchises … Hetmyer among players in isolation

Zimbabwe Under-19 bowler Victor Chirwa

from bowling in international cricket.

The Event Panel comprised members of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists."

Zimbabwe won the opening game by 228 runs in which Chirwa finished with figures of 7-3-11-2. They lost the second contest against Pakistan by 115 runs where the spinner leaked 73 runs from nine overs and failed to pick up a wicket.

Zimbabwe are third in Group C behind Afghanistan and Pakistan and have one match remaining. (Cricbuzz)

THE difficulty of conducting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) seventh edition has been rising day by day for the Pakistan Cricket Board now, as five new cases have been reported from as many as three franchises. Two of the officials for the PSL 2022 season have now tested positive for COVID-19 which is not a piece of ideal news for the board.

The PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, already had measures in place for the COVID-19 scenario and the franchises have agreed to take the field if each of the squad has 13 players available in order to ensure that the matches do not have to be skipped.

Also, Raja has initiated a seven-day halt of the tournament in case of an uncontrollable COVID-19 outbreak in the camp and it is definitely not going to be easy for the tournament to be conducted within the scheduled time.

The players and officials of the upcoming edition are expected to arrive in Karachi

by January 20 and the quarantine will go ahead along with the COVID-19 tests. The tournament is just seven days from the start and PCB will be hoping that the situation improves soon.

According to reports from India Today, West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer, Australian all-rounder James Faulkner and England left-arm seamer Luke Wood have all tested positive for COVID-19 and are placed in isolation. They were expected to arrive in Karachi but their arrival has now been delayed and they will also miss the first game for the Quetta Gladiators against the Peshawar Zalmi.

It is to be noted that all games of the upcoming edition of PSL will be held in just the two venues of Lahore and Karachi to reduce

West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer

the possibility of players contracting the virus through travel. The crowd capacity for the matches has been reduced to 25 percent and this will be a huge responsibility for the PCB to ensure the tournament is conducted according to the safety measures.

Australia are scheduled to travel to Pakistan in March for a full bilateral series and this will be the former’s first tour to the subcontinent nation since 1998. The COVID-19 scenario is going to be a big part of assuring the series takes place as scheduled. (CricTracker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Prest (154 not out) goes big as England win again

… Victories for Pakistan, Bangladesh ENGLAND captain Tom Prest’s magnificent 154 not out helped propel his side to a comfortable 189-run win over UAE. Prest won the toss and chose to bat at Warner Park and after coming in at No.3 the Hampshire batter blasted 13 fours and four sixes in just 119 balls as his side posted an imposing 362 for six.

Prest had shown his form with 93 in the win over Canada last time out, but he was not to be denied another century as he dominated UAE’s attack from the off and shared half-century partnerships with Bethell and then James Rew (24).

When William Luxton, 47 off 45 balls, joined him at the crease, England were 182 for three in the 31st over but together they added 117 runs in just 92 balls.

England climbed well past the 300-mark for the second game in succession despite the best

efforts of Jash Giyanani who was the pick of the bowlers with two for 60 from his ten overs.

The Young Lions’ total always looked like it would be a big ask to overhaul and UAE were reeling when they were reduced to 61 for five in the 15th over, seamer Josh Boyden taking two wickets to take his tournament tally to ten.

Ali Naseer’s counter-attacking 54 off 44 balls helped reverse some of the momentum as he put on 59 with Nilansh Keswani for the sixth wicket. UAE were eventually dismissed for 173.

The 2020 ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup winners Bangladesh bounced back from defeat to England in their opener with a dominant eight-wicket triumph over Canada.

The holders were skittled for 97 against the Young Lions in their opener but were put into

England captain Tom Prest hit a magnificent 154

the field by Canada at Conaree Sports Club in St Kitts and Nevis.

They fared better with the ball, however, as Canadian opener and wicketkeeper Anoop Chima made a patient 63 off 117 balls but found precious little support from teammates.

The other nine batters contributed just 58 runs between them as they were bowled out for only 136, despite Bangladesh bowling 15 wides in 44.3 overs.

Ripon Mondol starred with the ball taking four for 24 in 8.3 overs, including the prized scalp of Chima whom he had caught behind.

Ripon’s seam was complemented brilliantly by SM Meherob’s off-breaks as he took four

for 38 in ten overs with medium pacer Ashiqur Zaman also chipping in with two wickets.

In reply, Canada struck early as Parmveer Kharoud trapped Mahfijul Islam lbw for just 12 but Iftakher Hossain anchored the chase with a well-made 61 off 89 balls.

The reigning champions will now face a straight shoot-out against UAE on tomorrow to see who will join England in the Super League quarter-finals.

Pakistan booked their place in the quarter-finals after making it two wins from two with a 24run victory over Afghanistan.

At the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, Pakistan skipper Qasim Akram elected to bat first and his

side built a solid platform.

Opener Muhammad Shehzad lost his partner Haseebullah Khan for just two but kicked on to make 43 off 51 balls. Shehzad shared a 60-run partnership with No.3 Abdul Faseeh who made 68 off 95 balls with the skipper Qasim adding 38 from No.5.

But when Izharulhaq Naveed, three for 41, removed Faseeh, Pakistan lost three for 11 and were in danger of not having enough runs to defend at 184 for seven.

But Maaz Sadaqat played a gem of an innings with 42 not out off just 37 balls, including seven fours, to drag his side up to 239 for nine from their 50 overs.

Afghanistan got the pace of their innings all wrong in reply, as the top three soaked up far too many balls in pursuit of the target.

It took them 170 balls to bring up 100 runs with Bilal Sayedi, 42

off 81, Nangeyalia Kharote, 12 off 32, and Allah Noor, 28 off 49, all with strike rates under 58.

Despite the slow start, Afghanistan took the contest deep, although their innings was characterised by some wild running between the wickets, with three run-outs as well as a number of near misses.

Noor Ahmad blasted three sixes to leave his side in with a chance of a shock victory, needing 28 off the last two overs with two wickets in hand.

But when he fell for 29 off just 18 balls to Awais Ali, the pick of the bowlers with three for 36, there was only going to be one winner and after finishing short on 215 for nine, Afghanistan now must prepare for a winner-takes-all clash against Zimbabwe tomorrow.

(ICC Media)

Mohammed, Matthews GCB president seeks meeting with Education minister named in ICC Women’s … to institute school cricket development programme ODI Team-of-the-Year

LONDON, England (CMC) – West Indies Women stars Hayley Matthews and Anisa Mohammed have been named in the International Cricket Council’s One-Day International Team-of-the-Year for 2021.

They are a part of a unit, which includes South Africans Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp, and sees England’s Heather Knight being chosen as captain.

Matthews, a stylish right-hander and steady off-spinner, scored 380 runs – including one hundred against Pakistan Women in Antigua – and snared 18 wickets at 22 runs apiece during last year.

Mohammed, meanwhile, claimed 20 wickets to be the joint highest wicket-taker for 2021.

She boasted an average of 18 and an economy rate of just over 3-½ runs per over.

“It’s pretty exciting. Going into 2021 I would have set some pretty big goals for myself, so I was happy that I was able to go out there and have a good year,” said the 23-yearold Matthews who made her international debut as a teenager seven years ago.

“Looking at it from a team standpoint I guess it was good for us to see where we were at last year and looking back now on the growth we’ve had when it comes down to our bowling, batting, and fielding.

“It’s been really good to see the progress and it’s something myself and the team will be looking to build on in 2022.”

Mohammed, 34, is a veteran of the game,

having already played 134 ODIs and 117 Twenty20 Internationals, and taken 171 wickets in the shorter format and 125 in the shortest.

And she admitted to being “shocked” by her success over the last year.

“I feel really excited and honoured to be named in the ICC Women’s ODI Team-of-theYear…,” Mohammed said.

“I didn’t play cricket for almost a year and a half because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I just wanted to have fun after not playing for so long.

“I wanted to go out and do my best and help my team as best as I could, and I was actually shocked when I saw I got the most wickets.”

Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt said the honour for the duo was a reflection of their commitment to the game and would serve as a motivation to the West Indies squad.

“Their selections speak testimony to their own outstanding individual attitudes towards improving their own game, but it also provides an important return to CWI on our refocused Women’s programme,” he said.

“There is still much work to be done to grow and improve the women’s game in our region, but this global achievement by Anisa and Hayley should provide inspiration to all of their colleagues, and to all stakeholders.”

West Indies Women are currently in South Africa for a four-day ODI series, which bowls off January 28, against the hosts.

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Bissoondyal Singh has indicated his readiness to institute a very comprehensive school cricket development programme, a release from the Board stated yesterday.

In this regard, GCB will soon be meeting with officials of the Ministry of Education to discuss the implementation of the school cricket programme for 2022 onwards.

The Board plans to place emphasis on nursery, primary and secondary schools, with the nursery aspect being formally explored for the first time in the history of GCB’s cricket administration.

The nursery school’s main focus will be to introduce cricket-related skills to kids at an early age.

These training and development activities will be carried out across all three counties of Guyana under the categories: Nursery, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and will feature key development areas for male and female cricketers.

All activities will begin with

the training of students interested in playing the sport, to facilitate the identification of these players for competitive matches.

With the exception of Under-9 cricket activities, the competitions will be played at an inter-zone stage before graduating to players participating at the inter-county level.

The Under-9 category will be played under an inter-school format which will be conducted for the other school categories also in 2023.

To support this initiative, GCB will engage the Ministry of Education to permit the conduct of cricket-related activities on Friday afternoons within and among schools.

Additionally, Singh has plans for the establishment of his countrywide academies along with a cricket college, which he feels enhance the all-round development of our cricketers and give those who may not become a professional cricketer, the opportunity to have a career in other areas.

A number of professional facilitators will be involved in

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh

the learning exercises that are designed to suit the student-athlete.

The training activities are expected to include lateral areas of development, giving players an opportunity to consider careers in other cricket-related areas such as Match Referee, Umpire, Scorer, Curator, Coaching, Manager, Statistician, Physiotherapy/Strength and Conditioning and Administrative responsibilities.

These training activities will include the conducting of Cricket West Indies (CWI) coaching certification courses and pathway activities to umpire certification courses.

It will also include the component ‘meet the player’, where national players will impart their cricketing knowledge to students.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 21, 2022

Another young brigade of footballers will wear national colours - this time, in Europe

Guyana to compete at UEFA U16 Boys’ tournament in Moldova MOLDOVA, an Eastern European country and former Soviet republic with a population of over 2.6 million, will be the destination for Guyana’s Boys’ Under-16 football team in April.

At a press conference yesterday, it was announced by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) that it will be the first for Guyana to send a team to a UEFA-sponsored international youth event, which will feature three European teams.

In the unprecedented engagement, Guy-

ana will face the hosts (whose senior men’s team have ranked as high as 37th in FIFA world rankings) as well as the mountainous principality of Andorra and the Faroe Islands in a round-robin tournament, which takes place between April 11 and 19.

“This is truly a historic moment for Guyanese football that represents a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for our young players and coaching staff to showcase their talent and gain invaluable exposure in Europe,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“We are extremely grateful to UEFA Assist, CONCACAF and the Moldovan Football Association for including Guyanese youth in this unique, cross-cultural learning experience, building on our already very strong partnerships with UEFA and our own regional governing body.”

“This experience will create lifelong memories for the squad, broaden horizons and inspire a whole cohort of young players

GFF president Wayne Forde

TURN TO PAGE 24

Chanderpaul, Sir Curtly join Tallawahs staff for Hero CPL 2022 - Ambrose named bowling coach

FORMER Guyana and West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been appointed Jamaica Tallawahs new head coach.

The 47-year-old left-hander, who has played 164 Tests, 268 ODIs and 22 T20Is, scoring a total of 20,988 runs for the West Indies, will take charge of the team for the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

"Shivnarine has had an illustrious playing career and is one of the greats of the game. He has served West Indies cricket with distinction, and I know that he will take the Tallawahs to new heights," said Krishna Persaud, owner of the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

For his part, Chanderpaul is excited to join the unit and hopes to lead the team back to winning

ways.

"It’s an absolute honour to be appointed as the new head coach of the Jamaica Tallawahs and I am really looking forward to working with the players and support staff to bring another championship to Jamaica," Chanderpaul said.

Sir Curtly Ambrose has also joined the Jamaica Tallawahs support staff for Hero CPL 2022.

The legend, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all-time with 405 Test wickets and another 225 in ODIs, will serve as the Tallawahs bowling coach.

“Sir Curtly brings a lot of technical expertise and experience to the Tallawahs and we look forward to having him with the team,”

Curtly Ambrose

stated the Guyanese Businessman.

Jamaican Andre Coley has also been appointed assistant coach of

the team.

Coley was a member of the inaugural management team at the High Performance Centre Programme based in Barbados from 2010 to 2013.

He was the former head coach of the Windward Islands Volcanoes first-class franchise between 2017 and 2019 and is currently the head coach of the Jamaica Scorpions first-class franchise from 2019 to the present.

“We are excited and welcome Chanderpaul, Sir Curtly and Coley to the Tallawahs family,” stated Jeff Miller, General Manager of the Tallawahs (Sportsnax)

SA head coach Boucher charged with gross misconduct over racism claims PAGE 26

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022