Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-07-2022

THURSDAY 21th JULY, 2022

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No. 106790

President to newly commissioned officers: We will invest in your growth

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New frontier in hospitality industry - US$100 million Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre officially opens doors - President Ali urges private sector to change business models to facilitate similar investments

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Elvin Croker photos

Work begins to 30,000 acres of From school relocate disfarmland to become dropout to placed students available at Tacama village leader - over 400 affected after mystery fire guts St. George’s High School SEE PAGE

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- other projects to roll out with award of $600M in contracts by Agriculture Ministry SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

New frontier in hospitality Industry - US$100 million Pegasus Suites, Corporate Centre officially opens doors - President Ali urges private sector to change business models to facilitate similar investments

By Shamar Meusa PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday evening, joined investor, Robert Badal, to cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare open the new US$100 million Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston.

At the launch of the new facility, President Ali said that the project should serve as an example to other Guyanese businesses.

The Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, which earlier in the year housed foreign dignitaries before its doors were officially opened, held its grand opening during which it was revealed that the two structures will serve as a new dimension to Guyana’s local hospitality sector.

Dr. Ali described the

their stay, so it is clear that serious thought was put into the project.

Such an investment by a Guyanese entrepreneur, according to Dr. Ali, should serve as inspiration to the business sector, especially as it regards perseverance and strategic thinking.

“But I want to say to all of you here, that this investment should be an inspiration to the naysayers, it must be an inspiration to the naysayers… with perseverance, commitment to a vision… embracing those ideas and believing that it can happen and it will happen,” President Ali said.

To this end, the Head of State urged the local private sector to think positive and embrace the opportunity, while being ready to make changes to their business models

Pegasus’ Proprietor, Robert Badal (Elvin Croker photo)

project as iconic and transformational, noting that no Guyanese living 30 years ago would imagine that such a project could have been possible here.

He added that the building is one that has some history that no other could match, as it is the first that had so many Heads of Government stay prior to its opening. The President noted that all who stayed previously had enjoyed

and to also make investments.

President Ali specifically mentioned the private sector, as he told those gathered at Pegasus that there are lots of opportunities that the stakeholders could tap into once they embrace change.

“This is an example of how to do it right,” the Head of State said, adding that he would hope that the Pegasus’ proprietor would pass

on his knowledge on how to accomplish such investments.

Meanwhile, the proprietor, Mr Badal, during his address at the official opening, said that the project is a historic one for the company, Georgetown, and Guyana as a whole.

Mr Badal mentioned that the project was conceived long before Guyana struck oil and even with the country’s new oil prospects, they are happy that the business could benefit from the spinoff opportunities.

The project, the investor said, is in reaction to the need for capacitybuilding and the expansion of rooms and conference facilities along with corporate spaces.

“It’s a direct reaction to the vision of our President, Dr. Ali, in his quest to bring about transformational change, change not only in the oil sector but in the housing sector,” Badal said.

This change, which he said has been championed by the President on the international stage, has brought a new wave of optimism to Guyana in relation to investments and more.

As such, he applauded the leadership of Presi-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (Elvin Croker photo)

dent Ali. Badal said: “This is the new symbol of our One-Guyana, from a dumpsite of over 50 years to two magnificent buildings comprising 100 executive suites on this 12-story Atlantic tower and 180,000 square feet of grade A corporate offices and restaurants on the adjacent seven-story tower all surrounded by wellmanicured lawns.”

Badal said that the development is unrivalled in the region as it brings a new dimension to the local hospitality sector. The two struc-

tures, he said, serve as a combination of high-end one-bedroom executive suites and Grade A offices which offer business executives comfort in both living spaces and first-world equipped offices.

The new development brings Pegasus’ room inventory to a total of 230 rooms, which offer accommodation at all price ranges from regular standard rooms to deluxe executive rooms in the Pegasus tower to executive business suites which range from 700 square feet to 1,100 square feet.

Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre comprises two towers, which feature presidential suites, a conference centre, a modern and chic restaurant and underground parking for over 200 cars.

The luxurious hotel and corporate space was constructed by the China Harbour Engineering Company and features building materials from Spain, Germany, the United States of America and China and is said to be of international standard.

The spanking new Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre (Elvin Croker photo)

Sugar hits the market at affordable prices

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

- President says GMC retailing commodity nationwide at $150 per lb for packaged and $140 per lb for bulk

Ali: President, Dr. Irfaan Ali HOURS after affirming about the availability and that the local demand for price of sugar in Guyana,” sugar will be met, Presi- the President wrote on his ofdent, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has ficial Facebook page, adding announced that the Guyana that the commodity will be Marketing Corporation sold at markets nationwide.

(GMC) will be selling the According to Dr. Ali, sugpackaged commodity at ar will be sold at the Charity $150 per pound (lb), while and Anna Regina markets, it will be sold in bulk for Region Two; the Parika, $140 per lb.

Leonora, Vreed-en-Hoop “My brothers and sisters, and Wales markets, Region I have heard your concerns Three; the Diamond, Bourda,

Mon Repos and Mahaica markets, Region Four; the Bushlot and Rosignol markets, Region Five; the New Amsterdam, Port Mourant and Skeldon markets, Region Six, and the Linden Market, Region 10.

President Ali, on Tuesday, had said that the local demand for sugar will be met, as the government is working to implement systems that will boost the distribution of this commodity within the coming days.

Responding to questions on the sidelines of an event, President Ali said that systems are being implemented to ensure that Guyanese are not met with any significant price increase once a new batch of products hit the local market.

The products he was referring to are bags of sugar being produced daily at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had said that the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate has a sugar production target of some 10,800 tonnes.

This new production target comes as the estate recently completed successful machinery trials following the installation of a new gearbox, which was said to be a critical part of the estate’s operation.

“They’ve [Uitvlugt] already processed I think more than 2,000 bags of sugar… what we’ll do is ensure that the Guyana Marketing Corporation secures a lot of that.

So, they can help in the distribution, so there is no price gouging,” President Ali said.

Those comments come as several commodities remain in short supply around the world because of the current supply-chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing

Russia-Ukraine war.

Addressing comments about the supposed shortage of sugar on the local market because of reported smuggling, President Ali said he

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A shopper purchases packaged sugar from the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC photo)

intends to have stakeholders in the security sector investigate and stop any such activities which would prevent Guyanese from having access to this necessity.

“I’ll have the security forces look at it, it is a high possibility. There are shortages all around us. There are shortages all around us so people are hunting supplies and once you go hunting supplies, you do find any way to get the supplier,” Dr. Ali said.

H e f u r t h e r re l a t e d that the government has been implementing systems to deal directly with any potential shortages or price increases in local commodities. He reminded that apart from the government’s commitment to sugar production, efforts have already been made to cushion the rising fuel prices which have affected countries across the world.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

30,000 acres of farmland to become available at Tacama - with planned $250M extension of main access road - other major projects to be executed as Agriculture Ministry awards $600M in contracts

SOME 13 contracts valuing over $600 million were, on Wednesday, awarded to contractors by the Ministry of Agriculture for critical works in the sector.

At a simple signing ceremony at his Regent Street office on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said: “These are large projects that people have made representation for and we are hoping that these projects can help us to ensure we enhance production. That means that we will have to do it in a timely manner because we will not extend the contract time.”

He went on to say: “I hope that the agency heads will ensure that these projects come in on time… we are already in the seventh month of the year and we are hoping to complete them before the year is out. These projects will make a critical aspect of our budget [projects], so I want to implore contractors to ensure that they execute the work with the specification and also do it on time so that we can finish our work.”

The largest project of the set is a $251.4 million extension of the main access road at Tacama,

Some 13 contracts valuing over $600 million were, on Wednesday, awarded to contractors by the Ministry of Agriculture for critical works in the sector (Elvin Croker photo) Region 10 (Upper Demerara Upper Berbice). The contract for this project was awarded to Associated Construction Services.

This project encompasses the construction of 25 kilometres of road, which will provide access to over 30,000 acres of savannah lands for the cultivation of corn, soya and sorghum, among other produce.

Additionally, the construction of this roadway is also expected to result in the reduced cost of production owing to an anticipated reduction in transportation costs.

The project is one of seven awarded under the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). The NDIA projects

accounted for the largest tranche of contracts, totalling $531.4 million.

Further, among the 13 projects are works valuing $200 million to be executed in Reliance on the Essequibo Coast.

This is a follow up to promises made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to residents of that community during a recent Cabinet outreach.

A project for the construction of a head regulator and tail wall at C1 - C6 Area in Essequibo is divided into three lots, all totalling $158.5 million. Two lots worth $59.8 million each were awarded to Technocon Investment, while Lot One, valuing $38.7, was awarded to H.

Ramballi General Construction.

Construction of this head regulator and tail wall will improve the regulation of water in and out of the irrigation channels, which will reduce the wastage of water and improve the drainage for rice lands in those areas.

A contract for the construction of another head regulator at Reliance was awarded to United Contracting & Supplies for $30.7 million.

Another contract valuing $35.2 million was awarded to Reliance Inc. for the construction of the access road to the Hope High Level drainage structure.

The construction of this

road will provide improved access to farmlands, while the area is also expected to benefit from reduced transportation costs.

A contract for the construction of the intake structure at Naamryck on the East Bank Essequibo was awarded to Raj Civil Engineering Construction for $34.9 million.

Of the contracts awarded, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) had two contracts totalling $23.0 million for the construction of a dehydration facility at Hope Estate and the retrofitting of an agro processing facility at Charity.

The contracts were awarded to Triple A Construction Supplies and Services, and NK Engi-

neering Services, respectively.

The Hydrometeriological Office has two contracts totalling $50.5 million for the supply, delivery and testing of hydromet equipment, which includes an automatic absorption spectrometer and a geophysical resistivity meter.

The supply of the hydromet equipment were awarded to Western Scientific.

Minister Mustapha, following the award of those contracts, affirmed that the ministry will be following the process from start to finish, since the contracts form a critical part of the ministry’s work programme for this year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Home ownership

OWNING a home has never been easier. This is due to the several measures taken by the Housing Ministry to ensure that every eligible Guyanese are provided with an opportunity to own a home, consistent with a PPP/C’s Manifesto promise to provide 50, 000 house lots to eligible persons before the end of their current term in office.

The housing programme of the PPP/C administration is nothing short of extraordinary. Indeed, home ownership is a success story as thousands of Guyanese are being afforded that opportunity to own their own homes.

Only recently, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal announced that his ministry will soon commence the allocation of some 5,000 house lots for residents along the East Coast of Demerara. According to the minister, the government, in collaboration with the Guyana Sugar

Corporation and the Lands and Surveys Department, is exploring the possibility of bringing in thousands of acres of new lands for housing development purposes in order to meet the housing needs of Guyanese.

The fact is that there is still a significant number of unmet housing needs due to the neglect of housing under the PNC and the APNU+AFC administrations.

Housing was never a priority under the PNC regime and many Guyanese were forced to squat on State lands to satisfy their housing needs or condemned to live in rented apartments for the duration of their entire lives.

Under the Hoyte administration, housing was removed as a line item from the National Budget, an indication of the utter lack of concern for the basic needs of the Guyanese people to have a roof over their heads.

It was not until the assumption of the PPP/C to office in October 1992 that

housing became a national priority and even though over one hundred house lots were distributed under the previous PPP/C administrations, it was still not enough to fully meet the housing deficit. Not only were there a proliferation of housing schemes in several regions of Guyana by the PPP/C administration but several of the squatting areas were regularised including the Sophia Squatting area, and lands along the Railway Embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.Over 13,000 house lots were distributed,including 2,600 on the East Coast of Demerara, by the present PPP/C Government during the past 18 months.

The harsh reality is that there is, as it were, no magic wand that could transform ‘raw’ lands into fully developed housing units. It requires significant sums of money to put the necessary infrastructure, including roads, drains and utilities

such as water and electricity, in place. And despite the fact that the PPP/C administration has been putting billions of dollars into housing development, there are still several areas that are in need of basic infrastructure, especially paved roads, water and electricity.

The challenges notwithstanding, the prospects for young people to own their own homes are much brighter today that at any time in the country’s history.

Several young people, especially young professionals, now benefit from a range of policy measures to access land and loans to build middle-income homes.

To a significant extent, the government has been subsidising the financial cost for house lots especially for low-income individuals since the selling price of these lands cannot compensate for the actual cost for land preparation works and infrastructural development. Today, there

are several private housing scheme developers which caters mainly for high-income earners but the vast majority of Guyanese take advantage of the government’s low- and middle-income offerings which are within their financial reach.

There are also those who seek to take advantage of the relatively low prices of State land for speculation purposes and even though there are statutory conditions that govern the sale or transfer of State lands, there are many who found ways of disposing of their allotted lots for financial gains. This, thankfully, is the exception rather than the norm and for the vast majority of homeowners, owning a piece of land has been truly life-changing and transformative.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has made it abundantly clear that housing is high on his administration’s list of national priorities.

He has assured that his gov-

ernment will deliver on its commitment to make available 50,000 house lots but urged citizens to follow the necessary process and do things the right way. He encouraged patience and spoke out against a tendency of some individuals to squat on State lands.

Meanwhile, preparations are in place for the hosting of one of the biggest building expo in the country and possibly the Caribbean. The expo will be held at the National Stadium, Providence, from July 22-24, 2022 and will serve as a blueprint for Guyana’s architectural future and see the introduction of 3D building technology in the country. In addition, environmentally sustainable homes built with recycled material and other model homes will be on display. This is indeed forward-looking and commendable and will impact positively on the building landscape in Guyana.

Ramjattan talks about things that he fails miserably to do

Dear Editor,

THE July 19, 2022, Kaieteur News reported that AFC Leader, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, in speaking on the sugar industry, among other things, once again sought to justify, shamelessly, the former Coalition Government downsizing of the sugar industry. This narrative from Mr Ramjattan is not new and is largely a regurgitation of what he and others of his ilk had said in the past.

Though it was drawn to his attention on several occasions the erstwhile gentleman continues to see sugar from a narrow perspective. As we and others have pointed on several occasions, sugar has opportunities far beyond the bulk market. We note GuySuCo’s efforts on this front which it says is bearing fruit though we may not see eye to eye with the Corporation on other issues.

In advancing his rhetoric, Mr Ramjattan seems to advance a very dim view

of sugar workers and their families. He charges that a continuation of sugar seems to condemn the workers and their families to a poor life. This is unfortunate given the immense contribution of sugar workers and their families. Of course, while the AFC leader may be correct to say that sugar workers and their families have dreams of betterment and improvement, didn’t he and his colleagues of the Coalition when in office rob them of those aspirations? Mr Ram-

jattan charged that workers were being conditioned to use cutlasses as it appeared he took a derisive tone. But then it was the same person who, in collaboration with others, robbed thousands of workers of even being able to use a cutlass.

The AFC leader spoke about giving young men and women in the sugar belt opportunities to stem intergenerational poverty.

This, on the surface, sounds pleasing to the ears. But alas, Mr Ramjattan should advise what actions were

taken in that regard? The ILO-sponsored socio-economic study that examined the lives of workers and their families after the callous closure of estates demonstrated the hardship and destitution that faced thousands of Guyanese.

We sincerely hope that Mr Ramjattan, in his quiet moments, will reflect on what closure really brought and what it did to many persons.

At this time, we are aware that some among us still advance that the industry

should be forgotten. Such intentions are not altruistic but are grounded in their innate desire to engage in all manner of speculation with the industry’s prized land holdings. It is saddening that in these times there are men and women among us who are prepared to trample on thousands to satisfy their lusty greed.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine President GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

GUYANA Folk Festival 2022 should be more inclusive

THE 2022 Guyana Folk Festival symposium (August 5 to August 7, 2022) will present and encourage a multi-dimensional examination of the first Carifesta, its significance, and its legacies.

The organisers are almost all non-Indians in this three-day, virtual, international symposium titled, “The Inaugural Caribbean Festival of Arts as Prism: 20th Century Festivals in the Multilingual Caribbean.”

East Indians, however, constitute the majority ethnic group in

Guyana (39.9 per cent) compared to Africans (29.2 per cent). There are also people of mixed heritage (19.9 per cent) (2012 Census). The rest of the population are of European, Chinese or indigenous origins.

Over the three-day period, August 5th to August 7, 2022, this event will explore many dimensions of this significant event in the post-colonial Caribbean.

There are more than 40 scheduled participants in the three-day symposium. Among them are: Jasper Adams, Lancelot

Baptiste, Dr Terrence Blackman, Errol Ross Brewster, Ave Brewster Haynes, Derek Browne Joan Cambridge, Dudley Charles, Leslyn Clarke-Pierre, Sandra Clenem, Dr Joanne Collins-Gonsalves, Vivienne Daniels, Errol Doris, Sr., Simone Dowding, Dexter Forte, Ray Funk Lloyda Alicia Garrett, Gwyneth George, Mwanza Glenn, Claire Ann Goring, Stanley Greaves, Linda Griffith, Malcolm Hall, Syndrene Harris, Carl E. Hazelwood, Vidyaratha Kissoon, René Jo-

hannes Kooiker, Russel Lancaster, David Lanyi, Margaret Lawrence, Dr. Michele Luard, Taij Kumarie Moteelall & Jahajee Sisters, Dr Rose October-Edun, Jeremy Jacob Peretz, Nadine Priam, Meagan Sylvester, Dr Carolyn Walcott, Verna Walcott-White, Rod Westmaas and Doris Harper-Wills – almost all non-Indo-Guyanese.

The symposium organisers are Adrienne Rooney; Ramaesh J. Bhagirat-Rivera, Ph.D.; and Vibert C. Cambridge, A.A., Ph.D. The collaborators are: In Guyana:

Call for Papers and Participation at 50th anniversary of Carifesta was made internationally Dear Editor, THE organisers of the three-day international symposium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Carifesta 72 were saddened by the thrust of Mr. Lloyd Sharma’s letter of July 19, 2022, to the Editor of Stabroek News, titled “Indo-Guyanese academics, performers have been excluded from Guyana Folk Festival’s celebration of 50th anniversary of Carifesta.”

The presenters in the symposium are self-selected. That is, they all responded to a public

and multilingual Call for Papers and Participation which was issued on May 3, 2022. That call was circulated internationally to many of the academic and non-academic associations that Guyanese, Caribbean, and other international academics participate in professionally. On May 8, 2022, Stabroek News amplified this call in the article, “Virtual symposium examines Carifesta at 50-call made for papers and participation.” The Call for Papers and Participation closed on June 1, 2022.

The presenters in the

three-day symposium “Inaugural Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) as Prism: 20th Century Festivals in the Multilingual Caribbean” bring many perspectives to examination of one of the seminal moments in the history of the postcolonial Caribbean.

The symposium will be the first space to bring together artists, scholars, and participants to remember and analyse Carifesta ‘72. It aims to be the beginning of ongoing conversations about the possibilities, achievements, and missteps of Carifesta ’72 as well as

articulating visions for the role of culture in the creation of just and caring societies.

The three-day international symposium commemorating the 50th anniversary of Carifesta ’72 is one of the signature events of the 2022 season of the Guyana Folk Festival.

The Guyana Folk Festival has been organised by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York for the past 22 years.

Yours sincerely, Vibert Cambridge, A.A., Ph.D

University of Guyana, Moray House Trust, and the Festival City 50th Anniversary Committee; in the Caribbean region: The Caribbean Broadcasting Union. In the United Kingdom: Guyana Speaks. In the United States of America: The Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc., Binghamton University, Ohio University and Rice University.

Excluded from this “national” event are Indo-Guyanese academics, performers and genres such as taan classical and chutney

singers, Rajkumari Singh Cultural Centre performers, Terry Gajraj, Rajeev N. Singh, Chitra Singh, Romanee Kalicharran, Sundari, Chandani Persaud, Professor Baytoram Ramharack, Rajiv Mohabir, Petamber Persaud, Professor Clem Seecharan, Sasenarine Persaud, Dr Seeta Shah, Khalil Rahman Ali, Dave Baksh, Dr Vishnu Bisram, Ravi Dev, Ryhaan Shah and Dr Tara Singh, Yours sincerely, Lloyd Sharma

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Wrong Can Never Be Right…

Part 5: Sri Lanka - From Chaos to Hopeful Uncertainty!

By Earl Bousquet

SRI LANKA is transitioning from chaos to hopeful uncertainty, as the island’s Parliament elected a new President who’s called for national unity and promises to lead the nation out of crisis and into a new start, with new plans for changed times.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, who’s been Prime Minister for a world-record six times, was elected with 134 votes to 82 after elected MPs agreed he was the best candidate -- an economist with the most experience and administrative-technical know-how, to lead the island of 22 million out of the end effects of months of political, economic and social crises generated before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and aggravated by the Ukraine war.

Nicknamed ‘The Fox’, Wickremesinghe was nominated by his ousted predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and confirmed

by MPs, much to the annoyance of some protesters but largely because he was also already at the

helm, deeply-involved in negotiating a complicated deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while negotiating fuel and food supplies with nations he’s had long-standing ties with during his six prime ministerial tenures.

Interestingly, the Sri Lanka power-play has played out in a manner seen by many as having been won by the all-powerful Rajapaksa family and by others as a transitional phase that will test all traditional notions of what democracy is or shouldn’t be.

On the one hand, the ‘People’s Power’ revolt that led Rajapaksa to flee and resign is seen by many as a legitimate expression of popular will, but those supporting the protesters do not accept the decision by the democratically-elected majority, in the national interest.

President Wickremesinghe [and] his new government [has] an unenviable task ahead: to face and overcome the same insurmountable tasks that led to the stormy protests, from the unavailability of fuel to accumulating food

price rises accelerated by supply chain problems.

But most of all, the new president will have to manage public disaffection at home and restore Sri Lanka’s faith with the old and new partners on the world stage as the island remains battered and bruised by the protests with no healthy economic improvements in near sight.

The political elite has triumphed over the opposition politicians who sought to take advantage of the crisis to gain power, but without any plan to bale the country out of the continuing and worsening crises.

Ex-president Rajapaksa (also nicknamed ‘The Terminator’ for his role in leading the Sri Lanka army’s tough responses to the challenges

by Tamil insurgents) isn’t expected to remain outside Sri Lanka -- or the island’s politics, for that matter – for too long; and ditto his family, which is ever-present in Sri Lanka’s politics.

President Wickremesinghe was part of the administrations that built close and strong econom-

ic ties with China and has always strongly rejected the claim that successive administrations had locked Sri Lanka into a ‘Chinese debt trap’, pointing out that all of Sri Lanka’s Chinese debt added up to only eight per cent of GDP. During the crisis, as Prime Minister, Wickremesinghe was also negotiating emergency assistance with China and Russia, while engaging with the World Bank and IMF and reaching-out to US, UK, European Union (EU), G-7 and G-20 nations and Asian partners for help in times of need.

Europe and the US are tied deep-down in Ukraine while Europe is also facing a deadlycold winter, with Russia warning of reduced gas supplies at a time when it’s most needed; and the global war chest for supplying more arms to Ukraine is sucking muchneeded money from treasuries in the UK and USA, each facing 40-year record inflation highs.

Besides, the international financial analysts are warning that at least 17 nations -- five already facing default -- will most likely sooner than later slip into Sri Lanka’s shoes.

COVID-19 and Climate Change experiences have taught developing countries that the world’s

richest nations are looking increasingly inward and not delivering on even their biggest and loudest promises, while traditional donors are reducing aid and assistance.

Tourism is rebounding, so Sri Lanka can benefit from the global travel revival, but food production will be a greater challenge in the months ahead, as the previous administration had banned fertilizer imports to encourage organic farming, which hasn’t helped increase food production when most needed.

The Bretton Woods organizations (IMF and World Bank) and the EU and US will most likely tighten the screws on Colombo under Wickremesinghe, but the shrewd operator in ‘The Fox’ has also shown he’s not afraid of asking for and accepting assistance from China, Russia and India, which would be only too willing [to] help in the current circumstances.

Wickremesinghe has demonstrated his will and determination to stand his ground, remaining as Prime Minister even after protesters burned his private residence and accepting Rajapaksa’s nomination despite the ex-president’s unpopularity.

Wickremesinghe will be President until November 2024 and while some

protesters may want to return to the streets, the army has been given full power to maintain peace and the national State of Emergency has been extended.

At the end of the cycle of protests and occupations involving arson and other grave manifestations of venting popular feelings, the revolvingdoor effect has resulted in a thus-far commendablypeaceful resolution of the political crisis insofar as governance is concerned.

It’s now left to those who failed to reap hopeful political benefits from the chaos to accept their losses and allow the nation to move on, to face the challenges and make use of the opportunities that will come as the new era unfolds in a world beset by uncertainty and unpredictability in everything from politics to weather.

Nations looking on will have learned that as with climate change, none can escape the snowballing effects of the accumulated crises that preceded Ukraine and have multiplied since, but it’s incumbent on all, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) included, to ensure they’re not caught off-guard where Sri Lanka has erected red-light signals and nogo traffic signs.

‘We will invest in your growth’ 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

- President Ali tells newly commissioned officers, advises them to be part of Guyana’s development

In welcoming new officers to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and congratulating promoted officers, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, vowed his continued support to the service men and women of Guyana (Elvin Croker photo)

By Naomi Parris IN welcoming new officers to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and congratulating promoted officers, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, vowed his continued support to the service men and women of Guyana.

The Commander-in-Chief affirmed the government’s commitment to the development of the Armed Forces on Wednesday, during a commissioning parade for persons who successfully completed the standard officer and reserve officer courses.

Among the persons who were commissioned are 44 cadet officers, 36 new mem-

bers of the GDF, four ensigns from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), two from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS)

and two from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

President Ali, in his remarks, said succession is an important dimension in any organisation especially in the country’s defence force. “…we must constantly produce commissioned officers to replace those who have retired and left the force,” the Head of State said.

He added: “You are taking your rightful place within the leadership of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service. Much is expected of you, much more will be demanded.”

He further urged the officers to set examples and to be leaders of exemplary success in and out of their uniforms.

“I urge you to be mindful of the example you set as

officers, your conduct in and out of uniform will impact the respect and regard others will have for you, your families and institutions which you represent,” President Ali said.

In setting those examples, the President further advised the officers to place much emphasis on personal discipline to be the best versions of themselves and the best leaders.

To this end, Dr. Ali said: “I urge you to be the best of example, the best of leaders, to exhibit the leadership qualities that has been instilled in you, to be steadfast and strong and stand up for the principles that you have learned.

“You are joining an organisation that has seen record numbers of training programmes. Never before

in the history of this organisation, have so many officers and even sergeants is sent on training regionally and internationally.”

In addition to continued support through training of officers, the President said the welfare of the hard-working men and women will be of utmost importance.

“I want to assure you as your Commander-in-Chief, I will lead the charge to ensure that in the coming years, the dignity honour and pride that comes with this uniform will be upheld in a way in which your welfare, your signs will reflect the honor you deserve,” Dr. Ali said.

The government, he related, will collaborate with the various institutions to ensure that meaningful investments are made in supporting the personal growth and suc-

cesses of officers. “… we will be working on a strategic plan that must see all of you comfortable, we will support you in your aspirations of owning your own home, we will support you in aspirations of achieving academic excellence, we will support you in advancing your life,” the Head of State affirmed.

The standard officer course commenced on July 27, 2020, while the reserve course commenced in September 2020. During the respective programmes, officers endured a rigorous series of training, all with the objective of becoming capable of leading and administering soldiers, as well as fulfilling civil defence duties and other roles of reserve.

Some 44 cadet officers, 36 new members of the GDF, and four ensigns from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), two from the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and two from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) were commissioned on Wednesday (Elvin Croker photo)

Work begins to relocate displaced students - over 400 affected after mystery fire guts St. George’s High School

THE St. George’s High School in Georgetown was, on Wednesday, ravished by a fire of unknown origin, displacing some 421 students. St George’s High is the third school to be destroyed by fire in less than two years. In June 2021, North Ruimveldt Multilateral School went up in flames and in September the same year, the Mabaruma Secondary School, Region One, suffered a similar fate.

The fire at St George’s High reportedly started just around 13:30 hours in one section of the building and it quickly engulfed the entire structure.

According to a teacher, who identified herself as Ms. Mathis, and who was in the building at the time, she was alerted to smoke

emanating from one of the rooms of the building by a cleaner and quickly told her students to gather their belongings and exit the building.

Mathis told reporters that at the time she was having reading sessions with her transition students and they were about to resume the second half of the programme before she was alerted to the smoke.

“I got a call from the cleaner that there is smoke in a room there, the social studies HoD room, and I told everybody immediately to grab everything and get out of the building and so we did just that,” she said, while adding that she and all six of her students escaped unharmed.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who was

also on the scene, noted that any functioning school that is destroyed is an extremely big loss. In a later post on her social media, the minister stated that the task will now be to find accommodation for some the 421 students who have been displaced.

This task, she said, will not be an easy one as she further indicated, “But do it, we must.”

“This is a secondary school in the middle of Georgetown; it’s going to affect a large number of persons, it’s extremely saddening to watch… we will have to make sure we cater for these children and quickly,” Manickchand told members of the media.

She added that St. Georges is one school that the ministry had a lot of

interest in because of what they could do with the school’s programmes and more.

Based on reports received, the Education Minister added that the security guard at the school related that smoke was seen coming from the front of the building and he quickly contacted persons.

As it relates to where these students could be relocated, Manickchand noted that it would be too early for her to say.

“But I could say with sureness right now that it is unlikely that we would be able to pick up all these students and place them in one location so we probably have to spread them out to different schools.”

Several fire tenders were on the scene as firefighters

Firefighters were busy trying to put out the blaze (Adrian Narine photo) attempted to quell the blaze; to contain the blaze to one however, the mostly wood- building.

The school, Benn stated, en building quickly went up in flames even though is one of Guyana’s oldest. the Guyana Fire Service It was part of Guyana’s history and landmarks. responded to the fire.

He related that when Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who was he was alerted to the fire, also on the scene, told re- the Fire Service’s tenders porters that he was pleased were already on their way with the response of the Fire to respond to the blaze.

Service due to their quick An investigation is being response and being able conducted into the fire.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

August 11 set for ruling in Opposition’s challenge to Hicken’s appointment

COME August 11, Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, S.C., will deliver her ruling in the Opposition’s challenge to the constitutionality of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s appointment of Clifton Hicken as acting Commissioner of Police.

During a virtual hearing on Wednesday, the Chief Justice concluded hearing oral submissions from Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., and the applicant’s attorney, Roysdale Forde, S.C. She later adjourned the case to August 11 at 13:30 hours for ruling.

In his Fixed Date Application (FDA), Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones is seeking to overturn Hicken’s appointment since it is “unreasonable, ultra vires the Constitution, common law and is illegal, null, void and of no legal effect.”

He is also seeking a declaration that the President’s decision to appoint Hicken violates Articles 211 (1) and 211 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Against this backdrop, he is also contending that

there were no consultations between the President and the Leader of the Opposition as is required by the Constitution, prior to Hicken’s appointment.

On Wednesday, Nandlall argued that the constitution provides for the appointment of a commissioner by the President.

He said that that appointment is to be made by the President after he would have engaged in meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the chairperson of the Police Service Commission after that person would have consulted with the other members of the commission.

He added that former Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, proceeded on pre-retirement leave on March 30, and at that time, there was no constituted Police Service Commission, nor was there a person holding the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Nandlall submitted that having regard to a number of factors, including the preservation of law and order, the preservation of peace, and

the due enforcement of all laws and regulations within Guyana, in the nation’s best interest and in the interest of national security, the president reasonably opted to make the appointment rather than leave a “vacuum” in command and superintendence of the force.

Despite this situation, the AG noted that the GPF “cannot be headless” as it is important for there to be a top cop since this is the person who is responsible for the overall management of the force’s operations.

He opined that the laws of Guyana would not provide for the process of appointing a head of the force to grind to a halt nor would the constitution see the country go without a Commissioner of Police if a recalcitrant opposition cannot “get its house in order” and appoint a leader.

He contended that leaving a vacuum would “expose the nation to all the perils that the President, that the executive would be ultimately responsible for.”

He added, “Your Honour, I believe that the

Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken President made a judgement call…He chose a person who was the most senior functionary of the Guyana Police Force, holding several ranks as he graduated in his upward mobility over the years.”

Nandlall then submitted that while the process regarding the selection of the Commissioner of Police is laid out in the constitution, the power to choose the individual that will fill the role lies solely with the President.

He noted that the President has the right to “utilise deliberate judgement” in appointing the top cop and can do so based on merit, seniority, or service.

AG Nandlall expressed disagreement with Forde’s claim that the President’ decision was illegal and maintained that the President acted within the legal perimeters of the Constitution in making the appointment.

“I respectfully submit that there was no constitutional breach. The constitutional requirements could not have been physically satisfied. So, we have to have a sensible, rational approach to these matters,” Nandlall told the court.

Meanwhile, Forde told the court that Hoppie could have been asked to defer proceeding on retirement leave or an officer be appointed to perform the functions of

the office of Commissioner of Police until the office of the Leader of the Opposition was filled and the Police Service Commission constituted.

Among other things, Forde submitted that there exists no power vested in the President by virtue of the Constitution to appoint Hicken as the acting top cop.

“There is, therefore, no basis for an implication that the President can act under the prerogative in disregard of the process of meaningful consultation as it would be an implication which is at odds with Articles 8 and 211 (1) and (2) of the Constitution,” Forde said.

He added that the doctrine of state necessity and/or necessity cannot be relied on to validate the action of the President to appoint Hicken.

Additionally, he said that Nandlall failed to adduce the evidence necessary to establish the existence of an emergency or necessity.

The Chief Justice in replying to Forde said, “You don’t have to necessarily wait for a state of unrest in the circumstances.”

Recently, the President, after consultation with Chairperson of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Patrick Findlay, officially nominated Hicken as Guyana’s acting Police Commissioner.

In a letter dated June

29, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, outlined to Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, the reasons why Hicken was appointed back in March. The letter also invited Norton to give his opinion on the subject.

The letter stated that having regard to a number of factors, including “the preservation of law and order, the preservation of peace, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations within Guyana, in the nation’s best interest and in the interest of national security,” President Ali opted to make the appointment rather than leave a vacuum in command and superintendence of the force.

Following consultations with Findlay, the President sought to engage Norton in “meaningful consultation”, Teixeira added in her letter.

However, he moved to the High Court seeking to quash the appointment of Findlay and the other PSC members, claiming it was “illegal, null, void and of no legal effect.”

In his legal challenge, the Opposition Leader is contending that the President did not afford him “a reasonable opportunity to express a considered opinion on the subject of the consultation”.

He maintains that this is a breach of the Integrity Commission Act. As such, he is arguing that any consultation between the President and Findlay on the subject of the appointment of a Police Commissioner is unconstitutional, null, void, and of no legal effect.

The parties have since agreed that consultations between President Ali and Norton, regarding the appointment of Hicken will be put on hold pending the outcome of the challenge to the appointment of the PSC, which is also before the Chief Justice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

From school drop out to village leader - 19-year-old Wikki/Calcuni Toshao making a difference in his community

By Tamica Garnett RANNE Johnson has always had a passion for leadership and a desire to contribute, in a significant way, to the development of his community and, by extension, his country.

At just 19 years old, he’s already living part of his dream, serving as the Toshao for his village, Wikki/Calcuni in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Johnson is the embodiment of youth involvement in leadership, and was among some of the youngest Toshaos attending the National Toshao Council (NTC) Conference last week.

Though surprised that he was elevated to such a high position at such a young age, he has always felt the need to stand up for others.

“Since I was in school, I used to always say that when I grow up I want to be somebody to move forward my community, and here I am today in the position where I can to develop my community,” the young Toshao said.

He now hopes that, by becoming a leader at such a young age, he will able to be a beacon to other young people and prove that age does not necessarily determine what you could accomplish.

Johnson also said that he wants to share the message that a young person could still become a leader regardless of their background. For this, he used his life as an example, noting that he dropped out of secondary school.

“Sometimes you just have to show people that you can be a leader and that you can motivate young ones. Sometimes even the old ones can learn something from the young ones,” he com-

Ranne Johnson became a Toshao of Wikki/Calcuni at just 19 years old mented.

The Toshao added: “I feel the role I’m playing will allow many younger ones to take the lead from me, so I’m just glad that, at least for my village, I played a part and other young people they now have to play their part.”

Although he intended to become a leader, becoming the Toshao was never in his plans, as he was simply looking to be on the community council to ensure that youths were represented in the gathering.

However, when he joined his Village Council last year, he was recognised for his ability to play a leading role and was elected as a Deputy Toshao for his village. He would later take over the Toshao position after the then Toshao resigned for personal reasons.

“I was hearing people talking about me a lot, but I was not running to be a Toshao, I was

going as a councillor, but then I was selected to be the Deputy Toshao, and then the Toshao tendered his resignation that’s how I got elevated,” Johnson said.

Though uncertain how persons would react to his ascension to the position of Toshao, he said that it ended being an amazing experience, as persons welcomed him with open arms.

“For me at first, I was kind of afraid a little bit, but the councillors gave me the support and once you have the cooperation from the whole council body you will get the courage to move forward with them,” Johnson said.

But naturally it has not been all smooth sailing. He said while he has never faced any significant resistance because of his young age, he has faced his fair share of challenges in a leadership position.

“Sometimes not everyone in the village will give you the support because you have to get opposition sometimes to tell you things that need improvement.

But most of the villager have given me the support but not everyone,” Johnson said.

The pressure of it all has, at times, “gotten to him,” but his solution to this is remaining focused on the larger goal, which is to play his part in his community’s development.

“Sometimes because of how it is, I even thought about tendering my resignation, but I said to myself that I will prove people wrong. I’m here to motivate my community and I will do so. It’s either they want to cooperate with me or they want to do nothing, but for me I’m just trying to develop my village,” Johnson said.

Gov’t anticipates disruption of Parliament today by Opposition

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has said that the government has received word of purported plans by the Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), to disrupt today’s sitting of the National Assembly.

“As we prepare for the sitting, we have received information that the Opposition, APNU+AFC, intends to be disruptive and try to undermine the workings of the Nation Assembly, as they did in December [last year] and in January,” Minister Teixeira said in a recording which was posted on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C)’s official Facebook page.

She went on to say: “We are prepared and expect that

they will try to disrupt the sitting to ensure they are able to delay the Privilege Committee’s report from being heard on the agenda and being voted on….”

Owing to their involvement in desecrating the Speaker’s Mace in December 2021, eight members of parliament (MPs) from the APNU+AFC are likely to face suspension, according to a media report referencing the Privileges Committee’s investigation.

The Coalition MPs named in the incident are Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Ganesh Mahipaul and Maureen Philadelphia.

The government anticipates that the Opposition will do everything within its power

to disrupt today’s sitting so that the likely suspensions would not be instituted.

“Tomorrow [today] we are expecting them - that is the information we received, that they will do everything to try to disrupt as they [did] in December… this also indicates the kind of members of parliament we have, who do not intend to obey the laws and standing orders of the National Assembly and to behave in a manner that is totally undemocratic, and intend to bully their way and dominate their way through the national assembly.

“And this will not be accepted just like it wasn’t accepted in the elections when they tried to bully and get their way to stay in government despite the votes of the people showing they lost,” Minister Teixeira said.

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Mainstay/Whyaka to push community-based tourism

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

- toshao urges residents to get involved

MORE efforts and resources will soon be pumped into turning Mainstay/ Whyaka, which is known for its scenic beauty and the privately-owned Lake Mainstay Resort, into one of Guyana’s top tourism destinations.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the community’s toshao, Yvonne Pearson, said that, alongside agriculture development, tourism was high on her agenda.

“The second on my agen-

da is tourism. We have the Lake Mainstay Resort which is run by a private company and we benefit a little from revenue such as lease of land,” Pearson said.

She noted that, at the council level, the village will embark on a number of projects to promote community tourism. One of the projects will see the establishment of a guest house in the village.

“My council, we are now embarking on community promotion. We have a small guest house, so I will put in

something to construct a new building,” she said before adding that several villagers have already shown interest in becoming key stakeholders and will prepare a variety of unique and exciting packages to offer visitors the best tourist experience.

“At the community level, we are encouraging the local people to put their own package together,” she said, noting that a honey tour could be included.

“There is a young man that is doing organic hon-

ey. He can do tours, take people to see how honey is produced…there is another young man trying to set up an eating place. I had a talk with him [and] I said that’s good because when we bring in our visitors, we can tell them where they can have a nice breakfast.”

With the addition of a guest house, she explained that other attractions and activities will need to be established to provide a holistic experience to tourists and visitors. However, for

A view of Lake Mainstay

Toshao of Mainstay/ Whyaka, Yvonne Pearson these plans to materialise, the support from the community was critical, she said.

As such, Pearson is urging all in her community, both young and old, to assist in that aspect of the community’s development.

“We have the sightseeing. There are things

we are doing; we can take them to a farmer, we can take them to see how honey is harvested, we can take them to see how the chief wine is produced. This is community tourism. We are encouraging the community to get on board,” she added.

Retrial into ‘Ruby vigilante’ murder begins on Monday

A MIXED 12-member jury was, on Wednesday, empanelled before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court, for the retrial of three

persons who are accused of the vigilante murder of a 22-year-old fisherman in 2017.

Former Alliance For Change (AFC) Council-

lor, Mandy Sukhdeo, along with her father Surendra Sukhdeo and a neighbour, Rean Ghani, all formerly of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo, pleaded not guilty

to murdering Shereffudeen Mohamed Nazamudeen, called “Sheriff” on February 14, 2017, at Ruby.

The state will be represented by prosecutors

Latifiah Elliot, Marisa Edwards and Simran Gajraj, while attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Konyo Sandiford-Holder and Kiswana Jefford are on record for the trio.

The trial is expected to commence on Monday, June 25.

The murder case was first tried in 2021 before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury, but it ended in a hung jury.

Justice Singh subsequently ordered a retrial, and the matter was listed to be heard during the January 2022 session of the Demerara Assizes.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that

Mandy and Nazamudeen are known to each other since they grew up together in Ruby.

According to reports, on the day in question, there was an altercation between the pair. Mandy raised an alarm and her father and neighbour rushed to her aid.

Police reported that they managed to corner Nazamudeen in a nearby yard and allegedly dealt him several blows about his body.

They allegedly tied him up with pieces of wire and rope and continued beating him about his body. He was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital with multiple injuries and subsequently died.

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Security details finalised for Building Expo – Deputy Commissioner Budhram says

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

AS preparations get on the way for the long-anticipated building expo, a walk-through was done recently by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and Deputy Commissioner Operations (ag), Ravindradat Budhram and other senior officers to ensure that adequate resources are deployed for a safe and secure Building Expo that commences Friday at the Guyana National Stadium.

Also in attendance were Commander of Regional Police Division 4(B), Woman Superintendent Denise Griffith; Head of Intelligence, Errol Watts; ranks from the Guyana Fire Service, and other stakeholders

According to Deputy Commissioner Budhram, security arrangements at the Guyana National Stadium were discussed, along with parking and safety of the venue during the event.

In an interview with this publication, Budhram noted that police ranks were urged to be ready to deal with emerging challenges, as well as to come up with innovative and pioneering solutions that contribute to reduction and prevention of any issues or challenges that may arise at the Expo.

“You can’t eliminate all event security risks, but you can reduce their likelihood, minimise their chance and discourage agitators from causing trouble. The keys to good

security are preparation and vigilance. If you consider your potential threats and invest resources into countering trouble, you’ll host a safe event for your guests,” he noted.

Further, he explained that overall coordination and communication were essential with real-time coordination of the four main components of Operations, Planning, Logistics and Administration; as such ranks of the Guyana Police Force will do their part in ensuring a successful event.

The highly anticipated International Building Exposition is set for July 22 to 24 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Deputy Commissioner Operations (ag), Ravindradat Budhram (at right), with Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (second from left) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally (extreme left), during the walk-through of the Building Expo venue at the Guyana National Stadium

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Williams to make singles comeback in Toronto

(BBC) - Former world number one Venus Williams will make her singles comeback after being awarded a wildcard for next month’s WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto.

Wi l l i a m s h a s n o t

where she was beaten in the first round by Hsieh Su-Wei. Meanwhile, 23time grand slam singles champion Serena, 40, continues her comeback after playing in her first singles tournament for a

Djokovic, 35, has won the Grand Slam, which begins on August 29, three times. He lost to Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final.

“Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically

Venus Williams last played at the mixed doubles event alongside Jamie Murray at Wimbledon played in a singles tournament for nearly a year but she will join her sister Serena in the main draw for the National Bank Open.

Her most recent return to court was alongside Britain’s Jamie Murray, reaching the second round in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.

The tournament begins on August 6.

The 42-year-old last played a singles match at the Chicago Women’s Open in August 2021,

year at Wimbledon.

DJOKOVIC ON US OPEN ENTRY LIST Serena was also included on the entry list on Wednesday for the US Open along with Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic.

Serbia’s Djokovic will not currently be able to compete at Flushing Meadows, however, as the fact he is unvaccinated against COVID-19 will prevent him from entering the United States.

entered into the men’s and women’s singles main draw fields, based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event,” said a statement by the United States Tennis Association.

“The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government’s position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Patient Cleaver helps New Zealand beat Ireland

(ESPNCRICINFO) - A patient yet effective 55-ball 78* from Dane Cleaver, and a dominating effort from New Zealand’s bowlers handed the visitors a resounding 88-run win over Ireland in the second T20I in Belfast. The victory sealed the three-game series for New Zealand, giving them an unassailable 2-0 lead with one game still to go.

For the second game in a row, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie’s decision to bowl first proved costly, as New Zealand posted 179 for 4 in 20 overs. Cleaver, playing only his second T20I, hit five fours and four sixes, and stayed right till the end after coming in to bat at No. 3 in the fifth over.

Then New Zealand’s well-rounded bowling unit did the rest, helped in part by some unnecessary attacking shots or risky runs from the Ireland batters. If it wasn’t for a 37-run stand for the eighth wicket between Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy, Ireland’s total could have been far less than their eventual score of 91.

The spin twins Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell were the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking three wickets each. Sodhi’s scalps of Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker and George Dockrell broke Ireland’s back in the middle overs, leaving him with figures of 3 for 21 but Bracewell had the widest smile by the end of the game since he cleaned up the Ireland tail with three wickets in three balls, thus making him only the third New Zealand bowler af-

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Michael Bracewell celebrates after Ish Sodhi took a catch to complete the hat-trick ter Jacob Oram and Tim failing to get forward to a of the game.

Tucker tried to slog Southee to achieve a T20I fullish ball.

Harry Tector then paid sweep the leg-spinner, only hat-trick.

SPINNERS HEADLINE the price of being impa- to lose stock of where the tient, run-out to a direct-hit mistimed ball went. It had IRISH COLLAPSE Ireland’s chase of 180 from Glenn Phillips at cover dribbled past him to the began with some potential while trying to take the wicketkeeper, and as Tuckas Mitchell Santner was fielder on for a quick single. er tried to pinch a single Having gone from 23 thinking the ball has gone walloped by Paul Stirling for a six and a four in the for no loss to 27 for 3 in the elsewhere, he was stumped. very first over. Then when space of eight deliveries, it Next ball, Sodhi brought Lockie Ferguson was dis- was up to the prodigy Cam- a slip fielder for the new patched by Stirling for four pher and Balbirnie to stick batter and Dockrell edged more through the covers, a partnership together, but it to James Neesham in the it seemed like the Ireland the latter was the next to go, cordon.

With the score at 45 opener could be the big-hit- becoming Duffy’s second for 6, and ESPNcricinfo’s ter around whom the rest of scalp.

Duffy went full and forecaster giving Ireland Ireland’s batters could rally.

However, three balls wide, got the ball to swing less than 1% chance of a after the Ferguson four, away under cloudy condi- win, the pressure was off Stirling fell slicing a catch tions, and all Balbirnie’s the Ireland lower order. to mid-off, and thereafter drive could do was take Mark Adair, in particular, the floodgates opened. From an outside edge to Cleaver hit a few lusty blows after the other end, Jacob Duffy wearing the gloves. After a Campher became Sodhi’s had Gareth Delany bowled quiet - and rare wicketless - third (and Ireland’s seventh) for a first-ball duck in the over, Sodhi got among the wicket.

Adair went 4, 4, 6 off fourth over with the batter wickets too in his first over

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(Sportsfile/Getty Images) Sodhi’s third over to ruin his otherwise tidy bowling figures and then drilled Neesham over his head for another boundary. His partner for the eighth-wicket stand, Barry McCarthy, tonked Neesham and Bracewell for a couple of fours too.

But Bracewell’s offbreak had Adair caught at deep midwicket for a 22ball 27, and with the batters crossing, McCarthy too was out next ball, slogging to the same region. On a hat-trick, Bracewell had better luck than Sodhi, taking his third wicket in three balls as the No. 11 Craig Young tried to clear cover, only to slice a catch behind point, ending Ireland’s innings at 91.

CLEAVER FOLLOWS IN COUSIN’S FOOTSTEPS Having made his T20I debut at the age of 30, only two days ago, Cleaver had another chance to make the most of the opportunity of batting at No. 3 for New Zealand, with senior batters being rested for the T20Is. Coming in at a position favoured by his first-cousin Kane Williamson - after the fall of Finn Allen’s wicket, Cleaver made a sedate start, but kept upping his gears right until the 20th over.

Allen’s blitz at the top had allowed New Zealand to race to 40 for no loss after four overs, but he fell for a 20-ball 35 trying to take McCarthy on in the fifth

over. With Martin Guptill struggling with his timing and Cleaver playing but missing the swinging deliveries offered by the Irish seamers, it seemed like the hosts would provide yet another squeeze to the New Zealand top order like the first T20I. But Cleaver grew in confidence, in particular, trusting the bounce on offer to play the pull on numerous occasions to finally get off the blocks. Even with Guptill falling for a 17-ball 11 in the ninth over, Cleaver motored along at a strike-rate of under 110 to move into his twenties in Phillips’ company for the third wicket.

Together, they added 53 in 5.2 overs, and as Cleaver’s confidence grew, so did his choice of shots. He scooped McCarthy for an ingenious six over the keeper one time, and then played a sliced drive on purpose to beat the fielder at deep point.

However, Cleaver did receive a reprieve on 40 when he skipped down the ground to a Dockrell slider, only to miss it. But the wicketkeeper Tucker failed to grab it, and Cleaver offered no further chances. He picked Adair’s two slower balls in the 16th over well enough to smack them for boundaries, then brought up his maiden half-century in 39 balls with a six over deep midwicket.

Daryl Mitchell, the No. 5, contributed just 14 runs in his 48-run stand with Cleaver, letting the man in form enjoy most of the strike. Cleaver would go on to thump Young for a pulled six in the 18th, then tonked Josh Little for three fours in four balls in the 19th, and earned his final boundary off the innings’ penultimate ball by slicing a four behind square on the off side.

In all, New Zealand made 50 off the last five and Cleaver finished unbeaten on 78 in 55 balls. His performance eventually eked out the Sodhi-Bracewell efforts in the second innings to also earn him the Player-ofthe-Match award.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Shafique’s epic 160* leads Pakistan to fourth-innings glory

(ESPNCRICINFO) A tense final morning, in which Pakistan had 120 to get with seven wickets in hand, began with the closest call.

Mohammad Rizwan, coming forward to a Prabath Jayasuriya delivery, saw the ball slip between bat and pad before passing within a couple of centimetres of the off bail.

There were plenty of other moments to fray Pakistani nerves. In the third over, Abdullah Shafique was hit on the back leg by Jayasuriya, raising a vociferous lbw appeal. Sri Lanka reviewed the not-out decision, but the ball was shown to be climbing over the stumps. Several overs later, once Pakistan had whittled the requirement down to double figures, another Jayasuriya

ball that passed Rizwan’s outside edge prompted another big appeal, and another burned review.

When he was on 128, Shafique thought a ball that erupted from a length and beat the keeper had gone towards the boundary, and began to take off for a run, before hastily turning back. Had Dhananjaya de Silva, who had caught that ball at slip, connected with his shy at the stumps, Shafique would have been out.

And then there was the rain. A large black cloud parked itself over the stadium when Pakistan had about 25 to get.

Not willing to let his almost 400-ball innings end in a rain-affected draw, Shafique came down the pitch and tried to launch Dhananjaya de Silva over deep midwicket, and only ended up skying it to

Kasun Rajitha, who came in a few metres off the boundary and dropped it.

But through all this, though three wickets fell, and though Pakistan had to scrap for the last 40 runs, Shafique’s continued presence meant that they always had the chase in hand. He largely batted on day five much like he had the previous day - watchfully, strategically, and with a staunch refusal to give away his wicket.

In the early parts of the day, he had let Rizwan spur Pakistan forward with his sweeps, and a couple of breezy cover drives. During their partnership of 71, which put Pakistan within 65 runs of victory, Shafique made only 23 runs, and struck just the solitary boundary. Rizwan made 40, and was eventually

out lbw to a Jayasuriya slider.

Wi t h t h e l o w e r middle-order batters, Shafique was no different, sticking with the strategy of waiting out the good balls, and creating single options, occasionally by coming down the track, or by going deep into his crease.

When debutant Agha Salman and Hasan Ali who had been promoted to hit some big shots were out in quick succession with 41 still to get, Shafique was still resolute. Only in that final stand with Mohammad Nawaz (of the ones he was involved in, on day five), did Shafique outscore his partner, passing 150 for the first time in his career, with 25 still to get.

The final obstacle in Pakistan’s way was the

Campbell’s WADA whereabouts case has been adjourned until August 2

John Campbell (CMC) – The disciplinary hearing into allegations that West Indies cricketer John Campbell violated the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) where-

abouts rule has been adjourned until August 2.

At a preliminary hearing on July 6, a trial date had been set for Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00hrs.

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), which is supporting Campbell, issued a brief statement informing that the matter has since been adjourned, but did not state whether any evidence was heard on Tuesday by the Kent Gammon-chaired independent anti-doping disciplinary panel.

The Jamaican is represented by attorneys-at-Law Ayana Thomas and MarkPaul Cowan of Nunes, Scholfield, DeLeon & Co. in the matter.

The Jamaica Anti-Doping Agency (JADCO) has alleged that the 28-year-old left-handed opener violated WADA whereabouts rule which requires an athlete to specify for a period of three months in advance, a one-

hour period in every single day between 05:00hrs and 23:00hrs when they will be available for out-of-competition testing. The athlete must advise where they will be for this hour and must make sure that they are at this specified location at the specified time.

Under WADA’s anti-doping rules, any combination of three whereabouts failures – filing failure and/or missed test – within a period of 12 months constitutes an anti-doping rule violation, and an athlete can be banned from his/her sport for up to two years.

That can be reduced to a minimum of one year depending on the athlete’s degree of fault.

Abdullah Shafique spent 524 minutes at the crease in scoring an unbeaten 160 (AFP/Getty Images) rain. With 11 required, the dark cloud that had forced a hurried shot out of Shafique unleashed a torrent. But the heavy rain lasted only minutes, and it soon became clear that play would resume, which it did following a delay of about 90 minutes. Shafique fittingly hit the winning runs, a slap through the covers to take him to 160 not out off 406.

Of Sri Lanka’s attack, Jayasuriya seemed for large parts of the day to be the only bowler capable of taking wickets, with Ramesh Mendis

unable to exert consistent pressure, while Maheesh Theekshana was milked for runs as well. Dhananjaya de Silva assisted Jayasuriya the best, with some quiet overs.

If last week’s innings win against Australia had made Sri Lanka confident in their spin attack, this chastening defeat has been a reality check. This remains an inexperienced group.

Jayasuriya was the best of them again, taking 4 for 135 from 56.2 overs.

Ramesh Mendis and Dhananjaya claimed a wicket apiece.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday July 21, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gudakesh Motie-6 wickets (2) Mehidy Hasan Miraz- 7 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest score by a WI in the recent ODI series versus Bangladesh?

(2) What was the highest score by a Bangladeshi player?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………… ……………………………………………… ……………………………………………… ……………..

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

CWI Emerging stars now accredited cricket coaches

(CMC) – All 15 members of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Emerging Players Academy are now accredited cricket coaches after successfully completing both the Foundation Coaching and CWI Competition Coaching (Level 1) accreditation courses.

CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon, and CWI’s High Performance Manager, Graeme West, recently guided the players through the assessments which formed a crucial component of the initial academy camp underway in Antigua, according to a CWI statement late Tuesday.

Brabazon said there were some “fantastic young role models” in the group.

“Going forward we hope that they feel well prepared to deliver some quality sessions for the next crop of youngsters coming through.

Some of the participants of the CWI Emerging Players Academy The long-term goal is to behalf of the group, said he understanding of what the have these players devel- was delighted to be part of coaches are hoping to impleoping their coaching skills the education which includ- ment. We can now share the throughout their playing ed practical elements on the knowledge in our communicareers, in preparation for field as well as interactive ties, and we have developed a smooth transition into classroom sessions. better ways of working on full-time coaching or talent “Now we have a better our game,” he said. development roles once they understanding of more as“For us as players, we finish playing,” he said. pects of the game, and exact- are looking forward to sharLeft-handed batter Kee- ly what goes into coaching. ing the knowledge and newgan Simmons, speaking on Also, we have a greater ly acquired skills in our

territories and communities. This is something we discussed and will look to implement.

“Overall our time here so far has been amazing, as we have focused on a lot of off-the-field stuff as well. The attention to detail has been great and we really appreciate it. Every day has been a learning experience.”

Along with Simmons, Kevlon Anderson, Kirk McKenzie, Kevin Wickham, Teddy Bishop, Ackeem Auguste, Ramon Simmonds, McKenny Clarke, Johann Layne, Kelvin Pitman, Ashmead Nedd, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young, Joshua James, Leonardo Julien are participating in the camp.

CWI said the key aim of incorporating development opportunities into the camp schedule was to provide players with a greater under-

standing and appreciation of the role of a coach while also providing the players with the practical skills required to deliver quality coaching sessions.

“As part of their involvement in the CWI Emerging Player Academy, the players will soon be assisting in the delivery of grassroots cricket programmes in their respective communities. These community projects will provide them with opportunities to utilise their newfound coaching skills whilst inspiring the next generation of young cricketers to follow in their footsteps,” it said.

The plan for a CWI Emerging Players Academy was first announced in March. It is a nexus between regional junior and senior teams while supporting the development of talented players between the ages of 19 and 25.

Motie, King could be wildcard in India series (ESPNCRICINFO) - Less than a week after completing an ODI series against Bangladesh, West Indies gear up to host India.

While the likes of Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell are now familiar names in white-ball cricket, here are five relatively unknown West Indies players to watch out for in this series.

AKEAL HOSEIN A left-arm finger-spinner known for his relentless accuracy, Akeal Hosein uncharacteristically missed his lengths in the recently concluded white-ball series against Bangladesh, managing just three wickets in three T20Is and three ODIs. Hosein, however, is still the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing ODI Super League with 35 strikes in 20 games at an average of 23.37 and an economy rate of 4.46.

If Hosein can return to his best, he could pose a threat to an India line-up

that could potentially feature a large number of right-hand batters in their middle order.

Hosein also brings with him some IPL experience, having been a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders. Strong performances against India usually pique the interest of IPL scouts, and this could well be his time to shine again. And, he can smash sixes lower down the order as well, and might relish the prospect of going up against his idol Ravindra Jadeja.

GUDAKESH MOTIE In his first ODI series, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie took six wickets in three matches at an average of 13.33 and economy rate of just 3, in front of his home crowd in Guyana. Similar thrifty bowling in CPL 2021 had contributed to Guyana Amazon Warriors’ run to the second semi-final last year.

After playing just six CPL matches, Motie trav-

elled to the UAE as a net bowler for the 2021 T20 World Cup. This is another T20 World Cup year offering another opportunity for Motie. West Indies whiteball captain Pooran, who has also captained Motie in the CPL, knows what the left-armer brings to the table: slow turn and drift and the ability to trick batters with a quicker arm-ball from wide of the crease.

JAYDEN SEALES Fast bowler Jayden Seales played just one match against Bangladesh, conceding 26 in 3.5 overs, but with Anderson Phillip and Romario Shepherd dropping out of the ODI squad for the India series, he could likely get more game time.

Seales can swing the new ball, bowl hard lengths in the middle overs, and hit his yorkers at the death - skills that were on show during his CPL stint with Trinbago Knight Riders and LPL stint with Jaffna Kings.

In LPL 2021, which was dominated by spinners, Seales emerged as the most prolific seamer, with 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.81.

Earlier this year, Seales said that working with Wahab Riaz and Suranga Lakmal at the LPL helped him develop his death bowling. That skill will be put to the test against India.

BRANDON KING Brandon King is a bit of an enigma. He originally started as a middle-order batter for Jamaica, but Johan Botha, the coach of Amazon Warriors at the time, transformed him into a hard-hitting opener in CPL 2019. King responded to the CPL promotion with 496 runs in 12 innings at an average of 55.11 and strike rate of almost 150, including an unbeaten 132 in the first qualifier, which moved Botha to tears.

King’s transition to international cricket, howev-

er, hasn’t been as smooth.

The team management continually shunting him up and down the order hasn’t helped him, although he recently said that he backs himself to bat anywhere in the top six.

King might not have even been in West Indies’ recent squads had Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer not been omitted on fitness grounds. Time may be running out for him but he can make a mark in this series.

KEACY CARTY Born in St Maarten, a Dutch overseas territory in the Caribbean, Keacy Carty was eligible to play for Netherlands, but as it turned out, he made his international debut for West Indies against Netherlands.

In his first outing with the bat, Carty contributed an unbeaten 43 off 66 balls in an unbroken 118-run stand with King to help West Indies ace a chase of 216 after they had been reduced to

99 for 5 by Netherlands’ seamers.

Carty is more of an innings builder than a basher, as his List A strike rate of 68.15 suggests. Some of those innings-building skills were also briefly on display in Pakistan and then at home against Bangladesh.

In a middle order that includes big-hitters Pooran, Powell, Holder and perhaps King, Carty could be one to hold the innings together, an area where West Indies have struggled in the recent past.

Carty was the Player-of-the-Match in 2016 when West Indies won the Under-19 World Cup final against India in Bangladesh.

The likes of Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Shimron Hetmyer and Alzarri Joseph, who were all involved in that final, have pressed on to the senior level.

The series against India is now Carty’s chance to find some overdue international success.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

Archery Guyana returns to St Ignatius Guyana sends ten-member team Village to conduct training exercise to FIA/BMF training … sets up base in Region 9

ARCHERY Guyana has returned to St Ignatius Village to fulfil the promise of holding a training session there.

The team, including the trainer for Archery Guyana, Mr Robert Singh, met with the Toshao and Village Councillors of St Ignatius Village to continue archery training for residents of St Ignatius and Lethem.

Archery Guyana met with Toshao Wilson Laurentino, Deputy Toshao Allan Ambrose, Councillors Ms Sherry Fredrick, Roldon Welcome, Jonathan Joseph and Moris Campion to discuss the new initiative.

They also provided the village with targets, stands and equipment for training sessions.

Coach Singh, assisted

Archery Guyana with their participants by coach Shunette Thompson, also demonstrated the shooting techniques using soft rubbers.

Participants from St Ignatius and Lethem were trained in the different types of archery equipment, safety rules in archery, shooting stance, positioning and much more.

With this new venture, Archery Guyana will be providing trainings on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 15:00hrs to 17:00hrs at the Wilson Laurentino’s sport ground.

The council was very happy and supportive to see this initiative develop in the

Region as the youths who are involved will be able to participate in archery in a more formalised manner.

The training will also provide opportunities for archers to compete in local and international competitions in the future.

Couchman, Clement victorious at National U14 Rapid Chess tournament

The respective winners of the National U14 Rapid Open and Girls’ Chess Tournament KYLE Couchman and Ciel pionship, where he was also categories as they both won Clement finished as respec- the youngest player to qualify previously in the National tive winners of the one-day for the event.

Junior Qualifiers Tournament National U14 Rapid Open Meanwhile, second place earlier this year. and Girls Chess Tourna- went to up-and-coming On the Girls’ side, Clemment, which was held last 12-year-old Micaiah Enoe. ent from Region Six, who also Saturday at Queen’s ColIn third place was eight- played earlier this year in the lege. year-old Aquilani Swaminad- Junior Qualifiers, showed her As per norm, the results of ha, who played splendidly to improved skills by winning the event were under review also take home the prize for the Girls’ category of the U14 and officially announced a Best U12 chess player in the Nationals. few days after the event.

Open Tournament.

In second place was Couchman, 12, finished Siblings Julian Mohabir Maliha Rajkumar who has ahead of 31 other boys. He and Landon Mohabir finished been competing consistently displayed his excellence over as Best Under-10 and Best throughout the year. Third the board,, having finished in Under-8 players respectively. place went to Anaya Lall fourth place earlier this year The Mohabir brothers con- who is set to depart in a few at the National Junior Cham- tinue to dominate in these days with the National Chess

team to represent Guyana in India at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad. Chelsea Harrison was the Best Under-10 girl while Arianna Binda was Best Under-8.

The 40 young players competed in seven rounds of Rapid matches with 15 minutes plus five minutes increments.

Trophies were presented

by Queen’s College teacher Ms Henry, who also serves as chess coordinator at the school, along with Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Dr Marcel Hutson.

According to information from the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), it continues to offer weekly online classes to students who are taught the basics of chess, various chess tactics and how to solve chess puzzles. The GCF also offers free membership on Chesskid.com to registered students of the federation.

The tournament was conducted by FIDE Arbiters John Lee and Anand Raghunauth.

TEN Guyanese race officals will join over 100 more over the next few days for a Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)/ Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF) course.

Specifically for race officials, the four-day course in Barbados is funded by a successful Cluster Grant Application by the BMF to the FIA. This will be the biggest-ever exercise of its type in the region and includes participants from Antigua, Guyana and Jamaica.

Chairman of the BMF Training Committee, John Sealy said: “This weekend is the latest step in the BMF’s ongoing commitment to supporting our volunteers, who play such a vital role in what we do.

This will be the most extensive training programme in the island for a few years and it comes at a good time, now that motor sport across the region is getting back up to full strength after COVID.” The event has been co-ordinated via the Haggatt Hall offices of Motorsport Services, where office manager, Michelle King, yesterday (Monday) reported total registrations of 175 volunteers, just over 60 officials and more than 110 marshals, with the largest contingent coming from the member clubs of the BMF. ‘McGyver’ Donelan is leading a group of six from Antigua; both these groups will attend for all four days, while the eight participants from Jamaica, led by Tiffany Bryan, will participate in the marshals’ training only.

A full day of classroom sessions for officials on Thursday will cover event and incident management, followed by practical work on Friday, to include live scenarios created at various locations on the circuit, along with demonstrations of medical extrication, the use of cutting equipment, fire extinguishers and recovery equipment.

On Saturday, marshals will spend the morning in classroom sessions on a wide range of flag, communication and track protocols and systems before moving outside for practical training in the afternoon.

On Sunday (July 24), when there will also be a BPCI Track Day, all the groups will work together for a comprehensive review of the previous days’ training sessions and to work through further scenarios to enhance their learning.

Sealy added: “We much appreciate that the FIA are funding this training which makes it possible to invite motor sport volunteers from around the region and to have three international trainers who will deliver the training.

“Thanks to Bushy Park for the use of the facility, which is ideal for combining classroom sessions with practical work on track and also means we have the space to include such a large number of volunteers.

“Thanks also to Jeanne Crawford and Michelle King, who have worked very hard in recent weeks on the logistics, liaising with the regional ASNs and registering the participants.”

Motie, King could be wildcard in India series

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 21, 2022

SEE PAGE

22

Gudakesh Motie (Photo by Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images)

MILO Schools football tournament …

Brandon King (Photo by Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images)

Christianburg, North Ruimveldt advance to semis

CHRISTIANBURG Wismar Secondary School and North Ruimveldt were the last

two teams to advance to the semi-finals of the Milo U18 Schools football tournament.

The last two games were played yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Education

ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Details in tomorrow’s edition

Christianburg Wismar Secondary school in action in the quarter-finals (Adrian Narine photo)

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| THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022