Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-03-2022 by Guyana Chronicle

TUESDAY 22nd MARCH, 2022

No. 106670

Full reopening of schools set for April 25 - learners to undergo diagnostic academic tests to assess capacity, SEE PAGE Education Minister says 3

DARING FEAT! Officer-in-Charge of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Jungle and Amphibious Training School, Captain Kaya Dover swam across the mighty Essequibo River within two hours on Sunday (Photos courtesy of Kaya Dover)

Major UAE real estate developer in Guyana for discussions SEE PAGE

Learners to be introduced to AI technology

- with launch of ‘Spark Programme’

SEE PAGE

Drug bond employees - after police find guns, ‘ammo’, arrested cash in car belonging to one suspect SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Search for missing fishermen suspended - exercise could continue once new information is acquired, Minister Edghill says

A SEARCH for three fishermen who went missing after the Noble House Seafoods trawler sank near the Mahaica River, on February 19, has been suspended. This announcement was made by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, in the presence of the families of Captain Harold Damon, Winston Sam, Ronald Burton and the lone survivor Vincent Dazzell. During the meeting which took place at the Public Works Ministry, it was disclosed that after covering over 1,800 nautical miles within 936 hours, the fishermen nor the vessel could be found. The search was undertaken by Noble House Seafoods, the Maritime Administration Depart-

ment (MARAD) and the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. Minister Edghill, in expressing his sympathy to the families, said: “At this point, I do not know what else I can do in terms of search. It is a tough decision, but we would have to suspend the search and go into a new phase of being on the alert while we continue to traverse the areas praying that we find something. “MARAD told me that the sonar equipment which scans the river bed was damaged during the search. As soon as we could get the parts, we will do a scanning of the sea bed again once we get that fixed.” While there are many unanswered questions, the minister said he is sad-

dened that the search had to be suspended until any new information surfaces. Minister Edghill said he wanted the families to be assured that the government had done everything possible to bring the matter to a close. He also highlighted to the families that there had never been a search for missing persons as extensive, and within such a long period, as the search for the three missing fishermen. “Some people felt that I would have suspended the search after a couple of days and you are not seeing anything floating, but I know that there are human beings with real emotions that are looking for answers. “I would also want, as a person in the discharge

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill of my responsibility, as the minister responsible for the sector, to ensure that everything that was humanly possible, every resource that is available to the state and to the private sector was utilised to ensure that we get answers,” Minister Edghill said.

A report stemming from the Board of Inquiry (BoI) which was launched into the matter, will be made available today, the minister said. A copy of the report, he said, will be made available to the families of the missing fishermen. “If you have any ques-

tions, concerns or any information that could help us at the end of reading that report, my office remains open and available to you for engagement,” Edghill said. The members of the Board of Inquiry were Yulander Hughes from the Transport and Harbours Department; M A R A D ’s C a p t a i n , John Flores; Ronald Charles from the Ministry of Public Works; Lt. Rawle Williams from the Coast Guard; Senior Superintendent Ewart Wray from the Guyana Police Force - Marine Unit; Dwayne Vhypius from the Ministry of Labour and Denzil Roberts, who is the Head of the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Families of the missing fishermen engaging authorities

Major UAE real estate developer in Guyana for discussions

COGNISANT of the impending development and advancement of Guyana’s economy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LACASA Real Estate Developers & Engineering Company, Emad Jaber, is in Guyana for discussions with local authorities and private sector stakeholders. According to a press release, LACASA is a major real estate development and engineering design company from the United Arab Emirates. J a b e r, w h o i s a l s o founder of the company, arrived in Guyana on Sunday night and will be having several discussions with authorities and members of the private sector over the next two days. During his visit, Jaber will assess the feasibility

Chief Executive Officer of LACASA Real Estate Developers & Engineering Company, Emad Jaber

of the establishment of a permanent presence and an office for the company in Guyana, as it seeks to become a trusted partner in the country’s development thrust. Chief Executive of Hedger Ventures of Dubai, Matt Sawaqed, who is already in Guyana exploring jointventure and local-content partners for LACASA, said this interest is a result of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to Dubai. “So, Mr. Jaber is visiting Guyana to better understand and appreciate Guyana’s massive development agenda, which is being driven by its new-found status as an oil and gas producing country and the myriad opportunities resulting therefrom, especially in areas such as luxury lifestyle development, com-

mercial real estate and public infrastructure development,” Sawaqed was quoted as saying. He said that already, some preliminary agreements have been reached with one local company and with the setting up of an office in Guyana, there will be efforts to join forces with other companies to take advantage of opportunities in other CARICOM member states and the Caribbean and Latin America region in general. Throughout his tenure, Jaber has been involved in masterplan developments across the UAE. His combined experience makes him an industry leader, who has worked hard to shape the design and construction industry across the Middle East and North Africa.

In addition to his work within the design industry, he is also a prominent property developer in the West Bank and in Jordan, working on transferring design and construction expertise to emerging and often challenging markets. Throughout his tenure, he has been involved in masterplan development across the UAE including Dubai Internet City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, the Executive Towers, and the Skycourt Towers. LACASA, should it establish a local office, will be positioned to initiate project development plans for luxury and affordable homes, mixeduse community and hotel development sectors in the Caribbean and South America.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Full reopening of schools set for April 25

- learners to undergo diagnostic academic tests to assess capacity, Education Minister says By Jared Liddell PUBLIC schools across Guyana are expected to reopen fully for face-toface learning on April 25, 2022, for the first time since the COVID-19 viruswas detected locally in March, 2020. To ensure there is a smooth transition, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said there will be a phased reopening for the first week of school. Paving the way for the reopening of public schools was President Dr Irfaan Ali on March 15, 2022, when he lifted the COVID-19 restrictions that were instituted to mitigate the spread of the virus. When asked about the Ministry of Education’s decision to reopen schools, Minister Manickchand in an invited comment said that while dates for the return of learners from specific grades are still being finalised, it has been decided that grade seven students and nursery school children will be the last to return to school during the week of April 25, 2022.

“So, within the first week, grades will be going back on different dates. We’ll announce that shortly. We’re trying to make sure our schools are equipped and ready for sanitising and hand- washing and toiletflushing and so on,” Minister Manickchand said. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS The Education Minister related that to identify the areas of need for each student as they re-enter a “new” education system, the ministry will be issuing diagnostic examinations in the four core areas: Mathematics, English, Social Studies, and Science. Manickchand related that this will allow education officials to have statistical data on the direct impact of the two-year gap in the delivery of face-to-face education. “Every single student is going to be diagnosed. We are issuing diagnostic Mathematics, English and Social studies, and Science, the four cores. Every student will be diagnosed and each student will be attended to individually to make sure that we recover from the COVID loss,”

Systems were implemented at schools across Guyana to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (Elvin Croker photo) Minister Manickchand said. Speaking directly to the ministry’s preparedness to deal with the delivery of education as the systems return to normal, Minister Manickchand said that measures have been put in place to recover from the significant time lost owing to the pandemic. She related that a consolidated curriculum is expected to constitute one of the major changes to the local education system. “We have consolidated

all the curriculum[s]. So, from grades one to nine, we have shaved off things that are not necessary. We’ve made the curriculum into a 20-week curriculum….We are retraining teachers in health to deliver this consolidated curriculum,” Minister Manickchand said. The minister also said that there is going to be an aggressive programme aimed at curbing illiteracy deficiencies, noting that the programme will be rolled out specifically to help the coun-

try recover from the “literacy loss” due to the pandemic. Minister Manickchand related that the programme, which will be rolled out this year, will aim to ensure that every student is an avid reader. She added: “You’ll see an entire national programme rolled out to recover from the literacy loss we would have had and all the gains we would have made that went down the drain in two years… we’re going to shortly be announcing how we’re going to do that.” BRINGING THEM BACK The Education Ministry recently launched “Operation Recovery” to locate children and reintegrate them into the school system. Addressing this initiative, Minister Manickchand said the operation will be intensified when schools reopen this April. She noted that the pilot of this initiate saw education officials locating, and resolving issues related to attendance at the grade six level.

“Operation recovery is going to be a prolonged activity. We started with grade six because we knew they had to be out. Once everybody comes back out and is duty-bound to come back out, mandated to come back out, then we could look to see who was absent at this stage because people have a choice not to come because we were rotating; we didn’t know if people were absent or if they just didn’t come. “We could have started with grade six because we’re pretty sure if you were absent from an exam that you’re kind of heading towards more prolonged absenteeism,” Minister Manickchand related. The Education Minister said that the pilot launch of Operation Recovery was extremely successful, noting that the ministry was able to locate and bring back into the school system just about three-quarters of the 1,300 students that were recorded as absent in grade six, since the pandemic started.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Drug bond employees arrested — after police find guns, ammunition, cash in car belonging to one suspect

A MALE employee of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) of the Ministry of Health has been arrested after police found a large quantity of cash, two guns and ammunition in a car belonging to him. According to a police report, officers visited the MMU at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara, on Monday, to investigate a simple larceny report. As part of the investigations, officers interviewed several employees who were listed as suspects in the alleged crime. “They all denied the allegation and investigators proceeded to search a motorcar [PAB 3032], owned by one of the male suspects and found on the back seat, one duffel bag which when opened, contained a 9MM

Luger pistol without magazine and two rounds of 9MM ammunition,” according to the police. Further, officers also found one .380 pistol with magazine containing seven matching rounds of ammunition and over $4.5 million in cash. In the side pocket of the said bag there were 20 rounds of .380 ammunition. The vehicle owner, police said, was cautioned about the offence committed and allegedly replied: “Officer leh we deal with this before it reach de station.” A sting operation, police said, was set in motion and the man was arrested along with other employees of the state entity. The suspects were taken to the Golden Grove Police Station, where they were placed into cus-

The firearms and cash seized by the police

tody pending further investigations. Upon being questioned by officers of the Criminal Investigations Depart (CID) while at the station, the owner of the motorcar requested his bag, withdrew $1,750,000 and offered same to police investigators. At this point, he was

told of the new offence committed, “corrupt transaction by agent,” and cautioned in accordance with the judge’s rules. To this, the Health Ministry’s employee replied: “Well sir tek de whole bag a money, all I want is me freedom.” The money, firearms

and ammunition were lodged and the suspect

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The car which contained the duffel bag with the cash and guns

was kept in custody, as investigations continue.

March 19, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Barbados switching to polymer banknotes later this year (Barbados Today) BY the end of this year, Barbadians will be using new-look banknotes made of polymer. This was announced on Monday by the Central Bank of Barbados. In announcing the new notes, Governor, Cleviston Haynes, said: “The bank remains committed to reducing the use of cash and ensuring that Barbadians have a range of payment options available to them. At the same time, however, we recognise that cash remains popular. There are still many Barbadians for whom cash is their principal means of payment, and others who continue to use it in combination with other options.” Polymer banknotes have become increasingly

The Central Bank of Barbados

Scotiabank TT sees solid rebound (Jamaica Observer) DESPITE the hurdles faced in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) from the novel coronavirus pandemic, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago (SBTT) experienced a 25 per cent jump in net profit to TT$185.45 million ($4.32 billion) for its first quarter, a figure which exceeded preCOVID-19 levels of profitability. This comes as the bank closes two branches and 149 workers are up for retrenchment next month in the twin island republic. Net interest income declined by four per cent to TT$305.64 million ($7.13 billion) as a result of interest rate compression and lower loan balances from the restrictions imposed for most of 2021. Due to the 37 per cent growth in other income, total revenue climbed by eight per cent to TT$474.92 million. “We have already begun to see some recovery in our loan demand across the various segments. We do anticipate this will continue to occur once the recovery continues. Obviously,

oil prices are something to make variations, but at this time, we have already begun to see that recovery phase. We would have been engaged in a number of cost control strategies during 2021 that would have reduced our cost profile gradually from our reporting Q1 2021 to Q1 2022,” stated chief financial officer of SBTT Reshard Mohammed at the bank's virtual annual general meeting held last Wednesday. Apart from the 25 per cent reduction in impairment provisions to TT$17.19 million, non-interest expenses fell by 13 per cent to TT$173.48 million. This has been facilitated by the overall group's shift to digital services as 67 per cent of its customer base are enrolled on digital platforms and more services are consolidated throughout the region. Collections have shifted to the Dominican Republic affiliate which its ultimate parent company Scotiabank Canada has 97.44 per cent ownership. Though net interest income spreads remain compressed, the

retail, corporate and commercial banking segment saw a 36 per cent rise in income before taxation (IBT) to TT$247.42 million. While insurance services saw a slight reduction in IBT to TT$33.34 million, asset management recorded a 169 per cent jump to TT$3.48 million which was driven by sales rather than a more gradual recovery in asset prices. “It would be an element of an improvement in the recovery of prices, but the biggest element contributing to growth in assets under management is the actual growth from a sales perspective. We

have placed renewed focus on that segment as we see it as a very important product offering to our customers and is a major growth from the volumes coming in,” Reshard added. As part of its digital push and enhancing its customer service, SBTT is launching a new foreign exchange (FX) trading platform for its commercial clients to process FX transactions. This is being done alongside the enhancement of products by its insurance subsidiary and improvements to the Scotia Caribbean mobile app.

common in recent years, as banknote manufacturers have found ways to incorporate novel and varied security features in them. The Governor confirmed that this functionality was the rationale for the change. “With this transition to polymer, we will be able to offer Barbadians, banknotes that are highly secure, with features that are harder to simulate yet easy to authenticate,” Haynes related. He added that while counterfeiting was not a major issue at present, the bank has chosen to take a proactive approach. Haynes also revealed that the banknotes would have a new design, but that some familiar elements would not be changed. “The change in materi-

al will mean that the new notes have a different feel in addition to the new look, but some things will remain the same, among them the denominations, the colours, and the noted Barbadians who are featured on them. The value of the notes will also remain the same,” the Governor said. While he did not give a specific date for the launch, the Central Bank Governor confirmed that the public would soon get a look at the new notes. Haynes said: “We will unveil the designs of the new banknotes in early May to give Barbadians a chance to get to know both the design and security features before they are issued at the end of the year.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Cushioning the effects of rising prices THE cost of living in Guyana, and, for that matter the world at large, has been adversely affected by the crisis in Ukraine, which is now in its fourth week. Among the items affected the most are the cost of fuel, grains, fertilisers and animal feed. These costs are invariably passed down to consumers by way of higher prices. Thankfully, there is no increase in minibus fares, due to the subsidies granted by the PPP/C administration on the full market cost of imported fuel. And, according to the President of the United Minibus Association Eon Andrews, the increase in fuel price is not something isolated to Guyana. “You cannot just be selfish and think to increase fares,” he reasoned. The most recent surge in food prices is due to disruption of the supply chain from Russia and Ukraine, which, together, supply around 30 per cent of the world’s wheat.

The increase in the prices of basic food items have affected all countries, but it is the poorer countries that invariably suffer the most. The price of bread has increased significantly recently on the local market; the same is also true for the price of fuel. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has indicated that this increase in the cost of living is likely to affect the Guyanese people who, he said, should brace themselves for further increases. According to President Ali: “What we are doing today is presenting you with the facts; with reality; with what the government is doing to address the issues that are global in nature. How we are defining policies to address these issues; the impact global challenges is having on our economy, and the way government is addressing those challenges.” The fact is that we live today in what is described as a global village. Owing

to advances in communication and information technologies, no country could insulate itself from what is taking place in the world. The world is becoming much smaller and inter-connected, and, as the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has so starkly reminded us, no individual is safe unless everyone is safe. It is important that we understand the dialectics of our time, and the fact that we do not live in an isolated environment, but that we are an integral part of the global community. No other pandemic has resulted in such disruption in the supply chain as the COVID-19 pandemic has done, resulting in higher prices for food supplies, fuel and construction materials. And just when the world was beginning to breathe a sigh of relief that the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, we are now confronted with the war in Ukraine, which has already impacted, in a big way, on

the cost of living in several countries, including those in the developed world. Fortunately for us in Guyana, we have a government that is very responsive to the impact of exogenous factors on the standard of living of the Guyanese people. The PPP/C administration has already commenced consultations to examine ways to address the rising cost of food items, and a sum of $5 billion has been set aside in Budget 2022 to mitigate the effects of rising food prices caused by the pandemic. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and its debilitating effects on food production and energy supplies, the need to continue the search for ways to reduce the impact of rising food prices will be intensified. According to President Ali, his administration has been keeping an eye on the rising cost of fuel, and they are cognisant of the impact it could have on consumer items.

“That affects everything. Cost of fertiliser, cost of shipping, input cost of production, even the cost to take the product to the market, every single thing is affected. So, an already volatile situation is even more critically affected,” the President noted. One way of reducing the prices of food items and consumer items, as observed by the President, is by way of bulk purchasing, which means, in effect, that freight charges will spread over a much larger volume of imported commodities. This is another way of saying that we have to explore ways of benefitting from economies of scale. One difficulty with that is the fact that we do not have, at the moment, adequate deep-water port facilities to accommodate bigger cargo vessels. President Ali and his PPP/C administration must be commended for being honest with the Guyanese people on

the real reasons for the increased cost of some food items on the local market, and, even more importantly, on coming up with strategies to cushion the effects of such increases. As the President p u t s i t : “ We a r e working on a strategy on how we address the import cost, and support initiatives at the import level, and then at the consumer level and the market level. So, you attack it from all ends.” There will always be elements who, for political reasons, would seek to put the blame on the PPP/C administration for the increases, but Guyanese are much sharper and objective in their understanding of the situation than the political opposition may want to give them credit for.

Sustainable forest use helps tackle climate crisis, achieve SDGs FROM drinking a glass of water to building a house, forests are precious resources for people’s lives and are key to solving many global challenges, including the climate crisis and poverty, according to a new report developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the European Forest Institute (EFI). The publication, ‘Forest Products in the global bio-economy: Enabling substitution with wood-based products and contributing to sustainable development goals’, was launched on Monday, to mark International Day of Forests 2022, celebrated at the EXPO 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The report is a comprehensive document that outlines wood-based innovations that pave the way for the use of forest products in ways that decrease environmental impact and waste generation. It also offers the private sector, governments, international co-operation bodies and researchers a set of recommendations to both enable and boost the substitution of products which are not sustainable from a social, economic or environmental perspective. Currently, 75 per cent of global material consumption is based on non-renewable resources, since the extraction, transport, processing and disposal of those resources imply an enormous impact on the environment, climate and

biodiversity. Wood-based products can assist with climate change mitigation by storing carbon, as the report shows, while also helping to avoid or reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the materials they substitute for, such as concrete, steel, plastics and synthetic fibres. INCREASE THE MOMENTUM A future is unthinkable without the goods and services produced by forests.

Covering about one-third of the earth’s surface, forests provide clean water and air, timber, fuel, and food. The sector employs at least 33 million people, and billions of people benefit from the goods and services produced, said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the opening ceremony of International Day of Forests 2022, held in hybrid form at the Swedish Pavilion at EXPO 2020 in Dubai, and broadcast simultaneously on the web. “However, the global area

of forests has been shrinking in the last decades … Today, only 25% of total material demand is met by biomass, including wood; the remainder by non-renewable resources,” Qu said, adding that the world needs to take action. High-level participants at the ceremony included Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment; UNFCCC COP27 Presidency, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia; Beth MacNeil, Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Forest Service; Vice-Chair of the FAO Committee on Forestry, Jaana Husu-Kallio, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden,

Commissioner General of the Swedish Participation at Expo 2020 Dubai. The theme for International Day of Forests 2022, annually decided upon by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, is: “Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption”, and FAO has adopted the accompanying slogan “Choose Sustainable Wood for People and Planet.” This highlights how forests can play a critical role in achieving more sustainable production and consumption, and thus achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production) and SDG 15 (Life on land).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

The CCJ and the Court of Public Opinion (Part I): How to leave London’s Privy Council

By Earl Bousquet DO CARICOM Member States have to hold a referendum to join the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)? That’s the big question in Saint Lucia, where the former Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony says that’s what he was told when he broached the subject officially while in office. Current Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre is gung-ho about ensuring Saint Lucia is the next CARICOM nation to forgo the London-based Privy Council in favour of the regional appellate court and, therefore, concerned about the implications, if what Dr. Anthony was told is true. Dr. Anthony is a teacher of law, and PM Pierre is a consummate politician; and both face(d) the same issue, at different times. Obviously, Dr. Anthony, considering the chances of holding a successful referendum with a safe 66.6 per cent vote is as easy as playing with snow cones in hell, opted not to go that route. On the other hand, Prime Minister Pierre would hardly go full speed ahead like he is, if he wasn’t sure he’s being properly advised. The present and past PMs seem to be approaching the same matter differently: One watching the Constitution; the other looking at the government’s overwhelming 15-2 parliamentary mandate. Whether it’s a question of the power of a Constitution virtually imposed by a colonial power versus the power of an overwhelming people’s mandate, it’s an issue that will always divide lawyers and politicians. But this is also ultimately a matter of whether Saint Lucia could determine its own future after 43 years of Independence, without being restrained by a legal hurdle or stumbling block planted in its Constitution by the power supposedly ceding constitutional control to an ex-colony. The Constitutions of most former British Commonwealth colonies today still allow the former colonial power to continue

to exercise royal political dominance over “all its realms”; republic or not. If a referendum is the only way forward to the CCJ, it, therefore, allows The Crown’s inserted constitutional guarantees to delay -- even prevent -- a government with an overwhelming parliamentary majority of over 66.6 per cent of elected members (more than twothirds) from exercising its mandate as per the electorate’s democraticallyexpressed will. It’s for the same reason that none of the recommendations from the island’s Constitutional Reform Commission could be adopted: No CARICOM government of any nation not yet in the CCJ wants to risk a referendum on virtually anything. That’s especially given the experiences in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and Antigua & Barbuda, where referenda for constitutional change and joining the CCJ, respectively, were rejected by the majority of the minority of the electorate who voted, mainly on partisan political lines. On January 27, 2022, a top CCJ team, led by its President, Justice Adrian Saunders, met with Saint Lucian parliamentarians, judicial and legal officers and court officials, and nothing he said suggested there were roadblocks or insurmountable barriers to Saint Lucia’s entry into the regional court’s appellate jurisdiction. Justice Saunders made the legal and commonsense cases for Saint Lucia to become the next CARICOM Member State to show confidence in the ability of Caribbean judges to deliver justice for Caribbean people – and better than any sitting in London. However, whatever the ultimate cases presented, a tailored and sustained public education campaign will be necessary; one that will also last way beyond the historic date when the CCJ becomes Saint Lucia’s highest appellate court. Such an education campaign will necessarily

have to go from islandto-island, mainland-tomainland, territory-toterritory, including the non-independent associated states of remaining colonies (by whatever name), as they, too, will become independent and have the option of joining the CCJ. The CCJ, established April 16, 2005, is approaching its 17th year with all CARICOM Member States recognising it, but only four of 14 recognising it as their final appeals court. It’s an interesting reality in a region between four and six decades independent, but still caught in the clutches of a post-colonial mindset that harbours doubts about the capacity of Caribbean minds to equal or better those below Privy Council wigs and English cork hats. Unfortunately, the penny-farthing view of justice being rode better by men in the front seat on the bench in robes and lengthy coattails is still strong, although diminishing. Dr. Anthony’s ultimate respect for the Constitution is such that he is unlikely to even broach stating his personal position on such an issue if it’s likely to cause friction or misunderstanding. But there are also certain realities about constitutional matters that are definite red lines for Caribbean politicians everywhere; like the recommendation of Saint Lucia’s Constitutional Review Commission that the government be a hybrid of British and American systems, with elected parliamentarians spending their five-year term delivering on their promises to constituencies, while the Prime Minister or President selects nonelected persons to become Cabinet ministers. In a region where candidates still contest elections with both eyes on becoming Cabinet ministers, first and foremost, if their party wins, this proposal was rejected outright by both government and opposition when the commission’s findings were tabled and discussed in the Saint Lucia Parliament a few years ago. But Caribbean

politicians and supporters, today, who oppose joining the CCJ must learn to put nation and region before party, and see the damage they prolong by hanging on to the coattails of English Lords they consider legally infallible, and more judicially honest than lesser Caribbean peers. If independent nations cannot decide, on their

own, whether to freely choose their final Court of Appeal, they simply cannot be considered legally or constitutionally free from direct colonial influence or dominance. The government side in the Saint Lucia Parliament, unlike any other in CARICOM, actually comprises ‘three prime ministers’ (persons who’ve

held the position of Prime Minister): PM Pierre, Dr. Anthony and Senior Minister, Stephenson King. Their collective wisdom will eventually prevail, but what matters most is how well the government and opposition make their case(s) in the court of public opinion. That said, I rest my case… (end)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Recovery from pandemic ‘stressors’ will be slow, — says spaces needed for persons to clinical psychotherapist warns ‘vent’, ‘unwind’ By Naomi Parris AS Guyana begins the slow road to recovery, clinical psychotherapist Shane Tull has said that persons must still be mindful of their mental health while they transition from what was once called “the new normal”. Tull, in a candid interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, spent some time sharing his thoughts on the pandemic recovery and mental health. “As we navigate our way through the endemic of this pandemic, we are going to face new challenges, in terms of going back

to school, going back to the office… The question we have to ask is what systems do we have in place to support families that are about to make this transition, and this can be a new level of anxiety, because we are going back to something that we haven’t done in a while,” he said. A case in point, he said, “If you think of a single-mother that has to go back to work, is there adequate child care or is there other incentives that we can help her with as she navigates preparing the kids to go to school and preparing to go work?” In 2020, Guyana, like

Clinical psychotherapist Shane Tull

the rest of the world, was plunged into a state of uncertainty as a result

of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as it took a devastating

toll on the health sector, businesses, economies and livelihoods. With this toll came a surge in mental health issues, as many struggled to adjust to “the new normal” and the many changes and disruptions to everyday life that were brought about by the pandemic. A recent report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25 per cent. The report also stated that loneliness, fear of infection, suffering and death for oneself and for loved ones, grief after bereavement and financial worries were all cited as stressors leading to anxiety and depression. Now two years after, Guyana is the gradually reopening as the once strict and pertinent COVID-19 guidelines have been relaxed. However, this does not mean that the epidemic of mental illness has simply vanished. Tull explained to this publication that navigating the pandemic when it first started was a challenge in itself as many had to learn to adapt a new lifestyle to accommodate the virus. He added that many persons did not properly deal with the traumas and griefs that were brought on by the pandemic. As such during this transition period of “opening back up” persons should take a moment to reflect, bereave and simply catch their breaths. “We all need to take a minute and have a collective breath and to think of the loses that we had in the two years. I don’t think that we are prepared to deal with that grief and

the gravity, because the grief was so astronomical and I think after a while people just got numb to it,” he said. Tull emphasised that having spaces for persons to vent and unwind during this transition period are pertinent. “I do believe as we open back up and move to a commodity that is normal, we are going to start experiencing that PTSD, that delayed grief and we should have spaces where people can go and ventilate.” Persons can also adapt positive coping mechanism such as family engagements, journaling, talking to a friend, going for a walk in the park, among other things. He noted that during this period it is also important that there be a huge focus on the mental health of children and the elderly. According to the mental health professional, children are a lot smarter than adults assume and are privy to their surroundings while the elderly like any human, suffer from mental health disorders. Tull opined that a visit, a conversation or even a simple “hello, how are you doing?” can ease the stress on one’s mind. He used the opportunity to encourage persons to seek help if they are experiencing any challenges or mental health issues. If you or someone you know is having a hard time or is experiencing any form of mental illness, contact the Mental Health Unit at its Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg location or call its hotline numbers: 592- 655-7233, 592-6240238 or 592-624-0643.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Questions on 2017, 2018 expenditures in Region Five go unanswered - attempts by PAC to contact former REO unsuccessful

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira OFFICIALS from the Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) administration were unable to answer a number of questions that were raised at Monday’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting. During the meeting, it was revealed that the officials were not prepared to answer questions that were raised during the

examination of the Auditor General’s reports for 2017 and 2018. One such question pertained to the reported expenditure of over $4 million which was paid to employees who were reportedly on contract, but were supposed to be placed on the pensionable system some time in 2017. Members of the com-

mittee also asked what authority was given to have the region receive funds under a specific line item which usually has nothing. Current Regional Executive Officer (REO) Genevieve Blackman was unable to answer, because, as it was later revealed, when she took office, there was no handing over. Blackman stated that she had enquired of the Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) whether there was any handing over of any previous documents, and was told there was none. In the circumstance, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira stated that before coming to PAC meetings, officials should be aware that they would be interrogated about the

finances of the country. D u r i n g M o n d a y ’s meeting, it was also noted that attempts were reportedly made to contact the former REO to have him appear and answer questions concerning the 2017 and 2018 reports. It was subsequently learnt that the former REO is out of the jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Opposition PAC Member Ganesh Mahipaul, who was at the time sitting in as Chair of the meeting, stated that there is need for a better meeting between the regional administration and the Accountant General and Auditor-General prior to coming to the PAC. He further said that he

was guided that the necessary meeting between the regional administration and the Ministry of Finance did not occur, and as such that might have compounded the issue. As a result, the committee discontinued its review, and suggested that the officials return within two weeks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Learners to be introduced to AI technology — with launch of ‘Spark Programme’ THE Spark Programme which aims to introduce learners to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, was launched at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), on Monday. The programme is a product of a collaboration among the Ministry of Education, LEAD Mindset, JASECI Labs and BCS Technology.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, during her address at the launch said that such programmes ensure that rounded individuals are produced by the school system. She said that the Government of Guyana believes that citizens, especially young people, should be given the platform and the environment to flourish and

to be all that they could be for themselves, their families, communities and the world. “So, this programme here, this partnership that we’re entering into, we jumped on it immediately because we see the potential in it. Not only will this allow you to be creators and innovators, but we hope it is going to make you all into leaders,”

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, addresses the gathering at NCERD while other officials look on (Elvin Croker photo)

Minister Manickchand said. She told the learners present that it is her hope that they exit the programme with more consciousness about how their skills, talents and God-given abilities can be used to make changes, provide solutions and to improve their well-being. A total of 136 students will be participating in the programme.

sor of Computer Science at the University of Michigan, said such products, when sold to the world on a global scale, could funnel economic outcomes and value from the global market into Guyana and the region. The training will be facilitated by the Michigan University professor and Chief Executive Officer of the LEAD Mindset, Dennise

Students from various schools at the Spark launching (Elvin Croker photo)

According to the founder of JASECI Labs, Jason Mars, the programme will run for eight weeks with two tracks, one that focuses on developing the leadership and innovative mindset, while on the other, participants will be exposed to the AI technical track. He said that the AI track will teach the learners how to code and use the same instruments used by the biggest companies in the world to build AI products and services. The founder of JASECI said too that along the AI track, learners will be required to build a real AI product that could be launched to the world. Mars, who is also a Profes-

Hilliman. They will both spend 90 minutes each week in virtual classrooms with learners. The participants will also benefit from question-and-answer sessions along with a series of assignments. At the end of the course, Mars said that there will be a showcase whereby learners will present their creations. “It’s our ambition and in my expectation that these creations themselves can then turn into real products that could be sold by young entrepreneurs that come out of this programme. So, they’ll have the right mindset, and they’ll have the right skills to create software,” he remarked.

Hilliman said that the world is changing fast with technology accelerating most of those changes and those who fail to adapt to those changes will be left behind. “So, every country needs to nurture creators of technology if they are to compete and progress in the global marketplace,” she related. Hilliman shared anecdotes of her journey from being a user of technology to becoming an advocate with a deep passion to nurture creators of technology. General Manager and Director of Business Development of BCS Technology, Francis Cumberbatch, said that it is important for the collaborating entities to drive the digital transformation journey that Guyana is embarking upon. He said that the initial programme will be expanded to involve graduates of the University of Guyana. The organisers will also be looking at apprenticeship opportunities for participants; this could lead to employment. The participating schools are Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School, Mckenzie High School, Queen’s College, the Bishops’ High School, St. Joseph High School, St. Rose’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, President’s College, Berbice High School, New Amsterdam Secondary School, West Demerara Secondary School and the Anna Regina Secondary School. Learners from the Government Technical Institute and Teacher Trainees from the Cyril Potter College of Education will also be participating. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Convicted sex offender to be sentenced today for teen girl’s rape

PREVIOUSLY convicted sex offender Esan Germaine, who is currently serving three concurrent prison sentences, is expected to know his fate today on three counts of child rape. Germaine, a 45-yearold researcher, will be

Esan Germaine

Mason remanded for allegedly murdering GDF corporal

Dead: Chaves Mangal

A 28-year-old mason on Monday appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court charged with stabbing Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal Chaves Mangal to death during his sister’s wedding. Nizam Persaud of Good Hope Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence of murder. Particulars of the charge alleged that Persaud, between March 13-14, 2022, at Good Hope, ECD, murdered the 28-year-old medex. Persaud was remanded to prison until May 13,2022. According to a police report, on March 13, Mangal called “Chucky,” was attacked by Persaud and three others.

Police said one of the suspects was arrested about five houses away from where the incident occurred. A search was conducted on his person and two knives and a pair of scissors were reportedly found in his pants waist. According to reports, the suspects were imbibing alcohol when one of them approached the DJ enquiring about the music which, at the time had stopped, causing other persons at the wedding to gather at the DJ’s booth. An eyewitness said one of the suspects pulled a knife from his waist and dealt Mangal a stab to his right upper chest. Police said the eyewitness confronted the suspect and was stabbed to his left hand, while another suspect threw a bottle at him. The four males then armed themselves with glass bottles which they threw at the building before running away. Mangal, who lost consciousness, was picked up and rushed to the Balwant Singh Hospital where he succumbed around 01:18hrs on March 14 while receiving treatment.

sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court. On February 3, 2022, Germaine was found guilty of three counts of rape committed on a 15-year-old girl between January 2014 and July 2014.

Attorney-at-law Clyde Forde is on record for Germaine, while the state’s case was presented by prosecutors Nafeeza Baig, Muntaz Ali, and Latifa Elliott. In 2017, Germaine was convicted of three counts of rape committed on a girl. The recorded incidents

occurred in 2011 when the child was four and continued in 2012 and 2013. After a 12-member jury found him guilty at the Demerara High Court on all three counts, he was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall to 15 years, 20 years, and 30 years, re-

spectively. However, the sentences will run concurrently, which means he will spend only 30 years in jail. Germaine has since approached the Guyana Court of Appeal to challenge those convictions and sentences.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

City Council issues adjusted collection schedule - doubles collection in some areas

THE Solid Waste Management Department of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) has ramped up efforts to increase garbage collection in

several wards across the city, as part of an overarching national effort to keep Guyana clean. Following President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s initiative for a general clean up to

be done last January, the Solid Waste Department saw it fit to maintain the efforts by doubling collections in some quarters. For instance, all commercial areas have been

Director of Solid Waste Management Department, Walter Narine, examines a ‘dump site’ in the city benefitting from two clearances per day, while other areas like Albouystown, Charlestown, Wortmanville and Werk-enRust (Group Nine areas) recently started receiving two collections per week. “Because they are generating so much waste, it was a customary practice since in Puran’s days (Puran Brothers Disposal Services) that they used to receive two clearances per week; we thought it fair to give back that group two times a week,” Director of M&CC’s Solid Waste Department, Walter Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday. He added: “This is all for the sustainability of the clean-up effort announced by the President. We had a very vibrant anti-littering campaign that will resume shortly and I am also working with the private sector and other businesses to work around the commercial area because that is another troublesome area.”

Narine, who hinted at major plans to arrest the garbage woes across the city, said the municipality is working with its meagre resources at the moment to keep the city at an acceptable level of cleanness. “It’s at a cost to the municipality but it costs us more when we have to go and clean up these huge heaps of dumping. I will really be annoyed if anyone complains we have garbage dumping anywhere,” Narine said. While the municipality has to pay more to its contractors to achieve this, Narine said it is important to avoid a continuous buildup of garbage across the city. Earlier this month, the City Council announced adjusted schedules on its social media, including the double clearances for selected communities which generate more garbage than others. But it has been observed that, in some quarters, the schedules are not

being kept. Last week, for example, clearance was delayed by three days in one section of the city. Narine, however, assured residents that things should be back to normal soon. Meanwhile, the cleanup of Georgetown began early last January with close to 1,000 people comprising ranks of the joint services, members of the private sector and combined agencies, collaborating as part of “Operation Clean Up” led by President Ali. The Department of Public Information (DPI) quoted President Ali as saying: “We are going to put police presence at these sites where people continuously dump their garbage. Those who do this are worse than the garbage itself because they have no regard for the environment; they have no regard for each of us that lives in this country because it becomes a public health issue.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Guyana’s forest-management system one of the best worldwide worldwide - Minister Bharrat says

national Day of Forests in 2012, to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. This year, the GFC has planned a series of

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat WITH over 87 per cent forest cover, Guyana boasts one of the best forest-management systems in the world, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has said. Minister Bharrat was at the time delivering remarks at the launch of a week of activities in commemoration of International Day of Forests 2022 at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), in downtown Kingston. He said there have been tremendous efforts to conserve and protect Guyana’s forest, and that the GFC and Protected Areas Commission (PAC) have played a significant role in this regard. “It’s always so difficult to balance the extraction of natural resources with the preservation or protection of the environment; that is one of the more difficult tasks there are, but with our system in Guyana, we have been doing a good job, and we will continue to do our part in saving thew world. We will continue to keep our forest standing, so that the world can breathe,” Minister Bharrat said. He added that in the context of the conversation on climate change, the country must continue to focus on the sustainability of its natural resources, and examine ways in which it can carry out its mining, logging

and petroleum activities while continuing to be carbon neutral. “Guyana is a blessed country, because we are now an oil-producing country, but yet we are carbon-neutral, and that is something many countries which are producing oil cannot boast of,” Minister Bharrat related. Further, he said that Guyana’s forests can sequester 19.5 gigatons of carbon, and that the entire world’s carbon emission for power generation is about 13 gigatons of carbon dioxide. This means that Guyana’s forests could offset the carbon emission for the world’s power generation. To this end, he said the reintroduction of the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 signals a further commitment by the Government of Guyana to ensure the country plays its role in the protection of the biodiversity of Guyana and, by extension, the world’s. The new and extended programme, which is still in its draft stages, seeks to create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21, Inter-

activities to commemorate the day including a mini exhibition of forest products at its Kingston office. Outreaches will also be held in Regions Three, Four and Six, un-

der the theme, ‘Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption. Meanwhile, Godfrey Marshall was recognised for 50 years of service to the GFC. Also present were British High Commis-

sioner, Jane Miller; Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman and other members of the diplomatic corps, as well as members of the private sector and other stakeholders within the forestry sector. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Health Ministry rolls out ophthalmology programme for remote areas

THE Ministry of Health will be targeting patients in remote areas with the launch of its pilot community ophthalmology programme. This was according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, during Monday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update. Dr. Anthony said that the programme is one of several interventions to improve eye-care services across the country.

“We are also starting this year, a community ophthalmology programme, meaning that we have been working with a group out of Johns Hopkins University. They have piloted a “snap on” lens, and this is a very simple technology to use but it will have a great impact. “You go into a community, you are able to test everyone’s eyes very quickly and based on the results of those tests you

could give them spectacles, and that’s done in less than ten minutes,” Minister Anthony said. The pilot project will be assessed and, once effective, it will continue in other areas. “We have ordered at least 3,500 spectacles and the programme is going to be started in very remote areas because in a lot of instances, these persons do not have the opportunity of getting such service,”

A doctor conducts an eye examination on a patient Dr. Anthony said. Meanwhile, the government has also embarked on several other initiatives to improve eyecare services in Guyana, including expanding access to services to check the retina of diabetic patients. “With diabetic patients, it is a requirement as part of the management protocol to check the retina of the eye periodically and this has been a challenge, because there are very few places that would have offered those checks, so we are now expanding that service. We have bought a number of these types of equipment and we have located them strategically, not

just at regional hospitals, but at other centres where people would visit very often,” Dr. Anthony said. This is now being done at the Enmore Poly Clinic and will be established at the Diamond Hospital. The usual referral eyecare services are ongoing at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, while work has also been done on restoring the infrastructure and restarting surgical procedures at the Port Mourant Ophthalmology Centre. “Over the last two years or so, we have been investing in rehabilitating the theatres, putting in new microscopes and other forms of equipment that is necessary for eye

surgery and we have a number of Cuban consultants who are working at the facility. So, we have been able to restart surgical procedures at that hospital and we are hoping that, with the increased investment and storing of some of the equipment and so forth, we will be able to offer a wider range of services at Port Mourant,” Dr. Anthony said. The ministry is also working to improve ophthalmology services at the regional level, to ensure that at the principal regional hospitals, there is some level of ophthalmology service, Dr. Anthony said. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 22, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Wiltshire, Fernandes take Guinness Senior National Squash tiles THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) hosted the Guinness Senior National Championships this week, which saw Nicolette Fernandes crowned Women's Champion on Saturday, and 18-year-old Shomari Wilshire crowned Men's Champion on Sunday. Only a handful of Juniors have won the Senior Nationals over the years and in Wiltshire's last year in the Juniors he can now add that feather in his cap. After two weeks of exciting squash at the Georgetown Club in which a men's qualifier was held, the top Male and Female players reached their finals and performed to an excited crowd. Cruising through the Women's matches, Fernandes didn't drop a single game. Runner-up Ashley Khalil bested Larissa Wilshire and Taylor Fernandes in four-setters to reach the final but was no match for the still-outstanding Nicolette Fernandes who dominated for an 11-3/112/11-5 victory. Nicolette also competed in the Men's division (placing 5th), losing only one match in the third round to eventual winner, Wiltshire, and proving that even in retirement she is a force to be reckoned with. In the battle for 3rd place, recently returned Taylor Fernandes met Gabby Fraser in a heated clash. After taking the first game with a good 11-7 margin, Fernandes had to dig deep to keep Fraser at bay in the 2nd

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and 3rd games, both going to 10 all. Fernandes' calm form held to secure her a 3-0 win over Fraser. In the final match of the men's division, Jason-Ray Khalil took a two-game lead over Shomari Wiltshire with unparalleled retrieval and rapid pace, managing to get the ball past Wiltshire with his signature low, hard cross courts. The men battled point for point in some grueling rallies and although the games were close, only two points separated the finalists; Wiltshire came back with steady determination and took the next two to even up and head into the decider 5th game. Wiltshire had kept a reserve in his tank and stormed away in the final game displaying his solid tactical expertise to dominate and secure his Championship win -- an impressive comeback -- for an 11-3 final game finish. Meanwhile, Guinness Brand Executive, Lee Baptiste and Communications Manager of Banks DIH Limited, Troy Peters, were on hand to assist in the distribution of prizes. Baptiste said that Guinness was extremely pleased to sponsor the National championships and indicated that Guinness is keen on sponsoring other tournaments in the future. President of the GSA, Owen Verwey, expressed gratitude to Guinness for sponsoring the championships. Wetherby 09:26 hrs Hungry Tiger 10:01 hrs Gredin 10:36 hrs Destin D’ajonc 11:11 hrs Bucephalus 11:46 hrs Castle Robin 12:21 hrs Manintheshadows 12:56 hrs Train Hill 13:31 hrs Largy Train Exeter 09:53 hrs Fair Frontieres 11:01 hrs Equus Dreamer 11:36 hrs Ballybreeze 12:11 hrs Indirocco 12:46 hrs Park Hill Dancer Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 09:45 hrs Searpeta 10:18 hrs Don’t Doubt Me 10:53 hrs Plains Indian 11:28 hrs Mise Raftaire 12:03 hrs The Declaimer 12:38 hrs Blackbow 13:10 hrs High City Roller

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Deciding Test finely balanced after Pakistan hit back following Khawaja's 91 AUSTRALIA opener Usman Khawaja fell agonisingly short of another Test century, as a disciplined Pakistan attack claimed three late wickets on day one to wrestle back control of the series deciding third Test in Lahore. Having won a crucial toss and electing to bat, Australia reached stumps at a wobbly 232 for 5 with Cameron Green 20 not out and Alex Carey unbeaten on 8. Khawaja, Australia's only centurion of the three-match series which remains deadlocked after two draws, topscored with 91 and Steven Smith made 59 but Pakistan claimed the honours after a dominant final session. Player of the Ashes Travis Head endured his third straight middling score of the series when he was caught behind on 26 off a gem of a delivery from 19-year-old Naseem Shah, who was the standout bowler of an unwavering attack . The recalled quick finished with 2 for 40 off 19 overs while left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi was the early star with two wickets in an opening burst. Green and Carey, who made a career best 93 in the second Test, survived a tricky late burst against the second new ball and will be relied upon on day two with Australia's hopes of building a formidable first innings total hanging in the balance. Australia had a rollercoaster of an opening day, which was bookended by wickets and sandwiched in the middle by a 138-run third-wicket partnership between Khawaja and Smith who came together in the third over after Afridi removed David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne in the space of three balls. It appeared Khawaja and Smith, who enjoy batting together, were on course for a back breaking partnership but they were dismissed in the last session as Pakistan clawed back into the contest. Khawaja fell for the second time in the 90s during his herculean series when he was brilliantly caught one-handed by a diving Babar Azam at slip off spinner Sajid Khan. He has scored 392 runs at 130.67 in the series although just missed adding to his trio of tons struck since being recalled in January. Babar made amends after dropping Khawaja on 12 at slip before lunch after left-

arm spinner Nauman Ali came into the attack in the 16th over. Pakistan were left further discouraged when on the next delivery a rash Smith advanced but smashed it straight back to Nauman, who spilt the return catch as the batter immediately admonished himself. Pakistan, however, never wavered in a plucky performance in the first Test played in Lahore since 2009. They toiled manfully on a slow pitch amid stifling conditions and conjured reverse swing after lunch, while hardworking Sajid notably turned the ball late in the day. In what should please their new bowling coach Shaun Tait, the former Australia quick, Pakistan bowled tightly throughout the day's play in a more controlled performance than they displayed over the opening two Tests of the historic series, the first contested between the teams in Pakistan since 1998. Naseem was an inspired selection after being recalled at the expense of allrounder Faheem Ashraf, as Pakistan beefed up their attack with five specialist bowlers. During a fiery performance in the first Test, Naseem had been erratic as he often resorted to short-pitched bowling but he was restrained here and concentrated on hitting a line and length. Naseem executed his plans perfectly and he was rewarded after tea by trapping Smith plumb lbw for 59 with a delivery that nipped back to end the century partnership and expose Australia's inexperienced middle-order late in the day. Smith was crestfallen after being just seven runs short of becoming the fastest batter to 8000 Test runs. To add to his sour mood, he has failed to convert three straight half-centuries this series as Smith's century rut continued having scored just one ton from his last 29 Test innings. Smith had come to the crease unusually early after left-arm quick Afridi lit a fuse under the Test with a superb opening five-over burst to leave the sparse crowd in the terraces jubilant. After such barren stretches for bowlers in this series, a red hot Afridi struck in the third over when he trapped Warner lbw for 7 with a pearler of a delivery that cut back then

two balls later he lured

Labuschagne into a loose

drive to be caught behind.

(Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Root admits he could have been 'braver' with declaration

JOE Root admitted he could have been "a bit braver" with his declaration after England had to settle for another draw in the second Test against West Indies. Root left his side two sessions to take 10 wickets on the final day by setting the hosts 282 in 65 overs. But West Indies did not attempt the chase, Captain Kraigg Brathwaite making 56 not out as they batted for a draw. "It's frustrating not to win, but the way we played was a brilliant effort on a very placid surface," said Root. "We could have maybe been a bit braver with the declaration, but it feels like a faster scoring ground here," added England captain Root. "I thought they might have a little go [at chasing], but it wasn't the case." England took three early wickets and Jack Leach

claimed a further two after tea, but England were thwarted by Brathwaite's 184-ball knock - which followed his 11-hour century in the first innings - and the hosts ended on 135-5. In a similar situation in the first Test, Root declared to set West Indies 286 in 71 overs only for his bowlers to come up six wickets short, but in Barbados he waited even longer to call his team in. The failure to dismiss the hosts, albeit on a slow pitch and up against Brathwaite's resilient knock, means England's winless run stretches to seven Tests. "Maybe we could have pulled out 10 overs earlier, but defending 240 in 70 overs might be a big ask for any side on that wicket," Root said. "We didn't try to go for a miracle-win in 30 overs, making sure we had 340 on the board, but I suppose the

more confident you get, the braver you might get with those decisions. "The most important thing is to keep finding ways of giving ourselves a chance to win Tests because we are finding positions where we're on top and commanding the game." 'I can't ask any more of the group' The three-Test series, level at 0-0 going into the final match which begins on Thursday in Grenada, follows England's humiliating 4-0 Ashes defeat. Despite the result, Root said he "can't ask any more of the group". Root scored 153 in the first innings, all-rounder Ben Stokes made a swashbuckling 120 and Dan Lawrence 91. Jack Leach bowled 94.5 overs across the Test, taking six wickets while Saqib Mahmood took a respectable 4-79 on debut. England also scored 507-

Only two batters in Test history have spent more time at the crease in a single match after Kraigg Brathwaite's 955-minute stint set up a series-decider

9 declared in the first innings -- the first time they have passed 500 since February 2021. "In terms of where we've been this winter and where we're starting to see im-

provement is a really promising thing from us," added Root. "If we keep putting ourselves in these positions it won't be long before we see ourselves winning a Test

match here. "The batting group is slowly building the confidence back up and getting somewhere where we need to be in this format."(BBC Sport)

James becomes second all-time Selectors keep faith with struggling Campbell, Brooks leading NBA scorer 'LEBRON James passed Karl Malone to become the NBA's second all-time leading scorer, despite the Los Angeles Lakers' loss to the Washington Wizards. James scored 38 points in the 127-119 defeat, taking his career total to 36,947 points. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored more points than the 37-year-old. "At some point I'll be able to look back at this moment, but right now the feeling I have, I can't separate it [from the loss]," James said. The Lakers have not won back-to-back matches since they claimed four in a row between 31 December and 7 January. James scored six points in the first quarter before a dunk and three three-pointers brought him level on points with Malone. A lay-up later on in the second quarter than took him beyond Malone's record. It was not enough, how-

Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has scored more NBA points than LeBron James

ever, to stop the Wizards overturning a 16-point deficit to end a six-match losing streak. When asked if he could break Abdul-Jabbar's record, James said: "I will not allow myself to think about it. "I've always just played

the game the way I've been playing it over the years, and these things have just happened organically by just going out and playing the game the right way. "I hope to accomplish that at some point in my career, but I won't think about it too much." NBA all-time leading point scorers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 LeBron James* 36,947 Karl Malone 36,928 Kobe Bryant 33,643 Michael Jordan 32,292 Dirk Nowitzki 31,560 Wilt Chamberlain 31,419 Shaquille O'Neal 28,596 Carmelo Anthony* 28,218 Moses Malone 27,409 *Denotes active player Elsewhere, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Milwaukee Bucks 138-119 and the Cleveland Cavaliers came past the Detroit Pistons 113-109. (BBC Sport)

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, , (CMC) – Struggling batsmen John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks have managed to hold on to their places in West Indies’ 13-man squad for the final Test against England starting here Thursday. Neither batsman has made a score of significance over the two Tests in the three-match series but chief selector Desmond Haynes hailed the “fighting spirit from the batting department” which denied England victory bids in both matches. “We were very impressed with the captain Kraigg Brathwaite showing the fight in both innings and the way he led from the front with the bat,” Haynes said. “Also, Jermaine Blackwood and the way he played in the first innings to get a century. They batted very well together. We really appreciated the fighting spirit from the batting department.

Left-handed opener John Campbell

“We decided to stick with the same squad and want to see them continue to give a big effort in the third Apex Test match.” The left-handed Campbell, recalled after 12 months, has gathered only 71 runs from four innings at an average of 17 while Brooks, out of the Test

side for nearly 15 months, has scrapped 66 runs at an average of 16. In contrast, veteran opener Kraigg Brathwaite has prospered, his hundred and unbeaten fifty in the Kensington Oval Test taking his aggregate to 304 runs at an outstanding average of 101. However, Nkrumah Bonner (173) and vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood (142) are the only other batsmen to pass the 100run mark for the series. The third Test, set for the Grenada National Stadium, will be the series decider after the opening Test in Antigua and the second one in Barbados both finished in tame draws on flat tracks. West Indies are yet to win a Test in three outings at the venue, losing the last against England there by nine wickets, seven years ago.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Youth cricketers, clubs benefit from BCB Ray Hazel Trust Fund A total of thirty youth cricketers drawn from seven clubs in the New Amsterdam area, on Thursday last, benefitted from a donation of cricket gears from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised Ray Hazel Memorial Trust Fund. The fund is one of several of its kind that were held over the last four years by the board with the main objective of providing youth players with the necessary cricket items to allow them to fulfil their dreams. BCB president Hilbert Foster accompanied by Secretary Angela Haniff, Assistant Secretary Ameer Rahaman and executive Edgert Edwards, conducted the transparent distribution of the gear via a raffle system at the Area H Ground in front of the players, their parents, and executives of the different clubs. Among the gear distributed were bats, batting pads, batting gloves, wicketkeep-

ing gloves, wicketkeeping pads , footwear and helmets. The clubs, whose members benefitted, were Guymine, Rose Hall Canje, Tucber Park,Kendall Union, Edinburgh, Mt Sinai and East Bank Berbice. Foster, in brief remarks during the ceremony, noted that he was contacted by the Hazel family to organise the fund in memory of the late Ray Hazel, a former junior Berbice player and table tennis champion. Ray was the son of former president of the BCB, Ancel Hazel, who was also head of the Guyana Teachers Union . Ray Hazel died several years ago in the United States after a brief illness. The gears were posted late last year but due to the ongoing global pandemic, shipping was delayed for several months. One box send to the BCB was destroyed in the fire at the Laparkan bond but two barrels were saved. Foster urged the youths

Cricketers pose with BCB officials after the presentation

to not only take care of the items but to develop a culture of hard work, discipline and dedication while appreciating the investment that the Hazel family was making into their development. He also pledged that the BCB would continue to invest into youth development at all levels with the host-

ing of cricket tournaments, hosting of numerous developmental programmes and assisting clubs and players as much as possible. Foster, who is a cricket director at the CWI, also announced that dozens of players, schools and cricket clubs across Berbice would soon benefit from millions

of dollars worth of gears under a joint effort with the Cricket Kindness Group of England. Arlington Hazel, Ray’s brother, expressed thanks to the BCB for joining hands with his family in honoring him. He disclosed that the trust fund would be a regular event

and he was confident that the county cricketing system would benefit from the investment. He also stated that he was very impressed with the development taking place in the county and pledged his future support. Clubs also received a set of cricket gears, uniforms and a scorebook.

Chelsea set to have full support at James Anderson has 'made peace' Wembley for FA Cup semi-final with being dropped by England CHELSEA can now expect to have full support at their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley. The Football Association (FA) says there have been talks with the government on amendments to the club's operating licence. It would allow tickets to be sold as normal for the game, which is due to be played on the weekend of 16-17 April. Chelsea are currently banned from selling new tickets due to sanctions against Russian owner Roman Abramovich. The 55-year-old's assets were frozen by the government on 10 March because of his alleged strong ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin. Abramovich has denied having these links. Abramovich put the club up for sale on 2 March, five days after Russia invaded Ukraine. The club were unable to sell their entire 4,500 ticket allocation for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough and it meant they were backed by around 700

supporters who had got their tickets before the sanctions were imposed. But an FA spokesperson said English football's governing body hopes to have sellout crowds at both semi-finals. "This includes tickets for Chelsea supporters for their match against Crystal Palace," the spokesperson added. "We are working with the government on a method to achieve this whilst respecting the sanctions that are currently in place on Chelsea." Earlier, Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, called for changes to the special licence imposed on the Stamford Bridge club. "Chelsea is more than just its owner, it's a living organism with huge importance to its fans and community," Knight said. "It was understandable that, at short notice, last week's game against Middlesbrough went ahead without Chelsea fans. "But with this much notice, the FA have no excuse for excluding them. The FA

must be allowed to sell tickets to Chelsea fans so long as all money goes to the people of Ukraine." Fans call for Man City-Liverpool match to be moved Meanwhile, the other semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool is still set to go ahead at Wembley despite no trains running from either city to or from London from 15 to 18 April because of engineering works between Euston and Milton Keynes. The FA says it is liaising with both clubs and working with Network Rail and National Express to find a solution "so that supporters of both teams are able to travel to and from the fixture with as minimal disruption as possible". Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters' Association, has criticised the timing of the works. "While fans appreciate the need for work on the railways, it would make sense to avoid the FA Cup semi-final weekend given the numbers travelling," he said. (BBC Sport)

ENGLAND’s leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson says he has "made peace" with being dropped for the West Indies tour. The 39-year-old was left out of the squad for the current three-Test series, along with Stuart Broad, 35. He says he is now focusing on performing for Lancashire when the County Championship starts next month. Seamer Anderson told BBC Radio 5 Live that England's selection policy was "completely out of my control". He said: "I made peace with the decision weeks ago. "All I can do is get ready for the county season and show people what I can do. "I feel in a good place physically and mentally and I am looking forward to playing for Lancashire." England's coaching structure for this summer is still to be decided with head

James Anderson had the lowest average of all of England's bowlers during the Ashes series

coach Chris Silverwood, director of cricket Ashley Giles and assistant coach Graham Thorpe all leaving their roles after the 4-0 Ashes series loss. Their opening home Test series of 2022 will be against world champions New Zealand, starting on 2 June at Lord's. The uncertainty over who will be in charge has left Anderson, who has taken 640 wickets in 169 Tests, unclear about his international future. "I'm not sure what the

coaching situation will be," he added. "Those sorts of decisions and my England career it seems are out of my hands. I have to control what I can, that is play cricket and try to work hard at my skills and in the gym and get my body ready and see what happens." "I have to control what I can, that is play cricket and try to work hard at my skills and in the gym and get my body ready and see what happens." (BBC Sport)

Collingwood wants permanent England role ENGLAND interim men's coach Paul Collingwood says he would be interested in a more permanent role with the team. Collingwood is in charge for the Test series against West Indies after Chris Silverwood left following England's 4-0 Ashes defeat by Australia. He believes the team is already in a "better, stronger place" under his leadership. "I've always loved working with England and as long as I can make a difference, I'll be happy," he told BBC Sport. Collingwood added: "It depends on what job is up for offer. We don't know until a managing director comes in. We will have to wait and see." As well as Silverwood, director of cricket Ashley Giles and assistant coach Graham Thorpe also stepped down following the Ashes series defeat.

England interim men’s coach Paul Colligwood

Sir Andrew Strauss has temporarily taken over from Giles and the former captain appointed Collingwood for the Three-Test series in the Caribbean. The first two Tests have ended in almost identical draws, with West Indies batting out the final two sessions

on day five- in both matches - to deny England victory and stretch their winless run to seven Test matches. Despite missing out on victory Collingwood says he has seen signs of improvement as they prepare for the third Test in Grenada, which starts on Thursday. "The goal for me as interim was to pass the team after this series on in a better, stronger place. And you can see that already," said the former all-rounder. "They've got more of a responsibility, more of a voice, and they are enjoying that. "When you get a response and you see the attitude of the boys, you take heart from that. All you want to do is make a difference. "Hopefully we get a result in the last game. We are here to win. But if you gauge results on effort it doesn't get any better." (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Pooran says Test cricket is still in his plans EVER since Nicholas Pooran made his international debut against Pakistan in 2016, many admirers have been asking when will he suit up for Test cricket? In an interview with ESPNCricinfo last Friday, the West Indies T20 vice-captain shed some light on how he feels about representing the region in the longest format of the game. “Playing Test cricket is still in my plans, but as I say, everything happens at the right time. When it's my time to play Test cricket, I'm sure I will,” he said. One way that Pooran could find his way into the West Indies Test team is by playing first-class cricket but that has proven to be logistically challenging. “After the IPL finishes in May, West Indies have a few white-ball series, so I don't know when there's actually time for me to play firstclass cricket or what the way forward is. It's a challenge,” he said. “It's difficult, we don't

Nicholas Pooran is set to represent Sunrisers Hyderbad in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL)

really get much time off for ourselves. I believe there should be a compromise, but everyone sees it differently,” he added. Since his debut in 2014, Pooran has only played five first-class matches with the last one being in December 2020 for the West Indies A against New Zealand A. Pooran, who is set to represent the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming Indian

Premier League (IPL), said he has already had conversations with Desmond Haynes, the lead selector for the West Indies men’s senior team about his red-ball prospects. “We had a small conversation. It went well actually, so let's see what happens in the future. Going forward, it's a conversation I need to have with the selectors and coach,” he said. (Sportsmax)

Roopnarine and Drayton lead Gaico Chess Tournament ‒ First-ever live broadcast of Games FIDE Master Anthony Drayton and Adrian Roopnarine are ahead after four rounds of the Gaico Construction Over-the-board Chess Tournament, which was played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence over the weekend.

The first Grand Prix tournament of the year, which is the first face-to-face battle in a while, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is also the first-ever live broadcast of an Over-theboard tournament in Guyana. The public can access the broadcast on the Guyana Chess

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday March 22, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Matthew Fisher & Saqib Mahmood (ENG) (2) Joel Wilson & Nigel Duguid Today’s Quiz: (1) Who were the players dismissed for ducks in the recent second Test of the current WI/ENG series? (2) How many balls Kraigg Braithwaite faced in the recent WI/ENG second Test? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Federation website at www. guyanachess.org and clicking on the flyer for the tournament. Players of all ages are vying for a spot on the national team to represent Guyana at this year’s FIDE Olympiad in India. The Grand Prix initiative, the brainchild of GCF Director, Loris Nathoo, is a point-based system which will aid in the selection of the best players to represent Guyana. The Olympiad is an international biennial event for the sport where hundreds of countries send their best players to face off. This year’s edition was moved from Moscow, Russia to Chennai India. The new date is yet to be announced. In the results so far, Roopnarine and Drayton are tied on 3.5 points each after four games. Roopnarine racked up wins against Italy Ton-Chung, Pooja Lam and Ethan Lee, and drew his match against Drayton. He is scheduled to face Oluwadare Oyeyipo in the fifth round. Drayton, who also had his share of wins, had a tough battle against Arena Fide Master, Davion Mars. Their experience in the

FM Anthony Drayton (right) and AFM Davion Mars had an epic battle in Round Four

opening and their creativity in the middle game were on display. Although advantages were held by both players in an extremely imbalanced endgame, their times had been drained after four hours of struggle, and the game was held afloat only by the 30-second increment gifted per move. Mars' time had unfortunately elapsed before he could move, declaring Drayton as the victor in the most gruelling game of the weekend. Drayton is set to face Loris Nathoo in the next round.

Oyeyipo and Keron Sandiford are currently leading the juniors on three points each. Oyeyipo drew his matches with Jaden Taylor and Nathoo but defeated Jessica Callender and Anaya Lall. Sandiford won against Lall, Lucas Simpson and Taylor but lost to Mars. He faces Ethan Lee in the next round. Chelsea Juma is leading the female battle on 2.5 points after drawing her match with Taylor and defeating Arysh Raghunaugth and Ton-Chung. She faces Mars in the next round.

The remaining four rounds will be played on March 26 and 27. First pawn will move at 9:00hrs on Saturday at the Stadium. At the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday, trophies and cash prizes will be offered to the top three finishers in the tournament while medals will be given to 4th to 10th place. Trophies will also be awarded to the best female player in the tournament, as well as the top male and female junior players.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 22, 2022

Pakistan hurt Windies Women chances with first win at an ICC World Cup in 13 years HAMILTON, New Zealand, (CMC) – West Indies Women imperiled their chances of a semi-final spot when another faulty batting effort sent them crashing to an eight-wicket loss to Pakistan in a rain-hit affair at Seddon Park here Monday. Defending 89 for seven after the game was reduced to 20 overs, West Indies suffered heartbreak as the Pakistanis got over the line with seven deliveries to spare, for their first win at an ICC Women’s World Cup in 13 years. Sent in, West Indies never really found their footing and only opener Deandra Dottin, who slammed 27 off 35 deliveries with five fours, showed any real intent. In fact, she was only one of two specialist batsmen to reach double figures; Captain Stafanie Taylor being the other with a painful 18 off 31 balls, as veteran off-spiner Nida Dar ran through the innings with four for 10 to earn Player-of-the-Match honours. Opener Muneeba Ali then provided her side with a sound start to the potentially tricky run chase, hitting 37 off 43 balls with five fours, putting on 35 for the second wicket with Captain Bismah Maroof (20 not out) who added a further 33 for the third wicket with Omaima Sohail (22 not out). “I think … it was difficult to defend 90 runs. We really had to be on our ‘A’ game today in every single ball,” said bowling coach, Corey Collymore. “We didn’t do too well in the field as well. We’re still missing one of our premier bowlers … so things like that can help you in defending a total. But only setting 90 runs again, it was really difficult.” He continued: “If you look at how we batted, if you’re honest with yourself, you

Nida Dar was on fire for Pakistan, claiming career-best ODI figures of 4-10 (ICC via Getty Images)

didn’t play particularly good shots. “Everyone keeps saying we’ve got quality batters but quality batters are not putting up quality performances. [It] still does not mean a quality team.” A five-hour delayed-start due to heavy rain and a water-logged outfield meant the contest was transformed into a Twenty20 affair, leaving West Indies with the advantage. However, they lost Hayley Matthews cheaply in the fifth over, slicing seamer Fatima Sana to backward point for one before Dottin followed with the score on 34 for two in the 10th over, slapping a length delivery back to Nidar Dar. Shemaine Campbelle (7) walked past one from Nida Dar and was stumped in the 12th over and further trouble ensued when Chedean Nation was bowled through the gate without scoring by off-spinner Omaima Sohail. Taylor, dropped before she had scored, endured an arduous labour which eventually came to nothing when she was smartly caught and bowled by left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu going to her left.

Test cricket makes emotional return to Lahore TEST cricket made an emotional return to Lahore on Monday for the first time since a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, with Pakistan and Australia to play the Benaud-Qadir series finale. Pakistan's second-biggest city and its Gaddafi Stadium have not hosted a Test since the attack 13 years ago that left six security personnel and two civilians dead. The 22 players involved in Monday’s match are all playing a Test at the venue for the first time, but for onfield umpire Ahsan Raza, the match will carry extra significance. Raza was critically injured on the morning of March 3, 2009, when a convoy of the Sri Lankan team bus and match officials' van was attacked by about a dozen heavily armed militants. The Sri Lankans' bus and match officials' van were hit by bullets and grenades in the attack. Eight were killed, many more wounded, including several Sri Lankan players. Among the wounded was umpire Raza, a Lahore native, who was hit by two bullets that pierced his lungs and liver. After emerging from a coma, it was nearly six months before he could walk again, but incredibly

Aleem Dar and Ashan Raza (right) are the on-field umpires for the third Test in Lahore. The match carries an extra significance for Umpire Raza

resumed his international umpiring career less than a year later in Sharjah. "My wounds have healed but whenever I look at them I remember the gruesome incident," Raza told AFP in 2019 on the 10th anniversary of the attack. "Whenever someone mentions that incident I request him not to remind me of that tragedy." The Test in Lahore will not be Raza's first trip back to the stadium – he stood in the first international back at the venue in 2015, when Zimbabwe visited, and again when Sri Lanka returned in 2017. "I was very emotional that day," Raza told AFP of Sri Lanka's return.. "To their credit PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has taken gradual steps and I am 100 per cent confident that more foreign teams will

come in the near future." Australian umpire Simon Taufel has recounted the terror attack, writing in his memoir that Raza had taken the seat in the van he would usually occupy. "Had he (arrived) at the van earlier than me, my fate would have been different– fighting for my life with bullet injuries to my lungs and spleen," Taufel wrote. Australian Trevor Bayliss was head coach of Sri Lanka at the time had "the most amazing escape", as detailed by his long-time assistant Paul Fabrace. "He got off his seat and below the height of the window and put his backpack with his computer in it behind him as some sort of protection," Fabrace recalled of Bayliss in a 2015 interview. "Afterwards there were three bullet holes in the window where his head and chest would have been. It was a phenomenal, frightening escape." Fabrace, who was an assistant with Bayliss during his time as England head coach, was injured in the attack. "I was cleaning my sunglasses, and the next thing, the bus jolted," Farbrace, who saw a piece of shrapnel draw blood when it struck his arm, told a BBC Test Match Special podcast marking the

10-year anniversary of the attack. "I just turned and looked over my shoulder, looked out the window – I could see this guy moving towards us with a gun, firing this gun "Then I got thrown off my seat by a grenade going off on my side of the bus, which ended up with me needing two operations on my arm back in Colombo and spending 10 days in hospital." The incident drove international cricket away from Pakistan, forcing the home team to play their matches on neutral territory, mostly in the United Arab Emirates. None of the current Pakistan players has played a Test at the Gaddafi ground - Azhar Ali will play his 94th Test at his home venue for the first time, and for the 27-year-old Babar Azam it will also be something of a homecoming. Babar was a ball boy when Pakistan took on South Africa there in 2007 and he was born nearby. "It's a special occasion," said the Test captain. "When you play in front of your crowd and they support you, that feeling is so good, I can't explain it. "We're so happy that cricket is back and we're playing against such a big team here." (AAP)

Deo wins House of Majesty-Beacon Ministries golf tournament ‒ Persaud, London and Harry also outstanding BHOLAWRAM Deo emerged as the overall winner of the House of Majesty-Beacon Ministries golf tournament, which was held on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Club. The 66-year-old finished with a net 68, stemming from a gross score of 89. He made 43 on the front nine and 46 on the back nine with four pars. For his exploits, the seasoned golfer also won the 19-and-over handicap division. He was described by his playing partner, Chilean Ambassador H.E Juan Miguel, as ‘a most consistent golfer’. A number of other golfers did well, including former Guyana Open 10-time winner, Avinash Persaud, who finished with the best gross score and as the longest-drive winner. Reigning Guyana Open

female champion, Shanella London, was also outstanding. She won the 0-9 flight after a countback from club captain, Patrick Prashad. Former Guyana Open champion Mike Mangal finished third in the top flight. In the 10-18 handicap division, Bridgelall Harry won ahead of David Harry and A. Shaw on the podium, while in the 19-and-over division, Jordi Pinol finished second to Deo with Chet

Bholawram Deo (right) receives the championship trophy from Pastor Carl Haynes

Bowling placing third. Veteran golfer Maurice Solomon finished fourth.

The nearest to the pin award was won by Patangilee Persaud. Meanwhile, Archbishop Guy Griffith spoke on behalf of the sponsor and paid homage to the driving force behind the House of Majesty, Pope Emanuel London. Griffith also thanked the LGC for the opportunity to sponsor the event, while he reminded the members and attendees that Beacon Ministries has been sponsoring tournaments since 2013 and is fully committed to continue for years to come.

The respective winners of last Saturday’s House of Majesty-Beacon Ministries golf tournament

Wiltshire, Fernandes take Guinness Senior National Squash tiles PAGE

Nicolette Fernandes (L) and Shomari Wilshire were crowned National Squash Champions

Three to represent Guyana Shane Warne's funeral at AMBC Elite Continental takes place in Melbourne were joined by around 80 guests including Championships this week …TheMarkfamilyTaylor, Allan Border and Michael Clarke

Jamal Harvey, Desmond Amsterdam, Coach Terrence Pool, and Colin Lewis, before they departed for Guayaquil, Ecuador where they will compete at this year’s AMBC Elite Continental Championships

MIDDLEWEIGHT Dennis Amsterdam, Light welterweight Colin Lewis, and Lightweight Jamal Harvey, along with Coach Terrence Poole, departed Guyana on Sunday evening for Guayaquil, Ecuador, where they will compete at the March 22 – April 2 American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Continental Championships. Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle, said the Championships “is going to be a testing ground for us, because we’ve not been in competitive boxing for quite some time, except for the lone Olympic qualifier and the World Championship.”The Guyanese boxers had several months of preparation under Coach Poole and National Boxing Coach, Lennox Daniels. Ninvalle said the GBA expects that the boxers give their best, adding “I had a meeting with the coach and the boxers before they departed and they’ve also convinced me that they will be giving their best. “The AMBC championship will have all the usual powerhouses, so we will be coming

up against some formidable opponents and again, we expect them to give their best,” Ninvalle said. The medallists in each of the 13 men and 12 women weight categories, according to the AMBC, will receive prize money, US$10,000 for first place, $5,000 (second), and $2,500 for third place. Ninvalle, who also sits as a vice-president of the AMBC, pointed to Trinidad and Tobago’s Nigel Paul, who claimed bronze and the $25,000 prize in the super heavyweight division at the November International Boxing Association (formerly known as AIBA) World Championships in Russia, adding “now he goes to this championship, and he wins that, he gets $10,000 and then there are other competitions held throughout the year.” The GBA president said the IBA’s injection of cash incentives should be applauded across the world since it “gives boxers something to work towards. Apart from the pride and the glory, there’s now the financial aspect of it which means a lot.”

SHANE Warne's family and friends have bid the cricketing legend farewell at a private funeral in Melbourne. Warne's three children, Jackson, Brooke and Summer, and parents Keith and Brigette, were joined by about 80 guests to say their final goodbyes on Sunday. The gathering featured a who's who of the cricketing world, with retired Aus- The funeral of Shane Warne took place in Melbourne on tralian Test captains Mark Sunday (AFP photo) Taylor, Allan Border and popular accolade a household phrase, was Michael Clarke attending along with former then played to a round of applause. England skipper Michael Vaughan. Warne, 52, died of a suspected heart atBowling greats Merv Hughes and Glenn tack on the Thai resort island of Koh Samui McGrath and long time Warne team-mates on March 4. Mark Waugh and Ian Healy were also A state memorial will take place at the there.` MCG on March 30, where the wider pubClose friend Eddie McGuire delivered lic will be able to pay their respects. The the eulogy and was MC for the service, ground's Great Southern Stand will also be which was held in Moorabbin in recogni- renamed in Warne's honour. tion of Warne's lifelong association with The cricketing legend's death little more the St Kilda Football Club. than two weeks ago led to an outpouring of Guests were invited to wear St Kilda grief from people around the world, as well scarves and a pair of them were draped as those closer to home. across Warne's coffin as it was driven St Kilda Cricket Club coach Glenn around the oval to the sound of the 1980s Lalor told AAP on Saturday of his time Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes hit The playing with Warne in the early 2000s. Time of My Life. "Every time Shane was available he The lap of honour was immediately would love coming back and playing with followed by a champagne toast. McGuire us, which was great," Mr Lalor said. urged the mourners to be louder as he led "The boys appreciated playing with a three cheers. legend. He was just an everyday bloke "To Warnie," he declared. "He was that just wanted to be around and enjoy simply the best." the day. He was never hard to deal with, Tina Turner's anthem, which made the he was always fun."(AAP)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022