Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-06-2021

TUESDAY 22th June, 2021

No. 106399

Fire Service locates origin of ‘Multi’ fire

SEE PAGE

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Dharamlall calls out City Hall for negligence SEE PAGE

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― as garbage piles up in several areas of the city

The Tradewinds 2021 (TW21) Regional Security System (RSS) Joint Exchange International Paratrooping Training Exercise concluded on Sunday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), following a tactical display of airborne manoeuvres from more than 100 paratroopers (US Embassy photo)

Dr Ramsammy: ‘Cheap politics must not trump saving lives’ SEE PAGE

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Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Thandi Mc Allister Venezuelan woman dies resigns from PNCR in Stewartville accident SEE PAGE

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Attorney Thandi Mc Allister

Residents flocked the severed and mangled vehicle after the crash

guaranteed 75 per cent of

Thursday last.

2 the work. However, in the He added, “If it is avail-

content “as far as practical.”

High Commissioner Srinivasa has assured that all

but other parts of the world. Export/Import Bank, and GUYANA Tuesday, June of 22,India.

2021 “In that way, I CHRONICLE can say that the Government quality can be assured,” Dr. Minister Indar had said Srinivasa posited. that the new, four-lane projHe said that the project ect will extend from Ogle would also pave the way to Eccles, rather than to for local companies to be Diamond, thereby, saving exposed to different con- taxpayers approximately that’s my concern,” he maindose, making them struction techniques and second US$158 million. tained. fully“Already, vaccinated.on the bright methods being practised by Responding to the count“Among the persons that the engineersrhetoric of India.ped- are side, wevaccinated were able er-productive fully notto, onein dled,The Dr completion Ramsammyofemperson has been found to be the just six months, bring forphasised that the Govern- positive for COVID-19, not Ogle undertook to Diamond bypass one ward the approval ment rigorous of them has had to of be the in due to delayed ensure that Intensive Care Unit roaddiligence has been for the new four-lane road(ICU) from the vaccines procured were obviously and obviously no almost effective seven years now. one Ogle Eccles, funded by proven in many hastodied,” he said as he countries before Guyana used disclosed that of the 20 per It was reported in August the Indian Government, by them, and there is statistics to cent of the adult population 2020 thatthat the almost a year,” President, substantiate thePeople’s vaccines that is fully vaccinated, more work. than 50 per cent were adminHe reminded that Guyana istered the Russian-manufachas one of the “oldest and tured Sputnik V vaccine. most experienced” Food and Pronouncing on impact of Drug Regulatory Authorities the statements made by the in CARICOM, and affirmed Opposition Leader and other that “all the rules were fol- persons, Dr Ramsammy exlowed” when the decision plained that such unfortunate was made to procure the best utterances distract the minisvaccines for Guyanese. try and force same to under“By the time we took a take other types of activities decision to procure Sputnik V to ensure the willingness vaccines more than 50 coun- of citizens to come forward tries had already registered and take their vaccine is not and begun to use them, 10s reduced. of millions of people have “I believe people, because already been vaccinated with of the instant response to this vaccine,” he said. these things were able to see that our vaccines work and WASN’T A people saw the process; we LIGHT DECISION didn’t just go and take the “When we took the deci- first vaccine that was offered sion we studied the clinical to us. We did our work,” he trial data and we have valida- said. tion from the Lancet, one of Dr Ramsammy made the world’s most prestigious clear that Guyana is not in journals, so it wasn’t a light a race with any country to decision,” he added. see who administers the The Health Ministry’s most vaccines first, but the advisor shared that as of country is in a race against Monday, Guyana would have the deadly COVID-19 vivaccinated close to 50 per rus. He said that vaccinating cent of its adult population the Guyanese population to with at least one dose of protect against the virus is a COVID-19 vaccine, and considered a “plus” for the about 20 per cent of the adult government. population has received their “We want to make sure that every country in the region and the world, because inDr.this caseAli, if there’s one Irfaan said during country that is not vaccinathisagainst inaugural address ed this virus we willto have a variant of thatinvirus the 12th Parliament Febthat will then come back to ruary. haunt all of us, so until every adultThe citizen in theA world is former Partnervaccinated we are all going Nationaldanger,” Unity + toship be for in constant he said. for Change (APAlliance The formergovernment Health MinNU+AFC) ister highlighted that Guyhadhas modified proposed ana always the taken “bold decisions” to allow safeguard project, to for its the citizen’s health. He remindroad to run through Mocha. ed that in the late 1990s when the human immunoThis however, resulted in a deficiency virus (HIV) was drastic people increaseacross in the the cost killing region, took steps of the Guyana overall project, due to source and manufacture to the level of preparatory medication to control the situation. works needed for the reali-

‘Cheap politics’ must not trump saving lives case of Guyana and the

able here, then I believe we

― Dr Ramsammy warns that irresponsible statements could derail campaign against COVID-19

COGNIZANT of the worldwide issue of vaccine hesitancy, pessimistic statements issued by the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, and other prominent individuals, pertaining to Guyana’s vaccination campaign could derail and hinder the country’s objective of vaccinating most of its adult population by this year-end, said Health Ministry Adviser, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.

Dr Ramsammy, a former Health Minister, expressed these sentiments while appearing on Trinidad and Tobago’s CNC3 Television programme, the Morning Brew with Soyini Grey on Monday.

The Health Advisor reiterated that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had announced his goal of vaccinating every adult Guyanese earlier in the year and had committed that when vaccines are approved for lower age groups, those

will be procured and administered.

“We are trying to get to about between 500,000 to 600,000 Guyanese that we want to vaccinate this year; we don’t want to wait for next year; every day we wait somebody is dying and that is not good enough for us,” he said.

Statements emanating from some prominent authorities had indicated that early on in its vaccination campaign, Guyana opted to use vaccines that were not authorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which allowed the country to administer a larger of construction of volume the Ogle, vaccines, placing it ahead of East Caribbean Coast Demerara to other Community (CARICOM) nations.

Diamond, East Bank Demerara Road project, SCREAMING FIRE the Dr Ramsammy explained Government of India has that in light of a whisper made a “rare exception” campaign against vaccinations, not onlythat in Guyana, in bringing figure down to 46 per cent.

Indian High Commissioner of Guyana, Dr. K.J Srinivasa, has confirmed that the project will now benefit from the participation of 54 per cent Guyanese labour and resources.

“When I was pushing for this, your Local Content Policy was not even finalised, but what I sincerely believe is, the local content in sense of your labour,

but worldwide, and “in a world where there is vaccine hesitancy, where we are struggling to make sure that all of our people are vaccinated, such statements are like screaming fire in a crowded cinema.”

He highlighted that, in addition to the Opposition

being silent early on during the vaccination campaign, which led to majority of its supporters not taking the vaccines that were available, it has now also jumped on the band-wagon to peddle statements counter-productive to Guyana’s vaccination objective.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J Srinivasa

should spend the money here and develop the economy right here.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has confirmed that fourto Indian companies Adviser the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy have already been shortlistThe former Health Mined, as part of the prequalifi- ister has since labelled these as “out of line” cation phase of the project. statements and “reckless” while address“This is now in [its] ing them. He maintained that tender stage…bid docu- though he has no “quarrel” with anyone, it is his job to ments [have been] released address vaccine hesitancy to the bidders,” Minister where it exists and “this was not a helpful statement from Indar said on Saturday. This either gentlemen.”

“I had no intention of newspaper was informed picking a quarrel with anythat the bidding process for one, but I have a responsibilthe project will come to an ity to ensure that any impact of any statement of anyone end in August. would not have any negative Commenting on the in- consequence to the vaccinacreased opportunities for tion campaign in Guyana,

l a U t t b s p

w P m d 2 o r o

f B T o b M s

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Dharamlall calls out City Hall’s negligence ― as garbage piles up in several areas of the city

By Richard Bhainie

LOCAL Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall on Monday criticised the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown for what he labelled as “mismanagement”, resulting in the piling up of garbage in Georgetown.

“It’s quite unfortunate that in 2021, in the middle of 2021, we still have this massive problem of city drainage and city garbage. I would believe that by now that the City Council, headed by the Mayor, would have put this on top of their agenda in terms of their overall supervision and management of the City of Georgetown,” Dharamlall said.

He added: “It is quite alarming that everywhere you go there are piles of garbage in different parts of Georgetown.

I myself had the cause to call members of the City Hall quite a number of times to remove garbage from certain locations when complaints were made to me, after those complaints were not addressed by the City Council.”

Minister Dharamlall is of the belief that under the leadership of Mayor Ubraj Narine and his deputy, Alfred Mentore, little is being done with regards to development of Georgetown, due to the politicising and taking advantage of the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) control of City Hall.

In making his point, he highlighted that despite Central Government installing 12 massive pumps, and working to get the 10 sluices in the city

up and running to be able to properly drain it and prevent flooding, there remains a large accumulation of water after any intense period of rainfall.

NOT PULLING ITS WEIGHT “If we are to develop Georgetown, and if we are to place our city at the point where this is the image of Guyana, then all of us have to work together. I believe that City Hall is not pulling its weight; they spent or claim to spend in excess of $260M per year on garbage collection, but the city is still strewn with garbage all across,” Dharamlall said.

“I believe that for too long we have had too much recalcitrance at the level of City Hall, as well as the level of those who are dumping garbage in our alleyways, in our drains, along our roadsides, along our streets,” he added.

Mayor Narine, in a letter to the media, has admitted that the culture of littering and dumping has stuck, despite ‘efforts’ by City Hall to dissuade the wanton practice. He also suggested that the bylaws be amended to allow City Hall to increase its fines for illegal dumping.

City Hall, based on reports, hardly, if at all, implements fines for littering and dumping in Georgetown.

The Minister of Local Government indicated that he intends to speak directly to the city’s Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine, and the Town Clerk, as well as the City Constabulary to address the issues of the pile up of garbage and other things in a condign

manner.

“The administration of the city, too, has to up its game, and not be cowered by the directors of the political representatives, and, in this case, led by the Mayor and other councillors of the APNU+AFC,” he said.

Dharamlall highlighted that when the APNU+AFC was in government, significant efforts were made to spruce up the city, get the alleyways cleaned, and get garbage collected.

However, he maintained that over the past 10 months, there has been a “total shut down of the operations” of the M&CC where these issues are concerned.

He is optimistic that, moving forward, to develop the city, the M&CC is going to work

onto the northern carriageway, the driver lost control and struck a GPL post on the northern parapet then ended up in a trench on the same parapet.

As a result of the collision, the driver and occupants received injuries. They were all picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they were seen and examined by a

HEAVY LIFTING He assured the citizens of Georgetown that Central Government will be doing most of the “heavy lifting” to develop the City, and they can expect

Garbage in Georgetown

hance the sanitation of Georgetown, and it is apparent that those things have fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

“With all of that happening, we expect that the City will also enhance its services that it provides to people. It is quite unfortunate that in 2021, we

Another scene of garbage in the city

Venezuelan woman killed in Stewartville crash

A SPEEDING driver who was overtaking a car on the Stewartville Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Monday, lost control of the vehicle with four Venezuelan passengers and crashed into a utility pole, causing the vehicle to split into two.

Dead is Alejandra Brazon, 20, of Stewartville, WCD. The driver, who was injured, was identified as Anthony Ralph, 33, of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

The other injured occupants were identified only as Kataleena, age unknown; Alexandra, age unknown, both of Stewartville, WCD; and Urelis Gonsalves, 22, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.

Reports indicate that the driver, Anthony Ralph, was driving motorcar PRR 2014 which was proceeding east along the northern side of the Stewartville Public Road at a fast rate of speed when he overtook motorcar PRR 7512 which was proceeding in the same direction.

Police said after the overtaking manoeuvre, while returning

with the Central Government to elevate the services provided

by City Hall, as well as making sure that there is a greater level of transparency and accountability within the institution.

Briefly touching on some of the works Central Government will be undertaking in relation to City Hall, Dharamlall listed a number of initiatives, namely, the City Hall restoration project, which will head to tender in the next few days, as well as resources that were provided to complete the administrative building.

doctor on duty.

Brazon was pronounced dead on arrival while the others were later referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where they were admitted in stable condition.

Brazon’s body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour where it is awaiting an autopsy. The police are investigating the accident.

Residents flocked the severed and mangled vehicle after the crash

road constructions, enhanced sanitation services, and various infrastructural works such as enhanced parking in the city.

“We have spoken to the mayor and his deputy about doing infrastructure work to enhance parking and to also en-

still have a mayor who refuses to work with the government; who basically speaks from both sides of his mouth. Says one thing and does something else,” he added.

Dharamlall registered that

by not working along with the Central Government, City Hall is putting the citizens of Georgetown at a great inconvenience, as businesses, homes and livelihoods are affected.

He is of the opinion that the Mayor and City Councilors are refusing to acknowledge the circumstances of the people.

“This has been an ongoing issue since the establishment of the city, and in this modern era since independence, City Hall has basically been run by the APNU+AFC; they are under the false impression that they are actually gaining political mileage by making the city look as dilapidated as they are managing it,” he said.

He continued: “I think that the mayor and councillors at City Hall need to stop with their repugnant attitude towards development; I think that their decision- making has been reckless during most of their decision-making times. I also believe that they need to heed the concerns of the residents of Georgetown.”

The Local Government Minister explained that serious action will be taken against those who are found to be culpable in the mismanagement of the city. He highlighted that there is a special audit into City Hall currently going on, and that once completed and reviewed, action will be taken where necessary.

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Two more die from ‘COVID’, 48 new cases recorded

EVEN as the fight against COVID-19 continues, the number of COVID-19-related deaths has increased to 447, following the death of two Region Four residents.

The Ministry of Health has disclosed that the latest fatalities are a 57-year-old female and 64-year-old male, both of whom died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, there are currently 1,521 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 48 new cases, as of June 21, 2021. Even as new cases were recorded, 102 persons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to date to 17,175.

The 48 newly-confirmed cases were recorded in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Twenty-six of the newly-confirmed cases are males, with the remaining 22 being females.

Region Four accounted for 26 of the new cases, while Region Three recorded four new ones, and Regions Five, Nine and Ten two each. Region Six recorded nine new cases, and Region Seven three.

It was reported that the 48 new cases were recorded from a total of 745 tests. The country has now recorded a total of 19,144 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Eighteen persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Currently, there are 106 persons in institutional isolation,

1,396 in home isolation, and one person is in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, in that they are not exhibiting any symptoms whatsoever.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, during his daily COVID-19 update on Monday, disclosed that 227,690 Guyanese who represent just about 46.8% of Guyana’s adult population have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

From this number, 98,635 have also received the second dose of the vaccine and are now fully vaccinated against the virus.

These persons account for 20.3% of Guyana’s adult population.

Minister Anthony stated that the ministry expects to reach a milestone for COVID vaccination this week, saying, “We are improving gradually and we look forward to those numbers going up during this week so definitely we’re going to pass 100,000 for the second dose this week.”

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from June 1, 2021 until June 30, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 22:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

One dead in birthday brawl KWAL Dindon, 23, succumbed to injuries sustained in the aftermath of a brawl on Saturday at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday, police have confirmed.

Four persons have since been arrested.

According to the police, Dindon, along with two friends attended a birthday party at Sandy Babb Street on Saturday evening and while at the party, a heated argument broke out between Dindon and another man which resulted in a fight.

The man reportedly left the scene, but Dindon armed himself with a piece of wood and in the company of his friends, they went after him.

The man was eventually cornered by Dindon and his friends, who dealt him sev-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

eral lashes about the body.

In retaliation, the man reportedly whipped out a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed Dindon

to his right upper side of his back.

In a bid to escape, the in-

jured Dindon reportedly ran into a nearby yard where he collapsed to the ground and slipped into an unconscious state.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he died on Sunday while receiving treatment.

The 21-year-old suspect, along with the Dindon’s two friends and another man were arrested and are assisting the police with the investigation.

Man in critical condition after beating by girlfriend’s former partner

THE police are hunting three men who chopped and beat a 21-year-old man, thereby fracturing his skull while he was at his girlfriend’s home at Back Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The victim, of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is suffering an open-skull fracture, fracture to the right wrist, a partially severed forearm and a deep laceration to the left side of the neck after he was attacked by his girlfriend’s ex-partner and his

friends Sunday night.

Reports indicate that the victim was at his girlfriend’s house when he was confronted by her former partner who threatened to kill him.

The ex-boyfriend, along with two of his colleagues, then began to assault the man by cuffing and chopping him about his body.

After the attack, the man was rushed to the hospital where he remains in a critical condition awaiting surgery.

The suspects remain at large.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

‘Multi’ parents request use of auditorium for upcoming CSEC exam -final decision hinges on feedback from GFS, GPL

WITH the commencement of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination set for June 28, several Form Five students of the fire-ravaged North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and their parents have requested that the school’s auditorium be prepared to accommodate the 65 students during the exam period.

The request was made during a meeting with the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and the school’s administration at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, on Monday.

On Saturday, a mysterious fire destroyed a section of the school where the classrooms and the Science, Home Economics and Information Technology laboratories were located. The school’s $3 million ‘smart’ classroom, the first to be

launched in Guyana in 2015, was also located in the gutted section.

In response to the request, Minister Manickchand said that use of the school’s auditorium for examination

purposes has to be cleared by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Power Light Inc. (GPL) and the Chief Electrical Engineer so as to ensure safety and that there are no disruptions.

The request is based on a dire need to have to the students housed in one location and not have them separated during any of their exams. Having the exam at the school would also allow

the students to be in a familiar environment.

At the meeting, parents expressed concern over the students being placed at other schools, which they noted could potentially cause anxiety and discomfort.

Minister Manickchand stated that the ministry will give the GFS and GPL until Wednesday to approve the auditorium for use. She further explained that if the building cannot be used, a decision will be made by the Ministry of Education (MoE) as to where the examination will be written.

The other potential locations being mulled by the ministry are the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the University of Guyana (UG) and the Police Officers’ Mess at Eve Leary.

Minister Manickchand disclosed that if students are expected to be transported to another location, the government will absorb the full cost and any other associated

scene all day Sunday and Monday in an attempt to ascertain the cause of the mysterious fire that destroyed the school’s First to Fifth Form classrooms, Science, Home Economics and Information Technology laboratories, as well as the school’s $3 million ‘smart’ classroom – the first to be launched in Guyana in 2015.

“Our guys worked late into the night last night and they are still there. We have the

government’s chief electrical engineer there also and they are working to complete the investigation. When I spoke to our fire service investigator, he told me that the chief government electrical inspector and he were

able to identify the seat of the fire, where the fire started, so that’s a plus,” said Wickham.

He noted that this discovery takes the GFS one step closer to identifying the cause of the fire that destroyed a sec-

tion of the school.

On Sunday, the Deputy Fire Chief had told this publication that the GFS was probing two possible theories into the cause of the fire.

However, he did not want

Education Minister Priya Manickchand interacts with some of the affected CSEC students

costs.

Meanwhile, she encouraged the students and reminded them that their emotions regarding the tragedy are not misplaced. She charged them to remain resilient and to do their best.

The students were encouraged not to feel as though they have lost their school, but to ensure what they have learnt while attending the institution is reflected in their behaviour and conduct as they go into the world of work and furthering their academic studies.

“If there is something that drives you even further in this period it must be that the students who wrote their CSEC the week after their school burnt down performed excellently. That must be what drives you,” she emphasised.

Further, Minister Manickchand pledged the ministry’s support in meeting the psychosocial needs of the teachers and students.

to reveal the two theories being examined. He noted that it would only be prudent to do so when the investigations were completed and there was a definitive finding.

Fire Service locates origin of ‘Multi’ fire INVESTIGATORS of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have located the “seat of the fire” or the origin site of the Saturday’s fire at the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.

This is according to Deputy Fire Chief, Gregory Wickham, who told this newspaper, on Monday, that investigators have been working around the clock.

Investigators were at the

A section of the school engulfed in flames (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Housing: A National Priority

T

HE Government of Guyana is committed to providing housing to all eligible citizens of Guyana.

Some 50,000 houselots are expected to be distributed over the five-year tenure of this current PPP/C administration, averaging 10,000 houselots per year.

There is nothing more empowering than owning a home. This is why the government is pursuing home- ownership in a serious and robust manner. Housing is considered a top national priority and significant budgetary allocations are set aside annually to make this a living reality.

There was a time under the previous PNC administration when owning a home was considered a distant dream. Except for the failed “Feed, Clothe and House’ the nation programme during the 1972-1976 period, nothing of any substance was done from a policy perspective by the previous administration to develop housing areas in the country. The ‘Feed, Clothe and House’ programme which had initially targeted the

construction of 65,000 housing units, failed miserably and a mere 13,000 housing units were built and given out to those close to the then ruling party.

One consequence of that neglect was the unmet housing needs of thousands of Guyanese, many of whom were forced to resort to illegal squatting on state lands. Sophia was one such community. It remained one of the largest squatting areas in the country for several years until it was regularised by the PPP/C administration after it took power on October 5, 1992. Ever since, housing was made a top priority by the new administration, with tens of thousands of houselots given out in the several housing schemes scattered across the 10 regions of Guyana.

Not only did the PPP/C administration develop new housing schemes, but several fiscal arrangements were put in place to make it easier for homeowners to access mortgage financing and bank loans. The cost of building materials was also reduced by a significant lowering in customs and

excise duties on building materials. Because of these interventions, the country is now experiencing a boom in the construction industry, reaching a stage where it is difficult to find enough persons with the requisite skills to meet the labour needs of an expanding industry.

As the country prepares for the new and expanding oil and gas economy, the need for adequate and suitable housing becomes all the more critical. Young professionals and persons with the requisite skills will be in increasing demand and it is important that certain incentives be put in place to encourage them to remain in the country and contribute to the exciting task of nation-building.

The Ministry of Housing has responded to this imperative by making available housing areas for young professionals. This is a commendable move. Young people must be given every assistance to advance both professionally and in their personal lives. The government has announced that 1,000 housing units for low-income earners and young

Data-driven instructions boost performance Dear Editor,

I

DON’T know if it’s been done before, but kudos to Education Minister Priya Manickchand for using data analysis of the NGSA mock exams to drive instruction. Data analyses work; I know, as I was part of the data-analysis team at my school and we were able to see significant improvements via use of this instrument. And, given that curricula are standards-driven, data analysis enables teachers to know exactly what standards need reinforcement and plan instructions accordingly. In fact, data analysis enables students to reflect on their progress, visualise possibilities, set individual goals and create plans to achieve those goals.

Data analysis can also be used to create small groups in classrooms, so that sets of students can focus on their specific areas of needed reinforcement, while teachers can plan individualised, small-group and differentiated instructions.

Naturally, as part of professional development, teachers must be provided with the requisite pedagogical training in a context where whole classroom, one-size-fits-all instructional approach is a thing of the past.

Now with the Internet playing an increasingly greater role in the delivery of education, the ministry may want to consider setting up a portal that would enable schools to

move the entire evaluative process online, so parents can track real-time progress of their children and become more involved in their children’s education, while students can be able to stay on top of their progress and adapt accordingly. In fact, via such a portal, resources can be provided to parents to empower them to better help their children and additional scope can be provided to students to help them meet, if not surpass, goals.

When students become intrinsically involved in their education, they take greater ownership; when they realise the possibilities within their grasp, they are more driven to achieve. This then positively impacts their emotional IQ and overall mental health, both of which are critical for whole-child development and fostering an attitude of success. Emotional and mental health can also be tremendously boosted, if the ministry implements a mechanism to address the psychosocial needs The bottom line is in the contemporary education context; the teacher should be a guide, mentor and coach in a student-centred approach, helping students towards self-exploration, aspirational development and fulfilment of potential.

Yours sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

professionals will be established. This is in addition to the 10,000 house lots earmarked for distribution this year. Under the “Dream Realised” initiative, the Housing Ministry has already allocated 3,600 houselots during the period August to December last year.

Further, $6 billion has been allocated to further advance infrastructural development in new and existing housing schemes, and an additional $1.5 billion allocated to continue with infrastructural works in Sophia, Diamond and Parfaite Harmonie housing schemes. And to facilitate easier access to those seeking to commence construction, a single-window approval system for construction permits will soon be implemented, which will considerably reduce processing time.

The PPP/C government is responding admirably to the housing needs of the Guyanese people. From all indications, it is the continuation of a success story set in motion since the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992.

NY Guyanese-American endorsed for election Dear Editor,

T

HE New York Democracy Project endorses Guyanese-American Felicia Singh for a City Council seat, District 32, that encompasses parts of Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, and surrounding areas. The election is on Tuesday, June 22 (today) with voting from 6 am till 9 pm.

The NY-based Guyana Democracy Project comprises Guyanese and others supporting democracy in Guyana. The group played a significant role in combating electoral fraud in the last election.

The group is led by Dr Tara Singh, who is the President with this writer

as secretary. Dr Singh is a former UG Senior lecturer in Sociology.

The group says that Felicia Singh is a very talented community activist who exudes much compassion, especially towards the disadvantaged. “She will make an excellent city councillor and represent our Guyanese diaspora effectively,” a statement said.

It adds: “Despite our numeric political strength, we have not been able to elect a Guyanese to the position of city councillor. Now is the time.” The group urges Guyanese and others to vote for Felicia Singh.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

OP-ED

RECOVERY from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis is a global challenge.

No country, no region, no continent can face it alone.

It is therefore right for the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen our strategic partnership towards a more sustainable, inclusive and equal world.

The human toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in our regions has been dramatic.

As of 15 June, 2021, a total of 732,000 people in the European Union and 1,210,000 people in Latin America and the Caribbean have lost their lives.

COVID-19 has also thrown Latin America and the Caribbean into its worst economic recession in 120 years, with more than one third of its 650 million population now living in poverty.

The pandemic is magnifying structural challenges through inequality, informality, and low productivity. This could cancel out more than a decade of development progress. In Latin America and the

Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean: a new partnership for the future

Caribbean, unemployment is expected to rise to more than 33 million people, affecting women and young people in particular.

Governments in the region have already made unprecedented fiscal efforts to cushion the blow. Public debt has jumped by more than 10 points, to reach 79.3 per cent of GDP. However, tackling the pandemic and stabilising the economy will mean more spending in 2021.

The European Commission has called for a Global Recovery Initiative, linking debt relief to investment in the Sustainable Development Goals. And yet, Latin America and the Caribbean have so far received limited multilateral support. This is because middle-income countries are not eligible for the Group of 20 (G20) Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) or its Common Framework for Debt Treatment.

Against this backdrop, the European Commission and the Economic Commission for Latin America and

the Caribbean (ECLAC) are calling for a paradigm shift in development cooperation, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Classifications based solely on income-per-capita criteria do not reflect the whole range of a country’s multidimensional vulnerabilities, structural gaps and financing needs. Income alone is not sufficient to determine the inclusion or exclusion of countries from global-cooperation mechanisms, neither during this crisis or those linked to climate change, environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

The European Commission and ECLAC will work to renew bi-regional political dialogue for a renewed partnership based on three pillars.

The first is moving toward sustainable development models, with equality at the centre. Addressing climate change and the transition to sustainable patterns of production and consumption must be a development priority.

The second is promoting

a stronger and more inclusive multilateral system. This should include mechanisms to facilitate access to financing for sustainable investment, a strengthened rules-based trading system, and a renewed commitment to climate action.

The third to be effective is facilitating access and development of green and digital technologies.

Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe enjoy a longstanding partnership.

We share the belief that cooperation and partnerships are the main tools to solve global challenges. Now is the time to join forces to shape a better future for all.

Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships of the European Commission.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Relief supplies dispatched to flood-affected miners RELIEF supplies, which include 216 flood hampers, were dispatched from Georgetown, on Monday, for flood-affected miners in Region Seven, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has reported.

The hampers include food, cleaning and medical packages, personal hygiene kits and shelter items such as mosquito nets, a release said.

The packages were loaded at the National Gymnasium, which is being used by the CDC as its packing facility.

From Georgetown, the packages were then transported to the Parika Stelling, to be loaded on to a vessel destined for Bartica, in Region Seven.

From Bartica, it would then be transported inland to the affected communities.

Region Seven is among five administrative regions in Guyana which have been most severely affected by Guyana’s ongoing flooding situation.

Mining is also one sector that has been severely impacted by the national disaster.

The hampers are part of ongoing efforts by the CDC, the government and other organisations to bring relief to all of the different sectors and areas being affected by the flooding.

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, will be leading the mission to the region, to get a first-hand look at the situation facing the miners.

“Reaching out to miners in this difficult period is important to us, especially with the miners in the Middle Mazaruni where the water is

very high and miners have basically shut down their operations and many are trapped there, and equipment are underwater too,” the minister said.

“The government will also look at possible ways of assisting the sector during the recovery period,” he noted.

The deployment of the relief supplies comes just days before the commencement of the “Detailed Damage Sector Assessment” (DDSA) of Guyana’s flooding situation, where mining is one of seven key areas which will be assessed.

The DDSA, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, is being coordinated by a team from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Some of the items being dispatched to the flood-affected miners

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Minibus hijacked, Thandi Mc Allister resigns from PNCR driver robbed in Swan Village

A BUS driver who stopped, Sunday night, at Swan Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, to “cool down” his overheated minibus was robbed of the vehicle and $20,000 cash by two armed bandits.

Reports indicated that the victim pulled over in the vicinity of Swan Village around 21:00hrs to give the minibus some rest, when the driver saw a dark-coloured car pull up behind his bus and two men exited.

The bandits reportedly ran up to the bus and one of the men pulled out a black handgun from his waist and held the driver at gunpoint.

He was pulled out of the bus, searched and relieved of $20,000 cash. The men then drove away with the Toyota Pitbull minibus with registration BWW 1914, valued $2,980,000.

A report was later made at the Kuru Kururu Police Outpost as investigations continue.

VETERAN People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Thandi Mc Allister has resigned from the party that she served for almost three decades.

The resignation letter was dispatched to PNCR General-Secretary Amna Ally and PNCR Chairman, Volda Lawrence.

In a letter dated June 21, 2021, under the caption, “Withdrawal of Membership from the PNCR” that was released to the media, Mc Allister stated “I confirm that effective June 15, 2021, I withdrew my membership from the People’s National Congress Reform – a party I have served for more than twenty-five (25) years.”

She stated: “After very careful and agonising consideration, I concluded that the pres-

ent direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana, the enhancement of the party’s supporters, and the advancement of the nation. In this connection, I can no longer accompany a process that, in my view, has departed from serving the interests of the many who reposed faith in the PNC/R to champion their causes, and to offer constructive pathways for the development of our beloved Guyana.”

Mc Allister is an Attorney-at-Law and serves as a Legal Counsel at the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Her resignation comes at a time when there is reportedly a fallout in the PNC regarding the non-consultation on the acceptance of two unknown parties called the Guyana Nation Builders Movement and the Equal Rights and Justice Party into the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) by Coalition Leader, David Granger.

The leaders of the two parties are Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

and Jaipaul Sharma. Sarabo-Halley of the Guyana Nation Builders Movement was formerly of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and Sharma of the Justice For All Party (JFAP).

Both left the coalition after its defeat at the March 2, 2020 polls, over the way they were treated by the PNCR. Meanwhile, according to online news outlet Demera r a Wa v e s , PNCR General- Secretary Amna Ally said the Vice-Chairman of Region Three will take over from Mc Allister, who was the party’s representative of Attorney Thandi Mc Allister that region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Farmers’ cries will not go unnoticed ― Minister Mustapha assures those affected by floods

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing the needs of farmers, even as many farming areas across the country are currently inundated.

The minister made these comments while meeting with farmers from Moleson Creek, Crabwood Creek, Skeldon and Bushlot, Corentyne.

During his engagements, Minister Mustapha told those who were affected by flooding that government will ensure the necessary assistance is given, so that they can return to the land.

might have receded in a number of residential areas, but in the backlands, the water level is still high. Persons lost cash crops, rice, livestock and they need help,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha, according to a release, also told residents that government has approached its disaster-relief efforts in a phased approach and that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been offering additional services to affected farmers.

PHASED APPROACH “We are now approaching this disaster

Minister Mustapha engaging a group of farmers

He also told those in attendance that much assistance cannot be given now to assist farmers with returning to the land, since most of the farming areas are still submerged.

“We are experiencing a national disaster.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve experienced unprecedented rainfall. This is the first time in our country’s history we are experiencing this type of flooding. We’ve had major floods before but when you look around today, this flood is far more devastating than those experienced in the past, because all the regions in our country have been affected. The water

their regional extension officers.

While farmers from Moleson Creek complimented the efforts of the ministry in terms of executing much-needed drainage works in the area, requests were made for a machine to return to the area to complete the remaining works. Requests were also made for the ministry to hire temporary sluice attendants, as farmers would often have to operate the structures themselves.

Minister Mustapha told residents that all of the machines are currently deployed to several flood-affected regions, but committed to sending one back to complete the works when

at the NDC. They also said that the overseer has been neglecting his duties.

Minister Mustapha advised residents to write the relevant body to have their issues with the NDCs addressed. He also told residents that he would ask the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development to meet with them. As it relates to issues with the Water Users’ Association, Minister Mustapha told residents that an investigation will be launched by his ministry.

Meanwhile, farmers from Bushlot said they were not satisfied with the services being administered by the crop and livestock depart-

A resident of Moleson Creek raises an issue

in a phased approach. As a government, the most important thing for us to do now is to ensure people have food, medical supplies, and water to drink. The ministry has also been working with livestock farmers across the country. Feed and veterinary services are being offered free of charge to those who were affected. Farmers are also given assistance to move their cattle from flooded areas in the backlands to higher ground,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also said that farmers who are yet to benefit from those services should inform

it becomes available. He also committed to ensuring sluice attendants are placed at the structures in the area.

Over in Crabwood Creek, residents said that although the minister and government had given certain directives, officials of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Water Users’ Association have not been working in the best interests of residents.

with the court to impose a life sentence to the two self-confessed killers.

State Prosecutor Lisa Cave, while highlighting the prevalence of gun-related crimes in society, asked the judge to send a strong message to like-minded individuals that such acts cannot be tolerated.

Before sentencing, Justice Kissoon told the court that in Guyana youths between the ages of 20 and 30 are armed with illegally obtained guns to carry out criminal excursion as predators and prey upon innocent citizens on a daily basis.

During his sentencing remarks, the judge

said that citizens must feel free to carry on with their business without the fear of being attacked and robbed.

To the backdrop, Justice Kissoon said that the sentence of the court must not only fit this bastardly act, but also serve as a deterrent for like-minded offenders.

The judge subsequently sentenced the men to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 15 years.

According to reports, the father of two was robbed of his gold chain and other jewellery. He sustained two gunshot wounds to the head during the attack

CONCERNS Several residents voiced concerns about the non-responsiveness of some of the staff

ments. Farmers complained that they are yet to receive the much-needed veterinary services being offered and sought the minister’s assistance to have a number of drains desilted.

The subject minister said that he was not satisfied with the level of service being offered by some of the extension officers in the region and told the respective heads of departments to ensure that those in need receive assistance. He added that there were over 50 extension officers in the region, so persons should not be complaining about not receiving assistance.

Duo sentenced to life imprisonment for EBD murder FOUR years after the fatal shooting of Purcell Moore Jr. during a robbery at Craig Old Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), his killers, were, on Monday, sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 15 years.

Selwin Dawson, 25, called “Crack Skull”, formerly of First Field, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, and Kevin Persaud called “Boyce”, 25, formerly of Fourteen Avenue, Diamond, EBD, were on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder.

During the trial hearing, the duo opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. As such, the judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of guilty in relation to the lesser count.

The duo admitted that, on December 20, 2017, they unlawfully killed 40-year-old Moore during the course of a robbery.

During a plea of mitigation, Persaud’s attorney, Damien DaSilva, asked the court to temper justice with mercy while Dawson’s attorney Adrian Thompson told the court that his client is remorseful and wishes to apologise to the victim’s family for his actions.

The deceased’s mother, Gloria Moore, during her victim impact statement pleaded

Kevin Persaud called “Boyce” (left) and Selwin Dawson called “Crack Skull”

which occurred one street away from his mother’s home at Craig. Reports are that the man had returned from abroad several weeks prior and might have been monitored by his attackers.

Purcell Moore Jr.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Man allegedly kidnaps teen lover over refusal to delete Facebook account

A 21-year-old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his 17-year-old girlfriend after an altercation at her West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice home, and her refusal to delete her Facebook account.

Police said that the victim and the suspect have been in a relationship for about a year and would normally visit each other’s homes.

However, on Thursday last, the suspect visited the victim’s home and an argument started over the teen being on social media.

During the argument, the suspect asked the victim to

delete her Facebook page and the victim refused.

“The suspect then took away the victim’s cellular phone, broke it and threw it over a nearby fence. He then started to physically abuse her, took a knife from his bag and placed it to her neck, while ordering her to exit her yard. Becoming fearful for her life, the victim complied,” police said.

They then joined a hire car but the victim alleged that all her silent signals to the driver went unheeded.

The suspect then took her to his home and placed her in a room of the lower flat of the building.

The victim further alleged that while held against her will she was left naked in a locked room and all her pleas and attempts to leave were met with threats of force.

Further, police said around 07:10hrs on Saturday last, after hearing voices in the yard, the victim managed to brace the door open and run out into the yard screaming for help.

The suspect upon seeing the attention generated from the commotion, bolted from the house but was caught and arrested. The police are investigating the matter.

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Teen arrested in failed carjacking

A TEENAGER who attempted to steal a blue Toyota Carina motorcar with registration PKK 543, valued at $1.1M, was, on Monday, arrested after crashing the car into a drain while fleeing the scene at Cherry Field, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Police said that the 43-year-old victim was in his house when he heard that someone had switched on his car engine. He raised an alarm and neighbours rendered assistance, giving chase and apprehending the suspect, who was caught, stuck in a trench with the said car.

When handed over to the police, the 19-year-old was seen with injuries to the head.

He is hospitalised under police guard in a stable condition as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Western Scientific donates over $3.5M in flood relief to Region Five IN an effort to assist those in Region Five who have been severely affected by the recent flooding, Western Scientific Company Limited, (WSCL) last week, donated more than $3.5 million in care packages and infant disposal diapers.

The 600 care packages included a number of sanitary products such as soaps, soap

powder, garbage bags, hand sanitisers, bleach, sanitary pads, mouthwash, disinfectants and other items. A total of 34, 608 diapers were handed over.

President and Founder of the company, Edwin Mackoon noted that WSCL’s effort to assist was fuelled by the desire to render assistance in the time of need.

“The flooding in Region Five has devastated so many families who have been left without the basic commodities required to run their homes. We quickly recognised the need for assistance to these families affected by this disaster, and wanted to aid the relief effort currently being undertaken by the Government of Guyana,”

Mackoon was quoted as saying in a press release disseminated by the company on Monday.

He noted that the company takes pride in extending a helping hand to communities in need since it believes that community development is critical for the progress of society.

“Upon hearing that the floods affecting the regions across the country were categorised as a level two (2) disaster

by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, we immediately sought to identify an affected region and provide our support and assistance in a tangible way,” he added.

Three hundred and fifty of the hampers were recently handed over by WSCL’s Manager for Southern Territories, Richard Ramlal, to the Regional Chairman at the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital while the remaining diapers were delivered to Branch Road, Mahaicony.

According to the release, Ramlal said that his company has always taken its social and corporate responsibility seriously. “As best as we could at Western Scientific, we render assistance in times of need,” he said.

“Having seen the floods first hand, I know we made

stretched to cater to all of the residents and areas countrywide affected by the flood disaster.

Meanwhile, the release added that Western Scientific Co. Limited, is an external company duly incorporated in Trinidad and Tobago with chapters throughout the Caribbean and, most recently, Guyana.

“With over 36 years in existence, the company is a well-respected distributor whose main activities are focused in the Supply, Installation, Commissioning and Training of Scientific, Clinical & Medical Laboratory Equipment and Supplies,” it said.

Some of the hampers which were recently delivered to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital

WSCL’s Manager for Southern Territories, Richard Ramlal (third from left), hands over some of the donated items to Regional Chairman of the Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal (fourth from left), in the presence of other officials

According to Mackoon, the company was alerted to the needs of residents along the Mahaicony, Mahaica and Abary Rivers and made contact with the Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, indicating its intention.

“Within three days of being told of the need in these areas, we procured and delivered the items donated. This is our corporate responsibility. We are thankful that we were able to meet so many households,” the WSCL President said.

“It is our hope that the donation of these items will help a family in need to get back on their feet in some way until this disaster is overcome,” he added.

the right decision to make our contribution. I know the people who the care packages are intended to benefit will certainly make good and much needed use of them. I am happy I am a part of a team that gives back to our community,” he added.

In expressing gratitude for the donation, the regional chairman said: “This means a lot to us in the Region and it means a lot to the people of Region number five (5) and we are grateful that we have Western Scientific being a part of this movement to bring adequate supplies that are of need to the people of this Region.”

He said the donation from the private company is timely as the state’s resources are

Currently, the distribution network spans more than 22 countries and over 300 small to medium clients and 150 large clients.

Locally, the company has a client list which features both in the public and private sectors such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Guyana Bureau of Standards, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), University of Guyana, and all other ministries, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers, ExxonMobil and its partners in the oil and gas Industry, among others.

Farmer found not guilty of rape

Eric Scotland

A 37-year-old farmer, was, on Monday, freed of a rape charge by the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court, after a jury returned a notguilty verdict.

Eric Scotland of Cottage, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds for allegedly engaging in sexual penetration with a 13-year-old girl on November 27, 2016.

The jury, after deliberating for almost two hours, found Scotland not guilty of the offence.

Scotland was represented by attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva while the state was represented by prosecutors, Nafeeza Baig and Sarah Martin.

Justice Reynolds told Scotland to consider it a second chance and that he must use the opportunity to avoid finding himself in similar situations and before the court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Over $63M in contracts signed to enhance roadworks in Region Six

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sukar THREE contracts to the value of $63,332,629 were awarded for the execution of key road works in Region Six on Monday.

The contracts, valued at $19,872,944; $23,151,500 and $20,308,185 were awarded to Premium Asphalt, Kascon Engineering Services, and T and R respectively.

The works entail the rehabilitation of America Street, Lesbeholden, and Black Bush Polder; the rehabilitation of Victoria Street, East Canje; and the rehabilitation of Port Mourant/Johns NDC Street.

The contracts were signed by the contractors in the presence of Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, along with regional officials.

Speaking to residents at Port Mourant, Minister Dha-

ramlall stated that works are in keeping with the infrastructural development plan for Region Six that were held back due to the rains and subsequent flooding.

He explained that in this the first phase, focus will be placed on community roads, and that after the floods have receded fully, an assessment will be done to evaluate the damage, and more infrastructure works can be expected.

“When the floodwaters have totally receded, then we will do an assessment of the recovery that has to be done in Region Six, then we will start working on the priorities,” Minister Dharamlall said.

The minister also committed to having all community streets fixed, saying that the funding will come from Central Government, as was

Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, along with regional representatives witness the presentation of a contract to a representative of T and R Construction Services at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground

promised by the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) while on the campaign trail.

“I want to commit to you that we are going to build

every road. As soon as the situation normalises, the engineers will come and do a full assessment, and then we will prioritise the development, moving forward,”

Minister Dharamlll said. “In our manifesto, we have committed that all the roads we are doing will be of a higher grade; a higher quality. And we have also committed that

we are going to do the heavy lifting,” he added.

Regional Chairman, David Armogan said the Capital Works Budget for the region, which is some $863M, is being rolled out, and will stimulate the region’s economy by providing employment for residents.

He reiterated that the contractors are being advised to employ most of their labour force from within the communities where the works are being executed, so that the residents not only benefit from the infrastructural development but economically as well.

Meanwhile, 400 cleaning hampers were distributed to households within the Port Mourant area on Monday afternoon. Residents had previously benefitted from food hampers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

National champion Crawford wins Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic NATIONAL Road Race champion, Romello Crawford, stormed to victory in the 46th Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, Men’s Open Pro Cat ½ which was held on Sunday in Harlem, New York.

It was his second victory at the event in three years, but his first at the pro-level.

The 22-year-old was one of several Guyanese cyclists at the prestigious event, which saw riders battling in a circuit format for 75 minutes.

National Time Trials Champion, Raynauth Jeffrey, who rides for Foundation Cycling Club, was in the lead group until the last lap when he was overtaken.

Fellow Guyanese Crawford was more defensive minded and told Chronicle Sport that his plan was to stay with the pack until he needed to attack.

“I was riding defensive. While my team tried to cover the dangerous moves…” After his side weathered the storm, the ace rider was able to break away, and he did it against some top cyclists.

Overall, Crawford’s 75 minutes earned him a total of 38 miles.

Along with the two national champions, several of Guyana’s other top cyclists were at the event, including Independence

Race champion, Briton John, former National Road Race champion, Jamual John and seasoned cyclist, Michael Anthony.

Overall, Briton John, of We Stand United Cycle Club, finished eighth, while Jeffrey lost momentum in the final lap to finish 22nd, followed by fellow ‘Foundation’ cyclist, Anthony in 29th position.

Jamual John, Raymond Newton, Horace Burrowes and Yohann Burrowes failed to finish the race, according to the official results.

Some 46 competitors started the event.

TEAM RACE Crawford told Chronicle Sport that the plan was either to break away with a pair of cyclists or to wait on a field finish.

“It was six of us. Well, we had plan A and B either established two guys on the breakaway, if not we’ll pull it back.”

He said that if it came to a field finish, which it did, he was tasked with going for the win, since he is the fastest.

For the win, the Berbice born cyclist earned US$2500.

In the Master’s Division (40 plus), former President of the GCF, Horace Burrowes, finished eighth, while overseas-based Guyanese, Yohann Burrowes, finished 22 and Newton 23.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Maharaj hat-trick secures South Africa’s 2-0 series sweep GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Keshav Maharaj snatched a dramatic hattrick in a devastating five-wicket haul as West Indies suffered a 158-run crushing, half-hour before tea on the fourth day of the second Test, to slide to a 2-0 series whitewash here Monday.

Resuming the morning on 15 without loss in search of a victory target of 324, the Caribbean side crashed from 90 for two to 109 for six at lunch, as left-arm spinner Maharaj knocked over Kieran Powell (51), Jason Holder (0) and Joshua Da Silva (0) in successive deliveries in the penultimate over before the first interval.

After the break, Kemar Roach resisted with 27 and vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood got 25 but West Indies collapsed for 165 with 4-¼ sessions left in the contest at the Daren Sammy National Stadium, with the injured Roston Chase unable to bat.

“As a batting unit, we didn’t put any partnerships together and obviously we have to do better as batsmen, including myself.” said a dejected captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

“We have to learn from this as batsmen – myself included. We let down the people of the Caribbean.

South Africa played well but we have to do better as batsmen.”

Maharaj finished with five for 36 – his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests – while the exceptional Kagiso Rabada supported with three for 44 to be adjudged Man-of-the-Match, after claiming two wickets in the first innings and hitting a

critical 40 in a low-scoring second innings on Sunday.

He did the damage in the first hour, removing Brathwaite in the morning’s third over, caught at first slip by captain Dean Elgar for six, the right-hander trapped on his crease defending after adding the day’s only run.

And it was the 26-yearold fast bowler who ensured Shai Hope’s rocky return to Test cricket continued, getting the stylish stroke-maker to glove a nasty, short ball to Aiden Markram at second slip for two, South Africa only earning the decision on referral.

Rabada, who finished with a series-leading 11 wickets, said he was proud to lead the young Proteas attack especially following the recent high-profile retirements.

“A few great names have retired – Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott – I can name a big list,” he said.

“Now it’s for the next generation to come on board and I’ve really enjoyed bowling with them.”

Powell, who hit nine fours off 116 deliveries in 2-¾ hours, then anchored a 64-run, third wicket stand with fellow left-hander Kyle Mayers whose 34 came from 56 deliveries and included four fours.

Mayers avoided a firstball ‘duck’ when he was given out lbw to Rabada off a no-ball, and combined with Powell to take West Indies to the drinks break on 60 for two.

With lunch beckoning, it was Mayers’s indiscretion which opened the door for South Africa, needlessly pulling at a short ball out-

side off-stump from Rabada, and skying a catch to Elgar running back from the cordon at 90 for three.

Powell reached his first fifty in three years with a streaky boundary to third man off Rabada but then lost concentration and lifted Maharaj to Antich Nortje at deep mid-wicket, off the third ball of the penultimate over before lunch.

His dismissal at 107 for four triggered the slide that saw Holder caught at forward short leg off the very next delivery and Da Silva brilliantly taken brilliantly one-handed at leg slip by Wiaan Mulder, as Maharaj became only the second South African to claim a Test hat-trick.

“On the hat-trick ball, I had so many things going through my head about where to bowl the ball but I said ‘just bowl it normally’ and Joshua followed it down leg,” said an elated Maharaj.

A 40-run, seventh wicket stand between Roach and Blackwood only delayed the inevitable.

Blackwood reined in his aggression to hit one four off 63 balls but perished on the stroke of the first hour after lunch, caught at the wicket pushing tentatively at seamer Lungi Ngidi.

And Roach lashed four fours and a six before failing to clear Ngidi at long on while Jayden Seales (7) holed out to deep square, as Maharaj grabbed the last two wickets to earn South Africa their first series win on the road in four years.

“This is huge. We obviously came here with a challenge as a squad and a management group, to get a series win which we knew

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st Innings 298 West Indies 1st Innings 149 South Africa 2nd Innings 174 West Indies 2nd Innings (target: 324 runs) (overnight 15 without loss)

*K Brathwaite c Elgar b Rabada K Powell c Nortje b Maharaj S Hope c Markram b Rabada K Mayers c Elgar b Rabada J Blackwood c wkp de Kock b Ngidi J Holder c Petersen b Maharaj +J Da Silva c Mulder b Maharaj K Roach c Ngidi b Maharaj J Seales c Nortje b Maharaj S Gabriel not out R Chase absent hurt Extras (b4, lb3, w2, nb2) TOTAL (all out 58.3 overs)

6 51 2 34 25 0 0 27 7 2 11 165

Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Brathwaite), 2-26 (Hope), 3-90 (Mayers), 4-107 (Powell), 5-107 (Holder), 6-107 (Da Silva), 7-147 (Blackwood), 8-158 (Roach), 9-165 (Seales) Bowling: Rabada 16-3-44-3 (nb2), Ngidi 10-2-29-1 (w1), Maharaj 17.3-7-36-5, Nortje 11-3-35-0 (w1), Mulder 4-0-14-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Kagiso Rabada.

Man-of-the-Series: Quinton de Kock

wasn’t going to be easy,” Elgar said.

“But this speaks volumes. I don’t think we

understand how big this series win is.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

NZ weightlifter Hubbard to become first transgender athlete to compete at Olympics WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics after being selected by New Zealand for the women's event at the Tokyo Games, a decision set to reignite a debate over inclusion and fairness in sport.

Hubbard will compete in the super-heavyweight 87+kg category, her selection made possible by an

update to qualifying requirements in May. The 43-year-old, who will be the oldest lifter at the Games, had competed in men's weightlifting competitions before transitioning in 2013.

"I am grateful and humbled by the kindness and support that has been given to me by so many New Zealanders," Hubbard said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Olympic Committee

(NZOC) on Monday.

NZOC chief Kereyn Smith said it was an "historic moment in sport and for the New Zealand team."

"She is our first Olympian who has transitioned from male to female," she told reporters.

"We do know that there are many questions about fairness of transgender athletes competing in the Olympic Games but I would like to take this opportunity to

Weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will become the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics.

remind us all that Laurel has met all of the required criteria."

Hubbard has been eligible to compete at Olympics since 2015, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued guidelines allowing any transgender athlete to compete as a woman provided their testosterone levels are below 10 nanomoles per litre for at least 12 months before their first competition.

Some scientists have said the guidelines do little to mitigate the biological advantages of those who have gone through puberty as males.

Advocates for transgender inclusion argue the process of transition decreases that advantage considerably, and that physical differences between athletes mean there is never truly a level playing field.

The New Zealand government gave its support.

"We are proud of her as we are of all our athletes, and will be supporting her all the way," Sports Minister Grant Robertson said.

CENTRE OF DEBATE Weightlifting has been at the centre of the debate over the fairness of transgender athletes competing against women, and Hubbard's presence in Tokyo could prove

divisive.

Save Women's Sport Australasia, a group opposed to transgender women competing in women's sports, said Hubbard's selection was allowed by "flawed policy from the IOC".

"Males do have a performance advantage that is based on their biological sex," the group's co-founder Katherine Deves told Reuters TV. "They outperform us on every single metric - speed, stamina, strength. Picking testosterone is a red herring ... We are forgetting about the anatomy, the fast, rich muscle, the bigger organs."

The IOC has consistently said it is committed to inclusion but the organisation is also reviewing its guidelines to take into account the "perceived tension between fairness/safety and inclusion/ non-discrimination".

Hubbard's gold medal wins at the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, where she topped the podium ahead of Samoa's Commonwealth Games champion Feagaiga Stowers, triggered outrage in the host nation.

Samoa's weightlifting boss said Hubbard's selection for Tokyo would be like letting athletes dope and feared it could cost the small Pacific nation a medal.

Belgian weightlifter

Anna Vanbellinghen said last month allowing Hubbard to compete at Tokyo was unfair for women and "like a bad joke".

Former New Zealand weightlifter Tracey Lambrechs said she had to make way in the super-heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games for Hubbard.

"When I was told to drop the category because Laurel was obviously going to be their number one super, it was heartbreaking, like super soul-destroying," the Olympian told TVNZ. "And it's unfortunate that some female, somewhere is like, 'Well I'm going to miss out on going to the Olympics, on achieving my dream, representing my country because a transgendered athlete is able to compete."

Hubbard, who injured herself during competition at the Commonwealth Games and thought her career was over, thanked New Zealanders.

"Your support, your encouragement, and your aroha (love)carried me through the darkness," she said.

Another transgender athlete, BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe, will travel to Tokyo as part of the United States team, but is named as an alternate and not assured of competing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Felix qualifies for fifth Olympics at US trials SIX-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix qualified for her fifth Games with a second-place finish in the 400m at the US trials.

The 35-year-old, who has nine Olympic medals in total, clocked 50.02 seconds behind winner Quanera Hayes.

Tokyo will be Felix's first Olympics as a mother, having welcomed daughter Camryn in 2018.

"It has been a fight to get here and one thing I know how to do is fight," said 13time world champion Felix.

"To make the fifth one so special."

Felix returned to the track two years ago following life-threatening complications arising from the birth

of her daughter - Camryn spent the first month of her life in intensive care.

"Man, it has been a fight to get here and one thing I know how to do is fight, and I just did that all the way home," Felix said.

She added: "Society tells us a lot of times that if you have a child [then] your best moments are behind you.

"But that's absolutely not the case. I am representation of that."

Elsewhere at the trials in Eugene, Oregon, Trayvon Bromell continued his stellar year by winning the men's 100m and booking his ticket to Tokyo.

The 25-year-old, who holds the world-leading time of 9.77secs, ran 9.80secs,

with Ronnie Baker second and Fred Kerley third, both in personal best times.

Justin Gatlin, hoping to reach his fourth Olympics, finished last.

Tokyo will be Bromell's second Olympics, having finished eighth in the 100m in Rio before suffering a career-threatening Achilles injury in the 4x100m final.

"It's a marvellous feeling," he said.

Rio 2016 Olympian Rudy Winkler threw a new American record of 82.71m to win the hammer throw, while Keturah Orji also reached her second Olympics with a meeting record of 14.52m in the women's triple jump.

(BBC Sport).

India & New Zealand frustrated again as day four washed out INDIA and New Zealand were frustrated by the weather again as another day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final was completely washed out by rain.

Persistent rain hung around throughout the fourth day in Southampton until the abandonment came just before 15:00 BST. Only 141.1 overs have been possible so far with New Zealand currently 101-2, trailing India by 116 runs.

A reserve, sixth day is in place so two days remain but a draw is now the clear favourite for the inaugural final.

Were that to happen, India and New Zealand would be crowned joint winners and would share the £1.7m prize money pot.

The forecast is at least much improved for the next two days.

When play does restart, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be 12 not out while Ross Taylor is yet to

score, having faced two balls before bad light curtailed day three.

New Zealand's best hope of victory would be to bat once, going beyond India's first-innings total of 217 and then bowl their opponents out on the final day.

India, buoyed by the wicket of Black Caps opener Devon Conway late on Sunday, are likely to need more quick wickets on Tuesday to have a chance of winning.

(BBC Sport).

The entire first day of the game was lost to the weather - the same fate befell day four.

Allyson Felix made her Olympic debut in Athens in 2004

Wijnaldum scores twice as Netherlands go through GOALS from Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum helped the Netherlands beat North Macedonia to make it three wins from three at Euro 2020.

Frank de Boer's side had already secured top spot in Group C with a game to spare having beaten Ukraine and Austria.

And they produced another dominant performance in front of 12,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena in

Amsterdam.

The Dutch opened the scoring with a devastating counter-attack, started by a Daley Blind tackle on the edge of his own box and finished by a first-time Memphis Depay strike from Donyell Malen's cross.

Depay, playing his first game since his move to Barcelona was announced, now has nine goals and three assists in his past 10 games for the Netherlands.

Wijnaldum wrapped the

game up in the second half with two goals in seven minutes, first tapping in from from Depay's wellplaced cross, before Macedonian goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski's save from Depay fell nicely for another close-range finish from the Netherlands captain.

The Dutch will travel to Budapest for their last16 tie, where they will face the third-placed finisher from Group D, E or F on 27 June.(BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

CWI pays tribute to World Cup heroes of 1975 and 1979 ...Yesterday (Monday) marks 46 years since the first triumph at Lord’s, Wednesday (June 23rd) marks 42 years since the second win Cricket West Indies (CWI) Monday saluted the heroes of the famous Cricket World Cup triumphs of 1975 and 1979. Monday, June 21 marks 46 years since the West Indies won the inaugural World Cup at Lord’s.

In that famous match they defeated Australia by 17 runs and Sir Clive Lloyd had the honour of being the first man to lift the coveted trophy. On June 23, 1979, Lloyd again hoisted the treasured prize as West Indies beat England by 92 runs at the historic venue.

Speaking on behalf of CWI, President Ricky Skerritt said: “This particular World Cup victory by Sir Clive Lloyd and his legendary teammates brought a great deal of pride and esteem to thousands of West Indians everywhere. That is why such proud memories of our past glory on the cricket field will never die. I join in celebration of this special anniversary with all those who truly love West Indies cricket.”

In the 1975 final Lloyd made a glorious century to earn the Man-of-the-Match award. He shared a century stand with Rohan Kanhai, who made an invaluable 55. The West Indies were

TWO in a row: Sir Clive Lloyd and his players with the1979 trophy.

FLASHBACK: West Indies captain Clive Lloyd proudly lifts the Prudential World Cup after it was presented to him by HRH Prince Philip in 975 after the World Cup Final between Australia and West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground.

outstanding with the ball and in the outfield. Keith Boyce took four wickets and there were five run outs –three by Sir Vivian Richards – as they played unbeaten throughout the tournament and lifted the inaugural Cricket World

Cup. Four years later Sir Viv put on a batting masterclass with a majestic 138 not out – one of the finest innings in ODI history. He was joined

by Collis King, who scored 86 off just 66 balls in memorable display of batting. Joel

Garner then took five wickets to bring more glory to the all-conquering West Indies and to win at Lord’s, the home of cricket, was another remarkable achievement.

Sir Clive said: “Today is a memorable day for me and the members of the team which won that first World Cup back in 1975. It was one of the greatest days of my life. To see the way we performed – we played unbeaten throughout the entire tournament – and win at Lords was something remarkable. Our victories in those two World Cup finals were celebration of West Indies cricket and the many people who turned

up to see us lift the cup.

He added: “We were the best sports team in the world, no one could beat us. We were admired everywhere we went.

The Caribbean has produced some truly great people in several fields of endeavour and we formed part of that, we were the symbol of sporting success. Our victories were for the many supporters who we represented. It wasn’t just for us as players, our victories touched many people all across the world.”

Squads for both World Cups 1975: Sir Clive Lloyd (captain), Keith Boyce, Roy

Fredericks; Maurice Foster, Lance Gibbs, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Collis King, Deryck Murray, Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Viv Richards; Sir Clyde Walcott (manager) 1979: Sir Clive Lloyd (captain), Faoud Bacchus, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Larry Gomes, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Malcolm Marshall, Deryck Murray, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Andy Roberts; Sir Clyde Walcott (manager) (CWI)

Emotional win sees Denmark through to face Wales in last 16 DENMARK set up a last-16 tie with Wales in the European Championship after an emphatic and emotional victory over Russia on a frantic night in Copenhagen.

The Danes embraced each other at full-time, just nine days after team-mate

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the same pitch in their tournament opener against Finland.

After suffering cardiac arrest Eriksen has since been discharged from hospital but the toll of an emotional last week was clear to see in Denmark's players at full-time.

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And throughout the match there were outbursts of roaring, delirious celebrations and passion from supporters in Copenhagen.

Knowing they needed to win and hoping Belgium beat Finland, the hosts did not hold back and Mikkel Damsgaard set the stage alight with an exquisite long-range opener.

Chelsea's Andreas Christensen also thumped in a stunning strike late on as news of Belgium's lead over Finland trickled into the stadium.

Yussuf Poulsen had put Denmark 2-0 up, pouncing on a poor backpass from Roman Zobnin, before Artem Dzyuba got one back for Russia from the penalty spot.

But Denmark confirmed their progression as runners-up when Christensen and Joakim Maehle made it 4-1 in a rampant three

Denmark started the night bottom of the table having not picked up a point.

minutes.

The result left Russia, who started the night in second place, bottom of the table and out of the tournament.

The Parken Stadium was electric before kick-off as fans sang a passionate national anthem, but it was nothing compared to the scenes at full-time.

Players and staff were huddled in the centre of the pitch waiting for confirmation of Belgium's victory over Finland and there was an almighty roar when the result came through.

Denmark needed a victory and they delivered for the fans - Damsgaard kicking things off with a moment of

magic, becoming the country's youngest goalscorer (20 years, 335 days) at a major tournament in the process.

Maehle's composed finish capped it off and now Denmark head into the last 16 full of confidence with Wales awaiting next on Saturday, 26 June in Amsterdam. (BBC Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Griffith stars for Team Evolution with dominant display in Father’s Day Race TEAM Evolution’s Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith crossed the line in one hour,41 minutes and 36.22 seconds to win the annual Father’s Day Road race, which was held on the West Demerara roadways on Sunday.

The race started in rainy conditions at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the start line for the finish.

A dominant display

by Griffith’s teammates saw them claiming four of the top six positions, as Stephen Fernandes, who brought second, also won the Masters category.

Curtis Dey copped third as the team’s juggernaut was stopped due to Walter Grant-Stuart finishing fourth. Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega was fifth.

Alex Mendes of Carlton Wheelers, closed out the top six places.

Deeraj Garbarran won three of the six sprint prizes and others went to Jason Cameron, De Nobrega , and Griffith.

Claiming the top junior

National champion Suzanne Hamilton, won the female race (Photo: Guyana Cycling News Facebook)

spot was Mario Washington of Flying Ace Cycle Club ahead of Team Alanis’ Sherwin Sampson and Justin Thom of Berbice.

The female winner was National champion, Suzanne Hamilton, of Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club, who comfortably won from her fellow Lindener, 17-year-old Clevicia Spencer.

The ladies turned back at Uitvlugt and the winning time recorded by Hamilton was one hour, 12 minutes and 17.94 seconds.

The race was sponsored by Banks DIH through their brands Malta Supreme, Rainforest Waters, and Powerade, and organised by Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.

Christopher Griffith (left) about to cross the finish line on Sunday (Photo: Guyana Cycling News Facebook)

Hutson preaches inclusion as he wins third AAG presidency AUBREY Hutson will serve a third term (four years) as President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) after he was re-elected on Sunday at the Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bearers, held at the National Racquet Centre.

After four rounds of voting and tied five apiece, Sheryl Hermonstine, who will serve as First Vice-President, conceded.

Other elected Executives were Rtd. Colonel Paul Arthur (Second Vice-President), Dwayne Carter (Treasurer), and Elton Bollers (Assistant Treasurer).

The Committee Members are Keith Campbell, Linden Phillips, Telson Williams, Nial Stanton, and Major Tyron Smith.

The Secretary and Assistant Secretary are appointed by the Executive, and it is expected that at their first statutory meeting that would be done. The Returning Officer was President of the Guyana Olympic Association, K.A. Juman-Yassin.

Speaking to the media, Hutson expressed gratitude for the support of the clubs and asserted that he will be

Re-elected! President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson

inclusive to all clubs despite the initial close nature of the elections.

“I intend to be the president of all clubs, all athletes in this country. While there is some bit of concern in the way the elections were played out, I am still prepared to work with these people who did not necessarily support me and hope that they would come to their recognition that moving the sport forward [in] Guyana is going to be a collective effort and you can’t sit on the side lines, wait for elections, then

to show your face.” Hutson expressed.

According to the Hutson, it is imperative that the entire executive ‘pull their weight’ and show more dedication.

“More dedication from the executive and not lip service”, he expressed.

“People don’t want to learn, people don’t want to get involved, because when it comes to hard work, what we find is that we have a lot of talkers and less doers.

What we need is more people coming out, learning the stuff, understanding track and field and knowing the athletes, so whenever we sit to do selection, they would know what they are talking about.”

Hutson further indicated there is a need for more collaboration since the “athletes are running ahead of administrators” and there are issues they need to address in terms of athletes’ contracts, substance, and programmes of getting athletes to the elite levels in Europe.

The president said that unless they address those issues, they will continue to dominate at junior levels, but not see the smooth transition to the elite level.

‘We didn’t show the fight’ – Brathwaite laments West Indies batting failures

THE West Indies batsmen, once again, produced a disappointing effort as they lost the second test in St. Lucia, on Monday, by 158 runs and the series (0-2) to South Africa.

Starting day four on 15 without loss and needing another 309 more to level the series, they once again capitulated and slumped to 165 all out in 58.3 overs. Their first innings of 149 in response to South Africa’s 298, lasted just 54 overs.

Speaking at the postmatch presser, captain Kraigg Brathwaite indicated they did not produce a resistance with the bat.

“We were disappointing, but we have some time to work at home and come back and do better, but we got to show that fight. Sometimes it is not all about winning, but still, you want to see the fight and we didn’t show the fans the fight at all”, he contended.

In the first Test, West Indies were bowled out for 97 in their first innings, and in the chase of 324 in the second

Test, they were at one stage 107-3.

With the team’s top score, of 51, opener Keiran Powell played a needless shot off the bowling of spinner Keshav Maharaj, to give him the first wicket of the hat-trick, and the innings clattered from thereon.

Such has been a custom over the years, and it has stayed as a bad habit, according to Brathwaite.

“If I could speak for myself, and I look at my dismissals, sometimes you get into bad habits as batsmen and it is got try and stay out of that as much as possible.”

The opener added, “what would be good is to work some technical stuff and when you do come back, you back it 100%, and the key is to trust it and back it 100% and believe we could do the job and that belief would bring more consistency.”

Since their 2-1 series win in 2019, against England, West Indies are still searching for another home series success.

They lost to India (0-2); drew with Sri Lanka (0-0) and now

lost to the Proteas (0-2).

Brathwaite, who was appointed full-time captain for the Sri Lanka series, indicated that it continues to be a learning experience and noted they cannot win all series but they still need to show fight as batsmen.

“We were magnificent in the field, from taking catches to the bowling unit but the batting let ourselves down and we can look at different dismissals as a batsman but we got to learn from them. It is still a learning process, still a number of young guys [and] some guys now coming back in but it wouldn’t use it as an excuse, we got to come better.”

Heading into the series, West Indies had moved to sixth on the Test rankings, ahead of South Africa. From August 12, they will play Pakistan, who are currently ranked fifth, in two Tests at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

The next immediate for West Indies camp will be five Twenty20 Internationals against the Proteas in Grenda from June 26.

Maharaj hat-trick secures South Africa’s 2-0 series sweep

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Keshav Maharaj is mobbed by his teammates after claiming a hat-trick’ . It was only the second Test hat-trick for a South African after seamer Geoff Griffin managed the feat against England at Lord's in 1960.//Getty

Aliyah Abrams looking National champion Crawford wins forward to challenge Harlem Skyscraper at Tokyo Olympics

By Rawle Toney

Aliyah Abrams after winning the National 400m title, over the weekend.

AFTER capturing the country’s National 400 metres title over the weekend, Aliyah Abrams is now shifting her attention to competing at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

It will mark her second appearance at the Games, having competed at the 2016 event in Rio, Brazil.

Having qualified for the 32nd Olympiad in the 400m since 2019, Abrams is looking forward to making amends for her performance at the games in Brazil.

In Rio, Abrams finished fifth in her heat and didn’t advanced to the next round.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Abrams noted that a lot has changed, for the better, from her first taste of competition at the Olympic-level in 2016.

“I’m a lot more prepared mentally and physically to go and compete to the best of my abilities. The first time around I had a very long break between my last competition and the Rio Games, so this time around, I have a lot more competition, so I’m prepared as can be,” Abrams said.

Competing at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) National

Championships, Abrams clocked 54.51 seconds to take the title.

Though below her best time of 51.13 seconds, Abrams will be turning to other events to help fine-tune her preparations for Tokyo.

“I have a few meets lined up and, of course, if anything changes, me and my coach will discuss, but of course I do have two meets that I planned on participating in before the games,” the 400m athlete said.

Abrams has competed for Guyana at the World Championships in Doha, where she reached the semi-finals for the women’s 200m.

On the collegiate circuit, Abrams is an All-American with the University of South Carolina.

Last year, after a long summer of competition where she reached the semi-finals of the World Championships, Abrams returned to the Gamecocks in a short season on the track, where she won the University of South Carolina’s Indoor Open in the 400m with a time of 52.78.

The Guyanese athlete finished 13th at the NCAA Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships and qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships as a part of the Gamecocks 4x400m relay squad.

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Cycling Classic

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Romello Crawford (middle) celebrates with his teammates after the win.

CWI pays tribute to World Cup heroes of 1975 and 1979 26 PAGE

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021