Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-07-2022

FRIDAY 22nd JULY, 2022

$100

No. 106791

More streams of financing for locals - with opening of New Hayven Merchant Bank

SEE PAGE

Sod turned for US$45M AC Hotels Marriott at Ogle

3

SEE PAGE

3

Cheers to another Marriott! President, Dr Irfaan Ali; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop and Chairman of Trinuyana Investment Inc., John Aboud during the sod turning ceremony on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Eight Coalition MPs suspended for unparliamentary conduct 11

SEE PAGE

Sherod Duncan

Vinceroy Jordan

Ganesh Mahipaul

Maureen Philadelphia

(Office of the President photo)

New public servants to be paid within reasonable time SEE PAGE

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Natasha Singh-Lewis

Annette Ferguson

Christopher Jones

15

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Proposed laws for further criminal justice reform tabled - Bail, Restorative Justice Bills laid in National Assembly

By Clestine Juan TWO Bills for criminal justice reform were tabled in the National Assembly, on Thursday, by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. which have

direct effects on the criminal justice system in Guyana and how persons in contact with and conflict with the law are treated.

During the 48th Sitting of the National Assembly of the Twelfth Parliament at the Arthur Chung Conference

Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, the Restorative Justice and Bail Bills were both read for the first time.

The Restorative Justice Bill seeks to introduce legislation to provide for the use of restorative justice in the criminal justice system

which aims to, as its primary objective, repair the harm caused by an offence.

Restorative justice is an approach to problemsolving that, in its various forms, involves the victim, the offender, and the community.

These programmes are based on the fundamental principle that criminal behaviour not only violates the law but also injures victims and the community.

Overall, this Bill reaffirms government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system in Guyana, and reducing the prison population through alternative sentencing.

The objectives of this proposed legislation are to support the development and usage of restorative justice programmes in Guyana, effect repair in communities, and set up a system of restorative justice that brings together community residents, victims and offenders in a permissive, safe and carefully managed environment.

Additionally, under this Bill, offenders, when participating in restorative justice, may be required to take steps to repair the harm done to the victim.

However, if the offender is a juvenile, the principles and measures relating to the juvenile justice system and diversion shall apply to eligible offenders, once the law is passed.

Under this Bill, in cases where the victim or offender is unable to give consent because of age, physical, intellectual or mental impairment or the victim or offender is deceased, consent may be given by the victim or offender’s parents or guardian.

Another part of the Bill seeks to establish an Advisory Council on Restorative Justice which shall consist of 10 members. That body shall be chaired by the minister.

This council will monitor the effectiveness of the programmes and provide advice and recommendations to the minister on the design and content of restorative justice programmes, implementation and delivery of restorative justice programmes, and policies regarding restorative justice.

Meanwhile, the Bail Bill seeks to address the granting and refusal of bail. With the current confinement time period set at 72 hours before a court order must be obtained, the Bill will shift the time frame to only 24 hours.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the Bill seeks to provide for bail reform in Guyana, which is a key component in remedying overcrowding in prisons.

“The Bill recognises that a person is innocent until

proven guilty and that every person has a right to their personal liberty. Accordingly, the Bill establishes that there is a right to bail and sets out clear circumstances where bail may be refused,” the document read.

This Bill also provides that bail, and any conditions attached to the grant of bail, must be reasonable. This Act will not apply to juveniles and any offence punishable by death, the explanatory document said.

Additionally, under the Bill, if the offence is not punishable with imprisonment, bail shall be granted with every convenient speed.

On the other hand, where the offence is one that is punishable with imprisonment, bail may also be granted as soon as practicable.

Bail granted in both instances may be with or without sureties, subject to a duty to appear before a magistrate at a time and place appointed by the officer, the document tabled by the Attorney General further noted.

Where the offence is a serious offence, the police officer shall not grant bail to the person.

The document further said that the Bill also provides that where a person is not released, the person shall be brought before a court within 72 hours.

However, the police may apply to the High Court for an extension of time. Nevertheless, where a person cannot be tried within a reasonable time, the person shall be released either with or without conditions attached.

Previously, AG Nandlall had said that bail has long attracted great public sentiments and criticisms in the public domain.

“Persons have complained about the inconsistent grant of bail, as well as the inconsistent refusal of bail,” he said.

The Attorney General said that these proposed amendments will not take away from the discretion that law enforcement and judicial officials enjoy when granting or refusing bail.

“Like every other discretion, the discretion to grant or refuse bail is not an absolute one, it is not an untrammelled discretion.

It is a discretion that must be exercised in accordance with certain principles and must be exercised reasonably,” he said.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Sod turned for US$45M AC Hotels Marriott at Ogle - Investment in Guyana dubbed ‘smooth’

By Jared Liddell WITH Several massive hotel investments announced within the past week, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said the goal is not just to have more hotel rooms created, but to see the transformation of Guyana through partnerships and innovative infrastructure that changes the landscape of the country.

The Head of State made this disclosure, on Thursday, at the sod turning ceremony of the US$45 million AC Hotels Marriott in the vicinity of Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Thursday.

President Ali noted that the government is committed to ensuring that it utilises resources to diversify from heavy reliance on the oil and gas sector and is committed to accessing the “low lying fruits” available in other sectors that are ready to be accessed.

This ceremony, which complements the government’s vision of adding 2,000 new rooms across the county,

was the third sod turning for major investment in the hospitality sector within the past week.

President Ali noted that the major goal of government is to ensure that strategic investments are made that would allow the local hospitality sector to grow along with the massive transformational trajectory of the country.

“The goal is not a narrow goal of building more rooms in this country. If we believe that that is the goal, we’re all wasting time [because] that is just an output of the goal.

“The goal is to build a sector in which hospitality is the main cornerstone of growth and development. And to do that, one of the outputs has to be quality roots.

“Building the sector is directly related to supporting a robust, sustainable, and resilient development that is linked to many new and innovative products,” the President plugged.

The President highlighted that government has been keen on ensuring that it remains steadfast in its com-

mitment to partnering with investors to achieve its goals for the transformation of the local economy.

The Head of State reminded that in addition to the many benefits these types of investments have in the areas of job creation, spill-off benefits such as added country visibility are also a major asset from these types of partnerships.

DIVERSIFICATION The Head-of-State reminded that government has committed to utilising investments to bolster the other sectors in the country, noting that plans are already in place to ensure that Guyana is recognised worldwide as a hub for investment in food production, tourism, finance, and information technology.

This, the President noted, has drastically changed the landscape of Guyana, and has increased the necessity of hotels to cater to these other growing sectors.

Guyana is already known across the world as one of the fastest growing economies, but the Head-of-State has noted that partnerships with international hotels like the

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (second right); Minster of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond (second from left); CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop (first from left); and Chairman of Trinuyana Investment Inc., John Aboud (Adrian photo) massive AC Marriott could only serve to give Guyana added recognition in both the business and entertainment world.

Chairman of Trinuyana Investment Inc., John Aboud, noted that the massive 152room AC Marriott, set to be completed in 2024, is anticipated to have at least 95 per cent local employment, providing job opportunities to Guyanese at every level of the company.

“It is our stated intention to

have as many nationals participate in both the construction and operational phases of this project. And when necessary, we will commence training of Guyanese nationals to assume if not all of the positions at the hotel, at least 95 per cent will be Guyanese nationals,” Aboud noted.

The investor, who said this is the first of many investment opportunities that his company is committed to undertaking in Guyana, said the investment

process in Guyana is smooth.

“This project is but the first that this investment team aspires to undertake in Guyana.

“We are consistent with the vision and blueprint of the government and have identified several investment areas where we feel we can make a meaningful contribution to developing Guyana whilst providing a reasonable return to our investor group,” Aboud said.

ibbean and the rest of the world,” Kisto said.

He added that with first-hand knowledge of the country’s culture and socioeconomic realities, as well as its challenges and the growth trajectory, New Hayven is well positioned to supplement Guyana’s development.

The institutions range of services include, asset management; investment banking, which is an acquisition advisory service; wealth management; equity, debt and investment financing

solutions; invoice factoring; leasing real estate development; financing solutions, and, importantly, offering investment opportunities for all to participate in the country’s economic growth.

“It is, therefore, our vision to be the merchant bank of first choice. Delivering impact and value for investors and clients serving as a catalyst for positive change for the country and the people of Guyana,” Kisto said.

More streams of financing for locals - with opening of New Hayven Merchant Bank

Owner of the New Hayven Merchant Bank, Floyd Haynes (Stabroek News photo)

By Naomi Parris GUYANESE now a have new pool of financial resources to explore, with the official launch of the New Hayven Merchant Bank at the Marriott Hotel, on Thursday.

At the launch of the new financial institution, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said the aim of such investments is to ensure that Guyana is ready for the opportunities coming its way and that the

people of the nation are better position to benefit from those opportunities. “…what we want to achieve is the shared prosperity, prosperity in which we can all see, in good sense, in uplifting each other, prosperity in which we could celebrate success in a shared way,” the Head of State said.

Dr. Ali went on to say: “There are many opportunities coming our way, but there are some institutional things that must be fixed if people are to benefit from those opportunities.”

To this end, he noted that partnerships and investments for the development of Guyana must be built on a foundation that delivers equal opportunities.

Dr. Ali further related that while the government is creating an enabling environment for business, the private sector must play its role in achieving the goal of national development.

“The government has to create an enabling environment, we have to invest in infrastructure, we have to open up new lands for farm-

to-market roads, we have to open up areas for new housing, we have to create enabling environment,” Dr. Ali said, adding: “When we create the enabling environment, the private sector must pick the slack up, the private sector must be in a state of readiness to take it forward and implement it and bring home the results for the country.”

New Hayven, the President said, will help in this regard, as the financial institution will provide the capital needed to advance local development. “… we are celebrating the strategic positioning of the institution to support the growth and development of the private sector and the government,” Dr. Ali said.

Meanwhile, Business professor, accountant, financial analyst and owner of New Hayven Inc., Floyd Haynes, said that while Guyana is now more than ever poised for great opportunities, the lack of financing opportunities for business has decelerated development in some areas.

“There has never been a time in the history of Guyana when there are more opportunities for Guyanese and Guyanese business,” Haynes said, adding: “What is missing in that equation is the ability to finance ventures, the ability to bring much needed capital to help finance this kind of growth, expansion, transformation and none of that could happen without the much-needed finance and that gap we sought to fill.”

Addressing the bank’s specific objectives, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank, Kurt Kisto, said the institution aims to create value for clients by providing investment services with innovative solutions, utilising global strategies to connect them with the local opportunities and ensure all dealings are grounded in, honesty, integrity and fairness.

“With a full array of investment services, [we will facilitate] solutions through management, building meaningful and sustainable partnerships within Guyana and between Guyana the Car-

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Droupadi Murmu becomes first tribal woman to be elected President of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman to be elected to the post of President of India DROUPADI Murmu, 64, on Thursday became the first tribal woman to be elected to the post of President of India and will officially assume duties on Monday.

Becoming President marks the culmination of a career spanning three decades for Mrs. Murmu, a release from the Indian High Commission

in Georgetown stated.

An arc of triumph forged through personal tragedy is complete for the unassuming politician who found many backers along her campaign trail beyond her political affiliations.

Murmu, the Presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance

(NDA) received over 64 per cent of votes polled.

Born on 20 June, 1958, Murmu was the first girl in the remote village of Uparbeda in the Eastern State of Odisha’s tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj District to go to college, said the release, which noted that Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribe.

It added that Murmu’s father and grandfather were the traditional Heads of Village Council and she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts from Ramadevi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar and worked as a Clerk in the Odisha State Secretariat.

She married Shyam Charan Murmu, a bank employee. In the early 90s, Murmu taught at Sri Aurobindo Educational Centre at Rairangpur.

“Mrs. Murmu entered into politics in the 1990s being elected as a Councillor in Rairangpur Municipality in 1993 and later elected as the President of BJP’s ST Morcha. Mrs.

Murmu was then elected to the Odisha State Assembly from Rangraipur Constituency and became a Minister twice. From 2,000, she handled Transport and Commerce portfolios and from 2004 was the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. Between 2006-09, Mrs. Murmu served as State President of BJP’s ST Morcha and from 2002-09 and 2013-15, she was a National Executive Member of the BJP’s ST Morcha. In 2015, Mrs. Murmu was appointed as the first women Governor of the State of Jharkhand, for six years till 2021. She is an excellent orator in Santhali, Oriya and Hindi languages. She has worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in the region while batting strongly for traditional tribal rights including land rights,” said the release.

It continued: “Mrs. Murmu has witnessed many ups and downs in her personal life including loss of three fam-

JULY 20, 2022

L

6 16 17 18 20 28 3

21/7/2022: 8 13 16 22 26 21/7/2022: 2 1 1

ily members. Her eldest son, Laxman Murmu, died in 2009; her younger son, Sippon Murmu, passed away in 2013 and her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, in 2014. She has a daughter, Itishree Murmu. Mrs. Murmu is believed to be deeply spiritual and keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris – a movement she embraced after her tragic loss.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in congratulating Murmu, stating: “India scripts history.

At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India’s 75 years of independence), a daughter of India belonging from a tribal community, born in a remote part of Eastern India, has been elected our President.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by top Cabinet ministers, party leaders and millions of tribals and common people across India who celebrated her election as a triumph for both tribal and

21/7/2022: 3 6

3

women’s empowerment, the release said.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Georgetown has received congratulatory messages from many Guyanese located in Guyana as well as abroad. High Commissioner, Dr. K J Srinivasa thanked all well-wishers.

“Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, being the second woman President of India, and the first tribal to become the Head of State marks a remarkable journey of Mrs. Murmu. The vibrant nature and strength of India’s democracy is now reflected in the empowerment of both tribals and women in this election. India continues to march ahead in various fields aided by an overall development pathway taking all sections of society together with no discrimination. Women’s empowerment in India has been very successful in the past few decades,” the release said.

21/7/2022: 4 7 11 12 13 14 17

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Agreements for construction of modern hospitals tabled in House

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Thursday, tabled two agreements in the National Assembly to cater for the construction of modern healthcare facilities in five of Guyana’s 10 regions during the 48th Sitting of the 12th Parliament.

According to a release, the first Export Finance Agreement (No. CIE/BC-DL/Guyana/0020014380) dated June 14, 2022 between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the United Kingdom Export Finance totalling Euros 161,016,949, allows for the financing, design and construction of a state-of-the-art paediatric and maternal hospital at Ogle, as well as the delivery of medical equipment to the institution.

The second one is a Deferred Payment Agreement (Lot One to Lot Six dated July 12, 2022 between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the China CAMC Engineering Company Limited for a total amount of Euros 136,132,800 for the financing of government’s regional hospitals project.

Under the regional hospitals project, six hospitals will be constructed in five regions: one in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam); one at De Kinderen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara); one at Diamond and another at Enmore, in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica); one in Bath, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and one in Number 75 Village, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Each modern hospital is slated to be equipped with 75 beds.

Meanwhile, the paediatric and maternal hospital at Ogle will be equipped with 256 beds.

In his 2022 Budget

Speech to the National Assembly, the Finance Minister stated that: “Ensuring a modern, world class healthcare system is a paramount objective for our government. To this end, we will leverage existing and soonto-be-built public healthcare facilities, private investment, as well as public-private partnerships in the sector, with the aim of not only meeting the needs of our citizens and residents, but also to be able to offer medical treatment as an export service through medical tourism.”

The minister also referred to the construction of the paediatric and maternal hospital as well as

the six new regional hospitals, while noting that the six hospitals which will be constructed will catapult healthcare delivery (beyond current levels provided by existing regional facilities) and will ‘reduce the undue cost and burden of referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’.

On July 8, 2022, in keeping with government’s commitment to modernise the healthcare system in the country, President Irfaan Ali announced that a national healthcare initiative would commence in collaboration with the Mount Sinai Health System, an internationally

recognised healthcare provider and Hess Corporation to improve access to and the quality of healthcare for Guyanese.

The initiative allows the Mount Sinai/Hess Corporation partnership to work with the Government of Guyana to assist and advise government how to develop and implement a high-quality primary healthcare system including specialised services in cardiology and oncology, to bring about significant improvement at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the release concluded.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

A New Frontier

THE concept of “building from the bottom up” comes to mind when pondering upon Guyana’s infrastructural progress over the past decades, as the country moved from a stage where persons would see their reflections in puddles along mud dams, to now seeing it on gigantic buildings during a casual walk around Georgetown and even along the city’s outskirts.

At just 56 years old, independent Guyana has much to be proud of and much to appreciate, especially as it regards the transformation of the country’s infrastructure, be it roads, bridges, houses, office spaces, business centres, hotels and much more.

The country’s infrastructural advancement is primarily a result of strategic decisions and investments made by successive People’s Progressive Part/Civic (PPP/C) governments, dating back to as long as 1992, when the then Cheddi Jagan-led

administration ascended to office, bringing to an end 28 years of economic stagnation under the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Given Guyana’s geography and dispersed communities, the PPP/C has long recognised that infrastructural development is essential to the growth of the local economy. Therefore, through a thorough national physical plan, the political party has stressed the importance of a methodical approach to the development of the physical infrastructure, in which the approach to infrastructure development is informed by economic and social factors.

Successive PPP/C governments have demonstrated that they understand that trade is made possible by infrastructure, which also powers enterprises, connects employees to their employment, provides chances for underdeveloped communities, and shields the country from a more unpredictable natural environment.

Infrastructure is essentially the foundation of a strong economy and includes both public and private investments, especially those made in roads, water systems, internet networks, energy projects, and pipelines.

In Guyana, it is now a case of what hasn’t been done will be done. The country boasts massive four-lane highways along the East Coast of Demerara, East Bank of Demerara and West Coast of Demerara; a modern airport; massive housing schemes; hotels and buildings stretching, in some case, 10 storeys high—something uncommon to locals who have only seen such structures on television or when they travel to a developed nation—and the list doesn’t stop there.

One of the most recent additions to the country’s infrastructural landscape is the eye-catching Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre at Kingston.

Proprietor, Robert Badal,

in acknowledging his success, said the area which was once a dumpsite for over 50 years, now houses two magnificent buildings comprising 100 executive suites on this 12-story Atlantic tower and 180,000 square feet of grade A corporate offices and restaurants on the adjacent seven-story tower, all surrounded by wellmanicured lawns.

The intricate and elegant structure amazed even President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who, at the launch of the facility on Wednesday evening, described the project as iconic and transformational, and said that no Guyanese living 30 years ago would imagine that such a project could have been possible here.

He even went a step further by saying: “This is an example of how to do it right,” and encouraging the local private sector to think positive and be ready to make changes to their business models in order to capitalise on opportunities that will flow

from the country’s economic advancement.

Some stakeholders have already taken this step, and this is evidenced by the recent sod-turning ceremonies for the multibillion-dollar Pasha Global, Four Points and AC Marriott hotels.

While the government has been creating an environment that would be encouraging for such investments, it has also been doing its part in the area of accommodation by building and allotting houses at a cost that is affordable to any income bracket, and allocating house lots to encourage the construction of houses and other facilities.

Access to adequate housing has long been viewed as a basic human right, and is considered an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural rights. And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple in the coming years, the government has started establishing the conditions for

Guyanese, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, to have access to adequate housing.

Some 50,000 house lots are expected to be distributed over the next five years, averaging 10,000 house lots per year.

More of what the government intends to do will be outlined over the next three days at the National Stadium, where the Ministry of Housing and Water is hosting Building Expo 2022. The expo is expected to also create an avenue for companies to showcase innovative products and techniques in the construction and housing sectors.

This is seen as timely, since Guyana’s vibrant construction industry is expected to grow by 10.5 per cent. Stakeholders will be keen on participating in and observing the process, especially if they want to remain relevant as Guyana enters a new frontier of development.

The pessimists are trembling with the rate of development in Guyana

Dear Editor, IT is said that Dr. Francis Crick was the most notable naysayer. He was the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA and he went on to become a neuroscientist. Dr. Crick also shared the Nobel Prize in 1962 for Physiology or Medicine with Watson and Watkins.

Guyana is being plagued and bombarded on a daily basis with soothsayers, naysayers, antihero protagonists, antagonists, critics, cynics, sceptics, misanthropists, doubters, complainers and a throng of pessimists who value, market and propagate only the negative side of anything seen, heard, developed, proposed or potentially, possibly viable for the good of Guyana being developed at a rapid pace. Of course, there are those who provide constructive criticism and must be lauded for their commendable input, approaching any situation with a keen sense of judgement, a sober and open mind.

The agents of subversiveness are poised and placed in each strategic area, ready, willing and

culpable of not defending the right of the people.

The usual suspects are always hard at work and devote their life time into producing and manufacturing propaganda with lies and distortions in order to discredit the current government and their officers. They will challenge anything at the expense of their electoral constituent and financial supporters, regardless of the moral indignity or the legal implication or the worthiness of its nature or commonsense. There is no sense of pride, and, shame does not exist in their vocabulary or DNA. There is no room for integrity and so honour has escaped, eradicated, eliminated and extinguished from the human nature with explicit profanities.

There is absolutely no reservation for extending any respect or regard for principles, rules and regulations, law and order, precedents or the normal functioning of society with acceptable, established and cherished norms.

No need to regurgitate on the details surrounding the three famous cases presented by the

PNC Party to the CCJ during the infamous 2020 elections, but the outcome of them loosing simply support the above paragraph. The painful 18 months of waiting after the motion of no-confidence, the illegal transactions conspired during this hiatus, the five months siege by the PNC after election in March 2020, their outright refusal to demit office, their denial of fraud attempts, their contempt for the international community and their scorn for the legitimate recount result, simply impede on the sacrosanct of truth and the inhibition of devious and devilish miscreancy.

Coming home closer to time, since the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, so many events have unfolded confirming that he, his people and party are meant to disrupt the smooth flow of progress in the country and their aim is to disrupt any peaceful agenda prevailing and preventing the government from functioning in their rightful capacity. His animosity when reaching with the President set the tone and tune to

follow for the remaining period in office. Rejecting the concept of consultation wanting to rule from the outside is his mantra.

Challenging all the President’s appointments ushers him into a state of denial that, he is not the President of Guyana. In Dec. 2021, after the mace-grabbing debacle and disruption of the National assembly, the eight APNU+AFC members involved were rewarded with a mere slap on the wrist by the Privileges Committee for them to be suspended. Now it is rumoured that there will be a court challenge.

Bullies will always remain tormentors and intimidators.

No wrong can ever be right but this generated despicable behaviour, underlines the fact that even the current generation of youngsters in that party, are determined to preserve the heredity of hooliganism and to preserve the motto of brute, force and ignorance in order to live and not let others live so that they can greedily survive at any cost.

There will never be any transition from evil to good because

they simply cannot comply with waging the war for decency over indecency. This transgression is again repeated in the recent looting, robbing, beating and burning of innocent people of one community in Mon Repos.

This is a repetitive action from the instigated and inspired misdoings at West Berbice in 2020.

The backlash from the worst oil agreement in the history of the oil industry is a slap in the face of Guyanese and leaves the current government imprisoned with a lopsided contract and the wrath of the people to forge a change for a better deal, after being tied into unfair clauses which literally handcuff the hands of any negotiators, thanks to the generosity of AFC’s brilliant professional and expert as a specialist. The blame is no longer on the onus of the previous administration and there is no call for the real culprits to step forward and face the heat, but to transfer the attention of the problem with a misdirection. Such is bullishness of those who have sold out the rights of Guyanese and their

real worth.

Guyana being the fastest growing economy in the world, and the richest nation per capita in this hemisphere, is now being seen through the eyes of haziness and glazed but not glossy clarity, as an image of mirage. But the international experts from the IMF, the Inter-American Development Bank and the CDB view Guyana through the telescope of sound financial stability and would contradict such negative reproach. This week alone, the pessimists are trembling in their booths as so many projects are being unfolded and the President riding on a wave a popularity, nationally and internationally to silence the critics. Isn’t it time for Guyana to wake up and smell the freshness and richness of its home grown products and turn a blind eye to those who want to mislead and misrule?

It’s time for the naysayers to get real and accept reality!

Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Pandit Rishi was a sterling example of kindness, generosity and positive change

Dear Editor, IT is with profound sadness and grief I learn of the passing of Pandit Rishi B Misir who served as the Dharmacharya (spiritual head) of the Hindu Federation of Mandirs in America and the USA Pandits Parishad, bodies comprising of IndoCaribbean Hindu leaders.

He served as the spiritual head or guru of both organisations for almost two decades. He is well versed in the Hindu scriptures and pandits usually sought his guidance and interpretation of the scriptures. He was well versed in Hindi. At the Parishad and Federation, he provided respected leadership and great impetus to serving the Indo-Caribbean Hindu communities dis-

persed around the New York metro area. He guided the annual Phagwah parade and supported the annual Diwali motorcade. He also was among the founders of the annual Ramayana in the Park.

Pandit Misir is a Berbician who migrated to the US during the 1970s and became immersed in panditai activities. He comes from a family of pandits including his father, brothers, and nephews. He was a great exemplar of righteousness and a good, moral life. He made a significant and lasting contribution to the Guyanese diaspora in America in the field of faith. He was also at every function of visiting Presidents from Guyana as well as of former PM of Trinidad

Kamla Persad Bissessar. He met with President Ali last year September during his visit for the UN Assembly.

Pandit Rishi has been ailing for the last year. He was 82. He will forever be remembered for his personal courage, his love of people, and his Hindu qualities.

Pandit Rishi dedicated his time, talents, and interests to the work of Bhagwan (Lord).

He has been a sterling example of kindness, generosity, and love for his fellowmen as well as animals. He worked with the city government for several decades and retired just over a year ago.

As the USA Arya Samaj Balram Rambrich said, “Pt. Rishi was a simple, straight forward, humble, pious man.” He was a strong no

nonsense leader of the Parishad and Federation. Pandit Rishi and I interacted a few times over the phone and in person. He was always praiseworthy of my commitment to community work and volunteerism and my political activism, especially as relates to Guyana and the diaspora in America; an activism that dates back to the 1970s in the struggle against the dictatorship. His love of God and country touched those of us who know him.

He did not get involved in political events or squabbles about politics in Guyana or in America. He did not take public sides. But he was concerned about the lack of democracy in Guyana post 1966 through 1992 and again post no-confidence vote in

December 2018 to August 2, 2020. Although he did not get involved in political struggles, he quietly supported and saluted those of us who were involved in the struggle against authoritarianism in Guyana and the attempt to steal the government in March thru July 2020.

Glowing tributes were paid to Pandit Rishi from heads of organisations in the US. The wake on Wednesday night attracted hundreds including countless religious figures of the Guyanese and Trinidadian diasporas. As they said, they have lost a dear friend.

As Pandit Hardowar of Surya Mandir said, Dharmacharya Rishi Misir was a great Guyanese and Hindu leader in America, deeply

beloved by thousands and will be greatly missed by the Federation of Hindu Mandirs and the USA Pandits parishad and by Hindus in America.

“Dharmacharya Rishi ji encouraged, lifted, and inspired many chelas (followers) as demonstrated by word and example the path to godliness and spirituality.”

May the Lord bless and keep ever alive the memory of his devoted life of faith and service to others. We pray that his family and Hindus and all affected by his passing will be consoled with the knowledge that he lived a very good life and that in his death his soul now goes to heaven with Dharmic reward.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Advancing the development agenda - $44B in supplementary funding being sought for key projects, support services

OVER $44 billion in supplementary funding for capital and current expenses is being requested by the government to address issues in drainage and irrigation, housing development, furniture for schools, and development in Amerindian and hinterland communities among other issues.

The supplementary provision was presented by Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh when Parliament reconvened at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Thursday.

“This represents a very important approach to Parliament to secure additional finances to advance economic and social development in the country. Each one of those allocations goes to the core of the well-being of people, and will impact, in a positive way, the lives of Guyanese people. The interventions are all consistent with our social and economic goal, which is aimed at improving the lives of all kinds,” Dr. Singh related.

The paper also includes funding for a number of other emergency projects,

particularly those under the Ministries of Education, Agriculture and Health.

“For example, there is additional support to the Ministry of Agriculture for drainage and irrigation, and the extension of the black belly sheep project; there is also a supplementary for the Ministry of Health to facilitate the Mount Sinai arrangement, and there’s a supplementary for the Ministry of Education to ensure that we’re able to achieve full coverage of school furniture. It’s a wide range of interventions; those are just some,” Dr. Singh explained.

With an allocation of $21.050 billion, all in capital spending, the Ministry of Housing and Water has the largest provision in the supplementary funding.

The provision is considered necessary to support land acquisition, and supporting infrastructure as the government rolls out its aggressive housing programme. The government is seeking to allocate some 50,000 house lots in five years.

AGGRESSIVE HOUSING PROGRAMME “We have an extremely aggressive housing programme to roll out of

housing schemes. We have to allocate lands, first of all, and then build out the infrastructure. And that, of course, includes a few roads and so forth. Additionally, we’re also committed to improving the coverage of our water system, and expand access to treated water. That includes, in some cases, the sinking of new wells, replacement of wells, and the construction of treatment plants and so on,” Dr. Singh explained.

The money allocated for the improvement of water includes $250 million for the completion of water supply interventions in hinterland areas, and $4.231 billion for additional resources to increase treated water coverage.

The request also caters for the improvement and expansion of water supply systems in underserved and unserved areas, and for the upgrading of water treatment plants in Linden, and the drilling of wells.

Another $660 million will go to additional resources to address the replacement of aging and deteriorated pipelines in Georgetown.

The budget also in-

Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh cludes the much anticiAlso under the MoA, pated $3.116 billion to the the $3.541 billion in opMinistry of Amerindian erational expenses includes Affairs, which will be used $2 billion for the Guyana to provide for additional Sugar Corporation (Guyresources to support de- SuCo), $1.278 billion for velopment in Amerindian the National Drainage communities. This provi- and Irrigation Authority sion emanated from devel- (NDIA), $44.142 million opmental initiatives that for the Guyana Livestock came out of the National and Development AuthorToshao Council (NTC) ity (GLDA), and $218.8 Conference, which was million for the MMA/ held last week.

ADA. FOOD SECURITY The capital expenditure AGENDA also includes $1.431 billion Under the Ministry of in additional resources to Agriculture (MoA), some support the sugar industry, $3.581 billion has been and $300 million for addiallocated for current ex- tional resources to promote penditure, and another initiatives such as support $1.908 billion for capital for fisherfolk. expenditure. This includes The Ministry of Pub$40 million to promote lic Works (MoPW) is rethe food security agenda questing $4.439 billion in that the government is cur- supplementary funding, rently pushing to increase of which sum $3 billion production of agricultural is to support additional products locally, as well as resources to facilitate the $177.752 million for the upgrading of roads and black belly sheep project. drains in various commu-

nities. Some $550 million is for critical sea and river defence works, including addressing areas of erosion along the Mahaicony shoreline.

The Ministry of Finance is asking for $6.1 billion to cover $4 billion towards the payment of electricity arrears to Guyana Power and Light (GPL), as well as another $2.059 billion to fund the census activities of the Bureau of Statistics.

Other agencies covered in the supplementary funding include the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sports, Public Service, Human Services and Social Security, and Local Government and Regional Development.

Also included is the Office of the Prime Minister, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Dr. Singh noted that he is looking forward to seeing the request for funding receiving large support, given the kind of development it covers.

“I am fully confident about the merits of every one of those allocations, and I’m hopeful that the Opposition will see the merit in each one of these proposals. And I hope that they will vote in favour of this financing,” Dr. Singh said.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Proposed law for Suicide Prevention Commission, support to survivors tabled - As Suicide Prevention Bill gets first reading in National Assembly

By Shamar Meusa THE Suicide Prevention Bill of 2022 was. on Thursday. tabled in the National Assembly for the first time.

The Bill, which was tabled by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, provides measures to fight the high number of occurrences of suicide in Guyana over the years. The Bill, once passed, will impact Guyana’s health sector, specifically as it relates to how mental health matters are treated with.

Prior to the Bill’s presentation, the Health Minister, during one of his healthrelated daily updates, said the Bill is one that has been in the works for quite some time.

Dr. Anthony noted that

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony as he presented the Bill to the National Assembly (Adrian Narine photo) the proposed law repeals a section of Guyana’s laws that criminalises the act of attempting suicide. This, he said, is one of the things that persons have been advocat-

ing for, for a long time.

According to the Bill’s explanatory memorandum, the law, once passed, would provide for a Suicide TURN TO PAGE 11

SBM teaming up with local NGO on youth, environment projects

SBM Offshore is partnering with a local civil society organisation, the National Coordinating Coalition (NCC), to support that group with two projects targeting youth and the environment.

Through support for the Enhancing Livelihoods Youth Literacy Project and Waste Paper Recycling Initiative, SBM is hoping to build capacity of local stakeholders in Guyana as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Simone Sills, Executive Director of NCC, said the objective of the waste recycling project is to ensure that an opportunity for young people to become more environmentally-conscious citizens.

The target for that project is young mothers and young men who have not completed high school.

The other project, however, focuses on literacy.

“For the youth literacy project, we will be working with youths from ages seven to 16 and then 16 to 25.

“Collectively, 65 youths [will be participating] and the intent is to provide mentorship, tutoring, [and] school material to assist them in getting the support they need, particularly in the COVID times with the learning loss,”

General Manager of SBM, Martin Cheong Sills related.

General Manager of SBM, Martin Cheong, said that the initiative is creating an environment focused on development of the individual, and where there are tangible, noticeable changes for those individuals in the long term.

“It’s really good that… you’re able to partake and support and be part of the journey for these individuals in their long term growth,” Cheong stated.

Additionally, Recardo Bovell, the Sustainability and Social Impact Program Development Officer of SBM, said that upon visits to com-

munities, there is evidence that there are many needs.

“NCC has been a worthy partner of ours and they are looking to make a change in communities.

“And because there are such significant needs, SBM thought it wise to partner with NCC to be able to support them in providing some support and development to these communities through the project that we will participate in,” Bovell explained.

Operations Sustainability Director of SBM, Philippe Moulin, related that the ambition of both NCC and SBM are aligned as they both believe in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals Four (Quality Education) and Goal Nine (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). “[As it relates to SDG] Four, with education, [this is] where we are engaging here and supporting this initiative to help youngsters to receive support in their education journey, and also in making them aware of waste management and what recycling brings to the society in the long-run,” Moulin said. (Cassandra Khan)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Blairmont Estate being re-engineered to become profit centre for GuySuCo - records 72 tonnes of sugar at commencement of second crop production

WITH support from the government, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be re-engineering the Blairmont Sugar Estate to become a critical profit centre.

According to a press release from GuySuCo, several plans are in the pipeline for the estate, which

will be maximised for the production of bulk and packaged sugar to satisfy the existing demand for this commodity.

Currently extension work on the sugar bond is being undertaken, and approximately 48 per cent of the work is completed.

This is being done at a

time when the estate has commenced harvesting of the second crop for 2022.

At its current rate of operation, the estate has been able to produce 72 tonnes of sugar since the commencement of production on July 15.

“Blairmont Estate commenced its second crop of

Burning of cane precedes the commencement of the second crop of 2022 2022 on Friday, 15th, July 2022. The factory started grinding operations on Tuesday, 19th, July 2022 and made its first declaration of 72 tonnes of sugar on Wednesday, 20th, July 2022,” GuySuCo said.

The second crop is scheduled to run for approximately eight weeks with a target of 7,899 tonnes.

However, the corporation expressed concerns about the availability of labour to achieve its target, and is urging employees of the estate to report to work

to ensure a regular supply of cane is produced at the factory. “… the estate’s management is appealing to all employees to turn out in their numbers so that a regular supply of cane is available for continuous grinding in the factory. This will allow for the achievement of Blairmont’s weekly target of 925 tonnes of sugar, and the employees benefitting from extra earnings,” GuySuCo said.

Meanwhile, to support the continued production of sugar at the estate, the

Government of Guyana has supplied the corporation with several tillage tractors, which were among the most critical resources needed during the recently concluded out-of-crop period.

Additionally, the factory’s critical spares and parts were made available on a timely manner allowing for a smooth transition into the second crop of 2022.

Last month, GuySuCo signed nine contracts valuing $457 million for the procurement of critical machinery for several estates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Eight Coalition MPs suspended for unparliamentary conduct Sherod Duncan

Vinceroy Jordan

Ganesh Mahipaul

Maureen Philadelphia

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Natasha Singh-Lewis

Annette Ferguson

Christopher Jones

By Shaquawn Gill The National Assembly on Thursday officially approved the report of the Committee of Privileges, which recommends the suspension of eight Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs).

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, implored the now suspended Opposition Members of Parliament to take time to sit and rethink their actions that degraded the hallow halls of the House on December 29 last.

“I hope that you will not see this as just another battle to win, but to sit and think quietly: ‘Was it all worth it’? What badge of honour have you gotten out of this behaviour and what example have you given to the Guyanese people and young people who saw that tape?” Minister Teixeira said.

The suspended MPs are Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, Sherod Duncan, Natasha SinghLewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Ganesh

Mahipaul and Maureen Philadelphia.

During the chaos, Ferguson made an attempt to steal the Speaker ’s Mace; she was immediately joined by some of her other colleagues. This unprecedented act was foiled by a clerk of the House, who managed to secure the instrument, to which he held on tightly as he laid on the floor of the conference centre while having to contend with a torrent of verbal abuse from MP Philadelphia.

Human walls had to be formed around the Mace to keep it in place and Minister Singh to enable him to present the second reading of the bill. Following the mayhem, a motion, tabled

by Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, was passed in the National Assembly in January for the eight elected officials to be referred to the Privileges Committee for their actions which were caught on camera and live-streamed across multiple social media channels.

Attorney-General, Anil Nandall in recent “Issues

in the News” programme, condemned the behaviour of the APNU+AFC parliamentarians who were involved in the ruckus in the House.

“They were shouting and screaming and behaving in the most vulgar and in the most outrageous manner as everyone of you would have seen streamed live from the Parliament website, in their attempt to prevent [Senior Finance Minister] Ashni Singh from presenting his debate for the Natural Resource Bill. When that failed, they breakup the loud speaker system in the Parliament; when that failed, they grabbed the Mace; they broke it and they tried to run away, out of the Parliament with it. And then after the whole world saw that, and as if that was not enough, they turned around and filed proceedings against the government, claiming that the government prevented them from speaking and that the Speaker prevented them from speaking.” he had said.

Proposed law for Suicide Prevention...

FROM PAGE 9 Prevention Commission which would include the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Psychiatrist, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, and other members to be appointed by the minister.

The Bill, listed as Bill No. 11 of 2022, also provides for the preparation of the National Suicide Prevention Plan that will include an overview of suicide in Guyana including quantifying the number of suicide-related deaths, methods used, and the high risk factors for suicide.

These provisions, specifically, address the prevention of suicide among priority pop-

ulation groups and the education and training of people in relation to suicide prevention.

Additionally, a clause within the Bill provides for the development of a framework for medical treatment offered to those persons at risk of committing suicide, while another section imposes on the to-be-established commission a responsibility to provide the appropriate support through counselling for survivors of suicide, and their families, friends and co-workers.

The aim is to prevent serious psychological impact on these parties.

Importantly, the Bill makes provision for outpatient

mental health services. Where medical personnel believe that a patient is suicidal, that patient should be referred for hospitalisation.

Further, suicide prevention centres across Guyana are expected to be established, which would facilitate counselling services to suicide survivors.

Consequently, Clause 38 of the Bill serves to repeal section 202 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act which criminalises attempted suicide.

Once the legislation is passed, the Health Ministry will roll out its comprehensive plan to address the issue.

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Major relief for mining community imminent - as Minister Singh tables Fiscal Enactment Amendment Bill in National Assembly

THE Fiscal Enactment Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2022 was, on Thursday, presented to the National Assembly by Senior Min-

ister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

This Bill seeks to give

legislative effect to the commitments made by the government to the mining community during a meeting at the Arthur Chung Confer-

ence Centre at the end of May last, and will allow for relief for miners through a number of measures to be implemented by the govern-

ment.

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had met with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), following which the government announced a number of measures that would be taken to provide relief for miners as well as in fulfillment of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) promises to miners as outlined in its manifesto.

The measures included the reduction of final tax from a maximum of 3.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent which would result in an estimated $1.4 billion being returned to the mining industry, and the removal of the 10 per cent Tributors’ Tax that would benefit thousands of workers in the industry, with

$300 million expected to be returned to those who were paying this tax.

Further, Minister Singh also presented ValueAdded Tax (No.3) Order 2022, which was Gazetted earlier in July, removing Value Added Tax (VAT) on lubricating oil, a key input in not only the mining industry, but almost all the productive sectors.

In total, all measures, once implemented would see a total of $1.9 billion returned to the industry.

Also tabled, was the Value-Added Tax (No.2) Order 2022, which removed VAT on cement, cement board and sheet rock, in line with government’s vision for providing relief to citizens as well as to support the housing drive.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

LCDS 2030 presented to the House SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Thursday presented Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 to the National Assembly. It is expected that the National Assembly will debate the motion on the LCDS 2030 at its next sitting.

Thursday’s presentation of the LCDS 2030 follows a more than seven-month national consultation, based on a draft strategy which was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in an address to the nation on October 28, 2021. This revised version of the LCDS 2030 incorporates feedback and comments received during the national consultation process.

Since the launch, thousands of people across Guyana participated in information sharing and consultation activities.

In the foreword of the

LCDS 2030, President Ali thanked all those who participated and contributed ideas and opinions.

The President said: “The strategy that has resulted is not a static document, but rather a vision that will live for years to come. It sets a direction of travel that I believe will catalyse innovation and new ideas as its various elements move to implementation. I hope that as this implementation pathway evolves, our national conversation and consultation about its important measures will continue. I want everyone in the country to have the chance to forge opinions about sustainable development.”

The LCDS 2030 builds from an original vision set out in 2009, when the then-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo called for new global models for lowdeforestation development pathways, stating: “Tropical Forest countries have

long called for the ecosystem services provided by the world’s standing forests to be properly valued, through both public and private finance. This will enable people who live in forests and forest countries to create jobs and economic opportunity from an economy that works with nature, instead of today’s reality where forests are worth more dead than alive.”

This vision was given life through the LCDS 2009, which underwent one of the biggest national consultations in Guyana’s history at the time, and outlined a three-phase process whereby Guyana could earn money from forest climate services, and invest these in LCDS priorities.

For Phase I, Guyana sought a bilateral partner who shared the country’s vision, and was willing to partner to create a model for the world. This culminated in the 2009 GuyanaNorway Agreement, which,

at the time, was the second largest forest agreement of its kind in the world.

Norway paid Guyana over US$220 million for forest climate services for the period 2009 to 2015. These revenues were, and still are, being invested in clean energy, low-carbon jobs, Amerindian land titling, the Amerindian Development Fund project, rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal and other climate resilience work, support for small and medium enterprise development in collaboration with the local banking sector, and many other investments which were set out in the LCDS 2009 and a 2013 update. Crucially, throughout this period, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) invested heavily in building one of the world’s most advanced forest carbon Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Systems (MRVS).

No payments were received for performance after 2015.

However, on resuming office, the PPP/C Government quickly set out to re-establish and expand the means to implement the vision of the original LCDS. ABLE TO ADVANCE Guyana is now once again able to advance, and to move to Phase II of the plan that was set out in 2009. In Phase II, Guyana can start to replace or augment payments from Norway, and instead receive revenues for forest climate services from global voluntary carbon markets.

At the same time, the LCDS 2030 sets out how the country can start to prepare for potential revenue

streams from other ecosystem services, including those based on Guyana’s world-class biodiversity and water resources.

The LCDS 2030 will be funded from more than just the new revenues from forest carbon markets; regular national finances will also be deployed. However, there are particular new opportunities to use the new revenue streams from carbon markets, to the benefit of those who live in and depend on the forest, as well as other local communities.

TWO PATHWAYS The national consultation on the LCDS 2030 sought ideas on how these new revenues could be invested. As a result, the strategy sets out two pathways: National programmes as outlined in the draft LCDS 2030, including investments in renewable energy, land titling, protection against climate change and other areas; and Community/Village-led programmes for Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs), as set out in Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs) or equivalent, put together by communities themselves in accordance with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as set out in the LCDS 2030 Chapter Two. A dedicated 15 per cent of all revenues from forest carbon markets will be available to Amerindian communities which choose to opt in and produce their own Village Sustainability Plans.

This proposal was welcomed by the National Toshaos Council in a reso-

lution on Friday, July 15, 2022, with the NTC resolution recognising “the extensive national-scale and community-based consultations, conducted over the past seven months, [which] have informed the main aspects of LCDS 2030” while welcoming “the commitment expressed in the LCDS 2030 to continued consultation and engagement with Indigenous Communities and Villages as the LCDS moves to implementation.”

Subsequently, on Monday, July 18, 2022, the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) of the LCDS approved the finalisation of the strategy, based on the wide-ranging stakeholder feedback since October 2021. The MSSC oversees the consultative process and implementation of the LCDS 2030.

It comprises representatives of Government ministries and agencies, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, youth, mining and forestry producers, the National Toshaos Council, indigenous communities and civil society.

The MSSC will continue to meet regularly after the LCDS has been tabled in the National Assembly, to take forward elements of the LCDS, which will require further consultation and idea generation.

With the approval of the MSSC, the LCDS 2030 was on Thursday tabled in the National Assembly. In the Foreword, President Ali said: “I hope that individuals, businesses, and organisations, in Guyana and across the world, will stay engaged. I also hope that all politicians in the National Assembly will recognise that the long-term ambitions contained in this LCDS 2030 are ambitions for Guyana, so deserve support and continued engagement. Because, if we work together, we can advance development for all our people. We can also demonstrate to the world, but perhaps more importantly to ourselves, that our ‘One Guyana’ is more than up to the task of achieving big things, and creating a better future for all.” (Ministry of Finance)

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

New public servants to be paid within reasonable time - Minister Parag chides Sarabo-Halley for not fixing the issues during her tenure as minister

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) on the government and opposition side, on Thursday, found bipartisan ground as they agreed that public servants should not have to wait three months before being paid their first salaries.

However, Minister of Public Services, Sonia Parag explained that while public servants can be paid within a reasonable time, being paid within one month is not always practical given what the process entails when someone is employed in the public service.

“This government does not want to see public servants wait three months to be paid [but] there is a process that if you are on a new employment list or recruitment. The agency has to submit your name, there are credentials and documents that have to be submitted, within a timely manner through multiple agencies,” Minister Parag explained.

The minister was at the time making her contribution to a debate on a motion put forth

by Opposition MP, and former Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, which called for the “payment of first salary to public servants in one month”. The motion emanated from consistent reports from new public servants who say they have to wait three months before they receive their first

salary.

The motion inter alia stated “that the National Assembly advises the Government of Guyana to ensure that public servants receive their first paycheck no more than one month after the commencement of their employment in the public sector”.

However, Minister Parag in her remarks, called for some changes.

“I would move an amendment to the motion raised. Be it resolved clause delete word ‘advises’ in the first line and substitute with ‘encourages’.

Delete the phrase ‘no more than one month after the commencement of their employment in public sector’ and replace it with words “within a reasonable time on receipt of a letter of appointment or a signed contract’,” the minister said.

The minister then delved into explaining the reasoning behind the amendment, noting the process and procedures that go into the salary payments, and clarifying that it would be impractical to guarantee a onemonth timeline for the payment of salaries.

She reaffirmed however, that the government does not believe that a public servant should have to wait for three months to be paid.

WORK COLLABORATIVELY “We try within a timely

manner to get persons their salary but it involves a multiagency collaboration. I am saying that we are going to work collaboratively with all agencies to ensure within a reasonable time after a request has been sent to get persons their salaries,” the minister said.

She further noted that: “We are putting a system in place to assist, to ensure public servants get their salaries within a reasonable time. No public servant should wait three months for a salary [but] we cannot put the timeframe of one month. Where there are bottlenecks we will look at those bottlenecks.”

Minister Parag also explained that there is, in some cases, interim arrangement where workers are paid an advance while they await the official processing of salaries.

“Agencies such as the regional body would pay an advance and place them on temporary employment so that they can be paid while waiting.

That is a system in place right now,” the minister explained.

She declared that the government supports the timely payments of public servants because they value the work of public servants.

“This government unequivocally values public servants, values their time, their effort and all that they do to keep the wheels of government turning,”

she commented.

Minister Parag, however, took Sarabo-Halley to task for pushing a one-month time limit for payment when she understands and knows the complicated logistics that goes into the first time salary payments of public servants, having served a Minister of Public Service in the former APNU+AFC Government.

Minister Parag was puzzled that Sarabo-Halley never thought about bringing the motion before the National Assembly during her time in office and fix the issues she is now raising.

FACTS STRAIGHT “Let’s get our facts straight.

For five years the opposition was in government and yet nothing was done in the five years,” Parag remarked.

Minister Parag also called out Opposition MP Jermaine Figueira, who spoke just before her, of straying from the issue, and clutching at straws to diminish the work of the government.

“He wants to carry the narrative that this government is doing nothing to help the people when in fact our work is speaking for itself. This government from day one has been in all of the regions and villages of this country trying to assist and have been assisting. It becomes a threat to the opposition when we do what we have to do for

Minister of Public Services, Sonia Parag

Coalition MP, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

the people,” Parag said.

Meanwhile, during his presentation on the motion, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said the government cares for all workers.

He added that the government has thus far reemployed thousands of persons who have lost their jobs under the previous administration.

Against this backdrop, he told the House that countless public servants were dismissed under the former administration for various reasons, inclusive of political affiliation.

“We will ensure that we protect the rights of the work-

ers of the country… that’s the nature of our government,” he said Mustapha stated that the government will ensure that public servants will be paid within a reasonable time even as he noted that they will continue to bring measures to alleviate the problems being faced by all Guyanese.

“Every category of workers in our country we are giving them some form of help,” the Agriculture Minister expressed.

The government, he added, has brought back professionalism to the Public Service.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Trini-born Emmy Award-winning actress says ‘pursue your dreams’

(T&T Guardian) – ‘TRINI-BORN’ Emmy Aw a r d - w i n n i n g a c t re s s , Mishael Morgan, is currently in Trinidad and Tobago.

Morgan, who is a Trinidadian-Canadian actress known for the roles of Hilary Curtis and Amanda Sinclair on the CBS Daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless, graced CNC3’s The Morning Brew set with host Jason Williams on Wednesday.

Morgan became the first black actress to win a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series earlier this year.

Morgan migrated to Canada

at an early age and during one of her visits to Trinidad and Tobago at the age of 19, had a life-changing experience that led her to her career in acting.

She related how she broke her neck in a vehicular accident and thought of one thing she would regret, which was why she didn’t try to be an entertainer, as it was something in her heart as a child.

Morgan returned to Canada, where she fully recuperated and later went to law school.

She worked as a bartender to make quick money while in university and it was during that stint she met an agent who said he wanted to represent her for

‘Trini-born’ Emmy Award-winning actress Mishael Morgan with CNC3’s Morning Brew host, Jason Williams, on set at GML’s Port-of-Spain headquarters (Photo credit: T&T GUARDIAN)

auditions, so she went ahead.

Morgan said she booked the Young and the Restless audition and described it as “off the tape”, as she was flown down for one audition— one that changed her life and the rest was history.

Reacting to her Emmy Award, Morgan said, “I feel honoured. I feel blessed. I feel, I do feel like it was designed, it was part of my journey, it was where I was supposed to be.”

Morgan’s goal is to make it to the big screen not only through acting but producing and writing her own scripts.

“One hundred per cent I want to be on the big screen.

I want to be a part of this industry, this medium of storytelling as deep as possible, so I want to be behind the camera too, producing. I want to start writing and have been writing, so I want to get those projects going,” Morgan said.

She also urged people to pursue their dreams.

“I say it all the time. I want every little girl, little boys too, I have a son and a daughter, but I want every person to know that their voice can truly save the world, so find your passion, find your purpose and never stop moving forward.”

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

‘Merciless part of dancehall history’

(Jamaica Observer) - FOR university lecturer and expert on Jamaican popular culture, Professor Donna Hope, Tuesday’s passing of deejay Merciless represents a wake-up call for artistes of a certain age group.

Merciless rose to prominence in the 1990s, considered a golden era by many for this particular genre of Jamaican music.

An era that saw the rise to prominence for deejays such as Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, and Hope puts Merciless squarely in this crop of artistes.

“I was in a meeting when the news first broke that Merciless had died and I was in shock and disbelief.

“I had just seen him on a staging of Boombox Fridays and was so impressed with his performance. I even called him and told he [sic] we needed to speak for a

Professor Donna Hope (Photo credit: JAMAICA OBSERVER)

book I’m writing... but that didn’t happen. So I feel it to mi [sic] heart,” she told the

Jamaica Observer.

“He had a brilliant career with albums and popular

singles. His unique style of delivery also gave him a place in the industry. So he

leaves behind a catalogue, history and legacy within the dancehall space.

For many, it is that clash at Sting in 2000 which earned him the moniker ‘Warlord’, when he defeated Ninjaman, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, all three deejays on one stage. That had never happened before and certainly hasn’t happened since,” Hope added.

She emphasised that even though Merciless was not in the spotlight, he still held a place in the music based on his history.

“He is part of a set of acts who were the Skeng, Skillibeng, Jahshii, and Intence of the 1990s. Just look at the outpouring of condolences from persons not just in Jamaica but all over the Diaspora. But perhaps one of the big signals that his passing sends to us is our mortality.

“Our mortality stands before us. He was 51 years

old. He wasn’t ill, it wasn’t an accident... He is said to have mentioned that he was not feeling well when he got to the hotel and asked for some tea.

“That generation now needs to understand that they are becoming the elders and so it is such a wake-up call that we need to look after ourselves and others,” Professor Hope said.

Merciless, whose given name is Leonard Bartley, was found dead in a St Andrew hotel on Tuesday evening, having checked in alone days before.

The deejay had an arsenal of hits, the most popular being Ole Gallis, Mavis, Len’ Out Mi Mercy, and Mama Cooking. He made a name for himself on the live stage where his ability to create on-the-spot lyrical magic endeared him to audiences.

“The younger generation, Continued on page 18

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Dave Chappelle show cancelled over transgender jokes controversy

(BBC) - COMEDIAN Dave Chappelle has had a live show cancelled at the last minute due to controversy over some of his jokes.

The First Avenue venue in Minnesota apologised for booking him and said the show would move to another theatre.

Chappelle has received both huge support and intense criticism for his jokes about transgender people in recent stand-up routines.

First Avenue said it must hold itself “to the highest standards”. Chappelle has not yet commented.

Chappelle’s live shows and TV specials, and the platforms hosting them, regularly attract criticism due to comments he’s made in previous routines which some viewers find offensive.

In a statement posted on Instagram, First Avenue said: “To staff, artists, and our community, we hear you and we are sorry. We know we must hold ourselves to the highest standards, and we know we let you down.

“We are not just a black box with people in it, and we understand that First Ave is not just a room, but mean-

ingful beyond our walls.

Venue ‘welcomes feedback’ “The First Avenue team and you have worked hard to make our venues the safest spaces in the country, and we will continue with that mission.

“We believe in diverse voices and the freedom of artistic expression, but in honouring that, we lost sight of the impact this would have.

The statement added: “We know there are some who will not agree with this decision; you are welcome to send feedback.”

Chappelle’s sold-out show will now take place at the Varsity Theatre on Thursday evening (Photo credit: REUTERS)

The sold-out show had instead been moved to the Varsity Theatre, which is roughly a 40-minute walk away from First Avenue.

BBC News has asked a representative for Chappelle if the comedian would like to comment on the show’s cancellation.

Chappelle is one of the most successful comedians in the US comedy landscape, but he has faced criticism from some quarters due to jokes he’s made in his standup shows.

A recent Netflix special,

The Closer, saw Chappelle tell the audience: “Gender is a fact. Every human being in this room, every human being on Earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on Earth. This is a fact.”

He previously described trans people as “confusing” in another Netflix special, Sticks and Stones.

Netflix stood by Chappelle, telling staff who had complained or protested about his material being hosted on the service that they could consider leaving

the company if they do not support artistic freedom.

“Not everyone will like - or agree with - everything on our service,” the company said in a memo to employees. “If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you.”

Earlier this year, a man was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon after Chappelle was attacked on stage during a show in Los Angeles. Chappelle was unharmed.

‘Merciless part of...

From page 17 the 30 and under, have a lot to thank artistes like Merciless for. He was one of the standard-bearers for the music in the ‘90s.

“You will notice how even the artistes are mourning at this time, that’s because they were all connected even if they were rivals on stage.

This is opposite to what happens today where the industry is such an individual vibe due to the nature of the business nowadays. Back then, all all [sic] the artistes met up in studios and were a much tighter bunch,” Hope added.

Merciless (Photo credit: JAMAICA OBSERVER)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Teens shun traditional news channels for TikTok and Instagram, Ofcom says

(BBC) - MORE teenagers are turning away from traditional media outlets and getting their news from social media, new research from Ofcom has shown.

The number of people consuming news content on TikTok has increased from 800,000 in 2020 to 3.9 million in 2022.

For the first time, Instagram is the most popular news source among younger people, used by 29 per cent of teens in 2022 - with TikTok and YouTube close behind.

But print, TV and radio news outlets still dominate in older age groups.

The growth in news consumed via TikTok is being driven mainly by younger age groups - half of users consuming news on the platform are aged 16-24.

The number of people consuming news via the video-sharing platform is now similar to the number using the Sky News website and app, Ofcom said.

TikTok users who took part in the study said they get more of their news from “other people they follow” (47 per cent) than from news organisations’ own accounts (24 per cent).

Increasingly, news stories also originate on the platform. Earlier this week, a video showing a student being harassed by a man on a Cardiff street was watched more than two million times and picked up by news outlets.

And the recent high-profile libel case between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp dominated the video sharing platform, with many users watching the proceedings unfold live on YouTube before selecting clips to share with their followers on TikTok. ‘Increasingly unlikely’ Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s group director for strategy and research, said in a statement that teenagers nowadays are “increasingly unlikely to pick up a newspaper or tune in to TV news”,

preferring to stay informed by “scrolling through their social feeds”.

“And while youngsters find news on social media to be less reliable, they rate these services more highly for serving up a range of opinions on the day’s topical stories,” he added.

Despite its newfound popularity though, less than a third of young people (30 per cent) asked in the study said they actually trusted the news content they found through TikTok. On Instagram, the BBC was the most followed outlet for users who consume news on the platform, with a 45 per cent reach. Sky News (22 per cent), the Lad Bible and Buzzfeed (both14 per cent) also performed well on the platform.

Around 60 per cent of Instagram users who consume news said they followed a public figure, while 44 per cent said they followed at least one specific journalist.

Teenagers are increasingly consuming news via platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, according to Ofcom (Photo credit: REUTERS)

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

First ODI at Queen’s Park Oval …

Failing Windies face huge challenge against India today PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies face a monumental challenge in turning around their wretched One-Day International form when they face powerhouses India in a difficult three-match series starting here today.

The Caribbean side are coming off a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in Guyana last week, their fourth series defeat in five this year also marking their third clean sweep since last January.

More significantly, West Indies have not beaten India in a series in nearly two decades, leaving their odds of success over the next week and really long odds.

Captain Nicholas Pooran yesterday urged his side to conjure up the courage necessary to buck their losing trend.

“I just want to see the guys continue to fight, both (with) bat and ball. I think the last one-day game we played against Bangladesh in tough conditions. We tried our best and we felt like we had a chance of winning the game and we almost did,” said Pooran, who will be playing on home soil for the first time since his appointment as full-time captain.

“For this India series I just want us to fight – dig deep and just fight as long as possible.

And you never know, if we stay in the fight as long as possible things can happen for us. So I want to see that fight from every

individual on the team.”

He added: “All the players are motivated. Everyone wants to do well and that’s really fantastic to see. We just need to have really good conversations, continue to believe in each other and continue to back our skills.

“I think the guys are gelling really well at the moment. We know for a fact in the back of our minds that we want to win cricket games and everyone is doing everything necessary to perform on the cricket field.”

West Indies have found themselves woefully short of experience in recent series, with the likes of elite all-rounder Jason Holder, batter Shimron Hetmyer and Evin Lewis all unavailable for varying reasons.

Holder has returned for this series, however, after missing tours of the Netherlands and Pakistan, and the multi-format series against Bangladesh, and is expected to provide a boost in all departments.

However, Pooran said his side remained an inexperienced one especially in the ODI format, and stressed they would not be placing themselves under unnecessary pressure even though they want to win.

“The pressure is always on to win cricket games but we as a team, we’re definitely not feeling any pressure in terms of winning,” he explained.

“I think we understand as a young group we know for a fact that we’re building to something

and that’s the World Cup next year. We just got together as a young group and it’s for us to understand ODI cricket a bit more and understand what is the right template to play.

“I don’t think the pressure is on us to win. We just believe in doing the right things for longer periods of time and results will take care of themselves.

“Yes we do want to win but you don’t just say you want to win and go on a cricket field and win cricket games. It’s difficult, especially playing against teams that are playing ODI cricket really good. We need to put in the hard work.”

India will be fielding in a slightly weakened squad for the series, with master batter Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah all rested.

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Nicholas Pooran (captain), Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Keacy Carty, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.

INDIA – Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.

EUGENE, Oregon - After five days of gruelling competition, five-time World Athletics Championships 100m gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was starting to feel the effects of her brilliant outings at the 18th World Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

“Yes, I am tired,” she said after her season’s best 21.82 seconds in the semi-finals of the women’s 200m on Tuesday. It was her fifth race in four days, leaving her to question the schedule which, she said, was tougher than for the male sprinters.

“I don’t know who did the schedule. I definitely think it was crazy and I would like to say biased as well,” the 2013 World Championships sprint double champion said.

“Because the men ran before us and they got a day’s break and they came back (Monday) and they started before us, we went after them and today(Tuesday) we went before them,” she said, adding they both got a rest day on Wednesday. “(I am) not sure what that was about, but honestly you just get over that as it is not going to change at this point, so no sense dwelling and

heating up yourself over it. So you just focus on yourself and what you need to do and just stay positive because you can’t do anything about it right now and just compete when the final comes on Thursday.”

The men started their 100m on Friday’s opening day of the 10-day championships, ran the semi-finals and finals on Saturday, before starting their 200m campaign on Monday, the same time as the women who ran the semis and finals on Sunday. (Jamaica Observer)

Fraser-Pryce blasts ‘crazy’ championships schedule

RACING TIPS English Racing Tips Ascot 08:55 hrs Never Just A Dream 09:30 hrs Clochette 10:05 hrs Mostly Cloudy 10:40 hrs The Whipmaster 11:15 hrs Fieldsman 11:50 hrs Al Azhar 12:25 hrs Glamorous Breeze York 12:20 hrs Hathlool 12:55 hrs Ghaly 13:25 hrs Late Arrival 13:55 hrs Craven 14:25 hrs Pearl Beach 14:55 hrs Lucander 15:25 hrs Motashaweq Newmarket 12:40 hrs Streets Of Gold

13:40 hrs Laguna Veneta 14:10 hrs Fulfilled 14:40 hrs Temporize 15:10 hrs Al Marmar Irish Racing Tips Cork 12:15 hrs Ultramarine 12:45 hrs Showmolina 13:15 hrs Queen Of Ours 13:45 hrs Borletti 14:15 hrs Are We Dreaming 14:45 hrs Good Heavens 15:15 hrs Linger For Longer South Africa Racing Tips Fairview O8:40 hrs Ubiquitas 09:15 hrs Divine Odyssey 09:55 hrs On The Road Again American Racing Tips

Saratoga Race 1 Alexis Zobra Race 2 Growth Capital Race 3 Amount Race 4 Toosweettobesour Race 5 Future Victory Race 6 Tuesday’s Child Race 7 Keepmeinmind Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Trebuchet Race 2 My Boy Christian Race 3 Hyperfocus Race 4 Where Is Essa Race 5 Morning Thoughts Race 6 Swit Analysis Race 7 Souper River

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

World Cup 2023: Tax levy of 21 per cent leaves stakeholders in a fix

WITH the World Cup in India just about 15 months away, the issue of taxation has come to the fore, and mitigating the revenue loss from the pinnacle event has fallen in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

A letter from India’s Ministry of Finance seems to have gone recently to all concerned, informing them that the tax levy on the 2023 World Cup will be 21 per cent, more than double the cess collected from the last global event held in India - Twenty20 World Cup in 2016 - leading to a debate on who will take the load of the new withholding tax. The World Cup will be held in India in October-November, 2023.

In 2016, it was 10 per cent and one may recall that Star Sports had held back $22.5M from the tournament fee of $225M and following the law of the land, the broadcaster had paid it to the Government of India towards TDS. The BCCI then was headed by a Committee of Administrators (CoA) and it was a wellknown fact that the International Cricket Council (ICC) under Shahsank Manohar had tried to recover that amount from the share of the BCCI. After

withholding tax could have implications for the next cycle of the ICC media rights that are on sale currently. As previously reported by Cricbuzz, the broadcasters have been seeking clarity on this contentions withholding tax issue.

BCCI headed by its president Sourav Ganguly is trying to negotiate with the Government of India over the matter (BCCI)

the Jay Shah-led BCCI came to power in 2019, the decision was contested.

In the midst of all this comes the new rate of taxation and the amount, this time, could be staggeringly more than $100M as the broadcast fee of the 50over World Cup is believed to be more than $500M. Cricbuzz reached out all concerned broadcaster Star, ICC and the BCCI. None of them was willing to come on record, but the impression that has emerged is that the BCCI is trying to negotiate with the Government of India over

the matter so that the income from the tournament, to be distributed among the members of the ICC is not severely affected.

There is a school of thought that the tax issue is the host nation’s responsibility but the BCCI stand has been that it will do its best, but not guarantee it.

Discussions have been going on this even for the next cycle of 2024-31, when India will be hosting three global championships.

With Jay Shah at the helm of BCCI, the matter is expected to be resolved but the government decision to impose 21 per cent

STAR SPORTS BAGS CA RIGHTS Cricbuzz has learnt that Star Sports has wrested back the media rights of the Cricket Australia (CA) for the next four years. The agreement, with a provision to extend the deal by four more years, is believed to have been signed by the parties.

Sony are the current holders of the Australia cricket rights.

A CA spokesman refused comment saying, “Nothing we can say on the record on that at the moment. I’ll let you know if that changes.” The agreement, for both TV and digital rights, kicks in from next season.

With this all India games in Australia, the Ashes series and the Big Bash League will be beamed, from next season, on Star, which recently retained the television rights of the highly lucrative IPL. It is also bidding for the ICC rights, (Cricbuzz)

Harden signs two-year, $68.6M extension with Philadelphia 76ers JAMES Harden has officially finalised his deal to stay with Philadelphia 76ers, agreeing to a twoyear, $68.6M contract on Wednesday.

Harden will make $33M for the 2022-23 season and then has the player option for $35.6M in 2023-24. He can decline the option and become a free agent again ahead of the 2023-24 and sign a new deal.

Harden had previously declined his $47.4M player option for this upcoming season from the 76ers, but was set to return to them all along while taking a pay-cut to help the team sign other players with the hopes of building a championship roster.

Thanks in part to his paycut, the 76ers have been able to add P.J. Tucker and Danuel House this off-season, and are expected to contend amongst the best teams in the Eastern Conference with MVP runner-up Joel Embiid and Harden leading the way.

Philadelphia acquired Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in February, and he averaged 21 points 10.5 assists 7.1 rebounds in 21 games with the Sixers, but the team suffered

Philadelphia 76ers James Harden

the same fate as three of the previous four seasons, again losing in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The 76ers have not been past the conference semis since losing to Los Angeles Lakers in the 2001 NBA Finals, and the 32-year-old Harden has never won a title, only reaching the NBA Finals once, in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A 10-time All-Star and 2017-18 NBA MVP, Harden averaged 22 points 10.3 assists 7.7 rebounds in 65 total regular-season games for the 76ers and Nets, missing time due to hamstring issues.

Knee injury rules Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi out of second Test

PAKISTAN fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the second Test against Sri Lanka that begins in Galle on Sunday. The PCB said in a statement that Afridi suffered a knee injury during the fourth day of the first Test that Pakistan won by four wickets.

Afridi had played a key role in Sri Lanka’s first innings in the opening Test, taking 4 for 58 in

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi

14.1 overs to bowl the hosts out for 222.

But he bowled just seven overs in Sri Lanka’s second innings that lasted for 100 overs, and left the field after appearing to be in discomfort on day three.

He will, however, stay back with the Pakistan contingent in Sri Lanka till the end of the Tests “where his initial rehabilitation and management will continue under the supervision of the

team’s medical staff”.

Afridi was initially seen hobbling in the field after a diving effort, and was spotted with an ice pack wrapped around his knee thereafter. He had also undergone an MRI scan in Galle.

Afridi’s absence opens the door for fast bowler Haris Rauf or bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf to make the XI for the second Test, if Pakistan opt for another seamer, despite Galle

providing spin-friendly conditions. Afridi’s injury also delays his bid to become the 11th Pakistan seam bowler to take 100 Test wickets. He is currently on 99 scalps in the format.

Pakistan’s next commitment is a three-match ODI series in the Netherlands starting August 16, after which the Asia Cup T20 competition is scheduled to be held later that month. It is still unclear whether Afridi’s

injury is serious enough to put his participation for those games in jeopardy.

Sri Lanka have injury concerns of their own too ahead of the final Test of the series, that is also part of the World Test Championship. Yesteray, it was learnt that off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana was ruled out of the second Test with a finger injury. (Cricinfo)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Sadio Mane named African Footballer of Year in memorable night for Senegal

SENEGAL’s Sadio Mane was crowned African Footballer of the Year for the second time running at a Confederation of African Football (Caf) awards ceremony in the Moroccan capital Rabat.

Mane scored the winning penalty as Senegal beat Egypt in a shootout in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations final to lift the trophy for the first time.

The awards returned for the first time in three years after being suspended by the coronavirus pandemic, with Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala also retaining the award she won in 2019.

“I am very, very happy to receive the trophy this year,” Mane, 30, said as he collected his prize.

Sadio Mane scored three goals at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations - and the winning penalty in the final shootout - as Senegal won their first continental title

Barcelona were beaten in the Women’s Champions League final but Oshoala helped the side win the Spanish title and the Copa de la Reina

Mane beat compatriot and Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy as well as former Liverpool team-mate Salah, whose Egypt side lost February’s final.

“I thank the Senegalese people - and dedicate this trophy to the youth of my country,” Mane added.

Mane’s prize was one of five picked up by Senegal in a total of seven men’s categories after a night to remember for the West African nation.

Long-standing Senegalese boss Aliou Cisse won coach of the year, with his side named men’s team of the year, while Pape Sarr was named young player of the year and another Senegalese, Pape Ousmane Sakho, won best goal for his overhead kick for Tanzanian side Simba.

“We waited a long time for this Nations Cup,” said Augustin Senghor, the president of Senegal’s football federation. “We are a good example to all those teams who have not yet won (the tournament).”

Sarr, who appeared just once during Senegal’s historic Nations Cup triumph, won an award previously lifted by Salah himself after his season on loan with French side Metz, so edging out Red Bull Salzburg’s Ivorian Karim Konate and Manchester United’s Tunisian Hannibal Mejbri.

A host of African football legends such as Daniel Amokachi, Lucas Radebe, Jay-Jay Okocha, Geremi Njitap and Senegalese

duo El Hadji Diouf and Khalilou Fadiga - who celebrated on stage with Mane - were in attendance for the awards at the Mohamed VI complex.

African and Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca took the club of the year prize for the second time in a row, while Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, whose Nations Cup ended early because of injury, was named the Interclub Player of the year.

Inaugural women’s awards After a stellar season in which she won Spain’s Pichichi award for the top scorer, Oshoala became the first player to win five women’s awards, having previously shared eight with compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha.

She was voted ahead of Cameroon’s Inter Milan player Ajara Nchout Njoya and Grace Chanda, whose Zambia side qualified for the Women’s World Cup for the first time earlier this month.

“I don’t know where to start it’s a record-breaking night for me, as an individual and for Africa as a whole - I’ve got five today, five!”

Oshoala exclaimed.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career. 2021-22 season was really tough for me as an individual, and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has stood by me. “ If you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback and what comeback means,” said a

player who managed her scoring feats despite a lengthy spell out with injury.

Oshoala dedicated her award to Nigeria’s Super Falcons, praising the players for the heart they showed when losing Monday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semi-final on penalties despite playing nearly an hour with only nine players.

South Africa coach Desiree Ellis was named women’s coach of the year for the third time in a row, after previous successes in 2018 and 2019.

One of just three women’s coaches at a Wafcon featuring 12 sides for the first time, Ellis - whose side can win the trophy for the first time on Saturday dedicated her award to her fellow female coaches.

The women’s team of the year will be announced after Saturday’s final, when Banyana Banyana will meet hosts Morocco in a final whose attendance is expected to beat the record 45,000 set on Monday night.

The last twelve months have proved historic for women’s football in Africa, with the inaugural African Champions League taking place in late 2021 - with winners Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa named club of the year.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Evelyn Badu - who was with Hasaacas Ladies before moving to Norway - took both the young player and first interclub player award.

(BBC Sport)

John McEnroe calls on officials to let Djokovic play at US Open

JOHN McEnroe has described Novak Djokovic’s probable ban from the US Open as ‘crazy’, as he suggested the Wimbledon champion should be allowed to enter America.

Speaking to Tennis365 at an event to promote his new movie McEnroe, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion hit out at the US government for insisting all visitors to the country need to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic has made it clear that he won’t bow to that demand, which will almost certainly rule him out of the final major championship of the year.

Yet McEnroe has renewed his calls for Djokovic to be allowed into the country to play at Flushing Meadows, as he backed up his comments from earlier this month with a fresh statement to Tennis365.

“I mean, we have to find a way to get Novak into the US Open,” he told us. “How can he not be there? He has just won Wimbledon, he is a great champion and he should be in the US Open.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic

“I don’t agree with his decision not to get vaccinated, but I respect it. He is one of the fittest guys in the world and everything he puts into his body, he is watching carefully.

“Now we are saying that because of his choice, he can’t play at the US Open. I mean, come on. He has already been deported from Australia for the same reason and here we are again.

“I hope someone finds a way to sort this out. It’s crazy that Novak misses the US Open at this stage.”

Djokovic is on the provi-

sional entry list for next month’s Canadian Open, Cincinnati Master and US Open, even though organisers at all three events have confirmed Djokovic will not play at their events unless he takes a COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that more than 12 000 people have signed an online petition on change.org calling for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the US government to allow Novak Djokovic to compete in the US Open.

Currently, the 21-time grand slam champion is unable to enter the country due to rules that require travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“There is absolutely no reason at this stage of the pandemic to not allow Djokovic to play at the US Open 2022. US Government and USTA must work together to allow him to play. If unvaccinated American players can play, Djokovic as one of the legends of the game must be allowed to play.

MAKE IT HAPPEN, USTA!” the petition said. (Yahoo Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Denmark’s Vingegaard extends Tour lead with stage 18 victory

DENMARK’S Jonas Vingegaard is one step closer to winning the 2022 Tour de France after he extended his overall lead with a stunning stage-18 victory.

Defending champion Tadej Pogacar finished second, one minute and four seconds behind, after being dropped on the final climb on the Hautacam.

In a brilliant act of sportsmanship earlier in the race, Vingegaard, 25, waited for and

Jonas Vingegaard finished second to Tadej Pogacar at the 2021 Tour de France

shook hands with Pogacar after the Slovenian rider crashed.

He leads overall by three mins 26 secs.

“It’s incredible,” Vingegaard said. “This morning I said to my girlfriend and my daughter I wanted to win for them and I did. I’m really happy and proud.

This one is for my two girls at home.”

He added: “I was just happy that it finally ended. It was incredibly hard. Of course I am incredibly happy that I won the stage.

“There are two more days to come until we are in Paris and

we must stay focused.”

Britain’s Geraint Thomas finished fourth - behind Vingegaard’s Jumbo Visma teammate Wout van Aert who helped distance Pogacar inside the final five kilometres - to stay third in the general classification.

Thomas, the 2018 winner, required a bike change on the final ascent but holds a lead of 3:05 over France’s David Gaudu, whom he finished four seconds ahead of yesterday.

The final mountain test of the Tour - a 143km route from Lourdes to Hautacam - included two hors category ascents, with the Col d’Aubisque coming before the final climb to the iconic finish at Hautacam.

Pogacar, 23, launched several attacks on Vingegaard on the Col de Spandelles, which separated the day’s two major climbs, but on each occasion the yellow jersey was equal to his efforts. (BBC Sport)

Internationally acclaimed horse racing commentator for Guyana Cup

THE Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has contracted the services of the internationally acclaimed horseracing commentator Nic Chadee.

The Trinidadian has a broad career spanning over 23 years in horseracing, holding the positions of commentator and administrator. His formal training was received from the legendary track announcer Tom Durkin at Belmont Park in New York and has been a guest announcer at the Ellis Park Kentucky, Caymanas Park Jamaica and Royal St Lucia Turf Club.

A track announcer is an integral part of Horseracing and the overall race experience. The track announcer is the equivalent of a sportscaster who you can hear or see on TV, radio, or live at the track. His function is to describe the progress of a race, either for on-track or radio and TV fans. Each commentator is given a list of each day’s entrants for each race, for example, the horses’ names, numbers, the jockeys’ names, colours, owners’ names and trainers’ names, etc.

Then it’s a matter of practice and experience to keep all that information available, while the race is being run. Mostly, the commentators use the horses’ names only during a race - that is pretty much all that

International Horseracing commentator Nic Chadee

the bettors are interested in.

Each racehorse has a fairly large number attached to either the side of the saddle or a bit further up closer to the reins. These numbers are given to the visitors at horse races on a script, most likely giving the horse’s name and how adept he is at racing or which position he won on his last race.

The entire structure and execution of the Guyana Cup races are paramount to the JJTRC for 2022. Countless man hours are being put in to ensure there are no hiccups that will in turn set the wrong president for future racing events.

When contacted Mr Chadee outlined, “I have been an announcer in horseracing in Guyana for over 10 racing events.

No stranger to the Guyana Cup, my experience has been nothing short of exciting. This year the buzz around Guyana Cup has been tremendous and I am honoured to host such a prestigious event for the JJTRC and by extension Guyana.

The thousands of screaming voices is what actually fuels my drive and enthusiasm on race day.

Because of the two-year gap in racing, patrons have been starving and now the wait is over. I intend to offer my administrative assistance to ensure horse owners, groomers, jockeys and the fans receive the best Guyana Cup ever.”

The journey continues to the biggest Horse Racing Event in the Caribbean carded for Sunday August 14, at the Rising Sun Turf Club. Over G$30M in cash and prizes are to be won, so this year the competition is expected to be stiff.

The organisers are saying, ‘Get there before noon to avoid the rush and remember indoor parking is available for over 1 000 cars. Let’s all join together for this spectacular presentation, Guyana Cup 2022.

This event was made possible through our title sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponsors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, S. Jagmohan, A&R Security, Vals Construction, Forrester Lumber Yard, Air Services, Kings Jewellery World, K&P Project Management, JS Guyana, Aronco, Auto Toy Store, BM Soat, Club Neutral, Japarts, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

Jeruto storms to world steeplechase gold, Feng claims discus title

Gold medallist China’s Feng Bin celebrates winning the women’s discus throw final (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

(AFP) - Kenyan-born Norah Jeruto won world gold for Kazakhstan in the women’s 3 000m steeplechase on Wednesday while China’s Feng Bin threw a massive personal best to claim the discus title.

While day five of action at Hayward Field featured only two finals, South African heavyweights Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk were trackside along with 400m hurdles stars Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad in a series of high-calibre heats and semi-finals.

Jeruto clocked the third fastest time in history and a championship record of 8min 53.02sec for the steeplechase victory in Eugene, with Ethiopian Werkuha Getachew claiming silver in a national record of 8:54.61.

A second Ethiopian, Mekides Abebe, made the most of a mistake by Kenya-born Bahraini Winfred Mutile Yavi on the final water barrier, to snatch bronze (8:56.08).

The discus was all but over after the first round as Feng threw 69.12m on her opening visit to the ring, improving by more than

three metres her previous best of 66.00m set in Beijing in April.

Croatia’s Sandra Perkovic, a two-time Olympic champion and also twice a world gold medallist, claimed silver with 68.45m.

American Valarie Allman, who won Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, took bronze with 68.30m.

Semenya’s first appearance in a world championships in five years saw the controversy-mired South African fail to qualify for the women’s 5000m finals.

‘COOKING’ CASTER In roasting mid-afternoon temperatures, the twotime Olympic gold medallist finished 13th in the first of two rounds in 15:46.12, more than 45 secs off the 15th and final qualifying place.

“Cooking!” said Semenya, who was forced to switch from her favoured 800m (in which she is also a former three-time champion) to the longer event due to gender eligibility rules that required her to take testosterone-reducing drugs to compete in races between 400m to a mile post-race.

Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto celebrates after winning the women’s 3 000 metres steeplechase final (REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel)

“It was hot, I could not keep up with the pace, I tried to stick as much as I can, but you know, it is a part of the game.

“I think it is great to be able to run here,” she added.

“Just being able to finish the 5k, for me it is a blessing. I am learning and I am willing to learn even more.”

Her time was far off the heat-winning 14:52.64 set

by Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay, fresh from her silver in the 1500m.

Semenya’s teammate Wayde van Niekerk qualified for the final of the men’s 400m after finishing second in his semi-final in 44.75sec van Niekerk set the world record of 43.03secs when winning Olympic gold in Rio, but then sustained a nasty knee injury that saw him sit out track for three years.

“It is the challenge of doing this 400m and not having as many races in my legs as I would love to have by now,” he acknowledged.

“But I made it through and I felt comfortable for the majority of the race. So it is about recovering now and getting ready for the final.” van Niekerk added: “It is

a learning process in every race. I am listening to my body and executing that way.

“It has been a challenging three years and now, I just want to come out and do my best. I need to be back with every step I take to be able to challenge my record.”

US one-lap medal hope Michael Norman topped qualifying times for what should be an ultra-competitive final on Friday.

Elsewhere, Sydney McLaughlin underscored her status as favourite to add a world gold to her Olympic 400m hurdles crown as she motored into a final showdown with USA team-mate and defending champion Dalilah Muhammad.

It’s going to be a great race, I know that for sure,” said McLaughlin.

Finally, there was bad news for the US men’s 4x100m relay team as newly-crowned 100m champion Fred Kerley was ruled out of action.

Kerley was diagnosed with a “slight injury to his quad” in the semi-finals of the 200m, from which he failed to advance.

Rain again curtails Regional U-17 tournament TWO rounds into the Regional Boys’ Under-17 and there is still no play due to the rain after round two was washed out yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Guyana were scheduled to play the hosts at Powergen, after no action on Tuesday against Barbados.

The Guyanese, who are in search of their first title at this level, will hope for action tomorrow when they face Jamaica at Inshan Ali Park from 09:30hrs.

The tournament runs from Tuesday July 19 to Wednesday July 28. During their time in the tournament

Jaguar Bonds signs contract extension at Cheltenham

the players will also get the golden opportunity to watch a match in the CG United ODI Series between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Guyana: Alvin Mohabir (captain), Jadon Campbell, Golcharran Chulai, Romeo Deonar-

ine, Mavendra Dindyal, Sasnarine Haricharan, Zachary Jodah, Kevin Kisten, Anthony Khan, Nityanand Mathura, Rampertab Ramnauth, Dillon Ramsaroop, Jonathan van Lange, Bruce Vincent; Garvin Nedd (head coach)

Guyana international Elliot Bonds

LONDON, (CMC) – Guyana international Elliot Bonds has signed a two-year contract extension with English League One club Cheltenham Town.

The 22-year-old London-born midfielder had 12 months remaining on his previous deal and will now remain with the Robins until the summer of 2025.

Bonds featured 23 times in League One last season, having also spent time on loan at sixth-tier National League North side Kidderminster Harriers as he regained fitness after 11 months out with a knee injury.

“It’s pleasing to see the club value me,” Bonds, who made his debut for the Jaguars in 2018, told the club’s website.

“Due to the injuries, I’ve never really had that security. Now it’s down to myself to put the work in on the pitch.”

Bonds, who initially joined the Robins on loan from Hull City in the summer of 2020 before he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament against Scunthorpe United, is the first Cheltenham player contracted to 2025, with club captain Sean Long, Ben Williams, Ellis Chapman, Alfie May, George Lloyd and summer arrival Dan Adshead all tied down until 2024.

Cheltenham begins the new season on July 30 with a home game against Peterborough United.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 22, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Nicholas Pooran-73 (2) Tamin Iqbal-50* & Liton Das-50 Today’s Quiz: (1) What were the best bowling figures in a single game by a WI in the rent ODI series against Bangladesh?

(2) What were the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi bowler?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

GFF, Guyana Beverages, Ministry of Sport partner for youth Futsal clinics

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) joined forces with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Guyana Beverages Inc. on Wednesday to launch the GFF Kool Kidz Summer Futsal Festival to inspire more girls and boys to play football.

The free-to-attend festival for children aged 6-11 years will take place over six consecutive Saturdays throughout the school summer holidays from 09:00hrs. until 12:00hrs at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall ..

“The GFF and Guyana Beverage Inc. have had an enduring partnership,” said GFF president Wayne Forde. “Their investment in youth football and the young people of this nation sets a resounding example as a corporate partner.”

“My hope is that, over the next six weeks, more parents will bring their young boys and girls out here to the sports hall to experience an early introduction to the fun aspects of football,” Forde added, expressing his gratitude to the Government of Guyana for “coming on board” for the new programme.

Samuel Arjoon, General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc. and Guyana Football Federation president Wayne Forde in the presence of Minister Charles Ramson Jr and the young attendees of the camp at the National Gymnasium

Samuel Arjoon, General Manager at Guyana Beverages Inc., said it was a “great pleasure” for his organisation to partner with GFF and the government.

“To see this Futsal summer programme become a reality gives great pleasure to our organisation because one of

our core values is the development of human potential,” Arjoon said. “We believe that each Guyanese should have an opportunity to realise his/her own potential.”

Minister of Caulture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, underlined the importance of partnerships

Jamaica’s Drew Spence (left) and Canada’s Jayde Riviere vie for the ball during their 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship match at the Universitario Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, Thursday, July 14 (Photos: AFP)

as well.

CONCACAF also said the Reggae Girlz were on their way to their second straight World Cup thanks, in part, to English-born Jamaican professional footballer Spence.

The 29-year-old “led the tournament with an eye-popping 15 steals”, and also had three clearances on top of a goal and an assist.

The French-speaking Caribbean nation of Haiti, whom Jamaica beat

EUGENE, Oregon (CMC) – Grenadian Kirani James remained on course for a third World Championship medal when he produced a strong performance to lead three Caribbean runners into today’s final of the men’s 400 metres.

The 29-year-old, a former World champion, clocked 44.74 seconds to win semi-final two at Hayward Field here Wednesday night, while Jamaican Chris Taylor qualified with a season-best 44.97 after finishing third in the opening semi-final.

Barbadian Jonathan Jones was also third in semi-final three in 44.78 to book his berth in the title race as well.

Running out of lane three, James timed his effort well, and led comfortably over the last 100 metres to finish ahead of Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori (44.94).

“There is a lot of talented guys out there. I am just happy to be back in the moment,” said James, World champion in Daegu 11 years ago.

Jamaican Nathon Allen pulled up in lane eight and hobbled

between policymakers, the private sector and sports organisations in developing the nation’s talent: “Partnerships are built on trust - and that is one of the things we’ve done with the GFF. The fundamental premise of trust is knowing that we are all moving in the same direction.”

Reggae Girlz duo among CONCACAF Championship Best XI

MONTERREY, Mexico (CMC) – While they did not walk away with official awards, Reggae Girlz forward, Khadija Shaw, and midfielder Drew Spence have been named in the Best XI of the just concluded CONCACAF Women’s Championship.

CONCACAF on Tuesday identified the two among 11 players who stood out the most in their respective positions.

Shaw, 25, notched three goals from 14 shots during the tournament to help Jamaica qualify for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the Olympic play-in versus Canada.

She collected three steals

Grenadian James, Bahamian MillerUibo surge into 400m finals

to secure a World Cup berth, were also represented in the Best XI in 18-year-old midfielder Melchie Dumornay.

She was a headache for the opposing defence during Haiti’s campaign – which included a first-ever CWC victory against Mexico (3-0) – with five steals and two clearances while completing almost 82 per cent of her passes.

Her playmaking led to a penalty in Haiti’s opener versus the United States while against Mexico she completed 30 of 31 passes.

The teenager was also the recipient of an official award – the Young Player Award.

Former world champion Grenadian Kirani James

off the track.

American Michael Norman captured the opening semi-final in 44.30 while countryman Champion Allison was timed at 44.71 in winning the third semi-final.

In the women’s equivalent on day six of the championships in the Pacific Northwest, double Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of The Bahamas maintained her quest for a first-ever World Championships gold when she qualified fastest for today’s finals.

The 28-year-old, who claimed silver last time in Doha, sped to a season-best 49.55 to win semi-final one with Jamaican Candice McLeod also clocking a season-best 50.05 to be second.

Jamaican Stephenie-Ann McPherson also qualified for the final when she finished third in semi-final two in 50.56 while Barbadian Sada Williams also joined her by coming home second in the third semi-final in a season-best 50.12.

Guyana’s Aliyah Abrams (51.79), Cuban Roxana Gómez (51.12) and Jamaican Charokee Young (51.41) all missed out.

In the women’s 400 metres hurdles, of the three Jamaicans reaching the semi-finals only Rushell Clayton managed to reach today’s finals when she finished third in semi-final two in 53.63.

Her teammates Janieve Russell (54.66) and Shiann Salmon (54.16) both failed to qualify after finishing third in semi-final one and semi-final three respectively.

The lone Caribbean representative in the men’s 800 metres heats never made it to the penultimate round, Jamaican Navasky Anderson slumping to seventh in heat three in one minute 48.37 seconds.

Yesterday’s day seven was headlined by the finals of the men and women’s 200 metres finals where several Caribbean sprinters were involved.

The Jamaican trio of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, who swept the podium places in the women’s 100 metres, are once again favoured in the half lap while Trinidadian Jereem Richards is the Caribbean’s lone representative in the men’s equivalent.

The semi-finals get underway at 19:35hrs (22:35hrs Eastern Caribbean time).

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 22, 2022

First ODI at Queen’s Park Oval …

Failing Windies face huge challenge against India today STORY ON PAGE 22

Top all-rounder Jason Holder has returned for the series

Skipper Pooran eager to see Shimron Hetmyer back in Windies squad

India will be led by Shikar Dhawan

Fraser-Pryce blasts ‘crazy’ championships schedule

STORY ON PAGE 22

Shimron Hetmyer is training with the West Windies squad in Trinidad and Tobago THE West Indies will face India today in the first of three ODIs in Trinidad and Tobago but they will be without one player that captain Nicolas Pooran would dearly like to see taking the field sometime soon.

Shimron Hetmyer, who has not played for the West Indies since November 2021, has been training with the squad but according to the Windies’ white-ball captain, the Guyanese middle-order batter still has a lot of work to do on his fitness before he can suit up once again.

“He is here doing a lot of work on his fitness and that is really nice to see the effort that he has been putting in,” Pooran said during a media session yesterday.

“He wants to play for the West Indies and trainers and coaches (are) working with him, so expect to see him sooner than later.

“I have full confidence that he will be putting on the maroon colours again. He has a fitness test to pass shortly, so he is preparing himself for that.” (Sportmax)

Five-time World Athletics Championships 100m gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Sadio Mane named African Footballer of Year in memorable night for Senegal Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

STORY ON PAGE 24

| FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022