Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-01-2022

TUESDAY 25th JANUARY, 2022

' No.106615

Parliamentary appointments committee to select nominees for NRF governance bodies

Net-Zero emissions –– a development priority for by 2050 the Region, says President Ali Eight Opposition MPs to face Privileges Committee

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— cannot be abstract of food security, economic growth and national prosperity 03 PAGE

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

Civic organisations praise gov’t 08 receptiveness during budget consultations PAGE

MP Sherod Duncan

MP Christopher Jones

Opposition MP Natasha Singh-Lewis

Opposition MP Anette Ferguson

‘Ryan’ pleads guilty to 2016 Black Bush 15 triple murder PAGE

Opposition MP Vinceroy Jordan

Opposition MP, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul

Opposition MP Maureen Philadelphia

Eight Opposition MPs to face Privileges Committee

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 25, 2022

–– in the pipeline for Region Two, with plans to declare region a special development zone EIGHT A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Members of Parliament (MPs) will have to face the Committee of Privileges for their unruly conduct during the December 29, 2021 sitting of the National Assembly.

Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, and other Opposition MPs, namely Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Ganesh Mahipaul and Maureen Philadelphia were referred to the Privileges Committee following the passage of a motion on the matter tabled

by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, in the National Assembly on Monday.

On December 29, in a bid to defend the landmark Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Bill, which has since been passed and assented to by President Dr Irfaan Ali, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, was interrupted by what was referred to as the unparliamentary actions

of members of the Opposition.

The second reading of the bill was objected to by Jones, who asked that the bill be sent to a Special Select Committee.

But Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, then responded to say that he prefers listening to the arguments on both sides, before determining whether or not the bill should be sent to a select committee.

Minister Singh then took to the podium, but his presentation was interrupted by members of the APNU+AFC Opposition, who kept banging on their desks and chanting demeaning words about the bill.

The uproar continued for several minutes, even as Minister Singh pressed ahead with his presentation.

The protest from the Opposition grew, as the Opposition MPs, armed with placards, converged at the centre floor of the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where the National Assembly is being held.

Ferguson went a step further to steal the Speaker’s Mace; she was immediately joined by some of her other

colleagues. This unprecedented act was foiled by a young 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.

VERBAL ABUSE A video posted on social media shows one of the Opposition parliamentarians verbally abusing the young man, using racial slurs.

Further, MP Sarabo-Halley also attempted to interrupt the operations of the House by purportedly infiltrating the Parliament’s control room and tampering with equipment which controls audio and video.

Rising on Monday to table her motion and condemn the acts of the Opposition MPs, Minister Teixeira told the House: “Evidence is recorded and cannot be erased or forgotten. Of special note, the space between the Government and the Opposition side is considered the safe space and any entrance without permission is interpreted as an act of aggression

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and a threat to safety of the Members of Parliament.”

She went on to say: “This we saw through the Opposition members unmasked… these events which transpired in the House: the damage to the Mace, the deliberate damage to the equipment at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre’s control and communications room, the assault on a staff, repeated disregard for the Speaker and the authority of the Assembly, require stern measures.”

The motion tabled by Minister Teixeira outlines the specific actions of each Opposition parliamentarian and recommends that the matter be treated with the highest level of seriousness and with alacrity.

She reminded the House that the Speaker, by virtue of Standing Order 37, 1-10, holds the authority to “deal with” disorderly members of the National Assembly.

Considering the magnitude of the issue, Minister Teixeira called on the Committee of Privileges to address the matter within one month.

Net-Zero emissions by 2050

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 25, 2022

–– a development priority for the Region, says President Ali

— cannot be abstract of food security, economic growth and national prosperity

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said that reaching Net-Zero emissions by 2050 is essential for development of the Region, but it would only be possible if the global system rectifies its inherent disparities and unevenness.

In his keynote address to over 300 participants at the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference 2022, the President said that achieving the target is imperative to the survival of the planet, but more so for Small Island Developing States and Low-lying Coastal Nations.

“We should not be asking ourselves whether we can achieve Net Zero by 2050, but whether we can afford not to. The scientific community has made its predictions: life on the planet will become perilous should the rise in global temperatures not be checked. The target of Net-Zero by 2050 is therefore imperative for the survival of the planet.”

The three-day conference, hosted by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, is themed “Can we achieve Net Zero by 2050”?

According to the President, it is relevant and timely because it allows the Region to discuss the critical questions and to come up with needed solutions.

“As all global leaders agree, the big question is how can this be achieved? Is the capital available? Is investment available?

Is the technology available? Are the costs affordable? Beyond the pledges, are commitments being kept?”

He emphasised that achieving Net Zero cannot be abstract of food security, good social services, economic growth and national prosperity.

He noted, too, that nations also need to be prepared to address developmental gaps, global inequality and disparities, and uneven trade relations, as all these factors are hindrances in achieving the target.

COUNTRIES’ READINESS AS MEASURED BY COVID-19 RESPONSES President Ali called on the participants to reflect on their readiness to respond in the wake of “death and economic destruction,” as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed to “vaccine diplomacy, disparity, inequality” and the effects on “people in low-income countries.”

“Here is an example of the results so far; 62.1 per cent of the global population is now vaccinated with at least one dose, but guess what? Only 9.5 per cent of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose. The question is, why? And the answer, you all know it.”

He said that whilst these very countries must invest to achieve this global target, they must also survive and meet their immediate needs.

“This recent test of global resolve did not give much hope.”

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY The President pointed out that as much as Small-Island Developing States and the Low-lying Coastal States are not major contributors to climate change, the threats posed by the effects of climate change to the lives and livelihoods of their peoples are of serious concern.

He said that failure to address the global environmental crisis questions, in tandem with other developmental challenges, will be a recipe for setbacks.

Given this reality, the Head of State posed key questions for consideration: is our forest resource vworth more standing or dead? And if countries agree it is not only worth more but essential in achieving the Net-Zero target, is the world willing to pay the value of keeping it alive?

Secondly, with regard to the Blue Economy, how important it is to achieve this target? And if we all agree, how willing are we to monetise its value?

On the final point, President Ali said that while there are many examples in ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental services that are all critical in alternative revenue streams, key to achieving Net Zero, the question is the same, is the market ready to pay?

“After all, survival requires resources, and if we value the survival of the planet, we must value the importance of these services and incentivise the world to safeguard these in achieving Net- Zero.”

IMPORTANCE OF LCDS In the area of energy security, the Head of State said that we cannot reduce energy generation in the near or medium-term, since it will impact negatively on economic growth and prosperity.

It is therefore important, he noted, to ensure that energy security by diversifying generation more towards cleaner sources.

President Ali assured conference participants that energy security remains central to Guyana’s plans for Net-Zero by 2050.

However, he stressed that environmental sustainability is not founded solely on energy security. He reminded participants that Guyana was among the first regional economies to develop a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS); the agreement provided a model of how a country can sustainably manage its forests and secure payments in return.

The LCDS, he added, is being expanded to include the provision of environmental services, the protection of biodiversity and water resources, the development of marine economy and the promotion of climate resilience. The enhanced LCDS would allow Guyana to further decarbo-

President Dr Irfaan Ali nise onshore economic activities, thereby further reducing carbon emissions.

He said that Guyana is also committed to the wider goal of energy security for the countries of the northern cone of South America: Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.

“Just last Thursday, I, met with the presidents of Brazil and Suriname, and we agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the development of an energy corridor linking our respective states.”

Guyana, he reiterated, will remain a strong advocate for greater international cooperation to reverse the adverse effects of climate change. And it will lead through not only its advocacy, but also through its example. (Office of the President)

Investigation launched into non-payment to Turkish national by local company THE Ministry of Labour said it has taken swift action to investigate a report of a local business refusing to pay a Turkish citizen, a former employee.

Over the weekend, reports began circulating about a Turkish man, Emre Kiremit, who was brought to Guyana by the company to work as its technical manager.

According to the reports, Kiremit was recently fired with large sums of salary payments still owed him and he was being

“forcibly” sent back to his country, further preventing him from recovering the monies owed.

The ministry in a release said that after seeing the reports, it immediately began an investigation into the matter.

“The ministry, adamant to come to a quick resolution, accommodated Kiremit at our Lot 82 Brickdam Street head office today [Monday], where he officially lodged his complaint, a step necessary for a thorough

investigation. Following, his interaction with our labour officers, he was invited to visit the ministry yet again on Wednesday, where [sic] a meeting will occur between him, the Chief Labour Officer, Mr Dhaneshwar Deonarine and the senior management of the company.

“The Honourable Minister of Labour, Mr Joseph Hamilton, has also affirmed that the company will be asked to present documentation to prove that Kiremit was paid in keeping with his contractual arrangements and failure

to do so can result in the matter being taken to court,” the release said.

The Ministry of Labour is tasked with ensuring that all workers in Guyana, both local and foreign, are treated fairly in accordance with the labour laws.

As such, the ministry said that this thorough investigation will be conducted to reveal the circumstances surrounding Kiremit’s allegations and bring an amicable resolution to his grievance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Parliamentary appointments committee to select nominees for NRF governance bodies

AS part of efforts to chart a pathway to the sustainable and transparent management of Guyana’s oil and gas revenues, the National Assembly has approved a motion which entrusts the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments with the task of selecting nominees for two major Natural Resources Fund (NRF) governance bodies.

The motion, which was tabled in the House by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, recommended that the appointments committee identify two suitable nominees for the

NRF’s Board of Directors and the Public Accountability and Oversight committee.

This next stage of selecting persons to govern the revenues in a transparent manner follows the enactment of the 2021 Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Bill, after it was passed by the National Assembly on December 29, 2021, amid massive uproar from the main A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Opposition.

The 2021 Bill essentially replaces the “inadequate” NRF Act, which was “rushed through” the National Assembly in January of 2019, by a “defunct” APNU+AFC Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

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government, which was already toppled with the passage of a no-confidence motion in December 2018. The 2019 legislation did not benefit from the input of then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition.

Unlike the old legislation, aside from a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, the new Act also allows for management of the NRF by a Board of Directors, which will be responsible for reviewing and approving the policies of the fund and monitoring its performance, thereby completely separating the management of the fund from the minister responsible for finance.

According to Part III of the new Act, governance and management of the fund shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial business or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector.

In defending the government’s decision to introduce those new measures of governance, Dr. Singh reminded the National Assembly that the old Act, in addition to giving the Minister of Finance exclusive and far-reaching powers, used a complex formula to calculate how much could be withdrawn from the fund.

Further, the 2019 NRF Act stipulated the establishment of a “cumbersome” 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which was designed for deadlock Minister Singh also reminded the Speaker and the National Assembly that the PPP/C Government had indicated once it entered office that unless those “fatal flaws” are fixed, not a cent will be drawn from the Natural Resource Fund. Currently, there is US$607 million in the fund, which is housed at the US Federal Reserve Bank.

Dr. Singh said that where the Minister of Finance had unlimited powers, those powers have been removed as a result of the PPP/C Government’s NRF Act.

“Where there was no Board of Directors in the APNU+AFC’s Act 2019, under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s there will now be a Board of Directors,” the senior minister said.

He added that the government was clear in its intention to ensure that there was full transparency and accountability in terms of transfer of funds from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund, as this process would be fully scrutinised by the National Assembly.

“Sir, the Natural Resource Fund belongs to the people of Guyana. The people of Guyana own this fund and the people of Guyana must understand the basis on which the amount to be transferred from the fund is calculated,” he added, noting that in the old Act, this calculation was not established.

In referencing the various criticisms of the new NRF Act, Minister Singh said: “In all this hullabaloo, one feature is striking; not a single soul has proffered or ventured a number (formula) to represent what would have been transferred under the APNU+AFC’s Natural Resource Fund Act.” He said that the answer was simple, as it would have been “one man” who would have done so.

“We have written it in the law that every single cent be transferred to the Consolidated Fund, that nothing can be transferred from the Fund to the Consolidated Fund unless it is scrutinised by the National Assembly,” Dr. Singh reiterated.

He added: “They made a big fuss about the President appointing members to the Board, but none of them had a problem with the minister [Finance Minister] being appointed by the President having all the powers in the Act, but they have a problem with the President appointing five persons to the Board.

“This President has a mandate by the people of Guyana to govern ….and on top of that sir, the fact that the Board has a nominee of the National Assembly… that sir is an even further positive architecture in the new Act.”

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House approves Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

THE Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill 2021 was passed in the National Assembly on Monday. The bill provides the legal framework for removal of human organs, tissues, cells and biofluids for transplantation and blood transfusion.

The bill states that such transplantations are to be used in regenerative medicine including cell therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy and other therapeutic purposes; for medical education and for scientific research purposes including stem cell research, cell explant research and cell line research and for connected matters.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony told the National Assembly that doctors in Guyana have been transplanting solid organs since 2008, but without any legal governance structure.

“While we have transfused blood for several decades and we have been transplanting kidneys since 2008 and we have been transplanting corneas since 2014, there has been no legal framework in place to regulate the donation of blood, organs, cells or tissues. This legislation is now going to put that framework in place, so that this can be done ethically and safely and in keeping with the global best practices.”

Dr Anthony, who labelled the bill as one of the most advanced pieces of legislation in regenerative tissues and human organs, tissues and cells transplantation in the Region, posited that it is in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guiding principles on humanorgan transplantations.

Now that the bill has been passed, a National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency must be established.

This agency, which will be responsible for

management of the removal, donation and transfer of human organs to patients, in need.

It will also coordinate with hospitals permitted to conduct the surgeries, to establish the operating procedures.

The agency will be saddled with the task of public education campaigns related to consent for the donation and use of organs.

The agency will be headed by a chairperson appointed by the Minister of Health and will include the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chairperson of the Medical Council.

Added to that, there will also be the creation of a National Blood Transfusion Services Department.

“They will be responsible for the establishment of blood banks, manufacturing various blood products for blood transfusion and managing a voluntary donation system and having a robust approach to prevent transfusion- transmitted infections,” the minister noted.

EYE BANK Also, as Guyana has been conducting cornea

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transplants at both public and private hospitals, the bill paves the way for the establishment of a local Eye Bank that will ease the coordination of donation of the vital organ.

“This local Eye Bank would recover and store ocular tissue from donors for transplant to eligible recipients. This measure will assist hundreds of persons in regaining their sight at very affordable costs.”

The bill will now allow scientists, researchers and clinicians to start researching and exploiting the benefits of regenerative medicine, Dr Anthony told the National Assembly.

“When this is achieved Mr Speaker, no immunosuppression would be needed; no waiting lists would be necessary; no preservation of organs would be required, as these organs tissue ourselves would be manufactured on demand, and implanted immediately.”

While there were little objections from the main parliamentary Opposition, support was given by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony Nandlall, S.C. Minister Nandlall noted that, contrary to the rhetoric of the Opposition, the bill has a series of protective mechanisms.

The Attorney-General also noted that the modern and comprehensive bill will

remain fluid and will be amended as newer technology becomes available.

Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, affirmed that the bill is multifaceted as it seeks to penalise persons who attempt to sell organs.

He, too, believes that the objections made by the Opposition are spurious.

“This bill includes all that needs to be done including penalties, Mr. Speaker, including the deterrence to organ transplantation tourism, for example, including those who might want to go down the road of selling organs and so it has all of that encapsulated here Mr. Speaker, so I have no hesitation Mr. Speaker, in supporting. It says five years jail if you’re found guilty. Mr. Speaker, I have no hesitation in supporting this bill.”

Opposition Member of Parliament Lennox Shuman supported the bill in its entirety, while urging that all services that come under its purview be accessible to persons in the hinterland. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 25, 2022

An Economic Miracle

ONE sure indication of rising prosperity is that of rapid and sustained economic growth. The World Bank in its Global Economic Prospects had projected that Guyana’s economy would grow by 49.7 per cent in 2022.

This is nothing short of an economic miracle, especially when seen against the background of economic contraction in several countries in the Region, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 virus.

According to the report, economic growth in the Region is projected to be 7.3 per cent in 2022 and 5.9 per cent in 2023, but much of this is triggered by the high level of growth in the Guyana economy. If one were to discount the impact of growth of the Guyana economy, the growth rate in the Region would be significantly weaker at just around 4.6 per cent in 2022 and 4.2 per cent in 2023.

What all of that means is that Guyana is now a key player in the growth trajectory of the entire Region, which speaks a lot about the visionary leadership and prudent economic management by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his PPP/C admin-

istration. As pointed out by Senior Minister of Finance within the Office of the President, Dr Ashni Singh, much of this economic turnaround is the result of the hard work by the PPP/C administration in the creation of an investor-friendly environment.

This is indeed good news, especially coming at a time when expectations are high among Guyanese of a better quality of life. These are by no means unrealistic expectations as the PPP/C administration is pressing ahead vigorously with its plans to accelerate economic growth, job creation, attracting local and foreign investments and income generation for the benefit of all the people of Guyana.

These developments are all the more significant when seen against the attempted rupture of the democratic process by the previous APNU+AFC administration, which had cast the country in an unfavourable light in terms of investor-confidence and doing business with the country.

In fact, a number of business deals were aborted or put on hold after it became apparent that the APNU+AFC regime was unwilling to abide by the norms of constitutional rule

following its defeat by way of a no-confidence motion, but hang on to power by way of a legal challenge which found its way all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The court upheld the constitutionality of the no-confidence motion, but not after nearly two years of political instability and unconstitutional rule caused by the former APNU+AFC regime.

All of that is now water under the bridge and the PPP is now consolidating the social and economic gains through a number of policy decisions which in effect have allowed for greater disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese by way of tax exemptions, cash grants, financial support to vulnerable individuals, subsidies to pensioners and increased salaries for public servants. The rate of inflation has been largely contained, which means higher real income levels and a consequential bigger basket of goods and services to consumers.

This year’s budget which will be presented by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh will no doubt build on the existing social and economic gains made by the PPP/C administration which has been described by the Finance Minister as ‘historic and

transformational.’ It is the first budget to be partially financed from oil revenues which is likely to become bigger in the coming years.

With a bigger financial envelope, the PPP/C administration will be better positioned to implement several of its manifesto promises and that of the President, who has pledged to utilise the resources of the country to advance the good and well-being of the Guyanese people.

Guyanese are eagerly awaiting what is in store for them in the 2022 budget, even though there are already some hints by both Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh as to what Guyanese can expect. Emphasis is likely to be placed on implementation of the transformational agenda to modernise the country by way of a massive infrastructural programme, creation of new incentives to business and an overall improvement of the standard of living of all Guyanese as articulated by President Ali. The 2022 Budget Estimates will add further impetus to the current growth dynamic which will catapult this country to new and higher levels of prosperity.

Yesu Persaud: an exemplary life well lived IT was the late 60s. Guyana had just achieved political independence in 1966.

Guyanese celebrated the idea that they can now determine their own system of government, choose how they dress and which religion or way of life to follow. But internal struggles surfaced to continue the pre-independence divisions. Academic qualifications and experience took a back seat to party membership which determined employment, promotion, demotion or even dismissal from government departments.

A few “freedom fighters” decided that wearing a tie to work was an unnecessary appendage of the “white masters.” After all, they lived in a cold climate while we reside near the equator and have summer all year long. Why should they impose their cultural dress on us as they did with their religion?

However, with all the zeal of inspector Javert in Victor Hugo’s classic Les Miserables, men and women of all colours threatened government workers from all races that they will be disciplined and would be considered improperly attired if that yoke did not hang around their necks.

Enter Yesu Persaud, who had just qualified and returned from England immaculately clad in a black pin- striped suit with tie and even a black umbrella. The contagious smile was omnipresent. Another Englishman, the boys whispered. It was not long before the “revolutionaries” and their colonial henchmen reached a compromise as suggested by

one who would become a master negotiator.

“Make it optional not compulsory, there will be no need for enforcement and more will comply.” A short while thereafter, all male government workers sported shirt-jacks.

Thomas Paine in his Common Sense described government as a “necessary evil.” It can stifle initiative in any country anywhere on the globe. This may be one reason why Yesu ji quickly departed, joined private enterprise and never looked back. Hundreds of thousands choose to leave the country to find security, employment or escape persecution, but he remained to make an indelible impression that should find a prominent place in the history books.

About four decades later we met again at Saraswati Vidya Niketan, the private Hindu school which considered him “family.” The school was in its infancy and there was a need to encourage enrolment and assist those who needed financial assistance. The Jung Bahadur Singh scholarship was one of the first to be set up and then others followed. At an event prior to the first CXC results, Yesu ji announced a similar scholarship in the name of his grandson and spoke to those in attendance. “Whatever you achieve, wherever you go, whatever you own, be humble.” He made it his duty to assist that school but also to be present at every event and graduation. When he was not seen in the 2021 virtual graduation ceremony, current administrator and former student, Kamanie ji, anticipated our curiosity

and explained that he was not well. Anyone acquainted with him and the Bhagavad Gita would recognise that this devotee not only practised humility, but also lived a life free of lust, anger and greed. (Gita: 16-21).

He achieved both material and spiritual success. One would have to struggle to find anything he needed or a gift that he appreciated. However, about 2016, on his birthday, which was being observed at the Peter’s Hall Temple, my friend and host Narine Das (Suresh) insisted that we attend and give him a copy of my book “Mohandas k. Gandhi and his inspiration, the Bhagavad Gita.” On receiving the book he blushed briefly, commenting, “Good work on a great man... you will put your birth place Leguan on the world map by connecting it to this global icon.”

While he treated people of all races, religions and social groups with equal respect and practised the golden rule, he never hesitated to let the public know that he was born a Hindu and has remained one throughout his life. He was always active in promoting the values inculcated from childhood. His early days were not different from anyone who was born and grew up in a logie or sugar plantation.

The distinction is the path he followed and choices he made to reach the pinnacle as a businessman and humanitarian. His life can be compared to that of the lotus with roots in mud, stems pushing through dirty water, but which blossoms into a beautiful flower that is adorned by all as the seat of the goddess

Saraswati.

His departure leaves a huge void, particularly in the Hindu community and it would be a challenge to find a substitute. There can be no replacement for one with such an impressive record of activity and generosity. Those who are remnants of colonial hegemony and who continue to follow inimical practices of cultural and religious superiority now need to re-examine their views. Is it still too difficult to admit that Yesu ji was one of those exemplary persons produced by every religion and that any attempt to convert others is unnecessary and downright disrespectful?

Yesu ji has achieved much in his life, a fact well documented. His business interests will no doubt be passed on to those he trained and trusted. However, his admiration for Mahatma Gandhi inspired a request to have a street named after this venerated soul. This has not yet materialised and the suggestion has generated some conflict as to location.

After listening to all the well deserved accolades by countless friends and relatives since his passing, it should not be a difficult task to fulfil his wish. It would take only a tiny fraction of those he assisted and influenced.

Surely, it is time to show our appreciation beyond words and leave another legacy to this true son of the soil.

Namaste Yours sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Harmful ideas of masculinity must be challenged Dear Editor, DESPITE child sexual abuse being acknowledged as a crime that has extreme, negative impacts, societal ideas of masculinity and sexuality often come together to shame young boys who are survivors of sexual violence.

ChildLinK’s “Caring for Boys: Social Norm Drivers of Sexual Abuse of Boys in Guyana” report found that expectations surrounding the ideas of traditional masculinity are amongst one of the largest factors that lead to under-reporting of sexual abuse experienced by boys.

Through interviews done with young boys and their caretakers, it was found that there is a general belief that older girls and women cannot abuse young boys. Even in cases wherein it was acknowledged that it was possible, this abuse was not framed as being abusive, but rather it was seen as achieving a “rite of passage” to manhood. However, these beliefs significantly shift in the context of a male abuser. When young boys experience sexual violence, particularly if they are older, they are often seen as being unable to defend their masculinity, as there is an expectation for males to be strong and resilient. As a result, many can struggle with feelings of fear and shame surrounding their experience, as they believe that they should have been able to stop it.

Many young boys also experience feelings of shame and confusion, as they believe their experience will have

an impact on their sexuality, or at least be perceived that way. Those who experience an erection or orgasm during the assault may especially struggle with these feelings, and perpetrators are known to use this against them in order to silence them. These occurrences however, are normal bodily functions that one cannot control. Regardless of whether one has experienced an erection or an orgasm, it does not change the fact that it is a violation of one’s body and right to consent. It also has no impact on one’s sexuality. Given societal expectations surrounding masculinity however, many survivors and their family can often hide experiences of sexual abuse in order to safeguard the image of manhood and heterosexual behaviour.

Contributing to an environment wherein young boys are safe from violence or at the very least, feel empowered to report experiences of violence, means challenging harmful ideas of masculinity.

Doing away with expectations of strength, resiliency and heteronormative behaviours will go a long way in creating a space where young boys are not made to feel fear and shame when they have experienced sexual abuse.

Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counselling, please call 914/227-0979/2272023/233-3500

This bunch of ‘do-gooders’ knows how to scream conveniently Dear Editor, THE Stabroek News of 21st January, 2022, published a letter under the heading “Bolsonaro persona non grata in Guyana,” signed by a bunch of “do-gooders” who lent their name to this nonsense.

Where, may I ask, were the signatures of these good ladies and gentlemen when our country was threatened

by an attempt to install a military dictatorship in place of a democratic election?

Not one of them raised their voice nor penned their signature in protest. All of them should hang their heads in shame. None of them are credible.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Woman remanded for allegedly stabbing children’s father MAGISTRATE Rhondel Weever, on Monday, remanded a 22-year-old woman to prison for allegedly stabbing the father of her two children to his chest with a pair of scissors.

Maria Walcott, a cashier of East Ruimveldt appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that, on January 23, 2022, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Keshawn Braithwaite, also known as Keshawn Griffith.

The court heard that, on the day in question at East Ruimveldt, the couple was involved in a heated argument which became physical. It is alleged that Walcott armed herself with a pair of scissors and stabbed Braithwaite to his chest.

Braitwaite is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital and his condition is listed as critical.

The court prosecutor objected to Walcott being released on bail citing the seriousness of the offence and the condition of the victim.

Maria Walcott Magistrate Weever upheld the prosecutor’s objections and remanded Walcott to prison until February 21.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Civic organisations praise gov’t receptiveness during budget consultations

By Tamica Garnett

ON Wednesday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, will unveil the 2022 national budget, which has been described as “historic” and “transformational.”

The measures in the budget would have been decided on following consultations with the various government agencies, as well as several civil society organisations, to ensure its contents benefit all Guyanese.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, some of the civil organisations said that the government has seemingly been receptive to suggestions and recommendations, and so, many are looking forward to the unveiling of the budget with positive expectations.

“I am optimistic,” Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong, commented in a telephone interview with this publication.

“We had a discussion on many issues affecting the private sector and I think the government understands what we need, given our presentation. The minister understands the challenges the country faces and we look forward to seeing measures in the budget that would put systems in place so as to assist, and lay the foundation for things to come.”

Cheong noted that concerns pertaining to energy costs, as well as the rising costs brought on by the global pandemic and supply chain challenges are key issues facing the private sector, which they would have laid out to the government.

“We are operating in a

pandemic which has created a freight rate increase [and] energy cost. These are affecting turn out of employees which affect productivity. We put forward a number of measures which we asked the minister to consider in the budget to see how we can give relief to the private sector and the wider nation,” Cheong explained.

Taxes is another big area the private sector will be keeping its eye out for when Minister Dr. Singh reads the budget.

“Both corporation and personal income tax which allow for much more disposable income to the working population is needed.

With the corporation tax, it would allow companies the cash flow to expand and retool and develop their businesses to create more employment,” he added.

President of FITUG, Carvil Duncan RECEPTIVE Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Andron Alphonso, also commended the government’s approach to meetings with that body and though unsure of what the final budget will include, he is positive that it contains many measures that will benefit the citizens.

“We had very good interactions with the minister.

It was a very long meeting.

It wasn’t just him listening, he was very engaged, and we had a lot of back and forth. We debated some of the items we suggested and he was very receptive and did lend an ear to all of our concerns. We have to wait to see what the final budget will have but I am expecting good things for the people of Guyana,” Alphonso said in a telephone interview conducted on Monday.

The mining sector, like many others, was hard hit last year by the unprecedented flooding that occurred across the country.

Speaking on that issue, Alphonso noted that he had highlighted to the minister the need for improved infrastructure that can withstand future flooding of that magnitude.

“We are looking for more spending to improve infrastructure road. We need to start the transition to more robust road. Last year, we lost a lot of productivity due to bad weather conditions and the roads we have right now, the way they are designed, it is not built to take that type of weather continuously,” Alphonso emphasised.

Reduction or removal of the taxes and duties on heavy duty trucks is another

measure that GGDMA is hoping will be included in the budget.

“Government was gracious enough to give us back the full exemption on heavy duty equipment and on ATVs but we are looking for similar concessions on heavy duty trucks that are used in the interior,” he said.

Alphonso noted that the miners are grateful for several of the measures that already exist, but are hoping for more, given the hardships facing the sector.

“We have some other concessions still ongoing that continue to grow, that we were given and for tax compliant miners there are various benefits under the investment development agreements that we have with government.

The mining sector is already benefitting and [for] this budget, we are specifically looking for these additional concessions,” he said.

MEASURES TO CUSHION PANDEMIC Aside from the private sector, those representing the working class are also hoping for a slice of the pie.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Carvil Duncan, head of the umbrella trade union body, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), said the trade unions are looking out for employee relief measures.

“The budget will have to reflect that focus on the development of Guyana and the improvement of the livelihoods of the public servants and workers generally because if that don’t happen this trend in the increase of cost of living will not diminish and persons will be worse off,” Duncan said.

He added that: “I am hoping that the budget will also provide relief to pensioners and do something drastic that will reverse this trend that we are having.

I don’t expect that overnight but there must be a programme by which they will gradually change the landscape and workers will say to themselves we have elected a government that is sympathetic to the workers’ cause.”

Duncan also highlighted a need for the government

PSC Chairman, Paul Cheong to also begin considering increasing the age of retirement of public servants from 55 to 60 years, since 60 is the age at which the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) begins to pay pension.

Duncan explained that after retiring at 55, persons are forced to seek alternative employment until they reach the pensionable age. This leads to a lower salary scale during that five years which then affects a person’s final payment amount from NIS. “The budget ought to consider addressing the retirement age of pension and remove from the 55 years, so that it can be increased to align with what’s happening at NIS. I’m hoping that some consideration be given to that,” Duncan said.

Dr. Singh, during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN) on Sunday, had noted that many of the big initiatives which the government had alluded to in its manifesto are expected to be included in the upcoming budget.

According to Dr. Singh, it will step up the pace with respect to rolling out the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s agenda for transformation, and citizens can expect the launch of a slew of major initiatives this year.

“With respect to the implementation of the transformational agenda to modernise the face of our country with respect to things like [sic] physical infrastructure, a lot of that is going to be happening in 2022. The theme of transformation and modernisation of Guyana is very deeply, and heavily embedded in Budget 2022.

It is very transformational in that regard,” the senior minister outlined.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

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Granger expected to resign as APNU Chairman

Former Leader of the PNC/R, David Granger FORMER President David Granger, who is no longer the leader of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), is expected to step down as Chairman of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

According to sources, Granger could submit his

resignation from the Coalition this week.

Since the People’s National Congress/Reform’s (PNC/R’s) Biennial Congress in December, in which Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon lost the race for party leadership to Aubrey Norton, there has been unease in the

PNC camp with regards to the leader of the Coalition.

Interestingly, Norton who is now leader of the party is not a Member of Parliament and Harmon, who is Opposition Leader, is not an executive member of the PNC/R. Since Harmon was not vying for any other position, he was left out of the party’s executive body after losing his only race to Norton.

Reports indicate that Harmon would likely be coopted into the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC); however, only Norton has the power to make that call.

No such move has been made.

Aside from this, there are other issues. The PNC’s Central Executive Committee wants Norton to become the Leader of

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton the Opposition but Harmon who currently holds the post has refused to step down.

Harmon during his campaign to become leader of the party had said that the leader of the PNC/R should be the Leader of the Opposition.

Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon

He has since walked back on this position.

The reported decision

by Granger to resign as Chairman of the Coalition stems from a meeting with AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, on Monday.

H o w e v e r, w h i l e Granger is expected to resign as Chairman of the Coalition, it is unlikely that he will resign as Representative of the APNU+AFC list of candidates. Ramjattan serves as deputy of that list.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Police recover 71 illegal firearms in 2021

AS the Guyana Police Force (GPF) moves ahead aggressively with its crimefighting agenda, it was announced, on Monday, that for 2021, a total of 71 illegal firearms were recovered.

According to data released by the force’s Corporate Communications Unit, 61 of the guns were seized from persons who were not the holder of a firearm license, while the remaining 10 were found. 36 are pistols, 18 are revolvers and the remaining 17 are shotguns.

Region Six leads the list with 15 recoveries followed

by Region Four ‘A’ with 14 and Region Four ‘C’ with

10. Illegal guns were found in all the other regions except Region Nine.

In giving a breakdown, the force said that in Region One three pistols and one revolver were recovered; in Region Two, one pistol and one shotgun were found; Region Three, three pistols and three revolvers; Region Four ‘A’, eight pistols and six revolvers; Region Four ‘B’, three pistols and one revolver; Region Four ‘C’, six pistols and four revolvers; Region Five, one shotgun; Region Six, five pistols, one revolver and nine shotguns; Region Seven, four pistols and one shotgun; Region

Eight, two pistols and one revolver and Region Ten, one pistol, one revolver and five shotguns.

PENALTIES In November, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that his government will be amending the law governing possession of unregistered firearms to apply the “highest penalty” for persons caught with them.

His disclosure was made against the backdrop that most crimes are gun-related.

The Head of State is looking to implement this and a slew of other measures to further combat crime in the county even though

A .38 Taurus revolver that was recently seized by the GPF there has been a 19.4 per cent reduction in crime up to November 8, 2021, when compared to the same period last year.

President Ali has already engaged Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., to propose an amendment to the legislation regarding unlawful possession of firearms.

“We’re going to give a period for all those persons with illegal weapons to deposit those weapons, after which the law will be amended to give you the greatest penalty,” President Ali had said.

According to Section 16 (2) of the Firearms Act, if a person is found with a fire-

arm in his possession without holding a firearm license, he/ she shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $3,000 nor more than $15,000 together with imprisonment for not less than one year, nor more than three years, and on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for seven years.

While discussing the issue of crime, the President had perused a detailed report from the Guyana Police Force which presented a breakdown of critical data including the days when crime is more prevalent, at what time during the day, and the locations where the occurrence of crime is predominant, among other factors.

“Crime has been decreasing but we’re still not satisfied,” President Ali had said, noting that investments will be made in the Police Force’s training and development, to improve working conditions and welfare for servicemen and women and to hold them more accountable, all in a bid to strengthen crimefighting.

The police report highlighted that, in terms of locality, Region One has seen the largest increase in crime with a 132.4 per cent increase for the reported period. On the other hand, Region Four ‘A’ (Agricola – Cummings Lodge) had seen a 43.4 per cent decrease, and Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice) a 52.1 per cent decrease.

“What is there in Region One that is different?

We know that there is an increased migrant population, there is displacement, and of course, this is causing social-economic issues, and a resulting factor is crime,” President Ali had said, noting that statistics such as these shape policy decisions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Corentyne businesswoman robbed by lone bandit

A LONE bandit managed to escape with $18.5M in cash during a daring robbery in front of a commercial bank at Rose Hall Town on Monday.

According to reports, Nalini Mangali, 43, of 30 B Albion Front and

of Permaul’s Trading and Distribution, was about to make a deposit when she was confronted by a male who was dressed in a blue shirt, dark pants, a cap and armed with a gun.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Mangali and an employee left their

Rape accused freed

Reon Joseph REON Joseph was on 11-year-old girl on two Monday freed of two rape occasions during the month charges by the Sexual Of- of December, 2017. fences Court of the DemeThe jury, after deliberatrara High Court, after the ing for almost two hours, jury returned not-guilty found Joseph not guilty on verdicts. both counts.

Joseph, of Wren AvThe state was repreenue, South Ruimveldt, sented by prosecutors Georgetown, was on tri- Muntaz Ali, Nafeeza Baig al before Justice Priya and Latifah Elliot. JoSewnarine-Beharry for al- seph was represented by legedly engaging in sex- attorney-at-law Teriq Moual penetration with an hammed.

place of business at Albion and proceeded to the bank in a motor vehicle.

As they arrived and Mangali exited the vehicle, the perpetrator pushed the employee who was sitting in the rear passenger seat to ground and grabbed the bag containing the cash.

The robber then quickly made his escape on foot and subsequently joined an accomplice who was waiting on a

motorcycle, as they made their escape through the busy town.

Meanwhile, this is the third incident in which the business was robbed of millions of dollars.

In 2014, the owner of the business was about to make a deposit at the bank when he was robbed of $10M in cash, while in 2016, he was also robbed of $2M. An investigation into the robbery is ongoing.

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Three Guyanese accepted into US young leaders fellowship programme

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THREE young leaders from Guyana have been accepted into the US Department of State’s Young Leaders of Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Programme, the US Embassy in Georgetown said in a release on Monday.

Launched in 2015, YLAI empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to realise the full economic potential of the region’s citi-

zens. The 2022 programme will begin in January and close in July, bringing together 280 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada for a fellowship, the release said.

The three Guyanese are Akola Thompson, Jermaine Slater and Ulex Smith and they were accepted from a list of over 2,000 applicants.

Thompson is a genderbased violence (GBV) spe-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

cialist who leads a community of feminists in becoming stronger leaders in their homes and communities.

Tamùkke Feminists provides information to women and girls on issues relevant to their social, economic, and mental development with the aim of promoting the formation of a network of feminists, who are leaders in their homes and communities. Coming to the YLAI Fellowship, Akola’s

COVID-19 death toll jumps to 1, 138 following four more deaths FOUR more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 1,138 the Ministry of Health has reported.

The ministry said that the latest fatalities include three women: a 63-yearold woman from Region Three whose vaccination status is unknown and who died on January 22; an unvaccinated 52-yearold woman from Region Seven who died on January 24; and a 57-year-old unvaccinated woman who died on January 24.

The fourth person is a 32-year-old man from Region Nine who died on January 23. His vaccination status is unknown.

Additionally, there are currently 13,368 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 173 new cases on January 24, 2021.

New cases were recorded in all ten administrative regions.

Region Four accounted for 118 of the new cases; Region One recorded two new cases; Region Two recorded 10; Region Three recorded 12; Region Five recorded five; Region Six recorded 13; Regions Seven and Eight recorded one new case each and Region 10 recorded 11 cases.

The country has now recorded a total of 57,400 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020.

Of the active cases, 20 persons are at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 184 are in institutional isolation; 13,175 are in home isolation, and 14 are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until January 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 12:00hrs to 04:00hrs.

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

top business challenge is law and policy, the release said.

Slater owns a tutoring service and a gaming business called Slaters Gaming.

The company’s pilot card game is called Jus Drink, which is based on the Guyanese Creole language. The game provided entertainment and education for local Guyanese customers, and it brought back memories of times spent in Guyana

for migrant customers. The company is unique because there is no other business that produces Guyanese card games, the release said while pointing out that coming to the YLAI Fellowship, Jermaine’s top business challenge is finance.

The other Guyanese is Ulex Smith, founder of the Signature Move Marketing Agency. Ulex informs small businesses about the importance of brand awareness.

“The agency provides digital and social media services, sales and marketing strategies, simple corporate graphic designs, and more. The Signature Move Marketing Agency is unique, as it is more about customer and client satisfaction than money – ‘your business is our business.’ Coming to the YLAI Fellowship, Ulex’s top business challenge is finance,” the release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Better conditions for teachers in 2022 budget - Education Minister

MINISTER of Education, Priya Manickchand, has said that this year’s national budget will see teachers performing their duties in far better conditions.

The ministry is currently upgrading and expanding educational facilities in Regions One, Four, Nine and 10.

The minister made the disclosure, Monday, during an interview on News-Talk radio, in observance of International Day of Education, under the theme, “Changing Course, Transforming Education”.

“The budget is usually not just only salaries and benefits, but how we deliver resources and how

we help to train and retrain our teachers and how we guide that process, would be large benefits that teachers can look forward to.”

The budget will also ensure every primary school pupil is provided with a wide range of textbooks, written by local and international authors.

Reflecting on the state of the education sector

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and training of teachers amid the COVID pandemic, the Education Minister said there have been significant learning losses and school drop-outs. To address this, a host of measures was implemented.

“This year, we graduated the highest number of students ever from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and that sounds like a small feat, but in August of 2020, the college was closed with no prospect or real plan of reopening in the pandemic.

“And if we had not made serious efforts not

only to reopen, but to be accessible online and otherwise… then we would not have been graduating any child, let alone the largest batch.”

While the college has an annual intake capacity of 530, the implementation of online sessions has allowed it to register five times that number.

This approach, Minister Manickchand said, is in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to have every teacher trained or in training by 2025, to serve the nation’s future leaders. It also complements the ministry’s mission to promote

lifelong learning through TVET education as well as continued education like the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships.

She added that while it had been worrisome for the ministry to craft a strategic plan to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the return to face-to-face learning presented opportunities to re-evaluate the curriculum, and place emphasis on practical methods. For now, the Education Minister believes it has been proven successful.

“We are moving forward, not blindly back into the classroom, but with a better understanding that different things that have not been introduced before, can deliver quality education effectively… it won’t be a complete abandonment of all that we learned in terms of how to use and how to use effective technology to deliver (education).”

Moving forward, the ministry intends to continue to provide opportunities to improve access to education which would include providing transportation and reading materials, among others. (DPI)

US, UN partner with Guyana for port security training

OFFICIALS responsible for port security and container control are currently benefiting from a six-month training programme aimed at boosting Guyana’s capacity to tackle narcotics trafficking and organised crime, according to the United States Embassy in Guyana.

A press release issued by the embassy said that the programme, which was launched on January 24, comes as a collaborative effort involving the United States, through the Department of State’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), The United Nations Office

of Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) Container Control Programmme and the World Customs Organisation.

According to the release, UNODC’s Container Control Programme works worldwide to promote legitimate trade by enhancing container-screening capacities. It provides training, equipment, and access to communications data and tools from the World Customs Organisation.

Officials from the World Customs Organisation opened the programme with a two-week virtual training course for members of Port Control Units, comprising members of

the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), MARAD, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, providing them training in profiling, targeting, and inspecting containers. This training will give them the skills to effectively detect suspicious and illicit goods, and make sure goods departing Guyana have been properly declared and duties paid, the release added.

The programme is part of the ongoing commitment by the United States to the security of Guyana and the Region.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

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‘Ryan’ pleads guilty to 2016 Black Bush triple murder - trial for remaining trio begins Jan. 27

ONE week after pleading not guilty to the gruesome triple murder at Black Bush Polder in July 2016, Jairam Chetram called “Ryan”, on Monday, decided to change his plea and confess to the brutal crime.

Jairam, along with his father, Carlton Chetram called “Lieman”and two of their employees - Tameshwar Jagmohan called “Guana” and Rakesh Karamchand called “Go to Front” - are on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court before a 12-member jury.

During his court appearance on Monday, Jairam opted to plead guilty to the capital offence of murder.

The three charges were reread to him and he admitted that, on July 21, 2016, at Mibicuri Creek Savannah, Black Bush Polder, he murdered Pawan Chandradeo, 37, called “Suresh” and “Jug Up”; his son Jaikarran Chandradeo, 16, called

Jairam Chetram called ‘Ryan’ “Kevin” and his brotherin-law Naresh Rooplall, 35, called “Teeka Bai” and “Mice.”

The matter has been adjourned until February 10, 2022 for presentation of the probation report and sentencing.

Meanwhile, the trial against the three remaining defendants will continue before the jury on January 27, 2022.

The state is being repre-

Mason remanded for alleged possession of illegal gun, ‘ammo

Eustace Thomas A 50-year-old mason, on Based on the seriousness Monday, appeared before and nature of the case, the City Magistrate Sherdel magistrate remanded Thomas Isaacs-Marcus charged to prison until February 21, with the illegal possession 2022. of a firearm and matching The Guyana Chronicle ammunition. was made to understand Eustace Thomas of Gen- that, on the day in question, ip Lane, East Ruimveldt, acting on a ‘tip-off’, police Georgetown, was arraigned ranks went to the location at the Georgetown Magis- mentioned and conducted trates’ Court on two firearm- a search operation during related charges. which the loaded Taurus He denied that, on Jan- revolver was found in a hamuary 21, at his home, he mock inside the house. had one .38 Taurus revolver Thomas was arrestalong with five matching ed and taken to the East rounds in his possession La Penitence Police Stawhen he was not the holder tion, where he was later of a firearm licence. charged.

sented by prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, while attorney-at-law Mursalene Bacchus, S.C., is on record for the four accused.

The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that, on the day in question, the three victims had gone on a fishing trip in the Black Bush Polder backlands in an area called Cookrite Savannah, some three miles from Mibicuri, where they were allegedly gunned down by the quartet.

The men, each with a single gunshot wound, were found lying in a rice field belonging to Sudama Jagmohan, who made the gruesome discovery.

The youngest victim was found next to his father. He had a gaping hole to the back of his head and a ‘salt bag’ with fish and fishing net

Dead: Pawan Chandradeo

Dead: Jaikarran Chandradeo

Dead: Naresh Rooplall

strung around his neck.

Rooplall’s body had a hole in the neck and the fishing net was strung over his shoulder, while the older Charandradeo had his fishing net in his hand.

It is alleged that the men, while on their fishing trip, stumbled upon “Lieman”

and his crew who were allegedly stealing diesel fuel in the said field.

It was reported that Jairam, who was armed with his father’s firearm, fired two shots in the air and the fishermen ran towards the dam and fell.

Jairam then shot the victims

to their heads at point blank range.

When arrested, Jairam told police that he killed the men to get rid of the evidence. “Meh na been want leff no evidence so I shoot them,” Jairam had said in his caution statement to the policeman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Second round TKO defeat for D’Anjou at IMMAF World Championships

By Rawle Toney in Abu Dhabi (Compliments: Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation/National Sports Commission) IT certainly wasn’t the debut at the IMMAF World Championship that Corwin D’Anjou had wanted, but the Guyanese vowed to keep fighting following his second round TKO defeat to Ireland’s Adam McEnroe in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Fighting in Cage One with all the main cameras focusing on what was the first time a Guyanese had entered the Octagon at an International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMAF) event, D’Anjou really didn’t had any answers for McEnroe from the opening horn.

McEnroe entered his contest against D’Anjou at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Zayed Sports City, near UFC Fight Island (Yas Island) coming off a unanimous decision victory in his sixth (amateur) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bout.

D’Anjou went into the Octagon looking confident and was even optimistic of success during his pre-fight interview.

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However, he added that being the only Guyanese with some amount of experience in the MMA arena regionally, much was riding on him to do well in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital.

With D’Anjou being a black belt judoka and ‘jiujiteiro’, Coach Bruce Fraser watched from ringside as his prized fighter hardly posed any challenge against his counterpart from Ireland.

In fact, D’Anjou was ‘saved by the bell’ in the first round, when McEnroe was on top of him pounding away and the Guyanese having to resort to being defensive.

The referee quickly stepped in during the early stages of the second round, when McEnroe once again had D’Anjou on the mat and unable to return any strike.

“I’m disappointed,” D’Anjou said after his fight.

He added, “our game plan was the go out there, maintain dominance and take the match to the floor where I have the experience, but after the first round, being mounted, I defended myself intelligently but still ended up with the first round going to my opponent.”

“So, I came back in the

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second (round) where I was again taken down and suffered a TKO loss; not what I wanted. But I’ll get back home, return to training, try

to correct some of my mistakes and take it from there,” D’Anjou said.

Meanwhile, the other Guyanese, Ijaz Cave will be

in action today in the Roundof-16 of the Men’s Light Heavyweight Division, when he ‘face off’ with Sweden’s Robin C.

While Cave is entering the Octagon for the very first time, Enontekio is coming off a four-fight consecutive defeat. He has one win in seven MMA fights.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Excitement builds as knockout matches begin THE business end of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 has arrived and we now know who will contest the Super League stage and the Plate competition.

Six of the eight Super League teams have previously won the tournament, with India, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, England and defending

champions Bangladesh all through.

Sri Lanka, who finished as runners-up in 2000, and Afghanistan are the two other teams still in with a chance of lifting the title at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on February 5.

Meanwhile, in the Plate quarter-finals, hosts West Indies will look to bounce back

from missing out on a Super League spot and finish their first tournament on home soil on a high.

They will be joined by United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Ireland, Canada, Zimbabwe, Scotland and Papua New Guinea in what is set to be an absorbing contest to decide the Plate winners.

Super League quarter-finals

Four-time champions India enter the Super League stages in formidable form, having won all three of their games in Group B to finish top and set up a clash with Bangladesh.

Huge centuries from Raj Bawa and Angkrish Raghuvanshi saw India conclude the group format with a thumping 326-run victory over Uganda having already beaten South

Africa and Ireland.

Bangladesh’s passage was not quite as stress-free, with the defending 2020 champions recovering from losing their opening game to England to finish second in Group A. An eight-wicket win over Canada was followed by a

contest.

A century from skipper George Van Heerden last time out, as well as the superb form of Dewald Brevis with the bat, will give South Africa confidence they can beat the 1998 champions.

Elsewhere, the two teams

India batsman Raj Bawa

England Under-19 captain Tom Prest

nine-wicket triumph (DLS) in a rain-interrupted game against UAE to set up a rematch of the final two years ago..for Like India, England have reached the Super League stage with a clean sweep, following up that win over Bangladesh with 106 and 189-run victories over Canada and UAE, respectively.

Tom Prest has led from the front for the Young Lions, scoring 93 and an unbeaten 154 in his last two outings to set up a showdown with Group B runners-up South Africa in the last eight.

2014 champions South Africa shook off their opening defeat to India to beat Uganda by 121 runs before dispatching Ireland with a 153-run victory (DLS) in a rain-affected

yet to win the ICC U19 Men’s CWC will also face off against each other for a semi-final place as Group D winners Sri Lanka take on Group C runners-up Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka topped a tough group that included three-time champions Australia and hosts West Indies, beating both teams and Scotland to lay down an impressive marker.

Afghanistan sandwiched a defeat to Group C winners Pakistan with wins over Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe as Suliman Safi starred with the bat to take Player of the Match in both victories.

And completing the Super League quarter-final line-up is a fascinating showdown be(Turn to page 22)

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Walsh wants consistent 250 totals from Windies women

Head coach Courtney Walsh (background) with players during the training camp in Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa –(CMC)– Head coach Courtney Walsh believes consistent, competitive totals will be critical to any success for West Indies Women during the upcoming ICC 50-overs World Cup in New Zealand.

While acknowledging the Caribbean side’s batting had been unpredictable at times, Walsh said they hoped to use the four-match One-Day International series against hosts starting here next Friday, to sharpen that area of their game.

The legendary former pacerr said West Indies Women would be targeting totals around 250 but also stressed the need for the careful assessment of conditions and the opposition.

“We have to assess the conditions we’re playing [in]. Under normal conditions, you want to score at a certain amount of runs per over so you’re looking at an average score of 240, 250,” Walsh explained.

“But not all the surfaces are going to give you that or not all the teams you play against can give you that score, so we have to assess every opposition.

“If we can score consistently in that area of 240, 250 then you give yourself the best chance. You’re going to have low-scoring games from time to time but that is what we’re trying to create, that we can be consistent, in

getting over the 250 mark.

“If we play well enough, we can get closer to 300. We have not ruled anything out but it’s just having a little bit of consistency with all the batters and everybody contributing in a team effort.”

The series against South Africa is the first for the tourists since their abandoned campaign at the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe last November, when organisers were forced to hastily scrap the tournament due to COVID-19 concerns.

West Indies Women then spent nearly two weeks in the Gulf state of Oman before flying home mid-December.

Walsh said the aborted campaign had disrupted the squad’s preparation and may have hurt their quest for performance consistency, despite their clean sweep of Pakistan Women in Karachi last November.

“We’re headed in the right direction. Unfortunately we didn’t get a lot more game time on the previous tour of Zimbabwe and after the qualifiers, because it would’ve given us enough games for the ladies to have that confidence and it would have given us as coaches that level of consistency with a couple of good scores,” he noted.

“There were just not enough games so this tour now is paramount to getting us playing some cricket again and if we can continue

where we left off in Pakistan and [from] the qualifiers and just keep that consistency going, then I’ll be very happy for that.

“And once we play that type of cricket, it gives us a chance of doing extremely well.”

Last September, West Indies Women suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of an inspired South Africa Women in a five-match ODI series in Antigua, and Walsh expects the January 25 to February 6 series to be the ideal preparation ahead of the March 4 to April 3 World Cup. “We planned for the tour to be this way because we wanted a very good test before we go into the World Cup,” Walsh pointed out.

“As I said earlier, the one drawback we had is that we didn’t get enough game time on the previous tour which would’ve given us a lot more cricket – a lot more competitive cricket – and it would’ve helped us a lot more on this tour.

“We now have to be looking at this tour to ensure everybody gets ready for the World Cup. I think when you’re playing the number two ranked team, you can’t ask for much better than that.

“We’ll have to pull out all the stops and look at all the areas we need to improve on and this tour will give us that sort of guideline.”

The Gambia claim famous win over Guinea DEBUTANTS The Gambia booked their place in the quarter-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations as Musa Barrow's goal gave them a famous 1-0 victory over Guinea.

Bologna forward Barrow collected a pass and slotted past Aly Keita from the centre of the box in the 71st minute.

Defender Ibrahima Conte had an equaliser ruled out for offside before The Gambia's Yusupha Njie was sent off.

Guinea struck the post in injury time before another shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Baboucarr Gaye.

It was a stunning save by Gaye to keep out the pow-

erful strike by Jose Kante, which came immediately after Conte had rattled the left-hand upright from a narrow angle.

Even then, Guinea forward Morgan Guilavogui latched onto the rebound off the bar and had his follow-up attempt blocked by Pa Modou Jagne.

Kante headed over from the resulting corner and the Scorpions, the lowest-ranked side at the tournament, held on to win as Guinea centre-back Conte was also dismissed in injury time for a second booking.

The Gambia, who are 150th in the world, will now face either hosts Cameroon or fellow debutants

Musa Barrow kept his composure to score his second goal at the Nations Cup

Comoros in the last eight on Saturday.

Tsitsipas battles to five-set win to reach Australian quarter-finals GREEK fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas battled to a thrilling five-set victory over American Taylor Fritz to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old twice

7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4.

World number four Tsitsipas, who had surgery on his right elbow in November, had to show fight and resilience to overcome Fritz in the American's first

Stefanos Tsitsipas reached his fifth Grand Slam quarter-finals

came from behind to record a 4-6 6-4 4-6 6-3 6-4 win shortly after midnight in Melbourne.

It will be a third Australian Open quarter-final for 2021 French Open finalist Tsitsipas as he continues his bid for a first major title.

He will meet Italian 11th seed Jannik Sinner in the last eight.

Sinner, who is through to the Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time, defeated Australian 32nd seed Alex de Minaur

major fourth-round appearance.

The 20th seed was not short on confidence following a five-set victory over Spanish 15th seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the previous round and brought up the first break points of the contest on Rod Laver Arena in the fifth game.

Though unable to take that early chance, he clinched his third break point in the seventh gam`e and went on to calmly seal the set with a love hold.

The American did not face a break point until the 10th game of the second set - but in a closely fought duel it proved decisive as Tsitsipas capitalised on a rare opportunity to level the match.

The Greek escaped four break points to hold under pressure in his opening game of the third but Fritz persevered, eventually making the breakthrough with a seventh break point of the set in the seventh game.

The stubborn Tsitsipas continued to thrive under pressure and he saw off three set points to hold, however Fritz once again served out to love to move one set from victory.

An enthralling encounter was taken to a fifth set as the indomitable Tsitsipas broke at the second attempt for a 5-3 lead before rescuing two break points to complete the job.

Serving first in the final set, Fritz held to love in consecutive games to lead 4-3, yet Tsitsipas was clinical when it mattered.

Breaking for 5-4, he then needed just one chance, securing the win with his first match point to end an enthralling contest.

(BBC Sport)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Cameroon beat 10-man Comoros with left-back in goal CAMERRON narrowly beat 10-man Comoros in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations, despite playing against a side with an outfield player in goal.

Goals from Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar gave the Indomitable Lions a 2-1 win after Nadjim Abdou's early red.

But Comoros will take the headlines after giving the hosts a massive scare.

Youssouf M'Changama scored a stunning free-kick and Chaker Alhadhur, normally a left-back, produced a brilliant performance as stand-in goalkeeper.

Cameroon progress to face The Gambia in the quarter-finals on Saturday Cameroon handed early

advantage Debutants Comoros, ranked 132nd in the world, went into the game without a recognised keeper after Salim Ben Boina was ruled out through injury and Ali Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseini tested positive for Covid-19.

The Indian Ocean islanders hoped Ahamada might return after a negative test on the morning of the game, but organisers Confederation of African Football (Caf) said the 30-year-old had not fulfilled its protocols.

Facing the biggest game in their footballing history, the Coelacanthes' hopes of causing a huge upset were dealt a seemingly disastrous blow when captain Abdou

Karl Toko Ekambi scored Cameroon's opener in the 29th minute, with their first effort on target

was sent off in the seventh minute after catching Moumi Ngamaleu on the ankle with his studs.

It was a tackle which seemed clumsy rather than malicious but the potential danger to Ngamaleu was

there and after a video assistant referee review, Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa sent off former Millwall man Abdou.

With coach Amir Abdou absent too because of coronavirus, Comoros were already

at a substantial disadvantage with Alhadhur in goal and, after the dismissal, a raucous Olembe Stadium in Yaounde fully expected Cameroon to go on and score a hatful.

But Toni Conceicao's side were simply never able to impose themselves in the face of a tremendous Comoran display, and it was nearly 25 minutes later that Cameroon finally used their numerical advantage to good effect when Toko Ekambi fired home the opener after an unselfish ball from Aboubakar.

Home captain Aboubakar seemed to have made the game safe for the hosts with 20 minutes to go, when he ran onto a brilliant pass from midfield and placed the ball past Alhadhur for his sixth

goal of the tournament.

Unlikely keeper Alhadhur impresses Stand-in keeper Alhadhur, who plays in the French second tier for Ajaccio, had an evening to remember and did not seem out of place in goal, at one point charging out to the edge of his area to head clear.

Early in the second half he made a strong save from Aboubakar's header and then a quickfire double stop to keep out Aboubakar's low shot and Ngamaleu's follow-up.

His efforts brought broad smiles to the faces of his team-mates and he was congratulated at full-time by his opposite number Andre Onana. (BBC Sport)

GCB/CWI to roll out Coaching Education Excitement builds as Certification Courses …March 2022 set for possible start knockout...

(From page 20)

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), in collaboration with Cricket West Indies (CWI) will be conducting a series of coaching certification courses across the three counties of Guyana.

The courses are scheduled to commence from March 2022 and all three county boards are currently in the process of earmarking and registering their potential

candidates to participate in the applicable courses.

The Essequibo Cricket Board, Demerara Cricket Board and Berbice Cricket Board have each given an undertaking to register a minimum of sixteen potential participants Last Thursday, representatives of the three counties met with CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazan, to discuss the roll-out

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday January 25, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-117 (vs SA, Johannesburg, 2007) 2) Alex Hales-116* (vs SL, Chattogram, 2014) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the first T20 International of the current WI/ENG series?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazan

of the Coaching Education Courses with respect to the county’s landscape, players development plans and CWI coaching education policies.

For beginners, the first step in the coaching education certification programme will be their participation in the now online CWI Foundation Coaching Course.

Individuals holding previous and current CWI Foundation Coaching Certificates

and/or license, who are desirous of participating in the CWI Level One Coaching Certification Course, must ensure that they have the prerequisites before registering for this course.

These prerequisites are CWI Foundation Coaching Certificate or its equivalent, Child Protection Certificate, First Aid Certificate and Police Clearance.

GCB president, Bissoondyal Singh, indicated that teachers and other individuals desirous of participating in the CWI Foundation and Level One Coaching Courses are encouraged to make contact with their respective county boards to explore the possibilities of registration for the series of planned courses.

Further, he suggested that CWI Level One Certified Coaches are also encouraged to register their interest with their respective county boards in participating in the CWI Level Two Coaching Course.

tween Pakistan and Australia - two of the most successful teams in this competition behind India.

Two-time winners Pakistan have match-winners everywhere you look and swept through Group C with a perfect record as they beat Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea.

Australia, on the other hand, had to settle for second in Group D after losing by four wickets to Sri Lanka in between Teague Wyllie-inspired wins over West Indies and Scotland.

Plate quarter-finals UAE take on Uganda at Queen’s Park Oval and Ireland face Canada at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in a double-header today to kick off the Plate quarter-finals.

A victory over Canada in their opening Group A contest had the UAE dreaming of a potential Super League place but defeats to England and Bangladesh put paid to that.

Opponents Uganda are similarly inexperienced on the world stage and are still searching for their first win in this year’s tournament, having finished bottom of Group B with three defeats.

Canada pushed UAE close in their Group A curtain-raiser before falling to defeat, while they also lost to England and

defending champions Bangladesh to finish bottom.

The winner of that contest will face whoever comes out on top in the quarter-final between Zimbabwe and Scotland, who finished third and fourth in Group C and D, respectively.

Zimbabwe could not have asked for a better start to the ICC U19 Men’s CWC as they romped to a 228-run victory over Papua New Guinea with a century from Emmanuel Bawa.

But defeats to Pakistan and Afghanistan ended their Super League hopes and their chances of equaling or bettering their sixth-place finish back in the 2004 edition.

The last Plate quarter-final sees West Indies take on Papua New Guinea, with the hosts and 2016 champions bidding to put their disappointment behind them quickly.

Kevin Wickham’s half-century and McKenny Clarke’s spell of two for 39 was not enough against Sri Lanka in their final Group D match, as they lost by four wickets and missed out on the Super League.

Defeat to Australia in their opening game also proved costly but with potentially three more games to come, West Indies can still give their fans plenty to cheer about on home soil. (ICC Media)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday January 25, 2022

Romario Shepherd has IPL in his sights after Allrounder hopes late fireworks in Bridgetown death-hitting heroics can turn heads ahead of mega-auction JUST like anyone else, IPL owners, head coaches and general managers are afflicted by recency bias.

Whenever the time comes to sit down at the auction table, performances that are fresh in the memory are given greater weighting than those that happened several months previously.

It is no surprise, given their usual windows in the calendar, that players who have performed well in the most recent Big Bash season tend to be popular at IPL auctions, regardless of the difference in standard and conditions. It is a widespread, long-standing cognitive bias and one that cricketers themselves are fully aware of.

In that light, England and West Indies' players know that they are not only competing for a series win and for long-term retention in their respective XIs in Barbados this week, but also for a bigger bid at the auction. And with a dearth of seam-bowling allrounders available in the auction longlist - Sam Curran, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes all opted out, while Chris Morris recently announced his retirement - Ro-

mario Shepherd's fireworks on Sunday night have done his chances of a deal no harm at all.

Shepherd hit 44 not out from 28 balls from No. 7 to take West Indies within one run of England's total, adding 72 off 29 in an unbroken ninth-wicket stand with Akeal Hosein to add a sense of jeopardy to what had looked like a cruise to victory. Thirty of his runs came in sixes, including two over the longer leg-side boundary off Chris Jordan and one off Liam Dawson that cleared the Garfield Sobers Pavilion.

"I try to focus on what is at hand right now and try and put my all in here," Shepherd, who has entered February's auction with an Rs. 75 lakh ($100,000 USD approx.) base price, said. "Eventually, if an IPL contract comes, that would be great for me.

I'm not saying that I don't think about it - I do think about it, but I try not to think about it during a game, I just focus on wherever the game is and trying to get ourselves out of a situation.

"It's a great platform.

For any youngster, it's their dream to go to the IPL and

Romario Shepherd gave England a scare in the second T20I (Getty Images)

I'm no different. I'm trying my best to get myself in there, but at the same time trying to win a series here. It's something that I've dreamed about for a very long time. My name was in the [auction] for the last three years, so this year, I'm looking forward to it."

Shepherd had struggled early on in his innings, scoring only one single from his first seven balls and failing to pick Adil Rashid out of the hand, but immediately targeted Dawson when he came on to bowl the 13th over. He was one of only a

handful of batters to clear the longer boundary - around 90 metres towards midwicket - and his clean hitting left England hanging on by their fingertips.

"When I went out, the coach told me to take a few balls," he explained. "Then when I got out there the ball was spinning and Rashid got me. I was like one off six balls, one off seven balls, so I was kind of on the back foot.

"When I saw Liam come on for his first over, I said to myself I would try and take him down. I hit him for two sixes in that over so that gave

me a push-start there. Eventually I started flowing better at the crease.

"It plays with your mind to see that one side is very short and one side is very long. Eventually when Jordan came in that over, I had no choice but to try and take on the long boundary.

I know as long as I hit them well, the boundary don't matter."

Hosein hit three fours and two sixes off Saqib Mahmood's final over to keep the game tense until the final ball, but was aggrieved that Mahmood's first legitimate ball was not given as a wide, having appeared to reach him past the tramline. But Shepherd said that Joel Wilson, the umpire, was "only human" and that West Indies were more concerned about a sloppy night in the field than his decision-making.

"I told Akeal: 'don't worry about it, you can hit the next couple for six and he can bowl a no-ball or another wide,'" Shepherd said. "The umpire missed that one, but he's just human - hopefully he can correct his mistake in the upcoming games. I think that was a wide but he didn't

think so.

"Yesterday was a total off-day: we didn't field well, we didn't catch well. Those are some of the little things that [cost] us last night: we could have got them down to less than 170 but we fielded poorly."

Reacting to the contest's unexpected ending, England's player-of-the-match Moeen Ali admitted that the power in West Indies' batting line-up was "very scary", and Shepherd agreed with the sentiment.

"It must be frightening for other teams to know that our No. 10 batsman can do that," he said. "For us, it's a very big confidence booster for us to know that we bat this deep. We showed how well we can bat and we can get ourselves out of a situation from nowhere.

"We just need to focus a little more on the powerplay and the middle phase, because the back end will take care of itself. We have a lot of power at the back end. We have to continue to work and hopefully we can pull off something special and win this series."(Cricinfo)

Afridi and Root take ICC Cricketer of the Year titles SHAHEEN Afridi and Joe Root have been named the ICC men's Player of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year for 2021.

Pakistan fast bowler Afridi took 78 wickets in 36 internationals at an average of 22.20, including a career-best of 6-51 against West Indies in August.

It was during Pakistan's run to the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup that the 21-year-old particularly impressed, taking seven wickets in six matches.

Mohammad Rizwan, England captain Root and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson were also nominated for the prestigious award.

While Root missed out on that accolade, he was voted the top Test cricketer for 2021.

England captain Joe Root

Root scored 1,708 runs in 15 matches, including two double centuries and a further four tons, in what was otherwise a disappointing year for England.

Only Pakistan's Mohammad Yousuf (1,788 in 2006) and West Indies legend Viv Richards (1,710 in 1976)

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi

have scored more in a single calendar year.

The 31-year-old saw off competition from New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne and India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

"I am incredibly proud to receive this award," Root

said.

"I am very humbled to be in the same breath as a number of wonderful players around the world and it means a huge amount to have got this award."

Root scored more than three times as many runs as any of his team-mates last year, with Rory Burns (530) and Jonny Bairstow (391) next on the list.

He is only the second Englishman to claim the accolade after Alastair Cook in 2011.

The award had been won by an Australian player on five of the last seven occasions it has been handed out, with Pat Cummins the most recent winner in 2019.

Elsewhere, Afridi's team-mate Babar Azam was named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year on Monday

after scoring 405 runs in six games at an average of 67.50.

And fellow Pakistan star Rizwan was crowned men's T20I Cricketer of the Year on Sunday, with England's Tammy Beaumont claiming the women's equivalent.

Rizwan, Babar and Afridi were also included in the ICC T20I Team of 2021, alongside the likes of Jos Butler, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood.

ICC Teams of the Year Men's T20I Team of 2021: Jos Butler (ENG), Mohammad Rizwan (PAK, WK), Babar Azam (PAK, C), Aiden Markram (SA), Mitchell Marsh (AUS), David Miller (SA), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Tabraiz Shamsi (SA), Josh Hazlewood (AUS), Mustafizur Rahman (BANG), Shaheen

Afridi (PAK).

Men's ODI Team of 2021: Paul Stirling (IRE), Janneman Malan (SA), Babar Azam (PAK, C), Fakhar Zaman (PAK), Rassie van der Dussen (SA), Shakib Al-Hasan (BANG), Mushfiqur Rahim (BANG, WK), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Mustafizur Rahman (BANG), Simi Singh (IRE), Dushmantha Chameera (SL) Men's Test Team of 2021: Dimuth Karunaratne (SL), Rohit Sharma (India), Marnus Labuschagne (AUS), Joe Root (ENG), Kane Williamson (NZ), Fawad Alam (PAK), Rishabh Pant (IND, WK), Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Kyle Jamison (NZ), Hasan Ali (PAK), Shaheen Afridi (PAK).

Ireland’s Adam McEnroe connects a vicious kick during his Welterweight clash against Guyana's Corwin D'Anjou

Adam McEnroe of Ireland (at left) about to be announced the winner of his clash with Corwin D'Anjou

Second round TKO defeat for D’Anjou at IMMAF World Championships

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19

BCB presidents can now serve 5 consecutive terms of two years after 32-0 vote FUTURE presidents of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) can now serve for five consecutive two-year terms after member clubs of the board passed a motion in a 32-0 voting, during a special meeting on Sunday last at the Port Mourant Cricket ground.

The BCB had passed a motion under the presidency of Keith Foster to limit the president to three 2-year terms. However, this change was approved by representatives of ten member clubs and three sub-associations.

Five clubs had submitted a motion to BCB Secretary, Angela Haniff, seeking a special meeting to amend the constitution as they felt that the county cricket needs continuity of strong and productive leadership.

Representatives of the clubs noted that when the current leadership took over, Berbice Cricket was on the verge of collapse and they were very satisfied with the unmatched development and progress over the last four year.

Current Board resident, Hilbert Foster, who enjoys widespread support among clubs in the county, is one month into his third term of two years which ends in December, 2023 and he could seek an additional two more terms if he so desires.

Foster stepped down from chairing the meeting when the motion was being considered, allowing vice-president of Administration, Albert Smith, to guide the motion and conduct the voting.

The clubs which submitted the motions were Mt Sinai CC, Guymine CC, Rose Hall CCCC, Chesney CC and Kildonan CC. The five clubs received the support of West Ber-

BCB president Hilbert Foster

bice Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Berbice River Cricket Association, Whim CC, Port Mourant CC, Police SC, Mental Hospital CC and RHTYSC. Also, two clubs were absent while illness forced representatives of another to leave the meeting before the vote. With the motion needing a minimum of twenty-six votes to pass the two-thirds majority, it was successful with all thirty-two votes present.

Members also approved the audited financial report from the BCB. The report covered the period November 2019 to the 31st of October 2020. The statement was adopted 32-0 with members hailing the board for its track record of providing audited reports with a clean bill of health since it took office in 2018.

Meanwhile, the financial report for the period up to October 2021 would be submitted for approval shortly by members.

Erasmus is ICC Umpire of the Year AS part of the 2021 edition of the ICC Awards, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced Marais Erasmus as the ICC Umpire of the Year 2021.

Officiating in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand, Marais Erasmus has led the way in his officiating, earning the respect of his peers and the international cricket fraternity.

The 2021 ICC Umpire of the Year Award sits alongside his successive Dave Shepherd Trophies, won in 2016 and 2017. On top of the Umpire Marias Erasmus ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final, Erasmus has overseen 20 internationTo be honored by the ICC Match Referees al fixtures across all the three formats in 2021. and International Test captains is recognition Erasmus, a member of the Emirates ICC for a year of hard work and I’m pleased to Elite Panel of Umpires, recently officiated in have performed under difficult circumstances his 100th ODI, when he took the field in the with Covid-19 bubbles and long periods away first ODI between South Africa and India in from home.

Paarl last week.

A massive thanks to my wife Adéle and Commenting on receiving the honour boys Chris and Geo for their unwavering Marais Erasmus, a member of the Emirates support as well as ICC Umpire coach Karl ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, said: “Real hon- Hurter for his support of me and many our to win the ICC Umpire of the year award. other umpires." (ICC Media)

Romario Shepherd has IPL in his sights after death-hitting heroics 23

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022