Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-03-2021

SATURDAY 27 th March , 2021

’ No. 106313

Another earthquake 'rattles' Region Nine –– CDC to develop earthquake response plan with affected Rupununi communities

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President to new land surveyors: ‘Let the law direct your actions’ 08 PAGE

Sputnik vaccines being sourced for US$4M 02 PAGE

Former senior policeman among four lawmen charged with fraud 09 PAGE

MovieTowne Guyana is celebrating Easter in grand, but safe style, with the launch of its miniature Easter Village. The event kicked off on Friday at its East Coast Demerara location and featured Blue, the village’s Easter Bunny, in a giant Easter basket surrounded by Easter eggs. The village, located on the first floor of the establishment, features confectionery, games and other paraphernalia for adults and children (Delano Williams photo)

Shulinab gets first resident doctor 25 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Sputnik vaccines being sourced for US$4M

By Rehana Ahamad

THE Government of Guyana will be purchasing 200,000 doses of Sputnik vaccines from Russia at an approximate cost of US$20 per dose; this will work out to an overall price of $US4 million, or more than GYD$800 million according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. “It is very expensive, but it is an expense we can’t spare,” Dr. Ali told reporters on Friday, following an activity at State House.

The Head-of-State said that “component one” of the Russian-made vaccines are being procured through an arrangement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and that the important purchase will require some adjust-

ments to the country’s 2021 budget.

“We are making the resources available to ensure every Guyanese is vaccinated,” President Ali posited, adding that the necessary logistics are being finalised to ensure the safe transportation and arrival of the vaccines.

The President said that the government has already established a supply chain, and a number of private sector stakeholders have been engaged in an effort to ensure adequate storage facilities for the vaccines are available.

“We have to bring all the storage capacity together to get this done,” Dr. Ali acknowledged.

It was only on Wednesday night that the President announced the expansion of the countrywide COVID-19

vaccination programme, which will soon see persons 40 and above being eligible to access vaccines. Currently, the vaccination efforts target frontline healthcare workers and persons who are 60 years and older.

On Friday, Dr. Ali said that the expanded programme is likely to take effect by next Wednesday, following the expected arrival of 24,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines on Monday.

The President also referenced the commencement of a pre-vaccination process, which he said will see the documentation aspect of the programme being jointly handled by members of the Guyana Defence Force’s Medical Brigade See page 3

President Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters on Friday, at State House

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Another earthquake 'rattles' Region Nine

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–– CDC to develop earthquake response plan with affected Rupununi communities

By Vishani Ragobeer LESS than two months after an earthquake struck Region Nine (Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo) and other parts of Guyana, another earthquake, pegged at a magnitude of 4.7, rattled the southern area of Region Nine on Friday.

At around 13:00 hours, the Guyana Chronicle received reports from the ‘Deep South’ Rupununi community of Katoonarib that an earthquake was felt in the community. According to the community’s Deputy Toshao, Floria Singh, the vibrations lasted for about a minute.

“We were at a women’s meeting and we had to run out of the building,” the Deputy Toshao said, adding: “It happens in the nights also but not really as strong as this one.”

On January 31, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Guyana and was felt across the country and in parts of Brazil. The communities of Aishalton, Katoonarib and Sawariwau were severely affected, with buildings and earth surfaces here damaged.

Since then, tremors continued to affect communities in the southern area of Region Nine, causing concerns with the residents there.

On Friday, however, Region Nine did not experience another tremor but a full-blown earthquake. With its magnitude of 4.7, this earthquake is still relatively small, according to the Rich-

The equipment to monitor the aftershocks in ‘Deep South’ Rupununi being installed (Photo provided by the Civil Defence Commission) ter scale that characterises earthquakes.

This earthquake was later confirmed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC)’s acting Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October.

“We’re waiting on additional information to come from the region but so far there has not been any re-

ported damage or any effects apart from the communities experiencing those shocks,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in a telephone interview on Friday afternoon.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN The Major noted that any earthquake -- no matter how minor -- is a cause

for concern. He explained that Guyana sits on the shelf of a tectonic plate, which is a relatively stable region that is not necessarily prone to such natural disasters. There are some concerns, however, as to why these earthquakes and tremors continue to occur here.

Recently, a multi-stake-

holder team installed equipment to monitor seismic activity in four different locations in the south Rupununi area: one close to the epicentre of the earthquake (located somewhere near Katoonarib), and three in surrounding areas, thereby creating a seismic monitoring network.

Professor at the São Paulo University, Marcelo Sousa de Assumpção, who has been working with the team, explained in a recent virtual meeting that most of the aftershocks (or tremors) will occur in the same faults where the original earthquake occurred.

These aftershocks can be used to study the properties and the geology of the main shock (the January 31 earthquake).

The professor further explained that an earthquake occurs when the rocks or faults on the earth’s crust can no longer sustain the stress (or pressure) that it has been experiencing for a very long time. At that point, there is a sudden movement, known as a failure, that generates a very strong vibration.

He explained that sometimes, some parts of the fault may still have some stress to release, thereby resulting in the aftershocks. And this has been the case in the ‘Deep South’ area, where the fault running across the region has been releasing these aftershocks.

“The seismometers that are deployed are supposed to be doing all the different analyses to determine whether there is a fault line

anywhere in the area and to measure whether there is escalation or de-escalation in the tremors,” Major October also said on Friday.

EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE PLAN Nevertheless, the Major highlighted that the CDC is working on a medium to long term plan to help the affected communities respond to these largely unpredictable occurrences.

“At the moment, the CDC is gonna be looking at a more medium to long term process which will include Katoonarib and Sawariwau in the community-based risk-management system,” he said, emphasising: “We will commence discussions with those communities with the aim of developing community-specific plans and we will be working with them to develop an earthquake response plan which forms the basis of an annex to their recent disaster risk management system.”

He noted that there is no timeline guiding the development of this plan as yet but hastened to add that such a response is needed in the fastest possible time.

In the interim, he noted that data from the seismometers is retrieved every week by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The monitoring through this setup is still in its embryonic stage but the country’s partners at the University of Sao Paulo have been interpreting and analysing the readings.

Sputnik vaccines being sourced ...

From page 2

and local medical students.

These efforts will require persons to become registered before being given an appointment to be inoculated.

“The goal here is to have our population fully vaccinated. This is the utmost priority for me,” Dr. Ali posited.

He added: “Personally, I am taking this on as a task in ensuring that our population is vaccinated and that, as quickly as possible, we can return our country to some level of normalcy and get out

of this pandemic.”

The President has laid out an ambitious plan to ensure that at least 10,000 persons are vaccinated daily.

This, Dr. Ali acknowledged, could only be achieved if the country is able to acquire even more vaccines.

As a consequence, the Head-of-State said that his government has already approached vaccine producers, Pfizer and Maderna for the purchase of additional supplies; however, neither of the

companies would be able to sell Guyana any amount of vaccines for this year.

“We were told that this can only be available in 2022,” Dr. Ali said, adding: “The production lines are being stretched right now.”

Notwithstanding the challenges of sourcing the globally-demanded vaccines, the President told reporters that the Governments of Russia and Qatar have already been approached and discussions are ongoing to secure addi-

tional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The President remains hopeful that the ongoing vaccination programme will cover majority of Guyanese, and see the country quickly achieving herd immunity.

Dr. Ali was quick to warn, however, that vaccination is not the solution that could put an end to the novel coronavirus.

“Even with vaccination, we still have to continue wearing the masks and taking

the guidelines seriously,” the President emphasised.

He added: “This next four weeks is a very critical four weeks for us in ensuring that we stick to the guidelines while we push ahead with the vaccination. So, the Task Force will be working simultaneously with the vaccination programme to have strong enforcement, but we are sparing no effort and we are sparing no resource in getting the vaccines here.”

To date, Guyana has re-

ceived some 3,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Barbados and an additional 80,000 doses from India. The Government of the People’s Republic of China also assisted with 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine.

Added to this, the Government of Guyana is also working to secure another 149,000 doses of vaccines through a purchase agreement under a CARICOM-African Union agreement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Myanmar’s junta says will strive for democracy after warning anti-coup protesters Demonstrators hold flags as they sit on motorcycles during a protest in Launglone, Dawei district, Myanmar March 26, 2021 (Dawei Watch via REUTERS)

The leader of Myanmar’s ruling junta said on Saturday that the military will protect the people and strive for democracy, as protesters called for a huge show of defiance against last month’s coup despite warnings they risked being shot.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing reiterated a promise to hold elections in a speech on Armed Forces Day, after a military parade in the capital Naypyitaw. He gave no date for elections.

“The army seeks to join

hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy,” the general said in a live broadcast on state television, adding that authorities also sought to protect the people and restore peace across the country.

“Violent acts that affects stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate”.

Troops killed four more people in demonstrations on Friday, taking the number of deaths to 328 in the crackdown that has followed the coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s

elected government on Feb. 1.

A broadcast on the state television on Friday evening said: “You should learn from the tragedy of earlier ugly deaths that you can be in danger of getting shot to the head and back”.

The warning did not specifically say that security forces had been given shoot-to-kill orders, and the junta has previously tried to suggest that some fatal shootings have come from within the crowds of protesters.

But it indicated that the military was determined to

prevent any disruptions around Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the start of the military’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945.

Min Aung Hlaing said the army had to seize power because of “unlawful acts” by Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy, adding that some party leaders had been found guilty of corruption and legal action was being taken against them.

In a week that saw international pressure on the junta ramped up with new U.S. and

European sanctions, Russia’s deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin attended the parade. On Friday, he met senior junta leaders and offered support for the military.

“Russia in a true friend,” Min Aung Hlaing said. There were no signs of other diplomats at an event that is usually attended by scores of officials from other nations.

SHOTS TO THE HEAD Protesters have taken to the streets almost daily since the coup that derailed Myanmar’s slow transition to democracy.

At least 328 protesters have been killed in the weeks of unrest as of Friday night, according to figures from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group.

Its data shows that at least 25 per cent of them died from shots to the head, raising suspicions they were deliberately targeted for killing.

Reuters could not independently verify the numbers killed.

A military spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment.

The United Nations’ special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener,

said the military had turned against its own citizens.

“Women, youth and children have been among those killed,” she said in a statement.

Defence ties between Russia and Myanmar have grown in recent years with Moscow providing training to thousands of soldiers as well as selling arms to the military.

Russia’s support for the junta is also important as it is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and along with China, which has also refrained from criticism, can block potential U.N. actions.

Fomin’s visit took place after the United States, Britain and the European Union imposed new sanctions on groups and individuals linked to the coup.

The World Bank on Friday slashed its forecast for Myanmar’s economy to a 10 per cent contraction in 2021 from the growth expected previously.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s most popular civilian politician, remains in detention at an undisclosed location.

Many other figures in her party are also being held in custody. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Seepaul Narine elected new President of GAWU

CLOSE to a year since the death of veteran Trade Unionist and former President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, the union’s General Council has elected Seepaul Narine to serve in the esteemed position.

According to a press statement from GAWU, Narine was elected from among the union’s bargaining unit and its leadership during a meeting held on Friday.

Based on previous reports, GAWU, which was founded in 1946, is the largest trade union in Guyana, boasting a membership of over 21,000 persons.

Since the passing of Chand, the union has been without a President, a situation which was acknowledged by GAWU’s General Council during Friday’s meeting.

Having considered the vacancy, and in keeping with the union’s Constitution, the Council elected

Narine as President; Aslim Singh as General Secretary; and Porandatt Narine as Assistant General Secretary/Treasurer.

“The Council felt that the new officers have been diligent in their duties, and have led the union properly over the last months.

They, therefore, were unanimous in their support of the new officers,” GAWU said in its press statement.

Members of the Council, in expressing congratulations, pledged to work alongside the new officers to further strengthen GAWU, and help it grow from strength to strength.

At the meeting, several matters of concern were discussed, and guidance on the way forward was offered. The new General Secretary of GAWU presented the report of the General Council, which reviewed the work of the union since the last meeting in December 2020.

The new dispensation is coming at a time when one of the industries which

is the largest represented by the union, sugar, is being revamped.

“GuySuCo is on a change plan; we have refashioned the way we are doing things. We have re-engineered the way we are thinking at GuySuCo; the whole vision at GuySuCo right now is to move up the value chain as fast as we can within the constraints of finances, and, in addition to that, we are opening three estates. So, it’s going up, and it’s going broader,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh said in a previous report.

GuySuCo has since restarted the production of packaged sugar, and will be focusing heavily on this aspect of production, instead of the traditional bulk production.

“GuySuCo started production of packaged sugar; we are moving away from the dump market to go into packaged sugar, and this is

the reality. We get double the value per tonne when we sell packet sugar, versus what we dump on the world market,” Singh said.

Considering the substantial benefits of value-added production, the CEO believes it is a “no-brainer” situation when assessing which segments of the market to supply with Guyana’s sugar.

Already, the government has injected close to $9 billion into the sugar corporation, with the aim of rekindling the ancient industry which has been ailing for years.

Chand, prior to his death in April 2020, not only championed the rights of sugar workers, but also advocated for the prudent management of the industry’s resources.

He was remembered by many as someone who always embraced and espoused policies and initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living and well-being of the ordinary people.

Newly-elected President of GAWU, Seepaul Narine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD

THE future of Guyana has never been this bright given the high number of investments that have been made and are to be made in the next few years.

With the series of oil discoveries in Guyana, investors, particularly foreign investors, have channelled their attention to Guyana even as local players do their part to cash in on the massive economic growth that the country is on course to experience for at least the next two decades.

It is good to see local investors gearing up for the exponential growth in business expected here, as well as contributing to the changing of the physical landscape of Guyana.

In recent months, several Guyanese companies readily come to mind, namely, the Sleepin Group, Arimu Investments, Palm Court and King’s Guyana and Giftland.

The more recent being the Sleepin Group, which is investing US$6 million in a new hotel at Brickdam, Georgetown, that will create jobs for more than 75 persons. A few weeks earlier,

principals of Arimu Investments turned the sod for the construction of the US$15 million Aiden Hotel at the corner of Robb and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown. This investment is expected to create employment for over 50 persons.

These aside, Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts have all indicated an interest in setting up operations here.

These investments are good news for many ordinary Guyanese as well as local businesses, largely because many of them stand to benefit as workers and suppliers of goods and services. In the construction sector, thousands of jobs will be created both directly and indirectly through the construction of these luxury edifices. Thousands of jobs will also be created directed and indirectly when these buildings are completed.

One would ask how and the answer is very

simple. When an international hotel becomes operational, several areas that necessitate its existence come on stream. And among these include the creation of jobs for cooks and laundry and maintenance services. Jobs for taxi operators also increase.

When these are added and all the hotels that are being constructed and are to be constructed are taken into account, it amounts to the creation of several thousands of jobs and a positive spin off effect on local businesses, both large and small.

On a wider perspective, the investments in the hotel industry means the enablement of a modern and aesthetically pleasing landscape in terms of physical infrastructure, better tourism facilities and world class tourism services, and of course, putting the spotlight on Guyana on the global platform.

When these investments are taken together and added to investments being made and are to be made in the other sectors, unemployment seems well positioned to head on a

rapid downward spiral.

It is in this light that the government’s promise to provide some 50,000 jobs during its first term in office does not seem far from reach as the developments that are expected to unfold would be transformational in nature.

Much of these were alluded to by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who told reporters in September last year that 2021 will be the year of investment and development.

“What you will see next year (2021) is a flurry of development… there will be active work on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the new four-lane road, new hotels and the creation of 50,000 homes,” he had said following an inspection of the site for the new harbour bridge where he also pointed out that work will commence on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hundreds of communities; new infrastructure and there will be major developments in every sector of the economy.

The Festival of Colours

HOLI or Phagwah is known as the Festival of Colours and is one of India’s and Guyana’s grandest and most popular celebrations. This large festival is celebrated in many cities and rural areas throughout India, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun and excitement. Over the years, Holi has become an important festival in many regions wherever Indian Diaspora were either taken as indentured labourers during colonial era or where they emigrated on their own, and are now present in large numbers such as in South America, North America, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia such as Fiji and Mauritius. Holi, also called Vasant Utsav, falls on the Pratipada during the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the Chaitra Month as per Hindu calendar. Holi 2021 will be celebrated on March 28 and Holika Dahan on March 27. The Holi festival traditionally celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is associated with many legends, including the story of Holika. It celebrates the destruction of Holika – the sister of Hiranyakashipu, both with gifted boons. The bonfire signifies the fire in which Holika (Hiranyakashipu’s sister) was burnt while trying to eliminate Prahlad. This celebration also warns about the misuse of power, belief in the Lord, having faith and trust.

THE FESTIVAL OF LOVE Rangwali Holi is also celebrated in memory of the immortal love of Lord

Krishna and Radha. Krishna had asked Yashoda why he was not as fair as Radha.

Yashoda jokingly suggested Krishna to apply colour on Radha’s face as it would make her complexion dark too. Lord Krishna, then, played with Radha and the Gopis with different colours. Since then, the day is celebrated as the festival of colours, depicting the oneness regardless of colour.

Among other Hindu traditions, the legendary significance of Holi is linked to Lord Shiva in yoga and deep meditation, goddess Parvati wanting to bring back Shiva into the world, seeks help from the Hindu God of Love called Kamadeva on Vasant Panchami. The love god shoots arrows at Shiva, the yogi opens his third eye and burns Kama to ashes.

This upsets both Kama’s wife Rati, and his own wife Parvati. Ratri performs her own meditative asceticism for forty days, upon which Shiva understands, forgives out of compassion and restores the god of love. This return of the god of love, is celebrated on the 40th day after Vasant Panchami festival as Holi.

The legend of the ogress (female monster) Dhundi says that she was chased away by the people of Prthu owing to a curse from Lord Shiva.

THE FESTIVAL OF SPRING In addition to its religious aspects, Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The arrival of spring season is taking inspiration from

the colors and for many, the start of the new year, an occasion for people to enjoy the changing seasons, make new friends and celebrate the beginning of a good spring harvest season. This festival is also known as Dhulandi, a name popular in the state of Haryana, India.

CELEBRATORY ACTIVITIES The festivities of Holi begin close to midnight on the night before Holi with bonfires being lit (Holika). Prior to the bonfires, it is traditionally the job of men and boys to collect fallen wood and leaves to burn in the bonfires. Some of this tradition is changing today with forest trees unfortunately being cut down for burning. One of the most iconic activities of Holi is the throwing of coloured water and powder in the streets. This is an exciting activity that is used to show devotion and respect to deities, friends, and family members. The colours of Holi are very special and add to the vibrancy of the day. In the past, the colours that were used on people’s skin were natural but many of them now are man-made and some even of dangerous chemicals leaving some people with skin inflammations. This spring festival of colours signifies unity and love irrespective of caste, class or gender. The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is the festive day to end

and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. To many Hindus, Holi festivities mark the beginning of the New Year as well as an occasion to reset and renew ruptured relationships, end conflicts and rid themselves of accumulated emotional impurities from the past. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. After a day of play with colours, people clean up, wash and bathe, dress up in the evening and greet friends and relatives by visiting them and exchanging sweets. Holi is also a festival of forgiveness and new starts, which ritually aims to generate harmony in society. There are a number of inherited customs and traditions still in practice, compliments of our fore parents from different parts of India, who came to the West Indies as indentured labourers. Indians are scattered throughout Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, and, have adopted different ways of life, many remaining Hindus, practicing and maintaining most of the traditions. Sympathy is extended to all who have lost their dear ones due to the pandemic and, all are forewarned to abide by all the required protocols to observe this holiday with the constraints. Shubh Holi to all of Guyana!

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Remembering Dr Bhawani Prasad Bhattacharya Dear Editor,

Dr Bhawani Prasad Bhattacharya was born in the village of Bagnan, Howrah District, West Bengal near Calcutta (Kolkata) on November 6, 1911. Born into a family of modest means, he, his five sisters and parents shared a small, single-roomed house. A diligent student, he worked hard at school and passed the matriculation examinations for the University of Calcutta at the age of 15 and went on to study Medicine at the Carmichael Medical College, University of Calcutta. Fully qualifying as a doctor in1937, his chosen specialty was gynaecology and obstetrics, and he spent the next four years working his way up the professional ladder to Senior Resident House Surgeon at the Chittaranjan Seva Sadan Hospital in Calcutta. By 1942, India was fully embroiled in the Second World War and Dr Bhattacharya was employed as a Medical Officer in the Surgical Division of the Indian Military Hospital, Alipore between January 1942 and November 1945. Towards the end of this period, he fulfilled the role of Surgical Specialist and was “Mentioned in Dispatches”.

Returning to gynaecology and obstetrics after the war, he moved to the UK to further his specialist training. Taking the initiative to broaden his experience, in 1949 he secured a temporary placement to study cancers of the reproductive system at the Memorial Hospital for the Treatment of Cancer and Allied Diseases in New York. Returning to the UK later that year, he worked as Senior Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Bolton Group of Hospitals and, latterly, the Darlington and Northallerton Hospitals in Yorkshire, England between 1950 and 1957. During this period, he met and married “Minu” who was a nurse at the same hospitals.

Seeking new challenges, Dr Bhattacharya decided to look at overseas opportunities and was attracted to a posting in British Guiana. Unfortunately, the post did not commence until 1958 so he took up a post in Mizapore, East Pakistan.

His daughter was born during this period but conditions in Pakistan deteriorated during 1958 following a coup d’état

and the establishment of martial law. Fortunately, the opportunity in British Guiana was still open and the young family travelled via London and Trinidad to Georgetown.

Posted to the Georgetown Public Hospital as the Gynaecology and Obstetrics specialist in Jul 1958, Dr Bhattacharya spent the next four years updating and modernising the maternity ward. Particularly concerned with the high rate of infant mortality, he conducted studies into the welfare of both mother and baby, and into the incidence and management of cervical cancers. On-call every hour of every day for these four years, he took no leave and thoroughly enjoyed his work and the environment in the public hospital.

His contract was fulfilled by the end of 1962 and he planned to resume working in England. However, his thoughts always returned to British Guiana and by February 1964, the Bhattacharya family, now with the addition of his son Debdash, returned to make the country their home.

Establishing a private practice from the family home at High Street, Werken-Rust, Dr Bhattacharya attended patients in the many smaller hospitals such as the Davis Memorial Hospital, Medical Arts Centre, Prasad’s Hospital, Seventh Day Adventists and Wood-

lands Hospital as well as the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Additionally, he attended free clinics in the interior for Amerindian communities and clinics outside George-

town; for example in Linden. His commitment to his work was absolute. He remained on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and his clinics at home frequently extended into the evenings.

That is not to say that he did not enjoy leisure time when work permitted. His daily schedule ran with almost military precision and he tried to incorporate games of tennis three times a week.

His first tennis partner and life-long friend was veteran broadcaster, Ayube Hamid Khan. Later he formed a formidable tennis partnership with BK “Boney” Persaud.

The pair would take on, barrack and frustrate far younger opponents into losing with alarming regularity.

By the late 1970s Dr Bhattacharya and his family were fully integrated into the Georgetown society. Professionally, he attended to patients across the full spectrum of Guyanese life, from ministers to the average man or woman in the street. Always mindful of his humble beginnings he frequently forewent his fees when tending to those families who were struggling financially and he also funded an additional place at the schools his

children attended. Socially, he maintained connections and had friends across a wide range of local and expatriate groups. An active member of the Lions Club of Georgetown, he was immensely proud of Guyana and he felt that it was his responsibility to ease the transition of all newly-arrived Indian nationals into the Guyanese way of life. He would facilitate introductions with key local contacts and providers of goods and services and furnish each family with a copy of “Guyana: A Nation on the Move” booklets published by the Guyana Information Services. As a result, he would frequently be the first point of contact when minor domestic emergencies arose.

Having established his credentials at the public hospital in the late 1950s, he witnessed the struggle for independence and the transition to the Co-operative Republic. Having witnessed

independence and partition in India in his youth, this was nothing new. In the mid-1980s, amidst the exodus of professionals to the UK, USA and West Indies, Dr Bhattacharya demonstrated his commitment to the country that was his chosen home by securing a Guyanese Passport.

Still working at the age of 85, Dr Bhattacharya’s love of his vocation and the Guyanese people was clear to see. He always marvelled at the wonder of bringing new life into the world and, during his working life in Guyana, infant mortality fell by a third from 67 per 1000 births to 42 per thousand births (source UN). The country also received two Commonwealth awards for outstanding progress in maternity and child health: the Astor Shield and the Dennis Geffen Rose Bowl.

Dr Bhattacharya once said to his son “What would

I do if I retired? I would be dead in two weeks.” Struck by cancer, Dr Bhattacharya left Guyana for medical treatment in the UK on March 21, 1996. He passed away in hospital on the April 1, 1996, just under two weeks later.

It was always my regret that the family were so consumed by his loss that we did not think to recognise his passing in the country that was his home.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of that event and I feel that it is fitting to remember his life in service of the people of Guyana. I would hope that there are a few sons and daughters whose mothers will tell them to raise a glass to Dr Bhattacharya. In my heart he is not gone but still resides at 45 High Street.

Yours sincerely, Captain Debdash Bhattacharya

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

‘Let the law direct your – Pres. Ali tells newly sworn-in land surveyors actions’

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (centre, second row) with Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal (sixth right) and senior members of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission and the newly sworn-in land surveyors

By Rehana Ahamad

AS Guyana continues along its path to transformational development, the need for professional and capable land surveyors will increase exponentially.

This was the prediction of President Dr. Irfaan Ali moments after he handed instruments of certification to 17 newly sworn-in Land Surveyors on Friday.

“Today, as you advance your career, you’ll be working in a new econ-

omy, a new Guyana, don’t for a moment believe you have arrived today,” the President cautioned.

He told the graduates that it was just the beginning of their journey, and that their success relied heavily on their ability to evolve in a rapidly advancing world.

“Things are changing; dynamics are changing; technology is changing; skills sets are changing, and it requires continuous change in your outlook.

We have to learn to un-

learn to relearn, that is the new paradigm we live in,” Dr. Ali said, as he drew reference to the fact that technologies that were relevant a decade earlier have now become obsolete.

The Head-of-State told the surveyors that although simple, the words of the Oath they uttered had profound implications.

“It commits you to give your best and serve faithfully as land surveyors,” the President said, as he pointed to the Land Surveyors Profession Act of

2014, which seeks to hold land surveyors to a high standard.

“The act is your rule book,” Dr. Ali told the young professionals, adding: “It numerates the activities proper to your profession. It also stipulates the qualifications and requirements for registration as land surveyors. The Act must become your guide as you engage in the practice of land surveying,” he said.

President Ali emphasised that land surveying remains an important pro-

fession which requires good character, reputation and the delivery of competent work.

“And let me be very frank, temptations will be very high out there especially with the way the economy is taking off, but that is when you have to rely on the oath that you took, the oath that requires you to adhere to certain standards,” Dr. Ali posited.

He said that land surveyors play a vital role in the operations of any country, as their work serves as an integral component of the planning and execution of a plethora of civil and development works.

“You are an important asset in safeguarding the natural resources of our country,” the President said.

He added: “Our economy is expanding; economic development will skyrocket over the next ten years and beyond. Mega projects are planned for the energy and transport sectors. The tourism sector will experience economic take-off. More than 50,000 house lots will be developed over the next five years. Private sector development will also intensify. A booming economy will generate a high demand for more

surveying services.”

President Ali further advised the land surveyors to leave their comfort zones and pursue areas of study that will complement their current knowledge and skill sets. The President pointed to possibilities of marine surveying, which speaks to the exploration of and mapping of the marine environment.

The Head-of-State also related the government’s commitment towards pursuing programmes and policies which will improve the lives of Guyanese all across Guyana.

The surveyors sworn in on Friday were Afridi Ali; Colin Henry; Kelwin Gittens; Akeem Benjamin; Amanda Bobb-Semple; Terrence Griffith; Tearra Fredericks; Lisa Allicock; Ashton Blair; Alex Lord; Aclint Weeks; Dahron Hopkinson; Anop Chetram; Natasha Rameswar; Alex Pearson; Alejandro Latchman and Dale Fraser.

These persons completed their courses in 2018 and 2019. The ceremony was also attended

by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and senior members of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, including its Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, Enrique Monize.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Former senior policeman among four lawmen charged with fraud

RETIRED Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kevin Adonis, and three other policemen were, on Friday, arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for a $19 million fraud scam committed against the Guyana Police Force’s Finance Office two years ago.

Adonis, along with Corporal Rawl Haynes, who is currently stationed at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU), and former sergeants, Michael Corbin and Jermaine Fraser, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, jointly charged for conspiracy to commit a felony.

The charge against the quartet states that between March 26 and 29, 2019, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and persons unknown, while being public officers employed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and stole a total of $19,030,767 belonging to their employer.

They were each released on $150,000 bail.

Corbin, however, was separately charged for the offence which stated that on March 26, 2019, at the Guyana Police Force’s Finance Office at Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown, he input electronic data, that is to say, a payment voucher entry in the sum of $19,030,767, with the intent that it be considered authentic by the Ministry of Finance’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). On that score, he was released on $100,000 bail.

Haynes was also

charged separately for the offence which stated that on the same date and location, while being a public officer employed by the GPF, he stole $19,030,767, belonging to the said police force, but was released on $50,000 bail.

The matter has been adjourned until April 12.

The state was represented by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Leslyn Noble.

Corbin and Haynes were previously slapped with 21 counts of falsification of accounts charges, which alleged that they stole the sum of $12.5 million from the GPF, but were arraigned last year before a City Magistrate, and are currently out on $250,000 bail for that offence.

According to police reports, Corbin and Fraser were stationed at the votes section of the Police Finance Office, Force Headquarters, Eve Leary in March, 2019 and were responsible for inputting and approving information from Payment Vouchers in the IFMIS, resulting in the Ministry of Finance cutting cheques to the amount inputted.

On March 26, 2019, Corbin allegedly reused a payment voucher with supporting documents for fuel purchased from GUYOIL to input information in the IFMIS. Fraser approved the said information, resulting in cheque # 07220086 in the amount of G$19,030,767 being payable to O/C ‘F’ Division.

The cheque was reportedly

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kevin Adonis uplifted from the Ministry of Finance and lodged at the Police Finance Office.

Adonis’s role in all this is that he allegedly endorsed said cheque, while Haynes cashed it at the Bank of Guyana, using Adonis’ national identification card.

No records were reportedly made of the cheque, or to whom the money was disbursed at ‘F’ Division, but following an audit conducted by the Auditor-General, and an internal police investigation, all hands were charged.

Corporal Rawl Haynes

Sergeant Michael Corbin

Selected quote from Dr Cheddi Jagan “THOSE who say that we are irrelevant, that we are finished, should be reminded that the same tune was sung after the dark days following the rape of our constitution in 1953 and the breakaway by the right and left opportunists in 1955 and 1956. But we won in 1957 and 1961.

Today, though defrauded and cheated, we remain the strongest force in the country. Difficulties there will be; the battle will be long and hard. But win again we will.

History and time are on our side!” 1966 (from “The West on Trial”)

Sergeant Jermaine Fraser

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Terry Gajraj launches new Phagwah songs

By Tamica Garnett

GUYANESE chutney super star, Terry Gajraj, recently released a number of new singles in time for Phagwah and has travelled back home to Guyana to make appearances at a few small events this year.

The 49-year-old sat down with the Guyana Chronicle to talk about his new songs, his joys to be back home for the “Festival of Colours”, his thoughts on Guyana’s music industry and where improvements are needed.

Gajraj has decades of experience in Guyana’s music industry and has worked with some of the big names in both Chutney and Soca music. But in Guyana, he is always fondly remembered for his hit single “Guyana Baboo”, which some describe as a national anthem of sorts.

He believes that many artistes in Guyana have done a lot to prove that they have the talent and skills to produce quality music and they need to be supported.

“Guyana produces great songs. It’s sad that the kind of love you get outside of Guyana you don’t get that in Guyana.

There are lots of little things but the main thing we’re lacking is media houses need to play more

Guyanese music,” Gajraj lamented, adding: “Guyanese DJs don’t play our music.

They would claim I am 100 per cent Guyanese and all of that, but when you check they’re

Every country does it for their artistes, why don’t we have a copy right law.

My friends in Trinidad are able to make money; it’s a way of employing persons. We can put money in everybody’s pock-

around.

Of the bat, Gajraj let it be known that Phagwah is actually one of his favourite festivals, which he looks forward to usually returning home to celebrate in grand style with

grown so immensely over the years, with billions celebrating it across the world,” Gajraj shared.

Paying homage to the Hindu festival this year, Gajraj released “Phagwah Holi Mash Up”, a collabo-

Terry Gajraj

playing 99 per cent Jamaican or Trinidad music. You love those countries so much why not learn from them what they do for their artistes and emulate that.”

UNAPOLOGETIC Gajraj was also unapologetic in his call for improved copy right laws, to better enable artistes in Guyana to make a sustainable living from their work.

“We need it, we need it, we need it,” he emphatically commented “It’s what makes you somebody, your material is officially recognised.

et. Artistes will be more creative. If you want to encourage creativity, we need the copy right laws. If you want to be recognised around the world, we need copy right laws, there are so many reasons those are just some.”

Notwithstanding the challenges, Gajraj commended those in the Guyanese music industry for continuing to weather the storm and for continuing to put out quality music.

Speaking about his own music, Gajraj noted his love for Phagwah and to always ensure he brings out something new whenever the festival comes

events such as those hosted annually at the stadium.

He is a little disheartened that things have to be curtailed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

ECSTATIC Nonetheless, he is ecstatic to at least be able to come back home to Guyana, given that he couldn’t last year due to airport closures and flight restrictions.

“Phagwah means the world to me. It’s our ancestry, celebrating where we came from, our traditions, our culture. Where we came from. It has

ration with Anant Hansraj, and “Holiya/Phagwah”, which he collaborated with Yangki Tiny Beti to produce. He describes the songs as the ultimate Phagwah tunes. He has also released an album which includes the new music, and a number of existing tunes.

Gajraj related that with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting his usual busy travel schedule, he was able to use the time to work on putting together new music.

“I am one of those guys who take the lemons and make lemonade.

The COVID-19 has been

a productive period for me. I couldn’t make performances, but I’ve done many virtual performances, and I was productive and did more recordings,” he explained.

The father of two noted that the restrictions also allowed him an opportunity to not just make more music, but also spend more time with his family, bringing together his two greatest loves.

“My life revolves around music and my family. My mom, dad, sisters, my children; it’s a beautiful balance for me.

People are like why don’t you take a vacation, but for me my life is a vacation, every week I am in a different city, different county.

My objective is every year to perform in a new country,” he said with a smile.

Decomposed body of pensioner found in Sophia home THE decomposed body of 81-yearold Budhan Singh was, on Thursday, discovered in a secondary state of decomposition at his Block ‘R’ North Sophia, Georgetown, home, by his daughter.

During an investigation conducted

by the Guyana Police Force, it was revealed that the young woman, who lives on the East Coast of Demerara, had last visited her father on January 14, 2021.

Upon her return to visit on Thursday, her calls to Singh went unanswered, so,

upon becoming suspicious, she requested assistance to break the door open.

It was upon doing so that she discovered the deceased, lying unclothed and motionless on his bed. Reports indicate that the pensioner had been living alone at the said address for a number

of years.

Police found no signs of forced entry, and no visible marks of violence were observed about the body.

The body is presently at the Lyken Funeral Parlour, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

COVID-19 cases surpass 10,000 THE total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Guyana has now surpassed 10,000, following the confirmation of 109 positive cases on Friday, March 26, 2021. This was reflected in the Ministry of Health’s daily COVID-19 dashboard.

The recent spike pushes the country’s total number of confirmed cases, since the discovery of the first local case in March, 2020, to 10,007, with over 1,422 of these being recorded in March 2021 alone. Despite the staggering numbers, however, many continue to flout the strict COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the COVID-19 Task Force.

Of the 109 new cases, 30 were recorded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 64 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); six in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); four in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara - Upper Berbice).

The newly infected persons were 60 males and 49 females. No other region has confirmed new cases within the past 24

hours.

To date, there are 11 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 57 in institutional isolation, 913 isolated at home, and 17 in institutional quarantine.

Of Guyana’s total number of confirmed cases, 998 are currently active. And, of the 8,801 recoveries, 80 were medically cleared within the past 24 hours.

With the number of confirmed cases rising daily, all Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six-foot physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline @ 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Collective effort by stakeholders vital to reducing crime – Commander Ramlakhan

COMMUNITY Policing Groups (CPGs), the business community, concerned citizens and other stakeholders who assist the police in executing their duties play a vital role in reducing crime in their communities.

This is according to Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Senior Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan, during a recent public meeting at Number 52 Village, Berbice, Corentyne.

“We have a different team now, a team of investigators who are not just sitting at their desks, they are going out in the fields. We cannot eliminate crime, but we can

certainly reduce it....” he told residents.

Ramlakhan assured residents that police officers from 51- 62, Moleson Creek and Springlands will be going into every community, to speak with residents, pointing out that “some of you may not have the time to go down to the stations”.

“Since I took over in October of last year, my officers have been on patrol day and night. I am grateful for the efforts of the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and the business community,” the commander noted.

Former Magistrate Krishnadat Persaud, who was at the meeting, expressed confidence in the

Commander Ramlakhan speaking to residents about policing and stakeholder collaboration commander and his team for the work they are do-

ing.

He highlighted several incidents of burglary where car batteries, diesel, and solar lights as well as unattended cattle have gone missing in the area.

In response, the commander noted that “every second someone is calling to make a report, it means therefore that the people here in Berbice have confidence in the police, and so I implore upon you, the residents, the ones who are aware of what is happening, report, network; speak with us. We cannot do it alone.”

He added: “I have transferred almost all the police in this region. Because I believe that being at one place for too long makes you become complacent.

We have close monitoring and evaluation of every rank so we can understand where their limitations are and we will correct it,” the commander told residents.

He also noted that more considerate traffic ranks are being dispatched to serve the public.

“So, whenever a police officer stops someone it means that they have information that they may have

committed a breach, not to harass them,” he explained, pointing out that, “at this point in time, we have a high police presence in this region. I have recently had to upbraid a rank, in relation to a gentleman who was driving without his licence, but lived in very close proximity of the station and was stopped and refused permission to get his licence from his home.”

Asking citizens to support the police, commander Ramlakhan was also told about farmers and other villagers traversing the roadways, sometimes late, returning from their farms, and expressed concern for their safety.

“I recently visited the Black Bush area, there is a high police presence there so farmers can safely expand their operations and activities.”

One of the issues raised there is that persons are not able to attain driver’s licences because of their educational background.

“We will fix that.

The Traffic Chief will be visiting soon and we will have oral examinations done. Too many youths are deprived of jobs, they can drive but they don’t have licences; we will change that,” he explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Easier access to ‘housing services’ –– as subject ministry revamps website

By Tamica Garnett

CITIZENS with applications at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) can now track the process, update their applications, and make queries online using the authority’s updated website.

The modified website, though more advanced, still affords persons the opportunity to fill and submit new applications virtually.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said it was surprising to find that the website had not been functioning

properly notwithstanding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We took office in the COVID-19 pandemic and we thought it strange that there was no website. So we had some basic things we had to do; the website wasn’t functioning, you couldn’t put in an online application, so we had to revamp that and immediately we started doing virtual interviews rather than having persons come in,” Minister Rodrigues related during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday.

The minister is hopeful that the new additions will encourage more persons to

utilise the services online and reduce the number of persons visiting the office.

Not only will the modified website be useful to new applicants, but it will also be beneficial to the ministry, which has had trouble in the past with recovering contact information for several existing applicants.

On that point, the minister also advised existing applicants to update their contact information whenever there are changes; this adjustment could now be done online.

“Updating your information is extremely important. When we started pull applications and saw

names 10 – 15 years we couldn’t get in contact with them. So now you don’t have to come in and do that, you can do that online.

“We’re trying to make all of our services accessible and that is something that was lacking here. We put online the update form, so persons can update contact information, update if they got married or had a name change,” Minister Rodrigues said.

Although those systems are already in place, the minister said it is still their intention to address enquiries with a virtual query system.

“If you want to query

Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues the status of your application, all of that we put online. If you have a question, if you wish you can ask that online now on our website. There is someone who actually responds, they respond via email.

You ask a question and submit and they will re-

spond. We have someone designated to doing that,” Minister Rodrigues said.

Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, also said that increasing digital services would definitely make life easier for applicants.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

‘Variants of concern’ detected in 32 countries in the Americas

THE Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said 32 countries and territories in the Americas have reported the presence of at least one of the three “variants of concern” of the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, according to a new Epidemiological Update.

According to a release, these variants may increase transmissibility of the virus, increase its virulence, or decrease the effectiveness of public health and social measures or diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, although much remains to be learned about them.

Current measures to re-

duce transmission – including frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, physical distancing, good ventilation and avoiding crowded places or closed settings – continue to work against new variants by reducing the amount of viral transmission and therefore also reducing opportunities for the virus to mutate.

The countries and territories that reported one or more of these variants include Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Bonaire, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Pan-

ama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, United States of America, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Since the initial identification of SARS-CoV-2, more than 845,000 complete genomic sequences have been shared globally through publicly accessible databases.

“The capacity to monitor the data in near real time has a direct impact on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing to identify changes in epidemiological patterns, in virulence, or in the decrease in therapeutic efficacy, among other changes,” the PAHO update noted.

To date, three variants of SARS-CoV-2 first identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil and known as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.1.28.1, have been classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as variants of concern (VOC), in consultation with the WHO Working Group on the Evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Variants in another category, variants

of interest, covering three additional types, have been reported in Brazil, the United States, and six other countries and territories.

PAHO’s update said, “Given the significant resource requirements needed to sequence all samples in the region to identify variants, PAHO continues to work closely with laboratories in the countries of the Americas to help identify samples which should be prioritized for genomic sequencing.”

To date, 21 countries are participating in the COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Network, with reference sequencing laboratories in Brazil and Chile. PAHO is working together with the countries of the region to expand and strengthen the regional network, as this mechanism will be critical to tracking the spread or appearance of new variants of concern.

PAHO is also supporting epidemiological studies in Brazil to understand the patterns of transmission, reinfection, and the severity of cases from the different circulating variants.

Curb-side pickup of import/ export licences for PWD THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has introduced an expedited process and curb-side pickup of import/export licences for persons living with disabilities (PWD).

With effect from March 30, 2021, persons with disabilities will be able to submit and uplift their applications for import and/or export licences in a more convenient manner without exiting their vehicles.

Persons desirous of accessing this service will have to complete a one-time registration which will be valid for one year. Staff of the licensing section will vet and accept applications, as well as issue applications once approved at a designated area outside of the ministry.

Applications for import/export licences belonging to persons with disabilities will be processed immediately and can be available within one to three hours as opposed to the standard 24 to 48 hours.

This is an extended service offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in keeping with the ministry’s objective of improving the ease of doing business and promoting inclusivity of vulnerable groups.

For more information about this service, persons are advised to make contact with the Director of Commerce, Nicola Namdeo on 225-2280 or via email nnamdeo@mintic.gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

15 coast guards graduate from maintenance course TROUBLESHOOTING defective outboard engines and administering first-hand maintenance is now made easier for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Coast Guard, as 15 officers have been trained and certified in outboard motor maintenance.

An outboard motor is defined as a propulsion system for boats, consisting of a self-contained unit that includes engine, gearbox and propeller or jet drive, designed to be affixed to the outside of the transom. They are the most common motorised method of propelling small watercraft.

Should any of those engines, belonging to the Coast Guard, become defective, it is anticipated

that the loss time would not be long since the 15 officers, who were drawn from various units within the Coast Guard, have graduated from a specialised, six-week outboard motor maintenance course (OMMC).

Among the batch of graduates were best graduating student, Able Rating (AR) Delroy Hinds; runner-up student, AR Allison Benjamin; and AR Jadon Correia, who copped the best operator award.

Acting Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander David Shamsudeen, in his address to the graduates, urged them to be responsible with the force’s assets.

“I challenge you to

own these cherished assets that will be placed in your care. Treat them like they belong to you,” he said.

He said too while gen-

equip the students with the requisite skills to safely and competently navigate any outboard vessel in any condition, and be able to

effectively troubleshoot and administer first-hand maintenance to an outboard engine.

The Course was

Senior Coast Guards (seated) flanked by graduates eral safety is of utmost importance, safety at sea is even more important.

The objective of the six-week course was to

conducted at the Coast Guard Headquarters, Coast Guard Ship Hinds, and at the Training Division of the Coast Guard.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Smug ‘conman’ gets lucky –– makes bail despite fleecing unsuspecting client of $8.5M MICAH Sonaram, of Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday last to answer three fraud-related charges, and was granted bail in the sum of $60,000 after pleading not guilty to them all.

One of the charges is that Sonaram, between

Wednesday, December 2 and Friday, December 11, 2020, at Georgetown, fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit the sum of $2 million that was entrusted to him by one Mohamed Ahamad to buy a Doosan excavator for him.

Another charge is that he, between Tuesday, November 24, 2020 and Thursday, January 7, 2021, again fraudulently

converted to his own use and benefit the $3 million he was given by the same customer to buy him a CAT Skid-Steer loader.

Then, between Thursday, November 19, 2020, and Tuesday, December 29, 2020, Ahamad again gave Sonaram money, this time $3.5 million to buy him a mini excavator, all this while masquerading as the owner of a company called PARTZONE GY

Inc. located at North Road, Lacytown.

The court was told that Sonaram is in the business of importing and selling new, as well as refurbished and used heavy-duty machinery, and that apart from having a physical location from which to operate, he also uses Facebook to promote his business, which is how Ahamad came to know of him and the services he offers.

The two would eventually meet face-to-face between Thursday, November 19, 2020, and Thursday, January 7, 2021, and

Ahamad would hand over a total of $8.5 million to Sonaram as down payment to commence the process of making the three purchases, on the condition that the machinery in question would arrive here in Guyana and be delivered in 30 days.

To his credit, the court learnt that Sonaram signed and provided Ahamad with receipts for all the money he had collected from him, but unfortunately, he did not deliver on his promise.

When finally, Ahamad smelled the rat, he reportedly demanded that So-

naram refund him all his money, but though agreeing to do so, he never did.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police, and it was not until an investigation was launched that Ahamad learnt who exactly he was dealing with, as not only is Sonaram a repeat offender with a string of offences as long as his arm, but he also has as many as seven other similar matters before the court.

Hearing into the latest of his escapades has been adjourned until Wednesday, March 31.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

$650M asphalt plant to be fully activated by April 6 –– management of facility to be separate from that of Demerara Harbour Bridge

By Richard Bhainie

THE new $650 million Eco 2,000 Batch Mix Asphalt Plant, located at Garden of Eden, on the East Bank of Demerara, will be fully activated by April 6, 2021, Chairman of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Ravie Ramcharitar, has said.

“So far we have spent $590 million on this plant and a further $60 million thereabout needs to be spent or paid… the total investment is about $650 million on this equipment and few other auxiliary services,” Ramcharitar said following a tour of the site with Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Friday.

The $488 million German-manufactured machin-

ery arrived in Guyana in July 2019, but was installed in January 7, 2020.

Once fully activated, the asphalt plant, which is currently managed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, will be able to produce at a maximum capacity of 160 tonnes per hour.

Ramcharitar noted that this is a significant improvement from the existing plant which currently produces 50 tonnes per hour. Additionally, the new plant has a mobile unit which produces 10 tonnes per hour.

The state-owned asphalt plant located at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara

“This plant is supposed to deliver more efficiency in the production and usage of materials and that ought to bring some cost savings; however, that has to be evaluated very carefully and we would decide upon that after maybe two weeks of full commercial operations,” Ramcharitar said.

With most of the groundwork already in place, managers of the plant will be looking to complete the remaining work which includes the See page 18

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

$650M asphalt plant to be fully ...

From page 17

installation of an office, a lab and a scale.

The impending activation of the facility comes against the backdrop of a recent audit into the asphalt plant, which revealed that the weighing of asphalt was done at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, which is located approximately ten miles away from the plant, instead of paying for it to be weighed at a scale located next door for approximately $3,000.

SEPARATE MANAGEMENT Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said that following a public process, which involved the submission of applications,

a plant manager for the facility will be selected in the new week subsequent to the final determination of the interview panel.

He noted too that while one board of directors will oversee the operations of the bridge and plant, there will now be a separate management team at the asphalt plant.

“We want to avoid the intermingling, and also the intermingling of finances.

There must be clear lines of demarcation of monies available to the plant and the DHB separately, so that is a work in progress and we should have a new plant manager very soon,” Edghill said.

The minister, however, said that there are some areas

of concern which should be addressed, specifically the after-sale service to ensure that the necessary spares are available for the plant and adequate training for persons to operate and troubleshoot the plant.

“I have instructed today [Friday] that we have a wider pool of persons to be trained and equip for the management of the plant, nobody should have a monopoly or leverage. We must have multiple persons capable of doing the same thing, so that in the event of anything we have several people who can make the necessary interventions,” he reasoned.

He advised that the recommendations of the audit must continue to be imple-

mented to ensure greater managerial control at the plant.

“This is a profitable entity that once properly managed, pays for itself and could provide funding to do so many other things in terms of Guyana’s development… the market allows for that.

“We as a government, we are not going to be putting private sector people out of business but we want to ensure that we are part of the competition if not the gold standard in terms of setting the price on the market because once we are able to economically reduce cost of production of asphalt, it means the cost of a road could go down,” Minister Edghill said.

He opined that it is time that the delayed project becomes operational and provides benefits to the Guyanese people.

GTT closes Camp Street store following alleged break in THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), on Friday, announced the temporary closure of its Camp and Regent Streets retail store, following an alleged ‘breaking and entering’ during the early hours of the morning.

Public Relations Manager of GTT, Jasmin Harris, in a press statement on Friday, said that no one was hurt during the robbery, but noted that an undisclosed amount of items were stolen.

“We are working with law enforcement to further investigate what transpired at the store. Meantime, customers are asked to conduct their transactions at our next nearest location on Brickdam,” Harris was quoted as saying.

She further added that all other GTT retail stores would continue to operate as per normal and according to the usual business hours.

In February 2020, GTT’s Kiosk at the Giftland Mall location was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money, and two men were arrested in connection with the robbery. The company opened its store at Camp and Regent Streets in December 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Berbice man relieved of knee pain –– thanks to work of Chinese Medical Brigade

ANDREW Veeren, a resident of Region Six, lives in Belvedere, Berbice, 120 kilometers from Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Veeren, who has a history of hard work, for more

ment (ACL) of both knees.

Grade complex tear was noted involving posterior horn of medial meniscus with displaced flap beyond the tibial margins and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in right knee,

Dr. DAI Dechun (left), Consultant of Acupuncture with Andrew Veeren than two years suffered pain in the knees which gradually aggravated since the beginning of 2020.

His gait was swinging and slow. He felt significant tension in the back of both legs and could not achieve the desired effects after taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxers which blocking pain sensations.

The MRI conducted on Vereen’s knees revealed significant chondromalacia, marginal osteophytosis, mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate liga-

while grade complex tear involving posterior horn and posterior body of medial meniscus in left knee.

Those imaging features suggest significant osteoarthritis of his both knee joints.

There was no doubt that it was a rather severe case and filled with challenges.

Dr. Chen Ying, Consultant of Radiology, interpreted the pathological characteristics and key points of two knee joint images.

Dr. Zhang Xiangxin, Consulant of Orthopaedics, explained to the patient and his family mem-

bers that surgery could be performed when necessary, and introduced the detailed operation plan.

MORE CONFIDENCE An effective multidisciplinary team had been formed in the Chinese Medical Brigade.

With the enthusiastic support of teammates of the brigade, the Chinese doctors had more confidence to try acupuncture treatment. Veeren and his relatives finally decided to receive acupuncture treatment, combined with special rehabilitation training.

The doctors told him that further orthopedic surgery could be considered to improve the quality of his life if the conservative treatment for several months was not effective.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is beneficial to reduce knee osteoarthritis pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis effectively.

Rehabilitation exercise is helpful to improve the muscle strength and elasticity of lower limbs, enhance the stability of knee joint and improve gait balance.

Veeren lives far away from hospital and usually took the minibus at 05:00 hrs to the GPHC for acupuncture treatment, even in the rainy season with heavy rain, regardless of the weather. On December 31, the last day of 2020, he got on the bus to GPHC at 03:00 hrs possibly due to the shift adjustment of bus during the holiday.

His persistence in

Dr. Chen Ying (first left), Consultant of Radiology, explaining Andrew Veeren’s MRI knee films with Dr. DAI Dechun seeking medical help and his confidence in acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) greatly inspired the Chinese doctors to endeavour to carry out optimised acupuncture treatment scheme for him.

IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY Fortunately, Veeren’s knee pain was greatly relieved, and the former abnormal gait was also improved significantly after eight times of acupuncture and targeted home rehabilitation exercise.

That victory was an amazing New Year’s gift for Veeren and the Chinese doctors.

Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted at precise points (acupoints) on the body. It has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to restore

health for a variety of conditions, which is based on the theory that illness can result when the body’s flow of energy (called “qi”) is blocked or imbalanced. The acupuncture needles are positioned to correct those problems.

It has been greatly popularised and developed and is becoming increasingly important component of world medicine. The technique has already been recognised by the authoritative medical organisations of various countries as well as World Health Organisation (WHO). Traditional Chinese acupuncture is used most commonly for pain relief, though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions.

In 2003, the WHO published an official report listing 28 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated

effectively by acupuncture.

The list includes headache, allergic rhinitis, neck pain, knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, stroke, among other diseases.

“Chinese Medical Brigade is not only a doctor, but also a civilian diplomat, determined to bring health and friendship to the mountains and rivers of Guyana and share the experience and sterling moments with our counterparts in Guyana, just like Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China and Guyana, though far apart, enjoy a deep and close friendship and have achieved fruitful results in bilateral co-operation in various fields since diplomatic relations established, during a video conversation with Guyana President Ali on March 17,” a release from the Chinese Brigade said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Task Force zeroes in on Phagwah wet fetes, shows –– issues own guidelines, says patrols will be done

FEW local businesses have signalled their intention to host public events on Phagwah Day, though these are prohibited by the national COVID-19 guidelines, and, as such, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) Secretariat has indicated that patrols will be done nationwide to “aggressively” enforce the guidelines.

In addition to the national guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health which restricted the usual Phagwah celebrations, the NCTF issued its own guidelines on Friday.

The body emphasised that Phagwah celebrations do not involve the use of alcohol and all non-religious Phagwah activities, inclusive of Chutney shows, Phagwah parties and limes, and wet fetes are strictly

prohibited.

On Friday, the Guyana Chronicle reported that few local businesses advertised parties and hangouts on Phagwah day. As per the Task Force’s guidelines, this is strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, the Task Force also highlighted that Phagwah celebrations in public spaces are not allowed and large gatherings are prohibited.

Importantly, the Task Force also emphasised that the Joint Services will be conducting ‘COVICURB’ patrols nationwide to “aggressively enforce these guidelines”.

“We plan to do enforcement on a daily basis but especially on those days that they (businesses) signalled that they are going to breach these measures,” Director of the NCTF Secretariat, Col-

onel Nazrul Hussain, told this publication in an invited comment on Thursday.

Some businesses have signalled that there will be Phagwah celebrations at secret locations. One business on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) has blatantly posted a flyer of a “Phagwah party” that will be held at its premises; that business also advertised a ‘Chutney show’ in April.

On Wednesday night, during an address to the nation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that while there are several religious and cultural events ahead of the country over the next few weeks — including the celebration of Phagwah and Easter and the observance of Ramadan — citizens should adhere strictly to the approved COVID-19 guidelines.

“The COVID-19 Task Force has been asked to pursue charges against owners of establishments that are found in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines,” he underscored.

The Task Force, like the Health Ministry, also underscored that Phagwah events held at mandirs, including cultural programmes, chowtal samelan and satsang (service), are only allowed at 40 per cent capacity. Mandirs are, however, encouraged to utilise their outdoor spaces, where available.

It was also advised that religious gatherings for the burning of Holika, which are done the night before, are allowed but social distancing must be enforced and the activity must adhere to the stipulated curfew.

The nationwide curfew begins at 22:30 hours and lasts until 04: 00 hrs (the next morning). This means that the activity must be completed by that time and persons must return home.

The Task Force also noted that persons are encouraged to celebrate Phagwah within their home circles.

Masks must be worn at all times, six feet social distancing must be main-

A flyer advertising a “Phagwah party” though this is prohibited by the local authorities tained, and there must be regular hand washing and sanitisation.

Aside from the movement of devotees to and from places of worship, Phagwah celebrations on motorcades are prohibit-

ed. Additionally, the Task Force highlighted social distancing must be respected and tolerance exercised, where and when persons do not want to engage in Phagwah celebrations.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Shulinab gets first resident doctor

SHULINAB, a little remote community nestled in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), will be better equipped to deal with medical issues, as the Ministry of Health has, for the first time, assigned a resident doctor to the community.

The formal appointment of Dr. Petriana Surajpaul to the community’s health centre was done by Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, who conducted a two-day outreach to Region Nine.

In speaking about the appointment of Dr. Surajpaul, Dr. Mahadeo said: “It is the first time this facility is going to have a doctor. This is based on the request made during our last visit for more services to be offered here.”

The Director-General also commended the doctors who would have agreed to serve in remote communities across the country, to ensure that there is equitable access to quality healthcare.

At Shulinab, Dr. Mahadeo said he was con-

Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, addresses staff at the Aishalton District Hospital during a two-day visit to Region Nine (Photo courtesy of DPI) fident of Dr. Surajpaul’s ability to serve the village.

Dr. Surajpaul, prior to being assigned to Shulinab, served as the resident doctor at Sand Creek and surrounding villages.

“First of all, I want to say thanks to Dr. Surajpaul for being here, for taking up the challenge. She is one of the doctors that we need to commend because

when she was advised that she would be coming to the hinterland, she willingly came to the hinterland.

“It would be a year now. I want to say continue to serve, and thanks on behalf of the Ministry of Health and people of Guyana for taking on that challenge,” Dr. Mahadeo said.

Further, he said that the

government is working to meet citizens’ needs countrywide, and the assignment of a doctor to Shulinab is just the beginning.

With the new resident doctor, the community, which has over 450 residents, will have access to additional medical services. Additionally, vulnerable residents, such as those who are bedridden, would be treated.

Shulinab also has several satellites, including Meriwau and Quiko; however, Dr. Surajpaul is not daunted.

The resident doctor said she looks forward to serving and has an interest in ensuring the upward mobility of the Community Health Workers (CHWs).

“I will work with them to enhance their skills,” she said.

Prior to engaging the residents of Shulinab, the team wrapped up its visit to the Aishalton District Hospital in the “Deep South” Rupununi, where plans are on-stream to upgrade the medical facility to a central healthcare hub.

This facility has been

manned over the last year

by Dr. Quacy Mendonca and a staff of 24. It serves Aishalton and several satellite villages.

Since taking office in August, the new government has addressed transportation woes at the hospital, providing an all-terrain vehicle to support personnel movements in the region. More recently, another doctor was assigned to the sub-district; he is a general practitioner with knowledge of ultrasonography.

Hinterland Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Michael Gouveia said: “We already have in the region one of our Cuban counterparts who has training in ultrasonography. That person was sent in with an ultrasound machine two weeks ago.

He is in Lethem at the moment having orientation and will arrive soon.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Mahadeo said his department is focused on achieving President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision of quality healthcare for every citizen, regardless of their geographical location.

Dr. Petriana Surajpaul To this end, in addition to developing the district and regional hospitals, Dr. Mahadeo said there will be training for health staff, particularly CHWs. The Director-General told the medical staff at Shulinab and Aishalton that another reason for his team’s visit was to interact with them for a better understanding of their immediate needs, and to allow them to collaborate on the development of healthcare in the region. [DPI]

$3M for cultivation of soya, corn at Moco Moco MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has announced that his ministry will be expending $3 million in 2021 to commence the cultivation of corn and soya bean in Moco Moco Village, North Rupununi.

During a recent twoday outreach to Region Nine (Upper Takutu - Up-

per Essequibo), Minister Mustapha hosted several meetings with farmers from several villages to listen to some of the issues faced in the agriculture sector in the region.

During his meeting with villagers from Moco Moco, Minister Mustapha told the gathering that a number of transformative

projects will be rolled out in the region over the next few months. He also told villagers that his ministry will be making the necessary resources available to commence corn and soya bean cultivation in the coming months.

“We’ve earmarked three acres each for the cultivation of corn and

Some of the residents gathered at the meeting with the Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

soya bean in the village.

Our extension officers will come and have discussions with the Village Council shortly to determine where to start the production. This initiative will benefit your community tremendously. Over time we will increase the production and ensure you have the necessary support to sustain these crops,” Minister Mustapha said.

Toshao for Moco Moco, Mark George said that the village needed heavy-duty equipment if they were to venture into large-scale agriculture.

He also said farmers were willing to increase their cultivation but sighted a lack of markets as a hindrance.

“Minister our biggest challenge here is mar-

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha kets. We can do so much more than we are doing now. For example, we have peanuts in people’s homes with no markets.

We also need a tractor with a plough. We are grateful for the basic gar-

den tools but we also need big tools so that we can do our cultivation in a smarter way and on a larger scale,” George related.

Responding to those See page 26

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

COVAX vaccines expected within two weeks

–– Health Minister says, as vaccination rollout intensifies from Wednesday

By Vishani Ragobeer A SMALLER quantity of 24,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines for COVID-19, supplied to Guyana by the COVAX facility, is expected in Guyana sometime with the next two weeks, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

“We are hopeful that will come in soon because they have given us a deadline that within the next two weeks that we’d be able to get those vaccines,” the Health Minister said on Friday, during his daily COVID-19 update.

The COVAX facility is a global mechanism that was created to ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines needed to immunise affected populations. In the initial distribution phase, 15 Caribbean countries are expected to receive just over 2.1 million doses; some countries are paying for the vaccines produced through COVAX, while other countries including Guyana will receive their first tranche of vaccines for free.

Last week, the Health Minister noted that COVAX has significantly reduced the number of vaccines it will be giving to Guyana and other Caribbean countries in the first tranche of the initial distribution phase.

Guyana, for example, is expected to receive an initial set of 100,800 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines during the initial phase.

However, a later correspondence from COVAX noted that the country will receive a first set of 24,000 vaccines.

Jamaica, the first country to receive vaccines through the COVAX mechanism, received 14,400 doses out of the 124,800 allocated to the country in the initial rollout phase. Importantly, however, Jamaica has engaged COVAX as a self-financing participant.

According to information from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), the entire amount allocated to countries during this initial phase will be distributed by May. While the COVAX facility was created with an ambitious mandate of ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines, which is seen as the exit strategy for countries amid the pandemic, a wider issue of ‘vaccine nationalism’ has overshadowed its work.

STOCKPILING The advanced economies of the world have been able to procure and stockpile vaccines–some securing enough to vaccinate their populations

more than once, according to reports from American news agency, NPR — while many countries around the world have not been able to procure vaccines as yet, or only in much smaller quantities.

Nevertheless, Guyana has also been pursuing bilateral arrangements to garner vaccines for its population.

From next week, Guyana is expected to receive weekly consignments of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia, since the country is paying for 200,000 doses of the vaccine. Since this vaccine is given in two doses, this means that 100,000 will be able to benefit. Importantly, however, the vaccines from Russia will come in batches of 50,000, weekly.

These vaccines add to the donation of 3,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines made to Guyana by Barbados from the set that country received from India, 20,000 Sinopharm vaccines from China and 80,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines from India.

The Indian High Commissioner in Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa recently told the Guyana Chronicle that the government has signalled its interest in procuring about 400,000 Covaxin vaccine doses produced in India.

On Friday, the Health

Minister of Health and Wellness in Jamaica, Dr. Christopher Tufton (centre) receives the 14,400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, which Jamaica procured under the COVAX Facility (Jamaica Observer photo) Minister also noted that the local authorities are still awaiting word from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)/African Union arrangements so that that route of accessing vaccines can be finalised. Dr. Anthony also noted that there are other initiatives that CARICOM is working on.

INTENSIFIED VACCINATION ROLLOUT On Wednesday night during a broadcast address to the nation, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, announced that from as

early as next week, persons who are 40 years and older will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccines currently being administered to frontline healthcare workers and citizens ages 60 and above.

A notice published on the Health Ministry’s Facebook page on Friday, and shared with the media, indicated that this intensified vaccination rollout will start on Wednesday, March 31.

While Guyana has not completed its vaccination of elderly persons over the age of 60 (an estimated 59,000 persons) and healthcare workers

(an estimated 12,000 persons), the Health Minister noted that as the country gets more vaccines, it will be distributed to the lower age group as well.

Focus, he said, will also be given to persons with comorbidities (underlying health conditions such as diabetes).

Guyana currently has enough vaccines to vaccinate about 50,000 persons so it is anticipated that as soon as the other vaccines are secured, they will be distributed across the population. Already, vaccination is ongoing in all 10 administrative regions.

$3M for cultivation of soya, corn ...

From page 25

requests, Minister Mustapha told the villagers that several tractors were being procured for the region under the ministry’s 2021 capital programme.

“Your village leader also spoke about the tractor and plough. I want to assure you that, this year in our programme, we will be purchasing three heavy-duty tractors fitted with chippers and row plough. I want you to work with our officers to develop a

programme for your community.

“We’ll put one of the tractors in Lethem and that machine will service this and other areas around Lethem. We’ll also put one in the North [Rupununi] and one in the South [Rupununi]. These machines will be used to help the village council as well as individual farmers to develop their plots and farms.

We are now at the procurement stage to purchase

these machines,” Minister Mustapha said.

Further, he said: “Since taking office, I’ve been making changes to the way several agencies under the ministry’s umbrella operate. The New GMC is one of those agencies. We had a change in management and the agency is now refocusing its efforts to act the marketing aspect of its name.

“Only recently, several farmers from this region

had 50,000 pounds of peanuts and we were able to find a market for those farmers. These farmers were also paid with cash so you don’t have to worry about not being paid on time for your produce or being forced to barter as is often the case in this region.”

The agriculture minister also told villagers that with new agro-processing facilities being constructed across the region, farmers

would be able to benefit from better prices for their produce.

“We are encouraging value-added produce to increase your earnings.

These facilities will be outfitted with the necessary equipment to improve the packaging and labelling of your produce. You will not have to worry about spoilage because you will now have facilities that will be able to process your crops and extend their shelf life,”

Minister Mustapha said.

While in the village, the minister also instructed the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to send an excavator to commence digging of a fish pond after villagers sought the assistance of the minister to construct these facilities so that they could venture into aquaculture.

Those works are scheduled to commence before the end of this month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

(REUTERS) - De’Aaron Fox exploded for a career-high 44 points and Tyrese Haliburton easily won his rookie duel with James Wiseman on Thursday night, as the Sacramento Kings thumped the visiting Golden State Warriors 141-119.

A third straight Kings win, coupled with a third consecutive Warriors defeat, allowed Sacramento to move within two games of Golden State in their bid to make the Western Conference playoff field.

Playing against a Warriors team missing not only Stephen Curry (bruised tailbone) but also Draymond Green, who apparently had an adverse reaction to a COVID shot, the Kings seized command in the second quarter and pulled well clear in the third.

The 141-point total was 13 more than their previous season high, set January 6 against Chicago Bulls. Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes chipped in with 25 points to go with a game-high 11 rebounds while Haliburton had 21 points.

Andrew Wiggins amassed 26 points 10 rebounds for the Warriors.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 125 - MIAMI HEAT 122 Damian Lillard made three free throws with one second left, leading visiting

Portland to a win over Miami.

The Trail Blazers’ CJ McCollum scored 21 of his game-high 35 points in a sizzling first quarter, but he had just six points in the second half. Lillard, scoreless in the first quarter, finished with 22 points nine assists.

Heat tied a season worst with their fifth straight loss while completing an 0-4 home stand. Miami were led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, each with 29 points. Adebayo added nine rebounds, seven assists five blocks.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 98 - SAN ANTONIO SPURS 85 Reggie Jackson scored a season-high 28 points and Paul George scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to help short-handed Los Angeles win at San Antonio.

The victory was Clippers’ fourth straight and fifth in their past six games. Los Angeles are now 12-4 in backto-backs this season, and 8-0

in the second game, including 6-0 on the road.

DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 23 points with Dejounte Murray adding 18.

San Antonio have lost four straight games.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 109 - LOS ANGELES LAKERS 101 Danny Green shot 8-for12 from 3-point range and scored 28 points to help Philadelphia send hosts Los Angeles to itheir fourth straight loss.

Before the game, Green and 76ers centre Dwight Howard were awarded the NBA championship rings they won with Lakers last season. Seth Curry returned after missing the past three games with a sprained left ankle and scored 19 points, and Tobias Harris finished with 17 points for Philadelphia, who have won 10 of 11 to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Kyle Kuzma had 25 points and nine rebounds, Dennis

Schroder finished with 20 points 11 assists and Montrezl Harrell scored 20 off the bench for Lakers, who have matched their longest losing streak of the season.

NEW YORK KNICKS 106 - WASHINGTON WIZARDS 102 Alec Burks scored 27 points and RJ Barrett added 24 as hosts New York overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Washington, sweeping a two-game series.

Burks and Barrett were instrumental in New York’s comeback. Burks scored 15 of his points in the fourth while Barrett scored 19 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth.

Bradley Beal scored 26 for Wizards, who dropped to 1-8 in their past nine games.

Russell Westbrook finished with 13 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists, but he also committed eight turnovers and shot 3 of 15 from the field.

FROM BACK PAGE

fielded a lot of overs and after tea, Kemar Roach (led) the way, coming out with a positive attitude. Obviously he was tired (but] we got a breakthrough and from there )that summed it up for me.

“In terms of the number of overs we had to field and we still had that attitude, we wanted to do it for West Indies, I was quite pleased with that.”

He added: “I thought Kemar and Jason (Holder) they led the way with their discipline in terms of their lines and lengths. In the second innings we missed one or two chances – that will happen.”

West Indies take on Sri Lanka in the second Test starting Monday at the same venue, searching for a vic-

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tory what would hand them their first series win over the Asian side in nearly two decades.

Brathwaite, in his first series as full-time captain, said discipline and attitude would again be critical to the home side’s performance.

“I just think we need to be disciplined in both innings because obviously you want to get 20 wickets,” he explained.

“So it’s just for us to go back to the drawing board and look at plans and how we could have done things a little differently and come out again with the same attitude because I am quite happy with the attitude we have as a unit and we just have to keep growing.

“We won’t always get wins but I’m happy that we came out into this last day with a draw. It really shows the fight this team has.”

He added: “I want the boys to get some good rest.

It is important we get a good recovery in but coming out into the second game as a bowling unit it is (about) discipline, in-between with some aggression.

“And it’s for the batters to have that attitude and have that determination like we showed today, like we showed in Bangladesh. I think those are key things.

“Test cricket won’t always be easy. It will be tough but that mindset (is important) and Bonner and Kyle Mayers are leading the way and we just have to follow.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Bairstow, Stokes combine efforts to chase India’s 337 (BBC) - Jonny Bairstow struck a magnificent century and Ben Stokes a brutal 99 in an emphatic England chase of 337 to beat India in the second one-day international in Pune.

Stokes was simply awesome in cracking 10 sixes in his 52-ball stay, while the brilliant Bairstow made 124 from 112 deliveries.

Their second-wicket stand of 175 came at nine runs an over, completely decimating the India attack.

Even though England lost three wickets for two runs in nine balls, the chase - comfortably England’s highest in India and their fifth-best of all-time - was completed with 6.3 overs to spare.

It made India’s 3366 - built on a measured 108 from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s thrilling 77

- look paltry.

The series, now level at 1-1, will be decided tomorrow.

ENGLAND SERVE REMINDER OF THEIR POWER This was a stunning reminder of the exhilarating swagger that has made England the best one-day side in the world.

Just as in the series-opener, which India won by 66 runs, it was a clash of styles. Whereas India slowly built towards a late assault, England sprinted in the chase and, this time, got over the line.

Before the pyrotechnics, left-arm seamer Reece Topley returned 2-50 from his eight overs, a standout performance in an otherwise battered attack.

But the punishment England’s bowlers received

was nothing compared to the treatment dished out by Stokes and Bairstow, who

stands.

Their stunning display made light of the absence

Jonny Bairstow raised his 11th ODI hundred, India vs England, 2nd ODI, Pune, yesterday

used the excellent batting conditions to rain blow after blow into the empty

of injured captain Eoin Morgan, fellow batsman Sam Billings and the rested

Joe Root.

Then, when England wobbled, they were taken to victory by debutant Liam Livingstone and Dawid Malan, who had just one previous ODI cap.

STOKES AND BAIRSTOW LAY WASTE TO INDIA Bairstow had already added 110 with Jason Roy in 16.3 overs, an opening stand that was only ended when Roy was run-out for 55 in a mix-up sparked

by Rohit Sharma’s superb swoop and throw.

Stokes himself was fortunate not to be run-out on 33 as he strolled a second run. When Kuldeep Yadav’s throw from the deep hit direct, there was little evidence to suggest Stokes had his bat beyond the crease line, yet the third umpire ruled in his favour.

It was spinner Kuldeep who then took the brunt of the Stokes assault, hit for three successive sixes as the left-hander moved from 50 to 99 in only 11 balls.

Somehow he overshadowed Bairstow, who played a number of glorious lofted on-drives in his 11th ODI century.

When Stokes edged a bouncer from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he missed out on the third-fastest century by an England player in ODIs. In the next over, Bairstow hit Prasidh Krishna to extra cover and stand-in captain Jos Buttler was bowled by yorker.

However, any notion of pressure was dismissed by the audacity of Livingstone, whose back-toback sixes off Bhuvneshwar took England’s total number of maximums to 20.

Verstappen tops the Friday charts in Bahrain (BBC) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen topped both Friday practice sessions at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

He headed McLaren’s Lando Norris in the second session, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton third and Valtteri Bottas fifth, split by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Ve r s t a p p e n w a s first and Bottas second in the first session with Norris third.

The field appeared very competitive - less than a second separated Verstappen in first place from Fernando Alonso’s Alpine in a disappointing 15th.

It was a mixed day for all the movers up and down the grid.

Sainz impressed in the Ferrari, with his team-mate Charles Leclerc not stringing together a strong lap and ending up 12th, 0.5secs off the Spaniard.

And Alpha Tauri rookie Yuki Tsunoda impressed in going seventh fastest, two places ahead of experienced team-mate Pierre Gasly.

But Daniel Ricciardo was four places down on his new McLaren team-mate Norris; Sergio Perez was 10th in the second Red Bull; Sebastian Vettel was 14th fastest, six places behind

Aston Martin partner Lance Stroll.

And Alonso, returning to F1 after two years

Mercedes appeared to have made progress since then, with the car looking much more stable out on

weekend it is looking better but not perfect. We are working as hard as we can.

We still have a hill to climb

away, was four places and 0.169secs down on Alpine team-mate Esteban Ocon.

Verstappen’s pace continued the strong impression Red Bull had left after pre-season testing, in which Mercedes were struggling with an unstable car.

“It’s been a good day,” the Dutchman said. “With the heat, not easy to find a really good balance around the whole lap but it was a positive day.

“Now we have to show what we can do in qualifying.”

track - although Bottas did complain that it was “undriveable” when on his race simulation run late in the second session.

On the race runs, there was nothing to choose between Hamilton and Verstappen, both averaging more or less the same time over their stints.

But Hamilton said Mercedes were still struggling with the rear instability that plagued them in testing.

“It wasn’t where we wanted,” he said. “This

but we are staying positive.

“We thought Red Bull would be as fast as they are if not faster. We know they’re leading at the moment. McLaren are looking great, and it’s great to see them taking a step.

“Stability!. It is all about having a stable car and how to make the tyres last. That’s going to be key in this climate and with the wind that we have here.”

McLaren were the other team to make a big impression on the first day of the new season, while

Ferrari also appear to have made a step forward after their worst season in 40 years in 2020.

“We look quick today but it is fairly obvious what’s going to happen tomorrow,” said Norris. “It’s gonna be the usual front four cars ahead of us.”

Meanwhile, Alpine and Aston Martin - the new names for the teams that were called Renault and Racing Point last year had a low-key day.

There was only one incident - when Kimi Raikkonen crashed his Alfa Romeo at Turn Three, wiping off the front wing.

Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time champion Michael, was 18th fastest, two places ahead of his Haas team-mate Nikita Mazepin, the US-based team looking to have the slowest car on the grid.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Saturday, March 27, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S: (1) Brian Lara-221, Colombo (SSC), 2001 (2) Hashan Tillakaratne-204*, Colombo (SSC), 2001

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against SL in Tests?

(2) Which SL wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against WI in Tests?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

46

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

BCB 2021 Cricket Season …

Raffik Construction, Asphalt and T/R Construction among recent new sponsors

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues to attract sponsorship for its cricket tournaments with a number of new corporate and private sponsors throwing support behind the county’s developmental programmes.

Last Thursday, BCB officially launched another two tournaments for teams in the Lower/ Central Corentyne area.

The first was the fourth edition of the Raffik Construction 100 balls second division tournament. The second is the Premium Asphalt and TR Construction 20/20 second division tournament.

Both tournaments would be played among teams in the Lower Corentyne area and form part of the BCB internal zone programme.

BCB president Hilbert Foster has committed the board to organising a minimum of three tournaments

every year for each of the five zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower /Central Corentyne, Upper Corentyne and Berbice River.

R o s e H a l l To w n Bakewell are the defending

champions for the Raffik Cup while Rose Hall Town Tigers are the defending champions for the Premium Asphalt/TR Construction 20/20.

The BCB president expressed thanks to both

BCB PRO Simon Naidu receives sponsorship from a representative of Raffik Construction

sponsors for coming on board and reassured them that both tournaments would be well organised and would be completed within three months, weather permitting.

Among the clubs sched-

uled to play in the two tournaments are Kennard Memorial, Kildonan, Ramnarine Memorial, Whim, Tain Block Four, Port Mourant, Hampshire, Sand Reef, Fyrish, Courtland, Chesney, No I Road, Belvedere Unit-

Mr Jadgeo of TR Construction hands over sponsorship to BCB PRO Simon Naidu

ed, Nigg Intruders, Jai Hind and Albion Open.

Berbice cricket powerhouses, Albion and RHTYSC, would be debarred from the 20/20 tournament but would play in the Raffik Construction 100 balls tournament.

Foster disclosed that this is part of the effort to allow smaller clubs the opportunity to win a BCB title.

Teams would be allowed to play two first division players per match while players below the age of 23 years would not be considered first division players.

A l l t e a m s a re a l s o warned that all of their players have to be attired in whites and only Berbicians are allowed to play in the tournaments. Additionally, teams and players are expected to follow the COVID -19 guidelines laid down by the BCB or they would face disciplinary actions.

Golden Jaguars coach Maximo not fazed by Warriors defeat ... satisfied with team’s performance

By Rawle Toney

GOLDEN Jaguars head coach, Marcio Maximo, while disappointed at going down 0-3 to Trinidad and Tobago last evening, said he was satisfied with the team’s performance in their opening game of the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Levi Garcia (8’), Sheldon Bateau (16’) and Ryan Telfer (43’) all scored in the first half of Guyana’s defeat to their Soca Warriors; their 16th in 23 meetings.

It was Maximo’s seventh game in charge of Guyana and the results would be only the Brazilian’s third defeat, with the previous two coming against Antigua (1-2) and Jamaica (0-0) in the CONCACAF Nations League.

With the exception of the away draw (1-1) against the Reggae Boyz, Maximo’s last International engagement was in November of 2019. Guyana’s head would have won the other fixtures; beating Aruba twice (1-0 and 4-2) and

a 5-1 victory over Antigua.

Speaking at yesterday’s post-match press engagement, Maximo said, “The score-line didn’t reflect what you see in the game.

The whole game management, the team showed composite, the discipline … but sometimes when you make primary mistakes in the crucial times of the game, especially against teams like Trinidad with the experienced players.”

It wasn’t the game that captain Sam Cox was optimistic about when he spoke to the media in the pre-game press briefing.

However, Cox apologised to the Guyanese public and vowed that Golden Jaguars will bounce back in their encounter against The Bahamas on March 30 “The first-half performance especially wasn’t good enough. We understand that as players, I don’t think that there is anyone hurting as much after the game. The players are feeling it, we’re disappointed and we’ll echo what the coach said;.We

made critical mistakes in our own defensive box … the loss is tough to take,” Cox said.

The victory over Guyana puts Trinidad and Tobago on top of the Group F table. With both Trinidad and St Kitts and Nevis getting off to a winning start, it means that Guyana will have to claim three points against The Bahamas if they are to keep their hopes alive of advancing.

H o w e v e r, M a x i m o cautioned that while, like everyone else, winning and putting on a credible performance is one of his main objectives, the team is still in a transition phase.

Watford’s Bayli Spencer-Adams, Former Colchester defender Miguel Scarlett, Fruta Conquerors Omari Glasgow and Jobe Caesar all made their debut against the Soca Warriors after coming off the bench.

Bournemouth FC’s Nathan Moriah-Welsh and Police goalkeeper Shawn Adonis were the other debutants.

Marcio told reporters

Guyana’s Trayon Bobb making a move on Trinidad’s Michel Poon-Angeron during their 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup Qualifier (GFF PHOTO)

that it’s his responsibility, along with support from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to see the growth of the Golden Jaguars programme.

Maximo called results such as the one against Trinidad, “part of the process.”

“When we finished on the pitch (against

Trinidad) we had a lot of Youth players on the pitch.

There’s no other way to make it, just to give them the experience. I can guarantee that each game is special and we encourage them to learn from the mistakes,” Maximo said.

Guyana only played Puerto Rico twice at the senior level internationally, with the U.S. territory

winning 2-0 in 1993, and Golden Jaguars, with a goal from defender King Solomon Austin, winning 1-0.

The clash against St Kitts and Nevis will mark the third meeting for Guyana, but it will also be the first time the two countries are meeting during a World Cup qualification tournament.

47

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 27, 2021

Hero CPL goes virtual with launch of new Esports gaming series THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be launching an exciting new content series, the Hero CPL Esports League, featuring professional cricketers from around the world playing Cricket 19, the leading cricket console game.

This is the first time a T20 franchise tournament has had an Esports competition with the cricketers representing their franchise as the Hero CPL continues to push the boundaries of engagement with its fans.

Released next week, this fun and engaging series will bring the reality of T20 cricket, but with a big difference – the players will be controlling virtual versions of themselves and instead of just having their own game to worry about they are in charge of all of their teammates.

The players taking part are Colin Munro playing as the Trinbago Knight Riders, Mitchell Santner representing Barbados Tri-

dents, Andre Fletcher and Kesrick Williams playing as St Lucia Zouks, Sheldon Cottrell and Ish Sodhi representing St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Nicholas Pooran and Ashmead Nedd representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Glenn Phillips and Ryan Persaud representing Jamaica Tallawahs. At the end of the competition an individual champion is crowned as the first winner of the virtual Hero CPL. This series will give Hero CPL fans and gamers alike the opportunity to get behind their favourite players and teams once again as they take on their rivals in this groundbreaking gaming format. They will be able to see and hear the passion these players have when they are competing, with a controller in their hands rather than a bat and ball.

The shows are hosted

by Gautam Bhimani and Alex Jordan who will bring you all the action during

this hard-fought tournament.

This content series

Caribbean Premier League since 2015.

Hero has long been a

is being supported by Hero MotoCorp Limited (HMCL), the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, who have been the title sponsors of the Hero

key partner of marquee sporting events - including cricket, soccer, field hockey and golf - in India and across the globe and this partnership sees them

also venturing into the ever-growing Esports arena.

Colin Munro, one of the cricketers who are taking part in the Hero CPL Esports League, said: “It is really exciting to be involved in this new competition and it didn’t take long for my competitive instincts to kick in. One of the great things about the CPL is that the league is always trying something new and it was great to be involved in the first franchise Esports League.”

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s COO, said: “The Hero CPL is always looking to engage fans in differ-

ent ways and this is another example of innovating.

This series is another first for a tournament that prides itself on being at the cutting edge of entertainment and we are very excited about seeing the reaction from our fans as they see these CPL stars show off their competitive skills in a virtual tournament.”

Episode one will go live on April 2 2021 (13:00hrs GMT, 18:30hrs IST, 09:00hrs ECT) on Hero CPL’s YouTube and Facebook channels and the series will also be shown with selected broadcasters.

Third Survival Phagwah Golf Tourney tees off today at Lusignan

CWI election set for this Sunday THIS Sunday, March 28 is the day set for Cricket West Indies (CWI) to hold its 22nd Annual General Meeting in respect of the financial year ended September 30, 2020.

Due to the continuing travel-related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic the meeting will again take place virtually via video conference, as was done in a COVID-19 delayed meeting last year.

It is also the day when incumbent CWI president Ricky Skerritt and vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow will face challenges from Anand Sanasie of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and Calvin Hope of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), respectively, for the leadership of the organisation over the next two-year term.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt said: “All arrangements are in place for a productive Annual General Meeting. This is not the first time that CWI is hosting a virtual AGM but it will be the first time that our leadership elections will take place virtually. We have everything in place to ensure a constructive and proper meeting.”

Shareholder members are scheduled to receive reports from the Cricket, Commercial and Finance Committees and, for the first time, audited financial statements will be consolidated to reflect CWI’s acquisition of and interest in the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

A copy of the 2019/20 audited financial statements and the Annual Report will be made available to all stakeholders via CWI’s website - http://www.windiescricket.com – from Monday, March 29.

LGC secretary Guy Bowling, LGC assistant secretary/treasurer Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud, co-owner of Survival Business Group Parsuram Arjune and LGC vice-president Paton George

THE third edition Survival Phagwah Golf tournament tees off today with a number of top prizes up for grabs as Guyana’s premier golfers head to the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).

Co-owner of Survival Business Group, Parsuram Arjune, regarding the annual event said, “The Survival Group of Business is here to stay. This is the third year of the tournament but we will continue. We are very happy to partner with the LGC and we look forward to doing so in the years to come”.

He continued, “Golf is a community sport that unites communities and individuals so please come out and support. It is a Phagwah tournament but it is not only for

Hindus so let’s come out and have fun”.

LGC assistant secretary/treasurer Pandit Ravindranauth Persaud, further thanked Arjune for his support of golf in Guyana.

He reminded the public that the LGC is compliant with regulations of the National COVID-19 Task Force.

Tee-off time is set for 11:00hrs and will be played under a ‘Stroke Play’ format across 18 holes.

Prizes range from 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place trophies and other prizes The Survival Business Group put up a sponsorship value worth $150,000 towards the tournament.

Bonner, Mayers SEE PAGE 44

Nkrumah Bonner and Kraigg Brathwaite shared a half-century stand before lunch on day five, West Indies v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, North Sound, 5th day, March 25, 2021 (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has pointed to Nkrumah Bonner and Kyle Mayers as the new talismen of the West Indies Test squad, and believes they embody the vibrant culture permeating the unit in recent months.

Bonner struck his maiden Test hundred and Mayers chipped in with a half-century, the pair sharing a critical hundred-run partnership as West Indies batted the entire final day to draw the opening Test against Sri Lanka here Thursday.

The performances followed on the heels of a successful tour of Bangladesh last month where Bonner averaged nearly 58 to be Man-of-the-Series and Mayers struck an unbeaten double-hundred on debut.

“It shows that the guys have a lot of

fight. Coming from Bangladesh, many times we batted over 90 overs,” Brathwaite said following Thursday’s final day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

“I thought today we batted close to 90 overs again and that’s a positive and I think those guys are leading the way – Bonner and Kyle Mayers.

“Only in three games (in their careers) but they are setting the standard high and it’s for all the batsmen to follow – and the team.

“I think these are positive steps for West Indies cricket and once our attitude is right, the sky is the limit.”

Bonner made 31 in the first innings and followed up with an unbeaten 113 in the second, starting the day on 15 and defying the Sri Lankan bowlers in a chance-less innings, to

reach the landmark just over an hour after tea.

He shared a 105-run, third-wicket stand with Mayers who stroked 52 to follow up his first innings 45, and extend the prolific start to his fledgling Test career.

Set 375 for victory, West Indies finished on 236 for four after resuming from their overnight 34 for one, and Brathwaite said he was pleased with the outcome.

“We’re looking for wins to be honest (but) I’m satisfied in terms of going into the last day – we needed over 300 runs and they needed nine wickets,” he pointed out.

“So I am happy with the attitude we showed today and the discipline from Bonner.

He played a remarkable innings but I know what he’s capable of. He has my full support.

“I was happy with the result coming

into the last day needing over 300 runs. I’m happy we came away with a draw.”

West Indies had controlled the first two days of the encounter before Sri Lanka bit back on days three and four, piling up 476 in their second innings to put the home side under pressure.

But despite being kept in the field for nearly 150 overs, Brathwaite said his side never buckled and showed the resilience required even during those difficult moments.

“I think (Wednesday’s fourth) evening really summed it up for me,” the veteran opener explained.

“We had a tough time in the field. We

TURN TO PAGE 44

SEE PAGE 46

STANDING: Fro, left, Emery Welshman, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Akel Clarke, Terrence Vancooten, Daniel Wilson and Matthew Briggs. KNEELING: Trayon Bobb, Miguel Scarlett, Kadell Daniel, Sam Cox and Callum Harriott (GFF PHOTO)

Third Survival Phagwah Golf Tourney tees off today at Lusignan Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SEE PAGE 47

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021