Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-07-2021

TUESDAY 27thJuly, 2021

' No.106434

Administration of Sputnik V second dose continues today

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Home ownership within reach for new Golden 03 Grove allottees PAGE

— 334 land titles distributed; billions of dollars to be expended on infrastructure

— 29,000 low-income applications to be expedited by Housing Ministry

The area in the vicinity of the Kingston seawall is quite a picturesque site (Adrian Narine photo)

Coalition spent millions on salaries, overtime inappropriately 05 PAGE

‘Much ease on our pockets’

— parents react as distribution of ‘Because We Care’education cash grant reaches Region Three

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Octogenarian 17 perishes in earlymorning Linden fire PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

‘Much ease on our pockets’ — parents react as distribution of ‘Because We Care’ reaches Region Three

Story and photo by Richard Bhainie SCORES of parents and teachers turned up at various locations across Region Three, on Monday, to not only receive the ‘Because We Care’ $19,000 education cash grant, but also to ensure the effective and efficient distribution of the grant.

Not only were parents elated to receive what they consensually described as a much-needed financial assistance, but teachers took it upon themselves to execute their “duty” and assist with the distribution exercise.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. was in the region to kick start the exercise at various locations.

Overall, some 3,271 parents and/or guardians of learners enrolled at 12 academic institutions from Vergenoegen to MetenMeer-Zorg were listed to receive some $62,149,000 aggregate in the form of the education cash grant, on Monday.

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C. at the Zeeburg Secondary School on Monday to kick start distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ education cash grant at various education institutions across Region Three

While the turn-out to receive the $19,000 cash grant ranked in the hundreds and if not more than a thousand at some locations – all COVID-19 guidelines were strictly adhered to, and mechanisms were ‘installed’ to ensure compliance with recommended measures to tackle the virus.

Noteworthy, at the Zeeburg Secondary School, there was even a “COVID-19 sanitising station” where persons who visited the premises were required to undergo

Grade Six teacher at the Tuschen Primary School, Chitreka Chanderban

a temperature test, utilising a digital thermometer attached at the station before walking through the sanitising point where they were thoroughly sprayed with sanitiser.

Headmaster of the Vergenoegen Secondary School, Gregory George, was optimistic that, given the “overwhelming” feedback he received from parents, he was confident that the parents will utilise the cash grant for the “best purpose of the children” , which he opined will inevitably benefit the family as a whole.

He said that the cash grant was a commendable initiative and lauded the government for “taking the people into consideration in this time” when the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued the world. He also commended the efforts by teachers of the school who voluntarily assisted with the distribution of the cash grant.

The Vergenoegen Secondary School covered not only that institution but also the Vergenoegen Nursery School, Sea View Nursery School and Philadelphia Primary School; some $13,984,000 was expected to be distributed to 736 parents and guardians of learners who attend those institutions.

Genica Winter, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representative for Vergenoegen Secondary School told this publication that the distribution exercise at the institution was organised in collaboration with the PTA to

ensure the monies were distributed to every parent who turned up to receive same.

FEELS GOOD “At a time like this, I think it is timely. I felt good knowing that the government would have reached out to the children and it feels so good that they are able to give back towards the children and I trust that the parents make good use of the contribution the government would have made towards this initiative,” Winter said.

Shireen Francis, a parent of a grade three pupil

who attends the Philadelphia Primary School, said “it will benefit myself and others because it will help to buy supplies … I want to say thanks to the Government for helping out the parents them and encourage them to do better so next year term the money can be increased for parents who cannot afford.”

The Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary School also facilitated the Jasso’s Nursery School, Meten-Meer Zorg Nursery School and the Exe’s Nursery School; some 562 beneficiaries were listed to receive the

The COVID-19 sanitising station at the Zeeburg Secondary School

Deputy Headmistress of Tuschen Primary School, Shoundel Lynch

cash grant at that institution, which would result in an aggregate of some $10,678,000 being distributed.

Over at Zeeburg Secondary School, which also facilitated the distribution of the cash grants to persons who attend the Saraswat Primary School. Some 962 persons were expected to receive the grant, resultContinued on page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Homeownership within reach for new Golden Grove allottees — 334 land titles distributed, billions of dollars to be expended on infrastructure — 29,000 low-income applications to be expedited by Housing Ministry

By Rabindra Rooplall HOMEOWNERSHIP has long been considered a significant component of a happy life, and even the thought of moving closer to this achievement is enough to put a smile on the face of anyone, as was evidenced on Monday when 334 land titles were distributed at the Guyana National Stadium Providence.

The two-day activity at the stadium, which concludes today, is part of the Ministry of Housing and Water’s fourth “Dream Realised Housing Drive”. Applicants received their titles for land at Block 18 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

At the close of the activity today, it is expected that the number of titles that will have been distributed will reach 1,000.

With the titles being distributed, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said that his ministry will be investing $2.2 billions in the new year to enhance the infrastructure, and make the area habitable.

In addressing the allottees, Minister Croal said that the cost of the lots was subsidised by the government, so persons will pay $250,000 per lot, a price which is way below the market price for prime land.

This project, he said, forms part of the “East Bank hub”, so access to it will be easy, and, upon completion, the community will be equipped with roads, drains, culverts, access bridges and a water-distribution network, as well as other amenities such as social and safety facilities.

“As you look around, you can see infrastructural works happening along the East Bank and East Coast corridors. On the East Bank corridor alone, works are ongoing at Providence, Prospect, Little Diamond and Great Diamond,” Minister Croal said, adding: “The Four-Lane Highway from Mandela to Eccles, the access bridge at Mocha, and roads at

A father of six, Lawrence Crawford, receives his land title from Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

Providence and Herstelling; these interventions which will make life easier for cit-

Bank of Baroda, along with representatives of six insurance companies - NALICO/

A section of the gathering under one of the many tents at the National Stadium

izens cost over $6 billion.”

Further, he said: “This, together with the cost of similar works on the East Coast projects at Cummings Lodge, LBI, Mon Repos, Annandale, Vigilance, Bladen Hall and Strathspey amount to a whopping $10.1 billion for Region Four.”

The minister related that the investments made by the government to develop those communities are significant.

For this reason, he encouraged persons who received house lots and titles to seek out the banks at the event for assistance and financial guidance to start building their homes as quickly as possible.

“We have representatives of six banks - NBS, GBTI, Republic Bank, Demerara Bank, Citizens Bank and

NAFICO, Assuria, Insurance Brokers Guyana, GTM, and Demerara Mutual. Be sure to speak with them for guidance on affordable mortgages and insurance policies to protect your homes. As usual, officers from CH&PA are standing by to help you with any other information you may need,” Minister Croal said.

DEVELOPMENT NOT CENTRALISED Although persons in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) are exposed to those opportunities, and the advancements are significant, the minister affirmed that development is not centralised, and work is ongoing across the various regions.

He assured allottees in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

that the government intends to have work completed soon, so that construction of houses could start in the last quarter of this year.

“As we approach the eve of our first anniversary in government, I want to share our achievements within the housing and water sectors. In this regard, I am very pleased to report that as of today, we have made 5,291 allocations, and by the time this calendar year is completed, we will make another 7,000 allocations! This puts us well above our target of 10,000 allocations per year,” Minister Croal posited.

For persons who applied and have not received a feed-

san Rodrigues, who said the government’s commitment to citizens is paramount, and that 75 per cent of the applicants who are in the low-income bracket will have their dreams realised.

“We are always here to support the working class, and we are always here to ensure our policies are propoor, and always support those vulnerable communities and people who need it the most; we are always there to support families,” Minister Rodrigues said.

Of the 42,000 applications in the system, there are over 29,000 that are within the low-income bracket.

Access to adequate hous-

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues interacts with one of the many persons who attended the fourth dream realised 2021 Housing Drive programme

back as yet, the minister suggested that the website be utilised for updates. Persons who have not applied for a house lot were also advised to utilise the Online platform to get it done.

“And I want to reassure you that once you have an application in the system, we will get to you. I also want to encourage you to visit the Ministry of Health’s booth and get vaccinated. This pandemic has robbed us of many of our friends, relatives, and livelihoods; let us take every precaution we can to protect ourselves and loved ones.

Take the vaccine today,” Minister Croal said.

Also assuring persons that the ministry will address every application was Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Su-

ing is viewed as a basic human right, and considered to be an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural rights.

And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple in the coming years, the government has started establishing the conditions for Guyanese, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, to have access to adequate housing.

Minister Rodrigues said the government, in just one term, has allocated more house lots than the previous Coalition administration did in its entire five-year term.

“We are working night and day, and this is a team effort. It may look easy, because we are doing so much in a short time, but we are working to deliver for the people of our country, because we understand the

gap that has been left, and we know that the expectation is on us, and we have to deliver land equitably across all divides and barriers,” Minister Rodrigues said.

She said new roads, infrastructure and businesses entering various communities will benefit all Guyanese.

“Development is good; and when we are governing, we are governing for all the people,” Minister Rodrigues affirmed.

Acknowledging that it been a long wait for many of the allottees, Minister Rodrigues said all those who applied for house lots will have their turn to enhance their well-being.

Lawrence Crawford, a father of six who received the title for Lot 886, Caneville, East Bank Demerara, walked away smiling, as he related that he’d waited almost two decades for this moment.

“I have waited so long for this; I believe in the old fashion way of building, one, one dutty build dam, so I won’t be going to the bank for anything, because I am trying to avoid unnecessary expense. We will do it one frame at a time,” he told this publication.

Atola Greene, a single-parent who received her house lot said: “I’ve been working really hard to accomplish this, and it’s a great accomplishment as a single-parent, and as a young person… I would like to congratulate President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the government for the great work that they’re doing, especially for the betterment of the young people of the country. Let them continue.”

Another recipient, Lucyana Peters was overjoyed to have received her house lot after waiting for almost a decade.

“It means a lot to me, because renting a house is not easy; it’s a lot of expectation out there. Owning your own house today, or the house lot is a really extremely exciting thing today…I would like to thank the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, for giving us this opportunity here, so that we can be part of this exercise,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

US combat forces to leave Iraq by end of year

President Joe Biden says US forces will end their combat mission in Iraq by the end of this year, but will continue to train and advise the Iraqi military.

The announcement came after Biden held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi at the White House.

There are currently 2,500 US troops in Iraq helping local forces counter what remains of the Islamic State group.

Numbers of US troops are likely to stay the same but the move is being seen as an attempt to help the Iraqi PM.

Iraq’s prime minister says there is no need for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil (BBC photo)

The US presence in Iraq has become a major issue since top Iranian general

Qasem Soleimani and the leader of an Iran-backed Shia Muslim militia were killed in a US drone strike in the capital Baghdad last year.

Political parties aligned to Iran have demanded the withdrawal of all forces

from the US-led global coalition against IS, despite the continuing threat posed by the Sunni jihadist group.

Shia militias have meanwhile been accused by the US of carrying out hundreds of rocket, mortar and drone attacks on Iraqi military bas-

es that host coalition forces in an apparent attempt to pressure them to leave.

For the US president, the announcement marks the end of another war that began under former President George W Bush. This year he said US troops would leave Afghanistan.

Speaking at the White House, Biden told his Iraqi counterpart “our counter-terrorism co-operation will continue even as we shift to this new phase.”

Kadhimi responded: “Today our relationship is stronger than ever.

Our co-operation is for the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more.” He has insisted no foreign combat troops are needed in Iraq.

US-led forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow President Saddam Hussein and eliminate weapons of

mass destruction that turned out not to exist.

Then President George W Bush promised a “free and peaceful Iraq”, but it was engulfed by a bloody sectarian insurgency.

US combat troops eventually withdrew in 2011.

However, they returned at the request of the Iraqi government three years later, when IS militants overran large parts of the country.

Following the military defeat of IS in Iraq at the end of 2017, US forces remained to help prevent a resurgence of the group.

“Our role in Iraq will be dealing with being available to continue to train, to assist, to help and deal with ISIS as it arrives,” Biden added at the meeting.

“But we’re not going to be, by the end of the year, in a combat mission.”

(BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

$173.7M inappropriately spent by Education Ministry under Coalition Gov’t

— 2016 audit report reveals THE Auditor-General’s Report for 2016 has shown that the Ministry of Education inappropriately spent $173.7M from its special-projects bank account.

According to the report, the monies were garnered from various sources, such as the Guyana Lotteries Commission, Digicel, and refunds from the permanent secretary.

According to the report, $54.2 million was spent on equipment and furniture; $48 million on anniversary celebrations; $13.2 million on salaries and overtime; $12 million on vehicle parts; $9.5 million on construction and rehabilitation; $9.3 million

on sports gear; $77.4 million on stationery; $5.1 million for rental; $4.3 million on advertisement; $4.1 million on staff welfare; $2.5 million on airfare; and $3.4 million on other things.

The balance for this account, as of December 31, 2015, was $29.9 million, while the cash book balance was $11 million. As at December 31, 2016, the bank balance on the account was $46.6 million, and the cash book balance was $44.8 million.

During 2016, amounts totaling $177 million were received and deposited into the account. Included in this

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

THE Ministry of Health will continue administration of the second dose of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine from tomorrow.

This was announced by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, MP, during Monday’s COVID-19 update.

He said administration of the vaccines will continue for those who received their first doses in April and will

be extended to those persons who received theirs in May. The period to receive the second dose of the Russian vaccine is between four to 12 weeks. As such, persons who received their first doses in April and May are encouraged to visit the vaccination sites to receive their second doses.

“We know a lot of persons who took their first

dose. And they, some of them are now becoming eligible for their second dose…. We have been following that protocol so those persons, as of last week, as you would recall we have started giving the second dose to those persons who got their first dose in April.

We’ll continue that process from tomorrow; anybody remaining from April will be

amount were sums totalling $28.4 million, which were related to revenue received for the rental of the Guyana National Stadium.

The report states that an analysis of the expenditure has revealed that a significant portion was related to the normal activities of the ministry. The report notes that these types of expenditure should have been met from the budgetary allocations which were approved by the National Assembly.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Alfred King clarified that $42.1 million was utilised from the special projects bank account for the procurement of one upright piano, and one concert grand piano,

which were purchased for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. He noted that Cabinet had approved the purchase of the musical instruments.

The ministry also used $525.3 million to pay salaries and overtime for staff at the National Stadium, National Culture Centre, Sophia Training Centre, and Kuru Kuru Training College. The report disclosed that these payment vouchers were not present for audit examination.

Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira stated that it is “very disturbing” that the funds received by the ministry by its agencies were not only kept in a separate account, instead of

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Consolidated Fund account as it should have been, but that the monies were utilised inappropriately.

“It is totally unacceptable paying overtime, staff and everything…The National Stadium, National Culture Centre, Sophia Training Centre, and Kuru Kuru Training College, these are all agencies under the Ministry of Education at that time who, I assume, budgets for their salaries and benefits were catered for, or if not catered for, then a Cabinet decision allowed you to access supplementary funds to use it for that purpose… It looks like this was a grab-moneywhere-it-was, and this is not allowed,” she said.

Administration of Sputnik V second dose continues today able to access their second dose,” Dr. Anthony said.

The minister is urging persons to visit any one of the vaccination sites to receive their second “jabs.”

He noted that in addition to the Russian vaccine, the ministry is also administering the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, and the Chinese Sinopharm.

Guyana had experienced

a delay in receiving the shipment of the second component after there was a global shortage due to the spike in the Delta variant. The Sputnik V vaccine has proven most effective against this variant.

To date, 246, 716 individuals have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine, while 130,429 persons are fully vaccinated. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Preventing The Spread Of COVID-19

THE Government of Guyana is intensifying efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus which continues to claim lives, despite aggressive measures to bring the virus under control. Full credit must be given to the PPP/C administration for making an adequate number of vaccines available to all eligible Guyanese.

Unfortunately, there is a marked incongruence between that desire by the government to vaccinate the full cohort of the adult population and the response by the public to take advantage of the vaccination programme.

This apparent reluctance is all the more unfortunate given the positive correlation between infection rates and the

unvaccinated segment of the population. To date, the majority of those persons who have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus were not fully vaccinated.

The Guyana Government is aiming to have at least 500,000 adults vaccinated in order for the country to reach a stage of herd immunity and no effort is being spared to ensure that there is an adequate supply of the vaccines to make that objective a reality. We are still behind in terms of reaching that goal of herd immunity. Currently, just about 27 per cent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated. With the attainment of herd immunity, the spread of the disease would decrease, which would eventually set the stage for a gradual

return to normalcy to the country and by extension the lives of Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Guyana is expected to receive yet another shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine in August, this time the single-dose Johnson and Johnson which is manufactured in the United States. This will further strengthen the country’s already robust vaccination drive and will add to the menu of vaccine options which include the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and the Sputnik V. It is worth emphasising that these vaccines are scientifically validated in terms of safety and efficacy in halting the spread of the virus and more importantly, in preventing deaths from the virus. The salient point to note is that such in-

fections and deaths were largely preventable, if only the guidelines and protocols of the Health Ministry were adhered to.

What is urgently required by the unvaccinated is an immediate attitudinal and behavioural change towards the vaccines which have been scientifically proven to save lives and prevent the spread of the dreaded virus. In some countries where there are sharp spikes in infection rates due to a slowdown in vaccination rates, governments were forced to make COVID-19 jabs mandatory for health workers and other highrisk professionals.

Vaccines, it has to be said, are not available in unlimited quantities and have to be acquired at a substantial financial

cost. More importantly, they have short potency and any delay in utilisation within its prescribed storage life would not only be a financial loss to the country, but at a more fundamental level, a loss to people in other parts of the world who desperately needed the vaccines but simply could not get them due to cost considerations.

Guyana is not one of those countries where vaccination against the virus is mandatory, even though there are some who have expressed the view that such an approach may be necessary especially among health care workers. The government, so far, is hoping that good sense would prevail and all Guyanese would do the right thing, not only to protect them-

selves and their families against the virus, but the society at large.

According to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, the government is taking nothing for granted and is going on the assumption that all the possible strains of the virus, including the dreaded Delta variant are in the country.

Such assumption, it must be said, is yet to be fully validated since, as pointed out

by Minister Anthony, the only method to ascertain whether or not other variants of the virus are in the country is through genomic sequencing, which is a scientific analysis capable of detecting if the disease is different from its initial form.

Importance of teachers in fight against child sexual abuse

Dear Editor,

WITH many children now out of school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) have been steadily climbing. Unfortunately, this is not surprising. Over the years, reports have consistently shown increased rates of CSA during periods such as August and Christmas holidays when more children are at home.

The majority of perpetrators of CSA are usually known to the child, such as a family member, family friend or community leader.

As a result, teachers can often be the last line of defence for children who are experiencing abuse. While

teachers serve many important functions within their spaces, one that is often overlooked is how important they are in the fight against CSA. Children spend significant portions of their lives within the school environment, with school even being pegged as their second home.

Having constant access to children means teachers are well suited to notice changes in student’s behaviours and to also be an open line of communication for children who are vulnerable.

This is why it is not only important for teachers to arm themselves with the facts of sexual abuse, but to also create a safe environment for children. Many children

do not feel safe at home and this can make it very difficult for them to open up about the abuse they might be experiencing. Through creation of a safe environment within their classrooms, teachers can let children know that they can be trusted and that teachers can help them to get the type of support that they need.

Teachers should be provided with sufficient training to identify abuse and be aware of the channels for reporting cases of abuse. With government’s commitment to tackling CSA, teachers both in the public and private sectors should be supported with the necessities they would need to continue doing their jobs in an efficient and empathetic

manner.

Of course, teachers are shaped by the culture around them and unfortunately, not many are aware of the various myths surrounding CSA. Added to that, schools are not entirely safe environments as many sexual predators have found homes within classrooms. This is why it is important for teachers committed to their students to trust their intuition and report any suspicious instances they may notice between their fellow teachers and students. There needs to be movement away from the ideas that young children look for their abuse or that addressing abuse within the school environment can

bring shame upon the school.

True shame should lie within those who are aware of CSA and turn a blind eye, leaving young children vulnerable to sexual grooming and abuse.

Sexual abuse is such a wide-reaching issue that it requires the help of everyone to appropriately address it. Through working in collaboration with parents, community members and other service providers, teachers can create an atmosphere that is safe for children to openly discuss sexual abuse. Oftentimes, children lack the language and information they need as it relates to abuse, so a lot of them are unable to recognise when they are be-

ing abused. Equipping children with age-appropriate information on sexual abuse and their bodies is an act of empowerment. Even more important however, is learning the signs of CSA and taking the reports of children seriously the first time. The courage to speak out about abuse often takes a lot out of children, so teachers should always aim to make the child feel secure rather than instill feelings of shame and fear.

Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant To report or seek counselling, please call 914/2270979/227-2023/233-3500

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Linking tradition with innovation vital for more sustainable agri-food systems

THE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, during a field visit to several smallscale producers in Italy’s southern Campania region, underscored the importance of linking tradition with innovation to achieve more sustainable agri-food systems.

The visit followed the Director-General’s participation in the G20 Environment Ministers’ meeting in Naples on Thursday where he stressed how the need to meet a growing demand for food and other agricultural products must be achieved whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving biodiversity, sustainably managing natural resources, and protecting and restoring ecosystems.

During the visit, the Director-General praised the farmers for their production methods for lemons, wine and mozzarella that link tradition and innovation, respect the environment, limit their impact on natural resources and reduce their climate footprint.

“Product differentiation and quality is the key, which can be ensured through a combination of innovation and sustainable plantation,” Qu said. He also encouraged the embracing of new ways to increase market access for products. “E-commerce is a new business mode for your lemons to reach more diversified and high-income consumers,” the Director-General added.

One of the farms visited, the Azienda Agricola Buonocore, located on the steep slopes of Maiori on the Amalfi Coast, produces the area’s signature product, lemons, otherwise known as Amalfi’s “yellow gold”, through the age-tested technique of terracing. A traditional way of maneuvering hard-to-cultivate land, terracing allows farmers to work with the uniqueness and limitations of the surrounding landscape.

From rice and wheat

to olives and lemons, terrace farming has a long agricultural heritage, one

— FAO Director-General

can achieve food diversity and through food diversity we can meet the demand

The FAO Director-General stressed the importance of e-commerce to ensure better access to consumers (FAO photo)

that has been recognised and celebrated through the FAO-led Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative.

Resilience and “extreme farming” are also celebrated at the Marisa Cuoma winery, a vineyard that clings to the rocks of Furore as it slopes down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The grape varieties adapted to these settings have been carefully selected and nurtured by the local small-scale producers through techniques and practices handed down over generations.

INNOVATIVE AGRICULTURAL TECHNIQUES The values of upholding tradition and respecting the land are ones that resonate globally for many smallscale producers who have to face and resolve increasingly complex, climate-driven challenges in difficult, or even extreme, locations.

Much of FAO’s work focuses on how, through innovative agricultural techniques, technologies and best practices, farmers can make use of natural resources to construct decent livelihoods, while still protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.

The FAO Director-General also visited the Fattorie Garofalo which showcases the production of anoth-

er famous regional favorite, Mozzarella di Bufala (water-buffalo mozzarella). The farm prides itself on adhering to the traditional methods of producing this highly-valued cheese while also championing the product on the global market.

With the farm situated near natural parks and forests, the producers have made it their mission to preserve the ecosystem and protect the local flora and fauna. They have also focused their efforts on reducing emissions.

Through photovoltaic systems and biogas, the farm is able to generate 10,000,000 kWh of renewable energy per year, covering the majority of their plant’s energy requirements with the eventual goal of being energy self-sufficient.

The farms visited by the Director-General represent best practices that link tradition and innovation, and demonstrate how many small-scale producers in Italy, as in so many parts of the world, have time and again proven themselves as custodians of some of the world’s most precious landscapes and resources.

The Director-General pointed to the diversity of the Italian farming system including horticulture, crop production and animal husbandry. “Through innovation and learning from traditional experience, we

of future consumers. But to have food diversity we first need to protect biodiversity and the environment,” he said. “I think we can learn a lot from the Italian experience and share it with other countries,” Qu added, noting that FAO can assist in this.

FAO, in its work, supports smallholder producers worldwide to find the sustainable, innovative solutions suited to their specific situations in a context where climate change is making farming more unpredictable and traditional practices more difficult.

(FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Mangroves: Guyana’s natural sea defence

By Naomi Parris

WHILE rising sea levels are a constant threat to coastal communities and Guyana as a whole, the mangrove forest acts as a natural safeguard for the vulnerable lands that border the Atlantic Ocean.

Mangroves are trees and shrubs that grow along the coast to act as a natural sea defence against waves, high tide and flooding.

But who protects the mangroves when they become threatened?

In 2010, the country embarked on a wide-ranging programme of restoration and preservation of the traditional mangrove forest.

Spearheaded by the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI), the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project seeks to create a barrier of mangrove forest and man-made seawalls to repel the Atlantic waves that threaten the coastline which is below sea level.

World Mangrove Day was celebrated on July 26 this year. In observance of this

Kene Moseley, Project Coordinator of Mangrove Restoration and Management at NAREI

soils are found along the country’s coastline, it is the country’s agriculture base.

The mangroves help to protect the farmlands and residential areas.

Moseley explained to this publication that mangroves create a natural barrier that inhibits the effect of wave action thereby preventing coastal erosion and at the same time, facilitate soil deposits from the sea that can eventually create land.

However, over the years the natural barrier has weakened and in some cases were wiped out completely.

day, the Guyana Chronicle interviewed the Project Coordinator of Mangrove Restoration and Management at NAREI, Kene Moseley, who provided some insight into the importance of preserving and restoring these natural defenders.

“Over the years not just in Guyana but worldwide, we have had global losses in mangroves due to a number of things. One is because the coast is in such high demand for living,” Moseley said.

Because the most fertile

regards to protecting.”

RESTORATION UNDERWAY Despite the decrease at the beginning of the project in 2010, Guyana has recorded a total of 3300 hectares of mangrove over the last three years. This is due to the strides being made under the restoration project.

Moseley noted that the project not only requires officers from NAREI to do field work, but also a lot of teaching. Under the project, she said the agency has been

able to reach out to many coastlanders, especially the fisherfolk and agriculture stakeholders.

She stressed that protecting mangroves is not just the agency’s business but it is something that all Guyanese should pay attention to.

“The thing we have to understand is as much as this is now NAREI’s responsibility…as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) slogan is the environment is everybody’s business, what happens affects us all at some point or the other.”

She noted that while many who live in the hinter-

land regions of the country are of the opinion that the rising sea levels and the depletion of mangroves do not affect them directly; it does.

“It is all connected; we are a large country but we are a coastal country. 90 per cent of our population is on the coast, our infrastructure is on the coast, our major constructions are on the coast. Any impact on the coast would have a ripple effect on the entire country,” she said.

Moseley added: “It’s all connected and we need to have the appreciation and services and understand that we all need to take part with

THE IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES Outside of protecting 90 per cent of the country’s population from severe flooding, Moseley explained that mangroves play a key part in the food cycle and is the home to many marine species such as fishes and crabs.

Mangroves also play a key part in combating climate change. The link between climate change and mangroves is strong, since they not only lessen the effects of the rising sea level, but also reduce the effects of global warming by removing carbon from the atmosphere through sequestration.

Moseley further explained that mangroves are some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems as their complex root systems extend above and below the water line. Mangrove roots allow mangroves to prevent erosion to the coastline and provide habitats, nurseries and feeding grounds for an array of fishes and other aquatic organisms.

ALTHOUGH floodwaters have receded significantly across the country, there are reports from Kwakwani in Region 10 that the water level in several parts of the community was fluctuating.

Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, told the Guyana Chronicle, during a telephone interview, on Monday evening, that the water level in Lamp Island had risen to eight feet and residents had since reported severe damages to their homes.

“As a result, two houses have broken in two, two wooden houses …and the water in some parts is about eight feet and three feet in some areas.”

Added to that, Adams disclosed that residents had been battling with reptiles and other dangerous animals as they too try to find dry land.

Since the start of the flooding in late April, the region had set up several shelters in Kwakwani, Aroaima, Rockstone and Hururu.

He noted that some persons would have returned to their respective homes.

However, due to the rising water levels, approximately 97 residents were still being housed in shelters in a few communities.

The chairman noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has since received support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and generous donors to mitigate the effects of the flooding.

Yearly, when the MayJune rainy season comes, residents of Kwakwani would brace themselves for heavy torrential rainfall and light flooding.

However, this year, water levels rose above 15 feet, displacing almost 100 persons from their respective homes.

Former Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo, had recently said that severe flooding was nothing new in Kwakwani, and had advised residents, particularly those

residing near the waterfront, to relocate.

Mingo during an interview with this publication had insisted that

life will not return to normal, and that residents should expect the cycle of flooding to worsen in the future.

Mangrove trees on Guyana’s coastline (EPA photo)

Floodwaters rise in Kwakwani, damage to property reported

One of the houses that split in half as floodwaters rise in Kwakwani (Deron Adams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Education cash grants testimony of government’s commitment to education development — Prime Minister tells parents in Kwakwani

P R I M E M i n i s t e r, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that the reintroduction of the “Because We Care” cash grant programme is a testament to the government’s commitment to education development, and to its ability to deliver on its promises.

The Prime Minister launched the distribution process for the grant on Monday in Kwakwani. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips.

The money, which amounts to $15,000, is being distributed along with a uniform grant of $4,000 to the parents of public school children.

Collectively, approximately 11,000 children in the region will benefit from the initiative, which totals roughly $209M. During his remarks to anxious parents gathered in the auditorium of the Kwakwani Secondary School, Prime Minister Phillips said that although access to public education from nursery to secondary is free, the additional costs can be burdensome to parents.

He said that the government is aware that assisting parents in offsetting these expenses would bring relief.

“In our Manifesto, when we went to the people seeking to be elected, we made it clear that we will re-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips distributing an education cash grant to a parent

turn the “Because We Care” grant, because we’re convinced that notwithstanding that education is free in Guyana, whatever additional assistance the government can give to the people of Guyana who have children in school will be most welcomed by the people.”

J a c q u e l i n e Wi l liams, a parent of three children, aged 13, eight, and five, was among the first group of persons to receive the money in Kwakwani. The elated mother received $57,000 directly from the Prime Minister. She said that whether school continues Online or in the physical classroom, the money will be very useful for her.

“It will really help me to buy their school things, especially since ‘COVID’ has affected everyone financially…

The Prime Minister also mentioned that by

think that will be really nice,” Ms. Williams said.

During his visit to Kwakwani, the Prime Minister also toured the head office of Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated (KUI), and met with its staff members.

He subsequently inspected several facilities under the control of the utility regulator in the predominantly mining and logging community. Among the sites he visited were

the Kwakwani power-generation plant, the Kwakwani water-treatment plant, and a newly-installed water distribution system, which will supply potable water to approximately 400 residents of Jonestown.

Besides his wife, Prime Minister Phillips was also accompanied by General Manager of KUI, David Adams, and Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John. (DPI)

2025, the money will go up toin$50,000, and Iof the Kwakwani Secondary School The gathering the auditorium

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Providence accident Women charged victim identified over ‘buse out’

AN unidentified pedestrian who was struck down on Sunday evening on the Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Monday identified as 51-year-old Stephen Bishop of NorthEast La Penitence, Georgetown.

He was identified by his reputed wife Marcia Craig Danson and his nephew Paul Scott at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Georgetown.

The driver of the car was reportedly under the influ-

Dead: Stephen Bishop

ence of alcohol.

Bishop was struck down on Sunday evening around 18:55hrs by a 34-year-old driver. The police said the

driver related that the pedestrian ran across the road from east to west into the path of his vehicle.

Upon seeing the pedestrian, he applied brakes to avoid a collision, but according to the police report the front centre portion of his vehicle collided with the pedestrian who fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries about his body.

Bishop was later taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, EBD, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

ANA Persaud and Romel Razario who were involved in a heated argument, on Monday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on separate charges.

It is alleged that Persaud on July 17, 2021, at Owen Street, Kitty, used abusive language to Romel Razario.

Razario on the same date and at the said location, allegedly used abusive as well threatening language to Persaud, thereby causing a breach of the peace.

Both Persaud and Razario pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Leron Daly granted Persaud $10,000 bail, while Razario was placed on $10,000 bail for each charge.

The matter was adjourned until August 16, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

‘Much ease on ...

From page 2

ing in some $18,278,000 set to be distributed.

PTA Chair of Zeeburg Secondary School, Simone Ifill, a parent of a Grade 10 student opined that the cash grant was a “good idea” as she encouraged parents to use it wisely and allow the children to be the ultimate beneficiaries.

EASE OUR POCKETS “It would ease our pockets somewhat. It would be $19,000 less coming out of my pockets to get him ready for school, so it comes in at a good time; I will be $19,000 richer because I will spend $19,000 less,” she told this publication As the Chair of the PTA, she explained that

Tuschen/Uitvlugt NDC Chairman, Ramzan Ali

Headmaster of the Vergenoegen Secondary School, Gregory George

teachers who were always ready and willing, and parents, who welcome the “timely intervention”, both played a collaborative role in order to ensure the exercise was properly executed.

Tu s c h e n / U i t v l u g t Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Ramzan Ali, also joined the lines to receive the cash grant for his only child. He explained that his child is at

the Grade 11 level, hence he will be “putting aside” the $19,000 to pay for his child’s Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations which were approaching.

“If they can increase it that would be very good, once they can sustain it.

The important thing is to make sure each child in the school system and even the private school system

years it will be increased.

The Deputy Headmistress of Tuschen Primary School, Shoundel Lynch, also a parent of three pupils who are currently enrolled at the same institution, said “I think it’s a good initiative on the government’s behalf because at the end of the day we are living in a situation and crisis.”

“When it comes to

Rajkumari Narothan

PTA representative for Vergenogen Secondary School, Genica Winter

can get because they are all our children,” he said.

Further, some 1,011 beneficiaries were expected to turn up at the Tuschen Primary School, which also covered the Tuschen Nursery School to receive the $19,000 cash grant, an aggregate of which would amount to some $19,209,000.

GREAT RELIEF Rajkumari Narothan, a mother of two, explained that “the cash grant was a great help because if school opens in September you will get it to buy things because work is not available right now as much,” as she registered that while she was grateful for the “great relief” she hoped that in the following

school supplies the children are desperately in need since they were home for more than a year and many of them might not even have school clothes so this cash grant will go towards those stuff,” she added.

Lynch explained that 98 per cent of the school staff turned out to help with the exercise and the two persons absent were exempted because they were pregnant. She expressed that the teachers “were willing” and no one was forced to help, as the teachers themselves saw the need for children to receive the grant.

“We feel good about it, we didn’t have to beg anybody… they were all

PTA Chair of Zeeburg Secondary School, Simone Ifill

willing and they were eager to do what they are doing,” she said in relation to teachers assisting.

On the other hand, she explained that parents called “in the middle of the night” out of excitement to gather information on the initiative.

Chitreka Chander-

Shireen Francis

ban, a Grade Six teacher at the Tuschen Primary School, and the mother of a Grade Six pupil herself, said the cash grant would specifically benefit the community of Tuschen as many parents within the locality work to “meet the day’s needs”.

“The cash grant is a great initiative; it’s going to assist those parents that are really in need. They are parents in this community that need that help and as a Grade Six teacher, I am seeing that; I have that knowledge of where they were in providing essentials so this cash grant will assist them,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Region Three entrepreneurs strategise to maximise business opportunities

REPRESENTATIVES of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) met with the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) at a stakeholders’ forum geared at capitalising on opportunities in commerce in the region.

The programme was held at Barnwell Events Space and Hotel, Public Road, Barnwell Village, East Bank Essequibo.

In attendance were at least 50 top business representatives of Region Three.

Founder of R3PSInc., Halim Khan, said that the meeting was necessary to position businesses, citizens and other stakeholders within the region to take advantage of developments in commerce.

Despite not being able to attend due to Cabinet and other commitments of his office, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, addressed the forum via amplified telephone to point out the various developments in progress and in future.

He laid out what is required from the private sector of Region Three with a focus on companies becoming competitive and offering quality and compliant services.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube, who voiced great support for the group and its mandate,

Founder of R3PSInc., Halim Khan

gave sound advice on what he believes is necessary for the region to progress and prosper.

Representatives of the US Department of Defence were also in attendance to brief the Region Three Private Sector on works that have been initiated to strengthen and make more effective the security services within the region, as part of a pilot project that will be rolled out nationally.

On behalf of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Stacey Rahaman elaborated on the need for businesses to increase their visibility in their respective markets and match the level of service offered internationally.

She explained the services offered by Guyana Tourism Authority and signalled intentions for further collaboration to be done be-

tween the R3PSInc and the Guyana Tourism Authority to upskill and position businesses more favourably within the region.

Rahaman also spoke on tourism development in the region, along with capacity building of the workforce.

These areas included digital media, customer service and human capacity training and empowerment.

The keynote speaker, the Director of the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), Natasha Gaskin, made a presentation that laid out the developments in Guyana’s budding oil and gas centre.

She explained how the CLBD is funded and how it operates and the host of resources it has available for the development of local businesses in Guyana.

It was explained that the CLBD is funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative, a collaboration between ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners CNOOC and Hess as part of a national initiative for Guyana’s local content development to ensure local businesses and citizens of Guyana benefit from the new oil and gas industry.

Businesses in attendance were given the opportunity to register with the CLBD

and many were keen to do so.

Founder of R3PSInc., Halim Khan, noted that the R3PSInc was open to all businesses and stakeholders who were ready to not just be a part of but also lead regional development.

“Local content is not only about doing business and increasing the level of business that will come to local com-

panies; local content is about building the capacity of local companies, giving them the capability, so that they can become globally competitive, so that our business environment can become globally competitive, so that they can have the necessary transformation that leads them to the next level of business development,” Khan added.

He pointed out that government has already committed to building a stable macroeconomic environment, improving the ease of doing business, improving the efficiency of government institutions, and improving legislation to respond to the economy’s future needs.

A section of the gathering at the Region Three Private Sector Inc. stakeholders’ meeting with the Centre for Local Business Development

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Close to 14,000 GTT customers receiving bills via WhatsApp Billing The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has announced that close to 14,000 customers have opted to receive their monthly billing invoices via Whatsapp billing since its initial launch in June 2021.

According to a release, through the recent development, GTT customers can access their DSL, Blaze, landline and mobile postpaid bills immediately after it is available, on their mobile phones via the WhatsApp medium.

GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Damian Blackburn, who has a wealth of experience in the telecommunications sector, said he is thrilled to see the response the company has received from customers since its launch.

“In my telecommunications career, GTT is the first company I have seen that has successfully been able to introduce this billing medium in such a short space of time. We made a promise to innovate for all in our

country and this is exactly what WhatsApp billing is all about, and we are elated to see the growing response from customers,” Blackburn said.

Re-emphasising that the company’s goal is to be a 21st century customer-centric organisation, Blackburn assured that customers can expect more updates on the WhatsApp billing platform to better improve their overall customer experience.

On July 26, the company

relaunched its WhatsApp billing campaign as a means to further sensitise GTT customers on its additional billing platform.

“Customers who would like to receive their GTT bills via Whatsapp are encouraged to ensure that GTT has their correct WhatsApp number on file and opt in to WhatsApp billing via https://www.gtt. co.gy/webform/bill-delivery-change-request,” the release concluded.

GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Damian Blackburn

‘Let’s put traffickers behind bars’ – Minister Persaud urges at training for re-migrants

HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud has assured a group of Venezuelan re-migrants that the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Department is doing intense work to beat back the scourge.

They were the latest group of persons to be trained by the Ministry’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit, which has fanned out across the country to conduct training with key people who may come into direct contact with traffickers and their victims.

The ministry has dedi-

cated the month of July to Counter-Trafficking in Persons and earlier this month launched the STOP592 campaign in Bartica, Region Seven. The latest training, held at Windjammer, Queen Street, Kitty, was conducted

by Senior Probation and Social Services Officer Deneise Ralph.

Minister Persaud paid a visit to the group of approximately 15 participants to offer words of encouragement to the participants who came from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, and Seven.

“Identifying the traffickers is the biggest problem,

Dr. Vindhya Persaud

but if they’re not stopped more will join them. The only way to end this is to put

these people behind bars; if they feel they can get off, they won’t stop. Let’s go out

there stronger together. Trafficking in Persons is a heinous crime against people,” Minister Persaud urged. She then allowed for one-on-one interaction with some of the participants.

According to her, it was important for the re-migrants to be trained because when they come to the country they must understand its policies, laws and procedures. “The community engagement is the best engagement. We’re trying different avenues of how we engage people,” she said.

Ralph said the training session would serve to

empower the participants and would help them pass on their knowledge to their respective communities so that they can now act as focal points for the ministry in helping to curb the problem.

Meanwhile, Minister Persaud took the opportunity to speak on the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) programme and encouraged the participants to sign up for the courses, so that they could share their knowledge with persons escaping from traffickers.

Abusive man dies in Teen driver succumbs to confrontation with spouse injuries in Uitvlugt crash

AN abusive father of three lost his life Sunday after the knife he used to attack the mother of his children was responsible for his own demise at her parents’ residence at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is Anthony Pakanram called “Max”. Police said that the 28-year-old woman and the father of her three children were in a common-law relationship and he had a history of violence towards her.

On Saturday, the police report stated that the woman and Max had a misunderstanding which caused him

to physically assault her.

Consequently, she subsequently moved out of their shared home to go live at her parents’ home at Old Road, Providence.

On Sunday around 15:30hrs, Max reportedly visited the house and an argument ensued; he became angry and armed himself with a knife and despite the woman’s attempt to flee, Max cornered her and a scuffle ensued.

During the scuffle, the suspect said she heard “Max” groan and saw him bleeding from the neck; as they parted, he walked a short distance

and collapsed.

He was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by family members, but died while receiving medical care.

The body is presently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. The woman was taken into police custody pending investigations.

ISAAC Hussain, 18, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) died on Monday after the motorcar he and two others were travelling in crashed into a parked truck at Uitvlugt, EBE on Sunday.

The others who were injured were identified as 19-year-old Michael Gomes of Tuschen and 22-year-old Pertab Singh of Parika, EBE Police said Hussain was the driver of motorcar, PZZ5096, which was proceeding west along the southern side of the road when he allegedly lost control and collided with motor-lorry, GVV2920, which was parked along the northern side of the road, facing west.

Dead: Isaac Hussain

The two other occupants received injuries and were rescued by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they received medical attention.

Gomes and Singh are both listed as critical.

The mangled car that was driven by the teenager

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Region Four CPGs trained in anger management, conflict resolution MEMBERS of Region Four Community Policing Groups (CPG) have benefitted from a one-day training by the Gender Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

The participants were reminded of the important role they play in their respective communities by subject minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who in spite of her busy schedule that day, graced the event with her presence to share words of encouragement.

“You’re here because we feel that the subjects being dealt with are critical to what you do and to the future of people in this country. You are responsible for law and other wherever you are, ensuring that people adhere to [the] basic convention of rule and order,” she stated.

Topping the training agenda were topics such as conflict resolution and anger management. Training in these subjects would no doubt help the CPG members to diffuse tensions caused by angry residents.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud addressing the Region Four CPGs

Minister Persaud challenged the more than 60 members in attendance to look at how they handle matters in their own homes as they attempt to help others.

“If we can start curbing our own anger, we’ll be in a better place to help others curb theirs. Uncontrolled anger quicky escalates to violence and in the fight against domestic violence and other forms of abuse, we need to tackle cohesively and collectively the triggers and the causes, including anger and conflict she pointed out.”

Minister Persaud wants to eventually be able to conduct anger-management classes across the country, but would first need to train the human resources to do so. Perhaps, she observed, members of the CPG once trained may be able to help in this initiative, the release said.

Meanwhile, CPG Liaison Officer Bharat Das, also offered opening comments and the session on masculinity was facilitated by Manager of the Gender Affairs Bureau, Adel Lilly. Senior Gender Affairs Officer, Diego Alphon-

Members of the Region Four Community Policing Groups benefitted from a one-day training by the ministry’s Gender Affairs Bureau

so, facilitated the session on anger management.

Chairman of the ministry’s Support and Heal Network, Bishop Patrick Findlay and Elder Wayne Barrow facilitated the sessions on conflict resolution.

The training was timely as it provided the participants

with the skills needed when called upon to intervene in conflict situations and to resolve issues where anger is escalating. The training on masculinity was also beneficial, because the work of the CPGs entail interaction with males at the grassroot level.

The Train-The-Train-

ers Workshop for CPGs is expected to have a positive ripple effect, as those trained would then train those persons in their divisions to use the skills acquired in the course of their duties. The training will continue in other regions across the country.

NDIA to commence works on blocked drains in Light Town ­­— Agri. Minister tells farmers govt’s assistance to return to land guaranteed

RESIDENTS who reside in the village of Light Town on the East Bank of Berbice will soon benefit from a series of works to improve drainage and alleviate flooding in the area.

This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday last during a meeting with residents and farmers at the Light Town Primary School.

During the meeting, residents told the minister that the road drains were blocked and that it had contributed to flooding in the area.

Rice farmers who were present at the meeting also told the minister that they experienced losses as a result of the recent flooding. The farmers used the opportunity to appeal to the minister for assistance from the government to return to the land, a release said.

Minister Mustapha told residents that a machine would be deployed to the area within a week to commence

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

works on the drains. He also told residents that the NDIA will be clearing the outfalls in the area.

“After listening to everything that was said, I want to make a commitment that within one week, I will ensure a machine will be sent here to clear all the road drains. I want you to form a small committee and the engineer will be back here to work with you. A number of structures and canals have to be built and rehabilitated

so this committee will be tasked with indicating which structures need to be done immediately. We need to develop a programme and list the works in order of priority.

As soon as I have that I will give instructions for works to commence. The NDIA will also be looking to clear the outfall channels. The pontoon is currently working to clear the Abary outfall. When those works are complete, we will bring the machine here to clear the outfalls in this area,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also assured farmers that the government will be assisting them with returning to the land. He also told the farmers that officers from the various agencies under the ministry’s umbrella have been carrying out assessments across the country and that the President will soon pronounce on what form of assistance farmers will be given.

“We are approaching one year in office and when

you look at where we came from to where we are today with the commitments and promises that we made in our manifesto, we are working to deliver them and we are making great progress. Five years ago, prior to August 2020, we’d

seen a decline in budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector. Farmers had to pay more money for inputs in addition to the limited production that they were receiving because of the state of the infrastructure.

The previous government

didn’t care about the agriculture sector, but the PPP/C government understands the importance of this sector. This sector is responsible for feeding the nation and providing food security,” Minister Mustapha said.

A rice farmer while engaging Minister Mustapha during the meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Retrial into Cummings Trial into murder of Linden Lodge murder begins today footballer begins August 4

THE High Court retrial of Kevin Mohan called “Chucky,” who is accused of killing his aunt, will commence today before a 12-member jury.

Mohan, 27, formerly of Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, on Monday pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on September 4, 2016, at Cummings Lodge, he murdered 48-year-old Anita Mohan.

Justice Sandil Kissoon will preside over the trial which is being held at the Demerara High Court.

The accused is being represented by attorney-at-law Damian DaSilva, while prosecutors Taneisha Saygon, Lisa Cave and Muntaz Ali are on report for the state.

In March 2021, the case was sent for retrial after a jury was unable to arrive at a verdict. The case was before Justice Navindra Singh.

According to reports, the woman’s battered body was found on the floor of her kitchen at Fifth Street, Cummings Lodge, where she lived with Mohan and

Kevin Mohan called “Chucky”

her son, Intiaz Khan. Khan found his mother lying in blood with her head bashed in and a stab wound to her chest.

A bloody ‘rolling pin,’ suspected to be one of the murder weapons, as well as a broken bottle, was found close to the body. The po-

lice had noted that the accused confessed to the murder and admitted also that another person acted as his accomplice.

A post-mortem performed on the remains of the woman revealed that she died from multiple injuries.

THE High Court trial into the murder of young Linden footballer Leonard Peters, also known as “Lenny,” who was fatally stabbed during an argument in 2018, is expected to commence before a judge and jury on August 4, 2021.

Michael Emmanuel called “Giddie,” of West Watooka, Linden, was arraigned on Monday before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder.

He denied that on December 21, 2018, at West Watooka, he murdered Peters. A jury has been empanelled to hear the case.

The accused is being represented by attorney-at-law Damian DaSilva, while the state is being represented by prosecutors Taneisha Saygon, Lisa Cave and Muntaz Ali. According to reports, there was a social event

Michael Emmanuel called “Giddie”

on the date in question at West Watooka, during which a misunderstanding developed between Peters and Emmanuel It is alleged that Peters had accidentally spilled alcohol on Emmanuel, and this subsequently resulted in a

physical confrontation.

It is alleged that Emmanuel whipped out a knife and stabbed Peters to his chest. Peters was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he reportedly died while receiving medical attention.

Octogenarian perishes in early-morning Linden fire

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

EIGHTY-THREE-YEAROLD Norma Semple died in a fire at her Block 22, Wismar, Linden home, early Monday morning.

The pensioner lived alone in the one-storey wooden structure.

According to a police report, Semple’s neighbour Alita Prowell said that she was inside her home when she heard a loud and continuous cracking sound sometime between 02:15hrs and 02:50hrs.

When she looked through her window, she observed that her neighbour’s home was completely engulfed in flames.

Public-spirited persons attempted to rescue the elderly woman but they were pushed back by the flames.

The fire station was summoned and the fire was eventually extinguished.

A search was carried out among the debris and the lifeless body of a female who is suspected to be that of Norma Semple, was seen on the ground below the

kitchen area burnt beyond recognition.

The body was then taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where same was pronounced dead on arrival.

It is now at the Pensioners Funeral Parlour Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the fire.

Fire fighters battling the early-morning fire (Deron Adams photo)

The gutted house (Guyana Police Force photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Wade, spinners set up ODI Andrew Fowler hits the ... series win for Aussies AUSTRALIA have extended their 21-year hold over the West Indies in 50-over cricket thanks to a smothering bowling performance in another low-scoring clash on a turning Kensington Oval pitch.

The visitors recovered from a top-order wobble under lights as Matthew Wade (51 not out off 52 balls) spearheaded a tricky run chase to seal a six-wicket win in their one-day international series decider in Barbados.

The Aussies’ threepronged spin attack had dominated the Windies in a middle-order collapse of 5-34, with only a brave return to the crease from Evin Lewis (55no off 66) after he had been forced to retire hurt saving the home side from complete capitulation.

It was Australia’s most complete bowling

performance of the series, with the return of Ashton Agar (2-31 off 10 overs) from a hamstring injury and Josh Hazlewood (2-18 off eight) after a calf niggle, along with an extended bowling run for off-spinner Ashton Turner (1-23 off eight) all proving decisive in their victory Agar, playing in his first game of the series then made the most of a surprise elevation up the order to be unbeaten on 19 (off 33) when Wade hit the winning runs with nearly 20 full overs to spare.

Wade, Australia’s likely captain for their upcoming T20 series in Bangladesh with Aaron Finch returning home for knee surgery, soaked up pressure from the Windies tweakers (among them Kieron Pollard, the medium pacer who turned his hand to off-spin) to play a valiant hand from No.5.

It was the kind of grit the Aussies will need when they are inevitably targeted by spin on turning surfaces again in the upcoming fivegame series in Dhaka.

Lewis had top-edged a delivery from Hazlewood into his helmet and went off for 19 overs but, after

passing a concussion test, returned following the fall of the fifth wicket help to put on 77 for the final four wickets.

No other Windies batter passed 20.

Mitchell Starc (3-43 off 9.1) capped a terrific campaign by adding three more wickets to his ODI series tally, finishing with 11 victims at 10.63 and was named player of the series.

The Windies’ search for ODI bragging rights over Australia goes on, having last won a bilateral 50-over series against them in 1995.

With Ben McDermott missing with an ankle injury, Moises Henriques was promoted to open (for just the fourth time in his 113game List A career) but his rough series continued when he was struck on the pad by consecutive arm balls from Akeal Hosein (1-29 off 10), the second one trapping him plumb in front.

It was a clever ploy to bring the left-arm spinner on to bowl with the new ball against Australia’s makeshift opener, with Hosein dismissing Henriques for the third time for single digits in as many matches.

His opening partner Josh Philippe fared little better,

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while Mitch Marsh blazed three sixes in a quick-fire 29 off 21 balls before gloving one down the leg-side off the wayward Sheldon Cottrell Australia were on the ropes at 4-99 and the sight of Agar sent out at No.6 – seemingly due to his left-handedness giving him an advantage against the threat of Hosein and Walsh – may have raised eyebrows.

But both Agar and Wade played the spinning ball with confidence, with the latter twice carting Walsh for six including one that landed on the roof of the Greenidge and Haynes stand, to ease the Aussies home.

Back in the team after being managed for the second ODI, Hazlewood earlier delivered a metronomic opening spell (five overs, one maiden, 1-10) that left Lewis dazed and forced a frustrated Shimron Hetmyer to chop on.

But after playing just the sole specialist spinner in the opening two games, the Aussies took a markedly different approach on the worn Kensington Oval surface, with just seven of the opening 20 overs being sent down by the pacemen.

It proved an effective strategy as both Shai Hope and Darren Bravo were caught in the inner circle (the former thanks to a sharp diving catch by Marsh) off Agar.

Turner continued his encouraging return to the bowling crease by clean bowling Nicholas Pooran shouldering arms to a straight one, the off-spinner’s second crucial wicket in as many games after removing Hope two days ago.

The Aussies could be heard joking that Turner had got Pooran with a doosra, when it appeared he simply bowled a regulation offbreak that didn’t turn.

Kieron Pollard survived the spin onslaught but was distraught after bunting the first ball he faced off Starc to cover, while Jason Holder was bowled by Zampa.

Lewis brought up his half-century with a six off the leg-spinner but the Aussies did not allow their tail the same leeway they were given in the second ODI as the Windies stumbled to be bowled out in the 46th over.(Cricket.com.au)

FROM BACK PAGE

competing in the 50m freestyle as well as in the 100m freestyle events.

Fowler competed at the 2016 World Championships Short Course in Canada, swimming the 50m and 100m freestyle, and the 50m butterfly.

This year, Fowler also competed at the South American Championships in Argentina, where he entered the pool in the 50m and 100m freestyle, and the 50m butterfly events.

Commissioner of Police, (ag) Nigel Hoppie, DSM, in a message to Fowler, said “Andrew, all of Guyana

and more so, the Guyana Police Force, is rooting for you as you plunge into your quest for gold at this year’s Olympics.”

“Indeed, you have made your fellow policemen and women and country proud and we wish you the best of luck. Go Andrew Fowler!” Commissioner Hoppie said.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Aleka Persaud will be in action in the women’s 50m freestyle Heat 4 on Friday July 30, from 6:25am.

Persaud’s time of 28.10 seconds is the fastest entry time against the seven other swimmers in the group.

Tickets for West Indies/Pakistan...

FROM BACK PAGE

ther indicated that fully vaccinated fans are those who have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least one week before the date of the match they will be attending.

Also, spectators will need to wear face masks to gain entry to the matches and then keep wearing masks throughout. Fans will also need to remain socially distanced at all times.

The Government of Guyana announced Sunday that all stands will be limited to a 40 per cent capacity and only fully vaccinated fans will be allowed into the stadium.

The ticket office will be located at the main entrance to the Guyana National Stadium.

According to the GCB, for fans to get a ticket and gain access to the stadium, the following measures will be in place to meet COVID-19 match protocols: Ministry of Health officials will be on hand to validate vaccination documentation and check tickets and ID. Fans will need to present their ID card, tickets and vaccination documentation to be allowed entry.

(3) Fans will need to

wear face masks at all times and maintain social distancing in the stadium.

(4) Fans will be accommodated in all stands but will not be admitted to the grass mound.

(5) No re-entry is allowed if fans leave the venue.

(6) Under-18s will not be allowed entry.

(7) Fans will be able to purchase tickets for themselves, friends, and family members Tickets will be available from 9:00 am to 5:00pm on non-match days and 7:00am to 11:00am on match days.

Additionally, with vending not being allowed in the stadium, fans will be allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. The following list of restrictions must be adhered to for entry into the ground on match day: (1)Fans can bring in coolers of a size that can fit under their seats (12x12x12).

(2) Ice in coolers must be placed in bags to allow security inspection of coolers.

(3) Glass bottles of any kind are not allowed.

(4) Alcohol of any kind is not allowed.

(5) Knives, sharp metal objects and firearms are prohibited.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Shaw and Yadav named as replacements for India Test series against England INDIA’s Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and Avesh Khan have been ruled out of the Test series against England because of injury.

Opening batsman Gill returned home to India after suffering a shin injury in June’s World Test Championship final defeat by New Zealand.

All-rounder Sundar misses out with a finger injury, while fast bowler Khan fractured his thumb in a warm-up match.

Batsmen Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav have been named as replacements.

The pair have been called up from India’s second-string squad which is currently playing a Twenty20 series in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has linked up with the squad in En-

gland after recovering from Covid-19, while bowling coach Bharat Arun and Wriddhiman Saha and Abhimanyu Easwaran have completed their period of isolation.

The first Test in the fivematch series begins on 4 August at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

India’s squad: Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav.

Standby players: Prasidh Krishna, Arzan Nagwaswalla. (BBC Sport) England vs India sched-

India’s opening batsman Shubman Gill is among the trio out injured

ule

August 4-8 1st Test, Trent Bridge (11:00 BST) 12-16 2nd Test, Lord’s (11:00 BST) 25-29 3rd Test, Emerald Headingley (11:00 BST) September 2-6 4th Test, The Kia Oval (11:00 BST) 10-14 5th Test, Emirates Old Trafford (11:00 BST)

Kenya’s marathon great Kipchoge ‘excited’ to run in Sapporo

By Omar Mohammed TOKYO (Reuters) - Eliud Kipchoge, the world record holder and reigning Olympic marathon champion, said on Monday he is ready to defend his title and was excited to run in the city of Sapporo, where the event is slated to take place next month.

Kipchoge, the only man to run the distance in under two hours, is one of the stars of the Tokyo games and his race on Aug. 8 is one of the most anticipated battles at this year’s Olympics.

The Kenyan great said recently that defending his Olympic crown will be his highest achievement and that he was still hungry to compete on the biggest stage and win medals.

“I have completed my training and I am really excited to race in Sapporo,” Kipchoge said on Twitter.

“For me, there is no greater race than competing for an Olympic medal,” he wrote.

The marathon was moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo

World record holder and reigning Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge

due to concerns over Tokyo, where the temperature during the summer months can exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

Kipchoge has said he is not worried about the heat as all the competitors will be “on the same frying pan” and the best man will win.

He remains a favourite to repeat as Olympic champion, but his cloak of invincibility was pierced slightly after he suffered a rare defeat in October’s London marathon.

The 36-year old had previously won 10 straight races.

The loss sparked speculation about whether he could be beaten at the Tokyo Games.

But a fine performance in April in the Netherlands, with a time of two hours, four minutes and 30 seconds, sounded a warning to his rivals that Kipchoge was still the top contender.

“In Japan, I will defend my title from Rio,” he said on Monday. “To win a second Olympic medal in the marathon would mean the world to me.”

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

IPL confirms schedule squeeze ahead of T20 World Cup

THE Indian Premier League (IPL), which was suspended in May due to COVID-19, will resume in September and finish just two days before the start of the T20 World Cup. The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has confirmed the resumption of the IPL will start on September 19, just five days after the scheduled end of India’s Test tour of England.

The IPL final will be played in Dubai on October 15, just 48 hours before the T20 World Cup is set to begin, also in the UAE. A total of 31 IPL matches will be played at three venues across 27 days: the Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah

Stadium.

Those same three venues will then host the bulk of the 45 World Cup matches, although some World Cup games early in the tournament will be played at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground.

In total, the four venues are scheduled to host 76 games in just 56 days from the re-start of the IPL on September 19 until the World Cup final on November 14.

Last year, the three UAE venues hosted 60 games in 52 days for the 2020 IPL. The final schedule for the T20 World Cup is yet to be confirmed.

Australia don’t have any matches on their schedule between the end of their

Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians vs MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings: here we go again .

Bangladesh tour next month and the start of the World Cup, and it’s yet to be seen if Australian players with

IPL contracts will be granted leave to take part in the franchise tournament.

The 2021 IPL was sus-

pended on May 4 after several players and backroom staff tested positive for the coronavirus amid a devastating second wave of COVID-19 in India.

The BCCI announced in May that the remaining matches would be held in the UAE, while the T20 World Cup has also been shifted from India to the UAE due to the pandemic.

The IPL will resume with the Chennai Super Kings playing the Mumbai Indians on September 19 in Dubai before the Kolkata Knight Riders face the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi the following day.

Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Bangalore face

Chennai.

The first qualifier is scheduled for October 10 in Dubai, while the eliminator (October 11) and second qualifier (October 13) will be played in Sharjah.

Dubai will also host the final, which is due to be played on October 15.

The eight-team IPL, with an estimated brand value of $US6.8 billion ($A9.2 billion), is the richest Twenty20 league and attracts many of the best players from around the worldDKey dates Sep 10-14: Fifth Test, England v India in Manchester Sep 19 – Oct 15: IPL in the United Arab Emirates Oct 17 – Nov 14: T20 World Cup in UAE & Oman

England players to hold talks over possible Ashes withdrawal ENGLAND men’s players will meet with the England and Wales Cricket Board as some consider pulling out of this winter’s Ashes if their families are not allowed to travel to Australia.

Talks between players, the ECB and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) are due this week.

Australia has some of the strictest Covid-19 protocols in the world.

Players who take part in the T20 World Cup and the Ashes face the prospect of being away from home for four months.

The first Ashes Test in Brisbane begins on 8 December, but players who also take part in the T20 World Cup - starting in October are due to leave the UK in

mid-September.

They would then potentially not return home until after the final Test ends on 18 January.

An update to the ECB from Cricket Australia and the Australian government is due in early August.

The situation is complicated by parts of Australia being in lockdown, while the five Ashes Tests will be played in five different states, which have their own regulations.

England are due to train in Loughborough on Wednesday, before the squad for the first Test against India at Trent Bridge, which starts on 4 August, assembles at the weekend.

There is thought to be concern among the players,

Joe Root’s England lost 4-0 on their most recent Ashes tour in 2017-18.

a number of whom have young families. One has indicated to BBC Sport that he would be reluctant to take a full part in the Ashes series if his family are not allowed to travel.

Historically, families have joined England players on Ashes tours, which span Christmas and New Year.

The Ashes is due to take place without travelling England fans and limited repre-

sentation from overseas media.

If England are not at full strength, the credibility of the oldest Test series in cricket would come into question.

One solution could be for the series to be delayed by a year, with England instead touring Pakistan, where are they due to visit in late 2022.

That would tie in with a T20 World Cup due to be held in Australia in the autumn of 2022, but would require Australia to reschedule Tests against other opponents.

England are due to leave for Bangladesh, where they will begin their preparations for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab

Emirates and Oman, on about 19 September.

Those taking part in the Ashes will head to Australia after the World Cup, which ends on 14 November.

They will join a group of red-ball specialists who will leave the UK in early November.

All members of the England party will be required to quarantine for 14 days when they enter Australia, regardless of where they arrive from.

Australia players who take part in the T20 World Cup will be in the same situation.

England are set to warm up for the Ashes with a series of intra-squad matches also involving England Lions. (BBC Sport)

Tokyo organisers considering allowing limited number of fans at Olympics TOKYO — There have been discussions within the Tokyo organising committee and the Japanese government about the possibility of allowing a limited number of fans to begin attending Olympic competitions at outdoor venues, a source told Yahoo Sports on Sunday.

Currently no fans are allowed at any competition venue due to COVID precautions.

The discussions are considered preliminary, with nothing imminent, the source said. However, the talks reveal at least the possibility that the fan-less Olympics will partially reverse course as the Games go on.

Officially, the Tokyo organising committee told Yahoo Sports there are no current discussions, noting, “Tokyo 2020 is making every effort to make the Tokyo 2020

Games a success.”

The motivation to allow fans is centered on polling numbers that continue to show public opposition to the Tokyo Games being staged while the region is under a state of emergency due to COVID, according to a source. There has been a disconnect as the major international sporting event continues while local businesses, offices and bars and restaurants have been shuttered or restricted.

Various polls over the last few months show between 60 and 80 percent of Japanese oppose the staging of the Games. Others are indifferent to the event. Friday’s Opening Ceremony inside a near empty, newly constructed $1.4 billion stadium was panned globally for lacking ambiance and excitement.

The scenes of cheering fans lining both the men’s and women’s cycling routes on Saturday and Sunday, however, was the kind of visual that shows the Japanese want to connect with these Games and that it can be done in a safe and socially distanced fashion.

Five-thousand fans were allowed inside the Tokyo Dome Sunday night for a professional wrestling event that was not affiliated with the Olympics.

Allowing a limited number of fans to attend outdoor competitions inside often massive venues in sports such as track and field, soccer, beach volleyball and others might help with the approval ratings of the Olympics — and the government. (Yahoo Sports)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Diaz wins first ever weightlifting Olympic gold for Philippines

By Junko Fujita and Ece Toksabay TOKYO (Reuters) -Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz became her country’s first ever Olympic gold medallist on Monday, winning the women’s 55 kg category for weightlifting at Tokyo 2020.

In her fourth Olympics, the 30-year-old lifted a combined weight of 224 kg, an Olympic record.

“I am 30 years old and I thought it would be like going down, my performance, but I was shocked I was able to do it,” Diaz said in a post-

match interview.

Philippines’ presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a written statement that Diaz brought pride and glory to the Philippines.

“Congratulations, Hidilyn. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you,” he added.

China’s Liao Qiuyun, who failed to match her own world record, took silver with 223 kg. Kazakhstan’s Zulfiya Chinshanlo won bronze with 213 kg.

Chinshanlo came close to completing a 123 kg lift in the clean and jerk, which

Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz

would have been an Olympic record at that moment,

Olympics-Gymnastics

U.S. women top Russians, China in medal chances

By Karen Braun

(REUTERS) - Although the start of the women’s artistic gymnastics at the Tokyo Olympics was disappointing for the usually dominant U.S. team, the Americans still have the most medal opportunities of any country.

The Russians, competing as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) as part of sanctions due to several doping scandals, qualified for Tuesday’s team final ahead of the Americans after an off day for U.S. star Simone Biles.

But the U.S. women’s qualifying efforts earned them 11 medal attempts at the Tokyo Games, the maximum possible. That includes the team event, two in the allaround and two in each of the four apparatus finals.

ROC could earn at most 10 medals since they qualified only one gymnast to the balance beam finals, and China have the next highest medal chances at seven.

The top eight of 12 squads in qualifications advanced to the team finals, and the top 24 all-around gymnasts and top eight on each apparatus advanced to those respective finals.

However, there is a twoper-country rule meaning only two athletes per delegation can advance to an apparatus or all-around final

and try for a medal.

Biles is the only gymnast, male or female, who has a shot at leaving Tokyo with a medal in every possible discipline. But a medal on asymmetric bars is her biggest challenge, even with a nearly flawless routine.

but the judges reversed the decision. Soon after that

Liao succeeded in lifting 126 kg.

The Chinese lifter’s record was then broken by Diaz who confidently lifted 127 kg.

Diaz, who said she would aim to participate at the next Games in Paris, held her hands to her face and burst into tears before embracing her coaches and clutching at the medallion around her neck.

Last year, Diaz had been stuck in Malaysia, where she stopped on her way to Peru for an Olympic qualifying event, for about five months

under a government travel ban due to an outbreak of COVID-19. Diaz said she built a gym and trained with water bottles during that time.

On the podium, a still-tearful Diaz stood to attention saluting as she belted out her country’s national anthem at the top of her voice.

Bronze winner Chinshanlo was a gold medallist at the 2012 London Games but in 2016 she was stripped of a medal after failing doping tests in a re-analysis of samples.

Man Utd agree fee for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane

in the finals would increase her chances.

Biles was the top qualifier in the all-around and vault, though she will have a fresh shot at everything since the qualifying scores do not carry through to the finals.

If Biles misses golds or the podium, she feels better

Raphael Varane has won three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Gymnastics - Artistic - Women’s Team - Qualification - Ariake Gymnastics Centre, Tokyo, Japan - July 25, 2021. Sunisa Lee of the United States and Simone Biles of the United States hug each other during competition. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Her bars difficulty rating falls short of the world’s best, including team mate Sunisa Lee and Belgium’s Nina Derwael, the top two qualifiers for Sunday’s final. Derwael is a twice world champion in the event.

Beam gold will also be a test for Biles up against top qualifier Guan Chenchen of China, who has a higher maximum score. Biles did not do her more difficult, eponymous dismount in qualifications, but doing so

prepared to cope with public disappointment than she was in Rio 2016, where she finished third on balance beam after an error.

“I was so happy with my bronze, but I couldn’t be happy, because nobody else was happy for me,” she said earlier this year in her Facebook Watch docuseries, “Simone vs Herself.”

“This time is really for me. I don’t have to prove anything to anybody, and that feels nice.”

RAEAL Madrid defender Raphael Varane is near to joining Manchester United for an initial fee of around £34m.

Final details are still to be agreed - but Varane, 28, had told Real he had no wish to extend his current contract, which has a year to run.

The deal for Varane is likely to reach £42m with add-ons.

Real have made a ‘solidarity payment’ to Varane’s previous clubs for their part in his development to ensure the transfer goes through.

That payment has reduced the fee United will pay for the player.

The deal is set to follow Jadon Sancho’s move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund for £73m, which was confirmed last Friday.

That signing took Unit-

ed’s net summer spending beyond any of their major European rivals.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made strengthening the centre of his side’s defence a priority once an agreement had been struck for England winger Sancho.

Varane joined Real in 2011 from French club

Lens and has a wealth of experience, winning three La Liga titles and four Champions League titles while in Spain.

He won the World Cup with France in 2018, has won 79 caps and played in all four games at Euro 2020 as they reached the last 16.

(BBC Sport).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday July 27, 2021) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Franklin Rose-5/23 (St. Vincent, 2000) (2) Shahid Afridi-7/12 (Providence, 2013) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has captained the WI in most ODI games against PAK to date?

(2) Who has led PAK in most ODI matches versus the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Canada down Costa Rica to punch semifinal ticket ARLINGTON, Texas — Canada are two wins away from its second CONCACAF Gold Cup title after a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the 2021 Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

With six total shots in the first half, Canada was off to a hot start in attack. The North Americans nearly took the lead in the eighth minute off a stripped ball from Mark-Anthony Kaye that ended up rebounding to the midfielder for a second chance oppor-

tunity after an Oscar Duarte clearance.

Junior Hoilett then gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute by running onto a long ball lofted over the Costa Rican defense and lobbing over Costa Rica goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado.

Canada kept pushing and Steven Vitoria nearly extended the lead with a volley from the top of the box, but Alvarado saved the attempt by sending it over the top post.

Kaye had another opportunity right before halftime

from just inside the box after some nifty footwork awarded him space, but his 44th minute attempt went just over the top of the goal.

Costa Rica looked to respond and Joel Campbell sent a warning shot in the 53rd minute with a free kick arrowed toward the far post, forcing a save from Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

But Stephen Eustaquio made things more difficult for the Ticos by scoring Canada’s second after a run in the box and pouncing on a fortuitous bounce

to make it 2-0 in the 69th minute.

John Herdman’s men were dangerous in attack deep into second half stoppage time, nearly getting a third from Tesho Akindele on a shot that was saved by Alvarad Canada will partake in their first Gold Cup semifinal since 2007. They will face Mexico in the knockout phase for the first time since the 2000 edition, when they defeated El Tricolor on the way to their only Gold Cup title. (Concacaf.com)

Stephen Eustaquio made things more difficult for the Ticos by scoring Canada’s second after a run in the box and pouncing on a fortuitous bounce to make it 2-0 in the 69th minute.

Hoppe powers United States past Jamaica, into Gold Cup semis of work as well, saving four shots on the night. He intercepted a long pass from Kellyn Acosta to Sebastian Lletget in the 21st minute and also denied Matthew Hoppe left-footed volley just a minute later.

One of the best opportunities in the first half for Jamaica came in the 38th minute on a curveball just outside the box from Flemmings, which forced a flying save from Turner.

Acosta shot from outside the box himself in the 45th

Matthew Hoppe of Team USA celebrates after scoring the game-winner during the Concacaf Quarter final between Jamaica and USA on Sunday night in Arlington Texas.

ARLINGTON, TX — The United States is one step closer to its seventh Gold Cup title thanks to a hardfought 1-0 win over Jamaica in the quarterfinals on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Jamaica was eager to attack from the opening whistle and Alvas Powell nearly put the team in the lead with a mid-range attempt that was saved by U.S.

goalkeeper Matt Turner in the 14th minute.

As the United States began to push forward with its outside backs, it was met by Jamaica’s stingy defense.

Junior Flemmings cut off a pass meant for Shaq Moore in the 15th minute, while Sam Vines was denied a shot to score by Devon Williams just five minutes later.

Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake had his share

minute, forcing a gasp from the crowd, but the match remained a stalemate at the break.

The second half saw the intensity remain the same as Blake was called upon in the 47th minute to deny another attempt from Hoppe.

Jamaica had a breakaway opportunity from Flemmings in the 56th minute but he was stripped

by Miles Robinson inside the box and James Sands cleared the danger.

Gyasi Zardes nearly broke the deadlock, minutes after coming off the bench, but his 66th-minute attempt was saved by Blake.

Matthew Hoppe would ultimately be the man who would deliver the game-winner for the United States in the 84th minute. It was a huge moment for the Schalke 04 forward as he notched his first international goal for the US.(Concacaf.com).

The Australians celebrate their ODI series victory over the West Indies at Kensington Oval last night.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 23

Wade, spinners set up ODI series win for Aussies Andrew Fowler

West Indies and Pakistan will play three Twenty20 Internationals at the National Stadium, Providence

Andrew Fowler hits the Olympic pool today

By Rawle Toney ANDREW Fowler is the next Guyanese athlete in action at the Tokyo Olympics, as the 26-year-old member of the Guyana Police Force enters the pool in the Men’s 100 metres freestyle, Heat 1 at 6:00am.

Fowler will have the fastest entry time (54.10

--Top COP sends best wishes seconds) on the list of seven swimmers. There are nine Heats in the Men’s 100m freestyle and only 16 swimmers with the fastest times will advance to the Semi-Finals on July 28.

Fowler is no stranger to top-tier competition. Along with Hannibal Gaskin and

Jamila Sanmoogan, Fowler competed at the 2015 World Championships in Kazan, Russia in the Men’s 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

He returned to the World Championships in 2019, this time with Leon Seaton Jr and Sanmoogan, again SEE PAGE 23

Tickets for West Indies/Pakistan T20 series go on sale tomorrow TICKETS for the three Twenty20 Internationals between West Indies and Pakistan will go on sale from Wednesday at three locations, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced on Monday.

According to a release from the GCB, ticket prices are $4,000(GYD) for each match and there are three

locations where fans can make ticket purchases: GCB office-- Regent Road, Bourda; Imran & Son -- 73 ‘A’ Rosehall Town, Berbice, and at Imam Bacchus & Sons -Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

Ticket sales will start on Wednesday and will be available every day from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm.

Tickets will only be

sold for the Red, Green and Orange stands. There will be no entry into the grass mound.

Match days are July 31, August 1 and 3, all from 11:00hrs at the National Stadium, Providence.

The GCB release furSEE PAGE 23

Hoppe powers United States past Jamaica, into Gold Cup semis See Story on Page 27 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

Tuesday, July 27, 2021