Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-08-2021

FRIDAY 27th August, 2021

' No.106466

Hearing in alleged election fraud to commence today for Mingo, Coalition members

PAGE

05

UNICEF welcomes physical reopening of schools 03 PAGE

–– top US diplomat urges Guyanese to get vaccinated

Fully informed about the pros and cons, these students of Saint Stanislaus College became the first two children in Guyana to receive their first ‘jabs’ of the FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The administering process was observed by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, and other stakeholders (Delano Williams photos)

First Pfizer-vaccinated Coalition on teens urge colleagues ‘rocky road’ 15 to take ‘COVID jab’ 02 in Region Four PAGE

PAGE

Region Two roads get $123.5M upgrade 04 PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

First Pfizer-vaccinated 'teens' urge colleagues to take ‘COVID jab’ –– over 200 children inoculated on first day of Pfizer vaccine rollout in Guyana

By Jared Liddell THE first set of teenagers to receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have urged their colleagues to follow suit and take the ‘jab,’ in order to guard against the debilitating effects of COVID-19.

Those persons received the vaccine on Thursday, during the rollout of the government’s vaccination programme which targets children ages 12 to 18 years, at the St. Stanislaus College.

vaccinated.

“Please get vaccinated, it is not only about you, but about your family and the community,” Cummings said.

The student said he is excited to return to school for face-to-face learning when the new academic school year begins on September 6, 2021.

He related that returning to a classroom setting after being away from physical schooling for more than a year might feel a bit strange, but he is optimistic that everyone will adjust quickly, especially if they guard

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, observes as 15-year-old Ramon Cummings, prepares to take his first dose of the American-manufactured Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, on Thursday (Delano Williams Photo) During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, 15-year-old Ramon Cummings, the first male teenager to be administered the American-manufactured Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine locally, expressed his support for the COVID-19 vaccine, noting that it will enable students to return school.

He said that while the vaccines are instrumental in the reopening of schools, it has a greater impact on individual lives. For this reason, he charged other persons to get

themselves against COVID-19 by taking the vaccine.

On Tuesday, the government received 146,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This specific vaccine is earmarked for children ages 12 to 18 years.

The Pfizer vaccine, on Monday, became the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) See page 8

3

UNICEF welcomes physical reopening of schools

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

–– top US diplomat urges Guyanese to get vaccinated THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has welcomed the physical reopening of schools in Guyana as the government launched the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible students on Thursday.

Hailing the scheduled reopening on September 6 as a landmark day for Guyanese students, UNICEF Representative, Nicolas Pron said it will represent a day of hope and possibility as many students, some for the first time, will soon step into schools after many months of being at home.

“It is important that children return to school.

Children have a right to education and to the safety and protection that schools provide. Except in the most extreme cases, the risks to children of being out of school are greater than the risks of being in school,” he said.

The UNICEF representative pointed out that school closures impact on students’ learning, health and well-being at critical developmental stages, with profound repercussions for each child, their family

UNICEF Representative, Nicolas Pron and the economy.

He also noted that there is a risk that with prolonged closure of schools, many of these children will never catch up.

The latest evidence, he said still shows that schools do not drive the spread of COVID-19 in the community and are indispensable to children’s overall development.

“School closures have the greatest impact on the most vulnerable children who are far less likely to have access to remote learning and more likely to be exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, and other

risks. Their connections with teachers and friends are important and healthy attachments these children have. The longer children remain out of school, the less likely they are to return. I emphasise, schools are central to children’s development, safety and well-being!”

In commending the government’s efforts in making COVID-19 vaccines available to all eligible residents, and now eligible students, the UN official pointed out that this achievement has been attained by only a few countries, even as he recognises the efforts of COVAX partners, including the United States.

UNICEF over the past months has provided support to the Ministries of Education and Health and funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has ensured the continuity of learning, and increased water, sanitation and hygiene services at schools.

Pron also emphasised that UNICEF remains committed to continuing to provide support for Guyana and has assured

Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy, Georgetown, Mark Cullinane the government that the UN has the best interest of every Guyanese at heart.

KEY PRIORITIES On that score, he recommended three key priorities for recovery in schools. These are targeted programmes to bring all children and youth back in school where they can access tailored services to meet their learning, health, psychosocial well-being, and other needs; effective remedial learning strategies to help students catch up on lost learning; and support for teachers to address learning losses and

incorporate digital technology into their teaching.

UNICEF, he said, is committed to support the government in this regard to ensure that all children get off to a good start and urged adherence to the national COVID-19 guidelines.

“As schools reopen, we must not forget that while vaccines are one of the key tools in the response to the pandemic, other public health and social measures remain important. We must continue to observe the measures to keep every child and every teacher safe. Remember to wear your mask, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and maintain social distancing,” the UNICEF representative said.

Meanwhile, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Georgetown, Mark Cullinane said the US was pleased to donate 146,250 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Guyana, nothing that these vaccines give Guyana’s children ages 12 and up the same opportunity to attend school safely as children in the US enjoy.

He underlined that a

common desire of parents around the world is to take every step possible to protect their children and the Pfizer vaccines will allow parents in Guyana to take that step.

The Pfizer donated vaccines from the US have received full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration on August 23 for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 16 years and older.

The vaccine is also available under emergency use authorisation (EUA) for individuals 12 through 15 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that everyone 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the virus. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms, including severe illness and death.

“Please get vaccinated, so we can beat this pandemic and move on with a productive, educated, and healthy Guyana, which is priority for the United States,” the US diplomat urges Guyanese.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Region Two roads get $123.5M upgrade –– more works planned for several villages in the region

WITHIN the past few months, the Government of Guyana has expended approximately $123.5 million to execute a number of road construction and rehabilitative works in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This was according to Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oudit, during a recent interview with the government’s Department of Public Information (DPI).

Most recently, according to Oudit, $30 million was spent to rehabilitate the access road to Golden Fleece Estate. The project saw the laying of asphaltic material on a 600-metre-long corridor, which serves in excess of 800 residents.

The road works, which lasted some six months, was executed by the Min-

A section of the newly-paved access road to Golden Fleece Estate, Region Two

Friday, 27 August, 09:00hrs

istry of Public Works, and according to Oudit, the residents are thankful for the project, since the road has been in a deplorable condition for an extended period of time.

Oudit told DPI that several reports were made over the past few years about the road’s deteriorating condition, but not much was done.

“The regional administration has been working tirelessly to address all road issues in the region, especially those that were neglected for many years and so, while the Public Works Ministry is undertaking the rehabilitation works, we will be monitoring the works to ensure quality work is provided,” Oudit said.

Similar road works were conducted along the villages of Good Hope, Cullen, Affiance, Anna Regina and Cotton Field, Essequibo.

In the coming months, bridges are also expected to be constructed in the villages of Charity, Lima

Vice-Chairman of Region Two, Humace Oudit Housing Scheme, Jib, Affiance and Anna Regina.

Early this month, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, commissioned seven roads in the region.

He was quoted as saying that additional upgrades would be undertaken on highways, main roads and miscel See page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Hearing in alleged election fraud to commence today for Mingo, Coalition members

FORMER Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Ref o r m ( P N C R) V o l d a Lawrence are expected to go on trial today for electoral fraud.

And so, too, is A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) political activist, Carol Joseph-Smith.

The trio is expected to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on two counts of fraud, the first of which alleges that on March 5, 2020, with intent to defraud, Lawrence and Mingo uttered a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, knowing the same to be forged.

It is further alleged that on March 13, 2020, Mingo and Joseph uttered a forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, knowing that said report was forged. It is also alleged that on the said date, Joseph conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent count of votes for District Four.

Holding for the State on this matter is a team of special prosecutors, namely, Attorneys-at-law Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai, and George Thomas.

Just recently, Mingo, along with Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and his deputy, Roxanne

Myers, had their employment terminated by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The trio is currently out on $100,000 each for allegedly conspiring with one another to defraud electors during the course of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

It is alleged that the trio, between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, conspired with each other, together with Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith-Joseph, Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb- Cummings, Michelle Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

They and their alleged co-conspirators are currently before the court on several other charges pertaining to electoral fraud, and misconduct in public office which were all reportedly committed during the course of the March 2, 2020 elections.

They are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes.

This dispute resulted in several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appeal court, and a five-month delay in the declaration of the results.

A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana.

5

PNC activist, Carol Joseph; former minister, Volda Lawrence, and former Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Exportation of a divisive narrative

RACE relations in Guyana are generally good. Despite our diversity, we are a peaceful and cohesive society.

The Guyanese people live in a state of cordiality and harmony; we do not dislike each other because of how we look.

This is why any attempt to divide our people along racial or ethnic lines must be condemned by all those who cherish the ideals of a peaceful and harmonious Guyana.

The fact of the matter is that no individual is born with racial instincts and predispositions. To a large extent, racial prejudice is a learned behavioural trait. It follows, therefore, that what is learnt can also be unlearnt, provided, of course, that there is an open mind and a willingness to embrace the facts in an objective and unbiased manner.

We only need to observe our children at school to have a better understanding of this truth. They learn and play together, completely oblivious of each other’s race or ethnicity.

It is precisely out of this thinking that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has initiated the ‘One Guyana’ project, which has as its principal objective the bringing together of all Guyanese, regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, class or political

affiliation under one overarching Guyanese umbrella.

We have had our political moments in the past, when attempts were made to manipulate our diversity for narrow political ends. The experiences of the early 1960s still continue to linger in our collective memory.

Thankfully, we have gone past that painful episode in our history, and we have become wiser and much more matured politically. Guyanese have learnt from the lessons of the past, and are becoming less tolerant of the divide-andrule tactics employed by our erstwhile colonial masters to divide us.

The truth is that people in Guyana are much more discerning, and are better able to see behind the political smokescreen created by those who are trying to use race and ethnicity to foster their own political ends. This was precisely the case recently when a grouping of opposition politicians sought to sell a wrong and misleading narrative of political and racial discrimination in Guyana at a Brooklyn rally. This attempt to ‘externalise’ a false and misleading narrative by the APNU+AFC coalition has not gone unnoticed by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration.

Both President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan

Ali, and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, in separate statements, have debunked the allegations, and chided the main opposition party for their reckless actions aimed at undermining democracy, and sowing the seeds of division in the country.

In similar vein, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira has penned a letter to members of the United States Congress and other international partners to correct a number of lies and misinformation being peddled by the political opposition.

As Minister Teixeira noted in her letter to the Congressmen, it is both hypocritical and mischievous for the APNU+AFC coalition to accuse the current administration of wrongdoings for which the coalition was guilty of during its term in office. She highlighted the numerous acts of political and racial discrimination meted out to persons perceived to members and supporters of the PPP when it assumed power in May 2015.

The fact of the matter is that the PPP/C administration has always been even handed in the way it treated with the Guyanese people. This is manifested in its housing policy, access to education and healthcare delivery, and a host of

other policy measures implemented by the State.

Whatever else can be said about the current PPP/C administration, it has always embraced a policy of inclusive and participatory governance. As a political party, it is the largest multi-ethnic party, with significant support from all segments of the population.

This is not to suggest that the need to continue the search for a more inclusive and participatory form of governance is over. Governance in an ethnically diverse country is not without its challenges, and Guyana is no different in this regard.

What matters in the final analysis are the measures taken not only to create a level playing field for all, but for citizens to feel that they are actively involved in the process of economic and social transformation.

It is in this context that the ‘One Guyana’ platform initiated by President Ali has to be seen. Guyana is a secular State, and there is no place for ethnocentric or myopic forms of behaviour or expressions.

All Guyanese, regardless of race or politics, have a role to play in national development, and must be the true beneficiaries of our patrimony.

Take the vaccine and protect the nation

Dear Editor,

AS I travel coast-to-coast, interacting with people for a survey, I uncover mixed feelings about taking the vaccine and the public’s view on the State mandating it for government services.

I need government services; I am fully vaccinated, so I have been able to gain entrance to all government offices to avail myself of varied services. Those not vaccinated have been stranded outside of government offices.

I support vaccination, and urge the public to take the vaccine. However, as my interaction with the public, and as respondents in a survey I am conducting have revealed, people are hesitant to take the vaccine. Peo-

ple are also misinformed and confused about vaccines, including its potential effects, and which one to take or reject.

Preliminary findings of a survey I have been conducting over the last two weeks indicate that the greater number or majority of the population is in favour of taking the vaccine, and believe that everyone should take it. Those who are vaccinated also support government policy of mandating vaccination for accessing State services or employment.

Most, but not all, supporters of the PPP endorse government policy on the vaccine and in taking it. But a large number of the public is also opposed to vaccination, and most are supporters of the official opposition PNC (APNU); AFC supporters are in favour of taking the vaccine. More than half of the

supporters of the Coalition opposition are in favour of taking the vaccine. Most of the opposition politicians have taken the vaccine; many of their supporters say they were told by political leaders not to take the vaccine, and to resist government efforts to mandate it. There is no sensible, scientific reason for the opposition to discourage their supporters from taking it.

It is not known how many people have been administered with at least one dose of the vaccine, and the infection rate among the varied ethnic groups. But survey data suggests over 50 per cent are vaccinated, more Indians and Mixed than Africans. The poll was not able to query too many people in hinterland or outlying regions. It also appears that the infection and death rate is lower among Indians

and Mixed than among Africans; not surprising since more Indians and Mixed appear to have been vaccinated than the other groups.

More data is needed to draw exact conclusions on vaccination, infection, and deaths among the various groups. In the US, Blacks and Hispanics have the highest un-vaccinated rate. They also have the highest infection and death rates.

In Guyana, people have resisted taking the vaccine for various reasons: Religious, political, health, mistaken belief of its impact on sex (virility) or births, freedom to defy government, democratic rights, etc.

As a political scientist, I subscribe to the view that people have fundamental democratic See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Racial discrimination has been the mantra of the APNU+AFC after they were booted from office Dear Editor, RACIAL discrimination!

This has been the mantra of the APNU+AFC from the day they were placed on the opposition benches by the people of Guyana. It must be noted that no ethnic faction enjoys a majority in Guyana, and no political party enjoys 100 per cent support of any one race; the PPP/C is far more aware of this fact than the APNU+AFC were when they assumed office. An examination of the endless claims of racial discrimination being made as a political strategy exposes the mental laziness of the opposition political leadership; there are real issues of national importance that should be carefully monitored, examined, raised by the

opposition, and debated intelligently for our democracy to function optimally.

David Granger’s administration (2015-2018) promised to trim the Public Service on the campaign trail, but instead hired 14, 325 new persons, most permanently. The ethnic breakdown shows that 13,786 (or 96.2 per cent) were of ‘Afro’ descent, and that 8,492 applications for jobs by other ethnicities went unacknowledged by the APNU+AFC. The strategy of ethnic and political hiring in the Public Service did not lead to an improvement in efficiency, and many of Granger’s ministers complained of being saddled with ‘weights’; one new employee was famous for arriving at work with a briefcase filled with the daily newspapers, which he would

proceed to read minutely for the duration of the workday.

There have been shifts in the Public Service. Some persons left after refusing to work with the new administration; political appointees resigned (some were retained). 84 of the 44,738 Public Servants were fired for incompetence, insubordination, or outright refusal to work. The APNU+AFC’s claim that there is racial discrimination in the Human Resource Management of the Public Service is completely false. ‘Newspaper man’ is still on the job.

Ask any political activist what people ask them for, and the answer will most likely be “a house lot”; I would beg any/all persons or organisations to examine President Irfaan Ali administration’s distribution of house lots

throughout Guyana for any indication of racial discrimination; when persons are allocated a house lot in any area, they are required to attend a public meeting, where all the available lot numbers are placed in a bag, and each allotted person has to pull their own. This policy, implemented under the Presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, eliminated the creation of ethnic enclaves. There will be areas where the preponderance of applications will be of one ethnicity, but those are fast disappearing as our population mixes, and the dynamics change.

The willful ignorance that characterised the Granger/APNU+AFC administration has evolved into a machinery that fabricates outright fictions and bald-faced lies, the sheer

volume and intensity of which is difficult to comprehend, and it is increasingly difficult to respond to all; whenever one goes unanswered, it is immediately treated as ‘fact’ and doubled-down upon. Today, for example, a post on social media makes a ludicrous claim of intervention in the marking of NGSA exam papers by the Minister of Education; the patently false claim is then shared by none other than Coretta McDonald who disingenuously says, “I hope this isn’t true”. McDonald epitomises the new APNU+AFC political leader: Expedient, callous, and dangerously uncaring of the consequences of her actions.

The APNU+AFC’s conflation of vaccines and discrimination remains the most callous political act in a

country that has experienced rigging of elections, mathematical gymnastics to avoid going to polls after failing a No-Confidence Motion, and refusal to leave office after losing an election.

The straw-man of ‘mandatory vaccination’ is beaten to death; that it will inevitably cause some misguided soul to succumb to COVID-19 and depart this earth seems to leave the APNU+AFC leadership unbothered.

President Irfaan Ali has made it simple for anyone to avail themselves of medical advice and exemption where medically prudent; no effort is being spared to protect the lives of all Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

Take the vaccine and protect ...

From page 6

rights, but these are not absolute when the national safety of the citizens is at stake.

Government has the power to, and can curtail rights. As someone who studied and taught US Constitutional Law, the court or Congress or Parliament (with a Bill) can limit these rights when national security is invoked, as US Supreme consistently ruled over the last 245 years. The State has the power to mandate certain actions in order to secure the lives of citizens. Fundamental rights are suspended during war and pandemics. All civil rights are restricted in an emergency medical situation. Thus, because of the deadly Delta and Lambada variants, the State can claim emergency authority to mandate vaccination to protect the public.

The public and staff need a safe working environment. Employers have a statutory duty to provide a safe working environment. Requiring vaccine for service and for employees is a greater good for the public; it can be mandated as reasonable, since this pandemic threatens our safety. But it is better to convince people to take the vaccine rather than mandate it.

Vaccination should be undertaken through moral suasion rather than coercion.

Lives are at stake; in order to avoid lengthy litigation, government should have doctors and health specialists speak with and convince labour leaders, opposition politicians, and religious leaders about the safety of the vaccine, and how it will not affect peoples’ health or violate their religious beliefs.

False information is being spouted out, especially among Africans; they are being misled by their political leaders who

are discouraging them from taking the vaccine, although they themselves took the vaccine. The WHO recommends vaccine; it is not a threat to one’s health. The vaccine itself does not kill; related health issues kill people. As an illustration, a popular pandit from Bush Lot succumbed to the virus out of misunderstood effects of the virus. He encouraged followers and his family to take it, but he himself did not, and died from COVID. His family members who were vaccinated survived the COVID infection. Had he taken it, he may very well have been around with us.

The public must be exposed to the facts of the vaccine. Less than one per cent of those vaccinated have suffered adverse effects. The efficacy of some vaccines (produced in India, US, and Europe) is very high; it’s as high as 95 per cent, except for the Chinese variety, which is substantially lower. Some five per cent of those vaccinated may not be helped by the vaccine, but they will not die from taking it. Chinese vaccines have lower efficacy rates than the others, and many have died from COVID even after being vaccinated with them. But they did not die from the vaccine; the Chinese vaccine is better than no vaccine. For people who are vaccinated, death may be avoided if they are infected with COVID, if they don’t have other underlying conditions. As US stats have shown, when people are vaccinated, hospitalisation declines; death rates also decline.

And vaccination rate is going up in parts of the US; where there is low vaccination, hos-

pitalisation is high as well as deaths. The government must make every effort to convince the opposition to join it in the effort to get the supporters of the latter to take the vaccine.

Most, but not all of the opponents of the vaccine in Guyana and the US as well are Christians, and oppose it because of their faith. Their opposition to the COVID vaccine is a contradictory position on being vaccinated.

These very same individuals took other vaccines like Rubela, yellow fever, hepatitis, polio (a tongue drop), etc.

It is a contradictory position.

Or is it a political position just to oppose the government?

As a bio-chemist, I can say that the science on vaccination is very clear; I believe in the science. The nation must be guided by the science.

Opposition-affiliated labour unions should re-consider their position, and join the government effort to vaccinate the population. More and more countries are issuing mandates that one can’t travel to certain countries without the vaccine. I should note that the US Government has mandated that no visas to the US will be issued to anyone who is not vaccinated. Those very people opposed to taking the vaccine would do so to get the US visa. Is that not political or religious hypocrisy? I also note that negative COVID results of tests are mandated for travel into the US. Also, businesses are requiring the vaccine or the PCR test. Delta requires all employees to be vaccinated or leave the job.

One can’t cry that civil rights are being violated

when you threaten other peoples’ rights. These same unvaccinated individuals also don’t wish to mask up or social distance. If you don’t wish to take the vaccine, what is the alternative to stem COVID infection?

Mandates and passing

bills may not convince people to take vaccines. And even if a bill is passed, how does one overcome religious objection? Incentives should be given to take the vaccine.

The public should reconsider resisting taking the vaccine; they are exposing themselves,

families, and the public to infection and death by not getting vaccinated.

I had both vaccines since February and have not suffered any adverse effects.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Guyana Teachers’ Union is ‘out of order’ Dear Editor, I FIND it most preposterous that “With immediate effect, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) announced … that it is withdrawing from participating in the present assessment of schools and all other planned engagements with the Ministry of Education over the recent vaccine requirements put in place.” To be defiant is one thing, but to be so in the face of commonsense, and at the risk of endangering a nation is quite another.

I go back to December 2020, and I hope to enlighten the entire GTU. I remind all that at the time, UNESCO and Education International (EI), the global federation of education unions, issued a call to governments and the international community to consider the

vital importance of vaccinating teachers and school personnel. The message was clear and resounding. It stated that “Reopening schools and education institutions safely, and keeping them open as long as possible is imperative.

In this context, as we see positive developments regarding vaccination, we believe that teachers and education support personnel must be considered as a priority group.” So, it is not a Guyana thing. The international cry is, “… that countries should take critical measures regarding teachers, in the global pandemic, including the protection of teachers and students’ health, safety, and well-being.”

So, to the GTU and its Head, Mark Lyte, I say, “Wake up and quit the machinations. The Education Ministry is spot on with its policy of urging “… teachers who are yet to get vaccinated, to use this period

to do so before the reopening of schools.”

Attaching some conditions is perfectly in order, too, so I am with the ministry, as it also outlined that “… teachers who do not wish to get vaccinated are required to submit a negative PCR test once per week.

Those who do not report for duty will be marked as absent.”

For Mark Lyte and those he is speaking for, I again highlight that Guyana’s situation herein is a bit tardy. Guyana should have been embarking on mandatory vaccination for the teaching fraternity some time ago. As far back as April 2020, at the global level, it was pointed out that “… school closures disrupted the learning of almost 90 per cent of students worldwide … (and) while that number has dropped since, there continues to be an unsupported assumption that closing schools

may slow the spread of the disease, despite increasing evidence that schools are not the main driver of community transmission.”

This explains why “UNICEF is calling for teachers to be prioritised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, once frontline health personnel and high-risk populations are vaccinated. This will help protect teachers from the virus, allow them to teach in person, and ultimately keep schools open.” Who can debate that the longer children remain out of school, the less likely they are to return, and the more difficult it is for their parents to resume work?

I submit, therefore, that in light of scientific, medical, and social evidence, that GTU is ‘out of order’.

Yours sincerely, Erin Northe

First Pfizer-vaccinated teens ...

From page 2

approval.

The batch of Pfizer vaccines given to Guyana is part of a donation of 5.5 million doses from the United States Government to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This donation is intended to lend support to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danah Shiwgobin, who was the first child to receive a ‘jab’ of the Pfizer vaccine, encouraged other children to get vaccinated.

She said that she decided to get vaccinated because, in her view, vaccination is the best line of defense against the COVID-19 virus.

The 12-year-old, in encouraging other children to take a similar step and protect themselves, said: “Go ahead, for it is the only solution right now.”

Daniel Shiwgobin, who is a sixth-form student at St. Stanislaus College, said that he believes getting the vaccine is what is needed to reopen schools and offer school-aged children a “close to normal life” during this period of the world’s history.

He encouraged other children who are contemplating taking the vaccine to do their research and educate themselves on the facts regarding the vaccines.

“If you’re hesitant, I suggest you go and do your own research. Consult your fam-

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, watches on as 12-year-old Danah Shiwgobin receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at St. Stanislaus College, on Thursday (Delano Williams photo) ily members, your friends, even your doctor; all the information is there and it’s easy to access and I am sure after doing research you will get any doubt out of the way,” Shiwgobin said.

The Ministry of Health had informed the Education Ministry that to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, all students, ages 12 to 18 years, should

be vaccinated before returning to the classrooms.

BEST DEFENCE Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Thursday, said that while parents have the option to choose whether they want their children to be vaccinated, inoculation is the best defence against the deadly effects of the

COVID-19 virus.

The Ministry of Education in early August began sending out consent forms to parents of over 50,000 students in secondary schools.

The Ministry of Health managed to vaccinate 213 students on the first day of the Pfizer vaccine rollout.

“We cannot prevaricate on positions; the science and the medicine are clear. The

world has decided based on evidence regarding previous diseases that vaccination and inoculation are the only ways to get past this virus. We are no longer talking about getting past the virus to come into schools, we’re talking about getting past the virus so that you can live; that is where we are at now,” Minister Manickchand said.

Although the target group

for this vaccination initiative is children who will be returning to school, Minister Manickchand reminded that it is not limited to them.

She said all children ages 12 to 18 years, who obtain permission from their parents or legal guardians, would be able to receive the vaccine.

“This is not a vaccine only for school children, it is a vaccine that will be administered by the Ministry of Health to any child between the ages of 12 and 18, regardless of if they are in school or which school they are in,” Minister Manickchand said.

Working simultaneously with the Ministry of Education to prepare for the reopening of schools, is the Ministry of Health.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that while the first batch of the Pfizer vaccine received by the government is only being administered to children ages 12 to 18 years, clinical trials are currently ongoing in the United States to determine the effects of the vaccine on children, 12 years and under.

Minister Anthony spoke of the importance of vaccination and achieving herd immunity not just to reopening schools and returning to normalcy, but also to protect the lives of all citizens in the country, inclusive of children.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Region Two roads...

From page 4

laneous roads countrywide.

Edghill told the information department that while all communities have issues with roads, the government is committed to improving the lives of its people through modernised infrastructure.

Only last week, Minister Edghill commissioned three roads in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), valuing some $31.7 million, while another four thoroughfares worth $172 million were rehabilitated and reopened in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The newly-rehabilitated roads in Region Five

include the $10.6 million Health Centre Street at Bush Lot, Pump Station Street at Blairmont and Bacchus Street at Zorg-enHoop. The latter two were completed to the tune of $21.1 million.

In Region Six, Minister Edghill had cut the ceremonial ribbon for the spanking new $108.1 million road which serves as the first phase for the construction of the main road from Everton to Mara, East Bank Berbice. Edghill recently announced too that another $60 million has been secured to start rehabilitation works at another

section of the road.

Additionally, roads were reopened at Short Man Street and John Lewis Street in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam and Post Office Road, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam. These projects were contracted to various companies and cost $63.9 million altogether.

Prior to that, some $250 million were spent to construct and upgrade 14 roads along the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), specifically in the communities of Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Hydronie

and Parika.

Added to that, some $543.6 million has been invested to upgrade several roads along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.

Information released by the government show that a total of 27 roads valued at $458.6 million were built in the Better Hope/La Bonne Intention Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) area alone, while another $88 million was spent to repair roads in the area governed by the Plaisance/Industry NDC. In addition to providing improved road facilities, the ongoing works have also added to the creation of thousands of jobs, bringing the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration closer to delivering

on its promise to create at least 50,000 jobs within the next five years.

During this year alone, the government has plans to expend some $172.4 billion, or 45 per cent of its $383.1 billion budget on education, public infrastructure and healthcare. Of this sum, $58.2 billion worth of planned expenditure on public infrastructure is the second largest component of the government’s fiscal programme.

On the capital side, the budget for infrastructure is $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent of the total allocation for 2021. The country’s aggregate capital provision for this year is $103 billion.

Further, the government’s total budget for road programmes is $23.7

billion, $7.9 billion of which will go specifically towards the development of community roads. Of the budgeted sum, $2.1 billion has been set aside for hinterland roads, and the rehabilitation of a number of hinterland airstrips.

Those investments, according to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in its message following the announcement of Budget 2021, provide the financial grounding for the ‘buildout’ of the country’s infrastructure, and the basis for re-starting economic growth, which would have been hindered by a protracted electoral process and the pervasive COVID-19 pandemic.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Rise in COVID-19 cases due to complacency

– Health Minister says HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has advised persons not to become complacent, as there has been a steady increase in COVID-19 cases, with more persons being hospitalised.

He said some 99 persons are currently hospitalised, with 23 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Liliendaal.

“We have had a steady increase in cases. Today [Thursday] we saw an additional 152 new cases across the country and to date we have 1,695 cases that are active.

“So, this is showing us that we have an upswing of cases and we have to take extra precaution now. I think people have become a little bit complacent, not adhering strictly to the measures, not

going out to get vaccinated and protecting themselves,” Minister Anthony said during Thursday’s edition of the daily COVID-19 update.

He said persons must continue to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines and become more vigilant in order to decrease the spread of the disease.

The minister also reminded the public to continue wearing masks in public spaces, sanitise frequently and practice social distancing. Additionally, rooms should be properly ventilated and masks must be worn correctly, covering both nose and mouth.

“These are simple measures that one can take to make sure that you avoid getting infected with COVID-19.

Some people practice the measures, but they do them

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony “Vaccination works. They in a very sporadic manner, that doesn’t work. If you’re are safe, they’re effective, going to do them you have and we have enough vaccines to do it consistently,” Dr. for people here. So, what we want to urge people to Anthony said.

Minister Anthony said do, make sure you get your there has been an increase in vaccines. If you didn’t get persons taking the vaccines, a first dose by now, please but Guyana is still a long way come, there are still first dosfrom herd immunity. For this es available. Come to one of reason, he is urging persons our sites you can get that first dose. And if you have taken to be vaccinated.

Four more lives lost to COVID-19

FOUR more persons have succumbed as a result of the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the

death toll to 606.

The Ministry of Health, in its daily report, said that the latest fatalities are three

women, ages 69, 78 and 82 years, from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and another woman, age 56 years,

of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to the Ministry of Health, the women died while receiving treatment at a local medical facility.

The report of the women’s deaths was accompanied by the latest information on COVID-19, which showed that 151 new cases were recorded from 1,794 tests. The new cases took the overall number of confirmed cases to 24,864.

New cases were recorded in Region Two (six new cases), Region Three (12 new cases), Region Four (101 new cases), Region Five (six new

A citizen receiving the ‘COVID jab’ a first dose and you need a Anthony said 73 persons second dose, that is available are hospitalised at the Lilas well,” the Heath Minister iendaal facility; seven persons at the West Demerara related.

To date, 306,906 individ- Regional Hospital; two at uals or 59.8 per cent of the the Mahaicony Cottage country’s adult population Hospital; four at Rose Hall; have received the first dose three at the Skeldon Hospiof a COVID-19 vaccine and tal; four at the Bartica Re158,557 persons or 30.9 per gional Hospital and two at the Upper Demerara-Upper cent took both doses.

Additionally, Minister Berbice Hospital. (DPI)

– 151 new cases recorded cases), Region Six (20 new cases), Region Nine (four new cases) and Region 10 (10 new cases). Some 102 new recoveries were also recorded.

Up to press time, 22 patients were in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 109 were in institutional isolation, 1,510 were in home isolation and there were six persons in institutional quarantine.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which are in effect until August 31, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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

11

Increased water supply for Lusignan GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

–– as GWI commences drilling of well in the community

RESIDENTS of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will soon benefit from an increased supply of potable water, as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced drilling of a water well in the community.

The well is being drilled to a depth of 920 feet by S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies & Construction Services.

According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), technical officers of GWI met recently with officials of the Mon Repos La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to obtain a progress report on the exercise.

Executive Director of Operations at GWI, Jawaharlall Ramjug, said that there was a delay in the commencement of drilling as a result of challenges encountered in shipping the materials to Guyana due to the ongoing pandemic.

Despite the delay, NDC Chairman (ag), Jagroop (only name given), was satisfied that work has commenced.

He conveyed his hope that drilling will be completed within the specified timeframe.

The NDC team was informed that residents within close proximity of the drilling site will, from time-totime, experience noise-associated activities.

To this end, GWI is asking residents to be patient and understanding while the company works to ensure that the community of Lusignan has the best water supply possible.

The previous Lusignan

well had collapsed earlier this year and numerous attempts were made to conduct repairs but to no avail. After many attempts, it was decided that a new well will be drilled in the community to restore normalcy to the water supply for residents.

Chief Executive Officer of GWI, Shaik Baksh, had met with both residents of the community and councillors of the NDC to discuss the company’s plans for the new well and to address any concerns.

Since the collapse of the well, alternative arrangements were implemented to provide a steady level of service to residents of Lusignan. This included channelling water from the Friendship Water Treatment Plant to provide residents with 10 hours of water supply, daily.

Additionally, extensive repairs to the water distribution network were done within the community to further improve the water pressure.

Drilling of a water well at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, has commenced (DPI photo)

Materials being used for the drilling exercise (DPI photo)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

First Guyana Energy Staying informed Conference confirmed for February 2022

THE inaugural Guyana Energy Conference and Exhibition (GEC-X ’21), which was originally scheduled for September 28-29, 2021, will now take place in February 2022 as a hybrid event.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the lead organiser of the event, said plans are progressing, and that more details about the signature event will be made available soon.

The Guyana Energy Conference, which will be held under the theme, “Powering the Future”, is intended to move the energy discussion beyond oil and gas, by bringing together foreign and local investors and the government in productive engagements to seek collaborations that will lead to transformative energy projects.

Commenting on the new

date for the event, GCCI President, Timothy Tucker said the Chamber has taken into consideration the COVID-19 pandemic and, as such will move forward with

a hybrid version of the event which will now comprise a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.

GEC-X is being organised in partnership with several local companies and service providers and is endorsed by the Government of Guyana.

Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar (right, front row) and some staffers of the newspaper pay keen attention during a virtual health talk on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine. The talk was delivered

by Maternal and Child Health Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Oneka Scott on Thursday (Delano Williams photo)

Coalition on ‘rocky road’ in Region Four

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

– as AFC councillors submit no-confidence motion against APNU colleagues JUST over two years after a member of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) “crossed the floor” in the National Assembly to support a no-confidence motion and topple his government, AFC Councillors have expressed no-confidence in their APNU counterparts who hold the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region

ed to manage the affairs of Region Four; however, nearly a year later, the AFC said that several issues persist, thereby highlighting the inability of the council to effectively serve its constituency.

Further, the AFC said that its representatives were being “excluded” and “alienated” by their APNU colleagues who effectively head the council.

The AFC has accused APNU’s Seeram of ‘hogging’ various positions within the

Region Four Vice Chairman, Samuel Sandy

Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram

Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

On Thursday, the AFC confirmed that, on August 18, its Region Four Councillors laid formal notices indicating that they have ‘no confidence’ in Chairman of the RDC of Region Four, Daniel Seeram, and Vice-Chairman, Samuel Sandy.

The motion moved

by Councillor Amarnauth Chinkan and seconded by Councillor Deodat Tillack, was submitted to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Donald Gajraj.

The AFC said that this move was in direct response to the continued “failures and shortcomings” in the management of the affairs of the people in this key geographical region.

It noted, however, that during Thursday’s statutory meeting, the reading of the motion was disallowed on the grounds that the office of the Chairman was not served with a copy of the motions nor did they conform to the stipulated timeline.

“Notwithstanding their disagreement with the interpretation of the acting Chairman, the AFC Region Four Councillors will seek to remedy these defects and table the motions at the next statutory meeting of the council,” the AFC said.

In a press statement, the party reminded that in September 2020, the APNU+AFC coalition was elect-

council, including the chairmanship of the council’s Tourism Committee which is yet to meet, as well as the Drainage & Irrigation Committee.

“The Chairman is currently the sole representative on the Sea Defence Board of the Ministry of Public Works, the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Board of the Ministry of Agriculture and the COVID-19 Task Force of the Office of the Prime Minister,” the AFC added.

The party said that Seeram’s actions deviate from the historical norm of sharing these positions with other councillors and the spirit of partnership which is fundamental to the coalition.

“It is necessary to note that the Personnel and Human Resource Management Committee also has not met for over eight months,” the AFC noted.

It said too that the deterioration of the relationship between Seeram and Sandy on matters of principle, approach and operations, which permeates every statutory meeting, has also been identified as a major source of discord that impacts negatively on the ability of the council to function effectively.

The AFC said that the deficiencies of the council have resulted in several contractors not being paid for close to six months.

This, the party said, is due to the failure of the Vice-Chairman, who heads the works committee, to convene meetings and sign off requests in a timely manner.

“The Alliance For Change Region Four councillors have also taken note of recent public statements on this issue and wish to state that no discussion with any other political party on these motions has taken place.

“The Alliance For Change is keenly aware that its primary obligation is to serve the people of all communities in Guyana and to identify a progressive path that ensures the provision of better services to the residents of Region Four,” the AFC added.

In addition to the APNU+AFC’s ‘rift,’ there have also been reports of quarrels among the members of the APNU, more specifically,

within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

It was previously reported that a no-confidence motion was brought against Leader of the PNC, former President, David Granger. The former Head of State had denied the reports, saying that all is well within the party.

The APNU+AFC government was effectively dethroned after AFC member, Charrandass Persaud vot-

ed against his APNU+AFC party, and in favour of a no-confidence motion tabled by then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) opposition.

This had sent shockwaves throughout Guyana, and according to political commentators, fractured relations within the coalition. It also paved the way for the election of the PPP/C to office.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Guyana Carnival 2022 slated for grand November launch

By Celestine Juan

An important advisory has been issued for partygoers and fete fanatics all across Guyana to get in shape; oil those waistlines and assemble your trusted crew, because after its two-year hiatus, Guyana Carnival

gearing up for an exciting come back.

The Buzz has managed to confirm that the much-anticipated Guyana Carnival 2022 is slated to be launched in November. The event was conceptualised by Hits and Jams Entertainment to coincide with Guyana’s Inde-

pendence Day celebrations on May 26.

Since its first hosting in 2018, Guyana Carnival has grown exponentially, attracting thousands to Guyana’s shores for an exhilarating week of fun, frolic and endless gyration.

The event is usually

launched six months in advance to give patrons sufficient time to get their bodies, their monies and their wardrobe in order. The planning committee for the event are hopeful that all goes well, and that next year’s Guyana Carnival can have a safe and smooth launch under the theme “Jus Events”.

As part of the launch, the

Much like our treasured Mashramani, Guyana Carnival also provides a notable platform to showcase the captivating work of Guyanese designers

committee is planning to host a series of enticing events which is expected to include club parties, pool parties, j’ouverts, concerts, and a brunch; these events will run from November 2528, 2021.

“In keeping with the COVID-19

guidelines, entry to these events will require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Persons will also be required to wear face masks and have their temperature checked before entering the venue.

Venue occupancy will be 40 per cent and the layout will encourage groups to social distance,” the comContinued on page 18

‘Crazy’ over ‘Soca Gospel’

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

– Ryan Huckumchand aims to spread the word of God through music TWENTY-SIX-YEAROLD Ryan Huckumchand finds pleasure in combining music into his worship a n d says that his

Ryan also manages an event planning and décor company in Bartica

main goal is to promote the teachings of the gospel through songs. “Especially Soca Gospel,” he told Buzz this week.

The musician, who recently launched out into the industry as a young gospel artiste, is also the owner of an event planning and décor company in his hometown of Bartica, Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni.

The company also does landscaping, interior and exterior designs.

A n “ o rdained elder,” Ryan shares in preaching and is quite involved in the church’s deliverance ministry which includes praying for people, counselling them and travelling across

Guyana to do same.

He recognises that music has helped to make his work in the church even more enjoyable. “If I am not singing in the lead, I would do background vocals. Besides doing this, I am in charge of the worship department of my local church and would assist the younger worshippers on how to sing,” he shared.

Ryan said he loves music because it is his way of expressing worship to God. “I really love god; he is my everything; my way of expressing my feelings, my emotions and how much he

means to me,” he reflected.

The young man believes that since he was blessed with his musical abilities, it is important that he uses his gift to give back to in praises and worship. “It’s also one of my ways of escape as at times, I would need a little break,” he added.

Being a gospel minister in church, Ryan travels with his pastor across the country.

“Everywhere he travels; I would go with him and be the lead singer in worship.

I’ve also had a few persons inviting me to concerts since I launched out a few months ago,” the budding musician related.

His main goal, he said, is to promote gospel through music, especially via the genre of ‘Soca Gospel.’ “I am crazy over Soca Gospel.

Gospel music is really nice.

I like the high,” Ryan said.

He recognised too that the Soca genre is also quite attractive to young people and tends to “draw them out more.”

“Soca music makes you feel happy, excited; the hype of it, the energy behind it would just change your mood in an instant. It makes you feel joyful, especially if you’re sad or going through some sort of a depressing situation,” Ryan related.

He continued: “All of a sudden your atmosphere is changed with Soca music and you feel a little vibe and a little hype. It is one of the ways of me evangelizing to get souls for the kingdom of God,” he said.

Recently, Ryan released his first single titled ‘Kinda Way’ which he said called attention to the ‘kind of way’ that he feels while sharing in worship. “What inspired me to write this song is the fact that God loves us so much that we can’t comprehend why God loves us so much.

So, I decided to write a song expressing how I feel when I experience the love of God; when I am spending time in the presence of God,” the young man added.

Singing in Church

18

‘Catch flights, not feelings’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

…exploring the wonders of Region Eight

By Naomi Parris Referred to as the hub of ‘gold mining’, Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) is more than just the home of natural wealth. Her true beauty lies within the stained brown/redish soils and tall, glorious tress.

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing her in her prime, both under the cool morning mist and scorching hot midday sun. While my trip was work-related, I was sure to capitalized on every leisure minute I had; to observe her beauty, and to bask in the glory of all that she was.

My journey began with me leaving my Belfield, East Coast Demerara home to

head to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, and although I was an hour early to the airport, I still somehow ended up checking-in late but thankfully, I made it just in time.

The flight was no hassle, just a little turbulence here and there due to the slight rain; however, I cannot recall how long the flight was since I dozed off.

I woke up just as the plane flew over a few mining camps, which was a refreshing site to see. As far as the eyes could see, it was all green trees – thick and lush.

The swamps and effervescent blue lakes in mined out areas was also quick to capture my attention.

Finally, the plane landed

at the Mahdia Airport and myself and the others disembarked; we were greeted by the iconic mountains and the warm smiles from staffers of both the airport and Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The rest of my day was spent working on my story for the next day’s publication.

Outside of that, I was also able to interact with the residents of Mahdia, which is the central hub and township of the region; it the area where you would undoubtedly find some of the most extraordinary Guyanese.

But the real adventure began the following day, when we journeyed to the Denham Suspension Bridge, located deeper in the forestContinued on page 19

Intrigued by the architecture

Guyana Carnival...

From page 16

mittee said.

In order to ensure the roll-

ing out of all planned activities, the organisers are preparing to engage the Government of Guyana,

FLASHBACK to Guyana Carnival’s epic Soca Block Party (Guyana Carnival Photo)

the National COVID-19 Task Force, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), and all other stakeholders in the coming weeks. Miami Carnival, Barbados’ Crop Over, and Cayman Island’s Carnival will all be hosted later in the year with similar guidelines.

“In the almost 18 months of lockdown, Guyana Carnival nor its parent company Hits and Jams Entertainment has promoted or hosted events during this period, we believe that with careful planning and proper implementation, we can successfully host the Launch of Guyana Carnival 2022,” the committee indicated.

Should all go well, Guyana Carnival 2022 will be hosted from May 20 – 29.

We at the Buzz have our vaccination cards in order and we can’t wait to feed the party hunger that this dreaded pandemic has created.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

‘Catch flights...

From page 18 ed areas of the region. The Bridge, a piece architecture left behind by the Dutch, is just about 88 years-old and is to this day, standing firm with concrete pillars holding its weight.

It sits over the Potaro River and links Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni to Region Eight.

Fascinated by its structure, I had to do some research. I read as much as I can and found out that it is suspended mid-air by cables. The bridge is approximately three hundred and thirty-three (333) feet long and made to accommodate twenty tonnes.

The bridge, which is considered to be the gateway to “Golden City of Eldorado,” (I’m sure many of you heard this tale before) was constructed by John Aldi, contractor and civil engineer of Scottish origins. There wasn’t much information in the archives about Aldi.

However, it must be noted that this bridge is perhaps the oldest bridge in Guyana, much older than the Demerara Harbour Bridge which was constructed in the year of 1976.

I was privileged to walk and drive over this bridge;

standing in the absolute centre, I captured every single second of that moment, with my phone in my pocket, which is odd for a Gen Z. I didn’t opt to take as many pictures and videos as I possibly could; through the lens of my naked eye, I chose to revel in the beauty that was before me, and to be very honest, I was wrapped in a blanket of indescribably joy; my Guyana was so beautiful, and I had never seen much of it before. It was the most euphoric breath of fresh air I ever had ever taken, and one of the best few minutes away from my cellphone.

Of course, in keeping with the habits of my generation, I did eventually take pictures for my social media accounts. I wanted to document my visit.

The real voyage of the day was completed with a short walk along a passage of leaves that had fallen from trees leading to the TumaTumari Falls. After traversing in pick-up trucks for most of our tour, it felt good to walk and stretch my hamstrings.

As I trekked closer to the falls, I began to feel an incomparable gush of warmth. Although comforting, the rustling between the

bushes and trees ignited my scepticism and fear of the unknown – largely because of my fear of snakes, but rest assured, no wild animals were in sight, at least not on this trip.

Anyhow, as I got closer to the falls, I could hear the waters fall of the edge. My curiosity took me up a small slope, and then there she was, in all her might – the TumaTumari Falls. It was magnificent.

To get a closer look, I walked along the narrow passageway of an old concrete structure which, I was told, housed a hydro station many years ago; fascinating, right?

While I did not find out as much information as I would like about the waterfall and the abandoned hydro station, it was truly an honour to experience the essence of my country’s beauty.

It was bittersweet to leave but I had to return to Georgetown and get on with my daily routine and all that I’d left behind on the coastland.

But, Region Nine has certainly not seen the last of me; until next time Potaro-Siparuni, thank you for having me.

An aerial view of the plane ride to Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni)

A view of the TumaTumari Falls

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

23

Root hits record-equalling century as England take full control of third Test

JOE Root continued his irresistible run of form with a record-equalling sixth century of the year as England roared into an untouchable position on day two of the third LV=Insurance Test against India.

The captain matched the feats of Denis Compton in 1947 and Michael Vaughan in 2002 as he made it six of the very best in front of his home crowd at Headingley, reeling off a high-class 121 to help open up a colossal 345-run lead.

By stumps England were 423 for eight, with the recalled Dawid Malan offering an accomplished 70 in his first Test innings after three years on the shelf.

Root has long been seen as the standard bearer for a generation of English batsmen but has ascended to a whole new level in 2021, scoring 1 398 in 11 Tests at a staggering average of 69.90. He now has 23 Test centuries in all, topped and tailed by homecoming hundreds in front of his Yorkshire faithful.

England arrived at the ground hot on the heels of a near perfect first day, during which they dismissed the tourists for 78 after losing the toss and reaching stumps on 120 without loss. Only a remarkable turnaround could have dragged India back into contention, but the presence of Root in his new unstoppable incarnation meant that was never going to happen.

Since the start of the series

he has already scored 109 in a draw at Trent Bridge, 180 not out in defeat at Lord’s and now he will surely complete the set, with England enormous favourites to square the ledger at 1-1.

Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed both boasted smooth, unbeaten half-centuries overnight but were unable to kick on in the morning’s play. Burns, on his 31st birthday, dragged Mohammed Shami into his stumps for 61 and Hameed eked out eight runs in 65 deliveries before his watertight forward defence was rumbled by a beauty from spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

With 135 on the board, it was a low-stress situation for Malan’s arrival but it was still a big moment; second chances at the age of 33 do not come along often. Last seen in England whites in 2018 and having lived almost exclusively on a diet of white-ball cricket, in recent times, his first four scoring shots were all boundaries as he taught Shami and Mohammed Siraj all about his strength through the covers and on the cut.

Root sparked before lunch with a pair of early fours that lifted the lead into three figures and never looked back. The afternoon session was a walkover as the third-wicket pair put hard yards into the bowling attack and feasted ruthlessly on the results, piling on a stand of 139.

Jadeja could not repeat his magic delivery to Hameed,

going too full or too short, as Root’s dextrous ability to milk spin left him no margin for error. When he coughed up a long-hop at Malan, he thrashed it to the perimeter.

Already 148 behind, India were desperate for the new ball to improve their fortunes but instead blanched as it brought out the best in their opponents.

Malan crunched the fresh Dukes all the way to the cover boundary as Jasprit Bumrah missed his length and Root leapt an inch or two off his feet to force Shami past point.

Root’s relentless ability to turn decent balls into cheap runs kept uncovering gaps that India could not plug. For almost two hours India had nothing to show for their toil other than a rising run-rate, but Malan fell to the final ball before tea, tickling Siraj down leg. He left having partially cemented his spot. Root still had work to do though, making 80 by the interval then getting back to business. He moved to three figures in 124 balls with a balanced on-drive for four off the creaking Ishant Sharma, haring through the crease in a now familiar celebration.

Moments later he was being lifted into the air via a bearhug from Jonny Bairstow and, just as they had done for his maiden ton in 2013, the whole of Headingley rose in acclaim.

India rallied gamely despite the vertiginous odds at 350 for three, taking four for 33. Bairstow (29) edged Shami, Jos Buttler picked out short

midwicket and Moeen Ali holed out against Jadeja. Root finally gave in after a lengthy bout of treatment for cramp, with Bumrah finally summoning a seaming delivery worthy

of breaching his defences.

Sam Curran (15) and Craig Overton (24 n.o.) added a few late blows before a weary India finally retreated for the pavilion. (PA Sport)

SCORECARD

INDIA 1st innings Rohit Sharma c Ollie Robinson b Craig Overton 19 Lokesh Rahul c Jos Buttler b James Anderson 0 Cheteshwar Pujara c Jos Buttler b James Anderson 1 Virat Kohli c Jos Buttler b James Anderson 7 Ajinkya Rahane c Jos Buttler b Ollie Robinson 18 Rishabh Pant c Jos Buttler b Ollie Robinson 2 Ravindra Jadeja lbw Sam Curran 4 Mohammed Shami c Rory Burns b Craig Overton 0 Ishant Sharma not out 8 Jasprit Bumrah lbw Sam Curran 0 Mohammed Siraj c Joe Root b Craig Overton 3 EXTRAS: (lb-11, nb-5) 16 TOTAL: (all out, 40.4 overs) 78 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-4, 3-21 i, 4-56, 5-58, 6-67, 7-67, 8-67, 9-67.

Bowling: James Anderson 8-5-6-3, Ollie Robinson 103-16-2 (nb-2), Sam Curran 10-2-27-2 (nb-3), Moeen Ali 2-0-4-0, Craig Overton 10.4-5-14 -3 .

ENGLAND 1st innings o/n 120-0 Rory Burns b Mohammed Shami

61 Haseeb Hameed b Ravindra Jadeja 68 Dawid Malan c Rishabh Pant b Mohammed Siraj 70 Joe Root b Jasprit Bumrah 121 Jonny Bairstow c Virat Kohli b Mohammed Shami 29 Jos Buttler c Ishant Sharma b Mohammed Shami 7 Moeen Ali c (sub.) b Ravindra Jadeja 8 Sam Curran c (sub.) b Mohammed Siraj 15 Craig Overton not out 24 Ollie Robinson not out 0 EXTRAS: (b-8, lb-4, nb-7, w-1) 20 TOTAL: (eight wkts, 129.0 overs) 423 Fall of wickets: 1-135, 2-159, 3-298, 4-350, 5-360, 6-383, 7-383, 8-418.

Bowling: Ishant Sharma 22-0-92-0 (w-1, nb-4), Jasprit Bumrah 27 10-58-1 (nb-2), Mohammed Shami 26-7- 873, Mohammed Siraj 23-3-86-2 (nb-1), Ravindra Jadeja 31-7-88-2 .

help ...

FROM BACK PAGE

but we stuck at it. We fought, we fought and we fought to the end. Hetty (Hetmyer) played very good and Odean Smith played well and we’re very thankful for this victory today.”

Hetmyer’s knock was pivotal especially after openers Chandrapaul Hemraj (13) and Brandon King

Irish Racing Tips Curragh 11:15 hrs Sweden 11:45 hrs Albula 12:15 hrs Shale 12:45 hrs Sam Maximus 13:15 hrs The Blue Panther 13:45 hrs Toshizou 14:15 hrs Tut Tut

(9) both failed, and Smith belted a 15-ball 24 with fours and six, before missing a swing at off-spinner Sunil Narine (2-17) in the eighth over, and having his stumps shattered.

Hetmyer tempered his stroke-play to add 22 for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik (2) before

adding 38 for the seventh wicket with Shepherd (9 not out), after Pooran perished cheaply for 12 in the 18th over.

TKR’s run chase was then unusually disjointed and lacking in partnerships and with wickets tumbling regularly, Amazon Warriors always appeared in control.

Shepherd made all the key strikes, removing dangerous opener Lendl Simmons for five in the second over with 14 runs on the board, holing out to mid-off, before returning to account for Pollard (2) cheaply, gloving a lifter behind in the 14th over.

Ramdin, who hit two

fours and a six off 25 balls, became Shepherd’s third victim with the game already gone, picking out Shoaib at long-on in the penultimate over.

Fast bowler Smith (210) and South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir (2-17) picked up two wickets apiece.

14:45 hrs She’s In The Game

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:05 hrs Night Warrior 08:40 hrs Rainy Season 09:15 hrs Opening Shower 09:50 hrs Greenlighttoheaven

10:30 hrs Fabilis 11:00 hrs Thermal 11:30 hrs Cairn Gorm

12:10 hrs Thunder Legend 12:40 hrs Paddyplex 13:10 hrs Sweet Believer 13:40 hrs Mahrajaan 14:10 hrs Millie The Minx 14:40 hrs Melody King

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Surprise Boss Race 2 Ladban’s Legacy Race 3 Barrage Race 4 Daufuskie Island Race 5 Caunsett Race 6 I’m Fine Race 7 Make Mischief Race 8 Rinaldi

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:10 hrs Silk Romance 08:45 hrs Lamorna Cove 09:20 hrs Razzle Dazzle 09:55 hrs Captain Cooper

Goodwood 11:53 hrs Epsom Faithful 12:23 hrs Splendent 12:53 hrs Single 13:23 hrs Country Pile 13:53 hrs Lola Showgirl 14:23 hrs Trusty Rusty Hamilton 11:35 hrs Kentucky Rose

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Bring Da Fudge Race 2 Jimmy Is A Breeze Race 3 Hidden Justkiddin Race 4 Anita Grigio

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

The eight times India posted a lower Test total than 78 all out

ENGLAND bowled out India for 78 on day one of the third Test at Headingley.

It was India’s ninth lowest total in Test cricket.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the occasions they posted lower totals in a Test innings.

bowled out for just 42 in 17 overs during their second innings in London. Eknath Solkar top-scored with 18 not out, with no other batsman passing five.

58 V AUSTRALIA, BRISBANE, 1947 India collapsed to 58 all out in 21.3 overs, responding to Australia’s 382 for eight declared. Vinoo Mankad was dismissed with

the first ball of the innings while captain Lala Amarnath top-scored with 22. India improved slightly in their second go, making 98 as they lost by an innings and 226 runs.

36 V AUSTRALIA, ADELAIDE, 2020 India posted the worst Test score of the 21st century – and seventh lowest in history – when they were skittled for just 36 in the 22nd over of their second innings. The tourists had a first-innings lead of 53 runs but ended up suffering an eight-wicket loss. Opener Mayank Agarwal top-scored with nine while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood took five for eight in five overs.

42 V ENGLAND, LORD’S, 1974 England claimed victory by an innings and 285 runs after an India side that included Sunil Gavaskar were

58 V ENGLAND, MANCHESTER, 1952 England posted 347 for nine declared before India only lasted 21.4 overs as Fred Trueman took eight for 31. Matters only improved slightly in the second innings as they made 82 in an innings-and-207-run defeat.

66 V SOUTH AFRICA, DURBAN, 1996 India had a Boxing Day Test to forget as they were bowled out for 66 chasing 395 to win. The tourists were dismissed for 100 in their first go, with Allan Donald taking five wickets, and he took four for 14 in the second as India were dismissed in 34.1 overs.

Patrick Patterson took a five-for as India were bowled out for 75 (PA Archive)

67 V AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE, FEBRUARY, 1948 Following-on after making 331 in their first go, first-inning centurion Mankad was caught behind from the second delivery as

India were bowled out in 24.2 overs. Australia secured victory by an innings and 177 runs.

75 V WEST INDIES, DELHI, 1987 India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, in his first Test as skipper, was made to rue his decision to bat first as India were bowled out for 75 in 30.5 overs – their lowest Test score on home soil. Patrick Patterson picked up five for 24, and despite making 327 in the second innings, India were beaten by five wickets.

76 V SOUTH AFRICA, AHMEDABAD, 2008 Dale Steyn took five for 23 as India only managed to score 76 in 20 overs. Irfan Pathan top-scored with 21 not out, with the second highest scorer being extras (19). South Africa hit 494 for seven declared on their way to victory by an innings and 90 runs. (PA Sport)

GGA looking to go national with Junior Golf League

The GGA is preparing to go national with the Guyana Junior Golf League

THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA) is set to move forward with its first endeavour towards nationalising the sport, with an open opportunity for all interested youngsters to come and be a part of its Guyana Junior Golf League.

According to GGA head Aleem Hussain, the league which will be similar to the other sports such as cricket, soccer, table-tennis, volleyball, to name a few ; will target those between the ages of 4-18. The general direction Hussain said was to commence structuring a national golf team for Guyana.

With golfers already showcasing their talents over the years across the region and at times internationally, GGA plans to ensure that those who will eventually form the team, have a structured programme to work with.

As a result, the Association plans to roll out free golf gear and equipment as well as to host monthly in-house tournaments/competitions as added incentives for the potential players.

Also, daily unlimited sessions for golfers conducted by some of the country’s premier players and coaches will

be hosted from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs. Hussain further said that the golfers will be properly uniformed with customised T-shirts to further give the initiative a professional start to things.

Meanwhile, GGA president added that due to the overwhelming support from young Guyanese, the Government of Guyana, parents and coaches alike have been instrumental in the rapid expansion of the GGA/NexGen Golf Academy, which has also helped them to identify a number of talented youths who are earmarked for success in the sport.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

25

Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter dies aged 86 FORMER England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter has died aged 86.

Nicknamed ‘Lord Ted’, Dexter was an aggressive batsman and useful seam bowler who played 62 Tests for England and was captain between 1961 and 1964.

He led Sussex to victory in the first two editions of the limited-overs Gillette Cup and went on to make a surprise two-Test comeback in 1968.

In a statement, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) described Dexter as “one of England’s greatest-ever cricketers”.

“He was captain in 30 of his 62 Test matches and played the game with the same sense of adventure and fun that captures much of the story of his remarkable life.”

The statement added that Dexter passed away peacefully in the Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton at midday on Wednesday, August 25, surrounded by his family.

An attacking middle-order batsman, Dexter scored 4 502 runs at an average of 47.89 for England and took

66 wickets at 34.9.

He was renowned for the power with which he hit the ball and arguably his most famous innings was against the West Indies at Lord’s in 1963 when he came in at 0-1 and smashed 70 off 73 deliveries.

Six of his nine Test centuries were bigger than 140.

He missed the start of the 1964-65 tour of South Africa to stand as a Conservative Party candidate for Cardiff South East but joined the team as vice-captain after coming second in the ward.

After retiring, he helped devise a ranking system for Test players and was chairman of selectors for England.

Dexter was also a regular on the BBC’s TV coverage of England home Test matches and was a newspaper columnist.

The ranking system was adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and formed the basis of today’s system.

However, he had a difficult time as selector after inheriting a weakened England

Juventus prepared to sell Ronaldo at right price

JUVENTUS have told Cristiano Ronaldo they are willing to sell him this summer - but only on their terms.

Portugal forward Ronaldo, 36, still has a year left on his contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 Serie A games last season

His future has been the subject of increasing scrutiny and he was left out of the starting line-up for the club’s opening Serie A match with Udinese.

Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has spoken to several major European clubs about potentially signing him, including Manchester City and Paris St-Germain.

City are considering

whether to do a deal and no agreement has been reached.

It is understood Mendes was summoned to Juventus’ training ground earlier on Thursday for a meeting with senior club figures, including vice-president Pavel Nedved, chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene and sporting director Federico Cherubini.

Mendes was told all situations remained possible for Ronaldo, but that Juventus would not sanction the departure of a player they signed for £99.2m three years ago if no transfer fee was involved.

Ronaldo is known to be frustrated at how his move to Juventus from Real Madrid has turned out.

Instead of competing for the Champions League, the Italian giants have not made it past the quarter-finals since Ronaldo’s arrival and have been beaten in the last 16 for the past two seasons.

Last season, they lost their Serie A title - after winning it for nine years in a row - to Inter Milan and only scraped into the Champions League places in the last couple of games. (BBC Sport)

team between 1989 and 1993.

He was later named president of Marylebone Cricket Club and was awarded a CBE in 2001.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they were incredibly saddened to learn of Ted Dexter’s death, adding the former England figurehead “will be remembered both for his dashing and attractive strokeplay and his wide interests outside the game”.

England’s current players wore black armbands as a mark of respect during day two of their Test match against India at Headingley yesterday.

World cricket’s governing body, the ICC, also paid tribute, calling him “one of the greatest batsmen of his time”.

ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice added: “His ability to dominate fast bowling was admirable and his superb batting against

the West Indies and Australia teams is remembered by all.

On behalf of the ICC, I would

like to extend my condolences to his family and friends” Speaking on BBC Test

Ted Dexter remained heavily involved in English cricket after retiring from playing

Match Special, England captain Joe Root called Dexter a “brilliant servant to the game”.

“I never had the pleasure of spending much time with him, but he did send me some emails out of the blue when I wasn’t playing so well telling me how to get back to where I was,” he added.

Former England international Mike Atherton said Dexter will be remembered for “the way he played the game”.

“He was a great stylist who played with great flair and adventure. It’s a day to celebrate a full and varied life, 86 - he squeezed every last drop out of life. I was very fond of him. He gave me my first cap and made me captain.”

Dexter’s club side Sussex said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of their former player’s passing.

(BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

Canada, UAE, Papua New Guinea make it to 2022 Under-19 Men's World Cup

Kapil Dev urges government to remove duty from sports equipment

… progress automatically as Americas, Asia and EAP qualifiers cancelled due to COVID-19 complications QUALIFYING events for the 2022 Men’s Under-19 World Cup have been cancelled for the Americas, Asia and East-Asia Pacific regions, due to complications arising out of COVID-19.

This means that Canada, UAE and Papua New Guinea (PNG) make it through to the main event, which is set to be played in the West Indies in early 2022.

An ICC statement said the three teams progress “on the basis of securing the most wins in the last five U-19 qualifying events in each respective region”.

The statement also said that ICC has in place member-approved COVID-19 guidelines for the running of all pathway events, and these could not be met ahead of the qualifying tournaments, leading to their cancellation.

For the U-19 events, the statement said, the guidelines take into account “the duty of care required for minors” and “clearly outline the parameters under which the events can or can’t go ahead due to COVID restrictions”.

“Under the member-approved guidelines, where

teams have withdrawn due to the impact caused by the pandemic, we had no other alternative but to cancel these three events,” ICC’s head of events, Chris Tetley, said.

cancelled qualifying events.”

Qualifying events for two regions remain to be played: Europe and Africa. Both tournaments are scheduled to be played in September-October and, again due to the

each tournament will make it to the World Cup. The U-19 World Cup is set for its 14th edition, with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan,

Sixteen teams are set to face off for the Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean early next year (Getty Images)

“We have worked closely with all members to try to ensure results can be determined on the field of play.

However, for these events it was not possible. Canada, UAE and PNG will all progress in line with the decision taken by the ICC Board in November 2020 in relation to

impact of the virus, the Africa tournament has been shifted to Rwanda from Nigeria.

Ireland, Jersey, Netherlands and Scotland will contest the Europe competition, while Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are lined up for the Africa edition. The top team from

South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe already having qualified.

Earlier in the day, ICC had announced that Turkey had pulled out of the Europe qualifier for the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup due to COVID-19 complications. (Cricinfo)

Ugas happy to give Pacquiao a rematch WBA welterweight super champion Yordenis Ugas spoke to the press on Wednesday about his victory over Manny Pacquiao.

“I want to thank the WBA for giving me the opportunity and allowing me to show who the champion is,” Ugas said.

When asked about Pacquiao’s recent statements hinting at the possibility of a rematch, Ugas said he’s all in. “I think Pacquiao has proved to be a competitor and a warrior, a legend. If he wants a rematch, it would be my pleasure. I’d be happy to give it to him. I think we would have more time to prepare.

In Saturday’s fight, there were no advantages as we were both in the same condition. We could make

many adjustments and give a better fight.”

When asked about the

belt situation when many fans were calling for Pacquiao to be reinstated as

super champion, Ugas stated, “I know (the WBA) had to make different decisions and they have received criticism for that. I know they criticised them for doing the right thing.

“I thank them for keeping me as the super champion.

Pacquiao makes five or six times more than me and they still made the right decision.

Despite all the criticism they had, they gave me the opportunity to prove last Saturday that I am the champion.

“I think I represented Cuban boxing very well.

Our boxing lives a good present and has a great future, although there have been few of us who have been able to fight professionally. I feel proud of this victory against a legend.”

(Fightnews)

Former India captain Kapil Dev

THE former India captain Kapil Dev has put forward his thoughts on the infrastructure and facilities in sports. He feels that removing duty on sports equipment will help the nation to produce more champions. According to Kapil Dev, this would further enable more children to afford the products and take up the sport.

In the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics, Indian golfer Aditi Ashok finished fourth. Post the tournament, she opened up how she couldn’t avail the government’s TOP scheme as she qualified for the Tokyo Games just 60 days before the high-profile event.

When asked how the government can help the golfers, Kapil Dev, who is amongst the board members of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) stressed the importance of removing the duty on sports equipment and stated how it will help the sportsperson across all sports.

“It’s not just golf but in all sports, if you remove the duty on sports goods it is the biggest thing you require: be it badminton, table tennis or golf. The youngsters who want to get into that (sports)… there are so many things

(to buy) like spikes, shoes, etc. It’s not big money for the country charging the duty on sports goods.

If they stop that it will make a lot of impact to the sport,” Kapil said at a PGTI event as reported by cricket.com.

For any sportsperson to excel at the highest level, it becomes important that he is provided with the best possible infrastructure. With the availability of proper equipment and facilities, the athletes are able to develop their skills better and bring laurels to the nation. The former India skipper Kapil Dev thus highlighted the importance of infrastructure and pointed that it is the aspect where the government can provide assistance.

“Infrastructure is the most important thing in which the government can help, rest the corporate is helping. We do not expect to go to the government for everything. We should be self-sufficient like our organisation (PGTI). We will try to give the youngsters a benefit to come and play and who knows we’ll get a medal like Neeraj (Chopra).

No one expected that.

If one javelin costs a lakh, how many young children can afford that?” Kapil Dev added. (CricTracker)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, August 27, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Trinbago Knight Riders (2) St. Lucia Zouks TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who voted Man of the Match in the CPL 2020 final?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament in CPL 2020?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 27, 2021

27

Gov’t assesses grounds for possible hosting of ICC Youth World Cup ASSESSMENTS were conducted on several cricket grounds in Region Four on Thursday, as Guyana prepares for the possible hosting of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Youth World Cup in 2022.

Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Kwame McCoy, led a team of officials to conduct the assessments of the Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Everest Cricket Club and La Bonne Intention Community Centre grounds.

Minister McCOY stated that “The team here came out this afternoon to make our own assessment and to get an idea as to what the possibilities are for the usage of any of these facilities and which might be in shape, notwithstanding minor works in some instances, to be able to get it to the fit and proper category more or less.”

A team from the ICC is expected here next week to undertake its own assessment of the grounds.

Minister McCoy said he was optimistic that Guyana will be able to secure the bid to host the games.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, who was part of

the team, expressed similar views.

“I think our chances are as good as any other country.

Guyana has hosted several international events including cricket. We have the facilities…. We will have a team from the ICC here next week; they will spend three

I still need to work further on perfecting my technique.

“There will be more from me this season, and certainly, my goal is to break into the 10.5 range.

The crowd in Lausanne was

Olympic silver medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce blazed to a meet record 10.60

The Olympic silver medallist blazed to a meet record 10.60 while just managing to hold off a fast-finishing Thompson-Herah, who ran 10.64. It was another 1-2-3 for Jamaica as Shericka Jackson finished third in 10.92. It was the third time this season that the trio swept all the medal places.

Naturally, Fraser-Pryce was pleased with her performance.

“I’m feeling good to equal my PB tonight, it was cold but I still came out here to do my job,” she said.

“Believe it or not, I still have not run my best race. I know there is more to give because

Tucker, among others.

The ICC Youth World Cup will feature 16 teams which will be competing in the 50 overs format of the game for one month. This is the first time that the West

Countries are required to demonstrate their ability to stage the matches by providing adequate match and training facilities, undergo a venue inspection, provide immi-

Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Kwame McCoy and team conducting an assessment at the Georgetown Cricket Club (DPI photo)

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce speeds to personal best 10.60 in another Jamaican sweep

S H E L LY- A n n F r a s er-Pryce ran a new lifetime best to turn the tables on Elaine Thompson-Herah and win the 100m dash at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne yesterday.

or four days here and they will have the final say in the determination of whether or not these facilities that we have, if they have made the grade that they will accept,” the Sport Director said.

amazing as usual.”

Meanwhile, Thompson-Herah admitted that after several high-level performances she is feeling a bit of fatigue.

“My body is feeling tired after a long season and especially after having done personal bests, four times in a month so that´s amazing for sure,” she said.

“I have no plans to break the world record and I never thought of getting so close. I´m simply going to continue working hard, finish this season strong and come back even stronger next season.”

Shanieka Ricketts finished second overall in the triple-jump competition won by Olympic champion Yulimar Rojas to set a meet record of 15.52m. She also produced a wind-aided effort of 15.56m.

Ricketts, who had a wind-aided jump of 15.02, finished second while Hanna Minenko of Isreal was third with 14.47m.

The Jamaican said her performance was redemption after failing to win a medal in Tokyo during the summer.

“Today feels like redemption after the Olympics where I was a bit disappointed with my results,” she said.

“I’m grateful because I’ve been having a great season this year with lots of consistently big jumps.

Today was not wind legal but it gives me the confidence to know that I’m back in good shape.

“Between myself and Kimberly Williams, I hope we are influencing another generation of triple-jumpers back home because we have the talent to do well.”

Steven Gardiner ran 20.11 for third in the 200m that was won by Kenny Bednarek in 19.65 over Fred Kerley (19.77).

The athletes were aided by a wind of 3.2m/s.

(Sportsmax)

Youths playing a game of cricket at La Bonne Intention Community Centre ground (DPI photo)

Also accompanying Minister McCoy were Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad; Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa

Indies will host the tournament which they first won in 2016.

Guyana, back in June, submitted its bid to Cricket West Indies (CWI) to host matches in the ICC Youth World Cup to be held in the Caribbean in early 2022.

gration, customs, medical and security support. The countries must also meet other operational and logistical requirements such as accommodation for the members of the teams, match officials and broadcast crew. (DPI)

Root hits record-equalling century as 23 England take full control of third Test SEE PAGE

Joe Root celebrated his third century of the series on Thursday and the 23rd of his Test career. (Getty Images)

Shimron Hetmyer of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits a maximum during the 2021 Hero CPL match against Trinbago Knight Riders at Warner Park Sporting Complex yesterday in Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis.. (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)

Hetmyer, Shepherd help Amazon Warriors end TKR 12-game win streak BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer’s sparkling half-century and R o m a r i o S h e p h e r d ’s three-wicket blitz condemned reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) to a nine-run defeat in the opening game of the Caribbean Premier League here yesterday.

Sent in at Warner Park, Guyana Amazon Warriors were lifted to 142 for seven off their 20 overs courtesy of Hetmyer’s top-score of 54 off 41 balls, which included four fours and a couple of sixes.

In reply, TKR were held to 133 for nine from their 20 overs after fast bowler

Shepherd snatched three for 15 from his four overs.

Denesh Ramdin topscored with 28 and New Zealander Tim Seifert chipped in with 23, but rebounding from 86 for six when captain and talisman Kieron Pollard perished at the end of the 14th over, proved a mountain too high to climb for TKR. “I just thought at the back end we gave them a couple too many runs, dropping a couple catches and we weren’t as sharp as we normally are,” said a disappointed Pollard, And when we batted, I think we lost wickets too quickly, in clusters. I think we only have ourselves to

blame for not coming over the line in this one.”

The defeat was the first since 2019 for TKR who produced a record unbeaten campaign last season in winning the title in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nicholas Pooran, in charge of Amazon Warriors for the first time this year, said they had approached the game positively despite being up against a difficult TKR side.

“We talked about starting the tournament good. TKR are a very good team but the thoughts were all positive,” said Pooran.

“It was tough at the end TURN TO PAGE 23

Gov’t assesses grounds for possible hosting of ICC Youth World Cup 27 SEE PAGE

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021