Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-05-2021

FRIDAY 28th May, 2021

' No.106374

Health Minister: Faster immunisation against COVID-19 means fewer deaths

‘Release the SoPs, SoRs’

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––Chief Justice rules, says Lowenfield cannot block release of documents –– dismisses his application to be a party in the case

As regions continue to grapple with the effects of flooding caused by heavy rains and spring tides, the government has begun mobilising support for those who have been affected. Seen here is Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar distributing food hampers and cleaning supplies to residents of Moraikobai and communities along the Mahaica River on Thursday (DPI photo)

Foreign nationals Authorities mobilise $6B for water support for flood-affected treatment plants remanded for 11 communities 02 along the coast 05 ‘cocaine on plane’ PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Authorities mobilise support for flood-affected communities –– as regional officials report damage to infrastructure, farmlands

AS regions continue to grapple with the effects of persistent flooding caused by heavy rainfall and spring tides, the Government of Guyana has started mobilising support not only to mitigate the impact of the situation, but to also ensure that residents are able to sustain themselves.

Flooding is reported in areas in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine

(Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). All sluices were opened at low tide, and the water is receding in some areas. The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), according to the Department of Public Information (DPI), will continue the necessary interventions to bring relief to affected residents and farmers.

In Region One, water level remains high in the creeks, while some internal roads have been eroded and are impassable in some areas, from Six Miles. There, farmers lost cash crops and poultry.

Over in Region Two, to alleviate the situation and ensure that it does not worsen, the NDIA plans to continue the maintenance of the outfall channels and pumps. Also, sluices will be opened, based on the tides.

The authorities recently received an approval tender for the replacement of the Capoey sluice, and has opened tenders as part of its capital works to empolder farmlands.

In Region Three, there are reports of flooding at Ooku in both residential as well as farming areas, farmlands at North and South

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a visit to flood-hit Black Bush Polder on Wednesday (DPI photo) Section, Debuff, and there is currently working to repair or Cane Field and Adelphi; a conservancy seepage at Ca- replace the broken drive shaft desilting of the outfall at Bornal Numbers One and Two. of the new pump at Nooten lam; installation of a pump In response, instructions Zuil. In the interim, a mobile at Adventure and Number have been given to the Water one has been installed and is 47; and the commencement Users’ Association (WUA) in operation. Additionally, a of dredging at Number 43, to conduct “mechanical pull- contractor is currently exe- Eversham, Lesbeholden, and ing” of both main drains in cuting works at the Belfield Numbers 51 and 52.

Canal Numbers One and 40 cusec pump.

In Region Nine, the water Two. The NDIA has deployed has receded minimally in The Ministry of Public two excavators on the right some areas such as Tabatinga Works has also deployed bank, and another two on and the Culvert City housing two machines, along with the left bank of the Mahai- area. one from the Guyana Sugar cony Creek to reinforce the In Region Ten, mechaniCorporation (GuySuCo), to flooded embankment. The cal cleaning is being executclear clogged drains in areas authorities have also cleared ed in Coomacka. A contracsuch as Tuschen/Zeelugt the channel of the Mahaicony tor is working on an erosion Scheme and Railway View/ Creek, and mobilised a mo- project, and tubes are being Meten-Meer-Zorg. The water bile pump at Gordon Table installed at the Coomacka has receded in Wakenaam, in Region Five. mines. The NDIA will underSans Souci, Maria’s Pleasure Interventions in Region take cleaning with the help and Maria Johanna.

Six include the deployment of Community Development In Region Four, two of four excavators to Black Councils shortly. sluice doors have been re- Bush Polder, repairs to the Ministers of Governplaced at Alliance, and re- pump at Eversham; the instal- ment have been visiting pairs are ongoing at another. lation of two tractor pumps to See page 8 The Indian pump supplier is drain flood waters at Canje

‘Release the SoPs, SoRs’ 3

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

--Chief Justice rules, says Lowenfield cannot block release of documents --dismisses his application to be a party in the case

By Clestine Juan CHIEF Justice (ag), Roxane George, S.C., on Thursday, ordered the release of the certified copies of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) from the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, to the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C. The documents, which are currently lodged with the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sueanna Lovell, are needed by the police and DPP for elections-related matters being heard in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. There are 2,339 SOPs and 2,339 SORs. In delivering her ruling on Thursday, the Chief Justice firstly dismissed the application filed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, to be listed as an interested party in the case to block the release of the documents.

The Chief Justice noted

decision.

To this end, the Chief Justice rejected Lowenfield’s arguments. She deemed Lowenfield’s contentions as “untenable” since the election laws themselves contemplate criminal proceedings too.

The Chief Justice further related that Lowenfield, in his application, did not disclose how he might have been affected by the release of the documents.

She contended that if Lowenfield was added as an interested party, it would have “unnecessarily” complicated the legal proceedings.

With Lowenfield’s application being denied, Justice George granted the application filed by the Top Cop and DPP for the release of the crucial elections’ documents, and ordered the Registrar of the Supreme Court to photocopy and certify the SoPs and SoRs and deliver them to the Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C., within 10 days.

On January 18, 2021, the Chief Justice had or-

Khan, who had informed the court that the Representation of the People Act allows for the CEO to destroy all elections documents after a 12-month period would have elapsed.

Accordingly, Lowenfield, on January 27, 2021, delivered the SoPs and SoRs to the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

And with several employees of GECOM before the court for alleged misconduct during the elections, the DPP had advised and instructed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to obtain certified copies of the SoPs and SoRs, as part of their investigations and gathering of evidence for presentation to the lower court.

Persons who are before the court are Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, who was charged with four counts of misconduct in public office; Lowenfield, who was charged with three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery; and Roxanne My-

Chief Executive Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield

that while Lowenfield is indeed the sole custodian of the documents, he is merely an agent of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“Although the legal custodian of the documents, the CEO does not have an interest such as to object to the court granting permission for such a release,” the Chief Justice said in her

dered that the SoRs and SoPs be lodged with the High Court for “safekeeping,” after she struck out one of the elections petitions that sought to overturn the results of the polls.

The request for the documents to be lodged at the court was made by attorneys-at-law Douglas Mendes, S.C., and Kashir

ers, Deputy CEO, who was charged with two counts of misconduct in public office.

The DPP and Police Commissioner, in their application, contended that the documents are necessary for the fair hearing of the charges, as they constitute relevant evidence for the prosecution to prove the commission of the offences.

The Commissioner of Police, by common law and statute, particularly Section 50 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, has the lawful right to collect and recover all documents and property which are relevant to the investigation and subsequent prosecution.

However, Registrar Lovell had informed him that she is unable to comply with his request without a court order.

But, the DPP and the Commissioner of Police

reiterated in their application to the High Court that it is imperative for them to be afforded access to the official copies of SoPs and SoRs, as they are relevant evidence to prove that those charged committed the offences.

While the documents can be easily obtained from the political parties, as they are in the public domain, the official documents lodged with the court by GECOM would be best to dispel any doubts as to their

authenticity.

“If the prosecution does not have these documents, the hearing of the charges instituted will be inordinately delayed, because hundreds of witnesses will have to testify, in their stead, in the charges instituted, causing the case not to be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time,” the DPP wrote in her affidavit in support of the application.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

France’s Macron seeks forgiveness over Rwandan genocide FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron said he recognised his country’s role in the Rwandan genocide, and hoped for forgiveness at a memorial in Kigali on Thursday, seeking to reset relations after years of Rwandan accusations that France was complicit in the 1994 atrocities.

“Only those who went through that night can perhaps forgive, and in doing so give the gift of forgiveness,” Macron said at the Gisozi genocide memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are buried. Rows of skulls lie there in a mass tomb, and the names of the victims are inscribed on a black wall.

“I hereby humbly, and

with respect, stand by your side today; I come to recognise the extent of our responsibilities,” he said, speaking against a background of French and Rwandan flags.

The visit follows the release in March of a report by a French inquiry panel that said a colonial attitude had blinded French officials, who were close to the Hutu-led government of the time. The report blamed France for not foreseeing the slaughter, and said the government bore a “serious and overwhelming” responsibility.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised the “remarkable, independent” report, and said it had opened the door for normalising

Friday May 28, 2021 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

relations. He also welcomed Macron’s speech, saying at a joint news conference later that “his words were more powerful than an apology”.

Kagame said Macron was confronting racism, and underscored Rwanda’s willingness to reset relations with France, saying, “This visit is about the future; not the past… I want to believe today that this rapprochement is irreversible.”

The report absolved France of direct complicity in the killings of more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus, an accusation that Kagame has sometimes made, and a point Macron was careful to note in his speech at the genocide memorial.

“The killers who stalked the swamps, the hills, the churches, did not have the face of France; France was not an accomplice,” Macron said.

During the first visit to Rwanda by a French leader since 2010, Macron also promised to name a new ambassador, the first accredited French envoy

since 2015. France had declined to appoint a new ambassador, after Kagame accused it of complicity in the genocide.

Rwanda’s Finance Minister, Uzziel Ndagijimana also said he signed a 60 million-euro ($73 million) loan with France to finance access to vaccines and social protection.

RELIEF AND FORGIVENESS The streets of Kigali were quiet on Thursday, with none of the banners or flags that usually accompany a high-level visit.

Restrictions on gatherings, due to COVID-19, remain in place. But several Rwandans said they welcomed Macron’s speech.

Genocide survivor, Esther Mukakalisa, 59, lost her parents and siblings; her face still bears the scars of a machete attack. She, her cousin and her neighbours watched the speech intently on television.

“After hearing this speech of the French President, it touched my heart, and I am very happy that

French President Emmanuel Macron signing a memorial book on Thursday after laying a wreath on a mass grave containing the remains of the 1994 Rwandan genocide victims at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center at Gisozi in Kigali, Rwanda (REUTERS/Jean Bizimana) the French acknowledge their responsibilities,” she said. “I forgive France.”

“As genocide survivors, we have been taught to forgive; if the French are apologising, we are also ready to forgive,” her cousin, Ernestine Mudahogor added as she wiped away a tear.

Egide Nkuranga, President of Ibuka, an umbrella body of a survivors’ association, told Reuters that Macron had shown “commitment to cooperation” by promising to arrest any genocide perpetrators found to be living in France.

Kagame, a Tutsi, has been the main power in Rwandan politics since his rebel army ended the killings by death squads loyal to the Hutu-led government.

Macron, who has tried to distance France from

its colonial past, agreed in April to open the Rwanda archives of former President François Mitterrand, who was in office during the genocide.

Shortly after that announcement, Rwanda released its own report that found France was aware a genocide was being prepared, and bore responsibility for enabling it by continuing in its unwavering support for Rwanda’s then president, Juvenal Habyarimana.

“French officials armed, advised, trained, equipped, and protected the Rwandan government,” the report concluded, adding that France covered up its role for years.

When unknown attackers shot down Habyarimana’s plane, killing the President, it unleashed the 100-day frenzy of killings.

From Rwanda, Macron travels to South Africa, where he will meet President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss COVID-19 and regional crises, including violence in Mozambique.(Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

$6B for water treatment plants along the coast

THE Government, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), has secured some $6 billion from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of five new water treatment plants in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six. The plants will be constructed in Walton Hall/Charity, Region Two; Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three; West Coast Berbice, Region

Five; and Tain/ Number 50 Village, Region Six. GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik Baksh, made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday. He said contracts have been inked for the design of the treatment plants.

“So those will start, we will do the design and go to contracting ad to start building the treatment plants… funding, it’s about US$30

million [$6,000,000,000] which have been secured through the Caribbean Development Bank,” Baksh said.

He said the Government is committed to expanding water coverage from 52 per cent to 90 per cent on the coastal belt. GWI’s five-year strategic plan for the period 2021-2025, he said, aligns with national priorities and advances the Government’s mission to

Go-Invest launches ‘Invest 55’ –– to promote investment opportunities across every sector

THE Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has launched ‘Invest 55’ in observance of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, celebrated on May 26.

This project aims to promote investment opportunities here through global partnerships and increased competitiveness, all while promoting Guyana’s economic sectors.

Some of the areas for investment are agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy, services, ICT and mining.

In a press release on Tuesday, Go-Invest said Guyana has been experiencing transformative and exponential growth since becoming an oil producing nation, with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Local Content Investment (LCI) being among the engines of growth.

“The growing economy and improved infrastructure will bring benefits for regional partners. Guyana and Brazil will benefit from

a long-planned road, opening the door to bilateral trade.

“Another major project is the construction of the Corentyne bridge, which will link Suriname and Guyana and further expand Guyana’s investment portfolio,” the release stated.

Within a year’s time, Invest-55 is expected to be a central pillar in promoting immense opportunities in integrated mega farms, milk plants, corn and soya bean production for stock feed, expansion of call centres and business process outsourcing, manufacturing of machinery and equipment, and alternative energy projects for hydro, solar and wind power.

Since being elected to office, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, has taken steps to market Guyana’s bounties on the world stage. There has been tremendous interest in investing here.

Several major branded

hotels including the Hilton, Hyatt and Radisson have expressed an interest in establishing local operations.

Only recently the sod was turned for the construction of the country’s first franchise “boutique” hotel, to the tune of $3 billion. In March, a $5 billion Chinese seafood company was commissioned, which created some 240 local jobs.

In addition, the government has been taking critical steps to create a business-friendly environment for potential investors. This is being led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who has said that an electronic single window for trade and construction permits will be established.

President Ali, ad dressing stakeholders at the third American Chambers of Commerce of Guyana (AmCham)’s Annual General Meeting, said the government will ensure that investors’ applications and requests are facilitated more promptly. (DPI)

The Government through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has secured some $6 billion from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the construction of five new water treatment plants (DPI photo) provide clean, reliable and affordable water.

“We will move towards having water treatment plants in all the other regions. We have another 10 to 12 water treatment plants over the next five years and so, the population can enjoy treated water.”

The new plants will add to the 27 already in place.

Baksh said there have been significant improvements at the Eccles water treatment plant on the East Bank of Demerara as residents are receiving better quality water.

Works are also ongoing on the East Bank to rehabilitate the water treatment plants at Grove and Covent

Garden. These works are expected to be completed by August.

The CEO said GWI is aware of the need to provide treated water to every citizen, and is therefore committed to meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standard of 0.3 or less milligrams per litre of iron content.

In terms of water coverage on the coast, Baksh announced that GWI will be drilling wells at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; Providence and Prospect, East Bank Demerara; Lust en Rust/ Parfaite Harmonie and Parika Backdam, West Bank Demerara and Wakenaam.

Additionally, plans are also in place to install water meters countrywide to monitor, control demand and increase revenue.

GWI serves approximately 173,197 customers on the coast and 6,877 connections in the hinterland regions.

The PPP/C Government allocated the sum of $4 billion this year to procure equipment and improve and expand the water supply network systems across the country to improve efficiency of water supply and expand coverage, reduce the level of non-revenue water and expand meter coverage. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

SWIFT INTERVENTION

THE rains have come in a manner that seems it is out for some form of vengeance.

Granted that May-June is a rainy period, the heavy rains experienced over the past few days and resulting in flooding in every region of the country, appear to be a first. The pattern of rainfall nowadays from the look of things is also different from what obtained before, an indication that climate change is real.

In times past, there were bouts of downpours with long periods of drizzle; today, this pattern has been replaced by short bursts of intense rains which amount to greater accumulation of water.

This situation has put the national drainage system under severe stress, as it was not designed to off take the amount of water from the heavy rains being experienced these days, resulting in flooding in communities across the country.

And of course, the situation is exacerbated by the wanton disposal of garbage and thick vegetation in waterways, which clog drainage systems.

The latter two could be avoided, but it requires a change in the culture of residents and local officials doing the work that they are expected to do. First, it is

important that residents stop dumping refuse in drains and canals because aside from it blocking the waterways, it also pollutes the environment.

Both of these issues should be tackled head-on by the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) because these are part and parcel of what council members are largely elected to do. Naturally, the flooding being experienced in some areas could also be lessened if drains and canals are maintained yearround.

The result of not paying attention to these matters is heavy accumulation of water on the land for a longer-than-expected period. In these instances, both residential and farm lands are affected and require swift intervention by central government, as currently being dispensed, to get the water off the land.

Since the flooding started, the government has been on the ground, assessing the damage caused by the heavy rains over the past few days as well as offering relief to those affected.

On Wednesday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand was in Region Three interacting with residents and assessing the floods there, while Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,

Deodat Indar, was busy mobilising excavators to clear trenches, culverts and main drains.

While ministers Manickchand and Indar were in Region Three, Prime Minister Brigadier (r’td) Mark Phillips and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha were working to bring food and sanitisation hampers as well as other relief to the affected communities in that region.

“Our decisions are aimed at bringing relief to the people of this community in the shortest possible time,” said the Prime Minister, while Minister Mustapha added that, “Many persons would have suffered losses in terms of livestock, cash crops and rice. Our various agencies will be looking at that. I commit that we will try as much as possible to assist those who would have suffered losses in those areas, giving them back materials and things like that.”

The Prime Minister was days before in Region Nine, where he brought food supplies to the residents there who are affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall in the region and neighbouring Brazil.

Also on Wednesday, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and Minister with

Responsibility for Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, were on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway assessing the flooding there and offering support to the affected residents.

Other ministers and senior government officials have also fanned out to the other regions over the past two days to not only activate mechanisms to speed up drainage of excess water on farm and residential areas, but to also bring other material relief to those affected.

Naturally, and of course, while the government is busy at work to bring relief to the affected residents, the opposition has also been busy at work, churning out their daily diet of misinformation and fictitious claims about the government’s response to the flooding.

Through the intervention of central government, as of Thursday, pumps and sluices have been in full operation, excavators have been deployed to clear blocked channels and repairs have ramped up on damaged drainage infrastructure.

These interventions have resulted in the receding of water in a number of the flood-hit areas in the various regions.

The PPP/C Government is governing in the interest of all Guyanese Dear Editor, I HAVE taken note of a publication made recently by Mr. Jagnarine K. Singh titled “Party loyalists and activists getting increasingly frustrated over pay to play”.

It is my view that the narrative painted by the author is far from the reality and as such, I hope to shed some light on same.

To begin, it is important to note that the author built on the views expressed by the APNU+AFC suggesting that loyal supporters of the PPP/C are “mentally lazy”. The fact that such a position was taken shows the biased nature of the missive which was put forth and should therefore be rejected.

One of the main things that Mr. Singh stressed on is that the PPP/C Government should be governing the country only in the interest of their “loyal” supporters. Again, this could not be farther from the truth.

Mr. Singh is also up in arms about the award of contracts to persons not connected to the PPP/C or who didn’t campaign for that party. In this regard, it is central for individuals like Mr. Singh to recognise the fact that contractors go through a very competitive bidding process in order to secure contracts. The government does not simply award contracts as they feel. The narrative which was presented in the missive was that even contractors who supported the Coalition are now getting contracts. Mr.

Singh alleges that such is an indication that they are paying to get in on the action.

My confusion with Mr. Singh’s position on this note is whether or not he thinks that contractors who supported the Coalition should be locked out of the bidding process now that the PPP/C is in office. Such a stance is ridiculous because the reality is that the PPP/C cannot just award contracts to contractors who support them. The bidding process is very fair and transparent and as such, any contractor can make bids to secure contracts as dictated by the laws.

One of the things that I have taken note of with the PPP/C Government is that every contractor is allowed a fair shot when bidding, despite who they support. The author

is suggesting that something shady must be going on since contractors who supported the Coalition are being allowed to get contracts under the current administration.

In my view, Mr. Singh fails to realise that despite who these contractors support/ supported, they are still Guyanese. At the end of the day, the PPP/C Government is governing in the interest of all Guyanese, so there is no discrimination in terms of awarding contracts.

I trust that Mr. Singh would reassess his position on this matter as it is not only biased, but also far from reality.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Online learning: catalyst for tertiary education equity and opportunities in Guyana (Part 2) IN this rapidly changing world, governments and higher education institutions have an obligation to respond to social needs of the economy.

Experience has shown that tertiary institutions which are committed to continuous improvement in the quality of their services, provide the best services to the community.

The objective of creating educational opportunities for the under-represented and for those without access to a traditional higher educational institution gave birth to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

To such ends, it aims to provide services which would add to the higher education value chain. However, unlike what has been occurring in Guyana and elsewhere in the world in recent months, GOAL was established not as a reaction to the shutting down of the education system, but in fact, resulted from and reflected the transformative vision and leadership of the President and his government in fulfilling the promise of creating and expanding educational opportunities for all Guyanese across the length and breadth of Guyana by providing 20,000 online scholarships. Establishing a national online education institution is not only a bold initiative, but may also be the first such undertaking by a government, today. This initiative ushers a new era of higher education in Guyana, or what I consider to be a higher-education revolution that promises to transform the teaching-learning landscape from a classroom-based event to an online-flexible-distance mode of imparting knowledge.

However, GOAL is not set up as a tertiary institution to offer courses and programmes of study; it functions as an intermediary, broker or clearing house with student support services. While GOAL may evolve into a full-fledged academic institution in the future, its current mandate under the auspices of the Ministry of Education is to research educational institutions world-wide that provide internationally recognised and accredited programmes and courses relevant to both, the actual and perceived needs of the Guyanese economy; to negotiate price deals with these institutions; and to facilitate and connect Guyanese interested in pursuing the identified courses and programmes. It is also geared-up to offer advice and support on matters pertaining to student and academic affairs with the objective of guiding students on the path to successful completion of their courses/ programmes. Put differently, the activities of

GOAL will contribute to the education value chain in delivering an educational service to self-directed learners.

It is estimated that about 20 per cent, or roughly 170,000 Guyanese live in hinterland regions and remote parts of Guyana. About 90,000 are Indigenous peoples. These indigenous peoples today, comprise nine distinct cultural groups, each predominating in particular geographical areas, particularly, Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine with small numbers in the other regions. Until the 1970s, travelling to even the least remote communities was slow and hazardous.

There are more than 250 indigenous villages, each with its own peculiarities and issues, generally located in remote dense rain-forested mountains, and hills, or in savannah regions, and serviced by many rivers. The social and economic conditions of the indigenous peoples are characterised by poverty, marginalisation and inequality.

For example, while there are variances across and within regions world-wide, indigenous women are generally among the poorest of the poor and they are also more likely to be illiterate. These people have also been affected by traditional social protection systems due to various challenges, such as for example, increasing levels of poverty, weakening commitments to social obligations, increasing inequality, as well as climate change and technology. For most indigenous peoples, poverty does not only reflect lack of monetary resources, it involves access to land, culture, medicine, food, education and safety. Given these multiple negative circumstances, it should come as no surprise that Indigenous adolescents who aspire to study at tertiary institutions would like to live in Georgetown or in another country. In essence, young indigenous peoples see no end to their plight and therefore would prefer to abandon their villages, and to some extent, families, in search of a life that meets their aspirations and expectations.

It would not be too farfetched to envisage the same kind of thinking among other young Guyanese populations living in remote or riverine areas, such as for example, those along the banks of Bonasika Creek, Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers; the upper reaches of the Pomeroon River, remote parts of Hogg Island, other nearby islands and other places that lack modern amenities.

Meanwhile, there have been shifts in populations from the Coastal Belt of Guyana

Kudos to Equal Guyana, the Canadian High Commission and the Government of Guyana

Dear Editor,

THIS letter is written to congratulate the Equal Guyana organisation, the Canadian High Commission and the Government of Guyana on the projects that will help enhance the lives of the LGBT community in Guyana.

However, I am saddened about the negative backlash they have received from the straight community on social media. I will not share the comments because it is too indecent. I am a 39-year-old Guyanese male and it breaks my heart that we cannot offer the famous Guyanese hospitality we are known for, to our own.

We should be treated with the same respect as our straight brothers and sisters.

Please do not beat us, curse us. We deserve the basic human rights to be able to go to the market without been prosecuted. Mr Editor, if our country is to succeed, we need to work together for better lives of all Guyanese. I plead with my fellow Guyanese, let us not hate; end homophobia now.

Once again, congratulations to Equal Guyana organisation, keep up the great work. God bless our beautiful country, Guyana.

Sincerely, Javed Lallman

to the hinterland regions. Large-scale logging and mining operations, whether through employment opportunities or the lure of gold, have encouraged mixed-population villages in and around these sites. This shift has increased the number of people in remote parts of Guyana who may lack opportunities for higher education.

Mitigating the challenges facing Indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups that scratch their living in remote and riverine areas requires new approaches and concomitant investment in essential skills-development and capacity building, complemented by gap-bridging measures, such as for example, specialised business education and vocational programmes and include awareness-raising information dissemination.

In light of the challenges posed by distance, remoteness and access to many villages in hinterland Guyana, and the villagers’ lack of, or inability to access to higher education, the online-distance education scholarships promise to redress some of the structural inequality and other barriers, and deliver equitable education opportunities to people in these remote villages, and indeed all across Guyana. However, while the scholarship funds would remove the financial barrier to tertiary education, at least over the next five years, other barriers such as, the lack of Inter-

net and related communication technologies, may still be cause for concern. As a way out, GOAL is gearing up to piggy-back on available or existing Internet and communication technologies platforms/infrastructures across the country. In the absence of such facilities, it plans to establish or collaborate, or both, with the private and public sector entities to put platforms/infrastructures in place to facilitate online learners. This is part of the wider objective of establishing study centres in each of the 10 administrative regions to facilitate and support online learners. These study centres, equipped with Internet and its related technologies, would allow learners to download their reading/study materials, and subsequently upload their assignments as required/dictated by the respective academic institutions. This first year, 2021, 4,500 Guyanese learners are expected to pursue vocational and academic courses and programmes across the spectrum from certificate to master’s degree levels.

Some doctoral programmes are expected to be offered in subsequent years.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh, LLM, MS (Barrister) Deputy Director (Student Affairs), Guyana Online Academy of Learning

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Authorities mobilise support ...

From page 2

communities affected by flooding, throughout the country, and will continue to do so in the coming days. Relief hampers and other support have been provided.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha is expected to revisit Black Bush Polder and other areas in Regions Six. SEVERELY FLOODED In speaking about the situation in Region Six, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), David Armogan

related that heavy rainfalls throughout Wednesday night and early Thursday morning resulted in several communities being severely flooded.

“The flooding is continuing because we had heavy showers of rain again last night and this [Thursday] morning, so the water levels in Black Bush Polder have risen and in 74 and 52 area we got flooding in some of those areas. Virtually, we got flooding right across the region,” Armogan said.

He added that besides interrupting residents’ daily

A farmer navigating a flooded dam in Region Six (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

lives, the heavy rainfall and increased flooding has also affected the region’s agriculture sector, with many reporting losses of crops and poultry.

“Some of the residential areas are not affected, the places that are most affected are the farm areas, some areas in 74, Crabwood Creek and Black Bush Polder,” Armogan said.

He said too that many farmers are currently unable to gain access to their farmlands since all access dams and agriculture roads are in a ‘disastrous’ state due to the heavy rainfalls.

“All the roads in Black Bush Polder are completely gone …so as soon as we get some dry weather we got to back and spend millions of dollars and get those dams ready again,” Armogan lamented.

Meanwhile, Bartica’s Mayor Gifford Marshall said that while the water had started to recede on Wednesday evening, due to spring tides early Thursday morning, several areas within the township were still grappling with what can be described as the ‘worst’ flood to ever hit the region.

“Fellow Barticians, a few

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues at flood-hit Soesdyke (DPI photo)

A church in Bartica (CDC photo)

Members of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) offloading supplies to distribute to Bartica residents (CDC photo) hours ago we witnessed what was definitely the worst flood in our recent history. Given, the support of all stakeholders, the water receded in record time. However, I regret to inform you that this new day has brought us new challenges. The spring tides are with us,” Marshall said.

In Region Nine, several residents are still grappling with heavy rainfalls and floods after two weeks. The situation in this region exacerbated by water from the

Amazon Rainforest in Brazil travelling through the Rio Negro River to the Brancho River and, eventually, into the Region.

The Regional Chairman of the Region Nine RDC, Brian Allicock, in a separate interview, told the Guyana Chronicle that there have been several reports about infrastructure being severely damaged; this includes roads, cassava farms, and farine and bread-making shops.

“Almost all the villages

their crops, farms are under water, cassava and we are giving residents food aid now…waters are over the road making it hard to traffic, some teachers can’t go because they normally go with motorcycles but the water is too high, so some places we using lorries to travel,” Allicock said.

He added that with persistent rainfall, instances of flooding continue to be recorded in a number of communities.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

CJ’s ruling on SoPs, SoRs case ‘in consonance’ with law –– Attorney-General

By Richard Bhainie

THE ruling delivered by Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, S.C., on Thursday, in the matter seeking the disclosure of certified copies of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) has been hailed by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., as being “in consonance with all the general and acceptable established principles of law”.

The matter was filed by the Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C. for Orders to obtain certified copies of the SoPs and SoRs from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections that are currently lodged with the Registrar of the High Court, Sueanna Lovell.

With several employees of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) being prosecuted with regard to their conduct during the March 2, 2020 polls, the DPP had advised and instructed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to obtain certified copies of the SoPs and SoRs as part of their investigations and gathering of evidence for presentation to the Court.

The employees at reference are Mr. Clairmont Mingo, GECOM’s District Four Returning Officer, who was charged with four counts of Misconduct in Public Office; GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield, who was charged with three counts of Misconduct in Public Office, and three counts of Forgery; and Ms. Roxanne Myers, Deputy CEO, who was charged with two counts of Misconduct in Public Office.

Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, on behalf of his cli-

ent, Lowenfield, had made an application before the Chief Justice seeking to be listed as intended respondent in the case. Hughes argued that Lowenfield, the custodian of the documents, is only authorised to make the documents available in an elections petition.

In an interview with the media after the ruling on Thursday, Nandlall listed a plethora of legal arguments and precedents to buttress his praise for the Chief Justice’s ruling.

Nandlall noted that it is elementary knowledge that the statements of polls are available in the public domain, subsequent to being posted to the wall of each polling place, after the count of ballots at that polling place would have concluded on Elections night.

WRONG FROM THE INCEPTION “The refusal by GECOM, and, in particular, the CEO to disclose those documents to the media, to the political parties, to the stakeholders and to the public was a decision that was perverted and wrong, in principle, from the inception,” he said.

The Attorney-General explained that legally, by virtue of a search warrant, the police possess the authority to enter any premises and seize property of an evidential nature to assist with investigations. However, the police instead had written to obtain the certified copies, but were denied same, without a court order.

He explained that while Mr Lowenfield is the legal custodian of the documents, he is not the exclusive keeper as it is obvious that in the appropriate cases, the CEO would have a duty to deliver those documents if the law requires the use of them at another forum.

“The law will never create offences in relation to an election on one hand and then on the other hand prevent relevant evidence from being adduced to prove those offences, because the law would obviously be on a collision course with itself,” he explained.

He further explained that evidence that is available, relevant and probative, is always admissible in a court of law, and a person who is in charge of prosecuting an offence, before a court of law is entitled to possession of, or use of, that evidence wherever it is located in order to establish that offence.

UNTENABLE “All those principles concatenate to justify or to render the Chief Justice’s ruling very sound in law so I am not surprised that the ruling is in the manner in which it came down, that was always the legal position.

It was untenable for Mr. Lowenfield to even think that he has exclusive control of, and possession of, these documents to the exclusion of the world,” Nandlall said.

“He has, as a statutory officer, the power to keep the documents, the originals, because of the office he holds for the purpose of future use but that can’t be to the exclusion of the use for other purposes that the law designate these documents to be used for,” he added.

The Attorney-General explained that Lowenfield was not listed as a party when the matter was filed; however, the rules and procedures of an appeal may allow him to mount an appeal against the Chief Justice’s decision to be listed as a party to the litigation.

“He was never joined, the Chief Justice went straight to the merits, why are you going to be joined?

You want to join in order to block these documents

from being disclosed?

Why join you and tell you your application is going to fail? Why not deal with it one time? So, the Chief Justice invited submissions and the matter was dealt with on its merit, so he was never made a party,” Nandlall explained.

However, Nandlall noted that if the Appellate Jurisdiction does find it

reasonable for Mr Lowenfield to join the parties, by that time the process of delivering the certified copies of the SoPs and SoRs to the DPP and CoP would have already concluded.

“I suspect that the DPP is moving swiftly to secure the Statements of Poll because they are needed, according to the

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C application before the court, to be presented as evidence in the criminal charges which are already before the magistrates’ court,” the Attorney-General said.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Coalition’s claims on CET on soap ‘awash with distortions’ –– Ministry of Finance

THE Ministry of Finance has denounced claims by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) regarding Guyana’s intended reinstatement of CARICOM’s Common External Tariff (CET) on soaps falling under the tariff heading HS 3401 as riddled with distortions.

According to the ministry in a release, the APNU+AFC has been well aware for the longest while that, in 2018, Dominica had filed an official complaint at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) against a number of Member States which were applying rates of duty on extra-regional soap less than the prescribed CET rate of 40 per cent.

“Guyana was among those countries, given that we were charging at the time a rate of 20 per cent. COTED ruled on the matter and directed that all such Member States which were in violation of the CET should reinstate the 40 per cent.

“Following the 2018 ruling by COTED, the then APNU+AFC Government started to take steps to implement the reinstatement of the CET, including drafting the required legal instruments. They, however, did not proceed to finalise these, presumably because they were more preoccupied with trying to find a way to hold on to office illegally and preparing plans to rig the upcoming 2020 election,” the ministry said.

In addition, the ministry said that shortly after the

onset of COVID-19, the APNU+AFC Government which was by then illegally in office, proceeded to lower the rate of duty charged by Guyana from 20 to zero per cent, which further exacerbated the CET violation.

“Worse yet, they did so without invoking emergency procedures through the appropriate COTED channels, which might have been used to regularise the matter. Instead, they acted with similar arbitrariness and highhandedness which characterised their entire five years of misrule.

“Since then, Dominica has continued to pursue the matter bilaterally, and has suffered severe economic consequences as a result of the CET violation. Furthermore, Dominica and Guyana share an important trading

relationship. Guyana is one of Dominica’s main export markets for soaps, accounting for approximately 42 per cent of Dominica’s exports.

In addition, Dominica sources 75 per cent of its total rice imports from Guyana and 32 per cent of its total imports of sugar,” the release pointed out.

Guyana’s failure to respect COTED’s 2018 ruling on this matter, the Ministry of Finance said, exposed the country to legal action by Dominica and other regional producers of soap through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and could result

in very substantial damages being awarded against it.

The APNU+AFC, the minister noted is well aware of the history of this matter, and they had themselves already started to take action to reinstate the CET before putting the reinstatement on pause.

“Despite being in full possession of the facts surrounding this matter, they have chosen once again to follow the route of trying to mislead their rapidly dwindling number of supporters with a completely contrived and fanciful misrepresentation

of this matter.

“No soap imported from Dominica or any other CET Member State would be subject to duty. The reinstated CET applies only to soaps imported from outside the CET region.

“The action taken today is consistent with the current Government’s respect for the rule of law, the CET being a legally binding regional obligation.

This action is also consistent with Guyana’s solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Dominica for whom soap manufacturing is a major industry, a major employer, and a major source of foreign exchange.

In exactly the same manner, Guyana would not wish for any other CARICOM Member State to violate the CET as it relates to any of the goods we produce and can export to the region,” the release noted.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Foreign nationals remanded for ‘cocaine on plane’

BRAZILIANS Salem Nobrega De Alencar, 64, and Andre Pereira, 30, were both remanded to prison when they appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

They were both charged with trafficking narcotics and illegal entry. The men appeared virtually before Magistrate Alex Moore.

On Thursday, May 20, moments after 14:00 hours, a foreign-registered four-seater Bonanza Beechcraft made an emergency landing at an area identified as Loam Pit, along the road that is being constructed to link Orealla and Kwakwani.

The Guyana Chronicle

was told that residents who went to the scene after the crash, advised the two male occupants of the aircraft to remain at the site.

However, the pilot and the occupant, who were both identified as Brazilian nationals, made their way into the village under the guise

Salem Nobrega De Alencar and Andre Pereira at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. (Photo courtesy of Fresh Studio)

of seeking accommodation and fuel.

Reports are that the crew members claimed that they were on their way to Suriname to deliver a shipment of magnesium.

Inspection of the aircraft found 453 packs containing one kilogram of

cocaine each, amounting to almost 1,000 pounds. The batch of drugs was seized, as well as two GPS devices, a radio system, three smartphones, and two Brazilian identification cards.

The duo is expected to make another court appearance on June 22.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Administration of second dose of Sputnik V vaccine postponed –– due to delayed shipment

THE Ministry of Health has announced that it is deferring the administration of the second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine, following a de-

lay in the shipment of the Russian made vaccines.

The ministry, in a statement on Thursday, said second doses of the

AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines continue to be administered across the country.

“Those persons who are due to receive their

second doses of the Sinopharm vaccine are being urged to come forward to take their jabs as scheduled in their vaccination cards,” the Health Ministry said.

Individuals scheduled to receive their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine between June 1 and 30, are also urged to come forward now.

When the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine

is administered, it is recommended that the second dose be administered eight to 12 weeks after.

Persons who are due to receive their second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine, are advised that this vaccine can be taken between four and 12 weeks.

The ministry said those persons whose scheduled time is up for the second dose of this vaccine, can wait for up to an addi-

tional eight weeks. It is expected that the second doses will arrive in Guyana shortly.

The ministry assured individuals that no one will receive their second dose later than the recommended time The Ministry of Health continues to administer the first dose of the Sputnik V vaccines at vaccination centres countrywide.

Two more persons die of COVID-19

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

–– 2,065 active cases being monitored

THE Ministry of Health, on Thursday, recorded two more COVID-19 deaths for the month of May, 2021.

There have been 77 such deaths within May alone, making it the deadliest month for the pandemic in Guyana, while the Health Ministry has recorded a total of 376 deaths since March 11, 2020.

The latest fatalities, according to the ministry, are a woman, 62, from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and a man, 52, from Region

Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

A release by ministry noted that the 62-year-old woman died while receiving medical care at a Ministry of Health facility, and the 52-year-old man succumbed to the deadly disease at home.

The shocking number of deaths recorded for the month comes even after incessant pleas by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, for Guyanese to safeguard themselves against COVID-19 by strict-

ly following COVID-19 guidelines, and taking the COVID-19 vaccine in order to protect themselves and others from the disease.

“COVID-19 is very much present. It will continue to be around, unless we are fully vaccinated…

And even when we are fully vaccinated, because there are still others who have not taken the vaccine, we will still have to follow those precautions,” he related in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Thursday.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health recorded 98 new cases of COVID-19 from 1,584 tests carried out for Thursday, May 27, 2021.

Of these, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded two; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 14; Region Four, 41; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), three; Region Six, six; Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), three; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), five, and Re-

gion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 24.

The newly infected persons were 44 males and 54 females. Presently, 24 persons occupy the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), while 109 are institutionally isolated, 1,922 are isolated at home, and 10 are institutionally quarantined.

Of Guyana’s 16,654 confirmed cases since the detection of COVID-19 here, 2,065 are currently active, while 79 of Guyana’s 14,223 recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency

measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health.gov.gy.

14

City Council gets $30M subvention for completion of new ‘admin’ building

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

–– gov’t still committed to contributing $100M towards rehabilitation of City Hall, says Minister Dharamlall

By Jared Liddell THE Ministry of Local Government on Thursday presented the Georgetown Mayor and City Council

(M&CC) with a $30 million subvention to aid in the completion of construction on the new administrative building in the City Hall compound.

The prefabricated frame for City Hall’s new administrative building (Delano Williams Photos)

Considering the condition of the City Hall, there have been increasing calls for employees to be moved to a safer facility.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall said that the government remains committed to providing support to the M&CC, as it relates to the construction of this building that would serve to improve accessibility for customers and provide a better working environment for employees.

“This is part of government’s commitment to support the construction of the admin building. The President himself with the Ministers of Local Government and Regional Development, as well as the Mayor and the Minister of Finance agreed that $30 million would go towards the construction of the ‘admin’ building,” Minister Dharamlall said.

In 2019, $75 million was initially presented to the M&CC for the first phase of construction on

Councillor Oscar Clarke, left, receiving the $30 million cheque from Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, centre, and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud the four-storey building. building. We are aware that anxiously anticipating the The new building will be is one of the legacy build- new building. located in the south-eastern ings of Georgetown, it was “At the moment, City corner of City Hall’s com- a historic landmark in our Hall is really falling apart pound, and once complet- country and it is on the front and just last Monday, the ed, will have an elevator, burner for our government. Town Clerk was complaina room for the holding of “The president himself ing that she did not want any statutory meetings, in addi- was adamant for us to get all of the structures falling on tion to all of the other vital buildings restored and so we her and we had to do some administrative departments. have agreed to put $100M emergency works to prevent Minister Dharamlall not- to the building as well,” the that from happening, so I ed too that the government is Local Government Minister believe that this cheque is committed to providing the said. coming at a good time,” he M&CC with a subvention M&CC Councillor and said. of $100 million for the reha- Chairman of the Council’s Further, he said that bilitation of City Hall, which Finance Committee, Oscar M&CC has budgeted $50 remains one of the country’s Clarke, who accepted the million for the project, notable historic landmarks. cheque on behalf of the which would bring the “The entire support we Council, said it is a “timely total budget to $80 milwill be providing to the City intervention,” noting that the lion. Clarke noted that the Council includes $100M current structure at M&CC building is expected to be that will go towards the is a hazard to the safety of completed by December, restoration of the City Hall the employees who all are 2021.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Blind Society calls for enhanced security at its headquarters –– suggests installation of security cameras in the area

By Naomi Parris PROMINENT member of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh, has called on the relevant authorities to address a plethora of issues facing the community, especially that of security at its headquarters, located at High Street.

Singh, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said that members of the society have been bombarded by increased criminal activities around the organisation.

He lamented the lack of security in the area, and said that there is need for a more robust response to crimes reported by members of the organisation.

“It’s deplorable, it’s getting worse, because you know this is a hot spot and it’s been this way for years; however, for the past couple of months the guys have become more brazen. They are robbing with more frequency and the thing about it whenever you call the police or emergency numbers, they take a while to respond,” Singh said.

He suggested that enhanced police presence or the installation of security

cameras in the area would help in mitigating instances of crime. His belief is that if perpetrators know they are being watched, they would be hesitant to rob or attack persons from the organisation.

“We want more regular police patrols. We would like for the safe city cameras to be mounted somewhere on High Street. It would not just deter criminals from coming to us, but a lot of other people have been robbed in the area, even businesses,” Singh told this publication.

He added that even armed security would be welcomed, as it would provide the members of the organisation with some form of comfort and a sense of security.

A member of the Guyana Society for the Blind making his way to the organisation’s High Street, Headquarters (Delano Williams photo)

A section of the passageway covered by garbage (Delano Williams photo)

“Armed security would be good, I don’t know if the city constabulary, the police force, even a private security company can provide us with armed security… this definitely will help a whole lot,” Singh said.

Further, he related: “It would provide some level of confidence for the blind persons who have to come here.

They have to come here, it’s not like they have a choice.

They have to come here for services, training or whatever reasons.”

Singh believes that once security cameras are installed in the area, it will not only deter criminals but also help to curb the garbage situation as well.

He said many persons would use the area as a

dumpsite, which is very hazardous to the visually impaired, as oftentimes they would get injured by debris such as broken glass bottles and metal waste.

Singh said too that for the past two years, the organisation’s head office has been inundated, even with light rainfall.

Singh further said that the organisation has made a number of attempts to rectify the issue on its own through remedial works; however, the problem still persists and with the lack funds, the organisation is barely staying afloat.

Nevertheless, he said that the society welcomes any form of support from the government and is open to other donors.

16

Flood-affected residents advised to take precautions

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has urged persons to take the necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall countrywide.

During Thursday’s COVID-19 update, Dr.

Anthony advised individuals to ensure that the water used for consumption is clean, by either boiling or treating it with bleach.

“I would urge that you take those extra precautions to keep your water supply safe. If you do that, then we will not see an

increase in the diarrhoeal diseases, especially in children,” Dr. Anthony said, adding that health teams across the country are monitoring the situation.

Further, he related: “in addition to these diarrhoeal diseases that we

normally see, we’re also on the lookout for skin rashes because people would be walking through the water. They can get skin infections. So that’s another thing that we are on the lookout for.”

The Health Minister said too that flooding in several parts of Regions Eight and Nine, is not responsible for the increased number of COVID-19 cases in those areas. He is encouraging persons to continue adhering to all preventative measures.

“In those flooded communities, again, if people are clustering and not taking the precautions then obviously, we wouldn’t

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony be able to see a decrease in cases. So, again, not because we have rain and flooding conditions, it would mean that we can abandon the measures that we are taking for COVID-19. COVID-19 is very much present it will continue to be around unless we are all vaccinated.”

Communities in Regions One, Two, Three, Six, Seven, Nine and 10 have been under water due to heavy rainfall.

The government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been providing support to affected communities nationwide. (DPI)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Faster immunisation against COVID-19 means fewer deaths – says Health Minister –– over 191,000 persons get first dose, 12.9 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated

WITH 376 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths and 75 of them occurring just this month, Guyana’s Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said swifter immunisation is needed so that the loss of lives could be reduced.

The minister, in his daily coronavirus briefing with the Department of Public Information, related that so far, vaccination is the only safe way out of the pandemic, which started more than year ago.

“The more people that get vaccinated, then the faster you can prevent the deaths that are currently occurring,” the Health Minister posited.

Dr. Anthony has often said that even though the COVID-19 vaccines do not guard against the coronavirus entirely, it does prevent the experience of serious symptoms, including death. On a global scale, Guyana is one of the few countries that have been fortunate enough to secure

A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker vaccines for nationwide immunisation.

“If you have more people getting vaccinated, it would mean that we would reduce the burden of the COVID-19 infection in Guyana, and that is the reason why we have been saying and we have been working to achieve herd immunity,” Dr. Antho-

ny said.

Herd immunity refers to the vaccination of large portions of the population. For Guyana to achieve this, at least 80 per cent of the adult population needs to be vaccinated.

Dr. Anthony had previously indicated that so far, Guyana has not had any

Minibus passenger arrested after police search unearths cannabis POLICE have arrested the passenger of a minibus after 10 pounds of cannabis were found, following a search of the vehicle on Wednesday.

According to information from Guyana Police Force (GPF), officers acting on information around 18:57 hours on Wednesday, stopped a minibus bearing registration number BYY 5866, in front of the Fort Wellington Police Station.

The minibus, which had 10 occupants, was escorted into the station’s compound where a search of the vehicle was conducted in the presence of every passenger and the driver.

A few minutes into the search, police found one red, white and blue travelling bag under the conductor’s seat. Upon opening

The parcels of cannabis that were found by police the bag, officers found two parcels containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis.

One of the passengers claimed that the bag belonged to a 34-year-old male, who joined the said minibus with the same bag at Rosignol. The suspect was told of the offence,

arrested and cautioned.

The cannabis was weighed in the presence of the occupants of the vehicle and it amounted to 10 pounds. It was placed in a transparent plastic evidence bag, sealed and lodged.

The suspect remains in custody, as investigations continue.

reports of fully vaccinated persons becoming sick or dying from the novel coronavirus. “...persons might (have) died from other things, but not COVID,” Dr. Anthony said.

As of Thursday, 191,151 persons received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 39.3 per cent of the country’s entire adult population. Meanwhile, some 63,610 persons or 12.9 per cent of adult Guyanese have been fully vaccinated.

The ministry’s latest vac-

cination effort was seen in the hosting of two drive-thru initiatives which was hosted at the National Stadium on Saturday and then again on Wednesday.

“We have seen more than 1,000 persons in that time, even though we had really, really bad weather. At times the tarmac had, let’s say about two inches of water. Nevertheless, I think, people came out in their numbers and at no time did we have any space in between as there was always a constant flow of people and I think that’s good,” Minister Anthony related.

He said that due to the efficacy of the ‘drive-thru’ exercise on the East Bank of Demerara, similar initiatives are expected to be replicated in other regions.

“We were encouraged by the response, and this is something that certainly the team would be reviewing, we probably will have more of these at the stadium.

And we will also be working with the different regions to see whether there are possibilities to do similar things in the various regions,” the minister said.

18

guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Over 1,000 vaccinated during second round of ‘drive-thru’ campaign --similar exercises to be rolled out countrywide, says Health Minister

MORE than 1,000 persons benefitted from the Ministry of Health’s second COVID-19 vaccination ‘drive-thru’ activity held at the Guyana National Stadium, on Wednesday.

D u r i n g T h u r s d a y ’s COVID-19 update, Minister

of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said despite the heavy rainfall, hundreds of persons showed up to receive their ‘jabs.’ The event ran from 9:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

“We have seen more than 1,000 persons in that time even though we had really,

really bad weather. At times the tarmac had, let’s say about two inches of water. Nevertheless, I think, people came out in their numbers and at no time did we have any space in between as there was always a constant flow of people and I think that’s good,” the Health

Minister related.

Minister Anthony said the public can expect to see similar exercises being rolled out countrywide, as the Health Ministry continues its COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

“So, we were encouraged by the response, and this is something that certainly the team would be reviewing. We probably will have more of these at the stadium. And we will also be working with the different regions to see whether they are possibilities to do

similar things in the various regions,” he said.

Another COVID-19 vaccination ‘drive-thru’ will be hosted at the Anna Regina New Market Tarmac, Region Two (Pomeroom-Supenaam), on Friday. The event will commence at 9:00 hours and conclude at 16:00 hours. Persons 18 years and older are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to receive their jabs.

The ministry’s inaugural vaccination drive-through was

hosted Saturday last where another 1,000+ persons received their vaccines.

To date, 191,151 persons have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 39.3 per cent of the country’s adult population.

Meanwhile, 63,610 persons or 12.9 per cent of the adult population are now fully vaccinated.

Individuals are encouraged to continue to observe all COVID-19 preventative measures even after receiving their vaccines. (DPI)

A person being vaccinated during the second round of the ‘drive-thru’ vaccination campaign (Adrian Narine photo)

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Caribbean Week of Agriculture to be hosted virtually in October -Ministerial Taskforce to examine role of the region’s parliaments

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

THIS year, the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) is slated to be hosted virtually from October 4 to 8.

This was announced during the most recent meeting of the Ministerial Taskforce put together by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to address matters related to food production and food security.

During the virtual meeting hosted on Monday, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, was joined by his counterparts in discussions

related to the development of a comprehensive strategy which seeks to address the region’s “Agri-Food Systems Agenda.”

The meeting was the second of several planned engagements that seek to address a plethora of issues affecting food production and agriculture in the Caribbean.

Minister Mustapha, who leads the efforts as the Chairman of the Task Force, reminded the participants of the important roles they play as members of the reputable

grouping.

“The objective of the Task Force is to guide the regional position towards the transformation of the agrifood system allowing for a significantly more resilient, wealth-generating, and food secure region,” Mustapha said.

He reminded participants that during the Task Force’s previous meeting, the representing team from each Member States were all tasked with developing country-specific strategies that highlight ways by which an integrated approach can be taken to improve agriculture within the respective countries, and CARICOM as a whole.

“As a Task Force, we have to ensure we set attainable goals and work together for the common good of the CARICOM agri-food systems agenda,” Mustapha said.

Further, the meeting also featured discussions related to the development of a “Parliamentary Front” in each

CARICOM member state.

The Parliamentary Front, it was explained, would ensure the participation of all parliamentarians throughout the region, in developing, implementing and adopting the requisite laws and policies that surround and promote zero hunger and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal Two (SDG 2).

The united approach towards agriculture has become even more important, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerability of food production and distribution sys-

tems, especially to the most vulnerable and to rural population,” Minister Mustapha informed participants at a recent high-level forum on World Food Systems.

He said that the virus has had direct and indirect impact on the livelihoods of all citizens, while exacerbating the glaring challenges of climate change.

“Building resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress is therefore necessary to address these challenges that threaten a sustainable food system,” Mustapha said.

He noted that even though these challenges are many,

solutions are also within reach, and require a united global approach.

It is expected that this year’s CWA will focus heavily on the sustainability of the regional food systems, which continue to be heavily affected by global food loss and wastage.

It was previously highlighted that though hunger affects close to 700 million people annually, an estimated 1.3 billion tonnes of food are dumped each year. This means that global wastage and loss of food account for approximately 30 per cent of total food production.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Security guard killed in hit-and-run accident A 41-year-old security guard attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)’s office at Springlands, East Berbice, was killed in a hit-and-run accident which occurred at Number 77 Village, on Wednesday.

Based on information from the police, the guard was struck down by a 32-year-old male, who was driving a motorcar bearing registration number HC 3098.

Reports are that the suspect was driving south along the eastern side of Number 77 Public Road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, when the left side of the car collided with the pedestrian, who was standing on the eastern side of the road.

Despite hitting the security guard, the driver purportedly fled the scene without rendering any assistance.

The pedestrian was picked by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Skeldon Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a Post Mortem examination.

The driver of the vehicle was later apprehended at the Number 79 Public Road and escorted to the Springlands Police Station.

A breathalyser test was conducted on him, and it was found that he was over the legal limit.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Edward ‘Eddie’ Neblett

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Eddie Neblett ready to ‘Reset!’ with new single

ONTINUING on his quest to make Guyana proud through his music, Edward ‘Eddie’ Neblett has been achieving great things overseas and remains grateful to his Guyanese fans that he credits significantly for his achievements to date.

All set to release his new single entitled “Reset!” on May 31, the 40-year-old also plans to dish out a series of new songs leading up to his eighth album launch later in the year.

“My goal and plans remain the same; to bring hope to the world musically, which in turn will inspire others to do the same in whatever their talent or gift may be,” Neblett told the Buzz this week.

Born and raised in Georgetown, he is currently living in the United States of America, where multiple doors have been opened to him that served to boost his career. “I began singing at the age of seven in my church choir. From there, the opportunities presented themselves for me to be featured in various local concerts within Guyana. The platforms eventually grew over time which ultimately led to multiple doors being opened for my music career throughout the

His new single “Reset!” is being released on May 31

Caribbean as well as in the USA,” Neblett reflected.

Singing is the outlet that he uses to express himself and is a craft that he’s worked diligently on to perfect with the intention and hope of being a “blessing” to all those who have the opportunity to listen to his music.

Apart from winning eight musical awards within the last 11 years, Neblett was recently nominated in the 39th International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA) for the best gospel song of 2020 titled, “Forgiveness,” from his most recent album ‘One Way Out.’ “Despite not being the category winner, I was honoured to represent Guyana on this platform, being the only Guyanese nominated for this particular category! My goal is to continue to birth music that reaches the world, with the expectation that the next time, I will not just be nominated, but I will bring home the win for Guyana,” Neblett expressed.

Some of his other notable accomplishments to date include sharing stages with other international artistes that he’s looked up to for years; being requested to minister at prestigious events by various governmental institutions; launching seven successful albums; and gracing prominent stages in New York City (Madison Square Garden), just to name a few.

“I would like to use this opportunity to personally thank all of my Guyanese fans for their continued genuine love and support. Had it not been for the support of my country, the name Eddie Neblett would not have become what it is now. You guys have stood with me from the beginning of my music career until now and I’m certain that your love and appreciation for me and music will remain the same,” Neblett offered.

A proud Guyanese, he feels that there’s no place like home no matter where he performs in the world.

“Guyana will always be my home. It is my desire that with this new single (Reset) people in Guyana and all around the world would be encouraged to know that there’s more to life on the other side of fear.

“Don’t get stuck in the familiar cycle of survival, rather, reset! Assess your life, remove what needs to be removed, implement what needs to be implemented, see the prize, know what it is and thrive.

Guyana, I leave you with this: ‘Once there’s life, there’s hope.’ Your life has not expired; you can begin again! Reset and thrive!”

Eddie has won eight musical awards within the last 11 years and was recently nominated in the 39th International Reggae and World Music Awards

Dancing is life

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Young dancer turned instructor passionate about her craft

K

IMBERLY Harnauth absolutely adores the fact that along with her day job, she gets to do

what she loves the most – dance! She was just 10 years old when she began taking dance lessons, and today, 13 years later, she is now a dance instructor

Dance Instructor Kimberly Harnauth

herself.

Now the lead person for the dance group called ‘Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe’ Kimberly explained that Shellita Khemraj was the original founder of the dance school some 20 years ago.

When Shellita decided to migrate to New York, she handed over the dance school to Kimberly who was one of her students since the age of 10. Out of respect for the work that Shellita has put into the dance school, Kimberly has decided to retain her name.

Although Kimberly teaches dance for free, owing to her deep love for the arts, she is often hired for birthday parties and other events and works mainly with Bollywood (including classical), Chutney, and Soca music.

Due to COVID-19, she is only working with 10 students at the moment.

The age range she works with and from 3 years old to under 30. “Dancing is more of a hobby. It’s my passion so I don’t look at making a profit off of teaching them.

My classes are free,” Kimberly told the Buzz this week.

Her grandmother, Indra Tulsie, is also an Indian singer who performed in several bands back in the days. Today she is still singing in Mandirs.

Kimberly and her students were backup dancers for this year’s Chutney King Kevin Satrohan Singh

“My grandmother always said that she wants me to be her backup dancer,” Kimberly fondly reflected, adding, “My mom also was a dancer enrolled with the ‘National Dancing School’ but she didn’t go through with her dreams after she got pregnant, so I would like to believe that I picked up where she left off.”

Kimberly teaches dance at her home in Mandela Avenue and is trying to keep her group small until the pandemic goes away.

She also strives to uphold all of the COVID-19 guidelines. For one year after the pandemic broke out here, she stopped teaching and accepting hires.

“It really affected us.

I recently started back recently but I haven’t enrolled any children. Maybe later after many more people get vaccinated. Hopefully by half of this year,” she said.

At the moment, Kimberly only takes about two more persons out with her on hires so that they can maintain social distancing on stage. “I ensured that all of my dancers and I took the vaccines and we always wear our masks, even when we’re performing.”

Wearing the masks while dancing can be quite difficult and uncomfortable, however. “But I be-

Kimberly is now the owner of ‘Kimberly and Shellita Dance Troupe’ lieve that if you’re hiring me, you need to feel safe also.”

Kimberly is hoping to be able to open a big dance studio at a prime location so that she can be able to teach more persons. She also wants to learn new dances and steps in different cultures so that she may be able to mix up performances in future.

“Maybe we can have more diversity. For example, I like certain Afri-

can dance steps and other moves in the different cultures. It’s always a plus to keep building your knowledge.”

Kimberly and her students have performed in almost all of the regions across Guyana, and she especially enjoys working with the Indian Action Committee (IAC). Each year, she does a show with them in Berbice and Essequibo.

Kimberly opts to teach her students for free because of her love for dancing

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Budding poet Kendell Annika Richmond

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HAT began merely as a fun activity for 23-yearold Kendell Annika Richmond turned out to be something of deeper significance that made her begin to entertain bigger dreams for herself such as becoming a professional poet and even a spoken word artist.

Kendell has written several poems over the years that have all been inspired by her life experiences and starting in 2017, she recalled sending her pieces to a great friend who encouraged her to begin saving them.

“I think it was the motivation that I needed. I eventually began a collection; I can’t remember what it was called but it had about 15 poems that I emailed to several friends and family members just for feedback,” Kimberly recalled in an interview with the Buzz.

Eventually, the feedbacks were so filled with positive comments that she decided to move to the wider platform of posting them to Instagram and Facebook.

Kendell said that writing has always given her a feeling of liberty. “So it is no surprise that writing

Budding poet calls for greater support system for local artists a better support system can be put in place for local artists. “I think as an artist there isn’t much representation locally. I don’t think there is enough room for artists in general in Guyana.”

Kendell has plans to publish a book of poems and also sees herself embarking on the spoken word stage poems affords me the same pleasure. My poems are very deep because they represent me and my life experiences. I can be quite vocal at times in explaining my emotions but at other times, I am usually lost for words. I have found that putting those

Kendell’s poems have all been inspired by her life experiences

emotions that I can’t say out loud on paper is easier,” she noted.

She especially loves to receive those random messages that express how great her poems are. “Every time I receive a message from a random person saying ‘I love your poems,’ my fire is refuelled.”

Kendell said it’s easy to feel unappreciated because she’s found that not many people really pay attention to poetry or the arts in general. “But when I receive those small and oftentimes random compliments, they reassure me that people are ready and people are watching and people can relate.”

For her, the best feeling comes from having persons who can relate to her work. “That is what inspires me to keep writing and also I am inspired by the need to be free. Like I said, writing gives me a feeling of freedom,” she said.

Kendell has plans to publish a book of poems and also sees herself embarking on the spoken word stage since she now feels empowered to be able to stand in front of thousands and recite her poems.

She is also hopeful that

Kendell has also observed that there is a very small bracket of opportunities available to poets, painters, photographers and others.

“There is no solid platform and I think there needs to be. Guy-

ana has so many talented artists who choose to hold back on their talent because the support system is absent and that’s something I would want to see in the future,” she expressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May, 28th, 2021

Duke-McKenna ...

From page 32 been working very hard in our intensive training, and we are constantly tracking the performances of our non-domestic players. The aim for the non-domestic group is to raise the quality of the team by selecting players who are in full-time professional environments, such as Queens Park Rangers, Watford, Bournemouth and Bolton in England,” he said Duke-McKenna, the flashy 20-year-old mid-field player made his first team debut for English Football League Championship side, Queens Park Rangers (QPR) this year.

Layne, 23, has recently signed for Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Academy, joining Golden Jaguars goalkeeper

Akel Clarke in the island’s top flight.

Bolton Wanderers full back Gordon, 22, has impressed on loan at fifth tier Dagenham and Redbridge.

Javier George who plays in midfield for Stade Beaucairois in the French fifth tier, Santos midfielder Marcus Wilson and Guyana Police Force forward Osafa Simpson have already made their mark at international level as part of the recent Guyana U-20 squad.

English Premier League’s Watford defender Bayli Spencer-Adams, 19, and Bournemouth midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh, 19, re-joined the squad following their international debuts in March, alongside 17-year-old Fruta Conquerors forward Omari Glasgow, who scored in a

memorable debut against the Bahamas in March “We know that Guyana’s chances of qualification to round two rely on results elsewhere, but the GFF is confident that this new-look squad with its strong mix of exciting domestic and overseas-based talent, will put serious pressure on the other teams as we head into the business end of the group,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

Forde said he’s “delighted to see so many young players, who have graduated through the GFF’s Academy Training Centres and national youth programmes, making the grade and showing they can compete at the highest level as we build for the future. We ask the whole nation to stand up and roar with the Golden Jaguars in June as they seek to make Guyana proud and keep our FIFA World Cup dream alive.”

After two matches, Guyana lies in third place in Group F of the first round of Concacaf’s FIFA World Cup qualification process behind Trinidad and Tobago and group leaders Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Having lost 0 – 3 to the Soca Warriors, and claiming a 4 – 0 victory of The Bahamas in their opening matches, the Golden Jaguars must hope those teams slip-up in the concluding group matches to secure the top spot in the group and progress to round two.

Guyana will play St Kitts and Nevis at 4:00pm on June 4 and Puerto Rico at 4:00pm on June 8.

Full Guyana squad below GOALKEEPERS: Akel Clarke (Mount Pleasant Academy), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge United FC) Shawn Adonis (GPF FC).

DEFENDERS: Miguel Scarlett (Colchester United), Matthew Briggs (Vijle Boldk FC), Liam Gordon (Bolton Wanderers), Terence Vancooten (Stevenage FC), Nicholai Andrews (Santos FC), Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC), Kevin Layne (Mount Pleasant Academy), Nathan Moriah-Welsh (Bournemouth FC).

MIDFIELD: Javier George (Stade Beaucairois), Daniel Wilson (GPF FC), Jobe Caesar (GDF FC), Marcus Wilson (Santos FC), Pernell Schultz (GPF FC).

FORWARDS: Stephen Duke-McKenna (Queens Park Rangers), Keanu Marsh-Brown (Wrexham AFC), Omani Glasgow (Fruta Conquerors), Kelsey Benjamin (GDF FC), Osafa Simpson (GPF FC), Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt Warriors), Emery Welshman (Hapoel Raanana).

Swiss bank...

From page 32 after Julius Baer’s general counsel pleaded not guilty on the bank’s behalf.

Switzerland’s third-largest listed bank has said it has cooperated with the Justice Department since 2015, upgraded its compliance controls and dismissed some clients.

The Justice Department unveiled the FIFA probe in April 2015.

More than 40 defendants have been charged, and at least 30 have pleaded guilty.

The former Julius Baer banker, Jorge Arzuaga, was sentenced in November to three years probation after

pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge.

Arzuaga was accused of helping an Argentine sports marketing executive pay bribes to Julio Grondona, who was then president of Argentina’s soccer federation and also a FIFA vice president.

Grondona died in 2014.

Swiss financial regulator FINMA has also imposed penalties for Julius Baer’s anti-money laundering shortfalls, ordering the bank to improve its controls and appoint an auditor, and reprimanding two former chief executives.

FINMA lifted a ban on Julius Baer making large acquisitions in March.

Fraser-Pryce plans...

From page 32

time around I am looking forward to running below 10.70.

That is definitely a big dream and something that I am working hard towards,” she said.

“To have both (medal and time) would definitely be a blessing, but if you ask me which one I would rank higher I would definitely say I want to run 10.6 or even faster. That is definitely what I want but to have the combination would be good so I am working towards the combination as well.”

Chasing times, she explained, would not be detrimental to her goals of bettering her personal best (10.70), a national record that she shares with double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, because she believes the quality of her competitors will help her achieve the time she seeks as well as medals.

“The harder the competitions are the better I am at performing,” said Fraser-Pryce, who has run some of her fastest time in the finals of global competitions.

“I like a challenge, I like when the competition is hot because, at the end of the day, that is what the Diamond League is about as well, because when you are at a Diamond League you know the field is going to be good and it’s going to be solid,” she said.“When you’re in a race and you’re the sole competitor that is doing well, the pressure is not there as if you if have competitors that are doing exceptionally well just like you, so for me, I think the bigger the field is the bigger I perform because I love the opportunity to rise and I think those are the opportunities I get when I compete in a field that’s stacked.” (Sportsmax)

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Villarreal edge Man Utd in epic shoot-out to win Europa League

Gdansk , Poland (AFP) — Villarreal defeated Manchester United 11-10 on penalties to win their first major trophy after a 1-1 draw in the Europa League final as goalkeeper David de Gea missed the decisive spot kick in a remarkable shoot-out.

Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the lead 29 minutes into the Spanish club’s first European final, but Edinson Cavani equalised early in the second half before Unai Emery’s team prevailed on spot kicks, extending United’s fouryear trophy drought.

Villarreal midfielder Francis Coquelin was delighted that the victory also led to a place in next season’s Champions League.

“It feels really good. To play against a very good side like Manchester United, we knew it would be tough,” Coquelin told BT Sport.

“We didn’t manage to get to the Champions League through the league so to get it through the Europa League is something special — and a first title for the club as well — something amazing.”

Eric Bailly replaced the injured Harry Maguire in central defence, with the United captain surprisingly named among

the substitutes despite suffering ankle ligament damage two weeks ago.

De Gea started ahead of Dean Henderson in goal, while Paul Pogba took up a more orthodox midfield role as Fred was only deemed fit enough for a spot on the bench.

An early collision between

slow to click into gear on a damp and chilly night on the Baltic coast.

Carlos Bacca’s clever rabona cross created an opportunity for Pau Torres, the centre back linked with a summer move to United, while Marcus

MANAGER Zinedine Zidane has resigned from Real Madrid for the second time in his coaching career.

Real failed to win a trophy this season and were pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid on a dramatic final day on Saturday.

Real said in a statement that they “must now respect” Zidane’s decision.

They thanked Zidane, 48, for his “professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid”.

Former France forward Zidane, who played for Real from 2001 to 2006, won three consecutive Champions League titles and a La Liga title in his first period as manager between 2016 and 2018.

He left in May 2018, but returned 10 months later and secured a second La Liga title last season.

“Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s great icons and his legacy extends beyond

what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club,” Real said.

“He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid.”

Zidane, who had a year left on his contract, denied reports that he had informed his squad he would leave at the end of the season.

His future was a constant topic of discussion in the Spanish press this season,

Juan Foyth and Pogba left the former Tottenham defender bloodied, but both sides were

Yeremy Pino, who at 18 years and 218 days broke Iker Casillas’ record as the youngest Spanish player to start a major European final, scuffed wide on the counter, but Villarreal were soon ahead.

Dani Parejo swung in a

free kick from the left and Moreno peeled away from Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof, steering beyond De Gea as the Swede desperately tugged at his shirt.

Moreno’s 82nd goal for Villarreal equalled the club record of former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi.

But it also sparked a reaction from United, as a battling Scott McTominay watched his shot deflected over before Mason Greenwood burst into the area and sent in a fizzing cross that Raul Albiol nearly diverted into his own net.

Another Parejo set piece caused panic in the United box right after half-time – Manu Trigueros crossing back towards goal before the ball was scrambled clear with Moreno and Carlos Bacca lurking dangerously.

Alfonso Pedraza was perhaps fortunate no further action was taken when he appeared to catch Greenwood in the Villarreal area, although United benefited from a slice of luck to level.

A headed clearance at a corner dropped to Rashford, whose dragged volley ricocheted into the path of Cavani to stab home with

Rulli unable to recover after anticipating the initial shot.

It was the Uruguayan’s sixth goal of the competition this season, all coming in his past four matches, and one that handed United the momentum.

Bruno Fernandes drilled wide as Cavani tried in vain to readjust with the ball flashing by, and the striker then headed straight at Torres from Shaw’s miscued shot.

United continued to dominate possession as Villarreal soaked up the pressure, but the Spaniards remained a threat as Torres curled over at the end of normal time.

Alberto Moreno slashed wide as United began to tire, prompting Solskjaer to make his first change after 100 minutes as Fred replaced Greenwood.

Weariness and a raft of substitutions slowed the tempo in the closing stages as the rain intensified with penalties almost inevitable.

The first 21 penalties were successfully converted before De Gea had his attempt palmed away by Rulli as United lost for the sixth time in seven shootouts, handing Emery a record fourth Europa League crown.

THE lack of experience in the top order may have played a role in Sri Lanka’s poor batting performances in Bangladesh. And the door’s not closed on the seniors who were left out of this series.

These are the conclusions Sri Lanka’s coaches have come to after a dispiriting series loss against Bangladesh (their first ever), in which a relatively green top order collapsed twice in pursuit of testing totals.

Sri Lanka had left out the likes of Angelo Mathews for this series, and for batting coach Grant Flower, having batters with experience in situations such as facing good spin bowling after early wickets had fallen, could have led to better results.

The absence of seniors has been made particularly stark by the excellent innings produced by Bangladesh’s most-experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim in particular, who has hit 84 and 125 so far in the series, to win both Player-of-the-Match awards. “[The lack of experienced batters] looks like it’s had quite a big impact at this stage,” Flower said on the eve of the third ODI. “The young guys who were selected are good players, but are lacking a lot of experience. When you look at Mushfiqur’s experience or Tamim Iqbal - they’ve played a hell of a lot of cricket.”

Flower’s comments chime

with those made by head coach Mickey Arthur earlier in the day, who had emphasised that although senior players had been left out for this series, they are not totally out of selection contention. (Arthur, to be fair, had said similar things about Mathews even before the series loss.)

“The door’s not closed for anybody - certainly not,” said Arthur. “We’ve started on a journey with what we think is a team that will play in 2023, but the door’s no closed on anybody. Certainly some senior players can come at any given time depending on performances.

We’re trying to create depth within our side, so everybody puts pressure on each other.”

Flower commented on Mathews specifically, whose omission always seemed the harshest, from among the senior lot. Not only was Mathews by far the most experienced player in Sri Lanka’s ODI player pool, with 218 appearances, he’d also averaged 52.57 with the bat in the four years between 2016 and 2019, though with a strike rate of 79.61.

“Someone like Ange could come off and he is still a fine player,” Flower said. “His record suggests that just recently in the contractual period, he’s done ok. But over time, the selectors and director of

cricket thought it was time to blood some new people. Whether or not they change their minds and ask Ange to come back, I’m not sure.”

As far as the third ODI goes, Flower said he wanted batters to play more aggressively than they had in the previous two games. In both chases so far, Sri Lanka had stuttered in the early overs and allowed the required rate to climb rapidly past a run-a-ball early in the middle overs. They were chasing 258 and 247.

“Definitely take more calculated risks and play the way they do in the nets - that’s what you work on.

Good bowlers at this level are going to keep landing it on the spot. But you have to be proactive and move your feet, or play the odd sweep, or get deep in the crease.

Mushfiqur, for example, is not a big hitter but he manipulates the ball brilliantly.

The boys have got a great example playing against them.”

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz has been Sri Lanka’s prime destroyer, taking seven wickets in the two matches so far.”Mehidy’s just got to No. 2 in the rankings, so he’s a very good offspinner. I think we’ve played him with too much respect.” (Cricinfo)

Rashford tested Geronimo Rulli with a dipping effort from distance.

Villarreal players hold up their trophy as they celebrate winning the 2021 UEFA Europa League football final between Spain’s Villarreal and England’s Manchester United at the Gdansk Stadium in the Polish city of Gdansk Wednesday (Photo: AFP)

Zidane leaves Real Madrid for second time as manager Door not closed on Sri Lanka seniors ― Mickey Arthur

Zinedine Zidane had one year remaining on his contract

Real finished two points behind Atletico in La Liga as they failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2009-10.

They suffered an early exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of third division side Alcoyano and lost to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals.

Earlier this month,

contributing to several spiky exchanges, with Zidane saying he and his players deserved more respect.

He is the only manager to win the Champions League three times, and his trophy haul at Real also included two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups. (BBC Sport)

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Men’s ‘Big Three’ in same half of French Open draw

PARIS, France (Reuters) Thirteen-time champion Rafael Nadal, 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic were placed in the same half of the French Open draw yesterday.

The three most successful players in the history of the men’s game have won 17 of

the last 20 Grand Slam titles between them and Federer and Djokovic are on a quarter-final collision course.

Title holder Nadal, who starts against Australian Alexei Popyrin, could face Italian prospect Jannik Sinner, the 18th seed, in the fourth round a year after beating him in the quar-

ter-finals.

In the other half of the draw, two-time runner-up Dominic Thiem’s path leads to a potential quarter-final clash with German sixth seed Alexander Zverev.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek will start her campaign against Kaja Juvan

From left: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are all in the same half of the French Open draw

while one of the matches to watch will feature last year’s runner-up Sofia Kenin, the fourth seed, against 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Kenin could face Swiatek, who turns 20 on Monday, in the quarter-finals.

After missing last year’s event, second seed Naomi Osaka will make her comeback against Maria Patricia Tig. The Japanese player, who said she would not speak to the media during the tournament for mental health reasons, is in the other half of the draw.

She could take on American Serena Williams in the semi-finals with the seventh seed bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

World number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia starts her campaign against American Bernarda Pera and faces a possible semi-final against Swiatek.

Briggs picks Wilder to upset Fury SHANNON Briggs says there’s a genuine possibility that Deontay Wilder will sleep Tyson Fury in their trilogy match on July 24, and Oleksandr Usyk will defeat Anthony Joshua in their last clash on August 21 or 28.

Joshua and Fury’s career could be pretty much over by next year after they deal with their respective summer opponents.

Briggs predicts that boxing could see a fight between Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs) and Usyk soon after these two pull-off upset wins this summer over the British heavyweight.

Starting with the Fury-Wilder 3 trilogy match on July 24, it could send a shockwave to the division. Briggs wonders out loud whether ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) has made the correct decision to take the fight with Wilder.

After all, Fury and his promoters at Top Rank could have paid Wilder a US$20 million step aside and taken the bigger-money fight against IBF/WBA/WBO champion Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) on August 14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Fury would have made US$80M for the Joshua fight, which is a heck of a lot more than the US$20M he’s expected to get for his risky trilogy match against Wilder.

How do you walk away from an US$80M payday? It’s dumb,

dumb, and dumb.

Had Fury not been so cheap, he could have given Wilder the US$20+ million step aside and still come out ahead with US$60M. Look at it this way:

ready for that.”

“He is a king-sized Vasiliy Lomachenko!” Briggs said.

“As the rounds go on, he gets stronger.”

“The best chance for AJ is to catch him early. AJ is strong

Boxer Deontay Wilder

If Fury loses to Deontay on July 24, he can forget about ever getting a US$60M payday against Joshua. That’ll be a pipedream at that point.

“If this guy knocks out Fury, then what?” said Briggs to Sky sports on Fury’s July 24 fight against Wilder.

With Wilder’s punching power, it might not matter.

You can take the fourth Fury fight to planet Neptune with its hazardous 1,200 mph wind speeds, and Wilder would be in a position to knock Fury out once again to put an end to his once-promising career.

“The fight to get ready for is Usyk vs Wilder!” said Briggs. “We might have to get

early, Usyk is strong late,” said Briggs.

Joshua choosing to stubbornly hold onto his WBO title to defend it against mandatory Usyk is a wrong-headed move on his part.

Not only is Joshua losing money and turning off a lot of fans by taking this fight, but he’s facing the equivalent of a “king-sized Vasily Lomachenko,” as Briggs points out.

This fight could end badly for Joshua, putting him in the situation where he would need to face Usyk in a rematch. If Joshua loses twice to Usyk, his career will be on skidrow like that of Fury.

By the end of next year, Joshua and Fury may be finished and ready for the scrap heap. (Boxing News 24)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1)

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Answers to yesterday’s:

Clive Lloyd/Viv Richards-28 Tests Sunil Gavaskar-27 Tests

Today’s Quiz:

Which WI has scored most Test runs against IND to date?

Which IND cricketer has registered most Test runs against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Woods says rehab from crash ‘painful’, focusses on walking on his own

Tiger Woods of the U.S. on the 4th hole during the final round - Augusta National Golf Club - Augusta, Georgia, November 15, 2020 (REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo)

(REUTERS) - Tiger Woods described his recovery from a car crash that left him with career-threatening injuries as more painful than anything he has experienced and said his focus is on being able to walk on his own again.

Woods, speaking in a Golf Digest https://www. golfdigest.com/story/tigerwoods-speaks-about-recovery interview published yesterday, is no stranger to rehabilitation procedures after having several back and knee surgeries but admitted his latest recovery was unlike any he has undergone before.

“This has been an entirely different animal,” Woods, 45, said in the interview published yesterday. “I understand more of the rehab processes because of my past injuries, but this was more painful than anything I have ever experienced.”

Woods was driving above the speed limit in February when he lost control of his vehicle, which crossed through oncoming lanes of traffic before slamming into trees off the side of a road outside Los Angeles.

The 15-time major champion, whose accident resulted in a three-week hospital stay, posted a photo on Instagram last month that showed him smiling, on crutches and in a walking boot.

When asked about his hopes of playing golf again, Woods said he was focussed on rehabilitation at his South Florida home.

“My physical therapy has been keeping me busy,” said Woods, the most successful golfer of his generation. “I do my routines every day and am focussed on my No.1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time.”

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Lancashire dominate opening day of Roses clash against Yorkshire

LANCASHIRE took full control on the first day of their Roses fixture against Yorkshire after they bowled the visitors out for just 159.

Alex Davies (52) and Keaton Jennings (22 not out) put on an opening stand of 71 as Lancashire replied with 95-1.

They trail by just 65 runs with nine wickets still in hand at Old Trafford.

Earlier, Tom Bailey claimed 3-6 from his 14 overs with the ball but teenager Harry Duke (52) mounted a fightback for Yorkshire after they slumped to 21-6.

Yorkshire won the toss and decided to bat as Group Three’s top two went headto-head for the first time this season.

But terrific new-ball spells from Bailey and Saqib Mahmood (1-49) had the White Rose in early trouble as Adam Lyth, Will Fraine and Harry Brook all fell cheaply to leave Yorkshire 9-3.

Brook was unfortu nately run out when Tom Kohler-Cadmore hesitated over a quick single to Davies at cover off Bailey.

Yorkshire’s woes mounted as George Hill, Dom Bess, Kohler-Cadmore and

Danny Lamb (right) took a smart catch at gully off Tom Bailey to dismiss Adam Lyth at the start of the day.

Jordan Thompson all fell before lunch. Danny Lamb (2-26) and Luke Wood (251) both claimed two wickets apiece.

But a Yorkshire recovery came in the afternoon as Duke, in just his second firstclass appearance survived being dropped twice off Matt Parkinson on 29 and 49 to compile a maiden half-century from 110 balls.

He and Steven Patterson (27) added 77 for the eighth wicket before Ben Coad (32 not out) produced some lusty hits in a last-wicket stand of 38.

Lancashire made the per-

fect start in their reply as Davies and Jennings took advantage of loose deliveries and rotated the strike.

Davies fell shortly after making a 53-ball half-century when Duanne Olivier had him caught down the leg-side.

That would be Yorkshire’s only breakthrough of the evening session as Luke Wells (11 not out) added another 24 with Jennings before the close to leave the hosts well on top.

Lancashire seam bowler Tom Bailey told BBC Radio Lancashire: “It was pretty close to

being 100%. At 40-7, we would’ve probably liked to have bowled them out for a bit less. But it’s a good wicket and we would’ve taken that score at the start of the day.

“I don’t think any side expects to have the opposition seven wickets down by lunch after losing the toss, but as soon as me and Saqib started our spells, we were straight on it.

“It was nice to only go for a few and after having had a few weeks out of the side, it was great to be back out there and part of it.”(BBC Sport)

Archer ready to miss summer to be fit for T20 World Cup, Ashes FAST bowler Jofra Archer is ready to “sit out the summer” in order to be fit for the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes later this year.

The 26-year-old had surgery on his troublesome right elbow on Friday and has started rehabilitation with the England and Sussex medical teams.

“One thing I am determined about post-elbow operation is not to rush my comeback because my primary focus is to be playing for England in the T20 World Cup and Ashes later this year,” he wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.

“Those are my targets. If I come back before then and manage to play in the home Test series against India then fine, so be it. If I don’t, I am quite prepared to sit out the summer.

Gayle returns to Patriots after opting out of CPL 2020 tournament

Jofra Archer has played 13 Tests, 17 one-day internationals and 12 T20s for England.

“The way I am looking at things is that I would rather miss a few weeks of a year so that I have a few more years in my career.

“I’m not going to do myself any good by coming back before I’m fully fit, so I will take my time and do what is best for me and my life.”

Archer had an injection for the long-standing elbow problem in March and has

played only two matches since then.

The England bowler managed only five overs in the second innings of Sussex’s draw with Kent earlier this month.

A further update and guidance on when he will return to bowling is expected in about four weeks.

“The bandages are off and I have spoken to the consultant since, but every-

thing is still very fresh and I remain sore after what was a career-defining moment last Friday,” Archer added.

“Surgery was always the last option and we wanted to exercise every possible strategy before we went down that route.

“It was the last thing on the list. It is not always a fix and in four weeks we will find out how things have gone.”

England will host a twoTest series against New Zealand in June, followed by limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan and then five Tests against India starting in August.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in October and November in India, before England travel to Australia in December for the Ashes.

(BBC Sport)

Chris Gayle will turn out for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2021 CPL season.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Veteran superstar Chris Gayle has made a return for this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), after sitting out last year’s tournament for “personal reasons”.

The 41-year-old will turn out for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots where he spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons, and helped them reach their only final in his first year.

Jamaican Gayle had been announced to represent St Lucia Zouks in the 2020 campaign after controversially leaving his native Jamaica Tallawahs, but pulled out just prior to the players’ draft.

The left-hander, the most successful batsman in the T20 format, is the second highest run-getter in CPL with 2 354 runs at an average of 39, along with four centuries.

He will join forces with veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who is set to feature for Patriots for the first time, after leaving his native Trinbago Knight Riders.

Gayle will also have West Indies teammates Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen and Sheldon Cottrell as company, with the trio retained by Patriots for the new season.

Gayle is one of three new players acquired by the franchise for the August 28 to September 19 campaign, with Guyana and West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford making the move from Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The new acquisitions will be critical for St Kitts after they won just a single game last season to finish bottom of the pile on three points.

Meanwhile, leading Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib-alHasan has joined Tallawahs where he also featured in 2016 and 2017.

The 34-year-old, who has scored 5 118 and taken 362 wickets from 320 T20s, is the first overseas signing made by the franchise.

There, he will link up with explosive West Indies all-rounders Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite, who were earlier retained.

In-form South African batsman Faf du Plessis will have his second taste of the CPL after putting pen to paper for Zouks.

The 36-year-old, who turned out for Patriots in 2016, enjoyed a stunning run of form for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL last month before it was suspended, reeling off half-centuries in his last four innings to average 64 from seven innings.

This year’s edition of the CPL will be played in St Kitts.

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guyana CHRONICLE Friday, May 28, 2021

Windies among Akram’s four choices Amla hits ton for Surrey for T20 World Cup winners against Gloucestershire

Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram

FORMER Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has already started the discussion around the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup to be held in India in the month of October. It will see the return of the showpiece event after five years when it was last hosted by India in 2016.

Speculations are going around that the Board of

Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might shift the T20 World Cup out of India due to the COVID-19 situation.

Already the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a grinding halt due to the rise in cases in the bio-bubble and BCCI officials are not ready to take further risks by putting the players and teams in trouble.

The UAE in all likelihood set to host the remainder of IPL and T20 World Cup. Naturally, with the showpiece event coming up top teams like India, West Indies, England and Australia will battle it out to win the title. In the same sequence, Akram was asked to pick his favourite.

“I suppose, between the main teams, India appear

favourites. They play fearless brand of T20 cricket.

England are also at the top of the ladder. I think New Zealand too. And you never know about the West Indies.

If their main players are in, they have a tendency to scare,” Akram said on ARY news.

When quizzed on the same interview of Pakistan’s chances, the former World Cup player stated that Pakistan have a few areas to work on before they can challenge the rest of the top teams. The Men in Green have won the 2009 T20 World Cup beating Sri Lanka in the final by eight wickets.

“Pakistan need to work on their team combination.

Obviously, being a Pakistani, I would want Pakistan to win the World Cup. That will be a dream come true for all of us, especially the young captain, and if they improve their combination, find the best XI, they can fight. The problem of No. 5 and No. 6 needs to be solved,” Akram pointed out.

After successfully beating South Africa and Zimbabwe, Pakistan are set to travel to West Indies to play five T20Is in the month of July. (CricTracker)

Hashim Amla made 103 from 200 deliveries.

SOUTH Africa great Hashim Amla struck an unbeaten century as Surrey enjoyed the better of day one against Gloucestershire at The Kia Oval.

The 38-year-old former Proteas batsman, who ended the day 103 not out, brought up his 54th first-class ton with his 12th boundary of the opening day.

He shared 104 with Jamie Overton (50 not out) for the seventh wicket, after Surrey had slipped from 105-1 to 181-5.

Surrey closed on 285-5, with opener Ryan Patel also earlier making 62.

David Payne and Ryan Higgins were the pick of the Gloucestershire bowlers, taking two wickets apiece.(BBC Sport)

Justin Langer comes under the scanner

… Players reportedly unhappy with tough approach FORMER opening batter and the coach of Australia team Justin Langer is known to be a fighter and a tough nut to crack. As a player too, he never used to give up without a fight and would always display grit and determination during the tough times. As a coach too, Langer has instilled the same qualities among the players in the team and always strives for consistency.

He took over the role of head coach from Darren Lehmann on May 3, 2018, after the infamous sandpaper saga and steered the young team as a leader and coach.

Apparently, the players are now unhappy and not satisfied with the operating styles of Justin Langer and team

Australia head coach Justin Langer

manager Gavin Dobey.

An end-of-season review of the team, which included the opinions of 40 players

and support staff, has stated the players want more freedom and control in the dressing room. If reports in

The Sydney Morning Herald are anything to go by Langer and Dobey’s coaching styles are the main cause of concern

for the players who feel they are disturbing the atmosphere within the team.

The review only confirms the reports which had come after Australia’s 2-1 shock loss to India in 2021. During the high-profile series, it was revealed that players were facing difficulties in coping with Langer’s intensity and micro-management.

“This is effectively identical to the process undertaken before the last World Cup and the 2019 Ashes where the team performed strongly.

It’s part of our ongoing commitment to on- and off-field improvement and we expect it will have a similar benefit in the team’s preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup and home Ashes,” Cricket Australia’s national teams boss Ben Oliver explained to SMH.

There was another review meeting held which was headed by Tim Ford, the team’s leadership consultant, which was aimed to see players’ perspectives. Ford interviewed players virtually and took their valuable inputs on what changes they wanted going forward. The report will now be presented to Australia’s leadership group-Tim Paine, Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins.

Cricket Australia (CA) has now claimed that Ford’s review meeting was not as hard on Langer as the player review and the 50-year-old head coach will be appraised soon. Langer’s four-year contract comes to end in 2022 and the renewal of it will solely depend on the response from the former opening batter. (CricTracker)

Duke-McKenna returns; no place for Cox, Harriot and Daniel …Head Coach Maximo names surprise squad for remaining World Cup qualifiers

By Rawle Toney

Stephen Duke-McKenna, who plays with Queens Park Rangers, will make his return to the Golden Jaguars for the first time in almost two years.

THERE was no place for Captain Sam Cox, defender Kadell Daniel and forward Callum Harriott in Head Coach Marcio Maximo squad for the Golden Jaguars’ remaining two group-stage matches in the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

In all, there have been six changes to Guyana’s 23-man roster for their clash against St Kitts and Nevis (June 4) and Puerto Rico (June 8); both matches will take place in St Kitts and Nevis.

Harriott’s omission will raise some eyebrows, especially taking into consideration his season for Colchester United. Also, concerns, or rather questions will be asked about the non-selection of

Cox, who captained the team in their last engagements in the Dominican Republic.

However, the team will see a return of Duke-McKenna, Kevin Layne and Liam Gordon and handed first-time call-ups to three U-20 national players.

“My job is very clear; to qualify for the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” Coach Maximo said, according to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

“I am confident in the players and the squad to deliver this,” said Maximo, the former Brazil U17 and U20 national coach,” Maximo said.

“The domestic group has See page 27

English Premier League side defender, Bayli SpencerAdams, will make another appearance for the Golden Jaguars.

Swiss bank Julius Baer to pay $79.7 Fraser-Pryce plans to chase times million in FIFA corruption settlement as well as medals at Tokyo Olympics

Former Julius Baer banker Jorge Arzuaga

By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Swiss bank Julius Baer will pay $79.7 million

in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice after being implicated in a sprawling corruption probe surrounding FIFA,

the world’s soccer governing body.

Julius Baer’s three-year deferred prosecution agreement on Thursday resolves a money laundering conspiracy charge, and calls for the Zurich-based bank to pay a $43.3 million criminal fine and forfeit $36.4 million.

The Justice Department said the forfeiture represents bribes that marketing executives paid soccer officials in exchange for broadcasting rights to soccer matches including the World Cup, and which a former Julius Baer banker helped launder.

Julius Baer “turned a blind eye to glaring red flags of money laundering,” Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Lesko in Brooklyn, New York, said in a statement.

The agreement was accepted by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, See page 27

Two-time Olympic 100m champion and four-time World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

SHELLY-Ann Fraser-Pryce said her priority for this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan is running faster than 10.70 in the 100m but indicated that it would be nice to be on the podium with a medal and the time she is so

passionately in pursuit of.

During a media session earlier yesterday on the eve of her Diamond League 100m race in Doha today, the two-time Olympic 100m champion and four-time World Champion was asked what she hopes to get out

of the Olympic Games.

“Having been on the podium so many times, if I am honest, I am really looking forward to being on the podium, which is good for me, but I think this

See page 27

Windies among Akram’s four choices for T20 World Cup winners See page 31

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| Friday, May 28, 2021