Issuu

29th May, 2022

free Inside No.106737

0ver $500M invested in Region 10

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo shares a light moment with a resident of Region 10 during his outreach on Saturday (Office of the Vice-President photo

–– through provision of 1,000 part-time jobs, 200 small-business grants 03 PAGE

Proposed US$1M 02 timber operation to create over 100 jobs PAGE

Top Cop launches probe into 20 shooting at ‘Baderation’ concert PAGE

GPF ranks 13 charged to embrace Yoga PAGE

Proposed US$1M timber operation to create over 100 jobs

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

- investor, Royal Timbers Inc., says initial investment will be made over a five-year period By Navendra Seoraj A LARGE portion of land along the right bank of the Puruni River, Region Seven, could soon be the operation site for Royal Timbers Inc. (RTI), which intends to inject some US$1 million, over a five-year period, into timber harvesting and pro-

cessing. Based on a project outline seen by the Sunday Chronicle, the company will focus on producing basic materials for the construction and general infrastructure industries, which are on the rise locally, with increased public and private investments across various sectors.

“Specifically, the company seeks to be a supplier of primary and secondary timber products (logs, piles, poles and lumber products) to satisfy local and foreign customers and, at the same time, is committed to creating and maintaining a harvesting system that corresponds to the modern way in which sustainable timber

is harvested,” RTI said. The company intends to harvest logs from the concession area and will process a portion of those logs with portable sawmills. According to a further breakdown of the intended operating process, all timber produced at the operating site will be transported by trucks via the Kartabu-Puruni Road to

General map of Guyana, showing location of Royal Timbers Incorporated (RTI)’s potential operation site various base camps where they at Bartica or Georgetown. It is will be processed using portable hoped that this service will be exmills. tended to the wider community,” Timber harvesting will be RTI related, adding that it will guided by all applicable guide- adopt best-practice approaches in lines, codes of practices and leg- its operations. islations. It is estimated that RTI Those provisions and adwill harvest 22,249.46 m3 per year ditional infrastructure will supfrom 11 blocks. plement those that already exist To ascertain the feasibility of within the concession area that this operation, the company was was previously logged by Puruni granted a State Forest Explora- Woods (PWI). tory Permit (SFEP) for an area The infrastructure in place of 107,670.54 hectares of state such as trails and roads will also forests within the area. contribute to the reduction of the The SFEP allows the com- cost of production. pany, inter alia, to access the area COMPOSITE FOREST and to determine the feasibility PROJECT of conducting logging operations Regarding its specific prothere, subject to the interest of duction plan, RTI said it intends other stakeholders, including to establish a composite forest public agencies, other loggers, and project which would essentially nearby communities. involve logging and sawmilling As it is now, the company is operations as well as downstream awaiting an environmental permit processing. from the Environmental ProtecThe logging operation would tion Agency (EPA) and State For- include the building of secondest Authorisation from the Guyana ary roads, bridges, culvert reForestry Commission (GFC). habilitation and/or construction The concession area falls and felling, bucking and skidding within the mining District No. activities. The materials produced Four – Cuyuni Mining District, by the company will be sold on the Region Seven, where the Guyana local market and exported. Geology and Mines Commission Royal Timbers Inc. expects to (GGMC) has approved some generate 10,000 m3 of high-grade 1,207 mining units. lumber per annum and, so far, all “There are no Indigenous its research point to an annual communities within (the vicinity) incremental increase in the price of the concession area. However, obtained per cubic meter of highsurrounding communities include grade lumber. Puruni Landing, Kumong-KuThrough its operations, the mong among others. Timber will company intends to create apbe transferred to Iteballi, about proximately 100 direct and indi120 km east of the concession rect jobs. area. The Kartabo-Puruni Road Forests generate almost onerepresents the primary access third of the income of rural famiroute to the Kartabo Triangle and lies in developing countries, either the forest concessions there,” through monetary income or RTI said. through satisfying subsistence Additionally, the company needs. intends to construct and maintain In Guyana, output in the fora non-towered airstrip in the vicin- estry sector expanded by 11.3 per ity of its main camp to support its cent last year, reflecting higher logging operations. demand from construction ac“This airstrip will also allow tivities. directors to visit the main camp This favourable perforarea, allow for the rapid convey- mance was mainly on account ance of critical supplies, such as of a 27.3 per cent increase in logs spare parts to RTI’s operation cen- of other species along with a 27.0 tres and allow for rapid evacuation per cent increase in greenheart of ill persons to medical facilities logs.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

0ver $500M invested in Region 10

–– through provision of 1,000 part-time jobs, 200 small-business grants

By Tajeram Mohabir MORE than half-a-billion dollars has been invested in the economy of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) through the provision of 1,000 part-time jobs and 200 small-business grants to residents there. Through the part-time jobs, some $480 million will be invested in the region annually, and another $50 million through the small business grants, which seek to get persons into business, and those already in business to expand their operations. Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement during a second outreach to the region on Saturday to deliver on a promise he’d made to the residents of the region during an earlier outreach

8,000 to 10,000 such jobs to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the current war between Russia and the Ukraine. Vice-President Dr. Jagdeo, during separate outreaches in April, had also announced some 1,000 such jobs for residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 3,000 for those in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Both of these regions were severely affected by the decision of the former APNU+AFC government to close down sugar estates within their locale. Persons employed under the part-time job programme will be assigned work at hospitals, schools, libraries and other government offices and institutions. Only one person per family is being recruited, and that

economies in the world. Throughout the global financial crisis, we grew at an average of about five per cent. Our debt now is 16 per cent down from 900 per cent of the economy. The economy has grown, the debt has been reduced, and we are using six per cent of revenues now to service debt, down from 153 per cent,” he told the packed gathering on the lawns of the West Watooka Guest House. This turnaround, Dr. Jagdeo said, required a lot of hard work, but the government that he represents has been always committed to positively changing the lives of people, regardless of whether they voted for the PPP/C or not. Dr. Jagdeo, in his lively speech, also registered to the gathering his view of the negative politics in the

A resident raises their concern with Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his outreach to Region 10 on Saturday (Office of the Vice-President photo) in March of this year. The announcement of 1,000 jobs for Region 10 exceeds the 800 that were promised by the Vice-President during his visit in March. Last Tuesday, the Vice-President, during an outreach to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), also delivered on a promise to provide 200 small-business grants to the people there, and, like Region 10, he exceeded his promise to provide 800 part-time jobs to the people, increasing the number to 2,000. The 2,000 persons in Region Two signed off on contracts for their part-time employment last Tuesday, and another 1,000 did so in Linden on Sunday. The 3,000 persons employed thus far are part of a plan by the government to provide between

person will work 10 days per month, and receive $40,000 for their services. Addressing hundreds of Region 10 residents on the lawns of the West Watooka Guest House, in Linden, Vice-President Jagdeo said his government delivers on its promises, and is proud of its track record while in government, particularly the significant work it has done in Region 10. From inheriting a bankrupt country in 1992, he said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has transformed Guyana today to a country to be reckoned with. VIBRANT ECONOMY “Even without the oiland-gas sector, we became one of the most vibrant

region, pointing out that some politicians there are hell-bent on pushing an agenda that is inimical to the development of Guyana, by basing their arguments on rumours and hearsay. FERRET OUT He urged them to ‘ferret out’ the misinformation, as he detailed the PPP/C projects that have positively impacted the lives of Region 10’s residents. “When we got into office in the early 90s, that was before many of you were born, we had a situation where the bauxite industry was on the verge of closure. There was a company that the government at that time; the PNC government, had hired to close the industry,”

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo with this happy group of young people during his outreach to Region 10 on Saturday (Office of the Vice-President photo) Dr. Jagdeo said, adding: “We could not let that happen, and that is why we managed, throughout the period, to get an investor to come to this region, but we lost quite a few jobs, because the bauxite industry used to hire about 1500 people; it went down to 500. “We then decided; the new government, even with the burden to pay back the debts, we decided that we had to find a way to create employment in this region. “And so, when I was Minister of Finance, I led a team here that did an area study, and out of that, as I explained the last time I came here in West Watooka, the road in West Watooka was opened up to agricultural lands. “When I was Minister of Finance, we put in place the LEAF programme; that is the incubator just by the market. We put in place a small loan; a grant system. That is the LEN programme; we built the new hospital; we built Ameila’s Ward Housing Scheme, Block 22, a new water treatment plant, the infrastructure in this region. So, when we get accused of neglecting the region, I say to the other side, you show me what you have done.” The PPP/C, the Vice-President said, has a plan for the region, unlike the ‘Coalition’ leaders who had plans for themselves, and did meagre things for the people of Region 10. The government, he said,

is investing $400 million at Millie’s Hideout to develop a new housing scheme there, and will facilitate the building of 1,000 homes in that area. The Linden to Mabura Road, he said, is being upgraded, and the government is also looking to repair the road from Linden to Soesdyke. The Linden Hospital

will be upgraded, as well as power generation in the region, the Vice-President said. He also urged residents in the region to develop themselves professionally, through the GOAL scholarship programme, and help in the national effort of building a better Guyana.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Pres. Ali visits site for Guyana-Barbados food terminal

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, and his delegation were taken on a site visit of the proposed area in Lears, St Michael, where the Guyana-Barbados

Food Terminal will be constructed. The site visit was led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley.

May 29, 2022

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When completed, the food terminal would be able to store more than 40 containers of food and will also be equipped with a processing and packaging plant. It

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will also provide cold storage facilities for seafood, packaging and processing plants. The area will also have a large reservoir for water storage and land set aside for

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crop production. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Barba-

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dos Minister of Agriculture, Food & Nutritional Security, Indar Weir and other technical officers from both countries were also present.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Indian Heritage Expo ongoing at Texila American University

High commissioner of India, Dr KJ Srinivasa and others at the Indian Heritage Exposition AS part of the Heritage month celebrations, the Guyanese of Indian

Ancestry Association (GIAA) in association with the High Commis-

sion of India to Guyana has organised the ‘Indian Heritage Exposition’ from 27-31 May, 2022 at the Texila American University at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The event is depicting the important features

of the historical Indian presence in Guyana over the last 180 years and is open to the general public free of cost. High commissioner of India, Dr KJ Srinivasa, stated that this exposition gives the visitors a chance to be properly informed

about the Indian diaspora in Guyana, appreciate the country’s rich diverse culture and encourages them to embrace their history. The expo is about reconnecting with Indian culture with a goal of continuing the rebuilding

of the cultural identity of Indo-Guyanese. This year being the 75th year of Indian Independence (Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav), the High commission will be organising many other events in the near future.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Stronger Together

THE progression of time has shown us that the collective voice and effort of people is far greater than any individual action, especially in the pursuit of development and/or change. There is great evidence of this throughout the history of Guyana, starting with the Demerara Rebellion in 1823 which built momentum for the ultimate abolition of slavery in 1838, to the country’s attainment of independence which was pioneered by late Presidents Dr Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, and even further to the united stance by a section of the population against purported attempts by the APNU+AFC to rig the March 2, 2020, general and regional elections. Those few examples are testimony to the strength that is derived from the unification of people who have a common interest, belief, goal and vision. And while there is a national drive by the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to foster unity through its “One Guyana” initiative, which is the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali, the notion of oneness is one which is seemingly being embraced even by leaders at the regional level, with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states working closer to enhance

the work and strength of the bloc. CARICOM, being the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world, has made significant strides in the areas of economic integration, foreign policy coordination, human and social development, and security. But the COVID-19 pandemic and other scourges have exposed the individual weaknesses of each member of the bloc and has emphasised the need for there to be greater regional integration and a collective push to create a seamless single market and economy. CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration, Mr Joseph Cox, was reported by CARICOM Today in December 2021, as saying that the pandemic was not causing upheavals in health and social spheres alone, but was also having serious deleterious effects on economic life. He said it was causing a re-ordering of processes, changing operational ethos, and strategic pivoting at both the national and regional levels. Mr Cox also alluded to the peculiar challenges such as supply-chain disruptions, high freight charges and inflation, which was hampering progress within the region of small developing states. This situation not only exposed the

need for the region to pay close attention to existing trade barriers that restrict the enhancement of the regional supply chain, but also highlighted the importance of reducing the collective food-import bill which exceeds US$5 billion. Cognisant that those and other issues could only be addressed collectively, countries within CARICOM have already begun taking steps to enhance bilateral cooperation and, by extension, general cooperation at the level of the bloc. Specifically, to address the large food-import bill, the bloc has rolled out the 25 by ‘25’ initiative, which essentially aims to reduce the bill by 25 per cent by 2025. Guyana with its President as the Head of the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet with responsibility for Agriculture, Food Security and Agricultural Diversification, is expected to play a key role in tackling the food-import bill. The country, in keeping with its responsibility, partnered recently with the CARICOM Secretariat to host the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Marriott Hotel. There, President Ali stressed that the time is now for CARICOM to correct the imbalance between consumption and production in the region.

The President was reported by this publication as saying: “We cannot lose this momentum as the region cannot continue the importation of billions of dollars in products that we can produce right here. The time is now, the will is there. Together, we have no other choice but to create a win for CARICOM under these challenging food-security times.” Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, as an extension to this, said that an improved supply chain and the removal of trade barriers are pivotal to achieving this goal. Speaking at the launch of the forum, she said that there is need for an efficient supply chain that is safe and secure, and not necessarily one that is driven by imports. This, she believes, will make possible reduced costs of exporting among the CARICOM sister states. Other CARICOM leaders shared the views of President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley, but through all of this, it comes back to the need for collective effort and unity on matters that affect each member state. There is no doubt that once there is consensus and a united effort on matters of regional concern, issues that affect individual nations would become less challenging and more manageable.

GECOM must commence a period of claims and objections and not be dissuaded by attempts to further delay LGEs

Dear Editor,

THE recent Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) cycle of continuous registration exercise came to an end on May 29, 2022. The highly commendable efforts of the GECOM staff in this regard fulfil the legal requirements for updating the Register of Registrants and making it the most current basis for deriving an updated voters list. The preparatory position augurs well for the urgent holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs), but elicits reactions from certain quarters designed to slow down this significant achievement. Amidst the challenges of flood-prone

areas, the objectives of the continuous registration exercise were largely successful, as all the permanent offices across the country were in full operation, together with the mobile operations that contributed in a very effective way. To this end, various media reports confirm that over 65, 000 transactions in various categories were completed since the process began. Included are first-time applicants (Category A) between the ages 14 to 17, and in (Category B) 18 years and older, who sought replacements for identification cards and photograph retakes, applied for changes and corrections and requested transfers. GECOM has notably informed of several parallel due-diligence undertakings and clar-

ified activities concerning (i) the responsibility for the filling of the Registration Forms, (ii) signature of applicants for registration, residency verification, (iv) cross-matching of fingerprints, and (v) production and distribution of National Identification cards. Keen attention to the follow-up activities is likely the focus of the key political players and citizens at large, given the peremptory position and objections to the process from some opposition quarters. With the completion of the successful period of continuous registration, GECOM must now produce the updated Register of Registrants and commence a short period of Claims and Objections, so that all stakeholders could have a thorough look at the

list and ensure its readiness for the Local Government Elections. This process will produce a Voters List that will be valid for six months and as such, there must be LGEs as soon as possible. Therefore, it is extremely funny to see that GECOM is being pressed by Opposition Commissioners in a call for the use of biometrics in ascertaining voters’ identity on polling day. The hypocrisy in this convenient slowdown tactic is extremely glaring and flagrant. Not so long ago, the almost outright use of this intervention as a strengthening reconciliatory tool in the facilitation of see page 7

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Commendations for delivering on promises made to the people Dear Editor, AS the country observed independence from Britain on May 26, one has to give the PPP administration credit on performance. In spite of many challenges such as COVID-19; the rise in transportation costs; servicing a huge debt left by the preceding coalition government; closure of sugar estates; flooding, inflation, etc., the government has performed creditably, unlike its predecessor. The current government has spared no effort in serving the country to tackle the problems inherited and improve lifestyles over the last 22 months, much to the shame of the preceding regime. The coalition was given an opportunity to show its mettle, but it disappointed, according to people interviewed for an ongoing poll being conducted by this writer. The coalition over taxed the population and selectively served communities or individuals on account of political and racial affiliation, turning away many supporters. The PPP has serviced all

irrespective of party affiliation or race. The government has worked for the upliftment of all, rather than a selected group and indeed most people interviewed for the poll say their lives have improved, although they complain about rising food costs. Since returning to office, the PPP has made efforts to implement aspects of its manifesto – the contract with the population. The population looks forward for implementation of the rest of the manifesto contract. The government served the country’s poor through various pro-poor schemes (various Covid and health grants and increases in pension and NIS, as well as school grants, agriculture grants, fertilizer grant, etc.). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government gave out countless hampers to the poor and made vaccines available to everyone (including booster shot). In conversations with people from Crabwood Creek to Charity last week for an opinion poll I am conducting on approval ratings and performance, people say they

are better now than under the preceding administration. However, they did say that things could be better. They complain about a number of things (to be reported later) including low salaries, inflation, and aspects of mis-governance. They commended the performance, zeal, and honesty of some ministers and other officials, while being critical of others. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister and some others came in for high praise with very strong approval ratings. In contrast, the Opposition Leader Mr Aubrey Norton has not won over the imagination of the population, although he received kudos for agreeing to meet with the President as required by the constitution and for his position on Indian Arrival Day (instead of mere Arrival Day). Respondents did complain that some officials serve their self-interest without bothering about the problems or welfare of the poor and marginalised sections of society. They feel those (names were given) who abused their

office should be replaced. The Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, remains the most popular political personality in the country. Jagdeo was accorded a grand welcome during the agri conference and at Uitvlugt and Anna Regina. He was mobbed for pictures at the Agri conference. His presentations at the Agri conference, Uitvlugt, and Anna Regina were well received. He captured the attention of the audience and listeners elsewhere. He is a dynamic speaker; everyone cheered his speeches. He uttered remarks people wanted to hear. In travelling around the country in sugar-producing areas, particularly in Uitvlugt, Skeldon, Enmore, Albion, etc., it is noted that sugar has never faced the debacle it is in today. Sugar workers put their full confidence in Jagdeo that he would take interventionist measures to put in place competent management, as he promised six months ago, to rescue and transform Guysuco to boost productivity. Workers in Uitvlugt repose faith in the VP that he will

GECOM must commence a period ... from page 6

automated processing and delivery of results. The learned chairperson and commissioners ought to be aware that the use of such systems must first have the necessary supporting legal framework in place before its implementation. One will recall that in 2018, the UN had organised funding and well-planned meetings for the discussion with GECOM and other Stakeholders, implementation of much talk about the use of ‘Biometrics’. However, it was the PNC/ APNU/AFC unilaterally appointed Chairman James Patterson and his colleagues at GECOM who refused to attend the UN meetings and they frustrated all efforts to move on with the bio-

metric plan. The UN team had visited Guyana and met with various stakeholders to gain information for their needs assessment task and to respond to requests by GECOM to furnish information technology experts. At the Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Patterson had mystified the commission’s statutory meeting when he stated that he had cancelled ‘indefinitely’ a meeting scheduled for 5:00 p.m. that day to review with the United Nations (UN) Mission the report and proposal of the United Nations Risk Assessment Team in respect of upcoming Local Government and National Elections in Guyana. The view of some commissioners was that the chairperson had received copies of

the UN report and proposal, at least one week before, when the question of a meeting was first discussed but had released the report to the commissioners only on the evening of August 6, 2018, creating (deliberately?) issues with adequate time to review and consider the report. We should be aware of all the PNC/APNU tactics to avoid contesting LGEs. The biometric plan must be put aside and all systems must be put in place to hold the overdue elections. The biometric suggestion at this time, calls for serious security-control discussions and the enactment of laws to implement before implementation. Further, this will be very time-consuming and

will cost huge financial expenditure related to the preparation and training of staff, particularly the recruiting of the quality of staff that will be required and the preparation and purchasing of the necessary equipment are too much at this time. Recent history is replete with the characteristic PNC stagnating delays, and the unforgiving five months of the brutal disposition of the thieves and liars are good enough lessons for all Guyanese to appreciate that we have to stop them. We, as a nation, must unite and demand Free and Fair Elections. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

have the factory up and running again. The VP’s political onslaught of the preceding government at Anna Regina was also well received. The audience agreed that the coalition governed in a detrimental manner to the interests of the working class and poor and to the development of the nation. The residents of Essequibo also repose faith in him in the promised grant to start small businesses and assistance (fertilizer, in particular and marketing) to increase farm productivity. Rice farmers complained that rice millers are cheating them and urged the VP to address it.

President Ali was also accorded a very enthusiastic reception at the agri conference and in Essequibo during the first flag-hoisting event in that county – a commendable policy of taking governance to the people, not previously undertaken. The PM, Mark Phillips, was also given a hearty welcome at the agri event and in Essequibo. The affection showed to the President, VP, and the PM and some ministers in their various visits around the country would propel the government to deliver on the rest of the manifesto. Sincerely, Dr Vishnu Bisram

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

The policy of exchanging return passages for land saw Indians ‘footing’ the bill

LAST week, I addressed how the colonial state shifted the financial responsibility of sending Indians back to their homeland from them to the labourers, resulting in the latter contributing about US$213,000 to their return home. This was a violation of their signed contract, and an unnecessary financial burden on Indians, money that they could have used for personal, family, and communal development. Instead, the colonial state

became the beneficiary of a flawed contractual system brought about by their own induced design. Paradoxically, when Indians violated their contracts, which they did, they were fined and jailed, but when the planters violated their contractual agreements with the indentures, they were awarded special privileges. Welcome to a world of a common double standard in a conflict-habituated plantation environment. I will address, here, the

Politics & Society Forum By Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

policy of exchanging the right to a return passage for a small parcel of land in terms of financial val-

ue. By the early 1870s, it had dawned on the planter class that Indian indentured labour was the answer to the labour shortage following African emancipation. The once cyclical contract system of five years between India and British Guiana (BG) began to experience gradual change, based not on humanitarian sentiments but on the maximisation of profits for the planter class. Indians were given a bounty of US$50.00 to re-indenture for another five years, which was difficult to resist because it was worth about one year’s earnings. The bounty inducement was not only successful, but it provided the basis on which the planters worked out a plan for the exchange of return passage for a small parcel of land. Allow me to pull from what I wrote, with some modification, in the Guyana Times some four years ago. Up to 1882, 49 residential lots and 69 cultivation lots were granted to Indians in British Guiana. Between 1897 and 1903, the period when more details are available, 2,711 Indians received allotments: 1,206 on Helena, 574 on Whim, 755 on Bush Lot, and 176 on Maria’s Pleasure settlements. The allotments were about five to 10 acres, which means that between 1882 and 1903, about 28,229 acres of land were given to Indians. In the process of receiving land, Indians gave up an estimated US$135,550 of their return passage, which means

they were inadvertently paying for the land they received. Moreover, out of an Indian population of 90,000 during the period in which land was granted, only 2,711 of them received land, which is less than one per cent. Now, let us do some calculations in terms of what Indians gave up for settling in BG following the end of indenture in 1920. In 1924, the total population in British Guiana was around 300,000, and the Indian population was 124,967. Of this population, about 68,351 were living off the estates, which meant that they had bought land on their own terms, or they had exchanged their return passages for a piece of land to settle before 1903. About 56, 616 Indians out of the total population of 124,967, however, were still residing on the estates. 17,331 were children. We can say that these individuals did not own any land. We know that these adults were either brought from India or born in BG before the land policy was abolished in 1903. What percentage out of the 40,000 (subtracting the children) in 1924 were waiting to use their return passage is not precisely known. More research is needed. Of the 40,000, however, I would say about 50 per cent of them were waiting to return, while another 50 per cent were born in BG, therefore making the latter ineligible for a return passage. So, let us work with

20,000 waiting to use up their return passage, since some of these figures can be confirmed by examining the number of Indians who returned to their homeland every year after 1920. The figures on the return ships from BG to India show about two-thirds of the returnees were men, while women and children constituted about a third of them. This means roughly 15,000 men and 5,000 women were waiting to use their return passage in 1924. To recall, men and women contributed differently to their passage; men one half (US$24) and women one third (US$16) out of the cost of US$48.00 per person to return from BG to India. Let us do the math. 15,000 X 24 = US$360,000 for men, while 5,000 x 16 = US$80,000 for women, making a total of US$440,000. This is the amount of money Indians would have spent if they were to return to India in 1924, but only about 300 went back each year until 1955, given that they were still living. I am working on how many Indians went back from 1920 to 1955, using the above reasoning to determine how much they contributed financially to their return passage. The above figures speak to the violation of the indentured contracts, and the shifting of the financial burden from the colonial state to indentured Indians. To be continued (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Legacy and independence 9

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali has cemented his place as a politician who keeps delivering on the expectations of the populace as well as laying the necessary foundation for Guyana to fully realize its developmental and growth aspirations, even as Guyana is celebrating its 56th year of independence. Fifty-six years ago, Guyanese men and women stood proudly as the golden arrowhead was hoisted for the first time at the National Park. It was a momentous occasion because Guyana was finally socially, politically, economically, and psychologically independent after a staggering 163 years of foreign British colonial rule. It led to a famous embrace between the late former Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and the late Opposition Leader, Cheddi Jagan. This hug had significant value because it spoke to the dream of one Guyana becoming a reality regardless of the constant political drama, racism, division, and the disunity which pops up here and there. Since then, Guyana underwent a metamorphosis throughout the years, from 1968 until 1992, when the first elections brought the PPP back to the helm of government with the politics of the Jagans taking centre stage. From 1999, former President Bharrat Jagdeo led this country from poverty to riches as Guyana suddenly began to develop and grow. He was credited as a champion of the earth for his staunchly bold environment and LCDs policies and sweeping constitutional reforms, not to mention his many domestic propoor interventions. By the time the

Donald Ramotar-administration was elected, Guyana continued much of the same policies the People’s Progressive Party had been known for under the former Jagdeo government but not with the same drive or energy. Not because of Ramotar’s doing or the party but because the people were growing tired of what they saw as instances of corruption, a failing parliamentary agenda and robust opposition. The population in Guyana felt neglected, and the opposition political party used this haplessness to wreak havoc, chaos, and confusion, forcing the PPP Government to resign and call national elections. Fast track to the victory of the Opposition party at the polls in 2015, the subsequent election of President David Granger, and the APNU+AFC cabinet. Now, the country and people had the change they wanted, but his administration proved to handle the population with a bigstick approach. Regrettably, the cabinet did not handle the people with care but with a repressive hand by taxing the country’s poor and stifling the middle class. It was evident that power had reached to head and was being misused as scandal after scandal broke out. Secret deals and sweetheart negotiations formed the order of the day as President Granger was sailing passively and locked behind the gates of State House. Finally, the straw that broke the camel’s back proved to be the attempted 2020 electoral fraud perpetrated by the professional riggers and politicians that are now before the courts. After all the back

Crossfire By michael younge

and forth, Ali took office. He quickly proved that his zeal and incorruptible nature would see the dream of one Guyana fast tracked. He quickly confronted the challenges of COVID-19 while rolling back more than 200 repressive taxes and changing the legislative agenda to make Guyana great again. President Ali has been bolder in his Administration’s fight to scale back corruption and make sure there is a higher level of accountability and transparency in the government. Though it continues to be a work-inprogress, he is the first President since Jagdeo held office to be so down to earth and people-oriented. He cares for people and shares the relief to targeted groups of people, namely the farmers, children, elderly and citizens who needed the PPP Government’s assistance, flood relief, and cash grant loans to make life much easier. Ali, only 42 years, has rolled out more strong fiscal policies and pro-poor policies than the two last presidents combined in his first two years in office. He is focused on the oil, gas, and petroleum sectors while looking at the traditional sectors such as agriculture, sugar, bauxite, housing, and construction. As Guyana’s future looks bright with President Ali at the helm, Independence

Day was the opportune time to plug the One Guyana mantra. Calling for unity and peace, he announced another major policy shift, and measures that will certainly be welcomed by all right-thinking Guy-

anese. Guyana is now going through its period of oasis. And in the words of American politician, Christine Gregoire, it is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us

and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and future generations. Ali is creating a strong legacy and record that future generations would be proud of down the line.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Guyana’s agricultural sector benefits from energy

LAST week, the inaugural CARICOM Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, organised by the Government of Guyana and the CARICOM Secretariat drew heads of state from across the region to Georgetown. The conference was geared towards encouraging investments into regional agriculture as a solution to reduce the regional food-import bill of around US$6 billion by 25 percent by the year 2025, while boosting food systems and championing food security across CARICOM. With Guyana’s new oil revenues steadily increasing, there is a heightened focus on agriculture as an investment that can help diversify the economy, reduce costs for households and create new spin-off industries from oil and gas. For Guyana, the agricultural sector is a significant export earner that, in 2020, accounted for about 16 percent of GDP. According to the 2022 national budget, the

non-oil economy is projected to grow by almost eight percent, and the government’s focus on agricultural investments could make that a reality. The sub-sectors of sugar and rice growing alone are projected to grow by almost 12 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Achieving regional food security has long been a goal championed by successive leaders of Guyana. Guyana is well placed to be the regional breadbasket with abundant arable land and favourable climatic conditions. The government is proactively trying to steer investments into the agricultural sector, helping small farmers develop advanced skills to produce and market their products and diversify the economy as oil revenues increase. As Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said, “I’ve seen President Ali go down on the ground, talking to the smallest farmers. You have to be that engaged if you want this to matter. You have

to really understand what it takes and only then can you respond to the problems of people.” Guyana’s growing oiland-gas sector is also tightly linked with agriculture. Nitrogen fertilisers are the most used fertilisers in the world and account for roughly 45 percent of the world’s food production. Natural gas is used to produce two nitrogen-based fertilisers— ammonia and urea, and hundreds of other products such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning products and more. The benefits derived from using oil and gas in agricultural production are numerous and are ultimately vital to food security. For example, in Sri Lanka, that country’s government banned the use and importation of synthetic fertilisers in a push to transition to organic farming. The effects were catastrophic and led to wide-ranging food security and economic issues, prompting a 20 percent collapse in domestic

rice production and ruining the nation’s tea crop, which had served as the primary export and source of foreign exchange. In Guyana, oil and gas could help finance new investments in agriculture and provide the opportunity to produce critical components such fertilisers, locally. The gas-to-power project will bring natural gas from the Stabroek Block onshore to be processed and used in various ways. Through the partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana on this project, the government aims to reduce electricity costs by as much as 50 percent and use any

additional gas to supply Guyana’s domestic needs for the long term. The industrial hub planned for the Wales Estate could eventually take advantage of excess gas to produce nitrogen fertilisers for domestic use and export into new markets. Cheaper electricity could also help Guyana climb the value chain of agriculture, moving into more profitable areas such as food processing that depend on reliable and inexpensive electricity to be economical. The government’s push to diversify the economy with capital from the energy sector will positively impact

the agriculture industry. Last week’s agriculture conference placed agri-business and food-security issues at the top of the national and regional agendas. This is in keeping with the broader push to build a resilient Guyana and a resilient CARICOM. At a seminar last month on Guyana’s future development trajectory, President Irfaan Ali said clearly, “Our development is about creating a broad platform for the future; a platform in which we are going to strengthen traditional sectors, make them more competitive… we’re going to go after new sectors.”

CANU discovers $17M in cocaine at city wharf

RANKS of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), on Saturday, discovered 21 parcels of cocaine inside a container at the Demerara Shipping Limited, Lombard Street, Georgetown wharf. A press release from CANU noted that the illegal substance weighed 24.63kg (54 lbs) and has a street value of approximately GY$17

million. “However, the fact that it was discovered on the wharf, indicates that it was intended for transshipment to another overseas territory which would have increased its street value,” the release from CANU noted. “It must be mentioned that staff from CANU and other agencies recently participated in several maritime

training courses which included container cargo operations and vessel searches. “These courses were facilitated by the UNODC and United States government and were aimed at strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement units operating at port facilities throughout the country,” CANU concluded.

Some of the cocaine seized by CANU

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Gov’t to provide aid to flooded Region Seven

TWO communities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) have reported that there is significant flooding. Devil’s Hold, a village along the Cuyuni River, and Eteringbang, a village along the border with Venezuela, have both indicated that water levels are rising due to rains, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) reported on Saturday. According to the CDC press release, it has received updates that the water at Devil’s Hold is relatively high, even though rains have stopped in the area at the moment. At Eteringbang, the water level is approximately 12 inches, but rain continues in that location. “The CDC will work

Flooding at Devil’s Hold in Region Seven (CDC photo) closely with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) representatives to monitor and assess the situation closely,” the release noted. Meanwhile, Head of the National Taskforce on Flood Monitoring, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, has committed to supplying aid to any

impacted region. The rains have since caused flooding in Regions Two, Five, Nine, 10 and now Seven. Additionally, the hydrometeorological service forecasts minimal rainfall over the next few days, but precipitation will increase exponentially by Wednesday. The ‘Above Normal

High Tide Advisory’ is also in effect and will continue until June 2, 2022. Regions 2, 5, 9 and 10 remain impacted, but water levels along the coastland have receded significantly. Region 10 has also seen water levels drop by three feet. According to the CDC, Region Nine is still inundated in some parts, especially in the town of Lethem and neighbouring farmlands. The CDC continues to urge all residents to remain vigilant and cautious during this rainy season, and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

Flooding situation in Kwakwani, Region 10 (CDC photos)

Indian High Commissioner donates musical instrument to mandirs

INDIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa, says India cherishes the long relationship with Guyana and is doing everything possible to promote the “rich tradition” that both countries share. He was at the time speaking at a handing over ceremony of a tabla to the members of the Richmond Mandir in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Dr Srinivasa said that since he arrived in Guyana two years ago, he has met with the Indian diaspora here to find out exactly what they

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, handing over the tabla musical instruments to the members of Richmond Temple, Region Two.

need to maintain the rich tradition. And according to him, most Mandirs across the country requested musical instruments to aid in the preservation of their culture. He then reached out to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and together, the instruments were donated. “So far we have donated musical instruments across Guyana to 53 Mandirs, so what we are trying to do, we are donating these musical instruments where they could be an integral part of the service and secondly, we are trying to donate the religious books

which are required for the Pandits,” the Indian diplomat said. He said efforts are being made to translate the religious text to English. “Children are our future, I feel happy to see children participating, we are trying to re-introduce the arts in the form of dances and yoga, we want our teachers to come and teach,” Dr Srinivasa contended. Dr. Srinivasa said he will be donating more musical instruments across Guyana in addition to introducing dance and musical classes.

Businessmen in Lethem assist flood-affected residents

BUSINESSMEN in Lethem, Region Nine have donated more than $3.5 million in food and household items, to flood-affected residents of the Upper-Takutu/Upper-Essequibo region. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who is currently conducting flood assessment in the region, received the items on Friday night, labelling it a timely donation. “This is certainly magnanimous, and we think it’s timely because so far the region has been making most of the intervention especially at the dormitory, and they have had to cook meals three times

a day, sending meals, so it’s very much welcomed.” Minister Croal said the businesses are fulfilling their corporate social responsibility. “You have businesses here, you are earning from here, your support came from right here and so with you giving back it will mean a lot for the people of Region Nine,” Minister Croal told the businessmen. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the 13 businessmen noted that when they observed the situation, they came together and decided that they will help by pooling money, and buying the ra-

tion to donate. The donation includes a quantity of eggs, farine, cooking oil and household essentials. Other businesses in Lethem have stepped up, and assisted by donating meals to the more than 130 persons, who were relocated to shelters as a result of the recent floods. The water has since receded, and many persons are preparing to return to their homes. The Regional Task Force on Friday also donated a quantity of cleaning products to these persons, as they return to clean their residences. Minister Croal visited several villages in South Rupununi on Saturday. (DPI)

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal examines the supplies

Discover Guyana

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Experiencing Berbice through Blackwater Adventures

THE county of Berbice is serene. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Ancient County’ due to its Dutch colonial heritage, Berbice is ripe with tourism attractions. Several small communities within three towns - New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton - conjure up images of Dutch heritage and rich agriculture and historic industrial estates that speak to our diverse history as a nation. Berbice has recently been launched into an even bigger spotlight within the tourism sphere through Blackwater Adventures, the only licensed tour operator within the region. Owned and operated by Naturalised Guyanese Citizens Dillon and Stephanie Ross, Blackwater Adventures delivers adventure in its truest form. There are a number of exciting experiences to be had in the region through this tour operator.

your experience even more convenient, the team has a wide range of high-quality fishing gear/tackle available for rental at a small cost. Fish species that are known to be endangered are not caught during this experience. Fort Nassau One-Day Tour The Fort Nassau Tour, currently a full day activity allows persons to experience the remnants of the Fort (western and eastern grave plots, the semi-circular brick stairs of the Court of Policy Hall, the stairs of the Armoury, the ruins of the bridge, the Lutheran Church and soldier’s barracks), as well as provide an opportunity for wildlife spotting.

So, let’s take a look at a few of them which are focused more on the Canje Riverine areas. Canje Creek Sunset Tour This experience will begin with an evening introductory tour to the Canje Creek, where you can learn a brief history of the area. After which, you will be guided through a thorough tour of the Canje Creek. Here you will be able to sip on your favourite local beverage while spotting wildlife. On any given day you could see a variety of animals, such as various species of monkeys, the giant river otters, anteaters, and sloths and you are all but guaranteed to see the national bird of Guyana - the Hoatzin (Canje Pheasant). While absolutely stunning, the scenery will do more for you than just bless your eyes. It will allow you to detach from the busyness of everyday life and just enjoy all that nature has to offer. This is one of the main facets of Guyana’s tourism product, and Blackwater Adventures will ensure that you experience it all. Fishing Excursion Blackwater Adventures primarily offers fishing expeditions within the Canje Creek and Berbice River. So, whether you’re a professional fisher, a simple enthusiast or just looking to have a nice time with your friends and family, then you’re in the right place. And of course, to make

Persons who wish to extend their experience can opt for an overnight stay in New Amsterdam or at the newly commissioned Doe Park Eco Lodge, in East Canje, Berbice. This will be the perfect tour for persons who are looking to experience both history and nature. The “talking tree” found in the Berbice River on the Fort Nassau trail is one of the most interesting sights along the trip. Folklore has it that this tree was used by rebels to send messages to each other during the 1763 rebellion. They would do this by hitting the tree with varying degrees of force on different parts to create unique sounds which formed their messages. Wouldn’t it be great if this tree could tell us its rich history now? Caiman Spotting Experience And last, but certainly not least, their caiman spotting experience is a fan-favourite. As the sun winds down after a long day, it’s time to bring out the torches! Your expert guides will take you up and down the river in hopes of spotting one of these amazing creatures. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, they will carefully bring it onboard your boat for a closer look. After which, they will release it back into the wild. However, if you prefer to observe it from a distance, that can be arranged as well. This experience is available as an add on to other tours.

If you wish to book this tour by itself, then your request will be accommodated. Booking with Blackwater Adventures Travellers will be able to choose the date of their adventure and will be happy to know that they have no minimum number of guests per trip, but the minimum price will always be equal to four guests. Let them know what tour package you would like, how many guests and what date you’d like to book. You will be able to talk to them about customised tour packages, payment methods and what you can expect during one of their tours. They, of course, are able to provide flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy families looking to get away for a while or travelling groups. More importantly, for all you pet lovers out there, Blackwater Adventures is pet friendly! If you follow their social media channels, you probably know their dog, Shakira who often accompanies Dillon and Stephanie on trips. So why not bring a friend for her? Give them a call or message via WhatsApp at +592-6109774. Or visit their website www.blackwater-adventures.com or Facebook and Instagram pages at Blackwater Adventures for more information on how you can begin planning your Berbice experience! Travel Better in Guyana In Guyana, we recognise we have a responsibility to protect and conserve our spectacular natural and cultural treasures. We’re equally blessed that so many of our visitors want to lend a hand in doing so. We look forward to welcoming you to Berbice.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

GPF ranks charged to embrace Yoga Story and photos by Elvin Croker

Law enforcement officers must be in a good mental and physical state to function effectively and those who practice yoga are able to demonstrate calmness of mind in the most challenging situations. This was the advice given by Yoga instructor, Agnela Patil, to more than 80 ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who joined members of the High Commission of India in a brief yoga session at the Police officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary, on Saturday. The event, which aims to

High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa addressing the gathering

Yoga instructor, Agnela Patil addressing the gathering

Head of Special Branch Errol Watts (left), High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, pose for a photo after the session

Participants taking part in the session

All participants gathered for a group photo after the end of the session

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus addressing the gathering educate ranks on the benefits of yoga, is a curtain raiser in the run up to the eighth International Day of Yoga (IDY2022) celebrations. Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K J Srinivasa, in a brief address, highlighted many other positive benefits yoga has in ensuring the job of a law enforcement officer functions smoothly. He reminded the ranks that as frontline workers, it is important to have a good mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, benefits which yoga provides. “Yoga helps immensely in controlling mental stress and tension as well as to keep you healthy and fit. Thus, India’s gift of yoga to humankind all over the globe has truly been a life saver,” Dr Srinivasa said. Also giving remarks was Deputy Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, who thanked the High Commission for allowing the force to participate in the activity. “Yoga is all built towards easing multiple stresses, something we can appreciate as members of law enforcement officers since the highest level of stress can be experienced by police officers,” the senior cop said.

The session, which lasted for just about an hour, was piloted under the guidance of yoga Instructor Patil. In her prelude statement, Patil said yoga is a system of holistic living, having its roots in Indian tradition and culture. It transcends barrier of race, religion and culture and has become a global movement. She further explained that yoga is essentially a mental and physical discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science for healthy living. “Yoga is an integral part of an ancient practice that was founded in India more than 5,000 years ago. A combination of stretches and relaxation of the mind help one to achieve both men-

tal and physical health. It is also seen as a universally acclaimed tool to tackle these challenges, Patil said. A similar exercise will be held with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on June 8, followed by the main event on June 19 at the Everest Cricket Ground in Georgetown. The Indian High Commission has also planned a special yoga event at the Indian Arrival Monument in Palmyra, Berbice for June 21. In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution sponsored by 177 member nations unanimously proclaiming June 21, the longest day in the northern-hemisphere, as International Day of Yoga.

Participants taking part in the session

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Gender equality key to transformation of agri-food systems (FAO) OVERCOMING gender inequality can play a key role in freeing the world from hunger and malnutrition, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, said today

tributors to agricultural and rural development,” said Qu in his address to the inaugural High-Level Dialogue, which was brought together by the Food Coalition and was titled, “the impact of global crises on food security: women as key agents in transforming

ed.

There is evidence that the underlying drivers of the increase in hunger witnessed over recent years – conflict, climate shocks and economic downturns – have hit women harder than men. The food security

no one behind. To reach this objective we need the full participation of women in developing and implementing solutions.” FAO’s programmes continue to prioritise rural women’s engagement and leadership, and the

In light of the global food security crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, the Food Coalition seeks to act as a global voluntary alliance open to all stakeholders who wish to act and accelerate the pace of change towards the transformation of agrifood systems. The Food Coalition is structured on five complementary pillars, including: Pillar one, response to and recov-

of hunger in food crisis hotspot countries.” This was in a reference to a report launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC). The report showed that the number of people requiring urgent life-saving food assistance and livelihood support continues to grow at an alarming rate. Approximately 193 million people in 53 countries or territories

From left: Yael Rubinstein, Ambassador-Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nation Agencies; Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Laureate; Elena Diego, Chairperson, Spanish Parliamentary Alliance for the right to food; Ambassador Vincenza Lo Monaco, Italian Permanent Representative to FAO; Marina Sereni, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy; FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu; Samia Nkrumah, President of the Kwame Nkrumah Pan-African Centre, Ghana and Karima Moual, moderator (FAO photo) amid evidence that the food security gap between men and women has widened. “Women are key actors across agri-food systems, and key con-

agri-food systems.” “But if we want to build agri-food systems that benefit all people, leaving no one behind, we must overcome gender inequality,” Qu add-

gender gap grew even larger during the year in which the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, with the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity 10 per cent higher among women than men in 2020, compared to six per cent in 2019. The Director-General also noted that women comprise nearly half of the rural workforce in low-income countries. “Yet, everywhere, rural women face gender-based constraints that limit their potential,” Qu related. He added: “We must act now to transform our agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all, leaving

organisation is committed to achieving “equality between women and men in sustainable agriculture and rural development for the elimination of hunger and poverty,” as set out by its Policy on Gender Equality. THE FOOD COALITION The Food Coalition, launched officially in November 2020, was created to facilitate unified global action in response to COVID-19. Importantly, the role of the Food Coalition was also acknowledged in June 2021 by both the Matera Declaration and the G20 Rome Leaders’ Declaration.

ery from global crises; Pillar two, advocacy for solutions; Pillar three, support and follow-up to G20 Matera Declaration; Pillar four, longer-term solutions developed to transform agri-food systems; and Pillar five (cross-cutting), knowledge sharing and transfer of experts/expertise. The High-Level Dialogue, organised under the Advocacy for Solutions Pillar of the Food Coalition, also sought to discuss how conflicts, in particular the war in Ukraine, lead to increasing levels of food insecurity. In his opening remarks, the FAO Director-General reiterated: “Conflict remains the single greatest driver

experienced acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels in 2021. This is an increase of nearly 40 million people when compared to the numbers reported in 2020, which already represented a record high. The Food Coalition’s event was attended by, among others, Nobel Peace Laureate, Jody Williams; Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Marina Sereni; Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion and Family, Aouatif Hayar; President of Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Centre, Samia Nkrumah and Chair of the Spanish Parliamentary Alliance for the Right to Food, Elena Diego.

sunday CHRONICLE may 29, 2022

Unvaccinated woman dies from COVID-19 –– 44 new cases recorded

A 66-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica) died on May 27 from COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll since March 2020 to 1,233. Additionally, another 44 people were infected with the novel coronavirus,

taking the total number of cases recorded since March 2020 to 64,565. Those positive cases were recorded from 780 tests. The new cases were recorded in the following regions: Region Two (eight cases); Region Three (six cases); Region Four (28 cases) and Region 10 (two

cases). Meanwhile, there are now two patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 21 patients in

institutional isolation and 576 patients are in home isolation. To date, 62, 6733 people have recovered.

Empoweri

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday officially laun assistance for small businesses in Region 10 at the Watooka

ing Linden SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

nched the government’s part-time jobs initiative and cash grant Guest House in Linden. Below are some photos from the event.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

‘Only Coconuts’ diversifying value-added products

At left, Vice President of Precision Global Inc. (Only Coconuts), Lesley Ramlall, interacts with British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, on the benefits of the company’s products on display at the recent Agriculture Investment Forum and Expo (Rabindra Rooplall photo) By Rabindra Rooplall (Finance) Lesley Ramlall safety systems under fully disclosed that the business hygienic conditions folIN producing healthy was launched in August lowing strict sanitation quality coconut-based 2021. methods, guided by the products at affordable “We launched our ini- seven principles of HACCP prices in attractive and tial product line of value- (Hazard Analysis and Criticonvenient packages, Pre- added coconut products, cal Control Points). These cision Global Incorpo- and our annual production guidelines serve to ensure rated, with its subsidiary capacity is over three mil- quality and food safety.” “Only Coconuts,” has lion coconuts,” Ramlall In giving a historical targetted the market with told this newspaper during perspective of the business, coconut chips, refined the Agriculture Investment Ramlall related that the coconut oil, desiccated co- Forum and Expo hosted at idea of establishing a coconut, coconut flour, and the Arthur Chung Confer- conut processing facility in virgin coconut oil. ence Centre from May 19 Guyana was the brainchild During a recent in- to 21, 2022. of the President and Chief terview with the Sunday The Vice President, Executive Officer, Vishnu Chronicle, Vice President who was once the General Ramdeen, a Guyanese reManager of the company, siding in Canada. said Precision Global Inc. “He desires to ensure (Precision) is a division that his family eats only of the Precision Group of healthy foods and more so Companies which has di- for him as he travels across versified to ‘agri’ process- North America conducting ing of coconut products business. Additionally, over under the trade name “Only the years, he realised that Coconuts.” most of the coconut prodPrecision is registered ucts imported into Canada in Guyana and is located were from countries outon a 30-acre plot of land side the Caribbean, despite at Marudi Creek on the the Caribbean and Guyana Soesdyke/Linden Highway. with an abundance of coHe explained that the conuts. company creates employ“As such, Precision ment for approximately Global Inc.’s (Only Co200 persons from these c o n u t s ) j o u r n e y c o mcommunities to empower menced in 2013, and, after women and youths. several years and with a “We believe that citi- total investment of over zens, who can earn a decent US$8,000,000, we introwage, are empowered to duced our valued-added develop themselves and coconut products in August their families, which will 2021. Our entry into the spill over to their com- market created a pretty munities and, eventually, positive buzz as customers the larger environment,” welcomed our offerings,” he added. Ramlall noted. Ramlall explained that Coconuts for the facPrecision’s state-of-the-art tory’s operations are seautomatic coconut process- cured from plantations on ing facility is the only one the Essequibo Coast, along of its kind in Guyana and the Pomeroon River, and in the Caribbean. parts of Berbice. “Coconut Processing Keen to secure highcontinues and will be done quality coconuts for its through preventive food TURN TO PAGE 19

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

US-based Guyanese author donates children’s book to National Library

Deputy Chief Librarian, Nadine Moore (third from left) and Ron D’Avilar (second left) flanked by relatives and supporters of the author Whitney Persaud (Rabindra Rooplall photo) A COMPILATION of children’s books under the title “Curious Kyrie and the Mouse in the House” was donated by overseas-based Guyanese author Whitney Persaud to the National Library, aimed at encouraging and promoting reading. At a simple ceremony Saturday, at the National Library’s conference room, Deputy Chief Librarian Nadine Moore, who received the copies, said the library was pleased to welcome the books that will add to the children’s collection. She noted that books on children’s stories are an essential aspect of the National Library and will enhance

available options. Meanwhile, representing Ms. Persaud, who is in the United States, was Ron D’Avilar, who said he and Whitney grew up in adjacent communities, attended the same primary school, and worked together in the media. “I was not surprised when she became an author because she was always into writing and journalism, but I was surprised when she was writing a children’s book, and one of the reasons she told me she decided to write the book is because she wanted to encourage reading in young children at a very early age because the habit of reading will be with them for the

rest of their lives,” he told the Sunday Chronicle. D’Avilar explained that the habit of reading is essential and cited statistics from the World Bank that school attendance rate dropped significantly during COVID-19. Meanwhile, Whitney, also known as ‘Fran’, shared that the book’s lead character, Kyrie, is named after her five-year-old nephew. Other characters in the book, Kaiden and Kaylee, are named after Kyrie’s younger siblings. With her nieces and nephews often around, Whitney was inspired to write a story they could relate to. She explained that while Curious Kyrie and the Mouse

‘Only Coconuts’ diversifying..

FROM PAGE 18 production process, the company has established relationships with farmers that extend into discourses concerning the company’s quality expectations. It was noted that thorough inspections of coconut farms and their horticultural practices are undertaken before deals are ‘sealed.’ In giving a breakdown of the benefits of the products, Ramlall explained that Virgin Coconut Oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.” “Its unique combination of fatty acids can positively affect your health, including fat loss, better brain function, and other impressive benefits,” he said. For Coconut flour, he explained that this is a low-carb, gluten-free baking alternative to wheat

flour. “This flour is made exclusively from coconuts. A good source of protein and rich in fibre and MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides), coconut flour may promote stable blood sugar, good digestion, and heart health. It may also boost weight loss and fight some infections. Plus, it’s delicious to the taste and versatile, making it a smart choice when choosing flour alternatives, creating baked goods with the perfect textures,” he noted. Further, he said the Desiccated Coconut is dried out and grated coconut flesh or ‘meat’, as it is known in the food industry. “Desiccated Coconut is made by grating the white, mature coconut flesh finely before drying out in hot air at about 55°c. It retains about three per cent of the

coconut’s moisture but is dry to the touch and taste. The desiccated coconut you’ll find most often is finely grated, but it can also be shredded, flaked, or processed into granules or chips. It is used extensively in the bakery sector, especially when baking pastries and similar products. Desiccated is a delicious topping for ice cream, salads, cereals, and other food items,” he explained. Additionally, Ramlall said the Coconut Chips are baked and not fried, making them a healthy alternative snack. And finally, Ramlall said the refined coconut oil undergoes additional processing to make it better suited for cooking. This type of coconut oil has a higher smoke point of 204 – 232°C, making it more suitable for hightemperature cooking.

in the House does not include activities for children, it does teach lessons

of forgiveness, sharing, kindness, and caring for others. She added that Curious Kyrie was written with the idea of children living in the Caribbean being able to relate to the characters and be motivated, knowing that no matter their background, they can be anything they want to be and make a difference. Whitney, who hails from East La Penitence, Georgetown, said she never saw herself becoming an author. The book can be downloaded on Kindle, or purchasers can contact Whitney via her Facebook page ‘Fran Persaud’. Curious Kyrie has been released as an Ama-

Overseas-based Guyanese author, Whitney Persaud zon eBook and is available in paperback.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

One arrested, cops hunting other suspects in shooting at ‘Baderation’ concert -Top Cop meets with promoter

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken (centre) with senior police officials and promoter of the ‘Baderation’ concert, Rawle Ferguson, (extreme right) during the meeting to deal with the breach of security at the ‘Baderation’ dancehall concert (GPF photo) IN the aftermath of the ‘Baderation’ dancehall concert held at the National Park on Friday night, one person with an illegal firearm was arrested as the Guyana Police Force launched an investigation into the discharging of loaded guns into the air, causing unrest that resulted in robberies at the event. On Saturday, a meeting was summoned by Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, to deal with the breach of security and subsequent discharge of gunshots at the National Park. At the meeting was the promoter of the ‘Baderation’ concert Rawle Ferguson from Hits and Jams Entertainment Company, along with Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration,’ Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Ravindradat Budhram; Head of Special Branch, Errol Watts; Commander for Regional Division 4 ‘A’, Simon McBean and Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) Head, Mark Ramotar. According to Police Headquarters, “the security posture (and lack thereof)” at the event was discussed and recommendations were made for strict compliance prior to the hosting of any other such event in the future. Some of the things discussed surrounded: stake-

holders’ approach – with promoters, members of the Fire Service, GRA, and the Police; increased police posture in partnership with the Private Sector; prohibition of beverages in bottles (only plastic cups and plastic bottles will be allowed); and the improved security search using metal detectors and scanners. “Also, one person – a vendor from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arrested by the Police in the National Park last night with an illegal 9mm firearm with one suspected live 9mm round of ammunition. He is presently in custody,” the Police Headquarters noted.

The police noted that ranks are currently following up with the reviewing of CCTV cameras and videos circulating on social media with a view to identifying and arresting persons who discharged rounds in the air at the event. “The Guyana Police Force is also appealing to the general public or anyone who might have knowledge or information (maybe phone videos) to share with the police as this will assist investigators in identifying the perpetrator(s) who fired shots at the event that caused chaos and panic,” the Police Force noted.

The firearm seized by police

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Contractor gets twoweek extension to finish $117M Cane Grove road

This collapsed bridge in Cane Grove will undergo emergency works THE contractor executing works on the $117 million Cane Grove road in Region Four has been given a twoweek extension by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill on Friday when inspected the project upon residents’ request. He explained that works were initially set to be completed on May 21, by Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal. The works include 260 metres of asphaltic concrete road, along with the construction of two bridges, and a culvert. “I have issued an instruction, that written instructions be given to the contractor that he has two weeks to complete the work,” Minister Edghill stated. H o w e v e r, M i n i s t e r Edghill said while the contractor is at fault, he is calling on residents to co-operate, and allow for the works to be completed. He said he has asked the Chairman of the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council to engage the millers on the use of the road while works are ongoing.

“It would appear that residents have not fully cooperated with the fact that you have to have a traffic management plan to facilitate traffic while construction is going on. And some of the haulers fetching paddy have gone on the eight feet that is already prepared for asphaltic concrete, have damaged the shoulders and they have also damaged some of the geo-cells that have been put in place,” the minister explained. He said there is need for co-operation as very soon the road will be closed off completely for one night to facilitate paving. Additionally, emergency works will be carried out on a bridge in the community which has collapsed. The bridge is not part of the $117 million contract however, it provides access to hundreds of persons in the Cane Grove community. “We have already gone out to procurement; we are at evaluation. It will be at Cabinet for no objection, an award will be made and work will begin here,” he stated. (DPI)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, inspecting road works in Cane Grove

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Thompson-Herah beats Dina... FROM BACK PAGE old 400m British record. Hudson-Smith’s time of 44.35 seconds in third is an improvement of one hundredth of a second on Thomas’ 1997 mark. Thompson-Herah lays down marker Asher-Smith’s time was an improvement on her 11.11-second win in Birmingham last weekend However, she and the rest were all left behind by the winner’s ominous statement of intent for the season. Thompson-Herah, who defended a 100m-200m Olympic sprint double in Tokyo last summer, has been hampered by Achilles tendon and shoulder injuries this season, but moved up through the gears superbly to carve

through the field in the second half of the race. American Sha’Carri Richardson, who missed Tokyo after testing positive for cannabis, was second in 10.92 seconds, just ahead of Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson. Her victory came at the track where she ran 10.54 - the second-fastest time in history - last year and the venue for the World Championships in July. “It got me ready for my championship in Ja-

maica next month,” said Thompson-Herah. “I’m happy to see where I’m at. The result is good.” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who was the 100m silver medallist behind Thompson-Herah in Tokyo, won the 200m in 22.41. F r a s e r- P r y c e i s already certain of a 100m spot at the World Championships - she qualifies automatically as the defending world champion from Doha in 2019. (BBC Sport)

FROM BACK PAGE Klopp’s side could not have given any more as they pushed to the final whistle but looked jaded towards the end no surprise given the demands made of them this season. Liverpool will still take huge credit by maintaining a push for an historic quadruple until the final week of the season, but the conclusion will sting. The occasion left even more of a sour taste given the events outside Stade de France. Liverpool are demanding a full investigation into how thousands of their fans could not get into the stadium, with dangerous numbers packed into small areas as kick-off approached. Real Madrid kings of Europe again Real Madrid have been living by the skin of their teeth in the Champions League this season, but any side that beats Paris St- Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool to reach their goal answers every question. This is a side that knows how to get the job done, no matter how late they leave it,

no matter how much the odds seem stacked against them. Real are bolstered by years of experience and quality that give them concrete-clad self-belief that has seen them navigate their way out of so many tight situations. And what a moment for their legendary coach Ancelotti, who was brought back to the Bernabeu from Everton a year ago and has won La Liga and the Champions League on his return. Ancelotti can now lay claim to history with that fourth triumph, once again showing his mastery of managing egos and high-class players who respond to the vastly experienced Italian’s promptings. He was the most relaxed man in Paris at his pre-match press conference, oozing confidence, and can now look back at two Champions League wins over Liverpool, here and for AC Milan in 2007, after losing in the socalled miracle of Istanbul in 2005. Ancelotti is one of the greats and has proved it again. (BBC Sport)

Real Madrid are...

Former West Indies... FROM BACK PAGE

Foreign Trade and International Business. Prior to her election to the House of Assembly, she was active in business and civic organisations including the Barbados Family Planning Association, the Barbados Bar Association and was the co-ordinator of CARICOM Ministerial Spokespersons with Responsibility for External Negotiations in Bilateral, African, Caribbean and Pacific States-European Union (ACPEU), World Trade Organization (WTO) and Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). David Rudder is known to be one of the most success-

ful calypsonians of all time. One of nine children, Rudder spent much of his early life with his grandmother, a devout Baptist and began singing with a calypso band at a young age. He sang backup vocals in a calypso tent run by Lord Kitchener[4] while earning his living as an accountant with the Trinidad Bus Company In 1977, he joined Charlie’s Roots, but stepped outside the band, entering the calypso tent as a solo calypsonian in 1986. His tune “Rally Round the West Indies” was modified to become the anthem of West Indies cricket.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Warriors beat Mavericks to reach NBA Finals for sixth time in eight years

The Golden State Warriors have won the Western Conference finals for the sixth time in eight years

THE Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 120-110 on Thursday to seal their return to the NBA Finals. After missing out the past two years, the Warriors clinched a 4-1 win in the

Western Conference finals as Klay Thompson scored a game-high 32 points. They are the first team to reach the Finals six times in eight years since the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. “This one is special be-

cause no-one thought this group would be back here,” said the Warriors’ Draymond Green. “After being counted out, [people saying] ‘dynasty is over’, to get back is fantastic.” Golden State will face either the Boston Celtics or the Miami Heat from 2 June, with Boston having the chance to clinch the Eastern Conference finals at home on Friday. The Warriors won the NBA title in 2015, 2017 and 2018, beating the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers each time, but lost the 2016 and 2019 finals and missed out on the play-offs while rebuilding

their roster in the past two seasons. The Michael Jordan-led Bulls won six NBA titles from 1991-1998, and Golden State coach Steve Kerr played in the last three of those wins. “To be in the finals six times in eight years, it just takes an enormous amount of skill and determination and work,” he said. “To get back again is special for all of us. It’s so difficult to get to the finals. It’s exhausting, stressful, emotional.” ‘It’ll be much sweeter if we complete the mission’ T h e Wa r r i o r s h a v e not lost a home play-off game this season, their

first post-season run at San Francisco’s Chase Centre, which opened in 2019. Luka Doncic scored 28 points for Dallas, who used a 15-0 run late in the third quarter to give themselves a chance after falling 25 points down. But Golden State closed the third period with a 9484 lead before starting the last with consecutive scores from Andrew Wiggins and Green. Wiggins finished with 18 points and Green 17 w h i l e S t e p h e n C u r r y, named the most valuable player for the Western Conference play-offs, added 15 and nine assists. “This is a blessing for

us to get back here, to get back where we belong,” said 34-year-old Curry, who is a two-time NBA MVP. “It’s special to do it in our new building. This isn’t the ultimate goal but we’ve got to celebrate this for all we went through the past three years.” Three-time winner Thompson, who missed 2019-20 after knee surgery and 2020-21 with a torn Achilles tendon, said: “I dreamt about this every day. I’m elated, but I’m still hungry. It’ll be much sweeter if we complete the mission next round.” (BBC Sport)

Sri Lanka claim series after Bangladesh collapse

Asitha Fernando took six second innings wickets // AFP Berlais

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SRI Lanka crushed Bangladesh by 10 wickets in the second cricket Test to win the series 1-0 after the hosts collapsed from 5-156 to 169 all out in their second innings. Sri Lanka easily reached the target on the fifth and final day, finishing 0-29 in three overs with Oshada Fernando hitting 21 off only nine balls, while captain Dimuth Karunaratne was seven not out. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando did most of the damage for Sri Lanka, registering his first 10-wicket haul in Tests with 4-93 in the first innings followed by 6-51 in the second. Shakib Al Hasan (58) and in-form Liton Das (52) earlier helped Bangladesh avoid an innings defeat. Resuming the final day on 4-34 and still needing 107 runs to make Sri Lanka bat again, Bangladesh lost Mushfiqur Rahim (23) in the eighth over of the day when Kasun Rajitha (2-40) bowled him with a delivery that kept low. Allrounder Shakib, who took 5-96 in the first innings, counterattacked to keep the scoreboard ticking. Liton Das, after scoring 88 runs in the drawn first Test and a career-best 141 in the first innings of this Test, progressed slowly but smoothly to deny Sri Lanka bowlers’ quest for another wicket.

The wicketkeeper-batter pushed left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama through cover for a single to bring up 2000 runs in his 33rd Test. Shakib reached his 27th half-century off 62 balls, whipping a delivery from off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva through midwicket for a boundary on the stroke of lunch. But soon after reaching his 13th fifty off 130 balls, Liton Das gave a return catch to Fernando and it sparked the collapse. Bangladesh’s hopes of saving the Test took another big hit when Shakib edged a delivery

from Fernando to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella after hitting seven fours in his 72-ball knock. Fernando cleaned up the tail to give Sri Lanka a small target to chase. With three batters out failing to trouble the scorers in their second innings, to go with the six ducks in their first innings, Bangladesh was the third team in the history of Test cricket to record nine ducks in a match. Bangladesh chose to bat first and scored 365 in the first innings. Sri Lanka took control of the Test and series after replying with 506.

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st innings 365 Sri Lanka 1st innings 506 Bangladesh 2nd innings Mahmudul Hasan Joy c Kusal Mendis b Asitha Fernando 15 Tamim Iqbal c Kusal Mendis b Asitha Fernando 0 Najmul Hossain Shanto Run Out Praveen Jayawickrama 2 Mominul Haque c Niroshan Dickwella b Kasun Rajitha 0 Mushfiqur Rahim b Kasun Rajitha 23 Liton Das c&b Asitha Fernando 52 Shakib Al Hasan c Niroshan Dickwella b Asitha Fernando 58 Mosaddek Hossain lbw Ramesh Mendis 9 Taijul Islam lbw Asitha Fernando 1 Ebadot Hossain Not Out 0 Khaled Ahmed b Asitha Fernando 0 Extras 1b 0lb 2nb 0pen 6w 9 Total (55.3 overs) 169 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-15 Iqbal, 2-19 Shanto, 3-19 Haque, 4-23 Joy, 5-53 Rahim, 6-156 Das, 7-163 Al Hasan, 8-169 Saikat, 9-169 Islam, 10-169 Ahmed Bowling Kasun Rajitha 12 -5 -40 - 2 (1w 1nb), Asitha Fernando 17.3 - 5 - 51 - 6 (1w 1nb), Praveen Jayawickrama 13- 0-47- 0, Ramesh Mendis 11 - 2 - 20 - 1. SRI LANKA 2nd innings Oshada Fernando Not Out 21 Dimuth Karunaratne Not Out 7 Extras 1b 0lb 0nb 0pen 0w 1 Total (3.0 overs) 29-0 Bowling: Taijul Islam 1 - 0 - 16 - 0,Shakib Al Hasan 1 - 0 - 7- 0,

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Rajasthan to toast ‘First Royal’ Warne in IPL title tilt ..Royals know Shane Warne is “looking down on us with a lot of pride” as the franchise prepares for its first IPL final since the legendary leg-spinner led them to glory in 2008

The Rajasthan Royals are desperate to “do something special” for franchise legend Shane Warne after making their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final since the late spin king led them to the tournament’s maiden crown 14 years ago. Star batter Jos Buttler paid tribute to Warne, the Royals’ inaugural captain-coach who passed away in March, after slamming his fourth century of the IPL season to set-up a decider against IPL newbies Gujarat Titans. He is such an influential figure for the Rajasthan Royals and having led the team to success in that first season, we will miss him dearly, but we know he is looking down on us with a lot of pride today,” Buttler said after his unbeaten 60-ball 106 downed Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday. “He made us believe.” The decider will draw an enormous crowd at the 132,000-capacity Narendra

Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening (Monday morning, 12.30am AEST). Rajasthan paid an emotional tribute to the man known as the ‘First Royal’ earlier in the IPL season, donning shirts with ‘SW23’ on their collars and decorating the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai with Warne murals for their match against Mumbai Indians last month. Warne had led the Royals to an improbable title in the first season of the IPL at that venue in 2008. “The tournament, right from the start, it has been for him and I think we need to take one more step for him,” current Rajasthan captain Sanju Sampson said. “It’s really special. I don’t want to talk too much about it but we’re one step closer. We want to do something special for him.” Rajasthan’s tilt at the inaugural IPL title had seemed improbable from the beginning. The club spent the least on their squad of any of the eight

‘The tournament, right from the start, it has been for him’ // BCCI/IPL franchises and suffered a chastening nine-wicket defeat to Delhi in their debut match But, under the unconventional leadership of an ageing Warne and thanks to a player-of-the-tournament campaign from fellow Aussie Shane Watson, Rajasthan went on to win 11 of their 13 matches to qualify for the final. Their opponents were the

Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni, a national hero having led India to a maiden world T20 title the previous year who had been purchased for triple the price of 38-year-old Warne at the auction. Rajasthan’s underdog status was further underlined when Royals’ star South African opener Graeme Smith was ruled out of the decider with a hamstring

injury. Yet after keeping Chennai to 5-163, the Royals prevailed in a last-ball thriller as Sohail Tanvir struck the winning run with Warne at the non-striker’s end. “As soon as Tanvir hit the ball I was ready to tear my hamstrings running for the single,” said Warne. With four centuries for the ongoing season, Buttler now shapes as Rajasthan’s key man in their bid for a second IPL title. Remarkably, the Englishman admitted he had felt under the pump coming into the tournament’s business end despite having already struck three hundreds in the tournament. He had been dismissed for single figures in his three innings leading into the playoffs before exploding for a 56-ball 89 against Gujarat in a qualifier earlier this week, which his side lost but nonetheless got a second chance. “I was actually feeling a bit of pressure,” Buttler said. “I was getting distracted, and I tried to

suppress it, but it wasn’t until a week or so when I actually opened up and started talking about that and it made me feel a lot better. “I went to Kolkata (for the qualifier against Gujarat) a lot more relaxed and obviously that innings gave me a lot more confidence today.” Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara suggested that he “can’t remember anyone batting this well in the history of the IPL.” “It’s hard to describe what he has done for us this season,” Sangakkara said of Buttler. “I think he started off so well, had a little bit of a flutter at one point in the tournament, but he calmed himself down, had good conversations rather than just training. He accepted he’s mortal, he’s human and he can’t have that high level of excellence every single day. “He can accelerate at any point, has all the strokes and understands the game really well.”(Cricket.com.au)

New England Test coach McCullum wants to avoid rotation By Stephan Shemilt New Test coach Brendon McCullum says “his” England will pick their best team at every opportunity, rather than resting and rotating players. England spent much of last year rotating the Test team, partly in response to the demands of Covid-19. “I’ll probably get in trouble, but I like to pick the best team

every time,” McCullum told BBC Sport. “My job will be to plan as if you’ll live forever, but live as if you’ll die tomorrow.” The 40-year-old was speaking to the media for the first time since being appointed Test coach earlier this month. His first Test in charge, against his native New Zealand, begins at Lord’s on Thursday. Veteran pace bowlers James

Anderson and Stuart Broad have been recalled to the England squad after being left out of the series defeat in West Indies in March. Aged 39 and 35 respectively, with 321 caps and 1,117 wickets between them, Anderson and Broad have played together in only 10 of England’s past 26 Tests. McCullum, however, would have no hesitation in playing

them in the same XI. “Why not? They can work together,” he said. “They have had successful careers together. “There might have been times when the combination might not have been as good as everyone hoped, but there are circumstances around that - there might not have been enough runs, or they were bowling in benign conditions. I’m certainly not against picking them to-

Daniil Medvedev continued his impressive form as he picked apart Miomir Kecmanovic to reach the fourth round of the French Open without dropping set. The second seed was relentless and inventive throughout a 6-2 6-4 6-2 win over the Serbian 28th seed. He found 42 winners on Court Suzanne Lenglen, including a forehand pass while on the move on match point. Fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas thrashed Mikael Ymer 6-2 6-2 6-1 in 92 minutes. Medvedev eyes return to the top spot Medvedev is targeting a return to the world number one spot, after his previous time at the top ended after just two weeks earlier in 2022. Following his comfortable win over Kecmanovic, the Russian revealed he had Googled the shortest reigns in the men’s game and was surprised by the results.

“The first I saw was Pat Rafter being there for one week, and he’s an absolute legend, and Carlos Moya was somewhere there,” said Medvedev, 26. “I didn’t know these stats, and if somebody asked me how long were Rafter and Moya number one, I’d say, ‘I don’t know, six months, one year?’ “So it’s something nobody can take away from me. Not that many players could take it while they play tennis. It’s a great motivation to try to come back there.” Medvedev’s quest to return to the top of the world rankings could be hampered by the fact Russian players have been banned from UK grass-court tournaments, including Wimbledon, because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the ATP’s decision to strip ranking points from Wimbledon because of the ban could in fact result in Medvedev regaining the top ranking because Serbia’s Novak Djokovic

will be unable to retain the 2,000 ranking points he earned by winning the Wimbledon title last year and so he could be overtaken by the Russian. “We won’t know how this Wimbledon thing [will affect it], but I want to try to make the best results possible, starting from here,” said Medvedev, who could meet 2021 runner-up Tsitsipas at the semi-final stage at Roland Garros. Medvedev’s best run at Roland Garros was a quarter-final last year but he looks more at ease on clay - his least favourite surface - than ever before. “Medvedev is world number two and he is playing like that sort of ranking,” said 5 Live Sports Extra commentator David Law. “He would still be behind others in the pecking order of favourites - Djokovic, Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz - but he doesn’t have to worry about them until the final. “He might be the man who

goes all the way to the final.” Medvedev had arrived at the French Open with only one match on clay under his belt after having a procedure to treat a hernia in April. Here - against a highly capable opponent in Kecmanovic - he landed two breaks in the opening set and one in the second to open up a cushion. By the third set he was finding drop shots and eye-catching angles, none more so than when he whipped a low forehand crosscourt at 1-1 as he set up a comfortable win. Simon says goodbye and Tsitsipas eases through Medvedev’s opponent in the fourth round will be Marin Cilic, after the Croat eased past France’s Gilles Simon in straight sets. Cilic, seeded 20th, won 6-0 6-3 6-2 to knock out 37-yearold Simon, playing in his final French Open as a wildcard following his announcement that he will retire in 2022.

Impressive Medvedev into French Open last 16

Veteran pace bowlers Stuart Broad (left) and James Anderson gether.” England have won only one of their past 17 Tests. The series against New Zealand marks the beginning of a new era with McCullum working alongside newly installed Test captain Ben Stokes. The former New Zealand skipper was known for his aggressive batting and innovative captaincy. He sees similarities between himself and Stokes. “He’s going to be a wonderful leader,” said McCullum, who played 101 Tests for his country. “He plays the game how I like it to be played and puts bums on seats. “He might fly. He might grab the captaincy and go to a whole new level again. We’ll just play what we see and feel in that moment - and I’m sure the relationship between Stokesy and I will really flourish.” With England winless in their past five Test series, McCullum says he is aware of the “big job” in front of him. However, he said he will not attempt to reverse England’s fortunes by expecting every player to copy his attacking style. “I’m very different as a

coach to how I was as a player,” said McCullum, whose previous coaching experience is in T20 leagues in India and the Caribbean. “I like to allow guys to get to where they need to, to realise their potential rather than play how I played. I’d never want anyone to do that - that comes with an immense amount of disappointment at times. It’s not for everyone, that style. “Your job as coach is to understand everyone’s game, understand them as people, get to know them and understand their aspirations. You try to piece that all together for one common goal.” And McCullum, who led New Zealand to the 50-over World Cup final in 2015, expects some “difficult emotions” when he lines up against the world Test champions next week. “Obviously I have knowledge of the New Zealand guys. We’ve been on a lot of great journeys together,” he added. “I have a job to do here. If we expect New Zealand to play well, then that means we’ll have to play a little bit better.”(BBC Sport)

Barbados Pride crush Red Force inside three days

Fast bowler Justin Greaves celebrates after bowling Terrance Hinds on Friday TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC) produce the resilience required, – Leaders Barbados Pride folding meekly for 139 in the took a giant step towards the first hour after lunch. successful defence of their ReLeft-hander Yannic Cariah, gional First Class crown when who struck a hundred in the they clobbered archrivals last round, top-scored with an Trinidad and Tobago Red unbeaten 35 while Keagan SimForce by an innings and 22 mons chipped in with 31. runs inside three days here Red Force were undermined Friday. by off-spinner Roston Chase (3The hosts resumed the 26) and the seam duo of Justin morning at the Brian Lara Sta- Greaves (3-27) and Akeem Jordium on 51 for three in their dan (3-32), all of whom finished second innings and still requir- with three wickets each. ing a further 110 runs to avoid Pride struck as early as the an innings defeat, but failed to morning’s second over when

Jason Mohammed drove loosely at Chase and was bowled between bat and pad, after adding four to his overnight six. And Simmons, on 26 at the start, followed with the score on 64 for five, lobbing a forward defensive prod at Chase into Shayne Moseley’s hands at silly point. The best stand of the innings then materialised, Cariah putting on 42 for the sixth wicket with Test wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva who spent nearly an hour at the crease and 39 balls over 14. And Red Force were beginning to regain their balance somewhat when Da Silva flashed at a wide one from Jordan and was taken low in front first slip by opposite number Shane Dowrich. On 112 for six at lunch, Red Force put up little resistance afterwards as Jordan and Greaves shared the last four wickets to fall. Cariah remained until the end, his innings lasting a shade over 2-¼ hours, consuming 89 deliveries and including five fours.

Adaptability critical for new-look side, says Hope

AMSTERDAM, Holland, (CMC) – Vice-captain Shai Hope has underscored the importance of adaptability in West Indies’ batting approach, when they face the Netherlands and Pakistan in One-Day International series over the next month. Pointing to the Caribbean’s reputation as a six-hitting unit, the 28-year-old Hope said it was critical for batsmen to adjust to match situations while also playing to the overall team plan, if they were to post or chase the type of totals required to win. West Indies face the Netherlands in a three-match series starting here Tuesday and take on Pakistan in another threematch series bowling off June 8 in Rawalpindi. “You still have to look at who you have in the squad and what their strengths are, [and] we need to find a way to buy into the player’s strengths and formulate a plan to fit into the team’s plans,” Hope told media on Saturday. “I wouldn’t say we have as many six-hitters in this team – we do have powerful players especially at the back end of the innings; but it’s about trying to get the best out of that batsman to score the same runs. “You can hit a six and have five dot balls and you can run six singles in an over and that’s the same six runs, so it’s about trying to find a way to score those runs to give the team the best

West Indies vice-captain Shai Hope chance of defending or chasing a score.” West Indies have been criticised in the past for their high dot ball count and inadequate running between the wickets, with power-hitting becoming their trademark especially with the likes of veteran Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard in the lineup. However, West Indies are featuring a new-look side for both upcoming series; Pollard having retired from international cricket; Gayle also on his way out and Russell and Lewis overlooked. And Hope said with new players being integrated into the squad, it would take time to change the culture and create a new identity. “It’s something that can’t be fixed or changed overnight. It’s something that we have to stick to a particular process to see it come good,” the Barbadian contended. “I do believe that we have the personnel to get the job done, and everyone is obviously

willing to change or adapt to different situations if the team requires. So I have no doubt we’re going to get there eventually, sooner rather than later as well.” Hope is one of the ODI side’s leading batsmen, boasting an outstanding career average of 50 from 89 matches with ten hundreds. In an astonishing 18-month run of form starting in late 2019, the stylish righthander averaged 82 from 15 ODIs, notching four hundreds and six half-centuries. He struggled in the last series against India earlier this year, managing only 40 runs from three innings but struck a hundred last week in the West Indies first class championship, to hint at a return to his best. However, Hope was quick to brush aside any concerns over his international form. “Scoring runs in any cricket, whether it’s a club game [or] international game [is good]. As a batsman, you always want to score runs and do well so, it’s nice to get some scores under your belt. I’m sure that goes for all of the batsmen in the team,” he said. “I don’t really believe in form. It’s about having that confidence going into the game, whether you score five hundreds in a row or five ducks in a row. It’s just about having that mindset, a clear mindset to go out there and try to perform the next time you get a chance to bat.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Mustafizur set for West Indies red ball return DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – West Indies batters will renew their rivalry with Mustafizur Rahman after Bangladesh recalled the left-arm seamer for next month’s twoTest series in the Caribbean. The 26-year-old has not played red ball cricket in 16 months, preferring to focus on the white-ball format, and recently turned out for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ironically, his last Test was against West Indies in Chattogram last year February. Only last month Mustafizur said he would make his position clear to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding his Test career, especially since he was experiencing much better success in the shorter formats. His presence will be a boost for the tourists, and he will combine with fit-again off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and experienced left-arm spinning all-rounder Shakibal-Hasan for the June 16-28 series. Mustafizur, who has taken 30 wickets from 14 Tests, has also been included in the white-ball squads for the tour. Batters Mominul Haque will lead the 16-man Test squad which includes veteran opener Tamim Iqbal but will miss former captain Mushfiqur Rahim who has opted out of the trip. Meanwhile, Tamim has been appointed captain for the

three-match One-Day International series while veteran all-rounder Mahmudullah will lead the Twenty20 unit. The opening Test has been carded for June 16-20 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua with the second Test bowling off June

Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nurul Hasan Sohan. ODI – Tamim Iqbal (captain), Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain,

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has not played red-ball cricket in 16 months

24 at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia. The first two T20 Internationals on July 2 and 3 will be staged at Windsor Park in Dominica, while the final game on July 7 will be played at the Guyana National Stadium. Guyana will host all three ODIs from July 10 to 16. SQUADS: TEST – Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hassan, Ebadot

Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hassan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin, Anamul Haque Bijoy. T20I – Mahmudullah (captain), Munim Shahriar, Liton Das, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Yasir Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Saifuddin.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday May 29, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 210* for the first wicket -- Q. de kock & KL Rahul (Super Giants vs KKR) (2) Sanju Samson -- 14 dismissals (12 catches/2 stumpings – RR) Today’s Quiz: (1) At what position on the points table Mumbai Indians ended the 2022 IPL season? (2) At what position did CSK end? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Superman, everyman: Cricket greats honour their mate Roy

FAMILY, friends and a who’s who of cricket descended on Riverway Stadium in Townsville to celebrate the life of Andrew Symonds; their mate, father, son and Australian legend. Those who were close to him reckoned that had he had the choice, Andrew Symonds would’ve likely skipped all this hoopla and gone fishing. Later, he’d have felt the urge to join proceedings, unwilling to let the chance to share some Ales and tales with old mates – in his hometown, no less – pass him by. He might’ve even settled in ‘til stumps, a raised eyebrow and a wry enquiry questioning his allies when they dared to head off in the small hours: ‘What, you not having fun?’ But all of this – the outpouring of emotion, and the tears and the tributes – it might’ve best been skipped. Such things sat a little uneasily with Symonds through his playing career, and it stayed the case until the very end. And today, on a perfect blue-sky autumn day in Townsville, as the cricket world turned its attention to one man, as a who’s who of our sport descended on Riverway Stadium for a couple of beautiful memorials, both private and public, it wasn’t difficult to imagine that as being exactly where he was – some faraway uncharted fishing spot, where the barra had been biting since dawn. “The amount of fishing trips that I knocked back because we all got too busy,” recalled his close mate Matthew Mott, “you’d just love the opportunity to go back out there and do that again with him. He’s going to be missed a lot.” Undoubtedly Mott spoke for dozens of Symonds’ mates. It was mid-morning when they began pouring in, a list of cricketing luminaries filing off a bus the first to arrive: Ponting, Gilchrist, Border, Healy, Lehmann, Watson, Harris and Hogg among them. A few minutes later, in came Brett Lee, and then, wandering across the neighbouring footy oval in fits and starts across the next half hour came Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Johnson, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Joe Dawes, Michael Kasprowicz and Wade Seccombe. Last to arrive among the cricketing royalty was the Prince himself, Brian Charles Lara, while Queensland rugby league legends Darren Lockyer and Gorden Tallis also made

Andrew Symonds their way through the entrance to Riverbank, the venue that Symonds had so proudly seen opened in his backyard almost a decade earlier. Gilchrist later recounted how Symonds’ mum, Barb, had left “not a dry eye in the house” in regaling the private audience with stories from Andrew’s childhood, offering in the process an insight into the man they had previously not been privy to. Jimmy Maher, who, like Mott, had been thick with Symonds since they had met at a schoolboys carnival in their teens, directly addressed his dear old mate’s children, Chloe and Billy, in what Gilchrist described as “one of the most beautiful eulogies you could ever imagine” that put an exclamation point on the magnitude of this loss. “He looked the kids in the eye and delivered a message of what he thought Roy would want him to say,” Gilchrist said. “It was really touching, really moving.” Matthew Hayden couldn’t be present but his wife Kelly and daughter Gracie represented their family, and Hayden

himself sent via video a song he penned and performed for his fellow Queenslander, the man with whom he shared on-field achievements and off-field misadventures that are both firmly entrenched in Australian legend As the private ceremony came to a close and guests retreated into the grandstand for the wake, the queue awaiting the public tribute was already beginning to snake its way around the perimeter of the venue. They trickled in across the next couple of hours, slowly at first and then more steadily, most from around town and some from as far afield as Brisbane and beyond. “He was obviously a great mate of mine but I think everyone felt like they knew Simmo,” said Mott. “I think that’s why there’s so much public outpouring (of emotion).” And so they came to honour their mate Roy, a superman and an everyman at once. This English-born, Queenslandreared cricketing pioneer. A man who everyone wanted a piece of, but who revelled instead in solitude and close company. A husband and father, son and brother. And a teammate, of course, and it was a number of those men – Ponting, Gilchrist, Lehmann and Healy – who brought some levity to proceedings when they jumped on stage and shared their memories to the world of the man they viewed universally as their first-pick in any side. The tributes ended with a brilliantly crafted piece from renowned poet, Rupert McCall, one Symonds himself had taken a liking to and had,

McCall revealed, occasionally phoned the lyricist late at night with a recite request to him and his mates after a few beers. Mott heads off to England this week to begin a new coaching adventure, one he knows for which Symonds would’ve offered him ribbings and encouragement in equal measure. He takes with him part of Symonds, in both a professional and personal sense. “He’s a prototype for the modern-day player, where you’ve got to free them up and let them play,” Mott told cricket.com.au this week. “They’re gonna make some mistakes, but they’re gonna win you matches as well. “So when I think about coaching, I think about how I’d coach Simmo a lot … not put too many restraints around him, and not to put too many shackles on him. I think that’s really the legacy he’s left for me. “But also that sense of when it’s time to work hard, you work bloody hard. And when it’s time to relax and spend time with family and friends, you need to do that as well.” Which is what those close to him have done in his honour. Healy, who was a senior teammate of Symonds’ at the Bulls and who expertly hosted this public tribute, offered a thought early in the piece that rung true throughout. “None of us are quite sure whether Roy would’ve liked this or not,” he mused. “He didn’t rate pomp or ceremony.” Perhaps, after all is said and done, he’d have made an exception today. (Cricket. com.au)

Campbell misses out on hundred but Scorpions frustrate Harpy Eagles

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Test opener John Campbell perished agonisingly short of his second hundred of the season as Jamaica Scorpions easily repelled Guyana Harpy Eagles to draw their fourth round match at the Diego Martin Complex. Needing to erase a first deficit of 191 after Harpy Eagles declared Saturday on their overnight 584 for seven, Scorpions batted all day to frustrate Harpy Eagles, finishing on 271 for six. The left-handed Campbell, already with a hundred against leaders Barbados Pride this season, was dismissed for 98 after facing 155 deliveries in a shade over three hours and striking 11 fours and a six. His opening partner Leroy Lugg struck an aggressive 67 from 72 deliveries while Jermaine Blackwood chipped in with 28, and Paul Palmer and Alwyn Williams 26 apiece. Left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul (3-61) and Gudakesh Motie (2-73) persevered but Scorpions batted in partnerships to negate the possibility of collapse. Campbell put on 105 for the first wicket with Lugg, the 25-year-old right-hander blasting five fours and half-dozen sixes before going bowled, playing

Cornwall rips apart Volcanoes in big Hurricanes win

Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall grabbed six for 45

From left:Ian Healy, Adam Gilchrist, Darren Lehmann and Ricky Ponting share stories about their mate Roy ( Clancy Sinnamon-cricket.com.au)

Left-hander John Campbell was dismissed for 98 back to Permaul. Blackwood added a further 64 for the second wicket with Campbell, striking five fours off 58 balls but then lost concentration and lofted Motie to mid on. When Motie trapped Oraine Williams lbw for one at 175 for three, Harpy Eagles was sensing a flurry of wickets but Campbell put on 32 for the fourth wicket with Palmer, who then added a further 41 for the fifth wicket with Alwyn Williams to stymie the efforts of the multiple times champions. Campbell looked a sure bet to reach his seventh first class hundred when he was fourth out, lbw missing a swing at a short ball from Permaul which kept low.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Out-of-favour Test off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall completed an 11-wicket match haul as Leeward Islands Hurricanes hammered Windward Islands Volcanoes by 228 runs here Saturday. The 29-year-old picked up six for 45 on the final day of the fourth round encounter at Queen’s Park Oval, a spell that sent Volcanoes crashing to 184 all out before lunch. Captain Kavem Hodge, unbeaten at the start on 25, top-scored with 43 but there was little resistance from the middle and lower order as Volcanoes lost their last seven wickets for 57 runs after

resuming on 127 for three. Cornwall, overlooked for the last Test series against England, grabbed three of the wickets to fall on Saturday while left-arm spinner Daniel Doram (3-13) picked up two scalps. Following his first innings five for 61, Cornwall finished the game with 11 for 106 to move his tally for the season to 21 wickets. Cornwall struck as early as the second over of the day when the left-handed Ackeem Auguste (18) offered no shot to one which went on with the arm and was bowled before Volcanoes had added a single run. Boosted by the strike, Cornwall then ripped out the Volcanoes middle order. He trapped Keron Cottoy lbw on the back foot for six and then also hit Hodge plumb on the back foot, after the righthander had faced 141 balls and counted half-dozen fours. Cornwall then removed the last recognised batsman Denis Smith for seven, the right-hander charging from his crease, missing wild heave and having his stumps shattered.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 29, 2022

Real Madrid celebrate a record-extending 14th Champions League trophy with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris on Saturday.(Getty Images photo)

Real Madrid are champions of Europe for a record 14th time LIVERPOOL’s bid to claim the Champions League trophy for the seventh time ended in bitter disappointment as Vinicius Jr’s second-half winner gave Real Madrid victory in Paris. Jurgen Klopp’s side ran into a one-man wall of defiance as Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced one of the great individual performances to thwart Liverpool time and again.

Mohamed Salah, seeking revenge for his early departure through injury in the 2018 final against Real, was denied three times by Courtois, who was simply unbeatable. The victory also sees Carlo Ancelotti make history by becoming the first coach to win a fourth Champions League title. Real were always a threat and the decisive moment came after 59 minutes when Vinicius stole in unmarked at the far

post to score. This was also a final marred by chaotic scenes outside Stade de France with thousands of Liverpool fans, some targeted with pepper spray by French police, unable to get into the stadium, forcing the kick-off to be delayed by more than 30 minutes. Liverpool fall at final hurdle Liverpool’s magnificent season brought them the Cara-

bao Cup and the FA Cup -- both won on penalties against Chelsea -- but ended in a double disappointment in the final week of a stellar campaign. The Champions League might have eased the agony of just missing out on the Premier League to Manchester City by one point, only for Liverpool to find themselves on the wrong end of a goalkeeping masterclass from Courtois. The Belgian was simply

Former West Indies cricket captain among three persons being considered for CARICOM’s highest award

B R I D G E TO W N , B a rbados, (CMC) – Three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals, including the former West Indies cricket captain, Sir Vivian Richards, are being considered for the Order of the Caribbean Community, the highest award to be given by CARICOM governments. Informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that apart from Richards, the others under consideration are the former Barbados government minister, Dame Bille Miller and the Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian, David Michael Rudder. The award will be bestowed during the CARICOM Summit scheduled for Suriname in July. During their last inter-sessional summit in Belize, the CARICOM leaders had given the green light to honouring LaRocque, the

Former West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards seventh CARICOM secretary general, who began his service at the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat in September 2005. The communique issued following the summit said LaRocque, who served as secretary general from 2011 to 2021, is being honoured for “his services to the Com-

munity.” The Order of the Caribbean Community is an award given to “Caribbean nationals whose legacy in the economic and cultural metamorphoses of Caribbean society is phenomenal.” The award was initiated at the English Conference of Heads of State and Governments of CARICOM in 1987 and was first bestowed in 1992. Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, who represented the West Indies cricket team between 1974 and 1991, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Richards made his test debut in 1974 against India and scored 8,540 runs in 121 Test matches at an average of 50.23, including 24 centuries. He also scored 1281 runs in World Series Cricket with five tons at average of over 55 which was regarded as highest and most difficult cricket ever played.

As captain, the Antigua and Barbuda national captain, won 27 of 50 Test matches and lost only 8. He also scored nearly 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals and more than 36,000 in first-class cricket. He was knighted for his contributions to cricket in 1999. Dame Billie Miller is a Barbadian lawyer and a former parliamentarian and Deputy Prime Minister. She was re-elected Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown for the seventh time and was appointed Senior Minister in May 2003, retaining the portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. She was also the first woman to sit on the Cabinet of Barbados. She held several portfolios as a minister between 1976 to 2008, including deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, TURN TO PAGE 27

perfect as he was a constant thorn in Salah’s side, turned Sadio Mane’s shot on to the post brilliantly and commanded his penalty area with faultless handling. Salah held his head in disbelief on many occasions as Courtois manned the barricade for Real, leaving the Egyptian

to nurse the pain of another Champions League final defeat by the Spanish giants. Liverpool were not quite at their best and eventually paid the price for not taking chances as Real pounced in trademark fashion to win this tournament for a record-extending 14th time. TURN TO PAGE 27

Thompson-Herah beats Dina Asher-Smith in emphatic Diamond League win

Olympic 100 metres champion Elaine Thompson-Herah.(Getty Images) OLYMPIC 100m champion Hodgkinson continued Elaine Thompson-Herah her impressive start to the proved she is still the one season as she surged to 800m to beat with an emphatic victory in a world-leading Diamond League win over time of one minute 57.72 a clutch of rivals, including seconds. Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, American Athing Mu, in Eugene. who beat Hodgkinson to The Jamaican stormed Olympic gold last summer, through the final 50m to win withdrew from the event earin 10.79. lier in the week, denying the Asher-Smith got off to crowd a comparison between the sharpest start but was the event’s two standout stars. overhauled, coming fourth in Hodgkinson’s compatriot a season-best time of 10.98 Jemma Reekie finished down seconds. in eighth. Elsewhere, Keely HodUS-based Hudson-Smith gkinson won the 800m while made the most of a reprieve fellow Briton Matt Hud- after an apparent false start to son-Smith set a new national break Iwan Thomas’ 25-year400m record. TURN TO PAGE 27

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| SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022