Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-07-2022

FRIDAY 29th July, 2022 PRICE

$100

'Return and serve' VAT INCLUSIVE

No.106798

–– gov't creating world-class services

–– to incentivise Guyanese diaspora to return

Prime Minister meets African Royal Delegation

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Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips with Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman Dr. Eric Phillips and a visiting Royal Delegation from South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

China’s 02 Liza Destiny goes 08 ‘First-of-its-kind’ Hepatitis C 09 government 1,000 days without treatment programme launched PAGE

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intolerant of recordable injury corruption –– Ambassador Guo reaffirms

E-Networks no longer separates home, business Internet services

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

China’s government intolerant of corruption – Ambassador Guo reaffirms

By Jared Liddell

NOTING that her government is committed to

its anti-corruption policies, People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan reaf-

firmed the Asian nation’s commitment to the rule of law when conducting any bilateral business activities.

The ambassador was, at the time, speaking at the commemoration ceremony of 50 years of friendship between Guyana China hosted by the Guyana Peace Council and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre on Thursday.

The ambassador’s comments come following allegations made in multiple reports by a US-based media house which sought to cast aspersions on the business operations of Chinese nationals in Guyana.

VICE News had touted the published videos as an exposé on corrupt practices

by Chinese companies in Guyana, but the publication failed miserably to show any proof of corrupt practices.

Instead, it was laced with unsubstantiated claims made by anonymous persons, which VICE News claimed are Chinese businesspersons in Guyana.

Ambassador Guo said all Chinese companies in Guyana understand the need to be above board in their interactions, so as to maintain the continued good relations between Guyana and China.

The ambassador completely refuted these claims

by VICE, stating: “If there is evidence that there is wrongdoing by Chinese companies or by Chinese students, the Chinese government will not tolerate it.

“As one of the first members of UN Convention against Corruption, China takes a zero tolerance attitude toward corruption. China also pays great attention to international co-operation in anti-corruption.”

She noted that China’s

government is committed to partnership with Guyana while following its principles on anti-corruption.

China and Guyana established relations when representatives from both sides signed a joint communiqué in London, United Kingdom (UK) on June 27, 1972.

Since then, Ambassador Guo noted, the Chinese government has worked to ensure that all bilateral relations are done above board.

She noted that over the past 50 years, the two countries enjoyed co-operation in five broad areas.

These are political relations, economic co-operation, healthcare, human resource and capacity building, and people-to-people relations.

Earlier this year, it was disclosed that trade between Guyana and China has grown by 213 per cent over the past five years, reaching US$710 million in 2021.

She opined that while China continues to partner with Guyana for developmental projects, the government has, in no way, utilised its resources to secure any underhanded agreements with the government.

Under political relations, there have been interactions between leaders of the two countries at different times.

China has assisted Guyana with several infrastructural projects, including the construction of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Under healthcare, Guyana has benefitted from being the first Caribbean country to receive COVID-19 vac-

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan cines donated by the Chinese Government, while the Chinese Medical Brigade has been coming to Guyana since 1993, following the establishment of a Medical Co-operation Agreement between the two countries on May 26, 1993.

In the area of capacity building, the Chinese Government has offered a number of scholarships and training courses to Guyanese at leading universities in China.

Meanwhile, Former President Donald Ramotar, who spoke at Thursday’s event, said Guyana-China relations has worked strategically over the 50-year co-operation to promote the economic advancement of Guyana, without any systems of total dependence on the Chinese economy.

He reminded that Guyana and China have had a historical relationship, making reference to the settlement of the Chinese as one of Guyana’s main ethnic groups following the abolition of slavery.

Former President, Donald Ramotar

'Return and serve'

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

–– gov't creating world-class services –– to incentivise Guyanese diaspora to return

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, recently told the Guyanese diaspora in Washington, District of Columbia (DC) that his government is working assiduously on building a Guyana that reflects the principles and defines its citizens and their diversity.

The President also told the group that government is working on providing world-class services in all sectors that will incentivise the return of the diaspora community to their homeland.

The Head of State made the comments while addressing a diaspora reception in Washington, DC, on the sideline of his official visit to the United States of America, where he has since engaged a number of federal government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society members.

“Know that the Guyana we want to build is the Guyana that must

reflect the values that define us as a people,” the President affirmed.

He said these values must not be individual values, but principles that Guyanese share collectively as part of the “Guyanese identity”.

“When someone says they are Guyanese they must be a symbol of the rule of law. They must be a symbol of democracy.

They must be a symbol of ethnic harmony. They must be a symbol of what unity looks like.

“They must be a symbol of tolerance. This is how a Guyanese identity must be defined. We are born in a society that is multi-ethnic, a society that is multi-religious.

“God has given us this gift so that we can demonstrate to the world how you combine a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country to demonstrate what the true meaning of tolerance and unity is,” Dr Ali said.

The President said that

President, Dr Irfaan Ali poses for a ‘selfie’ with an attendee at the diaspora engagement event (Office of the President) the time has come for all Guyanese to embrace “this fundamental gift”.

“When we combine

the collective differences in our individual identity, we have an identity that is called ‘Guyanese’.

Attendees at the engagement at the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC

“And that is fundamentally important because that is what is going to shape our character.

That is what is going to shape us as we move forward in this tremendous phase of transformation and development in our country,” President Ali continued.

PILLARS OF DEVELOPMENT The President pointed out that the government has a transformative agenda aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese.

“There are three fundamental pillars that we have to address that would give you further incentives to return home.

“You want to know that you can return to a healthcare system that could take care of your family. You want to know that you can return to an education system that can give your children the best possible

education, and you want to know if you can return to a system where the security of your family is not a worry, but a given,” Guyana’s Head of State said.

These changes, the President explained, will not only come with the improvement of infrastructure but must also be accompanied by a change in the mind-set, attitude, and behaviour of the citizens.

The President added that all of these will be done to build an economy that is competitive, strong, robust, resilient, and sustainable enough to compete at “every level”.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Hinds; and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch were also at the event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Prime Minister meets African Royal Delegation

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, on Thursday, met with Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips and a visiting African Royal Delegation from South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho who are in Guyana for Emancipation celebrations 2022.

The delegation indicated that their fundamental goals are to foster cultural exchange, education and development; explore regional economic integration, and strengthen the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly in their own efforts to establish bilateral relations with nations whose populations have Af-

rican lineage.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Phillips informed the delegation that Guyana is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society that values all of its citizens, including Afro-Guyanese, and the role their forefathers played in Guyana’s development.

The senior government official also explained that the concept of ‘One Guyana’, which has been a key area of focus for the Government, is based on mutual respect for society’s ethnic, religious, and social groups. Respect, he contended, broadens the space for diversity by accepting differences and allowing all Guyanese to see themselves as equal members of society.

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“African Guyanese have played a pivotal role in the development of Guyana and continues to be essential to the overall development of this country.”

His Highness Paul Jones Eganda led the African envoy, which included Her Royal Majesty Queen Cynthia Khamulo Mzilikazi III; Her Royal Highness Queen Ameenata Asaleh II; Her Royal Highness Princess Precious Lindiwe Nthibogelang; Her Royal Highness Princess Tshepi Motloung and Lady Mpho Dindi among other members.

The theme of Emancipation Day 2022 is: “Celebrating the enduring African spirit by cultural expression”. (Office of the Prime Minister)

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Prime Minister (ret’d), Mark Phillips greets a member of the visiting delegation at his office (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

GGDMA expresses condolences on death of miners in pit collapse

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), on Thursday, issued a statement expressing condolence on the death of miners Troy Scott, 44, and Seon Martin, 32, who both died last Friday after the mining pit in they worked in caved in on them.

“The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) extends its deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of the two miners who recently died when a section of the open pit where they were working collapsed,” the GGDMA said in a statement.

According to a police report, the incident involving Scott and Martin occurred around 15:30 hours on July 22 at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Initial investigations revealed that Scott, of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), and Martin of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), were both employed by a businessman on a dredge in the Kumung Kumung Backdam.

On the day in question, police say Martin was operating the ‘jetting hose’ while Scott was operating the ‘marrock hose’ in the mining pit, which is about 25 feet in depth when the land caved in and trapped them beneath.

Other workers who were

ers, the association said.

“We implore all miners to utilise these services offered by the GGDMA to ensure the adaptation of practices and

The mining pit in the Kumung Kumung 'backdam' present at the time were able ment said. to escape unhurt and subseThe GGMDA noted that quently joined in digging the working during the rainy two men out from beneath the season has also been contribcollapsed earth. uting to the increased risk of The bodies were brought mining pit collapses. to the Bartica Hospital the “The GGDMA recognises following day, where they that many miners cannot afwere pronounced dead. The ford to close their operations bodies bore multiple abra- during the rainy season since sions. A post-mortem exam- they have huge bills to pay, ination is to be conducted. further compounded by an The GGMDA noted that increase in operation costs. the manner and frequency of “We also recognise that deaths of miners due to col- the rainy season has become lapsed pits warrant a closer prolonged, and this results examination of the practices in the instability of the soil, of small and medium-scale thus heightening the risks for miners in general. workers’ safety,” the GGMThe GGDMA appealed to DA said. the general mining communiTo reduce such accidents ty to adhere to and implement in the mining sector, the good safety practices.

GGDMA, through its Tech“We continue to recog- nical Services Unit (TSU), nise that the mining sector is which is housed at the lower a very high-risk industry, we flat of the GGDMA Secretarurge all our miners to follow iat, North Road, Georgetown, good occupational health and will be offering free technical safety practices,” the state- support and advice to all min-

technology that will increase their productivity and the safety and health of workers.

“The GGDMA remains fully committed to work-

ing with all miners and stakeholders nationwide to reduce accidents in the mining sector,” the GGMDA noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Good and Better Hands

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to the US comes at a time when the entire world is facing doom-and- gloom economic prospects from what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says will be the worst inflation rate in the past 50 years and when both the US and Britain face their worst inflation rates in the past four decades.

It is also a time when the US and Guyana both have to reassess their multilateral and bilateral ties at regional and global levels; review and renew priorities, face new challenges and grab new opportunities.

The US is the world’s biggest and Guyana the fastest-growing economy in the world and Guyana did not go to Washington cap in hand, but with an agenda for continuing mutual cooperation dating back to 1992, reaffirmed in 2020 and has flourished at all levels since then.

President Ali and his delegation are all also very much aware that Guyana

has, now more than ever, to look to market its oil-and-gas resources globally, especially as nations big and small are today seeking, more than ever and by necessity, to align and realign their energy markets.

The US has its own economic headaches and this week the Federal Reserve Board raised interest rates (for a second time) by 0.075 per cent, with the effects of rising fuel and energy prices also affecting American pockets like everywhere else.

Guyana has seen the bellyaches experienced by other oil-producing countries that failed to wean themselves off total dependence on oil revenues, with diversification a primary objective and emphasis on agriculture and food security.

In that context, while Guyana and the US will definitely upgrade their shared economic and political relationships, it is also incumbent on the political leadership on both sides to better prepare for the more and new shocks

that will continue coming in months ahead from the combined after-effects of Climate Change, COVID, Supply Chain and Ukraine War crises.

The interconnectedness of the world economy has again been highlighted by the effects of the current global political and economic crises on food and fuel prices.

The IMF and World Bank are actually warning that more than a dozen countries will go the Sri Lanka way, while poor nations most affected by the grain-supply crisis pray for earlier-than-later solutions.

Guyana has also been extending its ties with other nations in the global oiland-gas industry, as well as developing nations willing to share experiences and develop new partnerships.

It is within this context that the President’s visit to the US must be measured and not on the basis of whether he met his US counterpart, who happened to have been in COVID isolation at the time.

There’s no reason but to expect that President Dr Ali’s delegation will return home with positive results from Washington. What will matter most, however, is where and how the US and Guyana walk together after the talking is over -- which can only be forward, against the background of each country’s priorities in the new world unfolding everywhere every day.

The so-called “Weather Apocalypse” affecting Europe today is also being reflected elsewhere by worrying and worsening weather patterns – from floods to forest fires -- in all corners of the globe, just as the world is preparing for the gathering global economic storm on the near horizon.

But Guyanese can rest reassured, as seen since August 2, 2020, that their present and future are undoubtedly in good and better hands in 2022 -- with more oil revenues in the bag and continuing US support for preservation of valued democratic norms.

Nothing justifies abuse –– absolutely nothing

Dear Editor,

THE following is a quote from a recent letter in the Guyana media: “Nothing justifies abuse, except the victim who has become so comfortable within the environment; the victim who believes that without the abuser there will be no way to have basic necessities for survival; the victim who thinks about the family unit and the destruction abandonment will cause to that unit, or the psychological effects it will have on the child/ children.

These factors among others are often

the reasons the victims renege on the decision to leave.”

There is one word that is misplaced in that quote – ‘justifies.’ The simple fact is that nothing justifies abuse -absolutely nothing! Thus, while the quote suggests reasons a victim may be unable to leave an abusive relationship, none of those reasons either justify their abuse, nor support the contention that the victim is comfortable with the environment. Victims remain because they rely on the abuser to fulfil emotional needs and have formed trauma-bonding – psychological response

to abuse, are conditioned to respond in certain ways, which reinforce the abusers use of controlling behaviours and use coping strategies that tend to be self-protective in nature, including denial, minimisation, addictions, arguing, defensiveness, rationalisation, compliance, detachment and dissociation.

None of this means that the victim is, in any way, culpable for the abuse, or comfortable in the abusive situation.

In writing/talking about social pathologies one must always be very careful about one’s language, so that whatever is conveyed does not skew the reality and distort perspectives and reactions. In fact, it is for this reason that in contemporary times, experts, activists and advocates are

on a trajectory to re-engineer language relating to these social ills. Thus, for example, to attribute an abuser’s actions as emotional neglect implies that the caregiver may not be aware that she /his behaviour or attitude is abusive, which is absolutely not the case.

Therefore, mental cruelty and psychological battering should be the language applied in this particular context.

Or to say that victim is ashamed of her/his abuse to somehow suggest that the abuse is the victim’s fault. Thus, this particular word has no applicability in this context.

Yours sincerely, Annan Boodram

Ensuring First People Are Not Last Citizens

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Part 5: Much Has Been Done, But Is It Enough?

By Earl Bousquet

GUYANA’S Annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference, required by the Amerindian Act, gathers indigenous leaders from over 212 communities located across the nation’s vast interior.

It’s an annual platform that allows Amerindian leaders to engage Guyana government officials on developmental issues affecting their communities.

It’s also been hosted under a ‘Big Tent’ format, the objective being to facilitate better mutual understanding of respective perspectives and generation of ideas to develop common plans and platforms.

Guyana’s NTC gathering takes place alongside similar but separate efforts by indigenous entities and representatives facing representation issues across the Caribbean, in like and different ways, in different territories, whether continental or islands.

Distinct indigenous groups also exist in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago and each island in the chain between Jamaica and Trinidad is able to trace its original roots to their earliest known beginnings.

Likewise, Cuba and Hispaniola, as well as the remaining European colonies in the Caribbean: the French and Dutch ‘Overseas Departments’ and ‘Antilles’, respectively.

Of late, much has been done by governments Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago -CARICOM member-states with the most active groups and entities representing Indigenous people and regional entities -- to give assurances their respective indigenous people will not easily be forgotten.

In Dominica, where a colonially-assigned ‘Carib Territory’ officially exists, there’s been much progress in terms of appreciating the indigenous heritage and culture: the current Minister for Kalinago Affairs, elected MP Cozier Frederick, refuses to use the word ‘Carib’, insisting on Kalinago -- the original indigenous name; and he also de-emphasises using the island’s colonial-

ly-christened name ‘Dominica’, instead opting for the original indigenous name ‘Waitikubuli’.

Dominica’s Kalinago, St. Vincent’s Garifuna, Belize’s Maya and Garifuna and the indigenous Santa Rosa communities in Trinidad & Tobago and their counterparts in Suriname, all work better together today than yesteryear.

During Slavery, the indigenous in some Caribbean territories entered into alliances with rebel African Freedom Fighters, as in the case of the Kalinago and Garifuna in the smaller Windward Islands, including Barbados.

Today, their descendants have ongoing historical and contemporary developmental issues and challenges still to be addressed by governments and the related communities.

Take land rights, which is not even everywhere.

In 1797, some 5,087 Garifuna, mainly from St. Vincent & The Grenadines and representing the majority of the population, were forcibly banished to Roatan Island (off Honduras), from whom those in Belize today have descended and whose roots have also extended over the two centuries to Guatemala and Nicaragua, numbering in hundreds of thousands.

The 50,000 Maya and Garifuna-descendant citizens of Belize comprise roughly 10 per cent of the population, but both have issues with the government -- and between them -- regarding ancestral land and inheritance rights.

Dominica has the longest history of an active indigenous community struggling to preserve itself among the islands, with government support -- but here too, land titles have an interesting history.

Crispin Gregoire and Natalia Kanem point out in an article in September 1989 entitled ‘The Caribs of Dominica: Land Rights and Ethnic Consciousness’ that “the last survivors” of the Caribbean’s original inhabitants “live in Dominica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines, as well as in Guyana, Brazil and Surinam.”

They also note that Dominica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines have had

historical land rights claims dating back to 1748, when, mainly due to the levels of resistance put-up by the indigenous people in those to territories, the British and French signed the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle, agreeing to not attack or try to occupy the two territories and to treat them as ‘neutral’.

But, as per usual, the French and British both violated the treaty, which fell apart after the British attacked in 1783.

The British would allocate 233 acres of land in St. Vincent & The Grenadines and 232 acres in Dominica for establishment of indigenous reserves and in 1903 expanded Dominica’s Carib Reserve to 3,700 acres (or two per cent of the island’s total land mass).

In 1930, a group of British marines invaded Dominica’s Carib Territory, deposed the Chief and stole the official land titles.

Nearly five decades later in 1978 -- the year Dominica became independent – the UK government rejected the island’s plea to return the land titles for the Carib Reserve, leading to passage in the parliament (on November 29, 1978) of the Carib Reserve Act, giving control of the territory to the Caribs, who changed the name from ‘Carib Reserve’ to Carib Territory.

Successive Dominica governments have done much to give more attention to the nation’s Kalinago citizens, but Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) have done more than most, especially in the past two decades, to bring pride to the Kalinago citizenry.

The Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous people (COIP) was established in St. Vincent & The Grenadines in 1987, when and where the first conference of the region’s indigenous people was attended by delegations from Belize, Dominica, Guyana and host nation St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

The COIP’s inaugural conference called for the 90s to be designated the Decade of The Indigenous People and in late 1993, following a recommendation by the World Conference on Human Rights, the United Nations General

Assembly proclaimed 1995 to 2004 as the Decade of the World’s Indigenous People; and 1990-2000 was also designated Decade of the Rain Forest, also observed by indigenous people in Guyana’s Amazon region, as well as in Suriname and French Guiana (Cayenne).

But what’s happened in the last two decades to harness the information and common undertakings by stakeholders to follow common courses based on common experiences?

A lot has been done at national and regional levels to address the region’s indigenous people and com-

munities’ concerns, but obviously not enough.

More can and needs to be done, but what?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Liza Destiny goes 1,000 days without recordable injury, Exxon official says

By Tamica Garnett

IN what is being described as a leading industry standard, The Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore Guyana has gone 1,000 days without a recordable injury.

The achievement represents a high level of safety on the vessel, with safety being highly regarded in the oil and gas sector.

This achievement was recently commended by ExxonMobil Guyana’s Production Manager Mike Ryan during a recent press conference held at the company’s office earlier this week.

“The operations on Destiny has [sic] been going smoothly; a very safe operation.

“We’ve gone over 1,000 days now without a recordable injury which is really world class for us and we should be very proud of all the Guyanese working and supporting the Liza Destiny FPSO,” Ryan said.

By Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, employers are required to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses.

Recordable injuries amount to any that results in death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.

Safety in the oil and gas industry is of utmost importance due to the high risk of hazards.

“In industries around the world you want to have a common basis for how you measure safety.

“We use the term ‘total recordable injuries’ and that, by simple terms, is anything more than first aid… We’ve gone over a thousand days without one of those events. “[And] we’ve gone over 200 days without a single hurt, not even first aid. That is world class performance.

That, I know, the team on Destiny is extremely proud of,” Ryan added.

The Liza Destiny is currently operating at the Liza Phase One project in the offshore Stabroek Block, which is currently producing 140,000 barrels of oil per day.

The Liza Phase One development is approximately 190 kilometres offshore in water depths of 1,500– 1,900 meters. There are four drill centres with 17 wells in total;

ExxonMobil Guyana Production Manager Mike Ryan eight oil producing wells, six water injection wells, and three gas reinjection wells.

The Liza Destiny is the first FPSO to operate in Guyana, arriving in August 2019, and beginning operations with first oil in December 2019.

Ryan said the safety record of the Liza Destiny is setting the foundation for what the company wants excellence to look like. He added that the company will continue to leverage on the lessons learnt from the Destiny as more FPSOs come on stream.

The Liza Destiny is one of two FPSOs currently operating offshore, with the other being the Liza Unity.

The Liza Unity is currently operating at the Liza Phase Two project, which began production in February 2022 and is currently producing 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

“We took a lot of learnings that we had from Destiny, both from a safety perspective but also from a start of perspective and apply it to Unity.

“We continue to build on Liza Destiny and the Liza Unity and get ready to prepare for our third FPSO, the Prosperity, that will arrive in 2023. It’s a great foundation,” Ryan said.

Aside from the Liza Phases One and Two, the Payara and Yellowtail projects are also being developed in the Stabroek Block, and are expected to come on stream in 2023 and 2025, respectively.

A third FPSO, the Prosperity, will be used for the Payara development which will target 220,000 barrels of oil per day, while a fourth FPSO, the OneGuyana, will be used at the Yellowtail development, which is expected to produce 250,000 barrels per day, the largest project to date.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

‘First-of-its-kind’ Hepatitis C treatment programme launched

–– to significantly reduce cost to patients

By Shamar Meusa

THE Ministry of Health, on Thursday, officially launched its Hepatitis C treatment programme which will see persons receiving care and treatment for the virus free of cost.

The programme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on patients seeking treatment for the viral infection.

Hepatitis C spreads through contact with contaminated blood, causes liver inflammation, and can sometimes lead to serious liver damage.

At the launch, which was held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony hailed the day as a historic one for

the country as he mentioned that July 28 was chosen for the launch as it is World Hepatitis Day. Delivering remarks during the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh revealed that there was need for an integrated approach to this public health issue.

Dr Singh said that the launch of the Hepatitis C treatment programme builds on the ministry’s services already in place to reduce the spread of Hepatitis B, inclusive of surveillance programmes and vaccination programmes.

“Now is the time to beat hepatitis… the launch of this Hepatitis C treatment programme is only the first step towards the elimination of Hepatitis as a public-health

threat,” the chief medical officer said.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that Hepatitis C has always been a challenge for Guyana, as he noted that they have been able to diagnose several patients through screenings at the blood bank.

He added, however, that when the diagnosis was made, those persons were called in for counselling even as he mentioned that much more could not have been done at that time.

“We couldn’t do much more because we did not have the treatment that was available… the cost of these medications was really, really high,” Dr Anthony said.

When looking for solutions to handle this issue, what was found is that pur-

PAHO Representative to Guyana, Dr Luis Codina (right), hands over drugs procured for the newly launched Hepatitis C Treatment programme to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony (Second from left). Also in photo is Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh (first from left) (Adrian Narine photo) chasing the drugs necessary for treatment would cost approximately US$2,000 per patient.

He revealed that the government then approached the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and was told of the organisation’s strategic fund. Through this fund, PAHO purchases drugs and other items in bulk, which they can get at a reduced cost.

Dr Anthony told those gathered that through the fund they were able to lower the cost to approximately US$160 per patient, which he said was a big drop.

With all of that in place, the Health Minister revealed

that they worked quickly to put various systems in place so as to ensure that the programme could be pulled off.

As a result, Dr Anthony said that the ministry has already set aside a room at the National Treatment and Care Centre along with a special day and time so patients who have Hepatitis C can engage doctors and receive treatment.

If needed, he noted that hours can be extended and more clinic space can be added to cater for more patients.

“So, think about this, if we have as we estimated probably 500 to 600 patients, they will now be

able to access care, which means that let’s say 10 to 15 years from now, we are going to prevent people from having cirrhosis, preventing some of those persons from having cancer and, therefore, we are preventing these complications that patients would normally have,” the Health Minister expressed.

As the programme is officially launched, the first set of patients will be able to access treatment from next Wednesday at the National Care and Treatment Centre, as he noted that the government has procured medication for approximately 600 patients.

Marriott Guyana launches hospitality training programme

By Shari Simon

A TOTAL of twenty-eight participants from different professional backgrounds were welcomed as the first cohort a few weeks ago at the official launch of the Food and Beverage Academy at the Marriott Hotel Guyana in Georgetown.

The academy is a skills training and career advancement initiative developed and spearheaded by the Marriott Hotel Guyana under the strategic vision and stewardship of the establishment’s executive team including the General Manager, Eduardo Reple and Food and Beverage Director, Juan Pallares.

Given the constant need to adapt and evolve alongside changing trends in the food and beverage industry, the overall goal of the academy’s twoweek programme is to provide opportunities for participants to learn new

skills that are crucial to the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Particularly, the training aims to build participants’ culinary experience to prepare a variety of meals as well as make and serve different beverages.

“The Food and Beverage Academy is one component that we are focused on in terms of service delivery,” said Reple, whose 47 years of experience acquired from working in the hospitality sector across the world is an asset to driving the hotel’s business growth.

He further highlighted that, “We invest in training because we believe that by empowering your associates to do their job, they will feel more confident in what they do, and by feeling that confidence they will be able to deliver a better service.”

Additionally, Pallares, who has worked at the hotel within several capacities since 2019 and

Food and Beverage Director Juan Pallares (Samuel Maughn photo) brings over 15 years of experience, said, “Guyana is growing really fast…

The initiative comes also with the needs that we can find specifically here in Guyana and it allows us to basically train people to ensure they are on the level and standard that we expect.”

The programme curriculum is led by a team of international and lo-

cal hospitality specialists and it consists of modules that span various topics, and incorporate theoretical work and practical activities. Each participant can apply the knowledge gained and garner firsthand experience.

Furthermore, to ensure that participants acquire the necessary knowledge and expertise upon their completion for a career in hospitality, the groups will be assessed and awarded a certificate.

Pallares explained that, “based on the tests, there will be a result that tells you if you can actually continue or repeat it”.

He added: “The idea is that where we have repetition, there is retention. We want to be able to ensure that everyone can perform and pass.”

He mentioned that despite the challenging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative’s launch also provides scope to make learning a continu-

Marriott Guyana’s General Manager Eduardo Reple (Samuel Maughn photo) ous process while building a resourceful and dynamic workforce that is motivated by an inherent passion to celebrate the food and beverage wonders of the hospitality industry.

Moreover, he disclosed that achieving quality and maintaining consistency in every aspect of the business operation is paramount to the hotel.

As a result, the daily

processes undertaken to ensure that foods and beverages are safely prepared for consumption must follow strict guidelines and regulations.

Sourcing high-quality products and materials through local and international suppliers, building collaborations with local food and beverage brands, ensuring the kitchen and other storage facilities adhere to hygiene and sanitation protocols, and mastering serving etiquette are all aspects that are regulated to ensure that the hotel’s brand and standard is highly maintained.

As Guyana continues to reap the benefits from the country’s growing oil and gas sector, the academy is committed to providing specialised training to develop capacity for Guyanese to have a range of different skills essential to building a career in the hospitality industry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Women judges group takes human-trafficking –– Outlines legal protections, judicial process discussion to radio

By Clestine Juan

THE Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ) held a live panel discussion on Thursday to sensitise citizens about the transnational criminal activity of trafficking in persons (TIP) and what role the judiciary

plays in justice for survivors.

The discussion was GAWJ’s first in a series of activities for World Day Against TIP, which is being held under the theme: “Use and abuse of technology.”

The global focus this year is on the role of technology

as a tool that can both enable and impede human trafficking.

During the panel discussion on radio station 104.1FM, Christel Lambert, a magistrate at Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) who is also the second vice-president of the

GWJA, gave an overview of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Act 2005, including the guidelines for sentencing and related criminal offences.

Based on our local legislation, TIP is defined as the act of recruitment, transportation, harbouring, transfer, and receipt of persons by

Chief Magistrate and President of GAWJ, Ann McLennan the use of force, strength, or other forms of conversion, for the specific purpose of exploitation.

TIP crimes also entail sexual exploitation, forced labour, servitude, slavery and practices similar to slavery.

It is also connected with other criminal activities such as the drug trade, money laundering, smuggling of gold and other items out of the country, illegal trading of firearms, and other criminal activities.

The TIP law covers the unlawful withholding of a person’s identification card, and transporting and harbouring a person for the purpose of trafficking.

Additionally, it requires that hearings for TIP offences be held in camera and that the identity of the victim must not be published.

Any person who exposes the identity of the victim and the victim’s family commits a summary offence and is liable to a fine of $100,000.

The Bartica-based magistrate made reference to Chapter Three of the Act which states that under a summary conviction, a person can be sentenced to three to four years in jail, be subjected to forfeiture of property, and can also be ordered to pay full restitution to the victim.

However, if convicted on an indictable charge which requires a High Court trial, the person can be sentenced to life in prison, along with forfeiture of property and restitution to the victim.

In the case involving a trafficked person who is under the age of 18, five years may be added to the sentence.

Additionally, if the convicted person commits a sexual assault against a trafficked person, five years may be added to the sentence.

In 2019, the Chief Magis-

Magistrate Christel Lambert trate and President of GAWJ Ann McLennan, sentenced a businesswoman to 15 years in jail for trafficking two Venezuelan women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Her sentence was handed down in accordance with the TIP Act. “The legislation is worded in such a way to impose severe penalties on those persons that are convicted for this deplorable crime,” Magistrate Lambert told listeners during the morning programme.

Against this backdrop, she said that victims are protected in such a way so that they are not prosecuted while being heard for certain types of offences that they may have engaged in while being trafficked, such as immigration-related activities.

“So, we would like persons who are victims out there and maybe undocumented in our country to know that they will not be prosecuted and they should not be afraid to come forward,” the magistrate said.

Meanwhile, the chief magistrate highlighted the best practices which are implemented when dealing with TIP criminal cases.

She explained that the court’s role is to conduct a victim-centred, trauma-informed speedy trial, which aims at avoiding re-victimization throughout the entire process.

“The security of the victim is particularly important because of the nature of these offences, which involve syndicates. And a number of persons are involved in the crime. That is the reason for a rigorous bail hearing,” she said.

The victim will also be paired with an advocate, See page 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Local Maritime Training School achieves international compliance

ATLANTIC Alliance Maritime and Offshore Training Institute (AAMOTI), a 100 per cent Guyanese-owned training institution, has achieved international compliance status from the UK-based Namaka Compliance.

Namaka Compliance announced, recently, that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AAMOTI to target opportunities within Guyana, a release said.

The MoU was signed to assist with the institution’s development and allows both

Courses and programmes offered by AAMOTI are accredited by the Maritime Association of Jamaica (MAJ) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of Guyana.

“Their institute is equipped with highly qualified faculty members with extensive Maritime experience and exemplary academic qualifications. The knowledge obtained from their courses can be applied in the fields and is highly relevant,” Namaka Compliance said in a statement recently.

Namaka Compliance delivers innovative compliance services encompassing digital and Virtual Reality Technology to ensure that the energy sector workforce is capable of being deemed compliant and competent, particularly where major accident hazards exist Namaka and AAMOTI to work together to offer Local Content programmes.

Namaka Compliance delivers innovative compliance services encompassing digital and Virtual Reality Technology to ensure that the energy sector workforce is capable of being deemed compliant and competent, particularly where major accident hazards exist.

AAMOTI which is expected to be officially launched soon offers the highest standards of STCW, Maritime and Offshore training to equip students with the requisite knowledge, skills and discipline needed to start careers in the oil and gas sector, the release said.

To this end, AAMOTI will act as Namaka Compliance’s partner in Guyana considering that the government will be looking to utilise Guyanese-owned institutions per the requirements of the Local Content Act, rather than international training providers.

“The signing of this MoU allows us to work together and up-skill local nationals by delivering programmes to help transfer our knowledge of oil and gas expertise in Aberdeen to emerging markets in Guyana,” Jamie Murphy, Namaka Compliance Managing Director shared after the signing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Science, technology and innovation vital for sustainable development

COLLABORATION in science, technology and innovation must be at the centre of a strengthened cooperation between Africa and the Americas in order to realise the potential of both continents, reinforce their role as guarantors of global food and nutritional security, and create a level

playing field for productive, sustainable and inclusive agricultural sectors that contribute to the sustainable development of both regions.

These conclusions were highlighted at the round table on Science, Technology and Innovation that was part of the first day of the

“Africa-Americas Summit on Agri-food Systems,” a meeting that brings together ministers, deputy ministers and senior officials of agriculture, the environment and science and technology from 40 countries with the aim of strengthening bi-regional cooperation to face the challenges of global food security

Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia, Oumer Hussien Oba; Undersecretary (Deputy Minister) of Livestock of Honduras, José Ángel Acosta; Cleber Oliveira Soares, Secretary of Innovation, Sustainable Development and Irrigation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil; Minister of Agriculture of Burkina Faso, Delwendé Innocent Kiba; Oseyemi Olurotimi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA); and the IICA Special Ambassador for the First Africa-Americas Summit and IICA Goodwill Ambassador on Sustainable Development Issues, Keithlin Caroo (IICA photo) and reinforce the role of both continents in terms of productivity.

Participating in the discussion panel were Cleber Oliveira Soares, Secretary of Innovation, Sustainable Development and Irrigation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil; Oseyemi Olurotimi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA); the Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia, Oumer Hussien Oba; the Minister of Agriculture of Burkina Faso, Delwendé Innocent Kiba; and the Undersecretary (Deputy Minister) of Livestock of Honduras, José Ángel Acosta.

“Brazil today is a world agricultural power, thanks to the investment we have made in science, technology and innovation. The Ministry of Agriculture guides its strategies by anticipating the future of agriculture, of Brazilian agriculture, and in order to cooperate on issues of contemporary agriculture with the Americas, Africa and other continents. Nine plant species are the food base of this planet and are produced in countries with a temperate climate. For this reason, tropical-climate countries have an immense opportunity,” Soares said, in a presentation long awaited

by African countries, which see Brazil as a major partner for the development of their

tropical agriculture.

“We are here to share our vision, to work together on a low-carbon, bio-inputs agenda, with an African and Latin American network to lower costs for producers. With an innovation hub for both our continents,” he added.

Oseyemi Olurotimi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), indicated that “the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of science, technology and innovation for the well-being of the global population.

Progress in this field is necessary not only to recover from this crisis and for future crises, but also to face other global challenges such as poverty, malnutrition, disease, food insecurity, inequality, climate change and many other issues.”

COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW He then added: “It is my expectation that this summit will provide a comprehensive overview of the potential for science and cooperation in priority areas for agri-food systems, and will help identify the institutional policies and regulations needed to promote science, technology and innovation to improve agri-food systems and create platforms that facilitate research.”

In his presentation, Akinbamijo also underscored that “both continents comprise a group of developing countries that belong to the periphery, which share similar situations of vulnerability and comparable challenges.

Both regions have struggled against colonialism and have fought for their independence; both have been dependent and have had asymmetrical relations with industrialised countries.

These two regions have experienced the economic damage caused by structural adjustment programmes, and they share a great variety of natural resources, biodiversity and opportunities for tropical agriculture. Both continents have a primary role in guaranteeing food security, environmental sustainability and resilience. However, despite these opportunities, both continents are sadly described as having the most undernourished, food-insecure and discriminated populations.”

After identifying these similarities, he added that “the priority areas for the application of science, technology and innovation must include crops, livestock and the current productivity of agriculture, administration efficiency and the management of precision and digital agriculture.’’

OUR GREEN GOLD See page 14

‘I want justice!’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

–– survivor tells court during sentencing of rapist

COLIN Venture, called “Dane”, was on Wednesday sentenced to 16 years in jail on several counts of rape committed on a 13-yearold girl.

Venture, 41, was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

Earlier this month, a jury found Venture guilty of three counts of rape of a child under 16 years, which occurred on three occasions between September and October 2020.

He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Alaira Murphy-Goodman, while the State was represented by Prosecutors Cecilia Corbin,

Caressa Henry and Peneeta Persaud.

During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, the victim’s impact statement was read in court by a social worker, and was tendered into evidence.

The victim, in her statement, said: “I want justice!

I want him to have a long sentence, because what he did to me really hurt me…

“I am also thinking about my future, because, if his sentence is short, then it would mean that he is a threat to my life. I also want all the men out there to understand that it is wrong to interfere with underage children.”

During his address to

Women judges group takes ...

From page 10

who is required to report directly to the prosecutor about the psychological state of the victim.

The prosecutor will report to the magistrate on the status of their files and readiness to proceed along with what forms of special measures are needed for the victim and all the witnesses.

At the trial, the matters are held privately, whereby only concerned parties are allowed in the courts. Additionally, the victim’s family member or advocate will also be allowed into the hearing for emotional support.

As part of their second event, GAWJ will be distributing 150 TIP posters in all of the administrative regions, especially in areas where the crime is prevalent.

According to the US Department of State 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report, Guyana has managed to maintain its Tier One ranking for its local response to TIP. The tier-ranking means that the Government of Guyana has fully met the minimum standards for elimination of trafficking. Guyana is among just four South American countries to have achieved this status.

The US Department of State 2022 TIP Report states, “The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, Guyana remained on Tier 1.

“These efforts included identifying more victims and referring them to services, increasing investigations and prosecutions, drafting and funding a National Action Plan (NAP) for 2021-2025 with input from survivors, training diplomats, and conducting a campaign to inform migrants of the Spanish-language hotline.”

Additionally, Guyana has improved its capacity to collect information and report on suspected cases of trafficking, conduct undercover operations, provide support to victims to rebuild their lives, and/or facilitate their repatriation when requested.

Ongoing public awareness programmes are conducted in foreign languages and some Indigenous languages.

Recent initiatives include offering a bilingual anti-trafficking 24-hour hotline to assist Spanish-speaking victims, and the development of standard operating procedures for victim identification.

There has also been progress in dismantling some criminal networks in Guyana involved in trafficking.

Government shelters offer specialised care for victims, including training, translation, legal and medical services, and psychological therapy.

The government also provides financial support to shelters managed by civil society organisations, while direct financial and other assistance are provided to victims who opt not to stay in a shelter.

the Court, Venture said, “I am very sorry for this whole situation; I apologise for everything, Your Honour.”

Meanwhile, the judge, during her sentencing remarks, underscored the physical and psychological trauma the victim has had to

face, and continues to face.

Among other things, the judge said that Venture lacked genuine remorse, and had maintained his innocence.

The judge delivered separate sentences for each count, in that Venture was

sentenced to 14 years on the first count, 15 years on the second count, and 16 years on the final count.

The judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, which means Venture will only serve 16 years in prison.

The Guyana Chronicle had

13 earlier reported that Venture was known to the victim’s parents, since he was a frequent visitor at the family’s shop.

The case against him was that during his visits to the shop, he would take the victim into the toilet and engage in sexual activities with her.

The victim’s stepmother saw a series of cell-phone messages between Venture and the teen, who was later confronted by her parents.

She subsequently told them that she and Venture were engaged in a sexual relationship. The matter was reported and Venture was arrested.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Fishermen admit to 2017 killing of estate worker

TWO fishermen on Wednesday confessed to their involvement in the 2017 fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Kawal Shivnauth of Wine Bush, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Roopnarine “Helicopter” Persaud and Deonarine “Pascal” Lakhan were indicted for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. Their pleas were accepted by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demer-

DEAD: Kawal Shivnauth

ara High Court.

The duo admitted that on January 9, 2017 at Anna Catherina, WCD, they unlawfully killed Shivnauth.

The state was represented by prosecutors Muntaz Ali and Abigail Gibbs. Persaud was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Smartt, while Lakhan was represented by attorney-at-law Teriq Mohammed.

Reports indicate that Shivnauth, a sugar estate worker, was killed a few

days after he reportedly approached his stepson Lakhan, warning him about harassing Shivnauth’s young daughter.

It is alleged that on January 09, 2017, Persaud, Lakhan and Shivnauth were consuming alcohol at a shop at Anna Catherina. Following that, Persaud advanced towards Shivnauth with a knife and chopped him, the court heard.

Shivnauth armed himself with a broken bottle, but the weapon was taken away by

CONFESSED KILLERS: Deonarine Lakhan (left) and Roopnarine Persaud his stepson. The stepson, Lakhan, held onto Shivnauth while Persaud stabbed him several times about the body.

Residents raised an alarm when the altercation

occurred and the police were alerted. Shivnauth was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital and the duo was later arrested.

Science, technology and innovation vital . .

From page 12

For his part, the Ethiopian Minister of Agriculture stated that “we want to benefit from technology and cooperation opportunities.

Ethiopia has been engaged in the transformation of low-productivity agricultural systems into more efficient and commercial enterprises, with a view to improving our economic situation. We have a large number of national programmes, such as the green energy programme, designed to face the current environmental problems and implement efforts to mechanise our coffee production, which is our top product, ‘our green gold’ as we call it.”

Along the same lines, Oba expressed that “we must take into account, above all, the possibility of sharing experiences. We must take action quickly and change the scenario, and that is why we are requesting action and collaboration for the good of our people, and to obtain concrete results.”

Minister Kiba, from Burkina Faso, underscored the importance and the needs of small-sized farmers and emphasised the relevance of taking action to distribute agricultural inputs and equipment, “so that producers can benefit effectively and contribute to achieving food and nutritional security.”

At his turn, the representative of the Government of Honduras, the Deputy Minister of Livestock José Ángel Acosta, indicated that “we are building an agri-food policy that not only ensures food security, but also guarantees that those who have been historically excluded can access food as a human right. The Honduran government works on four pillars of production: Food security, Zero hunger, Affordable food and increased agricultural exports. If agricultural technological innovation does not reach the poor, there can be no fair policy to ensure food for all.”

In addition to senior officials from some 40 countries, multilateral credit, cooperation and private sector organisations are also participating in the summit.

The meeting has the support of Bayer, CAF-Development Bank of Latin America, World Bank Group, Microsoft, Rabobank, Syngenta and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (IICA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

E-Networks no longer separates home, business Internet services –– customers can now choose any Internet service that meets their needs

E-NETWORKS customers now have complete freedom to choose any of the company’s Internet services based on their needs, budget and coverage area.

This is because the company will no longer separate its services into business or home types, a release from the company said.

Nadia Bulkan, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of E-Networks, said the company’s decision was influenced by its many customer interactions since telecommunications liberalisation in October 2020.

“E-Networks has been committed to bringing connectivity to areas that have been neglected or underserved,” she said, adding that “We have expanded into new areas countrywide and engaged with our customers, who come from all walks of life. And we’ve discovered that our customers’ needs do not always fit the traditional definition of only businesses being heavy bandwidth users and only individuals needing affordable services. It became clear that we needed

to remove this distinction so that our customers have the freedom and flexibility to choose the service that best fits their needs.”

According to the company, homes can have intensive bandwidth needs due to multiple users, streaming, and powering smart home devices that require the fastest Internet services.

On the other hand, businesses, particularly small businesses, may need less

bandwidth that does not justify paying more for “business” services, which are usually more expensive than “residential” services.

The release noted that as a result, E-Networks has decided to eliminate the outdated model of separating services by whether they are for businesses or homes. This means that a home can sign up for its fastest Internet service, 1,000 Mbps, or a business can subscribe to the most economical Internet package, 20 Mbps, for $7,900 monthly (VAT exclusive).

The company also stated that it would ensure tax compliance by charging VAT on all data services used by businesses.

“VAT does not apply to residential Internet or personal data. E-Networks has also observed that both homes and businesses have a similar demand for TV services to keep informed and entertained.

Consequently, the company has decided to increase the value of its Internet services by automatically bundling them with a free mobile TV service for the same monthly fee,” the release noted.

The release added that this move is consistent with

the company’s overall goal of giving its customers simple and convenient options, such as online sign-up,

E-Networks Chief Operating Officer, Nadia Bulkan digital payments, 24x7x365 contact channels including WhatsApp, and expanding

its services at the same pricing to more areas in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

10 finalists ‘gunning for’ US$8,000 ‘Miss World Guyana’ crown - Over $5 Million in cash and prizes ‘up for grabs’

Miss World Guyana chairman, Dave Laltoo (Adrian Narine photo)

By Shamar Meusa

FOLLOWING a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miss World Guyana competition is back with 10 young women set to compete for the crown

and a chance to represent Guyana on the international stage.

This was revealed on Tuesday at the official launching conference by the Miss World Guyana franchise holders, Majesty International.

During the press conference, which was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the chairman of Miss World Guyana, Dave Laltoo said with the competition making its return, the company is delighted to partner with several entities to bring what they called an evolution to the industry.

The competition’s final events will run from August 1 to August 21, 2022. This year’s theme centres Guyana’s national flower, the Victoria Regia.

Laltoo, with much

excitement, said: “the winner of Miss World Guyana 2022 competition wins over $5.5 million in cash and prizes including a car, designer wardrobe, a public relations marketing and portfolio enhancement package, a scholarship opportunity, international pageant training and coaching, and the opportunity to represent Guyana on the Miss World stage.”

Additionally, Laltoo announced that D&S Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery is the official crown maker for Miss World Guyana. The bejewelled

The Miss World Guyana 2022 finalists (Photo credit: Miss World Guyana)

headwear will be valued at US$8,000.

This crown, which will be passed from winner to winner, is also expected to feature over 3,000 local gems sourced by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and will be revealed soon.

Meanwhile, the 10 delegates who will be competing are Andrea King, Anjanie Lall, Arian Richmond, Emaley Nurse, Esther Marslowe, Krystal Collymore, Malinda Ho-A-Lim, Naina Pai, Raeshaunna Jones, and Trevlind Harry.

On August 1, Miss

World Guyana delegates will participate in the appointment ceremony which will see the 10 delegates being officially sashed to represent one of the 10 administrative regions in the country.

The delegates will later in the month face off in a debate challenge, sports and fitness competition, and top model and talent competitions.

The grand coronation is expected to be held on August 21 at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). The NCC, it was said, will be transformed for the red carpet event.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Miss Jamzone to be crowned on August 13

AS the Miss Jamzone pageant makes its return, eight delegates were, on Wednesday evening, officially sashed and are now ready to take part in several aspects of the competition leading up to the coronation.

The Hits & Jams Entertainment team hosted the official sashing ceremony for the pageant at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown where August 13 was announced as coronation day. The event will be hosted at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

During the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hits and Jams, Rawle Ferguson reminded that the pageant is now over 20 years old. The company, he said, is excited to see their regular programming return after a brief hiatus.

Meanwhile, the company’s Executive Director Kerwin Bollers said this Sunday will be the first segment of the pageant— fantasy wear—during the Jamzone Beach Jam event

at the Kingston beach front.

For the fantasy swimwear segment, the delegates, Bollers said, have been working with their respective designers to create swimwear pieces that can be described as out-ofthe-box or different from the norm.

“The pageant is a different pageant and it really caters to promoting tourism in Guyana… [as] some of the segments are very unique as compared to other pageants,” he said.

With that, Bollers added that one of the major things that the organisers are pushing is to have the queen of the competition represent Guyana at similar pageants on regional and international stages.

The delegates present were all sashed by their individual official sponsors and are set to continue their training in various areas leading up to the official coronation on August 13. (Shamar Meusa)

The Miss Jamzone delegates who were sashed on Wednesday evening. From left, Jasmaine Assanah, Jade Mercurius, Shaniya DeCosta, Amel Griffith, Phelicia Adams, Omaiah Hall, and Jada Jones (Elvin Carl Croker photo)

‘Beauty’ takes ‘Miss Teen India Worldwide’ crown

Young Razack COMING from a small rural indigenous village, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, with a population of just over 1,700 people, young Roshani (Beauty) Razack knew from a very tender age that she had bigger dreams than her community could have offered her and that she wanted to achieve more knowing the struggles her family faced with her upbringing.

Her journey to success began very early as a child but became even more evident after writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA)/common entrance examinations in 2015, where she did exceptionally well earning a scholarship to travel to the city to earn her secondary education.

Beauty Razack Fortunately, with a bit of enthusiasm and optimism, Razack became even more eager to shoot for the stars. This motivated her to challenge herself at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination where she scored 21 passes.

Beauty Razack aims daily to prove that any person can achieve anything they set their mind towards if only they are willing to TURN TO PAGE 18

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Mavado’s lawyer awaiting word (Jamaica Observer) OSWEST Senior-Smith, attorney-at-law representing dancehall entertainer Mavado, is awaiting information from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) with regards to outstanding warrants for his client.

“The ODPP is to com-

plete enquiries to secure information as to whether there is an outstanding warrant and if so, what is it in relation to,” SeniorSmith told the Jamaica Observer.

Last week, the ODPP was set to submit an application seeking approval from the court for Mavado, who resides in the

US, to give testimony via video link in a highprofile, $30-million fraud case where the entertainer is the complainant.

However, approval can only be granted if Mavado, whose given name is David Brooks, has no outstanding warrants in Jamaica.

Checks by the Ob-

Mavado (Photo credit: Jamaica Observer) server showed that the Jamaica Constabulary Force tweeted on June 6 that “the Constant Spring Police are asking dancehall artiste David Brooks o/c ‘Mavado’, of Norbrook, St. Andrew to report to the station by midday on Wednesday, June 6.

“The police believe he

can assist with an ongoing investigation. Call 924-1421 if you know his whereabouts.”

At the time, the police had wanted him for questioning in regards to a flare-up of violence in Cassava Piece, St Andrew.

Afterwards, there was a major flare-up in gang

violence in the area.

The ODPP will return to court on September 29 to present their findings.

In the meantime, Jennifer Messado, who has been disbarred, is accused of defrauding the entertainer in a real estate deal.

It is alleged that in TURN TO PAGE 19

FROM PAGE 17 work hard and if they’re determined to make the necessary sacrifices to attain such.

She states that we should never allow our circumstances or where we come from to affect us, instead use it as a stepping stone to greatness.

While many people know Miss Razack to be academically inclined, she finds it critical to be all-rounded and thus riffed her participation and ambassadorial positions in many areas globally.

Beauty Razack currently holds over 25 global titles and nominations and would have recently represented Guyana at the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors Program aimed at promoting leadership and civility among the countries in the Western hemisphere.

She is a Change maker with UNITE2030, an initiative that falls under the works of the United Nations.

The Global Peace Chain also appointed her as one of the Global Peace Ambassadors for the years (2020-2022).

Beauty is the country representative for the Global

Youth Model United Nations (GYMUN), Country Director and Representative at the International Crisis Summit (ICS), Representative at UNFPA Caribbean, Advocate at UN Women Caribbean, Ambassador at Blessed Girls Global Chapter, Representative at the International Affairs Committee (IAC), Deputy Country Coordinator at the International Youth summit (IYS), United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Ambassador, and Member of Cure Violence and Foundation for Environmental Education, among other local and international bodies that deal with the affairs of youth and the social ills of our global community.

She is one of the Coauthors of Blessed Girls International’s first book that is focused on the 4Cs (Civility, Creativity, Community, and Climate Change).

Beauty Razack is currently attending the University of the People in the United States where she is pursuing degrees in International Relations and Civil Engineering.

She is also pursuing an online law course at

Peking University as she has the hopes of following careers in both law and engineering. She believes that a person or individual should not be limited to just one career path.

Just about a month ago, Miss Razack also represented Guyana at the Miss Teen India Worldwide pageant which was held in New Jersey, where for the first time in history, Guyana was able to bring home the coveted title and crown.

When asked about the journey, Miss Razack said “It wasn’t an easy road but with the right people to guide and support me, we’ve come out successful. And throughout, we’ve gained such great experiences: the network and bond created among the many countries represent social and civic cohesion and will be utilised to foster a global community where positive change is promoted greatly.”

Razack is grateful for the support from her family, sponsors and the Directors of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Mr Hashim Alli & Mrs Melicia Partab Alli.

‘Beauty’ takes ‘Miss...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Shakira refuses to settle with Spanish prosecutor to end tax fraud case

( R e u t e r s ) - L AT I N American superstar Shakira has rejected a settlement offered by the prosecutor in her 14.5 million euro Spanish tax fraud case, and is now a step closer to going to trial, her media team said on Wednesday.

The Colombian singer - who has sold more than 80 million records worldwide with hits such as “Hips Don’t Lie” - has always met all of her tax obligations, a statement said. She considers the case “a total violation of her rights,” it said.

“The singer is fully

confident of her innocence and therefore does not accept a settlement,” the statement said.

The terms of the proposed settlement were not disclosed.

The prosecutor’s office in Barcelona did not reply to a request for comment.

Shakira is accused of failing to pay up 14.5 million euros (US$14.7 million) in tax income between 2012 and 2014, a period in which Shakira’s representatives say she did not live in Spain.

The 45-year-old singer - dubbed “the Queen of

Mavado’s lawyer...

FROM PAGE 18 April 2018, Mavado was introduced to a property at Grosvenor Terrace, Kingston 8 and started making arrangements to purchase the property through his attorney, Tamika Harris.

Messado reportedly professed to have been given permission to oversee the sale as the owner was incarcerated overseas.

Mavado later reportedly paid Messado $30.7 million for the property and signed a sale agreement and a document giving him possession.

However, it was later discovered that the property

was not for sale and that the owner was not incarcerated.

The owner of the property further indicated that he did not know Messado and never gave her permission to sell his property. Mavado was reportedly reimbursed $7 million.

After several attempts to recover his money failed, the entertainer reported the matter to the police and Messado was arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence.

Mavado is known for songs including ‘Whe Dem a Do’, ‘I’m So Special’ and ‘Star Bwoy’.

Latin Music” - says she moved to Barcelona in 2015, where she lived with FC Barcelona soccer club defender Gerard Pique.

They have two children and recently separated.

Shakira says even though her legal team disagreed about the alleged

debt, she paid the 17.2 million that the Spanish tax office claimed she owed so she has had no outstanding debt with the tax authorities for many years.

The court still has to formally send her to stand trial and set a date.

19

The 75th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film “Elvis” Out of Competition - Red Carpet Arrivals - Cannes, France, May 25, 2022. Shakira poses. REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Guyanese athletes light up...

FROM BACK PAGE

the British throne, represented The Queen at the opening ceremony, and delivered the ceremonial Commonwealth Games message on her behalf.

Both Allicock and Abrams expressed delight at not only carrying out the duties of parading the flag, but joining the other 72 nations within the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, on Day One of the competition today, the Swimmers, Squash and Table Tennis players representing Guyana will be in action.

Squash will see Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, Shomari Wiltshire and Jason-Ray Khalil all doing action in the singles event.

Over in Table Tennis, Guyana’s men’s team is down to play host nation England, and Bangladesh, while the women will come up against Fiji and South Africa.

In swimming, with her sights set on resetting a few national records, and making the required time for qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Aleka Persaud will dive into the pool

in the women’s 100 metres butterfly.

Paul Mahaica and Shekel Tzedeq will also feature on Day One of swimming in the men’s 50m butterfly and 100m backstroke, respectively.

The following is the full list of Guyanese athletes at the Commonwealth Games: TABLE TENNIS: Men: Shemar Britton (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles); Christopher Franklin (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles); Johnathan Van Lange (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles); and Joel Alleyne (Doubles, Team).

Women: Chelsea Edghill (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles); Natalie Cummings (Singles, Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles); Priscila Greaves (Singles, Doubles, Team); and Thuraia Thomas (Doubles, Team, Mixed Doubles).

SWIMMING: Men: Paul Mahaica (50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle); and Sekhel Tzedeq (50m Backstroke, 50m Free-

style, 100m Backstroke, and 100m Freestyle).

Women: Patrice Mahaica (50m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle); and Aleka Persaud (50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, and 100m Freestyle).

SQUASH: Men: Jason-Ray Khalil (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles); and Shomari Wiltshire (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles).

Women: Ashley Khalil (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles); and Mary Fung-AFat (Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles).

BOXING: Keevin Allicock (Featherweight), Desmond Amsterdam (Middleweight), and Colin Lewis (Welterweight).

BADMINTON: Men: Narayan Ramdhani (Singles, Mixed Doubles) Wo m e n : P r i y a n n a Ramdhani (Single, Mixed Doubles) CYCLING: Christopher Griffith (Time Trial, Road Race)

ries, the 16-man squad will travel to Jamaica for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at Sabina Park which runs from August 10 to 14.

An official 13-man squad will be named ahead of each match.

SQUAD – Nicholas Pooran (captain), Rovman

Powell (vice-captain), Shamarh Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.

English Racing Tips Goodwood 08:50 hrs Withhold 09:25 hrs Bayside Boy 10:00 he’s Noble Dynasty 10:35 hrs Acklam Express 11:10 hrs Rebel’s Romance 11:45 hrs California Gem 12:20 hrs Highland Premiere

13:35 hrs Baby Zeus 14:10 hrs Raving Royal 14:40 hrs Grappa Nonino 15:10 hrs Sandhurst 15:40 hrs Unanswered

Hetmyer returns for India...

FROM BACK PAGE while Warner Park in St Kitts will host back-to-back games next Monday and Tuesday.

The series will wrap up in Florida with the final games at the Central Broward Park Stadium on August 6 and 7.

Following the India se-

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Razor Red 08:57 hrs Sand Bank 09:32 hrs Meeneera 10:07 hrs Phedra

Newmarket 12:10 hrs Noble Style 12:45 hrs Income 13:20 hrs Just A Tad 13:55 hrs Night Sparkle 14:30 hrs Mashaaer 15:00 hrs Nizaaka 15:30 hrs Concierge Irish Racing Tips Galway 12:00 hrs Nibiru 12:30 hrs Roman Hands 13:00 hrs Busselton

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Tragically Quewick Race 2 Brutality Race 3 Skinny Dippin Race 4 Hit The Point Race 5 Grand Gizmo Race 6 Calusa Donnie Race 7 Miriam’s Sky American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Sidekick Race 2 Media Sensation Race 3 Fingal’s Cave Race 4 Laoban’s Legacy Race 5 Sweeping Giant Race 6 Ten Cent Town Race 7 Creative Minister

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Jayasuriya, Mendis spin Sri Lanka to series-levelling win SPINNERS Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis snared nine wickets between them as they bowled Sri Lanka to a series-levelling victory on the final day of their two-Test series against Pakistan.

The visitors crumbled to 261 all out after lunch on the fifth day of the second Test in Galle, with Sri Lanka’s 246-run win moving them above India, Pakistan and the West Indies in ICC World Test Championship standings.

It was the fourth five-wicket haul in only his third Test for left-arm spinner Jayasuriya (5-117), who picked up 12 wickets against Australia on his debut last month to lead Sri Lanka to another series-levelling win at the same venue.

The 30-year-old has accumulated 29 wickets in just six Test innings, which has him level with Australian fast bowler Charlie Turner as the second most prolific bowler after three Tests and behind Indian leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani with 31.

Off-spinner Mendis (4101), who took five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings,

to bowl, but we did well to bowl in partnerships and that led to wickets.”

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in just his third Test as he and Ramesh Mendis snuffed out any chance of Pakistan holding on for a draw provided able support by picking up another four as the touring side were unable to find consistent partnerships in their second innings.

“I worked hard and I was patient,” said Jayasuriya, who was named player-ofthe-series for his haul of 17 wickets from two matches.

It wasn’t an easy pitch

Set a record target of 508, Pakistan, who won the opening Test at the same venue by four wickets, got off to a bad start in their bid to save the match when Imam-ul-Haq fell on 49 to Mendis in the third over of the day after they had resumed on 1-89.

But captain Babar Azam, who top-scored for Pakistan

with a resolute knock of 81, and Mohammad Rizwan boosted their chances of a draw with a third-wicket stand of 79.

Jayasuriya then turned the match in Sri Lanka’s favour when he cleaned up Rizwan, who misjudged a straight delivery and was bowled not playing a shot for 37, to trigger a collapse.

Fawad Alam was runout soon after following a miscommunication with Babar while Agha Salman fell to a stunning catch at short leg by Kusal Mendis off Jayasuriya’s bowling.

From 2-176, the touring side were reduced to 7-205 after the lunch interval when Babar and Mohammad Nawaz were out in quick succession leaving Sri Lanka’s spinners to mop up the Pakistan batting tail.

“Definitely tough game for us; batting wasn’t up to the mark,” said Babar.

The loss resulted in Pakistan slipping from third to fifth in the World Test Championship standings with a win percentage of

51.85, while Sri Lanka jumped from sixth to third with a win percentage of 53.33.

South Africa (71.43 per

cent) and Australia (70 per cent) are well out in front and India remain fourth with a win percentage of 52.08

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1stinnings 378 PAKISTAN 1st innings 231 SRI LANKA 2nd innings o/n 176 for five Niroshan Dickwella c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 15 Oshada Fernando lbw Yasir Shah 19 Kusal Mendis lbw Mohammad Nawaz 15 Angelo Mathews c Babar Azam b Agha Salman 35 Dinesh Chandimal c Mohammad Rizwan b Naseem Shah 21 Dimuth Karunaratne c Abdullah Shafique b Nauman Ali 61 Dhananjaya de Silva run-out Yasir Shah 109 Dunith Wellalage c Mohammad Rizwan b Mohammad Nawaz 18 Ramesh Mendis not out 45 Extras: (b-13, lb-3, nb-5, w-1) 22 Total: (eight wkts, 91.5 overs) 360 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-47, 3-59, 4-100, 5-117, 6-243, 7-278, 8-360.

Bowling: Hasan Ali 10-0-44-0 (w-1, nb-1), Naseem Shah 12.5-1-44-2 (nb-3), Yasir Shah 21-2-80-1, Mohammad Nawaz 21-4-75- 2,7, Nauman Ali 14-0-54-1, Agha Salman 12-2-41- 1 (nb-1).

PAKISTAN 2nd innings o/n 89 for 1 Abdullah Shafique c Dunith Wellalage b Prabath Jayasuriya 16 Imam ul-Haq c Niroshan Dickwella b Ramesh Mendis 49 Babar Azam lbw Prabath Jayasuriya 81 Mohammad Rizwan b Prabath Jayasuriya 37 Fawad Alam run-out Asitha Fernando 1 Agha Salman c Kusal Mendis b Prabath Jayasuriya 4 Mohammad Nawaz c Dinesh Chandimal b Ramesh Mendis 12 Yasir Shah c Kusal Mendis b Prabath Jayasuriya 27 Hasan Ali b Ramesh Mendis 11 Nauman Ali not out 0 Naseem Shah c Dunith Wellalage b Ramesh Mendis 18 Extras: (b-2, nb-3) 5 Total: (all out, 77.0 overs) 261 Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-97, 3-176, 4-181, 5-188, 6-205, 7-205, 8-243, 9-243.

Bowling: Asitha Fernando 6-1-20-0 (nb-3), Prabath Jayasuriya 32-5-1175, Ramesh Mendis 30-7-101-4,

‘Steel’ Hinds wins Country Styles Open Classic in Linden WHEN the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s first-ever Country Styles Foods Cycling Classic was staged last Sunday on the Amelia’s Ward Circuit, the Open Race winner was Delroy ‘Steel’ Hinds, who redeemed himself somewhat, after being beaten

by Christopher Cornelius

in the Riverfront Festival Sprints earlier this month.

On a sunny day, Hinds was too hot for his opponents and Cornelius was forced to retire. Orville Hinds took second position while Nigel London was in third spot.

In the first race among the BMX Open Boys the winner was Jahvin Henry as Rodwyn

Austin secured the second spot and little Luke Gunraj placed third, as Shaphon Douglas won the Schoolboys race.

Veteran rider Nigel London showed he was able to summon enough strength to come back and capture the race among the veterans.

Various winners pose after Country Styles Classic last Sunday in Linden

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Bartica Summer Splash Regatta – Powerboat Racing

Neil Gonsalves (225-Unlimited), Clint Gonsalves & Sanjay Ramkissoon (75-90Hp), and Steve Ramcharran (40Hp) are group champions

FOLLOWING high octane excitement, the waves finally kept calm after a successful and eventful day of powerboat racing last Sunday afternoon when the Bartica Business Development Committee (BBDC)-organised Summer Splash Regatta was held at the famous Golden Beach Circuit.

Despite a few mishaps during the course of the event, none of which was serious, the competitors and fans were all thrilled to be part of the event that made a welcome return to the sporting calendar of the Town and from all indications, it will be even bigger and better come 2023.

The most anticipated contest of the day, the 225-Unlimited (F1) showdown, while not having all the races was still a show of real grit, speed of course, and dexterity by the daredevils in the form of Neil Gonsalves piloting ‘Czyzie Boy’, Dave Scott aboard the famous ‘Jaguar’, Randy Belle (Quantum), Angel La Court,

225-Unlimited Overall Champion, Neil Gonsalves (left) is rewarded for the opening race win by BBDC Chairman Chunilall Baboolall and Sean Belle (Quicksilver).

Emerging as the Champion in this category was Pomeroon’s own Neil Gonsalves, who managed first and second places to Dave Scott’s first and third spots, pipping Scott by a single point to the top accolade.

The opening race in this category, the first event of the day, was witnessed by Hon. Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, his wife, and

his daughters. It set the tone for what turned out to be an exhilarating day of rivalry as the competitors finally got the chance to face off to prove who were the quickest and best in each category.

However, unfortunately for Sean Belle, it also saw the end of his campaign as his boat was damaged in an accident. It also ended Randy Belle’s quest for supremacy in this category as he developed mechanical chal-

lenges during the event and ended second to Gonsalves.

Scott had to settle for third.

There was a tie for the Champion honours in the 7590Hp category which attracted 13 competitors. Clint Gonsalves (Venom) and Sanjay Ramkissoon (Team Shivraj) shared the title and reward, while the Champion in the 40Hp showdown was Steve Ramcharran who piloted another of the Team Shivraj’s boats.

In other races, Lamar Welcome won both 200Hp Bush Boat events; Clarence Belle was tops in the 150-200Hp contest while Amir Nazier (Rude Boy 11) outpowered his peers in the 15Hp class.

History was created when there was a female kayak race, the brainchild of BBDC chairman, Chunilall Baboolall. Seven ladies contested the event and it was Charlene Wilson who took the checkered flag ahead of Jameila Pollard and Indera Godette.

Meanwhile, Prime Min-

ister Phillips who declared the event open, stated in his remarks that the Government of Guyana was very pleased to be part of the event which further showcased the talent of the racers in the various events.

He also complimented the organisers for pulling off such an event which also displayed the sports tourism potential of the community and by extension, Guyana. Sports would continue to be a priority of the Government of Guyana.

PM Phillips wished all well.

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams was also part of the day’s activities.

Following is the list of sponsors who partnered with the BBDC to make the event a resounding success.

The Government of Guyana, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Aruwai Resort White H2O, Zen’s Plaza, Regional Democratic Council, Region #7, Bartica Mayor & Town

Council, Banks DIH Ltd, Paradise Hookah Lounge, Pandits Spare Parts Store, Ansa McAl Trading, Pradesh & Sherry’s Hardware Store, M.F. Yassin’s General Store, Hart’s Mineral Trading & Suits, Ryan and Reuben’s Enterprise, W.K. Enterprise, Rats Mining Company, Sheik Halfrose Mining, J&M Hangout (Junie), Gary Young’s Mining, ODY Fuels, Boodhoo’s General Store, Mohamed’s Enterprise, River Quest Jet Boat Service, El Dorado Trading, Hopkinson Mining Logistics, Early Bird Speedboat Service, Sir’s Service Station & General Store, M.J’s Supermarket, R. Baksh & Son’s General Store, B & R Emporium Gold Mining Inc., Palm Springs Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, Crown Mining Supplies, Guyana Gold Board, Guyana Geology & Mines Commission, Big Kiss Parking Lot (Parika), Pandit’s Service Station, SOL (Guyana) Inc., MACORP.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

July 28 down the years the Two-time CARIFTA Games 1500m bronze medallist greatest all-rounder of the game Shaqua Tyrrell leaves today on two-year scholarship

By Joe Chapman

G U YA N A’ S t w o - t i m e C A R I F TA G a m e s 1 5 0 0 m bronze medallist Shaqua Tyrrell will leave Guyana today for the Hinds Community College located in Mississippi in the United States, where she will be in school for two years with the aim of continuing her education and embarking on an athletic career.

The former Wismar/Christianburg Secondary School athlete is to continue her athletic career through this full track and field scholarship and will be enrolled on August 10 at the college.

Tyrrell will be taking to the track representing Hinds Community College in the National Junior Collegiate Amateur Athletic (NJCAA) circuit during her two year stay there.

Her coach at the Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary School, Moses Pantlitz, who incidentally is her father, will be accompanying his daughter this evening and offered this comment to Chronicle Sport yesterday: “She will be leaving here basically to do the 800m or 1500m event, but when you reach there it is possible that

CARIFTA Games bronze medallist Shaqua Tyrrell the coaches will put her according to their inclination of her talent.”

But at present she is doing the 800m and 1500m here in Guyana. However, I am not sure what will be the scenario when she arrives there, if they are going to keep her running the 800 or 1500m but she has been getting better results over the 1500m.

The fact is that this Linden athlete Shaqua Tyrrell has been doing better at the 1500m run over the years since she began running in 2015. She has had more glory there as she is a two-time Under-17 Girls’ 1500m bronze medallist at the CARIFTA

Games in the Cayman Islands in 2018 and in The Bahamas 2019.

Both times at the CARIFTA Games Shaqua Tyrrell lost to Jamaicans when she won bronze, and Pantlitz, who was there on both occasions, felt it was due to a lack of putting the races together. He pointed out that especially in 2019 she erred in running in lane three for the most part and had she positioned herself just behind the Jamaicans in lane one , she might have done better.

In an invited comment on receiving the scholarship Ms Tyrrell said “Well, I am very excited for this opportunity to get to explore different things and get to study somewhere very accommodating; so I am excited and very pleased.

Knowing that her best performances have come over the 1500m event when asked of her preference she remarked, “Well I prefer running the 1500m because it is the first event I have ever done and have mastered more. I have done better in the 1500m than when competing in the 800m. I am working to better my times and personal-best performances when I take up this scholarship.”

Ms Shaqua Tyrrell started her

athletics career while attending the New Secondary in Linden in Third Form, after which she proceeded to the Wismar/Christianburg Secondary where she finished secondary education, While competing at either the National Schools Track and Field Championships or regional Inter-school sports she has been outstanding. Coach Pantlitz said, “She never lost at Inter-school and she has never lost at Nationals in the 1500m but had two losses at Nationals over the 800m and she has obtained eight gold and two silver medals over the five years at Nationals.

He quipped, “She, at one time, had the better of Deshanna Skeete at Nationals over the 400m distance in 2019 and Skeete now is also on a scholarship at a college in the United States of America.

Coach Pantlitz was quick to say, “So she really had a good school year in 2019 and I must thank Ms Marian Burnett who has been doing a fine job trying to see that potential athletes leave Guyana and go to junior colleges and improve themselves to pursue their track and field and academics at a higher level.”

… Surely the greatest all-rounder in cricket history 1936

Sir Garry Sobers: if his batting didn’t get you, his bowling would . (PA photos) BORN this day, Garry Sobers, one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers-of-the-Century, was just 21 years old when he converted his maiden Test century into a gigantic 365 not out against Pakistan in Kingston in 195758, which remained the Test record for 36 years, until Brian Lara came along.

Sobers won the 1966 series in England almost single-handed, scoring three centuries - all in excess of 160 - and a 94, as well as taking 20 wickets with his left-arm bowling,, which flitted between seam and spin as

the situation warranted.

For many years he was a stalwart at Nottinghamshire, and against Glamorgan in Swansea in 1968 he became the first batter to hit six sixes in an over in firstclass cricket, making Malcolm Nash famous in the process.

A colossus with bad knees, Sobers, who Bradman called “the greatest cricketing being to have ever walked the earth”, retired from the game in 1974, with 8 032 Test runs and 235 wickets to his name, and was knighted shortly afterwards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

More cash support for Project ‘Cricket Gear’

GUYANA-born USA-based brothers Allan and Dennis Mangru have contributed $30 000 each towards Project ‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”.

Allan contributed previously and is now joined by his brother. Over the years, he played a major role in raising funds with New York East Canje Reunion, an organisation that provides support for charities in the East Canje area and other parts of Guyana. “We are happy to be part of this noble initiative and will continue to do so in the future,| the bothers disclosed.

Allan Mangru

Dennis Mangru

Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA, who were instrumental in starting the project, expressed gratitude to the Mangru brothers for the cash

which will be used to purchase cricket-related materials.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $230 000 cash, two trophies, 11

Sebastian Vettel to retire from Formula 1 at end of 2022 season

FOUR-TIME world champion Sebastian Vettel is to retire from Formula 1 at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old said the decision had been “difficult” and that he had “spent a lot of time thinking about it”.

The German said he would “take more time to reflect on what I will focus on next” at the end of the year. He said spending more time with his family was a priority.

Vettel will leave the sport as one of the most successful drivers in history.

Only Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio have won more world titles than Vettel, and only Hamilton and Schumacher have more than his 53 race wins.

He added: “Today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you – to everyone – not least

Sebastian Vettell won his four world drivers’ titles with Red Bull to the fans, without whose passionate support F1 could not exist.”

Vettel, who won four consecutive drivers’ titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, said he had “really enjoyed” his time with Aston Martin in 2021 and 2022, adding: “Although our results have not been as good as we had hoped, it is very clear to me that everything is being put together that a team needs to race at the

very highest level for years to come.

“I hope that the work I did last year and am continuing to do this year will be helpful in the development of a team that will win in the future, and I will work as hard as I can between now and the end of the year, with that goal in mind, giving as always my best in the last 10 races.”

Aston Martin had wanted to keep Vettel next season, but he decided he wanted to step away from the sport.

In recent years he has become an outspoken campaigner on social and environmental issues.

Vettel has always eschewed social media, but he launched an Instagram account yesterday just before his retirement announcement, with his biography there describing him as a “public figure”. (BBC)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 29, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gordon Greenidge (2) Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan & Shai Hope Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first IND batsman to hit an ODI hundred against the WI? (2) Who is the first WI batsman to crack an ODI century against India?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

cricket boots, 18 pairs of batting pads, 20 bats, 14 pairs of batting gloves, 19 thigh pads, one pair of wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, six cricket bags and two helmets. In addition to the above, $600 000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicketkeeper/batter.

To date, 37 young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefited from three junior gear bags, two trophies, one arm

guard, 14 bats, one box, two helmets, 10 pairs of cricket shoes, 10 pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and 12 pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one

pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit.

SOUTH Africa batter David Miller has been named the captain of Barbados Royals for the 2022 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, replacing Jason Holder, who had been at the helm for the last four seasons.

Miller, who will return to the CPL for the first time in three seasons having last represented Jamaica Tallawahs in 2018 and St Lucia Zouks in 2016, was snapped up by Royals earlier this month along with his South African team-mate Quinton de Kock.

He has scored 332 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 146.90 in the tournament.

Miller is also coming off a superb run in the IPL, where he scored 481 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 142.73 for champions Gujarat Titans.

He will now renew ties with a Royals franchise, having played for Rajasthan in the IPL in 2020 and 2021.

“During my time at the Royals in the IPL, I always felt very valued and have been able to establish a deep connection with the team,” Miller said.

“It is an exciting time for me to come to the Barbados Royals, and a privilege to have been appointed as the captain. It is a team that has an abundance of young and experienced talent from the Caribbean and I am looking forward to working with the entire group to get down to achieving our objectives for the 2022 season” Head coach Trevor Penney added, “Having worked with David (Miller) before, at the Rajasthan Royals, we

David Miller had a superb IPL 2022 season (BCCI) knew he has a cricketing 2019. However, they endured brain which not only reads back-to-back tough seasons, situations very well on the finishing fifth in 2020 and field, but is also very passion- last on the table in 2021. ately involved off the field.

Penney said the all-rounder He is someone who helps will continue to be a “pillar” in creating a perfect environ- for the side. ment for his teammates to “I would also like to take excel in, and that is what we this opportunity to thank are expecting out of him here Jason (Holder) for his conat Barbados, where he will tribution to the team as the be leading the franchise. He captain, and for agreeing to has shown tremendous ex- our decision of having a new perience and guile in the last leader for the team. He is one few months, and drove his of the pillars of this Barbados team to IPL glory, unfortu- side and will continue to renately beating us in the final. main so going forward.”

We are all delighted to have The 2022 CPL will be signed him and look forward played from August 31 to to working with him during September 30, with the Roythe season.” als kicking off their camHolder played a key role paign against St Kitts and in taking Royals (then Tri- Nevis Patriots on Septemdents) to their second title in ber 1. (ESPNcricinfo)

Miller replaces Holder as Barbados Royals captain

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Guyana to be represented by 11 athletes at CAC Bodybuilding

Team Guyana’s bodybuilding contingent pose for a photo following the registration and weigh-in yesterday at the Divi Southwinds Hotel in Christchurch, Barbados GUYANA’S athletes and officials have arrived in Barbados for the 49th edition of the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships.

The two-day event starts today, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, in the parish of St Michael.

Guyana will be repre-

sented by 11 athletes, seven males and four females, a release to the media indicated yesterday.

The full team reads: Emmerson Campbell (Men’s Physique), Jonathan Jeffrey (Men’s Physique), and Bikini athletes Christina Ramsammy and Hannah Rampersaud.

R o g e r C a l l e n d e r, Nicholas Albert, Darious

Ramsammy, Rawle Green, and Julio Sinclair are the Bodybuilders while Wellness competitors are Rosanna Fung and Asanti Conway.

Videsh Sookram and the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Keavon Bess are the officials accompanying the team.

Guyana lose to Leewards to end Regional U-17 title hopes

GUYANA suffered a 69run loss to the Leeward Islands which dashed their title hopes at the Regional Under-17 tournament which ended on Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Guyanese made a bright start with two wins from as many matches but then lost Jamaica and the Leewards and then had a washed-out match against the Windward Islands.

They finished fifth overall.

Due to the inclement weather, the tournament was readjusted to three rounds of 50-over matches and two T20 matches.

In their match against the Leeward Islands, at Gilbert Park, they were restricted to 89-9 in pursuit of 159.

Captain Alvin Mohabir top-scored with 27 (1×4; 1×6) from 17 balls and got some support from Jadon Campbell (22) and Sasnarine Haricharran (11).

Micah McKenzie (3-11) and Wilden Cornwall (3-15) did most of the damage for the Leewards while Nathan Edwards accounted for 2-28.

Guyana had a rough outing with the ball, as opener Michael Palmer tore their attack apart with a brutal 61-ball 88 (3x4, 8x6), and apart from Brent Joseph with 16, no other batter

reached double figures but Guyana leaked 25 extras.

Seamer Bruce Vincent took 3-41 from four overs while Mavendra Dindyal (228) and Nityanand Mathura (1-30) were the other men among the wickets.

Their second T20 match, against the Windward Islands, was washed out, and the latter was declared champions by amassing 17.8 points.

Guyana got 11.6 points to finish above the Leeward (8.8 points) while Barbados (14.8 points), Jamaica (14.2 points), and Trinidad and Tobago (12 points) rounded off the table.

Campbell, Lewis join Guyana Amazon Warriors for 6IXTY

WEST Indies players, John Campbell and Shermon Lewis have been signed by the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the new 6IXTY tournament, which gets underway in St Kitts on August 24.

Those two players are temporary replacements for Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi, who will available for the Warriors’ campaign in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) that starts on August 31.

The tournament will see six men’s teams and three women’s teams compete for their own versions of the Universe Boss Trophy, named in honour of Chris Gayle and will feature a number of innovations to bring fans even closer to the action.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad for the 6IXTY: Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Colin Ingram, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Paul Stirling, Shai Hope, Heinrich Klaasen, Keemo Paul, Jermaine Blackwood, Gudakesh Motie, Shemon Lewis, John Campbell, Ronsford Beaton, Veerasammy Permaul, Junior

John Campbell If teams do not bowl their Sinclair, Matthew Nandu.

Fans can look forward to overs within the allotted time a member of their team is the following at the 6IXTY: Each batting team has six removed from the field for wickets – at the fall of the the final six balls Fans will vote for the sixth wicket they are all out Each batting team has timing of a ‘Mystery Free two Power-play overs. They Hit’ where a batter can’t be can unlock a third Pow- dismissed by the bowler.

The 6IXTY is a 60-ball er-play by hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls. This cricket tournament featuring extra Power-play over can men’s and women’s teams. be taken at any time between The first event will take place from August 24 to 28. overs 3 and 9 This fast-paced and inThere will be 30 balls bowled from one end before novative format, known as the action switches to the Cricket’s Power Game, will other end for the final 30 see the world’s best cricketers entertain fans around balls The 30 balls will be de- the world. The 6IXTY is livered as 5 separate overs, a joint venture between with no bowler being able to Cricket West Indies and bowl more than 2 overs for Caribbean Premier League.

(CPL) the innings.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 29, 2022

Guyanese athletes light up Alexander Stadium - to feature in Swimming, Squash and Table Tennis on Day One

Guyana’s Track and Field team at the opening ceremony of this year’s Commonwealth Games

By Rawle Tony in Birmingham, England UNDER the bright lights, fireworks and the roar of almost 32,000 fans in the Alexander Stadium, Guyanese athletes soaked up what was described as an amazing opening of the 22nd Commonwealth Games last evening in Bir-

mingham, England.

With the Golden Arrowhead being carried by Olympians Keevin Allicock and Aliyah Abrams, the country’s athletes looked stunning in their uniquely-designed outfits depicting the colours of the national lag.

Steven Knight, the creator of the famous Netflix series, ‘Peaky Blinders’,

produced the event, and, as was promised, the opening ceremony was indeed one that will certainly be remembered.

‘Peaky Blinders’ is set in Birmingham, here in the West Midlands, and Knight transformed the Alexander Stadium into Small Heath, an area in the south-east of England’s second-largest city

Minsiter Ramson attends Commonwealth Sport Ministers’ meeting

Minister Charles Ramson Jr (left) and Secretary General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland QC MINISTER of Culture, mingham, United KingYouth and Sport, Charles dom.

Matters relating to huRamson Jr, attended the 10th Commonwealth Sport man rights and inclusivity in Ministers’ Meeting in Bir- sport, promoting investment

in sport, and innovation post COVID-19 to develop a resilient sport sector were among the substantive agenda items.

The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, was also in attendance along with more than 30 other Sport Ministers from Commonwealth nations.

During the meeting, Minister Ramson Jr advanced the importance of regional collaboration to create more opportunities for young athletes and established links to access technical support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Minister also attended the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium yesterday, where 32 athletes represented Guyana.

The Ramhani siblings, Priyana and Narayan, joined by their mother and team manager, Emily, while enjoying a light moment at the Alexander Stadium featuring factories, pubs, and rows upon rows of Victorian terraced housing for the working class.

Queen Elizabeth II, Head

of the Commonwealth, was not in attendance at the Opening Ceremony, and will not be at any of the events at the Commonwealth Games

this year, we were told.

However, her eldest son, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and heir apparent to TURN TO PAGE 22

Hetmyer returns for India T20s … West Indies face India in first T20I today at Brian Lara Stadium

Guyana and West Indies lefthander Shimron Hetmyer PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Left-handed stroke-maker Shimron Hetmyer has made a return to the West Indies side for the first time in nine months after being named in a 16-man squad to face India in a five-match Twenty20 International starting here today.

The 25-year-old last represented the Caribbean nine months ago at the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates but a combination of fitness issues and family commitments have since kept him out of maroon colours.

Hetmyer is of two major changes to the squad

which trounced Bangladesh last month, with leading all-rounder Jason Holder returning to the side after being rested.

“We welcome back Hetmyer and it is good to see him again in West Indies colours,” said lead selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes.

“He will fortify the batting group and with his experience and adaptability we have a ‘finisher’ who can add value and win matches for the team and delight the supporters.

Hetmyer played a full season of the Indian Premier League where he scored 314 runs at an average of nearly

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45 for Rajasthan Royals.

For West Indies, he has notched three half-centuries in 42 T20 Internationals with a strike rate of 118.

There is no return, however, for left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell who is still on the mend following injury or for left-arm spinning all-rounder Fabien Allen who is also unavailable for “personal reasons.”

Rookie left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes, who played the last of his six T20Is against Bangladesh, has forced his way into the squad again.

“Everything we do, we have to take into consideration we have a big tournament coming up later this year, which is the ICC T20 World Cup, so we are planning and gearing up towards that event,” Haynes continued.

“It is good to give the players some exposure to the international stage and look to find the right combinations.”

Today’s opener is set for the Brian Lara Stadium here TURN TO PAGE 22 | FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022