Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-06-2021

WEDNESDAY 30th June, 2021

' No.106407

Second dose of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine expected in Guyana soon

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Four charged for Haresh Singh’s murder SEE PAGE 03

21-year-old Charles ‘Bucko’ Scott of 29 Jarvis Street, Rosignol, Berbice

27-year-old Joel ‘Bolo’ Gittins of Jangotown, East Coast Demerara

27-year-old Gladston ‘Gladwin’ Henry also known as Gladwin of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice

29-year-old Philip ‘Ratman’ Anderson of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice

Two more fraud charges for GECOM trio

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First Lady launches ‘Adopt Contractor completes Gov’t grants extension for an Orphanage’ initiative 16 critical works on CJIA 18 bids to construct DHB 11 PAGE

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Two more fraud charges for GECOM trio

CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, were, on Tuesday, released on $100,000 each for allegedly conspiring with each other to defraud electors during the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

They appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were not required to plead to the two charges which alleged that between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other, together with Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith-Joseph, Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb- Cummings, Michelle Miller and others to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

After granting bail, the

Embattled duo: Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo (left) and Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield magistrate adjourned the case until September14.

The case was first called on June 19, before Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, but none of the officials were present in court. This resulted in the magistrate adjourning the case.

They and their alleged co-conspirators are currently before the court on several

other charges pertaining to electoral fraud and misconduct in public office which were all reportedly committed during the elections.

They are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls when in fact, the People’s Progres-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

sive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes.

This dispute resulted in several legal challenges which ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana’s highest appeal court – and a fivemonth delay in the declaration of the results. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory to the PPP/C and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C., granted a fiat to attorneys-at-law, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas, to prosecute the matters on behalf of the State.

Last week, Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, sent the trio on paid leave effective June 28. This will give GECOM enough time to conclude the ongoing discussions regarding their dismissal, within the

Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers tice (ag), Roxane George, shortest possible time.

P P P / C - n o m i n a t e d S.C., ordered the release of GECOM Commissioners ta- the certified copies of the bled motions seeking the im- elections’ Statements of mediate dismissal of Lowen- Poll (SoPs) and Statements field, Myers and Mingo on of Recount (SoRs) to the the grounds that they have Commissioner of Police breached their functions, (ag), Nigel Hoppie, and the duties, responsibilities and DPP for use in the prosecution of the cases against the obligations.

Recently, Chief Jus- GECOM officials.

Man convicted of raping boy to know fate on July 22 A MIXED jury, on Monday, found 49-year-old Wazir Potter guilty of sodomizing a 12-year-old boy in 2018.

Potter of Garden of Eden, East Coast Demerara, was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

The charges against him

alleged that on August 8, 2018, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child who was, at the time, under the age of consent.

The jury, after deliberating for two hours, returned with a guilty verdict. Sentencing has been deferred until July 22, pending the presentation of a probation report.

The state was represented by prosecutors, Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, while Potter’s attorney was Everton Singh-Lammy.

Potter, in his defence, told the court that the victim’s story was fabricated.

In an unsworn statement in court, he said “I done no wrong…And if I do it, let God come down and crip-

ple me right here.”

According to the evidence presented, on the day in question, the victim was standing on a bridge located through a track at Garden of Eden, when he was allegedly grabbed from behind by Potter.

Potter reportedly covered the young boy’s mouth and carried him into his

house. While inside the home, he raped the child for about 20 to 30 minutes.

After committing the heinous crime, he told the lad that he would kill him if he catches him traversing through the track again.

Potter was arrested after the child’s family made a report to the police.

Wazir Potter

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Four charged for Haresh Singh’s murder

FOUR men were, on Tuesday, charged with the capital offence of murder for the unlawful killing of West Coast of Berbice (WCB) teenager, Haresh Singh.

The teen was found dead on September 9, 2020, at the Number Two Village Backdam, Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice); this was around the time when persons were protesting and calling for justice for the “Henry boys” who were brutally

Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

The men were not required to plead to the indictable charge which was read to them virtually by Magistrate Peter Hugh, who was at the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court. They were remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate Court where it will be called on July 12, 2021, for report.

The body of 17-year-old Singh, also

cle was also discovered burnt.

An autopsy revealed that the teen died from brain haemorrhage and blunt trauma to the head, compounded by compression injuries to the neck.

Gladston Henry is the brother of Isaiah Henry and the cousin of Joel Henry – the Henry boys whose mutilated bodies were found just three days prior to the murder of Singh.

homes to go into the backdam to pick coconuts on September 5, and that was the last time they were seen alive.

Singh’s family were initially taken into custody as suspects for the murder of the Henry boys, but were later released; three men have since been arrested and charged for the murder and are currently on remand. Some speculated that Singh’s murder was in retaliation for that of the

21-year-old Charles ‘Bucko’ Scott of 29 Jarvis Street, Rosignol, Berbice

27-year-old Joel ‘Bolo’ Gittins of Jangotown, East Coast Demerara

27-year-old Gladston ‘Gladwin’ Henry also known as Gladwin of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice

29-year-old Philip ‘Ratman’ Anderson of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice

murdered.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force, the four men charged are 21-year-old Charles ‘Bucko’ Scott of 29 Jarvis Street, Rosignol, Berbice; 27-year-old Joel ‘Bolo’ Gittins of Jangotown, East Coast Demerara; 27-year-old Gladston ‘Soldierman’ Henry also known as Gladwin and 29-year-old Philip ‘Ratman’ Anderson, both of Number Three

known as ‘Raj’, formerly of Lot 8, Number Three Village, WCB, was discovered with chop wounds by his 12-year-old brother.

On the day he was found, Singh had left his home with his uncles to venture into the backdam to work; however, he returned home by himself to fetch water.

His body was later found lying motionless and bleeding from the nose. His motorcy-

A wanted bulletin was issued by the Guyana Police Force for Gladston Henry.

However, the suspect, accompanied by attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, turned himself in.

The bodies of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry were discovered at a coconut farm at Cotton Tree, WCB, on September 6, 2020.

The cousins had reportedly left their

Henry boys.

According to reports, Phillip Anderson allegedly confessed to his role in the initial plot to murder Singh.

He reportedly told the police that consequent to discovering the bodies of Joel and Isiah, a relative of the boys allegedly apprised him that Singh’s relatives were responsible for the gruesome act, and revenge must be taken.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Stung by pandemic, G20 foreign ministers urge greater co-operation

(Reuters) - G20 foreign ministers called, on Tuesday, for multilateral cures for global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency at their first face-to-face meeting in two years.

The one-day gathering in the heat-soaked southern city of Matera focussed on how to improve co-operation and revive the world’s economy following the pandemic, and how to boost sustainable development in Africa.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for an international response to emergencies that transcend national boundaries,” Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di

Maio, told his counterparts from the Group of 20 major economies.

The G20 members account for more than 80 per cent of world gross domestic product, 75 per cent of global trade and 60 per cent of the population of the planet. Those in Matera included the top diplomats of the United States, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and India.

However, the foreign ministers of China, Brazil and Australia opted to follow the discussions by video link, while Russia and South Korea sent deputy ministers.

German Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said he regretted the absence of direct

counterparts from Beijing and Moscow.

“When you get together, you also have to talk to each other. We need dialogue with Russia and China,” he said during a break.

Heading into the meeting, Maas said he would raise his unhappiness at the way he thought China and Russia had offered COVID vaccines to boost their standing with certain countries. “(This) is not about achieving short-term geostrategic advantages,” he said.

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, reiterated the need to deliver many more vaccines to poorer countries, which have so

far received far fewer doses than wealthy nations.

“To bring the pandemic to an end, we must get more vaccines to more places,” he said, adding that the G20 would help low-income countries address “significant debt vulnerabilities” that had been exacerbated by the coronavirus.

MULTILATERALISM FIRST Blinken was due to fly back to Washington later on Tuesday, ending a tour of Germany, France and Italy, during which he has underlined the desire of President Joe Biden’s administration to embrace international cooperation, in contrast to

previous President, Donald Trump, who touted an “America First” message.

“We need to co-operate, and we need to do it effectively. Multilateralism is what makes that possible,” Blinken said in his remarks to the conference, surrounded by plexiglass sheeting to prevent any possible infection from fellow delegates.

Italy, which is home to the U.N. food and agriculture agencies, pushed the importance of global food security and nutrition during the meeting and announced it would hold an additional 2-day summit dedicated to Africa in October.

“I believe that the G20 has a duty to support Africa

in getting out of this difficult period and into a phase of sustained and sustainable growth,” Di Maio told reporters.

Given the broad range of countries in the G20, getting agreement can be difficult, but hosts Italy said there was gathering consensus on a few core issues.

“Beyond the differences and divisions of some countries at the G20 table, we all agree that on climate change we have to co-operate. And even where there are differences, we must try with all our might to tackle climate disruption together and make our societies sustainable,” Di Maio said.

(Reuters) - Moderna Inc’s (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine showed promise against the Delta variant first identified in India in a lab study, with a modest decrease in response compared to the original strain, the drugmaker said on Tuesday.

The study was conducted on blood serum from eight participants obtained one week after they received the second dose of the vaccine, mRNA-1273.

The vaccine provoked an antibody response against all the variants tested, according to Moderna, but one that remained inferior in all cases to the vaccine’s neutralizing activity against the original coronavirus strain first found in China.

The vaccine was far more effective in producing antibodies against the Delta variant than it was against the Beta variant first identified in South Africa, the data showed.

Against three versions

of the Beta variant, the vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies reduced six-to-eight fold compared to those produced against the original strain, while modest 3.2 to 2.1 fold reductions were seen for lineages of the variant first identified in India, including Delta and Kappa.

“These new data are encouraging and reinforce our belief that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should remain protective against newly detected variants,” Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said.

Earlier in the day, India granted permission to drug maker, Cipla Ltd (CIPL. NS) to import Moderna’s vaccine to the country for restricted use.

The drug maker’s shares were up 5.5 per cent at $235.39 in mid-day trading.

Moderna has submitted the data as a preprint to the website, bioRxiv, ahead of peer review.

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine shows promise against Delta variant in lab study

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Bajan scholar creates history (Barbados Today) - Gabrielle Gay is the current Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ambassador for Barbados and is the first Barbadian to be recognised for her unique contribution to the education sector.

Gay said that the experience of being recognised as the OECS ambassador was extremely humbling.

“It’s honestly extremely humbling! The OECS is without doubt one of the most prestigious international institutions of regionalism, so to be recognised by them as a key global leader from a shortlist of over 250 of the best Youth Leaders worldwide is such a fulfilling achievement. And it was also on my Goals List for over a

year, so when it manifested, I cried many happy tears. This is such a proud moment for the Gabrielle Gay Award for Excellence in Reading and Literacy mentorship programme,” she said.

Gay, who is a final year Bachelor of Law student at the University of The West Indies Cave Hill Campus, said despite her stellar resume, she is still shocked each time she receives correspondence that she has won an award or received ambassador status.

“It surprises me in the best way whenever it happens, because I never take any of it for granted. I believe that the minute you become complacent and settled in any sphere that is when you lose your edge and visionary es-

sence. Therefore, I see every win, small or big, as a wonderful surprise and blessing. I never want to get comfortable in this regard – ever,” she said.

The newly appointed ambassador of the OECS said that she is passionate about sustainable development.

“Sustainable development is, by and large, economic development conducted by countries and leaders, without the depletion of natural resources. I deeply believe this style of ethical societal progression is compulsory as it allows us to move forward without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“For me, that is best achieved via education, legislative and public pol-

icy change. This is the foundation of the OECS Sustainable Development Movement, so that is why I am so passionate about it,” she said.

Gay explained that as an ambassador for the OECS, all ambassadors are mandated to host an event.

She said that she is hosting a virtual conference on the topic, “technology on the frontline: Is the medical arena equipped for technological progress, post-COVID 19?”

“We will be exploring this highly relevant and exciting new topic which will have a team of experts which include global and regional experts from the health, technology and medical sector,” she said.

Gay has a very impressive curriculum vitae

as she was honoured by Queen Elizabeth II in the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, conferred ambassadorship by the World Literacy Foundation, her programme G abrielle Gay Award for Literacy is in countries all over the world, and she is now an OECS ambassador.

Therefore, it is no surprise that she is keen on assisting the Government of Barbados with the redevelopment of the current educational sector.

“I am definitely open to working together with the government to further spearhead permanent progress in the educational, legislative and executive spaces.

“Governments need the input of the youth who are in the field with the issues

faced. I am always willing to partner for the greater good of humanity,” she said.

Gay shared some words of encouragement to young Barbadians.

“Take time out to write each of your goals down on paper or digitally. Begin to identify individuals or entities that are aligned with those goals and then proceed from there. I am always open to offer advice and assistance, so please feel free to reach out to me on social media and follow along for motivation, and tips on building a legacy that is selfless and benefits all,” she said.

To follow her OECS ambassador journey, follow pressroom.oecs.org, and @gabriellegay on Instagram.

(Trinidad & Tobago G u a r d i a n ) - T i k To k Influencers, top West Indian cricketers and music stars are joining arms as the new “Disaster Fighters”—a team of influential figures—to disseminate informational messages on fighting the impact of hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, COVID-19 and other hazards.

The initiative kicked off on Monday June 28.

West Indian cricketers DJ Bravo of Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia’s Daren Sammy, and St. Kitts & Nevis’ Kieran Powell, joined forces with musicians Mr Killa of Grenada, Tafa Mi Soleil of Haiti and Ricky T of St. Lucia, for the TikTok campaign kickoff.

The initiative involves popular Caribbean TikTok creators going live and connecting directly with the audience in real time, to help

spread hurricane preparedness messages and hear about the personal experiences of those who have lived through disasters. They also will invite users to show their support for the Disaster Fighters campaign by creating videos using the hashtags, #DisasterFighters and #HurricaneSeason.

A TikTok Challenge #MakeAPlan will be launched to inspire and encourage the general population in order to raise awareness about hurricane preparedness through creating and sharing creative videos, singing the famous Jahmar Hamilton phrase “Make A Plan”, in a 10-second segment of the Disaster Fighters song.

The 2021 hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.

The impact of hurricanes in the Caribbean region is growing every

year, and it is important to alert nationals and send relevant preparedness messages. TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile videos, has partnered with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on this regional prevention campaign to raise awareness about the hurricane season in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region.

TikTok will support the Disaster Fighters campaign to encourage people to be prepared for the hurricane season and provide access to informational messages on preparedness before, during and after a hurricane. They will also engage in livestreams and the creation of videos to improve community preparedness and resilience to risks such as hurricanes in the region.

The initiative is sup-

ported by the World Bank, TikTok, the European Union’s Caribbean Regional Resilience Building Facility,

and the Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility, the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and

Binance Charity. The campaign has been developed by the risk communications firm Pacifico.

Caribbean artists, TikTok influencers join forces to communicate hurricane season messages

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

‘IT IS TIME’ The leadership of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) is facing another dilemma. This problem is adding to its growing list of losses and failures. At this point, it is clear that the party’s superstructure is on the verge of explosive change or it will inevitably explode with time.

Region Seven Businessman, Shawn Hopkinson and party member, Brian Smith, are the two latest members to confirm that they are leaving the PNC/R leadership because of leadership issues. Before them, Lennox Gasper, Basil Blackman and Attorney-at-law, Thandi Mc Allister had also left the party for similar reasons.

It should be noted here that these are well known faces within the PNC. Who

knows of the others, including the number of ordinary members who have left quietly?

Among McAlister ’s concern was the party leadership’s sidelining of the youths in the party. She said that she has lost hope in the party to meet the expectations of its membership.

Two smaller parties joining the A Partnership for National Unity seemingly had something to do with Mc Allister’s decision to resign. This is gleaned from comments of a senior party executive, who insinuated that the input was required from the wide membership of the party since the decision to include the two recently formed and largely unknown parties into the Coalition was made by the ‘top’ PNC leadership.

In any serious organisation or political party, this will be a cause for concern because it appears as though a few persons have literally hijacked the leadership of the PNC. Most of these concerns could be decisively addressed but it will require the PNC to hold congress, which its top leadership seems reluctant to do anytime soon.

There is a view that the current principals of the PNC do not want the staging of congress at this time because it might mark the beginning of the end for most of the old guards who went into the 2015 elections campaign embracing the slogan, “It is time”.

Whatever the rationale for not holding congress at this critical time, it appears to be unhelpful to the party’s leadership since it

would not stop the growing criticism from supporters including those who believe that they party can regain power by winning a free and fair elections.

The criticism, it should be noted, is fueled by the feeling of non-consultation with ordinary party members and supporters by the PNC top leadership.

This matter aside, also for some strange reason, the top leaders of the PNC seem to have not awakened from their dream world.

It is bewildering that they still continue to push the false rhetoric among their supporters that they won the last general and regional elections even though this narrative has been widely debunked locally, regionally and internationally.

Ten months after, not even some of the diehard

supporters of the PNC are paying heed to this imaginary victory, as claimed by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon and others in the party. It is therefore hardly surprising that many young people in the party are now beginning to see the top leadership as visionless and disconnected.

Perhaps this is the main reason why the old guards in the party are not interested in holding congress anytime soon because they fear that their grip on power will dissipate once the internal elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, a trait that is alien to them in practice.

Regardless of when the PNC decides to hold congress, it cannot be over emphasised that for change to occur in the party, it must first make efforts to change

its old culture of talking about but rejecting principles of democracy.

It must also move away from narrow self-interest, including fueling racism, and instead embrace working with the government of the day for the betterment and development of Guyana while being vigilant and not sensational with regards to transparency and accountability in governance.

Like every political crisis, one either learns from it by adjusting and taking a constructive course of action or continue with the status quo and explode into pieces.

From the look of things, the PNC seems headed in the direction of the latter if it does not take a pause and look at itself in the mirror.

Creating jobs while enhancing the local infrastructural landscape

Dear Editor,

WE must never forget that it was under the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government that over 30,000 people lost their jobs. So, this new “US$100 million cement factory to be constructed on Essequibo Coast” is yet another way to create job opportunities for Guyanese, even as their confidence is being restored.

During the 2020 APNU+AFC rigging attempt and even before, many Guyanese suffered in a state of

hopelessness because of the economic state of the country, coupled with the lack of job opportunities available.

This was the catalyst for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), who at the time made a strong commitment “… to restore, enhance and create new jobs for all categories of workers.” Currently, the sugar industry is up and running and many are back at work.

With this cement factory in the near offing, more hope is descending on the country overall, as apart from some 200 job openings, local cement will be available on the Guyana market.

The word is already buzzing that, “A new variety of cement will soon be added … following the construction and commissioning of a proposed cement plant on the Essequibo Coast, set to manufacture the ‘Hydraulic Cement.’

This plant will be under the aegis of the Georgetown Cement Company, of which Mr. Vijay Sukhdeo is the Chief Executive Officer.

This CEO is a seasoned campaigner, originally from Wakenaam, who migrated to the United States at the age of 17 and now has some 30 years of experience in this kind of business.

This project is expected to get going later in the year, with the hope of completing it in a one-year time frame.

Sukhdeo detailed that “Once completed, the plant will utilise both French and German technology, producing grey and white cement [as] our aim is to complete [it] within 12 to 13 months, so we can start grinding cement right after.” If all goes well, the factory will churn out both white and grey cement of an unprecedented quality at 50,000 metric tonnes per month.

Outside of employment to build and run the factory, there will be huge econom-

ic advantages, as it means ‘more affordability,’ simply because the cement will be locally made and therefore residents will benefit from the cheaper price. This is not difficult to grasp, as the CEO explained that “We decided to step in because of the cement demand and price for the product presently.” So, “Instead of importing the finished product, we will be importing the ingredients like iron ore and line stone gypsum.”

There is a big plus too in that this “Hydraulic Cement is great for sea defence and stands up longer to salt air…

Its trying time is 30 minutes

longer than that of all-purpose cement, but it allows for the cement to have a better bonding.”

Many Guyanese are now living closer to the Atlantic Ocean, and many of them have suffered from the salty sea breeze, so this will add impetus for local purchase, but with the high rate of production, the Hydraulic Cement will also be supplied to other Caribbean countries, including Suriname. This means ‘earned foreign exchange.’

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Guyana must never become an international human transshipment point

Dear Editor,

THE human-trafficking curse is becoming quite topical in Guyana.

Just recently, gleaning from the news, ten youths, including a pregnant woman, were held at a hotel on the Corentyne after they had been brought from neighbouring Suriname. It is sad what is unfolding, and Guyana has done the right thing by having them stationed at the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation, on the West Coast Berbice, even as police are investigating the matter.

Prior to this, law enforcement agencies in the past did hold-up Haitians heading to Brazil, after they were blocked at the entry point

at Lethem. This interceptive work resulted from a joint effort between the Brazilian Federal Police and Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit.

Countering any form of trafficking is a huge undertaking, and the reason is obvious. The figures show that it earns global profits of roughly $150 billion per year for the traffickers. Here in Guyana, there is a burgeoning crisis. Back in September 2019, Winston Felix, then in charge of immigration issues under the Granger Government, noted that “… while close to 8, 500 Haitians arrived in the country for the first seven months of the year, only 1,170 are known to have departed the country.” The rest,” Felix said,

“are not in Guyana.” What is the take here? For one, who can definitively prove this?

And two, is it that Guyana is a suitable conduit? So, the problem must be addressed immediately.

I recall, too, that in August 2019, Moses Nagamootoo did admit that “… the departure of Haitians should be better monitored.”

In this vein, it is good to read that Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall announced that “Haitians and Cubans would soon require visas to travel to Guyana, amid concerns about a well-organised human trafficking ring,” and it happened.

He stated that “We are taking a position that will re-

Trafficking in persons is a serious offence that warrants serious action Dear Editor, THE government has expressed concern over the volume of transient migrants, surmising that a human trafficking ring is involved, with great justification. During the torturous 2020 pre and post-elections saga, there was ample evidence of the facilitation of human trafficking by leaders of an identified political configuration.

Allegations were rife that large sums were being expended from the nation’s coffers to facilitate travel, housing and support illegal aliens, and to provide them with Guyanese identity documents, such as birth certificates and national identity cards with Guyanese names.

A news item published on 14th November, 2020, headlined “Five in custody after 26 Haitians ‘discovered’ in suspected smuggling ring” related that twenty-six Haitian nationals were placed in protective care after police, during multiple operations, discovered them in a suspected smuggling racket at a city hotel, and a minibus on the Linden-Mabura Road. In protective care are 10 men, nine women, and seven children (two boys and five girls).

The children were proven

not to be related to any of the adults in the party, which is alarming, as revelations are circulating worldwide of incidents of kidnapping of persons for body parts, as well as for the usual reasons persons, including children, are kidnapped, primarily as slave labourers and sex slaves.

Making one’s country an in-transit hub to facilitate incursions by human aliens into neighbouring countries goes against international protocols, and can create antipathetic reactions from the country being invaded.

For instance, the Government of Brazil has complained to the Government of Guyana about this country being used as a transshipment point for illegal aliens entering Brazil.

Several incidents reported by the media of Suriname last year referenced a surge of Haitians entering Suriname illegally from Guyana.

The 26 Haitians had provided false information to immigration officials on their arrival in Guyana, which caused suspicion of human smuggling, so a deportation order was sought and granted by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in December, 2020.

However, the Chief Jus-

tice, on December 3 last, issued a conservatory order halting the deportation of the 26 Haitians, in an action filed by Attorney Darren Wade against AG Anil Nandlall, contending that the order for deportation issued by the magistrate was arbitrary, and in violation of the fundamental rights of his clients.

After the Chief Justice issued the Conservatory Order, the Attorney-General informed her that their passports would be returned and they would be delivered to a location of their own choosing. This was done and within days they had disappeared, validating the Government’s contention that their movements were facilitated by a smuggling ring operating out of Guyana.

Subsequently, it was reported that Allandres Archer had withdrawn his name from representing the 26 Haitians.

It is important to note, as a matter of great significance, that the lawyer who went to great lengths to champion the cause of the 26 Haitians who breached Guyana’s immigration prerequisites is a staunch PNC member.

Yours very truly, Todd A Morgan

quire visas for these nationals when they come, including Haitian nationals, Cuban nationals etc.”

Normally, the vast majority of CARICOM citizens can enter and stay for a period of six months in any one of the countries comprising CARICOM. The facts are that most of Haiti’s trafficking cases involve children in forced labour and domestic service,

who often are physically abused, receive no payment for services rendered, and have significantly lower school enrollment rates. So, safeguarding the ten at the Hugo Chavez institute is indeed a good move.

Nandlall predicted that the Government’s move will be politicised/racialised, (and I am going with the trend here) by APNU+AFC. He is right, as I think back

to the recent attacks from APNU+AFC regarding the COVID-9 Cash Grant, helping desperate flood victims and the vaccine procurement matter.

However, Guyana must oppose and put measures in place so that it cannot be used as an international human transshipment point.

Respectfully yours, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

$86.6M donated to CDC for flood relief

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has so far received $86.6 million in monetary donations and 98,188 relief items from the private sector and non-governmental organisations, as it continues its national flood-relief efforts.

The CDC has also asked the public to support its flood-relief efforts by making contributions based on a list of items which was published in

the local media. It has also asked for volunteers to assist in packaging hampers.

Data from the commission shows that 25 per cent of the country has been affected by flooding. Some 51,578 households across the ten administrative regions are severely affected.

Communities in Region Six have been heavily impacted, with 10,367 affected households, followed by Region Three with 5,761.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has classified Guyana’s flooding a level two disaster.

Its impact varies across communities, with the situation in Regions One, Three, Four, Eight and Nine being classified as level two, while Regions Two, Five, Six, Seven and 10 are at level three.

The public was advised to take precautions and to relocate to higher grounds

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig inspects a shelter in Region Nine where possible. To facilitate this, the CDC established 12 emergency shelters for displaced persons.

To date 239 persons are occupying the shelters, with a significant number being housed at the Hururu Forestry Compound.

The CDC has also documented 20,338 farmers and livestock being affected,

mostly in Regions Two, Six and Nine, even as the rain and high tides continue.

The agency has also distributed a total of 60,988 hampers; 33,548 of which are food items and 25,440 are cleaning supplies.

Additionally, the commission continues to monitor, record and update flood

reports every 72 hours to assist affected persons.

With the wet season expected to continue into August with above normal rainfall, the CDC continues to reform the needs list based on the necessity of specific regions.

The list is published on its website and social media platforms. (DPI)

Stay safe while we wait Dear Editor, I KNOW some people are getting impatient while waiting on the government and the Ministry of Health to get the shipment of vaccines so they can have their second shots, and boost their immune system’s response further against the COVID-19 virus.

And while that’s understandable, I believe the safest thing to do while we wait is to continue taking measures to protect ourselves.

Don’t become complacent; don’t blame the government. Don’t listen to Harmon or the opposition’s

dubious claims; just wait quietly.

I say so because I, too, am waiting on the second dose of the Sputnik V to be fully immunised.

The guidelines and regulations are still in force; you still need to practise social distancing, and wearing your masks properly when in public places. Do not forget to wash and sanitise your hands.

And you need to be familiar with the time that you have to wait.

The Sinopharm vaccine’s first-dose lasts for 21-28 days until the second dose, while the Sputnik V Vaccines can provide coverage

for 4-12 weeks until the second dose is available. The AstraZeneca is 4-12 weeks at most.

This information is according to the Ministry of Health, and the health officials dealing with the COVID-19 vaccines and process.

I want this vaccine disparity to end, and the global shortage to be eliminated.

I believe the government is working, in overdrive, to get us the shots we need.

Keep reading, and you will know when the vaccine comes to Guyana. Be safe!

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Second dose of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine expected in Guyana soon --Minister Anthony says

By Jared Liddell MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony on Tuesday reassured Guyanese that the second dose of the Russian-produced Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine will arrive in the country before the 12-week timeline is up for persons waiting to be fully immunised.

The Health Minister reminded persons that the guidelines for administration of the Sputnik V vaccine stipulate that there is an allotted timeframe of four to 12 weeks as the optimal time for full vaccination.

Research had indicated that just one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has an efficacy rate of about 79 per cent, with an 88 per cent prevention of hospitalisation.

These numbers increase to approximately 97 per cent after the administration of the

second dose.

Minister Anthony said that these numbers establish the fact that persons who received the first dose need not be worried about not being protected against the disease.

“No person that we have administered Sputnik V as first-dose would have gone past 12 weeks, so they are still within the time period when they can get that second dose.

“We know after that first dose, your efficacy is generally about 79 per cent; and when you get that booster shot in between the four weeks to the 12 weeks, it goes up to about 97 per cent. So, even without the booster shot, if you get a single dose of Sputnik, you will still be protected,” the Health Minister related.

Considering the empirical evidence which suggests that the high efficacy rate of the first dose of the Russian vaccine, and the Government

of Guyana’s commitment to have the second-doses here within the established timeframe, Minister Anthony said that persons should continue taking the vaccines, and doing their part to combat the pandemic.

NO MIXING OF VACCINES Meanwhile, Minister Anthony highlighted that the government does not intend to mix the first-dose of any vaccine with another from a different manufacturer.

He related that since the vaccines were introduced, manufacturers were keen on advising countries to refrain from using two different types of vaccines on one individual.

“Manufacturers are quite reluctant to allow countries to mix vaccines. We have followed that guidance, and so if you get a first-dose AstraZeneca, you would get the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

second-dose AstraZeneca; if you get first-dose Sinopharm, you’re going to get second-dose Sinopharm. These two vaccines that we had used, what you get for your first-

dose is the same thing you’re going to get for your second dose,” Dr. Anthony said.

Further, he said that manufacturers are also concerned about any potential side-effect that could arise if vaccines are mixed.

The Health Minister further said that while Guyana does not subscribe to this method of dual vaccination, the country is currently assessing the results coming out of international studies.

“We have seen studies now emerging where people are mixing and matching, and we await to see the results from those studies to see how efficacious those studies have been; there is very limited data right now, but we’ll have to see the scientific evidence before we suggest any change to the regime that we have,” Dr. Anthony reasoned.

As it is now, Guyana has both doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the Sinopharm vaccine. With those vaccines being available, the Health Minister has advised that persons who are desirous of receiving vaccines from these manufacturers to get vaccinated at any of the vaccination sites across the country.

As at June 29, 2021, a total of 232,599 Guyanese received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; this reflects a total of 47.8 per cent of the country’s adult population.

Of the total amount, about 107,421 persons, or 22 per cent of the country’s adult population, have received both their first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

$88M subvention disbursed to NDCs, municipalities in Regions Five, Six T E N N e i g h b o u rhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five have received $25 million in subvention, while another $63 million subvention was handed over to 18 NDCs and two municipalities in Region Six.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Tuesday, presented the cheques during separate ceremonies in the Regional Democratic Council’s boardroom in both regions.

Minister Dha-

ramlall charged the NDC chairpersons, vice chairpersons and overseers to put politics and discrimination aside and build a relationship with the respective communities, which would create mechanisms to resolve challenges.

“We would like our

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall hands over subvention cheques to NDCs in Region Five

villages to be cleaned and I am going to tell you this without fear of contradiction; if overseers are not going to be pulling their weight, we are going to take actions against them. They are responsible for the management and the resources of the NDCs. “I have found across the country that overseers tend to leave some of their responsibility on the Council or the Chair of the Council. I have also found that some Chairs of Council want to usurp the functions of the overseers. They want to do the day-to-day management of the NDC and that also creates conflict,” he said.

Minister Dharamlall further related that every staff member of the various village offices must observe the law, while maintaining the government’s policy,

which is to provide satisfactory services.

“We would like to start seeing you more vibrant and approachable. We have had many complaints where members of the public come to your NDCs and you have overseers disrespecting people…

When people come to the NDC office they must come to get professional service,” the minister added.

He said that the government will not tolerate unprofessional behaviour at any NDC, and he plans to recommend to the Local Government Commission that workers be dismissed if their conduct is inappropriate.

“I got a call at 6 o’clock this morning [Tuesday] where people are going to pay their taxes and the overseers are slamming doors on them and so forth.

That can’t happen anymore! You’re an

officer of the government and the public,” the minister noted.

Minister Dharamlall said that there are some issues which the NDCs must address urgently, including the removal of derelict vehicles along the road shoulders and overgrown bushes on private properties.

“I would like to encourage our CIIP [Community Infrastructure Improvement Project] workers through the Council that in cases where yards are not clean, we will surcharge the owner of these properties and when they come to pay their rates and taxes, they will have to pay for the cleaning,” he said.

Minister Dharamlall said the government is keen on ensuring that major infrastructural works are conducted in every NDC. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Gov’t grants extension for bids to construct DHB -- Min. Edghill confirms

By Rehana Ahamad ON Monday, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, met with eight of the nine pre-qualified bidders for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge to provide clarifications on several aspects relating to the construction of the new structure.

According to Edghill, the bidders sought further explanations on several technical issues, as well as the financing of the new Demerara River Crossing.

“All of the issues were clarified and will be communicated to all the bidders in writing,” Edghill told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said that even though the bidders had all reiterated their commitment to the project, they requested additional time to complete their proposals which requires them to bid on two options: first, a Design-Build & Finance option, and second, a Design-Build-Operate & Finance Option.

As a result of the concerns raised and the justifications given, the Government of Guyana, via the Ministry of Public Works, agreed to extend the August 3, 2021 deadline for submissions of bid. “The agreement is that we will give a two-month extension to October 5 for submission of the bids,” minister Edghill related.

He said that the Public Works Ministry stands ready to provide further clarifications and details regarding the project, to the bidders.

Further, Edghill said that the government will work towards facilitating visas for companies that want their rep-

resentatives to travel to Guyana to conduct site inspections and assessments.

“All of the bidders gave clear impression that they are actively pursuing the project,” the minister related.

He said that at the end of Monday’s meeting, all bidders understood that the project has a strict two-year deadline which will commence at the signing of the contract.

“In the meeting today, no bidder raised the issue about not being able to deliver the bridge within the 24 months of signing of a contract,” Edghill posited. He emphasised that the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge is a project that the government is pursuing with much vigour.

The government had hoped that the project could commence by the end of 2021; however, it is unclear whether this remains possible.

The nine pre-qualified bidders were selected following an ‘Expressions of Interest’ exercise which saw 54 firms indicating their interest in the project. Thereafter, 44 entities moved on to complete the registration process, with a total

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd will today meet formally with his counterpart in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Amery Browne.

According to a statement from the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this meeting follows informal discussions between Minister Todd and the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago last week.

Both ministers, during last week’s discussion, underscored the valuable bilateral relationship and strong longstanding ties between the two countries, and agreed to meet formally on matters of mutual interest today, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, via videoconference.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill

of 21 companies subsequently submitted to become qualified.

All of the bidders were from outside of Guyana, including China, Suriname, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

Despite the limited number of companies that were pre-qualified to construct the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Minister Edghill had encouraged all of the companies to continue to pursue the many opportunities available in Guyana.

While an estimated cost is to be determined following the submission of bids, the East Bank to West Bank link is likely to be a “four-lane, highspan fixed bridge; the new ‘fly-over’ structure is intended to stretch across the Demerara River from La Grange on the West Bank to Nandy Park on the East Bank.

According to the EoI, the new design of the Demerara Harbour Bridge will not require opening or retraction to allow for maritime traffic, as is the situation with the existing structure. The new bridge is likely to carry a lifespan of at least 50 years.

While the existing bridge is unable to adequately accommodate the daily and growing traffic, it is not necessarily a structure that is substandard. A few years ago, under the leadership of Mr. Robeson Benn, the then Ministry of Public Works had denounced the “myth” that the bridge had an expiration date. It was explained at the time that the bridge is one that can be constantly maintained, in that almost all of its components are “repairable”. It is unclear whether the government will utilise the structure at another location in the country.

Guyana, Trinidad Foreign Affairs Ministers to meet virtually

Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Amery Browne

The decades-old Demerara Harbour Bridge

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Young woman hoping to bring awareness of lupus

By Naomi Parris

HAVING recently being diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 22-year-old Anjeli Surujpaul is hoping to educate and bring awareness to the Guyanese populace about the complexities of the autoimmune disease.

Surujpaul, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, disclosed that she was diagnosed with

SLE in January 2020, and having noticed the lack of knowledge of the disease among the general public, she opted to start her own foundation, the Lupus Foundation Guyana, shortly after her diagnosis.

SLE is a disease where one’s immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and

blood vessels. There is no cure for lupus, but medical interventions and lifestyle changes can help control it.

“People in Guyana aren’t generally aware of lupus or other autoimmune diseases. I remember this one time I went to the hospital for a checkup and I told the patient care that I have lupus; she looked at me and said ‘What’s that? Is it a real thing?’,” the young woman recalled.

In May 2020, along with several of her friends, Surujpaul officially launched the foundation to spread awareness about the disease that has changed her life.

The young woman told this publication that while the foundation primarily focusses on lupus, it also highlights other autoimmune diseases.

“I had some friends that wanted to help spread awareness to support me and, together, we started the Lupus Foundation of Guyana. Our aim is to spread awareness primarily about lupus but we also focus on other autoimmune diseases. While I create the posters and manage the pages, they’re there to help me whenever I need them,” she said.

However, during the pandemic, Surujpaul noted that not much ground work could be done, nevertheless, through the foundation’s multimedia platforms she has been able to interact with other lupus survivors.

“So far, we haven’t been able to do much activities due to COVID and me being considered high risk. Right now, I mostly give people information and answer their questions. I’m also trying to help a few get to a diagnosis. I’d sometimes have people living with lupus message me and we would end up becoming friends and supporting each other.”

Nevertheless, the young woman expressed her optimism for the growth and expansion of the foundation in the future.

“I hope that in the future, the foundation can become something more and help make life easier for lupus patients.

Spreading awareness is a step in the right direction but there is so much more that I want to achieve for people living with lupus and other chronic illness in general.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

22-year-old Anjeli Surujpaul, founder of the Lupus Foundation Guyana wake up to the next day, LIFE CHANGING so whenever I have a good Despite being diag- day, I use it.” nosed with an autoimWith a new perspective mune disease, Surujpaul on life, the young woman related that her life took said she takes risks that a complete 180-degree she would have never takturn. Before her diagno- en before she fell ill. sis, she described herself She added that she is as an introvert, now she now more aware of her is at her most confident health and appreciative of and bravest than at any the finer things in life. stage in her life.

“I find joy in the small“The person I was be- est things and don’t dwell fore my diagnosis was too much on the things I so different from who I can’t control. I’m more am now. She was timid alert and conscious about and reserved, would never what I put into my body as just walk up to someone, well. Some days I would always waited until some- wake up and I’d have to one talked to her before spend hours in my bed she spoke, an introvert due to pain and some days basically and would stress when I wake up, I’m full about everything.” of energy and ready for The timid, introvert the day. Lupus is so ungirl is no more, she said, predictable, the most I explaining, “I’m so much can do is make the best of more now, stronger, out- my good days,” she said, going, I would start a con- adding: “I’ve also taken up versation with anyone. I modelling which is somespend more time with my thing that I could’ve never family and friends. And I seen myself doing before. grasp any and every opI’m so much more portunity that comes my confident now and if I way. I never know what can fight lupus every tomorrow will be like, day, then I can do anyI never know what I’ll thing.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

‘Upskill and earn’ to achieve financial independence --Human Services Minister urges Mon Repos residents during outreach you how to sustain your businesses. And don’t just take the training and sit down with it at home; earn from it. When you use your new skills to earn, you can move from financial dependence to independence,” the minister underscored.

Also present at the outreach was a team from the Ministry of Health, to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to those interested. Officers

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, greets residents at the Mon Repos Primary School, during her outreach to the community on Monday

RESIDENTS of Mon Repos turned out in their numbers at the Mon Repos Primary School, on Monday, to interact with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and to benefit from a wide array of services that the ministry took to the location during the outreach.

The minister had the opportunity to listen to the individual concerns of residents, young and old, and to receive feedback from community leaders and heads of several women’s groups on the East Coast of Demerara.

In her charge to residents, she encouraged them to “upskill and earn,” so that resi-

dents can work with the ministry to have a “bottom-up” approach to development, rather than one that starts at the top and filters down to the bottom of the chain of command.

“We want to have a very close connection with people who are on the ground; people at the grass roots level who can give us the best idea of what the community needs to progress,” she told residents, later adding: “We would be in a better position to serve you if we know and understand what the key things are that you would like us to focus on in the community.”

Minister Persaud encour-

aged women to participate in free courses being offered nationwide by the government, including ones by her ministry, such as the recently launched Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

“I want women to stop thinking that they have to go and work for somebody; be your own bosses,” she urged the residents.

She also implored them to look at working in groups, and even on their own, to bring out the kind of changes they want to see in their lives.

“Go for the things that you don’t normally go for when choosing what course to do. Our training will teach

Man charged with attempted murder of stepson

DELWYN Lewis who allegedly dealt his stepson several chops about his body, was, on Tuesday, placed on $400,000 bail by Magistrate Delon Bess when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Lewis denied that, on Friday, June 25, 2021, at Holy Place, Ekereku, Cuyuni River, with intent to commit murder, he wounded Michael Fernandes.

According to the

prosecution, about 09:30 hours on the date mentioned in the particulars of the charge, Lewis visited Fernandes and his wife at his work camp located at Ekereku Backdam.

During their conversation, they started arguing. The argument escalated. Fernandes reportedly armed himself with a piece of wood and attempted to hit Lewis. In retaliation, Lewis reportedly used a cutlass to chop Fernandes about the

body.

Fernandes ran away and was eventually rescued by persons working in the area. He was then taken to the Ekereku Police Station and later escorted to a hospital in Georgetown where he was admitted as a patient.

Lewis was subsequently arrested and charged.

The matter was adjourned until Monday, September 13, 2021.

from the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) were also on hand to meet with residents and address any concerns they might have.

Minister Persaud is continuing her visits to locations all across Guyana in an effort to take the services being offered by her ministry to the people. Just recently, she met and interacted with persons from the Grove/Diamond, East Bank of Demerara com-

munities.

She also lately visited Monkey Mountain in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Kwakwani in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), where she similarly interacted with residents and helped them sign on to various programmes that the ministry is working on at the moment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Man loses life in mining accident at Blackwater Backdam

A 21-year-old miner of Four Miles, Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima – Waini), who has since been identified only as ‘Vibes’, has died following a mining accident at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni – Mazaruni), on Monday last.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force, ‘Vibes’ was one of five workers who were ‘jetting’ in a mining pit around 16:30 hours, when the dam

that held slush from the tailend broke, and the slush started to run down.

An alarm was subsequently raised by the victim’s co-worker and friend, Elroy Smith, but it was too late as the victim, after attempting to ‘pinch’ the hose in an attempt to escape, got caught and covered by the slush.

Police reported that Vibes’ co-workers dug him out and transported him to higher ground before placing him on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and rushing

him to the Bartica Hospital, Region Seven, where at approximately 01:00 hour, on Tuesday, he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

A wound was observed to his right hand, but the body was placed in the hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination, as investigations continue.

The Ministry of Labour announced that it was the seventh fatality in the mining sector for the year 2021, and the ministry’s Occupational

Safety and Health (OSH) Department, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has since commenced an investigation into the accident.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, expressed his concern about such fatalities and has stressed the need for continuous OSH awareness programmes in mining communities. He extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Selection for online scholarship programme this week MINISTER of Public Service, Sonia Parag, has said that the selection process for the government’s online scholarship programme is expected to be completed this week.

The initiative is being undertaken by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). The ministry was expected to complete the eligibility process on Tuesday before applications are handed over for the selection exercise.

“As soon as we receive the processed applications from GOAL, we will commence the selection process. We are expected to do so this week and this will take about a week and a half to complete,” Minister Parag said.

She related that GOAL has oversight of the applications and Minister of Public will decide whether persons are qualified Service, Sonia Parag for the programmes they chose.

“We want to ensure that applicants are processed accurately in terms of the criteria to be met, which will determine if they are eligible or not for the programmes of their choice and then the selection of the beneficiaries of the scholarship will be conducted,” the minister said.

The ministry through GOAL has received over 8,800 applications. Most of the applications were from Region Four, which saw approximately 3,400 persons applying for the programmes.

Region Three followed with 1,044 applications; Region Two with 786; Region Six, 674; Region Five, 577; Region Ten, 429; Region One, 300; Region Seven, 296; Region Eight, 109 and Region Nine 110.

With applications being submitted, applicants will be further vetted to determine if they are qualified for the scholarships. Some of the conditions which would be taken into consideration include Grade Point Average (GPA), geographic location and income.

The scholarships will be awarded by the end of June to facilitate the commencement of classes in July. The government’s 20,000 online scholarship initiative is the fulfilment of a commitment the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) made while on the hustings, to provide opportunities for educational development.

Applicants were allowed to choose from 104 available programmes offered by six international universities.

The institutions are the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Applied Sciences, the Indira Gandhi National Open University, the JAIN “deemed to be” University and the Sherlock Institute of India.

The online scholarship initiative will see 4,500 people benefitting from scholarships each year, for the next five years. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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Moriah Hamilton garners 60 per cent of funding for university –– as Digicel contributes $1M

NEARLY three weeks after fundraising efforts kicked off to secure a scholarship for Queen’s College alumna, Moriah Hamilton, to attend Howard University, the young teen is just within reach of her US$26,000 goal, having raised just over US$16,000 thus far.

While Moriah could not disclose the total amount of funds received so far, the GoFundMe page which was created to assist the teen in obtaining funding for her scholarship, shows that Moriah has surpassed 63 per cent of her overall goal.

This amount was supplemented by a Digicel Guyana donation of $1 million to support Moriah’s journey to Howard University, and, by extension, her undergraduate degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

According to a statement prepared by Moriah’s team, Communications Manager of Digicel, Vidya Sanichara, who was present at the handing over ceremony on June 28, said Digicel Guyana is committed to supporting youth in academia and sports, and wished Moriah much suc-

cess. She further expressed her hope that the contribution would go a long way in helping the Moriah to achieve her goal.

Moriah and her team expressed their sincerest gratitude for the donation, and Moriah, in particular, thanked Digicel and all other persons who are coming on board to help her with her future.

The former student of Queen’s College was raised in a single-parent home and it was often a struggle, but Moriah’s mother, Carol Hamilton, instilled in her children the value of a good education.

Moriah was able to secure a place at Queen’s College for CAPE after clinching several exceptional grades at her CSEC examinations.

In her first year at Queen’s College, she achieved first place on the Caribbean merit list for Green Engineering at CAPE, where she scored the only Grade One in the subject area; and in her second year (CAPE Unit Two), she achieved fourth place in the Caribbean.

Her achievements have enabled her to stand as a symbol of diversity in the STEM field, and a bea-

(from left) Moriah’s mother, Carol Hamilton, along with Moriah, Vidya Sanichara of Digicel, Dr. Raquel Thomas, and Patrick Stephens con for individuals who so via Citizens Bank, with 219277137; or via her Go- made with Moriah on mostrive to reach their fullest the Account Name: Moriah FundMe, https://gofund. bile +592 689 8572, or her potentials, despite the cir- Hamilton/Patrick Stephens, me/d63fe5d4.

Mentor Patrick Stephens cumstances that sometimes Savings Account Number Contact can also be on +592 688 3670. deter their success.

Through her volunteerism, activism, and education at Howard University, she has pledged to be an agent of change, not only in her community, but in Guyana’s pursuit of green and sustainable development.

Those who would like to continue supporting Moriah in her journey can do

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

First Lady launches ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ initiative

IN keeping with her vision for a better Guyana, First Lady Arya Ali on Tuesday launched the ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ initiative, which will see eight orphanages across Guyana benefitting from monetary donations to offset their massive monthly expenses.

The First Lady stated that the initiative was birthed out of a conversation with Guyanese-American rapper, SAINt JHN, during his visit to State House in October 2020.

She noted that during their meeting, she and the artiste spoke of their mutual care for orphanages, and discussed several ways of enriching the lives of the children in those homes.

Following the discussion, Mrs. Ali said she and her

will cater to the varying needs of the children in eight orphanages.

“The children that you are pledging your commitment to today are not as fortunate as many of us were; they have already been deprived of a biological family, and it is our duty to ensure they are afforded the basic necessities in life to realise their full potential,” the First Lady stated.

The orphanages that are set to benefit from the initiative are Joshua House, Bless the Children Home, Ruimveldt Children’s Home, St. John Bosco Orphanage, Canaan Children’s Home, Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages; St. Ann’s Orphanage; and Prabhu Sharan Orphanage.

The First Lady noted

First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali (second left), and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (right), with relatives of SAINt JHN at State House Baksh, Atlantic Ventures nities to be provided. where this initiative will al- after just a few months, and Inc., Impressions Group, She noted that through low those who benefit today for already having several Innovations America, Sam- the initiative, the skills and to utilise the funds that they partners pledging their sup-

First Lady Arya Ali (centre) and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud with donors of the ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ initiative and representatives of the eight orphanages team came up with the idea for an initiative that would best benefit the children and their needs to grow and have access to resources that would allow for a better quality of life.

The ‘Adopt an Orphanage’ initiative will facilitate monetary donations from seven businesses and two individuals for six to 12 months. These donations

that it is well known that orphanages rely largely on the donations of individuals, and it was with this in mind that the initiative targeted businesses, so as to ensure that a structured type of donation can be established.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will have oversight for the initiative which drew sponsorship from GYSBI, Taslim

my’s, Anter Narine, Oasis Café, and Demerara Bank Limited.

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, stated that the initiative will allow the homes and orphanages the opportunity to not just provide the children with the necessities for growth but it will also allow for a wider range of opportu-

talents of the children will have the opportunity to grow, be nurtured and be recognised. She noted that these orphanages would also now have the opportunity to enroll their children in extra-curricular activities which would only better their lives.

“We want children to have much more than just the necessities and this is

would have had to divide between the necessities and all that the children could benefit from,” she expressed.

She further stated that the initiative will have a huge impact as it will be coming as a pivotal time in the lives of the children who reside at the orphanages.

SAINt JHN has lauded the First Lady for expediting the launch of the initiative

port to the worthy cause. He stated that children should never have to choose between growth and enjoyment and necessity, stating, “It should never be bicycle or books.”

The musician, who resides in the United States, reaffirmed his commitment to support both children in orphanages and the initiative in any way possible.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Contractor completes critical works on CJIA --new runway to be fully operational soon MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has said that the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has made significant progress with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernisation project.

Minister Edghill made this statement on Tuesday, follow-

ing his meeting with CHEC officials on Monday.

During the meeting, the company provided an update on the project, which was related to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

“All of the 71 critical items that needed to be fixed, which were making us very uncomfortable, all 71 have been

A section of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

fixed,” Minister Edghill said.

He said CHEC is well on its way to completing several items that were included in a master tracking list and included in the original contract.

To this end, the minister said: “We are well advanced in getting all of that completed.

Significant progress can be reported and has been reported and, by September, all of those issues should be resolved.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Public Works is currently at the approval stage for the materials that will be used to construct the curtain wall that will form a façade at the front of the airport, the superstructure for the new commercial area and the corridor for the additional two boarding bridges.

Minister Edghill explained that though efforts are being made to resolve shipping issues, importing materials has been difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as this has slowed down the international shipping industry.

Concerning the new extended runway that was built, the minister said it would soon be fully in use.

“We are at the stage where we have completed the required markings and we are now at the stage of removal of the old markings to ensure that there is no confusion in the minds of the pilots while approaching Georgetown,” Minister Edghill said.

Although there were challenges at certain points during the transition, the minister said the exercise is continuously

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill inspects works at the CJIA in March

monitored and tested.

Further, he underscored that safety would be maintained during the transition of the markings to the new runway, through the collective effort of the Guyana Civil

Aviation Authority, CJIA and CHEC. The contractor has changed its managerial team on the project to meet the government’s demands and deadlines. (DPI)

Safety net needed for fisherfolk CHAIRMAN of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation, Pamashwar Jainarine, has said that woes brought on by the pandemic and the recent flooding have highlighted the need for a safety net for fishermen and women across the country.

Jainarine made this comment at an event held on Tuesday to commemorate fisherfolk.

“This pandemic has dev-

asted many places and the fishing industry has been one that has felt the full impact.

The prices for our catch have reduced, in some cases over 30-40 per cent. Our expenses are going up, prices of food stuff and the demand for our catch is not there,” Jainarine said.

“Five-six months ago it was violent winds, now its heavy rains and flooding.

These happenings have showed

Chairman of the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation, Pamashwar Jainarine

how vulnerable the fishing industry is,” he said adding that most major exporters have not been purchasing fish.

Further, Jainarine stated that fishermen don’t get the privilege of being offered loans or insurance for their vessels.

“There are many instances where fishers are left on their own when they are in dire need of assistance. The banks are very reluctant to give loans to fishers to put them back on

their feet when they meet natural disasters or when they fall on hardships.”

The insurance companies, he added, “do not insure wooden boats; they do not insure our vessels.”

He explained that if a fisherfolk’s boat becomes damaged as a result of a natural disaster or otherwise, if he or she does not have savings to fall back on, he/she is left to fend for himself/herself.

“If we have damage to our vessels, if we don’t have any savings, we are on our own.

There is no agency, nothing,” he stressed.

He added that while several attempts were made for fisherfolk to obtain insurance, no serious effort was made to ensure that fisherfolk’s livelihoods were secure.

“What we would like to see is a safety net for our fisherfolk,” he posited.

More rains expected in July PROVIDING an update on Tuesday, Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings, said that persistent rainfall can be expected for the month of July; however, the weather conditions are expected to improve in the months of August, September and October.

“For the month of June, we would have had just about normal rainfall. The forecast at this time is indicating that for the month of July we will continue to see wetter than usual conditions…with the exception of regions One, Two and Three, other regions will see wetter than usual conditions,” Dr.

Cummings related.

He added: “As we move into August, September we find that conditions will return to the normal dryness that is expected for those months. So, August, September and October, we expect that the conditions will be dry as usual.”

Dr. Cummings said that the month of July is concerning, but is confident that, based on the available forecast, things will return to normal after the month has passed.

“The month of major concern is really July. Once we get past July, we expect the conditions will return to some degree of normalcy,” he related

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

70 persons die of COVID-19 in June

TWO more deaths announced by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday have pushed the toll for June to 70, and the overall toll since the detection of the viral disease in Guyana, to 468.

According to the ministry, the latest fatalities are a 38-year-old male, and 39-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who both died while receiving care at a Ministry of Health facility.

The health ministry has also recorded 68 new cases of COVID-19, with 1,662 tests carried out for June 28, 2021.

Of these, Region One (Barima-Waini) confirmed two cases; Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) confirmed four; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), eight; Region Four, 31; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), three; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 13, and Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), seven.

The newly infected persons were 35 males and 33 females. There are currently 13 persons at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 91 in institutional isolation,

1,508 in home isolation, and nine in institutional quarantine.

Of Guyana’s 19,959 confirmed cases, 1,621 are currently active, while 95 of the 17,879 overall recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

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

The Minister of Health has also urged persons 18 years and older to take the COVID-19 vaccine, to immunise themselves against the deadly virus.

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

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Tearful Serena... (From back page) champion Roger Federer expressed shock at Williams' departure and voiced concern about the surface, with the roof closed on Centre Court on a rainy afternoon.

His first-round opponent Adrian Mannarino of France also retired with a knee injury after a slip.

"I do feel it feels a tad more slippery maybe under the roof. I don't know if it's just a gut feeling. You do

have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down," Federer said.

"I feel for a lot of players. It's super key to get through those first two rounds because the grass is more slippery, it is more soft. As the tournament progresses, usually it gets harder and easier to move on."

Men’s T20 World... cure environment."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will retain the hosting rights for the tournament, despite its move out of the country.

BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, said: "The BCCI made every effort to stage the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and provide its passionate fans with a reason to cheer after a long period of gloom.

"However, the prevailing pandemic situation in the country meant that the health and safety of everyone concerned was fraught with risk should a tournament of this stature be held across the country."

The pandemic disrupted the global cricket calendar last year, with the T20 World Cup originally due to take place in Australia in 2020.

India were given the hosting rights for the rescheduled tournament in 2021, with Australia instead picked to host the 2022 edition.

(From back page)

The UAE has also taken on hosting responsibilities for the the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was suspended by the Indian cricket board in May after a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The final of the rescheduled IPL is due to finish two days before Twenty20 World Cup starts on 17 October. (BBC Sport)

English Racing Tips Bath 12:55 hrs Lady Quickstep 13:25 hrs My Style 13:55 hrs Velvet And Steel 14:25 hrs Zoffarelli 14:55 hrs Lisdarragh 15:25 hrs Hastagmetoo 15:55 hrs Fittleton Ferry Kempton 12:35 hrs Before Dawn 13:05 hrs Berrtie 13:35 hrs Sea Sulph 14:05 hrs Rodrigo Diaz 14:35 hrs Bucedhalus 15:05 hrs Kangaroo Point 15:35 hrs Tyger Bay Worcester 09:30 hrs Write It Down 10:05 hrs Imperial Acolyte 10:40 hrs Tiffany Rose 11:15 hrs Kloud Gate 11:50 hrs Galsworthy 12:25 hrs Catchin Time Irish Racing Tips Tipperary 11:40 hrs Orinoco River 12:15 hrs Sacred Bridge 12:45 hrs Brokers Tip 13:15 hrs Erosandpsyche 13:45 hrs Maritime Wings 14:15 hrs Dixon Line 14:45 hrs Figlio D’Arte 15:15 hrs Matilda With Me American Racing Tips Gulfstream Race 1 Myfavoritedaughter Race 2 Ready Orb Not Race 3 Kate’s Kingdom Race 4 Nacho Papa Race 5 Charlotte The Brit Race 6 Man Of Honor Race 7 Kitty Kitty Race 8 Gonna Be Epic South Africa Racing Tips Durbanville 08:30 hrs Crayswood Pink 09:05 hrs Son Of Silk 09:40 hrs Bereave 10:15 hrs Adios Amigos 10:50 hrs Gimme Aces

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

South Africa edge West Indies by one run in third T20I ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – West Indies repeated their batting mistakes of last weekend’s loss with another happy-golucky approach, as they slumped to a one-run defeat to South Africa in the third Twenty20 International here yesterday.

Chasing 168 in a near carbon copy of Sunday’s contest at the Grenada National Stadium, West Indies attacked from the outset but were once again guilty of injudicious stroke-play and failure to rotate strike, to end on 166 for seven off their 20 overs.

Opener Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran both top-scored with 27 while all-rounder Andre Russell struck 25 but the home side declined from 55 without loss in the seventh over, mainly due to left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (2-13) and fast bowler Anrich Nortje (2-29) who snared the wickets.

With West Indies needing 15 runs from the last over, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada conceded a wide off the first ball and then kept Fabian Allen scoreless from the first legitimate delivery, before the right-hander whipped the second delivery to the backward square boundary.

Allen missed the third ball, however, and could

only squirt the fourth to deep square for a couple, leaving the Windies requiring eight runs from two deliveries.

But once the Jamaican failed to connect with the next delivery – a full-length ball on leg stump – South Africa were assured of victory and a six off the final ball of the innings was of academic importance.

“Time and time again you have these close matches.

Sometimes you end up on the winning side, sometimes you end up on the losing side,” said a crestfallen captain Kieron Pollard.

“The last series we had these nail-biting games and we were on the winning side.”

West Indies were plagued by 49 dot balls during the innings and despite a 33-run, third-wicket stand between Shimron Hetmyer (17) and Jason Holder (16), the pressure told on the innings and the last five wickets went down for 63 runs off 59 deliveries.

It is something that has plagued us over the last couple matches but at some point in time we hope to get it right. Getting off to a good start and not being able to capitalise on that middle phase is what’s hurting us,” Pollard continued.

The victory handed South Africa a 2-1 lead in the five-

match series and following defeat in last Saturday’s opener, captain Temba Bavuma said the result was a massive boost for the tourists.

“It’s a big confidence-booster for us as a team,” said Bavuma.

“These are the types of situations we like to find ourselves in, and obviously finding a way to get over the line. In the past we’ve let it slip; games have slipped from our hands.”

Earlier, South Africa were limited to 167 for eight off their 20 overs, after their innings fell away badly, losing five wickets for 36 runs off 30 balls at the end.

Left-arm seamer Obed McCoy produced career-best figures of four for 22 while veteran medium pacer Dwayne Bravo finished with three for 25.

South Africa were sent in for the third straight game and left-handed opener Quinton de Kock top-scored with 72 off 51 deliveries to post his seventh half-century in his 50th T20 International.

He struck five fours and two sixes, posting 42 for the first wicket with Reeza Hendricks (17), 43 for the third wicket with Aiden Markram (23) and a pivotal 60 for the fourth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen whose 32 came from 24 balls. de Kock, dropped on 67

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings Q. de Kock c Simmons b Bravo 72 R. Hendricks c Allen b McCoy 17 T. Bavuma c Hetmyer b McCoy 1 A. Markram c Allen b Bravo 23 R. van der Dussen c Hetmyer b McCoy 32 D. Miller c Simmons b Bravo 2 G. Linde b McCoy 0 K. Rabada not out 4 A. Nortje run-out 0 T. Shamsi not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-2, w-9, nb-1) 16 Total: (8 wkts, 20 overs)

167

Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-44, 3-87, 4-147, 5-150, 6-151, 7-161, 8-164.

Bowling: McCoy 4-0-22-4 (w-1, nb-1), Holder 3-0-18-0 (w-2), Russell 2-0-25-0, Sinclair 3-0-29-0, Allen 2-0-23-0, Bravo 4-0-25-3 (w-4), Pollard 2-0-19-0 (w-2).

WEST INDIES innings E. Lewis c van der Dussen b Shamsi L. Simmons c wkp. de Kock b Linde J. Holder c Markram b Ngidi S. Hetmyer c Rabada b Shamsi N. Pooran lbw b Nortje K. Pollard b Rabada A. Russell c Markram b Nortje F. Allen not out D. Bravo not out Extras: (b-1, lb-2, w-14) Total: (7 wkts, 20 overs)

27 22 16 17 27 1 25 14 1 17 166

Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-57, 3-90, 4-97, 5-104, 6-140, 7-153.

Bowling: Linde 3-0-33-1, Markram 2-024-0 (w-2), Nortje 4-0-29-2 (w-2), Ngidi 3-0-23-1 (w-3), Rabada 4-0-41-1 (w-3), Shamsi 4-0-13-2.

Series: South Africa lead five-match series 2-1.

Man-of-the-Match: Tabraiz Shamsi.

in the 17th over by Holder at long-on, perished in the next over, whipping a wide ball delivery from Bravo to Lendl Simmons at square leg.

West Indies then looked to be galloping towards a straightforward victory when Lewis blasted a couple of fours and a six off 21 balls, and Simmons joined in with one of each in a run-a-ball 22, the pair dominating in a

half-century stand.

They fell within six balls of each other to leave West Indies 57 for two but Holder and Hetmyer counter-attacked to keep the hosts in the hunt.

Holder eventually skied fast bowler Lungi Ngidi to long on in the 11th over before Hetmyer holed out to point off Shamsi, and when Pollard (1) was comprehen-

sively bowled by Rabada, West Indies had lost three wickets for 14 runs to be 104 for five in the 13th over.

Russell arrived to belt three massive sixes in a 16ball cameo, adding 36 off 27 balls for the sixth wicket with Pooran but his demise at the end of the 17th over, taken low at long-on off Nortje, turned the contest in South Africa’s favour.

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Tour de France 2021

Cavendish claims first stage victory since 2016 after sprint finish BRITAIN'S Mark Cavendish won his first stage at the Tour de France after five years in a thrilling sprint finish on stage four in Fougeres.

Cavendish, 36, rolled back the years as he finished ahead of Nacer Bouhanni and Jasper Philipsen.

Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel kept the overall leader's yellow jersey.

Cavendish's victory came at the end of a race which featured a riders' protest after Monday's crash-affected stage three.

Geraint Thomas and 2020 runner-up Primoz Roglic were among those involved in crashes, and yesterday the peloton came to a halt for a minute shortly after the rollout from Redon, before beginning a go-slow ride for the first 10km.

But on a Tour that has already featured some incredible stories, Cavendish's resurgence at a finish, where he also won in 2015, will take some eclipsing.

A long battle with Epstein-Barr virus and a succession of injuries was followed by a diagnosis of clinical depression in 2018, and he did not register a single win in 2019 or 2020 leaving him without a team heading into this season.

However, he has repaid

Mark Cavendish celebrates his first Tour de France stage win since 2016 as he sprinted to an emotional victory in Fougeres.

the faith placed in him by Deceuninck-Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere. Five wins during the season made him the ideal last-minute stand-in when Irishman Sam Bennett was ruled out through injury.

And the way in which the Manx rider collapsed in tears and was embraced by team-mates and rivals alike underlined the scale of his achievement, after a threeyear absence from the race.

'I didn't think I'd ever get to come back' Belgium's Brent van Moer, part of a two-man breakaway, went solo with 14km remaining to establish a lead of around a minute before Deceuninck-Quick-Step, led by world champion Julian Alaphilippe, took up the chase.

As van Moer faded in the final 200m, Cavendish powered through and rounded Belgium's Philipsen before finishing ahead of Frenchman Bouhanni by a bike length.

It was a fairy-tale moment for the Briton, who moves within three stage wins of Eddy Merckx's alltime record of 34 on the Tour and took possession of the green jersey, which he won in 2011.

"I don't know what to say, man - just being here is special enough," said an emotional Cavendish.

"I didn't think I'd ever get to come back to this race. Fire man, just fire from the whole team! We didn't know if we were going to get them. (BBC Sport)

Ukraine beat Sweden with...

Ukraine replacement Artem Besedin lasted just 10 minutes before he was on the receiving end of Danielson's high, straight-leg challenge.

The Sweden defender, who played a dropping ball before catching his opponent, was initially booked but referee Daniele Orsato upgraded from yellow to red after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

There was little in the way of goalmouth action after Danielson's 99th-minute dismissal until Zinchenko swung in a cross from the left and Dovbyk slid in to score his first international goal.

Change of shape benefits

Ukraine Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko switched to a back three, allowing Zinchenko to operate as a left wingback. And his captain revelled in the role, setting up the decisive goal and cracking in the opener on 27 minutes.

Andriy Yarmalenko found the Manchester City player with a cute outside-ofthe-boot pass and Zinchenko thundered in an angled shot that Robin Olsen got a hand to but could not keep out.

Forsberg then enjoyed a slice of fortune as his deflected shot from 22 yards flew into the net just before the

(From page 30)

interval for his fourth goal of the tournament.

But the impressive midfielder's luck was out when he twice struck the woodwork in a lively second-half spell, with those shots following an effort from Ukraine's Serhiy Sydorchuk which clipped a post.

Ukraine goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan did well to push away a strike from Dejan Kulusevski and the same player was in behind in the 89th-minute but the ball would not sit for his weaker right foot, allowing defender Illya Zabarnyi to slide in and block.(BBC Sport)

George scores 41 points as Clippers win to keep play-off series alive PAUL George scored 41 points as Los Angeles Clippers kept their NBA Western Conference finals series alive with a road victory over Phoenix Suns.

Suns were hoping to clinch series victory on home soil but the 116-102 win for Clippers leaves the best-ofseven series poised at 3-2.

Clippers can level the series with victory in Los Angeles today.

"We fight, we're scrappy, we leave everything on the line and we do it together," said George "That's the most important thing - we do it together."

The win marked the third time during this season's

play-offs that Clippers have won an elimination game, and Monday's win came without several starters, including the injured Kawhi Leonard.

George led the way with 20 of his points coming in the third quarter to take the game away from Phoenix.

He finished 15-from-20 from the floor with three three-pointers 13 rebounds six assists.

Reggie Jackson supported him with 23 points while Marcus Morris added 22 with DeMarcus Cousins on 15.

"All season long we've been down guys, guys have been out, different guys have been stepping up and playing

well," said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. "I keep saying this group is resilient, but this group really is. We're a good team no matter who's on the floor.

Now we've got to do it again two more times."

Phoenix coach Monty Williams said the Clippers had played with "desperation".

"It was pretty obvious that we can't play with a 'show up' mentality," he said.

"We showed up in the first quarter, and they played with desperation.

The desperation has to be there. You can't just show up and expect them to give it to you."

2021 Global T20 Canada cancelled THIS year’s Global T20 (GT20) Canada, which was set to be played in Malaysia between June and July, has been cancelled according to a statement on Cricket Canada website.

The statement was contained in a report by Cricket Canada’s president Rashpal Bajwa at the recent Annul General Meeting.

According to Bajwa, “It’s very unfortunate that this year’s edition of Global T20 is cancelled. Cricket had an understanding with the Malaysian Cricket Association to host the tournament.

Due to rising COVID-19 numbers in Malaysia it was deemed necessary to cancel this year’s edition of GT20.”

Bajwa pointed out that “some of the negotiated highlights were higher salaries for the Canadian players; exposure to some developing players from the region the teams are based in, and team owners to have player development programmes in their home province.”

Earlier, because of the travel and health restrictions currently in place, there was considerable uncertainty as to whether this year’s tournament could be held in Canada as scheduled, hence the decision to have it moved to Malaysia.

Commenting on the previous decision to move the

Cricket Canada president Rashpal Bajwa

tournament, which was made jointly by Cricket Canada, the Malaysian Cricket Association and the tournament’s owners Bombay Sports, Cricket Canada Bajwa said: “Cricketers and fans of cricket within Canada will naturally be disappointed that this year’s third edition of our world class GT20 tournament cannot be held in Canada due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Canadian health guidelines.

“Cricket Canada, however, understands and fully supports our health authorities. We are also very positive in looking forward to hosting the tournament in

Canada, once the pandemic is sufficiently ended and the safety of all concerned can be assured.

“In the interim we are now very excited to share with all Canadians and cricket-lovers across the world that our good friends at the Malaysian Cricket Association have stepped up to help us host this year’s GT20 Season Three.”

Owned and managed

by Bombay Sports Co, Ltd, GT20 is currently North America’s only annual professional tournament. The GT20 League features six teams, each composed of ten international cricketers from ICC full and associate member nations and including two world renowned marquee players.

GT20’s first two Seasons played in Toronto during the 2018 and 2019 summer months attracted some of global cricket’s very best T20 players.

Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh.

Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, David Warner, Steve Smith, Brendon McCullum, Thisara Perera, Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine were among the many world renowned T20 players who participated in GT20’s first two seasons.

(Frederick Halley)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Root guides England to five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in ODI series opener (REUTERS) - Joe Root celebrated his 150th oneday international appearance with an unbeaten 79 from 87 balls as England claimed a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their series-opener at Chesterle-Street yesterday.

Chasing a target of 186, England opener Jonny Bairstow made a fast start as England reached 50 inside five overs but soon lost his opening partner Liam Livingstone, who clipped a Chamika Karunaratne delivery straight to mid-on.

Bairstow fell seven runs short of a half-century after he was bowled by Binura Fernando, and the hosts were soon reduced to 80-4 as Dushmantha Chameera removed skipper Eoin Morgan (6) and Sam Billings (3)

cheaply.

Root and all-rounder Moeen Ali (28) stitched together a patient 91-run partnership to steady the ship.

Chameera returned to dismiss Ali but Root finished with an unbeaten 79, and along with Sam Curran, ensured there were no further hiccups as England clinched victory in the 35th over.

MIDDLE OVERS COLLAPSE Chris Woakes led the English bowling attack with a four-wicket haul as the depleted Sri Lanka side were bowled out for 185 with 7.3 overs to spare.

Woakes, playing his first ODI in nine months, finished with an impressive 4-18 from his 10 overs as the tourists lost their final seven

wickets for 40 runs.

"I'm delighted. The way the guys started and persisted the whole time we were in the field left us in a really good position," Morgan said.

"Full credit to our bowling unit today, it really did fire."

Sri Lanka's batsmen struggled to post big scores during the previous 3-0, Twenty20 series loss to England and it came as no surprise when they crumbled again in the middle overs.

The tourists arrived into the match without three senior players -- Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka - who were all sent home following a breach of bio-bubble protocols.

Captain Kusal Perera scored a gritty 73 and shared a 99-run fourth-wicket stand

England captain Joe Root finished unbeaten with 79.

with Wanindu Hasaranga to keep England at bay.

It was Woakes who ended the partnership and started the collapse with Hasaranga (54) holing out to Livingstone at deep mid-wicket off a short ball.

Left-arm paceman David Willey removed Perera on his way to 3-44, with the innings ending when Sam Billings ran out Praveen Jayawickrama with a direct hit.

"Hasaranga did a good job for the team, we got a partnership but not enough," Perera said. "But two more games to go. It's a team game, we have to get together to get a good score."

The second game of the three-match series will be played at The Oval tomorrow.

Kane's Black Caps the best Goolam Rajah, former SA ever: Sir Richard Hadlee team manager, dies of COVID-19-related complications NEW Zealand cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee has labelled Kane Williamson's World Test Champions the best Kiwi team of all-time.

Last Thursday morning

Regardless, Hadlee said New Zealand "thoroughly deserve to be crowned world champions".

"This is a special day in

Kane Williamson’s Black Caps have been flooded with tributes after winning the World Test Championship final against India. (AAP)

(AEST), Williamson led the Black Caps to an eight-wicket win over India in the inaugural final of the Test championship in Southampton.

New Zealand edged out Australia by 0.8 per cent to take their place in the final in a convoluted format where Australia won more Tests than the Kiwis, including the 3-0 series thrashing between the two sides in the 2019-20 summer.

the history of NZ cricket, a day to celebrate the magnificent achievement of winning the inaugural World Test Championship," he said.

"It was a thrilling Test match with twists and turns throughout, and despite the inclement weather and loss of time, it was a dominant Black Caps performance over a very good Indian team.

"It's fair to say that this current group of players is

the best in our history."

Day six of the final began at 21:30hrs NZST, with the win clinched as dawn neared.

In Wellington, blearyeyed politicians including deputy prime minister and sports minister Grant Robertson, put their tributes into parliament's Hansard.

"The exhilarating final played against India over the past six days was the culmination of two years of international fixtures," he said.

"All of this happened through the difficulty of COVID-19 and this makes this achievement all the more remarkable. The Black Caps stand out for their determination and never-say-die attitude."

The win is New Zealand's first international triumph at senior men's level and comes after defeats in the past two 50-over World Cup finals.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hailed the "brilliant and humble" side's triumph.

"The Black Caps have made New Zealand proud.

This was a masterful performance from a team at the top of their game and on top of the world." (AAP)

… managed national team from 1992 until retirement in 2011 GOOLAM Rajah, former manager of the South Africa men's cricket team, has died of COVID-19-related complications in Johannesburg.

Rajah was 74. He had spent most of the last two months on ventilator in a hospital in the city, but succumbed as South Africa, and the Gauteng province in particular, deals with a massive surge in COVID-19 cases.

Rajah, a pharmacist by profession, managed the national men's side from 1992 until his retirement in 2011, and was known to be much loved by the players.

He was in the dressing room for many big moments, including the memorable 1999 World Cup semi-final, where he remembered seeing the players cry after South Africa were knocked out.

Rajah had been with the

Former SA team manager Goolam Rajah has died at 74.

team for more than 600 matches, working alongside as many as 107 players.

"It is a very sad day for the South African Cricket Family," CSA Acting Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki said. "Goolam was a very special human being who has touched so many lives

in a positive way in the 30 years we have enjoyed being a democratic cricket organisation.

"We all have our special memories of him which we will treasure. He was truly a man who gave a great deal to the game of cricket and to everybody involved in it. " Former captain Graeme Smith said Rajah was like a "father figure" for most of the players.

"He took care of everything with such detail that the players were able to focus totally on the cricket and that was why his tenure was so successful," Smith said. "The players were particularly appreciative of the way he looked after their wives and partners on away tours. We will indeed be fortunate to see his like again." (Cricinfo)

30

England vs India to kick off second World Test Championship

… Win now worth 12 points, draw four, tie six

By Nagraj Gollapudi THE five-match Pataudi Trophy between England and India, starting August 4, will kick off the second cycle of the World Test Championship.

That series along with the Ashes, in December, will be the only two series comprising five Tests in the second WTC cycle, spanning August 2021 to June 2023.

Australia's tour of India, in 2022, is the only four-Test series in WTC 2. Beyond that, there are seven three-Test series and 13 series comprising two Tests. The ICC has not yet decided the schedule and the venue for the final.

Like the first WTC cycle, played between 2019 and 2021, the second edition will see each of the nine Test teams playing a total of six series: three home and three away.

These bilateral series were finalised by the Full Member Boards in 2018 before the ICC locked them into the 2019-23 Future Tours Programme. None of the series that were cut short of postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the first WTC cycle, will be carried forward into the second cycle.

The big-ticket series will once again be split among the Big 3 of India, England and Australia.

The rest of the six coun-

England play the most Tests (21) in the second WTC cycle, followed by India (19). (Getty Images)

tries will lock horns in series comprising two or a maximum of three Tests each.

England will play the most Tests (21) in WTC 2 followed by India (19), Australia (18) and South Africa (15). The inaugural WTC winners New Zealand will play only 13 matches, similar to that of West Indies and Sri Lanka, but one less than Pakistan (14). Bangladesh are the only country among the nine contestants to play two matches in each of their six series in WTC 2.

POINTS SYSTEM - 12 FOR A WIN, 4 FOR DRAW, 6 FOR A TIE To ensure the discrepancy in matches does not hurt the teams' WTC points tally, ICC has de-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday June 30, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shannon Gabriel-13/121 (St, Lucia, 2018) (2) Chaminda Vaas-14/191 (Colombo, 2001) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against SL in Tests to date?

(2) Which SL wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against the WI in Tests to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

cided to allot each match the same number of points.

Under the proposed system, which is set to be ratified at the next chief executives' committee meeting, each match in WTC 2 will be worth 12 points. A draw will be a third of that, four points while a tie will earn each team six points. Teams will also be penalised for slow over rates - one point docked for every over they fall behind.

In a chat with ESPNcricinfo recently, ICC's acting chief executive officer Geoff Allardice had expanded on the change in the points system between the two cycles of the WTC. "Instead of each series being worth the same number of points, 120, irrespective of whether the series is played over two Tests or five Tests, the next cycle will see each match being worth the same number of points - a maximum of 12 per match.

Teams will be ranked on the percentage of available points they won from the matches they have played.

The aim was to try and simplify the points system and to allow teams to be meaningfully compared on the table at any point, though they may have played differing numbers of matches and series." (Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Aussies touch down for white-ball series CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – Australia arrived here late Monday for their eight-match white-ball series against West Indies, marking their first tour of the Caribbean in six years and their first bi-lateral limited overs series against the home side in nearly a decade.

The 18-man squad touched down at Hewanorra

to 16 before travelling to Barbados for three One-Day Internationals from July 20 to 24.

Most of the squad participated in a planning camp on the Gold Coast last weekend and captain Aaron Finch said Australia were considering employing a three-pronged spin attack in the five-match series, especially with the

Aussie cricketers emerged from the enormous Qantas Dreamliner to crisp, sunny weather at Hewanorra International Airport before being whisked across to the island's capital, Castries.

International Airport, in the south of the island, following a near 17-hour direct flight from Brisbane and are now set to undergo quarantine at their hotel before beginning training later in the week.

Australia will face West Indies in five Twenty20 Internationals from July 9

Darren Sammy National Stadium having seen its fair share of cricket recently.

“If you look at the scores, it’s not a high-scoring ground, it’s generally a bit slower and spins a little bit,” said Finch.

“So we’ll look at those options once we get on the ground …”

He added: “It’s also an opportunity for us to tinker around a little bit, and probably play a few different structures of team, that will give us an opportunity to gather some more information leading into the World Cup.” Leg-spinners Adam Zampa and Mitchell Swepson, along with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, are the slow bowlers in the squad.

Australia were hit with several late withdrawals, however, as the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Daniel Sams all pulled out for varying reasons.

On their last T20 tour of the Caribbean, Australia won the first match in St Lucia by eight wickets but lost the second in Barbados by 14 runs.

SQUAD – Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Wes Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Dan Christian, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

Reserves: Nathan Ellils, Tanveer Sangha.

Ukraine beat Sweden with last-gasp extra-time winner ARTEM Dovbyk scored in added time in extra-time as Ukraine edged out 10-man Sweden at Hampden to set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final with England.

Oleksandr Zinchenko smashed Ukraine in front with a powerful drive but a deflected shot from Emil Forsberg levelled matters before half-time.

Sweden lost Marcus Dan-

ielson to a red card in extra time after a VAR check.

And, with penalties looming, Dovbyk - one of 12 substitutes used - headed a dramatic winner from closerange.

Ukraine had crept through from the group phase with three points and a negative goal difference, while Sweden topped their section with seven points, ahead of Spain.

However, the match in Glasgow was an even contest throughout, with both sides out on their feet by the final whistle.

With so many changes in personnel and a sending off, there was absolutely no rhythm or shape in extra time.

The Swedes were twice temporarily down to nine men after head knocks and (Turn to page 28)

Ukraine’s Artem Dovbyk celebrates scoring their second goal.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Euro 2020...

England end 55-year wait for knockout win over Germany ENGLAND struck twice late on to end a 55-year wait for a knockout tie victory over Germany amid scenes of huge tension and elation at Wembley to reach the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.

Gareth Southgate's side battled hard to earn the statement victory that has so often eluded England, and it was their talisman of this tournament, Raheem Sterling, who made the decisive breakthrough.

Sterling, who scored the winners against Croatia and the Czech Republic in the group stage, steered in Luke Shaw's cross after 75 minutes to send England's fans, with more than 40 000 inside Wembley, into wild celebrations.

The win was secured with another moment of significance four minutes from time when captain Harry Kane, who had once again struggled to influence the game, headed in from substitute Jack Grealish's perfect delivery for his first goal of Euro 2020.

England were again thankful for the brilliance of Everton goalkeeper Jordan

Pickford, who has yet to concede a goal in the tournament and saved crucially from Timo Werner and Kai Havertz in each half, while Thomas Muller missed a glorious chance to equalise before Kane struck.

England now face either Sweden or Ukraine in the quarter-finals in Rome on Saturday.

SOUTHGATE'S BIGGEST RESULT Southgate's team selection raised eyebrows when he decided to leave the creative talents of Grealish and Phil Foden on the bench, and showed huge faith in Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka by starting him after his fine performance against the Czechs.

Saka was excellent, the early spark when England struggled while Grealish added the crucial X-factor when he came off the bench to finally help break Germany down.

The scenes at the final whistle demonstrated just how important this win is for Southgate and England, digging deep and surviving periods of struggle to over-

these opponents, will be of huge psychological value as England go forward.

Raheem Sterling is only the second player to score each of England's first three goals at a major tournament, after Gary Lineker did so at the 1986 World Cup.

come old rivals who have so often got the better of them.

And this may just rank as the biggest and most important victory of Southgate's time in charge.

The last 16 was the round that carried so much jeopardy for England when the draw was made, with the knowledge that topping their group would likely mean a meeting with the ever-dangerous Germany, World Cup holders France or reigning European champions Portugal.

While Group F minnows Hungary very nearly caused

a huge upset, in the end it was Germany who confronted them and Southgate, who must be tired of seeing replays of his penalty miss against them in the Euro 96 semi-final, now has a happy memory to cherish from this fixture, not to mention a potentially favourable route forward in this tournament.

England will feel confident but not complacent against Sweden or Ukraine, and the shock exit of France to Switzerland shows no-one can be taken lightly.

But this win, against

KANE FINALLY COMES GOOD Just how important will that second goal from Kane prove to be for both Southgate's captain and England's hopes of winning Euro 2020?

Kane again looked a shadow of his world-class self as he laboured to have any meaningful involvement as nerves grew around Wembley, failing to pounce on a scramble in first-half injury time and often cutting a forlorn figure as he tried in vain to make his mark.

At one stage it looked like he may have to come off injured but he recovered and his contribution in the last 15 minutes may just be the turning point for a striker so trusted by his manager.

Kane played a part in the opening goal as he linked up with Grealish and Shaw for Sterling to finish the job - but the big moment came with the goal that settled this game.

Grealish, so confident when he came on, sent in the perfect cross to find Kane

in the six-yard area to head home.

The mixture of joy and relief in his expression was obvious, as was the delight of his team-mates.

If this is the game where England's captain finally sprang to life, everyone in the camp knows just what a difference a fit and firing Kane can make at the business end of Euro 2020.

England boss Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Sport: "I am just so pleased. I was looking at the big screen and saw David Seaman up there. For my team-mates that played with me (at Euro 96) I can't change that (his famous penalty miss against Germany in the semi-finals) so it will always hurt, but what is lovely is we have given people another day to remember and now we have to do it in Rome.

"We have talked about bringing enjoyment to the nation and afternoons like this are what it is about.

The players were immense right through the team and the fans were as well. It was as good an atmosphere I can remember at Wembley." (BBC Sport)

GGA Summer Golf Camp to honour late coach Colin Ming THE Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and the NexGen Golf Academy will host a Golf Summer Camp at the facility on Woolford Avenue from July 1 to July 17.

This camp will cater to new players of all ages with experienced players also given an opportunity to hone their skills.

It is hoped that this will give the Guyana Golf Association the foundation for the selection of players to start building a National Team that will represent the country at upcoming events.

This is the second Annual Golf Camp and it will be dedicated to former coach and sponsor of the Academy, the late Colin Min, who was an avid promoter of sports to young kids and a dedicated coach who had a dream of producing a PGA golfer from our shores.

Samuel Ming said, “This is something my dad was happy to be a part of and we wish the Academy every success and will support them as they

work to carry out his desires.”

It was last July that Colin Ming and Neil Jones, donated hundreds of junior golf clubs to fellow Queen’s College alumnus Aleem Hussain, to ensure that kids would have access to equipment to learn the sport.

That was a part of the reason golf has grown so much, as it helped lead to the implementation of the sport in 51 schools to date - an additional 50 set for August and with more than 5 000 students having access to the game in less than 12 months!

The camp is sponsored in part by Assuria General Insurance, Copa Airlines, Blue Life Waters, Trophy Stall, Ansa McAl, Toolsie Persaud, Kanuku Suite & Apartments, Kanuku Tours, Angel Seafood Restaurant & Bar, Sunshine Snacks, Ram & McRae, Puran Brothers, Crown Mining, Panko Steel Construction, OES, H. Nauth & Sons, AR Printery, Bissessar Shipping Company, CS World Cargo &

Logistics, Sterling Products, Caliper Drones, PasCargo, New Trend Auto, Maraiko Bay Resorts, Shafura Hussain Foundation and NexGen Global Group.

These companies are among the major sponsors of golf in Guyana, and will assist in donating prizes and trophies, as well as provide 25 spots for underprivileged children at no cost.

This will continue the tradition started by Christopher Ram (Ram & McRae) and Ramesh Dookhoo (Banks DIH) earlier this year when they partnered with the Academy to offer free lessons for underprivileged children.

All clubs and balls, along with water and daily snacks will be provided by the Academy. Warm-up drills will be conducted by coach Miguel Wong, who, along with members of the Titans Table Tennis Club and the Guyana National Team, will provide free table tennis instruction for the children.

Registration for the pro-

gramme ends today and the fee is $8 000. Timings for the classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 16:00hrs to 18:00hrs. On Saturday, July 17 will be the skills competition and graduation where each participant will receive a certificate and a goody bag. Top players will get medals and trophies.

In addition, there will be an aerial show with Drones/ Model Airplanes; Demonstration by the Archery team; Demonstrations by The Titans Table Tennis Club during Week 2 where the kids can participate; and all parents will have a chance to putt to win prizes as well.

And to top it off, there will an Ice-cream Day provided by Sterling Products.

Coaches for the camp are GGA president Aleem Hussain, Christine Sukhram (9-time Guyana Women's Champion), Dr Joaan Deo (2-time Guyana Open & Suriname Ladies Champion) and Miguel Wong (Guyana's highest-ranked Male Table

The GGA summer camp in honour of the late Colin Ming will tee off in July.

Tennis Player and German League Pro).

Golf is one of the few

fully COVID-19 compliant sports and all guidelines are being observed.

Anrich Nortje delivered the big breakthroughs of Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Fast bowler Obed McCoy finished with a career-best four-wicket haul.

South Africa edge West Indies by one run in third T20I PAGE

27

Tearful Serena limps out of Wimbledon

By Alan Baldwin

Serena Williams had won all 19 of her previous first-round matches at the All England Club.

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Tennis great Serena Williams limped out of Wimbledon in tears yesterday after an ankle injury forced her retirement early in a first-round match against unseeded Belarussian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The American sixth seed, a seven-time champion bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown, was clearly in pain early in the first set on a slippery Centre Court and limped off for treatment while 3-2 ahead.

Williams returned after a lengthy break but the distress was evident as she grimaced and wiped away tears before

preparing to serve at 3-3 after Sasnovich had levelled.

The 39-year-old, who had been 3-1 up before the injury, sank to the grass sobbing, before being helped off the court.

"Brutal for @serenawilliams but centre court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there," Britain's Andy Murray said on Twitter.

Sasnovich, who practised her serve while Williams was getting treatment, commiserated with an opponent who had never gone out in the first round at Wimbledon in her previous 19 visits.

"I'm so sad for Serena, she's a great champion," said the world number 100. "It happens sometimes."

Eight-time men's singles TURN TO PAGE 27 ►

Men’s T20 World Cup moved to UAE and Oman THE men's Twenty20 World Cup has been moved from India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 16-team tournament will still take place from 17 October to 14 November.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) gave India a deadline of Monday to say whether it could still host the tournament amid a rise in Covid cases.

ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said the move brings "certainty" that the tournament can be held safely.

"Our priority is to deliver the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 safely, in full and in its current window," he said.

"While we are incredibly disappointed not to be hosting the event in India, the decision gives us the certainty we need to stage the event in a country that is a proven international host of multi-team events in a bio-seTURN TO PAGE 26 ► Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

West Indies are the current T20 men's world champions after beating England in Kolkata in 2016

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021