Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 31-05-2021

MONDAY 31st May, 2021

' No.106377

‘Mid Atlantic’ plugs $10M into flood-relief efforts

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Surveillance heightened 03 for water-borne diseases PAGE

–– Health Minister says ministry stands ready to address medical issues linked to flood

1000 hampers distributed to flood-affected Pomeroon residents 04 PAGE

A family in the Pomeroon returning home after receiving hamper on Sunday

Feed delivered for Negligence, wanton 08 Over 30 Kwakwani stranded cattle at 09 disposal of garbage cause families placed Cookrite Savannah flooding in Georgetown in shelters 03 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

NA student is Guyana’s top CAPE performer in Caribbean Studies – plans to become an educator

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sarah Reid, formerly of the New Amsterdam Secondary School, has copped the top national award for Caribbean Studies at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and has also secured ninth position in the Region.

Caribbean Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that draws on perspectives, largely from the humanities and social sciences to provide an understanding of Caribbean society and cultures.

According to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), students who have successfully completed a course in Caribbean Studies would have developed an appreciation for the challenges and potential of being Caribbean citizens. They will have an understanding of their own roles and responsibilities in preserving and contributing to their Caribbean heritage. They would also have attained attributes of the ideal Caribbean person who “is aware of the importance of living in harmony with the environment” and “has [sic] a

strong appreciation of family and kinship values, community cohesion, and moral issues, including responsibility for and accountability to self and community. “ Further, students would also have acquired skills of enquiry as defined in the UNESCO Pillars of Learning, that will enable them to succeed in their academic careers and the world of work, and that would foster the exploration and development of their Caribbean identities. Finally, they would recognise these identities as continually evolving out of the interactions taking place among the cultures of the Caribbean Region and the diaspora, and between the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

Armed with this knowledge and her Grade 3 in Economics Unit 2, Grade 2 in Environment Science Unit 1 and Grade 2 in Integrated Mathematics and Management of Business Unit 2, Sarah, a resident of Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, is now better prepared to pursue her career as an educator.

While Sarah is yet to decide on a specialist area, she will be pursuing further studies at the University of Guyana (UG).

An ardent Christian, the

petite young lady is adamant that as long as one believes in God, all things are possible.

“All thanks to God Almighty for this wonderful achievement. My parents, relatives, church family, classmates, and teachers, especially Sir Vaughn Paul. I feel very fortunate to receive the top award for Guyana in Caribbean Studies. I am very humbled and grateful to God,” she remarked, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle shortly after the Ministry of Education had announced her success.

Meanwhile, in 2019, she secured 10 Grade Ones, and a Grade Two at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Her Grade Two pass was in Spanish, which was almost self-taught.

During her time at school, especially leading up to those examinations, she encountered a number of challenges.

However, the setbacks did not deter her from going for her goal. She remained focused and with her strong belief in God, she said that she knew that he was by her side and guiding her hands on many occasions.

She worked assiduously, prayed earnestly and studied.

Sarah secured Grade One in

Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Social Studies, Integrated Science, Theatre Arts, Principles of Business and Economics.

Speaking about some of her challenges prior to writing the CSEC examination, she said, “I picked up Economics after Human and Social Biology was discontinued.

I did not get much exposure to the subject prior to exams; much was self-taught. I give credit to God. The other students who had it on their time tables were way ahead. I was planning to drop Geography because I was getting difficulties understanding the Scottish teacher’s accent. Fortunately, another teacher took over from him and I got a better picture,” she recalled.

For Spanish, she was the only student doing the subject in the school. She felt pressured to succeed because it would reflect on the school’s overall pass rate.

She didn’t even know the date for the oral examination and only knew a few days before from a friend who was writing the subject at Berbice High School. She had a few days of interaction with the teacher at that school and she was way behind and had only a few days to get ready.

Before attending NA Secondary, Sarah attended All Saints Primary School where she gained 509 marks at the National Grade Six Examinations. She secured a place

Sarah Reid after collecting an award for her outstanding performance at the 2019 CSEC examinations at St Stanislaus College in mother taught her to write on Georgetown, but her parents the cardboards for presenopted to have her remain tations. closer to home.

Her advice to her peers Sarah reminisced on the is to be aware that there is role her grandmother, re- a time for everything. ”Do tired Matron Halley, and her not overdo. There is a time parents Joy and Compton to study, time to play and Reid, played in her early there must be time for God,” upbringing. she said Her grandmother insisted Principal of NA Secthat she count to a hundred o n d a r y , V a n e s s a J a before leaving for nursery cobs-Chisholm, said Sarah school. Her father would ride was recognised as the top out early in the morning to CSEC student after securget a hibiscus flower for her ing the pass in the foreign school experiment, while her language.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

Surveillance heightened for water-borne diseases –– Health Minister says ministry stands ready to address medical issues linked to flood

By Rehana Ahamad

AS the government continues efforts to bring relief to those affected by the countrywide flooding, the Ministry of Health stands ready to deal with a plethora of medical issues that are likely to arise from the flooded communities.

This assurance was given

by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Sunday.

He told the G uyana Chronicle, in an invited comment, that the government is currently on the lookout for any changes in disease patterns. “Once you have flood waters, the risk of certain kinds of illnesses increases,” Dr. Anthony explained.

He said that lessons have been learned from Guyana’s infamous 2005 floods, and that “Based on that, we have a good sense of what to look for.”

The minister said that the Health Ministry remains fully prepared to address an expected increase of certain diarrheal diseases that are common when persons are

exposed to flood waters.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has recently emphasised that the government’s priority at this time, remains the safety of all citizens. To this end, the Health Ministry has been actively rolling out a series of initiatives which seek to

prevent such diseases.

Dr. Anthony said that the government’s ongoing efforts to distribute necessities such as food supplies and clean water, help to minimise the possibility of an outbreak of diarrheal diseases which “can come from when people con-

With persons being exposed to contaminated waters, the Ministry of Health has commenced efforts to prevent waterborne diseases, and heightened surveillance for other serious health implications

sume contaminated water”.

Further, the Health Ministry, according to Minister Anthony, projects an increase in certain skin infections that can arise from persons walking through flooded waters.

“In Region One, for example, one of the challenges there is the latrines that are overflowing,” Dr. Anthony posited.

He said that to specifically address this situation, the flood relief packages contain certain vital medical supplies including antifungal ointments and oral rehydration solutions. “We are looking out for rashes and fungal infections in cases when people walk in the flood water,” Dr. Anthony maintained.

Taking into account the outbreak of leptospirosis in 2005, Dr. Anthony assured that the ministry is fully prepared on that front as well.

However, he said that such an outbreak is not expected this time around.

“Leptospirosis comes when people remain in the flooded environments; rodents would then be in closer proximity and all of that, but at this stage, people are not

trapped in their homes with flooded water,” Minister Anthony assured.

Over the past few days, the government has transformed a number of public buildings such as schools, into much-needed shelters for those severely affected by the flood waters. In some communities in Region 10 where the water levels are very high, rescue teams have aided in evacuations and persons have been relocated.

These relocations, however, raises concerns in relation to a possible increase in the spread of the novel coronavirus. Dr. Anthony had previously indicated that such a probability has not slipped under the ministry’s radar, and that surveillance and other COVID-19 programmes have been heightened in affected areas.

Minister Anthony had indicated too that even though communities in Region Nine remain flooded, the COVID-19 vaccination efforts remain in full swing, and persons have been responding positively.

The minister said that the

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony health authorities in all the of the 10 Administrative Regions have been effectively monitoring their jurisdiction for any changes in disease patterns, and have been playing a key role in addressing issues relating to COVID-19.

Further, persons affected by the floods are asked to contact the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for further assistance; the emergency numbers are 226-1027 or 600-7500 (WhatsApp).

Over 30 Kwakwani families placed in shelters

By Naomi Parris AS the water continues to rise in Kwakwani, Region 10, over 30 families have been placed in shelters, Region 10 Chairman, Deron Adams, has said.

In a telephone interview on Sunday evening, Adams told the Guyana Chronicle that the water level in the community was extremely high, which raises some health and safety concerns.

The community has received assistance from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Government and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

In the meantime, Adams disclosed that vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, persons living with disabilities and pregnant women have been displaced from their respective homes and taken to higher ground.

The families are either seeking refuge at relatives residing in other parts of the

community that have not been affected by flood or at the Kwakwani Primary School which has since been made a shelter.

Plans are also underway to secure livestock and perishable goods.

Adams said the regional authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and providing the necessary relief where needed.

On Saturday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier, (Ret’d) Mark Phillips spearheaded a major multi-stakeholder outreach to several of the flooded communities along the Upper Berbice River in Region 10.

In continuing his onthe-ground assessment of the nationwide flooding, the Head-of-State was able to get a first-hand look at challenges faced by flood victims in communities such as Lamp Island, Kwakwani, Bamboo Landing, Hururu Mission and Ladern’s Ville, which

are some of the areas most affected by persistent rainfall.

During the outreach, President Ali was able to interact with the distraught residents, listening to the concerns of those whose homes and farmlands have been inundated over the past few days.

The President assured the residents that his government, working with all stakeholders, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), will ensure that food, water and health supplies are provided to those affected.

He explained that shelters would be set up at various government buildings to ensure that flood-affected residents have warm places to stay safe and secure until the floodwaters recede.

President Ali was accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force

Water levels in Kwakwani, Region 10 is said to be over 12 feet high (Photo credit: Solomon McGarrell) (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess; CDC Head, Lieutenant Kester Craig and other officials.

Similarly, Prime Minister Phillips, accompanied

by Edghill and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline

Sukhai was also in Region 10 distributing food hampers.

The team was also able to conduct further assessments of the flood-related damage occurring in several other communities such as Speightland, Block 42 Lower

Amelia’s Ward, and Kara Kara.

Residents there also benefitted from the distribution of much-needed supplies including food hampers and cleaning agents.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

1000 hampers distributed to flood-affected Pomeroon residents

REGION Two officials, on Sunday, distributed over 1000 food hampers to flood-affected residents in the Pomeroon River.

Flood-relief packages were offered to residents who were severely affected by flooding and high tides since May 25, 2021. Food hampers will also be provided to those affected at the Charity squatting area.

The team of regional officials comprised Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Regional Executive officer (REO), Devanand Ramdatt; Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Odit; Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh; and Prime Minister Representative, Arnold Adams.

The distribution commenced early Sunday morning in the affected areas in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River.

Two truckloads of flood-relief packages were sent to

the Regional Democratic Council by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the Community Development Council (CDC).

Meanwhile, according to REO Ramdatt, the region continues to monitor the situation and necessary interventions are being made.

Sluices and pumps along the coast are also operable.

He said that the entire Pomeroon River is inundated and the community of Karawab was most affected. The water level in some villages is four feet high.

“It’s a challenge we are facing in this region.

We aim to reach out to residents to get a first-hand information of what is happening on the ground.

Already, 1000 food hampers were distributed in the Pomeroon. We have to distribute to Charity squatting area and also in the Amazon area at Charity,”

Monday May 31, 2021 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

Ramdatt said.

He said the weather pattern is unprecedented, and as such, teamwork is important.

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh, said the Regional Health Services will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that no one is affected by water-borne diseases.

The region is currently sensitising those affected by the floods to ensure that they practise good hygiene.

Dr Singh advised flood-affected residents to ensure that they have a bucket with bleach water at the front of their doors before they enter their houses.

He also said that Environmental Health Officers will visit the area to conduct assessments and there is no shortage of drugs in Region Two. Persons can visit their closest health centre to access ointments in case they are suffering from any rash or skin infection due to the floodwater.

Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, also

Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt; Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit; Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva and the Prime Minister's Representative, Arnold Adams loading a boat with supplies for Charity said that staff members are on the ground ensuring that proper drainage is provided in communities. He said emergency works were conducted at Perth and Hampton Court to clear the outfalls there and rice lands are currently being monitored.

The region had experienced high-intensity rainfall from May 25, resulting

in acres of farmlands in the Pomeroon being flooded. Over 600 cash crop farmers were affected and the homes of several were inundated.

Beneficiaries of flood-relief packages expressed gratitude to the regional administration for

the timely intervention.

One resident, Leonard Williams, said he is thankful for the hamper, pointing out that due to the flooding, his family had to remain indoor and cannot leave their home.

Williams’ 10-acre farm is under floodwater.

Security guard’s body fished out of Pomeroon River THE body of a security guard was on Saturday afternoon fished out from the Upper Pomeroon River in Region Two. Dead is 60-year-old Bharrrat Atkinson of Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon River.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, it was Atkinson’s 14-year-old grandson who found his lifeless body floating next to his paddleboat.

The deceased lived with his reputed wife Radha Persaud, who last him on Friday when she left to visit her daughter in Georgetown. The deceased would normally have his meals at the home of another daughter whenever his wife was away.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that Atkinson did not show up for breakfast or lunch on Saturday and his relatives became worried.

Relatives sent his teenage grandson to make a check at his home. It was while checking the teen discovered Atkinson face down next to his paddleboat, which was moored at the stelling.

He raised an alarm and persons rushed to the scene.

The police were later summoned and it was observed that fish had already begun to eat his hands. His body was later transported to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where he was officially declared dead.

The body is at the Charity mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

AG concerned about decision to grant bail to men 'busted' with guns, ammo – draft ‘Bail Bill’ at AG’s Chambers for review

A City Magistrate’s decision to grant bail to four men found with unlicensed firearms, contrary to the modus operandi, and at a time when crime is being described as a “serious problem” in Guyana, has evoked the concern of the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. The matter, which prompted the Attorney-General’s attention, was reported as involving four males, one of whom, on May 26, 2021, at Main Street, Georgetown, was found with a 9mm Glock pistol in his crotch, and the other three, at Brickdam, Georgetown, were found with a .32 Taurus pistol and two matching rounds under the driver’s seat of a vehicle they were in.

When the matters were heard on May 28, 2021,

at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, the defendants were granted bail in the sum of $200,000 each, and they were instructed to make their next court appearance on June 25, 2021.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the Attorney-General expressed that from the reported facts of the matter, no inference favourable to the defendants can be drawn, hence the decision of the magistrate to release the men on bail has rightfully “evoked grave concern and criticism among members of the public.”

“To assert that crime is a serious problem in our country may be putting it mildly. To not recognise that gun-related crimes threaten the safety of every citizen would be a forbearance in naivety,” the Attor-

ney-General wrote, noting that these and other similar factors are at the discretion of the magistrate to take into account when considering the granting or refusal of bail.

Further, he reminded that the Ninth Parliament of Guyana, due to the “devastating prevalence and the accompanying societal damage” of gun-related crimes, had enacted the Firearms (Amendment) Act 2007, to circumscribe judicial officers’ discretion when granting bail for firearm offences.

That amendment states that no person arrested for any offence under Sections 16, 37 or 38 of the Firearms Act, shall be admitted to bail, unless the prosecution has had an opportunity to intervene and unless there are ‘special reasons’ for admitting the person to bail,

which shall be recorded in writing and the trial shall be within reasonable time.

“From the available factual matrix, no doubt the offence for which these men are charged is captured by Section 16 of the Act. The Press reports allude to the presence of a prosecutor in Court. However, there is nothing in the news narrative to suggest the presence of ‘special reasons’ which would have rendered the defendant’s admission to bail, possible,” Nandlall wrote.

He added, “Based upon the facts elucidated in the news report, it is impossible to conceive what would have constituted ‘special reasons’, thereby enabling the learned magistrate to admit these persons to bail.

It is my hope that the statutory prescription was complied with and those ‘special reasons’ were recorded

in writing.”

The Attorney-General noted that as the Executive Officer of the State under whose responsibility the Justice Sector falls, it is possible for him to relate to the public’s concern and criticism as well as the “negative impact” the decision by the magistrate may have on the morale of law enforcement agencies.

“Perhaps the State may soon have to resort to the extreme measure of subjecting like decisions of magistrates to judicial review in the High Court and lodge complaints with the Judicial Service Commission,” he wrote.

Nandlall, during his 2021 budget debate speech in March, 2021, had announced that a Bail Bill was in the process of being promulgated, which will aid in revamping the legal sector. He informed the

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. Sunday Chronicle that a draft of the bill is completed and is currently at the Attorney-General Chambers for review.

“A Bail Bill, hopefully, will bring this anomalous exercise of discretion by magistrates to an end,” the Legal Affairs Minister told the Sunday Chronicle in an invited comment, on Saturday.

‘Mid Atlantic’ plugs $10M into flood-relief efforts – CDC mobilising resources to cater for residents evacuated to shelters AS the local authorities mobilise resources to provide relief to flood-affected residents in all 10 administrative regions, Mid Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc has donated $10 million to aid the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to provide some redress to those adversely affected by the heavy rainfall.

Heavy rains on Sunday exacerbated the worse-than-

normal circumstances being faced by residents over the past week, due to the MayJune rainy season.

As the CDC continued to distribute food and cleaning supplies to affected communities on Sunday, Corporate Secretary of Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc, Glenn LowA-Chee, handed over the $10 million cheque to CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig at the

Relief supplies being packed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for flood-affected residents in Kwakwani, Region 10 (CDC photo)

Commission’s Headquarters.

While there, the Director-General highlighted that there are a number of needs, including those for food and cleaning supplies, that the CDC is addressing. And, the donation from the oil and gas company could help in meeting those needs.

On Sunday, the Director-General reported that all 10 administrative regions have been affected by heavy rains but that Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were the worst affected.

On Saturday, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, visited both of these regions and promised immediate support to the affected regions.

“What we are focussing now is on livelihood and ensuring that you have food, ensuring that people are safe.

If there is a need for shelter, we will work on supplying those shelters and ensuring that health needs are satisfied,” the President emphasised.

On Saturday night, volunteers and staff of the

CDC, alongside Reserve Officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), were at the National Gymnasium in Georgetown packing food and cleaning supplies for the affected residents whom the President engaged.

These hampers were to be distributed by the regional authorities, once dispatched On Sunday, while addressing the situation in Kwakwani, Region 10, the CDC Director-General said that an assessment of the situation has revealed that emergency shelters are needed to cater for about 75 flood-affected residents.

He explained that while providing shelter, the CDC also has the responsibility of providing food and sanitisation supplies to those displaced from their homes.

He also related that transportation is needed to distribute these supplies.

Meanwhile, the CDC, via a notice on its Facebook page, indicated that flood-affected residents can contact the commission on 226-1027 or 600-7500 (WhatsApp), or

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) receiving the $10M donation from Corporate Secretary of Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc, Glenn Low-A-Chee (CDC photo) messages can be sent to the commission’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

According to the weather forecast from the National Weather Watch Centre, coastal regions will likely experience cloudy to overcast skies with scattered showers of varying intensities and frequent rain until Thursday.

Thundershowers are also likely to be experienced over

these areas.

Rainfall is expected to range between one inch and three inches within a 24-hour period.

Southern Guyana and Inland areas will likely experience similar conditions from the afternoon into the evening hours with rainfall likely to range between one inch to four inches within a 24-hour period.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Drive With Care, Save A Tear ROADS are a vital means of transporting people, goods and services from one point to another, and in the wider scheme of commerce, they act as arteries of development.

This is particularly so, because where new roads are constructed development springs forth and mushrooms. In a nutshell, farmlands are opened up, and housing schemes come into being. And with the opening up of housing schemes comes the provision of water, electricity, and a hive of commercial activities.

Roads, therefore, play a key role in facilitating national development, as well as contributing to the happiness and well-being of the citizens in the locale in which they are found.

Simply put, these public infrastructures in totality, yield many benefits for citizens when they are used for their intended purpose. And, likewise, when they are misused, the result could range from minor losses to deep suffering.

Speeding, driving under the influence, texting and driving, and driving while conversing on a cellphone should

never be part of the local driving culture, and it is good to see that efforts are being made by the Guyana Police Force to seriously address these problems.

According to statistics from the Guyana Police Force, last year some 19,179 persons were charged for exceeding speed limits; 786 were charged for driving under the influence; 986 were charged for failure to wear safety belts; and 1,924 were charged separately for breaching traffic light signals, and using cellphones while driving.

However, while these statistics tell an encouraging story of work being done by the police to correct lawlessness on the roadways, overall, they also tell a very disturbing story.

It is sad to know that even during the pandemic in which a host of restrictions were implemented, which include a national curfew and the closing of bars and nightspots, Guyana recorded an alarming increase in road fatalities in 2020. And, not surprisingly, speeding and driving under the influence were the main contributing factors.

Quite astonishingly, some 125 road fatalities (including five children) were recorded, representing a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous year, in which 94 deaths were registered.

While naturally, one would query the occurrence of so many road fatalities when there were so many discouraging restrictions in place, the toll road accidents take on the victims and their families cannot go unnoticed. Among these are the loss of earnings, the incurring of medical and funeral expenses, and deep emotional pain for families, as well as a heavy cost on the state’s health institutions to treat victims who are maimed and disabled, and in most cases cannot afford the services of private health facilities.

But, interestingly enough, these sufferings and strain are 100 per cent preventable, if persons use the roadways with care, caution, consideration, commonsense and courtesy.

It is unfortunate that despite the deep losses to families and the state, people still continue to use the roadways in a

reckless manner. This kind of unacceptable behaviour by road users should never be tolerated, and it is good to see the senior officers in the various divisions enforcing the law, while promoting road-safety awareness.

The work done by acting Deputy Commander, Assistant Superintendent Raun Clarke, who is stationed in Region Six, is most commendable, and is worthy of emulation by his peers in the other divisions. Through strategic planning and diligent work with the officers under his charge, road fatalities in the region have, for the first quarter of this year, been reduced by an impressive 80 per cent compared to the corresponding year.

So, what has he done? The answer is simple, yet ambitious.

The acting deputy commander resuscitated road-safety programmes, got his ranks to diligently enforce the traffic regulations, and worked with residents of communities to get their buy-in on strategies that would ensure safer roads in Region Six.

Citizens and the effects of flooding

Dear Editor,

NEWS-reading is very bleak these last few days: “Flood-affected Black Bush residents appeal for helpMay 27, 2021”; “High tide, heavy rainfall flood Pomeroon farmlands-May 27, 20210” and I can go on and on.

So it is most daunting indeed to learn about what excessive rainfall is doing across Guyana. We are daily reading and hearing that a number of regions in the country have been severely affected by floodwaters. The ongoing inclement weather has been brutal in Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Black Bush Polder in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne); Mahaicony Creek in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and several areas across Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara).

The residents in these inundated areas are indeed in a state of discomfort, having suffered the loss of livestock and crops. However, they have proved themselves to be resilient, and coupled with governmental intervention, these courageous folk have been most positive and hopeful.

In this vein, Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall explained, “Hours [of] long, heavy rainfall had resulted in extensive flooding in low-lying and other areas….”

But the floodwaters had receded and residents were encouraged to take all necessary measures to secure their property in anticipation of the spring tides. In Region Three, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube; Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Erica Forte and other officials, visited the affected areas to conduct an assessment.

Then on Wednesday night, Minister within the

Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar informed Guyanese that the government had already deployed 10 excavators to clear trenches, culverts and the main drainage arteries, so that there could be effective drainage in flooded areas across Region Three. The word is that “Many more were deployed across the country to respond to flooding in communities.”

Over in Region Five, Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally and other stakeholders visited Mahaicony Creek to assess the situation as a result of flash floods. It was noted that “Reports are still coming in of other areas

which are inundated.”

The idea is that there are urgent plans to continue taking relief to all the residents who are being affected. When we think that the forecast is quite dismal, it is indeed commendable that all the relevant authorities are on board, in order to mitigate the situation.

In fact, in Black Bush Polder (BBP), Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, after leading a high-level visit, made a commitment to send hampers which will be distributed by the Civil Defence

Commission (CDC) in collaboration with the Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. He stressed that this process will commence as early as Saturday, since he recognises the urgent need for relief.

I do share in the grief and loss that so many people are experiencing. I am also happy that there is a concerted effort from the government to really respond promptly and not only in terms of relief, but infrastructural support as well.

Yours faithfully, Attiya Baksh

GUYANA CHRONICLE

Monday, May 31, 2021

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Government has been working tirelessly to correct the ills of the Coalition gov’t Dear Editor,

THE La Nina season has been with us since November last year and at this point it would seem, undoubtedly so, that it is increasing in intensity. However, with each passing day blame is being directed to NDCs and RDCs and I would say many are unjustified. A few did venture to blame the government and this would seem more political than real. Fortunately, many see the current phenomenon as it is, an Act of God, which cannot be stopped but which can be mitigated and relief given to those affected, which is a huge number indeed, since no region is spared and no community is unaffected.

We have witnessed from day one that this government had hit the ground running and that pace has accelerated over the past months. The President and his men have been to all the regions, addressing the problems faced by the people and resolving many on the spot. This is unprecedented and unique in this country and the people can immediately see that this government does not discriminate and is indeed a government for the people.

This is quite unlike the last Coalition government which addressed their own selfish agenda and victimised communities which are deemed supporters of the PPP/C. I wrote several letters on this.

Indeed, the past months have seen a lot of progress made in drainage: countless drains, canals and trenches across the country, some of which were not touched by the Coalition, have been cleaned and excavated, but I would like to single out Region Six. Residents in Region Six have seen this process unfolding daily by the RDC, spearheaded by the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman. Mr Zamal Hussain as the new Vice-Chairman has indeed set a very high standard, surpassing the best so far. This official has been relentless in his drive to bring betterment to all the communities of the region. Sadly, a few malcontents are content to criticise and condemn rather than

compliment. But as usual no matter how much is done, there are always a few who are not contented since they have their personal agenda and prejudices.

The Minister of Agriculture Mr Zulfikar Mustapha has been indefatigable and showed great competence in handling and resolving all issues brought to him, including those on his outreaches to all the regions. He must be lavishly congratulated by all.

Again, he dispensed his services with no discrimination, as it should and ought to be.

He and his team have been tireless in bringing speedy resolutions during this worst La Nina period. This minister is taking agriculture back to the time when Guyana was the ‘bread basket’ of the Caribbean, but this time it will be beyond.

As the rain intensified, countless measures have been put in place to alleviate the situation and the President has already decreed that help will be given to the affected areas. Pumps have been installed in all the main drainage areas, but the rains keep coming and this is what needs to be understood.

It takes time for water to be drained and when there is continuous rainfall, it is difficult for the water level to decrease. Unfortunately, as the water level continues to rise above what is deemed normal, there are bound to be issues which could not have been foreseen, but which have to be addressed now and this is what is happening.

The government has been doing what is necessary with great alacrity. For instance, there will be breaches and overtopping which could not have been anticipated. These things happen all over the world, even with those having the best infrastructures and drainage systems. Here we have a country which was grossly neglected by the Coalition for the past five years, and may I add that some who are complaining, condemning and protesting now did absolutely nothing then. Patience and prayer are required!

In conclusion, this government has been working tirelessly to correct the ills of the Coalition and must be

supported by all. I will not go into details, but suffice it to say that this government has been fulfilling all its election promises so far despite this country being hit with both

the coronavirus and now the ‘great flood’ once again (last in 2005). Did I mention the many attempts by the Coalition to rig the 2020 Elections? That was a pandemic

in its own right and until now the battle to cover those nefarious attempts continues in the courts. The PPP/C government will always work for the progress and prosperity

for this country and all its people. That is a guarantee!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

Negligence, wanton disposal of garbage cause flooding in Georgetown

By Naomi Parris

AFTER a night of heavy rainfall, residents of Georgetown were, on Sunday morning, greeted with floods due to the delay in the opening of sluices and the improper disposal of garbage around the Capital City.

Reporting from the field, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, told the Guyana Chronicle that had the pumps and sluices been operational in the wee hours of the morning, flash-flooding in the capital could have been avoided.

“In the wee hours of this (Sunday) morning when the pumps should have been operable, pump attendants were sleeping and did not put on the pumps, which led to accumulation of water in various sections, which would have seen the bottom flats of some houses having water inside, and this is mainly in the south of Georgetown,”

Minister Edghill said.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the negligence from the Mayor and City Council appears to be deliberate, given that over the past few days there were heavy rains but minimal flooding in the City.

However, following an assessment in the City, the pumps/sluices were open but water levels were receding at a slow pace due to several drains being blocked by garbage and debris.

“At 10:25am this morning (Sunday), the sluices were open and water had begun to recede at a very slow pace, and that is because some interlocking drains are blocked with garbage. This is a situation that falls clearly at the feet of The Mayor and City Council for neglect,” the Public Works Minister pointed out.

Lamenting that it takes an all-hands-on deck approach to address the flooding situa-

tion, Minister Edghill called on residents and the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the City to be mindful of the ongoing wet season and to ensure that their respective neighbourhoods drains and canals are clean.

“To the businesses, to the vendors, to the households that are doing construction, that would allow construction material to block a drain; the NDC’s we are appealing to all to act responsible.”

He further pointed out that the coastal region of Guyana is below sea level and that the country depends on a drainage system that can only take off a certain amount of water and have it drained within a 24-hr period; hence, blockages and delays will result in floods across the City.

“When we dump garbage and we have debris, builders waste blocking canals, and people for their own selfish

reasons extend and construct buildings and businesses across a drain and is not allowing it to be desilted or cleaned, it affects everyone, so we have to be our brother’s keeper.”

Additionally, the minister noted that persons have to rid themselves of negative habits such as littering, “I would like to see us rid ourselves of this dumping mentality, or shying mentality… so that in an event like the rain we are having now, everybody will be okay.”

In the meantime, Minister Edghill noted that the government has been robust in its response to the recent floods across the country and has been working relentlessly to bring relief to those who are affected severely.

“Priorities of our government; number one is the safety of our people; we must ensure that they all have food and that their health issues

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, interacting with a Georgetown resident during an assessment of the flood on Sunday morning are addressed and the government will spare no effort in ensuring that we bring those services to our people.

So, the various interven-

tions that are being made are to ensure that the life and the livelihoods of our people are preserved,” he said.

Region Six: Over 300 vaccinated in first ‘drive-thru’ initiative

THE Regional Health Services of Region Six(East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday held its first vaccination ‘Drive-Thru’ initiative which attracted over 300 residents at the Classic Hotel Tarmac, Corriverton.

Director of Regional Health Services Dr. Vishalya Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that the response from residents was very encouraging. The vaccination team which included Dr. Ryan Campbell, Dr. Giresh Sadeo and Nurse Marcy Gill worked late into the evening and managed to surpass the target which was set at 200.

Dr. Sharma said the aim of the drive was to make the vaccines easily accessible to all. She said more such activities are being planned for New Amsterdam and Corentyne in the coming days. ‘‘The whole point is to make ways for the vaccines to become accessible and easy for the residents of Region Six. We noticed a lot of the persons not only used their vehicles, but [also] bicycles and motorcycles,” she said.

To date, Region Six has successfully hosted over 100 mobile vaccination drives at various locations throughout the region, and the number of persons vaccinated so far represents almost 48 per cent per cent of the region’s pop-

A proud cyclist showcases his vaccination card after receiving his jab ulation of persons 18 years guidelines, not because we and older. are vaccinated means we Even though the vac- are going to disregard these cination drives have been measures; it’s absolutely successful, Dr. Sharma said important, it means we conmany more persons are yet tinue until it’s safe to return to be vaccinated and should to some normalcy. We need try to take their shots as soon to look out for each other, as possible. we need to understand that She also warned resi- we are in this together, the dents that despite taking their only way we can get out of “jabs,” they are not invinci- this is by working together ble to the virus and will need and understand that health to adhere to the public health workers alone cannot fight guidelines to remain safe and COVID-19 -- it takes a colprotect others around them. lective effort from us as well “Even though they are as everyone else,” she said. vaccinated, we still need to Dr. Sharma added that adhere to the public health accessibility in Berbice measures. We still need to should not be an issue, continue keeping our mask since the COVID-19 vacon. We need to sanitise and cines are available at 22 practise social distancing. health centres across the We need to follow these region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

Feed delivered for stranded cattle at Cookrite Savannah –– more pumps installed in flood-affected areas in Region Six

By Nafeeza Yahya

A PROMISE to deliver feed and grass to cattle stranded in Cookrite Savannah was fulfilled on Sunday, following a visit by President, Dr Irfaan Ali to Black Bush Polder, Region Six, the day before.

On Sunday, a team from the Guyana Livestock and Development Association (GLDA) and farmers went to the area via boat with bags of feed and grass for the animals.

Some 160 bags of feed and one truck load of grass were delivered on Sunday.

The same amount of feed and grass will be delivered today Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that, in addition to the feed, the focus is to transport the calves out of the flooded Savannah. He also committed to the contin-

ued support for farmers.

“GLDA was instructed to bring up feed and grass. This morning the feed arrived and is at the Cattle Dam by the bridge. A number of farmers are benefitting from that intervention. Three boats are at the back there. The cattle will be coming out on the high dam in the evening to use the feed. They will also be transporting the calves out of heavily-flooded area.

Those instructions that were given by the President we have started it today. We can’t get all the animals out at the same time, remember they are wild animals also.

We will continue to assist the farmers. We will give them the kind of support they need in terms of giving the cattle and small ruminants medication,” he said.

On Sunday, the minister, for the third day, continued

flood assessment outreach to affected communities in Region Six. A team from the region including Chairman, David Armogan; Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; and Regional Executive Officer, Narendra Persaud and representatives from agencies within the Agriculture Minsitry accompanied the minister to hear, first-hand, the issues facing the residents.

At the meetings in Bangladesh, Whim/Bloomfield, Number 53 Village, Number 52/74 NDC area and Number 73 Village, Minister Mustapha said new pumps will be sent to these areas and with the placement of bigger tubes, persons’ drainage will greatly improve.

PUMPS INSTALLED “In Port Mourant, I made a commitment to

Mom quits six-figure job to care for children

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric FACED with the global pandemic which forced the closure of her children’s daycare centres, her son’s developing skin condition and her employer’s denial of further no-pay leave, Lisa Leitch-Lacon was forced to make a tough decision.

Leitch-Lacon, held the “bull by its horn” and resigned from her government job. She would later start her own business, Lis. Lingeriestore, with just one waist trimmer.

At that time, she was earning almost six figures.

However, her children’s safety was uttermost in her mind as she did not have immediate relatives around to give any support in caring for them. So, the odds were great and, for her, losing her children was not an option.

Her children, Ezekiel and Angeline Lacon, are special and their needs and safety surpassed the 8-4 job.

It was during an overseas trip while she sought medical help for a rash on her young son’s body that a message was received from an acquaintance, who asked whether she could source a waist trimmer.

“And after responding in the affirmative, that led

Lisa Leitch-Lacon to other orders for underwear. Persons were looking for quality and branded products, and my sister agreed that the order was a launching pad for a business. And so, after the first item was sold, I reinvested the proceeds continuously until there was an upsurge in sales,” the young entrepreneur recounted.

Leitch-Lacon would later open her store at Lot 25 Charles Place, in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

“Initially, I was not so willing to get into this line of business. I had felt that it contradicted with my religious belief. But, it was my mother who reminded me that underwear is a necessary garment which is worn by all races, sizes and gender,” she called.

She added: “Leaving my job was a decision I

chose to make, as it afforded me the opportunity to properly supervise my children. They are often times with me at the store.

They have a clean environment, and I know they are safe, and not exposed to any form of abuse. They are home-schooled by me, and I have an opportunity to instill my religious and moral values.”

From time to time, persons would question her “leap of faith”, and would often ask whether she has any regrets having left security for what seems to be insecurity.

She maintains that as an entrepreneur, her success is based on her being focussed. I do not allow other persons’ ideas to distract me. Many persons suggest what I should add to the business, but if those suggestions are implemented it would stray me from my vision,” she declared.

Aside from the lingerie shop which will be expanded to lingerie’s accessories, Lisa has her children’s business which she also manages. ‘Parties Rentals’ was birthed after persons started asking to borrow her children’s party decorations.

The proceeds from this business is banked for her children’s future educational needs.

provide pumps and today it was installed.

Yesterday in the Number 19 area, residents asked for pumps and another pump was placed in the Roy Honoman area. We have additional pumps placed at Letter Kenny Sluice. We will have additional pumps placed at Number 52 Sluice. At Number 53, another pump will be placed there and excavation work will be done to divert water to the facade. All those measures in place will help to alleviate the problems people are faced within,” the Agriculture Minister said.

Additonally, the minister noted that the Regional Democratic Council is compiling a list of the number of households in some of the NDCs so that the Civil Defence Commission can provide hampers and cleaning aid.

Moments after arriving in Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder (BBP) on Saturday, President Ali assured residents that his focus is on immediate interventions which will save lives and ensure residents have shelter and their livelihoods are secure.

The Head of State’s visit followed a fly-over of the entire flood-affected Region Six community and a visit to Kwakwani in Region 10

which is under water as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

President Ali told the residents that these interventions are the same for all the flood-affected areas in the country.

“Our immediate response now is to secure lives, secure livelihoods to ensure people have food, ensure people have shelter and to ensure that health facilities respond to any disease you may have because of the flooding,” he said.

One of the immediate interventions made by the president for BPP was for 100 bags of feed to be taken into the backlands for the hundreds of animals that are affected by the flooding.

NO-NONSENSE MOOD President Ali, who was in a no-nonsense mood when he landed at Port Mourant, charged officials of the GLDA to find an immediate intervention to save the lives of the affected cattle.

Several hundred heads of cattle are stuck on a dam in the BBP backlands while a large number had already died.

“The animals are stuck in the middle of nowhere.

I need a plan before I leave

here and I am speaking about all the animals, not just those in Cookrite Savannah. We flew over and we flew low so I can tell you they are stuck and have nothing,” he added.

Another immediate intervention identified by President Ali was the cleaning of internal drains. Residents had complained about the drains not being cleaned and as such a contractor who was recently awarded a contract to do this work will be mobilised to start the cleaning from Sunday.

Further, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Director, Frederick Flatts, stated that the mobile pump which was recently installed at Adventure had experienced some mechanical issues but these have been fixed. A second pump will be installed there to help drain the water at a faster rate into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) have several teams on the ground to conduct countrywide assessments so that recommendations can be made for long-term interventions, and other interventions, as they relate to the livelihoods that are being affected by the flooding.

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Mothers you can teach your sons MOTHERS can help their sons have healthy relationships with girls and women.

But they have to start while their boys are young.

Teach boys to be fair and not to discriminate against girls just because they are girls. Girls should be treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else and given the same opportunities. Children usually play together naturally, regardless of gender. It is parents who sometimes separate them

and believe boys should play mainly with boys and girls likewise.

Boys and girls interact well when young and could do the same through their adolescent years when they understand the stages of their development and their transition into adulthood. However, problems can arise when young men have a warped comprehension of themselves and sexuality due to a lack of information from parents or because of outside influ-

ences.

Children take their lead from their parents. How a boy treats a girl has a lot to do with how he sees his father treat his mother and the environment he is exposed to. Unfortunately, the minibus culture exposes young people to lewd music, which colours their imagination.

Young boys may believe that girls have only one thing to offer boys and men, and young girls may think there is only one asset worth hav-

ing. Lewd music very seldom mentions companionship or getting to know a woman properly; choosing a partner for life, or mutual love and respect for a person.

The intention is to give young people a covert peep into a sexual world—a world where those who do not know better will be influenced. Nothing positive or productive is ever taught or learnt from such music.

Young men need practical information about love, life and sex, and mothers, in particular, can guide them in the right way regarding how to treat girls and women. They can teach their sons that it is not okay to accept or laugh when derogatory remarks are made about girls; they should feel confident enough to challenge them and not go along with the belittling of women.

Some boys behave negatively towards girls and say things to act big amongst their peers– they have the illusion that it makes them seem more manly, but it doesn’t. Every man comes from a woman, so why put them down? Without females, there would be no procreation. The world is full of women and men for a purpose and a balance - can you imagine a world without girls or women? It would be a dull and possibly violent place fueled by male testosterone.

In Guyanese culture, you hear people telling boys, ‘stop crying like a girl’ or ‘you doing such and such like a girl’ as if girls are inferior

to boys or do not measure up because they are not physically as strong. Girls are different from boys; that is a fact, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer or add to society or should be treated as second class citizens. The adage says: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But if boys and men had to put up with the negative behaviour that women and girls frequently deal with from men, they would either react aggressively or avoid going to areas where they know women will ‘trouble’ them.

Mothers can help their sons be self-assured and not shy or withdrawn, so they can communicate with people regardless of who they may be – female, elder, stranger or diplomat, genuinely.

Help them be themselves, and feel comfortable in their skin – so that standing up for themselves or others, if they need to, will come naturally.

Boys are impressionable, so make sure they have positive role models in their lives. A successful man or men they can emulate and talk to if they have questions or concerns. As much as moms can guide, protect and be a willing shoulder to cry on, they cannot be a male substitute.

At times boys will need to be firm with the different types of people who will come into and affect their world; they must learn resilience. People can be manipulative, dishonest or deceitful. They may find out the hard way that not all people are ‘nice’.

Moms can help their sons realise that, just like him, girls have feelings too - that should be taken into consideration. Imagining how others may feel through his actions and words or putting himself in their shoes will help boys be thoughtful and think before acting or speaking.

Violence and aggression is always the wrong way to solve a problem, so teach boys to find the space and take the time to think things through for lasting solutions.

This lesson is learnt when boys witness their parents’ actions and reactions to situations.

Role modelling is the most subliminal yet profound way to teach positive attributes to a child. It is no good for a father who hits his wife to tell his son never to hit a woman. The boy is more likely to do as his father does and not as he says.

The responsibility of raising a well-adjusted, well-mannered and thoughtful man can be difficult in our fast-paced society. Still, mothers and fathers have a duty to do what they can today for their children’s future.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Children escape death after car slams into shed A FAMILY is thankful to God that their three children are alive after a car slammed into a shed under which they were relaxing in a hammock.

A shaken Feroze Khan of Number 50 Village recalled hearing a loud sound before jumping into rescue mode.

“I hear the loud sound and meh just run and grab them and rush inside. God knows what would ah happen to them if meh didn’t reach them cause seconds later the shed tumbled down,” he said.

According to information received, at approximately 19:00 hrs on Sunday, a car driven by Varsha Gurahoo, 25, was heading East and

while navigating the Number 49 turn, swerved from two pedestrians who were walking in her lane. In the process, her vehicle skidded on the wet parapet and toppled, hitting the electric wires and dismantling a shed belonging to the Khans’ before finally landing on the roadside drain and facing the opposite direction.

“All I see is she coming around the turn and heard screech! Brakes! Next thing the car end up on the grass and start topple. The car lash down the shed and I see the GPL wire start spark and the car bounce back and land upside down in the trench facing New Amsterdam side,”

an eyewitness related.

The eyewitness said when the GPL wire and shed came crashing down, he and a friend ran to the scene and assisted in taking the injured woman out of the vehicle.

“When we pull she out she said that a boy was in the car but we search the car and trench and nah find nothing but she sister come and say the boy ok she didn’t collect he as yet that he deh at 50 Village,” the eyewitness told this publication.

The injured woman was taken out of the wreckage and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where she was admitted. Her condition is said to be serious.

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9th EDITION

May 31st, 2021

‘Paving the way to a modern future’ —26-year-old entrepreneur making waves with new architectural firm

FOUNDER and owner of Skylines Architecture, 26-year-old Sunny Kissoon, never wanted to be an architect. In fact, he revealed, in an interview with this newsletter, that he was never even certain what career path he wanted to pursue until one month before he enrolled at the University of Guyana.

However, he stated that architecture is something he now feels like he is destined to pursue.

“I established my business on August 6, 2020, and Skylines Architecture specialises in the designing of businesses, since it is an architectural service. We also provide building designs to clients with realistic 3D designs,” he related.

However, while his business has been in operation for less than a year, Kissoon revealed that he has been in the practice for over six years.

“As soon as I left high school, I started architecture at the University of Guyana.

And I just came to like it, so I went further, and got my Master Degree in architecture, in China. So, now I’m here and I have established this company,” he said.

Kissoon related that the

One of the many designs created by Skylines Architecture aim of the business is not only to provide architectural designs, but to have their designs stand out, and beautify Guyana in the process.

In outlining the vision of the company, he said: “We were focussed on bringing something unique, game-changing; and we were focussing on building a brand. When you think of skylines, you think of the outline that is created by a building against the sky; you see something distinctive.

So, we want to be that. We want to create a skyline for the country.”

He further said that a lot of thought goes into the

creative process for building designs, as Skylines aims to create not only beautiful, but modern designs.

“Once you have completed a design with Skylines, you know exactly what your building is going to look like, with a very realistic 3D impression of the building; and with our 3D visualisation, you can actually have a video walkthrough of the project,” the young entrepreneur said.

Kissoon has since stated that Skylines has received over 200 commissions since its establishment in August of last year.

Asked whether he had

any advice for other entrepreneurs starting out, the architect had this to say: “Just be consistent and passionate about what you’re doing, and once you remain passionate and put in the work, then I’m sure you will achieve your goals.”

Skylines Architecture specialises in 3D visualised designs, building designs, renovation designs and construction consultation.

The company boasts the synthesis of aesthetics and functionality to create a product that surpasses the expectations of their clients.

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Bold step leads to a thriving business for remigrant

By Indrawattie Natram IN light of an ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela, many of its citizens have fled the oil-producing territory in search of a better life; the nationals left in search of refuge, while many of the country’s immigrants eagerly packed up and returned to their respective homeland.

One such person is Devika Bagwandeen, along with her husband, Goraj Chaitram, who returned to neighbouring Guyana— her homeland-- in 2017.

Bagwandeen, who currently resides with her family at Affiance village in Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroom-Supenaam), invested her limited resources into ‘Devi’s Party Collections,’ an events company located at Cotton Field village, also on the Essequibo Coast.

The company, she related, was launched in December, 2020, as a means of providing employment for her 18-year-old daughter, Rovina Carrasquel.

that even amid the coronavirus pandemic, her family’s business started off in a thriving manner, with the establishment receiving an overwhelming amount of support from residents of Essequibo.

However, the persistence of the pandemic has resulted in a notable decline in the company’s profits, particularly for the month of February. But, the family, like many others across the world, has continued to persevere.

Over the past few months, Carrasquel has been designing birthday decoraAt just 18, Rovina Carrasquel manages her family’s tions to suit her customers’ business needs. She said that it takes Bagwandeen said that Guyana Chronicle. her almost one week to preher daughter has faced many The young lady, who pare the themes for various hurdles on the job front, possesses a passion for dec- celebrations. mainly owing to the fact that orating and designing, has Devi Party Collections, her “documents” are not in since taken over full respon- she boasted, provides ‘EsEnglish translation. sibility for the day-to-day sequibians’ with a variety “You know, life [was] operations of Devi’s Party of party supplies and cusvery hard in Venezuela. I Collections. In addition to tom-made designs. Carcame back in 2017 and I being able to expose her rasquel is also examining wasn’t getting the job. I did creativity side, Carrasquel the possibility of expanding a few courses at Essequibo is even more pleased about her family’s business to cater Technical Institute here and being gainfully employed. for the provision of fresh yet that did not land me a With her leading the flowers. The young woman job,” Carrasquel told the charge, the teenager said is also keen on creating cap-

A glimpse of what ‘Devi’s Party Collections’ looks like on the inside tivating wedding decors.

So far, Carrasquel has been able to settle comfortably in her parents’ homeland, and is eager to make much of what this ‘Land of Many Waters’ has to offer.

Whenever she is not working to keep business flowing at the store, the teenager dabbles in dancing as a fulfilling extracurricular activity. She is currently a member of the

Kandhiya Dance Troupe.

A beaming Carrasquel is thankful that Guyana has offered her the opportunity to follow her dreams and further unlock her potential.

Her mother, Bagwandeen, said that she is incredibly proud of her daughter and is looking forward to an early end to the pandemic to allow for better business.

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New legislation being drafted to incentivise investments –– says President Ali, assures Guyanese that development will not be centralised

AS part of efforts to advance development in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), new legislation to incentivise investments will be presented to the National Assembly shortly, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. In his address to the nation on the occasion of Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, President Ali highlighted: “If independence is to have

expected to be in Region Four] and what will take place in Region Three, we are going to definitely be tabling two specific legislations that will grant specific investment benefits and incentives for investments in those areas,” the President said during that interview.

He explained that these laws will be tabled shortly and will lead to an incentive regime that is expected to formalise investments in these two regions.

business and to their capacity to market their goods abroad competitively, earning revenues in foreign exchange for the benefit of the country,” he said, emphasising: “Your government will respond to this situation.”

Reducing the cost of electricity has been a manifesto promise of the PPP/C government and President Ali said previously that the government would be making efforts to utilise the natural gas from

President Dr. Irfaan Ali in discussion with Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and engineers during a recent tour of the site for the road that will run from the new Demerara Harbour Bridge to Parika any real meaning, it is to uplift our people from the ravages and limitations of the past, and to give them a better life with better opportunities under better circumstances.”

To this end, the President related that the government is pursuing a multi-faceted developmental plan aimed at improving Guyana’s economy, infrastructure and human capital.

Importantly, he reminded Guyanese of the government’s plan to establish a new city to add to Georgetown, and to create several new population centres around Guyana.

Though these efforts will be countrywide, the President, in an interview aired on the News- Room, said benefits and incentives will be provided to investors in Regions Three and Four.

“To support the development of the new city [which is

Already, these two regions have been earmarked for greater development. Region Three is expected to become a hub of oil and gas support services, due to its proximity to the capital city and the Demerara River.

President Ali also noted that manufacturing and agro-processing activities are expected to intensify in this region, as well. Meanwhile, in Region Four, new road networks are expected to bolster the development of new population centres.

Generally, the President in his Independence Day address, reminded Guyanese that the manufacturing, agricultural and other sectors have been affected in the past by the high price of energy.

“Our private-sector partners have rightly pointed to the adverse effects of this high price to the cost of doing

offshore Guyana through a gas-to-shore project. This will result in lower electricity costs and a cleaner fuel output.

To this end, the President said: “We cannot be a nation that produces oil and gas, earning considerable sums from it without passing on the benefits to all sectors of our society.

The cost of electricity must be reduced for both business and household consumption.”

He later added: “Our financial resources must be utilised to improve the quality of life for all our communities.”

DEVELOPMENT ACROSS GUYANA These developments are by no means limited to the coastal regions. Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), the President said, is seen as the gateway to the hinterland, largely due to

An aerial view of Linden. (Michael Charles photo)

the Linden to Lethem access road.

While addressing developments carded for this region, the President highlighted: “We are working tremendously on making Region 10 the frontier for the hinterland [where] all the mechanical electrical engineering services that [are] crit-

ical for the mining sector, can be serviced from Region 10.”

Creating this frontier is also a crucial component in realising the goal of making Guyana a transhipment point for Brazil, utilising the same Linden to Lethem Road. The government has also been eyeing investors in the bauxite

sector of Region 10.

While development is carded for the populated regions, the President said that a massive hinterland-expansion programme is expected to advance infrastructural works and the development of agricultural and tourism activities.

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Suzanne Hamilton sweeps...

From page 24 The talented cyclist, who has been a dominant force this year, had also claimed a comprehensive win in the Time Trials last Saturday on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Hamilton called the 6.25mile circuit, from KK Gas Station up New Road and

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Chelmsford City 08:25 hrs Showmethemoney 09:00 hrs Lady Monica 09:35 hrs Twice As Likely 10:10 hrs Woke Media 10:45 hrs Peat Moss 11:15 hrs Highfield Princess 11:50 hrs Dusty Damsel 12:25 hrs Velvet Vista 12:55 hrs Mehmo Cartmel 08:20 hrs Gentle Jolie 08 :50 hrs Seapoint 09:25 hrs Bird On The Wire 10:00 hrs Dawson City 10 :35 hrs Valence D’Aumont 11:10 hrs Temple Park 11:45 hrs Benefaktor 12:20 hrs Final Reminder Redcar 08:45 hrs Greek Kodiac 09:20 hrs Blowing Wind 09:55 his Barging Thru 10:30 hrs Two Summers 11:05 hrs Navajo Spring 11:40 hrs Hartswood 12:15 hrs Cickalorum 12:50 hrs Oliver’s Story Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 11:25 hrs Russian Diamond 11:55 hrs Fill The Tank 12:30 hrs Lunar Display 13:00 hrs New Ross 13:30 hrs Pipers Meadow 14:00 hrs Junior Rattler 14:30 hrs Some Venture 15:00 hrs Allora Yeats American Racing Tips Belmont Park Race 1 Masked Marauder Race 2 Kinky Sox Race 3 Betsy Blue Race 4 Mr Bluff Race 5 La Victoria Race 6 Robin Sparkles Race 7 River Dog Race 8 Cross Border Race 9 Espresso Shot South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:15 hrs Diamonds And Toads 08:55 hrs Malteza 09:30 hrs Ninjinsky’s Son 10:05 hrs Travel In Srule 10:38 hrs Teofilia

down Old Road Mahaica for the finish, a tough course with lots of 90-degree turns. She said that she is hoping that her dominant performance would propel the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) to include her in the national team for the Caribbean Cycling Championships, which is scheduled for the Dominican Republic in July.

Clivecia Spencer placed second and Selena Stephens third in the female four-lap event.

Walter Grant-Stuart, who finished fourth in the Senior Division on Sunday, returned to dominate the Masters, which entailed riding around the circuit eight times.

The number one ranked Masters rider, Alex Mendes,

Gavaskar says India ...

From page 24 for the Test series between the two nations starting from August 4.

Earlier in the year, England toured India for a four-match Test series followed by five T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals. The England contingent made a big ruckus regarding the pitches and blamed the hosts for dishing out spin-friendly tracks.

Thus, Gavaskar believes that to get back to the Asian nation, England is most likely to prepare tracks with

more grass on them.

However, the former Indian skipper believes that playing at greener surfaces won’t affect India much as the visitors have some notable personalities in their batting line-up and will put up a good fight.

“Having moaned about the pitches in India earlier this year, it won’t be a surprise if the groundsman in England leaves a little grass on the surface.

That is no longer a worry as India has an attack that will also thrive on it and cause problems for the England batsmen too,” Gavaskar wrote in his

could not challenge since he fell in the penultimate lap.

He hurt his hip and back but was okay.

Second place was won

by Junior Niles with Jaikarran Sukhai third and Time Trial champion, Stephen Fernandes, fourth.

Johann Burrowes placed fifth, Kwame Ridley sixth, Sagun Hubbard seventh, Warren McKay eighth, Tallim Shaw ninth and Nigel London 10th.

In the Junior Division,

16-year-old Aaron Newton was crowned champion. The North Georgetown Secondary School student described the race as difficult, but indicated that he rode to the best of his ability.

Mario Washington finished second and Andrew Forrester third.

Meanwhile, Time Trials Junior Champion, Alex Leung won the Boys U-16 division ahead of Amani King, Marc Lewis and Julian Gordon respectively.

column for The Telegraph.

The England tour of India ended with the hosts winning in all formats of the game.

In the test series, Virat Kohli and Men were outplayed in the first fixture but they scripted an amazing comeback and won the next three games to win by 3-1. Gavaskar backed India to continue their domination in the purest format of the game.

Also, India is scheduled to play against New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship from June 18 to 22. There is almost six weeks long break for India before the Test series against England. Ga-

vaskar believes that the break will be an added advantage for India as they will be able to adapt to the Indian conditions better.

“The summer in England promises to be the golden summer of Indian cricket.

After the WTC finals, there is a gap of about six weeks before the Te s t s e r i e s s t a r t s against England and that should be enough for the team to play some practice games and tune-up for what England can hurl at them. It is foolish to try and predict the score but it looks like it will be an Indian summer in England,” he wrote. (CricTracker)

Joseph, Brathwaite end county stints with contrasting fortunes LONDON, (CMC) – Alzarri Joseph grabbed the last wicket as Worcestershire completed a sound innings and 23-run thrashing of Derbyshire on Sunday’s final day.

Resuming on 112 for six in their second innings after following on by 151 runs, Derbyshire folded for 128, with the West Indies fast bowler finishing with two for 28 at New Road.

He started the day with one wicket to his tally, having removed captain Billy Godleman the previous evening and wrapped up the victory for his side when he got last man Dustin Melton (1) to edge to Daryl Mitchell at slip, with Worcestershire

Alzarri Joseph’s Worcestershire completed an innings win.

needing only 50 deliveries to formalise the result.

Joseph finished the game with four wickets to end with 15 wickets from his six matches for the West Midlands county, and will now

return to the Caribbean for the two-Test series against South Africa starting June 10 in St Lucia.

At Bristol, Kraigg Brathwaite’s Gloucestershire slumped to a heavy innings

and 47-run loss to Surrey.

With little hope of saving the contest after following on by 315 runs and then slumping to 124 for five on Saturday, the home side were dismissed for 268 in their second innings.

Wicketkeeper Jonathan Tattersall struck an unbeaten 86 off 136 deliveries with 10 fours and two sixes while Mikes Hammond, unbeaten overnight on 38, made 45.

Brathwaite made 28 in the second innings to follow up his first innings 38, ending with 295 runs from six matches at an average of 26.

The West Indies Test captain will now oversee the Caribbean side’s challenge against the Proteas.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

Kvitova survives but Kerber is Lancashire beat Yorkshire out on first day of French Open by an innings and 79 runs

Petra Kvitova reached the Roland Garros semi-finals in 2020.

PETRA Kvitova saved a match point to reach the French Open tennis second round but Angelique Kerber became the first women’s seed to exit the tournament.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber, seeded 26th, was beaten 6-2 6-4 by Ukrainian qualifier Anhelina Kalinina.

Czech Kvitova was in

danger of going the same way but recovered to beat Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-1.

Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka also advanced but was warned about her media boycott.

The Japanese second seed beat Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig 6-4 7-6 (7-4) before Grand Slam organisers issued a statement telling her she risked expulsion from the event if she continued to refuse to attend news conferences.

Germany’s Kerber, 33, has now lost in the first round for the third successive time at the clay-court Grand Slam.

World number 139 Ka-

linina built up a 5-0 lead against her in both sets and despite reeling off four games in a row in the second set, Kerber could not stage a comeback on her least favourite surface.

I did the best preparation I could do in the last few weeks on clay, but yeah, it’s fine, and now I’m looking forward to Wimbledon for the grass-court season,” said Kerber, whose major titles have come on hard courts at the US and Australian Opens and the grass of Wimbledon.

“It sounds much better for me, so I’m happy that the next Grand Slam is on grass.”(BBC Sport).

was 64.

Police received a call from one of Eaton’s neighbors Friday. That neighbor found Eaton unconscious with his bicycle on a road in Summit County. Eaton was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death is not known at this time, though police do not believe a vehicle was involved in the incident.

Eaton was selected by the Jazz with the team’s fourth-round pick in the 1982 NBA draft. The 7-foot-4, 275-pound Eaton quickly became known for his defensive prowess.

He made the NBA All-Defensive team five times and led the league in blocks four times, including a record-setting 456 blocks during the 1984-85 season.

Eaton was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was elected to the All-Star team once.

Eaton spent all 11 of his

NBA seasons with the Jazz.

The team struggled during Eaton’s rookie season, going just 30-52. Things turned around quickly in Eaton’s second year, and the Jazz made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

That kicked off a run where the Jazz made the postseason 20 straight seasons. Despite that, the Jazz never won an NBA championship.

After Eaton retired following the 1992-93 season, the Jazz retired No. 53 in his honor. Eaton is one of 11 people to have their number retired by the franchise.

Following his retirement, Eaton served as president of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. He also co-owned a restaurant, Tuscany, in Salt Lake City.

Eaton was present at the Jazz’s playoff game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. The Jazz won the contest 141-129. (Yahoo Sports)

Utah Jazz great Mark Eaton dies at 64

Utah Jazz great Mark Eaton dead at 64.

MARK Eaton — one of the best defensive players ever — died Friday. The

Utah Jazz confirmed the news to the Salt Lake Tribune on Saturday. Eaton

Saqib Mahmood claimed five wickets as Lancashire beat Yorkshire at Emirates Old Trafford for the first time in 21 years.

LANCASHIRE secured their first County Championship win over Yorkshire at Old Trafford for 21 years as paceman Saqib Mahmood led the way with five wickets.

Yorkshire fought hard to secure a draw with some dogged resistance but victory was secured inside the last 30 minutes.

They were bowled out for 271 in their second innings to give Lancashire victory by an innings and 79 runs.

Mahmood (5-47) and Matt Parkinson (3-61) were the pick of a bowlers as the hosts’ persistence was rewarded.

M a h m o o d ’s f i r s t five-wicket haul for Lancashire was the key to a fourth win in seven matches which stretches their lead at the top of Group Three to 24 points.

Second-placed Yorkshire’s first defeat of the campaign leaves them only two points ahead of thirdplaced Northamptonshire,

who earlier beat Sussex by seven wickets.

The Tykes had resumed the final day on 85-2, still 265 runs shy of making Lancashire bat again. Their chances of a draw looked even more improbable after Mahmood bowled both Will Fraine (6) and nightwatchman Steven Patterson (8) early in the morning session to reduce them to 92-4.

But a determined fifth-wicket partnership of 59 between George Hill (18) and Harry Brook (52) kept Lancashire at bay until after lunch when Tom Bailey bowled Hill with the fourth delivery with the second new ball.

Brook was the only other wicket to fall in the afternoon session as spinner Parkinson trapped him leg before.

Yorkshire’s lower-order grittiness continued into the last hour of play thanks to Harry Duke (29) and Dom Bess (46) sharing a 58-run stand for the seventh-wicket.(BBC Sport)

India set to arrive in England on Thursday

THE final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure environment at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, June 18-22, 2021.

The event has now been granted an exemption by the UK government as outlined in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Trav-

el, and Operator Liability) (England) Regulations 2021, released on May 17.

As per the bio-safety protocols established for the event, in line with UK government and Public Health England requirements, the Indian Men’s team will arrive in the UK on June 2021 via a charter flight and carrying evidence of a negative PCR Test.

Prior to travelling, the par-

ty spent 14 days in a bio-secure environment in India during which regular testing would have taken place. Upon landing, they will proceed directly to the on-site hotel at the Hampshire Bowl where they will be tested again before commencing a period of managed isolation.

Regular tests will be conducted during the period of isolation. Players’ activity

will be allowed in a gradually increasing manner after each round of negative testing, moving from exercise in isolation to small group and then larger squad activity, whilst always remaining within the bio-secure venue.

The New Zealand team are already in the UK ahead of their bilateral series against England and the team will transition from

the ECB bio-secure environment into the World Test Championship Final bubble on June 15 and will be subject to regular testing prior to and post arrival in Southampton.

Both India and New Zealand have been in incredible form in the white flannels heading into the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). While India have

lost just one out of their last 7 Test matches, New Zealand have emerged triumphant in their last 6 Test matches.

After the WTC final against New Zealand, Virat Kohli and his men will remain in England and play a much-awaited fivematch Test series against the England side. (CricTracker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE

Monday, May 31, 2021

21

Narine inducted as honorary member of RHTYSC South African Morris boosts Tridents, and receives Dolphin Award of Excellence Hasaranga heads to Patriots OVERSEAS-based Guyanese businessman, Dave Narine, was, on Friday last, inducted as an Honorary member of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) during a simple ceremony at the St Francis Community Centre Training Hall.

Narine is the owner/ CEO of the popular Dave West Indian Imports , located at Liberty Avenue in New York, USA. Narine, a Berbician by birth, also received the club’s highest award-- The Dolphin Award of Excellence.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO, Hilbert Foster, noted that Narine and the club has established a close working relationship and the businessman was excited to be on board with Guyana’s leading youth organisation.

Former national female youth player, Oma Matadin, inducted Narine as the 203th Honorary Member of the club while National youth player, Jermey Sandia, handed over the Dophlin Award to the clearly delighted businessman.

Foster, in a well-received feature address, traced the history of the RHTY&SC and also informed the gathering of the remarkable achievements over the last thirty one years.

Noting that the club struggled for the first two years of its existence, Foster stated that their fortunes changed in 1992 when the second division team won the Sydney Sabsook 40-Overs title, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

This resulted in more respect for the club and sponsors started to come on

Dave Narine poses with junior cricketers of the club after the ceremony.

RHTY&SC Asst Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu, receives sponsorship from Dave Narine

Foster hailed Narine as a positive role model for members of the club as he rose from humble beginnings to become a highly successful businessman against great odds in the world most powerful country.

Narine, after being inducted , officially handed over a sponsorship cheque worth three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the Assistant Secretary/CEO of the club, Simon Naidu .

The cheque represents support for the 2021 edition of the RHTY&SC Annual Youth Magazine and full

sponsorship for the eighth edition of the very popular Region Six Sports Awards.

The magazine is currently being prepared for publication in July, while five awards would be shared under the Dave West Indian Imports Sports Awards.

The awards to be handed over would be Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement award and Sports Association of the Year. Each of the awardees would carry home a trophy, plaque, medal of excellence, framed certificate and a collection of gifts.

A very emotional Narine stated that he felt very humbled to be inducted as an Honorary member of a club that he has always admired for its service to humanity and guidance to youths.

He stated that he was very impressed with the RHTY&SC commitment to making sure that all youths have a fair chance to fulfil their talent on and off the cricket field especially in the classroom.

Narine, who was accompanied by fellow overseas businessman, Abdul Wahab

of Wahab Trading, advised the youth cricketers in attendance to remain humble at all times and also to develop a culture of hard work and discipline.

The 68th recipient of the Dolphin Award of Excellence also expressed his willingness to work along the management of the club to promote the importance of education along with sports. National players, Jonathan Rampersaud and Matthew Pottaya, handed a RHTY&SC 31st anniversary cap and special gift to Narine on behalf of their colleagues.

(REUTERS): Japan’s Naomi Osaka could be thrown out of the French Open if she continues to boycott post-match news conferences at the tournament, the board of Grand Slam tennis tournaments said on Sunday.

Osaka, who was fined 15,000 dollars for skipping the news conference after her first-round victory at Roland Garros, could also face suspension from other Grand Slam tournaments, the board added.

The four-times Grand

Slam champion said earlier this week she would not face the media during the French Open, citing mental health reasons.

“We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences,” the board of Grand Slam said in a statement.

“As might be expected, repeat violations attract tougher sanctions including

default from the tournament... and the trigger of a major offence investigation that could lead to more substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspensions.”

The board reminded Osaka that “a core element of the Grand Slam regulations is the responsibility of the players to engage with the media, whatever the result of their match”.

It added that “the mental health of players competing in our tournaments and on the Tours is of the utmost importance to the Grand Slams”.

board. The RHTY&SC , the Secretary stated, now hosts over 700 activities per year under a wide list of sub headings, including education, charity, youth development, community development, social, religious, coaching and awards. Additionally, the club has won five Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Club of the Year Award, 101 cricket tournaments at all levels including three national championships, and produced a combined 107 cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Oma Matadin inducts Narine as an Honorary Member of the RHTY&SC

Osaka fined for media boycott, could face expulsion from French Open

Naomi Osaka could be thrown out of the French Open.

Chris Morris is set to play in the CPL for the first time after being picked by the Barbados Tridents BCCI/IPL

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados Tridents have further strengthened their squad ahead of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign with the acquisition of South African all-rounder Chris Morris.

The 34-year-old was one of the final pieces of the puzzle for the 2019 champions, and joins experienced Sri Lankan all-rounder Thisara Perera, 22-year-old inexperienced Pakistan batsman Azam Khan, former India Under-19 star Smit Patel and virtually unknown 19-year-old Afghan leg-spinner Shafiqullah Ghafari, as the other overseas players signing this week for the August 28 to September 19 tournament in St Kitts and Nevis.

Shafiqullah was one of the stars of last year’s Under-19 World Cup but like Azam, has precious little experience and none at international level.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have signed Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.

They will line up alongside Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, the other overseas player announced last week.

Morris could prove a critical signing for Tridents, however, especially with the excellent form he showed during the now suspended Indian Premier League (IPL).

The right-arm seamer claimed 14 wickets from seven matches for Rajasthan Royals, an effort that left the franchise fifth in the eight-team table and just outside the playoff places.

All told, Morris, who has not featured for the Proteas in two years, has taken 289 wickets from 230 T20 games.

Tridents have also opted for beleaguered West Indies white-ball fast bowler, Oshane Thomas, who has been ruled out of international duty in recent times due to loss of fitness and form.

The 24-year-old took a single wicket from three matches for Jamaica Tallawahs last year and was not retained by the franchise.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have also boosted their ranks with the inclusion of exciting Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who starred in the three-match T20 series against West Indies last March with eight wickets.

The 23-year-old joins 19-year-old Afghan batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz who already has a One-Day International in three matches, along with the South African pair of Anrich Nortje and Rassie van der Dussen.

With the veteran West Indies pair of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo on their roster this year, along with Sherfane Rutherford who has moved from Guyana Amazon Warriors, the host franchise could present a viable threat.

Meanwhile, St Lucia Zouks have snatched up Australian batsman Matthew Wade while reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders have signed former West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul.

Trinidadian Rampaul, who turns 37 this year, is now poised to make his first appearance in the CPL for four years.

His last T20 game at any competitive level was two years ago.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 31, 2021

‘Scoring big hundreds and taking five-fors’ Haney survives late spurt to Dean Elgar’s South Africa ready for a ‘new chapter’ retain WBC lightweight crown … New Test captain wants team to play “more and better cricket” as they rebuild red-ball game

By Firdose Moonda SCORING hundreds, taking five-fors and becoming more consistent! These are on Dean Elgar’s agenda as South Africa embark on another new era next month.

Elgar will lead the team on a two-Test tour of the West Indies starting June 10, a series that was supposed to happen this time last year, as they aim to rebuild their red-ball game following two summers of indifferent performances.

Since Mark Boucher took over in the tumultuous summer of 2019, the South Africa have played just eight Tests, lost five and slipped to their lowest position on the rankings - No. 7.

They have had three major retirements including former captains Hashim Amla - who continues to churn out runs in the County Championship - and Faf du Plessis and star seamer Vernon Philander.

Elgar has been given the job for the next two years, effectively the next World Test Championship cycle, and knows it will be difficult.

“Now that we are in a new chapter, we need to play more cricket and better cricket,” he said yesterday, ahead of the team’s departure to St Lucia via Paris.

“We are conscious that over the last period we haven’t been very consistent.

Our skill level hasn’t been where it should be. We need to get back to a bit more of a consistent nature of cricket; a bit more of a South African way.”

Dean Elgar has been handed South Africa’s Test captaincy for two years. (BCCI)

Which is what, exactly?

“We’ve always had a batting line-up that has scored heavily. And fast bowlers.

That’s the South African way,” Elgar said. “We need to get back to scoring big hundreds and taking five-fors like it used to be.

“You’d be forgiven for not recognising those things as hallmarks of the ‘South African way’ because for the last two seasons they have hardly done any of that.

Since December 2019 only Afghanistan have recorded fewer Test hundreds (two in two matches) than South Africa (three in eight) and they have played in far fewer Test matches.

“One of the more challenging aspects of the job will be to try and get the trust of the players so that they can trust the process, to believe in the process and to do it quickly and adapt quickly.”

Dean Elgar South Africa’s century scarcity has causes ranging from lack of confidence to tough conditions but ultimately, it has raised questions about whether they have the correct personnel in place to bat big. And they

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Monday May 31, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Malcolm Marshall-76 wickets (17 Tests) (2) Kapil Dev-89 wickets (25 Tests) Today’s Quiz: (1) What are the best Test innings bowling figures by a WI against IND to date?

(2) What are the best Test innings bowling figures by an Indian against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

will be raised again on this tour.

While Elgar and Markram are proven performers, the two Tests against West Indies are an opportunity for new vice-captain Temba Bavuma, with only one Test hundred in five years to his name, to step up, for Rassie van der Dussen to add to his first international century that came in an ODI in April and for Quinton de Kock to show he has recovered from the failed captaincy experiment.

It is also a chance for a new middle-order batter to be blooded following du Plessis’ retirement.

That player is likely to be Keegan Petersen, whom Elgar seems to rate highly. “He has got a few years under his belt, domestically, and has scored a lot of runs,” he said.

“He has got a good energy, good attitude and he brings a different kind of dynamic to our line-up.”

Petersen has been in and around the set-up since he topped the first-class run charts in the 2018-19 summer when he averaged 60.88.

He was mentored by then batting consultant Jacques Kallis in the 2019-20 season and was part of the squad that travelled to Pakistan. He is likely to get the nod ahead of Kyle Verreynne, who was third in last season’s firstclass competition and is one of the other reserve batters in the group.

South Africa are also heading to the Caribbean with the “luxury,” as Elgar put it, of four spinners in preparation for “low and slow,” conditions. Keshav Maharaj will lead the pack with other options including George Linde, Tabraiz Shamsi and Prenelan Sub-

rayen.

Despite the expectation that spin will play a big role, it’s the other bowling discipline that Elgar wants to see improvement in. A six-seamer group will want to make a statement in this series, especially as South Africa have underperformed in this department too.

They’ve managed six five-fors in eight Tests since December 2019, with Maharaj and Linde responsible for two of them. Beuran Hendricks and Anrich Nortje (three times) claimed the other four but Kagiso Rabada, the spearhead of the attack, has not taken a five-for in 17 Tests, since March 2018.

That was when South Africa beat Australia and it’s fair to say, it’s been mostly downhill since. It’s up to Elgar to try and reverse the team’s direction and he will start by working on their mental states. “It’s trying to change players’ mindsets; to try and get that buy-in from every individual and to try and get them to trust your process going forward,” he said.

“One of the more challenging aspects of the job will be to try and get the trust of the players so that they can trust the process, to believe in the process and to do it quickly and adapt quickly.

It’s something I believe in very strongly.”

Elgar’s era begins with the first Test on June 10.

South Africa fly out on Monday and will serve a threeday quarantine on arrival in St Lucia. Provided they return two negative COVID-19 tests, they will be allowed to train from the fourth day but will remain limited to their rooms and will be able to make use of all the hotel’s facilities after seven days.

While West Indies have begun the process of vaccinating their players, the South African players have been vaccinated as part of the Sisonke trial, a scheme running in the country for the one-shot Johnson & Johnson jab which has been made available to health workers and those from various sporting bodies.

(Cricinfo)

DEVIN Haney sounded like a fighter in a deep state of denial about what had happened to him by telling the crowd that he was never hurt during his 12-round contest against Jorge Linares last Saturday night.

Not only was Haney hurt in the fight by the heavy-handed former three-division world champion Linares (47-6, 29 Kos), but he was hurt repeatedly in rounds 10 through 12.

Haney won the battle but lost the war with his stock plummeting from this performance. It will be hard for Haney to come back from this fight because Linares badly exposed him to be a guy with no power and a weak

They clearly didn’t like Haney’s decision to hold repeatedly in rounds 10, 11, and 12. These were Haney’s own fans, who had turned against him due to the way he was waving the white flag of surrender.

They wanted Haney to go out on his shield by fighting courageously until the bitter end rather than seeing him reduced to the level of someone that was running out the clock by stalling the fight in the final three rounds instead of actively fighting.

“This is boxing. You’re going to get hit with big shots,” said Haney when interviewed after his fight with Linares. “It’s about continu-

Devin Haney (left) and Jorge Linares battle during their WBC lightweight title fight at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

chin.

The way Haney fought in the championship rounds, he looked like a fighter in distress, getting hunted down by the old lion Linares, who was clearly the better fighter in the last three rounds.

WBC lightweight champion Haney (26-0, 15 KOs) was hurt several times by big shots from challenger Linares (47-6, 29 KOs), forcing him to hug repeatedly in the last three rounds to keep from getting knocked out at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Linares guided a wobbly Haney to his corner at the end of the 10th round after hurting him with a powerful right hand to the head moments before.

In the 11th and 12th, Haney was no longer fighting and was just diving straight at Linares to hug him. Haney was in pure survival mode at that point, jumping straight at Linares to hold him nonstop to prevent him from finishing the job.

While this was going on, the crowd at the Michelob Ultra Arena were booing Haney loudly for the hugging that he was doing.

ing to box smart. I didn’t get dropped. I didn’t get hurt.

“We saw other fighters get dropped, and the world praised them. I get hit with a big shot, and they act like it was something. It was nothing. This is boxing. You’re going to get hit with big shots. I continued to hit him with big shots all throughout the fight.

“Of course, I beat him easy,” said Haney when asked if he’d made a statement with his win over Linares. ” I want to make the biggest fights happen,” Devin said when asked about a potential unification between him and IBF/WBA/WBC Franchise/ WBO lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. “If Teofimo Lopez is next, let’s do it.

“Of course not,” said Haney when asked if Teofimo upset him this week with some of the comments he made in interviews about him.

“I stayed focused on Jorge Linares. And I knew he was a tough competitor. I focused on my game plan, and I went in there and got the job done.

“If Teofimo wants to get it next, let’s do it for all the belts for the real undisputed,” said Haney. (Boxing News 24)

GUYANA CHRONICLE

Monday, May 31, 2021

23

Great physical display by Blackwood and Hamilton Novices participants—Bess to lead teams in first -Sampson, Khan and Wong win titles ‘Best v Best’ squad match

Michael Sampson was crowned overall bodybuilding champion.

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Keavon Bess, said that he was pleased and pleasantly surprised with the talent on display at Saturday’s Novices Championships, which was held at Lichas Hall in Linden.

At the inaugural bodybuilding event of 2021, Michael Sampson, Yusuf Khan and Aliya Wong emerged respective winners in the bodybuilding, Mr Physique and Ms Bikini categories.

“The entire show from beginning to end was a great display of Guyanese talent in bodybuilding. The athletes did a wonderful job and even the judges were surprised at the package that these athletes were able to deliver on stage in light of the Covid situation that we have,” Bess noted.

Sampson, from Pro Fit Boot Camp,

emerged victorious in the Over-177 pounds division over Dandrew Melville, which catapulted him in the championship clash with the best bodybuilders in the various divisions.

Joel Caldeira, from Interline, was crowned champion of the Junior Division, with Ronaldo Blair placing second and Rohan Jhaman third (the latter

two train at V Fitness).

In the Under 143 pounds division, Alexander Correia (L&L Fitness) won ahead of Mahendra Ramjit, Kadeen Bowen and Jhaman (who finished 2-4 respectively).

Joel Caldeira won his second event when he competed in the U-154 lbs division. He surged ahead of Hector, Blair and Michael Cockfield.

Meanwhile, Donacien Saied Diem was the lone participant in the Under 176 lbs Division.

The top performers then faced off for the title of overall champion. It was Sampson who claimed glory. He finished ahead of the promising Caldeira.

Meanwhile, Khan was able to better 11 other competitors in the Mr Physique competition.

It was a close battle between him and fellow Unity Gym participant, Denroy Ross.

Quamie July finished third, L Jones fourth and Kadeem Bowen fifth.

The female battle was another exciting feature, with three solid participants.

Pro Fit Boot Camp m e m b e r, W o n g , surged ahead of Unity Gym’s Gail Karin and Alejandra Vieira respectively.

Aliya Wong (middle) won the Bikini competition ahead of second-place finisher, Gail Karin (right) and Alejandra Vieira (left) (Photos compliment of Emmerson Campbell)

West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood

Teams led by middle-order batsman Jermaine Blackwood and wicketkeeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton will face off in the first of two ‘Best v Best’ matches set to begin today at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground as the West Indies ramp up preparations for the upcoming series against South Africa.

The squads have been confirmed by the Cricket West Indies Selection Panel, with 14 players named per squad and 11 players batting in each innings. Hamilton is humbled and eager to lead one of the squads, especially considering the importance of this contest to all involved.

“There’s going to be some quality. We have the best guys for red-ball cricket in the Caribbean here, so it is going to be a challenge,” he said.

“Also, this game is to select players for the Test team, so it is going to be a great showdown. I am in the captain’s role, so I just want to put my best foot forward and lead the team to victory.”

Jermaine Blackwood was equally as elated and is adamant that the fans will be treated with a fine contest.

“The fans can expect great cricket over the next four days because we have some very competitive athletes here,” he said.

“We are ready to go play some exciting cricket starting tomorrow. We are a group of hungry players, who are ready to showcase our talent to the selectors and coaches. I am very honoured to be leading one of the teams. Fans can tune into the West Indies YouTube page to watch the game live.”

The match will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel.

The links for each day’s live coverage are as follows: Day 1: https://youtu.be/ZlxHDYMt9No Day 2: https://youtu.be/kvniMRsupus Day 3: https://youtu.be/ozr2t6KAwNo Day 4: https://youtu.be/wpw0LPNg-gM Meanwhile, four players who played in the recent series against Sri Lanka will be unavailable for the “Best v Best” match.

Jason Holder, the ICC’s Number 1 ranked Test all-rounder arrived in St. Lucia on May 28 and after going through the agreed quarantine protocols will begin training on June 1 once he has returned two negative PCR tests.(Sportsmax)

Steve Ninvalle is new Director of Sport …says all hands-on-deck approach needed to transform Sports in Guyana

By Rawle Toney

THE National Sports Commission (NSC), led

by Chairman Kashif Muhammad, met yesterday for the first time, where the six-member Commission unanimously, after consultation with Minister Charles Ramson Jr, named Steve Ninvalle as Christopher Jones’ successor. According to Muhammad, Ninvalle’s distinguished background as a Sports administrator helped to influence the Commission’s decision.

Ninvalle is a National Award-winning administrator, known for transforming amateur boxing in Guyana and the Caribbean.

He’s the president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) and a former Sports Journalist.

Ninvalle is also a former Member of Parliament and

Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport following the announcement, Ninvalle first thanked the Commissioners for believing in his ability, while expressing gratitude to Minister Ramson for accepting the Commission’s recommendations.

Ninvalle said he now looks forward to working with everyone involved in sports, to help move the sector forward.

“Everyone will have a part to play; it’s really an all hands-on-deck approach going forward. I am looking forward to working closely with the Minister (Ramson) because his support it vital,” Ninvalle said.

Neil Kumar was the first to be named as Director of Sport and he served in that capacity from 1993 until the

New Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle

Suzanne Hamilton sweeps female division at National Cycling Championships …Grant-Stuart, Newton and Leung also claim wins

SUZANNE Hamilton made a clean sweep of the female division at the National Cycling Championships after

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) lost power in the 2015 Elections to the APNU+AFC coalition.

However, after Christopher Jones was hired in the position in 2015, following the March 2, 2020 elections, and the announcement of the return of the PPP/C Government on August 2, 2020, many speculated as to who will be Guyana’s third Director of Sport in 28 years.

In 1993, Samuel Hinds, in his capacity as acting President of Guyana at the time, assented to the National Sports Commission Act which was passed in the sitting of the Sixth Parliament on December 3 that year.

According to the National Sports Commission Act, Section 11 (1), “The Commission may, after consultation with the Minister, employ, upon such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, a Director of

Sport, and such other officers and employees as the Commission deems necessary for the proper carrying out of its functions.”

The Act outlines the Director of Sport as being the “Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, and subject to any general or specific directions of the Commission, be responsible to the Commission for ensuring that the functions of the Commission are properly discharged and objectives achieved.”

According to the May 20 Official Gazette, Muhammad will chair the commission, which also includes Guyana Lawn Tennis Association president, Cristy Campbell; Guyana Cricket Board president, Bissoondyal Singh; Guyana Hockey Board president, Phillip Fernandes; chartered accountant, Chetram Ramdihal and Dellon Davidson.

Gavaskar says India shouldn’t be surprised if England prepare green tracks

a victory in a criterium race yesterday in Mahaica.

See page 19

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar

Suzanne Hamilton swept the female division of the 2021 National Championships with consecutive victories.

Walter Grant-Stuart, who finished fourth at the Senior 100-miler last Sunday, is the 2021 Masters Champion.

FORMER Indian captain Sunil Gavask a r re c k o n e d t h a t India shouldn’t be

surprised if England prepares green tracks See page 19

Great physical display by Novices participants—Bess

See page 23

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| MONDAY, May 31, 2021