Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 31-08-2021

TUESDAY 31st August, 2021

No.106470

Driver remanded for stealing 66 COVID-19 vaccination booklets

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Exxon spent $96.4B - on procuring local goods and services over past six years - Guyanese comprise 53 per cent of company’s workforce 03 PAGE

E-Networks opens new store in Anna Regina - plans to connect 4,000 homes by year end

E-Networks Chairman, Rakesh Puri (fifth left), and CEO, Vishok Persaud (fifth right) with members of the E-Networks team at the new Anna Regina store (E-Networks photo)

Four reportedly 14 GRA warns businesses confessed to murder manipulating relief 05 of Corentyne Pandit for freight PAGE

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Women get much-needed 12 help to start up small businesses PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

E-Networks opens new store in Anna Regina

_plans to connect 4,000 homes by year end

E-Networks Chairman, Rakesh Puri interacts with guests

Outside view of E-Networks new Anna Regina store

E-Networks Inc., Guyana’s only locally-owned telecommunications provider, opened its newest store in Anna Regina last Friday, at an informal mixer with Essequibo Coast residents and members of the business community.

According to a release, during the event, E-Networks team members from Georgetown, including Chairman Rakesh Puri and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vishok Persaud, engaged with Essequibians to make the company’s official introduction.

They were also keen on garnering feedback from the guests to ensure that its services were delivered according to the county’s needs. Commenting on the expansion, Puri noted his business philosophy as the Chairman of the Continental Group, Torginol Paints, and E-Networks, includes giving back to the Guyanese public. It was therefore necessary to him that E-Networks focused on improving connectivity in Essequibo.

He indicated that the magnitude of the project coupled with the challenges in its physical cable installation brought significant risks to the project. How-

ever, Puri noted that it was made worthwhile by its successful completion and the overwhelmingly positive feedback the company has received from Essequibians. Persaud stated that the company is proud to have introduced better services to Essequibo, which previously lacked reliable options during the telecoms monopoly.

He believes that the community can now harness the abundant opportunities afforded by the Internet, from education and entertainment to productivity and collaboration tools. Persaud also noted that the traditional retail and agriculture sectors in Essequibo can now access better training, methodologies, and supply chains on the global network, allowing the region to be more competitive and productive.

Since launching its services last month, Persaud also shared that E-Networks had received a record number of online sign-ups before the store’s opening, with plans well on track to connect the first 1,000 homes ahead of projection.

The company’s expansion to Essequibo was another step in its plan to provide better services to more per-

sons. Since the liberalisation of the telecom sector in October 2020, E-Networks has continuously expanded its network to reach more Guyanese in urban and rural areas.

E-Networks also indicated that it will continue to open new coverage areas across Guyana throughout the year. On the Essequibo Coast, services are available from Aurora to Richmond, with local Essequibians employed and trained for sales, customer service, and installation roles.

E-Networks’ Anna Regina store is located in the Builder’s Hardware building at Lot 3 Anna Regina, opposite C.V. Nunes Primary School. It is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 08:00 hrs to 16:00hrs; Saturdays from 08:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs; and closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. The store can process new sign-ups, bill payments, and offer technical support to customers in the area. Internet services are available via fiber optics and 4G/5G fixed wireless, starting as low as $7,900 monthly. To sign-up, please visit: https://www.enetworks.gy or WhatsApp +592-6245153.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

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Exxon spent $96.4B _on procuring local goods and services over past six years _Guyanese comprise 53 per cent of company’s workforce

SINCE 2015, ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners have spent an accumulated sum of $96.4 billion on procuring goods and services from local companies. In a statement issued on Monday, the oil company said that during the first half of 2021 alone, it expended nearly $19 billion on payment to more than 750 Guyanese vendors of goods and services ranging from foodstuff to engineering. “This has generated, either directly or indirectly, an economic impact of $23.1 billion,” the company said.

It explained that outreach to local businesses continued through the ‘Centre for Local Business Development’, with 141 electronic tender notifications being issued to over 3,000 Guyanese companies, as well as the mentoring of seven Guyanese companies in an effort to make them compliant in international standards.

Added to that, ExxonMobil Guyana also highlighted its record local-content growth during the first half of 2021. The company related that as of June 2021, 2,865 Guyanese were supporting the company’s overall activities, representing 53 per cent of its total workforce.

ExxonMobil said that its Guyanese workforce grew by 38 per cent between June 2020 and June

2021. In June 2020, the company had in its employ 2,070 Guyanese, and by June 2021, that figure increased to 2,865. The company indicated, too, that the aforementioned figures included 568 women.

“More than 82,000 hours of training were provided to Guyanese staff working on ExxonMobil Guyana activities, over 85 per cent of which were in Professional, Technical and Craft, and Trade training areas,” the company said in its statement.

It added that despite the pandemic-related challenges, ExxonMobil Guyana and its prime contractors achieved continued growth in capacity building, and opportunities for Guyanese during the first half of 2021. “This was reflected in the HalfYear 2021 Report, which was recently submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources,” ExxonMobil said.

It was only recently that a United Nations (UN) report highlighted that between 2018 and 2020, Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector benefitted from investments totalling US$3.5 billion.

Oil production began in 2020, generating growth of 43.5 per cent in Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while nonoil GDP declined by 6.8 per cent in the wake of the pandemic. The contribu-

ExxonMobil Guyana’s President, Alistair Routledge

tion of the petroleum sector to Guyana’s development is also evidenced by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, which have been averaging US$1.2 billion since 2018, juxtaposed with an average of US$200 million per year, between 2000 and 2017.

ENERGY SECTOR “Most of those investment flows are destined for the energy sector, which absorbed 98 per cent of the FDI entering the country in 2020,” the UN Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report stated. It explained that in addition to the direct investments, Guyana also benefitted from economic injections for the provision of a myriad of support services from local companies.

At the weekend, a Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin published by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said that Guyana’s total export earnings are expected

to shoot up to US$8 billion by 2024, with the petroleum sector being the primary income earner.

The report, titled, ‘The Fragile Path to Recovery’, projected that the country’s petroleum earnings will reach US$5.5 billion by 2024.

It was only recently that Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat informed the 31st Sitting of the National Assembly that Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund (NRF) contained a total of US$436 million,

which remains untouched.

Guyana sold its first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, and another US$46 million as proceeds from the sale of its third million-barrel of crude, and US$49.3 million from its fourth oil lift.

Further, it earned in excess of US$60 million from the sale of its sixth oil lift, and US$79.6 million for its seventh. The country also received US$13.9 million in royalties during the first quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, Alistair Routledge, ExxonMobil Guyana’s President reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working collaboratively with the government to support the development of a framework that manages

local content in a realistic and sustainable way. “We are proud to have been able to deliver these local-content figures which are a reflection of tangible progress. Further growth is expected, and ExxonMobil will continue to work with Guyanese businesses to build local content together,” Routledge said.

With three sanctioned projects in Liza Phase 1, Phase 2 and Payara, and a fourth project, Yellowtail up for approval, Routledge added that timely approvals and processes are vital to local-content development.

“It is important to identify and invest in successive projects that allow for the expansion of efficient operations to provide sustainable employment opportunities, local business growth, and broader economic development across Guyana,” he surmised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Court ruling on PSC case set for September 16 _Attorney-General makes compelling arguments to strike out President as a respondent

By Clestine Juan COME September 16, High Court Judge Gino Persaud is expected to give his ruling on the interlocutory application filed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, to challenge the listing of President Irfaan Ali as a respondent in a case filed by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

On Monday, the Judge heard arguments from the Attorney-General and the PSC attorney’s Selwyn Pieters, who were at odds over the presidential immunity.

In his arguments, Nandlall said that according to Section 10 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, except in exceptional instances, “proceedings for the enforcement of any claim by or against the State shall be brought by or against the Attorney-General and may be instituted … in all cases, in the High Court in accordance with the High Court Act”.

In his submissions, the Attorney-General also relied on Article 89 of the Constitution which explicitly states the President is the “Head of State, the supreme executive authority, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces”, therefore any action brought against the Head of State in that capacity should only name the Attorney-General.

Additionally, Article 182 of the Constitution notes that the President shall not be personally answerable to any court for the performance of the functions of his office or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no proceedings, whether criminal or civil, shall be instituted against him in his personal capacity in respect thereof either during his term of office or thereafter.

According to the Attorney-General, he had challenged the decisions of the then sitting President, David Granger in a number of cases which involved the

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

revocation of rice farmers leases, the Red House lease and the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.

NO OCCASION “But on no occasion did I name President Granger; I named the Attorney-General, who is the proper respondent,” Nandlall said in his arguments as he asked the court to remove the President from the substantive proceedings.

To prove his interpretation of the law, he cited among other cases, a Guyanese case-- Baird v Public Service Commission (2001) 63 WIR 134—in which former Chief Justice, Ian Chang, held that at page 164- “The immunities which attach personally to the President under article 182 of the Constitution are for the limited purpose

of ensuring effective performance of the functions of his high office, and not for the purpose of granting immunity to the State for any wrongdoing. The State would still be liable for the President’s wrongdoing, even though the President himself would be immune from the curial processes.

It is the President who is immune from the curial process, not his acts.”

However, Pieters is contending that the President is a proper named party since he acted outside of the law when he suspended the PSC. In his oral arguments, Pieters acknowledged that the naming of a President as a respondent is “unusual”.

However, he submitted that the unprecedented nature of the case and the course of action by the President is unconstitutional, undemo-

Justice Gino Persaud cratic and contradicts the independence of the PSC. “While the AttorneyGeneral is the legal representative of the Government of Guyana and is a necessary and appropriate party to these proceedings, the said role of the Attorney-General does not preclude the naming of his Excellency,” Pieters said.

The Attorney-General in reply to Pieters’ submission, said that the learned attorney did not cite case laws to support the interpretation of the laws that he used to support his case. According to Nandlall, Pieter’s contentions go against previous court ruling involving the Presidential immunity.

“My friend (Pieters) is inviting you to go where no other judge has travelled and to stand in complete solitude while all the other

Attorney-at-law, Selwyn Pieters judges had interpreted this uniformly and without controversy to say what I’m asking you to find,” Nandlall told the judge.

Following the oral arguments, Justice Persaud fixed September 16, 2021, for his decision on Nandlall’s application.

In June, Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George S.C., struck out the legal challenge brought by five senior police officers against the PSC over the 2020 year-end police promotions. Following the CJ’s ruling, the Government of Guyana through the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs issued a statement rejecting the PSC’s promotion list as unlawful and illegal.

IGNORED It noted that in the circumstances, this purported

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

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GRA warns businesses manipulating relief for freight SOME import companies operating within Guyana have been manipulating the tax relief measures put in place to reduce and revert freight charges to its pre-pandemic levels.

This is according to a notice published by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which outlined some areas of manipulation that have been “discerned so far”.

These, according to the notice, include the misrepresentation of invoice dates to reflect dates after August 1, 2021, even though goods were shipped prior to that date. The entity in its operations also found that local businesses have been

manipulating invoices that reflect only the ‘freight on board’ or FOB charges, and not the prices of ‘cost insurance and freight’ – CIF. Added to that, the revenue authority found that persons were producing invoices that reflected lower prices of commodities and higher freight charges.

As a result of the findings, the GRA notice encouraged importers “to be compliant and supply the correct invoices to the agency. “Importers are further implored to pass such savings on to the consuming public,” the notice stated.

It also reminded importers of the

legal consequences that their non-compliance would attract, and warned that those guilty of tax evasion would be subject to penalties in accordance with the relevant legislation.

REPERCUSSION “The GRA again advises that those found non-compliant will be subjected to additional taxes, fines, penalties and imprisonment upon conviction,” the notice read.

It was earlier in the month that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, ordered that freight charges be adjusted to pre-pandemic levels, that is, rates charged before March 2020, effective August 1, 2021.

The Guyana Revenue Authority has detected, among other things, the manipulation of invoices

This, he said, was in direct response to increasing commodity prices fuelled

by the pandemic-induced astronomical shipping costs.

The ultimate result

of this adjustment to customs duties, excise taxes and input value (Turn to page 13)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

On the path to prosperity

GUYANA is well positioned on the road to economic prosperity. Never before in our history were the prospects for a better life so apparent.

The dream of a rich and prosperous Guyana has haunted the imagination of early explorers centuries ago, with the country once considered to be the famous El Dorado or City of Gold. The story was told of a “golden” king who anointed himself daily with gold dust, and who ruled in a city where the streets were paved with gold.

Many explorers were captivated by that desire to exploit the riches of Guyana, but with limited success.

This, it would seem, is our time. We may not be blessed with an abundance of gold, as once resided in the imagination of our early explorers, but we

are fortunate to be well endowed with other riches. We have an abundance of fertile agricultural land, an unlimited supply of fresh water, large pristine forests, and yes, rich minerals, including gold, bauxite and manganese among others. And by no means least, a committed and resourceful population.

And now we have oil.

For several decades, we cherished the hope of finding oil, only to have our hopes dashed. Thankfully, we have found oil in substantially large commercial quantities.

And the oil is considered to be of premium quality, which is a further advantage from a marketing perspective.

A recent IDB report titled, ‘The Fragile Path to Recovery’, projected Guyana’s exports in all areas to increase exponentially to as much as US $8 Billion by 2024. This is no mean sum, especially when seen

against current levels of export earnings, which stand at US$998.8 million in 2020.

According to the report, Foreign Direct Inflows (FDI) increased sharply over the past few years, a clear indication of the government’s forward-looking investment policies.

The oil revenues, as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Bulletin pointed out, will be the main driver of Guyana’s economic development in the coming years.

Oil revenues, significant as it is, will, however, be supplemental to our revenue stream, even though our dependence on traditional income flows will be minimised. Apart from oil and gas, the services sector will also be a significant contributor to our GDP, which cumulatively will give the economy a big lift.

The economic prospects, as mentioned above, are good. We must not, however,

take our developmental prospects for granted. We have to have a hunger for development and progress, which means that, as citizens, we have to not only embrace development but become an agent for change.

Unfortunately, there are some in our society who take on the role as forebearers of doom rather than as agents of change and development.

Despite the promise of a better future staring them in the eyes, they continue, as it were, to see the glass as half empty rather than half full.

Such pessimism is unhelpful and counterproductive, and certainly not in our best national interest.

We have to be thankful for our newly-found bounty.

We must give credit where it is due, especially to our entrepreneurs in the oil and gas sub-sector to bring us to this point where our economic fortunes are much more secure than before.

We must also give credit to our policymakers for providing the facilitating environment for investor confidence, which is an essential prerequisite for investment in the country. In this regard, we have to thank our President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Vice-president Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; and Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharat, along with our other developmental partners for creating the policy framework within which our development is unfolding.

This does not in any way mean that we should be less than vigilant in ensuring that we optimise the full benefits of our natural resources. In this regard, there is always room for constructive ideas and criticism. However, there are criticisms that are at times technically unsound, and motivated by a desire to score cheap political points.

As President Ali noted, there will be full transparen-

cy in the management of the oil sector, and the use of our petroleum income.

So far, all of our income from oil is safely deposited in a National Resource Fund (NRF). According to the President, the NRF is critical to the safeguarding of our resources for future generations, even as the country has immediate developmental needs. Any dipping into such funds, however, will be subjected to parliamentary approval.

To facilitate such an eventuality, the government is in the process of crafting a new legislative framework to govern the use of such resources.

We have, as a country, turned the corner. Our best days are ahead of us. But we have to be careful that we do not do or say things that could undermine our economic prospects. We have to put country ahead of narrow partisan interests.

President, gov’t and ‘Agri’ Ministry hailed for flood-relief grants Dear Editor,

THE President, government, and ministers have been hailed for their handling of flood and relief efforts, in particular doling out grants to affected farmers, homeowners, and victims at large over the last week. The public applauds the President and government for the immediate recovery and relief effort.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in particular, is praised for its encouragement, support, and restoration of re-planting crops and re-stocking of animals.

The ministry has been working round-the-clock since the ravaging flood began in late May to provide relief materials to victims. As respondents to my survey note, there was/is no politics, party affiliation, partisanship behind the relief efforts. People of all ethnicities: Africans, Indians, Amerindians, and Mixed were observed in the lines for relief grants at several

distribution centres.

The recent May-June flood left (and still leaves) much of the country helpless, impacting infrastructure, property, agriculture, livestock, and human lives.

The government and the public at large have reached out to victims with urgency. Also, many people and some businesses responded generously (small businesses and middle-class were far more generous than larger businesses and the upper-class) helping victims. The President, government, some ministries (in particular Agriculture, Social Security, Local Government, Infrastructure, Housing, Information) were very quick with response with food hampers, relief materials, temporary shelter, and medical or health trauma-related aid and information. Community volunteers and NGOs were at the forefront in helping people and delivering relief materials.

People have come forward

wholeheartedly to help the people affected by the ravaging flood. Volunteers gave countless hours of service to help those in distress. Transportation was difficult to reach victims to rescue them. Volunteers had to make their way to flooded areas with all kinds of boats and vehicles in very difficult circumstances, packing materials spanning over weeks, wading through deep waters to reach victims, especially in interior areas cut off by flood waters. The contributions of volunteers must be recognised and rewarded if not with cash grants, certainly with a certificate (award) of appreciation.

Donors must also be recognised for their generosity as well as all those from the ministry and the tractor pump owners who played a meaningful role in draining flood waters. Some staff from the ministry, not to mention the minister himself, the Director-General, the Chair of NDIA, etc., worked long

hours daily, late in the evening, behind the scenes to mitigate flood effects. The minister, the DG, Chair were praised for their hard work and for being on the ground night and day since the flooding began to offer relief to distressed farmers, initiating steps to re-start planting and livestock rearing.

The public would probably never know of the heroic role of several of them.

I visited vast areas affected by floods, observing and hearing first hand of the financial losses and challenges victims faced. In a survey I conducted in July, victims requested and pleaded for relief grants. The public overwhelmingly supported such relief in my NACTA survey. As government rolled out flood relief grants in Berbice with four Ministers, Zulfi Mustapha, Nigel Dharamlall, Ashni Singh, and Anil Nandlall leading the effort about a week ago, I got a first-hand experi-

ence of the public response and reaction to the grants received at several centres, interviewing many recipients. The grant was meant to help farmers and other victims to start over and they express their appreciation for the assistance although some expressed frustration.

There was mixed feeling over receipt of flood relief grants as opposed to the “We Care” educational grants which was unanimously approved.

Overall, victims are grateful for the flood relief grant, and the public, in the latest August survey, remains very supportive of giving financial relief to victims. They pointed out that the previous government did not give out relief to victims of flood. Some who felt deserving were disappointed with the amount or not seeing their names on list of beneficiaries.

Some were very pleased with the amount. And some felt that neighbours or friends or rela-

tives were not as deserving as them for flood relief. Some point to fraud with people receiving money for not suffering (significant) losses. I heard ministers say that it was an initial list and phase of relief for victims and that other lists with grant checks would be forthcoming. Overall, the victims of flood losses feel that the financial grant provided by the government was timely and will help them “get back to their feet” to “re-plant and or re-stock animals”.

The view of one respondent captures the mood of relief respondents: “Under the previous government, we got no assistance when we were flooded out and lost animals and cash crops.”

The grant has helped to boost the approval numbers of the President and various ministers.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

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Guyana and Suriname are good neighbours with excellent relationships Dear Editor, THE just-concluded State visit by the powerful delegation from Suriname to Guyana was indeed a huge success. The meetings were well planned, and carefully executed. The amicable relationship between the two First Families is certainly highly appreciated, as it strengthens the countries’ economic and political bonds.

The Guyana-Suriname Business Council will certainly strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two countries. As newcomers in the oil-and-gas sector, the two countries will be looking to allow each other’s private sectors to push sustainable development in a more meaning-

ful way to further strengthen bilateral ties. Expectations are sky high, as Vice- President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to lead another high-powered team from Guyana to Suriname, where there will be thorough discussions on the handling of any potential oil spill. Since Guyana and Suriname share the powerful rainforest in this part of the world, the meeting in Suriname will discuss the two countries’ preparation for the important International Climate Change Conference to be held later this year.

It is indeed heartening to know that the Guyana/ Suriname Strategic Dialogue Cooperation Platform (SDCP), which was set up between the two countries in November 2020,

is functioning even better than expected. As a result of the policy papers provided by the SDCP, the two countries are presently benefitting from better coordination initiatives in Foreign Policy and Political Dialogue, Environment, Security, Health, Infrastructure and Transportation, Agriculture, Investment, Trade and Enhancement of the Private Sector. The thorough discussions on the many issues that took place between the technical teams from the two countries, and particularly the positive approach by the two leaders, His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and His Excellency, President Chandrikapersad Santokhie is a clear manifestation that our two countries, and

It is time that the anti-vaxxers behave responsibly Dear Editor, IT is nothing short of remarkable that Guyana has accessed more vaccines, including the Pfizer-BioNTech that has now opened the door to our being able to vaccinate children from ages 12 to 18, than all other Caribbean countries.

In fact, it is nothing short of exceptional that our government has made it possible for our country to get ahead of the curve and take us to herd immunity.

It is also nothing short of shameful that yet large numbers, almost 30 per cent of our people, are refusing to be vaccinated, and are organising against mandated requirements for vaccination.

A shutdown of Region 10 is advertised against mandated vaccination.

It is appalling that the Guyana Public Service Union plans to challenge the legality of the lockout of healthcare workers who are not vaccinated.

We have arrived at the point of 600 Guyanese dead from this pandemic, but not a single one who has died was fully vaccinated. No one who has been fully vaccinated has died in our country from this dreaded yet conquerable disease.

Are we blind to the lesson to be learnt from the most prominent ‘anti’ master, Caleb Wallace, in the US and leader of “Defenders against Mandates” has just died from COVID-19.

PNCR Parliamentar-

ian, Mervyn Williams is currently hospitalised in a critical state in hospital, and others like him, from this pandemic, having refused to be vaccinated.

Those of our people who continue to refuse to be vaccinated must face the fact that they threaten the vaccinated when employed alongside of them; that they threaten the lives of those they sit next to in restaurants, in public transportation and places of entertainment.

In Canada, the unvaccinated cannot use any form of public transportation.

It is time that the anti-vaccinated come to their senses or be made to do so.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

particularly our people, will benefit significantly.

Their Excellencies expressed satisfaction at the signing of that historic Air Services Agreement on December 7, 2020 between our two countries.

However, all Guyanese and Surinamese, along with the wider population in this hemisphere, are looking forward to the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge. This bridge will further open up our two countries with a better flow through the entire Caribbean and South America.

The tourism sector will certainly blossom, as our precious ‘Lung of the Planet’, the Rainforest, becomes more easily accessible to ecotourism. Our Caribbean sunshine, hospitality and that much-sought-after breath of fresh air will certainly create an influx of ecotourists into our Guyanese Slice of Paradise.

As for sports, it is most heartening to hear that we will have the restart of the Inter- Guiana Games (IGG).

Our youths and students are looking forward to participating in, and competing

at, the IGG. These games exposed our youths to international competition at a very young age, and foster better relations between our nations. Significantly, only students who are in school are allowed to participate in these games. Hence, both countries recognised that education is a must and our students’ priority must be education. Our two nations are surely going to benefit from the two governments’ excellent relationships.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

FAO calls for renewed digital push _ in Small Island Developing States battered by COVID-19

THE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, has called on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to foster the power of innovation and digitalisation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No poverty), SDG 2 (No hunger) and SDG 10 (Reduced inequalities).

Qu spoke at the opening of the two-day virtual SIDS Solutions Forum (30-31 August), co-hosted

by FAO and the Government of Fiji. Heads of State and Government from nine Pacific Island countries attended or were represented at the high-level event, as well as government ministers holding key portfolios related to agriculture, food, nutrition, environment, health, and information and communications technology. African and Caribbean nations were also represented.

FAO is committed to building a world free from hunger and malnutrition, “where no one is left behind regardless of land size, population and geographic location,” Qu said in an address to the opening session. The meeting was an “example of how innovation and digitalisation bring opportunities in the face of challenges.”

“Advances in digital innovation have seen the vast oceans that separate us give way to vast possibilities. Alone, we are small islands. Together, we are one connected continent bound by a spirit of innovative resilience,” said Josaia V. Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji. “Our 39 states, from the South Pacific, to the Caribbean, to the Indian Ocean, are home to incredible minds, cutting edge innovation and deep traditional knowledge.”

The President of the UN General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, Minister for Foreign Affairs of

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, urged SIDS to foster innovation and digitalisation

Maldives, delivered the Forum’s keynote speech, noting it was the first of its kind and was taking place during challenging times.

“The SIDS Solutions Forum is unique. In the midst of a global pandemic, the virtual nature of the conference benefits SIDS across the globe that have been badly affected by geo-

graphical isolation, travel restrictions and border lockdowns,” said Shahid. “The innovations, solutions and ideas to be shared at this forum should help SIDS to leapfrog through expanded digitalisation and innovations to accelerate the achievement of the agriculture, food and nutrition related SDGs.” SPECIAL CASE Dotted across the globe, small in size and population, more than three-dozen Small Island Developing States have been badly affected by COVID-19 on a number of fronts - health-wise, nutritionally and economically. SIDS in the Pacific have been hit especially hard because of their reliance on tourism, with the closure of borders resulting in the loss of crucial revenue.

Even before COVID-19 battered their economies, Pacific SIDS were already dealing with other challenges such as frequent natural disasters, the effects of climate change, limited arable land, dependence on small-scale agriculture, high-priced imports, and a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. All of these issues have hampered their progress toward achieving the 2030 SDG targets.

The SIDS Solutions Forum has created

a space for government leaders, development partners, farmers, fishers, community development practitioners and leaders, entrepreneurs, women and youth to discuss, share, promote and encourage homegrown and imported solutions to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and several of those that pre-existed the pandemic. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the achievement of agriculture, food and nutritionrelated SDGs. The two-day virtual summit, which took place ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September in New York, was organised in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It was also attended by representatives from the private sector, civil society, UN organisations, international and regional development agencies, inter-governmental entities and others, making this a truly global event.

The objective of the SIDS Solutions Forum was to examine workable and replicable solutions that will lead to better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for the people of SIDS everywhere.

D I G I TA L I S AT I O N AND INNOVATION Digital technologies are transforming agrifood systems. While this is an important development everywhere, it

is of great importance to remote areas such as SIDS. The expansion of mobile technologies, remote-sensing services and distributed computing are already improving smallholders’ access to information, inputs and markets, increasing production and productivity, streamlining supply chains, reducing operational costs, and consequently enabling farmers to gain more economically.

Robotics and artificial intelligence are examples of how digital innovation supports farmers in the management of herds and crops. While presently SIDS may find themselves distant from these advanced technologies, they may well be interested in learning about such trends. Digital innovation holds the potential to unlock employment opportunities, bridge the rural divide and empower youth and women to access information, technology and markets. Sharing these rapidly evolving digital innovations will also accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs in SIDS. To this effect, the FAO Director-General launched the SIDS Solutions Platform during the opening session of the Forum. The platform will allow SIDS to share the many solutions and innovations that are either homegrown or generated from similar situations elsewhere and that have the potential to be scaled up.

Such a tool should help SIDS “enhance the benefits of digital agriculture and leapfrog by learning from their peers, while addressing potential concerns,” Qu said. “We need science, technology and innovation for the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.” (FAO)

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‘Government will stand by you through thick and thin’ – Minister Todd tells Lindeners

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will stand by the people of Guyana through “thick and thin”.

The minister made the remark on Monday, during the rollout of government’s floodrelief grants for farmers at the Mackenzie High School, Linden.

The Foreign Affairs Minister handed over cheques to several farmers before he met with residents.

“Government will stand by you through thick and thin. We want you to succeed. We want you to be able to take care of your families. We want you to grow, expand.

We want you to be a part of the prosperity

here in Guyana.”

The minister also addressed the negative impact the nationwide flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic have had on the livelihoods of farmers.

He said many Guyanese do not have months of financial reserves to sustain them in times of disaster, as such, the government has stepped in.

Minister Todd reminded residents of the caring, pro-people and pro-poor PPP/C Government. He recalled the numerous measures the Administration has rolled out, including the ‘Because We Care’ and COVID-19 cash grants, demonstrating its commitment to the wellbeing of every citizen.

“We believe in development from the bottom up and top down.

We’re not in govern-

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, hands a beneficiary her flood-relief cheque (DPI photo)

ment to take care of the business class only, but to take care of each and every individual throughout the length and breadth of this country.”

He said the government wants Lindeners to understand their role in the development drive being rolled out. Minister Todd said much focus has been

placed on agriculture, a sizeable sector in Linden, so much that it has taken back leadership in agriculture at the level of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Minister added that the government’s vision for agriculture, when fulfilled, will see Guyana providing for itself and the region at large. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

WWF launches campaign website for freshwater protection in Guyana WWF-Guianas, on Monday, launched its Sweet Water campaign for freshwater protection in Guyana. The campaign website, sweetwater.gy, explains the urgent need for freshwater protection.

According to a release, it also offers persons the opportunity to support the campaign by making a virtual pledge in support of using smart approaches to infrastructural, economic or agricultural development, while protecting nature.

“The campaign is supported by our partner organisations in Guyana: South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and Policy Forum Guyana. The

The campaign website, sweetwater.gy, explains the urgent need for freshwater protection (WWF-Guianas photo)

availability, quality and flow of freshwater are becoming increasingly unpredictable as it is threatened by climate change and poorly planned developmental activities. The Sweetwater campaign is

aimed at the protection of freshwater in Guyana and Suriname under the theme ‘Together for Clean Rivers’,” the release said.

The main component of the campaign focuses on bringing

awareness to the importance of taking a building with nature approach and developing nature-based solutions to infrastructural development around our critical freshwater ecosystems, particularly in the Rupununi region.

Notably, it also highlights the long-term benefits to humans and our environment if we embrace nature-based solutions to development.

“The intention is to use the knowledge that we gather to help inform how and where development progresses, with the interest to avoid sensitive areas and areas where it does not make sense to invest money in if every

wet season it is expected to flood” said Aiesha Williams, WWF-Guianas Country Manager, Guyana.

The SRDC’s component of the campaign focuses on the four important rivers ecosystems in the South Rupununi by advocating for the protection of the headwaters of the South Rupununi at the national level and to raise awareness of the importance of headwaters at the local and national level. The work of Policy Forum within the campaign concentrates on combatting river pollution and aims to increase awareness to develop a realistic sense of the scope of the task of rehabilitating pol-

luted rivers.

In the final stages of the awareness campaign, in December, WWF will engage government and other key stakeholders in highlevel discussions with the aim of securing a commitment to developing new policies and regulations towards the protection and maintenance of sensitive areas where water flows.

“This will present us the opportunity to have government and other players reassess current approaches to industrial and agricultural activities, roads construction in remote areas, and housing development along rivers and in flood plains,” WWF-Guianas said.

Contractor, businesswoman robbed in Linden A lone bandit r o b b e d a 5 4 - y e a rold contractor and a 55-year-old businesswoman of their jewellery and cash at gunpoint on Sunday in Linden.

Police said the contractor was robbed of two gold rings valued at $225,000, one gold cricketer band valued at $250,000 and his wallet containing $15,000 in local cur-

rency and a number of documents.

The businesswoman was robbed of her gold earrings valued at $35,000 at her Central Ameila’s Ward Linden house while the contractor and others were consuming alcohol.

Police said the lone

gunman entered at about 23:59hrs on Sunday and discharged two shots in the air and ordered the victims to lie on the ground.

Police said no one was injured during the robbery.

Investigations are ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Driver remanded for stealing 66 COVID-19 vaccination booklets

A driver attached to the Ministry of Health was, on Monday, remanded to prison for allegedly breaking into a vaccination centre in Georgetown and stealing 66 COVID-19 vaccination booklets.

Mark Samuels, 31, of South Ruimveldt appeared before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Samuels, between August 22 and August 23, at Brickdam, Georgetown, broke and entered the vaccination centre of the Ministry of Health and stole 66 COVID-19 vaccination books valued $1,014.

He was represented by attorney Dexter Smartt, who made an application for reasonable bail.

Police Prosecutor, Annalisa Brummell, objected to Samuels being released on bail, citing the serious nature of the offence and told the court that there is a CCTV video showing the defendant entering

the premises.

The magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecutor’s objection and remanded Samuels to prison until September 27.

Samuels is no stranger to the court. In 2018, he was charged for stealing over $1M in diesel from GuyOil and reselling it to a businesswoman.

Bandits rob pastry van, kill driver in Onderneeming sandpit S H AW N A l b e r t , called “Dexter” or “Rastaman” was shot and killed Sunday night during a robbery at Onderneeming sandpit, Essequibo Coast.

The 39-year-old man, a father of one, was a resident of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Police said investigations revealed that “Albert, and one Decklon Lees, are employed with Lins Bakery located at 247 South Road, Georgetown as a driver and salesman respectively.”

On Sunday, about 18:45 hrs, both Albert and Lees went to Pam John shop at Church Street, Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, to sell pastries at which time Albert was driving motor bus GWW 1783.

When they were finished, two masked men approached and one pointed a hand gun at Lees and told him to hand over what he had

Dead: Shawn Albert called “Dexter”

while the other suspect went to Albert who was still in the bus.

A scuffle ensued with Lees and the suspect who had the gun.

He discharged about three rounds in Lees’ direction, causing him to take cover while telling Albert to drive.

Albert drove and crashed into a nearby fence and the bus came to a halt while the two suspects made good their escape. Lees then checked and discovered about $60,000 to

$70,000, which was in the bus, missing.

Albert was then taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His body was examined but no wound was seen.

The body is at the Suddie Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy as investigations continue.

Residents related that Albert was warned in the past to avoid selling in the sandpit area at late hours since a number of criminal elements frequent there.

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BV man killed during fight ALWYN Eastman, 27, of Quamina Road, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara was killed during a fight with a known acquaintance on Sunday.

Reports indicate that Eastman was stabbed to the upper left chest and right side abdomen.

Police said that the 29-year-old suspect, identified as Llamont Beveney of Beterverwagting, remains on the run. Eastman and the suspect got into a fight as a result of an old grievance.

Dead: Alwyn Eastman

On Sunday, at about 18:30hrs, Eastman was walking along the Be-

terverwagting access road with his cousin, Josh Alves, when the suspect approached them.

Police said Eastman and the suspect got into an argument and subsequently started to fight.

During the fight, the suspect fell inside a trench; he then got up, went behind Eastman and stabbed him.

Eastman was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Women get much-needed help to start up small businesses

Senior Training Officer at GWLI, Sanjay Pooran

BEING out of a job for 18 months, Charlene Grimmond lost hope, especially as she was busying herself trying to make ends meet in the raging Coronavirus pandemic last year. But it was an advertisement by the Ministry of Human

Charlene Grimmond

Services and Social Security that had a life-changing effect.

Grimmond, a wife and mother of two who also cares for foster children, reflected on the experience recently during the launch of the country’s first ever business incubator

for women at the G u y a n a Wo m e n Leadership Institute, Cove and John, East Coast Demerara.

In moving remarks, Grimmond spoke about the reason she was welcoming the new initiative, calling attention to the remarkable

Aneesa Khanoo

vision demonstrated by subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who started the cottage industry and allowed her to realise her dream of becoming her own boss.

Even as Grimmond was a procurement officer for many years, she always harboured the desire to start up her own business; especially, embracing the sewing skill that she had. So when Minister Persaud called for persons to sew masks to supply various agencies, Grimmond took advantage of the much-needed opportunity.

Thus came ‘Natasha’s Concepts’, her small business that started right in her living room. “I filled out an application, received a call from the ministry and submitted as many masks as I could.” It was as simple as that.

Grimmond later benefitted from training by the ministry and said the information shared by Senior Training Officer, Sanjay Pooran, and

Vanessa Mayers

others significantly impacted her.

Aneesa Khanoo, who was also a part of the cottage industry in August 2020, shared her story as well. The training and other practical assistance that were provided allowed her to start up her own printery business.

Khanoo, too, spoke well about the training she received and noted how it helped her to get her business registered and fully compliant.

Today, she couldn’t be happier at being a small business supplier to government.

T h e Wo m e n ’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), another brainchild of Minister Persaud that was launched recently, has also been helping hundreds of women; training them in various skills and providing them with certified courses that are accredited.

Vanessa Mayers is a WIIN student who also shared

her experience at the event, sharing that she wished her course in care for the elderly had lasted longer. “My experience was wonderful and I enjoyed every moment,” she said.

She reflected on how she was able to network with other women and how she truly benefitted from the experience and knowledge in elderly care. She said the training was well organised and that she was very grateful for the opportunity.

Like Mayers, more than 500 women and girls have already been training under the WIIN p rog ramme, an d more than 4,000 will receive their training before the end of this year. Once the training is completed, the ministry wants the entrepreneurs to make use of the incubator facility to ‘start up’ businesses with the skills they would’ve acquired through WIIN.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

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Mobile health teams to aid COVID-19 adolescent vaccination drive

THE Ministry of Health will begin using mobile teams to continue the countrywide COVID-19 vaccination of children 12 to 17 years.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said, on Monday, that the teams will complement the already over 100 fixed COVID vaccination sites across the country.

He said his ministry has collaborated with the Education Ministry to work out a schedule to have the vaccines administered at various schools. “… and hopefully we’ll get the entire school population coming out so that we can vaccinate that school and move on,” he said during the daily COVID-19 Update.

Dr. Anthony reminded that the vaccine is available to children 12 to 17, noting that it is the first

A ‘teen’ receiving her vaccine (DPI photo)

of two shots they must take to be fully immunised.

“The Pfizer vaccines that we are using for school children would require the children to come back after twentyone days, so that they can get a second shot, and once they get that second shot, they’ll be fully immunised.”

The minister said the

government hopes to get the co-operation of all parents for all eligible children to take the vaccine.

He said if the trend of high turnout continues, soon all adolescents would be vaccinated. He noted that it would also allow for schools to reopen for face-to-face learning in a safe environment.

Based on calculations so far, some 2,000 adolescents received their vaccine on Sunday. However, the number is not yet finalised as the ministry is still tallying the numbers.

On Sunday, some parents took the opportunity of getting their vaccination as well.

(DPI)

Court to rule on September 16...

(From page 4) list of promotions of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be ignored since the PSC was suspended. “The said decision of the President can only be rescinded, revoked, set aside or reversed by the President himself, or by a court of competent jurisdiction. No person, let alone a constitutional commission, will be allowed to become judge, jury and executioner in our constitutional democracy. The Rule of Law simply does not permit it,” the AttorneyGeneral had said in a statement, adding that: “The attempt of the Police Service Commission, therefore, to countermand, disobey and disregard the President’s decision, not only amounts to an effrontery to the highest Executive office in this

land, but is simply absurd.

If anyone had any doubts about the independence and rectitude of this grouping who constitute the Police Service Commission, those doubts should now be put to rest.”

The PSC’s application was filed in July, after President Ali, based on advice from Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, suspended the PSC Chairman and its members, pending the findings of a tribunal that was to be established.

The PSC, with the aid of its attorneys, Pieters, Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, filed a constitutional action which is praying that the court grants a declaration that the purported June 16 suspension of its Chairman,

Paul Slowe and commissioners, Michael Somersall, Claire Alexis Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Clinton Conway, from performing the functions of their respective offices in the Commission, were in violation of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Articles 225(6) and 210(3), and therefore of no force or effect.

The applicant is also seeking another declaration from the court that the commission remains competent and responsible to fulfil its constitutional mandate including appointments to any offices in the Police Force of or above the rank of inspector in accordance with Article 212(1) of the Constitution.

Additionally, the applicant is seeking a further declaration from the court

that the Prime Minister’s recommendations to the President for the removal of the PSC Chairman and its members from their respective offices at the commission were in violation of, and ultra vires, the Constitution, and in particular Article 225(2), being made on grounds other than inability to discharge the functions of office or misbehaviour.

Meanwhile, the Attorney-General in his application, is asking the court for a declaration that the joinder of President Ali to the proceedings is contrary to and in contravention of Article 182 (1) of the Constitution and Section 10 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act, therefore, listing the President is unlawful, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.

‘Unscrupulous’...

(From page 5) added tax (VAT) on goods imported, would be the return of $4.8 billion to the pockets of consumers and the business community over the next six months.

Duties, excise tax and input VAT are calculated utilising the cost, insurance and freight of imports, thereby allowing for the increased cost of freight to be passed on to the consumer by the importer. “…we have recognised the marked increase in shipping costs from some countries which has moved from an average of US$2,500 to as much as US$15,000 per 20-foot container and from US$3,500 to over US$20,000 for a 40-foot container,” President Ali said in a statement released by Office of the President.

It is evident that rising commodity and service prices are not unique to Guyana, as countries the world over have been contending with the COVID19-induced situation since early 2020.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in a report issued in December last year, said that the pandemic, along with the associated lockdowns, mobility restrictions and physical-distancing rules, have not only led to a significant increase in unemployment and considerable income losses for many people, but have also altered the spending patterns of consumers and the level of price inflation [the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time] that they face.

DEMAND AND SUPPLY AFFECTED In particular, the lockdown measures have affected the supply of, and demand for, certain products and, hence, their prices. In August 2020, according to the ILO, the prices of all goods and services were on average 2.7 per cent higher than in August 2019.

It has been proven that increases in food prices could have a dire impact on living standards of lowerincome households, which generally spend most of their incomes on food. Even a small increase can confront the members of such households with difficult decisions, the ILO cautioned.

While Guyana is revered as a food-secure nation, the cost of various imported commodities which are oftentimes a necessity, have affected consumers and, by extension, households.

Consequently, having carefully assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and prices passed on to the consumer due to increased shipping/importation costs, President Ali ordered that the necessary adjustments to freight costs be made.

Essentially, those adjustments will be made through amendments to the relevant aspects of the Customs and Value Added Tax Acts. “This measure will allow for a saving of $4.8 billion to the consumer and business community over the six-month period, thereby reducing revenue collections by the similar amount of $4.8 billion,” Dr. Ali had said.

Wary that the benefits are often not transferred to the average citizen, the President affirmed that government agencies will be tasked with ensuring that such savings are passed on to the consumer and not pocketed by “unscrupulous importers.”

This concession granted by the government became effective on all invoices dated August 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. The announcement of this impending adjustment followed a report that other tax relief measures to support individuals and corporations amid the COVID-19 pandemic were extended to December 31, 2021.

When the measures were announced, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) issued a statement which warned importers against behaving in a manner that would be not only unscrupulous, but also unpatriotic, as they would be profiteering off of a measure designed to ease the burden on the Guyanese people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, TUESDAY AUGUST 31, 2021

Four, reportedly, confessed to murder of Corentyne Pandit

Regional Commander, Jairam Ramlakhan, and team at the home of the late Pandit, Rishi Bharrat, where they met with his widow, Jasmin Bharrat, and family

FOUR suspects in the gruesome murder of Pandit Rishi Bharrat have confessed to the crime in a major breakthrough by ranks of Police in B Division on Monday.

A police source told the Guyana Chronicle that, initially, three persons admitted to their

involvement and a 12th person who was arrested, subsequently confessed to the murder.

Bharrat, 60, a Hindu priest and joiner of Lot 10 Grant 1806, Crabwood Creek, was beaten to death by a group of men who were imbibing, hurling expletives and

behaving in a disorderly manner in front of his property.

After cautioning the men to desist and remove to no avail, he confronted them and they attacked him in the process.

According to police, around 22:15 hrs on Saturday, eight men were in

front of the premises of Bharrat, imbibing and using foul language and he went out to the men, reportedly with a piece of wood and told them to remove from the area.

The men became annoyed, armed t h e m s e l ve s w i t h pieces of wood and lashed the pandit several times about the body, which caused him to fall to the ground. He was picked up by his relatives in an unconscious state and rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the man’s wife Jasmin Bharrat, recalled hearing a loud commotion and having a ‘gut feeling’ that something was wrong.

As she ventured to see what happened, she saw her husband lying on the ground with blood

oozing from his head.

She noted also that her 12-year-old son, who was with his father downstairs, witnessed the ordeal and was in a traumatic state.

O n M o n d a y, Commander of B Division, Jairam Ramlakhan, and a team including Deputy Commander, Superintendent, Himnauth Sawh; Officer-in-Charge of Crime, Assistant Superintendent, Jermain Bacon; Officer-in-Charge of No. 3 Sub-Division, Assistant Superintendent, Shree Laljit and other ranks, along with Pandit Nitesh Sahadeo visited the home of the late Bharrat and met with his wife, Jasmine Bharat and family.

Ramlakhan and team expressed their condolences to the family members and assured that all efforts would be

Pandit Rishi Bharrat in happier times

made to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to Justice, while Pandit Nitesh Sahadeo shared his spiritual thoughts with the family and prayed for the Almighty to grant them strength to overcome the ordeal.

Ramlakhan also said that the police will be conducting patrols in the area to curb crime and criminality.

Meanwhile, the Maha Sabha, in a statement, condemned the horrific murder of Pandit Bharrat and called for justice to be served in a swift manner.

It also made an appeal to the relevant authorities to urgently put stringent measures in place to tackle illegal public consumption of alcohol and disturbance of public order.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed on Bharrat’s remains on Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 31, 2021

Pooran leaning on 'mature' Hetmyer for advice GUYANA Amazon Warriors captain, Nicholas Pooran, said he has immense faith and trust in Vice-captain, Shimron Hetmyer for this season of the Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Hetmyer has been ex-

tremely active in field settings and encouraging players, and according to Pooran, it has to do with Hetmyer’s maturity.

“Obviously, I trust in Hetmyer a lot as well, he is the vice-captain of the team, so I lean on him for a lot of

decisions as well; he relates well to the Guyanese players and I am very happy he is showing maturity with his game”, Pooran stated in a press briefing on Monday.

Pooran, who is also West Indies Twenty20 International Vice-captain, further stat-

ed that “[Hetmyer’s maturity] is something the whole of the world or the Caribbean is looking forward to in the last couple of months and I am very happy he is showing that level of maturity now.”

This is Hetmyer’s first official leadership role with the

Amazon Warriors, after the former winning Under-19 World Cup winner joined the franchise in 2016.

Pooran, Lead Coach Rayon Griffith, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Clinton Jeremiah, and Operations Manager Omar Khan form

Amazon Warriors’ think tank for this season.

The ‘Warriors’ are currently fourth on the points standings after three matches with two points, after back-to-back losses to St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

Guyanese Nandu, Thorne off to England for West... (From back page) CWI continues to support the efforts of regional governments to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with the West Indies Women’s team and West Indies Men’s team having received vaccines in recent months.

SKERRITT AND SHALLOW OFFER FULL SUPPORT CWI President Ricky Skerritt and Vice President Dr. Kishore Shallow have offered words of encouragement and support to the members of the West Indies Rising Stars U19s.

Skerritt also congratulated the players on their selection to the 18-member squad. He also reminded them of their responsibility to represent the people in the West Indies and to be ambassadors for the region on and off the field.

“We congratulate you on your selection to the West Indies Rising Stars U19 team for this tour. You have been chosen to represent the people of the West Indies and

this is a great honour. This is a stage in your development we want to assure you that you have our full support as you embark on this stage of your journey,” Skerritt said.

“We want you to work hard, to support each other and always give us your best. You are from different countries, but you are now representing the West Indies and that is the most important thing.”

The West Indies Rising Stars U19s will be led

by Ackeem Auguste, a left-handed top-order batsman.

The vice-captain is Giovonte Depeiza, a right-handed middle-order batsman who also bowls leftarm spin.

The six matches will

be played at The County Ground, Beckenham and The Polo Farm, Canterbury from Saturday, September 4 to Friday, September 17.

This is part of their preparations for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup to be hosted by CWI from January 4 to February 3, 2022.

West Indies U19 ‘Rising Stars’ Squad: Ackeem Auguste (Captain), Giovonte Depeiza (Vice-captain), Onaje Amory, Anderson Amurdan, Justin Beckford, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Nathan Edward, Andel Gordon, Sion Hackett, Justin Jagessar, Johann Layne, Anderson Mahase, Matthew Nandu, Isai Thorne and Vasant Singh

MATCH SCHEDULE Saturday, September 4: 1st Youth ODI – Beckenham Monday, September 6: 2nd Youth – Beckenham Wednesday, September 8: 3rd Youth ODI – Beckenham Friday, September 10: 4th Youth ODI – Canterbury Tuesday, September 14: 5th Youth ODI – Canterbury Friday, September 17: 6th Youth ODI – Canterbury

Pakistan to allow 25%... sion, unvaccinated cricket followers will expedite their vaccination process so that they can witness the first series on home soil between the two sides since 2003.

"This will be an opportunity for the spectators to not only enjoy some quality cricket in the season-opening series but also support and back players from either side as the ODIs count towards the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, while the T20Is will lead into the ICC T20 World Cup." New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on September 11 as Pakistan strive to host more international teams at home. After nearly a decade of almost complete isolation,

a trickle of foreign tours has seen international cricket gradually return to the country.

A successful New Zealand tour will further strengthen Pakistan's case to host all international cricket at home. Visits from South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and a World XI side have gone off without a hitch over the past four years. The PCB is also set to host Australia - who have not played in Pakistan since 1999 - and are keen to host ICC events in the 2024-2031 cycle.

Several New Zealand first team players, including skipper Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson will

(From page 30)

be unavailable owing to their involvement in the IPL, which clashes with part of the tour. Tom Latham will captain the visitors in Williamson's absence. Pakistan have not yet named their squad for the series.

Earlier this year, plans to allow crowds at the PSL in March had to be scrapped after a surge in Covid-19 cases in Pakistan and bio-bubble breaches led to the postponement of the league. Coronavirus cases in Pakistan remain relatively high, with the country undergoing a fourth wave of infections.

However, vaccination rates have sped up, with every adult eligible to receive one. (Cricinfo)

Team Management: Rohan Nurse (Acting Head Coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Assistant Coach),

Steve Liburd (Assistant Coach), Junie Mitcham (Team Manager), Avenesh Seetaram (Analyst),

Alex Forde (Strength & Conditioning Coach) and Lyndon Knights (Physiotherapist)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 31, 2021

At Headingley, India were undone by a master of his craft ...James Anderson is unique because he gets movement all the time without losing one of his regular deliveries

By Ian Chappell WHEN the Indian side has a batting collapse, they don't do it by half measures. They were dismissed at Adelaide Oval for a paltry 36 and then at Headingley for a miserable 78.

Both were monumental batting disasters and they occurred in the space of just eight months.

At least India have the minor consolation of knowing that on both occasions they nicked a lot of deliveries rather than playing and missing, and were brought undone by some very good bowling.

The collapse at Headingley was engineered by a master of his craft. James Anderson is the best at his art; his ability to control swing in both directions and disguise his intentions is

masterly. The remorseless way he sets up batters with the skill of a seasoned copper makes him an unstoppable force on his day.

Anderson's longevity, and the fact that he achieves consistent movement without periodically losing one or other of his main deliveries, means he's unique as a swing bowler.

I had the pleasure of watching close up as Bob Massie conducted a masterclass in swing bowling at Lord's in 1972. He captured 16 wickets on debut - eight in each innings - and mesmerised the English batters with prodigious swing.

There were other occasions when Massie consistently swung the ball and troubled batters but his Test career was over less than 200 days after his Lord's epic.

Anderson has done it

James Anderson has done it successfully for 166 Tests

successfully for 166 Tests, with no end in sight to his swing-bowling supremacy. India's top order may have been humiliated by a 39-year-old taunter, but it's easier to accept when you succumb to a champion.

The big wicket that really put the skids under India was that of their captain, Virat Kohli. This was the seventh time Anderson has dismissed Kohli in Test matches, and despite knowing how the

ambush was planned, Kohli was unable to avoid such a deftly laid trap.

On my retirement, a number of cricket enthusiasts gleefully reproached me, "Gee you got out to John Snow a lot."

My response was, "At least I was getting out to one of the best."

Not that it's any great consolation, but Kohli will have similar sentiments. It also stands to reason that Kohli, as the biggest danger in the Indian line-up, is going to be regularly confronted by Anderson unless Joe Root misplaces his captaincy marbles.

It's not much fun being bowled out for 78 in a Test match, as I found out at Lord's in 1968. At least Australia had the excuse of batting on a damp pitch after a rain shower sent water scut-

tling down the Lord's slope onto the uncovered pitch.

After being bowled out so cheaply, India's only recourse was to hit back quickly and effectively. In those situations a bowling leader needs to stand up and propel himself into the contest.

Western Australia had a superman in that category and he donned his cape in the 1976-77 Gillette Cup semi-final as Queensland chased a mere 78 for victory at the WACA ground.

Before WA went out to bowl, their captain, Rod Marsh, exhorted his troops: "There's a big crowd out there, let's give them some entertainment."

Brushing past his captain, Dennis Lillee turned as he reached the dressing room door. "Don't worry about entertainment," he exploded, "let's win the [adjectival]

match."

It's one thing to say it, but Lillee did it, quickly sending Viv Richards and Greg Chappell - the two opposition champions - on their way as WA charged into the final.

In India's case their response was a disaster. Kohli's opening choice, Ishant Sharma, bowled a horrendous first over and England were quickly on their way to a huge total.

Sharma was a strange choice in a situation where early wickets - Root's, especially - were essential to India's hopes of containing England's lead.

Having produced an amazing comeback to win the series after a disastrous collapse at Adelaide, India are now faced with a similar mountain to climb following the Headingley debacle, (Cricinfo)

Former IOC President Jacques Suarez to miss Uruguay World Rogge dead at 79 Cup qualifiers with knee issue Paris , France (AFP) — Jacques Rogge, who spent 12 years as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has died at the age of 79, the organisation announced Sunday.

“It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee announces the passing of former IOC President Count Jacques Rogge. He was 79 years old,” said an IOC statement.

Rogge was the eighth president of the IOC, from 2001 to 2013, after which he was succeeded by Thomas Bach.

“First and foremost, Jacques loved sport and being with athletes — and he transmitted this passion to everyone who knew him.

His joy in sport was infectious,” said Bach yesterday.

“He was an accomplished President, helping

Jacques Rogge was the eighth president of the IOC, from 2001 to 2013.

to modernise and transform the IOC. He was also a fierce proponent of clean sport, and fought tirelessly against the evils of doping.

“Since we were elected as IOC members together we shared a wonderful bond of friendship, and this continued until his last days.

“The entire Olympic Movement will deeply mourn the loss of a great

friend and a passionate fan of spo Rogge was an orthopaedic surgeon with a degree in sports medicine.

He also played rugby at international level, winning 16 caps for Belgium and became a world champion sailor.

It was on the water that he took part in three Olympics in 1968, 1972 and 1976.

After his career as an athlete he became president of the Belgian and European Olympic Committees, and was elected president of the IOC in 2001.

After his IOC presidency, he served as a Special Envoy for Youth, Refugees and Sport to the United Nations.

Rogge was married to Anne and he leaves behind a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.

The Belgian political

world also paid tribute yesterday to Rogge who had been knighted in 2002 by the sovereign of the time, King Albert II. “Rest in peace Jacques Rogge. Remarkable sportsman, guardian of fair play.

Support for his family and his friends,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo wrote on Twitter.

Belgian Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden hailed “a great figurehead of the Olympic idea”.

“Your legacy will be etched in the memory of many generations of athletes,” she added.

The town of Deinze, in the region of Ghent, where Rogge lived, will open a book of condolences from Monday, said its Mayor Jan Vermeulen yesterday evening, expressing “comfort and support” to the family of the decease.

Atletico Madrid's Luis Suarez

MADRID, (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid forward Luis Suarez will miss Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers next month because of a knee problem, the Spanish club said on Monday.

Suarez, who scored in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal before being substituted, had been due to join up with his national team for games against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

"In the MRI scan undertaken by the player, a moderate edema was detected on the posterior part of his left knee," Atletico said in a statement.

"The club's medical services have informed the Uruguayan Federation and the player has been ruled out of joining up for the 2022 World Cup the qualifying matches."

Suarez joins Manchester United's Edinson Cavani on the withdrawal list after the Uruguayan Federation announced the forward's call-up had been cancelled earlier on Monday.

The British government refused a quarantine exemption request by FIFA president Gianni Infantino for players returning from red list countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in pull-outs and compromise deals between clubs and national associations.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 31, 2021

Holding, Atherton give memorable farewell to Karthik DINESH Karthik has taken commentary by storm with his accurate, honest, and unbiased opinion.

The 36-year-old also was very cheeky and equally sassy while taking digs at his fellow commentators Nick Knight, Robert Key, and Nasser Hussain. Karthik also teamed up quite well with India batter Jemimah Rodrigues and shared some cool moments with her during The Hundred tournament.

The India wicketkeeper-batter set the record straight for his fellow cricketers to take up commentary while also representing your country.

Indeed, it is not wrong to say that he was like a breath of fresh air and his commentary was widely well-received by everyone. After a close to three-month commentary stint in the United Kingdom, Karthik is now set to depart for UAE to take part

in the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Before his departure, Atherton made sure to give a fitting farewell to stylish Karthik, who also gave fashion goals to few commentators by sporting a cool and dashing look. “DK is leaving by end of this Test match and, here is a very gentle look at Giorgio Armani of broadcasting,” Atherton said while commentating during the Leeds Test match.

“He arrived with apparently 17 suitcases and his selection of finest combinations with sunglasses, which he has got 30 pairs of those for the summer.” He added.

However, Atherton felt that the jumper was not looking appropriate for Karthik. In a few matches, DK was spotted with some bold colors of jumpers like yellow and blue which his co-commenter Atherton was a bit skeptical

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik

about.

“I do think that the jumper needs a little bit of work.

I do love the combo on the left and in Nottingham on the scooter, but the jumpers need some work,” Atherton said

Karthik however was quick to respond to Atherton and said, “And we have also established the fact that you speaking about a fashion and a two-year-old speaking about Astrophysics don’t go well together.”

The former England opener, however, loved Karthik’s blue attire for the Leeds Test and said, “You are going well today I must say, brown, blue check trousers, very nice blue tuning, very nice handkerchief.

Fellow commentator Michael Holding narrated an incident when he was walking with DK near the car and said how a man was interested in clicking a picture with him. “We were walking towards the car yesterday afternoon, DK and I, and a gentleman came up to DK and said, ‘Can I get a selfie with the world’s best-dressed man?”

(CricTracker)

Ollie Robinson has just looked ready for Test match cricket – Nasser Hussain FORMER England captain Nasser Hussain was effusive in praise for Ollie Robinson after the pacer delivered a match-winning five-wicket haul at Headingley against India, following up from his maiden fifer at Trent Bridge.

He returned with 2/16 in India’s first innings as well, where he took over from James Anderson’s three-wicket spree to pin India for 78 all out, earning the Man of the Match award.

Following his suspension in the light of his derogatory historic tweets emergence in June, when he made his Test debut, Robinson came back strongly in the series against India – he is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets, including two that of Virat Kohli, at an average of 19.0 Nasser Hussain said the Kent seamer had looked Test match ready since his debut, before which he over 250 wickets in first-class cricket at an average close to 20.

“It was an outstanding bowling performance from England. Twice in the game as well; 78 all out in the

Ollie Robinson after picking up his second five-wicket haul. (Image: Twitter)

first innings and 63 for 8 today. Robinson, in particular, since he has come in this side, he has just looked ready for Test match cricket,” Nasser Hussain said after the Leeds Test.

He will be a real asset Down Under Although Robinson doesn’t have extra pace, his other attributes – accuracy and consistency in line and length, extra bounce, longevity – makes him a potent

threat in most conditions.

His metronomic bowling has earned him comparisons with Australia’s Josh Hazlewood.

Nasser Hussain believes Robinson, who has worked under Jason Gillespie at Sussex, would be a “real asset” for England later in the year in the Ashes series in Austral “I think Shane [Warne] in the commentary box compared him to Josh Hazle-

wood of Australia, that sort of bowler that is at you all the time – and that’s a good compliment, because he’s a serious bowler, especially where England are going next. He will be a real asset Down Under,” the former skipper added.

With the series levelled in Leeds, both England and India travel back to London for the fourth Test, at Kennington Oval, starting September 2nd.

Shreyas Iyer set to make IPL return following injury

India middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer

INDIA middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is all set to make a comeback in the second half of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to begin on September 19 in the UAE. He will play for Delhi Capitals, who are currently ranked number one on the points table. But things didn’t go well for the 26-year-old, who admitted to feeling a bit low during a tough rehabilitation period after a shoulder injury on March 23.

Iyer was out of action for close to five months and missed the entire first half of the IPL which was held in India. But as fate would have it, he is set to return in the UAE leg of IPL and will be hoping to go one step further this time around with the Capitals side.

The franchise finished runners-up in the 2020 edition of IPL when Iyer-led Capitals lost to Mumbai Indians.

“Unfortunately, IPL had to be stopped mid-season, but it has presented me with the opportunity again and I will, as a player and as someone who understands the DNA of our team, will do everything in my role to see the dream of our fans come true,” Shreyas told the New India Express.

When quizzed whether

he would be comfortable playing under the leadership of Rishabh Pant for Capitals, Iyer avoided the question in a smart way and said, “I would reckon our first-half performance this season is a result of the environment we had created in 2019 and 2020. Last year, we came so close to winning IPL,” Shreyas said.

The Mumbai batter also said that the captaincy role in the Capitals team allowed him to develop man-management skills and become a better cricketer. “Captaincy at Delhi Capitals has made me a better cricketer. I look at things, situations, the sport differently. It has improved my temperamental skills, my man-management skills as a leader. Ricky Ponting has been very supportive on that,” he said.

The 26-year-old further concluded by saying that he is not bothered about the competition and is concentrating more on scoring runs for the team during IPL. “Competition has always been in Indian cricket and will always be. It is a competitive sport after all.

But for me, it won’t be an understatement to say that I have a bigger appetite now,” said Iyer who has scored 1363 runs in 51 white ball games. (CricTracker)

22

Windies Women face South Africa in first of three T20s today

..Head coach Walsh wants more consistency from more players

Windies Women will face a tough South African team in the Three T20s.

COMING off a successful series against Pakistan, West Indies Women Head Coach Courtney Walsh is expecting greater levels of consistency from his players when they take on South Africa in the first of three T20 Internationals in Antigua today.

During the series that the West Indies won 3-2 over Pakistan, the Caribbean women benefitted from players like Kyshona Knight and Britney Cooper stepped up with the bat to support Captain Stafanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews, especially in light of Deandra

Dottin’s poor form.

On the eve of the series against South Africa, Walsh says he expects even better performances from his players against a tough South African contingent.

“We are looking to execute a lot better than we did against Pakistan. Obviously, South Africa being ranked above us we have to be a lot more consistent than we were against Pakistan, so we will be looking to execute a lot better and improve. We know that they are a decent team and we have to be ready for that,” said Walsh.

He said it was a good

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday August 31, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Nicholas Pooran-10 (GAW vs Patriots, Port-of-Spain) (2) K. Pollard/L. Simmons/D. M. Bravo-20 (TKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper effected most dismissals in CPL 2020?

(2) What was the highest partnership in CPL 2020 (in terms of runs)?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

sign to see players other than the ‘big three’ step up and wants to see more of that against South Africa.

“That’s the only way we are going to get the team where I think we can compete against the top teams and give ourselves a chance of winning major competitions.

“We have to move away from one or two players consistently getting us out of trouble so it was very good to see all the other players who performed well in the last series and we want that to continue and to try to extend that consistency from them, and once we can complement it with both departments, batting and bowling it will be good for us.

“And then, if we can complete the whole thing when we are in the field it would be excellent. So we just need to keep improving, raising the bar in those areas that we have to. It’s good to see other players putting their hands up and we want to see more of that,” (Sportsmax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 31, 2021

Simona Halep beats Camila Giorgi to reach round two FORMER world number one Simona Halep made a winning return to Grand Slam tennis after injury with a straight-set win over Camila Giorgi at the US Open.

The Romanian, who missed this year's French Open and Wimbledon with a calf tear, beat the Italian 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

Later on Monday, 2017 champion Sloane Stephens came through a tough battle against fellow American Madison Keys.

Spanish ninth seed Garbine Muguruza also advanced to the second round with victory against Donna Vekic.

Giorgi, ranked 36th in the world and winner of the Canadian Open this month, was a challenging first-round prospect for Halep but the two-time Grand Slam winner capitalised on her opponent's mistakes.

The Italian made 30 unforced errors, nearly twice as many as Halep, as the Romanian 12th seed booked a second-round meeting with Slovakia's Kristina Kucova.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Muguruza, 27, beat Vekic 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5)

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep is the 12th seed in New York.

and will play Germany's Andrea Petkovic or Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu next.

Stephens - who beat close friend Keys in the final to claim her only Grand Slam title four years ago - recovered from a second-set dip to win 6-3 1-6 7-6 (9-7) on Arthur Ashe.

"We're both looking to get back that form that we had in 2017," world number 66 Stephens said.

"Madi is my best friend on tour. It is always difficult for us but we're always able to separate the match. I am grateful for our friendship."

Addressing the spectators who have returned to the tournament after being

banned because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the 28-year-old continued: "Playing without fans here last year was brutal.

"Feeling you guys' energy, we missed all of that so thank you so much for coming because it really means a lot to us."

Stephens will face Poland's Magda Linette or compatriot Coco Gauff in the second round.Among the women's top seeds in action later on day one are Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina, while world number one Ashleigh Barty begins her campaign today. (BBC Sport)

Pakistan to allow 25% capacity crowds for New Zealand series …Only spectators who have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to attend the games in Rawalpindi and Lahore

People queue up outside the gates at the Gaddafi stadium for the PSL final (ESPNcricinfo Ltd./Umar Farooq)

PAKISTAN has decided to allow spectators up to 25% capacity for the home series against New Zealand in Rawalpindi and Lahore next month. Only spectators who have been fully vaccinated, however, will be permitted to attend.

The three ODIs, all tak-

ing place in Rawalpindi, will be open to 4500 spectators each. The five T20Is, all at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, will accommodate 5500 spectators each.

"Spectators are the essence of any sport event as they create an ambience and atmosphere for the players

to excel, perform and enjoy.

In this background, we are grateful to the NCOC for allowing the PCB to invite 25 per cent crowds for the eight matches," PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said in a statement. "I am sure following the NCOC deci(Turn to page 19)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday August 31, 2021

IKO Academy of Guyana spreading the Martial art of Karate-do throughout Guyana JUST after its launch in February of 2020, when executives and students of the International Karate Organisation’s Academy of Guyana paid a courtesy call on, and held discussions with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honourable Charles Ramson they made a solemn promise to him, and that was to take the martial art of Karate-do to the people in every corner of Guyana.

The posited that unlike some other karate organisations whose modus operandi was to have one or maybe two dojos (a dojo is a room or hall in which karate and other martial arts are practised), causing the students to have to travel sometimes considerable distances to attend training at great inconvenience, the IKO Academy of Guyana is of the conviction that they should take karate-do to the people, wherever they are.

So, on Saturday last, the IKO Karate Academy of Guyana formally launched the Linden dojo of the Academy with a special programme that was held at the Linden Concert Hall

and School (LICHAS) and chaired by Lt. Colonel, Eon Murray.

The programme, which was brimful of scintillating karate displays including katas, kumite, bunkai and embu demonstrations, was well received by the Linden crowd on hand. Mr. Murray, who is himself a karateka and who is the point man behind the opening of the Linden dojo, explained to the audience some of the virtues of Karate-do. He expounded that the role of karate in the modern age is multiple.

As a practical means of self-defence, it is widely taught in private clubs and throughout the world, it is part of training programmes for the police and members of the armed forces.

He said that a great number of universities, colleges and schools now include karate in their physical education programmes.

Lt. Col. Murray pointed to the fact that throughout the world, karate is gaining popularity as a competitive sport, one which stresses mental discipline as well as physical prowess. He said what was originally developed in the Orient as

a martial art has survived and changed through the centuries to become not only a highly effective means of unarmed self-defense but also an exciting, challenging sport by enthusiasts throughout the world. He encouraged all students of karate to learn the techniques on a scientific basis, under an instructor employing a properly scheduled training system as IKO Guyana shall be doing. He opined that Karate should be viewed from a broad standpoint, from the point of its development as a modern martial-art and from the physical education aspect also. The ultimate goal of the Academy is to see the attainment of moral character built through hard and diligent training.

Already, the IKO Karate Academy of Guyana has dojos in Georgetown, the West Coast of Demerara and in Berbice, and is now focusing on Linden where training will take place every Thursday and Saturday at the Mackenzie High School, where a very high turnout is expected as every Lindener between the ages of 5 and 105 has been invited to join and participate. There will be

The Sun pays damages to Ben Stokes family The Sun newspaper has paid damages to England cricketer Ben Stokes and his mother after the newspaper published a story that detailed a family tragedy.

Deborah Stokes took legal action over the September 2019 front-page article, saying it exposed private information that was not in the public interest.

The Sun initially defended the story, but has now apologised to the family for causing "great distress".

"We should not have published the article," read The Sun's statement.

"We apologise to Deborah and Ben Stokes. We have agreed to pay them damages and their legal costs."

In 2019, The Sun told the BBC it had received the co-operation of a Stokes family member and added the events described in the story were "a matter of public record" and "the subject of extensive front-page publicity in New Zealand at the time".

Stokes was born in New Zealand and moved to Cumbria with his family aged 12.

At the time, he described the article as "utterly disgusting" and the "lowest form of journalism".

"The decision to publish this article was a decision to expose, and to profit from exposing intensely private and painful matters within our family," said Deborah Stokes.

"The suffering caused to

our family by the publication of this article is something we cannot forgive.

"Ben and I can take no pleasure in concluding this settlement with The Sun. "We can only hope that our actions in holding the paper to account will leave a lasting mark, and one that will contribute to prevent other families from having to suffer the same pain as was inflicted on our family by this article."

In July, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced Stokes was to "take an indefinite break from all cricket with immediate effect" to prioritise his mental wellbeing and rest his injured finger.

(BBC Sport)

Linden attendees signing up to become students at the conclusion of the formal launch.

Kinder Karate for the younger students, teen karate for the adolescents, adult karate for those 18 years and older and karate for seniors for those over 60 years of age.

A unique feature of IKO Guyana is the diversity of its instructional staff. There is a perfect blend of instructors with a number of the more matured teachers, beginning with its world class master 7th Degree Black Belt, Shihan Jeffrey Wong, who are all very hands on at the various dojos comingled with younger instructors who are also very experienced and

knowledgeable and who are world champions and gold medalists at several international tournaments.

IKO Guyana has discovered that with a large per cent of its student population being the younger generation, that significant success is being achieved by its younger instructors with whom the young students identify with, feel more comfortable discussing things with and look to as role models.

The International Karate Organisation is headquartered in Florida, USA and is headed by Shihan Adrian

Ellis 8th Dan Black Belt, a seven-time United States National Champion, World Champion, Gold Medalist in the Goodwill Games, and an inductee into the Hall of Fame. He has been involved in martial arts for over forty years.

It is an authentic traditional world karate organisation, and they are dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Karate-Do around the world with members in more than 100 countries; they are paying special interest in Guyana.

Castrol Strikers top Eagles Volleyball Club in DVA League

The victorious Castrol Strikers Volleyball team

CASTROL Strikers pulled off the upset of the century after defeating eagles Volleyball Club in three straight sets at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as action in the Demerara Volleyball Association league continued Friday

last.

They dominated Eagles in the first set by a margin of 25-19 and continued with their aggression to win the second set 25-23.

In the third, they came back from a seven-point deficit to win 25-22.

Strikers were led by Vance Harding (15 points), Omari Joseph ( six points), and Devon Bowman (six points).

The League continues tonight, with Strikers battling Young Achievers from 19:00h.

National Hero Sobers in Cricket Hall of Fame

Shimron Hetmyer (far right) has been a huge influence for Amazon Warriors on the field

Pooran leaning on 'mature' Hetmyer for advice

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19

Guyanese Nandu, Thorne off to England for West Indies U19 tour

Matthew Nandu (second from left) and Isai Thorne (far right) before departure in Antigua

GUYANESE batsman Matthew Nandu and exciting pacer, Isai Thorne, are off to England for the West Indies Under-19 Youth One-Day tour of England in September.

Prior to leaving, several members of the West Indies Rising Stars U19s

team received their first doses of vaccinations against COVID-19 in Antigua, where they have been preparing for their upcoming tour of England.

Cricket West Indies (CWI), in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the

support of the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), secured COVID-19 vaccines for all interested squad members between the ages of 16 and 18 who received parental consent.

TURN TO PAGE 19 ►

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Legendary Garfield Sobers(left) and Dwight Sutherland

SIR Garfield Sobers, legendary West Indian cricketer, and considered the greatest allrounder to have ever played the game, has been inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame of the United States of America with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Cricket Hall of Fame is a non-profit organisation that recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the game, whether on the international stage or at the local community level.

During a small ceremony held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at Wildey, St Michael, on Thursday, the cricketing icon received his Hall Of Fame ring and blazer from the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland, who presented the award on behalf of the organisation. Sir Garfield is unable to travel to the institution based in Connecticut because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his brief speech, Sutherland said: “Sir Garry as you know is a beloved son of the soil and a national icon – Barbadians are proud of his achievements in the international cricketing arena, and how he ably represented his country and the West Indies.

“The achievements of the life of Sir Garry symbolises the potency of the sport and how it can positively

influence society. Sir Garry personified versatility on the cricket field and was once described as a ‘five’ among cricketers by Sir Donald Bradman.

He was considered the greatest all-rounder of all time, a batsman of great genius, a wily bowler who could deliver left-hand orthodox spin as well as left-arm wrist spin, an avid fieldsman, and an enterprising captain.”

He added: “Sir Garry, Barbados is forever indebted to your dedication to the sport of cricket, and how you have put this country on the map and allowed cricket back in the 1960s and 70s [that] allowed Barbados and the West Indies to become [internationally recognized] in a very historic sporting discipline.”

Upon receiving his inductee’s jacket and ring, Sir Garfield thanked the minister for his kind words and stressed that though he did accomplish many feats on the world stage, he always did it with Barbados in mind, as it was his aim to place the country firmly on the world stage.

“It was always for my country, not for me, I was here to [play] and to show them that I can do something to help our country.

That is what was always important to me, not what I did, but the country that I represented.” (SB) (Extracted from Barbados Today) TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2021