Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-1-2021

THURSDAY 1st April, 2021

' No.106318

Small businesses

receive $99M in grants –– efforts afoot to establish E-Commerce Marketplace, Suppliers’ Registry

See story on page 03

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, took a time-out for a photograph with these two youngsters, during his visit, on Wednesday, to the beautiful island of Leguan in the Essequibo River (Office of the President photo)

US State Department: No question PPP/C won the elections 07 PAGE

James Bond charged with conspiracy to defraud 02 PAGE

No face mask in public transportation an offence

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

No face mask in public transportation an offence –– according to updated COVID-19 guidelines for April

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No. 16), which take effect from April 1 and last until the end of the month, have explicitly stated that operators or conductors will be committing an offence if they do not ensure that their passengers wear face masks.

Paragraph 13(2) of these updated guidelines states: “The operator or conductor of any public transportation service shall be responsible for ensuring that their passengers comply with the measure under Paragraph 12 and any operator or conductor who fails to comply with this measure commits an offence.”

As per the guidelines, Paragraph 12 states the requirements to wear a mask. Section 1 of this paragraph emphasised that no person, without a reasonable excuse, should be without a face mask that is fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin of the person when the person is in public and travelling in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

Under this paragraph, there are few exceptions, including: removing a mask for security and identification purposes; to avoid injury, risk or harm; to take medication; or because of a disability.

Paragraph 12(5) states: “Any person who contravenes this paragraph commits an offence and i-s liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided for under section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.”

Any person found guilty of an offence, under Section 152, shall, unless some other penalty is provided thereof, be liable to a penalty not exceeding $50, or, in default of pay-

A police officer chats with a minibus driver recently (GPF photo) ment thereof, to imprisonment with or without hard labour for any term not exceeding two months.

In the event that it is a continuing offence, Section 152(2) of the Ordinance provides that the offender shall be liable to a further penalty not exceeding $10 for everyday which the offence continues, and, in default of payment, to imprisonment, for any period not exceeding six months.

CURFEW REMAINS Meanwhile, the updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures

noted that the national curfew remains unchanged. The curfew starts at 22:30 hrs each night and continues until 04:00 hrs the next morning.

Additionally, the COVID-19 Emergency Measures also stated that no person shall host, attend or visit a cinema, except a drive-in cinemas; a private party; a banquet, ball or reception; a public hotel, swimming pool or waterpark; a wake or vigil; a club or discotheque; a meeting of any fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organisation; or, any other social activity.

Cinemas, in particular, have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures enforced to mitigate the spread and impact of the virus. None of the local movie theatres has been operational since March last year. Earlier this year, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony highlighted that if cinemas installed special air filters — known as Hepa air filters — they would be allowed to reopen. Cinemas would have to ensure that there would be adequate social distancing and strictly no eating, so that patrons could keep their masks on at all times.

Gyms and fitness centres, restaurants and bars and places of worship are allowed to operate at a limited capacity, once all health and safety guidelines are in place. In the updated measures, as stated in prior measures, the Ministry of Health noted that public and private sector entities are permitted to operate, once the health and safety guidelines are adhered to, and that each employer takes steps to ensure that the risk of transmission of the virus among workers is minimised.

These measures noted that workplace measures should address the resumption of work after a period of quarantine or isolation that was approved by the Ministry of Health.

As per these guidelines, too, the Lethem Crossing (at the Takutu Bridge) remains closed, except on Thursdays, where the crossing of essential goods and supplies is permitted. Flights to and from Brazil are strictly prohibited.

The Moleson Creek crossing shall be allowed to operate three days per week, as determined by the Ministry of Health.

James Bond charged with conspiracy to defraud PROMINENT People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member and attorney, James Bond, is expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court today to face charges of conspiracy to

defraud, senior police sources have confirmed.

Bond was previously arrested as police probed the award of State lands at Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

He is alleged to have been

a key financial beneficiary of the deals which, allegedly, did not comply with the traditional terms of such land leases.

The PNCR executive is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale

of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which has control over the leasing of the lands.

PNCR member, James Bond

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Small businesses receive $99M in grants –– efforts afoot to establish e-commerce marketplace, suppliers’ registry WITHIN the last seven months, the Government of Guyana, via the Small Businesses Bureau (SBB), has disbursed a quantity of grants to assist small businesses throughout the country. More specifically, since the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in August 2020, an estimated $99 million has already been spent on supporting the operations of local small-scale entrepreneurs and their entities.

This is according to Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who explained that the monies have benefitted some 300 persons/entities.

“That was a direct cash injection to encourage and spur growth in the small business sector,” Walrond told the 131st Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (GCCI) on Tuesday.

She said that the administration had recognised that small businesses needed the impetus for growth, and as a consequence, the government spared no efforts in facilitating Small Business Support Grants from $200,000 to $500,000.

“I have read suggestions from business representatives, published in the media, that the government ought to be giving much larger grants in order to ensure the viability of small and micro enterprises,” Walrond noted.

She cautioned that even though the government does not have an unlimited amount of resources, it has vowed to ensure that critical assistance is given to small businesses. “There are also other sectors—health, education, agriculture among others that have a valid stake for government’s resources,” the minister posited.

She noted that even though the Small Businesses Support Grants represent a significant chunk of investment, it is not the only approach being taken to aid in the advancement and growth of small-scale entrepreneurs.

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister also pointed to government’s recent efforts in amending and expanding the Small Business Act of 2004, which will now pave the way for small businesses to have access to 20 per cent of all government contracts.

POSITION YOURSELF “This means (small) businesses now have access to billions of dollars of government resources.

I am encouraging all chamber members, and I know many of you are classified as small business, to ensure that you position yourselves to benefit from this

facility,” Walrond told the GCCI forum.

Previously, the Small Business Act referred to access to contracts for goods and services; however, with the February 2021 modifications, it now enables small contractors and construction firms to bid for works within Guyana’s growing infrastructure sector.

As Guyana pursues a comprehensive and all-encompassing modernisation agenda, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is working to develop a centralised e-commerce marketplace for all small business clients. This initiative, according to Walrond, is intended to increase the economic viability of the local small business sector. “[This] will undoubtedly create a larger access to customers, help to boost sales and build local brands,” Walrond projected.

Additionally, Minister

Walrond used the forum to announce government’s intention to establish a suppliers’ registry. “This registry will be an important resource that informs the procurement process and will ensure that the facilitatory environment is functional and that small businesses benefit,” Walrond said.

She indicated too that the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Procurement Commission to ensure this new arrangement is fully implemented in the near future.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, recently lauded the input of small businesses, and their role in advancing the economy.

“They generate significant self-employment and help to sustain growth and foster the effective distribution of goods and services…. Small businesses represent the arms and

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond legs, propelling our economy forward, sustaining employment and acting as a vital cog in the distribution, marketing and consumption of goods and services of large businesses,” Dr. Ali said.

GPL proposes sub-station for Eccles GIVEN the large-scale expansion expected to take place with the opening up of lands when the new East Bank Demerara (EBD) alternative road becomes operational, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) foresees the need for a new sub-station in Eccles.

This was revealed by GPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bharat Dindyal, during a presentation on Wednesday when the utility company presented its 2020 Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT) to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Dindyal said that the company’s development plan calls for additional

sub-stations and additional feeders to better serve the growing electricity needs.

“There is talk of quite a bit of residential and commercial investments between Eccles in the west and LBI (La Bonne Intention) in the East. If this is realized, we are proposing to build a new sub-station in Eccles to provide feeders to serve those loads,” Dindyal explained at the virtual forum.

Dindyal noted that there is need for a number of short feeders to offload some of the longer feeders, as the company works towards a harmonious development of generation, transmission and distribution.

CEO of GPL, Bharat Dindyal On electricity generation, he noted that there are several projects in the works that will see increased input into the system, particularly with

the coming on stream of the Garden of Eden power station which will add some 46.5 megawatts (MW) to the system.

There is also much anticipation for the 250MW gas-to-shore plant that is projected to come on stream within the next few years. GPL continues to work on new sources of generation, as the current supply currently falls short of the total reserves needed in the system.

Dindyal noted that even as the company is focusing on generation, much emphasis is simultaneously being placed on the transmission aspect.

“Developing in parallel is the national transmission grid to deliver

that power efficiently and reliably to load centres.

Apart from that, we’re looking at the further development of our 69 KV system as a sub-transmission system,” he said.

He also noted that the company is working to duplicate some of the transmission lines to ensure redundant links at certain critical junctions.

“We are also looking at the use of more sophisticated protection systems to ensure that our entire grid is coordinated to act harmoniously and not individual elements acting individually,” he noted.

The company is also focusing on loss reduction. Dindyal noted that some aspects of the loss

reduction is heavily capital intensive, requiring it to be done in stages.

“On the loss reduction front, this has been quite a bit of money continues to be spent. Most of the investments in non-technical is not as significant as we encounter with technical loss reduction where we are talking about new feeder, new substations, more efficient transformers, improved load, balancing, improve connections.

The network upgrade to deal with technical loss reduction would come at a slower pace due to capital intensiveness, but it would happen nonetheless,” Dindyal said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

$30M crematorium for Leguan

RESIDENTS of Leguan Island are soon expected to benefit from the establishment of a multimillion-dollar crematorium.

This was announced by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during an outreach to the island on Wednesday.

Dr. Ali told residents that the facility, estimated to cost between $25 million to $30 million, is to be fully funded by the Ramroop Foundation, with work set to begin in less than two weeks, and an estimated completion time of six months.

President Ali told the residents that he was happy that the crematorium will remedy a situation that has existed for years and which was recently highlighted yet again.

“They asked me to help to find a way in which they can build a cremation site, one that offers the level of respect to those of our families we are sending off,” Dr. Ali explained.

He said that he agreed to facilitate the process with

the assurance that temples and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils on the island would be involved and that a local management committee would be established to manage and maintain the crematorium.

“I immediately engaged various stakeholders. And you will recall that we have a facility at Ruimzeight (West Coast Demerara).

And that is a facility I think they are trying to mirror. I’m happy to report this morning that in engaging various stakeholders, the Ramroop family, who is not new to the projects like these, they have built mosques, they have built churches, they have built various facilities.

They agreed willingly to finance completely as part of their social responsibility,” the President posited.

Having reviewed the artist’s impression and plans, President Ali said the new, modern facility will rival even the reputable Ruimzeight cremation site. He also lauded the Ramroop family for their generous

Thursday April 01, 2021 – 04:30hrs - 06:00hrs Friday April 02, 2021 – 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs Saturday April 03, 2021 – 09:30hrs - 11:00hrs

President Ali explaining the crematorium project to some of the residents of Leguan gesture, which he said exemplifies the spirit of community, camaraderie and unity.

“They are going to invest more than $25 million in this facility.

It is at these moments that we realise how together we are as Guyanese. When a family is fulfilling their social responsibility, when they can be so generous to the communities,” Dr. Ali

said as he urged residents to work together and to take care of the venue.

YEARS OF SACRIFICE “This facility comes after years of sacrifice from the people, years of struggle and we have to ensure that through the construction phase and then in the management phase that we take good care of the facility and we pray that everything will

go as planned.”

The President also expressed concerns relative to the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically as it relates to healthcare, education and small business development.

Out of this concern, Dr. Ali assured the residents that the government is working assiduously to craft and implement policies and programmes that bring relief to all citizens. “We are spending tens of millions of dollars to ensure children remain in a continuous learning environment. We are spending resources on restocking our drug bond – billions of dollars in expired drugs we were greeted with when we came into government…. This is the reality.

But we are not complaining, because you elected us to fix the problem and we are working day and night to fix the problem,” the President assured.

He indicated too that in an effort to safeguard the agriculture sector on the

island, efforts will be placed on enhancing its drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

Dr. Ali pointed to the importance of multiple facets of development, which can advance the economies in not only Leguan, but Wakenaam as well. Among these include the promotion of tourism.

He also announced that solar farm projects will be initiated on both islands, with the intent of reducing the cost of electricity for the residents.

“This is important for us as a government. We want every segment of the Guyanese population to feel involved, to be involved— to benefit. And that is what occupies our minds every single day.”

The President was accompanied by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustafa, along with Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia, and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

GPSU calls for reversal of salary deductions from Linden nurses

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said it has written Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Malcolm Watkins, asking that deductions made from the March 2021 salaries of nurses at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), for alleged absent days from 2018 to 2020, be reversed.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, meanwhile, said that he is encouraging the nurses to make official reports with the Ministry of Labour (MoL) representative in Linden, so that the matter can be investigated and properly resolved.

“If an employee has a labour grievance, the proper thing to do is to come to the Ministry of Labour and report it so that it can be investigated. There’s nothing in the law that allows a union carte blanche to make a report of that sort. The nurses are employees, they have to come and report the matter to us. Presently, we have in

Linden a Labour Officer that is appointed,” Minister Hamilton noted when contacted on Wednesday.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at its headquarters at Regent Street, the union said because the deductions are for alleged absent days for the period 2018 – 2020, the deductions would be in contravention of the Termination and Severance Pay Act which stipulates a statute of limitations that labour matters must be investigated within six months with a view of disciplinary actions.

The union also said that the deductions fall in contravention of Section 23 of the Labour Laws which speaks to deductions from the salaries of an employee not being allowed to exceed one third of the employee’s salary for that month.

Minister Hamilton said, however, that he could not comment on the legality of the matter until he has all the

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

details. But he said that the GPSU should refrain from conclusively deciding on the matter until it has all the details.

“GPSU can’t make a conclusion on the matter. They have already concluded what the investigation will be, you can’t have it both ways,”

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

Minister Hamilton advised.

Present at Wednesday’s press conference was GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener and GPSU President, Patrick Yarde.

According to Gardener, some of the nurses from the Hospital, due to the deductions some nurses received

as little as $3,000 on their March 2021 net salary.

“Several nurses are now in a state of depression causing the union to explore the need for counselling,” Gardener said.

This new situation arises even as the nurses continue their protest action calling

for the removal of the LHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rudy Small, over the “sweet man” remarks he made some weeks ago.

The union has since written to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Malcolm Watkins, calling on him to have the deductions rescinded and have the nurses paid their money.

“The GPSU remains hopeful that good sense will prevail, and the Ministry of Health will change course and deal with this impasse in an appropriate manner,” Gardener said.

The union copied the letter to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindyha Persaud; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Prime Minister Mark Phillips and the President, Dr Irfaan Ali.

Region 10 Amerindian communities benefit from Rotary Club outreach MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Demerara (RCD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), over the weekend visited the Amerindian communities of Muritaro and Malali in Region 10, along the Demerara River, to deliver COVID-19 vaccines, informational materials, clothing packages, and food hampers.

According to a release by the RCD, the Rotary Club undertook the coordination of the exercise and representatives within the Ministry of Health, in the documentation and delivery of AstraZeneca and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to these communities.

Aside from the administration of vaccines, representatives of both the RCD and the Ministry of Health engaged in a sensitisation exercise with these communities so as to address concerns about the contents and side effects of the vaccine.

The RCD expressed gratitude to the toshaos of Muritaro, Loretta Fiedtkou, and Malali, Orlayne Williams, who were both recipients of the vaccine and set an example for residents in their villages to emulate.

They also expressed their thanks to Dwight John, REO of Region 10 for provid-

tance of efficiently utilising resources during the pandemic, and explained that in this case, the RCD was able to act as the link to simultaneously provide sensitisation and medical assistance from the Ministry of Health, along with hampers from the Civil Defence Commission, and clothing and household items from Rotarians to these communities.

The outreach follows the mandate of one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus: fighting disease. Coupled with the RCD’s 27-year history of medical outreaches in outlying and interior regions in Guyana as well as the work the club has done over the last year to assist with COVID-19 relief, the

A resident is greeted by a member of the RCD before securing a hamper

ing assistance with boats to transport the teams into the villages, and Dr Hamilton from the COVID-19 Vaccination Team at the Ministry of Health for their participation.

Bhageshwar Murli, President of the RCD, noted that Rotary International has played a key role in the fight

against polio throughout the world through its vaccination work. He added that using established polio vaccination relief infrastructure to provide COVID-19 vaccination relief felt like a “natural evolution”.

Rotarian Lancelot Khan, coordinator of the exercise, also underscored the impor-

club is uniquely poised to be a key player in this vaccination drive. Similar exercises

are scheduled to continue in other remote villages in the upcoming weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Reducing recidivism

LIKE the majority of countries the world over, crime remains a challenge in Guyana, and a serious aspect of this problem is that of a person committing a criminal offence, being sentenced to jail, and going back to a life of crime after being released.

The experts call this behaviour recidivism. Recidivism, therefore, is a pattern of habitual criminal behaviour resulting in a cycle of repeated arrests, imprisonments, releases, and return to crime. The question arises: how do we, as a relatively small society, prevent recidivism?

In Guyana, the justice and prison systems focus on punishing offenders for their crimes, often by incarceration, thereby removing them from society for a period of time specified by the courts with reference to law. Our system is geared towards general deterrence (preventing crime by instilling the fear of being jailed), and individual deterrence (installing a fear of returning to jail). Until recently under the current government, very little, if any, thought is given to identifying and addressing the causes of criminal behaviour, and re-integrating convicted persons into society after their release from prison.

The lack of focus on social reintegration is significant because global statistics reveal that 95 per cent of prisoners will eventually be released.

Again, how do we prevent them from going back to criminal conduct?

While statistics on local trends are difficult to obtain – perhaps due to poor record-keeping – we may infer certain conclusions based on international data.

In the United States, meta-data compiled by academics has revealed that – on average – 43 – 68 per cent of released convicts are rearrested within three years, and 77 per cent become repeat-offenders within five years. A study by the United States Department of Justice found similar rates across numerous States. Another study by the Urban Institute corroborated those statistics, and identified the primary causes of recidivism to be the individual’s social environment of criminally-inclined peers, difficulty of readjusting to life outside prison, trouble re-establishing family ties, and having a criminal record and poor work-skills.

Substance abuse and mental health were found to be factors: 25 per cent of incarcerated persons had a history of drug dependence, and

many convicted individuals had been previously diagnosed with psychotic or personality disorders.

Clearly, criminal conduct and recidivism takes a toll on societies.

The costs associated with incarceration are high, and the psychological toll on the families involved have economic, social, and medical implications, to name only a few. So, how can we reduce the incidence of repeat-offences?

Statistical evidence gathered by the Government of the United Kingdom has shown a direct correlation between drug-rehabilitation, psychological intervention, education, and skills-training during incarceration and a return to normalcy of convicted persons after they are released.

Moreover, the rate of recidivism was most dramatically reduced when post-release follow-up was introduced. Such follow-up efforts included, drug-counselling, teaching of vocational and industrial skills, making educational opportunities more accessible, offering all-round support, and most importantly, ensuring that the reforming individual obtained employment. When such programmes were implemented in a comprehensive manner, the rate of

recidivism fell by 43 per cent.

Guyana, having a small population, is being severely affected by repeat-offenders. Our efforts, therefore, should be directed towards preventing crime through the implementation of appropriate programmes and initiatives, and tackling recidivism through proven methods and comprehensive strategies. Evidently, there is sufficient data upon which we can base locally-appropriate approaches to the problem; there is therefore no need to reinvent the wheel.

The evidence suggests that our system of justice must be reoriented towards providing educational opportunities – of all kinds – to incarcerated persons, addressing drug and mental issues, and giving them the skills to return to a normal life. And it must not end there; society must ensure that such persons have access to employment and support.

The money which can be saved by the operationalising of effective anti-recidivism policies may be better used in other developmental endeavours. And the social tranquility, which would be realised by the successful implementation of such plans, would be priceless.

Make a commitment to stop violence against women and girls Dear Editor, HARDLY a week passes without a news item in the media outlets of some form of abuse committed against women and girls in this country. These heinous acts have long passed alarming proportions, with the most recent being: 1. “Girl 12 allegedly raped by father. “(Kaieteur News, March 27, 2021) and 2. “Husband claims self-defense in attempted murder of pregnant wife. “(Guyana Chronicle, March 28, 2021).

The statistics from a comprehensive national survey on gender-based violence in Guyana revealed that, “55 per cent of Guyanese women between 15-34 years were abused by their partners.” (News

Room, November 13, 2019). The very UN survey found that, “existing violence prevention initiatives are limited in Guyana.” Make no mistake, excellent work has been done by various arms of the UN, the Ministry of Social Security, Parliament and NGOs to bring a halt to this endemic violence against women and girls; in what is now also considered as a global pandemic, but for which there is no vaccine to stop it.

Editor, it will soon be three decades for the UN’s 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, which viewed violence against women and girls as a profound violation of human rights. This begs the question, why after all the excellent work that has been

done by the aforementioned bodies the abuse seems to continue unabated? Is there a panacea to eliminate this violence?

Could it be that it is due to the fact that man is a spiritual being - spirit, soul and body? (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Could it be that no legislative framework or social work can adequately address the spiritual part of man? Could it be that what we are experiencing is evidence of the depraved nature of sinful man? Could it be that the religious bodies were side-lined in this multisectoral approach to get us near to eliminating this scourge from our nation?

Are the efforts of the various bodies in vain? Bad as it is, we cannot afford to throw up our hands in defeat. One sure way to make a difference is for each one

to commit to not engage in any form of abuse against women and girls and to join the campaign to end this violence.

God, graciously help us.

Yours faithfully, Bernel L.H. Wickham

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

US State Department: No question PPP won the elections THE US Department of State has noted the stubbornness of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government to give up power after they lost the March 2, 2020 elections, in its 2020 Country Report on Human Rights Practices.

Prior to the elections, the APNU+AFC Government had lost a no-confidence motion in Parliament in December 2018. The lost meant that elections should have been held in three months as provided for in the Constitution. The Coalition had initially accepted defeat but later challenged the motion all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice, where it lost the case.

After the long delay, Elections were set for March 2, 2020. The US Department of State noted that the Coalition lost the elections but sought to contest the results, lead-

tions.

“The APNU+AFC Coalition’s refusal to accept the elections result that showed their loss created a five-month post-elections impasse, which included a national recount, refusal to accept the results of the recount, and litigation in the Caribbean Court of Justice, the country’s court of final instance.

The PPP/C won by a margin of 15,000 votes against the APNU+AFC Coalition, and Mohamed Irfaan Ali of the PPP/C was installed as President on August 2,” a summary of the US Department of State report stressed.

The elections resulted in the return of the PPP/C to Government after a five-year hiatus ing to numerous rounds of litigation before finally accepting defeat.

This happened five months after the March 2, 2020 regional and general elec-

West Indies cricket needs unity Dear Sir, I AM a relatively young man, as is the majority of the Guyanese population.

Sport runs in my blood, some more so than others. Cricket is a part of my culture, a part of my heritage and a part of my being.

As much as I am critical of West Indies cricket, I find great joy and happiness in those briefest of moments of success. For many others and I, cricket is what makes us West Indian, makes us one, brings us together and unites us.

I have noticed two recent events which have great significance for myself and the entire cricketing fraternity. The first is the election of the newest members of the executive of the Guyana Cricket Board. This is an election long overdue and such a travesty should never be allowed to reoccur. Ten years to have a democratic election is a failure as a people, as an organisation and as a nation.

Guyana is well known for its examples of failed politics and failed leaders, why must we bring this into sports? The most recent election has still proven that not everything is well with our local cricket. The fact than an entire county and its representatives did not present themselves for elections, whatever the reason, speaks a lot.

Elections are won by the popular vote and not in courtrooms. I am hoping that there is no litigation coming out from the most recent results of these elections. I hereby would personally like to extend the warmest of congratulations to the team of Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, Mr. Hilbert Foster, Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan et al. I hope that you put Guyana and it’s youth first and foremost. I hope that with new management, we will be seeing more cricket, and cricket of a higher calibre.

On a more sombre note, there was supposed to be another election. An election of similar or even more importance. Cricket West Indies was supposed to have their biennial meeting to elect the new executive. The current leadership was/is being challenged by others for the position. Strangely enough, the two associations from where the challengers came (Guyana and Barbados) chose to not attend the meeting resulting in CWI not having a quorum for their meeting. This is a scenario that is almost unheard of. “The

hijacking of CWI” is what it is being referred to on social media.

Strangely enough, the persons challenging for the leadership position of CWI are some of the leaders of the most recent Guyana Cricket Board, a board that did not hold any elections for close to a decade. If this is not a clear example of what the future may hold, I shudder to think differently.

My million-dollar question is the following. Who is really running the GCB? Is it one man or is it an executive? The scathing backlash that we are currently facing because of our decision to not partake in the meeting of the CWI is unjust for all Guyanese. We are unjustly painted with a brush as troublemakers, as a society that does things our way, as persons with no regard for democratic norms.

Sadly, our recent electoral experiences as a nation seems to have rubbed off negatively on some. How can we fix it?

If there is a silver lining, it is the fact that we have had a recent GCB Election. The majority of stakeholders appear to have given the new executive their blessing. Now it is time for President Singh to step up and take the first kick (in football terms) or to face the red cherry. His first act as president should be to rescind the term of our current representatives on CWI through a transparent process and appoint persons who will represent us as a nation and an association.

The GCB’s representatives on CWI should reflect the views of the nation borne through a consultative process with the entire country. The next scheduled meeting of CWI should see new representatives from the GCB. These representatives should then use their votes wisely to appoint/elect the best possible candidates to take CWI forward. West Indies cricket needs unity. We cannot have persons/ boards pulling in all different directions. If the election process is democratic, then a transparent election will give us the best candidate to lead us for the next two years.

Guyana must be allowed to play its part in moving West Indies Cricket forward.

We all have a part to play. Let us do it together. One West Indies. One Caribbean.

Yours Sincerely, Dr. Mark France

from a previous 23-year administration.

“National and regional elections took place in March, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won both the presidency and a majority of representational seats.

International and local observers considered the elections free and fair,” the report stated.

Before the no-confidence motion and the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, the electorate went to Local Government polls in 2018.

The APNU and the AFC had contested the Local Government Elections separately and the results showed a significant decline in support for both of them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Financial audit looms for some Amerindian villages

–– says Minister Sukhai following complaints from residents MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has pledged to pursue the audit of several villages due to concerns about financial impropriety.

This was revealed during a community consultation the Minister hosted in Baramita, Barima-Waini (Region One) on Tuesday.

“Many villages who have not supplied us with a financial update, we have selected a few based on complaints for special audits,” Minister Sukhai said.

Additionally, she explained that some villages, including Baramita, have contravened the Amerin-

dian Act 2006, concerning the production of financial statements.

“By law, the Village Council has a duty to supply the financial report to the minister. Twenty-twenty has left us. We are now in 2021 and I have not seen a financial report from the village of Baramita. So, I would urge that the Village Council put their records in order and supply to the minister a financial status of the village.”

Concerning the impending village elections set for May, Minister Sukhai urged the Village Council to liaise with the Community Devel-

opment Officer, Management Development Officer and the governance department of the ministry to select a nomination day.

Minister Sukhai said this is imperative for the nomination of candidates to be monitored effectively.

The Baramita Village Council recently received its $15 million cheque through the one-off COVID-19 investment fund. The council intends to purchase an all-terrain vehicle, minibus and agricultural tools.

There are also plans to construct a fence around the village office, rehabilitate the village guest house and

build a facility for the village’s ICT hub.

Minister Sukhai reiterated that all village councils are mandated to consult the residents prior to submitting projects to be done through the fund.

Under Budget 2021, $300 million has been approved for the continuation of the Presidential Grant fund. The investment would finance projects and programmes in all sectors of the 220 Amerindian villages so that their economies could be strengthened. (DPI)

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, addressing residents of Baramita, Region One (DPI photo)

A section of the residents at a community meeting in Baramita, Region One (DPI photo)

Murder accused Mark Henry surrenders to police

Mark Anthony Henry

MARK Anthony Henry, 24, who was wanted by police for questioning in relation to the alleged murder of 68-year-old Sooroojdeo Deochand, known as “Sarjie” surrendered to police on Wednesday.

Henry of Lot 32 South Public Road, Mon Choisi, West Coast Berbice, turned himself in at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Dead: Sooroojdeo Deochand called “Sarjie”

He was accompanied by his lawyer and was arrested as investigations continue.

Deochand’s bloodstained body was found inside his Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) house on Tuesday last.

Initial reports indicated that the pensioner was found in an unconscious state in his house by his niece and other

relatives, who immediately summoned the police.

According to reports, officers responded promptly to the call, and, upon arrival at the pensioner’s house, they found him in a pool of blood.

The officers later escorted Deochand to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Boy allegedly drowns while fishing THE lifeless body of an 11-year-old pupil of the Enmore Primary School, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), was pulled from the Atlantic Ocean, near the Enmore Seawall, on Monday afternoon.

The dead lad has been identified as Latchman Ramanand of Sixth Street, Foulis Housing Scheme, ECD. He reportedly left home on Monday at about 15:00hrs with two friends on a fishing expedition.

Reports are that the lad was pulled into the ocean by the heavy current and disappeared.

He was subsequently discovered and taken to the Dr CC Nicholson Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Latchman’s relatives described him as a very quiet and peaceful child who had a great life ahead of him.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

Dead: Latchman Ramanand

GPL employee granted $200,000 bail on fraud charge A woman, who was charged with fraudulent misappropriation, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday when she pleaded not guilty and was placed on $200,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Bridgette Benjamin, of Block ‘X’ Field, Sophia, denied that she, between Friday, January 8, 2016, and Monday, December 9, 2019, at Guyana Power and Light Inc, Main Street, Georgetown, being solely entrusted with the sum of

$2,769,282, by June Johnson in order that she may pay the said money on her account at Guyana Power and Light Inc, fraudulently misappropriated the money to her own use and benefit.

According to the prosecution, Benjamin is a former employee of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Herself and Johnson are known to each other. It is alleged between Friday, January 8, 2016, and Monday, December 9, 2019, Johnson gave Benjamin a sum of $8,910,938 in the form of Citizen Bank cheques to pay

on her, Johnson, account at GPL. However, Benjamin instead, paid only $6,142,112 on Johnson’s account and converted the remaining sum of money, $2,769,282, to her own use and benefit.

Johnson reported the matter to GPL, who directed her to the police. Johnson then made a report and an investigation was launched.

Benjamin was subsequently charged for the offence.

The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

COVID-19 sensitisation held at Tuschen Market TRAVELLING on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 as it brings people in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods and exposing them to frequently touched surfaces.

As such, Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, along with police ranks and Region Three Vice-Chairman, Omesh Satyanand, recently held a sensitisation campaign at the Tuschen Market, East Bank Essequibo.

The coordinator of the task force said information

fliers were shared and many vendors and residents offered their opinions and gave feedback.

One of the major issues highlighted, he said, was the lack of facemask use and overload in public transportation.

“Enforcement will be placed in Region Three to ensure that the curve is brought down and officials will ensure that there is compliance by one and all,” Khan said.

He encouraged all the vendors, commuters, and providers of transportation to ‘mask up’ at all times for their own safety as well as for the wellbeing of others.

“People must wear masks that completely cover both the mouth and nose while shopping, travelling or just heading out in general. We must not take anything for granted,” the COVID-19 task force coordinator said.

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, an additional 76 persons have recovered after being infected, while 10 persons have tested positive for the virus, according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard for March 30 2021.

With 76 persons being medically cleared within the past 48 hours, the total number of persons, who have

recovered, moves to 8,998.

Meanwhile, the 10 new cases were recorded from a total of 452 tests conducted; the country has now recorded a total of 10,192 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Six of the latest confirmed cases were recorded in Region Four; two new cases were recorded in Region Three; and Regions Six and Seven recorded one new case each. Six of the newly confirmed cases were females and the remaining four were males. There are currently 981 active cases.

All persons are required to wear face masks when

Region Three Coordinator for the COVID-19 Task Force, Halim Khan, shares a COVID-19 information flyer with a vendor

leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours. Persons with symp-

toms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

Man gets three months in prison for stealing two batteries

KADEAM Obedia, on Tuesday, was found guilty of attempting to steal two batteries from a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Home Affairs when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to three months in prison by Magistrate Delon Bess.

The charge states that Obedia, on Monday, September 7, 2020, at Brickdam, Georgetown, attempted to commit a felony, specifically, simple larceny. He attempted to steal two batteries valued $64,000, property of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to prosecutor Harris, the police and security guards of the

Ministry of Home Affairs are au fait with Obedia.

On Monday, September 7, 2020, at about 22:55 hours, while police ranks were on duty, Obedia, who was in possession of a hammer, was observed to be proceeding towards one of the ministry’s vehicles. The vehicle was parked on the southern side of Brickdam Street, in the vicinity of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Obedia was seen lashing the padlock which secured the steel cage around the batteries. An alarm was raised and Obedia was arrested. He was told of the allegation and he admitted to it. He was then placed into custody and charged for the offence.

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Cuban sugar industry representatives meet with Guyanese officials

SEVERAL high-level representatives from the Cuban sugar industry met with a team from the Guyana Embassy in Cuba to continue discussions on co-operation between Guyana and Cuba.

The first meeting was held last month and continued on Wednesday.

According to the Guyana Embassy in Cuba, the Cuban side was led by the Deputy Director, International Relations and Business,

Naivy Carreras Laurens, and included Sr. Raul Sabadi, Technology Director of the Cuban Research Institute of Sugar Cane By-Products (ICIDCA); Sr. José M. Mesa, Science and Technology Director of the Cuban Institute of Sugar Cane Research (INICA), and a specialist attached to TECNOAZUCAR, the State entity which had previously signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GuySuCo in 2002.

Cuba, along with India and Brazil, is one of the world's three leading producers of cane sugar and one of the largest exporters of sugar.

It has eleven sugar refineries and exports both raw and refined sugar.

The Guyana Embassy team included Ambassador Halim Majeed; Minister Counsellor Heather Seelochan, and Senior Administrative Assistant, Gabriel Gonzalez.

Officials at the meeting that was hosted on Wednesday

Baramita CSOs hail programme, eager to serve THE government’s resuscitation of the Community Support Officer (CSO) programme has bolstered the delivery of services in Amerindian villages.

During a community consultation hosted by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, in Baramita, Barima-Waini (Region One) on Tuesday, Toshao, Sharmain Rambajue praised the programme.

“I really appreciate [it] because it’s like they don’t say they getting a little stipend and they ain’t working no more. They always on the extra-go with me when it comes to village work. So, I really want to say thank you for these CSOs that you have provided for Baramita,” she said.

Several CSOs, who have gained first-time employment through the programme, also said they were eager to serve.

Selina Bacchus said, “I like it a lot…. It kind of encourages me now in giving more to my community. At least I feel more helpful to my community, and during this pandemic, in this job we learnt a lot more the way to converse with people and we learnt more about [their] problems.”

The young woman said she has also learnt to be patient and to execute various tasks the village council may delegate.

Another CSO, Shania Baird, delved into plans to impart the knowledge she has gained through the programme. “I went to Georgetown to do the ICT -- the computer training. Yes, so when they finish the ICT hub, I will start like teaching the other people about it,” she said.

CSO, Michesha Baird

For Michesha Baird, the hiring of CSOs in their own villages makes communication easy in the Carib-speaking community.

“Sometimes people come by we to ask some questions and by explaining it to them in my own words, I can ‘Carib’ because I know their language. They understand it more than how the people in English would explain it.

So, I find that very helpful by speaking my own language to them,” she said. Nearly two weeks ago, Minister Sukhai told Amerindians in Karasabai, Region Nine, that 174 CSOs would be trained in computer literacy this year.

This training will facilitate the roll out of the government’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) programme in 200 communities over the next two years.

These CSOs will be attached to the village councils to assist Amerindians with access to services.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Small businesses vital to the economy

-- Presidents tells GCCI Annual General Meeting SMALL businesses play a crucial role in Guyana’s economic development, said President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who pointed out that they create jobs and increase revenue in communities and the country as a whole.

The President made this statement in his feature address at the 131st Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was hosted virtually on Tuesday.

Small businesses, the President said, drive the econ-

omy by creating employment.

“They generate significant self-employment and help to sustain growth and foster the effective distribution of goods and services…. small businesses represent the arms and legs, propelling our economy forward, sustaining employment and acting as a vital cog in the distribution, marketing and consumption of goods and services of large businesses.”

The Head of State said his government remains committed to supporting the development of small businesses as demonstrated by the amend-

ment of the Small Business Act. “The ‘Act’ expands the range of procurement opportunities for small businesses.

We have already granted small businesses a five per cent advantage in bidding for State contracts. Also, the maximum threshold for grants disbursed by the Small Business Bureau through the Small Business Development Fund has been increased by 100 per cent.”

President Ali said Government has pledged to work with stakeholders to improve small businesses’ access to

finance. Other plans for small business development include the development of business incubators nationwide.

“As we do these things, we are also increasing opportunities for businesses through the Public Sector Investment Programme. We have designed an ambitious infrastructural programme which will unlock untold opportunities for businesses, big and small.”

The President also noted that the consumer is at the heart of business. To this end, the government will implement a raft of measures aimed

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

at protecting consumers from unscrupulous practices, including unfair dispossession by hire purchasers.

“I am sure that you are fully aware of the transformative infrastructural plans which are already on stream

or are in the pipeline… numerous opportunities in the oil and gas sector and those which will result from the modernisation of the traditional sectors – agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining – and the catalysing of new sectors such as ICT, tourism and aquaculture.”

President Ali said 10 small businesses cannot do it alone, but 400 small businesses coming together, and capitalising on bigger market opportunities can create the environment in which the country could build industries that are second to none. (DPI)

30,000

+

Vaccinated against COVID-19 todate

GET VAX

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Potential public health disaster averted

By Richard Bhainie A POTENTIAL major public health disaster was averted on Wednesday afternoon after a team from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Solid Waste Management Department quickly removed medical waste that was disposed on the corner of Oronoque and Forshaw streets, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Georgetown municipality’s Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine, ex-

plained that the waste, which was disposed of, belonged to a doctor who resided at the property situated at the site.

He noted that the owner of the property acquired judgement against his tenant, the doctor, for his immediate eviction from the property. In doing so, all of the doctor’s possessions that were stored in the building were disposed of on the parapet.

Among the waste were hundreds of boxes of a wide variety of expired medication, official documents marked the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation,

medical utensils and equipment and other household waste.

Narine expressed that the dumping of the waste was irresponsible and a “serious health hazard”. He noted that the expired medications could have fallen into the wrong hands and consumed, or even redistributed.

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The Georgetown municipality’s Solid Waste Director, Walter Narine, overlooking the operations on Wednesday afternoon to remove the medical waste (Walter Narine Facebook Photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Man accused of forging Supreme Court order, fraudulently collecting $45M gets bail

A man, who is accused of forging a Supreme Court order and procuring $45M after faking ownership of a property, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday when he denied the charges laid against him. Avery Oliver Grant was placed on $350,000 bail by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

Grant, of Bougainvil-

lea Park, Farm, East Bank Demerara denied that he, between Tuesday, June 14, 2016, and Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at Georgetown, conspired with person or persons to forge one order of the Supreme Court of Judicature, purporting to show that the order was made by the Honourable Justice Jainarine Singh, knowing it to be forged.

He also, between Tues-

day, June 14, 2016, and Monday, June 27, 2016, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $45,000,000 from Ying Xin Su by falsely pretending to her that he was the owner of a property situated at Lot B and C, East of New Public Road, being portion of the North Half of Plantation Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and that he was in the position to sell same knowing it

to be false.

It is alleged that Grant and Ying Xin Su are known to each other. In 2016, Ying Xin Su was in search of a property to purchase. As such, she was enquiring from persons. This happened to lead her into contact with Grant. Grant approached her and showed her the property mentioned in the charge which he posed to be the owner of. Being unaware of Grant’s scheme, Ying Xin

Su made arrangement to purchase the property for $45M, with Grant, to which they both agreed. After the transactions were made, it was later discovered that the property was not owned by Grant.

Grant mentioned to Ying Xin Su that he has a real estate agent, who can assist with the property. However, it was later revealed that a forged court order was prepared to have the conveyance of the property changed into Ying

Xin Su’s name. The incident was reported and the charges were laid against Grant.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ordered that Grant be placed on $200, 000 bail for the ‘Conspiracy to commit a felony’ charge and $150,000 bail for the ‘Obtaining by false pretence’ charge.

The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, April 14, 2021.

Potential public health..

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The Solid Waste Director explained that waste of that nature is disposed of through unorthodox procedure at the landfill, whereby holes are dug and the waste is buried to prevent “pickers” from digging it up.

He noted that anyone with medical waste to be disposed of should contact the Georgetown Mayor and City Council Solid Waste Management Department, which would make necessary provisions for safe disposal.

Narine explained that an investigation has already been launched at the Georgetown City Hall to ascertain the identity of the proprietor of the property, as well as the tenant, who will both be charged accordingly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Golden Jaguars will treat every match as a final - Maximo GOLDEN Jaguars head coach Marcio Maximo believes their 4-0 win over The Bahamas on Tuesday, offers a glimmer of hope for Guyana to advance to the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Speaking to the media, yesterday, before the team’s departure from the Dominican Republic, Maximo is asking fans, pundits and other supporters of the Golden Jaguars, to be patient and trust the process.

Golden Jaguars were out for the second time in Group

F of the CONCACAF qualifiers, and following their 0-3 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago, coach Marcio Maximo was optimistic of a victory to keep his team’s Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup dreams alive.

It was a must-win game for Guyana and it took Terrence Vancooten (8th minute), Kadell Daniel (54), Omari Glasgow (75) and Emery Welshman (81), to hand the Golden Jaguars a life-saving 4-0.

Guyana didn’t just need the victory, but also win-mar-

gin to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the next stage of the qualifier, since as per CONCACAF rules, only one team will advance.

Maximo said with Guyana set to face St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico in their other two World Cup Qualifying matches, as well as Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers, each game will be treated like a finals.

“We have a good chance of qualifying for the Group Stage because this depends only on ourselves. We should

Auty Cup set to return this summer … Canada, USA to clash in July CRICKET Canada and USA Cricket are delighted to announce joint plans for the return of the annual Auty Cup, the longest running international sports rivalry in the world. Canada will host the USA in a 50-over series to be played this coming summer.

Pending final approval of the Canadian health authorities the 2021 Auty Cup will be played in Canada from July 26 to 30 at a venue to be determined later. The Auty Cup series will be played directly after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier, which Canada will host from July 17 to 23, 2021.

Reputed to be the first and longest-running international sporting fixture of any type, the K.A. Auty Cup Trophy is an international cricket series played between Canada and the United States, hosted alternately

by Cricket Canada and USA Cricket. After a 17-year gap the Auty Cup returned in 2011 and has been played across a variety of formats.

The Auty Cup series will serve as ideal preparation for Canada and the USA in the 50-over format with both countries having had no international cricket for more than 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada will be preparing for their ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League series in August 2021, while USA will be preparing for their ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series in the same month.

Raspal Bajwa, Cricket Canada president, said, “After an incredibly difficult 12 months

Cricket Canada president Raspal Bajwa

or so for all cricketing nations, we are very pleased to be able to have a strong summer of cricket to look forward to in 2021. We are looking forward to renewing rivalries in the Auty Cup and host our neighbours in USA Cricket directly after the T20 World Cup Qualifier this summer.”

The newly re-appointed USA Cricket Chairman, Paraag Marathe, said, “We would like to thank our friends at Cricket Canada for hosting the return of the Auty Cup in 2021. The deep history and heritage of cricket across North America is something we both hold very dearly and we are excited to have been able to find a window to reinstate our local and historic rivalry for the Auty Cup.” Cricket Canada and USA Cricket also explained that further discussions were ongoing about the prospect of extending the USA vs Canada rivalry to also include regular fixtures between the respective Women’s and Youth teams in 2021 and beyond. (Cricket Canada)

win the two games and also, we still have the challenge against Guatemala for the Gold Cup,” Maximo reasoned.

The Brazilian added, “We have to select the players that would have shaped to maintain the dynamic of the game to improve our local players, of course, because it’s two processes coming together.

We should have excellent players abroad, but also, we should improve our local players.

Meanwhile, with Maximo working to reshape the

composition of the Golden Jaguars, using his local-players-first mantra, the head coach is calling for a degree of patience with the process, while assuring fans that his decisions and ideas are being made with ensuring Guyana remain a force in the Caribbean football landscape.

The former Tanzania National team head coach pointed out that his hope is for people to “understand the positive side, understand the opportunities the players are getting, especially players who never had an opportuni-

Disciplined Windies hit back on rain-marred third day West Indies bowlers, like they did on Tuesday’s second day, remained disciplined and penetrative, seamers Jason Holder (2-40) and Alzarri Joseph (2-64) spearheading the attack for the Caribbean side with two wickets apiece.

Resuming from their overnight 136 for three, Sri Lanka lost both overnight batsmen in the session after the pair had extended their fourth wicket stand to 75.

Jermaine Blackwood celebrates the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva just before lunch on the third day on Wednesday.

Chandimal started shakily and was put down by Rahkeem Cornwall diving to his right at first slip off speedster Shannon Gabriel, off the sixth delivery of the morning.

However, Chandimal never settled and eventually perished in the fifth over, failing to keep down a pull off Gabriel and picking out substitute Hayden Walsh strategically placed at deep square for the shot.

He faced 101 balls in just under three hours at the crease and struck half-dozen fours.

Dhanajaya combined with Nissanka to resist West Indies, taking Sri Lanka to the drinks break without further loss in a 25-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Another stroke of genius from captain Kraigg Brathwaite accounted for Dhanajaya, 25 minutes before the scheduled lunch break, when he summoned part-time off-spinner Jermaine Blackwood who hit the righthander in front with the very first ball of his spell.

When rain forced lunch to be taken 10 minutes early, the momentum was with West Indies especially with Sri Lanka stumbling on 189 for five, but the

weather delayed the restart until 1:20 pm, taking precious time out of the contest.

Only 55 balls were possible during the second session but it was enough time for West Indies to knock over plucky wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella for 20 and Suranga Lakmal for six.

The left-handed Dickwella, unbeaten at lunch on nine, fell half hour following the resumption when he played back to Holder and got an inside edge through to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva at 203 for six.

Umpire Joel Wilson rejected the initial appeal and West Indies were forced to resort to DRS in order to overturn the not out decision.

Sixteen balls later with 11 runs added, Joseph removed Lakmal, the right-hander clipping a straightforward catch to Brathwaite at short mid-on but only a further seven balls were possible before rain forced an early tea at 217 for seven, with Nissanka unbeaten on 23.

After another frustrating period off the field due to the weather, Holder struck after the resumption when he had Dushmantha Chameera caught at the wicket for two, the right-hander surviving a torrid time at the crease before nicking an uncertain defensive prod behind.

Number 10 Lasith Embuldeniya survived 11 balls without scoring to keep Nissanka’s company, just long enough for the rains to return.

ty like now. Any system, any programme, any situation has another side too, but if you give priority for the bad part, you’ll never grow up.”

The Golden Jaguars, with Tuesday’s victory, are in third place with three points behind Trinidad and Tobago (four points) and table-leaders St Kitts and Nevis (six points).

Puerto Rico with their draw against Trinidad are on one point. Each team would have played two games so far, with only St Kitts claiming full points.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings 354 Sri Lanka 1st Innings (overnight 136 for three) *D Karunaratne c Bonner b Joseph

1

L Thirimanne b Roach

55

O Fernando lbw b Mayers

18

D Chandimal c sub (Hayden Walsh Jr) b Gabriel

44

D de Silva lbw b Blackwood

39

P Nissanka not out

49

+N Dickwella c wkp Da Silva b Holder 20 S Lakmal c Brathwaite b Joseph

6

D Chameera c wkp Da Silva b Holder 2 L Embuldeniya not out

0

Extras (b4, lb5, w1, nb6)

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TOTAL (8 wkts, 103.1 overs)

250

To bat: V Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Karunaratne), 2-64 (Fernando), 3-77 (Thirimanne), 4-152 (Chandimal), 5-177 (Dhananjaya), 6-203 (Dickwella), 7-214 (Lakmal), 8-231 (Chameera) Bowling: Roach 16-4-54-1 (nb4), Gabriel 14.1-3-33-1, Joseph 22-464-2 (w1), Holder 21-3-39-2 (nb2), Mayers 11-7-10-1, Cornwall 15-5-25-0, Blackwood 4-0-16-1.

Position: Sri Lanka trail by 104 runs with two first innings wickets intact.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

No soft signal, 90-minute time restriction

–– IPL’s new playing conditions THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to come down heavily on time consumption during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

In the revised playing conditions, circulated among the franchises, the BCCI said the 20th over must be finished in 90 minutes. Previously, the 20th over was to start by the 90th minute.

In a mail to the teams, seen by Cricbuzz, BCCI said, “As a measure to control the match timings, the 20th over in each innings is now included in 90 minutes, earlier the 20th over was to start on or before the 90th minute.”

Elaborating on the point, the BCCI said, “The minimum over rate to be achieved in IPL matches shall be 14.11 overs per hour (ignoring the time taken by time-outs).

In uninterrupted matches, this means that the 20th

over should finish within 90 minutes (being 85 minutes of playing time plus 5 minutes of time-out) of the start of the innings.

For delayed or interrupted matches where an innings is scheduled to be less than 20 overs, the maximum time of 90 minutes shall be reduced by 4 minutes 15 seconds for every over by which the innings is reduced.”

Dwelling more on the timings, the BCCI entrusted the responsibility of ensuring the rule on the fourth umpire and empowered him to warn the batting side if it indulged in time-wasting tactics.

“In the event of any time allowances being granted to the fielding team under clause 12.7.3.4 above (time wasting by batting team), then such time shall be deducted from the allowances granted to such batting team in the determination of its

over rate. The fourth umpire should ensure that the batting captain (if not at the wicket) and the team manager are both aware of any warnings.”

NO SOFT SIGNAL The BCCI has removed the rule of soft signal in the IPL. As per the new rule, the on-field umpire’s soft signal will not have any bearing on the third umpire’s decision.

“The on-field umpire giving soft signal while referring the decision to the third umpire will not be applicable,” the BCCI stated.

Dwelling further on this, BCCI said, “Should both on-field umpires require assistance from the third umpire to make a decision, the bowler’s end umpire shall firstly take a decision onfield after consulting with the striker’s end umpire, before consulting by two-way radio

The bowling teams will now have to complete their quota of overs within 90 minutes. (BCCI)

with the third umpire.

Such consultation shall be initiated by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with his/ her hands. The third umpire shall determine whether the batsman has been caught, whether the delivery was a bump ball, or if the batsman wilfully obstructed the field.

In case of a fair catch, the

third umpire will use all the technological support available to him/her. The third umpire shall communicate his/her decision.”

There has been a clamour to abolish soft signal in the cricket world and India skipper Virat Kohli was the most vocal against the rule. He has also been against the umpire’s call in lbw decisions but the BCCI has decided to

stick with it.

“Umpire’s Call is the concept within the DRS under which the on-field decision of the bowler’s end umpire shall stand, which shall apply under the specific circumstances where the ball-tracking technology indicates a marginal decision in respect of either the Impact Zone or the Wicket Zone (sic).”

The BCCI has also amended the short run call by the umpires. It has authorised the third umpire to overrule the on-field umpire’s decision on cutting down a run off the batting team’s total. There was a major controversy last year during a Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Delhi Capitals game in which a wrong Short Run call by the square leg umpire proved costly for the Punjab side.

The changes, BCCI said, will come into effect from April 1. (Cricbuzz)

BCA, GCB ‘mistake’ has increased support for Skerritt, says Bassarath PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) chief, Azim Bassarath, believes both Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had more than enough time to peruse the audited financial statements sent by Cricket

West Indies (CWI), leaving them with no excuse not to attend last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Further, Bassarath believes the decision by both boards to snub the virtual AGM and force its postponement until April 11 was “a mistake” and had resulted in a strengthening of support for

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incumbent president, Ricky Skerritt, and vice president Dr Kishore Shallow.

The veteran administration said while CWI had sent out the financials late, the management had given “reasonable excuses” for doing so. And after territorial boards received the email containing the financials just before midday last Friday, Bassarath believes there was sufficient time to have reviewed them.

“The management of the board had submitted a reason, an excuse for not submitting the financials on time,” Bassarath said.

“I think the Barbados Cricket Association did waive the notice as was asked for by the management team and then they withdrew.

“The other territorial boards with the exception of the Guyana Cricket Board did not waive so I don’t think that should really be any major excuse and reason for not attending the meeting.”

He continued: “How long will you take to really peruse a financial statement? If you take six hours, you got the statement about 48 to 60 hours before the meeting,

TTCB president Azim Bassarath

and if you take six hours to peruse the document, it was enough time.

“And there were reasonable excuses why the financial report was not submitted on time so I don’t think it should be an excuse why the meeting couldn’t go on and why they didn’t attend the meeting.”

In statements following the postponement of the meeting, both BCA and GCB expressed concern over the lateness of the audited financial statements and the limited time to review them.

“Despite the receipt of the documents at the aforemen-

tioned time, it was evident that there was insufficient time before the scheduled AGM to properly analyse the Audited Financial Statements,” the BCA said, adding they had in “no way sought to frustrate the process” by not attending the AGM. The GCB, whose Anand Sanasie was set to challenge Skerritt in the presidential election during the AGM, said they were not “prepared to countenance the irresponsible and imprudent management of CWI finances” by tolerating the untimely presentation of the audited financials.

Bassarath, however, said he believed both boards will look back on their actions with a measure of regret.

“If you look at social media, if you look at what is in the public domain, I think it has solidified tremendous support for both Mr Skerritt and Dr Shallow,” he told Jamaica-based TV sports cable channel SportsMax. “By now I feel that the Guyana Cricket Board and the Barbados Cricket Association will have realised they made a mistake by not attending the meeting.”

Since their decision to skip Sunday’s meeting, GCB and BCA have come under heavy criticism from fellow territorial boards.

The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) said the latest development was a “dark moment” which had worsened the divide in West Indies cricket.

“This to me is a dark moment in West Indies cricket.

When you are more concerned about yourself and position than West Indies cricket, it does not say much for our game,” said JCA president Billy Heaven.

“The political divide in West Indies cricket has gone to an all-time low. It is not the first (time) that CWI has requested and been granted a waiver.”

The Windward Islands Cricket Board, headed by Shallow, said there was no “good reason for the manner in which confusion and disrepute have been foisted upon our esteemed and honourable governing body.”

And the Leeward Islands Cricket Board also contended the actions of BCA and GCB had brought CWI “into disrepute”.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 1, 2021

Ramnarine describes action by BCA, GCF hoping to hold National GCB as reckless, irresponsible Cycling Championships in May … praises Minister of Sport Charles Ramson (Jr) for critical role THE recent action taken by the BCA and the GCB by their failure to attend the AGM of the CWI at best can be described as reckless, irresponsible and failing to perform their fiduciary responsibilities as members of the CWI and representatives of their country whom they claim they represent.

What is more alarming and bizarre is the fact they just didn’t turn up for the meeting but they failed to inform the Corporate Secretary and their colleagues of their premeditated decision not to attend the most important meeting - the AGM. What makes this even more perplexing is the fact that BCA and GCB nominated persons for the most significant positions at CWI - the President and Vice-President. How can any responsible person and/or organisation nominate persons to hold the most senior positions in the organisation, whose responsibility among other things is to lead the organisation, fail to turn up causing the CWI members present from the other four Territorial Boards to adjourn the AGM to April 11.

If anything BCA and GCB by their conduct have demonstrated that self-interest takes precedence over the performance of their fiduciary duties.

One would have expected if they have concerns to go to the meeting and try to make

Former TT and West Indies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine

their concerns known to other members and even if they disregard them at least it’s on the record. In that case no one can argue and in fact my post may have been very different as I believe that accountability, transparency and good governance must take precedence.

Sadly, that is not the case and as such it is my respectful view that both candidates have at a minimum in the public make themselves ineligible for consideration for their failure to put the interests of the organisation ahead of their personal interests.

This lack of immaturity that existed before cannot be allowed to rear its head into the leadership of such an important organisation which is well known to all.

I honestly believe that Skerritt and Shallow have offered a type of leadership that is willing to act with maturity, listen to key stakeholders and have signalled their intentions to improve the governance not only at CWI but at all levels.

The Wehby Report is an example of their actions and for those like me who have been advocating the need to strengthen our governance, I am satisfied with the efforts despite the push back they would have received at times.

The performance on the field has improved and when many would have written off the players and teams, they have shown that with the right people around them and the right leadership we can compete and start the process of winning again.

Like many West Indians who long to see the revival of West Indies cricket, I am encouraged by the work that is being done and will continue to support efforts to improve in all areas.

I, like many others, have waited for close to 10 years for the outcome of the GCB elections today as a start to improving the governance of this beautiful game. I am encouraged by the results and more so that it was done in a democratic way and by all reports in a fair and transparent manner.

The Minister of Sport, Mr Charles Ramson (Jr) has

played a critical role in ensuring that the election process was done properly and in keeping with the orders of the Court, the Cricket Act and Constitution of the GCB. I commend him for leadership and ensuring that this ten-year debacle finally came to an end.

Guyana is too important of a stakeholder in West Indies cricket to be embroiled in such poor governance and other negative conduct any further.

I wish to congratulate the new GCB president, Mr Bissoondyal Singh and his new executives and wish them best of luck in their journey to restore Guyana’s cricket to the level of respectability and proper governance it once enjoyed.

Finally, I again congratulate the appointment of Ramnaresh Sarwan, an independent mind and great cricket brain as Chairman of Selectors, such positive news is most welcome. Not everyone like change but change is inevitable, positive change is necessary.

Best wishes to all concerned as we await further positive changes in other areas and with other key stakeholders. We are all hopeful that this is just the start of good things to come.

(Extracted from a Facebook post by former TT and West Indies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine)

If permission is granted, May is expected to be a busy month for cycling.

THE Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) is hopeful that permission would be granted to host its National Cycling Championships in May. The federation, which ran its second race for the year last Sunday, has announced several planned cycling events for the championships.

The first is a time trial for the seniors, juniors, females and veterans divisions. That event is tentatively set for May 22.

The race is scheduled for the Linden/Soesdyke Highway over a distance of 10 miles.

The event, if given approval, would start at 07:30hrs just after the first toll station on the left hand side with riders racing north and proceeding to the junction for the finish.

One day after, on May 23, the GCF would ride off its

senior road race from Georgetown to the Soesdyke/Lindem Highway and back.

Cyclists will start at Banks DIH Main Office before they journey to a marker on the highway and then back to the starting-point. The 100-mile race is also scheduled to start at 07:30hrs.

On May 30, GCF will ride off its Junior, Female and Veteran road race, which will be done around Mahaica That race, which will start at the KK Gas Station will have riders in the different categories compete in a criterium with the different classifications attracting different distances.

Prior to the May races, the federation is hoping to hold a 60-mile road race on Sunday April 11.

The race is tentatively set to take place from Georgetown to Halfway Tree, Mahaicony and back.

Kohli warns players ‘cooked’ in bubble life ahead of IPL season (AFP)-Virat Kohli says cricketers are suffering after months of bio-secure “bubble” life during the coronavirus pandemic as they head into the high-stress environment of the Indian Premier League(IPL)l.

Kohli, one of the game’s most disciplined captains, raised his concerns after his India side edged England by seven runs in a thrilling decider to clinch the one-day series 2-1 in Pune on Sunday.

Players from both the sides moved on immediately to join their squads for the world’s richest franchise Twenty20 tournament, which starts on April 9, and all will have to go through restrictions again in the IPL “bubble”.

“Scheduling needs to be looked at in future, because playing in ‘bubbles’ for so long, two to three months, is going to be very, very difficult going forward,” Kohli said.

“You can’t expect everyone to be at the same level of mental

strength. Some times you do get cooked and you do feel like a bit of a change.

“I am sure things will be discussed and things will change in the future as well.

“But a different tournament, it brings fresh challenges heading into the IPL.” Most international players have been restricted to staying inside bio-secure “bubbles” since August, with only small breaks.

From September until January, India’s players went through similar quarantine and isolation regimes in the delayed 2020 IPL in the UAE and their tour of Australia before having a short break ahead of the home England series which comprised four Tests, five Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals.

England’s rest-and-rotate policy ensured players had breaks during their three months touring Sri Lanka, where they played two Tests, and India.

Virat Kohli and his India teammates had little time for celebrating their ODI series victory before heading into new “bubbles” for next month’s IPL.

- Bubble and back England beat Sri Lanka 2-0 but went down to India 3-1 in Tests and 3-2 in the Twenty20 series.

England players including Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (both Rajasthan Royals), Jonny Bairstow (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Sunday’s batting hero Sam

Curran (Chennai Super Kings) are staying on to join the IPL. Buttler said he was “excited” to take part in the tournament which lasts until May 30.

He said England management had kept players in top mental and physical shape.

“It’s been great that everyone’s health has been really

looked after and whenever it’s possible to get out of the ‘bubble’ and back in,” said Buttler, who stood in as captain for injured Eoin Morgan in the last two one-day internationals.

“So we are all very thankful of that to help with those situations and also it’s about how we plan moving forward. That’s go-

ing to be part of player welfare.”

Curran, who said he had come back “refreshed” after going home during the four Tests, hit a valiant unbeaten 95 in the final ODI. “It’s another learning series for me, really enjoyed it and I feel like it has given me lot of confidence going into the IPL,” said Curran after his man-of-thematch performance just failed to produce a stunning victory for England who had fallen to 200-7 chasing 330 to win.

England, who have already played six Tests in 2021, have an intensive calendar ahead and are scheduled to play another 12 Tests by January 2022, five at home against India, two against New Zealand and five away Ashes Tests in Australia.

They will also have limited-overs series at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan before they return to India for the Twenty20 World Cup in October.

Golden Jaguars will treat every match as a final - Maximo SEE PAGE 25

Golden Jaguars in celebration during their 4-0 win over The Bahamas (GFF/Franklin Wilson photo)

Disciplined Windies hit back on rain-marred third day NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Rain wrecked the final two sessions on the third day of the second Test here Wednesday, allowing only 1-¾ hours play and stalling West Indies’ push for a victory in the decisive affair at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

The home side were honing in for the kill when they reduced Sri Lanka to 250 for eight in their first innings in the last session which got underway at 4:15 pm (Eastern Caribbean time) following a protracted rain break.

However, adverse weather swept across the ground again at 5:07 pm, halting play for the fourth and final time, and ending any hopes West Indies entertained of claiming the last two Sri Lankan wickets ahead of the penultimate

day on Thursday.

Sri Lanka still trail by 104 runs, leaving West Indies with the clear advantage but were being propped up at the close by the diminutive Pathum Nissanka who has so far stroked an unbeaten 49 off 119 deliveries with four fours.

His knock was required after several of his counterparts got starts on a flat track but failed to convert into anything of significance.

Veteran Dinesh Chandimal, on 34 overnight, was dismissed for 44 while Dhananjaya de Silva, on 23 at the start, made 39.

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Jermaine Blackwood celebrates the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva just before lunch on the third day on Wednesday.

BCA, GCB ‘mistake’ has increased support for Skerritt, says Bassarath Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021

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