Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_04_2022

FRIDAY 1st April, 2022

No.106680

$215M laterite mining 03 operation planned for Berbice PAGE

–– private project to create 50 direct jobs during construction, operationalisation phases

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC), through the Government of Guyana and in collaboration with the National Oil Spill Committee, on Thursday, conducted a National Oil Spill Response Exercise in the form of a Command Post and Field Tactical Exercise (Photos courtesy of the Office of the Vice-President’s official Facebook page) (See story on Page 9)

Seeram on 12 ‘Harbour Bridge’ automated tolling $20,000 bail system comes for gun threat Hilton ‘Champ’ Lewis on stream today 02 going strong at 103 02 to father-in-law Guyana to house first World Trade Centre in CARICOM 04 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

‘Harbour Bridge’ automated tolling system to come on stream today

IN a bid to ease traffic congestion, the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) will be rolling out its multimillion-dollar automated tolling system.

Speaking about this new initiative, DHB General Manager Wayne Watson said that a pilot phase of the system, which started in February this year with a few selected vehicles, went well, thus inspiring the move to officially roll out the system to the public from today.

According to Mr. Watson, commuters will only be required to pay their toll via a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, which will be placed on the front of their vehicles, and on their mobile phones.

Bridge commuters, he said, will be registered to a database, and they will need to have funds in their mobile money account.

The magnetic RFID tag, he explained, will be placed on the vehicle, and when it approaches the toll station on the eastern end of the bridge, the system’s sensors will identify the commuter’s vehicle, using the tag, and the toll will be deducted automatically.

He noted that with this system, different tags will be created for different vehicles, whether cars, trucks or vans.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, who visited the bridge on

team did a brief inspection of the new police outpost located at the eastern end of the DHB. Watson related that the police outpost is to aid in the prevention and detection of crime, and to enhance the monitoring of any traffic situation in the area.

He said, too, that the DHB administration has also donated a motorcycle to the police, which is already being used by traffic ranks to execute their duties in and around the bridge area.

Commissioner of Police (ag.) Clifton Hicken and team, along with DHB General Manager Wayne Watson, inspecting traffic on the western end of the bridge (GPF photo)

Thursday, was pleased to point out that there was a relatively smooth flow of traffic on both the eastern and western end of the bridge during the peak

hours, with no visible signs of the usual traffic congestion.

This, he said, is an indication that the current strategy is working, in terms of opening

two lanes of traffic (double lane) going east – (West Bank to East Bank across the bridge) from 06:00hrs to 07:00hrs. A second opening for two-lane

traffic will depend on the traffic situation on both sides of the bridge.

Following the meeting, Commissioner Hicken and his

MORE TRAFFIC RANKS In an effort to further boost the Force’s traffic strategy, Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram said more traffic ranks will be visible at specific points along the road to assess the traffic situation, and in the event of a build-up or congestion, a decision will be taken to open up an extra lane to ease the flow of traffic. Also, more traffic cones will be placed at strategic points on the road to aid in the free flow of traffic.

“The new arrangement entails having more ranks on the ground to constantly monitor the traffic situation, and any buildup of the traffic on either side; that information will be passed upwards, and can trigger a double lane… The idea is to move the traffic, and not get it stagnated on either side of the bridge,” the Traffic Chief said.

Hilton ‘Champ’ Lewis going strong at 103 HUMAN Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, joined

Hilton ‘Champ’ Lewis in his birthday celebrations on Thursday.

and started his teaching career at the Lodge Congregation School.

Hilton spent the next three decades teaching at the primary and secondary levels and was even

appointed headmaster at a few of those schools. He now spends his days listening to cricket and football on his radio. (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security)

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, with Hilton “Champ” Lewis

Hilton asked Minister Persaud what was in the big hamper brought for him.

‘Champ’, a former teacher for 39 years turned 103.

Lewis was born in 1919 and during his lifetime won numerous competitions in both academia and athletics.

Interestingly, Lewis recalls former President Des-

mond Hoyte was his student.

Hilton grew up on Carmichael Street in Georgetown and had seven siblings who are now all dead. As a young boy, he attended the St George’s Government School and after he completed his secondary education, Hilton wrote the Pupil Teacher’s Appointment examination

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, feeds Hilton “Champ” Lewis a slice of his birthday cake

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

$215M laterite mining operation planned for Berbice — private project to create 50 direct jobs during construction, operationalisation phases

By Jared Liddell

COGNISANT of the growing demand for construction materials, a local company, Nand Persaud & Company Limited, plans to invest some $215 million to set up a laterite mining operation in Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne).

A project summary of this 3,600-acre multimillion-dollar operation was recently submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review.

Laterite is both a soil and a rock type rich in iron and aluminum and is commonly found in hot and wet tropical areas.

Nearly all laterites are of rusty-red coloration because of high iron oxide content.

To capitalise on the market for this resource, the investor will be setting up as a modern, open pit mining project with mechanised excavation, loading and hauling operations. There will be an on-site complex where accommodation, administration, storage, maintenance, and other necessary infrastructure will be established.

With Guyana’s current construction boom and several major projects being undertaken by the government and private investors in the region, Nand Persaud & Company Limited saw it fit to set up the operations which would allow for easier and less costly access to important construction materials.

As it is now, those materials are being sourced from areas along the Essequibo and Demerara Rivers to supply the demand in Berbice.

“There are also numerous private sector developments related to the Oil and Gas sector, such as the CGX shore base being developed on crab

island. Presently, there are no formal, organised, reliable open pit mines in Berbice to supply the necessary fill material for these various construction projects,” the company’s project summary read.

The developer estimates the current demand for fill material to be approximately 50,000 tonnes per year. This is a conservative estimate and it is expected that demand will be increasing consistently over the next few years as the oil and gas sector expands and drives national development.

Given major developments planned for Berbice, inclusive of several shore bases, and the Guyana–Suriname Bridge, there is a definite need for the establishment of adequate mines in Berbice to support these construction projects with fill material.

The area selected has several favorable factors for development, such as accessibility by sizeable vessels and adequate resources for extraction.

According to the company’s project summary, consumers are paying between $5,000 and $7,000 per tonne of fill material.

And based on the company’s business model, the expected cost of production should be reduced and the benefit of lower retail prices be passed on to consumers. The majority of consumers for the materials would be in central Berbice and its environs.

The potential for sand, loam and laterite in this area is well known, as there are several small, informal operations in the vicinity which are extracting these types of fill materials.

Not only will this operation satisfy the market demand for fill material, but it will also create employment. According to the project summary, 30 jobs will be created

during the construction phase and 20 persons will be employed when the project is operationalised.

The company’s plan is to hire local persons, including women, based on their experience and skills to support the construction, operational, and closure phases of the project The mine is being developed with an expected economic life span of at least 10 years. This life span is based on the extraction of reserves both above and below nominal elevation.

The company will be the owner and operator of all aspects of the operation within the mining permits, under the supervision of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and other regulatory agencies.

It is estimated that the project will have a payback period of three years. A rough estimate based on available surface models and other indicative data places the reserves at approximately 500,000 tonnes.

The applicant is proposing to develop a production line that will output approximately 50,000 tonnes combined of loam, sand and laterite per year for the first 10 years of the project’s life span.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Guyana to house first World Trade Centre in CARICOM

GUYANA is set to become home of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM)’s first World Trade Centre (WTC), following successful negotiations between the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the World Trade Centre Association (WTCA), which is headquartered in New York.

According to a press

release from DDL, the company, after months of negotiations, secured a licence to establish the WTC in Guyana.

The plan, as outlined

by DDL, is to transform its building at High Street, Kingston, into the centre, which will provide a range of opportunities for local businesses and organisations to enhance their networking capabilities globally. Work on the interior redesign of the building has already begun.

A ceremony to commemorate this milestone will be held at 10:00 hours on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Those persons slated to attend are Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Georgetown’s Mayor, Ubraj Narine; Chairman of the WTCA, John Drew, and DDL’s Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo.

According to the WTCA’s website, the association stimulates trade and investment

The World Trade Centre in the US

opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.

“Our association serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services under the umbrella of a prestigious brand,” the association wrote on its website.

There are over 320 World Trade Centres in more than 100 countries in every continent globally.

The exclusive World Trade Centre and WTC-branded properties and trade service organisations are located in more than 100 countries and supported by 15,000 WTC professionals that deliver integrated, reciprocal resources to meet the needs of small, medium and large enterprises.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

First Lady visits Venezuelan migrants in Region One — donates supplies, conducts ‘needs assessment’

FIRST Lady Mrs. Arya Ali and regional officials, on Wednesday, visited Venezuelan migrants, who have occupied parts of Region One (Barima-Waini), to conduct a needs assessment as part of an effort to bring relief to those who are in desperate need of assistance.

Venezuelans began fleeing their homeland a few years ago, making their way into parts of Region One which are easily accessible.

They have since erected makeshift houses and have been growing some of their own food. They occasionally receive donations from the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Mrs. Ali learnt of the state of the migrants earlier this month through a news report and decided to support the government’s efforts in offering assistance.

In the company of regional officials, including Regional Chairman, Brethnol Ashley, and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Teka Bissessar, the First Lady visited more than 200 of the migrants at Khan’s Hill.

Mrs. Ali donated a large quantity of sanitary supplies and water and engaged some of the migrants to better understand their needs and concerns.

One of the structures which the migrants have constructed for housing at Khan’s Hill (Office of the First Lady photo)

First Lady Arya Ali unpacking some of the supplies which she took to distribute to the Venezuelan migrants in Region One (Office of the First Lady photo)

Most of the migrants are of the Warao nation and cannot speak English. To ensure that communication is maintained, the Ministry of Local Government, through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), has set up a management team which includes a translator.

“We discovered that the most important things for the migrants now are food, clothing and proper shelter.

It is important for us to understand their needs before we offer assistance because we have to be conscious of the cultural differences,” the First Lady said.

She said that her office will now begin mobilising resources, which includes

food supplies and clothing, and will have those delivered to the migrants through the Local Government Ministry.

The government is in

the process of building a housing facility for some of the migrants, and exploring ways to have them contribute to the regional economy through employ-

ment.

Mrs. Ali has also discussed the possibility of erecting and furnishing a separate building which could serve as a village kitchen for the migrants.

“They are here and they are in need, and we are trying our best to provide support to

them. At the end of the day, they are people just like us, with children just like us, and they want a better life for themselves and their children just like anyone would. So, because they are here, we have a moral obligation to assist if we can,” the First Lady shared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Sports Tourism THE tourism sector in Guyana has been given a great boost with the decision by the HERO CPL for Guyana to host the finals for the next three years commencing this year. This will be the first time the CPL finals will be held in Guyana and cricket fans in Guyana simply cannot wait for the cricket action to commence.

To say that Guyanese are lovers of the game of cricket is to put it mildly.

Guyanese are extremely passionate and ecstatic about the game as is being manifested when regional and international cricket is played in Guyana. The Providence Stadium momentarily is being transformed to an electrifying display of energy rarely seen, especially when the favourite

side is performing to expectations.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the launch of the festival, was high in praise of the decision taken to have the games hosted in Guyana. According to President Ali, “Cricket is much more than a game for us in Guyana.

It is a passion; part of our culture and a unifying force.”

As pointed out by the President, by hosting the games we are building a product that will be ‘spectator focused’ and one that is integrated with our regional partners for a global market.

Cricket Carnival, he said, is a fusion of entertainment and celebration that will be mind-blowing and unbelievably different from any other global cricketing event.

The Guyanese leader took the opportunity to welcome all to the greatest celebration of music, pageantry, Caribbean vibes with a South American touch and of course cricket played loudest.

This is indeed a welcome development and will have a direct impact on the economic and social life of Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Cricket is a defining element of our Caribbean identity and we all are excited when our team does well in international cricket. At the same time we are not too shy to be critical of our players when they underperform, an indication of how serious we take our game.

This season Guyana will host seven group games, three knock out matches and the CPL final. The final match

is the high point of the games, one that generates world-wide interest way beyond the boundaries of the Caribbean.

It is estimated that total viewership over the past two seasons surpassed 500 million. The games, described as the biggest sporting event in the Caribbean has now become something of a regional sporting institution comparable to any other in the world.

The Guyana Government, in collaboration with the local private sector, will be taking full advantage of this opening to stage two weeks of events which will take the form of a cricket carnival. The carnival will highlight the best that the country has to offer and will showcase the music, food and culture of Guyana.

The fact is that sport tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world with a projected global value of US$7.6 billion. Sport tourism refers to travel which involves the participation by tourists in sporting events while at the same time enjoying other aspects of cultural life in the host country.

One immediate benefit is an influx of visitors to the country and higher levels of spending which could be a major boost to the local economy.

The decision by HERO CPL to host the finals in Guyana could not have come at a better time as the country is now experiencing a period of economic and social transformation due in part to oil and gas but also to the emphasis placed by the PPP/C

administration on sports and culture and the recreational and cultural life of the Guyanese people.

It also comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is showing indications of weakening. Guyanese for quite some time have been starved of top-ofthe-line entertainment due to the pandemic. The hosting of the CPL finals in Guyana is a welcome development, one that would catapult Guyana as a regional powerhouse in terms of sports and culture.

President Ali and his PPP/C administration must be commended for raising the profile of Guyana not only in the area of sports and culture but also as an emerging economic giant in the Caribbean.

Moral and historical wrongs against Hicken being corrected Dear Editor, PAUL Slowe served as APNU+AFC’s Campaign security adviser for the 2015 elections and was rewarded with a lucrative chairmanship of a ludicrous Commission of Inquiry into a possible ‘assassination plot’ against (then) President Granger. There were no objections to this but when Granger nominated Slowe for Chairmanship of the Police Service Commission(PSC), the assessment by Bharrat Jagdeo was blunt: “I believe that his conduct in the CoI rein-

forces the partisan nature of his thinking and now that he’s going to head the PSC… I think he will bring two sets of baggage with him; the political approach to the job – judging people on the basis of politics – and secondly, he has a lot of interpersonal problems with many members of the police force and old scores, I believe to settle, and therefore that could harm his judgment.”

These concerns were disregarded and having satisfied the constitutional requirement to ‘consult’ with the Leader of the Opposition, David

Granger appointed Slowe Chair of the PSC. Granger has long sailed into the sunset but the fallout from his political decision is still with us.

There was no nuance to the overlooking of David Ramnarine and Clifton Hicken for the top job in the PSC recommendations to Granger nor in the promotion of Lyndon Alves, Paul Williams, Nigel Hoppie, and Maxine Graham to Deputy Commissioners; these were political moves to secure the Office of Commissioner of Police for those with partisan (APNU/ PNC) interests for the foreseeable future. Be-

fore this premise is dismissed as being partisan one has to consider the conduct of the Guyana Police Force during the 2020 elections.

Assistant Commissioner, Edgar Thomas, who was Commander of Region Four, was relieved of his duties by Granger/Slowe COP appointee Leslie James for failing to follow orders given to him Thomas by a Deputy Superintendent to clear the Ashmin’s building.

It requires no understanding of the nuances of rank to understand it is insubordinate for a junior officer to give orders to

a senior, nor to understand that the transfer of Thomas to a desk job at headquarters was a political decision and grossly unprofessional that it has left an indelible stain on the force; part of the Granger/Slowe legacy.

Editor, the promotion of Clifton Hicken to Commissioner of Police without a recommendation from the PSC can be directly attributed to court proceedings involving Paul Slowe and without consultation with the Leader of the Opposition as that Office due to the intractability of David Granger in filling that vacancy;

for Paul Slowe to characterise the President’s actions as illegal and to try to further push the political agenda set for the Police Force during Granger’s tenure while President Ali corrects the historical and moral wrongs done to Clifton Hicken (who was seconded out of the Force to the Ministry of the Presidency) speaks volumes of the characters of those involved in the debate on Hicken’s overdue ascension to the top job.

Yours sincerely, Robin Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Alliance against ‘banana pandemic’ consolidates work — sets new priorities with a focus on producers and consumers

THE coalition to fight against the pest threatening global banana production and, in turn, the food and nutritional security of millions of families, reported on its achievements and set its priorities for the remainder of 2022.

Representatives from the private sector, academia, civil society organisations, government agencies and international bodies that form part of the Global Alliance for Cooperation to Fight against Fusarium TR4 held a meeting in which they demonstrated the strengths of their work, despite the difficult scenario presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, by the impact of the war in Eastern Europe.

Though its origins are from Asia, TR4 has been spreading westward and, in 2019, it was detected in Colombia, setting off alarms in the tropical zones of Latin America and the Caribbean, whose countries are among the largest banana producers and exporters in the world.

Later, in 2021, a strain was detected in Northern Peru.

The Alliance stakeholders, committed to sustainable agriculture, began working jointly in Janu-

research, since the disease does not currently have a cure and it puts the entire fruit value chain at risk, from small growers and their families to the companies that market the fruit and the countries with large volumes of exports.

It was also agreed to focus on consolidating a communication strategy aimed at producers, consumers and potential international doary 2020 with a focus on spread prevention, genetic development, and consumer education.

The coalition was officially formed a year later, with the primary objective of curbing the spread of the “banana pandemic” and, in the medium and long term, to research and develop genetic improvement solutions.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the secretariat of the Alliance, whose executive committee also includes the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the National Banana Corporation (CORBANA) of Costa Rica, Bayer and Chiquita Brands International, Red

Solidaridad and Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

“In more than two years of work, we have consolidated and strengthened our alliance. In different research institutions much progress has been made in gene editing, with the purpose of creating a disease-resistant banana, but we know that this task could take between five and seven years. That is why today agricultural management is fundamental so that the pest does not spread,” explained Gabriel Rodríguez, Secretary of the Alliance’s Executive Committee and IICA Representative in Paraguay.

The priorities set by the coalition for this year include advancing scientific

Norton trying hard to sound good and to gain relevance Dear Editor, THE leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, Aubrey Norton, continues with his weekly attempts to seek relevance. It is highly unlikely that the Guyanese people take the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and its leader seriously. In his latest desperate attempt, he continues to demonstrate why he is no good for Guyana.

As was highlighted by the Vice-President of Guyana a while back, Aubrey Norton, who was elected leader of the PNC/R in December 2021, does his best to say

things that sound good. Mr. Norton’s most recent press conference was no different from any of the others. It was riddled with inaccuracies and mistruths that further demonstrate to Guyanese the deceitful nature of the PNC/R. In a desperate attempt to sound good, Norton said that had the government followed the PNC/R’s advice to increase public servants’ salary by 25 per cent and raise the tax threshold it would have helped the people of Guyana. This is rich coming from the same person whose party while in government implemented over 200 tax measures which took billions of dollars out of the pocket of

these very public servants. It was Norton’s party which put VAT on water, electricity, cell phone data, education and medical services. Whom does he suppose were affected by these actions?

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic increased the minimum wage from $65,000 to $75,000 and provided billions of dollars in relief to Guyanese since its return to office while Norton and his party opposed every single measure that was aimed at providing relief to ordinary Guyanese.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

nors who could collaborate with a task that is essential to ensuring the continuity of banana cultivation.

“We continue working towards advancing our agenda. Today is a crucial moment to make decisions, which is why we have a proposal for programmes and projects, including the research effort to achieve a banana that mitigates the effects of Fusarium and a

broad communication strategy that involves the entire banana chain,” stated IICA’s Director-General, Manuel Otero.

“We need to further strengthen the Alliance to save bananas, which are among the 10 main foods in the world. What is at stake is food security and, of course, the fate of producers and consumers,” Otero warned. (IICA)

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Norton on ‘ice’ Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton

MONTHS after the resignations of Nicolette Henry as a Member of Parliament and Joseph Harmon as Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament, clearing up two seats on the Opposition benches, there is still no clear sign that Aubrey Norton will occupy the chair of Opposition Leader.

Henry had indicated two months ahead that she will resign her post.

Her resignation took effect on March 31, 2022, paving the way for Norton to enter the House and be appointed Opposition

Leader on April 1 (All Fools Day) or any other day, thereafter.

The Executive of the PNC/R, which is the largest party in the APNU+AFC Coalition, wants Norton to become Opposition Leader but from all appearances, not everyone in the party is in favour of this decision.

Norton had defeated Harmon in the PNC/R leadership race in December last year in a contest that saw non-participation from more than 60 per cent of the voting delegates.

Harmon initially had refused to give up the post of Opposition Leader but relented amid mounting pressure from party comrades. He subsequently resigned as a Member of Parliament but earlier he had resigned as General Secretary of the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Former President, David Granger had also resigned

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

-Coalition yet to select Opposition Leader as Chairman of the Coalition.

The process to fill the two vacant opposition seats begins with Granger, who is Representative of the List of Candidates for the APNU+AFC, with him informing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of the existing vacancies and the names of the persons to fill them.

From all indications, he is yet to do so, even though Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir has formally written to him, notifying him of resignations of Henry and Harmon and the vacancies that exist in the opposition benches in the House as a result of their departure.

Since losing the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, the PNC/R in particular and the Coalition in general, have been rocked by internal conflicts which have resulted in the departure

of some members and the vast majority of their membership criticising the performance of their party leaders.

In a bid to stay in power, elements in GECOM with the support of the Coalition had attempted to rig the elections through a series of fraudulent vote count and frivolous court cases. The Court of Appeal had ruled in favour of the Coalition in the court cases but all were thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice on appeal.

In the end, it took GECOM five months to declare the credible results of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections, but not after enormous pressure from local stakeholders and the international community forced the Coalition to cease from illegitimately occupying the set of government.

Ready to respond!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Wednesday held a successful national oil spill response exercise, both onshore and offshore the Atlantic Ocean.

The exercise was undertaken with the guidance of the recently completed National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. It was the culmination of a series of training sessions and workshops which began in September 2021, as part of the national oil spill response effort.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig, Director-General of the CDC, said the intention of the exercise was to test Guyana’s capabilities to respond to a tier-two oilspill scenario.

In December 2019, Guyana officially became an oil-producing nation as ExxonMobil began pumping oil for commercial purposes offshore. Today, Guyana produces over 100,000 barrels of oil per day, and this is set to increase to as many as 257,000 barrels per day on average in 2022, when the Liza Unity floating produc-

- Guyana hosts successful oil spill response simulation exercise

Scenes from the oil spill response simulation exercise tion, storage and offloading (FPSO) begins production.

In addition, Guyana’s economy is set to grow by 47.5 per cent this year, a growth rate not projected by any other country in the world.

Led by the CDC, the Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard, Maritime Administration,

Guyana Energy Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency, all participated in the exercise. Technical support was also provided by The Response Group (TRG), an international incident and crisis-management entity.

“The exercise seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses and lessons learnt to enhance the plan, thereby preparing all stakeholders

to be ready to respond effectively and efficiently if there is an oil spill in the future. The exercise is being conducted in a real-time, stressful environment that is intended to mirror a real tiertwo incident,” the Director General said.

“It aimed to simulate reality by presenting complex and realistic problems that require critical thinking,

rapid problem-solving and effective response by trained personnel from all the various agencies,” Lt. Col. Craig added.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday following the end of the programme, to discuss challenges and recommendations to strengthen the response mechanism. A report will then be compiled and made available to all

stakeholders. Similar exercises are expected to be undertaken throughout the year.

Prime Minister Brigadier (r’td) Mark Phillips congratulated the team for undertaking a successful simulation exercise. The Prime Minister said the government is committed to providing all the support necessary to prepare Guyana for any disaster. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Sustainable consumption, production patterns needed to improve ‘agri’ output

–– Minister Mustapha tells FAO AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said that in order for member states to achieve better production, sustainable consumption and production patterns through efficient and inclusive food and agriculture supply, chains at the local, regional and global levels must be guaranteed.

This was an important part of his message to stakeholders at the 37th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha Minister Mustapha (front row, right) and other officials at the conference Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, Minister Mustapha was at the time presenting Guyana’s position on the interventions needed to achieve better production, focusing on innovative small-scale family farming and small and medium enterprises in the agri-food sector.

“Better production means ensuring resilient and sustainable agri-food systems in the face of climate change and its impact on the environment, since the food and nutrition security of our countries, depends on a sustainable and productive agricultural sector.

“To improve food security, the efficient cultivation, and production of traditional and non-traditional primary agricultural products, and increased production and diversification of processed agricultural products, emphasis has to be placed on higher and more advanced degrees of commercialization embracing specialized production, and the increased importance of Research and Development (R&D) and use of technology,” Minister Mustapha said.

Noting the agriculture sector’s vulnerability to climate change and the negative impact that it could have on food security, Minister Mustapha maintained that regional leaders and policymakers must be innovative in their efforts to ensure better production.

While giving an overview of Guyana’s efforts so far in this regard, Minister Mustapha said the government has been investing in innovations with a focus on productivity improvements

driven by research and development, strengthening climate resilience, advancing the use of technology, and intensifying improved land and water-management practices.

“In the area of research and development, over the years and Guyana has released high-yielding rice varieties such as the GRDB16 which has the potential of producing nine tonnes per hectare, once good agronomical practices are exercised. This particular variety can germinate in up to nine inches of water and takes just 110 days to fully mature,” the minister said.

He added: “We’ve also had successful trials of bio-fortified rice which is intended as a sustainable, cost-effective means of delivering target micronutrients to populations that have weak access to such diets. In the area of livestock, Guyana is making a stride to improve research and technology by developing desired genetic material for livestock species.

“We’ve also been pushing for the use of shade-house technology as an adaptive strategy to the threats of climate change.

In 2021, 150 shade houses were constructed, while in 2022, in excess of 200 shade houses are targeted for construction.”

EARLY FLOOD-WARNING SYSTEM Minister Mustapha also highlighted the fact that Guyana remains extremely susceptible to hydrometeorological hazards such as floods and droughts and that a National Early Flood Warn-

ing System was designed for the prediction of extreme flood events.

This system, he noted, supports and strengthens Guyana’s flood forecasting practices and early flood warning system activities.

Innovation in digital solutions has also been an area where the government has, since assuming office in August 2020, promoted within the agricultural sector. Many commercial farmers in Guyana have also utilised drone technology as a more cost-effective and less labour-intensive way of applying critical inputs at various stages of cultivation.

Minister Mustapha said that the use of drones is steadily growing as an effective approach to sustainable agricultural management, as it contributes to greater efficiency in production and lower production costs.

“This year, the Guyana Rice Development Board will be utilizing the T20 Drones for the spraying of pesticides. The drone technology will also help with data mapping, environmental monitoring, surveying, and prospecting.

“One of the main constraints of implementing drone technology is that it requires a specialized data pipeline. As we build capacity in the use of agricultural drones, a data system for drone technology will be established,” Minister Mustapha said.

In addition to his presentation, Minister Mustapha also served as Chair of Wednesday’s session at the conference.

The conference is scheduled to end today.

(Ministry of Agriculture)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Authorities considering booster doses for adolescents

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that the government is considering the recommendation by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States, to offer booster doses to persons 12 years and older.

According to the CDC, adolescents between 12 and 17 years old should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. “…that’s something we will also be looking at because our population between 12 to 17, we’ve only been giving them the primary dose, that’s the first and second dose, and now we’ll probably have to consider whether we should administer the booster dose,” Dr. Anthony said during Thursday’s edition of the COVID-19 update.

Additionally, on March 29, the FDA advised that countries could now administer a fourth COVID-19 booster A COVID-19 booster shot dose to their popubeing administered lation.

“The recommendation is that the fourth dose should be administered to people who have underlying conditions that result in immuno compromise… The second condition is that they have generally recommended it for anybody 50 years and older,” Dr. Anthony said.

He said scientific data has shown that a fourth dose vaccine is “very protective,” so the ministry will be considering the administration of a fourth dose for persons 50 years and older. He again reiterated the importance of getting inoculated against the disease.

“When you get vaccinated, you’re giving your body a chance to quickly react when it comes in contact with the virus. If not [vaccinated], it would take a long time, and during that period you can develop other complications so it is important to get vaccinated,” Dr. Anthony said.

He reminded persons that immunity reduces approximately six months after taking the second dose of a primary vaccine, so it is important for persons to take their booster shot in order to be protected against the disease. (DPI)

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155 GDF ranks conferred with prestigious military medals COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, presented several soldiers and officers with prestigious military medals during the Guyana Defence Force’ s (GDF)’s Medal Presentation Parade at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Ranks were bestowed with the Military Efficiency Medal (MEM) for 10 years of continuous, unblemished service and the Border Defence Medal (BDM) for service on the borders.

According to the GDF, a total of 35 officers and 46 other ranks met the criteria for the MEM, while seven officers and 67 other ranks met the criteria for the BDM. However, only a representative number were decorated with their medals by President Ali. The President presented 16 ranks with the MEM and also decorated 10 ranks with the BDM. In further explaining the significance of the medals, the GDF said the MEM is awarded to officers and ranks of the regular force who complete 10 years of continuous service without any disciplinary issues, while the BDM is awarded in two classes.

Class one is awarded to any member of the disciplinary services who is a member of a unit engaged in hostilities in defence of the territorial integrity of Guyana, and class two is awarded to any officer or rank deployed in areas within 100 kilometres of a hostile border on permanent duties for a total of 365 days with no disciplinary issues.

President Dr Irfaan Ali presents one of the awards on Wednesday (Office of the President photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Youth released on ‘time served’ for killing Region One farmer

- ordered to undergo two years’ probation, community service

FIVE years after being on remand for the fatal stabbing of a Region One (Barima-Waini) farmer, a

21-year-old man was, on Tuesday, released from prison on ‘time served’ after he confessed to the

crime.

He will now be on two years of probation and supervision.

Considering the now-released was 16-years-old at the time of the offence, his matter was heard through application of the Juvenile Justice Act which protects his identity as he was charged as a juvenile.

In early March, according to a source, he appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder.

When he appeared before the Court, the young man entered a guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter. His charge was that, on November 23, 2016, he unlawfully killed Junior Moses at Ela Landing, Barima, Region One. This newspaper was told that, on the day in question, Moses and the now-released man were consuming alcohol. A heated argument followed which turned into a physical altercation.

During the incident, the then teenage boy

armed himself with a knife and fatally stabbed Moses to his abdomen.

The confessed killer claimed that he acted in self-defence since the victim was armed with a cutlass, and had advanced toward him.

Justice Morris-Ramlall delivered her sentencing on Tuesday last.

In issuing the probation order, the Judge took into consideration Section 44 (c) of the Juvenile Justice Act which says the Court can “commit the juvenile to custody in an open or secure residential facility provided for under this Act for a period not exceeding five years from the date of the coming into force of the order.”

She sentenced the confessed youth to serve two years and eight months in custody. Considering he had been on remand since November 2016, he was released from prison considering he had already served much of that time.

During his probation,

the confessed youth is expected to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

He is also required to report to the Chief Probation Officer (CPO) on or before the last Monday of every month.

A further Order was made for him to perform two hours of community service in the Mabaruma township every week for six months at a place or institution directed by the CPO. For his benefit, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is required to identify a positive peer who will work with the confessed offender for a specified period.

He is also expected to remain in the territorial jurisdiction of Guyana unless permission is granted by the Court for him to leave.

The state was represented by prosecutor Lisa Cave. The defendant was represented by attorney-at-law, Jerome Khan.

Region Four Chairman on $20,000 bail for gun threat to father-in-law CHAIRMAN of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Daniel Seeram, was released on $20,000 bail on Thursday for a charge of threatening behaviour committed against his father-in-law, Shaheed Hamid.

Seeram appeared before Magistrate, Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The charge read that in early March, he committed the act against his 50-yearold father-in-law at MovieTowne, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

Seeram’s defence counsel, Roysdale Forde S.C., made an application for reasonable bail for his client.

Considering the circumstances given, the magistrate granted the application and released Seeram. He will return to court on April 21.

Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram

Seeram was first expected to appear in court last Thursday. He was absent and his matter was adjourned to a later date.

Later, a press statement was issued, on his behalf, saying he was out of the jurisdiction and was notified by the police the night before he was to appear in court.

This newspaper had previously reported that

during the incident involving Seeram and his fatherin-law, Seeram reportedly brandished his weapon to threaten Hamid.

Security personnel at the establishment intervened and escorted Regional Chairman, Seeram out of the building.

Hamid later reported the matter to the Turkeyen Police Station.

This newspaper was told that on the same day Hamid issued his report, Seeram visited the Alberttown Police Station and did the same, claiming Hamid brandished a firearm at him during the altercation.

It is alleged that Seeram told the police that he went to MovieTowne to speak to his wife about an ongoing issue between them. He instead met the woman’s father where the exchange ensued.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Katoonarib Nature Fair promotes Giant Anteater

A resident of Katoonarib Village holding a sign for the Katoonarib Nature Fair THE South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) in collaboration with Katoonarib Village recently held the first Katoonarib Nature Fair to raise awareness of the importance of Giant Anteaters and other wildlife in the Rupununi, as well as to celebrate the creation of the Community Conservation Zone.

This zone was launched to help maintain the healthy population of Giant Anteaters in Katoonarib and involved meeting with all of the residents of the community to create a set of rules and design a boundary to protect the said animals.

The fair was attended by the residents of Katoonarib Village, SRCS members from other communities, visitors from across the Rupununi, and the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, among others.

It included many different activities such as a Giant Anteater Craft Competition where entries could be made from any material, including wood, cotton, baskets and leather and could take any form such as a belt or a model of an anteater.

There were also many environmental education games for children and adults as well as booths where people could learn

about different environmental issues. The Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA) was also in attendance and gave away ‘chicks’ as prizes for their various activities for residents.

Participants of the Nature Fair could have also made various crafts including designing their own leather belt, bracelet or necklace.

“SRCS is now aiming to help communities create more Community Conservation Zones in communities across the Rupununi where the villages want to protect wildlife whose population they believe is declining,” SRCS Programme Coordinator, Neal Millar told Guyana Chronicle, adding: “SRCS also believes that this model can be replicated across Guyana and are keen to share the idea with communities across the country.”

According to him, SRCS is also planning to hold more community nature days to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife in communities throughout the Rupununi.

The next planned event will be the “Sawariwau Nature Day” in Sawariwau Village on Sunday, April 10.

Meanwhile, over

the past few decades, residents of the Rupununi have noticed a significant decline in the number of Giant Anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) that they were seeing in the wild. There were multiple suggested reasons for this but there was no scientific evidence or data to support their claims.

“A continued decline in the population could have consequences for Guyana’s biodiversity, lo-

cal ecosystems and impact sectors such as the tourism industry,” Millar observed. So in August 2019, the SRCS was granted funds by the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme Guyana and the GEF Small Grants Programme Guyana to start conducting research on Giant Anteaters.

SRCS chose Katoonarib Village to be the site of the Giant Anteater research and signed an agreement

with the community on what activities would be conducted. Before starting the activities, SRCS trained five males and five females from Katoonarib to be SRCS rangers who would be the ones to complete the activities. Following this, the rangers then spent the next two and a half years collecting data on Giant Anteaters through household surveys, monitoring and camera trapping.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, watching the creation of the leather crafts (Photos sourced from SRCS)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Pensioner perishes in fire at Bachelor’s Adventure

A 76-year-old man has lost his life after a fire razed the house he was occupying at Lot 292 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Charles Brown perished in the fire which ripped through the flat concrete-and-wood structure owned by Onika Lawrence.

The GFS related that it was alerted of the incident at around 08:20hrs on Thursday, and responded by dispatching a water tender and an ambulance and crew from the Melanie Fire Station, and another water tender from the Mahaica Fire Station.

The Fire Service was unable to save the building, since the fire spread rapidly through the house. However, preliminary investigations have revealed that the supposed cause of the fire was an unattended kerosene stove which flared up and ignited nearby combustible

items.

“As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed, and Charles Brown lost his life,” the GFS reported.

The other occupants of the house, 35-year-old Andrew Reid and 30-year-old Godfrey Reid are now left without a roof over their heads.

In light of this incident, the GFS is calling on citizens to take the necessary precautions to avoid fire emergencies, and to educate themselves regarding fire safety and fire prevention.

Citizens are also advised to not leave cooking appliances unattended, and to ensure that stoves are properly turned off when not in use.

“Keep children away from the cooking area, and ensure matches and lighters are out of the reach of children. Make use of fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers,” the fire service said.

What’s left of the Bachelor’s Adventure house in which 76-year-old Charles Brown lived

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Chris Rock ‘still processing’ slap by Will Smith at Oscars (REUTERS) – COMEDIAN, Chris Rock, in his first public comments since he was slapped in the face by actor, Will Smith at the Oscars on Sunday last, said he is “still processing” the incident that made headlines around the world.

“How was YOUR weekend?” Rock asked last Wednesday night of a sold-out

crowd at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre. He made it clear from the onset he did not plan to address the Oscars incident at length.

“I’m still processing what happened, so at some point I’ll talk about that shit,” Rock told the crowd. “It’ll be serious. It’ll be funny, but right now I’m going to tell

some jokes.”

Rock, 57, received a standing ovation from the Boston crowd.

“Let me be all misty and shit,” he said, with tears in his eyes. “I don’t have a bunch of shit to say about that, so if you came here for that...’ he said, and paused.

“I had written a whole show before this weekend.”

Perhaps Rock’s biggest revelation was his plan to get a vasectomy next week.

He joked that he made his decision

Instead, he launched into a stream of profanity-laced barbs directed at Great Britain’s royal family; Meghan Markle; former U.S. President, Donald Trump; U.S. President, Joe Biden; former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; Subaru; Lululemon; and even his oldest daughter, Lola.

“He came out swinging, but not about Will Smith,” said Ramsay Fretz, a 32-year-old Boston real estate agent who sat in the balcony. “It’s nice to see some-

Chris Rock stands backstage at the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S./Handout via REUTERS after seeing 78-year-old actor, Robert De Niro drop off his 11-year-old daughter at school.

“I’ve already seen Hannah Montana once and that was enough,” Rock quipped.

At last Sunday’s Academy Awards, Rock was on stage to present the trophy for best documentary.

He made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, that referenced the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which actress, Demi Moore shaved her head.

It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

Will Smith strode onto the stage and slapped Rock before winning best actor less than an hour later. The actor apologised to Rock and the academy in a statement on Monday.

During his 80-minute set in Boston, Rock never mentioned Smith.

one equally attack everybody.”

After the slap that reverberated around the world, TickPick, an online marketplace for events, said it sold more tickets overnight to Chris Rock’s “Ego Death” tour than it did in the past month combined.

Balcony seat tickets, with a face value of $61, fetched nearly $1,000 after Smith slapped Rock in front of nearly 17 million television viewers tuned into the Oscars.

Some attendees in Boston were disappointed that Rock refrained from verbally retaliating against Smith.

“You know, it was the elephant in the room,” said audience member, Jay Dee. “Everyone was waiting for the ‘aha’ moment that didn’t come.”

Reporting by Tim McLaughlin and Lisa Richwine, additional reporting by Eric Cox; editing by Jane Wardell.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

OSCARS 2022: Is everybody really OK?

FILLED with shocks, sighs, surprises, and exciting performances, the 94th Academy Aw a r d s , p o p u l a r l y known as the Oscars, was a grand meeting of Hollywood’s glitzy and glamourous in what feels, finally, like a fast-approaching postCOVID world.

But hardly any of this will be remembered when we think about Oscars 2022. Why? The Slap!

These awards are given as a physical nod to artistic and technical excellence in the film industry. The Oscars golden statues are regarded by many as the most prestigious and significant award in the film entertainment industry worldwide.

Given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the awards are an international rec-

saulted another black man, but he insulted an entire community and beloved family.

While the memes and jokes quickly flooded the socials, it was sad to see that such a wondrous win could have not been celebrated in all its glory.

Many left the awards

Actor Will Smith

after Oscars host and comedian, Chris Rock pointed out Jada Pinkett Smith in the crowd and said: “Jada, I love ya!

G.I. Jane 2—can’t wait to see it”, referring to her bald head. Smith casually walked onto the stage, and dealt Rock a solid slap.

The public debate surrounding Smith’s slapping of Rock is on-

to say that Lupita Nyongo’s face was all of us.

It is believed that Smith was acting in defence of his wife who suffers from alopecia, but does this really justify the action? Was there no other way?

Later that evening, Smith went on to win the Oscar for Best Leading Actor for playing Richard Williams, father of

Stunned, like many of us, Actress, Lupita Nyong’o reacts to Will Smith’s altercation with Chris Rock at the Oscars Sunday last

ognition of excellence in cinematic achievements.

Considering the history of #OscarsSoWhite, the nominations and wins for AfricanAmericans this year were noticeable.

It’s difficult, however, to truly appreciate this considering the actions of Will Smith.

The incident occurred

going.

Many thought it was a staged performance. Understandably so, because why not have that much drama in a room full of actors.

It wasn’t until Smith returned to his seat and bellowed an instruction to Rock which will not be placed within these column inches because of the profanity. It’s safe

tennis superstars, Venus and Serena Williams, in the movie, ‘King Richard’.

The audience gave Smith a standing ovation as he took the stage to accept his award.

What was intended to be a legacy project for the Williams family was overshadowed by the fact that smith had not only physically as-

ceremony not talking about Smith’s outstanding performance in the film, ‘Kind Richard’ or even about the amazing story itself that was told.

Instead, the internet was ablaze with backand-forth statements and rebuttals about a situation that could have been

better handled.

Smith has since apologised, but the Academy has broken its silence to indicate that not only was Smith asked to leave, which he refused, but the body will open an investigation into his action. Let’s see how that goes. (Naomi Parris)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Police offered to arrest Will Smith, Oscars producer says

(REUTERS) – Los Angeles police were on site and ready to arrest actor, Will Smith at the Academy Awards on Sunday last for slapping presenter, Chris Rock, the producer of the Hollywood ceremony said on Thursday.

The authorities did not take any action because Rock declined to press charges, producer, Will Packer said, echoing what a police spokesperson said on Sunday.

“They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment,” Packer said in excerpts from an interview that will air Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith pose on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022.

REUTERS/Mike Blake “They said, we will go get him. We are prepared.

We’re prepared to get him right now,” Packer added.

During the live Oscars telecast, Smith strode up to the stage after Rock made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife, then smacked the comedian’s face.

Less than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the best actor trophy for his role in “King Richard.”

Behind the scenes, police were discussing options with Rock, Packer said.

Rock “was being very dismissive of those options.

He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine.’ And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish,’” Packer added.

Representatives for Rock did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Smith apologized to Rock, producers and viewers in a statement on Monday, saying he had “reacted emotionally”.

Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, made a reference to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.

It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Jada Pinkett Smith has a condition that causes hair loss.

A police spokesman said Sunday night that the individual involved in the incident had declined to press charges, but did not provide details about the interactions at the awards show.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Big Grammys questions: Will Olivia Rodrigo make a clean sweep? What will Ye do?

(REUTERS) - It’s anyone’s guess who will prevail at the Grammy awards on Sunday in Las Vegas, in a field that ranges from teen sensation Olivia Rodrigo to 95-year-old singer Tony Bennett and rapper Kanye West.

Rodrigo, 19, is nominated in the top four categories album, song and record of the year and best new artist - at the music industry’s highest honours. Only two musicians in Grammys history have swept all four categories on the same night.

Experts say Rodrigo is close to a lock-in for best new artist after her “driver’s license” took off in January 2021,

Rapper Kanye West holds his first rally in support of his presidential bid in North Charleston, South Carolina, U.S. July 19, 2020.

REUTERS/Randall Hill and that the viral hit is a strong contender in the record and song categories.

“Everybody thinks Olivia Rodrigo is going to take a significant number of awards,” said Variety deputy music editor Jem Aswad. “She’s almost a shoo-in for best new artist.”

Album of the year is harder to call, Grammy watchers say. Rodrigo’s “Sour” is competing against West’s “Donda,” Jon Batiste’s “We Are,” and Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Love for Sale.”

Justin Bieber’s “Justice” is also in the race, along with Doja Cat’s “Planet Her,” Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever,” H.E.R.’s “Back of My Mind,” Lil Nas X’s “Montero” and Taylor Swift’s “Evermore.”

West, who has legally changed his name to Ye, has a contentious history with the Grammys. Media outlets have quoted an unnamed representative for the rapper saying West was told he could not perform at this year’s ceremony due to his recent social media posts.

The rapper was suspended from Instagram for 24 hours this month after posting racial slurs about late-night host Trevor Noah, who will be hosting the Grammys.

Representatives for the Recording Academy, which presents the Grammys, and West did not respond to requests for comment.

West is an award nominee, so he could be seated in the audience on Sunday even if he does not perform. Viewers and attendees will be watching how he reacts, win or lose, in the five categories he is nominated in, Aswad said.

The rapper famously took the microphone from Taylor Swift as she was accepting a trophy at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2009.

“No one expects Kanye West to sit on his hands on Grammy night,” Aswad said.

This year’s Grammys were pushed to April from January because of a COVID-19 surge at the beginning of the year.

The date swap forced a change in venue from Los Angeles to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The awards will be broadcast live on CBS television and the Paramount+ streaming service.

K-pop band BTS, which has yet to win a Grammy, enters the night with a single nod for top-selling single “Butter” and is among the acts slated to perform on the Grammys stage.

Nominee Bennett has Alzheimer’s disease and is not expected to attend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Sport Minister touts Sinclair, Anderson hit centuries in CPL finals as next Tenelec 50-over cricket competition chapter in hosting premier activities FOR the first time in nine seasons of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, will be home for the entire finals week.

The Government has signed an agreement to host the finals for the next three years.

At the launch of CPL 2022 on Wednesday evening, it was announced that a Cricket Carnival event under the ‘One Guyana’ banner will be held for two weeks to coincide with the 11 games in the country. This year’s CPL window is from August 30 to September 30.Minister of Culture of Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, exuberant over the prospects that beckon during that period, underscored that “sport is a universal unifier” and this is a tremendous opportunity to bridge any divide.

“This event will be a turning point for Guyana as a destination to host premier

events,” the Minister said as he envisioned the long-lasting global product Guyana will offer.

The home for franchise Guyana Amazon Warriors, Guyana, becomes only the third territory to host the final in the six-franchise tournament.

Trinidad and Tobago has hosted the final six times and St. Kitts the other three.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CPL was solely held in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

The inaugural Cricket Carnival will feature a regional food festival, a regional as well as an international concert and a Guyana Night, among many other exciting events, in addition to the highly anticipated cricket matches.

Spectators were also promised excitement in the stands come September.

Amsterdam takes historic bronze at AMBC Elite Championship DESMOND Amsterdam’s exceptional run at the AMBC Elite Championships in Ecuador came to an end in the semi-finals of the Men’s middleweight division.

After brushing aside Venezuelan, Eldric Sell, Amsterdam went on to face Hector Aguirre of Mexico.

However, at the end of the contest, the judges scored the fight 5-0 in favour of the Mexican.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Corporal will return home with US$2500 and a bronze medal.

Amsterdam, fellow middleweight Jamal Eastman and light-welterweight Colin Lewis were the country’s representatives at the Championship which will conclude tomorrow.

The team is being coached by Terrence Poole MS. President of Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, hailed Amsterdam’s success as “historic”, taking into consideration that he is the first Guyanese boxer to benefit from the International Boxing Association (IBA) monetisation of prizes for podium finishers.

President Ali throws down the...

FROM BACK PAGE

fans and the tournament is expecting significant excitement at the prospect of these hugely important matches taking place in the country.

Guyana’s economy is growing rapidly, and the country has a fantastic reputation as a destination for

tourists looking for unspoiled nature. The Hero CPL finals will further showcase this wonderful country to a massive global audience – the total viewership for Hero CPL passed 500 million in both 2020 and 2021.

THE Tenelec 50-over first-division tournament first round kicked off last weekend in Berbice, with outstanding performances from West Indies senior and junior batters Kevin Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson, an exceptional bowling spell from fast bowler Shamar Joseph and all-round performance from Suresh Dhanai.

At Albion: Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour outplayed Blairmont Blazers by 204 runs. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Rose Hall Town Namilco reached 293 for 7 off 50 overs with centuries from Kevlon Anderson (104) and Kevin Sinclair 101 Keon Sinclair also chipped in with 30 not out.

Bowling for Blairmont Blazers; Seon Glasgow grabbed 3 for 48 off 9 overs and was supported by Chris Harry, Kemol Savory and Kevin Jawahir, who grabbed one wicket each.

In reply, Blairmont Blazers was bundled out for 89 in 26.2

overs with Nigel Deodat scoring 26 and Kevin Jawahir 15. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Namilco; Junior Sinclair grabbed 3 for 12 off 6.2 overs, Kevin Sinclair 2 for 16 off 6 overs and Clinton Pestano 2 for 15 off 5 overs.

At Port Mourant: Young Warriors defeated Port Mourant by 1 wicket. Port Mourant, batting first, scored 190 all out in 37.1 overs after the game was reduced to 38 overs due to overnight showers. Joshua Ramsammy scored 56 and was supported by West Indies U15 player Rampertab Ramnauth with 40 and Madhan Budhan 35.

Bowling for Young Warriors; Suresh Dhanai and Trevon Stansilus grabbed 3 wickets apiece for 43 and 27 runs respectively off 8 overs. In a tight finish with 2 runs needed off 1 ball, Young Warriors reached 193-9 in 38 overs with No. 9 batter Kassim Khan playing a gem of an innings in scoring 38 not out.

He was supported by Suresh Dhanai 30 and Ricardo Ramde-

Century-makers Kevlon Anderson (left) and Kevin Sinclair

holl 28. Bowling for Port Mourant; Vickey Samaroo grabbed 2 for 23 off 6 overs and Yogendra Harrinarine 2 for 41 off 7 overs.

At Tucber: Tucber Park cruised past West Berbice by 7 wickets. West Berbice, batting first, were bundled out for 37 in 14.3 over with an impressive spell from Shamar Joseph who claimed 6 for 12 from 4.3 overs.

He was supported by Kwesie Mickle 3 for 3 off 3 overs. In reply, Tucber blazed to 42 for 3 in 5.2 overs with Garfield Benjamin scoring 18 not out.

At Canje, Rose Hall Canje won the toss and elected to bowl first against Police. Police scored 162 all out in 25 overs with Troy Drakes scoring 37, Kedar

Amsterdam 17 and Philbert Wilburg 17.

Bowling for Rose Hall Canje; Raymond Vankine grabbed 4 for 21 off 8 overs.He was supported by West Indies U19 bowler Isai Thorne, who grabbed 2 for 21 off 5 overs.

In Reply, Rose Hall Canje scored 162-9 in 34.5 overs with R. Beharry scoring 58, Ameer Rahaman 23 and T. Peters 28.

Bowling for Police; A. Doris grabbed 5 for 33 off 6 overs and was supported by Troy Drakes who grabbed 4 for 26 off 8 overs. This match has no result and it is being protested.

The second round of the tournament continues this weekend across Berbice.

Phoenix Suns beat Golden State Warriors 107-103 to equal win record THE Phoenix Suns equalled their single-season record for victories with a 107-103 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Chris Paul delivered the final two baskets of the game in the final two minutes as Phoenix matched their franchise win record of 62.

The Suns also achieved that feat in the 1992-93 and 2004-05 seasons.

Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges ended the contest with 22 points each as Suns claimed a ninth successive Western Conference win in San Francisco.

In response, Jordan Poole matched his career-high total of 38 points for the Warriors, who are now tied third with the Dallas Mavericks following a fourth consecutive defeat.

The Mavericks beat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-112, with Luka Doncic scoring a gamehigh 35 points for Dallas, and Dorian Finney-Smith making a career-high 28 points for Cavaliers.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Jimmy Butler scored 24 points and Kyle Lowry added 23 as Eastern Conference leaders Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 106-98.

Victory means Heat hold a one-game lead over Milwaukee Bucks, who beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, while Boston and 76ers are two games behind.

Toronto Raptors are tied fifth with Chicago Bulls after beating Minnesota Timberwolves 125-102. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Infantino backs away from biennial World Cup plans (AFP) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino yesterday tried to distance himself from a highly controversial project to hold the World Cup every two years as he suggested the plan had never actually been proposed by world football's governing body.

"Let me be very clear that FIFA has not proposed a biennial World Cup," Infantino said on the stage at the organisation's congress in Doha on the eve of the draw for this year's tournament.

Despite that, Infantino has pushed the project in recent months along with Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now FIFA's head of global development.

Infantino claimed at a virtual global summit to discuss the topic last December that playing the World Cup more regularly would offer enormous financial benefits for member federations.

Then, FIFA promised an extra $19 million every four years for each national federation, based on feasibility studies projecting major

Gianni Infantino yesterday claimed that FIFA had never proposed holding biennial World Cups

Lewis inspires Super Giants to maiden IPL win EVIN Lewis smashed an unbeaten half-century to propel the Lucknow Super Giants to a six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after Dwayne Bravo became the leading wicket-taker in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.

Lucknow looked set for defeat when Quinton de Kock fell for 61 in their pursuit of 211 for a maiden IPL win, but Lewis stepped up with a blistering 23-ball 55 to stun CSK. Robin Uthappa breezed to a 25-ball half-century before he was pinned in front for 50 by Ravi Bishnoi (2-24).

Moeen Ali continued the flurry of runs with his 35 off 22 deliveries, while Shivam Dube's clean striking in his 30-ball 49, along with MS Dhoni's brisk 16, propelled CSK to an imposing total of 210-7. de Kock and KL Rahul (40) shared an opening stand of 99 from 10.2 overs before the India batter was caught by Ambati Rayudu off Dwaine Pretorius.

Manish Pandey (five) followed soon after to Tushar Deshpande (1-40), with Bravo taking the catch, and Lucknow's chances seemingly diminished when de Kock skied a Pretorius slower ball to Dhoni.

Bravo (1-35) surpassed Lasith Malinga as he claimed his 171st wicket in the IPL by dismissing Deepak Hooda (13), but Lewis and Ayush Badoni, who raced to 19 off 9, saw the Super Giants to an unlikely victory with three balls to spare.

LEWIS CUTS LOOSE AFTER DE DOCK FIREWORKS

Evin Lewis smashed an unbeaten 55 to propel Lucknow Super Giants to victory

de Kock laid the platform for Lewis' late onslaught and the West Indies batter delivered in emphatic fashion.

The 30-year-old almost single-handedly turned the game on its head, launching three sixes and hitting six fours.

BRAVO FOR PRETORIUS IN LOSING CAUSE Pretorius claimed the two big wickets of openers Rahul and de Kock as he took 2-31, registering the lowest economy of any Super Kings bowler (7.75).

It was a memorable day for the 38-year-old Bravo, as the former West Indies captain returned 1-35 from his four overs, but he was unable to celebrate a victory. (Sportsmax)

revenue increases.

Yet Infantino had to put off holding a vote on the subject due to vociferous opposition from all sides.

It had initially been thought the subject would feature prominently at yesterday's congress in the Qatari capital, but the agenda was instead dominated by the fall-out from Russia's invasion of Ukraine as well as the build-up to the World Cup. "Let's get the process clear here -- the last FIFA Congress asked the FIFA administration ... to start a feasibility study into holding the World Cup every two years," Infantino added.

"The FIFA administration under the leadership of Arsene Wenger did exactly that.

"FIFA did not propose anything, but came to the conclusion that it is feasible, that it would have some repercussions and impact."

He added: "We found it would be feasible and even positive for a big part of the world, but there is of course also big opposition to it and that

is where the discussion has to start."

The project has been lambasted by almost all sides, with UEFA and South American governing body CONMEBOL uniting in their opposition and even moving towards organising a transatlantic Nations League after 2024.

The European Club Association as well as leagues and players have voiced their disapproval too.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) did give its backing, but even the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed concerns about more frequent World Cups drawing attention away from other sports.

However, Infantino later indicated that there was still some hope of eventually reviving the project.

"We are looking at all options. We will take the time it takes with the utmost understanding of all positions," he said.

Nigeria coach quits after failing to reach 2022 World Cup AUGUSTINE Eguavoen has stepped down as Nigeria interim soccer coach after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Nigeria were eliminated on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Abuja in the second leg of their play-off on Tuesday.

Eguavoen, 56, was placed in interim charge of the side in December following the sacking of long-serving coach Gernot Rohr.

He led the team to the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations this year, and was then tasked with reaching the World Cup finals in Qatar.

Nigeria's exit at the hands of their fierce West African rivals was met by an angry reaction from home supporters, who pelted the Ghanaian delegation with missiles and damaged dugouts and advertising hoardings after staging a pitch invasion.

Since qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in

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1994, Nigeria have played at six of the past seven tournaments missing just the 2006 edition in Germany.

Former Nigeria international Eguavoen, who had two previous spells in charge of the national side, will continue in his position as technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Meanwhile, the rest of the Super Eagles coaching staff has been dismissed, and offers of two-and-a-half-year contracts have been withdrawn.

Emmanuel Amuneke, Joseph Yobo and Salisu Yusuf had joined Eguavoen's backroom staff last month, with Aloysius Agu retained as goalkeeping coach.

"We thank the coaches and team officials for their service to the nation and wish them success in their future endeavours," NFF general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi said.

A statement from the NFF

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Former Nigeria international Augustine Eguavoen has had three spells in charge of the national side

said a new management team would be announced "after a proper review" and would be charged with "reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropristely".

(BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

CWI donates bowling machines to host countries of 2022 ICC U19 World Cup

CRICKETERS in the countries that hosted the recent 2022 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup are set to benefit from a donation of 15 bowling machines purchased by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

CWI has donated four bowling machines each to Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago, with three donated to Antigua and Barbuda.

The bowling machines have been distributed among territorial cricket boards and cricket clubs, in accordance with CWI’s pre-tournament objective of enhancing cricketing infrastructure in the host nations for the ICC U19showpiece.

The 2022 ICC U19 World Cup was held from January 14 to February 5, 2022, and concluded with India beating England in the final at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt (right), presenting the four bowling machines in St. Kitts to President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association, Dennis Phillip

“We talked about the valuable legacy for the West Indies in hosting the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and this is a tangible example of how our regional cricket will be impacted positively,” said CWI President Ricky Skerritt while presenting the four bowling machines in St. Kitts to President of the St. Kitts Cricket Association, Dennis Phillip.

“Our young cricketers, as well as club players and those in high-performance development programmes, will have the opportunity to fine-tune their batting skills with these high-calibre machines. Cricket West Indies has a vested interest in helping to improve the standard of cricket in all our member territories, and thereby the standard of West Indies cricket. This donation further underlines CWI’s commitment to one of our most important stakeholders – our players.”

The CWI president that it is important that the board responds to the needs of the respective territories.

“We want to ensure our cricket boards and clubs are in a better position to respond to players’ needs by having the appropriate facilities and equipment to propel cricket development, especially among youth,” Skerritt said.

“It is also a gesture of appreciation for the priceless support which CWI received from the host governments, as well as from local cricket authorities and clubs. It’s been a wonderful partnership.”

President Skerritt also stressed the importance for local cricket clubs “to maintain certain minimum standards and a state of readiness to host matches, in case opportunities arise to be involved in more global tournaments”.(Sportsmax)

Babar, Imam’s hundreds take Pakistan to record chase

BABAR Azam and Imam-ul-Haq hit centuries as Pakistan battled to a six-wicket victory over Australia yesterday to level up their threematch ODI series at 1-1.

Australia won by 88 runs in Tuesday's opener and looked good value to claim a series win when posting 348-8 from their 50 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

But led by inspirational skipper Azam (114) and Imam-ul-Haq (106), Pakistan claimed a gripping victory that was sealed by Iftikhar Ahmed (11 not out) with an over to spare.

The victory is Pakistan's first over Australia in 11 ODIs – coming in their highest-ever successful ODI chase – and sets up a decider in La-

hore tomorrow.

The tourists were cruising at 2372, despite losing Aaron Finch for a duck, with Ben McDermott becoming the 50th different Australia player to register an ODI century.

Travis Head put on 89 runs and Marcus Stoinis 49 either side of McDermott (104), while Marnus Labuschagne (59) also registered a half-century, but Pakistan soon hit back.

McDermott was finally caught off pacer Mohammad Wasim and, after Alex Carey and Cameron Green fell for five each, Sean Abbott kept his side ticking over with a 16-ball 28.

Australia would have been disappointed to fall below the 400-run mark, however, with Shaheen Afridi

Babar Azam brought up a 73-ball century ( AFP/Getty Images)

finishing with figures of 4-63, while Wasim took 2-56.

That 349-run target looked even more attainable when Pakistan reached 118 inside 19 overs before Fakhar Zaman (67) was sent packing

by Stoinis out of nowhere.

Babar entered the fray at that point alongside Imam-ul-Haq and the pair put the hosts well on their way to a famous win, though momentum was halted slightly when the latter was caught by Labuschagne off Adam Zampa.

Babar was next to go and Zampa then took Mohammad Rizwan (23), but Khushdil Shah (27 not out) and Ahmed saw out the job to keep the series alive.

MCDERMOTT CENTURY NOT ENOUGH Seeking an 11th successive ODI win over Pakistan, Australia must have felt they had done enough when McDermott and Head piled on 162 off

144 balls for the second wicket.

But Afridi, who missed the first clash with a knee injury, added to his golden duck of Finch, by taking the wickets of Green, Stoinis and Abbott in the space of four overs.

BABAR SURPASSES AZHAR Proving he is the right man for any occasion, Babar's century saw him overtake Azhar Ali for the most ODI hundreds as Pakistan skipper.

Indeed, after hitting 114 off 83 balls – which included 11 fours and one six – Babar is now level with Mohammad Yousuf (15) for the second-most hundreds for Pakistan in 50-over internationals. (Sportsmax)

USA, Mexico book places at World Cup in Qatar

THE United States and Mexico secured their place at this year's World Cup finals in Qatar after securing the results needed to claim the last two CONCACAF automatic qualifying places.

The USA lost 2-0 to Costa Rica, who had to win by at least six goals to take third spot from Gregg Berhalter's side.

Wolves striker Raul

Jiminez was on the scoresheet as Mexico eased past El Salvador 2-0 to finish second.

Canada lost 1-0 to Panama but had already secured top spot in qualifying.

Having finished fourth in the standings, Costa Rica will now face New Zealand in a play-off in June for a place at the World Cup, which gets under way on November 21.

The draw for the finals is

today in Doha.

'It's definitely been a rollercoaster' It would have taken a freakish set of results on Wednesday to deny Mexico or the USA their place in Qatar.

Two second-half goals in eight minutes by Juan Vargas and Anthony Contreras raised hopes of a miracle for Costa

The USA missed out on qualification for the World Cup finals in Russia in 2018

Rica, but the USA regrouped to close out the game, qualifying ahead of their opponents on goal difference.

"I'm extremely proud of this group," said USA and Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, whose country failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"It's a bit of a weird feeling right now because I hate to lose so much. But I'm really proud and I can't wait to go to the World Cup. Mexico ended their seesaw qualifying campaign with a victory which ensures they will continue their record of appearing at every

men's World Cup since 1994.

Uriel Antuna jabbed home in the first half before Jiminez sealed the win from the penalty spot.

In Wednesday's other qualifying game, Jamaica defeated Honduras 2-1.

(BBC Sport)

Annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter-Ward/Village KO Football continues on Sunday PLAY in the annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter-Ward/Village knockout football tournament got underway at the Buxton ground on the East Coast of Demerara last Sunday and Haslington marked their name as the first team through to the 8-team finals.

The tournament is also set to continue this Sunday, April 3, and all attention will be focused on the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground from 18:00hrs for the next salvo of matches featuring several of the City’s big guns led by the impressive Sparta Boss.

In action last Sunday, Mahaica started things

off against 50 United and the teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time, which according to the rules saw the sides go to sudden-death penalty kicks.

50 United came out winners of that scrap.

Golden Grove got a walkover from Church as did Melanie from Victoria in the next two scheduled games.

BV brushed aside Buxton Youth Developers 3-0, Friendship Front rolled over Paradise 4-0 then Haslington overcame Brush Dam via penalties after they reached regulation time scoreless.

Friendship and BV are set to lock horns on April 24 to determine who will take another spot in the

eight-team finals.

Meanwhile, this Sunday’s action at the GFC ground will open with Charlestown battling Club 45, Campbellville tangling with Liliendaal in the second game to be followed by Tucville opposing Annandale, Bourda All Stars against Kuru Kururu, Road Warriors face Agricola and the big boys, known for their tenacity, Sparta Boss, will look to set the stage for the rest of the tournament against the upset-minded Belle West Stars.

These teams are competing for attractive prize money and the respective trophies with a first prize of $600 000, second prize $300 000, third $200 000

and fourth $100 000 on offer. Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Company is the sponsor for the winning purse of $600 000.

Among the business entities lending sponsorship support are: IPA, DDL, Digicel, Johil, John Fernandes, General Equipment, Busta, GTT, NAMILCO, MACORP, New Thriving, Sattar Gafoor, B. Megan, Pritipaul Singh, Ready Mix, Eddie Bobcat, Silvie’s, Caribbean Containers, E-Networks, SuperBet, Cummings Electrical, China Trading, Dave Lumber yard and Schlumberger.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

First Test at Kingsmead

Elgar, Bavuma’s fifties put SA in front on first day

DEAN Elgar and Temba Bavuma made half-centuries as a depleted South Africa made a promising start against Bangladesh in the first Test at Kingsmead.

With a number of star players away at the IPL, the home side are significantly weakened for this two-Test series, but captain Elgar remains committed to the Proteas cause.

He top-scored with 67 in a team total of 233-4, before fading light brought play to an early close, after the start was delayed in farcical circumstances due to a malfunctioning electronic sightscreen.

Elgar's runs came in a first-wicket stand of 113 with Sarel Erwee, who made a useful 41 and soon followed his skipper back to the dress-

Temba Bavuma drives through the covers (AFP/Getty Images)

ing room.

Khaled Ahmed had Elgar caught behind off the glove by wicketkeeper Liton Das, when the paceman's delivery to the left-hander climbed sharply off the pitch, before Erwee edged spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz into his stumps.

Mehidy struck again when he produced a sensational piece of fielding to run-out Keegan Petersen for 19, scrambling to make a fine stop at point before throwing down the stumps at the batter's end.

Ryan Rickelton pulled

Mayers, Da Silva make big leaps in ICC charts LONDON, England (CMC) – All-rounder Kyle Mayers has vaulted 33 spots in the International Cricket Council (ICC) bowlers rankings following his match-winning performance in the third Test against England last weekend.

In his first outing of the threeTest series, the 29-year-old snatched five for 18 with his slow medium in the second innings of the Grenada contest, to send England crumbling for 120, setting up a straightforward run chase and West Indies’ eventual 10-wicket win.

Mayers, who picked up two for 13 in the first innings, now lies 48th in the rankings topped by Australia quick Pat Cummins.

The Barbadian, who is ranked 76th in the batting rankings, leaped a whopping 29 places to 11th spot in the all-rounders rankings.

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach also enjoyed elevation in the rankings, moving up two places to 12th after finishing the series with 11 wickets.

During the series, the 33-year-old marched to 242 wickets, eclipsing the peerless Sir Garry Sobers (235) for seventh spot on the all-time list of West Indies wicket-takers in Tests.

He is the highest-ranked Caribbean bowler in the ICC charts, with former captain Jason Holder dropping three places to 18th after managing only four wickets from 96.5 overs during the recent series.

Roach’s new-ball partner Jayden Seales, who also ended the series with 11 wickets, jumped two places in the rankings to 51st.

Speedster Shannon Gabriel (29th) and off-spinner, Roston Chase (50th), neither of whom featured in the series,

All-rounder Kyle Mayers

round out the top 50.

In the batting rankings, wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva was the biggest mover, jumping 21 spots to 63rd, driven by his maiden Test hundred in the first innings in Grenada.

Da Silva averaged 97 in the series where he gathered 195 runs to be among West Indies’ leading performers.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored a series-leading 341 runs to be adjudged Player-of-the-Series, moved up one place to 26th but his vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood slipped two places to 41st while Nkrumah Bonner dropped 11 spots.

Both Blackwood and Bonner scored hundreds in the series, Blackwood’s coming in the second Test in Bridgetown and Bonner’s in the opening Test in Antigua.

Australia stroke-maker Marnus Labuschagne tops the batting rankings while Indian Ravindra Jadeja continues to lead the all-rounders rankings where Holder has slipped to number three, replaced by Indian Ravi Ashwin at number two.

Ebadot Hossain to Mominul Haque at mid-on to fall for 21, before Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne saw the home side through to the close with no further damage done.

Bavuma ended the day on 53 not out, with Verreynne unbeaten on 27 in a 53-run partnership.

The umpires pulled the plug on the day's proceedings after 76.5 overs, having perhaps wished they could have done the same thing to a sightscreen at the beginning of play, as it failed to turn to white.

Ground staff scrambled to cover the screen with white sheets to allow play to get under way, but the action was delayed and did not commence until over 30 minutes past the scheduled start.

Cricket South Africa

(CSA) later apologised, citing a "technical glitch" as the problem.

PLENTY TO PROVE FOR PROTEAS The real challenge for South Africa is likely to come with the ball. They are on course to put together a decent total and will hope their attack can back that up, but they are without the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada.

A largely second-string attack will see this as a chance to shine and earn future selection, but Bangladesh will sense an opportunity themselves, and after beating New Zealand recently in a Test for the first time, they might sense a chance to put the hosts under pressure.

South Africa may be un-

beaten in 12 Tests against Bangladesh (W10, D2), but they lost the recent ODI series between the sides and their recent Kingsmead record against all-comers is poor in the five-day game, with just one win in their last nine.

BAVUMA MARKS 50 WITH FIFTY This is Bavuma's 50th Test match, and he marked it with an 18th half-century.

The 31-year-old has only one Test century to his name, and that came six years ago in Cape Town against England, so it would be right to be cautious about his prospects of reaching three figures here, but it looks a fair opportunity (Sportsmax)

Gareca lauds Peru after clinching World Cup playoff spot, with Colombia and Chile eliminated PERU are one game away from back-to-back World Cup finals appearances following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Paraguay and head coach Ricardo Gareca lauded his side who seemed set to miss out six months ago.

La Blanquirroja clinched fifth spot in World Cup qualifying in CONMEBOL with the victory over Paraguay, finishing ahead of Colombia and Chile who were eliminated.

Peru's win means they will play the fifth-ranked team from the Asian Football Confederation, either Australia or UAE, who will meet in a one-off playoff in Doha in June. The inter-confederation playoff will also be played as a one-off in Doha on June 13 or 14.

The Peuvians celebrate their victory Gareca's side seemed a long shot to claim fifth after back-to-back 1-0 losses to Bolivia and Argentina Chile's failure means they have missed the past which left them second last in the standings in Octotwo World Cups, meaning the international careers of ber but rallied by claiming 13 points from a possible several of their golden generation, including Alexis 18 in their final six qualifiers.

Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz, Claudio “We didn't start the qualifiers well, but we reBravo, Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel and Eduardo Varbounded well," Gareca told reporters. "It gave us the gas, may come to an end. possibility to get to the playoff spot.

Chile head coach Martin Lasarte told report"I have to congratulate the boys and thank the ers after their 2-0 home loss to Uruguay: "I think people for the support. It was incredible. When I some players from the 'golden generation' still renewed my contract, this is what I wanted." have something to give."(Yahoo Sport).

Gareca has been widely praised within Peru for his efforts, having taken over as national CRICKET QUIZ CORNER team boss in March 2015 and leading the side (Friday April 1, 2022) to its first World Cup in 36 years in 2018 along with the 2019 Copa America final.

COMPLIMENTS OF The sentiment has been different for CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD Colombia head coach Reinaldo Rueda, who 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) achieved a rare feat of guiding two sides in qualifying who both failed to reach the World Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Cup. Rueda had led Chile early in qualifying before being dismissed, taking over Colombia (1) Kraigg Braithwaite-341 runs in January.

"I think that not achieving the goal is a (2) Joe Root-289 runs shame for Colombian football," Rueda told reporters after Colombia's 1-0 win in VenezuToday’s Quiz: ela which was not enough. "It is a very strong (1) Which WI bowler claimed most wickets in the frustration. It was added, but the great result recent Test series against the ENG? was not given."

"I think it is very clear that my contract was (2) Which ENG bowler bagged most wickets? subject to qualifying for the World Cup, so it is an evaluation that the board will have to do, Answers in tomorrow’s issue of the work we have done."

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

Regal Legends on verge of semi-final place …Ramesh Deonarine smashes brutal 77

Veteran Wayne Jones following his brilliant unbeaten half-cenury

From Frederick Halley in Florida GUYANA’S Regal Legends started their quest for honours in the 16th edition of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) three-day tournament with two massive victories in the Over-50 category on yesterday’s opening day.

In their much-anticipated

first round encounter, which was built as the clash of champions, Regal Legends made light work of opponents Toronto Blizzards at the picturesque Brian Piccolo Park before crushing the hapless Sunshine Raiders in their afternoon game at the same venue.

The two victories are almost certain to ensure them a semi-final place and another likely showdown with their Canadian counterparts who, up to press time were in a solid position to win their second game against Marine Legends.

Guyana’s other Over-50 team, Wellman were also battling for a semi-final place following a hard-fought triumph over Sunshine Raiders.

The day also saw Regal Legends’ Ramesh Deonarine going berserk on Sunshine Raiders. In a brutal innings which was decorated by 10 massive sixes and three fours, Deonarine ended on 77 not out as his team reached 103 for one in a mere 6.1 overs, replying to Sunshine Raiders 102 all out in 18.5 overs.

Parsram “Pacer” Persaud had earlier starred with the ball, grabbing four for 17 from his four overs as Sun-

Regal Legends skipper Mahendra Hardyal and the destructive Ramesh Deonarine at the end of the encounter versus Sunshine Raiders

shine Raiders lost wickets at regular interval after they were inserted by skipper Mahendra Hardyal.

After a somewhat brisk start and reaching 65 for three in their first 10 overs, Toronto Blizzards slipped from a comfortable position, scoring 33 runs while losing five wickets to be restricted to an inadequate 98 for eight when their overs expired.

The ever-green Deonarine led the way for the

winners with a classy 40 after Laurie “Tony” Singh continued his mesmerising bowling with figures of four for 11.

Led by an even half-century from the veteran Wayne Jones and 44 from Peter Persaud, Wellman strolled to 152 for five, the two adding a valuable 96-run for the fourth wicket.

Sunshine Raiders were well placed at 75 for one in 10 overs but found runs hard

Toronto Blizzards Shi Seeram and Sunil Dhaniram (Pictures by Frederick Halley)

to come by in their final 10 as they were left stranded on 138 for five, going down by 14 runs.

In their second encounter, which was ongoing up to press time, Wellman reached a respectable 173 for six in their 20 overs with Orlando in hot pursuit up to press time.

Toronto Blizzards had also bounced back following their lost to Regal Legends,

piling up 233 for one versus Marine Legends with former Guyana national players Sunil Dhamiram and skipper Shiv Seeram slamming 72 and 66 respectively.

Marine Legends score wasn’t available up to press time. Matches were also been contested in the All Stars Open and Masters divisions but because of logistical problems no scores were available.

Women's World Cup

England beat South Africa to book final date with Australia ENGLAND will face Australia in the final of the Women's World Cup after Danni Wyatt's magnificent century propelled the defending champions to a 137-run defeat of South Africa.

Opener Wyatt took advantage of being dropped five times to crash 129 from 125 balls, the backbone of England's 293-8 in Christchurch.

She added 116 for the fifth wicket with Sophia Dunkley, who made a measured 60, while Sophie Ecclestone rounded off the innings with 24 from only 11 balls.

South Africa's chances of pulling off the largest chase in women's one-day international history largely rested on the dangerous opening pair of Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee. But Anya Shrubsole, the hero when England beat the same opponents in the semi-finals in 2017, removed both to leave the Proteas 8-2.

Spinner Ecclestone, the world's best bowler, then tore through the lower order for her first international five-wicket haul, ending with 6-36 as South Africa were dismissed for 156.

It continued a remarkable turnaround from

England, who were on the brink of elimination after losing their first three games but have now won five in a row to reach a second successive final.

Heather Knight's side will meet the all-powerful Australians at the Hagley Oval on Sunday (02:00 BST) in what promises to be a grandstand finale to a superb tournament.

It seemed scarcely believable that England could reach the final when they lost to South Africa, their third defeat of the group stage, on March 14.

Even some of the players have admitted to believing they were out of the tournament.

Since then, they have steadily improved, eradicating errors with the ball and in the field, and finding contributions from most of their batters.

The resurgence built to this performance in Christchurch a dismantling of a talented South Africa side that had previously only lost to Australia.

For the Proteas, this was a complete contrast from the previous victory over England.

Whereas then it was Knight's side who missed chances in the field, this time it was South Africa who looked affected by the pressure of the occasion.

Danni Wyatt's century helped England trounce South Africa by 137 runs in Christchurch

It meant South Africa once again lost in a global semi-final - they have been beaten in all three of their 50-over World Cup last-four ties to go along with two losses at the same stage in the T20 version.

WONDERFUL WYATT'S FINEST HOUR Wyatt has had a nomadic 12-year international career. Originally picked as an off-spinner, she has been moved up and down the batting order and was dropped during the World Cups of 2013 and 2017.

However, after being promoted to open earlier in this tournament, she enjoyed her finest hour, making her highest score in an ODI when England needed it most.

The five drops were of varying difficulty, but the chances missed by Marizanne Kapp at mid-wicket when Wyatt was on 36, then by Lara Goodall at deep mid-wicket on 77, were particularly poor. The other drops came when Wyatt had 22, 116 and 117.

In-between, the right-hander slashed through the off-side and hustled between the wickets. When England found themselves 126-4 in the 26th over, they were in a parlous position, only for Wyatt and Dunkley to combine in a brave counter-attack.

And, after South Africa finally held a Wyatt miscue to short third, Ecclestone's cameo pushed England out of sight (BBC Sport)

President Ali throws down the gauntlet to Amazon Warriors

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 1, 2022

The Amazon Warriors have played in five finals without success

WHEN President Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday night that the finals of this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be hosted in Guyana, he also challenged the country’s franchise team, the Amazon Warriors, to ensure that the silverware remains on these shores.

Of the nine editions of the CPL, the Amazon Warriors played in five finals – more than any other franchise in the history of the tournament.

The Guyana National Stadium, Providence, will be the host venue for three consecutive CPL finals, but for President Ali, nothing will be sweeter than seeing the home team take the crown.

He added that his Government and partners would’ve

done their part while calling on the Amazon Warriors to match their energy.

“We can only do so much,” President Ali proclaimed, “If the players for the Amazon Warriors are listening, you need to do a bit more. We can only take the horse to the water, we can’t make the horse drink. So take this as a challenge to get over the mark this time.”

President Ali joked about how the trophy keeps eluding the Guyana franchise, pointing to the trophy on display while adding “that is all Warrior country can do – just watch. But this time around, we’re hoping that things will be different.”

“Cricket is much more than a game for us in Guyana, it is a passion, part of our culture and a unifying force. As we

celebrate ‘One Guyana’ the hosting of the CPL finals will be an energising force,” the Head-of-State said.

This season, Guyana will host seven group games, three knockout matches and the Hero CPL final, which will take place on Friday, September 30 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Hero CPL final will be the climax of festivities surrounding these games taking place in Guyana.

In collaboration with the local private sector, the Government of Guyana will also stage two weeks of events that will form a Cricket Carnival.

Over the previous nine seasons of Hero CPL, there has been massive support for the tournament from Guyanese TURN TO PAGE 23

Amsterdam takes historic bronze at AMBC Elite Championship PAGE

23 Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam (right), connects to Hector Aguirre of Mexico during their middleweight semi-final bout at the AMBC Elite Championships in Ecuador

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Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

Sport Minister touts CPL finals as next chapter in hosting premier activities

Regal Legends on verge of semi-final place …Ramesh Deonarine smashes brutal 77

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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022