Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_05_2021

SATURDAY

Happy Labour Day

1ST May, 2021

'

to all readers

No.106347

Limited operation of casinos, betting shops in new COVID guidelines

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Workers indispensable to national development

President Irfaan Ali

SEE PAGE 03

–– says President Ali in Labour Day message; workers today breathing somewhat easier, FITUG contends

Missing woman’s decomposed body found, boyfriend wanted 14 PAGE

Dead: Shonnette Odessa Dover

More charges for alleged pyramid scheme operator 13 PAGE

Infrastructural works ongoing at Providence, East Bank Demerara

Hundreds to soon benefit in East Bank Housing development 09 PAGE

Abram Zuil Secondary’s top CSEC performer opens graphic design 15 business PAGE

Tabitha Alves

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Workers indispensable to national development –– President Ali says in Labour Day message; workers today breathing somewhat easier, FITUG contends DESCRIBING workers as the prime force in transforming the country’s resources into wealth, President Irfaan Ali on Thursday emphasised the vital role they play in national development.

President Ali in a message issued in observance of Labour Day, noted that the day is a time for recognition and commendation of the superlative contributions of Guyana’s working men and women.

“Our workers are most indispensable to national development. They provide the brain and muscle of our economy. Workers are the prime force in transforming our resources into wealth. They help drive and sustain economic growth and are the protagonists of human development. Without workers, our economy would grind to a halt,” the President stated.

Labour Day is celebrated annually in Guyana on May 1, and would customarily see workers parading through the streets of Georgetown donned in red and white in celebration of workers’ rights and trade unionism.

However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rally will not be held this year. Nonetheless, the country’s two main umbrella trade union bodies, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), will be commemorating the day using different methods.

President Ali stated that though they may use different means, the objectives of unions and the government remain the same.

“We have a common interest because we seek a

freer, safer, more united and prosperous country, where every worker benefits and where his or her children can be assured of greater opportunities,” he noted.

He added: “My government is committed to ensuring a better life for all workers. Our workers deserve this. Over the next five years and beyond, workers can look forward to greater economic security, enhanced economic prosperity and progressive improvements in citizens’ living standards.”

The President highlighted that the celebration of workers this year is all the more deserving, given the hardships faced over the past year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ravishing economies across the globe and has resulted in mass unemployment.

“The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has inflicted grievous harm to the global economy. Workers have borne the brunt of the global downturn resulting from the pandemic. Employment [has] shrunk, as hundreds of millions of workers were hurled onto the breadline. Guyana has not been immune to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” President Ali said.

He noted that it was with the workers in mind that his government has put in place a number of measures to assist persons in withstanding the effects of the pandemic.

RELIEF FOR HOUSEHOLD, WORKERS Measures the government have put in place over the past few months include relief to households, offering of incen-

we sound our call for the national minimum wage to be increased to $60,000 monthly,” the umbrella trade union organisation said.

President Irfaan Ali tives to frontline workers, and the removal of the heavy burdens of taxation which had been previously imposed on citizens.

The government has also been safeguarding the health of the population through an aggressive vaccination campaign. President Ali noted that the government cannot do it all alone, and needs the help of the workers.

“We need the support of employers and workers.

We must all band together to ride out this storm, to ensure a quick exit from the pandemic, to restore economic normalcy, and then to move dynamically onward to catapulting our economy to higher heights of performance,” he said in his message.

He added: “This is the time when all are called [upon] to make sacrifices and contributions to protect all of our citizens and to ensure a rapid recovery from the effects of the pandemic. This is not the time for squabbling or confrontation.”

The President called on workers, even as they celebrate the day, to be responsible in their celebrations, ensuring that they adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

“We urge that the celebration of this year’s May Day, subdued as it is because of the pandemic, be an occasion for sober reflection, assessment and forward planning, and a time to recommit to the ideals of the unity of the trade union movement. Long live the workers of Guyana! Solidarity forever!” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Independent Trdae Unions of Guyana (FITUG) in a statement recognised the efforts of the Ministry of Labour to uphold workers’ rights.

“This is a positive development and one that we are encouraged by. At the same time, we must express our disappointment that Labour Day 2021 is observed but the national minimum wage remains the same despite an agreement for an improvement.

On this Labour Day,

BREATHING SOMEWHAT EASIER This Labour Day, FITUG said also finds the workers breathing somewhat easier as many of the burdens placed on their backs have been lessened.

“We welcome the reversal of anti-worker policies which heightened the cost-of-living over the last few years. We hail too the reinstitution of the several pro-people policies by the new administration. Taken together, they will go a long way to addressing the plight of our workers. We also recognise statements of his Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to close the rift between the haves and have-nots. Given our anticipated economic expansion, such statements are heartening, and we look forward to further expansion of pro-poor policies in the coming years,” FITUG added.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said workers must unite, contending that the only hope for the workers in Guyana is genuine working class unity.

“Finally, and most important, workers are urged to protect themselves and be safe at all times,” the GPSU urged.

According to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the workers’ contributions have been the bedrock of the struggles for betterment for all and the development of the nation could not have been realised without them.

The party said it continues to work assiduously to ensure workers are a priority and that their lives and conditions continue to be improved. This recognition is evident by the emphasis and value placed on their welfare by the immediate re-establishment of the Ministry of Labour upon taking office in August 2020.

“The PPP firmly believes that mechanisms to engage and represent our workers must not be diluted and that they must be able to access related services in a structured and holistic manner as is necessary through a ministry. While our party is aware that there is more to be done, it continues to advance a multifaceted approach to ensure the advancement of our workers. Very early within this current tenure of government, burdensome taxes and fees were removed and the education cash grant was restored.

To date, thousands of jobs have been created and restored to allow our workers a dignified opportunity to provide for their families.

Further, access to thousands of scholarships to aid in capacity-building and the implementation of various programmes and policies to improve the social and physical infrastructure, are just part of the PPP/C government’s thrust to better the lives of all of our workers.

The PPP salutes our workers, their resoluteness and innovativeness in advancing our country and encourages them to remain safe during the pandemic. Best wishes to them on their day,” a statement from the party concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Payment to encourage vaccination coercive, not feasible –– Ministry of Health says aims to surpass 150,000 vaccinations this weekend

THE Ministry of Health has been aiming to scale up its vaccination efforts but the suggestion of giving a monetary sum to people who come forward for vaccination could be seen as coercive action and is certainly not feasible, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

Though Guyana’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout has been progressing well, there is still some amount of vaccine hesitancy.

But, the Health Ministry

said that much of the local vaccine hesitancy is linked to misinformation and must be combatted through education.

The ministry also noted that some people may be deliberately misrepresenting the vaccination rollout and have offered suggestions that are not feasible.

“Vaccination in Guyana, COVID-19 or not, is voluntary and the (Government of Guyana) has never in more than 60 years of the vaccination programme, ever

made vaccination mandatory.

Vaccination is also free in Guyana.

“In a sense, payment to take any vaccine is a coercive action, forcing people to take the vaccine to receive a $25,000 payment. The government has previously provided $25,000 per household as COVID-19 relief. But that relief fund was not conditional on persons following any of the public health measures,” the ministry stated.

The ministry reminded members of the public that vaccine hesitancy is a complex issue, exacerbated by unfounded myths and fake stories. Such things, the ministry said, harms the people who fall prey.

“We all would like to return to a state of normalcy and to do so, we must do our part in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Each of us who know better must encourage and educate others to

come forward and take their vaccines to reach herd immunity, the statement noted and emphasised: “It would be difficult for us to achieve herd immunity if we are intentionally or unintentionally sewing distrust.”

The ministry lauded officials for taking the vaccines and encourages others to do the same. On Friday, it was noted that Opposition APNU+AFC Member of Parliament and Shadow

Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, took her jab and encouraged others to do the same.

Meanwhile, as the ministry attempts to reduce vaccine hesitancy locally, it was noted that the local authorities are hoping to surpass more than 150,000 COVID-19 vaccinations this weekend. Currently, more than 132,000 people have been vaccinated locally.

88 scholarship applications

submitted during Region 10 outreach

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, taking his first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Office of the President photo)

Saturday May 1, 2021 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

THE residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) seem to be sending a clear message that they are well prepared and will be capitalising fully on government’s 20,000 scholarships initiative.

On Friday, a total of 88 persons in Kwakwani and Linden registered for programmes stemming from certificate courses, all the way to master degrees.

This figure, according to representatives of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), marks the highest number of on-the-spot registrations being recorded at any single scholarship outreach so far.

The team was led by Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, who was accompanied

by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill.

During the Kwakwani leg of the engagements, residents were reminded that the scholarship initiative is a win/win for all. In addition to being a realisation of the govern-

ment’s vision and promise, the academic opportunities will also improve the lives of all Guyanese learners willing to invest their time and energies towards self-development.

Minister Parag emphasised that the majority of the courses being offered require the upkeep of an average ‘C’ grade, which does not put intense pressure on learners.

She noted too that the programmes allow learners to work at their own pace, thus being perfect for almost every Guyanese, including persons who are employed and are unable to maintain a strict study schedule.

The programmes, funded by the Government of Guyana, are currently being offered at five reputable universities located in various parts of the world.

Minister Parag reminded that at least two of the universities offer preparatory courses for the bachelor degree programme, catering for persons with insufficient Ca-

ribbean Examination Council (CXC) qualifications.

In responding to concerns and queries about poor connectivity, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill reminded that this has not evaded the attention of the administration.

He maintained, however, that even though the Internet woes facing the region cannot be solved immediately, it does not prevent persons from registering for GOAL and all the opportunities that it encompasses.

Edghill explained that the programmes have been crafted in a way that eliminates the need for constant online presence, since study materials can be downloaded and/or printed for a person to study at their convenience.

Additionally, Edghill reassured the residents that efforts are continuing to en-

Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag sure the full liberalisation of the country’s telecommunications sector. These efforts, he said, continue to be spearheaded by the prime minister.

Nonetheless, as the government continues its national efforts to get Guyanese to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities, Minister Edghill reminded persons not to neglect their health.

He used the opportunity of the outreaches to implore Region 10 residents to take their vaccines that protects them and their families from the plethora of negative consequences brought on by the novel coronavirus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Limited operation of casinos, betting shops in new COVID guidelines –– curfew, other restrictions remain but masks must be worn at workplaces

By Vishani Ragobeer IN the updated Emergency COVID-19 Emergency Measures published in the Official Gazette, casinos and betting shops are now allowed to operate, albeit at 40 per cent capacity of the building, but the national curfew and other restrictions remain unchanged.

The permission granted to casinos and betting shops is stated in Paragraph (2)(8) of the new measures. These measures were signed by the Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony on Friday. The updated measures take effect from May 1 and last until May 31 unless otherwise amended or extended by the Minister of Health.

Additionally, these new guidelines have added that there is a requirement to wear a face mask at a workplace. This adds to the previous guidelines that a face mask must be worn while in public and while travelling in a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, unless an individual is travelling alone or with persons of the same household. As in previous guidelines, the mask must be fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Meanwhile, the other restrictions to recreational social activities remain. The measures state that no person shall host, attend or visit a cinema, except a drive-in cinema; a private party; a banquet, ball or reception; a public hotel, swimming pool or waterpark; a wake or vigil;

supplies is permitted.

Flights to and from Brazil are strictly prohibited.

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

Wearing masks in a workplace is now mandatory a club or discotheque; a meeting of any fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organization, or any other social activity.

Gyms and fitness centres, restaurants and bars and places of worship are allowed to operate at a limited capacity, once all health and safety guidelines are in place.

The opening and operation of restaurants and bars are restricted to 40 per cent of building (indoor and outdoor) capacity and is regulated by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). Importantly, the new guidelines also state that no pool nor snooker games shall be played at bars; this was not prohibited before.

Establishments found operating in breach of any of these guidelines are liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided for under section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance.

Additionally, they are liable to having their operations suspended by the National COVID-19

Task Force (NCTF).

Importantly, the national curfew that commences at 22:30hrs and ends at 04:00 hrs daily will continue to be in effect throughout the entire month of May. At a press conference on Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said that this curfew would remain, but that the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall S.C. has been tasked with reviewing the relevant legislation to bolster enforcement activities.

The President also said that Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips has been tasked with finding other ways of enforcing the guidelines. One consideration has been to charge the owners and managers of establishments operating in breach of the guidelines instead of patrons and workers on duty.

As per these guidelines, too, the Lethem Crossing (at the Takutu Bridge) remains closed, except on Thursdays, where the crossing of essential goods and

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Worthy to give back

GUYANESE wake up these days with a spectacular feeling of gratitude and goodwill and glorious relief when they see their nation leaping ahead with extraordinary projects being rolled out, almost with dizzying speed.

Housing the nation ranks at the top of this country’s peaceful progress and prosperity, and with government’s historic injection of $14 billion to generate 50,000 housing units for Guyanese between now and 2025, citizens digest the news regaling the media landscape, with glee and much anticipation of a Guyana that finally makes its mark on the world stage as a highly developed society. What a beautiful day to be a Guyanese.

Everywhere across the length and breadth of this land, people feel the pulse of things happening, of an acceleration of the standard of living of each person, of the promise and potential of Guyana delivered at their doorstep. Such a meteoric rise in national fortunes must be experienced at every level of the society.

This is what national development is all about: the euphoric deliverance of the expectations of the citizenry, when a government that the people elected not only delivers on its promises, but goes way above and beyond national expectations. That multibillion-dollar housing industry injection from the state

is a big lifeblood to the country, with a range of jobs and economic activities flowing from it. Citizens all across the country will feel the ripple effects of the construction boom that is unfolding. Yet, there are deeper considerations to be conscious of as to how this country leverages these new socioeconomic stimulus rollouts and state investments and sudden flood of financial resources into the society. It used to be that quite a few companies and contractors would cream off significant profits from public projects that they are awarded contracts for, and proceed to bank their windfall in overseas bank accounts, with little pumping back of capital into the local economy.

These, however, are different times, and therefore the country would do well to provide incentives for local private sector tycoons who gather financial resources after winning state contracts, to re-invest in local communities. Villages and towns across this nation need an inflow of public projects, like, for example, the swimming pool and aqua recreation club in Canje, Berbice.

Many of the major private sector investments traditionally flowed to Georgetown, with Regent, Robb, Camp and Water Streets commanding particular attractiveness to new private investors. These days, massive private projects are going up on the East Coast

and East Bank of Demerara, in outlying areas of the city, and also the environs of the international airports at Timehri and Ogle are starting to become major commercial hubs, with big projects in the works.

Government is flooding serious financial resources into the country, and it is fruitful to ensure that the resources do not sit in bank accounts as savings, or be sent overseas for what might be perceived as more secure ground. In other words, as the Guyanese landscape undergoes tremendous transformation from the state, generating a magnificent development agenda, there needs to be a simultaneous engineering of a deliberate atmosphere of confidence, and of a long-term outlook, and a commitment from the nouveau riche and those who glean much from the State roll out, to focus their attention on this land, on playing their part to give back to the society and invest in local communities everywhere.

Of course, one of the factors in making big investments is the available market size.

For example, one may not want to invest in a small remote village with a few hundred people because the buying power is low.

However, in today’s globalised world, local investors could easily set up shop in a remote community, and trade their offerings online to a global marketplace. These sen-

sibilities need to become a national norm, this sense of leveraging local resources into new possibilities.

Developing this country would more and more evolve into an ever expanding sophisticated endeavour, and the powers that be would want to make sure that every facet of the process is always under consideration.

Circulation of money and direct benefits of the windfall from these massive state contracts must be encouraged to stay within the national borders. As much, as wrk Georgetown and the central part of Demerara see big benefits from the development process that is transforming the coastal skyline, Guyanese want to see projects rising up on their street corners, too, in villages everywhere.

These are early days of this new era of Guyanese feeling the real rise of their nation. As 50,000 new homes come into operation, the nation would want to start developing self-sufficient socioeconomic corridors, whereby citizens do not have to trudge to the city for their big shopping and entertainment.

In these amazing times, the country would do well to assure every citizen that the wealth and well-being and new ways of living the Guyana dream would be easily available to every citizen, on an even, equal footing.

The behaviour of some APNU+AFC leaders reek of hypocrisy Dear Editor, EVER since the conclusion of elections last year, we saw the Coalition taking a stance and labelling the government as being racist. However, I am of the view that the biggest racists are the ones that like to point their fingers and call others racists.

The APNU+AFC camp is filled with such people. Time after time again we see them ridiculing PPP/C supporters as being “trench crappos” on social media and yet still, these same ‘leaders’ have the audacity to claim that

they represent all Guyanese. Their behaviour reeks of hypocrisy.

Just recently, Amanza Walton-Desir appeared on a live programme with Dr. David Hinds where she described PPP/C supporters, the majority of whom are of Indo-Guyanese ethnicity, as being “mentally lazy people”.

She expressed the view that these supporters find it “burdensome to think for themselves”.

Though she did not explicitly say it, it is anyone’s guess as to which group of persons she was referring to. It is becoming evident day after day that many of these so-called leaders

within the APNU+AFC hold similar views.

Their mindset is one that says that Indians are below them and are incapable of being independent and critical thinkers. How can these people even claim that they are a party that represents all Guyanese when this is the way they view half of the population?

I express my utmost displeasure with Walton-Desir’s comment and urge all right-minded Guyanese to do the same. Leaders should be able to guide their people in the right direction. They should have the interest of the people at heart. Segregating people and

Labour Day amid pandemic pressures

ON the occasion of International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana, seize this opportunity to extend best wishes to the individuals whose hard work and dedication have aided to build this great nation.

Centuries ago, our ancestors toiled in some of the most challenging conditions and through their hard work, perseverance, and resilience, helped our beloved nation to march

on the path of development. As such, we should take this time to remind ourselves that our inner and outer lives are dependent on the labors of each other. Those that are alive and those that have passed on, we must exert ourselves in order to send in the same measure that we have received and continue to receive.

Unfortunately, in current times, the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has destroyed millions of full-time jobs globally, which has created an unprecedented fear of income uncertainty for most families. The vast number of people who are out of work or whose ability to work is impaired as a result

of the consequences of COVID-19 remains disheartening. The pandemic has emphasised, more than ever, the ways where we all share common ground: the need to be healthy, the desire to provide economic stability, and the desire to provide a prosperous future for our children and their children.

In Guyana and around the world, it is our sincere hope that the relevant authorities continue to invest in our people and the neighborhoods from which they come. For, it is truly saddening that while some of us will be celebrating Labour Day in the comfort of our homes, there are those who carry the pressure

having mindsets that place certain groups above others are not good traits. Racism and politics do not go hand-in-hand.

In my view, the APNU+AFC continues to show its inability to represent Guyana as a progressive party. This is one of their many downfalls. It is time for all Guyanese to stand up against racism from the very people who promised to unite us.

Respectfully Yours Erin Northe of sustaining themselves and families due to a lack of income.

At this time, we must also pay tribute to our essential workers, from doctors and nurses, security personnel, police and military, among others, who continue to perform their duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite our challenges in the shadow of COVID-19, we wish the nation of Guyana a blessed and safe Labour Day. We implore everyone to wear their masks and to adhere to all other COVID-19 guidelines. Additionally, we urge all to make every effort to get vaccinated.

Remember, no one is safe until everyone is safe!

Sincerely, Haji Dr. Roshan Khan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Human Services Ministry to assist Sharon’s Mall fire victims

By Tamika Garnett

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) is currently gathering details on the losses suffered by those affected by the recent fire at Sharon’s Mall in order to begin rendering assistance.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, subject minister Vindyha Persaud explained that her ministry has already taken note that many of the persons affected are mothers, some of whom have very small children. Getting aid to some of these women are among the ministry’s immediate plans, she said.

“Definitely, we will be helping them. We are working on something. We had a little bit of a meeting today, and we should be meeting with those who we will help, which would be quite a few persons, by Monday or Tuesday,” Minister Persaud affirmed.

She added: “We are looking at helping with food hampers, those are the immediate needs that we will be meeting. We’re told that quite a few of the women have children, and many are single parents, so we are looking at things like diapers, because we have women with small children, and as we get the information we will try to reach out and help in other ways.”

Over 30 business owners are reported to have occupied the building located at the corner of Charlotte and King Streets, and have been affected by Wednesday’s fire which destroyed the entire building.

The losses are in the millions, with many persons losing their jobs and sole sources of income. In other cases, persons have lost their entire life’s savings.

Owner of “Coffee House,” Shenelly King, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle had estimated her losses to be approximately $1 million, while Natasha Raf-

ferty, owner of Step-In-Style Boutique, estimated hers to be approximately $4 million.

Minister Persaud said the ministry is very much cognisant of the ramifications of the extent of how this will affect the citizens.

“So many people’s longterm income will be affected.

It’s not only their homes but their livelihoods, so I know that it will be very, very tough for a lot of the persons affected, and we are reaching out to all of the women in particular who would’ve been affected because we are here to help in all of these circumstances that we consider difficult,” Persaud stated.

The minister noted that collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry to further assist the businesses is also being considered.

“That’s the plan, but first we are just gathering information, because there were many little businesses within that mall, ranging from food to clothing and other things, so unless and until we know what was in there in terms of what people’s losses were, then we can truly assess and reach out to that ministry.

Right now we know their immediate needs and that is where we are going with it,” she explained.

Through the MHSSS the fire victims will be given assistance under its Difficult Circumstances Unit, which regularly reaches out to citizens going through difficulties, particularly when it comes to fires.

“Whenever there are fires we would usually help. In the case of homes that would include from mattresses, kitchen wares and all the basic items that persons would need in order to get back on their feet.

We also try to help in some cases, depending on the extent of the fire, if there are little repairs, we would try to help there within reason,” the minister said.

What’s left of Sharon’s Mall after Wednesday’s fire

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Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindyha Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Govt’s 20,000 scholarship programme touches down in Region Five

THE opportunities and possibilities of the Government of Guyana’s 20,000 scholarship programme were introduced to Region Five on Friday at the Novar and Lachmansingh Primary schools on the West Coast of Berbice.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally, led community outreaches at the two locations to encourage persons to apply and to facilitate that application process with their team.

Minister Manickchand

Persons filling out their application forms at the Novar Primary School

in her inspirational remarks told residents that education is invaluable and can serve repeatedly, those who take the opportunity to improve themselves academically. She said that education allows persons to be independent and as such, it is immeasurable.

She said the idea to offer 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese was birthed as a manifesto promise by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic during the 2020 election campaign. She said that consultations were done to know what it is that citizens wanted as it relates to educational opportunities.

“You said to us that you wanted opportunities to learn at your own pace without having to physically attend an institution. We said that we will provide 20,000 opportunities for ordinary Guyanese citizens who would not have to pay for it themselves. So that is why we are here today.

We are here today because we made a promise to you and to fulfil that promise,” she said.

Minister Manickchand said that her government is

Education Minister Priya Manickchand assisting a group of young men with their applications committed to serving all Guyanese and this opportunity is available for all interested Guyanese to benefit.

“We will serve every citizen in Region Five, regardless of how persons voted, pray, worship or if you don’t at all, regardless of whether your parents can read and write,” Minister Manickchand noted.

The Education Minister

added that she is happy that the scholarship programme which is being managed by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Public Service through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) is offering programmes at many levels.

She said that on the list of over 80 programmes, persons can apply to do courses to earn a certificate, a Bachelor’s Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma, a Master’s Degree or a PhD. She explained that programmes range from three years to six months’ duration and that each programme has different entry eligibility criteria that have to be met.

Further, she said that though there are several similar outreaches to be held across Guyana by herself and other ministers of government, Minister Manickchand urged that Guyanese do not have to wait on those events to apply for a programme. She said that persons can visit the GOAL website at www.goal.edu.gy.

BACHELOR’S PREPARATORY PROGRAMME She also explained that persons who did not obtain their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) or failed a subject can still become eligible for a degree programme by first completing the Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme (BPP) that is being offered.

Moreover, addressing the issue of the scholarship which will be awarded by Ministry of the Public Service, Minister Manickchand said that persons who will be awarded scholarships under this specific programme will not be bound to the Government of Guyana upon completion.

She said that awardees will be asked to give voluntary service to the country by working either with the government, their Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, in the private sector, with a non-governmental organisa-

tion, the legal aid clinic or the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, among other entities. She said, “We hope that out of this programme the spirit of volunteerism is boosted.”

During Friday’s outreach several persons submitted their applications, resulting in the most successful day for an on-the-spot application exercise.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally said he welcomes the initiative being brought to his region and committed the region’s support to ensure that the scholarship programme is a success.

Speaking on the education sector, he said that the Government of Guyana is not only building modern buildings, but is also ensuring that the development of teachers is taking place to enable them to deliver quality education.

“This is a promise made

by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. With the guidance of Minister Manickchand, we will ensure that at all times our people are educated.” Regional Chairman Mr. Vickchand Ramphal echoed similar sentiments and urged residents to seize the opportunity to ensure that they can continue to pursue academic development and educate themselves to enjoy a better life,” he said.

Vice-Chairman of the region, Rion Peters, also urged residents to make full use of the opportunity being given to them.

Presently, five universities are offering programmes through GOAL. These are the University of the West Indies Open Campus; the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC); the University of Applied Sciences (IUBH); the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the JAIN “Deemed To Be” University. (Ministry of Education)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Hundreds of allottees to soon benefit from East Bank housing development

HUNDREDS of house lot beneficiaries along the East Bank Demerara corridor are soon to benefit from billions of dollars in housing development works.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, visited several project sites on Friday for which the Central Housing and Planning Authority has ongoing works, ranging from land preparation to housing construction and infrastructural works.

The minister first visited Providence (Plot 115), where land preparation and infrastructural works are being undertaken by two contrac-

also pleased to see works moving apace for low, middle and high-income lots.

“For this area alone we are talking about investments of about $1.1 billion for basic infrastructure works, land preparation, road networking and the drainage and water connections. Here we have a total of 729 beneficiaries we placed in this community,” explained the minister.

Additionally, construction on 100 low-income homes in Prospect has begun. These homes are an addition to the 190 houses being built in Cummings Lodge (Cummings Park),

Ministry’s 2021 work programme, from a $1.8 billion allocation.

The minister’s final visit took him to an area in Great Diamond, divided into 10 lots. In this area, land preparation and infrastructural works are being executed by nine contractors, while the contract for the final lot is expected to be signed soon, signalling a total $1.6 billion investment.

Overall, Minister Croal was satisfied with the pace of the works. He noted that future site visits are in-line to ensure that all projects are completed in an efficient and

An aerial view of land preparation and infrastructural works being done at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara Other infrastructural works being undertaken include a new $95 million

Housing construction ongoing for low income homes at Prospect, East Bank Demerara

Works ongoing at Providence, East Bank Demerara tors to the tune of $246M. The scope of works includes drainage and pipe works and the construction of access roads and culverts.

“Some 215 of our recent allottees are expected to benefit from these works and I’m pleased to see that the contractors are on schedule,” said Minister Croal, noting that works are to be completed in August 2021.

Meanwhile, in Little Diamond, Minister Croal was

Georgetown, as part of the

timely manner.

steel and concrete composite bridge at the new Great Diamond-Her-

stelling Road to give entry to the Mocha access road.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

GTUC and FITUG to observe ‘May Day’ with scaled-down celebrations – no rally again this year

By Tamika Garnett

WITH COVID-19 still restricting hosting of the customary “May Day” rally by trade unions in Guyana, the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) is planning to have a small ceremony at the Critchlow Labour College (CLC), while the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) will be having televised remarks

by a few officials.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton and President Irfaan Ali, are also tentatively expected to contribute to the GTUC and FITUG events, respectively.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, representatives from the two trade union bodies highlighted that notwithstanding the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic which limits social gatherings,

today’s event still needs to be commemorated, given its significance.

In Guyana, May 1 is celebrated as Labour Day when workers parade through the streets of Georgetown donned in red and white in celebration of workers’ rights and trade unionism.

“It is very important for workers on a whole. Workers normally feel overjoyed when this day arrives every year, and they like to be

Workers during a Labour Day rally in Georgetown

GTUC President Coretta McDonald at the rally to show their cooperation together. They like to come out together to show that we are free and are working,” commented Dawchan Nagasar, the General-Secretary of FITUG. Nagasar is also the General-Secretary of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), which is part of FITUG. He explained that NAACIE and FITUG decided against a scaled-down event, where only a restricted number of persons would be able to attend. Televised messages will be done instead, he said.

These will be aired on the National Communications Network (NCN), Channel 11.

“Our plans at FITUG and NAACIE is [sic] that we are going to have a taped presentation aired tomorrow. We cannot march, and we can’t gather up too much, and FITUG being the largest collection of members, we don’t want to bring some and others are left out, so we decided that we wouldn’t have a gathering due to the COVID,” Nagasar explained to this publication.

During the televised seg-

ment, remarks are expected from President of FITUG, Carvil Duncan; FITUG Treasurer, Seepaul Narine, and other officials.

However, GTUC President Coretta McDonald said since the union would be able to accommodate approximately 100 workers while observing COVID-19 protocols, it was decided that a small ceremony will be held at the CLC. “We are not going to have the usual march, but we are going to have them assemble in the auditorium and on the outskirts, where we will have tents and we are going to have four speakers making remarks. We are going to be catering for about 100 workers observing the safety protocols,” she explained to this publication.

Speakers at this event are expected to include herself, GTUC General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis and Roysdale Forde.

McDonald said it feels good to be able to host a ceremony this year, given that no celebration was held last year, given the advent of the virus in Guyana in March 2020.

She noted that thanks to improved measures and the ongoing vaccination campaign, persons are also more open to coming out.

“Last year because COVID came on the scene like that, everything was prohibited. But what we have seen from last year to now, is we would’ve had the vaccination, which makes it a little safer for persons to venture out there and also persons have a better idea to deal with safety. All of those measures are going to be in place at the college, so persons now feel a little safer to come out and be among work colleagues,” she said.

McDonald noted that the celebrations for GTUC had first started on Sunday, when some 11 members gathered in the compound of Parliament Buildings for the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow monument located there. A lecture series was also done during the week at the CLC by Forde.

Critchlow is revered at the “father of trade unionism” in Guyana and the Caribbean, after he founded the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) in 1917, the first trade union to be established in the Caribbean.

Like Nagasar, McDonald highlighted that Labour Day remains a significant celebration for workers to continue to commemorate their freedom to ensure their labour rights are respected, as well as for workers to celebrate themselves as dedicated employees.

“May Day is about recognition of workers’ struggle and dedication. It is on this day that politicians, as well as labour leaders are expected to give to workers the kind of encouragement that they need to follow their careers, and to help them to make meaningful contributions to this land,” she added.

FITUG General-Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Four and a half years for Brazilian who killed miner

BRAZILIAN, Makeal Jackson Da Silva, was, on Wednesday, sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the unlawful killing of Ked Lewis known as “Keno” or “Kennedy” at Dukwari Backdam, Cuyuni River, in 2016.

Da Silva was initially charged with the capital offence of murder in December, 2016, to which he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Da Silva, who was on

remand since December 2016, was released from prison based on time spent in pre-trial custody. He was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir, while Tiffany Lyken appeared on behalf of the State.

It is understood that

the accused will be released and deported to Brazil. Based on information received, he had entered Guyana illegally.

According to the police reports, the body of Lewis, who was a miner of Quataman Village,

North Rupununi, was found in a pit with multiple wounds at Dukwari Backdam.

The report stated that the defendant and Lewis were seen leaving their mining camp but only Da Silva, returned to the camp.

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Makeal Jackson Da Silva

Woman accused of chopping man gets $25, 000 bail SHARON Allen, who was arrested and charged for allegedly chopping a man about his body, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on Friday and was granted $25,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Allen, of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, denied that on April 15, 2021, at Guyhoc Park she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Denzel Sobers.

According to the prosecution, Allen and Sobers have been residing in the

same street for about eight years and know each other. On the day of the alleged incident, they had an altercation during which Allen dealt Sobers several chops with a cutlass. Sobers was escorted to the North-East La Penitence Health Centre

where he was treated and sent away. Allen was later

arrested and charged.

The matter was ad-

journed until June 4, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Quality service is our focus –– says Dr. Persaud of Dr. Leslie Persaud 's Medical Diagnostic Centre Lab

GUYANA’S health sector comprises of several types of health facilities and establishments including private clinics and standalone laboratories, which offer a wide range of medical services to citizens. Medical practitioners often rely on the results emanating from medical laboratories to administer treatments to

their patients. These results must be accurate and reliable to ensure full patient recovery.

Dr. Leslie Persaud Medical Diagnostic Centre located at Lot 38, Brickdam, Georgetown opened its door in 2000, and shortly after, added its own laboratory services, which continue to expand. Dr. Leslie I.R. Per-

saud, a medical director and a healthcare professional since 1972, said his only goal since acquiring his private practice from another doctor, is to ensure that the services offered are of the highest quality.

“I always believe in having high standards in practice,” he noted.

To attain the high standard he was pursuing, Dr.

Persaud first got his clinic certified by the Ministry of Health; and then he approached the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for Certification to the National Laboratory Standard - GYS 170 “General Requirements for the operation of a laboratory.”

Under its Laboratory Certification Programme, the GNBS certifies medical and testing laboratories, giving assurance that facilities are conforming to requirements specified in the National Standard. Certification to the standard guarantees that laboratories are following strict procedures and protocols to provide accurate and reliable results to clients.

Tereasia Ramlochan, the laboratory’s Quality Manager

GNBS Technical Officer, Latchman Mootoosammy, on April 20, 2021, handed over a plaque to the Medical Director of the Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Leslie I.R. Persaud and the laboratory’s Quality Manager, Tereasia Ramlochan GNBS certification is valid for two years after which there is a need for renewal. Dr. Persaud Medical Diagnostic Centre Laboratory has recently received its first renewal certificate after its initial certification in 2018.

Importantly, impromptu audits are conducted by the GNBS during the two-year period of certification to identify and address areas for improvements. Dr. Persaud said his laboratory worked continuously to maintain the requirements of the standard but described the task as

“sometimes challenging, yet worthwhile”.

When asked about the reliability of his laboratory results, Dr. Persaud added: “We do a lot of laboratory testing etc., and I find my lab results are quite accurate. I am able to compare my results with those my patients receive when they go abroad. They’re practically the same,” he noted.

Meanwhile, he lauded the GNBS for the increase in his laboratory’s clientele, relating that since certification, the publicity the laboratory received through newspaper

advertisements by the GNBS has given it many more clients.

Currently, the laboratory is certified to conduct a range of tests including haemotology, urology, serology, biochemistry and parasitology.

Finally, Dr. Persaud is encouraging more laboratories to become certified.

“I think all businesses should become certified, not only for their own personal benefits but for the benefits of the entire Guyanese community because the people in Guyana deserve standard services of high quality,” he noted.

Man charged with smoking ganja ORIN Vansertime of ‘B’ Field, Sophia,, on Friday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged with smoking cannabis and was placed on $30,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Vansertime denied that he, on April 22, 2021, at Dennis Street, Sophia, Georgetown, smoked cannabis.

It is alleged that Vansertime was loitering when ranks who were patrolling

the area saw him removing a “joint” which was lit, from his mouth. Vansertime was told of the offence committed and charged.

The matter was adjourned until June 4, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

15 more charges for alleged pyramid scheme operator

THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Friday, presented a nursing assistant with an additional 15 charges of fraud for allegedly operating a pyramid scheme.

Keziah Jeuel Roberts, 32, of Eping and Ituni Avenues, Bel Air Park, appeared twice at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where the charges of obtaining money by false pretence were read to her.

She appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and pleaded not guilty to 13 of the charges

and was placed $350,000 bail. Later in the day, she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennon and pleaded not guilty to two of the charges and was placed on $100,000 bail.

Roberts had registered a business under the name of “Kapital Kare Investment” and posted a business flyer on her Facebook page, enticing persons to invest in her business.

Persons were asked to invest the sum of $40,000 to receive an extraordinary return of $180,000 within 21 days of their investment. However, several persons invested

varying sums of monies in the venture but never received anything in return, as promised.

The matters were reported to SOCU and an investigation was launched into the matter, during which several persons submitted written statements of being defrauded

by Roberts. Subsequently, a wanted bulletin was issued for Roberts, who surrendered herself to the police.

In addition to the 15 charges that were read to Roberts on Friday, on April 16, 2021, she was charged with a total of four counts of fraud and

Keziah Roberts released on $180,000 bail. Investigations are currently ongoing and more charges are likely to be instituted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Missing woman’s decomposed body found, boyfriend wanted –– two in custody

THE partially decomposed body of a missing woman was found Friday morning in a shallow grave at her boyfriend’s backyard at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden after police were lead to the scene by her 15-year-old sister.

Dead is Shonnette Odessa Dover, 20. She was reported missing on April 3.

A wanted bulletin was subsequently issued for the boyfriend, Shaquawn Alleyne, 21, called “Iswe”.

Police said Alleyne, who is a barber, last known address was lot 555, One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

His father is in police custody. It is alleged that he assisted with burying the body in a shallow grave.

Dover’s 15-year-old sister is also in custody after telling police that she saw when Alleyne shot and killed her sister on the night of April 3 and then later buried her in the backyard of his house, in the presence of his

Dead: Shonnette Odessa Dover

father.

Police said Dover, who was a bartender, went missing on April 3, 2021 and a report was subsequently made to the police station.

In a Facebook post on April 6, Shaquawn Alleyne using the alias “Iswe Boss” wrote: “Anybody with info I begging (you) to please come forward I willing pay any amount of money just know that she is fine.”

He further pleaded with her to make contact with her loved ones if she was out there, adding that everyone was worried and sick.

Alleyne and the sister were also part of the numerous search parties for Dover, along with family and friends.

Under his Facebooks post on Friday, many persons attacked him in the comments section, noting that he should be dealt with condignly, pointing out the hypocritical nature of his social media claims.

After April, 3, when Dover was declared missing, Alleyne proceeded to share news articles and various posts about persons who went missing.

Reports indicate that investigators contacted Dover’s 15-year-old sister on Thursday night at about 11:35 hours and about 01:00 hours Friday, detectives, in the presence of a Child Care and Probation Officer, at the Wismar Police Station Criminal Investigation Department, interviewed her on video.

Police said during the interview, she was told of an allegation, cautioned in accordance with the judges rules and provided a statement.

Information provided alleged that on the night the victim went ‘missing’, her boyfriend was oiling ‘his brownish gun in their living room’.

Police said he then pointed the gun at Dover, who told him “he like play and he should put away that thing.”

The sister reportedly told police that she then heard a sound like a squib and Alleyne said, “oh shoots, I shoot that girl.”

She then saw Dover’s mouth open and blood on her face and she said to Alleyne, “Let’s take her hospital” and he said, “No, she dead

Wanted: Shaquawn Alleyne already.”

Police were informed that he then accompanied the sister to his father and told him what he did and his father told him “Don’t tell (me) stupidness, why (you) playing with the gun?”

“They subsequently left and collected a spade from a man and dug a hole aback the house where the victim was buried. The suspect then hid the gun,” police said.

In the wee hours of Friday morning, police said on teen’s directions, they dug up the area about four feet deep, during which they stumbled upon the partly decomposed body of a female.

Due to the decomposed state of the body, it was difficult to see any marks of violence on the most exposed parts.

The body has been taken to a mortuary for an autopsy.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Shaquawn Alleyne is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 444-3406, 444-3297, 444-3351, 4443512 444-24429, 442-0759, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Abram Zuil Secondary’s top CSEC performer opens graphic design business

By Indrawattie Natram

FACED with a longer than usual wait for the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination that was written in 2020, Abram Zuil Secondary School student, Tabitha Alves, used the opportunity to study graphic design.

In addition to being a good debater and a highflier throughout her secondary school life, the 17-year-old of Queenstown Village, Region Two, can now add business owner to her list of achievements.

In April, she learnt that she had excelled at CSEC, a regional examination. She obtained 16 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos, earning her the top student spot at her school, the third best performance in the region and the 10th position in the country.

On December 28, 2020, she took a bold step and opened “T.A Personalised and Virtual designs”. This graphic design business offers personalised cards for any type of event.

During a recent interview

Tabitha Alves making a Youth Parliament with the Guyana Chronicle, an excited Alves, said while awaiting her exam results, she attended a “Bless” workshop at the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), during which the young people who participated were encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship.

She said she did catering, but did not want to open such a business as it was one that “everyone had”. She opted to focus on something that would be unique to the Essequibo Coast.

presentation during the After completing the workshop, she became motivated and began investing her time in various online programmes in the field of graphic design. She also made use of what she had learnt in her information technology classes. During her time at Abram Zuil Secondary, she also did graphic designing.

Reminiscing of her time in secondary school, she said that aside from academics, she excelled in all the co-curricular activities she took part

in. The teen said she represented her school at calypso, drama, poetry and debating competitions.

“Some people say they cannot mix studies with co-curricular activities but I did. I wrote my pieces twice for calypso and performed excellently,” Alves recalled proudly.

She told the publication that she was adjudged the “Best Speaker” at many debating competitions.

Additionally, she said she represented her school at the fifth annual Youth Parliament and several spelling bee and impromptu speech competitions.

“If I said I had envisioned myself to sit 20 CSEC subjects, I would be lying, but it was indeed the motivation of my parents, aunt, and mostly my teachers, who were the ones who saw my potential and encouraged me to take up the challenge,” Alves said.

She said that during her examination preparation, her teachers provided a lot of support and guidance. The ardent speaker recalled that it became challenging especially with the pandemic and

her mother suddenly falling ill. The teen said that she was determined by heart and leaned on God to guide her during the entire examination process.

“I am forever grateful to God firstly, my family, teachers, and friends who were cheering me on. I currently have plans to pursue my studies to become a paediatrician.

I have a love for children,” Alves added.

She said that it doesn’t matter which school a child chooses to complete his or her secondary education, it is important to stay focused and to keep studying. She, therefore, encouraged every young person to never give up on their dreams and to keep going forward regardless of what happens.

Alves grew up in a nuclear family. Her parents are entrepreneurs and own a grocery shop. She attended the Queenstown Nursery and later the Queenstown Primary School.

Her greatest achievement was when she wrote the NGSA and got the fourth highest mark in her school.

She was also the best gradu-

Tabitha Alves ating student in Mathematics.

This accomplishment made her realise that she had the potential to excel and this motivated her during her secondary school life.

Her parents Renrick and Iccellmema Alves are proud of their daughter’s achievement. Iccellmema told this publication that she knew her daughter would have performed well.

Alves is the second of three children for her parents.

Anyone interested in the teen’s business venture can contact her on 658-7949.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

CDB funding secured for water treatment plants –– almost $20B to provide treated water to 90 per cent of population

HOUSING and Water Minister, Collin Croal, said it is the government’s plan to expand treated water coverage to 90 per cent of the population during its first term in office, which would cost some $19.8 billion (US$99 million).

The treated water coverage is currently 52 per cent. That expansion will require the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to construct several

new water treatment plants, improve the distribution networks and install water meters.

Minister Croal disclosed that Guyana has already secured funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to commence the construction of the treatment plants.

“We have secured funding through the CDB to start with some treatment plants that will

commence next year. Another $75M or so, we are looking at programming through the Ministry of Finance to ensure that this is done, and as I said, we are committing to having this done within our five years,” Minister Croal said.

Minister Croal said the old pipes along Church Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown need to be replaced to improve the distribution networks. That project will start this year.

“You can easily turn up the pressure at Shelterbelt, but it will be counterproductive because we may very well have a rupture somewhere because those old pipes cannot handle the level of the pressure. So, that has to be changed, and that will be a costly venture, but we are committed to commence changing those, and that is for Georgetown.”

Part of the GWI programme will be installing me-

ters to monitor consumption, control demand and increase revenue. That process has started.

Minister Croal explained that these initiatives form part of GWI’s five-year strategic plan and are in keeping with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Six – Access to clean water.

Currently, 96 per cent of Guyana’s population has access to water. However,

Housing and Water –– says President Ali, hints that Guyana could manage some blocks independently Minister, Collin Croal

the treated water coverage that meets the World Health Organisation standard is 52 per cent from 27 water treatment plants.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

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Sonia Noel to release her 11th and 12th books

changing experiences are featured from many cities of the USA and Canada.

365 Invaluable Experiences features transformational journeys for every day of the year coming to you from people across the planet. Every life has a story and I wanted people from various parts of the world to start an experience they will never forget,” she

Author and philanthropist Sonia Noel AUTHOR and philanthropist, Sonia Noel, is now in the process of completing her 11th and 12th books as she continues to strive to use her experiences and those of others to reach people, even women in prison.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Noel said one of her new books is unlike anything she’s ever written before,

her life.

“I am reflecting on my journey as an author and I believe the best is yet to come, God’s willing. I am holding five of my 10 publications and if I can do this, you can too, because I never thought this was possible,” Noel posted on social media lately as she was clutching copies of five of her books.

The last book she pub-

Noel has published 10 books from 2017 to now, five of which were done in just five months and she informed that both books will be released in the second half of this year.

Since writing her first book in 2017, titled ‘Living with Intention’, Noel has published 10 books, five of which were done in just five months. “It’s proof of how powerful the mind is.

The mind is trainable. I’ve seen how much we can manipulate the mind so I took advantage of it,” she expressed.

Noel said she is encouraged every time she hears how her books have positively impacted others.

She recalled how she was especially touched when a woman in prison communicated to her how much one of her books changed

lished was in last January titled, ‘365 Invaluable Life Experiences’. It is a compilation book capturing snippets of “life’s many splendored variations.”

“Every life has a story!

Every story is significant and the compilation of ‘365 Invaluable Life Experiences’ is a fitting tribute to our collective human narrative,” Noel said.

Persons from around the world have shared life changing episodes that impacted them and deposited memories for a lifetime.

“These accounts bring people together because they remind us how similar we are, yet they identify our different ways.”

She continued: “Life

explained.

The titles of her other books are ‘Women Across Borders’, ‘Fulfilling Purpose’, ‘With a Mission’, ‘Rising from the Ashes’, ‘Soaring to Greater Heights’, ‘Men Across Borders - Telling Their Stories’, ‘Beyond the Runway Compilation’, ‘7 Days Healthy Thought Challenge’, and ‘Invaluable Life

Experiences - A guided journal to your best year’.

According to her, some of the books are also courses and some of the courses will be future books. Noel is the founder, along with Claudia Vidal, of the Virtual Writers’ Retreat and Compelling Stories Subscription Club.

“We are on a mission to assist as many people

to write and self-publish books. Persons who attended the first two retreats have published their books and many are in the process of writing and publishing,” she said.

Noel’s books are available at Austin’s Book Store and on Amazon.

Part proceeds from every sale go to her various philanthropic works.

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Brar, Rahul help Kings XI beat RCB (ESPNCRICINFO) - In three previous IPL matches, stretched across as many seasons, Harpreet Brar had failed to take a wicket with his left-arm spin, while being dispatched at close to ten an over. All that was forgotten in the space of seven incredible deliveries, as Brar extracted three of the most prized scalps in the tournament without conceding a single run, to set the Punjab Kings up for a precious and timely victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad.

Brar’s dismissals of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers ensured that the closing overs of the Kings’ defence of 180 were a formality, as the Royal Challengers could manage only 145 for 8 and lost by 34 runs - their second defeat in three matches.

This meant they squandered the chance to leapfrog the Chennai Super Kings at the top of the standings. Instead, it was Kings who drew level with defending champions Mumbai Indians on six points, to keep themselves in touch with a playoff place.

As if Brar’s contribution with the ball was not enough, he also pocketed a catch in the deep to give his fellow spinner Ravi Bishnoi the first of his two richly deserved scalps and - more importantly provided his captain KL Rahul with some priceless death-overs support with the bat.

A familiar middle-order malfunction had threatened once again to derail the Kings’ hopes of a competitive total. Instead, Brar stood firm with 25 off 17 in an unbeaten 61-run stand for the sixth wicket,

as Rahul romped to 91 not out from 57 balls - a performance that his opponents scarcely matched between them.

GAYLE SERVES A REMINDER OF PAST GLORIES Mayank Agarwal’s absence, after taking a blow to the forearm against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), presented an opportunity for Kings to roll back the years, and thrust Chris Gayle back up the order with a licence to tonk.

It was a bet that they chose to hedge, with 20-year-old Prahsimran Singh coming in instead for his first appearance of the campaign (and fourth in total) but without much impact - one urgent flog through the line off Daniel Sams quickly gave way to a top-edged pull off Kyle Jamieson, as he trooped off for a run-a-ball 7.

So Gayle entered the fray at No.3 but had only faced two balls by the start of the sixth and final over of the powerplay - by which stage Kings had dribbled along to an underwhelming 29 for 1. His response was typical and emphatic: five fours in six balls as Jamieson was handed an impromptu schooling, each of them slammed through the arc between mid-off and midon, with only a fifth-ball full-toss avoiding the boundary treatment.

And just like that, Gayle’s eye was in. The very next delivery he faced, from Yuzvendra Chahal, was panned for a flat six into the sightscreen, and he repeated the dose with the final ball of the same over to march to 36 from 13. Sams eventually ended the fun when Gayle clothed a pull to the wicketkeeper on 46, but it made you wonder, what on earth had Kings been waiting for?

POORAN COMPLETES AN UNWANTED SET Part of the answer perhaps lay in the abject form of Gayle’s fellow left-handed West Indian, Nicholas Pooran. One of the most dashing talents in the game cannot buy a run at present - his form, in fact, rather evokes that of a similarly flamboyant talent from yesteryear, Keith Arthurton, who mustered scores of 1, 0, 0, 1 and 0 for West Indies at the 1996 World Cup. Pooran did at least reach a runa-ball 19 in his last outing against the Knight Riders (which more than doubled his only previous non-zero score in four innings - 9 from eight balls against Delhi Capitals). But today he was back to quack, as Jamieson used all of his height to rattle his splice with an off-stump lifter, for Shahbaz Ahmed to pocket a lobbed edge at gully.

Pooran was gone for a threeball duck, to follow his first-ball duck against the Rajasthan Royals, his second-ball duck against the Super Kings, and his no-ball duck against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Rahul’s innings of many tempos At least Pooran’s skipper can empathise. It wasn’t so long ago that Rahul himself was going through a similar trough, with scores of 0, 1, 0 and 0 in consecutive T20Is against Australia and England. He confirmed his emphatic return to form with another superb innings of 91 not out from 57 balls, his fourth half-century in seven innings in this IPL, and one that matched his previous best of the campaign, in their opening fixture against the Royals.

Rahul’s final strike rate of almost 160 was all the more impressive given how sedate his tempo had been in two distinct passages of play - first while he was slipstreaming Gayle to reach 18 from 21 in the powerplay, and later when he was forced to stick rather than twist as Kings’ sketchy middle order shipped four wickets in as many overs to slide from 99 for 1 to 118 for 5, until Brar’s arrival at No. 7 provided the stability their captain needed.

In-between whiles, however, Rahul put the hammer down to glorious effect. He rushed to a 35-ball fifty with a fusillade of sixes off Chahal, Sams and Jamieson, but it was his back-end acceleration that turned a middling total into a defendable one - in particular a trio of scoops for four, six, four in Harshal Patel’s final over of the innings.

With two balls to go, a century was on the cards until Rahul miscued a pull for a very reluctant single, but Brar was on hand to flog the final ball over square leg. It was an early indication that this might just be his night.

PACE IN THE POWERPLAY Kings threw everything at their opening gambit. Riley Meredith (who would limp off in his final over after wearing a fierce straight drive on the knee) and Mohammed Shami launched their assault with five overs of high-quality pace bowling.

Meredith sent Devdutt Padikkul’s off stump cartwheeling, one ball after being muscled over point for six, while Shami’s duel with Kohli was compelling. An alpha-ing of a first-ball slap back down the ground for four was as many runs as Shami would concede in his next ten balls, as he focussed on hitting a perfectly vertical seam.

Chris Jordan got the memo with a similarly excellent first over that went for four, and suddenly the Royal Challengers’ asking rate was rushing towards two a ball as the spinners seized the stage with a licence to toss it up and invite the big swipes.

HARPREET HARPOONS THE BIG FISHES Kohli had connected sweetly to launch Brar’s first delivery of the match into the sightscreen, and opened his stance in his second over to fillet a drive through the covers - plus a change he must have felt. But, with Bishnoi’s wrist-spinning trickery conceding just six runs in two overs, the contest was cracked in Brar’s third over - the 11th of the innings - a double-wicket maiden that ripped the chase off its hinges.

Kohli was the first to go, dancing down the track with frustration steaming out of his ears, and pirouetting through a flat pull to lose his leg stump through the gate.

One ball later, Maxwell had his off stump clipped as Brar ripped one round his outside edge, a moment so bamboozling that the third umpire had to check exactly what had happened. de Villiers survived the hattrick ball - just - with a nervy jab into the covers, but Brar had his number one over later, as he cleared the front leg out of desperation, and chipped a headhigh chance to Rahul at short extra cover. At 69 for 4 in the 13th, with Rajat Patidar a bewildered and becalmed onlooker, there was no coming back from that.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Alam strikes fourth Test century (ESPNCRICINFO) - This might not have been the best advertisement for Test cricket, but it is precisely days like these Fawad Alam has come to relish.

With Pakistan needing to press home an advantage following an under-par Zimbabwe first-innings total, the left-hander struck his fourth Test hundred - he has never been out for less than three figures once he reaches 50 - stretching Pakistan’s lead past 175, with four wickets still in hand.

Z i m b a b w e ’s h a p l e s s bowlers tried to make the best of a bad situation, looking to claw a way out of the pit their batsmen had dug, and emerged from the day with a fair bit of credit. The run-scoring was never free, and breakthroughs fairly regular. Donald Tiripano was the pick of the bunch with three wickets; the removal of Babar Azam for his first golden duck being a particular highlight.

At that point, Zimbabwe might have felt a surge of optimism about the direction of this game, but it was perhaps fitting that Alam was the man to extinguish those hopes. No stranger to slow, attritional cricket when it seems no one might be watching, he dug in and began to ensure no bowler would settle.

The routine of bowlers going through entire overs spells, even - without needing to make an effort to be economical began to be undone.

He used his feet to manipulate the field, work singles, and punish any loose delivery, especially when the spinners bowled a shorter length.

He got off the mark the same way he got to his half-century, with a four off a spinner. The first was a smart cut past backward point, the latter an effortless flick back past the bowler that pierced mid-off and mid-on perfectly.

Partners came and went either side of him, as they often tend to, but Fawad, as you’d expect, pushed ahead. Never in danger, never hassled, he moved past the half-century as if it hadn’t happened, more important goals and milestones on his

mind.

Towards the close of a day even the most ardent Test match enthusiasts might have found hard to remain glued to, he drove Tiripano back down the ground, a misfield gifting him the boundary that brought up this third century in in last four Tests.

The first session was an excruciatingly slow affair, with Pakistan trudging through 16 overs while adding just 13 to the overnight score, their intent conspicuous by its absence.

Fawad Alam is thrilled after scoring his fourth Test century, Zimbabwe vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Harare, 2nd day, April 30, 2021

Imran Butt, seven runs away from a half-century overnight, still hadn’t got to that mark. Azhar Ali’s arrival at the crease added some impetus, and towards the close of the session, the visitors finally looked like they were off and away.

Zimbabwe began the day with eight maidens in 14 overs, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava giving little away. Abid Ali and Butt appeared keen to take their time settling in, as they had the previous day, but ended up finding themselves in a bit of a bind, unable to up the ante as the overs trickled by. Any thoughts of punishing poor deliveries were put to one side, and when Tendai Chisoro’s left-arm spin was introduced, the batsmen retreated ever further into their shells.

It appeared to have the opposite effect of the one Pakistan might have desired, with Abid losing his fluency, nicking off to first slip with

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one of the few drives he attempted. Brendan Taylor juggled with the catch but ended up holding on.

Following the turgidity of the first session, the events of the second seemed positively slapdash. Pakistan raced along at more than three runs an over while Tiripano got himself on a hat-trick at one point. Butt fell nine runs short of a hundred and Azam lasted just one delivery.

Zimbabwe enjoyed the better of the first half hour of the middle session. Azhar

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S:

Dennis Lillee-5/34 (AUST vs PAK, Leeds, 1975) Vanburn Holder-5/50 (vs ENG, Birmingham, 1976)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which bowler has taken the least matches to reach 100 ODI wickets?

(2) Which WI bowler has reached the 100-ODI wicket mark the fastest in term of matches?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

was undone by the surprise of extra bounce from Tiripano, with gully pouching a straightforward catch. Much more notable, Azam, in his first away Test as captain, fell to the most transparent of traps. Mid-on was brought up close as Tiripano bowled straight, inducing a drive which went to Roy Kaia, stationed there for that purpose.

Zimbabwe had suddenly removed the two most prolific batsmen in the side.

Butt, at the other end, chipped away more cautiously, eager to get to the three-figure mark he evidently had on his mind all session. It didn’t appear much would stop him, before Ngarave finally shaped one away that took his outside edge. It brought the left-armer his first Test wicket, denying Butt his first Test hundred in the process.

The partnership that followed between Mohammad Rizwan and Alam was perhaps the one that conclusively wrenched the game away from Zimbabwe.

The wicketkeeper continued his rich vein of form, helping to add 107 before falling five short of a half-century, Muzarabani sending his stumps cartwheeling. Faheem Ashraf missed out, too, but that only gave Hasan Ali the chance to have some fun at the bowlers’ expense. They might have been humoured from time to time, but in truth, Pakistan haven’t really left the home side with a chance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

29

‘May-Day’ dominoes SKNP to acquire DJ Bravo following trade request competition starts today … Trinidadian Ramdin returns home to TKR

DOMINO action will get underway today from 13:30hrs at the Senior Supervisors Club in central Mackenzie, Linden.

The event is being co-ordinated by Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark Wiltshire in association with Linden’s Arthur Chung.

There is an entrance fee of $15 000 per team with

attractive incentives at stake.

Some 18 teams are scheduled to enter the two-day tournament.

The tournament’s champion team will grab a winning purse of $175 000 with the runners-up carting off $55 000 and third place $35 000 with fourth place finishers collecting $15 000.

Other attractive cash incentives include Best Fe-

male Player ($10 000 and a hamper) and the Playerof-the-Final ($10 000 and a hamper).

The competition continues tomorrow at the same venue.

Organiser Wiltshire said that all COVID-19 protocols and measures will be adhered to with participants being asked to wear their masks while practising social distancing and sanitising.

McGill Super Stars draw first blood against MMZ SC in three-match series

McGILL Super Stars won their opening clash by 15 runs when they competed against MetenMeer-Zorg (MMZ) Sports Club in the first of a three-match 40over series.

In the opening battle between two of the top clubs in the West Demerara Cricket Association, McGill won the toss and opted to take first strike at the MMZ ground.

Captain Sudesh Persaud led from the front in the low-scoring affair. The father of former national U-19 skipper Travis Persaud (who played in the match), spearheaded the attack. His 43

unbeaten runs consisted of four fours and a six.

A few other batsmen played a few shots, including Balram Aron with 15 and Diquan Murray with an unbeaten 10, which helped to push the total to 147-9 in the allotted 40 overs.

Bowling for MMZ, off-spinner Sheldon Alexander finished with 3-16 from seven overs, while medium-pacer Elian Chrisnauth picked up 2-24 from five overs.

The home team needed to score at just 3.7 runs per over to secure a victory, but they could not get on top of the bowling of

right-arm medium-fast Diquan Murray and his left-arm medium-fast counterpart Daniel Basdeo. Murray finished with 4-33 from six overs and Basdeo 3-38 from eight overs.

Leroy Miggins led MMZ with 34 (3x4, 3x6), while former national youth player Richie Looknauth added 28 (3x4) and Jermaine Maxwell a quick-fire 25 (1x4, 3x6). Despite the starts, the home team succumbed for 132 in 34.4 overs.

The second game in the series is tentatively scheduled for next weekend.

IN what could be deemed a huge trade, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) yesterday announced that based on a request from DJ Bravo, they have agreed to send him to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (SKNP).

The move also sees veteran wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin return to his home team franchise TKR. Bravo in a statement sent by HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) said, “At this stage in my career, I needed a new challenge, which is to work with the young talent

for the benefit of Cricket West Indies (CWI)”.

He continued, “Also becoming part of a new franchise SKNP will provide me with a new challenge in CPL. I want to thank TKR for respecting my wishes and for all their support over the years. I also appreciate everything they have done for Trinidad & Tobago in general”.

Venky Mysore, Director of the TKR franchise said, “DJ Bravo has been instrumental in not only building TKR into a champion

team but also captained the team which earned three championships in 2015, 2017 & 2018. We are sad to see him leave but we respect his wishes & his desire to help Caribbean cricket”.

“We are delighted that someone of the calibre of Kieron Pollard is leading TKR and also happy to announce Sunil Narine as the vice-captain of TKR. We welcome back Denesh Ramdin to the TKR family & look forward to the 2021 season and defending our title.” Mysore ended.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

Hamilton heads Verstappen in Portugal (BBC) - Lewis Hamilton headed Max Verstappen by 0.143 seconds to lead the way in second practice at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

The second Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas was third quickest, ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and the Alpines of Fernando Alonso and Este-

ban Ocon.

It is the first time this season that Hamilton has topped a practice session.

“It is going to be a closerun thing. I don’t know how Max’s lap was, but mine wasn’t perfect. It’s close, so it’s exciting,” he said.

“It’s very windy today.

I think everyone was struggling sliding around out there.

Everyone looks like he was struggling with his balance.

It has definitely been a real challenge to keep the car on track.”

Bottas was 0.334secs behind Hamilton, as less than 0.1secs separated the Finn

from the three drivers immediately behind him.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was seventh fastest, ahead of McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Perez completed the top 10.

All the drivers were struggling in the windy conditions

close to the coast and on a track that was newly resurfaced before last October’s inaugural grand prix at Portimao.

Verstappen said: “It’s super-slippery. I know it is the same for everyone but it is not very enjoyable to drive.

The car felt all right. Some work to do for tomorrow but overall it’s fine.

“It’s very tricky out there and it’s a shame because it’s all about tyre prep and tyre temperature and it shouldn’t be like that.”

Mercedes and Red Bull appeared closely matched on both one-lap pace and on a longer race-simulation run.

the most comfortable I’ve had this season compared to Bahrain and Imola.

“I was happy with the set-up of the car quite early in the day, so I concentrated mostly on becoming more acclimatised to the circuit and then evaluating the tyres over the two sessions.”

Lando Norris, who is third in the championship behind Hamilton and Verstappen after finishing fourth and third for McLaren in the first two races of the season, said: “The Alpine was very fast. We had a big gap to the Alpine the last two weekends but this week they seem a lot more competitive.

“It’s two more cars we might be racing. It’s exciting but it makes our life a bit

Lewis Hamilton headed the final practice session

WHAT ABOUT THOSE ALPINES? Practice is not always an accurate reflection of true pace, but on the face of it Alpine produced their most competitive showing of the year so far on the undulating Portimao track on the Algarve.

The Anglo-French team, formerly known as Renault, and who scored three podium finishes in the second part of last season, have been towards the back of the midfield in the first two races this season, but have brought some new aerodynamic parts to this race.

A new floor has been added to the front wing update that was introduced at the last race at Imola.

Alonso, returning to F1 this year after two years away, had a difficult time at Imola, admitting after qualifying that he was “not fast” and vowing to improve in Portugal.

And on first evidence he appears to have done so, leading the way for Alpine, albeit just 0.015secs quicker than Ocon, who improved on his second flying lap to move closer to the two-time champion after being 0.2secs off on his first run.

The 39-year-old, who had never driven at Portimao before, said he had “enjoyed” the track, adding: “It was a good practice day for me and

more tricky.”

Norris, who was 12th fastest yesterday, said: “The car balance maybe isn’t quite as good as the last two weekends. So we still have a lot of work to do and we are not confident of being in the top 10. It is a bit tougher than we expected.”

However, Alonso said: “I think the positions will not be too different compared to Imola or Bahrain. I don’t think there is any big change in the order. It is just a diffident Friday and a different approach from teams, but fingers crossed we can keep this pace tomorrow.”

The long runs suggested Ferrari and McLaren were closely matched on pace behind Mercedes and Red Bull, with the Alpine a little slower.

Sebastian Vettel continues to find his feet in the second Aston Martin and was down in 15th place.

The race-simulation runs at the end of the session suggested that the favoured racestart tyre may be the medium - as it has been at both races so far this year.

So the leading teams will probably try to use that tyre to set their times in second qualifying today to ensure it can be their compound for the start of the race.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 1, 2021

31

Brathwaite fails as Gloucestershire faces uphill task

(CMC) - West Indies Te s t c a p t a i n K r a i g g Brathwaite failed as Gloucestershire struggled, leaving them with a huge task of saving their County Championship game against Leicestershire.

Replying to the visitors’ 421, Gloucestershire ended day two at Bristol on 176 for six, still trailing by 245 runs heading into today’s day three in the southwest.

Captain Chris Dent topscored with 53 at the top of the order, while number seven George Hankins struck an unbeaten 29 in a 55-run, unbroken seventh-wicket stand with Tom Smith (19

not

out), which revived the innings from 121 for six.

Brathwaite managed just nine, lbw to veteran new ball seamer Chris Wright who finished with four for 24, as the hosts lost their first wicket with 28 on the board.

Dent combined with wicketkeeper James Bracey (27) in a 71-run stand

for the second wicket before the innings went into free fall with five wickets tumbling for 22 runs.

Earlier, Lewis Hill converted his

Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite

overnight 77 into 121 while Ben Mike hit 54, helping Leicestershire to push on after resuming on 264 for four.

Seamer Daniel Worrall, who played three ODIs for England five years ago, picked up five for 79.

At New Road, Windies pacer Alzarri Joseph (2-92) failed to add to his wickets tally from overnight as Essex piled up a massive 561 for eight declared.

Resuming from 266 for two, the visitors got a century from captain Tom Westley (113) while Dan Lawrence (90), Paul Walter (65) and Simon Harm-

er (57) weighed in with half-centuries.

In reply, Worcestershire were 37 without loss.

At the Oval, Kemar Roach’s Surrey piled up 513 for three after resuming on 131 for one in reply to Hampshire’s 92, with former South Africa Test star Hashim Amla hitting an unbeaten 215 and Ollie Pope getting 131.

At Cardiff, Kent with West Indies fast bowler Miguel Cummins plunged to a 10-wicket defeat in two days following another stunning batting collapse, which saw them slump to 74 all out in their second

innings to follow up their 138.

Glamorgan, 109 at the start, were bowled out for 197 with Cummins picking up a single wicket, and they easily got the 16 required for victory with Cummins going wicket-less.

At Hove, Bermudan all-rounder Delray Rawlins failed to get a wicket in six overs of left-arm spin as Lancashire ended on 193 for six in reply to Sussex’s 328.

Rawlins made a breezy 42 from 64 balls on Thursday, dominating a 62-run fifth-wicket stand with Ben Brown (46).

‘We should have our young men fit’ – Lloyd (SPORTSMAX.TV) - Legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has called for a redoubling of efforts to get regional bowlers to achieve peak fitness levels as part of realising ambitions to consistently challenge the world’s best.

In assessing the difference between the fitness levels of some of the current crop of bowlers and those who dominated oppositions in his time, Lloyd admitted that the players of yesteryear had the advantage of much heavier involvement in English County Cricket.

“Joel Garner was a big fellow, but he was terribly

fit. Walsh was a big fellow, tall fellow, but he was fit.

Those guys were accustomed to playing in County cricket, where you would have to bowl four spells a day and travel the next day and start again. They got accustomed to that, our guys are not accustomed to that,” Lloyd told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

He, however, insists there should be no excuses when it comes to athletes being in the very best physical shape for cricket.

“We should have our young men fit, we have the climate and we have the

coaches. You should have fitness guys there who are strong, mentally, like Dennis Waite. When he says run four laps, you have to run four laps,” he added.

“We don’t do enough of that. I think that is why our players are not bowling as many overs as they should.

You ask Malcolm Marshall at 4:30 in the afternoon: ‘Malcolm I’d like four overs from you’. He would say ‘no skip, I will give you six’.

“That’s the sort of thing you need, Walsh wanting to bowl, Crofty you can’t get the ball out of his hands.

We have to get that kind of hunger again.”

Ish Sodhi wins fifth Hero CPL Esports match THE fifth match of the Hero CPL Esports Series saw Ish Sodhi of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots take on Ryan Persaud of the Jamaica Tallawahs at a virtual Warner Park. It was Sodhi and the Patriots who emerged victorious after a virtuoso batting display saw them reach 135-2 from their five overs.

Having been put in to bat, the Patriots reached the end of the second over at 60-1 with both Evin Lewis and Chris Lynn going hard from the start. Lynn fell for 26 (6) but Lewis just kept going past fifty from just nine balls. Lewis was dismissed the ball after reaching the landmark, but Patriots were off to a flying start.

Even with both openers gone the scoring did not slow down with Ben Dunk taking an amazing 34 runs off an over from Persaud as he and Sodhi just kept swinging.

A final over from Mujeeb-urRahman was given slightly less punishment than the one which preceded it, but a monumental target of 135 had been set.

It was Glenn Phillips and Persaud who opened the batting for Tallawahs and he got his team up with the rate straightaway, with

32 runs coming from the opening over of the chase with Phillips the man doing the damage. An excellent second over from Alzarri Joseph put the scoring rate in check and put the pressure back on Tallawahs.

With Phillips back on strike the scoring recommenced with the

New Zealander reaching his fifty from just 10 balls. Despite Phillips’ excellence there was just not enough support for him and Patriots squeezed their way to victory.

An excellent final over from Sodhi closed out the win as Patriots finished with a 41-run victory.

Ish Sodhi (C), Sheldon Cottrell (L) and Ben Dunk (R) of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots celebrate the dismissal of Jason Holder of Barbados Tridents during the Hero Caribbean Premier League match 2 between the two teams (Photo by Randy Brooks - CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Brar, Rahul SEE PAGE 27

Kings XI RCB Harpreet Brar is thrilled to dismiss Glenn Maxwell, Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2021, Ahmedabad, yesterday

‘We should have our young men fit’ – Lloyd

McGill Super Stars draw first blood against MMZ SC in three-match series SEE PAGE 29

SEE PAGE 31

Captain Sudesh Persaud finished with Diquan Murray captured 4-33 to lead 43 unbeaten runs the visitors’ bowling attack Former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd

SKNP to acquire DJ Bravo following trade request

SEE PAGE 29

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SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021