Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_05_2022

1st May, 2022

free Inside No.106709

Republic Bank rakes in $1.8B in half-year profits

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President Ali keen on addressing disunity among trade unions 03 PAGE

‘UncappeD’ returns!

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‘Green Dreams’ and ‘Ultimate Image’ were among the over 120 small businesses that displayed their products at UncappeD Marketplace on Saturday (Elvin Croker photos)

Two feared drowned after boat capsizes Shellon Williamson

Rice harvesting 77% complete

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Richard John

–– Region Two records highest yield

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Message by His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, on the occasion of May Day 2022

Workers are the backbone of our economy It is with great enthusiasm that I greet workers and their unions. May Day is an occasion to acknowledge and applaud the enduring contributions of workers to our country’s freedom and development.

Our nation owes an eternal debt of gratitude to its workers. Workers’ contributions cannot be erased, forgotten or diminished.

Whether it was in the field or factory, on the waterfront or in the offices, workers have been at the forefront of campaigning for betterment.

Through their exertions, struggles and sacrifices, they have been able to secure greater rights and improve the lot of the working class.

Today, workers are protected by our country’s Constitution and progressive labour laws. This is buttressed by the government’s record of increasing workers’ disposable income, providing wage and non-wage benefits and enhancing working-class livelihoods.

The reinstituted Ministry of Labour is being strengthened to more vigorously protect workers’ rights and ensure their safety.

I look forward to working with the trade union movement, in a spirit of respect rather than rancor, hope rather than hostility and cooperation instead of confrontation. This is necessary if there is to be greater success in navigating global recovery.

Over the past two years, workers have borne the brunt of global economic disruptions. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has inflicted death, pain and misery on the working classes. Worldwide, more than six million lives have been lost, many of whom were of working age. Millions of workers were placed on the breadline as economies contracted and businesses crumbled. The supply-chain crisis has added to the burdens of workers, while the war in Ukraine has further compounded workers’ difficulties.

We have not been unmindful of the hardships which face our workers as a result of these externalities. This is why we have been adopting measures to increase workers’ takehome income, cushion the effects of price increases, provide relief to households, make housing loans and construction more affordable for low-income earners and remove the onerous taxation burdens previously imposed on citizens.

I wish to highlight only a few of the initiatives the government has pursued thus far, in addressing the issue of cost of living. In this year’s budget, we have set aside more than $5 billion to ease cost of living. And we have said that we are going to implement a programme based on this allocation, after consultation with workers; and that consultation is taking place so we can give the best possible spending, the best possible cash injection where it matters most to the workers.

We have removed more than 200 burden-

some taxes and fees that were imposed on the backs of workers by the previous APNU/ AFC government. Taking the difficulties with fuel; we've removed the excise tax on fuel completely from 50% to 0%- one of the few countries in the hemisphere that has done this.

We have instituted measures so the burdens of the increase freight costs do not translate into further hardship by consumers.

We have given out the 25,000 cash grant for COVID; more than $3 billion directly spent on Amerindians and workers to help them to recover from COVID. Billions of dollars increase in old-age pension and support services. Restoration of subsidy on electricity and water for old age pensioners; More than $1 billion one-off payment to help workers and disciplined service workers; The $25,000 bonus to every single public servant- more than $600 million; A two-week bonus that benefited more than 9200 health workers; $1.2 billion payouts to the disciplined services and almost 20% increase in the threshold levels; hundreds of millions of dollars in the because we care grant cash grant for school children which was taken away by the last APNU/AFC government; An almost 50% increase in public assistance, 5o% increase and over $7 billion in benefits as flood relief.

These are only but some of the measures that your government, this government, in keeping with the support for the working class, has instituted to bring ease the population.

Global economic recovery has been setback by the present turbulence in international affairs. Recovery will take time and will require adjustments on the part of all, including workers.

Notwithstanding the daunting challenges which lie ahead, I am upbeat about Guyana’s future. The country’s economy is set on a transformative and upward trajectory of development. This pathway is aimed at ensuring a higher standard of living for the present and future generations.

I give my word that as the country enters this transformative stage of development, workers will not be left behind. Workers will share equitably in the benefits which will flow from our economy in the years ahead.

Our vision for workers’ development is holistic and broad-based. We are firmly rooted to the working class.

We want the national workforce to enjoy increased and better opportunities. We are courting increased investment so as to create more jobs.

The new economy that is being fashioned will help us to deliver these and other benefits to workers. The new economy will spawn greater opportunities for employment and

improved incomes and generate new and more enterprising career paths.

We are rebooting our education system so that our children can graduate from schools and universities with the skills necessary to obtain well-paying jobs. I want to emphasize how important it will be for us to train the country’s future workforce. This is why we are placing so much emphasis on education, including technical and vocational studies.

The new economy will provide the resources for improving social services and human development. Every working-class family will be afforded the opportunity to own their own home and have access to potable water, electricity, and sanitation services.

We will work assiduously to ensure the best possible healthcare. We are also committed to providing for our retirees and elderly so that, after their working days are over, they can enjoy a dignified existence. After work, we want workers and their families to have easy and convenient access to recreational and relaxing activities.

Life will get better for our workers and their families. Guyana will have more revenues. But the benefits derived from such revenues can only be secured if we are prepared to work together rather than against each other.

The lessons of the past two years forewarn us of the need and urgency of building a more resilient economy. And there is no better segment of our society which exemplifies the toughness, tenacity and ability to rebound from crises than our workers.

Workers are the backbone of our economy. They will become the protagonists of the future we desire.

I salute on this May Day, all of our workers. I salute you for the sacrifices you make and say to you; together we will build a stronger country, a stronger economy, a stronger workforce and a more prosperous future for all of us Happy Workers Day! Long live working-class solidarity! Happy Labour Day! I thank you!.

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President Ali keen on addressing disunity among trade unions –– says development of working class being pursued comprehensively

ACKNOWLEDGING workers to be the backbone of Guyana’s economy, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said that he is committed to working with the local trade unions in an effort to eliminate the age-old disunity that has hindered the development of workers.

“Workers’ unity, unfortunately, is being imperilled by the ongoing divisions in our trade union movement; discord within and between unions will only add to the disunity. The fissures within the trade union movement can only be mended by addressing their root causes,” President Ali said in his Labour Day message on Saturday.

To this end, the Head of State said that he is looking forward to working with the trade union movement in a spirit of respect rather than rancor; hope rather than hostility, and cooperation instead of confrontation.

“This is necessary if there is to be greater success in navigating global recovery,” Dr. Ali said, alluding to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that over the past two years, workers have borne the brunt of global economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus, which

has inflicted death, pain and misery on the working class.

The President made specific reference to the fact that worldwide, more than six million lives have been lost, with many being of a working age.

“Millions of workers were placed on the breadline as economies contracted, and businesses crumbled. The supply-chain crisis has added to the burdens of workers, while the war in Ukraine has further compounded workers’ difficulties,” Dr. Ali recognised.

The President said that Guyana owes an eternal debt of gratitude to its workers, whose contributions cannot be erased, forgotten or diminished.

“Whether it was in the field or factory; on the waterfront or in the offices, workers have been at the forefront of agitation for betterment,” Dr. Ali said.

He noted that as a government, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been mindful of the hardships faced by workers as a result of the aforementioned externalities.

“This is why we have been adopting measures to increase workers’ take-home income, cushion the effects of price increases, provide relief

to households, make housing loans and construction more affordable for low-income earners, and remove the onerous taxation burdens previously imposed on citizens,” President Ali said.

He asserted that even with a long list of effective government measures, complete recovery will take time, and will require adjustments on the part of all, including workers. Notwithstanding the daunting challenges that lie ahead, Dr. Ali said that he is upbeat about Guyana’s future.

“The country’s economy is set on a transformative and upward trajectory of development. This pathway is aimed at ensuring a higher standard of living for the present and future generations,” the President said, maintaining that with the new dispensation, workers will not be left behind.

Rather, he assured the nation that the working men and women of Guyana will share equitably in the benefits which will flow from our economy in the years ahead.

Dr. Ali also said that his vision for workers’ development is holistic, broad-based and filled with ever-increasing opportunities for development and investment.

Further, Dr. Ali said that

the government is rebooting the country’s education system to prepare Guyanese for the opportunities that will come.

“I want to emphasise how important it will be for us to train the country’s future workforce; this is why we are placing so much emphasis on education, including technical and vocational studies,” Dr. Ali said.

Already, the government has rolled out its 20,000 Online scholarships initiative, with offers of a myriad courses ranging from certificates to PhDs, via reputable universities across the world.

Added to that, the government’s education cash grants are also serving as a stimulus to keep children in primary and secondary schools; children who will eventually benefit from continued support for a solid tertiary education.

Moreover, the President said that the new economy will provide the resources for improving social services and human development, including the provision of opportunities for every working-class family to own their own home, and have access to essentials such as potable water, electricity, and sanitation services.

The Head of State also

promised to work assiduously to deliver better healthcare services to the people of Guyana.

In commending the efforts of the local workforce, Dr. Ali said that the government is also committed to ensuring that retirees and the elderly population can enjoy a dignified existence.

“After work, we want workers and their families to have easy and convenient access to recreational and relaxing activities,” President Ali envisioned, assuring the nation that “life will get better for our workers and their families,” as Guyana will have more revenues at its disposal.

However, Dr. Ali posited that improved revenues can only be secured if “we are prepared to work together rather than against each other.”

“Workers are the backbone of our economy; they will become the protagonists of the future we desire,” President Ali said, adding that going forward, the lessons of the past two years have highlighted the need and urgency of building a more resilient economy.

“And there is no better segment of our society which exemplifies the toughness, tenacity and ability to rebound

President Dr. Irfaan Ali from crises than our workers,” the President insisted.

He noted, too, that as a protection for workers, Guyana’s Constitution and labour laws are progressive, and supported by government’s record of increasing workers’ disposable income, providing wage and non-wage benefits, and enhancing working-class livelihoods.

Furthermore, Dr. Ali said that the reinstituted Ministry of Labour is being strengthened to more vigorously protect workers’ rights, and ensure their safety.

Republic Bank rakes in $1.8B in half-year profits –– as economic environment improves, local investments increase

IMPROVEMENT in Guyana’s economic environment has significantly benefited Republic Bank Guyana Limited, which has recorded an after-tax profit of $1.8 billion at the close of the first half of the financial year in March.

Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors, Nigel Baptiste, said that the profit recorded by the bank reflects an increase of $173 million or 10 per cent, when compared with the corresponding period last year. “[This is] primarily as a result of improvement in Guyana’s economic environment as recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continued and investments

in the country’s oil and gas sector gathered pace,” Baptiste said in the bank’s unaudited half-year financial report.

In addition to its profits, the bank’s assets grew by $23 billion or 10.5 per cent and customers’ deposits grew by $22 billion or 11.5 per cent year on year.

As a result of this improved performance, an interim dividend of $1.40 per stock unit, 40 per cent more than the interim dividend of $1.00 per stock unit was paid last year, was approved.

“As we enter the second half of the fiscal year, the bank remains optimistic that economic developments and successful execution of proj-

ects in key sectors will serve as catalysts for further improvement,” Baptiste said.

It was reported that Guyana’s economy, driven by increased production, its burgeoning oil and gas sector and projected improvements in the performances of traditional mining and construction, is on course to growing by 47.5 per cent and 7.7 per cent in the nonoil economy in 2022.

This economic performance will follow growth rates of 19.9 per cent and 4.6 per cent recorded at the end of 2021, despite the persistence of COVID-19, as well as the impact of floods.

With this rate of overall growth, Guyana is likely to

be amongst the fastest-growing economies worldwide in 2021.

“The very creditable performance of the non-oil productive sector reflects the delicate and dynamic policy balance struck between aggressive containment of COVID-19 on the one hand and phased reopening of the economy on the other hand,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, had said during his presentation of Budget 2022, in February.

He also credited the performance in 2021 to prompt and proactive flood-mitigation measures, which helped limit the fallout in the agri-

cultural sector and supported the sector in resuming activity in the shortest possible time.

Additionally, the service sector recorded extraordinarily strong performances in response to a policy framework that has stimulated historic levels of demand for services and facilitated a commensurate response on the supply side.

Based on Budget 2022, the government intends to maintain and even enhance its approach to stimulating growth in various economic sectors.

Moving ahead, growth this year would be primarily driven by ExxonMobil’s second floating produc-

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Republic Bank (Guyana), Nigel Baptiste

tion storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Unity.

Outside of oil, non-oil growth this year is expected to be driven mainly by rebounds in rice- growing and gold mining, and continued expansion in construction activity and wholesale and retail trade and repairs.

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Foreign Minister says G20 countries should play greater role in climate-change management

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, says the mitigation of climate change and improvement of the global environment should be dealt with at the multilateral level with heavier responsibility being placed on G20 economies that largely benefitted from economic globalization.

Climate change is the most

critical global environmental problem of our time and the single greatest challenge facing environmental regulators.

It is a growing crisis with economic, health and safety, food production, security, and other dimensions. If global warming continues, Guyana’s low-lying coastlands and their entire infrastructure, settlements, and agriculture stand to be devastated by sea-level rise

and extreme weather events.

Minister Todd at India’s Raisina Dialogue 2022, which was held from 25-27 April, 2022 in New Delhi, India, stated that small countries and economies such as Guyana, were burdened with many challenges after gaining independence and they were left to catch up with the world, while the world would have moved on, a challenge which

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, along with Minister of External Affairs of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi, India

these economies had to work to overcome.

With this in mind, Minister Todd stated that he believes that these states should fetch a lighter load as it relates to their shared responsibility as it relates to climate-change strategies.

He said that the G20 countries are the primary beneficiaries of economic globalization and they are the ones who have been responsible for the plight of the global environment.

He noted that the issue affecting the global environment should be dealt with at the multilateral level with those countries who are largely responsible.

Minister Todd highlighted the benefits of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy

2030, stating that the policy seeks to build a platform for the economy of the future, a low-carbon economy, where the country’s world-class forests, biodiversity, water, and marine resources are valued for the vital contribution they make to the health of the planet.

Guyana’s forest in its cur-

rent state stores about 21.8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, which, if cut down, would release all of that gas into the atmosphere, causing further harm to the environment.

Over the past few years, Guyana has kept these forests intact, cutting down less than 0.005 per cent of the trees.

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Human Capital Development

THE success of a country and its ability to transcend challenges induced by various externalities is contingent upon the strength and capacity of its people, who are tasked with responding effectively and efficiently, in their own unique way, to any impediment to development and advancement.

Serving as the bedrock of an economy, the people of a nation are its most valuable asset, as it is through their expertise, commitment, investment and love for country, that development in any economic sector or segment of an economy is possible.

In Guyana, the significance of human capital has been observed across all spectrums of society, from the fields to the highest office of the land. Whether they produce food as farmers, deliver justice as attorneys, administer health care as doctors or implement policies and devise fiscal plans to sustain the country as government officials, every person is important to the overall functioning and advancement of the economy.

A more recent and specific example of how important a country’s human resource is to its development, is the collective effort of every stakeholder in the fight against the debilitating COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely affected countries the world over.

Responding directly to the health implications of this disease were doctors, nurses and other health workers, while policymakers and other key stakeholders implemented measures to protect people and maintain economic stability by cushioning the economic effects of the pandemic.

It was also through a united effort that democracy prevailed after a prolonged electoral process, which was marred with legal challenges and alleged political interference by the previous Coalition administration, in 2020.

There are many other instances in history where the resilience, strength, determination and combined effort of Guyanese significantly transformed the country in one way or another. And while we acknowledge the contributions and significance of every contributor to development, especially as the country celebrates Labour Day, we must also examine the steps taken or the plans in place to ensure that the country’s most valuable asset is nurtured, secured and appreciated.

As outlined by the World Bank, in order to preserve and enhance human capital, and ensure that progress is maintained, there needs to be investments in nutrition, health care, quality education, jobs and skills. This, the esteemed international financial institution said, is

also key to ending extreme poverty and creating a more inclusive society.

Almost mirroring this advice is the approach of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration to governance.

Guided by its “One Guyana” policy, the government has made significant investments in areas that have improved the overall welfare and economic position of every Guyanese.

On the side of welfare benefits, the government has so far restored the education grant and increased it to $25,000; increased the uniform voucher and oldage pension; disbursed billions of dollars in the form of various grants to cushion the economic conditions influenced by COVID-19 and other factors, and removed VAT on water, electricity and data, among other things.

The government’s approach, which President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said time and again is people-centred, is vastly different from that of the Coalition administration, which shuttered several sugar estates and laid off over 7,000 workers, restricted individual growth by imposing new tax measures and adopted an economic philosophy of consumption rather than long-term/capital investments.

Not only has the incumbent reversed the conditions that prevailed between 2015 and 2020, but it has also outlined a

vision which places human capital development at the fore of its agenda.

Aside from its direct disbursement of financial aid and investment in other welfare benefits, the government is also empowering Guyanese to be able to function effectively in every sector within and outside of this economy.

The government has already initiated its plan to deliver 20,000 online scholarships to persons through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL); there is a three-month course that, once completed, would afford persons entry into either a tertiary-level programme or a specialised technical programme; and the Port Mourant Training Centre is being transformed into a national institute for oil and gas and hospitality, among other things.

All of those programmes are supplemented by the Local Content Act that came into effect in December 2021. To add to this, the authorities are also providing thousands of temporary jobs, while simultaneously creating a conducive environment for investments and further expansion of the economy.

Taken altogether, the government’s policies and measures form a sturdy foundation upon which Guyana’s most valuable asset, its citizens, could grow and thrive.

GECOM in full preparation mode for LGEs amidst opposition shift of focus Dear Editor, THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), is rolling out several concurrent activities that indicate the hastening of preparations for Local Government Elections (LGEs), expected to be held later this year.

The GECOM website and widely circulated newspapers and media provide evidence of efforts to fill lower levels of vacancies alongside the ongoing nationwide Continuous Registration exercise scheduled to end on May 29, 2022. These activities along with reactions from the leading political forces are worthy of observation and interrogation in the

evolving framework.

Elements of the Opposition have recently subscribed to much banal ‘bruhaha,’ seeking to influence or delay GECOM’s decisions regarding the conduct of the current Continuous Registration exercise. GECOM did not succumb! The Opposition representatives in the legally supported and necessary undertakings are now seemingly exercising a reposed focus of participation, aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the process, which is certainly progressing very well. This fact is evidenced by reports of approximately 50,000 completed transactions conducted as of April 29, 2022.

Our youths must be commended for their genuine interest in the process. The related

available statistics are indeed most encouraging, since it reveals that more than 20,000 new, eligible voters were registered. Further, over 16,000 new registrants between the ages of 14 and 17 years were recorded by the registration offices of GECOM. Currently, the records based on the tally received from participating party scrutineers are showing about 3,000 transfers and are likely to increase.

This position is reflective of and recognises the massive housing drive by the PPP/C. The process is also showing that our people are doing the relevant name changes and National Identification cards are also in demand.

As the Mobile Registration process gains momentum, we are witnessing a total

togetherness between the functioning parties scrutineers and the GECOM officials. With the completion of this continuous registration process, the Guyana Elections Commission Registration officials should be undertaking verification visits to the homes of applicants and it is anticipated that GECOM will follow up the cross-referencing process by considering fingerprints to remove possible duplications.

Consequently, the target result is the realisation of an updated Register of Registrants for the nation to peruse during a Claims and Objections period, so that the see page 7

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How Close is a British Apology for Slavery?

By Earl Bousquet WITH all English eyes and ears on the second visit

by Royal Family Princes to the Caribbean this year to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year as Monarch of Britain and the Commonwealth, not many Caribbean media noticed Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali had flown 4,000 miles across the Atlantic to London.

Or, for that matter, that the leader of the largest Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-state met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson; or that President Ali loudly said in London that Britain may sooner than later offer the Caribbean an elusive ‘Apology’ for slavery.

But it all did happen – and was reported in the UK and to the rest of the world

by Britain’s SkyNews.

According to an April 29 article headlined, ‘Guyana president calls for meaningful apology over slavery after meeting Boris Johnson’ by SkyNews reporter Shamaan Freeman-Powell, “Guyana’s president has called for an apology from the UK over its role in the transatlantic slave trade.”

President Ali explained that a decision calling for

reparations over “one of the greatest atrocities in human history” had been taken by all Caribbean nations since 2013, noting: “That suffering was not only immense, it was generational. And a lot of wealth was derived from the suffering…”

The Guyana leader’s London trip and quoted comments came after two Royal Couples visited the region in two months, where they faced anti-colonial and pro-Reparations protesters demanding apologies and reparations from the British government for its participation in the slave trade.

Since 14 CARICOM leaders called for Reparations in 2013 to be preceded by “A Full and Formal Apology,” successive British Prime Ministers – from David Cameron to Theresa May to Boris Johnson -- have steadfastly refused to entertain the calls for Reparatory Justice or to apologise, instead opting to express Royal sorrow and regret for “atrocities” they admit “never should have happened…”

Those words flowed from the mouths of Prince Charles and Prince William, respectively, in Barbados and Jamaica in March and April, expressing the Royal Family’s willingness to say slavery was bad, but not to

apologise for participating, which would be an admission of guilt and willingness to atone.

President Ali says the CARICOM call for an apology needs to be addressed

by Britain, as he believes “the conversation is getting closer” to concentration on “an apology.”

Explaining why ‘A Full and Formal Apology’ is the first item on CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, President Ali told SkyNews what the leaders of the former British and European colonies in the West Indies and South America want is “not a simple apology…”

Instead, President Ali said, “It has to have great depth and meaning.”

“And,” he added, “in my view and looking at the latest announcements, I think they’re heading closer to that position.”

The President said his optimism was based on CARICOM’s insistence on pursuing the common goal together and putting in place the formal and institutional structures to ensure continuity beyond regime change.

Referring to the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC), he said, “We have established a committee in the region that is looking at this, because we under-

stand the region needs to have a common position.”

As a result, he added, they’ve been able to “advance the process.”

By the end of the two Royal Tours this year, Antigua & Barbuda, Belize and Jamaica said they were ready to follow Barbados and become republics, which would put an end to the Queen being their monarch and constitutional Head of State.

CARICOM has five republics, including French-speaking Haiti and Dutch-speaking Suriname, which don’t belong to the British Commonwealth; but Guyana became a republic in 1970, followed by Trinidad & Tobago in 1976 and in 1978 Dominica became an independent republic (Commonwealth of Dominica) with its own president, followed by Barbados in November 2021.

President Ali said CARICOM member-states seeking reparations are united by their common European colonial past “and we cannot distance ourselves from that history.”

He said more CARICOM nations were moving towards Republic status “to demonstrate their full independence” and “walk on a new path” not to completely

cut all ties with Britain and Europe, but “to be treated as equals.”

The CARICOM Secretariat, which is responsible for implementation of the Heads-of-Governments’ decision on Reparations, is based in Guyana; and the reparations movement there remains alive and well since the Donald Ramotar administration joined other CARICOM leaders in 2013 to issue the common call for reparations from Britain and Europe for Slavery and Native Genocide.

It was also under Ramotar’s PPP/Civic Administration that a National Reparations Committee was formed and an impressive monument to the August 17, 1823 Demerara Slave Rebellion was erected along the iconic Seawall, in Georgetown.

Guyana’s population is also almost evenly split between descendants of enslaved Africans and victims of involuntary Indian indenture, also with a lively indigenous community comprising nine nations of the South American country’s First Peoples.

Apart from having an active and well-funded government-appointed national reparations body that meets weekly, Guyana is

also home to Ikemba, a Youth-for-Reparations entity also funded by CARICOM, while the national committee organises continuous activities to commemorate the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent.

Caribbean Commonwealth states with the Queen as their monarch that were visited by the two Royal Couples are all signatories to CARICOM’s call for reparations from Britain, but none of the leaders they met are known to have said anything privately or officially about reparations, instead hinting publicly their intent to pursue republicanism.

But the Queen isn’t Guyana’s monarch and its elected President is the only leader to have told the British, in London, that with 12 former colonies and 14 independent Caribbean nations calling on Britain to atone for its profitable role in Slavery and the TransAtlantic Slave Trade -- which the United Nations declared a Crime Against Humanity in 2001 -- the time for Apology and Atonement is now!

GECOM in full preparation mode ... from page 6

nation could have an updated Voters’ List.

The united action with the scrutineers and the public is highly appreciated, since it is an acceptable mechanism that leads GECOM to produce an acceptable Voters List that is reflective of accountable areas of residential accuracy needed for the LGEs. In this regard, GECOM must be commended, provided that all efforts are taken to ensure the acceptable credentials of those persons employed.

Editor, as a backdrop to the emerging environment characterised by Aubrey Norton as Opposition Leader, the nation notes President Ali’s full-cycle ‘energiser-type’ work ethic, which keeps on going and going and going in a distinctly admirable way.

Along with the PPP/C leadership team, his flexible multi-tasking undertakings and endeavours signal the strongest determination

to exceed and deliver manifesto promises together with widespread resulting benefits for all Guyanese via the implementation of a strategic charter through the well-oiled PPP/C machinery.

President Ali’s excellent leadership of a cadre of astute professionals exemplifies the government’s purposeful forward push!

This team is not expected to await the indeterminate results of the PNC/R internal problem-solving in a setting and environment imbued with conflict now led by Norton as Opposition Leader. Importantly, selection of the Opposition Leader was delayed for months despite becoming the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) last December. Norton was sworn in as a parliamentarian only within the past two weeks. Notably, the President has since February indicated his intention to meet with the selected leader when appointed, to address

the constitutional perfunctory obligations.

Meanwhile, Aubrey Norton has signalled a demand for a broader agenda of discussions, including issues that are of concern to both the government and parliamentary opposition. Along the way, however, his constant brouhaha has been tempered with the implied indication of threats if he does not have his way. He has no authority to dictate, given the incessant hold-ups and delays resulting from the PNC/R’s internal party ramblings to now make up time for inefficacies in the expected meeting with President Ali. Therefore, Norton must get his house in order!

To move Guyana forward with fluency, there is a need for objectivity in the relevant and immediate discussion between the Leader of the Opposition and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and these must take place in an acceptable and peaceful environment. The

infighting in the PNC/R exemplified by the recent Van-West Charles fiasco and the like, must not manifest itself in public. Moreso, we must have mature discussions at the national level. The outcome of this initial engagement may set the tone for future consistent meetings and meaningful fluency towards joint decisions and the realisation of broad-based Guyanese interests with alacrity.

Let us all continue the encouragement of all eligible citizens in the embrace of the GECOM process, towards the enhancement of new and dynamic leadership in the various Local Authority Areas; without further undue delays in the anticipated upcoming Local Government Elections.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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I have since repeated my evidence Politics & Society Forum IN 2014, at an Indian conference in Trinidad, I delivered a paper to a packed audience on the dynamics of Indian immigration to the Caribbean, and, midway during the presentation, I switched gears, without any particular reasons, and embarked on the unclaimed remittances deceased indentured Indians left in the colonial banks to transfer to their heirs in India.

I said I have evidence that deceased indentured immigrants, in the case of British Guiana, left thousands of pounds which is equivalent to millions of dollars today, in the colonial banks that were never remitted to their heirs in India. There was a distinct grovel in the audience, suggesting something like this: OMG. I was taken aback since I thought this was common knowledge. I was wrong. I have since repeated my evidence in Suriname, Mauritius, and at various Zoom conferences. Up to that time, and even in the contemporary period, a few, if any, have addressed this wrong. I wonder why.

Recently, a discussion has resurfaced on the immigration fund Forbes Burnham used to build the National Cultural Centre. The unclaimed remittances and immigration funds are not the same things other than in principle. It is wrong to use or misuse any funds associated with any ethnic group without some input and approval from them. In practice, there is confusion.

The immigration fund, as I understand it, was drawn from the planter class, indentured Indian servants, and taxes from the colony, which meant that anyone who paid taxes contributed to the immigration fund. This was one major argument forwarded by those (mainly Africans) who opposed indentured immigration on the basis that their money was going to finance immigration that did not benefit them. I suspect that Burnham might have used this argument to support his desire to build a national rather than Indian cultural culture. Where is the curious researcher?

The unclaimed remittances are altogether a different animal. No other group contributed to unclaimed remittances but Indians themselves either individually or collectively through hard labour earning a shilling per day. Women earned 10 pence per day. I need to take you through a quick journey to show you how this remittance thing worked. To wit, from the 1860s, and after almost two decades of suspension and resumption of the indenture system, the regulations for remitting savings from British Guiana to India were formally established. In the appendix of No. 32 of the Twenty-eight General Report of the Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners (1868) elaborated instructions advised Indians on how to remit their savings from British Guiana to India. The instructions stated that savings remitted to India were to be deposited in sums of no less than 10 dollars and not more than 100 dollars to the Colonial Treasurer. Each deposit was to be accompanied by a printed form specifying the name, age, occupation, and address of the remitter and similar information on the payee in India (see below).

By Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine

British Guiana Remittance Memorandum Immigration Office 188____ From Name_________________________________ Sex____________________________________ Caste___________________________________ No.____________________________________ Ship____________________________________ Year of Arrival___________________________ Residence_______________________________ Relationship to the Payee___________________ Occupation ______________________________ To Name___________________________________ Father’s Name____________________________ Caste____________________________________ Zillah____________________________________ Pergunnah________________________________ Thanah___________________________________ Mouza___________________________________ Occupation_______________________________ Immigration Agent-General The instructions also informed indentured Indians that their payees would then receive remittances or savings for their money order from the Government of India at a local treasury nearest to the domicile of the payees. The money order was written in English and in a local language (Nagri, for example) most familiar to the payees. The payees received an exchange or a computed rate of two rupees one anna and four pies per dollar. A notice was posted to inform indentured Indians on how and when to remit money back to India. The notice was as follows: 1. The Government of India will pay to the person in whose favour the order is drawn, the sum mentioned in the order, viz: Rs ____ Annas ____ Rais, without any deduction, at the Government treasury nearest to his house, within two months from the presentation of the order, or when the Government advises arriving, then payment will be made at once.

2. Before payment of the money the Government officer will ask the person making the claim to state the name, the address, and such information in regard to the remitter and also the payee as may be necessary to satisfy him that he is the person entitled to the same.

3. If within twelve months from the date of the issue of the order in the colony it has not been presented at the Treasury of the Zila in India for payment it will not afterward be paid.

4. If such money order is once paid to the party presenting it no further claim can be made either on the Government of India or of the Colony.

The language was obviously too bureaucratic for indentured peasants, and as a conse-

quence, inconsistencies emerged in India and in British Guiana. Indentured Indians were non-literate people who were incapable of interpreting the written procedures and policies of remitting savings to their homeland. Indentured Indians tried to resolve this challenge by drawing support from other literate Indians as well as members from the planter class to assist them to communicate with their relatives in India. Later, the colonial government provided every estate with one writer who was capable of writing and reading in Hindustani, Urdu, or Hindi for indentured Indians.

There was a travelling writer/reader assisting non-literate indentured Indians on every estate. To be continued (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu)

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Patient Safety First THE Global Patient Safety Action Plan 20212030 was launched by the WHO (World Health Organisation) at the Fourth Global Health Ministerial Summit, with lead support from FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) on policy, practice and compliance.

This evolution started in 2017 in Germany at the first summit under the caption Medication Safety Challenges, initially proposed by WHO. The continuous advocacy

by FIP for over a decade, highlights the role of the pharmacist in patient safety and has revolutionised patient treatment approach with the inclusion of all healthcare professionals.

The primary objectives of the designated World Patient Safety Day aim to achieve an increase of public awareness and engagement in patient safety, enhancing global understanding of patient safety and stimulating global solidarity to support patient safety.

The hallmark of a good pharmacist is when that pharmacist assumes personal responsibility for their patient safety, making it a top priority in medication management, not only safe dispensing but safe prescribing as a pharmaceutical core function.

It involves quality control checks, inventory management, optimum storage, traceability, accountability, addressing polypharmacy, accurate dispensing and timely counselling.

Most importantly, receiving feedback about any undesirable effect(s) and making suggestions on the way forward.

ADE (adverse drug events) from continuous ADR (adverse drug reactions) maybe preventable

in half of all reported cases.

A bottom up approach should be activated for patient safety such as the yellow card system instituted by the United Kingdom, which can be easily accessed online at www. mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard to formally report any adverse reactions to drugs or vaccines so that there could be redress.

The FIP developed the five moments tool to enhance medication safety for the pharmacy operations, those moments when to recheck for errors such as starting a medication, whilst taking medication, adding on a new medication, reviewing a medication and when stopping a medication. At these moments critical questions to stimulate patient self-re-

flection and patient engagement can result in safe, effective and appropriate use of medications.

In 2020 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) received in excess of one hundred thousand complaints about medication errors such as wrong drug dispensed, wrong dosage, harmful drug to drug interaction, drug preparation and delivery error and inappropriate or over prescribing of opioids.

The pharmacists have engaged successfully in the stewardship model for rational use of antibiotics and now opioids, flagging unjustifiably recurrent prescriptions so that medication addiction or associated dangers can be curbed. Discussions on taking a similar approach to address glyce-

mic control and thrombotic are now considered.

Some of the factors to be considered for reducing medication errors are the patient age, weight, ethnicity, diet, and allergies to medication, the liver and kidney function. The multidisciplinary team approach to treatment ensures inclusive participations of all healthcare professionals so that the patient gets the best treatment.

The five rights must be observed when dispensing a prescription to prevent medication errors; the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right time and the right route.

There are many lookalike pills and pill containers and sound alike medication names, so operational pharmacy systems must be

instituted to eliminate any possible dispensing errors.

Other dispensing errors such as dispensing to the wrong patient can occur so systems to verify the correct identity of the patient must be in place. Policies and procedures for the system design must address these loopholes proactively; either to prevent a possible dispensing error or recognise the error beforehand and make amendments.

The onus is on the pharmacist to communicate safety concerns in a professional and non- judgmental manner so as to proactively address any conflict resolution issues that may arise.

A service model to improve quality of care and to encourage error reporting in a blame-free environment is key to growth opportu-

nities.

The impact of patient safety is not easily measurable and hence many times taken for granted and subsequently unrewarded or recognised. How do you quantify the near misses such as preventing a hospital re-admission or saving a life?

For further pharmacological guidance and physician referral, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express Pharmacy located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets.

If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/ burg. Tel #225-5142.

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Guyana’s energy industry supports infrastructural development JUST this week, ExxonMobil announced three new discoveries offshore Guyana.

These discoveries should further increase the already sizeable resources in the Stabroek Block, currently estimated at 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This is only the beginning of Guyana’s path as an oil-producing nation but the signs of rapid development on the ground are already becoming obvious. Recent investments in infrastructure are a testament to the benefits the country is feeling even at this early stage.

Last week, a Guyanese consortium of local businesses, NRG Holdings Inc., won a contract to support

fabrication activities for future ExxonMobil projects.

This consortium is building the majority-Guyanese owned shore base on the West Coast of Demerara for around US$300 million, which will be leased to ExxonMobil to help service the oil and gas industry.

The shore base is just one part of a massive port complex that will be built at Vreed-en-Hoop. New training programme opportunities at the facility will give residents chances for skill development while the port will eventually provide 2,000 to 5,000 new jobs for Guyanese. The new facilities will support the transition of port and marine support services to Guyana,

many of which are traditionally outsourced to regional countries.

Guyana is developing rapidly across all sectors and the investments being made are positioning the country as an emerging market leader, both in the region and globally. Recently, ExxonMobil announced that there are more than 3,500 Guyanese workers supporting both its onshore and offshore activities in the country, a 50 per cent increase from 2019.

The benefits from domestic production should continue to become more apparent as the country develops into a leading economy in the region.

Last weekend, a local company acquired a large

US$10 million dredge that can be used to clear the country’s major waterways to accommodate larger vessels and greater traffic.

Along with the dredge, GAICO Construction is also working to aid in the construction of a deep-water port. The dredge will help create a two-way channel and 24-hour access for vessels in the Demerara River and support additional developments long term.

The Demerara River is seeing an influx of other investment and development that is set to include a new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The increase in investment in Guyana, particularly around coastal infrastructure, will help to connect the new shore bases.

Another boost to local infrastructure comes with the development of an interlink road connecting Eccles and Mocha, a highly anticipated alternative on the East Bank of Demerara that will

help to alleviate traffic and make it easier for commuters to navigate. The government has championed this initiative as a way to reduce congestion and air pollution while improving safety.

Despite an uncertain global economic climate, Guyana continues to grow at a rapid rate. High oil prices have also continued

to bring in record revenues for the government, including US$106 million for its most recent oil lift.

With countries increasingly seeking out Guyana as a stable, environmentally conscious and democratic oil producer, opportunities for local workers and companies are only likely to grow.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 1, 2022

Region Two gets $12M in tractors to boost agriculture

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development with Parliamentary responsibilities for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Nigel Dharamall, on Tuesday, handed over the keys to two 80 Horsepower John Deer Tractors to the regional administration.

At a ceremonial handing over, Minister Dharamlall said the tractors cost $12M and was purchased under the region’s capital budget. He

said that it will significantly improve the lives of rice farmers in Region Two. The tractors will be used to rehabilitate access dams leading to several rice lands in the region.

“The tractors will be used to improve access dams; rice farmers will benefit and it will help in the upgrading of the farm to market access dams,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Chairperson of Region Two, Vilma De Silva, said

that the region was in need of the tractors and so, it came at an opportune time. She said that the tractors will be sent to various communities to help farmers.

“We will be trying to maintain the dams before the rainy season; the tractor will be used for that so that when harvesting commences, the farmers will have access to good roads to transport their produce,” De Silva said.

The two tractors that were handed over to the Region Two authorities

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That ‘suspect and questionable’ IRI poll

THE results of the poll conducted in January this year by the US-headquartered International Republican Institute (IRI) were released as a ‘National Poll of Guyana’.

The poll surveyed some 1,500 adult persons spanning the 10 administrative regions, with a response rate of 20 per cent, and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.5 points.

The poll, which was managed on behalf of the Institute’s Centre for Insights in Survey Research by CID Gallup, was funded by the National Endowment for Democracy.

It took the form of face-to-face interviews and multi-stage probability sampling.

According to the IRI, it was aimed at gathering data surrounding contentious issues that the IRI wants to assist Guyana with solving.

The IRI said that as a result of doing this poll, it also hopes to make some necessary interventions by undertaking a small reconciliatory and conflict-resolution pilot project aimed at deepening democracy, and restoring public confidence in the governance and electoral systems here.

Firstly, it is good that the IRI wants to offer Guyana its help with resolving the contentious socio-political issues in society.

It is also great that the IRI saw the need to step in and do something that could lead to a much clearer understanding of the

Crossfire

governance, democracy, and voting issues.

After all, Guyanese are not opposed to any help with the issues mentioned above, but there is a process; a right way of doing things in a fledgling democracy and independent State like Guyana.

Recall, Guyanese people have not forgotten the ‘vote like a boss’, the ‘blue caps’, and the strange civil society group initiatives that sprung up and had funding from the IRI and sister agencies just when Guyanese were scheduled to go to the polls in the pre-2011 and pre-2015 election periods.

Regardless of the motive, which remains suspect and questionable to most intelligent citizens, the IRI did not seek the meaningful involvement and approval of the country’s elected government before conducting this so-called National Poll.

Additionally, it may have had a handful of youth organisations and personalities who parade as the representatives of civil society and NGOs but did not consult with the Ministry of Health’s Ethics Committee

By michael younge

or any other Government entity concerned in a meaningful manner about the content included in the survey.

If there were consultations, Guyanese would like this information to be published so they can be assured of the integrity and transparency of this perception and opinion survey.

Secondly, this opinion can never be representative of the views of all Guyanese, because of its stated response rate and margin of error. These are not 1,500 Guyanese that participated, but close to 300.

Admittedly, the PPP/C Government is finding it difficult to track down persons that were interviewed by the individuals conducting the poll in Region Four, where the survey was heavily concentrated. Suspicious much?

Therefore, methodology and sampling for the polls are genuine areas of concern for those who are rightly and justly questioning the seriousness and accuracy of the data presented with percentages and graphs.

This development is a serious cause for concern, as there seems to be no underlying scientific principle governing the research information.

Thirdly, the line of questioning, the structure of some of the questions, and the questions posed to the respondents are mindboggling, to say the least, particularly the ones that had the most political, ethical,

racial, and social ramifications.

Did the IRI and CID Gallup have experts or technical people that looked at the questions before polling?

This was certainly not the case. Examples are too numerous to cite, but one can go to the website or poll results for oneself.

This entire poll is disappointing, from an academic and scientific standpoint.

Also, it has no creditability and integrity when one analyses the methodology and data collection methods.

Finally, this poll groups too many complex and very distinct issues or topics together. It failed to be considered a national poll.

It simply fell short.

And, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton could not have been serious when he said the result of this poll will be used by the Opposition.

Even his economic advisers would try to dissuade him from using it to make a political perception of the people’s mood in relation to governance, electoral reforms, and elections, because he would be disappointed.

Sadly, Norton is opportunistic while practicing the politics of convenience, because he knows deep down inside that the poll’s results are highly questionable but still valuable to making the Opposition’s case.

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sunday CHRONICLE may 1, 2022

Ramadan in Guyana, UAE, New York and India

By Dr Vishnu Bisram

I HAVE been fortunate this year to experience preparations and fasting for Ramadan in Dubai, New York, Abu Dhabi, and India. I experienced Ramadan and Eid celebrations in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore in earlier years.

The Ramadan practices are almost exact duplicates of those in Guyana and diaspora Muslims who observe the pious festival and celebration.

During this period, Muslims refrain from the consumption of food and liquid from sun-up to sun-down and often give up other worldly habits.

In New York, Guyanese Muslims and those of other nationalities began dawnto-dusk fasting around April 2 with the sighting of the new moon. Not all Muslims have been fasting but most seemingly did so, including many Islamic students in high school and colleges. The fasting period ends on May 2, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Monday is Eid, a school holiday in New York. Parking rules are also suspended.

Nightly, since the evening of April 2, Muslims in traditional garb were seen heading for masjids in the

greater Richmond Hill area (Little Guyana) for prayers and breaking of the fast. The males were mostly dressed in traditional white and females in any colour in shalwar or choli or Lahenga. In Dubai, male worshippers were dressed in white and females in mostly black- coloured garb, (but other colours were also observed covered head to toe in the heat). In India, flocks of Muslims in Delhi, Varanasi, Azamgarh, Lucknow and other towns were seen late at dusk briskly walking heading for the masjid for nightly prayers. In every location they broke the fast with the consumption of liquid, followed by cajole or dates or some other snacks.

In India, they headed for the street fast-food outlets where almost every dish imaginable (halaal of course) was served. The streets in India in Muslim neighbourhoods were brightly lit nightly during this Ramadan period. Food was bountiful.

In India, as in New York, Guyana, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the fasting period is widely known as Rojah. Some called it ‘Roza’ (probably a matter of pronunciation). In UAE, the immigrants from South Asia also call it Rojah or Roza. All masjids in America,

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and India have held nightly prayer services since the start of Rojah.

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I observed the presence of a mosque in every couple of blocks. There are countless numbers of mosques subsidised by the Islamic state. The mosques are quite attractive, neat, and clean. The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is probably the best in the world. One can also describe it as perhaps among the most beautiful structures in the world. It is worth a visit whenever one is in the UAE. In America, each ethnic group or nationality or Islamic sect has its own mosque. People generally do not patronise each other’s masjid, preferring their own masjid of their own

ethnic group. But no one is excluded from services and all are welcome to participate in prayers, followed by the breaking of the fast. Each group has its own customs and practices and break the fast with their own cultural diet. The Indo-Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean Muslim diasporas in New York are very tight-knit communities, and they observe all Islamic traditions, especially during Ramadan or Ramzan (Rojah). Most Guyanese-oriented mosques are in Queens and

there are Guyanese masjids in the Bronx and Brooklyn as well as in Florida. Some from other nationalities also come to the Guyanese masjids for worship, and some Guyanese do worship at mosques of other nationalities, where Guyanese mosques are not available as in New Jersey.

The Al Abidin Masjid, in the heart of Liberty Avenue, is the largest among Guyanese.

The Jama Masjid is also quite large.

According to the holy Koran, Muslims are urged to fast for spiritual and body renewal during this holy period of sacrifice. Prayers are also required. Some Muslims visit the mosque several (five) times during the day, as prescribed in the Koran; and where not possible, they pray at a convenient location to adhere to this pillar of Islam.

Observing Ramadan is one of five pillars of Islam.

Everywhere I travelled in the Far East, Middle East, India, and America, the mosques or masjids were packed nightly during the Ramadan pe-

riod. There were rituals and supplications to the Lord, all similar in practice – including lighting of agarbati. At the end of prayers, worshippers wished each other greetings and consumed their liquid or food and moved on for a larger meal within the confines of the compound or a basement or another structure. In India, the masjids did not offer a full meal as in New York. At some of the Guyanese masjids, volunteers arrived early afternoon to begin preparation of the masjid for prayers and meals. Some worshippers brought foods prepared from home or purchased from halaal caterers. The dishes varied nightly — with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, all donated by members of the respective Islamic fraternity.

And the same practice exists in India, the UAE, and elsewhere that I visited. In India, many people break the fast at approved halls or restaurants serving halaal food.

Overall, the observance of Ramadan or Rojah is the same everywhere.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, with officials of the region and the contractors, following the signing ceremony

$136M in contracts signed in Region Two MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development with parliamentary responsibilities for the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region, Nigel Dharamlall, has called on local contractors in Region Two to provide employment for the people.

He was at the time speaking at the historic signing of $136M in contracts awarded by the National Procurement and Tender Administration board.

The contacts awarded included the rehabilitation of the regional State House; the construction of a bridge at Onderneeming; the upgrading of David James Street at Charity; the upgrading of Damon Street at Dartmouth; the extension of Johanna Cecilia Secondary school; and the construction of a health post and landing at Siriki.

Contractors benefitting from the various projects included K and J contracting service; H Ramballi Construction; V J Construction; Vande Construction and Triple F variety store.

Minister Dharamlall said that the projects will aid in further development and transformation of the region.

“Today’s signing rep-

resents 16 per cent of the capital programme of the region; the region has capital programme over $866M; these are the major capital programmes.

“We also have, under the current programme, hundreds of millions to be done in contracts,” Dharamlall said.

It was noted that the contracts were awarded to companies in the region and, in that regard, the Minister urged the contractors to ensure that they employ people from within the region.

“We expect that you will recruit more people and you will get more persons on your payroll,” Dharamlall further explained.

He also warned the contractors that they have to complete their projects on time.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Region Two, Vilma De Silva, said that the project falls under the region’s Capital work programme but was awarded through NPTAB. She urged the contractors to produce quality work and in a timely manner. The projects are expected to commence in a week’s time.

Adel Baksh from Imam Bacchus and Sons signing his contract. Also in the photo is Mr Ramballi from Ramballi construction

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Over 120 businesses on display

Patrons stopping by the ‘Ole’ Man Pappie’ booth which featured a minifolklore museum were treated to storytelling, educational discussions on cultural artifacts. From left are Michael Khan, known as Ole’ Man Pappie; Natasha Azeez known as Jainie Gyal, and Pirate of the Caribbean character Jack Sparrow (Elvin Croker photo)

A patron poses with the UncappeD Marketplace mascot (Elvin Croker photo)

By Tamica Garnett OVER 120 small businesses, including 107 agro-processors, showcased their products and services on Saturday at the National Stadium, at the annual “UncappeD Marketplace” exhibition, which saw a grand return after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Put on by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), the two-day event is primarily geared at promoting local agro-processed products, particularly those produced by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Some of the products on display ranged from soaps, facial and beauty products to seasonings, teas and protein bars. There were also plants and vegetables, and clothing by local designers on sale, while telecommunications provider, GTT also had a booth at the event.

“It’s all about the businesses, they’ve been eagerly waiting for this event. COVID-19 hurt their businesses badly and they have had rough time over the last few years, so they are here to re-showcase their existing

products and some are showing new lines of product,” GMSA Vice President, Ramsay Ali, explained during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle.

The event is opened to the public free of cost. This year’s hosting is the fifth year that UncappeD is being held, and Ali shared that there are major plans to expand the event beyond Guyana’s shores, so that the Guyanese products on display can reach wider markets. There is a particular focus on overseas areas with large Guyanese diaspora.

“The whole objective of UncappeD, when we started, was that we were going to move [it] from the local scene to the Caribbean and then further into the diaspora. We had a setback but I think that we are back on track, and after this event we are going to start looking again,” Ali noted.

He further noted: “We have about 44 or 48 processors whose products are export ready in terms of quality, the packaging, and the necessary permission from all the regulatory bodies.

So this is good for us and we are extremely happy. We’re hoping that by the end of the year we were able to visit at least one Caribbean country.”

Meanwhile, a new comer to the expo is 53-year-old artist Stephen McKenzie is the owner of ‘Wooden Words’ which produces sculpted words using wood.

McKenzie recently participated at the International Energy Conference and Exhibition that was held at the Marriott Hotel in February.

…as Marketplace ‘UncappeD’ returns

Artist, Stephen McKenzie, displays a piece from his business ‘Wooden Words’ (Elvin Croker photo) Encouraged by the response he got from there, he was excited to be part of another.

“It’s a good opportunity for persons to see your work and also to make purchases,” McKenzie shared during an interview at his booth.

This year was the second time that herbalist Debbie Argyle displayed at UncappeD, showcasing the products from her business ‘Magnificent Fragrances’.

She first participated in 2019, which was the last time the event was held. Ever since, she has been eagerly awaiting a chance to be part of it once again.

Debbie’s business produces organic candles and soaps retailing from $500. Persons interested in her products can contact her on 693-1556.

“I have been doing candles for five years, I have 10 fragrances. Then later, I started

doing organic, soaps, face and body massage soaps. They are all herbal, it’s from the tree to your skin, everything is herbal.

We have pure alas [aloe vera], neem, peppermint leaves, and even ninwah soaps,” she shared.

Another organic product business was ‘Nature’s Wrap’, which retails naturally made hair products. The business is run by young entrepreneur, Rondel Douglas.

Speaking about why he was excited to be part of UncappeD, Douglas said: “It’s good exposure for the business, because it’s a lot of networking, and that sort of stuff. For today, our day has been going pretty good we had quite a few customers stop by check all the products and make purchases.”

Douglas started his business in January 2020 just as the pandemic began to grow, so he is excited to see his business now flourishing.

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First-ever local interschool kayaking competition set for Linden Town week

ELITE Kayaking and Nature Tours is set to host the first-ever ‘Inter-school Kayaking competition’ as part of the series of events during the 2022 Linden Town Week celebrations.

The competition which is set for May 02, 2022, will see the participation of all the secondary schools in Region10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice), along with Queens College and St Rose’s High from Georgetown.

This major first-time event promises to be unique and brings a platform to showcase the athletic skills of locals in a wide range of aquatic sports, while promoting “Sports Tourism.”

Proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, Deon Anderson, speaking to the Sunday Chronicle, stated “the intention of this pioneering event is to highlight the concept of sport tourism, build social cohesion and catapult Guyana

towards the achievement of transformational development and holistically building the ideals of “One Guyana.”

He noted that the idea is to facilitate the creation of an event that would serve to connect sports, eco-tourism, and education. There are plans to expand the event and make it a yearly one.

The competition’s starting point is the Egbert Benjamin Hall with its Finish

Line at the Watooka Guest House and will comprise three races.

Rules for the race are that each team in the three categories – male, female and relay -- are required to have four members.

The relay category, which is set to be one of the most exciting parts of the races, consists of a sprint from the Alumina Plant to Egbert Benjamin, with the teams being required to tag their partner who will

sunday CHRONICLE may 1, 2022

then kayak to the Watooka Guest House.

Anderson made it clear that emphasis is being placed on safety precautions for the event. He noted that adequate professional and competent lifeguards will be present throughout the journey.

“Lifejackets will be worn by all participants, medical evacuation team and first responders will also be present (in the water via speed boats) escorting

the participants through the race.

“And regional education officials, along with physical education teachers from each respective school, will be accompanying the students to support and cheer them on as they participate in this competition.

“We are fully committed to safety, comfort, and professionalism concerning all participants of this competition.”

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Local authorities mulling use of COVID-19 breathalyzer test –– to detect presence of virus in persons here, Health Minister reports

MINISTER of Health Dr. Frank Anthony on Friday announced that Guyana may very well take advantage of a novel method of testing for the coronavirus, codenamed the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer test, following the authorisation of its use on April 14,

2022 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Making the announcement during the course of his daily COVID-19 update, Minister Anthony said that after the use of the method has been fully authorised here, the advantages of it will

be looked at, and if it is seen as beneficiary, it will be used in Guyana.

“Once it is given full authorisation, I think then other countries will start using it.

We’ll also get more information; I think we would look at it and see what advantages, if any, it would bring to our

current testing landscape here in Guyana, and if it’s going to be beneficial, well, we are going to get it into the country,” Minister Anthony said.

Noting that the methods of testing that are currently available to us here in Guyana do have their limitations, one of which has to do with

the swabbing, which, if not done correctly, can adversely affect the inaccuracy of the results, Minister Anthony said the beauty about this latest development is that it has the ability to make a world of difference, and pain-free at that.

As he explained, “What it does is use a gas, and you go through a spectrometry process, whereby you are able to analyse the content of the gas, and detect whether someone has ‘COVID’ or not.”

What is even more impressive, he said, is that the results are very accurate, as the test usually checks for specificity as well as sensi-

tivity.

“This particular test, its sensitivity is at 91.2 per cent, and its specificity, meaning that it is actually detecting the virus we want it to detect, is 99.3 per cent,” Minister Anthony explained.

Meanwhile, the health minister said that since the reope-ning of schools, no adverse effects have been reported. He stated that there has been no spike in cases, but noted that there has also been a reduction in testing for COVID-19.

There are currently 108 active cases, with an additional eight occurring over a 24-hour period.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Police Force, Berbice Chambers ink partnership agreement

President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association, Ryan Alexander signs the agreement while the Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken and Deputy Commissioner, Calvin Brutus look on THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), along with the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will see the organisations working closely together in building capacity and creating an enabling environment to aid in the provision of quality service to the populace in Berbice, and Guyana in general.

The BCCDA agreement was signed at Little Rock Suites, located at Main St, New Amsterdam, Berbice

by Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag), Calvin Brutus and BCCDA’s President, Ryan Alexander.

The CCCC agreement was signed at the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce office located at Outpost St., Rose Hall by CCCC’s President, Mohamed Raffik and Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken.

It was noted that the fiveyear agreement will see the

Berbice Chamber supporting the GPF in building capacity while improving relationships in critical areas such as customer relations, security management, financial management, accounting training, scholarships for youths and other support services and resources that will aid the progression of the force.

The Berbice Chamber will similarly assist the force with equipment procurement and community relations programmes.

Meanwhile, the top cop alluded to the fact that public

and private partnership is important and necessary in contemporary policing and the overall success of the force.

He spoke of the GPF’s strategic plan and vision for the force and also touched on issues like pushing for ethnic diversity in the force, and special and temporal analysis.

He also noted that noise pollution is a very serious social problem in society and persons need to be cognisant of this and abide by the law.

“This new vision for the Guyana Police Force will see less confrontation and more partnerships and healing,” the top cop declared.

CCCC’s President, Mohamed Raffik hands over the signed agreement to Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken

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Minister Benn zones in on bars, noise nuisance

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, says all bars and entertainment spots should be closed off by 02:00hrs “because it becomes very difficult since people become inebriated and some of them drive drunk and it’s too risky to go beyond 2:00 am.”

Minister Benn noted that he will be checking with the national task force on the matter, while noting that there were instances where ranks of the Guyana Police Force have not been proactive enough.

“Or they make repeated visits to the same persons to turn down the music, but we are putting a break on repeated visits. If we visit a

place two times, on the third occasion with respect to noise and any other untoward activity, we will close them,” the Home Affairs Minister noted.

Further, he added that the office of the Attorney General will be looking at a range of issues of increasing fines and other options for those persons found in violation of the rules.

“In a month or so, we will have the discussions at the Attorney General’s office, then at the ministry and then at the level of the Cabinet,” Benn noted.

Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excessive emission of noise is an offence under the Environmental

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn Protection (Noise Management) Regulations (2000). Defaulters can be fined up to $700,000 and face up to one year imprisonment.

sunday CHRONICLE may 1, 2022

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sunday CHRONICLE may 1, 2022

Two feared drowned after boat capsizes

A SEARCH is underway by the police, coastguards and divers for two persons who are feared drowned after the boat they were in capsized in the Canje Creek on Friday evening.

Those missing have been identified as Shellon Williamson, 27, a mother of three of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam and Richard John, 39, of Edinburg, New Amsterdam.

The incident occurred at around 20:45 hours east of the Canje Creek, a short distance away from the Canje Bridge and the duo reportedly became trapped under the tug after water began to enter.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Christina John, the sister of Richard,

recalled her son telling her that “uncle and he gurl dead in a boat” as a result, she hurriedly went out and had two boats searching the area for them but to no avail.

Williamson and John are a couple.

“Till around 01:00 hours, I left and went home and this morning I come back around 05:30 hours and when I reached here I didn’t see the speedboat or anybody.

They bring up the boat and dem ain’t find nothing,” she explained.

Meanwhile, survivor of the ordeal, Captain Dennis John, who is also the brother of Richard, recalled he was cooking when Williamson went underneath the bow of the boat. He noted shortly after she began shouting there was a hole

and water was coming into the vessel.

He added that he went to check on her and noticed that the water was already knee-height and his brother attempted to bail the water out but the current was a challenge and the tug leaned to the side and subsequently turned over.

John recalled that despite the heavy current, he fought his way to top. His brother was behind him but when he managed to get out from under the tug, his brother was nowhere in sight.

He went back in an attempt to save his bother and Williamson but he was unsuccessful.

Police were at the scene earlier on Saturday where they managed to pull the

sunken tug but the bodies of duo were nowhere in sight.

Another brother on the vessel identified as Keon John managed to climb his way to the top of the tug after it capsized.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Shellon Williamson

Richard John

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Rice harvesting 77% complete

- Region Two records highest yield

By Cassandra Khan OWING to favourable weather and effective farm management, rice farmers across Guyana have been able to maintain a good rate of harvesting.

According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, harvesting across the country for the first crop is 77 per cent complete, with 5,369,720 bags of paddy being harvested at a rate of 5.5 tonnes per hectare.

A breakdown of all the riceproducing regions showed that harvesting in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) recorded the highest percentage of harvested

still harvesting paddy from the year’s first rice crop, which commenced with countrywide sowing in November 2021.

At that time, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) had projected a bumper harvest, with most of the rice-producing regions being on target with their sowing.

National sowing projections for the current crop were pegged at an overall target of 227,240 acres.

Last year, even with massive floods, the rice industry was still able to remain afloat, earning export revenues totaling GY$42.2 billion, an equivalent

rice -- 88 per cent. Of the 32,144 acres of rice lands sown, 28,231 acres have already been harvested, producing 886,097 bags of paddy at a rate of 4.9 tonnes per hectare.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the rice harvesting percentage stood at 77.5 per cent. Of the 17,132 acres of rice lands sown, 13,276 acres have already been harvested to produce 413,315 bags of paddy at a rate of 5.2 tonnes per hectare.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), with the second highest percentage of harvested rice, 84 per cent, produced 314,255 bags of paddy at a rate of 6.9 tonnes per hectare. Of 8,476 acres sown, 7,148 acres have been harvested.

In Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 75,778 acres of rice lands were sown, with 54,172 acres already harvested to produce 1,767,870 bags of paddy at a rate of 5.1 tonnes per hectare.

Harvesting in that region stood at 71.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), of the 63,414 acres of rice lands sown, 49,427 acres have been harvested producing 1,988,184 bags of paddy at a rate of 6.3 tonnes per hectare. Harvesting in the region is 78 per cent complete.

According to figures provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, between January and March 2022, Guyana’s thriving rice industry raked in approximately US$37,022,500, an equivalent of more than GY$7.7 billion in export earnings.

It was explained that those earnings were derived from the exportation of approximately 49,304 tonnes of rice and rice products during the first quarter of 2022. Importantly, export revenues from rice are expected to grow even more, since many farmers across the country are

of US$201 million, resulting from the exportation of approximately 434,535 tonnes of rice, paddy and its by-products.

In 2021, the industry also benefitted from increased markets, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government successfully secured the British Virgin Islands (BVI), and the European nations of Estonia and Slovenia as lucrative buyers of Guyana’s top-notch rice produce.

The country was also able to solidify a standard rice supply agreement with sister country, Barbados, to ensure that the island-nation has a steady supply of the staple.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had previously said that ongoing developments in the rice industry signal an even wider space for industry growth in 2022.

“We now have close to about 42 countries where we are exporting rice and we are looking to improve on that,” Minister Mustapha had previously told the government’s Department of Public Information.

Although the May 2021 floods devastated thousands of households and destroyed hundreds of hectares of farmlands, government’s $7.8 billion floodrelief programme was enough to enable the majority of affected rice farmers to return to their fields and resume production.

In January of this year, as part of the government’s landmark $552.9 billion budget, additional recovery mechanisms and measures were included, and these are expected to serve as a springboard for further advancement of Guyana’s rice industry.

For 2022 alone, the rice industry is projected to ‘cop’ earnings in the vicinity of US$288.6 million, an equivalent of more than GY$60.3 billion.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

HIV fight boosted with procurement of new drug an improved and more developed drug to treat adults living with HIV. The new drug will add to the ministry’s already robust programme, which includes the roll out of comprehensive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and self-testing for patients, among other initiatives.

“We have had a very robust programme over the years in HIV, and right now, over the last two years or so, we’re even pushing the

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony speaking with Infectious Diseases Specialist (US/Guyana), Dr. Moti Ramgopal IN an attempt to boost nered with American biGuyana’s efforts to elimi- opharmaceutical company nate the Human Immuno- GILEAD Sciences Inc., to deficiency Virus (HIV), the distribute a new HIV drug Ministry of Health part- called Biktarvy, which is

Minister Croal discusses safe, adequate housing with UN-Habitat Director

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Director of UN-Habitat for Latin America and the Caribbean, Elkin Velasquez, in discussion MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Director of UN-Habitat for Latin America and the Caribbean, Elkin Velasquez, met at the sidelines of the recent UN High-Level Meeting on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda in New York, USA where issues of adequate housing was discussed.

According to the Ministry of Housing, the two officials discussed an ongoing partnership between UN-Habitat and the Ministry for the Guyana Strategy for Informal Settlement Upgrade and Prevention (GSISUP).

The strategy, the ministry notes, seeks to craft and streamline a sustainable national and regional action plan on informal settlements and the facilitation of settlement regularisation, relocation from zero-tolerance areas and reducing the likelihood of informal settlement development.

Minister Croal signalled the government’s commitment to successful implementation of the project, which is in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal 11-Target 1: to ensure access to safe and adequate housing for all.

The Housing Ministry added that other possible areas for future collaboration were also discussed.

boundary with what we think are the newer innovations in HIV prevention and treatment,” Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony said Thursday evening at the launch at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

He said the new drug comes at an opportune time as the ministry is currently reviewing its HIV treatment protocols.

The drug is a complete, one-pill, once per day prescription medicine. While other HIV drugs have shown

resistance in some patients, there has been no recorded case of resistance thus far with this new treatment.

Meanwhile, Infectious Diseases Specialist (US/ Guyana), Dr. Moti Ramgopal said the World Health Organization (WHO) has now set new targets for countries to achieve the ‘95/95/95 goal’ by 2030, that is -- identifying persons with HIV, treating those persons and ensuring they are virally suppressed.

To achieve this goal, he said there must be less than 100, 000 new cases per year.

“When you look at the last 20 years, this has a lot to do with medication improvements, access to medications, testing, access to testing and just really pushing through hard around the world,” Dr. Ramgopal said.

The specialist also noted the need to bridge the gaps in testing and treating patients living with the infection. (DPI)

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Record year...

FROM BACK PAGE

was forced to announce major cuts, slashing all salaries by 50 per cent and also reducing all cricket-related funding across the region.

Tours of the region last year by Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan marked a return to normality, but it was the much-vaunted England red- and whiteball tours this year – before packed stadiums – which proved a major boost for CWI. Grave said powerhouse India’s arrival in the Caribbean later this year would also add to the financial recovery.

“In terms of Cricket West Indies (revenues), it is very simple,” he explained.

“The tours are India and England, so we’re hoping that India coming in August of this year will be a massive boost and will allow us, on the back of that England tour, both in T20s and Tests, to have a record year from a financial perspective.

“We’re also hoping to welcome back India for Test matches and white-ball cricket in 2023, so it should also be a very strong year.”

Grave said with two World Cups - the T20 showpiece in Australia this Octo-

ber and next year’s 50-over version in India - the ICC would also enjoy an uptick in finances which would redound to CWI’s benefit.

“We’re hoping for as much as US$10 million more in 2023 compared to the previous years,” he said.

“We may not get the money immediately because it might flow into the next financial year, in terms of receiving the cash, but in terms of actual sums, that’s what we’re looking at for 2023 … which will be well needed in terms of repairing our balance sheet.”

English Racing Tips

Grace

12:02 hrs Chairman

Newmarket

10:40 hrs Malauth

12:35 hrs Queen Aminath

08:15 hrs Beautiful

11:15 hrs Stormy Ocean

Sunrise

11:50 hrs North Lincoln

08:50 hrs Cemhaan

Irish Racing Tips Sligo

09:25 hrs Get Horizon

Hamilton

08:40 hrs Life In Colour

10:00 hrs Ville De

08:30 hrs Morty

09:15 hrs Amanirenas

08:15 hrs Forza Orta

09:50 hrs We’re On The

09:35 hrs Gis A Sun

Way

10:10 hrs Goodwood Glen

10:25 hrs Princess Raj

10:47 hrs Shivraj

11:00 hrs Trinador

11:21 hrs Mahanakhan

11:35 hrs Rosscarbery

11:56 hrs Kilconquhar

12:10 hrs Nusret South Africa Racing Tips

Salisbury

Scottsville

09:10 hrs Arizona Gold

08:05 hrs Safe Return

09:40 hrs Oman

08:40 hrs Red Roses Too

10:17 hrs Katey Content

09:15 hrs Gladiatorialn

10:52 hrs Windseeker

09:50 hrs Favorita

11:27 hrs Yarralumia

10:25 hrs Lady Serena

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Ancelotti completes `Grand Slam’ as Real Madrid win La Liga

CARLO Ancelotti became the first manager to win the league in all five of Europe’s major leagues when Real Madrid beat Espanyol to win La Liga.

Two goals from Rodrygo and strikes from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema confirmed Real’s 35th Spanish title.

They are 17 points clear of second-placed Sevilla with four games to play.

Ancelotti has also won titles in Italy’s Serie A, France’s Ligue 1, the Premier League in England and the German

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has won 21 trophies in a 27-year managerial career Bundesliga.

Real needed only a draw

to win the title, but victory was never really in doubt once Ro-

drygo stroked home from just inside the area.

The Brazilian doubled Real’s lead a minute before the break when he robbed Sergi Gomez of possession on the edge of the penalty area and fired low into the bottom corner.

Asensio finished off a rapid counter-attack before Benzema - rested with Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Manchester City in mind - came off the bench to side-foot home from Vinicius Jr’s cutback.

ANCELOTTI MAKES HISTORY

Ancelotti was lured back for a second spell at Real last summer following the departure of Zinedine Zidane, quitting Everton after two and a half years at the Premier League club.

The 62-year-old won five major titles in two years at the Bernabeu between 2013 and 2015, including ‘La Decima’ their 10th European Cup - but the Spanish title eluded him.

His first Aleague title as a manager was with AC Milan in 2004, the club where he won the league twice as a player in the 1980s.

The Premier League with

Chelsea followed in 2010, before Ancelotti lifted Ligue 1 with Paris St-Germain in 2013 and the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 2017.

Ancelotti’s season could end in more glory, although Real must overturn a 4-3 firstleg deficit against City at the Bernabeu.

If they do reach the final and lift the trophy Ancelotti would become the only man to win the European Cup or Champions League four times as a manager, having also led AC Milan to the trophy in 2003 and 2007.

CONMEBOL vows to toughen anti-racism stance after increased incidents (REUTERS) The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) fined River Plate $30 000 on Friday after one of the Argentine club’s fans was filmed throwing bananas at supporters from visiting Brazilian side Fortaleza in a Copa Libertadores match.

CONMEBOL said they would “increase and toughen” sanctions following a number of racist incidents highlighted by Brazilian clubs.

River Plate condemned the incident that occurred on April 14 and media reports said the club had banned the fan for 180 days.

Earlier last week an Argentine fan was arrested by Sao Paulo police at the Corinthians v Boca Juniors game after being filmed making monkey gestures. Other racist incidents

were reported in games involving Brazilian clubs in Chile and Ecuador.

“Any racist manifestations or other forms of violence are ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE,” CONMEBOL said in a statement, adding that it would introduce new anti-racism programmes at different levels of the game.

“CONMEBOL will change its regulations to increase and toughen penalties in case of racism.”

It did not specify what the changes would entail. The statement came after the CBF president spoke with his counterpart at CONMEBOL about the recurring incidents in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League.

“These cases of racism, es-

pecially in the recent Libertadores games, have caused worry and much indignation and sadness at the CBF,” Rodrigues said in a video published online.

He called for an “international crusade” against discrimination and racism and invited clubs, law enforcement, media, and judicial authorities to meet with FIFA and the CBF in June to discuss what form it might take.

The meeting will also discuss violence in the game, a possible reference to a series of high-profile attacks and threats against players in Brazil.

In recent months, at least two team coaches were attacked with rocks or explosive devices in Brazil, and players from two top teams, Corinthians and Internacional, have received threats via social media channels.

Liverpool’s Salah named FWA Men’s Footballer of the Year

(REUTERS) - Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was named England’s Men’s Footballer-of-the-Year on Friday in the annual vote of the Football Writers’ Associ-

ation (FWA), with the Egypt international picking up the award for the second time.

Salah, who also won in 2018, got 48% of the vote, ahead of Manchester City’s

Mohamed Salah has scored 30 goals 14 assists in 44 games for Liverpool this season

Kevin De Bruyne and West Ham United’s Declan Rice who came second and third respectively.

The 29-year-old has 30 goals 14 assists in 44 games for Liverpool this season and remains a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s team, who are one point behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League with five matches left.

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr took home the Women’s Footballer-of-the-Year award with 40% of the vote, beating Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema and City’s Lauren Hemp.

Australian international Kerr is the top scorer in the Women’s Super League this season with 18 goals.

Both Salah and Kerr will receive their awards on May 5, the FWA said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

From ‘Boom Boom’ to bust, Boris Becker must now serve time

(REUTERS) - Boris Becker`s thunderous delivery earned him the nickname `Boom Boom` as a 17-yearold Wimbledon winner in 1985 but on Friday, aged 54 and busted, the German great was told he must serve time in prison.

Three times a champion on the grass courts of southwest London, the man who thrilled tennis fans in the 1980s and 90s appeared in a court of law to receive a two-and-a-half-year sentence Becker was convicted earlier this month of four charges under Britain`s Insolvency Act, including failing to disclose, concealing and removing significant assets following a bankruptcy trial.

Judge Deborah Taylor said the six-time Grand Slam winner had shown no remorse or acceptance of guilt and would have to serve half

his sentence behind bars and the remainder on licence.

Becker, who earned $25 million in prize money and many times more in sponsorship during a career that ended in 1999, had been given a suspended jail term and hefty fine for tax evasion by a court in Munich in 2002.

This time there is to be no escape.

The sentence was the latest bombshell in the life of a sporting superstar whose love life and financial problems have generated as many headlines in recent years as his athletic prowess ever did.

Much of his fortune disappeared as a result of his tax problems, while continuing to maintain a lavish lifestyle, some dubious investments and a multi-million dollar divorce settlement with first wife Barbara in 2001.

In 1999 he fathered a

Boris Becker hid his assets including Wimbledon trophies (Photograph (AFP) child with a Russian model, Angela Ermakova, after a brief sexual encounter in London`s Nobu restaurant while his wife was pregnant with their second child.

The polish of his post-playing life as a BBC television tennis commentator, and a spell as coach to world number one Novak Djokovic, contrasted with the

ongoing chaos of his personal affairs.

In 2018 he claimed diplomatic immunity from the bankruptcy proceedings by saying he had been appointed sports envoy to the European Union for Central African Republic and had received a passport at an official ceremony.

Becker had never visited

the country, whose foreign minister later said the passport was a “clumsy fake” and launched an enquiry.

On court, Becker was simply sensational. In 1985 he became the first German and first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon singles title, defeating South African-turned American Kevin Curren in four sets, as a callow teenager.

In 1986, with bubbling enthusiasm and using his heavy forehand and spectacular diving volleys to good effect, Becker defended his title successfully against scowling rival Ivan Lendl.

The pair played each other 21 times in the 1980s and early 90s, always with an undercurrent of friction.

While Lendl ultimately edged their career rivalry 1110 it was Becker who won the three Grand Slam finals

they contested, with the German once accusing Lendl of not being “mentally tough”.

Becker also reached the Wimbledon final in 1988, losing to Sweden`s Stefan Edberg. He avenged that loss in a rematch the following year and then lost to the Swede again in the 1990 final.

In 1991 he reached a fourth successive Wimbledon final but lost to compatriot Michael Stich.

Becker also won the U.S. Open in 1989 and the Australian Open in 1991 - when he became world number one - and in 1996.

He retired with a career tally of 49 singles titles and 15 doubles titles, but clay was always a weakness although he did win the 1992 Olympic men`s doubles gold on the surface in Barcelona.

Memphis Grizzlies beat Timberwolves to win play-off series MEMPHIS Grizzlies fought back to beat Minnesota Timberwolves and win their play-off series.

The Grizzlies overturned a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 114-106 and take the best-of-seven series 4-2.

Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane scored

23 points each, with Jaren Jackson Jr adding 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The s econd-seed ed Grizzlies will face the third-seeded Golden State Warriors in the We s t e r n C o n f e r e n c e semi-finals, which begin today.

It is the first time in seven years that Griz-

zlies have advanced beyond the play-offs.

“We stick together, stay on the same page, and I think it really showed on the big stage this series,” Bane said.

Elsewhere, Philadelphia 76ers suffered a huge injury blow as Joel Embiid was sidelined indefinitely.

Sams seals elusive first win for Mumbai on Rohit’s birthday

DANIEL Sams blasted his first ball for six in the final over to finally give Mumbai Indians a first Indian Premier League (IPL) l win of the season over Rajasthan Royals on Rohit Sharma’s birthday.

Mumbai had lost all eight games, but finally got up and running with a five-wicket victory at the DY Patil Stadium on Saturday.

Run machine Jos Buttler yet again top scored with 67 off 52 balls as the second-placed Royals posted 158-6 and that was not enough to consign the Indians to another defeat.

Suryakumar Yadav (51 from 39) laid the platform for the win and with

four needed from the last over, Sams stepped up to win it on captain Rohit’s 35th birthday after Kieron Pollard fell to Kuldeep Sen. Hrithik Shokeen claimed the early wicket of Devdutt Padikkal and the Royals were 54-2 in the eight over when Sanju Samson departed.

Buttler had only 28 off as many balls halfway through Rajasthan’s innings and Daryl Mitchell was also unable to get into full flow before he was removed by Sams.

The powerful Buttler had not struck a six until he exploded into life in the 16th over, disdainfully dispatching Shokeen over the ropes from four successive deliveries before he was caught in the deep off the last ball of

that over.

Ravichandran Ashwin added a brisk 21 before he was dismissed by the impressive Riley Meredith (2-24) and the India spinner claimed the scalp of Rohit for two in the third over of the run chase.

Yadav and Tilak Varma (35) put 81 on for the third wicket, but departed in quick succession to Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna to leave the game in the balance.

The nerves were jangling when Mitchell caught Pollard in the deep from the first ball of the last over, but Sams launched a huge six into the leg side to raise the root and Tim David was unbeaten on 20 off nine balls. (Sportsmax)

Desmond Bane (centre) joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020 Embiid, one of the at least the first game of leading candidates for the Eastern Conference the Most Valuable Player, semi-final series against suffered a right orbital Miami Heat. bone fracture and a mild Embiid previously concussion during Fri- missed three weeks of day’s win over Toronto the season in 2018 with Raptors. a similar injury. (BBC The centre will miss Sport).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Stokes could be right man at right time for England - Agnew BEN Stokes was the only candidate to be England’s new Test captain.

The others in the squad during the defeat in the West Indies were not going to be captain any time soon and Rob Key, the new managing director of men’s England cricket, discounted the idea of appointing someone from outside the team.

England are at rock bottom so opting for a skipper who is trying to prove his place in the XI was a no-go.

It had to be Stokes and it could be the making of him.

We know he has the talent and the audacity. You just have to think back to 2019 - his innings in the World Cup final and his heroics at Headingley against Australia six weeks later.

But what he can take from those innings into his leadership is his clarity of thought.

For years now Stokes has been a very responsible member of this England team. He is often their spokesperson, a leader on the field and he was the vice-captain.

Of course people will look back at two other talismanic all-rounders, Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff, who stepped up to lead England and found things tough.

But Stokes is his own man. We cannot judge him on those that have gone before.

I believe he will be a very good captain, potentially the right man for the time being.

On and off the field English cricket is a mess. It needs grabbing by the scruff of the neck and if Stokes can thrust out his tattooed right arm and drag the game in this country along with him then it could be the best thing for it.

However, I hope England do not saddle him with the captaincy for too long.

The immediate plan has to be, take it game by game, get back to winning ways and build some of that confidence back.

It might be that in 12 months the team has developed and someone else can step up, allowing Stokes to go back to concentrating on his cricket.

Ben has seen his great friend Joe Root, who gave the job everything in trying circumstances, become gaunt by the end in the Caribbean.

You don’t want to see Stokes reduced to that. He needs to be liberated to go out and play his game and lead from the front.

That’s why Stokes needs someone alongside him who can take some of the pressure

England all-rounder and newly appointed Test captain Ben Stokes off.

Key has already made some smart decisions and the next choice, to appoint a new Test coach, will be crucial.

Having wisely decided to split the red and white-ball coaching roles, it is going to be really interesting to see who Key can entice to take up the job in the longest format in particular.

I imagine he will try to recruit the most high-profile name he can find, with Paul Collingwood an obvious favourite for the white-ball team.

It is a good opportunity for a coach because the only way is up.

Key seems to have made a very sensible start with his

straight-talking first appearance in front of the media at Lord’s on Thursday.

I have seen Key a lot around the grounds during his time working as a pundit and I have listened to what he has to say. I thoroughly respect him.

He talks directly, clearly and, crucially, has a very good grasp of the English game.

If the new coach is going to come in from overseas former South Africa batter Gary Kirsten and ex-Australia batter Simon Katich have both been mooted - then the managing director has to know English cricket inside out.

K e y d o e s . H e ’s a

Miller, Tewatia inspire Titans to another win

GUJARAT Titans’ inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) season goes from strength to strength after David Miller and Rahul Tewatia inspired a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The table-topping Titans have now won eight of their opening nine games, chasing down a target of 171 as half-centuries from Virat Kohli (58) and Rajat Patidar (52) proved to be in vain for RCB. That pair put on 99 for the second wicket after Faf du Plessis went for a duck in the second over but Glenn Maxwell (33) was the only batter to provide a key contribution after Patidar top-edged to square leg and Kohli was undone by a Mohammed Shami yorker.

Wriddhiman Saha (29) and Shubman Gill (31) laid the platform for a successful chase for Gujarat, which Miller (39 not out) and Tewatia (43 not out) ensured, despite Shahbaz Ahmed (2-26) trapping Gill lbw

Flexing them muscles! Rahul Tewatia has reason to celebrate after hitting the winning runs • BCCI then removing captain Hardik Pandya (3) to reduce Titans to 78-3.

Their 50-partnership came in just 29 balls and RCB looked increasingly forlorn as they attempted in vain to break up

the stand.

Indeed, it is now three defeats in five for RCB, Miller and Tewatia finishing with an unbeaten stand of 79, the latter lofting a cover drive to the boundary to wrap up the win

in style.

Wanindu Hasaranga impressed with 2-28, but it was not enough to halt Titans.

KOHLI FINDS FORM Averaging 20.66 in the IPL this year, Kohli’s half-century was his first of the season. He was not able to record another 100-partnership, having put on 118 alongside du Plessis against Punjab Kings last month. RCB will be hoping he can produce more performances of this ilk to inspire them to a top-four finish.

MILLER AND TEWATIA MAGIC The Titans needed 36 off the final 18 balls, with a seemingly dramatic finish in the offing. However, Miller and Tewatia took 17 off the 18th over and 12 from the 19th, with four apiece off the helpless Josh Hazlewood in the final over thus finishing the job. (Sportsmax)

straight-talker and has already started to right the wrongs of recent months.

It was clearly a failure to drop James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England’s most successful bowlers of all-time, for the West Indies tour.

Key has already confirmed that fitness and form permitting, those two will be back in the summer and Stokes will have at his disposal two world-class bowlers who are fired up to prove a point.

The chief selector role is going to be brought back by Key too - another decision that is clearly right.

Being coach and selector

was always going to be too big a job for one man, as Chris Silverwood found out to his detriment.

England’s repeated mistakes on selection in the past 15 months - in India or during the Ashes at Brisbane and Adelaide - show you need more voices in these meetings.

It seems England have set out on a measured, sensible path with Stokes at the helm.

But with largely the same players and world champions New Zealand being their next opponents in June, it is not going to be easy to turn this ship around. (BBC Sport)

Man City put four past Leeds to reclaim top spot MANCHESTER City produced the perfect response to Premier League title rivals Liverpool by outclassing Leeds United to regain top spot.

City needed the win after Liverpool had overtaken them earlier in the day with victory at Newcastle - and they produced a highly impressive display in Elland Road’s hothouse that also prolonged the relegation worries for Jesse Marsch’s side.

The reigning Premier League champions went ahead in the 13th minute when Rodri glanced home Phil Foden’s free-kick and while Leeds were spirited, they barely tested visiting keeper Ederson until the game was lost.

City doubled their advantage nine minutes after the break from another set-piece, Nathan Ake pouncing from close range when Foden’s corner was headed down by Ruben Dias.

Foden was City’s brilliant orchestrator and he was involved again when he set up the third for Gabriel Jesus with 12 minutes left, before Fernadinho added the fourth with virtually the last kick of the game.

The win means City are a point ahead of Liverpool, with four games left for both teams.

MAN CITY SURVIVE CAULDRON IN STYLE It is now a case of who blinks first in the title race. Liverpool put the pressure on Manchester City by going to in-form Newcastle United and winning in the lunchtime game.

For the late game, manager Pep Guardiola had to consider not only the challenges posed by the traditional fearsome atmosphere inside Elland Road and a Leeds United side desperate for the points, but also this coming Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second-leg against Real Madrid.

Guardiola left Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez on the bench to keep them fresh for the test of protecting a 4-3 lead in Spain.

The strategy worked as City came through in relative comfort in what was always going to be a tough physical examination.

City were helped by Leeds’ struggles to defend those set-pieces, with Rodri glancing home the first goal with ease early on and Ake being allowed too much time to turn in the second.

The pressure will be on every game for City now, with Liverpool also showing no signs of slipping up, but this was imperious from Guardiola’s men, who were simply too good for a Leeds side who showed lots of commitment but lacked quality and threat.

Foden was behind all of City’s best work, a spectacular talent, a creator who adds a tireless work-rate and strength to his many other qualities.

With their Premier League lead restored, City’s pursuit of glory now moves on to the Bernabeu. (BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

FK Sports supports Arrowhead League APPAREL and sport equipment store, FK Sports, delivered on its promise to partner with the Arrowhead League, with a simple handing-over ceremony on Friday at the store’s Garnett Street location.

Stepping in for proprietor Felix Walker, Store Manager Ava Bamfield handed over the sponsorship cheque to organiser of the league, Treiston Joseph, noting that “FK Sports is pleased to be part of a ground-breaking event that can help develop athletics in Guyana.”

Organiser Treiston Joseph thanked FK Sports sharing that “it

Store Manager of FK Sports, Ava Bamfield hands over sponsorship cheque to organiser Treiston Joseph at the store’s Garnett Street location is sponsorship like these that help to make a vision

for development successful at any level”.

Boxing legend Holmes calls for size limit at heavyweight division FORMER world boxing champion Larry Holmes has called for a size limit to be introduced, after watching 6’ 9” Tyson Fury establish himself as the best heavyweight in boxing.

Holmes, who stands at 6ft 2 inches, held the WBC title that is currently in the possession of ‘The Gypsy King’ from 1978 to 1983 and became a legend during that run when he beat Muhammad Ali in 1980.

During his time away from the sports, things have changed and as of late it’s been the bigger men who’ve dominated the heavyweight division.

Right now, Fury is the biggest and best boxer in the division, having handily dealt with America’s best Deontay Wilder during their trilogy of fights.

Holmes fears that the US can no longer compete with the UK at heavyweight as they are

Former world boxing champion Larry Holmes undersized when compared to the likes of Fury and former two-time unified champion Anthony Joshua.

“American guys are little now,” he told the Daily Mail. “Those guys coming from over there (UK), they seem like they’re giants! They are big boys and they are making something out of themselves.”.

The 72-year-old is so desperate to end the British dominance at heavyweight, that he hilariously

proposed a new law be introduced that would see Fury and Joshua kicked out of the division.

“There should be a law or a limit on the size you can be. Maybe 6’ 5” max,” Holmes joked.

“These guys are growing man. I don’t know what they are eating but they are eating something that is making them grow.”

Despite Holmes’ concerns about sheer size becoming the main factor at heavyweight, former cruiserweight king, Oleksandr Usyk, currently holds three of the four major belts.

The Ukrainian was considered by many to be undersized heading into his September 2021 fight with ‘AJ’ but he silenced the doubters with a flawless unanimous decision win over the British giant.

It is expected that the heavyweight duo will re-match for the WBO, WBA (Super) and IBF titles on July 23. (talkSPORT)

Haiti, Dominican Republic secure knockout-round berths in Women’s U-17 Championship SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (CMC) – The group stage of the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship closed here on Thursday with Haiti and hosts the Dominican Republic advancing to the knockout round.

All eyes were on the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo where the Dominican Republic took on Bermuda in Group F. In the end, the spoils belonged to the Dominican Republic who collected a 5-0 win. Julia Jimenez and Renata Mercedes each had braces, with Jimenez scoring in the 3rd and 52nd minutes while Mercedes got her goals in the 10th and 87th. Also joining that dynamic duo on the scoresheet was Ariana Diaz in the 61st.

The win was also the first CONCACAF Women’s U-17 victory ever for the Dominican Republic.

With their places in the Round of 16 both already secured, Canada and Jamaica squared off at the Estadio Panamericano in San Cristobal to determine the winners of Group F. Natoya Atkinson had the Reggae Girlz dreaming of first place after her score in the

Haiti’s Walandjina Cyriaque on the attack during the match against Guatemala at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo (Photo: CONCACAF) 38th for a 1-0 lead, but Canada found the 1-1 equaliser in the 50th through Renee Watson, a scoreline that held until the final whistle, meaning Canada won the group on goal difference.

Haiti are also through to the Round of 16 after topping Guatemala 3-1 in Group H at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez.

Ancie-Love Houanche gave the Caribbean side a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute, followed by scores from Ronise Joseph in the 70th and Walandjina Cyriaque in the

82nd. Guatemala finished on a positive note, however, as Flor Perla scored in the 90+5’ to get the Chapines on the scoreboard.

Despite a 3-0 defeat to El Salvador, Cuba still reached the Round of 16 with a third-place finish, trailing second-place Haiti and group winners El Salvador.

El Salvador completed their perfect Group H at the Estadio Panamericano, as Victoria Sanchez (41st), Caroline Ayala (53rd) and Mia Arevalo (58th) all scored to deliver the three points.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE May 1, 2022

Record year could repair CWI balance sheet - Grave BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) - Chief executive Johnny Grave is confident a “record year” of revenues can transform Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) finances, crippled by the novel coronavirus pandemic, and return the organisation to sustainability.

Pointing to major money-spinning home tours this year, along with disbursements from the International Cricket Council (ICC), Grave said CWI could find itself with a major surplus which would go towards wiping out deficits incurred due to the last two years of the global pandemic.

And barring any hiccups, Grave stressed that 2022 could be the first of three straight years of robust revenues for the regional governing body.

“I think if we have a very good year this year

and everything goes to plan, potentially by the end of this year we could be looking to get back to that par score and if not, very soon after,” the Englishman told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

“We’re focused very much now on delivering a record year of revenues to the organisation, and more importantly, a record surplus that would lead to reverse the majority of the deficit we’ve built up during this very difficult two-year period under COVID-19.

“And with 2023 looking like a good year, both in terms of our international home series and a bumper year for the ICC, with the final year of their current commercial cycle ending with the 50-over World Cup - their most economically generating event and it happening in the biggest market

Crowds at Kensington Oval in Barbados for the final Twenty20 International of the five-match series against England last January (of) India - 2023 will be a very big year for the ICC. He continued: “(It will be) a record year and therefore good for us, in terms of record distributions coinciding with a strong Future Tours programme for the men’s team.

“With the news that we’re hosting the men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, there’s a good and strong year forecast then, so all being well - touch wood we’ll have three very strong years and massively repair the balance sheet and get the organisation completely back on track from a finan-

cial perspective.”

CWI’s income vanished in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, the organisation

forced to scrap all its revenue-generating home tours as international travel slowed to a crawl amid government-en-

forced lockdowns across the globe.

The Antigua-based body TURN TO PAGE 31

V-Net supporting four Essequibo youth cricketers’ development

WIPA expresses sympathy to Veerasammy Permaul, family

THE West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) extends sympathies to West Indies spinner Veerasammy Permaul and his family.

Waynumattie ‘Datalin’ Permaul, Veerasammy’s mother, had been missing for seven days when her son made the report of such to the Guyanese authorities on Thursday, April 28. Upon searching, her body was found lifeless in a shallow grave. She was 52 years old.

WIPA president and CEO, Wavell Hinds expressed, “The WIPA family extends condolences to Veerasammy Permaul and

From left: V-Net’s CEO, Safraz Sheriffudeen, Devon Ramratan, Varindra Pooran, Nazaam Mohamed, and Gladwin Henry at the Everest Cricket Club

Guyana and West Indies spinner Veerasammy Permaul his family during this stressful time.

“We regret the untimely passing of his mother and hope he will find the

strength and courage to continue his lifelong journey. May her soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon her.”

V-NET Communications has continued its unwavering support for youth cricket, and more so for those who hail from the County of Essequibo. In their latest act they have registered four players to the Everest Cricket Club (ECC).

Under-19 cricketer Devon Ramratan, Under-17 Gladwin Henry, along with Under-15 cricketers Varindra Pooran, Nazaam Mohamed are now members of ECC. The 25 Delph Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, entity, which specialises in data and voice communication, will sponsor the needs of the quartet to play cricket in the city.

Some have already reaped success as Henry and Ramratan produced scores of 98* and 69 respectively on debut for Everest Under-19 side.

Pooran and Mohamed are members of the Essequibo Under-15 squad who competed in

the recent inter-county tournament.

According to Chief Executive Officer of V-Net, Safraz Sheriffudeen, the company wanted to continue its tradition of investing in young talent by providing a more structured platform for youths to play the sport they love, and ideally, progress to the higher levels.

The biggest success story for the company is West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, who is now its Brand Ambassador, and who benefited from a similar benevolent initiative.

Before one of the U-15 matches, Paul, who is now vice-captain for Guyana Harpy Eagles, offered some inspirational words of advice to the Essequibo cricket team.

V-Net also treated the entire Under-15 squad and management to dinner at Big B’s located in MovieTowne mall, during their stint in the city.

From ‘Boom Boom’ to bust, Boris Becker must now serve time Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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| SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022