Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-07-2022

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'Strong, solid partners'

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–– President Ali says of bilateral relationship between Guyana, US –– affirms that Guyana remains committed to achieving the collective goals of both nations

(Latchman Singh photo)

Quality of life to be 05 significantly enhanced PAGE

–– with landmark gas-to-energy project, President Ali says

Aviation sector to get big boost

PAGE

02 –– with expanded boarding corridor at CJIA

PM Phillips discusses safety, security concerns with Golden Grove residents 09 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Aviation sector to get big boost –– with expanded boarding corridor at CJIA

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill (second from left) along with Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan (second from right); CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir and Project Manager of the CJIA Expansion Project, Carissa Gooding, inspect the 305-metre-long boarding corridor, on Thursday (Elvin Croker photo)

By Jared Liddell be significantly enhanced al Airport (CJIA).

The new corridor, which with the expansion of the THE capacity of Guyboarding corridor at the will feature two boarding ana’s aviation sector will Cheddi Jagan Internation- bridges, are set to facilitate D and E type aircraft.

The D and E type aircraft are the wide-body vessels that are used in transatlantic flights. These planes, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, could carry more than 300 passengers at a time.

In noting that this type of infrastructural upgrade is important for the future See page 4

‘Strong, solid partners’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

— President Ali says of bilateral relationship between Guyana, US — affirms that Guyana remains committed to achieving the collective goals of both nations

By Shamar Meusa G U YA N A a n d t h e United States of America have, over the years, taken progressive steps to fortify and advance the bilateral relationship that exists between the two nations, with partnerships and co-operation on social and economic initiatives that will continue and even expand as time progresses.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, underscored the importance of the relationship the nations share during an event which was held on Thursday, at the official residence of US Ambassador to commemorate the United States’ 246th Independence.

In his remarks at the event, President Ali said that not only does Guyana value its relationship with the US, but it sees this partnership as an important and strategic one.

“We see this relationship as important, as strategic, and one that we together will continue to mold in a way that it stands outstandingly as an example of the principles we both hold together: good governance, democracy, global peace, freedom and justice, and equality for all,” Dr. Ali posited.

He related that the country has been a long-standing, supportive development partner of Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at large. This partnership, he said, was renewed in definitive and heartened terms at the recently held Summit of the Americas.

At this summit, President Ali said that the CARICOM Heads of Government had the opportunity to engage US

ed States had extended to Guyana during the height of the global pandemic. Specifically, he mentioned that this support came in the form of acquiring supplies, gear, and even vaccines.

According to the President, while the world is recovering, the two nations must look towards being resilient in everything that is done.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (standing at centre) delivers remarks at the event as Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (third from left), his wife, Mignon Phillips (second from left); Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd (first from left), and the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and other U.S. Embassy officials look on (Latchman Singh photo)

President, Joe Biden and Vice-President, Kamala Harris.

During those engagements, from Guyana’s end, President Ali said he was able to reinforce Guyana’s commitment to working together with the United States in areas like climate change, food security, transnational crime, and others.

With that, he said that the launch of the US/Caribbean partnership to address climate change is a welcome demonstration of the renewed commitment of the US to partnering with the Caribbean region on matters of international importance.

Outside of this overarching drive to promote regional development, Guyana has benefitted significantly from the support of the United States in areas like education, health,

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, make their way into the Independence celebration activities, on Thursday evening (Latchman Singh photo)

governance, and security, with the greatest impact being in human resource development and capacity building.

Dr. Ali said: “This, with the added vigor in our co-operation at the security level, would only redound to the benefit of both [the] United States and Guyana. I want to assure you that we stand committed with you in fighting drug trafficking not only in Guyana but in the region, in partnering with you on issues of transnational crime and human trafficking.”

He added: “Be assured that in Guyana lies a strong and solid partner in pursuit of these goals and objectives.”

The Head of State reiterated the appreciation for the support and generosity that the Unit-

STANDS READY He said: “Guyana stands ready to work in partnership with the United States in these and many other areas as we seek, together, to ensure that democracy and development redound to the benefit of all peoples.

For the government I lead, it is a priority that those fruits are fully enjoyed by all Guyanese without exception.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador Lynch also expressed the US’ commitment to strengthening and advancing its partnership with Guyana.

“Going forward, we will continue to partner with you on inclusive democracy, economic development, and citizen security for all Guyanese, and to promote the public values of transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” the ambassador said.

Against this backdrop, she noted that Guyana is currently on a unique journey in its current development trajectory and underscored that the United States has been and will continue to be part of this journey. “… our partnership will continue to thrive and grow during these historic times in Guyana,” Lynch said.

Before March of every year, the contractor and the government must devise a yearly plan for utilising qualified Guyanese resources for the upcoming year. The plan’s effectiveness will be assessed by the Minister of Natural Resources and the contractor. The contractor will report every six months on the progress of utilising qualified Guyanese resources in the previous months which follow the last submitted report. Adjustments to the plan are possible if those result in increased qualified Guyanese resources being used by the contractor for petroleum operations in Guyana. (Excerpt taken from 2016 Production Sharing Agreement)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Aviation sector to get ...

From page 2

of Guyana, Minister Edghill, following a tour of the airport on Thursday, said that this corridor will provide tremendous benefits to Guyanese, mainly through reduced airfares for travel and export.

He said that this type of expansion will allow Guyana’s booming tourism sector to benefit from an influx of visitors. This is the case, because the new air bridges will allow larger planes to arrive in Guyana, affording persons from other continents such as Europe and Africa easier access to Guyana.

“Passengers could get cheaper airfares because you could have wide-bodied aircraft and in the economy of scales, airlines could start bringing in bigger aircraft. It could also benefit the movement of products out of Guyana, the cost of airfreight could go down because the wider- body aircraft could carry more produce,” Edghill said.

The project was completed by the con-

tracting firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

In December 2020, after four months of resisting the government’s request to have the CJIA expansion project completed in accordance with the initial contract, CHEC agreed to conduct additional work at the airport.

With the company completing its side of the agreement, Minister Edghill noted that the final phase for the completion and opening of the new corridor is the installation of the air bridges; this aspect of the project is being undertaken by the Government of Guyana.

The air bridges are expected to arrive in Guyana on July 16, 2022, and will take about six weeks to be connected to the boarding corridor.

Project Manager of the CJIA Expansion Project, Carissa Gooding, said the entire expansion is about 305 metres long with

June 29, 2022

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two 15-metre-wide waiting areas.

Based on the particulars of the agreement, CHEC is also currently undertaking an extension of the terminal building to provide accommodation for additional commercial space, and a modern airport façade covering the full length of the airport’s departure terminal.

Minister Edghill said that works are progressing on the completion of both additional infrastructural works, noting that they are both on track for the estimated completion date.

The Public Works Minister in commending the work of CHEC, said that the company has worked much faster and with greater care to achieve the magnitude of work that was completed in keeping with its estimated completion deadline which was set for June 30, 2022.

In October 2021, CHEC had requested more time to complete the project, which

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had a December 2021 deadline, due to a delay in freight and other miscellaneous issues caused by global supply- chain issues. Based on this request, the Ministry of Public Works had granted an extension.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, said that China is committed to working collaboratively with the Government of Guyana to continue improving and transforming public infrastructure for the benefit of Guyanese.

She noted that this project is another important “fruit” of the mutually beneficial partnership between Guyana and China.

“Both China and Guyana would like to enhance our co-operation in many fields and infrastructure will be one of the priorities, because as developing countries usually you would have a bottleneck in construction and we think our cooperation can help to fill this bottleneck,” Ambassador Haiyan said.

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Quality of life to be significantly enhanced

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

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— with landmark gas-to-energy project, President Ali says

By Tamica Garnett MORE than just saving the country billions of dollars through reduced electricity and cooking gas costs, the landmark gas-to-energy project will cut across sectors and contribute holistically to the improvement in the quality of life of all Guyanese.

This was according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, during an engagement at State House, where he outlined the benefits of the much anticipated project which is expected to come on stream by 2025.

According to President Ali, the project fits into the national transformational agenda, which is built on seven pillars: infrastructural transformation, technological transformation, services, energy security, food security, human transformation and mental transformation.

“The benefits of this project is not only about electricity and the cost of electricity… that is for those who want to structure it in a narrow construct. This is a transformational project that must be structured in the transformational construct because it is directly linked to all the other sectors,” The Head of State said.

He added: “This is a project that is national and transformational in nature, one that cuts across varied sectors. It is directly linked to poverty reduction, opening up of opportunities, creation of new growth poles and growth hubs. It is one of those projects that brings direct benefit to the pockets of people.”

According to the President, the project will free up a lot of revenue that could be used in poverty alleviation areas, directly linking the project to outcomes in poverty reduction.

“The project also has a direct link to our long term and medium term plan of being food secure and expanding our market to the region. This project also is part of our climate resilience plan. That is where our thoughts have to go now… what are the best possible opportunities to bring even greater return and greater good,” President Ali said.

Through the project, there will be the establishment of a gas-processing plant (GPP) and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility, which will be capable of producing at least 4,000 barrels per day,

including the fractionation (or separating out) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The natural gas will be coming from the Liza area in the Stabroek Block and will be piped to a location stretching 150 acres in the Hermitage section of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ).

The WDZ was selected as the landing facility for the pipeline, following the consideration of more than 20 potential locations.

ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed the government that a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transported through the 225km pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd.

The power plant is expected to generate up to 300 MW of power with net 250 MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid at a sub-station located on the east bank of the Demerara River.

The project shall include a 230 KV substation and back-up fuel capacity, while the NGL plant will have the capacity to process 60,000 cubic feet per day (MCFD) in the first phase and up to 120 MCFD in the second phase.

Through the use of natural gas as opposed to fossil fuels, the country will be able to reduce its carbon emissions; this forms part of the government’s overarching Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

DIRECT SAVINGS In terms of direct savings, President Ali said that Guyana could save as much as $27 billion per month from the electricity cost and cost of cooking gas.

From electricity, for the approximately 220,000 households currently on the GPL grid, the government spends $40 billion per month of which US$11 million is spent on fuel. With the gas to energy project, which is estimated to produce power at US$0.04 to US$0.05 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), Guyana is expected to cut spending on electricity by half, which equates to $20 billion.

“That is $20 billion in savings for the households of Guyana. That 220,000 households, $20 billion will

President Dr. Irfaan Ali outlines the expected benefits of the potential gas-to-energy project, as Prime Minister. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and President of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil and Gas, Liam Mallon look on (Adrian Narine photo)

go back to their pocket. That is $20 billion of revenue that will be freed up and made available to be spent on the economy, and expand the acquisition of goods and ser-

vices,” the Head of State said.

The US$0.04 to US$0.055 cent per kWh will cover the money needed to pay back for the pipeline, the NGL facility, the power plant, and also the

operating cost.

This is so because the gas coming to the power plant and NGL facility will be free of cost. Having the natural gas provided free of cost was agreed upon following negotiations with ExxonMobil.

“I want to thank all our partners. This was no walk in the park. Negotiating with ExxonMobil is like negotiating with a super power state.

Don’t doubt our technical capability that we brought to this. This came with tremendous hard work,” President Ali said.

The facility is expected to produce 3,500 barrels, allowing Guyana to not only satisfy the local demand, but also to look at opportunities for the exportation of cooking gas.

President Ali said too that the project will enable the

government to fulfil several promises made in its manifesto including the provision of affordable, stable, reliable energy, a mix of energy sources, increase of the electricity production to 400 MW and the reduction of the cost of energy to the consumer.

“In terms of the manifesto, we have passed the test of soundness,” the President said.

Also making remarks at the event was President of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil and Gas, Liam Mallon, who noted how proud he was of the progress being made in Guyana.

“You should be tremendously proud of what you are accomplishing. I am proud and optimistic of what’s to come,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Confronting Serious Challenges THE 43rd CARICOM Summit in Suriname on July 4 and 5 will be the first face-to-face meeting among the region’s leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic and it will address all the usual revolving-door matters of regional concern and interest, such as agriculture, border issues, climate change, community governance, engagement with stakeholders, food security, health, security and trade.

But this also being the first summit since February’s Ukraine War, the ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles and the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, there will also be several items not on

the official Paramaribo agenda that will surely cloud discussions on the 11-item agenda.

CARICOM citizens who have never bothered to follow the annual July summits will today and tomorrow be as eager as keen observers of developments among them, to hear and see what the region’s leaders will say and do about addressing the immediate problems of escalating food and fuel prices caused by the continuing global COVID-inspired supply-chain problem, and the universal effects of sanctions and responses on access to essential grain and protein supplies for millions in poor and developing countries.

Every leader heading a CARICOM Prime Min-

isterial Subcommittee (PMSC) on a designated regional subject of import will report in Paramaribo on developments since the 2021 virtual summit hosted by Belize, and Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali is ready to report on the CARICOM Agri-Food Agenda, and latest developments in the ongoing struggle to lower the region’s US$5+ billion food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

With Belize, Haiti and Guyana identified

by Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon as the only three CARICOM nations already producing over half their food needs, he also feels the region’s leaders should up the ante and revisit and upgrade (pos-

sibly at this summit) the reduction target, from 25 per cent in 2020, to 50 per cent by 2030.

The leaders will be expected to find, even invent ways to ensure that the region produces more food to possibly eventually lower prices and ensure regional food security in the (possible but hopefully avoided) event that imported food supplies simply stop landing at Caribbean ports.

Regional developments since the Summit of the Americas, including results of the Colombia elections and interesting geopolitical outreaches occasioned by the ongoing effects of the constantly changing global situation on national social and economic realities, will also require that

the leaders dig deeper and wider than ever, to search for and find solutions, as well as the best ways and means, to message the seriousness of today’s challenges, alongside the myriad opportunities accompanying them.

Guyana has, since August 2020, done most of all it can to demonstrate this administration’s seriousness about ensuring the nation’s new wealth is not squandered or wasted, but instead shared across counties, regions and communities, irrespective of political representation.

Caribbean neighbours have also become more convinced, since 2020, that President Ali means what his government says when it assures the region that it will work with all

persons to better improve national cohesion and regional cooperation, the latter already being experienced by Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago, with their early investments in various aspects of public and private-sector cooperation.

But most of all -- and now more than ever -- the leaders will be expected to leave Paramaribo next week after two short days of long discussions, offering light on new and impending initiatives, as the community continues to grasp with and adapt to the challenges of ensuring survival, while battling to live and fight on with every new global challenge not of its doing but continuing to land on its doorsteps.

Canada: Mother, daughter with Guyanese ties allegedly stabbed to death

(CBC) Three days after a woman and her two teenage daughters were stabbed at their south Ottawa home, resulting in the death of two of them, clearer picture of the family is beginning to surface.

Anne-Marie Ready, who worked at Global Affairs Canada, was killed in the Monday night attack at the house she owned on Anoka Street, along with her 15-year-old daughter, Jasmine Ready.

They had both received black belts together in a recent ceremony at Douvris Martial Arts, according to master sensei John Douvris, a co-founder of the company.

“Anne-Marie and Jasmine were kindhearted,

compassionate, energetic and supportive people,” Douvris wrote in an emailed statement Thursday.

“Their beautiful smiles and kind laughter made our dojo and karate community a better place. We will miss them immensely....

Our entire karate family is grieving this inexplicable and tremendous loss.”

Anne-Marie, 50, was a trade commissioner for Global Affairs Canada’s Caribbean engagement division, according to her online LinkedIn page. She had worked at the department since 2017.

In an email to CBC, Global Affairs spokesperson Jason Kung said the department was aware of the “tragic death” of an

Jasmine Ready

employee and was reaching out to support relatives and colleagues.

“We extend our deepest sympathies, as well as our thoughts to the family, relatives, and to all those close to the deceased,” Kung wrote.

Prior to 2017, Anne-Marie Ready worked

in the Embassy of Canada to Peru and the High Commission of Canada to Barbados, according to her online employment history.

Raywat Deonandan, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa who knew her but hadn’t spoken to her in several years, said he has “strong memories of a brilliant and caring woman.”

“I have always found her to be intensely intelligent and insightful, as well as a devoted mother,” he said.

Jasmine Ready had recently finished Grade 10 at the French Catholic High School Franco-Cité in their neighbourhood of Alta Vista.

H e r e l d e r s i s t e r, 19-year-old Catherine

Ready, survived the attack.

She was taken to the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus trauma unit with multiple serious stab wounds and a gunshot wound — the latter sustained when three Ottawa police officers shot and killed her attacker.

Catherine Ready is a student at the University of Ottawa, according to her social media. She had graduated from Franco-Cité last year, according to Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, which posted a statement about the two teens on social media.

The board wrote in French that its community “is in shock following the drama that occurred Monday in one of our own families.”

“We invite you to join us in prayer, that they may find the comfort they need to go through this ordeal,” the statement reads.

All three victims are of Guyanese descent. The girls’ father was expected to arrive in Ottawa on Friday, according to friends of the family.

Ottawa police continue to investigate the triple stabbing. Relatives of the alleged killer, 21-year-old Joshua Graves, told CBC News he was interested in one of the daughters and had been told not to contact her.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the fatal police shooting of Graves, as well as the shot sustained by Catherine Ready.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

The Summit of the Americas hits home: OP-ED Our relationship and my family history

HOW fitting that the United States hosted the Ninth Summit of the Americas in June, when we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage month.

Through a coincidence of timing, the Summit of the Americas took place at the same time as my own, long-planned family reunion in Barbados. This confluence of events led me to reflect on my history and the generations of ancestors that led me to the summit in Los Angeles.

My paternal grandfather, Charles Nichols, was born in Saint George, Barbados in 1877. He worked on the Panama Canal with others from the Caribbean; particularly 75,000 Bajans, the largest nationality group to labour on this great engineering project.

Through this work, he earned enough money to emigrate to the United States with his wife, Julia King, and their children. My father was born in Brooklyn, the youngest of eleven and the second to be born in America. As the youngest son of a youngest son, myself, I am proud that my roots connect me so strongly to the Caribbean.

Events like the Summit of the Americas recognise

the ties that bind our hemisphere together, and I feel grateful to reflect on the values and the heritage that we share with our Caribbean neighbours. I count myself as a member of the Caribbean diaspora that helped build the United States.

Our country continues to benefit from this community’s many contributions. We will rely on this support, ingenuity, and energy in implementing the promises of this summit.

We are committed to supporting our Caribbean kin and neighbours, and to implementing the ambitious goals that President Biden and Vice President Harris have set for us. We have already begun this work and it will continue in the weeks and months ahead.

During the summit, the President and Vice President co-hosted their Caribbean counterparts for an in-depth and substantive meeting that will further strengthen our partnerships with the region. Our Caribbean neighbours spoke of their economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of climate change, food and energy insecurity, and lack of access to lowcost financing.

Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the United States Department of State

Seized with these challenges, President Biden and Vice President Harris committed to working with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic to form three high-level committees tasked with developing immediate and concrete, joint, and near-term solutions.

The first of these committees, which I will cochair for the United States, addresses the critical issue of food security, something I know Guyana has been thinking about for some time. Guyana’s recent Agri-Investment Forum &

Expo highlighted a lot of ambitious goals that the United States would like to assist with to address the region’s needs. Food and nutrition insecurity are on the rise in the Caribbean, with approximately 67.5 per cent of the population experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity.

To address these challenges, the United States and CARICOM will launch a Caribbean Zero Hunger Plan to promote food and nutrition security in the Caribbean. President Biden also announced the United States will provide US$28

million in new food security assistance to Caribbean countries.

The White House also pledged to strengthen our engagement on energy and climate change. Building on Vice President Harris’ April 29, 2022, meeting with Caribbean leaders, the United States launched the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) to facilitate renewable energy infrastructure development, including by increasing access to financing, and to bolster the region’s resilience to climate based natural disasters.

The leaders stressed the need to strengthen security cooperation and engagement, including countering small arms trafficking. The United States and Caribbean countries will build on the longstanding Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) through broader engagement in combatting trafficking in persons, cybersecurity, and cybercrime.

The United States, the Dominican Republic, and CARICOM member states support the development of national action plans to counter firearms trafficking. These national action plans will help the Unit-

7

ed States more effectively tailor our support to CBSI member countries to address trafficking of illegal handguns and assault weapons throughout the region.

We also agree on the importance of acceding to the Treaty of San José concerning illicit maritime and air narcotics trafficking. This treaty provides states with a valuable legal mechanism that facilitates international cooperation to disrupt illicit maritime trafficking and transnational criminal organisations in the Caribbean. We encourage Caribbean countries that have not yet acceded to the Treaty to consider doing so.

It is of no small consequence that Vice President Harris, a daughter of Caribbean heritage, cochaired this meeting with the President of the United States. As a son of Caribbean heritage, myself, this historic moment made me deeply proud.

Our nations share values, culture, history, and family ties. As governments, we will work in partnership with civil society and the private sector to ensure that democracy delivers for all our people and to build safe, inclusive, prosperous, equitable, and climate-resilient societies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

CARICOM needs brand-new approaches to old regional problems

By Earl Bousquet

THE Caribbean, once unseen on world maps, used to be treated in the immediate post-World War II era as just another-world-away from the rest of the world.

But not anymore. The seven decades since the last world war resulted in a series of tumultuous changes affecting the Caribbean and its people, reflecting political, social and economic realities through explosions of resistance to racial inequalities and demands for more and better -- from the Black Power movement in the 70s, through the revolutionary turbulences of the 80s, to the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The world also saw wid-

ening of the income gaps amid deepening of the interconnectedness of global economies in the first two decades of the 21st Century, deeper concentration of wealth and wider expansion of poverty, unending migrant and refugee crises, worsening destructive weather patterns, extreme climate change, successive global pandemics, food and fuel crises – and all the rest.

The past 70 years have also left a host of maps and blueprints, formulae and instruments reflecting similar and different realities with common lessons of why things went wrong where and innumerable samples of what can be done to make the world a better place for everyone.

In 2022, progress and regress continue to slide alongside income and earnings growths and declines, the world’s richest one per cent accumulating more wealth faster than ever during the

COVID-19 crisis and the poorest 100 per cent dying faster from hunger and health crises exacerbated by the same realities that propel both wealth and poverty.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the supply chain crisis and the war in Ukraine have ensured that Caribbean nations and people are today facing a more-than-virtual existential crisis of unprecedented proportions, exacerbated by food and fuel prices also most likely to worsen.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Governments have, since the turn of the century, had to adjust to the new norms that came with the old story of having to tend to national concerns against a background of a hostile international economic environment and increasing evidence that interpretations of and commitments to regional unity, as always, continues to depend on how the issues relate to national interests and concerns.

But while the region is forced to adjust to living with inequalities while fighting to redress them, they only get worse with every new global crisis – and this is the worst it’s got in the shortest time.

While preparing to varyingly observe and explore new and old lessons from the 188th anniversary of Britain’s so-called ‘Emancipation’ that followed supposed “abolition of slavery,” CARICOM leaders last week attended the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, where some raised issues relating to slavery, reparations and expressing concern about the club of mainly former British colonies continuing to be treated as a global extension of The Royal Family.

But the British press was

more interested in embarrassing Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his domestic political troubles (his ruling Conservative Party losing two bye-elections while he was in Kigali), embarrassing Prince Charles over a million-dollar suitcase of cash (that he’d accepted long before the CHOGM) and new Chair and host President Paul Kagame, over the UK-Rwanda refugee scheme.

CARICOM had survived its second successive internal fight over the top post of Commonwealth Secretary General, with incumbent Baroness Patricia Scotland overcoming an embarrassing and failed last-minute bid by Jamaica’s Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, seen as having lost because she came across and was presented as a UK proxy in a second bid to oust Scotland, a former UK Attorney General due for a second term.

The CHOGM over and Caribbean leaders returning home to prepare for their July 4-5 43rd CARICOM Summit in Suriname, the focus of the world’s press moved to the G7 meeting in Germany’s Bavarian Alps, ahead of a NATO Summit in Spain, both held earlier this week.

But, as expected, the CHOGM, G7 and NATO summits were simply totally consumed by the world’s richest countries’ preoccupation with continuing to promise Ukraine more military support to try to win a war it continues to lose – and forget about the rest.

Just before the CHOGM, two major earthquakes struck already-beleaguered Afghanistan, taking over 1,000 lives in one night; between the CHOGM and G7, chilling videos emerged from Melilla, Europe’s only border in Africa (shared by Spain and Morocco) showing the

worst possible examples of racist police brutality that led to dozens of deaths among African migrants trying to get to Europe; and between the G7 and NATO Summits, an abandoned container truck was discovered in San Antonio, Texas with over 50 dead bodies of migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, who’d successfully crossed the border into the US, but abandoned the container in sweltering heat, without water or care.

But none of the leaders’ meetings seemed to care enough about any of the above in any great detail, G7 nations only pledging much less than they’ve done for Ukraine, to help those facing world hunger.

CARICOM Leaders meet in Paramaribo, Suriname, next week for their annual July Summit, where, once again, they will have to take note of all the above while seeking to find the solutions that will help guide the region through the maze of fog that will again cloud the regional and national agendas.

But, as the Caribbean is learning with, through and after every global crisis of whatever nature, the leaders will again be forced to view and review the region’s problems alongside the accompanying challenges and opportunities, through prisms that clearly show, as always, that the region and the world’s problems are never solved on the basis of the sympathies or concerns of rich nations for poor ones.

In that sense, as always, CARICOM leaders will face the facts and factor them into today’s regional reality with new approaches to the same old problems that return to summit agendas every year, only exacerbated by latest global trends.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

PM Phillips discusses safety, security concerns with Golden Grove residents

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has engaged residents of Golden Grove, East Coast of Demerara, on various safety and security concerns.

The meeting served as part of the government’s continued efforts to address the events on Tuesday, when scores of persons took to the street and chanted for justice after they were misled by a false media report that the police officer purportedly involved in the killing of Quindon Bacchus, had been released.

What started as a verbal chant quickly esca-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (seated second left); Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C. (seated second right); Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony (seated first left) and other officials share a moment with residents of Golden Grove (DPI photo) lated as scores of persons made their way to Mon Repos, where they purportedly beat vendors, robbed them and destroyed their property.

“As an African Guya-

nese in the PPP/C leadership, I think it’s important to speak out on issues that concern all of our people. What transpired is not an example of a peaceful protest and is

most definitely not representative of how African Guyanese behave in Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The senior government official reiterated

calls to have those present, and the wider Guyanese society lend their voices in condemning Tuesday’s protest, which escalated into violence.

During the meeting, cit-

9

izens reiterated their condemnation of the violence which occurred.

The Prime Minister also reassured the residents that the government would ensure that the family of the late Bacchus receives justice.

Additionally, a number of issues were discussed, including the rehabilitation of several community centres and the implementation of an ICT programme.

The meeting was attended by Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and other officials.

Residents voluntarily removing encumbrances from roadsides, development sites – Public Works Minister says

MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on Wednesday, revealed that since announcing that the ministry would begin removing roadside encumbrances earlier this week, a number of citizens have begun to move on their own.

Last Friday during a signing-ceremony, Minister Edghill had said that his Ministry will begin removing encumbrances found on government reserves as well as roadways across the country.

The Minister, while giving an update on the situation, thanked many of the persons who have already heeded the call and started to regularize themselves and remove from the various development sites.

“I would like to thank the many patriotic Guyanese who have already heeded our call and have started to regularize themselves,” the Minister said.

To this end, the minister said that it is a positive thing

that persons have started to remove themselves from these areas as he noted that the Public Works Ministry does not wish to have a confrontation with anyone.

He added, “we want compliance and I did say we did have a couple of days for compliance, and I did say we still have a couple of days for compliance and we did see a number of persons moving in conformity, some even contacting and asking for a moment or a little time to be

able to get that done.”

Against this backdrop, the minister indicated that many persons have already started to reach out and inquire about the country’s derelict site to be able to transport their neglected vehicles there.

As such, he indicated that there is a derelict dumpsite that is manned by the Ministry and located on the road into Laluni from Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. At

that site, he noted that there is a compactor and as such derelict vehicles will be crushed, compacted, and stored.

The Public Works Minister said, “President Ali’s direction is very clear, we don’t want to interrupt economic activity in this country, what we want is to ensure that while people ply their trade, safety is an important thing for themselves and the persons who engage.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Woman’s body found plastic-wrapped on roadside; soldier in custody

By Nafeeza Yahya

THE body of a 29-year-old mother of one, Donalesa Parks, was discovered early Thursday morning dumped at the side of a road at Courtland Village Public Road,

East Berbice, just a short distance away from the main suspect’s home.

Parks, a hairdresser of No. 2 Village, East Canje, is believed to have been strangled.

A 33-year-old soldier, whom it is claimed

the woman visited on Wednesday, has been detained.

Parks’ sister said she last saw the deceased woman early Wednesday morning. In her recollection, Parks’ sister said the now-deceased woman was travelling

to Fort Ordinance, Berbice.

Parks’ sister said her sister did not meet the client, as they were not there.

Relatives became alarmed when Parks did not return home. A search was launched

DEAD: Donalesa Parks

and a report made to the police. As the search continued Thursday morning, the family’s worst fear was confirmed as the young mother ’s body was found.

As news spread of the discovery, relatives

found, travelled “up the Corentyne”.

“The mother left to come up the Corentyne where she know (sic) the boy does live,” Mortimer said, adding: “the [suspect’s] sister told her (the mother) [that] the boy and her (the now-dead woman) were upstairs yesterday.

But he left to go to work this morning with his bag but they didn’t see back the girl.”

Mortimer said after the conversation the mother noticed a pair of slippers and a wig belonging to her daughter which prompted them to search the area.

“They start searching and opposite the house they see a bag, and they

The area where the body was discovered

and friends swarmed the site of the discovery in disbelief.

After the body was transported to the Port Mourant Hospital where the death declaration was officially made, the deceased woman’s family poured into the compound. They were inconsolable.

Mortimer Amsterdam, the deceased woman’s uncle who lives in Baracara, Canje Creek, said his niece is a quiet and easy going person.

It was also disclosed that Parks’ mother had, before the body was

called in the Police also; and when they check, they see the girl inside the bag,” the dead woman’s uncle recounted.

Meanwhile, the suspect left his Courtland, East Berbice home, and returned to Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday. He was subsequently detained by military officers and handed over to the police as the investigation into the gruesome murder continues.

The body of the deceased woman is presently at Ramoo’s Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

$100,000 station bail for driver in Nelson Mandela Avenue fatal accident

THE 41-year-old female driver who was involved in the recent fatal accident at Nelson Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, which claimed the life of Odessia Sam was on Thursday released on $100,000 station bail, as the investigation is still ongoing.

This is according to a police statement which disclosed that the second victim, Wendel Oudkerk, is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The release said the accident occurred on Wednesday around 15:20hrs between a Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) vehicle #PSS 7007 and a motorcycle

#CH 1099.

Oudkerk was the rider of the motorcycle, while Sam, a 42-year-old woman from Middle Road, La Penitence, was the pillion rider.

The SUV, owned by Azruddin Mohamed, was driven by Nadia Mohamed of Houston Gardens, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The police release said the SUV “was proceeding west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway of Nelson Mandela Avenue, whilst the motorcycle was proceeding north along Critchlow Avenue.

Based on the police re-

DEAD: Odessia Sam

port, the rider of the motorcycle reportedly failed to stop as he approached the junction of Nelson Mandela and Critchlow Avenue.

Police said the motorcyclist, with Sam at the back, “proceeded to cross the road going from south to north in a bid to proceed onto the northern carriageway at an opening between the median.”

As a result, the police noted, the motorcycle crossed into the path of the SUV. The front of the motor jeep came into contact with the right side of the motorcycle, and as a result of the collision, the mo-

torcyclist and the pillion rider were thrown onto the road surface where they received injuries about their bodies,” the police statement said.

Oudkerk was picked up in a semi-conscious state by emergency responders.

Sam was transported to the GPHC and is still receiving treatment.

Sam’s body is currently awaiting an autopsy at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Police said Sam had not been wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

11 years in prison for man who raped, assaulted Venezuelan woman

By Clestine Juan

A seemingly unremorseful 38-year-old, Thurston Semple, was, on Thursday, sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping and brutally assaulting a 30-year-old Venezuelan woman, a self-proclaimed sex worker, in 2021.

Semple, a taxi driver formerly of Tucville Ter-

race, Georgetown, was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

In March, a 12-member jury at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court found Semple guilty of sexually penetrating the woman against her will between February 24 and 25, 2021. The jury also found

Semple guilty of assaulting the woman and causing her actual bodily harm.

Prosecutors Muntaz Ali, Latifah Elliot, and Nafeeza Baig presented the state’s case, while attorney Everton Lammy-Singh was on record for Semple.

On Thursday, Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr. Meena Rajkumar presented a report of a complete psychi-

atric and psychological interview she conducted with Semple at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Psychiatric Clinic.

“He [Semple] was functioning at a psychopathic level and understood the nature of his interview.

“As personality traits, manipulation stands out; he portrays an angry temperament, has an extremely high self-esteem, and doesn’t recognize his mistakes.

“He has demonstrated signs of impulsive aggression, without other signs or symptoms that qualitatively affect his psychological organisation. He has shown no sign of remorse for his actions on the day of the offence. He gave a detailed explanation of the offence and presents himself as a victim and blames third parties for his current situation,” Dr. Rajkumar told the court.

Based on the doctor’s findings, Semple presents an “accentuated personality” trait to the point that he is placed as having an “antisocial personality disorder.”

She further disclosed that Semple’s assessment shows a tendency to disregard right and wrong, arrogance, a sense of superiority, and being extremely opinionated.

The doctor said that based on her opinion, Semple shows recurring problems with the law, including criminal behaviour, and repeatedly violating the rights of others through intimidation and dishonesty.

Despite these diagnoses, Dr. Rajkumar did not recommend that Semple undergo any treatment.

Semple rejected the psychiatrist’s findings, claiming that there was nothing wrong with him.

He said that the victim’s case against him was fabricated and he is innocent.

“The whole case is lies. Since I’m in jail, I’ve learned a lot. This is injustice. I didn’t do any of these things.

I ain’t do no crime, so what am I doing time for? I’m being assaulted in jail because of lies… God knows my heart,” Semple said.

While delivering her sentencing remarks, the judge told the court that,

among other things, she considered that Semple showed no remorse for his actions and that he could have exposed the victim to sexually transmitted diseases since he did not use a condom during the rape.

She also placed weight on the finding of Semple’s psychiatric report and the psychological trauma the incident had caused the victim.

In addition to the 11 years in prison for the rape, he received four years for the assault. However, the sentences will run concurrently and Semple will only serve 11 years.

She also ordered that Semple undergo psychological counselling.

Previously, the victim, in her impact statement, said that she was left to live with the stigma associated with sex crimes and is still suffering from the trauma of the incident. “… Months have passed since I was savagely beaten and raped by that monster and I still can’t sleep well.

“I have a lot of fear, anger, hatred, and helplessness… I wish he never got out of jail again. I want and hope that he will be locked up for life so that he cannot hurt anyone else,” the survivor said.

The woman explained that she was mercilessly beaten by Semple, who destroyed her life.

“In all my life, no one gave me a beating like the one that man gave me. No one made me live such desperate and horrible moments. That man destroyed me. I feel that nothing matters anymore, that my life has no meaning. I need help; to be compensated for the evil I received,” she said.

The victim had testified that she worked as a sex worker and Semple picked her up from a city hotel and took her to his home after agreeing to pay her $10,000.

They later had consensual sexual intercourse at his home.

He became annoyed when she told him that he had 15 minutes remaining with her. Semple then walked into the kitchen and returned with a knife. At that time, the woman was dressing.

Semple held the woman at knifepoint and forced her

CONVICTED: Thurston Semple to perform oral sex on him.

When she stopped sometime later, he slapped her.

When he turned away to get the water she had asked for, the woman scrambled whatever clothes she could find and jumped through a glass window.

However, Semple ran behind her and grabbed her by her hair. The victim recounted that she was naked and that Semple held on to her and stabbed her.

She managed to hold on to the knife. The enraged Semple began beating her with a plastic tube filled with cement.

The victim subsequently gathered strength and jumped the fence and persons came to her rescue.

Sometime after, the police came and arrested Semple.

In his probation report, the social worker said that information retrieved from the Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force revealed that Semple has four other pending criminal matters of similar nature against him that are engaging the attention of the courts.

Investigations in the Tucville Terrace community, where Semple resided before his incarceration, disclosed that he was a violent and abusive individual who habitually had schoolaged girls frequenting his home since he lived alone.

Persons in the community told the probation officer that they never trusted Semple being in the company of their girl children.

“Irrespective of one’s intentions, criminal acts committed against anyone must not be condoned. And it is against such a backdrop that stern messages should be sent, to serve as deterrents as to how society views such matters.

“This case is no different, therefore the punishment must be commensurate with the crime, hence the accused must be made to stand the consequences of his actions,” the social worker had previously submitted to the court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Traffic Chief conducts half-year inspection at traffic headquarters

IN keeping with the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, on Wednesday, held a notified inspection at the Traffic Headquarters, Parade and Barrack Streets, Eve Leary.

According to a police release, the inspection was conducted between 11:00 hrs and 11:20 hrs and is commonly held to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the GPF traffic team.

These actions will enable the Guyana Police Force to speedily remedy those shortcomings or deficiencies.

Mr. Ashram, in his brief remarks, noted that the inspection was to ensure that the appearance and conduct of ranks were upheld.

He also underscored that the exercise was to further ensure that the

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, inspects the Force’s motorcycles (GPF photo) department’s compound, main building, storage room and vehicles, among other things, were properly maintained, the release said.

During the inspection, several police vehicles

were presented by the ranks who were responsible for them. If any defects were found on the force’s vehicles, the respective ranks would be held accountable.

Accompanying the Traffic Officer during

the inspections were Inspector Natasha Alder, Station Sergeant Michael Ramdas, Woman Sergeant Ulene Morris, and Sergeant Richard Trotz, among other ranks of the Traffic Department.

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Body of elderly woman found with suspected stab wounds at Mon Repos THE community of Mon Repos North, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was plunged into a state of shock on Thursday after the body of 86-year-old Agnes Dilon was found in her home with several stab wounds.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Dilon was last seen alive on Wednesday by her landlord who lived in the upper flat of the two-storey wooden house.

She was last seen washing her clothes around 17:00hrs before retiring to bed.

The landlord told the police that on Thursday at 07:00hrs, he became suspicious after not seeing Dilon.

After several calls to Dilon’s cellular phone went unanswered, the landlord told investigators that he contacted a neighbour, who then prised open the woman’s window and they discovered her body on her bed.

“Police were summoned to the scene and observed the deceased woman lying motionless on her bed in a pool of blood with suspected stab wounds to her left and right upper chest, and suspected chop wounds to her right hand and right-side face,” the release said.

An emergency medical expert from the Melanie Fire Station pronounced Dilon dead.

Her body was transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where an autopsy will be conducted.

This is an active investigation.

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$30M water well for Kariako Village RESIDENTS of Kariako, Region One (Barima-Waini), will soon benefit from improved access to potable water, as plans are in place to drill a new $30 million well in the village during the first quarter of 2023.

Minister of Housing and

Water, Collin Croal, said the project will be undertaken by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), and will include the drilling of a well, a pipe network with service connections, and a photovoltaic system.

The new water system, Minister Croal said, will add

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

to the existing system which provides water to some sections of the village including schools, the health centre and other public buildings.

The announcement came following calls by residents on Sunday for an additional system to provide potable water for persons located in The Kariako community (DPI photo) a cluster aback the main area of the riverine village.

“You have a system here, and we did some maintenance work and you have improvements already… the aim is to ensure those persons who currently do not have access, benefit from the service,” Minister Croal said.

He related that the government is committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to potable water, in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Goal Number Six -- water and

sanitation for all.

Some 70 communities are spread across the three Region One districts- Moruca, Matarkai, and Mabaruma.

Currently, only 55 per cent of the entire area has access to potable water.

With several wells expected to be drilled in villages, including Waramuri, Himacabra, Hobodiah, Kaburi, Manawarin, Kwebanna and Santa Rosa, access to potable water is expected to move up to 70 per cent across the region.

PAHO commits US$750,000 to improve regional public health THE Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) committed US$750,000 to support programmes of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) over the next 18 months.

The two health organisations signed a subsidiary agreement to improve regional public health, including health security, at the Trinidad Hilton, on Wednesday.

Sub-regional Programme Director, PAHO Caribbean, Dean Chambliss said: “These agreements not only provide structure to our alliance, but also symbolise the commitment we share to working together to advance public health in the Caribbean region, in support of our Member States and the Caribbean people.”

Chambliss was high in praise for the work of CARPHA and expressed his appreciation for the critical role the agency plays in preserving and advancing regional public health.

He said: “Since it began operations in 2013, CARPHA has evolved into the public health leader it is today.

Along with enhancing national capacities to deliver public health goods and services and providing laboratory support for disease surveillance to its member states, CARPHA co-ordinates responses to public health crises in the Caribbean.”

Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Joy St. John, acknowledged and thanked PAHO for its continued support over the last 10 years of operations.

She said: “CARPHA looks forward to the continued collaboration with PAHO; as one of its longstanding partners, both as a funding partner and a technical partner in the delivery of care to the citizens and visitors of CARICOM.” Projects under the CARPHA-PAHO work plan for 2022-2023, which will benefit from funding provided under this subsidiary agreement, include improving access to safe and affordable medicines, the implementation of policy for healthy food environments and strengthening capacities of countries for the surveillance of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Dr. St. John said that the CARPHA’s mandate to improve public health in the region will continue to remain a priority as the agency continues to align its activities to its strategic objectives and the overall vision of the Caribbean co-operation in health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

$18M in enhancement works for Anna Regina –– with awarding of several contracts

SEVERAL infrastructural projects will soon commence at Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where the Town Council has awarded several contracts valuing $18 million.

Some of the major municipal projects which will be undertaken, are: the construction of concrete box culverts at Telecoms Street, Naipaul Street and Lima; the construction of a sanitary block at the Bush Lot Market, and the construction of a shed, walkway and concrete slab in front of the sanitary block at the Anna Regina car park.

At a simple signing ceremony on Thursday, between

officials of the municipality and contractors in the boardroom of the Anna Regina Town Council, Mayor Rajendra Prabhulall stressed the need for quality and timely work. And to ensure that this is achieved and there is value for money, residents will have to play a major role in supervising those projects.

To make this process efficient and transparent, councillors will be distributing the bill of quantities to residents within the communities.

Prabhulall related that the money was given to the council by the Government of Guyana to further develop and enhance the township.

Mayor of Anna Regina Rajendra Prabhulall (third from left) with other officials of the Town Council and contractors, on Thursday He said that the projects, once completed, will improve the lives of residents who reside within and outside of the township.

Town Clerk, Diane

Critchlow, also called on contractors to be responsible and to, where possible, provide employment for persons within the communities.

She said that the proj-

ects went through the tender board committee and contractors who met the requirement were awarded the contract. She told contractors that there will be

continuous monitoring of the projects by councillors and residents.

All projects are expected to commence next Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Umbrella Academy Season 3 was too rushed, too much

By Naomi Parris THE beloved dysfunctional Hargreaves family of superheroes returned in a new season of Netflix’s hit series, Umbrella Academy, last week.

Being one of the most anticipated shows of the streaming site, a big bang of events was expected in the new season. It, however, did not quite live up to the preceding episodes.

When the adaptation of the comic book first aired in 2019, the show garnered a

lot of fans with its mixture of drama, comedy and science fiction.

This new season, however, flat lined considering the many twists the show took which made the plot difficult to follow. The story appeared disconnected.

Having arrived back in an alternative version of the present day following a stint in 1960s Dallas, Texas, the Hargreaves discover that they have been replaced, by a new set of children which their father, Reginald Hargreaves (Colm Feore), adopted.

With new main characters each of whom have unique connections to the other and origin stories, there appeared to be a lot happening with the series this season.

The producers also attempted to stitch in flashbacks from previous seasons which overall made the show overstuffed.

The latest batch of episodes is filled with fun moments, but a strong beginning and end do not compensate for a middle section that struggles to keep the energy going.

It turns out that the last season confrontation between the siblings and their father accidentally altered the future. Their father, Hargreaves, decided not to adopt the version of the Hargreaves siblings we are more familiar with.

Instead, he chose a different set of seven super powered children who went on to form a version of the ‘Umbrella Academy’ called the ‘Sparrow Academy’.

With the introduction of the Sparrows, the story gets a bit confusing as the series

tries to dive deep into the lives of both the Umbrellas and the Sparrows.

Sadly, while the show didn’t quite hit the mark, there were some worthwhile mentions.

This season saw the fan favourite lover boy, Luther, (Tom Hopper) finding his heart’s true desire in a companion who finally understands him, Grace (Jordan Claire Robbins).

Grace happens to be a Sparrow. While the previous villain, Vanya, who is now known as Victor (Elliot

Page), is villain no more.

Victor finally came into his own truth and opened up to his family about being trans. This plot, in particular, was a stand out as organic.

The season, nevertheless, ended with a cliff-hanger.

Of course, the family had to, again, save the world from another apocalypse-like scenario. This time, however, the Umbrellas were without superpowers because they were in a different multiverse.

The show ended with more questions than answers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

R&B singer R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison in sex case

(REUTERS) - R. Kelly was sentenced, on Wednesday, to 30 years in prison, following the multiplatinum R&B singer’s conviction for exploiting his stardom and wealth over decades to lure women and underage girls into his orbit for sex.

‘DO YOU REMEMBER THAT?’ The sentence was imposed nine months after Kelly, 55, was convicted of racketeering and sex crimes, in a trial that amplified accusations that had dogged the singer of the Grammy-winning hit “I Believe I Can Fly” for two decades.

U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly, in Brooklyn federal court, said the evidence reflected Kelly’s “indifference to human suffering” and “sheer brutality” toward his victims.

“This case is not about sex. It’s about violence and cruelty and control,” Donnelly told Kelly. “You left in your wake a trail of broken lives.”

Kelly, whose full name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is among the most prominent people convicted of sexual misbehaviour during the

#MeToo movement against such conduct by prominent men.

He did not speak during Wednesday’s hearing, but has repeatedly denied sexual abuse accusations.

After the sentence was read, his lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, told reporters Kelly was “devastated” by the sentence but that he would appeal.

“Thirty years in prison is like a life sentence for him,” Bonjean said.

The sentencing came after several accusers, some of whom were tearful, told the judge about how Kelly promised to mentor them and help them attain stardom, only to subject them to degrading sexual treatment and physical harm.

Many said the abuse led to mental health problems that persist.

“As a teenager, I didn’t know how to say no to R. Kelly when he asked me to perform oral sex on him,” said a woman identified as Jane Doe No. 2.

She then paused, looked at Kelly, and asked, “Do you remember that?”

Kelly wore a black face mask and beige prison clothing to his sentencing.

R. Kelly stands with his lawyers Jennifer Bonjean and Ashley Cohen during his sentencing hearing for federal sex trafficking at the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., June 29, 2022 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

Several accusers testified during the 5-and-a-half-week trial about how Kelly would demand that his victims strictly obey his rules.

These included needing his permission go to the bathroom, calling him “Daddy,” and writing “apology letters” that purported to absolve

Kelly of wrongdoing, among others.

The alleged victims included the singer Aaliyah, who, prosecutors said, Kelly fraudulently married when she was 15 to conceal earlier abuse. Aaliyah died in 2001.

“This is a significant outcome for all victims of R.

Kelly and especially for the survivors who so bravely testified about the horrific and sadistic abuse they endured,” Breon Peace, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, told reporters after the hearing.

NO REMORSE He was convicted on nine

criminal charges, including one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, which bars transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Prosecutors had urged a prison sentence of more than 25 years, saying Kelly had demonstrated a “callous disregard” for his victims and shown no remorse.

“I never thought that I would be here to see him be held accountable for the atrocious things that he did to children,” Lizzette Martinez, one of the accusers who spoke in court, told reporters after the hearing.

Defense lawyers said Kelly deserved no more than 10 years, the mandatory minimum, arguing that his history as an abused child may have led to his adult “hyper sexuality,” and that he no longer posed a threat.

Kelly has been in jail since July 2019.

He will likely be transported soon to a jail in Chicago, Illinois where he faces an August trial in federal court on child pornography and obstruction charges.

He also faces various state charges in Illinois and Minnesota.

Kanye West sued over claim of illegal sample on ‘Donda 2’ (REUTERS) - Rapper, producer and entrepreneur Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye last year, was sued on Wednesday for allegedly sampling a song by musician Marshall Jefferson without permission.

Ultra International Music Publishing LLC said “Flowers” from West’s album “Donda 2” includes a sample from Jefferson’s 1986 dance song “Move Your Body” that is repeated at least 22 times.

A representative for West did not immediately respond to a request for comment,

nor did West’s label Universal Music Group (UMG. AS), which is not a party to the suit.

An attorney for Ultra International, which owns the rights to Jefferson’s song, said the company had no comment and believes the lawsuit speaks for itself.

Jefferson is a pioneer of house music from West’s hometown of Chicago. According to the lawsuit, West and his representatives acknowledged during talks with Jefferson that “Flowers” sampled “Move Your Body” without permission.

Rapper Kanye West smiles during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss criminal justice reform at the White House in Washington, U.S., October 11, 2018.

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

But those talks did not end with a license, according to the lawsuit.

“West advocates for artists’ rights with one hand, yet has no shame in taking

away rights from another artist with the other,” the lawsuit said.

West released “Donda 2” in February exclusively through his ‘Stem Player’, a handheld device that allows users to isolate and recombine song parts.

Kano Computing Ltd, a British company that developed the Stem Player with West and is also named in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit said “Flowers” is reportedly about West’s ex-wife Kim Kar-

dashian, whose petition to end their marriage was approved in March.

Texas pastor David Paul Moten sued West in May for allegedly sampling one of his sermons without permission.

West has previously settled lawsuits over samples of a Hungarian singer on the 2013 song “New Slaves;” a child’s prayer on the 2016 song “Ultralight Beam;” and a theater work about activist Marcus Garvey on “Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2),” a 2018 collaboration with rapper Kid Cudi.

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GFF hails successful visit to...

From page 28 tion has made in repairing and then building the image and reputation of the GFF among its global football partners.

Braithwaite, 31, was in Guyana to officially take up the role of goodwill ambassador for the football development partnership between GFF and DBU, which is also facilitated

by UEFA Assist and CONCACAF. The attacker has played 58 times for Spanish giants Barcelona and 60 times for the Danish national team.

“This was not only a historic visit for Guyana, it was a chance for someone who performs at the highest level of football to connect with his roots and to inspire a new generation of players – both girls and boys,” said president Forde.

“This extremely successful visit shows just how far we have come in raising the image of Guyanese football on the international stage, and we look forward to building further on our close relationship with Martin, DBU, UEFA Assist, and CONCACAF to drive the development of the game in Guyana,” he added.

The aim of the goodwill ambassador position is to promote and support development work conducted through the innovative partnership between GFF and DBU, which has included financial support for the GFF Women’s Development League and post-COVID capacity-building support, under the auspices of the UEFA Assist programme.

While in Guyana with his family, Braithwaite took part in a range of footballing activities, met government dignitaries, and reconnected with the land of his father.

The trip included a tour of attractions in Georgetown, a courtesy call on the Government of Guyana, participation in a novelty futsal match at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and a range of grassroots activities. (GFF)

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23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Green, Carey partnership puts Australia in pole position

Alex Carey and Cameron Green during their partnership

CAMERON Green (77) and Alex Carey (45) stitched a vital partnership of 84 while Pat Cummins remained unbeaten on a quickfire 26 as Australia found themselves in pole position at close of play on day 2 of the Galle Test versus Sri Lanka at 313 for 8, ahead by 101 runs.

Green and Carey resumed on 48 and 43 respectively after the tea break, but the latter couldn’t last for long as he lofted one to the fielder stationed at mid-off.

Green and Mitchell Starc then strung together a useful stand of 37 before the former was dismissed LBW while attempting a sweep off Men-

dis. The all-rounder took the review but couldn’t overturn it, with the ball projected to hit leg-stump. In fact, Green was intent on employing the sweep through the course of his innings. On occasions, he had a scare or two but the all-rounder persisted with the stroke and collected a few boundaries.

Starc followed Green back to the hut, spooning a catch back to the bowler, Jeffrey Vandersay. Cummins then pushed Australia past 300 by tonking three sixes and a boundary off Vandersay. The sweep and a couple of slogs have been the highlights of his innings so far. At the fag end of the

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings Pathum Nissanka c Alex Carey b Pat Cummins 23 Dimuth Karunaratne c David Warner b Nathan Lyon 28 Kusal Mendis c Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc 3 Angelo Mathews c David Warner b Nathan Lyon 39 Dhananjaya de Silva c lex Carey b Mitchell Swepson 14 Dinesh Chandimal c David Warner b Mitchell Swepson 0 Niroshan Dickwella c Alex Carey b Nathan Lyon 58 Ramesh Mendis lbw Nathan Lyon 22 Jeffrey Vandersay c Mitchell Starc b Mitchell Swepson 6 Lasith Embuldeniya c Usman Khawaja b Nathan Lyon 6 Asitha Fernando not out 2 Extras: (b-5, lb-6) 11 Total: (all out, 59.0 overs) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-42, 3-74, 4-97, 5-97, 6-139, 7-193, 8-198, 9-206.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 9-0-31-1, Pat Cummins 12-4-25-1, Nathan Lyon 25-2-90-5, Mitchell Swepson 13-0-55-3.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings Usman Khawaja c Pathum Nissanka b Jeffrey Vandersay 71 David Warner lbw Ramesh Mendis 25 Marnus Labuschagne c Asitha Fernando b Ramesh Mendis 13 Steven Smith run-out Niroshan Dickwella 6 Travis Head c & b Dhananjaya de Silva 6 Cameron Green lbw Ramesh Mendis 77 Alex Carey c Dinesh Chandimal b Ramesh Mendis 45 Mitchell Starc c & b Jeffrey Vandersay 10 Pat Cummins not out 26 Nathan Lyon not out 8 Extras: (lb-20, lb-3, nb -1, w-2) 26 Total: (69.0 overs) 313-8 Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-75, 3-83, 4-100, 5-157, 6-241, 7-278, 8-278.

Bowling: Asitha Fernando 8-1-34–0 (w-2), Dhananjaya de Silva 5-0-8-1, Lasith Embuldeniya 15-0-73-0 (nb-1), Ramesh Mendis 310-107-4, Jeffrey Vandersay 10- 0-68-2.

day’s play, the umpires decided that the light wasn’t good enough to continue and called off play. For the home side, Mendis and Vandersay have shared six spoils. But Lasith Embuldeniya has endured a tough time, giving away 73 runs off 15 overs.

The left-arm spinner’s tendency to bowl too full hasn’t helped his cause.

Earlier, Usman Khawaja (71) and Travis Head had resumed Australia’s innings after the first session was washed out. However, Australia had an early setback when Head eked out a leading back to Dhananjaya de Silva. Despite losing Head early, Australia continued to play with freedom. Khawaja, who reached his fifty with a single off Dhananjaya, cracked the sweep off Ramesh Mendis to get himself into the groove.

Meanwhile, once Green gauged the conditions, he kept the scorecard moving with mostly a diet of singles.

With Sri Lanka in need of a wicket, Vandersay bagged his maiden Test scalp when he induced Khawaja to edge one towards forward short leg where Pathum Nissanka pouched a sharp catch. Carey, who joined hands with Green, then took the mantle of being the aggressor, cracking sweeps, reverse sweeps and the drive to put the pressure back on Sri Lanka.

Going into day 3, Sri Lanka have an uphill task on their hands on a track that is offering more than enough turn. They have to first wrap up the Australian innings quickly and then erase the deficit without losing the cream of their batting line-up. (Cricbuzz)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

NYSC Independence Cup bowls off today … Regal Legends highly favoured to retain Over-50 title

DEFENDING Over-50 champions, Regal Legends, the lone team representing Guyana in this year’s 17th edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup which bowls off today, are highly favoured to retain championship honours when the annual tournament climaxes on Sunday.

In last year’s inaugural entry into the Legends category, Regal Legends played unbeaten throughout the tournament, culminating with a crushing victory over Williamsburg Legends in the final, played at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York. Since then, they have also added the Prime Minster’s Cup (Guyana) and the Florida Cup to their collection.

Asked to tale first strike by

FLASHBACK: Regal Legends skipper Mahendra Hardyal receives the winning trophy from NYSCL president Eric Ferrier

Williamsburg in last year’s final, Regal Legends raced to 237 for four from their 20 overs with opener Unis Yusuf blasting a top

score of 94, falling six shy of a well-deserved century.

The pugnacious knock from the Herstelling, East Bank De-

merara resident was laced with seven sixes and five fours as he finished the tournament with 215 runs from four innings.

Hard-hitting left-hander Eric Thomas also cashed in with an undefeated 72.

In reply, Williamsburg Legends laboured to 95 for eight from their 20 overs, handing Regal Legends a huge 142-run victory. Bowling for the new champions, left-arm spinner, Laurie Singh claimed two for 14 and captain, Mahendra Hardyal two for 20.

Williamsburg were the third opponent of Regal Legends who failed to get past the 100-run mark. Rockaway Legends folded for 30 chasing 254 and Marine Masters limped to 80, batting first. Only semi-finalists, NYSCL Legends, with 105 chasing

201 to win, reached triple figures against the clinical Regal bowling attack.

Player-of-the-final Yusuf, who also scored the most runs in the tournament, was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the Legends category.

Regal Legends have been further boosted this time around by the presence of veteran softball player Wayne Jones, whose all-round prowess is well known around softball circles in and out of Guyana. Jones was skippering Mike’s Wellman during this year’s Florida Cup when tragedy struck and unfortunately their owner Lakhram ‘Mike’ Singh passed away on the first day of the three-day tournament.

The defending champions in the Open All Stars category are Kingsmen All Stars while

Cricket Doctors (New Yorkbased) were the Masters Over-40 winners in 2021.

The draw for the tournament, which also features the Open All Stars and Masters Over-40 categories, took place last night at Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, Rockaway, Boulevard, Queens, where all the participating teams received their packages containing the competition rules and other correspondence.

NYSCL president Eric Ferrier wished all participating teams good luck and “for coming into this exciting flamboyant and coloirful city, and welcome in advance to our 17th edition of this so friendly and competitive tournament.”

(Frederick Halley)

Jos Buttler replaces Morgan as England’s white-ball captain (REUTERS) - Jos Buttler has been appointed England’s new limited-overs captain following the retirement of Eoin Morgan, the country’s cricket board (ECB) said yesterday.

The 31-year-old, who had been Morgan’s deputy since 2015, has played 151 one-day internationals and 88 Twenty20s for England after making his international debut in 2011.

Morgan retired from international cricket on Tuesday after battling form and fitness issues in recent months.

“Jos has been part of our white-ball set-up for over a decade and was integral in the transformation of the way the team has played its attacking brand of cricket,” said Rob Key, managing director of the England men’s team. “I believe the extra responsibility will take his game to a new level and inspire those around him.”

Among the mostfeared big hitters in the limited-overs game, But-

Jos Buttler averages 41.20 in ODIs and 34.51 in T20s

tler has been in devastating form, smashing 248 runs in two innings in the recent 3-0 ODI series rout of the Netherlands. He also finished as top scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 competition, notching up 863 runs, including four centuries, for the Rajasthan Royals as the franchise made the final.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Eoin Morgan for his outstanding leadership over the past seven years. It has been the most memorable period for everyone involved,” Buttler said in a statement.

The wicketkeeper-batter has a big void to fill as he sets out to build on

Morgan’s impressive legacy. His predecessor led the team to the 50-over World Cup title in 2019 and turned them into a white-ball powerhouse, ending as England’s most successful ODI captain.

“He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been fantastic to play under him. There are lots of things that I have learnt from him that I’ll take into this role,” added Buttler.

Buttler’s first assignment as skipper will be a three-match T20 series against India starting July 7. His first big test will come in the form of the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

England, South Africa draw Taunton Test on rain-hit final day

CSA appoints Enoch Nkwe as Director of Cricket CRICKET South Africa (CSA) has appointed Enoch Nkwe as the Director of Cricket, the board announced yesterday.

veld Lions winning both the CSA T20 Challenge and the first-class competition in his first season in charge. Nkwe, an

Enoch Nkwe, CSA Director of Cricket

Sune Luus (left) and Heather Knight pose with the trophy after the drawn Test. The two teams collected two points each (Getty Images)

ENGLAND’S hopes of a win were dashed in equal parts by weather and the resistance shown by first-innings centurion Marizanne Kapp and night-watcher Tumi Sekhukhune as South Africa drew the Test on a rain-curtailed final day at Taunton yesterday.

The visitors had added only nine runs to their overnight score of 55-3 when Kate Cross struck early to strengthen England’s position in the match. South Africa were in a spot of bother on the penultimate

evening - reduced to 45-3 after England declared their first innings on 417-8 with a lead of 133 runs. Sune Luus’ departure inside ten overs, as Cross trapped her lbw, re-ignited England’s hopes amidst gloomy weather.

However, Sekhukhune dug in and played 134 balls for her unbeaten 33 as South Africa put up a stiff fight.

Together with Lizelle Lee, she added 54 runs for the fifth-wicket stand. Lee, however, did the bulk of the scoring in that alliance, making 36 off 51 balls before Sophie Ecclestone sent her packing.

That brought Kapp to the crease. She continued from where she left off in the first innings and followed up her 150 with an unbeaten 43 that came at a rather brisk pace.

Kapp struck eight boundaries in her 58-ball knock but persistent rain cut into the day’s play.

The final spell of rain, that forced an early tea break, proved fatal enough to the prospects of any meaningful resumption and the two captains shook hands.

England and South Africa, therefore, collected two points each to begin the

multi-format series on equal footing.

The one-off Test, South Africa’s first in over seven years, will be followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs. Brief scores: South Africa 284 (Marizanne Kapp 150; Kate Cross 4-63) & 181/5 (Marizanne Kapp 43*, Tumi Sekhukhune 33*; Issy Wong 2-46, Kate Cross 2-56) drew with England 417/8 decl. (Nat Sciver 169*, Alice Davidson-Richards 107; Anne Bosch 3-77, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-74) . (Cricbuzz)

Channel Seven files suit to end TV rights deal with CA

CRICKET Australia (CA), yesterday, stated that it was astonished to find out that Channel Seven had commenced legal proceedings against the body.

Channel 7, the holder of the broadcast rights for cricket in Australia, has launched action in the Federal Court seeking to end its TV rights deal with CA. It is only a continuation of a long-standing dispute between the network and the cricket board.

The Daily Telegraph

reported that the network has filed court proceedings against CA, citing ‘repeated breaches of its six-year media rights contract’.

“Cricket Australia (CA) is aware of reports that our broadcast partner, the Seven Network, has commenced legal proceedings against CA in relation to recent COVID-impacted cricket seasons,” CA said in a statement.

“CA delivered two very successful cricket seasons

in 2020-21 and 2021-22, including every WBBL and BBL game (a total of 240 games over two seasons) and highly acclaimed international schedules, despite the enormous challenges presented by the global pandemic.

“In the circumstances, CA is astonished that Seven has brought this unwarranted action which will be strenuously defended.”

According to Roar, CA had offered Channel 7 only a A$15M discount - split

over four years - when the network had requested for a A$70M discount on its A$82M annual deal at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a full BBL competition and Test series against India.

However, an independent arbitrator later found out that the network was eligible for only A$5M discount, which later rose to A$8.3M following the cancellation of the Afghanistan series. (Cricbuzz)

Nkwe replaces Greame Smith, whose three-year term came to an abrupt end in March earlier this year following racism allegations which he was later cleared of. Nkwe had previously been named the interim Team Director in 2019 before Smith took charge, relegating him to the assistant head coach role of the national side.

Nkwe, whose professional career with the Lions and Gauteng ended following an injury, had played 42 first-class games, 38 List A games and has nine T20 caps. In 2016, Nkwe joined the Netherlands team as the assistant coach.

In 2018, he took over as head coach of High-

A Level IV coach, also led Jozi Stars to the inaugural Mzansi Super League title in 2018 as head coach and later in the year was the assistant coach of Vancouver Knights in the Global T20 Canada where the team finished runners-up.

Besides Nkwe, CSA have also announced three more appointments to the board who will form a part of the organisation’s executive team.

Mtunzi Jonas takes over as the Chief Commercial Officer, Tjaart van der Walt has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer while Wanele Mngomezulu comes on board as the Chief Marketing Officer. (Cricbuzz)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday July 01, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Kyle Mayers-146 (Second Test, St. Lucia) (2) Nurul Hasan-64 (First Test, Antigua) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI claimed most wickets in the recent Test series versus Bangladesh?

(2) Who took most wickets for Bangladesh?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Stokes says hosts will maintain aggressive approach against India … Jasprit Bumrah to captain India in place of Rohit Sharma

ENGLAND will try to “operate in the same way” as they have this summer in the rearranged fifth Test against India, says captain Ben Stokes.

The series was postponed last September because of a COVID-19 outbreak in the India party, with England trailing 2-1.

It was part of a run that saw England win one Test in 17, but they go into the match, which starts today at Edgbaston, having beaten New Zealand 3-0 under Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

“It is a bit strange,” said Stokes.

“It is different opposition but I made it very clear after the New Zealand series how we’re going to do things and we’re going to go out there and try to operate in the same way.”

England have taken an aggressive approach under Stokes and McCullum, completing chases of 277, 299 and 296 with relative ease to clean sweep world Test champions New Zealand.

Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, Stokes added: “I know the bigger picture of it - trying to draw a series but every game for me, so early on in my captaincy and trying to rebuild this team, is bigger than results.

“It is bigger than that - it is about Test cricket.”

England have made two changes from the seven-wicket win over New Zealand at Headingley, with pace bowler James Anderson replacing Jamie Overton and wicketkeeper Sam Billings - who was a COVID replacement for Ben Foakes during the third Test - keeping the gloves.

Pacer Jasprit Bumrah will captain India in a Test for the first time

Foakes, who was also not able to keep on day three because of a back injury, has not recovered as well as England would have liked.

“Foakes doesn’t feel like

he could give the best account of himself this week,” said Stokes.

“We took the decision out of his hands and said, ‘Get yourself better’.”

Jonny Bairstow, who hit two fine centuries in the New Zealand series, took the gloves when Foakes was off on day three but Stokes said England want him to just “concentrate on batting”.

“Jonny is in the form of his life - he’s our best middle-order batter at the moment,” he added.

The team is set to feature seven changes from the fourth Test of the original series against India, which the tourists won by 157 runs at The Oval.

India are yet to announce their team, but have confirmed that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will captain in place of opener Rohit Sharma, who tested positive for COVID last week.

“It is a massive achievement - I told my family and they are very proud of me,” said Bumrah. “I am very

happy that this day has come.

“Nothing changes for me.

I am just looking forward to helping the team and trying to understand how the game is heading and to try and contribute to the best of my ability.

“I’m always up for more responsibility. I love tough challenges and this is no different. You want to challenge yourself in deep water.”

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will be India’s vice-captain for the match.

Opener KL Rahul will miss the Test after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (capt.), Sam Billings (wkp.), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

Nadal survives Berankis battle to overtake Navratilova on slam list

RAFAEL Nadal fended off a second early test of his Wimbledon mettle as he took four sets to see off Ricardas Berankis on Thursday.

Just as in his opener against Francisco Cerundolo, Nadal dropped the third set of this match, but he regrouped, as he had two days earlier, to finish it in four.

A 6-4 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory for the 36-year-old will do the job for round two, but it was laboured at times on Centre Court from Nadal, a day after title favourite Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass against Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Australian Open and French Open champion Nadal sealed it with an ace, his 16th consecutive win in a grand slam match, and the

lack of polish at this early stage can be forgiven, given his lack of preparation on grass as he underwent treatment on his troublesome foot.

World number 106 Berankis forced breaks to lead early in the second and third sets, and although the Lithuanian was pegged back quickly enough by Nadal on the first occasion, he held his nerve to take the third set.

A rain delay came when Nadal was 3-0 clear in the fourth set, and that was only an inconvenience, Nadal wasting little time in finishing the job.

With Matteo Berrettini and Roberto Bautista Agut both pulling out of Nadal’s half of the draw due to COVID-19, and Denis Shapovalov losing on Thurs-

day to Brandon Nakashima after reaching the semi-finals last year, it is hard to see who might deny the Spanish twotime champion a place in the final, unless Nick Kyrgios or Stefanos Tsitsipas fancy the

Rafael Nadal

task. Italian Lorenzo Sonego will be the next to try.

Nadal said: “Every day is a challenge. That’s the truth.

I didn’t play much on grass in the last three years. I need to improve, but I think the

fourth set was much better.

I think it was a good level of tennis in that set and the serve worked much better at the end of the match and I was able to play more aggressive, while at the begin-

ning there were too many mistakes.

“It’s important for me to accept things are not perfect and just keep working, be humble and accept the challenge.”

Data slam: Going past Martina Nadal took his total of singles grand slam wins to 307 with this victory, taking him one ahead of Martina Navratilova, the nine-time Wimbledon champion.

He moves up to fourth place on the all-time list for singles wins in the majors, behind only Roger Federer, who leads the way, Serena Williams and Djokovic.

Nadal of course leads the men’s slam race with an unmatched 22 slams.

(Yahoo Sport)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

Chief selector recommends CWI seek help from former greats to prepare squad for T20 World Cup GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Chief selector, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, has recommended to Cricket West Indies (CWI) that top former players be recruited to help the regional side prepare for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. The legendary opener who took over as CWI chief selector in January, said West Indies must put the expertise and experience of recently retired stars, including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, and Darren Sammy to use.

“I believe that we should not go back into the situation like what is happening in today’s cricket, where West Indies sometimes struggle to include the past greats.

“I made a suggestion where I feel that people like Pollard, people like Gayle, people like Bravo, and people like Sammy should be included in our preparation for the T20 World Cup going forward because it is important. These guys have been there and done it and all you have to do is just seek knowledge, pick the brains; nothing wrong in that.

I don’t think it’s gonna cost you a great deal of money either,” Haynes said, as he disclosed he had made the recommendation to CWI president Ricky Skerritt.

Haynes, who was speaking here during the second Test against Bangladesh, said he had also had discussions with white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran on identifying

Chief selector the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes

what roles players can have in the squad for the October 16 to November 13, 2022 World Cup in Australia.

“What I was saying to him is: I think it’s important for us to know now, who are the ones who gonna bowl in the first part of the game.

who’s gonna bowl in the middle overs and also the batting as well … who’s going to play that role? Who’s gonna be the six-hitter for you! All of these things I think we should be thinking very seriously of doing now that we’re preparing for the T20 World

Cup,” he added.

Before that one-month competition, West Indies will face Bangladesh in a threematch T20I series starting on tomorrow, followed by three ODIs that will be played July 10-16; a similar ODI series against India later in the month, along with five T20Is against the same opponent in early August; and a threematch T20I series and threematch ODI series against New Zealand right after that.

Haynes said selectors will be watching those matches to find “the people who can play the roles that we want them to play” in preparation for the World Cup. “I think upfront, opening the batting in the T20 games, I feel that we need people who could bat but also be

positive as well up there, giving us a good start. Batting in the middle, going to Australia it might be a situation where there might not be a lot of spin but you still want players in the middle there who can move around, manipulate the ball a little bit, get the singles, and also look to play shots in the middle,” he said.

“Over the years, the West Indies have been known for six-hitters, but it’s good to have people in the back that can get boundaries. I think those little things in the batting are what we’re looking for, and also the bowling … and who’s gonna be our wicket-takers. All these little things are what I’m looking for in the next couple of series,” Haynes added.

to the national team at the U15, U17 and U19 levels.

Foster spoke on the importance of the girls understanding their role as ambassadors of the Berbice brand. He urged the players to follow the basics and to remember what they would have learned from their cricket coaches during the numerous coaching sessions which were organised by the BCB. Apart from the local coaches, Berbice junior female players were involved with coaches like Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Jimmy Adams, Dr Desmond Haynes, Roland Butcher, Courtney Walsh, Nolan McKenzie, Clyde Butts, Reon King and Sheik Mohamed.

West Indies cricketing legend, Courtney Walsh, congratulated the players on their national selections and urged them to perform

to their best. He also spoke on the importance of being disciplined, focused and dedicated.

The former world record-holder told the players he would be following their performance with keen interest as they are the future of West Indies cricket. Captain of the team, Ashmini Munisar, expressed thanks to BCB and Dr Singh for their support and committed the players to making the Ancient County very proud.

Apart from Munisar, the other players are Trisha Hardat, Priya Mahadeo, Leah Kamalall, Jamie Campbell, Niveena Ramnauth, Crystal Durant, Darshanie Subrammie and Realeanne Grimmond. Dr Puran Singh is a Berbician medical doctor who now resides in Barbados. He has been a major sponsor of Berbice cricket since 2019.

BCB presents financial stipends to Under-19 female players

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently presented a number of its players with financial aid ahead of the upcoming West Indies Under-19 female tournament.

“We at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are very proud of each one of you. Our decision to invest heavily into female cricket is one of our best ever and each one of you is proof that it was a wise one.

Go out and make sure that you represent the legacy of Kanhai, Butcher and Kallicharran with pride, passion and dedication.”

“You are following in the footsteps of Shemaine Campbelle, who without doubt is the best female cricketer Guyana has ever produced. Do not disappoint her,” said BCB president Hilbert Foster, at a special ceremony last Friday at the St Francis Community

The nine players pose with Courtney Walsh after receiving their stipends

Developers Centre.

BCB handed over financial stipends worth $10 000 to each of the nine U19 players who gained selection to the national team.

The nine players would

shortly leave Guyana to participate in the Cricket West Indies Under-19 female tournament in Trinidad.

The financial stipend, totalling $90 000, was

handed out under the BCB/ Dr Puran Singh Financial Incentive Scheme.

Under this scheme, BCB would provide $10 000 (US$50) to every Berbice player who gains selection

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, July 1, 2022

CORRUPTION PROBE …

US says FIFA to get another US$92M in compensation

WA S H I N G T O N / N E W YORK - FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, will receive another US$92M in compensation for losses sustained in global soccer corruption schemes, the US Justice Department said yesterday.

In August last year, the department had said

FIFA was going to receive US$201M in compensation for the losses. The money was seized from the bank accounts of former officials who were involved in the schemes and then prosecuted following a probe into years of corruption in world soccer.

“This distribution of approximately US$92M as

compensation for losses suffered highlights the importance of asset forfeiture as a critical tool in this endeavour,” the Justice Department said in a statement yesterday.

FIFA’s continental confederations CONCACAF, which governs the sport in North and Central America, and CONMEBOL, which

oversees South America, were named among the victims in the Justice Department’s statement.

Since the department unveiled the corruption probe in 2015, more than 50 individual and corporate defendants from more than 20 different countries have faced charges, according to the DOJ, largely

regarding bribes and kickbacks related to media and marketing rights.

“There was an extraordinary amount of money flowing between corrupt officials and businesses in this massive scheme,” Michael J Driscoll, assistant director in charge at the FBI’s New York Field Office, said in a

statement.

“It is gratifying to know assets seized from the criminals involved will be distributed to groups in need of the money - one specifically focused on educating and safeguarding football for women and girls.” (Reuters)

GFF hails successful Bangladesh win a visit to Guyana by confidence-booster Barcelona player ahead of Australia Tests - Simmons

Martin Braithwaite addressing members of the senior men’s national team

Barcelona and Denmark forward, Martin Braithwaite, left, signs on a Barcelona shirt

THE successful visit of Barcelona and Denmark forward Martin

Braithwaite to Guyana last week will inspire a new generation of girls

and boys to follow their dreams through football, according to Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde.

The historic visit of Braithwaite, whose father is Guyanese, was the first time a Barcelona player had visited Guyana, through support from the Danish Football Association (DBU), UEFA Assist, and CONCACAF – underlining the progress the current Forde administraContinued on page 22

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons believes the Test series victory against Bangladesh, which extended the Caribbean men’s recent winning streak, will boost their confidence as they prepare to face a tough Australia side later in the year.

Speaking after the 2-0 series win here, which followed their victory in the England series in March this year, Simmons was full of praise for the entire team.

The West Indies’ next Test assignment will be a two-match series in Australia, starting November 30, and the coach said the recent wins should give them a boost.

“It should give us confidence and we’ve got time to prepare to go to Australia. Australia is always a difficult series, no matter what team you’re going down there with, so we have to make sure we prepare well and continue our winning,” he said.

Kyle Mayers was named man-of-the series against Bangladesh

Asked about the highlights of the Bangladesh Tests, Simmons gave the fast bowlers kudos.

“I don’t think the first wicket (in Antigua) was conducive to fast bowling, but we still sauntered on and at the end of the day we got them out for low scores, and in this Test match, to bowl them out on the first day in what was a slow wicket, by comparison to wickets we get here,

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I think the fast bowlers have to get a lot of credit throughout the series,” he said.

Simmons said fast bowler Anderson Phillip had also given a good account of himself on his debut in the Test here, although there were some nerves.

“I think he had a good debut – two wickets earlier on – but (he had) a little bit of cramp. I think that comes with all the nervousness that goes into your first Test match. If you’re not nervous something is wrong and I think he was nervous, and it didn’t help him. But I think he bowled well when given the ball … so I think he had a very good debut,” he said.

Another fast bowler who came in for special mention was Kyle Mayers who he said “brings in the wicket-taking factor” and will become “a force to be reckoned with”.

FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022