Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-09-2021

WEDNESDAY 1st September, 2021

No.106471

Health Minister: COVID-19 vaccinations 04 crucial, as Guyana experiences ‘Delta surge’ PAGE

Greater protection of Amerindian rights, resources guaranteed -- as President Ali promises updated Amerindian Act

President Ali leads impromptu inspection of housing, road projects

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During his visit to several project sites, President Dr. Irfaan Ali examined the various blueprints for the projects to ensure that they conform with the works being executed on the ground (Office of the President photos)

Over $1B in flood-relief grants disbursed so far PAGE

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Former General 10 Manager of Guyana National Printers Ltd. dies in fire PAGE

‘Ubudi’ 08 Eco-Lodge commissioned at Moraikobai PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Greater protection of Amerindian rights, resources guaranteed _ as President Ali promises updated Amerindian Act

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has recommitted his government’s intention to update the Amerindian Act, which, he said, will become the “principal legal” instrument for the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights, including guarantees of their entitlement to their lands and rights over those lands.

“The updated Act will entrench provisions that will promote greater Amerindian inclusion in decision-making and greater integration in national development. It will outline an enhanced role for Amerindians in the management of their communities and control over their resources, including measures aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development,” Dr. Ali said in his message to mark the commencement of Amerindian Heritage Month.

He noted that in keeping with promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), the government has started to adopt measures to improve access to the delivery of education, health services, housing, and infrastructure within Amerindian communities.

“Through the injection of resources into the Amerindian Development Fund, we are also stimulating econom-

ic projects in Amerindian villages, thereby generating jobs and providing incomes,” President Ali noted.

The Head of State said that his administration is wholeheartedly committed to improving the lives of all Amerindians over the next five years and beyond.

“We will build on our past record of promoting and supporting Amerindian rights and development,” Dr. Ali posited.

He said that since assuming office a little over a year ago, much effort has been placed on alleviating the challenges faced by Amerindians.

“Transportation and connectivity are being enhanced.

We have been providing resources for improving roads, bridges and airfields in the hinterland. We have also removed VAT [Value Added Tax] on the cost of hinterland travel to make such travel more affordable.

“Access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) is also being increased across our indigenous communities through the creation of hubs for learning, work and leisure,” President Ali related.

He said that a significant bulk of the investments have gone into ensuring the en-

hancement of the education system within the hinterland regions.

“Schools are being built and renovated. ICT will become a driver of improved hinterland education, and more hinterland students will benefit from scholarships,” Dr. Ali said.

He also pointed to the resuscitation of the Community Support Officers scheme, which will secure the employment of dozens of Amerindians. The Head of State promised also that Amerindians will benefit from continued investments in relation to improved hinterland electricity, through an expanded renewable energy programme for indigenous villages.

Added to the programmes that have been specifically designed to cater to the needs of Amerindian peoples, President Ali reminded that all Guyanese, regardless of their ethnic background, have also benefitted from a number of direct initiatives, including the government’s $25,000 household grant and the $19,000 education/school cash grant.

Dr. Ali said that the dedication of the month of September to Guyana’s indigenous peoples is in accordance with the well-deserved

recognition and honour which is due to them and their contributions to Guyana’s development, which include an iconic culture that remains an integral part of the country’s rich multicultural tapestry.

“We will continue to preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Guyana’s Amerindian peoples, including their languages, religious and other beliefs, values, traditions, food, art, craft, symbols, music and dances.

Indigenous culture will be treasured, safeguarded from erasure or debasement,” President Ali posited.

He said that despite the challenges posed by floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, Amerindians can be assured that their future is secure.

“They can look forward to ever-improving standards of living and greater opportunities because of the support and recognition which my government is paying to Amerindian rights and development,” Dr. Ali said.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

COVID-19 vaccinations crucial, as Guyana experiences ‘Delta surge’ _ Health Minister says

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that getting the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines is crucial, since Guyana is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations and deaths.

“The numbers are climbing, we are seeing more people getting infected and it is also very worrying because if we don’t manage this carefully, our hospitals can easily be overwhelmed,” the minister lamented during his daily COVID-19 update, on Tuesday.

Importantly, he said that 111 people, who have been infected with COVID-19, are hospitalised after experiencing the more

severe symptoms of the disease. Of that number, 80 patients are receiving care in the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Georgetown.

He also lamented that 33 patients are receiving care in the hospital’s COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); this unit usually treats those patients that are severely ill and who may have difficulties breathing on their own.

Beyond those hospitalised patients, the Ministry of Health reported, on Tuesday afternoon, that nine persons died between August 29 and 31. This means that the total number of deaths recorded since March 2020 has increased to 622.

A 91-year-old woman

and a 58-year-old man, who were both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), died on August 29. An 82-year-old man and an 88-year-old man, both from Region Four, as well as a 42-year-old man from Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) died on August 30.

And finally, a 71-yearold woman and a 73-yearold man, who were both from Region Four, in addition to a 66-yearold woman from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and a 56-year-old man from Region Two, died on August 31.

Additionally, 145 new infections were recorded over the past 24 hours, taking the overall number of confirmed cases to 25,548. But, 23,018 patients have recovered from the virus.

The new cases were reported in the following regions; Region One (three cases), Region Two (nine cases), Region Three (20 cases), Region Four (90 cases), Region

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Five (six cases), Region Six (13 cases), Region Seven (two cases), Region Nine (one case) and Region 10 (one case).

“I really want people to understand that we are in a Delta surge and we are going to see more cases, and, unfortunately, more hospitalisations and more deaths,” Dr. Anthony related, adding: “We can prevent these things from happening by our actions and if we take precautions, we can be safer.”

Guyana has been unable to definitively confirm the presence of any variant due to a lack of scientific testing, but previously, the Health Minister explained that the local health authorities are assuming the presence of different variants due to the clinical data they have gathered.

Importantly, as he has stated before, the Health Minister said that if individuals are vaccinated, they will be protected from the more severe and life-threatening symptoms of COVID-19.

To date, 313,469 persons in Guyana have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 161, 022 persons are fully vaccinated. Also, 2,176 children received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

HOSPITAL CAPACITY

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony lamented that if this trend of increasing COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations and deaths continues, the government may have to consider increasing its hospitalisation capacity and, possibly, shuttering some services at hospitals.

Already, he related that consideration has been given to adding an additional 50 beds to the Liliendaal hospital. Currently, the hospital can accommodate 40 ICU patients and 200 persons, generally.

“We might have, if it becomes necessary, to close some of the services at other hospitals and convert those hospitals for solely COVID patients,” Dr. Anthony related.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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Haiti former first lady calls for help in unraveling husband’s murder

(Reuters) - THE widow of Haiti’s slain President, Jovenel Moise, called on the international community to help track down those responsible for gunning down her husband in a late night raid by suspected mercenaries at the couple’s home in July.

Moise’s as s as s ination plunged the Caribbean nation, already plagued by hunger and gang violence, further into chaos, and triggered a hunt for the masterminds across the Americas.

Wearing a black dress and sling following the injuries she suffered during the attack, Martine Moise told Reuters in a room flanked by bodyguards on Monday that while Haitian authorities had made some advances, she feared progress had slowed.

“I feel that the process is... stalling a little,” she said. “The people that did this are still out there, and I don’t know if their name will ever be out. Every country that can help, please help.”

Nearly two months after the July 7 assassination of her husband, key aspects of the murder remain shrouded in mystery.

Haitian police have arrested more than three dozen suspects, including 18 Colombian mercenaries, an obscure Haitian-American doctor they say aspired to be president, and the head of Moise’s security team. But they have made public little in the way of evidence.

“Those people (they have arrested) did it, but someone gave the orders, someone gave the money,” Moise told Reuters.

She said she had spoken twice with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and felt they could “find the people that financed that odious crime.”

As security worries have dogged the investigation in Haiti, one judge investigating the case stepped down, citing con-

cerns for his safety.

First lady Moise said Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who is also now dealing with the aftermath of an August earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people, must call for elections as soon as possible to ensure stability.

“I think the advice that my husband would give him (is) try to have an election.

With the election you can have peace, you can think long term,” she said.

Elections initially slated for September have been postponed until November, and some have speculated they could be delayed further following the quake.

“If they want elections to happen, (they) will,” said Moise.

Moise confirmed previous comments she had made in interviews on her interest in running for president herself but said that she would take care of her family first.

“I want to run for president. I won’t let the vision of the president die with him. With the earthquake too, there’s a lot to be done in Haiti,” she said.

HAITI RUMOR MILL Amid the ongoing investigation and arrests, conspiracy theories about the murder in Haiti have swirled for weeks.

Friends of the murdered president have told Reuters he feared for his life immediately before he was killed.

His wife, on Monday, said he had not talked to her of a specific plot against him.

“If he knew he would talk about it... but he never did,” she said. “Because having Colombians, having soldiers here in Haiti, they are here for something.”

She denied social media rumors that Moise had squirreled away millions in cash in his official residence in the upscale suburb of Petion-Ville.

“It is a president. There is some money. But the amount of $48 million that I heard in social media, that

can’t be true. Where in the room (can you stick) $48 million?”

Haiti’s President, Jovenel Moise; First lady Martine and Prime Minister, Jean Henry Ceant, pose for a picture with members of the government in the gardens of the National Palace during the inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 17, 2018 (REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Young Professionals

NO country can advance without a strong cadre of young professionals. The term ‘young professionals’ refers to individuals in their twenties and thirties who would have successfully completed a period of advanced training in academia or in a technical/ vocational area. These are, in the main, white collar employees who are usually in demand because of the unique skills and competencies they possess.

A major challenge faced by most countries, especially those in the developing world, is how to keep their professionals at home. We have had over the decades more than our fair share of ‘brain drain’, especially with respect to teachers and nurses. There was a time when our trained teachers were lured to offer their

services in other Caribbean countries upon completion of their contractual obligations.

Because of the wide disparity in income levels, many of them opted to pay off their contacts. The ‘greener grass’ syndrome had a debilitating effect especially during the late 1970s and lasted right up to the early 1990s. The then PNC regime was unable to stem the flow of professionals out of the country due to starvation wages, nepotism and political and racial discrimination.

Thankfully, the exodus of teachers and other professionals slowed down significantly with the assumption to office of the PPP/C on October 5, 1992. One of the first steps taken by the new administration was to increase the emoluments of our professionals and public servants as a whole. One

consequence of such salary increases was a marked decline in attrition rates in the teaching and nursing professions.

This is not to suggest that the ‘brain drain’ has been completely sealed.

We continue to lose our professionals in critical areas of development such as nursing and engineering, even though the extent of the losses are not as pronounced today as was the case under the Burnham era.

We have to find ways to keep our professionals in Guyana even as the ‘pull’ factor remains high. This is all the more imperative given the emergence of the new oil and gas sector.

This requires a new skills set which is not readily and easily available. We have to find ways not only to attract such skills but even more

importantly, to keep them.

One such incentive is the housing programme for young professionals initiated by the PPP/C administration. According to Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, a total of 300 homes will be constructed for young professionals at Plantation Little/Great Diamond, Plantation Prospect and Plantation Providence on the East Bank of Demerara. This is in addition to the several homes already built by young professionals, thanks to highly subsidised house lots allocated to them by government.

And in keeping with a manifesto promise by the PPP/C to allocate 50,000 house lots during its term in office, the Ogle to Diamond road link and the adjoining communities are being considered for profession-

als and other low-income earners. This is according to President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who reaffirmed his government’s robust housing programme.

The fact is that housing was always high on the PPP/C Government’s development agenda and moreso for President Ali, who once held the housing portfolio. During that period, the housing drive was given a further boost to a point where Guyana was regarded as a model country in the Caribbean in terms of housing.

The housing programme for young professionals is not limited to Georgetown and its environs. Only recently, the construction of 40 young professionals’ homes commenced in Linden, Region 10. This is part of a much larger

housing programme in Amelia’s Ward, Linden where some 1,000 homes are earmarked for construction.

The PPP/C Government’s programme for young professionals and young people as a whole is nothing short of remarkable. And this despite the huge backlog in satisfying the needs of housing applicants it inherited from the previous APNU+AFC Coalition Government which saw a deceleration in the housing programme.

The challenge now is to correct the deficiencies of the past administration and to mobilise the required resources to fast-track the housing drive.

Indications so far are that the target set by the government is achievable.

The dream of a roof over the heads of Guyanese is gradually becoming a reality.

Guyanese observed Janamashtmi in America

Dear Editor

GUYANESE-AMERICAN Hindus observed Krishna Janmashtami or the birth of Lord Krishan on Sunday and Monday, August 29 and 30. Hindus fasted and made offerings (with puja) on Sunday morning and evening to commemorate the occasion. Jana-

mashtmi was observed on Monday, August 30 in the East; it is a public holiday is India. Puja was conducted at home and or at the Mandir Hindus of Guyanese in the USA. Some mandirs held service throughout the day and thru Sunday midnight as well as Monday morning. Oblations and offerings were made.

Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which generally falls in August. It is celebrated with great gaiety and splendor and with elaborate ceremonies including oblations, singing, offerings, and rocking of a hammock with a murthi of Lord Krishna.

Mandirs held congregational worshipping and kirtan singing.

Lord Krishna lived approximately 5,225 years ago, appearing on earth to live among Hindus. His life is recorded in the Bhagavad Gita and his name is associated with the famous Mahabharata War that saw the Pandavas and Kauravas,

two sets of families, engage in battle with each other. As well-known Hindu leader Dr. Satish Prakash points out, “a deep study of the Gita will lead thinkers to understand that this historical Mahabharata War points to another kind of battle, a psychological one, between forces of virtue and those of vice”. Lord Krishna advised

Arjuna to fight on the side of justice. Naturally, those supporting virtue won.

Worshippers congregated at various mandirs for puja with COVID-19 protocol observed.

women are represented in the home. These portrayals play into harmful stereotypes concerning things such as masculinity and power, and the place of women.

As a result, young boys continue to be raised with the idea that they can solve problems through violence and that housework is the realm of women, and as

such, not something that they can or should do. The skills of managing a home is valuable for any person regardless of gender, and aggression is not the best way to solve conflict but rather tends to cause even more interpersonal disagreements and harm.

It is also important for boys and men to be taught that involvement in the home does not begin and end with financial support, but also with the emotional support that they are

able to provide for their children and partners.

There needs to be a significant shift away from the way that men are portrayed in the media as it impacts the way that they operate in relationships, the home environment and other social spaces. In increasing positive representations of men in the media, particularly as it relates to their involvement in the home and their interpersonal relationships, there can be

progress in diluting some of the harmful notions that have been embraced by many males and which contributes to high levels of family violence within our society.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Need for men and boys to be re-socialised when it comes to the home Dear Editor,

AS much as families, community members and leaders play a significant role in a child’s development, mainstream media representation of the genders has a large impact on the ways in which they are socialised. Young people are very vulnerable to the messages they consume

through the media and unfortunately; media tends to promote harmful gender norms and stereotypes.

In examining media representations of men, often they are portrayed as utilising aggression and violence as a means to end conflict. They are also regularly portrayed as being associated with the public sphere of work while

Akola Thompson Blue Umbrella Consultant, ChildLinK To report or seek counseling, please call 914/2270979/227-2023/233-3500

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

President of Oil & Gas Chamber Honoured in NY

President of Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad, receives the citation from New York State Assemblywoman, Jenifer Rajkumar

THE President of Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad, was honoured at a ceremony in Woodhaven, Queens, on Monday, by the New York State Assembly for his contributions to entrepreneurialism and for promoting investment in Guyana as well as trade between his native homeland Guyana and the US. Prashad has had a remarkable record in public service and the private sector in Guyana. He held numerous positions in government and business. He served in various capacities in the business sector, hold-

ing chairmanship of several large corporations including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Guyana National Shipping Corporation, among others.

Currently, Prashad is the chairman of MP Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited, Consul General of the Philippines to Guyana, and Corporate Co-ordinator and Executive Member of the Private Sector Commission.

Manniram served five years as Minister of Trade, Investment, and Commerce.

He also served five years as Adviser to the President on business and related matters.

New York State Assemblywoman, Jenifer Rajkumar, an elected representative of Queens where tens of thousands of Guyanese are settled, presented Manniram with a Citation of Honour on behalf of the State Assembly.

In recognising the contributions of Prashad, Rajkumar said she feels “so honoured to meet Mr. Prashad and to recognise his service to the Guyanese people in America as well as in Guyana.”

She described Manniram as a distinguished citizen of Guyana, a superlative civil servant and entrepreneur.

In Honouring the Guyanese businessman, Jenifer Rajku-

mar noted: “Manniram Prashad has worked tirelessly to promote business in Guyana.

He has helped to advance the prosperity of Guyana. He has a distinguished career in the public and private sector. He is a model citizen of citizen.

He is a role model to be emulated. His work is extraordinary in working for the betterment of his country.”

In accepting the award, Prashad said he is humbled by this recognition. He also said that he accepted it on behalf of his business colleagues and the Guyanese nation. “I feel honoured and privileged to serve my country folks,” he said.

Constructive criticism seems very alien to the Coalition Dear Editor,

ORDINARY men with extraordinary aspirations vie for leadership posts due to a plethora of reasons but at the apex of it all, representation situates itself. Political representation requires that all and sundry assuming positions determined by an electoral process, ensure that their respective constituents are catered to and professionally so.

Being strategic, mature and focused are imperative characteristics of an elected official, but it appears that this memo was not distributed to a particular camp. A vast percentage of the Guyanese population continue to be shortchanged by not receiving the representation they casted their ballots for.

Instead, this representation has taken the form of these extraordinary politicians somehow finding not only the time but the gall, to mock The Head of State for his modesty which caused him to bare the same orange shirt on his back a few days in close succession. Clearly, being tone deaf knows no bounds. Further, a newly minted MP found it appropriate to claim the development of a recently

constructed police station ought not be celebrated by the current government given that it ‘belongs’ according to him, to the recently ousted predecessor.

The list of this version of representation, or more so the lack there of, can be further exhausted but I believe I speak for the entire population when I assert that better must come and quickly at that.

The current political opposition continues to put on display for the entire country that they are barely even qualified as a unit to oppose the current administration as they are busy doing just that quite destructively within their own ranks.

The Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Government displays daily that they are most equipped to pave a prosperous path that is representative of the collective dreams of Guyanese. The leadership on the other side of the assembly would do well to quickly regroup and embark on a vigorous civic engagement effort in order to represent as is required.

Any success they may salvage depends on it.

Yours sincerely, Kadeem Gordon Youth Activist

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

‘Ubudi’ Eco-Lodge commissioned at Moraikobai _ will boost the community’s eco-tourism potential

TOURISM in Moraikobai, the only Indigenous community in Region Five, was given a boost with the commissioning of a new eco-lodge that will cater for tourists, who wish to make overnight trips to the community.

The newly constructed eco-lodge was officially commissioned on Monday

by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who was accompanied by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller.

Minister Walrond, dur-

ing her feature address, said that tourism development is a priority of the government, as it has the potential of being one of the top income earners for the country.

“The eco-tourism product is about sustainability, the fact that it can last, because we want to make it last. We will never cut down the forest because that is what’s going to attract people to Guyana, we will never get rid of our flora or fauna because that’s what’s going to bring people here, so that’s why

eco-tourism is sustainable, so you are all a part of this,” Minister Walrond related.

She noted that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has a passion for Guyana’s rich biodiversity and tourism product.

“I see Moraikobai and I see that this is the vision that he [President Ali] has, that government has, that tourism is not just about a small lodge, that this is the beginning of big things for Guyana,” Minister Walrond said.

The minister noted that the establishment of the

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially commission the eco-lodge (DPI photo) eco-lodge is just the beginmany, many decades from will power the facility.

In brief remarks, High ning of greater things in now, coming to your lodgthe community. She said es, coming to experience Commissioner Miller said that the goal must be to this beautiful Moraikobai, that the commission has offer visitors accommodaand continue to do it in a been working with the tions that are on par with sustainable fashion and Government of Guyana other countries. continue to understand that for some time. She said In her view, visitors what you are selling here the government is keen on must have access to difis the nature, the pristine- creating more jobs and deferent tiers of experiences, ness,” Minister Walrond veloping tourism as part of be it rustic, mid-range or said. the economic development luxury experiences. To She urged the communi- strategy. widen the list of activities ty to look at how they deal “It’s such a beautiful here, the government will with waste and protecting country, people want to be advertising for Expresthe wildlife. visit places like this and so sions of Interest for eco“This is just the bewe are very keen to suplodges. ginning; the best is yet to “This is a developmencome. We will continue port the government and tal strategy that the govto work with you to make within the tourism sector, ernment has engaged on, sure that Moraikobai is eco-tourism is one of the that we have decided that one of the flagship tourism key things.

“There are some counour economy should not products, because this is be an oil and gas economy the only Amerindian com- tries we are really working alone, but it should also munity in Region Five, we hard to reduce their carbon be a diversified economy, are building out in all the footprint, but for Guyana, where tourism is going to other regions so you have it’s protecting these beautibe a way for you to feed that attention,” Minister ful forests, not just because they are beautiful, not just your families for generaWalrond said. tions to come.

The British High Com- because they are a tour“People are going to mission donated a photo- ist attraction, but because be coming to these lodges voltaic solar system that (Turn to page 12)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Over $1B in flood-relief grants disbursed so far _persons not listed but have genuine losses will be accommodated, says ‘Agri’ Minister Farmers of Black Bush Polder, Region Six, an area which suffered most of the agricultural losses due to the floods, assemble at the Yakusari Primary School to collect their cash grants

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, addressing the concerns of some farmers

By Rehana Ahamad THE Government of Guyana has already disbursed in excess of $1 billion in flood-relief cash grants across multiple communities in Regions Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and 10 (UpperDemerara-Berbice), according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.

“The programme started in Region Five, then we continued in Region 10. We went in Kwakwani, we went in the Berbice River, places like Hururu, Kimbia; we went into the Demerara River at Malali and Muritaro,” Minister Mustapha said in a brief

interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

He said that during his distribution outreaches, he encountered a number of persons who claimed to have suffered losses, but said that their names were not included on the list of cash recipients.

To this end, he said that efforts will be made to ensure that every household that has suffered losses as a result of the floods, benefit from the relief efforts which total $7.8 billion.

“There are a few queries which we are looking at, so if there was anybody who was not captured [in the list of cash recipients] and they

came to the distribution site and made a query, those queries would be verified by our extension officers,” the Agriculture Minister said.

He added: “as long as the claims are legitimate, they will benefit from the programme.”

Asked whether a new budget would have to be prepared in order to accommodate the additional beneficiaries, Minister Mustapha said that such a determination has not been reached.

“I can’t make that decision yet because we would have to verify and the extension officers will have to do assessments like what was done earlier, so I will look at

it,” he said.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that prior to the announcement of cash grants, many persons hadn’t thought it necessary to report their losses. As a result, many could not have had their claims verified in order to be included on the current list of recipients.

Notwithstanding this hiccup, Minister Mustapha maintained that all legitimate claims will be entertained, following the requisite verifications.

In reflecting on the programme, the Agriculture Minister expressed disappointment in the misinformation being peddled

by persons within the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

Mustapha went further to rubbish rumours that only a limited number of persons in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) have benefitted from the flood-relief grants.

“None of this is true. We haven’t even started [distribution] in Region Four, so how can anyone [be discriminated against] in Region Four?” Mustapha asked.

He referred to funds that are being distributed based on previous assessments which were not done by politicians, but by public servants under the employ of

the Ministry of Agriculture and its relevant agencies.

Minister Mustapha believes that the opposition’s criticisms were fuelled by discontentment for the assistance being provided by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government.

“When they were in government, they never helped the people of this country, and within one year, we were able to help in a number of areas,” the minister said.

He made specific reference to the $25,000 cash grants which was given to each household across Guyana; the $19,000 education cash grant which was pro(Turn to page 19)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Former General Manager of Guyana National Printers Ltd dies in fire The Lot 73 John Street property after being destroy by fire (Delano Williams photo)

WELL KNOWN photographer and former General Manager of the Guyana National Printers Limited, Angold Thompson, perished in an early morning fire that completely destroyed his Lot 73 John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, home

on Tuesday.

A national awardee, 76-year-old Thompson was one of eight persons who resided at the property. The others, including two teenagers, are now homeless.

Reports are that the occupants of the home were alerted to the fire at around 02:00hrs, and they were all making their escape; however, while leaving with his wife, Thompson reportedly went back into the building and became trapped by the raging flames.

The family said they have no idea what could have motivated Thompson to return to the burning building.

“He bring out my mother, but then turn back for something and got trapped in the building.

We don’t know what he turned back for,” Thompson’s son, Kioja Thompson, shared.

Kioja lived at property with his wife in an annex at the back of the building, which was divided into three separate households.

The senior Thompson and his wife occupied an apartment in the upper flat of the building, while his daughter and her three children lived in an apartment downstairs. Kioja recalled that after an alarm was raised, he woke up to see a section of the lower flat smoking.

“I was sleeping when I heard somebody shouting fire! Fire! When I come around to the front,

I notice smoke coming out of the middle room, so I go around and pick up a bucket to get some water.

“While I’m getting water, my sister and her kids come outside, but my niece had gotten trapped in the back room, so we broke the window for her to get out and, at the same time, my parents were coming out, but my dad turned back,” the son recalled.

Though firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after, Kioja said that the fire had spread too fast for anything to be saved.

“By the time I had go around for the water, the whole room was red and after that the fire just [kept] spreading. They call the fire station and by time they come, the fire did done gone all over the house, because with the wind it blows fast,” he related.

Kioja said that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined; however, there are suspicions that it might have been electrical in nature.

“My nephew said when he woke up, he noticed fire on the wall to the ceiling. I don’t know if it was a wire or fan but it was something leading to the ceiling,” he said.

The family estimated their losses to be in the millions, and, according to Kioja, the family had recently done some renovations to the property.

“It’s a lot of stuff be(Turn to page 11)

Angold Thompson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Cost-cutting energy projects will attract more foreign investments WITH the excitement brought on by the string of petroleum discoveries offshore Guyana, the country is already a coveted investment destination.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali plans to make the environment even more attractive to foreign direct investors.

The government intends to add some 500 megawatts of new power, using the gasto-energy and Amaila Falls hydropower projects, and several small-scale renewable energy projects, before the end of its term.

The projects are intended to cut the cost of power by half and improve the reliability of the electricity supply to businesses and households.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said President Ali’s vision for the reduction of energy costs in Guyana is probably one of the most exciting projects that will be undertaken over the next few years.

“When I sit in this office and investors come in, some of them want to do largescale operations. We have had people come in and talk about a glass factory. You know, we have the best silica sand in this part of the region. You need cheaper energy to do that. So those

investors, knowing that cheaper energy will be available in Guyana… will start planning out those types of investments,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

Many products which Guyana buys now with foreign exchange, could be easily produced here, when the energy cost is lowered, he reasoned.

“From an economic standpoint, you can justify it. From a consumer standpoint, you can justify it. And from an investment standpoint, you can justify it.

“It changes our landscape. It changes our wealth. It’s creation of wealth for our population. That’s what the President wants,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

The Go-Invest Chief expressed concerns about persons who opposed the operationalisation of the large-scale energy projects the government intends to implement, since the current cost of energy could hinder investments.

Serving as Head of Go-Invest since last October, Dr. Ramsaroop has had a front row seat to the concerns of prospective foreign and local investors, and finds it critical for the government to operationalise projects that will cut the cost of power.

“If it’s costing me $1,000 to do a bottle of pepper sauce in Trinidad, and it’s costing me $2,000 to do a bottle of pepper sauce in Guyana,

Former General Manager...

(From page 10)

cause only January I borrowed $600,000 to do an extension and all my stuff inside of there; documents everything gone. I can only talk about my stuff, but my sister had her own investments in the house as well,” he added.

Thompson said that his family will be seeking refuge with relatives until they can figure out their next move.

Angold Thompson, also a celebrated artist, died just one month shy of his 77th birthday. He leaves to mourn his wife, five children and 15 grandchildren.

_Go-invest CEO says I can never compete,” he reasoned.

For this reason, the expansion of the energy mix will lend to the government’s wider strategy for Guyana’s development.

The government is continuously working to improve the ease of

doing business, showing investors that local markets are ready for their entry.

This would create thousands of jobs, in line with the PPP/C government’s manifesto promise of opening avenues for persons to provide for their families. (DPI)

Chief Executive Officer of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana sign security master plan

_as tripartite defence talks wrap up in Cayenne

From left: Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Brigadier General Régis Colcombet of France and Defence Minister of Suriname, Krishna Mathoera, sign a common security master plan

A high-level delegation from Guyana participated in the first edition of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue held from August 25-27, 2021, in Cayenne, French Guiana.

The Guyana delegation, led by Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, included Minister of Home

Affairs, Robeson Benn; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and National Security Adviser to the President, Captain Gerry Gouveia.

Other members of the team were Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, Colonel Omar Khan; Director of Customs AntiNarcotic Agency, James Singh; Staff Officer of the Guyana Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey; Aide to the Chief of Staff, Captain Rondell Douglas and Aide to the Prime Minister, Captain Godwin Cameron.

At the trilateral engagement, which also involved Suriname and France, the discussion centred on joint security threats and challenges facing the countries.

The dialogue also underscored the importance of shared respective understanding of the regional strategic defence and security environment and about how the countries can collaborate and structure their operational and technical co-operation in the fight against the security threats and other challenges facing the populations, terri-

tories, maritime space and interests.

Within the framework of the Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue on security and defence and to develop a common security masterplan, the countries agreed on exchanging views and working closely on technical and operational areas, including increased joint land and sea patrol missions.

It was also agreed that the countries would be striving for a global and co-ordinated approach against illicit trafficking and serious crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal gold mining, environmental crimes and irregular immigration with a focus on anticipation, threat assessment and prevention.

Further, there are plans to augment joint attention on the environment and climate change, including security and defence impact on climate change, and to help safeguard essential conditions for peace and sustainable development.

Suriname’s delegation was led by Defence Minister, Krishna Mathoera, and the French Delegation by Brigadier General Régis Colcombet. (DPI)

‘Ubudi’ Eco-Lodge...

(From page 8)

they are the lungs of the earth and we need to be protecting those forests. So, this project is one of those win wins, it’s bringing together tourism and jobs, it’s looking at how you protect your forests and how we actually save our environment at the same time,” she added.

Deputy Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh said the project is a collaborative effort among the Ministry Amerindian Affairs, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five, GTA, the British High Commission and Wilderness Explorers.

He noted that the commissioning of the ecolodge is a significant milestone for Moraikobai in tourism development, and the GTA will stand by the community to see that this development continues.

Toshao of the village, Derrick John, also said that the eco-lodge has long been a dream for the community, which is now realised.

He related that there will be additional phases that will see the expansion of the facility to cater for more visitors, riverside bar and beach area.

The visiting team was given a tourist experience, viewing the processing of cassava, sampling traditional beverages, among other activities. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

From barren land to world’s largest Man-made forest ...Saihanba and China’s ecological efforts

(CGTN) DECADES ago, no one would imagine that Saihanba, the once barren land located in north China’s Hebei Province, would turn into the world’s largest Manmade forest.

China did it.

hard work for new achievements.

Xi encourages elderlies to stay active in job market Facing a rapidly aging labour force in a continuously expanding economy, Xi encouraged more elderly

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, checks the growth of the trees, and learns about the promotion of the Saihanba spirit and the high-quality development of the Saihanba forest farm at a forest named after Wang Shanghai, a late official of the farm, in North China’s Hebei province, Aug 23, 2021. Xi made an inspection tour of the Saihanba forest farm on Aug 23. [Photo/Xinhua] Saihanba now sees a forest coverage of 80 per cent, which can conserve and purify 137 million cubic meters of water every year, an achievement hailed as “great” by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“It is a model in the world’s ecological civilization history,” he said during his recent two-day tour in Hebei.

During his trip, Xi learned about the management and protection of the forest farm, as well as Hebei’s coordinated efforts in conserving its mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes and grasslands, and desertification control.

The president stressed the importance of developing the “green economy” and furthering ecological progress, urging to carry on “Saihanba spirit”—a term attributed to generations of workers on the farm who have kept their mission in mind, worked hard and pursued green development.

Xi urged the workers at the Saihanba forest farm to gain a deeper understanding of ecological conservation, and continue their

folks to “stay active” in the job market when inspecting the Binhe community service centre.

Xi suggested those “younger seniors” participate in duties like community volunteering jobs.

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, there are currently 264 million people aged 60 and over, accounting for 18.7 per cent of the total population. The trend, many say, could potentially pose a threat to the world’s second largest economy.

The country has put it explicitly in its 14th FiveYear Plan (2021-2025) that it will raise the statutory retirement age “in a gradual, flexible and differentiated manner” to adapt to that “new normal”.

During his visit, Xi also stressed the need to achieve this year’s major goals for the country’s economic and social development.

He underlined the need to achieve a balance between COVID-19 prevention and control and economic and social development, and between development and security,

to promote high-quality development, and to strive to fulfill major social and economic targets and tasks for this year to ensure a good start of the 14th FiveYear Plan.

A new development philosophy in an all-round, faithful manner is need to put into practice, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said.

Xi calls for preservation and development of cultural heritage In the renowned

Chengde Mountain Resort – a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site—Xi learned about its history as well as the preservation efforts there.

The resort serves important historic meanings to communication between different ethnic minority groups, adaption of religion and the society, preservation and development of cultural heritage, as well as the peaceful coexistence between human and nature, Xi pointed out.

He also highlighted cultural confidence and the unity between multi-ethnic

groups.

The Chinese president then visited Puning Temple, a famous Buddhist temple near the resort, and the Chengde Museum.

Xi: From ‘rural revitalization’ to ‘industry revitalization’ China has always viewed rural vitalization as one of the keys to developing a modern economy, and President Xi took that a step further. He stressed the importance of “industry revitalization.”

Daguikou village— where Xi visited—now grows strawberries, grapes and cherries. Yet fruit was not their first choice.

The village had tried

rice, corn and vegetables.

But for all sorts of reasons like the lack of water, these products were underproduced. Therefore, villagers couldn’t make money off them. So they turned to growing fruits instead.

Now, growing strawberries has become the main business for the 1,700 residents, with each household making around $15,000 a year.

Xi called on villages to implement tailored methods and find out their distinctive resource in singling out their advantages, while also calling to strengthen rural infrastructure and public service system.

1.01 billion Chinese people are ‘netizens’, fueling China’s Online economy: Report

By Global Times

ABOUT 1.01 billion people, more than 70 per cent of Chinese mainland population, are Internet users, data from a newly released report revealed, which reflects China’s stunning development of the internet industries which have made a significant contribution to the country’s economic transition.

By the end of June, about 1.01 billion people on Chinese mainland were considered ‘netizens’, 21.75 million more compared with December 2020 and forming the largest and most active Online community around the world, according to a report published by the China Internet Network Information Center on Friday. On average, Chinese ‘netizens’ spend 26.9 hours each week surfing the Internet.

In particular, the number of rural ‘netizens’ reached 297 million in Chinese mainland by June, with 59.2 per cent Internet popularization rate, while 28 per cent of China’s ‘netizens’ are 50 years old or above.

China’s rapid increase of Internet users came amid the country’s de-

cases, while possessing the world’s largest number of 5G patent declarations.

Photo:VCG velopment of Online technology. According to the aforementioned report, China has opened 961,000 5G base stations

to date, covering all of China’s cities above prefectural levels. Besides, China has more than 9,000 5G application innovation

The number of Internet users in China surpassed 1 BILLION in June 2021. Editor: Yang Ruoyu/GT Graphic: Xu Zihe/GT

In terms of chip production, China also has formed complete, selfreliant industrial chain for chip packaging and testing. The country has begun trial production of 7nm chips, the report showed.

The rapid development of Online technologies, and the surge of China’s Online population have also fueled China’s Online economy, boosting many traditional economic sectors. For example, there are 812 million Chinese people who shop Online, 469 million people who order food by means of the Internet, 325 million people who use Online education, while 239 million people who resort to the Internet for healthcare services.

Chen Wenling, chief economist under the China Center for International Economic Exchanges said that China’s high-quality digital development has not only become an important power behind China’s dual-circulation development strategy, but is also a critical tool in addressing the world’s common challenges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

President Ali leads impromptu inspection ...of housing, road projects

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, inspecting some of the houses being built

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, spearheaded an impromptu inspection of some housing and road projects being executed in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara corridor.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the President, the Head of State was accompanied by a team of technical persons from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Dr. Ali made his first stop in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, where 400 elevated houses are being constructed.

The housing project has attracted the interest of some 8,000 Guyanese thus far. Approximately 200 of the houses are expected to be completed by the end of October, according to the statement.

During his inspection, President Ali was informed that 13 contractors, employing more than 1,500 skilled and semi-skilled persons, are carrying out the project.

“During the visit, the President inspected the homes and interacted with some of the contractors on the ground,” the Office of the President related.

Dr. Ali made his second stop of the afternoon at the road link that is currently being constructed from Mandela Avenue, Georgetown to Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

The President’s third stop was at Providence, East Bank Demerara, where a public-private partnership is facilitating the construction of 200 flat houses, with 80 expected to be completed by the end of this year. Added to that, 55 twostorey houses are also being constructed.

On his last stop, the President visited the road project linking Eccles and

Diamond, East Bank Demerara, where he inspected the work being done on both ends of the road. When completed, the road linking Mandela Avenue to Eccles and then to Diamond, is expected to significantly reduce travel time from the East Bank of Demerara to Georgetown, and vice versa.

The Eccles to Diamond road link is part of a phased project to create a bypass road from Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Diamond, East Bank Demerara. This aspect of the revolutionary project was pegged at $500 million, and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, had told the Guyana Chronicle that the four-kilometre road is being developed on new, virgin soil, and that ongoing work includes the construction of two heavy-duty culverts and two heavy-duty reinforced concrete bridges, and the installation of street lights along the road. The new road is expected to open up new lands for housing and other economic activity.

This first phase of the project is being executed by the Ministry of Housing and Water through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

“It was designed by the experienced staff of CH&PA,” Minister Croal had previously said.

It was reported in August 2020 that the government had retailored the Ogle to Diamond bypass road project to conform to the original loan being provided to the country by the Government of India.

Speaking with the government’s Department of Public Information, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat

Indar, had said that the new, four-lane project will first extend from Ogle to Haags Bosch, before being linked to Diamond. This move will save taxpayers approximately US$158 million.

“What was driving up that [project] cost was a number of connectors on the road,” Minister Indar cited.

Identifying the previously proposed connection at Mocha as a difficult area to execute works, the minister said the swamped terrain contributed to an astronomical increase in the total project cost.

“For you to do those swamps, the cost of the earth works pushed up the cost to $208 million. Remember, the Indian Government only had $50 million allocated to this project.

So, we had to redesign the project to bring it to the original design,” Minister Indar explained, adding that India has accepted the new design for the road works.

Before the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) demitted office in May 2015, former President, Donald Ramotar, had made an official visit to India, where he received the commitment of a US$50 million loan from the Indian Exim Bank to fund the proposed bypass road.

When the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) took office the same year, the designs of the project were altered, drastically increasing the cost of the project to some US$208 million.

The loan agreement secured by the Ramotar administration was signed in 2017 by the then APNU+AFC Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

With the recent modifications, the construction of the 20-kilometre road will be covered entirely by the US$50 million loan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Authorities enhancing capacity to guard against corruption

By Richard Bhainie

THE Government of Guyana in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is facilitating a threeday workshop aimed at strengthening local capacity among various authorities to guard against corruption.

T he mul ti-a ge nc y workshop being held at the Guyana Police Force Training Centre, Camp and Young Streets, Georgetown, was officiated by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

Minister Teixeira said that part of her ministry’s mandate is to address treaty obligations and treaty reporting in relation to international treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Inter-America Convention Against Corruption (IACAC).

It is for this reason that the workshop is tailored to build local capacity to uphold the treaties and fulfill those obligations.

She said that for many years, Guyana has hired consultants to undertake the obligations in relation to treaty reporting, whereby, independent agencies are contracted to do the work and provide the status report. This, however, in her view, cannot work. “[This] cannot work… as we need to build institutional capacity in our country so that this becomes part of the fabric of what we do,” Minister Teixeira related.

“If we’re serious about anti-corruption, if we’re serious about ensuring that tax payers’ money is used for the good of the people and not being used for abuse, corruption, embezzlement, etcetera, then we have to ensure that the

agencies involved are prepared and willing to take on the job,” she said.

The minister said that preparation of treaty reports requires the participation of all parties in the country, especially the agencies involved and even members of civil society, who understand their role fully.

Not only is capacity building imperative for reporting, it is also important for activities subsequent to the submission of the report such as the implementation of recommendations.

“One of the challenges we face as a country generally is data collection and being able to develop and design data programmes that would capture the information that we require instead of waiting a few months before data is required to scramble data,” Minister Teixeira said.

Data is necessary for reporting on convention obligations, and it is also required to be collected for the measurement of sustainable development goals.

Considering the benefits of data, Minister Teixeira believes that it is necessary to modernise government services to meet the existing demands.

And while in reporting on the mechanism for the review of implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, Teixeira said Guyana has a good legislative framework, in terms of offices such as the Auditor General, the Ombudsman, the Director of Public Prosecutions and constitutional commissions.

LIMITATIONS There are, however, limitations to their functions, but there is room for improvement and advancement.

“So, we have been innovative, we have been able to share and devolve a level of governance that

From left to right: UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, Jason Reichelt; UN Resident Coordinator (ag) Dr. Gillian Smith and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

includes the Parliament, includes the civil society involvement and the opposition; however, once we set those bodies up, we have to be able to ensure they have resources and that the proper training is going on to make sure they can function with their mandate,” Minister Teixeira said.

She added: “We need as a country, in terms of our skills base, to be able to work in an organised, structured manner and to be able to develop the capacities of each of the agencies involved as well as at the national level and that is what this workshop is about.”

The government has also recognised that the private sector is especially obligated to oblige with the treaties and that is why the national cocoordinating committee for the implementation of the UNCAC and the IACAC, which consists of 12 agencies and is rapidly being expanded, was constituted.

In addition, the multi-agency training will develop not only governmental agencies and constitutional commissions, but every sector that is involved in the training.

Minister Teixeira said that capacity building in government agencies is imperative to tackle these issues and the training is imperative in these regards.

“The adhocism that existed for many years, we have to put that aside and start the ground work of building our own capacity,” Teixeira said.

Present at the opening ceremony on Mon-

day were UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, Ja-

son Reichelt; Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Carla

Barnett and UN Resident Coordinator (ag), Dr. Gillian Smith.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Mom, step-dad to serve only 45 years

_as Appeal Court commutes their 202-year sentence for the murder of young Neesa Gopaul BIBI Shareema Gopaul and her ex-lover, Jarvis ‘Barry’ Small, who were convicted and sentenced to a total of 202 years for the 2010 murder of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul, had their sentence reduced to 45 years by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday.

In 2015, the pair was found guilty of the teen’s murder at the Georgetown

High Court by a jury, and sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 106 years and 96 years respectively.

Small was sentenced to 60 years for the offence of murder, with 10 years added for premeditation; another 10 years for brutality; an additional 10 years because the victim was a child; and finally another six years for domestic violence.

Gopaul was also sentenced to 60 years for the capital offence; 10 years for premeditation; 10 years because it was a child; 10 years for brutality; another 10 years because it is her daughter and she did not protect her; and six years for domestic violence.

The appeal was filed

by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Associates on

behalf of Small, while Gopaul was represented by Attorney-at-Law Arud Gossai.

The attorneys asked the court to reverse and/or set aside the conviction. They also argued that the sentence was too severe, given the circumstances of the case.

The attorneys also argued that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred in law.

The appeal was heard before Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud. The State was represented by Prosecutor Stacy Goodings.

Delivering the ruling of the court, Justice Cummings-Edwards said, among other things, that the trial judge did not err in law as the couple’s attorneys would have us believe when the jury brought them in guilty, since the evidence against them was admissible.

Where he did err, however, she contended, was in his imposition of the lengthy jail sentences he did, which was a contravention of established sentencing guidelines.

In the circumstances, the Appeal Court upheld the conviction, but commuted the duo’s initial 202-year sentence to 45 years.

Prior to the murder, Barry Small and Bibi Gopaul were in a relationship, and at one time Small had even lived with Gopaul at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, along with her two daughters. Neesa Gopaul was the elder of Bibi’s two daughters.

The body of Nessa Lalita Gopaul was found submerged in a suitcase in the Madewini Creek in the vicinity of the Emerald Towers Resort on Saturday October 2, 2010, at about 14:00hrs, and at the time was believed

DEAD: Neesa Gopaul to be headless.

However, after a post mortem examination it was revealed that the body was not headless, but was instead clobbered beyond recognition.

Dumbbells similar to those found in a gym owned

by Small were found tied to the suitcase in which the body was found.

In addition to the body, a passport bearing the name Neesa Lalita Gopaul was also found. The teenager was reported missing just days before the gruesome discovery was made.

Subsequent to the discovery of the body, Bibi Gopaul and Small were arrested and charged for the crime.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Over $1B in flood-relief grants disbursed so...

(From page 9) vided to every child within the public school system; the $25,000 one-off assistance for pensioners, as well as the cash grants for vulnerable persons including persons with disabilities and those who receive public assistance.

“APNU [+AFC] is criticising because in their five years in office, they didn’t help…they siphoned off money for themselves, like what they did with the SLED (Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development) fund. The man who is talking about discrimination, he was the man that get [money] from the SLED fund,” Mustapha said.

He added: “They [members of the former government] are now looking back, and they are seeing that the PPP/Civic government is helping the farmers and they are feeling envy, because they haven’t done anything for the Guyanese people.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Mustapha said that the various relief measures are a testimony to the govern-

ment’s commitment to help the people and to make a difference in people’s lives.

He said too that once distribution of the floodrelief cash grants concludes in Region Six, the distribution team will be moving on to Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) followed by the other regions.

“People who are affected by the floods are really looking forward for this help,” the minister related.

It was on August 1, 2021, that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, announced his government’s intention to provide financial assistance to various categories of persons who had been affected by the ongoing floods, which started more than three months ago, and persists in some areas.

The President had said then that the assistance will cover various categories of households and farmers, and that it will not exceed a ceiling of $10 million per individual.

“In these categories, farmers within the context of a homestead would receive $100,000 each; those with kitchen gardens will

receive $50,000 each, and households excluding homestead and kitchen garden will receive 50,000 each,” the Head of State said.

He added: “The combined assistance to homestead farmers, kitchen gardens and households for these categories will be in excess of $3.5 billion.”

The President, in his address to the nation, recognised too that the rains had a significant impact on the rice sector, with approximately 50,000 acres and 2,000 farmers being directly affected. As a result, support will be given to rice farmers on a categorised basis.

“For rice that was ready to harvest but lost in the floods, $80,000 per acre would be given to those farmers. For rice sowed and lost in the autumn crop, these farmers will receive $65,000 per acre. For land that was completely prepared but was not sown, $45,000 per acre would be given to these farmers,” President Ali specified.

In addition to this, he said that 60,000 bags of seed paddy would also be made

available for rice farmers.

“The combined assistance in these four categories would be in excess of $3.2 billion,” he noted.

He said that support for the livestock industry will also be given based on categories of subsistence farmers, small farmers, medium farmers, and large-scale farmers. So far, in excess of

2,000 livestock farmers have been affected.

“In total, these four categories will benefit from in excess of $600 million direct transfers,” Dr. Ali indicated.

The floods, caused by heavy rainfall, resulted in some 300 communities being directly affected for a protracted period of time.

An initial assessment

showed the agriculture sector being most affected, with some 92,000 acres of farm and farmlands being completely affected, and approximately $23 billion or more in loss of production.

President Ali and his Cabinet have pledged to assist all affected persons to “get back on their feet.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 1, 2021

More than ninety ‘hopefuls’ try out for U-20 Men’s national football team THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) completed two successful U-20 men’s talent identification sessions at the GFF National Training Centre last weekend, ahead of forthcoming CONCACAF U-20 qualifiers, with more than 90 players from eight regional associations competing for places in the provisional squad.

In November, under the guidance of Head Coach and former Golden Jaguars boss, Wayne Dover, the U-20 men’s national team will seek to qualify for the 2020 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, the first step on the road to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023.

“I’ve been impressed by the enthusiasm from the players; the commitment and work ethic; that is important in terms of preparing a team

for these championships,” Coach Dover said. “There is a lot more work to be done to bring them to the level we need them to be to compete and possibly come out of their group.”

On Saturday and Sunday, players proposed by their respective associations from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, West Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Upper Demerara, Bartica, Berbice and Essequibo/ Pomeroon took part in assessment sessions supervised by the GFF’s Technical Department.

The U-20 talent pool includes many players who have benefitted from the GFF’s ground-breaking network of youth development Academy Training Centres, which provides professional coaching

in the GFF’s national playing philosophy, as well as its U-15 and U-17 leagues, sponsored by Pele Alumni and NAMILCO respectively.

However, no competitive youth football has taken place in Guyana since the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The GFF is waiting for the authorities to approve its robust and credible roadmap for the safe return of play, which was designed with the support of football development and health experts at UEFA and FIFA. “After this ID campaign, we will select a possible pool of players to start preparations,” Dover said.

“We will also extend this talent ID to the diaspora to see how best we could select talented

GCA gets conditional approval from Task Force to re-start competitions ‒ Cricketers advised to be fully vaccinated or to have a negative PCR test THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) was, on Monday, granted conditional approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force for the resumption of cricket in the capital city.

Among the conditions that are in place for the restart of the sport includes having no spectators at the matches, except by written approval from the Minister of Health or the Task Force.

Additionally, the Task Force indicated that: “It is highly recommended that all players and officials be fully

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vaccinated or produce a negative PCR test for the game.”

The Task Force is also asking that all knockout competitions be staged in a staggered format, so as to avoid excessive crowding of teams, while they have kept their ban on music and alcoholic drink bars at the venues.

According to the Chairman of the GCA Competitions Committee, Shaun Massiah, a meeting was held on Monday evening at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground to inform the clubs about the conditional English Racing Tips Lingfield 08:30 hrs Beholding 09:00 hrs Yagan 09:30 hrs Kimngrace 10:00 hrs Red Showgirl 10:30 hrs Clegane 11:00 hrs Black Medick 11:35 hrs Manumission Worcester 11:30 hrs Mix Of Clover 12:00 hrs Quartz Du Rheu 12:35 hrs Shantou Champagne 13:35 hrs Corporal Jones 14:05 hrs Galata Bridge 14:35 hrs Blue Sans

approval.

“We had a meeting last night with reps from the clubs, where we informed them about the guidelines and asked them to report the information to their players concerning the vaccines and the PCR tests. We asked the clubs to respond to us before September 10 so that we can charter the way forward."

The GCA was represented by its president, Neil Barry; Chairman of the senior selectors, Mark Harper, along with Shaun Massiah.

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players who are available, so that we could put the best team together for this championship.”

Dover said the Rupununi Football Association would conduct separate talent ID sessions in Region 9, while the GFF would engage football communities in other hinterland areas in September to search for new talent that does not fall within its

current regional association structure.

“We have a plan to ensure that we cover all the players that are available at this age level for the national U-20 team selection,” Coach Dover said.

In February 2020, Guyana narrowly missed out on the subsequently cancelled 2020 Concacaf U-20 Championship, winning three out of four

matches in a difficult qualification stage that included hosts and eventual group winners, Nicaragua.

“My expectation is for us to prepare the team in a way that we can go out and be very competitive and try to win the group and come out to the next phase,” Dover said. “My expectation is for us to do much better in these championships.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 1, 2021

Afghanistan’s one-off Ramiz Raja takes over PCB chairmanship Test against Australia still on - Taliban September 13 PAKISTAN cricket is set to welcome a new era with Ramiz Raja being elected as the new PCB chairman.

The former Pakistan captain will assume the position on September 13 and it would be interesting to see how his tenure unfolds.

Raja certainly has a job in hand as Pakistan cricket has somewhat been in a state of turmoil lately. While the national team hasn’t been doing exceptionally well, there have been allegations of favoritism and nepotism in team selection.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises are concerned about the financial model as Ramiz gears up to become PCB chief.

For the unversed, PSL team owners have been vocal about the need to change the financial model of the competition for a while now as it has led them to constant losses.

Former Chairman Ehsan Mani was close to solving the issue and the former Chief Justice of Pakistan

Tassaduq Hussain even made a report on the new model. However, it’s not clear whether Raja will continue the process or not.

As per a report in Cricket Pakistan, the team owners discussed their ideas in a recent meeting. The retired judge was supposed to file a report in three weeks after assessing the financial standings of the franchises, but no update has been made on the matter. It is also learnt that PCB has received the report but the information would not be disclosed until Raja’s appointment.

Some sources also claimed that if Ramiz Raja doesn’t approve the new model, the matter could advance to the court once more. Notably, the PSL franchises have previously filed a case against PCB for not changing the financial model. The case was taken back only when PCB ensured to solve the matter.

Many models were discussed before the franchises and PCB came to an agree-

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja

ment. However, it’s yet to be seen how Raja views the new model. Meanwhile, Raja is a notable personality in world cricket and expectations are high from him.

After serving the national team for over one and a half decade, Raja remained associated with the game as a commentator. Hence, it would be interesting to see how he fares as a PCB chairman.

(CricTracker)

Pliskova rolls into U.S. Open second round in bid for maiden major NEW YORK, (Reuters) - World number four Karolina Pliskova fired off eight aces to defeat American wild card Caty McNally 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday as she bids for an elusive maiden major.

Pliskova, the 2016 runner-up, built up a 5-1 lead in the first set before her 19-year-old opponent settled her nerves, and hit 10 winners in the set compared to two from McNally, before breaking the American's

serve twice early in the second.

McNally, who made it to the third round at Flushing Meadows a year ago, bounced back to level the score at 3-3, with the crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium cheering her on, but could not match Pliskova's power as the Czech closed out the match with a pair of aces.

"I started really well then lost my focus a little bit at the end of the first set," said Pliskova, who lost to world number one Ash Barty in

the Wimbledon final earlier this year.

"She played (at) a really good level," she added. "She has a good future."

Pliskova said she was pleased to keep the match to two sets as several top contenders, including twice champion Naomi Osaka and world number one Barty, stand between her and a Grand Slam title.

She faces either Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan or American Amanda Anisimova in the second round.

AFHGANISTAN’S first Test match against Australia is likely to go ahead as scheduled after the Taliban informed that there won’t be any stoppage from their side to the already organized cricket matches.

Since mid-August, the country has been in terrible political turmoil after the Taliban took over the country’s capital Kabul and successfully overthrew the government.

There were previous reports that the Taliban has nothing against cricket and want the national team to continue thriving as they have been in the last few years. Unfortunately, Afghanistan’s ODI series against Pakistan, which was supposed to be held in Sri Lanka from September first week, has now been postponed due to logistical reasons.

However, Afghanistan men’s team trained at the

Kabul International Cricket Stadium even after the Taliban takeover. Ahmadullah Wasiq, who is the deputy head of the Taliban’s cultural commission, has said that the Test match between Australia and Afghanistan, which is supposed to be played in Hobart in November, will go on as scheduled. “[All previously organized matches] will continue without interruption, and [the Afghan team] can play with other international teams.

In the future, we want good relations with all countries.

When good relations are established, Afghan players can go [to Australia] and they can come here,” he said while talking to SBS Pashto, reported Sportskeeda.

The Australian summer of 2021-22 will be a huge task for Cricket Australia (CA). Apart from the historic one-off Test against Afghanistan, to be played at

Blundstone Arena in Hobart between November 27 and December 1, there is a fivematch Ashes series as well.

As a matter of fact, CA has also started their arrangements for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

In SBS’s report, there were details about the match which was shared by an anonymous spokesperson of the CA. He allegedly said that the ties between CA and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) have been good and both the boards are working hard to make the inaugural Test between the two countries a reality.

The two teams have played in the ODI format a few times but never in the Test format. Afghanistan made their Test debut only in 2018 and have since played only four matches in the red-ball format. (CricTracker)

Flushing, NY, USA; Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic hits to Catherine McNally of the United States on day two of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 1, 2021

Man Utd explore possibility ‘Bitter sweet but grateful’ of Ronaldo wearing number seven shirt – Steyn announces retirement from all forms of cricket

CRISTIANO Cristiano Ronaldo using the number seven this season has been discussed by those involved in the deal to bring him back to Manchester United, raising the prospect of him wearing the iconic shirt number.

United would need special dispensation from the Premier League for Ronaldo to take the shirt number from his first spell at the club, which is currently worn by Edinson Cavani and previously by George Best, Bryan Robson, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.

Ronaldo’s sensational £19.7million return to Old Trafford came after the season started with Cavani given number seven and rules stating the Uruguayan must keep the shirt during the campaign unless he leaves for another club.

However, it is under-

stood that asking for permission to change shirt numbers was broached in talks when the deal was agreed and will now hinge on Cavani and the Premier League agreeing. Anthony Martial had to give up the number nine shirt following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival in 2016, leading to some disgruntlement.

The Premier League and United have not commented on Ronaldo’s shirt number and a final decision is set to be made when he is unveiled, with the 36-year-old currently in Portugal ahead of the international break.

He was given the number seven shirt when he arrived at United in 2003 as an 18-year-old. In his time at Sporting Lisbon he wore the number 28 and it has been widely reported that he asked for the same number when he moved to England

Man Utd would need special dispensation from the Premier League for Ronaldo to take the shirt number from his first spell.

but was given the number worn by some of United’s greatest players.

When he moved to Real Madrid 12 years ago, he could not have his favoured number as it was taken by club legend Raul. When Raul moved to Schalke 04 in Germany the next summer, Ronaldo was granted his favourite shirt number again.

He also wore the number seven at Juventus before his return to the Premier League this season.

With Cavani in possession of the shirt, without dispensation the next available are number 12, number 15 or Dan James' old number 21 which Cavani wears for Uruguay. (Yahoo Sports)

Root urges side not to 'take foot off gas' at Kia Oval CAPTAIN Joe Root has challenged England not to take their "foot off the gas" in the fourth Test against India.

England recovered from a 151-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's to romp to an innings victory inside four days at Emerald Headingley in the third Test.

"We need to get in front of the game and just keep driving the game forward like we did at Headingley," Root told BBC Sport.

The five-Test series, level at 1-1, resumes at the Kia Oval on Thursday.

England bowled India out for 76 on the opening day at Headingley, before amassing 432 and bowling India out for 278.

"We've got to use it as a bit of a template moving forward," said Root.

"Everything we think about as a team and how we want to play Test cricket, we pretty much delivered on: big first-innings score, good partnerships and we

Victory in the third Test was Joe Root's 27th as captain, an England record.

were clinical.

"We felt very much in command of things from the end of the first hour of the Test match.

"The challenge now is to go one better. Now is where the hard work starts and not to get comfortable."

'Brilliant to have Woakes back' All-rounder Chris Woakes could play his first Test for more than a year after being recalled to

the squad for the fourth Test.

He was part of the squads for the South Africa, Sri Lanka and India winter tours without making the team.

He was rested for both Tests against New Zealand this summer after returning from the Indian Premier League, but he has recovered from the heel injury that has kept him out of the opening three matches against India.

"To have him back is brilliant

and to have that other option in the bowling department with the schedule as it is," said Root.

"The games are coming thick and fast, so it could be paramount for the back end of the series."

Woakes may return at the expense of Sam Curran, who has taken only three wickets at 79.33 apiece and scored 74 runs at an average of 18.50 in the first three Tests. (BBC Sport)

Legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn picked up 439 wickets in 93 Tests for South Africa.

SOUTH Africa’s legendary fast bowler Dale Steyn has announced his retirement from all formats of the game. He had earlier pulled curtains down only on his Test career in August 2019 and had insisted to continue playing for South Africa in the limited-overs formats, especially in T20s.

After announcing his Test retirement, Steyn might have expected to play in the T20 World Cup scheduled in 2020 in Australia. But it didn’t go as planned with the tournament getting postponed thanks to COVID-19 outbreak across the world.

Earlier this year, the pacer pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well but featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In PSL itself, he played the last game of his career on March 3, 2021. However, for South Africa, Steyn didn’t feature after February 2020 when the Proteas faced Australia.

Dale Steyn took to Twitter to announce his retirement as he penned down the lyrics (from Album ‘Recovering the Satellites’) of his favourite band, the

Counting Crows. He also thanked his fans, family and everyone who was with him during this incredible journey. In his tweet, the 38-year-old also posted some of the best pictures of his illustrious career.

“Today I officially retire from the game I love the most. Bitter sweet but grateful. Thank you to everyone, from family to teammates, journalists to fans, it’s been a incredible journey together,” Dale Steyn wrote in his tweet.

Dale Steyn will definitely go down as one of the best ever cricketers to play for South Africa.

He troubled the best of batsmen during his career which spanned more than 15 years. He picked up 439 wickets in 93 Test matches apart from scalping 196 and 64 wickets in 125 ODIs and 47 T20Is respectively.

He was one of the best bowlers to feature in the IPL as well accounting for 97 wickets in 95 matches.

He played his last IPL game for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) under Virat Kohli which was also his first team in the cash-rich league.

(CricTracker)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 1, 2021

Clive Lloyd: The man who led West Indies to top of world cricket SIR Clive Lloyd is widely known as one of the finest batsmen to ever walk on a cricket field. Lloyd, who usually had a cool and composed demeanour off the field, was known for his aggressive and destructive batting style.

The most successful, respected as well as most criticised captain of the West Indies cricket team, Lloyd was born on August 31, 1944.

Lloyd’s six feet and three-inch height further enhanced his image in intimidating the opposition bowlers during his heydays. He is the man that put West Indies on the world map after guiding them to two back to back World Cup triumphs.

He played 110 Test matches for West Indies, 74 of them as their skipper.

He also guided them to their 27-game unbeaten streak, including their “blackwash” of England in 1984.

Lloyd is credited for transforming the West In-

dies team from a bunch of talented yet inconsistent unit to ruthless machineries.

And, to do so, he created the most fearsome bowling unit the world cricket has ever seen. The batsmen of other teams were often left bruised and battered after facing the bowling unit of West Indies in the 1980s.

Lloyd was already an institution when he played the 100th Test match of his career at Sabina Park, Jamaica. However, the recognition from the West Indies Cricket Board meant a lot to him.

Lloyd hails from Guyana and his father was a chauffeur to a local doctor and had no interest in cricket. However, his mother followed the game. At the age of 15, Lloyd was forced to work at Georgetown hospital, yet the ace cricketer made time to add cricket to his packed daily routine.

He scored just 12 runs when he played the first time for Demerara at Bourda and

Clive Lloyd led West Indies to their two World Cup wins in 1975 and 1979.

many wrote him off as a cricketer but he survived every odd thrown in his way to become one of the most decorated cricketers of all time.

Lloyd’s start in FirstClass cricket was also average as he did not score many runs in his first two outings.

In the third match, he was removed for a duck in the first innings. However, he came

back to score a gritty 107 run knock in the second innings as Guyana lost the match to Barbados by four wickets. He followed it up with a blistering 194 against Jamaica and still, he was named in the West Indies squad for their 1966 tour.

He made his Test debut during the West Indies tour of India in 1966-67. He was

also fielded in their first game and struck a scintillating 82 runs knock in less than two hours after the visitors were reeling at 82/3. He also remained unbeaten on 78 in the second innings as West Indies won the match by six wickets. And just like that, the greatest West Indies player announced his arrival in world cricket.

And, today, as Lloyd celebrate his 77th birthday; here we take a look at few memorable moments from his career: 1. In his very first Test match against Australia, Lloyd dismissed the likes of Ian Chappell and Bill Lawry.

2. Lloyd was named West Indies skipper in 1973 after Garry Sobers was ruled out from West Indies vs Australia Test series. Interestingly, at that time, Lloyd was not even included in West Indies’ squad and was playing club cricket Down Under. In fact, Forbes Burnham, then Guyanese Prime Minister, per-

sonally called his Australian counterpart Gough Whitlam to get Lloyd released from his club commitment and join the national team.

3. In 1977, Lloyd resigned from his captaincy after Deryck Murray was removed as vice-captain for signing with Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket 4. Lloyd was presented with the Order of Roraima(OR), the second-highest award in Guyana, before his 100th Test match.

5. He was also awarded Chaconia Medal Class One: Gold by the Trinidad Government.

6. Lloyd is a recipient of honorary degrees from the Universities of Manchester and Hull.

7. He guided West Indies to the 1975 and 1979 World cup titles.

8. Under Lloyd’s captaincy, West Indies reached its third World Cup final in 1983, where they lost to India. (News18 Cricket Next)

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teams spearheading construction of home for less fortunate family ‒ several donors come on board TEAMS participating in the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC)/Namilco Thunderbolt Flour cricket competition under the leadership of Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, have undertaken their biggest ever developmental project.

The RHTYSC/ Namilco Thunderbolt Under 21 and first division teams would be spearheading the construction of a 20 feet by 24 feet flat concrete home for an ailing elderly couple and their fourteen

year- old daughter in the village of Bloomfield, located in the lower Corentyne area.

Foster explained that the teams got involved after 63-year-old Chunilall Sonaroo visited the club office, pleading for assistance. After two days of investigating the background of Sonaroo, the RHTYSC and the teams agreed to come on board.

Sanoroo is a pensioner who lives in a house on the verge of falling down and is kept in place by ropes. His 55-yearold wife is a diabetic patient

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday September 1, 2021)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andre Fletcher-15 (14 catches/1 stumping-Zouks) (2) 138* for the fourth wicket- L. Simmons/D. M. Bravo (TKR vs Zouks, Tarouba) Today’s Quiz: (1) What has been the result of the first game in CPL 2021?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

who is unable to walk and is in deteriorating health while his daughter, who is also a diabetic, presently has pneumonia. All of the family’s savings have been exhausted on medical expenses and the girl has to use insulin twice a day.

With his wife unable to work due to her physical condition, the family’s only source of income is Sonaroo’s _ pension from Guysuco and the National Insurance Scheme, which are used mainly for medical purposes.

Foster, using his social media account, appealed to the general public on behalf of the teams and the response has been unbelievable . Construction of the new home is expected to start shortly with the support of overseas-based Guyanese, Raj Bharrat, the Crabwood Creek Relief group, Florida-Guyana Hope _organisation and Regal Stationery.

Contractor Navin Deokissoon of Navin and Sons Construction would also play a major role in the setting up of the home, which is expected to be completed by the end of September. Regal Stationery has also committed to suppling two beds, a fridge and stove

RHTYSC’s Hilbert Foster hands over a financial donation to Chunilall Sonaroo

for the new home which would include two bedrooms, a living room, complete kitchen , toilet and bathroom.

Plans are also there for a concrete sidewalk to cater for a wheel-chair.The teams are also co-ordinating assistance for the supply of grocery, medical items, clothing, footwear, and educational materials from numerous overseas and local donors who have responded to the club’s plea.

Foster stated that the club would just oversee the proper use of the funds as the do-

nors and the family would be spending the funds themselves.

He expressed gratitude to Mr Bharrat of the Guyana- Florida Hope group for his support and also to Regal Stationery, along with the management of Navin and Sons Construction.

Thanks were also expressed to the many overseas and local donors who have contributed cash, medical items, food hampers and clothing to the family.

All funds received have been deposited into a Republic Bank account in the name of

the family and would be used for expenses in the future.

The long-serving RHTYSC Secretary/CEO, who is also the president of the Berbice Cricket Board, vice president of the Guyana Cricket Board and a Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI), stated that the club was delighted to assist the family as they deserved it.

The club has undertaken thousands of project to make a positive difference but Foster said that this was a very special one as the Sonaroo family was totally committed to improving their lives. Persons who wish to assist the family can contact them on 663 1981.

The RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under 21 and first division teams are sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana , located at Agricola , East Bank Demerara.

The teams are led by national players, Kevlon Anderson and Eon Hooper respectively and includes players like Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Shawn Perriera, Jonathan Rampersaud, Slyus Tyndall, Junior Sinclair, Delbert Hicks, Jason Sinclair, Khemraj Mahadeo, Shemaine Campbelle and others.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday September 1, 2021

Powerlifter Griffith pays courtesy call on Director of Sport

Ninvalle (second from right) poses with the two-time gold medallist,Carlos Petterson (right). Also in photo are Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation's Executive member, Franklyn Brisport (left) and Nicona Petterson, Griffith's manager

POWERLIFTER Carlos Pettersen Griffith paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, at his Middle Street Office.

Griffith took the opportunity to thank the Director for

the support provided for his last sojourn when he broke several records.

Ninvalle reiterated the National Sports Commission's drive to further the development of Sport in

Guyana and informed that the Hon. Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. has a vested interest in developing sports and has a comprehensive programme in place to achieve this.

Rain ruins T20 opener after SA strike earlier blow NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Rain wrecked the opening Twenty20 International between West Indies Women and South Africa Women here Tuesday, forcing a no-result in the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

Asked to chase 136 for victory, West Indies had reached 21 for one in the third over of their reply, when the inclement weather ended the game abruptly.

Prior to the arrival of rain, the hosts had suffered two key blows, with

hard-hitting opener Deandra Dottin forced to retire hurt for four off the third ball of the innings.

And her partner Hayley Matthews followed for eight in the third over, caught at the wicket of fast bowler Marizanne Kapp with the score on 21.

Earlier, the Proteas had rallied to 135 for three off their 20 overs after opting to bat first, with Kapp top-scoring with 36, Laura Wolvaardt getting 35 and Lizelle Lee, 30.

Lee struck four fours in a run-a-ball knock, posting

31 off 26 deliveries for the first wicket with Dane van Niekerk (15) before adding a further 45 for the second wicket with Kapp who punched three fours off 43 deliveries.

When both fell for 11 runs in the space of 12 balls, Wolvaardt lashed a couple of fours and sixes in a 21ball cameo, putting on 48 in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Tazmin Brits (14).

The second game is scheduled for the same venue tomorrow at 2 pm (Eastern Caribbean time).

Windies Rising Stars set to begin training shortly for opening fixture LONDON– (CMC)- West Indies Rising Stars are expected to begin training in earnest later this week after arriving in England over the weekend for their six-game one-day series against England’s Under-19s.

The 18-man squad, which is being led by Ackeem Auguste, is scheduled to play their first game next Saturday at Beckenham, the first of three matches scheduled for the Greater London venue.

The last three matches will be played at Canterbury in the southeast.

Expectations are high following an extensive training camp in Antigua and lead selector Robert Haynes said he backed the side to impress.

“We have a very good combination, and it is really pleasing to see we have quality all-round cricketers in the group, which gives us more options,” Haynes said on the squad’s announcement.

“The conditions in England will be challenging, and they know that, but they have fantastic management support in the set-up, including Sir Curtly Am-

The 18-man Windies Rising Stars squad is being led by Ackeem Auguste

brose whose experience and knowledge will be an asset.”

He added: “If you look at the balance in the bowling attack we have now selected, with six fast bowlers and three specialist spinners, you can see we have selected a quality attack.

“We also have some talented batsmen who we expect to perform well. The work that everyone has put in to get these guys here to this level has been exceptional.”

The squad is being led by Rohan Nurse in the absence

of head coach Floyd Reifer who had previous commitments in the Caribbean Premier League.

Sir Curtly is one of two assistant coaches along with Steve Liburd, the former Leeward Islands batsman.

Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerrit, urged the side to be united in their quest for success on the September 4-17 tour.

“We want you to work hard, to support each other and always give us your best. You are from different countries, but you are now representing the West Indies and that is the most important thing,” he said.

Several members of the squad received their COVID-19 vaccines before departing the Caribbean.

SQUAD – Ackeem Auguste (captain), Giovonte Depeiza (vice-captain), Onaje Amory, Anderson Amurdan, Justin Beckford, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Nathan Edward, Andel Gordon, Sion Hackett, Justin Jagessar, Johann Layne, Anderson Mahase, Matthew Nandu, Isai Thorne, Vasant Singh.

Rajasthan Royals sign Lewis and Thomas for IPL second leg THE Rajasthan Royals have signed West Indies opening batter Evin Lewis and fast bowler Oshane Thomas as replacements for Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, for the second leg of IPL 2021, which will run from September 19 to October 15 in the UAE and Oman.

Lewis is West Indies' fifth-highest run-getter in T20Is, with 1,318 runs, including 103 sixes. Only Chris Gayle (121) has hit more sixes for West Indies in T20I cricket. Lewis is currently part of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the ongoing CPL 2021 at Warner Park, where he has started the tournament with scores of 6,62 and 30.

This will be Lewis' first stint with the Royals and second overall in the IPL, having been part of the Mumbai In-

Evin Lewis has a reputation of being a six-hitter in T20 cricket (AFP)

dians side in 2018 and 2019.

For Thomas, this will be his second stint with the Royals in the IPL; he played four games for the franchise in 2019, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 7.90.

Thomas will be the second player from the Barbados Royals in the CPL to join the Rajasthan Royals for the second chunk of IPL. Earlier this

month, New Zealand's Glenn Phillips was lined up as a replacement for Jofra Archer.

Thomas can regularly hit speeds upwards of 140kph and most recently at the CPL, he bowled Gayle with a 142kph dart.

With the absence of Buttler and Stokes, the Royals will now be without three of their England stars. While Buttler has opted out due to the impending birth of his second child, Stokes has taken an indefinite break from the game for mental-health reasons. Archer is the other absentee, with an elbow fracture ruling him out of cricket for the rest of the year.

The Royals, placed fifth in the points table, will resume their IPL 2021 campaign against the Punjab Kings on September 21.

(Creicinfo)

TKR beat Kings at Warner Park to move up to second place

GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, addresses players at the U-20 talent ID session.

More than ninety ‘hopefuls’ try out for U-20 Men’s national football team

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GCA gets conditional approval from Task Force to re-start competitions ‒ Cricketers advised to be fully vaccinated or to have a negative PCR test

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The Task Force has recommended that all players and officials be at least partially vaccinated or for them to have negative PCR tests.

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Pacer Ravi Rampaul took 3 for 34.

TRINBAGO Knight Riders moved up to second in the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a 38-run victory over the Saint Lucia Kings on Tuesday.

The Kings won the toss and opted to field first and for the first half of the TKR innings, they had full control of the game. However, a late salvo from Kieron Pollard and Tim Seifert helped the Knight Riders to post a challenging total.

(Scores) :Trinbago Knight Riders 158/7 (Pollard 41, Seifert 37; Rampaul 3/34, Udana 2/32) beat Saint Lucia Kings 131/7 (Fletcher 81*, Du Plessis 15; Williams 4/24, Joseph 1/23) by 27 runs In reply, Andre Fletcher played a fine lone hand for the Kings but the team never got going as a disciplined Trinbago bowling attack kept a firm stranglehold on proceedings throughout.

The Knight Riders opened their innings with the familiar pair of Lendl Simmons and Sunil Narine and they put on a partnership of 23 from 18 balls before Wahab Riaz trapped the former plumb in front.

It took the introduction of Tim Seifert for the Knight Riders innings to gain impetus after Tion Webster, Narine and Colin Munro had all fallen in consecutive overs.

Along with Kieron Pollard, the pair put on 78 runs from 44 balls to help post a competitive total.

Just like the TKR innings, the Kings struggled to find any momentum in the first half of their reply amidst some exceptional and parsimonious bowling from Sunil Narine and Akeal Hosein that left them needing an unlikely 82 runs from 36 balls.

Despite Andre Fletcher’s unbeaten 81 from 55 balls, three wickets by the tournament’s top wicket-taker Ravi Rampaul ensured no one was able to stick with him to chase down the TKR total. (CPL T20) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021