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20th February, 2022

Free Inside No.106640

Guyana projected to earn US$28M from timber exports 03 PAGE

–– new market opportunities being explored

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Forging stronger ties –– President engages Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State, other officials

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali shares a moment with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Member of the Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers, Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir, who led a team of high-ranking officials to Guyana on Saturday (Latchman Singh photo)

Man disguised in wig, woman’s clothing kills son-in-law 15

First Lady secures 100 maritime training scholarships for Indigenous women 13 PAGE

After decades, Plantation Hope residents to get land 15 transports/titles PAGE

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Dead: Leon Gittens

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, interacts with residents who have been occupying lands at Plantation Hope – Cum Annexis for decades (DPI photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Forging stronger ties

–– President, Cabinet members engage Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State, other senior officials By Navendra Seoraj ENHANCED bilateral co-operation between Guyana and Saudi Arabia is anticipated, following an engagement between local officials who were led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and a high-level team from the Middle Eastern nation led by the country’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Member of the Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers, Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir. Al-Jubeir and his delegation arrived in Guyana on Saturday, and joined President Ali and his team for a working lunch at State House. The visiting delegation from Saudia Arabia included Counsellor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norah Mohammed Al Bassam; First Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdullah Al Muaiqil; Secondary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Naif Abdulaziz Alnuwaiser and three others. President Ali was accompanied by Prime Minister,

A team of high-level local officials led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, engaged a visiting delegation from Saudi Arabia led by that nation’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Member of the Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers, Adel Ahmed al-Jubeir (Latchman Singh photo) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phil- Minister of Foreign Affairs on February 22, 2012. world leaders and internalips; Vice President, Bharrat and International Co-operaIt was reported recently tional business moguls seekJagdeo; Senior Minister with- tion, Hugh Todd. that considering Guyana’s ing to strengthen bilateral in the Office of the President Guyana established for- positive international profile, relations and conduct physwith responsibility for Fi- mal diplomatic relations with the country is gearing up to ical evaluations of potential nance, Dr. Ashni Singh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accommodate an influx of investment opportunities. Guyana was an area of “high focus” for many countries, private sector groups, and major financial institutions at the 76th United Nations’ General Assembly, last year. In outlining the outcome of the conference, President Ali had said that he and his team were able to engage a number of world leaders on the opportunities available in Guyana and that the response has since been “enormous.” “Our country is playing on a different stage. Our country is getting a different level of attention. Our country is being focused on, and as leaders, we have to ensure that we give clear clarity as to where the country is going; strong leadership is required,” Dr. Ali had said. He told reporters that out of the “sideline” engagements alone, approximately seven other delegations have given their commitments to visit. Several of those leaders have since visited. “We also had very, very good meetings with various representatives of the Middle East; from Prime Ministers to Prince and so on, and they too are working on delegations to come to Guyana, and for us to have a further engagement with them in a

wide cross section of economic opportunities,” Dr. Ali had related. He said too that the evaluations of available opportunities will not be limited to the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector. The Head of State admitted that even though Guyana’s petroleum prospects have been initially capturing the interest of investors, many were intrigued about other areas of investments, once properly apprised. “We have spoken to many of these sophisticated investors about the opportunities in food security, agriculture, the services industry, manufacturing, and of course, the diversification of our energy sector,” Dr. Ali posited. The President said that even though investors are eager to come to Guyana now, that had not been the initial case, since many groups had concerns related to Guyana’s democratic stability. “This is a key question from all those who we engaged; they want to know that the country is built on a foundation of democracy, stability [and] the rule of law,” Dr. Ali related. Those concerns could be attributed to the country’s protracted elections debacle, which featured a purported attempt to thwart the outcome of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. “From all our engagements, it is clear that persons were following the five months, and of course, it raises questions in terms of the sustainability of a country, when you have democracy threatened the way it was threatened,” Dr. Ali related. Fortunately, President Ali said that his team was successful in reassuring the potential investors and leaders of Guyana’s commitment to democracy. To this end, he said: “We had to repair a lot of damage; we had to answer a lot of questions in relation to that [the threat on democracy], but we are very happy that we had the opportunity to do so, and we are able to present Guyana as a strong, emerging market, not only for oil and gas, but for the various opportunities that are coming ahead.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Guyana projected to earn US$28M from timber exports

–– new market opportunities being explored By Navendra Seoraj

THE sustainable use of Guyana’s forest resources has generated great returns over the years, especially in the area of timber production and exportation, which is projected to remain lucrative this year, with estimated returns of US$28 million. Boasting one of the highest percentages of forest cover in the world, Guyana presents immense opportunities to investors, who are interested in sustainably utilising and developing forest resources. Already, persons have capitalised on those opportunities and this is evidenced by returns from the exportation of timber in 2021, which amounted to US$26.5 million. As outlined by Budget 2022, timber output grew from 344,179 cubic meters in 2020 to 383,189 cubic meters in 2021, reflecting strong demand as a result of the expansion in construction activity. Additionally, the adjusted National Log Export Policy has allowed for the rebound of timber exports including in the medium range species such as Wamara logs. In support of continued growth in the forestry sector, the government anticipates the conversion of three large concessions, equivalent to 1.5 million acres, which will

result in the production of an additional 30,000 cubic meters of logs in 2022, and approximately 50,000 cubic meters of logs, annually, for the next four years. Further, 50 new small concessions of a combined 150,000 acres will be allocated, resulting in a further 20,000 cubic meters of logs being produced. “In 2023, we project to allocate another 500,000 acres, with an estimated production output of 30,000-40,000 cubic meters of logs, annually. In 2022, expanded road rehabilitation will target the Puruni road while we will examine the bridging of the Puruni River,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had said during his presentation of Budget 2022. The minister had said that the rehabilitation works will result in substantially improved ingress and egress for the forestry sector. Those, along with regular monitoring of benchmark targets, are expected to redound to improved performances within the sector. In the area of expanding the local value chain for wood products, the government has been exploring market opportunities for export of sawn lumber to Barbados and pre-fab to Ghana and other countries. For the latter initiative, 120 pre-fab houses will be

manufactured using local wood and exported to Ghana this year, in an effort to secure a long-term relationship with this potential market. The government will also work to resuscitate three kiln drying facilities at Essequibo, Berbice and Linden, which will support the supply of sawn lumber to the Barbados market, among many others. Further, in the area of marketing, a wood expo is planned for the second half of the year to promote value added opportunities which will benefit the over 100 licensed sawmillers and 25 higher-end value producers. The event is slated to attract over 80 overseas buyers

and several value-added experts from Europe and North America. Simultaneously, in 2022, the government plans to work on finalising Guyana’s Timber Legality Assurance System, which is required for the implementation of the European Union Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade programme in order to be licensed to access the EU and other markets. TAKING STOCK It was reported recently that the forestry sector also stands to benefit significantly from an ongoing Forest Inventory Programme,

which seeks to “take stock” of the forest resources. This multi-year project, according to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), will see the “updating of forest resource information that is essential for national and concession-level planning and scientific research and referencing to support the modern outlook of the National Forest Policy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy.” The last time that a National Forest Inventory was executed was some 50 years ago. The ongoing implementation of the inventory will see field-data collection on state forests by administrative regions – all except for Regions Four and Five, where no state forests occur. In 2021, the GFC targeted clusters in Regions 10, Two and Three, before moving onto Regions Six and Nine. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, had said that the new effort will allow for the “mapping out” of various sections of the forest, to ascertain the number of trees that it holds, the sizes of those trees, and the species to which they belong. According to information released by the forestry commission, the inventory is also expected to provide several key benefits at the national level, including, but not limited to, the “stratification of Guyana’s forests” based on

ANUG until the conclusion of the proceedings which are pending against him,” ANUG related in a statement issued on Saturday. According to the political party, Jabour has since agreed to this course of action. Prior to this decision, the accused had informed ANUG’s executive committee of the charge and strongly maintained his innocence of the crime with which he was charged.

Although the party would have advised Jabour to withdraw himself from its political affairs, ANUG said it recognises two fundamental pillars of society which it wishes to see in Guyana. Speaking on the first pillar, which is respect for the rights of all citizens, the political party said: “In Guyana’s society, misogyny and abuse of women, whether in the form of domestic violence, predation in the

workplace, or access to education and jobs, is a chronic disease, whose symptoms appear from the level of the street to the halls of power. We insist that women’s rights are to be safeguarded as a priority, and that the culture of patriarchy must be fought and eradicated.” The second pillar, as outlined by ANUG, is the principle of innocent until proven guilty. On this point, the party related

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh the quantity and quality of forest resources in different areas, resulting in efficient zonation of forests based on intended use. It will also result in the identification of areas for conservation and protection, provide baseline data for understanding the forest dynamics in these areas, allow for efficient biological and ecological research by providing preliminary baseline data on forest species, composition and distribution, and allow for the integration of forest inventories with GIS/Remote Sensing technology, using empirical national forest data to design specific technologies for the monitoring of Guyana’s forests, among other things.

Jabour ‘exiled’ from ANUG pending trial over assault charge

EXECUTIVE member of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Kian Jabour, acting on the advice of his party, has ‘exiled himself’ from political life following allegations of assault from an ex-girlfriend. It was reported on Friday that Jabour, General Secretary of ANUG, was arraigned before city Magistrate Leron Daly for allegedly assaulting a woman. He was later released on $20,000 bail.

Jabour, an entrepreneur, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. “Given the seriousness of the charge, and ANUG’s position on respect for women’s rights, the executive committee of A New and United Guyana has determined that, notwithstanding the constitutional presumptions, Mr Jabour should withdraw from all activities relating to

General-Secretary of A New and Untied Guyana, Kian Jabour that Jabour, having been charged, will be tried in a court of law, which is the court to be respected.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

‘Lil Canary,’ Vinel and ‘O.K.C’ take first wins in ‘Mash’ competitions ‘LIL Canary,’ real name Faith Corrica, successfully defended her Calypso Monarch crown on Friday night at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, with her song “Give Youths A Chance,” while Vinel Hinds picked up the Junior Calypso Monarch title and Osei Clarke, called ‘O.K.C,’ was the winner in

the Junior Soca Monarch competition. Entering in both the Junior Calypso and Soca competitions, Vinel also picked up third place in the Junior Soca competition, while Clarke placed second in the Junior Calypso competition. Hinds took her win with her performance of ‘You Lie,’ which spoke to men taking advantage of unsus-

pecting women by lying to them. In the adult Banks Calypso Competition, taking second place behind Corrica was Quincy ‘Ego’ Lacon, while Granny Ivelaw was third. In the Junior Calypso 2020 event, Omaiah Hall came third with ‘Sugar Daddy.’ In the Junior Soca Monarch event, second place went to former Junior Mon-

arch, Relon Summer. The three competitions were all held consecutively on Friday night, as action got underway in the first three of the five cultural song competitions that form part of Guyana’s Mashramani celebrations. The night got off to its customary late start, two hours behind the scheduled start with Emcee for the evening, Malcolm Ferreira, apologising to the crowd. Things then immediately dived into the Junior Calypso competition, with the first performer being See page 5

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2022 Junior Soca Monarch, ‘O.K.C’, real name Osei Clarke, during his performance (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

‘Lil Canary,’ Vinel and ‘O.K.C’ take first wins ...

From page 4 indigenous performer from Region One (Barima Waini), June Ann Hutson. Hutson’s song ‘This Bush Girl Gat Sense,’ touched on the topical issue of stereotyping by Guyanese coastlanders of indigenous people from the interior regions. Giving a fitting opening to the night’s event, Hutson delivered a rousing performance and truly displayed her sense as she reminded the audience that Amerindians in Guyana are more than just a stereotype. She was followed by the performance of Toranna Caesar, who also touched on a serious social issue in her song, ‘Teenage Pregnancy on the Rise.’ In customary style, many of the kaisos touched on hot- button topical issues, some funny, and others in need of serious advocacy and awareness. Third performer of the night, ‘The Queen,’ real name Selena Fullington, sang

about ‘Soap Opera Life,’ while Hall let it be known that bills and the rising cost of living was too much, and encouraged many young women to take up a ‘Sugar Daddy.’ Vinel was the fifth act of the night, entering the stage decked out in a purple, plait school uniform skirt and tie ensemble, with matching two ponytail hairstyle, to deliver her number, ‘You Lie.’ Clarke was the final performer of the night in the Junior Calypso Competition, which was then immediately followed by the Junior Soca Competition and then the Adult Calypso Competition came next. The winners of all three of the competitions were announced at the end of the Adult Calypso Competition; the event came to a close at approximate 02:00hrs on Saturday. The Mashramani competitions continued on Sat-

2022 Calypso Monarch Faith ‘Lil Canary’ Corrica, during the performance of her song, ‘Give Youths A Chance’ (Delano Williams photo) urday night with the Adult Soca Monarch Competition, where defending champion Samuel Medas

was set to come in for a tough time, while the Chutney Monarch Competition is set for Sunday night.

2022 Junior Calypso Monarch Vinel Hinds, during her performance of ‘You Lie’ (Delano Williams photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Stronger Together THE curtain have come down on the four-day day International Energy Conference and Expo at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown. From all indications, the Conference was a huge success, as could be seen from the degree of interest shown in the country by local, regional and international investors. Never before in the country’s history was there such a high level of interest in Guyana by foreign investors, which augers well for the future development of the country. Already, the scale of investment in the country is unprecedented and picking up momentum with a number of local and foreign investment, which, in addition to creating jobs, is also repositioning the country as a major player in terms of global trade and investment. Much of the investment understandably is oil-related given current and projected levels of oil production. In fact, the country is projected to experience a ‘tsunami’ of revenue inflows within the next five years or so. Guyana expects close to a billion US dollars in revenue by the end of this year which could reach by 2025 to a whooping amount of over one trillion Guyana dollars! This is a massive injection of financial resources into the local economy which will go a far way in enhancing the economic and material condition of life of the Guyanese people. All of this is good news. We need, however, to go beyond rising income levels and improvements in the material conditions of life, and begin a process of national healing and reconciliation. It is an established fact

that the country historically had experienced a situation of ‘divide and rule politics’ encouraged by foreign vested interests and sadly exploited by opportunistic elements even after the country became free from colonial rule. The country experienced nearly three decades of PNC authoritarian rule after being catapulted to political office in 1964 by foreign vested interests, with the support of the pro-business United Force. Under a system of undemocratic and authoritarian rule, it was not possible to meaningfully engage the Guyanese people in a process of national unity as the-then ruling administration was more concerned with the maintenance and perpetuation of undemocratic rule rather than finding a solution to the political and ethnic polarisation of the society. To make matters worse, the economic and social conditions of the Guyanese people saw a progressive decline with every passing year reaching a stage by the late 1980s when the country was ranked as one of the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The tide has shifted with the restoration of democratic rule and Guyana today under the PPP/C administration has embarked on a process of democratic renewal and economic consolidation. The economy is growing at an accelerated pace and the national pie is getting bigger and bigger with every year. The quality of life of the Guyanese people is improving and the basis is now being laid for a new Guyana, one in which there is greater inclusivity and participatory democracy. President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been

passionate about the idea of a prosperous and cohesive Guyana even as he recognised that such a society can only be realised in an environment of trust. According to President Ali, ‘no government has all the answers. It is my wish to be able to benefit from the viewpoints of all, including our political parties, trade unions, private sector, workers and social organisations. “One Guyana is therefore a social contract of inclusion.” The “One Guyana vision” is essentially about creating a more equal society, ensuring that every Guyanese is provided with an opportunity to lead productive and happy lives; reducing inequality in access to education, health, employment, income and justice. It aims at ensuring that every individual is accorded a dignified existence and with due respect for their rights and with full equality before the law. This is not just wishful thinking on the part of President Ali and his PPP/C administration. In fact, measures are already well advanced to make this vision a reality. The philosophical underpinnings of the current budget are grounded on the realisation of that vision which is not only forward-looking but a national imperative if the goals of a prosperous and united Guyana are to be fully realised. The One Guyana Commission is an important pillar of a new Guyana which, when established, will give voice and recognition to all individuals and social groups in our society regardless of political affiliation, race, religion or gender. Under the “One

Guyana” vision envisaged by President Ali, everyone will benefit from the country’s resources, especially in the context of rising prosperity driven in part by the emerging oil and gas sector. In February last, almost a year ago, President Ali made the announcement of his “One Guyana” vision and the establishment of a One Guyana Commission. “An essential part of my Government is inclusion. Stop being defined by race; stop being defined by politics. Start being defined by our one nationality and by our common love for our one country; let us lift it up together and by doing so, let us lift each other and ourselves, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” President Ali is committed to giving meaning and effect to our national motto which for too long was ruptured by the undemocratic, incompetent and discriminatory policies of the previous administration. The President urged all Guyanese to come on board to advance the transformation process that is currently underway, fully cognisant of the fact that we are stronger together, both as a people and a society. Now is the time to rise above partisan and sectarian thinking. The country is fully on the path to becoming an economic powerhouse in the region and every Guyanese has a role to play in this exciting task of nation-building. In this regard, all Guyanese are stakeholders and are entitled to a fair share of our national patrimony, which is one of the cornerstones of the One Guyana vision.

A time-out to recognise Dr Bharrat Jagdeo among our special leaders Dear Editor, MARCH 06, 2022, will mark the 25th death anniversary of the father of our great nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan. As expected, his works, qualities and teaching are recognisably endowed in many of our current leaders cultured by the PPP, that is advancing the transformative agenda and rise of Guyana today. This year we also celebrate 30 years since the dawn of a New Era emerging from the re-establishment of democracy in 1992. It is, therefore, appropriate and useful to take a time-out to recognise, support, and applaud the continued contribution of another special and justifiably revered son of our soil, given that he unrelentingly continues to provide invaluable, unselfish support and guidance. Please permit me to recognise our Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, a man of unquestionable character, who emerged from humble beginnings to serve with distinction as one of

our country’s iconic presidents from 1999 to 2011. As a backdrop, it is useful to note that under the admirable stewardship of the PPP/C officials in government, the take-off is witnessed, observed, and set for inclusive participation and benefit by hundreds of thousands of Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, coupled with the millions of global followings of the augmentation of our potential to realise a thematic fulfilment of tremendous nationwide development. Evidencing this dynamic movement, world leaders along with myriad technical personalities are currently in Guyana, participating in the highly successful International Energy Conference and Exposition, promoting engagements towards “Chartering [sic] a Sustainable Energy Future”. The PPP/C Government is focused on a Sustainable Development Charter, guided by men and women of substance. Following more than 28 years as the main opposition due to fraudulent electoral practices by the

then PNC, the PPP/C won power in 1992 and immediately commenced the transformation of this country into a better place to live. However, it was within the vision of Dr Cheddi Jagan that the Golden Boy Bharrat Jagdeo was identified as a potential leader, who would be capable and ready to take the reins of continuance to make Guyana a better place. Young Jagdeo was appointed Finance Minister and then he was groomed in the PPP leadership to give quality guidance to our government. Following party-based elevation due to his demonstrated potential and nurturing, Bharrat Jagdeo at age 35 was subsequently elected as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in August 1999. He swiftly demonstrated his valuable quality as a leader, evidenced by a wide plethora of achievements and international accreditations, a few of which this column is pleased to highlight. In 2005, President Jagdeo was elected Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International

Monetary Fund and World Bank. It was no surprise when in 2006, The World Economic Forum (WEF) identified Jagdeo as one of their inaugural Young Global Leaders. The prestigious Times Magazine named Jagdeo as one of their “Heroes of the Environment” in 2008, and he was awarded the United Nations “Champion of the Earth” in 2010. Also in 2010, the Secretary-General of the United Nations asked Jagdeo to serve on the Secretary General’s High-level Advisory Group on Climate Financing. Jagdeo is a Patron of the Delhi-based World Sustainable Development Forum. In 2011, Heads of State and other leaders from the World’s rainforest countries asked him to be the “Roving Ambassador for the Three Basins” (Amazon, Congo Basin, South East Asia). In March 2012, the world’s largest environmental organisation, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature See page 7

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

A time-out to recognise Dr Bharrat Jagdeo ... From page 6 (IUCN), announced that President Jagdeo would become the ICUN High-Level Envoy for Sustainable Development in Forest Countries and Patron of Nature. In addition, he is also the President of the assembly of the Korea-based Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), having been a founding board member of GGGI since 2010. GGGI is the world’s newest international organisation that currently has a complement of 20 member states. In 2013, Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma announced that former President Jagdeo would lead a high-level team of experts to identify solutions for unlocking resources to enable small, poor, and climate-vulnerable Commonwealth countries to combat climate change. The former President, whose related works in the field are second to none, was joined by eight others to cre-

ate a set of recommendations for the international community to help identify practical solutions for those countries most vulnerable to climate change. Jagdeo presented the report to 53 heads of government and other leaders of the Commonwealth, representing about the fifth of the World’s population at the 2014 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is recalled that Jagdeo travelled from the 2015 CHOGM to participate in the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change Summit in Warsaw, where he spoke of the outcomes of CHOGM and the need for continued leadership from Prime Ministers and Presidents. In a major speech in Warsaw, he stated: “In the next 24 months much progress needs to be made if we are going to have a climate agreement. We can still stop the absolute, worst extremes of climate change, and start the massive shift towards global low-carbon de-

velopment. The world tried to do this in 2009 in Copenhagen and failed. As a consequence, more people will die, more livelihoods will be destroyed, more economies will suffer and the cost of action has gone up steadily. If we fail again in 2015, the damage and the costs will become truly unmanageable. Future generations will ask: how could we be so self-

ish, not once, but twice”? As a testimony to his broadened international repertoire, it is factual that in March 2013, the ACP Council of Ministers inaugurated a 14-member Eminent Persons Group (EPG), whose mission would be to provide guidance and concrete recommendations for the future of the ACP Group. The 14 members of this group met in Brussels and designated the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as their chairman,

with Jagdeo designated as one of two Vice-chairs. Jagdeo has also been a Guest Lecturer at Columbia University (New York City, USA), York University (Toronto, Canada), Trent University (Peterborough, Canada), the University of Toronto, United Nations University (Tokyo, Japan), and the University of the West Indies. He has also taken part in Trent University’s Carbon Conversation, focusing on the need to sustainably de-carbonise the global economy.

President Irfaan Ali is also doing extremely well in guiding our brilliant young Cabinet members to provide the Guyanese population with exemplary leadership and unflinching support that will certainly make Guyana a paradise with the continued support of our leaders. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

International Expo brings the world to Guyana

OVER the past week, representatives from 150 companies, foreign dignitaries, and heads of state from Ghana, Barbados and Suriname met in Guyana at the inaugural International Energy Conference and Exhibition - Guyana 2022. The conference comes just days after production commenced at the Liza Unity FPSO, pushing Guyana’s daily capacity to upwards of 340,000 barrels per day by the end of this year and putting it on the path to become a major global producer in less than a decade. Investors spent the week meeting officials from state agencies, travelling to the inner reaches of the hinterland and learning about the many opportunities that abound in the oil and gas sector and beyond. This is one of the surest signs yet of increased confidence in doing business and soundness of the measured but accelerated push to put in place the framework, legislation and policies that will support Guyana’s oil and gas development in the years to come. Guyana stands at the intersection of growing global demand for oil and gas, urgent need to address climate change and increasing global energy insecurity. The world will continue to need oil and gas even as we transition to more renewable energy sources, and Guyana is well placed to be the supplier of choice for old and new friends. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted this issue in his presentation while commenting on efforts to curtail new fossil fuel exploration. “Effectively, if you’re saying we can’t develop, you’re locking in the existing producers as in a monopoly. They have a monopoly for the next 30 years even if you don’t use fossil fuel, but we know

we will still need it in 2050.” But Guyana is uniquely positioned as a new producing nation to avoid past mistakes in oil-rich countries. From the outset, addressing concerns such as the resource curse and corruption and maintaining its identity as a low carbon state have been priorities. ExxonMobil Chairman Darren Woods celebrated the success of the progress to date. “It’s truly remarkable how far we’ve come since we signed the production sharing contract for the Stabroek Block in 1999.” President Irfaan Ali also reiterated the government’s commitment to investing and building for the long term. “We welcome Exxon. We welcome investments. Local growth and increased productivity must be built into the system to bring benefit to the people,” President Ali said during the opening ceremony. Addressing the issue of climate change has been a central part of the national strategy. The recently updated Low Carbon Development Strategy recognises that Guyana can both be a supplier of oil and natural gas while building the foundations of a green economy. In her speech to the conference, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados echoed the sentiment that “net-zero does not mean zero”. Guyana can continue to develop its oil and gas while protecting large acreage of forests that trap and store carbon. Responsibly producing oil, utilising local labour and building the country’s future through training and local content can be beneficial for all Guyanese and the region as a whole, if done right. The fortunes of Guyana have shifted in other

significant ways as well. Before oil was produced commercially, investors took on much greater risks to explore and required better terms to do so. Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice President at IHS Markit highlighted this shift well in his own remarks, saying, “[Guyana] was considered a frontier area with no commercial prospects; it was considered very high risk and with very little interest to the global industry. But a few industries were willing to take that risk, applying advances in technology and creative geo-political thinking, and transformed a province that seemed to have no prospects into one whose great prospects are being realised today.” Now, Guyana is in a position to ensure that any new contracts and terms will reflect a matured oil and gas state and an improved bargaining position. Vice President Jagdeo echoed the point that new oil blocks will be put through in an auction process in line with international best practices. Guyana will also reserve the right to develop some of its acreage potentially through a national oil company. Finally, Vice President Jagdeo emphasised

the enormous scale of the investments Guyana has already succeeded in attracting. “Projects that have already been approved will probably spend about 30 billion dollars. That’s probably about 10 times, maybe more than the total deposits in our banking system. So just to give you an idea of the scale of resources, which would never be found here among locals. That’s why we need that partner.” The decision to pursue accelerated development of oil and gas is clearly reaping rewards, which will only grow in the years to come. Projects like strengthening the seawalls and building a road network that can withstand flooding are now possible due to oil revenues and are urgently needed. More than US$600 million in oil revenues will be used in the budget this year from the natural resources fund and that is only the start of many billions of oil dollars that can be spent on critical infrastructure. All signs point to a record year for production and investment in Guyana and record earnings that will fund much-needed investments across society.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

The Coalition's high premium on propaganda

IF I am allowed to tweak V. S. Naipaul’s comment on the academic failing to see what is around him to the politician not seeing what is coming, I would say, that such a politician has no business being in the position of leadership. In a matter of weeks, we will be reminded of how the APNU+AFC Coalition tried to rig the March 2, 2020 general election to remain in power. That is painful enough but the consistent claim of the Coalition that the election was taken away from them by the current PPP Government with help from “foreign forces” to install the PPP into office is an exercise in political apologia. The hangers-on mentality of the APNU+AFC Coalition can only be sustained, particularly to their supporters, with a continuous dose of propaganda coupled without addressing the lack of political endow-

ments within its chambers. What these individuals do not seem to understand is that the practice of politics will test one’s character and moral qualities beyond its specific knowledge base of support. What we have been witnessing is the inability of the Coalition to produce a highly competent corps of administrators capable of managing complex issues of politics. Characteristics of quick intellect and the fine gift of administrative abilities are lacking. The reality, therefore, is that the Coalition has not been able to mount an effective response why it was defeated at the polls nor address its underlying problems such as internal squabbling, incompetence, snafu, and so on. The result is that the situation in the Coalition has moved from bad to worse, notably, emerging power pitting against existing ones as being the most transpar-

ent with the ultimate aim to enhance one’s own position and power. I understand that in any government, and mostly in Coalitions, there are often conflicts among politicians over specific policies such as appointments to high offices. Does this ring a bell? However, one way to address the impasse is to be engaging and inclusive, for example, by seeking out private groups and civil society, for coordinating ideas. This rarely happened during Coalition administration. Instead, the mastery of concealment and conceit as well as reckless spending on not-well thought projects, among others, was simply a heavy burden on most of the country, while those in power availed themselves with the posh lifestyle that comes with political appointments. This formed the matrix of belief in the Coalition like pigs feeding on troughs. All this descended

into one final destination, from declining popularity to obsolescence. You know what happened when what hit the fan after the No-Confidence Vote (NCV). The Shoguns of the Coalition went helter-skelter, taking the nation with them for three years of pain showing no penitence. The increasing misery of the Guyanese people did not lead to a revolt but to a firm expression at the polls. The Guyanese showed their priority who should lead them, but the Shoguns have since refused to accept the reality, revealing an obstinate thread that has been running through the political fabric of the PNC, now joined by the defunct AFC. That thread is that if a sound and secure entrance to power cannot be achieved when facing the polls, do not rule out rigging, especially when the voting results are unfavourable. It bears repeating that this thinking has hit a dead-end in Guyana. A healthy synergy by various factions in the community has been developing to foster democracy, and the clarion call is for the PNC to join.

What is equally disturbing is the Coalition’s claim to remain in office. Such a declaration does not jell with the majority of Guyana, home and abroad, since it disregards the suffering Guyanese have received at the hands of the parasitic servants of the state and speaks to the flaws of the Coalition akin to the Turkish proverb, “the fish stinks from the head.” Instead of looking down their political noses and taking seriously what the voters had said, and using that message to build confidence, bridge the political divide, and embrace optimism, the Coalition has shown no sympathy for even the occasional oppositional voice, misconstruing the modus operandi of politics: listening, learning, and indexing what the people are saying. The static narrative that the PNC won the last election, two years later, and was cheated out, is tantamount to placing a high premium on propaganda, clannish loyalty, leading to jeremiad and harangue. The Coalition years in office, and particularly after March 2, 2020, was experi-

mental for the coming reality to be in the opposition. The Coalition’s insistence to remain in power by using and abusing power, the disregard of the NCV, for example, kept the privileged apart from the non-privileged, which served as a forerunner for something more serious: the Coalition would be voted out of office. So what to expect moving forward? Some in the Coalition will not be around because they have failed to see what was coming while others will gravitate to what was said of Shakespeare’s Gratiano, in The Merchant of Venice who spoke “an infinite deal of nothing, more than any man in all Venice. His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff” and if you are willing to spend an awful time looking for them, and when you do find them, you will ask yourself, does it worth the search (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Unanswered questions about bacterial culture and sensitivity tests, bacterial resistance and antibiotic use WHAT is a bacterial culture and sensitivity test? A bacterial culture is the activated growth of the sampled bacteria from an infection site of the patient onto a fortified surface in the laboratory. Colonies of cultivated bacteria are exposed to various antibiotics to find the best bactericidal/ bacteriostatic option. This sensitivity test, also referred to as the susceptible test, highlights the growth inhibition status for the micro-organism. Some tests specify the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) levels of the drug so as to optimise the use of the antibiotic. What is the purpose of such a test and is it a prerequisite in the treatment protocols for different types of infections? It is an investigative test ordered by the discretion of the physician since the reporting procedures on infection prevention and control are not mandatory in countries without surveillance system oversight. So, a treating doctor, having taken all factors into consideration including the associated costs for the tests and the potential risks associated with the waiting period (ranging from 24 hours to two weeks for the results, depending on the infection type), will decide on the practicality of ordering a bacterial culture and sensitivity test. Based on the patient’s presentation (signs and symptoms) from the suspecting invading micro-organism and the clinical evaluation, a decision is made whether to initiate treatment prior to waiting for the results from the culture and sensitivity, which would function as a confirmation to the diagnosis. For uncomplicated infections with classic characteristics due to those typically known invading pathogens, it may not necessitate a culture and sensitivity test as a routine prerequisite investigation to treatment. However when the physician deduce a complicated or mixed infection with known resistant pathogens, especially if resistant to first line treatment prescribed, then a bacterial culture and sensitivity test is the absolutely required protocol. What are the established resistant pathogens and in what types of infections they are prevalent? Globally, the established resistant infections are respiratory infections due to S. pneumonia (55 percent resistant to penicillin in some countries), HIV (resistant to marketed agents), diarrheal diseases due to S. dysenteriae (90 per cent resistant to cotrimoxazole or septrin) and S. typhi (multiple drug resistant), tuberculosis (mul-

tiple drug resistant) and malaria due to P. falciparum (resistant to chloroquine in 81 out of 92 countries). According to the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System network (29 member countries) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System, there have been increasing trends in pseudomonas aeruginosa resistance to three out the five classes of antibiotics to Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) or hospital acquired, such as central line-associated bloodstream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract, ventilator associated pneumonia and surgical site infections. These are caused mainly due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) where known contributing pathogens are MDR-pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR-acinetobacter baumanni and enterobacteriacease producing ß-lactamases and carbapenemases. Other isolates under surveillance were escherichia coli and klebsiella pneumonia, where E. coli had as high as 36 percent resistance to third generation cephalosporins. This was reported years prior to COVID-19 when hospital admissions were more controllable, less complicated and less risky. Interpreting the results from the sensitivity test. There are three categories to classify the response of the colonies of bacteria to the antibiotics - Sensitive, Intermediate or Resistant. The first option suggests the named antibiotics to which the bacteria under investigation are most responsive (sensitive). It is only if the sensitive antibiotics are not available then consideration of the intermediate options will be made but at higher than normal dosages. The resistant antibiotics should never be prescribed. In preserving the rational use of antibiotics, fourth generation antibiotics such as vancomycin is considered for use only in life-threatening cases and should only be authorised by a consultant, thereby highly restricting the last arsenal at hand. In conclusion various measures should be made mandatory so as to minimise the spread of these resistant pathogens that cause such “difficult to treat” infections. We have learnt two of the WHO recommended protocols due to COVID-19 pandemic, which are hand-washing with soap and water, especially when bodily fluids and excretions are visible on the healthcare worker, and routine alcohol sanitisation prior to attending to a patient. Another measure to curb resistance will be to restrict the access and hence use of anti-

biotics, allowing use only when directed by a doctor, as is done with the anti-retrovirals in the National HIV programme. However, despite these restrictive measures, resistance is still evident since patient compliance may be another contributing factor. For further pharmacological guidance and physician referral, contact the pharma-

cist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine. express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Guyana, at 52, marching onwards towards 'Oneness'

THIS year’s republic anniversary celebrations are likely to be very historic as Guyana turns 52. There is likely to be the old familiar steel pan music and a hint of the traditional masqueraders mixed with Guyanese style Calypso and sweet soca tunes. Also, this year will see Mashramani celebrations that are virtual and a few in-person celebrations due to the strict regulations governing the country, even though there is no COVID-19 curfew. All in all, Guyanese will celebrate in small gatherings where good traditional food, conversations, and culture will be alive. But 52 is not an easy year for Guyanese. It comes with much more focus on the forward movement of the “One Guyana” and “oneness pledge”. Though it does not replace our national pledge of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” the vision serves as a mantra to remember that

all things are possible if we stick together as one. We must work together as a single unit regardless of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, social status and political affiliation. This oneness is integral to Guyana’s forward movement as a people and was reiterated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to international, regional, and local leaders at the International Energy Conference and Exposition during the week-long activities. Accomplishment of this vision, the President said, will see Guyana emerge stronger, resilient, and ready to take on the developmental challenges which lay waiting for us in the long-term. President Ali stressed that the “One Guyana” vision could only flourish if there is political and social stability and national unity. He said there must be the building of trust, respect for the rule law, social cohesion and national prosperity. He sees Guyana being built up from the point of what it

was in 2020 to a major player on the international scene in every sector, including finance, agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, small and medium scale enterprises, global warming and climate change. Firstly, it is commendable that President Ali continues to push for “One Guyana” and his vision to be realised. It is also good to see so many organisations and high-level personnel finally understanding the vision as adumbrated by the President. What has to be done now is that the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change come on board and support his laudable vision of “One Guyana”. As long as the Coalition continues to operate like there are two types of Guyana, we are no way closer to realising that dream or vision that the President spoke of so eloquently. The Coalition continues to spread race-hate and division across the land using social media discussion forums, the National Assembly

and other avenues available to them. The Cybercrime laws are proving as a means for the authorities to keep them and citizens in check but there needs to be an effective discussion forum separate and apart from the One Guyana Commission, to get at least their tacit support for his “oneness” initiative. If the Coalition and parties are not going to come to the table, work out their political differences and put the country first, then the President must be bold and fervent in moving ahead with the initiative alone. Secondly, at 52, Guyana is on the right trajectory to realising social stability as envisioned by the “One Guyana” vision because of the policies which are focused

on “people” by the PPP-led Administration. It is an undisputed fact that people are living comfortably under the Ali Government when compared to what was obtained under the David Granger Administration in terms of health, wealth, jobs, education, welfare and industry. It is hoped that the various rights commissions, constitutional commissions and bodies will be activated under the framework of functioning democracy and Constitution. In anyways, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has already gone on record giving a timeframe for this to happen. The other issues such as unemployment, local content, and crime are being addressed. Thirdly, it is hoped that President Ali will not put too much focus on achieving national unity as opposed to Oneness. It could be something that is easily confused. Besides, the country saw firsthand what a government of socalled National Unity would do if it had the power. There

was no movement on inclusive democracy and healing much less reconciliation during the reign of the APNU+AFC Coalition. Similarly, there was disrespect shown to the Coalition partners namely the Working People’s Alliance and the Justice For All party. Let’s focus on the “One Guyana’ vision”. Finally, at 52, Guyanese must reflect on who we are as a people and from whence we came. It is a remarkable opportunity to focus on where we are going as a republic within the large Caribbean region and further afield. We must stop and ponder on the things that make us Guyanese and different from the rest of the world. Similarly, we will have to think about the struggles we have endured on the way to achieving our republican status. We are zealous, intelligent, and resourceful people and a people destined for greatness! Happy Republic Anniversary!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

First Lady secures 100 maritime training scholarships for Indigenous women

IN what can be described as historic, First Lady Arya Ali, has secured 100 scholarships for Indigenous women in the hinterland to be trained in the maritime and offshore industry through a local maritime training school. Atlantic Alliance (AA) Maritime & Offshore Training School is a 100 per cent Guyanese owned company which the First Lady had been in talks with ahead of the recently-concluded International Energy Conference and Expo. The 100 scholarships will be awarded through the Office of the First Lady over a four year period and will benefit Indigenous women from Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine. It is intended to provide technical training to support Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector. On Thursday last, Mrs Ali cemented the historic deal by signing an agreement with Mrs Miranda Thakur-Deen and Asif Hamid, Executive Directors of the School, in the presence of a number of other stakeholders including the Centre for Local Business Development and Lloyd’s Register. This agreement follows plans by the government, which has been moving aggressively, to equip Guyanese to benefit from the opportunities being made available in the oil and gas sector. “We are talking about one Guyana and this is a demonstration of us, the government, creating that one Guyana that we speak of. We are aware of the many issues that affect the Indigenous People of Guyana, including access to tertiary education and tertiary level training. So this is a major step towards creating opportunities for them in the oil and gas sector and ensuring that they are part of the success story of our country,” Mrs Ali said. She also lauded the school’s commitment to ensuring that it gives back to the people of Guyana.

“I am beyond happy to share this moment with a local company because it not only highlights the importance of local content, but it shows in a tangible way how committed this company is to giving back to our people,” she added. Mrs Thakur-Deen said the decision to partner with the Office of the First Lady was an easy one for the school’s board becaus-e of the work Mrs Ali has been involved in. “We noticed the First Lady is a leading advocate for women and has been championing women’s rights since she took office. Her period poverty project shows her commitment to women and advancing their rights, and we wanted to be able to support the work that she is doing,” ThakurDeen said. The Maritime Institution will provide unique training programmes which focus on teaching practical skills to both local and international students through a blended approach. The School’s courses are accredited by Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ). It is currently awaiting accreditation from the National Accreditation Council of Guyana, while plans are underway for it to become a TVET Certified Institution. “Our mission is to prepare and provide competent, top quality and experienced marine professionals. Our curriculum empowers students to take on leadership roles, encourage rigorous

First Lady Arya Ali and Directors of AA Maritime & Offshore Training Institute in the company of other stakeholders including the Centre for Local Business Development and Lloyd’s Register after the signing of the agreement self-discipline, promote curiosity and provide graduates with skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the Global Maritime & Offshore Industry,” the School’s other Executive Director, Mr Hamid noted. AA Maritime & Offshore Training School currently has lecturers that are internationally certified industry experts with backgrounds in the oil and gas industry. The institution comprises 20 classrooms with digital and in-house libraries, augmented reality simulators and technical workshop facilities. It also intends to begin issuing certification for TVET welding and fabrication courses which will be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS). (Office of the First Lady press release)

Islamophobia a potent threat to multiculturalism -President Ali

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

–– at Ontario event,urges religious leaders to ‘speak out’ against all forms of injustice PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said that islamophobia has no place in civilised societies and is counterproductive to multiculturalism, in which all are recognised, valued and respected. The Head of State made this assertion during

his virtual address to the Family Summit hosted by the TARIC Islamic Centre of Ontario on Friday under the theme, “Countering Islamophobia: Effective Strategies, Resources, and Best Practices.” “Islamophobia is a social disease. It fosters ha-

tred, prejudice, bias and discrimination against persons on the basis of their identification or perceived identification as Muslims. It is disruptive to social cohesion and social harmony. As such, islamophobia also represents a potent threat to multiculturalism.”

Day one of the threeday event also had messages from Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford and Mayor of Toronto, John Tory. RESPECT FOR ALL

President Dr Irfaan Ali President Ali outlined three important principles in countering islamophobia, including the importance of laws that promote and protect religious freedom and protect religious communities from being denigrated; greater inter-religious dialogue and the importance of embracing religious and cultural identities. The President acknowledged that as multicultural societies, both Guyana and Canada recognise the need to engender respect for internal diversity; and both countries also face the challenges associated with multiculturalism, including ethnic prejudice and discrimination. “We can help each other by sharing our experiences and by identifying what has worked for each of us. This Family Summit is an opportunity for us to do so.” He pointed to the importance of the law as “the guardian of society” and of Guyana’s constitution, which outlaws discrimination on the basis of religion, religious belief or culture. “In Guyana, our constitution protects freedom of conscience. No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of conscience. It proclaims that this freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his or her religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his or her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.” Canadians, he added,

also enjoy the right to religious freedom and freedom of conscience. The President noted that islamophobia is not going to disappear overnight. However, by ensuring that the larger family – society – recognises and respects Muslims and their rights, will go a long way towards ending attacks, bias, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims. SPEAK OUT AGAINST BIAS President Ali urged the participants to be consistent in their narrative and to let their voices be heard against all forms of discrimination. He said the Islamic community must be willing to speak out consistently against injustice, biases, issues of democracy and social injustice wherever they exist. “We have to be consistent with our principles and values…We can’t only speak on an issue when it is in our favour. We have to always be consistent in our narrative. “We cannot be divorced from all these issues that make up our presence in society. And that message must be consistent. It cannot be opportunistic. We have that responsibility. And that responsibility is an important responsibility. Wherever injustice pops up, our voice must be there speaking out against it.” He emphasised too that as efforts continue to end islamophobia, so too must be the drive to ensure the true values and teachings of Islam is what is understood by the world. (Office of the President press release)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

After decades, Plantation Hope residents to get land transports/titles

SOME 55 households that have been occupying lands at Plantation Hope – Cum Annexis, East Coast Demerara for decades are in line to receive their Land titles/transports soon.

Compound, in keeping with a promise he made two weeks prior. “Today, we are here committed to bringing this aspect of the ownership to completion for you and your fami-

Ms. Rajkumarie Budhu (right) and Mr. Parasram Budhu (left) will benefit from a title at Plantation Hope On Saturday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, met with several of the residents, at the Hope Estate

lies,” the Housing Minister told residents. Through Saturday’s activity, the Central Hous-

Man disguised in wig, woman’s clothing kills son-in-law –– victim was previously charged for several violent robberies A FORMER inmate of the Lusignan Prison, who, in 2019, made a video with two others within the prison brandishing weapons, was shot dead Friday night, allegedly by his 44-year-old father-in-law who was disguised as a woman in East La Penitence, Georgetown. Dead is Leon Gittens, 25, of lot 118 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown. According to police report, the shooting occurred at midnight on Friday at lot 211 Freeman Street and investigations revealed that Gittens - who shared an intimate relationship with the suspect’s daughter - was allegedly threatened earlier in January by the suspect. Police said that, on the fatal night, Gittens went to the La Penitence location to pick up his girlfriend.

Dead: Leon Gittens “She told police she observed her father dressed in a blue dress with a wig on his head and armed with a black handgun entered the yard and, as she ran for See page 17

ing and Planning Authority (CHPA) initiated the verification of documents, which the minister noted is one of the first steps in the land titling process. The initiative was well received by residents, who noted that they feared that the longstanding issue would have never been resolved. Forty-eight year old Rajkumarie Budhu was one of those residents. She stated that she had been living at Plantation Hope – Cum Annexis all of her life and was relieved that

her life-long wish to possess ownership would finally become a reality. “It’s a very long time, we born and grow here and we didn’t get nothing and we thankful that today, we finally gon’ get we title and everything gon’ be so good,” Budhu said. Her father, Parasram Budhu, 69, also voiced his contentment with the work of the ministry. Another resident, Malinie Bhola, has been residing on a portion of the land for over 18 years. Bhola is a mother of five

and she stated that for her, receiving her Land Title/ Transport will aid in the provision of a better life for herself and children. “I feel glad that I waiting so long and I glad that I [will] get my paper and get through with my land,” Bhola said. According to the Ministry of Housing, Plantation Hope – Cum Annexis was originally a sugar plantation bought after the indentureship period and repurposed for coconut cultivation. “It became the Hope Coconut Industry Ltd. in

the 1970s and was managed by a Board until the government took over in 1992 and eventually phased out the coconut cultivation. “The land has since been developed into a housing scheme with close to 400 lots. Minister Croal also announced that, in 2022, the Ministry of Housing and Water plans to allocate a number of house lots in the area, as part of its flagship ‘Dream Realised’ Housing Drive,” the Housing Ministry noted.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Women benefit from CIOG’s Pap Smear drive

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), in collaboration with the Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc., on Saturday, held a Pap Smear drive at CIOG’s Woolford Avenue, Georgetown location, in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness month. With a set target of testing 500 women with a Papanicolaou test (Pap smear), CIOG was able to test, on average, 350 women. Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, General

Women waiting to get their pap smear done at CIOG (Elvin Croker photo) Manager of the CIOG, Shameena Haniff, said that the initiative was taken in light of the high rate at which women were being diagnosed with cer-

oratories, but also doctors and nurses that usually volunteer with the CIOG on a monthly basis when medical outreaches are carried out by the organisation. These medical outreaches, she said, are held in the less fortunate communities. “Given this initiative, we are hoping that organisations would actually get such activities done since it is something that is very much needed in our country, especially for our women and in the vulnerable communities where there are very poor persons who cannot pay to have a pap smear done,” Haniff said. The CIOG is hoping to hold similar events in the future. Haniff said that the

A woman being registered by a nurse (Elvin Croker photo) vical cancer in Guyana. “We would want to believe that it is because there isn’t any early detection being done, hence, the CIOG has decided that we need to be a part of this initiative in helping the woman population of our country in getting this done,” she shared. The Pap tests were done for women of ages 20 and over where the medical team not only included persons from the Eureka Medical Lab-

organisation is very happy to be extending their services to the women of Guyana since it is something that is needed as not everyone may be able to afford to get the Pap test done. The Sunday Chronicle also spoke with a few women at the drive who shared that they were happy that the CIOG facilitated the event, as, normally, they would have had to pay to do the test.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Guyana pledges additional US$50,000 to help post-earthquake efforts in Haiti

LESS than a year after Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, suffered yet another devastating earthquake that left 2,200 people dead, Guyana, on Wednesday last, pledged US$50,000 (about G$10M) to support the reconstruction of the Southern Peninsula in the country. This support complements the over US$50,000 donated to the country, in September 2021, just one month after the earthquake hit the island. The commitment was made by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at an International Event for the Financing of the Reconstruction of the Southern Peninsula of Haiti, held in Port-au-Prince. Early in the morning of August 134, 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti, causing hospitals, schools and homes to collapse, claiming hundreds of lives, and leaving communities in crisis. By mid-September, around 650,000 people, including about 260,000 children, were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance. More than 130,000 homes were destroyed or badly damaged and key infrastructure, including roads and bridges, were wrecked; children and their families were left needing urgent need health care and clean water.

Several families were displaced and have still not been able to find stable shelter. This natural disaster marked the second major earthquake to hit the country in the 21st century. In 2010, the country was hit with a 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck off the coast of Haiti. According to the Government of Haiti, the estimated cost of the reconstruction and recovery effort is almost US$2 billion. The Government of Haiti convened the hybrid conference, with the support of the United Nations, to seek funds for its reconstruction and recovery framework and action plan to address the outstanding needs. In 2021, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said that the Government of Guyana had every intention to lend further assistance to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State. Speaking directly to the support given in September 2021, Dr. Ali said that Haiti had requested that money be sent directly to the country, instead of supplies. Almost immediately after Haiti was devastated by the earthquake, Dr. Ali pledged his support to provide whatever assistance possible to the citizens of the island-nation. At that time, the Office of the President, in a statement, said that President Ali was in telephone conversations

Man disguised in wig, woman’s ...

From page 15 cover, she heard three loud explosions similar to that of gunshots after which the suspect ran from the yard and made good his escape,” police said. Upon checking, she saw Gittens lying motionless in front of a bedroom and an alarm was raised. The injured Gittens was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead. His body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. Police said efforts were made to locate the suspect without success as investigations continue. Meanwhile, Gittens in 2017 was also charged with two others for robbing Asif Mohammed of a quantity of cash, electronics and personal items valued $2.2M, while making use of personal violence. That same year, Gittens was also charged for robbing another person of a cell-phone, and local and foreign currency totaling $115,200 at America and Longden Streets, Georgetown. Police said he was also a suspect in several robbery investigations.

with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr. Ariel Henry, and the Chairman of CARICOM, Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, to ascertain how Guyana can lend its assistance to Haiti’s relief and recovery efforts. “Guyana’s support will be part of a regional relief and recovery initiative that will be coordinated by the Chairman of CARICOM,” the release had noted. At the end of the conference on Wednesday, Haiti received some US$600 million, which is expected to start the ball rolling on the country’s recovery efforts.

The 2021 Haiti earthquake resulted in hundreds of lives being lost, and thousands of persons being injured (Aljazeera photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

GOAL application deadline –– Over 7,000 apply for 2022 extended to March 5 scholarship programme WITH on overwhelmingly large number of persons applying to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) 2022 scholarship programme, which opened on January 17, the academy has extended its February 19, 2022 application deadline to March 05, 2022. According to GOAL, some 7,000 prospective students have already applied for the over 187 programmes. In the government’s milestone $552.9 billion budget for this year, a

sum of $1.3 billion was approved for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). This initiative paves the way for Guyanese learners to have access to several internationally

recognised institutions, such as the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Applied Sciences in Germany, as well as the Indira Gandhi

National Open University, the JAIN University, and the Sherlock Institute of India. At no cost to them, Guyanese applicants had the opportunity to choose from over 104 available programmes. As part of the GOAL platform, 20,000 online scholarships will be awarded over the next five years, while another 4,500 students are expected to benefit from online scholarships in 2022. As the ground-breaking programme continues to gain momentum, the Government of Guyana has successfully added several names to the list of international universities to which Guyanese can have access. As it is, GOAL has

partnered with eight new institutions to meet the challenges and demands of various sectors in Guyana, including oil and gas, engineering and construction, as well as information security. For this year alone, GOAL is set to offer in excess of 187 programmes that can be accessed from 15 reputable academic institutions across the world, including India, Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany, among others. The programmes, which are being financed by the Government of Guyana, range from certificate level, all the way to PhDs. Among the new master degree programmes available are Criminology & Social Policy; Web Design and Devel-

opment; Agile Methodologies and Digital Transformation; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies; Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations & Disaster Risk Management and Climate Governance. Meanwhile, it was announced that the PhDs being introduced this year are Philosophy; Education; Business Administration, Management, and Public Health. Currently, GOAL has a comprehensive list that guides applicants on the essential documents required to successfully complete the application process on its social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the GOAL website.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

British Deputy High Commissioner visits Lethem

DEPUTY High Commissioner, Ray Davidson and Consular Officer, Anastasia Anthony, from the British High

Commission paid a visit to the beautiful town of Lethem on the border with Brazil in Region Nine.

According to the British High Commission, during the visit, they met with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councillors,

Deputy High Commissioner Ray Davidson (center) flanked by staff of the newly retrofitted Lethem Hospital

the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Lethem Police. They also conducted a radio interview and met with appointed wardens.

The visit, the High Commission noted, was aimed to gain a clearer understanding of the economic, political, and social structure of the re-

gion. They were also able to gain insight into what services are in place, should visiting British Nationals require consular assistance.

Deputy High Commissioner Ray Davidson (second from right) with representatives of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce & Industry

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 53 new cases recorded THE Ministry of Health has reported that two more persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, taking the country’s overall death toll to 1,210. A 71-year-old fully vaccinated man from Re-

gion Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 52-year-old unvaccinated man from Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) are Guyana’s latest fatalities. There are currently 924 active COVID-19

cases in Guyana, following the addition of 53 new cases on February 19, 2022. The 53 newly confirmed cases were recorded Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven and Nine.

Regions One recorded four new cases; Region Two recorded six new cases; Region Three recorded two new cases, Region Four recorded 12 new cases; Region Five recorded four new cases; Region Six recorded 11

new cases; Region Seven recorded one new case; and Region Nine recorded 13 new cases. The country has now recorded a total of 62,638 cases since March 2020. Of the active cases, 12 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 71 are in institutional isolation; 841 are in home isolation, and 10 are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency

Measures are in force until Feb 28, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 2267480; or 180/181 for assistance.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 20, 2022

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

CPL showcases Guyana as must-visit destination

THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has delivered outstanding exposure to Guyana during the 2021 season with a total sponsorship value of US$48.5M. This figure was generated from a report from independent and

world-leading research company, YouGov Sport. The tournament took place in St Kitts & Nevis between August 26 and September 15 and with over half a billion views across the globe. There was fantastic exposure for the partner tourist boards across the Caribbean. The total viewership figure for 2021 was 517.4M, with the tournament passing half-a-billion viewers for the second successive year. This massive TV and digital viewership was the driver behind these fantastic sponsorship valuations. While the tournament did not take place in Guyana, great efforts were made to ensure that the country was showcased to a massive global audience, with team and stadium branding as well as tourism vi-

gnettes and features within the broadcast. Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “Guyana has played such a huge role in Hero CPL

over the years, and we have missed visiting this beautiful country over the last two seasons. However, it is very pleasing that we have been able to work

with the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise to deliver these great sponsorship numbers.”(CPL)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday February 20, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Clive Lloyd-2344 runs (28 matches) (2) Sunil Gavaskar-2749 runs (27 matches) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI bowler has captured most Test wickets against IND to date? (2) Which IND bowler has claimed most Test wickets against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ………………………………………

Stalwart cricket administrator...

FROM PAGE 42 executive, the SCA said it is extremely saddened by his passing of its CFO. “Vish was a tower of strength in the SCA and apart from performing excellently as the CFO, he also played a major role in coaching youths, something which was dear to his heart. “Vish was such an inspiration and although words will not take away the grief, we hope this message brings comfort at this time.” According to a release from Cricket Ontario president, Sha Zafar, “Vish was the best colleague and a friend of everyone, and an

inspiring and hardworking member of our youth committee. “In such a short span of his association with Cricket Ontario, he has helped Cricket Ontario Youth Programme achieve a high level of success. His contribution to Cricket Ontario as a Junior Coordinator will always be appreciated.” The OSCL said “Jadunauth’s contributions to our Guyanese community, OSCL and SCA cricket communities have made a difference in many lives. This is sad news indeed…” The OMSCC also paid tribute to Jadunauth, point-

ing out that he will be dearly missed for his integrity and passion for the game of cricket on and off the field. “The OMSCC takes this opportunity to express sincere condolences to his grieving wife and family on this sad occasion. May his soul Rest In Peace.” Close friend and associate Albert Ramcharran, who was also a founding member of the OSCL and who served as president for several years, was dumfounded by Jadunauth’s passing. A tearful Ramcharran, who is also the current president of the CCUA, disclosed that they had been friends

for more than 30 years and it was customary for them to chat every day on the phone. “He always referred to my wife as his sister, Ramcharran lamented. The two, along with their spouses, vacationed yearly across several countries, including attending cricket matches in Guyana and Florida. However, Vish and wife were conspicuously missing last year. Jadunauth, whose mother-in-law died about a hour following his demise at the same hospital, was from Dundee, Mahaicony before migrating to Canada. (Frederick Halley)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Kiwis thrash South Africa to end 18-year drought

(REUTERS) - New Zealand have completed a one-sided demolition of a woeful South Africa, winning the first Test by an innings and 276 runs before lunch on day three. Tim Southee took five wickets as New Zealand bowled out South Africa for 111 in their second innings, a paltry total that was actually better than their first innings effort. The result ended a 16-match winless streak by New Zealand in Tests between the two nations,

with the Black Caps previous victory coming in Auckland in March 2004. The hosts have never won a series against South Africa but will break their duck barring a major turnaround in the second Test of the two-match series. “It’s a special victory,” Southee said. “It’s obviously a side we haven’t had a lot of success against. As history suggests, they are tough opposition and we know they’ll bounce back. “It was a clinical three days from everyone. Dif-

ferent guys stepped up at different times. It’s the way we want to play and have played for NZ for a long time now.” Resuming at 3-34 in their second innings at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, South Africa lost their remaining seven wickets in only two-anda-half hours, their batters having no answer to New Zealand’s relentless pace attack. Southee bowled with his usual precision, taking 5-35, while player-of-the-

match Matt Henry picked up 2-32 to add to the seven wickets he collected in the first innings. He also made 58 not out batting at No.11. Not a single South African batter made a half-century in the match, with Temba Bavuma’s knock of 41 in the second innings the best of the bunch. The second Test, also in Christchurch, starts on Friday, leaving South Africa with nearly a week to regroup from their shocking performance. There were mitigating circumstances as they had to endure a 10-day lockdown on arrival, and also crucially lost the toss on a wicket that offered New Zealand’s dangerous pace attack plenty of assistance on the first morning.

Tim Southee went past Richard Hadlee as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the longest format on home soil (Getty Images) Still, the dominance of the reigning world Test champions suggests the

visitors face an uphill task to claw back and draw the series.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 95 all out: Matt Henry 7-23 NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham b Duanne Olivier 15 Will Young c Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 8 Devon Conway b Duanne Olivier 36 Henry Nicholls c Aiden Markram b Duanne Olivier 105 Neil Wagner c Rassie van der Dussen b Kagiso Rabada 49 Daryl Mitchell c Dean Elgar b Glenton Stuurman 16 Tom Blundell c Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 96 Colin de Grandhomme c Marco Jansen b Aiden Markram 45 Kyle Jamieson c Kagiso Rabada b Aiden Markram 15 Tim Southee c Sarel Erwee b Kagiso Rabada 4 Matt Henry not out 58 Total: (all out, 117.5 overs) 482 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-36, 3-111, 4-191, 5-239, 6-273, 7-349, 8-368, 9-388. Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 30-5-113-2 (nb-5), Glenton Stuurman 295-124-1 (w-1), Marco Jansen 29.5-3-96-2 (nb-1), Duanne Olivier 210-100-3 (w-1, nb-1) Aiden Markram 8-0-27-2. SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings Sarel Erwee lbw Tim Southee 0 Dean Elgar c Tom Blundell b Matt Henry 0 Aiden Markram c Daryl Mitchell b Tim Southee 2 Rassie van der Dussen b Matt Henry 9 Temba Bavuma lbw Neil Wagner 41 Zubayr Hamza c Daryl Mitchell b Kyle Jamieson 6 Kyle Verreynne c Colin de Grandhomme b Tim Southee 30 Marco Jansen c Tom Blundell b Neil Wagner 10 Kagiso Rabada c Kyle Jamieson b Tim Southee 0 Glenton Stuurman lbw Tim Southee 11 Duanne Olivier not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (all out, 41.4 overs) 111 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-2, 3-4, 4-34, 5-46, 6-87, 7-91, 8-97, , 9-105. Bowling: Tim Southee 17.4-6-35-5, Matt Henry 11-4-32-2, Kyle Jamieson 6-0-24-1 (nb-1), Neil Wagner 7-2-19-2.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Pujara, Rahane, Ishant, Saha dropped for Sri Lanka Test series

… R. Jadeja returns, S. Kumar gets maiden call-up; R. Sharma named captain CHETESHWAR Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Wriddhiman Saha have been dropped for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the Tests, which makes him India's all-formats captain, but the selection committee will watch his fitness closely and look to groom new leaders under him. Chetan Sharma, the chairman of India's selection committee, said he had told all four of the players dropped "immediately after the South Africa series" that they won't be considered "just for these two Tests". Chetan also said that he requested them to play in the Ranji Trophy so that the selectors know where their

through a rough phase. You can't just strike their name permanently. "We have told them that we will not consider them for these two Test matches. There is nothing wrong if we have told the four of them that we are not considering them for these two matches. We will consider them later. "In the meanwhile let's see how the others do. We are nobody to close doors on anybody. We have told them a period. I have requested all four of them to play Ranji, which is very important because the selectors are looking closely at Ranji Trophy. That is how we know where you are at. We spoke to the four of them immediately after South Africa, and told them we are

tion committee wants to give a long run to the players it picks," Chetan said. "If he has performed so well for us in the past, if he didn't play because of some circumstances, we have to give him a longer run. The team announcement also ended uncertainty around India's new Test captain. The only doubt, really, was whether to make Rohit the captain in all three formats, given the nature of his recurring hamstring injury. Chetan, though, said the selectors were satisfied with his fitness at the moment, and were also consciously looking to groom new leaders during whatever time they get from Rohit at the top. "Rohit is the No.1 cricketer of our country," Chetan

Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara have been dropped from India’s Test team ( AFP) game and fitness are at. Rahane has scored a hundred against defending champions Saurashtra, Pujara bagged a duck, and the other two have not played in the first round of India's premier domestic first-class tournament. Pujara and Rahane have been under the scanner for a while. Pujara last scored a century on the 2018-19 tour of Australia. Rahane has just one century since October 2019. Saha and Ishant no longer command a place in the first XI when everyone is available. However, Chetan said the selectors were not closing the door on any of them. "Why not?" Chetan asked, when questioned if they could force their way back into the Test squad. "They have played for the country for so long, why not? Ajinkya got a hundred yesterday. A cricketer's graph goes up and down. It is very important for the selectors to take care of the cricketers when they are going

not picking them for these two matches." The selectors have brought back Ravindra Jadeja, who got injured during the first Test against New Zealand but is fully fit now, but were cautious with R. Ashwin, who has been picked in the squad but will play only if fully fit. He is currently undergoing rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The team management will look at his fitness in Mohali before deciding if he plays. Jayant Yadav is the off-spinner in the squad should Ashwin not be ready. Axar Patel is still not fit, which has given the selectors an opportunity to give Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner, Saurabh Kumar, a maiden call-up after he impressed them on the A tour of South Africa and stayed back as a standby for the Test series that followed. Kuldeep Yadav, who recently made his limited-overs comeback, was back in the Test squad too. "This selec-

said. "He plays all three formats. Most important is how we manage Rohit. These days all cricketers are professionals. They know their body, they manage it well. Now there is no problem at all. Time to time we will stay in talks with him (regarding fitness and rest). If such a big cricketer becomes captain, automatically we, as a selection committee, feel we can groom future captains under him." Keeping future long-term captaincy in mind, the selectors seem to have identified Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul as the core leadership group. Rahul captained a Test in the absence of Rohit and Kohli. Pant was the vice-captain during the West Indies series. Bumrah will be the vice-captain against Sri Lanka. Rahul, who is still recovering from injury, is not part of the squad for the Tests or T20Is against Sri Lanka, with Washington Sundar ruled out

similarly. Chetan indicated that if any of them recovered earlier than expected, they would be added to the squad. "Washington Sundar and KL Rahul, according to the medical staff, have so far been ruled out of the Sri Lanka series, T20Is and Test matches, unless they recover a little early," he said. Meanwhile Shardul Thakur, who was part of the Test

squad in South Africa and has been with the limited-overs squads, has been rested for the Sri Lanka tour. "Shardul Thakur has been rested in both formats, T20Is and Test matches against Sri Lanka, but he's available for the game tomorrow against West Indies," Chetan said, referring to the third T20I against West Indies. India squad: Rohit Shar-

ma (capt.), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wkp.), KS Bharat (wkp.), R Ashwin (subject to fitness), Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah (vicecapt.), Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Saurabh Kumar. (Cricinfo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Powell shows his destructive hitting abilities yet again

By Shashank Kishore

THREE weeks ago, Rovman Powell found himself amid pickle he had nothing to do with. There were whispers of favouritism when the team management played him ahead of Odean Smith during the

third T20I against England. As the whispers got louder, Phil Simmons, West Indies coach, and Ricky Skerritt, CWI president, had to step in and issue statements. Smith had played the first two T20Is of the five-match series. He bowled one over in the first T20I and was not

called on to bowl in the second. While batting, he wasn’t needed in the first T20I in a nine-wicket win and made 7 in the second T20I. In the third, West Indies strengthened their batting by replacing Smith with Powell, who went on to smash 107 off 53 balls in a high-scoring

Rovman Powell nearly saw West Indies through (BCCI) win. The win brought to the fore Powell’s destructive hitting abilities, yet again. Powell has been around in international cricket for five years, and while such instances have become quite common in the CPL, he hasn’t been able to replicate it consistently at the highest level. On Wednesday against I n d i a , P o w e l l ’s c l e a n ball-striking on the face of a high asking rate, and his clear thinking in lining up bowlers brought West Indies within two blows of victory. With 23 needed off four balls, he launched two towering sixes to keep West Indies alive. From behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant, who will captain Powell at Delhi Capitals in the IPL, watched in awe. The second of those was a 102-metre straight hit. Powell was distraught when he couldn’t connect the third off a dipping slower one. He finished 68 not out off 36 balls in the end. That West Indies came as close was because of his century-stand with Nicholas Pooran. “He (Powell) was phenomenal today, eh? I thought the partnership between him and Pooran almost got us over the line,” captain Kieron Pollard said later. “Sometimes that is what is absent from the guys: trying to bat and bat deep as possible. “I’m pleased, pleased not with the result but with the guys, how they continued their consistency, Nicholas getting another half-century, Powell - two half-centuries

in four games. So we’re a work in progress.” West Indies began slowly, managing just four fours in a powerplay score of 41 for 1. And when they finished, despite Powell’s blistering knock, there was a sense that they had left themselves with a little too much to do in the end, without being able to properly utilise Pollard, Smith, Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd’s batting abilities. “We could look at different ways at how we could’ve got the eight runs, but when you look at it, they have quality opening bowlers,” Pollard reasoned when asked about the slow start. “The ball was zipping around both sides. Even when we bowled, the ball was moving around. Sometimes you have to respect the bowlers where respect is due, and then try and take it from there. “Forty-odd in the powerplay, nine wickets in the hunt, you try to go quicker in the middle. But we can look at many different ways how we could’ve got eight runs.” Powell, a man of few words, spoke of the disappointment of not carrying his team over the line. He touched upon the slow start, but backed himself to play his shots, both against pace and spin. Powell’s clean striking comes from having a stable base. No premeditation, no attempts to be cheeky. He sees the ball and swings it to the T. Like a golfer. He prefers hitting straight. This

is a reason why at one stage Rohit Sharma had positioned long-off straighter. Yet, the sheer muscle in a flat-batted hit beat Venkatesh Iyer there. Powell knows he is unconventional but doesn’t back down from his methods that have brought him much success. So what if they didn’t have Andre Russell? Powell brought out similar strokes and intimidated the bowlers. At one point, India’s spinners were involved in a huge debate over field placements. As the final overs approached, India needed to speed up their over rate or run the risk of having just four fielders outside the ring to defend. Powell wasn’t thinking of any of this. He was thinking only sixes, like he showed in the final over against Harshal Patel. The disappointment of not finishing the job, he said, hurt. “I think it was a pretty decent innings, I did the hard yards in the early parts to get myself in,” Powell said. I tried to carry it over, but it won’t go down as a special innings because we didn’t win, it was important for us to be 1-1 going into today. “The discussion between me and Pooran was very simple. We have to try our best to carry on till the end, we needed a partnership. We didn’t have plans to target any specific bowlers. All of them are good bowlers. We just had to back ourselves to take down any bowler. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t cross the line tonight.” (Cricinfo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Kane sinks Manchester City to open up title race rut, they were fully expected to re-open their nine-point lead at the top. But Tottenham have often proved a stumbling block for City and they went ahead with a well-worked goal. Kane’s superb lay-off sent Son Heung-min down the left and he picked out Kulusevski to coolly slot past Ederson. City responded by swarming forward and Gun-

Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their third goal at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recin) MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Harry Kane’s stoppage time winner blew the Premier League title race wide open as Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 3-2 in a rip-roaring contest at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. Kane had put Tottenham 2-1 ahead in the 59th minute only for a Cristian Romero handball to allow Riyad Mahrez to equalise for the league leaders from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute. City looked favourites to claw out a dramatic late victory, but Kane’s header in the sixth minute of added time clinched a league double for Tottenham over City, having beaten them on the opening weekend of the season. Tottenham had stunned City in the fourth minute when Dejan Kulusevski scored on his first league start since joining on loan from Juventus but Ilkay Gundogan levelled before halftime. City’s defeat, only their third in the league this season, means they are now only six points ahead of Liverpool who also have a game in hand after Liverpool beat Norwich City earlier. “We kind of thought we’d rescued it. If you look

at the whole game we deserved to win. But football is sometimes crazy and today we made easy mistakes,” Gundogan said. Kane did not even play in Tottenham’s August win over City when the England striker was holding out for a big-money move away from north London to join Guardiola’s champions. Yesr\terday he produced a stunning all-round display to show City what they missed out on. The striker could have had four goals with Ederson keeping one effort out from point blank range and then having another ruled out for offside when Tottenham led 2-1. But after Mahrez appeared to have snatched victory away from Antonio Conte’s side, Kane pounced to revive his side’s top-four ambitions after three successive league defeats. REALLY SPECIAL “We had to find a way to get our season back on track,” Kane said. “Tough place to come against one of the best teams in the world but to grind out the result we did was really special.” City had won 14 of their previous 15 games, drawing the other, to seize control of the title race. And with Tottenham in a

dogan was denied when his curled effort hit the woodwork. But a mistake by Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris allowed City to level. He could not hold Raheem Sterling’s dangerous ball in towards Kevin de Bruyne and the ball popped up invitingly for Gundogan to equalise. City dominated after the break and it seemed only a matter of time before they went ahead. But Totten-

ham were always a menace on the counter-attack and from one rare raid forward Son linked well with Ryan Sessegnon before his pass picked out Kane to side-oot high past Ederson. Ederson denied Kane again shortly afterwards from point-blank range and Kane had a goal ruled out in the 73rd minute after a VAR check for offside in the build-up. When Romero slid in

to block Bernardo Silva’s shot and the ball struck his raised arm, referee Anthony Taylor was eventually invited to check a pitch-side monitor, returning to point to the spot and offer City salvation. Mahrez duly belted his spot kick high past Lloris but there was a sting in the tail as Kulusevski’s low cross found Kane who showed great strength to head the winner.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Warrican spins Pride to handsome win over Scorpions

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Test vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood struck a half-century but West Indies teammate Jomel Warrican overshadowed him with a six-wicket haul, as Barbados Pride romped to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory here Friday. The right-handed Blackwood, in need of runs with next month’s England series already on the horizon, carved out 61 as Jamaica Scorpions were dismissed for 233 in their second innings, after resuming the morning at Kensington Oval on 56 for two. Jamie Merchant, batting at number eight, opened his shoulders for a cameo 47 off 40 balls while Test batter Nkrumah Bonner chipped in with 37 and Paul Palmer, 33. H o w e v e r, Wa r r i c a n plugged away steadily with his left-arm spin to finish with six for 78, a spell which undermined Scorpions and left Pride with a straightforward 41 for victory. Left-hander Shayne Moseley, desperate for form after scraping 20 runs in his last three innings, showed

glimpses with seven fours in an unbeaten 34 off 35 deliveries, helping the hosts to their second straight win following their success against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last weekend. Resuming the day needing to bat through in order to avoid defeat, Scorpions suffered an early setback when left-handed opener John Campbell fell in the second over after adding only one to his overnight 15, edging a defensive prod at off-spinner Chaim Holder (285) to Jonathan Carter at slip. However, Blackwood and Bonner combined to put on a crucial 72 for the third wicket, a partnership which seemed to be taking the game away from Pride. Blackwood, on 24 at the start, faced 132 balls in just under three hours and counted four fours while Bonner struck three fours off 97 balls in a shade under two hours. Warrican turned the tide when he accounted for both with only three runs added in the space of 25 balls, Bonner taken low down at slip by Carter and Blackwood taken at silly point by another West

SCOREBOARD

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican sends down a delivery during his six-wicket haul (Photo, courtesy CWI Media) Indies teammate Shamarh Brooks off a sharp chance. The left-handed Palmer tried to glue the innings

together, facing 84 balls in two hours and counting three fours as he posted 37 for the fifth wicket with Alwyn

JAMAICA SCORPIONS 1st innings 328, J. Campbell 127; R.Reifer 6-23 BARBADOS PRIDE1st innings 521-8 decl. K. Brathwaite 276 JAMAICA SCORPIONS 2nd innings (overnight 56 for two) J. Campbell c Carter b Holder 16 L. Lugg c Holder b Reifer 10 J. Blackwood c Brooks b Warrican 61 N. Bonner c Carter b Warrican 37 P. Palmer c Reifer b Warrican 33 A. Williams lbw b Brathwaite 17 R. Morris b Warrican 0 J. Merchant lbw b Warrican 47 M. Mindley b Holder 0 N, Gordon c Brooks b Warrican 0 P, Harty not out 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-3, nb-5) 12 Total (all out, 86 overs) 233 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-59, 3-131, 4-134, 5-174, 6-175, 7-212, 8-219, 9-220, 10-233. Bowling: Reifer 4-2-6-1, Warrican 30-7-78-6, Springer 3-1-15-0, Holder 26-3-85-2, Simmonds 4-0-10-0, Harding 4-0-13-0, Carter 11-7-10-0, Brathwaite 4-19-1. PRIDE 2nd innings (target: 41 runs) K. Brathwaite not out 7 S. Moseley not out 34 Extras: (b-1) 1 Total: (without loss, 9.4 overs) 42 Bowling: Gordon 3-1-8-0, Merchant 4.4-0-31-0, Harty 2-1-2-0.

Williams (17) and 37 for the seventh wicket with Merchant, who belted two fours and four sixes.

But Palmer’s demise at 212 for seven saw Scorpions lose their last four wickets for just 21 runs.

Stafanie Taylor: Our coaching staff has put us in good space THE West Indies are heading to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in a good space, the likes of which I have not seen for a long time. A lot of that is down to the coaching staff. Courtney Walsh took over as head coach in 2020 and the impact that he and his team have made has been huge. They have been able to teach us things that we were just completely unaware of, previously. It makes you wonder what sort of players we could have been if we had learned some of these things sooner. What sort of

player would I be if I knew at the age of seven or eight, what I know now? I have worked a lot with our batting coach Robert Samuels on trying to avoid slipping into bad habits. I never used to be one to watch videos very much, but now I try to film net sessions to make sure I’m avoiding those old habits. Robert has been working hard on building up our middle order, and I hope that we will be able to show that our depth has improved during the tournament in New Zealand. The aim is to be stronger in that area, and that then relieves the pressure on individual players when they get to the middle. We still have a few players from the 2017 World Cup, and players like Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews are in good form. But there are also a lot of youngsters whom we have been able to integrate into the side. For those playing their first World Cup, my advice to

them is to enjoy themselves. There will be nerves, there is no way around that, but they just need to enjoy the opportunity. It has not been the easiest build-up for me because I was hit on the head during the series against South Africa. It was the first time I had been hit on the head by a cricket ball, or at all, and I

am still recovering from the concussion. A p p a r e n t l y, I w a s speaking a lot of nonsense after it happened, and light affected my eyes initially, so I spent a lot of time with glasses on. Hopefully, I can be ready for the opening warm-up game down in Christchurch. We start the tournament

STALWART cricket administrator and former player Jainauth ‘Vish’ Jadunauth passed away yesterday morning following a brief illness. Just shy of his 61st birthday, Jadunauth was a tower of strength in both hardball and softball administration. A founding member of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), he served in various

executive positions, including Coordinator before exiting in in 2019. Jadunauth is also credited with being in the top echelons of the Scarborough Cricket Association for the past 20 years and was its Chief Financial Officer up until the time of his death, having served in that post for several terms. Junior Coordinator of

against New Zealand, so we know that will be a challenge taking them on in their own backyard. But at a World Cup, every game is tricky so we just need to make sure we focus on our strengths. If we are to make the semi-finals, we will need players to step up in the big moments and it cannot just

be one or two of them. We need to play well across all three phases. Our fast bowling depth is looking good with Shamilia Connell in good form, and that could be very useful in the conditions over here. We are just really excited to get started because the team is in a really good space.“ (ICC Media)

Stalwart cricket administrator Vish Jadunauth plays his last innings Ontario Cricket Association (OCA), Jadunauth, was a qualified West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA)-trained umpire while also versed in the area of scoring. He was also the treasurer of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA), and officiated in matches throughout Ontario. In a tribute to its fallen TURN TO PAGE 37

Cricket administrator Jainauth Jadunauth

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Berbice Cricket Board executives meet ahead of busy schedule

THE executives of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Thursday met under the chairmanship of president Hilbert Foster to discuss their progress going forward. In attendance were Angela Haniff, Ameer Rahaman, Rovin Bahadur, Neil Rudder, Narine Deonarine, E. Edwards, Gregory Crandon, Leslie Solomon, Balram Samaroo and Omeshwar Sirikishun. The BCB, as it has done over the last four years, would like to inform the cricketing public of decisions taken and updates. 1. Executives were updated on the successful visit by Sir Curtly Ambrose for the bowling clinic. 2. Twelve first division clubs would benefit from $1M worth of balls under the Patron Fund. The gear donated by the Cricket Kindness Project and for the Ray Hazel Trust Fund arrived in the country. The final of the Jafferally 20/20 was played on Sunday at the Cotton Tree

The BCB executives have a packed schedule ahead of them ground. D’Edward emerged as winners. The BCB Youth Information Booklet - another 500 copies would be published shortly. President Irfaan Ali has promised to donate a modern grass cutter to BCB. Also, the BCB annual awards ceremony will be held on April 20 at St Francis. CWI president Ricky Skerritt will be the guest speaker. A special com-

mittee, headed by Balram Samaroo, will look into the naming of the awardees - the other members shall be Ameer Rahaman, Leslie Solomon and Gregory Crandon. The recently completed Sir Curtly Ambrose clinic was a success and as a result, Sir Ambrose has indicated that he would be available to return to Berbice in the future as he was very impressed with devel-

opment and the amount of talent here. Next Sunday, the board is set to host an off-spinners’ clinic, along with another one for wicketkeepers at the Albion ground. West Indies players, Clyde Butts and Sheik Mohamed, will conduct the clinics for youths in the county. The board, along with the NGO, will be hosting a one-day seminar on mental health, domestic violence,

suicide at the Albion Ground for 50 youth cricketers. Mr Omeshwar Sirikishun shall be in charge. Members agreed that the signatures for the BCB Account shall be Angela Haniff, Dr Cecil Beharry, Rovin Beharry and Neil Rudder. A Special committee, headed by Rovin Bahadur, was established by BCB to look into an application by Tucber Park Cricket Club for full membership. The committee would meet with executives of the club next Tuesday at the office to start the process. Members appointed Jonathan Rampersaud to act as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for a period of three months. Meanwhile, BCB will be gearing up to work along with the OPM to train 120 young cricketers in computer technology, with Neil Rudder spearheading that drive. BCB president Hilbert Foster and Competition Chairman Leslie Solomon

would meet with clubs across Berbice next Saturday. Clubs across the county would shortly benefit from a donation of scorebooks. The current balance of the BCB account is a whopping $3.7M according to Foster and the board’s account will be further boosted with a $500 000 donation from Mr Brian Ramphal of the USA. Mr Poonai Bhigroog of Poonai Pharmacy will sponsor a $300 000 educational Trust Fund for his late father. Thirty youth players would each receive $10 000. Berbice will be hosting an Under-15 team from the USA for a two-day match in March and would also be blessed with a visit from the USA-based MMZ CC team for a match. The BCB office is undergoing some minor repairs due to a problem with wood ants. The BCB would be setting up a special award to honour outstanding club officials across the county.

DCB/Premiere Insurance U15

Inter-Association tournament bowls off on Tuesday

LAST Friday, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) received sponsorship from Premiere Insurance Company for the DCB Premiere Insurance U15 Inter-association tournament. The handing-over ceremony was witnessed briefly by members of DCB, Secretary Davteerth Anandjit, Assistant Secretary . Ronald Williams and Administrator Ms Kavita Yadram along with CEO of Premiere Insurance Company Anil Singh who handed over the cheque at the International Energy Conference and Exhibition 2022 held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel. Premiere Insurance Inc. is one of the newest companies in the insurance industry in Guyana and is already making a name for itself. This sponsorship is a positive intervention for Demerara’s youth cricket and its marketing unit. Speaking for Premiere Insurance, CEO, Singh was high in praise of the DCB and highlighted Premiere Insurance’s profound interest in collaborating on such a venture, which has immense

potential to enhance the cricketing lives of those involved, the U15 players. He indicated that the company’s willingness to invest through cricket sponsorship for the youths not only in Demerara but all Guyana as well. He also stated that he is looking forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship between DCB and Premiere Insurance. On behalf of the DCB, the Secretary and Assistant Secretary expressed their heartfelt thanks to Premiere Insurance for taking up this initiative of this sponsorship and wished the company much success in the future and look forward to longstanding sponsorship in years to come from Premiere Insurance. This tournament will commence on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 and conclude on Tuesday March 1, 2022. Some of the venues that will be used in this tournament are Everest in Georgetown, Enmore on the East Coast, Farm ground on the East Bank and Meten-MeerZorg on the West Coast.

This tournament will be used to select the Demerara U15 team to participate in the Guyana Cricket Board U15 Inter-county. The teams are as follows: UPPER DEMERARA: Corey Charles (captain), Shaukel Fiedtkou, Marvin Lyckerish, Javid Chetram, Keron Phillips, Tyron Lyckerish, Kelroy Welchman, Adie Tukiman, Dellon Cadogan, Roy Piggott, Teron Culpepper, Carlos Clark,Vickram Persaud, Coach: Marlon Fredericks and Manager: Michael Fredericks. EAST BANK DEMERARA Roupie Rajaram (captain), Jaden Benjamin, Jordon Benjamin, Khemraj Millall, Shane Shivbarran, Ronaldo Pereira, Jeremiah Downer, Ravindra Singh, Josiah Lim (vice-captain), Sayyad Lakeram, Premaul Khiemraj (wkp.), Altaf Rahim, Trevor Lim, Rajiv Gorakh, Dravid Manohar Coach: Daniel Barker and Manager: Fazil Ishak GEORGETOWN Kishan Silas (vice-cap-

From left: Administrator Ms Kavita Yadram, CEO of Premiere Insurance Mr Anil Singh, Secretary Davteerth Anandjit and Assistant Secretary Ronald Williams tion), Narindra Isurdeen, Emanuel Lewis, Lomar Seecharran, Dave Mohabir (captain), Dhanesh Persaud, Reyaz Latif, Joshua Charles, Shane Prince, Darwin LaRose, Brandon Henry, Kwesi Wilkinson, Jonathan Mentor. Ravin Singh. Peter Khan, Coach :Qisen Nedd and Manager: Shaun Massiah. WEST DEMERARA

Parmeshwar Ram (capt.), Navindra Sankar (vice-capt.), Shaker Lall, Jaden Wahid, Robin Seecharan, Arvin Suknanan, Adrian Marks, Divindra Balgobin, Vishnu Lokesh, Amrit Persaud, Patricce Hyman, Naresh Sankar, Akeel David, Vickey Lalbachann, Joshua Isaac Williams, Coach: Jermain Maxwell and Manager: Lalta Suknanan

EAST COAST Alonzo Ramsingh, Yudesh Jaikaran, Arun Gainda (captain), Ricardo Singh, Ravin Persaud, Joshan Bollars, Aaron Kissoon, Rishi Sewdat, Trilok Nanan, Mikel Sharma, Daniel Kissoon, Munesh Outar, Gopaul Ramchand, Fayuse Ali, Anthony Chan, Coach: Kumar Bishundial and Manager: Ashmul Ali.

GCA first-division two-day final …

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 20, 2022

Griffith smashes 300, Barnwell 175 as DCC pile up 590-4 …. GCC struggling at 90-8 in response Christopher Barnwell also punished GCC’s bowlers during his innings

Trevon Griffith on the attack for DCC during his even 300 LED by a majestic 300 from opener Trevon Griffith and Christopher Barnwell with 175, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) piled up a mammoth 590-4. In response Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) are 90-8, with Demerara Criclet Club (DCC) in full control after day one of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) First-Division Two-Day final at DCC ground in Queenstown.

Griffith hammered 23 sixes and 24 fours from 228 balls faced. Firstly, he shared a 124-run opening stand in 14.1 overs with Joshua Persaud who made 85 (13x4, 5x6). Sachin Singh then departed for 10 which gave way to the Griffith/Barnwell power-hitting exhibition. The two added 358 in 44 overs, as DCC declared their innings total in 64.1 overs. Barnwell, who cracked 173 the previous

weekend against Everest Cricket Club (ECC) in the semi-final, once again asserted his authority with 13 sixes and 13 fours in his 120-ball knock. Winston Forrester (2-115 from 17 overs) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (2-141 from 19.5 overs) toiled in the field for GCC. With 21 overs to bat in the day, GCC’s batting folded to the pressure, led by left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd who has so far snared

4-6 from eight overs. Wrist-spinner Totaram Bishun (2-39), Steven Sankar (1-4) who dismissed Alimohamed in the final over the day, and Carlton Jacques (1-20) also were among the wickets. Forrester, who opened with Ryan Hemraj (21), has so far, top-scored for his team with 25, while Mavendra Dindyal made 15. Play continues today from 09:30hrs today.

Taylor to captain West Indies Women’s World Cup squad … Experienced spinners Anisa Mohammed and Afy Fletcher among 15-player group

STAFANIE Taylor has been named captain of West Indies’ 15-player squad for the Women’s World Cup, which begins in New Zealand next month. Taylor recently missed the final match of West Indies’ ODI series in South Africa after sustaining a concussion. Anisa Mohammed, who led the side in Taylor’s absence, has been appointed vice-captain for the World Cup, in which the experienced off-spinner goes one wicket shy of reaching 300 in international cricket. There are five players in the squad who could make their World Cup debuts - Aaliyah Alleyne, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Karishma Ramharack and Rashada Williams - while leg-spinner Afy Fletcher is included, having made her comeback after maternity leave in South Africa.

Stafanie Taylor will captain West Indies Women at the World Cup (Getty Images) West Indies have also named three travelling reserves as part of the tournament’s COVID-19 protocols: Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru and Jannillea Glasgow. “The squad selected shows

a blend of youth and experience,” selector Ann BrowneJohn said. “We have Anisa Mohammed who’s playing in her fifth World Cup and will help guide the younger ones selected. We have five players

who have had their maiden Cricket World Cup selection. “The team just completed a series against South Africa where the players got good preparation before the tournament. There were some

relatively good showings with a few players having outstanding performances and it is expected that they would raise their levels even further during the competition. “Afy Fletcher’s return

strengthens the bowling department as she continues to be a world-class leg-spinner.” Having travelled to New Zealand from South Africa, West Indies have now completed managed isolation and have begun their preparations for the World Cup in Christchurch. They will help kick off the tournament when they take on the hosts at Bay Oval on March 4. West Indies World Cup squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt.), Anisa Mohammed, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams Travelling reserves: Kaysia Schultz, Mandy Mangru, Jannillea Glasgow. (Cricinfo)

DCB/Premiere Insurance U15 Inter-Association tournament bowls off on Tuesday Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2022