Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-02-2022

THURSDAY 24th FEBRUARY, 2022

No. 106644

Local Content Registers operationalised - Guyanese can now have easier access to opportunities in oil and gas sector

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These performers, on Tuesday night, at the Public Buildings, Georgetown, put on their best show at the flag-raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 52nd Republic Anniversary (Office of the President photos)

Krystal Trim shatters Major Julian Archer heads Unlicensed driver dies in Schoonord accident proverbial glass ceiling GDF promotions list SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Krystal Trim shatters proverbial glass ceiling - she’s the first female Offshore Maintenance Technician in Guyana

By Tamica Garnett AT just 25 years old, Krystal Trim has broken the proverbial glass ceiling as the first female Offshore Maintenance Technician (OMT) in Guyana, an achievement she takes great pride in and hopes that she has opened an avenue for many more female in her field.

Krystal works at Panthera Solutions, a joint venture partnership between Guyana’s Farfan & Mendes a n d C a n a d a ’s C r o s b i e Group Limited, which provides world-class industrial solutions and value-added services to the emerging oil and gas industry in Guyana.

As an OMT, Krystal is responsible for installing, testing and maintaining a variety of equipment at the offshore oil rigs.

A labour-intensive position, the job has thus far been dominated by men.

But Krystal is hoping she is just the beginning of a wider involvement of females in this area. Since she started, another female OMT has

already joined her company and she is looking forward to seeing more women technicians.

“Don’t let the guys beat us at this. I need to see more women, I don’t want it to be just me alone,” she shared during a sit down with the Guyana Chronicle at the Panthera Solutions booth at the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo at the Marriott Hotel.

During the expo, several patrons visited the booth to meet and speak with Krystal, commending her on what she has done, and what it means for women all across Guyana. Even President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who visited the Panthera Solutions booth, applauded Krystal on her achievement.

“I felt like I’ve achieved something of greatness, not only to myself but empowering women out there to show them that anything is possible,” she said of the commendations.

Krystal has been with

Krystal Trim (left) meeting with President Irfaan Ali, (centre) and Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips at the Panthera Solutions booth during the International Energy Conference and Expo (Photo credit: President Irfaan Ali FB Page) Panthera since January I was so excited. And from thera, Krystal was working be judged on was her abili2021, undergoing over four the minute we got there we a regular nine to five as a ties and skills. months of training that had your introduction and Processing Standard Ana“I had a warm welcome included T-Boiset, which you start working, and I was lyst at Teleperformance, but from everyone except for trains persons in safety and ready to start working,” she she just knew that a job that one encounter,” she shared. emergency response knowl- shared. involved her being in an of“One day a guy was edge and skills for travelNO SURPRISE fice was not for her. like ‘you know a woman’s ling to and from offshore, Ending up with a job as “I’m an outdoor person place is in the home’. I said and techno wrap techniques, an OMT came as no sur- and I was really getting ‘it’s not about a woman’s before she would make her prise to Krystal, who has tired of being in an office. place is in the home, I’m first trip offshore to work. never been one to shy away So, I thought why not join here providing a service to When the day finally from adventure, or back the oil and gas industry, you and, hand-in-hand, we came, Krystal was all ex- down from a challenge. it’s new. And I’m glad that have to work together to citement to experience her She has also always had I was able to create history achieve one goal, the ship first helicopter ride and to a love for working in a by being the first female as has to get the oil’. And he get her feet wet. However, technical field, and was an OMT,” she said. watched me and he started due to the COVID-19 pro- doing basic masonry and Though she received laughing and turned around tocols, Krystal had to be carpentry on her own even mostly positive response because I wasn’t having quarantined before she went before coming to Panthera. and support in being the it that morning. The other offshore.

She believes her love for first female OMT, her time guys however were very “After 14 days of being being in the technical field was not entirely without its supportive.” locked up I couldn’t wait is what gave her the edge negative encounters. HowKrystal’s nature for adto get out. I was the first to over other candidates when ever, she took it all in stride venture had been evident get my bags together and she applied for the job. and let it be known that the ever since she was a child. be ready for the helicopter.

Prior to going to Pan- only thing she was going to With both of her parents being gold miners, Krystal would have spent many a school holiday in the interior of Guyana, on her mother’s mining block.

Aside from being in the interior, Krystal grew up with her mom in “C” Field Sophia and stayed with other family members when her mother was away at work. But it was in the interior that she first got a chance to let her adventurous nature roam free.

“It was fun. My mom’s workers would make arrow and bow for me. I enjoyed learning how to wash down the gold and I enjoyed looking at the Guyana’s first female Offshore Maintenance Technician, Krystal Trim wildlife,” she shared.

(Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Local Content Registers operationalised - Guyanese can now have easier access to opportunities in oil and gas sector

THE Natural Resources Ministry, on Tuesday, operationalised its Local Content Registers, opening the door for Guyanese businesses and individuals to gain easier access to opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

Subject minster, Vickram Bharrat, in a recent interview had said that the registers were part of the hallmark Local Content Bill, which was passed in the National Assembly, on December 29, 2021.

Minister Bharrat stated that the registers will be used as a way to bring together local expertise, human capital and businesses, including those operating in the oil and gas sector.

The registers are currently available and accessible online via the ministry’s website.

The two registers were set up by the Local Content Secretariat which also came onstream with the passage of the Local Content Bill in 2021. One of the registers will cater to the individual seeking employment in the oil and gas

A screenshot of the operationalised Ministry of Natural Resources Local Content Registers on the Ministry’s Website at Wednesday February 23, 2022 sector while the second will record the details of businesses interested in providing services to the sector.

The Natural Resources Minister had disclosed that the ministry will also make avail-

able, on its websites, extracts from oil and gas businesses’ master and annual plans, which will highlight predictions for job openings and the need for expertise in specific areas.

Guyanese can use this in-

formation as a guide to join the sector.

Since the establishment of the oil and gas sector, many Guyanese individuals and businesses have benefitted from job opportunities and

income generated from the sector.

In December, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, had said that over 800 Guyanese have been supplying ExxonMobil since the oil and gas giant commenced operations in Guyana in 2015.

Within this period, the company has spent US$540 million to procure goods and services from those suppliers.

“I am a firm believer — as it is the position of ExxonMobil — that Guyanese should not only benefit from the revenues that come from oil and gas, but should play an active role in the development of the resource as well,” Routledge related.

He had highlighted that, to date, more than 3,200 Guyanese are working on ExxonMobil’s local operations and almost the entire supply chain for the company’s offshore activities has been relocated to this country.

“To date, all of the major international oil-and-gas contractors have a presence

in Guyana and have steadily been moving activities from the United States, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Routledge added: “This has created opportunities for the Guyanese private sector — whether it is build-outs for shore base, warehousing, or waste-treatment facilities.”

He said that, as ExxonMobil Guyana advances its operations and explores new projects, it views involvement of the Guyanese workforce and suppliers of goods and services as crucial.

To achieve success in the industry and “win work”, local suppliers need to enhance their skills and capacity by forming small partnerships with foreign companies, which will transfer critical skills and technology.

“This needs to be a winwin dynamic for international and local companies.

International companies need to feel welcome and can generate some value for their investment in technology and knowledge transfer,” he said.

Schlumberger´s Houston facility ‘in sync with gov’t vision’ - Ministers Bharrat, Hamilton concluded during visit

By Tamica Garnett NATURAL Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat and Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, on Tuesday, visited the facilities and staff at oil services provider, Schlumberger, in Houston, East Bank Demerara.

The ministers, who visited the facility, were taken a tour by Managing Director of Schlumberger GTC, Ernesto Cuadros. Minister Hamilton was also accompanied

by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn and Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, Gwen King.

Minister Bharrat noted that the visit was an important one as it provided the government a first-hand look at the magnitude of the operations at the facilities, facilitated a meeting with the Guyanese staff and a discussion about the company’s future in Guyana.

“It’s important that we understand what services they are offering, what type of technology they bring into the country; also to have a chat with our locals who are working there and to look at what systems the company has in place for knowledge transfer, technology transfer, capacity development, capacity building and to understand, too, how the industry really works,” Minister Bharrat said.

S c h l u m b e rg e r, a r e nowned Fortune 500 company, is the world’s leading provider of technology and digital solutions for the oil and gas industry. In 2017, this company made a decision to invest significantly and establish a long-term footprint in Guyana.

In 2021, the company designated Guyana as the location for its regional base, with the construction of a modern facility.

“What I’m particularly impressed about is their plan to make Guyana a regional

hub. That is in keeping with our plan as a government.

We’ve always said that we want Guyana to be a hub in the Guiana shield and regionally as well and I think Schlumberger is in sync with what the government is doing,” Minister Bharrat commented.

Over 150 Guyanese employees are currently working for the company, which has already invested over US$75 million in its Guyana operations.

Many of the Guyanese staff have received international training or worked at Schlumberger’s facilities in Trinidad and Suriname. Minister Bharrat noted his satisfaction that Guyanese are filling key technical positions in the company, and it’s not just about Guyanese working in lower-level positions.

IMPRESSIVE “It is not only employment or training to work in the sector. I spoke to a few locals at the company; they’re not

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton (second from left) speaking with Schlumberger employees, as Managing Director of Schlumberger GTC, Ernesto Cuadros (fourth from right), looks on only security guards, they’re countries. They gained that “From the engagement not only labourers but are experience and knowledge and with the young Guyanese being trained to do highly now they’re back in Guyana who are now working with technical operations in the working. That is a big take this company I could see the facility which is impressive. away that they’re exposed to excitement in their faces when And we need more like that. the international environment they are speaking about the And we need other companies in the oil and gas sector, and activities and the work that as well to do similar,” Minister then they can bring back that they are doing. I think it’s a Bharrat said. skill to Guyana,” Minister good thing and I will continue Minister Bharrat was able Bharrat noted. this relationship,” Minister to interact with several of the Meanwhile, Minister Hamilton said.

Guyanese staff during his Hamilton noted that his visit The visit by the ministers visit, and noted that the em- focused on checking up on the to the facility came following ployees all commended their employees as well as devel- Schlumberger´s donation of time at the company. oping a relationship with the 30 laptops to the teachers “All of them that I spoke company for future collabora- of the Houston Secondary with said they are very com- tions on training programmes school as part of its profortable with the environ- at the BIT and Central Re- gramme to give back to ment, and most of them were cruitment and Manpower the community it is located sent to be trained in other Agency (CRMA). within.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

MovieTowne ‘Mash Expo’ brings out diversity of local entrepreneurs

GIVING space to local entrepreneurs on Republic Day to showcase their products, MovieTowne Guyana, on Wednesday, hosted a mini “Mash Expo” in the cor-

ridor of their massive Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown facility.

Guyana Chronicle’s Clestine Juan visited the expo and

engaged the exhibitors, some of whom displayed products emulating patriotism as Guyana observed its 52nd anniversary as a Republic.

Iona Primo, owner of ‘Queen P’, displayed a line of organic hair products which she said were rich in nourishment and made with 100 per cent local ingredients. She also displayed handmade ‘African black soap’ shampoo, growth-oil serum, and whipped hair, body and beard butter.

Janita Khemraj, owner of ‘Janita’s World’, invited persons to join her virtual yoga classes, which could be an essential stress-relief tool especially during the pandemic conditions. She presented an array of teas, yoga mats, and other items essential for any budding or aspiring yogi

‘Cake Royal’ is a new online-based dessert shop catering to all your “sweet tooth” needs. Whether large events or small, this business provides cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and other baked goods TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Ministers Croal, Rodrigues ‘talk up’ - in separate address in transformation, unity Regions One and Two

H O U S I N G a n d Wa t e r Minister, Collin Croal, announced on Tuesday that massive infrastructural transformation is in train for Region One. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, Minister Croal was at the time addressing residents at the region’s flagraising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 52nd Republic Anniversary held at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground.

He was joined by Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Mayor of Mabaruma, Chris Phang; Regional Executive Officer, Tikaram Bissessar other regional officials and members of the Disciplined Services.

Minister Croal said the government is committed to ensuring the citizens of the hinterland benefit from the overall transformation taking shape in the oil producing state.

“Even as we continue to battle a global pandemic which has brought some hardships as well as other global and regional challenges, our government is implementing bold and transformational infrastructural projects which will significantly narrow the gap between the coast and the hinterland,” he told the residents.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal In Region One, more households are receiving electricity with the expansion of the power generation system in Mabaruma. There will be further expansion of the system this year which will see communities including Koberimo receiving electricity for the first time, and Yarakita village benefitting from a generator set. The power stations at Moruca, Port Kaituma and Matthews Ridge will also be boosted this year.

In the area of health, significant investments were made to ensure residents benefit from improved health service delivery. To this end, the Mabaruma Regional Hospital has been transformed to a Smart hospital and will be commissioned shortly.

Additionally, for the first time, X-Ray and other criti-

cal services are now available at Mabaruma, Moruca and Matarkai hospitals, the DPI report noted.

Further, the construction of the Mabaruma to Hosororo Concrete Road continues, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of the road from Wanaina to Yarakita.

Works on the Mabaruma to Morawhanna road (phase two) continues and upgrading of two kilometres of road at Kokerital Hill will be done this year. New wells will be drilled at Wauna, Mabaruma Settlement and Khan’s Hill. The new $2.5 billion ferry that will ply the Georgetown to North West route will come on stream later this year. Consequently, the wharves at Morawhanna, Kumaka and Port Kaituma are being reconfigured to accommodate the vessel.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues (fifth left) at the flag-raising ceremony in Region Two Minister Croal said as Guyana celebrates 52 years as a republic, the people must reflect on their achievements and aspirations for the future, DPI reported him as saying.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, spoke at the flag-raising ceremony in Region Two and called on all Guyanese to see themselves as one, irrespective of their ethnic background or political af-

filiation.

The $6.1 billion budget approved for Region Two, she said will enhance infrastructure, raise the standard of living and provide more opportunities for residents of the region.

Minister Rodrigues also spoke passionately about the various sectoral developments under the current administration and said that Guyana as a nation has transformed from 1966 to date.

Unlicensed driver dies in Schoonord accident

JOSEPH Charles, 49, an unlicensed driver of Lot, 55, Joseph Pollydore Street Lodge, Georgetown, was killed on Republic Day on the Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara after the car he was driving crashed into a truck, police say.

The accident involved a truck (GWW 4927) driven by Ivan Mitchell, 41; motorcar PZZ 513, driven by Steve Gulani, 44; and motorcar (PVV 4804) driven by Charles.

According to police, motor lorry GWW 4927 was proceeding north along the western side of the Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara while motorcar PVV 4804 was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane of the said road at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of his car and collided with the right side of the lorry.

The car spun and collided with

The scene of the fatal accident on Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara motorcar PZZ 513.

Police said as a result of the impact, the driver of PVV 4804 and the occupant received injuries to their bodies.

They were taken out of the motorcar with the assistance of ranks of the La Grange Fire Service in an unconscious

state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced the driver of motorcar PVV 4804 dead on arrival.

The body of the deceased is currently lying at the West

Demerara Hospital mortuary awaiting post mortem examination.

At the accident scene, a breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the motor lorry and no trace of alcohol was found in his system.

“It was a struggle for us to fight for our Independence in 1966 and a struggle thereafter in 1970 when we achieved our Republic status it was at that time we were given the freedom to elect a President and a government to be governed by our Constitution,” Rodrigues told a gathering in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Anna Regina, on Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Changing The Narrative NO individual is perfect.

The same is also true of a society. And since society is made up people who are diverse in the way they think and behave, it is only normal for people to be critical of actions taken by government and policy makers.

All of that is normal and perhaps good for the society, especially when such criticisms are grounded in objectivity and facts.

This point was made

by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who, in his message to the nation in observance of the 52nd anniversary of our Republican status, identified a number of issues which are essential for the realisation of the vision of

‘One Guyana.’

To advance our One Guyana vision, we must, as a society, have healthy debates, exchange of views and critical examination of policies, programmes, initiative and plans.

These discussions, according to President Ali, must not be based on selfish agenda, biasness, perception, propaganda and feelings. Instead, they must be rooted in facts and a pragmatic understanding of what is required in a changing Guyana.

The President identified a number of areas which we as a people we must understand our role, responsibility and function. Among these is the need to exhibit a positive

attitude and a positive outlook. As pointed out by the President, the ‘chronic naysayers’ will find fault with everything the government does. With a positive mindset, it is possible to strengthen every decision and policy to deliver the best possible outcome for all.

Guyana is advancing at a rapid pace and with it must come changes in the way we think and the way we act. Indeed, the scale of development dictates, as observed by President Ali, that our thought processes address more complex and dynamic issues.

Another critical element identified by President Ali is that of character. This is fundamental

to our own sense of being and other national identity.

And while it is true that our ancestors came to the shores of Guyana from several distant lands, the fact of our reality is that we now live in a geographic space called Guyana which is a sovereign state second to none in terms of beauty and diversity. We are defined by our character and it behooves us as a people to project the best image to the international community as a rules-based and law governed society where the will of the people is the basis of rule and governance.

There was a time when our image was severely battered by undemocratic and incompetent rule by

the then PNC regime. That image is now changing which is why we have to further deepen our democracy to reflect our diversity.

Put in another way, we have to, in a conscious and purposeful way, change the narrative of Guyana.

We live in a small world, what is now referred to as a global village and what happens in one part of the world could have an impact on the rest of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought home this reality in a direct way, touching the lives and livelihoods of people all over the world.

The same is true for climate change and even though much of it resulted from the actions of the

industrialised world, the effects are felt in all countries, big and small.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to being realistic and objective. We have to know our limits and must never be too big to seek help when needed.

Guyana has benefitted tremendously in so many ways from our international partners and friends, not least of which was the assistance we received in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.

President Ali has pointed the way forward for a better and more secure Guyana. There is no better time than now to embrace the vision of President Ali as we observe and celebrate our republican status.

A group of gripers with unfounded claims Dear Editor, MONEY walks! Investors leave! These are the lessons Guyanese should have learned from the previous attempt to build the Amaila Hydroelectric power plant; facing a barrage of criticism, Blackstone (an American company) withdrew from the International Development Bank (IDB)-funded project which then became dormant throughout the APNU+AFC years. No major power source was added to the grid during

those Granger years and the men of Article 13 made no criticism then because nothing planned equals zero to criticise.

A win-win for GrangerArticle13 no doubt.

Fast forward to the present and despite a public tender process in which it is clearly stated that the Government of Guyana will not invest any monies and that the project would be implemented strictly by the private sector using private sector funding and the GoG would simply buy any/all power pro-

duced by the plant. Given that Christopher Ram is listed as a member of Article 13, I would deem it highly unlikely that he is ignorant of these conditions even if others in the organisation are incapable of accessing public information. Why then would Article 13 make an issue about the cost of anything but what the GoG will pay for that power?

Winston Brassington made a presentation at the 2022 Energy Conference (which can be viewed for free online) where he stated the winning bid-

ders submitted a cost of USD 0.0773 per kWh. Any Guyanese knows we pay USD 0.30 Per KWh presently and our power demand has long since outstripped the supply.

The criticisms of Article 13 are a smokescreen at best, comparison costs to a hydro plant in Ethiopia; why do we care what it costs to build if we are not footing the bill and are satisfied we are going to get power at less than a quarter of the price we pay for electricity now?

Article 13 speaks about costs GPL will incur to

deliver electricity to the consumers; are they suggesting that we explore wireless power options?

Or are they waiting on someone to offer to foot that small bill for us in true ‘beggar-bowl’ mentality mode?

Editor, Article 13 also attempted to make a populist argument that it was too costly to attend the Energy Conference thereby depriving Guyanese of access to vital information, however, Christopher Ram was in attendance as a delegate and Yog

Mahadeo joined those protesting for an end to oil production outside; all presentations were/ are available for free via online video links.

The Energy Conference claim by Article 13 is either based on willful ignorance or agendadriven disingenuousness or a combination but whichever, Article 13 has detracted much from the value valid civil society criticisms would offer a nation seeking to build for her future.

Sincerely Robin Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Queen, Prince or Prime Minister - None Shall Escape COVID’s Final Judgement!

By Earl Bousquet

TWO news headlines grabbed world attention last week: ‘The Queen Tests Positive For COVID’ and ‘PAHO Head Says Complacency Contributed To Deadly COVID-19 Surge In The Americas’.

The first was a brief BBC item confirming the virus had penetrated Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace -- and the Royal Household was on full-COVID-alert.

The Queen was experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” but would continue with “light duties”; and she “will continue to receive medical attention” and “follow all the appropriate guidelines”.

And Her Majesty’s “eldest son and heir” (Charles, the Prince of Wales) had “tested positive on February 10, after meeting his mother on February 8” and that “other palace staff also tested positive”.

The second headline was about Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Carissa Etienne saying the continuing spread of COVID and increasing deaths were preventable.

She told her latest weekly press conference in Washing-

ton: “Complacency around mask wearing, travel and indoor gatherings created a perfect opportunity for the new Omicron variant to spread rapidly throughout the region and increase deaths.”

Dr Etienne warned that “Reduced public health measures were insufficient to reduce the scale of this wave and now we’re dealing with the consequence: a rise in infections is driving a surge in deaths.”

COVID-19 infections declined by 31 per cent last week (across the wider PAHO region), but deaths continued to rise by 5.6 per cent -- and more-than-half who’ve died (in PAHO member-states) were over 65.

But many other deaths occurred among those yet to receive COVID-19 vaccines; and unvaccinated people -- of all ages -- still fill-up hospitals and ICU beds.

“Undoubtedly, Omicron overtook us,” Dr Etienne noted, “and right now, we’re losing far too many lives because we didn’t use all the tools we had developed, to slow the spread and prevent infections”.

She indicated: “Omicron has shown that the vaccines we have at hand can protect

most of us from severe illness and death” and warned PAHO member states to be vigilant about implementing public health measures too quickly.

“We need to activate our responses more rapidly to keep pace with the current wave and stay ahead of future surges of this very fast, very serious virus,” Dr Etienne added.

The two items grabbed global attention because, in the first case involving The Queen, it all boiled down to the complacency the PAHO Director has long been warning about.

London is as guilty as many PAHO member-states when it comes to the complacency Director Etienne worries about – and it’s all happening at the worst time for the queen’s kingdom.

The supreme monarch’s eldest son and heir (Prince Charles) contracted COVID a few days after her 70th year on The Royal Throne, just days after his younger brother, Prince Andrew, settled a sleazy sex scandal out-of-court.

And just as the UK press started blaming Charles for adding to his mother’s 2022 royal blues in her Jubilee Year, up came a new head-

line about him also now being investigated for an alleged ‘Cash for Honors’ scheme involving a billionaire foreigner who funds his charities.

But while the British public is being encouraged to try to figure-out whether it’s time for the queen to bowout or whether she should continue to stand taller than her closest royal subjects, the silent but throbbing thought on many minds worldwide was: What could have been, had the Queen and the Prince not been vaccinated?

A fortnight earlier, when the Omicron Variant started metamorphosing and cloning itself into new sub-variants and scientists were prematurely predicting it may mark the beginning of the end of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General warned it was too early to dream of the end of the pandemic and discouraged easing of restrictions too early.

But Caribbean countries are differently selective in which measures governments will adopt from the experiences of Europe and North America, with some going the UK way (relaxing and removing restrictions) and others opting for more

cautionary approaches.

Despite the PAHO Director’s widely-publicised warnings, however, there are still several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations relaxing COVID protocols to facilitate the likes of holiday partying at home and “approved locations”, while others restrict all public national celebrations – including Carnival, Independence and Republican anniversaries – to virtual, online features.

Fact is: In the UK case, the Palace’s COVID fighters dropped their guard, overestimated their defence capabilities and underestimated the capability of the virus to overcome and penetrate even their best defences, drawbridges raised or not.

At a time when Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Downing Street officials were being accused of partying with Wine and Cheese late last year while the nation was under lockdown and The Queen was mourning the death of her husband (Prince Philip), she was shown on TV conversing happily and shaking hands with visitors and cutting her Jubilee Cake -- all with no mask and at no social distance.

Just days before, the Duke and Duchess of York

(Prince Charles and his wife Camilla) were shown doing the very same at another function attended by Chancellor Rishi Sunak (who’s currently being fingered as a possible heir to the Prime Minister’s Throne, should his detractors throw the British Boris under a London bus over fears he’s become a liability to their re-election chances).

However, The Queen and the UK PM and Downing Street’s common experiences have again underlined that laws and protocols should always apply -- and be seen to be applied – equally and across-the-board; and The Director reaffirmed that Omicron is not a variant to play games with, whether in palaces or parliaments.

All that royal sauce aside, though, like the Queen, the Prince, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre (who recently tested positive despite also being vaccinated and boosted) and all other Heads of State and Government who’ve contracted COVID-19 – and they’re all living proof that none shall escape the virus’ final judgement.

And that being vaccinated does save lives.

MovieTowne ‘Mash Expo’ brings...

FROM PAGE 4

Sea Moss is known to have many health benefits.

This finished product is refined by ‘Salads & Lifestyles’ and is recommended for hot and cold beverages alike

Peeling and blending your green seasoning can be time-consuming. Let ‘T&J’, owned by Donna Murray, do the heavy lifting with their peeled garlic and seasoning supplies business

For that special ‘kick’, ‘Dixie’s Punch De Crème’ liqueur is the right “adult juice”, according to its owner, Dixie Jordan. It is available in three flavours: Coffee, Original and Capadulla

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Major Julian Archer heads GDF promotions list

Major Julian Archer heads the list of promotions after being promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Colonel

Major Nigel Langhorne is promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Colonel

PRESIDENT and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has approved the promotion of 69 officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with effect from January 1, 2022.

In accordance with Part III Section 16 of the Defence Act 15:01 of 1977, the Chief of Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess made the official

Substantive Captain Charles Bradford is promoted to Major

announcement.

According to the GDF, of the total, 47 of those officers are from the Regular Force; two are from the Coast Guard and 21 are from the GDF Reserve (Guyana People’s Militia).

Heading the list of promoted Officers is Major Julian Archer, who has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant

Substantive Lieutenant Kaya Dover is promoted to the rank of Substantive Captain

Colonel.

Majors Courtney Mendonca, Greasels Hinckson, and Nigel Langhorne have also been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant Colonel.

One acting Major, Major Joslyn Assannah has been made substantive in his rank while eight substantive Captains have been promoted to substantive Majors.

Substantive Captain Ron Williams is promoted to Major

Substantive Captain, Charles Bradford; Substantive Captain, Ron Williams; Substantive Captain, Keisha Aaron; Substantive Captain, Nellon McKenzie; Substantive Captain, Mwana McDonald; Substantive Captain, Michael Andrews; Substantive Captain, Budeshwar Persaud; and Substantive Captain, Tito Blacket have been promoted to Majors.

Substantive Lieutenant, Deon Drakes; Substantive Lieutenant, Orandi Francois; Substantive Lieutenant, Patrick Farley Grant; Substantive Lieutenant, Gevon Mc Almont; Substantive Lieutenant, Kaya Dover; Substantive Lieutenant, Kevveon Lewis; Substantive Lieutenant, Robin Rogers; Substantive Lieutenant, Winette Smartt; Substantive Lieutenant, Jashawn Norville; and Substantive Lieutenant, Keon Stoby have been promoted to the rank of

Substantive Captain.

Additionally, 20 Second Lieutenants in the Regular Force have been made Substantive Lieutenants.

They are Ivor Semple, Kevon Blunt, Romain Wilson, Joel Browne, Shaka Williams, Floyd Phillips, Jamaal Leitch, Shaquille Wilson, Delon Willis, Sevon Ferreira, Romain Lindo, Reon Lall, Shane Blair, Shevin Sparman, Troy Hestick, Neon Fiedtkou, Andio Crawford, Shivanand Persaud, Kevin Wills and Seabra Manbode.

In the Coast Guard, Sub-Lieutenant (CG), Neil McDonald has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenant (CG) and Mid Shipman, Rolwyn Heywood has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Sub Lieutenant (CG).

Meanwhile, in the Reserve, Captain Shawn Legall is heading the list of promoted Officers.

Substantive Captain Budeshwar Persaud is promoted to Major He has been promoted to the rank of Substantive Major. Nineteen Reserve Second Lieutenants have also been promoted to the rank of Substantive Second Lieutenant.

The Reserve Second Lieutenants who have been promoted to the rank of Substantive Lieutenants are Tyon Phillips, Sando George, Brian Jeffrey, Eon Sampson, Curtis Emmanuel, Jonathan Forde, Desiree Ross, Delon Earle, Robert Skeete, Curtis Charles, Jermaine Slater, Afesha Ross, Ramish Baichoo, Tashauna Tang, Orlando Alexander, Shevon Sampson, Trevaugh Waldron, Alexis Williams and Davin Washington.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, Senior Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior NonCommissioned Officers, soldier and civilian employees of the force extend congratulations to the newly-promoted officers.

Massive developmental projects will transform Region Six GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

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- Minister Mustapha reiterated at flag-raising ceremony

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, delivering the feature address during the flag-raising ceremony at State House, New Amsterdam, Region Six, on Tuesday (DPI photo) AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday evening, urged Berbicians to prepare for the massive economic transformation heading to the ancient county.

Minister Mustapha said the un-ending push by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a ‘One Guyana’ will see extraordinary developments in all 10 administrative regions.

He made the statements during his feature address at the flag-raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 52nd Republic anniversary, at State House, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

“As an agriculture region, you will have to up your game

and, over the next few years, you will see massive projects in Region Six. We have already started to construct farm to market roads, where thousands of acres of land will be opened up to advance cultivation in Region Six,” Minister Mustapha underscored.

He said that government was working closely with neighbouring Suriname to bridge the Corentyne River, which will create new economic opportunities.

He stated that construction works to the ‘Hope like’ canal will commence this year, while the ongoing housing development projects within the district will be advanced.

Also, the administration plans to establish a brand-new hospital in Skeldon, Corentyne and enhance the other medical facilities in the region.

“I want to tell you the infrastructure in Region Six will change, millions of dollars will be spent for the improvement of roads, drainage and irrigation.

“Very recently we have discovered in Region Six also oil and that will boost the economy and will create thousands of jobs for people in and around the region, so you will see your regional economy will take off,” he added.

With the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the helm of the nation, Minister Mustapha said all the aspirations Guyanese yearned to achieve for decades were being realised.

“Today I am happy to say that, as a nation, we are successful, we are moving our country from once a highly poor indebted country to a middle-income country. And that’s a plus for us. Guyana has carved herself a national characteristic that distinguishes us from other countries,” he stressed. (DPI)

CANU seizes $17.6M in narcotics, motorcar in Berbice operation

RANKS from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) came under fire, on Tuesday, by two armed men during the seizure of $17.6 million in cannabis and a motorcar in a narcotics operation at # 69 Village Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six. According to a release from CANU, two male occupants of motor car PKK 4588 opened fire at the ranks before fleeing from the scene and leaving their vehicle behind.

The cannabis seized amounted to 58.8 kilograms (129.6 pounds.) It is believed to have been intended for transshipment to Suriname and had a street value of $17,640,000.00.

CANU said that the drug operations are a part of its efforts to curb the flow of narcotics in the said district.

“CANU reminds persons that trafficking in narcotics is illegal and persons caught will be prosecuted according to the law and assets confiscated,” the agency said.

The cannabis seized by CANU

Flag-raising ceremony at State House, New Amsterdam, Berbice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Get vaccinated, pandemic is not over - new variant can emerge at any point, says PAHO Director

LOW vaccination coverage in many countries of the Caribbean must be urgently addressed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable, warned PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne, with healthcare workers and the elderly remaining particularly at risk.

Out of the 13 countries and territories in the Ameri-

cas that have not yet reached WHO’s 2021 goal of 40 per cent vaccination coverage, 10 are in the Caribbean, she said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

Vaccine hesitancy, a lack of vaccination centres in remote areas, insufficient staff numbers, and limited coldchain infrastructure remain huge barriers to vaccination in many islands, but we now

have the tools “to turn the tide on vaccinations in the Caribbean”.

With 700 million people now vaccinated in Latin America and the Caribbean, there are “real-word data to show that vaccines are safe and effective against COVID-19,” the PAHO Director said. But interventions must now be tailored to the needs of those that remain vulner-

able in each country.

In some countries, this means ensuring that healthcare workers are provided with the information they need to get vaccinated, including on potential side effects and how long the benefits of the vaccine last.

“These are legitimate questions that must be acknowledged and addressed so that we can better protect our

PAHO Director, Carissa F. Etienne healthcare workers and everyone else,” Dr. Etienne said.

In other countries, PAHO is working with governments to ensure that vaccination centres are closer to the people who need them the most, and that hours of operation are convenient for those who work.

The Director also urged countries to work with trusted voices and community leaders to create spaces for dialogue to address concerns around vaccination.

A recent survey by PAHO and UNICEF, supported by USAID, showed that 51 per cent of vaccine hesitant people in the Eastern Caribbean were open to changing their minds after seeing more scientific and medical evidence to support vaccination.

“Dialogue, trust and outreach are the tools we must rely on to get more vaccines into arms and ultimately save lives,” the Director said.

Dr. Etienne also made a special appeal.

“As a doctor from the Caribbean who has dedicated her life to public health, the best decision you can make for your health right now is to get a vaccine against COVID,” she said.

“The pandemic is not over, and a new variant can emerge at any point.”

“We have the power as a community to overcome these barriers and reduce the toll of this virus on our people.”

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, new cases declined by 28 per cent from the previous week, to 2.2 million. Deaths also fell for the first time since the beginning of the Omicron wave to 29,000 – a nine per cent drop.

Overall cases dropped by a third across North America, and while deaths declined in the United States, the rates remain among the highest seen during the pandemic.

Wi t h t h e e x c e p t i o n of Honduras, deaths also dropped by 17 per cent in Central America though Nicaragua experienced a surge in new infections.

In South America, deaths decreased by 13 per cent, with spikes remaining in some areas, including Chile.

In the Caribbean, new infections fell by 44 per cent, yet eight countries and territories reported an increase in deaths.

(PAHO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

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‘Meet and greet’ and ‘an evening of culture’ Scenes from events hosted by the Guyana delegation in New York. The delegation is headed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips

(Office of the Prime Minister photos)

Celebrating 52nd anni

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

- Scenes from the flag-raising c

(Office of the President photos)

iversary as a Republic GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

ceremony at the Public Buildings

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

World No.3 thrown out of Mexican Open

(BBC) - World number three, Alexander Zverev, has been thrown out of the Mexican Open after "unsportsmanlike conduct" that saw him attack the umpire's chair at the end of a doubles match in Acapulco.

Germany's Zverev argued with the umpire during the decisive tie-break as he and Marcelo Melo lost 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 to Lloyd Glasspool and Harri Heliovaara.

Zverev struck the umpire's chair several times with his racquet.

The 24-year-old later apologised, calling his behaviour "unacceptable".

Zverev was the defending champion in the singles event.

"Due to unsportsmanlike conduct at the conclusion of his doubles match on Tuesday night, Alexander Zverev has been withdrawn from the tournament in Acapulco," an ATP statement read.

His opponent Peter Gojowczyk has been given a walkover into the third round.

Zverev wrote on Instagram that he had "privately apologised" to umpire Alessandro Germani and said he was "disappointed in myself".

"As you know, I leave everything on the court. Yesterday, I left too much," he wrote.

"I am going to take the coming days to reflect - on my actions and how I can ensure that it will not happen again."

Britain's Andy Murray said Zverev's behaviour was "dangerous and reckless", while Novak Djokovic - the men's world number one - added the decision to disqualify the German was "correct".

Former world number one Murray said: "I obviously understand lots of players, athletes across lots of sports can get very frustrated.

"I've not always acted in the way I would want on the tennis court. I'm certainly not claiming to be an angel. I'm not perfect myself.

"However, when you're ripping your tennis racqiet right next to the umpire multiple times,

you can't be doing that."

Zverev believed a ball was incorrectly called out during the tie-break and began yelling at the umpire, with the crowd taking the official's side.

Britain's Glasspool and Finland's Heliovaara then wrapped up the match with an ace on the next point.

Zverev hit the chair with his racquet three times and came close to hitting the umpire's foot at one point.

He continued yelling at the umpire and took another swing as the umpire moved to climb down from his chair.

The ATP defines unsportsmanlike conduct as "any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a tournament, ATP and/or the sport".

Zverev is being investigated by the ATP over allegations that he was violent towards a former girlfriend. He has repeatedly denied the claims.

Elanga's late goal gives United draw against Atletico

Anthony Elanga's goal was Manchester United's 500th in the European Cup/ Champions League

(BBC) - Anthony Elanga's late equaliser boosted Manchester United's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League as they fought back to draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The 19-year-old had been on the pitch less than six minutes after replacing Marcus Rashford, when he raced onto Bruno Fernandes' perfectly-weighted pass to roll the ball past home goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Until that point it had looked as though Diego Simeone's Spanish champions were going to take a narrow advantage to Old Trafford after delivering a masterclass in controlling the game without dominating possession.

Joao Felix's early header from Renan Lodi's inviting cross gave the hosts a dream start with United looking ragged

on their right, where interim boss Ralf Rangnick's gamble of playing Victor Lindelof at fullback failed badly.

The Swedish central defender looked uncomfortable throughout and was booked for a tug on Felix before his miserable evening was ended prematurely by his withdrawal midway the second half.

By then Atletico could and perhaps should have been two goals ahead with Sime Vrsaljko heading the ball off Lindelof and onto the United bar in the closing moments of the first half after some more dismal defending.

While Rangnick's side enjoyed plenty of the ball, they were slow and indecisive in possession and barely looked capable of carving open their well-drilled opponents who repeatedly picked off every sloppy United pass in midfield.

Atletico were also unlucky

to not score late on themselves when Antoine Griezmann rattled the visitors’ crossbar.

However, Elanga, who missed the crucial penalty when Rangnick's side lost in the FA Cup to Middlesbrough earlier this month, followed up his goal at Leeds on Sunday with another important intervention to change the complexion of the tie before the second leg in Manchester in three weeks time.

United stumble into second leg all square For long periods of this encounter United served up the sort of fare that has typified Rangnick's three-month reign as boss.

Disjointed in possession, misplaced and overhit passes were produced with alarming frequency as Fred, Paul Pogba and Fernandes failed to impose themselves on the game and the athleticism of Scott Mc-

Tominay was sorely missed in midfield.

There were also several elementary mistakes at the back, such as Fred's charge out towards the ball and the lack of communication as Felix stole past Harry Maguire to head the opening goal.

Lindelof's unfamiliarity with his adopted position hardly helped and it was notable that United's main improvement came after the likes of Aaron

Wan-Bissaka, Alex Telles and Elanga were introduced.

Elanga in particular provided the pace to run in behind - an option that had barely been utilised with the visitors until then.

And it reaped immediate dividends, with the Sweden Under-21 international registering United's first shot on target with his goal, to become the club's youngest goalscorer in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Norris sets the bar as 2022 F1 season begins (FORMULA ONE) Lando Norris set the fastest overall time in the opening pre-season

session at Barcelona for McLaren, eclipsing the morning benchmark set

by Ferrari's Charles Le-

clerc.

Yesterday saw the first proper running of the 2022 Formula 1 cars,

Lando Norris during Day One of F1 Testing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya yesterday, in Barcelona, Spain.

(Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

and plenty of intrigue to boot – after Alfa Romeo and Haas unveiled their contenders to the world in the Catalunya pit lane, and Red Bull's RB18 proper broke cover too.

Leclerc's morning time of 1m 20.165s put him top before Norris eclipsed that, improving to 1m 19.568s by the end of Day 1. That bumped Leclerc down to P2 and his Ferrari team mate Carlos Sainz to third.

George Russell finished fourth, before Mercedes team mate Hamilton took over the W13 in the afternoon to take fifth place.

Sebastian Vettel dropped from P4 in the m o r n i n g t o s i x t h o v e rall before Aston Martin team mate Lance Stroll (P13) took the wheel in the afternoon. AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda enjoyed a full day’s running and clocked 121 laps to take seventh overall ahead of Alpine driver Fernando Alonso (P8).

Max Verstappen also drove for the full day and took P9, but completed the highest tally - 147 laps - a brief off-track excursion in the morning the only

blemish on his day.

In 10th was Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas, the Finn completing just under 25 laps as the team had a stuttering start to their session – reserve driver Robert Kubica having completed a handful of morning installation laps to end up 16th.

Eleventh-place driver Alex Albon was the fastest of the Williams pair, his teammate Nicholas Latifi 14th. And Mick Schumacher was the fastest of the two Haas drivers, tak-

ing P12, after floor damage stunted his afternoon running - while teammate Nikita Mazepin finished 15th, having driven in the morning.

Every team, bar Alfa Romeo and Haas, completed a century of laps on the opening day.

Five drivers – Zhou Guanyu, Esteban Ocon, Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez – are yet to take the wheel, with plenty of running remaining over the next two days.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday February 24, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Surjakumar Yadav-107 runs (2) Nicholas Pooran-184 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Who claimed most wickets for IND in the just-concluded T20 Int’l series versus the WI? (2) Which WI bowler took most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Hossain-Hasan partnership helps Bangladesh past Afghanistan

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz engineered a turnaround, putting together a record stand of 174 runs to lead Bangladesh to victory against Afghanistan.

At 45 for 6 in the 12th over, chasing 216, Bangladesh seemed down and out. Enter Afif and Mehidy.

The Afghans watched in disbelief as both players cracked career-best ODI scores, Afif eventually completing the win in the 49th over with a blunt through midwicket. Mehidy celebrated first, running towards Afif, who was unbeaten on 93. Mehidy finished with 81 not out.

Such a fairytale finish didn't seem possible at the start of the innings, when Fazalhaq Farooqi, the 21-year-old fast bowler, blew away Bangladesh's top order in his first four overs.

Afif and Mehidy, though, refused to give in. Bangladesh have had 100-run stands after such disastrous starts before, but never one that got them to a win. In fact, this is the first time that a chasing team has bounced back from losing their first six wickets for under 50 runs.

Afif led the scoring with an unbeaten 93 that had boundaries all around the wicket. He struck the ball sweetly through the covers, latched on the full-tosses, and flicked and clipped the ball with ease. He even brought out the dink through the slips a few times.

Mehidy played the cut shot effortlessly.

He laced the ball every time the Afghan pacers gave him enough room, and even used two pull shots for fours. Mehidy played the anchoring role, never allowing the scoring to drop, nor getting bogged down while Afif hit freely.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Afif Hossain race across for a single vs Afghanistan, 1st ODI, Chattogram, yesterday (BCB)

Farooqi must have wondered what hit him.

He finished with 4 for 54, unable to break the seventh-wicket stand as Bangladesh's match-winning duo expertly saw off Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman, refusing to panic in the face of adversity.

The pair even sat out a 15-minute break for floodlight trouble at one point.

Their calm approach was in complete contrast to the terrible start Bangladesh made to the chase. Farooqi got one to nip back on Litton Das, who gave a thin inside edge to

wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who shot up to appeal before anyone else. When the umpire said not out, it was based on Gurbaz's conviction that Hashmatullah Shahidi took the review.

That opened the floodgates from one end.

Farooqi got one to seam back into Tamim Iqbal's front pad. The ball at first appeared to have hit the Bangladesh captain outside the off-stump but Afghanistan successfully reviewed. In his next over, Farooqi slammed one into Mushfiqur Rahim's pads, which was

given out by the on-field umpire. Mushfiqur reviewed, unsuccessfully.

After three wickets that went to the third umpire, Farooqi clean-bowled debutant Yasir Ali at the end of the fifth over. Mujeeb joined the wicket-taking party in the eighth over when Shakib chopped onto his stumps. When Mahmudullah edged Rashid's half-tracker to Gulbadin Naib at slip, Bangladesh were six down, with seemingly no way back.

Earlier in the day, Najibullah Zadran had top-scored with 67 off 84 balls with six boundaries, but Afghanistan collapsed from 194 for 5 in the 45th over to be bowled out for 215.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's dismissal in the third over, when he skied Mustafizur Rahman to mid-on, gave Bangladesh the early advantage. Ibrahim Zadran, playing his second ODI, tried to stabilise the innings with Rahmat Shah, but the former was caught at slip off Shoriful Islam for 19.

Taskin Ahmed, who had Ibrahim dropped at fine-leg, finally removed Rahmat caught behind for 34, before Mahmudullah dismissed the captain, Shahidi, in the 28th over.

Afghanistan got a bit of a boost from the 63-run fifth-wicket stand between Nabi and Naiibullah. But when Taskin had Nabi caught behind for 20, the home side seemed to have wrested the advantage. Shakib had Naib lbw and bowled Rashid for a duck in the 45th over, while Mustafizur dismissed Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Yamin Ahmadzai. In-between, Shoriful Islam took out Najibullah in the 49th over.

Every Bangladesh bowler, barring Mehidy, got among the wickets: Mustafizur finished with three, while Shakib, Shoriful and Taskin took two each.

Anderson ‘praying’ Test career not over

(BBC) - England's leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson says he is "praying" his international career is not over after being dropped for the West Indies tour.

Both Anderson, 39, and Stuart Broad, 35, were left out of the squad for the three-Test tour in March.

Speaking on the Tailenders podcast, Anderson, who has taken 640 wickets in 169 Tests, said it was a "shock" and he felt "frustration and anger" initially.

"I'm praying this isn't the end," he said.

"But if I never play for England again, I know I've got amazing people around me to support me and that's really important."

Seam bowler Anderson said he is determined to impress with Lancashire when the County Championship starts in April and regain his England place this summer.

"I've got one more go at digging deep," he said. "I've got a lot left to

offer - I've still got the hunger and passion to play It was a shock and a disappointment to get that call but having processed it, it's important I try to focus on stuff I can control and that's showing people what I can do with the ball in my hand."

England's interim managing director Andrew Strauss said the decision to drop Anderson and Broad "does not mean the end" of their international careers.

Broad, who is England's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 in 152 matches, said in a column for the Daily Mail that the decision had left him "confused and angrier with each passing day".

Anderson said the two had exchanged texts in which they got "some initial frustration and anger out".

He added that "another frustration" was that a "five-minute phone call" with Strauss in which he learned he was dropped did not "really clear much up".

During England's heavy 4-0 defeat in the Ashes this winter, Anderson took eight wickets in three matches at an average of 23.37 - the lowest average of all of England's bowlers in Australia.

"Obviously it was a difficult tour of Australia, but I was happy with the way I bowled, I put in some decent performances out there," he said.

In the aftermath of the Ashes, England head coach Chris Silverwood, director of cricket Ashley Giles and assistant coach Graham Thorpe all left their roles.

Strauss has temporarily taken over from Giles and Paul Collingwood is England's interim head coach for the West Indies tour.

England's first Test series at home this summer is against world champions New Zealand, starting on June 2.

"There will be a new director of cricket and new head coach in the summer, so I hope that whatever

James Anderson is England's most capped Test player, with 169 appearances

decision is made it's talked about in the way that it should be," added Anderson.

"Trying to stay away from the noise on social media has been difficult, but among the noise there have been some amazing messages."

Anderson also thanked his wife Daniella for "being amazing through all this" and said his children are "delighted I'm not going to

the West Indies so they can spend more time with me".

Anderson, who will turn 40 in July, said he still feels in "great shape" and that he has "got even better" over the last four years.

Since turning 35, Anderson has taken 160 wickets in 44 Tests at an average of 21.72.

He said: "I know I'm not slowing down or losing anything."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Belle Vue SC defeat West Bank Masters in T20 clash

BELLE Vue Sports Club registered a nine-run victory against West Bank Masters in a thrilling Trophy Stall-sponsored 20-over clash at the Canal Number Two Sports Club ground over the weekend.

Belle Vue won the toss and opted to bat first. Although there were no stand-out performances, a number of batters had starts.

Ryan Seecharran led the way with 32 (2x4, 2x6), while Randy Ramrup (1x4, 3x6) and Devon Harris (2x4, 2x6) both added 29 runs.

Towards the end, Rajendra Persaud with 22 unbeaten runs (3x4) also played his part to help the team reach a competitive 174-9.

Chabiraj Ramcharan led West Bank Masters’ bowling attack with four wickets, while Ganesh Persaud supported with two scalps.

In West Bank Masters' turn in the middle, Ramcharan also played his role with the bat. He finished with 33 runs (3x4, 2x6). Krishna Singh led the attack with a game-high 36 (4x4).

Support also came from Michael Sundar, who supported with 28 (1x4, 3x6), but it was not enough as the team fell short at 165-9 from their allotted overs.

Bowling for Belle Vue, Ramrup finished with 2-19 from his four overs, while Colin Boucher supported with 2-43 from his four overs.

Belle Vue claimed a nine-run victory over West Bank Masters

Players with good performances at first-class level can earn West Indies spots – CWI lead selector

(CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) lead selector, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes says the choices for the first Test of the Apex Series against England should send a message to players that good performances at first-class level can get them call-ups.

Some of the top performers in the first two rounds of the West Indies Four-Day Championship have been included in the squad, including fast bowler Anderson Phillip who received his maiden call-up and opening batsman John Campbell, who is back in the West Indies team after impressing selectors with an average of 53.25 runs and 127 for Jamaica Scorpions against Barbados Pride.

Dr Haynes, speaking to the media on Tues-

day after the squad was announced, said regional cricketers who do well at that level could have a place on the West Indies team.

“This is the message which we’re sending to the batters because we need to get our batting right, not only in the Test format but in the 50over games, in the T20…. This is the only level of competition that we’ve got.

“It’s a bit unfortunate that we never really got a few more games, but in the two games that we saw with a good batting wicket in Barbados, Kraigg Brathwaite showed that if you get good surfaces, you can make big runs and he made a big double; John Campbell, he did get 100. I think that’s what we want,” he said.

“People question how strong our domestic

competition is, but the mere fact that the guys are playing in it and doing well, yes, they would be up for selection.”

The West Indies cricket legend, who last month replaced Roger Harper as lead selector, said they were also considering players for upcoming limited-over competitions.

“We’re looking at the Test cricket now but also we’ve got some 50-over games coming up and we have to be preparing for 50-over competition with the World Cup in 2023 as well. So, it’s important for these guys when they’re playing in the domestic season to do well to catch our eye,” said Dr Haynes, who chose the squads along with head coach Phil Simmons and former Windies middle-order

batter Ramnaresh Sarwan who joined the panel last month as well.

“We’re a new panel …. and we want to see the players and we want to make sure that when we’re judging them on their ability, they’ve got some runs as well; also they can play a role that we want them to play,” he added.

The first Test of the Apex Series will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua from March 8 to 12, following a warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) from March 1 to 4.

The second Test will be at Kensington Oval in Barbados March 16 to 20; while the final is set for March 24-28 at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.

DCB/Premier Insurance U15 inter-association 2022 tournament

Silas helps Georgetown humble East Coast KISHAN Silas smashed a brilliant half-century as Georgetown humbled East Coast Demerara at MYO ground when the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB)/Premier Insurance U15 inter-association 2022 tournament continued.

At MYO, East Coast won the toss and elected to bowl first. Georgetown were bowled out for 185 from 45.3 overs from their allotted 50 overs.

Opener Kishan Silas scored a comfortable 60

while he was supported by captain Dave Mohabir who chipped it with 19, Shane Prince 19, Peter Khan 13 and Emanuel Lewis 11.

Mickel Sharma was the most destructive bowler grabbing 6 for 23 from 6.3 overs with 3 maidens, Alonzo Ramsingh, Munesh Outer, Arun Gainda and Ravin Persaud collected one wicket each.

In reply, East Coast struggled to reach their target and fell short of their total, scoring 66 all out from

a mere 38.2 overs.

Munesh Outer topscored with 13, while Aaron Kissoon made 10. No other batter reached double figures.

Bowling for Georgetown, Brandon Henry snatched 6 for 4 from 8 overs with 5 maidens while Reyaz Latif claimed 2 for 11, Prince and Mohabir collected a wicket each in support of the Georgetown bowling.

Georgetown won the match by 119 runs.

Kishan Silas

Brandon Henry

Mickel Sharma

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022

Cricket gear for young, promising cricketers in Guyana project…

Five Essequibo Under-15 players benefit from latest donation THREE Under-15 cricketers from the Cinderella County of Essequibo were recipients of one pair of cricket shoes each from ‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana’ project.

The young aspiring cricketers were recently selected to represent the county in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County Under-15 Tournament which will be played in all three counties, after many years, Anil Beharry, a partner in this initiative explained that he reached out to the counties through the GCB WhatsApp group and the newly elected ECB took up the offer to help its young cricketers.

The cricket shoes were presented to the players by Deleep Singh, president of ECB. Singh thanked Beharry and his partner Kishan Das for the gesture which will certainly help the players as they prepare for the tournament.

The players were also

very grateful and promised to make full use of the token.

Beharry, speaking on behalf of the project which was conceptualised in partnership with Kishan Das of the USA, said that they were happy to give to the young and talented cricketers and hope they will become better, rounded human beings.

He promised to continue to help and develop as many young players as possible in Guyana.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $40 000 cash, two trophies, 11 cricket boots, 15 pairs of batting pads, 15 bats, nine pairs of batting gloves, 18 thigh pads, one wicket keeping pad, one armguard and four cricket bags.

To date, 28 young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefitted from a junior gear bag, two trophies, nine bats, six pairs of cricket shoes, six pairs of batting pads and six pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club bene-

President of Essequibo Cricket Board, Deleep Singh, hands over the cricket shoes to the young cricketers

fitted from a pair of stumps, bails and two clubs. The Pomeroon area collected two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam cricket committees also received one box of red cricket balls.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important qualifications of the recipients.

Talent-spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders will also assist in identifying talent.

Beharry and Das take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert

Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn

Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana.

Distribution will continue. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1-718 664 0896.

Liverpool hammer Leeds to close Premier League gap (BBC) - Rampant Liverpool closed the gap on leaders Manchester City to three points after cruising to a sixth Premier League win in a row at Leeds United's expense at a raucous Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's side warmed up for Sunday's Carabao Cup final with an utterly dominant display that included three goals in 20 first-half minutes.

Two of those came from penalties by Mohamed Salah, who also set up defender Joel Matip for his first goal since December 2020.

Sadio Mane added two late goals and Virgil van Dijk scored with an added-time header.

The margin of Liverpool's win means they have a superior goal difference to title rivals City, who, they are due to meet on April 9 at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool now have a difference of +50 compared to Pep Guardiola's side's +46, with

both teams having played 26 games.

RUTHLESS REDS WARM UP FOR WEMBLEY IN STYLE Liverpool were looking for the perfect preparation before this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley - and they eventually turned on the style against struggling Leeds.

Klopp said before the game he was not thinking about the title race and only concentrating on picking up three more league points.

Yet the Reds, who are in the fifth round of the FA Cup next week and have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after establishing a 2-0 first-leg lead against Inter Milan, remain very much in the hunt for four trophies after a ninth straight win in all competitions.

City were 14 points clear of Liverpool

Mohamed Salah is the third Liverpool player to score multiple first-half penalties in a Premier League match. after Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard

after beating Chelsea on January 15, albeit Guardiola's side had played two games more.

But Klopp's men have impressively clawed back 11 of those to create the prospect of an exciting title race with 12 games left.

Liverpool have now scored 70 Premier League goals this season - two more than they managed in 38 games on their way to finishing third last season - and Salah has 19 of those in another impressive season for the Egypt forward.

He opened the scoring from the spot after Stuart Dallas handled inside the box before Salah's pass allowed centre-back Matip to double the lead with a sweeping finish any of Liverpool's front three would have been

proud of.

Salah made it 3-0 when Mane was fouled

by Luke Ayling and then missed a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick.

However, Mane - playing through the middle with Luis Diaz on the left - added the fourth after an assist by substitute Jordan Henderson before the Senegal forward made it 5-0 when he was left unmarked on the edge of the six-yard area. van Dijk's late header means Liverpool head to Wembley on the back of scoring six goals at home in the Premier League for the first time since November 2016, when they hammered Watford 6-1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 24, 2022 Veersammy Permaul is one player recalled to the West Indies team for the first Apex Test against England

CWI lead selector the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes

Players with good performances at first-class level can earn West Indies spots – CWI lead selector 22 PAGE

Anthony Elanga's goal was Manchester United's 500th in the European Cup/Champions League

Elanga's late goal gives United draw against Atletico 19 PAGE

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022