Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_26_2022

SATURDAY 26th February, 2022

No.106646

63 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19

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Guyana could become logistical, commercial and manufacturing powerhouse 02 PAGE

–– with good governance and strategic planning, says energy expert

Kremlin: Putin ‘ready’ for talks with Ukraine

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Servicemen of the Ukrainian National Guard take positions in central Kyiv, Ukraine (REUTERS/Gleb Garanich photo)

Every child must be in school 03 PAGE

Parliament librarian killed in Friendship accident 11 PAGE

Michael Gladston Munroe

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Guyana could become logistical, commercial and manufacturing powerhouse –– with good governance and strategic planning, says energy expert

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Energy Co-Director, Americas Market Intelligence, Arthur Deakin

GUYANA has a unique opportunity, by virtue of its oil and gas industry, to promote the growth and transformation of not just itself, but the entire Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This was the message from Energy Co-Director at Americas Market Intelligence (AMI), Arthur Deakin during last week’s International Energy Conference and Expo.

“As we all know by now, the discoveries in Guyana have been unprecedented, both in terms of the success rate and the speed in which its resource has been developed. The discoveries have been so impressive and consistent that it has created a relative numbing effect. We almost expect new discoveries to be made on a monthly basis.”

AMI is among the leading strategic market research consulting firms focused on Latin America.

Deakin explored the enviable conditions for the extraction of Guyana’s light sweet crude, including the cost of Guyana’s crude. Data gathered by AMI shows the breakeven costs of the first four offshore developments

by ExxonMobil are among the lowest in the world.

He explained too that the relatively low emissions estimates for Guyana’s crude will see those barrels outselling and outlasting the more sour, heavier crudes from other petroleum jurisdictions.

These conditions, coupled with the government’s management of risks, see Guyana edging out Suriname in competitiveness,

according to Deakin.

Guyana also beats out Brazil and Argentina in competitiveness, according to the London-based IHS Markit, making Guyana the 10th most competitive petroleum jurisdiction in the world and the crown jewel of the region.

“With good governance and strategic planning, I believe that Guyana has the opportunity to not only become an energy hub, but also logistical, commercial and manufacturing powerhouse,” Deakin said.

He produced a chart showing AMI’s assessment of risk in eight key sectors, which would be the main drivers of Guyana’s growth.

These are mining, oil and gas, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, logistics and renewable energy. He noted that investors

would find the least risk in renewables, though oil and gas would bring in more revenues.

“I recently wrote that Guyana could become the next United Arab Emirates of Latin America. I genuinely believe that’s the case, if it can accelerate the diversification of its economy and ensure that oil revenues are spent both strategically and transparently,” Arthur said.

The government has legislated a Natural Resource Fund with parliamentary scrutiny the cornerstone of its management. It intends to spend Guyana’s oil revenues to build up Guyana’s infrastructure and provide world class social services, ensuring that the Guyanese public benefits from a world class standard of living. (DPI)

Every child must be in school GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

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–– Minister Manickchand affirms, MoE begins search for pupils absent from NGSA

By Tamica Garnett

WITH approximately 1300 public school Grade Six pupils not turning out to write the 2022 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) earlier this month, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has ramped up efforts to get the children back into school with the launch of “Operation Recovery” on Friday.

“Operation Recovery” is part of a number of measures being implemented by the ministry

pupils.

Braving early morning showers on Friday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcel Hutson joined a number of education officials to personally visit the homes of the Grade Six pupils who have consistently been absent from school.

As a preemptive measure, it is hoped that the pupils can get back into the school system to write the official NGSA exam, which has been set for July 6 – 7, and avoid becoming

that people have in managing their homes, their lives, and their children’s education. It is a great pleasure to do a service like this, and I thank, in advance, all the persons who you are going to be going out with beginning from today.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Manickchand noted that a number of reasons were unearthed behind what was keeping the learners out of school, however, the ministry’s focus is now on putting sustained measures in

Education Minister Priya Manickchand (second left) and other education officials speaking with a child

Education Minister Priya Manickchand interacts with a child and her mother to address the issue of school dropouts, which has affected countries all across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has disrupted education delivery for almost two years now, and caused prolonged school closures.

The initiative was rolled out across all 11 of the school districts, with education officers from Central Ministry and within the Education Districts, along with regional officials and community activists fanning out into the various communities to locate the

a school dropout at such a young age.

“It is a very alarming number for us, and we are assuming that if you were missing from an ‘exam’, it’s kind of said that you could be at higher risk of dropping out. But this is not happening in Guyana alone; this is happening across the world,” Minister Manickchand said, adding: “It was my pleasure this morning, going from house-to-house not only trying to get children back to school, but learning what are some of the problems

place to assist, wherever possible, to ensure the pupils are back in school.

SUPPORT “What we’re doing we’re not just going and saying you need to go to school; where there is a need that exists as to why the child can’t turn up to school, we are trying to meet that need through collaborations with various ministries. And we’re trying to make sure that this is sustained, and that they are not only going to turn up to school but

stay in school,” Minister Manickchand noted.

Minister Manickchand stressed that Guyana will not be left to be among the statistics of countries that suffer as a result of seeing large numbers of dropouts and large gaps and learning loss in the academic world.

“We have to put measures to mitigate against that type off harsh consequences. One of the things that we are insisting on is that no child at the NGSA level will drop out of school,” she said.

The minister also appealed to the general public to get onboard with assisting the ministry in identifying and locating any child who has been missing school consistently.

“We need all of Guyana to get onboard with us; we’re asking for help in this effort. If you know a child that’s not going to school, then do your part in making that happen, or call us and let us know that the child is not going to school, and we will make sure that we assist in whatever way we can,” the minister said.

Though school has been reopened physically to learners, somewhat,

since January, many schools across the country are still operating on a rotation or shift system for learners attending classes, in order to accommodate necessary COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing.

However, the ministry

is working towards the full reopening of schools, and once that has been done, Minister Manickchand noted, the ministry will be carrying out similar house-to-house visits to locate other absent learners across all grade levels.

Education Ministry officials braved the rain on Friday to visit the homes of children who did not sit the NGSA examinations (Ministry of Education photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

West imposes sanctions on Russia’s Putin and Lavrov WESTERN nations have ordered personal sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the invasion of Ukraine.

The men’s assets in the US, EU, UK and Canada will be frozen and, in the case of the US, a travel ban imposed.

The announcement

came on the second day of the Russian attack on its neighbour.

Such punitive measures against leaders are rare. The EU has only ever imposed sanctions on the presidents of Syria and Belarus, for instance.

The US, for its part, has previously announced measures against Venezuelan President Nicolas Madu-

ro, in addition to Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

It is unclear how significant the assets of Putin and Lavrov are in the US, EU, UK and Canada, and what practical impact the sanctions will have.

Russia said they showed the West’s “absolute impotence” on foreign policy.

Russia later vetoed a draft UN resolution to condemn the invasion of Ukraine after a debate at the UN Security Council.

India, China and the UAE all abstained from voting, while 11 other members voted in favour.

Speaking after the vote, the US ambassador to the

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UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “Russia has abused its power today to veto our strong words, but Russia cannot veto our words.”

“President Putin is the aggressor here, there is no middle ground.”

The sanctions come as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia would try to “storm” Kyiv on Friday night.

In a video statement, Zelensky said “this night will be hard, very hard, but morning will come.

“This night the enemy will be using all available means to break our resis-

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tance. This night they will launch an assault.

“This night we must persevere. The fate of Ukraine is being decided right now.”

He added: “Our main goal is to finish this bloodbath.”

While Zelensky acknowledged Russian forces had inflicted casualties, he maintained “the enemy has sustained very serious casualties”, too. The BBC cannot verify this claim.

His words came after a day which saw Russian tanks enter the capital for the first time with large blasts heard across the City.

Russian troops also reportedly entered the southern Ukrainian city of Melitopol, according to Russian news agency Tass. The BBC cannot independently verify this, but earlier Zelensky said that there was heavy fighting in the City.

Earlier on Friday evening a spokesperson for Zelensky said the country was prepared to hold ceasefire and peace talks with Russia immediately and were discussing a place and time to hold talks.

Analysts suggest Russia’s advance has been slowed by fierce resistance.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the Russian President and his top diplomat were “responsible for the deaths of innocent people in Ukraine, and for trampling on the international system”.

“We, as Europeans, do not accept that,” she said, after a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

EU leaders have decided not to impose a European travel ban on them for now.

As Russian troops close in on Kyiv, Ukraine has been pleading with the

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West for faster and tougher sanctions to punish Moscow for its attack.

Zelensky urged Europe to impose harder sanctions on Moscow.

He wants leaders to cut off Russia from Swift the system used for global business transactions.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also urged the West to block Russia from the payments system to “inflict maximum pain on President Putin and his regime”.

But the EU has so far opted not to cut off Russia from Swift - reportedly due to objections from some member states, including Germany and Italy, who are worried the impact on their own economies.

France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said removing Russia from Swift remained an option, but only as a last-resort “financial nuclear weapon”.

Borrell said the latest round of EU sanctions the second since Russia launched its offensive would be followed by a third, if it was needed.

The EU’s latest round of sanctions also target Russian elites and make its harder for its diplomats to travel.

Russia has responded with tit-for-tat measures against Western sanctions, banning British flights to and over its territory in retaliation to a UK ban on the Russian airline Aeroflot.

Russia’s invasion has also prompted a response in the sporting world.

UEFA has moved the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris, while Formula 1 has dropped this season’s Russian Grand Prix.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

‘Energised’ fire service to be created

IN anticipation of challenges associated with the overall development of the country, including the oil-and-gas industry, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be transitioned into a more energised service.

This is according to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who was speaking at the Fire Advisory Board’s Outreach Programme #2 held at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre on Friday.

While emphasising the need for awareness and better firefighting equipment, he said there is a need for highly skilled personnel to be present on vessels and onshore at various development projects.

He said that attention needs to be paid to fire prevention, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and the electrical installations in buildings, which are prone

to causing fires.

The minister added that persons should sign on to fire insurance and have the necessary inspections done, along with the proper layouts, so as to not suffer losses because of a fire.

He used the opportunity to inform attendees that Guyana has acquired equipment that will better the fire service.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham in his remarks said that the GFS is pleased with the support it has received from the board.

Noting that whenever there is a fire, there is an

economic loss, Wickham said that members of the fire service have decided to offer advice to members of the public and the business community, so that they can prevent fires.

“For us, one fire is too much. So, I want to implore on [sic] all of you, when it is necessary, when you are called upon, to lend that support to the Guyana Fire Service,” he added.

The outreach was held under the theme, “Fire safety starts with the people, let’s endeavour to achieve our goals through education.”

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, speaking during the Fire Advisory Board’s Outreach Programme (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Ukraine UKRAINE has taken centre stage in terms of international affairs.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a statement in which it expressed grave concern over the situation in Ukraine following the entry of the Russian military in Ukrainian territory.

According to the statement, the Government of Guyana deplores the threat or use of force in the conduct of international relations, and urges a peaceful resolution of the differences that currently exists, in consonance with the rule of international law and provisions of the United Nations Charter.

“The threat against Ukraine is a threat to the region and countries everywhere.

“The Government of Guyana supports the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General to bring a speedy resolution to

the situation in Ukraine, and cease the threat to international peace and security.

“The current military action in Ukraine is contrary to the principles of respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and the non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state.”

And in another statement issued by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the regional body “strongly condemns the military attacks and invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and calls for the immediate and complete withdrawal of the military presence, and cessation of any further actions that may intensify the current perilous situation in that country.

The recognition by the Russian Federation of the regions of Donestsk and Luhansk represents a violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

According to the CARICOM Statement,

“the hostilities against Ukraine go counter to the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of another sovereign state, and the prohibition on the threat or use of force and the peaceful resolution of disputes which are the bedrock of this community.”

This is, indeed, a worrying development which does not augur well for peace and stability, not only in the Ukraine but in the world at large. Already, a significant number of casualties have taken place, not to mention the environment of trepidation and fear both in Ukraine and the Russian Federation, and, for that matter, the global community as a whole.

Already, the impact of the conflict is being felt globally, with rising fuel prices and turmoil in the financial and stock markets. In such an environment, there are no winners, and the entire world is worse off

for the conflict.

The Government of Guyana has taken a principled position on the matter, based on the canons of international law, and its own security interests. Faced with the territorial claims on its own territory by its neighbours on both the east and the west, it is only natural for the country to embrace principles that are firmly rooted in international laws and established protocols and conventions.

Diplomacy, it is said, is war by other means. The failure of diplomacy to resolve issues involving territorial claims or matters, or the security interests of nation-states is fraught with dangers, as is currently the case in the Ukraine. It is a matter of concern that the conflict was allowed to escalate, even as the United Nations Security Council was in session to deliberate on the issue, which, in some ways, has rendered the United Nations mechanism to resolve disputes almost of token value.

The world is watching with keen interest to see how this development will play out.

There is one thing, however, that is not in doubt, namely that in an environment of war, there can be winners.

This is why the call by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to give peace a chance has resonated with progressive-thinking leaders and humanity as a whole.

GAWU will not shirk its responsibilities Dear Editor,

THE GAWU believes it is necessary to offer its response to Mr. Robin Singh’s letter which appeared in the February 25, 2022 edition of the Stabroek News, Guyana Times and Guyana Chronicle newspapers.

In his missive, Mr. Singh has apparently decided to lump us with what he deems “the

usual nattering nabobs of nihilism”. While we admire the eloquent use of language, we fail to see how our expressions place us in that group. It appears to us that Mr. Singh may have misinterpreted our statement in respect of the recently announced arrangements regarding the Enmore packaging plant. We simply asked what would have been the fate of the employees of the plant; we fail to see how that

could have been construed as throwing a wet blanket on the initiative. Of course, following our statement, some clarity has been provided.

The GAWU, for the record, is not averse to any development in the interest of our people; we welcome initiatives which create decent jobs for our Guyanese brothers and sisters. We were, therefore, disheartened to note the apparent attempt to malign our character.

We hasten to remind that our Union has a legal obligation to our members; we will not shirk this responsibility, regardless of the ‘lucre’, as Mr. Singh puts it.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine President GAWU

‘On the edge with a pledge’ FIVE colours on the edge of the Golden Arrowhead, we all pledge, Not to wedge but to respect, always with full knowledge.

Each hedge strengthened to encourage not to quickly fledge, Driven with a sledge, a kinship established on a strong ledge.

Without any misdemeanour, the flag of Guyana, all honour, Whether in a manor, with true amor, even the minor.

No longer a sovereign governor, but yes, many a tenor, None is a foreigner or stranger, but now, a willing donor.

A time for survival, to this country, all

must be loyal, Bright in a royal colour, let it show as clear as crystal.

From the General, more so, those sitting in the Capital, Let the portrayal illuminates no sign of aligned betrayal.

Let not the rules be convenient, to the laws, be obedient, Become resilient, allow not weakness to make you nescient.

Provide the ingredient to drive you productively efficient, The salient point of preaching dignity, will not be sufficient.

The picture of the beauty of a dove, to each citizen, do truly love,

Held with peace in a glove, a permanent fixture, be it truelove.

Flying high above, make it a bounding duty to appreciatively belove, Now behoove the responsibility of fellowship, kindle the fire to over-love.

Stop not to hesitate, but this bursting energy, do dedicate, To liberate the people, and, make this state, again great.

Create a meaningful life style, which will indicate and narrate, A story to associate with progress, and, any dictator, to eradicate.

A year of perfect timeliness constructed to promote a basket of happiness, Not cornered in loneliness, the day

dawns to expand the horizon of business.

Willing and able in readiness, showered in the comfort of contentedness, Disguised not in craftiness, breathe now the fresh and free air of cleanliness.

For posterity, people’s priority solicits the growth to parlay with prosperity, In solidarity with progress and sincerity, a country frees herself from charity.

A party enjoying its popularity with the majority, adds clarity and authority, To enhance compatibility without ambiguity, being civic with accountability.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Kremlin: Putin ‘ready’ for talks with Ukraine

THE Kremlin has said President Vladimir Putin is ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine, as Russian forces closed in on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on the second day of Moscow’s invasion.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday the Russian leader is “ready” to send a high-level delegation “for talks with a Ukrainian delegation” to Belarusian capital Minsk, which has previously hosted rounds of peace talks over the Ukraine crisis.

He said Putin’s ally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, told him that he would “create the conditions” for such a summit.

Russia has thousands of troops stationed in Belarus, and Ukraine said it was being attacked from several sides – including from Belarus.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had repeatedly called for talks with the Russian leader during a weeks-long diplomatic push in which Western countries tried to deter Putin from launching an attack.

Zelenskyy had made an

initial proposal of talks in a speech addressed to Putin late on Wednesday, shortly before the Russian invasion.

He said at the time: “Ukraine’s security is linked to the security of its neighbours. That is why today we have to talk about security in the whole of Europe. That is our main goal – peace in Ukraine and the security of our citizens. For this, we are ready to talk to everyone, including you. In different formats and in any place.”

“I would like to address the President of the Russian Federation once again.

Fighting is going on all over Ukraine. Let’s sit down at the negotiating table to stop the deaths of people,” he said.

Kyiv has floated the idea that Ukraine could promise to take a neutral status on NATO membership in order to end the violence.

PUTIN URGES UKRAINE ARMY TO REMOVE GOV’T Later on Friday, Putin called on the Ukrainian army to overthrow the government whose leaders he described as “terrorists” and “a gang of drug addicts

and neo-Nazis”.

Putin also accused “Ukrainian nationalists” of deploying heavy weapons in residential areas of major cities to provoke the Russian military, without providing evidence, a claim that could fuel fears Moscow is creating pretexts for justifying civilian casualties.

In a televised address, he urged the Ukrainian military to “take power in your own hands”.

“It seems like it will be easier for us to agree with you than this gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis,” he said, referring to Zelenskyy’s government.

Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith, reporting from Moscow, said Russia’s announcement that it is ready for talks with Ukraine in Minsk were made after Moscow called for Kyiv to “lay down its arms” and warned it could never recognise Zelenskyy’s government as democratic.

“It is worth reminding people that the current Ukrainian president was elected in 2019 with a landslide 73 per cent share of the vote, so he was democratically elected,” Smith said.

“But clearly, the problem for the Kremlin is Zelenskyy, and whether they will be able to have talks while he remains in power is unclear,” he added.

Putin announced the start of a military operation against Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday, when Moscow was asleep.

He did so after recognising two pro-Moscow separatist republics in eastern Ukraine as independent.

The West has imposed a barrage of international sanctions on Moscow in response, but Ukraine has said it should do more.

During a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin said that Russia’s military operation in Ukraine was necessary to protect people against “genocide”, the Kremlin said, an accusation that the West calls baseless propaganda.

The Kremlin said Xi respected Russia’s actions and was ready for close coordination and mutual support at the United Nations, where both are veto-holding permanent members of the Security Council. (Al Jazeera)

Russian President, Vladimir Putin (File: Sputnik/ Sergey Guneev/Kremlin via Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

‘One Guyana’ message resonates in New York, New Jersey

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips and members of the government have engaged in numerous meetings with the Guyanese diaspora in New York and New Jersey with the underlying theme of building a better Guyana for all.

The visiting delegation held a well-attended event, “An Evening of Celebrating our One Guyana,” on Wednesday in Bloomfield Avenue, Newark, New Jersey, while on Thursday they took part in several activities in Brooklyn, including walkabouts and a meet-and-greet at the God’s Battalion of Prayer Church in Linden Blvd.

On Wednesday evening, the Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, the Honourable Nigel Dharamlall; Minister of the Public Service, Sonia Parag;

Guyana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Samuel Hinds; Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues and members of the Guyana Consulate in New York, entertained questions about Guyana’s development path, including the ‘One Guyana’ vision by President Irfaan Ali and the government’s drive towards promoting harmony, togetherness and one progressive direction for all citizens.

Prime Minister Phillips and the two ministers briefed Guyanese on what is taking place and underscored the numerous development projects and programmes for the next five years.

During his address, the Prime Minister also appealed to the Guyanese diaspora to contribute to national development by offering their expertise

and taking advantage of the many development opportunities.

In Brooklyn, on Thursday evening, Guyanese braved the inclement weather and withstood racial abuse and attempts at intimidation by a small group of opposition elements as they attended the meet-and-greet and discussions with the Prime Minister and his team at the God’s Battalion of Prayer Church.

During his address, the Prime Minister noted that despite their differences in opinion, the small group are Guyanese first and were welcomed to not only be part of the meeting, but to also benefit from the government’s development plans.

He told those gathered in the church that they should not be dissuaded from attending meetings that promote peace, harmony and togetherness and that the

Photos of the payer session on Friday (DPI photographs)

government will work extremely hard for the betterment of all Guyanese.

Along with announcing some of the exciting development projects and programmes that the government has in store for Guyana, the Prime Minister also pointed out the benefits of investing back home and the benefits of remigration, including the re-migrant housing programme.

Prime Minister Phillips again spoke about the importance of the ‘One Guyana’ vision in promoting unity and developing the lives of all Guyanese.

The Prime Minister and his team also had a working breakfast with entrepreneurs in Richmond Hill before they took part in the Friday prayer session at the Masjid Ar-Rahman and visited Masjid Al-Abidin.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

‘We Lift’ Expo returns on March 5

THE much anticipated second edition of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS)’s “We Lift” Expo, which targets women-owned businesses, has been set for March 5 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

This year, the ministry is hoping to cater for around 120 businesses, up from the 50 that were part of the event in 2021.

All of the booths will be free of charge to the participants, who will be using the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

Similar to last year, the event is part of activities leading up to International Women’s Day, which will be observed on March 8.

Registration is currently open for businesses, and will close on February 28. Business owners can register Online at https:// f o r m s . g l e / i K G R 7 7 W-

Owner of Garden Land and Suellee’s Kitchen, Peggy Chin, who participated the 2021 “We Lift” Expo GHbSR1Mou9. event last year used it as a a number of regional The ministry has noted, source of upliftment and en- “We Lift” expos will be however, that due to limit- couragement. Businesses on held in several adminised space, businesses will display ranged from food trative regions. be selected based on busi- and wellness, to make-up, ness type, products and craft, and beauty products. services offered, so as to Longstanding businesses, as create a diverse exhibition. well as newly formed estabMany female business lishments were represented. owners who took part in the Aside from this event,

Pregnant woman slashes rival in the face

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A businesswoman was slashed across the face with a sharp object by another woman who held a deep personal grudge against her.

Devi Persaud, 23, of Lot 195, Clifton Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, was at the Rose Hall, Corentyne branch of Churches Chicken awaiting an order when the female, who is known to her, approached her from behind and slashed her in the face and made good her escape.

The cashier at Churches who saw the incident, gave Persaud a tissue to wipe her bleeding wound.

Devi Persaud Persaud subsequently visited the Port Mourant Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

The police were notified, and the pregnant 28-year-old suspect was arrested.

During questioning, the suspect denied committing the act, but confessed to pointing her fingers in the victim’s face because her husband left her to live with the victim.

Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Promoted GDF ranks badged

NEWLY-promoted senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Thursday morning decorated with their badges of rank by Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Branch Heads of the Force.

According to the GDF, the simple but very significant badging ceremony was held at the Officers’ Mess, during which event the officers were congratulated

by their colleagues, and the newly-promoted Majors were officially welcomed to the Senior Officer Corps.

Brigadier Bess told the officers that their promotions were earned, and is also proof that Defence Headquarters has reposed its confidence in their abilities.

As has become the tradition, the spouses, relatives and children of the officers participated in the badging.

Brigadier Bess emphasised that given the current economic conditions, the security services will be called upon to be more resilient, and, to this end, he thanked the family members present in advance for their continued support.

“We will be called upon, given the changing environment, and I am almost certain that you will give them your support. We work hard, and

Major Keisha Aaron had her new rank pinned by her son, Nathaniel, during the badging ceremony held at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna (GDF photo) we also value our families,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Julian Archer, the most senior newly-promoted officer, thanked the Chief-of-Staff, branch heads and other senior officers for the confidence re-

posed in him and the other promoted officers present.

He urged his colleagues to corroborate this confidence.

He also lauded the support of family members, saying that, “Today, our promotion is also theirs.”

“Congratulations are extended to the newly-promoted senior officers by all the members of the Guyana Defence Force at the Guyana People’s Militia,” the GDF said in a facebook post.

US provides training on telecommunications law, broadband deployment IN an effort to strengthen the implementation of the 2016 Telecommunications Act, the US Department of Commerce held the first of a series of technical assistance workshops for the Government of Guyana.

According to the US Embassy, experts from the Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Programme (CLDP) provided best practices in administrative law and rule-making to the staff of the Telecommunications Authority and the Public Utilities Commission.

This initial workshop, the embassy noted will be followed by training provided by the Federal Communications Commission experts on best practices for nationwide broadband deployment, particularly in connectivity for underserved rural communities.

“The engagements are aimed at assisting Guya-

nese officials to strengthen regulatory frameworks for the telecommunications industry. They also lay the groundwork for future collaborations between the two governments on rural broadband connectivity, network security and supplier diversity, which are all paramount to the universal deployment of broadband services,” the US Embassy underscored.

Further, the Embassy added that the programme

is reflective of the US commitment to the rule of law, network access and security and a competitive communications industry.

CLDP’s mission, the embassy noted, is to improve the legal and business-enabling environments in developing and transitional countries, fostering economic opportunity for local entrepreneurs and US companies alike.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Parliament librarian killed in Friendship accident

MICHAEL Gladston Munroe, 52, of Section A, Diamond, East Bank Demerara died on Thursday in a two-vehicle collision on the Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) Public Road.

Munroe worked as

Head of the Parliamentary Library.

According to police, the accident occurred around 18:10hrs, and involved a motor lorry bearing registration number GAB 1835 driven by a 21-year-old of the Soes-

Decomposed body found in Puruni River THE decomposed body of Marlon McCalmon, 33, of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, was discovered on Monday along the Puruni River at Suewanda Backdam, Region Seven, police have confirmed.

Police investigators were told that the incident occurred between February 18 and 25, 2022.

McCalmon operated a small dredging pump in Suewanda Backdam, along with two other men. The men told police that on February 18, they left their camp and returned to work ground where the dredge is located, leaving McCalmon behind, since he was too intoxicated to work.

Upon their return to camp later that day, they did not see McCalmon, but the clothes that he last wore were there, along with freshly caught fish in a bucket.

Police said that the men proceeded to check the area and the nearby river for McCalmon, but did not find him.

However, on Monday last, while making checks, they discovered his body afloat in the Suewanda Creek. It was in a decomposed state, and stuck between some branches in the Creek.

The body will be escorted to Bartica, then to Georgetown for post mortem as investigations into the incident continue.

The area where the drowning occurred

Michael Gladston Munroe

dyke-Linden Highway, and motor pickup PRR 2609 driven by Munroe.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the pickup was travelling along the Friendship Public Road at a fast pace when the driver lost control, and collided with the truck, which was proceeding in the opposite direction.

As a result of the colli-

sion, Munroe received injuries about the body. He was picked up in an unconscious state, and taken to the Diamond Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motor lorry, but there were no traces of alcohol in his system.

Police are continuing their investigations.

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Conflict in Eastern Europe could negatively impact global food security –– warns IICA Director-General

DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Manuel Otero has expressed concern regarding the situation in Eastern Europe and warned of its potential negative consequences for global food security and trade in agricultural goods.

He recalled that the impact on world peace, and the widespread uncer-

tainty it triggers, disrupts the regular operation of markets and compromises food supply, affecting food prices and key inputs required for food production.

In warning about these negative effects, Otero added that the escalation is occurring at a time when the world – and particularly Latin America and the Caribbean – is still

trying to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has pushed millions of families into poverty and has jeopardised the future of children and youth, especially those who have been unable to attend school.

In light of this new scenario, the Director-General underscored IICA’s commitment to continue to ensure agricultural development and the well-being of rural communities in the Americas, as well as to increase the technical cooperation and assistance it provides to the countries – many of which are food importers – in an effort to address and mitigate the consequences of the conflict in the region.

(IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Most Omicron symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract WHILE the country’s hospital capacity has been boosted to handle an increase in COVID-19 patients, in most of the current cases, the symptoms are associated with the upper respiratory tract which does not require hospitalisation.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who during a recent COVID-19 update stated that the Omicron variant is different from the other variants previously found in Guyana.

“The Delta variant and the other previous variants… we were seeing more cases where people get sick. Their lungs get infected and they have various problems affecting their lungs which mean they have difficulty breathing because their lungs are not working as it should because of the infection that is happening there,” he said.

Dr. Anthony indicated that with the Omicron variant most of the symptoms are associated with the upper respiratory tract which includes the nose, mouth and throat. He said that in this situation, there is no need for a large number of ventilators as was the case previously.

However, if needed there are ventilators and other pieces of equipment available to treat COVID-19 patients.

“Nevertheless, we do have the capacity and if persons are getting sick and they need to be on a ventilator, we have [an] adequate amount of ventilators for such persons,” Dr. Anthony said. To this end, he stated that at the main hospital at Liliendaal, about 52 patients can be accommodated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and each bed has a ventilator assigned.

Further in each region, he indicated that there are at least three beds with ventilators and all other necessary things if persons require such treatment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Attorney-General, Health Minister lead East Coast clean-up campaign today

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall and Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony will today lead government’s national clean-up campaign on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) will donate supplies to assist in the exercise.

Both ministers have made a call for good corporate and commercial citizens as well as residents on the ECD to be involved in the initiative during a meeting at the Better Hope Community Centre on Republic Day with community volunteer

groups.

GUYOIL is leading the way in this regard and is partnering with the organisers and several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) along the East Coast of Demerara.

At the meeting, Molly Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of GUYOIL, along with her staff, handed over cleaning supplies and tools to groups which will be leading the exercise in various locations from Vereeniging to Industry on the East Coast of Demerara.

She noted that GUYOIL is committed to supporting the nationwide

At the Better Hope Community Centre on Republic Day, officials of GUYOIL handing over cleaning supplies and tools to coordinators of the initiative Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony clean-up campaign, which is an initiative of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. A schedule of the dates for the cleanup campaign in respective areas was crafted for members of the public who want to participate in helping to enhance the environment in their communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Man who allegedly murdered ex-girlfriend remanded TERRENCE Thomas called “Oosh”, on Thursday, appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court charged for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death at her mother’s ‘C’ Field, Sophia home.

Thomas of East La Penitence, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on January 27, 2021, he murdered Loretta Simon.

He was remanded to prison and will return to court in March for his second appearance.

According to police reports, on the day in question, Simon of Cooper Street, Albouystown, was at her mother’s residence when Thomas visited and started demanding that answers be provided as to why she no longer wanted to be with him.

Eyewitnesses reportedly told police that the woman

Terrence Thomas and the late Lorretta Simon asked the suspect to leave Georgetown Public Hospital the premises. However, he Corporation (GPHC), where suddenly whipped out a knife she was pronounced dead on from his pants waist and re- arrival. portedly stabbed the woman One relative had said that in the region of her heart. the perpetrator was angry The victim ran a short because Simon was purportdistance before she col- edly pregnant for someone lapsed. Thomas then report- else. edly dropped the knife in Thomas, who was on the yard and made good his the run from the police, escape. was apprehended on MonThe woman was sub- day at a house in Queensequently rushed to the stown, Georgetown.

Appeal Court to rule on child rape convictions, ‘severe’ sentence

THE Court of Appeal is expected to soon deliver its ruling in the case brought

by Colvin Norton, who is currently serving 28 years for raping a six-year-old girl.

In 2018, Norton was found guilty by a 12-member jury on two counts of rape committed of a child under the age of 16.

The incidents occurred on August 1 and August 6, 2013, in the county of Demerara.

Trial judge Jo-Ann Barlow sentenced Norton to serve 24 years for the first count and 28 years for the second count.

She had also ordered that the sentence run concurrently.

Colvin Norton In his application for appeal which was filed by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, Norton is contending that the trial judge erred in law in imposing such an unduly severe sentence.

Another ground stated that the verdict was unsafe and unsatisfactory since the jury was left to speculate as regards the evidence of the doctor, who vaginally examined the victim.

Among other things, Norton is contending that the judge erred in law and misdirected the jury.

On Thursday, during a zoom hearing, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, reserved their judgment in the case.

A date for ruling is yet to be set.

‘No case submission’ sets murder accused free LLOYD Narian, who was on trial for the 2020 murder of a man, on Tuesday left the courtroom a free man after Justice Jo-Ann Barlow upheld a no-case submission made by his attorney.

Narian was on trial at the Suddie High Court and had denied that on March 6, 2020, in the county of Essequibo, he murdered Leland Couchman.

After state prosecutor

Tiffini Lyken closed her case on Tuesday, Narian’s attorney, in a no-case submission, called for the indictment to be dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

The judge later upheld the submission and stated that the state had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused for the offence of murder.

She then ordered the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

Freed Lloyd Narian

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

63 per cent of adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19

AS Guyana continues to push towards achieving herd immunity, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Friday revealed that 63.7 per cent of the country’s adult population has been inoculated.

The minister made this disclosure during his daily COVID-19 update where he noted that this percentage accounts for some 326,867

adults. Further, it was revealed that a total of 431,597 adults or 84.1 per cent have received the first dose.

As it relates to the adolescent vaccination campaign, some 33,476 children in the 12 to 17 age group have received a first dose while 24,134 have received the second dose.

Meanwhile, in the booster dose category, the minis-

ter indicated that the number has increased somewhat as some 49,742 booster doses have thus far been administered.

However, during the update, Dr. Anthony added that some 58 new cases were reported in every region except Regions Two, Eight and 10.

“I suspected they didn’t do a lot of testing in those regions, but again we’re see-

ing cases in all of our regions and right now we have active cases in every region of Guyana about 828 cases,” he said. While there is a reduction from previous days and weeks, he said that persons still need to be vigilant.

As such, the health minister indicated that persons should still be concerned as there are persons experiencing symptoms of the virus who have opted not to get tested. Additionally, there are persons who may be ex-

periencing a milder form of the virus and as such are not coming forward.

He said: “We’re not seeing the complete picture so it’s always safe to do the right thing which would be to wear your mask.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Das’ century earns Bangladesh sixth consecutive ODI win at home

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Bangladesh completed their sixth consecutive ODI series win at home, after beating Afghanistan by 88 runs in the second game in Chattogram. The ten points earned take Bangladesh back to the top of the ICC ODI Super League, having now reached 100 points.

Litton Das' fifth century, 136, gave them the formidable 306 for 4 total, before the bowlers combined effectively to bowl out the visitors for 218 runs in 45.1 overs.

This was Bangladesh's highest total against Afghanistan, mostly made possible by the 202-run stand be-

tween Litton and Mushfiqur Rahim, a new Bangladesh record for the third wicket.

Bangladesh did what they missed out in the first ODI: top-order partnerships.

Tamim Iqbal fell lbw to Fazalhaq Farooqi in the seventh over but it was a swift opening stand. It was followed by 45 runs between Shakib Al Hasan and Litton for the second wicket.

After Shakib fell for 20 to a Rashid Khan slider, Litton and Mushfiqur batted steadily but hardly missed a boundary opportunity.

Litton struck the ball sweetly whenever the Afghan bowlers gave him room outside the off-stump. He started the innings with a

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday February 26, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Surjakumar Yadav-65 (Third match) (2) Rovman Powell-68* (Second match) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which IND bowler had the best figures in a single game in the recent WI/IND T20 Int’l series) (2) Which WI bowler had the best figures in a single game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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tidy cut shot that was halfway between a square cut and a square drive. He used a combination of cut shots to get eight boundaries in that region throughout his stay.

Litton was also driving the ball well through extra cover and midwicket, apart from finding couple of boundaries with the swivel pull too.

Litton reached his century with a blast over the covers off Rashid who floated one to him at that instant.

Shortly afterwards, Litton blasted Farooqi for two sixes over midwicket, the first of which slammed into the second tier. But once he fell to a catch at deep square-leg, Mushfiqur followed him next ball. It was the end of an important partnership for this pair.

Mushfiqur played the supporting role, nurdling the ball around the circle to feed Litton the strike. He struck nine fours himself, again mostly using his favoured zones. But Mushfiqur couldn't convert his 41st ODI fifty into his ninth century; out for 86, and for the tenth time in the format fell between a score of 80 and 99.

The only time Afghanistan had a bit of a good time with the ball was in the last four overs when they conceded just 22 runs.

Otherwise they had a day to

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forget when they fielded.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz went off with a knee niggle in the fourth over.

They conceded a record 33 extras, while Shahidi dropped Litton on 87 at cover. Substitute wicket-

keeper Ikram Alikhil also missed Mushfiqur's stumping when he was on 69.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

F1 cancels Russian Grand Prix

(BBC) - The Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix has been cancelled as a result of the invasion of Ukraine.

An F1 statement said it had been agreed at a meeting of stakeholders "that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances".

It added that F1 was watching the ongoing situation in Ukraine "with

sadness and shock and hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution".

The Russian Grand Prix was due to take place on September 25 in Sochi.

Meanwhile, Haas team boss Gunther Steiner has said the future of his driver Nikita Mazepin "needs to be resolved".

Steiner said the team had "legal issues to go through" in an apparent hint the US-based outfit

The Russian Grand Prix is closely associated with President Vladimir Putin

are trying to split from Mazepin and the sponsorship money that comes from his father Dmitr y - a billionaire with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Haas had already removed the logos advertising Mazepin's company before yesterday's final day of this week's pre-season test in Barcelona.

Steiner said the team would work on the situation next week, but insisted the future of Haas in F1 was not in doubt.

The Russian Grand Prix is closely associated with Putin, who was instrumental in its being established in 2014 in the Black Sea resort town of Sochi, where he has a palace.

The event is due to move to a purpose-built facility outside St Petersburg, Putin's hometown, from 2023, but the event's future in F1 must now be in serious doubt.

On Thursday, fourtime champion Sebastian Vettel said he would not race in Russia if the race went ahead.

The German said: "I should not go, I will not go. It is wrong to race in the country.

"I am sorry for the innocent people who are

being killed for stupid reasons and a very strange and mad leadership."

His thoughts were echoed by world champion Max Verstappen, who said: "When a country is at war it is not right to race there."

WHAT HAVE OTHER DRIVERS SAID? Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri): "I am really pleased this decision was made. It is completely the right one, knowing they are in war. It's really sad to see what's happening.

"We know how powerful Russia is. It's an unfair fight and I am just very sorry and feeling very sad for all these families out there. I am also personally affected, having some people close to me in Ukraine.

"It's a very difficult situation and very scary because they don't know if they are going to be able to make it out and see their relatives. I don't see us going to Russia with the decisions they have taken lately. We are not the only sport to make such a statement and take these decisions."

Lando Norris (McLaren): "This is a very good decision from Formula 1. Russia is not a place I would want to be going

right now and I'm very sad to see what's going on and the innocent lives that are being taken.

"There is no reason we should live our lives normally and go and have a normal race in that country when those things are going on. I definitely wouldn't want to go."

Alexander Albon (Williams): "I think it's the right step. It's really saddening. There are much bigger things out there than racing."

Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): "I would have found it very difficult to catch a plane and land in a country that is at war, so I am happy everything has been cancelled for the moment and now we can just hope and pray that everything is going to be solved soon."

Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): "It's terrible what is going on in the world right now. For innocent people just lose their lives, you have to put everything in perspective.

"It's very scary times and we definitely have to pray and hope things will be OK. But it is very hard to watch. F1 has made the right decision.

We can't be going to Russia right now."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Champions League final moved from Russia to Paris

(BBC) - The 2022 Champions League final will be played in Paris after Russia was stripped of the match following the nation's invasion of Ukraine.

The final of Europe's most prestigious club competition was due to be played in St Petersburg on May 28.

'A TIME OF UNPARALLELED CRISIS' UEFA UEFA said the Champions League final would not be held at the Gazprom Arena and would be moved to the Stade de France in Paris instead.

UEFA thanked French President Emmanuel Macron

for "his personal support and commitment" to have the game moved to France at "a time of unparalleled crisis".

It added: "Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement."

It is the third year running the venue of the Champions League final has been moved - the previous two due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to strip St Petersburg of the final has

been criticised by Russian sporting and political officials.

WHAT WAS THE REACTION TO UEFA DECISION? Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick, whose side are in the Champions League last 16, said it was "inevitable" and the "right" decision.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who led the club owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich to last season's Champions League title, agreed.

"Sadly I think it's the worst reason to change location. This is not good news

but it had to happen. There are things more important (than football)," said the German.

While expressing his sorrow at the situation, Paris St-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino said the final being held in the French capital would provide "extra motivation" in the club's bid to become European champions for the first time.

Russian Football Union (RFU) president Alexander Dyukov, who serves on the UEFA executive committee and is the chief executive of Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Neft, said he "could not support" the move.

"We believe the decision

was dictated by political reasons. The RFU has always adhered to the principle of 'sport is out of politics'," he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added: "It's a shame that such a decision has been made. St Petersburg could have provided

all favourable conditions to hold this festival of soccer."

However, UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries welcomed "decisive action"

by UEFA. Labour's Lucy Powell, the shadow culture secretary, agreed it was a "welcome step”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

2022 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship …

U-20 ladies to take on Honduras tonight

THE Guyana Women’s U-20 National Team take on Honduras in their first game of the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship today, with head coach Paul DeAbreu reporting that the squad was “working hard” in the Dominican Republic.

The U-20 Lady Jags squad, featuring 15 Canada-based and three Guyana-based players, have been drawn in a group with 2018 champions Mexico, 2012 semi-finalists Panama, and 2015 fourth-placed Honduras.

Guyana are making their second consecutive appearance at the regional championship,

having reached the quarter-finals in their first outing at this level in 2020 – just two games shy of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Alongside the top-16 ranked sides in the region, Guyana qualified automatically for this year’s tournament as they are regarded

by CONCACAF as the 10th strongest nation in this age and gender group in the Caribbean, and Central and North America.

Today’s match against Honduras kicks off at 16:00hrs. Guyana time and will be streamed live on CONCACAF’S Facebook and YouTube platforms.

“The U-20 Lady Jags made history in 2020, reaching the quarter-finals in their first appearance at this level,” said Guyana Football Federation president Wayne Forde.

“We know the whole nation and diaspora will want to tune in and roar for the team today as they seek to emulate and improve on that memorable run.

“On behalf of the GFF and the football community in Guyana, we wish the squad and staff all the best for this important competition,” he continued. “Despite all the challenges that the pandemic has posed in the run-up to this tournament, we know the girls

will give it everything they have got, make us all proud and set a shining example for other young women to get involved in football, especially as we prepare to launch the GFF-Blue Water U15 Girls’ Development League.”

Guyana take on Mexico on Monday, February 28 at 19:00hrs and Panama on Wednesday, March 2 at 16:00hrs in iheir remaining group matches, which will also be live-streamed.

The top three teams from each of the four groups will progress to the Round of 16, alongside four additional qualifiers.

GFF congratulates Erwee’s century helps South Kellman on Africa claim day one professional contract signing THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) last Saturday extended its congratulations to Golden Jaguars and former Western Tigers midfielder Curtez Kellman on securing a two-year professional contract with U.S. team Sporting Kansas City II. Sporting Kansas City II, affiliated with the city’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team, are part of the new MLS Next Pro league, which is classified in the third tier of the U.S. soccer system.

Kellman impressed the club during a trial facilitated through Guyanese-born former Canadian international and Sporting Kansas City striker Alex Bunbury, Guyana Football Federation and Western Tigers.

“We are delighted for Curtez, and have every faith in him to seize this amazing opportunity and work hard to reach his full potential as a player in this crucial phase of his career,” said GFF president Wayne Forde. “Curtez is not only a hugely talented young man; his exemplary attitude, commitment to his career and dedication to improve every aspect of his game since a young age have impressed everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. He is a true role model for all young players in Guyana to follow.”

The MLS Next Pro is designed as a feeder system for the MLS. According to Bunbury, Kellman has all the ingredients necessary to impress the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame player’s old club and make the step up to the top tiers of U.S. soccer.

“This is a really special moment because it opens the door for other Guyanese players to get these kinds of opportunities,” said Bunbury. “The type of player that my old club Sporting Kansas City are looking for is exactly what this young man is. He has got quality and his character is impeccable. We should all be complimenting this young man because the feedback I’m getting from everyone is that he is a class act on the field and off the field.”

Golden Jaguars head coach Jamaal Shabazz encouraged Kellman, who has also played for Georgetown Football Club (GFC), to “make a total commitment” to this opportunity and said he looked forward to “monitoring his progress”.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Sarel Erwee scored his first Test century in his second match and shared in South Africa's best opening partnership since December 2020 as the visitors defied the odds while batting first at the Hagley Oval.

Dean Elgar became the first captain to win the toss and choose to put runs on the board at this venue, and only the fourth in the last 45 Tests hosted in New Zealand to make that decision. The move was particularly forthright after South Africa were bowled out for 95 and 111 in the first Test, but paid off as they scored more than they did in both innings combined.

On a surface that was much less green than the first Test, New Zealand's five-pronged pace attack did not find the same seam movement they did last week and appeared far less threatening. They stuck to their mostly short-of-a-length strategy and found swing through the air but South Africa's more cautious and determined strategy served them well. The run-rate hovered under three an over and New Zealand sent down 31 maidens in their 90 overs. Pressure was never far away but South Africa found ways to cope.

Elgar set the tone when he fronted up and survived against Tim Southee, who had several opportunities to snag him. He beat Elgar's inside edge several times and then found it, in his fourth over, but the edge fell short of first slip. That was the first of three chances New Zealand created for Daryl Mitchell but all of them evaded him.

Sarel Erwee presents the straight bat to defend, New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Christchurch, 1st day, February 25, 2022 © (Getty Images)

Erwee started in much quieter fashion. He scored just five runs off the first 25 balls he faced before almost losing his leg stump to an in-swinging yorker from Southee. His first convincing shot was a punch through square leg off Kyle Jamieson. It took him until the 16th over to draw level with Elgar in runs terms, on 17, but once he overtook the captain, he grew in confidence.

He showed off a series of drives and brought up 50 off Colin de Grandhomme with a shot that went wide of point for four and took South Africa to lunch on 80 without loss. It was only the second time in 11 Tests at this ground that the batting team had gone to lunch without losing a wicket.

The pair became the first visiting duo to share a century-stand in the first innings of a Test in New Zealand since Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs in 2004, when Erwee drove Southee past mid-off for four. Though Southee was still swinging it, New Zealand must have wondered where a wicket would come from.

Two overs later, Southee bowled Elgar with an in-swinger that beat the outside edge and hit off-stump, ending South Africa's first away opening stand of over 100 since Adelaide 2012.

That brought Aiden Markram, Elgar's former opening partner who has been moved to No. 3 and effectively put on notice to score runs or ship out, to the crease. He provided a reminder of his form of old when he unfurled a cover drive off Southee but runs in general proved difficult for him to collect. It took him 47 balls to move past 10, and he offered a chance. Markam was on 6 when he edged a Neil Wagner delivery, but it fell short of Mitchell at first slip.

Instead, in what may turn out to be a cruel twist of grooming his replacement, Markram provided a foil while Erwee worked his way to his century. He could have been out on 68, when Matt Henry found the outside edge but the chance fell short of first slip again.

Erwee entered the nineties

off the 160th ball he faced and spent 28 balls more getting to his century. He brought it up with a pull behind square off Wagner, three balls before tea, and celebrated with a punch in the air and an embrace from Markram, who would have had runs on his mind.

Markram brought out the straight drive and the pull in the evening session and, as the ball got older, both he and Erwee appeared settled. But then, against the run of play, Markram got forward to block a Neil Wagner delivery and edged short of Southee and second slip.

That was New Zealand's fourth chance. In the next over, Markram's concentration, which had lasted for two hours and 17 minutes, and 103 balls, wore out. He chased a wide Wagner ball and it carried finally - to Mitchell at first slip to end his innings on 42.

Markram now averages 12.63 from his last 11 Test innings.

Two balls later, Erwee also played a loose stroke and nicked behind against Henry.

New Zealand could have had Temba Bavuma two balls after that, when he fended a delivery that took the shoulder of the bat but the chance went between third slip and gully.

Next ball, Bavuma edged a delivery he had tried to pull out of playing, and the ball bounced in front of a diving Mitchell at first slip and went for four.

Bavuma was on 14 when he edged Jamieson short of second slip but, with Rassie van der Dussen, he went on to take South Africa to the second new ball and the close.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

Jerrick returns as Ann’s Grove Football Club president COL Raul Jerrick has returned to the helm of Ann’s Grove Football Club as president for a second term, following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 20.

Colonel Jerrick thanked the club for its confidence in his leadership and promised to continue to work with all

stakeholders to move the club forward.

He stated that the Executive body and the general membership should be mindful of the opportunity cost to serving the club and were encouraged to be appreciative of the efforts by all Mr Errol Nedd was elected as the first vice-president

with the second vice-president being Gary Mickle. The third vice-president is Mr Daymion Denny while Ms Dellon Ad-

ams is the secretary/ treasurer.

Ms Lauren Chung will serve as the assistant secretary/treasurer while Mr Gar-

Relations Officer Mr Lyndon France of Guyana Football Federation supervised the elections.

Strong start to ICC World Cup campaign important – Taylor

The new look Regal Masters in action at Ogle Community Centre Cricket Club in the recent Prime Minister's T20 Softball Tournament

(CMC) – West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor has underscored the importance of a strong start to their ICC 50-over World Cup campaign, when it gets underway next week.

The Caribbean side take on hosts and one of the pre-tournament favourites, New Zealand Women, in their opening game in Turanga next Friday, a contest which Taylor said could set the tone for her team’s run in the competition.

“We’re really excited about that. You probably wouldn’t want to play the hosts in the first game but it’s what it is,” Taylor said here The Regal Legends versus Mike’s Wellman clash at the official ICC Captains’ Media will be the second game of a double header with Regal Conference yesterday.

Masters (Over-40s) taking on a Select XI from 10:00hrs “I think for us, we have to go in the day’s curtain-raiser. out there and play to the best of our Regal Masters will include Chien Gittens, Mahen- abilities. You can see New Zealand dra ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth, Patrick Rooplall, Mohamed doing pretty well; we’ve had a lot Ayume, Samuel Kingston, Ricky Roopnarine and Lakh- of cricket to look at, so hopefully ram Roopnarine. we could get one over them.

As has been the norm over the years, this tournament “I think starting first, you really will be used as useful preparation for local players head- want to start good, but we have to ing to the annual Florida Cup mega softball tournament, try and focus on us and nothing in the Sunshine State of the United States of America, else.” and which will be played from March 31 to April 2 this West Indies Women have won year. just four of their last 10 bilateral Meanwhile, tickets for the annual fund-raising meetings against New Zealand, take-away Bar-B-Que, organised by the Regal cricket suffering a 3-0 drubbing away teams to aid in their participation in the Florida Cup, four years ago, winning 4-0 in the will be on sale from any player at $1 500 each.

Caribbean in 2014 and losing 3-0

Regal Legends, Mike’s Wellman renew rivalry in Republic Cup tomorrow THE annual Republic Cup softball tournament organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL) will be held this Sunday, February 27, at the Togetherness Park, Liliendaal.

Regal Legends (Over-50s) will battle longtime rivals Mike’s Wellman for top honours.

Over the years the two teams have been locked in heated contests, with Regal holding the edge but this time it will not be a walk in the park.

Mike’s Wellman have been showing some good form recently and will be the team to beat with the likes of Lloyd Ruplall, Lakerman ‘Mikey’ Singh and Wayne Jones returning good performances.

On the other hand, traditional power-house Regal Legends will depend on David Harper, Parsram ‘Pacer’ Persaud, Mahendra Hardyal, Rudolph ‘Gussy’ Baker, Eion ‘Rapper’ Abel and Laurie ‘Tony’ Singh to add another trophy to their collection.

field Reynolds is the manager, Ms Melissa Andrews as assistant manager and Risa Allen was appointed the Public

a year earlier in the South Pacific.

Earlier in 2013, West Indies Women had secured a 2-1 series win in Jamaica, the first ever over the White Ferns.

West Indies enter the March 4 to April 3 tournament aware of the need to compensate for a wretched campaign at the last showpiece in England four years ago, when they lost their first four matches to end sixth.

And Taylor said the key to an improved performance would be the consistency of the players.

“For us it’s more trying to be consistent as best as we can in the 50-over format,” Taylor noted.

“We know that It’s not always the best for us and I think we’re making strides. For us, it is more about improving every time and getting better at that, so not to look too far ahead but try to take each game step by step.”

West Indies Women take on Australia Women in their first official warm-up today in Lincoln before clashing with India Women in their second warm-up next Tuesday in Rangiora.

The group stage of the tournament will see all eight teams play each other, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 26, 2022

2022 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship …

U-20 ladies to take on Honduras tonight

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The Lady Jags U-20 squad and staff in the Dominican Republic

The Russia/Ukraine war affecting sport West Indies Women captain Stefanie Taylor

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Strong start to ICC World Cup campaign important – Taylor

MANCHESTER City's Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko joined a vigil in Manchester city centre to show support for his country and may face Everton at the weekend, while West Ham's Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko has been given some time off by the club.

fight in a "bloody war" alongside his brother Wladimir Klitschko.

the top two divisions of Spanish football this weekend.

Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev, soon to be the world's leading men's player, said hearing the news of his nation's invasion was "not easy" and wants to "promote peace all over the world".

Manchester United have terminated their sponsorship deal with Russia's national airline Aeroflot UEFA is looking to end its major £30M-a-year sponsorship deal with Russian state-run gas giant Gazprom.

 Andrey Rublev, Russia's second-highest ranked tennis player, made a plea for peace after beating Hubert Hurkacz to reach the final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, signing a TV camera lens on court with the words "no war please".

Formula 1 team Haas have removed their Russian-based sponsor - a company owned by Dmitry Mazepin, a close associate of Vladimir Putin - from their equipment during the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona. Mazepin's son, Nikita, is one of Haas' drivers.

 Former heavyweight boxing champion and Kyiv Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said he was prepared to

Banners stating 'No a la guerra' - which translates to 'No to war' will be displayed at all matches in

 Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has pleaded for help to "stop the war".  The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has postponed World Cup 2023 qualifiers involving Netherlands v Russia on February 27 and Great Britain v Belarus that was scheduled a day later.

Jerrick returns as Ann’s Grove Football Club president 31 PAGE

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022