Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_02_27_2022

27th February, 2022

Free Inside No.106647

Over $143.3M in works slated for Region Five PAGE

03 –– to cover construction of craft building for Amerindian Hostel –– upgrades to farm-to-market roads, schools & healthcare services

Nearly 500 turn out at job fair 09 PAGE

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC (centre) and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony (at right) assisting some of the residents of Haslington during the East Coast Demerara clean-up initiative on Saturday. This is part of a countrywide Several people at the NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services job fair on initiative to clean up and beautify all corners of Guyana (photo credit: Facebook/ Dr Frank Anthony) Saturday at Ogle (Delano Williams photo)

Gas-to-energy project could Massive Hope 17 Foundation laid pave way for local 20 wind farm project for new $614M cement-manufacturing – ExxonMobil closer to reality fire service HQ 21 PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Over $143.3M in works slated for Region Five

–– to cover construction of craft building for Amerindian Hostel –– upgrades to farm-to-market roads, schools & healthcare services

By Rehana Ahamad IN the coming months, the people of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are expected to benefit from a number of developmental works which are estimated to cost some $143,355,247, spanning across several sectors such as public works, agriculture, health and education.

These projects are all being facilitated under a $4.8 billion allocation that the region received under the government’s landmark $552.9 billion budget for 2022.

A disaggregation of the region’s current expenditures showed $261 million being allocated for regional

are several West Coast Berbice roads, including the main entrance and first cross street at Number 10 Village and Waterloo Street, Bath Settlement.

Capital road works under drainage and irrigation are also slated for villages in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, as well as West Coast Berbice. More specifically the works entail the construction of sidelines for villages such as Naarstigheid, Number Nine Village, Weldaad, and Cotton Tree in Berbice, as well as Planter’s Hall in Mahaicony.

As for the region’s recurrent road projects, a number of critical farmto-market roads are slated for further upgrades. These

their produce from their farms to the market or mill.

CRAFT BUILDING FOR AMERINDIAN HOSTEL Under capital “admin” works, the region has earmarked $6.2 million for the construction of a crafts production building at Park Village, Mahaicony, to further supplement programmes being offered at the Amerindian Hostel.

According to a tender advertisement issued earlier in the week, the crafts building will be housed in the compound of the hostel, so as to ensure convenient access by those who utilise the hostel.

Several farm-to-market roads in Region Five are slated for upgrades in 2022 (DPI photo) administration and finance, whilst $311 million was for agricultural development; $332 million for public works; $2.6 billion for the improvement of education delivery and $1.3 billion to bolster healthcare services.

Earmarked for general rehabilitation and upgrades under capital road projects,

include the corridors at Champagne, and Esau and Jacob in Mahaicony along with the Zee Zight Road at West Coast Berbice.

Combined, these roads serve hundreds of cash crop and rice farmers, whose income rely heavily, or in some cases solely on the transport of

The facility accommodates mainly Amerindians residing in villages such as Moraikabai that are located further up the Mahaicony River. Because of high costs of transportation, many persons and their families would stay at the hostel while they work or attend schools along the

In the coming months, a number of developmental works are expected to take shape in Region Five (Mahaica Berbice) coastland.

As it relates to works under the education sector, the Region Five administration has funds set aside to do several things, beginning with the major rehabilitation of the Bush Lot Secondary School at West Coast Berbice and Rosignol Primary School located along the West of Bank Berbice.

The region has also catered for the much-needed extension of the Waterloo Nursery School, also located along West Coast Berbice. Urgent repairs are also slated for the access bridge to the Number 29 Primary School, as well as repairs to the perimeter fence at both the Cotton Tree and Shieldstown Nursery Schools.

In an effort to improve the region’s delivery of healthcare service, investments are also being directed towards the installation of an entrance culvert at the Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice Health Centre, as well as notable rehabilitation works on the Fort Wellington Regional Hospital.

Although not outlined in the recent tender invitation, it should be noted

that Region Five is also expected to benefit from the construction of a regional storage bond, which, authorities have said, would be erected at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice.

Last month, during his defence of the allocations for Region Five, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, said that the bond is an important component in relation to upgrading policies of the Ministry of Health and to ensure citizens in the region receive better medical care.

This year, the budgetary allocations for Region Five represents a 13 per cent increase when compared to the previous year’s allocation, and while authorities in that region have gone ahead to extend invitations for contractors to bid for the respective projects, it is certainly not the only one to benefit from heftier finances.

For instance, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the administration was allocated $2.5 billion for works across the various sectors. The disaggregation shows $190M being set

aside for regional administration and finance; $269 million for public works; $1.4 billion for improved education delivery; $623 million for better health services, while $30 million has been allocated to support the agriculture sector of that hinterland region.

The allocation for Region Eight also covers the reconstruction of several wooden bridges, into concrete structures. It was during the May-June 2021 rains that government recognised how susceptible the timber bridges were to inclement weather and as a result the decision was taken to construct replacements across all Hinterland regions.

Nonetheless, the works slated for all the regions are expected to be in line with government’s agenda to improve infrastructure across all sectors, for the benefit of all sectors, since infrastructural development has been described as key to multi-sectoral advancement.

It is for this reason that the Public Works Sector was allocated the biggest cut of $96 billion in the 2022 budget.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Guyana hoping to earn millions more from forests in coming months

GUYANA had been able to earn about US $212 million by saving its forests through a 2010 landmark partnership with Norway and within another few months, the country could begin earning millions again.

This is according to Pradeepa Bholanauth, the Senior Director for Climate and REDD+ at the Ministry of Natural Resources who highlighted the key components of Guyana’s updated Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) during a recent virtual forum.

As per this strategy,

Guyana plans to maintain its forests, continue its advocacy for greater earth-saving climate actions, pursue more renewable energy projects and secure financing for low carbon development and sustaining livelihoods.

The LCDS was first introduced in 2009 and it nested on the Guyana/ Norway agreement. Over a 10 year period, the US$212 million sum was disbursed.

“Within the context of that endeavour, we were able to have a lot of programmes advanced,” Bholanauth told the recent

forum.

These programmes include Amerindian Land Titling efforts, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects and small business loans.

In fact, based on information Bholanauth provided, some 224 low carbon loans for small businesses and 591 low carbon grants were provided.

And now, Guyana is pursuing a similar strategy of getting payments to preserve its forests and then using those payments to advance local developmental efforts. This time, however, Guyana is eyeing payments from several countries and possibly even companies.

“Within the next six months, we would see the

February 19, 2022

25/02/22 - 04 08 09 11 18

D 03 06 08 24 26 28 21 February 16, 2022

F 08 12 22 25 27 28 04

completion of our audit process to enter into the voluntary carbon credit market,” Bholanauth said.

This audit process will allow the country to certify the value of its forests.

Guyana is currently rated as having the world’s second highest per capita first cover with some 85 per cent of the country covered in forests.

For context, too, a carbon credit is a kind of tradeable permit or certificate that represents the removal of a certain amount of carbon dioxide from the environment. Since carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas that harms the environment, it is tracked and traded like any other commodity.

Guyana’s total forest

25/02/22 - 8 9 3

cover holds carbon in unusually high density (up to 350 tons per hectare) and stores some 5.31 gigatons of carbon.

If countries or companies voluntarily buy into Guyana’s offering, the country could garner enough money to implement aspects of the LCDS.

25/02/22 - 5 7 5

Pradeepa Bholanauth, the Senior Director for Climate and REDD+ at the Ministry of Natural Resources

25/02/22- 1, 5, 6, 8, 11, 18, 19

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

China says it respects Ukraine’s sovereignty –– wants Russia’s security concerns to be addressed & peace to prevail

CHINA, one of Russia’s biggest allies, has come out in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, in light of Russia’s devastating invasion and attack on the European nation.

A recent statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana indicated that on Friday, during a telephone call with senior members of the European Union, China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Yi Wang, said definitely that the People’s Republic of China maintains the position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected.

“This position of China is consistent and clear-cut, and applies equally to the Ukraine issue,” Yi Wang said.

Wang had telephone conversations with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign Secretary, Elizabeth Truss; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell; and French Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Emmanuel Bonne.

In declaring its five-point position on the issue, Wang said that China advocates for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and that the country believes firmly that the security of one country should not come at the expense of the security of other countries, hinting to security concerns raised by Russia, ahead of the Ukraine invasion.

Russia has had concerns with Ukraine’s decision to become a member of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which is an international alliance of 30 member states from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Established and signed in 1949, the treaty states that if an armed attack occurs against one of the member states, it shall be considered an attack against all members, and other members shall assist the attacked member, with armed forces if necessary.

For context, the United States is a notable member of NATO, which shares significantly ruptured relations with Russia; Ukraine and Russia was considered the same country under the Soviet Union, but split following its dissolution in 1991.

And, instead of turning to Russia for support, Ukraine, in the past years has solidify relations with the United States.

Now, with Ukraine’s potential ascension to NATO, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin has raised concerns that this could increase security threats for the country.

It added, “In view of this, China has always disapproved of willfully invoking of UN Charter Chapter VII?that authorises the use of force and sanctionsin UNSC resolutions.”

State Councilor Wang Yi noted too that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China has always faithfully fulfilled its international obligations and Yi Wang, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China To this end, China has insisted that the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be respected.

“Given NATO’s five consecutive rounds of eastward expansion, Russia’s legitimate security demands ought to be taken seriously and properly addressed,” Minister Wang told the European Union representatives, maintaining a stance that the “Cold War mentality should?be discarded completely.”

China has affirmed that the current situation is not what it wants to see, and that a top priority now is for all parties to exercise the necessary restraint to prevent the current situation in Ukraine from getting worse or even getting out of control.

“The life and property safety of civilians should be effectively guaranteed, and large-scale humanitarian crises, in particular, must be prevented,” the statement from the Chinese Embassy posited.

China also encouraged all

diplomatic efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, emphasising that it welcomes the earliest possible direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine.

“The Ukraine issue has evolved in a complex historical context,” the release said.

It went further to note that Ukraine should function as a bridge between the East and the West, and not a frontier in big power confrontation.

Added to that, Minister Wang shared China’s belief that the United Nations’ Security Council (UNSC) should play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine issue, and give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security of all countries.

“Actions taken by the Security Council should help cool the situation and facilitate diplomatic resolution rather than fuelling tensions and causing further escalation,” the press statement said.

played a constructive role in maintaining world peace and stability.

It insisted that “When it comes to peace and security, China has the best record among major countries. We have never invaded other countries or engaged in proxy wars, nor have we ever sought spheres of influence or participated in military bloc confrontations.”

The statement ended with

a commitment from China for peaceful development and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

“We will continue to firmly oppose all hegemonies and power politics and resolutely uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries,” the statement concluded.-

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Functional Literacy

FUNCTIONAL literacy is defined as the ability of an individual to apply skills in reading, writing, calculation and basic problem-solving in those activities in which literacy is required for effective functioning in society.

Guyana has a reasonably high level of functional literacy, thanks to the significant strides in education attainment levels by the PPP/C administration after it assumed office in October 1992, after nearly three decades of PNC authoritarian rule.

A study done by Professor Zellyne Jennings during the early 1990s showed that the rate of functional literacy among out-ofschool youths was just around 11 per cent, a stunning revelation of the damage done to young people by the then PNC administration. Put in a different way, the study found that 89 per cent of school dropouts were functionally illiterate with the vast majority ending up unemployed or underemployed with little or no lifeskills!

The current pandemic has certainly impacted negatively in terms of school-attendance rates, raising concerns that it could hamper the full and all-round education of students now and in their later lives.

Indeed, studies done around the world showed that long school closures can lead to an increase in school dropout rates and

significant learning loss, unless urgent action is taken to mitigate same. It is estimated that some 17 trillion dollars loss of earnings could result over the lifetime of the full global cohort of those who fail to complete the full cycle of primary education, not to mention stunted economic and cognitive growth along with mental health issues.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has recently launched ‘ Operation Recovery,’ which will see education officials and community activists fanning out into communities all across the country to locate those students who had been continuously absent since the re-opening of schools, with special emphasis on those who missed the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

This is a placement examination and failure to sit the examination could result in students being denied places in secondary schools, which correspond to their levels of assessed potential. The aim is to ascertain the location of students and the reason or reasons behind their absenteeism. This will allow a determination to be made by the ministry as to what assistance could be rendered to have those children back in the classroom.

This is indeed a commendable initiative by the ministry and speaks to a caring approach to the delivery of education to our children and young people. According to a release from the

Education Ministry, urgent, practical and sustained measures such as teaching and learning from a consolidated curriculum, the provision of textbooks, training and re-training are important pre-requisites for effective teaching/ learning outcomes. These, when combined with the current Operation Recovery, will militate against any anticipated loss to our students and for that matter, the country as a whole.

President Dr Mohamed Ali has been putting much emphasis on the development of our human capital. In his Republic Day address to the nation, he reiterated that people are our greatest asset. That asset, according to the President, must be harnessed efficiently to enhance productivity, stimulate creativity and overcome mediocrity.

It is precisely because of these considerations that the PPP/C administration has been investing so heavily in the education, training and institutional strengthening. The education sector this year was allocated the biggest share of the national budget. A sum of $74.4 billion has been set aside for education, which includes $30, 000 for each school child and $1.3 billion for GOAL scholarships and laptops for teachers and expansion of the National School Feeding Programme. This latter programme has proven to be particularly useful in terms of attendance rates in hinterland schools, where

students have to journey over long distances to get to and from schools.

President Ali has assured the nation that every Guyanese, irrespective of the region in which they live, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background, will have an equal opportunity and stake in the development of Guyana and its rising prosperity. This, he said, can only be realised through the rolling out of universal access to world-class education as a centrepiece of personal upliftment and empowerment.

“The power of education as a means, having access to primary and secondary education, supporting attendance at school, through a free uniform programme, for atrisk student’s transportation allowance; all of these are benefits the government is giving to ensure not only 100 per cent primary and secondary universal access, but [also] to ensure attendance are [sic] not barred by issues of hunger, cost of transportation and access to schooling,” he said.

These are all the ingredients not only for a successful and child-centred learning environment, but are also true manifestations of a caring administration, whereby people are put at the centre of all development and where our children and young people are prepared and nurtured as the future leaders of society.

GECOM must adopt measures to ensure employment of clean, credible persons!

Dear Editor, THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has publicised vacant positions after the firing and conundrum regarding fraudulent electoral activities and charges involving key, employed officials in its secretariat.

The necessary employment of new staff members to replace the wicked and highly questionable characters must be undertaken in a manner that reflects transparency and realises the most efficient results. Certainly, we cannot re-create the wheel by allowing impropriety, and the absolute due-diligence approach must be exercised.

The commission’s decision to undertake measures of cross-matching is appreciated.

That is, to look at the applications against the required qualifications and experience, while considering the trust and integrity of the applicants. Such measures notwithstanding,

there are concerns regarding the shortlisting of some persons whose records in previous elections leave much to be desired.

Some of the positions published in the preliminary shortlist of applicants, however, are quite alarming revelations. Such is the inclusion of Melanie Marshall for the position of Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO).

In the 2015 General and Regional Elections, while performing the function of Returning Officer (RO), she went missing after commencement of the verification process related to the Region Four ballots. This controversial RO deliberately made herself unavailable to receive the PPP’s requests for a recount of votes in particular areas where inconsistencies were observed.

Marshall’s unpopularity surged when she was challenged while using the controversial ‘broad sheet.’ It is factual that when confronted, she took a time out and never returned to complete the process. The cover-ups of

these inefficacies came from the dismissed CEO, Keith Lowenfield, who had oftentimes usurped the commission’s authority, and who independently appointed her as Voter Registration Manager.

Subsequently, it is recalled that Keith Lowenfield had also moved to appoint Melanie Marshall as Returning Officer (RO) of Region Four. Faced with strong and valid criticisms, she was eventually removed as RO and sent to work in Region Six. This applicant has a history of highly questionable work attitude at GECOM and she should not be short-listed.

As for the position of Assistant Chief Election Officer, Melanie Marshall’s name is again appearing along with the likes of characters including Noland Jervis and Duarte Hetsberger, who also have been short-listed for interviews. Both of these characters worked at GECOM and there were serious allegations against them. Hence, Jervis chose

to leave employment at GECOM to avoid scrutiny while Hetsberger was fired. They are now slithering in from the backdrop as major investigations seem to have dissipated.

However, it is known that lots of documents and data have disappeared from GECOM and any consideration of these questionable applicants, therefore, should be viewed with the keenest scrutiny, if at all.

Editor, a full investigation must be done concerning the clean sweep of the data from several GECOM computers, and a thorough investigation conducted of all the internal malfeasance that took place in preparation for the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Given the absence of an elections report from the CEO, the commission and new CEO should carefully review the activities that took place over the five months after the elections, including the See page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

The great night of Shiva Dear Editor,

MAHASHIVRATRI, the great night of Shiva (Maha –Great, Shiva – Power, Ratri – Night) is celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi, the dark Phalgun (Feb or March) every year. On this auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, meditation on Shiva, self-study and social harmony.

This year, it is celebrated by devotees throughout the world including Guyana on the 28th February (1st March in India). Varanasi (former Capital of Kashi), about 3,000 years old, has become one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus. Famous as a Shiva Nagari, it is the holy city of Lord Shiva and has become the biggest pilgrimage destination. Lord Shiva is known by 108 names, a number mathematically and scientifically significant in Hindu scriptures.

Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities and one of the most powerful. According to the Smarta traditions, He is limitless, transcendent, eternal, formless, unchanging as well as changing; a symbol of death after life as Moksha; seen as the lord of all three times, i.e., past, present, and future.

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being and is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe. He is known as the

third element in the Hindu Trinity (Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma – the creator and Lord Vishnu – the protector.

Shiva is the destructive form of the Almighty.

As the circle of destruction and recreation, Shiva’s primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle. Scholars say, as the Mahakaal, Shiva destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness but as Shankara, he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved. His symbol of Lingam represents this reproductive power. Shiva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the cosmos.

He contains both good and evil. He is moody, free of inhibitions, easy to please, protector of the down trodden, and has the power to alter the laws of destiny. Thus, it is Lord Shiva who is known as the God of mercy and kindness.

He protects his devotees from all evils that are always around us. He blesses his followers with grace, knowledge and peace.

On this night, many stories are revealed with the significance of Maha Shivaratri.

In the Shaivism tradition, Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the “Tandava”, the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati Ma and its consummation takes place via different interpretations. Maha Shivaratri is considered the day when Adiyogi, the first guru awakened his consciousness at the material level of existence. According to Tantra, at this stage of consciousness, no

GECOM must adopt measures to ...

From page 6

massive spending and illegal activities that went on during the five months after March 02, 2020.

It is essential for GECOM to swiftly ensure that it has on board a cadre of transparently selected professionals to advance its mandate. The advertising process for filling vacancies created by the recent firings of the Chief Election Officer (CEO) and others facing fraudulent electoral charges, commenced in October 2021.

Publications of those shortlisted for final interviews and potential selection present the opportunity for exposure if there are known issues. Notably, some rogue elements have been able to get past the initial screening process.

GECOM facilitation of the next LGEs is way overdue, and this is not for want of the PPP/C’s urging and support. The government ensured that sufficient funding was placed in the 2021 budget for the holding of these elections. The elections were not held as a consequence of GECOM’s inability to hold the same. Now, all systems must be put in place to fill all existing vacancies, but this must be defined by the presence of appropriate counterchecks and balances.

The way forward for GECOM must be to win the trust and confidence of the nation by holding free and fair elections. This can only be achieved with a process to select the staff from unstained men and women of integrity.

The organisation must therefore not buy batteries and torches to avoid footholds that can be avoided upfront.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

objective experience takes place and the mind is transcended. The meditator transcends time, space and causation. Another interpretation is the objectified manifestations or aspects of two eternal and fundamental principles of existence identified as Purusha and Prakriti. They represent the two highest realities of existence. Both are indestructible and eternal. Both have known and unknown, manifested (vyakta) and unmanifested (avyakta), being (sambhuta) and nonbeing (asambhuta), gross (sthula) and subtle (sukshma), formed (murtha) and formless (amurtha), visible (drsya) and invisible (adrsya) aspects. Hindu tradition equates them with Father God and Mother Goddess.

As Ardha Narishwara (half-male and half-female), the Hindu tantra, symbolically defines their union as the Shivalinga, in which the cylindrical part represents Purusha and the circular base, Prakriti. Shivratri is also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation. On this day, it is believed that Lord Shiva became ‘Neelkantham’ or the blue-throated one, by swallowing the deadly poison that arose during the churning of “Kshir Sagar” or the milky ocean. The poison was so deadly that even a drop in his stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. He held it in his neck, which turned blue because of poison.

According to the Shiva Purana, the Mahashivratri puja involves six steps which are: taking a bath to purify the soul, mind

and body; bathing of the Shiv Linga with the holy water of Gange, then bathing with milk and honey; apply vermilion paste which represents the virtue; offer fruits, Madar flowers and the Belpatra leaf which are given in hopes of obtaining a long life and satisfaction of desires; the lighting with diya to represent achieving more knowledge; worshippers also apply three horizontal lines of holy ash on their foreheads – just like the Lord Shiva which represents spiritual knowledge, cleanliness and penance. Hindus wear garlands made up of the Rudraksha, while worshiping the Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Rudraksha tree originated from the tears of Lord Shiva. Six things are not offered: Kumkum(sindoor), haldi(turmeric), coconut water, Tulsi, Ketaki and Champaka flowers.

May this Shivratri overcome darkness and ignorance in the world, so that all Guyanese can focus to achieve the goals of ethics and virtues of self-restraint, honesty, kindness to others and forgiveness. Do enjoy the four Prahars on Maha Shiv Ratri which has a lot of faith-centred ideals and cultural presence. While the practices have evolved, the bigger picture and worshipping ideals have remained.

As Guyanese attend their Mandirs abiding with the COVID-19 protocols, may all receive Lord Shiva’s blessings. Happy Mahashivratri.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Need for another COVID stimulus grant

Dear Editor, IN reference to Dr Tara Singh’s suggestion of another COVID grant, Guyanese whom I have conversed with in recent weeks and around the time of the budget presentation, feel there is an urgent need for another COVID stimulus grant to help the lower-income families.

The PPP administration gave a $25K COVID stimulus grant per household in late 2020 to help Guyanese households cope with pressing financial issues. Many had lost their jobs as a result of the COVID that led to the shuttering of businesses.

There is strong support for Dr Tara Singh’s suggestion (Feb 25) that government give consideration for another stimulus grant.

When the APNU+AFC Coalition was in office, no such grant was given to the general population who

suffered significant losses from natural disasters and COVID-19-related problems. As soon as the PPP/C came into office, it began thinking of providing relief funds to the population to address their financial distress. The entire population was given grants, regardless of political affiliation or race.

The stimulus grant awarded in 2020 was quickly expended. Unemployment still remains high at about 12 per cent. The cost of living has skyrocketed as a result of COVID, flooding of last May/June, and extraordinarily high shipping costs of goods. The poverty rate remains persistently high at 32 per cent and Guyanese families need immediate financial support.

Guyanese families have been in distress for a long time and need further relief to address escalation of the cost of living, which will

rise even higher because of the war in Ukraine and the supply-chain problem.

The President Ali administration has been very compassionate and has risen to the occasion to mitigate the financial hardships.

Further, direct cash grants will benefit households immediately and directly.

A question may arise on the possible source of funding for this cash grant.

The NRF account has been drawn down to fund the latest budget, and there-

fore money is not available from it to give COVID cash grants. Funds can, however, be taken from general revenues to fund the grant.

There is provision in the 2022 budget for expenditure of this nature.

Guyanese interviewed for a snap poll are unanimously supportive of a cash grant and they hope that the government will act swiftly on this.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Interview with Professor Aviva Ben-Ur on Jewish autonomy in historical Suriname PROFESSOR Aviva Ben-Ur of the Department of Judaic and Near Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has authored a superlative and dazzling book titled Jewish Autonomy in a Slave Society: Suriname in the Atlantic World, 1651-1825, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press, 2020. The book explores the political and social history of the Jews of the Dutch colony of Suriname, the largest and most privileged Jewish community in the early modern Americas.

Lomarsh Roopnarine (LR): What has motivated you to write this book?

Aviva Ben-Ur (AB): My initial interest in Suriname was happenstance. In the late 1990s, a New York-based architect named Rachel Frankel hired me to transcribe and translate the epitaphs of Jewish cemeteries in rural and urban Suriname, dating from the 1660s onward. I had the requisite languages (Aramaic, French, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish, and soon also Dutch) and undertook three separate trips to carry out this work. We co-authored two books on Suriname’s Jewish cemeteries and an Afro-Surinamese burial ground in the Jewish village of Jodensavanne.

LR: I do admire your linguistic skills and abilities. What were some factors that contributed to the formation of Jodensavanne, located some 30 miles south of Paramaribo on the Suriname River?

AB: Authorities in the Dutch Republic sought to attract immigrants from Europe to develop Suriname economically and defend it against attacks by local Indigenous people, slaves of African descent, and Maroons (former slaves who escaped to the surrounding rainforest to forge autonomous communities). Because the economy in the seventeenth-century Dutch Republic was strong, it was difficult for authorities to convince Dutch Christians to move overseas. However, economic opportunities for Jews in the Dutch Republic were severely restricted and poverty among them endemic. The influx of refugees from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and East-

Professor Aviva Ben-Ur, Department of Judaic and Near Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst ern Europe challenged fiscal management, and municipal policies barred Jews from entering certain trades, including agriculture and the military.

LR: But the Dutch Government wanted white immigrants to populate Suriname.

AB: Yes. Jewish leaders were in a powerful position to negotiate settlement on extraordinarily privileged terms. They were allowed to practise their religion, own property (including human beings), try their members in a Jewish court, run their own schools, keep records in their native Portuguese, Spanish, and Hebrew, and live in their own village, known as Jodensavanne (Jews’ Savannah).

Slave auctions were not held on Jewish holidays, to allow Jewish participation.

LR: What was their role in the eyes of the colonial government?

AB: Since the area Jews chose for their village abutted the Surinamese rainforest, one of their most important tasks was to defend the White population from incursions of Indigenous people and runaway slaves.

LR: What factors led to the continuation of this community in such a challenging environment?

AB: Infectious disease was rampant in the colony, as historian Robert Cohen showed decades ago. Like other free colonists, Jews also contended with widespread economic insecurity and the continual threat of slave insurrection. Competing groups, especially Christian clerics, tried to chisel away at the privileges the Dutch colonial government had granted local Jews. The Jewish community grew partly because of immigration to Suriname. The Dutch colony received more Jewish immigrants than any port in the Americas through the eighteenth century.

The phenomenon of “Suriname marriage”, a euphemism for sexual relations between a free man and an enslaved woman, was a leading factor in the survival and growth of the Jewish community.

LR: It seems like the Jewish community in Suriname was open to inter-ethnic and inter-religious marriage.

AB: Unlike White Christians, the Jewish community generally opened its doors to children born to Jewish fathers and enslaved women. While most Christians during that period did not convert slaves to their father’s religion, the Jewish community had local teachers who regularly converted select children to Judaism.

LR: I am particularly impressed with how you mapped out the evolving process of the Jewish community in Suriname during the period of the master-slave relationship.

However, you also provided a narrative of the Eurafrican Jews. Who are these people and what is their relationship with the Jewish community?

AB: Eurafrican Jews were individuals born to White Jewish fathers and enslaved African mothers starting in the 1660s, the decade Jews first established their community. These fathers decided to convert some of their enslaved children to Judaism. There is indirect evidence that African mothers encouraged this conversion and perhaps even aspired to it, for both spiritual and pragmatic reasons.

LR: Okay, so when they were converted what happened?

AB: These children became bona fide Jews. If they were female, they automatically passed on their Jewishness to their own children (in rabbinical law, Jewishness transmits through the mother). The population of Eurafrican Jews grew exponentially. It is likely that by the early 1800s, nearly every Surinamese Jew had an enslaved African ancestress sometime in the previous two hundred years.

LR: Why do you think that intermarrying was so high?

AB: In slavery systems, a master owns both the labour and the body of the slave.

Also, there was a dearth of White women in the colony. African mothers were key to the survival and growth of Suriname’s Jewish community.

LR: What were some circumstances and conditions that led to the abolishment of Jewish autonomy?

AB: The abolition of Jewish communal autonomy in 1825 was imposed by the metropolitan government, an attempt by the Dutch government to ensure that every free person in the colonies would be equal in civil status. The Jewish community, which had previously functioned as a government within a government, and as an ethno-religious group with self-determination, was to be transformed into a religious group almost entirely on par with Christians. In practice, however, Jews in both the metropole and Suriname continued in many respects to function as a group apart and to identify as a distinct ethnic group.

LR: What happened to Jodensavanne after abolition?

AB: By 1825, most Jews no longer lived

in the rural hinterland, but continued to visit Jodensavanne to celebrate Jewish holidays.

Over the years, its permanent population dwindled and Jews ceased to visit the village.

By the mid-nineteenth century, it was largely abandoned by the Jewish community. Local non-Jews, some of whom had been owned by Jewish families, claimed de facto ownership of the village.

LR: What would you like readers to know about your book that I might not have asked?

AB: When I wrote my book, I wanted to avoid speaking about Suriname as exceptional. It had so much in common with other slave societies and was part of a unified system known as the Atlantic World. I sought to normalise the history of Jews in Suriname by centering slavery and the framework of the Atlantic World, with its incessant movement and circulation of people, goods, ideas, technology and diseases.

LR: What is your future plan regarding the Jewish community in Suriname?

AB: My dream is to learn Sranan Tongo, the lingua franca of Suriname. Although I have moved on to other projects, I also look forward to continuing my collaboration with my colleagues in Suriname, particularly the officers of Jodensavanne Foundation (Stichting Jodensavanne).

LR: Thank you for a great interview.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

NABI seeking to employ 400 locals to construct new 15-acre Exxon office –– nearly 500 turn out at job fair

By Jared Liddell and Cassandra Khan NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana, which is currently in the process of constructing ExxonMobil’s 15-acre campus located at Ogle on the outskirts of Georgetown, will be employing an additional 200 Guyanese to complete the multimillion-dollar project.

The company’s Project Manager, Steve Milner, told the Sunday Chronicle that while the company has close to 200 Guyanese working on the initial phases of the project, an additional 200 locals are necessary to complete the project.

To achieve this goal, the company held a job fair on Saturday at its Ogle location where approximately 468 persons turned up hoping to get a job.

The Sunday Chronicle caught up with a few of the attendees, including Alexis Fernandes, - a mother of three - who is currently unemployed, expressed her excitement, noting that she recently graduated from the University of Guyana with her associates degree in forestry.

Fernandes believes that the job fair is a great initiative for persons just coming out of school.

Leshana Cullymore said the event was a great opportunity for everyone, especially the younger persons.

Teriana Lindo said she heard about the job fair through her friend but she was not too keen to attend since she was not fully vaccinated. However, she changed her mind and decided to get her second dose COVID-19 and attended the event on Saturday. Linda is also currently unemployed.

Twan Smith, a 21-yearold, who learnt about the job fair on Facebook, along with several others, expressed similar views that the event provided opportunities for those who need it.

LOCAL CONTENT Meanwhile, these employment opportunities directly correlates with the provisions of Guyana’s recently enacted

eral labor; tradespersons; welders/fabricators; equipment operators; engineers; construction supervisors; office administration; and safety personnel.

LOCAL CONTENT LEGISLATION Since the establishment of the oil and gas sector, many Guyanese individuals and businesses have benefitted from job opportunities and income NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana, Project Manager, Steve Milner (Delano Williams photo) Local Content Legislation.

Local content, according to Milner is an important aspect of the company’s operations. He said NABI/ KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana is keen on increasing its local employment number throughout 2022.

“We’re looking to maximise on local content.

We’re currently very high on local content in our operations. Our overall local workforce and management are around 80 per cent and we want to keep that going and increase that, if possible,” Milner told the Sunday Chronicle.

NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana is a Joint Venture of NABI Construction Inc., Guyana, and Kee-Chanona Limited, Trinidad - two prominent Construction Companies in the region that have teamed up to provide cutting edge construction services to the oil and gas sector here.

According to the project summary, the primary function of the ExxonMobil 15-acre campus is mainly office space supporting its operations division.

The project consists of two three-storey office buildings, with a total floor area of approximately 125,000+ square feet.

It also includes surface parking, site improvements, soft and hard landscaping, and all associated infrastructure works.

The opportunities available for locals on the construction side of the project include: gen-

Similarly, Guyanese should provide 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent for janitorial, laundry, catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 25 per cent medical services; 20 per cent aviation and support services and 75 per cent local food supply.

LOCALS IN OIL AND GAS At the recently con-

Alexis Fernandes, a mother of three, who is currently unemployed speaks with a reporter from the Guyana Chronicle (Delano Williams photo)

Keriana Linda and her friend fill out their application forms at the job fair (Delano Williams photo) generated from the sector.

Those opportunities are set to see a significant increase in 2022 with the recent enactment of the local content legislation.

Guyana’s Local Content legislation, which was tabled by Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, and subsequently passed in the National Assembly, seeks to ensure that Guyanese and Guyanese-owned businesses are given preference when it comes to providing goods and services to the major oil companies operating within Guyana’s borders.

It outlines 40 areas that oil companies and sub-contractors procure from Guyanese companies and Guyanese nationals by the end of 2022. For instance, by the end of 2022, oil companies and their sub-contractors must ensure that 100 per cent of their ground transportation needs are satisfied

by Guyanese entities.

The same percentage applies to the provision of immigration support services, customs brokerage services, and visa and work permit services.

cluded International Energy Conference and Expo, Chairman of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods, stressed the importance of locals being employed both directly in the oil and gas sector and spilloff sectors. He noted that even as the company continues to expand its operations here, locals play a major role in the company’s sustainability within the oil and gas sector.

Woods said that ‘Exxon’, since setting up its operations here, has employed more than 3,500 Guyanese, and worked with 800 local suppliers.

“From the very beginning, we worked together to ensure that our activities had far-reaching and enduring benefits for the country and its people. We believe it’s vitally important that benefits are widely shared.

This includes increasing the capabilities of the local workforce and building new infrastructure,” the ExxonMobil Chairman related.

He said that ExxonMobil itself has invested in, and supports several government projects that cater

to ensuring that Guyanese benefit from the oil-andgas sector. Woods related that in 2021, the company launched a $100 million commitment to support local capacity building programmes.

That project, called “the Greater Guyana Initiative”, is a 10-year one that, in its

first phase, will provide funding for significant expansion of the Centre for Local Business Development.

Technical, education and training programmes and support to the University of Guyana are also being facilitated by the Greater Guyana initiative.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

High cholesterol and triglycerides must be addressed HYPERLIPIDEMIA, is the broad classification, referring to abnormally high values of lipids (mainly LDL - low density lipoprotein), cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the blood. High total cholesterol is referred to as hypercholesterolemia, which is a subset of hyperlipidemia.

The human body is designed to self-sustain and hence cholesterol, a vital substance for cell membranes, is made by the liver.

However, the trouble starts when there is excess cholesterol present in the blood, either from uncontrolled genetic mutation or external, controllable factors such as diet and sedentary lifestyle habits. Although it

is easier to blame genetics, only a minority of persons suffer from familial hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol due to genetics), which shows up early in the childhood phase.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), familial hypercholesterolemia increases the risk for heart disease 22 times more than a regular patient.

A child as young as eight or 10 years could be diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia.

So it is recommended by the American Heart Association that two blood-cholesterol tests be done, once at ages 9 to 11 and then at ages 17 to 21.

Generally for adults, from age 20 you can initiate checks on your blood-cho-

lesterol levels and repeat every four to six years routinely, so as to keep tabs on your numbers. However, for men, it is recommended that close watch commences from age 35 and from age 40 for women, since there is an accumulative effect associated with a lesser active lifestyle.

Unlike the blood pressure and blood sugar where numbers can be changed drastically in a short time span, it must be noted that the cholesterol numbers go up at a slower pace and hence do not warrant frequent testing. Coronary risk can be calculated and projection of a coronary event within a 10-year span could be deduced if adjustments are not made. Sometimes

the number can climb dangerously high so stealthily, since the majority of persons do not exhibit signs and symptoms. It is only in the associated genetic disorder that fatty deposits may be noted in the eyes and skin to indicate high cholesterol.

Statistics, which are more readily available from developed countries, indicate that 71 million Americans, or one in eight persons, have high cholesterol, the leading cause for morbidity and mortality.

This is a precursor to heart attacks and strokes. Treatment for this type of genetic condition decreases your incidence of heart attack by 80 per cent overall in both genders, where men are at higher risk than women by age 50. It is the 50s and 60s age group that mostly experience heart attacks and strokes.

There are slight variances in guidelines between USA and Canada/ European countries. Getting acquainted with your most recent numbers puts you in the driver’s seat to make any required adjustments. Generally, total cholesterol should be below 180-200mg/dL for adults and up to 160mg/ dl in children and total triglycerides should be below 150mg/dL in adults. Borderline ends at a maximum of an additional 40mg/dL for cholesterol (maximum is 240mg/dL) and upper limit of 50mg/dL more for triglycerides (200mg/dL).

The severity of the condition depends on the levels of high or very high and dictates the corresponding strengths of medications a

physician will prescribe.

The recommended initial diagnosis must be done by a physician having taken a proper history and risk factors into consideration.

It is not advisable to do a random rapid test without a12-hour fast (only water allowed), prior to the sample of blood taken.

Treatment may vary and includes statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin and rouvastatin are generics used locally or under the brands of Zocor, Lipitor and Crestor respectively), fibrates (gemfibrozil), and sometimes niacin. Diet and exercise are vital as a preventative or maintenance strategy, once the numbers are within range or borderline, for example 190mg/dl in adults. However, when the readings are in 200s or higher, medication intervention are mandatory to accelerate the drop in cholesterol.

Continuous use of the medication (statins) stabilise plagues in the blood vessels and reduce the associated inflammations, thereby preventing a plague from breaking off and blocking off blood supply in the arteries of a heart causing a heart attack or in the brain causing a stroke.

Like with all medications there are some associated side effects with some of the medications, but those are mostly mild and transient and in very rare cases are cause for concern.

The benefits of preventing a heart attack, stroke, peripheral disease (where a plague can be lodged in the legs, arms, head or stomach) or the resultant amputation of a limb, far outweigh the risks of nausea, diarrhoea/ constipation and muscle soreness associated with

the side effects. Adjustments such as lowering strengths, switching to a different statins or a short “break” in the treatment dictated by only your physician are some of the ways to monitor the situation.

New studies are indicating a slight increase in type 2 diabetes, but only in a minority nine per cent of statin users. Some persons noticed memory loss or confusion whilst on statins. In many cases co-enzyme Q-10 has a potential therapeutic target for cardiac damage due to hyperlipidemia and also may relieve the associated muscle soreness.

Reducing your trans and saturated fats intake is a major goal for such patients. Fried foods, red meat, whole milk and pastries should be avoided at all costs. Limits also should be placed on sugar and salt contained foods.

Read the labels where available so that you can make better choices. To preserve your heart health your diet must include fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains, poultry, fish and vegetable oils.

Smoking and salt intake are two key, immediate lifestyle adjustments, since they also contribute to the hardening of arteries.

For further pharmacological guidance and physician referral, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@ gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg.

Tel #225-5142.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Guyana’s Republic Day musings PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali made his case for a united Guyana under the ‘One Guyana’ platform on Guyana’s Republic Day Anniversary this year.

President Ali also examined 10 key areas that he said are critical to making Guyana prosperous in the future if Guyanese appreciate and understand their roles and responsibilities.

Among the key areas that the President dealt with were character, attitude, value and belief system, achievable targets, country positioning and governance system.

Ali, from the outset, said his government was open to constructive criticism and ideas from society.

But here, he noted that any criticism must not be based on selfish agenda, biases, perception, propaganda, and feelings.

The President stressed that they must be rooted in facts, truth and reality to cause a rapid positive change in Guyana.

Firstly, President Ali’s address hit the nail on its head. It was good to see him not shying away from saying what needed to be said strongly and truthfully about Guyana, Guyanese, the present and the future.

It certainly hit the nay-

sayers and the people who are impediments to Guyana’s progress and forward movement.

Similarly, his address stripped some public commentators, human rights bodies, civil society organisations and politicians of their credibility, thereby exposing their tendency to show double standards, biases, and selfish agendas.

These bodies need to get the truth first, examine it, and then meet with the government about their concerns.

This is the way under the ‘One Guyana’ platform instead of putting out false narratives based on their perception of situations and projects.

Secondly, President Ali’s speech was pellucidly clear, patriotic, stern and optimistic about how Guyana would transcend the ‘One Guyana’ vision.

In comparison, politician and soon-to-be Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, appeared to be pessimistic, negative and dull-drum.

Norton even said that should the PNC/APNU+AFC’s team become the government that it would remove the burden of Guyanese paying personal income taxes.

How did Norton plan

to do this? Why was this great plan not expounded upon further?

Why did the PNC/APNU+AFC Government not do this? What are the implications and studies done on the removal of personal income taxes at today’s figures, if any? Norton offered no insights or answers!

Maybe, this was just done to score cheap political points on Republic Day, just like social cohesion, shared governance and national unity talk that former President David Granger talked about so well but remained elusive concepts.

He then sought to praise the legacy of former President Forbes Burnham

while he struggled through the remainder of his scripted Republic Day message that included several errors of fact.

Besides the poor lighting, he could not have made contact with his audience through the cameras because his eyes were glued to his script.

Norton’s presentation lacked truth and facts to be taken seriously.

It was poor in content and did not even offer Guyanese a counter plan.

It was a disappointment and fell short of gripping the attention of the Guyanese people that had high hopes ahead of Norton’s reintroduction into Parliament to hold the govern-

ment accountable.

It is clear as day that Norton is no Opposition Leader material and maybe a polarising PNC-politician.

Thirdly, Guyana needs a new political culture and a system to restart building trust and confidence among the main political parties if the dream of having ‘One Guyana’ is ever to become a reality.

The paper titled “Towards greater inclusive governance in Guyana Building trust to achieve genuine political co-operation” presented by then President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2003 is still relevant.

It can be remodelled to suit the reality in 2022.

Its framework has the tool necessary for the formation of ‘One Guyana’ that is free from the allegations of racism, discrimination and disharmony.

Unless a clear pathway is established for dialogue to take place in Guyana that is acceptable to both parties, there will continue to be suspicion. Likewise, motives will come under the microscope. Added to that, policies and resources allocation will be judged on distorted criteria.

President Ali should take up this as a salient matter in our society on his ‘One Guyana’ platform towards achieving higher levels of inclusivity and good governance.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Caribbean leaders highlight continued role for oil and gas in regional economies LAST week, the International Energy Conference and Expo in Georgetown concluded, after three days of discussions on industry trends and announcements of future projects.

During the event, representatives from the political sphere and the energy industry shared ideas and insights while highlighting upcoming business and investment opportunities for Guyana.

During the expo, many discussions focused on an emerging global debate about what the energy transition looks like in countries that rely on fossil fuel revenues to grow economically. Foreign investors are paying close attention to Guyana and its resources, as the global demand for oil continues to grow.

During the conference, the Prime Minster of Barbados, Mia Mottley, spoke to developing countries’ right to participate in the development of their country. “We cannot save the earth and sacrifice our people,” said Mottley, who also stressed that without the opportunity for citizens to participate meaningfully in their country’s development, disruption could follow.

She elaborated that despite some pushes from the industrialised world to limit development, emerging nations must be given the opportunity to leverage their own natural resources and cannot be expected to miss their opportunity, in order to compensate for pollution created by developed countries.

Pointing to historical underinvestment in the

Caribbean as a result of colonisation, Prime Minister Mottley called for reparatory justice while also emphasizing that countries must balance equity and justice with economic wellbeing when developing their natural resources.

The Prime Minister also alluded to Guyana’s unique position as a developing country with the opportunity for “transformational economic development” due to the booming oil sector.

Despite calls last year from some quarters to limit development, leaders of the U.S., U.K. and other wealthy countries have since called for more oil and gas production to help meet surging global demand amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. That helps preserve oil as one of the most viable nearterm pathways to wealth for many small countries, even as they pursue cleaner energy sources simultaneously.

“You’re going to see the oil revenue going towards increasing welfare, being spent on getting world-class education to all of our people, improving their access and quality of healthcare for Guyanese because we believe that sustainable spending, building out the infrastructure for a modern economy will stimulate non-oil growth” Vice President Jagdeo said, reflecting Guyana’s commitment to leveraging economic growth to improve life for its citizens.

He also noted priorities such as “education, health and ensuring that the oil money is not wasted and it

goes towards stimulating the non-oil sector, enhancing our democratic institutions, fighting aggressively to ensure that the prevailing condition in Guyana will always be one of democracy and we’re very grateful for international partners.”

Ensuring a steady flow of investments into Guyana can help ensure the country continues to have full control over its resources and its own needs for development. President Irfaan Ali supported those sentiments, making it clear that “[Guyana is] welcoming capital, but the capital must come at the right price.” He went on to declare that “the path we’re pursuing because it is a path that must bring prosperity as quickly as possible for our people.”

With geopolitical issues rattling markets and raising questions about major traditional oil producers, oil and gas continue to exhibit strong performance and remain in high demand. Regional leaders showed broad alignment on the principle that responsible oil and gas production in the Caribbean can and will exist side by side with the energy transition for years to come and will continue to be a crucial path to development.

Now more than ever, peaceful and stable producers like Guyana and other Caribbean nations can play an important and positive role in meeting critical global demands, while improving their own standards of living and paving the way for their own clean energy transitions.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

850 graduate from WIIN training as new training hall unveiled –– hosts first-ever girls empowerment day

THE Ministry of Human Services unveiled a spanking new training hall while hosting the historic girls’ empowerment day and Women Investment and Innovation (WIIN) graduation for 850 persons on Saturday.

The training hall and administrative block is located at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI), Cove and John, East Coast Demerara and has been aiding women and girls to at-

under the GWLI’s WIIN training programme continue to roll out.

Minister Persaud said, “Our focus is on the empowerment of girls and women and a big part of this drive is to create an enabling environment, equipped with all the resources they need to achieve success. All the services are accessible and free. The response has been overwhelming and we are amplifying our efforts this year. I warmly congratulate

hari was also happy to be part of the learning experience.

She noted, “I came into contact with the programme via social media and I did two courses. I am happy I did it because it will help me in my profession since I am a nurse in training.”

Senior Training Officer, Sanjay Pooran said, “This new space which Minister has termed the ‘Empowerment space’ will help us help women and girls really transition from a state of de-

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, facilitates a tour of the new training hall and administrative block to fellow Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps tain gender equality, while, simultaneously, providing training, support and assistance to become economically empowered since 1997.

The building was in a state of disrepair for a long time. However, when subject minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, assumed office in 2020, a comprehensive review of the mandate of GWLI was taken, leading to a massive rehabilitation project.

There has been a complete renovation of the hall, administrative block and is now complete with modern equipment, air conditioning and new furniture. The new computer laboratory is also housed there. Minister Persaud gave those in attendance a personal tour of the new facility.

These upgrades are integral to GWLI performing its mandate as new courses

the women and girls and commit to sustainable support.”

Also, over 800 persons graduated today from a twoweek training offered by the Ministry of Human Services, through the WIIN programme. Of this, 250 participants came from Region Five while 600 were from Region Four.

Malica Rajkumar, a 26-year-old teacher was in full praise of the Ministry for providing her with the opportunity to be trained under the child care programme.

She said, “I did a face-toface training and it was much fun; the lecturer was very jovial. I want to thank her and the Ministry of Human Services. With the knowledge I would have gained I will put into practice with my family and also my job.”

Chandrowti Jagdeo-Be-

pendency to economic freedom. The WIIN programme will facilitate technical and vocational training which opens the door in the areas of employment, micro-enterprise development and even elevation in their careers.

This space creates the right environment to enable a safe, free and modern form of learning.”

Meanwhile, the first-ever girls empowerment day, which is a partnership with UNICEF under the Spotlight Initiative, aimed to promote a sense of self-worth as well as the girls’ ability to determine their own choices. The beneficiaries were also equipped with the necessary skills to influence social change for themselves and others. The participants included girls who participated in the StoryBoard Initiative.

Among the topics dis-

Some of the graduates proudly display their certificates

cussed during the seminar were menstrual and personal hygiene, coping with bullying and peer pressure, practical money skills, moral education, importance of exercise, positive effects on mental health, sexual and reproductive health.

Spotlight Coordinator, Anuradha Persaud said, “As we know when women and girls are supported, they gain opportunities to speak up for their rights, and to advocate for their communities.

They are also able to rise in social standing, and they can feed this into future generations enabling us to create sustainable change and ultimately to end violence against women and girls.” (Ministry of Human Services and Social Security press release)

Minister of Human Services, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (centre), cuts the ribbon to open the new training hall dubbed ‘the empowerment space’

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

‘Possible that missing fishing vessel sank further than anticipated’

–– says Captain Flores as search continues for missing fishermen AS the search continues for three fishermen who are feared drowned, Captain John Flores, Director of Maritime Safety at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) told

the Sunday Chronicle that the teams being deployed are exploring the possibility that the vessel may have sunk lower than initially anticipated.

Over the past six days, a search-and-rescue team has

been trying to locate the missing men. The team has been using a vessel from MARAD and two trawlers from Noble House Seafoods, the company that owns the sunken vessel, to aid search efforts.

Captain Flores told the Sunday Chronicle that the team has been widening its search area from the last triangulated location of the vessel, making room for any potential movement of the vessel caused by a change in tide.

Missing are Captain Harold Anthony Damon, 45; crew member Ronald Burton, 78, and Winston Sam, 46. Damon, the father of three, and Burton, a father of 10, are residents of Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

According to information provided by Vincent Dazzell, who survived the ordeal and was rescued by a passing vessel, the seabob trawler capsized and sank some 26 miles from the Mahaica River offshore Guyana last week Saturday.

According to reports, the missing fishermen may be trapped underneath the overturned vessel.

Dazzell had told relatives of the missing men and the police that he and his colleagues had noticed that the vessel was

taking in water in the engine room and elsewhere, but there was nothing they could do to staunch the leaks at the time.

He said the captain had tried to make contact with ‘Noble House’ to relate what had happened, but the radio transmission had become became distorted. Dazzell said the captain was searching for his cellphone when the vessel capsized, causing everyone on board to leap overboard.

Dazzell further related that the captain and others began shouting for help, and it was a nearby fishing vessel that heard their calls and rushed to help. However, he was the only one that was found.

In a statement released last week, ‘Noble House’ said it was deeply saddened by the incident involving the fourman crew and motor vessel, WorldFriends 307, and that it is concerned about the disappearance of the three crew members.

The company explained that upon learning of the incident, management met with

relatives of the missing men, and will continue to inform them of all developments as they unfold.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn recently told the media that contrary to reports, ‘Noble House’ had not informed the relevant authorities that the vessel was in distress. He said that the first report was made 24 hours after the vessel had sunk.

“Our understanding is that there was no information passed on to the lighthouse or MARAD of the accident; it was approximately 24 hours before there was any official knowledge of the incident,” Minister Benn said, adding that the first inkling the authorities had that there was an accident at sea was when ranks at the Mahaica Police Station reported the rescue of the lone survivor.

Further, MARAD Director-General Stephen Thomas had explained to the media recently that difficulties at sea are expected to be made known to the agency by those on the vessel by way of a distress signal on an emergency channel.

“All vessels are required to have a card with the distress procedure; so, should there be an emergency, they would call all stations. Any vessel within the vicinity would hear them, and come to their assistance,” Thomas said, adding: “We have so far had no record of calls being made from the vessel on the emergency channel.”

Last Monday, during a joint media briefing held by Minister Benn and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, it was disclosed that a seven-member multi-agency Board of Inquiry (BoI) has been set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the mishap offshore.

The members of BoI are Mr. Yulander Hughes of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD); Captain Flores; Mr. Ronald Charles of the Ministry of Public Works; Lt. Rawle Williams of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Coast Guard; Senior Superintendent Ewart Wray of the Guyana Police Force’s Marine Unit; Mr. Dwayne Vyphuis of the Ministry of Labour; and Mr. Denzil Roberts, who is Head of the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Agriculture.

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Guyana, regional partners zero in on ‘threat to global peace’ with Ukraine-Russia crisis

GUYANA has joined with numerous other partners in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The country is also exploring how that crisis may impact the stability of the Latin America and Caribbean and global peace, generally.

On Friday night, the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that subject Minister Hugh Todd spoke with the Foreign Ministers of Colombia and Brazil to discuss the ongoing crisis.

These talks are part of a string of engagements Guy-

Reuters reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces were repelling Russian troops advancing on Kyiv on Saturday, as Western nations announced they were shipping more weapons to help the country’s outgunned military.

Importantly, too, the United States of America (USA), Canada and key European countries, including Germany, have agreed to remove “selected Russian banks” from the Swift payment system, the countries

A hospital in Novovolynsk, western Ukraine, is moving their patients to an underground shelter to keep them safe following air raid sirens (Photo credit: World Health Organization) anese authorities have been holding with regional and international partners to discuss Russia’s actions. Already, Guyana has been participating in talks at the United Nations’ (UN) level.

Following the engagements on Friday, Colombia’s Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marta Ramírez said that Guyana and Colombia discussed how the Ukraine- Russia crisis would impact the security of Europe and the stability of the Latin America and Caribbean region.

She said this via her official Twitter account, where she also noted that Guyana and Colombia will continue to engage the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UN, and support efforts at maintaining global peace and security.

Similarly, a tweet from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed Minister Todd’s engagement with Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Alberto Franco França.

According to the Brazilian Ministry, the two ministers reaffirmed their concern regarding the military operations in Ukraine. They also both agreed that the hostilities need to be suspended immediately and both parties should seek a diplomatic solution to their issues.

On Saturday, Russian forces continued to attack Ukraine with citizens in the capital city, Kyiv, bracing for missile attacks from Russia.

announced on Saturday.

Swift, the UK Guardian noted, is the world’s main international payments network. Several countries have already expressed support for locking Russia out of the platform, and Germany, which had previously opposed the measure, lent its support earlier today.

While those countries rolled out more sanctions against Russia, Guyana joined several regional partners in a Declaration on “The situation in Ukraine” which noted countries’ alarm at Russia’s actions and condemned the aggression and hostilities.

The Declaration, inter alia, also reiterated the importance of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and of respect for the sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

This Declaration was presented to the OAS by the Permanent Missions of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahama, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA and Venezuela.

Though Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has signalled his support of Russia’s actions, it is important to note that the OAS has, however, recognised the envoy of Venezuelan oppo-

sition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s official delegate to the group. This explains why Venezuela is part of the OAS Declaration.

The OAS was also among one of the first bodies to condemn Russia’s actions when the invasion first started on Thursday.

Later, the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued statements too. Those statements strongly condemned Russia’s actions and called for a return to global peace and security.

Smoke and flames rise during shelling near Kyiv, as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine on Saturday (Photo credit: CNN International)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Schooling, rehabilitation for prisoners

–– Home Affairs Minister says more humane, empathetic systems to be implemented THE majority of the 1,968 persons incarcerated in prisons across the country are young men whose lives are being wasted behind bars.

As such, the government will be investing heavily in providing opportunities and facilities to ensure their proper reintegration into society as productive people while curbing recidivism.

This is according to Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who made the remarks during the 52nd Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony held recently at the Region Five Regional Democratic Council, compound, Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.

“We want those young men to come out of the prisons trained, rehabilitated,

consulted, treated more humanely, more aware of what their duties should be in reintegrating into the society and in the places in which they have to go to after leaving the prison system. “…that they will be accepted back into the society and society is safer as a result of the experience they would have had in their incarceration,” Benn explained.

The government, he said, is investing huge amounts of monies in new prisons and systems in which modern facilities will be available, including at the Lusignan prison.

“This prison will have a school, an infirmary better suited as a modern treatment centre for the care of prisoners; proper places where the families can visit and week-

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn end situations, and we want them growing their own food and involving themselves in more meaningful activities and this is very important for us, because we don’t want people doing the bad things and returning to prisons, we want to reduce recidivism in our prison system,” the Home Affairs Minister explained.

According to the 2022 national budget, the government is aiming to enhance prison infrastructure with the earmarked sum of $2.3 billion, while $88.9 million was set aside to train inmates in areas such as anger management, literacy and numeracy, tailoring, among others, in an effort to reduce recidivism.

Minister Benn said what government intends to pursue is a more humane modern empathetic system for various services.

WORK OF JOINT SERVICES Meanwhile, Minister Benn noted that the Joint Services should not be seen as instruments of oppression but systems of service in maintaining the development of the country.

“We want to have a situation where we can respect each other more and where we can love each other more.

We have gone to the same schools, we look after each other’s children, we come from the same communities and, in spite of the quarrels now and again, we know that we are better together as Guyanese people and that is what we want for the development of our country,” he disclosed.

Additionally, Minister Benn said that within this

century a new vision of being Guyanese should evolve and passed on to the next generation.

“We have been given a better life than our parents I believe, and we want to assure that we can give our children and the next generation of Guyanese a better life and we can only do this if we accept diversity in our institutions…[ If we accept and understand and interpret our lives and the way we live together, it will be of benefit for all of us and our future,” Minister Benn told the gathering “If we accept and understand and interpret our lives and the way we live together, as being of benefit for all of us and for the future and learn to love each other and more empathetic in our relations amongst each other,” Minister Benn told the gathering.

Further, he noted that the integrity of the Joint Services and the community policing groups are very important as citizens are free to identify and give suggestions, which can be acted upon in order to avoid negative things from happening within the communities.

“Whether it’s domestic violence, violence against children, or perhaps when we imbibe too much and decide to fight amongst ourselves and do something that is grievous which brings tragedy and trauma, we want to reduce these things,” he said.

Additionally, the Home Affairs Minister noted that the government will launch and pilot a programme this year titled “Increase the peace in Guyana”.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Massive Hope wind farm project closer to reality –– as Environmental Impact Assessment gets greenlight –– company in talks with GPL to provide power

THE massive Hope wind farm project, which could become Guyana’s first large-scale wind- energy facility, is closer to reality after the independent Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) approved the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

An updated EIA for the construction and op-

natural gas and renewable energy sources such as hydropower and wind and solar energy.

This proposed wind farm is expected to annually generate over 50 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, which will be delivered to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL)’s grid and will lessen Guyana’s reliance on fossil

The area where the Hope wind farm project will be constructed (Photo taken from EIA document) eration of a wind farm at Hope Beach and Chapman’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) was uploaded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s website on Friday.

On Saturday, the EPA’s Executive Director Kemraj Parsram confirmed that the project was indeed approved by the EAB “several weeks ago” and later said it was approved in the latter half of December.

The updated EIA is dated December 3, 2021.

The project proposes the construction of four wind turbines along the coast at Hope Beach, ECD, outboard of the Lowland/Hope to Ann’s Grove Villages and two additional wind turbines in the Chapman’s Grove area, two kilometres (KM) farther to the south-east of Hope Beach.

According to reports, the project will cost an estimated US$35 million. And it is part of a wider plan to diversify Guyana’s energy production, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as diesel, which emit gases that are harmful to the environment.

This is in keeping with the government’s ambitious, updated Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which seeks to meet Guyana’s increasing electricity demand through the use of

fuels for power generation.

Now that the EAB has granted its approval for the project, the EPA can start the process of granting the much-needed environmental permit. With this permit, the company can commence construction.

“Now, the EPA is making its decision whether to approve the project. We have to take the recommendations from the EAB and determine whether we will issue the permit and under what conditions,” Parsram told the Sunday Chronicle.

The EAB is an independent body that reviews projects and their potential environmental and social risks.

This board was chaired by Omkar Lochan, but the life of the board expired in December 2021.

When applications for proposed projects are received by the EPA, they are screened to determine whether an EIA is required.

According to the EPA, if they find that an EIA is not required, a public notice is placed in the newspaper, outlining the EPA’s decision.

TALKS WITH GPL At the recently concluded International Energy Conference and Expo, General Manager of the Hope Energy Development (HED) Inc., John Sydow,

highlighted that the company was in talks with GPL to finalise a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement Through this agreement, a developer establishes and operates the system and a customer (in this case, GPL), purchases the elec-

tricity produced by the system. And Sydow told the conference that once this agreement is finalised, it is likely that construction will commence.

In addition to the construction of the wind turbines needed to generate the electricity, the project will

involve the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

In addition to this wind farm, the project will also feature a 20-megawatt solar farm. This, Sydow explained, will be to supplement the wind energy produced, so that even when

wind speed is low the project will have solar energy too.

With the combined renewable energy courses, Sydow said, “This is much, much better than we had thought that was possible when we first started this project.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

48 families of Cameron Dam to be relocated –– New area will have electricity, water & better road infrastructure

Ministers Collin Croal and Priya Manickchand during the meeting with families of Cameron Dam, Canal Number One

SOME forty eight families at Cameron Dam, Canal Number One, Region Three, are expected to see an improvement in their living standards, through a relocation programme by the Ministry of Housing and Water - Central Housing & Planning Authority (CHPA).

According to the Ministry of Housing, the families have been occupying a gov-

A section of the gathering at Cameron Dam, Canal Number One ernment reserve for approximately 15 years without proper access to electricity, potable water, or basic infrastructure.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal along with Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, met with the families recently.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Ishan Ayube; Regional Vice-chairman, Mr. Omesh Satyanand, a team from CHPA and other officials were also present.

Minister Croal stated that the ministry will be taking a humanitarian approach to the situation. As such, the families will be integrated into a developed housing scheme and benefit from basic amenities.

“In the area we have planned for the relocation, you will finally be able to have legal connections to electricity and water. You can also enjoy access to better roads and necessary infrastructure,” Minister Croal

told the residents.

Further, Minister Croal related that residents will also be able to receive their Land Titles, which will provide several other economic and social benefits.

He also explained that the area at Cameron Dam would have been set aside for other development long before the families began their occupation.

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand reassured residents that an Education Officer will be dispatched to the area to facilitate transfers for parents who are desirous of moving their children to a school closer to their new homes.

This she said will be done systematically to minimize disruption in the lives of the learners. In the coming weeks, a team from CHPA will be returning to the area to conduct surveys and complete the verification process.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Over 500 children found during ‘Operation Recovery’

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–– school supplies, other assistance being provided THE first day of ‘Operation Recovery’ saw education officers making contact and engaging over 500 schoolchildren across the country who were absent from the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) mock examination.

The goal is to reach out to every pupil who did not write the assessment.

The visits were conducted across 538 homes in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10.

Officers in Regions Seven and Eight are in the fields and have not yet submitted the requested data.

Some of the reasons for absenteeism include financial constraints, unstable families, illness, babysitting younger children, migration to the workforce and requirement of school supplies, among others.

For those students the Ministry of Education has undertaken to provide the required assistance and access to welfare officers in some cases, while those who were ill have since returned to the classrooms.

In other cases a number of students have migrated, some have been transferred to other schools where they have written the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) mock examination and others are being homeschooled.

In addition to locating the Grade Six pupils, the exercise is also about finding other children who have not been attending school.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand expressed gratitude to individuals, religious organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and other bodies that have reached out to the ministry to help in achieving its goal of getting every pupil

back into school.

The minister noted that this will be an ongoing exercise and organized partnerships with said bodies are underway. The minister noted that as horrible as the COVID-19 pandemic has been, it has also brought opportunities, one of which will be addressing the issue of drop-outs that has dogged the system for many years.

Chief Education Officer Dr Marcel Hutson noted that the initiative is important now since dropping out of school at such a young age can have lasting effects on pupils’ lives.

“Primary education is a fundamental level, that is an education that is a requirement by law and we want to ensure that we find our children, so we’re doing everything within our power and we’re applying all of our resources, whether we have to use boats, whether we have to use ATVs, cars, whether we have to walk-sun or shine we’re going to find these children,” he said.

Further, he emphasised that the exercise does not seek to target parents but to provide remediation to those in need ahead of the NGSA in June.

“I just want parents to know that this is not an attack on parents, it is not an attack on anybody; we want to find out why they’re not in school and maybe what kind of help that they may need to get into the school system, because we have to face that some people have serious problems because of the pandemic,” the CEO said.

In some regions, required assistance has already been provided to the parents to ensure that the pupils can restart school in the new week.

Operation Recovery is an ongoing process which will be extended to the other

A team conducting Operation Recovery on Friday last

grades as the Ministry of Education seeks to ensure that every child is educated.

The ministry believes firmly that urgent, practical, sustained measures such as teaching and learning from a consolidated curriculum, the provision of textbooks, re-training

of teachers, using technology in the classroom and Operation Recovery will militate against the expected drop-outs and learning loss to our students and country that research and studies have predicted.

(Ministry of Education press release)

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand speaking to a child and her mother

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Gas-to-energy project could pave way for local cement-manufacturing – ExxonMobil

By Rehana Ahamad

CURRENTLY, cement-manufacturing is one of the important areas that has been significantly stymied due to high electricity costs, but this could soon change with the establishment of Guyana’s landmark US$900-million gas-to-energy project

which is earmarked for a 2024 start-up at the Wales Development Zone in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

This is according to a comprehensive Waste Management Plan crafted by ExxonMobil and its partners, outlining how it intends to tackle waste management in its oil-exploration and pro-

duction operations.

The “cradle-to-the-grave” study outlines the fact that despite growing needs for materials to facilitate Guyana’s construction boom, local cement-manufacturing is not feasible. The document also highlighted the fact that while some investors have attempted to manufacture the material in the past, al-

most all of them have had to shut their doors, even as the country continues to import the product in bulk.

“Historically, a cement-manufacturing operation was started up in December 2014 but ceased operations in October 2017.

As recently as January 2019 a new concrete-mixing plant was commissioned by TCL

Guyana would also be able to utilise waste materials from oil-and-gas production to support its cement-manufacturing endeavours Guyana/CEMEX, but this new plant relies on imported cement manufactured abroad,” the report indicated.

Admittedly, the previous A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) had called for local and foreign investors to examine the possibility to starting up cement-manufacturing operations here; however, little to no efforts were made to create conditions where such ventures would or could become feasible.

Fast forward to 2022, the energy mix being embarked on by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government signals a major turnaround in the construction industry. “…the proposed gas-topower project offers up the potential to change [the] cement-manufacturing economics in Guyana,” the report outlined.

It was noted that currently, in addition to high energy costs, one of the largest barriers to the establishment of cement-manufacturing outlets in Guyana is the lack of primary raw materials, more specifically, limestone.

“There are no extensive limestone deposits located in northern Guyana, so all bulk limestone materials would have to be imported from the Caribbean Region,” the study explained.

But even with the lack of sufficient limestone here, the report indicated that “It is possible that low-cost energy resulting from the proposed gas-to-power project could offset the high costs of importing raw materials from the distant Caribbean Region.”

This could make the prospect of cement-manufacturing in Guyana more

feasible.

“However, the overall feasibility of such an endeavour would require a detailed economic analysis as well as the interest of a multi-national cement manufacturer,” the oil conglomerate said.

It noted too that outside of low energy costs, the ongoing oil operations also lends to the emergence of a thriving cement-manufacturing industry, should systems be put in place to utilise alternative fuel and raw materials (AFR) emanating from local petroleum production.

The AFR programmes, according to the study, uses waste materials, including used tyres, used oil, oily waste-waters, organic chemical wastes, and other wastes with calorific or elemental value into the cement-production process.

The oil-and-gas development and production wastes best suited for treatment in cement co-processing include alternative raw materials such as all drill cuttings and alternative fuels, such as oily sludges, oily rags, contaminated packaging, and other hydrocarbon wastes.

According to the study, waste co-processing and the use of AFR are intended to be substituted for the use of traditional kiln fuels such as coal or diesel fuel, as well as certain raw materials such as (shale, clay, etc in the cement-manufacturing process, “which uses high-temperature kilns to produce the cement clinker product.

“The primary benefits of the use of cement co-processing for treatment of these wastes are: reliable and effective treatment of hydrocarbon-based hazardous wastes; See page 21

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Foundation laid for new $614M fire service HQ

THE foundation has already been laid for the new $614 million Guyana Fire Service headquarters which is to be relocated to Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, and is expected to be completed within a 14-month period.

Speaking at the Fire Advisory Board’s outreach on Friday last, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn said that the current fire service headquarters at the Stabroek area is too congested and has to be improved.

He said with the new equipment being brought in, a new layout is needed as well as modern architecture, all in an effort to improve the efficiency of the fire service.

Minister Benn indicated that the relocation of the Guyana Fire Service will help increase emergency-response timings, given that they will be away from the heavily congested Stabroek Market area.

The new fire station is being built on three and a half

acres of land. The relocation of the Central Fire Station had been under discussion for some years, consequent to recognising the Stabroek Market area being radically transformed.

A contract of $614 million was signed with Mohammed’s Enterprise last November, after Budget 2021 saw some $1.9 billion earmarked to enhance the capacity of the fire service.

Last year, Minister Benn told the media that not only is the personnel being trained and infrastructure and support equipment being developed, but that President, Dr Irfaan Ali has mandated him to re-establish the fire mains and hydrants in the city and in the new housing areas.

“There was always the debate on whether the responsibility was with Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) or with the fire service … we’ve now taken the position that fire service will pay attention to the hydrants, the restoration but the mains will

Gas-to-energy project could pave way for ...

From page 20 the elimination of all landfill disposal of residual wastes; more consistent treatment of waste,” the study indicated.

It also advised that planning for any and all future cement-manufacturing operations in Guyana should consider provisions for waste co-processing and the use of AFR. Some examples of the ‘other’ types of fuels used by plants are engineered fuels, refuse-derived fuels, agriwaste, biomass, carpet, plastics, rice hulls, sawdust, textile waste, and wood.

Alternative fuels are also currently being used in cement plants in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina.

Nonetheless, with preparatory works on the gas-to-energy project slated

to come on stream soon, and with the construction industry pegged for a 10.5 per cent growth, Guyana has already begun to field interests in local cement-manufacturing.

It was only last year that a Guyanese-owned company named Vas Energy Incorporated kickstarted a venture to establish a US$100M stateof-the-art cement plant at La Resource, Essequibo Coast, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The project plant will have the capacity to manufacture hydraulic cement, suitable for sea defence projects for not only the entire country, but neighbouring countries as well.

Previous reports have indicated that the new cement plant would essentially reduce the cost of imported cement by 30 per cent.

With the gas-to-energy project slated for a 2024 start-up, local cement production could become feasible

have to come from GWI,” he had said.

All of the major developments contemplated are against the backdrop of the orthodox methods of fire-fighting in Guyana.

Minister Benn urged that businesses and even homeowners take it upon themselves to educate themselves on fire safety and prevention and equip their premises with fire-fighting devices such as smoke detectors and sprinklers.

Ongoing construction of the new Guyana Fire Service headquarters (Delano Williams photo)

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

Four more die from COVID-19; 35 new cases recorded THE Ministry of Health has reported that four more persons who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, taking the death toll to 1,220.

An 89-year-old unvaccinated woman; a 53-yearold unvaccinated man; an 81-year-old man, whose vaccination status is unknown – all from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) - and an 89-year-old unvaccinated woman from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) are Guyana’s latest fatalities.

There are currently 742 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 35 new cases on February 26, 2022.

The 35 newly confirmed cases were recorded in Regions Three, Four, Five, Seven and Nine.

Region Three recorded three new cases; Region Four recorded 25 new cases; Region Five recorded two new cases; Region Seven recorded three new cases; and Region Nine recorded two new cases.

The country has now recorded a total of 62,891 cases since March 2020.

Of the active cases, 10 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 30 are in institutional isolation; 702 are in home isolation, and 12 are in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until February 28, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions related to the pandemic.

As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 27, 2022

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

‘We want to take this seriously’, says President’s XI head...

FROM BACK PAGE championship, and represents several of the best performers who failed to make the Test squad.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes batsman Devon Thomas, who pummeled a hundred and two half-centuries in three innings, is part of the unit along with leftarm fast bowling all-rounder, Raymon Reifer, who averaged 46 with the bat and snatched a six-wicket

haul in his appearances for Barbados Pride.

Griffith said it was important all players tried to replicate their recent form.

“When I look back at the four-day I thought the guys that were selected in this President’s XI team, I think you had a lot of performances from them,” he pointed out.

“Raymon Reifer, I think

he was outstanding and Devon Thomas, I thought he had a good run as well. Sherman Lewis who is back, he showed some good impressive spells and you even had Bryan Charles from Trinidad who I thought bowled well.

“It’s a good mixture of experience and the youth.

Guys like Reifs (Reifer), the captain Dowrich, Devon Thomas – they’ve been

around the block a little while and they understand what they have to do to help these younger players … so they can bring the performances when that time comes.”

England, who underwent a full training session here Saturday, will be looking to maximise the outing, as it represents their only warmup game ahead of the first

Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

And Griffith believes this will provide the ultimate test of character for the President’s XI. “They have to take responsibility. You don’t want to put everything down their throats,” he noted.

“You want to see them learn, you want to see them play situations and when the

situation comes and it gets tough, that is where we want to tick those boxes.”

SQUAD – Shane Dowrich (captain), Raymon Reifer (vice-captain), Colin Archibald, Alick Athanaze, K e a c y C a r t y, B r y a n Charles, Shermon Lewis, Preston McSween, Shayne Moseley, Jeremy Solozano, Shamar Springer, Devon Thomas.

GBA drops Allicock from AMBC...

FROM BACK PAGE of his flaws. He’s an exceptional talent, but of course, some corrections had to be made to his form and technique. He was remorseful after we told him of our decision and he has promised to do better in the future,” Daniels explained.

This is not the first time that Allicock’s commitment is under the microscope.

In 2019, the GBA had suspended Allicock from National duties following similar instances of refusal or his inability to report to training.

“Talent must be accompanied by discipline and for

anyone to reach their goal, they have to embrace those qualities,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA president, who also sits as a vice-president of the AMBC, reasoned that “there’s a new National coach, Mr Lennox Daniels, and Mr Daniels alone did not make that decision. It was made by the Coaches Commission. As a matter of fact, that decision came from most coaches on the Commission.”

“We have put, in the hands of the Coaches Commission, the right to select teams. In the past it was that the executives were selecting the teams, but

we do not do that now. We accept that decision that has been made, and we do hope that all other boxers will understand that you must put your shoulders to the wheel,” Ninvalle said.

Allicock is considered the ‘darling’ of Amateur boxing in Guyana. The 22-year-old is a Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist and recently, he became the first boxer since John Douglas to represent us at the Olympic Games.

However, though Allicock is sitting at the top of the food chain in the English-speaking Caribbean, Ninvalle pointed out that

“there are no sacred cows in the GBA and if we do not put in 100% then we can expect to extract 100%.”

According to Ninvalle, “As president of the GBA I’m personally concerned in the turn of development.

We have to understand that we have given the Coaches Commission the right to do their job and we will have to accept the decision that has been made.”

Ninvalle said he met with Allicock, following the decision to have him suspended from training with the team, and the GBA president noted, “We had a discussion and I do hope

that this will be the last time we would have something like that while he remains in the amateur ranks. We know that he has tremendous talent, but talent alone does not get you to your goal.

You need to make sure that talent has a companion in discipline. The other members of the team will go ahead preparing.”

The medallists in each of 13 men and 12 women weight categories, in Ecuador, according to the AMBC, will receive prize money, US$10 000 for first place, US$5 000 (second) and US$2 500 for third place.

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 74 leads India to victory FROM PAGE 44 off 43 balls with a boundary off Chahal, before he and Shanaka went all-out. Shanaka launched Harshal for two sixes in a 19-run 17th over, while Nissanka used the lap and the reverse lap to help take 14 off Bumrah in the 18th.

Bhuvneshwar was the next to bear the brunt as Shanaka hit successive balls for six and four. Bhuvneshwar dismissed Nissanka with the last ball of his spell but Shanaka wasn’t done yet. He smashed Harshal for two

sixes and a four in the 20th over, which also featured four leg-byes and went for 23 in all.

PACE LIKE FIRE If Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah tested the Sri Lanka openers with swing, Dushmantha Chameera and Kumara troubled Indian with raw pace.

Rohit played on to Chameera in the first over; it was the fifth time Chameera had dismissed him in T20Is, the most for any bowler-batter combination.

Kumara began his spell with a 146.7kph thunder-

bolt. With his second ball, he rattled Ishan Kishan by hitting him on the helmet.

I n t h e f i f t h o v e r, Shreyas hit Binura Fernando for three successive fours but Kumara got rid of Kishan with the first ball of the next over. The batter tried to whip one towards midwicket but ended up lobbing it towards mid-on.

S H R E YA S B R E A K S SHACKLES, SAMSON JOINS BELATEDLY India managed just 12 runs from overs six to eight before Shreyas stepped out to left-arm spinner,

Praveen Jayawickrama, and launched him for backto-back sixes. At the halfway stage, India were 80 for 2, needing 104 from the last ten overs. Shreyas hit two more sixes in the next two overs, the first one bringing up his half-century off just 30 balls.

Samson was on 17 off 19 balls before hitting three sixes and a four in Kumara’s third over. He fell off the final ball of the over, trying to fetch another boundary, but the 23 runs from it had brought the equation down to 56

required from seven overs.

JADEJA APPLIES FINISHING TOUCHES For the second match in a row, Jadeja was sent in ahead of Venkatesh.

He opened his account by creaming Chamika Karunaratne through extra-cover and hit three boundaries off the first six balls he faced. Soon, India needed only 31 from 30 balls. In the 16th over, Jadeja got stuck into Chameera, hitting him for three fours and six to all but seal the deal.

(Cricinfo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

Jhulan Goswami is India’s fast bowling pioneer

GREAT individual performances have punctuated the illustrious history of the Women’s World Cup, with quality often rising to the top on the game’s biggest stage.

In the ICC’s Upstox Greatest Players series, we look at some of the best performers in the history of the tournament.

Jhulan Goswami is considered to be one of the great-

est players to still play the game. She has been credited with almost single-handedly initiating the culture of fast bowling in Indian women’s cricket, and inspiring a generation of players.

Having made her debut in January 2002, Goswami has shown no signs of slowing down – she’s still going strong 20 years on – and no player has more women’s ODI wickets than Goswami.

Heading into what will be her fifth ICC Women’s World Cup, Goswami will have a chance to topple yet another record.

Goswami took to the world stage like fish to water in her maiden World Cup in 2005, finishing the tournament with 13 wickets in eight matches as India reached the final. She finished the tour-

nament as the third-highest wicket-taker, behind her teammate Neetu David and Amita Sharma.

She was one of the few bright spots for India in the 2013 World Cup at home, when they crashed out of the tournament in the group stages. The right-arm pacer finished with nine wickets in four games and was India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

Goswami led the Indian attack in the 2017 World Cup all the way to the final, where they fell short against England in a thriller. She scalped 10 wickets in nine matches and was India’s best bowler in the final, returning figures of 3-23 to restrict England to 228-7.

With 36 wickets in the Women’s World Cup, Goswami stands joint-third-highest

Fast bowling pioneer Jhulan Goswami for most wickets in the tournament’s history, tied with former England star Clare Taylor.

She is just three wickets away from equalling and four away from breaking the record for the most World Cup wickets, currently held by the late Lyn Fullston with 39 scalps.

Jhulan Goswami set the stage on fire in her very first Women’s World Cup, playing

a pivotal role in India’s journey to the finals.

In India’s penultimate group stage game, she returned figures of 4-16 to restrict West Indies to 135 all out in Pretoria. She broke the opening stand early, dismissing Nelly Williams in the seventh over of the innings.

She picked up three more wickets in the death overs,

breaking the budding partnership between Verena Felicien and skipper Stephanie Power.

She snared both Power and Debbie-Ann Lewis in the same over, before scalping Felicien in her next.

India chased down the total with 17 overs and eight wickets to spare and Goswami was rightfully awarded the Player-of-the-Match.

In an international career that has spanned more than two decades, Goswami has been the backbone of the Indian bowling attack, with a total of 345 wickets in 275 matches across formats.

In ODIs, she leads the chart for most wickets with 245 wickets, a whopping 71 more than the next active international Anisa Mohammed.

S h e i s a l s o I n d i a ’s third-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 44 wickets, only behind Diana Edulji and Shubhangi Kulkarni. She holds the world record for the youngest player to claim a 10-wicket haul in Tests. She achieved this feat against England at Taunton in 2006, at the age of 23 years 277 days.

She retired from the T20 format in 2018 with 56 wickets to her name and is still the third-highest wicket-taker for India. She still holds the Indian record for the best-bowling figures in a T20I, with 5-11 against Australia in 2012. (ICC Media)

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to face Dmitry Bivol in Las Vegas on May 7

UNDISPUTED world s u p e r- m i d d l e w e i g h t champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will step up to light-heavyweight to fight WBA champion Dmitry Bivol on May 7.

Alvarez, 31, is rated as the world’s leading poundfor-pound male boxer.

His most recent bout was November’s win over American Caleb Plant, becoming the first man to hold the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO super-middleweight crowns.

On facing Russia’s Bivol in Las Vegas, Alvarez said: “It is another great challenge for me and my career.”

Bivol, also 31, is undefeated in his 19 professional bouts, with 11 of the victories coming by knockout.

He has held the WBA light-heavyweight title since

Saul Alvarez boasts a record of 57 wins, two draws and the one loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013 2016, defending the belt 10 times.

Now he will face Mexico’s Alvarez in the first of a multi-fight deal with Matchroom and DAZN, with the second set for September.

“I always wanted to fight only the best. I believe that the rest of my goals will

begin to materialise on May 7,” said Bivol.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn said the multi-fight deal with Alvarez was “an absolute honour”.

“Canelo transcends boxing and is the biggest star in the sport,” said Hearn.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

Rabada fires as NZ let South Africa back into the series (REUTERS) - The tail wagged before Kagiso Rabada rolled New Zealand’s top order as South Africa asserted themselves on the second day of the second Test in a form reversal after their crushing first-Test defeat.

New Zealand were 1575 at stumps in reply to the Proteas’ first innings of 364, which was inflated by a 62run ninth-wicket partnership between Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen.

Colin de Grandhomme struck an unbeaten half-century from 36 balls, then blocked out several overs to be 54 not out when play ended in gathering gloom at nearly 19:00hrs local time.

Daryl Mitchell was 29 not out in an unbroken partnership of 66 for New Zealand’s sixth wicket.

“Obviously this match is very different from the first Test,” Rabada (3-37 from 12 overs) said.

“We’re competing and that’s the way we’re supposed to play. I think we’re in

Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s attack on day two with 3-27 (Getty) a pretty good position here.”

The second day belonged to South Africa, though the first session and the last hour of the day didn’t.

The tourists resumed their first innings at 238-3 after gaining the upper hand on the first day but New Zealand took 4-60 before lunch to re-balance the match South Africa regained the upper hand when Jansen made 37 and Maharaj 36 in a partnership that lifted them to 364, better than par after choosing to bat on winning the toss.

South Africa rookie opener Sarel Erwee had responded with a maiden Test century on the first day

The Proteas were bowled out for 95 and 111 at the same venue, Hagley Oval, in the first Test.

Rabada put South Africa well on top when he dismissed Kiwi captain Tom Latham in the first over and Will Young in the fifth to leave New Zealand 9-2.

South Africa-born Devon Conway (16) fell to Jansen and first Test century-maker Henry Nicholls (39) was out to the same bowler with New Zealand on 83.

It was then 91-5 when Tom Blundell was bowled

Roman Abramovich gives trustees Chelsea ‘stewardship’ CHELSEA’S Russian owner Roman Abramovich says he is “giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care” of the club.

Abramovich, who will remain the club’s owner, has made the move amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The decision also comes a day before Chelsea play Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley.

“I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart,” said Abramovich in a statement.

“I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC. “I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.”

Abramovich one of Russia’s richest people and believed to be close to Russian

Russian Roman Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 president Vladimir Putin, added: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be to-

day, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.”

It is not known yet if Abramovich will be sanctioned as part of the UK government’s measures against Russia.

BBC Sport understands that Chelsea is not for sale and the £1.5B loan their owner gave to the club is not being called in.

Earlier in the week, Labour’s Chris Bryant told MPs he had a leaked Home Office document which suggested Abramovich should not be able to base himself in the UK. Downing Street would not be drawn on the claims about Abramovich made in the House of Commons.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had said on Friday that there were “so many uncertainties around the situation of our club” following Russia’s invasion of a neighbouring country.

by Rabada without offering a shot, before de Grandhomme and Mitchell helped avert further damage.

SCORBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings o\n 238-3 Dean Elgar b Tim Southee 41 Sarel Erwee c Tom Blundell b Matt Henry 108 Aiden Markram c Daryl Mitchell b Neil Wagner 42 Rassie van der Dussen c Daryl Mitchell b Neil Wagner 35 Temba Bavuma b Matt Henry 29 Kyle Verreynne c Tom Latham b Matt Henry 4 Wiaan Mulder c Tom Blundell b Neil Wagner 14 Marco Jansen not out 37 Kagiso Rabada c Daryl Mitchell b Neil Wagner 6 Keshav Maharaj c Henry Nicholls b Kyle Jamieson 36 Lutho Sipamla c Tim Southee b Kyle Jamieson 0 Extras: (lb-7, nb-4, w-1) 12 Total: (all out, 133.0 overs) 364 Fall of wickets: 1-111, 2-199, 3-199, 4-257, 5-261, 6-277, 7-296r, 8-302, 9-364.

Bowling: Tim Southee 32-11-75-1, Matt Henry 35-10-90-3, Kyle Jamieson 27-10-74-2 (1), Colin de Grandhomme 8-3-16-0 (nb-1), Neil Wagner 31-10-102-4 (nb-3).

NEWZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham c Kyle Verreynne b Kagiso Rabada 0 Will Young c Kyle Verreynne b Kagiso Rabada 3 Devon Conway c Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 16 Henry Nicholls c Sarel Erwee b Marco Jansen 39 Daryl Mitchell not out 29 Tom Blundell b Kagiso Rabada 6 Colin de Grandhomme not out 54 Extras: (lb-6. nb-2, w-2) 10 Total: (five wkts, 45.0 overs) 157 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-9, 3-51, 4-83, 5-91.

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 12-2-37-3, Marco Jansen 12-2-48-2 (nb-1), Lutho Sipamla 11-4-34-0 (w-1), Wiaan Mulder 6-2-25-0 (nb-1), Keshav Maharaj 4-1-7-0.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 74 leads India to victory

SHREYAS Iyer’s unbeaten 74 off 44 balls trumped Pathum Nissanka’s 75 off 53, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 45 not out off 18 outshone Dasun Shanaka’s 47 not out off 19, as India chased down Sri Lanka’s 183 for 5 with seven wickets and 17 balls to spare in the second T20I in Dharamsala.

The win, India’s 11th on the trot in T20Is, gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

After being put in, Sri Lanka were only 111 for 4 after 16 overs, but Nissanka and Shanaka ransacked 72 off the last four. Nissanka hit 11 fours during his stay, while Shanaka preferred the aerial route. He struck two fours and five sixes, two of them

on the last two balls of the innings, to propel Sri Lanka to a formidable total.

(Scores: India 186 for 3 (Shreyas 74*, Jadeja 45*, Kumara 2-31) beat Sri Lanka 183 for 5 (Nissanka 75, Shanaka 47*, Bumrah 1-24) by seven wickets).

India lost Rohit Sharma in the first over of the chase and were 56 for 2 after eight overs, needing another 128 from the last 12. Initially, Shreyas seemed uncertain, shuffling around the crease, but once he began connecting his shots, the Sri Lanka bowlers looked helpless against his power and timing.

Sanju Samson began scratchily too, but he took 23 off the 13th over, bowled

by Lahiru Kumara, leaving

Shreyas Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja guide India home in the 2nd T20I. (Photo: @ICC) India needing 56 off 42 when Jadeja walked in. Jadeja did the bulk of the scoring from there on, and handed India a

comfortable win in the end.

SRI LANKA’S SEDATE START Bowling first, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah made good use of the moisture in the surface.

Both seamers got the ball to jag around, with Bumrah

slipping in a few yorkers as well. Openers Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka tried to counter that by showing attacking intent but they struggled to connect their shots. In the first four overs, Sri Lanka scored only 15 runs and hit just one boundary.

THE STEP UP With the ball still moving around, there was a case to give Bhuvneshwar a third over in the powerplay but Rohit went to Harshal Patel.

Harshal tried his slower one with mixed results: there were a couple of plays-andmisses in the fifth over but also two boundaries.

The next three overs featured a boundary each as Sri Lanka went past 50 in the eighth over. Gunathilaka then smashed Jadeja for six, four and six off the first three balls of the ninth over, with both sixes coming via slogsweeps.

Off the fourth ball, he went for another slog-sweep but this time Jadeja shortened his length a touch and bowled it further away from his arc to induce a top-edge, which Venkatesh Iyer gobbled up running in from long-on.

NISSANKA, SHANAKA LAUNCH ONSLAUGHT The next two overs produced two more wickets - Yuzvendra Chahal trapped Charith Asalanka lbw and Harshal had Kamil Mishara caught in the covers with a slower one - but Nissanka kept the scoreboard ticking with a couple of fours off Bhuvneshwar in the 13th over.

In the 15th, Dinesh Chandimal brought up Sri Lanka’s 100 with a straight four off Bumrah but the bowler dismissed him off the very next ball with an off-cutter.

Nissanka reached his fifty TURN TO PAGE 41

Scorpions batting collapses are areas of concern - head coach Coley

THE Jamaica Scorpions have endured a tough start to their 2022 West Indies Championship campaign, losing their first two games to the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and the Barbados Pride, respectively.

The Jamaican outfit lost a low-scoring affair to the Red Force in Trinidad before falling short in a run-fest against the Pride at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

In the latter, Scorpions found themselves 299-3 batting first at the end of day one, only to be bowled out early on day 2 for 328. After toiling hard in the field, thanks to a brilliant 276 from Barbados captain Kraigg Brathwaite, Scorpions were staring at a first-innings deficit of 193 runs after Barbados declared their first innings on 521-8.

At one point in their second innings, Jamaica were 131-2 on day four and the game was seemingly heading towards a draw before, you guessed it, another collapse ensued.

They lost their final eight wickets for 102 runs, leaving Pride with only 40 runs to get for an outright win, which they did by 10 wickets.

The question has to be asked: What is causing these batting collapses?

“Soft dismissals after a significant partnership or after individual players would have had starts,” was the response offered

by Jamaica Scorpions head coach Andre Coley told Sportsmax.tv.

“The thinking has to be that we are never in as a batting unit, which means we need to be ready for the period-by-period battles while being sensitive to and aware of key periods in the game in which there could be a momentum shift.

“Bottom line is we need hunger for centuries and big runs, while having the patience to execute our plans,” he added.

Under normal circumstances, the regional four-day competition would see each team playing 10 matches but in this COVID-19 shortened season, each team will play only five matches, with that in mind, how many chances will players get?

“Usually, you would want to give players an opportunity or a run. A shorter tournament can mean less room for error or comeback. There can

Jamaica Scorpions head coach Andre Coley be no excuses in all areas if we are to move up the table.

Performances that help the team either win or draw are important,” Coley said.

When asked about challenges faced in the first two rounds of the championship, Coley had this to say.

“Our most significant challenge at the end of round 2 would’ve been around our inability to bat a specific number of sessions based on the team plans. We have identified the areas of focus for the next six weeks. Our inability to take 20 wickets in either of the matches was also an area of concern, injury played a role here, and despite consistent early strikes, we were unable to get past resolute middle-order defences.

“Our ground fielding was excellent, and our catching was above average compared to the previous season,” he said. (Sportsmax)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

IPL unveils new format for 2022, with two groups, seedings ...Group A will be led by five-time champions Mumbai Indians, while four-time winners Chennai Super Kings will head Group B

THE 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) will give seedings to its 10 teams and place them in two “virtual” groups during the league phase of the tournament.

The seedings are based on the number of times a team have won the IPL or made the finals. Group A will be topped by fivetime champions Mumbai Indians, who are the top overall seeds, while fourtime winners Chennai Super Kings, will lead Group B with the No. 2 seeding.

The other teams in Group A, in order, are Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Group B features Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, in that order, Unveiling the new format on Friday, the IPL said in a release that the 10 teams will play a total of 14 matches - seven home and seven away during the league phase of a season that now stretches to 70 games.

Ten of the 14 matches will be home-and-away games against the other

Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians and MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, the two most successful teams across IPLs, are the top two seeds (BCCI photo) four teams in the group, as well as two matches against the team from the corresponding row (organised by the seedings) of the other group.

Mumbai, as an example, will play the other four teams in Group A - Knight Riders, Royals, Capitals and Super Giants - and Super Kings from Group B two times each. They will play the remaining teams in the other group once each (for a total of 14 games) - these games will be split home and away.

The home-and-away formula will not be relevant this season, though, because the IPL has decided to restrict the league phase to four venues across two cities: Mumbai

and Pune. While Mumbai will host the bulk of the matches (55), the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium on the outskirts of Pune will host 15 matches during the league phase.

Every team will play four times each at Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Sports Academy, and three times each at Brabourne Stadium and the MCA Stadium. While the IPL will finalise and announce the schedule in early March, it remains to be seen whether Mumbai will get any matches at their home base at the Wankhede.

2011 FORMAT TWEAKED The format is similar to the one used in

Trophy Stall on board for today’s Republic Cup softball

The Trophy Stall sponsored trophies THE annual Republic Cup softball tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL), is set for today, at the Togetherness Park, Liliendaal, with Re-

gal Legends (Over-50s) archrivals Mike’s Wellman clashing for top honours.

The Regal Legends versus Mike’s Wellman clash will be the second game of a double-header with Regal

Masters (Over-40s) taking on a Select XI from 10:00hrs in the day’s opening fixture.

The tournament will be used as useful preparation for local players heading to the annual Florida Cup softball tournament from March 31 to April 2 this year.

Trophies for today’s two games are acquired through the kind generosity of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall.

Meanwhile, tickets for the annual fundraising take away Bar-B-Que, organised by the Regal cricket teams to aid in their participation in the Florida Cup, will be on sale from any member of the team at $1500 each.

2011, when 10 teams featured for the first time.

The teams were split into two loose groups, with 70 league matches and four playoff games, and all the teams ranked in one points table. During the league phase, every team played 14 matches.

Each team played the other four in their group both home and away (eight matches), four of the teams

in the other group once each (four matches, either home or away), and the remaining team in the other group twice, both home and away. A random draw decided the composition of the groups as well as who played whom across the groups once or twice.

For 2022, the IPL confirmed that the tournament will be played between March 26 and May 29. It

will begin 10 days after India’s home Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to end.

That means the IPL will not follow the RM Lodha Committee recommendation, which had stated that a two-week gap was mandatory between any international series/tournament India played and the IPL. (Cricinfo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

FIFA urged to take swift, decisive action against Russia FIFA is facing growing calls to take decisive action against Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The world governing body has been quiet on the issue since issuing a statement on Thursday saying it would “continue to monitor the situation” and issue an update “in due course.”

FIFA has since come under pressure with Poland’s football association and players announcing yesterday they would be boycotting next month’s World Cup qualifier against Russia.

Sweden, who could face Russia in the next round of the play-offs, then also said they would refuse to play the match, with the nation’s football federation calling on FIFA to cancel Russia’s matches.

“The federal board also urges FIFA to cancel the play-off matches in March in

Aston Villa’s Matty Cash was booked after taking his shirt off to display a message of support (Gareth Fuller/PA) which Russia participates,” a statement said.

This came after European counterpart UEFA took a decision on Friday to move its flagship Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris while other sports, notably Formula One, have moved to cut ties with Russia.

During yesterday’s Premier League action, Aston

Villa’s Poland defender Matty Cash was booked after he celebrated a goal by unveiling a message in support of international team-mate Tomasz Kedziora, who plays for Dynamo Kiev and remains in the Ukrainian capital.

Before Everton’s match against Manchester City at Goodison Park, Everton players emerged from the

tunnel wearing Ukrainian flags while City’s players wore t-shirts with the message ‘No War’.

Both sides had Ukraine internationals on the bench – with Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko and City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko sharing an embrace during the warm-up and visibly moved by a prematch show of solidarity from fans.

Former England striker Gary Lineker, top scorer at the 1986 World Cup, believes FIFA needs to make a strong statement and bar Russia from competing in this year’s tournament in Qatar. ineker tweeted: “If @ FIFAcom gives the World Cup qualifier to Poland and throws out Russia (unless, of course, they pull out of Ukraine), it would send a powerful and meaningful message.”

He added: “Come on @ FIFAcom do what’s right.”

On the statement issued

by Poland’s players in which they stated their refusal to play against Russia, Lineker tweeted: “Proud of how footballers are once again standing up for what is right.”

Lineker ’s sentiments were echoed by a number of politicians.

Damian Collins, the Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe who is a former chair of the House of Commons digital, culture, media and sport select committee, tweeted: “Russia should be banned from the World Cup. @FIFAcom banned Yugoslavia from the 1994 World Cup and should do the same to Russia now.”

Lucy Powell, the shadow secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, tweeted: “It shouldn’t be for individual countries to take a stand, sport governance like ⁦@FIFAcom should make the decision: that Russia

should not be allowed to participate in international competitions while it’s engaging in an illegal, brutal invasion.”

Andy Burnham, a former sports minister who is now mayor of Greater Manchester, tweeted: “What did we do to deserve FIFA? The people’s game should always be the first to support the people. But FIFA follow the money. They are, and always have been, a disgrace.”

Mark Halsey, a former FIFA and Premier League referee, also feels Russia should be excluded.

Halsey tweeted: “Excellent news from Poland’s football federation refusing to play Russia in their @FIFAWorldCup play-off game, Poland shouldn’t have to make that stance as @ FIFAcom should have already banished Russia from the competition #Ukraine.” (PA Sport)

Powell ‘disappointed’ but not ‘surprised’ by snub BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Left-handed opener Kieran Powell says he is “disappointed” but not “surprised” by his non-selection to the West Indies squad for the first Test against England next month.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes stroke-maker was overlooked as the Desmond Haynes-led panel this week recalled Jamaica Scorpions left-hander John Campbell to partner captain Kraigg Brathwaite at the top of the order.

Powell, who has played 44 Tests but only four inside the last three-and-ahalf years – all coming last year – said he believed he had done enough in the opening rounds of the Regional Four-Day Championship to at least make the Cricket West Indies (CWI) President’s XI squad for that four-day game next week in Antigua.

“Surprised? I can’t be surprised anymore. Disappointed, yes, but I wouldn’t say surprised,” said Powell, who has in the past criticised CWI over his treat-

West Indies left-hander Kieran Powell has played in 44 Tests ment by selectors.

“I definitely thought that if I didn’t make the Test squad then at least the President’s XI squad, based on the performances.

“But I saw Devon Thomas bat the way no one else in the Caribbean batted in those first two games (of the Regional Four-Day Championship) and if the team is going to be selected on performances, the way he has played it’s second to none. So you would like to think that he would have gotten into the squad as well. It’s just interesting. But it is what it is, unfortunately.”

Powell averaged 48

from three innings in opening two rounds, including a half-century against Guyana Harpy Eagles last week.

He managed a half-century in the second Test against South Africa last June but scored 32 runs from his next four Tests innings and was subsequently dropped for the tour of Sri Lanka towards the end of the year.

The 31-year-old, who holds the distinction of having scored a hundred in each innings of a Test against Bangladesh back ten years ago, said managing the form he did recently had come against the odds,

especially having to deal with illness in the family.

“Obviously I could have done better but I think from what preparation I did have going into the series (I am pleased),” he told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

“Before the series I was out in Sri Lanka with my wife’s family. My motherin-law almost passed away.

She had life-saving surgery which kind of took my focus away from preparation.

“And then my wife and I actually contracted COVID-19. I think I tested negative three days before the Leeward Islands’ final two days of preparation.

“And having to fly all the way from Sri Lanka to the Caribbean – I hadn’t touched a bat for three-anda-half weeks before the season. So I only had two, three days of practice and I think I’m number seven on the runs chart (in the four-day tournament) at the moment.

“To have been able to do that with three days of practice and the turmoil obviously – almost losing

my mother-in-law who is (now) on a six-month rehab process in terms of getting better – it was a lot so I’m pretty happy with where I was able to get to.”

With no chance to impress selectors again with the first-class season now on break, Powell said the wait to resume competitive cricket again would be frustrating. “(I’m) obviously very disappointed the season was halted after two match-

es because if you would have seen cricket not being played for two years and guys were so excited to get back out on the park,” he said.

“And the level of cricket the Leeward Islands played in those two matches …I think we had a few tough decisions against Barbados … and I had a tough decision in that match as well.”

West Indies face England in the first Test in Antigua from March 8-12.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday February 27, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Harshal Patel-3/22 (Third match)

(2)

Roston Chase-3/25 (Second match)

Today’s Quiz: (1)

Where and when did the WI and ENG first

contest a Test match against each other?

(2)

Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

47

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

Local coaches edified on Strength and Conditioning Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr with NSC officials, facilitators and coaches at the session on Friday COACHES attached to National Sports Commission (NSC) on Friday took part in a Strength and Conditioning Course, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at the National Cultural Centre.

The seminar was conducted by non-profit group

Allyuh Sports Image. Focus on this occasion was Strength and Condition for Elite Athletes.

American Shawn Benson, who specialises in that area, explained it is a vital component in how to get athletes performing at optimum levels consistently.

According to Benson, during a visit to a training session with some Track and Field athletes, he noticed they lacked the equipment to do the needed strength work, but the talent was very evident.

The seasoned fitness coach further emphasised that through good condi-

tioning, athletes can achieve more and it acts as a cushion to reduce injury.

Meanwhile, Dr Antony Bowen, an Executive Director of Allyuh Sports Image, indicated that another critical factor is to ensure they support athletes who may not have the ability to access the

necessary gear, and for athletes who move to the United States of America, they assist in their transition.

Additionally, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, re-emphasised the Ministry will be working on ensuring the coaches, who are facilitating

the “finessing” of the Elite Athletes, are upskilled to the level of Elite Coaches.

The coaching will form a key component to the Elite Training Programme of the Sports Academy which is built on three pillars: Nursey, Tournaments and Elite Training.

Windies managing nerves at World Cup is important, says Taylor

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies clashed with Australia in their opening warm-up game of the ICC Women’s World Cup here yesterday with Stafanie Taylor urging her side to manage their nerves, as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for the showpiece.

Only half of the squad featured at the last 50-over tournament staged in England four years ago, with selectors opting for several young players to complement an otherwise experienced unit.

“I think it is seeing how best we can manage those nerves. I think it is natural to

have those nerves and when you do, it’s all about that you want to do well so it’s ok,” Taylor explained.

“It’s just about how best to manage those nerves. You don’t want them to be all over the place, you want to make sure they’re going in one direction.

“We haven’t played Australia in such a long time so I don’t know the difference from when we played them then to how they’re playing now. “(This match) is just to get a feel (of (conditions), not to focus too much on them but the areas you want to do well in.”

The match, which bowls

off yesterday evening (Eastern Caribbean time), is one of two warm-up fixtures for the Caribbean side, the second game scheduled against powerful India on Tuesday.

West Indies have a tough opening assignment for the group stage when they come up against hosts New Zealand in Turanga on Friday.

In fact, they face a difficult opening run, meeting reigning champions England in their second game before taking on India and Australia in their next two fixtures.

And even though pundits have not pencilled West Indies in as serious title challengers, Taylor said her squad were comfortable with the

West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor

label of outsiders.

“We don’t mind being the underdogs. I think it is good we don’t get too ahead of ourselves and people looking on and (saying) ‘West Indies are the team to look out for’,” said Taylor.

“I think people look at the fact that we’re not a strong 50-over team but I find that we’ve been getting better and that’s a plus for us.”

She continued: “I think we had a really good series in Pakistan (last November).

The World Cup qualifiers didn’t go as well as we wanted them to and we went to South Africa and even though we lost the series, I think looking back I found in some

areas we did really well.”

Taylor, the side’s leading stroke-maker, will be joined by the experienced likes of Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews in the batting department, and she hopes the duo can extend their prolific recent form.

“There were players who stepped up to the plate (in South Africa) and did well,” Taylor said.

“Deandra is one of those players. She’s in really good form and I hope that that form continues for us, and Hayley Matthews as well.

“And even the bowlers are chipping in so as I said we’re in a really good place.”

Sir Andy Roberts to conduct clinic in April, says BCB president BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, has confirmed that West Indies fast-bowling legend Andy Roberts will be conducting a clinic in the Ancient County from April 20 to 24.

Sir Andy, part of the West Indies team from 1974 to 1983, snatched 202 wickets in his 47 Test matches averaging a sterling 25.6. The pacer also played in three World Cup finals, two of which the West Indies won.

Roberts also coached the West Indies between 1994 and 1996, including

the 1996 World Cup when we reached the semi-finals.

The clinic will be facilitated by Roland Butcher, the first black player to play cricket for England.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Foster said the visit was confirmed when Sir Andy contacted him to offer his services.

According to Foster, Sir Roberts said that Berbice is very special to him as he played at three venues in the county from 1974 up to his retirement - Skeldon, Rose Hall Canje and Albion, where he played two ODIs.

West Indies fast-bowling legend Sir Andy Roberts, along with Roland Butcher, will visit Guyana soon to conduct a clinic in Berbice

He recalled that the first time that he saw a live alligator was in a trench at Skeldon, and Rose Hall Canje was very special as it was one of the fastest pitches he had worked on.

He is an encyclopedia on cricket and our players would learn much from him and Mr Butcher.

During his visit, he and the former England player would receive BCB’s highest award.

Foster also expressed thanks to Basil Butcher Jr. for his support of Berbice cricket. Several other cricketing giants of West Indies cricket and even

current international stars are set to be in Berbice over the course of the year as we seek to ensure that every cricketing talent in the county is identified and developed to his/her fullest potential.

All these visits would be covered by the support of friends of Berbice Cricket, who are excited to contribute to our efforts.

Also, Sir Curtly Ambrose will be returning later in the year or early next year to conduct another clinic, following up on his recent successful visit to the Ancient County.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 27, 2022

GBA drops Allicock from AMBC team preparing for Ecuador championships

GBA president Steve Ninvalle OLYMPIAN Keevin Allicock was removed from Guyana’s team preparing for the American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Continental Championships, set for Guayaquil, Ecuador, March 22 - April 2.

Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) president, Steve Ninvalle, made the disclosure when contacted to speak on the

National Boxing coach Lennox Daniels

Olympian Keevin Allicock

preparedness of the team.

National coach Lennox Daniels said the decision, which was handed down by the GBA’s Coaches Committee, stemmed from Allicock’s lack of commitment to training.

“Honestly, if he came (to training) seven days in total in a month, that’s a lot. We cannot accept that from any boxer,

especially someone like Allicock,” Daniels said.

Daniels said while Allicock has accepted the decision, his non-participation should not be considered as a loss for the team.

“I’m disappointed because I was giving him personal attention to help correct some TURN TO PAGE 41

‘We want to take this seriously’, says President’s XI head coach

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Head coach Rayon Griffith has underscored the importance of the four-day CWI President’s XI match against England, stressing the fixture presented yet another opportunity for players to impress Test selectors.

A squad, led by resurgent Test gloveman Shane Dowrich, will take on England at Coolidge Cricket Ground from March 1-4, in the build-

Hurricanes stroke-maker Devon Thomas

up to the three-Test series which bowls off here on March 8.

Griffith said he expected all players to take the fixture seriously, especially since many of them were already on the radar of West Indies selectors.

“It’s a practice game but [because] we know it’s a practice game, we’re not just going to go out there to [let it] just be a practice game,” said the Guyanese.

“I think the guys are looking to make the West Indies team, they want to get performances out of the game and you have some of the players who are developing. So we’re looking to bring our best when that day comes.

He continued: “We sat down and discussed before practice [on Friday] just to make them clear, to give them clarity so that when they come to the nets [they

can assess] how they perform.

“We want to take this very seriously and they must be ready [for this game].

They have their goals they really want to achieve so that’s the most important thing and what the focus is about – starting from the small steps.”

The squad was chosen following the opening two rounds of the first class TURN TO PAGE 41

Veteran marksman Neville Denny laid to rest THE Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA), yesterday laid to rest one of their stalwarts, the late Neville Denny, a true pioneer and legend around the shooting fraternity, locally and internationally.

Born August 5 1933, Denny passed away on Friday, February 18 ,and was laid to rest yesterday after a service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam.

Born in the mining town of Linden, the former officer in the British Guiana Police Force. which he joined during the 1950s, was heavily involved in rifle-shooting for almost five decades.

The veteran sharpshooter put

away his rifle professionally back in 2008 after years of representing Guyana at numerous local and international shoots, including fullbore tournaments at Bisley during its annual West Indies Fullbore Championships (WIFBSC) Denny, nevertheless remained heavily involved with the sport he so dearly loved, even being inducted as a GNRA life member and was presented with the coveted Service Award.

A true credit to his reputation within the society of world-class shooters, the Guyanese in 2017, was inducted into the WIFBSC Hall of Fame, following his outstanding career as a shooter and GNRA members form an arch with their rifles as the casket was borne out of the Brickdam Cathedral, (Delano Williams photo) elder statesman of the fraternity.

A skilled gunner up to his time of retirement at the tender age of 75, he remained among the deadliest of eyes, Denny played key roles in the development of a number of local snipers including Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Ryan Sampson, Lennox Braithwaite, Paul Slowe, Ransford Goodluck and other top Guyana/International marksmen.

Denny’s work and legacy were recognised, respected and hailed during his recent celebration of life which was attended by scores of persons.

The executives and members of the GNRA honoured their late mentor, father-figure and former teammate with a traditional rifleman’s arch during the funeral service which was held yesterday at the Brickdam Cathedral in Georgetown. (Clifton Ross)

FIFA urged to take swift, decisive action against Russia Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022