Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_03_05_2022 by Guyana Chronicle

saturDAY 5th March, 2022

No.106653

Unfounded, complete misrepresentation 03 PAGE

–– Transparency Institute, Ursuline Sisters join civil society leaders in distancing themselves from controversial claims made by politically aligned NGOs

Guyana’s rich cultural heritage was on display when the country’s premier secondary school, Queen’s College, celebrated being named the 2021 School of the Year by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). The school also hosted its annual Market Day on Friday (Carl Croker photo)

Diabetes leading Baracara, the community cause for kidney with no reported failure in Guyana 02 case of COVID-19 02 PAGE

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Cyclists, pedestrians account for 05 over 60 per cent of road fatalities PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Diabetes leading cause of kidney failure in Guyana –– doctors aiming to do more screening to target early detection By Shamar Meusa

THE leading cause of kidney failure in Guyana is diabetes, according to Dr Hemchand Barran, a nephrologist attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Dr. Barran made this disclosure as he addressed members of the media on Friday as part of activities for kidney awareness month. “The leading cause for kidney failure is diabetes… 70 per cent of our patients approximately end up with kidney disease and about half of those end up dialysis because of diabetes,” he said. According to the nephrologist, in Guyana, the age category which has been mostly affected with kidney failure ranges from persons 30 to 50 years and from 45 to 65 years. He also noted that while

it may appear that women and men are equally affected, there may be more men affected than women. Common signs and symptoms of kidney failure include swelling in the feet, abdomen and face even as some persons may observe decreased urine output over a period of time. As it relates to advanced kidney disease, Dr Barran said that symptoms can range from decreased appetite, loss of weight, nausea and more. With that, he noted that it is sometimes difficult to diagnose as kidney disease can go unnoticed in the early stages. Giving some insight into the situation in Guyana, he revealed that as of December, there were about 200 patients on dialysis in outpatient settings while on average at the hospital in an inpatient setting, there are about 10 to 15 patients.

Dr. Hemchand Barran and Dr. Boland Persaud as they addressed the media on Friday All of these patients, he said, are in need of a kidney transplant and while the transplant is not directly an emergency, there are cases

where emergency dialysis is necessary as patients await having a transplant done. Meanwhile, Dr. Bolan Persaud of the transplant and Vascular Surgery Department stated that there have been three instances where kidney disease reoccurred in

patients who had their transplants done. CARE IT “We always try to explain this to the transplant patient that yes, despite transplant is the best form of treatment for kidney failure, it gives you better quality of life, this kidney can last one day, it can last one week, it can last one year, five years, 10 years all based on how you take care of it,” he said. Persaud went on to say that doctors try to ensure that patients who have received transplants make certain life changes. “We don’t want to have someone who is sacrificing their life to donate a kidney to them and they would have exposed themselves to these risk factors again that probably could have led to the kidney failure that could affect that transplant,” he said. On this note, Dr Persaud stated that with the recently passed Organ Transplant Bill, practitioners are working on having systems in place, along with getting

a transplant laboratory up and running to facilitate cross-matching. They are further working on acquiring the necessary equipment to conduct testing and more. In terms of the human resources, he said that Guyana has the support from professionals overseas who are willing to train and further have persons travel to be trained and return to Guyana. Dr Barran noted that while the Ministry of Health has an ongoing diabetes programme, one of the objectives is to do more screening for diabetes. As such, he noted that they are also hoping to target detection of kidney disease earlier and deal with it in its earlier stage, rather than having patients show up when they are in need of dialysis. The nephrologist went on to say that persons should do regular check ups and if they are known to be diabetic it is recommended that they have more frequent checkups.

No COVID-19 cases reported at Baracara LAST March, when borders around the world were being shut to keep out the novel coronavirus, the officials in Baracara decided that they too would not take risks. Adhering to all the necessary guidelines that were outlined by health officials and the World Health Organisation (WHO), residents of this riverine community were able to protect themselves and their families from the deadly virus, according to the community’s Chairman of the Community Development Council, (CDC) Marshall Thompson. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the health workers in the community have not reported a single case of the virus since its arrival within Guyana’s borders in March 2020. Marshall noted that while other sections of the country were frantically counting the number of infections, residents of Baracara were simply observing the social-distancing rule, practising safe hygiene, such as hand-washing and regular use of hand sanitizers, as well

as mask-wearing to protect themselves. “We don’t really get affect by sickness, since the corona came about, we never experienced any corona case, that say we had to go with any boat like how the virus affect any other area. So, we can say we were fortunate,” Marshall said Being a small community of just over 300 residents, the CDC Chairman noted that it was easy to get people to cooperate and obey the regulations that were set out by the health officials. He noted that a post-pandemic Baracara would have seen many residents gathering to celebrate events such as weddings, or church sermons and other activities; however, with strict guidelines in place these gatherings were prohibited. The community is considered to be of high risk, since it has only one health centre and residents would have to travel just over 140 miles by boat to get to the nearest hospital in New Amsterdam. Additionally, he noted that residents in the commu-

Chairman of the Community Development Council, Marshall Thompson (Carl Croker photo) nity rely solely on the traditional medicinal herbs. “We never experience any difficulty, just the simple cold and flu and we treat ourselves. We have a bark that we call the cold bark, when you drink it, it assist [sic] you with the cold; we have something that we call wild sorrel.” He said that while health workers would visit the company periodically, the residents still rely on the herbal doctors and medicines that are readily available to them.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Unfounded, complete misrepresentation –– Transparency Institute, Ursuline Sisters join civil society leaders in distancing themselves from controversial claims made by politically aligned NGOs

THE Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) and the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana have distanced themselves from claims in a release made a group of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that accused the government of being ‘out of control’ and lacking transparency and accountability. Both TIGI and the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana were listed as endorsing the claims made in the release which have since been rejected by some members of the NGOs that issued it. The other NGOs that were listed as endorsing the release are the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR); the East Coast Development Committees (ECD7); the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA); the Guyana Organisation of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP); the Guyana Society for the Blind (GSB); the Guyana Workers Union (GWU); the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC); the Policy Forum Guyana Inc (PFG); and Red Thread. When contacted on Friday, TIGI President, Frederick Collins told the Guyana Chronicle that in the release the institute signed, nowhere mentioned that the government is ‘out of control’. Also on Friday, the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana, in a brief statement, rejected the contents of the release issued by the controversial NGOs, some of which are unknown, which bears its name. “We, the Ursuline Sisters in Guyana, wish to state publicly that the statement issued by civil society is not a position of the Ursuline Sisters,” the Sisters said in a statement wide-

ly shared on online social media platform, Facebook. On Thursday, some members of the complaining groups, when contacted, chose not to offer a comment. However, a representative of the Guyana Society for the Blind, who agreed to speak but under the condition of anonymity, said the statement the society signed unto does not reflect the views of its wider membership but only that of the President

of the society. BASELESS Several Amerindian leaders have also distanced themselves from the controversial statement, contending that it is a wholly disappointing and a baseless attempt by the named NGOs to request ‘transparency’ and ‘consultations’ of the government when they were not consulted on the content of

the statement issued. “In the circumstances, we as duly elected Amerindian leaders, with the required eligible standing to form a part of the National Toshaos’ Council, strongly disassociate ourselves and our fellow elected leaders from any type of endorsement of that erroneous article, the Amerindian leaders said in statement. The statement was signed by Desmond James of Red Hill, Region One; Lloyd Perreira of Wakapoa, Region Two; Ralph Hendricks of Capoey, Region Two; Yvonne Pearson of Mainstay, Region Two; Oren Williams of Batavia, Region Seven; Shane Cornelius of Karrau, Region Seven; Melena Pollard of Rivers View, Region 10; Lenny Moses of Massara, Region Nine; Zalita Moses of Annai, Region Nine; Timothy Andrews of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four and Nowell Domingo of Wowetta, Region Nine. The Amerindian leaders said that the National Toshaos’ Council is much more than its Executive Committee, pointing out that it is the collective body of all toshaos in Guyana. The Amerindian Act is clear on the election of the Executive Committee, the Amerindian leaders said. DANGEROUS “The NTC Executive in its current form is not reflective of the collective position of the elected leaders and it would be treading dangerous and contradictory waters to endorse such an inflammatory statement in an attempt to reflect a position of the NTC. Further, it must be made abundantly clear, that any attempt to endorse that incendiary statement was done without consultation. “We strongly condemn any attempt by any individual or group who seeks to make any public statement on our behalf without due consultation or without the requisite locus standi to do so. Further, it must be noted that, in the interim, as elected toshaos with the confidence of our people, we are aptly capable of speaking out on issues and we have the legal standing to do so,” the Amerindian leaders made clear. They also made clear that they have not endorsed the statement issued by the NGOs and disassociated themselves with any attempt to utilise their name and reputation in “a wholly misrepresented manner”. Meanwhile, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, weighing in on the claims made by the NGOs which banded themselves as “civil society”, said the allegations that his government ‘lacks accountability’ and is ‘out of control’ are “ridiculous”.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali He stressed that every single project his administration is pursuing, if not approved by the National Assembly, they are discussed in the public domain. CLEAR VISION “We have established a clear vision for the transformation of our country, we have established a clear vision for the economic development of our country but it is clear that there are some organisations that are convenient with the truth and are political in nature and they cannot help themselves and their political bias and I do not have an issue if these organisations have a political bias or a political agenda but they must, they must not hide under the cloak of independence,” he said. He emphasised that his government is moving at a rapid pace to fulfil its manifesto promise to the people of Guyana and its role and agenda in Guyana and the region are focussed on the upliftment of Guyana, Guyanese and the positioning of Guyana as a country of integrity, democracy and where rule of law is the basis on which decisions are made and the development of the country is advanced. Many of the organisations who are accusing his government of lack of transparency and accountability, he said, were silent during the attempts by forces aligned to the then APNU+AFC Government to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Blinken: Ukraine can absolutely win the way

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the BBC that he is convinced Ukraine can win its war with Russia. He could not say how long the conflict would last, but insisted that Ukraine’s defeat was not inevitable. Blinken praised the “extraordinary resilience” of the Ukrainian people. “If it’s the intention of Moscow to try somehow to topple the government and install its own puppet regime, 45 million Ukrainians

are going to reject that one way or the other,” he said. The war has already not gone as Russian President Vladimir Putin might have planned, he added. Stiff resistance by Ukrainian forces continued to hamper Russian advances across the country on the ninth day of the invasion. In the south, Russian forces captured areas along the Black Sea coast, and the port city of Mariupol remained surrounded. But the governor of Mykolaiv

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said Russian troops had been driven out of the city. Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv, in the north, also remained under siege. Blinken spoke to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale after meeting his European Union counterparts in Brussels at the start of a six-day trip to Europe. He said the international community was committed to doing everything it could to help Ukraine and also to put “excruciating pressure

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on Russia to end this war of choice that Vladimir Putin started”. Asked if he was convinced Ukrainian could win, he said: “Over time, absolutely.” “I can’t tell you how long this will go on. I can’t tell you how long it will take. But the idea that Russia can subjugate to its will 45 million people who are ardently fighting for their future and their freedom, that does not involve Russia having its thumb on

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Ukraine, that tells you a lot.” Blinken also said he was concerned about escalation. “It’s something we care about and are focused on because the only thing worse than a war which is contained to Ukraine is one that escalates even further and goes beyond it.” He warned that Russian forces were using “increasingly brutal” methods against civilians in Ukraine, and that there had been tremendous human suffering as a result. “We’re seeing Russia go after critical infrastructure that’s denying Ukrainians water, denying them elec-

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tricity, denying them heat,” he said. “Those methods are, unfortunately, tragically, part of the Russian playbook under President Putin. And I think we’re likely to see more of that.” Asked if the US would seek a change in Moscow’s leadership to bring an end to the invasion, he replied: “We don’t seek that, and in any event it’s not up to us. The Russian people need to decide their leadership.” “What I would say to the Russian people is: How in the world is this war of aggression... advancing your interests, your needs?” he added. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Cyclists, pedestrians account for over 60 per cent of road fatalities

– Minister Edghill reports, urges stakeholder partnership to address road carnage THE vulnerable class of road users (pedal cyclists, motor cyclists and pedestrians) have accounted for 79.9 per cent of deaths in 2020 and 67.7 per cent in 2021, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has reported. In a statement addressing the current road safety situation in Guyana, Minister Edghill said the Public Works Ministry continues to take significant steps to have safe spaces (pedestrian walkways/sidewalks) installed for pedestrians. In 2021, Minister Edghill reported that 99 persons were killed when compared with 139 persons for 2020. The 2021 results showed a 29 per cent reduction of deaths when compared to 2020. “Citizens continue to die on our roadways at an alarming rate. As the Minister of Public Works, who is responsible for Guyana’s road transportation network, it is of great concern for me and my ministry that some persons continue to use the roads in a reckless and uncaring manner, which in many instances result in the death or injury to themselves and innocent

road users,” Minister Edghill said. Very alarming from the data retrieved from the Guyana Police Force, he said, was the fact that pedal and motorcyclists combined accounted for 37.4 per cent of the deaths in 2021 and 56.1 per cent in 2020. Comparative data has shown that as of March 3, 2022, 15 persons were killed on the roadways, as a result of 14 accidents, when compared with the same period for 2021, when 20 persons died from 19 accidents. “What is significantly alarming is that in 2021, 14 of the 20 persons killed at that period were the most vulnerable classes of road users (two pedal cyclists, eight motorcyclists and four pedestrians). While at March 3, 2022 of the 15 killed, the vulnerable classes accounted for seven (two pedal cyclists, three motor cyclists, two pedestrians),” he added. Further, Minister Edghill said that the data provided showed that for 2021, 362 serious accidents were recorded, and resulted in injuries to 397 persons. While in 2020, 329 serious accidents resulted in

356 persons injured. USE HELMETS, EXERCISE CAUTION “We saw from that data, an 11.5 per cent increase in serious accidents in 2021 when compared to 2020 and a 10 per cent increase in injuries. I am of the opinion that many of the injuries might have resulted in persons not being able to meaningfully contribute and serve to their full potential. I appeal to all our pedal and motor cyclists and their pillion riders to use helmets. Too many Guyanese are riding around without helmets. I urge pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing our roads and with the advent of four lane roads, consideration should be given that it will take more time to cross. Proper judgment is required,” the minister explained. He added: “The use of seatbelts by occupants of both the front and rear seats of all motor vehicles are encouraged. I appeal to parents/guardians and teachers to adopt and promote road safety education as regular possible.” Partnerships with the Guyana Police Force Traf-

fic Department, the Guyana Road Safety Council and the Ministry of Public Works, he said, should be enhanced with an aim of greater public education and awareness and stricter enforcement. “No life should be lost as a result of carelessness or recklessness,” the Public Works Minister said. As the Minister of Public Works, Minister Edghill has committed to examine, with his colleagues, legislation to ensure stricter controls, be

it the training/re-training of drivers/riders, higher fines or stiffer penalties and a studied approach for the introduction of a demerit system. “I call upon all Guyanese as we build new super highways, improve and rehabilitate community roads, expand our hinterland road networks and provide alternative routes for easy access, reducing congestion and cutting traffic time that we observe the Five Cs: Care,

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill Courtesy, Caution, Consideration and Common sense,” Minister Edghill added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Regional Food Security PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has re-affirmed Guyana’s willingness to collaborate with countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the wider Caribbean in ensuring food security. This commitment was made during a meeting of the CARICOM/Central American Integration System. In this regard, a meeting has been proposed between the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) and CARICOM’s Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security currently chaired by Guyana. These are significant developments in terms of the establishment of a regional and extra-regional food-security architecture that could result in a new and ambitious agenda to transform the regional agricultural sector towards full commercialization and enhanced competitiveness to better meet the food and nutrition needs of the Region. As noted by President Ali, the Central American countries participating in the summit have great potential in terms of food security. Guatemala, for instance, has 25 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

coming from agriculture and rank among the leading countries in the world when it comes to the production of sugar, coffee, banana and cotton, among other commodites. Honduras employs approximately 39 per cent of its people in the agricultural sector and enjoys a competitive advantage in crops such as plantains, rice and beans, among others. It would be recalled that Guyana at one time under the PNC regime had to import sugar from Guatemala to satisfy local consumption needs after it had consistently failed to meet its sugar quota to the lucrative European market, due to incompetence and mismanagement of the sugar industry. It is significant that Guatemala has agreed to assist Guyana in the current revitalisation efforts of the sugar industry. According to data from the International Sugar organisation, Guatemala is the second largest sugar exporter in the Latin America and the fifth in the world. As observed by President Ali, the Central American region as a whole contributes half of the total value of regional exports in agriculture and food production. “This tells us that the solution to

food security and sustainability lies right in this room. What we require is the commitment and joint approach in addressing food security in the Region,” President Ali posited. In pushing the agenda forward, the President said, the CAC and CARICOM will marry the priorities of the Region and establish a time-bound framework in keeping with what CARICOM has decided at the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government. This, according to President Ali, is an attempt to reach out to our friends in the broader hemispheric grouping. Describing the opportunity provided at the joint meeting as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ which can bring real benefits to peoples across the Region, President Ali extended an invitation to CAC to attend the investment forum in Guyana in May as they seek to work together to employ the necessary technologies and resources to mobilise the expertise to advance the regional food agenda. He noted that the summit should not only result in commitments to important areas such as climate change, food security,

regional security, investments and trade expansion but, should also send a ‘strong’ signal in hitting the reset button. President Ali has demonstrated that as a leader he is prepared, not only to ‘talk the talk’ but also to ‘walk the walk.’ For this he has earned the respect not only of the Guyanese people, but also that of regional leaders who have commended him for his visionary and proactive leadership style. The drive to boost the agricultural sector is most timely and relevant in light of global food shortages and rising food prices which are impacting adversely on the cost of living worldwide. Guyana, despite its new status as an oil-producing nation, is continuing to place heavy emphasis on the agricultural sector. Agriculture in Guyana still remains the backbone of the economy in terms of employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings. With Guyana taking a leading role in the regional and hemispheric agricultural development and expansion, it is only a matter of time before the country once again becomes the ‘breadbasket’ of the Caribbean.

There should be no willingness to spend time and effort listening to bigoted voices Dear Editor, THE complaint by some ‘organisations’ that the country is moving at a “bewildering pace” would be laughable if it were not true. Guyana is moving forward at a pace, 10,000 plus house lots were delivered in 2021 after the Granger period of five years where no new schemes were developed and where existing lots were seized and redistributed. The revenues from Guyana’s oil sales languished in an account in the United States and would have stayed there as long as Granger was in power; these funds have now been withdrawn and put into use for the betterment of all Guyanese. The complaint by the ‘organisations’ (we will come back to this word) include fears about who will be appointed to manage the Natural Resource Fund and who has oversight. There will never be a consensus on who should be appointed

to manage the fund or have oversight of the fund. Although it should be clear that the Guyanese people should be the beneficiaries of the fund, it seems some in Guyana believe the funds should sit dormant in the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States boosting that nation’s bottom line; a shameless display of colonial mentality if there ever was one. My suggestion is that President Ali should scrap the NRF Act and put the money into our Consolidated Fund where Parliament has oversight and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act governs our actions. Now to these ‘organisations’, among them is the Guyana Human Rights Association. There are more words in the GHRA title than members but the title has a power that is difficult to ignore. Who amongst us is against human rights? Who is willing to be perceived as opposing human rights? And this is the shield from behind which one man who rarely represents anything other than an

anti-progressive, pro-colonial mindset slings his mud and arrows. Words and titles are powerful things but are subject to misuse and misappropriation. Mike McCormack is a British citizen who found comfort here during the Burnham era (when Guyanese were fleeing the shores). McCormack is an avowed Catholic and has this in common with every executive officer of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), who makes a point of including this odd fact in their biographies on the website. President Fred Collins lists Administrator of Methodist Mission, Compton Meerabux is a Catholic priest, Vedawattie Ram lists her work pioneering the Guyana Chapter of Child Evangelism as her defining accomplishment and Alfred Bhulai goes the extra yard to claim status as a Disciple of Jesus Christ. We can assume that the Ursuline Sisters are also Catholic and are driven by the same sense of righteousness as GHRA and TIGI; for make

no mistake, we are dealing with religious fanaticism in an albeit subtle form. There are numerous Christians/Catholics amongst the Ministers in President Irfaan Ali’s Cabinet: Bishop Edghill is the obvious and the lot includes Nigel Dharamlall, Priya Manickchand, Hugh Todd, Kwame McCoy, Oneidge Walrond, Gail Teixeira, Susan Rodrigues and Colin Croal (apologies if I missed anyone) but the religious right seems obsessed with the President who is the only Muslim leader in the Western Hemisphere. The year is 2022 and we are postCOVID; the future beckons those with vision, there is no willingness to spend time and effort listening to bigoted voices who want to see Guyana rooted to the spot or return to the Burnham era. Yours sincerely, Robin Singh Devotee of Hanuman

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

The re-emergence of ‘political NGOs’ hiding under the cloak of independence

Dear Editor,

LIKE the majority of Guyanese, I am not surprised by the sudden resurgence of some of the usual paper civil society organisations, which were missing in action between 2015 and 2020, and the emergence of several others, which are either surrogates of these very ‘paper organisations’ or set up by individuals with political axes to grind with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government. These so-called ‘civil society organisations’, whose leadership and membership appear to be classified information, are out in full force, launching the usual unfounded attacks on the PPP/C Government. The reason for these attacks is simple -- they are upset. They are simply upset that the President Irfaan Ali-led administration is developing Guyana at a pace never seen before. They are upset, because their political handlers, while in the seat of government, lacked this kind of vision, as demonstrated by the PPP/C Administration -- a vision that has already catapulted Guyana into unprecedented levels of national development. This tsunami of development seems to be driving the naysayers crazy. The vision of this government is hard to question; therefore, these political surrogates of the opposition are left with

only one option, that is, to manufacture controversies and try to create doubt over the government’s development agenda. Fortunately, the people of Guyana know differently and are embracing the programmes, policies and initiatives of the PPP/C Government and are ignoring the howling in the wind of these anti-development agents of the opposition. Guyanese are focused on the multiplicity of opportunities that are created by the government; for example, owning a home, developing academically through the GOAL scholarship programme, job creation, business opportunities, the development of the country’s infrastructure, opportunities in the agriculture sector and financial support received from the government, just to name a few. However, the sad reality is that we have people who claim to have the interests of Guyanese at heart shouting from the rooftops trying to stymie the development of this country intended to benefit its citizens, and when we experienced some of the gravest transgressions against this nation, these very so-called ‘civil society organisations’ were in convenient hibernation. Therefore, we must call them out and expose their clear political bias and deliberate attempts to stir up confusion in our country. Where were the one-man paper organisations like Red Thread,

the Guyana Human Rights Association, Transparency International, and the rest of the gang, which was described by columnist Freddie Kissoon as “The Usual Suspects”, when the previous administration signed away our oil wealth via a lopsided contract? Or when APNU+AFC hid the US $18M signing bonus? Where were these so-called organisations when State lands were being distributed to cronies of the then administration? Where were these ‘organisations’ for five years when our economy was stagnant and the nation was slipping into extreme poverty while the APNU+AFC leaders, their friends and family were enjoying the good life? Why were these ‘organisations’ silent when the APNU+AFC trampled on our Constitution and refused to hold general and regional elections within the constitutionally mandated three months after the passage of a no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018? Why were these ‘civil society organisations’ silent when Guyanese and the rest of the world saw the most blatant attempt to steal the 2020 elections by the APNU+AFC? Where were these ‘organisations’ when, for five months, the APNU+AFC was clinging to power and attempted to foist themselves onto the Guyanese people as the government, despite losing the March 2020 elections? They were either busy aiding or abetting their political bedfellows in the heist of

our democracy, or busy enjoying the good life to which the APNU+AFC elites were privileged. Now that the gravy train has stopped, they suddenly have a voice. Sadly, this voice is not one of reason, but one of hate and deception intended to disrupt the PPP/C developmental agenda. Their plan, however, is doomed to fail. The simple reality is that the President, Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration continues to fulfill its commitment to the Guyanese people of being transparent and accountable. The President himself has been engaging the local, regional and international press on a regular basis, answering questions about every single area of his government. He has never dodged a question. The same could be said for Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Prime Minister, Brigadier, Mark Phillips and every other member of the Cabinet. In another missive, I will address the progress made by our government thus far, progress that is unmatched. But, for now, let’s ask these socalled organisations to make public the names of those who constitute their executive bodies. Those who provide a platform for these self-serving gripers to spread their misinformation must be equally condemned. Yours sincerely, Edward Layne

We can’t allow seasonal actors to hijack Guyana’s future Dear Editor, THE ability to feel a sense of shame and to have one’s conscience nag at them for their actions is a human condition most people are able to experience. It is this inner voice that causes us to do the right thing, even when someone is not looking. But then there are people who are entirely bereft of a conscience with no concept of shame. They are instead driven by self-serving motivations that in their world, transcends decency, trumps credi-

bility and towers above integrity. In recent days, I have seen groups, some never before heard of, emerge from the woodwork waxing lyrical about corruption, oil and gas projects, the need for fair play, inclusivity and good governance. These include the Guyana Human Rights Association, run by a lone individual who only emerges from deep slumber when a particular political party is in office. Others, such as the East Coast Development Committees and Community-based Rehabilitation, seem to have been conjured up entirely out of

thin air since no one has heard of them, knows where they operate from, who the principals are or what their mandate is. While make-believe and make-up organisations commenting on matters of national importance would normally be scoffed at and ridiculed, times have changed. People believe what they read. Therefore, calling out fraudulent groups and groups with no locus standi, has to be the duty of all right-minded Guyanese. We also have to be frank and call a spade a spade. The noisemakers calling

for a halt to developmental projects, including the offshore operations which are bringing in billions of dollars, are doing so on the grounds of spurious claims and false concerns about having the country and its people at heart. This is unadulterated hogwash. We must band together and reject opportunists and actors who clearly have no interest in progress and development. Put Guyana first. Yours sincerely, Romel Khan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

QC celebrates being named CXC 2021 ‘School of the Year’

GUYANA’S premier secondary school, Queen’s College, on Friday, celebrated being named the 2021 School of the Year by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), when it held its annual Market Day activity. During the fundraising event, students, teachers, staff and alumni of Queen’s College donned the clothing of Guyana’s six ethnic groups. Booths, which were set up on the lawns of the school, had traditional foods, drinks and fashion items on sale. There was also a games section. A programme which showcased the talent of students, some of whom modeled the elegant designs of

and I am a bit pressured because I know this is something I would have to maintain moving forward. I am pressured but I am excited and looking forward to it. I’ve been here for a while, over 11 years, and have been the Deputy [Head teacher] so it’s something that we are accustomed to,” she shared. Cave noted that while QC is revered for its standing academically, the cel-

ebratory activity was also about having a chance to showcase the talent of the students and show that QC has students who are also creative. Among those present were the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who is a QC alumna; and Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson. Throughout the day, students from several secondary schools in

the city were seen visiting booths. Meanwhile, several students who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle expressed their joy at being able to be out physically, and being able to meet up and interact with their friends. “It’s been very fun, it’s refreshing, since we have to do online classes for the whole of Form One. And it means we’ll also get a break

QC Principal, Candaice Cave

The entrance to QC compound decorated with the faces of its most outstanding 2021 CXC students (Elvin Croker photo) A group of QC students dressed in cultural wear at Friday’s Market Day (Elvin Croker photo) renowned Guyanese designer, Randy Madray, who himself is a QC alumus, marked the opening of the Market Day. “We decided this year to have a grand celebration because of the challenges we would have faced and how we would have overcome those challenges to come out victorious,” the school’s principal, Candaice Cave said. Students were able to perform well regionally notwithstanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which had caused school closures across Guyana and affected education delivery. This is the second con-

secutive year that Queen’s College has received the School of the Year title after students copped the Most Outstanding CSEC Student and Most Outstanding CAPE Student, in addition to several other student awards. Guyana walked away with nine student prizes from the Regional Award Ceremony, five of which were won by QC students. Samuel Haynes was the most outstanding student at CAPE while Zaynab Shaffie took the top stop for the CSEC examination. Additionally, for CSEC, Roshni Samaroo, Sarena Razak and Riley Nurse won the Most Outstanding Per-

formance in Humanities, Most Outstanding Performance in Technical Vocational Education and ACCA CSEC Accounting Awards, respectively. Cave, who has been managing the school as the head teacher for just over a year now, said she is looking forward to maintaining QC’s reputation as a premier institution not just nationally but across the Caribbean. She noted how honoured she was that the school was able to maintain its standing as School of the Year in her first year as principal. She said she feels the weight of the need to continue the trend. “I’m excited, I’m elated

QC Grade Eight classmates Maraya Cooke (left) and Syesha Yahya decked out in their Chinese wear (Elvin Croker photo)

from the school work,” commented 13-year-old Maraya Cooke, a Grade Eight student. Cooke, along with her classmate Syesha Yahya, were dressed in matching Chinese outfits for the occasion. This was their first time at a QC Market Day event as this is the first time in two years that the event was being held. Grade 10 student Ciara Edghill noted that she enjoyed the cultural aspects of the event and was happy with the turn out. “I really like the integration of the different cultures…I didn’t think we would have such a big turnout actually,” she added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President and CDC Director-General Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig during the inspection of the new admin complex

Woman charged with embezzling over $3M SOLANA Wills, former supervisor of Leibrands Financial Management and Tax Consultancy, on Friday, pleaded not guilty to embezzling over $3 million from the company and was granted $200, 000 bail. She was brought before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on six embezzlement charges and one count of larceny. She denied that, between August 1, 2021 and December 20, 2021 at Durban Street, Georgetown she fraudulently embezzled the sum of $3,034,290 from the company. She also denied that, between December 13, 2021 and December 17, 2021, she committed an act of larceny by taking $100,000 cash from her employer. According to reports, Wills would issue temporary receipts after money was collected by her employer from the various companies that they performed services for. After issuing the temporary receipts, she would then pay the required National Insurance Scheme (NIS) or Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) payments for companies. During the period of September to December 2021, no temporary receipts were issued. Her employer stated that, in December 2021, they received several calls from various clients stating that their NIS or GRA payments were not made. The matter was reported to the police and, based on investigation, Wills was arrested. When arrested by police, she allegedly confessed to committing the crime. She was released on $200,000 bail and the case adjourned until April 8, 2022.

Prime Minister inspects new CDC admin complex PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, on Friday visited the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) at Thomas Lands, where he in-

spected the construction of a new administrative complex attached to the existing building. The senior government official also used the opportunity to assess the current operations at

the older facility and interact with employees. It is expected that the staff will soon occupy the new building. The Prime Minister’s visit was facilitated by the Director-General of the

Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel, Kester Craig. Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Derrick Cummings, was also present.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Abram Zuil, Queenstown nursery schools commissioned

THE Essequibo Coast now has two spanking new Nursery schools to better serve the children of Region Two. On Thursday, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, commissioned the new Abram Zuil Nursery School and the Queenstown Nursery School. Headteacher of the Queenstown Nursery School, Thelsa John, said the day will be recorded in the school’s history and continuously celebrated by everyone who has an interest in the school. Minister Manickchand, during her remarks, said the Government was com-

Headteacher of Queenstown Nursery School, Thelsa John mitted to creating a worldclass education system as

was often spoken about by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

However, she noted that constructing new schools was not the only aspect of the improved sector that was coming. She said that a large part of it was ensuring the system had 100 per cent trained teachers in the classrooms. And that was being pursued at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) by providing training online. She noted that that route had increased the college’s intake from 535 in previous years to almost 3,000. According to Minister Manickchand, years from now when other countries will not have the needed number of trained teachers because of closures due to COVID-19, Guyana will not be affected. She also noted that persons who join the teaching profession will be required to either be trained or expected to begin training shortly after. Moreover, the Education Minister said that the education system will be supported even further with the expansion of the School Feeding Programme in the region. That will also be complemented with the Government’s Because We

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand Care cash grant and school supply voucher which collectively values $30,000 this year. She said that the distribution of that grant is expected to begin in June to be distributed to each school child in the public and private school system. In addition to those measures, primary school pupils will be provided with the textbooks they require for school. Minister Manickchand urged parents to play an active role in their children’s development so that they can supersede their parents and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth. Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Devendre Persaud,

applauded the Regional Administration and the Department of Education for their great work to improve the quality of education in the region. He said that nursery education was paramount in the development of a rounded child. “It encourages critical thinking, positive dispositions to learning and it prepares children for the outside world on the journey to adulthood,” the ACEO noted. He said that with the construction of schools across Guyana, every child can have access to education regardless of social class, gender, and ethnicity or if they have Special Education Needs. (DPI)

The Abram Zuil Nursery School

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Guyana now in ‘golden era’ –– following events of March 2, 2020

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, said Guyana was able to rebuild its image on the regional and international stage, despite the political turmoil the country endured following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Recalling the events on Thursday, Minister Teixeira said Guyana is now in its ‘golden era’ two years after the country endured the months-long distress. She said during and after that period, with the support from regional and international bodies, Guyana was able to build meaningful

relationships. The country was also able to reclaim its place as an equal and leading member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). “I really do believe that this is the golden era of our country, the golden period where we can do things and make it right. That is why

Three wharfs in Region One to be upgraded RESIDENTS of Region One will benefit from the rehabilitation of three wharfs, which are expected to aid economic transformation within the region. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Thursday, met with residents to address the construction of the structures, which will accommodate a new ferry. Speaking with residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding areas, the minister said the new docks will enhance the livelihood of citizens.

a government and more so the RDC is very committed to working with the Central Government, to ensure that this ideology of prosperity reaches to every citizen, to every home, to every family and so the construction of this wharf and better road infrastructure will see better economic activities taking place, not only in the mining sector, but even in the agriculture sector.” The new ferry will replace the 88-year-old MV Barima. It is measured at approximately 70 metres long and 14.5 metres

relocated in an effort to mitigate the heavy traffic caused by the market. The Morawhanna stelling will be upgraded as it caters to persons and small cargo. Meanwhile, the minister has committed to upgrading the roads leading to the Port Kaituma nursery, primary and secondary schools. The roads and bridges from Matthews Ridge to Baramita will also be improved. Tickets for the ferry will begin selling online by October. Minister Edghill was accompanied by Transport and

Region One residents during the meeting with Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill “The People’s Progressive Party Government is a government that has remained resolute in its commitment to bring about transformation in the lives of people everywhere, regardless of where they are living. “We are committed as

wide, with a water frontage length of 200 metres. To adequately accommodate the watercraft, new wharfs will be constructed at the Barima loading area to service residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding communities. The wharf at Kumaka will be

Harbours Department, General Manager, Marcelene Merchant; Maritime Administration, Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas and Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thomas, among other officials.

the whole platform of ‘One Guyana’ is so important to try to bring us all together in looking at how we go forward,” Minister Teixeira stated during a television interview. Guyana went to the polls on March 2, 2020. The months following the elections saw intense legal battles between the PPP/C and the then APNU+AFC Government, over the true winner of the polls, although the results from the Guyana Elections Commission showed the PPP/C had won. Minister Teixeira said the events that followed those elections must not be forgotten. She described the events as similar to that of 1953, where people were fighting for their right to vote. “The significance of all

these events teach us as a people that we must remember and guard these things so as not to repeat history.” She said the prevention of a repeat of the 2020 events is multi-layered and not merely about law. It is for this reason that GECOM had to rebuild confidence in the Guyanese people. The elections body last year terminated the services of its Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer for District Four, Clairmont Mingo, who were all accused of undermining the elections. Minister Teixeira said the government made draft amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act, which were made available for public exam-

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

ination and recommendations. She pointed out that while a number of non-governmental organisations, political parties, the diaspora and GECOM made recommendations, not a single comment was made by the APNU+AFC Coalition. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

EU, CDB sign €14M pack to boost regional response to climate change

IN an era of myriad challenges, including geopolitical crises, an ongoing pandemic and increasing climate change related risks, building resilience is critical for Caribbean states to survive and thrive. In this light, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union (EU), on Tuesday, signed off on the new Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement (CARE) programme. Speaking at the signing, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of the EU Delegation to Barbados, the

Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, urged strong collaborative action on climate change. “I am also confident, most of all that behind this project there is action. This action that everybody wants to see replacing words, when it comes to fighting climate change in international fora; this action that Caribbean citizens can count and rely on in times of need [and] this action that the European people want to see [as] meaningful and worth their contribution,” stated the ambassador.

The five-year CARE programme is being funded by EUR14 million in grant financing from the EU. Managed and implemented by CDB, CARE will support disaster risk management (DRM) and climate resilience building efforts in CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). Specifically, the CARE Programme will be focused on improving governance on DRM and climate change adaptation in the BMCs and strengthening evidence-based planning and decision-making and financial response of BMCs

gency Management Agency and the Government of the Dominican Republic. Speaking at Tuesday’s signing ceremony, CDB’s Vice-President (Operations), Isaac Solomon, emphasised that the bank was committed to increasing its funding of climate action in its BMCs and stressed the importance of partnerships such as those with the EU, in accomplishing that. “CDB is also committed to significantly scaling-up lending and support for climate action in the coming decades,

including allocating up to 25-30 per cent of its own resources for climate action by 2024. However, the bank alone cannot provide adequate support that is commensurate to the magnitude of disaster risks and impacts that the BMCs face. We therefore continue to develop strategic partnerships with national, regional and international institutions to help the BMCs enhance their capacities to mitigate, respond to, and recover from disasters from natural hazards,” noted Solomon.

The CARE programme will continue and consolidate the work done under the 10th EDF ACP-EU NDRM Programme. Under that Programme, CDB funded and supported initiatives to establish robust early warning systems, strengthen capacity at all levels, mainstream disaster risk management and climate change adaptation into BMCs’ priority sector policies, strategies and investment planning; and build community infrastructure and livelihood resilience. (CDB)

Men remanded for alleged involvement in ‘Front Road’ cocaine ‘bust’

Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM and CDB’s Vice-President (Operations), Isaac Solomon following the signing as well as community infrastructure and livelihood resilience to climate change effects and natural hazards. It is funded through the 11th European Development Fund’s (EDF) Intra- African Caribbean Pacific – European Union- (ACP-EU) Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme. It is a successor to the 10th EDF ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Management in CARIFORUM Countries programme (NDRM), jointly implemented by CDB, the Caribbean Disaster Emer-

TWO men, who were allegedly nabbed by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) with $1.2 million worth in cocaine, were, on Friday, remanded to prison for drug trafficking. Ron Reid, 49, and Nigel Dundas, 45, were arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The men denied that, on March 2, 2022, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, they had 1.084 kilograms of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. Magistrate Daly remanded the duo to prison until April 8, 2022. On March 2, 2022, they were arrested at a West Ruimveldt house by CANU ranks. The men were allegedly found wrapping

pellets of suspected cocaine. The more than 100 pellets had a street value of approximately GY$1,200,000 and would have had a higher price value overseas. According to a CANU release, Reid is no stranger to them. On March 2, 2015, Reid along with his common-law wife was arrested with 70 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. In 2017, CANU issued a wanted bulletin for Reid after his associate Julius Watkins was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after ingesting 114 cocaine pellets. Watkins subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison. The following day, Reid turned himself in to CANU.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Electoral fraud accused sues police for $175M for breach of constitutional rights

ELECTORAL fraud accused, Michelle Miller, has filed a $175 million lawsuit against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the breach of her constitutional rights when she was arrested during the investigation. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employee, through her attorney Eusi Anderson, filed the statement of claim against the Commissioner of Police. The Attorney General is also listed as a respondent in the case. The claimant is asking the court to declare that the police, from August 29-September 15, 2020, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, breached her right to personal liberty and protection of freedom of movement pursuant to Article 139 and 148 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. She is also seeking a declaration from the court that the police breached her constitutional right to

protection of retaining and instructing a legal adviser of her own choice without delay pursuant to Article 139(3) of the Constitution. Among other things, Miller is asking the court to declare that the police, on August 26, 2020, at CID Headquarters, breached her constitutional right to medical attention pursuant to Article 24. For all of the aforementioned, Miller is seeking aggravated, and or, exemplary damages in excess of $175 million for allegedly being held under “false arrest.” In her lawsuit, Miller said that, on August 26, 2020, at approximately 09:30 hours, she was arrested by police and taken to CID Headquarters in relation to the alleged 2020 electoral fraud matter. She was questioned for approximately 30 minutes by ranks and she requested for her counsel to be present during the interrogation. According to Miller, the ranks told her, “You do not need a lawyer, you are not charged with anything,” and she replied,

“Yes, I do and I will not be answering any more questions.” However, according to Miller, the ranks continued with their interrogation. Whilst in custody, Miller said that she tested her blood pressure and it was recorded a “dangerously high” level of 166/140. Miller, who is a chronic hypertension patient, said the normal range for her age is 120/80. Although complaining of feeling unwell and not having anything to eat, Miller said the ranks did nothing. According to a statement sent out by Miller’s attorney while she was in custody, her blood pressure reading was 240/141. “This reading showed up even after she self-administered 2 doses of the medication prescribed for her chronic high blood pressure condition. Her normal range is 140/90,” the release said. Miller’s attorney later arrived at CID Headquarters, and she was taken to the GPHC where she was treated and admitted. She was kept under guard until September 1, 2020, when

Man remanded for allegedly cocaine trafficking

A FORTY-FIVE-yearold man was, on Friday, charged for allegedly trafficking $2.6 million in cocaine and was remanded to prison. Ian Griffith, of North East La Penitence, appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Zamina Alli-Seepaul. Griffith pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on March 3, 2022, at Den Amstel, East Bank Essequibo, he had 2.330 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was remanded to prison until April 4, 2022.

According to a release from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on the day in question ranks were conducting an operation between Ruby and Den Amstel. During the operation, Griffith was arrested with two parcels of suspected cocaine weighing 2.330 kilograms. The cocaine had a street value of $2.6 million. In 2016, Griffith was charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle 1.004 kilogrammes of cocaine out of Guyana by using a 15-year-old Guyanese boy, who is a United

Ian Griffith States resident. The cocaine was concealed in the handles of the teen’s luggage. The matter against Griffith was dismissed.

she was discharged. Medical professionals sent her on sick leave and ordered that she rest and take her treatment at home. However, Miller was immediately taken back to CID Headquarters. While being interrogated, Miller said she fainted due to her not having enough rest. She was later released on

$100,000 station bail. Miller, along with former Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; PNC/R member Volda Lawrence; coalition political activist, Carol Joseph-Smith, and three others, were charged with electoral fraud. They are accused of defrauding the electors

Electoral fraud accused, Michelle Miller of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Winston Jordan’s lawyers want High Court trial

THE lawyers representing former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who is accused of misconduct in public office, have requested that he face trial in the Demerara High Court instead of the Georgetown Mag-

istrates’ Court. Jordan is currently out on $3 million bail and is expected to be tried before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. On December 28, 2021, he was first arraigned in court and was not required

to plead to the charge which alleged that while serving as Finance Minister under the APNU+AFC government and being the concerned minister for the government-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments

Limited (NICIL), he, between February 26 and July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, willfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order, No. 50 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette of Guyana, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc., all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances, at Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, being over 2.553 acres, by paying $20,260,276, for a property valued over $5,000,000,000 and being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust and without reasonable excuse or justification. He is being represented by fellow party members, attorneys-at-law, Roysdale Forde S.C., Khemraj Ramjattan, Joseph Harmon and Darren Wade. Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Tuanna Hardy had requested that the accused be tried summarily in the Magistrates’ Court. However, Jordan’s lawyers raised strong objection and emphasised their preference for a jury trial in the High Court. This would mean that the matter would be the subject of a preliminary inquiry (PI) in the Magistrates’ Court and once the magistrate finds that a case had been made, it will be sent to the Demerara High Court for trial before a judge and jury. On Friday, Hardy laid over her submissions to the court and the matter was adjourned until April 29, 2022, for the continuation of the legal argument on the request for a High Court trial. This publication had previously reported that, on December 2, 2021, Jordan was arrested by the Guyana Police Force

(GPF) in relation to two transactions done during his tenure as Finance Minister. “The first transaction… relates to the sale and vesting of the state’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown … and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing Title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies,” police had said in a press release. The property was offered for sale to BK Marine Inc. by former Chief Executive Officer of NICIL, Horace James, for the sum of $202,602,759. The police release said that the vesting order noted that the property was sold without encumbrance and liabilities with no further monies owed by the purchaser. “Transport was subsequently issued for this property and the value strangely stated in the transport was GY$400,000,000 (US$2,000,000).” “Further, the Agreement of Sale stated that Title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price,” the police release added. “The purchaser, BK Marines Limited, paid only 10 per cent of this purchase price, that is GY$20 million (US$100,000) and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies,” the release added. The law enforcement agency informed that Jordan was also identified as being allegedly involved in a second transaction. “Investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver, was sold to a private company for US$17 million,” the release said. The matter that is now before the court was made

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan public in early 2020 when it was reported in the media that the sale of the property had occurred just days before the 2020 General and Regional Elections were held. Also of concern was the fact that cabinet had apparently granted approval to NICIL for the sale of the property. By its own admission in an April 2020 statement, NICIL said: “In October 2019, NICIL received approval [for the sale of the land in question], following which the vesting order was prepared, signed and gazetted.” At the time of the approval, the cabinet was defunct, a consequence of the court rulings made following the successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018. In February 2019, Harmon, who was the then Minister of State, said that the cabinet had not been meeting because of the January 2019 ruling by the High Court that the no-confidence motion was successfully passed against the APNU+AFC administration. The state has since commenced legal proceedings at the High Court to repossess the property. The proceedings, which were initiated by Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C., listed BK Marine Inc., Jordan, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London and NICIL as the respondents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Caribbean ranking high in obesity –– global report shows, regional partners unite to reaffirm commitments to tackle issue

ON the occasion of World Obesity Day 2022 and in celebration of the theme ‘Everybody Needs to Act’, nine regional partners have united to reaffirm their collective commitment to work together to prioritise action against overweight and obesity, even as the World Obesity Atlas, 2022 paints a dismal picture for obesity in the Caribbean. The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) has joined with The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The

Barbuda projected to have some of the lowest levels of obesity in children and among adults in 2030.

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Earth Medic/ Earth Nurse, The Law and Health Research Unit of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, and the Rotary District 7030, Rotary International, to highlight the need for robust policies to prevent and treat the crisis of overweight and obesity facing CARICOM countries. The Atlas, released on March 4, 2022 by the World Obesity Federation, noted that six out of 10 of the countries in the Americas with the highest estimated prevalence of obesity amongst women by 2030 are from the Caribbean with Bermuda topping this list at 48 per cent and St Vincent and the Grenadines at number 10 with 42 per cent; six Caribbean countries fall into the top 10 list when projecting 2030 child obesity rates (5-19 years), with Barbados and Jamaica at 22 per cent, Bahamas at 23 per cent and Bermuda at 24 per cent exceeded only by the US at 25 per cent. In terms of preparedness to tackle obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the projections are equally bleak with six Caribbean countries (St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Belize, Grenada, Guyana and Haiti) among the 10 least prepared. There is some good news. Among the top 10 most prepared to tackle obesity and overweight are Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica with St. Lucia and Antigua and

which transform food systems and create healthy food environments make it easier for Caribbean people to make the healthiest choices and are urgently needed. These policies will yield the greatest returns on investment. At present, Caribbean children and adults are at a disadvantage. They are born into, grow and live in profit-making, obesogenic environments where cheap unhealthy foods are widely available, accessible and heavily marketed. Caribbean citizens, especially children, have a right to nutritious food. Healthy food policies which are based on sound evidence and have been shown to improve our food systems are well known, and recommended by global and regional agencies including CARPHA, FAO, UNICEF and WHO/ PAHO.

GREATEST CONTRIBUTORS Unhealthy diets dominated by unhealthy ultra-processed foods high in sugars, fats and sodium, are among the greatest contributors to overweight and obesity and NCDs. The costs of an unhealthy food environment are many: from increased health costs due to diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and many cancers; stigma of people who are living with overweight and obesity; and reduced lifespans. Policies

CARPHA 6-POINT POLICY These policies are set out in the CARPHA 6-point policy package to address childhood obesity through joint policy action and include but not limited to: food-based dietary guidelines and nutrition education; mandatory front of package nutrition warning labelling to empower consumers to make the healthiest choices; fiscal policies to reduce the cost of healthy options while increasing the cost of unhealthy foods; national school-feeding programmes and regulation in school settings to ban the sale and marketing

of ultra-processed foods; food supply policies which support domestic production of healthy foods while disincentivising the importation of unhealthy foods; double and triple duty actions which improve food systems while also addressing related challenges such as climate change; and, conflict of interest policies to protect policy-making spaces from vested interests. We must move swiftly and in concert, inspired by the vision of our past leaders who, in crafting the seminal Port of Spain Declaration on NCDs, recognised, early, that this group of diseases represented not only a

health issue but a development issue warranting whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches with each sector playing its respective part. Everybody must act. Civil society will continue to build public and policymakers’ awareness and support through strong evidence-based policy advocacy. Our regional academic institutions will continue to undertake research to complement global research and inform our regional policy agenda. Our regional agencies will continue to provide high level technical support and guidance to Member States. Working together we will encourage our governments, under the leadership of our Heads of State and Government, to work across ministries in unison to implement strong coherent obesity policies. “Caribbean people, including our children, have a right to health-supporting environments and we can only achieve this by working together,” noted Sir Trevor Hassell, President of the HCC. “On World Obesity Day 2022, this diverse coalition of regional partners are united in our collective commitment to leverage our respective strengths in support of our governments, to tackle overweight and obesity and the interlinked challenge of NCDs through the implementation of effective treatment programmes and evidence-based healthy food policies which transform food systems for healthier Caribbean people,” Sir Trevor emphasised. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Chinese Medical Brigade hands over equipment to GPHC

THE 17th Chinese Medical Brigade on Friday handed over medical equipment to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to help boost the services it offers to the public. Speaking on behalf of China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiya, Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor Hu Hanming said that it was a great pleasure to witness the handing-over ceremony. “We hope these medical supplies will support Guyana to fight against the pandemic and protect the health of Guyanese,” he said during a simple ceremony held at GPHC’s Resource Centre. Hu stated that since the pandemic started in Guyana, China has donated 16 batches of medical supplies, including vaccines, nucleic acid detectors, reagents and more. “China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Guyana and continuously support the country in fighting the pandemic within its capacity,” he said, adding that China welcomes more

Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Hu Hanming; CEO (ag) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Robbie Rambarran and others at the handing-over ceremony (Elvin Croker Photo) Guyanese students who study medicine in China to come back to better serve their fellow Guyanese with improved expertise. “With the development of the oil-and-gas sector, Guyana’s economy and society are facing huge development opportunities, and the demand of high-quality medical services increased

sharply. I have noticed that the Government of Guyana is aiming to transform the country’s health sector to ensure that citizens nationwide have access to quality, world-class health services, and Minister Anthony has been vigorously promoting the upgrading of Guyana’s health facilities and the training of medical staff,” he said.

With China leading in medical technology and given its rich experience in the health sector, Hu expressed the firm belief that there is broad space for bilateral cooperation in the field of medical treatment and public health. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Guyana.

The two countries will jointly take this opportunity to promote bilateral practical cooperation in various fields, of which the health sector is an important part,” he shared. He said that China will strengthen its support for the development of Guyana’s health services through Chinese Government Scholarship Programmes. Both

sides have also agreed on cooperation in carrying out resident-doctor training in Guyana and are well prepared. Meanwhile, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran said that the people of Guyana will always be grateful for the contributions made to Guyana’s health sector by the Chinese medical teams throughout the years. He added that the medical equipment is valued at US$129,000. Apologising for the absence of Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, his adviser Leslie Ramsammy said that he hopes that the Chinese Medical Brigade will take their experiences in Guyana back to China. The medical equipment handed over included a mind ray mobile trolley, infusion pump, x-ray view box, videoscope, oxygen concentrator, orthopedic instruments, mind ray digital ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system, electronic suction apparatus and a portable suction machine.

The medical equipment handed over to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (Elvin Croker Photo)

Man chopped to death in Elderly man found dead on roadway Baramita, shop owner arrested THE body of a man who appeared to be in his 60s was found lying motionless on the Metenmeer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara, on Wednesday last, police have confirmed. Police in Region Three reported that, on March

2, 2022, about 16:40 hrs, they received a call from a person unknown, who saw the body. Upon responding to the report, police said ranks observed the man and took him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was examined

by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead. Police said no marks of violence were seen on his body and he was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting identification and a post mortem examination as investigations continue.

A SHOP-OWNER at Barama Line, Baramita, North West District (NWD), Region One, was taken into police custody following the discovery of the lifeless body of a man on Thursday in front of his shop. Police said that the identity of the dead man has not been confirmed. The man’s

body which bore several deep wounds to the left sides of the face and head, was found by a known male of the area. According to Police Headquarters, on Thursday about 07:00hrs, a report was made at the Baramita Police Station and ranks immediately visited the location, picked

up the man and rushed him to the Baramita Health Centre where he was examined by the medex who pronounced him dead on arrival. The body was thereafter escorted to the Port Kaituma Hospital Mortuary where it is awaiting an autopsy as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday March 5, 2022)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Pant helps India pile pressure on Sri Lanka (ESPNCRICINFO) - Sri Lanka managed to deny Virat Kohli even a fifty in his 100th Test and they didn't

let Hanuma Vihari convert his fifty into a hundred in his 100th first-class match. By the end of the day,

though, they might have regretted getting them out because it brought Rishabh Pant to the middle and he went

Rishabh Pant gave the Sri Lanka bowlers a peppering (BCCI)

from 50 to 96 in 19 delightful balls and ended up dismissed in the 90s for the fifth time in his career. India racked up 357 for 6 in just 85 overs. Sri Lanka's limited attack stood exposed on a day-one Mohali pitch, which offered turn from full lengths and promised more in the coming days. Their lack of resources was apparent at the toss when they announced they were playing three fast bowlers on a track that the hosts picked three spinners. One of them, Lahiru Kumara, broke down in 10.5 overs. The others hardly drew any uncertainty: India batted with 89.4% control. When this is happening and the pitch is not offering you much, you expect your bowlers to keep the scoring under check, but India could hit boundaries without taking risks. They managed 44 of

them on the day; Sri Lanka could string together just six maidens.. The lone specialist spinner, Lasith Embuldeniya, started off well, but lost control of his lengths as the game wore on. In a way, Sri Lanka were lucky they got the first five wickets with just 41 mistakes induced in the first 61.1 overs of the day. Rohit Sharma looked ominous, charging to 29 off 28, but found long leg with a third attempted pull to the boundary in the same Kumara over. He clearly fancies himself against the short ball, but since April 2018 he has been out to the pull or the hook seven times at an average of 27.4. Embuldeniya then managed to get past the inside edge of Mayank Agarwal, another heavy scorer in Indian conditions when he gets in. And he had got in with 33 off 49.

What Embuldeniya did presented a sense of threat on a pitch that had a clear, differently watered dry area on a spinners' full length. He got some drift, pitched right at the start of that full area, and the ball would either turn or go straight on because of the rougher surface. In the same over, Emduldeniya drew a leading edge from Kohli too. This, though, would be the last time in a while that Sri Lanka would see a mistake from the batters. Vihari, replacing Cheteshwar Pujara at No.3, had already got himself set. Vihari and Kohli added 90 from 25.5 overs for the third wicket without having to strain themselves. They did nothing more than keep the good balls out and score off the bad ones. That they could score at 3.6 an over tells you the proportion of good balls was low.

Carty impresses...

FROM PAGE 29

ball on resumption, punched five fours off 60 deliveries, the pair adding 70 for the fourth wicket. The declaration was followed by a tumble of wickets as Shayne Moseley (7) and Devon Thomas (0) perished in the 11th over to seamer Craig Overton, followed by Alick Athanaze (1) and captain Shane Dowrich (2) in successive overs from

fast bowling all-rounder Ben Stokes. Left-hander Moseley played away from his body and inside-edged onto his stumps while Thomas drove a firm return catch to Overton to signal lunch at 15 for two. Athanaze played back and was lbw in the third over after the interval and Stokes struck again in his second over, bowling Dowich with

one that straightened late and hit off-stump. Tottering on 23 for four, the President’s XI were steadied by a 29-run stand, fifth wicket stand between Solozano and Shamar Springer who struck three fours in 15 before clipping seamer Chris Woakes to Overton at short mid-wicket.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Ul- Haq brilliant as Aussie pace attack toils (ESPNCRICINFO) - Recalled opener Imam-ulHaq justified his selection in style with a brilliant maiden Test century to lead a disciplined Pakistan into early control of the series-opener, as Australia's pace-heavy attack toiled in batting-friendly conditions in Rawalpindi. Getting the nod over Shan Masood in a seemingly borderline call, Imam made a statement and signified a calculated Pakistan batting effort after the hosts won a crucial toss and elected to bat on a flat pitch. An indefatigable Imam, nephew of Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq, batted through the opening day and finished with 132 off 271

balls while veteran Azhar Ali was unbeaten on 64 from 165 balls. Imam started cautiously with just seven runs off his first 41 balls but crucially blunted a full-strength Australian attack featuring star quick Josh Hazlewood in place of cult favourite Scott Boland, who could consider himself unlucky after snaring 18 wickets at just 9.55 in his first three Tests. Imam showcased a stout defence but he mixed stonewalling with spurts of counterattacking, highlighted by terrific use of the feet to superbly hit spinner Nathan Lyon down the ground on several occasions. The left-handed Imam shared in a century open-

ing stand with Abdullah Shafique, who lost his composure on the stroke of lunch and holed out tamely off Lyon on 44. It was the first opening century stand against Australia since Imam and Mohammed Hafeez combined for 205 in Dubai in 2018. But Imam then found support over the next two sessions through Azhar as Pakistan aimed to wear down Australia, who have had no warm-up matches on their first Test tour since the Ashes in 2019. Eight bowlers rolled their arm over for Australia but no one could pierce the defences of Imam, who entered the final session on 92. He started slowly after tea and became

Carty impresses despite missing second half-century

Keacy Carty

CMC - Keacy Carty impressed again but missed out on his second half-century of the game as CWI President’s XI staved off defeat to draw with England in their four-day tour match here Friday. Set an improbable 367 for victory at Coolidge Cricket Ground after the tourists declared their second innings on 164 for four in their second innings, the President’s XI recovered from the peril of 52 for five to end on 123 for seven. Carty played a key role in

the rescue effort, anchoring a 40-run sixth wicket stand with left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano (32) before putting on a further 31 for the seventh with first innings century-maker Raymon Reifer (10 not out). The partnerships took precious time out of the game and by the time Carty guided left-arm spinner Jack Leach (2-25) to Zak Crawley at slip deep in the final session, neither team seemed keen on carrying on. All told, the right-handed Carty faced 96 balls in a

shade over 1-¾ hours and struck eight fours while Solozano counted half-dozen boundaries in a patient innings spanning 116 deliveries and 2-¾ hours. England had earlier gotten 48 from Dan Lawrence and 43 from wicketkeeper Ben Foakes as they gathered crucial runs after resuming the morning on 77 for three. Lawrence, on 12 at the start, lashed four fours and a six in a breezy 41-ball knock while Foakes, yet to face a TURN TO PAGE 28

mired in the 90s as Australia sensed an opening. He didn't necessarily look nervous, however, as a composed Imam resisted tempting wider deliveries from quickie, Mitchell Starc, until flashing and missing at a loose ball on 97. But on the very next delivery, he punched through

the off-side for a boundary to trigger memorable celebrations, as he jumped for joy and punched the air amid jubilation in the terraces. Enduring a barren run over 11 previous Tests stretching four years, Imam notched his ton off 200 balls and showed no let-up after that as Pakistan eyed a huge first-innings

score. In their first Test in Pakistan in almost 24 years, Australia tried hard but appeared in need of a second specialist spinner having stuck with their usual balance of three quicks alongside all-rounder Cameron Green and sole spinner Lyon.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

Narayan Ramdhani cops first ACAC Male Badminton Player-of-the-Year award … Priyanna Ramdhani wins Women's Badminton All-Conference award NARAYAN Ramdhani copped the prestigious Male Badminton Playerof-the-Year award when the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) announced its annual top performers this week. His sister, Priyanna Ramdhani, was selected as one of five players to receive the Women’s Badminton All-Conference award. According to information from ACAC, the King’s University student, Narayan, “came out of the gates with a strong showing in the first interlock

of the season held at The King’s University”. Narayan defended home court by winning both mixed doubles with Abigail Ledda and the singles. In the second interlock of the season, Narayan once again paired with Ledda to win the mixed doubles battle. The fourth-year student narrowly missed repeating as singles champion when he came up short against Smit Patel (NAIT). This will mark the third consecutive season that Narayan is named to the All-Conference team, and will be his first as the

ACAC Male Badminton Player-of-the-Year. PASSION AND DEDICATION “Narayan’s passion and dedication to the sport have been evident from day one,” the ACAC noted on their website. “Narayan was determined to bring King’s a championship this season. Even during an extremely difficult season with COVID-19 restrictions and a great personal lost, Narayan’s focus has never wavered. We are so proud to see how he helps his teammates during prac-

Third Basil Butcher Trust Fund launched by RHT NAMILCO teams THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour first division team, along with its Under-21 counterparts, launched the third edition of the Basil Butcher Trust Fund at a simple ceremony at the Area H Ground. The team since 2020 has been hosting the trust fund in memory of the legendary Test player who died in December 2019 in the USA after a period of illness. The teams handed over three bicycles valued at $70 000 to two Under-17 players and a single-parent mother of three children. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the handing-over ceremony stated that the cycles were sponsored by three children of Basil Butcher and is the start of several projects in 2022 under the trust fund. Among the other projects planned under the trust fund are the distribution of more cycles, school bags, school uniforms, educational grants, food hampers and the hosting of several awards programmes for youths, police officers and medical workers. Foster, who is also the president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) disclosed that hundreds of youths over the last two years have benefitted from the trust fund in the form of cycles, educational materials, cricket gear, sports equipment, clothing, footwear and educational grants. The fund has also contributed office equipment, stationery, medical items among others to several public institutions. Thousands of food hampers were also shared out across Berbice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding crisis. RHTYSC Asst Secretary/CEO Jonathan Rampersaud urged the recipients to take care of the cycles and also to promote always the legacy of the late Basil Butcher. He expressed gratitude to the family of the late legend with special mention being made of Blossom, Bruce and Basil Butcher Jr.

tices and how much they love and respect him in return.” Narayan and Priyanna (from Old College) will both represent their schools at the ACAC Badminton Championship (Provin cials) which will be played this weekend at Olds College. This tournament is also the qualifier for Nationals to select a team to represent Alberta Colleges at th e Canad ian Collegiate Athletic Association (Nationals) which is also scheduled to be played during this month.

This is Narayan Ramdhani’s first ACAC Male Badminton Player-of-the-Year award

Shane Warne dies

Warne won his final Test series 5-0 in the Ashes against England in 2006-07 The three recipients pose with their cycles after the presentations

Butcher played 44 Test matches for the West Indies between 1958 and 1968, scoring 3 104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries and 16 half-centuries. Butcher was also a Wisden Cricketer-ofthe-Year in 1970 and later played a great role in the development of the game in Linden, where he captained the first-division team for a very long time. He also served on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as a vice-president and as chairman of the West Indies Selection Committee. For many years, Butcher also gave back to the game via a Basil Butcher Cricket Fund, which provided gear to young cricketers. One of the players who benefitted from his kindness is current West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer. The RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour teams are sponsored by the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) and among the players are Kelvin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sylus Tyndall, Eon Hooper, Delbert Hicks, Keith Simpson, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia and Chanderpaul Govindan.

BBC- Legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died of a suspected heart attack aged 52. Warne took 708 Test wickets, the second most of all time, in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career. He had been found unresponsive in his villa on the Thai island of Koh Samui on Friday, said his management company. "It is with great sadness we advise that Shane Keith Warne passed away of a suspected heart attack," it added. "Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived. "The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course." Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Warne's family will be offered a state funeral for him. Warne helped Australia win the 1999 50over World Cup and claimed 293 dismissals in 194 one-day internationals between 1993 and 2005. In 2000, he was named one of the five Wisden cricketers of the century, alongside Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Viv Richards. He retired from international cricket in

2007 following Australia's 5-0 Ashes clean sweep of England at home. Warne also retired from first-class and List A cricket later that year, ending a seven-year spell with Hampshire, who he had captained since 2004. He continued to play Twenty20 franchise cricket until retiring from all formats in 2013. Warne worked regularly as a commentator and pundit, as well as holding coaching roles at T20 franchises. He is survived by his three children with former wife Simone Callahan. His death comes on the same day as legendary former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh, who died aged 74 of a heart attack, and was announced shortly after the close of play on day one of Australia's first Test in Pakistan. Warne's mastery of leg-spin - a style of bowling that declined during the 1970s and 1980s when fast bowlers dominated - revolutionised cricket. His magnificent control and canny variations bewildered even the greatest batters of his generation. Only Sri Lankan off-spinning great Muttiah Muralitharan, with 800 dismissals, has taken more Test wickets than Warne.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022

ICC Women’s World Cup ...

Devine’s hundred not enough to overcome Matthews’ input

(ESPNCRICINFO) – The 2022 Women's ODI World Cup started with a big upset result on the opening night as Hayley Matthews' 118 trumped Sophie Devine's 108, and Deandra Dottin stole the show when she picked up two wickets and played her part in a run-out in a manic last over to consign hosts New Zealand to a shock three-run defeat. contribution The clincher, though, might have been Chinelle Henry's return catch on her second attempt to dismiss Devine, with New Zealand needing 45 off 29. That helped her make amends - tellingly, as it turned out - for dropping Devine earlier in the night; West Indies' fielding swung between excellent and poor. The count for shelled chances, five until that point, ended on six. At one point, New Zealand needed just 24 off 17 with Jess Kerr and the experienced Katey Martin on course to avert an upset. The two picked 14 off the penultimate over to bring it down to a-run-a-ball in the final over. Enter Dottin. The result: 1W1WW. Game: West Indies. With that over, her only one in the game, Dottin somewhat stole Matthews' thunder, but Matthews (Player-of-the-Match) played a huge role with bat - she became the third West Indies woman to score an ODI World Cup century - and then with ball, she returned 2 for 41.

With five to defend, Deandra Dottin bowled the final over against New Zealand and produced a sequence of 1 W 1 W W to seal the game, New Zealand vs West Indies, Women's World Cup 2022, Tauranga, March 4, 2022 © Getty Images

Matthews was promoted to open in the absence of Rashada Williams, who is recovering from a concussion. After Devine opted to bowl, three fours from Dottin in the opening over set West Indies' campaign rolling. Their first four scoring shots were all boundaries with Matthews driving a full-toss past cover for her first runs. Lea Tahuhu, the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 3 for 57, struck back with Dottin's wicket, first ball of her second over, which, however, cost 13, with Matthews stroking three fours. She displayed her range with the first of many

cuts, pulls, and back-foot punches that adorned her century - the first by a West Indies woman in an ODI in New Zealand. Along the way, she strung fifty-plus stands with Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle and Chedean Nation. Apart from the Kerrs - Amelia and Jess - and Hannah Rowe, all the other New Zealand bowlers came in for punishment from Matthews. She was particularly aggressive against 17-year-old Fran Jonas, New Zealand's second-youngest ODI World Cup debutant, and reached her ODI fifty off just 55 balls, soon after which West Indies lost Taylor

for 30. Campbelle joined Matthews in the middle for the rebuild as she transferred her reliance from boundaries to strike rotation. In the 29th over, she upped the offensive again, clubbing Jonas for two fours in the first two balls of the 11-run over. In all, she struck 16 fours, and a six off Devine. Her century came off a scamper for two. After Matthews fell, Anisa Mohammed's six-ball 11 in the end lifted West Indies to their third-highest ODI World Cup total. New Zealand had never successfully chased more than 208 in an ODI World Cup, and their chase began on a wobbly note. A deflection by bowler Henry off a Devine straight drive ended Suzie Bates' six-ball innings in the fourth over. West Indies then frustrated Devine and Amelia Kerr with an off-side-heavy field and backed it up with a persistent outside-the-offstump line and terrific discipline on the outfield. The home side managed only 41 for 1, as opposed to West Indies' 54 for 2, in the first powerplay. Matthews followed up her success with the bat with a key strike off just her second delivery, Bowling with a tweaked left hamstring and Kinesio taped-up right arm, she trapped the in-form Amelia lbw in the 12th over for what was the batter's first score below 30 in six ODIs.

New Zealand reached 114 for 2 at the halfway mark and needed 146 off her final 25 overs. A slew of letoffs helped them at that stage. First, a run-parched Devine powered Aaliyah Alleyne to Shamilia Connell at mid-on only to be dropped, when on 36. She then gritted out a tough phase with a 76-run stand with Amy Satterthwaite and reached her fifty in 70 balls, her first in ODIs since October 2020. In the 24th over, three balls after coming in as the injured Connell's substitute, Cherry-Ann Fraser handed Satterthwaite a lifeline when on 22 off Mohammed. The veteran off-spinner, however, eventually trapped Satterthwaite lbw, becoming the first spinner to pick up 300 wickets in international cricket. She took out Tahuhu next ball but was unable to bag a hat-trick. On 66, Devine received a second reprieve when Taylor, stationed at midwicket, could not hit the stumps at the non-striker's end. On 74, it was Henry's turn to shell another chance off Devine, who reached her 3000th ODI run when she moved to 82. New Zealand needed 66 off the last ten overs. Nine of those Devine scored. Her hundred, second in ODI World Cups and sixth in the format, was all determination and patience, but it wasn't enough on the night.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons, who made 110 in that second innings, described Warne’s death as a “sad day for cricket”. “I played against him earlier in his career. He transformed bowling, especially leg-spin bowling … he had a big impact all over the cricket world,” Simmons said. “I remember him playing against us and his battles with Brian Lara, and then we can all remember ‘that ball’ when he bowled Mike Gatting in The Ashes. “We also admired his commentary after he ended playing and how great he was at that as well. He was a true legend of the game.” Cricket’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), also praised Warne’s contribution to the game, with chief executive Geoff Allardice praising the late player’s “extraordinary skill and immense cricketing intellect”. “I was stunned to hear the news of Shane’s passing. He was a true legend of the game, who changed the landscape of cricket by reviving the art of legspin,” said Allardice.

“His larger-than-life personality, extraordinary skill and immense cricketing intellect ensured fans were glued to their seats whenever he was involved in a game. “His contribution off the field was also remarkable, where he shared his time and experiences so generously with young players, especially up and coming leg-spinners. “He also established a successful career in the commentary box, where his insightful and forthright views on the game made him one of the first-choice commentators for broadcasters in most cricketing countries.” Warne also added 293 wickets from 104 One-Day Internationals before quitting international cricket in 2007, and retired from all formats in 2013, following a stint in franchise Twenty20 cricket. In 2000, he was named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers-of-the-Century, pitted alongside the fabled Sir Donald Bradman, West Indies legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Vivian Richards, and Sir Jack Hobbs of England.

Lara, CWI lead tributes to Shane Warne

(CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and batting icon Brian Lara have led tributes to Australia spin wizard Shane Warne, who passed away yesterday from a suspected heart attack. The 52-year was found unresponsive in his villa on the island of Koh Samui off Thailand where he was staying, and subsequent efforts to revive him proved futile, a statement from the player’s management company said. Warne has been widely credited for reviving the art of spin bowling, snatching a record 708 wickets from 145 Tests in an outstanding career that paralleled Australia’s dominance in world cricket. “It is with great sadness that Cricket West Indies would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Shane Warne at the shocking news of the passing of one of the finest bowlers of all-time,” said CWI president Ricky Skerritt. “He revived the art of leg-spin and was feared but respected by many batters around the world. “Shane was adored by many West Indian cricket fans and more importantly was a friend to many West Indian

Brian Lara (left) with Shane Warne at the funeral of Australian batter Phil Hughes in 2014

cricketers.” Warne was also a close friend of West Indies batting icon Brian Lara with whom he shared many battles, during his playing career. Lara, 52, also paid tribute to Warne, hailing him as “one of the greatest sportsmen of all-time”. “I’m speechless at the moment. I literally don’t know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!!” tweeted Lara.

“We have lost one of the greatest sportsmen of all-time!! My condolences go out to his family RIP Warnie!! You will be missed.” Warne faced West Indies for the first time in Tests early in his career when the Caribbean side toured Down Under in 1993. He snatched a Manof-the-Match seven-wicket haul in the second innings of the Melbourne second Test to fire Australia to a 139run victory.

ICC Women’s World Cup ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 5, 2022 Hayley Matthews' century helped West Indies go past 250 vs New Zealand, Women's World Cup 2022, Mount Maunganui, yesterday (Getty Images)

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Devine’s hundred not enough to overcome Matthews’ input Lara, CWI lead Shane tributes to Shane Warne dies 31 Warne 30 PAGE

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Brian Lara (left) with Shane Warne at the funeral of Australian batter Phil Hughes in 2014

Warne won his final Test series 5-0 in the Ashes against England in 2006-07

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SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022