Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-03-2022

WEDNESDAY 9th March, 2022

No.106657

Guyana submits case merits to ICJ on border controversy

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Digicel to invest $4.5B to expand LTE network 03 PAGE

– 10 per cent increase in coverage expected by year end

Guyana joined countries the world over in celebrating International Women’s Day on Tuesday under the theme, ‘Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ (Photo credit: Ministry of Education, Department of Public Information and Adrian Narine photos)

15,000 house lots to be allocated this year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

15,000 house lots to be allocated in 2022

HOUSING and Water Minister Collin Croal has announced that as the ministry’s 2022 allocation drive continues, some 15,000 applicants will be served.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a community meeting at Esau and Jacob, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Another meeting was also held at Fairfield, Mahaica. Minister Croal noted that all efforts are being made to meet the housing demand in Region Five, and that the ministry is actively trying to acquire lands in the Burma area for allocation.

Region Five has some 3,000 pending applications. Within the last 18 months, the ministry has received some 950 new applications from the region.

The minister assured residents that under the ministry’s 2023 work programme, provision will be made for infrastructure development in the new housing scheme.

“The vibrancy you see coming from the ministry is a direct reflection of the President’s vision for the sector,” he said.

The minister assured residents of Region Five that their needs are not being neglected.

“We are ensuring that development for our country reaches all; not just for a selected few. When we speak about One Guyana, it is about development for all,” he noted.

The minister stressed that every Guyanese will benefit from Guyana’s new-found wealth.

Equally important, too, he noted, is road network,

which are vital when developing new housing schemes.

On the topic of water delivery, the minister noted that within the next two days, a team from Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) will be visiting the area to assess the situation.

“It was brought to the minister’s attention that some 130 households in Esau and Jacob are without potable water. The team is expected to visit and assess the situation to find the best solution in terms of connectivity to the water system,” Minister Croal said.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, and Regional Member of Parliament Fizal Jaffarally also attended the meetings.

The residents were also brought up to date on other development projects from

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal shares his perspectives during a community meeting in Region Five which the region will benefit in the coming months.

According to the Housing Ministry, rehabilitation works will be executed on the Burma Road to the tune of $100M under the

Ministry of Public Works.

A section of the Esau and Jacob Road will also be rehabilitated.

Residents were also facilitated by staff of the Conveyance and Com-

munity Development Departments of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) who were on the ground assisting with housing matters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Digicel to invest $4.5B to expand LTE network –– 10 per cent increase in coverage expected by year end

By Tamica Garnett

TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant, Digicel, is on a path to spend US$22.6 million ($4.5 billion) to upgrade and expand its 4G LTE network, with an aim to increase its current coverage from 86 to 96 per cent of the population before the end of the year.

The company is currently completing work on its services at Eterinbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which had developed issues due to the company’s solar power system. Major upgrades are on the cards for Regions One (Barima-Waini), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Most of these regional upgrades are expected to be completed by April, Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gregory Dean, said during a sit down with several members of the media on Tuesday.

Dean emphasised that the new investment will drive economic opportuni-

ties for Guyanese not only in Georgetown, but those in several remote areas where the company is particularly keen on working.

“We want to ensure that if you are on our network you are able to get the LTE service and have the speed and quality of service throughout the network and not just in Georgetown alone. That regardless of where you are, whether you are on the coast or in the remote areas you should have the same quality of service; that is one of our key objectives,” Dean related.

According to the company, to date it has invested well over US$175 million ($36.5 billion) in Guyana.

The company has already spent $4 billion of the $4.5 billion set aside for the LTE expansion works. The remaining sum is now being spent to ensure the company meets the target of 96 per cent LTE coverage this year.

Some communities that the company will be targeting for specific upgrades include Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and

Bartica.

“Many other communities will benefit but I just want to mention those three because those are three communities where based on our analysis they are most in need of upgrades. So we’re aiming to have those completed by April and we are working as much as possible to even have that [deadline] pulled forward,” Dean noted.

“We are also doing an upgrade in Berbice, but we are pretty much 95 per cent completed. The last part is just to cross the Berbice River,” he added.

These upgrades come notwithstanding the company having suffered losses of 10-15 per cent in services in 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In keeping with most companies, we did have challenges in terms of COVID-19. COVID-19 did see reduce usage of the network by customers. Traffic was 10 - 15 per cent down from what we would see normally,” Dean explained to members of the media.

Dean said that notwithstanding the situational circumstances, the company weathered the storm and did not stop investing or pushing forward.

With the COVID-19 beginning to ease and the world gradually returning to normalcy, the company is focusing on its future developments, including the completion of its subsea fibre cable, and the roll out of fixed services.

“We have been able to weather the storm and we have to make some sacrifices both locally and globally from a Digicel point of view.

We had some delays in terms of shipping time or getting teams on the ground to do some of the upgrades but I think we are happy with where we are in terms of what our plans are. When we achieve our plans later this year in terms of having the 96 per cent LTE coverage, we will be quite happy with that,” Dean said.

Founded and launched in Jamaica in 2001, Digicel has expanded rapidly and

now spans across 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia-Pacific.

Digicel opened its operations in Guyana in 2007.

The upgrades in Guyana comes on the heels of the company’s successful relaunch across the globe as a “Digital Operator” offering digital engagement via its suite of eight apps and prime bundles.

Commenting on the company’s commitment to building Guyana as a digital hub, Dean noted that the company is proud that the company has lived up to its commitment of providing services to a wide cross section of the country, so much so that to date it currently has a total of 98 per cent population coverage.

“We’ve had challenges over the years in terms of achieving that. We’ve had to come up with a lot of innovative solutions and I think it’s testament to our technical team both here and in the group in terms of working with us to find those solutions so we can provide quality services in those areas,” he

Digicel CEO, Gregory Dean noted.

As it pertains to looking towards the future and an eventual upgrade to the 5G network, Dean noted that while that will be the company’s ultimate goal, it has no timeline for the facility. As such an upgrade would be highly driven by customer demand and the ability to utilise the service.

“The reality is a lot of Guyanese don’t have the 5G devices.

We know we have to go into 5G but the time period between now and when most customers have the 5G devices it’s a difficult one to predict but we know in the future we have to go to 5G and I think we are working on a road map as to how we get there. I wouldn’t say that we have an exact timeline.

Today our main focus is to get LTE out there throughout the country,” he said.

Digicel gearing up to become a full-service communications provider

By Tamica Garnett DIGICEL is currently in discussions with government to get the necessary approvals to provide fixed and landline residential services ahead of the landing of its subsea fibre optic cable, which is on track to be completed in early 2024.

Giving an update on how the company is moving forward to capitalise on Guyana’s liberalised telecommunications sector, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gregory Dean, in an interview on Tuesday, explained that Digicel is engaging government with regards to its plans to expand its line of services.

“Both in terms of the residential business and spec-

trum, we are still engaged in discussions with the government, in terms of having adequate spectrum and also the necessary permission to offer residential services,” Dean related Asked how soon the company would be looking to roll out services, Dean said: “In terms of timeline, we are quite hopeful that most of the information that has been requested has been provided [to the government] and we are hopeful that by the end of this month or next month we will have a lot of those issues resolved and I would say once those things are resolved we can look at within 12 months having services supplied to customers.”

Operating in Guyana since 2007 as a mobile ser-

vice provider, Digicel, over the years has been a big advocate for the liberalisation of Guyana’s telecommunications sector, which was being held in a monopoly by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

“The key thing that liberalisation gives us is certainty, because as investors, what you’re looking for is certainty. Because the rules allow you to keep investing and keep going,” Dean noted.

The telecommunications sector was finally liberalised in October 2020, and in September 2021, Digicel announced that it had signed a partnership agreement with Orange to extend the build of its Deep Blue One subsea cable and system to provide connectivity to French Gui-

ana, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad.

With the cable, Digicel will now be able to provide other services outside of its mobile service.

“One of the reasons for the subsea fibre is to turn us into a full-service communications provider. We have had an ISP [Internet Service Provider] permission for some years with limited internet provisions to businesses but we are looking to build that out and get into residential and businesses [services] and be a full provider of all communication services as well,” Dean explained.

Notwithstanding that the company, like many others, have faced challenges over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean

noted that the fibre optic project remains on track.

“Currently we are working with multiple partners on the project. Definitely we’re going to have it landed in Guyana and operational by early 2024.

We are hoping with the arrival of the subsea fibre we will have improved capacity in the country and also, we will have redundancy because you know that you already have to substitute fibre here,” Dean added.

When Digicel’s fibre optic cable arrives, it will join fibre optic cables that have already been landed here by GTT and ENetworks, which are both currently providing fibre optic internet and other services.

With these providers al-

ready expanding their provision across the country, Dean said Digicel is in no way daunted by the competition and believes that the company’s commitment to quality service will attract customers.

“From a promotional point of view and a marketing point of view we will be hoping to have the best product out there.

So people can expect us to approach all of these similarly to the way we approach the mobile business when we entered the markets and how we have continued to develop our mobile business.

I think customers and the public can expect us to do a lot of the same things in all of the new areas that we are going to go into,” Dean said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

West hits Russia with oil bans and gas curbs THE US and UK are banning Russian oil and the EU is ending its reliance on Russian gas, stepping up the economic response to the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden said the move targeted “the main artery of Russia’s economy”.

Energy exports are a vital source of revenue for Russia but the move is also likely to impact Western consumers.

Major brands have meanwhile continued to pull out

of Russia, with McDonald’s and Coca-Cola the latest to leave.

Russia’s economy is heavily dependent on energy. It is the world’s third-biggest oil producer, behind Saudi Arabia and the US. Before the measures were announced, Russia warned of “catastrophic” consequences for the global economy and said it might close its main gas pipeline to Germany.

On the ground in

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Ukraine, civilians have been evacuated from two under-attack areas while the US has said up to 4,000 Russian troops may have been killed in the conflict.

The conflict has already sent petrol prices to record highs in the US and the UK and experts warn they could go even higher.

However, Venezuela could increase its oil production to help replace Russian oil.

Reinaldo Quintero, president of the association that

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represents Venezuelan oil companies told the BBC that the country could potentially raise its production levels by 400,000 barrels a day.

“I think we can reach 1.2 million barrels per day with the infrastructure we have right now at this moment. So that will make us able to supply the need, some of the need, to the North American market,” he said.

RUSSIAN OIL ‘NO LONGER

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ACCEPTABLE’ President Biden’s announcement followed pressure from both sides of the US political divide to do more to target the Russian economy.

“We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas and energy,” he said.

“That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to [President Vladimir] Putin.”

Mr Biden admitted the move was “not without cost at home,” adding the decision was taken “in close consultation” with allies.

In a similar move, the UK is to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, accepted that the move would not hit Russia immediately but added “what it will do is add to the pressure we’re already seeing on Russia and don’t forget that the economic impact of the sanctions that the UK has led has been extreme”.

About eight per cent of US oil and refined product imports come from Russia, while Russia makes up about six per cent of the UK’s oil imports.

By contrast, the EU is much more reliant on Russian energy, so the bloc’s response stopped short of a ban.

The European Commission said it would switch to alternative supplies and expand clean energy faster to fill the shortfall, with the

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aim of making Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels “well before 2030”.

“We’re not standing here to say this is going to be in any way easy,” said the European Commission’s Vice-President Frans Timmermans.

“But I am also deeply convinced that even if it’s not easy, even if it’s very hard, it’s something we need to do, because now it’s also intimately linked to our security.”

Russia later announced plans to ban the exports of certain commodities and raw materials. The details are still to be worked out, but Russia is a major exporter of grain and metals.

Even countries with low Russian energy imports are set to feel the impact as the measures are likely to boost already high wholesale prices. Inflation is soaring in the US, EU and the UK, adding to the pressure on households.

The move adds to a long list of economic sanctions imposed against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine - the central bank has had its assets frozen, some Russian banks have been cut off from global payment networks and Germany suspended the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which would have transported more gas from Russia to Germany.

But energy sales have continued to provide a source of cash despite the other financial restrictions.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Amazon rainforest reaching tipping point, researchers say

THE Amazon rainforest is moving towards a “tipping point” where trees may die off en masse, say researchers.

A study suggests the world’s largest rainforest is losing its ability to bounce back from damage caused by droughts, fires and deforestation.

Large swathes could become sparsely forested savannah, which is much less efficient than tropical forest at sucking carbon dioxide from the air.

The giant forest traps carbon that would otherwise add to global warming.

But previous studies have shown that parts of the Amazon are now emitting more carbon dioxide than can be absorbed.

“The trees are losing health and could be approaching a tipping point - basically, a mass loss of trees,” said Dr Chris Boulton of the University of Exeter.

The findings, based on three decades of satellite data, show alarming trends in the “health” of the Amazon rainforest.

There are signs of a loss of resilience in more than 75 per cent of the forest, with trees taking longer to recover from the effects of droughts largely driven by climate change as well as human impacts such as deforestation and fires.

A vicious cycle of damage could trigger “dieback”, the scientists said.

And while it’s not

“Deforestation and climate change are likely to be the main drivers of this decline,” said Prof Niklas Boers of PIK and the Technical University of Munich.

Commenting, Dr Bonnie Waring of the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and Environment, Imperial College London, said: “These latest findings are consistent with the accumulating evidence that the twin pressures of climate change and human exploitation of tropical forests are endangering the world’s largest rainforest, which is home to one out of every 10 species known to science.”

The findings, based on satellite data from 1991 to 2016, are published in the journal Nature Climate Change. (BBC) The more trees cut down, the less the forest can soak up emissions (BBC/ GETTY IMAGES) clear when that critical point might be reached, the implications for climate change, biodiversity and the local community would be “devastating”.

Once the process begins they predict it could be a matter of decades before a “significant chunk” of the Amazon is transformed into savannah - a vastly different ecosystem made up of a mixture of grassland and trees.

“The Amazon stores lots of carbon and all of that would be released into the atmosphere, which would then further contribute to increasing tem-

peratures and have future effects on global mean temperatures,” Dr Boulton said, adding that stopping deforestation would go some way to addressing the problem.

Around a fifth of the rainforest has already been

lost, compared to pre-industrial levels, they said.

The research was carried out by the University of Exeter, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Technical University of Munich.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Guyana a Regional Model GUYANA is positioning itself to be a regional model in terms of sustainable development along the lines of a low carbon development trajectory, comparable to that of Norway.

This is according to President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Mauricio Claver-Carone during a recent virtual roundtable with Caribbean journalists. Norway, it has to be said, had provided significant financial support to Guyana in its efforts to transition to a low carbon economy and is itself regarded globally as a model country in terms of sustainable and eco-friendly development.

“Our goal is for Guyana to be the Norway model, and if we can help do that successfully, then it will be the first time we see that in Latin America and the Caribbean, we can help a country through its entire development phase and green transition,” said Claver-Carone.

These are indeed encouraging words emanating from the IDB President even though it must be noted that the country had embarked on a low carbon development model since 2008, long before the emergence of oil and gas. Indeed, Guyana was the first country in the developing world to embark on a low carbon development model of development, an indication of the visionary thinking of its leaders.

The strategy has gained the commen-

dation of several world leaders and is now being embraced by several other countries in their attempt to promote development within the framework of a low carbon trajectory.

Now that Guyana is an oil producing nation, the strategy has been revised to take into account the country’s new status with a clear focus on finding the right balance between economic development and environmental protection. At the last Conference of Parties (COP) in Glasgow, Scotland, President Ali had committed Guyana to end deforestation by the end of this decade, which is a bold decision given the fact that Guyana has a forest cover of over 80 per cent and a strong forestry sector in terms of its contribution to the overall economy.

With Guyana now a significant player on the international petroleum stage, there are some concerns regarding the impact oil and gas could have on the environment, especially in the context of the country’s low carbon growth trajectory, but as pointed by both President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, all possible safeguards are in place to ensure that oil and gas production will not be done in a manner that will jeopardise the environmental health and safety of the Guyanese people.

Guyana, because of its vast forest cov-

er has net zero carbon emissions and plans are well advanced to sell carbon credits on the international market. Indeed, the country stands to benefit from millions of dollars from the sale of carbon credits which could be utilised to further reduce its dependence on fossil-based fuel and diversify its energy mix in the direction of cheaper, cleaner and greener energy forms.

As pointed out by the IDB President, countries like Guyana and Suriname, which have only recently found oil, need not be shy about optimising their newly-found oil riches to advance their economic development. Indeed, the IDB is prepared to assist Guyana in its transition to a green economy. Guyana, he said, with its low carbon development strategy could be the ‘Norway’ of this hemisphere, one in which the oil wealth is utilised to enhance the quality of life of the Guyanese people in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Make no mistake about it. Oil and gas is a game changer and it is expected to impact big on the economic and social life of the Guyanese people in the coming years.

However, that is a bit down the road. The country is still in need of development financing for the massive transformation and modernisation process currently underway and the IDB has signalled its

intention to assist the country in that regard. Indeed, in the words of the IDB President, this could very well turn out to be the year of Guyana and the Caribbean as development financing is likely to more than double when compared to previous years. Guyana, unlike other countries in the region, is expected to experience extraordinary levels of growth due to exponential increases in oil revenues, projected to be among the highest in the world!

Guyana, in particular with rising fuel prices on the world market, could potentially benefit from a financial windfall.

This is due in no small way to the turmoil in the global oil market following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the raft of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other western nations but these benefits could be negated by rising cost of fuel on the domestic market and rising food prices.

The fact is that despite an increasing flow of oil revenues, we are still a country with a relatively modest per capita income and a country now in transition to middle income status.

This is why it is so important to continue to attract foreign investment and secure bilateral and multilateral assistance in order to accelerate the pace of development comparable to that of high income countries.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Monroe Doctrine in the Caribbean and Latin America

By Earl Bousquet IF anyone harboured any doubts about just how much the Caribbean is entwined in the current Russia-Ukraine entanglement, this past weekend’s global news round-ups ought to lay all to rest.

As the US, UK and European Union (EU) con-

tinue to ramp-up economic sanctions against Russia, the private assets of Russian billionaires friendly with President Vladimir Putin (who moved to Europe after the Soviet Union fell in 1991) have been targetted, forcing them to scramble to save them from confiscation or being frozen.

Several yachts owned

by many such Russian billionaires (who bought UK economic citizenship by investing at least one billion pounds sterling) have simply been designated as Russian President Vladimir’s friends -- including Chelsea Football Club’s owner, Roman Abramovich -- have headed out to sea in search of safe ports of refuge.

Others have remained anchored at neutral ports, many of them in the Caribbean.

One of the lot include the US$250 million super yacht, ‘Anna’, owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, Port Kingstown (in St. Vincent and the Grenadines).

There were also several reports of many other

similar Russian-owned super-yachts located by marine trackers in, or recently called briefly at Caribbean ports – including Bermuda, The Bahamas and The Cayman Islands, as well as selected British and US Virgin Islands jurisdictions considered safe by not subscribing to the UK, and EU sanctions list.

Likewise, Lon-

don-based Alexey Mordashov, who was sanctioned by the EU on February 28, was forced to resign from the Board of TUI, the world’s biggest tour operator, the day before.

TUI is also the biggest provider of visitors by air and sea along the See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Monroe ...

From page 6

Caribbean’s tourism island chain, from Jamaica to Trinidad & Tobago.

However, the EU sanctions now mean that Mordashov can’t access his 34 per cent shareholding in TUI, in which he is the single largest shareholder.

Mordashov has also had to engage in the most unusual financial, income and asset transfer maneuverings, mainly between family members and interlocking company directorships, to save his valuable stocks and shares.

Politically and privately, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves wrote a “personal letter” to President Putin last week, respectfully disagreeing with Russia’s military presence in Ukraine, and echoing global calls to stop the fighting, and “Give peace a chance!”

Then came the news Sunday (March 6) that in its efforts to ramp-up its moves to ensure it fights Russia in ‘America’s Backyard’, the Biden administration is now targetting Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua for special attention.

The UK Guardian reported that “top US officials” had flown to Caracas for talks with the Nicolas Maduro administration, with the hope of enticing Venezuela to ditch Russia, with secret promises that Caracas can replace Moscow as a major Oil & Gas supplier to the US, should Russia turn its taps off.

Acknowledging that Russia has the world’s largest and growing oil reserves, and it’s been

able to survive the tough US sanctions of its Oil & Gas exports, mainly because of support from Russia, China and Iran, The Guardian quotes US sources as saying this reflects “a major change” in Washington’s stance towards Caracas.

The article also contained a not-so-subtle message from Washington to Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela: That, in the current circumstances and under the Monroe Doctrine, “a Russian presence” anywhere in the Caribbean and Latin America is always considered “a threat to US security interests”.

The three nations are definitely under Washington’s radar.

Like in 1962 -- when Washington and Moscow last brought the Caribbean and Latin America (and the world) to anything near what’s happening today from the Russia-Ukraine border conflict in Europe -- Washington is again beating war drums while blasting foghorns in bright daylight.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), representing 14 member-states with several c o m m o n a n d s i m il a r experiences of foreign military intervention and border disputes – and with most having bilateral ties with both Russia and Ukraine – adopted a statement reflecting the general tone of global forces: Opposing the military intervention, calling for an end to the fighting, and strongly urging a peaceful solution to the longstanding historical conflict.

The CARICOM position has been found wanting by supporters of

both sides in the conflict -- Saint Lucia’s former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, wanting to see the region join Antigua & Barbuda and adopt the EU and US sanctions; and Russia’s supporters saying it’s “too lukewarm…”

But as Dr. Gonsalves, the longest serving CAR-

ICOM Head of Government, said in his letter to his counterpart, Putin (the longest serving European leader involved in the current dispute), there’s no way that even “supporters of Russia” can find words to justify, to world public opinion, a military action already costing innocent

human lives in Europe, and which can eventually affect all of Humankind, if its escalation isn’t stopped immediately.

The sanctions have already started resulting in fuel price rises in the Caribbean and everywhere else, with the price of flour and other wheat products also expected to

rise soon.

That Washington is prepared to even let it be known that it’s out to try to court Caracas to dump its faithful ally, Russia, proven true or not, is another indication that, as often repeated by top American officials, “the US has no friends, only interests.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Guyana submits case merits to ICJ on border controversy

GUYANA, on Tuesday, submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, its Memorial on the merits of its case against Venezuela, -as required by the court following its decision of December 18, 2020 confirming its jurisdiction to decide the merits of Guyana’s claims, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to a press release, the matter is before the Court pursuant to

the decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, by which the parties conferred upon the Secretary-General the authority to determine the means by which the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela shall be settled.

“Guyana seeks from the Court a decision that the Arbitral Award of 1899 determining the boundary is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela,

and that the boundary established by that Award and the 1905 Agreement demarcating it, is the lawful boundary between Guyana and Venezuela,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted.

The Court had agreed, in its earlier decision, that it had jurisdiction to do so.

Guyana now looks to the Court’s judicial process and its settlement of the matter under the rule of law.

“This year sees the 56th anniversary of the 1966

Geneva Agreement. Guyana considers that the true commemoration of that agreement is in contributing in good faith to the fulfilment of its true meaning and intent by participating fully in the current juridical process deriving from it.

Hence, the submission today to the International Court of Justice of Guyana’s Memorial on the Merits as required by the Court,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Minister Hamilton reiterates call for women to take up male-dominated jobs

MINISTER OF LABOUR, Joseph Hamilton, who joined the nation in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), again issued a call for women to seek out traditionally male dominated jobs.

He made the call during a seminar on conditions of work, occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements and employment exchange service, at the Regional Democratic Council, Region Three.

“The society and us males, we have done an injustice to women that we have to correct. We have fashioned and taught women that this is the only type of job for you; this is the only type of training for you. I am speaking to the ladies on International Women’s Day; you have

to encourage ladies to think outside of the box.”

Meanwhile, with Guyana experiencing steadfast economic growth, the Labour Ministry is working to ensure the rights of Guyana’s labour force are protected.

With this duty in mind, the ministry is vigilant in ensuring workers and their children are provided with basic necessities.

“We cannot talk about labour development and labour relations and we don’t think we have a duty and a responsibility to pay attention to the education of the people and their children, the health care of citizens and their children, housing of citizens and their children.

“I believe the labour ministry; we have that responsibility to engage

government to ensure the whole issue of human development is facilitated and … the third pillar is the protection of the rights of workers, equal pay for equal job,” Minister Hamilton said.

Since the PPP/C Administration took office, the

labour ministry has expanded its operations through labour offices in Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Six, Seven, Nine and 10.

With the establishment of the labour offices, some 200 persons were employed, however, the ministry is seeking to re-

cruit persons to attain a full complement of labour officers to provide timely and efficient labour services.

In addition, the ministry will be hosting a national ‘job bank’ to improve access to employment opportunities for jobseekers on Friday.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton

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India actress breaks silence on sexual assault

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Bhavana Menon has acted in more than 80 films (BBC photo) BHAVANA Menon, a popular actress from the southern Indian state of Kerala, who was abducted and sexually assaulted in 2017, has broken her silence after five years, describing her “difficult journey from being a victim to a survivor”.

Menon, who has worked in more than 80 films in southern Indian languages and won a number of prestigious awards, was assaulted by a group of men while travelling from Thrissur to Kochi in February 2017.

Her assault made headlines, especially after Dileep, one of the Malayalam-language film industry’s biggest actors and Menon’s co-star in half a dozen films, was named as an accused and charged with criminal conspiracy. He denied the charges against him, but was arrested and held in custody for three months before being released on bail. The case is being heard in a trial court.

“I was just a normal fun-loving girl and then this one incident happened that turned my life upside down.

Most people see the smiling photos I post on social media, but I have been to hell and back,” Menon told me on the phone from the southern city of Bangalore.

“I became this victim, this ‘assaulted actress’. And for long, I kept asking, ‘Why me?’ I was blaming myself and I was looking for a way out,” she said.

“But in 2020, after the trial began, I spent 15 days giving evidence in court. And that’s when things changed. Here I was, wanting to forget and move on, but then I had to remember everything, every tiny detail about the case.”

On the day of her assault, Menon was travelling from her hometown Thrissur to the city of Kochi, where she was to dub for a film the next morning, when she was kidnapped. Her attackers made videos of the assault “maybe they wanted to blackmail me”, she told me.

Considering her - and Dileep’s - celebrity status, there was tremendous media attention on the case and on any given day, local news channels invited panellists to speak for and against her.

Many took to victim shaming on social media - they asked why she was travelling at 7pm and questioned her morality, some abused her and some said the case was all made up, that she had “staged it”.

“I was devastated, broken into a million pieces, all these things were very hurtful to me. I sometimes wanted to scream at the top of my lungs,” she told Indian digital platform Mojo Story. “My dignity was snatched and then I was victim shamed.”

Under Indian law, the identity of those who have been sexually assaulted is to be protected at all costs, but Menon said that right from the start, it was known that she was the one who had been attacked.

“I was an established actress and the initial reports only said I was kidnapped, so some of the TV channels showed my photographs. Once the details See page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Missing Coomaka concession workers found

TOFAWA Thomas, 23, and Garfield Cummings, 44, who were missing since March 1, were found by the Chairman

of the Kwakwani Community Policing Group (CPG), Arthur Denobrega, on Monday, around 20:30hrs.

Reports revealed that the men who are attached to the Coomaka concession had related that, after night fell and caught them

Chairman of the Kwakwani CPG, Arthur Denobrega (centre), flanked by Tofawa Thomas and Garfield Cummings after they were found

in the forest, they decided to sleep, but the following morning they lost all sense of direction and could not

make their way back to the camp.

A search was also carried out by the Guyana

Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Community Policing Group.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

India actress breaks silence ...

From page 10

of the sexual assault became known, they removed my name and photos, but by then everyone knew it was me.”

In January, for the first time since her “nightmare” began five years ago, Menon publicly acknowledged in an Instagram post that she was the “survivor” of the assault.

“This has not been an easy journey. The journey from being a victim to becoming a survivor.

For five years now, my name and my identity have been suppressed under the weight of the assault inflicted on me,” she wrote.

“Though I am not the one who had committed the crime, there have been many attempts to humiliate, silence and isolate me.

But at such times I have had some who stepped forward to keep my voice alive. Now when I hear so many voices speak up for me I know that I am not alone in this fight for justice,” she added.

Her post was shared by some of the biggest Malayali stars, including Mohanlal and Mammooty, and many Bollywood actresses spoke up in her support.

Dhanya Rajendran, editor-in-chief of The News Minute website, says that by choosing to speak up, Menon “is being very brave” while also being careful since the case is

sub-judice.

“Physical assault is one thing, but then she’s a celebrity so she has to face intense public scrutiny and reactions from society and the film industry. There’s also a court case going on. Then there’s the video of the assault and there would always be the fear that it could be leaked to the public.”

The actress says she’s aware that she’s privileged because she’s a celebrity, has the full support of her husband and family and the financial means to fight her case, but the past five years have not been easy.

“There were at least a hundred times when I felt like giving up. There were so many times when I’ve asked my friends and family and even my lawyers if I could take it all back, turn the clock back.

I’ve thought about leaving the country and going away somewhere to start afresh, I’ve thought so many times about killing myself.”

So what has kept her going, I ask?

“Every time I would think about giving up, 24 hours later, I would change my mind. Because it is my dignity on the line, I have to prove my innocence, I have to prove that I have not done anything wrong,” she says. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The strengthening of agrifood systems central to economic recovery, global stability –– Manuel Otero tells the Council of the Americas

AGRICULTURE and agrifood systems in the Americas have a central role to play in the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and are also in a position to contribute to stability in the world and in the countries of the region.

Such were the words of Manuel Otero, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), at a presentation at the Council of the Americas, a leading U.S. business forum that brings together investors, senior officials and academics.

Otero gave a presentation and then conversed with Susan Segal, president and CEO of The Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/ COA), on the agricultural agenda that the hemisphere must address.

As Segal explained, the activity gave continuity to the cycle of collaboration that the Council of the Americas and IICA began last year with a series of round tables in preparation for the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit.

Issues were discussed there such as food security and the sustainability of agriculture, the importance of international trade and the technological revolution that is taking place in food production.

“With IICA, which is one the main organisations of our hemisphere, we are focusing today on how to address agrifood issues at the 9th Summit of the Americas that will take place this June in the city of Los Angeles”, said Segal.

Otero began his presentation by expressing his concern at the events in Ukraine. As well as the irreparable loss of life, he warned, these events will have very serious consequences for food security throughout the planet, jeopardising democratic

and economic stability in other regions of the world.

“The prevailing difficulties in trade and the possible increase in the price of grains and fertilizers are starting to have a strong bearing on food prices”, said Otero, who considered that the world must react quickly to prevent the social problems that were triggered by the food price crisis of 2008.

The situation in Eastern Europe comes in addition to the historical difficulties of Latin America and the Caribbean, aggravated since 2020 by the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The pandemic has put us back ten years in terms of economic growth, trade and the fight against poverty. I recognize the extraordinary effort that governments have made; however, despite that, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the region decreased by eight per cent in 2020. The slowdown of economic activity has increased unemployment, poverty and food insecurity, reaching the same levels that we had in 2000”, said the Director General of IICA. “Exports of agricultural products grew 2.7 per cent in 2020 and that demonstrated the resilience of agricultural activity, but the scenario is one of economic, social and environmental crisis, to which is now added a threat to world peace that causes us distress and anger”.

In this context, and looking to the future, agriculture and agrifood systems in the region are destined to play a strategic role in socioeconomic recovery and food security, and will contribute to peace and stability, both at the global level and within the countries of the region.

In this regard, Otero explained that at the global level, one in four agricultural products comes from the Americas. In

terms of exports, the continent accounts for over 28 per cent of total exports of agricultural products in general and the same proportion of food products.

“This is why our continent is putting all its efforts into keeping open the channels of international trade and that is why we are concerned see page 14

IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero and President and CEO of The Americas Society/Council of the Americas, Susan Segal (AS/COA photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The strengthening of agrifood systems ...

From page 13

about the crisis in Eastern Europe”.

Otero went on to underscore the strategic role played by the Americas, particularly Latin America and the Caribbean, in terms of global environmental security, given its availability of natural resources, decisive for guaranteeing the water and oxygen cycle at global level.

“In short, whichever way you look at it, if the concerns and goals are growth, employment, exports, the fight against poverty and inequity, shoring up environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change, water, biodiversity, health and nutrition, mitigating the causes that generate migration and urban overcrowding, it is inevitable to think about the development of agriculture and agrifood systems as part of the solution, not the problem”, he concluded.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY Otero called for strengthening agrifood systems so that they can contribute more to the new challenges of the region and the world.

In this regard, he considered it a priority to increase investment in science and technology in agriculture, considering not only the productivity agenda but also the dimension of sustainability.

“We must take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital agriculture and also biotechnology, especially through genome editing, and to do so it is important to strengthen public-private partnerships”.

Otero also explained that it is essential for the region to harness its biological wealth through the development of the bioeconomy, a key tool for increasing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of agriculture.

“We must be self-critical and advance towards sustainable productive models, recognizing that there is room for improvement in our systems. But we do not accept that they are failed systems. A lot is being done in terms of environmental sustainability and we must further develop this path in order to mainstream environmental issues in agriculture. It is time to go from words to actions, and to transform agrifood systems so that they play the role they have to play”.

At the end of the presentation, the president and CEO of The Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) spoke in Spanish with Otero, proposing a future meeting at the same forum between the Director General of IICA and the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and conversed on a number of issues that are part of the agricultural agenda in the hemisphere in the present context and in the long term.

Segal asked Otero to give more details on the role that Ukraine plays as a producer and exporter of agricultural commodities and the impact that the conflict with Russia will have on international food prices. Along the same lines, Segal showed her interest in China’s influence on the agricultural reality in Latin America and the Caribbean, considering that it has become the main buyer of many of the foods produced in the region.

She also spoke with Otero about the projects that IICA has underway to bring the technological revolution to agricultural production in different countries of the continent, and on the policies necessary to give visibility to the obstacles that rural women face in accessing land ownership and loans. (IICA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

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Scenes from International Women’s Day obervance at the Guyana Chronicle (Adrian Narine photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Scenes from International Women’s Day observance (Photo Credit: Office of the First Lady, Office of the Prime Minister, Department of Public Information and Ministry of Education)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

SOL Guyana says rising oil prices will impact service stations

SOL Guyana Inc. (Sol) says the cost of imported fuel is escalating to record levels due to rising global oil prices, and it is monitoring the impact of rising global oil prices on the cost of imported fuel into Guyana, given the current global events.

SOL is the Shell licensee and authorised distributor of Shell fuels through its network of Shell-branded service stations in Guyana.

According to SOL, in a press release on Tuesday,

since the end of January, in less than a six-week period, the cost of a barrel of oil has increased 44 per cent.

The price of imported fuel into Guyana, the company stated, is not insulated from the current world developments.

“While SOL has no control over these worldwide dynamics, and has delayed the transfer of the price increase, it is expected that the pump price for gasoline and diesel will be affected, shortly, until

world prices for fuel stabilise,” SOL Guyana noted.

Notwithstanding the reduction in excise tax to 10 per cent by the Minister of Finance in January 2022, the fuel giant stated that to make pump prices for gasoline and diesel products more affordable to customers, the ongoing war, supply dynamics, and shortages are surpassing its effect and pushing the price of oil towards record levels.

Earl Carribon, General Manager of SOL Guyana indicated, “SOL is committed to our customers, and we will continue to monitor these unfortunate global developments.

We recognise that these are adversely impacting the

cost of providing fuel to our valued customers, as well as the important role that fuel plays in our communities and businesses in Guyana.

We are hopeful for the normalisation of fuel costs in the shortest possible time.”

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General Manager of SOL Guyana Earl Carribon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

‘Break the gender bias’ –– Human Services Minister urges at Guyana Chronicle’s IWD event

DURING an International Women’s Day activity held by the Guyana Chronicle at its Bel Air location, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, emphasised the importance of eradicating the existing gender bias to ensure that gender equality is a norm in every society.

Minister Persaud joined the management in celebrat-

ing the hard-working female staff members and delivered the feature address.

“We have to ensure every day to take stock of if we have been part of the cycle of continuing bias. If we are not conscious of it then we will not fix it. It requires concerted effort and education.

Many meaningful discussion programmes, policies and initiatives in the public and private sectors on women’s

empowerment,” she said.

She noted that gender equality is important because no country’s development can be successful or sustained without the invaluable contributions of women.

According to the minister, engaging and empowering women directly drives economic advancement.

“Studies have shown that when women are invested in, they contribute 90 per cent

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (right) with (from left) Guyana Chronicle’s GM, Moshamie Ramotar and board members, Rawle Aaron and Harry Gill (Adrian Narine photo) of what they receive back to their family. When women are educated and are given the tools to develop themselves, they transform their environments, changing the lives of their family members and by extension they become proactive advocates, championing many causes for the advancement of their peers and their sisters,” she added.

She told the gathering that to achieve gender equality, there must be equal access to opportunities and resources, as well as discussions at the simplest levels to change the cultural outlook.

“The conversation needs to begin from home [and] filter out into communities to the workplaces and by extension the country at large. It is not an easy thing because it

requires cultural shift that requires change,” Dr. Persaud stressed.

She called on women to also remember the need to empower, elevate, respect each other, and create formidable support networks.

“We live in a very fragile environment where when women achieve great heights, it is sometimes tenuous. It is imperative in this era that we applaud and salute those women who have blazed trails and who have broken the biases that exist and be where they are today and to all of them wherever they are, I say congratulations,” she said.

She also addressed the need to address unconscious bias, and for such changes to begin with the family unit.

“It requires us to look

back on where we’ve come from and how we have been socialised to understand that sometimes we are not breaking biases but are in fact … encouraging them. If we are to undo what has been done, we need to start from the foundation… what are our core values when it comes to women, and that message needs to start at home,” she said.

During the event, the female staff members were serenaded by local singer, Calvin Burnett and treated to wine, chocolate and roses.

In addition to board members, Harry Gill and Rawle Aaron who delivered remarks, General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar and Editor-in-Chief, Tajeram Mohabir were also in attendance.

Local singer Calvin Burnett serenading the female staff members (Adrian Narine photo)

Teacher recovering after horrific accident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

MONIX Hetemeyer was enjoying a quiet meal with a friend, al fresco, late one afternoon at ‘Big B’s Restaurant’ on Pope Street, New Amsterdam, when, suddenly, the driver of a motorcar changed course and

ally and financially.

Monix has been a giver for most of her life, and is known to be a great friend. Due to this fact, her friends, Petra Richmond, Sheanta Henry, and Dionne Mentore have organised a GoFundMe project

The scent of the accident made straight for her, leaving her with severe injuries to both her legs.

And, despite the best efforts of teams of medical doctors here, Monix’s left leg had to be amputated below the knee. Needless to say, the loss of the limb has left her and her entire family severely traumatised.

But in the midst of this life-changing experience, Monix’s spirits, strength and trust in God have proven to be unshakable, as she remains positive, and even more committed to accomplishing her goals, in spite of her circumstances.

Monix’s strength and optimism may be inspiring, but the stark reality is that she must now adjust to her new ‘normal’, and face challenges she’s never had before. This new position will affect her socially, mentally, emotion-

to provide some amount of financial support to Monix and her family during this time, given the long-term challenges that are ahead. Having a bit of financial support will be extremely helpful, as it will cover such things as daily expenses, transportation, the cost of getting prosthetics, homecare and additional costs that will be incurred from time to time.

Prior to the accident, which occurred on the evening of February 20, Monix, a married mother of two underage children, was bursting with life and laughter. Her life was dedicated to the service of God and the community.

With respect to her heavenly commitments, she served as a Worship Leader, Dancer, Musician and Inspirational Speaker. In her professional life, Monix served as a

Graduate Senior Assistant Mistress, with special focus on Spanish at the New Amsterdam Secondary (Multilateral) School.

She is also a member of the Board of Gover-

nors at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), a Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Founder and Educator at the Teacher’s Initiative Forum, Trainer at

the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, and CEO of Dance Accessories and Hidden Treasures Online Boutique.

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Monix Hetemeyer

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

Minister Teixeira: This is the time to seize opportunities ON the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance joins the rest of the world in celebrating the achievements and contributions of women and girls in all areas of economic and social development.

This UN’s theme “Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” brings attention to the role of women and girls in leading the charge towards achieving sustainable development, particularly in climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction. At the

have always viewed gender equality as inextricably interwoven with the larger development of the society, first, in the anti-colonial struggle and then with the struggle for democracy. The theme this year reinforces our views. As Guyanese women, we must be grounded in remembering our journey, acknowledging where we have come from, and what we have so far achieved, whilst pausing and lending solidarity to women in other parts of the world where daily life is a battle for survival. Despite our many challenges, we are fortunate to live in a country that has

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira same time, it recognises that there are still many countries where basic human rights are being trampled on and where women and children suffer the most. Sadly, this International Women’s Day has been marred by the images of women and children fleeing the bombing of their homes, schools and hospitals in Ukraine, reversals of women’s rights in some countries, images of girls being sold for marriage so their families can eat in Afghanistan, of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestine, and of droughts, unbearable poverty and starvation in Southern Madagascar and Yemen.

Peace, equality, democracy, and sustainable development are needed more than ever before. From the beginning of the organised struggle for women’s rights dating back to 1946 in Guyana, we

made strides in women’s and children’s rights and there is no doubt it will continue to do so. The Government of Guyana remains resolute in its commitment towards ensuring an equitable society, where women and girls enjoy all the rights and freedoms guaranteed in Guyana’s Constitution, and the international Human Rights treaties which Guyana has ratified, including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Significant resources continue to be dedicated towards providing access to training and entrepreneurial support for women to both empow-er and create viable opportunities See page 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

Minister Teixeira: This is the time ...

From page 20

for them to emerge from vulnerable situations, enhance their independence and reduce their exposure to violence and other forms of abuse.

During the first cohort of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), an innovative flagship programme of the Government of Guyana, 6000 tertiary scholarships to accredited international institutions were awarded and 69 per cent of the beneficiaries were women from all ten administrative regions. Moreover, through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), the Government via the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is providing economic benefits to women through the provision of training and certification in emerging fields such as ICT, graphic design, video editing and professional care. Just last week, 850 women graduated from this programme. The WIIN programme has been strengthened by the launching of the first ever women’s business incubator which is equipped and well poised to support thousands of women across the country with startup, sustaining, and marketing their micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to further secure their economic independence and security.

More recently, the First Lady has secured 100 scholarships for women from Amerindian Communities to be trained in the maritime and offshore industry through the Atlantic Alliance Marine and Offshore Training School. This laudable initiative will provide technical training to the recipients, further ensuring that women play a leading role in Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector. In line with this year’s focus on the role on advancing gender equality in the context of climate change and disaster risk reduction, Guyana is one of nine Caribbean countries currently implementing the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience (EnGenDER) project, a five-year project scheduled to end in 2023. The project aims to make women, girls, and key vulnerable populations more resilient to the harmful effects of climate change, by sustainably implementing climate change action and disaster recovery. The completion of a Gender-based Climate Resilience Analysis for Guyana provides recommendation on developing gender-responsive and socially inclusive

policies for building climate resilience in the priority areas of agriculture and health.

Moreover, the revised and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 specifies gender equality and social inclusion as central tenets for its effective implementation. Gender equality and social inclusion will be mainstreamed by building on the indispensable contributions of women in key sectors, including agriculture, where many of the subsectors are dominated by women. The LCDS will also promote the inclusion of women in decision-making in non-traditional fields such as the mining sector through continuous training and mentorship, and will foster a range of opportunities for women to play an active role in their communities in low-carbon sectors such as sustainable tourism, particularly in rural and Amerindian communities. Additionally, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), women are also taking a leading role in Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM). The CDC has championed the establishment of CBDRM Committees in 120 communities across Guyana’s ten administrative regions, by providing training on Disaster Management and Climate Change, lending ongoing support, and working with the communities to develop and implement projects and programmes which reduce their vulnerability to future disasters and build their capacity to respond to a disaster. Women make up at least 50 per cent of the membership of each established committee. Additionally, women property owners have increased tremendously through the National Housing programme thereby providing greater security and opportunities to use this as collateral for further expansion and growth.

However, despite these many initiatives and programmes, despite having a progressive Constitution and laws regarding women’s and children’s rights, we are still confronted with daily incidents of domestic and sexual violence, and even femicide. Like in most other countries around the world, constant and consistent efforts and initiatives must be supported to fully achieve gender equality and sustainable development in our One Guyana.

The transformative agenda of Guyana will open more doors for women in Guyana; this is the time to seize these opportunities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

Mahila Mandalee: When women and girls are left behind, progress is stymied ON this International Day for Women, the Mahila Mandalee, Women’s Section of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, joins in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women and girls in Guyana and worldwide. Simultaneously, we continue to advocate for the empowerment of all women and girls, and for them to be free from discrimination and violence and be included equally in decision-making and leadership.

This year’s theme of “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” reminds us that the achievement of the sustainable development goals is intrinsically intertwined with gender quality; that when women and girls are left behind, progress is stymied.

In Guyana, our women and girls have much to celebrate as they have been outstanding in diverse fields, breaking new barriers every day. But there is still much to be done.

While more girls are in the spotlight for their excellent academic achievements, many are still struggling.

Statistics for Guyana indicate that school attendance is high at the primary level but decreases significantly at the Secondary level. Those not in school must be engaged to understand the reasons for their absence and all efforts made to ensure their return.

The learning losses of the COVID-19 pandemic, worsened by unequal access to the Internet and digital device, must also be overcome.

Girls must be encouraged to see the benefits of a good education and a supportive network should be created around them to promote their advancement.

The Mahila Mandalee remains deeply concerned

about the number of women and girls who are subjected to violence and abuse. We must continue to engage our men and boys to change gender stereotypes and foster partnerships where household responsibilities and care duties are shared, equal opportunities are provided to sons and daughters and a respect for each other is promoted.

It is recognised that economically empowered women are more likely to leave violent relationships and to speak out against harassment.

Let us also build a culture where there is zero-tolerance for harassment in workplaces, where women are not scared to call out their harassers for fear of victimisation.

This year’s focus of advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is timely as women and girls are increasingly being recognised as more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

In Guyana, where most of our population lives below sea-level and heavy rainfall often results in devastating floods, it is imperative that we build our capacities to withstand disasters.

More women and girls must be part of climate initiatives and included as equal players in decision-making related to climate change. We celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 with a spirit of optimism, proud that more and more of our women and girls are discovering their potentials and making valuable contributions to family, community and country.

Let us commit to working together for a world where our women and girls are empowered, safe, respected and heard.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

ExxonMobil: We are committed to women empowerment

ExxonMobil Guyana takes this opportunity on International Women’s Day 2022 to express our appreciation for the contributions women have made — and continue to make — to the company and the wider society. The theme this year, #BreakTheBias, is a goal every member of the company is encouraged to work towards.

day, Community Relations Manager Suzanne De Abreu lauded the growth of women in business locally despite the challenges of the last two years.

“It just reinforces what we already know – that women are resilient and today, as ExxonMobil Guyana partners with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to promote women

Community Relations Manager Suzanne De Abreu ExxonMobil Guyana will continue to encourage its female employees in every aspect of their development and provide equal opportunities for them to succeed.

We are also committed to supporting women and girls in the wider community as part of our focus on women’s empowerment through our contributions and sponsorships.

Providing a comment at the ExxonMobil Guyana-sponsored We Lift 2 Exhibition on Satur-

businesses in Guyana, it’s clear to see that we are determined and driven to succeed. ExxonMobil Guyana recognises and applauds the contributions of Women globally and, today especially, here in Guyana,” she said.

There are some 800 women supporting ExxonMobil Guyana’s activities.

ExxonMobil Guyana has been making community investments that provide empowerment opportunities to women through capacity building

An ExxonMobil Guyana employee aboard the Liza Destiny

initiatives that are intended to have real and positive impacts in their lives and within households.

One example of this is the WeLead 2019 programme, which was designed to tackle the lack of business development and training opportunities

for women in Regions Two and Three. Not only do these programmes aim to provide knowledge and a deeper understanding of best practice, but they also seek to enhance motivation and self-awareness of the participants’ capability to contribute and lead in

the business world.

In 2020, ExxonMobil Guyana brought the Global Women in Management programme to Guyana which helped develop women’s leadership and managerial skills. Other recent programmes support-

ed by the ExxonMobil Foundation, including the Road to Growth and AccelerateHER, provided useful training and tools to enhance success and contribute to the promotion of sustainable socioeconomic business practices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

GuySuCo salutes its women workforce on International Women’s Day “GENDER equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. Every year, women across the globe are recognised for their achievements in the social, economic, cultural, and political dimension of development as they forge to break stereotypes, bias and discrimination while in pursuit of their goals thus paving the way for the future generation.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022, Management has made it possible for opportunities to be presented to empower women of GuySuCo by assigning them to head the major departments on the Estate and the corporation’s Head Office albeit for one (1) day. Leading this phenomenal group of women is Ms. Rama Persaud who is assigned to head the Corporation as Chief Executive Officer for the day.

Just as women are integrated in the workforce worldwide, GuySuCo also integrates its women workforce and ensures equal rights are enjoyed by them. Moreover, the Corporation understands the importance of the inter-connectivity of gender and social equity and as such recognises the innovative ideas of all women who strive towards building a sustainable future.

As Guyana joins the rest of the World in the observance of International Women’s Day, we salute and thank all our dedicated and hardworking women for their invaluable contributions to the Sugar Industry and to the economic, social and cultural development of this one Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

International Women’s Day messages

UN Secretary-General: ‘We need to turn the clock forward on women’s rights’ ON International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and girls everywhere.

We celebrate their contributions to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their ideas, innovations and activism that are changing our world for the better.

And their leadership across all walks of life.

But we also recognise that in too many areas, the clock on women’s rights is moving backwards.

The pandemic has kept girls and women out of schools and workplaces.

They face rising poverty and rising violence.

They do the vast majority of the world’s unpaid but essential care work.

They’re targets of violence and abuse, just because of their gender.

In all countries, women are scandalously under-represented in the halls of power and the boardrooms of

UN Secretary-General, Secretary-General António Guterres business.

And as this year’s theme reminds us, they bear the brunt of climate change and environmental degradation.

Starting now, on International Women’s Day, it’s time to turn the clock forward for every woman and girl.

Through guaranteeing quality education for every girl, so they can build the lives they want and help make the world a better place for us all.

Through massive investments in women’s training and decent work.

Through effective action to end gender-based violence.

Through bold action to protect our planet.

Through universal care that is fully integrated into social protection systems.

And through targeted measures like gender quotas so we can all benefit from women’s ideas, experience and leadership everywhere decisions are made.

Gender inequality is essentially a question of power, in a male-dominated world and a male-dominated culture. Power relations must be reversed.

At the United Nations, we’ve achieved gender parity in senior management at headquarters and around the world — improving our work and better representing the communities we serve.

We need more women environment ministers, business leaders and presidents and prime ministers.

They can push countries to address the climate crisis, develop green jobs and build a more just and sustainable world.

We cannot emerge from the pandemic with the clock spinning backwards on gender equality.

We need to turn the clock forward on women’s rights.

The time is now.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Today set for ruling on AG’s application to strike out PSC case

HIGH Court Judge Gino Persaud, will, today, deliver his ruling on the application made by Attorney-General Anil Nadlall, S.C., to strike out a constitutional action filed by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The ruling is expected to be handed down at 14:30

hours virtually at the Demerara High Court Nandlall is seeking to have the court strike out the substantive matter filed by the PSC which is challenging its suspension by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The PSC claims that the move was “unconstitutional.”

During the last court

hearing held on November 10, 2021, the AG had argued that since the life of the PSC ended on August 8, 2021, the case it has before the court cannot be allowed to continue, as any judgement rendered would be void.

“It is our submission that, as a result of that fact, these proceedings cannot

be proceeded with by this honorable court,” he had submitted.

It was explained to the court that the PSC is a body constituted in a manner prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana, and its functions are subjected to constitutional provisions.

Nandlall went on to ex-

plain to the court that, at the time his application was filed, the commission was already “dead and non-existent in law.”

As a result of the aforementioned, Nandlall had emphasised that it would have affected the capacity of the PSC’s lawyers, Selwyn Pieters and Dexter Smartt, who could not have been authorised to appear since their [the lawyers] contracts came to an end upon the expiration of the life of the commission.

Meanwhile, in his reply to the AG’s submissions, Smartt had said, “I do admit that the commission expired on the 8th of August… It is our respectful submission to this court that matters to be

Justice Gino Persaud dealt with are matters that need finality.”

According to Smartt, the PSC case touches on key issues such as the supreme power of the land, and the power of the president. “It is a matter of public importance and interest,” the attorney said as he explained that the case is a “peculiar proceeding.”

The PSC’s application was filed in July 2021 after President Ali, based on advice from Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, suspended the PSC Chairman and its members, pending the findings of a tribunal that was to be established.

The PSC is praying that the court grants a declaration that the purported June 16, 2021, suspension of its Chairman, Paul Slowe and commissioners, Michael Somersall, Claire Alexis

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Clinton Conway, from performing the functions of their respective offices in the commission, were in violation of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Articles 225(6) and 210(3), and therefore of no force or effect.

Additionally, the applicant is seeking a further declaration from the court that the Prime Minister’s recommendations to the President for the removal of the PSC Chairman and its members from their respective offices at the commission were in violation of, and ultra vires, the Constitution and, in particular, Article 225(2), being made on grounds other than inability to discharge the functions of office or misbehaviour.

In June, 2021, Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George S.C., had struck out the legal challenge brought by five senior police officers against the PSC over the 2020 year-end police promotions list. Following the CJ’s ruling, the Government of Guyana through the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs issued a statement rejecting the PSC’s promotion list as unlawful and illegal.

It noted that, in the circumstances, the purported list of promotions will be ignored since the PSC was suspended. On August 8, 2021, the life of the PSC expired.

The members of commission were sworn in by then President, David Granger, to serve for a period of three years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Women accused of cocaine trafficking remanded TWO women were, on Tuesday, charged in connection with the recent discovery of GY$5.6 million worth of cocaine at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport and were remanded to prison.

Akata Makeba Garnett, 22 of ‘C’ Field Sophia squatting area and Malika Scott, 32, of Grove, East Bank Demerara were charged separately for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Garnett was arraigned at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on March 5, 2022, at the airport located at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, she had 5.274 kilogrammes of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Magistrate Liverpool remanded Garnett to prison until March 31, 2022.

Meanwhile, Scott appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Scott denied that, on March 5, 2022, at Georgetown, she trafficked 5.274 kilogrammes of cocaine.

The Chief Magistrate remanded the woman to prison until April 5, 2022.

According to a release from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Garnett was nabbed on Saturday as she was about to board a flight destined for Barbados.

According to CANU, officers found five mats laced with approximately 12 pounds of cocaine during a secondary search of her luggage.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Scott.

27

Essequibo schoolgirl missing

THE parents of Aliyah Mohamed, 15, of Affiance, Region Two, are calling for her safe return. The teen has been missing for the past four days.

Mohamed of Affiance Village left home to attend school lessons. She is a student of the Al Madina Islamic School at Cotton Field.

According to her father, Kwal Mohamed, his

daughter’s phone is currently off and he is unsure of her whereabouts. He had contacted several relatives but none of them know where she is. He also said that she has not called home or tried to contact her mother.

The father said his wife has become sick since the sudden disappearance of their daughter. He has since made a report to the Auro-

ra and Anna Regina police stations.

Police on the West Coast and Georgetown were also informed. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Aliyah Mohamed can contact her parents on 622-2401.

The father wants his daughter to return home to continue her secondary education.

Missing: Aliyah Mohamed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

Bairstow's brilliant century...

(From back page)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings A. Lees lbw b Roach 4 Z. Crawley c wkp. Da Silva b Seales 8 J. Root b Roach 13 D. Lawrence c Blackwood b Holder 20 B. Stokes b Seales 36 J. Bairstow not out 109 B. Foakes lbw b Holder 42 C. Woakes not out 24 Extras: (lb-7, nb-5) 12 Total: (6 wkts, 86 overs) 268 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-17, 3-27, 4-48 5-115, 6-214.

Bowling: Roach 16-2-71-2 (nb-5), Seales 19-5-64-2, Holder 16-9-15-2, Joseph 19-2-69-0, Permaul 13-435-0, Brathwaite 3-1-7-0.

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Veerasammy Permaul, Jayden Seales Umpires: Joel Wilson, Gregory Brathwaite; TV – Nigel Duguid.

from Roach, while Dan Lawrence, recalled to bat number four, poked to offer a catch to second slip on 20, having previously looked settled.

England ended the first session of their new era 57-4.

Experienced pair Roach and Holder, who bowled five overs without conceding a run before lunch, were excellent in the first session but youngsters Seales and Alzarri Joseph

offered too many boundary balls afterwards, spoiling West Indies' fine start.

Holder also put down Woakes on nought - a tough diving chance at slip off Joseph - and the slow surface saw other edges fall short of fielders.

'IT FEELS AMAZING' - REACTION BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew: "England are definitely back in the match thanks to Stokes, Bairstow and Foakes, with a flourish at the end from Woakes.

"West Indies will be disappointed they couldn't take a wicket with the new ball before the close."

England batter Jonny Bairstow: "I am very passionate about playing Test cricket. I am absolutely delighted. It has been a good start to the year and hopefully that can continue.

"It is going to be an interesting one tomorrow morning. It will be a big morning session. We would like to push on to 320-350. Anything from there is a bonus from the start we had. If you look too far ahead you can very quickly come up short."

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder: "Jonny played really well and brought England right back into the game. We had a really good start with the new ball, but it was slow going after that. The wicket got a lot better.

"If I am being critical we leaked too many boundaries. We need to make the second new ball count." (BBC Sport)

51

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

Imam, Shafique hit tons in tame Test draw … Pakistan rack up astounding 728 for 4 as Test ends 21 overs early

PAKISTAN openers Abdullah Shafique and Imamul-Haq hit centuries on a tedious fifth day to again grind Australia's attack into the ground on a benign Rawalpindi pitch, as the first Test petered out to a stale draw.

Dominating a mostly dull final day, as the historic series-opener inched towards an inevitable stalemate, Pakistan finished at an almost effortless 252 for 0 with Shafique 136 not out and Imam unbeaten on 111. The Test ended 21 overs early after both teams agreed to mercifully put this match out of its misery.

Pakistan racked up an astounding 728 for 4 for the entire match, as Australia unsuccessfully resorted to using nine bowlers, including rarely tried Usman Khawaja with the last over of the match.

(Scores) Pakistan 476 for 4 decl. (Azhar 185, Imam 157, Shafique 44; Cummins 1-62, Lyon 1-161) and 252 for 0 (Shafique 136*, Imam 111*) drew with Australia 459 (Khawaja 97, Labuschagne 90, Smith 78; Nauman 6-107) In-form Imam and Shafique were intent on gaining a psychological edge heading into the second Test starting on March 12 on a wicket labelled as "dead" by Steven Smith and is set to be further put under the microscope post-match.

Australia toiled for just four wickets - one was a runout - across 239 overs with skipper Pat Cummins their only quick to have success in the match.

Having nervously sat through tea on 99 not out,

after being unable to notch his milestone off part-time spinner Travis Head's last three balls before the break, Shafique scored off the first ball he faced on resumption to bring up his maiden Test century in his third match.

Imam survived on 94 when replays showed he inside-edged a Nathan Lyon delivery to short leg only for Australia to resist reviewing the not-out decision - the second time in the match the batter had been reprieved by Cummins' reluctance to call for the DRS. The left-hander shortly after became the 10th Pakistan batter to score centuries in each innings of a Test to cap a remarkable performance, where he started as a borderline selection having endured a modest 11-Test run previously after debuting four years ago.

Australia mostly went through the motions during numerous sleepy passages of play, as David Warner attempted to summon much-needed excitement with rather dubious dance moves between overs. It failed to spark his teammates, however, as Australia continued to be thwarted by Pakistan's batters much like when they spent 162 overs in the field during the opening two days.

Sticking with their preferred pace-heavy attack, Australia jarringly failed to create opportunities, even when taking in consideration the graveyard of a pitch for bowlers. Their brains trust will undoubtedly ponder whether to bring in a second specialist spinner in Karachi - either

uncapped leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson or left-arm orthodox Ashton Agar, who played the last of his four Tests in late 2017.

With question marks over their attack, quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood - who returned in place of Ashes hero Scott Boland may have been auditioning to retain their spot.

A patchy Starc conjured occasional reverse swing in the first innings, while Hazlewood had been typically miserly throughout the match but rarely threatened.

They only bowled 12 overs combined in the second innings as Australia sought to provide a modest workload for their quicks given the congested three-Test series is played over just three weeks.

The heavy lifting was left to Lyon, who finished with 1 for 236 off 78 overs, having started the Test optimistically with rampant turn on the opening morning proving fool's gold as the pitch moulded into a road.

Even though their conservative batting in the first innings set in stone this slow-moving clash, an undermanned Pakistan were the moral victors with an almost flawless batting display, while their attack out-bowled Australia's star-studded bowlers.

Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali wrapped up Australia's innings early on day five with the wickets of Cummins and Lyon to finish with a career-best 6 for 107 marked by eking out Smith and Cameron Green with defensive bowling late on day four.

Indefatigable Shaheen

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 476-4 declared AUSTRALIA 1st innings o/n 449-7 Usman Khawaja c Imam ul-Haq b Nauman Ali 97 David Warner b Sajid Khan 68 Marnus Labuschagne c Abdullah Shafique b Shaheen Afridi 90 Steven Smith c Mohammad Rizwan b Nauman Ali 78 Travis Head c Mohammad Rizwan b Nauman Ali 8 Cameron Green c Iftikhar Ahmed b Nauman Ali 48 Alex Carey b Naseem Shah 19 Mitchell Starc lbw Shaheen Afridi 13 Pat Cummins c Imam ul-Haq b Nauman Ali 8 Nathan Lyon lbw Nauman Ali 3 Extras: (b-6, lb-13, nb-8) 27 Total: (all out, 140.1 overs) 459

Fall of wickets: 1-156 Warner, 2-203, 3-311, 4-326, 5-407, 6-422, 7-444, 8-455, 9-459.

Bowling: Sajid Khan 45-9-122-1, Naseem Shah 21-2-89-1 (nb-4), Shaheen Afridi 30-5-88-2 (nb-3), Nauman Ali 38.1-9-107-6 (nb-1).

PAKISTAN 2nd innings Abdullah Shafique not out 136 Imam ul-Haq not out 111 Extras: (lb-2, nb-3) 5 Total: (no wkt, 77.0 overs) 252 Bowling: Mitchell Starc 7-1-29-0, Josh Hazlewood 5-0-8-0, Nathan Lyon 26-5-750, Pat Cummins 4-0-15-0 (nb-1), Marnus Labuschagne 15-0-56-0, Travis Head 13-1-35- 0.

Shah Afridi, who was the stand-out quick in the match, was rewarded with the wicket of Starc to finish with 2 for 88 from an energetic 30 overs.

Australia will be encouraged by their fightback with the bat to almost reach Pakistan's mammoth first innings of 476 for 4 although none of their batters scored a century.

They also lost 6 for 52 after appearing favoured to take a first-innings lead after such a strong start, where Australia's top four notched half-centuries in an overseas Test for the first time since 2008 in Delhi.

With the series deadlocked, Australia will at least feel considerably match-hardened after no warm-up matches, as they dust off the cobwebs in their first overseas Test tour since the Ashes in 2019.

After so much anticipation for the series, the first between the teams in Pakistan since 1998, the pitch rendered the historic occasion to an anti-climax with everyone involved hoping conditions in Karachi will be much more conducive for a result. (Cricinfo)

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Ruling Front Race 2 Deep State Race 3 Rocket Joe Cipper Race 4 Maybe Luckynwild Race 5 Philipsburg Race 6 Crumb Bun

Day 12:25 hrs River Tyne Lingfield 09:50 hrs El Felicia 10:25 hrs After Eight 11:00 hrs Celestial Point 11:35 hrs Dembe 12:10 hrs Kaboo 12:45 hrs Reeceltic

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Kempton 13:30 hrs Mellys Flyer 14:00 hrs True Icon 14:30 hrs Ribbon Rose 15:00 hrs Ahmufeed 15:30 hrs Mequeen 16:00 hrs Power On 16:30 hrs Fact Or Fable

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

'Benign, dead' pitch could come under ICC microscope THE match referee who put the MCG on notice for an unacceptable pitch four years ago will have the final say on whether a "dead" Rawalpindi deck that has produced just 11 wickets in four days will receive a similar sanction.

Steve Smith lamented the lifeless surface produced for the highly-anticipated Benaud-Qadir series opener, which is on track to finish as one of the least bowler-friendly Test matches this century.

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief referee Ranjan Madugalle was the appointed match referee in Melbourne for the 2017 Ashes Test against England when he took the rare step of formally labelling the drop-in pitch that produced 24 wickets in five days as "poor".

Should Madugalle (who is also officiated in this Test) reach a similar verdict in Rawalpindi, the ground will receive three demerit points.

A venue that is handed five points over a five-year period will be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.

Pakistan's Nauman Ali, whose domestic team Northern plays in Rawalpindi, acknowledged the surface has played significantly different to previous wickets at the venue.

Smith, who made 78 from 196 balls, said the track offered nothing for fast bowlers and only marginal assistance for spinner "It's pretty benign," Smith told reporters. "There's not a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers, that's for sure.

"I think the spinners have offered a little bit. When you've hit the right length there's been a bit of natural variation, and when you get it out a bit wider into the rough there's a bit there as well.

"But outside of that, I don't think there's a great deal on offer for the fast bowlers

Officials to determine if Rawalpindi surface that has seen just 11 wickets fall in four days is formally deemed "poor"

… It's a pretty benign, dead wicket.

"There's not very much bounce, not a great deal of pace and if you're bowling stump to stump and setting straight fields it's not overly easy to score ... but also probably difficult to get out as well.

Smith also played in that 2017-18 Ashes Test at the MCG, scoring a second-innings century and had been even more forthright on that surface, of which he said: "I

just don't think it's good for anyone."

The ongoing match's current average of 84.09 runs per wicket is the highest recorded since the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Test in Galle in 2013 (84.89).

The fewest wickets to fall in a Test not significantly affected by rain (minimum 330 overs bowled for the match) this century is 17.

In guidelines implemented by the ICC at the beginning of 2018 (coincidentally only days after the MCG bata-thon in December 2017) the governing body decreed that Test pitches should "allow all the individual skills of the game to be demonstrated by the players at various stages of the match A pitch is deemed "poor" if it "displays little or no seam movement or turn at any stage in the match together with no significant bounce or carry, thereby depriving the bowlers of a fair contest between bat and ball".

The ICC also suggests

England's Alastair Cook made the MCG's highest score on a "poor" pitch in 2017 (Getty)

that "if anything, the balance of the contest between bat and ball in a Test match should slightly favour the bowling team".

The only pitch that has been deemed "poor" since the introduction of the new ICC rules was the 2018 Wanderers Test between South Africa and India which was at the other end of the scale to the Rawalpindi deck.

That surface had raised concerns over player safety due to volatile pace and bounce, with speedsters Jasprit Bumrah, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada proving a nightmare for batters.

Australia had been expecting Rawalpindi to provide the most seam-friendly conditions of their three-Test tour of Pakistan, with drier pitches then expected in Lahore and Karachi Pacemen took all but eight of the 40 wickets to fall in the most recent Test at the venue in February last year, a 95-run win for Pakistan over

South Africa in which quick Hasan Ali was player-of-thematch with a 10-wicket haul.

A year on, left-arm spinner Nauman resorted to bowling over the wicket to Australia's right-handers, at the encouragement of spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq, to target bowler's footmarks.

"The pitch was slow and there was no turn but I tried to utilise the rough area and bowl in the key areas, eventually I succeeded," said Nauman, the Test’s most successful bowler with four victims having dismissed both Smith and Cameron Green with the over-the-wicket ploy.

"After yesterday’s bowling, we had a long discussion with Saqlain Mushtaq and the plan was to use the rough areas as there was no turn in the pitch.

"Normally in 'Pindi' the pitch is different due to weather and the pitch is not very dry and always helps the batters (Cricket. com.au)

Premier League suspends broadcast deal with Russia because of Ukraine invasion THE Premier League has suspended its broadcast deal with Russia following the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The move will take effect immediately, meaning tomorrow's four matches will not be shown in the country.

The matter took only 15 minutes of a four-hour meeting of all 20 clubs in London yesterday to agree.

The English top flight also says it will donate £1M to support the people of Ukraine.

The TV rights for the Premier League were owned by the Rambler Group. The company was in its final year of a three-year deal to show matches in Russia.

In a separate move, the Football Association has also suspended its deal with Russia.

That means none of this

month's FA Cup quarter-final matches will be shown.

The Premier League says it condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that its clubs unanimously agreed the move.

"We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted," the Premier League said in a statement.

"The £1M donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need."

Last weekend, Premier League clubs showed solidarity with Ukraine as captains wore special armbands in Ukrainian colours, while stadium screens displayed 'Football Stands Together' in front of the country's blue and yellow flag.

It is understood there will be no repeat of the proUkraine branding that took

place around last weekend's games. However, clubs have been cleared to produce their own response if they wish.

The English Football League (EFL) says it has also suspended broadcast feeds of its matches in Russia.

"Echoing the views of the Premier League and other organisations around the world, the EFL remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict," the EFL said in a statement.

"As has been demonstrated at EFL grounds around the country, Football Stands Together with the people of Ukraine and all those impacted."

Last weekend Chinese rights holders did not broadcast Premier League matches in their country, which is a close political ally of Russia. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

MCC moves to de-stigmatise non-striker run-outs in latest Law updates … Use of saliva for ball-shining, batters changing ends during dismissals also amended

THE new batter being on strike even if the players crossed while a catch is taken, a reframing of the law for running out non-strikers while backing up, and a permanent ban on using saliva to shine the ball are among the changes to MCC's Laws that will come into effect later this year.

An updated code of the Laws was approved by the MCC's main committee this week. The changes will also allow greater leeway to the bowler in the judging of wides when a batter has moved across the crease, and see the introduction of penalty runs for the batting side should a fielder be deemed to have moved unfairly.

The decision to change the Law for caught dismissals comes as a result of its trialling in the Hundred.

Previously, if the two batters crossed before a catch was taken, the new batter would

go to the non-striker's end; now they will always be on strike - unless it is the end of the over - in a move that was proposed as a way of further rewarding the bowler for taking a wicket.

The wording that covers a player being run-out by the bowler while backing up - often referred to as Mankading - has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run-out), in a further attempt to remove some of the stigma around such dismissals.

"The bowler is always painted as the villain but it is a legitimate way to dismiss someone and it is the non-striker who is stealing the ground," Fraser Stewart, MCC Laws Manager, told the Times. "It is legitimate, it is a run-out and therefore it should live in the run-out section of the laws."

The prohibition of saliva as a means of shining the ball

The Law governing so-called Mankads will be moved from the section covering unfair play (BCCI)

came about through changes to playing conditions during COVID-19, with MCC's research suggesting it had had "little or no impact" on bowlers' ability to generate swing. Making this the de-

Rafiq fears he is 'unemployable' after speaking out about racism AZEEM Rafiq fears speaking out about racism has made him "unemployable" within the sport.

The former Yorkshire player told MPs last year that English cricket was "institutionally" racist.

Rafiq, 31, would like to work as a cricket coach or in the media but said he feared it might not be possible.

"I feel like people are scared to be connected to me, because I will continue to fight for the truth," he told the PA news agency.

Rafiq added: "I sit here as a 31-year-old, potentially unemployable, potentially (without) any hope of being around the game in the future, a game that I've loved for the majority of my life.

"Something that I thought, after letting off the burden that I've been carrying for a long time, that I'd be able to love again and start going back towards and follow my passion within it.

"If an opportunity of

work came, they would have to have me like this.

I won't be prepared to look the other way any longer.

"My passion away from playing is coaching. I've completed my level four (coaching) course but didn't do the assessment because it was around the time of the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) hearing.

"So that was one thing that I always wanted to do and the other thing was within media, broadcasting.

I just don't know how I can come back when the game is still not accepting the reality. Of course I'd love to (come back)."

Rafiq's testimony during the DCMS committee saw him outline the treatment inflicted upon him. He said Yorkshire acted in an "inhuman" manner after his son was still-born in 2017.

In addition, he said racist language aimed at his and other Pakistanis’ heritage was used "constantly" and was "never stamped out". He added that the use

of the language "became the norm" at Yorkshire and people at the club "didn't think it was wrong".

His testimony led to changes in Yorkshire's leadership, Headingley being temporarily stripped of hosting international matches and the England and Wales Cricket Board putting together a 12-point plan to tackle racism in the game.

But the ex-spinner said the reaction from the sport had been disappointing, suggesting that many within the sport still insist there is not a problem.

"It hurts," he said.

"Cricket as a whole still feels like there isn't a problem, which is incredibly worrying. It wants to put this across as Azeem Rafiq's experience. It's not, it's the experience of thousands of others.

"When I hear that there's sympathy for the perpetrators, people who did wrong, and I'm seen as a problem - that is difficult for me to take."

fault position was felt to remove any ambiguity around the use of mints or sweets to change the condition of the

ball - something that was already banned.

The rewording of Law 22.1, meanwhile, means that wide calls will "apply to where the batter is standing, where the striker has stood at any point since the bowler began their run-up, and which would also have passed wide of the striker in a normal batting position".

Further changes have been agreed governing the use of replacements, the Laws governing dead balls, and the legality of trying to play the ball once it has gone off the cut strip.

Updates to the Laws are usually incorporated throughout the game, from international down to club level, although governing bodies around the world have the ability to ignore unwanted changes by refer-

ence to competition-specific playing conditions.

"Since the publication of the 2017 Code of the Laws of Cricket, the game has changed in numerous ways," Stewart said in an MCC press release. "The 2nd edition of that Code, published in 2019, was mostly clarification and minor amendments, but the 2022 Code makes some rather bigger changes, from the way we talk about cricket to the way it's played.

"It is important that we announce these changes now as part of the club's global commitment to the game, giving officials from all over the world the chance to learn under the new Code ahead of the Laws coming into force in October." (Marylebone Cricket Club)

54

Beaten Liverpool hold on to reach Champions League quarter-finals

Liverpool had won their previous seven Champions League matches this season

LIVERPOOL’S seven-match winning run in the Champions League was ended by Inter Milan, but Jurgen Klopp's side progressed to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 aggregate success.

An outstanding finish by Lautaro Martinez was not enough for Italian champions at Anfield as the late goals

by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah in the first leg in Milan three weeks ago proved decisive.

Martinez gave Alisson no chance with an arrowed finish from 20 yards in the 61st minute.

But Inter's hopes of forcing extra time with a second goal faded when former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez was sent off just two minutes later for a second yellow card.

Liverpool hit the woodwork three times in a bad-tempered game which, in addition to Sanchez's red card, saw six other players booked.

After Joel Matip headed against the bar, Salah struck the post twice in front of the Kop.

The draw for the last eight takes place on March 18 in Nyon, Switzerland.

The game was also stopped for a few minutes in the first half due to a medical emergency in the crowd.

RELIEF AS REDS PROGRESS There was a sense of relief around Anfield at fulltime after Liverpool suffered a scare before booking their place in the last eight.

The Reds were far from their best, but looked in control of the tie until Martinez's excellent strike, and Sanchez's dismissal then gave the hosts fresh momentum.

Yet a first defeat of 2022, after a terrific run in which they have delivered a trophy with the EFL Cup, will serve as reminder to manager Klopp that there is still work to do if they are to end the season with more success.

Having scored 109 goals in their previous 43 games, this was a rare occasion they failed to find the net.

Liverpool did everything but score, though, as they rattled the bar and post, while substitute Luis Diaz

was denied at point-blank range in the dying stages by Arturo Vidal's block.

One positive for Klopp was the performance of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who seems to get better and better the longer the season goes on.

He was at the heart of all his side's best moves and went close to scoring from a free-kick at the end of the first half.

FIRST HOME DEFEAT FOR A YEAR This defeat came almost a year to the day since Liverpool's last defeat at Anfield.

Mario Lemina scored the only goal to give relegation-threatened Fulham a surprise away win on March 7, 2021.

Liverpool had gone 28 games unbeaten at home - winning 21 and drawing seven - before Inter's first victory over the Reds since 1965.

Despite the loss, Klopp's men have now reached the Champions League quarter-final stage for the fourth time in the last five seasons. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

Lewandowski scores earliest Champions League hat-trick as Bayern hit seven ROBERT Lewandowski scored a hat-trick inside the opening 23 minutes as Bayern Munich thrashed Bull Red Salzburg to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Poland captain, on his 100th start in the competition, confidently stroked home two penalties inside 21 minutes, after twice being recklessly brought down by Salzburg defender Maximilian Wober, the second confirmed after a VAR review.

His first spot-kick, swept into the bottom-left corner, was his 40th goal of the season in all competitions.

He added his third after chasing down an attempted clearance from visiting goalkeeper Philipp Kohn to tap in from close range.

It is the first time a Champions League hat-trick has been completed as early as the 23rd minute, although it is not the quickest treble in the competition, with that record held by Bafetimbi Gomis following his three goals in eight minutes for Lyon in a 7-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb in 2011.

Bayern's quick start put

them firmly in control of a game that had been billed as "all or nothing" by some in the Bavarian media after the six-time winners were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw in the first leg in Austria.

Matthias Jaissle's Salzburg had early chances with Nicolas Capaldo and Nicolas Seiwald both guilty of failing to convert glorious opportunities.

They were made to pay for their profligacy by the deadly Lewandowski before another mistake in defence allowed Serge Gnabry to add a fourth with a low shot that squirmed under Kohn, while Thomas Muller thumped in a fifth after the break.

On an otherwise bleak night for the visitors Maurits Kjaergaard did at least manage a consolation with a powerful effort into the topleft corner.

But that only seemed to stir Julian Nagelsmann's team back into life, with Muller finishing off a well-worked move for number six before Leroy Sane thumped home late on.

Much had been made of Bayern's defensive vul-

nerabilities after they only scraped a late draw in the first leg, and Salzburg appeared to have real hope of becoming the first Austrian team to reach the last eight of this competition since 1985.

But when it came to it they simply had no answer to a masterclass at the Allianz Arena, with Lewandowski the catalyst for a simple yet ruthless night's work by the hosts.

The 33-year-old twice outfoxed Wober to set the tone for the second leg and his third - as he reached 85 Champions League goals in three fewer matches than Lionel Messi and 17 before Cristiano Ronaldo - was all about his determination to keep going.

After Ronaldo (seven) and Messi (five), Lewandowski is now only the third player to score 10 or more goals in three or more different Champions League campaigns.

And not content to rest on his laurels, he was also involved in Muller's second before teeing up Sane for Bayern's seventh of the night. (BBC Sport)

ICC launches new campaign on International Women's Day THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has continued its commitment to empowering women and girls through cricket by embarking on a new campaign that coincides with International Women's Day yesterday.

The 100% Cricket Year of Women’s Cricket campaign has been introduced by the ICC to help drive transformative change and be part of accelerating the growth of the game.

Using the #IDeclare hashtag, the ICC is asking all cricket fans worldwide to show what they can do to further promote gender equality and further empower women and girls through cricket.

The ICC announced the partnership with UNICEF on International Women's Day to promote equal opportunities for girls and boys in South Asia, and ICC CEO

Geoff Allardice was proud of the new initiative.

"Cricket has the incredible power and reach to raise awareness and effect change and we’re proud to partner with UNICEF as part of 100% Cricket Year of Women’s Cricket to #IDeclare our commitment to empowering women and girls through cricket," he said.

"We are committed to gender equity and using the platform of our sport to promote equal opportunities for girls and boys is a great way of doing this. We will also focus all of our Cricket 4 Good efforts on this too, ensuring we’re giving as many women and girls the chance to grow through our game.".

Cricket stars currently competing at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand wasted no time in getting behind the new campaign, with India captain Mithali Raj one of the first to

show her support. #IDeclare - “I declare that I will scout and train as many young girls as possible to take up this wonderful sport,” Raj said.

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof and Bangladesh seamer Jahanara Alam followed suit shortly after. #IDeclare - “I declare I will encourage my daughter to play cricket," Maroof said. #IDeclare - “I declare I will work hard and play good cricket to set an example not only for Bangladeshi girls but also all over the world," Alam added.

Now cricket fans all over the world are urged to get involved and #IDeclare what they will do to drive transformational growth of the game. Fans can tell us what their declaration is by using the hashtag #IDeclare and tagging in @ICC. (ICC Media)

55

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 9, 2022

Former WIPA boss awarded nearly $1M in defamation case PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Former West Indies leg-spinner, Dinanath Ramnarine, has been awarded TT$$831,823.65 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in damages after a High Court here found that he been libelled on the social media, Facebook, in 2016 by a Trinidad and Tobago businessman and cricket administrator.

Master Martha Alexander in a ruling against Rafi Ali, who was a nominated member of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), ordered that he pays, the 46-year-old Ramnarine, who played for the regional team between 1997 and 2002, the sum of TT$775,000 in damages, plus interest and an additional TT$56,823.65 in legal fees.

Ramnarine, the former president and chief executive of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) sued Ali after he posted a comment

on his Facebook page while Ramnarine served as chairman of the Board of Directors at the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

In the judgement, the Court noted that Ali also e-mailed TTCB members and republished a Facebook post inserting his own commentary “to demonstrate his ill-will and mala fides” towards Ramnarine.

Master Alexander said Ali acted deliberately, jeeringly and maliciously and in ordering the payment of compensation, she said it would “serve to caution any defendant who uses Facebook or any other social media platform to libel and destroy a claimant’s reputation that he will feel the punitive arm of the court acting to deter such behaviour.”

She said Ali’s Facebook libel was staged to destroy Ramnarine’s reputation and that the Court had to send a message “that such reckless abuse of social media plat-

Former West Indies cricketer and WIPA boss Dinanath Ramnarine

forms must stop.

“The defendant before this court will not be allowed to use Facebook to boost his popularity at the claimant’s expense or ‘to sell another man’s reputation for profit.’

“If a defendant’s sport of choice is Facebook libel then

New OSCL president commits to introducing softball to youths, women

By Frederick Halley HAVING served the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) with distinction as president since 2016, Guyana-born Shiv Persaud has been entrusted into a new role.

Last Sunday, the dynamic Persaud was overwhelmingly elected president of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), replacing Ravin Babulall who took over the reins in 2019 after long-standing leader and founder-member Albert Ramcharran demitted office.

At Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Nugget Avenue, Scarborough, Ontaro Canada, several changes were made to the executive body which saw Dharmendra Kumar Jaipersaud elected as the new vice-president replacing seasoned executive Kim Sue. The other executive members are: Dinawatie Jaipersaud – Secretary, Natasha Sue – Treasurer, Ian Baldeo – Schedule Coordinator and Terry Mathura – Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer. He previously served as Vice-president until 2019.

The positions for Statistician and Assistant Registrar/Statistician are still to be filled.

Newly elected OSCL president Shiv Persaud

High on the list of Persaud’s priorities is to work on introducing softball to youths and women. “We currently have two women on board and they are eager to fulfil their roles in the new capacity.”

An ebullient Persaud said he intends to create a healthy environment for open discussions between members and executives of the OSCL “as we work together to continue the development of softball cricket.

It is an organisation with over 25 years of dedicated and selfless work by many outstanding individuals. We got to continue their hard work and make it

one that they can be proud to be a part of. I would like for the members, sponsors and executives to be proud of their involvement with the OSCL.” Persaud pointed out that over the years, the OSCL has benefited tremendously from many sponsors and it will be important to have their contributions for the upcoming season.

In a thank-you email to the past executives, Persaud extended a hearty thank you to them for their selfless service provided to the OSCL over the years.

According to Persaud, “It is truly a thankless role to fulfil and you have shown the strength, determination and grit to withstand all things for the greater good of the Ontario Softball Cricket League.

“Myself and fellow executives will do our best to fulfil the roles and complete the tasks ahead to continue the great work you have done. Should you consider serving going forward in the future, we will all welcome you on board with open arms.

Persaud pleaded with them “to continue to support us in making a smooth transition given the short time we have to prepare for the 2022 season.”

the consequences of such virtual sporting libel must burn the pockets of the defendant to achieve deterrence … This would act as a punishment to this defendant and deterrence to him and others that Facebook libel is no sport in which to engage.”

The Court ruled that Ramnarine had “huge footprints both locally and regionally” and, as a sporting personality, he had a presence in and contributed to the governance and development of the sports of cricket and football.

“This is not a claimant who is an unknown, voiceless or a non-contributing participant in the sporting arena. This is a claimant whose name has widespread recognition, commands worldwide respect and whose contribution to the sporting world is undisputed.”Master Alexander said the “surefire spread” of Facebook libel was common knowledge to users of the platform, who

“must be assumed to know and intend to disseminate the libel worldwide.”

She said Facebook libel was a booming platform for any defendant “who wants to act with impunity by ignoring the numerous judicial cautions to Facebook users to desist from online character assassinations because of defamation’s far-reaching consequences” and in Ramnarine’s case, the defamatory materials “were offensive, egregious and aimed to wound” him by sending them to millions.

She said Ali, as a member of the TTCB, would have profited from tarnishing Ramnarine’s reputation for integrity and professionalism.

“A defamed person cannot hide or escape from Facebook libel, as it follows him into his home, behind closed doors and wherever he goes.

Facebook libel is invasive, leaving inescapable stigmas that survive long after the

offending words are no longer online talking points,” Master Aleaxnder said, adding that it was presumed Ali intended to attract maximum attention and do maximum damage by his actions and failed to take steps to mitigate his wrong, not even apologising to Ramnarine.

“It was presumed that he understood his influence with his online audience and in the sporting industry when he set out to wreck the career of the claimant with his Facebook libel.

“In the face of his libellous carnage, the defendant refused to apologise and continued unhindered in his own career, while the claimant was left to deal with the professional and personal wreckage caused by the defamation.”

At the High Court level, Ali failed to defend the claim against him filed in 2019 by Ramnarine, who received judgment in default in September 2020.

Putin, Rotenberg removed from all positions on Judo's governing body (REUTERS) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and a Russian businessman have been removed from all positions in the International Judo Federation (IJF), the sport's governing body said, in the latest sporting rebuke following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The decision, announced in a brief statement, comes after Putin, a black belt who has co-authored the book titled ‘Judo: History, Theory, Practice’, was suspended as IJF honorary president last week..

"The International Judo Federation announces that Mr Vladimir Putin and Mr Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation," it said.

Billionaire businsessman Arkady Rotenberg had been on the IJF Executive Committee as a development manager since 2013.

The federation did not mention Russia's invasion of Ukraine but it said on February 27 it was suspending Putin as honorary IJF president "in light of the ongoing war

Russian President Vladimir Putin was earlier suspended as the honorary president of International Judo Federation (Reuters photo)

conflict in Ukraine".

Putin was also stripped of his honorary taekwondo black belt conferred in 2013

by World Taekwondo and a FINA Order, awarded to him in 2014 by swimming's global body.

Since the beginning of what Putin has called "a special military operation" in

Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian teams and athletes have found themselves frozen out from international competitions across sports.

Belarus has been a key staging area for Russia's invasion of its neighbour. The IJF also cancelled a May 20-22 Grand Slam event in Kazan, Russia.

Bairstow's brilliant century rescues England in Antigua

England captain Joe Root offers no stroke and is bowled by seamer Kemar Roach (out of picture) on the opening day of the first Test.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Jonny Bairstow celebrates his gutsy Test century (Getty Images)

By Matthew Henry JONNY Bairstow's sensational hundred rescued England after their new era began with a familiar batting collapse on day one of the first Test against West Indies in Antigua.

Bairstow came in at 48-4 and hit 109 not out, his second ton in as many Tests, to steer England to 268-6 at the close.

He put on 67 with Ben Stokes and 99 with Ben Foakes, who made a composed 42 on his recall to the team.

In their first Test since their humiliating 4-0 Ashes defeat, England lost four wickets in the first session, including captain Joe Root - bowled by Kemar Roach for 13.

Alex Lees made just four on debut while Zak Crawley nicked behind for eight, to follow his

fellow opener in departing inside four overs.

But Bairstow showed great application before becoming increasingly aggressive as West Indies lost their discipline and tired late in the day.

He shared an unbeaten stand of 54 with Chris Woakes to reach the close unbeaten, Woakes ending 24 not out.

On a slow pitch Bairstow's knock put his side in a decent position, one that looked out of reach earlier in the day, as they look to move on from their Ashes fallout and a run of one win in 14 Tests.

BAIRSTOW RESCUES 'NEW' ENGLAND All of the talk in the lead-up to this three-Test series has been of England's "red-ball reset".

Former head coach Chris Sil-

verwood departed last month and record-breaking bowling pair James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been left out. But when the top order wilted once again, England were in a situation that became all-too-common during the Ashes.

They made six changes from the final Ashes Test defeat in Hobart but it was Bairstow, a 32-year-old playing his 81st Test, who stood-up when his side looked like plunging further.

After being recalled for the third Test in Australia, Bairstow hit the only England century of the series a match later in Sydney before missing the final Test through injury. This century was every bit as impressive as that courageous knock in the drawn Test at the SCG The only scare came on 59

when he was given out caught behind off left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, but an immediate review saw him reprieved, having clearly missed it.

He took 128 balls to reach 50 but only another 62 to go to his eighth Test hundred, attacking the increasing amount of width on offer.

After Stokes was bowled by 20-year-old seamer Jayden Seales for a scratchy 36, it was the partnership between Bairstow and Foakes that swung the day in England's favour.

Wicketkeeper Foakes looked impressively assured until getting a delivery from Jason Holder that kept a little low and trapped him lbw.

The day will be remembered for Bairstow's knock - an innings that could prove crucial in halting

Speaker’s International Softball Cup to bowl off Easter weekend

THE inaugural Speaker’s International Softball Cup, which was initially scheduled to be held in April 2021, will now be played from April 16 to 18 at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC), Camp Road, Georgetown.

The organisers have indicated they are fully prepared to host the tournament and, given the improved situation within the country as regards COVID-19, they anticipate a safe and successful tournament.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, has pledged

continued support for the Speaker’s Cup for at least the next four years. At the launch, it was disclosed that 16 teams will compete in two categories.

The initial thought behind the tournament was to use it as a platform to edify the public about the legislative arm of the state. Of the 16 teams, six are from overseas, who will play in the Over-45 and Over-50 categories.

The sponsors include MMD Hollow Blocks and Pavers, Trophy Stall, V-Net Communications, New Doctors Clinic, Bea-

the downward spiral of this England side.

Joe Root scored 1 708 runs in 15 Tests in 2021 That spiral only looked like continuing after another dismal top-order display.

Lees was perhaps unfortunate.

The 28-year-old Durham lefthander was set-up brilliantly by Roach to be trapped lbw from round the wicket - a decision that was upheld on review but a close umpire's call on impact.

But opening partner Crawley played an awful, loose drive and was superbly caught off an inside edge one-handed by wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva diving to his left.

Having promoted himself to number three in this new line-up, Root made a rare error and was bowled leaving a ball that nipped b a c k TURN TO PAGE 50 ► Everest will be home to softball action

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022