Guyana Chronicle 03-21-2021

21st March, 2021

, No.106307

Balancing work, studies amid a pandemic

SEE PAGE 03

…the women who excelled at UG in 2020

Mounting liabilities at GNNL influenced by past political interference 05

Savitree Budram

Jonelle Europe

Works moving apace at new LBI Housing Scheme See story on page 17

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Brother and sister endure struggles to graduate from UG 29 PAGE

Contractors busy at work to complete infrastructural works at the new LBI Housing Scheme on the East Coast of Demerara (Delano Williams photo)

Trevaul and Ayeisha Wilson

DR.CHEDDI B. JAGAN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES, 1918- 1997

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

Balancing work, studies amid a pandemic … the women who excelled at UG in 2020

By Rehana Ahamad

ENDURING hardships and overcoming adversities are not alien to Valedictorian Savitree Budram.

As a matter of fact, she was introduced to loss at a very young age, following the passing of her father, and she soon became quite familiar with struggles, having seen her mother single-handedly face multiple of them in a bid to raise two young daughters.

Despite all the twists and turns, and uncertainties that plagued Budram’s path, the need for a solid education remained a constant throughout her life.

“My mother always stressed the need for a good education, and she always ensured that my sister and I went to school,” Budram told the Sunday Chronicle.

Her commitment remained, and today, the 36-year-old mother of four is the holder of a Bachelor of Education

After 20 years of being a teacher, Savitree Budram demonstrates that she is also a perfect student

in Administration, having attained an almost perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0. She is also the recipient of the President’s Medal, presented to her

by Head-of-State, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Despite her academic accolades, however, Budram said that she is most proud of her 20-year career as an educator.

“I teach Grades Seven and Eight,” the young mother related.

She believes that having the privilege to impart knowledge and mould young minds trumps all of her achievements as a student. Given the passion she has now, one would imagine that a young Budram always nurtured a desire to become a teacher, but, strange enough, her childhood aspirations centered on becoming a medical practitioner. “I always loved science subjects and mathematics and so,” Budram recalled.

Following in the footsteps of her older sister, however, Budram sought to dabble in the art of teaching, would soon fall in love with the profession, and shortly thereafter with the man of her dreams.

Soon enough, Budram’s priorities changed, and her desire to start a family took precedence over attaining a university education. But once her children were old enough, ages 17 and younger, Budram was encouraged to resume her academic ambitions. In 2018, she enrolled at the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana in Berbice, and began her journey towards a Bachelor’s Degree.

“It was no walk in the park; there were some days that I felt like quitting,” Budram reflected on her efforts to balance work, a family life, and her studies, amid a pandemic.

With a solid support system, Budram said she was able to overcome every challenge, and surpass much of her own expectations. “My family members were there with me every step of the way. My husband was there sitting with me when I had to stay up late studying; he really supported me throughout it all. Even my children were supportive,” Budram said.

Reminiscing on her journey to becoming a top University of Guyana student, the young woman said that every difficulty was worth it. She is encouraging all Guyanese to make education a priority, regardless of their age.

“If you can’t pursue your goals while you are much younger, that

is not the end. Keep at it,” Budram charged.

DRAGGING TO THE FINISH LINE Jonelle Europe is a 24-year-old Medical Intern at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

While many university students were fortunate enough to study from within the confines of their homes, this Eccles, East Bank Demerara resident was on the frontlines of the battle against the novel coronavirus, struggling to keep her grades up, and the virus at bay. “[The emergence of] COVID-19 was particularly exhausting for us,” Europe recalled.

She said that her internship exposed her to all the sacrifices and challenges that come with being in the medical profession. “There were many lows, but many more highs,” Europe recalled.

She told the Sunday Chronicle that her preclinical years were much like a dose of adrenaline: Fast-paced and demanding. “It was amazing to be exposed to such training at GPHC. The programme required a level of commitment and interest that tested your endurance.

You had to really want this to keep going,” Europe said. Her experiences at the GPHC reaffirmed all that she had already known; she really wanted to pursue medicine, and she was prepared to stop at nothing to do so.

Europe realised that “medicine demands consistency,” and that the same principles extended to her grades. “I reflect on the many quizzes and presentations, and studying in any little crack we could find on campus… So, here you had a group of young people who were on rotation since March, trying to drag themselves to a finish line that kept drifting further and further away,” Europe recalled.

As the University of Guyana released the grades for 2019-2020, the aspiring doctor realised that she was able to drag herself far beyond the finish line. She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Degree, passing with distinction. She also became the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Medal, as the Best Graduating Student of the university’s School of Medicine.

“We were really pushed to our limits, as consistency and dedication were constantly demanded of us,” Europe noted.

Reflecting on her achievements, the

Being on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 inspired Jonelle Europe to excel young woman said that her successes are not all hers, as her journey had the backing of a firm support system. “I’m forever grateful to my parents, loved ones, friends, mentors, church, and even the unknown supporters who were there for me every step of the way,” Europe said, candidly.

As she looks ahead, Europe said that she plans to work assiduously towards achieving a Master’s in Public Health: Health Education and Promotion, as well as a Master’s in Family/Internal Medicine. Asked whether she has any advice for her peers, Europe asserted, “Whatever you want, you can have it. If it’s in your mind, you can reach it.”

She added, “Your grades don’t represent the limits of your greatness. So, seek that you may find; knock on doors that they may be opened; ask such that it might be given onto you, and believe that you may receive.

Trust the process, knowing that there is purpose in everything; even failure.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Extension of CJIA runway complete

–– awaiting approvals from GCAA

By Rehana Ahamad WITHIN the coming months, the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) will have the capacity to accommodate much larger aircraft, owing to the recently completed extension of the airport’s existing runway.

As works on the CJIA Modernisation Project progress, the runway which previously measured 2,270 metres, can now boast of being one of the longest such structures in the Region, measuring at 3,360 metres.

During an assessment visit to the airport on Friday last, Project Manager of the CJIA Modernisation Project, Carrissa Gooding, indicated that the northeastern end of the asphaltic surface has benefited from 400 metres of additional runway, and 250 metres of the Runway End Safety Area (RESA). Meanwhile, the southeastern end of the runway was extended by some 690 metres, with an added 90 metres of RESA. As it is, the extended structure has not been put to use; aircraft flying in and out of the CJIA continue to utilise the original dimensions of the runway, pending the requisite approvals from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Sandbags have since been aligned to indicate large ‘Xs on the completed extensions, so as

Project Manager of the CJIA Modernisation Project, Carrissa Gooding

to signal pilots that those areas are not ready for use.

Once given the go-ahead, the contracted firm China Harbours Engineering Consultants (CHEC), will proceed to remove the sandbags and begin outfitting the runway with the requisite lighting and markings that will notify pilots that the structure is ready for full use.

Gooding said that the GCAA is currently conducting installation of a $200 million Instrument Landing System (ILS). The system will enable pilots to execute safer landings, even during unfavourable weather conditions. In 2019, the GCAA had said, “Following the upgrade and extension of the runway at CJIA, the acquisition of this new and modern ILS system will enhance the landing capability of aircraft at the CJIA to alleviate the

need for diversions of aircraft in minimal weather conditions.”

The system was initially scheduled to be installed by February 2020, but due to several delays and modifications that the CJIA expansion has suffered, this deadline could not have been met. The ILS is a precision-approach aid employing two radio signals that provide pilots with vertical and horizontal guidance during the landing phase of an aircraft. The localiser (LOC) provides azimuth guidance, while the glideslope (GS) defines the correct vertical descent profile.

To put it simply, in cases of unfavourable weather conditions, the ILS guides airplanes down to the runway as low as 200 feet above the runway, at which point the pilot will be better able

Efforts to install the Instrument Landing System (ILS) are ongoing

The pilots of this aircraft recognised the sandbags and landed in accordance with the original measurements of the runway (Adrian Narine photos)

to make a visual descent to continue his landing.

Other expected outcomes and impact of the new Instrument Landing System include reductions in operation costs and increases to airport capacity and access.

This project will also allow the government to be in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) Global Air Navigation Plan for Runways and Vertical Guidance. The ILS installation, coupled with

the CJIA modernisation efforts, brings the government much closer to realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number nine, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

Nonetheless, Gooding said that efforts are also moving apace to do proper landscaping along the spanking new runway. CHEC workers, she said, are currently “grassing” the embankment that aligns with the asphaltic structure.

The engineer said that reports of the soil “washing away” were inaccurate representations of the earlier phases of the project to beautify the airport.

Gooding specified that approximately 80 per cent of the embankment has so far been planted with seeds.

“We are just waiting for those seeds to germinate for us to get the grass,” Gooding posited.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Mounting liabilities at GNNL influenced by past political interference –– EU EOM report shows Chronicle dedicated 83% elections coverage to APNU+AFC INTERFERENCE by officials of the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration in the editorial direction of the Guyana Chronicle over the past five years has left the newspaper’s publisher, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), inundated with current and potential liabilities of over $275 million.

A deviation from the editorial policy of the company was reportedly influenced by those politicians who had utilised the medium of information on national and international issues, as their personal public relations mechanism to execute their agenda, particularly during the impasse following the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

The glaring bias in the Guyana Chronicle’s reporting during the electoral process was cited by the European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission (EOM) in its final report on Guyana’s General and Regional elections. The EU’s EOM conducted a quantitative and qualitative media monitoring of a sample of broadcast and print media. Based on the report, which was issued on June 5, 2020, the stateowned newspaper devoted 83 per cent of its news coverage to the former President David Granger; the former APNU+AFC administration and at the same time, offered considerable space to letters from persons critical of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Compared to the Guyana Chronicle, the privately owned Guyana Times newspaper dedicated 51 per cent coverage to the coalition and 47 per cent to the PPP/C, while coverage provided by both the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News – also private entities - was described by the EU’s EOM as “rather balanced.”

Considering the disparity between the state-owned media and the private media, the mission in its report recommended that the use of state resources for political campaigning be prohibited in order to create a level playing field.

“To support this measure, regulate the conduct and timeframe of the campaign based on consultations with all relevant stakeholders,” the mission suggested.

The contents of the EU’s EOM report have since been discussed with the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon; Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir; Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; and Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh.

And, based on those discussions, the mission has determined that there is a “genuine interest” to consider their recommendations and broader electoral reforms. A multi-stakeholder meeting to discuss the report in greater detail is scheduled for Monday. However, even

with there being progress in other areas, interference in the affairs of GNNL has left the company with a task of not only rebuilding the image of the newspaper, but also staying afloat by managing mounting liabilities created mainly by legal suits against GNNL. It was reported that GNNL stands to sink even further into financial turmoil because of the past imprudent management of the company’s resources. Those actions, some of which were reportedly directly influenced by officials of the former APNU+AFC Coalition administration, have exposed GNNL to a slew of legal suits and losses, which continue to negatively impact the company’s ability to meet the demands of the staff and, by extension, customers.

Judgments have already been awarded against GNNL to the tune of over $50 million. Some of the judgments against GNNL include Yokohama Trading, whereby the court awarded $12.5 million; Pasha Global, whereby the court awarded $12.5 million; and Clifton Bacchus, with the court awarding $27.5 million. In these cases alone, GNNL was exposed

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy

to claims for over $6 billion.

Further, based on court documents, should the judgment in some of the pending cases be in favour of the plaintiffs, the company could suffer further losses of millions of dollars more.

The mounting liabilities, coupled with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, are not only restricting the company’s ability to provide salary increases and conduct

Total news coverage for each newspaper (in cm²)

other critical administrative work, but are also driving the entity to insolvency.

According to GNNL’s current Board of Directors, the company faces an uncertain future, adding that without intervention, the requisite capital expenditure to continue operations cannot be contemplated.

Further, efforts are being made to monitor the legal claims, as well as other areas of impropriety, illegal spending and uncleared monetary advances taken by former general managers of the company.

SAVE THE COMPANY Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, when contacted by the Sunday Chronicle, said management of the company is working through the adversities to ensure that employees remain away from the breadline.

“We have to continue to work this through to be able to make sure we save the workers… because many workers rely on the company to make a daily living and to earn a livelihood.

“We have skilled people and professionals and it is a task for us to make sure that the government, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), creates a pathway to the survival of the company and its workers,” Minister McCoy related.

The task at hand is no easy one, he said, noting, however, that the management of the company and

Board of Directors have been examining the various options to be able to save the company.

Among the options being considered is the possibility of holding accountable those persons who were involved in the deterioration of the company’s image and its financial status.

“The options that are being examined is to possibly hold many of those who have been the authors in some cases, designers in some cases, executors in some cases of this folly in terms of using the newspaper to carry out the nasty type of journalism, reckless type of journalism,” Minister McCoy asserted.

With staff morale being low because of the financial status of the company, the management and Board of Directors will be looking to devise solutions expeditiously in order to create a better environment for growth and development of not just employees, but also the entire company.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

Mega projects and traffic lights MEGA PROJECTS rising up with spectacular glitz and glamour in hot-spot investment areas across this country would transform their surrounding community, gracing the land with new skylines, sudden, overnight wealth and prosperity for Guyanese who, for decades and generations, existed in a laid back lifestyle, and with a new way of enjoying being Guyanese.

Preparing the population and local scenario to handle and deal with such a spectacular sudden rise in fortunes would more and more become a necessity as the new Guyanese future unfolds.

The country experienced pockets of development transforming the East Bank Demerara corridor, from Grove to Georgetown, with Providence, Eccles, Houston, Diamond and Peter’s Hall all seeing tremendous growth and development over the years.

The same with the Ogle community. These developments took years to roll out, with the transformation rolling out gradually enough that the ordinary person got used to the unfolding of the new terrain. Now, however, development is pushing ahead so fast that citizens would find a lot of it dizzying, and keeping up with the massive transformation happening may require a period of adjustment in the public psyche, though eventually a fast-rising Guyanese nation will become the new normal.

Both President Ali and Senior Minister responsible for Finance within the Office of

the President, Dr Ashni Singh, regaled the nation this week with the stunning news that Guyana is today the number one destination in the world for new investments. That’s heady stuff. Imagine when the spanking new expanded international airport opens up at Timehri, with a Marriot hotel and other enterprises gracing that area, and when the Brazil-Lethem highway is installed in the hinterland, and when the Suriname-Guyana mega international bridge opens up on the Corentyne, how these three outlying areas would become boom towns, attracting droves of international visitors and a hive of new activity and scores of world class development projects. Suddenly, the Corentyne is looking like an international hot-bed for exciting new projects, with Surinamese, and even possibly people from Holland, joining forces with Berbicians and other Guyanese to dream up new business ideas. The Lethem region would see a stupendous acceleration in international traffic, new ventures, and world class enterprises. Timehri, so long ensconced in a rural atmosphere, would become a bright shining urban landscape, with its residents feeling the pulse of a new dynamism. Preparing the people in these communities for this kind of take-off, this rapid vertical elevation, must be a part of the planning process for these areas.

President Ali said that government also intends to invest and construct a new city, possible aback of Linden, somewhere around the Ituni community. One hopes that this new Guyanese city would be a futuristic

endeavour, with technology playing the major role in its state-of-the-art design and function. Several futuristic cities are in the works around the world, and were Guyana to join this elite movement, what a fascinating journey is ahead for the Guyanese nation.

Albeit, even as the nation looks forward with eager anticipation for these mega projects to transform how Guyanese live and enjoy their country, certain persisting challenges cry out for solutions.

Look at how this country deals with malfunctioning traffic lights in Georgetown, and with street lights that stop working, and with the way people dispose of garbage. In these three small scenarios, the Guyanese nation experiences a graphic symbol of the kind of public culture that crept up on the society, which would not contribute to the kind of future that government is unfolding now.

Whoever is in charge of managing these things fail with astonishing frequency and seeming disregard for any sense of efficiency, proper management and maintenance, and for professional integrity in their work.

Guyanese cannot look to government leaders to walk around fixing traffic lights and repairing street lights and cleaning garbage heaps that appear overnight, seemingly out of nowhere. These sort of things belong in the realm of middle managers and bureaucrats who are hired to do these jobs.

How hard is it to make sure that the few traffic lights that this country has are working well? It is not a job for a genius, as any

proficiently trained manager would be able to make sure traffic lights are up to date and performing their rightful function. All over the world, every society on this planet makes its traffic lights work well. Guyana needs to smarten up in this area. Then, citizens have become accustomed to street lights going out and hardly turning back on again. For years, some street lights have stopped working.

Whose job is it to make sure street lights are working? And, of course, there is the long standing vexing sight of garbage littering streets in Georgetown and other areas. Even in New Amsterdam, and Anna Regina, open garbage heaps fester with flies and rats.

The historic and ongoing devastating failure of the City Council of Georgetown and Town Council of New Amsterdam, ironically, and maybe significantly, both being managed by the People’s National Congress (PNC) as that party wins local government elections for these urban centres, simply cannot continue to afflict this country. Both urban centres need a new paradigm and maybe new systems, to be able to function efficiently, professionally, and with rational sense.

Guyana is rising so fast that much needs to be done to make sure new development does not fall into the seeming cultural habit of this nation for letting broken things fall apart in disrepair, disregard, and disharmony with the fascinating, forward, futuristic movement of the society.

In hindsight, foresight is recommended Dear Editor, GUYANESE have a lot to “laff” about over any “gaff.”

It’s the next cheapest thing left and not to miss when you reminisce. Take for instance, Mr. David Granger. He was once a leader leading a nation to stagnation. Today, he is a leader in supposition for the opposition.

As a President, he was a resident in hiding.

Today, he is not a President but still hiding as a resident. Even a bat knows the difference between day and night. How can you trust a guy who cannot make up his mind? Lil Joe refused to say bye to Canada, but now wants to say hi to Canada. At one time, he doesn’t see the government. Another time, he wants the same government to recognise him. Is he confused or not properly fused? Is there a change of heart or art with the leader of the AFC? First, he concedes defeat, but now

recedes for a feat. He says one thing to the “Trinis,” but by the time he’s brought back to Guyana’s soil, he changes his story. Wonder where the old chap was really looking? Didn’t he see when the guns were walking out or the millions of dollars were escaping from right under his eyes?

Poor Cathy, she’s always losing stuff.

First, she lost the Russians, then an election and now her laptop. If you cannot take care of your personal property, how can you take care of a nation? To own a business, the owner has to be known. When you don’t pay attention, you can lose your mind. Willow boy, no not Eric, is suffering from a commotion due to a demotion. Stumped by the CCJ in a hat-trick, he lost his promotion and became a laughing stock in the legal circle. He’s now being uprooted and sidelined by his team. Water boy status is still an impetus and hope for a recall someday. Aunty Volda is no longer

being vulgar or a regular. She has been used by the PNC and is now being abused by the APNU+AFC. She has learnt a bitter lesson, but, it’s not too late. In hindsight, foresight is recommended.

Winston didn’t know whose gold was being sold. Perhaps, with Venezuela’s claim, Guyana’s and Venezuela’s gold is the same. It made no difference to him. As an economist, he sure knew how to economise his answers.

“I cannot recall, I am not aware, I cannot remember.” No wonder Guyana was plagued with so many financial misappropriations and a bankrupt economy! Oh Moses, it would have been better to depart in the sea rather than return from the mountain. For one who was cheated by the PNC, robbed by the AFC and defeated by the PPP/C, he sure doesn’t know how to call it a day. Is Dr. Karen Cummings still on her Sabbath and taking some time for relaxation? She tried to give marching orders

to international election observers including diplomats, but was sent marching herself. Quite an infamous mixed-up story like Guyana’s famous cook-up rice. Uncle Ralph doesn’t know how much money he really has. To begin with, he couldn’t afford a huge alimony, but then had an humungous amount to splash on a second matrimony. A mate qualified to mitigate and negotiate sure knew how to deliberate. He did not debate when was time to claim a rebate for the state. Guess two per cent is a 100 per cent better than one per cent.

One sure has to know when and whom to wine and dine with. Don’t feel bad or left out Aunty Amna, you’re still being represented. One Ali replaced another Ally, it’s that simple. What goes around, comes around.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

DR.CHEDDI B. JAGAN: HIS LIFE AND TIMES, 1918- 1997

By Tota Mangar IN the immediate post - colonial period, third world countries experienced the need to establish their own set of creditable heroes. This is particularly true of the Caribbean region which emerged out of the exploitative systems of both slavery and indentureship.

Some of these new heroes, because of popular creditableness, achieved national acceptance while others, because of a selection process that was questionable at best, endured painful obscurity in the full glare of public illumination. In Guyana, despite our obvious differences, our heroes, perhaps because of the exercise of greater prudence, have enjoyed popular acceptance.

The late Cheddi Berret Jagan is undoubtedly a national hero who, through the crucible of time, has enjoyed, while alive, a popular appeal that set him apart from and above the ordinary. Emerging from the bound-yard of a Corentyne sugar plantation and being the son of East Indian indentured labourers, this anti-colonial rebel waged a highly successful fifty-four year crusade against the excesses of British colonialism, western imperialism and its local manifestations, be it plantation oligarchy or neo-colonial authoritarian rule .

He experienced the wrath of the Anglo- American alliance and local reactionaries in the 1950s and 1960s and, with remarkable patience, dedication and persistence, he endured a prolonged twenty-eight years in the political wilderness while never once doubting the righteousness of his cause and with the firm belief that time and history were on his side. With a wave of new consciousness and vigorous steps for the restoration of democracy there came the inevitable vindication of this great son of Guyana, Cheddi Jagan, as the legitimate representative of the popular will of the people when, in 1992, he swept the polls and emerged as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

He immediately embarked on a re-building and re-healing process with emphasis on national unity and national consensus. His eventual passing in March1997 was a mortal blow to the nation as was evidenced in the spontaneous overflowing of national grief which engulfed the land of his birth.

Indeed, Dr Jagan was an extra-ordinarily gifted man, the Father of the Nation, the likes of whom we may never again see.

HIS FORMATIVE YEARS Dr Cheddi Jagan, son of East Indian indentured labourers, was born at Port Mourant, Corentyne Coast on March 22, 1918. His parents were staunch Hindus and he himself acknowledged attending many Hindu festivals as a little boy.

He received his primary education at the Port Mourant Primary and the Rose Hall Scots School. He then pursued his secondary education at R.N. Persaud ‘s private Secondary School, the only secondary school in the area at the time.

At the age of fifteen he continued his secondary career at the prestigious Queen’s College, in the city of Georgetown.

This was the colony’s premier secondary school and entry to that institution at the time was the almost exclusive preserve of the urban social upper class.

There he had a distinguished academic career culminating in successes at the Oxford and Cambridge Certificate Examinations. This was certainly no mean feat by a ‘ country boy’ in a big city at that juncture of our colonial history.

It is important to understand the socially fragmented nature of the colonial British Guiana of Jagan’s formative years. The colony was rigidly segmented into basically two distinct social groupings. One was European and white-oriented which enjoyed immense social, economic and political privileges and the concomitant hegemony. The other was largely Afro-Asian and in the main identified with ‘poverty, ignorance, limited opportunities and systematic powerlessness’. Fundamentally, both groups evolved from the plantation economy which determined their respective socio-economic and political consciousness.

Colonialism imposed the institutions of slavery and indentureship in Guyana and thereby provided the impetus for, and shaped the development of, both the economy and society. For a long time the cultivation of sugar-cane and the manufacture of raw sugar for export completely dominated rural life. According to Jagan himself ‘everything revolved around sugar and the sugar planters seemed to own the world. The plantation was indeed a world of its own. Or rather it was two worlds - the world of exploiters and the world of the exploited, the world of whites and the world of non-whites.’

Emerging from this stultifying environment with its social impositions and restrictive opportunities and his outstanding academic achievements at Queen’s College, the young Jagan, in his quest for excellence, sailed to the United States of America in September 1936.

There he successfully completed a two-year pre-dental course at Howard University. In 1938 he gained entry to North-Western University for a three-year dentistry programme. Simultaneously, he pursued studies in the Social Sciences and in 1942 he secured both the Degree in Dental Surgery [DDS] and his Bachelor of Science Degree [BSc] Jagan’s sojourn in the United States of America was not limited to classroom activity.

It exposed him to the contemporary forment of a tormented society and he departed America as an individual committed to the liberation process and to anti-colonialism.

ENTRY INTO LOCAL POLITICS During the spring of 1943 and while Dr Jagan was still in Chicago he met his wife, the former Janet Rosenberg.

They got married in August of that year at a simple ceremo-

ny at Chicago City Hall.

In October, 1943 Dr Jagan returned to his homeland. He set up his dental surgery at 68 Main Street in the heart of the Garden City. There he quickly established himself as a leading dentist and at the same time he got increasingly interested in trade union activities and also in the roles of organisations like the League of Coloured People and the British Guiana East Indian Association. The Carnegie Library soon became the centre for weekly stimulating discussions involving young radicals and intellectuals and Dr Jagan’s contributions were always pertinent and intrusive. At this early stage it was obviously clear that the young dentist was emerging as a prominent socio-political advocate.

Dr Jagan rose to the position of Treasurer of the Manpower Citizens Association [MPCA] but he was eventually disappointed in the union’s performance. The union was widely seen as a ‘company union’ with union leaders more or less collaborating with the planting interests instead of providing effective representation to the membership.

In 1946 Dr Jagan, his wife Janet Jagan, HJM Hubbard and Ashton Chase founded the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the forerunner of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). At the 1947 General elections, Dr Jagan, as an independent candidate and with the full backing of the Political Affairs Committee, contested the Central Demerara constituency and was victorious in spite of the limitation of the franchise, due mainly to the high property and income qualifications at the time. In his victory speech he quite modestly declared ‘We the people have won. Now the struggle will begin.’ Indeed, his long, hard and dedicated struggle for his people and nation really began then.

Dr Cheddi Jagan taking the oath of office on October 9, 1992 At the age of 29, he was the youngest representative in the Legislative Council at the time. The stage was therefore set for Dr Jagan to emerge as the architect of Guyana’s Independence Movement.

The Enmore Tragedy of June 1948 in which five sugar workers were killed [The Enmore Martyrs] and several injured by colonial police had a lasting effect on his life. On this issue, Dr Jagan himself revealed - ‘At the graveside the emotional outbursts of the widows and relatives of the deceased were intensely distressing and I could not restrain my tears. There was to be no turning back. There and then, I made a silent pledge I would dedicate my entire life to the cause of the struggle of the Guyanese people against bondage and exploitation.’

In the ensuing years this remarkable man did exactly that - he devoted his entire life to the cause of all Guyanese and the working class in particular.

That desire, the affinity with the oppressed, the exploited and the down-trodden was to burn brilliantly for approximately half a century until his death in March, 1997.

IN THE LEGISLATURE In his early years in the Legislative Council, Dr Jagan established himself as a champion of the working class.

As their chief spokesman he was critical of the planter oligarchy and other exploitative elements in society. His militancy and robust advocacy won him international recognition as a fearless anti-colonial fighter.

It also won him the reprobation and reprimand of the local conservative elements and their expatriate allies.

Of greater significance was the fact that his consistently fearless interventions on behalf of the working man, the unemployed and the dispossessed made him the leading political figure in the colony.

As to his radical outlook he assessed - ‘I brought a new dimension to the politics of protest, a continuity between the legislature and the street corner, the legislature was brought to the streets and the streets to the legislature.’ As a matter of fact, his motion in the Legislature to electors of every constituency to have the right to recall representatives after elections, tremendously enhanced his stature and popularity among the

Guianese working class at that stage of the country’s history.

In 1949 Dr Jagan emerged as President of the Sawmill Workers Union and the following year the People’s Progressive Party [ PPP] was born with Dr Jagan as Leader, Mr. Forbes Burnham as Chairman and Janet Jagan as Secretary. From then on Cheddi Jagan was kept busy on the legislative front.

Political consciousness was increased and at the same time significant gains were realised in terms of workers’ welfare.

From the early stage it was recognised that the PPP’s eventual objective was the attainment of political independence for British Guiana. Towards this end attention was focussed on moderate advances under the Waddington Constitution and the attainment of adult suffrage..

Under a new constitution, and with universal adult suffrage, Dr Jagan led the then nationalist movement, the PPP, to a landslide victory in the 1953 general elections with the party capturing 18 out of the available 24 seats.

Unfortunately its term in office was only short-lived.

(To be continued in Monday's edition)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

Understanding Energy

Renewables and gas can work together to open up new opportunities IN just over a year since Guyana started to produce oil, the country has made strides in tackling its historic dependence on energy imports.

Not only is Guyana now producing its own oil, about 120,000 barrels per day, but the government is pursuing longer-term opportunities to reduce the country’s energy dependence and promote economic diversification.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) outlines the country’s intended transition to greater economic and social development by following a low carbon development path and addressing climate change concerns. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently stated that there are plans to “expand the LCDS… to keep our green credentials intact and still produce oil and gas.”

The strategy highlights the need for Guyana to reduce its reliance on heavy fuel oil for electricity by transitioning to solar, hydropower and wind, while also acknowledging the importance of using natural gas as the most viable short-term option. The government also hopes to use these sources to tackle historic and pervasive cost and reliability issues across the electrical grid.

The government is already working to set up mini hydro schemes and solar systems in

hinterland communities to make electricity more accessible. But the main focus is meeting growing demand and fixing long-term problems with reliability and cost in population centres. For that, the natural gas found in the new oil fields will be critical. Natural gas also fits within the broader scheme for the LCDS since it is widely regarded as a “bridge fuel” that has much lower emissions than coal or oil but still has important attributes like consistent readiness and dispatchability that most renewable energy sources currently lack.

In addition to an emphasis on sustainable electricity generation, the plan focuses on making the residential, agriculture, transport, mining, commerce, and tourism industries more energy efficient. Guyana is historically the most fuel import-reliant economy in the Caribbean, importing more than 90 percent of its energy needs. For Guyana to become self-sufficient, significant change will be needed.

Continued development of offshore oil blocks is giving Guyana the opportunity to do just this. Government revenues from oil development have already added nearly US $300 million to Guyana’s Natural Resources Fund, with tens of billions more expected in the coming years, opening up an array of new opportunities for infrastructure development.

Vice President Jagdeo recently emphasised that resources from the petroleum sector must be used to raise the standard of living for all Guyanese by reinvesting in other sectors.

Earlier this year, the government announced that it would take the first step and build a gas to power plant that could produce up to 250 megawatts of energy with gas produced offshore.

According to Joel Bhagwandin, a local analyst at JB Consultancy and Associates, the gas to power project would not only reduce the cost of energy but also make Guyana more competitive in industries like food processing and manufacturing that depend on inexpensive electricity.

A gas to power plant is consistent with plans to develop renewable energy sources and further diversifying Guyana’s energy matrix in the longer term, while giving the country a more reliable, cleaner and cheaper power source today. Many developed countries, like the United States and Germany, use gas to power as both a major contributor to the grid and as a back-up energy source

to support renewables during times of high demand or severe weather.

As Guyana continues to diversify its energy portfolio and transition to renewables in keeping with the LCDS, the gas to power plant will also provide the country with opportunities for development in other industries. As solar, wind or hydropower eventually replace some of the gas used to generate power, more of that gas can be used in a wide spectrum of industrial applications, like fertilizers, plastics and chemical production.

The government recently stated that it hopes to have the gas-to-power plant up and running by the end of 2023. While some analysts have clarified that that may be overambitious, it is a clear signal that the government is keen on taking advantage of Guyana’s oil opportunity to remake the power system.

It could not come a moment too soon for Guyanese businesses and households that need less expensive and more reliable power.

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Fire destroys Essequibo house; leaves six homeless A FIRE believed to be electrical in nature completely destroyed a house at Aurora Village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday afternoon.

Javid Gafoor, one of the occupants of the two-storey concrete house, told the Sunday Chronicle that he and his family were sitting outside when around 17:00hrs, they saw an electrical wire spark.

“We saw it and by the time we knew it, our entire two-storey home was on fire, we can’t believe what has happened. Many persons came to help but everything was burnt,” a distraught Gafoor said.

The lower flat of the house was occupied by a woman and her children,

The fire completely destroyed the house at Aurora Village in Region Two

while the Gafoors resided in the upper flat. The families are now distressed as everything they owned were destroyed; the Gafoors estimate their losses to be over $10 million.

“All we clothes, we kitchen items, we sofa, bed everything burnt. We don’t know what to do next. It’s really sad, we are really shocked, Gafoor said.

The families are, however, lucky to be alive since they claimed that the fire immediately spread from the wire to the house.

Officers from the Anna Regina fire station were summoned but their efforts to save the house were futile. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

Politics & Society Forum Is it a show of shame to be the political opposition?

WE have reached a point in our dear land of Guyana where the responsible practice of politics from the sitting administration and opposition is mandatory to ensure sound and safe leadership.

This clarion call is a basic tenet in any democracy and Guyanese citizens demand and expect no less. Few will disagree with such a declaration, reinforced by the thought that Guyanese have been paying attention to their leaders, irrespective of political affiliation, as demonstrated in the recently concluded Budget debate. The signpost is up indicating that they are not shy or chambered. They are expressing their views openly, emboldened perhaps by their steadfast determination to restore democracy during the failed attempts to rig the March 2, 2020, general elections. They have gravitated to philosopher Plato’s maxim in

that if you refuse to participate in politics you might end up being governed by inferiors. I would add govern by buffoons.

There is something else that has encouraged Guyanese to speak out. They have seen how the post-independent political opus of over fifty years has produced what I call the politics of equal time. The two main political parties have been on both sides of the political aisle, roughly twenty-five years in leadership and twenty-five years in the opposition.

One would think that this rather unique situation would lead to some level of satisfaction in that each political party has had its turn to govern, despite illegal access to power. One would think further that there would be a shared understanding on the mutuality of challenges to move Guyana forward, lifting us from the abyss of despair to that of One Guyana. Unfortunately, the reverse has happened where

we have hydra-headed political mandarins who are hell-bent on promoting shopworn diatribes and political dissonance.

The grundnorm of Guyana’s constitution has become a decorative decorum.

I am referring to the recently concluded Budget debate as a show of shame, sprinkled with moments of progress.

The sitting administration is not free from the brusque and hectoring manner of speaking in the National Assembly and ought to work out better ways to disentangle itself from the bluster of braggadocio. The Opposition’s participation in the Budget debate was more of a bulwark against why it was booted out of office rather than providing constructive criticisms of the budget. This tactic is an extension of the narrative that the general election is stolen from them, a bitter pill that has been stuck mid-way down the throats of the citizenry. I suspect that the narrative of

a stolen election would be a grandiose scheme until the next election. For now, it is a wasted opportunity that pushes the Opposition further into political wilderness.

That said, if one examines the role of the Opposition in post-independence Guyana, there is a co-relation. When the PNC is in power tensions are lesser but when the PNC is out of power tensions are higher. When the PPP is in power tensions are higher and when the PPP is out of power tensions are lower. For example, tensions were high in Guyana from 2002 to 2011 (PPP) after the prison outbreak, and from 2015 up to March 2, 2020, general elections (PNC) tensions were lesser, at least regarding mayhem and murders. It is fitting to say that the PNC never wants to be in the opposition, no party does, but the time spent in office is seasonal until the people march to the polls. The people’s freedom of

expression must be accepted.

This is a problem area for the PNC: how to be a responsible opposition party. I overheard once that under the Coalition Government crime was low, and that may be the case.

What is missing, however, in that discussion is the role of a responsible opposition. Try to juxtapose this with when the PNC has been in the opposition.

The reason for political rigmarole and retrograde is that to be in the opposition is tantamount to a spectacle of shame, the most hated political space in Guyana. No politician wants to be there. I concur.

Yet, the opposition is the most sacred space since it is here when political parties redound to return to office, and not act like wounded cats, ventilating unsubstantiated claims.

It is while in the opposition that political parties ironically have more time to assess their mistakes, to meet with their

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine supporting base, to reach out to communities across the political divide, and to court international support, and in the process, level with the people in each chain of connection.

Tell them what went wrong by sharing some introspective challenges you had, and how you intend to learn and overcome them instead of peddling a stolen election narrative.

“Let us not fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future” so nicely put by President John Kennedy. If this crucial lesson is not learned and executed, then nothing can be built from nothing.

This might not be a perfect political prophylactic, but it will restore some confidence. May I ask, who is advising the opposition?

Oh no, the gravy train is grounded, my bad (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

The Science of COVID-19

COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome Contributed by: Dr. Ariane Mangar Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Ministry of Health THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major concern all over the world. To those who believe that once you have already recovered from the deadly virus you are completely safe, it might not be so.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 20 to 30 percent of people who have had symptomatic COVID-19 develop postCOVID syndrome.

Post-COVID syndrome has been described as signs and symptoms that develop during or following an infection consistent with COVID-19, which continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis.

Persons will no longer have the virus in them and they can’t infect anyone, but it takes them anywhere from weeks to months -- and maybe even beyond -- to feel perfectly normal.

SYMPTOMS These symptoms of long COVID can be similar to those experienced in the first few weeks of having contracted COVID-19 and could be debilitating enough to make even the most basic activities difficult to perform.

The symptoms may also be similar to those experienced post-stroke – but the age group is much younger – and, given the scale of global infection, this has the potential to become a major problem. The neurological impacts of COVID-19 are unknown because it is a new virus and we are still working to understand the longer term impact of the infection.

The most common symptoms of post-COVID syndrome include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty regulating body temperature, sleep disturbances and problems concentrating on daily tasks. There are also reports of damage to the lungs and heart.

The condition has been likened to post-viral fatigue, or chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and doesn’t improve with rest. People with this disorder often don’t have any underlying medical conditions that could otherwise explain the symptoms.

Other reported symptoms include chest pain, headaches, neurocognitive difficulties, muscle pains and weakness, gastrointestinal upset, rashes, metabolic disruption (such as poor control of diabetes), thrombo-embolic conditions, depression and other mental health conditions.

Some possible theories for why COVID-19 symptoms cause more long-term symptoms include low level of inflammation in the brain, decreased blood flow to the brain, or an autoimmune condition where the body attacks itself.

CHECKS 1. Daily checking of your oxygen saturation -- it should be maintained at >94 percent on room air.

2. Checking for respiratory symptoms -- that is, persistence or worsening of symptoms like cough and breathlessness.

3. Checking for persistent rise of body temperature above 100 degrees F. 4. Watching for signs of lethargy, drowsiness and fatigue.

5. Regular monitoring of blood sugar if you are a known diabetic -- COVID-19 infection (as any other infection) alters blood sugar levels of the body.

Referral to a specialist rehabilitation service, such as physiotherapy, does not seem to be needed for most patients, who can expect a gradual, if sometimes protracted, improvement in energy levels and from breathlessness, aided by careful pacing, prioritization, and modest goal setting.

In our experience, most but not all patients who were not admitted to hospital recover well with four to six weeks of light aerobic exercise (such as walking or yoga), gradually increasing in intensity as tolerated.

Those returning to employment may need support to negotiate a phased return.

Anyone who had severe illness or was hospitalised with COVID-19 needs to consult a doctor about whether it’s safe to exercise. But even people who experienced mild illness or no symptoms need to take precautions before exercising again.

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Don’t exercise if you’re still sick. Do not exercise if you have active symptoms, including a fever, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath at rest, or palpitations.

2. For sportspersons returning to exercise: -- after recovery from mild illness: one week of low level stretching and strengthening before targetted cardiovascular sessions.

-- very mild symptoms: limit activity to slow walking or equivalent, increase rest periods if symptoms worsen, avoid high-intensity training.

-- persistent symptoms (such as fatigue, cough, breathlessness or fever): limit activity to 60 percent maximum heart rate until two-three weeks after symptoms resolve.

-- patients who had lymphopenia or required oxygen: need respiratory assessment before resuming exercise.

-- patients who had cardiac involvement: need cardiac assessment before resuming.

Even if you’ve never been diagnosed with COVID-19, be mindful of how you are feeling.

Many people with COVID-19 don’t know they have it, or have general symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, fatigue or muscle aches. So if you’ve been feeling “not your usual self” during exercise, listen to your body, ease up and check with your doctor.

COVID-19 is an aggressive

virus that spreads easily and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Cardiac risk in particular is greater with COVID-19 than with other viral diseases, so it makes sense to return to activity with caution.

From the limited current evidence, we anticipate that many patients who suffer from postCOVID will recover. It is of utmost importance to monitor such cases, and a proper post-discharge rehabilitation plan is put in place to monitor the patient’s health so that timely intervention could be done. At present, the unknowns about long-term consequences of this potentially devastating viral infection far

outnumber the knowns.

One fact already known: a person does not need to have suffered severely from the disease to experience symptoms that persist for months and, time will tell, possibly for years.

Even some young people who had mild COVID-19 infections continue to experience symptoms long after recovering from the acute illness and some even require re-hospitalisation due to the lingering effects of COVID-19. COVID-19 is essentially less than one year old and, as such, is characterised as a brand-new disease.

We need three things: we need research to understand it,

we need guidance for the clinical teams who will treat it, and at the high end we’ll probably need rehabilitation specialists.

In these uncertain times, one key role that we must all play is that of witness, or “listening to the story” of the person whose protracted recovery from the COVID-19 disease was unexpected, alarming and does not make sense.

There are rehabilitation departments in every region in Guyana and, for more information, please call the Georgetown Public Hospital Rehabilitation Department, 225-3294.

This article is submitted as part of the Ministry of

Dr. Ariane Mangar Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme. For questions, email ministersecretaryhealth@ gmail.com.

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Countries cautiously resuming AstraZeneca vaccination - Dr. Anthony says global authorities will flag unsafe vaccines

By Vishani Ragobeer COUNTRIES which paused the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccines amid concerns of an increased risk of blood clots in vaccinated persons have signalled a cautious resumption of the vaccination rollout after the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) found that there is not an increased overall risk of blood clotting disorders.

Numerous countries suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccines after 30 cases of rare blood clots were discovered out of a total of more than 20 million people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe.

This led to investigations by the regulatory body which subsequently concluded that the vaccines do not result in an increased overall risk of blood clots and that the benefits of using the vaccines to prevent persons from getting

the disease, COVID-19, outweigh the risks.

After a review by the WHO and EMA, Reuters reported that Germany, Italy and other countries, including Indonesia, restarted the vaccination rollout on Friday.

However, France’s health regulator recommended that only persons over 55 should get AstraZeneca shots since many of the blood clot incidents were recorded in women under the age of 55.

“COVID-19 Vaccine As-

traZeneca is not associated with an increased overall risk of blood clotting disorders.

There have been very rare cases of unusual blood clots accompanied by low levels of blood platelets (components that help blood to clot) after vaccination,” the EMA said.

It is important to note, however, that the EMA acknowledged that the number of reported blood clot incidents exceeds those expected.

Though it is not confirmed that this was caused by the A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker on Thursday (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

vaccines, caution is advisable.

“However, given the rarity of the events, and the difficulty of establishing baseline incidence since COVID-19 itself is resulting in hospitalisations with thromboembolic (blood clot) complications, the strength of any association is uncertain,” the EMA said on Thursday.

The EMA has updated the product information of these AstraZeneca vaccines to reflect the caution for blood clot incidents. The EMA, reportedly, said a link between rare events of blood clots in the brain and the jab could not be definitively ruled out and it would continue its scrutiny. The British Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will also continue to monitor and scrutinise even though no such incidents have been recorded in that country.

Meanwhile, the WHO urged countries to continue using this vaccine after reviewing clinical trial data and reports based on safety data from Europe, the United Kingdom, India, and Vigibase, along with the WHO global database of individual case safety reports.

“Reported rates of thromboembolic events after COVID-19 vaccines are in line with the expected number of diagnoses of these conditions,” the WHO said in a recent statement, emphasising: “Both conditions occur naturally and are not uncommon. They also occur as a result of COVID-19.

The observed rates have been fewer than expected for such events.”

Guyana received 83,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute in India.

This vaccine is referred to as the ‘Covishield’ vaccine and has been donated by the Government of India to Guyana and several other Caribbean countries. It is important to note that the WHO has granted

Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India. Caribbean countries have only received the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Indian company.

In a recent release, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) noted that the vaccine being used in the Caribbean is not the same version or batch as the one in Europe. It is unclear what the differences in the batches are.

CARPHA, however, highlighted, “Adverse reactions that happen following immunisation with any vaccine need to be fully investigated to rule out various factors, for example concomitant illnesses, progression of a disease, and batch assessment, before a final decision is made by the health authorities.”

With the blood clots only being recorded in a small number of people, Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, assured [the Nation] that if there was an issue with the vaccine, the global regulatory authorities would flag the vaccine and ask countries to stop using it.

“Like anything else they will continue to monitor to see if there is anything that is coming up and to review those cases to see whether there is an association between vaccination and any disorder that will come up from time to time,” Dr. Anthony said on Friday, adding: “once they do that, and if there is a connection, obviously, they will publicise that and they’ll make sure that it is safe to use or if it is unsafe then they will say so and then you will stop the use.”

In the local context, he assured that Guyana’s vaccination rollout is being monitored by a pharmaco-vigilance committee.

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Works moving apace at new LBI Housing Scheme –– first round of work to be completed in a matter of weeks, says Minister Rodrigues

DEVELOPMENT of the necessary infrastructure at the new housing scheme at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast of Demerara (ECD), is moving apace, with contractors set to complete the first round of work within a week.

The ongoing work at LBI, according to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues, is a continuation of efforts to install the necessary infrastructure in order to facilitate housing construction in the area.

“The work there in LBI is simply a continuation of infrastructural work to make sure that we put in the necessary infrastructure, so that allottees could occupy their house lots,” Minister Rodrigues told the Sunday Chronicle.

Some of the lots were allocated by the former A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition administration, although the necessary infrastructure was not in place.

“You would recall that from January to August [2020], approximately 2,000 allocations were made by the Coalition Government and no infrastructure was in those areas, so we immediately commenced the infrastructural works in those areas so that those allottees could occupy the lots,” Minister Rodrigues said.

Some $20 million was allocated last year for the upgrade to the LBI access road.

The contract for this project was awarded to GuyAmerica Construction Inc. Other sums were also awarded last year for more infrastructural works in the area.

“We also have the new contracts which we just awarded for the infrastructural works for the allocations we made,” Minister Rodrigues related, adding that the ongoing work is set to

Those funds are being channelled directly through 199 contracts, which were awarded officially to contractors who received their signed agreements from the relevant authorities at a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre last Tuesday.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues

be completed in a few weeks.

The development of the new housing scheme at LBI is just one in a slew of infrastructural advancements ongoing in the housing sector.

Access to adequate housing is viewed as a basic human right, and considered to be an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural rights. And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple in the coming years, the government has started establishing the conditions for Guyanese, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, to have access to adequate housing.

The government recently injected some $13.9 billion into the development of new infrastructure, and the construction of houses, a project that will benefit over 8,000 families.

In a disaggregation of the government’s latest investment in the housing sector, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal said some $12 billion will go towards new infrastructural works, while $1.8 billion will be utilised for the construction of houses.

Countries cautiously ...

“What we have found is that we haven’t had any case of extreme adverse reactions; however, we do have persons who would have side effects… these would normally go away within a 24 hour period,” the Health Minister noted. Common side effects including swelling and pain at the vaccination site, fever and headache.

These have all been, reportedly, short lived.

On Friday last, the Health Minister announced that more than 15,000 persons had been vaccinated locally. These include frontline healthcare workers and elderly persons

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over the age of 60. Vaccination is ongoing in all 10 regions and it is expected that the next group of persons to receive these COVID-19 vaccines would be elderly persons over the age of 50.

In addition to the Covishield vaccines, Guyana is also using the Sinopharm vaccine from China to immunise persons. Shortly, Guyana is expected to receive more doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX facility, the global vaccine alliance for the equitable distribution of vaccines and the Sputnik V vaccines from Russia.

Land preparation and other critical infrastructural developments ongoing at the new LBI Housing Scheme (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Small businesses thrive in spite of pandemic –– 25 awarded for outstanding work over the last year

THE COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses, especially micro and small businesses, to make significant changes during 2020.

In compliance with the preventive measures, many were compelled to restrict operations, resulting in significantly reduced business.

Nevertheless, small enterprises demonstrated remarkable determination and effort to sustain themselves, and by extension, the small business sector. The Small Business Bureau Friday last recognised 25 small and micro businesses and individuals at its 10th Anniversary Awards Celebration

under the theme “Resilience, Innovation and Ingenuity.”

The awards were in recognition of their outstanding contributions over the last year.

The Department of Public Information spoke to several awardees about how they thrived and maintained their

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond with some of the awardees

Orion Hope, of Orion’s Elemonator Stand, receives his award from Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

Phulmattie Budhram owner of Rakers Grow More Plant Shop

businesses. Kelshine Griffith, from Shine’s Sweet Potato Cake Mix, was awarded the Young Business Professional of the Year award. Her product is made from sweet potato flour.

When asked how she managed during the pandemic, Ms. Griffith said, “It was very tough because I was not prepared for it; being a young entrepreneur is not easy. Basically, I was depending on the Guyana School of Agriculture, but they were forced to close, which actually forced me back into the working system, but I am still juggling the business on a small scale.”

The Great Tea Company is owned and operated by Carlton Washington. Describing his business, Mr. Washington said tea is now globally the most popular beverage after water. The growing popularity of teas comes from the various health benefits they provide.

He noted that the Great

Kelshine Griffith from Shine’s Sweet Potato Cake Mix, was awarded the Young Business Professional of the Year award

Carlton Washington, owner of The Great Tea Company

Tea Company specialises in tea blending and is the pioneer of loose-leaf tea in Guyana mixed with local fruits such as pineapples and mangoes.

Mr. Washington said the last year was challenging but not without benefit.

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Small businesses ...

“To be honest, we have learnt a lot from the pandemic.

In a nutshell, with the theme, resilience, we know that we have to work extra hard and focus on our strong points.

One of the things we focused on during the pandemic is focusing on the ingredients we have in terms of building our immunity for our clients/ customers. Obviously, building our immunity is very important, especially during the pandemic, and it has worked well because people realise how important it is to focus on their health.”

Agro-processor, Annie Bristol, copped the Small Manufacturer Award for Excellence. Ms. Bristol produces pepper sauces, green seasoning, mauby drinks, among other items. She attributes her success to her hard work and dedication with support from her family.

The businesswoman said the year was a tough one, but determination was needed to face such a challenge.

“I go out there and promote my business with a passion and a vision. So, I tell myself that this is what I want, this is my dream, and I always go towards my dreams, [and] my customers. With all the challenges and COVID-19 came, and we still had to face the challenge, and I go out there, and if you want to have a business, you must have a passion for it.”

Rakers Grow More Plant Shop received the award for the Most Inspirational Entrepreneur Award. The business is owned and operated by Phulmattie Budhram and her husband; a shade house is part of their operation.

Mrs. Budhram said they hand out plants and host secondary school and university students when they have assignments. They also bud and graft plants, fruits and vegetables.

“We encourage people to grow more and plant more because you feel good. Given the pandemic, citrus is big, so I want to encourage persons to plant citrus. You can plant one if you can’t plant all, and in two years at the latest, it will start to bear. It is nice when you can go into your backyard and pick something that you have grown.”

The Emerging Business Achievement Award went to Bisham Ramnauth, who owns B and R Mini Lumber Yard.

This category recognises a start-up company that has attained outstanding business achievement with fewer than 25 employees and one to three years of full-time operation.

Meanwhile, Roopnarine and Nandarine Sukhdeo from R and N Enterprise received the Most Improved Business Award. The All-Star Marketer of the Year category recognises a business with a marketing strategy that engages and captivates customers regularly.

The recipient, Athalyah Yisrael from Outliners Zone, would have demonstrated continued business growth and developed and promoted new products.

The Kidpreneur Award for the year went to 12-yearold Orion Hope of Orion’s Elemonator Stand. The Green Business Award went to Aavon George, who owns and operates Lexic Technology.

The Most Innovative Business Award went to Tiffany Durant of Footprint Homes. In the category Techno Business of the Year, Julian Cadogan of Caliper Drones received that award. The Best Indigenous Community Business Award went to Miranda Bernard of Miranda’s Indigenous Crafts.

The Community Service Award went to Junette Stuart from Junshazyna’s Fashion, while the Triumph Over Adversity Award went to Everton De Putron of Evo’s Hangout Bar. He would have overcome significant business and personal difficulties to succeed.

The Lockdown Leader Award went to Anika Abel of Nick’s Phonics Centre, while the Business Chameleon Award went to Blue Mountain Capital Inc., owned by Travez Daly. This category recognises businesses that had to adapt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Small Business of the Year Award went to Tamika Henry from Curl Fete. The Service Excellence of the Year Award recognises the business, which has a committed focus on customer service excellence through service delivery, promotion and development.

Fendell Etwaroo of One Cart received that award.

The SME of Future Award (Business with exceptional positioning for finances and technology) went to Dwayne and Melissa Younge of Dunae Trading Company.

The Networking Master Award went to Tazmein Coates of Lionel’s Coconut Oil. Monica Allicock of Monica Allicock’s Arts and Crafts copped the Small Business Bureau Creatives Award, while the Small Business Bureau Honours Award went to Sandra Craig from SS Natural Fruits Flavour BBQ Sauces.

Leisa Gibson from Leisa’s Salon and Supplies was awarded the Small Business Bureau Longstanding Entrepreneur Award, while Lyndel Danzie-Black, the CEO of Cerulean Inc., was awarded the Small Business Special Award for a stakeholder/stakeholder group. The Small Business Employee of the Year Award went to Rushell Underwood, Business Adviser. (DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Two new rice markets secured in Hungary and Latvia –– Guyana will be supplying 24, 000 tons of rice to Brazil Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has announced that Guyana secured two new rice markets in Hungary and Latvia in Europe, while an additional 24, 000 tons of rice will be supplied to Brazil, through a partial scope agreement.

Minister Mustapha made the disclosure during a farmers’ meeting held on Tuesday last at Cotton Field Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

He emphasised that the agriculture sector is taking

its rightful place in the Caribbean after being neglected by the previous coalition government.

“We have taken back our rightful place in CARICOM and during the Agriculture Heads of Government meeting, our President, Irfaan Ali,

A rice farmer makes a point during the meeting at the Cotton Field Secondary in Region Two

was selected as the Chief spokesperson for agriculture in the Caribbean,” Mustapha said.

As such, Mustapha said the ministry is working to find solutions to the problems affecting the Industry.

Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha said efforts are made to recover over $2 billion owed by Panama to millers here. He said Panama’s Agriculture Minister has acknowledged the debt and efforts were being made for the payments to be delivered.

Minister Mustapha said once the payments from Panama are made, then millers will be able to pay Region

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, addressing farmers and millers during the meeting

Two rice farmers millions outstanding in debts. This newspaper had previously reported that over $50 million is owed to Region Two rice farmers for over five years.

These farmers had sold their paddy to rice millers who

supplied rice to the Panama market.

After hearing the Minister’s speech, both rice farmers and millers were satisfied and commended the efforts of the Minister to reach out to them.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

$290M ‘Cell Two’ of Haags Bosch Landfill commissioned

By Richard Bhainie ‘Cell Two’ of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill facility, located at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was officially commissioned on Friday last.

THE $290,639,213 contract for the construction of the landfill was awarded in 2019 to S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services; it had a deadline for a period of 18 months. The capacity of ‘Cell Two’ is designed to accommodate some 930,000 tonnes of waste and is equipped with a leachate collection and treatment facility. It was initially designed for a seven-year capacity, however, due to the increase of waste discarded

ceremony, highlighted that he was particularly pleased that the contractor was able to complete the works at the site within the contractual period, so it can be at the service of the people of Guyana. The facility, which was designed to serve the municipality of Georgetown and the wider Region Four (Demerara – Mahaica) area, will also serve Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) because of a lack of a similar facility in that region.

Dharamall noted that while the facility was originally designed to accommodate some 150 tonnes of solid waste per day, there has been a tremendous increase to approximately 450 tonnes of waste being disposed at

responsibility pertaining to solid waste disposal and management.

“You also have to use this opportunity as part of your social responsibility to the country to ensure that even whilst you’re in the business, that you have to spread the education, the awareness in terms of how we must sustainably manage solid waste but also in terms of how we much keep the environment clean, and how we must keep the aesthetics of the environment in an upgraded way,” he said.

Dharamlall reminded that the 2021 Budget is the largest budget the country has ever seen, which will facilitate massive growth and development, and which will inevitability result in an

The first dump of waste at the ‘Cell Two’ of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill site

increase in industrial and other waste.

In this regard, he noted that it is time for serious con-

A section of the newly commissioned ‘Cell Two’ of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill facility

at the facility, it will last for five and half years.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, during the commissioning

the facility per day. Addressing some solid waste disposal service providers who were present at the commissioning, Dharamlall noted that everyone has an equal

sideration pertaining to diversification of waste disposal.

“The country is growing and I think the sector also has to grow to meet the change in dynamics of the country. We have had approaches from different companies in the oil and gas sector in terms of the disposal of their matter, so I think the scope and the opportunities in this sector is quite tremendous and I would like to encourage you to continue to invest in it,” he noted.

He also explained that while collecting and disposing of solid waste is one aspect of the equation, there is also a component to facilitate other types of businesses

which would result as externalities from the industry.

“I think we have to make a business of it and we have had quite a lot of expression of interest in converting waste to energy – one of the proposals that we are looking at. We would like to consider that as part of our expanding the energy network of our country,” Dharamlall said.

He also noted that businesses must up their game in relation to their attitude towards solid waste disposal and make provision for the management of solid waste as part of their overall costs, otherwise the issue of garbage flooding the streets cannot be resolved.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Cops at Mabaruma Police Station receive COVID-19 vaccine

POLICE Commander of Regional Division #1, Superintendent K. Mandall and ranks of the Mabaruma Police Station in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) received their COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday.

The vaccination was done at the Mabaruma Hospital by the regional health team.

Police Headquarters in a statement noted that the ranks were sensitised about the benefits of taking the vaccine, the possible side effects and the next date they should return to take the second dose.

“They were given reading materials on the said COVID-19 vaccine and panadol tablets to drink every eight hours. In addition, the ranks were encouraged to sensitise their colleagues and members of the public on the importance of preventing death and hospitalisation due to COVID-19 by taking the vaccine whenever it is available for them,” the police release noted.

So far, there have been no side effects and all the ranks who took the said vaccine are well, the police release noted, adding, “Those taking the vaccine will continually be monitored.”

Police Commander of Regional Division #1, Superintendent K. Mandall (left) and other ranks take the COVID-19 vaccine

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

$60M agro-processing facility being constructed in Reg. 2 –– to be completed before end of June

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha interacts with the contractor and others at the construction site Construction in progress at the state-of-the-art agro-processing facility

WITHIN the next three months, farmers from Pomeroon-Supernaam (Region Two) will benefit from a state-of-the-art agro-processing facility that is currently being constructed by the Ministry of Agriculture’s New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

The project is being executed at a cost of $60 million and will be located in a separate building adjacent to the Guyana School of Agriculture’s (GSA) Region Two campus. During a recent visit to the region, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, conducted a site visit to the location to assess the progress of the ongoing works.

In offering comments on the project, Minister Mustapha said that his ministry will be constructing several of these facilities to assist farmers with adding value to their produce.

“In the agriculture sector, we want our farmers to have better value for their produce. We are now constructing a lot of these agro-processing facilities across the country. We have this one in Region Two. We’ll also build one in Region Three. We’ll retrofit the one at Parika and make it into a modern facility and adopt a public/private partnership there.

“We’ll also construct one at Kara Kara in Linden and two in Region Nine at St. Ignatius and Aranaputa. I’m also looking to develop the industrial estate in Region Nine to construct a suitable agro-processing facility.

We’ll also construct on in Black Bush Polder/ Lesbeholden,” Minister Mustapha said.

The agro-processing facilities will function both for commercial production and product development

for small and medium-scale agro-processors. The subject minister also said that these facilities are being constructed, because government intends to ensure that farmers are able to add value to their produce while encouraging them to advance from subsistence farming.

"These facilities will enable our farmers to properly package their produce and label them, so that they can be exported to various parts of the Caribbean and the world. Local consumers are also looking for better packaging, so we are making the necessary investments to ensure our farmers can tap into those markets," Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also said that the contractor had indicated that the project was on schedule for completion within the next three months, once the weather is favourable.

Funds for construction of the agro-processing facility were part of the ministry’s 2020 emergency budget. Over the last five

years, the agro-processing sector declined by a whopping 45%. However, as a result of the many efforts made by the government in

2020, the industry recorded a 9 percent increase in non-traditional exports in 2020 over 2019.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Two more deaths, 99 new cases of COVID-19 TWO more persons have died from COVID-19, taking the country’s death toll to 214, while 99 new cases were recorded on Saturday, increasing the overall number of known cases since March 2020 to 9,585.

The latest fatalities are two men – a 70-year-old from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and a 50 -year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); they both died on Friday while receiving care at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, there are currently 897 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana following the addition of 99 new cases. The new case were recorded from 927 tests conducted. A total of 36 per-

sons were reported to have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries to 8,489.

The 99 newly confirmed cases were recorded in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. Forty-six of the newly confirmed cases were males with the remaining 53 being females. Region Four, which has been seeing a continued rise in cases, accounted for 54 of the new cases. Region Two recorded four new cases; Region Three recorded 19 new cases; and Region Six recorded 11 new cases. Three new cases were recorded in Region Seven while Regions Nine and 10 recorded one new case each.

Ten persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown; 52 persons are in institutional isolation; 820 are in home isolation and 15 are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from March 1, 2021, until March 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the

pandemic.

As per the current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important.

The current curfew time is 22:30hrs to 04:00hrs.

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

Elderly man dies in Strathspey accident AN accident on the Strathspey Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Friday last, resulted in the death of 80-year-old Wilfred Stephen, a resident of Vigilance North, ECD. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that Stephen was riding on his bicycle heading east when he reportedly served into the path of minibus BYY9035, driven by Gordon Pieters of Haslington, ECD; the minibus was heading in the same direction and struck Stephen

off his bicycle.

The elderly man fell onto the road surface where he sustained injuries about his head and body. The 80-yearold was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

Stephen subsequently died without regaining consciousness. The driver remains in police custody while the police review CCTV footage.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

NIS resolves backlog of issues affecting Essequibians

AN outreach by a team from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), led by its General Manager, Holly Greaves, was able to resolve a backlog of issues that was affecting residents on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Greaves and her team

were able to speed up the pension process for contributors by logging into the NIS system during the outreach which was held at the local office in Anna Regina on Thursday last. During an interview with this newspaper, Greaves said that the team’s visit to the region was a follow-up to President Irfaan

Ali’s outreach. During the Head-of-State’s outreach, scores of residents had complained about NIS issues.

Meanwhile, Greaves described Thursday’s outreach a success, noting that over 25 issues were resolved immediately.

“My team and I were able to settle almost 90 per cent

Residents of the Essequibo Coast at the NIS outreach

of the issues. What is good about this outreach is that we were able to get some of the people to go home to get their documents that were required to complete their applications. A lot of matters required name changes and evidence of name changes,” Greaves said.

Because of the team’s effectiveness, new applicants can expect their pension as early as next week. The General Manager said that officers at NIS are working assiduously to clear the huge backlog of cases. Greaves explained that her office recognised that social security

is important, and, as such, efforts were being made to correct deficiencies in the system.

“Those persons who made claims for survivor benefits were also able to bring in their documents to the team; over 25 persons came and we were able to attend to them,” Greaves said.

Accompanying the NIS team was a Board Director and Chairman of the Public Relations Sub- Committee, Gillian Burton. Similar outreaches will be conducted in the Bartica region this week.

General Manager of NIS, Holly Greaves

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

CELAC supports CARICOM’s call for global vaccine summit breyesus, urging him to convene at the earliest possible opportunity, a Global Summit to address urgently equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly for developing countries.

The summit, Dr. Rowley proposed, would be held in the context of the Organisation’s ACT-A Facilitation Council. The call was repeated by CARICOM Heads of Government following the intersessional meeting which they held late last month.

The CELAC statement THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has welcomed the support of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) for its call for a

global summit to address urgently the issue of equitable access and distribution of vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

CARICOM Chairman,

Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, had written in January, on behalf of the Community, to the Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghe-

issued by Mexico as the President Pro Tempore of the group, expressed concern over the lack of delivery of vaccines to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the region. The statement said that while CELAC supported the COVAX mechanism, it called for the Caribbean to “receive the vaccines as quickly and equitably as possible”.

“We are convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong, united

and caring Latin American and Caribbean Region, where no country is excluded from universal, fair, equitable and timely access to medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.

“Therefore, Mexico joins the call made by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to hold a Global Summit within the framework of the World Health Organisation to address the urgent equitable access to said vaccines,” the statement said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

St. Ignatius gets first health centre

–– schools for Taushida, Fly Hill

By Richard Bhainie A NEW Health Centre has

been commissioned in the central Rupununi Savannahs Amerindian village

of St. Ignatius, Region Nine (Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo), on Monday

last, by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

The facility is expected to benefit at least 2,000 res-

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to commission the new health centre in St. Ignatius

idents of the village and persons traversing to the township of Lethem. The new $14 million facility is the fourth in the region, which will complement the existing three in Annai, Karasabai and Sand Creek. There are also 51 health posts dispersed across the Region while there are the District Hospital in Aishalton and the Regional Hospital in Lethem.

Dharamlall, during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, noted that the new facility will help to ease the burden on the Lethem Hospital, while at the same time enhance the delivery of health care services in the region. He explained that the services offered at the facility will be on par with that offered at any health centre in the country, and a doctor will be visiting the health centre at least once per week to assist the Medex who will be stationed at the facility.

“The issue of healthcare in the regions is a very significant issue and we have to get on top of it. The health system has not been performing very well in the last five years and it is our intention to enhance the level of services in all of the health facilities in the country,” Dharamlall told this newspaper.

“So this facility in Region Nine and, specifically St. Ignatius, which is one of the most populated Amerindian villages in the country and has a heavy flow of people in and out of the area, is much needed,” he said.

While visiting the Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo Region, Dharamlall took the first vehicle drive into the Kokshebai community, which is a satellite of the Taushida Amerindian Village, located in the South Pakaraimas Mountain range.

“Now we know that a vehicle could traverse the

route, we will have to do some upgrades to the trail; it will help with emergency situations; it will also help with taking more goods into the community which will inevitably help to reduce the cost of living,” the Minister noted.

Dharamlall informed the Sunday Chronicle that one of the prevalent complaints of residents in the area is that of school children having to traverse some nine miles to get to school. As a result, a school will be constructed in the area to resolve this issue.

“We thought a school is necessary, there are over 50 school children in the area so it is a daily struggle for those families to get their children to school, so a school will be built there,” he said.

Dharamlall further noted that a school will also be constructed in Fly Hill, in the North Rupununi district.

In this same community, as well, the ministry plans to complete the upgrading of a health post, which commenced under the previous government; even though a total of $12 million was spent, the facility was incomplete since 2018.

“We will also be upgrading the health post at Masara.

We have recently employed a Medex to work at the health post and that will serve as a centre for various villages around. We will also upgrade the Yakarinta Health Post. It is in a very dilapidated state and we have to put some resources into it,” Dharamlall said.

The minister highlighted that one of the important factors conducive to the development of the communities within the region is for residents to be employed when the contracts are being executed.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 21, 2021

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Brother and sister endure struggles to graduate from UG

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric TREVAUL and his sister Ayeisha Orea Wilson, purposed in their hearts to succeed, despite their many challenges, which included arriving two hours late for their scheduled classes at the University of Guyana, Tain Campus, where they obtained their degrees in Business Management.

The recent tertiary certifications is not the first for the siblings. In 2012, they acquired their diploma in Accountancy, also from the University of Guyana.

Since then, Trevaul, a trainee Tax Auditor, wedded the amazing Latoya MahonWilson, and together they have a beautiful daughter, Zendiaya. However, Ayeisha has remained single.

For Trevaul, the journey, like any other achievement, was not without challenges.

“It was crazy. Life is not fair ... you got to dig deep if you want anything in life.

mother, who supported her four children on a teacher’s salary.

“So hard work, dedication, perseverance, self discipline, self- motivation, commitment and consistency were key to success,” she said, adding that “Despite being always late for class, my brother and I were so determined to succeed, that we were unstoppable as a unit.”

Ayeisha has lived by the mantra, “If you can’t live

Trevaul Wilson

Ayeisha Wilson Nothing is handed out to you. Just buckle down and do your thing,” he advised.

“If you got to cry at 02:00 am, then cry. If you got to start class at 5:00pm and it started at 3.00 pm, then do it... the key is not the circumstances, it is your will power, your desire to fulfil your dreams,” he emphasised.

He credits his success to his wife-- a school teacher and his biggest supporter-- and his daughter, who inspires his drive to do well and to carve a path that she could follow.

Meanwhile, Ayeisha Orea , 28, still feels the pangs of abandonment by her father, and it maybe for this reason that she has looked up to her brother, who is just two years older, for support.

She recalled that as the last of four children, she had a first-hand view of the struggles of her single parent

forever, create something that will.”

“Invest in yourself,” she advised, pointing out that “It pays, the best results. Today, I smile and I rejoice for what I’ve accomplished with all the rocks and stones that were thrown at me. I have attended the University of Guyana while working fulltime and overtime with no time off from work. However, this didn’t stop me. I was so determined to attend the University of Guyana that no person, place or thing was going to change that. I was hated by many for wanting to pursue my degree: colleagues, classmates insisted that the class and even test should start without me and my brother. Some lecturers even showed favouritism by allowing this to happen but still we rise although everyone was against us. We were always late for class but we were so determined that we were unstoppable as a unit.

I’m so proud of myself for not letting these obstacles prevent me from achieving my goal,” she said.

It is indeed true what they say, “The harder the struggle, the sweeter the victory,” said Ayeisha, who underscored that all praises are due to the Almighty Creator who continues to guide her path.

The siblings are now setting their sight on doing their masters degree.

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Golden Jaguars squad getting re-acquainted ... Sam Cox anxious for Soca Warriors encounter

By Rawle Toney

AS Golden Jaguars get settled in Santo Domingo ahead of their March 25 clash against ‘Soca Warriors’, the team’s captain, Sam Cox, is expressing optimism of Guyana’s chances of advancing to the next stage of CONCACAF’s FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifiers.

Guyana are placed in Group F alongside their regional rivals, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, St Kitts and Nevis and Puerto Rico.

The team arrived in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday and Cox, in an interview first aired on NCN Sport News,

said they’re busy shaking off the rust of not playing any international football since their 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 19, 2019.

Cox labelled the “unprecedented crisis with COVID-19,” as the reason for Golden Jaguars not lacing up their cleats on the international stage since their encounter with Jamaica at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, but added that “all the boys are excited about getting together”.

“The prospects of these World Cup qualifiers and the opportunity that presents itself in front of us are reasons why we’re all optimistic of the challenge ahead,” the UK-based defender said.

Dating back to their first meeting in 1978, Golden Jaguars roared 22 times against Trinidad and Tobago, losing 14 of those clashes, drawing six and walking away victorious twice.

Ironically, Guyana’s last victory against the Soca Warriors (2-1) came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Ricky Shakes and former English Premier League defender Leon Cort found the nets at the Guyana National Stadium on November 11, 2011 to not only advance to the penultimate round of the CONCACAF leg of the qualifiers, to but also knock the Soca Warriors out of the qualifiers.

Guyana last faced Trinidad and Tobago in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup where the two sides ended the contest with an entertaining 1-1 draw, as Cox stated, “We know Trinidad are tough opponents; we have a rich history with them and we know they’re going to present a real challenge and we’re preparing ourselves for them.”

“We have two good fixtures; two fixtures that we’re looking to win, but we just have to prepare correctly. We

have a few new faces in the squad and we have a good couple of weeks ahead of us,” the former Tottenham Hot Spurs defender lamented.

The UK Government’s travel restrictions on persons visiting Guyana, coupled with other logical arrangements that weren’t favourable to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), saw the Wayne Forde-led body decide to play their ‘home’ fixture against The Bahamas in the Dominican Republic. That match is set for March 30.

“It’s a shame that we couldn’t be in Guyana and interact with the fans but I know the fans will be there in spirit and we’re looking to make them proud as we always do,” said Cox. Apart from Cox (Hampton & Richmond FC), the team will see UK-based Nathan Moriah-Welsh (AFC Bournemouth), Miguel Scarlett (unattached) and Bayli Spencer-Adams (Watford FC) make their Inter-

national debut.

Terrence Vancooten (Stevenage FC), Mathew Briggs (Vijle Boldk), Callum Harriott (Colchester United), Emery Welshman (Hapoel Raanana), Keanu Marsh-Brown (Gloucester City FC), Akel Clarke (Mount Pleasant Academy), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Cambridge United FC) and Kadell Daniel (Margate FC) are the other overseas-based players selected.

Kelsey Benjamin (Guyana Defence Force FC), Omari Glasgow (Fruta Conquerors), Ryan Hackett (Guyana Defence Force), Nicholas McArthur (Fruta Conquerors FC), Jeremy Garrett (Guyana Defence Force), Daniel Wilson (Guyana Police Force), Trayon Bobb (Uitvlugt Warriors), Pernell Schultz (Guyana Police Force FC), Nicolai Andrews (Santos FC) and Shawn Adonis (Guyana Police Force FC) are the local-based players selected.

First Test bowls off today...

‘Hungry’ Windies looking to sustain winning culture against Sri Lanka NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies open yet another chapter in their history under their 37th Test captain when they face Sri Lanka in the opening Test here today, hoping the new leader Kraigg Brathwaite can inspire a protracted period of success.

In the absence of then skipper Jason Holder, the 28-year-old Brathwaite led a depleted West Indies squad to a stunning 2-0 triumph in Bangladesh last month, an effort that persuaded selectors to hand him the leadership role full time.

The series win, coupled with Brathwaite’s brilliance, has triggered a high level of anticipation over the two Tests at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium here, and Brathwaite believes West Indies could be staring at a new phase.

“The Bangladesh series is finished and obviously that’s history but I think we can take small things and the big things we did well [into this series],” Brathwaite told an online media conference.

“I think we had the right attitude in preparation and we were disciplined [in Bangladesh].

Those two factors, once we continue to take those forward, the sky is the limit for this team.

“It’s just discipline, both from the batting group and

the bowling group so we can take [the performance] from Bangladesh and carry it through [the upcoming series] and going forward in the future as well, not just here.”

He added: “So Bangladesh is history in terms of the result but I think we can take forward the attitude and the discipline and the fight that we showed there.

“The guys are hungry, the guys are looking forward to it and I would say it’s the same intensity and the same attitude [from the Bangladesh series], and we know it’s the right attitude that will bring results.”

Selectors have retained the core of the squad from the Bangladesh tour but have recalled Holder and left-handed batsman Darren Bravo, to bolster the experience of the unit.

Holder, the world’s topranked Test all-rounder, led the side for 37 of his 45 Tests while Bravo with 56 Tests, is the most experienced batsman behind Brathwaite.

And with rookie batsmen like John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers and Joshua Da Silva, along with seasoned players like Jermaine Blackwood, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel, Brathwaite believes the Windies possessed a quality side capable of beating Sri Lanka.

“I know we have a good

group. As I said from Bangladesh, I know the team that went there is a good team and I think here is pretty much the same,” explained Brathwaite.

“I think as a team we came together nicely before this tour. We basically came straight from Bangladesh – some guys came from the 50-over [series] – and we’ve gelled nicely together as a team.

“We have the same attitude, the same determination and the same fight and I think once we keep that discipline, as a Test team we’re on the right path.

“Guys are going and grabbing opportunities and scoring runs so we are on the right path to do great things in the Test arena.”

West Indies will have extra motivation having not beaten Sri Lanka in a Test series in almost two decades. The last time the two teams met in the Caribbean, West Indies won the first Test in Port of Spain, drew the second in Gros Islet before losing the third in Bridgetown.

Speedster Gabriel shone in that series with 20 wickets, unsettling the Sri Lankans with his pace, and spearheaded a fast-bowling attack which accounted for 43 of the 47 wickets claimed by the home side.

Brathwaite said his initial impressions of the pitch

here suggested there would be something in it for both batsmen and bowlers.

“It has a little layer of grass evenly. I think it looks like a good cricket pitch. I think there are runs there and there are wickets with some good effort from the bowlers so I think it will be a good cricket pitch.”

Sri Lanka are without key players for the series with the likes of Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and veteran Angelo Mathews, missing for varying reasons.

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Roston Chase (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Shannon Gabriel, Jahmar Hamilton, Keon Harding, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach.

SRI LANKA – Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Roshen Silva, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Vishwa Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Embuldeniya.

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‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler: The fighters’ fighter

By Mike Costello, BBC boxing correspondent

IT is hard to over-estimate the impact of ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler in boxing history.

When he became world middleweight champion in September 1980, the career of Muhammad Ali was fizzling out and concerns were widespread as to who would replace ‘The Greatest’ as boxing’s flagbearer in terms of global appeal.

ENTER THE FOUR KINGS Hagler was joined by Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran in creating a decade of memories, with no need to listen to ballads about the best never fighting the best.

The first of the quartet to die, Hagler was revered as a ‘blue-collar’ champion and the fighters’ fighter. From the greats to the ordinary, the reaction online and elsewhere has amounted to a tidal wave of shock, respect and condolence.

He was unconventional as a right-handed southpaw.

Generally, but not always, fighters lead with their weaker hand, allowing for an increase in power driven through the body from the feet up into the (usually stronger) back-hand.

He would switch freely

from southpaw to orthodox, seemingly carrying equal power in each hand; he was effective in attacking to the body as well as the head, blessed with sweet timing and a rock-hard chin.

At times, even against the very best, he seemed to own more of the ring than his opponent.

In September 1980, Hagler fought Britain’s Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC belts In September 1980, Hagler fought Britain’s Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC

Marvin Hagler fought Thomas 'Hit Man' Hearns over three brutal rounds in 1985 - a classic known as 'The War'

Alan Minter, the man Hagler dethroned to take the undisputed middleweight crown on a volatile night at Wembley Arena four decades ago, once told me in an interview that he had watched Hagler hit a punchbag in training and noticed how the American turned his fist at the point of contact, generating a sound close to a screech which stood out from the clanging of the chains.

belts On the night, Minter succumbed in three rounds, his face slashed as though Hagler’s gloves were adorned with razor blades. Another Briton, Tony Sibson, suffered a similarly bloody defeat in Hagler’s sixth title defence in 1983. Sibson lasted six rounds but caught Hagler on a night when the champion chose to display the bulk of his repertoire, the accuracy and delivery of the

Pakistan PM Imran Khan tests positive for COVID-19, enters self-isolation

PAKISTAN Prime Minister and former cricket captain Imran Khan has tested positive for COVID-19. The news was confirmed by Dr Faisal Sultan, an infectious diseases expert and a prominent figure in Pakistan’s response to the pandemic.

Khan, 68, is understood to be experiencing mild symptoms, with Sultan confirming he would be self-isolating at home.

Khan was given his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine two days earlier, and his advisers were keen to point out, immunity takes time to kick in after a shot and the vaccine itself does not infect people with the virus.

A number of doctors and government officials hastened to add this wasn’t a reason for people not to get vaccinated, a crucial message in a country where vaccine take-up has been low.

Khan became prime minister in August 2018 after his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) won the largest number of seats.

Since the start of the pandemic, he has resisted the

imposition of a complete lockdown, with the government implementing what they have called “smart lockdowns”, targetting specific regions that

Prime Minister Imran Khan was given his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine recently (AFP)

have seen outbreaks spike.

Over the past few days, Khan has been making public appearances, inaugurating projects and meeting people, with the government urging anyone who has been in close contact with him to get tested.

Pakistan has been spared the worst effects of the virus over the duration of the pandemic. There have been, to date, around 625 000 cases and under 14 000 deaths

since the first case was recorded in February 2020.

But that has changed recently, with a clear rise in cases and hospital admissions over the past month indicating a third wave of the pandemic.

Just last week, the government announced all restaurants in Punjab, the largest province, would be closed temporarily.

With social-distancing measures and mask-wearing relatively low, there have been warnings Pakistan might have to close all non-essential businesses and implement a complete lockdown to get the virus under control. (Cricinfo)

punches all part of a masterclass in ring generalship.

Of Hagler’s 13 World title defences, only two went the distance. His three-round explosion against Hearns in April 1985 takes some shifting as the choice of fight to take to a desert island. The first round might never be equalled for ferocity.

In Leonard’s camp, the great trainer Angelo Dundee had noticed “a Hagler flaw” and revealed the thinking in his autobiography ‘I Only Talk Winning’: “He (Hagler) needed two steps to get off with his punches.” Leonard read so much of what Hagler intended to throw. Some argue that

In September 1980, Marvin Hagler fought Britain's Alan Minter at Wembley Stadium to claim his first world titles, winning the WBA and WBC belts

The points reverse against Sugar Ray Leonard at the same Caesars Palace Arena in Las Vegas two years later ranks as one of the most hotly-contested decisions of all-time. Hagler finished two rounds up on one card, Leonard the winner by two rounds and eight rounds on the others. I scored it 116112 (eight rounds to four) in favour of Leonard - those who disagree would fill many a stadium.

Leonard created an illusion of control based on dancing; others that Hagler did not deserve reward for connecting only with thin air.

I watched the fight overnight at the Royal Festival Hall in London, a special experience in the pre-satellite/cable-TV days in the UK and an indication of the magnitude of the event.

The nights weren’t always so glossy for Hagler. He en-

gaged in scraps at The Spectrum in Philadelphia which became known as the ‘Philly Wars’, losing on points to Bobby ‘Boogaloo’ Watts and Willie ‘The Worm’ Monroe two months apart in 1976. He would avenge the setbacks before lifting the world title and the value of those experiences proved to be important blocks in the building of the colossus.

In his inestimable chronicle ‘Four Kings’, the American writer George Kimball recounted the story of why Hagler chose to turn professional after winning the national amateur championship in Boston in 1973, rather than wait for a tilt at Olympic Games glory in Montreal three years later.

“You can’t take a trophy and turn it into a bag of groceries,” was Hagler’s fuss-free philosophy.

Kimball notes how Hagler earned $40 (now around $240) for the pro debut. The everyman story endeared him to so many and has prompted such an outpouring of tributes.

We could wish for the fantasy fights: would Hagler have beaten Sugar Ray Robinson in the 50s, Carlos Monzon in the 70s or Canelo Alvarez today?

But we shouldn’t be greedy. He left us with so much to cherish.

Boult stars as NZ destroy Bangladesh in ODI series opener NEW Zealand needed only 21.2 overs to chase down Bangladesh’s total of 131 and win the first of their three one-day internationals by eight wickets.

Bangladesh were bowled out by the hosts in just 41.5 overs after being put in to bat first. Mahmudullah’s 27 from 54 balls was the highest score.

In reply, after Martin Guptill crashed 38 runs from 19 balls with three fours and four sixes at the top of the order, New Zealand cruised to an emphatic win with plenty of overs to spare.

Apart from Mahmudul-

lah, Mushfiqur Rahim made 23 from 49 balls and Liton Das 19 off 36 as the only other scores of real note for Bangladesh.

New Zealand left-arm pace bowler Trent Boult (427) struck at both ends of the innings, removing Tamim (13) and Soumya Sarkar (0) within three balls in the fifth over. He returned to capture the last two wickets to fall.

Mahedi Hasan, on debut, hit a six for his first runs in ODIs and looked determined to lift the scoring rate but he fell to left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner for 14.

Thanks to Guptill, New Zealand’s 50 came without a wicket down and in only five overs, and the hosts reached their 100 in the 16th over.

Henry Nicholls scored an unbeaten 49 in his 50th

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ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Trent Boult claimed 4-27 as New Zealand hammered Bangladesh in the first ODI

Jimmy Neesham dismissed Das and Mushfiqur then had a hand (literally) in dismissing Mohammad Mithun, by deflecting Mahmudullah’s straight drive onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end after Mithun had left his ground.

ODI to see the Black Caps to victory in the 22nd, combining in a 65-run partnership for the second wicket with Devon Conway (27).

The two teams meet again for the second ODI in Christchurch on Tuesday.

(Sky Sports)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

Sampson and Anderson dominate with bat, Beaton with ball for Police in first-division cricket

An unbeaten 174-run seventh-wicket partnership between lower-order batsman Quentin Sampson and his middle-order teammate Kevlon Anderson propelled the Police Sports Club cricket team to an emphatic lead yesterday in their GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall First-Division Two-Day Cricket match against GNIC. Sampson was aggressive en route to a century, while former West Indies Under-19 batsman Kevlon Anderson was elegant in his stroke play to be 93 not out.

With the dominance, Police will start today with a 132-run lead and four wickets in hand.

Scores in the match so far, GNIC 110 all out in 40 overs and Police 242-6 from 46 overs.

Prior to the batting display in the latter part of the day, the Lawmen were led by new recruit, West Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, who picked up 4-31 from nine overs.

Beaton got a wicket off his third ball, he then did significant damage to the middle, including to the father-son duo of David and Dwaine Dick.

Benjamin (33); the two added 45 for the eighth wicket after lunch, but Alex Algoo (2-6 from 0.4 overs) and Anthony Adams (2-39 from 15 overs) finished off

Quentin Sampson was ultra-aggressive. He struck nine sixes and five fours in his 55-ball unbeaten 106

GNIC were able to pull things back a bit when Jermaine Grosvenor (17 not out) was joined by Jerimiah

the tail.

The visiting side showed fight in the middle and had Police in trouble

at 5-31 with the younger Dick delivering with his off-spin bowling.

He got the wickets of Andrew Lyght Jr for one, national cricketer Kemol Savory, caught by his father (David) in slips, for four and Algoo (0) and Mark Gonsalves (0) both via the LBW route, while Kevon Boodie was caught by Trevor Jones (one-handed in the deep) off the bowling of fast bowler Jeffery Blair.

After tea, Police wrest control of the game with Sampson going the aerial route and Anderson lacing the ground.

To reach his 50, the 20-year-old Sampson belted Dick for four sixes in his 18th over, three of which were consecutive.

He then continued his pugnacious hitting which resulted in quick runs all around the wicket. In total, he struck nine sixes and five fours in his 55ball unbeaten 106.

Anderson was more cautious. He has four fours and a six in his 93.

Everest Cricket Club contributes $100,000 to Fruta Conquerors THE Everest Cricket Club (ECC) yesterday became the latest entity to support Fruta Conquerors Football Club’s 2021 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield campaign.

Drawn in Group C of the tournament, set for April 23 – May 2 in Curaçao, Fruta Conquerors will face Hope International (St Vincent and the Grenadines) and Racing Club Aruba.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, who is also the ECC president, made the presentation of $100 000 to Fruta Conquerors president Colin Gittens, expressing his delight in helping the country’s Elite League champions on their quest for regional club football success.

Gittens thanked Nadir

President of Fruta Conquerors, Colin Gittens, receives the sponsorship of $100 000 from ECC manager Krista Norton. Also present is ECC president Manzoor Nadir

and the ECC for “lending a helping hand to a club in need.”

Only recently the club launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek the generous support of football fans in Guyana.

It was stated that the club has a minimum working budget of $5M to cover their preparation for and participation in the tournament, including the cost of training and travel.

The GoFundMe campaign, which enables fans from all over the world to contribute with any size of donation to the team’s Club Shield journey via a secure online payment platform, can be accessed at: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ support-fruta conquerors-in-the-caribbean-shield.

Najibullah, bowlers inspire Afghanistan T20I series sweep

Najibullah Zadran smashed 53 runs off the last 15 balls he faced to change the complexion of the game (Abu Dhabi Cricket)

AFGHANISTAN swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in their T20I series, closing out the final T20I with a 47-run victory.

Afghanistan, after opting to bat, posted 183/7 thanks to Najibullah Zadran’s brilliant 35-ball 72*. Zimbabwe were restricted to 136-5 in their response, giving the hosts a fine series victory.

They got off to a decent start after winning the toss thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Usman Ghani. Gurbaz (18) attempted to muscle the ball around, but found the fielders on multiple occasions, and it wasn’t long before he perished, to the leftarm quick Richard Ngarava, edging one behind.

Despite that, Afghanistan accumulated 43 runs in the Powerplay. Ghani was joined

by Karim Janat in the middle.

Janat made a quick 14-ball 21, but his efforts were put to a stop

by Wellington Masakadza, who cleaned him up. Thereafter, Ghani (39) gave away his wicket attempting to go big, only to find the fielder in the deep.

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Veteran Mohammad Nabi was dismissed cheaply for two runs thereafter, with Musakanda taking a diving catch. Zimbabwe couldn’t make the wickets count, however, with Najibullah in incredible form. His sublime 72 off 35 balls, which consisted of five fours and five sixes, along with Asghar Afghan’s 24 runs, propelled them to a daunting total, with Zimbabwe conceding 78 in the last five overs.

Zimbabwe got off to a poor start, when they lost Kamunhukamwe (1) in the very first over. Wickets continued to fall regularly, with Sean Williams (14), Musakanda (30), Milton Shumba (8), and Richmond Mutumbami (0) all falling tamely as Zimbabwe were reduced to 56-5 in 10.3 overs.

With half the side back in the dressing room, the 80-run-partnership of Sikander Raza and Ryan Burl helped control the damage.

But it was too little too late for the visitors to avoid the sweep. (ICC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 21, 2021

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Kohli, Kumar seal Twenty20 series decider for superb India

By Stephan Shemilt

ENGLAND lost their Twenty20 series decider to an India side that followed a batting masterclass with some wonderful bowling in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli anchored India with 80 not out from 52 balls, allowing Rohit Sharma (64 from 34), Hardik Pandya (39 not out from 17) and Suryakumar Yadav (32 from 17) to blaze around him.

The hosts’ 224-2 was their highest T20 score against England and set the tourists what would have been their second-highest successful chase in the shortest format.

They were on course at 127-1 after 12 overs, only for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to bowl a brilliant 13th, conceding three runs and crucially having Jos Buttler caught at long-off for 52.

Dawid Malan remained, but when he was bowled by the impressive Shardul Thakur for 68, 83 from the final five overs was a huge ask.

England ended on 188-8, losing by 36 runs, with India taking the series 3-2.

A three-match one-day international series in Pune begins on Tuesday.

ENGLAND FALL SHORT England wanted this series to test them before the World Cup, with the decider delivering the stiffest of challenges.

of Bhuvneshwar that proved the difference. With no great pace, he held his nerve with accuracy and trickery to return incredible figures of 2-15 from his four overs.

Thakur supported with his

Virat Kohli promoted himself to open the batting and delivered with 80 from 52 balls

After the India assault, Jason Roy was bowled swiping at Bhuvneshwar from the second ball of the chase, only for Malan to arrive with a fluency that was missing in the previous four games.

Buttler was typically powerful, and with Malan driving and deflecting, their partnership of 130 had England in the hunt.

However, on a run-filled pitch, it was the performance

own changes of pace. Around the time of Buttler’s wicket, England went 22 deliveries without finding the boundary.

Jonny Bairstow, Malan and Eoin Morgan fell for two runs in the space of seven deliveries, all to slower balls, and England ground to a halt.

INDIA BLAZE AWAY Kohli’s decision to open alongside Rohit united India’s best two players, with devastating and thrilling results.

The languid Rohit played beautifully, driving and pulling with awesome force. A wild hack to inside-edge a Ben Stokes slower ball on to the stumps was the first mistake he made.

the final assault by Hardik, who muscled boundaries off the back foot.

England were almost powerless in the face of such destruction on a superb surface, but at times the bowling lacked variety.

Still, Chris Jordan’s outrageous moment of brilliance to remove Suryakumar will live long in the memory. Sprinting round the long-on boundary, he was in perfect control when he held Suryakumar at waist height in his right hand, the catch completed when Jordan under-armed to Roy, who could only laugh in disbelief.

England’s Dawid Malan became the fastest batsman to 1 000 T20 international runs, from 24 innings

WHAT ABOUT THE WORLD CUP? England have been keen to emphasise the importance of this series, with the World Cup in India now only seven months away.

Morgan even said it might be the last time he gets his first-choice side together before the squad

The first-wicket stand of 94 came in only nine overs, but there was no respite for England, with Suryakumar hitting two glorious lofted drives for sixes off Adil Rashid from the second and third balls he faced.

Kohli was the anchor, taking only 25 from his first 23 balls, then 55 from the next 29. He was joined for

for that tournament is named.

England have learnt that the express pace of Mark Wood is a huge asset in the powerplay, while Malan gave a reminder of why he is rated as the world’s number one batsman after a run of low scores.

The tourists only won games when batting second and there are questions over the quality of their back-up bowling.

Jordan and Sam Curran struggled to make an impact, while Moeen Ali never made it on to the pitch.

There is also a suspicion they are not finding the best way to utilise Stokes in the shortest format.

However, England’s power-packed batting means they will always carry a threat. India will probably start the World Cup as favourites, but England are still to be feared. (BBC Sport)

The James brothers will continue a proud Guyanese tradition

Minister Ramson makes good on another promise to Agricola

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, delivered on another promise made to the community of Agricola with regard to helping to upgrade the Evans Phillips Park playfield.

On his first visit to the East Bank Demerara community in October 2020, Ramson had met with residents on their needs and wants for the area and one of the concerns raised was their playfield.

The minister was told of their previous efforts to secure funds to construct bleachers, water to the washroom facility and some additional work on the playfield and how it fell on deaf ears.

While Minister Ramson returned to inspect work on other projects, mainly the cleaning exercise, he told residents that following the passage of the National Budget, funds will be released to help in executing work on the playfield and noted that all the labour will come from the skilled persons in the Agricola area.

Yesterday, Ramson returned to the community, this time to get a first-hand look at the bleachers being built on the playfield. The washroom facility that was without water since it was

built some time ago, was now flowing, thanks to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Minister Ramson told residents that next up, there will be some adjustments to the lights and other electrical work that they had previously highlighted. He noted, however, the time for work to be done and completed will depend on how soon after his request to the Guyana Power and Light can be facilitated by

the company.

The residents were told

by Minister Ramson, that he’s looking forward to working not only with them, but all communities across Guyana, since it was President Dr Irfaan Ali’s mantra that every community must benefit from his administration’s continuous push to advance their livelihood.

Residents were also given hampers as part of the Government of Guyana COVID-19

relief initiative which is ongoing countrywide.

Meanwhile, Minister Ramson also spent some time interacting with the scores of children from the Agricola community that came out to the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) outreach programme.

The programme catered to children 8–17 years and was facilitated by Mark Harper, Roderick Lovell and Jermaine Neblette.

Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, along with his team from the ministry, inspects some ongoing works at the Evan Phillips Park playfield in Agricola

By Charwayne Walker IF brothers Delroy and Gordon James represent Guyana at the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers 2021 in El Salvador, the Berbice duo will become the seventh set of brothers to represent Guyana together at the same sponsored FIBA International Tournament.

The first set of Guyanese brothers who had the honour of representing the Land of Many Waters at a FIBA Tournament were Michael and Clifton Brusche and Melroy and Merton Fitzalbert.

The tournament was the 1975 Central American Championship held in the Dominican Republic.

The Lonckes, Rawlwin and Lancelot, were the next set of Guyanese brothers to play together in a FIBA International Tournament. The year was 1994 and the tournament was the 1994 CARICOM Championship in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Lonckes repeated the feat the following year (1995) at the CARICOM Championship in The Bahamas.

The last time these distinguished Guyanese played together at the CARICOM Championship level was in 1996 at the CARICOM Championship in Trinidad & Tobago.

The Mohans - Lugard and Orin - played together at the same CARICOM Championship in Trinidad & Tobago in 1996. They also graced the 2000 Championship in Barbados.

The Klaiber brothers, Gordon and Antric, played together at the 2007 CARICOM Championship in Puerto Rico and the Creppy brothers, Michael and Kevon, also played together at that 2007 CARICOM Championship in Puerto Rico.

SEE PAGE 40

... Sam Cox anxious for Soca Warriors encounter

The Golden Jaguars during one of their training sessions in the Dominican Republic

Golden Jaguars captain Sam Cox

First Test bowls off today...

‘Hungry’ Windies New Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite (right) welcomes back experienced left-hander Darren Bravo for the series

SEE PAGE 40

Sri Lanka

Everest ahead of UG by 100 runs in two-day second-division cricket ―Khan grabs five, Nandu and Looknauth hit half-centuries HOME team, the Everest Cricket Club were comfortably placed with a first-innings lead of 100 and wickets in hand against the University of Guyana when stumps were lifted at the end of day one of their Noble House Seafoods Second-Division Two-Day encounter.

Former West Indies U19 leg spinner Amir Khan did the damage with the ball, before opener Matthew Nandu and mid-

dle-order batsman Richie Looknauth scored half centuries.

Everest won the toss and inserted the visiting Trojans to take first strike, and it worked in their favour as Khan cleaned up the top order, claiming 5 for 25 from 11 overs.

Only L. Parks with a quick-fire 22 (4X4s), K. Morris with 16 not out and Damion Vantull with 10 (1X6) reached

double figures as the Trojans were bundled out for 72 in 33.4 overs.

Left-arm spinner Javid Rasheed supported Khan with 2-7 from five overs.

In reply, Morris had Anthony Khan caught off the second ball of the innings, but fellow opener Nandu and later Looknauth, who batted at five, played themselves in.

Looknauth, who was the aggressor of the two, ran well between the wickets, while he

also picked up the odd boundaries. In the end, he was trapped LBW by J. Rampersaud for 58 (4X4s). Nandu was left not out on 57 (5X4s) and Khan on six, which had pushed their side to 172-4.

M. Cumberbatch, who took the wickets of Captain Dwayne Adams (15) and teenager Ushardeva Balgobin (15 3X4s), was the pick of the visiting bowlers with 2-31 from nine overs.

The James brothers will continue a proud Guyanese tradition Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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| SUNDAY CHRONICLE, MARCH 21, 2021