Issuu

wednesday 4th may, 2022

No.106712

‘I believe in the full freedom of the press’

Schools could remain 05 open during July, August PAGE

PAGE

–– President Ali says, but advises stakeholders to practise responsible reporting

Sirens, flashing lights not allowed on private security vehicles 15 PAGE

Guyana gets Media and 09 Communications Academy PAGE

Air traffic systems to be boosted 04 PAGE

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy is intrigued by one of the articles published years ago by one of the oldest media houses in the country, now called the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (Adrian Narine photo)

–– as CJIA, Houston Airport System sign MoU

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Guyana’s longest-surviving media house

THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) is a state-owned company incorporated under the Companies Act, Chapter 89:01 of the Laws of Guyana and is situated at Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown, Guyana. It is the successor of the former Guyana Graphic Limited, a private limited liability company registered in December, 1953, and The Daily Chronicle Newspapers. The Government of Guyana acquired the Guyana Graphic daily newspapers (from Thompson Holdings of Canada) on September 26, 1974. In December 1975, the state-owned Guyana Chronicle was merged with the Guyana Graphic Limited to form the new company, Guyana National Newspapers Limited. On July 8, 1976 the Registrar of Companies approved the Change in name of the Guyana Graphic Limited to the Guyana National Newspapers Limited. This was followed by the publication in the Official Gazette on August 21, 1976, of the “Public Corporations Order, 1976”, which effectively brought the Guyana National Newspapers Limited under the control and supervision of the Guyana State Corporation (Guystac). As a result of the reorganisation of the Guystac portfolio of corporations/companies in 1985, GNNL was transferred from Guystac’s control to that of the Ministry of Information. The Company now falls under the purview of the Office of the Prime Minister. Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar is currently the General Manager and Mr. Tajeram Mohabir,

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, examines some of the old publications that could be found in the Guyana National Newspapers Limited’s archives. He is being guided by the company’s Marketing Manager, Rishma Ajodha and its Marketing and Distribution Officer, Beverly Barrow (Adrian Narine photo)

General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar

Editor-in-Chief, Tajeram Mohabir

(From left) Assistant Editor, Navendra Seoraj; Online Editor, Derwayne Wills; Assistant Editor, Zoisa Fraser; Trainee Reporter, Cassandra Khan; Reporter, Shari Simon; Reporter, Clestine Juan; Reporter, Shamar Meusa; Managing Editor, Rabindra Rooplall; and Reporter, Jared Liddell

the Editor-in-Chief of this major state publication. GNNL’s core business is that of printing and publishing the daily and Sunday Chronicle Newspapers. Additionally, GNNL diversifies its revenue source via the printing of newspapers, newsletters and other such publications for external agencies. G N N L’s r e v e n u e stream is further enhanced by the sale of the newsprint by-products such as the end rolls, newspaper spoils, cut-to-size paper and used printing plates. The company has managed to defy odds, and has successfully managed to stay afloat and remain viable. GNNL now has a new dynamic online presence, which provides immediate coverage of key events relating to Guyana’s development, but which also prioritises the human experiences of Guyana across the country through ‘Chronicle Stories’. ‘Chronicle Stories’ is a personal narrative told, without interruption, highlighting the lived, unique experiences of Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora intimately set in their most at-home environment. It is a deep reflection on their own lives told as stories of difficulty, perseverance, overcoming, and ultimately success. These ‘feel good’ narratives are the highlight of the Guyana Chronicle’s people-centred approach to connecting the people with the nation’s newspaper, through its online presence. (Excerpt, with adjustments, taken from unpublished history of media in Guyana)

‘I believe in the full freedom of the press’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

— President Ali says, but advises stakeholders to practise responsible reporting

By Tamica Garnett PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, underscored his government’s commitment to preserving the “full freedom of the press,” but emphasised the need for responsible reporting, decency and accountability. The President made this charge during his address on the opening day of the inaugural World Press Freedom Day Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The two-day event which ends on Wednesday (today), was organised by the Office of the Prime Minister – Department of Public Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations (UN) and the Guyana Media and Communication Academy (GMCA). The event is being held in celebration of World Press Freedom Day, which is commemorated around the world

“our way of life” in any democratic society, the President highlighted the critical role that the media plays in soci-

President of the GPA, Nazima Raghubir on May 3. This year, celebration is under the theme “Journalism Under Digital Siege.” The theme is intended to highlight the multiple ways in which surveillance and digitally mediated attacks endanger journalists and journalism, according to the United Nations (UN). Calling press freedom

ety, particularly in Guyana, given the important development juncture that the country is at, with its burgeoning oil and gas sector. “I believe in the full freedom of the press. I am open to constructive criticism. Freedom and press freedom… to understand what it is, is understanding our way of life, it is a culture. All of us

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali have to have it in us to accept it as a way of life, of culture,” President Ali declared. However, the President pointed out that as with any democratic freedoms, there must be regulations against abuses. . “When we speak of freedom, we are speaking of the ability to conduct ourselves in an open, free manner. But the ability to conduct ourselves in such a manner is within the confines of rules and the constitution that exists in a democratic society,” the President noted He went on to further explain this, saying: “Men and women are free, but there are limitations to which one has to exist in that free society. You are not free to harm each other, you are not free to destroy property and you are not free to destroy character. That is why there are laws, freedom exists within the confines of laws and rules in a democratic society.” The President said that even as we call for the freedom of the press, we must advocate for responsible reporting and decency. “A journalist just can’t write, they should be responsible for what they write.

This is where we have not an issue but a challenge. How do we strike that construct that allows responsibility in what you write to emerge? Responsibility is a heavy weight but responsibility must be carried,” the President said. The national conference and symposium sought to bring together local state and private media practitioners, with government, civil society stakeholders and global experts to explore the paradigm on which the Communication for Development (C4D) could find a more meaningful space, within the broader evolution continuum of the Fourth Estate in the Guyanese context. Tuesday’s opening ceremony also featured remarks by President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Raghubir; UN Resident Coordinator, Yesim Oruc and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy. During her remarks, Raghubir welcomed the hosting of the conference, saying: “We see some of the discussions set for the next two days as important in helping to continue to chart the course on the media’s role in the de-

velopment of Guyana.” Raghubir said that the media remains a significant partner in the development and growth of any democratic

community level as well as governance and transparency and accountability,” she said. The event also featured the official unveiling of the Guyana Media and Communication Academy (GMCA), which is also part of the government’s commitment to the development and upskilling of media and other communications personnel. Minister McCoy, in his remarks, noted that the celebration of World Press Freedom Day was a profound time for media practitioners to review their strengths and weaknesses and galvanise special attention to issues which threaten their freedoms. For the government, the day presents an occasion to outline its accomplishments as it relates to examining shortcomings, mobilising resources, supporting talent, and looking at avenues for greater partnerships. “In Guyana, under the PPP/C government, the

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy

nation, and must be given the necessary tools to do its job. “To be able to contribute to development, access is important to the media. Our contribution can be seen as both a role in educating and advocating. We have seen the media in Guyana making these contributions through its interactions with communities and its reporting at the

matter of press freedom has been well guarded and held sacrosanct. Your role in helping to safeguard this fledgling democracy must never be understated or forgotten. You too were the guardians of democracy. We thank you each and every one of you most sincerely for the work you have done,” McCoy said.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Air traffic systems to be boosted –– as CJIA, Houston Airport System sign MoU

THE Government of Guyana, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Houston Airport System (HAS), to strengthen collaboration and promote the expansion of a safe, modern, and efficient airport system. The agreement was signed on behalf of the government by the Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin, on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas. According to a release from CJIA, Datadin described the event as a red-letter day in the history of aviation development in Guyana. He said that this partnership will accelerate the developments already taking shape, not just in Guyana, but more specifically at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Additionally, he reminded that partnerships, such as this, are essential for the sustainability of the aviation sector. The CJIA is expected to benefit, immensely, from this newly signed agreement with

the exchange of technical expertise and support between Guyana and Houston. The Houston Airport System provides a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic viability for the aviation (transportation) industry. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, who is also present in Texas, said the Houston Airport System presents an opportunity for Guyana to increase its connectivity to the rest of the world. He added: “HAS is ranked as one of the largest airport systems in the world, which means that such allies in the aviation sector can further increase Guyana’s potential to promote and market itself as being among the top travel and investment destinations.” During brief remarks, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, applauded this partnership which paves the way for the exchange of expertise in the areas of operation, economic development, and advancements of both airports. Both expressed opti-

April 27, 2022

F 07 08 11 20 24 27 15 April 30, 2022

H 1 05 09 11 15 19 28

mism that by working together the airports will be better positioned to increase airlift between Guyana and Houston in the introduction of new airlines and increased frequencies from the existing carriers. Witnessing the signing of the MoU were CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Mr. Syed Lutfi Hassan, Guyana’s Honorary Consul General to the Southwest United States, and other representatives, who are in Houston, Texas, representing Guyana at the annual Offshore Technology Conference.

03/05/22 - 01, 09, 12, 15, 23

Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin; along with CJIA CEO, Ramesh Ghir; Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, CEO of Go-Invest; Mr. Syed Lutfi Hassan, Guyana’s Honorary Consul General to the Southwest United States; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and a representative of Houston Airport System (HAS) (CJIA photo)

03/05/22 - 8 0 4

03/05/22 - 3 2 9

30/05/22- 2, 3, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20

Schools could remain open during July, August

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

—to address learning gaps, Education Minister says

MINISTER of Education, Priya Manickchand, has said there is a likelihood that schools will remain open throughout July and August as part of efforts to address the learning losses created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Manickchand determined that the usual summer break would have to be missed after she visited several schools to see how students, teachers and staff were coping with the full resumption of physical classes. She said that the opening of schools might be necessary to cater for the learning

loss or gaps that exist because most learners were physically away from school for close to two years. Minister Manickchand said that many persons do not fully appreciate the impact that school closures have had on children. “We have to find ways to ensure that these children get exposed to the hours of education that they need, that we have parents that are interested and their attitudes are right. We may have to work into July-August,” she said. The Education Minister said that diagnostic assessments have been

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand done to know where teachers will know how learners are academi- to engage them in the cally relative to where classroom. Additionally, she they need to be, so that

said that the Education Ministry had established a consolidated curriculum to have learners exposed to what they would have learnt in their previous school year. She said that of the 40 weeks of engagement, the first 20 weeks will be dedicated to content students should have done in their previous grade/class and the final 20 weeks will focus on what they should be learning in their current class. “Those changes are necessary if we’re not to be suffering from the effects of COVID five years from now. What we have seen ac-

ademically is worrying and parents need to pay attention to what we are asking of them so that they can make sure their children are benefitting from the kind of accelerated learning that we need at this stage,” the Education Minister said. Schools at all levels are now fully reopened with the Grade Seven students and year one nursery children returning yesterday for their first day of classes. The other grades returned to school on April 25, 2022, and April 28, 2022, due to the Ministry of Education’s decision to have a phased reopening.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Digitisation: both a tool and a weapon

THE theme for Tuesday’s global observance of World Press Freedom Day 2022 was ‘Journalism Under Digital Siege’ – and for good reason, digitisation having virtually turned the media world up-side-down, for better and for worse. According to the United Nations, the theme “is intended to highlight the multiple ways in which surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks endanger journalists and journalism.” The latest United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Trends Report Insights discussion paper entitled ‘Threats that Silence: Trends in the Safety of Journalists,’ shows that surveillance and hacking are compromising journalists. According to the UN: “Surveillance can expose information gathered by journalists, including from whistle-blowers, and violates the principle of source protection, which is universally considered a prerequisite for freedom of the media and is enshrined in UN Resolutions.

“Surveillance may also harm the safety of journalists by disclosing sensitive private information, which could be used for arbitrary judicial harassment or attack.” But there are also many other ways digitisation affects journalism. It has helped preserve the work of journalists, authors, poets and writers of all types in ways more secure and easily retrieved than ever, including building software libraries of newspapers and broadcasts from the pre-digital age. Digitisation has made it easier for journalists to access facts online faster than the speed of light and digital technology has long combined an entire recording studio and editorial office into one cell phone. Digital communications have taken shopping, paying bills and banking online, attending court proceedings and participating in any conference anywhere, without leaving home. Indeed, digital technology keeps growing and changing at speeds faster

than consumers can keep-up with, whether new models of branded cell phones or new Apps to access more in less time. And working with the digital world at their fingertips has also made the work of journalists so much easier. But, like a gun or knife, digitisation can also be either a tool or a weapon, depending on how it’s used and what for. In many ways and cases, it’s turned journalism from an honourable profession based on constant pursuit of verifiable truth and dependent on reliable sources, to one where the race to be the first to report a story has greatly reduced the amount of time spent pursuing it. In the rush to be ‘first’ to report ‘Breaking News’ that’s ‘Happening Now’, many journalists and editors bypass the traditional measurement for accuracy and factual reporting embedded in the 5Ws yardstick (Who, What, When, Where and Why) simply because it’ll take ‘too long’. On the other hand, reporting for online audiences by digital means has also

encouraged less attention to fine details like spelling names correctly or sourcing content, again based on the race to be first, but not necessarily accurate. And then there’s the clearest evidence today of one of the negative aspects of digitisation and how it’s threatening journalism: coverage of the war in Ukraine. It doesn’t take having a university degree to understand the effect of the one-sided flow of information through ‘on location reports’ that simply make it appear the war is being fought on the air or online, accomplished journalist and presenters dropping all pretense to be fair and balanced in their coverage. Digital speed and captive audiences see the world’s giant media conglomerates going all-out to ensure common political narrative and messaging, supporting one side and damning the other in a war between neighbouring nations that’s taking lives daily and affecting the rest of the world. Verily, in this case, digitisation is both a tool and a weapon.

World Press Freedom in 2022

Part 2: Under Conversation Tree with Ralph and Moses READING Ralph Ramkarran’s April 30, 2022 ‘Conversation Tree’ article entitled ‘Where is Moses Nagamootoo?’ about his and our old friend Moses Nagamootoo, coming as it did just four days before World Press Freedom Day, sent me down memory lane when we were all friends and writers, conversing in the same language under any tree. Let me say, up-front, that I’ve always been closer to Moses than Ralph. That said, it’s clear from his chronicled thoughts that Ralph has ‘feelings’ about the Moses of the post-Cheddi Jagan era, but also respects the fact that none should erase our mutual friend’s historical contributions to the struggle for Press Freedom in Guyana. Moses had much to do with my six years of service to Guyana through State and party media between 1993

and 1999, when I served as Chairman of the Board of GTV (now NCN), a Director at GBC Radio and Editor of The Mirror, writing articles and opinions daily and presenting nightly such programmes (on then the nation’s only radio station) like ‘Action Line’ and ‘Issues in the News’ on GBC, as well as current affairs/opinions on GTV. Back then, while Information Minister Nagamootoo was pursuing a law degree at the University of the West Indies (The UWI) in Trinidad & Tobago, I served with Mrs Janet Jagan as Editor-in-Chief and Ralph was Speaker of the National Assembly. Ralph’s article did put a few historical incidents into better perspective for me, including the funny yet serious true story of how and why they fell-out over the politics of leadership and suc-

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler By Earl Bousquet

cession and reconnected over two headache tablets, caused by what Ralph describes as Moses’ “peculiar affinity” and “insatiable gnawing for tablets of any kind...” He recalled Moses’ contributions to, and sufferance from, his commitment to truthful reporting, as in the case of being saddled with the heaviest fine of $25,000 (in those days) for reporting that President Forbes

Burnham’s electric fence had electrocuted a cow; and his fearless reporting too, on the Jim Jones mass-murder at Mabaruma that put Guyana in the world news for all the wrong reasons. I moved to Guyana with my family in 1993 and Moses would also later become Godfather to my Guyana-born son Amani and Best Man at my 1996 wedding at the Brickdam Cathedral.

But, from the day Cheddi Jagan was cremated at Babu John cemetery in Berbice, I knew that Moses saw himself as deserving of nomination for succession as the next PPP leader and presidential candidate. One of his claims to qualify over all others was his oft-repeated mantra that after Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Dr Roger Luncheon was the only candidate who ever

scored more votes than him in elections to the Executive Committee at successive PPP Congresses. As it turned out, Mrs Jagan reluctantly accepted the post, if only to maintain party unity around one presidential candidate. The opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) launched a scorched-earth see page 7

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Part 2: Under Conversation Tree ...

from page 6

campaign after losing the 1997 elections to her, their opposition based mainly on the fact that she was “not born in Guyana” – and to a larger (but less admissible extent) because she was ‘White’, never mind that the Chicago-born nurse had married Dr Cheddi Jagan, moved to Guyana before 1946, helped form the PPP (that PNC Founder Leader Forbes Burnham was Chairman of) and was the longest-serving elected member of the National Assembly after her husband died. Mrs Jagan, the nation’s first woman President, would later step down for new elections after term limits were introduced after negotiations during sideline meetings between her and then Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte at the 1998 CARICOM

Summit attended by Nelson Mandela, which agreements were later crystalised in the Herdmanston Accord that both parties agreed to abide by. Moses never got over the nomination of Bharrat Jagdeo as the PPP’s presidential candidate in the 2000 elections and I wasn’t at all surprised when he joined fellow lawyer and friend Khemraj Ramjattan in the Alliance For Progress (AFC) that he and others had earlier jokingly described as ‘KFC’. In his eyes, Jagdeo was schooling in the USSR while he and others laboured in the trenches against Burnham and the PNC; and what he saw was a 32-year-old comparable political novice being selected over him, with Mrs Jagan’s support – and that was too much. I also served as

Vice-President of the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) for five of my six years in Guyana and visited just ahead of the last presidential elections to participate in an annual fundraising dinner while Moses served as Prime Minister. I paid my ritual visit to his home at Bel Air, but out of mutual respect for our similar hard-headed positions on the few issues we weren’t in accord on, neither of us raised his new political alliance, instead opting to silently agree to disagree, instead of risking a lifelong friendship arguing over a matter impossible to agree on. I have long decided I will not easily fall victim to the Cancel Culture that automatically erases all the good that men and women have done for something done long af-

ter, which is why I will not allow Moses’ latter personal political choices to erase his earlier positive professional journalistic deeds. Given the price he’s paid for daring to be the bold and brave journalist and all the good he did as the dedicated political activist he was, I will not see the ballpark size of his official government pension as anything else than what it is... And I will agree to openly disagree, over drinks and good food, with both Moses and Ralph over how they see each other at the sunset of their long journey through life as political sidekicks -- but only on the following conditions: We’ll be drinking only Saint Lucian rum; we’ll not discuss 21st Century Guyana politics -- and Ralph must pop no pills!

Thank you to Tacuma Ogunseye

Dear Editor,

I AM moved by Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye’s expressions of openness and acceptance uttered in another section of the media recently. I resonate with his premise that all “races are entitled to equal treatment at all levels of our society since we are victims of enslavement, indenture and colonialism.” Mr. Ogunseye’s words reflect social acumen, insight and mature judgement – which can go a long way in helping to heal the racial wounds – especially between the two prominent racial groups in the country – Indians and Africans. It is time to truly recognise the racial mosaic in the country and appreciate people’s history, culture, religions, traditions, arts, etc. More importantly, we need to sit and learn about the different other – and be sensitive to their (real or perceived) expressions of injustice meeting down with their people. We should “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” as one way to express our unity in our diversity. I would love to meet with my African-rights brother, Tacuma, and listen to his heart and mind and see what can be done so that we can move on as a people in our nation. I wish to thank Mr. Ogunseye for taking the bold step to express his support for the Indian Heritage Month in May. It would be superb if other individuals, organisations and outfits also give support to this idea. Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Environmental surveillance: complementary tool for tracking COVID-19 NEW guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) provides advice to countries on sampling and testing for the SARS-CoV2 virus in untreated wastewater as part of environmental surveillance to complement COVID-19 control strategies. Laboratories in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and the United States are among those using the method to monitor for the virus in the Americas.

“This type of surveillance can provide complementary evidence that the SARSCoV-2 virus is circulating,” said Dr. Enrique Perez, Incident Manager for COVID-19 at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). “Systematic sampling and testing of untreated wastewater can be a non-invasive, supplementary way to monitor the presence of the virus. However, it is still important to maintain other surveillance methods,” he noted. The WHO guidance said that environmental surveil-

lance can “provide early warning and additional evidence regarding the virus in circulation in the population, including its presence or absence, trends in concentrations, and variants of concern or interest”. It also points out the difficulties and challenges in its application. Wastewater surveillance is not new, and the method has been applied to enteric pathogens such as poliovirus or enteroviruses, and to test for the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It uses PCR testing to detect the

Over 60 countries, including several in the Americas, are using wastewater monitoring to track SARS-CoV-2 in communities, with over 3,300 active sites (PAHO photo)

genetic material of the virus in community sewage from municipal systems. With COVID-19 circulating in all countries, routine surveillance programs have stepped up the use of the method for community-scale SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance to provide scientists with additional data. The guidance document aims to help public health professionals make evidence-based and pro-

grammatic decisions on the value of environmental surveillance and understand its operational implications and overall limitations. It provides advice on setting up a successful program, and promotes sharing of methods and approaches between municipalities, countries, and regions. Most of the published guidance and implementation experience for wastewater monitoring is from

settings with a high proportion of households connected to sewers, relatively high financial resources and good laboratory capacity, the document notes. Limited guidance is also available for areas without sewers and lower-resource settings, particularly where sampling programs have been able to leverage existing capacity for polio surveillance. (PAHO)

Guyana gets Media and Communications Academy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

— over 170 media operatives enrolled as first batch

By Jared Liddell THE capacity of the local media fraternity is expected to be boosted with the unveiling of the Guyana Media and Communications Academy, on Tuesday, during the inaugural World Press Freedom Day Conference. In introducing this initiative, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, said the academy, which is virtually based, already has 170 local media operatives enrolled to benefit from training opportunities from worldclass universities across the globe, including several Ivy League Universities. According to the minister, the academy would provide local media workers with access to world-class learning and certification opportuni-

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy

ties across the industry. The academy was conceptualised as a needed intervention that could help to upskill and further professionalise the local industry for the rapidly transforming socio-economic landscape, with media and communica-

tion practitioners across the public and private spectrum being provided the opportunity to gain world-class competencies and certifications, as part of the government’s national retooling efforts. “The academy was conceptualised to facilitate the

Oil climbs one per cent after U.S. crude stocks signal tighter supply

(Reuters) - Oil prices rose at the start of Asian trade on Wednesday after industry data showed drawdowns in U.S. crude and fuel stockpiles, raising supply concerns and offsetting worries about slowing demand from top importer China. Brent crude futures rose 89 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to $105.86 a barrel by 0223 GMT. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 97 cents, or one per cent to $103.38 a barrel. The gains come on the back of news from Tuesday that the European Union is working on new sanctions against Russia for waging war on Ukraine that will target Moscow’s oil industry. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to spell out the plans on Wednesday, officials said. In the United States, crude and fuel stocks fell last week, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Crude stocks fell by 3.5 million barrels for the week ended April 29, the sources said, more than an expected 800,000-barrel drop

Storage tanks are seen at the Petroineos Ineos petrol refinery in Lavera, France (REUTERS)

in a Reuters poll. “The API report had people stop worrying about the demand side and start worrying about the supply side again,” said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures group. During the previous session, demand worries stemming from China’s prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns that curtailed travel plans during the Labour Day holiday season caused prices to fall by more than 2 per cent. The global manufacturing PMI contracted in April for the first time since June 2020, with China’s lockdowns a key contributor, Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics said in a note.

“The big picture is clearly negative for commodities demand,” she said, adding that rising inflation and higher interest rates are starting to bear down on spending. “While supply constraints may keep commodity prices elevated for some time yet, we think subdued demand will weigh on most prices later this year and in 2023,” Bain said. On Thursday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies are expected to stick to their policy for another monthly production increase although the group, known as OPEC+, has undershot output targets between October and March, except for February.

bridging of the many skills and learning gaps that must be quickly addressed to allow practitioners and the fraternity as a whole, to grow and flourish hand-in-hand with the country. “What started out as an active consideration for the broadcasting academy included in my 2021 budget speech in the National Assembly, has evolved wholesomely into what will be the groundbreaking Guyana Media and Communication Academy,” Minister McCoy said.

The minister noted that the academy will be facilitated through one of the world’s leading virtual platforms – Coursera. According to Minister McCoy, media workers who wish to benefit from the academy would be required to secure a license that grants them access to a wide range of programmes. He said: “Through this collaboration, every single media practitioner at every level of the media spectrum here in Guyana and in the diaspora will have access, on

an annual basis, to learning licenses paid for by the Government of Guyana. “Those licenses will allow you to pursue selections from among more than 2,000 world-class courses at various levels of certification from leading partner universities in the world.” McCoy said that the academy will be open to media workers in both the state and private media, noting that the government is committed to making a difference in the media landscape of Guyana.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Global deforestation slowing but tropical rainforests remain under threat –– key FAO report shows

THE rate at which forests are disappearing slowed by nearly 30 per cent from the first decade of the century to the period from 2010-2018, a key report launched by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) showed. But the earth’s tropical rainfor-

ests are still under the greatest threat, whether from livestock grazing in South America or expansion of croplands such as oil palm plantations in Asia. Annual deforestation decreased by around 29 per cent from 11 million hectares per year in the decade 2000-

This survey is important, not just for the new numbers but for the ability it provides to monitor deforestation trends and drivers (FAO photo) 2010 to 7.8 million hectares per year in the period 2010-2018, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment Remote Sensing Survey. Net forest area losses have more than halved during the survey period, decreasing from 6.8 million hectares per year in 2000-2010 to 3.1 million hectares per year in 2010-2018. Looking at it by region, the highest deforestation in 2000-2018 occurred in South America (68 million hectares deforested), followed by Africa (49 million hectares). That is despite the fact that the rate of deforestation in fact slowed down in South America as it did in South and Southeast Asia between 2000-2010 and 2010-2018. The loss of tropical forests accounted for more than 90 per cent of the global deforestation from 2000 to 2018, at 157 million hectares -- that’s roughly the size of Western Europe. Yet annual deforestation in the tropical domain actually slowed significantly from 10.1 million hectares per year in 2000-2010 to seven million hectares per year in the period from 2010–2018. “This survey is important, not just for the new numbers it gives us but for what it tells us about forest area trends and what’s driving deforestation, also the crucial ability it gives us to monitor how things are evolving,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo. “Unsustainable agricultural development and other land uses continue to put intense pressure on our forests, especially in many of the poorest countries. But there are win-win solutions which we can and must scale up to feed the world without destroying our forests.” MAIN DRIVERS OF DEFORESTATION Cropland expansion (including oil palm plantations) is the main driver of deforestation, causing almost 50 per cent of global deforestation, followed by livestock grazing, account-

ing for 38.5 per cent. Oil palm alone accounted for seven per cent of the global deforestation from 2000 to 2018. The survey suggest that tropical regions of Central America are those most severely threatened by land-use conversion: 30.3 per cent of forest in the Central America tropical moist ecoregion and 25.2 per cent of Central America tropical rainforest were lost in 2000–2018. Similar phenomena were detected in Central America’s Tropical dry forest and Tropical shrubland. But the small number of samples in these eco-regions means further investigations are needed to confirm the findings. Global annual forest area gain showed a slight increase, from 4.2 million hectares per year in the decade from 2000 to 2010 to 4.7 million hectares per year in the period 2010-2018. Planted forest area increased by 46 million hectares in the period 20002018. Almost one-quarter of forests planted in this millennium replaced naturally regenerating forests, with half of this area in South and Southeast Asia. The FAO-led study is based on the consistent analysis of 400, 000 samples by more than 800 local experts from 126 countries and territories. It has helped to build capacity at national level by training the experts in the visual analysis of remote sensing imagery to monitor forest and land-use changes. FAO developed the methodology in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. It used freely available satellite data, and the open-source Collect Earth Online tool developed together with Google, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Spatial Informatics Group of University of San Francisco, Silva Carbon and the US Forest Service. The survey received funding from the EU and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI). (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Authorities seize illegal, unregistered medical drugs — food and drug department announces plan to intensify operations nationwide

THE Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has seized a quantity of illegal and unregistered drugs following an inspection at several pharmacies and private hospitals in Georgetown. According to a press release from the department, this operation follows several reports of the illegal importation and sale of foreign labelled and unregistered drugs locally. The drugs seized are Anafranil, Flomax, Antabus, Diamicron, Coversyl Plus, Buscopan, Voltaren, Avodart, and Proscar. Those drugs are used in the treatment of various ailments and diseases. To date, 84 boxes and 526 tablets have already been confiscated. According to the Food and Drug Act of 1971 and its accompanying regulations of 1977, all drugs must be

registered with the GA-FDD before they could be legally sold on the local market. In addition, each drug being offered for sale must have adequate directions for use in the English Language. Proprietors are warned that it is an offence to have in possession or offer for sale foreign labelled or unregistered drugs. Consumers should note that unregistered drugs which are lacking regulation in terms of safety, efficacy and quality may cause serious health problems or unpredictable Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Likewise, prescribing non-English labelled drugs may pose a serious health risk to patients. “The GA-FDD will not allow drug proprietors to ignore the Food and Drug Legislation that governs the importation and sale of drugs. This department will continue

to work assiduously to ensure that drugs meet the importation and sale requirements, as we strive to ensure its safety and efficacy,” the department said. The authority said it will continue to monitor pharmacies, drug bonds and hospitals countrywide to uncover these violations, thereby ensuring that foreign labelled and unregistered drugs do not reach consumers. “These seizures are one of several actions that will be taken as part of a crackdown on non-compliant drug proprietors countrywide,” the GA-FDD said. Environmental Health Departments in the various regions will continue this enforcement exercise to ensure that consumers are protected from illegal drug sale practices that may pose a health risk to consumers.

Unregulated and illegal drugs that were seized by the GA-FDD

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Chief Constable Driver in Sandy Babb Street fatal accident slapped with DUI charge dies after brief illness

Chief Constable of the City Constabulary, Peter Livingstone

THE Chief Constable of the City Constabulary, Peter Livingstone, died on Tuesday evening at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. According to a statement issued by Georgetown Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine, Livingstone served the Mayor and City

Council with distinction and executed his duties with diligence and commitment. “I am deeply saddened by his passing and extend comfort to his family at this time. Details on his funeral arrangements will be communicated as available,” he said.

THE 37-year-old driver, who was involved in the fatal accident at Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, which claimed the life of squash athlete Ian Mekdeci, was, on Tuesday, charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving an unlicensed vehicle. Roberto Narine of School Street, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara was arraigned before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Narine denied the first charge which alleged that on May 1, 2022, he drove motor jeep #PTT 4136 while being under the influence of alcohol. He was released on $20,000 bail. However, he pleaded guilty to driving an unlicensed motor vehicle and was fined $20,000. He was then taken back into police custody pending the filing of a causing death

by dangerous driving charge. This newspaper had previously reported that Mekdeci was a passenger in motor car #PXX 4592, which was being driven by his friend, Sheik Baksh, 31, of Dowding Street, Kitty. The police said that around 02:15 hours on the day in question, Narine was proceeding along Vlissengen Road while Baksh was proceeding west along Sandy Babb Street. It is alleged that on the approach at the intersection, Baksh was crossing/proceeding on the ‘green light’ but Narine failed to stop, resulting in a collision. As a result of the collision, both vehicles suffered extensive damage. Baksh and Mekdeci received injuries and were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by ambulance in an unconscious condition. Mekdeci of First Avenue,

DEAD: Ian Mekdeci Subryanville, Georgetown, died while receiving medical attention. Baksh was admitted as a patient in the Emergency Unit at the hospital suffering from a broken left arm, lacerations to the head and a punctured left lung. A breathalyser test conducted on Narine allegedly showed 162 per cent and 151 per cent micrograms respectively, which is way above the legal limit.

Work moving apace on new maternity unit at NA hospital THE construction of a new maternity unit at the New Amsterdam Hospital is ongoing with some sections already completed, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said on Tuesday. During his COVID-19 update, he disclosed that the unit will be housed in another building that was being constructed in the hospital’s compound. “We are far advanced

with that building. We had to do [a lot] when we inherited the building. It was one of those projects from the last government. It was poorly designed,” he said, before explaining that the building needed theatres along with several technical components. The minister said that lots of modification had to be done to the structure. He said that there were pillars in the centre of the oper-

ating space which would hinder its smooth operation. “So, we had to get the engineers to redesign the theatre to remove those pillars. So, those works have been completed and they’re doing final works to finish up the theatre,” he said. Further, he noted that the additions to the building included intensive care unit (ICU) spaces and the installation of lines for medical gas.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Post-Cabinet briefing to return EVEN though his government has been very accessible to the media, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday gave a commitment to return to the customary post-Cabinet briefing. Dr. Ali made this pronouncement while delivering remarks at the inaugural World Press Freedom Day Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. He was at the time responding to an earlier call by the President of the Guyana Press Association, Nazima Raghubir, for a return of the briefing. “We hope that after two years there will be more than just the commitment to return to the post-Cabinet briefings but these could actually become a reality in the near future,” Raghubir said. She added: “These have always been an engagement that allows both President, Dr Irfaan Ali the media and government to share and flesh out information necessary for the public. Any government that cares about transparency and accountability would see this engagement as necessary.” President Ali, in response, said the post-cabinet briefing will be returned. “The Cabinet press briefing, yes, it must be done, yes, [there are] commitments to have it done. But I would equally say, that this government that I lead, and this President that sits has been the most accessible government and President to the media of anytime in the history. And that will continue that way,” Dr. Ali said. Dr. Ali further said that he continues to welcome opportunities to speak not just to the media but the citizens as well and to answer any question even those that pertain to criticism of the government. “This is a President that is very frank. I am open to criticism but I would tell you as it is. There has never been anytime I am called upon, anywhere. Not only to the media but to the people of this country because that is where I belong, on the ground, that is where I feel at home, that is where I am comfortable. I would not run away from that,” Dr. Ali declared. The Cabinet constitutes the President, Prime Minister, Vice-President and the ministers. The Cabinet is tasked with aiding and advising the President as it relates to the general control and direction of the government. It is at Cabinet that many important decisions and directions on projects for the country are made and ratified.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Guyanese jewellers ready for gold jewellery hub in Barbados

SEVERAL local jewellers are optimistic about the establishment of a Guyana Gold Jewellery Hub in Barbados. The jewellers visited Barbados over the weekend to view the proposed locations for the hub and meet with officials of Export Barbados and the Central Bank. While there, jewellers also got a first-hand view of several established jewellery outlets in Barbados. The establishment of a gold jewellery hub is part of the St Barnabas Accord reached between President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. Following the visit, Rampersud Gopaul of Gopaul’s Jewellery, said that his establishment was pleased to be a part of the St. Barnabas Accord that will rejuvenate Guyana’s rich historic heart of commerce and reignite its reputation as Eldorado, the country rich with gold.

Some of the Guyanese jewellers who intend to be part of the gold jewellery hub in Barbados “It is our view that the project comprising of a modern mix of jewellers in this hub will connect Guyana with Barbados in the most positive and superior way,” Gopaul noted. He believes Barbados’ status as a leading tourism destination in the region, makes it an ideal trading hub.

“Gopaul’s Jewellery advocates that we should embrace the opportunity to market Guyana as a country rich in gold. This development will transform Guyana into a modern reality, supporting trade, tourism, and growth to secure a golden future,” Gopaul said. Meanwhile, Stephen

Jacobs of Jacobs’ Jewellery, who was also a part of the delegation, extended much gratitude to President Ali and the Government of Barbados for providing the opportunity for Guyanese Jewellers to showcase their skills and Guyana’s gold to Barbados and the rest of the world. “We are highly antici-

pating being a part of the jewellery hub,” Jacobs said. Karl Gobin of Gobin’s Jewellery also spoke highly of the initiative, stating: “Guyana’s distinctive gold is one of the most recognised minerals in so many countries and I can say, with absolute certainty, that our gold being displayed in Barbados will

bring so many opportunities to those in the gold industry.” Also part of the visit was Kevin Narine of Steve’s Jewellery. He described the trip as insightful, adding that the hub presents a great opportunity for jewellers to showcase their merchandise in Barbados. The Guyana Gold Jewellery Hub will see up to 15 jewellers from Guyana establishing stores at a prominent mall in Bridgetown, which is in the heart of the tourist shopping district. There is a high demand for gold in Barbados and the quality and creativity of the jewellery produced in Guyana is of particular interest to residents of Barbados and tourists. The hub is expected to become a reality in nine months. Jewellers will also be given an opportunity to showcase their products at the Agrofest slated for May 26-29 in Barbados. (DPI)

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

Sirens, flashing lights not allowed on private security vehicles –– senior security officials urge firms to comply with established rules, regulations

PRIVATE security firms and services in Guyana must be compliant with the established rules and guidelines, and will not be allowed to operate in any ad hoc or unprofessional manner as there will be consequences, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, have said. The senior security officials made this charge during a very candid and interactive three-hour-long meeting on Tuesday, with heads and representatives of private security firms at the Police Officers’ Training Complex, Camp Road, Georgetown. Of recent, there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for private services to bolster Guyana’s security architecture, and

that need is expected to be even greater in the context of the myriad security challenges that could arise as a consequence of the expected rapid expansion and infrastructural development of the country’s oil and gas sector. The meeting was facilitated to identify issues and concerns and offer suggestions related to security, especially now when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is encouraging collaboration through very structured and developmental approaches, and in line with the force’s strategic plan. Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, addressed the first issue at the meeting when he spoke on the use of sirens and flashing lights on security vehicles. Ashram made it clear

that security vehicles are not categorised as “emergency vehicles” such as those used by the Police Force, Fire Service and ambulance. So, the private security services need to comply with road rules and regulations and not have sirens or flashing lights on their vehicles. If caught, Ashram said it will result in the revocation of their motor vehicle certificate of fitness. Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram, in his brief remarks, congratulated the private security firms for their continuous support to the Guyana Police Force over the years. However, he suggested that private security personnel should not only be trained to protect property or to guard a place, but it is

imperative that they have some amount of general and local knowledge. “Your responsibility is to ensure the provision of quality service to your clients. Therefore, it’s imperative to enhance training in your organisation so as to improve the quality of service provided,” Budhram said. He added: “Another issue I want to touch on is that whenever persons are on duty or when they are being relieved of duty, the measures of securing firearms collected from persons who were on duty are oftentimes not in keeping with the procedures or the SOPs that need to be

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn followed and we need to ensure this is done.” He also said that, with Guyana on an upward growth trajectory, there will be security challenges that the force and private security firms will have to prepare for. COLLABORATION It is for this reason that he underscored the importance of the private security services and firms collaborating with the police force to make Guyana a safer place. Acting Police Commissioner Hicken, in his remarks, underscored the importance of having pri-

vate security firms and the crucial role they play in partnering with the police force to ensure that there is a safer society for all Guyanese. He also commended private firms for their reduction of “accidental discharge” of firearms and urged them to take great care and caution, and to pay heed to the practical and theoretical aspects of security training. “The Guyana Police Force and private security firms will continue to work in partnership,” Hicken said, noting that there is a need for more see page 16

Sirens, flashing lights not allowed ...

from page 15 collaborative effort as it relates to information sharing. He said that, after Tuesday’s engagement, there must be a positive change in behaviour, posture and professionalism in all private security services in Guyana.

He also called on the private security firms to have a standardised employment procedure. “Security firms must do complete background checks when hiring personnel, as this will help to ensure you protect and maintain the image of your organisation and by exten-

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

A section of the gathering with heads and representatives of private security firms sion your clients and our country,” Police Commissioner (ag) Hicken said. Stressing on the need to be neat and maintain uniformity and decorum, the Police Commissioner reminded stakeholders that their mode of dress was of great importance and must, at all times, be adhered to. UNPROFESSIONAL Hicken also spoke about professionalism within security firms, highlighting instances where security personnel are seen on social media, including the popular “Tic Toc,” posing with big guns and in their uniforms. “This is unacceptable and unprofessional and this trend needs to stop immediately,” the acting Top Cop asserted. Hicken said there were instances where security firms would have their officers exposing large weapons while on duty and that has the potential to create a hostile situation with civil society. It could also have negative implications for Guyana’s tourism sector, as well as the general safety of citizens. To that end, the acting Top Cop said there must be professionalism, especially when it concerns handling of firearms. He encouraged the proprietors of private security firms to conduct frequent training within their organisations, to enhance efficiency and customer service. Minister Benn, in his remarks, urged the proprietors of the private security firms to ensure professionalism is maintained and that there should be continuous improvements in the quality of service offered to clients. Noting that continuous

training was important, he charged: “I want you all to impart that knowledge to the persons you have in your employ… the duty and responsibility reside with you to ensure that you run your services professionally and to make sure that the persons you employ do so in a professional manner so as to mitigate risks.” “We need a safe, secure and democratic Guyana,” Minister Benn declared. He noted that authorities need security firms to be licensed and to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. The minister also informed the representatives that he was prepared to revoke the license of any private security firm that was found in breach of the law. Minister Benn also endorsed the sentiments expressed by previous speakers as they related to the need for more training to be done with security personnel. The minister said it was important to maintain a professional security posture, as well as being alert and aware. “Your responsibility is to provide discrete service to your clients and to protect them, not to act outside of the law,” Minister Benn told the representatives. In closing, he thanked the Police Commissioner (ag) and his team for affording him the opportunity to meet and engage with representatives from the various security services. Minister Benn said he also looked forward to the strengthening partnerships and having more collaborative efforts between private security services and the Guyana Police Force.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Cadets, recruits successfully complete GDF’s ‘Exercise Tripflare’

CADETS and recruits of the Basic Recruits Course (BRC) 2022-01, recently completed Exercise Tripflare at the Colonel John Clarke Military School (CJCMS), Tacama. Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Commanding Officer, Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Collin Henry, and other officers witnessed the final demonstrations of the exercise. According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Exercise Triflare is designed to test the leadership and command skills of the participants in Open Country Warfare. The one-week exercise included quick battle drills and defensive attack operations.

Corentyne man accused of murdering wife remanded FIFTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Avemanen ‘Terry’ Permaul, of Block One, Kilcoy/Chesney, Corentyne, has been charged for the murder of his wife whose decomposed body was found in a shallow grave a short distance away from their home. Permaul was unrepresented when he made his appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh on Tuesday. He was not required to plead to the indicatable charge which alleges that he murdered Waynumattie ‘Dataley’

Avemanen ‘Terry’ Permaul

Permaul, a mother of four, including West Indian cricketer, Veerasammy Permaul. Magistrate Singh remanded him to prison until May 31 and transferred the matter to the Albion Magistrate’s Court. According to reports, Veerasammy filed a missing person’s report on April 29, eight days after the woman was last seen alive. As a result, police detained her husband. He initially denied knowledge of her whereabouts but after intense interrogation, he reportedly admitted to beating, choking and subsequently wrapping her lifeless body in a bedsheet before burying it in a shallow grave in an empty lot about 100 meters away from the house. Following their separation about two years ago, the husband began occupying the upper flat while the woman lived in the lower flat. It is alleged that the killing occurred after Permaul overheard a telephone conversation the woman was having with a male. She was laid to rest on Sunday.

The GDF ranks involved in Exercise Tripflare at Tacama (GDF photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Shop owner arrested after cannabis ‘bust’ in Parfaite Harmonie

A 35-year-old man was, on Monday, arrested after 124 grams of cannabis was found in a shop that he operates in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. Police said that the ranks were performing mobile patrol duties when they observed the 35-yearold-man standing in a shop, acting suspiciously. The ranks then stopped and engaged the man when

he told the ranks he was the owner of the shop. Police then asked the man to subject himself to a search and he agreed. A further search of the premises by police unearthed a transparent plastic bag containing several zip-lock bags which had in them leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. The man was told of the offence and cautioned, but he denied ownership

of the cannabis saying: “I don’t know bout da.” He was then arrested and escorted to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station along with the suspected cannabis. The suspected cannabis was weighed in the presence of the suspect and it amounted to 124 grams. Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

The cannabis that was seized by police

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, may 4, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Scenes from inaugural World Press Freedom Day s

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Photos by Delano Williams and Adrian Narine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Man wanted for North Sophia murder turns self in

DENZIL Haynes, the suspect in the murder of North Sophia resident, Yardan Jacobs, on Tuesday turned himself in at the Brickdam

Police Station in the company of his attorney, Bernard DaSilva. The 24-year-old man, who is also a resident of the

North Sophia community, was arrested by the police and is said to be assisting with the investigation. Jacobs, 27, and his cous-

in, Steve Bacchus, 29, were injured in the wee hours of April 16, 2022, when a man, who was identified as Haynes, shot them both in the

aftermath of an argument in the same community. According to Police Headquarters, Jacobs was hanging out with some

friends, when he reportedly got into an argument with Haynes. When Bacchus intervened, the suspect allegedly

DEAD: Yardan Jacobs

pulled out a firearm from the waist of his pants and discharged several rounds in the direction of the two cousins. Jacobs received a gunshot wound to his upper right side abdomen and Bacchus a gunshot to his lower right side back. The suspect then made good his escape and the two injured men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Jacobs succumbed to his injuries on April 26, 2022, while receiving treatment. The next day, police issued a wanted bulletin for Haynes in relation to the murder.

MURDER SUSPECT: Denzil Haynes

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 4, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Pooran replaces Pollard as new white-ball captain ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Nicholas Pooran as the new white-ball captain. The left-handed batting star is set to oversee the Caribbean side’s navigation of two major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments. The 26-year-old, who has played 37 One-Day Internationals and 57 Twenty20 Internationals, replaces fellow Trinidadian Kieron Pollard who abruptly retired from international cricket last month. Pooran will now guide West Indies in their campaigns at this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia and next year’s 50-over World Cup in India, and will likely have Shai Hope as his deputy after the 28-year-old was recommended for the role as vice-captain. “We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white ball teams given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group,” said director of cricket, Jimmy Adams. “The selection panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and was

impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent. “The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 captaincy.” With Pollard missing through injury, Pooran led West Indies to a T20 series win over Australia in the Caribbean last year and also was at the helm of a humbling whitewash away to Pakistan last December. Overall, he has led West Indies in eight T20s and two ODIs – both coming earlier this year in Ahmedabad when the tourists also suffered a 3-0 whitewash. “I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team,” said Pooran, who is currently plying his trade for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket. “This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as

cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. “To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.” His first task will be to lead West Indies on a threematch ODI tour of the Netherlands at month end, followed by a similar series away to Pakistan in Rawalpindi in June. Pooran has made a stellar start to the year in the shortest format, striking four half-centuries in eight T20 innings while averaging nearly 50. Overall, he averages 27 in T20s with a strike rate of nearly 129 and boasts an average of 40 in ODIs. “Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white ball captaincy,” said CWI president Ricky Skerritt. “We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily, and successfully. I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support and encouragement that he deserves.”

GOA executive committee... (From back page) GOA umbrella. “The Executive Committee of the GOA is a democratic body, elected to work in the best interest of all affiliates. While the president can, and does influence many of our decisions, we do not believe he should expect to prevail when he is the sole dissenting voice,” the Com-

mittee said in their letter to Member Associations. They further pointed out that “while this is not the first time that we have been made aware of his efforts to malign and discredit some of us (especially by attempting to create the impression that only he supports requests from affiliates), this is the

most blatant. We have also had cause to ask him what his problem is with Ms Nalini McKoy. He said he has none. “We also fully support Ms McKoy as she continues to do her routine work and perform the role of Chef de Mission under these difficult circumstances.”

Debate surrounding women’s... (From page 39) test. And if you haven’t got that burden of proof it’s extremely difficult to start going back into the history books and saying, ‘Well, that record may be a bit suspicious so we must be a little bit careful about that’,” Coe said in reference to doping suspicions which have also stained the American athlete’s legacy and brought credibility issues for the sport during that time period. Importantly, Griffith-Joyner never failed a drug test and retired in 1988 following the Olympics - before mandatory drug testing was introduced. The main arguments against Griffith-Joyner’s world record time actually centre on the accuracy of the wind-reading equipment used at the meet. Noted athletics publication Track and Field News and other observers have questioned the 0.0m/s wind reading for the race on what has been described as an extremely windy

day, and especially when other races just before and after the event recorded wind readings well above the allowed +2.0m/s standard. “We may all have our own views about the era in which some of these records were set but I think legally, and with structures like the Court of Arbitration for Sport where things get challenged, this is not easy territory. But, let us just celebrate those extraordinary performances that are beginning to get quite close to some of these records that we’re talking about,” Coe added. However, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Garth Gayle, believes Thompson-Herah’s time has a strong claim for world record status and confirmed that the JAAA is willing to present that argument at the highest level. “I believe Elaine Thompson-Herah’s performance should be recognised as the world record; it is worthy of

recognition. It was done in the highest of international competition and by such, there is a bona fide argument that her efforts are worthy of admission (as the world record),” Gayle told the Jamaica Observer. “All the technical areas were covered, such as wind reading, and the authenticity of the track is not in question. Plus, it was done in recognised competition. We would definitely be prepared to do some lobbying on her (Thompson-Herah’s) behalf,” said Gayle. Griffith-Joyner is also the holder of the 200m world record - 21.34 seconds - which she recorded at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Thompson-Herah has already started to chip away at Griffith-Joyner’s records, after clocking 10.62 at the Tokyo 2020 Games to better the American’s 10.62 seconds Olympic record, which was also set in Seoul. (Jamaica Observer)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Harris misses Test squad, big guns back for ODIs, T20s AUSTRALIA will be close to full strength for all three legs of their Sri Lankan campaign in June-July as 34 players were named for an all-format tour also featuring an 'A' team. Marcus Harris was the

biggest casualty in the 16man Test squad that will play two matches in Galle to cap a seven-week long tour, but the opener has the chance along with a host of other fringe players to push their cases in the 'A' series.

Big guns Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade and Glenn Maxwell have all returned to the limited-overs squads having missed the recent white-ball games in Pakistan.

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis,

Test captain Pat Cummins will sit out the three-T20I series

Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner Australia ODI squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warne Test captain Pat Cummins will sit out the threeT20I series to begin the tour, while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa will miss the entire tour due to the impending birth of his first child. Ben McDermott, who scored his maiden international century in a 50over clash with Pakistan last month, has been squeezed out and will play county cricket for Hampshire in the UK instead, while Michael Neser, who is playing for Glamorgan, also missed selection for the tour. Jhye Richardson's inclusion for only the T20 leg of the series is a blow for the whippy quick, who starred in his only Test last summer before selectors took a cautious approach with him due to injury. Richardson, along with other fringe players like Josh Inglis, Scott Boland and Sean Abbott, could still push their

cases for inclusion in the Test series in the two fourday games for Australia A in Hambantota. Australia A squad: Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Peter Handscomb, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nic Maddinson, Todd Murphy, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Tanveer Sangha, Mark Stekete The tour will mark coach Andrew McDonald's first campaign since being appointed Justin Langer's permanent successor, having previously taken the reins as an interim in Pakistan. In a sign of potential interchangeability of these squads, Inglis has been named in all three of the main Australia groups and also in the A squad. Travis Head (Test, ODI and A squads), Boland (Test and A) and Abbott (T20 and A) are all in similar boats. "It's incredibly exciting to have an Australia A component which offers the further flexibility and opportunity for players to be available for and cross over into all squads," said selection chief George Bailey. "That could be from a Test or white-ball preparation perspective or an opportunity to impress at an international level. "This is the first time a tour of this scale has been possible since the Ashes in 2019." Pacemen Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Ellis and Ben Dwarshuis have all dropped out of the white-ball squads after playing in Pakistan, while Kane Richardson is back in the T20 squad after missing the Pakistan tour with a hamstring concern Aaron Hardie, Henry Hunt, Matthew Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy and Tanveer Sangha are the most notable additions to the A squad having all impressed at domestic level. That reserve side, which will also play two one-dayers in Colombo, features more experienced heads like Matthew Renshaw, Nic Maddinson, Peter Handscomb, Josh Philippe, Mark Steketee and Jhye Richardson. (Cricket.com. au)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat take advantage in semi-finals DEANDRE Ayton scored 25 points as Phoenix Suns took an early advantage in their NBA play-off against Dallas Mavericks. Ayton and Devin Booker helped the favourites go 1-0 up in their best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final. Luka Doncic scored 45 points for Dallas as they lost 121-114. In the Eastern Conference opener, the Philadelphia 76ers struggled without the injured Joel Embiid as Miami Heat swept to a 106-92 victory. Tyler Herro scored 25 points from the bench as Miami pulled away in the second half with five players finishing with double-digit points tallies. Heat trailed 51-50 at the break but outscored the Sixers 56-41 in the second half and dominated their opponents 47-37 on rebounds. Cameroon's Embiid, the NBA scoring leader, suffered a right orbital bone fracture and concussion after being struck by an elbow in Thursday's series-securing win at Toronto to add to the thumb

Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker played key roles for Phoenix in game one

injury he has been struggling with in recent weeks. "We're working with a small margin for error," said Sixers coach Doc Rivers. "So we can't give a team 13 extra shots on the road without Joel and think we're going to win a game." Miami coach Erik Spoelstra added: "They're a very good team even without Embiid. "We just were able to get organised in the second half. We did it with a little bit more thought and discipline, and just that extra effort ig-

nited everyone on the team." Phoenix led from start to finish in their game, although they were given a late scare when Dallas rallied to get to within five points in the closing seconds. Ayton shot 12 from 20 from the field while Booker added 23 points 9 rebounds 8 assists. Chris Paul chipped in with 19 points and Cameron Johnson added 17 from the bench as six Suns players finished with double-digit points totals. (BBC Sport)

FIFA opens Gabon inquiry against four coaches after sexual abuse allegations FIFA’S independent ethics committee has opened formal proceedings against Patrick Assoumou Eyi, Serge Mombo and two other coaches as part of its investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in Gabon. The former national Under-17 coach Eyi – known as ‘Capello’ – is awaiting sentencing in Gabon after admitting charges of raping, grooming and exploiting young players after allegations first made in the Guardian last year. He was provisionally suspended by the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) in December and banned from all football-related activities there – a sanction that has now been extended worldwide according to a statement from FIFA yesterday. Mombo, who was re-elected as president of La Ligue de l’Estuaire, Gabon’s senior football league, in June 2021, Tout Puissant Akwembé FC’s Or-

Patrick Assoumou Eyi, a former Gabon Under-17 coach, is awaiting sentencing in his homeland

phee Mickala and Triphel Mabicka from Libreville’s Moussavou FC have also been provisionally suspended “from taking part in any football activity (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level for a period of 90 days”, the statement said. It added: “These sanctions have been imposed in connection with ongoing criminal investigations concerning the above-mentioned Gabonese football of-

ficials, who were identified as having allegedly been involved in acts of systematic sexual abuse against minor players, as reported by local authorities and published in certain media outlets.” Mombo has been accused of sexually abusing young players and demanding sex as a condition of their securing places in national teams. He has denied the claims. Last week Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, the president of Fegafoot, was placed in pre-trial detention at the central prison in Libreville after being arrested in connection with the sexual abuse investigation. It is understood that Mounguengui could face up to three years in prison if found guilty of charges that relate to not reporting alleged sexual abuse by a number of coaches to the authorities. There is no suggestion Mounguengui has been accused of sexual abuse himself. (The Guardian)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Cricket legend WG Grace has 10 matches wiped from iconic first-class record … Poor WG Grace ONE hundred and fourteen years after the legendary Victorian era cricketer's last match - and more than a century after his death - he has had 685 runs, 67 wickets and two centuries wiped from the records

books. In a ruthless move the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has decided that 10 of Grace's matches were not at first-class level and as a result updated its records. Grace, regarded as one

of the biggest 'celebrities' of Victorian England, can rest easily, however. He still has the small matter of 54211 first-class runs, 2,809 wickets and 124 centuries to his name from a career that spanned 44 sea-

sons between 1865 and 1908. Grace's run haul is only bettered by four men, all pre-war cricketers, while he opened the batting for England beyond his 50th birthday. But the move, which

W.G Grace, one of the most iconic names in cricket, played 22 Tests for England - all in the 19th century

brings Wisden in line with the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, does mean Grace's historic feat of becoming the first

player to score 100 firstclass hundreds actually happened two weeks later than first thought - bad news for any owners of memorabilia which carries the original date. Wisden editor Lawrence Booth told the Times: "The time has come to accept that the Almanack should be more concerned with record than romance." The situation is eerily similar to one iconic moment on Test Match Special when BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew tricked pundit and former England opener Geoffrey Boycott into thinking there was a discrepancy with his first-class record. (BBC Sport)

Bracewell earns NZ Test call-up for England tour, Williamson nears return ALL-ROUNDER Michael Bracewell has been included in a New Zealand Test squad for the first time as part of the initial 20-player group for the series against England next month. There are also spots for the uncapped Cam Fletcher, Blair Tickner and Jacob Duffy in the enlarged squad which will cover for likely IPL absentees during the warm-up matches and then be trimmed before the first Test at Lord's on June 2. Kane Williamson, who is set to return to Test cricket for the first time since last November, having missed the home season with an elbow problem, is among those who may be absent for both warm-up matches at the end of May due to being at the IPL. Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell also face a delayed arrival to England. "The red-ball tour of England first up is clearly high on our priority list and we're looking forward to hitting the ground running over there in a couple of weeks' time," head coach Gary Stead said. "All going to plan, we will have everyone fit and available for the first Test at Lord's, and aim to announce our final squad of 15 for that series once we've completed our warm-up games." New Zealand are defending their World Test Championship title but face an uphill battle to make next year's final having dropped home Tests against Bangladesh and South Africa

in the recent season. Fletcher, who was called up for the series against South Africa earlier this year, will be the back-up wicketkeeper behind Tom Blundell. Having not played since taking all ten wickets in an innings against India, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the squad with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra providing another spin option. Hamish Rutherford offers batting cover. Stead added that player welfare will continue to be a priority during what will be a busy period overseas for New Zealand with a host of whiteball matches after the England Tests. No player or member of support staff will be involved in all the series which also involve facing Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and West Indies through to August although there will also be a focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup in Australia. "Last season I thought we juggled our resources really well to ensure the welfare of our people was prioritised, and we'll be looking to do that again with the white-ball cricket in July and August," Stead said. "That means no players or staff will stay with the side for the entire 14 weeks while we're away, as we balance the workloads. The ICC T20 World Cup in Australia is only six months away and we'll continue to also prioritise as much planning and preparation for that as possible."

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

England captain Ben Stokes says off-field issues can help in new role BEN Stokes says the offfield issues that have occurred during his career will help him as England Test captain. The 30-year-old was speaking at his unveiling as skipper, having been named Joe Root's successor last week. In 2018 Stokes was found not guilty of affray after a fight outside a Bristol nightclub, while last year he took a break to protect his mental health. "Those experiences are a positive in this new role I have got," the all-rounder told BBC Sport. "I have been through lot of good and bad and feel I can relate to both sides of what sport and life can throw at you." Stokes also had time off from England duty in 2020 as he took compassionate leave to spend time with his father Ged, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and died later that year. Having resumed playing, Stokes announced in July 2021 he was taking an indefinite break, returning to action in December for the Ashes against Australia. "I can relate to people whether that be good or bad or on the field or off the field," added Stokes, who also spoke about comparisons with Andrew Flintoff and Lord Botham, his plans for the Test side and the vacant head coach and vice-captain positions. "I don't see anything I have gone through as a negative, if anything I see it as a

way I can always try and help people." 'I AM BEN STOKES NOT FLINTOFF OR BOTHAM' Root stepped down amid a difficult period for England's Test team after a run of one win in 17 Tests. The suitability of Stokes, who said he had never held ambitions to become captain, as his replacement was questioned by some because of an already heavy workload and the difficult tenures of two previous England all-rounder captains in Flintoff and Botham. "One thing I have always had to deal with since I was 18 or 19 is comparisons to Andrew and Sir Ian Botham," Stokes said. "I have always said I am not trying to be Andrew or Ian Botham, I am Ben Stokes." Stokes said as a captain he would lean on senior players for advice and admitted he would require the right people around him to "take pressure off my shoulders". "It would be naïve and stupid to think my way is the only way and no one else has a voice or input," Stokes said. "A leader needs to make sure other people around them feel valued and have a voice. I will be using that and not thinking I can do everything." Stokes confirmed bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad would be available for selection for his first Test as captain against New Zealand on June 2 after the veteran 10:05 HRS Song 10:35 hrs Celtic Night 11:10 hrs Whos Whoa Whoa

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pair, England's two all-time leading wicket-takers, were left out of the recent tour of West Indies. "I want to win games of cricket for England," Stokes added. "The best way to do that is picking your best XI and in my opinion if Stuart Broad and James Anderson are fit they are available for selection." He said he would be asked his opinion on England's new Test coach, with England in the process of appointing a replacement for Chris Silverwood, who left after the Ashes defeat in the winter. Stokes also said he will consider "very hard" who to appoint his vice-captain although, speaking to Sky Sports, he ruled out naming Root in the position. "The vice-captain is a very important and crucial role," said Stokes, who had been Root's deputy until the Yorkshireman's resignation. "Sometimes it can just see as a token gesture. "You have got to help your captain. I know how vital I was in helping Joe along that road." Speaking about his plans for the team, Stokes added: "I want selfless cricketers who make decisions based on winning the game of cricket for England. "At the end of the day the most important thing is winning. I want to be part of a team that has that real mentality, that doesn't take a backwards step." (BBC Sport)

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Rabada, Dhawan star as Punjab Kings snap Titans' winning run KAGISO Rabada and Shikhar Dhawan inspired Punjab Kings to an eight-wicket victory over Indian Premier League (IPL) leaders Gujarat Titans yesterday. The Titans had won five matches in a row – no side has managed a longer run this season – but could only crawl to 143-8 from their 20 overs after electing to bat first. Rabada returned to his best form as he took the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha (21), Rahul Tewatia (11), Rashid Khan (0) and Lockie Ferguson (5) to finish with figures of 4-33. Only two Titans players scored more than 11 runs, with Sai Sudharsan at least giving his side hope with an unbeaten 65. The Kings' reply got off to a shaky start when losing opener Jonny Bairstow (1) early on, but Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa mounted an 87-run stand for the second wicket. Dhawan powered to a

tion for the playoffs with an impressive 30 off just 10 deliveries. SHIKHAR SHINES AGAIN Dhawan has now topped the scorecard 51 times for Punjab, putting him level with Rohit Sharma and behind only David Warner (57) in IPL history. He now has three half-centuries this season and his 369 runs from 10 innings is the third most of any player, behind only KL Rahul (451) and Jos Buttler (588). Shikhar Dhawan finished with an unbeaten 62 off 53 balls

half-century and finished with an unbeaten 62 off 53 balls, which included eight fours, while Rajapaksa went for 40 from the bowling of Ferguson. It was left to Liam Livingstone to get the Kings over the line and ensure that his side remain in conten-

LIVINGSTONE LIVES UP TO BILLING After Dhawan and Rajapaksa had laid the foundations, big-hitting Livingstone struck three sixes in quick succession to light up DY Patil Stadium. That included a monstrous 117-metre drive off Mohammed Shami's delivery, making it the biggest six of this season's IPL thus far. (Sportsmax)

Williams runs season-best 100m, Ashanti Moore wins 200m at Pure Athletics Global Invitational IN the only race she has planned for the month of May, Olympic gold medallist Briana Williams ran a season-best 11.03 as she finished second in the 100m at the Pure Athletics Global Invitational in Clermont, Florida. In what was her first race since she suffered a tight hamstring at the USATF Golden Games in Walnut, California on April 16, Williams advanced to the final after winning her preliminary round heat in a wind-assisted 10.96 (5.3m/s). In the final, she locked strides with Tanisha Terry until late in the race when the American pulled away to win in 10.94. Maia McCoy was the best of the rest, running 11.20 for third. Williams, 20, races next in the 100m on June 12 at the USATF Grand Prix, in New York, before she travels to

Briana Williams (left) and Ashantii Moore

Jamaica for the National Senior Championships, scheduled for June 23-26. Former Hydel High star sprinter Ashanti Moore, meanwhile, ran out a comfortable winner in the 200m. The powerful sprinter, who now trains at Pure Athletics, alongside some of the world’s best sprinters including the 2019 World 200m champion, Noah Lyles, clocked a nippy 23.02 easily defeating Lily Kaden (23.21) and Camile Laus (23.63).

Lyles was equally dominant in the men’s 200m which he won in 19.86 over Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards (20.06) and his brother Josephus Lyles, who ran 20.20, his fastest-ever season opener. Kimberly Williams jumped a wind-assisted 13.93m to win the triple jump by one centimetre over Naomi Metzer (13.92m). Sineade Gutzmore jumped 13.22m for third. (Sportsmax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Liverpool survive scare in Spain to reach Champions League final LIVERPOOL survived a scare against Villarreal to move into the Champions League final - and keep their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple alive. The Reds had comfortably won 2-0 in the first leg but that advantage was wiped out after only 41 minutes at a noisy and passionate El Madrigal as the Spanish side pushed for a huge upset. Boulaye Dia scored Villarreal's first after only three minutes, converting Etienne Capoue's pass, before ex-Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin headed in a second from another Capoue cross as the Reds looked rattled. Liverpool had to improve in the second half and Fabinho put them back in front on aggregate with a shot that went through the legs of Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the 62nd minute. Luis Diaz, whose introduction at halftime changed the game after he replaced Diogo Jota, restored Liverpool's two-goal aggregate advantage with a header at the back post. Sadio Mane secured Liverpool's place in their third Champions League final in five seasons with a third goal after taking the ball around Rulli. Villarreal ended the game with 10 men with Capoue sent off late on

Sadio Mane (left) scored in both legs of the Champions League semi-final to help Liverpool reach the final

Villarreal are seventh in La Liga and needed to win the Champions League to qualify for next season's tournament

for two bookable offences. The Reds will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, May 28. No English side has ever won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup all in the same season, with Liverpool aiming to create history.

and managed by ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery, made it 2-2 on aggregate thanks to Coquelin's fine header. Liverpool had to improve in the second half, and Trent Alexander-Arnold's shot hit the crossbar after taking a huge deflection off Coquelin. But the breakthrough came with Fabinho's strike and that led to a capitulation from Villarreal, who conceded three times in a 12-minute spell. Diaz headed in Alexander-Arnold's cross to give the visitors some breathing space before a rash decision from Rulli saw him sprint off the line with Mane getting there first and finishing into an unguarded goal. This is the 10th time Liverpool have reached the final of the European Cup or Champions League as they

LIVERPOOL SUFFER, BUT GET THE JOB DONE Villarreal's performance in their 2-0 loss at Anfield led one English radio pundit to call the Spanish side a "disgrace" and "pathetic", despite an incredible run that had seen them eliminate former winners Juventus and Bayern Munich in the previous two rounds. However, Reds boss Jur-

gen Klopp knew the tie was not over and warned his side they "would have to be prepared to suffer" in the second leg. And suffer they did in arguably Liverpool's worst half of football this season, with passes misplaced, errors made and the side looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. They made the worst possible start, conceding after only three minutes. Pervis Estupinan, who scored an own goal at Anfield, provided a cross which was pulled back by Capoue and Dia, inside the six-yard box, reacted quickest to convert from close range. Dani Parejo shot just wide and Gerard Moreno had an effort blocked before Villarreal, seventh in La Liga

aim to become European champions for a seventh time after successes in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019. LIVERPOOL KEEP QUADRUPLE HOPES ALIVE Liverpool's progress keeps them on course to become the first English side to complete the quadruple. They already have the Carabao Cup in the trophy cabinet after beating Chelsea on penalties in February and Thomas Tuchel's side are again the opposition at Wembley for the FA Cup final on May 14. Liverpool are one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race and could meet in the Champions League final later this

month. Pep Guardiola's side hold the advantage in the second semi-final after an incredible first leg at Etihad Stadium saw them beat Real 4-3 in one of the best games in the tournament's history. The second leg takes place at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium today and if the Spanish champions, managed by ex-Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, can turn the one-goal deficit around it would set up a repeat of the 2018 final. Real won 3-1 on that occasion as Gareth Bale scored twice, including an incredible overhead kick, but the game will largely be remembered for two goalkeeping errors from Liverpool's Loris Karius. (BBC Sport)

IPL playoffs to be held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad THE Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 play-

offs and final are set to be played from May 24 to 29

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday May 4, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chennai Super Kings (2) Mumbai Indians Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the IPL 2010 final? (2) Who was voted Man of the Tournament in IPL 2010? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed yesterday. The decision taken during the Apex Council meeting of the board last month was confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator clash will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 24 and 25, followed by Qualifier 2 and the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 27 and 29, respectively. The league stage of the tournament will conclude on May 22, after which the qualified teams will fly to Kolkata

and Ahmedabad in a bio-secure bubble. The two cities played hosts to India’s recent home series against West Indies. Meanwhile, also announced is the schedule of the Women’s T20 Challenge, the three-team four-match event, which will be played at Pune’s MCA Stadium. The competition involving Trailblazers, Supernovas and Velocity will have fixtures on May 23, 24, 26 and 28, with only a solitary day encounter on May 24. “I am pleased to announce that the Playoff Stage of the IPL 2022 will be held in Ahmedabad and Kolkata.

The mega final will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium on May 29 along with Qualifier 2 on May 27. The Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be played at the Eden Gardens on May 24 and May 25 respectively,” Shah was quoted by the Times of

India. “The Women’s T20 Challenge resumes this year and Pune will host the fourth edition of the tournament. The dates of the matches will be May 23, 24, 26 and the Final on May 28,” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday May 4, 2022

Space Gym 2.0 officially commissioned SPACE Gym has taken a leap ahead of the competition so that Guyanese can take a step in the right direction with health and fitness. Last Sunday night, the wait ended when Space Gym 2.0 was officially commissioned and recorded the momentous day, 01/05/22, into the history books. The state-of-the-art facility is located on the top flat of the Royal Orchid Hotel and Mall, Mandela Avenue. The ambience for the simple ceremony was set and included CEO Sergio Matos, Managing Directors Lucas and Amanda Matos, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr, Royal Orchid Investor James Wang, several sporting personalities and partners. Delivering the feature address was the Hon. Minister Ramson who said: “I want to share the reason that I came here: to let you understand that this is more than an opening of a gym for me. This is a signal; it's

a very strong signal. I'll use the word that Lucas used in his speech, ‘conviction’. It's about conviction and belief and having the confidence of big investments.” He continued: “A bold understanding of where the vision is. I wanted to frame that because I want you to really understand how important appreciating the arrow of time for the country is and how important it is as well. That for everyone here and everyone who is paying attention to what's happening in Guyana how important it is to double-down now.” He educated the gathering on Guyana’s rapid rise in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the past few years to arrive at point of the country’s progression. “Why that's important is because if you understand the arrow of time and the arrow of time is saying that there's a lot better to come. It means that you begin to double down, you know that this is the time that you've got to really invest, think big and

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr (second right) and Managing Director of Space Gym 2.0, Lucas Matos (centre), cut the ribbon to officially open the facility. Sharing the moment are Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud (second left) and his wife Kamini and CEO of Space Gym, Sergio Matos (right)

coordinate your activities.” Minister Ramson added, “I would like to wish you, Sergio and Lucas, all the best for your gym and all of your business investments and your bold ideas and I'm doubling down today. And I would like to encourage everyone today to seize the opportunity. Now is the time for us to move in the same direction and see the bigger vision; every one of us to see the bigger vision and to partake in the bigger vision

is now.” Prior to the Minister’s encouraging speech, Lucas Matos took the opportunity to welcome the multitude to the realisation of a dream which began in 2018. “When we opened our doors in 2016 our objective was to redefine fitness through our facilities and provide the best quality and the best gym in Guyana for our members, so they can achieve their personal goals and transformations.”

“We saw that it was our responsibility to continuously improve our standards and members’ experience and our business has grown based on that aspect,” the Managing Director disclosed. That was when the team of Matos’ began envisioning Space Gym 2.0. He continued: “Our new gym is a gym for everyone; from the most dedicated athlete to the zealous beginner. Our trainers are here to make sure you get the right form

and achieve your goals.” “With our exclusive partnership with Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, we were able to bring 2022 top notch-of-the-line equipment to provide the best and the most unique workout feeling. We are the only gym in Guyana and Caribbean to have a powerful and versatile line of strength and cardio equipment so it can help you to take your workout to the next level and to push your limits.” “So welcome everyone to your new gym. I would like to invite you to face the challenge, ‘to be bolder and to be greater’. So big challenge and here's a new gym - Space gym 2.0,” he concluded. When the ceremonial ribbon was clipped, a tour of the 15 000 sq. ft facility followed, to the delight of those present. According to the Managing Director, the Gym officially opens to the public on Wednesday, May 5, from 17:00hrs to 22:00hrs.

Fourteen teams to vie for supremacy Debate surrounding women’s 100m world record … Coe maintains Thompson-Herah has to beat Griffith-Joyner’s time in OSCL 2022 season FOURTEEN teams will vie for supremacy when the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2022 season gets underway on Saturday, May 28. The figure represents an increase of two from the original 12 from 2021 although 11 eventually finished the season after McCowan United pulled out. At the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in March, there existed two vacancies among the executives, that of Registrar/ Statistician and Assistant Registrar/Statistician. These two posts were filled last Sunday at the Captains Table meeting, held at Agincourt Community Centre, Scarborough, Ontario Canada. Patrick Shivrattan, who served in the position previously, was appointed Registrar/Statistician while Rabindra Diaram is the assistant. The full list of executive members read: Shiv Persaud – President, Dharmendra Kumar – Vice-president, Dinawatie Jaipersaud – Secretary, Natasha Sue – Treasurer, Ian Baldeo – Schedule

OSCL executives: Standing (from left) are Dharmendra Kumar, Ian Baldeo, Terry Mathura, Patrick Shivrattan and Rabindra Diaram. Sitting (from left) are Dinawatie Jaipersaud, Shiv Persaud and Natasha Sue

Coordinator, Terry Mathura – Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Patrick Shivrattan – Registrar/Statistician and Rabindra Diaram – Assistant Registrar/Statistician. Mathura previously served as Vice-president until 2019. The OSCL Disciplinary Committee, which was also not finalised at the AGM, was named Sunday and it comprises Kumar, Mathura, Orin O’Neil, Amit Bacchus, Amit Arjun, Will Singh and Rudy Bhopaul. The Guyana-born Persaud, who is also president of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) had said

previously that he intends to create a healthy environment for open discussions between members and executives of the OSCL “as we work together to continue the development of softball cricket. “It is an organisa tion with over 25 years of dedicated and selfless work by many outstanding individuals. We got to continue their hard work and make it one that they can be proud to be a part of. I would like for the members, sponsors and executives to be proud of their involvement with the OSCL.” (Frederick Halley)

PRESIDENT of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, has weighed in on the debate surrounding the women’s 100m world record, noting that despite personal views on the matter Elaine Thompson-Herah will have to beat Florence Griffith-Joyner’s time on the track, as the Jamaican authorities express their readiness to lobby the governing body. The late Griffith-Joyner clocked a highly controversial 10.49 seconds in July 1988 in Indianapolis during the quarterfinals of the US Olympics Trials, which stands as the

THOMPSON-HERAH delivered the second-fastest time in history when she stopped the clock at 10.54 seconds (+0.9m/s wind) at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon on August 21, last year

Sebastian Coe (centre), president of IAAF, poses with members of Jamaica’s Under-20 4x100m record-breaking relay team during the CARIFTA Games on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the National Stadium. The record breakers are (from left) Tina Clayton, Serena Cole, Tia Clayton and Brianna Lyston (Photos: Observer file)

fastest time ever recorded by a female sprinter. However, the mark has been shrouded in scepticism and there have been strong calls from within the track and field community for the world record to be scratched from the books and replaced with the next-best clocking. No one had come close for 33 years before Thompson-Herah delivered the second-fastest time in history when she stopped the clock at 10.54 seconds (+0.9m/s wind) at the Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon, on August 21 last year. But Coe poured cold water on calls for Thompson-Herah’s time to be recognised as the world record for the event,

pointing primarily to legal obstacles. “Well first, let me just immediately celebrate the season that Elaine had - I mean, it was stunning. Now the 100m and 200m back-to-back double at the Olympic Games is an extraordinary achievement, and that marks her out as one of, if not the best sprinters of all times. She’s a fabulous athlete and a great ambassador for our sport,” Coe told the Jamaica Observer. “This is an issue that has been around but there are some very difficult legal obstacles that stand in the way, particularly about records that have been set where the burden of proof can only be a positive TURN TO PAGE 33 ►

Pooran replaces Pollard as new white-ball 33 captain PAGE

Left-hander Nicholas Pooran averages 40.03 in ODIs and 27.74 in T20s and also often keeps wicket for West Indies

GOA executive committee flays Yassin on several issues

… Yassin seeking re-election, despite being above IOC-recommended age limit

GOA Executive Members (L-R), Kalam Juman-Yassin, Hector Edwards, Garfield Wiltshire, Charles Corbin, Dr Karen Pilgrim, Godfrey Monroe, Tricia Fiedtkou and Deion Nurse

By Rawle Toney LONG-serving president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Kalam Juman-Yassin, seems to be at odds with his executive committee members on several issues related to the important sports institution. The executives of the GOA are Kalam Juman-Yassin (President), Dr Karen Pilgrim (Vice-President), Godfrey Munroe (Vice-President), Charles Corbin (Vice-President), Garfield Wiltshire (Honorary Treasurer), Hector Edwards (Secretary-General), Deion Nurse (Asst Secretary), Tricia Fiedtkou (Asst. Secretary Treasurer). In response to a letter sent by Yassin to members of the GOA (associations) on April 29, the executive members collectively chastised Yassin for what they consider an attack on some of the officials, the GOA’s proposed new constitution and several other wideranging matters that are considered imperative to the good governance of the institution. Yassin is the longest-serving sports administrator in Guyana, having held

the position of GOA president since December of 1996. With the GOA elections drawing near, Yassin is seeking re-election, even though it was recommended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), that the Association’s IOC-ratified constitution has an age limit of 70. Yassin, a former Chief Magistrate, just celebrated his 75th birth anniversary. Yassin is insisting that there should be no age limit. The letter in response to Yassin’s April 29 missive, seen by Chronicle Sport, pointed out that the new Constitution was drafted by a committee then sent to the IOC for their comments. Jerome Poivey, the IOC’s Associate Director, Institutional Relations and Governance of the NOC Relations Department, said he had carefully examined the GOA’s draft given the Olympic Charter and the basic principles of good governance. The Executive Committee Members said all of Poivey’s recommendations which were based on the Olympic Charter were accepted, with one exception - the GOA president.

“Mr Juman-Yassin, with no apparent thought for what this could mean for the future of the association, insists that there should be no age limit,” the executives said. “While Mr Juman-Yassin is thinking of the possibility of his re-election, the view of the members of the executive is that such a provision is for the good of the organisation. It should be noted that age limits are also included in the IOC Charter for members of the IOC.” Despite all, the executive members of the GOA said they remain committed to doing all that they were elected to do and will support the president in any decision or initiative that follows the principles of good governance. Yassin’s tenure of the GOA has been placed under the microscope for several years, as many questioned his motive for wanting to remain as head of the body, even though its success is usually debated. Meanwhile, Yassin aimed at the GOA Administrative Officer, for her role as Chef-de-Mission for several notable International engagements under t h e I O C / TURN TO PAGE 33 ►

FIFA Football for Schools Programme to be launched today THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will today launch their FIFA-funded Football for Schools Programme at their National Training Centre, Providence. Football for Schools is a programme launched by FIFA in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and seeks Alexandre Gros is FIFA’s to make football more Project Leader for FIFA accessible to both boys Football for Schools and girls (4 – 14) around the world by incorporating football activities into the education system and contributing to the development and empowerment of children. The programme is being rolled out in all 211 countries which are a part of FIFA. Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean region selected to pilot the programme. Wayne Forde, GFF president, will be joined by Project Leader of the FIFA Football for Schools, Alexandre Gros, along with Caribbean Football Union (CFU) General Secretary Camara David, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Dr Douglas Slater, Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand. During a meeting recently held between the GFF and the Ministry of Education, Minister Manickchand welcomed the programme and noted that it aligns with the Ministry of Education’s plans to ensure that students are well-rounded and graduate from secondary school having been exposed to at least one musical instrument, sport, language and TVET subject. Some 50 coach-educators were trained by FIFA. They will be responsible for training children from the age of four to 14 across the 11 education districts. The Ministry of Education said they will immediately begin to look at the curriculum for the programme to ensure the concepts that are intended to be taught off the field are age-appropriate.

Debate surrounding women’s 100m world record … Coe maintains Thompson-Herah has to beat Griffith-Joyner’s time

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39 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022