Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_04_23_2021

FRIDAY 23 rd April, 2021

’ No. 106339

No local reports of blood clots from AstraZeneca vaccine

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Call centre for Region Two soon PAGE

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–– hundreds of jobs to be created, says Go-Invest CEO Towards a more sustainable environment: First Lady Arya Ali participates in a tree-planting exercise to commemorate ‘Earth Day’ 2021 on Thursday (see story on Page 9) (Office of the First Lady photo)

President Ali: 02 Collective action needed for protection of environment PAGE

Revolving fund launched for female micro-enterprise entrepreneurs 05 PAGE

Grades Two, Four and Nine assessments cancelled 09 PAGE

More fraud charges for 16 senior officers PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Collective action needed for protection of environment –– says President Ali as he hails ratification of Escazú Agreement

AS Guyana joined countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in celebrating the activation of the Escazú Agreement, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, emphasised that collective action is necessary for the protection of the environment.

The Escazú Agreement, the first regional environmental agreement in Latin America and the Caribbean, which was adopted in 2018, became operational on Thursday, after a structural ratification process by 24 nations in January of this year.

The implementation of this agreement will guarantee access to environmental information, help protect environmental defenders and ensure public participation in environmental decisions. It is also structured to ensure that people can access justice in environmental matters.

The President, according

to a release from the Office of the President, called the ratification of the Escazú Agreement a significant milestone in the region and highlighted its importance to overall development and sustainability.

Dr. Ali noted that the agreement will reinforce democracy, transparency, accountability and effectiveness in dealing with an environment affected by climate change.

“The coming into effect of this ‘agreement’ represents a significant milestone, one which coincides, fittingly, with the commemoration of International Mother Earth Day 2021. The Caribbean and Latin America should feel a sense of collective pride on account of its continued sterling environmental leadership as exemplified by this ‘agreement,’” President Ali stated.

He added that the effects of the pandemic and the

the need for us to act collectively for the protection of our people and their environment. Our twin celebration…should engender a greater sense of urgency to work collectively to safeguard our peoples and the planet,” President Ali said.

The President pointed out that the essence of the agreement is that it does not only protect the environment, but it protects the people who defend it.

“Rights and inclusion, cornerstones of democratic societies, are at the heart of the Escazú Agreement.

The ‘agreement’ responds to the important affirmation of Heads of States and Governments at Rio+20, that access rights contribute to the strengthening of democracy, good governance and human rights,” he said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali exacerbation of the global climate crisis highlight the need for an arrangement tailored to the population’s specific requirements.

“The climate crisis represents an existential threat to humanity. Climate change characterised by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, landslides, floods, drought and biodiversity loss are inflicting losses on our economies and our peoples’ livelihoods,” President Ali reasoned.

The President added that with the regional hurricane season approaching, natural hazards can strike at any time. This hurricane season is officially scheduled to start on June 1.

Importantly, the President pointed to the struggles of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, after the eruption of its La Soufrière Volcano, and reminded that natural disasters threaten the very survival of small-island and low-lying coastal states.

Cognisant of these stark realities, the President called for countries in the region, that are yet to ratify the agreement, to do so.

“I, therefore, reiterate

LEADING

BY EXAMPLE President Ali reminded stakeholders that Guyana was the first State Party to ratify the Escazú Agreement, emphasising that Guyana subscribes to the belief that public access to information, and citizens’ participation in environmental decision-making, are vital elements of sound environmental stewardship.

“Guyana as a signatory to the agreement hereby endorses the right of access to environmental information.

It welcomes public participation in the environmental decision-making process. It supports access to justice in environmental matters and commits to working to ensure the right of every person to live in a healthy environment,” he said.

The President also explained that the agreement is aligned with Guyana’s constitutional obligations.

Guyana’s constitution, he said, proclaims: “Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her well-being.”

Additionally, he said that Guyana believes that public access to information, and citizens’ participation in environmental

decision-making, are vital elements of sound environmental stewardship.

The Escazú agreement’s provisions for judicial and administrative proceedings include remedy and redress, which, according to the President, are necessary to strengthen the inclusive and transpare LOW CARBON D EVELOPMENT STRATEGY President Ali also highlighted that the protection of the environment is mainstreamed in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

“This ‘Strategy’ is premised on the REDD+ Mechanism,” he explained, adding: “In the ongoing implementation of this strategy, we are committed to continuous multi-stakeholder consultations undertaken in an institutionalised, systematic and transparent manner to ensure full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and other forest-dependent communities, through free, prior and informed consent.”

For context, REDD+ is a programme that stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. It provides an opportunity for mitigating the effects of climate change and more recently, includes the conservation and sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

President Ali also noted that the local authorities have been working towards the enhancement of transparency and access to extractive industry information, as required under Guyana’s Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) obligations.

Along with President Ali, several others contributed to Thursday’s virtual discussions, including Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Epsy Campbell, Vice-President of Costa Rica.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Call centre for Region Two soon –– hundreds of jobs to be created, says Go-Invest CEO

By Indrawattie Natram CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) for Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, has assured members of the business communities, regional officials and members of the youth organisations that Go-Invest has a massive plan for the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

He was at the time

“We have got a trucking company in Region Two where 200 people employed, managing all the trucks travelling in the United State of America, so when a call comes in for the trucking company that call is managed by Guyanese through the company, the minimum salary paid being 180,000” Dr. Ramsaroop.

His job, he said, is to find

Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, addressing the gathering speaking at the State House building on Thursday during his two-day outreach to the region.

Outlining plans for Region Two, particularly the creation of jobs for young secondary school graduates, Dr. Ramsaroop said that Go-Invest is looking to partner with businesses to establish a large call centre in Region Two.

investors and match them up with local entrepreneurs.

“For example, if you have a building that could hold 100 cubicles and we bring a provider they can partner to rent your building and create the opportunities; the technology side is important and I am checking with GTT for this region to upgrade the Internet capacity,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

He said the Government has recognised that the region has a lot of young people who are graduating from secondary school and often could not find a job and the call centre is one of the initiatives to get them employed.

The CEO’s visit to the region was to get a firsthand understanding of the investment and business opportunities available there.

From the two-day visit, the Go-Invest office will put together the necessary policies and processes to enhance business and investment in the region.

Giving an overview of the Guyana Office of Investment, Dr. Ramsaroop said his office falls directly under the Office of the President and is mandated by law to assist both local and foreign investors in providing incentives for them to create a business environment that is beneficial to the people, as well as create employment opportunities.

“On the economic side, Guyana in 2020 had the largest GDP growth in the world and per capita, that means every economist, every person in the business world when they pick up the report, would see Guyana grow 43 per cent in 2020, as you know, Guyana struck oil in 2015 and in 2019, we became an oil-producing nation,” Dr. Ramsaroop related.

Guyana is expected to experience a 20 per cent growth in 2021 and the country is also set to become the number one investment destination in the world.

According to Dr Ramsaroop, in the last three months, over 15 private jets landed in Guyana from all over the world seeking in-

Persons from the Region Two business community at the meeting on Thursday vestment opportunities here.

“While the country is changing rapidly, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his 2021 budget, outlined massive infrastructure plans and….... over the next four years, when infrastructure is expanded, new opportunities will be created in all sectors,” Dr. Ramsaroop added.

During the meeting, businessmen in the region requested the establishment of a Go-Invest office in the region. In response, Dr. Ramsaroop said that plans were in the pipeline, but, in the meantime, an officer from his office can visit the region to address all business and investment-related matters.

Business persons also called for a more reliable Internet provider as well as lower energy cost in production.

Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva thanked the CEO, Dr. Ramsaroop and the team for visiting

Businessman Deleep Singh makes a point at the meeting the region. De Silva said one of the main concerns was the unreliable Internet connections the region was

experiencing.

She was hoping that shortly the Internet service would be improved.

$3B to enhance infrastructure at Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Edinburgh –– as housing ministry moves to provide serviced lots in those areas

THE Ministry of Housing and Water will be executing infrastructural works valued $3 billion for the provision of serviced house lots in Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida and Edinburgh, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Minister of Housing and

Water, Collin Croal, made this announcement during one of several outreaches along the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara corridors on Wednesday.

At a community engagement in Anna Catherina, he said the contracts for those projects have been awarded

and works will commence in early May. “I am just waiting on GuySuCo to release those lands because they are in harvesting season… And so, once that is complete, the contracts were already awarded so contractors are just waiting on us,” Minister

Croal said.

He told the residents that the government is committed to providing adequate housing and water to all citizens.

“We have a number of areas here in Region Three that will be developed for housing allocation and that’s on this year programme…

Likewise, it will also create opportunities for persons to gain employment and with that, once you have employment, you have resources being generated,” he related.

For 2021 alone, the ministry signed close to $18 See page 5

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

One-stop diabetes centre to be piloted locally –– to help combat non-communicable diseases

A PILOT one-stop diabetes centre is currently in the works at the Ministry of Health to aid in the fight against non-communicable diseases in Guyana, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, announced on Thursday.

“We want to pilot a onestop centre, where we are going to be looking at diabetes, so that when you come to this centre, every service that relates to diabetes, you’ll be able to get at that one place.

“So, whether it’s nutritional counselling, whether it’s seeing a doctor if you have to get outfitted with a shoe, all of that would be done at that one site. And once we see that pilot working, we will replicate that to other areas,” he told participants at a forum dealing specifically with the subject matter at hand.

The occasion was the opening of the Texila American University’s College of Medicine’s third International Conference for Healthcare Professionals and students,

which is being held this year under the theme, “Non-Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean Region: Current Scenario and Future Perspectives: Mental Health and Road Traffic Accidents”.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the single largest global health threat responsible for 70 per cent of all deaths worldwide.

Non-communicable diseases are a group of conditions, which, though not passed from person-to-person, are mainly of long duration and progress slowly; they include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, chronic lower respiratory diseases, sickle cell disease, mental illness and injuries.

As Dr. Anthony observed, dealing with NCDs has been a challenge to most developing countries, including Guyana, due to the lack of aggressive programmes to identify and treat with them.

“We recognise also that among the non-communica-

Friday April 23, 2021 – 02:00hrs - 03:30hrs

ble diseases, endocrine diseases are one of the biggest problems here in Guyana,” Dr. Anthony said, adding: “For example, we’re told by the International Diabetic Federation, that we have close to 60,000 Guyanese who are diabetic; that most of them probably don’t even know that they are diabetic, and that because we don’t have an aggressive programme of being able to identify these persons, many of them would wait for several years before becoming aware.”

He noted that early detection and treatment of these diseases is extremely important, as it would allow for the prevention of the worsening

of any disease.

He said that the Health Ministry, in devising a plan to tackle these types of diseases, sought to not just look at the current strategies and programmes, but also worked on enhancing as well as implementing them, so as to best serve the Guyanese people, which is how they were able to come up with the innovative idea of having a one-stop diabetes centre.

Speaking to the mental health aspect of the forum, Minister Anthony noted that there’s a certain stigma attached to the treatment of such issues the world over, which is why his ministry is working to ensure that significant strides are being

made to remove it so that any Guyanese in need of this type of service can feel comfortable to access the resources the government has to offer.

“There is a lot of work to do,” Dr. Anthony said, noting: “And I’m really pleased that Texila is leading the way in providing these types of conferences, and a platform for discussion, and that not only do we have these discussions, but we’re able to take these research findings and pull them into our programmes so that we can improve the type of health programmes that we are providing to our population.”

Participants also learnt that efforts are underway to update Guyana’s mental

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony health legislation, whereby a national committee is soon to be set up to formulate a comprehensive piece of legislation that would allow the Health Ministry to address every aspect of mental health in Guyana.

Guyana to upgrade early-warning systems for disasters

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA has initiated efforts to upgrade its early-warning systems for natural and man-made hazards by conducting a survey of the current Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS).

On Thursday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) hosted an introductory meeting with stakeholders, in partnership with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Initiative. These stakeholders are drawn from several governmental agencies, local government bodies and other organisations.

“We are not starting from scratch with our early-warning systems; the assessment is being done to get the comprehensive situation of where we are, what we’re

going to do, and how we’re going to implement the roadmap,” Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said during a virtual meeting on Thursday.

The roadmap at reference is one that will outline which course of action to take in the event of a hazard or disaster, and which body will be responsible for leading the response effort.

Also addressing the grouping was Regional Technical Coordinator at CDEMA, Ms. Danielle Evanson, who explained that this assessment will enable the relevant authorities to analyse where there are gaps in Guyana’s system, and subsequently make recommendations on how they can be improved.

She highlighted that hazards are not only limited to natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, but also the outbreak of

infectious diseases, and oil spills among others. And, by having a well-integrated MHEWS, she explained that an integrated approach can be adopted.

Importantly, Evanson noted that the upgraded systems should ensure that there are considerations for how different groups, such as vulnerable groups, might be affected during a disaster.

It is understood that the MHEWS that will be improved can incorporate other policies such as the Disaster Risk Management Bill and the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to improve Guyana’s preparedness for any hazard.

“Funded by the World Meteorological Organisation and World Bank, the aim of this exercise is to have us think effectively on what systems are in place to combat the potential disasters that we may face,” the CDC noted in a press release disseminated after the meeting.

To upgrade the current system, each stakeholder is required to complete a survey to highlight how they contribute to specific disasters.

These agencies include: The Hydrometeorological Service; the University of Guyana; Department of Public Information; Bureau of Statistics; Guyana Defence

Force; Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; Environmental Protection Agency and the Maritime Administration Department.

Also included are the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Ministry of Agriculture; World Wildlife Fund; Iwokrama; Guyana Red Cross Society; United Nations Development Programme; National Drainage and Irrigation Authority; National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute; Guyana Livestock Development Authority; and Office of Climate Change.

Currently in Guyana, there are early- warning systems and protocols in place, monitored by their respective agencies.

The CDC Director-General, however, said that the existing system comprises “several fragmented elements.” Similarly, representatives of various agencies underscored the need for improvement in the various sectors.

To advance this assessment process, a two-day workshop is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, next week, where further implementation of the survey and framing for the road map would commence in the development of Guyana’s MHWES.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

$3B to enhance infrastructure at Anna Catherina ...

From page 3 billion in contracts for infrastructural works and the construction of houses in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. “So, you can understand the magnitude of the investment in the housing sector, never before have we had so much money being spent by any government,” Croal said.

The government has distributed close to 4,000 house lots since it took office. This amount takes the government closer to realising its goal of distributing 10,000 lots during its first year in office and an overall 50,000 lots in five years.

It was reported recently that enhanced roads, pavements, street lights and drainage networks are in line for La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank of Demerara (WBD), as the Inter-American Development (IDB) has given its no-objection for the Government of Guyana to proceed with projects valuing $890 million.

According to Minister Croal, aside from the common infrastructural works, a multipurpose facility will also be constructed at La Parfaite Harmonie. All projects related to the community will be completed under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme.

La Parfaite Harmonie aside, progress is also expected in other communities, as the minister announced that the IDB has approved extension of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme to Victoria, East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Prior to this extension only low-income families who fell within the boundary – La Bonne Intention (LBI), Grove, Lust-en-Rust, Onderneeming, Recht-door-zee and La Parfaite Harmonie Phase Two, were able to benefit.

Works under the IDB project could commence as early as July, and the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the executing agency, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), will spare no time in tendering for these projects, Minister Croal said.

Additionally, in other communities where the IDB’s project will not cover, he assured residents that works will be undertaken through collaborative efforts with the local authorities and the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development, and Public Works. (DPI)

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Revolving fund launched for female micro-enterprise entrepreneurs –– Prime Minister presents over $1.7M in equipment to Mocha-Arcadia women

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (fourth left) and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy, with the recipients and others at the launch on Thursday PRIME Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips presented over $1.7M in equipment to six women of Mocha-Arcadia during a simple ceremony at his office on Thursday to launch a revolving fund for female micro-enterprise owners.

Each recipient is expected to repay 60 per cent of the value of their items, with their first instalment due two months from today.

Overall, they have a maximum of 18 months to repay the interest-free loan, which will be placed into a revolving fund to provide similar assistance to additional persons.

The Prime Minister said that he expects the beneficiaries will utilise the opportunity to build their businesses and contribute to the development of their communities by turning their micro-businesses into small and medium-sized

ventures.

“It is the intention of my office and other agencies of our government to support micro-enterprise and to empower our women…. When I took the oath of office as Prime Minister, one of the things I said is that I will be Prime Minister for all of the people of Guyana,” he said.

The recipients Adwoa Adams, Anola Johnson, Beverly Mc Lean, Ester Barker, Mandy Gillis and Shelene Jones, are all proprietors of small businesses within the community.

The initiative themed, “Empowering Women: Improving Village Economies” is expected to be replicated throughout various communities around the country.

“It is our government’s intention to go into every community throughout the country and support the development and the well-being of the people,” he said.

Chairman of the Mocha-Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Rudolph Adams, said that the initiative will assist the community in achieving its economic agenda.

“We have been working with the different ministries and now I’m proud to say that we are benefitting from the Office of the Prime Minister,” Adams told the launch.

Final-year agriculture student of the University of Guyana and farmer, Ester Barker, received a weeding machine to assist her with vegetation management of a one-acre plot of land where she farms permanent crops (fruit trees).

She applauded the initiative and pointed out that it is needed at the community level.

“This assistance will help me greatly…I think it’s a great initiative in terms of empowering women and

improving their livelihoods … it will also assist our village economy by growing our businesses, so that we can purchase from each other,” she said.

Jones received a rotisserie machine to enhance her business in chicken and ham production.

She said a significant challenge has been access to finance to expand her business, but she has been persistent.

“Despite the challenges, it is important to keep at it, because growth in business does not come overnight.

One has to be consistent and keep working hard,” she related.

Also present during the event was Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy and the Prime Minister’s Representative for Region Four, Bishop Patrick Findlay.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Development Without Discrimination

THIS year so far has seen a plethora of investments in Guyana, from the construction of new hotels to new players entering the agricultural sector and foreign investors setting up shop here to the building of state-of-the-art shopping centres.

These investments are all contributing to the changing of the physical as well as business landscapes in Guyana, as the country is set to grow exponentially in the years ahead, fuelled by revenues from oil.

But aside from the private sector-driven business deals that entail major construction works, the government is also forging ahead with public works geared at enhancing the lives of citizens and to give communities throughout Guyana a more modern look.

La Parfaite Harmonie immediately comes to mind. Through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this quiet West Bank Demerara community is set to be transformed through key infrastructural projects to the tune of $890

million under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme.

The works to be completed, namely enhancement of roads, pavements, street lights and drainage and irrigation, point to efforts that stretch beyond the usual community enhancement to more of improving the well-being of residents there, both in the short and long term.

This is particularly so because these infrastructural works will create hundreds of jobs in the construction phase of the projects outlined and when completed are likely to see significant enhancement in drainage and irrigation, as well as greater safety and security for residents in La Parfaite Harmonie.

Undoubtedly this could be counted as progressive steps by government, channelled towards the realisation of the name of community, which is French in origin and when translated into English, means ‘The Perfect Harmony.’

It cannot be more f an apt description since in addition to the enhancement of roads, installation of street

lights and improvement in drainage and irrigation, 25 families are set to benefit from core-home support and 118 others from home-improvement subsidies.

These investments indicate that the government is attuned to the needs of the people at the grassroots level and the inclusion of Victoria, a predominantly African community under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, stands as testimony to the fact that the Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration is forging ahead with development without discrimination, regardless of ethnicity and political affiliation.

It cannot be more evident since aside from Victoria, less than a week ago before the announcement of the projects at La Parfaite Harmonie, it was disclosed that Lust-in-Rust, a mixed community, also in Region Three, is set to benefit from a new water well to the tune of $115.

In addition to the mentioned communities, street lights installation, drainage and irrigation works and roads projects are being executed in

communities throughout the country.

With regard to roads in particular, in Budget 2021 accommodation has been made to reduce issues such as overcrowded and damaged roads and limited exit and entry points, of which $23.7 billion was allocated for roads and $1.9 billion for bridges.

Notably, the allocation for roads will also see upgrades to roads in the hinterland as the government seeks to ensure that this area becomes developed to benefit the people there and give them access to opportunities that any other areas of the country experience.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal sums up the government’s vision well with regard to investment in infrastructural development during a community outreach on Wednesday when he said the following: “We operate as one government, whatever we are doing is done in conjunction with the regional plans, and this is to ensure maximum output in the programme and policies which we implement to improve the lives of all residents.”

The cost of living is manageable now Dear Editor, I DO not profess to have a Degree in Economics, but I am well read and capable of distinguishing facts from fictitious and suspect writing. Recently, I came across a piece which I read online at “the Village Voice” News outfit titled, “Rising cost of living.”

Mr Editor, the piece had some salient points with which I agree, but the major premise of the cost of living increasing or rising now does not find favour with me. The cost of living in Guyana is not rising astronomically as the article leaves the readers thinking. The opposite is hap-

pening, since this new model of financing and economics has been employed by the experts at the Ministry of Finance.

The cut-throat taxes have been reduced, making it very easy for customers to afford many basic items to which they are accustomed. The value-added tax policy has been changed by the government because it was hurting poor families.

Every single area from a microeconomic standpoint has been significantly altered. Just look at the key industries and the sectors for example. I also disagree that “life is hard for the ordinary man,” because there are many oppor-

tunities available in education, health, agriculture and local government. All one needs to do is to take advantage of these and one begins opening up the door towards a better life.

Do not listen to the gossip being bandied around; life in Guyana isn’t hard, but the government can do much more to decrease the level of unemployment and decrease poverty while raising the standard of living for all Guyanese, regardless of where you stand on the political aisle.

And these reporters or writers must do their research in order to get a good understanding of what they are seeking

to enlighten the public about. I am sure the writer could not have spoken to some ordinary folk who will tell them about the real deal in the pre-2020 economy.

The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting poorer, while the politicians in power were the real “fats cats” in our society.

As a humble citizen, things are not worse off than what was happening, but things in the case of Guyana are a little easier and better for the normal citizen.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Acupuncture helps Patrick Singh recover from shoulder pain

By Dr. DAI Dechun, The 16th Chinese Medical Brigade

PATRICK Singh, a resident of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), lives at Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and for years experienced pain in the right shoulder, which gradually got worse since April 2020.

When lying on the right side at night, the pain is obvious and it affected his sleep. An X-ray examination showed that the structure of the right shoulder joint was normal, and no obvious bone lesions were found.

It was difficult for him to lift his right arm and it was inconvenient to take things in the extension position. His right shoulder hurt when he arranged clothes backwards with his right hand and could not finish it.

Happily, he gradually recovered. He could raise his arm freely and his shoulder pain was reduced after eight sessions of acupunc-

ture treatment, combined with rehabilitation guidance of climbing-wall practice and pendulum exercises in the home.

A shoulder joint has a wide and versatile range of motions. Shoulder problems are very common in daily life, which are usually seen among people over 50. Shoulder pain could make a very simple activity, such as brushing; drying air; reaching behind one’s back and wearing clothes, among other movements, seem like a huge challenge that may be the cause of a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Some factors could contribute to shoulder pain.

Most cases are caused by the shoulder-joint lesions themselves, which include rotator-cuff tendinitis; impingement syndrome; torn rotator cuff or cartilage; adhesive capsulitis; osteoarthritis, and so on. Not only are such local pathological changes worthy of attention, but also the extra-articular factors should also be retained as a vigilance, such

Dr. DAI Dechun (left), Consultant of Acupuncture, with Patrick Singh as heart attack or pinched nerve in the neck inducing shoulder pain, among other conditions. If shoulder pain does not go away after a few weeks, or the pain is abrupt and not related to injury accident, he or she should consult a doctor to figure out the cause.

Some people prefer higher calories and higher sugar diets, and the humidity is

Let’s all support the hardworking crime-fighting ranks Dear Editor, IT is important for us as Guyanese to give credit where credit is due. As I reflect on the tenure of the APNU+AFC, one thing is clear: the Coalition failed miserably at addressing crime in Guyana. Recent statistics will point to the fact that ever since the PPP/C government came into office in August 2020, crime rates have declined significantly.

In fact, Guyana’s serious crimes decreased by 34.97 per cent. Recent reports show that for the period January to March 2021, there was a total of 450 serious crimes, which is a decline from the 692 serious crimes recorded under the same period for 2020 under the APNU+AFC. Notably, areas such as robbery under

arms decreased from 240 in 2020 to 142 in 2021; robbery with aggravation from 24 in 2020 to five in 2021; larceny from 39 in 2020 to 11 in 2021; and burglary from 45 in 2020 to 16 in 2021.

These statistics show that the PPP/C government is indeed prioritising public security and I commend such efforts.

One of the things that cannot be overlooked is the fact that the PPP/C government is actively working towards strengthening the Guyana Police Force.

I have interacted with many police officers, some of whom I share close friendships with as well, and one of the things that they would speak of regularly is the fact that since the new government assumed office, there is a renewed sense of confidence among crime- fighting ranks in the force. Under

the APNU+AFC Coalition government, morale amongst these ranks was at its lowest. They were scared to go after criminals owing to the posture of the then government. There was the view that criminals had more rights than the police.

As citizens we must all show our commitment and provide the necessary support to the hardworking, crime-fighting ranks. Crime affects us all not just businesses and the government.

We must therefore redouble our efforts. In this regard I urge the now APNU+AFC Coalition opposition to give the necessary support to our law-enforcement ranks and refrain from postures which diminish their efforts and morale.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

relatively high in Guyana, which may lead to a higher incidence rate of arthritis.

It is true that Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants and medications of inhibiting neuropathic pain can alleviate the pain to some extent, but the selectivity is not strong, and will increase the gastrointestinal burden.

In addition, some patients have not achieved the desired effect in pain control.

Acupuncture emphasises syndrome differentiation and treatment, with less side effects. Acupuncture has been known to be highly effective

for pain management. The science of acupuncture has grown up on the basis of typical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, such as theory of Yin-Yang, theory of Five Elements, theory of Channels and Collateral, theory of Zang- fu Organs, and other related ones.

The meridians and collaterals are pathways in which the Qi (Energy flow) and blood of the human body are circulated. They pertain to the zang-fu organs interiorly and extend over the body exteriorly, forming a network and linking the tissues and organs into an organic whole. The meridians and collaterals transport qi and blood to adjust yin and yang, nourish tendons and bones and improve joint function.

Acupoints are the special locations through which the Qi and blood of channels and collaterals are gathering and transported to the body surface, where acupuncture needles are inserted or pressure are applied for therapeutic or preventive purposes.

As time goes by so quickly, I was from being looked up and down by the surrounding eyes at the beginning of my work in acupuncture clinic to being welcomed by the patients’ smiling faces in

the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The changes had happened, just like the ancient Chinese poetry said, “Good rain knows its time right, it will fall when comes spring.

With wind it steals in night, Mute, it wets everything!”

I enjoy the pleasant interaction between doctor and patients, the joy of being accepted or even being joked. I appreciate the pure, simple, sincere and trusting relationship between doctors and patients, and return to the original aspiration of patient-oriented of medicine, which is the origin point where the dream of being a doctor began.

It is expected that acupuncture of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will enter the hearts of friends in Guyana and add a safety guard to their health.

I am looking forward to see that more people learn about TCM and have a better health with TCM and more wonderful TCM stories spread throughout Guyana. As the Chinese medical Brigade, we shoulder the mission and heavy responsibilities.

There is still a long way to go. Does it not fill with happiness in fulfilling the mission on the way?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Police on the hunt for alleged Drysdale Street murderer THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for Lenroy Michael Forde, the suspect in the murder of 25-year-old Odinga Anthony Yearwood, who was shot at Drysdale Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday evening.

Yearwood was shot a short distance away from his Lot 2 Drysdale Street house, by a suspect who was initially identified as an individual who goes by the alias “Biggie.”

According to reports from the police, the shooting occurred after an altercation which was initiated allegedly when Yearwood

Suspect: Lenroy Michael Forde approached the suspect with allegations of a robbery that the he committed

on a friend of his.

According to Yearwood’s aunt, Maxine Clarke, she was made to understand that the alleged robbery occurred last February.

“The individual that kill him, he did a robbery around Mash Day, but the person that he robbed is my nephew friend. So, basically from what we grasp is that they had a confrontation about it,” she said.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Yearwood’s mother, Bonita Broomes, who does not reside in Guyana, said she received

the news of her son’s demise at approximately 20:40 hours on Wednesday evening, when she was contacted by a family member.

“So far, I was made to understand that he [Yearwood] and the individual had a lil exchange in words and when my son turned his back, he shot him,” she told this publication.

Also speaking with the Guyana Chronicle was Yearwood’s grandmother, Cheryl Adams, who said the shooting has left her in shock, as she could not believe that the suspect would resort to such an act.

“They weren’t friends but they grow up in Drysdale [Street] together.

I didn’t expect that from him [suspect], whatever misunderstanding they had

Dead: Odingo Anthony Yearwood they could’ve sort it out better,” Adams lamented.

Adams was at home at the time when the shooting occurred, and recalled the moment she discovered

her grandson had been shot.

“I was at home in my room when I heard the shot firing, and I heard somebody saying ‘Is Odingo! Is Odingo!’ I ran outside and see he lie down on the road, dead, and I started to cry. The police took a while before they came. When the police came, they took over and everybody had to back off,” Adams related.

She said that her grandson will be missed dearly by his family.

“He would be very much missed in spite of his attitude and behaviour.

Odinga was a nice person.

He was friendly, but he was very passionate too.

He could get along with anybody, but he doesn’t like to see unfairness,” Adams said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Environmental sustainability paramount as Guyana progresses –– says First Lady in observance of ‘Earth Day’ 2021

EVEN as Guyana continues to accelerate plans to further develop its oil resources, equal attention must be placed on environmental sustainability, First Lady, Arya Ali, has reasoned.

The First Lady’s remarks followed the launch of a national tree planting exercise, in observance of ‘Earth Day’ 2021, on Thursday.

“As Guyana continues to accelerate plans to further develop its oil resources, it is equally important for attention to be placed on environmental sustainability. More than just enhancing the scenic qualities of public spaces, my National Beautification Project aims to do just that,” the First Lady was quoted as saying in a statement issued by her office.

For the most recent exercise, the tree planting initiative, Ali was joined by representatives of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NARIE) and the Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

Through this initiative, a number of fruit trees were planted in the National Park and at other areas around Georgetown.

Groups such as the Seawalls and Beyond, the

First Lady, Arya Ali, plants a fruit tree in celebration of ‘Earth Day’ 2021 Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) women’s arm, and Youths for Better Living participated in the initiative.

This exercise forms part of the First Lady’s “National Beautification Project”, and will be sustained over the next four years.

Among the fruit trees planted were guava, cherry and mango.

Celebrated annually on April 22, ‘Earth Day’ was initiated to diversify,

educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide, and garner support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, established in the USA at a time when air pollution was rising and its threats to human life were not being given enough attention.

‘Earth Day’ has now grown to the extent where it is being celebrated by over one billion people in more than 193 countries.

Grades Two, Four and Nine assessments cancelled –– NGSA to go on

By Tamica Garnett THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially announced the cancellation of the 2021 National Grades Two, Four, and Nine assessments, and the 2021 placement examina-

tions, which are used to assign pupils to a secondary school.

This cancellation does not include the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), which is set for August 4 and 5.

In a video message

Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson from the Ministry of Education on Thursday, Chief Education Officer (CEO), See page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

No local reports of blood clots from AstraZeneca vaccine –– Dr. Anthony says

By Vishani Ragobeer

WEEKS after concerns were raised that a few people developed blood clots after taking the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said that there have been no reported local incidents.

Since the local vaccination rollout began in February, Guyana has been

using the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The country was able to secure a total of 107,000 doses of this specific vaccine.

“We were satisfied that when we used it in Guyana, we did not have any cases of blood-clotting and we have been monitoring these cases. We are very pleased with the results that we have been having so far and we’ll continue to use them,” the

health minister said during his daily COVID-19 update on Thursday.

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

This led to investigations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), which subsequently con-

cluded that the vaccines do not result in an increased overall risk of blood clots and that the benefits of using the vaccines to prevent persons from getting the disease, COVID-19, outweigh the risks.

“COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca is not associated with an increased overall risk of blood- clotting disorders. There have been very rare cases of unusual blood clots accompanied by low levels of blood platelets (components that help blood A nurse at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, preparing to administer a dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine to a local healthcare worker (Vishani Ragobeer photo) to clot) after vaccination,” the EMA said.

With the blood clots only being recorded in a small number of people, Dr. Anthony said that if there was an issue with the vaccine, the global regulatory authorities would flag the vaccine and ask countries to stop using it.

More recently, in April, the WHO in reviewing the latest evidence on the blood clots noted that a “very rare” new type of adverse event called Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), which involved unusual and se-

vere blood-clotting events associated with low platelet counts has been reported after vaccination with the two AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Given that the international authorities emphasise that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks and Guyana has not received any reports of these reactions, Minister Anthony encouraged all those persons who have to receive their second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to come forward and take it.

Grades Two, Four and Nine assessments ...

From page 9 Dr. Marcel Hutson, noted that the ministry made this decision after recognising the hardships that learners would experience in preparing for these exams, especially with these levels being closed for physical classes.

Dr. Hutson, noted that the safety of the learners was also paramount, so the examinations were cancelled until further notice.

“The MoE wishes to inform that due to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector, the National Grades Two, Four, and Nine, and the placement examinations will not be written in 2021,” Hutson informed.

He further noted that: “As a result, what you will see is students from the private schools desirous of entering the public schools being placed at a school awarded from the results of the NGSA. In addition, re-migrant learners will be placed in appropriate list A and B schools closest to their homes. Please note that the Assistant CEO and Regional Education Officers (REdOs) will be responsible for ensuring that the process is done with the greatest efficiency and effectiveness.”

This will be the second consecutive year that these examinations would have been cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Schools in Guyana have been closed physically since March, 2020, while learning is currently being delivered using a number of virtual means.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

George Talbot accredited Guyana’s new Ambassador to CARICOM –– reiterates the country’s commitment to helping St. Vincent amid volcanic eruptions

SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, on Wednesday, received Guyana’s new Ambassador to CARICOM, George Talbot, in a virtual ceremony which also highlighted the country’s lead role in the region’s food production and food security.

Guyana holds lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, and the country’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, earlier this year, presented to his colleague Heads of Government, a “Food Production and Food Security Agenda,” which outlines, in detail, the strategy and action plan for transforming the agriculture sector in CARICOM. “The secretariat looks forward to working closely with you and your colleagues on this most important initiative,” Secretary-General LaRocque told Guyana’s new ambassador to CARICOM. Ambassador Talbot, in response, welcomed the re-

Late Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh

Guyana’s new Ambassador to CARICOM, George Talbot newed focus on food and nutrition security as a regional priority, including the work being done by a special CARICOM Task Force, recently established under the chairmanship of Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha.

“The decision …to establish a special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security bodes well for our collective efforts to realise the economic potential of the region’s agri-food sector and to re-

duce the food import bill,” he said.

On a separate note, Ambassador LaRocque acknowledged Guyana’s provision of tangible support to sister CARICOM Member State, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where citizens are facing the wrath of an explosive “La Soufriere” volcano.

Ambassador Talbot restated Guyana’s commitment to provide immediate, medium and long-term support for the island-nation.

“I renew this commitment in unison with the entire Caribbean Community whose rallying in the face of this volcanic challenge is a prime example of integration in practice – a community there for each other in times of challenge and need,” he said.

With his accreditation, Ambassador Talbot becomes a member of the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors, as a special representative of his Head of State.

His responsibilities as a member of the committee will include assisting in advancing the implemen-

A committed patriot –– President Ali says of late ‘Agri’ Minister Satyadeow Sawh

HIS life was snuffed out on this day, 15 years ago, but the late Agriculture Minister Satyadeow Sawh did not fail to leave his indelible mark on Guyanese, especially those in the nation’s “bread basket” sector, agriculture, and the public service.

It is for his sterling record of political and public service that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, referred to the former agriculture minister as a “committed patriot.” “‘Sash’, as he was fondly known, lit up every occasion. His effusive and energetic presence was matched by a dedicated work ethic and a hands-on approach to the work of his ministry. He was a people’s person who served his country unselfishly,” President Ali said in a message on the death anniversary of the former minister.

Sawh, he said, will be remembered for his sterling efforts in the struggle for democratic freedoms.

“While he lived in Canada, he was a tireless political livewire, organising and agitating for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. When democracy was restored on the 5th of October, 1992, he was asked to serve as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela. In that post, he rendered distinguished service,” President Ali posited.

His efforts were so impressive that he was invited home to assume ministerial responsibilities. He helped to transform the agricultural sector during his tenure.

“His tragic death robbed Guyana of a committed patriot whose service to country and to the cause of freedom and democracy is worthy of emulation.

On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I salute the memory of Mr Satyadeow Sawh and hail his contributions to our country,” President Ali related.

tation, at the national level, decisions of the organs of CARICOM. It was reported that Talbot is a career diplomat who joined the Foreign Service in 1993. He has served as the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), non-resident Ambassador to the State of Israel and non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia.

He has represented Guy-

ana at the UN and in other international fora on economic, social, political and related issues. He headed the delegation in New York during Guyana’s chairmanship of the Rio Group in 2006 and of the Union of South American Nations in 2011.

Talbot has also held several posts on UN inter-governmental bodies, including Chairman of the Economic and Financial Committee of

the UN General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session (September 2012 – September 2013).

Talbot holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University; and a B.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish/French) from the University of Guyana.

He is fluent in English and Spanish; conversant in French and Portuguese.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Pirara Bridge reopened to light traffic –– could facilitate up to 10 tonnes, says Minister Edghill

By Jared Liddell A CRITICAL piece of infrastructure which serves a conduit for traffic to and from Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the Pirara bridge, part of which collapsed recently, has been restored to facilitate light traffic, according to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill.

On April 11, the southern section of the 160-footlong wooden structure caved under the pressure of a heavy-duty truck, which was attempting to cross the bridge that serves as a direct link between Lethem and Annai.

Minister Edghill, in an invited comment on Wednesday, said that while the bridge is reopened to traffic, it could only facilitate weight of up 10 tonnes, as works

The truck in its perched position following the collapse of a section of the bridge on April 11 are ongoing to get the bridge back up to its full capacity of 30 tonnes.

Following the incident last week, the Ministry of Public Works mobilised key partners and staff in Region Nine, in an effort to commence immediate repairs to the important bridge. The ministry in a previous statement had noted that unsuitable weather patterns in the region were likely to pose some challenges with regard to the intended execution and completion of repairs.

Back in November 2019, sections of the Pirara bridge also suffered damage. At that time, the public works ministry, then referred to as the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, had executed a series of repairs to restore the structural integrity of the bridge.

Those repairs lasted for more than two weeks and saw replacement of the upright piles that support the bridge, in addition to horizontal beams.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill informed reporters on Sunday evening that even prior to the collapse of the bridge, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led government had commenced a programme to assess all the wooden bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem.

The aim, Edghill related, was to kick-start the replacement of timber bridges with solid, concrete structures, specifically within the hinterland regions.

The minister acknowledged the fragility of timber bridges, and the fact that damage often results in communities being “cut off.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Aishalton residents i from food hampers – MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, handed over 350 food hampers to Toshao of Aishalton, Michael Thomas, for residents who are under lockdown because of COVID-19.

The initiative is a collaboration among Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister Dharamlall.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Dharamlall said the donation fulfils the residents’ request for assistance, following the decision to implement a month-long lockdown due to an increase in COVID-19 cases there.

This is also in keeping with the government’s efforts to assist hinterland communities affected by the pandemic.

“We expected that during the course of the next few weeks that these hampers are going to be of a humanitarian nature to help these families during this period.

“It is very difficult living in this part of the country, far away from coastal services. So today [Thursday] is part of the continued effort of our government in this fight against COVID-19,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Currently, 66 households in Aishalton, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), have been quarantined, with 33 COVID-19 cases. As such, health teams in the

community are not conducting daily checks on those persons, but they are also inoculating others who request the vaccine.

“I seriously would like to encourage the residents of Region Nine that they should take the vaccine as it is one of the safest ways to fight against COVID in addition to masking, sanitising and social distancing,” the Minister said.

Minister Dharamlall also said he was hopeful that these combined efforts would soon bring the disease under control.

Aside from this, the second tranche of the distribution of the government’s $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant continues in the region. An additional 278 households are benefitting from the distribution, which is currently ongoing near North Rupununi.

Meanwhile, Toshao Thomas thanked the minister for the hampers.

“This will help us tremendously since over a week now, we have put the families on quarantine so they are not allowed to leave their respective compounds. It is a great relief for us, as the Village Council, since we have been struggling for the past week.

“We have been trying in various ways to meet the needs of those in quarantine, especially those infected,” he said.

Since the village’s first confirmed COVID-19 cases, Toshao Thomas said the Village Council conducted contact tracing to contain transmission of the disease, and other precautions were taken to ensure public safety. To this end, he said Aishalton will implement a full lockdown on April 23 and would also facilitate emergency visits.

At the same time, Regional Chairman of Region Nine, Brian Allicock, acknowledged the villagers’ response to the vaccination campaign.

“Our mobile team will be here in Deep South, one in South-Central and one in the South Pakaraimas as well in North because we want to cover this region within a week and a half to get as much as a 90 per cent coverage, but we still need to sensitise people about the vaccine due to the negative things being circulated about it,” he said.

As of Wednesday, about 3,600 persons in the region were vaccinated, even as it recorded an additional 18 COVID-19 cases.

This brings the total number of positive cases to 491. Aishalton has also sent an additional 37 samples for testing, while 90 samples from the North Rupununi have been sent for testing. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

in lockdown benefit

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–– $25,000 per household COVID cash grant also distributed

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, along with Region Nine Chairman, Brian Allicock; Aishalton’s Toshao, Michael Thomas and another representative of the village

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, engages Aishalton residents during an outreach on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

More fraud charges for senior officers –– as ‘meals scandal’ widens

THREE senior police officers were, on Thursday, charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of a massive investigation into an alleged $300 mil-

lion fraud commitment at the Police Finance Office.

The officers are former Police Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent (ag) Marcelene Washington; former Deputy Finance Officer, Assistant Superintendent

Roxanne Griffith-Adams, and former Deputy Commander of Division 4B, Superintendent Lorraine Saul. They were charged collectively with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony.

Former Deputy Finance Officer, Assistant Superintendent Roxanne Griffith-Adams

Former Deputy Commander of Division 4B, Superintendent Lorraine Saul

Former Police Finance Officer, Senior Superintendent (ag) Marcelene Washington

Additionally, Saul was charged separately with falsification of an account by an officer. This is the fourth time in two weeks Saul is being slapped with fraud charges stemming from the investigation, while it is the second time for Washington.

The matters were called before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. Washington and Saul did not appear to answer to the charges, as they are currently not within the jurisdiction. The matters were adjourned to May 14, 2021, in anticipation of their return.

Griffith-Adams appeared in person before the Chief Magistrate, who read the indictable charge of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. She was not required to plead, and was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. She is expected to return to court on May 14, 2021.

The particulars of the charge allege that Washington, Griffith-Adams and Saul, with intent to defraud, conspired with each other and other persons while being officers employed by the GPF, to falsify a feeding account in the sum of $1,152,000 for meals, purportedly provided by the Tactical Service Unit Mess to officers and inspectors who performed fixed-point duties at the unit between October 16, 2020 and October 31, 2020.

Investigations by SOCU revealed that Saul, who was, at the time, the officer in charge at the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) Mess, caused a feeding account to be prepared on November 2, 2020. The account was processed at the Police Finance Office and payments were disbursed; however, no such duty existed and no such meals were distributed.

On Wednesday last, Washington, Saul and Deputy Superintendent, Frank Jackman-Wilburg, were all

charged collectively with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, while Saul was also charged separately with two counts of falsification of an account by an officer.

Jackman-Wilburg appeared in person before the Chief Magistrate, who read the indictable charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act and was granted bail in the sum of $300,000.

In those matters, it is alleged that the officers conspired to falsify two feeding accounts, for meals purportedly provided by the FAPC Mess to ranks who performed fixed-point duty at the Suicide Helpline and at the Mounted Branch between the period October 16, 2020 and October 31, 2020, in the sum of $3,686,400.

SOCU investigations, however, revealed no such feeding occurred.

Saul and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Kurt Smith, were charged jointly on April 15 with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 34 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, while Saul was also charged separately with two counts of falsification of accounts, contrary to Section 208 (b) of the Criminal Law Offences Act. Smith had appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was not required to plead to the charges as they were indictable, and was placed on $100,000 bail, while the court was informed that Saul is currently not in the country.

Smith and Saul were also charged jointly on April 12 with two counts each of conspiracy of commit and felony, while Saul was charged separately with two counts of falsification of accounts.

Smith had appeared before the Chief Magistrate and was placed on $100,000 bail on that occasion as well.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Talent Search Guyana streaming from this Sunday

One of the judges, Akelo ‘DJ Akelo’ Elliott

Grand finale for May 26

T

ALENT Search Guyana, one of the latest initiatives by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, promises to thrill viewers with the exciting and sensational performances of participants from all across Guyana, and with judges who are both fun and qualified in the field of entertainment.

Information gathered by Buzz is that over 500 persons have sent in videos via WhatsApp for consideration by the judges.

The judges for the competition with five rounds are Poonam Singh, Joel Ghansham, Timeka Marshall, and Akelo ‘DJ Akelo’ Elliott. The first show will be aired live at 19:00 hours this Sunday and will continue every Sunday until the grand finale on May 26, 2021.

The shows are pre-recorded at this stage but the semi-finals and finals will be done live. It will be shown on Hits

and Jams Television (HJTV), National Communications Network (NCN), Multi-Technology Vision (MTV), National Television Network (NTN), E-Networks and the Ministry’s Facebook page.

Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, a video audition was done where the contestants had to send in one-minute videos via WhatsApp, and a live audition was subsequently held.

The winning prize is not yet known, however, the names of the top talents are said to be the first that will be hired by the Ministry for shows and other events. The judges will also be mentoring the talents who made it through the audition rounds.

“It’s my first time judging so it has been quite relaxing and refreshing to not be the one who’s auditioning! As you would know, my whole career started through a singing competition,” See page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Spice up your kitchen!

Cooking live with Shamin for Saturday MARRIED to a Guyanese and living in Queens, New York, Shamin Dudhnath, popularly known as ‘Shamin Di’ has a large Guyanese following for her cooking show in which she cooks live for the benefit of her fans.

Her latest one will be on this Saturday at 18:00 hours on her ‘Shamin Di’s Kitchen’ Facebook page when she promises to show her audience her methods and techniques of cooking Crab Curry and Dumpling.

Because she is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Shamin focuses on West Indian food that can be found throughout the Caribbean and even has a Facebook group called West Indian Delight and Entertainment with over 12,000 members.

“I am not a caterer but because of my passion for

cooking, I do my own recipes to share and I started posting my food on Facebook and getting a lot of positive feedback,” she explained of the reason she started cooking live some seven months ago.

The response from her viewers, whom she said are made up of about 75 percent Guyanese, motivated her to continue coming on social media to cook live. She even manages a Youtube Channel.

Shamin cooks in a setting that is very much like the ones Guyanese enjoy with their drinks, music and family. “I play music while I am cooking, so it’s real home style. I am cooking in the comfort of my home and not in some fancy restaurant,” she pointed out.

Married to Davindra Dudhnath from New Amsterdam, Berbice, Shamin spent a lot of time cooking with

her mother-in-law Dhoorpati Jagoo. She said most of the things she learnt when she was younger came from her mother-in-law.

“She taught me to clap roti and it was good because I was accustomed to seeing my mom cook roti differently.

She also showed me how to make bara, cassava ball, egg ball, fried channa, and things like that.

Shamin also believes that her love for cooking stems from when she was young and had to ensure she finished cooking before her parents returned home from work in their garden. They were hard workers.

Today, Shamin loves to cook curry and dhal puri. “It doesn’t matter what type of curry, but I just love to look curry.”

She also recalled how her in-laws encouraged her to

Shamin loves to cook roti and curry

take orders for roti and curry when she was out of a job. “ I guess they saw the potential in me and pushed me in this direction.”

Shamin Dudhnath

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Salman Khan’s ‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’ opening in time for Eid

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan

ONE of the most awaited Bollywood trailers – that of Indian Superstar Salman Khan’s ‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’ released yesterday (Thursday) creating quite a buzz on social media among fans of the iconic actor.

‘Radhe’, a Hindi-language action film, was slated for its release last year on the occasion of Eid but the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown pushed back the opening.

The film follows the dreaded gangster ‘Gani Bhai,’ and ACP Rajveer Shikawat also known as Radhe who goes on a manhunt to find the wealthiest man of the town secretly running a crime syndicate.

The film, also starring other big names in Bollywood like Disha

Patani, Randeep Hooda and Jackie Shroff, is directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Salman Khan, Sohail Khan and Atul Agnihotri.

According to The Indian Express, ‘Radhe’ is the first Hindi film to simultaneously release on multiple platforms. The highly-anticipated movie will release in theatres on May 13 as well as on ZEE5’s pay per view medium ZeePlex on the same day.

“The makers of the Salman Khan starrer have unveiled a new poster of the film and it is sure to get you all excited for the film. In the poster, a zoomed picture of Salman shows him pointing a gun. The picture reminds us of his look in ‘Wanted,’” the publication said.

Besides this, the Indian media outlet said the movie will also be

available for the audience on various DTH services, including the likes of Dish, D2H, Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV, thereby giving the viewers a chance to watch the actioner on any platform of their choice.

Khan, 55, has dished out several high profile and award-winning films in the Indian movie industry including those like Maine Pyar Kiya, Saajan, Suryavanshi, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Karan Arjun, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Dabangg, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Ek Tha Tiger.

Meanwhile, Disha made her Hindi debut in the sports biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story opposite the late Sushant Singh Rajput and featured in other films like Baaghi 2, Bharat and Malang.

Indian actress Disha Patani

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 23, 2021

Talent Search Guyana ...

From page 18

Joel Ghansham

expressed Poonam Singh.

She offered that viewers can tune in to see a fun-filled show featuring contestants of all ages with diverse talents.

“What has been super exciting for me is seeing new talent in different categories; whether it is singing, dancing, spoken words, drumming, even down to painting. I was so happy to see people not losing hope or giving up on their dreams and goals despite the pandemic. They still came out and showcased their talent with pride,” Poonam further noted.

Both Poonam and fellow judge Joel

Ghansham spoke highly of the Ministry and its efforts to put on the show and provide an opportunity for those with talent.

“Regardless of what talent you think you possess, bring it on. We have some of the best crew….and a very tight-knit group; everyone gets along like family and fabulously and yet, we agree to disagree, which is good,” Ghansham said.

He is happy to be involved in a process that is “picking the right people and giving them exposure.”

Ghansham also said that the show will be full of fun and jokes.

Poonam Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

England scouts get...

From page 27 ly grabbed the advantage after the first day.

Ian Holland (114) and Tom Alsop (127 not out) both scored their second centuries of the campaign as they put on 228 for the second wicket before Hampshire closed on 292-3.

Somerset may well have been smarting after losing at home to Gloucestershire last week, but they responded well to losing the toss against Leicestershire to bowl the hosts out for 233.

Lewis Hill (68) kept the combined threats of Craig Overton (3-39), Lewis Gregory (2-39) and Jack Leach (2-23) at bay thanks to useful partnerships with the lower order.

But the Foxes responded well, reducing Somerset to 39-3 early on before Leach and skipper Tom Abell steered them 53-3 by stumps, still 180 runs behind.

In the London derby at Lord’s between Middlesex and Surrey, runs appeared tough to score.

Middlesex won the toss and bowled Surrey out for just 154, Tim Murtagh taking 4-28 against his former side as England trio Rory Burns, Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes all fell cheaply and South Africa legend Hashim Amla went for a duck.

The hosts battled their way to 114-3 by stumps as

Sam Robson (46 not out) and Robbie White (52 not out) rescued them from a precarious 16-3 in a so far unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 98 Group Three England Test captain Joe Root was dismissed cheaply as Sussex bowled Yorkshire out for 150 before reaching 118-3 in reply.

George Garton took three wickets - including Root who was pinned leg before for five - as the visitors’ innings lasted just 51 overs.

Garton also picked up the key wickets of Adam Lyth (42) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (17) as the hosts dominated.

Sussex opener Tom Haines finished unbeaten on 71 in reply, his third half-century of the season as Jofra Archer carried out fitness drills around the boundary

under the watchful eyes of England head coach Chris Silverwood and ‘head scout’ James Taylor.

A battling century from Glamorgan captain Chris Cooke took them to a respectable 324-7 after being put in

by Northamptonshire.

His ton came off 180 balls, sharing stands of 106 with Kiran Carlson (54) and 92 with Dan Douthwaite (44).

Gareth Berg (3-52) had played a major part in pegging Glamorgan back but Cooke (107 not out) saw his side through to stumps.

Lancashire’s fixture with Kent at Canterbury remains in the balance as the visitors finished on 260-7.

Josh Bohannon (87) fell agonisingly short of his second first-class century, falling leg before to Miguel Cummins six overs before stumps.

Lancashire were 85-4,

Padikkal hits ...

From Backpage In contrast to the Royals, RCB’s openers flourished in the reply as Padikkal played a fluent yet explosive innings which included eleven boundaries and six sixes.

Padikkal brought up his sixth IPL fifty with a glorious cover drive for four before reaching his maiden IPL ton in similar fashion.

RCB captain Kohli played second fiddle to Pa-

dikkal for the majority of the chase but combined glorious orthodox cricketing shots with more powerful blows, his innings coming off 47 balls and including six boundaries and three sixes, Kohli has now scored 6 021 runs from 196 IPL matches since making his debut in 2008, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Suresh Raina second in the list of all-time IPL run-scorers with 5 448.

(BBC Sport)

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25

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

Slow day in Pallekele

Shanto’s 163, Haque’s 127 help Bangladesh reach a formidable 474-4 BAD light ate away the last 90-odd minutes of play on the second day, leaving Bangladesh very much in control with 474-4 on the board, even though they hardly moved the run-rate needle with their 172 runs in 65 overs on the day.

On a pitch where bowlers have found almost no joy, the Bangladesh batters haven’t shown any interest in forcing the pace, or getting to a position where they can declare.

Sri Lanka wouldn’t mind putting their feet up after nearly two full days out in the field in searing heat and humidity. In fact, the extra minutes in the shade could even be advantageous for them, as it takes away more time on a pitch that might grip and turn a bit more on the remaining days.

On the day, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque continued to be Bangladesh’s batting stars, the former taking his maiden Test century to 163, while Haque reached his first overseas hundred.

Shanto struck 17 fours and a six during his eight hours 53 minutes at the crease, with most of those boundaries coming in the arc between point and mid-off.

He took a liking to Dhananjaya de Silva’s off-spin, hitting him for eight boundaries while he was generally watchful against the pace trio of Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, who eventually sent him back caught and bowled. Shanto and Haque added 242 runs, a record for Bangladesh’s third wicket, after Shanto and Tamim Iqbal

had put on a brisk 144 for the second wicket on the first day.

Haque was caught at slip trying to force a drive off de Silva not long after Shanto’s fall. This was an important knock for the Bangladesh captain, who held the record for scoring most Test hundreds without getting a single one of them away from home - it was 10/0 before this one.

Haque was more inclined towards picking the gaps around point and cover - most of his 11 fours came through point and cover - while he dealt mostly in singles when it came to the leg side.

Mushfiqur Rahim took his time to get going after coming in following Shanto’s fall. A Sri Lankan review for lbw off Kumara’s first ball went in his favour courtesy of an inside edge, and he had one overturned not long after when given out lbw by umpire Kumar Dharmasena off Wanindu Hasaranga.

But he settled down to end the day unbeaten on 43 off 107 balls. Liton Das was with him on 25 off 39 balls with two fours and a six.

Vishwa had taken two wickets on the first day, and on the second, there was one each for de Silva and Kumara, just rewards for the young fast bowler who hit decent speeds for most of the day.

Lakmal and Hasaranga were both impressive in terms of staying disciplined, but they went wicketless in 64 overs combined. (Cricinfo)

Najmul Hossain Shanto made his maiden Test century a big one, scoring 163. (AFP/Getty Images)

BANGLADESH 1st innings o/n 302-2 Tamim Iqbal c Lahiru Thirimanne b Vishwa Fernando 90 Saif Hassan lbw Vishwa Fernando

0 Nazmul Hossain Shanto c & b Lahiru Kumara 163 Mominul Haque c Lahiru Thirimanne b Dhananjaya de Silva 127 Mushfiqur Rahim not out

43 Liton Das not out

25 Extras: (b-5, lb-6, nb-5, w-10)

26 Total: (four wkts, 155.0 overs)

474 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-152, 3-394, 4-424.

Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 31-12-74- 0 (nb-3), Vishwa Fernando 28-8-75-2, Lahiru Kumara 28-4-88-1 (w-4), Angelo Mathews 7-1-14-0, Dhananjaya de Silva 27-1-112-1 (nb-2), Wanindu Hasaranga 33-2-94-0,

Pomeroon XI defeat Essequibo Coast XI in Devon Ramnauth youth cricket

European Super League:

Project is ‘on standby’, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez THE European Super League (ESL) is on “standby” despite nine of the 12 founding teams withdrawing, says Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

After a furious backlash against the proposed tournament that was announced on Sunday, all six Premier League clubs involved withdrew on Tuesday.

Spanish club Atletico Madrid and Italian sides AC Milan and Inter Milan have also formally pulled out.

“We’re going to continue working,” said Perez. “The project is on standby.”

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have not withdrawn, although Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said the project could not now proceed.

Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s La Liga, said: “If it (the Super League) was good for football, as Perez has said, they wouldn’t have done it behind our backs.”

On whether there would be sanctions from La Liga for the Spanish clubs, he added: “We are not talking about sanctions.

“Everyone wants to cut people’s heads off. We have

Real Madrid president Forentino Perez

to have a procedure and we have to see how it looks in the end. These clubs have been sanctioned by their own fans.”

Speaking on the El Larguero show on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Super League chairman Perez claimed the project was not yet dead as all 12 clubs “have not left yet”.

“You cannot get out of the contract like this - they are binding contracts,” he added.

When asked what the penalty was for leaving the project, Perez did not answer.

Why the ESL failed and will clubs try again?

Perez reiterated his view

that the ESL was created “to save football”, having also previously said the move had been made because young people were “no longer interested in football” because of “a lot of poor quality games”.

He added he was “sad and disappointed” by the reaction to the project, which the clubs have been working on “for around three years”.

He accused UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and various countries’ footballing authorities of “aggression” and “threats” towards the ESL. “Maybe we didn’t explain it well, but they also didn’t give us an opportunity to explain it,” said the 74-yearold.

“I’ve been in football for 20 years and I’ve never seen threats like this. It was like we killed someone. It was like we killed football. But we were trying to work out how to save football.”

A revamped 36-team Champions League, starting in 2024, was agreed on Monday, although the ESL teams had said in its announcement of Sunday it did not think UEFA’S reforms went far enough.

“The Champions League format is old and only interesting from the quarter-finals onwards,” said Perez.

“This format clearly doesn’t work, so we thought that we could have a format where the most important teams in Europe play against each other from the very beginning of the season.

“We worked out the numbers and felt we could make much more money, more money for all the other teams too.”

Perez also claimed one of English football’s ‘big six’ Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham - was reluctant about the ESL from the start.

“There was someone in the English group that didn’t have much interest, I won’t say who,” he said.

“That began to infect others, who are also people of an age, and who are perhaps afraid because they did not understand anything of what was happening.

“We all signed a binding agreement, but I think one was never very convinced.”

(BBC Sport)

Pomeroon XI were the victors on Wednesday.

A SOLID bowling performance, led by left-arm spinner Bryan Narine, and assertive batting propelled Pomeroon XI to a run-rate victory when the home team challenged the visiting Essequibo Coast XI on Wednesday at the Jacklow Cricket Ground, Upper Pomeroon River.

The 40-over match was organised through the Devon Ramnauth Region Two Youth Development Cricket League by Ernesto Demattos of Jacklow and B. Roberts.

Essequibo XI won the toss and batted first but only opener Orrin Gibson was able to play freely. He led the attack with 46, while fellow opener Sheldon Charles added 21.

It was the combination of Narine, Ryan Ramdeen, Babetto Holder and Harold Demattos that undermined the batting, which resulted in the visiting side succumbing for 125 in 29.2 overs.

Narine led the attack

with 4-28 from his eight overs, while Ramdeen finished with 2-26 from six overs, Holder and Demattos also picked up two wickets each.

The visiting skipper, Azizi Christiani was the only other batsman in double figures. He made 10.

In reply, Pomeroon XI lost a few early wickets, but solid starts from Rovaldo Edwards (22) and Floyd Thornhill (25) pushed them to 81-3 in 16 overs, before rain brought a premature end to the match. With a run rate of 5.06, the home team had done enough to claim the win.

Ramraj Bhopaul (112 from 4 overs), Sheldon Charles (1-20 4 overs) and Shaziff Mohammed (1-19 from 3 overs) were the wicket-takers for Essequibo Coast XI. For his outstanding performance with the ball, Narine was awarded the Man-of-the-Match award.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

BCB launches J. Supermarket 40 Overs tournament THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Wednesday launched another tournament as it continues to prepare for another restart of the 2021 Berbice cricket season.

The BCB had placed a hold on its 2021 cricket season after the recent hike of COVID-19 cases in Guyana.

The BCB had started the season in early February and was able to successfully complete 19 finals within two months before closing down once again.

BCB president Hilbert Foster visited the popular supermarket, located at Strand, New Amsterdam to formally launch the tournament and disclosed that it would start as soon as the board was satisfied that the COVID situation had improved.

The tournament will be contested by 14 teams in the New Amsterdam/Canje and East Bank Canje sub area.

The teams would include Rose Hall Canje, Goed Bananen Land, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, Mt Sinai, Pathfinder, Kendall Union

Sports Club, Kendall Union Sports Stars, Edindurgh, East

... New Amsterdam/Canje area teams set for battle

A representative of J. Supermarket hands over sponsorship to BCB president Hilbert Foster.

Bank Blazers and Guymine.

The tournament is one of three that the teams in the areas would be involved in along with dozens more organised across the entire county.

Novices/Juniors National Championship & Qualifiers set for Sunday THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will host its Novices/Juniors National Championship and Qualifiers this Sunday, April 25, 2021.

Weigh-in is from 06:00hrs to 07:30hrs, with competition commencing at 08:00hrs. The location for the event will be announced at a later date. The registration form and moneys can be submitted to Martin Webster or payment can be made to the Federation’s bank account.

After depositing the money in the account, send images of both the registration form and deposit slip. Bank: Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Account Name: Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation Account Number: 962356552194.

Due to COVID-19, GAPLF will not be allowing spectators at the venue and each team will only be allowed one coach.

Everyone present will be expected to wear a face mask.

The competition will be live-streamed for the virtual audience.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 23, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)Mumbai Indians (2)Trent Boult (MI) Today’s Quiz: (1)Who was the Man of the Tournament in IPL 2020?

(2)Who scored most runs in the IPL 2020?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

It will be played in a knockout format while all

teams are expected to closely follow the COVID-19

guidelines laid down by the BCB. These would include no spectators in the venue, social distancing, regular cleaning of hands and the wearing of face masks while in the pavilion.

All teams are also reminded that the BCB in 2021 would be enforcing its rule on white clothing during matches while any team that grants a walkover would be banned for the rest of the season.

Players debarred from second division tournaments would not be allowed to play. Among the players on the debarred list are Shimron Hetmeyer, Nial Smith and Romario Shepherd.

BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu expressed thanks to the management and staff of the supermarket

for their sponsorship. Naidu, disclosed that the BCB in 2021 had committed itself to organising at least three tournaments in each of the five sub-associations in the county and was on target to do so.

He noted that the work of the BCB under its current leadership has enabled it to attract sponsorship very easily. Jason Sripal, owner of the supermarket expressed happiness to be associated with the BCB and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of the game in the county.

J. Supermarket, Sripal noted, strongly believes in giving back and fulfilling its corporate duties. Sripal, a former national junior player expressed confidence that the tournament would be a success.

'How long can struggling Gayle stay in Punjab Kings line-up, at this stage of his career' - Agarkar

FORMER Indian bowler Ajit Agarkar believes an out-of-sorts Chris Gayle creates a tricky situation for Punjab Kings XI who may be hesitant to drop the player.

The 41-year-old began the season on a good note, scoring 40 from 28 balls in the first match, a victory against Rajasthan Royals. The veteran batsman has struggled to connect since then, scoring 10, 11, and 15 in the team’s next three games. The Kings have lost all three for a 1-3 start to the season.

Agarkar believes at this

Chris Gayle

age, Kings must weigh closely the benefits of keeping Gayle in the line-up, if he is not scoring the required runs.

"I don't know; he started

On this day: ...

From Page 27

through the stadium and reduced India’s victory target from 285 in 50 overs to 277 in 46.

While India fell 26 runs short of victory, Tendulkar’s hand lifted his side beyond the required 237 to edge out New Zealand and qualify for the final two days later.

And at the same venue on April 24, Tendulkar’s 25th birthday, he posted 134 against the same bowling attack as India chased down Australia’s 272-9 to win the tournament by six wickets.

Tendulkar reflected years later on the physical toll those two innings took on his body, which makes the tournament among the proudest achievements of his brilliant career.

“Given the conditions in the month of April - the temperatures are really high and you can feel the heat going through your shoes and socks - and the first thing you want to do is to put your feet in the ice bucket,” Tendulkar said “In my case, that was one experience which I remember how tough it was to stay there and play the best team in the world.

well. He got 40 in the first game. The challenge with Chris Gayle is that he did not play the first few games last season and then came back, and he was as good as ever.

So, I can understand it is a difficult decision to sit him out," Agarkar told Espncricinfo.

"If he is fit and when he has done well, you always want to accommodate him.

How long can you go on if he is not firing, especially at this stage of his career?" he asked.

Last season, Gaye was left out of the line-up for the team’s first 6 games but

returned to play a pivotal role in their run for a place in the play-offs, following another slow start. Gayle is not the only West Indian struggling at the moment, however, as Nicholas Pooran, a standout performer last season has scored only 9 runs in fours games, including three ducks.

"Their problem is that Nicholas Pooran is not scoring runs either, from whom they must have had high hopes. It's a tricky one. I don't know how long they can keep playing Chris Gayle if he is not getting runs.”

(Sportsmax)

“Australia was No.1 at that stage and to beat them so convincingly was extremely satisfying.”

Making the second of his two hundreds even more impressive was the extreme travel time required just to get to Sharjah, which severely limited the ability of all players to recover after the first match.

“Those days we used to play in Sharjah and drive all the way back to Dubai,” he said.

“By the time we got back to the hotel, unpacked and settled down, it was 02:00hrs or so when I went to sleep.

“And the next day was for recovery and the follow-

ing day was the final. It was not so easy.”

Tendulkar’s feats in Sharjah were part of a record-breaking year for the right-hander, who amassed 1 894 ODI runs in the 12-month period, which remains a record for a calendar year.

He was particularly harsh on the Australians in that period; four of his nine centuries in 1998 came against the men in green and gold and he averaged 88.71 in seven matches against them.

This in addition to the 446 runs at 111 – including two centuries – he scored against them in the Testmatch arena. (Cricket.com. au)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

GGA, Region 3 Education Officers hold training session at Leonora Track THE Leonora Track & Field Complex last Tuesday hosted some of Region 3 teachers, Education Officers and representatives of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, as part of the ongoing Guyana Golf Association (GGA) schools programme The session was hosted under the theme ‘Train the Trainer’, and teachers were certified to teach the sport to more than 2 000 students in the coming year and to enable them to write the subject as a Physical Education sports elective in 2022.

The session was made possible through the efforts of Mr Ulric Charles, Sports Coordinator for Region 3 who received full support from Regional Executive Officer Mr Jainarine Somwar and Regional Education Officer Mr Devendra Persaud, Mr Lindley Langhorne, Allied Arts Unit and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Culture that provided the Leonora Track & Field Centre for the training.

The secondary schools

in attendance were West Demerara, Vreed-en-Hoop, Patentia, Leonora, Uitvlugt, Zeeburg; Endeavour and Commons, Essequibo Islands, Leguan, L’Aventure, Vergenoegen and Parika-Salem.

District Education Officer Ms Barnes said, “The Education Department of Region 3 is in full support of this programme and we see keen interest from our students as the sport opens many, onceclosed doors of opportunity for them. More than ever, Guyana needs programmes like these to develop the minds and focus of our future generations.”

The GGA president expressed thanks to Ms June Ann Gonsalves, Assistant Chief Education Officer Secondary Schools and Allied Arts Unit headed by Ms Lorraine Barker-King for their support and guidance in the development of the sport in the schools.

The Education Department provides the teachers for training and the GGA is supplying all the equip-

… Teachers now certified to train as part of Physical Education

GGA president Aleem Hussain is flanked by teachers who are now certified golf trainers and other members of the educational fraternity, following their session at the Leonora track.

ment, balls, and training support.

Ms Gonsalves stated, “The discipline and integrity that golf brings to our kids, especially in the schools that normally have no access to such a top sport give us great hope for the prospects of developing a strong national team from areas that normally don’t have great opportunities.”

District Education Officer Mr Doobay spoke about the importance of sports and training in physical Ed-

On this day: Sachin’s stunning ‘Desert Storm’ … Reflections on Sachin Tendulkar’s memorable ODI hundreds against Australia in April 1998

SCORING a one-day international century against Australia in the late 1990s was no easy task. Now try scoring two in the space of three days. In searing heat!

In two knockout games!

Oh, and throw in a sandstorm for good measure.

Legend Sachin Tendulkar did just that, in April 1998, to power India to a tri-series title in Sharjah and affirm his status as the best player of his generation.

The 1998 Coca-Cola Cup, a three-team tri-series in the United Arab Emirates featuring India, Australia and New Zealand, was dominated by two factors; the No.1 ranked Australian side, and Tendulkar.

The Indian opener topscored for his side in four of their five matches on his way to 435 runs for the tournament, while the Aussies won all four of their round-robin games to cruise into the final.

Sachin Tendulkar dominated the Australians in 1998. (Getty Images)

The fourth of those four Australian wins, on April 22, was set-up by an unbeaten century to Michael Bevan that propelled them to an imposing total of 2847 in the days where 300plus scores we considered unbeatable.

Tendulkar responded with a superb innings of 143 against an attack featuring the likes of Shane Warne,

Damien Fleming and Michael Kasprowicz at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, as temperatures reached a maximum of 41 degrees Celsius.

That innings became known as the ‘Desert Storm’ knock after play was suspended for 25 minutes while a wild sandstorm swept

See Page 26

ucation saying, “I see this programme as a perfect complement for the teachers who needed some support. Everyone benefits from such an initiative and we are looking forward to making Region 3 a major factor in the sport.”

So far, with 51 schools in Regions 10, 6, 4, 3 and 2 participating, the GGA has provided over 5 000 students with the opportunity to experience one of the most exciting sports that is fully COVID-19 compliant.

“While golf has been

played in Guyana for more than 50 years, it is only under the guidance of the Guyana Golf Association that it has really reached the general public. A year ago, Guyana had less than 100 persons who were active in the sport, However with the addition today of Region 3 schools, we will surpass 5 000 active players,” said GGA president Aleem Hussain.

With brand ambassadors such as Assuria General Insurance, Copa Airlines, H. Nauth & Sons, CIDI

Blue Life Waters, the Shafura Hussain Foundation, AR Printery, Trophy Stall, Maraiko Bay Resort even the late Colin Ming, on board, Hussain said he wants to dedicate time to having more facilities erected around the country.

Meanwhile, GGA will host a series of inter-school tournaments that will then lead to a regional competition, from which a national team will be selected to represent the country. (Clifton Ross)

County Championship round-up:

England scouts get a glimpse of future contenders

IN the time it took the concept of a European Super League in football to be launched and seemingly scrapped, the County Championship moved seamlessly between the end of one round and the start of the next.

Round three began with a mixture of big scores in some games and big bags of wickets in others.

A few England contenders failed to take their chances with the bat while potential candidates to reinforce the bowling stocks made their presence known.

One not only dismissed the England captain, but did so in front of England’s rejigged selection team.

Group One Worcestershire opener Jake Libby’s ton against his old county Nottinghamshire at New Road was the second time he has reached three figures in just four County Championship innings this season.

Libby, who made 180

not out in the opening game against Essex, this time made 117 as the Pears posted 305-7.

He was well backed by

Olly Stone impressed in his last England Test appearance against India in February.

his opening partner Daryl Mitchell (59) and a so far unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 89 between Ed Barnard and West Indian Test fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who has not done much with the ball yet but has shown he can bat.

South African David Be-

dingham was another to hit his second century of the summer for Durham against Derbyshire.

He too made an unbeaten 180 in his side’s opening game against Notts, but he is on course to better that after hitting 170 not out of Durham’s 307-4 at Chesterle-Street.

At Edgbaston, although three Essex batsmen made half-centuries - Nick Browne, Paul Walter and captain Ryan ten Doeschate, backed by a fine 46 at the top of the order from Alastair Cook - nobody went on.

Instead, it was the Warwickshire pace bowlers who took the honours - with four scalps each for the lively Olly Stone and Oliver Hannon-Dalby, and two for Craig Mile Group Two Hampshire and Gloucestershire have both won their first two matches, but the hosts have comprehensive-

See Page 24

On this day: Sachin’s stunning ‘Desert Storm’ See Story on Page 27

… Reflections on Sachin Tendulkar’s memorable ODI hundreds against Australia in April 1998

CWI holding out hope of staging firstclass matches amid COVID uncertainty BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) is hoping an accelerated rollout of COVID-19 vaccines by regional governments can result in a sufficient improvement in health conditions, so as to facilitate the staging of first-class cricket in coming months.

The governing body has been banking on a shortened first-class season but with COVID-19 cases rising in several countries, speculation over a cancellation has heightened in recent weeks.

However, CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said they remained “optimistic and hopeful” of an improvement in the pandemic, so some amended version of the first-class season could be staged before the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) scheduled to got underway in August.

“We want to hold on to the possibility of playing some four-day cricket at

FLASHBACK: CWI suspended the last two rounds of its championship on March 14, 2020.

some point this summer, until it becomes absolutely impossible from a logistics and COVID perspective,” Grave said.

“If we cannot have regional first-class cricket, we will do our best to play what-

ever four-day cricket we can at the highest possible standard so we’re still looking at options.

“We continue to have to be very agile and adapt our plans, and we don’t want to make an easy decision and

2020 first-class

say no first-class cricket until 2022.

“We want to hold on to whatever possibilities we’ve got and we hope that the situation from a COVID perspective – vaccines rolling out and regional travel – will

Padikkal hits spectacular ton as RCB thrash Royals by 10 wickets …. Virat Kohli, first batsman to reach 6 000 IPL runs

Opener Devdutt Padikkal made his debut for RCB in last season’s IPL.

DEVDUTT Padikkal hit an unbeaten 101 as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 10 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 20-year-old’s innings came off only 52 balls as RCB reached their target of 178 with 3.3 overs to spare.

RCB captain Virat Kohli - who scored 72 not out - also became the first

man to reach 6 000 IPL runs.

Earlier, Royals posted 177-9 from 20 overs, with Shivnam Dube scoring 46 and Jos Buttler falling for eight.

Top-of-the-table RCB have now won all four of their matches in this season’s IPL, while Royals remain second from bottom with a solitary win.

Having lost the toss and put in to bat, Royals fell to

43-4 after 7.2 overs.

Opener Buttler was bowled by seamer Mohammed Siraj - the pick of the RCB bowlers with 3-27 - for eight, the England player now averaging 21 from four innings in this year’s IPL. Captain Sanju Samson having just launched Sundar Washington for a six - also failed to score big, chipping the spinner’s very next ball straight to Glenn Maxwell at

mid-wicket for 21.

Dube then led Royals’ recovery, sharing a 66-run partnership with Riyan Prag (25) for the sixth wicket, while Rahul Tewatia also contributed, with 40 off 23 balls.

RCB seamer Harshal Patel - the top wicket-taker in this season’s competition so far with 12 dismissals - picked See Story on Page 24 up 3-47.

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improve.

“We’ve been saying that now, not just in the Caribbean but the world has hoped for months and months and months but we’re still in the midst of it.

“We’re optimistic and hopeful but at some point, playing four-day cricket before the CPL will become apparent or not,” Grave told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

There has been no regional first-class cricket since last year March when CWI pulled the plug on the season with two of the 10 rounds remaining, due to the onset of COVID-19 in the Caribbean.

CPL organisers proceeded with the popular Twenty20 championship in a “bio-secure” bubble in Trinidad and it was hoped a similar template could be utilised this year for the four-day season.

CWI staged the Regional Super50 in Antigua last February and last month, hosted the first international tour in over a year when Sri Lanka toured the region for a full series of two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, with all games also played in Antigua.

Grave said while there were benefits, especially in the current COVID environment, to hosting entire tournaments in one country, there were disadvantages as well.

“As we found out from Sri Lanka, hosting lots of cricket in one country makes things manageable, potentially viable from a health and safety point of view in a COVID perspective but puts enormous pressure on the facilities and the ground-staff,” the Englishman stressed.

CWI publishes 36-page annual report for 2020 CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has published a comprehensive full-colour annual report for 2020. The public release of the report follows the recently concluded CWI Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on April 11, 2021.

The 36-page document reports on CWI’s progress in relation to implementing its Cricket First Strategic Plan, in the face of the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Annual Report features specific reports on cricket, fan engagement and commercial development as well as finance, all of which were presented to the shareholder members at the recent AGM. Commenting on the release of the report, re-elected CWI president Ricky Skerritt, said: “The production of a holistic and analytical report to shareholders, published for general stakeholder reading, is not unprecedented. But, for various reasons, CWI has not prepared such an annual report for several years. I therefore wish to commend our Executive Management team for pursuing this particular project, as part of our effort to improve communication with all of our stakeholders.”

An excerpt from the report from CWI CEO Johnny Grave reads: “2020 will always be remembered for the pandemic, COVID-19. Despite these unprecedented challenges, I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve over the past year and it is truly inspiring in the way that everyone, on and off the field, has come together and collaborated so quickly to respond to the significant changes and huge uncertainty.”

The release of CWI’s Annual Report follows the publication of the audited financial statements which, for the first time, includes the consolidated accounts with Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG).

The annual report and the audited statements can be viewed on CWI’s official website via the following link: https://www.windiescricket.com/cricket-west-indies/cwi-audited-financials-2014-2020/.(CWI release) FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021