Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_04_28_2021

WEDNESDAY 28th April, 2021

' No.106344

38,000 additional doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for Guyana through COVAX

Exxon strikes oil at Uaru-2 well

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–– estimated recoverable resources to surpass nine billion barrels

–– at least six projects, 10 FPSOs to be active in Guyana’s waters by 2027

The Government, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is currently constructing a new $123M sluice (left) to alleviate flooding in the Little Diamond area. At right is the old sluice that has outlived its usefulness (Adrian Narine photo) (See story on Page 8)

Academics aside, Swasti Saytoo is a talented dancer and public speaker 17 PAGE

$60,000 minimum wage for private sector imminent 08 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

Exxon strikes oil at Uaru-2 well GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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–– estimated recoverable resources to surpass 9 billion barrels

–– at least six projects, 10 FPSOs to be active in Guyana’s waters by 2027

ESTIMATED recoverable resources at the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana, is expected to surpass the projected nine billion barrels of oil equivalent, as operator of the block, ExxonMobil, has announced the discovery of high-quality oil-bearing reservoirs at the Uaru-2 well.

With this find, the company, which is the operator of the Stabroek, Canje and Kaieteur blocks offshore Guyana, now boasts 19 discoveries in the Stabroek Block alone.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square

Mobil, drilling at Uaru-2 encountered approximately 120 feet (36.7 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing reservoirs, including newly-identified intervals below the original Uaru-1 discovery.

The well was drilled in 5,659 feet (1,725 meters) of water, and is located approximately 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) south of the Uaru-1 well.

ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice-President of exploration and new ventures, Mike Cousins is quoted in a statement as saying: “The Uaru-2 discovery enhances our work

A pictorial representation of ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana, in the various blocks (Photo courtesy ExxonMobil) kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator, and holds a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds a 25 per cent interest.

According to Exxon-

to optimally sequence development opportunities in the Stabroek Block.”

As he went on to say, “Progressing our industry-leading investments and well-executed exploration plans are vital in order to continue to develop Guyana’s offshore resources that unlock additional value for the people of Guyana and all stakeholders.”

In January 2020, Exxon-

Mobil announced that Uaru-1 was its 16th discovery in the Stabroek Block. The well encountered approximately 94 feet (29 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir, and was drilled in 6,342 feet (1,933 meters) of water.

In March 2021, ExxonMobil secured a sixth drillship, the Noble Sam Croft, for exploration and evaluation drilling activities offshore Guyana. A fourth project, Yellowtail, has been identified within the block, with anticipated startup in late 2025, pending the

government’s approvals and project sanctioning.

The project at reference will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 19 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of the Liza developments.

ExxonMobil anticipates at least six operational projects by 2027, and sees potential for up to ten Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to develop its current recoverable resource balance.

Data from Norwegian independent energy research and business intelligence

firm, Rystad Energy, suggests that close to 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) has been discovered on average for each exploration well (wildcat and appraisal) drilled in the country over the past six years.

This aside, with around 16 exploration wells planned, including some in riskier frontier regions, 2021 holds a lot of promise, Rystad Energy said.

ExxonMobil will be spearheading the local exploration activities, having already set an ambitious divestment target of US$15

billion by expelling mature assets in Asia, Europe and Africa, so as to prioritise investments in “high-value” assets such as Stabroek.

ON TARGET At the Stabroek Block, the start-up of Liza Phase Two remains on target for 2022, as the Liza Unity FPSO prepares to set sail from Singapore to Guyana later this year.

The Unity FPSO has a production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Little Diamond residents demand compensation from BK –– say flood was ‘avoidable’

NOW that the floodwater has receded and the cleanup has started, several residents of Little Diamond, on the East Bank Demerara believe that they should be compensated for the damage done to their homes and belongings.

Approximately 100 houses were inundated early Monday morning after an incident with an excavator owned

by BK International left a “slushy patch” near a koker in the area. The river water damaged appliances and other

household items.

Residents are appealing to the contractor as well as the government to provide them with monetary assistance to replace their damaged belongings.

Adrian Beckles, who is still in a state of disbelief, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that residents have not yet received any information about being compensated for their losses. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is the only organisation that is offering relief to residents,

he said.

Beckles said his entire family has been affected by the flood, and he has suffered losses.

“This is my baby clothes; it soak in all this nasty water, so I have to replace all of them. Right now, we want know where we finding money from to replace all the stuff that damage, Beckles said, adding: “Up to now, nobody ain’t say well we coming back today or tomorrow, and we gon render some assistance cash-wise or so. And that’s what we need right now. Yes, we thankful for the stuff from the CDC, but we need to replace we stuff; and we aren’t hearing about that.”

Abiola Smith, who’s also been affected, noted that since the flooding occurred, many of her fellow residents have

Rameshwar Shadeo

A Little Diamond resident removing the remaining water from his home

Wednesday April 28, 2021 04:00hrs - 05:30hrs

Abiola Smith

not been able to go to work.

This has resulted in a loss of income for some, she said, before noting that she took a two-day break from her selling business to ensure that she can try to salvage some of her household items.

“We need some help.

Right now, this is not just damage to we property; it costing we money from we work. Two days I ain’t work,” Abiola said, adding: “I have a stall at Vendors’ Arcade;

I does cater breakfast and lunch. Now when I’m not operating, who providing for me? Nobody! I had to spend yesterday and today cleaning out my house and washing, so I can’t work. And all my things damage and gone. And up to now, we can’t hear who replacing these things.”

Rameshwar Sahadeo said that in his over 25 years as a resident of Little Diamond, he has never seen a flood of this magnitude. He noted that his

house, which is approximately two feet off the ground, was under threat, while his yard was inundated.

“I born and raised right here; this area never flood like this before this ‘koker’ start construct,” Rameshwar said.

“Even with the old ‘koker’, we never had this kind of flooding. All the residents know that this flood could have been avoided, but the workers there they didn’t do what they had to do to full up back the hole they left on Sunday,” he told this publication.

The government, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is currently constructing a new sluice in the area. According to Fredrick Flatts, the CEO of NDIA, the project is expected to cost approximately $123M and is 97% completed.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during a visit to the community on Monday had told the residents that he has received assurances from NDIA’s engineers that there will be no more flooding as a result of high tides.

“We have been given the assurance from the Chief Engineer of the NDIA, Fredrick Flatts, that the work that they are doing now will effectively seal the breach, and this area will not suffer any flooding tonight or anytime in the near future,” the Prime Minister said.

The PM said, too, that an impact assessment will be conducted to ascertain the extent of the damage the residents have suffered, after which the government will determine its next move. A house-to-house assessment has already been conducted, while food and cleaning hampers were distributed simultaneously.

“I understand what the people have gone through, but also, I am leaving here satisfied that the engineering work will result in the residents not suffering any more than they would have suffered already,” the PM said.

“We will have a team that will come in here and start the damage assessment, and certainly the information gathered will help us to determine our next move,” he added.

Exxon strikes oil ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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From page 3

day at peak rates.

The hull for the Prosperity FPSO vessel, the third project at the Payara Field, is complete, and “topside” construction activities have commenced in Singapore, with a start-up target of 2024. The US$9 billion development will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels.

“These new projects continue to drive investment in the Guyanese economy. More than 2,300 Guyanese are now supporting project activities on and offshore, which reflects a more than 20 percent increase since the end of 2019,” ExxonMobil says.

The company and its key contractors have spent approximately US$388 million (approximately G$84 billion) with more than 800 local companies since 2015.

Oil production is undoubtedly contributing significantly to local growth, but the World Bank has cautioned Guyana that there will be risks related to the management of wealth generated from the sector.

“Guyana will be challenged to transform its burgeoning oil wealth into human capital, physical capital, and financial assets for broad-based welfare increases,” the World Bank said in its recently published semi-annual report on the Latin American and Caribbean Region.

The country’s oil-andgas sector is already pumping finances into its Natural Resources Fund (NRF), with some US$61,090,968 (approximately G$13B) being earned from the sale of the nation’s fifth oil lift.

The country received its latest payment after the sale of 997,420 barrels of oil, which were lifted from ExxonMobil’s Liza Destiny on February 5, 2021.

The nation, new to the petroleum sector, sold its

first one million barrels of crude on February 19, 2020, raking in nearly US$55 million. In its second million-barrel sale, the country received US$35 million, while from the sale of its third and fourth million-barrels of crude, it earned US$46 million and US$49.3 million respectively.

Based on a consolidation of all the lifts to date, the country has sold some 5,009,797 barrels of oil valuing US$246,542,662.

Along with the earnings from the oil lifts, and over US$21 million in royalties and interest, Guyana has close to US$267,668,709 in its NRF at the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

SIXTH LIFT According to recent reports, reduced production levels at ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase One operation have not affected Guyana’s sixth oil lift, as it was safely and successfully completed at planned quantity, and in keeping with the Crude Lifting Agreement and lifting schedule.

Production levels at the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel is, however, gradually returning to normal, as efforts are underway to further assess a faulty discharge silencer, which was removed recently.

The company had reduced production levels significantly, from 120,000 barrels of oil per day to 30,000 barrels after encountering problems related to the discharge silencer, which is a component of the recently re-installed flashgas compressor.

The compressor was damaged back in January, and had resulted in the company having to temporarily increase gas-flaring to above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations.

The faulty contraption

was subsequently removed and sent to Germany for immediate repairs. The repaired and upgraded components of the flash-gas compression system have been safely re-installed, but a comprehensive threephase testing programme was undertaken to ensure full safety.

It was during the final stage of the three-phase testing programme that the

company encountered a problem with the discharge silencer.

A discharge silencer is used to attenuate noise produced by the expansion of air, steam or gas at elevated pressure to atmospheric pressure.

In a recent update, ExxonMobil said the silencer has been removed, and is being further assessed, so as to determine the necessary

scope of repairs and or/ modifications.

“We estimate that repairs or replacement will take approximately three months. Additionally, plans initiated in 2020 are progressing to install a redesigned third-stage flash-gas compression system at the end of this year,” ExxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Adviser, Janelle Persaud said in a

recent update.

Even amidst the ongoing efforts to repair the faulty equipment, the company has started to ramp up production, which has since moved from 30,000 barrels of oil per day to between 100,000 and 110,000 barrels per day, at a flare level of no more than 15 Million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MSCFD).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Transformation Through Education ONE of the most important steps in transforming a nation is through easy, wide and non-discriminatory access to education, more particularly by those seen as vulnerable or disadvantaged.

The power of education is no secret. Many in public life in Guyana today and many who have since passed on, started from very humble beginnings and through education they were able to transform their lives, the lives of their families, others around them, and in a few cases, the country as a whole.

Their experiences are similar to some of the greatest entrepreneurs and statesmen the world has known and by virtue of this, cement as a universal fact that education is a vehicle of positive change.

Former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in the forward of the State of the World’s Children, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Report (1999), elaborating on this fact, pointed out that “Education is a human right with immense power to transform” contending that “On its foundation rest the corner-

stones of freedom, democracy and sustainable development.”

Here in Guyana, successive governments have recognised the value of education with each year and year allocating the biggest slice of the budgetary pie to this sector.

Thanks to the work of the current government, in its previous term in office, tremendous strides were made to increase access to education and lift the standard of education delivery at all levels of the education sector.

Now back in power after five years of uninspiring and undemocratic rule by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government, the current administration led by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in fulfilling a promise to the Guyanese people, has moved to make higher education free to those who are qualified and so interested.

Its gels with efforts that would be required by Guyana to acquire the relevant expertise as it prepares to experience development on a scale it has never witnessed before, fuelled largely by oil revenues.

The 20,000 scholarships initiative

being rolled out by the Dr Irfaan Ali Administration through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) in every region of Guyana, without the need for ostentatious description, is a step in the right direction.

It brings hope to many who are qualified but cannot afford to foot the cost of higher education, as well as serve as a motivating factor or encouragement for others to qualify themselves at the tertiary level.

With regards to the former, young Delisha Budhu of the farming community of Black Bush Polder, Region Six, immediately comes to mind.

Many would recall, in an open letter to First Lady Arya Ali, the young lady articulately narrated the plights of young people in her community, which inter alia include lack of employment opportunities for youths as well as opportunities for them to professionally elevate themselves.

Today, through the intervention of the current administration, young Budhu and others in similar circumstances can now study at the tertiary level, from undergraduate to Ph.D for free.

It was heartening to see the First

Lady personally reaching out to the young Berbician and the government committing to fixing Internet issues that might affect the delivery of the online scholarships during separate outreaches in Berbice and Linden on Monday.

This tells a story of a government that is attuned to and cares about the needs of the people and is committed to making a difference in the lives of all Guyanese.

Aside from fulling an elections promise, the scholarship programme is a progressive step in the sense that it positions Guyana on the path towards becoming a knowledge-based society, and given the grassroot approach by the government, it fits well with the mission of education.

This mission was beautifully elucidated by the visionary, eminent scientist and late President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, when he had said, “When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms, when creativity blossoms, thinking emanates, when thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit, when knowledge is lit, economy flourishes.”

Vaccine works! Please take it!

Dear Editor, I JOIN the call by Dr. Leslie Ramsammy imploring Guyanese to take the vaccination ‘jab’; it helps with protection against the deadly coronavirus.

My personal experience and that of family members and others who took the ‘jab’ and from my examination of data of the Greater Richmond Hill area in Queens affirm that the vaccine boosts protection. The infection rate has been going down in Richmond Hill, which recently had the highest rate of COVID in the U.S., if not globally. People who took the vaccine are ‘very (though not absolutely) protected’ against the virus.

As my investigation reveals, there are individuals who have been vaccinated but still got the virus. However, they have not been hospitalised and not died and their symptoms have been very mild, while experiencing rapid recovery. There are also Guyanese and others who have been vaccinated and were not infected when repeatedly exposed to COVID victims, including some who died. I am one

of them as are many of my siblings. Hardly anyone who was fully vaccinated has died from COVID. So the vaccine works, please take it now!

Vaccines have an efficacy or intended success rate against the virus. The Moderna is 94 per cent; Pfizer 95 per cent; Sputnik 95 per cent; Covishield 82 per cent; Covaxine 72 per cent; Johnson and Johnson 72 per cent; Covishield (Serum Institute of India) and Covaxine (Bio Tech) are Indian vaccines and are being used in Guyana. Two doses of Covishield raise the efficacy level to 93 per cent, although no one has reportedly died from COVID who was vaccinated. Ditto Covaxine.

Efficacy figures suggest that even if vaccinated, one is not absolutely protected from the virus. One can still get infected, but the effects would not be severe and one will not die.

To understand efficacy, an 82 per cent efficacy rate means that out of 100 people who are vaccinated, any 18 could potentially get the virus. So far, no one has died from the vaccine itself in India or in Guyana. No vaccinated

person has died in Guyana The CDC reported that 5,800 out of 75 million fully vaccinated people in the U.S. were infected with COVID-19. Of these, 396 were hospitalised and 74 people died; very low rate (of .0075% or less than a fraction of one per cent) of infection and death. That’s impressively high. Similarly, in India, out of 145M vaccinated, only a few hundred (less than .0001 per cent) have side effects. With regard to Guyana, some 105K people have been vaccinated. With an efficacy rate of 82 per cent from AstraZeneca, then 18 per cent or 18K are at risk of getting the virus. But so far, no vaccinated person has been infected, suggesting an efficacy rate of 100 per cent.

Covishield has been working in India with an efficacy rate similar to Guyana’s.

The vaccine is also working among Guyanese in New York. In looking at the infection rate in Richmond Hill, in January it was some 16 per cent. As I travelled around Richmond Hill in February and March, I noticed long lines of Indo-Guyanese and Punjabis at various testing sites set up by the city administration

based on lobbying of community leaders. They are also being vaccinated. The COVID infection rate has dropped to 10 per cent in April.

There have been reports of blood-clotting in individuals taking a vaccine in the U.S. and Europe. This does not apply to the vaccine being used in India or Guyana. The Guyana vaccine is relatively safe. At any rate, one’s life is at greater risk without a vaccination. The risk of death from vaccination is extremely low – less than one per million and Guyana does not even have a million people.

The number of infections in America, Guyana, and India after being vaccinated is not alarming or a serious cause of concern.

But in addition to being vaccinated, people should follow other protocols such as masking; social distancing; hand-washing; eating healthy by consuming a lot of fruits and using herbal products such as neem, tulsi, karila, and the like – they seem to work) and exercising.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

COVID-19 death toll rises to 291

GUYANA, on Tuesday, recorded two new COVID-19 related deaths taking the overall death toll to 291.

The latest fatalities are two males, a 48-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 57-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands– West Demerara). They both died while receiving care at a medical facility.

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 72 new COVID-19 cases from 760 tests. This latest figure takes Guyana’s total number of positive cases to 2,826.

These new cases were distributed across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six and 10.

Region Four accounted for 56 of the new cases.

Region One recorded three new cases, Regions Two and 10 recorded two new

cases each, Region Three recorded eight new cases and Region Six recorded one new case.

The newly-confirmed cases include 42 males and 30 females. An additional 64 persons have recovered from the virus within the last 24 hours, taking the total number of recoveries since March, 2020, to 10,944.

There are currently 1,606 active cases, 14 of which are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Currently, there are 76 persons in institutional isolation; 1,501 in home isolation, and 15 in institutional quarantine.

Many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic; that is, they are not exhibiting any symptoms.

The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until April 30, 2021.

They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing

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public health conditions of the pandemic.

In keeping with the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

$60,000 minimum wage for private sector imminent

–– says Minister Hamilton

By Tamica Garnett MINISTER of Labour, Joseph Hamilton on Tuesday reaffirmed that an increase in the minimum wage for private sector employees to $60,000 is still guaranteed, notwithstanding the deadline for implementation being delayed to cater for the challenges the sector has faced over the past year.

Minister Hamilton reaffirmed the government’s position during a meeting

at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he met with the Board of Directors and management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to address issues facing employees of the corporation.

The minister, in addressing those gathered at the meeting, said he was surprised to learn that GuySuCo pays its employees based on the private sector’s minimum wage of $44,200 and not that of the public sector

which is $70,000.

In responding to the minister, GuySuCo representatives pondered aloud whether the Corporation can manage a mandatory salary increase. But Minister Hamilton reminded the stakeholders that an increase in the private sector’s minimum wage is not a question of “if,” but rather a matter of “when”.

“The order will be issued,” Minister Hamilton said, adding: “What I have not done is put a timeline on the order, because of all the other

things I have to pay attention to. But it will come; it is an agreed position.”

While his position is firm, the minister said that he is cognisant and considerate of the economic hardships the private sector continues to face, in light of the COVID-19 situation, and has many times found himself at loggerheads with both the employee unions and the private sector businessowners over it.

“Representatives of the employees are saying issue the order; the private sector, they are say-

ing you have to take into consideration the effects of COVID. I’ve taken a lot of licks in the battle from all sides. I have to take those two positions, and do what is best for everybody,” Minister Hamilton related.

He defended his decision to push back the signing of the order to move ahead with the increase, noting that if businesses find it hard to pay the new increase, it could lead to downsizing and cut-backs on employment to accommodate the increased overhead expense.

In his view, there is yet hope on the horizon, as the COVID-19 vaccination programme being coordinated by the Ministry of Health and a possible post-COVID-19 era could push forward the signing of the order.

“The fact that the government has rolled out the

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton vaccination; that might help me very shortly to make a decision on the matter,” Minister Hamilton said.

It was in 2019 that a tripartite committee with representatives from the trade union, the private sector, and the Ministry of Labour, met and first agreed to an increase in the minimum wage to $60,000. However, the necessary order to concretise the agreement was never signed by the then Minister of Labour.

The private sector’s minimum wage has not been increased since 2017, when it was raised from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking it from $35,000 to $44,200.

Man accused of break and enter granted bail A MAN, who allegedly broke into a house and stole raw gold, cash and other valuables, on Monday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was granted $75,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Rowel Samuels pleaded not guilty to break and enter and larceny.

It is alleged that between March 30, 2021, and April 20, 2021, at Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, he broke and entered the apartment of Denzil McDonald and stole one fan valued at $5,000, one Total Cordless Drill valued at $25,000, one sword valued at $17,500, nine Black Stone alcoholic beverage valued at $35,000, two Kaiak colognes valued at $16,000, 17 penny weight raw gold valued at $289,000 and $20,000 cash.

According to the prosecution, both McDonald and Samuels reside in the same apartment building and are known to each other. The complainant, on March 30, secured his apartment with two padlocks and left for Lethem.

When he returned on April 20, he discovered that the padlocks were opened and the articles mentioned in the charge missing. He immediately reported the matter to the police.

Samuels was arrested after ranks searched his apartment.

The matter was adjourned until May 10, 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

38,000 additional doses of AstraZeneca vaccine for Guyana through COVAX

By Vishani Ragobeer

GUYANA has already received 24,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the COVAX facility and the country should be receiving another 38,000 doses of the same vaccine by May, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Through the COVAX facility, Guyana was expected to receive an initial set of 100,800 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for free. The facility, however, has not been able to deliver the expected quantities to Guyana or other countries, due to global supply constraints.

In March, Guyana received 24,000 doses of the vaccine from COVAX. And, on Tuesday, during his daily COVID-19 update, Minister Anthony related that the local authorities have been informed that another 38,000 doses will be sent.

He noted that no specific date has been set, but said: “Hopefully we get that before the end of May and once we get that we will utilise it to ensure that people get the vaccine.”

According to allocation figures on Gavi’s website, 15 Caribbean countries will receive just over 2.1 million doses of COVAX vaccines

by May. Jamaica was the first Caribbean country to receive vaccines through COVAX; this country received 14,400 doses out of the 124,800 allocated to the country in the initial rollout phase. Importantly, however, Jamaica has engaged COVAX as a self-financing participant.

Guyana, on the other hand, is part of the smaller grouping of Advance Market Commitment (AMC) countries which will receive their first tranche of vaccines for free.

Amid the pandemic, COVAX emerged as the global

effort between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Gavi; the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While this facility was created with an ambitious mandate of ensuring equitable distribution of vaccines, which are seen as the exit strategy for countries amid the pandemic, a wider issue of ‘vaccine nationalism’ has overshadowed its work.

The advanced economies of the world have been able to procure and stockpile vaccines–some securing enough to vaccinate their populations more than once, according to reports from American news agency, NPR — while many countries around the world have not been able to procure vaccines as yet, or only in much smaller quantities.

While speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), at a recent special meeting convened by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council, Dr. Anthony highlighted the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s concerns over the inequitable access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally.

He related that lockdown measures, supply chain disruptions, sharp decline in remittances, and a general decrease in travel, trade, and other economic activities that the region depends on, have all been disrupted by the pandemic.

As such, he made a fervent appeal for developing countries to provide an interim supply of vaccines to the region.

Meanwhile, incumbent Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, has been engaging with figures in the US Ad-

ministration for access to that country’s excess supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Dr. Rowley wrote to the US President, Joseph Biden, on March 19, 2021 asking the US to share its surplus vaccines.

President Biden in his response confirmed the United States’ commitment to partnering with COVAX and other multinational institutions to ensure the equitable distribution of vaccines.

The first batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19, made available through the COVAX facility, being offloaded from the AmeriJet International aircraft which arrived, Monday, at 09:40 hours at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Agriculture extension services in Region One enhanced –– as NAREI equips employees with additional ATV, boat and engine

FARMERS in Region One (Barima-Waini) are now accessing enhanced extension services through a capacity-building initiative from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which has equipped its employees in the region with an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and a boat and engine.

The institute has been working closely with ‘other-crop’ farmers to produce crops such as cabbage,

ground provisions, tomatoes, fruits, and spices. But, to improve the services offered to farmers, NAREI has boosted the transportation capacity of extension officers, who are tasked with conducting routine farm visits, farmers’ field schools, farmers’ clinic and respond to emergencies.

Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh, dispatched equipment to the region. Extension officers stationed at Moruca and Matarkai sub-regions are now equipped with a boat

and engine and two ATVs (one new and the other refurbished).

Singh, last week, attended Region One’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) committee meeting on agriculture, forestry, mining and lands and survey.

He was accompanied

by Ramnarace Sukhna, Research Scientist; Orson Sealy, Regional Coordinator; Faron Pearson, Research Assistant and See page 12

Some of the farmers from Region One

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Man accused of gunpoint robbery granted $150,000 bail

SHERWIN Fraser, who is accused of robbing a man of over $1.5M at gunpoint, was, on Monday, granted $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

During his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Fraser also known as “Skull”, of Agricola, pleaded not guilty to the robbery under arms charge.

The charge states that Fraser, on April 19, 2021, at Laing and Princess Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, while in company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Derick Doodnauth of $1,506,210 and a quantity of cheques belonging to Health International Incorporation.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question, at about 10:15 hours, Doodnauth was driving a motor vehicle on Laing Street on his way to the bank with the company’s money and cheques. While in the vicinity of Princess and Laing Streets, he was held up by gunmen on two motorcycles. He was later relieved of the cash and cheques.

The entire ordeal was captured on CCTV camera.

Fraser was arrested and charged.

The matter was adjourned until May 10, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Agriculture extension ...

From page 11

George Jervis, Chief Technical Officer.

The meeting was held in the RDC’s boardroom.

Singh, during his presentation, pledged to promote crop diversification to improve the livelihood of the people of the region and also add value to crops such as turmeric and ginger, so as to reduce imports of these commodities.

The CEO related that NAREI is currently procuring a turmeric boiler, ginger brush washing machine, ginger cutting machine and a multifunctional powder grinding machine which will be used to add value to the spices produced in the region.

He also informed the committee of NAREI’s response to acoushi ants affecting farms in the region.

“Apart from the distribution of 750 packs of ants

bait, we will also provide bomba pumps and fastac,” Singh said.

Regional Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley was optimistic that NAREI will soon be able to add more value to turmeric, ginger and black pepper. He is hopeful that, in his tenure, he would be able to see a sachet with the label “Northwest ginger or turmeric powder.”

Chairperson of the RDC’s committee, Lepecha Benn, raised concerns about the availability of both seedlings and seeds in the Matarkai sub-region. In response to these concerns, CEO Singh promised that NAREI’s extension officers will teach farmers how to generate their own seedlings through budding and grafting.

Singh and his team visited a number of communities such as St. Dominic, Kumaka, Hosororo, Wauna and St. Anselm. The CEO, during his interactions with farmers, discussed the possibilities of expanding spice cultivation, value addition, reducing im-

An extension officer with the new ATV ports and establishing other spice factories.

Farmers were encouraged to collaborate with other processors and busi-

ness personnel to establish a spice factory to offset the anticipated increase production of both turmeric and ginger. (DPI)

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COVID-19 vaccinations rise to 124,000

By Vishani Ragobeer

APPROXIMATELY 124,000 people have received the first dose of one of three COVID-19 vaccines being distributed across the country here, according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, who also highlighted that this means that about 25 per cent of the adult population has been covered.

On Tuesday, during his daily COVID-19 update, he said that since the local health authorities lowered the age of eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to 18, there has been an influx of people who visited the vaccination sites for their vaccine.

All adults older than 18 years were eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine from April 16, just less than two weeks ago. At the time, Guyana had already vaccinated about 70,000 people, using its more than 100 fixed vaccination sites across

Three vaccines are used locally: The Oxford-AstraZeneca produced by the Serum Institute of India; the Chinese Sinopharm, and the Russian Sputnik V. These vaccines are all given in two doses.

“All the vaccines that we have in Guyana are very safe.

These vaccines have gone through a process of clinical trials, and they’ve all been found to be efficacious and safe,” Minister Anthony said.

While there has been a good turnout of people interested in

A dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine being administered to Dr. Dave Persaud recently, at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown (Vishani Ragobeer photo) the country. so that by the end of the week, “We’re now at about 24 or we can get closer to 50 per cent 25 per cent of our adult popula- of the population.” tion being covered with the first He also noted that about dose of the vaccination, and we 2,800 people have received both want that to even be better,” the doses of their vaccines, and are Health Minister said on Tues- now fully immunised against day, adding: “We hope that we the deadly novel coronavirus can get more people coming out, (COVID-19).

getting their COVID-19 vaccines, the minister is calling upon the older people in particular to get vaccinated, as they are more vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19. He also sought to remind the public that while vaccinations would not necessarily prevent infections, it would prevent people from getting severe symptoms, as well as prevent them from dying.

During a recent interview with this newspaper, Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy sought to assure

members of the public that the local health authorities have catered for the second dosage requirement of all vaccinated individuals.

“I wish to make it pellucidly clear, everyone that has had a first dose is guaranteed their second dose,” Dr. Ramsammy said, adding: “And I can say that with confidence, and with 100 per cent assurance, because for every dose we have administered, we have put aside the second dose.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Indigenous communities engaged on online scholarship programme

RESIDENTS of indigenous communities in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been engaged on the government’s “20,000 scholarship” programme, as part of an effort by authorities to promote this initiative nationwide.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, during a recent two-day outreach to communities in those regions, encouraged persons to capitalise on the programme, which is offered free of cost.

The minister, in addressing residents, said Guyana is on a path to significant economic development and there will be a demand for trained Guyanese to support the petroleum and traditional sectors.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

“I want to encourage the people to see this as important because we need to develop the skills in our country to be able to deal with the modern Guyana; a modern, diversified Guyana where our young people have the right skills and the opportunities to improve themselves,” Teixeira said.

Minister Teixeira said that, in the coming weeks, the Public Service Ministry will be heading into Amerindian communities to conduct a scholarship application exercise.

The 20,000 scholarships initiative is in keeping with a commitment made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in its manifesto, to empower the nation through

education, over the next five years.

Guyanese can apply to pursue any of the over 80 programmes being offered through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) from five internationally-recognised institutions. These are the University of the West Indies Open Campus; the University of the Southern Caribbean; the University of Applied Sciences; the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University.

Programmes will be offered from the certificate to the PhD level. Application forms are now available on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education. gov.gy (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

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Motorcycle bandits shoot, rob driver at traffic light

A THIRTY-EIGHT-year-old man is nursing injuries to his leg, after he was shot by one of two motorcycle bandits, who attacked and robbed him while he was stalled at a traffic light at Carifesta Avenue in the vicinity of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), on Monday.

According to police reports, the victim, a resident of Providence, who was driving motor vehicle PZZ 6538, was proceeding west on the southern carriageway of Carifesta Avenue

around 13:56 hours, when he halted at a traffic light.

Reports are that the man was awaiting the “green light,” when he felt an impact at the back of his vehicle, and observed two males on a motorcycle.

“One immediately confronted him and pointed a gun to his right leg and shot him. In shock the victim exited the car and ran for help,” the police said.

After the man fled the vehicle, the bandits allegedly entered and stole an

envelope containing $500,000, which was on the front passenger seat. The perpetrators subsequently made good their escape.

The victim remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he is being treated.

His condition is listed as stable.

Police have since retrieved one warhead and spent shell at the crime scene, as investigations into the incident continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Corriverton man arrested after raid uncovers marijuana

OFFICERS of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on Monday, arrested a man after seizing 25.9 kg of suspected marijuana.

According to information from CANU, officers uncovered the al-

leged illicit item during a raid of a building at ‘AA’ Kingston, Little India, number 79 Village Corriverton, Berbice. The building is said to be owned by 41-yearold Wesley Anthonio Barry.

The suspected marijuana which was seized Wesley Anthonio Barry

During the search, which was conducted in the presence of the owner of the building,

53 packages, containing what is suspected to be marijuana, were found.

Barry was arrested

and remains in custody pending charges in court. The investigation continues.

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Academics aside, Swasti Saytoo is a talented dancer and public speaker

By Indrawattie Natram

ANNA Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS) student Swasti Salena Saytoo, is not only academically brilliant, but she is an ardent public speaker and an exceptional dancer.

She was awarded 18 Grade Ones and 3 Grade Twos at the 2020 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. This outstanding performance ensured she copped the second best performer position for Region Two and the third spot for the country.

Over the years, the eighteen-year-old has won many prizes and awards for dancing and public speaking at various competitions, including Mashramani and the JOF Haynes Debating Competition.

Saytoo who currently resides at Zorg, lost her father, Devanand Saytoo, at the tender age of 11. During a recent interview with the Guyana

Chronicle, she recalled his tireless efforts working as a chauffeur to ensure she had all the necessary resources for a sound nursery and primary education.

Since his death, she has formed a tight bond with her mother, Malini Lall, who is a teacher at the Abram Zuil Secondary School. The teen described her mother as her biggest motivator before recalling that from an early age she was passionate about education.

Saytoo said her mother built a strong foundation for her educational development while she was in nursery school. She recalled that her mother, who was not yet a teacher, would spend a lot of her time teaching her basic vocabulary and phonics.

After completing her primary education, she was enrolled at the Taymouth Manor Primary where she gained excellent grades each school term. Her average percentage was between 94% and 98%. She explained that

she was always proud at the end of the year as she always copped the first place position, an accomplishment that made her parents proud.

The struggles of her parents were enough to push her to do well at the CSEC examination, she said.

“I still remember at Affiance Nursery School I was the only child being able to read all the Pat and Roy books from cover to cover with great ease and as my time progressed at the elementary institution, my teachers and parents realised my talents and love for dance,” a smiling Saytoo told this publication.

She said her dancing career started when she entered the Children’s Mashramani Competition one year and managed to secure the third place position.

Additionally, she participated in the JOF Haynes Debating Competition where she was awarded the best speaker title on several occasions. In 2018, she was

awarded first place for both the oral and physical presentations at the ARMS Science Fair.

She said she also has a passion for craft and has worked tirelessly with teachers at the ARMS to make an entire sari and matching accessories out of plastic garbage. She later modelled the piece at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Trash to Fashion” competition where she was awarded the prize for the most marketable piece.

“I was always a vibrant activist at the Hindu society cohesion club, drama club, environmental club, and even sports. These clubs led me to acquire experiences at the National Drama Festival and further with the Regional Chair competitions,” Saytoo said.

Speaking more about her dancing skills, she explained to this publication that she gets to express See page 20

Swasti Saytoo when she represented the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School as a Youth Ambassador

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Academics aside, Swasti Saytoo ...

From page 17

Swasti performing a dance piece at a recent show

her emotions through dancing.

She has been dancing with the Kandhiyah Dance Troupe for over eight years.

She noted that she has been able to showcase her dancing talents at numerous events held in the region.

Further, she spoke about how her life changed in 2019 after participating in the United States of America’s Youth Ambassador Programme. During the three weeks she spent in the United States, she learnt about various projects and entrepreneurship.

Saytoo said sitting 21 subjects was no easy task.

She arrived at the final num-

ber after having a discussion with her mother. She had lessons as early as 07:00 hrs and as late as 22:00 hrs.

According to the teen, she was very determined and committed, and sometimes studied until 04:00 hrs.

She expressed gratitude to all the teachers and staff of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, adding that she is hoping to acquire a scholarship to pursue studies in Civil Engineering at a university in Canada.

Meanwhile, her mother said she is elated that her only child has performed well. Lall said she has always admired the way her daughter studied and the late hours she would put into it. Lall described her as an obedient child, who loves dancing.

Swasti Saytoo and her mother Malini Lall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

City Hall’s official request for subvention made recently

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–– says Minister Dharamlall; but commits to providing funds by next week FOLLOWING complaints from Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, that the City is yet to receive its accumulated subvention of about $40 million from the government, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, has said that the municipality only submitted its request recently, but the funds will still be provided by next week.

Narine, in a statement issued on Monday, said that the municipality is yet to receive $10 million for 2020 and $30 million dollars from this year’s budget.

In light of those claims, Dharamlall, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, said the Mayor’s accusations are surprising, since he is aware that subventions are released based on an official request from an agency. In City Hall’s case, the request for funds was submitted only recently to the ministry.

Minister Dharamlall said he had informed the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) that they are not restricted in any way, since they could tender for works ahead of receiving the funds.

“Late last week the Mayor and I spoke on the matter. I informed the Mayor that it would take a few days to be processed. The City had to submit to us a revised work plan, with bills of quantities,” Dharamlall related.

He further explained: “The way we expend government resources must be prudent and it follows a process. That process requires the submission of a request, which is finalised by the ministry and the Council then the subvention is put through. By next week they will get their

money; in the meantime, they could’ve gone ahead with public procurement.”

Dharamlall said this situation is ‘souring’ the relationship between central government and the M&CC. “I find the mayor’s comments very untimely and they are counterproductive to the relationship we are seeking to establish with City Hall,” the minister lamented.

According to Dharamlall, it was agreed between the municipality and central government that the subvention would be used for further construction on City Hall’s new administrative building, which is being built to remove employees from the dilapidated, historical structure that is being utilised.

The minister said City Hall has agreed to putting $50 million towards the construction, so he is unaware why the MCC has not started tendering for the works.

“I told the Mayor that they could go ahead to tender; he has not done so as yet. All of that will take up time with the public procurement process, while the subvention takes a few days. He can also use City Hall resources in the meantime,” Minister Dharamlall related.

Local government organs, which include the ten municipalities and 70 Neighbour Democratic Councils (NDCs), are given subventions annually to enable them to carry out critical work and sustain themselves, providing that they are not financially fit because of rates and tax defaulters.

According to available information, NDCs are given $5 million each, while the municipalities are given $18 million each, with

the exception of the City, which receives $30 million.

Dharamlall said that in addition to the subvention of $30 million, the govern-

ment has also pledged $100 million for the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall building.

However, this cannot

move forward until such time that employees are housed in the new administrative building, which is being constructed.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

BRI supports sustainable development

By HU BILIANG

RECENTLY, media commentary emerging from European countries suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sharp reduction in Chinese investment in economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Some people continue to express concern over a perceived debt issue, while others have sought to highlight that coal-fired power plants are being built under the BRI framework.

To be sure, there are others who have taken cognizance of the new economic de-

vestment in countries along the Belt and Road reached US $17.79 billion, up more than 18 per cent year-on-year.

From 2014 to 2020, China’s total non-financial direct investment in other countries along the Belt and Road reached US $104.72 billion, with the annual average hitting US$14.96 billion.

The ratio of China’s outbound direct investment (ODI) in other countries along the BRI routes also increased to more than 16 per cent of the country’s total ODI in 2020, from less than 10 per cent in 2013 when the BRI was first proposed.

No participating economy that undertook

China-Laos railway’s first carrier cable of overhead contact system was set up on November 19, 2020 in the section from Yanhe to Eshan of Yuxi City, Yunnan Province. The railway line will travel from Kunming to Vientiane velopment opportunities that the BRI would present, now as well as in the future, once the dust of the pandemic settles.

A dispassionate overview of the topic, therefore, would be necessary to gain a proper perspective.

NO DEBT TRAP FOR PARTICIPANTS In 2020, China’s non-financial direct in-

BRI-related construction projects has slipped into a debt crisis. Credit for that should go to the Chinese government’s three principles relating to the joint projects: First, China does not force any country to join the BRI, nor does China force any participating country to borrow money from it.

Second, all the investment projects are to be carried out by independent companies, as per the existing market rules, and thus government-to-government lending is rare,

and based on market mechanisms like international market financing and private-public partnership financing.

Third, all the BRI projects are development-oriented to ensure good returns on investment.

But, some critics are quick to cite the case of the Hambantota Port project in Sri Lanka.

Not long ago, a senior Sri Lankan government official went on record saying that the country’s debt to China constitutes just 12 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total foreign debt.

As for the Hambantota Port project, China Merchants Group purely followed market rules to pick up a 70 per cent stake, and to receive the nearby area on a 99-year lease to build an industrial park, based on the principles of fair trade. This is actually the best way to pre-empt a debt crisis.

In 2017, 26 BRI-related countries signed an agreement with China on the “guiding principles of Belt and Road finance.” In 2019, the “Belt and Road Debt Sustainability Framework” was published by China’s Ministry of Finance, providing clear guidelines about the processes and standards of debt sustainability analysis, debt risk analysis, debt capacity pressure test, debt risk management, and so on, for the countries concerned.

Countries that were unable to repay debt at maturity found that China had never made things more difficult for them, but instead actively explored win-win resolutions.

For instance, last year, the Chinese government waived off interest-free loans offered to some African countries, when the loans matured in 2020.

To ease the debt burden on developing countries caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, China actively responded to the G20 debt relief initiative, becoming the most generous country among G20 member countries.

ENERGY TRANSITION China always pushes forward energy transition with relevant countries by gen-

erating more renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions.

It also continually helps build some coalfired power plants in some of the developing countries that have abundant coal resources.

This helps lower electricity generation costs, while guaranteeing low-carbon and clean production processes through use of advanced technologies.

In fact, China has helped build many renewable power plants in BRI economies. The power plants already put into use have shown high economic and social efficiency.

Albeit the fact that China and Pakistan have agreed to build some coal-fired power plants, all these projects were carried out with the most advanced clean coal-fired technologies, to ensure effective control over emissions and energy costs.

During recent decades, China has sought to strictly limit generation of coal-fired energy both within the country and abroad. The “Guiding Opinions on Promoting Investment and Finance to Coping with Climate Change” has stated that any coal-related construction projects shall be strictly limited.

In 2020, the People’s Bank of China, the central bank, also revised the “Green Bonds Endorsed Projects Catalogue” so that projects using traditional fossil energy would no longer be supported.

Domestic pilot carbon market has traded over 400 million tons, becoming the second-largest carbon market in the world.

VACCINES: NEW BRI FRONTIER In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese pharmaceutical companies are researching and developing vaccines with standardized processes, strictly following the scientific rules in place.

The regulators concerned have said the inactivated vaccines produced by Chinese companies are safe and effective.

The technology of inactive vaccine is See page 23

People being vaccinated by medical staff in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with COVID-19 vaccines produced by Sinopharm. Dubai plans to inoculate all eligible adults by the end of the year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

BRI supports sustainable ...

From page 22

mature and has been used in many other vaccines.

The transport of the inactivated vaccines does not require ultralow cold chain logistics.

More than 10 BRI countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Brazil, Egypt, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Bahrain, have been using Chinese vaccines already.

More countries have signed vaccine procurement contracts with China.

At the request of the World Health Organization, China has decided to provide 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to COVAX, in order to meet the urgent needs of developing countries.

Based on the BRI cooperation platform, China will offer more vaccine support to more countries, to strengthen efforts toward eradicating the disease.

DUAL CIRCULATION IS NEW STIMULUS As China has embraced the dual-circulation development pattern, a new paradigm where the domestic and international economic circulations will be in a symbiotic relationship, with the domestic circulation as the mainstay, the Chinese economy and the world economy can be further accelerated.

China now emphasizes the importance of domestic economic circulation simply because its economic size is super-large with super-high potential for domestic demand. A strong Chinese economy, given its size relative to the global economy, is also good for the world.

Consumption has become the major driving force of economic growth in China. In 2010, consumption accounted for 49.3 percent of the country’s aggregate GDP, while the share increased to 55 percent in 2016, and further rose to 55.8 percent in 2019, with a slight decrease to 54.3 percent in 2020 due to the pandemic.

From the perspective of international economic circulation, the Chinese economy has been positively supporting the global economic growth mainly from two dimensions. On the one hand, Chinese imports and ODI keep growing steadily (though there

has been a slight slowdown in 2020); on the other hand, Chinese exports and the continuous inflows of FDI into the country are growing.

The BRI is an important platform for supporting the dual-circulation development pattern. China and other BRI countries have made great breakthroughs in trade, investment, and cooperation in international industrial capacity.

DIGITALIZATION IS THE FUTURE Owing to the pandemic, many things – people-to-people communication, business between companies, international trade – have changed dramatically.

One obvious change is the fast expansion and development of services based on the Internet, like online shopping, online education, telemedicine, and online games.

In the field of digital economy, China has signed cooperation agreements with 16 countries. It has also built the Silk Road E-commerce Platform with 22 countries. To assist other BRI countries in fighting the pandemic, Chinese medical specialists have been providing online consultations on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

The digital economy contributed nearly 70 percent of China’s GDP in 2020. This fact could act as an inspirational and achievable benchmark for BRI countries.

One of the major inspirations is that if a developing country can seize the opportunity of promoting digitalization in the new era of the fourth industrial revolution, there would be tremendous development progress. The time frame for modernization would be shortened. Thus, it would better fulfil the requirement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To seize the opportunities brought by this digital transformation and fully exploit the BRI cooperation platform, we advocate four vital tasks: First, improve the effectiveness of the fight against the epidemic using advanced digital technologies. For instance, the health code scanning process widely used in China has been effective in identi-

fying the infection route of the epidemic. Video-conferencing to share the experiences of the fight against the virus, and telemedicine will also help.

Second, emphasize the importance of “new infrastructure.” By building 5G signal stations and many other such advanced infrastructure facilities, keep promoting the digital transition and popularize the technology of smart

agriculture, smart manufacturing, smart cities, and an information-driven society.

Third, ensure data safety and security in line with the principles of fairness and multilateralism.

China has proposed the “Global Data Security Initiative” in 2020, which states that all countries should protect the openness, safety, and stability of the global supply chain; the use of infor-

mation technology should not be abused to damage and steal infrastructure data from others; personal data should not be leaked; mass surveillance over other countries should be banned; and companies should not be forced to reveal their data storage and other sensitive confidential information essential for business secrecy.

Finally, in this fast-developing digitalized time,

we should make big efforts to introduce digitalization globally, to ensure some countries and some people do not slip back into poverty due to digital inequality, thereby negating poverty alleviation achieved by other economic policy measures.

SOURCE: China Today (Hu Biliang is executive dean and professor at Belt and Road School, Beijing Normal University.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Warner Park, St Kitts to host... (From back page) dealt with a number of US grounds as well and has worked for the ICC. “He'll be coming into St Kitts probably 10 weeks before the tournament to assist and make sure everything from grass growth through to preparation is on track.

They've worked very closely with the grounds people in St Kitts before and are very comfortable and confident that we'll be preparing some great wickets.

"The main concern is to make sure the wickets themselves stand the test of time. We know exactly the process. We have a block of five wickets to work with and we've got to make sure that obviously they are kept refreshed so we can play some great cricket on them.

“This has been part of the process and looking at it with one of the considerations is, 'Can you play all 33 games with the standard of cricketers that we have at one ground?' The answer has been: yes, we can."

Russell also said that

squads will be allowed to increase their personnel from 17 players to allow an 18th member for this season in order to accommodate any injuries or late withdrawals during the tournament in consideration of a strict bio-bubble that will be in place from the start of the event for all players, coaches, staff, and tournament officials.

The 2021 CPL Draft is expected to take place in the final week of May, though an exact date is yet to be finalised.

The CPL was the first of the major franchise T20 tournament to resume operations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing the entire 2020 event in Trinidad split between two venues at Queen's Park Oval and Brian Lara Academy Stadium.

However, the event was played entirely in a bio-bubble without any fan attendance. Recent internationals hosted by Cricket West Indies in Antigua have also

been played without fans, but the CPL is pressing forward by encouraging fans to return to Warner Park with support from the St Kitts government.

"We are greatly confident that the hosting of the Caribbean Premier League in St Kitts & Nevis in 2021 will stimulate much-needed economic activity, especially for small and medium-sized local businesses," said Jonel Powell, St. Kitts & Nevis minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

"As it relates to COVID-19, we will maintain our vigilance to ensure that our health protocols are not compromised and that the country remains protected from any serious spread of the coronavirus. It will most certainly help to revive the tourism sector that has been struggling for over a year, under the weight of the deadly COVID-19 global pandemic." (Cricinfo)

GFF says 2020 was incredibly... wish to commend president Forde and his executives for their leadership in this regard.”

The GFF said it is looking forward to receiving feedback on its work to date as it seeks to transform the game with the support of FIFA, CONCACAF, UEFA, the Government of Guyana and the

private and public sector partners.

The Annual Report also focusses on the GFF’s achievements in areas such as football development, technical development, competi-

ENGLISH RACING TIPS ASCOT 08:00 hrs Mostawaa 08:35 hrs Gubbass 09:10 hrs Creative Flair 09:45 hrs Stradivarius 10:20 hrs Supremacy 10:55 hrs Haqeeqy 11:30 hrs Rewaayat BRIGHTON 12;15 hrs Pure Charmer 12:45 hrs Fard 13:50 hrs Always Dreaming 14:25 hrs Bounty Pursuit 10:55 hrs Thomas Lanfiere PONTEFRACT 09:00 hrs Khunan 09:35 hrs Regal Mirage 10:50 hrs Round The Island 11:25 hrs Bergerac 12:30 hrs Ventura Express

(From back page)

tions, youth football, national teams, referees, infrastructure, governance, public affairs and international relations, corporate social responsibility and marketing and communications.

11:50 hrs Blue Sari 12;20 hrs Vanillier 12:55 hrs Clan Des Obeaux 13:30 hrs Kilcruit 14:00 hrs Roya;l Rendevous 14:35 hrs Grangee AMERICAN RACING TIPS TAMPA BAY DOWNS Race 1 Uncle Hal Race 2 Naval Wave Race 3 Fast Fashion Race 4 Bail Lightning Race 5 R Perogative Race 6 Successful Legacy Race 7 Ridgelysredhot Race 8 Express Pharoah Race 9 Raverie Lynn

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS KENILWORTH 08:05 hrs Princess Of Winter 08:40 hrs Captain Dizzy IRISH RACING TIPS 09:20 hrs Barney Mc Grew PUNCHESTOWN 09:55 hrs Royal Blue 10:40 hrs Guiri 10:30 hrs Springisintheair 11;15 hrs Feelgood Island 11:10 hrs Tara Iti

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Wimbledon to scrap middle Sunday from 2022, hopes for at least 25% fans in 2021 WIMBLEDON will abandon its traditional rest day on the middle Sunday of the tournament from 2022.

The Grand Slam will instead be played over 14 consecutive days, with All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Ian Hewitt saying this was possible because of better grass-court maintenance.

Organisers also revealed

changing, always staying the same is something we talk about often," AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said.

"We want more of this wonderful event to be available to more people around the world to share in the joy of the Championships.

"Including Middle Sunday permanently in our schedule will allow us to do just that and

Novak Djokovic is the defending Wimbledon men's singles champion

they are hoping to have fans at a minimum of 25% capacity this year.

Ticket prices will stay at 2020 levels, with prize money yet to be decided.

"We plan to deliver the best Championships possible in accordance with public safety.

It will necessarily be different from Wimbledon as we know it," Hewitt said.

A 'NEW TRADITION' FOR WIMBLEDON Wimbledon is the only one of the four Grand Slams where there is no play on the middle Sunday.

The rest day has meant that the Monday of the second week has always been very busy with all the men's and women's last-16 matches being held on the same day.

There has been play four times on the Sunday because of rain disruptions during the week, with the tournament opening its doors in 1991, 1997, 2004 and 2016 and enjoying a carnival-like atmosphere that is different to the other days.

Bolton said Wimbledon wanted to find ways of preserving some of that atmosphere and was carrying out a public consultation to see what fans would like to see.

"Over time Wimbledon has continuously evolved to meet changing demands and behaviours of our fans - always

become a new tradition which we hope we can become immensely proud of.

"It enables us to do more with the second Monday, which is known as 'manic' for good reason."

The last-16 matches will be spread across the Sunday and Monday, with Bolton saying it would give players more of a platform for quality matches and offer fans a better chance to watch more of the action.

SEVERAL 2021 PLANS STILL TO BE FINALISED Wimbledon was cancelled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic and while it will return on June, 28 there are still several aspects to be finalised.

Bolton said they were waiting for government guidance based on research it is carrying out at the moment on the return of fans to stadiums before making decisions on capacity.

Much will also ride on the government's roadmap for easing lockdown in England, which states all legal limits on social contact will be removed no earlier than June 21.

"We very much hope that the 25% will be a minimum position that we can build from," she said, adding that a decision on ticket distribution would therefore be left "as late as possible".

Uncertainty over attendances means organisers will

not decide on prize money amounts until June.

Plans for Henman Hill where fans without showcourt tickets can sit on the grass to watch the action on a big screen outside Court One - are still being formulated, but Bolton said it could be possible to open it with social distancing still in place.

Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam to be cancelled last year and the All England

Club received a total of £180M from the pandemic insurance it took out.

The annual surplus paid to the LTA - British tennis' governing body - fell as expected, but remained at a healthy £35.9M. NO PRIVATE HOUSES FOR PLAYERS Among the other changes to this year's tournament is that players will be unable to rent

private housing and will have to stay in a hotel.

The rule applies even to British players who live nearby, including Andy Murray.

"The minimised risk environment we created for the players is a requirement from the government to bring athletes without them going into quarantine upon entry into the UK," Bolton said.

"Players enjoy private housing and we hope to bring

it back next year but it's just not possible this year."

Unlike at some recent Grand Slams where there were electronic line calls, there will still be line judges at Wimbledon this year but the shot clock - which ensures players serve within 25 seconds - will be used for the first time.

All events will take place as usual, with the exception of the invitational (legends') events. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Australians in IPL will not be prioritised for return home, says PM Scott Morrison AUSTRALIA'S Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the country's cricketers who are currently competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will not be prioritised for a return home.

Australia has suspended direct flights from India, which is struggling with a surge in coronavirus cases, until at least May 15.

"It's done on vulnerability," said Morrison. "They (players) travelled there privately under those arrangements; this wasn't part of an Australia tour."

Morrison added: "They're under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, see them return to Australia."

Australian players Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson have already returned home from the IPL, which is being played under bio-security protocols.

However, compatriots including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, David Warner, Chris Lynn and Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting remain in India where more than a million COVID-19 cases have been recorded in just a few days.

Mumbai Indians batsman Lynn said he had asked Cricket Australia to arrange a charter flight back home for Australia's players at the end

Australia batsman Chris Lynn has played one game for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021

of the IPL after the governing body had contacted players about their health and travel plans.

"I texted back that, as Cricket Australia make 10% of every IPL contract, was there a chance we could spend that money this year on a charter flight once the tournament is over?" Lynn told News Corp.

"We are not asking for shortcuts and we signed up knowing the risks. But it would be great to get home as soon as the event is over."

The league format of the tournament ends on May 23 before the play-offs and the final, which is on May 30.

England limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan, who

is skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), says the tournament should continue as long as it does not hamper the efforts to combat COVID-19.

New Zealand also has a number of players taking part in the IPL, including Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner.

"There's no doubt they're certainly anxious about what's happening in India and what they're witnessing," said New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills.

"But they feel well looked-after by their IPL franchises and safe in their bubbles." (BBC Sport)

BCCI arranging vaccine doses for all IPL participants THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to provide all the Indian Premier League (IPL) participants a dose coronavirus vaccine next week to continue with the tournament. This coming at a time when the country is nearly in a state of health emergency due to the pandemic has raised a few eyebrows.

Notably, India is suffering from a scary second wave of COVID-19, driven by a new variant that is understood to be more infectious and deadlier than the previous strain.

The numbers suggest a gloomy picture too, with India recording five successive days of unprecedented infections breaching the 350 000-mark. As per official records, the nation recorded over 350 000 cases and 2 812 deaths in a single day

yesterday.

The vicious surge has overwhelmed the health infrastructure of the nation, which is finding itself in an increasingly difficult situation of handling such volume of patients needing emergency that too amidst medical oxygen and resource shortages.

Intending to curb the ravages of the virus, the Indian government opted to roll out vaccines to everyone 18 or above from May 1, although the nation is reportedly running out of vaccines just as the government had set plans in place for a mass vaccination drive. State governments have said there is already a shortage or complete lack of shots and they had been unable to order more.

Amid the rising concerns around health and future impositions, IPL 2021 has already witnessed multiple

opt-outs, with as many as five players – Ravichandran Ashwin (family concerns), Liam Livingstone (bubble-fatigue), Andrew Tye (worsening situation), Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa (personal reasons) – pulling out in the recent past.

The BCCI has clarified its stance that the tournament is set to go on as per the schedule. It is also learned that the apex body has sent a letter to all the IPL members urging them not to quit and Australian Chris Lynn (currently playing for the Mumbai Indians) has revealed that he and other players are due to get a shot next week to continue playing.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has conveyed that they will “try and facilitate the travel of players” who are leaving, in consultation with the franchise. (CricTracker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

CSA members' council, interim board reach vital agreement CRICKET South Africa (CSA) has potentially avoided being derecognised and defunded by the country's sports ministry after agreeing to adopt a new Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) that will include a framework for a majority independent board.

The members' council the body made up of 14 pro-

vincial presidents which has the highest decision-making powers at CSA - and interim board met on Sunday, to iron out the new MOI. They reached an agreement two days after sports minister Nathi Mthethwa issued a notice of his intention to strip CSA of its status as the game's official governing body in the country and

five days before Mthethwa's actions were due to be published in the government gazette.

Mthethwa had given CSA three ultimatums to agree to the new structure as part of his efforts to sort out governance issues in cricket.

Until Sunday the members' councillors were resistant to a majority independent board,

Frankel & Lester Piggott: New racing hall of fame welcomes first inductees LEGENDARY racehorse Frankel and record-breaking jockey Lester Piggott have been announced as the first two inductees in a new racing hall of fame.

Frankel won all 14 of his races, including a blistering

sets out to immortalise the modern greats of the sport from 1970 onwards.

Piggott, now aged 85 and based in Switzerland, won 30 British Classic races in a career which yielded 4 493 winners.

compelling final chapter of another great racing career as trainer Cecil oversaw success while seriously ill with cancer, before the Newmarket trainer died in 2013.

"Lester was a one-off who came back too," said

Sheikh Fahad, director of sponsors Qipco with Frankel, and Lester Piggott with his hall of fame medal

2,000 Guineas win 10 years ago and is now a sire who commands a stud fee of £175 000 a time.

Piggott was champion 11 times and won the Derby at Epsom on nine occasions.

"Frankel brought electricity and excitement to racing," said Lady Jane Cecil, widow of trainer Sir Henry. She told BBC Sport: "He was exceptional on a regular basis. You run out of superlatives."

Launched to mark the 10th anniversary of the Qipco British Champions Series, the first official hall of fame for British flat racing

"I feel fortunate to have spent many brilliant years riding such incredible horses and I'm touched to see my story so well preserved through this initiative," he said.

"The hall of fame is a terrific concept. Our sport has such an incredible history and I hope this provides an opportunity for many others to learn about it."

Piggott came out of retirement after serving a prison sentence for tax offences and memorably won the Breeders' Cup Mile aged 54 on Royal Academy.

Frankel provided the

Lady Jane.

"Henry would have been thrilled about Frankel. Not only was he a brilliant racehorse, but he is a fantastic sire."

Frankel's most visually stunning performance came when he was a runaway winner of the Guineas in April 2011 under regular partner Tom Queally for owner Prince Khalid Abdullah.

Lady Jane added: "Although I knew about the tactics I wasn't prepared for that, it was astonishing.

There was applause even before he reached the furlong pole." (BBC Sport)

but under threat of the game ceasing to exist in the country, changed their minds.

"Today we reached an important milestone, and I am delighted that the members' council and the Board reached agreement on a new governance structure," Stavros Nicolaou, interim board chair, said.

"We have now successfully managed to fulfil the mandate given to us by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa. We trust

South Africa sports minister Nathi Mthethwa

that this important agreement will give confidence to all cricket's stakeholders specifically, players, staff, sponsors and all in the country who love the game of cricket. We owed it to our country to find a solution to cricket's governance challenges."

CSA will adopt the new MOI in the next 48 hours which should mean Mthethwa reverses his decision and cricket in South Africa will continue to be run by CSA. (Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Champions League semi-final first leg ...

Benzema stunner earns Real Madrid draw against Chelsea CHELSEA produced a composed performance to secure a fully deserved draw and a crucial away goal to put themselves in a promising position after their Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

Thomas Tuchel's side were superior on the night and might even regard themselves as unfortunate not to take an advantage into the return at Stamford Bridge in eight days' time as they set their sights on

Bharosay named as new DCB assistant treasurer

a final date against either Manchester City or Paris St-Germain in Istanbul on May 29.

Chelsea over-ran Madrid in the early stages and should have taken the lead when Timo Werner shot straight at keeper Thibaut Courtois from only six yards - but they were ahead after only 14 minutes when Christian Pulisic kept his cool to steer home a clever finish.

Real were on the ropes but danger man Karim Benzema, who had glanced the outside of an upright from long range, brought them back into the game with a brilliant equaliser, cushioning the ball with a header before sending an acrobatic volley beyond Edouard Mendy in the 29th minute.

Chelsea had the better of the second half but could not carve out the chance to score a potentially vital second. Manager Tuchel will still be very satisfied with both the performance and result.

ADVANTAGE CHELSEA Chelsea's only regret as they left rain-soaked Madrid will be that they did not make their moments of superiority count even more after a performance of quality and discipline.

Werner was guilty of an awful miss in the opening moments, shooting straight at Courtois with the goal at his mercy, but Chelsea were soon celebrating the brilliance of Pulisic, who showed commendable calm to go around the keeper in a congested penalty before steering a shot between two Real Madrid defenders on the line.

Chelsea had a brief spell of anxiety around the time when Benzema equalised but they were rarely troubled until the dying seconds when Raphael Varane steered a header wide.

Tuchel will be happy but he knows this tie is far from over and much work remains to be done against this dangerous Madrid side, who have already proved their enduring ability to get

Karin Benzema's 71st Champions League goal makes him the joint fourth highest scorer in the competition

the job done in the Champions League by eliminating Liverpool.

Chelsea have the edge because of that away goal but Real are masters of these situations and will still travel to Stamford Bridge with confidence for the second leg.

NEVER WRITE OFF REAL MADRID Chelsea will rightly regard themselves as having a

very slight advantage after not only avoiding defeat but also taking an away goal back to Stamford Bridge for the second leg.

Real Madrid, however, still present a serious threat and they may well be satisfied to have avoided defeat after a desperately slow start in which they could have conceded more than one goal and were grateful for that awful miss by Werner.

And in a side packed

with experience and battle-hardened, streetwise operators who have been down this route before, there will be a steely determination that they can still navigate a way past Chelsea into the final.

Benzema, at 33, remains the consummate striker and will be the big danger to Chelsea's aspirations of reaching their first final since they beat Bayern Munich in their own Allianz Arena in 2012.

The French striker was Real's best performer, so has been so often under-rated and in the shadow of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. The brilliant strike that pegged Chelsea back was his 71st goal in the Champions League, making him joint fourth highest scorer in the competition, level with another Real legend Raul and only behind Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

Benzema's class is permanent and he will be a huge threat in the return game at Stamford Bridge.

New DCB assistant treasurer Vicky Bharosay

Sixty-mile cycling road race set for Arrival Day

THE Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) last Saturday, held its Ordinary General Meeting at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) pavilion in Queenstown, where Vicky Bharosay was appointed new Assistant-treasurer of the board.

One of the important items on the agenda was the appointment of a new assistant treasurer, to fill the vacancy owing to the passing of Pretipaul Jaigobin.

Bharosay was nominated for the position by DCB president Bissoondyal Singh and seconded by the vice-president Neil Barry.

There were no other nominations for the position, and as such, Bharosay was elected as the new assistant treasurer for the Demerara Cricket Board.

Meanwhile, Bharosay who is ACCA-qualified is currently employed as the manager of the credit administration department of Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

TEAM Alanis and Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) have been given permission by the COVID-19 Task Force to host a 60-mile road race from Georgetown to Mahaicony on Wednesday, May 5, Arrival Day. The event, which is scheduled to start and finish at Carifesta Avenue will pedal off at 12:30hrs.

This will be the second successive 60-mile race by Team Alanis.

Two Sundays ago, 40 cyclists started a similar race over the same route.

In the end, it came down to a battle between National Road Race Champion Jamual John and rival Briton John.

John was able to pull away close to the finish line, but Briton was equally up to the task.

Both riders and eight others have been shortlist-

Some of the top local riders are expected to compete in next Wednesday’s race.

ed by the federation for the Caribbean Elite Men’s Time Trials and Road Race Championships.

That event is scheduled for June 11-12 in Havana,

Cuba.

Along with the two Johns, Andrew Hicks, Christopher Griffith, Marcus Keiler, Alex Mendes, Deeraj Garbarran, Michael

Anthony, Scott Savory and Raynauth Jeffrey have also been shortlisted.

The last two are based in the US and are teammates to John and Anthony, who

travel over regularly to take part in Team Foundation (based in New York) events.

In order to make the cut, the riders will have to excel at next month’s National Championships and the Independence Four-Stage race.

The top five performers will travel to the Spanish-speaking Caribbean island.

The Arrival Day race will give the local riders much-needed competition practice before the National Championships in late May. Although the GCF has allocated dates for the events, they are still awaiting confirmation from the task force. The three-part event is scheduled for May 22, 23 and 30 and will have a time trials (10 miles), senior road race (100 miles) and junior, female, and veteran road race (distance unconfirmed).

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Anthony takes top spot in Linden Town Week cycling event THE Linden Town Week cycling event which was staged last Sunday saw the top performer Michael Anthony ride in his Foundation Cycling Club's jersey, powering to the finish line virtually unchallenged, outside Gregory's Grocery Store on Republic Avenue in the Open Category 15-lap race around the central Mackenzie circuit.

Home-boy Anthony bested the field of cyclists which comprised riders who are from the mining town, relegating Nigel London of Linden Bauxite Flyers into second position, as Andrew Forrester also of Bauxite Flyers taking third spot. Fourth was the unattached cyclist Garfield Lorrimer and fifth position was taken by Christopher Cornelius of Team Evolution.

The Veterans race was captured by Garfield Lorrimer from another unattached cyclist Nigel Codrington. The Females 5-lap tussle was won by Susan Hamilton of Linden Bauxite Flyers with Clivecia Spencer of Team Coco placing second.

In the Juvenile category, Linden Bauxite Flyers' Mark Lewis Jr took the top podium position as he finished ahead of club mates Kevin Stephens third and Samuel Bellamy fourth.

The Junior category race winner was Linden Bauxite Flyers' Elisha Rutherford with teammates Andrew Forrester second and Mark Lewis Jr third.

The BMX race was won by young Javin Henry also of Linden Bauxite Flyers' Club.

Female winner Susan Hamilton, at left, collects her trophy from Region 10 Member of Parliament Mr Devin Sears at right

Among those who witnessed the Linden Town Week cycling event were United States-based former National Champion cyclist and two-time Olympian Joelyn Joseph, who thanked the organisers for staging the event in spite of the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Member of Parliament Mr Devin Sears.

Michael Anthony at left receives the winner's trophy from Linden Town Council Councillor Ms Fern McKoy

The main sponsor of the many trophies and medals, which were presented to the various winners outside the Linden Town Council building, was beverage giant Banks DIH Ltd. The race was organised by the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club, in collaboration with the Region 10 Tourism Committee, with assistance from the Mayor and Town Council. (Joe Chapman)

AB de Villiers blitz trumps Hetmyer-Pant Devers reveals admiration for long-time fightback as RCB beat Capitals by one run rival Merlene Ottey … always knew she was a great athlete AB de Villiers hit an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by one run in a thriller to go top of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The South African hit three sixes and five boundaries as RCB posted 171-5.

Delhi needed 15 from the final over of their reply, but fell short despite Shimron Hetmyer's 53 off 25 balls.

Needing six off the final ball, Rishabh Pant (58 not out) could only find the boundary for four.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, RCB lost both openers in the space of two balls.

Virat Kohli struggled to get going - scoring 12 off 11 balls before being bowled

by Avesh Khan, while Devdutt Padikkal fell to Ishant Sharma for 17.

Rajat Patidar (31) and Glenn Maxwell (25) offered some stability to the RCB innings but it was de Villiers who set the tone with a well-timed knock.

The South African accelerated his innings towards the end, hitting Marcus Stoinis for 23 runs in the 20th over.

Delhi's reply was then delayed for Shimron Hetmyer’s unbeaten 53 around 20 minutes as runs off 25 balls was not enough the umpires wait- to take Delhi Capitals to victory ed for a sandstorm to pass.

As play continued tournament by removing with no reduction in Stoinis for 22.

Hetmyer unleashed a overs, Kyle Jamielate fightback, smashing son dismissed opener Jamieson for three sixes in Shikhar Dhawan - the the 18th over and sharing an top run-scorer in this unbeaten 78-run partnership year's IPL - for seven.

Mohammed Sir- with captain Pant.

But seamer Siraj bowled aj had Steve Smith a fantastic final over - with (4) caught behind and Harshal Patel took pinpoint yorkers - to help the wicket of Prithvi RCB over the line.

RCB - in search of Shaw (21) to leave their first-ever IPL troDelhi 47-3 after 7.2 phy have now lost just overs. one of six matches, while Patel - this seathird-placed Delhi have son's leading wickfour wins and two losses. et-taker claimed his AB de Villiers becomes the fifth (BBC Sport) man to score over 5,000 IPL runs 17th dismissal of the

DESPITE the intense rivalry they shared on the track during the 1990s, two-time Olympic 100m champion Gail Devers said she always admired and respected Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey for her talent and longevity.

The rivals met in a number of major finals that were talked about for years, especially the epic 1993 World Championships 100m finals in Stuttgart, Germany and the Olympic Games in Atlanta, three years later.

Prior to those two years, Devers and Ottey met in the 100m finals at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 when Devers won her first Olympic 100m title in 10.80s. Ottey was fifth in 10.88 in one of the closest finals in history.

0.08 seconds separated the first five places.

That race marked the beginning of a tense rivalry between Devers and Ottey that only intensified over the next four years.

In Stuttgart, Devers got off to a flyer and was ahead midway the race but she was being reeled in by a fast-closing Ottey, who with her final strides appeared to have caught the diminutive American as they crossed the line together.

Unsure of who won, the finalists stood around looking up at the scoreboard for what seemed like an

eternity. Officials eventually announced that Devers had been awarded the victory even though both she and the Jamaican icon were given the same time of 10.82.

Jamaican protested the result but the decision upheld, handing the American.

By 1996, 36-year-old Ottey was at her fifth Olympics, Devers her third, and once again they came face to face in the 100m finals and once again, history repeated itself. Devers got off to a great start only to be reeled in by Ottey and sure enough, they crossed the finish line together.

Both were timed in 10.94 but like in Stuttgart, the American was given the nod.

The circumstances created tensions between the two countries and their athletes.

However, Devers said those tensions were simply about competition.

“You just get caught up in ‘this is competition and you got coaches who say we’re going to protest this,” Devers told Ato Boldon on his Athletics Live show on Instagram last week.

She said she had no idea why things turned out the way they did, why it always seemed to come down to her and Ottey.

“It keeps coming up that it’s these two every time.

I don’t know why it was always we, but we were

always willing to go to the wire,” she said.

Devers explained that in the early days' everyone kind of kept to herself, leaving little to interact with her rivals.

“When we were competing, it was (Irina) Privalova, it was me, it was Gwen Torrence, it was that four that you could not pick who was going to win on that day,” she said.

“And we can’t duck each other, we gotta go, we gotta run, gotta bring your A-plus game because they’re bringing their A-game. So with Merlene, I always knew she was a great athlete and I would always tell her ‘You still running, shoot…”

She said that as time passed, they both got the chance to get to know each other and the tensions cooled.

“While you’re competing everybody is in their own camp, you don’t sit there and socialise anyway, but as we got older, going to awards ceremonies or even with social media, we were able to talk to each other,” she said.

“She knows that I have always admired her because I don’t care at what age, if she steps out there now I am concerned. You might want to be worried because if she is in the lane, she is ready to go.”

(Sportsmax)

In this September 10, 2020 file photo, Trinbago Knight Riders celebrate winning the Hero CPL Final against St Lucia Zouks at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

(Photo by CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Warner Park, St Kitts to host 2021 CPL from August 28 … fan attendance capped at 50% capacity

THE 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be hosted entirely at Warner Park in St Kitts, beginning on August 28.

The 33-match tournament will allow fans to attend at up to 50% capacity of the 8 000-seat venue - as long as they show proof of vaccination to enter the stadium facility.

However, CPL chief executive Pete Russell said that not all players would be required to be vaccinated in order to take part, in light of varying vaccine access to overseas players in particular.

"We're aware that we need to get people vaccinated where possible," Russell said during a press conference yesterday. "That's not always going to be the case but that is a process that we're undergoing right now

whether it's (those) working for the CPL or playing (who) will be vaccinated. But it's not a requirement that they'll be vaccinated because there will be quarantine options as well.

"We were the first to lead back last year, so I think we led the way in terms of the protocols that we put in place that obviously have now become part of most events. We were the first large-scale cricket tournament back and that went very successfully.

“You've seen that others have had their problems so planning the detail that needs to go into making these things happen is so important. I think to have the first fully vaccinated tournament is again just showing the world the way forward and I'm sure that this will encourage people, certainly in the fed-

eration, to get their vaccines so that they can come and watch some great cricket."

Compared to 2020, when the CPL was split between two stadium venues in Trinidad, Russell said he has confidence that the turf square at Warner Park will be able to handle the stress of 33 matches without compromising the condition and quality of pitches.

Russell said the situation is viable thanks to six training grounds around the island of St Kitts which, he said, will be made available to each of the franchises rather than having any training sessions conducted at Warner Park.

"As any agronomist will know, to play 33 games in one venue is going to be challenging," Russell said. "But what we are blessed with in St Kitts is that there are six grounds

around the island all of which can host the training.

“So we will be making use of the training facilities which are away from Warner Park.

Effectively, Warner Park will just host the games. Actually, one of the largest wear and tears of any ground is when there are practice sessions on the outfield before the games.

"We're totally aware of the challenges.

We're blessed again that the soil in the wicket in St Kitts is some of the best in the region.

So we're very comfortable that we'll be able to prepare some incredibly good decks for the players as we always have done.

“We use a pitch consultant based out of New Zealand. He deals with Eden Park and has also TURN TO PAGE 30 ►

GFF says 2020 was incredibly challenging for football … presents copy of Annual Report to Minister Ramson THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has described 2020 as an incredibly challenging year for football, given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but said its team rose to the challenge and took significant strides forward in delivering on its strategic vision for men and women football.

In its Annual Report, which was published recently, GFF said it’s being done as part of its efforts to update stakeholders on the progress it is making in developing and investing in the game of football for all.

A copy of the report, which was published in the ‘Media’ section of the GFF website, also includes GFF’s most recently available audited financial statement, courtesy of Ram & McRae Chartered Accountants, underlining its commitment to transparency and good governance in line with FIFA guidelines.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr, who received a copy of the report from GFF president Wayne Forde, praised the GFF’s leadership for its transparent and accountable

approach to communicating about its work and its use of funding.

According to Minister Ramson, “In my frequent engagements with the national sports associations and federations, I have consistently emphasised the need for good governance, transparency and accountability. In fact, I have made it a pre-condition for the sport which the ministry has categorised as a ‘core sport’, receiving amplified attention and resources.

“I believe these are all important cornerstones in the foundation of a well-run organisation, which places public trust at the highest rank of its order of priorities.”

Minister Ramson pointed out that “it is, therefore, important to the ministry that the GFF is subjected to two annual reviews of its financial operation – the first being an independent statutory local audit with the second being a FIFA audit.

The GFF then publishes these reports on its website after the reports would have been approved by its Congress. I consider this an important signal and example and TURN TO PAGE 30 ►

GFF president Wayne Forde (right) presents the 2020 GFF Annual Report to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021